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 G20 Johannesburg summit adopts declaration despite U.S. boycott Xinhua) 08:17, November 24, 2025 People walk past a logo of the 20th Group of Twenty (G20) Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Wei) Chrispin Phiri, a spokesperson of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), said that the United States' absence negates its role over the G20's conclusions, reiterating that Pretoria would not be bullied. "We cannot allow coercion by absentia to become a viable tactic," he said. "It is a recipe for institutional paralysis and the breakdown of collective action." JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The 20th Group of Twenty (G20) Summit on Saturday adopted a declaration calling for strengthening multilateralism and fostering equitable global governance, despite the boycott of the United States. "The G20 Presidency has culminated into a progressive declaration ... that will revolutionize how the Global South participates and plays in the global economy," South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said following the announcement of the declaration. The 122-point declaration, titled "G20 South Africa Summit: Leaders' Declaration," underscores the need to address global challenges through multilateral cooperation and calls for stronger support for developing countries to advance inclusive growth and sustainable development. Although G20 members unanimously endorsed the declaration, the United States, which refused to attend the summit, has said that it would reject any outcome document presented as a G20 consensus without its consent. Tensions between South Africa and the United States have escalated since the start of the year. The U.S. administration froze its assistance to South Africa, alleging that the Expropriation Act, a land reform law signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in January, "discriminates" against white South Africans. Observers said that South Africa angered the United States in December 2023 when it brought a case before the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing "genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza. Bilateral relations have remained strained throughout this year. Citing what it called discriminatory land policies against white South Africans, Washington first cut development assistance to Pretoria and later expelled the South African ambassador. In August, the U.S. government imposed a 30 percent tariff on South African goods, making South Africa the sub-Saharan African country facing the highest U.S. tariff rate. The South African government rejected Washington's accusations as lacking "factual accuracy and failing to recognize South Africa's profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid." Throughout this year, the United States has repeatedly said that no officials would attend the summit. This photo taken on Nov. 17, 2025 shows a scene of the venue for the 20th Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua) South African G20 Sous-Sherpa Xolisa Mabhongo confirmed receiving a letter from the United States ahead of the summit, in which Washington said it would only accept a "chair's statement" reflecting a lack of consensus. In response, Chrispin Phiri, a spokesperson of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), said that the United States' absence negates its role over the G20's conclusions, reiterating that Pretoria would not be bullied. "We cannot allow coercion by absentia to become a viable tactic," Phiri said. "It is a recipe for institutional paralysis and the breakdown of collective action." Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, told reporters on Saturday at the media center that "the mere fact that we have an agreed declaration shows that the world is embracing multilateralism, and the world is embracing cooperation and collaboration." Stressing the multi-polar world is in real action, Lamola said: "The world is here, the African continent is here, global institutions are here. Multilateralism has been affirmed." Frank Lekaba, a senior lecturer of Wits School of Governance at the University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg, hailed the adoption of the declaration as a win for Africa. "I think it already reasserted the centrality of the G20 and the legitimacy of the G20 and the South African presidency," said the expert. South Africa assumed the rotating G20 presidency on Dec. 1, 2024, becoming the first African nation to hold the position. The United States is scheduled to take over the presidency on Dec. 1, 2025. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at Thursday's briefing that only a U.S. envoy would attend the presidency handover ceremony at the end of the summit. Magwenya on Saturday reiterated at the media center that the South African president will not hand over to a junior embassy official. "It is a breach of protocol that is not going to be accommodated or allowed in this instance. It is a position of principle." "America chose to boycott the summit. That is their choice and that is their prerogative to do so. But what cannot happen is a breach of protocol being forced," he noted. Briefing the reporters after the first session of the summit, Lamola said that the United States has to collect the G20 presidency from the DIRCO offices. "No one will steal that spotlight. The African continent has made it," said the South African foreign minister, highlighting the summit as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the African continent. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Productivity, GDP per capita, and babies By Abigail Zhu web posted November 24, 2025 "We are not having enough babies! The economy is heading towards a cliff!" You see it everywhere in 2025. Suddenly, everyone from Elon Musk to your worried uncle seems to think that falling birth rates are an economic death sentence. The logic of this stems from the fact that people believe fewer people means a smaller labor force and fewer consumers, resulting in a decrease in both aggregate demand and aggregate supply. After all, over the last 75 years, global birth rates have plummeted from an average of 5 births per woman in 1950 to 2.2 births per woman in 2024, which is a drastic decline that is well below the replacement level. In response, governments have been lowering the price of in vitro fertilization (IVF) drugs and giving childcare subsidies. But do fewer babies really mean bad for the economy? The influential Austrian economist Joseph Schumpeter (1883-1950) said no in the chapter "The Vanishing of Investment Opportunity" in his book Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy . Similar to the economists today, many economists in Schumpeter's time explained that a decrease in birth rates would restrict the expansion of demand, leading to a decrease in the rate of increase in output, and thus, investments. But as Schumpeter argued, there is a fine line between human wants, the unlimited desire for goods and services,and effective demands, the sum of the goods and services that consumers are willing and able to buy at a certain income level, price level, or employment. As he noted, "Want and effective demand are not the same thingthe income elements set free by the falling birth rate may be diverted to other channels". In other words, a shrinking population does not mean a proportional shrinkage of demand, but rather leads to a structural change in demand. For example, the money couples saved from having two instead of five children could be diverted toward other sectors that usually have higher margins. Instead of being spent on diapers, that income flows into luxury, fitness memberships, and nicer restaurants. A 2024 MarketWatch Guides study found that 56% of the child-free, dual-income couples poured a massive part of their spending into traveling and saving, 43% of them spent on pets, and 41% spent on shopping, etc. So, while the baby product aisle might suffer, there is, in fact, a huge boost to the other sectors. With fewer babies, the capitals don't just vanish, but are reallocated to the other areas, which generate many new investment opportunities. Another false conception of what a decreasing population would lead to is the decrease in total output. In other words, this implies that the number of workers directly correlates to the amount of output. As Schumpeter has pointed out, however, the size of the workforce is not what mainly contributes to the total output, but the productivity and technology. Even with decreasing birth rates, Schumpeter identified that increasing employment, prolongation of work life, increasing participation of women in the workforce, and most importantly, technological innovations could sustain long-term economic growth. The "stream of labor-saving devices" he described are the physical capital we have today: robotic manufacturing, facilities, automation, and artificial intelligence. These physical capitals ensured that even with fewer workers, they could produce the same as, or perhaps even more than, what they produced with more workers. In other words, they make each worker vastly more productive. One worker with a tractor can produce more than a hundred workers with hoes. Aside from existing technologies, capitalism's profit-driven approaches will always drive investment toward new ones, especially when technological progress is not subjected to the law of diminishing returns. A smaller, more technologically augmented workforce can therefore sustain, and even grow, total economic output. What ultimately determines economic growth is the growth in GDP per capita, the standard of living, or economic productivity. And since the GDP per capita is calculated by dividing the total GDP by total population, the population is tied in pretty closely with the GDP per capita growth. The long and short of it is, when the increase in GDP per capita is higher than the decrease in birth rates, then there will not be any negative impacts on the economic growth. Meanwhile, declining birth rates will hurt economic growth had it were higher than the increase in GDP per capita. Schumpeter has, in fact, considered this factor. He argued that the declining birth rates would not reduce the economy to a heap of dust because of shifting demands and technological advancements. As mentioned earlier, both the "stream of labor-saving devices" and "the income elementsmay be diverted to other channels" can accelerate GDP per capita growth. When workers become scarce, the supply curve shifts to the left, leading to higher wages. This creates a massive profit incentive for businesses to invent or deploy technology (robots, AI, software) that makes each remaining worker more productive. Meanwhile, spending on high-value services (luxury travel, advanced healthcare, etc) usually leads to more value-added amounts in the GDP, boosting the average GDP produced per person. It can thus be proven that Schumpeter's arguments did actually take into consideration the relationship between population and GDP per capita, and they still applied fittingly to the economy of 2025. So, do we have enough babies? Probably not. But if Schumpeter is right, then the real question is whether or not we have high productivity and GDP per capita to compensate for the lack of them. This Abigail Zhu's first contribution to Enter Stage Right. (c) 2025 Abigail Zhu Home Home Print this page At a discussion on innovation in responding to climate impacts held from November 2021, Le Bao Nhi Vietnams first child representative at United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) delivered a speech highlighting environmental responsibility and the need for collective climate action. The event formed part of a 51Talk initiative to elevate childrens voices in global climate dialogue. Since its launch in 2019, 51Talk has enabled many top students from around the world to participate in COP conferences. This year, alongside Le Bao Nhi, 51Talk also brought other six child delegates from China, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE. All delegates were winners of a national contest held by 51Talk in each country to select young speakers for COP30. In her speech, Nhi highlighted the issue of ocean waste and encouraged everyone to take simple, everyday actions such as planting trees and reusing plastic bottles to protect the environment. She explained that every small action within our ability can create impactful change for our planet. At the panel, Nhi also showcased her artwork about the marine environment, decorated with seashells she collected during beach clean-up activities. Her appearance in a traditional Vietnamese ao dai, confidently presenting her artwork and urging collective climate action, left a strong impression on attendees at the discussion panel. This is such a great honour for me to have the opportunity to come to Brazil and speak at a major event like COP30, in front of many international audiences. Thanks to my strong English foundation, I was able to share my ideas confidently and spread a meaningful message for a greener future, said Nhi. Besides the main panel, the Vietnamese delegate also joined international students in a series of activities organised by 51Talk, including local cultural exchanges, a visit to the Amazon rainforest, and gift-exchange sessions with children from various countries. These meaningful experiences helped participants expand their understanding of local cultures, environmental issues, and build their English communication skills in an international environment, the ability to confidently connect with other students, which shape them into responsible global citizens. By bringing Vietnamese students to an international stage, 51Talk continues to support parents and learners, underscoring its mission to empower children to speak confidently with the world. "51Talk is committed to empowering young people through education and English proficiency, helping them confidently raise their voices on global issues." said Roger Parodi, chief strategy officer at 51Talk. "Bao Nhis achievement at COP30 is a source of great pride, and we believe that in the future there will be more Vietnamese students to step on the global stage. This milestone will motivate us to continue developing more comprehensive activities that strengthen learners English competency and global thinking skills, enabling them to confidently engage with the world," he added. Three startups receive $790,000 in funding at Net Zero Challenge The Net Zero Challenge 2025 concluded on November 21 with $790,000 in combined catalytic grants and investment prizes awarded to outstanding startups, which will pilot innovative climate technologies in Vietnam. MUFG N0W champions sustainable innovations and strategies for the country's net-zero future Vietnams key industries, from manufacturing, technology, to energy sectors have collaboratively adopted green production strategies while fostering sustainable supply chains to achieve a transformative green breakthrough. JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 November 2025 - At the GAIKINDO Jakarta AutoShow 2025, taking place from November 21 to 30, 2025, VinFast will present an exclusive preview of the seven-seat, three-row Limo Green ahead of its official market launch in Indonesia next year. Alongside this highlight, the Company will also make its first public showcase in Indonesia of the VF Wild concept. The showcase not only underscores VinFast's rapid global expansion but also reflects its steadfast commitment to "Move People Ahead Bring the Nation Forward", reaffirming its dedication to driving sustainable mobility and contributing meaningfully to Indonesia's socio-economic development. The Limo Green model on display at the VinFast booth within the GAIKINDO Jakarta Auto Week exhibition. VinFast will present its full, comprehensive Indonesian lineup, showcasing a diverse range from the VF 3 (mini-SUV), VF 5 (A-SUV), VF 6 (B-SUV), VF e34 to VF 7 (C-SUV) at the GAIKINDO Jakarta AutoShow 2025. This portfolio fully covers all pivotal segments, spanning from agile city commuters to sophisticated midsize SUVs. The centerpiece of this year's exhibition will be the two all-new models: Limo Green and the VF Wild concept. Among them, Limo Green will be introduced through an exclusive pre-launch showcase under the theme "Unlock Your Curiosity". This moment offers visitors a rare first look at VinFast's upcoming strategic model, officially scheduled for launch in March 2026. Expected to be one of Indonesia's most anticipated introductions, the Limo Green marks its first-ever appearance in an international market. This versatile seven-seater is designed to meet the needs of both families and transportation service operators. Measuring 4,730 mm (L) x 1,870 mm (W) x 1,690 mm (H), with a substantial 2,840 mm wheelbase, it offers remarkable space and comfort across all three rows. Powered by advanced LFP battery technology, the Limo Green delivers an impressive driving range of up to 470 km per charge. In Vietnam, Limo Green has already demonstrated impressive momentum, with 6,500 unit sold in just 3 months after launch. This number propeled it into the leading group of its segment. Meanwhile, the VF Wild concept aims to dominate the midsize pickup segment, boasting impressive dimensions of 5,324 mm in length and 1,997 mm in width. Its design ingenuity shines through a flexible bed, which can be automatically extended via a folding rear window and back seats, a feature that maximizes cargo capacity without compromising passenger comfort. The model's futuristic appeal is further enhanced by a sleek panoramic glass roof and digital side mirrors, elevating both its aesthetic and aerodynamic performance. First introduced at CES 2024, VF Wild is proof of VinFast's breakthrough creativity in developing sustainable mobility solutions with strong performance for a new generation of users. Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, commented: "Our mission at VinFast transcends the mere introduction of electric vehicles. It is about establishing a genuine, reciprocal dialogue with the market. Every piece of feedback on design, strategic positioning, and pricing is exceptionally valuable, serving as a catalyst for us to craft superior products and deliver experiences that resonate deeply. This spirit embodies our commitment to 'Move People Ahead Bring the Nation Forward', especially here in Indonesia, a key strategic market we proudly view as a second home on our journey toward a sustainable, electrified future." Bringing Limo Green to Indonesia at this stage reflects VinFast's strong confidence in the model's potential: It is expected to become a key growth driver for the brand in the market next year. Meanwhile, VinFast showcases the VF Wild concept with the purpose of gathering authentic market feedback. Insights on design preferences, usage expectations, and acceptable pricing will provide VinFast with valuable input to better understand Indonesian consumer needs. These evaluations will serve as essential foundations for VinFast to determine future development plans for the model. By showcasing its established lineup alongside these innovative concept models, VinFast powerfully reiterates its dedication to delivering advanced technology, refined design, and customer confidence in Indonesia, a paramount and strategically dynamic market within Southeast Asia. In just over a year of operation, VinFast has rapidly emerged as a transformative force in Indonesia's electric vehicle landscape. The Company is now actively preparing for a pivotal milestone: The commencement of operations at its assembly plant in Subang. This significant step underscores VinFast's deep, long-term commitment to fostering local manufacturing excellence, accelerating green mobility adoption, and reliably meeting the nation's rapidly expanding demand for electric vehicles. Simultaneously, VinFast continues to actively expand its holistic EV ecosystem, ranging from robust dealership and service networks to vital strategic partnership with premier banking and financial institutions. Through highly flexible ownership models such as innovative battery subscription programs, comprehensive aftersales policies, guaranteed resale value initiatives, and accessible financing packages, VinFast is empowering Indonesian consumers to embrace the electric mobility revolution with greater ease, assurance, and financial confidence. The display of these two models at the GAIKINDO Jakarta AutoShow 2025 is a vibrant reflection of VinFast's enduring quest to realize its vision of "Move People Ahead Bring the Nation Forward", contributing meaningfully to Indonesia's socio-economic advancement while reinforcing the core belief that every stride VinFast takes is a meaningful step forward for the community and the nation at large. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Son Duong port will be located in Vung Ang Economic Zone in Ha Tinh province On November 21, Ha Tinh Department of Finance granted in-principle approval for the Son Duong international port, which will be invested by Vinhomes Ha Tinh Industrial Park Investment JSC, a member of Vingroup. Covering an area of 123 hectares in Vung Ang ward, formerly part of Ky Anh township, it includes roughly 36ha for port construction, 81ha of sea area, and over 5.6ha for connecting roads. The undertaking has a total investment of more than VND8.8 trillion ($352 million), which includes three wharves with a total length of 1,050 metres, capable of receiving 100,000-DWT general cargo and container vessels. It will also feature warehouses, port service infrastructure, anchorage areas, channels, and turning basins. Its designed handling capacity is around 9.4-11.3 million tonnes per year. Once completed, the port will serve cargo handling, transportation, and storage needs for Ha Tinh and neighbouring areas. Its operating period is 70 years from the date the investor receives the land allocation decision. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion and commissioning planned for the second quarter of 2028, supporting economic activity, industrial parks, surrounding regions, and Laos. Son Duong is one of the key deepwater ports in Ha Tinh and the north-central region. It is planned alongside many major industrial projects and functions as a hub for receiving raw materials and transshipping international cargo. With natural deep-water advantages, proximity to international shipping routes, and connections to the East-West economic corridor, the port is positioned as a foundation for Ha Tinhs heavy industry, logistics, and seaport services, while expanding import-export gateways for neighbouring provinces and Laos. Besides that, the implementation of Son Duong international port will contribute to strengthening Vingroup's industrial-logistics ecosystem in the region, creating a chain from production to export. Vingroup is keen to become a strategic partner in Saigon Port Company Ltd, and Haiphong Port JSC, currently owned by state-run Vinalines. The developer proposed buying a stake of up to 80 per cent in Haiphong Port at a price not lower than the average auction price. Vingroup has also proposed to buy an 80 per cent stake at a price not lower than the initial public offering in Saigon Port, and has demanded the right to partake in the companys equitisation plan. Vingroup sets up $380 million steel company Vingroup announced the establishment of VinMetal JSC for Manufacturing and Trading on October 6, entering the metallurgy industry and expanding its existing industrial and technology pillar. Vincom Retail transfers ownership of Vincom Centre Nguyen Chi Thanh Vincom Retail JSC has announced the transfer of its entire capital contribution in Vincom NCT Real Estate Co., Ltd., the owner of Vincom Centre Nguyen Chi Thanh, to Bao Quan Investment, Trading, and Services Co., Ltd. Billionaire pours $8.5 million into new aerospace company VinSpace Billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong has established an aerospace company named VinSpace by contributing VND213 billion ($8.5 million), equivalent to 71 per cent of the company's capital. Vingroup prioritizes culture with world-class artistic spaces Vingroup announced the addition of Culture as a new core pillar, alongside Industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, and Social Philanthropy. yet updated information about these two deals. Saudi Arabia holds the key to Middle East peace but the window is closing fast By Mehrdad Marty Youssefiani web posted November 24, 2025 A Pivot Without Precedent Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with President Donald Trump Saudi Arabia has executed the most successful geopolitical pivot of any major power since Egypt's 1972 expulsion of Soviet advisers. In the space of 36 months, Riyadh has transformed itself from a status quo, risk-averse rentier ally into the single most indispensable interlocutor in the Middle East the only actor that currently possesses meaningful leverage over Washington, Tehran, and Jerusalem simultaneously. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman now enjoys greater strategic latitude than any Saudi leader in history. The 2023 China-brokered detente with Iran, the quiet but robust defense-industrial partnership with Pakistan, Riyadh's retained credibility in Jerusalem, and most dramatically President Trump's designation of Saudi Arabia as a Major non-NATO Ally (announced yesterday with MBS at the White House) have combined to place the Crown Prince in a position no Arab leader has occupied since Egypt's Pan-Arabist leader Gamal Abdel Nasser in the 1950s. Just hours before boarding his flight to Washington, Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian had a personal letter hand-delivered to MBS an unmistakable strategic signal of respect and recognition of the Crown Prince's newly acquired centrality. This unique positioning creates what may be the final non-military offramp to a genuine strategic accommodation between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran before the region slides into confrontation. Multiple channels confirm that the Saudi Crown Prince is seriously evaluating President Trump and Pezeshkian's proposition, viewing it as his opportunity to lay the diplomatic cornerstone of an entirely new era. Tehran's Four-Way Fracture The Iranian regime is no longer a unitary actor. Four competing power centers pull in opposite directions. The IRGC-Quds Force and its Russian-Chinese patrons treat alignment with Moscow and Beijing as regime life insurance and will sabotage any deal that threatens their empires or proxy networks. President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Araghchi know economic collapse is imminent without reintegration, but they need a face-saving ladder. An 86-year-old Supreme Leader, increasingly isolated and infirm, both politically and physically, presides over a paralyzed household; succession planning is frozen, between hardline and interim-council scenarios; and he is fully aware of his personal and the regime's deep unpopularity. And then there is the force Western capitals have been slowest to acknowledge, yet may ultimately prove the most consequential: Mir-Hossein Mousavi and the pluralistic domestic opposition he now embodies. From nearly 15 years of house arrest, the former prime minister, once the very symbol of revolutionary zeal and legitimacy, declared the Islamic Republic a failed experiment. He now calls, with moral clarity and surging public resonance, for the peaceful abolition of Velayat-e Faqih and a national referendum on a new secular-democratic constitution: definition of "regime change." Far from a fringe figure, Mousavi has become the focal point for a broad, courageous, and increasingly coherent coalition: the old reformist intelligentsia (i.e., Karroubi, Hajjarian, quiet Zarif sympathizers, etc.), labor leaders, women's rights networks, Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi (who from prison calls him "the architect of our redemption"), and above all the post-Mahsa generation that detects sincerity and genuine awakening in him. To them, Mousavi is an uncorrupted, 83-year-old man carrying the deep scars of the regime's betrayal, fully convinced that secularism is the only way out of Iran's current paralysis. Underground sentiment places his current support at 25-29% in urban Iran, and climbing. This is not chaos; it is the reemergence of a genuine domestic Iranian tradition, a long-standing national aspiration for sovereignty, one that explicitly rejects both theocracy and foreign domination. In many ways, this domestic coalition represents the West's best long-term outcome: a post-theocratic Iran that is nationalist, pluralist, and instinctively pro-Western in orientation. It is the only internal force that could deliver a stable, non-nuclear, non-revolutionary Iran aligned with global norms. Why Only Riyadh Can Thread the Needle No other capital possesses Riyadh's unique combination of assets: trust with Tehran's pragmatists, credibility with the Supreme Leader's circle (via MBS's strategic and strong ties to Putin and Xi), a trillion-dollar leverage over the Trump administration, and the ability to give Israel the "Arab cover" it demands. Saudi Arabia is now the only regional state that is both feared and trusted in Tehran. The Deal That Could Actually Work The parameters of such a deal have been war-gamed exhaustively in Riyadh and Washington and are deliberately phased: First 18 months: Iran freezes enrichment above 3.67% and accepts real-time IAEA monitoring; the U.S. lifts secondary sanctions on nonoil exports (i.e. pistachio, carpets, etc., $20-30 billion new revenue); Saudi Arabia leads Yemen de-escalation and funds her reconstruction. Next phase: stockpile caps, dismantlement of excess centrifuges, phased release of frozen assets, and a $100 billion "conditional" Saudi investment fund in Iranian infrastructure. Long term: limited enrichment rights under a 20-year sunset, IRGC proxy restraints enforced through Saudi channels, and a new "Persian Gulf Security Forum" that includes Iran, but also keeps Israel as an observer. Managing the Risks With Credible Mitigations The risks are real and serious, but all are addressable. Every risk has a Saudi-specific mitigation: IRGC sabotage : Can be preempted through Riyadh's side-channels on shared threats and targeted economic incentives to pragmatic field commanders. : Can be preempted through Riyadh's side-channels on shared threats and targeted economic incentives to pragmatic field commanders. Israeli preemption : Can be deterred by MBS's direct channel to Jerusalem, trading visible Palestinian progress for Hizbullah restraint and verifiable Iranian rollback. : Can be deterred by MBS's direct channel to Jerusalem, trading visible Palestinian progress for Hizbullah restraint and verifiable Iranian rollback. U.S. congressional opposition : Can be neutralized by framing the deal as a signature Trump legacy, sweetened by Saudi burden sharing and, crucially, tangible, irreversible steps toward Saudi-Israeli normalization, the long-standing quid-pro-quo President Trump has pursued; a mission-critical requisite for U.S. congressional approval of F-35 sales to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. : Can be neutralized by framing the deal as a signature Trump legacy, sweetened by Saudi burden sharing and, crucially, tangible, irreversible steps toward Saudi-Israeli normalization, the long-standing quid-pro-quo President Trump has pursued; a mission-critical requisite for U.S. congressional approval of F-35 sales to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Russian/Chinese spoiling : Can be contained by MBS's personal leverage in Moscow and Beijing. : Can be contained by MBS's personal leverage in Moscow and Beijing. Most delicately, the Mousavi coalition momentum must be handled with care rather than fear. Mitigation means quiet, deniable, Persian Gulf-hosted dialogues offering Iran's pluralistic domestic opposition a respected seat at a Saudi-guaranteed national conference on constitutional reform once milestones are met, treating them as legitimate partners rather than spoilers. The message is simple and respectful: we see you as a legitimate representation of a pluralistic domestic opposition in support of the long-standing secular democratic aspirations of the Iranian people; a managed transition that includes you is infinitely preferable to chaos or IRGC entrenchment. Several key Mousavi advisors have signaled openness to a path of engagement with the West, if it delivers genuine respect for Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity, global economic integration, and human rights guarantees. Far from a spoiler, the democratic opposition is the West's insurance policy-and potentially its most valuable partner-if the current regime proves too fractured to deliver. Policy Recommendations Immediate U.S. Action: Dispatch a high-level envoy to Riyadh for a trilateral U.S.-Saudi-Iran kickoff, using Oman as a cutout for initial Pezeshkian buy-in. Saudi Incentives: Place on track an F-35 congressional sales approval process, and nuclear fuel cycle tech-sharing ratification as Phase I deliverables; contingent on steady normalization progress between the KSA and Israel, as well as Iranian compliance hitting 80%. European/Persian Gulf Alignment: Convene a Paris-Riyadh-Berlin summit to lock in EU sanctions relief parallelism and UAE/Qatari funding for the Palestinian component. Contingency Planning: Develop a "spoiler playbook" for Houthi/Iranian walk-backs, including pre-positioned U.S. assets in Diego Garcia and Saudi bases under the new ally framework. Public Narrative: Position the initiative as "Persian Gulf-led stability," not "U.S.-Iran reset," to insulate against domestic blowback. The Alternative No One Wants Uncontrolled escalation offers no mitigations: oil above $200, the Strait of Hormuz in flames, global recession, and a high probability of an Iranian nuclear sprint. A Choice, Not a Favor; And a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity President Trump's elevation of Saudi Arabia to "Major non-NATO Ally" status, combined with his relentless pursuit of Saudi-Israel normalization (the key that finally unlocks congressional approval for F-35 transfers) are the geopolitical accelerant this process has lacked and desperately needed for decades. Success would hand President Trump a once-in-a-generation foreign policy triumph, perhaps even his "Nixon goes to China" moment, while redefining MBS's global legacy and delivering the first truly stable Middle East in generations. MBS now holds the only viable short-term key to containing Iran without war. Washington can treat Riyadh as a client and risk watching this moment vanish. Or, it can treat the Kingdom and MBS as a genuine co-architect of a new regional order. The clock is ticking: tick tock! Mehrdad Marty Youssefiani is an Iranian-American strategic communications veteran who spent 35 years directing high-stakes global political and corporate initiatives. For nearly two decades, he served as the chief strategic counselor to Iran's Crown Prince, Reza Pahlavi II. Home Home Print this page Council set for 3% extra cash from Welsh Government as provisional settlement figures announced Update: Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council, has reacted: I strongly urge Welsh Government to look again at the reality facing Councils and to increase the final settlement. Without additional support, the strain on Councils to deliver essential services to the public will become untenable. The pressures on Council workforces will only get worse and redundancies will be inevitable. Original information below. Wrexham Council is set for the 5th highest budget increase across Wales with a 3% rise. Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government has announced the provisional settlement figure, how much cash councils get in Wales from central funding, noting it is still early in the budget process. Bryant said, It is our firm ambition to secure a Final Budget which uses all the resources available for 2026-27, safeguards jobs and protects frontline public services. The First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language have been clear it is our collective responsibility to pass the Welsh Budget. We are committed to working with all parties to do just that. The provisional settlement provides 6.4bn from the Welsh Government Revenue Support Grant (RSG) and Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) to spend on delivering key services. This is an average increase of 2.7% on a like-for-like basis and includes an additional 5.5m (on top of the 8.6m allocated at draft budget) to ensure no authority receives an increase of less than 2.3%. We are all aware of the pressures on households. In 2013-14, we made a choice as a Country to protect vulnerable and lowincome households across Wales by maintaining full entitlements to support with their council tax bills, under our national Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS), a choice that has been made every year for more than a decade. The tailored nature of our national scheme means this support is targeted towards those who need it most. In 2024-25, this meant that almost 256,500 vulnerable and low-income households around one in five households benefited from a reduction in their council tax. In line with this joint focus with local government on supporting households, we will continue to maintain the baseline funding of 244m for CTRS in the Settlement. In addition to the core settlement, I am publishing indicative information on specific revenue and capital grants planned for 2026-27. At this provisional stage these grants amount to over 1.3bn for revenue and over 1.08bn for capital. We continue to work closely with local government throughout the year reflecting the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the Welsh Government and Local Government in Wales that was signed earlier this year. The impact locally on what this could mean on the council budgets and council tax levels is not yet known. Bryant said It is not appropriate for the Welsh Government to set an arbitrary level of council tax increase. The setting of budgets, and in turn council tax, is the responsibility of each local authority and authorities will need to take account of the full range of sources of funding available to them, as well as the pressures they face. I encourage councils to continue to carefully balance the impact of increases on household finances with the loss of support and services. I know that across Wales, leaders, elected members and officers alike will be striving to find ways to make the best use of their resources to make the most difference for their communities. The Minister added, I would like to pay tribute to the incredible amount of hard work and resilience shown across the sector by both officers and elected members over many years to respond to the challenges Councils have been facing. We continue to prioritise our support for local government, as we have throughout our Government through the annual settlement and specific grants to respond to national and local priorities. As and when the response from the Welsh Local Government Association, and Wrexham Council emerges we will share it. Plaid Cymru call for farm inheritance tax to be scrapped ahead of Budget Plaid Cymru has called on the Labour UK Government to scrap their devastating changes to farm inheritance tax and add it to the long list of the Governments U-turns. Speaking at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Winter Fair, Plaid Cymrus rural affairs spokesperson, Llyr Gruffydd MS has hit out at the Labour Governments changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief, which he says is set to devastate family farms. Despite the UK Governments earlier insistence that a vast majority of Welsh farmers would remain unaffected, previous analysis from the Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) suggests up to 48% of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) recipients in Wales could be affected by the inheritance tax proposals. The recent publication of the Welsh Affairs Committee report found the proposed inheritance tax reforms have created a an unnecessary climate of uncertainty and confusion has emerged in an industry central to the cultural, environmental and economic fabric of rural Wales. The cross-party committee has called for a Wales-specific impact assessment before the changes are implemented in April 2026, highlighting the need to fully understand the potential effects on Welsh family farms and rural communities. Plaid Cymru rural affairs spokesperson, Llyr Gruffydd MS, said: This UK Govt Budget is fast becoming a U-turn budget. Scrapping the two-child benefit cap was out, now its in. Hiking income tax was in now its out. A hokey-cokey budget from a Government thats in power but clearly not in control. Theres at least one other policy where Id welcome a further U-turn. Thats on farm inheritance tax. Ive stood up in the Senedd on countless occasions to highlight the folly of the proposed changes and the adverse impact it will have. Its a policy that will do lasting harm to our small Welsh family farms, that targets the very people who feed us, who care for our land, who are in the frontline of the fight against climate change and reversing the loss of nature. They are the ones who sustain our rural economy and who underpin the social and cultural fabric of our rural communities. Most of our family farms are cash poor and many live a hand-to-mouth existence. They dont have the capital to shoulder this huge tax burden. It will force the sell-off of land making farms less viable and less sustainable as they pass on to the next generation. My message to Rachel Reeves is that if you can U-turn on income tax then you can U-turn on farm inheritance tax as well. The family farm tax needs to be scrapped and the UK Budget next week is the perfect opportunity to do that. Settled but not safe?: Senedd Committee warns of risks facing EU citizens in Wales Thousands of EU citizens in Wales remain at risk of losing their rights, despite having lived in our country for years, due to failures in the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). The Senedds Equality and Social Justice Committee has today published its final report on EUSS, and warns of injustices comparable to the Windrush scandal as people are still unaware they need to apply. The report, Settled but not safe?, draws on approaching five years of monitoring and evidence gathering since the Committee was established in June 2021the same month as the EUSS application deadline. It reveals profound concerns about the long-term consequences of the scheme, particularly for vulnerable groups older people, children in care, the Roma community, victims of abuse, homeless individuals and those unaware they need to apply. The EUSS is the UK Governments system which EU citizens must use to apply to stay in the UK after Brexit. More than 131,000 applications have been made from Wales, with over 113,000 successful outcomes. Successful applicants now make up 3.6% of the Welsh population. Yet every year more people come forward, and the true number of people eligible to apply is unknown. Chair of the Senedds Equality and Social Justice Committee, Jenny Rathbone MS, said: It is alarming that, five years on from Brexit, EU citizens in Wales still face the alarming risk of losing their rights. The consequences of not obtaining permission to stay is dire. As with the Windrush generation, people risk losing their rights to work, housing, benefits and education. and Some face deportation despite having lived here all their lives. We add our voice to the chorus of others sounding the alarm about the complexity of the system as people remain unaware that they need to apply. We hope a future Welsh Government will continue to proactively target support towards vulnerable groups who we know are likely to slip through the net and be unaware of the need to apply. We urge a future Senedd committee to continue our work, holding the Welsh Government to account so that no EU citizen in Wales is left behind. The report identifies four key concerns: Lack of awareness and understanding Many citizens, landlords, employers and public services still do not fully understand the EUSS, leading to mistaken denial of services even for those with status. Complexity of the system Frequent changes and digital-only processes have created barriers for vulnerable groups, particularly older people, children in care, victims of abuse, and those without digital literacy. Echoes of the Windrush scandal Proving residency and a lack of documentation were hallmarks of Windrush and are echoed in the EUSS. And like Windrush, the EUSS places the burden of proof on individuals to prove residency when they may not have the necessary documentation. Insufficient data and transparency The UK Governments failure to routinely share Wales-specific data with the Welsh Government hampers effective support and planning. The Committee calls for better cooperation between the UK and Welsh Governments, including long-term funding for support services, better data sharing, and continued scrutiny in the next Senedd. Some thoughts on the traditional context of romance, marriage, and sexuality (Part One) By Mark Wegierski web posted November 24, 2025 Despite such exotica as one, currently-existing, tiny African tribe where male homosexuality predominates, Margaret Mead's imaginative reconstruction of life in Polynesia, the hypothetical existence of matriarchal societies for 30,000 years of human prehistory, the deliberate misinterpretation of the anthropological meaning of societies that are matrilineal or where various goddesses are worshipped, and various gruesome non-Western customs such as widow-burning and female circumcision, there can be perceived a rather similar "traditional" approach to sexuality throughout very many human societies. Some of the actual main divisions in "traditional" approaches are between those societies centered on monogamy, and those which permit polygamy; between those societies that frown on cousin-marriage, and those that permit it; and those where purely romantic love is more usual than "arranged marriages" -- as opposed to those where "arranged marriages" are the norm. Prostitution in various forms has obviously existed in virtually every society, with its own hierarchies and stratification, but it was at virtually no point a part of any kind of radical "sexual radicalization" of society. There was certainly the presence of children born out of wedlock but we know from modern statistics, for example, that the rate of illegitimate births for African-Americans in the 1960s was roughly equivalent, if not slightly less in fact, than that of whites today. The various interactions of the sexes in traditional societies, and the various types of sexual issues permeating those societies, often appear extremely remote, from our current-day standpoint of late modern society. In fact, even such comparatively recent periods such as the Victorian Age and the 1950s, appear to be becoming increasingly remote to us. (There was, for example, a recent scholarly book published by the University of Toronto Press looking with obvious derision at a major British newspaper's debate about what were supposedly the main options for women in Victorian times: "marriage vs. celibacy." Today, the ethos of earlier societies, must, as Nietzsche noted, often strike the typical, late modern person as "simply mad.") Among the few earlier existing societies which appear to have a real resonance to our own in terms of sexual issues are those of Ancient Greece (because of its apparent toleration of male and female homosexuality), and that of certain eras of Ancient Rome (because of the apparent analogy to our own, Western decadence). While not wishing to get into a long discussion of homosexuality in Ancient Greece, it could be pointed out that the various Greek city-states were clearly, in virtually every other aspect of their existence, ultra-traditional by most Twentieth-Century standards. Some have suggested that homosexuality among the Ancient Greeks was virtually "pro-social" apparently existing without the antinomian, deconstructionist edge of most, current-day, gay activism. As for Ancient Rome, its legendary sexual decadence may have been of somewhat less intensity and duration than is suggested in some popular movies. It is also somewhat ironic that what was probably the height of Roman decadence under Caligula and Nero occurred almost precisely when the Empire was at its strongest. While not wishing to get into a debate about the causes of the Fall of Rome, it would be ridiculous to try to blame it on one specific vice. There can be little doubt, however, that an over-all falling birthrate weakened the Empire and to the extent that falling birthrate was tied to a licentious sexual climate then sexual decadence may have played a role. On the other hand, the great Eighteenth Century English historian Edward Gibbon, semi-covertly blamed the Fall of Rome on the rise of Christianity, in his monumental, multi-volume, work, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Nevertheless, one enormously important aspect of life in virtually any society existing before the Twentieth Century, was that the vast majority of persons lived in what today would be considered abjectest, grinding physical poverty. This was indeed the case in virtually every one of today's Western and European societies. The poverty, for example, in Poland (which was under foreign occupation or "Partition" from 1795 to 1918), and even in England in the Nineteenth Century, is today difficult to imagine. The talk today of what "the rich" countries are said to owe "the poor" countries, and what "all white people" are said to owe "all people of color" lacks any meaningful historical sense. The abject physical poverty of the vast majority of the population in nearly every Western and European society, meant that the scope for the flowering of heterogeneous sexual exploration (whether for good or ill) in those societies, was highly limited. However, despite the abject physical poverty, many of the workers' and peasant families endeavored to live a meaningful existence. Certainly, the Church offered certain spiritual and psychic comforts even if Marx derisively (and inaccurately) called it "opium." We all know today the horrors that the dogmatic atheism of Soviet Communism led to. To point out the image probably most easily accessible to the reader, relations between the sexes before the Twentieth Century, for the majority of the population in European countries, were probably similar to those seen among "the proles" as described in George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four except, of course, for the usually-comforting presence of the Church, and a highly edifying cultural milieu of which even the poorest people had some inkling. Can one imagine today the hunger of the Nineteenth-Century workingman to learn to read, to educate and improve himself, to attend a public lecture or classical symphony concert? In a situation of poverty, relations between the sexes seemed to develop organically along the lines of young love, courtship, marriage, followed by large numbers of children, and the rapid aging of both parents. To be continued. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home Home Print this page LOCKSLEY STRENGTHENS U.S. DEFENSE SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGY WITH APPOINTMENT OF LOCKHEED MARTIN MATERIALS LEADER Locksley Strengthens US Defence Supply Chain Strategy Perth, Nov 24, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Locksley Resources Ltd ( ASX:LKY ) ( X5L:FRA ) ( LKYRF:OTCMKTS ) announced the appointment of Ms. Stacy Newstead to its Advisory Board as Strategic Advisor - Materials Strategy. Stacy Newstead brings U.S. defense materials expertise to advance Locksley's critical mineral and commercialisation initiatives. HIGHLIGHTS - Stacy Newstead appointed as a Strategic Advisor to the Locksley Advisory Board - Ms Newstead currently serves as Materials Strategy and Risk Manager at Lockheed Martin, overseeing U.S. supply chain risk mitigation for critical materials used in advanced defence systems - Over two decades of experience across defence, critical minerals, and advanced materials sectors, including leadership roles at Huntington Ingalls Industries, Textron Systems, and Evolution Energy Solutions - - Expertise spanning U.S. Department of Defence acquisition, system manufacturing and production, materials engineering, supply chain risk mitigation, critical component supply chains, and state and federal engagement for manufacturing facilities - Appointment strengthens Locksley's U.S. Government initiatives and supports commercialisation of American-sourced antimony and rare earth supply chains - Locksley has submitted U.S. Govt White Paper funding request under Defence Production Act Title III DPA to advance project financing position and accelerate first mover status in re-establishing domestic Antimony industry and U.S supply chain strength Ms. Newstead currently serves as Materials Strategy and Risk Manager at Lockheed Martin, where she leads initiatives to secure domestic and allied sources of key materials vital to U.S. defense manufacturing and national security. Her work focuses on assessing and mitigating material, pricing, and geopolitical risk across complex supply chains that underpin critical technologies including munitions, batteries, and aerospace systems. A highly accomplished executive, Ms. Newstead brings more than 20 years of experience across U.S. Government, defense, and industrial sectors. Her prior roles include senior program leadership at Huntington Ingalls Industries and Textron Systems, as well as Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. subsidiary of Evolution Energy Minerals ( ASX:EV1 ), where she led onshoring initiatives for graphite and advanced battery materials. Her appointment reinforces Locksley's position at the intersection of critical minerals, defense, and national security strategy, providing invaluable insight into U.S. policy, funding and industrial collaboration opportunities. This strengthens the Company's ability to engage with U.S. partners and access Federal programs supporting domestic critical mineral supply chains, advancing Locksley's mine-to-market strategy for U.S.-sourced antimony and rare earths. Kerrie Matthews, Locksley CEO commented: "Stacy's appointment represents another significant step in strengthening our U.S. advisory capability. Her deep understanding of defense material supply chains, coupled with her leadership at Lockheed Martin, brings exceptional strategic value to Locksley as we advance our mine-to-market development of American sourced antimony and rare earths." "Her perspective on material security and risk will help guide our engagement with U.S. industry and government stakeholders as we scale from pilot to commercial operations." Ms Newstead commented: "The restoration of secure, transparent and domestic critical mineral supply chains is essential to both U.S. defense readiness and the broader energy transition. Locksley's integrated mine-to-market model and U.S. operational footprint, position it as a key contributor to these national objectives. I'm honored to support the team's strategy and growth trajectory." 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 By Elisabeth Braw, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council, WTW That makes them an indispensable resource as countries and companies seek to build their resilience to contingencies both those caused by nature and those caused by hostile states. In 2018, Sweden published its instantly famous In Case of Crisis or War leaflet, which instructs the public in how to prepare for and behave during such situations. Since then, the leaflet has been joined by similar ones in other countries. Earthquake zones, meanwhile, had long been giving residents similar advice. While emergency guidance varies across nations, the message is broadly consistent: Individuals and communities must be prepared to act when disruption strikes. Yet evidence from disasters shows that crises often bring out the best in people. Communities especially older citizens tend to show remarkable catastrophe compassion: the instinct to help rather than withdraw. A U.S. study has found that people aged 55 to 84 are more willing than those aged 18 to 36 to put in the physical effort to help others. Older citizens represent both a point of vulnerability and an untapped reserve of resilience. Growing older, growing exposure But society cannot expect a 75-year-old to be able to move about with the same agility as someone half a century younger. On the contrary, it is a widely accepted reality that the state, aided by younger people, will need to make sure the elderly are looked after in a crisis. In developed countries, that matters a great deal, because extreme-weather events and hostile-state activities are increasing and the population is aging. In the EU, 21.6% of residents were aged 65 years old and older in 2024, an increase of 2.9 percentage points compared with 2014. In the U.S., the figures were 18% in 2024 and 14% in 2014. In the U.K., they were 19% and 18%, respectively; in South Korea, 19% and 13%, respectively; and in Japan, 30% and 26%, respectively. If electricity or the internet is knocked out, others will have to make sure this large part of the population is safe, because older people cant be expected to fend for themselves entirely. If a cyber attack cripples supermarket supply chains or public transport, they will need help navigating the disruptions. The fact that older citizens need assistance and rely on already limited government resources during crises perversely increases the incentives for hostile states to expand their gray-zone aggression. Indeed, hostile states and their proxies could exacerbate those gray-zone activities by targeting a well-known vulnerability among the older population: their relative lack of digital prowess. Scams tricking the elderly into sending criminals large sums from their online bank accounts could be exploited by hostile states, which increasingly commission Westerners, including members of organized crime gangs, to execute gray-zone activities. (Recent examples of such gray-zone acts committed by gig workers include an arson attack on a Polish shopping mall and parcel bombs delivered to DHL across Europe.) By systematically tricking elderly people into transferring their money out of their accounts, hostile states and their proxies could create real challenges for banks insurers. Financial fraud targeting older citizens is already one of the fastest-growing sources of loss for banks and insurers. In a gray-zone context, such manipulation could blur the line between criminality and state aggression a risk with implications for cyber liability, financial crime and pension protection frameworks Experience as resilience But older citizens are also a resource during crises. Consider Norsk Hydro. When the Norwegian aluminum giant was hit by a ransomware attack in 2019, it refused to pay the ransom and kept operating manually, aided not least by older workers used to working in a pre-digital age. Or consider Colonial Pipeline, the crucial pipeline that provides nearly half of all petrol, diesel and jet fuel consumed on the U.S. East Coast. In 2021, it was hit by a ransomware attack in 2021 similar to the one that hit Norsk Hydro, which forced the company to slash its operations. At a subsequent Senate hearing, Senator Josh Hawley asked Colonials CEO, Joe Blount, whether the company had the capability to manually operate the pipeline in the event of an IT like this one and if you dont have that capability, should you, do you think, going forward? Blount responded, referring to manual operations: I think on a go-forward basis theres no question that we will look at that capability and its a really interesting question, because if you look at the aging workforce now, a lot of those people that did operate Colonial Pipeline and other infrastructure in America historically manually, theyre retiring or theyre gone. Fortunately, we still have that last bit of that generation, which allowed us to do what we did during this particular event. Older workers had saved Colonial too. Closing out Retirement around age 65 is a leftover from generations when most people barely lived to see their 65th birthday. Its also a leftover from a later era when the economic future appeared so stable that those over 65 wouldnt need to fulfill any functions in the workplace. But today, senior citizens are needed. Theyre needed to help the far fewer young people now carrying the burden of the economy. Even more urgently, theyre needed to help keep companies and countries going in case of disruption or, to put it the Swedish way, in case of crisis or war. For risk managers and insurers, recognizing older citizens as both a vulnerable group and a reservoir of experience is essential to understanding the next phase of resilience one defined not by strength alone but by interdependence. Trumps Sudden Pivot to Sudan and the Return of Gulf Rivalries to the White House President Donald Trumps declaration that he will put greater attention on ending Sudans civil war marks the most direct engagement by his administration in the 20-month conflict. Yet the decision appears driven less by a structured U.S. policy review and more by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans (MBS) personal appeal during their high-profile meeting in Washington. Trump openly acknowledged that the crisis wasnt on my charts until MBS raised itan admission that underscores how Sudan has remained off Washingtons strategic radar despite becoming the worlds worst humanitarian catastrophe, with more than 40,000 killed and 14 million displaced. While the announcement gives Washington an opening to re-enter a crisis long shaped by regional powers, it also exposes the deep geopolitical fractures that underpin the Sudanese war and complicate any external mediation. A Gulf-Driven Agenda Behind Trumps Pivot Saudi Arabias renewed pressure on Washington reflects growing anxiety in Riyadh over the trajectory of Sudans collapse. Saudi officials reportedly warned Trump that the destruction of Sudan: threatens Red Sea maritime security, destabilizes Northeast Africa, and creates vacuums ripe for extremist exploitation. For Riyadhnow seeking to project itself as a regional stabilizerSudans implosion represents both a strategic and reputational threat. MBSs framing of Sudan as the greatest thing Trump could resolve was a calculated appeal to a president who has repeatedly emphasized his peacemaking ambitions and invoked the Nobel Prize in political messaging. Trumps decision also fits his pattern: foreign policy initiatives that emerge from personal relationships with Gulf leaders, rather than from institutional planning inside the State Department or National Security Council. A Conflict Defined by Regional Power Competition Sudans war cannot be separated from the shifting alliances of the Middle East. It is already the most regionally entangled African conflict since Libyas collapse. The split is stark: Backing the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): Egypt; Saudi Arabia; and Turkey Backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF): United Arab Emirates (UAE) accused by U.S. intelligence of sending weapons The UAE-Saudi divergence is especially notable. Although both are close U.S. partners, they back opposing sides in Sudan, mirroring earlier fractures in Libya (Haftar vs. Tripoli) and hinting at broader competition over African influence, ports, and gold resources. By stepping in now, Trump risks entering a highly polarized regional arena, where Gulf rivalries are shaping battlefield outcomes faster than diplomacy. Humanitarian Collapse Driving Urgency The immediate trigger for renewed Western concern is the RSFs capture of el-Fasher, the last major urban center in Darfur not under its control. The takeover: killed hundreds, displaced nearly 90,000 people overnight, and unleashed fresh atrocities documented by aid agencies and the U.N. With roads cut, people fleeing across unsafe routes, and no access to food or medicine, aid organizations warn of a mass-casualty famine if the fighting continues. Trumps advisersparticularly Secretary of State Marco Rubionow see the conflict not only as a humanitarian disaster but as a regional destabilizer with long-term implications for counterterrorism and Red Sea security. Can Trump Deliver a Breakthrough? Trumps pledge to work with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and other Middle Eastern partners signals a pivot toward a Gulf-centered diplomatic model, rather than a Western-led one. Yet this approach faces obstacles: The Gulf powers themselves are divided, with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi backing opposing armed groups. The RSFs battlefield momentum makes it less likely to accept cease-fire terms without guarantees of political dominance. The SAFs international backers view concessions to the RSF as legitimizing a force accused of systematic atrocities. Sudans fragmented internal landscapeethnic militias, local warlords, and economic networkscomplicates any simple deal. Trumps admission that he had not studied the conflict until this week raises questions about how deeply the administration understands these dynamics. Symbolism and Optics: MBSs Washington Return The moment is also symbolically significant. This is MBSs first visit to Washington in seven years, following strains over the war in Yemen, the Khashoggi killing, and disagreements over oil production. By elevating Sudan during a joint appearance with Trump, the crown prince signaled: his desire to reclaim diplomatic leadership in the region, his interest in being seen as a stabilizer rather than a disruptor, and his confidence in influencing U.S. decision-making. Trump, who values personal rapport with Gulf leaders, appeared receptive. A High-Stakes Test of Gulf Diplomacy and U.S. Engagement Trumps sudden pivot to Sudan could, in theory, inject fresh diplomatic momentum into ending a war that has shattered the country and destabilized an entire region. But success will require navigating: deep Gulf rivalries, entrenched battlefield dynamics, a collapsing humanitarian landscape, and the absence of a unified international approach. For now, Trumps involvement marks a new chapterbut whether it becomes a decisive intervention or another symbolic gesture will depend on how the U.S. manages the conflicting agendas of its closest Middle Eastern partners. Global Security Cooperation at the heart of the 93rd Interpol GA in Marrakech Morocco reaffirmed its commitment to international security cooperation as Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance (DGSN-DGST), opened the 93rd Interpol General Assembly in Marrakech. Addressing high-level delegations from around the world, Hammouchi stressed the trust that the international community places in Morocco and its institutions, noting that hosting the assembly reflects the countrys firm dedication to strengthening multilateral security partnerships. Moroccos commitment to hosting the 93rd session of Interpol stems from its firm dedication to enhancing multilateral cooperation and consolidating the international coalition against transnational organized crime, he said. Hammouchi emphasized that Moroccos security vision draws inspiration from King Mohammed VI, who views security as a collective blessing and a shared responsibility. He highlighted the evolution of Moroccos integrated national security strategy, designed to protect citizens and strengthen resilience against emerging threats. He warned that virtual criminal networks, cyber threats, and violent extremism require enhanced coordination and modern operational tools, underscoring that collective security can only be achieved through shared responsibility and institutional modernization. The General Assembly in Marrakech will address emerging global security challenges, anticipate new forms of criminal activity, and discuss ways to strengthen Interpols regional and operational capacities. The agenda also includes boosting womens inclusion in policing and promoting the ratification of the UN Convention Against Cybercrime. Delegates will additionally vote to renew members of the organizations Executive Committee, including the Interpol presidency. This marks the second time Marrakech has hosted the Interpol General Assembly. The city previously welcomed the 76th session in 2007 under the theme The Road to Security for a Safer Future. Japan to Consider New Measures to Reinforce Defense of Okinawas Nansei Islands Japans government and ruling parties are preparing to consider concrete measures to further strengthen the defense of the Nansei Islands, aiming to revise three key security documents earlier than planned amid rising regional tensions. The move comes as China continues to intensify military activity around the Nansei chain, including repeated drills simulating an invasion of Taiwan. These developments have heightened concerns over Japans ability to swiftly evacuate residents and ensure the readiness of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in a potential crisis. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited Okinawa Prefecture on Saturday for the first time since taking office, inspecting SDF and Japan Coast Guard facilities in Miyakojima and Ishigaki. Its important to strengthen the SDFs defense capabilities to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people, Koizumi told Miyakojima Mayor Noboru Kakazu, stressing the need for local cooperation. Mayor Kakazu emphasized that residents must be fully informed about SDF activities, noting lingering concerns over evacuation plans should a Taiwan contingency occur. The government has already outlined a plan to evacuate residents of the Sakishima Islands to prefectures in Kyushu and Yamaguchi, with key airports and ports designated for SDF and Coast Guard use even during peacetime. Upcoming discussions on revising security documents are expected to focus on extending airport runways, expanding port infrastructure, and constructing emergency evacuation facilities across the Nansei Islands. In a contingency, swift evacuation before any armed attack is vital, Koizumi said in Ishigaki. We aim to support the steady establishment of temporary evacuation facilities. Sinclair, the second-biggest U.S. TV station group owner, has proposed to acquire smaller rival E.W. Scripps Co. in its entirety, offering $7 per share for stock in Scripps that it does not already own. Sinclair disclosed the takeover bid Monday in an SEC filing and also said it has acquired a 9.9% stake in Scripps. Last week, Sinclair revealed it had bought up 8.2% of Scripps common shares and was in acquisition talks with the company. Sinclair operates and/or provides services to 185 TV stations in 85 markets, while Scripps has more than 60 stations in 40-plus markets. Sinclair owns ABC 33/40 in Birmingham. According to Sinclair, upon closing of the Scripps acquisition, Scripps shareholders would own approximately 12.7% of the combined entity. Sinclairs bid for Scripps comes as Nexstar Media Group, the biggest U.S. television station ownership group with 201 stations, is seeking to close its $6.2 billion deal to buy Tegna, which has 64 stations. Last week, Nexstar filed applications requesting a waiver by the FCC of the agencys 39% ownership cap on TV station owners reach across U.S. households. In the SEC filing, Sinclair commented on the FCCs current 39% ownership limit: We are confident that under existing rules, including the national cap, the transaction can be completed in a timely manner with limited select divestitures. Sinclair has requested a response from Scripps to the proposal by Dec. 5, 2025. The combined company would continue to maintain meaningful operations in both Cincinnati (where Scripps is based), and Hunt Valley, Maryland (where Sinclairs headquarters is located), Sinclair CEO Chris Ripley wrote in a letter to Scripps board of directors. Sinclair is supportive of retaining the E.W. Scripps corporate name or selecting a new corporate name, Ripley said. In a statement, Scripps on Monday acknowledged receiving the takeover offer. Consistent with its fiduciary duties and in consultation with its legal and financial advisors, the companys board of directors will carefully review and evaluate any proposals, including the unsolicited Sinclair proposal, to determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interests of the company and all of its shareholders as well as its employees and the many communities and audiences it serves across the United States, Scripps said. The company does not intend to comment further on Sinclairs unsolicited proposal until the board has completed its review. According to Sinclairs proposal, Scripps shareholders would receive $7 per share, consisting of $2.72 in cash and $4.28 in combined company common stock. The $7-per-share price represents a 200% premium to Scripps 30-day volume-weighted average price as of Nov. 6, the last trading day prior to significant buying activity from Sinclair. The combined Sinclair-Scripps company would have a market capitalization of $2.9 billion, based on a 7:1 ratio of enterprise value to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), according to Sinclair, which it said is in line with current trading levels for leading broadcast groups. Sinclair currently estimates the unified company would have about $325 million in cost synergies. Under the terms of the Sinclair proposal, Scripps shareholders may elect to receive all-cash or all-stock consideration for each of the shares of Scripps, subject to proration to the maximum cash and equity amounts detailed in the offer. 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC The grandmother of a girl whose body was found underneath a bed on Carnival cruise ship earlier this month said the FBI told the family the teen likely died from asphyxia. Barbara Kepner said on ABC News Good Morning America in an interview that aired Monday that agents told the family that it appears that someone applied a bar hold using his or her forearms on 18-year-old Anna Kepners neck. Kepner and her husband Jeffrey were on the cruise with their son Christopher Kepner (Annas father), Anna, her brother, Annas stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, and Hudsons two children, she told Good Morning America. The whole family lives in Florida. Court documents in an unrelated custody case involving Hudson and her ex-husband filed in Brevard County last week confirmed that the FBI considers her 16-year-old son a suspect in Annas death. I heard him in his own words say he doesnt remember what happened, Barbara Kepner said during the interview. NEW: The grandmother of Anna Kepner, the 18-year-old who was found stuffed under a bed on a Carnival cruise, speaks out, describes the last time she saw Anna on the ship. Anna's stepbrother is being considered as a suspect. Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner are speaking out about the pic.twitter.com/8WApTXwZCh Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 24, 2025 Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner told ABC News that investigators told the family that the stepbrother was the only person seen on security camera footage going in and out of the room. Anna was staying in the room with him and her biological brother, according to the interview. A cleaning crew found Annas body underneath her bed around 11:20 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, according to Miami-Dade Medical Examiners Office records. The agency has not released the cause of death, directing questions to the FBI, which said there are no updates in the investigation. The ship, the Carnival Horizon, returned to PortMiami Nov. 8 after a Caribbean cruise, the company said in a statement. Court documents filed Nov. 17 related to Hudsons divorce proceedings mention that her son is a focus of the investigation. Hudsons attorneys argue in the motion that she should not attend the hearing, citing her privilege against self incrimination. The filing states that Hudson cannot attend a Dec. 17 custody hearing because FBI agents and her attorneys told her a criminal case may have been initiated against one of the minor children for Annas death. A counter motion filed by her ex-husbands attorney says the couples sixteen year old child is now a suspect in the death of [Kepner] during the cruise. Neither attorney has responded to the Heralds requests for comment. According to an obituary published last week by her family, Anna Kepner was a senior at Temple Christian School who planned to join the U.S. Navy after graduation and eventually become a police officer. 2025 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Derek Hough is experiencing a wave of emotions ahead of becoming a dad. Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert, are expecting their first child together The Dancing with the Stars judge joked he has "absorbed" all of his 31-year-old wife Hayley Erberts pregnancy feelings as the couple gears up to welcome their first child together. Derek, 40, told E! News: "I'm freaking out, or I'm emotional, or I'm crying. She has been the Zen Buddha, just at peace. She's been incredible." The star said it has been a joy to watch his "bada**" spouse prepare for motherhood. Derek gushed: "Honestly, it's been really amazing to watch, to observe and to just witness her being an incredible mother before she has this child." The couple - who tied the knot in front of 106 guest at their fairytale Monterey County, California wedding in 2023 - announced in July that they are expecting their first child together. Since then, Derek has been learning as much as he can about pregnancy. He shared: "I've been having classes with the doulas and midwives, learning all about the pregnancy. Just all these different things and all these tools to really understand this birth, because it's going to be a very intimate birth. "It's going to be a little different, so I have to make sure I know what I'm doing." Derek hopes his experience of being a mentor will stand him in good stead as a dad. He said: "I'm at my best as a person when I'm helping somebody or just being present and hearing them speak." Welling up, the choreographer continued: "I get emotional thinking about it, where I get to guide, mentor, love this human being from day one." Smiling, he added: "It's gonna be amazing and I'm looking forward to what it all is going to do and mean for me as a dad, as a person, as a man and what's going to evolve within me and change." Elsewhere, Derek is excited about planning trips and activities with his little one. In September, he told People: "Going to Disneyland, or going on trips, and just seeing their wonderment, and their eyes, just wide open. "I can't wait to experience things for the first time with my beautiful child." An investigation is ongoing after deadly shooting Sunday in Tuscaloosa. Authorities on Monday said issues of self-defense have been raised in the case, and no arrests have been made. Tuscaloosa police were dispatched at 4 p.m. to a report of a person shot in the 600 block of 30th Avenue. They arrived to find a male dead. His name and age have not been released. Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy said the shooter remained on the scene. After interviewing the shooter, issues of self-defense were raised in this case, Kennedy said. The deceased was found to be armed at the time he was shot. Kennedy said once the investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to a Tuscaloosa County grand jury to determine any potential charges. The conjunction of Mercury and Venus is a win for understanding. Not because the words get any clearer or a line gets a better signal-to-noise ratio. Not because we learn the language of another country or another generation. Not because were suddenly smarter. We understand better because we want to. Not wanting to understand another person is usually the biggest block. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Youre craving a particular kind of inspiration -- the kind that comes from fresh energy and kindred spirits. Follow that pull. Spend time in new places, meet different people, and youll naturally find the ones who make you shine brighter. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Life hums at a comfortable pitch due to your many positive relationships. People return your attention in a way that confirms you are on the same page. They see you as you want to be seen. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You feel the impulse to grow. Youre capable of more. Theres a social dimension to this feeling. Youll be drawn to people who challenge and inspire you, not those who merely reassure or enable you to stay the same. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Youll hear opinions today, some louder than others. You dont have to respond right away, or at all. Sometimes grace sounds like, Im thinking about that. Sometimes wisdom begins with, I dont know yet. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The mind and environment constantly mirror one another. When you clear your physical space, you reduce the low-level mental noise that clutter creates. Psychologists call this cognitive load, and youll clear it with the cleanup you do today. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Aggressive people want to win, but so do pacifists. They want to win peace. The difference is that aggressive people are only truly satisfied with the win if theyre sure the loser has suffered some. Those types will only bring you heartache. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Speak for your own time, or others will take it up. The requirements of the world are as endless as you let them be. Instead of longing for the free days to do what you want, plan and structure your life so that this can really happen. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Youre working for tomorrow, enjoying it today -- thats living the dream. And all the parts that arent enjoyable right now? Those are the parts to note so you can look at them with a more critical eye tomorrow. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your intuition is strong today. Write down the prediction. Its a way of honoring your way of sensing the world, and its also a gift to future-you. Later, you will read this message and have a visceral reaction such as awe, laughter or relief. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Its not like you choose between indulging and overindulging. When the moment and mood arise, the animal inside you takes over -- the one who needs comfort or rest or something other than what youre getting. Stop pushing. Rest and recharge. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Relationship talks are in the works. Feelings are on the line, and no one wants to reject or be rejected. It takes courage to state and hear the truth. Feeling vulnerable and going forward anyway -- thats the heart of loves work. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Youre drawn to so many different things today that your work may take a meandering path. Dont judge yourself or invite judgment from others. Follow your curiosity. This will all make sense a little later. TODAYS BIRTHDAY (Nov. 24). Welcome to your Year of Loyal Love. People show you that you can trust them. Relationships grow rich through honest exchange and playfulness. Youll strengthen bonds at home and open your heart to new allies in the professional realm and the world at large. More highlights: success with a bold pitch, your work adored by the right audience, and celebrations that echo for years. Leo and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 20, 34, 11 and 29. CELEBRITY PROFILES: After her acclaimed performance in Broadways musical adaptation of The Great Gatsby, Sarah Hyland is starring as Connie Francis in the Broadway production of Just in Time. A show business pro since she was 4 years old, Hyland had dozens of credits before she landed the role of Haley Dunphy on Modern Family, and her fun-loving, forward-thinking Aquarius moon and natal Jupiter in Leo suggest the hits will keep coming. Holiday Mathis debut novel, How To Fail Epically in Hollywood, is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com. Kalisha Dunson and Keyonate McCall were found shot to death Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Wilcox County. They had been reported missing on Monday. (Contributed) A suspect has been charged in the killings of two Alabama teens found dead Saturday, nearly a week after they vanished. Courtney Anderson, 27, of Thomasville, is charged with capital murder, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency announced Sunday night. ALEA Capt. Jeremy Burkett said the bodies of the victims, ages 18 and 17, were discovered Saturday near Ralph Ervin Road in Wilcox Countys Pine Hill community. Court records identified the victims as Kalisha Dunson and Keyonate McCall. The teens were reported missing on Monday. They were last known to be near Thomasville. Additional details about their disappearance and subsequent homicides have not been released. Charging documents against Anderson say both victims were shot multiple times. Anderson was taken into custody Saturday and officially charged with capital murder of two or more people. He is being held in the Wilcox County Jail. Burkett said the investigation is ongoing. Thomasville Tiger Nation posted this on Facebook: It is with profound sadness that Thomasville City Schools confirms the death of one of our students. We extend our deepest condolences to the students family, friends, classmates, and all who knew and loved them. This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire school community. Our focus is on supporting our students, staff, and families as we grieve together. Counselors and support staff are available at Thomasville High School and across the district for any student or employee who may need assistance. We encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out to a trusted adult or to school support personnel. To honor the familys privacy during this difficult time, we will not be sharing additional details. We ask our community to keep the family in your thoughts and to respect their need for space and compassion. As a district, we are united in compassion and committed to caring for one another through this loss." Situated on six acres off U.S. 280, Valley Post will see four restaurants open in the next two weeks. Pihakis Restaurant Group Two pieces of a Shelby County development are scheduled to open this week in Chelsea. And two other dining destinations have announced when they will start cooking. Rodney Scotts BBQ and Hero Diner will begin serving patrons at Valley Post at the northwest corner of U.S. 280 and Dunnavant Valley Road. Designed in collaboration with Chambless King Architects and Rives Construction, Valley Post will also be the home of Little Donkey and Luca & Lucy. Rodney Scotts announced on social media that it will open Tuesday at 11 a.m. We are so excited about this dynamic development and look forward to meeting all of our new neighbors and visitors alike, the restaurant announced. Hero Diner will open Saturday. In an announcement, the restaurant said its Shelby County location will have a few new twists in addition to its breakfast sandwiches, burgers and fried chicken sandwiches. The menu still features full breakfast plates, salads, coffee, and our famous doughnutsnow with exciting, sweet additions like soft-serve ice cream in a cone, dipped with butterscotch, cherry, or chocolate, or piled onto a Hero doughnut to create the fronut, the restaurant announced. Valley Post takes its name from its location at the lip of the valley, with the idea of being a point of reference - a place to post up. Part of the plan for the development is that each restaurant has indoor dining and large outdoor patios, facing out into a common greenspace. Plantings and winding paths lead from restaurants through the common area, with a large viewing screen at one end of the green to provide a focal point. The developments other restaurants have also announced when they will open. Little Donkey Mexican Restaurant and Luca & Lucy will both open on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Little Donkey, which offers Mexican food with a Southern flair, debuted back in 2012. Luca & Lucy is described as the fun little sister of Homewoods Luca Lagotto restaurant and market, which opened last year. Offering Italian cuisine are Chefs Rita Bernhardt and Paul Yeck, with pizza, pasta, wine and cocktails. A failure in the water system has left residents of Marion without clean, running water since Thursday, according to a press release from the organization Alabama Values. The outage has caused businesses to close, churches to cancel services, and put people with medical problems, including those in nursing homes and dialysis patients, at risk. Marion is the county seat of Perry County in west Alabama, between Selma and Tuscaloosa. Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma, whose district includes Marion, called the situation a crisis. This could happen anywhere in the Black Belt, Stewart said. Rural communities with aging and neglected water systems are one malfunction away from disaster. We need urgent relief today, and we need long-term, sustainable investment. Some parts of the Black Belt have also been plagued by a lack of sanitary sewer systems. Because of the water outage in Marion, two nursing homes and a dialysis center are operating under strained conditions, and many families are struggling to meet basic needs. Alabama Values said several agencies and organizations are helping: The Alabama Emergency Management Agency has deployed bottled water and helped with distribution. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management is working to identify and repair the system failure. The Alabama Department of Public Health is monitoring health and safety concerns. Local leaders, including the mayor, county commission and city council, are coordinating response efforts. Sowing Seeds of Hope, a local nonprofit, is serving as a primary water distribution site. Stewart thanked agencies and volunteers for their support and said their response shows the power of community. How to help Officials say the community urgently needs bottled water and volunteers. Water can be donated at Sowing Seeds of Hope, 1728 South Washington Street, Marion. The phone number is 334-683-4666. To volunteer, call the Perry County Emergency Management Agency at 334-683-2236 or reach out to Sowing Seeds of Hope. The Perry County Health Department is providing support to elderly and disabled residents at 334-247-5344. Stewart said the crisis is an example of the challenges faced by rural towns with shrinking populations, limited resources and aging systems. Cities like Marion do not have the money or workforce to maintain aging infrastructure, he said. When people leave, the money leaves, and when the money leaves, more people leave. It becomes a cycle. A National Guard member from Alabama has died in a non-duty-related incident in Washington, D.C., according to military news site Task & Purpose. Alabama National Guard Staff Sgt. Jacob Bobby Hill, of Sylacauga, was assigned to Joint Task Force-D.C., a group of troops mobilized to the district this summer under the direction of President Donald Trump. Task & Purpose reports that Army officials did not respond to inquiries about the incident, citing an ongoing investigation. The loss weighs heavily on us all within JTF-DC, task force commander Col. Larry Doane told the publication in a statement. Hills dedication to the mission and passion to serve our country, speaks to the highest values of the military. We honor him for his service and will ensure support is extended to his loved ones during this difficult time. Hill was one of over 2,000 National Guard members that have been deployed to D.C. since August, arriving in early October. Trump said previously he made the decision to address crime in the capital city. Since then, he has ordered similar deployments in several major U.S. cities including Chicago, Portland, and Memphis. The move has been the subject of ongoing political controversy, with U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruling last week that it was illegal. The impacts of the judges ruling are not immediate since the administration will have until Dec. 11 to make an appeal, Task & Force reports. My son cried himself to sleep last night as he contemplated what his relationship with his mother will look like for the rest of his life, Dalton wrote in an email to AL.com Wednesday. Provided by Jessica Blanchard The family of Sonia Parris say their lives and the lives of her two young children have been upended in the wake of the 30-year olds arrest and detainment last week. Parris was arrested last Monday afternoon by St. Clair County sheriffs for failure to appear on an expired license ticket, according to county jail records. St. Clair Sheriffs Public Information Officer Juana Corbin confirmed Parris arrest in a phone call with AL.com Friday but said the office could not comment on anything relating to her detainment as it was in ICEs hands. Jessica Blanchard, who is dating Parris ex-husband Dalton, said she was picked up from the jail by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents Wednesday morning. Her family was not able to reach her for days before finally being allowed a few brief phone calls this weekend with Parris at her current location, an ICE detention center in Louisiana. The family was also struggling to find Parris in ICEs records until they discovered she had been listed under the wrong last name -- Parrish. ICE records show a Sonia Corona Parrish in custody at the South Louisiana Processing Center in Basile. Efforts to reach central Alabama ICE representatives were not successful. The past week has been particularly hard on Parris 12-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter, Blanchard said. Since Parris arrest, the son has been staying with Dalton, his father, and the daughter has been with her father in another household. My son cried himself to sleep last night as he contemplated what his relationship with his mother will look like for the rest of his life, Dalton wrote in an email to AL.com Wednesday. According to Dalton, Parris license and tags were expired due to lapsed DACA documents. Established in 2012, DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, allowed individuals without legal immigration status who met certain requirements to be deemed by the Department of Homeland Security not to be a priority for removal from the United States and to be deemed eligible to remain and work for renewable two-year periods, according to the U.S. Congress website. But Dalton says renewing this paperwork is very daunting and difficult to maintain. Two years is a misnomer, he said. This actually means every year and half. The expiration is 2 years, but processing time must be taken into account 150 days prior to expiration is recommended but 180 is more realistic to ensure zero lapse. Dalton said each renewal requires filling out a thick stack of documentation. Nothing can be wrong and changing anything, such as an address, can mean a longer processing time, he said. This documentation must be sent with a fee (it used to be $495 but increased to $555 for online filing or $605 for paper filing as of April 2024) again every year and half. This is not an insignificant sum for folks these days. Even if an individual has filled out the forms and can afford the fee, Dalton said another obstacle comes up when its time to renew that persons license. During the process, you will be notified that you must drive to a designated state facility that can renew the applicants license, he said. You then must drive to a designated facility for federal documentation to receive passport and work visa renewal. When we lived in south Alabama, the closest was in New Orleans. If an applicant misses any of the deadlines within this process, their documentation becomes lapsed and their license, passport, and work visa all expire at the end of the two years, according to federal policy. This is all if you do it on your own and immigration attorneys can add more cost, Dalton added. He went on to attribute Parris failure to appear in court for the expired license to stories where ICE waits at courthouses for hearings to be over to take people. She was motivated by fear, Dalton said. That is what will likely allow ICE to rip a mother from her children and send her to a country she does not know. According to her family, Parris has lived in the U.S. since she was two months old. Sonia is not a criminal, reads a GoFundMe Dalton set up. She is a mother who got caught in an unforgiving system. She has been here since she was an infant. This is the only home she has ever known, and these children deserve to grow up with their mother. Blanchard said Thursday they were told that Parris is scheduled to appear in immigration court in Louisiana at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 16th. The American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama met with Dalton and other family members on Friday to start the process of obtaining an attorney for Parris, Dalton said. Efforts to reach the ACLU for comment were not immediately successful. Parris story is similar to many following President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, which is currently striving to arrest 3,000 people daily, according to previous comments from White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Last month, Birmingham immigration advocate Giovanna Hernandez-Martinez decided to leave the U.S. to live with extended family in Mexico City after being detained by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement in early August during a traffic stop in Leeds. Two Iranian men living in Alabama, Alireza Doroudi and Ribvar Karimi, were also detained by ICE earlier this year on claims of being in the country illegally and being a violent extremist, respectively. After over two months in detention, Doroudi requested voluntary deportation in May and returned to Iran over the summer. Karimi, who missed the birth of his child while in ICE detention, was still fighting to stay in the U.S. as of Aug. 14, according to his lawyer Michael Shabani. FILE - President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House, on April 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) AP President Donald Trump has said he wants to send Americans a $2,000 dividend generated by revenue from tariffs on foreign goods. Details on the payments are scarce. Trump said the payments will go to moderate and middle-income people and high-earners will be excluded. No details were provided on those cutoff ranges, or if the payments would be per family or individual. No timeline was given, either, other than the president saying they would probably go out in the middle of 2026 or a little bit later than that. But dont spend that money just yet. Some lawmakers, including members of the presidents own party, are pushing back against the idea and it cant move forward without Congressional approval. Were facing a deficit this year around $2 trillion, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin told reporters, according to a report in Business Insider. I think whatever revenue we get, from whatever source, ought to go to try and bring down those deficits. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, echoed those sentiments. You know, my focus would clearly be paying down the $38 trillion of the debt, Scott told Business Insider. But I have to see what he proposes. According to Axios, the cost of the payments could exceed $200 billion if checks are issued to individuals and not per U.S. household. Thats more than the government collected in tariffs in 2025 and about half the amount it projects to receive in fiscal 2026. During the COVID pandemic, Congress approved three stimulus checks. The first round was paid in April 2020 and included up to $1,200 per eligible adult and $500 per qualifying child. The second round, paid in December 2020, was up to $600 per person and the third, issued in March 2021, was up to $1,400 per individual. Those payments were based on income. Income limits for COVID payments were $150,000 for families, $112,500 for heads of household and $75,000 for individuals. People whose incomes exceeded those levels received reduced payments. Tarrant, Alabama is just northeast of the city of Birmingham. Tough decisions are ahead to stabilize finances, secure employees and maintain services in a struggling Birmingham-area town, the new mayor declared. Tarrant Mayor Tracie Threadford recently presented details about the citys financial condition, which she describes as the elephant in the room. We dont have any cushion, Threadford told council members at the most recent meeting. The city of 6,000 people just north of Birmingham has about $1.57 million in the bank. According to the citys finance office, Tarrant spends about $701,000 a month in expenses and takes in about $750,000 in revenue monthly. The mayor said shes already taken steps to slow spending, including eliminating the privilege of police officers parking at home. They now must park at the station. She is also reviewing the citys cell phone policy and vehicle allowances. Were looking at ways to cut and ways to save, Threadford told AL.com. Weve got to increase our business base and tax base. Weve got to dig deep and find the best way to reduce debt and increase revenue. For example, Threadford cited an extremely poorly negotiated police vehicle contract with Enterprise where the company pays for maintenance only on cars that are not used in pursuit. As a result, the city spends $200,000 yearly to repair the vehicles used for emergencies, she said. Threadford defeated former mayor Wayman Newton in a September runoff to become the second female mayor in the citys history. She took office Nov. 3. Ongoing litigation also adds to Tarrants expenses. The city is only partially insured. The citys liability insurance covers costs over $75,000, but verdicts below that amount come from city funds, she explained. Tarrant has faced a series of lawsuits stemming from political and personnel disputes at city hall. Weve got litigation that is going to have to come out of our coffers, she said. Threadford promised a financial report will be delivered at every council meeting. The city will also increase efforts to enforce collection of business license fees. Yes, I made some very tough calls in the first two weeks, and this is the reason why I made those calls, she told the council, explaining the citys current condition. Financial uncertainty is longstanding in Tarrant. The city has not passed an operating budget since 2022 as the council refused to approve the spending plan put forward by the former mayor. City officials warned in September that spending must slow down, or the city will run out of money. Few details were provided at that time. But emails obtained by AL.com included a notice from Tarrants finance department notifying employees that all purchases must be pre-approved. Threadford bristled at the notion of hiring a consultant to assist with finances. Theres no money to do it anyway as the city struggles to pay employees already on staff, she said. Im my own consultant unless someone wants to volunteer, Threadford said. Im going to have to consult myself, Im going to have to consult the Lord. But I cant pay a consultant. Im going to always keep the citizens and the employees at the forefront on everything I do. On Monday, Dec. 1, the city of Birmingham and One Roof, a homelessness relief organization, will host a first-of-its-kind event to identify and support solutions for the citys homeless population. (Will McLelland | AL.com) Will McLelland On Monday, Dec. 1, the city of Birmingham and One Roof, a homelessness relief organization, will host a first-of-its-kind event to identify and support solutions for the citys homeless population. The event will bring together public-sector leaders, faith leaders, nonprofits, local businesses and civic partners for a conversation about Birminghams homelessness response and the path forward. The free, public event will take place at 1 p.m. at Regions Field. Click here to register. The purpose of the event is really for our entire community to come together to know whats going on in our homeless response system, align our vision for the future and to let people know whats coming down the pike, Gordon Sullivan, One Roofs executive director, said. The city of Birmingham and local organizations have made various efforts to aid in homelessness relief. Earlier this year the city agreed to pay $1.2 million for the construction of micro-shelters downtown. And Jimmie Hale Mission plans to build a $4.4 million emergency shelter. As Birmingham invests $1.5 million into strengthening housing and homelessness services, this event aims to coordinate the citys vision, strategy and resources with local organizations. One Roof leads the Continuum of Care for Central Alabama, coordinating agencies and service providers to ensure an effective, equitable response to homelessness which includes providing emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing and wrap-around services. The event will feature a showcase of community services, storytelling by providers and people who have experienced homelessness as well as remarks by Mayor Randall Woodfin and community leaders. The city and One Roof will use the event to highlight their progress on tackling homelessness, elevate community members voices and create clearer pathways for collaboration across sectors. There is no problem too big for a city that has already changed the world, Woodfin said in a statement. We can do it againbecause every person in Birmingham deserves a brighter future. Flights at Eindhoven Airport were suspended on Saturday (22.11.25) following a series of drone sightings that forced both civilian and military air traffic to be halted in the southern Dutch city. Drone sightings force temporary shutdown The suspension was confirmed by defence minister Ruben Brekelmans, who posted an urgent update on X warning that drones had been detected close to the airport. He wrote: "Multiple drones have been spotted near Eindhoven Airport. Civilian and military air traffic has therefore been suspended. Defence counter-drone assets are on standby to intervene. Police and the Royal Marechaussee are also on site. Further investigation is underway and we will take action where necessary." The unusual activity raised immediate concern among security officials, who refused to provide further details about the devices or their origin. Eindhoven Airport supports both civilian travel and military use, which makes any unauthorised presence in its airspace a sensitive issue. The airport remained closed while investigators assessed the situation and defence teams prepared counter-drone measures. Officials did not specify how long the suspension lasted, but confirmed that operations resumed later in the evening once appropriate steps had been taken. Mr Brekelmans later posted an update to confirm that flights had restarted. He said: "Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport has just resumed. Defence has taken measures but, for security reasons, cannot yet share more information about how this was done. Disruption of air traffic with drones is unacceptable. Therefore, we are taking action against it." FILE - Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., speaks during the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, file) AP One of the six Democratic lawmakers who told military members to disobey unlawful orders is having his conduct reviewed by the Department of Defense and may be subject to a court-martial or other administrative measures, according to the agency and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a retired Navy commander, appeared in the video posted on social media last week in which the Democratic lawmakers, all former military or intelligence officials, reminded current military and intelligence officials that they can refuse illegal orders. We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community. The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution. Dont give up the ship. pic.twitter.com/N8lW0EpQ7r Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) November 18, 2025 The video spurred President Donald Trump to call the Democratic lawmakers traitors, suggesting they be executed for seditious behavior. On Monday, Hegseth said only Kellys conduct will be reviewed because the other five lawmakers were a former CIA agent and former military officials who have not retired and therefore not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ.) The video made by the Seditious Six was despicable, reckless, and false. Encouraging our warriors to ignore the orders of their Commanders undermines every aspect of good order and discipline, Hegseth tweeted. Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion which only puts our warriors in danger." Under the UCMJ, the Defense Department said, a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures. This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality. Further official comments will be limited, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings, the agency continued. Hegseth said the Arizona senators remarks in the video were addressed directly to all troops while explicitly using his rank and service affiliationlending the appearance of authority to his words. Kellys conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately." Kelly said in a statement that he wouldnt back down following Hegseths announcement. If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it wont work, he tweeted. Ive given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution. In the video, the lawmakers did not cite any specific order from Trump that they believed was unlawful. Vice President JD Vance, accused the lawmakers of illegal actions after Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., could not give an example of an illegal order from Trump during an appearance on ABCs This Week. If the president hasnt issued illegal orders, them members of Congress telling the military to defy the president is by definition illegal, Vance tweeted. If the president hasn't issued illegal orders, them members of Congress telling the military to defy the president is by definition illegal. https://t.co/Q5drUE6BLS JD Vance (@JDVance) November 23, 2025 Kelly had yet to respond on social media to the Defense Departments announcement. FILE - Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks during a Senate Committee on Appropriations subcommittee hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of State on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) AP Former Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell was attacked Monday by Vice President JD Vance and Donald Trump, Jr. after questioning the administrations strategy to end the war in Ukraine. McConnell, who is retiring in January 2027 after representing Kentucky in the Senate for nearly 40 years, including 17 leading Republicans in the chamber, suggested President Donald Trump is being given awful advice. Putin has spent the entire year trying to play President Trump for a fool, McConnell said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. If Administration officials are more concerned with appeasing Putin than securing real peace, then the President ought to find new advisors. Rewarding Russian butchery would be disastrous to Americas interests. And a capitulation like Bidens abandonment of Afghanistan would be catastrophic to a legacy of peace through strength. The former Senate GOP leader continued to question the administrations strategy on Sunday. McConnell said that while he agreed with Trump that former President Joe Bidens weakness emboldened enemies like Putin, the Trump administrations negotiations to end the war are favoring Russia. But those who think pressuring the victim and appeasing the aggressor will bring peace are kidding themselves. Which difficult concessions are we pressing Russia to make? How does limiting Ukraines defenses against future aggression increase the likelihood of enduring peace? The price and stability of peace matters, and our credibility is on the line. Allies and adversaries are watching: Will America hold firm against aggression or will we reward it? McConnell tweeted. The Kentucky senator, who has also criticized the administrations stance on tariffs, drew the anger of Vance and Trump Jr. over his latest disagreement with the administration. This is a ridiculous attack on the presidents team, which has worked tirelessly to clean up the mess in Ukraine that Mitch--always eager to write blank checks to Bidens foreign policy--left us, Vance tweeted. I wonder if the three candidates to replace McConnell in Kentucky share his views here. Trump Jr. accused McConnell of being bitter that his influence has waned in the Republican Party. Mitch is just bitter and lashing out against my father because hes mad that Republican voters have rejected his globalist agenda on just about everything and want to put America First! he tweeted. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene waves while former President Donald Trump points to her while they look over the 16th tee during the second round of the Bedminster Invitational LIV Golf tournament in Bedminster, N.J., Saturday, July 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) AP U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia says she is not planning to run for president, days after she announced her plan to resign from Congress amid a falling out with President Trump. Im not running for President and never said I wanted to and have only laughed about it when anyone would mention it, Greene said in a post on X. On Friday, Greene made the stunning announcement that she would depart Congress after weeks of clashing with Trump. Trump responded in an interview with NBC News about the possibility of Greene one day resuming her political career at some point. Its not going to be easy for her to revive her career in politics," Trump said, although he added: Id love to see that. Trump said that Greene, in the meantime, shes got to take a little rest. Greene joined Congress as one of Trumps staunchest allies, being sworn into office days before the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. She strongly supported the president and often echoed his contention that the 2020 election was stolen even when members of his own party had disavowed him. She leaves Congress having been branded a traitor by Trump. The two Republicans had a public falling out over several issues, including Trumps decisions to launch airstrikes on Iran, his support for Israel during the Gaza War and a lack of regulation of big tech companies earlier this year, according to the BBC. Then, there was the deep divide over the handling of the investigative materials related to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, and Trumps unwillingness to order the U.S. Department of Justice to release the Epstein files fully. The president last week called Greene a ranting lunatic and disavowed her in response to the break over the Epstein files. Fridays statement by Greene announcing her resignation shocked colleagues in Congress and constituents in Georgia. She said she would step down in January. I refuse to be a battered wife hoping it all goes away and gets better, she said in her resignation statement. Elon Musk hold a chainsaw as he arrives to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP Trump administration critics are celebrating the demise of the Department of Government Efficiency, which doesnt exist anymore despite its charter expiring in eight months. Tesla CEO and billionaire Elon Musk had been put in charge of DOGE, which had been tasked with cutting fraud, waste and abuse from government, before Musk withdrew from the role in late May. Asked by Reuters about DOGEs operations earlier this month, a Trump administration official told the news wire service, that doesnt exist. DOGE is no longer a centralized entity, Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor told Reuters. DOGEs functions are now being handled by the Office of Personnel Management, said Kupor. The body claimed to have slashed billions from government but verification was made difficult because DOGE did not provide detailed public accounting of its work, according to Reuters. At the Conservative Political Action Conference earlier this year, Musk wielded a chainsaw to symbolize DOGEs efforts. This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy, he said. Elon Musk is swinging around a chainsaw at CPAC pic.twitter.com/J1fGdOXBOD Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 20, 2025 Democrats and Trump administration critics assailed DOGE, claiming the department damaged the United States standing in the world by slashing funds to USAID. They also slammed DOGE for putting Americans privacy at risk by accessing Social Security information. Critics welcomed DOGEs disbanding. Good riddance, tweeted U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, D-R.I. Now lets undo their damage. DOGE has been disbanded by the Trump regime. A total grift that achieved nothing except stealing Americans data, tweeted liberal influencer Harry Sisson. Trump lied about fraud and saving money and now hes spending more than ever. The MAGA scam on full display. Joe Walsh, a former Republican U.S. House member-turned-Trump administration critic, said Musk should be on trial over DOGE. In the end, it didnt cut government spending, and there was no promised savings. In the end, DOGE destroyed countless lives, ravaged American soft power, killed hundreds of thousands of people around the world (soon millions), & stole your data, Walsh tweeted. The Republicans Against Trump account on X added: What did DOGE accomplish besides creating chaos and confusion? In recent years, a significant and surprisingly broad phenomenon has emerged: a quiet revival of faith among young people in both the United States and the United Kingdom. At the same time, a parallel rediscovery of God is taking place among many leading intellectuals. Together, these two trends deserve careful attention and serious reflection. Lets begin with the ordinary people before turning to the maitres a penser. England and Wales: Young People Are Returning to Church According to The Quiet Revival report published by the Bible Society, the share of young people aged 18 to 24 who attend church at least once a month in England and Wales has risen from 4% in 2018 to 16% in 2024, with men driving much of this growth. Many of these young churchgoers are also gravitating toward Catholicism: among those aged 18-34 who are active in church life, over 40% identify as Catholic, surpassing Anglicans. Paul Williams, CEO of the Bible Society, summarizes the findings this way: The Quiet Revival is a hugely significant report that should reshape perceptions of Christianity and religious practice in England and Wales. Far from sliding toward extinction, the Church is alive, growing, and making a difference for individuals and society. This favorable trend is also reflected in a rise in adult conversions and baptisms. Many parishes now report record numbers of adults entering the Catholic Church -- typically motivated by a search for authenticity, truth, and community. A Similar Trend in the United States The same dynamic is unfolding in the United States. According to Pew Research, about 1.5% of American Catholic adults today are converts. Many of these younger adults say they are seeking a stable moral order and a spiritual depth they no longer find in contemporary secular culture. For a growing number of them, the structure, ritual, and aesthetic beauty of Catholic liturgy are decisive factors. In other words, a generation is rediscovering in God not only a transcendent ideal but also a concrete community and a form of stability that secular society struggles to provide. A Leadership Roundtable study notes that young adult Catholics in the U.S. are among the most engaged parishioners -- attending Mass, confession, and eucharistic adoration -- while also feeling tension between their personal dedication and the institutional fragility they perceive in parts of the Church. This is not a series of isolated conversions. It is a demographic and cultural shift -- and a profound one. And the Intellectuals Are Returning to God Alongside this youth-driven religious revival, a comparable phenomenon is unfolding among intellectuals. For the past two decades, a large portion of the western cultural elite embraced the paradigm of the New Atheism. The formula seemed obvious: economic progress + science + technology = final emancipation from all religion. But that season is over. Philosophers, writers, commentators, and even high-profile figures in the tech world are now moving in the opposite direction: returning to God -- or at least to the religious dimension as an indispensable cultural foundation. This time the trend does not originate with the masses, but with the people who shape ideas. And that matters: cultural currents often begin at the top and filter downward into public opinion. Though the personal stories differ, they share a common thread: the realization that hyper-rationalism no longer explains the world -- and no longer helps people live well within it. Here are some emblematic cases, drawing on an insightful Free Press article by Peter Savodnik. Matthew Crawford: From Academic Agnosticism to the Anglican Church Matthew Crawford -- long seen as a symbol of secular intellectual life -- found faith through a human encounter: meeting Marilyn Simon, a scholar and believer. His story is simple yet revealing. It wasnt doctrine he lacked, but meaning. A higher moral order became, for him, a response to todays radical individualism and fragmentation. Paul Kingsnorth: The Environmental Novelist Who Found Orthodoxy Once a leading figure in European environmentalism, Kingsnorth explored several spiritual paths before embracing Orthodox Christianity. His reasoning is partly sociopolitical: the ecological crisis, he argues, is at its core a spiritual one -- the result of a rupture between human beings and the natural world. Orthodoxy, with its mystical depth, offered him a restored sense of the sacred. Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Faith as a Response to Inner Emptiness -- and to Islamism A former Dutch MP, survivor of genital mutilation, and for years a fierce critic of political Islam, Ayaan Hirsi Ali converted to Christianity for two reasons: her personal battle with depression the Wests inability, in her view, to confront aggressive religious ideologies with purely secular tools Her conversion is perhaps the most overtly political: she argues that a culturally disarmed Europe needs Christianity as an anchor of identity and resistance. Richard Dawkins and Cultural Christianity The father of New Atheism has not converted, but he has retreated. Dawkins now describes himself as a cultural Christian, openly worried that abandoning the Christian tradition will create a dangerous ideological and religious vacuum. Jordan Hall: The AntiSilicon Valley Conversion A former tech pioneer, Jordan Hall discovered God not in some futuristic spiritual forum but in a small rural church. His diagnosis is sociological before it is mystical: the West is undergoing cultural termination, marked by demographic decline, loneliness, and digitized relationships. Religious community, he argues, provides something no technology can replace. Conversions are Sweeping Through the Young Across the U.S., conversions among young men are rising, traditional liturgies are making a comeback, and seminaries are seeing increased interest. In a period of economic insecurity, relational instability, and cultural uncertainty, religion reemerges as a form of social capital. Not a Folkloric Revival -- and Not a Fashion Statement The return to faith among both intellectuals and the young reflects a deep unease with a cultural model that has lost its normative power. For Europe -- and for the West more broadly -- where debates over identity, welfare, birth rates, and social cohesion are intensifying, these developments deserve close attention. Religion may be returning not only as a legacy of the past, but as a resource for the future -- a striking challenge to the atheism and agnosticism that once appeared firmly in command. Samuel Robert Piccoli is a blogger and the author of several books, among them Being Conservative from A to Z (2014) and Blessed Are the Free in Spirit (2021). He lives in the Venice area. Image: Pexels The EU is working at full speed to complete its online surveillance-and-informant network. By the end of the year, all EU member states are required to present so-called Trusted Flaggers -- institutions tasked with identifying problematic content -- to Brussels for accreditation. Politicians from Germanys Christian Democratic Union appear especially eager. Hendrik Wust, CDU politician and Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a child of the current zeitgeist. As the leader of Germanys most populous state, he views it as his mission not merely to preach the dominant ideology of the CO2-neutral society, but to enforce it rigorously. Together with his Green coalition partner, he works tirelessly to transform what was once Europes industrial heartland into an economic wasteland, perfectly aligned with the ideological fantasies of Brussels chief engineers. Out with nuclear power, end coal-fired electricity -- NRW must become green. And Wust celebrates the coming economic collapse, soon to crown himself the king of debt, presiding over his own Rust Belt and mass unemployment. This disaster will secure him a special place in the history of North Rhine-Westphalia. Censorship and Opinion Management But this is only one side of Wusts political mission. The Munsterland native naturally also embraces the zeitgeist-approved fight against hate and incitement -- that political doctrine used to suppress unwelcome opposition through moralizing poison darts, censorship, and the quiet threat of consequences. Wust is the ideal politician of our time: ideologically flexible to the point of eco-socialist maximum contortion. To give his convictions material force, Wust pushed early for the use of so-called Trusted Flaggers -- institutions that scan online content for political cleanliness. His favorite: So Done GmbH, a private software outfit that has not yet received official flagger status but has previously been contracted by politicians such as Robert Habeck to hunt down critics. Wust repeatedly promoted the company in the past but was forced by attorney Joachim Steinhofel to sign a cease-and-desist declaration. The principle of neutrality apparently still applies -- even for the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia. A Seamless Spy Network Wust and his allies pursue a single goal: to close every remaining gap so that critical commentary on climate policy, the war in Ukraine, or future pandemic waves can be detected and sanctioned. By years end, all EU member states must identify and submit such informant institutions for approval. Brussels alone decides who gets accredited, ensuring no ideological outliers slip into the network. Germanys list of Trusted Flaggers already includes groups like REspect! (Youth Foundation Baden-Wurttemberg), HateAid gGmbH, and the Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv). It can be assumed that many public administrations will gladly offer themselves for this new opinion-policing ecosystem -- a sort of taxpayer-funded employment program for bored bureaucrats convinced theyre defending democracy. One for All Wust stands merely as a symbol of the current political zeitgeist, a pars pro toto in a sea of uniformity. Yet precisely because he is Minister President of the countrys most populous state, he becomes a pivotal figure in the fight against citizens sovereignty and free speech. This fight has progressed so far that even private companies -- like So Done -- have discovered mass surveillance and content-scanning as a lucrative business model. Naturally, as so often today, publicly subsidized: financed with the very money taken from citizens to fund the surveillance apparatus that subsequently treats them all as suspects. One would laugh if it werent so sad -- and so dangerous. The Digital Block Warden The practice of Trusted Flaggers evokes unpleasant memories of the East German Blockwart -- the visible tip of a system wrapped in an invisible net of Stasi informants. Today the Orwellian state is taking shape: a visible leadership class cloaking its attack on civil liberties in soft democratic rhetoric, and a steadily growing pressure on critics, combined with a silent threat of consequences if one strays outside the permitted political corridor. The silenced citizen -- always the ideal of every authoritarian system. The surveillance apparatus is long past its beta phase. In the second quarter of 2025 alone, 29 million online posts were registered under the Digital Services Act (DSA) as deleted or restricted in visibility. All this through the work of Europes Trusted Flaggers. The Digital Prison The Trusted Flagger system -- baked into Brussels DSA and coordinated in Germany by the Federal Network Agency -- will unleash its full destructive force the moment Brussels succeeds in establishing absolute control over the monetary system. Should the bureaucrats manage -- still technologically and intellectually questionable -- to use a digital euro to fully centralize, monitor, and algorithmically control all transactions, we would face the fusion of potential offense and instant punishment. How quickly could the financial lifeline of bloggers, journalists, and freethinkers be shut off? What still requires court rulings, administrative procedures, or compliant banks could soon be a single back-end click. Brussels power seems more advanced than we realize. All member states have obediently submitted to this directive. A loud opposition is nowhere to be found. And so the only real counterweight remains the United States, which -- for economic and ideological reasons -- resists the EUs censorship regime, its DSA, and its chat-control ambitions. For the free individual, only one hope remains in the fight against the EU Politburo: the government of Donald Trump and the possibility that America remembers its European roots. A Pathetic Kowtow to the Surveillance State The ultimate conclusion for any freedom-loving individual: the fact that a company like So Done GmbH is celebrated as a start-up and held up as an example of German technological competence is the most pathetic kowtow imaginable to the rising totalitarianism. Like a loaded gun, the political class presses the destructive potential of digital technology against the temples of the sovereign citizen. Europe stands on the brink of civilizational collapse -- exposed here as a vulgar form of corporatism, a grotesque collaboration between private industry and the state. The eco-socialist surveillance regime is the antithesis of European civilization, a bastard child of the 20th-century totalitarianisms. Image: AT via Magic Studio There is a dangerous misconception taking hold among certain Republicans who believe the party should adopt a big tent philosophy that includes anyone who claims the slightest right-wing inclination. This thinking comes from a place of fear. Some GOP figures remain terrified of making enemies to the right, noticing that Democrats gain power by refusing to anger their own far left. The comparison is superficial. Democrats avoid attacking their radical fringe because those activists represent a central source of energy and turnout for the party. Image created using AI. Republicans who believe the same dynamic applies on the right ignore the reality that their fringe contains people who openly wish to burn the GOP to the ground. Few prove that more clearly than Nick Fuentes. Last week, Fuentes delivered one of the most revealing monologues of his career. His words were not subtle. They were not coded. They were not meant as reform. They were a blueprint for total destruction. He is quoted extensively because his own voice offers the most compelling proof: Its time to undermine the GOP. I said it in 2020. The GOP must be destroyed. Has to be utterand, yeah, theyre gonna say, He, hes a Democrat! He wants the GOP to be destroyed! The GOP serves the intereststhe GOP, as presently constructed, serves the interests, the special interests, the donors. Everybody knows that. ... It serves Miriam Adelson and the Israel lobby. This is who they work for. This is who selects the cabinet. This is who makes the policy. Fuentes went on to say: So, this is the blueprint. This is how we take over ... Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie working together against the interests to compel the (Jeffrey Epstein) files, what do you think that has, a 90% approval rating? If you had progressive Democrats and nationalist Republicans working together, lets say to compel the release of the Epstein files, what kind of approval rating do you think that has? 90%? And what if they got together and they opposed foreign aid to Israel? What approval rating do you think that would have? 90%? What if they got together and worked on the basis of a common interest? ... And we need to propel someone into the White House that is just a populist. And here, heres where were gonna have to give. This is gonna be the compromise. Very simple. The left has to give up immigration. That simple. The left is gonna have to give up--look, we can have equity and we can have, um, equality in the country. We can have civil rights. We can have all those things. But we have to close the damn borders. We have to close it. Too many illegal immigrants. Too many legal immigrants. That has to be the compromise. The left has to give on immigration and the right has to give on the free market. If the right can come down on healthcare, and on a social safety net, and maybe on some subsidies for education, and if the left can come down on the anti-white, open border stuff, and they can agree that we have a country, that party will win 90% of the vote and rule for a century. Fuentes said the quiet part aloud. The goal is not unity. The goal is destruction. He envisions a new hybrid party that replaces the GOP entirely. His plan eradicates Donald Trump-era Republican principles with a fusion of severely misguided identitarian grievance from the right and woke, equity-fueled nanny state ideology from the left. The very blueprint he lays out requires the GOP to surrender its foundational commitments to limited government, economic freedom, national strength, and traditional values...before killing itself. Fuentes admits openly that his movement, Groyperism, is not a partner to the GOP. It is a sworn opponent. This is not a new theme for Fuentes. His long record shows contempt for Republicans themselves. In 2019, he mocked Southern conservatives as backward. He later denounced Protestantism and demanded a rigidly Roman Catholic America First identity that excludes Evangelicals, a core pillar of GOP success. His rhetoric escalated dramatically. In July 2023, he called for a holy war against Jews. He ranted that women age like milk and expressed his desire to marry a 16-year-old because right when the milk is good, I want to start drinking the milk. Around this time, he instructed his followers to raise their right hands and repeat: I will kill, rape, and die for Nicholas J. Fuentes. No serious person can pretend this is political speech. It is the behavior of a cult leader. Fuentes has praised Stalin and declared I love Hitler, targeting Talmudic Jews for eradication. He urged his followers in 2024 to withhold their votes from Trump in order, effectively, to help Kamala Harris win. Years earlier, he explained why: Destroy the GOP! Christian Republican voters get screwed over because the GOP is run by Jews, atheists, and homosexuals. These statements are not off-the-cuff, loudmouthed rhetoric. They are unambiguously intentional. Fuentes seeks the GOPs defeat because he wants the Republican Party eliminated. This danger becomes more obvious when viewing Fuentes relationship with Tucker Carlson, whose own post-Fox News evolution has grown outwardly hostile to the GOP. He admitted I kind of hate the Republican Party, complained about sharing the party with allies of Trump like Randy Fine, and even said theres no reason to have a Republican Party if Lindsey Graham is reelected. Carlsons softball interview with Fuentes in October handed the latter his largest platform ever. This legitimized a figure the Republican National Committee formally condemned in 2023 as incompatible with GOP values. Fuentes thrives on internal conflict among Republicans and movement conservatives. Letting Groyperism into the big tent is not inclusive. It is self-sabotage. It allows fanatical arsonists to stroll into the canvas of the GOP and declare their intention to set it ablaze. Republican and conservative activists must finally recognize that refusing to make enemies to the right is not strategic. It is suicidal. Democrats avoid criticizing their extremists because their extremists want the Democrat party to win. By contrast, right-wing extremists want the Republican Party to die. Fuentes, their most visible figure, has the desire to replace it with plainly antisemitic, allegedly pro-white, so-called populist leftism. He even wants to keep the equity agenda going, just with an anti-immigration twist. As if such a thing were possible. Trying to talk sense to Groypers is a waste of time, so whatever. One can talk good sense to the vast majority of Republicans and conservatives, however. To them, the message is clear. There is no moral, political, or strategic justification for allowing Fuentes or his followers anywhere near GOP and right-leaning institutions. They must be screened out of every respectable, or even quasi-respectable, non-lefty function, media enterprise, political campaign, donor network, youth organization, party organ, political action committee, and think tank without hesitation or apology. That is not censorship. It is self-preservation. The Republican Party cannot afford to accommodate a movement that views its collapse as a step toward power. Nick Fuentes has told the world what he wants. Every single Republican and conservative must unreservedly believe him. Dr. Joseph Ford Cotto is the creator, host, and producer of News Sight, delivering sharp insights on the key events that shape our lives. He publishes Dr. Cottos Digest, sharing how business and the economy really impact us all. During the 2024 presidential race, he developed the Five-Point Forecast, which accurately predicted Donald Trumps national victory and correctly called every swing state. Cotto holds a doctorate in business administration and is a Lean Six Sigma Certified Black Belt. A couple of days ago, I debated the illegal orders video on TV. During the debate, a Democrat said that this video was a warning from members of Congress that President Trump was up to something, such as massive troop deployments to arrest his opponents or cancel the next election. After all, didnt Hitler do that? Doesnt every Hitler turn out to be Hitler or something like that? Image created using AI. He couldnt tell me anything specific, but Trump Derangement Syndrome comes in many forms, even encouraging military members not to obey an order, as Mike Davis said: Congressional Democrats are openly encouraging anarchy with a new video calling on military and intelligence officials to disobey what they claim are unlawful orders from President Trump. All government officials take an oath to uphold the law, including the United States Constitution and all statutes. There are some examples where orders are plainly unlawful, and a defense of I was just following orders is unavailing. An infamous case involved Lt. William Calley, who led the horrific My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War. Democrats call here, however, is staggeringly dangerous and invites a coup. But exactly which orders do Democrats believe are unlawful? Are ICE raids part of these supposedly unlawful orders? The Supreme Court recently stayed an order by leftist Judge Maame Ewusi Mensah Frimpong in Los Angeles that had curtailed such raids. In Chicago, Judge Sara Ellis issued a broad injunction against the use of force by ICE officials, but the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals just stayed it, characterizing it as overbroad. Two district judges in San Francisco and Portland recently enjoined the use of National Guard troops in those cities to protect ICE agents who were under attack. In both instances, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals stayed those rulings. A similar ruling by radical Biden Judge April Perry in Chicago is pending before the Supreme Court. In the first 10 months of the Trump administration, district courts mostly in leftist-run cities like D.C., Portland, Chicago, San Francisco and Boston have issued nearly four dozen injunctions against the government. This number is staggering; it has almost eclipsed the 64 injunctions issued during Trumps first term. Injunctions? And now a video suggesting that President Trump is issuing illegal orders. What orders? They wont say, but they know he is issuing them. Talk about TDS stage 99! Here is my take: this video is about a primary. The biggest fear on the Democrat side is having a Mamdani disciple show up in your district. Just ask Congressman Henry Cuellar in Texas about one of those primaries. Cuellar was almost defeated in 2024 by one of the woke. So these videos are like a vaccine against a primary. The video demonstrates just how much they hate Trump, and thats how you keep the woke from a challenge. Thinking Im kidding? Ask the aforementioned Rep. Cuellar or the guy AOC defeated. Vaccine against a primary? Thats my theory. These Democrats are running in safe districts, but what they fear is a woke primary. How do you protect yourself? Sign on to a video project and remind your potential woke challenger that you hate Trump as much as they do. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Is Mexico's la presidenta, Claudia Sheinbaum, going Hugo Chavez on us? Well, consider what she's doing to one of her country's leading television stations, TV Azteca, whose coverage has been critical and whose owner, Ricardo Salinas Pliego, is a well-known libertarian magnate. One way or another, she's threatening to shut it down. According to Revista Fortuna, a Mexican business publication (there's nothing about this in English about this, so here is a Google Translate of the opener): It was only a matter of time. Claudia Sheinbaum decided to abandon restraint and lashed out at TV Azteca's reporting style since she became president. According to her, the Mexican media outlet has become critical of her administration, but with a strong incitement of hatred in society. After analyzing the situation, Sheinbaum warned that Ricardo Salinas Pliego's network could face commercial consequences if it continues with an editorial line openly critical of her administration. "I think it's very counterproductive. Very counterproductive. They are trying to pursue a line, not only against the President in a very offensive way, by the way, and against the Government of Mexico, what we represent, the party we come from, but a line of great hatred, exacerbating hatred" Sheinbaum began. Along the same lines, the Mexican president stated: They don't understand that the people of Mexico aren't like that, nor are young people, because they're supposedly trying to reach a youth sector and they're not succeeding. There will be young people who don't agree with us, and that's fine, but the majority of young people support the transformation. This information scheme will also generate more and more losses for them, to be honest. We have to see which advertisers are still with the television network, and it's simply the market That has the eerie sound of Venezuela's crazed dictator, Hugo Chavez, who, once the failures of his socialist regime became clear, began to blame and shut down independent television stations such as RCTV and Globovision in the early aughts. He got away with it, and the stations became either government-controlled zombies, or else history. Sheinbaum has a very similar problem in that her government is hopelessly corrupted by drug cartels and the public is onto it, enough to engage in violent protests such as happened in Mexico City two weeks ago. That is what Sheinbaum is referring to in the last part of her statement about young people mostly adoring her and her government 'transformation' through socialism. Actually, they don't. They'd rather be illegal aliens in the great capitalist hell, the United States, but that option is now closed to them with President Trump's immigration crackdown. That's one reason why they demand results at home now. And Sheinbaum is now threatening the owner of the television station that dares to cover her failures critically. The owner, Salinas Pliego, whom I used to cover at Forbes in the early aughts and talked with a few times, is a colorful, outspoken, and opinionated billionaire whose libertarian views are very sincere. He's actually a bit like Donald Trump now that I think of it, complete with a somewhat turbulent private life sort of resembling what Trump's was, at least in those years. Fortuna notes that Sheinbaum accuses him of wanting to be a 2030 presidential candidate, as if that were a crime. He actually sounds like what Mexico needs, given its moribund establishment and its failure to bring prosperity to its hard-working people. Salinas Pliego, for his part, is biting back. Fortuna notes (via Google Translate): Faced with such a statement, Ricardo Salinas Pliego didn't hesitate to respond, asserting that Sheinbaum is trying to bankrupt TV Azteca: There are more than 190,000 families that depend on my companies, and Mexico is on the verge of becoming a failed state run by a one-party dictatorship disguised as a transformation. In addition, the Mexican magnate reflected: Are we on the side of the parasites who have never worked and live like monarchs, plundering the country? Or on the side of those of us who do create jobs, who do pay taxes, who do face the music, and who do want a Mexico where crime is fought, not embraced? The governments only clear project is to get rid of the only adversary who exposes them and keeps them up at night, the only one who isnt afraid of them and whom they know can kick them out of power. Sheinbaum can't stop herself, though. Here's her modern masterplan for shutting down her potential opponent: Marcelo Torres Cofino acusa al gobierno de Claudia Sheinbaum de presionar a TV Azteca tras advertencias sobre posibles perdidas de anunciantes. Senala que esto seria una forma moderna de censura y un riesgo para la libertad de expresion. #TVAzteca #TorresCofino pic.twitter.com/uze3ayC7Zr Mexico Se Entere! (@MxSeEntere) November 23, 2025 Grok Translate: Marcelo Torres Cofino accuses Claudia Sheinbaum's government of pressuring TV Azteca following warnings about potential losses of advertisers. He points out that this would be a "modern form of censorship" and a risk to freedom of expression. #TVAzteca This dictator technique, too: Dice la presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum que el empresario Ricardo Salinas Pliego difama todos los dias a traves de sus cuentas de redes sociales y de su televisora. Le pide a la gente que investigue como adquirio Tv Azteca y como se hizo de ADN40 y si fue beneficiario del Fobaproa. pic.twitter.com/PDP0uAE5fR JorgeArmandoRocha (@JorgeArmandoR_) September 25, 2025 Grok Translate: Presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum says that businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego defames every day through his social media accounts and his television station. She asks people to investigate how he acquired Tv Azteca and how he obtained ADN40 and whether he was a beneficiary of Fobaproa. And this: La presidenta Sheinbaum dice que TV Azteca No recibe publicidad oficial Y dice hablan de que hay censuracomo? si hablan mal de nosotros todo el dia Y por hablar mal de ellos, decidieron retirar la inversion publicitaria No les pagan para que les peguen Como en pic.twitter.com/ELScGgA37W GONZALO OLIVEROS (@goliveros) June 27, 2025 Grok Translate: President Sheinbaum says that TV Azteca does not receive official advertising And she says, they talk about there being censorshiphow? if they talk badly about us all day long And for talking badly about them, they decided to withdraw the advertising investment They dont pay them to badmouth them Just like in the times of PRIist Lopez Portillo Her denials sound redolent of the Sandinistas -- and note that she's going after the critical newspaper Reforma, too: Sheinbaum dice: Aqui nadie censura a nadie. Y mientras lo dice, Reforma recibe inspeccion extraordinaria y TV Azteca es rodeada como si fuera una fabrica clandestina. @jshm00 pic.twitter.com/JWbVjXpHYU Alonso Castillo Cuevas (@acastilloDC) November 10, 2025 Grok Translate: Sheinbaum says: "Here, no one censors anyone." And while she says it, Reforma receives an extraordinary inspection and TV Azteca is surrounded as if it were a clandestine factory. It's probably just a matter of time before she withholds newsprint from Reforma in an old dictator technique. As for TV Azteca, she's going the Democrat-style route of lawfare and deplatforming, trying to pin something trivial on Salinas Pliego in order to stop the critical coverage. Bloomberg reports that she's going after old tax debts and colluding with creditors trying to sue him -- while trying to bankrupt him in other ways so he can't pay. She's throwing the kitchen sink at him. It's incredible that this story hasn't been covered anywhere in the English language press, given Mexico's importance to the U.S. Trying to squelch a libertarian surge, to prevent the emergence of another Trump or another Milei is outrageous Chavista playbook behavior. When Hugo shut down RCTV around 2007, a bottom dropped out and a slew of worse things happened. One must hope that this playbook isn't Mexico's model and Salinas can fight back effectively and win. Image: X video screen shot The New York Times is famous for writing killer-victim stories as amoral 'lives intersect' stories. It was almost a running joke. Hardened killer meets teen girl and conducts torture-murder; it's all a matter of lives intersecting. They're still doing that. This time they came up with a doozy in telling the glurgy story of an illegal who stole an innocent Minnesota farmer's identity and upended his entire life, leaving him to pay the tax bills, watching his own hard-earned money get garnished away by the IRS. The illegal also left a chain of other destructive problems for the farmer, such as drunk-driving convictions, bad driving that killed a man, a suspended driver's license, and crappy credit scores, all of which were attached to the farmer's good name instead of his own. But the Times likes to gloss it over and tell us the illegal was really a good guy. They started out with a dreamily grand and morally neutral "things happen" headline: Who the hell cares what kind of price an identity thief in this country pays for his own crimes? The story is that the farmer was robbed of his good name and hard-earned money through no fault of his own. But we get lots of treacle from the Times about the illegal: He had lived under enough names and numbers in the United States that they started to blur together. Vincent Trujillo. Reynaldo Guerra. And then, for more than a decade, Daniel Kluver the name he used until he could barely remember what it felt like to exist as himself: Romeo Perez-Bravo, 42, a Guatemalan immigrant who had spent most of his adult life working under borrowed identities. By the start of 2025, he was preparing for another graveyard shift in St. Joseph, Mo., lacing his work boots in the darkness of his drafty rental while his wife and five children slept. He packed their school lunches for the next day, drove to the dog-food factory and gathered with his co-workers to say their nightly prayer. Then he swiped his badge to begin another 12-hour shift as Daniel Kluver, sinking deeper into an identity that wasnt really his own. Daniel? his boss always shouted, taking attendance before they went out to their lines. Here, he said. Perez-Bravo had come to the United States for the first time at 16 to help earn money for his family, traveling alone to join his father in Marshall, Minn. He hiked out of the Guatemalan highlands, rode atop a freight train for three weeks across Mexico, nearly drowned in the Rio Grande and took a Greyhound to Middle America, where life somehow felt harder. He slept on a couch in his fathers apartment and enrolled in high school despite speaking almost no English. Then he began to look for a job, but no one would hire an underage worker without papers. Borrowed identities? No, they were stolen identities and his behavior while using those ''borrowed" identities was to leave a string of rubble and ruin for the people whose good names got besmirched with his long, consistent record of irresponsible behavior. Multiple drunk driving convictions and "other minor offenses," the Times explained as if drunk driving were a small thing. The illegal couldn't seem to stay away from committing crimes and doing enough of them to get caught for some of them. Three deportations. A wrongful-death lawsuit filed by a family whose grandfather had been killed by his irresponsible driving with the innocent farmer named as the defendant. Amid all these problems created for the farmer -- truly, a lifetime of irresponsible acts the illegal couldn't stop doing on his "borrowed" identity, the farmer, Dan Kluver, had to spend mountains of time trying to plead with the IRS that his identity had been stolen and he wasn't the person earning all the money from the dog food factory in Missouri. They didn't care. They put him on hold when he tried to call them and in the end a judge said he had to pay the illegal's taxes until he could 'prove' he was a victim of identity theft. The onus was on him. And he had to reason with these bureaucrats constantly, all for the crimes of someone else: They spent the next decade living with the consequences annual tax audits, budgets that never added up, whispered arguments after the kids went to bed. Kluver kept calling government numbers and waiting on hold until he eventually resigned himself to a payment plan. He agreed to send the I.R.S. $150 each month, which hed done more than 35 times. I cant keep obsessing over this and getting nowhere, he told Kristy. I need to think about something else. Meanwhile, the lefty media and leftist pols kept calling illegal immigration a 'victimless crime' as churchmen ran around at protests with signs like 'Justice for Immigrants.' As for the farmer Kluver: But what bothered him lately was the idea he kept hearing from liberal politicians and even some relatives in Minnesota that illegal immigration was mostly harmless, a victimless crime. His name was no longer his own. His debts were spiraling. He was still cutting checks to the I.R.S. for $150 each month, and the government said that debt was his to pay until a court determined otherwise. Even if the other Dan Kluver seemed to be a decent man working, raising a family, going to church his patience had limits. Meanwhile, the illegal paid lip service to admitting the havoc he wrought with the other man's life, but excused himself as any irresponsible person would do as 'got-to-get-by.' After the lawmen caught him, the scenario went like this: His lawyer had advised him that he was essentially out of options. She had managed to postpone his case until at least January 2026, but he faced a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison followed by deportation to Guatemala. During the initial court hearings, Perez-Bravo had listened to the prosecution talk about the other Dan Kluver a loyal employee, a devoted father, a debtor sending monthly payments, a victim of a broken system. He sounds like me a good worker, Perez-Bravo told his wife, one day last month. I dont want to mess things up for anyone. I just want to work. It makes me crazy with no job. How many hours can I sit and pray? Oh how pitiful, he "had" to listen to the court describe the victim impact. Well, he did 'mess things up' for an innocent person. Just wants to work, do the bad things he does on the side, too, and too bad about the consequences for the other guy. Don't his needs come first? It's disgusting. And the Times goes to great ends to make him some kind of sympathetic figure, despite his actual behavior beyond the identity theft that caused those lives to 'intersect.' He's hard-working. He's a 'father.' He goes to church. His community loves him. He's like the farmer actually. Yet one was a dirtbag, and the other was utterly blameless. The Times doesn't see any difference, giving both players equal weight in its moral-equivalance story. Well, it isn't working. The overwhelming sympathy is with the farmer, not the illegal who belongs in jail and out of this country for the rest of his dishonest life. Image: Identity theft by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free Udo Kier, the German actor and cult cinema icon, has died at the age of 81. Udo Kier, the German actor and cult cinema icon, has died at the age of 81 The stars partner Delbert McBride confirmed his passing, which marks the end of a six-decade career in which he appeared in more than 200 films spanning avant-garde, horror and arthouse cinema. His most celebrated early work includes the titular roles in Paul Morrisseys Warhol-produced cult classics Flesh for Frankenstein (1973) and Blood for Dracula (1974). Born Udo Kierspe, Kier made a name for himself in Europe, working with the legendary Rainer Werner Fassbinder on films such as The Stationmasters Wife, The Third Generation and Lili Marleen. Later, at the Berlin Film Festival, he met Gus Van Sant, who later helped him obtain a U.S. work permit and a SAG card. In 1991, he broke into American cinema with a supporting role in My Own Private Idaho, alongside River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. Kiers long-standing collaboration with Lars von Trier began in the late 1980s with Epidemic, followed by Europa. He starred in von Triers horror-thriller series The Kingdom in the 1990s and 2000s, and also appeared in Breaking the Waves, Dancer in the Dark, Dogville, Melancholia and Nymphomaniac: Vol. II. In the 1990s, Udo also took roles in Hollywood films including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Armageddon and Blade. His beginnings were dramatic he arrived in Cologne in 1944, with the hospital where he was born bombed during the Second World War, and he and his mother survived by digging themselves out of the rubble. In his youth, he worked in a factory before moving to London to learn English, where he was discovered by director Michael Sarne and appeared in his first film Road to Saint Tropez. Udo said of his early life: I liked the attention, so I became an actor. He settled later in Los Angeles and Palm Springs, where he lived in a converted mid-century library and pursued his interests in art and architecture. Rising to cult status through Flesh for Frankenstein and Blood for Dracula, Udo went on to work with directors including Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Gus Van Sant and Lars von Trier. His roles ranged from European indies to Hollywood films such as Ace Ventura, Blade and Armageddon, establishing him as a singular, unconventional screen presence. The Palestinians are the perfect example of a people that are only loved in the abstract. When any nation is asked to accept a few of them as residents, it recoils in horror as if it were asked to shelter a colony of lepers. On the other hand, Israel has accepted over 500,000 Jews expelled from Arab nations, a number substantially the same as Arab refugees from Israel, and integrated them into Israeli society since independence in 1948. The Arab world has integrated none of the dispossessed Palestinians into their society. They remain quarantined in refugee camps, the responsibility of the UN. The unspoken truth amongst Arab rulers is that they have no use for the Palestinians other than being a thorn in the side of Israel. It is no wonder Arab rulers feel this way. In 1970, the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), which was a guest in Jordan, had essentially built a state-within-a-state there. It challenged Jordanian King Husseins authority by setting up checkpoints, openly carrying weapons and flexing its military muscle. After several airline hijackings in early September 1970 by the PLO that culminated in dramatic footage of the planes being torched, an embarrassed Jordanian military came down hard on the PLO. It launched a full offensive involving heavy urban fighting that resulted in expulsion of the PLO to Lebanon, which in turn set the stage for a bloody civil war in that country. The Palestinians have been a politically destabilizing force within all the fragile Arab states in which they have taken up residence. It is no wonder that Egypt retains a fortified border with Gaza. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States, although rich in oil money that could facilitate easy assimilation of Palestinians into their society, have curtly refused to have any of them resettled there. If the Palestinians were dropped into Yemen or any other Arab nation they would be at war with their host within a week. Having the Palestinians show up en masse at Europes doorstep would be justice for a continent that still harbors a resentment toward the Jewish people for not going quietly into the night under Hitlers Final Solution. To add further injury, as if that were even possible, European leaders have labeled Israels war with Hamas a genocide. To me that is one messed up way of dealing with ones guilt. There is no historical precedent that I know of in which a displaced population has retained refugee status for 75 years. I think that we would all agree that a German having an ancestral longing for Prussia would seem odd, but a Gazan willing to sacrifice his children for an ancestral home in Israel is perfectly normal. Image generated by ChatGPT. President Donald Trump and Texas governor Greg Abbott are utilizing the power of the government to dismantle networks of domestic extremism and Islamist infiltration that have festered under years of weak, politically correct policies. Recent developments signal a pivot: no more kid gloves for Antifa and the Muslim Brotherhood. Last Monday, President Trump signed an order branding the so-called "anti-fascist" movement a domestic terrorist organization. This is a mandate for federal agencies to probe every Antifa-linked operation, from riot incitement to material support for violence. The order exposes Antifa's true colors: a decentralized cabal that uses "illegal means to organize and execute a campaign of violence and terrorism" aimed at toppling law enforcement and lawful speech. We (conservatives) knew all this, of course. But its good to finally see some action being taken. Whether it goes anywhere remains to be seen. Republicans have long pinned the billions in damages from the 2020 George Floyd riots on Antifa agitators, and now Vice President J.D. Vance vows to starve their funding. Leftists will predictably whine about legality -- decentralized ideology, they say -- but that's just more liberal hand-wringing. We're used to it and no longer pay it any heed, except as a source of amusement and fodder for memes. In truth, this targets the real threats to public safety by empowering law enforcement to restore order without fear of sabotage from the "defund the police" cabal. Texas governor Greg Abbott echoed Trump's federal actions by proclaiming the Muslim Brotherhood and its U.S. arm, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), as foreign terrorist organizations, banning them from purchasing land in Texas. These organizations are not benign advocacy groups; they're engines of subversion, hell-bent on imposing sharia law through "violence, intimidation, and harassment" to claim "Islam's mastership of the world." Abbott's edict slams the door on their foothold in America's energy epicenter and represents a triumph for border security and property rights. And, of course, CAIR is suing -- entitlements meets accountability. Trump doubled down during an interview with Just The News, vowing to federally designate the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist outfit "in the strongest and most powerful terms." The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in 1928 by jihadist imam Hassan al-Banna, and is the ideological cradle of Hamas, al-Qaeda, and ISIS. Its motto glorifies death for Allah. Its "strategic entryism" infiltrates Western civics, radicalizing youth under the guise of education while driving global terror, from the October 7 massacre to Middle East destabilization. Despite the Brotherhood finding a welcome mat at the White House under then-President Barack Hussein Obama, other nations, such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia banned the organization years ago. And now, with Secretary Marco Rubio's green light, U.S. dollars dry up, visas vanish, and probes begin. Bills from Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) highlight this: no sanctuary for groups that back Hamas atrocities against Americans. The U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, also known as FinCEN -- an office within the Department that investigates money laundering and terrorist financing domestically and overseas -- completes the triad. Under the laxity of the Biden era, radicals laundered funds and bought influence. Now, Trump and Abbott are evicting them, protecting the free markets, faith, and families from ideological predators. America first means terrorists last. Image: AT via Magic Studio Americas leftists have gone from a reverence for Europes socialist institutions to a subtle but complete nullification of the United States Constitution and American law. Leftists always adored Europes soft socialism. They wanted socialized medicine, practically free pharmaceutical drugs, six weeks of paid vacation a year, one year of parental leave for both parents (not that leftists actually want people to have children), subsidized housing, etc. Image created using AI. Pointing out that all of this came about because of American taxpayers who funded building Europe back up after WWII, who absorbed all of Europes defense costs, and who pay the costs of all the research and advertising behind the drugs sold at a discount to European socialized systems fell on deaf ears. Europe was the way. Of course, lately, Europe hasnt been the way. Its socialized medicine systems have fallen on hard times, with euthanasia often seen as the ultimate cost savings. Europeans arent having children, so parental leave is kind of a moot point. And of course, the systems are collapsing under the weight of unlimited immigration from Muslim countriesoften a man, his multiple wives, and their many childrennone of whom have paid into the system but all of whom get the benefits, including the subsidized housing, healthcare, education, etc. With Europe increasingly less of a stellar example and more of a terrible lesson, Democrats have shifted to something new: International law. The seeds of this have been there for a long time. All of you must remember in 2012, when Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who had sworn an oath to defend the Constitution, while in Egypt announced that she really didnt like the pithy, government-limiting American Constitution. Given the choice, she said, shed prefer the South African constitution, with its long preamble, 14 chapters, 244 sections (32 of which purport to be a Bill of Rights), 8 schedules, and 16 amendments. Thus, she explained, I would not look to the U.S. Constitution, if I were drafting a Constitution in the year 2012. I might look at the Constitution of South Africa, says Ginsburg, whom President Clinton nominated to the court in 1993. That was a deliberate attempt to have a fundamental instrument of government that embraced basic human rights, had an independent judiciary. It really is, I think, a great piece of work that was done. Much more recent than the U.S. Constitution. Even though the American Constitution advances values bestowing rights on all American citizens, for Ginsburg, it was a document fatally tainted by the Founders bad views about women, blacks, and Native Americans. The whole Constitution is the fruit of the poisonous Founders tree. Well, if a Supreme Court justice says the Constitution is bad, you cant be surprised to fast-forward 13 years and discover Democrat party politicians saying that international law overrides American law. Zohran Mamdani is especially fond of international law if it means destroying Israel. To that end, he insisted before his election that, because the International Criminal Court has put out a warrant for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he would arrest Netanyahu if the latter came to New York City: This is something that I intend to fulfill, Mamdani remarked, reiterating a pledge he had made earlier in the mayoral race, as the newspaper put it. It is my desire to ensure that this be a city that stands up for international law. Mamdani reiterated the same point after his election: Being a city of international law means looking to uphold international law, Mamdani said. And that means upholding the warrants from the International Criminal Court, whether theyre for Benjamin Netanyahu or Vladimir Putin. There are two problems with Mamdanis position: First, the U.S. does not recognize the International Criminal Court, a virulently antisemitic, anti-American organization, and, in fact, has imposed sanctions on it. Second, it is unlawful for an American citizen to imprison, threaten, or intimidate (among other things) a foreign official or head of state. 18 U.S.C. 112. The penalty can be up to 10 years in prison or more if weapons are used (as would be the case if Mamdani authorized armed police to detain Bibi). Mamdani either does not care. But it doesnt stop there. Last week, a huge, intimidating, anti-Israel crowd gathered around the Park East Synagogue to protest the fact that it was holding an event for Nefesh Bnefesh, an organization that helps Jews immigrate to Israel. The protest was almost an illegal activity under federal law, and Harmeet Dhillon has promised to investigate and prosecute: Investigation is underway. @TheJusticeDept has zero tolerance for violence/obstruction around any American house of worship. https://t.co/rEEFAifj6n AAGHarmeetDhillon (@AAGDhillon) November 23, 2025 Mamdanis response was interesting. First, he issued a bland statement saying it wasnt really a good thing to surround some unnamed type of House of Worship and threaten people: The Mayor-elect has discouraged the language used at last nights protest and will continue to do so, Mamdani spokesperson Dora Pekec said Thursday. He believes every New Yorker should be free to enter a house of worship without intimidation... Way to keep it bland, Mr. Mayor-elect. Mamdani didnt stop there, though. He added this strange statement: ...these sacred spaces should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law. In Mamdani-World, Jews immigrating to Israel is a violation of international law. First, no, it isnt (at least, not yet). Even if the world says that the settlements in Judea and Samaria, the ancient heart of Israel, are illegal, immigrating to Israel is not a violation of any international law. Second, and more importantly, international law doesnt apply in New York or anywhere in America. What happened inside the synagogue was perfectly legal and unobjectionable...in America. Mamdani, though, isnt the only Democrat turning to international law when American law fails to help his objectives. Mayor Brandon Johnson, the truly execrable Chicago mayor, has the same attitude. He believes that, when the President of the United States enforces American immigration law in an American city, that, too, is a violation of international law. Brandon Johnson is asking the (UN) to intervene in US affairs and stop ICE from enforcing immigration law Tom Homan ~ He's just proving that he's not that smart, the UN helped fund the mass migration Hit that like button if you appreciate the work Tom Homan has been doing pic.twitter.com/FWwbeV0EId @Chicago1Ray (@Chicago1Ray) November 10, 2025 What these ardent leftists are saying isnt accidental, and its not ignorant. They hate America, and they desperately want to do away with the Constitution that limits the government while extending maximum liberty to the American peoplesomething international law definitely doesnt do. Recently the president posted a picture of himself next to FDR, highlighting the 30-year mortgage, and bragging about the new generational-indentured-servitude called the 50-year mortgage. For anyone with a general understanding of interest and lending, this is an absurdity. For myself, it is something far worse. As I age, it becomes increasingly poignant to wonder, What do I do if I find that I have supported something that leads directly to what I oppose? To illustrate this point, I ask if any of the readers once chanted dont trust anyone over 30 it obviously did not occur at the time that they would themselves become untrustworthy, but I wonder how many came to that understanding. How many of you now complain that youths these days have no respect for their elders? Back to FDR: He was a demagogue. Worse, his New Deal was at the time called a Bellamyist Revival. Francis and Edward Bellamy were national socialists central to the Progressive Era. That whole episode, which we call the Progressive Era, was littered with many offenses against what built prosperity in America. As I argue in my book: The Progressive Era inverted the worldview upon which America was founded from classical liberalism to progressivism. The social perspective regarding legitimate authority reversed from consent of the governed to diktat of the expert; from critical thinking to trust the science. This reversal invalidated the foundation of legitimate authority in America. Not only the so-called Progressives, but also many RINOs completely fail to recognize the depth of betrayal in that episode, and the fetid malevolence on which it was built. FDR is not a president to be admired; many of our ills descend directly from that time and are rooted in pure evil. The 50-year mortgage may well make sense for a fix-and-flip arrangement, but it is wholly indentured servitude for the rest of us (and our progeny). The depth of this danger cannot be overstated. The dependent man has no dignity, cannot consent, is not equal, and cannot be free. As some may argue, no one is forcing anyone to finance a house for fifty years, but the reality is, vulnerable people will, trapping them in severe bondage. At least once a week I see headlines of people supporting things they claim to oppose. I frequently shake my head at the depth of deception. Researching and writing my book has fundamentally altered how I understand our civilization. It is easier to fool the people than to convince them that they have been fooled. I am in the terrible position of asking myself how to get American Citizens to actually examine the basis of their beliefs, that they can then accurately measure horrendous ideas like this 50-year mortgage. I am open to suggestions. Spencer D. Miles, PhD; Emeritus Guy, Super Important Director of Things and Stuff, FAS, MDBS, FPDHA (hons), Hominus notimportantus atallii, Author of Hostis Humani Generis: The American Aeneid, and the Nature of Progressivism. Image generated by ChatGPT. For years, the foldable smartphone category has struggled with a common, persistent flaw. We are talking about the visible crease running down the center of the display. Brands like Samsung have made continuous improvements in this regard. However, that line remains a constant reminder that the technology is still a compromise. Now, reports suggest that Apple is finally ready to enter the market with the iPhone Fold in 2026, and they appear to have done what no one else could: engineered the crease out of existence. According to Chinese media UDN, citing supply chain sources, Apple has successfully moved the book-style foldable into the engineering validation stage. So, the company is on track for a planned September 2026 launch. The key to this timeline is a major technical breakthrough that could make the iPhone Fold the first truly crease-free device available to consumers. iPhone Fold: Apple and Samsung could end the foldable display crease problem Apples solution goes far beyond simply improving the flexible OLED panel. Instead, the firm adopted a systems-level engineering approach, treating the crease as a structural problem to fix. This required deep collaboration across the supply chain, including Samsung Displaywhich developed the custom inner screenand hinge manufacturer Amphenol. The solution relies on several components designed to manage stress at a microscopic level. Reports indicate a new hinge design utilizing durable Liquid Metal components to maintain a slim, robust profile. Furthermore, the internal structure uses a custom-designed metal plate system that precisely distributes the bending stress when the screen is folded. This is a fundamental shift from trying to hide the crease to engineering it out entirely. High-end design, high-stakes pricing If true, this potential tech milestone may explain both the long delay and the devices rumored specifications. The iPhone Fold aims for an ultra-thin profile, potentially measuring just 4.54.8 mm when unfolded. It will reportedly feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a tablet-class 7.8-inch inner screen. Building a crease-free structure while maintaining such a slim profile requires premium materials. Analysts project a high entry price, potentially ranging from $2,000 to $2,500. By solving the crease problem, Apple could finally attract several users hesitant to jump on the foldable phone train. If the iPhone Fold delivers on its promise of a seamless experience combined with Apples software ecosystem integration, it could finally unlock mainstream demand. The technologys success could establish a new benchmark. However, as the original Apple Vision Pro demonstrated, a suitable price tag will also have a significant impact. Google may very well be selling part of its ad tech business in the near future as part of its requirements to rectify the alleged damage its done by having a monopoly in the industry (this wouldnt be Googles first monopoly, either). Earlier this year, Google was reported to be facing a potential breakup of its ad business as the US DOJ alleged in a lawsuit that Google held a monopoly in the space. That antitrust case reached a ruling way back in April, to which Google said it would likely appeal. Now, several months later, the judge who is presiding over the case, U.S. District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema, will be making her final decision on what Google will need to do. Brinkema already ruled that it had two illegal monopolies in the AdTech business, but hadnt decided what Googles punishment would be to fix the issue. Many had suspected Google would be forced to break up parts of its ad business, but Google is making an argument that such a request isnt something thats necessarily possible. Google says selling part of its AdTech business is unworkable and would create significant uncertainty It should come as no surprise that Google is going to fight this tooth and nail before a final decision is even made. In an official post on the companys blog, the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Google, Lee-Anne Mulholland, published a series of court testimony highlights about the case. In the post, Mulholland said that the Testimony showed the DOJs proposal to break up Google Ad Manager is unworkable and would create significant uncertainty and disruption for advertisers and publishers. Google isnt saying its impossible per se, but thats likely the implication, given the use of the word unworkable. However, Mulholland also says that a range of experts came to the conclusion that breaking up Ad Manager would require a massive technical undertaking, and that this wouldnt work. Jason Nieh, a Google expert professor, called the undertaking highly complicated and said there was no guarantee of success. Brinkema wants a fast fix for the issue, but its still unclear what shell decide. Google is preparing a big shakeup in the PC market. The company is reportedly working on a project, codenamed Aluminium OS, that will build an Android-based operating system for desktop platforms. This project aims to unify Googles fragmented platforms and finally create a single, compelling experience capable of competing with Windows and macOS. ChromeOS has struggled to capture the high-end PC market. While these devices are pretty popular in the US for education, other platforms dominate the segments with more demanding use cases. Well, Aluminum OS aims to change that by fully leveraging the versatility of Android and the power of artificial intelligence. Aluminium OS: A proper Android for desktop with AI at the core It all comes from a recent Google job listing (reported by Android Authority). The Mountain View giant is looking for a Senior Product Manager, Android, Laptop and Tablets. Even more interesting, the listing explicitly states that the firm is working on a new Aluminum, Android-based, operating system. Plus, Google is developing this platform with artificial intelligence (AI) at the core. This means the new OS will feature deep integration with Gemini, Googles powerful LLM. As outlined by Google executives, this integration will allow the company to bring its entire AI stack directly into the traditional PC environment. The list includes Gemini models, the Assistant, and its vast application ecosystem. We dont yet know all the specific features Gemini will enable on these new Android PCs. Anyway, it seems that Google will finally push the boundaries of what its OS can do on powerful hardware, demanding significant resources from the NPU, GPU, and CPU. Targeting the entire PC spectrum One of the biggest questions surrounding this project was whether Google would confine the new OS to the budget segment, where Chromebooks currently dominate. Recent job listings for a Senior Product Manager confirm that Google is thinking much bigger. The job description outlines a roadmap that includes laptops, detachables, tablets, and boxes (mini-PCs). The tiered structure goes well beyond entry-level, explicitly naming AL Mass Premium and AL Premium tiers. This confirms Googles intention to compete directly with high-end PCs from Apple and Microsoft, a major strategic shift from its previous approach. Google ChromeOS replacement: How to handle transition The existence of Aluminium OS raises immediate questions about the future of ChromeOS. The job listing provides some early clues, confirming that Google eventually plans to phase out the existing platform. The successful candidate will be tasked with developing a strategy for transitioning Google from ChromeOS to Aluminium. This transition will not be immediate, though. The company must manage the shift carefully to avoid disrupting enterprise and educational customers. It appears that the two platforms will coexist for some time, with the possibility of an optional upgrade path for capable, modern Chromebooks. While the foundation is entirely new, the name remains a mystery. Internal bug reports suggest engineers are referring to the current system as ChromeOS Classic. This implies the new Android-based system might simply take over the recognized ChromeOS brand to ease the transition. Google could launch this platform sometime in 2026. The first version could be based on the upcoming Android 17. Currently, it stands as Googles most ambitious attempt yet to finally plant its flag firmly in the traditional desktop terrain. 2025 has been a rollercoaster year for TikTok users in the US. At the start of the year, the app was on the verge of getting banned. However, when Donald Trump took up his second term as the President of the United States, he extended the bans deadline while he was looking for a way to get ByteDance to sell the app to a US company. But now, US Senator Ed Markey has questions about the TikTok deal that he wants Trump to answer. Senator wants to question Trump over TikTok deal A letter Senator Ed Markey sent to Trump over the TikTok deal reads, Your repeated unlawful extensions of the divestment deadline and vague comments about the deal raise significant questions about whether you have been able to secure an agreement that keeps TikTok online and addresses the national security concerns posed by ByteDances ownership of TikTok. Markey also raised the question of whether China had actually approved the deal. While the Trump administration claimed that it had, Markey still had questions about the deal. If TikTok U.S. is licensing the algorithm from ByteDance and retraining it, is this a one-time transfer of the source code, or does TikTok U.S. have to renew it at regular intervals? Will any changes to the algorithm by ByteDance affect the algorithm that is licensed to TikTok U.S.? These are legitimate questions. As it stands, we dont really know too much about the exact specifics of the deal. In fact, several lawmakers that were initially involved with the ban on TikTok have admitted that they themselves arent too clear on the deal. Trumps TikTok deal Back in October, Trump was expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to finalize the TikTok deal. The deal hasnt been fully closed yet, but both sides have reached a framework agreement. Based on this agreement, ByteDance will spin off TikToks US operations to an American-led consortium. This includes investors like Oracle, who will continue to maintain security on the US side of things. The US will also license TikToks algorithm, which they will tweak in order to address national security concerns. But for now, it looks like TikTok has narrowly escaped being completely banned stateside. It remains to be seen if there will be any noticeable changes in the US algorithm once all this is done. Vivo is gearing up for its next major milestone, as a recent leak has tipped the launch timeline of the Vivo X300 Ultra device. The imaging flagship is rumored to debut in March 2026 in China. Whats even more interesting is that the company might finally bring its top-of-the-line device to the global market. New leak claims Vivo X300 Ultras launch timeline Popular tipster Digital Chat Station has revealed that the Vivo X300 Ultra is scheduled to debut in China in March next year. The company plans an early release compared to last years schedule. However, the source adds that the timeline is still tentative. But regardless, it will launch at a similar timeline. As for the specifications, its going to carry the most powerful camera hardware on any Vivo device yet. To begin with, it will have a triple rear camera setup with a 200-megapixel Sony IMX09E primary lens, a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-828 ultrawide, and a 200-megapixel Samsung HPB periscope telephoto. On the front, it will likely have a 50-megapixel selfie snapper with autofocus support. Vivo might launch its Ultra for the first time globally Now coming down to the most exciting part, the Vivo X300 Ultra may become the companys first Ultra-branded flagship to reach markets outside China. This will mark an important milestone for the companys international business. Further, the device was recently spotted on the IMEI database with model number V2562, hinting at its overseas release. We can expect the global launch to take place in the second quarter of 2026. Talking more about its hardware, the flagship is expected to feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile chipset. It will become the only device in the X300 series to feature a Snapdragon chipset. Other models in the same series use a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 series chip. Moreover, it will pack a large 6.8-inch OLED panel with 2K pixel resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Details about its charging and battery capacity remains unknown. Lupita Nyong'o was inundated with offers to play a slave after winning an Oscar. Lupita Nyong'o was offered multiple slave roles The 42-year-old star won a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award, amongst other honours, for her breakthrough performance as Patsey in 2013's 12 Years a Slave and while she hoped her success would bring about new lead roles, she was shocked to keep getting offered similar parts. Speaking on CNN Inside Africa, she said: It really did set the paces for everything Ive done since. But you know whats interesting is that, after I won that Academy Award, youd think, Oh, Im gonna get lead roles here and there. " [Instead, it was], Oh, Lupita, wed like you to play another movie where youre a slave, but this time youre on a slave ship. Those are the kind of offers I was getting in the months after winning my Academy Award. The Black Panther actress noted it was a "very tender time" and she had to ignore coverage about her Hollywood trajectory. She said: There were thinkpieces about: Is this the beginning and end of this dark-skinned Black African womans career? I had to deafen myself to all those pontificators because, at the end of the day, Im not a theory; Im an actual person. Lupita - whose parents are Kenyan - is willing to work less if it means she isn't "perpetuating stereotypes" of African people. She said: I like to be a joyful warrior for changing the paradigms of what it means to be African, and if that means that I work one job less a year to ensure that Im not perpetuating the stereotypes that are expected of people from my continent, then let me do that. Lupita previously told how she feels like "administrative work" such as answering emails saps her "vitality" so she tries to make time for herself so she can be creative. She told Harper's Bazaar: "There's so many demands on our lives today for me theres a lot of administrative work, lots of emails to answer dishes in the sink! All of that and it can take away a lot of my vitality. "So for me, creativity is something that I have to safeguard, I have to make time for it, and I have to be very deliberate ... Creativity comes to me in the shower." But the Us star still prioritises answering her emails thanks to advice she received from Reese Witherspoon. She said: "The best piece of life advice I've received from another woman ... This is very, very practical. Reese Witherspoon advised me to always be the first to answer group emails. "And I think thats great advice, because it means people will have to take you seriously as youre quick to respond. I try." A dog-fighting ring was busted in Texas that led to the arrest of 45 people, according to authorities. (Newton County Sheriff's Office) A massive dog-fighting ring in rural Texas was shut down when deputies raided a property and arrested 45 people, seizing nearly $74,000 in cash, authorities said. A local described the alleged ring as one of the most disturbing crimes he has ever witnessed. The weekend bust was part of Operation Pitbull, an investigation launched in March after months of community complaints, the Newton County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Prior to approaching the property on Saturday, deputies used a drone equipped with FLIR technology and located several people known as spotters stationed in the area who investigators believe were acting as lookouts for law enforcement. When law enforcement arrived, an active fight between two dogs was taking place in a pit clearly constructed for the purpose of dog fighting, Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard said. A dog-fighting ring was busted in Texas that led to the arrest of 45 people, according to authorities. (Newton County Sheriff's Office) Most of the individuals at the scene fled into a wooded area but were ultimately captured by law enforcement. Deputies separated the two injured dogs and secured them in kennels before taking them to the Nederland Emergency Veterinarian Clinic for treatment, authorities said. In total, 45 people were taken into custody, with help from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife and other agencies. Deputies used a drone that spotted several people stationed around the property who investigators believe were acting as lookouts. (Newton County Sheriff's Office) Havard said roughy 40 vehicles were towed from the property many containing illegal drugs, along with firearms and approximately $73,858 in cash. Dog fighting and animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Newton County, Havard said. In my years in law enforcement, this is one of the most disturbing crimes I have ever witnessed, and the individuals involved should be ashamed of themselves. As your Sheriff, I vow to utilize every resource at our disposal to combat criminal activity in our county. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have infuriated Rhode Islands governor, a senator, and its state Supreme Court chief justice after officers detained a high school statehouse intern on suspicion that they were an illegal immigrant. Recordings of the incident show ICE agents detaining the teen, who was traveling from the statehouse to his school as part of an internship at the Rhode Island Superior Court. The teen was being driven to school by a judge when ICE agents intercepted them. Governor Dan McKee called the incident "indefensible" in a statement. ICE agents wrongfully detained a high school intern outside the Superior Court an outrageous and indefensible act that could have completely upended a young persons life, McKee said. A court staffer familiar with the situation told CNN that the situation began inside a courtroom, where ICE agents were taking photos of the high schooler. A woman protests Department of Homeland Security agents with a sign that reads ICE hurts innocent children. ICE agents in Rhode Island detained a 16-year-old intern at the Rhode Island Superior Court on November 20, 2025. The intern was released after his identify was verified by ICE (file image) (AP) Security reportedly asked the individual to stop taking photos of people inside the courtroom, which is when the individual identified themselves as an ICE agent. It's unclear why the ICE agent was taking photos. The student was reportedly disturbed by the incident, prompting Superior Court Associate Justice Joseph McBurney to offer the student a ride back to his school. Before the judge could leave with the student, ICE agents surrounded his car. The footage shows at least six agents descending upon the vehicle and asking the teen and the judge to exit. Approximately 30 seconds later, a federal agent can be seen on the video restraining the intern's hands and escorting him away as protesters shout at the agents. "He's a f***** kid," one protester can be heard yelling in the video. McBurney explained to the agents that the teen is an intern at the court and that they had made a mistake, according to CNN, citing the staffer. The intern was taken across the street and was later released after ICE verified his identity, according to the Rhode Island Judiciary. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security reportedly told CNN that its agents had been searching for a "child predator" and "briefly questioned someone who resembled the target," but that that individual was never taken into custody or arrested. ICE has been criticized for stalking around courthouses and schools looking for people to abduct. Their tactics have become so commonplace that protesters were already demonstrating outside the courthouse before ICE detained the teen. Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell said the incident only proves the point of the protesters at the courthouse. This egregious incident underscores both the communitys and the Judiciarys concerns about how ICE is conducting its operations in Rhode Island, the judge said. Democratic Senator Corey Booker, who represents New Jersey, denounced ICE in a social media post on Sunday. A teenager. A U.S. citizen. Detained by ICE at a courthouse. This isnt law and orderthis is intimidation. It doesnt protect our communities; it undermines them. It violates the trust people need to safely access the justice system, Booker wrote. It wastes law-enforcement resources that should be focused on real dangers, not innocent kids. We must condemn this and demand accountability. America is better than this. McKee blamed the situation squarely on the Trump administration, which has empowered ICE to operate with a vague and almost unrestrained mandate in America's cities. This was not a harmless mistake. It was the direct result of callous and chaotic policies by the Trump Administration, McKee said. Moreover, ICEs failure to exercise even a shred of due diligence is shameful and underscores just how broken and dangerous these federal policies are. Pop star Ariana Grande has said acting has helped her heal her relationship to music and touring. The 32-year old, known for her number one songs Problem, Thank U Next, and 7 Rings, portrays Glinda in the two-part film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Wicked alongside Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey. After landing the acclaimed role, which has since earned her an Oscar nomination, Grande continued to produce music and released her fifth number one UK album, Eternal Sunshine, which she will tour later next year. Ariana Grande arriving for the European premiere of Wicked: For Good, at Cineworld Leicester Square in London (Jonathan Brady/PA) Speaking about the tour, Grande said in an interview with Hollywood star Nicole Kidman for Interview Magazine: I feel really grateful and excited about it in a way that feels so different to me. Ive just been healing my relationship to music and touring over the past couple of years. I spent a lot of time redoing my system when it comes to making music. With Eternal Sunshine, that felt like a very different experience for me. I think the time away from it helped me reclaim certain pieces of it and put certain feelings that maybe belonged to my relationship to fame, or the things that come with being an artist, in a box somewhere else, and say, OK, I dont have to let go of this thing that I love. I can just put those things over here, and not lose sight of my gifts. Grande reprised the role of Glinda in the film sequel, Wicked: For Good which follows the first film, released in November 2024, and sees Elphaba (Erivo) demonised by those in Oz and transformed into the Wicked Witch Of The West, as she is known in L Frank Baums novel about the fantastical world. Alongside playing Glinda, Grande also stars in the Meet The Fockers sequel, Focker In-Law, alongside Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller. Ariana Grande attending the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 in New York (Doug Peters/PA) She said: Ive just been taking baby steps towards healing my relationship to music and touring, and I think my time with Glinda and with acting really helped me build the strength to be able to do that. But I cant express how grateful I am. I think it just held some traumas for me before, and I feel those dissipating, and that is such an extraordinarily beautiful thing. Grande rose to fame after starring in the hit Nickelodeon series, Victorious and its spin-off Sam and Cat with her music career taking off in 2013 following the release of her debut album, Yours Truly. She has won two Grammy awards and has had seven UK number one singles. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in sequel Wicked: For Good (Jonathan Brady/PA) She said: There was a tricky adjustment period in the very beginning, when my pop career took off the way that it did. And I hope this doesnt sound ungrateful, but its just a big adjustment when your life changes in that very drastic way. The Eternal Sunshine tour will begin in June and take the pop star to venues mostly in North America including Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Chicago and Montreal in Canada before wrapping up with five shows at Londons O2 arena in August. Grande released a deluxe version of the album along with a short film titled Brighter Days Ahead in March 2025. Change needed: Arne Slot must get radical to arrest Liverpools shocking slump in form (Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has called on Arne Slot to drop Mohamed Salah after Liverpools defeat by Nottingham Forest. Salah, who has scored five goals across all competitions, has not been anywhere close to his best so far this season. The Egyptian forwards lack of defensive work has come in for criticism, with Rooney the latest pundit to call for him to be dropped as Slot looks for answers to Liverpools wretched run of form. The Reds, who spent a record 446million on new players in the summer, currently sit 11th in the Premier League table having lost half of their games so far, hitting a new low with Saturdays dismal 3-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Salah is not helping them defensively, Rooney said on the latest edition of the Wayne Rooney Show. "Im sure if you're one of the players who they've signed and you're sat on the bench and you've seen him not running - and I get that he's a club legend and everything he's done for the club - but if you're on the bench, then what message does that send to you that you see one of your team-mates not running back? And hes starting every game. So I think if I was Arne Slot, I'd try and make a big decision just so it has an impact on the rest of the team. Out of form: Mohamed Salah has come in for strong criticism during Liverpools shocking run (Getty Images) Asked if he felt that Salah should be dropped, Rooney replied: I think so. 100 per cent he needs to make a decision and get them compact, get them hard to beat and every player running back and working back. Then obviously when they start winning games, you can bring him back in and hope he is running back more. I think thatll have an impact on the team for sure. Salah enjoyed a record-breaking campaign last term as Liverpool romped to the league title in Slots first season in charge. The 33-year-old started this season productively, with four goal involvements in his opening five league games. However, his drop in form - he has scored just twice in the last three months - has coincided with Liverpool losing six of their last seven league matches. Rooney went on to say that he sympathised with Liverpool, who have been dealing with the death of Diogo Jota in July. "They're going through a hard time, aren't they? Rooney continued. "You've probably got to look at the effect of what sadly happened to Jota. What effect does that have on the players because that's his team-mates? That surely has to have an effect. "But then there's no excuse for not fighting and not tackling." Qantas and Virgin Australia have banned using a power bank on board (Getty Images) Airlines in Australia will introduce new restrictions on the use of portable power banks following fire safety concerns. Virgin Australia announced that, from 1 December, passengers on all flights must keep battery-powered items close onboard. This means power banks, batteries and portable electronic devices a maximum of two, not exceeding 160Wh per person must be stowed near a travellers seat. Using a power bank to charge another device on board will be completely banned, along with the charging of power banks while in the aircraft. Similarly, as of 15 December, travellers with Qantas and Jetstar will no longer be allowed to use power banks on board due to the safety risks of damaged or defective lithium battery-powered devices. The charging of power banks onboard, including the use of in-seat power ports, will also be prohibited. It is the lithium-ion batteries used in power banks that have raised major concerns among airlines and aviation safety regulators due to the risks of overheating. Generally, Qantas customers can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage. All power banks must display battery specifications, and smart bag batteries must be removed and stowed in carry-on luggage. According to Qantas, the changes are informed by planned updates from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), expected in 2026. Power banks will continue to be banned from checked baggage. The airline said, Keeping power banks and portable electronic devices within easy reach during a flight ensures that in the rare event of an issue, our crew can identify and respond quickly. Earlier this month, the Qantas business lounge at Melbourne airport had to be evacuated after a passengers power bank burst into flames and left him with burn injuries. The man, 50, was waiting in the lounge when the device, powered by a lithium battery, reportedly ignited in his trouser pocket. Passengers who were in the lounge said that they heard screaming and saw the device explode and send battery acid flying everywhere. Read more: Emirates passengers face power bank use ban over fears of fire Australias Senate was suspended for more than an hour on Monday after a far-right senator entered the chamber wearing a burqa, sparking widespread outrage. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who has long campaigned for a national ban on burqas, was barred from the chamber for the remainder of the day after she repeatedly refused to take off the Muslim face covering. Ms Hanson was condemned by all parties in the Senate over her action, reminiscent of a similar stunt carried out in 2017 when she caused a procedural dispute that delayed the final sitting week of the year, ABC News reported. Senate president Sue Lines ordered her to leave, but Ms Hanson refused, prompting Ms Lines to suspend proceedings, a measure that has been used only rarely. The chamber reconvened at about 5.50pm without Ms Hanson present. The Senate erupted in fury when Hanson entered the room in a burqa (AAP) On social media, Ms Hanson accused her colleagues of hypocrisy for preventing her from putting forward her bill. She said she wore the burqa to highlight what she described as security risks and the mistreatment of women, arguing that parliament had failed to address the issue. Ms Hanson was unable to name a single safety incident linked to the burqa. If the parliament wont ban it, I will display this oppressive, radical, non-religious head garb that risks our national security and the ill treatment of women on the floor of our parliament so that every Australian knows whats at stake, she wrote. The independent senator Fatima Payman, the first woman in Australias federal parliament to wear a hijab, criticised Ms Hansons actions, describing the stunt as abhorrent and disrespectful to the chamber and the public. Hanson was condemned over the disgraceful stunt (AAP) For her to wear the burqa, walk in, and just not listen to the procedures or the ruling that was given before her is typical of her trying to stay relevant, she told ABC Radio. The fact that this is the last week of sitting for 2025 and the Senate is suspended... where are the priorities of the government and Pauline Hanson? This is a racist senator, displaying blatant racism, said Mehreen Faruqi, a Muslim senator from New South Wales. National Party MP Barnaby Joyce, who has left open the possibility of joining One Nation, said elected representatives were free to make political statements so long as they did not involve violence, but he did not comment directly on Ms Hansons sanction. The leader of the One Nation party pulled a similar stunt in 2017 (AP) Earlier in the day, Aftab Malik, the special envoy to counter Islamophobia, said Ms Hansons argument that the burqa posed a national security threat was frustrating and risked fuelling hostility toward Muslim women. This will deepen existing safety risks for Australian Muslim women who choose to wear the headscarf, the hijab, or the full face and body covering, the burqa, he said. They already face harassment, threats of rape, and violence, not because of what they have done, but because of what they wear. All women should be free to choose what they wear or do not wear. Ms Hanson previously wore a burqa in the Senate in 2017 during an earlier attempt by One Nation to introduce a national ban. She defended the stunt, claiming it was proving a point it was lack of security. She has also sparked controversy over indigenous issues, once declaring: Theres no definition to an Aboriginal, and calling for a big debate on this. In her 1996 maiden speech to parliament, she warned that Australia was at risk of being swamped by Asians. BBC bias row: How the spat between the broadcaster and Trump unfolded Donald Trump intends to sue the BBC for up to 5bn, following the broadcaster's apology but refusal to offer compensation over a controversial Panorama documentary. The programme, aired just a week prior to the 2024 US election results, is accused of misleadingly editing a speech Mr Trump delivered on 6 January 2021. It spliced two distinct clips, creating the impression that Mr Trump instructed the crowd: Were going to walk down to the Capitol and Ill be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell. Critics argue that the edit was deceptive, omitting a crucial segment where Mr Trump urged his supporters to demonstrate peacefully. This controversy led to the resignations of two senior BBC executives and a non-executive board member. Here is how the saga unfolded. Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for up to $5 billion (PA Wire) Tuesday 4 November The Telegraph reported that a memo on impartiality by Michael Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBCs editorial standards committee, had raised concerns in the summer about the documentary Trump: A Second Chance? It said the clips were spliced together to make it appear he had told supporters he was going to walk to the US Capitol with them to fight like hell. The Telegraph story prompted claims that the corporation selectively edited the speech and misled the public. Mr Trumps press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in the first comments by the White House on the row, later told the Telegraph: This purposefully dishonestly, selectively edited clip by the BBC is further evidence that they are total, 100 per cent fake news that should no longer be worth the time on the television screens of the great people of the United Kingdom. Sunday 9 November Tim Davie announced he would step down as director-general of the BBC after five years in the role, saying there have been some mistakes made and he had to take ultimate responsibility. The chief executive of BBC News, Deborah Turness, also announced her resignation on Sunday night, declaring in her statement the controversy had reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC an institution that I love. She went on: As the CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, the buck stops with me and I took the decision to offer my resignation to the director-general last night. In public life leaders need to be fully accountable, and that is why I am stepping down. Though she agreed that mistakes were made, she rejected claims the BBC was institutionally biased. The resignations came after Dame Caroline Dinenage, chairwoman of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, wrote to BBC chairman Samir Shah asking what actions he would take over the controversy. Mr Trump welcomed the BBC resignations and claimed there had been an attempt to step on the scales of a presidential election, adding on social media: What a terrible thing for Democracy! Monday 10 November Mr Shah responded to Dame Carolines letter saying the corporation would like to apologise for that error of judgment. He said there have been more than 500 complaints since the publication of the memo, adding: We accept that the way the speech was edited did give the impression of a direct call for violent action. Earlier in the day, Dame Caroline said Mr Davie ignored concerns raised in Mr Prescotts report. She told BBC Radio 4s Today she was very sad about Mr Davies resignation, calling him an effective leader at the BBC but said he should have reacted with concern and examined the claims, but just ignored it. When she arrived at Broadcasting House in central London on Monday, Ms Turness told reporters the corporation is not institutionally biased and the journalists are not corrupt. Downing Street also rejected claims the BBC is corrupt or institutionally biased, with the prime ministers official spokesman adding it is important that the BBC acts to maintain trust and correct mistakes quickly when they occur. The chief executive of BBC News, Deborah Turness, has resigned over the controversy (PA Wire) Tuesday 11 November Mr Trump sent an ultimatum to the BBC demanding it retract false and defamatory statements made about him in the Panorama documentary, or face a billion-dollar legal action. In a letter to the corporation, Mr Trumps lawyers said: Failure to comply will leave President Trump with no choice but to pursue any and all legal rights and remedies available to recover damages for the overwhelming financial and reputational harm that the BBC has caused him to suffer, with all rights and remedies being expressly reserved by President Trump. The White House may also consider restricting the corporations access to open press events as a result of the edit, according to a senior official quoted in the Telegraph. On the same day, Mr Davie told staff the corporation has to stand up for our journalism, and insisted it will control its own narrative which will not just be given by our enemies. In remarks to BBC staff, he said: We have to be very clear and stand up for our journalism. We are a unique and precious organisation, and I see the free press under pressure, I see the weaponisation. I think weve got to fight for our journalism. Tim Davie said the BBC is a unique and precious organisation (Getty) Wednesday 12 November Mr Trump told Fox News the BBC defrauded the public, adding: I think I have an obligation to do it, you cant allow people to do that. I guess I have to. They defrauded the public and theyve admitted it. This is within one of our great allies, supposedly our great ally. Thats a pretty sad event. They actually changed my January 6 speech, which was a beautiful speech, which was a very calming speech, and they made it sound radical. They showed me the results of how they butchered it up. It was very dishonest and the head man quit and a lot of the other people quit. At Prime Ministers Questions, Sir Keir Starmer said he believed in a strong and independent BBC but it needed to uphold the highest standards. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey claimed Mr Trump was trying to destroy our BBC and called on Sir Keir to tell President Trump to drop his demand for a billion-dollar settlement and guarantee that he will not get a single penny from British licence fee payers. Sir Keir replied: I believe in a strong and independent BBC. Some would rather the BBC didnt exist. Some of them are sitting up there. Im not one of them. In an age of disinformation, the argument for impartial British news service is stronger than ever, and where mistakes are made, they do need to get their house in order, and the BBC must uphold the highest standards to be accountable and correct errors quickly. Thursday 13 November The BBC officially apologised to Mr Trump over the editing of the speech which appeared in the Panorama documentary, adding it was an error of judgment and the programme will not be broadcast again in this form on any BBC platforms. The corporation however rejected the US presidents claims he had been defamed as well as his demands for compensation. Mr Shah sent a personal letter to the White House to apologise for the editing of the speech but 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. Friday 14 November Mr Trump said he will sue the BBC next week after the corporation apologised but declined to compensate him. Speaking to reporters on board Air Force One on Friday, he said: Well sue them for anywhere between $1 billion (759.8 million) and $5 billion (3.79 billion), probably sometime next week. Mr Trump also told the Daily Telegraph that Sir Keir was very embarrassed by the incident and said he would speak with him over the weekend. He said: I think I have to do it. Theyve even admitted that they cheated they changed the words coming out of my mouth. The people of the UK are very angry about what happened. Samir Shah said there was no basis for a defamation case (UK Parliament) Monday 17 November Mr Shah told staff the BBC was determined to fight Mr Trump after the president announced he was suing the corporation. In an email seen by Sky News, the chair said there was no basis for a defamation case. There is a lot being written, said and speculated upon about the possibility of legal action, including potential costs or settlements, he said. In all this we are, of course, acutely aware of the privilege of our funding and the need to protect our licence fee payers, the British public. I want to be very clear with you our position has not changed. There is no basis for a defamation case and we are determined to fight this. Shumeet Banerji resigned from his role on 21 November (Reliance Industries Ltd) Friday 21 November BBC board member Shumeet Banerji resigned from his role, citing governance issues as the reason behind his exit. Mr Banerji said in a letter that he was not consulted about the events leading up to the resignations of the director general, Mr Davie, and BBC News chief executive, Ms Turness. According to the BBC, his blaming of governance issues appeared to be a direct criticism of chair Mr Shah and other members of the board. On Friday, a BBC spokesperson said: Shumeet Banerji today notified the BBC board of his resignation. Mr Banerjis term on the board as a non-executive director was due to end at the end of December and we thank him for his service. Monday 24 November Mr Shah and board members Sir Robbie Gibb and Caroline Thomson are due to give evidence to the culture, media and sport committee of MPs on Monday. The committee will examine the claims made in the leaked document written by Mr Prescott, and the board members will likely face questions over claims of systemic issues within the BBC, which were first laid out in the document. Mr Shah is under pressure for his handling of the situation, and is due to face tough questions alongside his colleagues. Mr Prescott will also give evidence to the committee over his concerns about editorial standards at the BBC. I didnt plan to explore Istanbul alone. Liv Arnold's Turkish experience I had flown there to spend nine days with someone I had recently grown close to. A rare bright spot during a period when I was desperate for something steady. Something safe. But three days in, he left. I was upset about him, yes, but my nervous system reacted first. One minute I had plans and promises hed be by my side. The next, I was in a city I barely knew. His disappearance felt as though the floor disappeared beneath me. I lay on my hotel bed staring at the ceiling, thinking, ah, so we are doing personal growthagain. Meanwhile, Istanbul roared to life beyond my window. The city thrums and sings and honks and occasionally screams SIMIT! like carbs are an emergency (which they were). Prayer calls drifted over rooftops. Cats sprawled across 500-year-old ruins, tiny emperors judging my emotional stability. Panic gripped me on trams while my brain whispered helpful things like, You are going to die here and Why did you leave the house? Knees shook on ancient cobblestones that photograph beautifully yet behave as though the ground is politely trying to murder you. Tears arrived in mosques and alleyways. Once in front of a pomegranate juice stand, which sounds dramatic, but fruit have witnessed worse. I thought I would fall apart alone. Instead, strangers kept nudging me back to my feet in small, unexpected ways. *** The Grand Bazaar was like someone fed a normal market three espressos and cranked the saturation. Lanterns hung from ceilings, carpets cascaded from every angle, and stall keepers waved Turkish delight at me. My breath wobbled and my throat tightened. Colours blurred. Voices stacked. A rug seller gestured me into his shop, away from the noise. I sank onto a low cushion while he brewed apple tea. I lived in Melbourne for a few years. He handed me a cup. Only a few kilometres from you. I always like seeing Australians. I told him about the man I had come for, and how suddenly I was alone in a foreign country. Show me a picture of him, he said. I passed over my phone. He examined the screen, frowned, and shook his head. I already do not trust him. Judge Judy with carpets. A laugh slipped out. My shoulders loosened for the first time that day. You do not have to be alone, he said. Come back tonight. We will drink Turkish tea with my friends. No angle. No flirtation. Sometimes safety arrives in the form of tea and someone treating your heart as something to sit beside rather than fix. *** I sat at a cafe near Galata Tower, sipping Turkish salep. The tower rose above, a medieval lighthouse refusing retirement, smug in its angles and watching cobbled streets full of cats and tourists taking photos for Instagram. My eyes stayed red and puffy, the global sign for, yes, I cried in public. A waiter glanced at my face, disappeared, and returned with a slice of baklava. For you. No questions. No commentary. I stayed there, held together by pistachios and a waiter pretending not to see me cry. *** I stood frozen over Apple Maps in Sultanahmet, trying to work out how to get to Taksim Square. The smell of roasted chestnuts drifted through the air. Men walked past carrying trays of knock-off watches to sell. My brain stared at the screen as if it had never encountered a map. Or a street. Or the idea of direction. A man appeared beside me. You look lost. I am. The map keeps losing track of where I am. Apple Maps do not work well here. Use Uber. Easier than public transport. And keep your bag in front. Pickpockets. He pointed toward the road. Taksim Square is loud. Honking buses, sizzling food, music vibrating through the pavement, crowds thick and impatient. I nodded like this was groundbreaking wisdom instead of basic travel advice. Welcome to Istanbul. *** Kadkoy hummed with fish stalls, record shops, street art, and ferry horns, umbrellas overhead as if the neighbourhood insisted colour was a right, not a luxury. A man selling roses moved through the crowd, offering flowers to anyone who paused. One passerby shook their head. A man stepped forward, bought a rose, and handed it to me. Everyone keeps looking at you. I twirled the rose. Whats this for? Just felt right. Maybe he sensed I was struggling. I held that flower as the street buzzed around me, a tiny life raft in my hand. That night, I placed it in a mug on the hotel desk. Something in my chest eased each time I saw it. *** Id heard Turkish men could be bold with tourists. Some were. But others offered something gentler. Not romance, but steadiness. I arrived hoping to feel chosen by one person. Instead, a city steadied me quietly and unexpectedly, through gestures so small they barely made a sound. A rug seller questioning my taste in men. A waiter avoiding eye contact while sliding baklava toward me. A stranger making sure I did not accidentally wander into the Bosphorus Strait. A rose in a mug lasting longer than my situationship. Sometimes softness comes from places you never think to look. And sometimes the world catches you when the person you came for does not. by Natalie key for www.femalefirst.co.uk Two travellers have been arrested for attempting to chase down a plane on the tarmac after being too late for boarding in Germany. The men, 28 and 47, attempted to flag down the plane on the runway at Cologne Bonn Airport on Friday. German police said that the B70 gate had already closed, and that the men had smashed the glass of an emergency alarm at 9.33pm to press a button to open the door to the tarmac. The Wizz Air flight bound for Romania was seen with flashing red lights on and its engine running, suggesting it was preparing to taxi for its 9.30pm takeoff. The two men seemed to signal to the pilot that they wanted to board the plane before an airport employee approached the men and intervened. Moment when two Romanian men ran onto the runway to try to catch a Wizz Air Airbus A321 flight to Bucharest at Cologne/Bonn Airport. They broke through a restricted area, waved at the plane. pic.twitter.com/TZHjjjjDrp Udoka (@AgbomUdoka) November 24, 2025 Fortunately, the plane still managed to depart a few moments later and landed as scheduled in Bucharest. Federal police spokesperson Oliver Hunewinckell told German newspaper Bild: Criminal charges for trespassing have been filed against the men; a violation of the Air Security Act is still being investigated. A spokesperson for Cologne Bonn airport told the newspaper: We can confirm that on Friday evening, two passengers gained unauthorised access to the apron via an emergency exit after passing through security. The two were apprehended by airport staff and handed over to the Federal Police. Cologne/Bonn Airport has initiated legal proceedings. Aviation security at the airport was never compromised, and flight operations were not affected. The two men have been arrested by German police for the offence at Cologne-Bonn airport This comes after a passenger on a Ryanair flight locked himself in the toilet and yelled homophobic abuse at staff after they took too long to bring him his sandwich. On Monday, Dublin District Court heard how Gerard Moorehouse, 45, had delayed landing for several minutes and compromised flight safety on the August 15 flight from London Gatwick to Dublin. The father of two told the court that he needed to use the bathroom due to bowel issues and alleged he was discriminated against by cabin crew for being a Traveller on the flight. The court also heard how Moorehouse had used his call bell multiple times before the cabin crew were able to take his food order. They informed a demanding Moorehouse, of Piercetown, Newbridge, Co Kildare, that his toastie would take 10-15 minutes, when he reportedly became aggressive and hostile, asking two cabin crew members, Are you gay? One member of Ryanair staff told the court: ''I tried to reason with him, but it didn't work. He called us f****ts multiple times and told us to f**k off. He verbally threatened me, saying there would be a fight if he did not get his sandwich now. Moorehouse was found guilty of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour on an aircraft and was given a three-month suspended sentence and ordered to pay a 1,500 fine. Queen guitarist Sir Brian May has hinted the band will be the stars of a new Abba Voyage-style AI hologram show. The 78-year-old guitarist revealed he and drummer Roger Taylor were exploring ways to bring the band back to life in its original incarnation with late singer Freddie Mercury, who died in 1991, and bass player John Deacon, 74, who retired in 1997. Speaking to Big Issue, Sir Brian said: Freddie is still alive through the music that we listen to all the time. Sir Brian revealed he was exploring ways of presenting a Queen hologram show (Ian West/PA) In a sense, John is still with us in the same way, but now we have so many other opportunities. I mean things that are immersive, like The Sphere in Las Vegas, it will be possible to give people the experience very closely of what things were like for us when we were Freddie, John, Brian and Roger, and that really appeals to me. It wouldnt be just playing old footage or whatever. It would be creating Queen as if we were creating it today. Im very taken with the idea that we can be the original Queen again. Rumours of a hologram show of the pop rock band began circulating when the company who manages Mercurys back catalogue filed a trademark for his name in 3D and VR. At the time representatives for Queen said there was nothing to say. Despite the planning, Taylor, 76, said he came away from the Abba Voyage show with mixed feelings. The Abba Voyage production is held at a special venue at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London (Ian West/PA) He said: I had a good time. I enjoyed it, I didnt find the actual projections that convincing. I do think technology now has come so much further since the Abba show started, I think a lot more can be done. Taylor said Mercury would be thrilled that the bands work is still relevant today. He added: We havent finished yet, we can play fine, but we are getting older, and so were just looking at all the options, especially with the incredible technology we have now which is literally changing by the day. Queen have had six UK number one singles and 10 UK number one albums. Some of their best known songs include Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, and We Are The Champions. Queen on the cover of Big Issue (Big Issue/PA) The full interview can be read in this weeks Big Issue, on sale from the magazines vendors now. Migrants attempt to cross the Channel to the UK - Gareth Fuller/PA Sir Keir Starmers Government needs to come to the table and get serious about tackling mass migration, the Trump administration has said. The US state department on Friday labelled mass migration an existential threat to Western civilisation and ordered its embassies across Europe to report crimes committed by illegal migrants. On Monday, a senior department official said that they wished to meet with the Labour Government to discuss potential strategies to curb the crisis. We would welcome a dialogue with the United Kingdom on this, the official told The Telegraph. We would hope that they would want to come to the table to put our heads together on solutions. They need to be willing to come to the table and be serious about finding solutions. Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, has announced a package of measures to overhaul the asylum system, intended to ramp up deportations and reduce the pull factors drawing asylum shoppers to the UK. The reforms billed as the biggest changes in the asylum system since the Second World War include plans to forcibly deport migrant families whose asylum claims have been rejected if they refuse cash incentives to leave the UK, ending refugees automatic right to stay in the UK, and forcing those who remain to wait for permanent settlement for 20 years. The state department official described the Home Secretarys announcements as encouraging and a step forward. Its encouraging when you hear British politicians recognise the mass migration crisis is real, that its a real issue for their citizens, they said. However, the official warned that the British governments in recent years have repeatedly failed to meet promises to tackle mass migration. Time and time again in election after election, the people of the United Kingdom voted for reform [on the issue of mass migration]and time and time again they have been let down, they said. Mass migration in Europe has become a key cause for concern for the White House. During his state visit in September, Donald Trump urged Sir Keir to call out the military to control UK borders. The Trump administration has singled out the grooming gangs scandal in Rotherham as an example of how Western nations have endured crime waves as a result of uncontrolled migration. Thousands of vulnerable girls were raped by gangs of predominantly Pakistani men in at least 50 towns and cities across Britain over several decades. The state department official warned of concerning increases in sexual assaults in the UK perpetrated by violent rape gangs from migrant backgrounds, particularly those with extremist Muslim beliefs. To pretend like certain strains of Islam or certain radical strains of other ideologies dont have negative impacts on a country, thats just blatantly false, they said. They also criticised human rights groups for their silence over the grooming gangs scandal. One of our biggest grievances about the international human rights community is its selectivitywhen little girls are raped in the United Kingdom over the course of years and the government doesnt do anything about itno one calls that out, everyones silent on that issue, the official said. It is the latest sign of the Trump administrations willingness to intervene in British domestic politics over the issue of migration. We are not going to be afraid to call out our friends just as much as were willing to call out our enemies, the official said. The UK has the highest prices per mile anywhere. That was one of the responses to The Independents report that regulated rail fares in England will be frozen next year as part of the autumn Budget. Yet fresh research by The Independent across five major European countries shows that the only routes on which the UK is disproportionately expensive are on Eurostar trains to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. For immediate departure, there is no alternative to the 219 fare to Paris or Amsterdam, or 207 on the significantly shorter journey to Brussels. Tickets from continental Europe are a few pounds cheaper. But for domestic rail travel, the UK is not an outlier, being largely comparable with France and Germany though generally with slower trains. Fast and French: Frances train fares are comparable to those in Britain, although journey times are often quicker (Getty/iStock) The research looked at intercity journeys of around 280 miles (450km) from big cities to the national capital. Prices for immediate departure on Monday morning at peak times were recorded, along with the lowest fare available for the same journey two months ahead. The lowest/highest fares found were: Newcastle-London (275 miles): 26/108 Seville-Madrid (293 miles): 6/78 Lyon-Paris (289 miles): 15/104 Frankfurt-Berlin (263 miles): 16/135 Milan-Rome (297 miles): 35/94 Additionally, trips of 45 miles (72km) between cities other than capitals were examined. The survey looked at same-day purchase, travelling off peak, using slower trains where they were cheaper: Manchester-Leeds (43 miles): 9 Alicante-Murcia (50 miles): 5 Strasbourg-Colmar (45 miles): 11 Karlsruhe-Stuttgart (46 miles): 15 Venice-Vicenza (43 miles): 6 The clear winner for both low fares and Europes best high-speed network is Spain. Booking well ahead, the 293-mile journey from Seville to Madrid costs as little as 6. Four rail firms compete on the route, which also keeps maximum fares for immediate departure lower. In addition, commuter lines in Madrid, Barcelona and beyond are heavily subsidised. Tickets on the Spanish network were considerably more affordable than the British offering (Getty/iStock) After Spain, no other major nation stands out for particularly high or low fares. Italy, where there has long been competition between the private firm Italo and the state operator, Trenitalia, is second best for immediate departures on the prime Milan-Rome route. Trenitalia also scores well for the fare on the classic train between Venice and Vicenza. But for travellers who book ahead, the only really good deals are on slow trains; for some longer trips, doubling the duration of the journey can halve the fare making the price of a Milan-Rome trip just 14. In terms of transport geography with pronounced north-south flows and population, Italy is the closest comparison to Britain. On the Newcastle-London run, state-run LNER competes with low-cost operator Lumo, with keen fares for booking well in advance. An unprepared traveller who asks LNER for the next train to the capital may be told the price is 200.80 higher than any other domestic intercity journey in Europe. But it is never necessary to pay such a high fare. Many retailers offer much cheaper deals using split ticketing to exploit anomalies in the UK rail fare system. Passengers travel on the same train, but typically pay only half the fare. Germany and France are broadly comparable, but Germany has the most unusual offer for people who are content with slower journeys: the chance to travel for under 2 (1.75) per day across the nation with the Deutschlandticket. The pass costs 58 (51) for a full calendar month, which also includes all local public transport. France is looking better value than it had previously for intercity links, thanks to competition on the route from Paris southeast to Lyon and beyond. But on routes where the state-owned operator, SNCF, is the only provider, fares tend to be more expensive than those in the UK. State-run operator LNER competes with budget operator Lumo on the Newcastle-London line (Charlotte Hindle) The single biggest driver of low prices on intercity routes is clearly competition. The UK government has been tentative about opening up lines to so-called open-access operators, citing a lack of capacity and fears that private operations could require extra funding. The converse argument is that the best way to encourage passengers out of their cars is to offer attractive fares and services, as has happened in Spain. Railcard discounts were not taken into account, though many passengers in the UK, France and Germany use them. Switzerland is by far the most expensive country for domestic travel. The 55-mile journey from Basel to Zurich costs 34. But most Swiss passengers pay 180 for a half-fare card. All fares researched on 24 November 2025 Read more: Where are tourist taxes charged in the UK and how much do they cost? Unleashing mayhem Victorious Cupid by Caravaggio, which will go on show at the Wallace Collection. Illustration: Gemaldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin The boy howls as his head is held down, a huge thumb pressing into his cheek as his fathers mighty hand holds him by the neck. This is The Sacrifice of Isaac and I am looking at it in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, feeling distressed by how Caravaggio has so chillingly rendered the face of this suffering child from the biblical tale. It looks as if Abraham, who has been told by God to kill his son, could break his neck with just one twist. Yet Abrahams preferred method is with the silvery grey knife he holds in his other hand, ready to slit Isaacs throat. One things for certain whoever posed as Isaac for this astonishing work was a great actor. There is not just dread, shock and pleading in his darkened eyes but also grief that a guardian could betray him so utterly. Standing in front of the painting, I know this is a real face, an accurate record of a young model, because the same boy recognisable by his tousled hair and almost black eyes appears in two other paintings by Caravaggio. In each, that richly expressive face steals the show. In John the Baptist, he looks mischievously out of the shadows while cuddling a ram. In Victorious Cupid, he grins with a hardness learned on Romes streets, his black feathery wings demonic, a naked kid running riot in a well-to-do house. He took a familiar biblical story and made it so fresh and raw that its horrors seemed to happen in front of you Victorious Cupid, which goes on show this week at the Wallace Collection in London, is the most embarrassing masterpiece ever painted. You feel totally thrown looking at it. Cupid, the god of love whose arrows fill people with often painful desire, is depicted as a very real, brightly lit nude, straddling toppled-over objects that include stringed instruments, a music manuscript, plate armour and an architects T-square. This pile of stuff resembles, deliberately, the mathematical and architectural gear scattered across the floor in Albrecht Durers engraving Melencolia I except here, the melancholic mess is caused by this grinning Cupid and the mayhem he can unleash. Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, / And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind, wrote Shakespeare, just before this was painted in around 1601. But Caravaggios Cupid is not blind. He looks right at you. That face ironic and ruddy-cheeked, staring with brazen confidence as he struts naked is the same one that screams in terror in The Sacrifice of Isaac. When Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio painted his three images of the same funny-looking kid in Rome at the start of the 17th century, he was the most acclaimed religious artist in a city enflamed by Catholic revival. The Sacrifice of Isaac shows why he was in demand to decorate churches: he could take a biblical story that had been depicted many times before and make it so fresh, so raw and visceral that the horror seemed to be happening right in front of you. Yet there was another side to Caravaggio, apparent as soon as he arrived in Rome in the winter that ended 1592, as a painter in his early 20s with no teacher or patron in the city, just skill and audacity. Most of the paintings with which he caught the holy citys eye were anything but holy. What may be the very earliest hangs in Londons National Gallery. A youth opens his crimson lips in a yell of pain: while reaching out his filthy fingers for a cherry, he has instead been attacked. Boy Bitten By a Lizard is sensuality amid squalor: you can see Caravaggios dismal chamber reflected in the murky waters of the glass vase. The boy wears a pink flower in his hair a symbol of the sex trade in Renaissance art. Venetian artists such as Titian and Palma Vecchio portrayed courtesans holding flowers and, in a work destroyed in the second world war but known through photographs, Caravaggio portrayed a famous female courtesan, Fillide Melandroni, holding a posy to her chest. The message of all these floral signifiers is clear: sex for sale. What are we to make of Caravaggios sensual depictions of boys and of one boy in particular? It is a question that has divided his interpreters ever since he achieved mega-fame in the 1980s. The complex historical reality is that the artist was neither the queer hero that, for example, Derek Jarman put on screen in his 1986 film Caravaggio, nor so completely pious that, as some art historians improbably claim, his Boy With a Basket of Fruit is actually a portrait of Jesus. His early paintings do make explicit sexual suggestions, or even offers. Its as if Caravaggio, then a penniless young painter, identified with Romes sex workers, selling himself to survive. In the Uffizi, with this thought in mind, I turn to another early work, the 1596 masterpiece Bacchus, in which the god of wine stares coolly at you as he starts to undo the black ribbon of his robe. A few years after Bacchus, what could have driven Caravaggio to paint Victorious Cupid for the art collector Vincenzo Giustiniani, when he was finally becoming almost respectable with prestigious church commissions? This unholy pagan god resurrects the sexual provocations of his early works but in a more intense, uneasy way. Half a century later, its secret seemed obvious: it was a portrait of Caravaggios lover. The British traveller Richard Symonds saw Victorious Cupid in about 1649 and was told its subject has the body & face of [Caravaggios] owne boy or servant that laid with him. The name of this boy was Cecco. The painter had been dead for about 40 years when Symonds heard this. Similar tales had circulated about Italian artists in the past. It was claimed the sculptor Donatello was obsessively in love with an apprentice, which makes sense if you have ever seen his nude bronze David. But was the story just a way of rationalising the suggestiveness of Donatellos statue? Giorgio Vasari, the painter and historian, even gossips that Leonardo da Vinci took for his assistant the Milanese Salai, who was most comely in grace and beauty, having fine locks curling in ringlets, in which Leonardo greatly delighted. Was Caravaggios Cecco a fable? No for, as we have seen, the boy in this painting was the painters regular model in the early 1600s, which fits with him being on hand in the artists home, as pupil and servant. In all three paintings, he has incredible presence and individuality performing, you might almost say, for the camera, but in reality for his master. And in two of the paintings, he is stark naked. The most intimate, though, is John the Baptist. As John embraces a ram with curly horns, he sits on a red blanket cushioned with white pillows and comfy fur, his body raked by light that catches his legs and shoulders while his penis is in the shadows, though still visible. Its meant to be a wilderness but feels more like a bedroom, one that he looks out from relaxed, not in the least embarrassed. Meanwhile, the ram gazes at him, dotes on him. Could this lovestruck face be Caravaggio portraying himself as the horned, devilish beast? That would certainly fit with how Caravaggios enemy, the artist Giovanni Baglione, saw him. In 1602, this much less talented rival painted Sacred and Profane Love, a riposte to Victorious Cupid, setting himself up as the Christian antithesis to Caravaggios satanic excesses. Baglione depicts the angel of sacred love stepping between a red-fleshed devil with Caravaggios features and his catamite. The angelic saviour looks lovingly down on the youth while the Caravaggio-faced demon rages at being denied the object of his lust. Its a vicious parody of Victorious Cupid that makes a dangerous accusation: Caravaggio is a sodomite and his Cupid is his victim. Caravaggio hit back. He and his friend, the artist Orazio Gentileschi, posted rude poems about Baglione in the streets of Rome, accusing him justifiably of being a lousy painter. Baglione in turn accused them of libel and took them to court. In his testimony, Gentileschi mentioned that Caravaggio had recently visited his house to borrow a pair of strap-on wings, presumably the ones Victorious Cupid wears. Caravaggio lost the case and was dogged by more charges for violent crimes, until he had to flee Rome after killing a man in 1606. But his untamed genius inspired an artistic movement across the continent. His radical, brutal style, stark use of light, and tough everyday stories caught the imaginations of young artists across Europe, from Orazios daughter Artemisia Gentileschi to Georges de la Tour, Diego Velazquez and the Caravaggisti of Utrecht. And, of course, there was Cecco del Caravaggio, as he became known. Whatever else Caravaggio did to Cecco we will obviously never know he trained him as a painter. Symonds refers to the model for Cupid as an artist in his own right: Checco del Caravaggio tis calld among the painters. Ceccos Interior With a Young Man Holding a Recorder, in Oxfords Ashmolean Museum, incorporates a skilful array of objects, including fruit and musical instruments, very much in Caaravaggios mode. Even more Caravaggesque is a vessel containing water in which we see distorted reflections, echoing Boy Bitten By a Lizard. Do we need to know about the private lives of artists? Vasari thought so. For some experts on baroque art, the idea that Caravaggio went around Catholic Rome flaunting his sinful life is unbelievable yet his paintings do exactly that. What we cant do is call him gay or queer in any comfortable sense. The past is another country and they desired differently there. The latest serious historical studies of sex relations between males in early modern Italy show that, despite the proscriptions of church and court, there was a lot of it going on. The historian Michael Rocke has found that, during a 70-year period of the 15th century, 13,000 men in Florence a city with a population of 40,000 were accused of sodomy. And those who were convicted usually got off with a fine, often offending again. But the convention was that mature men desired younger males: Leonardo with Salai, Caravaggio with Cecco. As Caravaggios English contemporary Christopher Marlowe is reported to have said: They that love not Tobacco and Boys are fools. This strange, disturbing country of the past is what Caravaggio shoves in your face. Even in that world, Caravaggio was close to the edge and it is there that his art thrives, on a sword-edge of danger. He exhibits his boy Cecco in ways that openly defied the church and was called out for this by Baglione. Caravaggio is like Satan, says Bagliones riposte to his Cupid: he is sin personified. Four hundred years on, we might make more sense of the incredible painting that is coming to the Wallace Collection if we simply use that old word, sin. Caravaggios paintings shudder and provoke with sin the supposedly sinful pleasures of sweet grapes, red wine and sex. He came to see himself as a great sinner. And he was: a murderer who spent his last years on the run, trying to atone with his art. His quest for redemption, by painting altarpieces in southern Italy, plunged him into self-scrutinising reveries. He painted his own face on to the severed head of Goliath, held up by the boy David. It is a haunting, haunted face: Caravaggio imagines himself punished even after death, his eyelids slumped, his mouth open, as his head is held up by the young avenger. For his sins. Caravaggios Victorious Cupid is at the Wallace Collection, London, from 26 November Gen Dan Caine is one of the architects of Operation Southern Spear, the largest build-up of American military force in the Caribbean since the Cuban Missile Crisis - Andrew Harnik/2025 Getty Images US troops in the Caribbean have reportedly been told they may not be able to go home for Thanksgiving and Christmas as the White House ramps up its pressure campaign against Venezuela. Southcom, the US combat command responsible for South and Central America, is restricting leave over the festive period in preparation for land strikes in the region, according to CNN. The news came as Gen Dan Caine, Americas most senior military officer, was dispatched to the Caribbean on Monday. He is set to visit one of several navy warships sent to the region. Gen Caine is one of the architects of Operation Southern Spear, the largest build-up of American military force in the region since the Cuban Missile Crisis, designed to stop the flow of drugs, including fentanyl, into the US. The USS Gerald R Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, arrived in the Caribbean last week along with its strike group, meaning the US has amassed more than a dozen warships, a nuclear submarine and 15,000 troops in the region. The stated reason for Gen Caines trip is to thank troops for their service ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday. However, he is also expected to consult with commanders about the armadas preparations, sources told The New York Times. The Trump administration has reportedly been briefed by military officials on a range of options, including strikes on military or government facilities and special operations raids, CNN reported. Government officials said that covert operations would likely be the first course of action against the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro, according to Reuters. The officials added that options under consideration included attempting to overthrow him. Nicolas Maduro faces narcoterrorism charges in the US - JUAN BARRETO/AFP Meanwhile, three international airlines cancelled flights departing from the country after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of a potentially hazardous situation when flying over Venezuela. Flights departing from Caracas on Brazils Gol, Colombias Avianca and TAP Air Portugal airlines were all paused over the weekend. This decision follows information issued by the United States aviation authorities, which indicates that safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace are not guaranteed, a TAP Portugal spokesman told Reuters. And Germanys foreign ministry urged its citizens not to travel to Venezuela. Mr Trump has also signed off on covert CIA operations inside Venezuela while at the same time authorising fresh back-channel negotiations, according to the New York Times. US marines board a helicopter on USS San Antonio in the Caribbean Sea - Staff Sgt. Brett Norman The talks are said to have resulted in Mr Maduro offering to step down in two years, a proposal the White House rejected. The US has been weighing Venezuela-related options to combat what it has portrayed as Mr Maduros role in supplying illegal drugs that have killed Americans. He has denied having any links to the illegal drug trade. On Monday, US authorities officially designated Mr Maduro and his allies as members of a foreign terrorist organisation, potentially opening the door to direct military action in Venezuela. The designation of Cartel de los Soles, a phrase used to refer to corrupt government officials, as a foreign terrorist group could give the Trump administration cover to launch strikes against Mr Maduros assets and infrastructure inside the country, administration officials have claimed. The USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier arrived in the Caribbean last week - MCSN Paige Brown/U S Navy/UPI/Shutterstock Venezuela rejected the US terrorist designation, labelling it a ridiculous lie aimed at paving the way for an illegitimate military intervention. Pete Hegseth, the defence secretary, said last week that the terrorist designation brings a whole bunch of new options to the United States. But in an apparent effort to dial down the temperature, Mr Maduro burst into an energetic peace dance at a rally over the weekend, swaying, jumping and pumping his fists to an electronic sample of him saying: No war, no crazy war, no, no, no. Peace, peace, yes peace. MADURO'S BIZARRE BOOGIE: DICTATOR BUSTS LOVECRAFTIAN MOVES Maduro... He may be losing it. The man dropped a clip, kicking off with some awkward dancing in a flashy jacket and Christmas decor. He moves like a well-fed boa trying to climb a tree and failing, all while https://t.co/GPEURBsHgO pic.twitter.com/QCPjkQ67Hs Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 24, 2025 The theatrical display followed a similar routine last week in which the Venezuelan leader appeared before a large crowd singing John Lennons Imagine while holding up peace signs. Mr Trump is planning to talk to Mr Maduro directly despite the Venezuelan leader being designated head of a foreign terrorist organisation by the US, Axios reported. It signals that the US is not planning an imminent strike on Venezuelan soil or a move against Mr Maduro, sources told the news outlet. Nobody is planning to go in and shoot him or snatch him at this point, one official familiar with discussions said. I wouldnt say never, but thats not the plan right now. Since September, the US has launched 21 strikes on boats that the administration claims were trafficking drugs, killing at least 83 people. The president has said intelligence justified the strikes, but the administration has not provided evidence of the boats cargo. Donald Doolittle, 58, a safety director at the Gateway Community church, has been charged with impersonating a public servant Photograph: Shelby Tauber/Reuters A church employee is under arrest in Houston, Texas, after being accused of posing as an ICE agent to extort money from a woman he had booked to give him a massage. Donald Doolittle, 58, a safety director at the Gateway Community church in Webster, south-east of Houston, has been charged with impersonating a public servant. According to police, Doolittle booked and received a massage from a woman operating out of a north-west Houston office building. He wanted to pay with a credit card; the woman said she only accepted cash or payment via Zelle, a digital network. Police said Doolittle then pulled out an ID card labelled ICE, identified himself as an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agent, and asked to see the womans identification. She showed him her temporary visa but Doolittle allegedly then demanded money. He demanded she Zelle him $500 or he would take her away and she would never see her family or children again, a magistrate said during a court hearing on Saturday. The victim complied and sent Doolittle the money. Police said he later told her she wouldnt hear from any other ICE agents because he had marked her case for non-prosecution, and asked her to delete their text message exchange, according to ABC News. The alleged extortion only came to light after the victim told her story to officers whom she happened to run into the next day at a lunch. When interviewed by investigators, police said Doolittle denied getting a massage or going to the victims business, but police said surveillance video proved otherwise. Earlier this month, a cyber crimes unit with ICE warned of cyber criminals masquerading as ICE agents. Some victims have been directed to download ransomware to their computer, which then freezes and shows a message that they must pay the ICE Cyber Crimes Center $400 within 48 hours to have it unlocked. Other extortion efforts, according to the Federal Trade Commission, include phone or email scammers pretending to be from ICE claiming you have violated immigration law, that your identity information is wrong or out of date, or that you owe fees or need to pay an immigration bond. Theyll threaten to alert the police or to have you deported if you dont give them the information they want. And theyll tell you not to talk to anyone else about it, the agency says on its website. Vladimir Putin said on Friday the proposals could form the basis of a final peace settlement, but experts say he will not agree to it without amendments in his favour. Photograph: Gavriil Grigorov/AFP/Getty Images The Kremlin has barely lifted a finger in recent days. It hasnt needed to. The 28-point US-Russia peace proposal, leaked to the media last week, has thrown Washington, Kyiv and European capitals into disarray, creating precisely the conditions Vladimir Putin has long sought: a negotiating table sharply tilted in the Russian presidents favour, with Ukraine cornered into weighing terms it cannot accept and the threat of losing its most important ally hanging over its head. Since Donald Trumps return to power, both Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraines president, have worked relentlessly to convince the US they are not the side resisting peace. For his part, the US president has oscillated wildly blasting one side or the other with angry posts and threats. After the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, which by most accounts left the US president dissatisfied, he briefly appeared to side more openly with Kyiv, accusing Russia of blocking peace. Significant US sanctions on Russian oil followed. But last weeks peace plan largely drafted in Florida by the US property developer Steve Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russias sovereign wealth fund has upended that dynamic. While the exact inception of the plan and Trumps precise role in it remains unclear, the US president is embracing it. On Sunday, he returned to portraying Ukraine as the obstacle to ending the war. The US president wrote on his Truth Social platform complaining that Kyivs leadership had EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS. Moscow, meanwhile, has remained strikingly quiet. For days, the foreign ministry feigned ignorance, insisting it knew nothing of any peace initiative, before Putin himself said late on Friday that the proposals could form the basis of a final peace settlement. The structure of the US negotiation process works to Russias advantage. Washington wants Kyiv to approve the plan before a US delegation travels to Moscow to finalise terms. The Kremlin believes any move by Zelenskyy to accept something close to the 28-point draft would trigger political turmoil in Ukraine an outcome Moscow would welcome. And Putin knows Ukraine cannot simply abandon the talks: it remains reliant on US-supplied weapons and intelligence and could face a catastrophic winter if its central ally walked away. Even if Kyiv were to support the plan, Russian insiders and analysts expect Putin to demand further concessions. The plan may be 70% acceptable, but the rest is something Putin will not agree to, said Anton Barbashin, a visiting researcher at the European Council on Foreign Relations. He will certainly say: Yes, lets work on this here are my amendments. Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said the current proposal which she described as clumsily drafted leaves too much room for interpretation, making it the sort of document Putin would never sign. The proposals vague wording on Ukraines neutrality and Natos future expansion, she said, would demand concrete documents, timelines and commitments none of which appear in the draft. According to Stanovaya, Putin is unlikely to retreat from his main goal of subjugating Ukraine and will instead push for a revised version of the current plan that more fully reflects Russias interests. But if diplomacy stalls, she said Putin would see no problem with continuing the war as the Kremlin believes Ukraines position will worsen over time especially if Trump follows through on threats to halt US military aid. On Friday Putin stopped short of confirming he would sign the deal, in part, Stanovaya believes, because he is waiting to see how the apparent disagreements inside the US administration over the plan unfold. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, on Saturday stressed that the US authored the peace plan, after a Republican senator asserted that Rubio had distanced himself from the proposal and called it a Russian initiative. The Kremlin is watching to see which faction inside the US administration prevails. Its far too early for Moscow to celebrate, Stanovaya said. Ukraines hope, as in past rounds of diplomacy, is that with its European allies it can reshape the proposal into something acceptable for Kyiv and persuade Trump to back that version. On Monday, the US and Ukraine produced a 19-point peace plan that is markedly more favourable to Kyiv, but deferred the most politically sensitive questions for later. Moscow is almost certain to reject the counter-proposal, returning the process to square one. With events moving quickly, Putin is likely to take a back seat for the moment, according to Fyodor Lukyanov, a foreign policy analyst close to the Kremlin. Lukyanov said Russia would maintain military pressure at its current level until Ukraine accepted the original 28-point plan, after which Moscow would be ready to move to detailed discussions. The ball is on the other side, Lukyanov added. Irish eyes were smiling at Kempton on Monday, as Grand National-winning trainer Emmet Mullins registered a double including landing the feature CopyBet Mares Hurdle with Dream On Baby. Sent off 9-4 favourite for the Listed event, the five-year-old travelled with real gusto in the hands of Donagh Meyler and although challenged by Emma Lavelles Bethpage in the closing stages, always looked capable of pulling out the required extra. Its brilliant and shes a mare that has been very consistent and knocking on the door on both the Flat and over hurdles, said Mullins, who also won the following CopyBet Acca Boost Up To 100% Handicap Chase with 4-1 Chance Another One. She tries her heart out and deserved a win like that. Its great for the syndicate who are a bunch of guys from Cork, they all travelled over this morning and they are going to really enjoy this one. This had been the plan for about a month, but before that we had been trying to pick up a Flat maiden with her and kept bumping into a few nice horses. Shes tough and honest and deserved that. I havent overly looked past today but she might come over again for something similar, well have to go home and reassess. Youd be hopeful she could keep improving, but I dont want to get too carried away as this is a great day and were just glad to get this win under our belts. Nicky Henderson is already looking forward to a return to Kempton but in 12 months time after Old Park Star made a winning hurdling introduction in the CopyBet Daily Profit Boost/EBF Stallions National Hunt Novices Hurdle. Sent off at 11-2 in the hands of Nico de Boinville, the five-year-old was the first runner the Seven Barrows handler has saddled for owners Gordon and Su Hall, and could have a bright future having bolted up by three lengths. Henderson said: Its a great start and its our first runner for the owners, hes going to be a chaser and this time next year he will be in the next race, I hope. Hes still a bit of a frame, but hes a nice horse. This was a lovely race to start him off him and he hadnt got the experience and they all had penalties, so it was a fair run. Nico (de Boinville) said to stay at two miles for the time being. I think he is a horse we will mind for this season as he will be really nice this time next year when he just fills out that frame a little bit. However, there was no joy for Henderson in the CopyBet Chasing Excellence Beginners Chase, which he won with Iberico Lord 12 months ago, as Jeriko Du Reponet proved no match for Lucy Wadhams Jax Junior (11-4). A three-time winner over hurdles last season, the six-year-old could now find himself swimming in deeper waters having romped to a 12-length success in this competitive event in the hands of Tom Cannon. Wadham said: We are absolutely thrilled and wasnt expecting to win today. It kind of changes our plans a bit now and Im not quite sure were we go next, but I dont think it will be handicapping which is quite a nice position to be in. Well have to look down the graded route and its hard to know because the favourite probably underperformed, but I think well be looking to some sort of conditions race. Hes always jumped his hurdles like fences so we always knew he would jump his fences well, but when youre coming in off that kind of rating, its quite tough. This was the perfect trip and you dont find it in too many places, it was good to make the most of it today. New driving test changes in Britain have come into place on today (Monday, November 24). Candidates will now be required to spend longer on faster roads during tests. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is introducing new measures to better reflect the real-world driving conditions many motorists encounter post-test, particularly on rural roads. This follows a five-month trial of the changes, which took place earlier this year at 20 test centres across Britain. Nearly half (48 per cent) of crashes involving car drivers aged between 17 and 24 where someone was killed or seriously injured between 2019 and 2023 took place on rural roads, a House of Commons Library briefing document shows. That is compared with 42 per cent for drivers outside that age range. Roads minister Simon Lightwood said: Were doing all we can to make our roads safer. By focusing more tests on higher speed roads were tackling one of the biggest risks for young motorists, helping to reduce collisions and save lives. Amanda Lane, DVSA head of driver testing and driver training policy, said: High speed roads, particularly those in rural areas, are among the most treacherous for novice drivers. To keep all road users safe, its crucial that the practical driving test assesses learners on the skills required to drive in the real world. The agency added that the changes will have no impact on the timing of tests or the number available (James Manning/PA) Other changes being made to the test include: Reducing the number of stops learners must make from four to three. Decreasing the frequency of emergency stops from one in three tests to one in seven. Giving examiners the power to increase the length of independent driving which can involve following a satnav, traffic signs, or both to between 20 minutes and the full duration of the test. The DVSA said the need to find slower speed areas to perform stops during a test limits the distance and number of roads that can be covered. It is hoped decreasing the number of stops will provide greater flexibility when planning test routes. The agency added that the changes will have no impact on the timing of tests or the number available. There is a major backlog of driving tests, which the DVSA attributes to an increase in demand and people booking tests much earlier than before. The number of learner drivers in Britain with a future test booking as of the end of October was 642,000. Some 182,000 tests were conducted last month, an increase of 9 per cent from 168,000 in October 2024. Last week, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced that military driving examiners will be mobilised to test civilians. Other measures aimed at tackling the backlog include combating the issue of people reselling tests for profit. Only learners not instructors will be able to book slots, and they will also only be able to move the location of tests to a centre near the original booking. The Doctor Who TARDIS was installed at Stonehenge on Doctor Who Day (23.11.25). The TARDIS showed up at Stonehenge for Doctor Who Day In partnership with English Heritage, the event marked the finale of Vworp Around The World, a global digital fan activation. The campaign has run across Doctor Whos social channels, with fans completing five online missions through UNIT HQ to crack codes and uncover clues. Each stage unlocked exclusive digital rewards, leading to the reveal of the TARDIS landing at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sarah Bold, Head of Marketing for the Doctor Who brand at BBC Studios, said: Doctor Who Day is about creating memorable experiences for fans. Bringing the TARDIS to Stonehenge connects two British icons and celebrates imagination, heritage and fandom. Richard Dewdney, Stonehenge Operations Manager at English Heritage, added: Were pleased to welcome Doctor Who back to Stonehenge, which featured in an episode 15 years ago. We hope visitors who come to see the TARDIS also take time to explore the site itself. Fans unable to attend in person could follow the celebrations online via the Doctor Who website, social media channels and newsletter. The hashtag #DoctorWhoDay was used to connect fans worldwide. In addition, the Doctor Who Shop is offering exclusive merchandise tied to the event, spanning different eras of the iconic sci-fi series. The choice of Stonehenge carries added significance, as the landmark featured in the series five episode The Pandorica Opens, where Matt Smiths Doctor confronted Roman centurions and a fleet of enemy ships. The Stonehenge installation closes out a year-long campaign designed to engage audiences globally and reinforce Doctor Whos cultural impact ahead of future series developments. Doctor Who fans are in for a treat with not only the Christmas 2026 special and another series, but the spin-off The War Between The Land And The Sea will be available in the UK on BBC iPlayer and BBC One next month. The five-part series stars Russell Tovey as Everman Barclay, who works for UNIT (Unified Intelligence Taskforce) and gets enveloped in a struggle to prevent a major war between the humans and the Sea Devils, who were first introduced to Doctor Who fans in the 1970s. He ends up being the only human that Gugu Mbatha Raw's Sea Devil character Salt can trust. Created by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, a double bill will air on December 7. For those not in the UK, the spin-off will be available via Disney+. Donald Trump reacts to a female reporters question aboard Air Force One on 14 November 2025. Photograph: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images Since the early days of his political career, Donald Trump has been critical of the media, but in recent days his hostility has reached a new peak particularly when it comes to questions about his association with the pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Trump invoked the phrase piggy a term he has used before to describe a female reporter on Friday, and has aggressively responded to at least one other female reporter over the past week, including threatening to revoke ABCs license. The outbursts come at a tense time for Trump, after the Republican party issued arguably its largest rebuke to the president since he cemented his position as the GOP leader. With as many as 100 House Republicans had been expected to defy Trump in voting to release the Epstein file, Trump was forced into a humiliating U-turn on the subject last weekend. Related: Jimmy Kimmel accuses Trump of trying to get him fired and tells him: Quiet, piggy Trump has frequently had contentious relationships with media organizations. However, questions about Epstein, with whom Trump was close friends for more than a decade, seem to trigger the president more than any other issue he has faced. Quiet. Quiet, piggy, Trump, 79, told a reporter from Bloomberg on Friday, after she began to ask him why he was behaving so erratically if theres nothing incriminating in the files. In a statement to the Guardian, a White House official said: This reporter behaved in an inappropriate and unprofessional way towards her colleagues on the plane. If youre going to give it, you have to be able to take. The Guardian asked if the White House was suggesting that the reporter had used the term piggy to refer to her colleagues on the plane. The White House did not respond. In any case, it is clear that Trump finds questions about his actions regarding Epstein particularly upsetting. And while Trump, a self-styled tough guy, has curiously been able to restrain himself when responding to questions from men, it is when faced with questions from women that he has exploded. In the Oval Office on Monday, after Trump had paraded around a foreign leader who the US intelligence committee believes approved the killing of an American journalist, the president was asked why he decided to wait for Congress to release the Epstein files rather than releasing them himself. Trump reacted furiously, chastising the reporter both for the Epstein question and asking Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince, about Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington Post journalist who was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. Its not the question that I mind. Its your attitude. I think you are a terrible reporter its the way you ask these questions. You start off with a man [Prince Mohammed] whos highly respected asking him a horrible insubordinate and just a terrible question and you could even ask that same exact question nicely. Youre all psyched, somebody psychs you over at ABC, theyre gonna psych youre a terrible person and a terrible reporter. As far as the Epstein files is, I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein, Trump said. The president then spoke for a while about how he believed the media and Democrats had overblown the Epstein saga despite Republicans and the right wing having spent years demanding the documents be released before adding: People are wise to your hoax and ABC is uh your company, your crappy company, is one of the perpetrators. And Ill tell you something, Ill tell you something, I think the license should be taken away from ABC. Because your news is so fake, and its so wrong, and we have a great commissioner, chairman who should look at that. Trump has frequently reserved his harshest criticism for women, calling female journalists nasty and infamously referencing menstruation to dismiss questions from Megyn Kelly. Its clear that questions about Epstein, however, have the president particularly uncomfortable and unfortunately for Trump, they arent likely to go away. 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 our investigations team 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 app menu. Pick Secure Messaging, follow the instructions to compose your message and select UK Investigations Team as the recipient. 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. Epstein survivor Haley Robson speaks during a press conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act at the US Capitol on 18 November 2025. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images As the Jeffrey Epstein scandal has once again become a millstone around the neck of the Trump administration and forced a rare split between the US president and his Maga base, one group has gained little attention for its steadfast commitment to keeping the story alive beyond politics: Epsteins victims. Despite the frequent efforts of lawmakers to harness the scandal for political purposes, the victims of Epsteins sex-trafficking operation have been a strong voice in keeping the focus on the impact of sexual abuse and on Epsteins wide circle of allies across all sides of the US political and cultural landscape. Their effort was clearly on display last week when more than a dozen women visited the US Capitol to advocate for a vote to release the federal governments files on the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. Trump had opposed the vote but reversed position in the face of a rebellion in his own party. Related: Ignorance is bliss: rightwing media largely keeps quiet on Trump-Epstein saga In a video from World Without Exploitation, they held up photos of themselves as young women. Some recited their ages when they first met Epstein. Its time to bring the secrets out of the shadows. Its time to shine a light into the darkness, they said, adding in a text message: Five administrations and were still in the dark. In the event, the measure passed both houses of Congress and was quickly signed into law by Trump, giving the justice department 30 days to make all of its unclassified records, documents, and communications related to Epstein and co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell publicly available. But, despite the efforts of the victims, politics is still being played with the issue. Some Epstein survivors who spoke at the Capitol were unconvinced that Trumps turnaround to support the Epstein Files Transparency Act was genuine. I cant help but to be skeptical of what the agenda is, Haley Robson said. So with that being said, I want to relay this message to you: I am traumatized. I am not stupid. Faced with a rebellion on the release issue by congressional Republican representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace, the president soon returned to the theme that Epstein is an issue that should scare Democrats. The Democrats were Epsteins friends, all of them, Trump said prior to the vote. And its a hoax, the whole thing is a hoax. In a video announcing her surprise decision to leave Congress, Greene explicitly referred to the Epstein drama as an example of entrenched political forces that shaped her decision. Standing up for American women who were raped at 14 years old, trafficked and used by rich, powerful men should not result in me being called a traitor and threatened by the president of the United States, she said, referring to Trump. There have emerged dissenting voices on whether either political party can be trusted on the Epstein issue and if either truly serves the purpose of exposing and preventing the exploitation of women, including the politically active Epstein victims. When one Democrat in Congress was revealed to have been texting with Epstein during a hearing, she escaped censure as her party strongly opposed any measure to punish her. All you have to do is close your eyes, wake up, the wind blows in the other direction, and suddenly its the other party that claims to the party of women that cares about abuse, said Wendy Murphy, a former sex crimes prosecutor who serves as a professor of sexual violence law at New England Law Boston. There is zero consistency because we know its across party lines where the abuse comes from. This is really a male problem and not party or political problem. Neither party actually cares about women and neither party actually cares about victims. Epstein victim Rina Oh, who attended the Capitol gathering last week, said: I feel stuck in the middle. Everyone is pulling me from each side and I refuse to side with anyone. I just want criminals who prey on children brought to justice, and thats apolitical, because I dont think predators pick out victims based on what political party they belong to, she added. In a post on X last week, Murphy stated it plainly: Anyone who thinks this is a left-right issue is a fool. After all, one of the main consequences of a recent release of an Epstein document trove was that former Bill Clinton treasury secretary Larry Summers was forced to step back from board positions and teaching at Harvard after damaging correspondence with the sex abuser was released. And, of course, misogyny crosses party lines very easily. Murphy points to incidences including the Anita Hill hearings when Democrats, under committee chair Joe Biden, worked to smear her during confirmation hearings for then supreme court nominee Clarence Thomas in 1991. In the ongoing partisan political morass of the Epstein case, there is a political benefit to keeping the pot boiling because both sides are in trouble, Murphy says. When the government-held documents are released sometime over the next month, she predicted, the odds of the public getting what it thinks its getting are effectively zero. Continuing to boil the pot should make all of us wonder whats actually going on behind the scenes. She added: Well probably never know. Anyone who thinks they know is just naive. Erika Kirk prayed she was pregnant with third child when husband Charlie was killed Erika Kirk has revealed she was praying to God that she was pregnant when her husband, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, was assassinated in September. We wanted to have four, Kirk, 37, said in an interview with Megyn Kelly that aired Monday. And I was praying to God that I was pregnant when he got murdered. After having a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son together, the couple was really excited to just expand our family, Kirk said. I was like, Oh, goodness, that was going to be the ultimate blessing out of this catastrophe, she added about having another baby. The Turning Point USA leader said that now, she encourages young couples to not wait to have children. Erika Kirk said she prayed she was pregnant with Charlie Kirks baby when he was killed (Getty) Erika and Charlie Kirk had a son and daughter together (Instagram) Especially if youre a young woman, dont put it off. You can always have a career, you can always go back to work. You can never just go back to having children, she said. And they grow so fast and so quickly. I just, I was praying. Both of us were. Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot dead while speaking to college students at Utah Valley University during an event for his conservative youth organization, Turning Point USA. His suspected killer, Tyler Robinson, was arrested the next day and charged with murder. While the Kirks chose to keep their childrens faces off the internet, Kirk has spoken about how her children have dealt with the loss of their father. She said after she arrived home from escorting her husbands casket back to Arizona, her daughter asked, Wheres daddy? I said, Baby, daddy loves you so much, she recounted telling her daughter at the time. Dont you worry. Hes on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget. While posthumously accepting the Presidential Medal of Honor on her late husbands behalf in a ceremony at the White House Rose Garden last month, Kirk read out a birthday message from their daughter to Charlie Kirk. Fighting back tears, she read out: Happy birthday Daddy, I want to give you a stuffed animal. I want to eat a cupcake with ice cream and I want you to come home for a birthday surprise. I love you. Erika and Charlie Kirk were married in May 2021 after meeting in New York City in 2018. Following her husbands death, Kirk was named the new leader of Turning Point USA as she vowed to carry on Charlies work to honor his legacy. If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea, Kirk said during a memorial broadcast of her husbands podcast. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Frances President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the G20 summit in Johannesburg - Leon Neal Europes counter-proposal to Donald Trumps 28-point plan to end the war in Ukraine has found a level of common ground with Russia but questions remain over the future of Ukrainian territory. The plan, drawn up by Britain, Germany and France, contains a number of concessions, including a cap on the size of Ukraines army and a commitment to elections that could see Volodymyr Zelensky removed from power. Large elements remain the same even up to the wording of specific clauses including that Russia would be readmitted to the G7, making it the G8, in the event of a peace deal. However, Nato membership would remain a possibility for Ukraine, a key point that was barred under the American peace proposal. b' ' The counterproposal makes clear that there is currently no consensus on Ukraine joining Nato within the alliance, an addition that may have been included to alleviate any Russian fears that its neighbour could be given fast-tracked entry. A key sticking point is likely to lie in the settlement of territory. Under Mr Trumps proposal, Russia would be given the Donbas region and formal recognition of Crimea. The frontlines would be frozen in the other key regions, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. It would mean Mr Zelensky would be required to cede even more Ukrainian territory than Russia currently controls. Instead, Europe suggested that negotiations on territorial swaps should start from the Line of Contact, reducing the amount of land Putin could lay claim to. Once future territorial arrangements have been agreed, both the Russian Federation and Ukraine undertake not to change these arrangements by force, the plan adds. b' ' The deal also states that the size of Ukraine military is to be capped at 800,000 in peacetime, whereas an earlier version of the European plan included no cap. The US-Russian proposal asked for a 600,000 cap. Even with the cap, Kyivs army which currently stands at around 850,000 would be one of the largest in the world. It also represents a marked increase from three years ago, when Moscow proposed Ukraine retain a peacetime army size of around 85,000 during peace talks in Istanbul. One of Kyivs red lines centres around whether it would be given strong security guarantees in the event of a future Russian invasion. Both proposals agree with the need for security guarantees to act as a deterrent to Vladimir Putin. Europe pledges for them to be robust while America insists they will be reliable. Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is counting on an outcome that will pave the way to a real and lasting peace - Volodymyr Zelensky More importantly, the European plan suggests a US guarantee that mirrors Natos Article 5, which would commit America to treat an attack on Ukraine as an attack on an ally. Both plans note that the US will receive compensation for providing security guarantees for an undisclosed sum. Both the US and Europe agree on the need to reintegrate Russia in the global economy. Russia will be allowed back into the G8, while Europe suggests sanction relief will be discussed and agreed upon in phases and on a case-by-case basis. The United States will enter into a long-term Economic Cooperation Agreement to pursue mutual development in the areas of energy, natural resources, infrastructure, AI, datacenters, rare earths, joint projects in the Arctic, as well as various other mutually beneficial corporate opportunities, it adds. However, the European proposal removes a clause that would give the US 50 per cent of future profits from frozen Russian assets invested in Ukraine. In both proposals, there is an identical clause that will see Ukraine get short-term access to EU markets. The EU and Ukraine already have a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). Ukraine is eligible for EU membership and will get short-term preferred market access to Europe while this is being evaluated, it reads. As has become somewhat customary with Americas peace deals, the agreement to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine monitored and guaranteed by a Board of Peace, chaired by President Donald J. Trump. Read both peace plans in full below: Climate activist Greta Thunberg was banned from Venice for 48 hours and fined 132 after she and fellow Extinction Rebellion activists dyed the Grand Canal green in a protest over the weekend. Thirty-five other activists received the same punishment. The activists said they used an environmentally harmless dye to draw attention to the massive effects of climate collapse. The protest took place to coincide with the conclusion of the Cop30 United Nations climate conference in Brazil. The group also displayed a banner reading Stop Ecocide from the Rialto Bridge and staged a flash-mob in which protesters, dressed in red with veils over their faces, walked slowly through crowds of tourists. People enjoy a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, where the canal's water was dyed green (Reuters) Luca Zaia, governor of the Veneto region, criticised the action as a disrespectful act towards our city, its history and its fragility. He added: Its a gesture that risks having consequences for the environment. Some tourists, however, described the protest as legitimate and said it highlighted the failure of world leaders to tackle climate change effectively. Extinction Rebellion said similar demonstrations had taken place in ten Italian cities, including dyeing fountains in Genoa and Padova and rivers in Turin, Bologna and Taranto. The group criticised the Italian government, led by prime minister Giorgia Meloni, for opposing ambitious climate measures at Cop30. Greta Thunberg has been fined by authorities in Italy (Reuters) United Nations climate talks appeared to be nearing a conclusion after spilling into overtime, with a result likely to disappoint countries and advocates for stronger action to wean the world from the coal, oil and gas that is heating the planet. Several observers told the Associated Press that the general framework of a deal is formed, but some sticking points still remain. The deal informally is there from what we know, said former Philippines negotiator Jasper Inventor, now at Greenpeace International. Its a weak outcome. Cop30 President Andre Correa do Lago told Amazonia Vox Saturday morning that there is a deal that will take a while to explain because so much is in it. But a proposal for a road map to transition away from fossil fuels which more than 80 countries called for, as did Brazil's president will not be in there. Instead, a fossil fuel transition plan will be in a separate proposal issued later by do Lago's team that won't carry the same weight as a deal accepted by nations at United Nations conference. Greta Thunberg has been banned from Venice after dying water in the Grand Canal green in protest of COP30. Footage shared by Extinction Rebellion shows several canals, rivers, lakes and fountains across 10 different Italian cities all coloured a vibrant green as part of the groups Stop Ecocide protest on Monday (24 November). In Venice, demonstrators including Thunberg, wore all red as they gathered to express their dissatisfaction that agreements made by governments at the Brazilian summit did not include limits on the use of fossil fuels. Ms Thunberg was issued with a 150 (132) fine and a 48-hour ban on entering the city, as were the other 35 activists present in Venice. Cyril Ramaphosa was forced to deal with Donald Trumps empty chair when South Africa hosted the G20 - Thomas Mukoya/EPA/Shutterstock The first G20 summit hosted by South Africa failed at the weekend before it had even begun. Neither Donald Trump, the US president, nor his ally Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, attended and for good reason. Yes, the rest of the member states put on a brave face but nobody could ignore an embarrassing diplomatic car crash. First, South Africa is leading the genocide case against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and second, its president denies outright his countrys calculated mistreatment of white settlers. Back in May, Trump confronted Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, in the Oval Office claiming that white farmers were having their land seized and were being killed, and that the South African government was complicit. This, he alleged, was a white genocide. The G20 leaders who attended the summit should reflect on recent history. In the aftermath of the Hamas massacre of Israeli citizens on Oct 7 2023, the South African foreign minister took a call from the Hamas leadership, promptly visited Iran and by the end of the year his government had lodged a genocide case against Israel. This chain of events would be no surprise to those who remember that Pretoria openly supports Hamas and signed a letter of intent strengthening ties with the group back in 2015. G20 leaders who have not already done so must surely recognise the absurdity of South Africa relentlessly pursuing the state of Israel at whatever cost, amplifying false narratives and partisan experts in an attempt to distort reality and redefine the term genocide. The accusation of genocide ignores the agency and responsibility of Hamas for its long war of religious fanaticism and terrorism aimed at destroying the state of Israel. The crime of genocide applies when states or armed organisations wage a campaign to exterminate an entire religious, ethnic, or racial category of human beings, not to wars between military forces. As with the Holocaust, and the wars in Cambodia and Rwanda, genocide applies when states attack defenceless civilian populations with the intention to destroy the whole or part of those civilian populations when they have neither the ability, nor the intent, to pose any military threat to the perpetrators. These were not cases of war between opposing military forces. The Jews of Europe were not at war with Nazi Germany, despite propaganda efforts by the Nazis to suggest that they were acting in self-defence against the fiction of an international Jewish conspiracy. Hamas, on the other hand, is an armed group responsible for the war it escalated on Oct 7 2023. In accordance with its charter of 1988 and all its subsequent statements, Hamas has waged war against Israel with ongoing and sporadic acts of terror, firing thousands of missiles and culminating in killing more than 1,200 Israeli civilians on Oct 7 2023 alone, kidnapping 251. It declared its intention to destroy Israel by force of arms and then posted videos on the internet of its crimes. That, I say, amounts to an interrupted genocide. Israel went to war in defence of its territory and citizens following Oct 7 2023 with the fully justified intent to end the ongoing attacks and the threat posed to it by the military and governmental presence of Hamas in Gaza and to return the hostages, not with the intent to attack the civilians of Gaza. In order to defeat Hamas, Israel had to fight an enemy that made widespread and systematic use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes and had built the largest tunnel system in modern military history, one designed to protect its combatants while leaving civilians above ground defenceless. As Hamas fought from hospitals, schools, mosques, private apartments, and from the network of tunnels under the Gaza strip, it proved impossible to combat without inflicting civilian casualties. This was a direct effect of Hamass strategy of using Gazans as human shields not because of any intent by Israel to kill the civilian population. Hamass strategy forced Israel to choose either to admit defeat and allow the terror group to survive, or to wage war to defeat it, with the unintentional or unavoidable cost of lives lost by civilians, as is the tragic case in every war. In creating humanitarian zones, warning civilians to leave battlefield areas, and adopting tactics and weapons designed to defeat Hamas while reducing harm to civilians, Israel did more than the law requires, and more than many states would do, given the goal of defeating Hamas. It facilitated the entry of more than two million tonnes of aid into the Strip and vaccinated well over one million children against polio. The genocide accusation was a central component of Hamass political lawfare to win this war of hearts and minds. The resulting disaster to the civilians of Gaza was key to Hamass aim of generating sympathy for its aims and opprobrium on Israel. South Africa eagerly played a central role in spreading this falsehood in global politics. The leaders of the G20 should focus responsibility for the human catastrophe in Gaza on the leaders of Hamas and other terrorist organisations in Gaza, which began the war of 2023 and fought with tactics that ensured maximum harm to the civilians of Gaza. It is a simple truth ignored by much of the media that Hamas leaders have shown a complete disregard for civilian life, openly confessing to their human shield strategy on numerous occasions. Hamas has throughout the war displayed both intent and ability to wage mass murder. It also succeeded in cynically manipulating large parts of world opinion, including in many countries of the G20, to believe that precisely the opposite was the case. The genocide accusation against Israel reawakens the ancient anti-Jewish religious libels of the murderous Jew in the form of the aggressive and now genocidal Zionist. The leaders of the G20 should reject the revival of this pre-modern hatred and focus instead on how Hamass presence in Gaza can be ended, allowing the Strip to thrive. In South Africa, Trumps absence was felt as much as his presence. The final demonstration of the summits redundancy was that Ramaphosa handed over the G20 presidency to his successor, the US presidents empty chair. Jeffrey Herf, Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland, College Park, is author most recently of Three Faces of Antisemitism: Right, Left, and Islamist (Routledge, 2024) Israeli forces on Sunday struck Lebanon's capital for the first time since June, killing Hezbollah's chief of staff Haytham Tabtabai. The attack on Beiruts southern suburb, the latest in an unending series of Israeli violations of its ceasefire with the Lebanese group, killed at least five people and injured 25, the countrys health ministry said. Smoke was seen rising in the busy Haret Hreik neighbourhood, with a video on social media showing dozens of people crowded around the target, a residential apartment building. The Israeli strike, which came almost exactly a year after the ceasefire came into effect, threatened an escalation just days before Pope Leo XIV was scheduled to visit Lebanon on his first foreign trip. We will continue to act forcefully to prevent any threat to the residents of the north and the state of Israel, defence minister Israel Katz said. The military instructed residents in northern Israel near the Lebanese border to continue with daily routines, indicating that it did not anticipate a response from Hezbollah. Hezbollah confirmed Tabtabai's death. The group was studying the matter of response and will take the appropriate decision", Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah's political council, said. "The strike on the southern suburbs today opens the door to an escalation of assaults all over Lebanon, he told reporters. Undated photo released by Hezbollah Military Media on Sunday shows chief of staff Haytham Tabtabai (AP) Ali Ammar, a Hezbollah parliamentarian, said the attack took place on a civilian area, which was void of any military presence. They want to take our weapons. But our weapons will not be taken," Maryam Assaf, who lives nearby and heard the strike, said. She said it "only gives us more determination, strength, and dignity. Lebanon's president, Joseph Aoun condemned the strike and accused Israel of refusing to implement its end of the ceasefire deal. He called on the international community to "intervene with strength and seriousness to stop the attacks on Lebanon and its people. Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon have intensified in recent weeks as Israel and the US have pressured Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. Israel asserts that the group is trying to rebuild its military capabilities. Civil defence workers inspect the damage after an apartment building is attacked by Israeli forces in southern Beirut (AP) Israel and Hezbollah have fought several wars over the years. The latest began on 8 October 2023, a day after Hamas attacked southern Israel, as the Lebanese militant group fired rockets into Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Israel launched a widespread bombardment of Lebanon last year that severely weakened Hezbollah, followed by a ground invasion. That war killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon, including hundreds of civilians, and caused an estimated $11bn worth of destruction, according to the World Bank. In Israel, 127 people died, including 80 soldiers. Gen Eyal Zamir has said the list of sanctions is an attempt to sharpen the meaning of responsibility - Abir Sultan/Reuters At least five senior Israeli commanders have been sacked for their failures during the Oct 7 attack. Gen Eyal Zamir, the Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, announced a list of sanctions on Sunday in what he described as an attempt to sharpen the meaning of responsibility and restore public trust in the military. The chief of military intelligence in October 2023, the chief of operations, the head of the southern command and the commander of the Gaza Division at the time have all been dismissed from the army. More than two years after the massacre, which claimed more than 1,200 lives and provoked the longest war in Israels history, they are believed to be the first senior officers to be dismissed for their role in the attack. However, the dismissals are largely symbolic and have been seen as an attempt by the IDF high command to move on from the militarys failings. All three of Israels highest-ranking officers former military intelligence chief Aharon Haliva, former southern command chief Major General Yaron Finkelman and former operations chief Oded Basyuk had already resigned from the posts they occupied on Oct 7 and returned to civilian life. Despite have stepped down from their respective commands the officers could still be called on to serve in wartime as members of the IDF reserves. The latest move means theyre no longer considered eligible. The IDF has previously apologised for the historic failure that led to the Oct 7 attacks - Yousef Masoud/The Associated Press Announcing the measures, Gen Zamir said: It is not easy to make decisions that impact people I value and who have dedicated their lives to the security of the state, people with whom I have fought for decades. Alongside this, before my eyes stands the obligation to draw a clear line for command responsibility. This is not a responsibility we choose to take upon ourselves, but one we bear by virtue of being commanders in the IDF. He added: If we do not sharpen the meaning of responsibility, trust in the system will erode, and that trust is the foundation of our ability to fight, to win, and to defend the State of Israel. Under the leadership of Herzi Halevi, the previous chief of staff, the IDF originally wanted to refer the investigation into its failures to an external committee comprising former defence chiefs and ministers. However, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, reportedly blocked this move, reflecting his determination to prevent outside scrutiny of failures on or leading up to the terror attack, in the view of his critics. Benjamin Netanyahu has blocked the IDFs moves to externally investigate its failures - Sebastian Scheiner/Getty Images The IDF subsequently launched a series of internal investigations, publishing the findings at various dates since the beginning of the year. In February they formally apologised for the historic failure and conceded that commanders and intelligence leaders had been duped by Hamas, which is thought to have been planning the massacre for at least seven years prior to Oct 7 2023. In signs of a continuing clash of egos Israel Katz, the defence minister and Gen Zamirs political boss, has ordered a re-evaluation of the IDFs investigations and is delaying the approval of senior military appointments in the meantime. Complicating the process of accountability is the fact that many of the senior officers implicated in the Oct 7 failures went on to lead the war against Hamas and Israels other enemies, some earning significant plaudits for their efforts. Yaron Finkelman, former head of the IDFs southern command, who was sacked from the IDF on Sunday, went on to command ground forces in the battles for Gaza City, Khan Younis and Rafah in 2023 and 2024. Yaron Finkelman resigned as head of the IDFs southern command in March 2025. He had won plaudits for leading the fight against Hamas post-Oct 7 Maj Gen Tomer Bar, head of the air force, was censured but not sacked for failing to counter Hamass drones and paragliders on Oct 7. However, he has since achieved hero status in Israel because of the air forces success in its campaign against over Iran in June. Oded Basyuk, who was the chief of operations on Oct 7, has been described as the smartest commander on the general staff. He was replaced as operations chief in July, after announcing his intention to resign, but has now been dismissed from reserve duty. Aharon Haliva, the former head of military intelligence and the third of the most senior officers to be sacked from the army, has a more chequered record. In August, Israels Channel 12 broadcast a recording of him saying that 50 Palestinians must die for every Israeli, including children, as a message to future generations. Aharon Haliva, the IDFs former head of military intelligence, has said 50 Palestinians must die for every Israeli killed, including children Brig Gen Avi Rosenfeld, who was head of the Gaza Division on Oct 7, was also dismissed from the army. However, he had already resigned from the role in September last year, having issued a public apology for failing in his lifes mission. Mr Netanyahu continues to resist the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, which would examine any political failures that contributed to the terror attack. On Sunday, it emerged Gen Zamir had ordered a snap drill for forces stationed near the Lebanon border, in readiness for a possible escalation of hostilities with Hezbollah. It followed the assassination of the terror groups chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, in an air strike on Beirut the same day. On Monday, Irans Revolutionary Guards vowed to avenge Israels killing of the Hezbollah commander. In Gaza, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, the Palestinian militant group, said it had found the body of one of the last three hostages held in the enclave. Jamie Carragher says Liverpool boss Arne Slot does not earn the same kind of unconditional love afforded his predecessor Jurgen Klopp but insists any speculation over the Dutchmans future at Anfield is premature. Pressure has continued to mount on Slot in the wake of his sides dismal 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday which extended their recent run to six defeats from their last seven Premier League matches. But Carragher told Sky Sports Monday Night Football: To win a league title in your first season is pretty special, but I have the feeling he (Slot) doesnt have the unconditional love and support like Jurgen Klopp always had. Liverpool suffered their sixth defeat in seven Premier League games (Peter Byrne/PA) Jurgen Klopp had a couple of ropey moments in his time at one stage he lost six games in a row at Anfield in the league but at no stage did that ever feel like people were talking about Jurgen Klopps position the same way people have been speaking about Arne Slots position over the weekend. Its the nature of the beast, hes the manager of one of the biggest clubs in the world, but for me there should be no talk or thought of this manager being out of a job this season. Carragher picked out Mohamed Salah for particular criticism for not joining captain Virgil van Dijk in fronting up during their series of defeats. Liverpools Mohamed Salah has come under fire this season (Peter Byrne/PA) Salah has come under fire from various quarters for his poor form this season, with Carraghers fellow pundit Wayne Rooney suggesting on Sunday Slot should consider dropping the Egyptian striker in a bid to kick-start their season. Carragher added: A year ago this weekend, Mo Salah wasnt shy in coming out and speaking about his own situation, about the club not offering him a contract. I only ever hear Salah speak when he gets Man of the Match, or he needs a new contract. Id like to see Mo Salah come out as one of the leaders, one of the legends of Liverpool. Shirley Ballas "almost died" after she choked on a fish bone moments before the Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool special. Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas The 65-year-old judge on the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance show struggled to breathe for "20 minutes" backstage at the seaside town's Tower Ballroom on Saturday (22.11.25) night. Shirley's make-up artist Jane Burstow came to her rescue and dislodged the fish bone by performing the Heimlich manoeuvre, with the Queen of Latin saying the show would have been a "judge down" if it was not for Jane. Recalling the "terrifying" moment to fans on Instagram, Shirley - who judges on Strictly Come Dancing with Craig Revel Horwood, 60, Motsi Mabuse, 44, and 59 year old Anton Du Beke - said: "I choked on a fish bone. It got lodged in my throat, and my wonderful Jane, who has been with me for nine years, did the Heimlich manoeuvre, and we got the bone out. But for 20 minutes there, it was lodged and I couldnt breathe so it was terrifying. "Wed have been a judge down tonight if it wasnt for her ... "Gratitude to Jane because I panicked. I really thought that was it, the end, amen. Shirley is now back in London, and she updated her fans on how she is feeling. The star said: "Im a bit hoarse, but all is good." In another Instagram post, she added: "Almost didnt make it to the desk last night." Following the horror ordeal, Shirley has now vowed to learn the Heimlich manoeuvre - which involves someone performing abdominal thrusts to dislodge an object that may be stuck in someone's airways - in case she needs to use it in the future. She said: "Im going to study now in case I ever come across anybody who needs my help." The incident happened after Shirley said Strictly Come Dancing will go on "long after Im gone" amid calls for it to be paused. The star - who replaced the late Len Goodman as Head Judge on the programme in 2017 - told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Nobody is bigger than Strictly Come Dancing. "Not me, not any presenters, not any dancers - that show belongs to the people. "When I came on the show in 2017, nobody knew me, and it was, Oh, will it fail? Will it be this? Will it be that? "It carried on ticking and itll carry on ticking long after Im gone and kicked my clogs." Dame Jenni Murray has spoken candidly about how a severe bout of Covid left her stranded for hours on an ambulance trolley and later overnight in a plastic chair, in a stark reflection of the pressures facing the NHS. The veteran broadcaster, 75, said she initially mistook her symptoms for a scary but familiar asthma attack before becoming more breathless, aching all over and unable to walk from one room to the next. Alone at home, she took an old Covid test. Positive was an unsurprising but frightening result, she told the Decelber issue of Saga Magazine. I was barely able to breathe. After calling for help, she was taken to hospital but was shocked to see first-hand how stretched the system has become. I knew our poor, underfunded, crisis-ridden NHS had been forced to treat emergencies in hospital corridors but somehow I hadnt expected it to happen to me. But it did. Dame Jenni Murray says she spent around two hours lying on the ambulance trolley in a corridor (Getty) Instead of being taken to a ward, she said she spent around two hours lying on the ambulance trolley in a corridor lined up alongside the wall waiting for attention. When she was eventually moved, it was to a curtained-off space by a busy corridor. A nurse confirmed she had Covid, but a request for a bed and help with her breathing was not forthcoming. Dame Jenni Murrays full interview appears in the December issue of Saga Magazine (Saga Magazine) Clearly, I was to spend the night in the squishy blue plastic chair, she said. Impossible given the noise, the uncomfortable chair and the lack of any food or drink apart from a glass of water. I debated discharging myself but I felt too ill. The situation deteriorated when a trainee nurse attempted to remove a cannula, only for part of it to become lodged in her hand. A team of four vascular surgeons turned up but couldnt find it, she said. After several scans failed to locate the fragment, she tried to leave, only to be called back when the missing plastic finally showed on X-ray. Despite the ordeal, Murray stressed she does not blame NHS staff. Ive no doubt everyone at the hospital wanted to do their best for me, but how can they with too many patients, too few trained staff and no beds? New Jersey teenager charged with stabbing his own mother to death A 17-year-old in New Jersey has been charged with murder and other related offenses after he allegedly stabbed his mother to death on Saturday, officials said. The son of Julissa Serrano, 49, was arrested after she was found stabbed multiple times at a home in Mays Landing, according to NBC Philadelphia. First responders transported Serrano to a hospital for treatment, but she ultimately died from her wounds, officials said. Police did not provide further details about the fatal stabbing. The teen was arrested on Saturday. Officials said that an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of the woman's death. A 17-year-old in Mays Landing, New Jersey was arrested on November 21 and charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of his mother, 49-year-old Julissa Serrano (Getty/iStock) The suspect is being held at Harborfields Atlantic Youth Center until his first court appearance, officials said. The teens name has been withheld from public records, per New Jersey law. Investigators have not disclosed a possible motive for the crime as of this report. Police are asking that anyone with information about the incident contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office's Major Crime Unit or visit the Prosecutor's Office's website. The Independent has requested comment from the Hamilton Township Police Department. Judge tosses Trump team case against James Comey and says Lindsey Halligans appointment is unlawful A federal judge has tossed high-profile cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James after finding that the prosecutor was illegally appointed. U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, dismissed both indictments without prejudice on Monday afternoon. Her decision undercuts President Donald Trumps efforts to prosecute his political adversaries. Describing her rationale, Currie stated that Lindsey Halligan the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who brought both cases had been unlawfully appointed by Trump. She agreed with defense attorneys who argued that Halligan, a former White House aide with no prior experience as a prosecutor, had stayed in office past the 120-period that an interim U.S. attorney is allowed to serve before Senate confirmation or approval from the districts judges. Because of this, Currie wrote that all actions flowing from Ms. Halligans defective appointment including the cases against Comey and James were unlawful exercises of executive power and are hereby set aside. A judge has tossed cases against James Comey and Letitia James after finding that the prosecutor was illegally appointed. (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Following the judges decision, James said she was heartened. (AP) Following the decision, James released a statement saying, I am heartened by todays victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country. I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day. In a video posted to Instagram, Comey said he was inspired by the judges decision, adding that a message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies. Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson told NewsNation, The facts of the indictments against Comey and James have not changed and this will not be the final word on this matter. Since the cases were dismissed without prejudice, prosecutors retain the option to seek new indictments. However, Comeys legal team could argue that a new indictment would be invalid due to the statute of limitations for his case having expired in late September, just days before the charges were filed. Currie agreed with this position in her ruling. The decision caps off a monthslong legal saga that began shortly after Halligan was sworn into office. In late September, Trump tapped Halligan to serve as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia after her predecessor quit and reportedly found inadequate evidence to criminally prosecute James. Days after she assumed office, Halligan secured a two-count criminal indictment against Comey relating to charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding. A few weeks later, Halligan brought a criminal indictment against James on charges of bank fraud and making false statements in connection with a loan for a house she purchased in Virginia in 2020. Both Comey and James pleaded not guilty. The indictments were filed shortly after Trump called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against his political opponents. In a September post on Truth Social, the Republican president wrote, Pam: I have reviewed over 30 statements and posts saying that, essentially, same old story as last time, all talk, no action. Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam Shifty Schiff, Leticia??? Theyre all guilty as hell, but nothing is going to be done. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING, Trump added. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!! The Independent has contacted the Department of Justice seeking comment. Ken Bruce has shared his thoughts on why Radio 2s mid-morning audience has dipped since Vernon Kay took over the helm, and why he doesnt tune in to the show he fronted for more than three decades. The broadcaster, 72, signed off from Radio 2 in early 2023 before moving to commercial network Greatest Hits Radio, where his mid-morning programme and long-running PopMaster quiz have since become the stations flagship draws. Kay now hosts the 9.30am12pm slot, but RAJAR figures have shown a drop in listeners from around 8.1 million to 6.6 million since Bruces departure. Speaking to Saga magazine, Bruce said he is regularly asked whether he listens to his successor, but explained he prefers to focus on his new station. Ken Bruce says he prefers not to look back where his old station is confirmed (PA) Im always asked if I listen to Vernon Kay and I always say no, he said. Its not because Im boycotting the BBC I still listen to Radio 3 and archive shows on 4 Extra but because Im part of a new family now, Bauer Radio. I want to know what our guys are up to. He acknowledged that some listeners have followed him to Greatest Hits Radio. Am I aware that audience figures for the Radio 2 show have fallen since I left? Yes. Did some follow me over? Yes, he said. You wont hear me gloating or badmouthing the BBC, though. My new shows doing well apparently the audience has doubled since I joined and thats all that matters. Ken Bruces full interview is included in the December issue of Saga Magazine (Saga Magazine) Bruce, who was awarded an MBE for services to radio, reiterated that leaving the BBC after 46 years was his own decision. He said he had started to feel grumpy and restless after decades in the same routine, prompting him to seek a change. I was 71, Id done the same job for a long time and I started to think, Is that it? So I decided it was time to shake things up New place and new people, full of enthusiasm for the show. Retirement any time soon? Not a chance. The presenter also joked about one of his savvier business decisions: securing ownership of the PopMaster format, which he was able to take with him to Greatest Hits Radio and will continue hosting next year as part of a Saga cruise to the Canary Islands. Greatest Hits Radio has steadily grown its audience in recent years, bolstered by several high-profile former Radio 2 names. The stations UK weekly reach rose 13% to 7.54 million last year, according to RAJAR. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at the European premiere of Wicked: For Good in London earlier this month (PA Wire) Anticipation for Wicked: For Good is already spilling over into Britains high streets, with businesses reporting a sharp jump in spending as fans gear up for the films release. New sales data analysed by SumUp shows the Wicked effect is pushing shoppers towards themed outfits, beauty treatments and even karaoke sessions. At Smiffys, searches for Wicked-related costumes have surged 375% as cinema-goers plan pink-and-green looks, while Glinda and Elphaba searches are up around 400%. Sales of the brands classic Wicked Witch costume have risen 49% in the past three months compared with the same period in 2023. Cynthia Erivos nail artist, Shea Osei, told SumUp she has seen a 2025% rise in requests for Wicked-inspired designs after the viral holding space moment with Ariana Grande. Clients, she said, were arriving with screenshots and asking for greens, metallics and the green-and-black foil look featured in the film. Karaoke bars are seeing the impact too. Lucky Voice says renditions of Defying Gravity climbed 32%, peaking on 27 October, with the track now among the top 30 most-performed songs across its venues. And in London, Percy & Reed reports a 30% increase in clients asking for dramatic colour changes, with many referencing Ariana Grandes glossy brunette look as hype around the film builds. SumUp, which works with thousands of small businesses, says the trend highlights how emotionally driven fandom fuels real economic activity. Corin Camenisch, Product Marketing Lead at SumUp, said: The cultural significance of Wicked cannot be overstated. It has been a defining cultural moment that has transcended generations in the way fans are not just watching, but participating. This data is representative of a wider trend of people linking their identities to the stories and communities they love. You need only look at cinema-goers arriving in full pink or green, declaring their allegiance before the film even starts, to see how deeply fans connect with this narrative. From themed nails and outfits to karaoke performances, the behaviours mirror what weve seen around tours from Oasis, Charli XCX or Pitbull. Economically, we're seeing more discourse on how cultural phenomena whether it's Taylor Swift's Eras Tour or a film franchise like Wicked create real ripple effects across a wide range of unexpected industries. The data proves it: when culture taps into genuine emotion, fans are willing to spend. For SMEs and family-run businesses that can be nimble and tap into these moments, the rewards are tangible. Individual businesses say they are already feeling the boom. Shea Osei said: Being part of that holding space moment between Cynthia and Ariana felt surreal. As a nail tech, you never expect your work or your hands! to become part of a global conversation. It was a beautiful, intimate gesture between two women I admire, and Im grateful my artistry was woven into one of the most unexpected viral moments of 2024. Lucky Voices Olivia Donnithorne said: Weve seen musical theatre becoming an increasingly influential part of karaoke culture engagement with musical content has risen notably especially on platforms such as TikTok. Smiffys director Elliott Peckett added: Weve seen considerable demand for all things pink & green following the release of the two Wicked movies Our new green & pink Good Witch costume has been a top seller for this Halloween. And Percy & Reed stylist Josh Reed said he has seen clients leaning into lived-in brunettes and Brondes with many referencing Ariana Grandes hair. Party season has started with clients opting for buns and chignons as well as the classic 90s Blow Out which Ariana often sports. Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo was found dead in south London in March. Photograph: Family Handout/PA A man charged with murdering one woman and raping another earlier this year has been charged with a second murder. Simon Levy, 40, will appear at Westminster magistrates court on Tuesday over the death of Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, 53, whose body was found in south London in March. He was already charged with the murder of Sheryl Wilkins, 39, in Tottenham, north London, whose body was found in September. He was also charged in September with a rape and grievous bodily harm against another woman in Tottenham in January. Levy had been arrested in April for Valencia-Trujillos murder, and released under investigation. The Metropolitan police urged anyone with information about Levy and the offences he has been charged with, or other allegations, to contact them. Met commander Clair Kelland said: The investigation into Simon Levy is one of great complexity. We are working closely with partners across relevant boroughs, including Haringey and Southwark, to encourage reporting and raise awareness of the support we can provide to victim-survivors. We believe there may be people who are aware of Levy who have not yet made a report to the police. Whether you are a victim-survivor, or someone with information, we urge you to come forward and speak to us. The Met said that it had been called on 17 March to reports of an unresponsive woman at a property on the Aylesbury Estate in south London. Police said the cause of Valencia-Trujillos death could not be determined and that on 1 April, Levy was arrested on suspicion of her murder. He was released under investigation. On 24 August Wilkinss body was found on Tottenham High Road. Levy, also from Tottenham, was arrested for her murder more than a week after her body was found. The Met said: On Thursday, 4 September, Levy was re-arrested in connection with Carmenzas death and also for the murder of Sheryl Wilkins, 39, who died on Sunday, 24 August on High Road, Tottenham. Levy was charged with Sheryls murder on Sunday, 7 September. While in custody, he was further arrested in relation to a separate incident on Tuesday, 21 January, involving another woman in High Road, Tottenham. He was charged with two counts of rape, grievous bodily harm, and intentional suffocation in relation to that. Police added: All three cases are now being treated as part of a single, joined investigation. Detectives believe there may be individuals who have information relevant to this investigation or who are yet to report incidents which have directly impacted them and are asking for people to come forward. Levy, of Tottenham, will also appear at the central criminal court on Wednesday for a pre-trial hearing over the charge of murder in relation to the death of Wilkins. My knowledge of how well my body is functioning is extensive. Call it a perk or a hazard of the job, but as the result of many, many scans over the years in the quest to find the best, I know my exact cholesterol levels (high), my blood pressure (low), and lot of other bits of information I can and often do dole out at the drop of a hat, should someone be unfortunate enough to enquire after the state of my health at a dinner party. So, yes, extensive knowledge. Or so I thought, until I had a Prenuvo. Touted as the gold standard in proactive health screenings, with over 175,000 scans performed across the US and Canada since first launching in 2018, Prenuvo claim that 1 in 20 have resulted in a potentially life-saving finding. I went in for a full body MRI ahead of todays launch (November 24) into the UK. And, like the many celebrity fans (including Kim Kardashian, Eva Mendes, Kate Hudson, and Cindy Crawford, whos an investor in the company), I donned my scrubs, removed every single one of my multiple earrings so the metal didnt become projectile, and lay down inside the tube ready to have my body scanned from head to ankle. Read more: Kim Kardashian says she suffered a brain aneurysm The experience itself was probably broadly what youd imagine; its noisy, and its not terribly fun to be in a tube for around 45 minutes without moving a muscle (though the staff put a little ball in my hands that I could squeeze to tell them if I needed something, and I was wearing earphones allowing communication where necessary, which was reassuring). On checking in upstairs, Id considered declining the offer of a TV show to watch during the scan, but during the moments where my old friend panic set in, I found the familiarity of Friends helpful. This was particularly the case when instructions were issued for me to exhale then hold my breath for several seconds, focussing as fully as I possibly could on The One With The Blackout during those moments. Prenuvo in London: the home of the 2,499 full body health scan (Prenuvo) As I left the scan, the radiographer approached me looking a little perplexed. It says here youve never had abdominal surgery; are you sure thats the case? It looks a little like someone may have left a foreign object in your stomach. Cue a crazed call to my mum during which I accused her of withholding essential medical information from me and, after believing her cries of innocence, a week of wondering if aliens had at some point abducted me and sneakily operated on me. When my results arrived, the cause of the radiographers concern was revealed: a pocket of gas. And here lies the first problem with Prenuvo; yes, they were just trying to ascertain that the information Id shared was correct, but what was actually just an innocuous bit of wind winding its way through my body worried me for a week. Another obvious issue is that of cost. Its expensive. At 2,499 for the full body scan, this isnt going to be an option for many though the Boston branch of Prenuvo has instituted a system in which cheaper or free scans for those from different socioeconomic groups are subsided by paying customers, something that Dr Tahreema Matin, who runs me through my full results over a zoom session, tells me she hopes will be baked into more clinics. There is no denying, however, that this is truly a comprehensive scan and as such can be really helpful, especially when monitoring anything you may have a predisposition to, and seeking peace of mind. For example, theres been a lot of cancer in my family, and as such Ive spent most my adult life with the hovering fear that maybe, just maybe, some cells were clustering within me to finish me off. When Dr Matin told me there were no concerning masses in my body, I felt a huge wash of relief (though Prenuvo warn that a clear reading from their scans dont mean you shouldnt skip cancer screenings as recommended by your GP). Equally as cheering was the news that my brain showed no damage courtesy of my genetic high cholesterol, that my digestive system was in good working order, and that no aneurysms are currently loitering in any of my vessels. Madeleine Spencer prepares for her Prenuvo scan (Madeleine Spencer) Im told on the call that my scan is good news, that I should consider mine a body in fine fettle but the informational findings act as a warning that while thats the case at the moment, I do need to keep an eye on things. My back has three areas of mild concern all classic signs of having spent a lot of time at a desk, including a bit of a bulging disc and lumbar spine with some wear and tear. The advice is measured and sensible: pilates, yoga, postural changes, not being a complete fool by lugging heavy suitcases around, and moving regularly when spending hours at a computer. Another curious finding confirmed to me that the suspicion that I hurt my knee while embarking on Couch to 5k during the early throes of the pandemic a suspicion roundly shrugged off by doctors when I asked them about it was founded, and I now have a little cyst of water behind my knee that I will need physio to get rid of. Though itll no doubt be a nuisance to sort, doing so will stop it from developing into something more difficult to solve, and Im glad to have the opportunity to address it now. Some detractors warn of the information overload of these scans and, yes, I did come away wondering if it was helpful to know the precise thickness of my uterus lining and that I have some entirely benign cysts in my liver but, then, perhaps future scans success will rely on this initial information. Ive made the executive decision not to dwell on the various informational findings that I cant do anything about. On balance, while Prenuvos launch into London will be divisive, I think its presence is positive, a sign that preventative scans are becoming thoroughly entrenched in our culture and, while there are issues with access, theres no escaping that prevention is better than cure. That in mind, Ive booked in to see Louisa Drake for postural analysis, have thinned out the contents of my handbag, will see that physio, and suspect Ill book another scan in a year to make sure things are still all good with my internals. The sole downside of having all that information at my fingertips? Im about to get a whole lot more boring at dinner parties just in time for party season. Sit next to me at your peril. Nigel Farage has responded to allegations of racism while he was at school. The Reform UK leader categorically denied he had ever racially abused people in a hurtful or insulting way in an interview with ITV. Farages former classmates at Dulwich College had alleged he made pro-Hitler remarks, joked about gas chambers and put someone in detention for the colour of their skin. Award-winning director and producer, Peter Ettedgui - who was 13 at the time - told the Guardian Farage told him Hitler was right, and Gas them before hissing to mimic the sound of gas chambers. Another accuser said Farage was part of a youth organisation called the CCF and had taught songs to other members about gassing Jews. The Reform UK leader has responded to a fresh wave of claims about his school days at Dulwich College in south London (PA Wire) Patrick Neylan, a 61-year-old editor, who was in the year below Farage claimed he sang the gasem song at CCF camps. Tim France, 61, who was in the same school year as Farage, claimed he would routinely perform the Nazi Sieg Heil salute. All these allegations were denied last week by a spokesperson for Reform UK, who claimed the reports were an attempt to smear the party. In a tense ITV News interview, Farage was asked directly if he racially abused students at school, to which he replied: "No. This is 49 years ago, by the way, 49 years ago. WATCH: Nigel Farage responds to allegations that he made racist comments to his classmates at Dulwich College "I would never ever do it in a hurtful or insulting way.... it's 49 years ago" pic.twitter.com/OLf1C2kNel Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) November 24, 2025 Have I ever tried to take it out on any individual on the basis of where they're from? No." When he was asked to state on the record that he did not racially abuse fellow pupils at school, he replied: "I would never, ever do it in a hurtful or insulting way." To this, the interviewer responded: "That's not quite the same as not doing it." Farage replied: "It's 49 years ago. It's 49 years." When he was asked what difference that made, he replied: "I had just entered my teens. Can I remember everything that happened at school? No, I can't. Have I ever been part of an extremist organisation or engaged in direct, unpleasant personal abuse, genuine abuse on that basis? No." The interviewer told Farage he had caveated this and was not quite ruling this out, before asking again if he had racially abused fellow pupils. Reform UK has denied all claims made about leader Nigel Farage (PA Wire) Mr Farage said: "Not with intent." When pressed on the matter again, he said: "No, no, I have never, directly, really tried to go and hurt anybody." No account has stated Farage holds the same opinions as an adult as those that have been claimed about him as a child, and accounts of other students do not include the comments recalled by Ettedgui. In a statement responding to the allegations, a spokesperson for Reform said: These allegations are entirely without foundation. The Guardian has produced no contemporaneous record or corroborating evidence to support these disputed recollections from nearly 50 years ago. "It is no coincidence that this newspaper seeks to discredit Reform UK - a party that has led in over 150 consecutive opinion polls and whose leader bookmakers now have as the favourite to be the next Prime Minister. "We fully expect these cynical attempts to smear Reform and mislead the public to intensify further as we move closer to the next election. In his latest response, Nigel Farage said he had never racially abused anyone with intent. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA Nigel Farages response to allegations of teenage racism during his time at Dulwich college have ranged from vehement at times and rather more nuanced at others. Here is what he has said: 19 September 2013 Michael Crick questions Farage After the Channel 4 reporter Michael Crick revealed a June 1981 letter written by a teacher about Farage during his time in Dulwich referring to him as racist and fascist or neo-fascist, Crick tracked down Farage. Farage said: Of course I said some ridiculous things that upset them. Crick asked him if these were racist things. Farage replied: Not necessarily racist things. It depends how you define it. Crick pressed Farage on the letters accusation that he had taunted someone in class and was excluded, suggesting the taunts had been on racial grounds. Farage said: I was excluded from class dozens of times all over the years. He said he did not accept this was for racist comments. 14 May 2019 Response to the anonymous Independent letter The Independent published an anonymous letter by a former school friend of Farage. The letter writer, who later revealed himself as Jean-Pierre Lihou, wrote of vividly recalling Farages interest in his initials, NF, and the symbol of the National Front. He said he recalled Farage singing Gas em all, shouting Send em home, and talking about Oswald Mosley. Farage did not respond directly to the claims. He said: To say that this is going over old ground is an understatement. The period during which I was at Dulwich was highly politically charged with the rise of Thatcherism to the Brixton riots just down the road. There were many people of that time who were attracted to extreme groups on both sides of the debate. He added: Whoever sent you this must be a little out of touch to say that I supported Oswald Mosley as he believed in a United States of Europe. Some people need to get over Brexit. November 2021 Cricks biography of Farage Crick returned to the subject of Farage with a biography, One Party After Another (disclosure: Henry Dyer acted as a researcher for the book). Crick had new details on the subject of Farages school days, with contemporaries making allegations of racist and antisemitic language and abuse. Others said they had never heard him saying anything racist or insulting. Farage told Crick in an email: Lets get one thing straight. I joined the Conservative party in 1978, and thought all of the far right parties/movements to be ludicrous/barmy/dangerous. There were some hard left class-of-1968 masters [who] joined the College and several of us thoroughly enjoyed winding them up. Terms of abuse thrown around between fifteen-year-old boys were limitless; there were no boundaries. I think red-haired boys fared especially badly. 16 October 2025 The first letter from a barrister for Reform UK Adam Richardson, a barrister for Reform UK, responded when the Guardian approached Farage to comment on the fresh claims that contemporaries had made of racist and antisemitic language and abuse. The denial was emphatic. Richardson described the allegations as wholly untrue. Richardson said: The suggestion that Mr Farage ever engaged in, condoned, or led racist or antisemitic behaviour is categorically denied. 27 October 2025 The second letter Richardson responded again after the Guardian asked Farage to comment on the testimonies and concerns of contemporaries. Richardson said Farage does not intend to respond to the frankly farcical recollections from 40 years ago since Mr Farage has become a political figure as they are simply not credible and conjecture. He added: However, should the Guardian publish any allegation suggesting that Mr Farage engaged in, condoned, or led racist or antisemitic behaviour, or that such claims bear upon his present character, you can expect proceedings to be issued forthwith. Those proceedings will seek an injunction, a public retraction, and the maximum award of damages permissible, including aggravated damages for malicious publication. 10 November 2025 The third letter The Guardian noted the change in Farages response compared with his 2013 and 2019 comments, and asked Richardson why Farage now claimed allegations relating to racism and antisemitism were wholly untrue. Richardson reiterated: The allegations that Mr Farage engaged in racist or antisemitic behaviour are wholly untrue, defamatory, and malicious. 11 November 2025 These allegations are entirely without foundation Pressed to comment, a spokesperson for Reform UK, said: These allegations are entirely without foundation. The Guardian has produced no contemporaneous record or corroborating evidence to support these disputed recollections from nearly 50 years ago. It is no coincidence that this newspaper seeks to discredit Reform UK a party that has led in over 150 consecutive opinion polls and whose leader bookmakers now have as the favourite to be the next prime minister. We fully expect these cynical attempts to smear Reform and mislead the public to intensify further as we move closer to the next election. 19 November 2025 One persons word against another After a session of prime ministers questions in which Keir Starmer called on Farage to explain himself in light of the Guardians reporting, Farages spokesperson was questioned by journalists. The spokesperson said: Our statement was very clear that these allegations date back 45 years. And I think that at any point in time, when Nigel was leader of Ukip, when he stood in the 2010 general election, the 2015 general election, during Brexit, maybe in the 2019 general election, you would have to ask yourself, why didnt this come up before? Asked if Farage therefore believed those who made the allegations were inventing them, the spokesperson said: Im saying there is no primary evidence. Its one persons word against another. Twenty people have spoken to the Guardian to allege he has a racist past. 24 November 2025 Never directly, really tried to go and hurt anybody In a broadcast interview, Farages response changed from the outright denials his representatives had given. Asked if he had racially abused fellow pupils at school, he replied: No, this is 49 years ago by the way, 49 years ago. Have I ever tried to take it out on any individual on the basis of where theyre from? No. The interviewer accused him of caveating his answer, and asked again if he categorically denied the claims. I would never, ever do it in a hurtful or insulting way, Farage responded. Its 49 years ago. Its 49 years ago. I had just entered my teens. Can I remember everything that happened at school? No, I cant. Have I ever been part of an extremist organisation or engaged in direct, unpleasant, personal abuse, genuine abuse, on that basis? No. Challenged again about whether he had racially abused anyone, Farage responded: No, not with intent. When the interviewer told Farage that he did not understand what he meant by not with intent, the Reform leader responded: You wouldnt. Farage added: No. I have never directly, really tried to go and hurt anybody. 4 December 2025 While Nigel stood out, he was neither aggressive nor a racist Hours after his Reform deputy, Richard Tice, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that the testimony of Farages former classmates was made-up twaddle, Farage faced questions at a press conference on whether he stood by Tices accusation that the former pupils speaking out about Farages conduct were liars. Farage criticised Emma Barnett, the Today programme presenter who had challenged Tice, and attacked the BBC for double standards and hypocrisy, citing the broadcasters historic shows that would be viewed as racist today. I want an apology from the BBC for virtually everything you did throughout the 1970s and 80s, he said. Farage went on to quote from a letter that he claimed had come from a contemporary, seemingly interjecting with his own comments. He said: I was a Jewish pupil at Dulwich college at the same time and I remember him very well. While there was plenty of macho tongue-in-cheek schoolboy banter, it was humour, and yes, sometimes it was offensive rather like most of the BBCs output but never with malice. I never heard him racially abuse anyone. If he had, he would have been reported, and punished. He wasnt. The news stories are without evidence, except for, belatedly politically dubious recollections from nearly half a century ago. Back in the 1970s, the culture was very different perhaps, Damian [Grammaticas, the BBCs reporter], you should reflect on that especially at Dulwich. Lots of boys said things theyd regret today, or just laugh at. While Nigel stood out, he was neither aggressive nor a racist. If I can help in any way, do let me know. Farage said he would not speak to the BBC until the corporation had apologised for all of its appalling output broadcast at the same time as his alleged racist and antisemitic behaviour, which he continued to deny. Farage dismissed questions from an ITV correspondent, reiterating his denial of making any comments in any malicious or nasty way. He said the channel had then broadcast content which these days, youd be locked up for. European leaders attend an EU-African Union summit in Angola, Nov 24 - MICHAEL KAPPELER/AFP Donald Trumps demand that Ukraine signs his peace deal by Thursday sparked outrage in some European capitals. Seven foreign ministers from Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Moldova and the Czech Republic wrote an article for Frances Liberation newspaper which shows quite how divorced from reality they have become. With Trumps deal proposing that Ukraine gives up significant territory to Russia, the foreign ministers used their platform to demand a new Nuremberg-style Special Tribunal that would prosecute Russias leaders for its war of aggression against Ukraine. Of course, however wrong Russias invasion of its neighbour and how terrible its crimes, there is no chance of this happening. The Nuremberg trials were only possible because Nazi Germany was comprehensively defeated and its territory occupied by the Allies. The idea that a Special Tribunal could persuade or compel Putin or his commanders to attend their trial for the crime of aggression is plainly implausible. It is disturbing how detached from reality seven men and women responsible for the foreign policy of European nations are. What is also interesting about the politicians arguments is how they reveal the delusion, and fundamentally religious belief at the heart of the international order that has endured since 1945. They describe Nuremberg as being pivotal to the formation of the modern international legal order. They state that eighty years ago, it was clear that a new moral foundation, a new mechanism of justice, was necessary. This belief has been dominant across the West for the past eighty years. For the world we have lived in since 1945 sees the Second World War as a foundational narrative that has ceased to be understood as history, but rather an almost religious story. That story tells us how the world passed into the hell of global war, faced the satanic evil of National Socialism and was only saved by the United Nations (for that is what the Allies called themselves) who banded together to defeat this evil. After their victory they punished evil at Nuremberg and established the post-war consensus with its rules-based order. Its very easy to understand how those who experienced such horrors made these decisions. Never again is the only moral response to Auschwitz. It should not surprise us that the horrors of Nazism, and of the World Wars of the 20th century, left a very deep wound in the Western psyche. Of course those who lived through such evil told their children stories to warn and instruct. But as those who lived through and remember those horrors have died, their stories have become muddled by the generations who came after. When people speak about the Holocaust or Nazism these days they are not generally making serious historical comparisons. Thats why last week the Chief Executive of the Refugee Council described Labours new asylum policy as having deep, troubling echoes of some of the worst treatment of refugees in history and Zack Polanski told Newsnights viewers that we have seen this with Nazi Germany. Of course, Labours proposed changes to how asylum is granted are absolutely nothing like the horrors committed by Nazi Germany, and such comparisons are frankly insulting to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. But then these people make no real effort to understand why and how Nazism arose from a specific set of late-19th and early-20th century conditions within Germany and Europe. Instead it is simply a shorthand for evil, while the rules-based international order is a shorthand for good. That is why politicians like Rory Stewart worry that should Britain depart from the ECHR or quit the Refugee Convention in order to control our borders, we would shatter the foundations of the post-war order. And the peace built upon it. For Rory, like many liberals of his generation, to replace those foundations would doom the world to another global war. In reality though, the post-war order is dying. Reality has a way of winning out and the legal frameworks built eighty years ago are no longer fit for the modern world. An obvious example is the Refugee Convention, whose drafters never imagined a world where millions of economic migrants might make their way from Asia and Africa to Europe before crying asylum. These old systems no longer work. So we must replace them. Perhaps they were always doomed to pass into history, as the post-war generation left the political stage. That doesnt mean the end of the world. Once we learn again to understand Nazism and the Holocaust as history, rather than myth, we can begin to build the true post-war order, rather than looking back to the shadow of 1945. Chinese FM urges Japan to reflect on, correct mistakes as soon as possible Xinhua) 08:19, November 24, 2025 DUSHANBE, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Japan to reflect on and correct its mistakes as soon as possible, rather than stubbornly clinging to the wrong path. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a media interview after concluding his visit to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where he held strategic dialogues respectively with their foreign ministers from Nov. 19 to 22. If Japan persists in its own way and keeps making the same mistakes, all countries and people who advocate justice have the right to re-examine Japan's historical crimes and have the responsibility to resolutely prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism, Wang said. Noting that firm mutual support on core interests is an inherent part of the China-Central Asia community with a shared future, Wang said China is willing to be a steadfast supporter and strong defender of peace, stability and development in Central Asia. China opposes any interference in the internal affairs of Central Asian countries and will never allow anyone or any force to create division or turmoil, he emphasized. Wang said he briefed the foreign ministers of the three countries on China's principled position regarding the Taiwan question and exposed the wrongful words and actions of Japan's current leader, which have openly infringed upon China's core interests and challenged the post-World War II international order. He said that Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have openly emphasized that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. They oppose any form of "Taiwan independence" and firmly support all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. Their collective voice is timely, as it not only supports China's legitimate position on the Taiwan question but also upholds the fundamental norms of international relations, once again clearly demonstrating that the one-China principle is an unshakable consensus of the international community, said Wang. Noting 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, Wang said that the return of Taiwan, stolen by Japan at the time, to China was explicitly stipulated in a series of international documents such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender. This is an undeniable achievement of the victory of World War II and an international obligation that Japan, as a defeated country, must continue to observe, Wang added. In this crucial year, what Japan should do most is to deeply reflect on its history of invading and colonizing Taiwan, deeply reflect on the war crimes committed by militarism, abide by the rules and act with restraint and prudence on Taiwan and historical issues, he noted. Wang said that it is shocking for a sitting Japanese leader to openly send a wrong signal of attempting to intervene militarily in the Taiwan question -- saying what should not be said and crossing a red line that must not be touched. China must resolutely hit back -- not only to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also to defend the hard-won post-war achievements secured with blood and sacrifice, and to uphold international justice and human conscience, he said. The Chinese people love peace and are friendly towards their neighbors. However, on major issues concerning national sovereignty and territorial integrity, they will never make any compromise or concession, said the Chinese foreign minister. The Japanese government has made solemn commitments on the Taiwan question in the four political documents between China and Japan, which have the effect of international law and leave no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation, he said, stressing that no matter which party or person is in power in Japan, these commitments must be adhered to. A person cannot establish himself in society without integrity, and a nation cannot stand among nations without credibility, he said. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) The funeral of former US vice-president Dick Cheney created a rare reunion of American presidents and political leaders, yet the absence of Donald Trump stood out as the clearest sign of his widening distance from Washington's past power structure. The event at Washington National Cathedral brought together figures from both parties, offering a portrait of political history gathered to honour one of the most influential and divisive officials of the modern era. The full account of the guest list and ceremony appears in reporting on the Cheney funeral service. A Gathering of Political Heavyweights Joe Biden attended the service alongside former vice-presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore and Dan Quayle. Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi and chief justice John Roberts also sat in the front pews. Their presence reflected Cheney's long reach across decades of political change. George W Bush delivered the eulogy and praised Cheney for his loyalty and discipline during their years in office. Bush said Cheney embodied what a president should expect from a second in command and avoided any reference to the known tensions that once defined parts of their partnership. Notable absences included Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Clinton's spokesperson described his absence as the result of a scheduling conflict. The gathering still represented one of the largest bipartisan assemblies in recent memory, with former rivals and colleagues seated together in recognition of the late vice-president's legacy. Trump and Vance Excluded From Guest List Donald Trump and vice-president JD Vance did not receive invitations. Their exclusion reflected a deeper fracture in the Republican Party and underlined ongoing hostility between the Cheney family and the current leadership. The decision was confirmed by a White House official familiar with the arrangements, and additional reporting in coverage of Trump being snubbed detailed the political backdrop. Tensions between Trump and the Cheneys reached a breaking point during the 6 January investigation. Liz Cheney served as vice-chair of the House committee and pressed forward with the inquiry despite pressure from her party. Trump endorsed her primary challenger in 2022 and repeatedly attacked her efforts to scrutinise his role in the Capitol riot. Both Liz and her father endorsed Kamala Harris in 2024, marking a striking break from their party's candidate. Trump's absence from the funeral therefore aligned with years of public conflict rather than logistical oversight. Liz Cheney Reflects on Her Father's Legacy Liz Cheney delivered a tribute that focused on the values her father taught her about duty, public service and the Constitution. She said he believed that political identity must never outweigh loyalty to the republic. She also described how he inspired her decision to hold Trump accountable during the January 6 investigation. Her remarks avoided direct criticism yet made clear that her work on the committee aligned with lessons drawn from her father's career. She noted that her father entered public service after being inspired by John F Kennedy. Cheney built his career steadily, beginning as a young adviser in the Nixon administration before becoming the youngest White House chief of staff. He later served as defence secretary under George HW Bush and guided US military strategy during the Gulf war. His selection as George W Bush's running mate in 2000 cemented his status as a central figure in national security policy. During his vice-presidency, he shaped the US response to the 9/11 attacks, pushed for expanded surveillance powers and led the effort to invade Iraq and Afghanistan. A Symbolic Reunion Without One Former President Cheney's funeral provided a moment of reflection for Washington figures who shaped US policy over five decades. Their presence signalled a shared recognition of Cheney's controversial but undeniably significant influence. Trump's absence highlighted the degree to which he stands apart from that lineage. The event demonstrated how shifting alliances and unresolved political battles continue to define America's leadership landscape. It also underscored how Cheney's legacy remains intertwined with the values his family continues to promote, even as the country navigates deep divisions. Originally published on IBTimes UK A London pub owner has blamed entitled parents for forcing him to restrict the hours children are allowed in, warning that more pubs may soon move towards becoming child-free. Egil Johansen, who runs The Kenton in Hackney, would allow children in the pub until 7pm, up until three years ago, when it was changed to 5pm due to children being disruptive. He told The Standard: Ive been running The Kenton for 17 years, and theres been a big rise in the number of entitled parents. They come in, sit down, drink, and they dont care what their kids are doing. They are running around with no supervision at all and we have signage all over the pubs saying children need to be supervised and seated at all times. It comes as Mr Johansen is now considering going child-free, while the William the Fourth pub in Leyton has introduced a 7pm ban on children from today in a bid to curb unruly behaviour, with staff also cracking down on daytime disruptions. Egil Johansen has been running The Kenton for 17 years (Matt Writtle) The Nags Head in Walthamstow is one such pub that has adopted a child-free policy, while many others have decided to introduce adult-only hours after 7pm or 8pm. Mr Johansen said the issue has gradually worsened since 2015. While unsure of the exact cause, he noted that there now seems to be a reluctance among pubs to speak out or be firm with parents. The landlord believes that unless parents change their behaviour, more pubs may eventually feel forced to restrict the hours during which children and families are allowed. Back in the day, if you were a kid in a pub it was a privilege, you sat and had a packet of crisps and were quiet. Now, I think maybe pubs have become afraid of addressing it, of stepping on someones toes, he said. The William the Fourth in Leyton announced the policy change on social media, saying the move was necessary to maintain a comfortable and enjoyable environment for everyone as it had recently come to resemble a creche. The new rules came into force today, making the pub an adults-only space from 7pm onwards. Children must remain seated at a table with their parents and be supervised at all times a policy the pub said has always been in place. They will also not be allowed to run around, climb, or play inside the venue. Some of the recent Google reviews mentioned badly behaved kids who bounce off the walls, babies crying constantly, and buggies blocking walkways. The Kenton in Hackney (thekentonpub/Instagram) In a statement, the pub said: Over the past few months, weve received feedback from customers regarding children in the pub. We want the William the Fourth to be welcoming to everyone, but there have been occasions where the pub has resembled a creche. Unsupervised children can pose risks not only to themselves but also to other customers and our team. We remain committed to being a family-friendly pub during the day, but to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for all our guests, we are introducing the following rules regarding children. From 7pm onwards, the pub will be an adults-only space, giving adults a child-free atmosphere in the evening while still offering families generous daytime hours. We will be opening from 3pm from next week so there are more daytime hours. The move has proved somewhat controversial, with comments on the pubs social media announcement switched off. Whether pubs should ban children has been a long-running debate. The issue resurfaced last year when The Lower Red Lion in St Albans, Hertfordshire, put up a sign declaring: Dog-friendly, child-free. The William the Fourth pub in Leyton (williamthefourthleyton/Instagram) The decision sparked national backlash, with some accusing the pub of fueling a culture where it is socially acceptable to hate children, while others claimed a pub is not a place for children. Mr Johansen told The Standard that although The Kenton has adult-only hours after 7pm, enforcing this can be difficultespecially on Saturdays. He said some parents give us stick for reminding them that children are not supposed to be in the pub after 5pm. Its almost impossible to get them out sometimes, he said. Its really rude and its entitled and I see this more and more in other pubs, not just ours. It seems to be a massive problem [...] it seems to be becoming a trend amongst pubs to serve adults only after 6/7pm. Recalling one incident, Mr Johansen said that a few years ago a child fell into the pub cellar while staff were changing a barrel, and the parents blamed the pub despite not supervising their child. Since posting about the issue on social media, he said he has been flooded with supportive messages from customers and other publicans asking how he enforces his 5pm curfew. Im hoping this is the final push to raise awareness because it desperately needs addressing, he said. Mr Johansen said he will monitor the situation over the coming weeks to see whether parents take heed. If nothing changes, he added, the pub will consider becoming child-free. In a statement, The Kenton said: Lately, a few have mistaken The Kenton for a creche. Weve had kids running around unsupervised, a couple of accidents, and parents blaming the pub instead of keeping an eye on their little ones. So, to be absolutely clear children must be supervised and seated at all times. This is a pub, not a playground. Some parents even try to argue with us when we explain that we have a curfew for kids in the pub. Our policy is simple and well advertised: kids are welcome until 5pm, provided theyre under control. After that, its adults only. Were reviewing this policy thanks to a few repeat offenders, and wed rather not have to go fully child-free but we will if needed. So please, respect the rules and dont ruin it for everyone else. When approached by The Standard, The William the Fourth said: As with many pubs, we have a policy that children are welcome during the day but not after 7pm. The atmosphere in the evenings is busier and more adult-focused, and we believe this approach ensures a safe and comfortable environment for all our customers. Families are very welcome earlier on, but after 7pm the pub naturally shifts to an adult setting, which is why this guideline is in place. Professor Nicola Ranger (Royal College of Nursing/PA Wire) (PA Media) When HMT Empire Windrush arrived on the shores of Tilbury Docks in 1948, over a thousand migrants, mostly of Caribbean descent, answered the call from a government and an NHS unable to fill posts in the aftermath of World War 2. Today, there are well over 200 nationalities working in the NHS, with one in four of the entire workforce coming from overseas. When you include those who came as migrants but have since acquired British citizenship, the figure is higher still. Migration is part of the very DNA of our health service and social care services. Our 2025 winter campaign Our winter campaign Whos at Your Table? in partnership with Comic Relief, is raising money to fund organisations in London and across the country helping people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, and people who have been forced to flee their homes. I have had the privilege of working with some amazing nurses during my career including those who have trained all over the world. What unites nursing staff, whether British born or from across the globe, is care of the patient and a commitment to public service. One oft forgotten fact, though, is the scale and nature of the racism faced by the Windrush generation when they came over. Despite being invited, and so desperately needed, they had to fight for respect and recognition, often in the face of appalling abuse on the streets and in the workplace. History has a habit of repeating itself and just as those arriving from the Caribbean faced racism, so too do the migrants of today. Politicians have short memories and their race-to-the-bottom attitude to race and migration is emboldening racists once again, causing widespread distress and breeding insecurity. As Chief Nurse at Kings College Hospital, I saw selflessness and bravery every day Im never angrier about the demonisation of migrants than when I think about their contribution during the pandemic. As Chief Nurse at Kings College Hospital, one of the largest hospital trusts in London, I saw selflessness and bravery every day. Faced with the worst health crisis in living memory, our migrant colleagues worked relentless and back-breaking shifts, dealing with death on a daily basis. Many lived and isolated alone when they inevitably became sick, some staying in bedsits. For others, they paid the ultimate price. I think about them often. In truth, our health and care services wouldnt have survived the pandemic without our international colleagues. In the same way we turned to migrants after WW2, so too did we after the pandemic, supercharging international recruitment, particularly among nurses. Of the previous governments commitment to recruit 50,000 more nurses, over 90 per cent came from overseas. Our health and care services wouldnt have survived the pandemic without our international colleagues For me, two things are true at the same time. We must welcome, treasure and respect our migrant nursing staff. We also need our government to recognise the value of nursing by investing to make it a more attractive career for young people from the UK. We should be celebrating the incredible contributions of our colleagues from overseas they deserve so much better. But In 2025, its impossible not to be alarmed at the extent to which migrants are being demonised. Im sickened at how the arguments of racist rioters and protesters have not been taken on and dismantled, but instead are pandered to by politicians. We at the RCN represent the most diverse profession in the NHS and social care we will not accept talk of islands of strangers or moves to deny people their rights. When politicians attack migrants and question whether they should be in the UK, it has consequences for all ethnic minority nursing staff, British and migrant alike. While out on hospital visits recently, I was speaking to a black nurse, whose grandparents moved to the UK decades ago. They told me that the rhetoric is more toxic now than they can ever remember. (ES) Calls to our advice line from members facing racial abuse at work have surged by 55 per cent. The rise is even more pronounced in London, with such calls increasing by 72 per cent. Our members have been called animals, even slaves. The stories are shocking. When we say our health and care services would cease to function without migrant colleagues, it's not an exaggeration. In fact, its hard to name a service that doesnt benefit from the expertise of a migrant, because they all do. This campaign by The Standard and Comic Relief couldnt be timelier. Recognising, celebrating and defending migrants must be a priority for all of us. Without them, our health and care services and our communities would be all the poorer. How you can help 10 could help provide a child forced to leave home with a gift to open on Christmas 25 could help pay for a child refugee to attend a group session to build language skills 30 could provide a family forced to leave home with a food voucher for a festive meal with loved ones 45 could provide a refugee with two hours career advice, supporting them to secure employment Professor Nicola Ranger is General Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing An Oregon mother and her four-year-old son are both undergoing cancer treatment after they received their diagnoses on the same day (GoFundMe) An Oregon mother and son are undergoing treatment after they were both diagnosed with different types of cancer on the same day, according to a report. Britney and Jake McRaes four-year-old son, Jamon, had been experiencing severe headaches when his parents took him to an emergency room in Medford, southern Oregon, and doctors diagnosed him with a brain tumor, Jakes sister, Chantal McRae, told ABC 4. Following a 15-hour procedure to try and remove the mass, doctors discovered that what they thought was a benign cyst was actually an aggressively malignant tumor called an Ependymoma. They were unable to remove all of the tumor in the first surgery, and doctors said that it was probably the hardest surgery that they had ever done, Chantal said. That same day, Britneys oncologist diagnosed her with Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia, a rare condition given to a group of tumors that grow in a patients uterus during an abnormal pregnancy. An Oregon mother and her four-year-old son are both undergoing cancer treatment after they received their diagnoses on the same day (GoFundMe) Britney had experienced an eight-week molar pregnancy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a molar pregnancy occurs when an egg and sperm join incorrectly at fertilization, causing tumors to grow in the uterus. In Britneys case, the tumors had become cancerous and required chemotherapy treatment, her sister told the outlet. It was pretty surreal, Chantal said about both relatives receiving their diagnoses within the same 24 hours. In the time between Jamons first and second surgeries, Chantal said the family went home to decorate for Christmas. Christmas is Jamons favorite time, so it was cool that they got to go home for that, she said. The four-year-olds second surgery resulted in the removal of 99 percent of his tumor. The remaining one percent was connected to his brainstem and could have caused irreparable damage if removed, Chantal said. Jamon is now recovering in the hospital after another follow-up surgery, which caused him to temporarily lose the ability to control his right eye, causing double vision. He was saying, Hi two daddies or Hi two TVs, Chantal said, noting his doctors say they expect these symptoms to eventually go away. Both mother and son are working toward recovery. Britneys condition is treatable and she has already started a course of chemotherapy. Meanwhile, Jamon will need at least six weeks of radiation before potentially starting chemotherapy as well, Chantal said. A GoFundMe was started by Britneys brother, Zachary Flores, to cover medical expenses as well as to pay for the familys trips between their home in Medford to Primary Childrens Hospital in Stanford, California, where Jamon has received his treatment. The fundraiser had raised over $87,000 as of Monday afternoon. Were so appreciative of the massive amount of support that weve received from the community. It really shows the humanity, that the world is still a pretty good place, even though theres some pretty awful things that are happening, Chantal said. Were still very hopeful. The odds arent completely against Jamon, so were still rooting for him. Were hopeful that well have a good outcome ultimately for him. While a lot remains up in the air, Chantal says the family remains hopeful that Jamon will be home in time to celebrate Christmas. The Department of Defense is performing a thorough review of serious allegations of misconduct against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, a naval veteran and astronaut who joined members of Congress to urge service members to honor their oath to the Constitution. Kelly and several other lawmakers with military backgrounds issued a video statement last week telling troops they can and must refuse illegal orders, emphasizing that threats to constitutional order can emerge from right here at home. President Donald Trump labeled the Democratic officials traitors who SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW as he raged against them in a series of Truth Social statements in the days that followed. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!, he wrote. Trump also reposted several messages from Truth Social users, including a message demanding the president HANG THEM like GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !! A statement from the Pentagon suggested the retired naval officer could be recalled to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures. Trumps Defense Department is threatening to court martial Senator Mark Kelly, a Retired Navy Captain, over a video from members of Congress warning service members against illegal orders. (Reuters) This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality, the Defense Department said in a statement Monday. Further official comments will be limited, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings. The statement also reminded military retirees that they are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the body of criminal law that governs members of the armed forces, including under federal statutes that prohibit actions intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale or good order and discipline of the armed forces. Any violations will be addressed through appropriate legal channels, according to the Pentagon. Service members have a legal obligation to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful, the statement added. A servicemembers personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order. An extraordinary attempt to prosecute a sitting member of Congress in a military tribunal may be logistically and legally impossible while Kelly is serving in the Senate. Kelly, a decorated fighter pilot, retired from active duty at the rank of captain from both the Navy and NASA in 2011 to care for his wife Gabby Giffords, then a Democratic congresswoman was nearly fatally shot during a constituent meeting. Kelly later ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona in 2020. When I was 22 years old, I commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and swore an oath to the Constitution, Kelly said in a statement in response to the Trump administrations latest threats, which he learned about only through the Pentagons post on X. I upheld that oath through flight school, multiple deployments on the USS Midway, 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, test pilot school, four space shuttle flights at NASA, and every day since I retired which I did after my wife Gabby was shot in the head while serving her constituents, he added. In combat, I had a missile blow up next to my jet and flew through anti-aircraft fire to drop bombs on enemy targets. At NASA, I launched on a rocket, commanded the space shuttle, and was part of the recovery mission that brought home the bodies of my astronaut classmates who died on Columbia. I did all of this in service to this country that I love and has given me so much, the senator wrote. The administrations attempts to intimidate him and other members of Congress wont work, he added. Ive given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution, Kelly said. Kelly, a retired navy captain and NASA astronaut, says he refuses to be intimidated by bullies in the Trump administration (AFP via Getty Images) The video from senators Kelly and Elissa Slotkin along with Reps. Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan warns military personnel against threats to our Constitution coming from right here at home, an apparent reference to the Trump administrations deployment of federalized National Guard troops into Democratic-led cities to support the presidents mass deportation agenda. Service members can refuse illegal orders, the message said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled the members of Congress the Seditious Six for what he called a despicable, reckless and false video statement. Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion which only puts our warriors in danger, he wrote in a Monday post on X. Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, and other veterans among the group are no longer subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, but Kelly is, and he knows that, Hegseth added. As was announced, the Department is reviewing his statements and actions, which were addressed directly to all troops while explicitly using his rank and service affiliation lending the appearance of authority to his words, he wrote. Kellys conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately. Defense Secretary Pete Hesgseth labeled Kelly and five other members of Congress who joined the video the seditious six as the Pentagon threatened to subject the senator to a military tribunal (Getty Images) Immediately following last weeks video, Trump said the lawmakers should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand, he wrote on Truth Social. We wont have a Country anymore!!! An example MUST BE SET. The White House defended the presidents burst of statements, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt claiming that the message from members of Congress could disrupt the chain of command. The sanctity of our military rests on the chain of command, and if that chain of command is broken, it can lead to people getting killed. It can lead to chaos, Leavitt said Thursday. The lawmakers abused their offices to signal to people serving under this commander-in-chief, Donald Trump, that you can defy him, she said. That is a very, very dangerous message, and it perhaps is punishable by law, she added. Trump later said he was not threatening death but said lawmakers were in serious trouble. In the old days, it was death, he told Fox News personality Brian Kilmeade. That was seditious behavior. Kelly and other members of Congress have accused the president of trying to prevent them from speaking out against his administration by wielding the power of the White House and threat of violence to crush dissent. I think its really important for people to understand that the message he sent a couple days ago was he declared that loyalty to the Constitution is now punishable by death. Those are serious words coming from the president of the United States, Kelly told CBS Face the Nation Sunday. Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego, Kellys Arizona counterpart and a Marine veterans, told Hegseth: F*** you and your investigation. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democratic member on the House Judiciary Committee who taught constitutional law at American Universitys Washington College of Law for decades before entering politics, told The Independent in a text message that any attempt to prosecute Kelly under Article 88 would run afoul of the Constitutions provisions granting legislators broad immunity from prosecution over acts tied to their duties in office. Andrew Feinberg contributed reporting from Washington, D.C. Health Secretary Wes Streeting banned puberty blockers last year - Toby Melville/Reuters Please tell me the words you use to explain to an unhappy 10-year-old girl that you are going to regularly inject her with a drug that may mean she can never have children. You are doing it so that her body does not change because she fears the arrival of pubic hair, of breast buds, of the reminders that she will have a womans body. This is because she feels disgusted by the whole idea of sex and prefers bikes, climbing, gaming. She dislikes girly things and what is expected of girly girls. She wants nothing to do with any of it. She likes boyish clothes. So maybe she is boy? Maybe one of her parents thinks this could be the case? Then the juggernaut spins out of control and you end up with a doctor discussing something the girl doesnt really get: fertility preservation options. The injections will make her stay as she is a way out of what she fears: puberty. This will all be done in the name of research, via an NHS clinical trial called Pathways. Its funded by 11m of taxpayers money and will experiment on 220 children, some of whom will be as young as 10. This puberty blockers trial will be going ahead, despite the fact that Health Secretary Wes Streeting banned them last year, for being unsafe. The ban was in response to the independent Cass Review, led by paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass, which said there was insufficient evidence to support the routine prescribing of puberty blockers and linked the drugs to reduced bone density, early-onset osteoporosis, brain swelling and impairment of sexual function. The report also pointed out that puberty played a significant part in adolescent neurological development and the ability to make relationships. The Cass Review appeared as a measured and necessary evaluation of all the evidence, and it has had global repercussions. New Zealand has just banned puberty blockers. When Dr Cass presented her findings on April 24 last year, Streeting, then shadow health secretary, emphatically welcomed them. Todays report must provide a watershed moment for the NHSs gender identity services, he said. Childrens healthcare should always be led by evidence and childrens welfare, free from culture wars. Clinicians and parents alike want the best for children at this crucial developmental stage. This report provides an evidence-led framework to deliver that I am committed to working constructively with the [Government] to put childrens health and wellbeing above the political fray. In her report, Dr Cass actually recommended the NHS set up a new puberty blocker trial. As much as I respect the brilliant, fearless work that she did on the review, on this point I always thought she was wrong and that it seemed at odds with the rest of her findings. I dont know if she actually thought the trial would really happen, or if the recommendation was just a sop to the trans activists. (Remember, at one point this eminent paediatrician was advised not to travel alone on public transport for fear of attack, such was the extreme politicisation of treatments that activists insisted were life-saving.) Yet when the delayed Pathways trial was announced last week, many were shocked. There had been an assumption that trialling drugs with known harms would not be approved by the designated ethics committee. I was certainly among the shocked. And there are so many other things wrong here, I dont know where to begin. For a start the study, led by a psychiatrist at Kings College London in collaboration with the NHS, is only going to follow children for two years, when we need to monitor the impact on them for a much longer period of time. The diagnostic criteria for what they now call gender incongruence is so vague, its as if the researchers are randomly rummaging through a toy box, picking up the wrong toys. Only one parents signature is required for the trial, which could have life-changing consequences for the child (who is, of course, too young to consent). There is no control group as there are for most medical trials. In a Trumpian move, serious gender-critical reporters such as Sonia Sodha and Hannah Barnes (who exposed the Tavistock scandal) were told they werent allowed to attend the press briefing at the Science Media Centre, so the organisers of the trial must know this is all highly controversial. Censoring journalists on such an important topic of huge public interest is wicked and irresponsible. How can Streeting allow this, having read the evidence collated by Dr Cass and understood the well-documented harms of these drugs? This U-turn is a betrayal. Who is he trying to appease here? We have already had the experience of the Tavistocks Gender Identity Development Service, through which some 9,000 children passed. An estimated 2,000 of them were put on puberty blockers. Many were same-sex-attracted girls. The vast majority of children on blockers go on to take cross-sex hormones. The adult gender clinics refused to give Dr Cass their follow-up information so we just dont know how that has worked out, both emotionally and physically, in the long term. We do know about the detransitioners, and we do know that large parts of the NHS are completely in thrall to cult-like thinking. In the process, all safeguarding and the mantra Do No Harm, a key principle of the NHS, have gone out of the window. This is a fundamental moral breakdown and I think surely now everyone can see it. The endgame of extreme trans activists has always been to push the notion of the trans child who will then be medicalised for the rest of their lives via surgeries and hormones. This is often driven by middle-aged trans women (biological men) who did not themselves transition as children. Their warped logic is that, if boys avoid puberty they will pass better as women later (as they would not have an Adams apple). Remember Susie Green of Mermaids publicly admitting shed got her son castrated on his 16th birthday? For girls it means they wont grow breasts that would later need chopping off, but nor will they grow very tall. It will be unlikely that they experience sexual pleasure. These drugs, then, are to fit people into the most regressive stereotypes ever. They affirm nothing but rigid ideas of masculinity and femininity. They are turning bodies into cages for imaginary identities that may well pass if that child is just given time. All the Be kind folk , the Live and let live people you need to wake up. You need to understand this is where gender ideology has led: not to merry rainbow parades, but to stunting the bones and brains of small children, in an effort to prove what? That cruel and horrible mantra that they were born in the wrong body. How can Labour support this? Leave it to the loony-tunes Greens and Lib Dems to spout that insanity. There is already mass revulsion and legal challenges will be mounted. The MP Rosie Duffield is organising an emergency parliamentary meeting about the trial on Nov 25. Leave our kids alone. Harming children in the name of trans ideology is deeply wrong. The experiment must not go ahead. Distressed kids and their parents may have all drunk the KoolAid but grown-ups like Streeting have to say: We will support you emotionally, but we will not let others destroy your body, brain and life chances. If Wes Streeting does not stop this trial, this will be his appalling legacy. A key ally of Nigel Farage has broken Reform UKs silence on its former party leader in Wales who was jailed last week for taking bribes from Russia. Zia Yusuf, the partys former chair and key member of Reforms leadership, claimed that it was unreasonable to link Gills crime with the softer stance that the party and Mr Farage have taken on Vladimir Putins Russia and its criticism of the Ukraine war. Mr Yusuf described Gill as treasonous, horrific, awful in an interview with Sir Trevor Phillips on his Sunday morning political show on Sky News. Nathan Gill received 40,000 for making pro-Russian statements in the European Parliament (PA) Gill, 52, was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison at the Old Bailey on Friday after previously pleading guilty to eight counts of bribery on dates between 6 December 2018 and 18 July 2019. Ms Justice Cheema-Grubb handed him the sentence as she said that the harm he had caused was profound and that he had fundamentally compromised the integrity of a legislative body for substantial financial gain. Gills activities included making pro-Russia statements about events in Ukraine in the European parliament and in opinion pieces for news outlets, for which he was paid 40,000. Gill was first elected a member of the European parliament in 2014, representing Ukip, and his role ended when the UK left the EU in 2020 at which point he was an MEP for the Brexit Party and a close ally of Mr Farage. He led Reform UKs 2021 Welsh parliament election campaign, but left the party that year. Reform leader Nigel Farage, left, with Gill, 52 (PA) Previously, Mr Farage said he was shocked about the revelations and described Gill as a bad apple. But on his show Sir Trevor linked Gills activities in the European Parliament, where he asked questions on behalf of Russia for money, to positions taken by Reform since. Acknowledging that Gill left the party four years ago, he said: I tell you why this matters to you politically, Mr Nathan Gill, your former leader in Wales ... is now starting a long sentence for taking money from Russians. There will be many people who will say Well, these guys are soft on Putin, they think the whole war is partly our fault and not his, why should we trust anything they say about Russia, given that one of their people took money from Russians? Mr Yusuf responded: I think that would be an incredibly unreasonable position to take. Look, Nathan Gill, what he did was treasonous, horrific, awful. Hes now been dealt with by the authorities, he deserves the sentence that he has got. But, as you have just said, this is a guy that, as far as we are concerned, is ancient history. I have never met him. I had never heard of him actually until I saw his name sadly in the newspapers. So I think it is unreasonable to besmirch everyone else at Reform and the millions of people around the country who support Nigel and support our party. The government has come under fire after it emerged that a record 60.9m of taxpayers' cash was handed to Disney last year to film the Ryan Reynolds superhero movie Deadpool & Wolverine in London despite the studio making 3bn of operating profit in 2024. It is understood to be the largest sum ever handed to a movie production company in a single year since the government introduced its incentives to attract film makers to the UK in 2007. The blockbuster payment would cover the cost of 802 GPs for a year, 4,227 hip operations or 61 MRI scanners. It has attracted the ire of campaigners as it was revealed in accounts just days before an unexpected rise in the government's energy price cap and ahead of the budget which is expected to introduce a string of tax hikes. "It's extraordinary that at a time when the tax burden is squeezing ordinary families, ministers are handing tens of millions of pounds to one of the worlds most profitable corporations to make a superhero film," says John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance. "These subsidies should be scrapped or tightly capped. Taxpayers' money should be used to fix public services, not boost the balance sheets of global entertainment giants." Ryan Reynolds (right) and Hugh Jackman (left) as Deadpool & Wolverine (Disney) Dan Neidle of Tax Policy adds that "the current film tax credit rules are clearly important to the film industry, but its unclear to me whether they're value for money for the UK as a whole." Remarkably, the government itself isn't even sure of this. Studios filming in the UK get a cash reimbursement of up to 25.5% of the money they spend there with a total of 6.4bn paid out by HMRC since 2007. However, despite dispensing staggering sums, the government admitted in filings in 2013 that the incentives are "not expected to have significant wider macroeconomic impacts." They have however lifted the curtain on the highly secretive world of film finances. Budgets of movies are usually confidential as studios combine the cost of them in their overall expenses and don't itemise how much they spent on each one. Movies made in the UK are exceptions and Deadpool & Wolverine was one of them as it was largely shot at Pinewood Studios. Nearby Pitstone Quarry doubled for the film's dystopian wasteland, The Void, while Burnham Beeches nature reserve in Buckinghamshire was the site of a memorable car battle between the two lead characters set to You're the One That I Want from Grease. Part of the reimbursement involves studios setting up separate UK companies for each movie they make. They file accounts which shine a spotlight on the film's finances. The Disney subsidiary behind Deadpool & Wolverine is called Richmond Street Productions in a nod to its cinematographer George Richmond. Its latest accounts show that by 31 October 2024, three months after the movie was released, Disney had spent a staggering 418.1m on it putting it in the top ten most expensive films of all time. The stars of Deadpool and Wolverine together at a London photo call (PA Wire) The actors' and writers' strikes in 2023 heavily disrupted filming and the accounts reveal that the "final costs exceeded the production budget." Disney banked a 21.1m tax credit in 2023 giving it a total reimbursement of 82m which brought its net spending on the movie to 336.1m. This benefits local businesses such as security, equipment hire, transport and catering firms. Last year Disney announced that since 2019 it has spent 3.6bn on production in the UK across 41 shows and 29 feature films supporting more than 32,000 jobs. Deadpool & Wolverine paid 9m to its staff who peaked at a monthly average of 105 people, not including freelancers, contractors and temporary workers. The investment paid off as Deadpool & Wolverine grossed $1.3bn, bucking a downward trend for Disney driven by audience fatigue for its Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) of superhero movies. The movie's magic formula was aiming at an adult audience as it was filled with innuendos, bloody violence and glib references to drugs. This too has attracted criticism as although the movie is rated 18, Disney sells toys of the characters in it which also appear in its theme parks and cruise ships. "Associating drug references, however obliquely, with humour and cool 'in jokes', unwittingly makes drug use seem exciting and attractive to younger viewers, who will undoubtedly become familiar with the references via social media, even if they are not old enough to watch the latest film themselves," says Sarah Brighton, chief executive of drug prevention and education charity Hope UK. The MCU creators, together with all parties who are involved in funding or supporting the film industry, have a responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of young fans - children and young people who are going to be massively influenced by the movies and their movie stars." Michael Burrows (Met Police) Police have launched a murder probe into the death of a much loved father following an assault last week. Michael Burrows, 62, from Lambeth, was left with a serious head injury after an altercation in Maddock Way, Southwark, on Thursday afternoon. The Met police were called to the scene by London Ambulance Service crews at around 1.15pm. Mr Burrows was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries on Saturday. Mr Burrows' family have been left heartbroken by his death and are urging any witnesses to contact the police with information. In a statement, they said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear father, our hearts are forever broken. He was our rock. He showed commitment and strength to his family, a truly loving and devoted father and grandfather. "Our dad was a funny, charismatic and loyal gentleman who had a heart of gold and offered his support to everyone. He would always light up a room with his presence and will forever be loved and missed by his family and friends. We love you dad, may the angels watch over you. "If anyone has any information or sightings, please contact the police as this will be of crucial help with the investigation." Michael Burrows was described as a truly loving and devoted father by his family (Met Police) Mr Burrows family are being supported by specialist officers, police say. The Met's Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation. Detective Chief Inspector David Whellams said: This was a senseless and shocking act of violence that has left a much-loved father dead. Our thoughts go out to Mr Burrows family at this awful time. I know the concern this incident will cause in the community, and a dedicated homicide team is working to piece together the events of the evening. "If anyone saw, or has any information about the incident, then please come forward to police. We appreciate any information that you may have. No arrests have been made at this stage as enquiries continue. If you witnessed the incident or have information that could help our investigation, please call 101 quoting CAD 3227/20Nov. You can also call the investigation team directly on 0208 345 3775. The RSPCA has condemned as completely unacceptable the way men at two dairy farms supplying milk for Cathedral City cheese violently attacked cows. An animal-rights filmmaker secretly filmed workers jabbing animals with sharp objects, hitting them with metal brooms, punching, slapping and kicking them, and twisting their tails. The company that produces Cathedral City cheese warned its dairy farmers to watch out for strangers on their property and not to talk to them after learning that the filming had taken place. In some instances men were seen hitting cows with plastic pipes and twice they were seen inserting rods into animals rectums to make them stand. Activists claimed the cows were controlled with force and fear. Cows were hit and frightened at Polshea Farm, the footage shows (Joey Carbstrong) The government and county council say animal-welfare officials are investigating the farms in Cornwall, and one was suspended after secret recordings were revealed. On seeing the footage, Dairy Crest Limited, trading as Saputo Dairy UK, one of the UKs biggest dairy producers, suspended Polshea Farm in Bodmin as a supplier for two weeks. A company spokesperson said: We care deeply about the way the milk we source is produced and do not condone any act of animal cruelty. The footage shared is disturbing and offends the values of our customers, consumers, and employees alike. The Red Tractor farming assurance scheme said it also suspended Polshea Farm. Saputos website promises zero tolerance of cruelty, and after seeing the footage, anger-management training and CCTV were introduced. Mothers were said to show signs of anguish when their newborns were taken away (Joey Carbstrong) Filmmaker and animal rights activist Joey Carbstrong said he carried out investigations in April this year at Polshea Farm, a mega-dairy, after he received footage from activists taken in 2022 showing workers slapping, punching, kicking and stabbing cows with sharp implements. One animal was punched in the face and beaten after becoming trapped in a milking carousel in a frenzied assault. The cow was also chased and terrified, the video shows, while others were hit with iron bars. Jenny L Mace, an associate lecturer in animal welfare at the University of Winchester, counted 64 cases in the footage that she claimed were illegal. The footage from this year shows violence including cows apparently too ill or exhausted to stand being slapped and kicked to force them to their feet, and calves being dragged away by their legs, often at birth. Cameras caught workers at Polshea Farm jabbing animals with sharp objects (Joey Carbstrong) An injured cow was lifted by tractor fork and a sharp tool was dug into a cows back and side, the footage allegedly shows. Farm hands shouted angrily at animals to try to frighten them into moving. Mr Carbstrong said he saw two dead animals left outside to decompose. At Trevear Farm in Penzance in 2022, 40 cases of alleged illegal behaviour were recorded, including slapping, kicking and punching cows, sometimes with pipes, and plastic pipes also used in cows rectums. Mr Carbstrong said: One of our farm vets said Saputo had sent an email warning to their farms and suppliers telling them not to talk to strangers and to be more vigilant following the exposure. Be more vigilant that's a weird thing to say to farms who are sending you milk. Wouldnt you say stop abusing cows? And this individual [the vet] said farmers should be fine talking to strangers if they're not doing anything illegal. The two farms supplied Saputo, owner of the Cathedral City brand (Saputo / Cathedral City) An RSPCA spokesperson said: The footage from these farms shows shocking behaviour towards animals; where staff are seen kicking, hitting, prodding and shoving cows, sometimes with gates, poles and vehicles, including those seemingly unable to stand. This will have caused significant distress and pain to the cows, and is completely unacceptable behaviour towards any animal. Both farms supply milk to Saputo Dairy UK, which produces Cathedral City cheese, and Clover and Country Life spreads. The Penzance Trevear Farm has no connection to Trevear farm in Wadebridge. Mr Carbstrong said: Whether a smaller local facility like Trevear Farm in Penzance, or a larger intensive dairy like Polshea, the reality is the same: terrified cows were beaten, tormented and abused. Cameras caught staff at Polshea Farm using a forklift tractor to move a large cow that activists said was injured (Joey Carbstrong) Disturbingly, we documented workers on both farms violating cows by forcing objects into their rectums one was injured or unable to stand. A Saputo spokesperson added: All supplying farms must adhere to our animal welfare policy and farm standards. In addition to industry audits, we conduct our own regular audits and make sure to investigate any credible allegation of animal cruelty. The spokesperson said: The farm owners in question have taken responsibility for their actions and have been cooperating fully. Saputo had resumed taking supplies from Polshea farm because it had addressed all the urgent issues, they said. These actions include professional anger and stress-management support, animal-handling training for all staff, the designation of a full-time staff member dedicated to the safety and care of the animals and staff on site, the utilisation of appropriate animal moving devices and the installation of CCTV. They added that there would also be follow-up audits by experts. Meanwhile, the company was investigating the 2022 footage from Trevear Farm in Penzance, they said. Footage showed cows repeatedly being kicked at Polshea Farm, Mr Carbstrong says (Joey Carbstrong) A Red Tractor spokesperson said: We take the welfare of animals on Red Tractor assured farms extremely seriously. Were investigating the farms shown in this footage and have suspended Polshea Farms Red Tractor certification. The RSPCA does not have statutory powers to enter private property and passes farm-animal cruelty investigations to the governments Animal and Plant Health Agency. The charity urged people to report complaints about commercially farmed animals to the agency. An agency spokesperson said: We take breaches of animal welfare legislation very seriously and will always take action where we find this. We are investigating these cases. Cornwall council told Mr Carbstrong that an animal-health inspector and an APHA vet visited Trevear Farm unannounced days after receiving the footage and found nothing illegal during their visit. Joey Carbstrong says he found decomposing cows outdoors at Polshea Farm (Joey Carbstrong) A Cornwall council spokeswoman said: On October 8, 2025, Cornwall Council received footage that was allegedly filmed at Trevear and Polshea Farms. Inspectors from our animal health team have visited both farms. Our enquiries remain ongoing. Both farms were asked to comment but did not respond. Mr Carbstrong claimed the dairy industry in the UK leaves animals susceptible to abuse. From the milk in peoples tea to the cheese on their pizzas, the products of this system reach almost every household in the country, he said. Rukmini Iyers quick and easy spiced paneer puffs with quick-pickled carrot raita. Photograph: Matthew Hague/The Guardian. Food and prop styling: Florence Blair. Food assistant: Emma Cantlay. These moreish little pastries are as lovely for a snack as they are for dinner, and they take just minutes to put together. I like to fill squares of pastry and fold them into little triangular puffs, but if you prefer more of a Cornish pasty look (*food writer cancelled for suggesting paneer is an appropriate pasty filling!*), by all means stamp out circles, fold into half-moons and crimp the edges. Spiced paneer puffs with quick-pickled carrot raita Prep 20 min Cook 25 min Serves 3-4 225g block paneer 2 spring onions, trimmed 20g mint leaves Zest of 1 lime, plus 15ml lime juice 1 green chilli, deseeded if you wish 1 heaped tsp flaky sea salt 1 tbsp self-raising flour 320g roll puff pastry 1 egg, beaten For the quick-pickled carrot raita tsp fennel seeds tsp coriander seeds, lightly crushed 30ml white-wine vinegar tsp flaky sea salt, crumbled 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped 300g carrots, peeled, quartered lengthways and finely sliced 150g natural yoghurt Heat the oven to 220C (200C fan)/425F/gas 7. Tip the paneer, spring onions, mint leaves, lime zest and juice, green chilli and salt into a food processor, and blitz, scraping down the sides occasionally, until the mix resembles very fine couscous. Add the flour, and blitz again until the mix has broken down even more finely. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Unroll the pastry and cut it into 12 equal squares. Divide the paneer mixture evenly between the pastry squares (just over a heaped tablespoon on each square should do it), then bring up two opposite ends of the pastry to make a triangle. Squeeze gently all around the edges to seal, then transfer to a lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the pastry triangles are sealed (you can sit them upright, like little dumplings, or on their sides like triangles). Brush the pastries with the beaten egg, then bake for 25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Meanwhile, toast the fennel and coriander seeds in a small dry frying pan, then put them in a large bowl with the vinegar and salt. Mix well, then stir in the spring onions and carrots. Leave to pickle until youre ready to eat. Just before serving, stir the yoghurt through the quick-pickled carrots, and serve alongside the hot pastry puffs. Xiaomi EV is proving that its driver-assistance system can compete even with Western brands like Tesla and BMW. Apparently, the EV division announced a new system called Xiaomi HAD (Hyper Autonomous Driving) Enhanced Edition, which utilizes AI for a more intuitive driving experience. Just imagine how advanced this feature is when it comes to becoming the "World Model." It's simply a model simulation that every driver needs. It was trained on 10 million video clips of real human driving, which is why it's a huge step for autonomous driving tech. World Model Simulation At the core of HAD Enhanced Edition lies the so-called world model, enabling the AI in the vehicle to anticipate and predict what happens next in traffic. It's a process that helps it make decisions similar to an experienced human driver. While many Chinese EV makers are working on developing "end-to-end" assisted driving technology, Xiaomi is focused on making the technology truly replicate human behavior, per CNEV Post. The AI system learns from huge volumes of driving data to ensure it performs well in complex traffic conditions. The HAD Enhanced Edition will be showcased in Hall 17.2, Zone D of the 23rd Guangzhou Auto Show from Nov. 22 to 30, alongside brands such as Nio's Onvo, XPeng, Avatr, Luxeed, and Changan Mazda. Proven AI Innovation and Awards Recent achievements in technological breakthroughs are showcased through a highlight from Xiaomi EV. According to Arena EV, its ViSE algorithm won the 2025 ICCV professional challenge for world model development, while the Genesis generative model was accepted by NeurIPS, a prestigious AI research conference. Improved Safety Features: AEB and AES The new HAD system brings two major safety improvements. First, it features the Autonomous Emergency Braking Upgrade. Because of this enhancement, the car can respond more quickly and accurately when involved in high-risk situations, which reduces the chances of collisions. AES stands for Automatic Emergency Steering, a new feature that automatically steers the car to avoid accidents, even if braking alone is not enough to avoid them. At the same time, HAD Enhanced Edition is still an assisted driving system, and it demands that drivers be fully attentive to the road. Investment and Team Behind HAD Xiaomi EV invests heavily in AI research and has committed over RMB 7 billion-or about 1 billion-in 2025 to further development. The smart driving division currently employs over 1,800 experts, including 108 PhDs. The HAD system has seen impressive adoption, as upwards of 90% of Xiaomi EV owners are actively using driving-assistance features. These technologies are said to have prevented 457,000 potential collisions, highlighting real-world benefit and safety impact. Originally published on Tech Times Donald Trumps original 28-point peace plan would have left Ukraine a tethered goat and so weak that Vladimir Putin would almost certainly have restarted the war, says an ex-MI6 chief. Sir Alex Younger, who was head of Britains Secret Intelligence Service from 2014 to 2020, was highly critical of the initial blueprint to end the war which Putin launched in February 2022. But he believes it could be the basis for negotiations to stop the bloodshed which has cost hundreds of thousands of lives. The original proposals are lopsided, essentially Moscow talking points, Sir Alex told BBC radio. That would render Ukraine essentially a tethered goat, a juicy target with little chance of defending itself which would almost guarantee, I think, that the war would restart because Russia would have engineered weakness that it would be bound to try to exploit. So the question now is not really so much can Ukraine sign this deal, these 28 points, they obviously cant. Its whether there is enough here to work with as a negotiating framework. He added: None of us should be dismissing this out of hand. Its an attempt to stop the killing and thats a good thing but we have got to make it less lopsided. Earlier, Russian forces carried out a massive drone attack on Ukraine's second-largest city, killing four people and injuring several others according to officials. "There is a massive attack on Kharkiv," Mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on the Telegram messaging app. Mr Terekhov said four people had been killed, including one person whose body was recovered from under rubble. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said 12 people were injured, including two children aged 11 and 12. Fifteen strikes were recorded in six areas of the city in northeastern Ukraine. Kharkiv, located 18 miles from the Russian border, withstood Russian attempts to capture it soon after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and has since been a frequent target of attacks. Meanwhile, the governor of Dnipropetrovsk region farther south said two people were killed in a Russian strike on the town of Marhanets. Emergency workers with a girl whose mother was killed in a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv on Sunday (REUTERS) Russias latest attacks come as the United States and Ukraine are set to continue work on Monday on a plan to end the war after agreeing to modify an earlier proposal that was widely seen as too favourable to Moscow. The two sides said in a joint statement they had drafted a refined peace framework after talks in Geneva on Sunday, without providing specifics. The White House separately said the Ukrainian delegation had told them it reflects their national interests and addresses their core strategic requirements, although Kyiv did not issue a statement of its own. It was not clear how the updated plan would handle a host of issues, including how to guarantee Ukraine's security against ongoing threats from Russia. The United States and Ukraine said they would continue intensive work ahead of Thursdays deadline, although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the American delegation during the talks, was flying back to Washington late on Sunday. A firefighter works at the site of a Russia drone strike in Kharkiv (REUTERS) Trump has kept up the pressure on Ukraine to reach a deal. On Sunday, he said Ukraine had shown zero gratitude for American efforts over the war, prompting Ukrainian officials to emphasise their thanks for Trump's support. Trump previously set a Thursday deadline for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a peace plan, but Mr Rubio said on Sunday that deadline might not be set in stone. Mr Zelensky could travel to the United States as soon as this week to discuss the most sensitive aspects of the plan with Trump, according to sources familiar with the matter. The initial 28-point proposal put forth by the United States last week called on Ukraine to cede territory, accept limits on its military and abandon its ambitions to join NATO. Those terms would amount to capitulation for many Ukrainians after nearly four years of fighting in Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. The original plan came as a surprise to US officials across the administration, and two sources said on Saturday it was crafted at an October meeting in Miami that included special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Kirill Dmitriev, a Russian envoy who is under US sanctions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio holds a press conference in Geneva on Sunday (AFP via Getty Images) Democratic lawmakers have criticised it as essentially a Russian wish list, while the former UK Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace condemned it as another attempt by the Trump and the Kremlin to do a sort of grubby stitch-up. However Mr Rubio has insisted that Washington authored the plan with input from both sides in the war. European allies said they were not involved in crafting the original plan, and they released a counter-proposal on Sunday that would ease some of the proposed territorial concessions and include a NATO-style security guarantee from the United States for Ukraine if it is attacked. The talks come as Russia has slowly gained ground in some regions, while Ukraine's power and gas facilities have been pummeled by drone and missile attacks, leaving millions of people without water, heating and power for hours each day. The Scottish Government will work with UK ministers and local council chiefs in an effort to find alternative futures for workers at the Mossmorran chemical plant. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes confirmed the Scottish Government would take part in talks on Monday alongside Fife Council leaders and Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander. The move came after Mr Alexander made a direct plea to the Scottish Deputy First Minister to get involved as he insisted the workforce at the site deserve unity rather than political squabbles between governments. His comments came after Ms Forbes, last week, said it was crucial for Labour ministers at Westminster to consider what more they can do for the workers at the plant and take urgent action. ExxonMobil last week announced plans to close its ethylene manufacturing plant at Mossmorran (Jane Barlow/PA) The spat between the governments comes in the wake of bosses at ExxonMobil announcing last week that their Fife ethylene manufacturing plant is to close in February, impacting more than 400 workers and contractors. Speaking on Monday, Ms Forbes said: The Scottish Governments priority is to secure a future for the workers at Mossmorran. Our approach has been to work at pace to protect the workforce and consider any actions that we could take to mitigate the impact of this decision on the local economy. She added that any reports of conflict between the UK Government and the Scottish Government on the process to achieve that does a disservice to the workers. Ms Forbes insisted it was the UK Government that has not only the levers for an industrial intervention as happened with the Scunthorpe steel plant but also the ability to take urgent action to address the high cost of energy. High supply costs had been cited by bosses at ExxonMobil as one of the reasons why the company felt there was no longer a competitive future for the site. Promising to act, Ms Forbes said that the Scottish Government will participate in the UK Governments suggested process. Representatives will take part in Mondays meeting, organised by Mr Alexander and Fife Council, the Deputy First Minister added. In addition, she will personally visit Mossmorran on Tuesday to meet with both workers and trade union leaders. The Scottish and UK Governments need to get our act together to help Mossmorran workers, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said (James Manning/PA) Stressing it was an incredibly difficult time for the Mossmorran workers and their families, Mr Alexander spoke about the over-riding obligation to look out for the workforce. With local employers also at Mondays meeting, he said he would be urging them to consider the highly skilled workforce at Mossmorran when recruiting new staff. But Mr Alexander, speaking on BBC Radio Scotlands Breakfast programme, said: We need to get our act together in terms of the work the Scottish Government, the UK Government and Fife Council is doing. Those two governments and Fife Council should be working together to support the workforce. So, I would reiterate my plea today that Kate Forbes accept the invitation of Fife Council, join us today, sit down in Fife and lets get the arrangements sorted out so we can focus on the task at hand, which is not playing politics or squabbling between governments, but focusing on the needs of the workforce. That starts today, meeting local employers and pressing the case for local workers. Mr Alexander appealed directly to the Scottish Deputy First Minister, adding: Please Kate, come along to Fife House and lets get this sorted out like grown-ups. His comments came as he made plain there had not been any serious commercial offer for the Mossmorran site which could keep it open. Speaking about the plant, Mr Alexander said: It was due to have a lifespan of about 20 years, it has now operated for 40 years. It has been losing 1 million a month and it has been making losses for five years. Australian Michelin starred-chef Skye Gyngell, who was known for redefining modern British cooking, has died aged 62. Her death was confirmed in a statement released by her family and friends, according to The Standard, who wrote: We are deeply saddened to share news of Skye Gyngells passing on 22nd November in London, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Skye was a culinary visionary who influenced generations of chefs and growers globally to think about food and its connection to the land. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy and is an inspiration to us all. The family requests privacy at this time. Born on 6 September 1963, Gyngell initially moved to Paris at 19 to train before heading to London, where she worked under chefs including Anton Mosimann at the Dorchester and at the French House in Soho. Her father, broadcaster Bruce Gyngell, was Australias first television presenter, and her mother was the renowned interior-designer Ann Barr. In 2004 she took the helm at Petersham Nurseries Cafe in Richmond, where her fresh, unfussy plates and vegetable-led ethos helped the venue win a Michelin star in 2011. However, in early 2012 she left Petersham Nurseries citing that the pressure and expectations following the Michelin star no longer aligned with the restaurants ethos. Its been a curse. That probably sounds very ungrateful. Since we got the star weve been rammed every day, which is really hard for such a tiny restaurant. And weve had lots more complaints, she told The Telegraph in 2012. In 2014 she opened her own restaurant, Spring, at Somerset House in central London; the site was designed by her sister and marked a new chapter in her career, combining the same seasonal, ingredient-first approach but in a more formal urban setting. Skye Gyngell (centre) prepares food as part of the Food Waste Cooking Challenge at the STEP UP TO THE PLATE summit on May 13, 2019 in London (Getty Images for Freuds) Her farm-to-plate ethos came into full view in her role as culinary director at the Hampshire estate hotel Heckfield Place, where the two restaurants she oversaw, Marle and Hearth, were supplied from the estates own biodynamic farm and orchard. In an interview with The Independent, she explained: Ive always been a very simple cook but the more and more respectful we feel around the produce, the less and less we want to alter it. In 2024, Gyngell was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer. She shared in an interview that she had found a lump on the side of her neck in April 2024, and had to get surgery that required the removal of her salivary glands and subsequently lost her sense of taste and smell. There was no guarantee they would ever return. For the first time since my diagnosis I cried, she told the Financial Times in May 2025. I wasnt upset because it would affect my work. I have been a chef for 40 years. I know what works on a plate. I knew I could count on the chefs at my three restaurantsIt was more the sadness that I might never be able to enjoy food again; it being summer and not getting to taste a ripe peach. Who am I, I thought, without my palate? Besides her achievements in the kitchen, Gyngell was also a prolific writer. She served as food editor of Vogue until 2003 and wrote for The Independent from 2006 to 2011. She published four cookbooks, including the award-winning A Year in My Kitchen (2006) and How I Cook (2010). Her 2008 book My Favourite Ingredients and the later Spring The Cookbook realised the same ethos of seasonality and simplicity that defined her restaurants. News of her death brought tributes from across the culinary world. Her team at Spring posted an emotional message to her, writing: For all of us at Spring who had the privilege of working alongside her, Skye was far more than a chef or, as she preferred to say, a cook. She was a mentor, an anchor, and a force who helped so many of us find our place in what we do. Her presence shaped our culture and the way we see the world around us in profound and lasting ways, and we remain deeply grateful for the time we were able to share with her. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver paid tribute to her on his Instagram, writing: Her culinary style and good taste was second to none. She was very kind to me and my 15 students and employed many of them over the years. They loved her, and she was a kind influence in a noisy restaurant industry. Nigella Lawson, for whom Gyngell worked as a private chef before she started at Petersham, wrote: However ill you know someone to be, their death is always a shock. Its just awful that Skye is no longer in the world. Its a tremendous loss, and Im heartbroken for Holly and Evie and all those who loved her and learned from her. Slender Man stabber Morgan Geyser found after escape with man, 42, who she is in a relationship with, police say One of the two people convicted in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing has been found and taken into custody after she went missing over the weekend, police have confirmed to The Independent. Morgan Geyser, who was granted conditional release earlier this year, cut off her monitoring bracelet and fled a group home in Sun Prairie, a suburb of Madison, Wisconsin, police said. She was seen with an adult acquaintance around 8 p.m. Saturday. She was later found with another person at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago, more than 170 miles from the home, police said. The Madison Police Department said they received notice at 10:34 p.m. Sunday that authorities in Illinois had detained Geyser. The man, 42, is alleged to be in a relationship with Geyser, reports ABC Chicago. The pair is believed to have traveled by bus to Posen. He has been released from custody. Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier were both arrested after the attempted murder of their friend Payton Leutner (Waukesha Police Department) Geyser, now 23, was placed in the group home to continue treatment for a psychotic spectrum disorder. Along with co-defendant Anissa Weier, she was charged with attempted homicide in the 2014 stabbing attack of their friend, Payton Leutner. In 2014, when Geyser and Weier were both 12 years old, they lured Leutner, also 12, into a wooded area in Waukesha, not far from Milwaukee, and stabbed her 19 times. The girls said they carried out the stabbing to appease the fictional character Slender Man. Meanwhile, residents in Sun Prairie expressed concerns about Geysers placement in the group home. "I felt like this was done without resident knowledge, when, obviously, Sun Prairie did get the knowledge," one resident, who did not want to be named, told WKOW. "I think everyone deserves a chance to get into society and live their life. But we also deserve the knowledge of, hey, maybe take a second look. You know, when you lock your doors at night," said another resident. Morgan Geyser appears in a Waukesha County courtroom Jan. 9, 2025, in Waukesha, Wis. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Neighbours also noted that she had gone missing at 8 p.m. on Saturday, and Madison police were not notified until the following Sunday morning. "It's mostly anger that we weren't told. And it feels like Meadowood neighborhood a lot of times gets a bad rap, but it's a great neighborhood," another said. During the attack, the Geyser and Weier forced Leutner to lie down on the ground. Using a kitchen knife she brought from home, Geyser repeatedly stabbed Leutner while Weier egged her on. Leutner barely survived the attack, according to medical staff who treated her at the time. Geyser and Weier were arrested later that day as they walked on Interstate 94. They told investigators that they attacked Leutner to earn the right to be Slender Mans servants and feared he would hurt their families if they didnt follow through. They had planned to walk to Slender Mans mansion in northern Wisconsin following the attack, they said at the time. During the attack, the Geyser and Weier forced Leutner to lie down on the ground. Using a kitchen knife she brought from home, Geyser repeatedly stabbed Leutner while Weier egged her on (Madison Police Department) Both of the girls were found not guilty by reason of mental defect or disease in 2017 and sentenced to mental confinement. The case drew widespread attention because it fixated on the Slender Man character, created online in 2009 by Eric Knudson as a mysterious specter edited into everyday images of children at play. Slender Man is typically depicted as a slim, spidery figure in a black suit with a featureless white face. Weier received a 25-year sentence but was granted conditional release in 2021 under a 25-year commitment order. She was freed from electronic monitoring in 2023. Meanwhile, Geyser was sentenced to 40 years of mental confinement. She lived in a psychiatric hospital in Oshkosh for seven years and was placed in a group home this year after three experts testified that she had made progress battling her mental illness. Under the conditions of her release, she was to remain under state supervision with a GPS monitor. Starmer and Trump did not discuss BBC Panorama fallout in call Sir Keir Starmer ducked raising the legal challenge between Donald Trump and the BBC when he spoke to the US president on Sunday. The 30-minute call between Mr Trump and the prime minister focused on Ukraine, according to the readout, with sources admitting he did not discuss the BBC. Sir Keir had been under pressure to intervene over the row between the White House and the BBC after the broadcaster had apologised for the presentation of the US presidents 6 January speech in a Panorama programme and Newsnight report. However, with senior figures at the BBC, including chair Samir Shah, set to give evidence in the Commons today over the fiasco, the president has made it clear he intends to go ahead with suing the corporation for $1bn. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey had urged Sir Keir to intervene to protect the BBC and a call between the president and prime minister had been expected for more than a week. But sources now admit that the subject of the BBC was not raised, as Sir Keir instead tried to press the president on his controversial plans for Ukraine. It comes as the BBC chair is set to join BBC board member Sir Robbie Gibb and former editorial adviser Michael Prescott in facing questions from MPs on Monday. They will be quizzed about the corporations editorial standards guidelines in the evidence sessions with the culture, media and sport committee, set to begin at 3:30pm. The recent call between Donald Trump and Keir Starmer focused on the US presidents Ukraine plans (PA) The MPs on the committee wrote to the BBC to ask about action being taken after a report by Mr Prescott raised concerns that a Panorama episode included selective editing of a speech made by Mr Trump before the attack on the US Capitol in 2021. BBC director-general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness resigned in the fallout from the report becoming public, while Mr Shah apologised on behalf of the BBC over an error of judgment and accepted that the editing of the 2024 documentary gave the impression of a direct call for violent action. Sir Robbie, a former senior Conservative Party adviser, has faced calls for his removal from board, with creative industries union Bectu saying his position was untenable. It added that he was perceived by corporation staff as being sympathetic to, or actively part of, a campaign to undermine the BBC and influence its political impartiality. Earlier this month, Sir Ed also called on Sir Keir to sack Sir Robbie, branding him a Conservative crony in the Commons, but the prime minister declined to comment on the individual runnings of the BBC. Sir Robbie, who served as director of communications for Theresa May, has not spoken about the criticism of his board role. The committee of MPs will also hear from former BBC editorial standards adviser Caroline Daniel and non-executive director Caroline Thomson. Last week, BBC board member Shumeet Banerji announced he would be leaving his role. Staying in shape could help your brain age slower, doctors say Staying in shape can help more than make you look good - it can keep your brain young too. Doctors at the Radiological Society of North America announced a the findings of a nw study Monday that determined having less hidden belly fat and more muscle may help to keep your brain younger The findings could help us treat Alzheimers disease, the most common form of dementia affecting more than 7 million Americans. Healthier bodies with more muscle mass and less hidden belly fat are more likely to have healthier, youthful brains, Dr. Cyrus Raji, associate professor of radiology and neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, said in a statement. Better brain health, in turn, lowers the risk for future brain diseases, such as Alzheimers. Researchers had previously tied visceral fat to brain health, including developing Alzheimers disease. Visceral fat is fat stored within the abdomen and nearby organs. Building muscle mass and losing weight could help protect your brain from cognitive decline, experts say. (Getty Images/iStock) The body-brain connection Raji said their analysis showed how closely the health of the body and brain are linked. This research has validated widely held hypotheses about the association between body composition biomarkers and brain health and provides a foundation for those biomarkers to be included in future trials of various metabolic interventions and treatments, he said. Looking at the health of 1,164 healthy men and women using whole-body MRI scans, the researchers were able to determine the fattiest parts of the body. Next, they used an AI algorithm to determine the participants ratio of muscle to fat, as well as their subsequent brain age. Participants with higher ratios of visceral fat to muscle had higher brain ages, while the same was not seen for those with more subcutaneous fat: a layer of fat just below the skins surface. Although visceral fat is not the only factor that affects brain aging. While the human brain ages naturally as we do affecting memory and cognitive ability harmful inflammation, emotional trauma and high blood pressure have all been shown to accelerate the process. The doctors took MRI scans, feeding it into an AI algorithm to help determine patients brain ages (Cyrus Raji, M.D., Ph.D., and RSNA) More reps, fewer years Going forward, people can work to keep their brains younger by losing visceral fat and building muscle - and can use the gym to help. When you work out, your muscles release chemical signals that are believed to positively influence your brain, according to researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The new findings also build on decades of research showing that having less fat and more muscle can protect people from heart failure and diabetes. While many are able to shed dozens of pounds of fat by taking weight-loss drugs, a common side effect is the loss of muscle mass. But, that might not be the case with recent versions and prior studies have shown that amylin weight-loss drugs may lead to a lower loss of lean muscle mass than popular GLP-1 class drugs such as Ozempic. Raji said their findings could help inform the future of the drugs. The research is being presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. Simon Levy, 40, was arrested for both offences on September 4 (PA Wire) A north London man accused of murdering a sex worker and violently attacking another has been charged with murdering a third woman. Simon Levy, 40, has been charged with killing 53-year-old Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo after she was found dead on the Aylesbury Estate in Southwark on March 17. Scotland Yard announced the new murder charge on Monday, with Levy set to appear in the dock on Tuesday at Westminster magistrates court. Levy is already in custody on suspicion of murdering 39-year-old Sheryl Wilkins, who was found dead on the morning of August 24 in a car park in High Road, Tottenham. He is set to be tried for Ms Wilkins murder alongside allegations that he twice raped, seriously assaulted, and strangled another sex worker in Haringey on January 21. When announcing the new murder charge, Met detectives issued an appeal for more of Levys suspected victims to come forward. He has been in custody since his arrest on suspicion of Ms Wilkins murder. We think the scale of Levys alleged offending may be wider, said Commander Klair Kelland. There may be people aware of Levy who have not yet made a report to police. Sheryl Wilkins, who died in August. (Metropolitan Police/PA) The force said in its appeal: Detectives believe there may be individuals who have information relevant to this investigation - or who are yet to report incidents which have directly impacted them and are asking for people to come forward. Levy, who has not yet entered pleas to the charges, is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday. The Met Police previously said a post-mortem examination after Ms Valencia-Trujillos body was discovered had failed, initially, to establish a cause of death. Levy was arrested at the time and released under investigation. Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service said: Following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service, the Crown Prosecution Service has made the decision to prosecute Simon Levy for the murder of Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, a 54-year-old-woman from Colombia. Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo was found dead in the stairwell of a building on Thurlow Road in Southwark on 17 March 2025. Simon Levy will appear before Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday 25 November 2025. We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has a right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings. At an early court hearing, it was revealed Levy is blind in one eye. He was allowed to wear sunglasses in the dock. Levy, of Beaufoy Road, Tottenham, is now charged with two counts of murder, two counts of rape, causing grievous bodily harm and intentional strangulation. People can contact police directly on 07751 700 330 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Childish and confrontational Tala Madanis DWASM (Teddy). Photograph: Fredrik Nilsen Studio/Tala Madani; courtesy the artist and Pilar Corrias, London Whats the opposite of perfect? Well, shit, according to Tala Madani. For years now the Iranian-born US artist has been painting Shit Mom, a fetid smear of a human figure intended as a subversion of feminine, maternal ideals. And in the painters latest show, Shit Mom has a new child in her care: she has adopted an AI daughter. The rub is immediately obvious: the AI robot represents perfection; Shit Mom its impossibility. As they interact across the canvases, the gleaming mechanical perfection of the daughter born motherless, hence the shows title Daughter BWASM, or Born Without a Shit Mom gets streaked with smudges of filthy brown. The more the mum cares for her daughter, the more she taints her. The robot cant avoid getting moulded in her mothers image. The show is one of the first instances of AI being used as both tool and subject in a big London gallery. Madani treats AI like a component of modern society that has to be dealt with, accepted and adapted, rather than just some fancy new toy to gawp at and play with. And they are unique looking paintings: ultra-precise screen prints of AI-generated robots overpainted with loose, brown marks. Theyre both glittery and shiny, and dull and gross. In one, two neat pink and orange bots seem to be pregnant with big, gloopy, brown bumps. In another, Shit Mom kneels before her enormous mechanoid child, trying desperately to clean her but only succeeding in tarring her in turd. The whole thing looks like screenshots from I, Robot or Ex Machina, caked in skid marks. Which is Madanis whole shtick. She makes big, clever points in the most intentionally childish, confrontational way. I dont think these are intended to be beautiful, decorative images. Theyre funny, satirical takedowns of societal norms. Where Shit Mom has previously been used to talk about anxieties around motherhood, the character here is dealing instead with technological fears and wider sexism. Why do we call machines she? Why are all the robots in cinema hot babes? Madani traces much of it back to early modernists such as Francis Picabia and Marcel Duchamp. A 1916 painting of a mechanical wheel by Picabia, titled Daughter Born Without a Mother, gets riffed on here (and covered with shit, obviously), while nods to Duchamps iconic Nude Descending a Staircase reoccur throughout the show. Culture and history have always treated women like machines, mechanical automatons for childbirth and care, and Madani has had enough. Two animated films here play on similar themes. In one, Madani inserts Shit Mom into experimental vignettes of nude women walking by Eadweard Muybridge, smearing all the objectified perfection of this early cinematic experimentation. In the other, she makes Shit Mom ascend endless staircases. But I dont find the films all that interesting the AI theme is stretched a little thin across the whole show. But with every work here, the artist is rejecting, mocking and spurning norms and expectations. It is scatological humour as rebellion, faeces as fuck you. Its funny, clever, aggressive, subversive, satirical art. Not shit at all, really. At Pilar Corrias, London, until 17 January File: Police patrol along the street in Peshawar (AFP via Getty Images) At least three people were killed after gunmen attacked a paramilitary force headquarters in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar on Monday. The complex, the headquarters of the frontier constabulary (FC) paramilitary force, was also hit by two suicide bombers. The first suicide bomber attacked the main entrance of the constabulary at around 8am local time, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. After the blast, the second bomber tried to enter the building but was killed near the parking lot, it added, citing Pakistan security force sources. At least three men from the frontier constabulary were killed in the attack, while two others sustained injuries. The army and the police have cordoned off the area, the official said, adding that law enforcement authorities suspect there were some militants still inside the headquarters after the first attack. The headquarters of the force is located in a crowded area, close to a military cantonment. "The road has been closed for traffic and cordoned off by the army, police and (security) personnel," Safdar Khan, a resident of the area, said. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, have been blamed for similar previous assaults in the country, which has witnessed a surge in militant attacks. The attacks have strained ties between Islamabad and Afghanistan's Taliban government, with Pakistan accusing the Pakistani Taliban of operating freely inside Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021. In September, at least six soldiers were killed and five militants were neutralised as Pakistan's security forces thwarted an attack on the FC headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Bannu district. Another powerful car bomb blast outside the headquarters of Pakistans paramilitary FC in the southwestern city of Quetta has killed at least 10 people the same month. BBC officials were too slow to act over a Panorama edit that appeared to show US president Donald Trump inciting violence, its chairman has said. Appearing in front of the Commons culture, media and sport committee on Monday, Samir Shah said in hindsight the corporation should have apologised earlier for the edit, which spliced clips of Mr Trumps speech together to look as if he had told supporters he was going to walk to the US Capitol with them to fight like hell. Fallout over the edit saw former BBC director general Tim Davie resign alongside head of news Deborah Turness. But Mr Shah told the panel he had spent a great deal of time trying to stop Mr Davie from resigning, adding he had the boards full confidence throughout. Reports following the pairs resignations suggested board member Sir Robbie Gibb had led a broad-level orchestrated coup at the broadcaster. But speaking to MPs on Monday, Sir Gibb blasted the claims as complete nonsense and denied leading a charge against Mr Davie. The committee also heard from Michael Prescott, the author of a leaked memo on impartiality at the corporation, who said Mr Davie had a blind spot when it came to editorial failings at the broadcaster. He added Mr Davie was a supreme talent but failed to get on top of incipient problems at the corporation before he resigned in the wake of the memo becoming public. But Mr Prescott insisted the broadcaster is not institutionally biased. Tim Davie resigned as BBC director general earlier this month (PA) Mr Prescott told MPs that Mr Davie seemed to me to be doing a first rate job across 80 or 90 per cent of the portfolio, but added: It was just that he had this blind spot on editorial failings. I think it's a bit of a tragedy he's gone. I thought he was a supreme talent, but he had this blind spot. He added he believed the reputation of US president Donald Trump has probably not been tarnished by the Panorama edit. Asked if the documentary had harmed Mr Trumps image, Mr Prescott said: I should probably restrain myself a little bit, given that there is a potential legal action. All I could say is, I cant think of anything I agree with Donald Trump on. Pressed on the subject again, and asked if he agrees that Mr Trumps reputation has been tarnished, he said: Probably not. Asked whether he thinks it was right for Mr Davie to have resigned, Mr Prescott told MPs: I would have hoped they'd get on top of these problems, start sorting them out in a systemic and more methodical way, and everything would have been fine. But he insisted he wrote the memo because he is a strong supporter of the BBC, saying there was no party politics behind his decision. The BBC employs talented professionals across all of its factual and non-factual programmes, and most people in this country, certainly myself included, might go as far as to say that they love the BBC, he said. Michael Prescott giving evidence on Monday (AFP/Getty) What troubled me was that during my three years on the BBC standards committee, we kept seeing incipient problems which I thought were not being tackled properly. And, indeed, I thought the problems were getting worse. He added: There was no ideology at play here, no party politics. I just want [the BBC] to be impartial, accurate and fair. Asked if he thinks the broadcaster is institutionally biased, Mr Prescott said: No I dont I do not think its institutionally biased. Lets be very clear. Tons of stuff that that the BBC does is world class, both factual programming and non-factual programming. Appearing later in front of the select committee, chair Samir Shah said he does not think the director general should have resigned. He argued that Ms Turnesss decision to resign was an honourable and proper act, saying that he applauds her for doing so. But Mr Shah added: I do not think that that meant that the director general had also to resign ... the board wishes that the director general had not resigned. He had our full confidence throughout. The BBC chair also denied that concerns raised by Mr Prescott were ignored, saying the broadcaster took detailed actions in response to his memo. I don't think this committee should think I ignored Mr Prescott. I did not. I think he raised some important questions we need to answer, Mr Shah said. He added: In fact, the executive took many actions, detailed actions. So it wasn't just a case of a report coming out and a defensive reaction. That just is not an accurate account of what happened. BBC chair Samir Shah arriving for the committee hearing on Monday (Getty) Mr Shah said he believes the BBC can be slow to respond to allegations against it: I think there is an issue about how quickly we respond, the speed of our response, why we do not do it quickly enough. He added he believes people who want to have a go at the BBC can use mistakes it makes to criticise the corporation. It came after Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said Mr Prescotts report on the Panorama video exposed institutional bias that cannot be swept away with two resignations, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed the BBC has been institutionally biased for decades. Mr Prescotts memo highlighted concerns about the way clips of Mr Trumps speech on 6 January 2021 were spliced together to make it appear he had told supporters he was going to walk to the US Capitol with them to fight like hell. After the report was made public, the US president threatened the BBC with a billion-dollar litigation, while US regulator the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched an investigation. While Sir Keir Starmer is under growing pressure to intervene on the row, it emerged on Monday that he ducked raising the legal challenge when he spoke to the US president on over the weekend. The 30-minute call between Mr Trump and the prime minister focused on Ukraine, according to the readout, with sources admitting he did not discuss the BBC. NEW YORK, Nov. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Laser Illuminated Projector Association (LIPA) 2025 annual general meeting, Appotronics, the inventor of ALPD laser display technology and a board member of the organization, detailed the compelling advantages of the laser+LCoS technological route for the future of augmented reality (AR) glasses. James Tian, Senior Business Development Director, delivered a keynote titled "Dare to be the first" before an audience of LIPA membersincluding industry leaders such as Texas Instruments, Barco, Epson, Panasonic, Nichia, and Christieas well as academic experts, outlining how this approach addresses core challenges in brightness, efficiency, and form factor. Tian emphasized that as AR glasses evolve from simple information prompts to full-content displayspowered by AI for applications like real-time translation, navigation, and first-person previewthe demand for high-performance optics becomes critical. The laser+LCoS route, leveraging laser's natural polarization and exceptional collimation, eliminates the need for inefficient polarizers and enables a drastically smaller optical engine. This foundation paves the way for displays that are brighter, more efficient, and compact enough for all-day wearability. Following the presentation of this future technology roadmap, Tian introduced Appotronics' current optical engine solution for AR glasses, the Dragonfly G1. The Dragonfly G1 is an ultra-compact, dual-split LCoS optical engine designed for high efficiency and comfort, featuring a volume of just 0.35cc per eye and remarkably low system power consumption. Its unique architecture supports high-efficiency waveguide coupling, enables premium 3D display, allows for elegant and adjustable eyewear designs, and significantly boosts production yield to reduce costs. By advancing both a future-ready laser technology vision and a manufacturable optical engine today, Appotronics is tackling the key technical and economic barriers that have hindered mass adoption of consumer AR glasses, accelerating the integration of augmented reality into everyday digital life. About Appotronics Appotronics is the inventor of ALPD laser display technology and one of the first companies to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market. From optics for cinemas, vehicles, and homes to AR glasses, Appotronics' cutting-edge products are designed to meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses worldwide. Learn more at https://www.appotronics.com/ SOURCE Appotronics Corporation Ltd. Kemi Badenoch has defended the Tory chair, Kevin Hollinrake, after a row erupted within her own party over his jibe comparing the logo of Nigel Farages Reform UK to a Nazi badge. The clash was sparked after Mr Hollinrake posted a link to a Wikipedia entry about a badge handed out to members of Adolf Hitlers party in response to a social media post from Nigel Farage showing a Reform emblem. Suella Braverman, the former Tory home secretary, hit out, saying, Comparing Reform and their supporters to Nazis is wrong, irresponsible and highly counter-productive... Kevin does not speak for me. Reforms new logo and the Nazi badge (@reformparty_uk/X) Ms Badenoch risked throwing fuel on the fire by highlighting the case last week of Nathan Gill, Reforms former leader in Wales, who was sentenced to 10 years in jail for accepting pro-Russia bribes. After Mr Farage tweeted his partys new logo, with the caption coming soon, Mr Hollinrake appeared to liken it to the Golden Party Badge, which the Nazi Party gave to members as an award for long service. Ms Braverman, whose husband recently quit Reform after an internal party row, said: I expect this from Labour, not the Conservatives. Lets raise the level of debate: criticise the policies, even challenge the people or their actions. But comparing Reform and their supporters to Nazis is wrong, irresponsible and highly counter-productive. Kevin does not speak for me. Suella Braverman says comparing Reform to the Nazis is wrong, irresponsible and highly counter-productive (PA Archive) Speaking to journalists at the Confederation of British Industry conference in London, Ms Badenoch defended her chairs actions, saying: Kevin Hollinrake made a joke. Reform spend a lot of time online abusing other politicians. I think they have much bigger problems. She also mentioned the case of Gill, adding that it was a much, much, much bigger issue than any tweet. A key ally of Mr Farage finally broke Reform UKs silence over Gill on Sunday. Zia Yusuf, the former party chair and a key member of Reforms leadership, said it was unreasonable to link Gills crime with the softer stance that his party and Mr Farage have taken on Vladimir Putins Russia and their criticism of the Ukraine war. Tory chair Kevin Hollinrake is at the centre of the row (PA Wire) Mr Yusuf described Gill as treasonous, horrific, awful in an interview with Sir Trevor Phillips on his Sunday morning political show on Sky News. At the Old Bailey on Friday, Gill was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison after previously pleading guilty to eight counts of bribery on dates between December 2018 and July 2019. Ms Justice Cheema-Grubb handed down the sentence, saying the harm he had caused was profound and that he had fundamentally compromised the integrity of a legislative body for substantial financial gain. President Donald Trump said he would visit Beijing this coming April and host Chinese president Xi Jinping for a state visit to Washington later in 2026 after what he described as a wide-ranging call with Xi on Monday. Writing on Truth Social, the president stated that he and Xi had concluded what he called a very good telephone call that largely followed up on discussions theyd had during a face-to-face meeting in South Korea three weeks ago. Trump said the Monday morning call with Xi focused on many topics including Ukraine/Russia, Fentanyl, Soybeans and other Farm Products, etc and claimed he and Xi had made good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers that would only get better while describing the U.S.-China relationship as extremely strong. Trump also claimed there had been significant progress on both sides with regards to keeping agreements the two leaders had struck in South Korea to deescalate the trade war which the U.S. president had stoked since returning to office in January. Those agreements had included a commitment on Chinas part to purchase American farm products and ensure that rare earth elements used in numerous technology sectors be made available to American purchasers. Home and home: President Donald Trump said he and Chinas ruler Xi Jinping would each visit one anothers turf in 2026, starting with a Trump visit to China in April. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In return, Trump agreed to half a 20 -ercent tariff hike imposed in retaliation for what he described as China's role in producing fentanyl and chemicals used to make it to 10 percent while keeping other tariffs in place and continuing talks to deescalate the trade war. The president said those agreements were being kept current and accurate by both sides, allowing the leaders to set our sights on the big picture. To that end, President Xi invited me to visit Beijing in April, which I accepted, and I reciprocated where he will be my guest for a State Visit in the U.S. later in the year. We agreed that it is important that we communicate often, which I look forward to doing, he added. The planned April visit to Beijing by the U.S. president will be his second state visit to China. During his first term, he traveled there from November 8 to November 10, 2017. While in China, he became the first foreign leader to dine in the Forbidden City. Xis planned reciprocal visit to Washington at a later point in 2026 would mark his second state visit to the United States. It would come more than a decade after then-president Barack Obama hosted him for six days of events in September 2015, nearly three years after he succeeded Hu Jintao as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China. The Chinese leader last visited the United States in November 2023 for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative summit in San Francisco. While there, he also met with then-president Joe Biden for a four-hour meeting that Biden later described as having been candid and constructive. At the time, Biden and Xi agreed to to resume lines of communication between their respective countries defense departments, including consultations and exchanges at operational levels, which had been severed during months of tensions which started after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022 and escalated further after the U.S. Air Force shot down a Chinese spy balloon in February 2023. Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump in the Oval Office in August - AFP Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky will negotiate the remainder of a peace deal for Ukraine following initial talks between their top advisers. US and Ukrainian officials agreed on a new 19-point plan to end the war during lengthy, and often fraught, talks in Geneva. But the most politically sensitive decisions will be decided by the countries presidents in further rounds of direct negotiations. Direct talks could begin this week, with unconfirmed reports that Mr Zelensky could travel to Washington DC. The key sticking points include the issue of land swaps and a new security relationship between the US, Nato and Russia. Top officials from Washington and Kyiv met for the emergency talks in Switzerland after details of a 28-point peace plan developed by US and Russian officials were leaked. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, hailed the talks as the best meeting since the US launched its diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The result of the talks was a new 19-point strategy to be presented to Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky. Mr Zelensky said important steps had been made, but that more work was needed to negotiate an end to the war. Writing on Telegram on Monday evening, he said: Now the list of necessary steps to end the war can become doable. As of now, after Geneva, there are fewer points no longer 28 and many of the right elements have been taken into account in this framework. There is still work for all of us to do together it is very challenging to finalise the document, and we must do everything with dignity. We appreciate that most of the world is ready to help us and that the American side is approaching this constructively. Sergiy Kyslytsya, a Ukrainian deputy foreign minister who was in the room, told the Financial Times: We developed a solid body of convergence, and a few things we can compromise on. The rest will need leadership decisions. The draft copies of the deal were limited to one per team after a row over how Mr Trumps Russia-friendly 28-point plan was made public nearly derailed the talks. Mr Kyslytsya said the US negotiating team, which included Jared Kushner, the US presidents son-in-law, had been receptive to compromise ideas tabled by the Ukrainians. Dan Driscoll, the US Army secretary, also held secret peace talks with the Russian delegation and Ukraines military intelligence chief in Abu Dhabi, the Financial Times reported. The discussions were set to continue on Tuesday. US denies favouring Russia The White House has pushed back against criticism that Mr Trump is favouring Russia in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Karoline Leavitt, the press secretary, told reporters on Monday: The idea that the United States of America is not engaging with both sides equally in this war to bring it to an end is a complete and total fallacy. The 28-point peace plan had demanded that Ukraine give up large tracts of land, including territory that has not even been captured by Russian forces. This issue was placed in brackets for Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky to agree at a later date. However, the US president is expected to hold talks with Vladimir Putin beforehand. Mr Zelensky met US Army secretary Daniel Driscoll in Kyiv last week as hopes started to grow of a peace agreement - Reuters The US-Ukraine framework came after a separate meeting between the Ukrainian delegation and national security advisers from Britain, France and Germany. Together they drew up a counter-proposal aiming to limit Russias ability to neuter Ukraines armed forces and influence Nato and EU decision-making processes. The Kremlin on Monday rejected a European counter-proposal to the US-Russia 28-point plan. Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin foreign policy aide, said: The European plan, at first glance ... is completely unconstructive and does not work for us, adding that not all, but many provisions of this [US] plan seem quite acceptable to us. A European source familiar with the latest talks told The Telegraph that much work was still to be completed on the plan, erring on the side of caution because of the lack of Russian agreement. Kyiv has so far resisted Russias demand to give up the remainder of the Donbas region not currently under Moscows control. Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron have convened a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing for a debrief on the talks in Geneva, but their aides are understood not to have seen the latest plan. It is unlikely that Sir Keir, Mr Macron and other European leaders will join Mr Zelensky at the White House, as has previously happened, in the coming days. Instead, EU leaders, who held their own summit on Monday, agreed they had to accelerate plans to deliver Ukraine 140bn using frozen Russian assets. Diplomatic sources indicated that this was because there was little confidence the peace talks in Geneva would bring about an immediate ceasefire. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commissions president, whose top aide was involved in the talks, said good progress had been made in Geneva. The Europeans, including Britain, are pushing for any mandated cuts to Ukraines army to be left out of any future deal, while also asking for discussions over territory to begin only after a ceasefire. Mrs von der Leyen said: We are united in our support of Ukraine. These are core European principles moving forward, Ukraines territory and sovereignty must be respected. Only Ukraine, as a sovereign country, can make decisions regarding its armed forces. The choice of their destiny is in their own hands. Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, cast doubt on progress, saying: The next step must be Russia coming to the table. Ike Ekweremadus conviction was the first for organ trafficking under the Modern Slavery Act. Photograph: Metropolitan Police/PA The UK government has rejected a request by Nigeria to deport a former senior Nigerian politician convicted of organ trafficking. Ike Ekweremadu, 63, a former deputy president of the Nigerian senate and ally of the former president Goodluck Jonathan, is serving a sentence of nine years and eight months after being found guilty in 2023 of conspiring to exploit a man for his kidney. Ekweremadu, his wife, Beatrice, and a co-conspirator, Dr Obinna Obeta, trafficked a young man to London with a view to harvesting his kidney, which they planned to transplant to Ekweremadus daughter Sonia in a private unit of an NHS hospital. It was the first conviction for organ trafficking under the Modern Slavery Act. Last week, a Nigerian government delegation, led by the foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, met officials at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to discuss Ekweremadus case. The delegation requested his deportation so he could serve his remaining sentence in Nigeria. A source at the MoJ has confirmed the request was rejected. It is understood the UK government was concerned that there are no guarantees that Ekweremadu would continue his prison sentence after being deported. A government spokesperson said it could not comment on individual prisoners. They added: Any prisoner transfer is at our discretion following a careful assessment of whether it would be in the interests of justice. A source said: The UK will not tolerate modern slavery and any offender will face the full force of UK law. Beatrice Ekweremadu, who was sentenced to four years and six months, with half spent in custody, was released earlier this year and has since returned to Nigeria. In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Jeremy Johnson said all three conspirators played a part in a despicable trade. He said: The harvesting of human organs is a form of slavery. It treats human beings and their bodies as commodities to be bought and sold. The judge described Ekweremadu as the driving force behind the organ-trafficking plot, and said his conviction represented a very substantial fall from grace. His Old Bailey trial exposed vulnerability and complacency in the UK health system to organ trafficking. In February 2022, the young man whom Ekweremadu trafficked to London was taken to a private renal unit at the Royal Free hospital in London. It was falsely claimed that man was Sonias cousin and had agreed to the 80,000 transplant. Despite bribing a medical secretary the attempted transplant by the Ekweremadus was rejected by the hospital in March 2022. But the medics did not report the incident to the police. The plot was discovered only when the victim, referred to as C in court, fled to the police in fear of his life because he believed he was being lined up by Obeta for another transplant in Nigeria. Obeta had himself received a kidney transplant at the Royal Free in July 2021 from another man allegedly trafficked from Nigeria. He was sentenced to 10 years, two-thirds of which must be served in prison. Nigerias request to deport Ekweremadu has been criticised in his home country, and raised questions about why the Abuja government has not tried to intervene over more than 230 other Nigerians imprisoned in the UK. Nigerias high commission in London has been approached for comment. Dominic Nicholls, Francis Dearnley, and Adelie Pojzman-Pontay b' Ukraine podcast landing page award image ' War in Ukraine is reshaping our world. Every weekday, the Telegraphs top journalists analyse the conflict from all angles just as they have since Russias full-scale invasion in 2022, when tanks, jets and troops crossed Ukraines borders. Downloaded over 120 million times and trusted by listeners worldwide, the team considers military strategy, history, weaponry, economics, refugee crises, culture, and daily life in Putins autocratic Russia and Zelenskys democratic Ukraine. Our correspondents on the ground talk to experts and civilians to cover every aspect of Russias brutal invasion. We are also available in both Ukrainian and Russian, so that people on both sides of the battle lines and across the region including Central Asia and the Caucasus have access to our reporting. We use cutting-edge AI technology to make this possible. A weekly newsletter is also available, where we answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. Its free for everyone, including non-subscribers. The podcast has earned major accolades, most recently winning Podcast of the Year at the London Press Club and News Podcast of the Year at the 2025 Press Awards, where the judges called it a gripping testament to courageous and vitally important public interest journalism. It also won Best Use of Audio at the Digital Publishing Awards 2025. Previously, it was awarded Best News Podcast at the Publisher Podcast Awards 2024 and Podcast of the Year at the Society of Editors Media Freedom Awards 2024. The creator of the podcast, David Knowles who died unexpectedly in September 2024 was posthumously honoured with the Public Service Journalism award at the British Journalism Awards. It is in his memory that the team continues to build and develop the podcast. Ukraine: The Latests hosts are: Dominic Nicholls Dom is Associate Editor (Defence) at The Telegraph, having joined in 2018. He previously served for 23 years in the British Army, in tank and helicopter units. He had operational deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland. Francis Dearnley Francis is Executive Editor (Audio) at The Telegraph. Prior to working as a journalist, he was chief of staff to the Chair of the Prime Ministers Policy Board at the Houses of Parliament in London. He studied History at Cambridge University and on the podcast explores how the past shines a light on the latest diplomatic, political, and strategic developments. Adelie Pojzman-Pontay Adelie is Narrative Podcast Producer at The Telegraph. She oversees and produces documentary series in the audio team and joined the Ukraine: The Latest team in the winter 2023-2024. She previously worked as a journalist and producer in Paris, and was one of the pioneers of narrative podcasting in France. She has also worked in the US, Chile, and in the Middle East. Our most recent video special of the podcast was recorded at the Honourable Artillery company in London, reflecting on three and a half years of war. It is available here: In another recent video special, we answered questions from listeners around the world. You can find it here: To mark two years since the full-scale invasion, we recorded a video special in Kyiv with Oleksandra Matviichuk, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. You can watch that here: Also marking two years of war, we recorded a special in front of a live audience at the American Embassy in London: You can watch another recent special episode recorded in Washington DC, here: Our special episode reflecting on the one-year anniversary of the invasion can be found here: Listen to Ukraine: the Latest, The Telegraphs daily podcast, using the audio player at the top of this article or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app. A Russian drone strike on the major Ukrainian city of Kharkiv killed four people and wounded 17 on Sunday, its mayor said. At this moment, 17 people are known to have been wounded. Four people have died, Igor Terekhov said, reporting the evening strike in a message on Telegram. The attack came as US, Ukrainian and European officials were in Geneva to discuss a proposal to end the nearly four-year-old war in Ukraine. Oleg Synegubov, head of the Kharkiv regional military administration, described the attack as massive. The emergency services said the drone strike on two districts of Kharkiv had caused fires and the destruction of buildings. Three residential buildings and an infrastructure facility were on fire, it said. Top US and Ukrainian officials said on Sunday they had made progress towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war but provided scant details after discussing the American proposal to achieve peace that has sparked concerns among many of Washingtons European allies that the plan is too conciliatory to Moscow. US secretary of state Marco Rubio said high-stakes talks in Geneva were very worthwhile and constituted the most productive day in a very long time. I feel very optimistic that we can get something done. The White House said talks in Switzerland on a proposal to end the Ukraine war marked a significant step forward, and reaffirmed that any eventual deal would fully uphold the war-wracked countrys sovereignty. A joint US-Ukraine statement released by Washington after the meeting in Geneva said: As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework. Europeans have submitted a modified version of the USs peace plan for Ukraine that pushes back on proposed limits to Kyivs armed forces and territorial concessions, according to a document seen by Reuters on Sunday. The document, prepared for talks on the plan in Geneva, proposes that Ukraines military be capped at 800,000 in peacetime rather than a blanket cap of 600,000 proposed by the US plan. James Comey and Letitia James. Composite: Bloomberg via Getty Images, AP A federal judge threw out the criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James on Monday, concluding that the prosecutor handling the cases was unlawfully appointed. Lindsey Halligan, whom Trump named the interim US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia in September, had no lawful authority to present the indictment against the former FBI director and New York attorney general, Judge Cameron McGowan Currie wrote in her opinion. I conclude that the attorney generals attempt to install Ms Halligan as interim US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia was invalid and that Ms Halligan has been unlawfully serving in that role since September 22, 2025, Currie, who was appointed to the bench by Bill Clinton, wrote in her opinion. She added that all actions flowing from Ms Halligans defective appointment were unlawful exercises of executive power and must be set aside. The decision is a major win for Comey, who was charged with lying to Congress five years ago, and James, who was charged with mortgage fraud. Both unequivocally denied wrongdoing and said the cases were a thinly veiled effort by the Trump administration to punish them for opposing Trump. I am heartened by todays victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country, James said in a statement. I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day. Comey also praised the decision. Im grateful that the court ended the case against me which was a prosecution based on malevolence and incompetence, he said in a recorded video. This case mattered to me personally, obviously, but it matters most because a message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies. I know that Donald Trump will probably come after me again and my attitude is gonna be the same. Im innocent, I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary, he added. US attorneys must be confirmed by the Senate. Federal law allows the attorney general to appoint someone to serve on an acting basis for 120 days while a nomination is pending. Once that 120-day period is up, the law allows the judges on the district court where the prosecutor handles cases to appoint a top prosecutor. Halligans predecessor, Erik Siebert, began serving in the role on an interim basis in January. In May, at the end of the 120-day period, the judges in the eastern district of Virginia chose to extend his appointment. In September, Siebert was forced out of his role as he reportedly determined there was insufficient evidence to charge James with a crime. Trump installed Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial experience in the role and Comey was indicted on charges of lying to Congress days later. Halligan then indicted James on allegations of mortgage fraud shortly after that. The Trump administration argued that the attorney general could simply revisit someone new every 120 days, but Currie said that would simply allow the attorney general to indefinitely appoint someone on an interim basis. The text, structure, and history of the law do not support the governments argument, she wrote. Currie dismissed both cases without prejudice, which means the government could theoretically try to bring the charges again under a properly appointed US attorney. But it is unclear if they could even do that in Comeys case because the statute of limitations for the crime he is charged with passed on 30 September 2025. The decision further indicates that because the indictment is void, the statute of limitations has run and there can be no further indictment, said Patrick Fitzgerald, a lawyer for Comey. The day when Mr Comey was indicted was a sad day for our government. Honest prosecutors were fired to clear the path for an unlawful prosecution. But today an independent judiciary vindicated our system of laws not just for Mr Comey but for all American citizens. Halligan personally presented both cases to the grand jury and has been under intense scrutiny since taking her position. Last week, a judge overseeing the case questioned whether she had properly followed routine procedure in obtaining an indictment in Comeys case. Prosecutors handling the case say they followed appropriate procedure. The courts order acknowledges whats been clear about this case from the beginning. The president went to extreme measures to substitute one of his allies to bring these baseless charges after career prosecutors refused, Abbe Lowell, a lawyer for James, said in a statement. This case was not about justice or the law; it was about targeting Attorney General James for what she stood for and who she challenged. We will continue to challenge any further politically motivated charges through every lawful means available. An emergency rescue team transports an elderly woman discovered to still be alive after her scheduled cremation at Wat Rat Prakhong Tham temple, Nonthaburi province, Thailand. (Wat Rat Prakhong Tham) Temple staff in Thailand were left stunned after a woman, brought in for cremation, began moving inside her coffin. The extraordinary event took place at Wat Rat Prakhong Tham, a Buddhist temple located in Nonthaburi province, on the outskirts of Bangkok. A video shared on the temples Facebook page showed the woman, lying in a white coffin in the back of a pick-up truck, subtly moving her arms and head, much to the bewilderment of those present. Pairat Soodthoop, the temples general and financial affairs manager, informed The Associated Press on Monday that the 65-year-old woman had been driven from Phitsanulok province by her brother for the cremation. He added that staff heard "a faint knock coming from the coffin" shortly before her movements were observed. I was a bit surprised, so I asked them to open the coffin, and everyone was startled, he said. I saw her opening her eyes slightly and knocking on the side of the coffin. She must have been knocking for quite some time. Wat Rat Prakhong Tham temple of Nonthaburi in Bangkok, Thailand, where the woman was discovered alive in a coffin. (Getty Images) According to Pairat, the brother said his sister had been bedridden for about two years, when her health deteriorated and she became unresponsive, appearing to stop breathing two days ago. The brother then placed her in a coffin and made the 500-kilometer (300-mile) journey to a hospital in Bangkok, to which the woman had previously expressed a wish to donate her organs. The hospital refused to accept the brother's offer as he didn't have an official death certificate, Pairat said. His temple offers a free cremation service, which is why the brother approached them on Sunday, but was also refused due to the missing document. The temple manager said that while he was explaining how to get a death certificate when they heard the knocking. They then assessed her and sent her to a nearby hospital. The abbot said the temple would cover her medical expenses, according to Pairat. It was beautiful watching them a shot from PDA. Photograph: Liz Johnson Artur/Bierke For more than three decades, Liz Johnson Artur has photographed the people Im with a characteristically modest expression that belies the radiance, intimacy and unshowy brilliance of her pictures, an extraordinary archive numbering thousands of images that celebrate beauty, resilience, community and resistance. Intimate and alive, her photographs often shot on the fly, in streets, nightclubs and living rooms pull you right into the moment, just before it disappears for good. PDA, the photographers latest book, celebrates a bygone London underground music scene. PDA was a popular queer club night that ran monthly in a Hackney basement from 2011 to 2021. The abbreviation PDA did not stand for a single phrase, apparently. Rather, the founders playfully suggested it could stand for many things, including Public Display of Affection, Please Dont Ask, and even Pretty Dick Available. A lot went on in front of and behind the DJ booth! The club nights fluidity and inclusivity were some of the things that enraptured Johnson Artur. I used to take pictures in a queer club in Brixton in the 1990s. Then it was very separate, men and women. There was mixing but this was a very different vibe. While shes never been a clubber, she became a regular at PDA. There was a lot going on in front of and behind the DJ booth! PDA embraced everyone. They didnt have a door policy. I was 30 years older than everyone there, but it was beautiful watching them take their space. In black and white and colour pictures taken over several years attending PDA events, Johnson Artur, now 61, captures party-goers flexing their thigh-high boots, bodies glossy with sweat on the dancefloor, cigarettes, smiles and Schweppes. The pictures at times seem to jump to the sound of a bassline. Its not the first time she has photographed people partying. Why does Johnson Artur love photographing music events so much? They do something to people, she says, speaking on the phone as she walks around Brixton on a Monday morning. They can let go. Its the most generous art form we have, because it needs us. It lives from how we react to it and you can feel its yours and no one can take that away from you. I guess I almost developed aunty feelings wed all come back and have food at my place The book also reflects Johnson Arturs abiding interest in self-fashioning and self-expression in temporary, DIY and unconventional spaces. She attributes this curiosity in strangers lives to the four-day train journeys she would take as a child with her mother, from Germany back to the Soviet Union. You would spend 24 hours with strangers in a small compartment, she says, and you have to get on you start out being suspicious of each other, but in Russian culture, you put food on the table and you share, and you start talking. Sharing these small spaces with strangers informed the way she works with her subjects. I photograph people because each person has a story. I cant tell it verbally, but I can make a point about human existence were told were all different, but the stories, when you hear them, are often quite familiar. Johnson Arturs own story reflects a time in the 1960s when African students were sent to study in eastern Europe which is how her Ghanaian dad met her Russian mother. Johnson Artur was born in Bulgaria and spoke Russian at home, later moving to Germany, where she was raised by her mother. Its who I am. I dont know any different everyone has their roots, and I dont see mine as special. My work is not about black this, that, or the other. Its about wanting to be yourself. They lived for a time as illegal immigrants. As Johnson Artur wasnt able to go to school, she spent a lot of time on the streets while her mother was at work. She got her first camera in the mid-1980s, when film was prohibitively expensive. I never had the money to shoot like crazy. If I had five rolls, I had to stretch them to get the pictures I wanted. I couldnt afford to mess up. I had to focus and learn to work with my tools in whatever situation I found myself in. Its important to me not to take pictures I consider bad. Thats my German upbringing. Every picture in the archive counts. In 1991, Johnson Artur moved to London. She studied at the Royal College of Art and dived into the citys music scene. I suddenly experienced music in a totally different way. It was part of your life. Witnessing those places where you could express yourself, where you could make something out of nothing and have agency. People were making clubs in whatever room they could just for a few months. But its changing. You cant do that now. Its becoming harder to have any space. Thats a very painful thing. One of the recurring figures in the PDA pictures is Carrie Stacks, the nights co-founder DJ and nightlife icon. They appear at the decks, but also at home, getting ready, doing their makeup. These more intimate, daytime images give a sense of a close-knit community beyond the club. I dont look at it as a club book, says Johnson Artur. It is always about looking at people. Its about how they create spaces to be safe with each other. The book moves through photographs reflecting the rhythm and energy of a night, from posturing in lavish outfits on arrival at the club, to moments of high intensity, hands-in-air abandon, when the dancefloor is packed and chaotic with limbs and people embrace. Its a mix of striking, posed portraits of the clubs attractive young crowd, in which Johnson Arturs subjects look directly back at her, often wearing little more than some sequins, heels and sunglasses, and moments of unchoreographed candour, in which the photographer and her camera are devoured in the fervour of the action: right next to the DJ booth as someone grabs the mic, or as two people share laughter or a kiss. Its irrepressibly joyful to look at, an account that pays homage to a time and place but also captures timeless notions of desire, freedom and escape. Strutting into the club in their finery, her subjects emanate a confidence that belies the hostility they often face outside. Not just on the street but also at home, where many people have big issues being who they are, in their own communities. The book is the result of a careful and close collaboration with some of the PDA organisers. Was that difficult for a photographer with such stringent standards? Im used to holding on to pictures, deciding what goes where based on the quality and I had to let go of that. Its an interesting process. You cant collaborate and only get what you want. You have to open up. PDA also charts Johnson Arturs evolving role in the community. I guess I almost developed aunty feelings, she says. As soon as her daughter was old enough, she started to take her along too. Wed all come back and have food at my place. It wasnt just nightlife. We really enjoyed each others company. That mutual feeling of respect and trust, she says, comes through in the pictures. When people see you and they trust you, they give. Thats the beauty I get. A typical PDA night went on until 6am, and the last picture in the book depicts a reveller back outside in the early hours, making their way home again. Shot from behind and from afar, the figure flashes bright white against the darkness of the empty street, the soft focus reminiscent of the bleary-eyed vision after a long night out. Its also a reminder that nothing lasts for ever. Thats how we exist as humans, says Johnson Artur. We have a wonderful time, then suddenly its over. PDA is a testament to that. Were only here for a minute, she adds. Lets enjoy it. Hopes of reaching a breakthrough in the war with Russia this week were quashed on Monday after a European proposal discussed by the United States and Ukraine was described by Moscow as completely unconstructive. Washington and Kyiv said in a joint statement they had drafted a refined peace framework after talks in Geneva on Sunday. Although there were no specifics, the dialogue received a cautious welcome from some of Ukraine's allies. However, the Kremlin said that the European counterproposal to a 28-point US peace plan for Ukraine was not helpful. "The European plan, at first glance ... is completely unconstructive and does not work for us," Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters in Moscow. But Ukraine's delegation to the talks with US officials in Switzerland was returning home on Monday to report back, president Volodymyr Zelensky said. US president Donald Trump hinted at new progress. US secretary of state Marco Rubio speaks to journalists in Geneva on Sunday (Keystone/Martial Trezzini) "Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Dont believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening," Trump claimed on Truth Social. It comes as it was mooted that Zelensky may travel to the US in the coming days as Ukrainian and US officials work to secure a peace deal before Thanksgiving on Thursday. The trip is dependent on how negotiations between US officials and their Ukrainian counterparts in Geneva are perceived to have gone, Ukrainian and US officials told CBS News. The US secretary of state Marco Rubio said the talks in Switzerland had been meaningful but warned the two sides were still apart in terms of reaching a final agreement. I think this was a very, very meaningful I would say probably best meeting and day weve had so far in this entire process, going back to when we first came into office in January, he said. But theres still some work left to do and thats what our teams are going to be doing right now. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskys chief of staff, said: We have very good progress and we are moving forward to the just and lasting peace. The Ukrainian president said on Monday that he will continue to work with partners, including the US, on peace proposals as the second day of talks in Geneva got underway. We all continue working with partners, especially the United States, to look for compromises that will strengthen but not weaken us, Zelensky said via video link from Sweden, where he was attending a summit of countries seeking Russian withdrawal from Ukraines occupied Crimea peninsula. Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House in February (Getty) Zelensky said Russia must pay for the war in Ukraine and that a decision on using frozen Russian assets was crucial. Right now, we are at a critical moment, he said. There is a lot of noise in the media, and all the political pressure, and even greater responsibility for the decisions ahead. The urgent talks come after the Trump administration announced its proposal to end the war in Ukraine, which would force Kyiv into giving up land while compensating the United States for upholding the peace. The 28-point plan, drawn up following talks between Washington and Moscow, offers a guarantee of US protection for Ukraine. In return, Kyiv must give up on its Nato ambitions and European allies agree not to station troops in Ukraine, rebuffing British-led plans to deploy international peacekeepers. The initial US plan has been widely criticised for favouring Russia. Ukraine would be reduced to Russias tethered goat if Trumps peace plan is implemented, according to a former head of MI6. Sir Alex Younger said the US presidents proposal was "lopsided" in favour of Russia and would "almost guarantee" another invasion of Ukraine by Putin. Gifts will name CMU's College of Medicine and its new home in Saginaw, Michigan MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich., Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Central Michigan University's College of Medicine announced today it has received two landmark philanthropic gifts from two of its health care partners, Covenant HealthCare and MyMichigan Health, in support of the College's "Advancing Health Together" initiative. The two systems each pledged $40 million to support the development of a new medical education building in Saginaw, Michigan. The gifts are the two largest in the university's history and stand as a testament to a united partnership committed to profoundly impacting the healthcare challenges and economic aspirations of the communities each serves, said CMU President Neil MacKinnon. "We are thrilled to announce this extraordinary collaboration that brings two of our state's most respected health care systems together with our university to strengthen medical education, enhance the medical student experience, improve patient outcomes and expand healthcare access here in the Great Lakes Bay Region," MacKinnon said. "This tremendous partnership will have a positive effect on lives and communities for generations to come. Together, we are truly Advancing Health Together for our region and for the state of Michigan." Moving forward, the College of Medicine will have a new name, the Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at Central Michigan University, and a new home in Saginaw in the CMU MyMichigan Health Medical Education Building, located on the MyMichigan Health campus. "As part of our decades-long commitment to medical education, Covenant HealthCare is proud to support the CMU College of Medicine and strengthen the training opportunities that shape the future of care in our region. Meeting our mission of extraordinary care for every generation starts with supporting education and training for the next generation of extraordinary physicians," said Beth Charlton, president and CEO of Covenant HealthCare. "Assurance of a strong medical talent pipeline is foundational and requires both collaboration and resources. Individuals and families across the Great Lakes Bay Region are experiencing an increasingly critical need for well-educated medical professionals, and our mutual investment with CMU and MyMichigan Health reflects our collective belief in this partnership and our staunch commitment to keeping exceptional care and care providers close to home. Through Advancing Health Together, we are collaborating to ensure patients across our communities and beyond continue to receive the high-quality, local care they deservenow and for years to come." "We are proud to be part of the Advancing Health Together initiative with Central Michigan University and Covenant HealthCare. It is one to which we are most proud as it allows our three organizations the honor to advance the future of medical education, and it will happen right here in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The collaboration will have a great impact on our communities, our region and our state now and long into the future," said Lydia Watson, M.D., president and CEO of MyMichigan Health. "Since 2010, our partnership with CMU's College of Medicine has been pivotal in training future health care professionals. These students are not only equipped to deliver exceptional care but are also encouraged to serve in Michigan's most medically underserved areas, including our rural communities. This next chapter will not only help grow the volume of health care providers but also continue to pave the way for a future where health care is more accessible, equitable, and effective for all." Across Michigan, and particularly within underserved areas such as the communities of the Great Lakes Bay Region, many individuals and families face persistent and profound barriers to healthcare. Currently, 74 of Michigan's 83 counties carry at least a partial designation as health professional shortage areas. "The need for a strong, community-oriented medical education program and physician pipeline has never been greater," MacKinnon said. CMU's College of Medicine was established in 2010 to help address these disparities and rapidly outgrew its home on the CMU Mount Pleasant campus growing from its initial cohort size of 60 to more than 100 students per class year. As a result, currently all first- and second-year medical students are educated in Mount Pleasant, while most third- and fourth-year students complete their education in Saginaw. This separation of the class years has posed challenges for student engagement, while consolidating classes in one location has proven to be best practice in the training of medical students. Moving the college to the new location in the Medical Diamond in Saginaw will strengthen medical education at CMU, said Dr. Tina Thompson, interim dean of the CMU College of Medicine. "Bringing the majority of our medical students together into a single geographic area will provide greater opportunities for peer-to-peer mentoring and student engagement," Thompson said. "It will allow for more interaction between and among students and faculty and open doors for further collaboration in research and clinical education across the region." The Medical Diamond project, located in Saginaw, Michigan, aims to become the state's third bioscience hub and the only one serving the northern part of the state. The project brings together CMU's College of Medicine, Covenant HealthCare, MyMichigan Health, and numerous other healthcare providers and educators. The diamond-shaped project sits alongside the riverfront in Saginaw and will also include a new riverfront park with public access and recreation. With the confirmation of these two leadership gifts, CMU will move forward with the design and development of a new medical education facility in the Medical Diamond, MacKinnon said. The university hopes to break ground on its new site in 2026 and will continue to fundraise toward its $100 million goal for the building. The shift of the medical school to Saginaw will also provide opportunities for expansion of other health professional programs on CMU's Mount Pleasant campus, MacKinnon said. Nurses are in high demand, and our new four-year nursing program has launched and is ready to grow, he said. "CMU, Covenant HealthCare and MyMichigan Health have a shared commitment to improving the lives of patients and strengthening the communities we serve," MacKinnon said. "This unique, collaborative partnership is a perfect alignment of our missions and visions and will benefit each organization and the people we serve." About CMU College of Medicine The CMU College of Medicine was established in 2010 to meet Michigan's growing demand for highly qualified medical professionals, especially in rural and historically underserved areas. In 2025, the College was ranked among U.S. News and World Report's top medical schools for graduating physicians who will serve in rural, underserved and health professional shortage areas. More than 7,000 students apply for the 104 spots in each medical class cohort annually; and the College has achieved a 100% residency match rate in each of the last two years. Approximately half of CMU College of Medicine graduates choose to continue their practice in the state of Michigan. About Covenant HealthCare Covenant HealthCare is a non-profit regional health system dedicated to delivering extraordinary care for every generation across Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. From moms-to-be to babies to great-grandfathers, families trust Covenant for a full continuum of high-quality, compassionate care. As the largest employer in Saginaw County, Covenant HealthCare has more than 4,600 employees and a medical staff of over 800 providers who work collaboratively to advance the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The health system offers a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services, including high-risk obstetrics, neonatal and pediatric intensive care, acute care, primary care, cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, robotic surgery, rehabilitation, and a Level II Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center. In 2025, Covenant HealthCare was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of Michigan's "Best Regional Hospitals," placing Covenant HealthCare in the top 10% of hospitals in the state. Covenant is deeply committed to advancing medical education and supporting the next generation of health professionals. As a long-standing teaching hospital in Saginaw, Covenant HealthCare serves as a key learning site for medical and nursing students, residents, fellows, respiratory therapists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, nursing assistants, and morecontinuing decades of investment in training and developing future caregivers for the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. Learn more at www.covenanthealthcare.com About MyMichigan Health MyMichigan Health, a non-profit health system headquartered in Midland, Michigan, is a leader in providing award-winning, high-quality care to the 26-counties it serves. With Medical Centers in Alma, Alpena, Clare, Gladwin, Midland, Mt. Pleasant, Saginaw, Sault Ste. Marie Standish, Tawas and West Branch, MyMichigan also has affiliations with Medical Centers in St. Ignace, and Mackinac Island. MyMichigan Health provides a full continuum of care across a wide array of settings, including urgent care centers, home health, virtual care, as well as medical offices in more than 80 specialties and subspecialties including cardiology, family medicine, hematology/oncology, neurosciences, orthopedics, pediatrics, vascular surgery, and more. MyMichigan Health demonstrates its commitment to the future of medicine by partnering with leading institutions to offer medical education programs that train medical students, physicians, nurse practitioner and physician assistant students, nursing students and other clinical experts for our region. Listed by Forbes among 'America's Best Employers by State' for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025, MyMichigan is a major employer in all of the areas it serves. In fact, its more than 10,500 employees, volunteers, health care providers and other personnel work together to create healthy communities through solutions designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the more than one million residents in the health system's 26 counties served. In fiscal year2025, MyMichigan Health provided more than $243 million in community benefits, as well as supported its patients and families with new equipment, services and programs with funds raised by the MyMichigan Health Foundation, MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw Foundation, MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas Foundation and Field Neurosciences Institute. www.mymichigan.org Media Contacts: CMU: Aaron Mills, Director of News and Media, [email protected] Covenant HealthCare: Samantha Strieter, Marketing and Communications Manager, [email protected] MyMichigan Health: Millie Jezior, APR, Public Relations Manager, [email protected]; (989) 839-3351 SOURCE Central Michigan University A Ukrainian soldier patrols Kostyantynivka in Donetsk region amid the ongoing Russian invasion - Ukrainian Armed Forces/Shutterstock After four years, Ukraine, Europe, and possibly the United States, appear to be converging on seven critical and commonly accepted conditions for peace. Thats key both to their own alliance, and to the possibility of negotiating a proper end to the war with Russia. Many details may change, but the outline of an endgame is now taking shape. And it looks like this: 1. Territory A ceasefire would freeze the front line before negotiations on territory swaps starting from the line of contact. There is no deadline for such swaps to take place, meaning talks could run indefinitely. Although there is no international recognition or other stamp of legitimacy on Russias conquests, Ukraine pledges not to try to take back occupied territory by force. Russia makes a reciprocal undertaking. What it is: The basis for a decades-long frozen conflict with the current front line congealing into a de-facto frontier that in practical terms cements Russias conquests. Think the Korean armistice line, the partition of Cyprus, or the existence of Transnistria. What it is not: Russias stated territorial objective (the occupation of all of Donbas and further claims to Kherson and Zaporizhzhia). Instead, Ukraine would keep the Donetsk region fortress belt towns of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk which protect the plain and the rest of unoccupied Ukraine beyond. Nor is it Russias preferred sequence of talks preceding the ceasefire which would allow the Kremlin to maintain military pressure on Kyiv to extract ever more punishing concessions. Why it works: Keeping the fortress belt is a crucial difference which would make Russia coming back in future with a sweeping offensive towards Kyiv much harder. 2. Security guarantees and Nato Under the European-Ukrainian plan, Ukraine remains outside Nato as long as there is no consensus among existing members about letting it in a long-established status quo that is likely to endure indefinitely. America will provide a security guarantee that mirrors Article Five the mutual defence clause that means an attack on one is an attack on all. Nato commits not to permanently deploy troops under its command to Ukraine in peacetime. Nato jets will be based in Poland. What it is: The most solid possible security guarantee short of Nato membership. An Article Five-style guarantee implies an American-led military response if Russia reinvades. Foreign militaries perhaps from France, Britain, or Germany could deploy to Ukraine under national command on a rotational basis in peace time to reinforce the deterrent. What it is not: Formal Nato membership a Russian red line. But nor is it an empty, Budapest-memorandum style promise without the teeth to serve as a credible deterrent against Russian invasion. Why it works: Proper security guarantees are the key element that make a land-for-peace territorial compromise acceptable to the Ukrainian public. 3. Fail-safe Ukrainian residents clear the area following Russian FAB-250 air strikes in a residential area of Sloviansk on Nov 24 - Jose Colon/Anadolu If Ukraine invades Russia, it will forfeit the security guarantee. If Russia restarts the war, sanctions relief, de-facto territorial recognition and any other benefits of the deal will be void, and it would risk war with the United States. What it is: A fail-safe clause that would punish anyone who restarts the war and thus deter hawks on either side from doing so and addressing both Ukrainian and Russian security concerns. What it is not: Carte blanche for Russia to launch a third invasion or a blank cheque for Ukraine to try to reconquer its territory by force. Why it works: The Kremlin has always claimed the war was one of self-defence. This mechanism uses Russias own words to enforce the peace. 4. Forces Ukraines armed forces will be limited to 800,000 men in peacetime. What it is: A Ukrainian army almost as big as the one it currently fields. What it is not: A crippling Versailles Treaty-style punishment that would leave Ukraine without a viable army and ban it from owning key weapons like long-range missiles (a previous Russian demand), making it defenceless against a third invasion. Why it works: Since Ukraine would probably not need (nor afford) such a vast force in peacetime, 800,000 provides ample head room. If war breaks out again, it could legally mobilise and expand rapidly. 5. Sanctions The deal would see Russia steadily reintegrate into the global community and mark a symbolic end to Vladimir Putins international isolation - RUSSIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS OFFICE/AFP Russia will be steadily reintegrated into the global economy. Sanctions relief would be phased and carried out on a case-by-case basis, with no deadline. The United States will enter into a long-term economic co-operation agreement with Moscow. Russia gets back into the G8. What it is: Restoration of many, but not all, of Russias links to the globalised economy. A symbolic end to Vladimir Putins international isolation. What it is not: Blanket sanctions relief. Those imposed most recently, like Octobers US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, would presumably be lifted first. But others, like those linked to human rights abuses or the 2014 annexation of Crimea, might take longer or remain in force indefinitely. There will likely be years of haggling over the details. Why it works: Both sides profit. Sanctioned Russian officials and oligarchs get their frozen assets back and can once again travel to Western countries. Western firms return to lucrative Russian domestic markets. 6. Reparations and reconstruction The United States will partner with Ukraine to restore its gas infrastructure and there will also be a joint effort to rebuild cities, infrastructure, and mineral resources. The World Bank will come up with a funding package. What it is: US companies get to turn a profit on the long-awaited reconstruction bonanza in post-war Ukraine. What it is not: An immediate return to Moscow of its $250bn of sovereign assets frozen in Europe, which will remain under lock and key until Russia pays reparations. Why it works: The issue of reparations is likely to be highly contested, but as long as Russia does not get its money back there is considerable leverage to force it to pay at least some compensation for the vast damage it has inflicted on its neighbour. 7. Humanitarian aid It was reported by The Center for Strategic and International Studies that up to 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the war - Evgeniy Maloletka/AP All prisoners of war and bodies of fallen combatants will be returned home, as will civilians, including children. What it is: Immediate relief for prisoners and families of the wounded and killed, and Russia sending home the children it resettled from occupied territories a key Ukrainian demand. What it is not: Immediate accountability. This would set aside the question of pursuing those responsible for murders, rapes and torture during the conflict. It means Ukraine agreeing to postpone, for now, its demand to see Russians stand trial for, say, the Bucha massacre. Why it works: It is a fudge that saves face. While speedy war crimes trials seem unlikely, this deal does not represent an amnesty for war criminals either. That is because these new proposals scrap the clause in the initial 28-point Witkoff-Dmitriev plan absolving all individuals from crimes committed during the war. These seven issues now define the parameters of an end to Europes biggest and bloodiest war since the Second World War. The details will no doubt change, with each side wanting to mould them in their own interest. But the substance is unavoidable, and the narrow ground on which to land a bitterly contested peace deal is now clear. Three-year-old Oliver Chu with his father, Ricky. Photograph: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust/Cover Images Doctors are cautiously optimistic about a groundbreaking gene therapy for children affected by a devastating inherited disorder after seeing positive results in the first boy to receive the treatment. Three-year-old Oliver Chu from California became the first patient to have the therapy nine months ago as part of a clinical trial run by researchers in Manchester. It is too early to call the therapy a success, but doctors are encouraged by his progress so far. Things look really hopeful right now, but Ollie was the first human to receive this therapy and its only been nine months out, said Prof Simon Jones, consultant in paediatric inherited metabolic disease at the Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine (MCGM) at Saint Marys hospital. We have four more boys scheduled in and we will need to prove the benefit is long-lasting, said Jones, the joint leader of the trial. Oliver was born with a condition called Hunter syndrome. It is caused by a faulty gene that prevents the body from making a crucial enzyme that breaks down complex sugar molecules. Over time, these molecules accumulate in organs and tissues, causing an array of symptoms from joint stiffness and hearing loss to heart problems and cognitive decline, resembling dementia. Life expectancy is typically 10 to 20 years. The only licensed drug for children with Hunter syndrome is Elaprase, a weekly infusion that replaces the missing enzyme. The treatment costs about 375,000 per patient and must be taken for life. While the drug can improve movement and organ problems, it does not reach the brain and so cannot prevent cognitive decline. During the one-off therapy in February, doctors collected stem cells from Olivers blood and replaced the faulty gene with a working copy. The corrected stem cells were then re-infused back into his bloodstream. There, they began churning out high levels of the enzyme, which also reached his brain. Since having the therapy, Oliver no longer needs weekly Elaprase infusions, an encouraging sign that the treatment is working. The trial is run from Royal Manchester childrens hospital in collaboration with MCGM at Saint Marys. Speaking to the BBC, Olivers father, Ricky, said: I dont want to jinx it, but I feel like its gone very, very well. His life is no longer dominated by needles and hospital visits. His speech, agility and cognitive development have all got dramatically better, he added. Its not just a slow, gradual curve as he gets older, it has shot up exponentially since the transplant. Olivers parents hope the therapy might also help his elder brother, Skyler, who has the same condition. The therapy cannot reverse existing organ and tissue damage, but tests on Skyler show that despite being five years old, he remains largely unaffected. Hunter syndrome overwhelmingly affects boys, but is extremely rare, affecting one in 100,000 males born globally. The five boys on the trial are from the US, Europe and Australia. None are from the UK because patients are not diagnosed with the condition soon enough. To get the majority of patients treated with this dose we would need newborn screening on the heel prick test, which is now standard for Hunter syndrome in the US, Jones said. The same gene therapy approach is now being developed to treat other genetic disorders that impair vital enzymes, such as Hurler syndrome and Sanfilippo syndrome. More than 260 people were killed in April 2019 in bombings that targeted churches and hotels in Sri Lanka - Jewel Samad/Getty Images A suspected Islamist terrorist questioned over bombings that killed 269 people in Sri Lanka is seeking asylum in the UK. The unnamed asylum seeker, from Sri Lanka, was arrested over allegations that he was involved in the 2019 Easter bombings in the country. The blasts killed six Britons, including a mother and her two children. The man, who has been granted anonymity, left Sri Lanka in 2022 after being arrested and released on bail over the attacks, in which suicide bombers targeted luxury hotels and churches. He arrived in the UK in September 2022 and claimed asylum a month later. He told an immigration tribunal that, since leaving Sri Lanka, police officers had attended his family home and that he fears persecution if he returns home. It is understood he denies the allegations. His asylum claim for his wife and himself was initially rejected by the Home Office, but he won an appeal against the decision at an upper immigration tribunal and his case will now be reheard. Reforms to asylum system Last week, Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, announced major reforms to the asylum system, making refugee status temporary and giving ministers powers to return migrants to their home country once it was deemed safe. Ms Mahmood is also overhauling immigration appeals by replacing judges with adjudicators and limiting illegal migrants and foreign offenders ability to exploit human rights laws to fight deportation. Some 38 foreign tourists were killed in the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019. Among them were Britons Anita Nicholson, 42, and her children, Alexander, 14 and Annabel, 11, who died in an explosion at the Shangri-la Hotel in Colombo. Lorraine Campbell, an IT director, retired firefighter Bill Harrop and his wife Dr Sally Bradley also died in a blast at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. It is believed that the eight suicide bombers were associated with an Islamist militant group named National Thowheeth Jamaath. Six British tourists were killed in the Easter Sunday bombings - MA PUSHPA KUMARA/EPA-EFE/REX An upper tribunal judgment said: [The Sri Lankan] had applied for protection on his own behalf and on behalf of his wife. He says that on Jan 5 2022 he was arrested and questioned in connection with the Easter bombings, which took place in Sri Lanka on April 21 2019. He says that he was released only on the payment of a substantial bribe and was subject to reporting conditions. He left Sri Lanka for the United Kingdom on Sept 2 2022 and an arrest warrant was issued thereafter on Sept 15 2022. He says that the police have attended his family home in Sri Lanka, and he fears persecution if returned to Sri Lanka. The upper tribunal heard that his original case had been dismissed by the first-tier tribunal. The Sri Lankan argued that the first-tier tribunal made mistakes. He said the judge was biased and that the arrest warrant was not issued until after he left Sri Lanka, which the judge failed to appreciate. Claire Burns, the deputy upper tribunal judge, found that the previous hearing had made a series of errors, including it being missed that the man had been released on bail following an arrest warrant. Judge Burns denied that any previous judges were highly prejudiced in their approach. The facts of the case will be reheard at the first-tier tribunal at a later date. Judge Burns concluded: I find there will need to be a complete rehearing wherein the judge will make findings about the credibility of [his] account and given the nature and extent of the fact finding, the appeal should therefore be remitted to the first-tier tribunal. The judge erred in law in his analysis of the documentary evidence as set out above, and so for that reason the decision must be set aside. A Home Office spokesman said: The Government rejected this asylum claim to ensure this suspected terrorist never sets foot on British soil. We stand to robustly defend this decision through the courts. Last week, the Home Secretary announced the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times which will make Britain a less attractive destination for illegal migrants and will make it easier to remove and deport them. As part of this, we are reforming human rights laws and replacing the broken appeals system. Police are appealing for anyone who thinks they were targeted by Simon Levy to come forward - Elizabeth Cook/PA Images A man who is awaiting trial accused of killing one woman and raping another has been charged with murdering a second woman five months earlier. Simon Levy, 40, from Tottenham, north London, is accused of killing Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, 53, whose body was found in the Aylesbury Estate in Walworth, south-east London, in March. Mr Levy had already been charged with the murder of Sheryl Wilkins, 39, whose body was discovered in a car park in Tottenham in August this year. He is also accused of two counts of rape, grievous bodily harm with intent and the intentional strangulation of a third woman in January. Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo was found unresponsive in the Aylesbury Estate in south east London - Family Handout Mr Levy will appear at Westminster magistrates court on Tuesday charged with the murder of Ms Valencia-Trujillo. He is due to stand trial for the other offences at the Old Bailey next year and prosecutors have said they will apply to have all the charges heard together in one trial. The body of Ms Valencia-Trujillo, from Colombia, was discovered on March 17 after police were called to the Aylesbury Estate to reports that a woman was unresponsive. Two weeks later Mr Levy was arrested on suspicion of murder but he was released under investigation while pathologists attempted to establish a cause of death. On Sept 4 he was rearrested in connection with Ms Valencia-Trujillos murder and also the murder of Ms Wilkins, whose body had been discovered in Tottenham on the morning of Sunday Aug 24. While in custody, he was further arrested in relation to a separate incident on Tuesday Jan 21 involving another woman in High Road, Tottenham. He was charged with two counts of rape, grievous bodily harm, and intentional suffocation in relation to that. Sheryl Wilkins was pronounced dead at the scene in Tottenham on Aug 24 - Family Handout All three cases are now being treated as part of a single investigation and a trial date has been set for June. However, in an unusual move, detectives at Scotland Yard have appealed for anyone else who believes they have been targeted by Mr Levy to come forward. Commander Clair Kelland, who leads the Mets Public Protection Team, said: As the lead for public protection at the Met, one of our main priorities is to better protect women and girls. The investigation into Simon Levy is one of great complexity. We are working closely with partners across relevant boroughs, including Haringey and Southwark, to encourage reporting and raise awareness of the support we can provide to victim-survivors. Whether you are a victim-survivor, or someone with information, we urge you to come forward and speak to us. Jaswant Narwal from the Crown Prosecution Service added: Following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service, the Crown Prosecution Service has made the decision to prosecute Simon Levy for the murder of Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, a 54-year-old-woman from Colombia. Simon Levy will appear before Westminster magistrates court on Tuesday 25 November 2025. We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has a right to a fair trial. Travis Frain, who survived the Westminster Bridge attack, said: What we remember matters - Paul Grover Victims and survivors of terrorist atrocities are calling for a Cenotaph-style monument as a focal point for remembrance events. On Monday, the Government announced that victims of terrorist atrocities would be honoured with an annual national day of remembrance on Aug 21. It was one of a series of proposals put forward by victims that also included a physical monument or memorial in honour of all British victims of terrorism. The Survivors Against Terror (SAT) group said such a monument would ensure that all victims of terrorism receive formal recognition, regardless of the scale, motive, or methodology behind the attack in which they were involved. They said it would act as a physical focal point of remembrance for memorial events, fulfilling a purpose not dissimilar to a cenotaph. Travis Frain, who survived the 2017 Westminster Bridge terror attack and is a co-founder of SAT, said: What we remember matters. It reflects on us as a country, whether it is the wearing of the poppy in solidarity with our servicemen and women in the days approaching Armistice Sunday, or the efforts of organisations like the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust to ensure that we do not forget the awful atrocities that have claimed the lives of millions. For people affected by terrorism, ensuring that their experience is not forgotten and that society does not only remember what happened to them and their families but also learns from the lessons of these past attacks can often be at the heart of their recovery. A member of the public is treated by emergency services near Westminster Bridge in the aftermath of the 2017 terror attack - Carl Court/Getty A survey published by SAT found 97 per cent of British terror attack victims backed the idea of a national day being created in the UK, and that 78 per cent would like a permanent memorial. Dan Jarvis, the security minister, has said the first national day for victims of terrorism will be held on Aug 21 next year, bringing the UK into line with ceremonies held in other countries. Each year it will be staged in a different location within the UK. France, Germany, Canada, Belgium and Spain, as well as the United Nations and the European Union, stage annual events in tribute and dedication to the victims of terrorism. Since 1970, there have been almost 1,000 terrorist-related deaths in the UK, with most attacks before the 2000s linked to the Northern Ireland conflict, and most since then carried out by Islamist extremists. Mr Frain said: Britain has a long history with terrorism and counter-terrorism, and it is important that, as a society, we commemorate and remember those affected for the impacts are life-long. Having campaigned on this matter for so many years, it is incredibly moving to see this date finally become a reality. It is my hope that this national day will help foster an annual moment where we can all stop and reflect, remembering those we have lost and recognising the resilience and bravery of those who have survived, whilst looking forward to the future to try and educate the public on how to spot the warning signs of radicalisation, and to have the courage to speak out against division and hate. The Government is also setting up a dedicated support hub for victims to ensure they had a single point of contact after a terror attack rather than having to seek help and present their case multiple times to different agencies. Forever remembered Mr Jarvis said a national day would recognise anyone affected by terrorism in the UK and British nationals who have suffered in acts of terrorism overseas. Terrorism has a devastating impact on individuals, their families and friends, and communities. Many individuals have had their lives changed forever and have experienced unthinkable loss in heart-breaking circumstances, he added. Those who we have sadly lost to terrorism are forever remembered by their loved ones, and by a nation that stands still when these tragedies occur. Currently, there is no single focal point for the nation to honour the legacy of those whose lives have been tragically cut short or to pay tribute to the courage of individuals who have had their lives changed forever. The UN-backed international day of remembrance and tribute to the victims of terrorism is held on Aug 21, while the European Day is staged on March 11, following the 2004 Madrid bombings. India holds its commemoration on May 21, Spain on June 29 and France on March 11. An important step Figen and Stuart Murray, the parents of 29-year-old Martyn Hett, one of 22 people killed in the May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, welcomed the Governments announcement. They said: It is an important step that formally recognises the profound and enduring loss experienced by victims. This day will honour the lives lost and ensure their memory will never fade but it also acknowledges the immense courage of survivors. Their resilience remains a source of national unity. Jo Berry, the daughter of Sir Anthony Berry, the MP who was killed in the IRA bombing of Brightons Grand Hotel during the 1984 Conservative Party conference, said: What we remember as a nation matters. It sends a signal about what we value. For too long, survivors of terror attacks and those who have been killed in them have been a footnote of history, survivors have felt ignored and forgotten. Recent purges of top Chinese military and political figures have thrown a fresh spotlight on Xi Jinping, the most authoritarian and longest-serving Chinese leader since Mao. But what makes him tick, and what does his upbringing tell us about his behaviour today? Joseph Torigian, an academic and researcher, spent nine years on this question. The result is The Partys Interests Comes First, a biography of Mr Xis father, Xi Zhongxun who was himself purged by the Chinese Communist Party. If theres a through-line in the book, I think its that [Mr Xi] was someone who suffered in extraordinary ways for the sake of the cause, but nevertheless remained loyal to it, Mr Torigian, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, told The Telegraphs Battle Lines podcast. For people like us, that might seem hard to believe, but for them, communism wasnt just a way of interpreting class relations. It was a sense of purpose and meaning. And so when the party betrayed you, the inclination was to work even harder to win back its trust because without the party, you were essentially someone without meaning in your life. Mr Torigian explained that Mr Xis purges should be seen within this context: Xi Jinpings own father was persecuted by the party on five different occasions. And so purges arent just party history, theyre also Xi family history. It also gives Mr Xi a sense that he is touched by destiny. And that has implications for the biggest question facing the West: whether Mr Xi will one day invade Taiwan, a self-ruling democratic island China claims as its own. Xi Jinping has two competing impulses here that go in different directions, explained Mr Torigian. Mr Xi has repeatedly said that Chinas full rejuvenation involves unifying with Taiwan, and has said that anything less would betray 5,000 years of Chinese history. I am sure that theres nothing that he would love more than to unify with Taiwan. Its hard for me to think of something more emotionally resonant for him, said Mr Torigian. Yet the Chinese president is not ignorant of the significant risks involved. One of the easiest ways to risk the regimes survival is to fight a war over Taiwan that doesnt go well, Mr Torigian added. And so I suspect that for him to achieve unification, he would prefer to do that in a way thats as least costly as possible. That may mean waiting until the United States seems to be less involved, that Chinas military capabilities are overwhelming, and then you say to the leadership in Taiwan that you can either have a unification that is good for you, or unification that involves force, which will be an even worse deal. For more on this story, listen to the latest episode of The Telegraphs Battle Lines podcast using the player in this article, watch it on YouTube or listen via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast app. Scientists continue to discover animals that seem almost too strange to be real. Even with shrinking habitats and climate pressures, new discoveries continue to emerge in rivers, forests, oceans, and museum drawers, where misidentified specimens have been hiding for decades. These recently recognized creatures illustrate the vast extent of the natural world that remains undiscovered. Northern Green Anaconda Credit: Instagram Some discoveries surprise researchers due to their genetic makeup, which is the case with the northern green anaconda. This snake resembles the known green anaconda almost exactly, yet it differs by 5.5%, which is significantly greater than the 2% difference between humans and chimpanzees. It inhabits the Amazon and Orinoco basins, and can reach lengths of up to 29 feet and weigh around 550 pounds. Bristlemouth Armored Catfish Credit: projectnoah During an expedition in the Peruvian Amazon, researchers encountered a fish with a bizarre, blob-shaped head that didnt match any known species in scientific records. This bristlemouth armored catfish lives in rocky mountain streams and has been familiar to Indigenous communities, but was new to science. Overall, the trip documented 27 new species. Bird Tear Drinking Moth Credit: nationalgeographic Madagascar has an unusual moth that approaches sleeping birds to drink their tears using a long proboscis. Scientists at Londons Natural History Museum added it to their growing list of 2024 discoveries after confirming that this tear-feeding behavior, known in reptiles and mammals, also occurs in birds. The habit likely helps these moths get sodium in salt-poor environments. Stream Treefrog Credit: imgur In the Ecuadorian Andes, a bright and patterned frog named Hyloscirtus tolkieni stands out among mountain streams. This species grows to about 2.5 inches and blends into mossy rocks despite its vivid coloring. Its name is a tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien because the frogs appearance looks like something straight out of a fantasy story. Vampire Hedgehog Credit: BBC Researchers uncovered a soft-furred hedgehog with fang-like teeth inside museum archives that had been misidentified for decades. Known as Hylomys macarong, this species from Vietnam has longer fangs in males, suggesting a potential role in male-male competition and mating. The discovery stemmed from genetic comparisons of soft-furred hedgehogs stored in multiple collections, including a Smithsonian specimen from 1961. Cao Bang Crocodile Newt Credit: wildlife.watch Northeastern Vietnam is home to a tiny amphibian that earned attention for its crocodile-like ridges and bright orange toes. Tylototriton koliaensis lives in slow streams on Kolia Mountain Pass and reaches only around 2.8 inches. The wildlife trade often targets its close relatives, so researchers warn that this species could face similar threats. Pirate Spiders Credit: Natural History Museum On the remote island of St. Helena, two newly identified pirate spider species showed a talent for taking over webs and killing the resident spiders. These species, Ero lizae and Ero natashae, were identified after scientists reviewed specimens from the Natural History Museum. Ero lizae has sharp-looking projections on its body, which give it a fierce appearance despite its size, which is roughly 4 millimeters in diameter. Skeleton Panda Sea Squirt Credit: Youtube This quirky sea creature with markings that resemble a panda was discovered near Kumejima, Japan. Formally known as Clavelina ossipandae, it belongs to a group of filter feeders that pump water through their bodies and expel it afterwards. Its distinct patterning made it easy for researchers surveying marine invertebrates to spot. Anguiculus dicaprioi Credit: vajiramandravi In the Himalayas, a copper-colored snake was recognized as a brand-new genus and species and was named Anguiculus dicaprioi. This calm, 22-inch reptile lives at high elevations and has also been found in Nepal. Scientists named it in honor of Leonardo DiCaprio for his conservation advocacy. Guitar Shark Credit: Ocean Census Deep-sea surveys off Mozambique and Tanzania revealed a new bowmouth guitarfish that combines features of rays with those of sharks. This species, found around 650 feet underwater, became part of the Ocean Census projects extensive list of newly identified marine creatures. Researchers involved say as many as 10% of marine species may still be left undocumented. HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Newborns Myles and Miles with their respective parents after their Oct. 27, 2025, births NEED TO KNOW Two babies were coincidentally born on the same day with the same phonetic name at the same hospital in Brandon, Fla. This is a moment we will remember and treasure, and who knows, maybe these boys will grow up together or even graduate side-by-side one day, a nurse manager said The coincidence occurred at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Mileage isnt the right way to measure the distance between two babies born the same day with the same-sounding name. Myles and Miles were coincidentally born feet apart and minutes apart to separate families in the same Florida hospital on a recent afternoon. HCA Florida Brandon Hospital announced that they welcomed Myles and Miles in a heartwarming coincidence in Brandon on Oct. 27. Myles Retzer of Riverview made his entrance first at 12:43 p.m., weighing 6 lbs., 14 ounces and measuring 20 inches long, the hospital said. Just eleven minutes later, Miles Bartz of Plant City arrived at 12:54 p.m., weighing 4 lbs., 11 ounces and measuring 18.5 inches long, it added. HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Newborns Myles and Miles were born 11 minutes apart on Oct. 27, 2025 The hospital emphasized that the two baby boys were born handsome, healthy and ready to take on the world, and that the Retzer and Bartz families got to meet each other before they were all discharged. Dr. Emily Richter, an obstetrician at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, described the rare coincidence as special and unique. In all my years, I cant recall witnessing two babies with the same name born so close together, Richter said. Birth stories are always memorable, but this is one these families and our team wont forget. Elaborating on the meeting between the two families, Lauren Youngberg, a nurse manager for Womens Services, said everyone will treasure it. 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. Watching the families meet and seeing the joy and surprise in their faces truly made our day, she said. It reminds us why we do what we do. This is a moment we will remember and treasure, and who knows, maybe these boys will grow up together or even graduate side-by-side one day. Read the original article on People Accomplice of Canadian snowboarder-turned-drug kingpin Ryan Wedding arrested in Vancouver The FBI captured a man wanted for his alleged role in money laundering for a drug-trafficking enterprise led by Olympian turned alleged drug kingpin Ryan Wedding, according to authorities and reports. Rasheed Pascua Hossain, who went by the alias JP Morgan, was arrested on Friday by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Company. Rasheed Pascua Hossain was captured by the FBI for his alleged role in a drug-trafficking network led by former Olympian Ryan Wedding. FBI The FBIs profile for Hossain, 32, was updated to say he had been captured. Federal court records for Hossain, including whether he had retained an attorney, were not immediately available. He now faces charges in the US related to cocaine trafficking and money laundering, according to the FBI. Hossain allegedly managed and laundered the drug proceeds from the mammoth drug trafficking enterprise run by Wedding, according to a US federal grand jury indictment from October. The FBI did not immediately respond to The Posts request for comment on more details of Hossains arrest. US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Wednesday that Wedding, who competed for Canada as a snowboarder at the 2002 Winter Olympics, has been accused of ordering a hit on a federal witness by publishing pics of him online. Bondi described Wedding as in charge of one of the most prolific and violent drug-trafficking organizations in this world. FBI He allegedly shared the photographs of a witness who was due to testify against him on a now-deleted website called The Dirty News, after he was indicted in 2024, Bondi said. The witness was then gunned down in a restaurant in Medellin, Colombia, on Jan. 31, according to the feds. Bondi described Wedding as in charge of one of the most prolific and violent drug-trafficking organizations in this world. The failed snowboarder turned drug kingpin allegedly smuggled 60 metric tons of cocaine into the US every year via semi trucks crossing into Southern California from Mexico, prosecutors said. Ten defendants have been arrested, and 11 total are in custody following a slew of arrests on Tuesday in an investigation into Januarys murder of a federal witness known as Operation Giant Slalom. They include seven Canadians, one Colombian, and a 36-year-old from Orlando, FL, who is a legal permanent resident of Colombia. Wedding, who is believed to be living in Mexico and working alongside the Sinaloa Cartel, is still on the lam. The failed snowboarder turned drug kingpin allegedly smuggled 60 metric tons of cocaine into the US every year. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images The reward for his capture was upped to $15 million from $10 million on Wednesday by the State Department. Authorities are still searching for Mexican national Bianca Canastillo-Madrid and Tommy Demorizi, a Montreal resident believed to be hiding out in the Dominican Republic, according to the FBI. The murder of a witness in Colombia earlier this year was a cruel, cold-blooded act that could not and did not go unanswered, First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California said at a press conference on Wednesday. This weeks arrests underscore our resolve to root out and punish the wrongdoers involved in this criminal organization and serve as a warning for drug lord Ryan Wedding: If convicted, you will never see the outside of a prison ever again, he added. By Simon Jessop BELEM, Brazil (Reuters) -Despite the U.S. government souring on the global climate agenda ahead of the COP30 summit, American companies did not shy away. A Reuters analysis of attendance lists shows there were 60 representatives of Fortune 100 companies at the Brazil event, compared with 50 at last year's in Baku, Azerbaijan. Still others attended pre-conference events in Brazil's finance hub Sao Paulo and in Rio de Janeiro. Tech firms including Microsoft and Google, energy company Occidental Petroleum, carmaker General Motors and lender Citigroup were among those represented on a provisional U.N. list of attendees of the official summit. "We've seen no discernible change in the engagement of U.S. companies on climate policy over the course of this year. And that was certainly reflected in attendance levels," said Andrew Wilson, deputy secretary general for policy at the International Chamber of Commerce. "We are also seeing growing concern across industry about the growing costs of extreme weather events underscoring the need for effective policy responses." Executives said they didn't think now was a good time to opt out of the climate conversation, with rising temperatures unleashing ever more threats to factories, supply chains and the bottom line. "We're doing it because it's good for the business. It helps create supply security," said PepsiCo Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Jim Andrew on the sidelines of the talks. "We need farmers to be successful, we need them to keep farming," he added, given the company makes the bulk of its revenues from foods including Walkers Crisps and Quaker Oats. FILLING THE VOID Darren Woods, the boss of top U.S. oil company ExxonMobil was among the U.S. executives, mayors and other sub-national leaders who attended the pre-COP events. All those players have an important role in the future of climate action, according to Lou Leonard, Inaugural Dean of Clark University's School of Climate, Environment, and Society. Existing policies from federal and non-federal actors would lead to a 35% reduction in U.S. emissions by 2035, a recent analysis led by the Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland showed. Much of that is being driven by companies. "Despite the headlines, the private sector continues to invest in and deploy clean energy," said Gina McCarthy, former administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and now Managing Co-Chair of 'America Is All In', a coalition of non-federal leaders. "Last year, clean energy jobs in the U.S. expanded three times faster than the rest of the nation's workforce." The two-week-long COP30 conference also included many smaller U.S. companies in sectors set to profit from the world's shift to low-carbon energy, including in carbon markets. "Being here is about connecting globally," said Brennan Spellacy, chief executive at carbon credits platform Patch, "Most of my meetings here are with English, French, and German sustainability leaders and CSOs." U.S. COMPANIES HAVE A CRUCIAL ROLE President Trump has called climate change a hoax. But regardless of the U.S. federal position, regulations are changing across the world to hasten the energy transition even though the final deal at COP30 disappointed some. "Irrespective of what's coming out of the United States, in terms of rhetoric, the market is moving (and) policymakers are recognising the direction of travel," said Jack Hurd, head of both the World Economic Forum's Earth System Agenda and the Tropical Forest Alliance. More U.S. companies are also disclosing their climate strategies despite the U.S. dropping plans for a federal rule requiring it, although the quality of plans from companies across the globe remains low, data from disclosure platform CDP showed. Whether they were at the main event or not, the fact U.S. companies appeared was significant, said Maria Mendiluce, CEO at the We Mean Business Coalition. "The U.S. has a decisive role in global climate, energy and industrial policy, so sub-national leaders, non-state actors and businesses showing up at COP30 matters." "Even when domestic politics are unsettled, the U.S. shapes markets, capital flows and technology pathways. Its engagement signals to investors that the world's largest economy understands the competitiveness, innovation, security and supply-chain stakes of the energy transition." (Reporting and Writing by Simon Jessop; Editing by Richard Valdmanis and Katy Daigle) MIAMI, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Silk, an award-winning digital agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites, and digital marketing campaigns, announced that its Founder and CEO, Gabriel Shaoolian, has been featured in a Forbes Agency Council Expert Panel discussing the services clients value most. The panel article is now live on Forbes and includes insights from 20 agency leaders across the United States. The feature, published on November 5, 2025, explores the industry priorities shaping client demand going into 2026. Shaoolian contributed commentary on website redesign as a central driver influencing user experience, speed, conversion pathways, and the overall performance of digital channels. The full article is available on Forbes at: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesagencycouncil/2025/11/05/20-agency-leaders-on-the-services-their-clients-value-most/ Industry Recognition for Strategic Digital Expertise Expert Panels are curated by Forbes editors to capture perspectives from verified members of the Forbes Agency Council. These panels are designed to bring together leadership viewpoints on key industry topics, offering readers insight into emerging trends and operational priorities across the agency landscape. In the article, Shaoolian explains how website redesign may influence performance across digital ecosystems, since updates to positioning, navigation, conversion flow, and checkout experiences can potentially support visibility and engagement across paid and organic channels. His contribution appears alongside commentary from agency leaders in branding, digital strategy, media, and creative development. Expert Panels as a Platform for Extended Thought Leadership Forbes notes that Expert Panel features can often serve as a foundation for expanded articles. Members are encouraged to develop longer pieces that explore their perspectives in greater depth. Digital Silk is currently preparing additional editorial contributions that will discuss web performance, experience strategy, and the evolving expectations of enterprise brands. A full overview of the Expert Panel, as well as the link to Digital Silk's executive profile on Forbes, can be accessed directly through the published piece. Readers interested in learning more about Digital Silk's strategic approach can visit the agency's website or request a project consultation. Verified Insights Forbes Expert Panels provide a view of how agencies are responding to this shift. The article highlights a range of services including performance auditing, content optimization, creative refinement, and integrated digital strategy, all of which may support stronger digital operations for brands working to meet new consumer expectations. Key Topics Included in the Forbes Expert Panel Web redesign as a foundation for performance The rising importance of clarity in positioning User experience and conversion improvement opportunities Data accuracy, clean analytics, and revenue attribution Digital channel performance trends reported across agencies Leadership Perspective "We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to discussions that reflect the evolving needs of today's brands," said Gabriel Shaoolian. "Expert Panels can provide a collective view of what clients are prioritizing and where agencies may support them. We look forward to expanding on these topics in future editorial contributions." Availability The Forbes Expert Panel featuring Gabriel Shaoolian is now accessible on Forbes.com. Readers can explore the full article and learn more about the perspectives shared by participating agency leaders. Those interested in discussing upcoming website or digital initiatives can visit www.digitalsilk.com to request a quote or consultation. About Digital Silk Digital Silk is an award-winning Miami Web Design Agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk creates digital experiences through strategic branding, custom web design and digital marketing services to help improve visibility and support engagement. Media Contact Jessica Erasmus Marketing Director & PR Manager Tel: (800) 206-9413 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Digital Silk Alessandra Salazary dances during the annual Rio Pride parade along Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Thousands of revelers descended on the boardwalk in Copacabana for Rio de Janeiros annual Pride parade on Sunday, with many celebrating the previous day's preemptive jailing of Brazilian former President Jair Bolsonaro who is notorious for homophobic remarks. Demonstrators addressing crowds from trucks shouted: Hes in prison! and Out with Bolsonaro! to raucous cheers from rainbow-clad members of the LGBTQ+ community, who were a frequent target of the embattled far-right politician throughout his career. Its very gratifying, said Emy Mateus Santos, a 25-year-old arts, theater and dance professor who was wearing a T-shirt with the colors of the Brazilian flag, a symbol that has frequently been used by Bolsonaro supporters. It shows that fighting hate is worth it and that the future is possible for people like us, she said, adding that she was wearing yellow and green to claim the colors back from Bolsonaros movement. Bolsonaro once described himself as a proud homophobe and said he would rather have a dead son than a gay son. In September, Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison in September for attempting a coup to remain in the presidency after his 2022 electoral defeat. He had been under house arrest, but on Saturday Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the 70-year-old leaders preemptive jailing, arguing that he is a flight risk. Bolsonaro admitted Saturday to using a soldering iron on his ankle monitor, but said on Sunday that his actions resulted from a nervous breakdown and hallucinations. Some participants of the Pride march in Rio bore No amnesty! stickers, in reference to a bill Bolsonaro's allies are trying to push through Congress to lessen sentences for those convicted of attempting a coup. Revelers collectively carried a huge rainbow flag. Trucks bore messages such as without lesbians, rights are not human and Rio without LGBTIphobia. Rios Pride march 30 years ago was the first in Brazil, according to organizers. That history was referenced in this years theme titled: 30 years making history: from the first struggles for the right to exist to building sustainable futures. Thirty years ago we had to make 1000 masks out of papier-mache for people who didnt want to be recognized for fear of losing their jobs, of being kicked out from their families, said Claudio Nascimento, a longtime organizer of the march. Now we use masks to bring joy and to celebrate our existence, he told journalists. While life has improved for LGBTQ+ people in Brazil compared to 30 years ago, they continue to suffer from violence. At least 291 LGBTQ+ Brazilians were victims of violent deaths in 2024, 34 more deaths than the previous year, according to the activist group Gay Group from Bahia. As long as these statistics are still a reality, Pride marches will still be necessary, said Flavio Salgueiro, a 34-year-old lawyer who lives in Sao Paulo and was at the march in Rio. Its really important to show that a united community exists in a society which has a project to erase us, he said. Many activists say Bolsonaros anti-gay rhetoric incites or legitimizes violence against LGBTQ+ people. As a politician, Bolsonaro greatly reduced public policies aimed at protecting, supporting and promoting diversity, Dani Balbi, the first trans woman to be elected at Rios state assembly, told The Associated Press. Seeing Bolsonaro imprisoned and then immediately having LGBT trucks out on the street is a celebration in the hope that politicians like him never return, she said. Follow the APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america After she departs Congress in January, could Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) run for higher office? If that happens, one Republican strategist thinks she would not get very far. Im thinking theres some other opportunity, perhaps in the media ecosystem, that shes looking at, CNN political commentator Shermichael Singleton said Sunday on State of the Union. But I think her future life in politics in over. Singleton worked on the presidential campaigns of Republicans Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney in 2012 and Dr. Ben Carson in 2016. He later worked in the Department of Housing and Urban Development under Carson during President Trumps first term. Greene announced Friday she will depart Congress in January, the culmination of a contentious falling-out between her and Trump. Earlier this month, the president pulled his support of Greene amid a fissure over the Jeffrey Epstein files. In his Truth Social post revoking his endorsement of the Georgia congresswoman, Trump said the rift began when he showed Greene polling data indicating she would have low support if she were to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff (Ga.) or run to succeed Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in the Peach State in 2026. Last Sunday, Greene denied on CNN that such a conversation with the president took place, saying her decision not to run for higher office next year was hers alone. Looking ahead to 2028, Greene while a notable figure in Trumps Make America Great Again movement comes in 12th in polling averages for the GOP presidential primary, according to Race to the WH. Vice President Vance, with an average of 44.4 percent support, is the overwhelming front-runner based on those averages, followed by the presidents eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., at 15.9 percent, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 7.4 percent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 6.1 percent. But Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna (Calif.), who worked with Greene on releasing the Epstein files, believes that the conservative firebrand would have a shot if she were to run for president. It would not surprise me if she runs in 2028, and I actually think shes more in touch with some of the populism that fueled Donald Trumps rise than Trump and Vance are these days, Khanna, himself a potential 2028 candidate, told host Kaitlan Collins on Friday on CNNs The Source. 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. A federal judge dismissed the criminal indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday, finding the prosecutor who brought the cases, former Trump attorney Lindsey Halligan, was not lawfully appointed. U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie said she agreed with Comey, who moved to dismiss the case on the grounds that Halligan's appointment was illegal. "Because Ms. Halligan had no lawful authority to present the indictment, I will grant Mr. Comeys motion and dismiss the indictment," Currie wrote in finding that Halligan lacked the authority to present a case to a grand jury. "All actions flowing from Ms. Halligans defective appointment, including securing and signing Mr. Comeys indictment, were unlawful exercises of executive power and are hereby set aside," the judge wrote, describing the insurance lawyer as "a former White House aide with no prior prosecutorial experience." She issued a separate, similar ruling dismissing the James case. This case presents the unique, if not unprecedented, situation where an unconstitutionally appointed prosecutor, 'exercising power [she] did not lawfully possess, acted alone in conducting a grand jury proceeding and securing an indictment, the ruling said. Lindsey Halligan in the Oval Office on March 31. (Al Drago / Getty Images file) Because Halligan, who was appointed interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia at President Donald Trump's direction, was the only prosecutor to present the cases and sign the indictments, the indictments should be voided, the judge found. Attorney General Pam Bondi reacted to the dismissal of the cases by saying during a news conference in Memphis that the Justice Department will "be taking all available legal action, including an immediate appeal." Bondi also defended Halligan, calling her "an excellent" attorney. After the ruling, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, Lindsey Halligan was legally appointed, and thats the administrations position. The U.S. attorneys office for the Eastern District of Virginia declined to comment. Halligan did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Comey, in a video on Instagram, said, "Im grateful that the court ended the case against me, which was a prosecution based on malevolence and incompetence and a reflection of what the Department of Justice has become under Donald Trump, which is heartbreaking." This case mattered to me personally, obviously, but it matters most because a message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies, he said. "I know that Donald Trump will probably come after me again, and my attitude is going to be the same. Im innocent. I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary, the gift from our founders that protects us from a would-be tyrant," he added. Responding to Comey's statement, Bondi told reporters that she was "not worried about someone who has been charged with a very serious crime," adding that "his alleged actions were a betrayal of public trust. James praised the judge's ruling. I am heartened by todays victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country. I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day, she said in a statement. Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement that the judge's order "acknowledges whats been clear about this case from the beginning. The President went to extreme measures to substitute one of his allies to bring these baseless charges after career prosecutors refused." "We will continue to challenge any further politically motivated charges through every lawful means available, Lowell said. Both indictments were dismissed "without prejudice," meaning they could be brought again later. Comey attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said in a statement that his reading of the ruling suggests the case can't be refiled because the five-year statute of limitations has expired since the indictment was brought. Fitzgerald said the ruling "indicates that because the indictment is void, the statute of limitations has run and there can be no further indictment." The Justice Department has said in court papers that it believes the case could still move forward because of U.S. Code 3288. The federal statute says in part, Whenever an indictment or information charging a felony is dismissed for any reason after the period prescribed by the applicable statute of limitations has expired, a new indictment may be returned in the appropriate jurisdiction within six calendar months of the date of the dismissal of the indictment or information. Comey's attorneys have countered that the six-month grace period doesn't apply in this case because Halligan didn't have the power to bring an indictment to begin with, so all of her official actions are void a prospect the judge expressly agreed with. Comey and James have other motions pending before the judges presiding over their cases, contending the charges should be dismissed because they are the result of selective and vindictive prosecutions. Those motions seek to have the cases tossed "with prejudice," meaning prosecutors couldnt revive them. Carl Tobias, the Williams Chair in Law at the University of Richmond School of Law, told NBC News that Monday's ruling would be difficult for the government to overcome. I think the government will do whatever it can to overturn this, but I dont see how thats going to happen, he said. The invalidation of Halligans appointment was fatal to the Comey and James indictments because of the unique role Halligan played in the cases against two of Trumps political enemies, and it could have ripple effects on other cases that were handled under more typical processes. Another high-profile defendant being prosecuted by Halligan's office, Kabul airport bombing suspect Mohammad Sharifullah, also filed a challenge to her appointment this month, charging she doesn't have the authority to supervise or participate in his case. Sharifullah was indicted by Halligans predecessor, and his motion is still pending. A ruling disqualifying Alina Habba as the U.S. attorney in New Jersey has resulted in a number of criminal cases brought under her leadership being stuck in legal limbo while she appeals the decision. Currie seemed largely skeptical of the Justice Department's defense of Halligan at a rare joint hearing on the issue with lawyers for Comey and James on Nov. 13, when a prosecutor portrayed questions about Halligan's appointment as "a paperwork error." Comey's attorney said it was much more than that and a "fatal flaw" in the prosecution of his client. James Comey has argued that the case against him was vindictive and personal. (Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images) Comey was indicted on charges of making a false statement to Congress and obstructing a congressional investigation, while James was indicted on charges of bank fraud and making a false statement to a financial institution. Both pleaded not guilty. In a highly unusual move, Halligan was the lone prosecutor to present their cases to the grand jury and the lone prosecutor to sign their indictments. Other prosecutors in her office had recommended against charging Comey and James because they didn't believe there was enough evidence to secure convictions, NBC News previously reported. Trump said he was naming Halligan U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia on Sept. 20 the day after he forced out his initial pick, Erik Siebert, who resisted pressure to prosecute Comey and James. Halligan's appointment was immediately viewed as problematic because, according to federal statute, people in that post may serve for only 120 days after having been appointed U.S. attorney unless they are confirmed by the Senate before then. The Senate had not confirmed Siebert, so federal judges of the Eastern District of Virginia exercised their independent appointment authority to keep him on beyond the 120-day limit. New York Attorney General Letitia James. (Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images file) Lawyers for Comey and James contended that after Siebert was forced out, the responsibility for naming his replacement belonged to the judges, not Attorney General Pam Bondi. To rule otherwise, Comey's attorney said in a filing, would render the 120-day period "meaningless, and the Attorney General could indefinitely evade the alternate procedures that Congress mandated." The Justice Department maintained that Halligan's appointment was valid since the office was vacant after Siebert's departure. The "Senate has not refused advice and consent to Ms. Halligan her nomination remains pending. The Attorney General therefore lawfully appointed Ms. Halligan as interim U.S. Attorney" and "the motions to dismiss should be denied," the Justice Department said in a filing. Trump's Truth Social post naming Halligan to the position came the day after Siebert was forced out and shortly after another social media post in which he publicly urged Bondi to push ahead with prosecutions of Comey, James and another perceived political adversary, Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California. "Pam: I have reviewed over 30 statements and posts saying that, essentially, 'same old story as last time, all talk, no action. Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam Shifty Schiff, Leticia??? Theyre all guilty as hell, but nothing is going to be done,' said the post, which a source previously confirmed to NBC News had been intended as a direct message to Bondi, not a public post. "We cant delay any longer, its killing our reputation and credibility," Trump continued, while praising Halligan as "a really good lawyer." Five days after the post, Halligan, who had no prosecutorial experience, presented the Comey case to a grand jury. The presentation came days before a five-year statute of limitations on the charges was set to expire. Currie, a Bill Clinton appointee who is based in South Carolina, heard the arguments on the disqualification issue instead of a judge from the Eastern District of Virginia since local judges would be involved in selecting Halligan's replacement. The Trump administration's stance on the 120-day rule has led to U.S. attorneys in California and Nevada being disqualified, as well. The Justice Department is appealing those rulings. A large pile of freshly cut logs sits in a forest clearing. Photo: Zihao Wang / Unsplash (The Center Square) Maines two U.S. senators are asking the Trump administration to provide financial support for the states forest products industry as many companies struggle with the impact of tariffs. In a letter to Trump administration officials, Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine and Angus King, I-Maine, said they are "gravely concerned" about the impact of the tariffs imposed on imports of timber and lumber on the state's multi-billion dollar forest products industry. "This industry is part of Maines heritage, boosting our states economy, creating thousands of good-paying jobs in rural communities, and providing essential products to consumers across the United States," they wrote. "As such, we request that the Administration provide immediate and meaningful relief to this industry, which is already struggling to survive." The lawmakers pointed out that Maines forest economy is "deeply intertwined" with Canada, with the state exporting roughly two million tons of wood and imported 2.3 million tons to the country. But after the timber and lumber tariffs went into effect in October, forestry products and shipments from Maine exporters couldn't reach their destination, "causing widespread confusion and disrupting supply chains," they said. Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on imports from about 90 nations in April, with a 10% across-the-board tariff applied to all affected countries imports. The president declared it a national emergency and said the tariffs are needed to whittle down a trade deficit with other countries, ranging from China to the European Union. Last week, Trump signed an executive order to lift tariffs on certain goods produced internationally, including coffee, bananas and beef, among others. The tariff relief follows public concerns over rising prices of consumer staples and criticism from business groups about the impact of the tariffs on employers. The Trump administration is also provided direct relief to farmers who have been disproportionately impacted by the tariffs. "We are aware that the Administration is considering measures to provide aid to agricultural industries that cannot weather the headwinds in global markets as a result of the tariffs," the lawmakers wrote. "Accordingly, we believe that the forestry products industry should be eligible and included in any relief program." Collins and King said Maine sawmills are "holding back" on investments, with some cancelling planned expansions. They said the concern is that it has already become financially unfeasible for some mills to operate at full capacity which will only be "exacerbated" as trade negotiations lumber on under the tariffs. "Our state has already lost more than half our mills over the past thirty years from our peak, and risk of future mill closures is high," the lawmakers wrote. "The impact of these closures will be felt acutely by Maine people, nearly 30,000 of whom rely on this industry for their jobs, as well as Americans struggling with the ongoing affordability crisis and lack of adequate housing supply." Overall, Northeast states especially those along the northern border are heavily reliant on Canadian imports, federal trade data shows. Canada is the New England regions largest single trading partner, accounting for $27 billion in goods last year, the data shows. Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, has said more than $6 billion in cross-border commerce with Canada is "at risk" because of the tariffs. Mohan Raj/Getty Miss Universe Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry during the 74th Miss Universe Preliminary competition on November 19, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand NEED TO KNOW Miss Universe president Raul Rocha issued an update on Miss Jamaica's health on Monday, Nov. 24, following her fall from stage during the preliminary evening gown round at Miss Universe in Thailand on Nov 19 Gabrielle Henry has been hospitalized since the incident, and her sister previously said that she wasn't "doing as well as we would have hoped" In the new update, Rocha wrote, "we are pleased to share that the latest medical report confirms that Dr. Gabrielle Henry is in good health and nearing discharge" Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, is still recovering after her shocking fall during the 2025 Miss Universe pageant. On Monday, Nov. 24, the Miss Universe Organization shared an update on Henrys health after she fell off the stage during the preliminary evening gown round at Miss Universe in Thailand on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The Miss Universe Organization wishes to address recent speculation by providing a clear and respectful update regarding Dr. Gabrielle Henry Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, the organizations president, Raul Rocha, wrote in a statement shared on Instagram by the official Miss Jamaica team. Out of respect for Dr. Henry and her family, the Organization maintains strict discretion regarding specific details of her medical status, Rocha continued. We believe that matters concerning her health should be communicated only at the appropriate time and solely at the family's discretion, or by Dr. Henry herself should she choose to do so. 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. Miss Universe Jamaica/Instagram Official statement on Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry Rocha added that immediate action was taken when Henry, 28, fell off the stage. I personally entered the stage to assist her, coordinated urgent medical attention, and oversaw her immediate transfer to the hospital, he said. I was present at the emergency room alongside her family, with whom I spoke directly. I recommended a series of precautionary actions, some beyond standard protocol, to guarantee the most accurate evaluation, monitoring, and medical oversight, he continued. Additional medical specialists were also brought in to provide multiple professional assessments and ensure full clarity regarding her condition. The president also said that the Miss Universe Organization has taken all hotel, hospital and travel expenses from Henry and her family during this time. LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, on November 19, 2025 Over the past four days, there have been difficult moments and unexpected concerns, he wrote. However, thanks to the excellent medical care provided, each issue was successfully resolved. Today, we are pleased to share that the latest medical report confirms that Dr. Gabrielle Henry is in good health and nearing discharge, Rocha added. We will continue to communicate only essential information with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect. He concluded, While unfounded speculation has circulated publicly, our full attention has remained on Dr. Henry's care and recovery. We are grateful that she is now close to being released from the hospital. Following her fall, Henry was seen being removed from the pageant on a stretcher. PEOPLE previously reported that Henrys sister Dr. Phylicia Henry-Samuels, and their mother, Maureen Henry, are by her side in Thailand. Henry-Samuels said in a statement at the time, Gabby isnt doing as well as we would have hoped, but the hospital continues to treat her accordingly." It was also reported that she would need to stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a minimum of seven days as "doctors continue their close monitoring and specialized care." Read the original article on People Credit: Courtesy Felipe Ventura Aguilar Vicente Ventura Aguilar has been missing since early October. NEED TO KNOW A 44-year-old man was dancing with a friend just minutes before he was reportedly detained by immigration agents in Los Angeles on Oct. 7 The next day, he experienced a medical crisis as he was being transported to his home country of Mexico, and hasn't been heard from since "We only hope to God that hes alive, the missing man's brother said A 44-year-old Mexican man has been missing for more than a month after, his family believes, he was taken into custody by immigration enforcement in Los Angeles in early October though the federal government maintains that isn't the case. Were sad and worried, Felipe Aguilar told The Los Angeles Times of the disappearance of his brother, Vicente Ventura Aguilar, following Vicente's suspected arrest on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Vicente entered the U.S. around 2008, the Times and MS NOW reported. He does not have legal permission to stay in the country. Hes my brother and we miss him here at home," Felipe told the Times. "Hes a very good person. We only hope to God that hes alive. Vicente was seen on video smiling and dancing on Oct. 7 minutes before he was detained by immigration officials, witnesses told the Times and MS NOW. He left home that morning for a job interview before encountering some friends, the Times reported. MS NOW also reviewed video surveillance from a business at a strip mall in L.A. that shows Vicente dancing with a friend on the sidewalk about five minutes before masked agents arrested people in the area, though he was not seen himself on camera being taken into custody. Vicente subsequently had a "medical emergency" while at an immigration checkpoint at the southern border, a witness told MS NOW. The whole family is worried, especially our mother in Mexico, Felipe, his brother, told MS NOW. Were afraid that hes dead. Vicente was taken to B-18, a short-term holding facility at a federal building in downtown L.A., a friend who was also detained with him said, according to the Times. The following day, a group of detainees was transported to the U.S.-Mexico border and was inside an immigration checkpoint when Vicente was seen shaking and losing consciousness before hitting the ground while he was wearing shackles, the Times reported, citing Vicente's brother and lawyer. He was left with a bleeding face, and the other detainees were told to leave the room and he was taken away for medical care. His arms and legs were shaking really bad, the witness, who has since been deported to Mexico, told MS NOW. He looked like he was dying. The Department of Homeland Security tells PEOPLE in a statement that during Oct. 7 and Oct. 8, 73 people from Mexico were arrested in L.A. but none of them were Ventura Aguilar, spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin says. For the record, illegal aliens in detention have access to phones to contact family members and attorneys, she adds. McLaughlin pointed to an online locator system that families of detained migrants can use but did not respond to questions from PEOPLE about whether authorities have searched for Vicente more thoroughly, including under other names, and if they know where he is now. She criticized "baseless smears" such as "accusations of ICE disappearing people." The incident is one of many arrests that have come as part of President Donald Trumps promised immigration crackdown, which he campaigned on. The large-sale detentions and deportations have faced a mixed public reaction, polling shows. Mario Tama/Getty People protest against ICE immigration raids in Los Angeles in June. Attorney Lindsay Toczylowski, who represents Vicentes family, told the Times that she has not received a response from DHS after multiple inquiries. Theres only one agency that has answers, Toczylowski, co-founder of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, told the paper Their refusal ... says something about the lack of care and the cruelty of the moment right now for DHS, she said. (Toczylowski did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.) 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. Loved ones of Vicente and their legal representatives have searched hospitals and reached out to local police to file a missing person's report, according to the Times and MS NOW. They think Vicente may have given officials a different name when he was initially detained. Credit: Courtesy Felipe Ventura Aguilar Vicente Ventura Aguilar. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove has also helped investigate his disappearance by reaching out on the familys behalf: She wrote a letter last week to the leaders of ICE, DHS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection and pressed for answers. She questioned if federal officials had searched for a person matching Vicentes description but with a different name spelling or listed under an alias. She also asked for information about anyone who experienced a medical emergency while in ICE custody and if such an individual matched Vicentes description. No family should ever have to wonder whether their loved one has been lost or worse while in the custody of CBP or ICE, Kamlager-Dove said in a statement. John Sciulli/Getty Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove Toczylowski took a sharper view. Mistakes get made," she told the Times. "Right now, what we want to know is what mistakes were made here, and where is Vicente now? Read the original article on People US-POLITICS-TRUMP (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) Most Americans are skeptical about potential military action against Venezuela, according to new polling. A CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday night found that 70% of American adults oppose potential military action against the Venezuelan regime while just 30% of respondents approve. The survey comes as President Donald Trump has ramped up the militarys presence in the Caribbean to the largest level in decades and the administration has engaged in a wider pressure campaign against Venezuelan socialist dictator Nicolas Maduro. (RELATED: Trump Wont Rule Out Ground Troops To Take Care Of Venezuela Problem) More than three-quarters of respondents said the Trump administration has yet to clearly explain its objective regarding Venezuela. Among Republicans, 64% of respondents said Trump needs to explain his rationale about whether to take military action against Maduros regime. The survey also found that 53% of American adults favor using military force to strike boats allegedly smuggling drugs into the United States. The polls results follow a recent Harvard CAPS/Harris survey released in September, which found that 71% of Americans support military strikes against Venezuelan boats allegedly carrying drugs. The Pentagon deployed the Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest carrier strike group, to the Caribbean where it arrived in mid-November. The U.S. military has also dispatched more than a dozen warships to the region and 15,000 troops as part of the administrations counternarcotics efforts known as Operation Southern Spear. Though the Trump administration has said the militarys growing presence around Venezuela is tied to its efforts to combat the flow of illicit drugs, the president has declined to rule out anything including ground troops in his pressure campaign against Maduro. The military has launched 21 known strikes against Venezuelan vessels allegedly carrying drugs thus far, resulting in the deaths of more than 80 people. However, three-quarters of the CBS News/YouGov surveys respondents said the Trump administration must provide evidence that the boats targeted by military strikes are drug vessels. GOP lawmakers have been publicly supportive of Trumps approach to Venezuela, including the military military strikes on alleged drug boats. The administration is taking decisive action to prevent these narcoterrorists from trafficking drugs into the United States, Republican New York Rep. Mike Lawler told the Daily Caller News Foundation on Tuesday. I support what they are doing, Lawler added. A US Marines Lockheed Martin F35-B jet taxis after landing at Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport, formerly Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, on September 13, 2025, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images) The Trump administration has also designated Venezuelas Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, which could help the president ratchet up pressure against Maduro. The U.S. government claims that Maduro leads the group allegedly responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States. Maduro has denied his personal involvement and the existence of the group. Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a leading critic of foreign intervention, criticized the designation during an interview with CBS Margaret Brennan on Sunday. I think by doing this, they are pretending as if we are at war, Paul told Brennan. However, several of Pauls Republican colleagues told the DCNF that Trump has no plans of launching strikes inside Venezuelan territory or ousting Maduro through military action. This whole notion of going to war with Venezuela, thats not a thing, Republican Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno told the DCNF. President Trumps not a war president. What were going to do is make certain that we clean up drug trafficking in this hemisphere. Im a big skeptic of regime change unless its regime change performed by the people themselves, Republican Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley told the DCNF last week. Hawley argued that U.S. government-imposed regime change has a poor track record of success. Thats not where the administration is headed, Hawley said before adding, Ive got to believe that its not. The CBS News/YouGov survey of 2,489 American adults was conducted between Nov. 19 to 21 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points. Andi Shae Napier contributed to this report. 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. Most Americans are against military action in Venezuela amid recent tension in the region, according to a poll from CBS News/YouGov. In the poll, 70 percent said they were against the U.S. taking military action in Venezuela, while 30 percent said they were for it. The U.S. military has recently bolstered its presence near Venezuela, with the USS Gerald R. Ford making its way to the Caribbean, and President Trump allowing the CIA to go ahead with covert operations inside Venezuela. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently advised pilots to exercise caution when they are near Venezuela due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in and around the country. The agencys Friday advisory said threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday the Trump administrations choice to label Venezuelas Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organization allowed his department new options to target the alleged drug cartel. Officials have claimed the cartel is led by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Well, it brings a whole bunch of new options to the United States, Hegseth said in an interview that aired Thursday. When asked in the CBS News/YouGov poll about the amount they had heard or read about the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, 20 percent said a lot, 40 percent said some, 19 percent said not much and 20 percent said nothing at all. The CBS News/YouGov poll took place Nov. 19-21, included 2,489 people and had 2.4 percentage points as its margin of error. 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. Comedian Patton Oswalt appeared genuinely stunned and confused last week upon learning that California law allows birth certificates to list non-binary as a designated sex for newborns. The reason for the inclusion of a third category, the 2017 California law explains, is that infants may later identify differently. His ignorance of a law in his own state introduced and now enforced by a party he very actively supports highlights two recent political curiosities. The first is that Democratic lawmakers keep adopting positions so demented that even their supporters refuse to believe theyre real. The second curiosity is related to the first: many Democratic voters appear to have created a cocoon of ignorance around themselves and their communities so thick as to shield them from learning what their party is doing or how it functions. The education of Patton Oswalt occurred during a conversation with HBO host Bill Maher, who, like Oswalt, is reliably liberal but less insensible to the insanity that has overtaken many liberals today. We stopped being a scientific people, Maher lamented of the left. Insisted Oswalt, But the left certainly stayed scientific. No, they didnt, the HBO host replied, Because they think their gender bullshit that they went way too far with thats not scientific. We started to teach: Every baby is, I dont know, lets not even put [male or female] on the birth certificate! When were we teaching that? asked an incredulous Oswalt, who is otherwise extremely online and opinionated about politics and the culture wars. Teaching it? Maher shot back. It was a law here in California! I dont remember that, Oswalt replied, sounding genuinely surprised. This is evidently par for the course. To head off the inevitable whataboutism: Yes, the Republican Party faces similar problems. But one key difference here is that a core tenet of the modern Democratic Party and really its entire pitch to voters is that it is more intelligent, better educated, and more open-minded than the GOP. The Democratic Party doesnt suffer from ignorance or insular thinking. Its the party of settled science, of experts, of rational thought! Its funny to see an organization that considers itself superior struggle with many of the same issues as the party it believes is filled with retrograde dunces. Remember that the Oswalt incident isnt the first of its kind far from it. During the 2024 presidential election, supporters of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris often scoffed at the allegations lobbed by Republican nominee Donald Trump. Harriss boosters in the press and elsewhere claimed confidently that the things Trump said about Harris were merely inventions of the right-wing fever swamps. The funny thing is: more often than not, Trump was actually quoting Harriss own positions back to her accurately. Its just that the positions themselves were hard to believe. During a debate, for example, Trump cited Harriss documented support for taxpayer-funded sex-changes for illegal immigrants. This is a completely insane position for anyone to stake out, let alone someone hoping to win a general election. But dont just take my word for it. The New Yorkers Susan Glasser, a reliable Democratic supporter, thought the same thing. After the debate, she wrote that Trump had come up with the attack line out of nowhere. What the hell was he talking about? she wrote. No one knows. Well, some of us did know, because Harris indeed had both taken that position in writing and explained on camera how she had worked to get taxpayer-funded sex-changes for prison inmates in California. Earlier, during the 2016 Republican primary, members of the commentariat reacted similarly with confusion and even offense when they heard Republican candidates accuse Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, of promoting a theory of eugenics that bore many similarities to what was being preached contemporaneously in Nazi Germany. The thing is, Sanger was a hardcore eugenicist. It was her animating principle, one that overlapped often with what was said at the time in Germany. Sanger published a newsletter that, for a time, bore the banner, Birth control: to create a race of thoroughbreds. She published submissions from prominent eugenicists, including Professor Dr. Ernst Rudin, curator of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Anthropology, Human Genetics, and Eugenics during Adolf Hitlers reign. In April 1933, Sanger also published a column by well-known eugenicist Paul Popenoe, in which he praised Nazi Germany for proceeding towards a policy that will accord with the best thought of eugenicists in all civilized countries. Conservatives knew all of this about Sanger. They knew exactly what those Republican candidates were referring to, even if the pundits and reporters who doggedly defend Planned Parenthood were hearing it for the first time. And then, of course, there are the indignant Democrats and members of the press who still insist that abolish ICE and defund the police are just general sentiments, not actual policy positions. That is a funny assertion, considering the sheer volume of left-wing activists and candidates who state clearly that they mean to defund and abolish in the most literal sense. For good measure, lets not forget the moment when television host Jon Stewart discovered, much to his horror, that federal red tape and regulations make infrastructure improvements and development nearly impossible. To borrow a cliche from one of Stewarts many late-night copycats: Its the current year! Can it be that Stewart is just now discovering the systemic downside to big government as championed by the party he reliably supports? Its one thing for Democrats to live in a bubble where they dont know or understand what Republicans believe. But how can they not know whats happening in their own backyard? How have they insulated themselves so well that their first reaction to learning about what Democratic politicians are doing is to assume its some kind of Republican dirty trick? This phenomenon goes far beyond too-online comedians and sloppy journalists. Whether Democrats have acknowledged the issue remains to be seen. But Republicans have definitely noticed it, mainly because the disconnect between what Democrats support and what Democratic voters know of their own party has made Republican focus-group testing much more difficult. When you outline the Democratic agenda, you have to water it down, because in both polling and focus groups, people just dont believe it, a Republican staffer told Park MacDougald for Tablet magazine in 2024, before the election. They are critical of things like boys in girls sports, but they tune out stuff about schools not informing parents about transitioning their children. They just dont believe its true. It cant be. And of course, it is true. Pollsters have found that voters will turn against Republicans for describing certain Democratic positions too accurately. For example, Republicans risk a negative reaction if they use the term genital mutilation instead of the euphemism gender-affirming care to describe Democratic-backed medical procedures that consign biological males to a lifetime of dilation to maintain the size and shape of [his] vaginal canal and to keep it open. Nobody wants to hear about that because it is too awful to believe. Phrases like genital mutilation are disgusting and viscerally off-putting, even to voters who may be sympathetic to the Republicans position, a Republican told McDougal. In terms of the overall well-being of the republic, its not great that one of the two parties blindly supports whatever its chieftain says or does. But the other party seems to be in denial about what its elected leaders are doing in their name. Which is worse? Blind loyalty or cloistered insanity? Is hemlock an option? Becket Adams is a longtime journalist and media critic in Washington. 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. Ukraine peace negotiations WASHINGTON Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff scrambled Sunday to get the White Houses controversial 28-point Ukraine peace plan back on track after facing bipartisan criticisms that it was nothing more than a Russian wishlist. Ahead of a key meeting in Geneva, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies raised major reservations about the proposal, which would force Kyiv to make massive territorial concessions. Rubio, Witkoff, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, Jared Kushner and several other US officials huddled in Geneva on Sunday with Ukraines delegation to go over the blueprint to end the war in what was reportedly a tense meeting at times. Ultimately, the US agreed to make changes to the plan and seemingly appeased Ukraines concerns. Ukrainian representatives stated that, based on the revisions and clarifications presented today, they believe the current draft reflects their national interests and provides credible and enforceable mechanisms to safeguard Ukraines security in both the near and long term, the White House said in a statement. The US and Ukraine also issued a joint statement, touting the success of the discussions. Both sides agreed the consultations were highly productive. The discussions showed meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps, the joint statement said. They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraines sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace. As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework, the statement added. Those comments echoed Rubios optimism earlier in the day. Im not going to speculate, Rubio told reporters on Sunday. I feel very optimistic that we can get something done here. Obviously, the Russians get a vote. Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed optimism that the Trump administration can help broker a deal between Russia and Ukraine. AFP via Getty Images Russia had been quietly negotiating the 28-point plan with the Trump administration for weeks. POOL/AFP via Getty Images Looming over the talks was mass confusion over the origins of the plan to end the bloody war in Ukraine and reports that the Trump administration threatened to cut off aid if Kyiv didnt accept. On Saturday, Rubio attempted to allay concerns over the plan during a call with a bipartisan delegation of senators who attended the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), who was on the call, said that Rubio told them, It is not our recommendation, it is not our peace plan. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), who was also on the call, indicated that Rubio suggested it was a wishlist of the Russians. But both Rubio and the State Department quickly hit back, with the Secretary of State stating that the plan was authored by the US. It is based on input from the Russian side. But it is also based on previous and ongoing input from Ukraine, Rubio added. Special envoy Steve Witkoff has courted close relations with Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin. REUTERS Lawmakers also reported that Rubio demurred on reports that the Trump administration was threatening to cut off aid to Ukraine if the deal wasnt accepted. The secretary of state said he hadnt been privy to those conversations. President Trump has publicly said he wants Ukraine to accept the deal by Thanksgiving. During talks on Sunday, the Ukrainians unveiled a counterproposal to modify the 28-point plan, and the American side was open to making some of those changes, Axios reported. Despite the happy talk to the press, behind closed doors, the US sides accused their Ukrainian counterparts of leaking key details about the peace plan to American media in a bid to stir up domestic backlash, according to Axios. Senior US officials previously told The Post they believe Russia leaked the plan. Zelensky, who initially suggested the plan was a distressing choice between losing our dignity and freedom and losing US support, expressed gratitude on Sunday for the American efforts to end the bloody war that has ravaged his country for just under four years. Ukraine is grateful to the United States, to every American heart, and personally to President Trump, he posted on X, not long after Trump fumed that Ukraine showed zero gratitude towards him. Thank you to everyone who is helping! Thank you, America! Thank you, Europe! I am proud of our people. Glory to Ukraine! Zelensky has emphasized that a proper peace plan must take Ukraines needs into account and avoid rewarding Russia for launching its invasion and starting the war. Ukrainian officials had expressed concerns about the original 28-point plan that leaked last week. AFP via Getty Images The peace plan, a draft of which leaked last week, calls for Ukraine to make major concessions, including surrendering the entire Donbas region, which Russia has failed to capture for more than a decade of insurgency and war. Critics fear that giving up the rest of Donbas could leave Ukraine vulnerable to a future Russian attack, as it would cede heavily fortified cities and give Moscow a launchpad for a future invasions. Just last month, Trump had favored freezing the current lines on the battlefield to avoid complicated negotiations over territory. But the Russians made it clear that would be a dealbreaker. Under the plan, Ukraine would also have to commit to never joining NATO, shrinking its military force from roughly 900,000 to 600,000 personnel, and giving amnesty to everyone involved in the war meaning that Russians couldnt face war crime claims for the atrocities that they have carried out. The Russians were asked to make only a few concessions in the plan, including a commitment not to invade its neighbors in the future and Ukraine getting some security guarantees. Those guarantees, however, fall far short of NATOs Article 5, which treats any attack on a member state as an attack on the entire bloc, leaving little repercussions for Moscow if it choses to launch a third invasion of Ukraine. President Trump has wavered between calling Russia a paper tiger and pressuring Ukraine to make more concessions to Moscow. AP All of this sparked immediate backlash from both Democrats and pro-Ukrainian factions of the GOP. Vladimir Putin has never once kept a single promise that he has made regarding Ukraine. Not once. Ever. And hes not about to start now, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), who helms the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, warned on X. Any agreement that requires any element of trust placed in Vladimir Putins promise is not worth the paper it is written on. European leaders also criticized the plan, with a leaked version of the EUs own peace proposal released on Sunday appearing to be a direct rebuke. The plan featured guarantees for Ukraine to keep its membership, NATO eligibility, and to freeze the current frontlines. Additional reporting by Alex Oliveira. TORONTO, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian Space Mining Corporation (CSMC) is pleased to announce the awarding of a contract to develop a novel space-based quantum gravimetry sensor system known as QASM (Quantum Atomic Subsurface Mapper). QASM is a breakthrough dual-use sensing platform designed to detect and characterize subsurface resources such as critical minerals and water from orbit on the Earth and other planetary bodies. The project represents a major milestone in EUCanada cooperation on quantum technologies for space exploration, integrating Canadian innovation with European technical and institutional leadership. "Luxembourg has long been committed to building international partnerships that accelerate sustainable space exploration," said Bob Lamboray, Senior Manager Exploration and Space Resources at the Luxembourg Space Agency. "Through collaboration with CSMC and ESA, we are combining Europe's and Canada's strengths in quantum research, resource science, and commercial space development." "This project is another example of our commitment to growing Canada's Quantum advantage. Quantum sensors like QASM will redefine how we can more intelligently meet society's resource needs," said Daniel Sax, CEO of CSMC. "QASM has the potential to revolutionize how we detect critical minerals, water, and other things below the surface, which is still today a bit of needle in a haystack. We are extremely grateful for the support of LSA and ESA on this. This collaboration demonstrates the power of transatlantic innovation." Developed in Canada, QASM will use cold-atom interferometry to achieve ultra-sensitive gravity measurements. These capabilities are essential for identifying resources below the surface of the earth, applicable to humanity's pressing resource challenges, increasing our ability to detect natural resources with greater efficacy, saving both time and money. Early laboratory demonstrations of the QASM system are scheduled for 2026, with field testing and validation to follow, paving the way for a potential in space demonstrations in the next few years. This initiative complements CSMC's broader technology portfolio, including its LEUNR (Low Enriched Uranium Nuclear Reactor) a dual-use microreactor designed for lunar and terrestrial deployment as part of a growing suite of infrastructure technologies enabling sustainable human presence beyond Earth. About Canadian Space Mining Corporation (CSMC) CSMC develops advanced technologies for off-world resource extraction, energy generation, and in-situ infrastructure. Headquartered in Toronto, CSMC's mission is to develop dual-use technologies that can address humanity's present and future needs through sustainable systems that combine nuclear, quantum, and robotics innovation. About the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) Established in 2018 by the Ministry of Economy with the goal of developing the national space sector, the Luxembourg Space Agency fosters new and existing companies, develops human resources, facilitates access to funding and provides support for academic research. The agency implements the national space economic development strategy, manages national space research and development programs, and leads the SpaceResources.lu initiative. The LSA also represents Luxembourg within the European Space Agency, as well as the space related programs of the European Union and the United Nations. About the European Space Agency (ESA) The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe's gateway to space, working with 22 Member States to develop space technologies, applications, and missions that benefit society. ESA supports innovation partnerships across Europe and beyond, including with Canada, to advance the frontier of space exploration and scientific discovery. Media Contact: Elizabeth Haarmann, Consultant, Canadian Space Mining Corporation, [email protected], 647-213-0422 TikTok logo is placed on a U.S. flag in this illustration taken September 24, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A Democratic senator on Monday asked U.S. President Donald Trump to answer key details about a plan by TikTok's Chinese owners to sell a majority stake in the short video app's U.S. assets. Trump signed an executive order on September 25 declaring that a plan to sell TikTok's U.S. operations to a consortium of U.S. and global investors meets the national security requirements set out in a 2024 law and gave them 120 days to complete the transaction. In doing so, he delayed until January 20 enforcement of the law banning the app used by 170 million Americans unless China's ByteDance sells it. Senator Ed Markey said the White House has not answered numerous questions and has not followed the 2024 law. "Your repeated unlawful extensions of the divestment deadline and vague comments about the deal raise significant questions about whether you have been able to secure an agreement that keeps TikTok online and addresses the national security concerns posed by ByteDances ownership of TikTok," Markey said in a letter to Trump on Monday. "Congress and the American people need to understand the terms and status of this supposed agreement." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump's order said the algorithm will be retrained and monitored by the U.S. company's security partners, and operation of the algorithm will be under the control of the new joint venture. Markey questioned if China had approved the deal, despite administration comments that it had. "If TikTok U.S. is licensing the algorithm from ByteDance and retraining it, is this a one-time transfer of the source code or does TikTok U.S. have to renew it at regular intervals?" Markey asked. "Will any changes to the algorithm by ByteDance affect the algorithm that is licensed to TikTok U.S.?" ByteDance would hold less than 20% in TikTok U.S. to comply with requirements detailed in the 2024 law. U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, the Republican chair of the House Select Committee on China, said in October a licensing agreement for use of the TikTok algorithm, as part of the deal by ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. assets, would raise "serious concerns." (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) The Illinois State Capitol is shown in Springfield. Photo: Greg Bishop / The Center Square (The Center Square) Legislation from the Illinois General Assembly has opened the door for Cook County to fund immigrants legal services with additional county taxpayer dollars. Last Thursday, the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $10.12 billion budget for fiscal year 2026. County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said the spending plan adds seven positions to the immigration division in the public defenders office. This expansion will allow the public defender to broaden outreach and respond to more cases that come into the Family Support Network hotline and the Midwest Immigration Defenders Alliance hotline, the regions primary entry point for legal service requests, Preckwinkle said. The longtime board president said the move allows the county to provide robust legal services for detained individuals. Supporting this work will keep families together and prevent asylum seekers, longtime community members, from being deported based on unlawful or unconstitutional government actions, Preckwinkle said. Gabriella Hoxie is a Republican candidate for Cook County commissioner in the countys 15th District. Hoxie said the spending is inappropriate after most Cook County residents just got the highest property tax bills theyve ever seen. There was sticker shock across the county. People dont know how to pay their property tax bills. I think that money would have been better spent going towards some sort of property tax relief plan that could have been created. I think that would have really helped out our residents more than expanding this service that would go only toward noncitizens, Hoxie told The Center Square. The Illinois General Assembly created a path for the Cook County Public Defenders Office to represent immigrants involved in removal proceedings in Cook County by passing House Bill 2790 in 2021. On Feb. 3 of this year, state Rep. Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, filed House Bill 2436 to give the Cook County Board the authority to allow its public defenders office to provide representation outside of Cook County. HB 2436 took effect immediately on Aug. 15, the day Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed it into law. Gong-Gershowitz said last week that the expansion ensures that immigrant residents of Cook County do not lose access to legal representation if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement transfers them across state lines. It gives the Cook County public defender the flexibility to continue representing clients even when ICE detains them out of state, providing continuity that is essential to achieving justice. No one should lose their lawyer because of a bus ride ordered by a federal agency, Gong-Gershowitz said. Another GOP candidate for commissioner in Cook Countys 15th District, Daniel Lee, said county officials should not be doubling their efforts to defend illegal migrants in their deportation cases. Is it really time for us to spend that kind of money on that while were being inefficient in our county operations such as being over three months late on tax bill? Lee told The Center Square. Ninth District Cook County Commissioner candidate Ammie Kessem works in law enforcement and said everyone has a right to a fair trial. My main concern is to make sure that American citizens that pay taxes are not going to have to unnecessarily carry the burden of this. At the same time, I do believe that every person has the right to legal representation and upholding our Constitution, Kessem told The Center Square. Preckwinkle said the new county budget does not include tax increases, fee hikes or layoffs. According to a statement from Cook County government, the county closed a $211.4 million projected budget gap through a combination of higher-than-expected revenue collections such as sales taxes. The county also decreased hospital expenditures by increasing turnover rates to align with actual hiring timeframes and further implementation of a strategic hiring plan. The fiscal year 2026 budget includes a 0.9% hiring increase from the fiscal 2025 adopted budget. All fiscal 2026 budget information is now posted to the Cook County website. FILE - Sudan's military chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, center, is greeted by troops as he arrives at the Republican Palace, recently recaptured from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, in Khartoum, Sudan, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo/File) CAIRO (AP) Sudans top general rejected a ceasefire proposal provided by U.S.-led mediators in a blow to efforts to stop a devastating war that has gripped the African country for over 30 months. In video comments released by the military late Sunday, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan said the proposal was unacceptable and the worst yet," accusing the mediators of being biased in their efforts to end the war. Sudan plunged into chaos in April 2023 when a power struggle between the military and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country. The devastating war has killed more than 40,000 people, according to U.N. figures, but aid groups say that is an undercount and the true number could be many times higher. It created the worlds largest humanitarian crisis with over 14 million people forced to flee their homes, fueled disease outbreaks and pushed parts of the country into famine. The mediators, known as the Quad, have been trying for over two years to bring an end to the fighting and reestablish a path to democratic transition which was hampered by a military coup in 2021. They are comprised of the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. This month, U.S. President Donald Trump said that he plans to put greater attention on helping find an end to Sudan's war after being urged to take action by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to the White House. On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and for both the military and the RSF to negotiate a settlement. Writing on social platform X, he also called for a safe & unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid," as well as an end to arms and fighters transfer to Sudan. We need peace in Sudan, Guterres said. Massad Boulos, a U.S. adviser for African affairs, told The Associated Press earlier this month that the latest proposal calls for a three-month humanitarian truce followed by a nine-month political process. The RSF said it has agreed to the truce, following global outrage over the paramilitaries atrocities in the Darfur city of el-Fasher. In a video speech late Monday, the paramilitary commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo reiterated the group's commitment to a three-month humanitarian truce and called for mediators to pressure the military to accept the proposal. Burhan, Sudan's top general, said however that the proposal is considered the worst document yet, since it eliminates the Armed Forces, dissolves security agencies and keeps the militia where they are referring to the RSF. If the mediation continues in this direction, we will consider it to be biased mediation, he said. He lashed out at the U.S. adviser and accused him of attempting to impose some conditions on us. We fear that Massad Boulos will be an obstacle to the peace that all the people of Sudan seek, Burhan said, without given further details about the plan. In his comments, Burhan also took aim at the UAE. He said that since the Quad includes the Gulf country as a member, the mediation group was not innocent of responsibility, especially since the entire world has witnessed the UAEs support for the rebels against the Sudanese State. In a statement Monday, the UAE's Foreign Ministry said Burhan, through his rejection of the ceasefire proposal, showed obstructive behavior, which it said must be called out. The UAE is widely accused by rights groups of arming the paramilitaries. The AP reported earlier this month that U.S. intelligence assessments for many months have found that the Emirates, a close U.S. ally, has been sending weapons to the RSF, according to a U.S. official familiar with the classified reports who spoke on condition of anonymity to share details. The UAE denies backing the paramilitaries. Burhan denied that the military is controlled by Islamists or that it used chemical weapons in its fighting against the RSF an accusation leveled by the Trump administration in May. Burhan said the military will only agree to a truce when the RSF completely withdraws from civilian areas to allow the return of displaced people to their homes, before embarking on talks for a political settlement to the conflict. Were not warmongers, and we dont reject peace, he said, but no one can threaten us or dictate terms to us. ___ Lee Keath in Cairo contributed to this report. To stay up to date on how weather could impact your Thanksgiving travel, check out our latest forecast here. A street vendor in Lagos displays local newspapers with headlines on gunmen abducting schoolchildren and staff of the St. Mary's Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community in Nigeria, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba ) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) Nigeria has been rocked by two mass abductions from schools in the past week, with over 300 children taken by armed gangs in the conflict-battered north. A tally by The Associated Press shows at least 1,799 students have been seized in a dozen of the largest abductions since the 2014 Chibok attack in which Boko Haram militants seized 276 schoolgirls, sparking global outrage. Most of the children have been released, many after ransoms were paid. Others have escaped. Here is a timeline of major abductions of students in Nigeria: April 14, 2014 Members of the Islamic militant group Boko Haram take 276 female students in a nighttime attack at a government secondary school in Chibok in Borno State. More than 90 of the students are still reportedly missing. Feb. 19, 2018 A Boko Haram faction takes 110 schoolgirls from a science college in Danchi in Yobe State. Nearly all were later released, but five of the girls were killed. Dec. 11, 2020 Gunmen on motorcycles attack a government secondary school in Kankara in Katsina State and take more than 300 boys. The state government announced their release six days later following negotiations. Feb. 17, 2021 Gunmen wearing military fatigues attack a science college in Kagara in Niger State and take 27 students, three staff members and others. They were released over a week later. Feb. 26, 2021 Gunmen take over 300 schoolgirls in a nighttime raid on a government secondary school in Jangebe in Zamfara State. All were released within weeks after the apparent payment of ransom. March 11, 2021 Gunmen take 39 students from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization in Afaka in Kaduna State. They are released in the following weeks. April 20, 2021 Armed men attack the private Greenfield University in Kaduna State and take at least 20 students. Most were released but five were killed, apparently because ransom negotiations were taking too long. July 5, 2021 Gunmen take over 100 students from Bethel Baptist High School in the Chikun area of Kaduna State. The students are released over several months. March 7, 2024 Gunmen riding motorcycles take 287 students at the government secondary school in Kuriga in Kaduna State. March 9, 2024 Armed men break into a boarding school in Gidan Bakuso in Sokoto State and seize 15 children as they sleep. Nov. 17, 2025 Gunmen attack a school in Kebbi State and take 25 students while killing at least one staff member. Nov. 21, 2025 Armed gangs storm a Catholic school in Niger State and take over 300 students and staff. __ This story was first published on Nov. 25, 2025. It was updated on Dec. 10, 2025, to correct that the school abduction in Niger states Papiri community took place on Nov. 21, 2025, not Nov. 22, 2025. A person completing a pie chart with candlestick, investment charts graphics. - tadamichi // Shutterstock What the top 1% pays in taxes across the US The top 1% of earners across the U.S. earn an average of 19.5% of all income sometimes garnering criticism from pundits and politicians but pay 37% of total income taxes. This cohort thus contributes the largest chunk of funding for infrastructure, healthcare, welfare programs, and more, despite advantages that may enable them to minimize their taxes through professionally guided strategies or more tax-friendly locations. Policies that propose taxing higher-income households more can potentially offer more tax revenue, but also have the potential to scare away that tax revenue and any additional spending with local businesses that may come with it. With this in mind, SmartAsset examined the latest IRS data to determine where the top 1% of earners contribute the most and least in taxes. The total in income taxes collected from this group, as well as their average adjusted gross income (AGI), is also evaluated. Key Findings The top 1% pays more than 50% of all income tax revenue in three states. Wyoming has the highest contributions from the top 1% of earners, with 54.7% of income tax revenue coming from 2,611 households. Florida follows closely, with 105,101 top 1% households contributing 53.6% of all income taxes collected. Nevada ranks third with 51.1% of income tax revenue coming from its 14,754 highest-earning households. In New York, the top 1% of earners contribute 46.2% of all income taxes. New York ranks fourth studywide for the income tax contributions made by the top 1%. The average AGI across these 91,840 households is $3.13 million. Overall, New Yorks elite earners pay roughly $79.5 billion in income taxes per year. The top 1% in California pays over $122 billion per year in income taxes. The highest gross income tax collections come from Californians, where 175,045 households make up the top 1% of earners. These households average an AGI of $2.60 million, and contribute 38.6% of total income taxes collected from state residents. Overall, this puts California in 13th place studywide for contributions made by its top 1%. Top earners in Connecticut face the highest effective tax rates. Effectively, Connecticuts top 1% pays an average of 28.09% on their $3.43 million average household AGI. This generates just over $16 billion in taxes collected, or 43.85% of all income taxes collected from state residents. Meanwhile, Wyomings top 1% faces the lowest effective income tax rate at 23.1%. Table ranking states and the percentage of all income taxes collected paid by the top 1% earners. - SmartAsset Taxes Paid by the Top 1% in Each State States are ranked based on the percentage of all personal income taxes paid by the top 1% of earners. Wyoming Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 54.67% Top 1%s share of earned income: 34.53% Total top 1% households: 2,611 Average AGI of 1%: $4,079,658 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $2,460,940 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 23.1% Florida Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 53.62% Top 1%s share of earned income: 32.65% Total top 1% households: 105,101 Average AGI of 1%: $3,525,962 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $96,264,565 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.98% Nevada Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 51.12% Top 1%s share of earned income: 29.83% Total top 1% households: 14,754 Average AGI of 1%: $2,988,501 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $11,010,104 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.97% New York Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 46.26% Top 1%s share of earned income: 27.92% Total top 1% households: 91,840 Average AGI of 1%: $3,133,515 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $79,488,609 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 27.62% Texas Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 44.52% Top 1%s share of earned income: 24.35% Total top 1% households: 128,130 Average AGI of 1%: $2,395,147 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $81,990,700 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 26.72% Connecticut Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 43.85% Top 1%s share of earned income: 26.6% Total top 1% households: 16,917 Average AGI of 1%: $3,427,135 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $16,284,881 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 28.09% Montana Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 42.92% Top 1%s share of earned income: 22.83% Total top 1% households: 5,101 Average AGI of 1%: $2,129,937 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $2,690,156 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.76% Arkansas Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 42.22% Top 1%s share of earned income: 21.52% Total top 1% households: 12,198 Average AGI of 1%: $1,699,386 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $4,814,153 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 23.22% Utah Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 41.16% Top 1%s share of earned income: 21.78% Total top 1% households: 13,991 Average AGI of 1%: $2,206,993 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $7,477,634 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.22% Tennessee Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 41.04% Top 1%s share of earned income: 21.08% Total top 1% households: 30,531 Average AGI of 1%: $1,848,680 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $14,547,566 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.77% South Dakota Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 40.46% Top 1%s share of earned income: 20.97% Total top 1% households: 4,062 Average AGI of 1%: $2,016,594 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $2,020,508 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.67% Louisiana Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 38.72% Top 1%s share of earned income: 18.37% Total top 1% households: 18,593 Average AGI of 1%: $1,405,686 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $6,806,423 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 26.04% California Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 38.6% Top 1%s share of earned income: 22.65% Total top 1% households: 175,045 Average AGI of 1%: $2,596,049 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $122,452,981 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 26.95% Illinois Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 38.39% Top 1%s share of earned income: 20.84% Total top 1% households: 56,794 Average AGI of 1%: $2,132,780 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $32,677,874 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 26.98% Georgia Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 38.31% Top 1%s share of earned income: 20.02% Total top 1% households: 46,220 Average AGI of 1%: $1,763,292 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $21,001,340 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.77% Mississippi Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 38.29% Top 1%s share of earned income: 17.03% Total top 1% households: 11,731 Average AGI of 1%: $1,151,973 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $3,297,109 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.4% Idaho Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 38.2% Top 1%s share of earned income: 19.23% Total top 1% households: 8,145 Average AGI of 1%: $1,735,423 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $3,392,957 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24% Massachusetts Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 38.19% Top 1%s share of earned income: 23.14% Total top 1% households: 32,795 Average AGI of 1%: $2,971,999 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $26,646,912 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 27.34% Arizona Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 38% Top 1%s share of earned income: 19.76% Total top 1% households: 31,872 Average AGI of 1%: $1,791,856 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $14,438,918 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.28% Oklahoma Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 37.8% Top 1%s share of earned income: 18.08% Total top 1% households: 16,106 Average AGI of 1%: $1,419,057 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $5,622,529 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.6% Missouri Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 37.16% Top 1%s share of earned income: 18.27% Total top 1% households: 26,898 Average AGI of 1%: $1,537,021 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $10,481,163 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.35% South Carolina Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 37.05% Top 1%s share of earned income: 18.2% Total top 1% households: 23,203 Average AGI of 1%: $1,503,556 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $8,867,845 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.42% Nebraska Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 37.03% Top 1%s share of earned income: 18.51% Total top 1% households: 8,660 Average AGI of 1%: $1,711,705 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $3,704,671 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.99% Alabama Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 36.15% Top 1%s share of earned income: 17.78% Total top 1% households: 20,185 Average AGI of 1%: $1,402,613 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $6,778,809 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 23.94% Kansas Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 35.79% Top 1%s share of earned income: 17.7% Total top 1% households: 12,643 Average AGI of 1%: $1,580,617 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $5,066,051 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.35% Wisconsin Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 35.54% Top 1%s share of earned income: 17.51% Total top 1% households: 27,293 Average AGI of 1%: $1,572,276 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $11,024,109 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.69% Indiana Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 35.52% Top 1%s share of earned income: 17.06% Total top 1% households: 30,120 Average AGI of 1%: $1,393,989 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $10,518,818 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.05% New Hampshire Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 35.41% Top 1%s share of earned income: 20.1% Total top 1% households: 6,796 Average AGI of 1%: $2,270,304 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $3,946,877 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.58% North Carolina Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 35.28% Top 1%s share of earned income: 17.93% Total top 1% households: 46,525 Average AGI of 1%: $1,589,460 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $19,037,365 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.74% Pennsylvania Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 35.09% Top 1%s share of earned income: 18.42% Total top 1% households: 58,541 Average AGI of 1%: $1,728,864 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $26,128,752 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.82% Michigan Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 35.01% Top 1%s share of earned income: 17.9% Total top 1% households: 45,218 Average AGI of 1%: $1,500,999 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $16,650,121 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.53% Ohio Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 34.6% Top 1%s share of earned income: 16.9% Total top 1% households: 53,103 Average AGI of 1%: $1,391,898 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $18,842,538 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.49% Colorado Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 34.51% Top 1%s share of earned income: 19.21% Total top 1% households: 27,685 Average AGI of 1%: $2,072,294 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $14,894,687 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.96% North Dakota Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 34.41% Top 1%s share of earned income: 17.33% Total top 1% households: 3,431 Average AGI of 1%: $1,709,719 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $1,521,767 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.94% Kentucky Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 34.26% Top 1%s share of earned income: 15.79% Total top 1% households: 18,395 Average AGI of 1%: $1,198,642 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $5,451,182 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.72% New Jersey Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 33.78% Top 1%s share of earned income: 19.43% Total top 1% households: 43,042 Average AGI of 1%: $2,282,674 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $26,899,308 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 27.38% Rhode Island Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 33.58% Top 1%s share of earned income: 17.56% Total top 1% households: 5,224 Average AGI of 1%: $1,607,011 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $2,150,700 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.62% Hawaii Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 33.57% Top 1%s share of earned income: 17.11% Total top 1% households: 6,472 Average AGI of 1%: $1,533,614 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $2,455,554 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.74% Iowa Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 33.16% Top 1%s share of earned income: 15.86% Total top 1% households: 13,821 Average AGI of 1%: $1,407,014 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $4,813,252 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.75% Virginia Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 32.94% Top 1%s share of earned income: 18.05% Total top 1% households: 39,103 Average AGI of 1%: $1,898,663 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $19,239,261 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.91% Minnesota Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 32.64% Top 1%s share of earned income: 16.65% Total top 1% households: 26,423 Average AGI of 1%: $1,661,543 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $11,524,941 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 26.25% New Mexico Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 32.3% Top 1%s share of earned income: 15.02% Total top 1% households: 9,310 Average AGI of 1%: $1,051,108 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $2,380,544 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.33% Washington Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 32.06% Top 1%s share of earned income: 18.7% Total top 1% households: 35,597 Average AGI of 1%: $2,192,376 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $20,012,467 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.64% Vermont Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 32.04% Top 1%s share of earned income: 16.03% Total top 1% households: 3,123 Average AGI of 1%: $1,394,199 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $1,078,255 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.76% Maine Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 30.48% Top 1%s share of earned income: 14.94% Total top 1% households: 6,618 Average AGI of 1%: $1,225,687 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $1,976,671 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.37% Maryland Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 30.45% Top 1%s share of earned income: 16.17% Total top 1% households: 29,040 Average AGI of 1%: $1,647,004 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $12,675,749 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 26.5% Delaware Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 30.38% Top 1%s share of earned income: 15.2% Total top 1% households: 4,726 Average AGI of 1%: $1,362,040 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $1,647,326 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.59% Oregon Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 30.37% Top 1%s share of earned income: 15.6% Total top 1% households: 19,053 Average AGI of 1%: $1,430,297 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $6,773,041 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.85% West Virginia Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 30.28% Top 1%s share of earned income: 13.12% Total top 1% households: 7,316 Average AGI of 1%: $908,389 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $1,647,747 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 24.79% Alaska Share of income taxes paid by top 1%: 26.37% Top 1%s share of earned income: 13.34% Total top 1% households: 3,223 Average AGI of 1%: $1,252,711 Total income tax paid by 1% (thousands of dollars): $1,016,945 Average effective tax rate on 1%: 25.19% Data and Methodology SmartAsset analyzed the most recent data from the IRS for personal income tax returns (tax year 2022) to rank states by the total income tax paid by the top 1%. The effective tax rates for the 1%, total income taxes paid by this cohort, average AGI per top 1% household, number of top 1% earning households, and percentage of all personal income earned by the top 1% are also examined. Tax returns are assumed to represent a single household. This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. The following is the transcript of the interview with Sen. Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Nov. 23, 2025. MARGARET BRENNAN: We go now to Republican Senator Rand Paul, who joins us from Bowling Green, Kentucky. Welcome back to the program, Senator. A lot to get to, but on this concern about political violence or angry rhetoric, I know the President himself has survived these two attempts on his life. You talked to us about those risks to him. And then we had this killing of Charlie Kirk just a few months ago. Is the President holding himself to the same standard that he is asking of others when it comes to dialing back dangerous rhetoric? SEN. RAND PAUL: You know, everybody knows that the President is famous for his unfiltered social media. But if you take at face value the idea that calling your opponents traitors and then specifically saying that it warrants the death penalty is reckless, inappropriate, irresponsible, there are a number of other ways to describe it, but it's not something that is helping the country heal wounds. I think it stirs things up and- and really, I think we can do better. MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, on the homeland security front, I understand you are chair of that committee, and so you have some insight into some of these domestic threats. It's not just these Democratic lawmakers. We saw out in the state of Indiana, four Republican state senators were targeted by swatting threats amid President Trump's public pressure on them to redistrict their state. Just a few weeks ago, we did see one of the convicted January 6 rioters who was then pardoned by President Trump arrested for threatening to kill Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Are we at the point here where it's not just unfiltered social media posts, but truly dangerous rhetoric? SEN. RAND PAUL: Well, you know, I've been on the receiving side of this. Even my father, who's been retired for some time, has been on the receiving end of swatting. Police are called. Says there's an emergency in the home, and the goal is to, you know, have someone draw a gun and be killed as the police come in, supposedly to rescue someone who's not really in need of being rescued. So, I think both sides have been doing this, and I think the language on treason and traitors, both to Republicans and Democrats, is, as I said, reckless, inappropriate, irresponsible. MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you think that- so one of the other developments we've seen just over the weekend is that Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican from Georgia, just a staunch supporter for so long of the President, has said she is going to step away because she's paid such a public price for some of her positions. Do you think there is room in your party for disagreeing with President Trump? SEN. RAND PAUL: I think it's important that we have independent voices. So, I'm sad to see her voice go away, or potentially go away. I think that she brought up something in the last week or so that was very important. What is the Republican plan for health care? So, I've engaged the President on this, and I'm putting forward my own plan. But in my plan, what it allows for is people to buy their insurance through a collective. Basically to buy their insurance through Costco or Sam's Club or Amazon. And mine is the only plan out there that would actually drive prices down. But that's what an independent voice will help in our country. Independent voice within the Republican caucus, not to see things always inside the box, but to think of some out of the box solutions. So, I think independent voices are important in the Republican Party. MARGARET BRENNAN: I want to ask you, because of your position on Homeland Security, you may have some insight into the drug cartels. You are also on Senate Foreign Relations, and it is tomorrow that the Trump administration officially will designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. That's the cartel the Trump administration says is linked to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Secretary Hegseth, says it gives the administration new tools. Nothing's on or off the table, he says, militarily. Legally, what changes tomorrow? What becomes possible? SEN. RAND PAUL: I think by doing this, they're pretending as if we are at war. They're pretending as if they've gotten some imprimatur to do what they want. When you have war, the rules of engagement are lessened. So, for example, we normally don't shoot boats that we suspect of being drug dealers. In fact, if the Coast Guard tomorrow started shooting all vessels that are off of Miami or off of San Diego, about one in four of the vessels that they normally board doesn't have drugs. So it actually would be unlawful if the Coast Guard started blowing up boats. But for some reason they say, oh, we're at war off the coast of Venezuela. And so it's different rule of engagement. It's one of war. But you know, Senator Kaine and I brought this up, and we said, if it's war, let's- let's declare it as war. Let's have this discussion. Is it war or not? And the administration refused that. They want to have it both ways. They want to say, Oh, we can just say these people are terrorists, are narco-terrorists, so we can blow them up. But it's extraordinary that when some of them survive, they pluck them out of the water. They don't prosecute them for drugs. They don't collect drugs. They don't tell us if they were armed or not. They just send them back to their country, most of the time, not being Venezuela. They've sent one back to Colombia and one back to Ecuador, but nobody's making any pretense of even interviewing them to find out who's selling you the drugs. Maybe we could find out who the kingpins are if they're involved in the drug trade. Not a word. And I've been given zero, not one briefing, because I'm skeptical of what they're doing. They don't brief me or the general Senate at all. A few hand selected people may have gotten a briefing, but I have not been invited to any briefings on Venezuela. MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, that's fairly unusual, given your homeland security role, and that the premise for some of this action has to do with both immigration and drug policy, according to the President. I know the DEA administrator recently spoke to our Nicole Sganga and told her that they have seen between a 30% to 45% increase in cocaine prices per kilogram due to these DoD boat strikes and a shift towards land routes for delivery of those drugs. In other words, there's still demand for the drugs and the cartels are just finding different routes to deliver them. Have you seen any evidence that the President's actions to date are winning a drug war? SEN. PAUL: You know, I think we should be trying to work on the demand side, treating it as a health problem, as an addiction problem in our country, and trying to lessen the demand. And that is part of the overall solution, the war on drugs, though, to capture all the people selling drugs. The price goes up and more people are attracted to it. You know, a couple of the people that have been identified as being on these boats are simply down on their luck, people with no prospects who are offered $500 to get on a boat and race across the ocean, and so there always will be those people. There's probably a limitless number of those people in South America. There's been some benefit when we've cooperated with countries and with governments. But that's not what this is, and I fear that this is not going to do anything for the drug trade, but it is really going against the rule of law in the way in which we interact with people on the high seas, and it has no precedent. MARGARET BRENNAN: I've seen you quoted as saying there are people in the administration who have wanted to go to war in Venezuela for some time. Who are you talking about? SEN. PAUL: I think it's clear that Senator Rubio, as a senator, was very much an advocate of regime change. This was at odds, really, with President Trump, and so when he was picked, a lot of people who had been supportive of President Trump were- oh, my goodness, they're picking someone much more hawkish and much more eager to be involved and to intervene in other countries. And so people worried. And then the first year or so, people are like, oh, well, Rubio has done a good job on foreign aid, and they've cut back on all of the abuse of these NGOs around the world. And I think the people supporting the President have been very supportive of the Secretary of State. But I think once there's an invasion of Venezuela, or if they decide to re-up the subsidies and the gifts to Ukraine, I think you'll see a splintering and a fracturing of the movement that has supported the President, because I think a lot of people, including myself, were attracted to the president because of his reticence to get us involved in foreign war. MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, to date, they say nothing on or off the table, no specifics. We'll continue to track all the reporting on that. Senator Rand Paul, thank you for your time today. We'll be back in a moment. Marjorie Taylor Greene announces resignation amid clashes with President Trump Why we love comfort foods Sauerkraut, the tangy condiment that's a crowd-pleaser President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands before their meeting at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said Monday that he has accepted an invitation from Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit Beijing in April and that he reciprocated by inviting Xi for a state visit to the U.S. later next year. Trump made the announcement after he spoke with Xi by phone nearly a month after the two leaders met in person in South Korea, saying they discussed issues including Ukraine, fentanyl and purchases of American soybeans. Our relationship with China is extremely strong! Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. Beijing, which announced the phone call first, said nothing about the state visits but noted that the two leaders discussed trade, Taiwan and Ukraine. Xi told Trump that Taiwans return to mainland China is an integral part of the postwar international order, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said a crucial issue to Beijing that Trump did not mention in his post. The omissions from each side signal that sticking points remain for the two superpowers even as they highlight common ground following a series of talks to ease a trade war that has threatened the global economy. The conversation came as China-Japan relations have plunged to a new low following recent remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. She said the military in Japan, a key U.S. ally, could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing says must come under its rule. My best guess is China is worried about the escalation (in tensions) with Japan. The reference to Taiwan and the post-World War II order directly points to the spat with Japan over Taiwan, said Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Washington-based think tank Stimson Center. They also talked about Ukraine. That is an issue China is interested in due to the new peace negotiation. China's relations with Japan sour Beijing has denounced Takaichis remarks, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi saying over the weekend that Japan crossed a red line that should not have been touched. Xi told Trump on Monday that China and the U.S. should jointly safeguard the victory of World War II after they fought together against fascism. The U.S. has taken no side on the sovereignty of the self-governed island but is opposed to the use of force to seize Taiwan. It is obligated by a domestic law to provide sufficient hardware to the island to deter any armed attack. Trump has maintained strategic ambiguity about whether he would send U.S. troops in case of a war in the Taiwan Strait. His administration has urged Taiwan to increase its defense budget. Taiwan's foreign ministry said it received official notification this month that the Trump administration approved $330 million in arms sales to Taiwan, including fighter jet parts. Beijing immediately protested, saying it Trump said nothing publicly about Taiwan, whereas the Chinese statement said Trump told Xi that the U.S. understands how important the Taiwan question is to China. Talk of Ukraine The phone call coincided with the latest push by the Trump administration to end the war in Ukraine. Xi expressed hope for a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement in Ukraine and said the crisis should be resolved at its root, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. Xi stressed Beijing's support for all efforts that are conducive to peace, according to the statement. However, Western governments have accused Beijing of enabling the war through its industrial support for Moscow. Trump and Xi discussed trade Trump said on social media that he spoke with Xi about Fentanyl, Soybeans and other Farm Products, etc. We have done a good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers and it will only get better, Trump wrote. Since he met Xi in South Korea in late October, there has been significant progress on both sides in keeping our agreements current and accurate, Trump said. Since then, China has ordered nearly 2 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans, ending a monthslong boycott, according to data by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That is still short of the 12 million metric tons that the White House said China has agreed to buy before next year. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said Monday on CNBC that every sign is their commitment remains true that they will indeed buy or purchase 12 million metric tons. The White House also said China pledged to buy 25 million metric tons of soybeans in each of the next three years. China has yet to confirm such figures. Beijing also placed export restrictions on 13 drug-making chemicals to the United States, Canada and Mexico, including those that are used to produce the synthetic opioid blamed for tens of thousands of overdose deaths in the U.S. every year. In return, the Trump administration reduced tariffs on Chinese goods. In the call, Xi said ties with the U.S. have generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory following the leaders' summit and that the two sides should strive to make more positive progress, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. With the trade dispute easing, Trump wrote, Now we can set our sights on the big picture. ___ Associated Press writer Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, contributed to the report. The U.S. government's designation of the Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization officially took effect Monday as part of President Trump's aggressive campaign to combat drug trafficking into the United States. The U.S. identifies Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as the group's leader and he says the claims of narcoterrorism are actually part of a bid by Mr. Trump to force him from power. The terrorist designation, which was announced last week, is designed to put more pressure on Maduro, even as U.S. warships and more than 10,000 American troops step up training exercises in the region. The U.S. military has also launched deadly strikes on boats it alleges were carrying drugs off Venezuela's coast many of them allegedly run by the Tren de Aragua gang, which the U.S. accuses of ties to the Maduro regime. In a statement issued Monday, Maduro's government said it "absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous fabrication" designating "the nonexistent Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organization, thus repeating an infamous and vile lie to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela, under the classic U.S. format of regime change." Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro addresses a crowd flanked by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello (left) and his wife Cilia Flores during a rally in Caracas, Jan. 23, 2025. / Credit: Pedro Rances Mattey/Anadolu/Getty Ahead of the designation announcement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed the group was "responsible for terrorist violence as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe." The Cartel de los Soles was also hit in July with U.S. economic sanctions, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said highlighted "the illegitimate Maduro regime's facilitation of narco-terrorism through terrorist groups like Cartel de los Soles." What is and what isn't the Cartel de los Soles? But what is the so-called Cartel of the Suns? It is not, in the traditional sense, a Latin American drug cartel along the lines of the family-run Sinaloa or the Jalisco New Generation. The "suns" in the name refers to the insignia used for decades to adorn the uniforms of high-ranking Venezuelan military officers. Venezuelans, including prosecutors and other officials, started using the term colloquially in the 1990s to refer to the cadre of high-ranking military officers who'd grown rich from facilitating drug-running. As corruption expanded across the country, first under the late dictator Hugo Chavez and then under Maduro as his successor, analysts say the term came to encompass the loosely defined network of police and government officials that facilitated and profited off of activities ranging from illegal mining to fuel and drug trafficking. In this Dec. 8, 2012, file photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, left, holds up a copy of the Venezuelan constitution as Vice President Nicolas Maduro looks on during a televised speech in Caracas, Venezuela. / Credit: File/AP/Miraflores Press Office, Marcelo Garcia The term was first elevated to define an alleged Maduro-led drug trafficking organization in 2020, when the U.S. Justice Department, during President Trump's first administration, announced indictments of Venezuela's leader and members of his inner circle on narcoterrorism and other charges. The Justice Department accused Maduro, through the Cartel de los Soles, of working directly with the Colombian rebel group FARC to traffic cocaine through Venezuela to the U.S. The designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization has generally been reserved for groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS, but the Trump administration has expanded its use to designate eight Latin American organizations accused of drug trafficking and people smuggling, calling it an effort to counter narcoterrorism. Some analysts say it's a stretch to even define the Cartel de los Soles as a single unified organization. "It is not a group," Adam Isaacson, director for defense oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America think tank told The Associated Press. "It's not like a group that people would ever identify themselves as members. They don't have regular meetings. They don't have a hierarchy." "It is not a hierarchical or ideological group," agrees the InSight Crime outlet, which is run by two former journalists who covered Latin America extensively for decades. "Its structure consists of a diffuse network of cells embedded within Venezuela's main military branches: the army, the navy, the air force, and the national guard, from the lowest to the highest ranks." "Although the concept is primarily associated with the military sector, other branches of the [Venezuelan] State embedded within the criminal ecosystem have also been identified, including police forces, the executive branch, and various public officials," InSight Crime said in an analysis of the purported cartel published in September. Terrorist designation comes amid U.S. military strikes and build-up In recent weeks, the U.S. military has conducted at least 21 strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing dozens of people and sparking a debate in Washington about the legality of the extrajudicial attacks. The Trump administration has carried out the strikes without providing evidence to support its assertions that the boats are carrying drugs and operated by criminal organizations. It says the attacks, which began in late September off the coast of Venezuela and expanded to the eastern Pacific, are meant to stop narcotics reaching American soil. But Maduro, and some others, see the U.S. military operations and massive buildup of hardware in the region as an effort to precipitate his ouster if not the prelude to an overt operation to topple his government. The USS Gerald R. Ford is seen in Newport News, Virginia, in an April 8, 2017 file photo. / Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni/U.S. Navy via Getty Images Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said the formal designation of the Cartel de los Soles will give a "whole bunch of new options to the United States" to address Maduro's alleged crimes. But speaking in an interview with conservative news outlet OAN, he declined to give details on what those options included, or to say whether the U.S. military was planning to carry out strikes on targets inside Venezuela. "Nothing is off the table, but nothing's automatically on the table," he said. Since American troops and hardware including the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's most advanced aircraft carrier started pouring into the Caribbean earlier this year, Venezuela's U.S.-backed political opposition has been more confidently voicing its perennial promise to see Maduro forced from office, fueling speculation over the real endgame of what the Trump administration says is a counterdrug operation. Asked by CBS News' Norah O'Donnell during an extensive interview for 60 Minutes just weeks ago whether the U.S. operations around Venezuela were about "getting rid of Maduro," President Trump said they were "about many things," but he said the Venezuelan leader's days in office were likely numbered. "To Die For": Beloved recipes etched in stone In Maine, a cafe helps subsidize a community newspaper Why we love comfort foods Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that the suggested legal recognition of Russian sovereignty over captured territory in the east of his country remained a "main problem" in negotiations as President Trump pushes for a deal to end Moscow's nearly-four-year war on Ukraine. Ukrainian and American officials met over the weekend in Switzerland to discuss a 28-point proposal floated last week by the White House. They discussed the possibility of Zelenskyy visiting the U.S. this week as part of Mr. Trump's bid to get an agreement by Thanksgiving, CBS News' Margaret Brennan reported, citing multiple U.S. and Ukrainian officials familiar with the discussions. Mr. Trump has described the Thanksgiving deadline as flexible, and he told reporters Saturday that the plan presented last week was "not my final" proposal. President Zelenskyy addressed the Swedish Parliament on Monday morning. / Credit: www.president.gov.ua Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was in Geneva for the weekend talks, said "very, very meaningful" progress was made with the Ukrainian and European delegations, but that "there's still some work left to do and that's what our teams are going to be doing right now." Addressing Sweden's parliament on Monday, Zelenskyy made it clear one of the key points of contention over the U.S. proposal was a call for Ukraine and the global community to formally recognize some portion of the ground Russian forces have occupied by force as no longer Ukrainian. "Putin wants legal recognition to what he has stolen, to break the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty," Zelenskyy said. "That's the main problem. You all understand what that means." Finland's President Alexander Stubb said there were still "major issues which remain to be resolved" regarding the U.S. peace proposal, though he also welcomed progress made during the high-stakes talks in Geneva. Rubio struck a more optimistic tone in describing the weekend talks, saying Sunday that the session in Geneval was "probably the most productive day we have had on this issue" since President Trump came back into office for his second term in January. Ukrainian officials say four people died and 13 were injured in an overnight drone attack on Kharkiv. The attacks come as U.S.-Ukraine peace talks continue. / Credit: Ukrainian State Emergency Service Rubio stressed that there was more work to do and said he didn't want to "declare victory or finality." The top U.S. diplomat was pressed by reporters but would not offer any insight into which issues were the main sticking points in the peace talks. He called the proposal a "living, breathing document" and said he believed the issues that remained unsettled were "not insurmountable." The White House said in a statement Sunday night that U.S. and Ukrainian officials "drafted an updated and refined peace framework" following their discussions, but Russia's government said Monday that the revisions had not been shared, and that it would reserve judgement. Putin said Friday that the U.S. proposal could serve as the basis of a negotiated resolution to what his government has refused to acknowledge as a war, but he warned that if Ukraine turned down the plan, Russian forces would remain on the attack, seizing yet more ground. "We are, of course, closely monitoring the media reports that have been pouring in from Geneva over the past few days," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday, "but we have not yet received anything official." "We read a statement that, following the discussions in Geneva, some amendments had been made to the text which we had seen earlier. We will wait. It seems that the dialogue is continuing," he said, adding that there were no plans for a meeting this week between Russian and U.S. officials on the topic, but that Moscow remained open to dialogue. The 28-point plan, which U.S. officials said last week had Mr. Trump's backing, sparked alarm among America's European allies for being perceived as too favorable to Russia. Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna, told CBS News' "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Sunday that her country had not agreed to all of the terms in the draft plan, which was leaked to media outlets last week. "This plan is not about justice and the truth of this war and the aggression," Stefanishyna said. "It's about, you know, ending the war and stopping the military engagement." "To Die For": Beloved recipes etched in stone In Maine, a cafe helps subsidize a community newspaper U.S. considers dropping leaflets in Venezuela amid ramped-up pressure on Maduro, sources say New 21-Bed Inpatient Pediatric Mental Health Center Adds Critical Care Beds to Address Urgent Behavioral and Mental Health Needs in The Bronx, Nearly Doubling Inpatient Capacity BRONX, N.Y., Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Governor Kathy Hochul and Dr. Philip Ozuah, President and CEO of Montefiore Einstein, were joined by New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Marie Sullivan, New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, New York State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, City Councilwoman-elect Shirley Aldebol, and others to announce the completion of Montefiore Einstein's 21-bed inpatient pediatric mental health center in the Bronx. The development of Montefiore Einstein Center for Children's Mental Health of the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM) was supported by funding from the Office of Mental Health (OMH) as part of the Governor's pledge to increase the number of inpatient psychiatric beds in the State, as well as funds secured by Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Michael Benedetto from the State Assembly. The project was also made possible by generous philanthropic support from a private donor. The project reflects a strong commitment from New York state leaders to expand youth mental health services. Montefiore Einstein Center for Children's Mental Health Nearly 160 million people in the U.S. including all children in the Bronx live in areas that have been federally designated as significantly lacking mental health professionals and youth ER visits for mental health have increased by more than 40% in recent years. The new inpatient center is designed to provide best-in-class intensive treatment for youth ages 517 years-old with serious behavioral health conditions, including severe depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, other acute psychiatric needs, and high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. With mostly private rooms, the center was planned with a focus on patients and their families and developed with their direct input. Despite the overwhelming need, there are only about 25 acute care child and adolescent inpatient psychiatry beds currently available in the borough. The completion of this center will help close this gap, nearly doubling inpatient capacity in the Bronx, expanding access to care, reducing the need for families to travel far for treatment, while strengthening links to the community and easing pressure on ERs. "We are committed to increasing options for families that need access to intensive behavioral health services and more importantly, to providing top-notch care to all children who experience serious mental illness," said Governor Hochul. "Montefiore Einstein's state-of-the-art Center for Children's Mental Health represents the strong partnership we have with our community-based hospitals, and our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible care for our youth and support for their families." "New York State is strongly committed to helping children and young people recover from mental illness so they can live and thrive in their community. Thanks to Montefiore Einstein, this project is adding much-needed inpatient capacity to the Bronx, which will complement the many outpatient services and supports we are expanding throughout this area. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, we are expanding beds and strengthening our network of care to provide high-quality services for our children and families in the Bronx," said Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health. "At Montefiore Einstein, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every child, no matter their zip code, has access to world-class healthcare. This new center will transform access to critical mental health services in the Bronx and represents our promise to bring the highest level of expertise and compassion to the communities that need it most. We are profoundly grateful to Governor Hochul and all our partners for this investment which meets today's urgent care needs and builds toward a healthier, more equitable tomorrow," said Philip O. Ozuah, M.D., Ph.D, president and CEO, Montefiore Einstein. While youth mental health is a national crisis, the Bronx faces some of the most urgent and severe needs in New York State. Of the 282,000 children ages 517 living in the Bronx, nearly 60,000 about 21% have a diagnosed behavioral health disorder. Too often, children and their families are stalled in getting the care they need, often waiting in emergency departments for a psychiatric bed, with many forced to travel outside the Bronx and even outside of New York for care. The Montefiore Einstein Center for Children's Mental Health of the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein is scheduled to open to patients on December 15. The unveiling of a children and adolescent inpatient center in the Bronx will provide families with the care they need," said Carl E. Heastie, New York State Assembly Speaker. "Governor Hochul alongside the Assembly Majority has consistently advocated for services that prioritize the well-being of families, regardless of their circumstances. In the Bronx, we are fortunate to have Governor Kathy Hochul and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto fighting for our families and ensuring that common-sense measures are enacted while keeping the Bronx at the forefront. Thank you to the Montefiore Health Team and everyone involved in making this center a reality." "For too long, Bronx families have faced limited options when their children are facing mental health crises. This new inpatient center from Montefiore Einstein will change that reality by giving our young people a place to heal, recover, and be supported by experts who understand their needs. I'm deeply thankful to Montefiore for its leadership and honored to have worked with Speaker Heastie and Governor Hochul to secure this project, which represents a major step forward in making youth mental health care more accessible and equitable," said Mike Benedetto, New York State Assemblyman. "The Bronx has long faced a shortage of mental health resources, especially for our youth. The opening of this center is proof that when state, local, and health system leaders work together, we can deliver meaningful change. I'm proud to celebrate this investment in our children's futures and to see Montefiore Einstein continuing to lead the way in providing accessible, high-quality care for our community," said Nathalia Fernandez, New York State Senator. About Montefiore Health System Montefiore Health System is one of New York's premier academic health systems. It is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley. It comprises ten hospitals, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, and over two hundred outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information, please visit www.montefioreeinstein.org . Follow us on Twitter , Instagram, and LinkedIn , or view us on Facebook and YouTube . SOURCE Montefiore Health System CNN Americas top diplomat struck a relentlessly upbeat tone in Geneva, after a rollercoaster day of intensive negotiations aimed at convincing a skeptical Ukraine to accept the latest US proposals to end Russias brutal war. I feel very optimistic that we can get something done here, because we made a tremendous amount of progress, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, told me at a late-night news conference at the US Mission in the Swiss city. Even President Donald Trump, who just hours earlier had again publicly scolded the Ukrainian leadership for expressing what he regarded as insufficient gratitude, was now quite pleased at the reports weve given him about the amount of progress thats been made, Rubio added. But the Secretary of State, who unexpectedly appeared in the briefing room alone, instead of being accompanied, as he had been earlier that day, by the powerful head of the Ukrainian delegation, Andriy Yermak, repeatedly refused to be drawn on the specifics of what had been achieved. Im not going to get into the details of the topics we discussed, because this is an ongoing process, Rubio told me, while suggesting in other comments that the items that remain are not insurmountable. But given the extent of the deep compromises Ukraine is being called on to make in the publicly available version of the US peace proposals which are seen as heavily favoring Russia the suggestion that they can be easily overcome rings hollow. The proposal for Ukraine to surrender key territories in the Donbas region of Eastern Ukraine, for example, that Russia has annexed but not captured, has been a longstanding red line for Kyiv, not least because the area includes the fortress belt of heavily defended towns and cities seen as essential to Ukrainian security. The US proposals seen by CNN suggest the area becomes a Russian demilitarized zone, which the Kremlins military forces would agree not to enter. But ordering the Ukrainian military to hand over land that its troops have fought and died to keep would be a hard sell. A view of the ruined and abandoned town of Maryinka (Mariinka) in the Donetsk region, Russian-controlled Ukraine on April 1, 2025. - AFP/Getty Images Same too, the proposed limitation on Ukraines armed forces. Although set at a maximum of 600,000-strong in the US plan, European officials say they fear it would leave the country vulnerable to future attack. But Washington, seemingly even more determined to force through a peace deal, has made it clear it expects Ukraine to comply, threatening to withdraw US military support for Kyiv and to essentially abandon the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the words of President Trump to fight his little heart out. In a statement on Sunday night from Washington, the White House said that the Ukrainians believe the latest draft of the peace proposals reflects their national security interests, after various revisions and clarifications made with input from top US, Ukrainian and European officials in Geneva. The Ukrainian delegation affirmed that all of their principal concerns security guarantees, long-term economic development, infrastructure protection, freedom of navigation, and political sovereignty were thoroughly addressed during the meeting, the statement said. And its not just the White House that appears to be talking up the Geneva negotiations. Earlier, the Ukrainian delegation head Yermak, heaped praise on the talks, calling them very productive. We have had very good progress and we are moving forward to a just and lasting peace, Yermak added, standing alongside Rubio in an earlier press briefing. Even some Europeans who had previously expressed concern at being sidelined at the talks in Geneva seemed to praise their outcome. The German foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, said the talks produced a decisive success for Europe. All issues concerning Europe, including those concerning NATO, have been removed from this plan, Wadephul told the German Deutschlandfunk radio station. There have been some words of caution, such as from the Finnish president, Alexander Stubb, who spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart before commenting on X that negotiations were a step forward but there are still major issues to be resolved. But even if the current draft US peace proposal, which Rubio called a changeable living, breathing document does indeed now work for the US, Ukraine and its European backers, it is very possible that it would no longer work for the Kremlin, which has consistently refused to back down from its maximalist demands. And Moscow has so far faced limited US pressure to do so. In Geneva, Rubio repeatedly side-stepped my attempts to ask him whether the US would also expect Russia, not just Ukraine, to make any significant concessions. But if the White House is actually serious about achieving what it now calls a durable, comprehensive peace in Ukraine, somehow convincing the Kremlin to compromise may be its best bet. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trump talks after meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) WASHINGTON (AP) The White House is circulating a proposal that would extend subsidies to help consumers pay for coverage under the Affordable Care Act for two more years, as millions of Americans face spiking health care costs when the current tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year. The draft plan suggests that President Donald Trump is open to extending a provision of Obamacare as his administration and congressional Republicans search for a broader policy solution to a fight that has long flummoxed the party. The White House stresses that no plan is final until Trump announces it. The subsidies were at the heart of the Democrats demands in the government shutdown fight that ended earlier this month. Most Democratic lawmakers had insisted on a straight extension of the tax credits, which expire at the end of the year as a condition of keeping the government open. Eligibility for the Obamacare subsidies, which were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic to help people afford health care coverage, would be capped at 700% of the federal poverty level, according to two people with knowledge of the proposal. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss a White House proposal that is in draft form. The baseline tax credits that were originally part of the Affordable Care Act were capped at 400% of the federal poverty level, but that cut-off was suspended because of the temporary COVID-era credits that allowed middle- and higher-income people to benefit from subsidies too. The White House would also require those on Obamacare, regardless of the type of coverage, to pay some sort of premium for their Obamacare plans. That would effectively end zero-premium plans for those with lower incomes, addressing a concern from Republicans that the program has enabled fraud. One option is a requirement that everyone pay 2% of their income, or at least $5 per month, for lower-tier plans. Even as the White Houses proposal remains in flux, the notion of extending any part of President Barack Obamas signature legislative achievement is likely to rankle conservatives who have sought to repeal and replace the law for well over a decade. Until President Trump makes an announcement himself, any reporting about the administrations health care positions is mere speculation, White House spokesman Kush Desai said Monday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday afternoon that Trump is very much involved in these talks and that he is focused on unveiling a health care proposal that will fix the system and will bring down costs for consumers. But there are signs that parts of the nascent White House plan could get buy-in from Democrats. New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan, one of eight members of the Senate Democratic caucus who voted to reopen the government earlier this month, said it represents a starting point for serious negotiations. The fact that President Trump is putting forward any offer at all to extend the Affordable Care Acts tax credits shows that there is a broad understanding that inaction in this regard will cause serious harm to the American people, Hassan said. Fellow New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who led bipartisan efforts to end the government shutdown, added that I'm glad the president is reportedly considering a serious proposal. Ive had constructive conversations with many of my Republican colleagues who I believe want to get this done, Shaheen said. They understand that the vast majority of people who benefit from these tax credits live in states the President won, and that the Presidents own pollsters have underscored the enormous political urgency of Republicans acting. In 2017, Trump fell short in a push to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, an embarrassing defeat for Republicans who had just seized control of all levers of power in Washington. The GOP has failed to coalesce around a unified health care proposal since, and the expiration of the pandemic-era subsidies gives Trump and his party an opportunity to put their own stamp on the issue. As the White House worked quietly on its plan, led by the Domestic Policy Council, key lawmakers on Capitol Hill have drafted their own proposals. For instance, Florida Sen. Rick Scott, Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy and others have proposed various ideas for redirecting the programs spending on federal subsidies into health savings accounts that enrollees could use to shop for plans or defray out-of-pocket costs. Scott's plan has been discussed with the White House multiple times since it was released Thursday, according to a person familiar not authorized to discuss the private conversations. The draft of the White House plan would allow those in lower-tier plans, such as the bronze-level or catastrophic plans, to put money into health savings accounts. It would also codify the program integrity rule to further help root out fraud, waste and abuse. Americans shopping for Obamacare coverage have already faced the sticker shock of price hikes, because the window for selecting next years coverage began Nov. 1. Without congressional action, the average subsidized enrollee will face more than double their current cost in premiums next year, according to an analysis by the health care research nonprofit KFF. Recent national polls have shown Americans are concerned about health care costs, along with broader affordability issues. Those concerns played out in elections earlier this month, which swept to power Democrats whose political messaging focused on the rising cost of living. Associated Press writers Fatima Hussein and Joey Cappelletti in Washington and Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored his appreciation to the countrys allies for their help in working toward a resolution to end the war with Russia, hours after President Trump rebuked the leader of the war-torn country for having zero gratitude for the U.S. efforts. In a post on the social platform X, Zelensky pledged Ukraine would never be an obstacle to peace, but he stressed the importance of his countrys sovereignty and independence, as diplomatic talks have ramped up in recent days. Everyone is offering support, giving advice, providing information and I am grateful to each and every person who is giving this help to us, to Ukraine. It is important to ensure that the steps to end the war are effective, and that everything is doable, Zelensky said in his statement. Ukraine has never wanted war, and we will never be an obstacle to peace. Zelensky praised the recent diplomatic efforts and underscored the countrys priorities, which he argued are popular among the Ukraine people. Diplomacy has been reinvigorated and this is good, he wrote. We expect the outcome to deliver the right steps. And the first priority is a reliable peace, guaranteed security, respect for our people, and respect for everyone who gave their lives defending Ukraine from Russian aggression. Millions of Ukrainians clearly support our states position. It is palpable. There is firm support for our independence and Ukrainian sovereignty. People must benefit from all political decisions, he continued. Last week, a 28-point Ukraine peace plan, which was widely seen as more favorable to Russia, was presented after talks between U.S. and Russian envoys. It alarmed many European and Ukrainian allies. The proposal included a provision that would place the regions of Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk under de facto Russian control to be recognized by the U.S., and it sought to prohibit Ukraines admission to NATO, among other likely nonstarters for Ukraine. There are also no major concessions required from Russia, apart from directing $100 billion in frozen Russian assets to Ukraines reconstruction. Facing backlash from allies, Trump took aim at Ukrainian leadership, saying the war never would have started had there been strong and proper U.S. and Ukrainian LEADERSHIP. Former President Biden and Zelensky were the countries respective leaders when Russia invaded in 2022. UKRAINE LEADERSHIP HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA. THE USA CONTINUES TO SELL MASSIVE $AMOUNTS OF WEAPONS TO NATO, FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UKRAINE (CROOKED JOE GAVE EVERYTHING, FREE, FREE, FREE, INCLUDING BIG MONEY!). GOD BLESS ALL THE LIVES THAT HAVE BEEN LOST IN THE HUMAN CATASTROPHE! Trump wrote Sunday morning on social media. Hours later, after Ukrainian, U.S. and key European allies met in Geneva to review the U.S. proposal, many emerged optimistic about the progress made behind closed doors. it is in my personal view that weve had probably the most productive and meaningful meetings so far in this entire process since weve been involved, from the beginning, Rubio said in Geneva on Sunday. 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. Sharline Spears, mother of 8-year-old actress Scarlett Spears, talks to Yahoo about what it takes to raise a child actress. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Courtesy of Sharline Spears) If you were anywhere near social media during the Wicked: For Good New York City premiere last week, you probably saw 8-year-old Scarlett Spears. The young actress, who plays young Glinda in the film, seemed like an Ariana Grande in training smiling ear-to-ear on the red carpet, doing the "toss, toss" and posing for cameras like shed been doing red carpets her whole life. But behind the glitter and the bubblegum-pink gowns is a very grounded family from Orlando and at the center of it all is Scarletts mom, Sharline Spears. Sharline isnt interested in creating a viral child. Shes focused on raising a happy, humble 8-year-old who just happens to be in the No. 1 movie in the world. From navigating early auditions to managing school, safety, travel and the realities of a career that started before Scarlett even learned to read, Sharline has been guiding her daughter through it all. In this interview with Yahoo's Taryn Ryder, Sharline walks us through the journey in her own words from the moment she realized Scarlett had something special to the life-changing Wicked casting call and watching her daughter step onto that bubble platform next to Grande. Heres what its really like raising a child star in todays world. How it started Scarletts whole journey started in such a simple way with pictures. She was doing some print modeling jobs, and people kept telling me how cute she was. I thought she was adorable, of course, but I didnt have a big plan. I just signed her with an agency to see what would happen. Then our manager, Randy, found us on Instagram. We were so new, so green, and I truly had no idea what I was doing. But signing with her changed everything. Within a week, actual TV auditions started coming in. Scarlett couldnt even read yet, so I would feed her the lines for her auditions. She would absorb everything instantly. She has always been a little sponge. At four years old, she would memorize entire scripts instantly. I remember thinking, OK, this is not normal. I could also tell there was something in her that lit up when she performed. Her first audition was for The Conners. She didnt book it, but it was such a good sign that we were on the right track. And honestly, even then, we set the tone for how we handle disappointment. Ive always told her: If its a yes, wonderful. If its a no, thats OK too. You show up, you do your best and then we move on with our day. Keeping it that simple has helped her stay so grounded. A few weeks later, she auditioned for General Hospital. I remember being in the waiting room, watching other girls go in and come out quickly. Scarlett was in there for eight minutes. When she walked out, she told me she killed it. And on the drive off the lot, we got the call that she had booked the role of Donna Corinthos. She's been on the show now since 2022. People ask if I ever hesitated about letting Scarlett act. I really didnt. Parents are required to be on set, and Im always with her. I dont leave her side. If she loves something this much, my job is to support her and protect her at the same time. Landing Wicked After General Hospital, everything kind of snowballed. Scarlett booked Pinks music video she was the tantrum girl and Pink was literally the sweetest person. Then she booked Dora [and the Search for Sol Dorado], playing young Dora, which took us to Colombia for a few weeks. And then Wicked came into our lives. We were sent a scene from the first movie for her to audition with it was the scene when Glinda keeps mispronouncing Boq's name and Scarlett learned it in no time. She ended up doing a 15-minute director session on Zoom instead of sending in a tape. I knew it was a big deal, but I tried not to get ahead of myself. She was auditioning against girls in London and all over the States. I kept telling myself: If this is meant for her, itll be for her. Later, our manager asked to get on a Zoom with us. She noticed I was wearing pink and asked if it was on purpose. It wasnt. Then she smiled and told us Scarlett booked the role. I was completely ecstatic. We flew to London for production. The first people we met were director Jon M. Chu and producer Marc Platt. They were so warm and kind. A few days later, Scarlett got into her full Glinda look, and there were whispers she might get to meet Ariana. But with Arianas busy schedule, nothing was guaranteed. I told Scarlett it was OK if it didnt happen shed lived her whole life without meeting her so far. Ariana Grande and Scarlett Spears attend the Wicked: For Good premiere on Nov. 17 in New York City. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images) (Kevin Mazur via Getty Images) Then they walked Scarlett into the huge soundstage, and by the time I caught up, she was standing on the bubble platform next to Ariana. Everyone was clapping. It was the sweetest, most surreal moment. Later, when they came down, Ariana walked over to introduce herself. She was so genuine and warm and she told me that if we ever needed anything communicated, we could let the crew know and theyd reach out to her. It was such a kind gesture and made us feel really cared for on set. Rules and misconceptions People dont always see the structure behind the scenes for kids in this industry. Scarlett is 8 now and homeschooled, but she didnt start that way. She was in public school at first and we loved her teachers but the schedule just wasnt workable once her career took off. At one point, we even had a principal who excused her absences, and then a new one came in who wouldnt. Homeschooling ended up being such a blessing. She gets to learn at her own pace with a tutor we love. And when shes on set, Scarlett's with the teacher. Every child actor has one theyre certified teachers who handle the schoolwork and also make sure the kids arent overworked. If Scarletts not filming, shes doing math or reading with them. Its all very structured. At home in Florida, she just gets to be Scarlett. She rides her bike, plays with friends, goes to her grandparents, splashes in mud puddles. We dont talk about work when were off set. Thats one of our family rules home is home. It keeps her grounded and gives her a childhood outside of acting. Scarlett Spears with her mom, Sharline Spears. (Photo: Courtesy of Sharline Spears) Social media is another big rule in our house. Scarlett doesnt look at it. She doesnt know her follower count. We dont talk about numbers. Im the one who posts, and I try to balance her work with her real life so people understand shes a normal little girl. And honestly, thats the biggest misconception: that shes constantly working. She absolutely does not work 24/7. People think that because of what I post, but there are entire weeks where she has no auditions at all. Sometimes shes home in her pajamas watching movies. Sometimes shes at hip-hop or ballet. Sometimes shes doing nothing but being 8. For parents whose kids want to act, I always say this: There are way more noes than yeses. It takes commitment. It takes travel. It takes being ready to show up on short notice. Its not just about the child its a family effort. Weve stayed in Florida, and thats been grounding too. We only go to L.A. when she books something. And Scarlett has two older brothers, 18 and 19, who adore her and keep her humble in the best possible way. Theyre not in the industry at all, which probably helps keep everything feeling normal. Raising a little girl in a very big world At the end of the day, I just want people to know who we are as a family and what really matters to us. We try to stay humble, proud and grateful for every single opportunity Scarletts been given. She loves to act she lights up when shes on set but shes still only 8. Shes still learning, still growing, still figuring out the world the way any child does. I always tell her she doesnt have to be perfect. Nobody is. You just show up, do your best and be proud of the way you try. And tomorrow, you try to be a little better than you were today. Thats all I ever want for her a strong heart, a kind spirit and the understanding that her worth isnt tied to a job or a yes or a no. This journey has brought us so many beautiful memories going to Colombia for Dora, dancing around on Pinks set, watching her stand on that bubble platform next to Ariana Grande like it was the most natural thing in the world. These are moments well cherish forever. But no matter what happens, no matter where this career takes her, our foundation stays the same. Our faith guides us. Thats what grounds us. And thats helpful in keeping this whole experience joyful, no matter what comes next. Key Points ConocoPhillips has a different business model compared to many of its peers. It has a higher risk profile, yet with higher upside potential compared to its large integrated rivals. It has several long-cycle capital projects under construction, which could double its free cash flow by 2029. 10 stocks we like better than ConocoPhillips ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is a leading producer of oil and gas. It has built one of the industry's deepest, most durable, and diverse portfolios. The company controls a treasure trove of low-cost oil and gas supplies around the world. These features have made the oil stock a very desirable investment. Here are two crucial factors investors need to know before buying shares. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks An offshore oil production platform. Image source: Getty Images. It declared its independence a long time ago ConocoPhillips is one of the largest oil and gas producers in the industry, with production approaching 2.4 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) per day. However, the company's business model differs significantly from those of fellow industry leaders ExxonMobil and Chevron. ConocoPhillips is an independent exploration and production company (E&P), while Exxon and Chevron are integrated energy companies. An independent E&P company focuses on exploring for and producing oil and gas, which it sells on the open market. On the other hand, integrated energy companies have integrated upstream and downstream operations. They produce oil and gas that flows through midstream assets (many of which they own) to downstream refining and chemical facilities they operate. Both business models have their benefits and drawbacks. ConocoPhillips was an integrated energy company until 2012, when it spun off its midstream and downstream operations into Phillips 66. That move created the industry's largest independent E&P company, enabling ConocoPhillips to focus exclusively on growing its production business to grow shareholder value. This strategic focus allows it to capitalize on the upside potential from rising oil and gas demand and pricing. In exchange, the company assumes more downside price risk compared to its integrated peers. The coming free cash flow gusher Many of ConocoPhillips' E&P peers focus exclusively on tapping the vast oil and gas resources in the lower 48 states, primarily utilizing unconventional production techniques (horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing). E&P companies can drill these wells quickly, enabling them to ramp their growth rates up or down based on market conditions. ConocoPhillips, on the other hand, takes a much broader approach both geographically and operationally. While the company has one of the best unconventional U.S. onshore resource positions, it also invests in liquefied natural gas (both domestically and internationally), the Canadian oil sands, and conventional production in Alaska and elsewhere. Building new LNG export terminals and production hubs in Alaska requires a significant amount of time and money. However, these investments can be worthwhile. ConocoPhillips is currently investing in three LNG projects and building its Willow oil project in Alaska. These projects should come online through 2029. The company estimates that these long-cycle projects will add a cumulative $7 billion to its annual free cash flow over the next four years as they come online. That has the company on track to double its free cash flow by 2029 compared to its current level. A different kind of oil stock ConocoPhillips is different from most other oil and gas companies. Its business model makes it riskier than integrated oil companies, but with more upside potential. It also has greater diversification and growth visibility compared to other independent E&Ps. In many ways, it's right in that sweet spot, making it a compelling oil stock to consider buying. Should you invest $1,000 in ConocoPhillips right now? Before you buy stock in ConocoPhillips, 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 ConocoPhillips wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $562,536!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,096,510!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 981% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 187% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of November 24, 2025 Matt DiLallo has positions in Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Phillips 66. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chevron. The Motley Fool recommends Phillips 66. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Its important to have a retirement nest egg, but you dont necessarily have to sell your biggest asset to build one. Hitting your 50s with little to no retirement savings can feel like a gut punch, but one Texas mans story shows there may be a better option beyond the ropes. A 2024 AARP survey found that 20% of Americans 50 and over have no retirement savings (1). Thats the situation Chris, a 53-year-old from Houston, is in. Must Read Chris called into The Ramsey Show to ask hosts George Kamel and Ken Coleman for advice (2). Along with having no retirement savings, he said he has no emergency fund. He's thinking about selling his home to start fresh. Chris owes $370,000 on a home worth $600,000. He also has a $73,000 pool loan and a car worth $42,000. His household income is $128,000 a year, not counting his side hustle. Selling the house could leave Chris with about $180,000. But after paying off his car and pool loan and putting 20% down on a replacement home, he'd be left with only about $11,000. He would be debt-free aside from a new mortgage. Kamel and Coleman disagreed on whether selling the home was the right choice. A cheaper fix may be hiding in plain sight "Selling a house is always the last answer, not my first solution," Kamel said. "It doesn't actually change the behavior that got us here. It just feels like a get-out-of-jail-free card, and it kind of moves you backwards. Instead of building equity and getting that house paid off, now we're liquidating and starting from scratch again in our 50s." But Coleman liked the idea of selling the house, starting fresh and renting for a few years. "It's aggressive, but I like it. It's a reset for sure," he said. Both hosts agreed that selling the home isn't Chris's only option. Since his car is worth $42,000, he could sell it, walk away with $15,000, and save $6,000 a year by cutting $500 a month in car payments. In fact, Kamel and Coleman mapped out a solid timeline for Chris based on selling the car. According to their math, Chris could have an emergency fund by 54. From there, he could start investing 15% of his income for retirement, or about $1,600 per month. If he kept working until 70, he might end up with a nest egg of $750,000 (3). In 2022, the last year with available data, the median retirement savings balance for 70-year-olds was $200,000, according to the Federal Reserve. So that plan could put Chris in a comfortable spot and let him keep his home. Read more: 22 US states are already in a recession protect your savings with these 10 essential money moves ASAP How much retirement savings do you need? There's no single benchmark for a retirement savings goal. Citizens Bank suggests aiming for 10 to 12 times your ending salary (4). Fidelity suggests saving 10 times your salary by age 67, which is Social Securitys full retirement age for people born in 1960 or later (5). Retirees are often told theyll need about 80% of their former income to live comfortably, though some of that can come from Social Security. The best approach is to think about when you want to retire and what your expenses might look like. If you plan to downsize and retire at 67, youll likely need less money than someone who wants to retire at 60 and maintain the same lifestyle. If youre nearing retirement age and arent sure whether youve saved enough, one rule of thumb is to calculate your annual income needs, subtract your expected Social Security benefits and see how much your nest egg needs to generate each year. Then apply the 4% rule to your savings balance to see if the numbers line up. Lets say you earn $80,000 a year and expect to need 80%, or $64,000 a year, in retirement. Say Social Security will pay $24,000 a year, which is close to todays average benefit. Youd need $40,000 a year from savings. If you have a $1 million nest egg and withdraw 4% a year, that gives you the $40,000 you need. If you have less saved, your choices include working longer and saving more or trimming your spending in retirement. Or you could retire from your full-time job and work part-time to bring in extra income. How to build retirement savings from scratch Building a nest egg can feel daunting, but the right approach can get you surprisingly far. Start with a budget. Track your spending and make sure you set aside money each month for retirement contributions. A good rule of thumb is to save 15% of your income for retirement. If thats too much at first, start smaller and raise your rate over time. You might increase your savings by 1% each year or put your annual raises toward retirement. Next, invest your money wisely. If retirement is years away, it usually pays to put your savings into the stock market so your money can grow over time. With an IRA, you can buy individual stocks across different industries. In a 401(k), you typically can't buy individual stocks, so an S&P 500 or total stock market index fund is a common choice. If you do have a 401(k), aim to take full advantage of your employer match. And if youre 50 or older, make catch-up contributions if you can. Its often easier to do this in an IRA because the contribution limits are lower. Finally, dont hesitate to use the gig economy to boost your income, just like Chris did. Kamel and Coleman for hustling to improve his finances. A 2025 Self Financial report found that 45% of Americans have a side hustle, which brings in, on average, $688 per month (6). Your earnings will depend on the gig and how many hours you can put in. Since that money usually isnt needed for regular bills, you can direct all of it toward retirement savings to help you get ahead or catch up. What To Read Next 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. American Association of Retired Persons (1); The Ramsey Show (2); Investor (3); Citizens Bank (4); Fidelity (5); Self (6). This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. ID 318434433 | Free Speech Frank Armstrong | Dreamstime.com Cancellations, sometimes violent protests, behind-the-scenes censorship, and overt government threats to muzzle the media. Free speech is doing better in the U.S. than elsewhere in the world, but that doesn't mean it's doing well. It's besieged by hostile politician and a shifting culture that is eroding the foundations of tolerance for dissent and an open marketplace of ideas. That has Americans worried, though even as they fret over the future of free speech a significant minority contribute to the problem. A Majority Says Free Speech is Insecure and Headed in the Wrong Direction Reporting the results of the quarterly National Speech Index (NSI) survey, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) noted that "a staggering 74% of Americans in the October edition of the NSI responded that things are headed in the wrong direction for free speech, compared to only 26% who believe things are headed in the right direction. This represents a 10-point jump since the previous July survey." "Notably, drops in confidence across all political parties contributed to the record-levels of pessimism," FIRE added. "From July of this year, Democrats who think things are heading in the right direction fell from 17% to 11%, Independents fell from 31% to 19%, and Republicans fell from 69% to 55%." Unsurprisingly in these partisan times, Democrats and Republicans swapped roles as optimists and pessimists in January as the Trump administration took office. Democrats slid from 50 percent belief before the election that the country was on the right track when it came to people's ability to express their views to 17 percent saying so. Republicans went from 24 percent confidence that the country was on the right track to 66 percent confidence. Independents also became more optimistic, though by less than Republicans. The public's faith in the health of free expression, however, now appears to be on a universal decline. Importantly, 59 percent of those surveyed by FIRE believed "the right to freedom of speech in America today" is either "not at all secure" (22 percent) or "not very secure" (37 percent). The latest survey was administered after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10. That incident featured widespread public gloating over Kirk's murder by those who disagreed with him, as well as firings and other forms of retaliation against the loudmouthsincluding, unfortunately, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's unconstitutional threat: "We will absolutely target you, go after you, if you are targeting anyone with hate speech." It wasn't exactly a shining moment for the world's bastion of protection for free expression as government suppression of even innocuous speech becomes more common elsewhere, including the supposedly liberal democracies of Europe. "In the last three months, America watched as Charlie Kirk was murdered for simply debating on a college campus, followed immediately by a wave of censorship of those who opposed his views," remarked FIRE Research Fellow and Polling Manager Nathan Honeycutt. "It's no surprise that a record number of Americans of all parties now think that it's a dire time for free speech in America." The Rot Comes from Within As you would expect when a culture starts to shift in ways that erode the foundations of basic liberties, the rot comes from within. While 56 percent of those surveyed completely disagreed with the statement: "The First Amendment goes too far in the rights it guarantees," 35 percent say it at least "somewhat" describes their sentiments. Another 8 percent say it "slightly" reflects their thoughts. You'd hope for a little more than bare majority support for a core protection for freedom. Worse, 59 percent of respondents at least somewhat agreed that "words can be violence." Characterizing speech one group dislikes as violence is often used to justify deplatforming, cancellation, and legal penalties. It blurs the distinction between ideas and action, potentially spurring real violence in response to disagreementsuch as Kirk's assassination. In September, the Buckley Institute's National Undergraduate Study found that 39 percent of college students agreed "physical violence can be justified to prevent a person from using hate speech or making racially charged comments." Also, for people uncomfortable with the direction of free speech in this country, many Americans seem willing to see people tossed from their jobs for controversial comments that are politically charged but shielded from legal action by constitutional protections. According to FIRE: 45 percent say a professor who posted "It's O.K. to punch a Nazi" should probably or definitely be fired from their job. 37 percent say a professor who posted "These fascist Bible-thumpers want to drag us back to the Dark Ages" should probably or definitely be fired from their job. 24 percent say a professor who posted "Our colleges and universities are progressive indoctrination centers" should probably or definitely be fired from their job. 14 percent say that a professor who posted "We are going to make America great again" should probably or definitely be fired from their job. The good news is that these are minority positions. The bad news is that the first one, at least, isn't far from being a majority. And, while it's natural that employers might want to discourage employees from saying things that tarnish the brand, these questions were all asked in the context of college professors who play with (frequently half-baked) ideas. Putting their jobs on the line won't improve the climate for intellectual inquiryespecially when firings can result from political pressure. Disapproval of Government Attacks on Free Expression Speaking of political pressure: The Biden administration infamously leaned on social media companies to muzzle dissent over pandemic policy and embarrassing news revelations. Officials used the implicit threat of legal and regulatory action to get private companies to suppress speech protected by the First Amendment. In the FIRE survey, 53 percent of respondents were very or extremely concerned about government "pressuring social media companies to suppress the posting of certain viewpoints." Since then, not only has Bondi hinted at action against "hate speech," but the Trump administration has repeatedly threatened to pull the broadcast licenses of television companies that anger the president and his cronies. He did so again just days ago after an ABC reporter asked about the Epstein files. Fifty-two percent of FIRE respondents were very or extremely concerned about the federal government "pressuring private broadcast companies to remove certain viewpoints from the airwaves." Free speech still enjoys better protection in the United States than anywhere else in the world. But the American people are justifiably concerned that the rights protected by the First Amendment are under threat from both government and some of their fellow countrymen. The post Most Americans Think Free Speech Is on the Decline, Survey Finds appeared first on Reason.com. AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phantom Neuro , the neurotechnology company developing minimally invasive neural interfaces for intuitive prosthetic control, today announces the formal opening of its Patient Registry , a new initiative designed to connect individuals with upper-limb amputations to upcoming clinical studies and research opportunities. The registry invites amputees, clinicians, and rehabilitation specialists to sign up for updates on future Phantom Neuro trials and early-access programs. By gathering information from interested participants, Phantom Neuro aims to better understand patient needs, accelerate study readiness, and ensure diverse representation in its ongoing research. "Innovation in neurotechnology must start and end with the patient," said Dr. Connor Glass, CEO and Founder of Phantom Neuro. "This registry allows us to engage directly with the amputee community, building relationships, understanding real-world challenges, and preparing for future studies that reflect the diversity and priorities of those we serve." Phantom Neuro's work bridges cutting-edge neuroscience and advanced robotics to restore intuitive control for individuals with limb loss. The company's muscle-based neural interface technology, Phantom X, is designed to translate residual muscle signals into precise, natural movement, without the need for brain or deep-nerve surgery. People living with limb loss, as well as clinicians and rehabilitation specialists, can learn more and register their interest at [https://registry.phantomneuro.com/]. The team currently is in active discussions with community-driven amputee advocacy groups throughout the state of Texas. About Phantom Neuro Phantom Neuro is a neurotechnology company developing a minimally invasive interface that enables intuitive control of prosthetic limbs and robotic exoskeletons. Originally developed at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Phantom Neuro has received funding from investors including Ottobock, Blackrock Neurotech, Breakout Ventures, Draper Associates, LionBird Ventures, and Time BioVentures. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Phantom Neuro is backed by a globally recognized advisory board of experts from CTRL-Labs, D.A.R.P.A., Johns Hopkins University, and Precision Neuro. Learn more at www.phantomneuro.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Shannon Wilsey, Public Relations | Phantom Neuro, [email protected] SOURCE Phantom Neuro Inc. Dicker Data Citrix business unit CXANZ has celebrated top-performing Citrix partners across Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ), with Com-X and Inde taking the highest honours for Australia and New Zealand, respectively. The event was held at Quay Restaurant in Sydney on 19 November, with more than 50 partners attending for a day of recognition and connection at the inaugural CXANZs Citrix Partner Appreciation and Awards event. Com-X and Inde received the top awards of CXANZ Citrix Partner of the Year for their consistent performance, innovation, and commitment to Citrix solutions, according to Dicker Data. In addition to their top-level wins, Com-X also scored the Marketing Partner of the Year Award for A/NZ while Inde received the Services Partner of the Year Award for New Zealand. Meanwhile, the Australian Services Partner of the Year Award was won by Teba. Across the whole A/NZ region, CNS won the CXANZ Citrix Industry Excellence Partner of the Year Award, Logicalis took the gong for the New Business Partner of the Year Award, and the MSP Partner of the Year Award went to CMTG. On November 22, Gunther Schuller would have been 100 years old. It was my pleasure to contribute an encomium to the new Gunther Schuller Festschrift: I am privileged to have known three sui generis American musicians of Gunther Schullers generation. All three both composed and performed. It was always my opinion, my frustration, that they were not sufficiently esteemed and utilized. They could have contributed more had American classical music been less provincially attuned to European pedigrees. One was Lukas Foss, who was my Conductor Laureate when I ran the Brooklyn Philharmonic in the 1990s. Previously, during my brief tenure as a New York Times music critic, it was I because so low on the totem pole who was assigned to review Lukass Brooklyn Philharmonic concerts at BAM. They towered over the performances being given by Zubin Mehta and the New York Philharmonic across the river. As was equally little-known, Lukas was also one of the pre-eminent American pianists of his generation. And his crazy compositions always worked so long as he participated in their performance. Lukas would have made a bracing successor to his friend Leonard Bernstein when Bernstein resigned from the Philharmonic. In fact, as a darkhorse candidate, he was entrusted with a full month of New York Philharmonic subscription concerts in 1966. One of his soloists was Leon Kirchner, in Mozarts C minor Piano Concerto. I met Leon at the 92nd Street Y in the 1980s. He partnered Jaime Laredo in Mozarts E minor Violin Sonata the most heedlessly expressive Mozart playing I have ever heard. And he conducted Schoenbergs First Chamber Symphony. After that revelatory performance, which treated the music as an old friend, the participating clarinetist told me: I wish Id had that experience before I recorded the Schoenberg Chamber Symphony with Orpheus. Late in his life, Leon moved to the Upper West Side. He would regale me with his impressive Boston recordings, conducting Schoenberg and Sessions. One of the last times I saw him he was being visited by Carl Reiner, whom he knew from his days in Los Angeles studying composition with Schoenberg. (Reiner didnt remember his stellar performance in one of my favorite Show of Shows sketches, lampooning Ted Macks Amateur Hour.) Gunther is of course the third sui generis musician on my list. He commanded the widest and most complete knowledge of American music of anyone I ever encountered. Decades before the internet and AI, I would ply him with questions over the phone. His answering voice invariably sounded careworn and fatigued it meant nothing; he was always eager to talk. When writing Classical Music in America: A History of Its Rise and Fall, I needed to quickly acquire reliable impressions of all the conductors he had experienced in his horn-playing days. He especially loved to recall Dimitri Mitropoulos how Mitropouloss eyes would cross when his intensity peaked; how (contradicting conventional wisdom) the New York Philharmonics standards of performance declined during the early Bernstein years, post-Mitropoulos. (These impressions, and so many others, may be found in Gunthers autobiography.) When I tried querying him about Fritz Reiner and George Szell, he told me to do some homework. I phoned back in a week or two to report that I had been listening to broadcasts and enjoyed Reiner but not Szell. Gunther shot back: Attaboy! Twice I was able to engage Gunter to conduct. The first occasion was a 1995 Brooklyn Philharmonic weekend I called From Gospel to Gershwin. This was an excavation of Black classical music long before it became fashionable. Gunther was apparently so little accustomed to being invited to guest-conduct that when I phoned him he was at first incredulous. I explained that I wished to entrust him with a pair of subscription concerts plus an additional Sunday afternoon Interplay at the BAM Playhouse (since converted into a movie theater). On the main program, I intended to situate Robert Russell Bennetts Porgy and Bess Suite on part two. And I had engaged the Morgan State University chorus to participate in that, and also to open the second half with a cappella spirituals. Part one was a blank slate upon which Gunther inscribed Scott Joplins Treemonisha Overture, James P. Johnsons Yamekraw (as reconstructed by Gunther Schuller), and William Grant Stills Sunday Symphony (in Gunthers opinion, the strongest of Stills five symphonies, all of which he had perused). For the Interplay I had engaged Steve Mayer to do an Art Tatum set and needed a second act. Gunther chose to disassemble Duke Ellingtons Reminiscing in Tempo and put it back together again. He arrived with a set of parts, a set of excerpts, and did precisely that. His program note read in part: Reminiscing is one of the most successful of Ellingtons extended works, not only for its time but even as measured retrospectively against his numerous other major creative efforts through the years. Reminiscing was innovative not only in its duration some thirteen-minutes stretched across four 10-inch sides but in the way its several themes and episodes were integrated in to a single unified whole. Nothing quite that challenging had ever been attempted in jazz composition and with a jazz orchestra. The weekends other participants included the music historian Carol Oja and the literary historian Robert OMeally (on the Harlem Renaissance). It linked to a conference at Brooklyn College. I dedicated it all to Gunthers Seventieth Birthday Season and we had a birthday party with a proper cake. I mention all this because nothing comparable seems remotely conceivable today I enjoyed a BAM audience that was ready and willing. Also, because I felt it was the least I could do to honor Gunther. Nine years later, in 2004, Bob Freeman invited me to curate a Dvorak/America festival at the University of Texass Butler School of Music. This was a considerable undertaking, lasting fifteen days and including major scholars. The centerpiece was to be an orchestral program beginning with George Chadwicks terrific Jubilee (1895), which has always sounded to me like his version of Dvoraks Carnival Overture (and Chadwick was unquestionably influenced by Dvorak). A faculty cellist would do the Dvorak concerto. The third work the main event would be Frederic Deliuss Appalachia: Variations on an Old Slave Song (1896-1903): a fascinating 40-minute New World symphony for orchestra, baritone and chorus, with a slave song composed by Delius himself. But the conductor of the Butler School orchestra wished to replace the Delius with Debussys La Mer a suggestion that a wag in Freemans office dubbed Dvorak at Sea. Miraculously, the conductor resigned and Bob and I needed a quick replacement. It was agreed that I would contact Gunther. I was in the midst of explaining all of this to Gunther, over the phone, when I got to the part about Appalachia and the Butler conductors refusal to conduct it. Gunther interrupted: WHAT AN IDIOT!!! and proceeded to inform me that all his life he had wanted to conduct Appalachia, that he regarded Delius and Scriabin as the two composers who had most ingeniously devised a post-Wagnerian chromatic tonal language of their own. We added to the program Lasst mich allein the Dvorak song cited in the Cello Concerto, where it ultimately bids farewell to Dvoraks beloved sister-in-law Josefina. There were two performances, the second being a run-out at the Round Top Festival. At the Austin performance I happened to be sitting directly behind the late Richard Crawford, then the central historian of the American musical experience. Richard had never before heard a live performance of Jubilee. He listened, beginning to end, literally on the edge of his seat. And Gunther revisited this work as Leon had the Schoenberg as an old friend. It was the most persuasive performance of Jubilee I will ever hear. Not long after I returned to New York City, I received in the mail a bulging envelope from Gunther. It contained a handwritten letter eight pages long, plus an annotated score of the Dvorak concerto. As the letter was marked CONFIDENTIAL, I feel constrained to quote it at any length. Gunthers gist was that the distortions inflicted on Dvoraks Cello Concerto by his Texas soloist were so upsetting that he felt impelled to document in full what he had endured. Heres an excerpt: M. 120: first two beats very slow, following by a 1 bar accel., then in mm. 122/3 even faster accelerations. . . . m. 128-131, big slow down (to about quarter note = 72, instead of Dvoraks 116). M. 140, not pp, but a big fat f. M. 142 a big accel, m. 143 a big ritard. M. 147 I had to make a huge rit. so that his super-slow m. 148 made some kind of logical sense. M. 154-5 a huge accel. (the cellos and basses never could catch up with me and him). There was also a P.S.: Not any other cellists pay much attention to Dvoraks score and meticulous notation. I think it was Rostropovich who first led everyone down the primrose path. I most recently had occasion to remember Gunther when I accompanied the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, and its terrific conductor Ken Kiesler, to South Africa. Recounting this experience in The American Scholar, I wrote in part: In 1979, the composer-pedagogue Gunther Schuller . . . delivered a rather famous lecture at the Tanglewood Music Center. He warned the students, most of them fledgling symphonic musicians, that American orchestras had fallen prey to apathy, cynicism, and bitterness. He said boredom was rife in the ranks of the most affluent, most prestigious orchestras. He complained of a union mentality and absentee music directors. The University of Michigan players I observed in South Africa comprised one of the least jaded orchestras I have encountered in years. They retained attention even when they were not playing. They drew mounting energy from the audiences in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Soweto, and Cape Town. I heard one violinist, at Soweto, impulsively declare that she did not want to return to the United States, that the concert had been life-changing. The emotion behind Gunthers rather famous Tanglewood lecture can only be adequately appreciated if one happens to listen to broadcasts of Mitropouloss New York Philharmonic, in which Gunther subbed.[1] The intensity of commitment isnt just a function of podium leadership. It evinces a tireless passion for music. Gunther loved the Dvorak Cello Concerto so much that he literally had to expel the memory of that Texas performance. [1] To sample Mitropouloss Philharmonic at full throttle, try their January 29, 1950, broadcast of Rachmaninoffs Symphonic Dances and ask yourself when you last heard a professional American orchestra play with such abandon. by Lisa Bongiovanni The winter update from the HFCC, the international body that coordinates shortwave radio frequencies, shows a significant expansion in reported broadcasts by China National Radio, especially in Tibetan and Uyghur. This increase comes as the United States drastically cuts funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media as well as Radio Free Asia, a historic independent voice that has documented repression in Tibet and Xinjiang. Beijing (AsiaNews) On 9 November, the High Frequency Coordination Conference (HFCC), which coordinates the use of shortwave among broadcasters worldwide, published its new radio broadcast schedule for the winter season. The update highlights a further increase in frequencies registered by the Chinese state broadcaster China National Radio (CNR), especially for Tibetan and Uyghur-language services. The HFCC manages and coordinates global databases of frequencies used by international radio stations, with the aim of minimising interference between stations. However, the association relies solely on data provided directly by broadcasters. Some stations may register more frequencies than they actually use, or, conversely, not include all the programmes they actually broadcast. Therefore, the HFCC schedule is not an exact snapshot of the entire shortwave radio landscape, but rather reflects the stated intentions of individual broadcasters, which sometimes also have political objectives. In countries with strict censorship, shortwave radio remains a favoured medium for the dissemination of independent voices because it circumvents restrictions, escapes controls, and maintains listeners' anonymity. Since 2018, CNR has been part of the state-owned conglomerate, Voice of China, which brings together radio, television, and digital platforms under the supervision of the Central Propaganda Department. This reorganisation centralised the management of state media, allowing for effective coordination of their expansion. Meanwhile, cuts by USAID, the US aid agency, have drastically reduced the dissemination of alternative voices in the country. In 2024, the US allocated over US$ 800 million to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), with US$ 71 million for Radio Free Asia (RFA) alone. Although funded by Congress, RFA operates with legal guarantees against direct political interference. However, the proposed 2026 budget includes 3 million for the agency's orderly closure. Since its founding, it has been one of the main channels to hear anti-establishment voices. Tibetan and Uyghur-language broadcasts have documented repression in Tibet and Xinjiang, detention camps, and forced labour practices violating fundamental human rights. A direct correlation between the expansion of China-funded services and the contraction of those subsidised by the United States is difficult to verify. However, the programming schedule compiled by the HFCC suggests an attempt by Chinese media to fill the information gap left by the United States. It is probably no coincidence that the CNR is expanding the number of broadcasts scheduled in Tibetan and Uyghur, specifically those aimed at the minorities primarily affected by the gutting of the RFA. The CNR has announced that it will broadcast 17 Tibetan-language programmes this winter, from late October to March (B25 season), one more than the recently concluded summer season (A25), and 16 more than for last year's summer season, from 31 March to 27 October 2024 (A24), i.e. before the US funding cuts. In light of these programming updates, it is reasonable to see a direct relationship between the downsizing of US-funded media and the expansion of Chinese-backed media, notes Maria Repnikova, an expert on Chinese political communication, Programmes are broadcasting in local languages, seemingly at odds with Beijing's long-standing efforts to strengthen the integration of ethnic minorities through the promotion of the national language, Mandarin Chinese. Nevertheless, the aim of ethnic language services is to allow the leaders thoughts to penetrate the hearts of people of different ethnicities like a shower of honey, said a senior official from Beijings Central Propaganda Department at the anniversary celebration of the state-run Chinese Tibetan Radio. by Chiara Zappa Ahead of the Pope's visit to Turkey, Monsignor Antuan Ilgt, the first native to lead the Apostolic Vicariate of Anatolia, speaks: I feel close to young people because of my life experience, he says. Our Church? It is a seed for the world. Milan (AsiaNews) - We are heirs to the Nicene Creed, a legacy that we remind the whole world of from here. At the helm of the Apostolic Vicariate of Anatolia, Monsignor Antuan Ilgt claims the heritage of faith of Turkey, the Holy Land of the Church from which Christ's message set out to reach all peoples. Pope Leo XIV will visit here on his first apostolic journey, from 27 to 30 November, to celebrate with Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew the 1,700th anniversary of the Church's first ecumenical council, when representatives of the Christian community, not yet marked by the wound of division, drew up the common profession of faith that is still recited today during Mass. Father Antuan, as he is known among the faithful who feel he is one of them, is the first Turkish bishop of the Latin rite to serve his land: his episcopal consecration on 25 November 2023 in the church of St. Antuan in Istanbul was also an intense moment of ecumenical unity: Among others, there were Bartholomew himself, the Armenian patriarch and some Syriac Orthodox metropolitans, he recalls. It was a historic occasion and one of great joy, but it was also the culmination of a long journey marked by pain and confusion. Because the vocation of Monsignor Ilgt, now apostolic administrator of the Vicariate based in Iskenderun, has passed through the folds of a difficult life. The 53-year-old Jesuit recounts it re-reading it, he explains, in the light of my encounter with the Lord, as St Ignatius suggests. What was your childhood like? I was born in 1972 in Hersbruck to poor parents from Cilicia. In Germany, our family, which also included my younger sister, experienced the difficulties of all immigrants: the struggle to integrate into a completely different country and culture, the language barrier... My father couldn't cope and became an alcoholic. So, when I was six, we returned to Turkey, to Mersin, where he found work as a fisherman. We had a hard life; when there was no fish, we didn't eat. But something changed for me when I met a literature teacher at school who opened up new horizons for me: I began to read, to imagine other opportunities, to dream of a career and of saving my family from the provinces. I was still a boy when my mother, who was only 35, was diagnosed with cancer. I wondered, Why does God allow this suffering?. I searched for meaning, but I couldn't find it. The Muslim faith I had grown up with did not give me answers. I remember an imam telling me, Everything that happens comes from God and you must accept it, but that was not enough for me. And then? I wanted to become a prefect, but my family did not have the means to send me to university. So, I wrote letters to local MPs asking them for a scholarship and in the end I was successful. I left Mersin for Ankara, where I would study Public Administration and Economics at university. In my final year, I moved to Istanbul for an internship and one day I entered St. Antuan's Church. They were celebrating Mass in Turkish and I stopped to listen. I was struck by this God who had become man, who had suffered and could therefore offer answers to human suffering. Once I returned to Mersin, I began the catechumenate journey. After military service, I was offered a career as an officer in the army. But I felt drawn to Jesus and wanted to become a priest so that I could bear witness to him. Even if it meant becoming a disgrace to my family. He came to Italy for his formation, first with the Capuchins and then in the novitiate with the Jesuits. In 2010, he was ordained a priest. In the following years, I continued my studies in Rome and then in the United States on bioethics and health ethics. On the one hand, my mother's illness had marked my vocation, and on the other, I wanted to deepen my knowledge of moral theology from an interreligious perspective, not starting from dogmas but from life, so that I could be a bridge between Islam and Christianity. Because all religions ask themselves the same questions. I was then sent to teach at the Seminary in Naples: a Turkish convert who became a trainer of seminarians! They renamed me the Neapolitan Turk. This vocation to be a bridge between different worlds would prove to be fundamental in the subsequent stages of his journey. I dreamed of returning to serve the Church in Turkey. It pained me that there were no local priests in my homeland to be close to the faithful. Then, on 5 February 2018, when President Erdogan met Pope Francis at the Vatican, I was called as the official interpreter. I had the opportunity to speak with the Holy Father, who listened to and shared my aspiration. He himself became convinced that it would be important to send me to help the Vicariate of Anatolia, and in the end my dream came true: in 2021 I returned to my homeland, where I immediately threw myself into pastoral work. I began to travel around the Vicariate, to be alongside young people, newcomers, and the different faces of the Turkish Church. Who are these faces that the Pope will meet during his visit? There are native Christians, refugees Iraqis, Syrians, Iranians who have tripled the numbers of the Church, and African students who have arrived thanks to scholarships. And then there are Muslims who choose to approach the Catholic faith: this year we have had many catechumens. Of course, baptism is not a point of arrival but a point of departure. We need to offer new believers adequate spiritual tools and support them as a community so that their faith matures and they do not become fickle. My personal history helps me to understand many situations: that of newcomers, because I was one myself, that of immigrants, because my family experienced migration. And then there are the young people. I feel particularly close to them. Together we participated in World Youth Day in Lisbon and in the Jubilee last August. For these young people, I am like a friend, because at their age, 15 or 20, I went through a turbulent period, so I understand their problems. Many aspects of my life, including drastic experiences of precariousness, have been transformed into tools of formation. It is the Lord's pedagogy. What does it mean to be a Turkish bishop? It means knowing the local language and mentality well, being part of the community in everything. I never thought I would become a bishop, but today I feel a strong duty to be with the people, as during the earthquake in February 2023, which also destroyed our cathedral. For weeks we worked, ate and slept together. As for relations with the civil authorities, they have always been good. A deputy minister was even present at my ordination. At first there was a certain curiosity, but today they say, Finally we have someone who understands us. Have I ever felt in danger? No, and in any case, risk is part of our choice. A Jesuit must find God in all things. What is the role of the Christian community in Turkey? To be a seed, because we have a very beautiful heritage, of which we must be authentic witnesses. The anniversary of the Council of Nicaea reminds us of this legacy, which has left its mark on the world. It reminds us and Europe, since Christianity is often very Eurocentric: instead, the centre must be Christ, and his message started from this land, so important for Christianity, once the seat of the patriarchate, and where today the Church almost does not exist... Why? It is up to us to ask ourselves: What is the Spirit that guides history asking of us? What is your answer? A central theme is undoubtedly unity among Christians. Here we experience a very intense ecumenism of life with the Orthodox community. It is important for witness among Muslims. And then there are the young people, who are the future but also the present of the Church, and who are trying to understand their role within it. Twice a year, I organise a meeting in which young people from all over the Vicariate prepare moments of discussion and activities that bring out their qualities. They are the ones who ask me to create other opportunities; they want to see the Church as a home. And then they want to make their voices heard in society; they need an opportunity, otherwise they will join the many who, even more so after the earthquake, decide to leave. That is why we offer scholarships and, when possible, employment opportunities. On the one hand, young people must experience the catholicity of the Church, as when they sang Christian songs along the road at World Youth Day; on the other hand, they must be able to contribute to the development of their country. Published yesterday, on the Solemnity of Christ the King, the text is the result of a synodal process involving bishops, young people, religious and laity. Inspired by the theme Be courageous: I have conquered the world!, it recalls Christ's victory, the origins of the Korean Church and the action of the Holy Spirit. It will accompany young people and the universal Church towards the 2027 meeting. Seoul (AsiaNews) - Oh Holy Spirit, Flame of Love, by your wonderous hand you have sown the seeds of faith in Korea. Kindle the flame of the Korean martyrs faith in our hearts, making us into disciples who live out the gospel of peace, love, and truth. These are some of the verses of the official prayer for World Youth Day Seoul 2027, from 3 to 8 August 2027. The full text was published yesterday, the Solemnity of Christ the King and the 40th Diocesan WYD, by the local organising committee (LOC); it will accompany young people towards the event. It is a spiritual invitation to the universal Church to begin preparations for the 2027 meeting, which follows the large youth gatherings in Lisbon in 2023 and in Tor Vergata (Rome) last August, on the occasion of the Youth Jubilee. The prayer, inspired by the theme Take courage: I have overcome the world! (Jn 16:33), invites us to trust in Christ's eternal victory and to live the Gospel of hope, unity and mercy amid the challenges of today's world, according to a statement from the Communications Committee of the Archdiocese of Seoul. It is accompanied by the intercession of Our Lady, patroness of Korea, and the patron saints of WYD Seoul 2027. The statement from the Archdiocese of Seoul explains that the writing of the prayer is an initiative of the bishops of the local committee, through a process that reflected the synodal identity of the Church. Rather than entrusting the writing of the text to theologians alone, the bishops invited the whole People of God to participate in a shared spiritual experience of writing and discernment, it emphasises. It is the result of a two-day retreat, prepared over more than two months by volunteers, priests, young people and adults, including foreigners, living in Seoul. The programme included thematic conferences, prayer and Eucharistic adoration, personal and group reflection, and writing sessions to help participants collectively discern the central elements of the prayer. A diverse group of 77 people - young people from dioceses and religious communities, international young people residing in Korea, priests, religious men and women, and LOC staff members - took part in the retreat. Through individual meditation, small group writing and a synthesis session, they shaped the draft prayer. After the retreat, the LOC team refined the provisional text and gathered further feedback through online consultations. The revised draft was reviewed by the bishops and submitted to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, which discussed and approved the text with some amendments during its autumn General Assembly. The prayer was then sent to the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, which highlighted the synodal approach and encouraged the LOC to ensure a tone that reflected the voice of young people themselves. After incorporating these changes, the Dicastery formally confirmed the final text. There are five key themes. First, thanksgiving for God's universal invitation and unconditional love that embraces all young people. Next, entrustment to the Father, who brings young people together in communion and unity. The third is the proclamation of Christ's victory, with an invitation to courage rooted in the Cross. The fourth theme is the invocation of the Holy Spirit, the Flame of Love, which recalls the origins of the Korean Church, the witness of the martyrs, and the evangelical values of peace, love, and truth that have emerged from the history of Korean faith. The last is the commitment to the synodal journey, affirming WYD as a pilgrimage towards a Church that listens, discerns, and walks together. On the importance of the newly released prayer, Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, president of the LOC, observed: "WYD Seoul 2027 will take place at a time when the Church is called to rediscover authentic synodality: walking together, listening and discerning. Korea, with its history rooted in the search for truth, love and peace, offers young people a meaningful place to reflect on the courage we must rekindle in ourselves to pursue these values in solidarity." Starting from this vision, Father Francis Hee-cheon Lee, director of the LOC Volunteer Department, reiterated how the prayer, developed in collaboration with the Holy See, is intended to accompany the journey towards WYD: My hope is that, by reciting it often, we can open our hearts to the grace that God desires to pour out on the Church in Korea, on our society, on the universal Church and on the whole world. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, emphasised the importance of the publication on the Solemnity of Christ the King: "This is, in fact, the day on which all particular Churches celebrate WYD locally each year. I therefore invite young people to unite in communion, in their communities and with their bishops, to raise together the cry for peace, fraternity and hope that the world so badly needs." The Korean committee hopes that the prayer will be widely used in the years of preparation: in youth meetings, parish and diocesan events, before or after Mass, and during meetings and pastoral moments dedicated to accompanying young people, reads the statement from the Archdiocese of Seoul. Communities around the world are invited to open themselves to God's grace and to participate spiritually in the journey leading up to 2027. by Joseph Masilamany UN experts are urging Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur to dismantle fraudulent recruitment networks and protect migrants from abuse. Growing indebtedness is a major factor. Migrants from Bangladesh are the largest group of foreign workers, with more than 800,000 active work permit holders as of June this year, or 37 per cent of the total foreign workforce. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) A group of United Nations experts has voiced renewed concern over what they describe as the continued exploitation and deepening debt bondage of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia. In a statement released to local media, the experts, who report to the UN Human Rights Council, said they were deeply troubled by persistent allegations of fraudulent recruitment practices and systematic labour exploitation that remain widespread across the country. These practices, they warned, continue to cause significant human rights harm to workers and their families. Information received by the UN indicates that thousands of migrants were recruited through Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Ltd, with many allegedly paying recruitment fees more than five times above the official limit. By the time they arrive in Malaysia, many are already burdened with heavy debt. Once in the country, the workers reportedly encounter a range of abuses, including the confiscation of passports, the promise of jobs that do not exist, discrepancies between their contracts and actual working conditions, unauthorised sharing of personal data, and limited access to government support. Some migrants were said to have been asked for additional payments, while others were reassigned to different jobs without their consent. There were also reports of workers being pressured to sign false declarations claiming they had paid only the official recruitment fees before leaving Bangladesh. The experts expressed concern that a small circle of recruitment agencies continues to dominate the labour pipeline between the two countries, operating as what they described as a closed syndicate enabled by corruption, a lack of transparency, and systemic exploitation. They urged both governments to take stronger action. Bangladesh, they said, should tighten oversight of recruitment agencies, prohibit all worker-paid recruitment fees, provide pre-departure training on workers rights, and establish effective channels for migrants to report abuses and seek remedies. Malaysia, meanwhile, should strengthen protections against labour exploitation and arbitrary detention, investigate reported violations, provide redress to affected workers, and dismantle exploitative networks that profit from the recruitment system. We urge both governments to intensify their efforts to ensure that migrant workers are not criminalised or re-victimised, and that fraudulent recruitment agencies and other responsible actors are held accountable, the statement said. Bangladeshi nationals constitute the largest group of foreign workers in Malaysia, holding more than 800,000 active work permits as of June, or 37 per cent of the total foreign labour force. Despite their significant presence in key sectors of the Malaysian economy, many continue to grapple with debt, deception, and exploitative working conditions issues that have prompted protests and calls for reform. The short bowel syndrome market is poised for significant change, with next-generation GLP-2 analogues such as apraglutide (Ironwood Pharmaceuticals), glepaglutide (Zealand Pharma), and sonefpeglutide (Hanmi Pharmaceutical), among others, expected to enter the market from 2026. Glepaglutide is likely to launch first in Europe, potentially securing an early advantage, while the entry of generic GATTEX around the same time is set to intensify competition. LAS VEGAS, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Short Bowel Syndrome Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, short bowel syndrome emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into leading markets [the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Short Bowel Syndrome Market Summary According to DelveInsight's analysis, the market size for short bowel syndrome was found to be USD 2.1 billion in the US in 2024 and is projected to grow at a significant CAGR, supported by the introduction of GLP-2 analogues that reduce parenteral nutrition dependence and enhance patient outcomes. in the US in 2024 and is projected to grow at a significant CAGR, supported by the introduction of GLP-2 analogues that reduce parenteral nutrition dependence and enhance patient outcomes. Over the past two decades, GLP-2 analogues have emerged as transformative therapies for SBS-IF, enhancing intestinal absorption, reducing reliance on parenteral support, and improving patient quality of life. have emerged as transformative therapies for SBS-IF, enhancing intestinal absorption, reducing reliance on parenteral support, and improving patient quality of life. Among the 7MM, the US accounted for the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of SBS, i.e., approximately 14,000 cases in 2024, a figure expected to rise by 2034. This growth is influenced by several factors, including higher rates of gastrointestinal surgeries, improved survival of premature infants, better awareness and diagnosis of SBS, and expanded access to home parenteral nutrition and specialised therapies. cases in 2024, a figure expected to rise by 2034. This growth is influenced by several factors, including higher rates of gastrointestinal surgeries, improved survival of premature infants, better awareness and diagnosis of SBS, and expanded access to home parenteral nutrition and specialised therapies. As per the analysis, among the etiology-specific cases, surgical complications accounted for the highest number of cases, that is, nearly 4,100, followed by mesenteric infarction in the US in 2024. Leading short bowel syndrome companies developing emerging therapies, such as Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (VectivBio), Zealand Pharma, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Napo Therapeutics (Family Company of Jaguar Health), and others, are developing new short bowel syndrome treatment drugs that can be available in the short bowel syndrome market in the coming years. and others, are developing new short bowel syndrome treatment drugs that can be available in the short bowel syndrome market in the coming years. The promising short bowel syndrome therapies in clinical trials include Apraglutide, Glepaglutide (ZP1848), Sonefpeglutide (HM15912), MYTESI (crofelemer), and others have the potential to address the limitations of GATTEX by delivering better efficacy, longer duration of action, more convenient administration, and a broader range of benefits for SBS patients. Discover the new short bowel syndrome treatment @ Short Bowel Syndrome Treatment Market Key Factors Driving the Growth of the Short Bowel Syndrome Market Rising SBS Prevalence The Short Bowel Syndrome market is largely driven by the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal conditions that frequently require major bowel resections, resulting in a higher incidence of SBS. Unique GATTEX/REVESTIVE Market Position GATTEX/REVESTIVE is the only approved treatment for both pediatric and adult patients with SBS, giving it a unique market position. Strong clinical evidence supports its efficacy in significantly reducing the need for parenteral support, thereby enhancing patient independence and quality of life. Opportunities Beyond Subcutaneous Therapy While the current therapy is available in the form of subcutaneous injection, expanding into alternative routes of administration such as oral formulations or intravenous injections offers the potential to improve patient adherence, enhance prescribing flexibility, and capture a larger share of the gastroparesis treatment market. SBS Competitive Landscape The pipeline of SBS contains several potential drugs. However, there is a positive outlook for the therapeutics market, with expectations of growth. Companies like Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (Apraglutide), Zealand Pharma (Glepaglutide), Hanmi Pharmaceutical (Sonefpeglutide), Napo Therapeutics (family company of Jaguar Health) (MYTESI), among others, are actively engaged in mid- and late-stage research and development efforts for SBS. Short Bowel Syndrome Market Analysis The management of short bowel syndrome is tailored to each patient, considering the severity and specific symptoms they experience. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), which delivers nutrients intravenously, may be required to prevent deficiencies. While TPN can be administered at home, long-term use carries risks such as infections, blood clots, and potential liver and kidney damage. Patients may also take medications, like anti-diarrheals, to help control SBS symptoms. Chronic intestinal failure (CIF) occurs when the intestine cannot sufficiently adapt to maintain oral or enteral autonomy. Surgical interventions play a key role in treating SBS. Patients with rapid intestinal transit on parenteral nutrition may benefit from procedures such as reversing intestinal segments or inserting colon segments into the small intestine. Those with less than 60 cm of small bowel and complications from parenteral nutrition may be candidates for intestinal transplantation. For patients with bowel dilation from obstruction, options like intestinal tapering or strictureplasty are considered, depending on remaining bowel length. Tapering combined with lengthening may be appropriate for adults with a length under 90 cm or children with a small intestine under 30 cm. Effective SBS management requires a multidisciplinary team, including gastroenterologists and nutrition specialists, due to the condition's complexity. Takeda's GATTEX, the only approved GLP-2 analogue for both adult and pediatric SBS, dominates the treatment market thanks to its clinical effectiveness. Its sales are fueled by growing demand in the U.S., pediatric label expansion, and market growth in Europe and Japan. However, with GATTEX's patents expiring in the U.S. and Europe and the expected arrival of generics in Europe, revenues are projected to decline. This may be partly offset by next-generation GLP-2 analogues, such as apraglutide and glepaglutide, which offer less frequent dosing. In the competitive landscape, glepaglutide represents a potential advancement over GATTEX. Its extended half-life of 88 hours allows for once- or twice-weekly dosing, potentially reducing the treatment burden for patients. Ironwood Pharmaceuticals' apraglutide is poised to redefine SBS care by providing the first once-weekly GLP-2 therapy for patients dependent on parenteral support. Short Bowel Syndrome Competitive Landscape Some of the SBS drugs in clinical trials include Apraglutide (Ironwood Pharmaceuticals [VectivBio]), Glepaglutide (Zealand Pharma), Sonefpeglutide (Hanmi Pharmaceutical), MYTESI (crofelemer) (Napo Therapeutics [family company of Jaguar Health]), and others. Ironwood Pharmaceuticals' Apraglutide is a next-generation, long-acting synthetic GLP-2 analogue under investigation for various rare gastrointestinal disorders, including SBS-IF, where GLP-2 plays a key role in managing disease mechanisms. As of August 2025, based on Q2 corporate highlights and discussions with the US FDA in April 2025, the company is finalising the Phase III confirmatory trial design for SBS patients dependent on parenteral support. The company plans to seek FDA alignment in Q4 2025. If alignment is achieved, Ironwood expects to start the Phase III trial in the first half of 2026. Zealand Pharma's Glepaglutide, another long-acting GLP-2 analogue, is being developed as a liquid autoinjector for subcutaneous administration, aimed at reducing or eliminating parenteral support in SBS patients. The US FDA has granted orphan drug designation (ODD) for glepaglutide. According to Zealand Pharma's Q2 2025 update in August, the company completed a Type A meeting with the FDA, confirming the EASE-5 Phase III trial design, with trial initiation expected in H2 2025 to support US resubmission. Sonefpeglutide, developed by Hanmi using the LAPSCOVERY platform, is a long-acting GLP-2 analogue designed as the world's first once-monthly treatment for SBS. It is currently in global Phase II trials and has received FDA, EMA, and MFDS orphan drug designations, as well as FDA rare pediatric disease and fast track designations for SBS-IF. According to Hanmi's Q3 2025 presentation, Phase II data for sonefpeglutide in SBS is expected in 2027. The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies is poised to transform the short bowel syndrome market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the short bowel syndrome market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth. Discover more about the short bowel syndrome drugs market @ Short Bowel Syndrome Drugs Recent Developments in the Short Bowel Syndrome Market In June 2025, Zealand Pharma announced the submission of a Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for glepaglutide for the treatment of adult patients with SBS. announced the submission of a Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for glepaglutide for the treatment of adult patients with SBS. In April 2025, Napo Pharmaceuticals and Napo Therapeutics announced initial proof-of-concept results showing that a novel liquid formulation of crofelemer reduced the required TPN and/or supplementary intravenous fluids, collectively referred to as parenteral support, in patients with short bowel syndrome-associated intestinal failure (SBS-IF) by up to 12.5%. announced initial proof-of-concept results showing that a novel liquid formulation of crofelemer reduced the required TPN and/or supplementary intravenous fluids, collectively referred to as parenteral support, in patients with short bowel syndrome-associated intestinal failure (SBS-IF) by up to 12.5%. In April 2025, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals announced that, based on a recent discussion with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a confirmatory Phase III trial is needed to seek approval of apraglutide for patients with SBS-IF who are dependent on parenteral support. What is Short Bowel Syndrome? Short bowel syndrome is a complex condition that arises from the loss or impaired function of part of the small and/or large intestine. As a result, affected individuals often struggle to absorb essential nutrients, including fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and fluids, leading to malabsorption. The SBS symptoms and severity vary among patients. Diarrhea is common and can be severe, sometimes causing dehydration that may be life-threatening. The condition can also lead to malnutrition, unintended weight loss, and other complications due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. While there is no cure, short bowel syndrome can usually be managed effectively. In some cases, however, it may cause serious, disabling, or even life-threatening complications. Short Bowel Syndrome Epidemiology Segmentation The short bowel syndrome epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current short bowel syndrome patient pool and forecasted trends for the leading markets. SBS is more prevalent in adults than in the pediatric population, as there were approximately 84% adults in 2024 in the US. The short bowel syndrome treatment market report offers epidemiological analysis for the study period 20202034 in the leading markets, segmented into: Total Prevalence of HPN Use Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of SBS Gender-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of SBS Age-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of SBS Etiology-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of SBS Short Bowel Syndrome Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 20202034 Coverage 7MM [The United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Short Bowel Syndrome Market CAGR 5 % Short Bowel Syndrome Market Size in 2024 (US) USD 2.1 Billion Key Short Bowel Syndrome Companies Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (VectivBio), Zealand Pharma, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Napo Therapeutics (Family Company of Jaguar Health), Takeda (Shire Pharmaceuticals), and others Key Short Bowel Syndrome Therapies Apraglutide, Glepaglutide (ZP1848), Sonefpeglutide (HM15912), MYTESI (crofelemer), GATTEX/REVESTIVE, and others Scope of the Short Bowel Syndrome Market Report Therapeutic Assessment: Short Bowel Syndrome, current marketed and emerging therapies Short Bowel Syndrome, current marketed and emerging therapies Short Bowel Syndrome Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Short Bowel Syndrome Drugs and Market Outlook Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Short Bowel Syndrome Drugs and Market Outlook Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Short Bowel Syndrome Market Access and Reimbursement Download the report to understand the factors driving the short bowel syndrome market @ Short Bowel Syndrome Market Analysis Table of Contents 1 Short Bowel Syndrome Market Key Insights 2 Short Bowel Syndrome Market Report Introduction 3 Executive Summary of SBS 4 Key Events 4.1 Data Presentation 4.2 Anticipated News 4.3 News Flow 5 Epidemiology and Market Methodology 6 SBS Market Overview at a Glance 6.1 Clinical Landscape (Analysis by Molecule Type, Phase, and Route of Administration [RoA]) 6.2 Market Share of SBS by Therapies (%) in the 7MM in 2024 6.3 Market Share of SBS by Therapies (%) in the 7MM in 2034 7 Disease Background and Overview 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Etiology 7.3 Short Bowel Syndrome Symptoms 7.4 Short Bowel Syndrome Pathophysiology 7.5 Consequences of SBS 7.6 Complications of SBS 7.7 Short Bowel Syndrome Diagnosis 8 Short Bowel Syndrome Treatment 8.1 Treatment Guideline of SBS 9 Epidemiology and Patient Population 9.1 Key Findings 9.2 Prevalence of Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) Use in the 6MM 9.3 Diagnosed Prevalence of SBS in the 7MM 9.4 Assumptions and Rationale 9.5 The United States 9.5.1 Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of SBS in the United States 9.5.2 Gender-specific Cases of SBS in the United States 9.5.3 Age-specific Cases of SBS in the United States 9.5.4 Etiology-specific Cases of SBS in the United States 9.6 EU4 and the UK 9.7 Japan 10 Short Bowel Syndrome Patient Journey 11 Marketed Short Bowel Syndrome Therapy 11.1 Detail of Marketed Therapy 11.1.1 GATTEX/REVESTIVE (teduglutide): Takeda (Shire Pharmaceuticals) 11.1.2 Product Description 11.1.3 Regulatory Milestones 11.1.4 Other Development Activities 11.1.5 Summary of Pivotal Trial 11.1.6 Analysts' Views 12 Emerging Short Bowel Syndrome Drugs 12.1 Key Cross Competition 12.2 Apraglutide: Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (VectivBio) 12.2.1 Product Description 12.2.2 Other Development Activities 12.2.3 Clinical Development 12.2.3.1 Clinical Trial Information 12.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 12.2.5 Analyst Views 12.3 Glepaglutide (ZP1848): Zealand Pharma 12.4 Sonefpeglutide (HM15912): Hanmi Pharmaceutical 12.5 MYTESI (crofelemer): Napo Therapeutics (Family Company of Jaguar Health) 13 SBS Market: 7MM Market Analysis 13.1 Key Findings 13.2 Short Bowel Syndrome Market Outlook 13.3 Conjoint Analysis 13.5 Key Short Bowel Syndrome Market Forecast Assumptions 13.6 Total Market Size of SBS in the 7MM 13.7 Market Size of SBS by Therapies in the 7MM 13.8 United States Short Bowel Syndrome Market Size 13.8.1 Total Market Size of SBS in the United States 13.8.2 Market Size of SBS by Therapies in the United States 13.9 EU4 and the UK Short Bowel Syndrome Market Size 13.1 Japan Short Bowel Syndrome Market Size 14 SBS Market Unmet Needs 15 SBS Market SWOT Analysis 16 KOL Views on SBS 17 Short Bowel Syndrome Market Access and Reimbursement 17.1 United States 17.2 EU4 and the UK 17.3 Japan 17.4 Summary and Comparison of Market Access and Pricing Policy Developments in 2025 17.5 Short Bowel Syndrome: Market Access and Reimbursement 18 Bibliography 19 Short Bowel Syndrome Market Report Methodology Related Reports Short Bowel Syndrome Clinical Trial Analysis Short Bowel Syndrome Pipeline Insight 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key SBS companies, including VectivBio, Zealand Pharma, 9 Meters Biopharma, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Adocia, PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals, Surrozen, NorthSea Therapeutics, among others. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Market Irritable Bowel Syndrome Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key IBS companies, including 4D pharma, Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, RedHill Biopharma Limited, NGM Biopharmaceuticals, among others. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Clinical Trial Analysis Irritable Bowel Syndrome Pipeline Insight 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key IBS companies, including Tryp Therapeutics, CinRx Pharma, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, RaQualia Pharma, Biomica, Octavian Therapeutics, among others. Crohn's Disease Market Crohn's Disease Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key Crohn's disease companies, including RedHill Biopharma, Merck, Teva Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, Agomab Therapeutics, Sanofi, Medibiofarma, Eli Lilly, NImmune, Avobis Bio, Abivax, Roche, Telavant, Mesoblast, Takeda, AstraZeneca, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve. Contact Us Shruti Thakur [email protected] +14699457679 www.delveinsight.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg SOURCE DelveInsight Business Research, LLP 24 November 2025 12:04 (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 has recorded a notable surge in the export of copper ores and concentrates during January-October of this year, reflecting strengthened industrial output and rising global demand for strategic raw materials, Azernews reports. According to export statistics for non-oil products of Azerbaijani origin, more than... 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! 24 November 2025 13:16 (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 a total of 79.3 thousand tons of crude oil and petroleum products obtained from bituminous minerals to Bulgaria in JanuaryOctober of this year, amounting to $48.2 million, Azernews reports, citing rtghe State Customs Committee. According to information, the value of these exports increased by... 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! 24 November 2025 16:16 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The European Investment Bank (EIB) has launched a process to provide coordination and technical support for the preparation of a new infrastructure project of Bak Metropoliteni JSC, Azernews reports. The technical assistance will ensure that the planned metro project is developed in compliance with environmental and social standards and evaluated within the framework of local legislation. At this stage, the project will be aligned with the requirements of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and international best practices. The main goal of the support is to incorporate the necessary technical, environmental, and social elements into the planning of the future metro project according to international standards. The program will be implemented in Baku, with work scheduled to begin on February 9, 2026, and continue over a period of 30 months. The technical assistance will also help prepare the project for subsequent financing stages and strengthen institutional and technical coordination throughout the process. 24 November 2025 17:57 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The number of users registered on myGov, Azerbaijans primary digital government platform, has exceeded 2 million, marking a sharp rise in engagement across both the web and mobile applications in 2025, Azernews reports, citing the Innovation and Digital Development Agency. According to information, more than 1 million citizens registered on the platform this year alone more than double the figure recorded at the end of last year. The number of active users, who regularly log in and use digital services, has reached 800,000. The platform now offers over 400 digital services. Among the most frequently accessed digital documents in 2025 were ID card data, employment information, family composition certificates, drivers license data, and marriage-related information. QR code sharing and document download features drove most of this usage. At present, 69 digital documents and data types are available on the platform. Citizens accessed these digital documents around 2.2 million times, twice as much as in the same period last year. The most popular service requests included criminal record certificates, mobile device registration, family member information, single-status certificates, and vehicle-use authorizations. A total of 37 government services were redesigned and digitized, with usage growing tenfold to over 220,000 requests this year. Several new features have significantly contributed to the rise in user numbers. The myGov ID functionality played a key role, enabling fast and convenient access to both public and private sector systems using QR codes. The Permission Management feature gives users greater control over their personal data sharing, enhancing the platforms security and user-friendliness. Additionally, a newly introduced digital correspondence feature, allowing citizens to send and receive letters from government institutions, has further improved the citizen-centric service experience. Through the myGov application, citizens can currently access a wide range of services, including criminal record certificates, family and marital status information, education and military service records, power of attorney issuance, updates to utility service subscriber data, debt and healthcare information, employment references, electronic labor contract signing, entry permits to liberated territories, bank card payments, and more. Life-event services such as obtaining marriage, birth, and death certificates have also become more convenient through enhanced cooperation with government agencies. With ongoing expansions to platform capabilities and user-experience improvements, the growth momentum of myGov is expected to continue in the coming period. 24 November 2025 18:47 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Countries in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) must accelerate efforts to use their existing economic assets more efficiently and invest in the capabilities of firms and workers to unlock faster, more sustainable growth, Azernews reports, citing a new World Bank report. The report, TIDES of Change: Igniting Productivity Growth in Europe and Central Asia, stresses that while increasing capital and labor is important, it is productivityhow effectively those inputs are usedthat ultimately drives economic expansion. A 10% rise in productivity could generate nearly 2 million new jobs across the region, highlighting its critical link to employment, income growth, and competitiveness. The World Bank notes that the regions postglobal financial crisis slowdown has been driven almost entirely by weakening productivity. Sluggish reforms have allowed market distortionssuch as the strong presence of inefficient state-owned enterprisesto persist, preventing resources from flowing to their most productive uses. Limited integration into global markets and weak firm capabilities have further constrained growth. As a result, returns on additional capital investment have fallen sharply. Had ECA countries maintained their pre-2008 pace of productivity growth, the regions GDP today could be around 62% higher, the report says. Exportersthough few in numberare identified as the most productive firms in the region, generating a disproportionately large share of jobs, investment, and value added. Yet, ECA economies trade about 45% less than their potential, pointing to significant untapped opportunities in trade integration and foreign direct investment (FDI). With multinational companies increasingly shifting toward diversified and resilient supply chains, the region stands to benefitprovided governments implement reforms that strengthen the business environment and enhance domestic firms ability to link with global value chains. To unlock this potential, the report calls for renewed reform momentum across five priority areas: trade, investment, digitalization, efficiency, and skills (TIDES). The evidence is compelling, said Asad Alam, Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Prosperity at the World Bank. When competition is strong, when firms can access technology and finance, when trade and investment are open, and when workers have the skills to adapt, productivity rises. Firms grow, hire more people, and innovatefueling income growth and national progress. Drawing on more than 40 million firm-level observations from national statistical and tax authorities across 16 countries between 2008 and 2023, the report provides one of the most detailed analyses to date of productivity trends and constraints in the region. The findings underscore the need for governments to place productivity at the center of national strategiesby promoting competition, increasing transparency in public procurement, and systematically tracking reform outcomes. With the right policies and strong commitment from policymakers, business leaders, and development partners, ECA countries can regain economic momentum and reshape their long-term growth trajectories, the report concludes. 24 November 2025 12:57 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more People's Artist of Azerbaijan Emin Agalarov (EMIN) has released his album "Heroes of Black-and-White Films", Azernews reports. Some of the compositions were gifted to the artist by his friends and colleagues from the "Lotus Music" label Bahh Tee and Konstantin Nonikov on the occasion of his 45th anniversary. The songs were prepared over the course of a year leading up to the jubilee, after which EMIN recorded them and used them as the foundation for the release. Each song is like a short film story filled with romance and sincerity. At the same time, the album retains a contemporary feel through its arrangements and overall mood. The tracklist includes 14 compositions, among them already popular songs as well as new, previously unreleased ones. Duets with Ani Lorak, Jah Khalib, Ellai, and Asia hold a special place. One of the most memorable highlights will be the music video filmed together with Ani Lorak, a visually powerful and emotionally sensitive piece. The album "Heroes of Black-and-White Films" is available on all digital music platforms. --- 24 November 2025 19:54 (UTC+04:00) By Mustafa Abdelhaleem Mahmoud Relations between the Republic of the Sudan and the Republic of Azerbaijan continue to deepen, reflecting longstanding ties and a growing alignment in political and strategic interests. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992, both nations have shown clear commitment to advancing cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres, cooperation that serves shared priorities and enhances their visibility on regional and international platforms. A key turning point came in February 1993 with the opening of the Sudanese Embassy in Baku, a step that expanded diplomatic channels, strengthened institutional coordination, and laid the groundwork for a more structured and dynamic partnership. On the political level, Sudan and Azerbaijan have consistently supported one another in international and regional forums, guided by principles of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and a shared commitment to justice and the right of peoples to self-determination. The two countries also cooperate closely within multilateral frameworks, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement, where they coordinate positions on issues of common concern, particularly counterterrorism, peace, and international security. Azerbaijan has repeatedly expressed its solidarity with Sudan during periods of internal challenge, while Sudan, in turn, has recognized Azerbaijans constructive role in promoting stability and development across the South Caucasus. In this context, the forthcoming visit of the Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to Sudan, heading an official delegation, highlights the strong commitment of both governments to deepen bilateral relations and expand the scope of their shared interests across all fields. This visit is also expected to feature, for the first time, the convening of political consultations between the two Foreign Ministries, offering a valuable opportunity to explore additional areas of cooperation and to identify new avenues for a mutually beneficial partnership. In the economic sphere, the two countries recognize significant untapped potential in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and mining. Azerbaijans advanced expertise in the oil and gas industry offers Sudan valuable opportunities for capacity-building and investment, while Sudans vast agricultural resources provide an attractive landscape for Azerbaijani engagement in food production and agro-industry. In parallel, academic and cultural exchanges have expanded in recent years, with joint initiatives and university partnerships celebrating the rich heritage of both nations and fostering closer people-to-people ties. Today, SudanAzerbaijan relations stand on a solid and steadily expanding foundation, driven by strong political will and a shared strategic vision. Despite evolving regional and global dynamics, the two countries continue to deepen dialogue and enhance coordination, positioning their partnership as a contributor to regional stability and sustainable development. More than a relationship rooted in shared interests, it has emerged as a model of SouthSouth cooperation, grounded in respect for sovereignty, balanced diplomacy, and a commitment to maximizing mutual benefit. ---- Mustafa Abdelhaleem Mahmoud is Sudanese Diplomat, former Charge d'Affaires of Sudan to Azerbaijan 24 November 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more A conference in Istanbul has explored how AzerbaijanTurkiye strategic cooperation has evolved in the aftermath of the Garabagh Victory, with experts highlighting shifting power dynamics in the South Caucasus. Hosted by the Turkish Literature Foundation (TEDEV) and organised by the Garabagh is Azerbaijan National Platform, the event brought together academics, researchers, and civil society representatives to examine new regional realities, the role of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), and the geopolitical significance of the Zangazur Corridor. Opening the conference, Elvin Abdurahmanl, the platforms Turkiye coordinator, said the Garabagh Victory was now a symbol of pride across the Turkic world, adding that the platforms mission is to promote accurate information about Garabagh internationally and strengthen AzerbaijaniTurkish ties. TEDEV Chairman Serhat Kabakl emphasised the importance of cultural links as the basis for deeper political and strategic cooperation. Panel discussions featured presentations on regional diplomacy, military cooperation, and the rising importance of the Middle Corridor in Eurasian connectivity. The event also saw the launch of the Center for Geostrategic and Diplomatic Studies (JEDAM), which aims to cultivate strategic research among young scholars and support the academic dimension of AzerbaijaniTurkish relations. Participants received commemorative plaques at the close of the programme. 24 November 2025 10:20 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more On November 20, 2025, Jordan hosted the ARMYTHON international cybersecurity competition, bringing together the armed forces and security agencies of multiple countries to test their capabilities in cybersecurity and applied cryptography. Azernews reports that the ARMYTHON competition featuring 37 selected teams from 28 countries is considered the most prestigious cybersecurity contest in the EurasiaAfrica region. Participants are required to demonstrate advanced knowledge, experience, and professionalism in addressing complex cyberattack and cyber-defense scenarios, as well as tasks aligned with contemporary challenges in applied cryptography. Azerbaijan was represented in the competition by two teams, both of which achieved strong results. The Land of Fire team of the State Security Services National Cybersecurity Center distinguished itself among international competitors, securing second place. The Iron Fist national team, composed of experts from other relevant Azerbaijani state institutions, ranked sixth. These achievements reaffirm the rapid growth of Azerbaijans cybersecurity capabilities and the increasing global competitiveness of its national specialists. BACOLOD CITY, Philippines, Nov. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025 marked a historic milestone for the Slow Food movement, demonstrating the power of community-led initiatives and the political impact of grassroots food advocacy. Bringing together more than 2,000 delegates from across Asia and the Pacific, the event celebrated the region's food heritage while reinforcing the urgent need for sustainable, regenerative, and culturally rooted food systems. Opening of Terra Madre Asia & Pacific on 19 November (L-R: Ramon Uy Jr, Slow Food International Councilor, South East Asia, Paolo di Croce, Director General of Slow Food, Edward Mukiibi, President of Slow Food International, Eugenio Jose Bong Lacson, Governor of Negros Occidental, Christina Frasco, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary, Kiko Benitez, Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Albee Benitez, Congressman of Bacolod City) "This first edition has been overwhelming," said Reena Gamboa, Executive Director of Terra Madre Asia & Pacific. "These five days have shown us the richness of natural resources in the region. Farmers, cooks, and food producers have formed new alliances and realized their potential to advocate for a shift towards good, clean, and fair food. Terra Madre Asia & Pacific has given us a voice to promote our food biodiversity and culinary heritage, and it has inspired the entire Slow Food network to drive change toward the next edition." "As we close this extraordinary gathering, I want to highlight how the Philippines stand as a remarkable example of diversity, sustainability, and quality. This is why they will remain at the heart of our movement's development in this part of the world. Now we are already looking forward with great enthusiasm to the second edition of Terra Madre Asia & Pacific in 2027," added Paolo Di Croce, Director General of Slow Food. The event reinforced Slow Food's decentralized approach, highlighting a politically conscious, culturally rich movement rooted in gastronomy, Indigenous wisdom, and biodiversity. Delegates celebrated the first step toward establishing Bacolod in Negros Occidental as the first international Slow Food Hub in Asia and the Pacific, strengthening the movement's regional identity and promoting alternatives to industrial food systems, in continuity with the global Slow Food vision. "This comes at a moment when we urgently need to take concrete action against the climate crisis: action that goes beyond negotiations and high-level talks. Lasting climate solutions grow from the ground up," emphasized Slow Food President Edward Mukiibi. "They are rooted in biodiversity, Indigenous knowledge, and strong local food systems that put communities, not corporations, at the center. The solutions we need already exist within our communities and within Slow Food farms: agroecology strengthens resilience today while mitigating emissions for the future. The final commitment of Terra Madre is therefore to amplify agroecological practices, defend biodiversity, and reject industrial, unsustainable models of agriculture." Looking at the island which hosted the first edition of the event, Negros emerged as a highlight, celebrated for its inseparable combination of biodiversity, heritage, and community. The first Slow Food Travel destination launched here in the Philippines will offer visitors the chance to experience authentic local flavors while engaging directly with the people who preserve them. Program Highlights The Education Program featured 18 hands-on workshops led by farmers, cooks, and Indigenous knowledge keepers, exploring soy, spices, rice, and taro. Children, youth, and families walking through the Foodways Area learned to cook taro, grind spices, craft miso, prepare bamboo-cooked dishes, and create indigenous rice snacks. More than 15 local schools brought students to participate. Taste Workshops were sold out, while conferences and public talks drew strong engagement, with lively discussions on food and health, seed preservation, traditional crops, sustainable development, and food policies. Areas such as the Slow Food Coffee Coalition, Slow Drinks, and Terra Madre Kitchen offered spaces for learning, exchange, and networking with producers, cooks, and bartenders. High resolution images can be downloaded here. About Terra Madre Asia & Pacific Part of the global Slow Food movement, Terra Madre Asia & Pacific is a space where communities, ingredients, and ideas converge to shape the future of food. In Bacolod, it unites more than 2000 delegates from across the region to exchange knowledge and strengthen networks for a fairer, more resilient food system. TMAP 2025 is made possible through collaboration between Slow Food, the City Government of Bacolod led by Mayor Greg Gasataya, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental led by Governor Eugenio Lacson, the Department of Tourism led by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the Department of Agriculture led by Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the Department of Trade and Industry led by Secretary Cristina Roque, TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez, Congressman Albee Benitez, Congressman Javi Benitez, and Senator Loren Legarda. Partners include the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Meatless Monday, Plus63 Design Co., FEATR, and the Slow Food Community in Negros. The event also introduces a distinct visual identity inspired by archipelagic landscapes and handcrafted clay forms, reflecting resilience, biodiversity, and cultural interconnectedness designed and created by illustrator Dan Matutina. Media contacts: FINN Partners Greater China Allison Tong, Director [email protected] Stephanie Sin, Account Manager [email protected] SOURCE Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 24 November 2025 10:42 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more In line with President Ilham Aliyevs instructions, the Great Return to the territories liberated from occupation continues. Azernews reports that the latest stage of the relocation process has brought 30 families144 peopleto the village of Mammadbayli in the Zangilan district. The families moving to Mammadbayli had previously been living temporarily in various parts of the country, primarily in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings. Residents returning to their ancestral lands expressed deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive state support provided to them. They also extended heartfelt thanks to the valiant Azerbaijani Army and its heroic soldiers and officers who liberated the homeland from occupation. This latest relocation marks another significant step in restoring life to the liberated regions and ensuring the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of former internally displaced persons. 24 November 2025 11:23 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijan is expanding the scope of information prohibited from dissemination on internet resources, the countrys Parliament announced during a joint online session of the Committee on Legal Policy and State-Building and the Committee on Human Rights, Azernews reports. Under the proposed amendments to the Law On Information, Informatization and Protection of Information, owners of internet information resources, their domain names, or users of information and telecommunications networks will be prohibited from hosting content that publicly insults morality, openly disrespects society, includes obscene expressions or gestures, or displays parts of the human body in ways that violate moral norms and national-spiritual values. The draft legislation also introduces fines for openly encouraging prostitution through online platforms. Violations will result in a 500-manat fine, with repeat offenses incurring penalties up to 2,000 manats. Depending on circumstances and the offenders profile, administrative detention for up to two months may also be imposed. Acts considered petty hooliganism, including public disrespectful behavior that disturbs public order without involving violence or property damage, will carry fines from 50 to 100 manats. In cases where fines are insufficient, offenders may face administrative detention for up to 15 days. More severe violations displayed online that insult public morality may be punished with fines ranging from 500 to 1,000 manats, or administrative detention for up to 30 days. The legislation stipulates harsher penalties for repeat offenses within one year of a previous administrative sanction. Repeat violations may result in fines of 1,000 to 2,000 manats and administrative detention for one to two months. These administrative measures apply only when the actions do not constitute criminal liability under the Criminal Code. Authorities emphasize that the amendments aim to protect public morality and uphold national-spiritual values in the digital space. 24 November 2025 10:37 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more For the first time, non-governmental organizations from member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) are gathering under one roof at Azerbaijans initiative, coinciding with the countrys assumption of the organizations rotating chairmanship. As reported by Azernews, the official opening of the Solidarity Forum of NGOs of OTS Member States will take place today at the Gulustan Palace in Baku. More than 500 civil society representatives from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are attending the event. This marks the largest forum ever organized through Azerbaijans State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations. All delegations have already arrived in Baku. On the eve of the forum, participants visited the Alley of Honor, the Alley of Martyrs, the Turkish Martyrs Memorial, Victory Park, and the Heydar Aliyev Center. Two panel discussions will be held on the opening day of the forum. The first, titled Zangezur Corridor: A Bridge Uniting the Turkic World, will focus on preparations for the new regional landscape following the opening of the corridor and explore civil society initiatives aimed at strengthening Turkic-world connectivity. The second panel will be the First AzerbaijanKazakhstan NGO Cooperation Forum. This follows a series of bilateral civil-society cooperation events: AzerbaijanTurkiye (2022), AzerbaijanUzbekistan (2023), and UzbekistanAzerbaijan (2024). This years meeting will facilitate experience and knowledge exchange between Azerbaijani and Kazakh NGOs and examine new avenues for deeper partnership. Similar forums with Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Turkmenistan are planned for the coming period. Todays discussions in Baku will conclude with a cultural program at the Gulustan Palace. Tomorrow, the forum will continue in Nakhchivan a city of deep symbolic significance for the OTS due to the 2009 Nakhchivan Agreement, which laid the foundation for the organization. It is expected that NGOs from OTS member states will formally establish their joint Platform in Nakhchivan. Azerbaijan, as the current OTS chair, will lead the Platform, which will unite NGOs from eight countries. This is anticipated to become one of the forums most lasting legacies. Earlier this year, Baku hosted the founding assembly of the Global South NGO Platform, bringing together civil society institutions from 115 countries representing two-thirds of the worlds population. Azerbaijan also hosted the first-ever gathering of NGOs from the D-8 (Developing-8) Muslim nations, whose populations constitute 60% of the global Muslim community. At the Globally Engaged Azerbaijani NGOs: Strategies of Unity Against Isolation panel held in Khankendi on October 20, 2025, it was emphasized that the greatest achievement of Azerbaijani civil society over the past two years has been its global outreach. The new OTS NGO Platform is considered a key milestone in this trajectory. In Nakhchivan, the forum will also feature a panel titled Towards WUF13 A First for the Turkic World. Discussions will highlight the scale and rapid pace of Azerbaijans reconstruction and development efforts in Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur, presented as a model for post-conflict regions worldwide. Turkic-world NGOs will also be invited to participate actively in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), to be hosted by Azerbaijan in 2026. On November 26, 2025, participants of the OTS NGO Solidarity Forum will visit several sites across the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The event is expected to conclude with the adoption of a joint declaration. 24 November 2025 11:34 (UTC+04:00) The growing potential of the Turkic states and their increasingly strong position on the global stage require setting more ambitious goals, intensifying joint efforts, deepening cooperation across all fields, and establishing more flexible mechanisms, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in his address to the participants of the Solidarity Forum of NGOs from the Organization of Turkic States Member Countries held in Baku, Azernews reports. The Solidarity Forum of NGOs from the Organization of Turkic States Member Countries, being held for the first time, is an important step in this direction, the head of state emphasized. 24 November 2025 11:44 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, addressed the participants of the solidarity forum of non-governmental organizations of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States, Azernews reports. ''Dear Forum participants! I extend my heartfelt greetings to you at the Solidarity Forum of NGOs from the Organization of Turkic States Member Countries. The growing potential of the Turkic states and their increasingly strong position on the global stage require setting more ambitious goals, intensifying joint efforts, deepening cooperation across all fields, and establishing more flexible mechanisms. The Solidarity Forum of NGOs from the Organization of Turkic States Member Countries, being held for the first time, is an important step in this direction. Our brotherly and friendly peoples, who remain committed to the ideals of peace, security, stability, and progress in the region and beyond, are united as one strong family by our shared ethnic roots, history, language, culture, traditions, and values. This, in turn, enables the Turkic states to act as a single center of power. As the country currently chairing the Organization of Turkic States, Azerbaijan is also working to strengthen public communication and engagement among the civil society institutions of the member countries. The most recent meeting in Baku of the Council of Presidents of the Turkic Red Network of the Organization of Turkic States, the current Solidarity Forum of NGOs, and the upcoming meeting of the OTSs ministers and senior officials responsible for media and information demonstrate both the scale and the multifaceted nature of the work being carried out in this field. Today, the Turkic world is experiencing a period of renewed growth and dynamism. The Garabagh Victory we achieved five years ago is a source of shared joy and pride for the Turkic peoples. I am confident that the Garabagh and East Zangazur economic regions, which are currently being rebuilt, and the Zangazur Corridor, once opened, will play a crucial role in advancing development and strengthening cooperation among the Turkic states. Azerbaijan is ready to launch joint grant competitions for NGOs with the member states of the Organization of Turkic States, both bilaterally and multilaterally, in the fields of history, culture, ecology, climate policy, and other areas, and to support projects that foster mutual communication. The upcoming centenary of the First Turkological Congress in 2026 presents a timely opportunity to continue the unfinished work on the cultural integration of Turkic peoples, with active participation from NGOs, in response to contemporary challenges. The joint and coordinated activities of NGOs from the Turkic world within the framework of the UN and other international institutions, as well as their consolidation on a single platform, can make a significant contribution to our common cause and objectives. I am confident that the cooperative relationships you forge during the forum will help strengthen solidarity, unity, and relations among our countries in the Turkic world. I once again welcome you to Azerbaijan and wish every success to the Forums proceedings,'' the address reads. 24 November 2025 15:13 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijan extends its sincere congratulations to fraternal Turkiye on being selected to host the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), as well as to Australia on being elected President of the conference. According to Azernews, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in a post on its official X account that, as the President of COP29, Azerbaijan will do its utmost to fully support the successful implementation of this important mission. The ministry wished both countries success and expressed confidence that COP31 will make a significant contribution to global efforts to combat climate change. 24 November 2025 16:32 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Speaker of the Milli Majlis (the Parliament of Azerbaijan) Sahiba Gafarova met on November 24 with Elchin Gasimov, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Azerbaijan. Azernews reports, according to the Parliaments press service, Speaker Gafarova congratulated the ambassador on assuming his post and wished him success in his future activities. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of relations between Azerbaijan and Slovakia. It was noted that the Joint Declaration on Establishing a Strategic Partnershipsigned during Slovak Prime Minister Robert Ficos recent visit to Bakuhas elevated bilateral ties to a qualitatively new stage. The sides positively assessed the intensity of reciprocal visits, emphasizing that such engagements contribute significantly to strengthening cooperation. Ambassador Gasimov conveyed the greetings of Richard Rasi, the Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia, to the head of the Azerbaijani Parliament. He also extended congratulations on the occasion of November 8 Victory Day. The meeting underscored the importance of expanding cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries. Both sides noted the strong potential for further strengthening inter-parliamentary ties, highlighting that reciprocal visits by parliamentary speakers and MPs play a crucial role in deepening collaboration. Opportunities for cooperation across all areas of parliamentary activity including between parliamentary committees were also discussed. 24 November 2025 17:52 (UTC+04:00) Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, attended the opening of a new park in the Gobustan settlement of the Garadag district, Azernews reports. The new recreational area, located at the 60th kilometer of the BakuGazakh highway in front of residential houses, covers a total area of 10,350 square meters. The park was designed to provide Gobustan residents with a healthy and high-quality leisure space and to further improve the local living environment. Extensive landscaping works have been carried out, including the planting of various trees, shrubs, and flowers, as well as the installation of lawns. For the comfort of residents, especially children, the park features gazebos, playgrounds, benches, lighting, and trash bins. As part of the opening ceremony, a special tree-planting event was held. Leyla Aliyeva, together with IDEA volunteers, planted cypress trees in different areas of the park. Following the planting, Leyla Aliyeva presented children in the park with toys and took commemorative photos with them. 24 November 2025 14:56 (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 a total of 177.5 thousand tons of oil and petroleum products obtained from bituminous minerals to Austria in JanuaryOctober of this year, with a total value of $88 million, Azernews reports, citing the State Customs 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! 24 November 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir on Sunday announced a series of disciplinary actions and dismissals targeting senior military figures over the failure to prevent the events of Oct. 7, 2023, according to Israeli media. The incident is widely regarded inside Israel as the most severe intelligence and operational collapse in the countrys history, dealing a major blow to both Israels international standing and the credibility of its armed forces. Public broadcaster KAN reported that Zamir ordered the termination of reserve service for several retired generals, including former Military Intelligence head Aharon Haliva, exSouthern Command chief Yaron Finkelman, and former Operations Directorate chief Oded Basyuk. Though these officers had already been removed from their posts previously, the new decisions permanently strip them of their reservist roles. Zamir also dismissed Avi Rosenfeld, the reserve commander of the Gaza Division, while the divisions intelligence officer was removed from the army entirely. Other senior figuresAir Force commander Tomer Bar, current Military Intelligence chief Shlomi Binder, and Navy commander David Saar Salamareceived formal reprimands but kept their positions. KAN noted that Haliva and former Unit 8200 chief Yossi Sariel did not appear at Sundays hearings for scheduling reasons and will undergo review later before any final decision on their reserve status. The disciplinary steps came about two weeks after Zamir received a detailed investigative report from retired Gen. Sami Turgeman outlining the military and intelligence shortcomings that led to the October 2023 shock attack. None of the officers affected have publicly commented. Several high-ranking commanders have already resigned over the failures, including thenchief of staff Herzi Halevi. Reckless path or return to reason: Japan faces choice once again 08:28, November 24, 2025 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described a hypothetical scenario concerning Taiwan as a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, implying the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait and refused to correct her position following China's solemn representations. This stance constitutes a serious violation of the basic norms governing international relations. Her erroneous actions have triggered concern and alarm in the international community regarding Japan's strategic trajectory, and their negative impact is already spilling over into Japan's economy and society. Notably, prominent Japanese media have observed that Takaichi's own political posture represents "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. This assessment exposes the risks associated with her identity as a hardline right-wing politician. Her policy orientation appears to be steering Japan toward a perilous path of militarism and war, a path that can only end in ruin. Takaichi's erroneous remarks on the Taiwan question represent a flagrant interference in China's internal affairs, a grave breach of international law and the basic norms of international relations, and a disruption to peace and stability in the region and the world at large. As a defeated country in World War II, Japan ought to strictly abide by its Pacifist Constitution and uphold the principle of never again waging war. This is the responsible attitude it should demonstrate toward history and toward the world. Yet in the year marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Takaichi has openly issued threats of force against China. This betrays a complete lack of respect for history and constitutes a brazen challenge to peace. A politician who is willing to sacrifice national interests and world peace for personal political gain will ultimately harm herself, harm her country, and endanger the world. There is a clear political calculation behind Takaichi's attempt to exploit the Taiwan question. Insightful observers in Japan pointed out that she is evidently seeking to cement her support base by continually hyping the so-called "China threat" and stoking alarm about China, adopting an aggressively hardline posture to maintain her core constituency. She has not only fully inherited but further radicalized the "political legacy" of Japan's right-wing politicians, turning serious national policy issues into tools for personal political performance. Crucially, she exploits the Taiwan question -- an issue central to the very foundation of China-Japan relations -- as a bargaining chip for her own political gain. Tethering Japan's future such personal political ambition risks leading the country astray and could precipitate disastrous consequences. Takaichi's unwavering position highlights the growing influence of right-wing forces in Japan and the persistent influence of militarism. The Potsdam Proclamation issued after World War II explicitly required Japan to be disarmed, and Japan's Pacifist Constitution enshrined the principle of exclusively defense-oriented policy. Yet Japan's right-wing forces have relentlessly sought to dismantle post-war constraints through significantly increased defense budgets, pursuit of offensive capabilities, and challenges to Japan's Three Non-Nuclear Principles, accelerating the nation's movement toward military expansion. By exaggerating the so-called "survival-threatening situation," Takaichi is in fact seeking excuses for loosening military restrictions and pushing for constitutional revision. Such a dangerous trajectory poses a serious challenge to the post-war international order and would once again place the Japanese people in grave peril. Takaichi's misguided statements and actions have significantly damaged China-Japan relations, imposing the costs of her political ambitions on Japanese citizens. China is Japan's largest trading partner, second-largest export market, and biggest source of imports. Should the Japanese side refuse to repent and persist in making repeated mistakes, China will have no choice but to take even firmer and more resolute countermeasures. According to Bloomberg, risk aversion in the capital market has risen significantly amid concerns over Japan's fiscal outlook and turbulence in China-Japan relations triggered by Takaichi's irresponsible remarks on Taiwan, fueling active "sell Japan" trades in global markets. Japanese economists estimate that a sharp drop in Chinese tourists visiting Japan could reduce Japan's GDP by 0.36 percent, with economic losses amounting to as much as 2.2 trillion yen (about $14.05 billion), further exacerbating Japan's already struggling economy. Eighty years ago, the Potsdam Proclamation issued a solemn warning to Japan: "The time has come for Japan to decide whether she will continue to be controlled by those self-willed militaristic advisers whose unintelligent calculations have brought the Empire of Japan to the threshold of annihilation, or whether she will follow the path of reason. " Revisiting these words today, their message remains powerful and profound. History shows that if Japan's right-wing politicians persist in willful provocation and hostile adventurism, the inevitable outcome will be the historical verdict that war-mongering spells doom. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) The 1916 Company brings its trusted leadership in the secondary market to the world of designer handbags, uniting quality, authenticity, and access under one name. PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 1916 Company, the global destination and community for collectible watches and fine jewelry, announces its expansion into the pre-owned luxury handbag category. Building on decades of leadership in the secondary market, the company introduces a dedicated handbag offering that brings together commerce, content, and community through a distinct approach to curation, sourcing, storytelling, and service. The 1916 Company debuts its pre-owned handbag category with a curated selection of Hermes, Chanel, and other collectible styles, now available online and in select showrooms. A New Vertical, Proven Approach The introduction of pre-owned handbags marks a natural evolution in The 1916 Company's mission to serve collectors across every dimension of luxury. With decades of resale expertise, the company expands its framework of trust, education, and transparency to the world of handbags offering clients access to collectible and trend-driven pre-owned pieces by brands such as Hermes, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, all sourced and authenticated independently by The 1916 Company. By bringing this category in-house, The 1916 Company applies the same rigor and quality standards that define its work in watches and jewelry, uniting all categories under one trusted standard. "Our goal has always been to create a single destination for modern luxury," said John Shmerler, CEO of The 1916 Company. "Expanding into pre-owned handbags allows us to bring the same integrity, storytelling, and service that have shaped our reputation in watches and jewelry to a new, equally dynamic category. This expansion strengthens our ability to serve clients holistically, as we continue to build a community grounded in passion and trust." Led by Expertise: Introducing Lauren Lynch Schuster The handbag category is led by Lauren Lynch Schuster, a respected voice in the luxury resale industry and co-founder of the Luxury In Reach platform acquired, and now fully integrated into The 1916 Company. Known for her discerning eye, market expertise, and approachable style, Schuster brings her vision and experience to this new arena, supported by the company's national retail footprint and global client base. "Handbags are an essential part of the luxury conversation," said Schuster. "At The 1916 Company, we're bringing forward a fresh, informed perspective, combining expertise and enthusiasm to create an experience that's as educational as it is engaging. Whether through one-on-one sourcing or live shopping, our goal is to foster connection, helping clients discover bags they'll love, invest in, and talk about." Pre-owned handbag collections are now available online at www.the1916company.com/handbags, and within select showrooms and lounges across The 1916 Company network, including a dedicated presentation in Baltimore, and new displays in Ardmore, Philadelphia, and New York. ABOUT THE 1916 COMPANY The 1916 Company is the world's leading destination and global community for collectible luxury watches, fine jewelry, and pre-owned designer handbags. Comprising more than 20 boutiques and Collector's Lounges in important watch markets worldwide, The 1916 Company brings together the legacies of WatchBox, Govberg Jewelers, Radcliffe Jewelers, and Hyde Park Jewelers to offer a curated selection of timepieces both new and pre-owned by the most respected watch brands, a dynamic media platform, and the support of trusted client advisors. The 1916 Company's vibrant community extends from coast to coast and around the world. www.the1916company.com PRESS CONTACT The 1916 Company, Caroline Kallman Joffe | [email protected] | +1 717 951 2259 Images available for download HERE. SOURCE The 1916 Company Neil Sinclair, director of Pytilia, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, and Angela Montgomery, co-founder of Pytilia, at the companys new office A Northern Ireland tech company with a major global customer base has tripled the size of its Belfast headquarters following its expansion. Pytilia, which now generates 90% of revenues from global customers, has opened a 4,500 sq ft office space at Weavers Business Park in the city. It will be a base for Pytilias more than 50 team members who provide software design and development services to clients including Hewlett Packard, BT and international financial services companies. The business specialises in cloud computing, data engineering and AI, and has major experience in financial services, especially regulatory technology, compliance and wealthtech, as well as in cybersecurity, telecoms and critical infrastructure. Co-founder Angela Montgomery said: Pytilia has grown steadily since our launch five years ago as our global customer-base has expanded, and we are continuing to recruit for a range of roles. "To accommodate our growth, we are tripling our available space and providing an invaluable base for our team to be together and to support new joiners to the business, which is especially important with Pytilias strong focus on early careers. Neil Sinclair, director of Pytilia, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, and Angela Montgomery, co-founder of Pytilia, at the companys new office News Catch Up - Monday 24 November Co-founder Tim Silversides added: Pytilia invests heavily in talent including with year-out placements and graduate programmes alongside our earn as you learn degree apprenticeships. "Around 20% of our team fall into the early career category with apprentices making up over 10% of our workforce. A world-class office environment is critical for their ongoing development. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald, who attended the opening of the office, said: "Pytilia exemplifies an indigenous software company driving innovation through R&D and collaboration with local universities, whilst creating high quality jobs and career opportunities. "I warmly congratulate them on the opening of these impressive new offices, which will support the companys continued growth." Pytilia is one of eight companies collaborating with academia as part of the Cyber AI Hub at the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) at Queens University Belfast. Northern Ireland Everything you need to know about the 'super flu' sweeping the nation Belfast Giants Belfast to welcome leading names in ice hockey as inaugural 3ICE World Cup to be hosted at SSE Arena Police in Belfast have apprehended a 32-year-old man in the north of the city in connection with a series of common assaults at Comber Greenway. Care worker banned after she stole 750 from vulnerable man Fraudster was meant to support the victim who has Downs Syndrome East Belfast woman Elaine Smyth (61) repeatedly raided the man's bank account over several months while working for a housing association, a tribunal was told. Stock image Stephen Gordon Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 08:00 A dishonest social care worker who abused her position of trust to steal 750 from a vulnerable man with Downs Syndrome has been banned from the profession. Wallace Browne, former Lord Mayor of Belfast, at the unveiling of his portrait at City Hall The DUP has hit out at the Public Prosecution Service in what the party branded as a shocking decision after the body confirmed no one will face prosecution over damage done to a Belfast City Hall portrait of a former Lord Mayor last year. In October last year the portrait of Lord Wallace Browne was damaged during an event held at the building. It was reported the portrait was taken down from a wall in the building and its glass was damaged. Repair work for the portrait cost ratepayers almost 2,500. First Minister Michelle ONeill previously told MLAs that a Sinn Fein employee, working in the Assembly, had made the party chief whip aware of their involvement in the incident. That employee was suspended and then resigned. The incident was investigated by police as a hate crime. Confirming they have taken a decision not to prosecute an individual investigated in connection with the incident, the PPS set out a number of factors involved in their decision, adding that it was concluded by prosecutors that there was no reasonable prospect of conviction for any criminal offence on the evidence available. DUP leader Gavin Robinson described the PPS decision as a shame (Liam McBurney/PA) DUP leader Gavin Robinson described the PPS decision as a shame. Speaking at Stormont, Mr Robinson said: I think we all know because the story leads to this building, the individual that was responsible. He added: It is a matter for the PPS if they dont have the evidence to withhold a prosecution. But shameful acts like that occur quite often. What we need in this society is a criminal justice system that responds when people err. His party colleague Sarah Bunting the DUP leader in the council went further, branding the decision as shocking. "Many people, looking at the circumstances surrounding this incident, will inevitably question how the Public Prosecution Service has arrived at this decision, she said. While the PPS has cited evidential gaps, this outcome will add to the growing public perception of two-tier justice in Northern Ireland. That perception is deeply damaging, and it is vital that confidence in our justice system is protected. The portrait should never have been damaged, and the fact that no one will now face prosecution will understandably cause concern within the wider community. In a statement about the case, a PPS spokesperson said there were a number of gaps in evidence required to bring forward a prosecution, including a lack of CCTV in the area around the portrait. "On 21st October 2024, First Minister Michelle ONeill informed the Northern Ireland Assembly that a Sinn Fein employee made the party Chief Whip aware of their involvement in an incident regarding a portrait and that they had been suspended and then resigned. The PPS and PSNI worked closely to establish what admissible evidence could be obtained regarding the alleged involvement of the reported individual and whether this could support a prosecution. Despite significant efforts to develop a clear evidential picture, key gaps remained." Michelle O'Neill. Photo: PA In their reasons for not proceeding, the PPS also noted that police were unable to identify anyone who had witnessed the damage to the portrait and the individual who resigned from Sinn Fein did not contain any admission. Read more Damage to portrait of former Belfast Lord Mayor being treated as hate crime The PPS added: The email from the Chief Whip advising PSNI of the resignation stated that it had been tendered as a result of the incident. A witness statement subsequently made in February 2025 by the Chief Whip, who had spoken directly to the individual on 21 October 2024, recorded that he had in fact made no admission to being at the event and had denied any knowledge of the damage. She said the individual was suspended so that the matter could be investigated by the relevant internal party structures. When interviewed by police as a voluntary attender, the reported individual exercised his right not to answer questions." The PPS also said they deemed there was no reasonable prospect of conviction due to several factors, including that there was no evidence of when, or in what circumstances the portrait was damaged. The witness evidence available to the prosecution was the account of the Chief Whip which, as outlined above, did not indicate that any admission had been made and did not incriminate the suspect, they added. The prosecution would not have been able to use the press statement, which itself contained no specifics as to the nature of any alleged involvement, to contradict the account of its own witness. "In circumstances where direct evidence from the Chief Whip as to the precise nature of the conversation was available, this press statement, which was hearsay evidence, would have been inadmissible. Even if the press statement had been admitted, in light of the clear witness evidence from the Chief Whip that no admissions were made, the prosecution would not have been able to prove any alleged admission to the criminal standard. While the immediate suspension and subsequent resignation raised suspicion, those circumstances, in themselves, were insufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction in light of the significant evidential difficulties outlined above. The PPS added: We can assure the public that all decision-making in this case was conducted independently and impartially and fully in accordance with our Code for Prosecutors. The incident last year came shortly after a decision to remove former Sinn Fein lord mayor Niall O Donnghailes portrait from City Hall after he had quit the party over sending inappropriate texts to a teenager. Wallace Browne, former Lord Mayor of Belfast, at the unveiling of his portrait at City Hall The story behind Belfast's 'Alec the Goose' tribute outside St George's Market in Belfast Following the decision a PSNI spokesperson added: "Police have a duty to conduct investigations where there are reasonable grounds to suspect the commission of criminal offences. "Police will make relevant enquiries, interview those with information, question suspects and, in consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, either charge a person or submit a file to the PPS in relation to the investigation. This procedure was followed in this case. Prosecutorial decisions are made independently by the Public Prosecution Service and it would be inappropriate to comment further other than to reiterate the Police Service's commitment to treat everyone equally before the law." Northern Irelands Education Minister has vowed to ensure that a Christian ethos in schools is maintained. Paul Givan was speaking in the Stormont Assembly after a Supreme Court judgment that the provision of Christian religious education at schools in the region does not comply with human rights standards. The court upheld an appeal brought by a pupil at a Belfast school and her father and reinstated an earlier court ruling that the teaching of RE and collective worship breaches human rights as it does not approach the subject in an objective, critical and pluralist manner. The pupil, known as JR87, was at a controlled primary school in Belfast in 2019 when, as part of the curriculum, she took part in non-denominational Christian religious education and collective worship. Mr Givan was asked about the judgment in an urgent oral question at the Assembly on Monday by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston. He told MLAs he will consider the judgment in full before determining any remedies that both respect the law and safeguard the role of religion in education. He said the court held that the arrangements for religious education and collective worship in this case breached European Convention rights, and that the core syllabus for religious education does not provide teaching in an objective, critical and pluralist manner. The Supreme Court in Westminster, central London (Yui Mok/PA) But he said it did not strike down existing legislation that both religious education and collective worship can and legally are required to continue in schools. The case is not about whether Christianity should be the main or primary faith that pupils learn about in schools in Northern Ireland, he told MLAs. Historically and today, Christianity is the main religion in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, the court has explained that it is within the departments margin of appreciation in planning and setting the curriculum for the greater part of religious education to focus on knowledge of Christianity. This is a complex judgment that cannot be ignored, but it is important to fully understand the issues before acting. I have requested further legal advice to understand the full implications of the judgment, and will issue comprehensive guidance to schools on both issues in the coming weeks to ensure consistency and legal compliance, and I will be writing to schools within the next few days in relation to this matter. Mr Givan also said he was relieved that devolved government was in place. Its a Democratic Unionist minister that will be responding to this judgment and ensuring that our Christian ethos in our schools is maintained, he added. The minister also said he plans to provide guidance to schools in a number of weeks time, and also announced a review of the curriculum around RE in line with the judgment which he said will take a number of months. Undercover police officers are to be deployed as part of a major operation over the Christmas period in Northern Ireland. The news comes as the PSNI launched its annual Christmas policing operation, Operation Seasons Greetings, with officers set to step up patrols across towns and cities throughout the festive period. The operation, unveiled on Monday, will see increased police visibility in busy shopping areas, nightlife hotspots, and public transport hubs, as they aim to deter crime during what is typically one of the busiest times of the year. As part of the operation, Project Vigilant will also be deployed in a number of towns and cities. The scheme sees plain-clothed officers working with uniformed officers in nightlife areas to identify predatory or concerning behaviour and intervene early to protect vulnerable individuals. Project Vigilant is an important part of our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, ACC Henderson said. By identifying signs such as unwanted attention or someone being followed, our officers can step in before harm occurs. He also urged those experiencing domestic abuse over the festive period to seek help. Sadly, we know reports often increase at this time of year. Our message is simple: we are here for you. Call us on 101, report online, or dial 999 in an emergency. Police on patrol in Belfast Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson, who is leading the Operation Seasons Greetings initiative, said the focus would be on public safety, road safety, and tackling violence against women and girls, alongside efforts to prevent thefts and antisocial behaviour. Christmas is a time for family, friends and community, he said. Our officers will be out across Northern Ireland, providing a visible presence to help keep people safe, prevent crime and offer reassurance to shoppers, businesses and those enjoying festive nights out. Were encouraging everyone to take simple precautions secure your home, plan your nights out responsibly, and look after your belongings. Small steps can make a big difference. The PSNI said it will continue working closely with partners including Retail NI and Translink through the Business Crime Partnership, which brings together retailers, hospitality representatives and other stakeholders to improve safety in commercial areas. ACC Henderson said the partnership plays a vital role in supporting efforts to reduce business-related crime, share information and promote safer trading environments. Translinks Director of Service Operations, Ian Campbell, welcomed the operation and highlighted the return of late-night bus and rail services. Safety remains our top priority, he said. Wed encourage customers to plan their travel in advance. Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said cooperation with police was essential. Christmas is a challenging but enjoyable time for retailers. Its important we work together to keep people safe and vigilant against shoplifting and other crime, he said. Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly, also praised the initiative. I want everyone across Belfast to enjoy a safe, welcoming and joyful Christmas, she said. The collective efforts of the PSNI, businesses and community organisations play a vital role in keeping our city safe at this busy time of year. Ostrich approach to Irish unity will damage unionist politics Former NIO press officer Ben Collins argues Northern Ireland can prosper outside the Union Author Ben Collins (photo by Violet Collins). Inset: His book 'The Irish Unity Dividend' Liam Tunney Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 08:00 Political unionism needs to avoid taking an ostrich approach and consider the opportunities that may come with Irish unity, a former Conservative Party member and government press officer has said. Among this year's laureates are the legendary khyal maestro Ustad Naseeruddin Saami and distinguished qawwals the Warsi Brothers, who both trace their heritage to Amir Khusrau - the esteemed Sufi poet, musician, and visionary polymath who profoundly shaped the cultural history of South Asia; Bahrain's Qalali Folk Band, which has been preserving the cultural memory of the nation's pearl divers for over 100 years; Palestinian oud player and vocalist Kamilya Jubran, a trailblazer in contemporary Arabic music; and Iranian composer Sabha Aminikia, founder of the Flying Carpet Festival, which brings moments of joy to children living in conflict zones. The laureates, selected by an independent seven-member jury from a pool of over 400 nominees, share a prize fund of $500,000. The Awards ceremony headlined a four-day festival celebrating music from the Great East, and marked the first time the Aga Khan Music Awards have taken place in the United Kingdom. His Highness the Aga Khan said: "I am honoured to carry forward a vision deeply rooted in my father's belief in the power of music to bridge cultures and uplift the human spirit. The Aga Khan Music Awards reflect values that lie at the heart of the Aga Khan Development Network: pluralism, intercultural dialogue and the spiritual connection that communities around the world find in music. In many of the regions we serve, music is an integral part of daily life, woven into the rhythms of prayer, celebration, memory and identity. We continue to support artists and traditions that speak not only to heritage, but also to hope." Further Information Free to use images Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830414/Aga_Khan_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830413/Aga_Khan_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830412/Aga_Khan_3.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830411/Aga_Khan_4.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830410/Aga_Khan_5.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830409/Aga_Khan_6.jpg PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830014/Aga_Khan.pdf SOURCE Aga Khan Development Network 21 % more press release views with Request a Demo Kemi Badenoch has defended Tory party chairman Kevin Hollinrake amid a backlash after he appeared to compare Reform UK to the Nazis. Mr Hollinrake posted a link to a Wikipedia entry about a badge handed out to members of Adolf Hitlers party in response to a social media post from Nigel Farage showing a Reform emblem. Tory former home secretary Suella Braverman said the comparison was wrong, irresponsible and highly counter-productive. 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 And Reforms policy chief Zia Yusuf said: This will be on leaflets and ad vans to the point of saturation, so every single one of their constituents knows: the Tories think that if you support Reform, youre a Nazi. But Mrs Badenoch brushed off the row. She told the PA news agency: Kevin Hollinrake made a joke. Reform spend a lot of time online abusing other politicians. Pointing to the 10-and-a-half-year sentence handed to Reforms former leader in Wales Nathan Gill for bribery over pro-Russian speeches, she said: I think they have much bigger problems. 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 But Mr Hollinrakes social media activity revealed unease about how to respond to Mr Farages threat to the Tories. Mrs Braverman said: I expect this from Labour, not the Conservatives. Lets raise the level of debate: criticise the policies, even challenge the people or their actions. But comparing Reform and their supporters to Nazis is wrong, irresponsible and highly counter-productive. Kevin does not speak for me. European officials said they were comforted by the outcome of discussions on US peace proposals for Ukraine. The plans have been viewed as tilted in Russias favour, but officials did not disclose details of the weekend talks and warned of a long road to peace in Ukraine. 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 After Sundays meeting in Switzerland between US and Ukrainian officials, Finnish President Alexander Stubb wrote: The negotiations were a step forward, but there are still major issues which remain to be resolved. US President Donald Trump suggested that the process could be moving in the right direction. Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Dont believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening, he wrote in a post on the Truth Social platform. The talks in Geneva covered a 28-point peace plan presented last week by the United States that triggered alarm in Kyiv and European capitals by heavily favouring Moscows demands and goals following its invasion of its neighbour nearly four years ago. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the interim result of the talks, saying the US proposal has now been modified in significant parts. He cautioned, however: It was possible to clear up some questions, but we also know that there wont be peace in Ukraine overnight. 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 The plan pressed Ukraine to consent to handing over some of its territory to Moscow and slashing the size of its army, leaving it vulnerable. The proposal also sought Europes agreement that Ukraine will never be admitted into the Nato military alliance, though the alliance has previously said Ukraine is on an irreversible path to membership. The surprise emergence of the peace plan coincided with a bleak period for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with the war less than three months shy of its fourth anniversary. It is under severe strain on the front line against Russias bigger army, it is short of money, and Mr Zelensky is trying to defuse a major corruption scandal that has tainted his government. The Geneva meeting offered some hope for Kyiv. Diplomacy has been reinvigorated, and thats good. Very good, Mr Zelensky said late on Sunday. It wasnt clear whether the talks would continue on Monday. Russian officials still havent seen the revised peace plan text since amendments were made over the weekend, a Kremlin spokesperson said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were no plans for US and Russian delegations to meet this week (Ramil Sitdikov/AP) Dmitry Peskov added that there was currently no plan in place for US and Russian delegations to meet this week, but that the Russian side remained open for such contacts. Mr Merz, the German leader, said Moscow must now become engaged in the process. The next step must be that Russia must come to the table, he said in Luanda, Angola where he was attending a summit between African and European Union countries. This is a laborious process. It will move forward at most in smaller steps this week. I do not expect there to be a breakthrough this week. The chief diplomats of Germany, Finland, France, the UK, Italy and Poland consulted with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on Monday on further steps toward ending the war, according to the German Foreign Office. German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who directed the talks in Switzerland, made decisive positive contributions to ensuring that this plan can be accepted by both the European and Ukrainian sides. I would like to say that all issues concerning Europe or Nato have been removed from this plan, which is a decisive success that we achieved yesterday, he told public broadcaster Deutschlandradio. Mr Rubio said the talks were very worthwhile and constituted the most productive day in a very long time. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP) I feel very optimistic that we can get something done, he said. Turkey is also hoping to build bridges between Russia and Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin was to speak by phone with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan later on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Mr Peskov said. Mr Erdogans office said that the two leaders would discuss a deal from 2022, which allowed Ukraine to safely ship exports of grain via the Black Sea. Moscow refused to extend the deal a year later, saying agreements to ease Russian exports of food and fertiliser hadnt been honoured. Meanwhile, the grim reality of war still cast a pall over Ukraine as Russian forces kept up their deadly and devastating strikes on civilian areas. Rescue workers put out a fire of a residential building damaged by a Russian strike in Kharkiv (Andrii Marienko/AP) Russian drones hit residential areas of Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, overnight, killing four people and wounding 13, including two children, authorities said. Eight residential buildings, an educational facility and power lines were damaged in the attack, according to the head of the regional military administration, Oleh Syniehubov. Kharkiv Regional Prosecutors Office published photos showing homes on fire, rubble scattered across backyards and firefighters and war crimes prosecutors working on site. Ukraines air force says Russia fired 162 strike and decoy drones over the country overnight. Russia also resumed its nighttime drone attacks on Ukraines civilian and port infrastructure close to Romanias border, the Nato members Defence Ministry said. Romania scrambled two Eurofighter Typhoon jets and two F-16s in response to drones near its border, the ministry said. Sudans top general has rejected a ceasefire proposal by US-led mediators as the worst yet, in a blow to efforts to stop a devastating war that has gripped the African country for more than 30 months. In video comments released by the military, Gen Abdel-Fattah Burhan said the proposal was unacceptable, accusing the mediators of being biased in their efforts to end the war. Sudan was plunged into chaos in April 2023 when a power struggle between the military and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country. The devastating war has killed more than 40,000 people, according to UN figures, but aid groups say that is an undercount and the true number could be many times higher. It created the worlds largest humanitarian crisis with over 14 million people forced to flee their homes, fuelled disease outbreaks and pushed parts of the country into famine. The war has caused a vast humanitarian crisis (AP) Known as the Quad, the mediators have been trying for over two years to bring an end to the fighting and re-establish a path to democratic transition which was hampered by a military coup in 2021. They are comprised of the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. This month, US president Donald Trump said that he plans to put greater attention on helping find an end to Sudans war after being urged to take action by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to the White House. On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and for both the military and the RSF to negotiate a settlement. Writing on X, he also called for a safe & unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as an end to arms and fighters transfer to Sudan. We need peace in Sudan, Mr Guterres said. Massad Boulos, a US adviser for African affairs, said earlier that the latest proposal calls for a three-month humanitarian truce followed by a nine-month political process. The RSF said it has agreed to the truce, following global outrage over the paramilitaries atrocities in the Darfur city of el-Fasher. Gen Burhan, however, said the proposal is considered the worst document yet, since it eliminates the Armed Forces, dissolves security agencies and keeps the militia where they are referring to the RSF. Many people have been displaced, with a death toll of 40,000 being seen as a huge under-estimate (AP) If the mediation continues in this direction, we will consider it to be biased mediation, he said. He lashed out at the US adviser and accused him of attempting to impose some conditions on us. He added: We fear that Massad Boulos will be an obstacle to the peace that all the people of Sudan seek. In his comments, Gen Burhan also took aim at the UAE. He said that since the Quad includes the Gulf country as a member, the mediation group was not innocent of responsibility, especially since the entire world has witnessed the UAEs support for the rebels against the Sudanese State. The UAE is widely accused by rights groups of arming the paramilitaries. It was reported earlier this month that US intelligence assessments for many months have found that the Emirates, a close US ally, has been sending weapons to the RSF, according to a US official. The UAE denies backing the paramilitaries. Gen Burhan denied that the military is controlled by Islamists or that it used chemical weapons in its fighting against the RSF an accusation levelled by the Trump administration in May. He said the military will only agree to a truce when the RSF completely withdraws from civilian areas to allow the return of displaced people to their homes, before embarking on talks for a political settlement to the conflict. Were not warmongers, and we dont reject peace, he said, but no-one can threaten us or dictate terms to us. US special envoy Steve Witkoff, second left, and US secretary of state Marco Rubio, right, sit at the beginning of talks with the Ukrainian delegation at the US Mission to International Organisations in Geneva (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP) Top US and Ukrainian officials said they were making progress towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war but provided scant details as they discussed the American proposal to achieve peace despite concerns among many of Washingtons European allies that the plan was far too conciliatory to Moscow. US secretary of state Marco Rubio said high-stakes talks in Geneva were very worthwhile and constituted the most productive day in a very long time on larger efforts to end the fighting. I feel very optimistic that we can get something done, Mr Rubio said. But he offered very little information on what was discussed, allowing only that discussions would continue on Monday and perhaps deeper into the week. He also suggested that Europes role and responsibilities as spelled out under the US peace plan might be separated from facets more directly involving the responsibilities of Russia and Ukraine. And Mr Rubio noted that any final product, once it is ready, will still have to be presented to Moscow: Obviously, the Russians get a vote here. In a subsequent statement on Sunday night, the White House said the Ukrainian delegation affirmed that all of their principal concerns security guarantees, long-term economic development, infrastructure protection, freedom of navigation, and political sovereignty were thoroughly addressed during the meeting. It added that the Ukrainians expressed appreciation for the structured approach taken to incorporate their feedback into each component of the emerging settlement framework. The White House said changes made to the proposal now reflect their national interests and provide credible and enforceable mechanisms to safeguard Ukraines security in both the near and long term. Mr Rubios attempt to strike such a positive tone while offering no evidence of a breakthrough constituted a more nuanced approach than US President Donald Trump himself. Before talks even really began, the president blasted Ukraine for a lack of gratitude for US military assistance, while shying away from criticising Russia. Mr Trump has set a Thursday deadline for Ukraine to respond to the plan. But he also has suggested that could slide if there was proof of real progress and that the plan was not his final offer. Mr Rubio also undermined the idea that the deadline was looming, saying simply that officials want to see fighting stop as soon as possible. Some American and European supporters of Ukraine have panned the plan as too favourable to Moscow. Questions intensified after a bipartisan group of US senators said Mr Rubio told them on Saturday that the plan had originated with Russia and was actually a wish list for Moscow, rather than a serious push for peace. US left, and Ukrainian, right, delegations at the beginning of their talks in Geneva (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP) The head of the Ukrainian delegation, presidential chief of staff Andrii Yermak, also confirmed an initial session of talks had concluded and that a second meeting would soon take place. I want to confirm that we had a very productive first session with the distinguished American delegation. We have made very good progress and are moving forward to a just and lasting peace, he said. Very soon today the second meeting will take place, where we will continue to work on joint proposals with the engagement of our European partners. Final decisions will be taken by our presidents. Before the meeting even began, however, Mr Trump suggested he did not expect much. He posted on his social media site that: UKRAINE LEADERSHIP HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA. After Mr Trumps post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cheered US-led efforts on security while also stressing that the crux of the entire diplomatic situation is that it was Russia, and only Russia, that started this war. Ukraine is grateful to the United States, to every American heart, and personally to President Trump, Mr Zelensky wrote in a post on Telegram, adding: We thank everyone in Europe. It is important not to forget the main goal to stop Russias war and prevent it from ever igniting again. Ukraine and allies have ruled out territorial concessions The 28-point blueprint drawn up by the US to end the nearly four-year war has sparked alarm in Kyiv and European capitals. Mr Zelensky has said his country could face a stark choice between standing up for its sovereign rights and preserving the American support it needs. US President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn upon his arrival to the White House (Jose Luis Magana/AP) The proposal, originating from negotiations between Washington and Moscow, acquiesces to many Russian demands that Mr Zelensky has categorically rejected on dozens of occasions, including giving up large pieces of territory. The Ukrainian leader has vowed that his people will always defend their home. Before convening with US officials, Mr Yermak and his team also met with national security advisers from the UK, France and Germany. The allies have rallied around Kyiv in a push to revise the plan, which is seen as favouring Moscow. On Sunday, Mr Zelensky said that there was an understanding the US would take into account a number of elements in a peace deal that are important for Ukraine, but did not elaborate further. There have already been brief reports from the team about the results of the first meetings and conversations, he said. There is now an understanding that the American proposals may take into account a number of elements based on the Ukrainian vision and are critically important for Ukraines national interests. Mr Trump has not clarified his comment on Saturday that the US proposal was not his final offer. I would like to get to peace. It should have happened a long time ago. The Ukraine war with Russia should have never happened, Mr Trump told reporters outside the White House on Saturday. Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and US secretary of state Marco Rubio talk to the press as their consultations continue (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP) One way or the other, we have to get it ended. Rubios reported comments cause confusion Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Sunday that Warsaw was ready to work on the plan with the leaders of Europe, Canada and Japan, but also said that it would be good to know for sure who is the author of the plan and where was it created. Some US lawmakers said on Saturday that Mr Rubio had described the plan as a Russian wish list rather than a Washington-led proposal. A US State Department spokesperson said that account was blatantly false. Mr Rubio took the extraordinary step of suggesting online that the senators were mistaken, even though they said he was their source for the information. The top Democrat on the US Senate Intelligence Committee, senator Mark Warner told ABCs This Week on Sunday that the peace plan appeared to be almost a series of Russian talking points, had made Europeans feel like theyve been totally left high and dry and had led to ferocious pushback. Possibility for additional talks Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that he would hold a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. He said he would talk to the Russian leader about reviving a previous deal from July 2022 that allowed Ukraine to safely ship exports of grain via the Black Sea. The agreement stayed in place until the following year, when Mr Putin refused to extend it, saying that a parallel agreement promising to remove obstacles to Russian exports of food and fertiliser had not been honoured. We had a grain corridor endeavour to open the path to peace, Mr Erdogan said. Unfortunately we were only partially able to succeed. Tomorrow I will be asking Putin to revisit the endeavour. Mr Erdogans new diplomatic push comes just days after he met with Mr Zelensky in Ankara. Republican socialists are accused attacking Clann Eireann extremists with pipe bombsClann Eireann is led by Nazi-admirer Justin Barrett Justin Barrett, right, at a protest outside Leinster House last November. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Members of a vigilante group targeting far-right activists have been blamed for pipe bomb attacks in west Belfast. Sources say the group, which calls itself the Socialist Republican Front, is leaving viable devices close to the homes of people they claim are connected to far-right organisations. They claim those targeted are attending protests organised by loyalists in Northern Ireland, as well as travelling across the border to meetings organised by extremist groups in the Republic. Earlier this month, the group issued warnings and said it was gathering intelligence on members of the far-right group Clann Eireann living in North and West Belfast. Ciaran Dunbar joined by Belfast Telegraph security correspondent, Allison Morris. Was execution victim smeared by IRA with brothel and sex tape lies to cover for her secret Provo lover? Shot dead weeks before ceasefire, Caroline Moreland's killing and senior republicans contempt for her made little sense unless she knew too much about someone Caroline Moreland was shot dead by the IRA after being accused of being an informer Martin Dillon Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 19:30 In July 1994 just six weeks before its ceasefire, the IRA brutally murdered Caroline Moreland, a 34-year-old mother-of-three from west Belfast, and dumped her body on the Fermanagh border. 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. Administrative leaders shared best practices in student success, transfer pathways, and leadership strategies PHOENIX, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders with University of Phoenix joined the proceedings of the Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (PACRAO) Annual Conference, November 912, 2025, in Spokane, WA, and contributed to sessions on a range of topics including academic policy, transfer evaluation, faculty engagement, leadership strategies, articulation processes, and holistic well-being. "Having a group of University of Phoenix leaders share their insights at PACRAO reflects our commitment to advancing best practices across higher education," said Marc Booker, Ph.D., vice provost of strategy at University of Phoenix. "From building transfer pathways to enhancing leadership and communication strategies, these sessions provide actionable approaches that help peer institutions better serve today's learners and positions the higher education to thrive as we pursue our goals." The annual event is intended for higher education professionals from a variety of disciplines and offers presentations, workshops, and panels featuring presenters from across the Pacific region. PACRAO is a non-profit, voluntary, professional association representing more than 350 institutionally accredited 2-year, 4-year, and graduate schools with an individual membership of 1,500 professional admissions officers and registrars. Leadership from the University of Phoenix presented on numerous topics at the PACRAO Annual Conference, including the following: Dr. Marc Booker, vice provost of strategy, led the session "Strategies to Maximize Outcomes as an Influential Leader on Campus," offering insights on maximizing leadership impact when working with cross-functional teams. vice provost of strategy, led the session "Strategies to Maximize Outcomes as an Influential Leader on Campus," offering insights on maximizing leadership impact when working with cross-functional teams. Deslie Ghiorzi, admissions and evaluation college articulation manager, presented "The Art of Articulation: Building Bridges for Student Mobility," providing a high-level look at articulation processes that support student mobility and strengthen transfer pathways. Ghiorzi also led "Why Healthy Habits Matter: Energy, Resilience, and Well-Being," focusing on nutrition, physical activity, sleep hygiene, and stress management, and offering practical strategies for sustainable self-care. admissions and evaluation college articulation manager, presented "The Art of Articulation: Building Bridges for Student Mobility," providing a high-level look at articulation processes that support student mobility and strengthen transfer pathways. Ghiorzi also led "Why Healthy Habits Matter: Energy, Resilience, and Well-Being," focusing on nutrition, physical activity, sleep hygiene, and stress management, and offering practical strategies for sustainable self-care. Daja McCleve, product manager, and Audra McQuarie, vice president, registrar, co-presented "Faculty Accommodations Dashboard: Enhancing Awareness, Supporting Students," showcasing how the dashboard has increased faculty awareness and strengthened support for students with accommodations. product manager, and vice president, registrar, co-presented "Faculty Accommodations Dashboard: Enhancing Awareness, Supporting Students," showcasing how the dashboard has increased faculty awareness and strengthened support for students with accommodations. Joe Tate, senior director, program and policy implementation, led the session, "Comparing & Evaluating Academic Policies to Promote Student Success," highlighting the registrar's role in promoting student success through academic policy and reviewing research into best practices and challenges across institutions. senior director, program and policy implementation, led the session, "Comparing & Evaluating Academic Policies to Promote Student Success," highlighting the registrar's role in promoting student success through academic policy and reviewing research into best practices and challenges across institutions. Kris Thrasher, manager, admissions and evaluation, presented "Enhancing Transfer Evaluation with OCR: Challenges and Successes in Admissions," exploring strategies to improve accuracy, reduce errors, and train staff in transcript evaluation using OCR technology. University of Phoenix leaders also contributed to PACRAO's Leadership Development Institute (LDI), with McQuarie serving as faculty and Ghiorzi as associate faculty. The LDI provides professional growth opportunities for emerging leaders in admissions, records and registration. The program focuses on equipping higher education professionals with the skills to navigate evolving student demographics and advance student success. Learn more here about the PACRAO Annual Conference. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu/blog.html. SOURCE University of Phoenix Bennington, VT (05201) Today Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this morning. Morning high of 33F with temps falling to near 20. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 60%.. Tonight Scattered snow flurries and snow showers this evening. Becoming partly cloudy later. Low 14F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this morning. High around 25F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight A few snow showers around this evening, otherwise mostly cloudy. Low 13F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%. The Cheshire Select Board continued a meeting from May, where Crown Communities, who owns Berkshire Village, was beginning to address the issues that have plagued the mobile home park for years. The tenants of the park continue to say the fixes Crown Communities are implementing aren't enough. STOCKBRIDGE Sixty years ago, Arlo Guthrie was arrested for dumping garbage in Stockbridge on Thanksgiving after attempting to help out a friend. The incident became immortalized in his 1967 song Alices Restaurant Massacree. On Friday less than a week before Thanksgiving the town dealt with another case of illegal dumping, this time at the Chestnut Preserve on South Street. But unlike the 1965 incident, the perpetrators are still at large and their motives are unknown. To report information about this incident Anyone with information about this incident should contact the department's on-duty officer at 413-298-4179. I was really appalled, said Hilary Somers Deely, president of the Laurel Hill Association, which owns the parcel where the incident took place. I have a full volunteer board that works so hard on these 500 acres. Someone left the moldering contents of a basement, house or apartment: black bags, wet boxes and construction debris piled in a tangle of Oriental bittersweet and sumac near a picnic table and a recently planted horse chestnut tree. The association describes the preserve as the "southern gateway" to Stockbridge. It's home to a 10-year American Chestnut Foundation breeding project aimed at restoring the blight-ravaged American chestnut once a dominant hardwood tree known for its rot-resistant wood. The foundation is working to develop a blight-resistant tree so the species can rebound. Brush along the road likely shielded the dumper as they unloaded bags filled with pillows, foam rubber, a mattress and rusted box spring, chairs, debris, a tarp and even a suitcase of molding books. Deely and two association volunteers planned to clean up the mess, but quickly realized they couldnt manage it alone. They reported the dumping to police and turned to the town for help cleaning it up. Reached by The Eagle on Monday, Guthrie drew a distinction between his situation and the current case. "We threw out our stuff where there was already a dump site, not a pristine area, like the one recently abused," he said via email. "Even a notorious litter bug like myself knows the difference between throwing stuff onto an existing garbage site, and destroying the natural beauty in the Stockbridge area." Stockbridge Police Chief Darrell Fennelly told The Eagle on Monday that his department is still "chasing leads" for potential suspects. "We feel it came out of Pittsfield," he said, and he echoed Guthrie's sentiments on the distinction between the two cases. "Unlike the Arlo Guthrie incident in which two hippies tried to do the right thing, but the dump was closed on Thanksgiving Day, so they did the wrong thing; this appears to be someone for hire who put profits above doing the right thing," he said. "There was so much of it, clearly several houses in Pittsfield were being cleared out." Fennelly said that several Pittsfield addresses were found in the debris, "so we're following up for sure, trying to chase those leads. I don't know if it will lead anywhere." Any suspects identified would be charged with illegal dumping. "If it ever got that far, we would ask the court for restitution to the town for the cost of the cleanup," the chief said. Stockbridge Highway Superintendent Bob Navin told The Eagle that he and two department employees removed the debris in just over an hour Monday morning, transporting nearly all of it to the town's transfer station and one mattress to the Casella Waste Management facility in Lenox Dale. Navin said he and his crew restored the Chestnut Preserve to its natural condition. He had no cost estimate yet for the cleanup effort. The Stockbridge police investigation is being coordinated with the Lee Police Department, Fennelly said, since a similar incident occurred alongside West Road in that town on Friday. Lee Police Chief Craig DeSantis told The Eagle on Monday that he believes the incidents are connected. In the Lee case, he said, the dumper used a U-Haul truck to discard household garbage, construction debris and a kayak. Illegal dumping is a violation of Massachusetts General Laws, listing fines of up to $5,500 for the first offense and $15,000 for any additional offense. In 1965, Guthrie and his friends each paid a fine of $25 for their dumping the equivalent of $253.24 today when adjusted for inflation, according to NerdWallet. Stark contrast to town values Nancy Rinsma, an attendant at the town transfer station, said the last time she heard of a dumping incident was in the summer. Some people just have no respect, no respect for themselves, the environment, the town, Rinsma said. Fredric Rutberg, president of The Eagle, who lives in Stockbridge, said he learned about the incident from a neighbor. He then went to see it and photograph it. I was blown away, Rutberg said. It was so brazen. Rutberg said local resident Craig Moffatt volunteered to plant the chestnut trees for the site's breeding nursery. Paul and Sowgol Zakarian of Middletown, Conn., drove by on Sunday and saw the sign for American chestnuts. Paul Zakarian turned his car around out of curiosity. I dont see chestnuts unless theyre very little, but we didnt look very hard, but we found garbage, a giant pile of garbage, he said. Whats in there? Sowgol Zakarian said. Theres pillow cases and Coors Light bottles. We thought maybe this was a town project, like maybe theyre cleaning it up and coming back. The dumping stands in contrast to Stockbridges long tradition of caring for its landscape. The Laurel Hill Association, founded in 1853 by Mary Hopkins Goodrich, was the first village beautification society in the United States. It grew to be a very big organization of like-minded towns, said Deely, the current president of the association. And we have certainly succeeded in Stockbridge, making this a beautiful village. The Sedgwick family donated the first parcel that became the beginning of the associations 500-acre holdings, which include old-growth ash forest, the Ice Glen, Lauras Tower and a Daniel Chester Frenchdesigned rostrum. The Chestnut Preserve spans 9.11 acres and comprises four parcels, the first of which was acquired in 2002 and includes a picnic area. Still, litter has posed an occasional issue. We have discussed a problem, people come in to have picnics here, Deely said, referring to the Chestnut Preserve. And sometimes the people throw their trash on the ground, occasionally, but nothing like this. Stockbridge Police Sgt. Kirk Nichols said that anyone with information about this incident should contact the department's on-duty officer at 413-298-4179. And, as in 1965 when Guthrie tried to unload garbage at the town dump, the Stockbridge Transfer Station will be closed on Thanksgiving. Staff writers Clarence Fanto, Tara Monastesse and night editor Mitchell Chapman contributed to this story. Karnataka showcases 11 breakthrough innovations in biotech, MedTech & healthcare at BTS 2025 November 24, 2025 | Monday | News Startups demonstrating Karnatakas leadership as Indias premier health innovation hub image credit- shutterstock At the Startup Product Launch 4.0 during the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025, the Government of Karnataka highlighted a powerful lineup of Biotechnology, MedTech, Healthcare, Wellness and Health Technology innovations developed by cutting-edge startups from across the state. These 11 solutions, among the 50 launched during the summit, address critical gaps in medical diagnostics, disease prevention, sustainable bioprocessing, healthcare delivery, cold-chain management, and humananimal healthstrengthening Karnatakas position as a leader in health and biotechnology innovation. The Startup Product Launch 4.0 was held on the second day of the four day the 28th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 (BTS 2025), organized by the Department of Electronics, IT & Bt, Government of Karnataka, and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) held from November 18-20 at opened at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). The products were launched in the presence of Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT & Bt, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka. The showcased innovations reflect the state's commitment to enabling startups to transform healthcare outcomes at scale. Backed by world-class support from K-tech Innovation Hubs, Centres of Excellence (CoEs), Technology Business Incubators, and the Governments flagship ELEVATE Idea2PoC programme, these startups demonstrate Karnatakas leadership as Indias premier health innovation hub. Karnatakas multi-layered support systemstate-funded incubators, partnerships with IISc, NASSCOM, IESA, and the ELEVATE funding pipelinehas enabled startups in biotech, MedTech, and health technology to rapidly prototype, validate, and deploy solutions with global potential. These innovations reaffirm Bengalurus position as a biotechnology and MedTech capital, driving advancements that directly impact public health, sustainable manufacturing, disease prevention, and healthcare accessibility. MedTech & Health Technology OUI Medical Advanced MedTech solutions for improved surgical and clinical outcomes (Dr Adarsh M. Patil) LifeCircuit Healthcare innovation focused on connected patient monitoring and health management (Dr Bhaskar Rajakumar) TrueAssist Technology Pvt Ltd Assistive healthcare technology designed to support individuals with mobility and cognitive challenges (Naina Padaki) MozziQuit Solutions LLP Health and animal husbandry solution targeting mosquito-borne diseases with smart prevention technologies (Ignatius Orwin Noronha) BehaveNeu MedTech platform integrating behavioral science, neural analytics, and real-time health intervention (Dr Saikat Gochhait) Blackfrog Technologies Pvt Ltd Renowned for innovations in medical cold-chain transport, ensuring temperature-controlled delivery of vaccines and biologics (Mayur U Shetty) Rosette Smart Life Health & wellness solutions enhancing lifestyle management and preventive care (Likith Kumar RR) Biotechnology & Life Sciences Blog Archive: Dec 2025 (42) Nov 2025 (141) Oct 2025 (153) Sep 2025 (149) Aug 2025 (154) Jul 2025 (155) Jun 2025 (150) May 2025 (155) Apr 2025 (9) Mar 2025 (149) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) Cynthia playing through her sample midi music Features Dual play systems - Play Folder and Play List Play Folder and Play List Comes with 25 built-in sample midis on a virtual disk Elapsed, Remaining and Total time readouts Device Status, Device Count, Msgs/sec and Data Rate readouts Native ".m3u" playlist support (copy, paste, open, save, build) Drag and drop midi files to play/add to playlist Play Modes: Once, Repeat One, Repeat All, All Once, Random Standard Play Speed Range: 50% to 200% (0.5x to 2x) Extended Play Speed Range: 10% to 1,000% (0.1x to 10x) Intro Mode: Play first 2s, 5s, 10s or 30s of midi Rewind/Fast Forward by: 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s or 30s Play on Start option - playback commences on app start Always on Midi option - maintain connection to midi device(s) for instant playback Auto Fade In - eliminate loud or abrupt notes during rewind, fast forward or reposition operations Playback Progress bar - click to reposition/jump backward or forward in time Volume control with volume boost (up to 200%) " Mixer" link - display Windows "Volume Mixer" app Mixer" link - display Windows "Volume Mixer" app Play ".mid", ".midi" and ".rmi" midi files in 0 and 1 formats Scrolling lyrics viewer Detailed midi information panel Tracks Panel: Realtime track data indicators, display flat or shaded, with mute all, unmute all, and mute individual track options Channels Panel: Realtime channel output volume indicators with peak level hold and variable hold time, display flat or shaded, unmute all, mute all, and mute individual channel options Mixer: Adjust individual channel volume levels from 0% to 200% Option: Number channels 0-15 or 1-16 Notes Panel: 128 realtime note usage indicators with variable hold time, 8-12 notes per line, labels as letters or numbers, display flat or shaded, unmute all, mute all, and mute individual note options Option: Number notes 0-127 or 1-128 Piano Panel: View realtime piano keystrokes on a 128, 88, 76, 61, 54, 49 or 37 key keyboard Piano Keystroke Illumination: Off, Flat, Shade Up, Shade Down, Subtle, Subtle 2, Leading Edge, and Leading Edge 2 Piano: Mark middle C key, C + F keys, or all white keys Volume Bars: Realtime average volume and bass volume levels (left and right vertical) Transpose option: Shift all notes up/down music scale Use an Xbox Controller to control Cynthia's main functions: Playback speed, volume, song position, display panels, song file navigation, jump to start of song, toggle fullscreen mode, etc Large list capacity for handling thousands of midi files Switch between up to 10 midi playback devices Supports playback through a single midi device, or multiple simultaneous midi devices Multi-Device Options (per midi device): Time Shift - adjust playback timing to compensate for midi device lag from -500 ms to +500 ms, Device Volume - adjust output volume from 0% to 200%, Output Channels - select which midi channels to play through the device Automatic Midi Device(s) Resync - detects OS changes in midi device ordering/names and corrects in realtime Custom built midi playback engine for high playback stability Automatic compact mode for display on small/low resolution screens Simple and easy to use Options Window - Easily change app color, font, and settings Portable Smart Source Code (Borland Delphi 3 and Lazarus 2) Information App Name Cynthia Version 1.0.6062 Type Desktop App (Standard Edition) License MIT Status Release Date 9th November 2025 Portable App Yes Code Foundation 4th Generation (Gossamer for GUI) Operating System(s) Windows All and Wine for Linux and Mac for "cynthia.exe" SHA256 Checksum 8B9CAB404E174767144C13A32C7357FDF320EA6D632069E68AFC10F107F98F38 Downloads Images Cynthia playing through her sample midi music Cynthia displaying her menu Realtime display panels Visual (Tracks, Channels, and Notes), Piano and Bars visible Cynthia in her traditional view - Navigation, Information and Settings panels visible Easily adjust channel volumes on-the-fly with the integrated mixer - hover over/tap the Channels panel to show/edit Cynthia in the "Deep Orange 2" color scheme (Options > Color) and "Swell" animated background scheme (Options > Background), with Compact mode on (Options > Settings > Compact) Online Help Running Cynthia for the first time Main toolbar links and their function How to play a list of midis in a folder Toolbar Links Tips How to use a playlist to play a selection of midis How to make a playlist Toolbar Links Tips Which playback method to use? Play Folder or Play List? Tip Option: Playback Mode Once Repeat One Repeat All All Once Random Option: File Types Option: Playback Device Option: Speed Option: Volume Option: Playback Progress Lyrics Always on Midi Tip What midi formats are supported? Using an Xbox Controller to control Cynthia Change the coloring of the app's GUI Give your new color scheme a name How to use your named color scheme Can I edit my saved color scheme without having to re-save it/load it etc? What is a background scheme Note Sliders and their meanings Can I customise a background scheme/background image How do I change the frame style, size and sparkle strength/effect? Automatic zoom and scaling of app text and images on high resolution displays Note Change app text size Note Change app font Change app font feathering/antialiasing App startup style Note Create a link to the app on your Start button and Desktop, and the Automatic Startup option Note Note A few important app settings explained On Top - Position app above other apps and windows Don't show the splash screen on app start Where is my app? / Show the app folder Economy mode Some technical limitations of this app What makes a portable app special? Require no installation or setup Require no additional DLL libraries to run and perform it's core function Make no alteration to the host operating system, or its settings, files, libraries or core functions, or the Windows registry, unless it forms a part or a whole of the app's core function, and then, only when initiated by the user Be able to run "out of the box" Require no compiling, conversion, installation or setup of support structures in order to execute, except for when such an environment constitutes an execution enabling environment, such as a command translation service like Wine Be free of zipped or otherwise externally bundled blob structures containing folders, files and bits Operate on less powerful hardware to facilitate operation on a broad spectrum of computers Less demanding API landscape to facilitate execution on a broad range of operating systems and software translation environments Require no special software libraries be present in order to run, such as .NET or JAVA, unless typically pre-installed on the target operating system or execution environment Not require an internet connection to run, unless the connection is required to fulfill the app's core function, such as a web server Require no downloads, addons, or registration in order to run Provide help and documentation offline via a built-in viewer, or by limited external means, such as Notepad Be self-contained with all necessary files, data sets, and samples stored within it's internal structure, such that access be provided preferably through direct enabling mechanisms Store, hold and manage external app settings and user data in a local sub-folder, and that sub-folder be easily identifiable as belonging to the app Provide a mostly consistent appearance and experience to the user across the widest possible range of operating systems and execution environments Value backwards compatibility, and be able to actively make use of that older hardware and software Possess a compact, bloat-free footprint How to remove the app and what you should do first Help my app doesn't look right what should I do? MIT License Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Members of the Defence Forces tasked to protect a US military aircraft at Shannon airport drew their weapons briefly in response to an alleged planned and premeditated airport incursion by three pro-Palestinian activists, a court has heard. At a special late-night sitting of Ennis District Court on Sunday night, Det Garda Colm Moriarty told the court that a US military aircraft parked overnight at the airport allegedly sustained criminal damage when spray-painted with green paint from a modified fire extinguisher on top of a modified van in a taxi area on the airfield at Shannon airport on Saturday morning. At a contested bail hearing for the three accused, all aged 23 and with no previous convictions, Det Garda Moriarty said that one of the three accused, Kaspar Aiden Cantwell Strattra (23) of Manorlands Crescent, Trim, Co Meath, replied after charge and caution at Ennis Garda Station: The use of Shannon airport by the US military breaks Irish neutrality. The US is a belligerent power complicit in the genocide of Palestinians. Advertisement In the case, Mr Cantwell Strattra, social science student, Ms Emily Cathcart (23) North View, Knocknagin Rd, Balbriggan, Co Dublin and Conan Kavanagh (23) of New Cabra Rd, Dublin 7 and St Josephs Drive, Montenotte, Cork are charged with the criminal damage of the main body of a Boeing 737-700 belonging to the US Navy Reserve at Shannon airport on November 22nd. The three are also charged with the criminal damage of a Shannon airport airside vehicle barrier and with trespass at the main apron and taxi-way 11 at Shannon airport on the same date. Outlining the State case against the three, Det Garda Moriarty of Shannon Garda Station said that it will be alleged that at around 9.30am on Saturday, a Ford Transit van entered the apron at Shannon airport and crashed through the exit barrier at speed. He said that it will be alleged that there were three persons in the van - they drove along the runway airside to taxi 11 at speed where there was a US military plane parked overnight where An Garda Siochana and the Defence Forces were providing protection for this aircraft". He said: The van was pursued by airport police and was stopped at the side of the parked US aircraft. The members of An Garda Siochana called for assistance from the Defence Forces. He said: The Defence Forces had their weapons drawn briefly until the situation was under control. The Defence Force members assisted An Garda Siochana in apprehending the suspects." He said that the three suspects had secured themselves into the van by modifying the van by putting chains and barriers in the doors and the windows. Advertisement He said that two suspects were in the rear of the van. He said that there was a hole in the roof of the van for a ladder that allowed persons to come out of top. He said that while An Garda Siochana and Defence Force members were attempting to enter the van, it will be alleged that two suspects in the rear of the van came out through the roof of the van and sprayed green paint from a modified fire extinguisher onto the plane damaging the aircraft. During the 75-minute bail hearing for the three, Det Garda Moriarty said that the Gardai and the Defence Force members required the assistance of the airport fire brigade service to saw open the back of the van to gain entry into the van. Gardai later seized a number of tools from the scene including a battery console, spray paint bottles, a lump hammer and a fire extinguisher with green paint and a number of heavy duty bicycle locks with chains. Det Moriarty said that the strength of evidence is extensive in the case and that the three accused were allegedly caught red-handed. He said that the alleged incursion was planned and premeditated. Det Moriarty showed Judge Marie Keane CCTV footage of the incident. He said that the airport had to be shut down for 30 minutes, and one incoming aircraft was placed in a holding pattern before the airport could re-open. He said that as a result of the incident, there were numerous foreign debris parts strewn across Taxi area 11 and this could potentially have catastrophic effects for other aircraft. Advertisement Det Garda Moriarty said that he believes that furthermore serious charges will be brought in the case. Commenting on the criminal damage charge to the aircraft, Judge Keane said that I have no knowledge of the cost of painting an aircraft, but I can only assume that it is tens of thousands of euros if not more and there is an alleged injured party here and from signage on the plane it is an American-owned plane. Judge Keane said that there is an alleged victim in all of this in addition to the whole security issue. Judge Keane said that Shannon airport is governed by the Air Navigation Act and security at Shannon airport is essential to the security of the State as a whole and is not to be taken separately. Judge Keane granted legal aid to solicitor Tara Godfrey to represent each of the three accused after Ms Godfrey said that the three were suitable candidates for legal aid. Ireland Almost 185,000 of counterfeit currency seized by gardai Read more Judge Keane remanded all three in custody with consent to bail on condition that the three stay out of Co Clare, not to enter any other airport within the State, sign on at their local Garda stations and not engage in any other protests at airports. In the cases of Mr Kavanagh and Ms Cathcart, they are to provide independent sureties of 10,000 each to be approved by the court, and Mr Cantwell Stratta provide a cash lodgement of 5,000. Ms Godfrey said that Mr Cantwell Strattas mother was in court if required to give evidence to support the bail application. Judge Keane remanded all three in custody with consent to bail to appear before Ennis District Court via video-link on Tuesday, November 25th. A consultant gynaecologist found guilty of professional misconduct for directing a further thirty second step be carried out during a diagnostic gynaecological procedure on five different women without obtaining their consent is to be fined 5,000. The President of the High Court, Mr Justice David Barniville, on Monday confirmed the Medical Council sanction against Professor Raymond OSullivan, which also includes a letter of censure over the procedure carried out during an internal examination with a camera at St Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny. The allegations related to a direction to insert an abdominal rectal pressure catheter to measure intravaginal pressure while carrying out a hysteroscopy on five different women on September 4th-5th, 2018, at St Lukes Hospital. It was also found that Professor OSullivan failed to produce advance approval from the local research ethics committee or to comply with professional guidelines about the use of the catheter. Advertisement Counsel for the Medical Council, Nessa Bird BL told the court that there were three separate complaints including from solicitors representing two of the women. At the start of the inquiry, Professor OSullivan admitted the allegations and that they amounted to professional misconduct. The High Court heard that it was professional misconduct of the type to represent a serious falling short of the standards of conduct expected of medical practitioners. The Fitness to Practise Committee had heard that Professor OSullivan who had a research idea had the honest belief that the added thirty second step did not require the consent of the patient. It was accepted that the motivation behind the step was benign and there were a number of mitigating factors including that the consultant had apologised to the women. In the High Court Mr Justice Barniville said he saw no good reason not to confirm the sanctions and he also granted costs to the Medical Council. The chairperson of the Medical Council inquiry, Jill Long earlier this year , said the fitness-to-practise committee also noted that medical records contained no reference to any consent having been obtained from any of the five female patients in advance of the procedure. Ireland Man jailed for posing as driver theory test candidate in learner permit fraud Read more Ms Long said the committees conclusions were also based on a systems analysis review of what happened by the Ireland East Hospital Group, of which St Lukes Hospital in Kilkenny is a part. She also observed that the issue arose while Professor OSullivan alone had taken the decision to conduct a feasibility study of using the catheter to measure intravaginal pressure while performing a diagnostic hysteroscopy. Advertisement Ms Long said the purpose of the research on the five patients was to see if a future proposed study was even possible. She explained that the research was to determine if there was a better alternative that could be developed to the traditional method of carrying out such an examination as the use of a speculum caused so much more discomfort. The three-member committee concluded that the proven allegations represent professional misconduct in so far as they represented a serious falling short of the standards of conduct expected of medical practitioners. A man who caused over 9,400 worth of damage at Dublin Airport after he missed his flight has been jailed for one year. Lukas Kaunietis (29) pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal damage at Terminal One, Dublin Airport on March 17th, 2025. He further pleaded guilty to one count of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, with the intent to provoke a breach of the peace, or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might be occasioned. Garda Peter Mullins told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that Kaunietis was at a Ryanair gate at Dublin Airport at 7am, intending to fly to Lithuania. However, the gate was closed and he missed the flight. Kaunietis, of no fixed abode in Ireland, opened and interfered with the computer and rifled through property at the gate. The court was told around 20 members of the public, including children, were sitting nearby. Advertisement He was approached by airport staff around 10 minutes later. Kaunietis then lifted the computer above his head and smashed it onto the ground. He also took glasses from barrel tables at the nearby bar, smashing them on the ground, then lifted a metal barrier post, which he also threw onto the ground. Kaunietis continued his offending, smashing more computers and equipment used to measure luggage. He also rolled one barrel down a walkway, then picked up another one and held it over his head. Members of the public left the area, the court was told. Airport staff approached Kaunietis again, with one asking him: Do you realise what you did here? He replied: Whatever. They managed to calm him and he was cooperative when arrested by gardai. Stills from CCTV were shown to the court. Over 9,452 in damage was caused to property belonging to the airport and Ryanair. Kaunietis has no previous convictions and entered an early guilty plea. He has been in custody since March 17th last. Gda Mullins agreed with Luigi Rea BL, defending, that his client intends to return to Lithuania upon his release from custody. Mr Rea said his client is ashamed of his behaviour. His client is a construction worker who had been working in Belfast for six weeks before this incident occurred and had been due to leave. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Kaunietis arrived late for his flight and this upset him. He lost the run of himself and did a considerable amount of criminal damage and caused a considerable amount of difficulty and inconvenience, the judge said. He noted Kaunietis wants to go home and handed him a one-year sentence backdated to March 17th last. Sean McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates last summer to face charges of murder and directing a criminal organisation, has been granted legal aid to cover a team of four barristers by the Special Criminal Court. Approving the application on Monday, Ms Justice Karen OConnor said in circumstances where the State was making no observation, the court would have to take information submitted by Mr McGovern at face value. Mr McGoverns defence counsel, Michael Bowman SC, told the three-judge, non-jury court today that his client had filled out and signed a further application for legal aid on Friday. He said the paperwork sets out Mr McGoverns personal and immediate circumstances, adding Mr McGovern had clarified certain issues in the new form. Dominic McGinn SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, confirmed the State had received the new application and was not making any observation in relation to it. Advertisement Granting legal aid, Ms Justice Karen OConnor noted the matter had been adjourned on a number of occasions for the State to make enquiries in relation to the application. She said the court had raised certain issues on the content of the previous form, which they had described as being scant in detail. Ms Justice OConnor said this was likely to be a complex trial and the court was conscious of the fact that we want this matter to move on. She said in the circumstances the three-judge court was of the view that, where the State had made no observation, they were left in a situation where they must take the information supplied at face value. Mr Bowman asked for the same legal representation in the case as the DPP - two senior counsel and two junior counsel and Ms Justice OConnor acceded to this request. She adjourned the matter for mention in the new year and directed that video link facilities be made available for Mr McGovern. Last week, the court said it remained unsatisfied with documentation provided by Mr McGovern in support of his application. Weve gone from receiving scant information to now even less, Ms Justice OConnor said, adding that the court was obliged to exercise due diligence in the use of taxpayers money. "We are not a rubber stamp, Mr Justice O'Connor had said. Mr McGovern (39), with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22nd, 2016, at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin. Advertisement Further offences with which Mr McGovern is charged include directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the same murder between October 20th, 2016, and December 22nd, 2016. He is also charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the surveillance of James Gately in preparation for the commission of an indictable offence between October 17th, 2015, and April 6th, 2017. Another charge alleges that between October 20th and December 22nd, 2016, he contributed to or participated in activity intending or being reckless as to whether such activity would facilitate a criminal organisation in the murder of Mr Kirwan. He faces a similar charge of facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder James Gately. He was previously extradited from the United Arab Emirates to face the charges, but in June, lawyers for McGovern raised a concern about the legality of his return to Ireland. A significant settlement has been reached for the family of a teenager shot dead by the British Army almost 50 years ago. Michael Neill, 16, died following the incident in disputed circumstances on October 24th, 1977, in the Cliftonville Road area of north Belfast. An inquest into his death in December 1978 returned an open verdict. Michael Neill was shot dead by the British Army in Belfast in 1977 (Family Handout/PA) His sister Mary Griffin took civil action against the UK's Ministry of Defence, arguing that he had not posed any threat to the life or safety of the soldier who shot him, or anyone else. A trial had been due to start at the High Court in Belfast on Monday, but instead a confidential settlement was reached. Padraig O Muirigh, of Belfast firm O Muirigh Solicitors who acted for the family, said the settlement is significant. As a result of negotiations over the last number of weeks this legal action has now been settled, he said. Advertisement The confidential nature of the settlement prevents me disclosing the terms of the settlement. I can confirm, though, that the settlement is significant and our client satisfied with the outcome of this litigation. Also speaking outside court, Ms Griffin said her brother remains in her thoughts every day. It has been a long journey for our family, but we are happy with the outcome of this litigation, she said. Our brother was a happy-go-lucky young man who was taken from us too early. Although it is almost 50 years since his untimely death, he is in our thoughts every day. The UK's Ministry of Defence has been approached for a response. A riveting take on 17th century witch trials and tarot card reading with consequences are worth a read this week Fiction The Wax Child by Olga Ravn, translated by Martin Aitken, is published in hardback by Viking. Available now A startlingly original account of a series of 17th century Danish witch trials, told from the perspective of a wax figurine made by one of the accused. This harrowing tale of ostracised women and state brutality is told through a series of vignettes that weave together a rich and compelling fabric of history, biography, nature, prophecy and folklore. Danish writer Olga Ravns prose is at once concise and freewheeling, and bristles with astonishing metaphors as it shifts from the microscopic to the societal, from tenderness to unspeakable cruelty. Key to its effectiveness is the powerless omniscience of the titular wax child, which looks upon the human condition with a combination of wryness and heartbreaking innocence. An outstanding novel. 9/10 Review by Nick Forbes P.S. Youre The Worst by Chloe Seager is published in paperback by HQ. Available now P.S. Youre The Worst explores the chaos of a woman in her late 20s, who is stuck in every aspect of her life. In this relatable and heartfelt novel, protagonist Becky thinks it cannot get worse before she draws the Death card in a tarot reading and believes shes going to die. As she spirals, she writes brutal letters to her friends and family about how she really feels about them, which forces her to face up to the realities of her life. This uplifting novel captures the beauty of being bold, honest and breaking out of a rut. While Becky may not always be likeable in her cringe-worthy attempts to deal with her emotions, you can feel the journey shes on and it comes to a satisfying end. The other characters could have had more depth to them, but for a fun, light read, it leaves readers with a poignant message. 6.5/10 Review by Anahita Hossein-Pour The After Party by Ruth Kelly is published in paperback by Pan. Available now The premise of The After Party by Ruth Kelly sounds great: glamour, influencers, secrets, and a shocking event at an exclusive party in Amsterdam, where a woman goes missing. But as it goes on, it was difficult to not feel a little underwhelmed by this so-called thriller. The set-up has much promise, but the story never quite delivers the final, satisfying punch. While all the characters have something to hide, the reveals lack surprise and the pacing is uneven, meaning some parts drag, while others feel rushed, especially near the end. Ruth Kellys writing style is easy to read, and she clearly knows how to capture the shiny, fake world of social media influencers, but a big twist or vat of emotional depth to get stuck into never quite materialises. 6/10 Review by Oyinda Bishi Non-fiction The Dark Side Of The Earth: How The Soviet Union Collapsed But Remained by Mikhail Zygar is published in hardback by W&N. Available now As befits a nation that once spanned half the globe, Mikhail Zygars The Dark Side Of The Earth delivers a monumental insight into the collapse of the Soviet Union, in all its farce and fury. Spanning the stultifying death throes of the Brezhnev regime to the roaring independence declarations that laid the foundations for the rise of Putins muscular nationalism, Zygars epic narrative unfurls with a momentum to outpace even the most unputdownable political thriller. Underpinning much of the story is Mikhail Gorbachevs painstaking attempt at perestroika a carefully calibrated economic thaw that, undermined at every turn, served only to sow seeds of chaos, and ultimately bring the whole thing crashing down. Gorbachev is cited as one of Zygars impeccable direct sources for a book that will surely endure as the definitive account of an historic era, and serve as a timely reminder that where political systems are concerned, we should perhaps be a little more careful what we wish for. 9/10 Review by Mark Staniforth Childrens book of the week Robots First Snow by Billy Sharff, illustrated by Hannah Abbo, is published in hardback by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky. Available now When youre depending on the wonder of automation for the many Amazon purchases youll be waiting on this festive period, spare a thought for the technology that will play a part in making it happen. In Robots First Snow by Billy Sharff, we are provided with a similar snapshot of what that could look like, but instead of Prime, were presented with a worker robots experience of snow and the emotion it brings up. Robot yearns to be out in the chilly white landscape alongside others who share its joy. Hannah Abbos initial use of muted greys conveys the loneliness of robots in Sharffs story, while the capitalisation and bolding of their responses to orders emphasise the cold, mechanical nature of automation. However, as humans enter the story, Abbo plays with more vivid colours to bring together a heartwarming conclusion and communicate the unifying quality of snow. A unique and moving tale. 7/10 Review by Christopher Henry-Reeve BOOK CHARTS FOR THE WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 15th Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HARDBACK (FICTION) 1. Flesh by David Szalay 2. Exit Strategy: Jack Reacher by Lee and Andrew Child 3. The Strength of the Few: Hierarchy by James Islington 4. Brigands & Breadknives: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree 5. The Christmas Clue by Nicola Upson, 6. The Rose Field: The Book of Dust Volume Three by Philip Pullman 7. The Impossible Fortune: Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman 8. The Last Wish of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson 9. Alchemised by SenLinYu 10. The Long Shoe by Bob Mortimer(Compiled by Waterstones) HARDBACK (NON-FICTION) 1. Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm by Charlie Mackesy 2. Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood 3. Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of Englands Lost Queen by Alice Loxton 4. Mary 90: My Very Best Recipes by Mary Berry 5. Private Eye Annual 2025 by Ian Hislop 6. Guinness World Records 2026 7. Dont Believe Everything You Think (Expanded Edition): Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering by Joseph Nguyen 8 Diddly Squat: The Farmers Dog by Jeremy Clarkson 9 Nobodys Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice by Virginia Roberts Giuffre 10 The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Cant Stop Talking by Mel Robbins (Compiled by Waterstones) AUDIOBOOKS (FICTION AND NONFICTION) 1. Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone (Full-Cast Edition) by J.K. Rowling 2. Nobodys Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre 3. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins 4. Flesh by David Szalay 5. The Long Shoe by Bob Mortimer 6. A Mind of My Own by Kathy Burke 7. The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman 8. Exit Strategy by Lee Child and Andrew Child 9. The Strength of the Few by James Islington 10. Alchemised by SenLinYu (Compiled by Audible) US President Donald Trump said he has accepted an invitation from Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit Beijing in April and that he reciprocated by inviting Mr Xi for a state visit to the US later next year. Mr Trump made the announcement a few hours after he spoke with Mr Xi on the phone, in which he said the two men discussed issues including Ukraine, fentanyl and soybeans. The phone call came nearly one month after the two men met in person in the South Korean city of Busan. Our relationship with China is extremely strong! Mr Trump said. The US and Chinese leaders spoke by phone, discussing trade, Taiwan and Ukraine (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Beijing, which announced the phone call first, said nothing about the state visits but said that the two leaders discussed trade, Taiwan and Ukraine. Mr Xi told Mr Trump in the phone call that Taiwans return to mainland China is an integral part of the post-war international order, and he expressed hope for a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement over Ukraine, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Advertisement The conversation came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently said Japans military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing says must come under its rule. Japan is an important ally of the US in the region. The phone call also coincided with the latest push by the Trump administration to end the war in Ukraine. The Chinese, who in the past always pointed out that their leader picked up the call upon request, didnt say such for Mondays call. That means China called Trump, said Sun Yun, director of the China programme at the Washington-based think tank Stimson Centre. My best guest is China is worried about the escalation (in tensions) with Japan. The reference to Taiwan and the post-WWII order directly points to the spat with Japan over Taiwan. They also talked about Ukraine. That is an issue China is interested in due to the new peace negotiation, added Ms Yun. Donald Trump announced the visits following a phone call between the two (Susan Walsh/AP) The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine crisis, the Chinese side said, with Mr Xi saying the crisis should be resolved at its root. The Chinese leader stressed Beijings support for all efforts that are conducive to peace, according to the statement. However, western governments have accused Beijing of enabling the war through its industrial support for Moscow. Mr Trump said he spoke with Mr Xi about Fentanyl, Soybeans and other Farm Products, etc. We have done a good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers and it will only get better, Mr Trump wrote. Advertisement Since he met Mr Xi in Busan, there has been significant progress on both sides in keeping our agreements current and accurate, Mr Trump said. In the call, Mr Xi said the bilateral relationship has generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory following the Busan summit, and he said the two sides should strive to make more positive progress, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. It did not reveal any concrete agreements on matters such as purchases of American soybeans. A US- and Israel-backed company that provided aid to Gaza said it would close down operations. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) had already shut distribution sites after a US-brokered ceasefire took effect six weeks ago in Gaza. It has now announced that it is permanently shutting down, claiming it has fulfilled its mission. (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) GHF director John Acree said in a statement: We have succeeded in our mission of showing theres a better way to deliver aid to Gazans. The operations of the GHF were shrouded in secrecy during its short time in operation. Launched with US and Israeli backing as an alternative to the United Nations, the group never revealed its sources of funding and little about the armed contractors who operated the sites. It said its goal was to deliver aid to Gaza without it being diverted by Hamas. Advertisement Palestinians, aid workers and health officials have said the system forced aid-seekers to risk their lives to reach the sites by passing Israeli troops who secured the locations. Soldiers often opened fire, killing hundreds, according to witnesses and videos posted to social media. Palestinians inspect the ruins a day after an Israeli strike (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) The Israeli military says it fired only warning shots as a crowd-control measure or if its troops were in danger. GHF said there was no violence in the aid sites themselves but acknowledged the potential dangers people faced when travelling to them on foot. However, contractors working at the sites, backed by video accounts, said the American security guards fired live ammunition and stun grenades as hungry Palestinians scrambled for food. Mr Acree said that GHF would hand off its work to the US-led centre in Israel overseeing the Gaza ceasefire, called the Civil-Military Co-ordination Centre (CMCC). GHF has been in talks with CMCC and international organisations now for weeks about the way forward and its clear they will be adopting and expanding the model GHF piloted, he said. GHF began operating in late May, after Israel had halted food deliveries to Gaza for three months, pushing the population toward famine. Palestinian children play in a makeshift camp for displaced people in Zawayda (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Israel intended for the private contractor group to replace the UN food distribution system, claiming Hamas was diverting large amounts of aid. The UN has denied the claims. Advertisement The UN had opposed the creation of GHF, saying the system gave Israel control over food distribution and could force the displacement of Palestinians. Throughout the war, the UN led a massive humanitarian effort with other aid groups, distributing food, medicine, fuel and other supplies at hundreds of centres around Gaza. In the release, GHF said it had delivered more than three million food boxes to Gaza, totalling 187 million meals. Also on Monday, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz and military chief of staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir clashed publicly over the armys investigation into what happened on October 7 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people to Gaza. Mr Katz has said earlier that he would order a re-examination of the militarys latest internal review. He also said he would be freezing new appointments in the army pending the conclusions of this new review. Israels government has long resisted the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack. In response, Lt Gen Zamir said in a sharply worded statement that the defence ministers move was puzzling and not substantive. If any further examination is required to complete the picture, it must take the form of an external, objective and independent commission Lt Gen Eyal Zamir He said freezing appointments would harm the militarys capabilities and its readiness for the upcoming challenges and claimed he would continue to hold posting discussions as planned, in accordance with his authority. The army is the only body in the country that has thoroughly investigated its own failures and taken responsibility for them, wrote Lt Gen Zamir. If any further examination is required to complete the picture, it must take the form of an external, objective and independent commission that will also probe the interface between the military echelon and the political echelon. Advertisement Moments after Lt Gen Zamir put out the statement, Mr Katz doubled down on his decision, releasing a statement saying he respects the military chief of staff, who knows very well that he is subordinate to the prime minister, the defence minister, and the government of Israel. He added he does not intend to argue in the media and re-asserted his authority to decide on military appointments. Following the militarys latest review, Lt Gen Zamir sanctioned 13 army officials who were top commanders on October 7 2023, censuring some and forcing others into retirement. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share Everything in the room is red: the plush chairs, the benches and tables, the roses, the vase-sized burgundy spittoons. Rows of spotless wine glasses are stacked in crimson wheelie trays. There are designer-looking engraved corks resting in what looks like jewellery boxes. Small groups are clustered around the room, some in aprons, swirling, sniffing, tasting, and poring over liquid worth perhaps more than some earn in a month. Welcome to Penfolds red wine recorking clinic, where the price of entry isnt cash, its an expensive, old bottle of red wine. Fifteen years or older, to be exact: thats what qualifies a bottle for inspection at these recorking clinics, where wine lovers and collectors can see how well their Grange, St Henri Shiraz or Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon have held up in their cellars. On this occasion, wine lovers and collectors across South Australia have converged at Adelaides famed Penfolds Magill Estate, the birthplace of global winemaker Treasury Wine Estates flagship brand. Many come armed with several bottles, sometimes cases, of their long-term investment, which can start from as low as a few hundred dollars and go upwards of $30,000. It can be an emotional time. There are real tears, says Peter Gago, Penfolds chief winemaker. People are quiveringly handing over things. Theyre real quivers. Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago. James Brickwood Gago, who has played Penfolds chief host for over three decades, is a celebrity unto himself, a Rolodex of vintages, tasting notes, and charming anecdotes. A lot of this is about therapy and condition and, you know, meeting expectations You get every kaleidoscopic array of human behaviour here. Advertisement These recorking clinics began in 1991, inspired by Penfolds first winemaker Max Schubert, the creator of Grange who was known to recork old vintages for friends. Since then, over 200,000 bottles have been uncorked and recorked in a world tour that has visited New York, London, Beijing, Tokyo, Stockholm, Munich, Toronto and Hong Kong as well as Australian capital cities Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. By appointment only, they are always booked out: people are anxious to know if their carefully temperature-controlled assets have expired. Over the years, wine corks can lose elasticity and become crumbly or spongy, a death sentence for wine which loses flavour and vibrancy once it becomes oxidised. If deemed assessable, wines are opened, inspected and tasted. If it has kept well, the wine is topped up with the latest vintage, recorked, recapsuled, granted a certification sticker and entered into a database. What these well-heeled collectors (remember, you must be rich in both financial wealth and time for an appointment at these clinics) want is this certification. Where a wine is exceptionally rare, Penfolds may buy it back. What no one wants to see is the white sticker of doom, which indicates the wine has deteriorated too much. This can be unexpectedly good news. They give you permission to drink the wine, says Gago. Two white dots means its not fit for consumption (cue the tears). Bottles that have aged well are certified with a label, which can increase resale value. Advertisement The clinics, a free after-sales service, are a multimillion-dollar expense to Treasury, the only wine company to consistently run such clinics (every two or so years). It did not disclose costs, but sending teams of winemakers around the world, the logistics of specialised machinery, and no doubt Gago himself, is no small operation. This is state-of-the art bottling equipment, custom-modified, he says. Its like a rock-and-roll show on and off airplanes. The clinics serve another purpose, doubling as an expensive marketing exercise. The theatrics of uncorking hoisted on a screen is live footage of a birds-eye-view behind the recorking machine attracts television crews, radio producers and writers as it tours the globe. The optics are carefully orchestrated: perceptions of luxury are shaped more by service than by product alone. Its a highly personalised one-on-one experience. Most wine is sold without any connection to the winemaker, says Emperor Champagne founder Kyla Kirkpatrick. It says: you are significant, you are important, Im going to inspect how my wine is doing in your home. Its almost the reverse of how classical wineries operate. Although Penfolds which makes up about 60 per cent of Treasury Wines profits can be counted among a select handful of truly global Australian-born luxury brands (RM Williams, Aesop, Zimmerman), it could use the publicity. The interest for us in the wine industry is important, says Gago. Its about the culture of wine, and youve got to spread the word, because all these young people [theyre] not drinking wine. Weve got to get people back into this. The recorking clinic at Penfolds Magill Estates in Adelaide, November 2025. Advertisement The last few years have forced Treasury Wine Estates to roll with the punches. The four-year trade war between Beijing and Canberra was not fatal, but it choked the winemakers access to its most lucrative market ($1.2 billion): China. Treasury diverted shipments to neighbouring countries like South Korea, Japan and Singapore and redoubled focus on the US market, where it made a $1.6 billion gamble on California-based Daou Vineyards to become the next flagship brand. Penfolds kept its allure as a coveted luxury brand among Chinese consumers, who were replenished by grapes not from South Australia but from California, Bordeau and Ningxia, China itself. Partnerships with Japanese fashion designer Nigo and local influencers helped. It took on counterfeiters who tried to rip off the Penfolds brand and won. But these efforts to reassert Penfolds pole position are in a world that is slowly shrinking. Fewer people particularly Gen Z are drinking wine, as spritzers, seltzers, and canned drinks rise in popularity. Global wine consumption hit its lowest point in over 60 years, declared the International Vine and Wine Organisation in April. Tim Ford, the recently departed CEO of Treasury Wine, steered it out of the depths of the pandemic and devastating China tariffs. Eamon Gallagher Lower-quality wine $15 or less has fallen out of favour: people are drinking less, but better. The future for Treasury is in its luxury and icon portfolio (Grange, Bin series), where margins are highest. The wine giant put commercial wine brands Wolf Blass, Lindemans, Yellowglen and Blossom Hill on the market, but couldnt find a buyer for the right price. China has never returned to the market it once was for Australian winemakers. Many have sold their vineyards or ripped up grape vines to plant white grapes or fruit instead. Those who remain are now competing with a new wave of domestic Chinese winemakers. In May this year, the Chinese government tightened its crackdown on bureaucratic excess, banning alcohol, cigarettes, alcohol, and even fancy plants from official receptions. Advertisement These problems are structural, not cyclical: Treasury Wine has been forced to reset investor expectations. In October, Treasury Wine admitted Chinese drinkers were holding back more than anticipated and dumped profit predictions. Panicked investors sent the ASX giants share price to a 15-year low, pointing to a high level of uncertainty caused by evolving consumption dynamics in the Chinese market, noted RBC Capital Markets analyst Michael Toner. After a wine is assessed and approved for certification, it is recorked and recapsuled. James Brickwood Not only is demand shrinking, but its getting more expensive to make and grow wine. Climate change is disrupting terroirs and temperatures, leading Treasury to diversify grape-growing regions and invest in developing new climate-resistant varieties, water-saving technology and renewable energy. These are the challenges facing Treasurys new chief executive Sam Fischer, the former boss of beer maker Lion Group. Amid the change, recorking clinics are a conspicuous reminder of Penfolds legacy of prestige and luxury and looks great on social media. The clinics also serve a very commercial purpose: bad wines are taken out of the system to improve the gene pool, says Gago. Certification can pump up a bottles value, all at no additional cost to the owner. Fine wine auction house Langtons guide to Penfolds describes Grange as the most important wine in the secondary market. Penfolds Grange is traded enormously on auctions, said independent wine writer and critic Huon Hooke. When a wine appears with a sticker on it, it says this has been clinic-ed and adds to desirability. Prices on auctions are actually higher for clinicd wines. Advertisement Advertisement Eating outVale Singular, generous: Tributes from Jamie, Nigella and more pour in for chef Skye Gyngell The Australian-born Gyngell is being remembered as a pioneering chef whose approach to cooking helped to set a new standard for the industry. Erina Starkey and Scott Bolles November 24, 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 Australian chef Georgia Lahiff remembers dining at Skye Gyngells London restaurant Spring when she was just 18 years old. My mum came over for Christmas and took me out to lunch at Spring. I was nervous and embarrassed, and I didnt want to say that I was a cook or that I had just finished my apprenticeship, she said. But when Lahiffs mother mentioned it to staff, Gyngell appeared from the kitchen just minutes later. She said, Get in the kitchen and do a trial with us. Wed love to have you. Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Skye Gyngell has passed away from Merkel cell carcinoma. Kristin Perers Georgia went on to work at the Michelin-starred restaurant for two years. She was an incredible person to meet so early in my life, both professionally and personally. Advertisement Gyngell is being remembered as a pioneering chef whose seasonal and sustainable approach to cooking helped to set a new standard for the industry. She was equally admired for the way she mentored young women, a legacy reflected in the tributes that have flowed since her passing. Gyngell died over the weekend in London following a diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. Her family said in a statement: We are deeply saddened to share news of Skye Gyngells passing on 22nd November in London, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Skye Gyngell at Petersham Nurseries in 2011. Neale Haynes Skye was a culinary visionary who influenced generations of chefs and growers globally to think about food and its connection to the land. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy and is an inspiration to us all. Advertisement Skye Gyngell rose to international acclaim as head chef at Petersham Nurseries in south-west London, where she became the first female Australian chef to be awarded a Michelin star in 2011. It wasnt an award that sat comfortably, with Gyngell calling the highly coveted prize a professional curse. Beyond her culinary achievements, Gyngell was known for nurturing talent and mentoring the next generation of chefs particularly women navigating a male-dominated industry. Chef Danielle Alvarez was a good friend of Skye Gyngell. Danielle Alvarez, culinary director of Sydney Opera House Events, cooked alongside Gyngell at the Margaret River Gourmet Escape in 2018, and they remained in regular contact. She was a mentor to me, Alvarez said. She was always someone I could call when I needed help, just to talk about life, food and beautiful things. I will always be grateful to her for that. Advertisement Alvarez described Gyngells cooking as poetic: She had this way of putting food together and plating it that was unlike anything I had seen before. Skye Gyngells restaurant Spring at Somerset House in London. She added that Gyngells generosity extended to countless young cooks. She loved working with young chefs. She looked at all the people who worked for her like her children people to nurture, mentor and look after. Australian chef Sophie Storen, now creative director at Cookes Food in St Kilda, also remembers Gyngell in this way. She started working at Petersham Nurseries straight out of cooking school at just 23 years old. Gyngell would give Storen a lift to and from work, where they would talk about food and life in the car together, while listening to J. J. Cale. Advertisement Storen was one of eight chefs in the all-female kitchen team. It was a very creative environment to work in, Storen said. Wed sit around and talk about buffalo mozzarella for three hours. Or wed try 14 different apples and talk about their flavour profiles. Ive never worked anywhere like that since. Petersham Nurseries was a sprawling cafe and nursery. Gyngell was considered in everything she did, Storen said. She really, really cared about every single plate that went out, and never cut corners. Never. Seeing the tributes pour in, Storen realised how many other young chefs Gyngell had embraced in the same way. What she did for me, she did for so many other people, she said. Among those paying respects online were Jamie Oliver, who described Gyngell as an amazing woman and incredible cook thank you for all that you did to inspire young cooks, and Nigella Lawson, who said: Its just awful that Skye is no longer in the world. It is a tremendous loss, and Im heartbroken for [daughters] Holly and Evie and all those who loved her and learned from her. Advertisement Kylie Kwong added: Absolutely heartbreaking news. Skye was one of the greatest cooks of all time, sending all my love and energy to [the Spring] team and Skyes family and friends. Bruce Gyngell in hospital in 1970 with children (from left) Briony, 9, Skye, 7, and David, 4. Gyngell was born in Sydney in 1963, the daughter of legendary broadcaster Bruce Gyngell, the first person to appear on Australian television, in 1956, and interior designer Ann Gyngell (nee Barr) whose death was revealed just one day before Skyes. At 14, Gyngell reportedly left her exclusive private school after smoking marijuana; at 17, she began experimenting with heroin. None of it slowed her academic progress her next stop: Sydney University. [Skye] was the intellect of the family, incredibly well-read, interested in learning and would try anything, her brother, former Channel Nine chief executive David Gyngell, told Good Weekend Magazine in 2012. Her food is honest and real, like her. In an industry full of ego, she has no airs or graces and is uncompromising about quality. Advertisement Gyngell found a part-time job in a Sydney restaurant and, inspired by its female chef, kitchen life soon won over university. She began her training at La Varenne cooking school in Paris at 19, and worked in prestigious kitchens including George V and the two-star Michelin restaurant Dodin-Bouffant in Paris. She then moved to London, spending a year at the exacting Dorchester, under chef Anton Mosimann, then working for rising culinary star Fergus Henderson, who went on to open the trailblazing nose-to-tail restaurant St John. Skye Gyngell during her early days at Petersham Nurseries. Romas Foord When Gyngell took on the Petersham Nurseries project in 2004, she was met with the challenge of a dirt floor, outside storerooms and puddles en route to the kitchen. In the early days, she brought her own pots and pans from home, dipping into a trusty toolbox of roasted spices, infused oils and tea smoke. It wasnt long before word got out, with nursery regulars tucking into plates of rabbit with roasted fennel and bowls of cauliflower soup with pickled pears while jockeying for a seat with Mick Jagger and fashion designer Stella McCartney. After departing Petersham Nurseries in 2012, Gyngell was appointed culinary director across several restaurants at Heckfield Place, in Hampshire. She opened Spring, at Somerset House, in 2014. Typically, Gyngell forged new territory. Spring was the first restaurant in London to ban single-use plastics. Advertisement From there, Gyngell grew a mini empire of cookbooks and media columns, at one point being appointed the food editor of Vogue. Talented and irreverent, Gyngell was a natural truth-teller who was unafraid to call a spade a spade in her adopted city. She once described the food at Mayfairs fashionable The Wolseley as unapologetically awful and praised Nigella Lawsons cooking while querying the sexy posturing onscreen: Shes an intelligent woman why does she do it? Famed chef Marco Pierre White even copped it for promoting stock cubes. Spring was the first UK restaurant to ban single-use plastics. The media lapped it up, with one article pondering whether Gyngell was the Courtney Love of cooking, while the London Telegraph described her as the Wizardess of Oz for transforming an old greenhouse at Petersham Nurseries into a culinary destination. Her friend and former contributing international editor at Conde Nast Traveller and contributor for The New York Times Style Magazine, Bon Appetit and the Financial Times, David Prior, called Gyngell the most internationally significant Australian female chef of her generation. Advertisement Skye was singular. She had the palate of a chef and the palette of an artist, and those twin, exquisite gifts met in food, he said. She carried an ethereal, mercurial lightness that often belied the grit and unwavering purity of vision that saw her rewrite the rule book of dining in London more than once. It was that interplay that made her so beguiling, placing her at the heart of a movement she never sought to lead, yet in her own quiet, uncompromising way undeniably did. Related Article Skye Gyngell, first Australian female chef to win a Michelin star, dies Advertisement NationalGambling Accountant who stole millions from clients fuelled by betting agencies, lawyer says Melissa Cunningham and Cameron Houston November 24, 2025 6:49pm 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 Bankrupt accountant Andrew Marshall has admitted siphoning millions of dollars from his former clients and spending it all on an out-of-control online gambling addiction, which his lawyer says betting agencies fuelled with offers of bonus bets and VIP managers. Outside the Victorian County Court on Monday, one of his victims echoed the same sentiment, accusing betting agencies of turning Marshall into a full-blown gambling addict. Bankrupt accountant Andrew Marshall is scanned by security at the County Court of Victoria. Nine News Marshall, a former director and shareholder of Langley McKimmie Accountants in Woodend, pleaded guilty to stealing more than $4 million between 2017 and 2023 to fund his addiction. His lawyer, Jim McGarvie, likened his addiction to a deformed delusion and said the father of two had tried to recover the millions of dollars lost by trying to win back bigger amounts. Advertisement McGarvie told the court that as his addiction worsened, Marshall was flooded with offers of bonus bets, thousands of dollars in credits to punt, and assigned VIP managers by betting agencies who frequently called and texted him in a bid to keep him trapped in the frenzy of gambling. Related Article Courts Financial planner who gambled away $4.5m of family money jailed for seven years He was given offers of bonus bets ... put in $5000 we will give you 100 per cent of that in credits... just to keep the machine going, McGarvie said. The court heard a staggering amount of money went to gambling giant Sportsbet, where Marshall frequently made punts on horse racing with stolen funds. One of his victims, Kym Cavigan, 53, told this masthead earlier this year that Marshall had defrauded her of more than $750,000, and revealed she was launching legal action against Sportsbet. Advertisement Marshall is alleged to have moved Cavigans life savings between two bank accounts before it was transferred to Sportsbet, where he placed as many as 80 bets a day, ranging from $300 to $66,000. In June 2023, Cavigan says he arrived at her front door shaking and crying uncontrollably. He said, I just want you to know that Ive done some terrible things, and Ive stolen clients money, and youre one of them, she said. He was crying and sobbing and carrying on and said, You are such good people, and I was trying to win it back. He said it had all gone to Sportsbet. Now, she has also found an unlikely ally in her fight teaming up with Marshall to compile a dossier aimed at bolstering her case. Outside court on Monday, Cavigan said she had been left devastated by Marshalls offending and demanded change of the betting agencies. Advertisement Andrew will go to prison and serve time, but these sport betting agencies need to be accountable, she said. They should have stopped him a long time ago. All these millions that went to them, they should have stopped him, and they didnt. They turned him into a full-blown gambling addict. Cavigan said online betting had made the gambling process too quick and easy; money in and money out. She also said that the incentives offered via the betting apps dangle the carrot, and they get people hooked. Kym Cavigan lost more than $800,000 after her accountant gambled away her life savings. She is now taking on wagering giant Sportsbet Simon Schluter Among Marshalls victims were elderly pensioners and a woman who was terminally ill with cancer and died before recouping her lost money. Advertisement In another case, Marshall stole more than $1.5 million from a client through roughly 90 separate transactions, which went directly into his bank account. The alarm was first raised when the victim was contacted by the Australian Taxation Office, which advised her to check her bank account. She then discovered roughly $20,000 was being taken every few days by Marshall, the court heard. Related Article Gambling PM backs right to punt as star cricketer takes campaign to Canberra Marshall also admitted losing more than $450,000 to another victim, arriving at her doorstep and telling her: Ive done a bad thing. She said he was upset and crying, and believed he was mentally unwell. He promised to pay back the money, and later deposited $1000 into her account. McGarvie said it was a tragic case for victims who in every instance had their money stolen and squandered by somebody they were entitled to trust with their finances. Advertisement He described his clients conduct as dishonest and reckless, and said Marshalls family had also been blindsided by his offending. After his deceit was uncovered, the court heard Marshall had been clinging on trying to survive for the sake of his children, and accepted that he would spend years in jail. The former thoroughbred owner, who was visibly thinner than previous court appearances and arrived on Monday sporting a beard and long, dark hair, pleaded guilty to five charges of theft. Photo: Wayne Taylor Advertisement Marshalls case could expose Australias online betting industry to unparalleled scrutiny and has the potential to establish legal benchmarks for their accountability to customers. It has also once again placed a spotlight on the conduct of online gambling operators, as experts warn of the predatory tactics betting companies are using to get, predominantly, men hooked to the punt. Related Article Opinion Gambling In the life of every PM there is one real test. This is Albos moment to be up there with Howard Tim Costello Gambling reform advocate A Melbourne financial planner who stole almost $4.5 million from family and friends to fund a voracious gambling addiction was sentenced to more than seven years jail earlier this year, as a judge called the behaviour of online betting agencies that fed his habit evil. Anthony Del Vecchio operated a private Ponzi scheme from February 2020 until December 2023 while employed by Freedom Finance Australia. Advertisement He promised the non-existent short-term investments would yield big returns. However, all the funds were paid into Del Vecchios private Commonwealth Bank account, which he used to gamble across 52 online betting accounts, turning over $10 million. McGarvie said there were striking similarities between his clients case and Del Vecchios offending. Marshall was remanded in custody and will reappear in court later this month. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Advertisement A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder after another teenager was stabbed to death during a confrontation between two groups of youths behind a high school in Sydneys north-west. Emergency services, including a CareFlight helicopter, were sent to a park near Rouse Hill High School at 4.20pm following reports a 17-year-old boy had been stabbed in the leg. Paramedics frantically attempted resuscitation on the teenager, but he died at the scene. Loading Witnesses reported seeing a knife tucked in the waistband of one of the teenagers seen fleeing the scene. It is unclear what kind of knife was used in the stabbing. Hills Police Area Commander Naomi Moore described the teenagers death in Rouse Hill on Monday as senseless, saying he and a friend were approached in the reserve on Caballo Street by a group of two to three young people before a knife was produced. Advertisement I have 17-year-olds at home. This has impacted the core of the community. I have no other words but its a tragedy, and its senseless, she said. Moore said several female witnesses rendered aid to the 17-year-old during the horrifically confronting situation. Police arrested the 15-year-old about 7pm on Monday after he presented to a local police station with a parent, and he is assisting with their inquiries. He was charged with murder and refused bail to appear in court on Tuesday. Loading Moore said there were no apparent links to Rouse Hill High School, and that the stabbing did not appear to be gang related. Police will continue searching for one or two other people who they believe can assist with investigations. Advertisement Police received reports two people, believed to be teenagers, were seen fleeing the scene. One of them was believed to be wearing a school uniform. Strike Force Crawton has been launched to investigate the boys death. NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was deeply saddened by the teens death, and extended his sincere condolences to his family and friends. Emergency services at the reserve behind Rouse Hill High School on Monday afternoon. TNV It is an unimaginable loss, and the whole community will feel the impact. Advertisement Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said she was deeply saddened to learn of the boys tragic death. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with the young boys family during this extremely difficult time, Rowland said in a statement. There is no place in our community for these acts of senseless violence, and I know this news will be particularly distressing for local families. The teenagers death comes after attempts to crack down on knife crime in NSW. The NSW government in June 2024 passed Jacks Law named for 17-year-old Queenslander Jack Beasley, who was stabbed to death in December 2019. Advertisement It allows police to stop and scan people with handheld metal-detecting wands in designated areas where violent offences involving weapons have occurred in the previous 12 months. Police began using those powers in December and scanned 13,422 people up to the end of June, finding 193 weapons and laying 222 charges according to the forces annual report. More than 2000 of those scans took place at Mount Druitt in Sydneys west. Daily scans were conducted following the death of 19-year-old Zac McRae at a bus station in the suburb on August 27. More recently, five teenagers were charged over the stabbing of a 28-year-old convenience store worker at Burwood on Thursday. A 17-year-old girl was charged over a 15-year-old girls alleged stabbing in Wellington in the states Central West on November 10. Advertisement A 13-year-old boy was charged with reckless wounding after another teenager was allegedly stabbed on a train at Hornsby on October 12. A 17-year-old and an 18-year-old were charged earlier in November over an alleged stabbing at Guildford in June, when a 62-year-old man was stabbed in the leg after being approached by a group. Get alerts on breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert. CLARIFICATION An earlier version of this article said the stabbing occurred in Beaumont Hills. NSW Police have now clarified the location and said, The crime scene was on the border between Rouse Hill and Beaumont Hills, but deemed from now on to be Rouse Hill. Advertisement Analysis PoliticsFederalDiscrimination Hansons stupid burqa stunt gives Ley a chance to break free of her clutches Natassia Chrysanthos November 24, 2025 6:08pm 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 One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has not created a wave of public resentment so much as ridden one to record highs in the polls. The go-to right-wing party of the Australian parliament is capitalising on global discontent about cost-of-living issues and anti-immigration sentiment. Hanson is also benefiting from hemorrhaging support for the flailing Liberal and National parties after two disastrous elections. Month after month, the Queensland senator is pulling votes from the Coalition, while doing remarkably little. So there was no need for Hanson to stride into the Senate wearing a burqa on Monday, recycling a stunt that drew wide condemnation the last time she performed it in 2017. Now its been done and met with fair fury by Muslim members of parliament the next rounds of public polling will tell us about Australias appetite for Hansons brand of race-baiting politics at a time there are signs of fraying social support for migration and multiculturalism. Advertisement Before that, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley will be required to respond. Ley has been grappling with how to counter Hansons rising influence. As this masthead reported last week, shes been spooked enough to seek former prime minister John Howards counsel on the issue. Mondays stunt opens a window. The federal opposition has an opportunity to mark its territory and draw a clear line as to its limits when it comes to political debate about immigration and what Australia looks like in 2025. Pauline Hanson sits with her One Nation colleagues during a vote in the Senate. Dominic Lorrimer One Nation is setting up new branches across the country. Its polling a record high 12 per cent primary vote according to this mastheads Resolve Political Monitor, 15 per cent in Newspoll, and 18 per cent according to Redbridge. These results arent gospel One Nations polling numbers earlier this year werent reflected in the election result but the trend, so far, is only going one way. As a leader who wants to appeal to the centre, but needs to retain the support of the partys right, Leys imperative is to differentiate the Liberals from Hanson despite following One Nations lead in getting rid of net zero and cracking down on immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price who voted with One Nation on both issues has gone as far as to passionately defend Hanson against allegations of racism in parliament. You vilify her, Price roared, decrying the governments treatment of Hanson in September. Youve made her out to be a racist in this country. Will that suggestion remain so outrageous after Monday? Last time Hanson wore the burqa into the Senate, the strongest rebuke came from former Liberal senator George Brandis. The attorney-general at the time received a rare standing ovation from political opponents for his impassioned response. To ridicule [the Muslim] community, to drive it into a corner, to mock its religious garments, is an appalling thing to do, he said. Loading Labor senator Penny Wong, who applauded Brandis that day in August 2017, quoted him on Monday, when it became her turn to respond from the government benches. Liberal senator Anne Ruston joined in the condemnation. Advertisement The strongest opposition rebuke on Monday came from Matt Canavan the Nationals senator who has led the charge to abandon net zero. He was the first to speak on the saga outside the Senate. Related Video Video icon 1:33 George Brandis George Brandis's speech to Pauline Hanson While this might attract the interest of a small fringe in our society, I just dont think middle Australia like the parliament being debased like this, he said on ABCs Afternoon Briefing. Doing this kind of stunt, it weakens her case and cheapens our parliament, and most Australians, I think, will look away in disgust. Ley will hope thats the case. It should give Coalition MPs keenest on Hanson, such as Price and Joyce, pause to consider where they want to be. If Canavans closest allies follow his lead, they could give the opposition leader the chance she needs to draw stronger lines between her party and Hansons. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Updated PoliticsFederalDiscrimination Hanson suspended from Senate for wearing a burqa in the chamber Nick Newling Updated November 24, 2025 5:26pm ,first published November 24, 2025 2:37pm 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 Pauline Hanson has been suspended from the Senate after she wore a burqa into the chamber on Monday afternoon, the second time in her parliamentary career she has performed the stunt, which prompted a formal rebuke from Labor Senate leader Penny Wong and Coalition Senate leader Anne Ruston. The One Nation leaders decision to wear the head covering came minutes after she was denied leave by independent senator Tammy Tyrell to table a bill to have burqas and full-face coverings banned in Australia, a policy she has campaigned on for decades. There was uproar in the Senate in the moments after Hanson entered the chamber. Immediately as Hanson entered the chamber, members of the Greens and the crossbench began to protest. Advertisement She is disrespecting a faith ... This needs to be dealt with immediately before we proceed, senator Fatima Payman said. Independent senator Lidia Thorpe rose to her feet and yelled out: This cant be happening. Get this racist woman out of here now. Get her out. Get her out whos in charge here? Thorpe then vowed to shut down proceedings until Hanson was removed. Senator Pauline Hanson sits in her seat after entering the chamber. Dominic Lorrimer Racism should not be the choice of the Senate. This is a racist senator, Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi said. Hanson is currently appealing a Federal Court ruling that she racially vilified Faruqi last year. The acting chair, Slade Brockman, found initially that Hansons dress was allowed, and proceedings were not stopped, but Senate president Sue Lines rushed back to the chamber after news of the stunt broke, to hear Wong and Ruston condemn the actions and ask that Hanson be removed. Advertisement Hanson moves to the other side of the Senate chamber during a vote. Members of the Greens and crossbench were furious with her stunt. Dominic Lorrimer Wong had asked Lines to rule that Hansons conduct was disorderly, quoting former Liberal senator George Brandis, who as attorney-general rebuked the One Nation leader in 2017, the last time she wore the garment on the Senate floor. All of us in this place have a great privilege and we represent in our states people of every faith ... and we should do so decently, Wong said. The sort of disrespect that you are engaging in now is not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate. Hanson in front of senator Fatima Payman. Dominic Lorrimer Hanson was ordered to remove the item and leave the chamber or face suspension, and the Senate voted overwhelmingly to have her removed. She was suspended for the rest of the day. Advertisement Hanson was heard saying to Lines: You are so vile, you are not doing your job properly. Hanson sits with her One Nation colleagues during a vote in the Senate. Dominic Lorrimer Hanson then left the chamber with her One Nation colleagues, having worn the burqa for almost 20 minutes. She remained defiant about her provocation following her suspension. They are a hypocritical bloody mob in there that have actually taken a stance without debating it and putting it to the vote, Hanson told journalists after the Senate was suspended. Theyve said to the Australian people, we dont care about you. It is a national security issue. It is about womens rights. Advertisement Related Article Political leadership I want him on board: Hanson invites Joyce for home-cooked dinner Faruqi also spoke after the suspension, saying she did not feel comfortable in the chamber. Muslim women in this country have been persecuted for a long time now, the racist abuse that Muslim women have faced over decades, fuelled by One Nation, but also the dog whistling of other politicians in other major parties has meant that we feel unsafe, Faruqi said. Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, who is openly considering defecting to One Nation, defended Hansons choice, saying: People are free to express themselves politically and you are free to interpret it any way you wish. Nationals senator Matt Canavan, one of the Coalitions most conservative MPs, slammed Hanson and argued it was a desperate, attention-seeking stunt. Advertisement Canavan said respectful points could be made about migration, but Hanson was acting improperly. Dont vote for them They only live if you give them attention and look at them, Canavan said on ABC TV. I dont like this type of politics. This is disrespectful to Muslim Australians. I dont support ridiculing people. Hanson first wore a burqa into the Senate chamber in 2017. Her renewed attempt to ban the burqa was slammed earlier on Monday by Australias Islamophobia envoy Aftab Malik, who said the move will worsen harassment, threats of rape, and violence against Muslim women in Australia. It is frustrating to see Australian Muslim womens choice of clothing continually tied to national security concerns. Islamophobia is at record levels in Australia, described as unprecedented by the Islamophobia Register Australia. Muslim women, in particular, face the brunt, Malik wrote in a statement provided to this masthead. Advertisement Hanson and Aftab Malik, Australias special envoy to combat Islamophobia. Alex Ellinghausen, AAP Senator Pauline Hanson, eight years after her last call to ban the burqa, is again proposing it. This will deepen existing safety risks for Australian Muslim women who choose to wear the headscarf, the hijab, or the full face and body covering, the burqa. Related Article Analysis Discrimination Hansons stupid burqa stunt gives Ley a chance to break free of her clutches Hansons office did not release a copy of the motion before she attempted to table it in the upper house on Monday afternoon, but a media statement from her office last month said the move was set to echo similar bans in France. Hanson was not given leave to introduce the bill. Hanson has campaigned against burqas since at least 2002, and in 2014 said she was offended by the burqa, and opposed to even the niqab, claiming that people wearing full face coverings, including women, are known to have hidden bombs underneath them, which theyve detonated in acts of terror, in various places around the world, such as Chechnya. Advertisement Hanson first wore a burqa into the Senate in 2017, demanding the Coalition government ban the garment, only to be rebuked by then-senator George Brandis and the Labor opposition. Loading One Nations polling is at a record high, receiving a primary vote of 12 per cent in the latest Resolve Political Monitor from this masthead and record popularity in News Corps Newspoll and the AFR Redbridge/Accent polls. Hanson is actively aiming to recruit Joyce, who told this masthead One Nation had a purer form of understandable conservatism. Joyce continued to keep his distance from the Nationals party room on Monday, restating that he would wait until parliament rises for the year before making any decision about a potential move to One Nation. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsFederalEnvironmental protection Labor accuses Nats of blowing up nature deal between Ley and Albanese Paul Sakkal and Mike Foley November 24, 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 95 View all comments The Nationals have raised last-minute objections to Labors landmark nature reforms, risking another Coalition schism if Opposition Leader Sussan Ley chooses to do a deal with the government. Climate change and the environment are at the forefront of debate in the final parliamentary week for the year, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese desperate to pass a long-delayed overhaul of environmental laws and take the contentious issue off the political agenda. Bridget McKenzie, the leader of the National Party in the Senate. Alex Ellinghausen But as Labor demanded the Coalition side with big business to back the bill, Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie aired fresh concerns about the power for a new Environmental Protection Agency to inspect private farms. Many are rightfully concerned about a new layer of bureaucrats coming onto their properties and meddling in their businesses, she told this masthead. Advertisement Speaking before a shadow cabinet meeting that would debate the Coalitions stance, McKenzie said the Nationals would push Ley to delay the changes. She said the legislation created unintended consequences, and that Labor wanted to jam through the laws by years end. At a time when private property rights are under threat, especially in Victoria, the parliament should be able to review this bill, she said. Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt. Alex Ellinghausen The Coalition is desperate to turn attention to the governments handling of the energy grid after weeks of turmoil over its dumping of the 2050 net zero target. In question time on Monday, Ley attacked Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen for being a part-time minister after he took on the presidency of next years COP climate summit despite Australia losing hosting rights to Turkey. The nature reforms, which Labor shelved last term after Albanese overruled former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, could accelerate fossil fuel project approvals but will also speed up renewables projects. The Nationals have previously called for a pause on wind and solar projects. Advertisement Attempting to override these concerns, Environment Minister Murray Watt is seeking to win support for changes to Australias project-approval framework, which is holding up the homes as well as energy projects. Related Article Climate policy Big political price: Labor steps up pressure on Greens to pass environment reform Watt has set a hard deadline of the end of the week. Both the pro-environment Greens and pro-business Coalition have expressed doubts about elements of the bill, heightening the prospect of the reform being pushed into next year. A key concern for farmers is the establishment of a new federal watchdog known as the Environmental Protection Agency. Ley said last week that Watt must retain control over the agencys assessment and approval of projects. However, Watts reforms would empower the agency to conduct on-ground audits if there is reason to believe illegal activity is under way. Advertisement NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin said his members were concerned about the federal governments plans. Were quite apprehensive about whether theyre going to get the balance right, Martin said. But a government source said the Nationals intervention appeared designed to kill off any deal between Labor and the Liberals, some of whom may be keen to prove the oppositions commitment to nature after the Coalitions net zero debate. This has not been raised in any conversation weve had with the Coalition, one senior government source said late on Monday. This is lobbed in late to blow up the show. Nationals leader David Littleproud said earlier on Monday that he was sceptical of the bill, echoing colleague Matt Canavan. Advertisement This is a 1500-page document that will take some time to get through, Littleproud said on Monday. Coalition sources said the opposition was concerned Watt had not shown amendments to the bill before the shadow cabinet met on Monday, diminishing the chances of a deal between the major parties. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. November 24, 2025: For the first time in 80 years, Western Europe faces the possibility of war on their own territory. The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening to escalate into a Russian invasion of Western Europe by 2030 or sometime in the 2030s. Once that became a popular meme, there followed questions of whether Europeans could fight. While there has been no war in Western Europe since 1945, hundreds of thousands of Europeans have fought in wars outside Europe and, since 2014, over 50,000 have volunteered to fight in Ukraine or Russia. Currently, Ukraine maintains a Foreign Legion that largely consists of volunteers from Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas. Ukraine actively seeks foreign volunteers for some technical jobs like network security, code breaking and so on. Its not a question of whether or not any Europeans would volunteer to fight in wartime, or under threat of war, but how many. There is also the fact that in modern armies, only about ten to twenty percent of the troops specialize in fighting. The rest provide support services like medical, supplies, engineering, communications, air defense and so on. Support troops carry weapons and are trained how to use them. This is because many support troops operate some of the time in a combat zone and must be able to defend themselves. Members of the Ukrainian Foreign Legion are paid, but those with combat jobs are paid about nine times more than those in support jobs. Because of the Ukraine War the German government is once again considering compulsory military service, i.e., a draft to address current recruitment shortfalls and anticipated military personnel needs over the next several years, with three to five years being the likely planning range. The government has made it clear that providing Ukraine with security guarantees requires increasing military manpower. The conscription bill would draft 110,000 men and assign them to Bundeswehr reserve units. The bill must still be approved by the German parliament. German media indicate that the government would prefer to rely on volunteers. However, a draft will be politically unpopular among young Germans. Germany ended compulsory military conscription in 2011, although suspended is how the government refers to the 2011 decision. Defense officials have concluded that voluntary recruitment will not meet Germanys current defense requirements and doesnt meet NATO and EU defense requirements. In 1991, after the Cold War ended and West Germany absorbed East Germany, the reunited Bundeswehr had nearly half a million troops. Currently, Germany has about 175,000 to 180,000 active-duty military personnel, supported by 30,00 to 50,000 trained and qualified reservists. Germany has the EUs largest economy and population. In an EU-led Ukraine Security Guarantee scenario, German military forces should reflect Germanys economic and demographic capabilities. They dont, and raw numbers matter. The German defense ministrys mobilization plan calls for 260,000 active-duty personnel and 200,000 to 250,000 reservists who train annually to maintain military skills. The German government knew military expansion was necessary but, until this year, was slow to make the economic and military commitments. After Russias February 2022 all-out attack on Ukraine, German leaders said Germany would expand its military forces. Currently, it is agreed that Germany should have Europes largest conventional army. OK. The ide Theres no doubt that Europeans will fight. Nearly all European nations have increased their defense spending and the number of their military age men that undergo military training. Most of these men end up in reserve units. Many countries regularly call up reserve units for some active duty training and military exercises. The main problem is how long it will take to recruit/conscript enough civilians and arm, train and organize them into combat and support units. Advertisement Updated WorldNorth AmericaUS politics Judge throws out cases against Trumps enemies, finds prosecutor illegally appointed Michael Koziol Updated November 25, 2025 7:29am ,first published November 25, 2025 4:07am 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 162 View all comments Key points A US judge has dismissed the case against James Comey because Lindsey Halligan, the interim US attorney leading the prosecution, was illegally appointed. The ruling heavily scrutinised Halligans qualifications and the timeline of her appointment by Trumps Justice Department. Halligan is Trumps former personal lawyer and had no prior prosecutorial experience. The Trump administration says it will appeal the decision. Washington: A US judge has spectacularly thrown out criminal cases against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney-General Letitia James, finding President Donald Trumps hand-picked prosecutor was illegally appointed to the role. The Trump administration quickly signalled it believed the ruling was flawed and would appeal. James Comey was one of three prominent critics of the Republican president indicted by Trumps Justice Department in recent months. AP Lindsey Halligan, Trumps former personal lawyer, was named interim US attorney in the key Virginia district amid resistance from the office about proceeding with prosecutions against the presidents political enemies. But on Tuesday (AEDT), a federal judge in South Carolina, Cameron McGown Currie, found that Halligan was not validly appointed because the law only allowed the attorney-general to appoint an interim attorney to the post once, for a period of 120 days. Advertisement After that, the only entity with the power to make further interim appointments was the district court. As a presidential appointee, Halligan would have to be confirmed by the Senate, which has not yet occurred. As such, Currie ruled that Halligan had no lawful authority to bring indictments against Comey and James. All actions flowing from Ms Halligans defective appointment were unlawful exercises of executive power and are hereby set aside, she wrote. Donald Trump promoted his former personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan (right) to take over the Comey case. AP Currie dismissed the cases without prejudice, giving the Justice Department the opportunity to refile charges with a different prosecutor at the helm. However, in the case of Comey, it appeared the five-year statute of limitations may now have lapsed. He was indicted on charges of making false statements to the US Congress during a hearing in September 2020. Advertisement White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Trump administration would appeal the decision and Comey should pump the brakes on his victory lap. It is our position that Lindsey Halligan is extremely qualified for this position, but more importantly, was legally appointed, she told reporters at the White House. A message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies. James Comey, former FBI director There was a judge who is clearly trying to shield Letitia James and James Comey from receiving accountability, and thats why they took this unprecedented action to throw away the indictments against these two individuals. Comey said the case against him was based on malevolence and incompetence, and he expected Trump to come after him again. He praised the Justice Department lawyers who resisted pursuing the case to begin with. Advertisement A message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies, Comey said in an Instagram video. I dont care what your politics are you have to see that as fundamentally un-American and a threat to the rule of law that keeps all of us free. Protesters outside court when former FBI director James Comey pleaded not guilty in October. Bloomberg Fundamental misstatements Halligan, who had no prosecutorial experience and was leading her first case, was separately excoriated by a magistrate in the Comey case for making fundamental misstatements of the law when obtaining the indictment from a grand jury. Advertisement Trump ordered Attorney-General Pam Bondi to appoint Halligan to the post after her predecessor Erik Siebert declined to pursue charges against Comey or James, citing a lack of credible evidence in both cases. New York Attorney-General Letitia James also had the case against her thrown out by a federal judge. Bloomberg Shortly after her appointment, Halligan alone secured indictments against Comey and James after other career prosecutors in the office refused to participate. Both pleaded not guilty. James had been indicted on charges of bank fraud and lying to a financial institution. Related Article US politics Profound missteps, misconduct: Judge blows apart Trumps prosecution of Comey Advertisement Siebert was appointed in an interim capacity after the Joe Biden-appointed prosecutor resigned. Siebert was never confirmed by the Senate and served under arrangements enabled by district judges. But it meant Bondi had in effect used up her one opportunity to appoint an interim attorney, the court found. Lawyers for the Justice Department argued the law allowed the attorney-general to make multiple interim appointments for US attorneys. Still, Bondi sought to shore up the cases by issuing a retroactive order that installed Halligan as a special attorney assigned to both prosecutions. Bondis order was issued on October 31 and backdated to September 22, three days before Comey was indicted. Currie found this was not valid. The government has identified no authority allowing the attorney-general to reach back in time and rewrite the terms of a past appointment, she wrote. Regardless of what the Attorney-General intended, or could have done, the fact remains that Ms Halligan was not an attorney authorised by law to conduct grand jury proceedings when she secured Mr Comeys indictment. Advertisement The challenge to Halligans appointment was one of several efforts lawyers for Comey and James made to have the cases against them thrown out. Both also argued that the cases are vindictive prosecutions motivated by Trumps animosity. With AP, Reuters 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. UB ranked in Top 20 for international students last year International students enrich our campus academically, culturally and economically, and they play a vital role in UBs mission as a world-class public research university. UB rose among the ranks of colleges and universities hosting international students, climbing four spots last year to No. 20 in the nation, according to the latest census by the Institute of International Education. UB reported a total of 9,033 international students from 106 countries in the fall of 2024. That was up 7.8% from the year prior. The figures include the 4,035 UB students who continued in the U.S. with postgraduate optional practical training. OPT allows for a period of temporary employment in their field of study. UBs rise to No. 20 nationally highlights the universitys strong global reputation and our continued success in attracting top international talent, says Nojin Kwak, vice provost for international education. International students enrich our campus academically, culturally and economically, and they play a vital role in UBs mission as a world-class public research university. This is the 23rd straight year that UB has been listed among the top 30 in the institutes Open Doors Report on International Exchange. The annual report is considered a benchmark for higher education. UB came in at No. 24 in last years report; No. 23 in 2023; No. 25 in 2022; and No. 27 in both 2021 and 2020. Nationally, U.S. colleges and universities hosted 1.2 million international students during the 2024-25 academic year, the latest figures available. Thats a 5% increase from the previous year, according to the report. But based on a snapshot of this fall, the report projects a 17% drop in new international students enrolling at U.S. colleges and universities for the first time and a 12% decrease in international graduate students. Both contributed to a 1% overall decline in the nations international college enrollment this fall, according to the reports sampling of 825 U.S. institutions. UB experienced similar shifts this fall, with graduate enrollment moderating after several years of historic growth and undergraduate international enrollment continuing to rise. UBs current enrollment trends are fully aligned with what institutions across the country are seeing, notes Christopher Connor, vice provost for enrollment management. The Open Doors report reflects our long-term momentum, while the fall 2025 data shows the normalization of graduate enrollment nationally following several extraordinary, post-pandemic cohort years, Connor explains. UB continues to strengthen global partnerships, expand recruitment initiatives and invest in services that support international students, from application to graduation and beyond. The university remains committed to fostering a globally diverse campus community and advancing its mission as a leading international research university. The release of this years Open Doors report on Nov. 17 coincided with International Education Week, an annual initiative celebrating the benefits of international education and exchange. Data shows: The top five universities remained unchanged from last year. New York University had the largest international enrollment among U.S. institutions with 27,532, followed by Northeastern, 22,465; Columbia, 20,733; Arizona State, 20,368; and the University of Southern California, 17,884. Among universities in New York State, only NYU and Columbia hosted more international students than UB last fall. At UB, the largest number of international students came from India, 3,116, followed by China, 751; South Korea, 167; Bangladesh, 136; and Canada, 133. A separate, but related report estimated that international students at UB contributed $213.3 million to the local economy and supported 1,801 jobs during the 2024-25 academic year. Several attorneys general have collaborated to file a lawsuit against the Education Department over its decision to make a new rule for student loan forgiveness. The change in question is requiring employers to "qualify" for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) by avoiding activities that are deemed to have "substantial illegal purpose." New Student Loan Forgiveness Rule The new rule was published on Friday and limits eligibility for PSLF, which forgives the remaining balance on federal student loans for eligible public service workers after 10 years. This change is part of the department's broader crackdown on what the Trump administration describes as "anti-American activists." With the latest lawsuit against the Education Department, New York Attorney General Letitia James argues that the new rule is "flatly illegal." She added that it would basically transform PSLF into a political weapon against states and causes that the current administration does not like, as it allows the federal government to deem them to be "substantially illegal," according to Axios. James noted that the law that created the PSLF guaranteed forgiveness to any individual who was working full-time in qualifying public service. She argued that the Education Department does not have the discretion to "carve out exceptions based on ideology." On the other hand, Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent said that it is "unconscionable that the plaintiffs are standing up for criminal activity." He added that the change is a "commonsense reform" to stop taxpayer dollars from subsidizing organizations that are involved in terrorism, child trafficking, and transgender procedures. Another lawsuit that was filed against the Education Department is being led by the National Council of Nonprofits, along with more than a dozen cities, labor unions, and nonprofit organizations, Politico reported. Lawsuit Arguing Violation of the Higher Education Act The legal challenge argues that the change violates the Higher Education Act, which states that government and 501(c)(3) nonprofit employers are PSLF-eligible. Additionally, the plaintiffs believe that the new rule violates the First Amendment rights of millions of public service workers. The change comes as there is currently more than $1.6 trillion worth of student loan debt across the United States. This statistic has been steadily rising over the years, and roughly 52% of federal borrowers are on track to repay their loans within the next decade. It is generally difficult for some individuals to handle their debt levels, forcing them to miss scheduled payments. This is particularly true for those who did not finish their degrees or who attended for-profit colleges, as per The Conversation. Originally published on parentherald.com 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 By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA Feedback from participants in the talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine are extremely positive, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has said. US and Ukrainian officials said they were making progress towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war but provided scant details as they met in Switzerland to discuss the United States proposal to achieve peace. US secretary of state Marco Rubio said on Sunday the high-stakes talks in Geneva were very worthwhile. Asked about the talks while arriving for a meeting of EU ministers in Brussels on Monday, Helen McEntee welcomed the discussions. I think the reports from all sides were extremely positive, Ms McEntee said. I think its really welcome that weve had the discussions. Its very clear, obviously theres further work that needs to be done. I think certainly there were very positive discussions that took place, and we hope that that will continue today and into the week. Well have our own EU foreign affairs ministers VEC meeting on Wednesday morning, and obviously look forward to discussing it further with colleagues then. European trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic will be involved in tariff talks on Monday (PA) Ms McEntee and other EU trade ministers are to meet with European trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic, US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick and US trade representative Jamieson Greer on Monday to discuss tariffs. Ms McEntee said there was space to make further progress and said Ireland would be pushing for reduced tariffs on areas to protect its pharma, whiskey and agri-food industries. She said there would be many other areas raised. Thats what I hope we can make progress on in the lunch today, she said. Ireland will be working hard and will be making the case, as I will be today, to make sure that medtech is very much part of that, to make sure that our whiskey industry and our agri-food industry is part of that as well. David Raleigh On Monday, a 67-year-old former member of the Defence Forces denied the murder of his 84-year-old friend and former army Captain, who was found shot dead at his home in County Kerry, last year. Thomas Carroll, with an address at Brookway, Clonmel, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patrick OMahony, at Ballyreameen, near Castlemaine, between February 24th and 25th, 2024. A jury of nine men and three women was sworn in to hear the trial, being held at the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Limerick. Dean Kelly, senior counsel prosecuting on behalf of the State, told the jury that Patrick OMahony was a registered firearms dealer for over 50 years and was well known and popular in the Castlemaine area. Mr Kelly said Mr OMahony joined the FCA in 1955, aged 16, and served with E Company in Killorglin, Co Kerry. The prosecuting barrister said Mr OMahony was regarded as an excellent character, and retired from the Defence Forces at the rank of Captain, and with an exemplary record, in 1994. Mr OMahony had five children and his wife had died in November 2023, three months prior to his own death. Mr Kelly said Mr OMahony and Mr Carroll had been friends over many decades and were old soldier pals. The prosecutor said the accused, Mr Carroll, was utterly well liked and well regarded in his local community, and that, prior to being arrested for Mr OMahonys murder, he was not on the radar of gardai. Mr Carroll joined the Defence Forces in 1975, and during a 37-year career, he had served eleven tours of peacekeeping duty in Lebanon, and Kosovo, and had also held an exemplary record of service. Mr OMahony and Mr Carroll also both shared an entirely lawful interest in firearms, Mr Kelly said. Outlining the prosecutions case, Mr Kelly said Mr Carroll travelled by train, from his home in Co Tipperary to visit Mr OMahony in Kerry, on Friday, February 23rd, 2024. Mr Carroll was a "genuine friend" of Mr OMahony, and travelled to express sympathy following the death of his wife, and spend time with an old comrade, it was heard. The State said it was understood that both men had a fair bit to drink that evening before rising late on Saturday, and they had breakfast together in a local pub. Later on Saturday afternoon they went back to Mr OMahonys house. Mr Kelly said that, at 7:40am the following Sunday morning, Mr Carroll contacted a son of Mr OMahony and suggested Mr O'Mahony had fallen at the back door of his home. Patrick OMahony Jnr travelled to his fathers house and found his lifeless body on the ground. The emergency services were alerted and Mr OMahony was pronounced dead at the scene before his remains were removed to the mortuary at Tralee University Hospital. Initially, gardai did not treat the death as suspicious, the court heard. However, a murder investigation was launched after a local mortician contacted gardai at around midday that Sunday. The mortician informed gardai they had found a small hole in Mr OMahonys clothing and in his body near his upper abdomen. A subsequent post mortem confirmed that Mr OMahony had suffered a single gunshot wound. The autopsy report indicated that the bullet had entered the victims body at close range and Mr OMahonys clothing and flesh had gunshot singe marks. A single bullet was found in Mr OMahonys remains at post mortem, and it was determined that he died as a result of haemorrhage and shock from the bullet passing through him. Mr Kelly said that while it was not the States case that Thomas Carroll travelled to Kerry to kill his friend, it was the prosecutions case that events between the two men took a foul turn over the course of the weekend in question. Mr Kelly, instructed by State Solicitor Jonathan Antoniotti, said the prosecution contended that Mr Carroll pointed a handgun at point blank range at Mr OMahony, intending to kill him or at least cause him serious injury. Mr Kelly said the prosecution also contends that when Mr Carroll raised the alarm on Sunday, he had known Mr OMahony had died He said Mr Carrolls suggestion that his friend had fallen at his home was dishonest and self serving. Mr Carroll, who is represented by senior defence counsel Mark Nicholas instructed by Tralee solicitor, Pat Mann, retained the presumption of innocence unless the State proves otherwise, it was heard. The State has the burden of proving its alleged case beyond a reasonable doubt. Mr Kelly told the jury they must dispassionately listen to the evidence and only reach a verdict only on the evidence presented in court. The trial, which is expected to last up to three weeks, before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath, resumes Tuesday. A PARTNERSHIP with Africa (APA), which operates a charity furniture shop on Carlows Hacketstown Road, has organised a pop-up event at the Seven Oaks Hotel from the 24 to 26 November. Visitors to the hotel will come across a variety of clothing, home decor and accessories in the foyer of the hotel. The hotel is hosting the event as a courtesy, and volunteers will be manning the pop-up shop while it is open from 10am to 9pm for the three days. The purpose of the pop-up shop is to advertise the work that we do and give the public the opportunity to learn about us and to support us financially, explained Joe Jennings, project officer with APA. We want the pop-up shop to showcase the variety of items that we have in our three shops in Hacketstown, Carlow and Athlone, said Mr Jennings, adding that of course it was impractical to have furniture from the Carlow shop displayed there. The three shops are a huge source of income for the charity, which also receives funding from Irish Aid to carry out projects supporting domestic workers in Ethiopia and Tanzania. All proceeds from the pop-up event will go towards their work in empowering vulnerable women and children. APA was founded by Hacketstown native Father Owen Lambert in 2004. He wanted to focus on supporting young, vulnerable women who work in bars, restaurants and as domestic workers, many of whom are subject to sexual abuse. He recognised that, as a category of work, domestic workers were not getting recognised as workers, said Mr Jennings. They work with CVM, an Italian organisation, to implement their work. The organisation has grown from strength to strength over the past 20 years and has come close to persuading the Tanzanian government to give legal protections to domestic workers. Mr Jennings asks if you cant make it to any of the shops, please visit www.apa.ie, and make a donation. Advertisement The Zimbabwean government has lifted restrictions on cement imports with immediate effect in a bid to ease acute supply shortages and arrest rapidly rising prices, which have surged by around 40 per cent over the past two months. Cement prices have climbed from US$12 per 50kg bag in August to roughly US$17, driven by a combination of strong demand, constrained local production and limited external supply as many importers exhausted their allotted quotas. Zimbabwe consumes between 1.61.8Mta of cement annually, driven by major public infrastructure programmes and homebuilding. While imports, mainly from Zambia,traditionally supplement domestic supply, inflows have slowed sharply. Border delays and backlogs are said to have prevented permitted imports from reaching the market. Some people imported the cement, but it is still at the border; they have not yet been cleared, he said. Local production has also been volatile due to clinker shortages, equipment breakdowns and power cuts. Khayah Cement has faced severe operational difficulties, while other producers have reported intermittent disruptions. Relief is expected next year with the commissioning of Huaxin Cements new 800,000tpa plant in Chegutu, which should boost national supply. Major producers currently include Khayah Cement, PPC Zimbabwe, Sino-Zimbabwe Cement and Livetouch Cement. Advertisement Sampyo Cement has become the first company in South Koreas cement industry to earn an integrated A-grade or higher across all ESG categories for three consecutive years, according to the 2025 ESG assessment published by the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability (KCGS). KCGS, the countrys leading ESG evaluation body, annually reviews the sustainability management performance of listed companies. The integrated A grade recognises corporations that demonstrate consistently high standards across environmental, social and governance pillars. Sampyo Cements strong result reflects what the company describes as practical and systematic improvements across all ESG areas. These include establishing safety-first operational systems, expanding production of eco-friendly cement such as its Bluement range, strengthening compliance and ethical management frameworks, and increasing community-focused social contribution programmes. In the social category, Sampyo Cement achieved the highest possible grade of A+ for the second consecutive year, supported by risk-management improvements, safer worksite practices and strengthened protections for stakeholders. The company also retained an A grade in the environmental category, underpinned by investments in low-carbon production technologies and its long-term commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Environmental initiatives cited in the assessment include operating a dedicated dust-reducing cement vessel at Jeju Port, restoring habitats for endangered species and participating in companion beach coastal protection schemes. In the governance category, Sampyo Cement again secured an A gradethe only cement producer to do so for two consecutive years. The company established an ESG Committee within its board in 2022, staffed entirely by outside directors, alongside committees overseeing director nominations and internal transactions. British universities have continued signing agreements with Chinese institutions linked to Beijing's military apparatus, even after MI5's director-general personally warned academic leaders about the espionage risks and threats to national security. A new investigation has revealed that at least 23 UK universities have entered into partnerships with Chinese institutions deemed to have significant ties to China's defence sector. Perhaps more alarming, at least seven universities have signed or renewed deals with Chinese institutions flagged as posing a high risk for military-related researchpartnerships that security experts believe could facilitate surveillance, human rights abuses, and weapons technology development. MI5's Stark Warning Falls on Deaf Ears In April 2024, MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum delivered an unprecedented briefing to university leaders, warning that hostile statesparticularly Chinawere actively targeting sensitive UK research to advance their military capabilities and undermine British national security. McCallum has repeatedly characterised Chinese espionage as the most significant threat to UK national security, revealing that more than 20,000 people in the United Kingdom have been targeted online by Chinese operatives for recruitment or influence campaigns in recent years. Yet despite this extraordinary intervention, several prestigious British institutions have pressed ahead with partnerships that critics say play directly into Beijing's hands. The 'Seven Sons' Connection Among the most concerning collaborations are those with members of China's "Seven Sons of National Defence"a group of universities deeply integrated with the Chinese military apparatus. Queen Mary University of London renewed a collaboration with Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU), one of these seven institutions. Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen partnered with NWPU's National Subsea Centre, which specialises in naval technology, unmanned aerial vehicles, and space technology. Aberdeen University extended its relationship with Harbin Engineering University, whose naval engineering department describes itself as an important research and talent training base for China's shipbuilding industry, naval equipment, and marine development. The university has been identified in US court documents as a recipient of sensitive information in a 2019 espionage trial. Oxford and Cambridge: 50 Million in Chinese Funding Freedom of Information requests have unveiled that the UK's most prestigious universities have received substantial sums from Chinese sources, some with documented connections to Beijing's military and intelligence networks. From 2020 to 2024, Oxford University received approximately 24 million in gifts, grants, research funding, and donations from Chinese organisations. This included 1.8 million from Sichuan University for a biomedical collaboration. Sichuan University has been flagged by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute as "very high risk" due to alleged involvement in China's nuclear weapons program and suspected ties to cyber espionage. Cambridge University received between 12 million and 19 million during the same period, including hundreds of thousands of pounds from entities tied to China's military and intelligence networks. In early 2024, Cambridge received 204,000 from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences for earthquake researchbut given the academy's military-linked background, even ostensibly civilian research raises concerns about potential dual-use applications. Huawei Remains Major Funder Despite Ban Perhaps most striking is the continued role of Huawei Technologies. Despite being banned from building UK 5G networks in 2020 on national security grounds, Huawei remains the largest single source of Chinese funding for British universities, providing between 20 million and 38 million in grants since 2017accounting for nearly a quarter of all Chinese university funding in the UK. Imperial College London continued its research partnership with Huawei on video generation technology, even as the company remains under US sanctions. The University of Edinburgh accepted a 250,000 donation from Huawei in 2023. The Scale of the Problem According to research by Civitas, a British think tank, 46 of 88 UK universities surveyed had received between 122 million and 156 million from Chinese sources since 2017. Approximately 30 percent of this funding came from entities linked to the Chinese People's Liberation Army, including those sanctioned by the United States. Three UK universities received 100 percent of their Chinese funding from military-linked entities: the University of Westminster, the University of Huddersfield, and Cranfield University. Other Chinese military-linked entities providing funding include seven education institutions controlled by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, research institutes for nuclear warheads, and the PLA's largest supplier of precision-guided missiles. 'Not an Accident' Former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a vocal critic of China's policies, expressed grave concerns about the dependency British universities have developed on Chinese financial backing. "This is not an accident," Smith said. "China seeks sensitive information from the UK because of our intelligence links with the United States, and Beijing sees the university system as a vulnerable strand of British intelligence." He suggested this dependency might be compromising academic independence, leading institutions to defer to China's interests, especially when it comes to stifling open discussions on human rights issues. Sam Dunning, director of the UK-China Transparency think tank, warned that China's growing presence in academic collaborations could have far-reaching implications for the UK's security. "The Chinese regime is laser-focused on using academic partnerships to further its military modernisation," he said. "Research that seems innocuous can have unforeseen military uses." Academic Freedom Under Threat The concerns extend beyond research partnerships. Recent reports have documented Chinese government efforts to intimidate academics and suppress research critical of Beijing. Sheffield Hallam University terminated a project about Uyghur forced labour after Chinese state security officers reportedly interrogated a staff member in Beijing and a Chinese company named in published reports filed a defamation lawsuit. The university initially removed reports from its website and restricted the researcher from continuing her work, only reversing course after she began legal action for violating her academic freedom. Charles Parton, of the think tanks Rusi and Merics, was blunt in his assessment: "The Chinese Communist Party is a hostile power: it does not play by any rules except its own. UK universities should not help its military or repression systems." Universities Defend Their Position British universities defending these agreements argue they are conducted with appropriate caution. The Russell Group, representing the UK's 24 leading research institutions, emphasised the importance of international collaborations for addressing global challenges such as healthcare, climate change, and technological innovation. A spokesperson from Robert Gordon University insisted the institution uses "stringent processes" to assess partnerships, including risk evaluations and collaboration reviews. Oxford University asserted it had robust policies ensuring academic independence, stating that "funders have no influence over how Oxford academics carry out their research." Calls for Stronger Measures Lord Beamish, chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee, has advocated for a public register of universities receiving donations from Chinaa measure that has yet to be fully implemented. Alicia Kearns, who chairs the British House of Commons' foreign affairs committee, said the extent of ties between British and Chinese universities was "extremely troubling." "Pleading ignorance will no longer cut it," Kearns told The Times. "Universities must be clear-eyed about relationships they are entering into with institutions designed to bolster China's military capabilities, or those guilty of facilitating grave human rights abuses." A government spokesperson reassured the public that the UK has implemented a "robust approach to risk" in the research sector, with universities being supported in making informed decisions when collaborating internationally. However, as MI5's warnings continue to echo and the geopolitical rivalry between China and the West intensifies, the question remains: are these academic ties inadvertently helping to expand China's military power at the expense of British national security? Former Rep. Robin Smith has been directed to report to a federal prison in West Virginia by 2 p.m. on Jan. 5. The letter from the Bureau of Prisons assigns her to the prison in Alderson. She was earlier sentenced by Federal Judge Eli Richardson in Nashville to serve eight months in prison and pay a $7,500 fine for her role in a legislative fraud case. Former House Speaker Glen Casada and his top aide, Cade Cothren, were also convicted and given prison time. But President Donald Trump has issued full pardons for both Casada and Cothren. Ms. Smith afterward asked Judge Richardson to grant her probation and order no fine so that she does not "suffer alone." Ms. Smith at one time was chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party. Afterward, she was chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party. The armed conflict between coal miners and coal mine owners was triggered by the owners decision to replace private labor, i.e., the miners, with contracted convict laborers furnished by the Tennessee state prison system. The eastern fringe of the Cumberland Mountains extending from Anderson County south into the Tennessee Valley toward Whitwell and surrounding mining communities has long supported mining. However, while the mine owners had reaped substantial profits, the miners often struggled due to the low wages paid in scrip and a system that required the scrip to be spent at the mine stores. When miners began to organize in the late 1880s, the stage was set for violence. In 1890 when pro-labor Tennessee Governor John P. Buchanan was elected, the miners believed their friend in office would support their demands. They lobbied for payment in cash rather than company scrip and demanded that they be allowed to use their own checkweighmen - - the person who weighed the coal and therefore determined the wages due - - instead of the company man who they believed recorded weights less than accurate. Interestingly, Tennessee law already barred the use of scrip for wages and the use of company-hired checkweighmen, but enforcement seldom occurred. Since the law was already in place, most mine owners agreed to the demands even though Tennessee, like the nation, was experiencing an economic recession. The Tennessee Coal Mining Company, operating and leasing out a number of the mines in the Cumberland Mountain area, rejected the demands and, on April 1, 1891, simply shut their mines, sending all the miners home without wages. Two months later, the mine owners agreed to reopen the mines if the miners would sign an iron-clad contract authorizing scrip, company stores, company-employed weigh agents and more. The miners refused. By July 1891, as the mines remained idle, the mine owners signed a contract with Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railway Company [TCI], located west of Chattanooga, which subleased Tennessee convicts to smaller companies. The Tennessee Coal Mining Company immediately tore down the miners houses and built a stockade for the convict laborers that were scheduled to arrive on July 15. The news that convict laborers were arriving caused alarm in the surrounding communities. Miners and merchants joined together and, on the night of July 15, more than 300 armed miners and their Knights of Labor organizers met to plan their response. Led by organizers George Irish, Marcena Ingraham and Eugene Merrell, the miners surrounded the stockade at Briceville and the guards surrendered immediately. The miners marched the convicts to the Coal Creek train site, loaded them on a train and sent them to Knoxville. The miners then telegraphed Governor Buchanan stating that they had acted to defend their property and wages and implored for his assistance. His response was not what they had hoped it would be. Instead, on July 16, Governor Buchanan, accompanied by three Tennessee State Militia companies (two from Chattanooga and one from Knoxville) led the convicts back toward to the Briceville mine stockade. At Thistle Switch, several hundred angry miners stopped the train and demanded that the Governor explain his support for the mine owners and not the common workers. Buchanan attempted to explain that, while he did support labor and the common man, he was obligated to support the law and he begged for peaceful discussions and calm. The miners were angry and Eugene Merrell stepped forward to represent them. He accused the Governor and his predecessors of having ignored the enforcement of laws related to working conditions, scrip, company stores and weighing procedures and, now, conveniently enforcing the law that would back the miner owners who contributed financially to political campaigns . As the miners shouted their support for his comments, Merrell looked at the Governor and pronounced Tennessee state government to be a disgrace to a civilized country. Talks ended and, that night, shots rang out across the stockade, startling the Governor who had remained. The next morning, Buchanan boarded a train for Nashville, but left 107 militiamen to guard the stockade. In an interesting twist, the commander of the militiamen was Colonel Granville Sevier, a great-grandson of Tennessees first governor and the hero of Kings Mountain General John Sevier. Quiet was not restored. Instead, on the morning of July 20, more than 2000 armed miners from Tennessee and Kentucky surrounded the stockade. Sevier, understanding than futility of standing against such overwhelming odds, surrendered the stockade whereupon the miners marched the convicts back to the rails for another trip to Knoxville. The Governor prepared for the next chapter in the Coal Creek Wars. ----- Linda Moss Mines is the official Chattanooga and Hamilton County Historian and chairs the America 250 Committee. You can email her with ideas for stories or to volunteer for America 250 at localhistorycounts@gmail.com Grace Jin (right), daughter of Zion Church founder Ezra Jin Mingri (left), appeared on Fox News Sunday to discuss the suppression of Christianity in China. | Screenshot: YouTube/ Fox News Authorities in China have detained leaders of a prominent house church on charges of illegally using information networks, a move observers say is part of a broader effort by the Chinese Communist Party to suppress unregistered Christian communities. The arrests took place at Zion Church in Beihai, Guangxi Province, where Senior Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri was among the 18 church members taken into custody. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, those arrested may face indefinite pre-trial detention or prison sentences of up to three years. Zion Church is one of Chinas largest unregistered congregations, with an estimated 5,000 worshipers. In 2018, the churchs main facility in Beijing was shut down by local authorities after leaders refused to install state-mandated CCTV surveillance cameras. Scott Bower, CEO of CSW, condemned the detention of Pastor Jin and the other Zion Church leaders, asserting they were targeted solely for the peaceful exercise of their religious beliefs. We call on the Chinese Communist Party to release these individuals immediately and without condition, and to cease its harassment of churches and religious groups that choose not to register with the CCP in order to practice their religion or belief without undue interference and surveillance, he said. Open Doors, a watchdog organization that tracks global persecution of Christians, reports that China has recently escalated actions against unregistered churches. In September alone, as many as 70 Christians were reportedly detained, with some arrested during worship services. Charges cited in these casesincluding fraud, running an illegal business, and organizing unlawful meetingshave become common. Open Doors notes that in at least one congregation, those overseeing offerings were accused of financial misconduct by CCP even though no church members had filed complaints. According to a local Open Doors partner, the sweeping crackdown has brought their church to a standstill, with more than 80 house-church groups ceasing to meet and only a few of the original 14 churches still operating. Screenshot: YouTube/ CBN News Indias Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Rajasthan government regarding a new petition contesting the states controversial anti-conversion law, which permits authorities to confiscate property and demolish homes based solely on allegations of forced religious conversion. Earlier challenges this month focused on provisions allowing officials to carry out demolitions and seize property; however, the latest petition disputes the laws definitions of conversion, allurement, force, coercion, misinformation and online solicitation. It also challenges the mandated prison terms and requirements for individuals to submit prior declarations to the district magistrate before converting. After directing Rajasthan authorities to respond to two other petitions earlier in November, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered the state to submit a response to a constitutional challenge filed by the Jaipur Catholic Welfare Society. This petition has been combined with other ongoing challenges to anti-conversion laws. The petitioners argue specifically against Sections 5(6), 10(3), 12, and 13 of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2025, which grant wide-ranging authority to government officials to seize and demolish private property linked to alleged conversion activities without judicial approval. The Rajasthan Assembly passed the Act on Sept. 9, with the governor granting assent on Oct. 3. The law went into effect on Oct. 29just five days before the Supreme Court first issued notice on the earlier petitions on Nov. 3. Critics argue that the disputed sections expand state authority over religious practice and property rights to an unprecedented level within Indias federal framework. Under Section 5(6), authorities may forfeit any property tied to alleged unlawful conversion after an inquiry by a gazetted officer appointed by the district magistrate or the state government. Section 10(3) empowers officials to permanently revoke the registration or licenses of institutions found in violation of the Act, seize their property, freeze financial accounts, and impose penalties of up to 10 million Indian Rupees ($112,713 USD), effectively shutting them down within the state. Section 12 allows district magistratesor officials appointed by the stateto confiscate properties where coerced or fraudulent mass conversions are allegedly carried out, following an inquiry. Section 13 authorizes demolition of illegal or unauthorized structures on such properties after an inquiry by any gazetted officer. If the structure is on public land or a court has issued a demolition order, the Act permits demolition within 72 hours of issuing a show-cause notice. Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi has strongly criticized the Rajasthan legislation, calling it the most extreme among similar anti-conversion laws passed by various Indian states. He noted that fines for forcible mass conversions, defined as converting more than two people, can reach 2 million rupees ($22,542 USD), with sentences ranging from at least 20 years to life imprisonment. Petitioners maintain that these provisions impose punitive demolitions and collective punishment, claiming they violate fundamental constitutional protections under Articles 14, 21, 22, and 300A. Legal analysts suggest the outcome may influence the future of religious freedom nationwide, as several Indian states are simultaneously facing similar constitutional challenges to their anti-conversion laws. The Supreme Court will hear the case once Rajasthan submits its formal response. Home News 175 lawmakers urge FDA to halt mail-order abortion drugs The overwhelming majority of Republicans in the U.S. Congress are calling on the Trump administration to end the Biden-era policy of allowing abortion pills to be obtained through the mail amid concerns about the health risks. In a letter published Thursday, 175 Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives urged U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Commissioner Marty Makary to investigate the "deleterious and grossly underreported effects on women of the drug mifepristone," the first pill in a chemical abortion. All but 44 House Republicans signed onto the letter. Lawmakers also asked the Trump administration to "reinstate the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone." During the Biden administration, the Food and Drug Administration enabled women to obtain the abortion pill by mail without making an in-person visit to a doctor first. The lawmakers cited a study from the right-leaning think tank Ethics and Public Policy Center finding that 10.93% of women who take the abortion pill experience sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging, or another adverse event as part of "a growing body of evidence indicating that the health risks associated with mifepristone abortions are severe, widespread, and significantly underreported." "The dangerous Biden mail-order scheme was designed to give abortion activists license to mail drugs everywhere," including to states with strong laws against abortions, they wrote. "These drugs are sent across state lines with no physician oversight, and without appropriate screening to ensure that bad actors are not secretly poisoning women without their knowledge or forcing women to take abortion drugs against their will." The Republicans said the fact that chemical abortions constitute two-thirds of total abortions in the U.S. is a result of "the Biden FDA's reckless, no-contact, mail-order abortion scheme." "Abortion providers are reaping increased profits, while women and their unborn children suffer irreparable harm." The letter concluded with a call to reinstate the requirement for "in-person dispensing of mifepristone" and the expedition of "the promised review by the FDA into the dangers of abortion drugs." Makary had previously vowed to conduct a review of mifepristone in a letter to Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., earlier this year, while Kennedy promised the same when appearing before the U.S. Senate. While the lawmakers praised President Donald Trump for doing "more to advance a culture of life and the protection of women and children from the violence of abortion than any president before him," the Trump administration faced criticism from the pro-life movement after the FDA approved the development of a generic abortion drug last month. In a statement reacting to the letter, which follows the submission of a similar letter from 51 of the 53 Republican U.S. senators last month, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said "[n]o woman or girl should be left alone to take dangerous abortion drugs or be put at risk of coercion by abusers who can easily obtain them online. This is not hypothetical," she said. "Just last week, we learned of an Ohio man who ordered abortion drugs online and force-fed them to his pregnant girlfriend against her will. She was hospitalized, and her baby died," Dannenfelser added. "Nearly a year into the second Trump administration, FDA policy still allows abortion drugs to be sent through the mail without even confirming that the recipient is a pregnant woman, purchased by abusers who use it to force abortion even if a mother has said NO. Every day the FDA allows Joe Biden's radical COVID-era abortion drug policy to stand, more unborn children die and more women end up in the [emergency room.]" Home News 2819 Church fires Pastor Kenneth McFarland after arrest for beating son over school suspension The fast-growing 6,000-member 2819 Church in Atlanta, Georgia, has fired Associate Pastor Kenneth McFarland after he was charged with second-degree cruelty to children for allegedly beating his 15-year-old stepson with an extension cord over an in-school suspension. Last week, church leadership learned that Kenneth McFarland was arrested and charged with a serious crime involving the physical harm of a child in his family. After learning about his arrest, we immediately reached out to his wife to offer our unwavering support and commitment to them, the church said in a statement Thursday. We immediately suspended Kenneth indefinitely so that we could better understand the facts. He agreed to step down until a decision was made about his future employment, the statement continued. Based on the information that we were able to gather and verify, we made the decision to dismiss Kenneth McFarland from our staff as of Tuesday, November 18th. Officers were dispatched to 2455 Mount Carmel Road in Hampton, Georgia, about a reported child abuse incident, according to a report from the Stockbridge Police Department. The address is the location of the west campus of the Creekside Christian Academy, which caters to students from the sixth to 12th grades. Tuition for high school students at the private Christian school is just over $12,000 annually. The initial report of the abuse was made by the schools assistant secondary principal, Lawrence Gwyn. Officers responding to the report at the school said Gwyn told them that McFarlands son had in-school suspension. When the assistant principal entered the room where the student was serving the suspension, he said the student asked him if there was blood on the back of his pants. Mr. Gwyn observed a blood stain on Mr. [redacted]s pants and inquired about the cause. [Redacted] stated, my dad called himself disciplining me. When asked what he was hit with, [redacted] replied that he was struck with an extension cord, the report said. Thats when Gwyn called the Henry County Police. Officers reported observing bruising to the upper right thigh and lower buttocks of the pastors son. [Redacted] stated that he was struck with a power cord from his gaming system before coming to school. He further explained that he received in-school suspension, which led to him being disciplined. McFarland was subsequently arrested and charged and released on a $2,500 unsecured bond. The church, founded and led by Philip Anthony Mitchell, said in their statement that McFarland was fired because he violated Scripture and the churchs standard of conduct for those involved in pastoral ministry. It is important that we communicate with you about this matter because it affects us as a church family. As a team, we are deeply disappointed in the circumstances at hand and grieved for the hurt and pain that was inflicted by someone who carried responsibility in our church, they said. We want to be very clear that 2819 Church will not tolerate violence of any kind, from any member of our team, especially involving children, as this does not reflect our culture and values. The church committed to offering support to McFarlands wife and son, as well as to members of the community who are struggling or triggered by this circumstance. Home News 40 Days for Life campaign celebrates saving over 26,000 babies from abortion A pro-life group is celebrating the milestone of saving over 26,000 babies from abortion, along with the closure of several abortion clinics across the U.S. and increased participation in its most recent campaign. The pro-life advocacy organization 40 Days for Life announced in a Facebook post last Wednesday that at least 26,109 babies had been saved from abortion worldwide since the launch of its campaign in 2007. The announcement comes just weeks after the conclusion of its latest 40 Days for Life campaign featuring a 40-day, non-stop prayer vigil outside Planned Parenthood facilities and other abortion clinics. The 40 Days for Life campaign takes place in 1,800 cities across the U.S. and around the world. Celebrating the significant milestone last Tuesday, the organization released a new episode of its End Abortion Anywhere webcast, providing additional insights about the state of the pro-life movement. 40 Days for Life President Shawn Carney also reflected on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, noting how it took place as an earlier installment of the webcast was being recorded. Not only did he debate politics very well but in that was definitely the pro-life debate. He was excellent at articulating this great cause and defending free speech, Carney recalled. We definitely saw the Charlie Kirk effect in the 36 percent of locations reporting an increase in participation. Carney also brought up beautiful reports of people saying, [] After Charlie got shot, I knew I needed to get my act together. He described common responses among participants in the 40 Days for Life campaign as, 'Look at what he did. Look at what he gave his life for.'" And, "'I'm not going to let the fear of going out, maybe being seen by somebody on the sidewalk who disagrees with me, get in the way?' 40 Days for Life Campaign Director Steve Karlen shared statistics about closures of abortion facilities in 2025 and noted that many of the facilities that have closed are located in pro-abortion states: This year alone, we have seen abortion facilities close in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, [and] Sacramento, California, which is the fourth facility to close in Sacramento. Not Birmingham, Alabama. No, Sacramento, California. Additional locations of clinic closures profiled by Karlen include San Mateo, California; Gilroy, California; Santa Cruz, California; Boulder, Colorado; Aurora, Colorado; Jackson, Michigan; Marquette, Michigan; Goshen, New York; Cobleskill, New York; and four facilities in Iowa. Karlen also pointed to the closure of what he described as the flagship Planned Parenthood in New York City, located on a street formerly named for the abortion providers founder: Margaret Sanger Way, as one of the biggest victories in the pro-life movements history. Karlen also cited examples of how 40 Days for Life had succeeded at converting some opponents of the pro-life movement into supporters. We had a situation in Connecticut, Waterbury, where theres a woman, shes screaming at the 40 Days for Life participants and turns out she had an abortion two weeks ago, and she was upset that nobody was there when she had her abortion, he said. Karlen noted that the exchange led to a conversation, and it led to the woman deciding that she was going to go from yelling at the prayer warriors to wanting to go back to her church and return to her faith for the first time in years. Home News Pro-lifer files civil suit against attacker after DA Alvin Bragg fails to prosecute case A pro-life advocate who was assaulted on camera has filed a lawsuit against a New York woman who punched her in the face and left her bleeding after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office declined to prosecute the case. The Thomas More Society, a nonprofit law firm, announced in a news release that it has filed a civil suit against Brianna Rivers on behalf of Savannah Craven Antao. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for assault and battery, as well as the intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to the complaint, Antao has suffered lasting psychological injury due to Rivers actions, in addition to physical injury. I was attacked in broad daylight while standing up for my pro-life beliefs, and the person who did it has been celebrating it online ever since, Antao said in a statement provided to The Christian Post. Alvin Braggs office completely failed to protect me and by refusing to prosecute her, they failed every New Yorker who deserves equal justice under the law, the pro-life advocate said. Im grateful Thomas More Society is stepping in to make sure she is held responsible for her actions. Police arrested Rivers earlier this year after a video of her striking Antao during a conversation about abortion went viral. On April 3, Antao was filming a woman on the street interview in Harlem for the pro-life group Live Action at the time of the assault. Video footage shows that Rivers approached the pro-life advocate and initiated the conversation, which started off friendly but gradually became heated. At one point, Antao addressed a comment Rivers had made during their conversation, in which she claimed that the New York woman was OK with killing babies in foster care and killing children that had been abused. In response, Rivers savagely punched the pro-life advocate in the face twice, according to the civil suit. Rivers struck Antao with her right hand before hitting the advocate again with the cell phone in her left hand, which caused a severe laceration over Antaos left eye. According to the complaint, the injuries that Antao suffered resulted in $3,000 in medical bills. Savannah was violently assaulted for peacefully expressing her pro-life beliefs and then humiliated all over again when the attacker went online to glorify it, Chris Ferrara, senior counsel at the Thomas More Society, said in a statement provided to CP. The DAs office had every opportunity to pursue justice and due to their incompetency or lack of will, failed to prosecute this vicious assault, Ferrara added. Their refusal left us with no choice but to file civil action to hold Rivers accountable. While Rivers was initially charged with felony assault, the Manhattan district attorneys office downgraded the charge to a misdemeanor. A court dismissed the case in July after the district attorneys office failed to meet a deadline for turning evidence over to the defense team, The New York Post reported at the time. Our system cannot function when violent offenders are rewarded with impunity simply because the victim is a Christian or a pro-life advocate, Ferrara stated. We intend to prove every allegation in court and obtain full justice for Savannah. According to the complaint, Rivers has knowingly, willfully, and maliciously continued to mock Antao and her views online in order to inflict further emotional distress. On her social media, Rivers shared a photo of a T-shirt with the logo "BAM!" and the image of a fist hitting a face. Rivers and her cousin reportedly produced the shirt to raise money for her legal fees, according to the suit. The New York woman also attempted to raise money through a GoFundMe campaign, which received over $8,000 in donations before the platform removed the fundraiser. According to the rules outlined on GoFundMes terms of service page, an individual cannot use the platform to raise money for the legal defense of financial and violent crimes, including those related to money laundering, murder, robbery, assault, battery, sex crimes or crimes against minors. In an April 11 Facebook post, Rivers blamed Antao and her Klan for the fundraisers removal from GoFundMe. She also revealed that she lost her job and claimed that Antaos trolls have taken this too far. On Sept. 17, Rivers declared on TikTok: "It's been over six months since I punched that loser, pro-life extremist and I'm still living my life but not to the extent I'm used to. This has been so humbling, she admitted. Im regretful and apologetic to her, but also infuriated that I allowed myself to boil over for a professional antagonist. Rivers noted that Antao is affiliated with Live Action, accusing the pro-life group of spread[ing] fake news and hate in an attempt to promote their one-sided viewpoints." According to the suit, Rivers actions have caused Antao severe and lasting emotional distress, adding that the advocate now lives in constant fear of another attack when conducting pro-life outreach. Antao's legal team claims she has shown signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, which include vivid flashbacks to the beating and hearing Rivers voice inside her head. [Antaos] PTSD, proximately caused by [Rivers], is all the more severe given [Antaos] friendship with the late Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated for expressing his own similar views in public, the complaint alleges. The pro-life advocate has reportedly received hundreds of death threats following the assault and widespread coverage of the incident in the media. Home News Marjorie Taylor Greene denies 2028 presidential run despite surging as top 3 contender Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., emphatically denied harboring 2028 presidential ambitions after announcing her resignation from Congress last week. However, she has since emerged as a top-three contender in the prediction market for the next GOP nomination. Citing "two people who have spoken with her directly about the prospect and three others familiar with her thinking," TIME Magazine reported Saturday that Greene "has privately told allies that she has considered running for president in 2028." Greene, 51, tore into TIME's report in a lengthy X post on Sunday, claiming their story was predicated on lies. "TIME (magazine) claims 'sources' told them I'm running for President in 2028, which means this is a complete lie and they made it up because they can't even quote the names of the people who they claim said it," Greene said. "That's not journalism, it's called lying." "I'm not running for President and never said I wanted to and have only laughed about it when anyone would mention it," she continued. Greene went on to rail against the "political industrial complex," describing a presidential campaign as a personally grueling process she has no interest in, especially since she has come to believe real change in Washington, D.C., is impossible with its present leadership. "Running for President requires traveling all over the country, begging for donations all day everyday to raise hundreds of millions of dollars, arguing political talking points everyday to the point of exhaustion, destroying your health and having no personal life in order to attempt to get enough votes to become President all to go to work into a system that refuses to fix any of America's problems," she said. "The fact that I'd have to go through all that but would be totally blocked from truly fixing anything is exactly why I would never do it," she added. Greene's post on social media comes after she abruptly announced last Friday night that she would resign her Georgia seat in the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 5, 2026, following her public falling out with President Donald Trump over policy and the release of files related to the investigation of the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Calling her "Wacky Marjorie," a "ranting lunatic" and a "traitor" who had gone "Far Left," Trump pulled his 2026 primary endorsement of her earlier this month as she was pushing a bill requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to disclose its Epstein investigation records. The Epstein Files Transparency Act passed the House last Tuesday by a vote of 427-1, and the U.S. Senate agreed with unanimous consent to pass the bill hours later. Greene, who was one of Trump's staunchest allies even as he faced his second impeachment in 2021 and was slapped with 34 felony charges in New York in 2023, struck a tone of disillusionment in her resignation statement, citing the president's recent attacks on her and his potential support for a primary challenger as key reasons for her decision. "Loyalty should be a two way street and we should be able to vote our conscience and represent our district's interest because our job title is literally, 'Representative,'" she wrote. "It's all so absurd and completely unserious," she later added. "I refuse to be a 'battered wife' hoping it all goes away and gets better." Greene also expressed despair that Trump's purported America First agenda will prevail amid weak Republicans in Congress and the entrenched interests in Washington, D.C. She noted the abortive nature of her legislative proposals, which she said "just sit collecting dust" despite addressing flashpoint issues such as limiting visas, cutting taxes and banning experimental trans procedures for minors. Trump celebrated Greene's resignation over the weekend, telling ABC News, "It's great news for the country." Despite Greene's denial that she plans a run for the White House, she emerged as a distant third behind Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 GOP presidential nomination, according to Polymarket, a user-based prediction market that allows cryptocurrency bets on the outcome of real-world events. According to the prediction market as of Monday, Greene has about a 5% chance, compared to Rubio at 8% and Vance at 55%. Home News Michael Youssef to step down as pastor, will dedicate more time to other ministry Michael Youssef, founding pastor of the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, has announced that he will resign from that role to pursue other ministry work. In a statement Sunday, the best-selling author said he will step down as pastor of Church of the Apostles next summer to dedicate more time to his global ministry organization, Leading The Way. Youssef's youngest son, Jonathan, will take over as lead pastor at Church of the Apostles. The announcement was also made at the annual congregational meeting and has been in the works for the past few years. "Now that God has raised up my son Jonathan to lead The Church of The Apostles for its next stage of growth, I will be devoting my full attention to Leading The Way," said Youssef. "I am deeply thankful to the Lord and know that the best is yet to come. I am also deeply grateful to The Church of The Apostles' leadership for inviting me to remain in the church as the 'Founding Rector Emeritus' thus helping to ensure continuity." Youssef said he wants "to take as many people to heaven with me as possible" and that "we don't know how long the door is going to remain open to proclaim the Gospel in the places where we are ministering." "So, I'm really putting my foot on the accelerator now," he added. "We would love to walk through those open doors as long as God keeps them open. Because if we go to sleep, we will have missed a great opportunity." Born in Egypt in 1948, Youssef became a Christian at age 16 in 1964. According to his official biography, he earned degrees from Moore College of Sydney, Australia; Fuller Theological Seminary of California; and a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Emory University. Youssef founded Church of the Apostles in 1987. The congregation grew from approximately 40 members to more than 3,000. In 1988, Youssef launched Leading The Way, a radio ministry based in Atlanta that grew into a global multimedia ministry available in 28 languages and reportedly viewed by tens of millions on a weekly basis. "Today, the ministry continues to leverage cutting-edge technology to passionately proclaim the uncompromising Truth of Christ through every available means from Evangelistic Celebrations to podcasts to our Awake America prayer movement and more," stated the ministry's website. "The result? Lives changed. Families transformed. Cities and villages awakened. This is the power of the Gospel." Youssef told The Christian Post last month that his heart is burned for the next generation to step into leadership roles. "I'm seeing it even in our own church," he said at the time. "The younger generation is into technology, and I'm bringing them into leadership now, not waiting until they get older." Jonathan Youseff, 41, now shares the pulpit at Church of the Apostles and has been "preaching more and more," the father said. "We're raising up the next generation. I tell them, 'You have to carry the baton. You can't wait until we're gone,'" he said. "We don't want to be the generation with whom the Gospel dies." Home News North Dakota Supreme Court upholds law banning abortion in nearly all circumstances The North Dakota Supreme Court has narrowly upheld a state law that bans abortions in nearly all circumstances, overturning a lower court ruling against it. Last Friday, the states highest court released an opinion in the case of Access Independent Health Services, Inc., et al v. Drew H. Wrigley et al., which centered on whether a 2023 state law banning abortion is constitutional. Although three of the five justices who heard the case found the ban unconstitutional, North Dakota requires a supermajority of the court to strike down a law on constitutional grounds. State Supreme Court Justices Daniel Crothers and Lisa Fair McEvers found the ban unconstitutional, with Daniel Narum, a district court judge who sat in place of recused Justice Douglas Bahr, joining them. Chief Justice Jon Jensen and Justice Jerod Tufte ruled that the law was constitutional, with Tufte writing that the argument that the ban was unconstitutionally vague was invalid. Because the Plaintiffs have presented only hypothetical scenarios and have not demonstrated the statute is vague as applied to any actual conduct, their facial challenge fails to satisfy our established precedent, he wrote. The serious health risk exception does not present a clear answer to every imaginable situation. No statute can. This statute provides minimum guidelines to avoid arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement, and also provides fair warning to a reasonable person about what conduct is prohibited. North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley celebrated the decision in a statement, according to The Associated Press. The Supreme Court has upheld this important pro-life legislation, enacted by the peoples Legislature. The Attorney Generals office has the solemn responsibility of defending the laws of North Dakota, and today those laws have been upheld, stated Wrigley. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Dakota called the decision deeply painful to all of us who believe that the right to control our own bodies and to make such deeply personal decisions is ours, not the governments. Private decisions about abortion should not be made by politicians but be made by pregnant people in consultation with their doctors who should be able to treat their patients according to their best medical judgement, stated the ACLU of North Dakota in a statement. Everyone deserves the right to control their own bodies and to make their own decisions about their lives and futures, free from punishment, judgment, or political interference. Well keep fighting. We hope youll join us. In April 2023, then-North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum signed the law banning abortion in all circumstances except for a serious medical emergency for the mother or cases of rape or incest if the unborn baby is six weeks or younger. Red River Womens Clinic of Fargo sued to overturn the law in July of that year, and Burleigh County District Judge Bruce Romanick ruled it unconstitutional in September 2024. Home News Palestinian Authority school textbooks continue to teach hatred of Israel and Jews, despite promises of reforms A report by the Israel- and United Kingdom-based Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-SE) found that the Palestinian Authoritys 2025-2026 national school curriculum has not been reformed to eliminate inciting and hateful elements, despite promises to do so. The report, released last week by the educational watchdog organization, represents the first comprehensive review of the full corpus of educational materials used by the Palestinian Authority since its previous report in May 2021. IMPACT-SE found that PA curricula continues to systematically violate UNESCO principles and educational standards, through material which incites antisemitism and violence, promotes jihad and martyrdom, glorifies terrorism, rejects peacemaking and the two-state solution, and erases Israel from maps. IMPACT-SE found little change from the modest reforms first established during the 2016 reform cycle. Specifically, the survey of PA curricula found that despite both the PA and the European Union claiming that the materials for Grades 1-4 and Grade 12 would be reformed and fully aligned with UNESCO standards of peace and tolerance, in actuality, the materials were virtually unchanged since 2021. The differences between the newer materials and those from 2021 represent shortening of material through formatting adjustments, and not an effort to expunge problematic content. The European Union and the Palestinian Authority signed a Letter of Intent in 2024, in which the EU agreed to restore funding to the PA, which had been suspended over the inciting curricula, based on the promise of significant reforms to the curricula. That letter of intent led to the transfer of over 400 million ($462 million) from the European Union to the PA on the commitment to initiate significant reforms in its curricula. In a familiar phenomenon when dealing with the PA, the letter of intent, published in English, made clear statements regarding substantial and comprehensive reforms of the Palestinian Authority. However, PA officials, speaking in Arabic, told a different story to their public than the one told to the EU. In September 2024, after receiving the transfer of funds from the EU, Abdul Hakim Abu Jamous, head of the Humanities Division in the Palestinian Ministry of Education, told the PA-affiliated Al-Quds news network, The Ministry of Education has not approved any modifications to the Palestinian curriculum. He even stated that not a single word has been deleted or altered in textbooks. IMPACT-SE stated that Antisemitism remains a central feature of the curriculum. Hate and collective accusations specifically directed toward Jewish people appear across grades and subjects, depicting them as deceitful, manipulative, or inherently corrupt enemies of Islam, drawing on classical Islamic polemic, historical distortions, and modern antisemitic motifs used to describe the current conflict. The report found that in some materials, Israelis are depicted as demonic monsters, laughing while committing atrocities, slaughtering children, and extinguishing life. Other materials accuse the Israeli government of fabricating Jewish holy sites in order to steal Palestinian land. IMPACT-SE found that jihad is always interpreted in a militant sense connected to the conflict with Israel, and presented as an obligation that leads to divine reward. Such subjects are imposed upon the curriculum, even when no direct connection is necessary. For example, in a lesson on the elements of air in a science textbook, the accompanying illustration showed a masked Palestinian youth, wearing a keffiyeh and holding a slingshot, ready to throw a rock towards Israeli soldiers who had fired tear gas. At the same time, the PAs history textbooks contain no mention of any of the peace summits, such as the Annapolis peace summit, or the Camp David Accords, nor even Yasser Arafat's proclamation, in English, of a new era of peace. Similarly missing is any recognition of the prior, well-documented historical Jewish presence in the land. Instead, Israel and the Jewish presence in the land are deliberately omitted from all historical periods of study. Textbooks routinely glorify and call 'heroic' acts of violence against Israeli citizens. The perpetrators of such attacks are described as national heroes, martyrs and examples to be emulated. For example, a fifth-grade language textbook contained a reading comprehension exercise about Dalal Al-Mughrabi, a member of the Fatah faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), who in 1978 led an attack that killed 38 Israelis, including 13 children. Likewise, an eighth-grade Arabic textbook contains a reading comprehension text glorifying terror attacks through a story that describes suicide bombers wearing explosive belts, Palestinian daggers slashing Israeli throats, and telling the students not to forget the image of those killed. IMPACT-SE consulted a selection of both digital and hardcopy textbooks released by the PA for use in schools across the Palestinian territories in Judea and Samaria, Gaza and east Jerusalem, which follow the PA curriculum instead of the Israeli governments curriculum for Arab language schools. A similar report by IMPACT-SE found that textbooks produced explicitly for the students of Gaza after the start of the Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza war had still not addressed any of the promised curriculum reforms either. It found a similar phenomenon in textbooks for the Jordanian education system, as well. According to IMPACT-SE CEO Marcus Sheff, the report demonstrates that virulent antisemitism, the glorification of jihad and incitement to violence remain deeply embedded across all grades of Palestinian Authority textbooks. The PA signed a formal agreement with the European Union its largest funder to remove this hate-filled content, a demand also made by the United States, which has consequently sanctioned PA officials, Sheff continued. The obvious conclusion of this report is that barring long-overdue, deep and sustained intervention by the international community, the systematic indoctrination of Palestinians via extremist education is here to stay. This article was originally published by All Israel News. Japan's gesture of being 'willing to engage in dialogue' is highly hypocritical: Global Times editorial Global Times) 08:59, November 24, 2025 Illustration: Liu Rui/GT Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, recently sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, elaborating on the Chinese government's position regarding Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on China. However, Japanese officials responded by shifting the blame, claiming that China's statements were "baseless," while telling the media that Japan is "committed to dialogue" with its neighbor. It is not difficult to see that this has become Japan's standard line in recent days: From Takaichi to Japanese diplomats, they keep saying "there is no change to the Japanese government's position on the Taiwan question" and that they are "willing to engage in dialogue," yet they carefully avoid mentioning the need to retract the erroneous remarks. Some even go further, portraying China's response as "excessive." In the face of facts and international justice, such behavior is not only hypocritical but also futile. As the situation continues to unfold, insightful members of the international community clearly understand the root cause: Japan first interfered in China's internal affairs, issued a threat of force against China, ignored China's demands through various channels that it retract the erroneous remarks, and has shown no sign of remorse. Under these circumstances, the anger felt by the Chinese people is entirely justified and reasonable. Some foreign media outlets have noted that Takaichi's refusal to retract her erroneous remarks and apologize to China has brought Japan into a stalemate with its largest trading partner. The negative consequences of her wrongful words and actions - disrupted bilateral exchanges and growing economic pressure on Japan - are exerting increasing strain on Japan, as reflected in the spontaneous protests outside the Japanese Prime Minister's Office in recent days. Japan is now attempting to shift the focus of the dispute, and three diplomatic tactics can be clearly identified. First, it refuses to correct its mistakes, using terms such as "hypothetical" or "legal discussion" to obscure the issue and evade its fundamental responsibility. Second, it creates the appearance of "diplomatic dialogue" without any genuine intention of solving the problem, devoting its efforts instead to creating the illusion internationally that "Japan is trying to communicate," while portraying China as the side "undermining stability," thereby attempting to downplay the threat its own wrongful behavior poses to regional peace. Third, instead of reflecting on how its statements triggered the crisis, it demands that China exercise restraint and labels China's legitimate countermeasures as "excessive." This is equivalent to setting a fire and then blaming the flames for being too strong. From summoning the Japanese ambassador to China following instructions from superiors and making serious demarches, to receiving officials from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss related issues, China has never closed the door to dialogue. However, dialogue comes with preconditions: Japan must acknowledge its mistakes, learn from them, and adhere to its commitments to have a chance of bringing China-Japan relations back on track. If Tokyo continues to "dodge the issue," attempting to evade its historical and current responsibilities with a performative display of weakness, then it should be responsible for any resulting obstacles to bilateral or multilateral communication. After Japan's defeat and surrender in World War II, Taiwan was returned to China. This is clearly stated in the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the four political documents between China and Japan, leaving no room for dispute. These documents constitute Japan's legal commitments and policy boundaries regarding the Taiwan question, with no space for ambiguity or reinterpretation. Regardless of which party or person is in power in Japan, they must adhere to it. If Tokyo wants to prove that there has truly been no change to the Japanese government's position on the Taiwan question, it should openly acknowledge that the Taiwan question is purely a matter of China's internal affairs, promptly retract the erroneous remarks made by Takaichi, rather than ambiguously claiming "no change" while pretending to seek dialogue to resolve differences. Today, China's economic size is nearly five times that of Japan, yet China has not followed the beaten track of seeking hegemony with strength as Japan did. China values the hard-won achievements in rebuilding, improving and developing bilateral ties in the postwar era. Guided by the principle of learning from history while looking toward the future, China remains committed to developing relations with Japan in the direction of peace, friendship and cooperation. In contrast, the Takaichi administration not only fails to cherish the overall development of the strategic mutually beneficial relationship with China but also attempts to undermine the political foundations of China-Japan relationship, occasionally making statements and taking actions that threaten regional peace and stability. This time it made inappropriate remarks directly related to China's core interests and crossed red lines that should not be crossed. China has firmly hit back, not only to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity but also to defend the post-war achievements that were won through blood and sacrifice, upholding international justice and human conscience. International analyses suggest that Takaichi's refusal to retract her erroneous remarks stems from a political self-interest in catering to Japan's right-wing forces, as she "knew exactly what she was saying and doing." If this is truly the course Japan chooses to take, Takaichi will not only risk her own political career, but will also push Japan once again onto a road of no return. We urge the Japanese side to remove its mask of hypocrisy and take responsible steps that serve its long-term national interests and honor its international commitments. It should reflect on its mistakes and correct them as soon as possible, rather than obstinately persisting in them. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Home News Texas street evangelist who confronted Islamic prayer group calls encounter 'peaceful,' draws ire of Muslim leaders For the internet, it was merely another viral video showing a clash of cultures as a street evangelist confronted a group of Muslims praying outdoors. But for Christopher Svochak, it's all part of a divine calling exposing what he calls the "darkness" of Islam and calling sinners to repentance through Jesus Christ. Svochak, a Texas native and director of the nonprofit Kingdom Reconcilers, has built a reputation on social media for bold, often provocative street evangelism. His latest act, a viral confrontation with a group of Muslim teens praying outside a Yemeni coffee shop near Dallas, drew swift condemnation from a controversial Islamic scholar and calls for a hate crime investigation. The incident unfolded on a sidewalk outside Original Mocha Coffee in Murphy, just down the street from the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), a mosque that has itself been at the center of controversy. The teens, later identified as members of the Muslim Student Association at East Plano High School, had gathered outside Original Mocha Coffee for a brief sunset prayer organized by one of the shop's Muslim owners. Video footage, shared widely on social media, captured the group bowing their heads and kneeling just outside the coffee shop. Enter Svochak, who approached uninvited, stretching out his arm over the group. "Duck, duck, goose. Im mocking your religion because youre bowing toward a stupid pedophiles grave," Svochak said in the explosive clip, circling the group as they largely ignored him. "You need Jesus," he declared. He then launched into a modified Lord's 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. The video exploded online, amassing thousands of views and shares. Yasir Qadhi, a resident scholar at EPIC and a key figure in the now-shelved EPIC City project a proposed Muslim-only community outside Dallas that faced a federal civil rights probe earlier this year decried it as deplorable to see high school students harassed while praying in public, treated like a spectacle as others laugh and record. CAIR-Texas, the state's chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization, swiftly condemned the confrontation as "religious intimidation" and a "possible assault and hate crime." Svochak, who offered no apologies, said he decided to film the confrontation in response to reports of rising Islamist violence against Christians. I decided to make the video because Islamists are currently killing Christians in Nigeria, Sudan and other parts of the world continually, where they have numerical advantages, and most Muslim-majority countries oppress Christians' rights at a minimum and persecute to the point of fighting and death in others. Pointing to the Apostle Pauls call in Ephesians 5:11 for Christians to expose darkness, Svochak said his method of street preaching is a form of giving the message of repentance as a Christian as Jesus commanded us to tell sinners to obey Him in the great adventure of evangelism throughout the world. Svochak said his decision to tweak the Lord's Prayer with "deliver us from Islam" stemmed from a desire to highlight what he sees as the faith's inherent evils. The Lord Jesus instructed us to pray 'like this when we pray' when He delivered the message of the Lord's Prayer. I was simply applying the word evil to the current situation so those who were listening could understand the evils of Islam, either by listening to me or researching for themselves. Despite the potential for conflict, Svochak said the praying teens reacted peacefully. Some videotaped me with phones, and others followed us a little after their prayer was done back to our cars, he said. But this specific outreach was completely peaceful on both sides during the outreach. As for CAIR's push for prosecution claiming his outstretched arm constituted a form of "assault" Svochak dismissed it outright. The fact CAIR is a designated terror organization [in the UAE but not in the U.S.] speaks for itself. The great adventure of Christianity is to tell everyone about Jesus and His words. The great adventure of the Quran is to fight the unbelievers in many different ways. CAIR chooses to oppress Christians by attempting to silence free speech and prosecute for doing that as well. In response to the video, Original Mocha Coffee responded on social media and confirmed that a Yemeni American of [its] ownership team participated in the short prayer. The statement condemned Svochaks actions as hate, plain and simple. Svochak said while he had no prior connection to Original Mocha, he was previously aware of the EPIC mosque down the road and saw the public prayer as idolatry, not religion. These individuals at the Original Mocha were praying seemingly towards a brick wall facing East towards another four-sided wall in Mecca. I don't see this as religious and neither should Christians. We should see this as idolatry, Svochak said, adding that he compared the scene to when the prophet Elijah mocked the false prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. The reason why hate and murder happens in the name of the god of the Quran is because of the same power of the prophets of Baal," he added. [...] Jesus Christ is the power of God and is alive. Home News Imam linked to Islamic court Texas gov. says is illegal identified as chaplain for sheriff's office Gov. Greg Abbott warns tribunal calls for stoning, cutting off hands as part of 'Islamic solution' to crimes A Texas imam affiliated with an organization designated by Gov. Greg Abbott as an extrajudicial tribunal practicing Islamic law is also a volunteer chaplain with a Houston-area sheriffs office, The Christian Post has learned. On Wednesday, Gov. Abbott notified district attorneys and sheriffs in North Texas of possible criminal violations by entities he claimed were masquerading as legal courts and purporting to practice and enforce a form of Islamic law, or Sharia. The Nov. 19 letter, which was also addressed to Attorney General Ken Paxton and the Texas Department of Public Safety, acknowledged that religious entities are afforded protection under the U.S. Constitution to conduct their own proceedings involving doctrinal and ecclesiastical issues, but that does not extend to the creation or enforcement of an extrajudicial legal system. The First Amendments protection of religious freedom provides wide berth for religious institutions to order their own affairs under the 'church autonomy' doctrine [...] A Presbyterian session, a Catholic bishop, a Jewish beit din all may inquire into wrongdoing and correct their members to preserve the purity, peace, and good order of a congregation, wrote Abbott. It is different entirely, however, for religious groups to set up courts purporting to replace actual courts of law to evade neutral and generally applicable laws. Abbotts letter identified The Islamic Tribunal, a Dallas-area nonprofit which bills itself as a unique institution [] with the intention of erecting this institution in order to set a precedence (sp) that will be emulated and duplicated throughout the country. Led by four imams, the Tribunal is headed up by Yusuf Ziya Kavakci, a Dallas resident who, according to the site, serves as resident scholar for the largest mosque in North Texas, the Islamic Association of North Texas (IANT) in Richardson. Another current committee member listed on the Tribunal website is Irhabi Mohamed, whose bio identifies him as a full-time imam and mufti, or Islamic legal authority, as well as a volunteer chaplain for the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office. In 2022, a local news report identified Mohamed as one of three Muslim chaplain members with the county, which has over 60 chaplains from different faith traditions. Montgomery County is part of the Houston Metroplex area. According to Abbotts letter, the Islamic Tribunal purports to exercise jurisdiction over all aspects of life even over non-ecclesiastical legal disputes and to subject them to Islamic Jurisprudence and its Shariah or Law. Despite suggesting that submission to its jurisdiction is voluntary, the Tribunal commands that all Muslims here in American are obligated to find a way to solve conflicts and disputes according to the principles of Islamic Law and it steers them away from [t]he courts of the United States of America [which] are costly and consist of ineffective lawyers, Abbott wrote. Billed in its founding charter as authorized to resolve any dispute among Muslims residing in the USA [] under the approval of the Texas Judicial system, the Tribunal claims any decision issued by its judges is final according to Islamic jurisprudence, according to Abbott. That body of Islamic jurisprudence, the Tribunal admits, includes [s]toning adulterers, cutting of the hands, polyandry and the like, the governor said, adding any claim that the Tribunal has state approval is false. To the extent an extrajudicial tribunal holds itself out as a court that is authorized to issue final and binding decisions, resolving any dispute among American Muslims, who are obligated to submit to an Islamic solution, even to the point of stoning all while claiming the approval of the Texas Judicial system it strays far beyond traditional church autonomy and instead masquerades as a rival court in violation of the Texas Penal Code, wrote Abbott. The governor instructed the letters recipients Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis, Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot, Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner and Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown to investigate efforts by entities purporting to illegally enforce Sharia law in Texas in cooperation with Paxton and the DPS. When contacted by CP to verify Mohameds status with the department, a Montgomery County Sheriffs spokesperson said Mohamed is currently serving as a volunteer chaplain for the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, a role he has held since 2021. Sheriff's spokeswoman Miranda Hahs said the chaplaincy program is "entirely voluntary and is designed to provide support across a wide spectrum of faiths. The service provided is non-denominational in its delivery to staff and community members unless a specific denominational request is made." All chaplaincy candidates are required to complete a "comprehensive background check along with police chaplain training upon acceptance into the program, Hahs added. The Islamic Tribunal did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday. This article will be updated if a response is received. Just one day after his letter to law enforcement, Abbott who is running for reelection in 2026 designated the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations. The proclamation directs DPS agents assigned to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces to gather intelligence and initiate investigations into potential violations of state and federal law involving any group conspiring to engage in criminal activities or seeking to establish or promote a breeding ground for extremist Islamic radicalism that violates Texas law. In response to the executive order, the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA) and the CAIR Legal Defense Fund (CAIR LDF) announced the groups filed a federal lawsuit to block enforcement of Abbott's "unconstitutional and defamatory" proclamation. The lawsuit we have filed today is our first step towards defeating Governor Abbott again so that our nation protects free speech and due process for all Americans, CAIR Litigation Director and General Counsel Lena Masri said in a statement. No civil rights organizations are safe if a governor can baselessly and unilaterally declare any of them terrorist groups, ban them from buying land, and threaten them with closure. Tucker Carlson On Christianity Being Distorted, Declining Motherhood Trends, Christian Leaders Arrested In China link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:52 06:52 Top headlines for Monday, November 24, 2025 We explore the growing rift within conservatism as Tucker Carlson warns of a civil war and accuses some of twisting Christianity to promote mass migration. We also dive into a new study revealing that over half of American women without children have no interest in motherhood, and discuss former Harvard President Larry Summers stepping back from teaching and leadership roles. 00:11 Trans-identified TSA officer sues DHS over female pat down ban 01:04 18 Christian leaders arrested in China amid crackdown on churches 01:50 12 men now accuse ex-Harvest pastor Paul Havsgaard of abuse 02:37 Tucker Carlson says Christianity being 'distorted' to destroy US 03:29 Gateway Church fights to stop discovery in Cindy Clemishire case 04:19 American women without children have no desire to become mothers 05:08 Larry Summers steps away from Harvard after Epstein emails Home Opinion I'm a licensed clinical psychologist. This SCOTUS case is deeply concerning Recently, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar, a case that could restore freedom of speech and conscience to the client-therapist relationship. Im a licensed clinical psychologist with deep concern about this case, because I help people with their unwanted sexual attractions. The media often portrays my clients as victimized individuals who have been pressured into therapy by right-wing social pressures and religious dogma. In truth, my clients are self-motivated individuals whose goal is to live in alignment with their deeply held values, including their values regarding their sexuality. Sometimes, my clients unwanted sexual feelings are unwanted LGBT attractions. Many of my clients are people of faith typically Christians, Jews, and Muslims who believe they are designed for heterosexual love and family. Respect for their faith means respecting their freedom to pursue their goals. Yet for more than a decade, state governments (and several nations) have tried to silence voluntary client-therapist conversations by painting all therapeutic approaches with a broad, politically weaponized label conversion therapy. This term is vague, ill-defined, and creates a chilling effect for therapists like me. These laws prevent a therapist from helping the client change his unwanted sexual attractions. On the surface, this sounds like it could protect the client. However, they create a mess of government intrusion that limits the clients therapeutic choices. Here is a real-life example: if a client identifies as gay, but at some point during therapy, chooses to explore heterosexual attractions, I cannot help him with that goal. That would be against the law. During the Chiles v. Salazar oral arguments, several Justices pressed the state of Colorado with sharp questions showing their concern that these therapy bans have crossed a constitutional line. But beyond violating the Constitution, such laws violate something even more basic: good therapy. No ethical counseling relationship can function if politicians, rather than clients and therapists, control what may be discussed in the privacy of the therapy room. I brought up this problematic scenario in my Reintegrative Therapy Association amicus brief, and it was raised by Justice Samuel Alito, who appeared to agree that these therapy bans look like blatant viewpoint discrimination. Justice Elena Kagan (an Obama appointee) shared a similar concern. Proponents of therapy bans cannot answer a simple question: why should the government decide which viewpoints are acceptable in a private counseling session? At its core, Chiles v. Salazar is about freedom the freedom for counselors to discuss the subjects their clients choose, without government interference. But beyond therapists right to free speech, this case highlights a deeper issue: the right of individuals to pursue therapy that aligns with their personal goals. In a healthy counseling relationship, clients are in the drivers seat, setting their own goals. The therapist listens, supports, and helps those clients work through the issues that cause conflict in their lives. Yet, politicians have decided which sexuality and gender identities may be explored in therapy and which are forbidden. That is viewpoint discrimination, masquerading as compassionate protection. Of course, when we discuss sexual attraction changes, we should not think in terms of flipping a light switch (gay-to-straight), but rather, rotating a light dimmer were talking about gradual shifts of varying degrees. No two people respond the same way, and no therapist can ever guarantee an outcome. But a growing body of new evidence suggests that some emerging interventions do change sexual attractions. And the results are safe, effective and durable. Working with gender-confused clients is another area of concern. With data showing that up to 85-90% of preteen children with gender dysphoria will eventually embrace their biological sex if left alone and not encouraged into transgenderism, we should be ensuring more access to talk-based therapy, not less. Young people should have the opportunity to process their feelings without being pushed toward irreversible medical procedures or one predetermined outcome. The false assumption behind therapy bans is that sexual attractions are innate that people are born that way in the same way they are born male or female. Yet the largest genome study ever conducted found that no single genetic marker determines a persons sexuality. Sexuality is complex; thus, the so-called gay gene determinant is science fiction. In fact, research shows that sexuality, like many aspects of human experience, is shaped by environment. Our understanding of the brains neuroplasticity shows that unwanted sexual attractions can change as emotional wounds are healed. In Reintegrative Therapy, we dont focus on changing sexuality, but on dealing with underlying attachment wounds and trauma. As clients resolve their traumatic memories, they often experience their sexual attractions spontaneously changing as a byproduct. In my own clinical experience, most clients experience some significant degree of change in their sexual attractions. Unfortunately, the American Psychological Association and many state legislatures refuse to acknowledge the research supporting therapies that help people live consistently with their values, if these values are traditional values. Thankfully, there is hope in spite of some politicians attempts to restrict access to such care. Last month, I spoke at two conferences focused on truth-based, compassionate care: the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity in Houston, and the International Federation for Therapeutic and Counseling Choice (IFTCC) in Poland, which drew delegates from 21 countries. At both events, there were therapists, physicians, pastors, and researchers who gathered to exchange evidence and best practices for ethically helping clients resolve their unwanted attractions and gender distress. Even the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services just announced a shift toward evidence-based care for pediatric gender dysphoria. National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya is committed to ensuring that science, not ideology, guides Americas medical research. That principle should guide therapy as well. The Supreme Court now has the opportunity to affirm a principle that should never have been in question: that people are free to determine the course of their own lives and that therapists have the right to speak truthfully and compassionately without government interference. My clinic and the clinics of my colleagues who specialize in this area have long waitlists because so few are willing to offer this care. I call upon more therapists to join me in this important mission. Home Opinion Thanksgiving vs. Christmas: How should we celebrate this season? As a retired Air Force member, a recent article caught my attention: residents living in privatized housing at Tyndall Air Force Base were ordered to take down Christmas decorations that had already been up since early November. Their premature enthusiasm for Christmas is not unique; news sources and social media platforms everywhere are highlighting the unusually early appearance of Christmas decorations and Christmas-themed merchandising to a degree that seems to drown out Thanksgiving. The early onset of Christmastide makes one wonder, Why the rush? One reason could be our tumultuous times. The nation remains politically divided, and geopolitical risks are widespread. Economic challenges persist, especially for younger Americans trying to navigate a confusing and costly world. In tough times, people turn to their faith and family; no other holiday captures both as well as Christmas. The celebration of Jesus Christ's birth, along with hope for His peace on earth, the joy of being together, traditional holiday customs, gift exchanges and delicious holiday meals, are for many the highlights of the year. Its no surprise that people are excited to embrace the Yuletide spirit, and businesses are eager to capitalize on the consumer opportunities it brings. But we would do well to not rush through Thanksgiving. This week, I started teaching a class called American Exceptionalism. In this course, the author reminds us that God blesses a nation not for its own sake, but so it can bless others. The Thanksgiving holiday reminds us of Gods goodness to America and our inherited responsibility to bless others. Lets look back at history briefly. After enduring a harsh first winter in 1620, the roughly 52 English settlers who survived at Plymouth Colony had much to celebrate. The successful harvest of 1621, due in part to assistance from Wampanoag Native Americans, left the colony in much better shape as it faced its second winter, during which it recorded no deaths from starvation or disease. Governor William Bradford organized a three-day feast to celebrate the plentiful harvest, which was shared with the Wampanoag. However, Thanksgiving, as a formal holiday, wasnt officially recognized until President Lincoln's proclamation on October 3, 1863. Lincoln desired to remind the nation of the blessings of liberty and help bring the deeply divided country together. Modern scholars often try to downplay the history of the Thanksgiving holiday; some even incredulously call it a racist genocide. It is nothing of the sort, and since Lincolns proclamation, it has become one of the most recognized and cherished national celebrations. Thanksgiving holds a special place in the yearly holiday calendar and should be celebrated for exactly what it represents: a nation greatly blessed by God, with the purpose of liberty and prosperity for its citizens. Even though times are tough, John Winthrops perpetual shining city upon a hill remains the same exceptional nation celebrated during President Reagans farewell address. America has always been and can remain a beacon of hope. First for American citizens, then for the rest of the world. Throughout human history, no other nation has offered such prolific freedom and liberties to so many people. Americans can and should proudly celebrate this legacy, especially as preparations are underway across America for next years Semiquincentennial festivities. While we sincerely embrace and look forward to the hope embodied in Jesus Christ and celebrate it at Christmas, lets not forget another essential aspect of Gods grace: our Constitutional Republic. The Constitution safeguards our God-given religious freedom to observe our faith traditions during this season. As we joyfully gather with family and friends around the Thanksgiving table, we can also reflect on these blessings of liberty and hope for whats to come as citizens of a great nation that can work together to solve the toughest problems. America is politically divided and at odds with itself, reminiscent of the dark days of October 1863. President Lincoln recognized the power of a national holiday to celebrate Thanksgiving and took steps to make it official. A renewed spirit of gratitude could be a key part of uniting the country again. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. On Friday, President Donald Trump held his first meeting with Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City, in the Oval Office. Looking down on them was a portrait of Ronald Reagan, which Trump had installed in February. In many ways, the fortieth president was an appropriate observer. The legacy of Reagan hung over both mens political fortunes: Trump made his name and much of his wealth from real estate investments under the deregulated, neoliberal policies of the eighties; and Mamdanis sudden rise to power this November reflected New Yorkers dissatisfaction with that same trickle-down economic model established under Reagan. After the private meeting, reporters hurried in for a joint Trump-Mamdani press conference. The pair had been throwing sharp wordsfascist; communistat each other for months, and many outlets had been previewing the encounter as a kind of bare-knuckle fight. Fox News billed it as a showdown with socialism. CNN said it could really go off the rails. But the mood between the two was shockingly amiable. Despite questions carefully crafted to drum up conflict, Vanity Fair observed, neither Trump nor Mamdani bit. I want him to do a great job, and well help him do a great job, Trump said. Perplexed journalists described this unexpected outcome as a lovefest (Politico), a bromance (the Washington Post), something like a Saturday Night Live skit (The Atlantic), or the oddest screwball buddy comedy (the New York Times). Trump, far from belittling Mamdani like he did Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in February, even defended him against hostile questions from conservative media. That great thud was the sound of White House reporters jaws hitting the floor, David Smith wrote for The Guardian. MAGA-world was just as stunned. Steve Bannon told Politico it was like the world turned upside down. The New York Post dubbed it Freaky Friday. What had journalists not foreseen? Could this be explained simply by the force of the incoming mayors charisma, that he, as Cat Zhang wrote for The Cut, charmed the pants off his nemesis? The president certainly responds to flattery; some world leaders, like UK prime minister Keir Starmer, have made domestic reporters cringe with their fawning approaches to handling Trump, some of which have worked. But Mamdani did nothing to disguise or modify his positions. He answered on message when asked about ICE raids, genocide in Gaza, and his democratic socialism, all of which Trump let slide. Could it be, as the Times Shawn McCreesh or The Atlantics Michael Powell speculated, that Trump simply loves winners? He praised Mamdanis victory over establishment figures, namely Democrat Andrew Cuomo, saying, He beat them, and beat them easily. Theres certainly truth to the idea that Trump is sensitive to displays of strength and power. But Mamdanis profile, that of the young underdog winner, might also apply to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omarall of whom Trump routinely delights in attacking. Another explanation offered by some journalists is that Trumps amiability was a diversionary tactic. Politicos Adam Wren and Lisa Kashinsky pointed out that Trump and Mamdanis meeting came at the end of a week when the presidents MAGA base was fracturing over his reluctance to release documents relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump even noted the attention: The press has eaten this thing up! he said. Ive had a lot of meetings with the heads of major countriesnobody cared. To me, though, this interpretation is unconvincing. Trump is too often seen as having far more influence over the news cycle than he really does, like a kind of reality TV Machiavelli. Besides, if it was a media diversion Trump wanted, an angry quarrel would have worked fine. What all these explanations shared was a focus on personality, as coverage of popular and charismatic politicians so often does. But the unexpectedly cordial meeting, in my reading, is best explained by policy. Trumps record on affordability since January has been shaky. Novembers Democratic victoriesMamdani in New York, Abigail Spanberger in Virginia, and Mikie Sherrill in New Jerseyall seriously addressed the high cost of living in their campaigns. Sign up for CJRs daily email Trump, too, fought for the 2024 election on a key promise: to make America more affordable. He claimed he would do this with aggressive tariff policies. One year later, US tariffs have not made America more affordable. A report published last week by Yales Budget Lab finds that tariffs have led to price level rises of 1.2 percent in the short runor a total loss so far of seventeen hundred dollars for the average household. Those losses do not yet take into account the looming rise in healthcare premiums for millions of Americans. Trumps economic polling has dipped accordingly. In the past few weeks, the administration has attempted to recast its economic message. The president has floated two new ideas on social media: introducing fifty-year mortgages, and giving many Americans two-thousand-dollar checks. But these new plans (or concepts of a plan, perhaps) lack not only credibility but also viability; the Treasury last week poured cold water on the mortgage suggestion, and the idea for stimulus checks was met coolly by congressional Republicans. So Trumps meeting with Mamdani makes sense at this moment, as a marriage of convenience. Why bother coming up with credible solutions to the affordability crisis when you can just smile and take pictures with someone who already speaks eloquently about it? For many voters, Trumps association with a young cost-of-living crusader will give the perception of action. The new word is affordability, Trump said clumsily on Friday. For Mamdani, the ability to govern effectively will depend on avoiding a bust-up. The worth of an ideology can only be judged by its delivery, he told The Nation. His campaign centered on four core promises: to freeze rent for rent-stabilized apartments; to make buses free and effective; to deliver free childcare; and to open government-owned grocery stores. Mamdanis promises will be much harder to make good on if Trump slashes New York Citys 7.4 billion dollars in federal funding, or if federal forces invade and disrupt the city. By the time Trump leaves office, on January 20, 2029, the race to be the next New York mayor will already be underway. Toward the end of the press conference, Trump told reporters about another presidential portrait in the White House. Mamdani had walked past a painting of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and asked to take a picture, Trump said. Hes a big fan of the New Deal, I guess, and of FDR. It may have been Robert Moses who remade New York City by building parks, expressways, tunnels, and bridges from the thirties to the fifties. But, as Mamdani no doubt knows, what enabled Moses to do that was federal money from Roosevelts New Deal. To reshape the city again, Mamdani too will need federal funding, and a path free of obstruction. Whether or not this improbable friendliness lasts is an open question. But for now, it makes sense for both Trump and Mamdani to keep things on good terms. After the meeting, Trump posted a set of photos to social media. It showed the two men, together, below the portrait of FDR. Other Notable Stories For CJR, Amos Barshad braved the black-tie Citizen Journalist Gala at Mar-a-Lago, where, beyond the star-spangled cummerbunds and hundred-thousand-dollar Platinum Tables, he found that the event is a chance for the new right to gather and celebrate itself: While Trump freezes out or directly attacks legacy media, MAGA content creators exist in an influential, symbiotic relationship with the White House, where they are welcomed into the press room as never before. The creators echo Trumps worldview, in which American cities are overrun by undocumented immigrants and roving antifa bands; in turn, federal agencies are uniquely attentive to their content. On Saturday night in Belem, Brazil, the COP30 UN climate summit wrapped up. The outcome was nowhere near reaching the stated aim of limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but COP30 nevertheless made strides towards stronger policies on a just transition to a clean energy future, wrote The Guardians Jonathan Watts. One thing that stood out for Watts, though, was the lack of media attention: None of the four major US news networks [CBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox] sent a team to Belem. Reporters from British and European broadcasters were present, but many said it was hard for them to get space. Earlier this month, Adriana Carranca wrote for CJR about a new generation of journalists emerging from the rainforest, just in time for COP30. One of that cohort, Indigenous journalist Waja Xipai, published a dispatch from the summit. People run so much that they dont realise what is being lost between one step and another, she writes. The owner of the Daily Mail struck a 650-million-dollar agreement last week to buy the rival Telegraph newspaper in the UK, in a deal that could create one of the most powerful right-leaning media groups in Britain, the Financial Times reported. It comes after RedBird Capital pulled out of efforts to buy The Telegraph amid newsroom opposition. The merger will be subject to scrutiny from UK regulatory authorities. The Daily Mail and General Trust, which is owned by the aristocratic Lord Rothermere and also runs the Metro and i newspapers, said it wants to accelerate expansion into the US. This deal is huge: the Rupert Murdoch era of dominance in the still-powerful UK newspaper market is over, one commentator told the FT. The merger could end a long and nightmarish sale saga, which Arthur MacMillan wrote about for CJR last December. The Local, a Toronto-based nonprofit newsroom, investigated a possible scammer writing under the byline Victoria Goldiee, leading to a range of articles getting nixed. After receiving a promising but suspicious pitch, Nicholas Hune-Brown, a Local editor, contacted sources Goldiee claimed to have interviewed for a range of publications. He kept getting the same reply: We definitely did not talk to her. Then, over the phone, as he writes in the piece, Hune-Brown asked Goldiee about her interviews directly. He wrote about the episode: I was embarrassed. I had been naively operating with a pre-ChatGPT mindset. This follows a similar scandal over the byline Margaux Blanchard in August, which led to Wired and Business Insider removing articles after an expose by Press Gazette. Conde Nast was accused of union busting in this months firing of senior fact-checker and New Yorker union member Jasper Lo, according to the Washington Post. The Post reports that, following the news that Teen Vogue would be folded into Vogue, more than a dozen unionized employees of several Conde Nast publications confronted the companys human resources chief over job cuts. Lo, alongside three other employees, was later fired, with a Conde Nast statement saying: Extreme misconduct is unacceptable in any professional setting. Los firing has since been opposed by dozens of New Yorker writers, including Calvin Trillin, Alex Ross, Larissa MacFarquhar, Keith Gessen, E. Tammy Kim, Jay Caspian Kang, and Julian Lucas. Union busting sucks, Susan Orlean reportedly said on an all-staff email chain. In other news, the Posts opinion section is considering high-profile right-wing hireswith Vice President JD Vance pushing owner Jeff Bezos to hire Breitbarts Matt Boyle, according to RealClearPolitics, and the Daily Wires Mary Margaret Olohan also considered, Semafor reports. At the BBC, board member Shumeet Banerji resigned on Friday, citing governance issues and saying he was cut out of discussions that led to the resignations of the director general, Tim Davie, and BBC News chief Deborah Turness. (I wrote about the right-wing campaign to pressure the BBC in last Mondays newsletter.) It comes as The Guardian reports that the BBC plans to overhaul the way it investigates editorial concernsintended to dilute the influence of a prominent conservative on the board. One thing to watch out for today: three key figures in the BBC impartiality row appear before a UK parliamentary select committee to answer questions from MPs. And the apparent stars of a flashy new Fox podcast were astonished last Wednesday, when Fox News announced a new fifty-two-episode series on the life of Jesus Christ. Kristen Bell, who was billed to play Mary Magdalene, told Rolling Stone she had no knowledge of the series; Brian Cox, slated to be the voice of God, said he was also unaware. The confusion stemmed from a 2010 audiobook, The Truth and Life Dramatized Audio Biblevoiced by actors including Bell, Cox, Malcolm McDowell, Julia Ormond, John Rhys-Davies, and otherswhich has been licensed to Fox Faith and repurposed into the new podcast. Its part of Foxs drive into more religious content. Brian recorded audio for a project over a decade ago, Coxs spokesperson said. He was unaware that the audio would be repurposed for a new podcast series in 2025. A whistleblower who accused Wells Fargo & Co. of conducting sham interviews with minority job candidates will now be able to sue the bank over his firing. Wells Fargo lost a bid to place the former employees wrongful-termination complaint into secret arbitration proceedings. That means Joe Bruno will have the chance to take to open court his claims that his firing was retaliatory, and potentially present new details about the interviews. Bruno was the first person to publicly claim in 2022 that Wells Fargo had been interviewing minority candidates for positions that had already been filled so executives could say they were making concrete efforts to diversify the banks workforce. His revelations led the US Department of Justice to open a criminal investigation into whether the bank had violated civil-rights laws. Wells Fargo shareholders sued over the resulting drop in the banks stock price and won class-action status before reaching an $85 million settlement last month. Wells Fargo has said that the fake interviews werent widespread, if they happened at all. In a February 2024 filing with regulators, it said the Justice Department had closed its investigation. Bruno, the bank claimed in a disclosure thats visible to other banks considering hiring him, was fired for workplace conduct inconsistent with company standards. Bank officials claimed he had mistreated another employee. Mr. Brunos allegations are baseless, Dana Ripley, a Wells Fargo spokesman, said in an emailed statement. Any claims he makes must be considered in the context that he was fired after an investigation confirmed he retaliated against another employee who had complained internally about him, and that he then launched a campaign of sending highly offensive and threatening messages to other employees. Wells Fargo will vigorously defend ourselves against this lawsuits claims, Ripley said. The dispute with Bruno is one of the last outstanding matters tied to the alleged fake interviews. Wells Fargos lawyers claimed that Bruno had no right to sue, saying that in order to collect a bonus payment more quickly in 2016, he had signed an agreement stating that any disputes he had with the bank would have to be worked out in closed-door arbitration with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the industry group that polices financial advisers. Bruno and his lawyer, Linda Friedman, argued that the agreement applied only to disputes that related to the bonus payment itself, and that it had expired in 2019. Under the Federal Arbitration Act, the dispute has to arise out of the underlying contract, Friedman said. Its like if you went and bought a television set, it had an arbitration agreement, and then you happened to be working for the company, its just unrelated thing. On Thursday, a Finra arbitration panel issued a decision in Brunos favor, saying there is no valid and enforceable agreement to arbitrate. While we disagree with the Finra decision and view it as inconsistent with Finra practice, it is important to note that the Finra arbitration panel did not make any decisions on the substance of Mr. Brunos claims related to his termination, Wells Fargos Ripley said. Bruno said in an interview Thursday that the allegations of my termination are 100% false, and Ive been arguing that from the beginning, He added that the case also offers a chance to hold the bank accountable for engaging in performative diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The interview practices at issue were tied to a pledge the bank made nearly a decade ago to consider minority candidates for open job positions in the wake of a racial-discrimination lawsuit brought by Black wealth-management employees. A New York Times report about the practices included information provided by 12 current and former employees who had participated in fake interviews, helped arrange them or been aware of them. After the initial story, an additional 10 current and former staffers shared evidence showing how the practice worked. In one email, a human resources employee asked someone considered diverse by the banks standards who had just been hired for one role to fill out an application for another role. Simply book keeping for us, the HR representative wrote, according to The Times. The climate around corporate diversity, equity and inclusion has changed since Bruno first raised the issue at Wells Fargo, with President Donald Trump criticizing DEI as being little more than discrimination against White men. Friedman said the effort at Wells Fargo was intended to broaden the talent pool from which the bank could draw to fill open roles. Bruno said hell rely on Friedmans advice over whether to take the case to trial or consider a settlement should the bank offer one. I want to see change, he said. And if that means rejecting any settlement and going to a jury trial, then Im OK with that. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Crawford & Company CEO Rohit Verma is stepping down at the end of the year to take the helm of another firm, and the company has named Crawford veteran W. Bruce Swain, Jr. interim president CEO. Swain, currently the companys chief financial officer, will also become a member of the Crawford board of directors. He assumes the top role on January 1, 2026. Swain has been with Crawford for more than 30 years. Verma is leaving to become CEO of Alight Inc., a publicly traded cloud-based human capital and technology-enabled services provider. He is also becoming a member of the firms board. Verma, who joined Crawford in 2017, has served as CEO since May 2020. He previously served in a number of senior management roles at Zurich North America, McKinsey & Company and Deloitte. Holly Boudreau, who joined Crawford in 2013, will succeed Swain as chief financial officer effective January 1, 2026. Boudreau currently serves as senior vice president of tax, treasury and finance transformation. Before Crawford, she was a tax director at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Atlanta, Georgia-based Crawford & is a global provider of claims management and outsourcing services to insurance companies and selfinsured entities in more than 70 countries. Alight (ALIT) shares were up 3.79% to $2.04, and Crawford (CRD.A) shares were down .18% to $11.14. as of midday trading. The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Monday to hear a bid by a former UBS bond strategist to revive a $2.6 million jury award in his lawsuit accusing the Swiss bank of unlawfully firing him for refusing to publish misleading research reports. The justices turned away whistleblower Trevor Murrays appeal of a lower courts ruling that the Manhattan jury that decided in favor of him in 2020 had received flawed instructions from the trial judge about the legal standard for proving unlawful retaliation under U.S. law. The Supreme Court had already issued one ruling in the case. The justices in 2024 reinstated the jury award after it was previously overturned by a lower court, deciding that financial whistleblowers only have to prove unequal treatment, and not that their employers had a retaliatory motive, to prevail in retaliation lawsuits. Since that ruling, the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in February again threw out the award, finding that flawed jury instructions in the trial made it too easy to conclude that Murrays whistleblowing contributed to the UBS decision to fire him. Robert Herbst, Murrays lawyer, said: We are disappointed but no less dedicated to obtaining justice for Trevor Murray than we were when we tried the case the first time eight years ago. UBS did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The 2nd Circuit initially overturned the verdict in 2022, finding that a 2002 federal law called the Sarbanes-Oxley Act required Murray to prove that UBS had acted with retaliatory intent. The Supreme Court unanimously reversed that decision last year. The Sarbanes-Oxley law created enhanced accounting standards for publicly traded U.S. companies after a series of accounting scandals, along with new legal protections for employees who report illegal conduct. In the appeal denied on Monday, Murray had asked the Supreme Court to rule that businesses like UBS act unlawfully when they let whistleblowing affect employment-related decisions in any way. UBS in an October brief had urged the Supreme Court not to hear the appeal or, if it did, to adopt a higher bar for proving retaliation claims. Murray, who worked in UBSs mortgage securitization unit, accused bank officials of pressuring him to issue skewed and bullish research on commercial mortgage-backed securities in order to support its trading and underwriting operations. Murray has said he was fired in 2012 about two months after complaining to supervisors and despite receiving excellent performance reviews. UBS has said Murray was fired as part of a cost-cutting campaign that eliminated thousands of jobs, not because of his complaints. The jury in federal court in Manhattan sided with Murray in 2020. U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla, who presided over the trial, rejected a bid by UBS to set aside the verdict. (Reporting by Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Will Dunham) David J. Schwartz's fascination with the Mother Road led him to a project with the United States Postal Service's centennial commemoration of Route 66. Peter Chakerian, Cleveland.com LAKEWOOD, Ohio The road to a United States postage stamp is long, winding and mostly invisible to the public. But for Lakewood photographer David J. Schwartz, the journey has been measured in miles literally. Some 22 years, 42 trips and hundreds of images of Route 66 later, Schwartz is inviting the public into his Madison Avenue studio Dec. 47 for a first-ever viewing of the fine-art prints created from the original photographs selected for the upcoming United States Postal Service (USPS) Route 66 Centennial Stamp Collection. The Holiday Open Studio an annual, appointment-only tradition he opens to the public for one long weekend each December now arrives with a new level of weight. For the first time, Schwartz will show museum-quality editions of the stamp imagery: Hahnemuhle FineArt prints, archival mats, exhibition-grade frames and the road that has held his imagination since 1988. Like many origin stories, his begins with a song. I was in high school, my girlfriend and my buddys girlfriend were really into Depeche Mode, and they covered Route 66, he told Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer in an interview earlier this month. He laughed at the memory. We were rock-and-roll guys, but that cover from the bands Music For the Masses album got us wondering: what is this highway about? There was no Google then; no easy way in. A planned trip west with a friend fell apart (my mom said no way), but the idea never left. Fast-forward to 2004: Schwartz, newly out of school and looking for a creative project he could sink into, pitched the idea of traveling Route 66 to the woman he was dating. They went and it changed everything. I was completely taken in, he said. The roadside scenes, the desert patina on everything, the mountains, the small towns and then the people. They reminded me of where I grew up. Theyd slow down and talk to you. Sometimes more than you even wanted. He came home with negatives mostly black and white at first but quickly realized Route 66 needed to be told in color. Its just such a colorful place, he said. A year later, after watching Pixars Cars, he found himself itching to return. Soon, the yearly trips became routine. Whatever money he had saved, whatever vacation time he could carve out, he spent it on the Mother Road. Schwartz will share the images chosen to celebrate Route 66's centennial Thursday, Dec. 4 - Sunday, Dec. 7 at his "Holiday Open Studio" in Lakewood. David J. Schwartz Over two decades, the trips became longer and more intentional. Schwartz learned to slow down, sometimes revisiting the same spots repeatedly because you dont always get what you want it goes back on the list for next time. A body of work emerged, as did editorial assignments back home in Cleveland. Then a partnership began with Route Magazine, a publication devoted to Route 66 culture, road trips, vintage travel and pop-culture storytelling. The stars were aligning. Ive probably done half the covers, he said. Being part of that from its start in 2018 has been huge. But nothing prepared him for the day the USPS called. They told me theyd been searching everywhere for imagery for the Route 66 Centennial, Schwartz said. They said my photographs matched exactly what they were going for. I pretty much had to pick myself up off the floor. The process took a year and a half. Schwartz delivered an enormous catalog for review far more than probably they needed, he admitted but he wanted them to have the widest possible view of the road. Eventually, a final set of images was selected for the stamp panes. When the announcement dropped unexpectedly two weeks ago, Schwartz learned the news almost the same moment the rest of the world did. I thought I had more time, he says. It was wild. I started getting a bunch of messages on my phone about it. Now, hes racing to prepare the studio for Decembers open house, while juggling client work and an exhibition currently on display at Art On 66 Gallery in Wilmington, Illinois. That show, Roadwork Ahead, focuses on the people and businesses keeping the tradition of 66 alive legacy family operations, new entrepreneurs and the torch-carriers preserving the corridors identity. Photographer (and Route 66 enthusiast) David J. Schwartz Peter Chakerian, Cleveland.com But this stamp project has definitely shifted the horizon line for Schwartz a dream he never imagined unfolding like the open road. Route 66s centennial birthday is in 2026, marking 100 years since the highway was commissioned on November 11, 1926. Now, Schwartz and his work will be a part of its history. My hope is to get this work into museums and galleries everywhere, he said. Not just along Route 66. I want people to see it and think, I want to go there. Schwartz worries about what happens to the Mother Road without a new generation of American travelers investing in its towns, motels, neon signs and roadside landmarks. International tourism has long been a lifeline for many communities. But younger U.S. travelers havent embraced the highway with the same devotion. Thats what inspires me, he said. I have so many friends out there now who run businesses, places that mean something. We have to keep the ball rolling for those future generations. I want this work to inspire people to get out and travel the road. For now, the immediate goal is simple: open the door, share the story and let Northeast Ohio see the images that will soon travel across the country on millions of letters and packages and nestle into philatelist collections around the world. And in the center of it all? A kid who once heard a Depeche Mode cover of that old Nat King Cole standard and wondered what was waiting for him out west. Talk about getting your kicks! Find something youre passionate about and do it, Schwartz said. It might take years, but eventually it pays off. Im living proof of that. Hours for the open studio are Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5:308:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6 from 18 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 15 p.m. David Schwartz Photography is located at 17010 Madison Ave., Lakewood. 216-269-2625 davidschwartzphoto.com. Ohio lawmakers approved four major property-tax bills that could reduce collections by about $3 billion over three years, shifting more relief to homeowners while slowing future growth for schools and local governments. Getty Images Getty Images Rotunda Rumblings Property tax changes: Ohioans might pay $3 billion less in property taxes over the next three years because of a historic and sweeping set of bills that mix direct tax cuts with limits on future growth. The four bills House Bills 129, 186, 309, and 335 will take effect early next year if Gov. Mike DeWine signs them, and the changes will start showing up on tax bills in June and July. Together, these measures will slow how quickly property taxes climb and reshape how Ohio collects them. Anna Staver breaks down what each bill does, and what the changes could mean for your wallet. Math plan: Ohio education officials have unveiled a new statewide math plan aimed at reversing years of stagnant achievement and helping students recover from pandemic setbacks, Laura Hancock reports. The 47-page document, Ohios Plan for K-12 Mathematics, urges schools to adopt highly rated instructional materials, embrace evidence-based teaching strategies, and invest in ongoing professional development for educators. Local districts are encouragednot requiredto study the plan and develop their own implementation strategies over the next three years. Count him out: Former U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan announced Friday he will not run for Ohio governor in 2026, leaving ex-state health director Amy Acton as the likely Democratic gubernatorial nominee next year against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, Jeremy Pelzer reports. After careful consideration, much prayer and reflection, and after long conversations with my family, my closest friends and advisors, Ive made the decision not to run for governor in 2026, said Ryan. Grendell benched: The Ohio Supreme Court on Friday suspended Geauga County Judge Timothy Grendell for 18 months and ordered him off the bench without pay, David Gambino reports. The justices, however, said a year of the suspension would be dropped if he remains in good standing. That means Grendell could return to the bench in May. He could then serve out the last months of his term, which ends in February 2027. The court found Grendell violated judicial conduct rules when he jailed two teenagers for refusing to visit their father during a custody dispute in 2020. Crossing Jordan: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan said Thursday that the Justice Department secretly obtained his phone records spanning more than two years as part of the Arctic Frost investigation that formed the basis of former Special Counsel Jack Smiths election case against President Donald Trump, Sabrina Eaton writes. According to newly obtained documents released by Jordans office, the Justice Department secured a grand jury subpoena on April 25, 2022 without Jordans knowledge for all call detail records beginning January 1, 2020, more than a year before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot that was the investigations focus. Fraud, freeze and fix: U.S. Sen. Jon Husted delivered a detailed healthcare policy pitch in a Senate floor speech Thursday, outlining his approach to resolving a dispute over Affordable Care Act premium subsidies that was a sticking point during the 43-day government shutdown that ended earlier this month, Eaton reports. The Columbus-area Republican, who was appointed to fill Vice President JD Vances seat in January and must win a November 2026 special election to keep the job, focused on what he called a fraud, freeze and fix approach to healthcare reform, which he said could be paired with a short extension of the premium subsidies to address ACA shortcomings. Refinery bill: The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday from Ohios Rep. Bob Latta to commission a study on Americas petroleum refining capacity, with support from all the legislative bodys Republicans and 25 Democrats, Eaton writes. The Bowling Green Republicans REFINER Act passed 230-176. Full Disclosure Five things we learned from the May 13, 2025 ethics disclosure form filed by state Rep. Kevin Ritter, a Marietta Republican, about his 2024 finances: Ritter made between $50,000 - $99,999 last year serving as a Washington County commissioner. Hes board president for the Campus Martius Museum, a history museum in Marietta. His investments include an IRA and mutual funds with Raymond James, a retirement fund from the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and a 529 Plan from BlackRock. At some point in 2024, Ritter owed at least $1,000 to American Express, a Chase credit card, a Capital One credit card, and John Deere Financial. His wife Khadine is a partner at the Marietta law firm of Theisen and Brock. Birthdays Allen Trimble, Ohios 8th and 10th governor (1783-1870) Straight from the Source Ohioans now face a clear choice: return to Amy Acton and the dark days of COVID lockdowns, or move forward to a brighter future under the dynamic leadership of an outsider businessman. Ohio GOP chairman Alex Triantafilou in a statement about former Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryans decision not to enter the 2026 gubernatorial primary. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday issued a stringent operational advisory to all Indian airlines after the massive ash cloud from Ethiopias Hayli Gubbi volcano drifted into Indian airspace.The volcano, which erupted on Sunday for the first time in over 10,000 years, sent an ash plume rising to nearly 45,000 feet and moving northeast at 100120 kmph.Multiple services were disrupted due to the ash plume. Air India Express cancelled its KochiJeddah flight (QP550) citing natural calamities linked to the volcanic eruption near Ethiopia. IndiGo also cancelled its DubaiKochi service (6E1476) and the return KochiDubai flight (6E1475) because of adverse weather en route caused by drifting volcanic ash plumes.Citing the Volcanic Ash Advisory and ASHTAM issued by the Airports Authority of India, the regulator instructed airlines to strictly avoid published volcanic-ash-affected areas and flight levels, and adjust routing, planning, and fuel norms based on real-time updates. Crew, dispatchers, and engineers have been directed to follow all procedures in the Operations Manual Volcanic Ash.Indian carriers must continuously monitor volcanic ash advisories, NOTAM/ASHTAM updates, satellite imagery, and weather data, the DGCA said. Any suspected ash encounter including engine anomalies or cabin smoke or odour must be reported immediately.The regulator has also mandated post-flight engine and airframe inspections for aircraft operating near affected regions and said operations to airports within the ash trajectory must be restricted, suspended, or altered where necessary. Airlines have been asked to activate safety-risk assessments, track potential shifts in ash dispersion, and ensure adherence to ICAO guidelines and aircraft-maker recommendations.An ASHTAM issued only when volcanic ash poses a direct risk provides precise coordinates, altitudes, and movement forecasts for the ash cloud, making it a more urgent warning than a standard NOTAM. DGCA said strict compliance will remain in force until further notice. Flight operations at Mumbai airport were disrupted on Monday, November 24, after volcanic ash from an eruption in Ethiopia drifted into the citys airspace. Officials said flights could be delayed and international services will be rerouted in the aftermath of the Hayli Gubbi volcano that erupted in northeastern Ethiopia for the first time in a thousand years on Sunday (November 23) morning. Relevant authorities have also advised airlines and pilots to steer clear of ash cloud and affected areas. Aerial images from Oman Meteorology shows plumes of ashes reaching western and central regions of Yemen from the west of the Red Sea. Recalling BJP patriarch LK Advani's words on Sindh's civilisational connect with India despite the Partition, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said "borders can change" and "tomorrow Sindh may return to India".In his address at an event hosted by the Sindhi community, he said that "Advani ji wrote in one of his books that Sindhi Hindus, especially those of his generation, still haven't accepted the matter of separation of Sindh from India".Pakistan was created as a result of the 1947 Partition of then-undivided India, and the Sindh region near the river Indus has been part of Pakistan since then."Not just in Sindh, but throughout India, Hindus considered the Indus River (Sindhu in Hindi) sacred. Many Muslims in Sindh also believed that the water of the Indus was no less sacred than the Aab-e-Zamzam (holiest of the waters) of Mecca."This is Advani ji's quote. Today, the land of Sindh may not be a part of India, but civilisationally, Sindh will always be a part of India. And as far as land is concerned, borders can change. Who knows, tomorrow Sindh may return to India. Our people of Sindh, who hold the Indus River sacred, will always be our own; no matter where they are, they will always be ours," he said.Singh, however, did not mention the title of the book he was referring to.In 2017, Advani, who had also served as a deputy prime minister, at an event in Delhi, had said, "I believe that India appears incomplete without Sindh".Advani, who was born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, the capital of Sindh Province (now in Pakistan), had lamented that his birthplace was not a part of India anymore.In his address, Singh said that after the Partition, a large segment of the Indus River went to the Pakistani side, and the entire Sindh Province is in Pakistan."But, this does not mean that for us the importance of Sindhu, Sindh and Sindhi has lessened. It still holds the same importance as thousands of years ago," the defence minister said.The word Sindh is associated with the cultural identity of India and the Sindhi community, he said.Referring to the national anthem, Singh asserted that "even today people sing with pride, 'Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Maratha', and they will continue to sing, and forever sing it, and sing it till we exist". Growing demand for family and multi-generational travel is influencing how households allocate their travel budgets, with hospitality sector tailoring childrens programs to attract families, according to experts at JOALI BEING and JOALI Maldives.The shift reflects a willingness among families to spend on shared, meaningful experiences rather than traditional age-segmented recreation.Ozgur Cengiz, Global Wellness Development Director at JOALI BEING, said multi-generational travel has moved the focus from age-based separation to shared connection.He said JOALI BEING shaped its BKidult concept as an inclusive environment that emphasises curiosity, movement and mindfulness across age groups.Activities centre on discovery through nature, wellbeing and reconnection, aiming to build shared experiences that introduce younger guests to balanced, mindful living. This approach signals that parents are increasingly willing to invest in experiences that benefit childrens emotional and mental growth.Parents are also choosing destinations based on the quality and philosophy of kids engagement programmes, Cengiz said.He noted that families want properties that support childrens emotional and mental growth, with JOALI BEING placing emphasis on experiential learning, nature-based understanding of wellbeing, and participation in sustainability initiatives.This demonstrates a trend in spending where families prioritise resorts that offer meaningful, educational, and wellbeing-focused activities.Cengiz said well-designed youth and family experiences have become a differentiator for luxury destinations, contributing to guest satisfaction, longer stays and repeat visits.Families seek depth and shared engagement rather than standalone activities, he said, adding that JOALI BEING integrates collective participation through wellbeing sessions, sound experiences and environmental awareness activities.These offerings often justify higher travel spend, as families seek value in programs that create lasting memories and learning opportunities.He described the expansion of child- and family-focused amenities as a long-term evolution. The concept of wellbeing, he said, is widening from individual to collective practice, reflecting broader lifestyle shifts toward balance, connection and awareness within families.JOALI BEING views its Well-Living philosophy as aligned with this shift.At JOALI Maldives, General Manager Shifaz Hassan said the resort has seen a rise in multi-generational travel, with families looking for destinations that support togetherness across age groups. The resorts Muramas Kids Club is designed as a creative space where children explore art, nature and Maldivian culture through supervised play, reflecting growing household willingness to pay for curated, meaningful experiences.Hassan said parents are choosing hotels based on how well engagement facilities align with their values and lifestyle. He added that families seek purposeful engagement that fosters creativity, empathy and environmental awareness, noting that many guests cite the Muramas programme as a key reason for choosing the resort and returning.He said family-focused programming now acts as a major differentiating factor for luxury resorts, influencing guest satisfaction and loyalty. JOALI Maldives has hosted families who return annually, with some children who once played at the kids club revisiting as older guests with lasting memories, he said. These emotional connections contribute to long-term sustainable growth and indicate that families are willing to invest in travel that delivers both enjoyment and developmental value.Hassan described the expansion of child-centric amenities as a long-term shift. He said the Maldives has evolved from a honeymoon-led destination into a strong choice for families and multi-generational travellers, with growing demand for meaningful shared experiences a trend reflected in household travel spending.Karthik Venkataraman, CRPO, Vetravel, Vernost Tech Ventures, further notes that families are now traveling together with much more purpose and seeking programs that recognise group needs while enhancing shared experiences.He observed that this shift is influencing loyalty and spending patterns, as households invest in experiences that connect different generations and provide tangible value beyond traditional rewards. Malaysia considers banning social media for children under 16 years old, following Australias lead as it plans to roll out broader protections through the Online Safety Act from 2026. Social media platforms will then be required to implement electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) procedure to verify user age. The Southeast Asian nation will closely watch a similar ban that comes into effect in Australia on December 10, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Last year, it mandated social media and messaging apps with more than 8 million users to obtain licence from the government in an effort to address cyberbullying, online scams, and sexual harassment. "Other countries may have their own approaches and we will study them," local media The Star quoted Fadzil as saying on Sunday, November 23. Meanwhile, the minister encouraged parents to engage children in more outdoor activities and reduce screen time. In Australia, one-fifth of its population will be off social media and tech giants have begun prompting users to verify their age and download existing data on their social media platforms. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 outlines that any non-compliance from tech platforms will be met with a fine of up to $31.95 million. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier said the law is "about letting kids be kids." "It's also about empowering parents to be able to have those discussions with their children," he added. The ban applies to a host of social media platforms including YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, Twitch, Snapchat, and Kick. Other countries like Denmark and Norway are also aiming to limit access to social media platforms for those below 15 years of age. Also Read: Australia to ban social media for children under 16 from December 10 China sent a letter to the United Nations vowing resolute self-defence if Japan dared to intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait, as Beijing tries to rally international support for its position on the spiralling spat.Chinas Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, delivered the message to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency. The letter will be distributed to all UN members, according to the report.If Japan dares to intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait situation, it will constitute an act of aggression, Fu wrote. China will resolutely exercise its right of self-defence under the UN Charter and international law, safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, earlier this month, became the first sitting Japanese leader to publicly link a Taiwan Strait crisis with the possible deployment of Japanese troops. Beijing responded by unleashing a flurry of economic reprisals and repeated demands for Japans new leader to recant her remarks.So far, shes refused, creating a standoff with Japans biggest trade partner. China deems self-ruled Taiwan its territory to be claimed one day, by force if necessary, and considers the issue a red line in its diplomatic relationships.Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called Takaichis remarks shocking and said Beijing must resolutely hit back to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a statement posted Sunday on the Foreign Ministrys website.All previous Japanese leaders have deflected on the question of what would be a survival-threatening situation to Japan, maintaining strategic ambiguity and saying theyd make a decision based on the circumstances at the time.While Takaichi has said in parliament shes learned her lesson and will refrain from specifying a possible scenario in which Japan could deploy troops, shes also maintained that Tokyo hasnt changed its policy. India and Canada have agreed to resume negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with an aim to increase the two-way trade to $50 billion by 2030, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.A FTA or Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has many strategic elements to it and it is a demonstration of the trust between the two countries, Goyal said here at an event on Monday, November 24.The pact would give confidence to investors, businesses of both sides, he said.We have agreed to begin negotiations on a high-ambition CEPA and double the trade between the two nations by 2030, he said, adding the two countries are natural allies and do not compete with each other.The strengths of India and Canada can become a force multiplier for businesses and investors, Goyal said.There is a lot that we can learn from Canada and a lot we can offer Canada. There is a lot of potential on critical minerals, critical minerals processing technologies. There is a good possibility on nuclear energy particularly with our engagement with Canada on Uranium supplies, he said adding we can diversify our supply chains on both sides.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg to review progress in the IndiaCanada partnership, the Prime Minister's office said on Sunday, November 23.Both prime ministers agreed on the importance of regular reciprocal high-level visits. While PM Modis office said he extended an invitation to Prime Minister Carney to visit India, PM Carneys office confirmed in a news release that he had accepted the invitation to visit India in early 2026.In 2023, Canada had paused negotiations for a free trade agreement with India. The India-Canada relations hit rock bottom following then Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegations in 2023 of a potential Indian link to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India had dismissed Trudeaus accusation as absurd.In March 2022, the two countries had re-launched negotiations for an interim agreement, officially dubbed as Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA).Over half a dozen rounds of talks have been held on the trade pact so far.Normally in a trade agreement, two countries significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. They also liberalise norms for promoting trade in services and attract investments.Indias exports to Canada rose 9.8% to $4.22 billion in 2024-25 from $3.84 billion in 2023-24. Imports, however, dipped 2.33% to $4.44 billion in the last fiscal year from $4.55 billion in 2023-24.The renewed vibrancy in ties between the two countries followed Prime Minister Narendra Modis talks with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the margins of the G7 summit at Canadas Kananaskis in June.Bilateral trade in goods and services between India and Canada stood at $18.38 billion in 2023.There are about 2.9 million Indian diaspora and over 4,27,000 Indian students in Canada. Top US and Ukrainian officials said Sunday they were making progress toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war but provided scant details as they discussed the American proposal to achieve peace despite concerns among many of Washingtons European allies that the plan was far too conciliatory to Moscow.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said high-stakes talks in Geneva were very worthwhile and constituted the most productive day in a very long time on larger efforts to end the fighting.I feel very optimistic that we can get something done, Rubio said.But he offered very little information on what was discussed, allowing only that discussions would continue on Monday, November 24, and perhaps deeper into the week. He also suggested that Europes role and responsibilities as spelled out under the US peace plan might be separated from facets more directly involving the responsibilities of Russia and Ukraine.And Rubio noted that any final product, once its ready, will still have to be presented to Moscow: obviously, the Russians get a vote here. Rubios attempt to strike such a positive tone while offering no evidence of a breakthrough constituted a more nuanced approach than Trump himself.Before talks even really began, the president blasted Ukraine for a lack of gratitude for US military assistance, while shying away from criticizing Russia.Trump has set a Thursday (November 27) deadline for Ukraine to respond to the plan. But he also has suggested that could slide if there was proof of real progress and that the plan was not his final offer. Rubio also undermined the idea that the deadline was looming, saying simply that officials want to see fighting stop as soon as possible.Some American and European supporters of Ukraine have panned the plan as too favourable to Moscow . Questions intensified after a bipartisan group of US senators said Rubio told them Saturday that the plan had originated with Russia and was actually a wish list for Moscow, rather than a serious push for peace.The head of the Ukrainian delegation, presidential chief of staff Andrii Yermak, also confirmed an initial session of talks had concluded and that a second meeting would soon take place.I want to confirm that we had a very productive first session with the distinguished American delegation. We have made very good progress and are moving forward to a just and lasting peace, he said.Very soon today the second meeting will take place, where we will continue to work on joint proposals with the engagement of our European partners. Final decisions will be taken by our Presidents. Before the meeting even began, however, Trump suggested he didnt expect much.He posted on his social media site that: UKRAINE LEADERSHIP HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA.After Trumps post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cheered US-led efforts on security while also stressing that the crux of the entire diplomatic situation is that it was Russia, and only Russia, that started this war.Ukraine is grateful to the United States, to every American heart, and personally to President Trump, Zelenskyy wrote in a post on Telegram, adding, "We thank everyone in Europe.It is important not to forget the main goal to stop Russias war and prevent it from ever igniting again.The 28-point blueprint drawn up by the US to end the nearly four-year war has sparked alarm in Kyiv and European capitals. Zelenskyy has said his country could face a stark choice between standing up for its sovereign rights and preserving the American support it needs.The proposal, originating from negotiations between Washington and Moscow, acquiesces to many Russian demands that Zelenskyy has categorically rejected on dozens of occasions, including giving up large pieces of territory.The Ukrainian leader has vowed that his people will always defend their home.Before convening with US officials, Yermak and his team also met with national security advisers from the UK, France and Germany. The allies have rallied around Kyiv in a push to revise the plan, which is seen as favouring Moscow.Speaking before Sundays talks, Alice Rufo, Frances minister delegate at the Defense Ministry, told broadcaster France Info that key points of discussion would include the plans restrictions on the Ukrainian army, which she described as a limitation on its sovereignty.Ukraine must be able to defend itself, she said. Russia wants war and waged war many times in fact over the past years. On Sunday, Zelenskyy said that there was an understanding the US would take into account a number of elements in a peace deal that are important for Ukraine, but did not elaborate further.There have already been brief reports from the team about the results of the first meetings and conversations, he said. There is now an understanding that the American proposals may take into account a number of elements based on the Ukrainian vision and are critically important for Ukraines national interests. Trump hasnt clarified his comment on Saturday that the US proposal wasnt his final offer.I would like to get to peace. It should have happened a long time ago. The Ukraine war with Russia should have never happened, Trump told reporters outside the White House on Saturday. One way or the other, we have to get it ended.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Sunday that Warsaw was ready to work on the plan with the leaders of Europe, Canada and Japan, but also said that it would be good to know for sure who is the author of the plan and where was it created. Some US lawmakers said Saturday that Rubio had described the plan as a Russian wish list rather than a Washington-led proposal. A US State Department spokesperson said that account was blatantly false. Rubio took the extraordinary step of suggesting online that the senators were mistaken, even though they said he was their source for the information.The top Democrat on the US Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen Mark Warner told ABCs This Week on Sunday, thatthe peace plan appeared to be almost a series of Russian talking points, had made Europeans feel like theyve been totally left high and dry and had led to ferocious pushback.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that he would hold a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. He said he would talk to the Russian leader about reviving a previous deal from July 2022 that allowed Ukraine to safely ship exports of grain via the Black Sea.The agreement stayed in place until the following year, when Putin refused to extend it, saying that a parallel agreement promising to remove obstacles to Russian exports of food and fertiliser hadnt been honoured.We had a grain corridor endeavour to open the path to peace, Erdogan said, Unfortunately we were only partially able to succeed. Tomorrow I will be asking Putin to revisit the endeavour. Erdogans new diplomatic push comes just days after he met with Zelenskyy in Ankara. In September, I called for everyone to push back against the AI internet. My prescription was that users of content websites should ask for tools to block AI, and that content companies should prioritize AI identification and offer blocking options. This approach to the coming wave of AI-made content should suit everyone. It gives complete access to AI content foranyone who wants it and helps people avoid a world where human-made content is uncommon and hard to find. If this sounds like technopanic or an overblown claim, think about the fact that as of October, more than 52% of onlinearticles are made by AI, according to one estimate. By next year, the share of AI-made online content could pass 90%. JPMorgan Chase, Citi, and Morgan Stanley are among the major US banks assessing potential customer data exposure following a cyberattack on SitusAMC, a third-party vendor that processes residential mortgage data for hundreds of financial institutions. The New York-based company discovered the breach on November 12 and confirmed on November 22 that attackers accessed information from its systems, according to a company advisory. SitusAMC said the compromised data includes corporate information such as accounting records and legal agreements, and that certain data relating to some of our clients customers may also have been impacted. The scope, nature and extent of such impact remains under investigation by the Company and its third-party advisors, the advisory said. 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. COP30 concludes, highlighting Chinas contribution to climate 09:03, November 24, 2025 By Zhao Yusha ( Global Times The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) concluded in Belem, Brazil on Saturday with the adoption of a plan calling for a global mobilization against climate change. Participants highlighted China's constructive role as a steward of global climate change, underscoring the importance of broad cooperation to advance shared climate goals. Participants approved a document titled "Global Mutirao: Uniting humanity in a global mobilization against climate change" during its closing session, Xinhua News Agency reported. China welcomed the Global Mutirao Decision reached at this year's UN climate conference, describing it as a "hard-won" outcome that demonstrates solidarity in tackling climate change. The remarks from Li Gao, head of the Chinese delegation to COP30, came after the conference concluded on Saturday afternoon a day later than scheduled. Parties reached a series of outcomes in Belem, and the Global Mutirao Decision, named after the Brazilian term for collective action that covers climate mitigation, adaptation, finance and international cooperation, is the most important, said Li, who is also a vice minister of China's ecology and environment. Reaching this agreement was truly hard-won, given the challenges to global climate governance posed by rising unilateralism, protectionism and the US' withdrawal from the 2015 Paris Agreement, Li said. "It demonstrates the strong political will of all parties to work together in solidarity to address climate change," he stressed. China's pavilion saw a striking rise in prominence and influence at this year's COP. In the past, China's booth had been relatively marginal in terms of foot traffic, size and location. This year, however, it occupied a prime central position for the first time, with a larger and more conspicuous space that drew unprecedented crowds, Ma Jun, director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, told the Global Times. Events ran continuously from morning until late at night, and even when other countries' pavilions had already gone dark, China's pavilion remained packed, Ma said. Ma added that the most notable shift this year was the surge in international participation. Delegates from around the world particularly from the Global South attended in large numbers. Whether sessions were conducted in Chinese or English, the pavilion consistently attracted foreign visitors listening attentively with interpretation headsets, creating a level of diversity and engagement not seen in previous years. China has made "a great contribution" in developing innovative green technologies and has supported the Global South in responding to climate change, Brazilian Minister of Environment and Climate Change Marina Silva told Xinhua. International media also took note of China's rising importance in leading global climate governance. An NBC article published last week said that "as the US is absent from the UN annual international climate summit for the first time in three decades, China is stepping into the limelight as a leader in the fight against global warming." "Its country pavilion dominates the entrance hall of the sprawling COP30 conference grounds in Brazil's Amazon city of Belem, executives from its biggest clean energy companies are presenting their visions for a green future to large audiences in English, and its diplomats are working behind the scenes to ensure constructive talks," NBC reported. The Guardian noted that "China has a long history of underpromising and overdelivering. A glance at its real economy shows that renewable energy is speeding ahead, accounting for more than half of the country's generating capacity and more than a third of its energy consumption. Half of all cars sold in China are electric vehicles, and China's exports of solar and wind components have fueled an uptake of renewables around the world that has outstripped predictions." The US absence is also notable at this year's COP. NBC reported that as representatives from nearly 200 nations were wrapping up talks at the COP30 this week, "the US was not only absent, but the Trump administration also introduced a series of sweeping proposals to roll back environmental protections and encourage fossil fuel drilling." The absence of the US was a palpable yet unspoken void for participants. That vacuum left by US' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement inevitably weakens the global climate governance system and places greater strain on an already fragile multilateral process, said Ma. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The art of taxation, according to Jean-Baptiste Colbert, finance minister for Louis XIV, is to pluck from the goose the maximum number of feathers while provoking the minimum of hissing. This is the effect Rachel Reeves is hoping to achieve if, as widely expected, she attacks salary sacrifice pensions in the Budget. Many have never heard of salary sacrifice and find retirement finances impenetrable. So she probably thinks she can do it without unduly loud hissing. Not if I can help it. With salary sacrifice, employees give up part of their gross pay, which goes directly into their pension before tax and National Insurance (NI) are deducted. Employers also save on NI. Reeves is expected to slash the annual limit on this from 60,000 to just 2,000. Employees and companies would be forced to pay NI on anything above that. The move could raise 2 billion. But it would also be a false economy with dire long-term consequences. Dont just take it from me: no less a figure than Dame Amanda Blanc, boss of insurer giant Aviva, warned Reeves earlier this month it would be bad news for Britain. As Blanc says, the message it sends is that its a bad idea to pay into a pension. Not great when 15 million Britons are already saving too little. Salary sacrifice is just the latest in a series of broadsides Reeves has contemplated against pension savers trying to do the right thing. She is creating insecurity and discouraging prudence. 'The Chancellor (pictured) appears to be fuelled by the politics of envy, where people trying to amass a nest-egg are not admired as role models but viewed as targets' 'I fear Reeves will wreak irreversible harm to the entire pension savings system. In this, she is following in the footsteps of Gordon Brown, whose framed photograph is said to have adorned her bedroom wall when she was a student' The chancellor appears to be fuelled by the politics of envy, where people trying to amass a nest-egg are not admired as role models but viewed as targets. Easy for Labour parliamentarians to think that way when they enjoy gold-plated pensions along with the rest of the public sector. Unlike those of us who work in the productive part of the economy, public sector employees are guaranteed an income for life and are an increasingly unsustainable burden on taxpayers. Liabilities for these unfunded schemes are estimated at a staggering 1.4 trillion by the Office for Budget Responsibility. Yet rather than tackle this scandal, Reeves takes the easy option to appease Labours union backers. Hitting salary sacrifice will only be another blow to companies reeling from NI rises, hikes in the minimum wage and Angela Rayners looming workers rights bill. How can we generate growth, with a chancellor who is making employers less eager to hire? With more than nine million Britons classed as economically inactive, the country cannot afford further demolition of the national work ethic. Those hurt most by Reevess anti-pension vendetta will not be the old, but the young, who will be deprived of the opportunity to save in the tax and NI-friendly environment enjoyed by their elders. I fear Reeves will wreak irreversible harm to the entire pension savings system. In this, she is following in the footsteps of Gordon Brown, whose framed photograph is said to have adorned her bedroom wall when she was a student. His 5 billion-a-year tax raid on pension fund dividends in 1997 was a major reason for the collapse of final salary schemes in the private sector. Reeves seems determined to emulate her unlikely pin-up boy. By snatching the pension savings of middle Britain, she will deplete a pool of capital that could be used to finance infrastructure and innovation. And by pick-pocketing future generations of pensioners, she is storing up even larger welfare costs in decades to come, as those who are unable to save enough to fend for themselves turn to the state. To return to Jean-Baptiste Colbert, in her assaults on pensions, Reeves is not merely plucking feathers, she is killing the goose that lays the golden egg. The Governments whips are any prime ministers Praetorian Guard, with a solemn duty to enforce discipline in the parliamentary party. But with the air thick with talk of plots against Sir Keir Starmer, I hear he can no longer rely on the absolute loyalty of all of them. One of the whips is widely understood within Westminster to be considering resigning to stand as a stalking horse candidate against Starmer. In order to force a leadership contest, this MP would first have to secure the support of 20 per cent of the partys MPs, which given there are 405 Labour members would mean collecting 81 signatures. The whip concerned knows there is no prospect of them winning but they could inflict serious and eventually fatal damage on the PM. When Sir Anthony Meyer, an eccentric Tory backbencher, challenged Mrs Thatcher in 1989 she won, but 61 MPs failed to support her. She was gone 11 months later. Will history repeat itself with an obscure whip playing the Meyer role? 'With the air thick with talk of plots against Sir Keir Starmer, I hear he can no longer rely on the absolute loyalty of all of his whips' Incidentally, its fair to assume that Imogen Walker, the MP for Hamilton and Clyde Valley, is among the most loyal of whips. She is married to Starmers embattled chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, who denied reports he was behind recent briefings that claimed Health Secretary Wes Streeting was plotting against the PM. A real wag in the Lords Lord Blunkett, the former Home Secretary, told peers his guide dog Barley wanted to thank them for closing puppy-smuggling loopholes in the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill. There is a four-legged member of the House here who would like to thank everyone involved on behalf of his species, said Blunkett. After Justice Secretary David Lammys disastrous first appearance standing in for Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Ministers Questions earlier this month, where he scrambled for a poppy halfway through, he now appears to have been gagged. An analysis of the morning ministerial broadcast round shows Lammy also the Deputy PM has not been allowed out since July 22. Gabby Logan told Have I Got News For You viewers that Health Secretary Wes Streeting was elevated to the top of the pile of challengers to Keir Starmer by a cack-handed briefing operation. Is she aware of what happened to the last Match Of The Day presenter who dabbled in politics? Match Of The Day presenter Gabby Logan Actress Frances Barber, long a Leftie luvvie, has belatedly become a Thatcherite. Barber, who studied the Iron Lady as she prepared to play her last year in the Radio 4 play When Maggie Met Larry, admits she used to hate Mrs T, but thanks to the current Governments political ineptitude, finds herself wishing her back every week. Apologies to Rachel Jupp, who I described last week as editor of the BBCs Panorama programme. Happy to report she moved elsewhere in the Beeb two years before the contaminated report of Donald Trumps Capitol Hill speech. A satirical news alert was trending on social media after Never here Keir Starmer headed to South Africa for the G20 summit and his 45th trip abroad since becoming PM. It ran: Breaking news: Starmer to visit Britain next week. A belly dancer! How exotic Much chatter in the Upper House about who should succeed John McFall, who is retiring as Lord Speaker. On hearing that crossbench peer Deborah Bull could be a candidate, one Tory peer whispered: Oh marvellous! How exotic! Weve never had one of those before as Lord Speaker! One of which? A belly dancer! Sadly, the peers hearing had failed him. He was disappointed to learn that although Baroness Bull does indeed have a background in dance, it is of the ballet, not belly, variety. She was a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet for 20 years. Long ago, almost forgotten in the mists of time well, last year 121 company chiefs signed a public letter endorsing Labour as the best party for business. Even the billionaire class came out for Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, in the form of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of the petrochemical giant Ineos, and the erstwhile Conservative donor John Caudwell, founder of Phones 4U. It was unprecedented and unprecedentedly foolish. Or maybe not, in the sense that by then it was obvious to all that Labour were going to win the election, and these tycoons might have thought it would do them good to get cosy with the next occupants of Nos 10 and 11 Downing Street. In February last year, I warned in the Daily Mail about what I termed big business sucking up to Labour and that the partys policies meant the next gurgling sound wed hear would be jobs going down the plughole. So it has come to pass. The effect of Rachel Reeves first Budget, with its swingeing 40 billion increase in employers national insurance contributions, is already estimated to have cost around 125,000 jobs. Businessmen who backed Labour might claim, in their defence, that this was in shocking contravention of Labours manifesto promise not to increase national insurance, a breach Reeves justified by inventing a 22 billion black hole kept secret by the wicked Tories. And when, during the election, the then PM Rishi Sunak warned Labour would increase taxes, Starmer furiously described this as garbage. 'John Caudwell, founder of Phones 4U, a man of epic vanity, refuses to admit hed made a mistake' In private meetings with the business leaders they were wooing, Reeves and Starmer were, Im told, even more emphatic about how they would not increase the tax burden. And these dupes wanted to believe Starmer was a sort of latter-day Tony Blair which Sir Keir played up to by hailing Margaret Thatcher for letting loose our natural entrepreneurialism. In fact Starmer is to entrepreneurs what dry rot is to masonry: witness the record-breaking numbers of such people leaving the country the richest being the steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal. Anyway, what do those businessmen now say; those who backed Labour, signed that letter and attempted to induce others to vote likewise? Who put their names to this: We hope by taking this public stand we might persuade others. Last December, the financial newspaper City AM contacted all the 121 signatories. Only 28 of them were prepared to repeat their support for Labour. One of the signatories said they had felt duped: I signed it, I was asked twice to sign it and I do feel stupid. We were lied to on that, they said they were pro-business, Another of the signatories, the chef and restaurateur Tom Kerridge, said the jobs tax was catastrophic for his industry. No former Conservative-backing businessman had been more effusive in his switch to Labour than the head of Iceland, Richard Walker. Hed been affronted when Sunak ignored his plea to be made a Conservative parliamentary candidate, and went so far in the opposite direction as to appear in a Labour Party election broadcast. Later he pleaded, ahead of Reevess first Budget: Dont squeeze businesses like a lemon, with eye-popping tax increases. Of course she ignored him. Now the attention-seeking Walker has gone unusually quiet, though a few months ago, he lamented Labours family farm tax it has parked its tractor in the wrong place. And what of those billionaires? John Caudwell, a man of epic vanity, refuses to admit hed made a mistake, while moaning that Labour was lacking where it matters most falling short on one of the most critical tests of modern leadership: making Britain appear open, competitive and business friendly. 'In private meetings with the business leaders they were wooing, Reeves (pictured) and Starmer were, Im told, even more emphatic about how they would not increase the tax burden' He also observed: Ultra-high net worth individuals are leaving the UK in droves. In fact Jim Ratcliffe was already tax-domiciled in Monaco when he publicly endorsed Labour at the outset of the general election campaign: I like Keir. I think hell do a very sensible job. But now, as Ed Milibands policies have wrought havoc on oil and gas businesses in the UK, Ineos closed its Grangemouth refinery and declared: Current government policy is squandering [the North Sea legacy]. There are 200,000 jobs in the UK associated with oil and gas, and they are all at risk unless the government changes course. Ive less sympathy with Ratcliffe than with those duped by Rachel Reeves promise that Labour would be the most pro-business government the country has ever seen. I mocked it at the time, but I accept that even successful businessmen can be shockingly naive about politics. Yet Labours plans to wind down the North Sea oil and gas industry, banning all new exploration drilling, were actually in its manifesto. Its one thing to complain about Labour breaking its manifesto commitments (on tax), quite another to whine when they do what they told you they would do. Nowhere is this clearer than with the Employment Rights Bill, the so-called flagship legislation now being held up in the House of Lords. It was the main project of Angela Rayner, but her departure from the government over underpayment of taxes has not weakened Starmers resolve to get this on to the statute book. 'Ive less sympathy with Ratcliffe than with those 'duped' by Rachel Reeves promise that Labour would be "the most pro-business government the country has ever seen"' It is nothing other than the wish list of Labours foremost funders, the trade unions, and among other things, scraps the obligation for 50 per cent of members to take part in strike ballots for industrial action to be permitted. The most damaging element of its 330 pages of red tape is giving the right to sue for unfair dismissal from day one. Even across Northern Europe, there is a six-month period before workers can sue, and the Tony Blair Institute described Labours proposal as extreme. Now the cross-benchers have joined the Conservatives in the Lords to try to amend the Bill, rightly convinced that it will lead to less hiring of untested workers and add to the growing curse of youth unemployment. Yet Labour can simply point out it was all in their manifesto, which committed to introducing basic rights from day one to parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal. Did those 121 company bosses who backed Labour at the last election, and who sought by taking a public stand, to persuade others, actually read the manifesto they endorsed? Or did Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves give them a quiet private nod and a wink that this was just to keep the unions happy, and that it would be watered down? Whatever the case, its not those duped or opportunistic business leaders I have sympathy for, but the people who are paying the highest price for Labours broken promises. I mean those who have lost their jobs, and the entirety of British taxpayers including the millions who believed Keir Starmer when he described as garbage the very idea that he would increase the fiscal burden on their shoulders. In the Budget this Wednesday, that burden will be made still heavier. At the weekend, Rachel Reeves, asked about the justification of the election pledge not to increase taxes on working people, blithely remarked: Theres no point in rerunning everything. There are a lot of businesspeople wishing they could rerun their endorsement of Labour. If only more of them had the honesty to admit it. The beautiful package arrived a few weeks ago. Unlike the crudely wrapped deliveries Im used to a Vinted purchase arriving in a Sainsburys bag thats been sealed with masking tape, or a reused jiffy bag containing an item Ive won on eBay it came in a pale purple gift box, my name and address written in the silver cursive script of someone who had far better handwriting than me. You need to sign for it, said the postman, which I dutifully did, unthinking. With a frisson of excitement, I took the parcel to the living room, like a child on Christmas morning. I carefully opened the box, where I found layer upon layer of pale pink tissue paper, small silver decorative hearts pressed between each sheet. Finally, I came to the present a tote bag, with my name monogrammed on it in glitter. Inside it was a card, and more of the silver cursive writing. Dear Bryony, it began, I hope you dont mind me sending you this. Id seen that your mum has been ill and thought you might need cheering up. We chat on Instagram regularly and I feel like I know you, so I hope you dont mind that I got your address from Sarah, who is a mutual friend, so I could send you this little gift. It was undoubtedly a lovely gesture. But wasnt it also a little bit creepy? Slightly strange? Or was I being ungrateful? Shed written her Instagram handle on the card and so I picked up my phone and searched for her, and then clicked on her profile. We hadnt, actually, had conversations on the platform at all; or at least, nothing I would describe as such. She had replied to some of my stories, forwarded me reels, and I had politely hearted a few of the messages Bryony Gordon friend told her she been parasocialled and then added: Just be thankful she didnt show up at your house in person Not exactly scintillating chat, more a one-sided interaction, and pretty commonplace on a social media platform when you rise above a certain amount of followers. (I have just over a quarter of a million, for some strange reason.) The bag was the kind of gift a close friend might give you. But a stranger from the internet? And who was this Sarah? I knew plenty of people with that name; I was hardly going to message each and every one of them and ask if theyd given my address to someone. Youve been parasocialled, said a friend, who has almost half a million followers, when I told her this story over WhatsApp a few days later. Just be thankful she didnt show up at your house in person. Last week, the term parasocial was announced as the Cambridge Dictionarys word of the year, describing a relationship someone experiences between themselves and a person they dont actually know. It was coined way back in 1956, when American sociologists noted people engaging in para-social relationships with characters they had seen on TV, but in this digital world, it can be applied to everyone from your favourite soap star to the author you follow on social media. It was originally an academic word and was confined to the academic sphere for quite a long time, explained Colin McIntosh, the chief editor of the Cambridge Dictionary. Its only fairly recently that its made a shift into popular language and its one of those words that have been influenced by social media. The most obvious example of the parasocial relationship is Taylor Swift, whose engagement to Travis Kelce earlier this year sent her millions of fans into the type of excitement one might reasonably expect to feel about a sister or a best friend, perhaps less so a woman youve never met. Lily Allens album West End Girl is essentially 14 tracks leaning into the parasocial obsession with the break-up of her marriage to actor David Harbour Then theres Lily Allen, whose album West End Girl is essentially 14 tracks leaning into the parasocial obsession with the break-up of her marriage to actor David Harbour. With a mere 262,000 followers on Instagram, I am nothing compared to these women, but as someone who regularly shares about her personal life in books, columns and podcasts, Ive frequently found myself on the receiving end of parasocial behaviour. Most of the time, its really lovely. Someone will come up to me in a coffee shop and say that my writing about mental illness made them feel seen, and in turn I feel seen too. I love the numerous interactions I have every day as I post silly stories. Just as strangers on the internet tell me all the time that they feel like they know me, I feel like I know them, too my Instagram page feels like a community of like-minded people, where I know I will be understood in a way that has often evaded me, as a person with a history of mental illness who grew up before the advent of social media. But it has its downsides. For every lovely message where someone opens up to me about their depression, their alcoholism or their eating disorder, there will sadly be another two from strangers telling you how much youve disappointed them. There are the people who become furious when you dont reply to a message (one youve probably not even seen). Ive followed you since the beginning but you seem to have got too big for your boots, was a memorable message I received last year. It stung, because at the time Id been off Instagram, dealing with the grief of a dear friends sudden death. But that message got to the heart of the parasocial problem. When people feel like they know you, some of them will feel as if they have a right to rush in and make judgments about you. In this brave new world, where boundaries are non-existent, its perfectly common place to receive DMs (private messages) telling you that your bra isnt supportive enough, that youre fat and disgusting and going to die, that your work is rubbish and youre an affront to humanity. As someone who speaks publicly about my alcoholism and the need to get sober, I am frequently contacted by people who are drunk, high and in despair, their messages arriving in the early hours of the morning, confessing their deepest, darkest secrets as if I was a therapist. The parasocial relationship goes both ways, of course. Ive caught myself making professional decisions based on the nastier messages Ive received, fearful of unleashing any more negativity. Ive had to grow a thicker skin, and remind myself that the majority of people are not staying up into the night sending disappointed messages to strangers on the internet. So I suppose, in the grand scheme of things, the glittery monogrammed tote bag I received in the post was at the softer end of the parasocial scale. A day after opening it, I received a message on Instagram from the sender, saying they could see I had signed for the gift, and they just wanted to check I liked it. I replied with a polite thank you (my first proper interaction with said person, ironically), slung the tote bag over my shoulder and headed out to Sainsburys. As Yeats would have no doubt said: there are no strangers on social media, only friends you havent met yet. Why do many people on the Right of British politics persist in regarding Donald Trump as a hero? I think its largely because he infuriates the woke Left so effectively. His admirers are consequently prepared to overlook his boastfulness, bullying and authoritarian tendencies. Most of them wont criticise the US President over his tariffs which, although less injurious to Britain than to many other countries, will still damage us, besides weakening the global economy. Will his cheerleaders on the Right finally wake up to the dangers Trump poses to our security, as he tries to inflict swingeing peace terms on Ukraine that could have been dreamt up in the Kremlin which is exactly what some US senators have alleged? Huge swathes of Ukraine would be handed over to Russia, which would be welcomed back into the G7 group of nations while sanctions were lifted. Ukraine would be required to cut its armed forces and accept that there would be no Western troops on its territory to keep the peace. It wouldnt be allowed to join Nato. Trumps 28-point plan amounts to a grotesque betrayal of Ukraine, whose government has preposterously been given only until Thursday to sign up. Volodymyr Zelensky is unlikely to accept this poison pill if he wants to remain president. Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer at the Gaza peace summit last month But Ukraine isnt the only victim of Trumps browbeating. After his high-handed attempt to impose a pro-Russian settlement, European countries can have no confidence in the reliability of Trumpian America as the leader of the Western alliance. Even while insisting that Europe should take greater responsibility for its own security, Trump entered negotiations with Russia over Ukraine without taking any account of European concerns. Only yesterday were EU and British officials finally allowed to have their say in a meeting in Geneva, which was described as productive and even conclusive in some areas by a US official. Admittedly, the President said on Saturday that his 28-point plan isnt his final offer. It may be watered down but, even if that happens, we have once more seen into his dark heart. He is in thrall to the brutal warmonger Vladimir Putin. The Russian president would of course be strengthened by the kind of peace settlement Trump has in mind. He would be able to rebuild his weakened armed forces, and plan his next move to destabilise Europe. An attack on Lithuania? Or Finland? Or even Poland? Putin has long been flexing his muscles closer to our shores. A Russian spy ship recently tried to blind RAF pilots with military-grade lasers in what Defence Secretary John Healey last week described as a deeply dangerous provocation. Yantar, a vessel suspected of mapping and sabotaging vital undersea cables, was being tracked off the Scottish coast after spending six days in British waters. This attack on our pilots was virtually an act of war. To return to Donald Trump: its no use saying he is an aberration and that, once he has gone, good sense will be restored. He could be succeeded by JD Vance, the hardline ideologue worshipped by a few misguided British conservative intellectuals, who is fond of lecturing Europeans about their shortcomings. No, America has almost certainly changed for good. Uncle Sam is no longer the benevolent protector of our continent, even though in the shape of Donald Trump he still thinks he has the right to shape its future. But is Europe able to defend itself? Hardly. Despite Nato countries recently unanimously agreeing to spend 3.5 per cent of their annual economic output on defence by 2035 (actually 5 per cent, once such items as civilian infrastructure are taken into account), theres no prospect of this happening any time soon. Germany is supposed to be in the lead in rearming. Yet its defence minister, Boris Pistorius, recently conceded that his countrys defence spending will only be fractionally over 3 per cent by the end of this decade. Despite a lot of big talk from Sir Keir Starmer, Britains defence expenditure is planned to increase only to 2.5 per cent of GDP from April 2027, with a vague ambition to reach 3 per cent at some point in the next parliament. France, which is spending less than the UK on defence despite much grandiose talk from President Emmanuel Macron, hasnt set out a timetable for fulfilling its obligations. It is still far from reaching even 2.5 per cent of GDP. Italy and Spain lag far behind. The Baltic states are doing much better, though their economies are so tiny that they are unable to contribute much to European defence. The only really impressive country is Poland, which has a sizeable economy. It has already surpassed 4 per cent of GDP and seems certain to reach 5 per cent by 2035. All in all, though, Europe is falling far short of the inflated political rhetoric and public commitments of its leaders. Its dependence on the United States over many decades is deeply ingrained. It hasnt properly adjusted to impending American withdrawal. Russia, by contrast, is estimated to spend about 7 per cent of its GDP on its armed forces, and is increasingly on a war footing. Its true that its economy is in many respects weak, but those who write off its huge military as ineffective are taking a reckless gamble. A further reason for doubting the seriousness of European intent is the continuing reliance of many EU countries on Russian gas. Were not just talking of Hungary, which is friendly to Russia. Germany, France, Italy, Belgium and Austria are among the EU countries still importing significant amounts of Russian gas. Russian vessel Yantar, a specialist reconnaissance ship which carries two unmanned submersible vehicles, was being tracked off the Scottish coast last week after spending six days in British waters 'Donald Trump is a bully who intends to cut Ukraine loose, appease Putin and jeopardise the security of our continent,' writes Stephen Glover The truth is that Europe hasnt got its act together. If Donald Trump were to stop all military support for Ukraine as he well might if President Zelensky rejects his 28-point plan would European nations such as Germany, Britain and France step into the breach? Dont bet on it. Their respective leaders love pretending that they are considerable world statesmen with posturing President Macron usually trying to take the lead but they are reluctant to make the hard decisions that are necessary if we are to stand up to Russia. As for our own Sir Keir Starmer, he promises much but delivers little. Well discover soon just how useful his much vaunted intimate relationship with Trump really is. The Presidents attitude to our Prime Minister is like that of an 18th-century aristocrat towards his butler. Trump is happy as long as he gets what he wants. Last month, at the Gaza peace summit in Egypt, Trump summoned Starmer as though he was a contestant in a quiz show, and patronisingly cross-examined him. Then, just as the overawed PM thought he was about to be permitted to say a few words, Trump turned his back on him. What the American President is trying to do to Ukraine is unconscionable. Diplomatic conventions prevent European leaders from saying so openly. If only Starmer had the courage and independence of mind to speak out privately. Donald Trump is a bully who intends to cut Ukraine loose, appease Putin and jeopardise the security of our continent. Its still possible that hell back off. If he doesnt, I dont see Sir Keir Starmer and his European buddies riding to the rescue. Lunchtime at the Gare du Nord, Friday. After a brief State visit to Paris, it was time to head home, pausing only for a gentle cafe/Cognac/Bloody Mary or three before boarding the Eurostar back to Blighty. Over a ridiculously expensive baguette breakfast at the hotel, Id been reading the Daily Mail's online report about the pure chaos at assorted European airports caused by the introduction of the EUs new electronic EES (Entry/Exit System). Thank goodness wed let the train take the strain instead. Or so I thought until we hit the station, a good hour and a bit before the rattler was due to depart for St Pancras. Think the last flight out of Kabul before the Taliban stormed back into town. The queues for the Eurostar snaked back to the street. Not for everyone, mind you, just UK passport holders. Our ever-helpful French partners had chosen le weekend rush as the appropriate time to roll out the EES for rail passengers. It made the statutory security checks at Wembley Arena before the Counting Crows concert a couple of weeks ago look almost reasonable. The queues turned out to be the least of anyones problems. Inevitably, the technology didnt work properly. Families were split up and sent in different directions. Miraculously, my passport was recognised and opened the e-gate. Mrs Littlejohn wasnt so lucky. I looked round and she was being ushered away to the back of a distant queue. The lady next to me lost her husband and was reduced almost to tears. Long story short, it was a good half hour until we were reunited. And not before Mrs L had been forced to go through three different passport inspections. The French appeared to take perverse pleasure in forcing us to suffer the indignity of interminable queues and delay. It doesnt matter how much Surkeir appeases them, they continue to treat us like dirt, writes Richard Littlejohn While the French are bidding a fond adieu not au revoir to illegal migrants bound for Blighty, they are going out of their way to hobble UK passport holders trying lawfully to LEAVE France, writes Richard Littlejohn All this time, the clock was ticking on our 13.07 departure. Along with hundreds of other UK passport holders being royally buggered about by the obdurate, uncaring Frogs. But the best (depending on your point of view) was yet to come. We still had to clear security before we would be allowed on board the train. Naturally, there was only one scanner available for goodness-knows-how-many passengers in our section. The rules were, to say the least, confusing. One minute youre being told to leave your iPads, phones, etc in your case. The next, another jobsworth insists you take them out. There were posters demanding women (and, presumably some men) remove their earrings, in case they trigger the metal detectors. My daughter, who somehow managed to overtake us in the EES sweepstakes despite being directed to the back of another queue, was subjected to a body search which just about fell short of a colonoscopy. I havent seen security like it since the US in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. And for what? Yes, the EU is entitled to operate a biometric passport system. The Yanks have been doing it for donkeys and these days have it down to a fine art. But the EUs implementation is deliberately designed for no other reason to deliver another punishment beating to the British for having the audacity for voting Leave. That should have been obvious to any UK passport holder treated like a terrorist by French officials last Friday. French Gendarmes watch on as a small boat heads for England. More than 39,000 migrants have arrived in Britain on small boats in 2025 Weve seen this before, with the manufactured queues of lorries at Calais and the pettifogging bureaucracy which blights trade. We havent been forgiven for voting to take a hike from the sclerotic, anti-democratic EU. As some of us argued at the time, we should have quit the ECHR, too. In the latest outrage, we now learn that because of the flawed post-Brexit agreement if we try to introduce a smoking ban in Northern Ireland we could face unlimited fines from the European Courts, because of objections from Greece and Romania. Really? Why the hell should the free will of a British Parliament (whatever you think of the last election result or the smoking ban) be overruled by foreign governments to whom we owe absolutely nothing? Pound to a penny, though, Labour will cave in. A proper Government would stick up for the interests of the British people they are supposed to represent. But Surkeir and his far-Left mates in the yuman rites racket are in thrall to all things European. Not just European, either. Starmer always assumes the position when it comes to foreign relations. Even those of us who are ferociously Atlanticist find his all-fours grovelling to Trump nauseating. His craven indulgence of the Chinese is even worse. It now looks certain that having indirectly handed Peking control of the Chagos Islands hes going to overrule everyone from MI5 to the local council and let the Chinese build a gigantic superspy centre next to Tower Bridge. But primarily, it is over his appeasement in Europe that Surkeirs true colours are on display. His proud reset with the EU has been nothing more than a shameful sell-out of British interests, from giving away our fishing waters to the French to continuing Boriss betrayal of Northern Ireland. Yes, the EU is entitled to introduce its biometric passport system giving priority to its own citizens. But why the hell arent we doing the same? Ive written here before that, post Brexit, we should have constructed UK Only lanes at Heathrow and other airports. Yet, nine years after the referendum, we are still expected to line up behind EU passport holders to get back into our own country. Last Friday, the French appeared to take perverse pleasure in forcing us to suffer the indignity of interminable queues and delay. It doesnt matter how much Surkeir appeases them, they continue to treat us like dirt. In addition to the unlimited bounty of the seas, weve given them the thick end of 750 million to stop the boats. Yet day after day, week after week, we see video of hundreds of young, unknown, foreign men of military age casting off from the French coast bound for Kent without any interference from the gendarmes. Which brings us back to the Gare du Nord. While the French are bidding a fond adieu not au revoir to illegal migrants bound for Blighty, they are going out of their way to hobble UK passport holders trying lawfully to LEAVE France. If this is intended deliberately to persuade us that we were foolish to vote to quit the EU and obviously it is then sorry, guv, but at least in my case, its had the opposite effect. Ive never been more convinced that we did the right thing. My contempt is reserved for the politicians at home and abroad who have conspired ever since to punish us for voting Leave and have moved heaven and earth to overturn the result of the referendum. Top of the list is our current Prime Minister not so much Surkeir as Surrender who will always go out of his way to ensure that when it comes to our dealings with the EU, just like the Gare du Nord last Friday, the British are always sent to the back of the queue. Donald Trump and his hitherto devoted, even zealous, cheerleader, Marjorie Taylor Greene, ostensibly fell out over the publication of the Epstein files, an argument she won and he lost. But what really divides them is much deeper than that. Indeed, it goes to the very heart of what increasingly splits the MAGA movement. These are the crucial words in her decision not just to part company with Trump but to stand down in January from representing Georgia's 14th district in the House and it's nothing to do with Epstein: 'All our country does,' she recently complained, 'is fund foreign countries and foreign wars, and never does anything to help the American people.' Now you can dismiss this as the typical overstatement of a woman who's been prone to promote too many ridiculous conspiracy theories in her time and you wouldn't be entirely wrong. Remember the anti-Semitic nonsense about 'Jewish space lasers' causing the deadly 2018 Camp Fire in California or the baseless drivel about a pedophile and satanic child trafficking ring run by Democratic and Hollywood elites? But it's also representative of a strong and growing strand of MAGA opinion which thinks Trump is spending too much time and treasure in his second term on foreign stuff and not enough on domestic concerns. It's also representative of a strong and growing strand of MAGA opinion which thinks Trump is spending too much time and treasure in his second term on foreign stuff and not enough on domestic concerns 'All our country does,' she recently complained, 'is fund foreign countries and foreign wars, and never does anything to help the American people' His MAGA critics see this as especially foolhardy at a time of an 'affordability crisis' on the home front which is already costing Republicans elections yet on which Trump seems to have trouble focusing. 'This is a telling argument with the MAGA base,' an experienced Republican strategist tells me, 'because cost of living pressures are felt most by blue-collar families. And that is the MAGA base.' Until very recently MAGA stood for whatever Trump said it stood for. No longer. There is now a growing fissure in the MAGA movement between what one White House aide described to me as 'America First versus Trump First.' The president is seen as too wrapped up in Ukraine, the Middle East (especially Israel), Venezuela and various foreign initiatives which he claims have ended seven (or is it eight?) wars all for his own greater glory and legacy (he still hankers after a Nobel Peace Prize) when he should be concentrating on what ails America at home. Greene even told him to park Air Force One and stay in America. There are rumblings of discontent in the MAGA base about the open-ended bankrolling of Israel (Greene was the first congressional Republican to describe what was happening in Gaza as 'genocide'), continued support for Ukraine (the money would be better spent in America, they say), soaring health insurance premiums and crippling grocery bills at the check-out counter. The president is not unaware of this discontent. Indeed, I'm told by one confidant close to Trump that the reason he's prepared to dress up as a 'peace plan' what is essentially a Russian-drafted blueprint for Ukraine's capitulation is that he thinks speedily disentangling America from Ukraine whatever the reputational cost to the USA would help assuage unrest in the MAGA base. The cracks in the MAGA edifice are happening at a time when even more destructive forces are at work. The outer reaches of the movement are now staking out ever more bizarre positions and fighting with former ideological soulmates like rats in a sack. Staunch but mainstream conservatives are falling out of love with the Heritage Foundation think tank, which has been seen to embrace some of MAGA's loonier tunes. Candace Owen is at daggers drawn with her old stable, Turning Point USA. Steve Bannon picks fights with anyone that will keep him noticed. Ben Shapiro rounds sharply on Tucker Carlson. While Carlson continues on a relentless trek to his very own La La Land. As a result, the MAGA extremities are espousing some very strange positions for a right-wing movement, further adding to the sense of division and confusion. Again, Greene has been in the vanguard of this debilitating trend. 'If I am cast aside by the president and the MAGA political machine,' she says, 'and replaced by neocons, Big Pharma, Big Tech, Military Industrial War Complex, foreign leaders and the elite donor class that can never, ever relate to real Americans, then many common Americans have been cast aside and replaced as well.' And there you have it the Right morphing into the Left. The hard Left has long hated big business, the US military, foreign intervention, the political donations of the wealthy and disruptive technological change. Now it seems they are all enemies of the Right, too. Greene's words could come straight from the playbooks of Bernie Sanders and AOC. Parts of the supposedly MAGA Right are even more Left than the Democratic Left. Carlson and his acolytes are now anti-Israel, pro-Kremlin, pro-Maduro, even sympathetic to the Mad Mullahs of Tehran. In their view, the West in general and the USA in particular are the cause of the injustices of the world. Everybody else, no matter how evil, is a victim. Not so much MAGA as BAF Blame America First. This is the worldview of the Far Left now being embraced, incredibly, by the MAGA Right. It would be hard to slip a playing card these days between Tucker Carlson and Noam Chomsky or any other hard-Left pseudo-intellectual proselytizer. Carlson has even started to promote the conspiracy theory nonsense that 9/11 was an inside job (without, of course, offering a shred of evidence). There was a time when he dismissed such peddlers of lies as 'parasites.' Now, he touts a line which involves America being so evil it was prepared to bring down the Twin Towers for its own nefarious purposes. The combination of growing divisions and an outer fringe adopting the nonsense nostrums of the nutjobs is a toxic brew which, if allowed to get out of hand, could herald an incipient crisis for the MAGA movement. It is a reckless development at a time when next year's mid-terms will be grim enough for Republicans without more self-inflicted wounds. Vice President JD Vance, for the moment the most likely inheritor of the Trump mantle, has worked hard to keep the Greenes, Carlsons and their like onside. But they have a tendency to become ever-more extreme and, if they find a true-believer to rally behind, Vance could soon find himself on their wrong side. The Left's penchant, even relish, for internal disputes has often kept it from power. The risk for the Right is that it now goes down the same path, while ending up with policy positions that are beyond the pale. You don't have to buy into the hardline isolationist tendencies of his MAGA critics to realise that, if Trump wants a lasting legacy, then he really will have to spend more time tending to his own backyard. A doctor has issued a major warning to tea drinkers - including anyone who drinks just one mug a day. Physician and University of Ottawa graduate Mark Hyman took to Facebook to warn his followers that a single cup of the beverage could expose your body to 'billions of microplastics'. Microplastics are plastic fragments that measure less than 5mm in diameter and can be found in food, water supplies and even in the air. Previous studies have implicated the miniscule fragments in the onset of diseases such as cancer, though long-term effects on human health remain unclear. The medical expert's post is likely to cause alarm after revealing that ingesting a brew made from one standard tea bag could release concerning amounts of microplastics into the human body. He did however state that tea can be an incredible source of antioxidants, but advised users to get familiar with the research, which he gleaned from chemistry journal ACS Publications. 'A recent study found that plastic tea bags release approximately 11.6 billion microplastics in a single cup of tea', warned the doctor. He seemingly suggested that exposure to such high amounts of microplastics was dependent on the 'quality' of the teabag, before sharing tips on how to reduce exposure to the fragments. Doctor Mark Hyman has issued a major warning to tea drinkers - including anyone who drinks just one mug a day (stock image) 'If you are a tea drinker, use an organic loose leaf tea and steep it', penned Mark. 'Using a stainless steel or glass strainer will reduce your microplastic exposure significantly'. Of course there is the question of convenience, as those on the go may not have the time to prepare such an elegant cuppa. 'If you like using tea bags for their convenience or portability, make sure youre getting the kind thats free from bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, polypropylene, and epichlorohydrin' he continued. 'Look for tea bags made from organic hemp, cotton, or plant fibers instead. 'Tea can be an incredible source of antioxidants in your life, but just like food - quality matters'. Previous studies have shown that food packaging is a major source of microplastics. However, until now, there has been little research into the number of these plastics that we ingest from tea bags. The medical expert said a single cup of tea could expose your body to 'billions of microplastics' (stock image) In a new study published in Chemosphere, the team investigated the microplastics released from three popular teabag types, which can easily be purchased online or in local supermarkets. The first type was a nylon teabag, which the researchers ordered from Amazon. Next, a polypropylene teabag was ordered from AliExpress. Finally, a third type was bought in a supermarket, but with an unknown filter polymer. For each teabag type, the researchers transferred 300 teabags into a 1-litre beaker containing 600ml of water at 95C. The team found that, across all three types, huge amounts of nano-sized particles were released into the water. The polypropylene teabags were the worst offenders, releasing approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometres. Meanwhile, the nylon teabags released 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 13.8.4 nanometres. Humans can be exposed to plastic particles via consumption of food products, drinking water and via the air. However, the level of human exposure, chronic toxic effect concentrations and underlying mechanisms by which microplastics elicit effects are still not well understood enough in order to make a full assessment of the risks to humans. Previous studies have implicated microplastics in the onset of diseases such as cancer, though long-term effects on human health remain unclear (stock image) Researchers are increasingly concerned about the capacity of such particles to be internalised within cells causing alterations in cellular function, particularly when interacting with organs in children and causing definitive alterations in adult life. There is a growing body of evidence that plastics could play a key role in early-onset cancer genesis, where healthy cells turn cancerous. Earlier this year, a study found cancer cells in the gut spread at an accelerated rate after contact with microplastics. Experts have also raised the alarm about a potential between microplastics and reproductive health. Scientists warned in June that they found tiny plastic particles in men's sperm. This plastic was specifically used in pipes in plumbing, with tests revealing that exposed sperm was less mobile, and therefore worse at fertilising eggs. The Chinese team suggested this may link microplastics to an observed global decrease in fertility rates. Elsewhere, research has revealed the staggering amounts of tea that Brits consume each morning before heading to work - a jaw-dropping 53 million. A poll of 2,000 adults found 12 per cent have a brew as soon as they wake up in bed - and 10 per cent have up to three or more cups to kick off their day. This all equals as much as 2,682 million gallons of the nation's favourite drink - enough to fill four Olympic size swimming pools. Over half (59 per cent) admit they can't start the day properly until they've enjoyed their first mug, with 63 per cent rarely or never skipping the refreshing ritual from their morning routine. Additionally, 64 per cent credit tea with making them more productive and 78 per cent say it provides them a little lift and morning boost, setting them up for the day. In fact, 37 per cent will happily ditch checking the news to squeeze in a morning tea, while 35 per cent will sacrifice making their bed to have the hot drink if they are pressed for time. Staggeringly, one in 10 will even forgo brushing their teeth just so they can start their day with a mug of tea. The research, which was commissioned by PG Tips, also found 32 per cent are refreshed after their morning brew, and 28 per cent feel alert. A quarter (26 per cent) rely on it for comfort, and as the day unfolds, 41 per cent use tea as a reset button, and say it helps them refocus before their next task or activity. If tea drinkers don't get their morning cuppa however, 27 per cent admit they feel flat, and 23 per cent say they are tired. It's the archipelago that's got everyone talking. Think year-round sunshine, golden stone cities, gorgeous swimming spots and ancient temples that predate the pyramids. Welcome to Malta, set in the heart of the Mediterranean, steeped in history and lapped by sapphire-blue waters. And the best way to experience all that Malta has to offer, from its stunning scenery, history and culture, to coastline and mouthwatering cuisine, is with Jet2holidays. It's a relaxed island where you can embrace adventure, from kayaking and hiking to sailing and spotting incredible marine life on a snorkelling adventure. Auberge de Castille in Valletta: With glorious weather, beautiful architecture and endless opportunities for adventure and fun, Malta is a dreamy destination for everyone Fancy a little culture? Then immerse yourself in the palatial opulence of the bijou capital Valletta, or stroll the honeyed-stone lanes of pretty Mdina in the west of the island. Wandering in either place is like stepping into a 16th century masterpiece. As an expert in Mediterranean getaways, Jet2holidays offers the ultimate, easy, Malta experience. You can choose from a range of two- to five-star stays, from couples' boltholes to family-friendly resorts. Don't forget, Jet2holidays is the Home of Free Child Places! Plus, with flights from at least eleven UK airports, and Gatwick from March 2026, and your flights and return transfers included, your island escape will be stress-free and seamless. With Jet2holidays, you'll also have 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage included, and you can reserve your holiday with a low deposit of just 60 per person*. Want to spread out the cost? Book your holiday over three interest-free payments with PayPal Pay**, or use Pay Monthly to pay off your holiday in instalments^. Picture perfect: The Grand Harbour in Malta lies in front of the capital city of Valletta And it's not just the practical side that Jet2holidays takes care of. You can also pick from a host of unforgettable experiences that connect you with the local people and culture and help you really explore Malta's natural beauty. Just ask one of the friendly Customer Helpers in resort, and they'll help you plan your perfect getaway. Looking for some Malta inspiration? Here are some experiences you won't want to miss Fall in love with Malta like these stars from ITV's new hit show The Great Escapers did When three soap legends travelled to Malta for ITV1's new show The Great Escapers, it was with the idea of winning a competition. But they all came away with a new-found love for this Mediterranean gem. Corrie stars Maureen Lipman, Tanisha Gorey and Andy Whyment all took part in ITV1's hit new travel series, The Great Escapers. And you can see how they got on on ITV1 and STV on 30 November at 7pm. Maureen Lipman and Jet2holidays Customer Helper Gio enjoying the sun in Malta Their challenge? To find experiences their colleagues would love for the brand new prime time ITV1 series (that also features stars of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, The Chase and Loose Women) and be voted the Greatest Escaper. And with different interests and ways of travelling, it was certainly set to be a fun competition. Luckily, they had help from Jet2holidays Customer Helper Gio, who was on hand to arrange experiences that would really make the trip memorable. Culture-vulture Maureen took the group on an electric buggy tour of the Three Cities, complete with a dgajsa (traditional Maltese gondola-type boat) trip across the Grand Harbour. Corrie star Tanisha wanted to experience the authentic Maltese lifestyle Tanisha is all about finding authentic experiences when she travels and treated the group to a cookery class and a glass-blowing workshop. And action-man Andy loves being on the water on holiday - he whisked the group away on a speed boat tour before an evening of fun and karaoke. Maureen certainly embraced the spirit of it all, saying: 'I think I 'lost it' running through the cobbled streets, when I seemed to forget I wasn't 17 and on a school holiday. 'Getting back into the boat at my time of life was hilarious, but I won't be watching it as I looked, I assume, like a seaside postcard.' Andy's favourite moment was when Maureen's hat flew off as they were sailing And for Andy, he loved trying new experiences such as the electric buggies and Tanisha's glass-blowing class. He said: 'The funniest moment on the trip was probably in the gondola. We got on and we were going over to Valletta and Maureen had this lovely hat on and as we were going along, this gust of wind blew it off her head into the water. 'So we had come back round again, however by the time we got back round, it had sunk. You can imagine Maureen's face! She wasn't best pleased, so we had to go to a shop and buy her a new hat. She was happy after that.' For these three Corrie legends, the true star of the show was Malta, with its rich history and gorgeous scenery. Watch the Corrie stars make merry in Malta on ITV1's The Great Escapers on 30 November at 7pm. Captivating culture Everyone has wanted a piece of Malta over the years and that's created a melting pot of influences, from Roman and Arab to French and British. You'll see the layers of history as you walk through fishing villages and cities, and when you try the cuisine. Valletta was built by the Knights of St John and stands as an open-air museum to baroque beauty. Check out the golden interiors of the Grandmaster's Palace and St John's Co-Cathedral. The Grand Master's Palace was built by the Knights of St John and is a fascinating place to visit Mdina, known as the 'Silent City', feels like it's been frozen in time. Built as an Arabic fortress, it's packed with its own baroque trinkets. And then there are the so-called Three Cities, reached by sailing across the harbour from Valletta on colourful boats. Life goes on in much the same way there as it has for centuries. Looking for ancient history? Don't miss the mysterious archaeological sites that whisper secrets of the neolithic communities that inhabited Malta thousands of years ago. Idyllic swimming spots With more than 300 days of sunshine, you can cool off on one of Malta's many beaches, coves and natural pools. From buzzing beaches like Golden Bay, Melliea Bay and George's Bay to more secluded sands such as crescent-shaped beauty Gajn Tuffiea, there's something for everyone. You'll love the clear waters at Little Armier. Or perhaps you'd rather hop on the ferry to sister island Gozo and relax on the red sands of Ramla Bay? Malta enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year and a beautiful coastline The clear waters around Malta are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Or perhaps you'd rather take a boat out to explore, or venture along the coast by kayak and stand-up paddleboard? Delicious delicacies With a cuisine influenced by French, Spanish, Sicilian and north African cooking, Malta is a fabulous foodie destination. The island is surrounded by pristine waters teeming with delicious seafood. It's also home to bustling food markets selling fresh produce, plus craft breweries, idyllic vineyards, old-world eateries, and no fewer than seven Michelin-starred restaurants. Maltese cuisine has French, Spanish, Sicilian and Arabic influencers, making it unique Don't miss the chance to try fresh-caught lampuki (mahi-mahi) at the many seafood restaurants. Or you could grab a street food snack in the shape of pastizzi, a filo-styled pastry, filled with sweet ricotta or spicy mashed peas. And enjoy Maltese bread, called obz, slathered with tuna, tomatoes, olives and fresh mint. Don't forget to save space for sweet honey and almond desserts. Amazing adventures With miles of stunning coastline and rugged interiors, Malta is the prime place to get pulses racing. Whether it's bike tours across epic landscapes or horse-riding sessions along the beach, unforgettable adventures come ten-a-penny. Weave your way across the islands following beautiful hiking paths, take a Segway tour, or find inner peace with an al fresco yoga or Pilates session. With its year-round charm, events and activities, there are so many ways to immerse yourself in the outstanding landscapes of Malta, whenever you wish to go. Find out more and plan your Malta getaway at Jet2holidays.com One free child place per two paying passengers. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply, please see www.jet2holidays.com/promotions#FCP2025 for further details. *On bookings made ten weeks or more before departure. Full payment required by balance due date. **Spread the cost over three interest-free payments. Available when booked online, for holidays under 2,000, departing within 10 weeks. ^See www.jet2holidays.com/part-payment for full details. ~Unless otherwise stated. KFC Australia is set to launch a secret pop-up restaurant in an abandoned train station tunnel - featuring revived menu items from the 80s. To celebrate the final season of Stranger Things on Netflix, the fast food giant is taking Aussie fans on a mind-bending journey straight to the heart of Hawkins, Indiana. Diners will descend into the Upside Down with the opening of the world's first subterranean KFC, 'Hawkins Fried Chicken', on November 28 and 29 from 12pm - with free entry and free menu items, including the new Upside Down Doubles. The new burger features two of KFC's iconic Original Crispy fillets, sandwiching a soft bun in the middle, layered with crispy bacon, cheese, and a generous serving of Stranger Sauce. The pop-up restaurant, nestled deep within Sydney's abandoned Wynyard Station Tunnels, will serve Original Recipe Chicken buckets, new Saucy Wings from KFC's secret menu. What makes the event even more special is that KFC is reviving beloved 80s menu items - including The Works Burger and 80s Bean Salad. Stepping into Hawkins Fried Chicken will be like walking through a rift in time and space. Guests will journey through an immersive Stranger Things tunnel and experience a meticulously recreated 80s diner straight from the town of Hawkins, just as it would have looked in 1987. KFC Australia is set to launch a secret pop-up restaurant in an abandoned train station tunnel - featuring new menu items and a classic '80s burger The new Upside Down Doubles features two of KFC's iconic Original Crispy fillets, sandwiching a soft bun in the middle, layered with crispy bacon, cheese, and a generous serving of Stranger Sauce. The new Upside Down Double will also launch into all restaurants The air will hum with classic 80s tunes from a vintage jukebox, arcade games will beckon, and every detail will transport you directly into the heart of the show. But if you can't make it to Hawkins Fried Chicken in Sydney, don't worry. The new Upside Down Double will be rolling out into all restaurants nationwide from December 2 - but for a limited time only. 'We're absolutely thrilled to unite the passionate KFC and fandoms, not only through our immersive Hawkins Fried Chicken experience, but also by bringing the deliciously strange Upside Down Double to restaurants nationwide,' Vanessa Rowed, CMO at KFC Australia said. 'This unique creation innovates with KFC's iconic flavours, perfectly reflecting our partnership with alongside our joy in bringing fans unforgettable taste experiences.' Hawkins Fried Chicken is located in Wynyard Station. Follow the signs and enter Wynyard Station via the Carrington St entrance at Wynyard Park. Head down the escalators to find Hawkins Fried Chicken via a nondescript door across from Coles Central Wynyard Express. To celebrate the final season of Stranger Things on Netflix, the fast food giant is taking Aussie fans on a mind-bending journey straight to the heart of Hawkins, Indiana Guests will journey through an immersive Stranger Things tunnel and experience a meticulously recreated 80s diner straight from the town of Hawkins, just as it would have looked in 1987 Fans will also be able to purchase exclusive Stranger Things x KFC merch here, including denim jackets, t-shirts, caps and jumpers. Proceeds from merchandise sales will go directly to the KFC Youth Foundation, which supports youth mental health and wellbeing through its charity partners, ReachOut Australia and Black Dog Institute. Fans are invited to pre-reserve their free spot for Hawkins Fried Chicken here. A woman's skin cancer journey has resulted in a personal plight to urge all Australians to undertake regular skin checks. A 30-year-old Aussie woman has made it her mission to share an online annual reminder encouraging people to book a skin check, after she discovered her own melanoma three years ago. Sharing a photo of her fair-skinned leg showing a visible lesion on her shin area, she wrote in an online forum: 'Ever since I got a melanoma I've been posting in here come summer.' 'Reminding you a lot of us have skin made for Dublin, not Sydney,' she added. The woman explained that she first noticed the skin mark three years ago when she was 27 years old and 'didn't like the look of it'. Despite being proactive about getting the spot checked, she was surprised to find that she 'had to go to three GPs before one took my worries seriously and cut it out'. It was then confirmed to be a 'melanoma in situ', also known as stage 0 melanoma. This is an early form of skin cancer where malignant cells are confined to the top layer of skin (epidermis) and have not yet spread to the deeper layer (dermis) or elsewhere in the body. This experience of having the mark initially dismissed by doctors is why she now actively encourages others to not only get checked, but to make sure they see someone who specialises in skin cancer. A 30-year-old Aussie woman has made it her mission to share an online annual reminder encouraging people to book a skin check and shared this image of her melanoma in situ, which was diagnosed three years ago following a skin check The young woman's message was that people of all ages should not only regularly get skin checks, but to seek a second-opinion if they feel a worrisome spot is initially dismissed (Picture: stock image) 'As such, I recommend only going to GPs who have had skin cancer training, or going to a dedicated skin cancer clinic or dermatologist,' she explained. 'Obviously, if you're in a place where you can only see a regular GP, do that. But if the option is there, see someone who is knowledgeable in skin cancers,' she urged. Her message was shared to several Australian city Reddit threads and included a plea not to fall into the trap of thinking skin cancer 'only happens to older people' or 'couldn't possibly happen to you'. 'I posted about this when it first happened, and I had two Redditors tell me they went and got their skin checked because of my post and they had skin cancers,' she added. The woman made it clear that she was 'not trying to cause stress and fear' but rather wanted to encourage people to take control of their health. 'Go get a skin check, then go to the beach and enjoy summer with adequate protection,' she finished. Her post struck a nerve with many online commenters, especially those who had similar experiences of having skin cancers dismissed by GP who didn't specialise in skin checks. One Perth man recalled repeatedly asking his local doctor about a bleeding spot behind his ear, only to be continuously prescribed creams and antibiotics as treatment. It was only when he saw a different GP, who was a former skin cancer surgeon, that the new doctor immediately ordered a biopsy, suspecting cancer. Sure enough, it was identified as a basal cell carcinoma and required two surgeries to remove it. Self-monitoring of spots, moles or any other marks all over your body is vital for being proactive about skin cancer. Always consult a doctor if you notice a new or changing skin lesion (Picture: stock image) 'I echo your sentiment: If you're not happy with what the GP says then seek a second or third opinion,' the man replied. Others shared similar stories of GPs dismissing suspicious spots on their face, only for a dermatologist to biopsy and confirm it as a melanoma requiring surgery. Another lengthy post summed it up: 'Trust your gut, see a specialist if you can and don't ignore any suspicious-looking moles or growths. Better safe than sorry.' One reply picked up on the post's specific call-out of the risk to young people, explaining that he had 'lost a mate in his mid-twenties to a melanoma on his neck'. 'I don't think people really understand that young people can be struck by it, too.' Many responses simply said the woman's post had prompted them to finally book in a long-overdue skin check. The Cancer Council recommends regularly self-monitoring your own skin for changes and visiting a GP if you notice anything suspicious. A GP can then also refer you to a specialist like a dermatologist if needed. There is no official designated time frame for how often you should have a skin check done, nor is there currently a population-wide skin cancer screening programme in Australia. That's why it's essential to be vigilant about observing your skin and follow up quickly with a medical professional if you spot something unusual. Signs of skin cancer range from innocuous to obvious, but experts warn that treating cases early is key to making sure they do not spread or further develop As for where to go to have a skin check the Cancer Council website, suggests reaching out to a ' General Practitioner (GP), medical centre or skin cancer clinic, as they may be able to conduct a skin check or refer you to a skin specialist like a dermatologist.' 'You can locate a clinic or doctor by searching for a Skin Cancer College accredited doctor (i.e. a GP with extra training in skin cancer, no referral needed) at http://www.skincancercollege.org.' The Cancer Council also suggested that 'before choosing a doctor or clinic, enquire about their experience and qualifications in dealing with skin cancer'. Regularly self-checking your body from top to toe is also vital for understanding your own skin spots and being aware of any changes. If you're worried that a particular mark could be a melanoma, a useful starting point is to consider the 'ABCDE guidelines' (see below). Always consult your doctor if you think you might be at risk, especially if you notice a new or changing skin lesion. I'm in the coastal city of Swansea. Well known for its award-winning beaches, and affectionately nicknamed 'The Waterfront City', it's only natural that Swansea girls would walk barefoot in strappy dresses. Only, this isn't summer, and I'm nowhere near the beach. Instead, it's almost the end of November, and I'm on a street in the city centre - yet there are women without any shoes on and barely anybody is wearing a coat. As strange as the scenario sounds, what I'm most struck by is that everyone looks so fabulous. It's like being at an after-party for a beauty pageant, where all the contestants have kicked off their heels. But what's actually going on? Well, today is November 20th, and it's the first opportunity to uncork this year's new bottles of Beaujolais. Known as 'Beaujolais Nouveau', it's a young red wine from the Burgundy region of France, and according to French law, it cannot be served or sold in any country until the third Thursday of November - which, this year, falls on the 20th of the month. Some people get excited about popping a Champagne cork, but here in Swansea, the chance to open a new bottle of Beaujolais is cause for celebration. The annual event is known as Beaujolais Day and it's big business, with restaurants and hotels hosting three course Beaujolais Day dinners - often with multiple sittings throughout the day, to meet the high demand. But it's not just about eating - because Beaujolais Day is all about the glam. Hair salons and make-up artists are booked out, up to a year in advance, as the Swansea women set out to make Victoria's Secret models look drab. It's probably Swansea's most dazzling day of the year and that's why I'm here, on my first ever trip to Wales, to experience it for myself and to find out what Beaujolais Day is all about. Samantha Rea (pictured) visited Wales for the first time to join in with the Beaujolais Day celebrations in Swansea I've been lucky enough to snag a seat for the three course Beaujolais Day dinner at The Welsh House, by Swansea's waterfront. With live music from 12pm, there are three sittings for the meal, taking place at 12pm, 2.30pm and 5pm, with diners invited to continue celebrating in an adjacent marquee, or inside sister wine bar The Wine House. The Welsh House prides itself on offering Welsh dishes made with great Welsh ingredients. Their food has been described by esteemed chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White as: 'A little bit of Wales on a plate'. At 46.95 per person, the three course Beaujolais Day dinner is a steal. My sitting is at 2.30pm, so I've already got an appetite as I make my way there, crossing Sail Bridge, which overlooks the River Tawe. There's a gorgeous view of boats on blue water, then within a few minutes I reach a red carpet - I have arrived at The Welsh House. Doormen dressed in black usher me into the buzzing bar which is packed full of smartly dressed men in blazers, and glamorous women in strappy sandals, sequins and fake fur. Sitting down, I take a look at the drinks menu which has Pommery Brut Champagne at 12 a glass; cocktails, including Espresso Martini, at 10 each, and bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau at 39.95 a bottle. I've ordered smoked salmon for my starter, but before it arrives, I'm joined at the table by a Welshman with more than a few tricks up his sleeve. His name is Charles Anthony and he is a jolly clever magician who makes a mixed up Rubik's Cube align in less than a second. Then he gets me to write my name on a card, which he somehow pulls out of his mouth, even though I'd stuck it back in the pack. This is impressive, but I like it best when he tells me to look for the card in his wallet. I take it out triumphantly, along with a couple of twenty pound notes. 'Money makes me happy!' I tell him, smiling, but it turns out that this isn't part of the trick and I reluctantly have to give it back. The celebrations began early for some on Thursday (pictured) - trekking out in party dresses before the sun had even set On November 20th, it was the first opportunity to uncork this year's new bottles of Beaujolais. Pictured, Samantha in Swansea For my main I've gone for the Welsh Beef a la Bourguignon, with creamy mash and buttered carrots. This is possibly the most tender meat I've ever eaten and I would go back to Wales just to eat it again. Thinking about it, it strikes me that it's a perfect dish to celebrate Beaujolais Day in Swansea, as it combines Welsh beef with a French recipe - especially as boeuf bourguignon is associated with France's Burgundy region, which - quelle surprise! - is where Beaujolais comes from. Clearly someone has put a lot of thought into this, and looking back at the menu, I realise that there was a similarly clever French-Welsh alliance in the options for the starters, in the form of the French onion soup with the Caerphilly cheese. But where does Swansea's celebration of Beaujolais Day stem from? Well the stories vary, but the one that seems to make the most sense is that the late Welsh international rugby player Clem Thomas kicked off the tradition back when he owned The No Sign Wine Bar on Swansea's Wind Street. At the time, Clem also had a house in - yep, you guessed it - Burgundy, so he was able to bring the newly released Beaujolais back to Swansea. And, presumably, making Beaujolais Day 'a thing' wouldn't have been bad for business! Fast forward a few decades to 2025 and Beaujolais Day is boosting business all over Swansea. I chat to Anne-Marie, 50, who's across the table from me. She lives in Swansea and she tells me that for Beaujolais Day she'll spend 50 on getting her hair done and 45 on professional makeup with lashes, as well as buying a new dress and paying for a cab home. The day itself has been free for her this year, as she's here with work, but she's celebrated Beaujolais Day five or six times before and it usually adds up to 150 for the food and drink alone. She's been out since 12.30pm, and reckons she'll stay out enjoying herself until 10pm. Known as 'Beaujolais Nouveau', it's a young red wine from the Burgundy region of France, and according to French law, it cannot be served or sold in any country until the third Thursday of November - which, this year, falls on the 20th of the month. Pictured, Samantha at The Welsh House A woman with an incredible tan walks past my table. I've seen some fantastic tans since I've arrived at The Welsh House, so I'm guessing that spray tan appointments are part of the Beaujolais Day prep. I stop the tantastic woman, whose name is Jess, to ask her where she got it done, but she tells me she did it herself last night, with St. Moriz. Noted! Jess has gone out for Beaujolais Day for over 10 years, including twice at The Welsh House. She's done her own hair and makeup, but the costs have still added up, as she's bought a new dress, heels and bag, totalling 150, and another 50 on brows and lashes, as well getting her nails done. My attention is grabbed by a performance from the singing waitress, and next I find myself chatting to Aimee, 40, who owns Swansea florists Vintage Bloom. This is Aimee's fourth Beaujolais Day, and she's been here at The Welsh House since 2pm, for the 2.30pm dinner sitting. After this, she and her friends will head to Wind Street - aka the party zone - and decide which bar to go when they get there. To look her best for Beaujolais Day, Aimee's spent 25 on a blowdry at Swansea's Hair Cwtch Salon, 45 on makeup with makeup artist Sara Dymond and 40 on nails by Makeovers with Mols, as well as buying a new dress from Lavish Alice. Aimee tells me that so far she's had one Baby Guinness and three Proseccos, but no Beaujolais, because: 'I do like red wine, but I don't drink it when I'm out.' Aimee's friend Sam, 51, is also a florist. She owns the Swansea based Black Orchid florists, and this is her second Beaujolais Day. She came along for the first time last year because Aimee twisted her arm, but Sam feels like she's too old for it and says she'd rather spend the money on a spa weekend. Some people get excited about popping a Champagne cork, but here in Swansea, the chance to open a new bottle of Beaujolais is cause for celebration. Pictured, Samantha with magician Charles Anthony The annual event is known as Beaujolais Day and it's big business, with restaurants and hotels hosting three course Beaujolais Day dinners - often with multiple sittings throughout the day, to meet the high demand. Pictured, Samantha during her first time visiting Wales She spent 300 on two dresses that didn't arrive in time and another 250 panic-buying an outfit in River Island. She forked out to have her hair and makeup done (which she redid at home anyway, as she didn't like it) and she reckons that dinner and drinks will add up to 150. Sam is drinking gin and tonic, and like Aimee, she doesn't plan to drink any Beaujolais. On the next table, I chat to 25-year-old Lauren who also lives in Swansea. She's out for her fifth Beujolais Day but tells me: 'To be honest, I've never tried Beaujolais. I just like the dressing up and going out.' Don't we all, Lauren! I can relate to this. It's like when I go to a sporting event and have no idea what's going on, I just like being in a private box drinking Champagne. At this point, Lauren remembers that actually: 'I've tried it once, I didn't like it. I don't like red wine.' For Lauren, getting ready for Beaujolais Day has meant buying a new dress as well as getting her hair done in an updo for 30. She's been drinking Prosecco since arriving at The Welsh House at 2pm with her friends. At the moment there are five of them, but they'll meet more girls later when they head into town. For Ellise, 29, it's her seventh Beaujolais Day. Originally from Swansea, she's just moved to Cardiff, but she's come back to celebrate Beaujolais Day. Ellise has been out since 2.30pm drinking Prosecco and espresso martinis. She tells me that she won't be having any Beaujolais because she doesn't like it. Then she remembers that she does like it, but it makes her cry, so she'll stick to Prosecco, or pornstar martinis, or shots of Tequila Rose. Ellise is wearing a new jumpsuit, jewellery and shoes, all bought especially for Beaujolais Day. She's done her own makeup, but her cousin who owns a salon came round and did her hair, as well as her mum's hair. After The Welsh House, Ellise is going to Morgans Hotel where her mum has a table, then she and her friends will go to Cattle & Co. She reckons she'll be out until 3am, then she has second thoughts and says: 'Maybe just midnight.' I realise that with all my chatting, and playing musical chairs around the tables, I've missed out on the sticky toffee pudding I'd looked forward to for dessert. Oh well, if I'm lured back to Wales by the tender beef bourguignon then hopefully they'll have sticky toffee pudding on the menu too! The Welsh House is emptying out to make space for the final dinner sitting, so I head towards Wind Street - home to The No Sign Wine Bar, which may just be where Swansea's love of Beaujolas Day has its origins. Bar after bar lines each side of the street, so it seems apt that Wind Street is actually pronounced Wine Street. It's here that I see the barefoot women without coats, but they're having fun and looking fabulous, and really, what better way could there be to celebrate Beaujolais Day? The Miss Universe organization has given a much-anticipated update on the current health status of Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, after she had a shock fall off the stage during the competition. Henry, 28, fell off the stage during the preliminary evening gown round at Miss Universe in Thailand on November 19, and was rushed to the hospital. Audience members could be heard screaming as they reacted to the dramatic fall, and some were even seen jumping up from their seats to help the Jamaican beauty queen. She was seen being wheeled out of the event on a stretcher in videos that were captured by social media users. In an update posted by her sister, Dr. Phylicia Henry-Samuels, to social media on Friday, she shared that Henry 'wasn't doing as well' as they had hoped, and that she would remain in the Intensive Care Unit for an additional week. It caused a worried frenzy in the media, as many fans rushed to send her well-wishes. Now, Miss Universe president Raul Rocha has given another update on the contestant, which was posted to his Instagram page on Monday morning, to address the 'unfounded speculation.' Rocha said that it looks like Henry will be released from the hospital soon, as he also shared how the Miss Universe Organization is supporting her and her family during this time. The Miss Universe organization has given a much-anticipated update on the current health status of Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, after she had an astounding fall off the stage during the competition Now, Miss Universe president Raul Rocha has given another update on the contestant, which was posted to his Instagram page on Monday morning In an update posted by her sister Dr. Phylicia Henry-Samuels to social media on Friday, she shared that Henry 'wasn't doing as well' as they had hoped, and would remain in the Intensive Care Unit for an additional week The statement read: 'The Miss Universe Organization wishes to address recent speculation by providing a clear and respectful update regarding Dr. Gabrielle Henry Miss Universe Jamaica 2025. 'Out of respect for Dr. Henry and her family, the Organization maintains strict discretion regarding specific details of her medical status. 'We believe that matters concerning her health should be communicated only at the appropriate time and solely at the family's discretion, or by Dr. Henry herself should she choose to do so.' He continued that it was 'important to clarify that from the moment the onstage accident occurred, immediate action was taken to ensure her safety and well-being.' Emphasizing his involvement throughout, he added: 'I personally entered the stage to assist her, coordinated urgent medical attention, and oversaw her immediate transfer to the hospital. 'I was present at the emergency room alongside her family, with whom I spoke directly. I recommended a series of precautionary actions, some beyond standard protocol, to guarantee the most accurate evaluation, monitoring, and medical oversight. 'Additional medical specialist were also brought in to provide multiple professional assessment and ensure full clarity regarding her condition. 'The Miss Universe Organization has assumed one hundred precent of all related expenses, including those of Dr. Henry's family. This has included hotel accommodation near the hospital, rebooking of airline tickets, transportation services, and dedicated assigned to accompany and assist the family throughout this process. 'The Miss Universe Organization wishes to address recent speculation by providing a clear and respectful update regarding Dr. Gabrielle Henry Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 'Over the past four days, there have been difficult moments and unexpected concerns. However, thanks to the excellent medical care provided, each issue was successfully resolved. Today, we are pleased to share that the latest medical report confirms that Dr. Gabrielle Henry is in good health and nearing discharge.' The message pointedly concluded: 'We will continue to communicate only essential information with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect. While unfounded speculation has circulated publicly, our full attention has remained on Dr. Henry's care and recovery. We are grateful that she is now close to being released from the hospital.' In a previous update, Rocha had shared that Henry did not sustain any broken bones from the scary fall. The incident took place as pageant contestants competed in multiple rounds, including swimsuit, national costume and evening gown categories in a bid to make it to the Miss Universe finale on Friday. Now in its 73rd year, the pageant is one of the world's longest-running beauty competitions. This year, the crown was awarded to Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch Fernandez. She made headlines earlier this month after she stormed out of a key event after pageant organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated her and called her 'dumb' in front of stunned competitors. The trouble began at a promotional event where Thai media tycoon and pageant organizer Itsaragrisilangrily confronted Bosch over her apparent failure to post promotional content on her social media. This year, the crown was awarded to Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch Fernandez She made headlines earlier this month after she stormed out of a key event after pageant organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated her and called her 'dumb' in front of stunned competitors When she pushed back, he dramatically called in security and threatened to punish anyone siding with her - prompting Bosch to walk out as several contestants bravely followed. Other beauty queens appeared to rise in solidarity with Bosch, before freezing as Itsaragrisil warned those still wanting to participate should 'sit down'. Itsaragrisil had even threatened to disqualify anyone who dared to defend her, but dozens of Bosch's pageant pals staged a walkout that sent shockwaves through the beauty world and turned the winner into a symbol of defiance. 'What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb,' Bosch told reporters at the time. 'The world needs to see this because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice.' Brazilian influencer Juliana Oliveira, known as Juju do Pix, is going under the knife after claiming she was left disfigured following cosmetic injections gone wrong. Oliveira claimed that in 2017, she was injected with what she thought was silicone-based filler - but turned out to be 21 syringes of mineral oil and laxatives into her cheeks. The injections were administered by an illegal clinic without her consent, according to the outlet, and it reportedly left her severely disfigured. While many dermal fillers are approved by the FDA, it is very important that customers know exactly what they are getting injected by a board-certified doctor. Per Harvard Health, injecting foreign, nonsterile substances into your face, like mineral oil, can cause serious problems, including an embolism that 'leads to blindness.' The mysterious injections left Oliveira with swollen cheeks and eyelids, per her social media accounts. According to The Sun, Oliveira believed that she would look like this for the rest of her life, and even struggled to find work. But now, she's finally found a doctor that can help her. Brazilian influencer Juliana Oliveira, known as Juju do Pix, is going under the knife after she claims that she was left disfigured after cosmetic injections gone wrong - seen before the injections on the left Oliveira claimed that in 2017, she was injected with what she thought was silicone-based filler - but turned out to be 21 syringes of mineral oil and laxatives into her cheeks, The Sun reported Per Harvard Health, injecting foreign, nonsterile substances into your face, like mineral oil, can cause serious problems, including an embolism that 'leads to blindness,' as she's seen here before the injections Last week, Oliveira went under the knife with Sao Paulo-based plastic surgeon, Dr. Thiago Marra, who documented the surgery on Instagram. It took more than four hours, and will be the first reconstructive surgery of many for the influencer, the outlet shared. Dr. Marra shared a few pictures after the surgery, which showed Oliveira with tons of stitches in her cheeks and chin area. In another video, which showed a 'before' and 'after,' the doctor appeared to have focused part of the surgery on her chin. 'Clot surgery yesterday was a success,' Dr. Marra wrote in the caption. 'Now to follow up with the healing. Are you excited to see the result in 20 days?' It is unclear exactly when her next surgery is scheduled for. Interestingly enough, it looks like Oliveira isn't the only one who has had an unfortunate experience with fake injectables. Last year, doctors sounded the alarm on fake Botox injections that were landing women in the hospital. Last week, Oliveira went under the knife with Sao Paulo-based plastic surgeon, Dr. Thiago Marra, who documented the surgery on Instagram According to The Sun, it took more than four hours, and will be the first reconstructive surgery of many In April 2024, 22 people from 11 states reported harmful reactions after receiving injections of the popular filler from unlicensed or untrained providers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. None of the women underwent the procedure in a medical setting - instead describing getting Botox in spas and at home. The harmful reactions were reported between November 4, 2023, and March 31, 2024, in a slew of states including California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Texas and Washington. Aside from untrained injectors administering Botox, the issue goes even deeper than that. At the time, licensed medical professionals were being targeted by manufacturers peddling counterfeit product as well. Last year, New York aesthetician Joey Grant Luther was arrested after authorities said that he had ordered counterfeit Botox from China, according to ABC7 Eyewitness News. In addition, Luther did not possess licensing to inject Botox in the state of New York. His Hell's Kitchen clinic was called JGL Aesthetics. It's a smart digital wall calendar you can use for grocery lists, chores, and more Aussie shoppers can't wait to get their hands on a Kmart Black Friday exclusive A brand-new Kmart product is exploding on social media just days before Black Friday, with shoppers calling it 'exactly what we've all been waiting for' as thousands rush to add it to their carts. The retail giant has quietly dropped a 15.6-inch Digital Family Calendar for $199 - and parents, partners, and anyone juggling a chaotic household are already obsessed. The product will officially launch in store, online, and via the Kmart app on November 27 from 8am AEDT. OnePass members can score exclusive early access on November 26 from 8pm to midnight AEDT. Shoppers are already predicting it will sell out within hours. The smart device, which syncs with Google Calendar, Outlook, iCloud, Cozi and Yahoo, is designed to keep every family member on the same page during the busiest time of year. It replaces the messy whiteboards, scribbled notes. and overflowing phone reminders that so many households rely on - and Aussies can't get enough. Melbourne mum Tiffany Donaldson told her followers she'd been hunting for something like this for years. Kmart has quietly dropped a 15.6-inch Digital Family Calendar for $199 - and parents, partners, and anyone juggling a chaotic household are already obsessed Melbourne mum Tiffany Donaldson told her followers she'd been hunting for something like this for years 'I've been looking at the Skylight and the Amazon Echo displays but they're quite pricey,' she said on TikTok. She revealed she stuck hers directly onto the fridge with magnetic strips so she and her husband can quickly add plans, update the kids' chores, and organise the week ahead. The device features day, week and month views, colour-coded profiles for each family member, chore tracking, reward stars, meal planning, grocery lists and a digital photo frame when it's not in use. It also comes with wall-mounting equipment, a stand and 32GB storage. 'For the price - this is really good,' Tiffany added. Another shopper, Corinne Mayfair, said the new calendar is 'a home organisation must-have' and praised Kmart for 'doing it again' with the perfectly timed release ahead of the Christmas rush. Comments online show just how much Aussies have longed for a cheaper version of high-end digital planners. 'I've been searching for something like this for YEARS - finally someone made an affordable one,' a shopper told the Daily Mail. Shopper, Corinne Mayfair, said the new calendar is 'a home organisation must-have' and praised Kmart for 'doing it again' with the perfectly timed release ahead of the Christmas rush The smart device, which syncs with Google Calendar, Outlook, iCloud, Cozi and Yahoo, is designed to keep every family member on the same page during the busiest time of year 'This is exactly what busy families need. I couldn't afford paying $600 for the same features elsewhere,' another added. The sleek touchscreen hub also sends photo messages, displays weather forecasts, allows grocery lists to be shared across devices, and updates automatically through the free eCalendar app. With beauty sales, designer fragrance deals and tech bargains dropping across the store, shoppers say this is the star buy worth grabbing early. If you want one for the fridge, the hallway, or to give the most practical Christmas gift of the year - you may want to move quickly. Melania Trump looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out to receive this year's White House Christmas tree. The 55-year-old appeared at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., earlier today to usher in the holiday season. Melania wrapped up warm against the cool weather as she greeted the delivery of the 25-foot concolor fir that arrived on a horse-drawn carriage. She went bare-legged but opted for an understated long cream-colored overcoat that was cinched in at the waist with a belt. The First Lady then accessorized with a pair of dark red elbow-length gloves and tartan Manolo Blahnik heels in an apparent nod to husband Donald Trump's Scottish roots. Melania let her long blonde tresses cascade over her shoulders as she inspected the delivery which she described as 'beautiful.' She shook hands with one of the drivers, who was wearing a top hat, and a woman who was standing with the two Clydesdale horses. The tree came from Korson's Tree Farms in Michigan after it clinched top spot in the National Christmas Tree Association's contest back in July. Melania Trump looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out to receive this year's White House Christmas tree The 55-year-old appeared at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., earlier today to usher in the holiday season Melania wrapped up warm against the cool weather as she greeted the delivery of the 25-foot concolor fir that arrived on a horse-drawn carriage The biannual contest gives Christmas tree growers across the country a chance to have their trees featured in the White House and the Vice President's residence each festive season. The tree delivered earlier today will now be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. The tree welcoming tradition marks the start of a series of events planned by the First Family in the coming weeks. On Tuesday, President Trump is set to pardon two North Carolina turkeys, Gobble and Waddle, during a ceremony ahead of Thanksgiving. Last month, Melania launched the 'Celebrating America' ornament line to her website, consisting of 'limited-edition, handcrafted Christmas ornaments.' The decorations, which range between $75 to $90, are 'designed to celebrate America and the upcoming 250th anniversary.' The items in the collection include decorations featuring the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore as well as a star, an American flag and a star-spangled USA. Melania's signature is engraved onto each of the items and purchases include a 'special 3D animated digital collectible.' The tree came from Korson's Tree Farms in Michigan after it clinched top spot in the National Christmas Tree Association's contest back in July Melania let her long blonde tresses cascade over her shoulders as she inspected the delivery which she described as 'beautiful' The First Lady then accessorized with a pair of dark red elbow-length gloves and tartan Manolo Blahnik heels in an apparent nod to husband Donald Trump 's Scottish roots While many people thought the festive decorations were beautiful - and gushed about adorning their trees with them - some slammed the First Lady for the exorbitant cost and urged her to release an affordable range. Interestingly, back in 2018, Melania was recorded expressing her frustration about getting the White House into the festive spirit, saying, 'You know, who gives a f**k about Christmas stuff and decoration?' When Donald Trump was previously in office, Melania decorated the White House with Balsam fir trees that dripped with icicles, which social media users dubbed eerie and cold. Similarly, she decorated the East Colonnade with 40 bold blood-red trees and draped 14,000 red ornaments throughout the White House. Although her office stated that the red symbolized 'valor and bravery,' the decor quickly earned the nickname 'murder trees,' leading to a wave of memes, public backlash, and accusations of being 'un-American.' A psychiatrist has revealed the subtle sign you may have a personality disorder - and it involves just one thing. Professor Ahmed Hankir, a consultant psychiatrist who often posts to TikTok about different mental health disorders, shared a video describing a particular symptom that people should be aware of: limerence. 'Have you ever been so obsessed with someone that your entire world revolves around them - even when they ignore you or hurt you?' he asked in the video. 'That might not just be love,' the specialist warned. 'It could be limerence, one of the least known but most painful symptoms of borderline personality disorder.' Dr Haniker explained that limerence is an intense, emotional fixation or infatuation with one specific person. Often, he said, this fixation is aimed at someone emotionally unavailable and who may not treat people well. He said that someone suffering with BPD 'idealizes' a certain person and puts them on a pedestal. 'You crave their validation like oxygen and even the smallest breadcrumb of attention feels euphoric,' he described. Dr Ahmed Hankir said being 'so obsessed' with someone that your entire world revolves around them is a sign of borderline personality disorder (stock image) Dr Hankir said that this person may go on to make the person the center of their universe, even if they are dismissive, abusive, or rude. 'When they pull away, it can feel like your world collapses,' he said. According to the expert, limerence is thought to stem from early attachment wounds. 'Many people with BPD describe having an inconsistent or emotionally absent caregiver, sometimes a father figure, sometimes a mother,' he explained. 'As adults, they unconsciously recreate that dynamic, chasing people who replicate that same emotional distance, desperately trying to earn the love they never consistently received.' He said limerence can be the worst symptom of BPD as it hijacks a person's identity. 'You lose yourself in the pursuit of another person's approval, and when that person withdraws, rejects you, or replaces you, the pain can be so intense and overwhelming that it feels unbearable,' he said. The doctor added that it can result in rage, despair, or even suicidal thoughts, urging anyone who has experienced this to seek help. The psychiatrist said limerence is thought to stem from early attachment wounds (stock image) 'With therapy, especially dialectical behavioral therapy, you can learn to regulate these emotions and rebuild your sense of self,' he assured viewers. 'True healing starts when your world begins to revolve around you again,' he said. BPD is a personality disorder which, as per the American Psychological Association, is 'characterized by a long-standing pattern of instability in mood, interpersonal relationships, and self-image that is severe enough to cause extreme distress or interfere with social and occupational functioning.' According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), BPD affects between 1.6 to 5.9 percent of adults in the US. NAMI said that BPD involves severe difficulty regulating emotions, leading to intense mood swings, impulsive behavior, unstable relationships and a poor self-image. It added that symptoms of BPD may include avoiding real or perceived abandonment, inappropriate and intense anger or problems controlling anger, self-harming behavior and recurring thoughts of suicide, mood swings, and a distorted and unstable sense of self. A Democratic candidate for an open congressional seat in Tennessee snapped when an MS NOW host pressed her about past online posts showing support for the 'defund the police' movement. Liberal Tennessee State Rep. Aftyn Behn reeled as anchor Catherine Rampell asked the lawmaker to 'clarify' her position while flashing a series of the politician's since-deleted tweets on screen. One of the posts urged the abolition of the Metro Nashville Police Department, while another appeared to support the burning of police stations. Behn, 36 who is also under fire for newly resurfaced audio in which she said she 'hates' her home city of Nashville bristled at Rampell's question. 'I'm not going to engage in cable news talking points, but what I will say is that, you know, our communities need solutions, we need local people deciding solving local problems with local solutions,' she replied. 'And that's not the overreach of a federal government or state government of which we are dealing with in Nashville and our cities across the state of Tennessee.' Rampell continued press Behn further on the posts, with a special election in Tennessee's seventh congressional district set for next week and early voting beginning Wednesday. 'So you don't want to clarify whether you still believe that the police should be defunded?' the anchor asked. MS NOW's Catherine Rampell triggered a tense exchange after asking Tennessee State Rep. Aftyn Behn about her history of anti-police rhetoric ahead of next week's special election One of the posts cited by Rampbell included one from June 2020 'Once again, I don't remember these tweets, but I'm what I'm saying is, is that I'm-' Rampell then interjected: 'I'm not asking you if you remember. What is your position today? Hows that? On this issue?' 'I mean, once again, I'm here to talk about my race, which is in literally nine days, and talking about affordability, which seems to be the number one issue across the district,' responded Behn, a state representative since 2023. 'Voters are talking about the fact that they can't afford groceries, that their subsidies are not going to be renewed to afford healthcare on the marketplace. 'And that is the most salient issue that all of the voters in the seventh congressional district are talking about.' The conversation then steered toward the state of Behn's current campaign, which has pit her against former Tennessee Department of General Services Commissioner Matt Van Epps, a Republican widely seen as the favorite. Republican Mark Green resigned from the seat in July, leading to the special election. President Donald Trump won the district by 22 points in November. 'Im not going to engage in cable news talking points,' Behn responded when asked about the since-deleted tweets, 'but what I will say is that, you know, our communities need solutions, we need local people deciding solving local problems with local solutions' The Nashville Democratic state representative already faced an uphill battle in her bid to replace Republican Mark Green, who is vacating the seat after winning it in November Last week, Behn made headlines after resurfaced audio featured her sneering that she 'hates' the city that she hopes to represent because it's filled with Americans who enjoy partying and country music. 'I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music, I hate all of the things that make Nashville. I hate it,' Behn can be heard saying in the resurfaced clip from the GRITS podcast in February 2020. She has also previously called sororities 'a staple of white supremacy,' and branded the whole of Tennessee a 'racist state.' Behn, 35, was privately educated at the $27,000-per-year Webb School in Knoxville and went on to study at the University of Texas at Austin. Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, said God will take vengeance on her husband's accused killer and that she's 'so glad I'm not you.' Erika, 37, made the remarks while fighting back tears during a live interview with Megyn Kelly Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd in Glendale, Arizona. In discussing suspected assassin Tyler Robinson, whom Erika said she had forgiven at Charlie's public memorial in September, she told Kelly that she resists letting anger take over. 'The enemy would love for me to be angry,' she said. 'He would love it'. She went on to explain that ill will 'would distract me from building what Charlie entrusted to me, raising our babies, Turning Point, being there for the team, being there for what the future holds.' Kelly marveled at how Kirk had the capacity to forgive Robinson, 22. 'If you could say something to him, like, if you could say something to his parents, what would it be? Would it be anger? Would it sympathy? What would it be?' the former Fox News host asked. 'That's a good question,' Erika responded, before a long pause. 'It wouldn't be sympathy. It wouldn't be anger.' Erika Kirk, 37, told Megyn Kelly Saturday that she'd tell her husband's suspected killer 'I'm so glad I'm not you' after forgiving him in September Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, 22 After another lengthy lull, in front of thousands of people, Erika said: 'How do you put this? 'Anything that I could ever wish upon him or the family would pale in comparison of the justice of God - and so, I look at them, almost like, "I'm so glad I'm not you."' At another point in the conversation, Erika revealed that had been 'praying to God' she was pregnant after her husband was shot at Utah Valley University September 10. Erika confirmed she was not. 'You told me this in private. How many kids did you want to have?' Kelly asked. 'We wanted to have four,' Erika responded. 'Oh, wow,' Megyn replied. 'I thought of that once. Whether it was meant to be or whether we'd get news like that.' Erika continued: 'I was like, oh, goodness, that was going to be the ultimate blessing out of this catastrophe.' Erika also revealed what Vice President JD Vance whispered in her ear during an intimate hug they shared onstage last month at a Turning Point event honoring Charlie that sparked intense online speculation. 'Anything that I could ever wish upon him or the family would pale in comparison of the justice of God,' Erika Kirk said Charlie and Erika are seen together at the White House on January 22 'So for those of you who know me, I'm very-,' Erika said as Kelly finished her statement: 'You're an intense hugger!' 'My love language is touch, if you will So I will give you a play by play. They just played the emotional video. I'm walking over, he's walking over. I'm starting to cry. He says, "I'm so proud of you." And I say, "God bless you," and I touch the back of his head. 'Anyone whom I have hugged that I have touched the back of your head when I hug you, I always say, "God bless you.'" Her husband was slain at age 31 after founding Turning Point USA and turning it into one the most visible youth organizations in the entire US. The company is now run by Erika, a former Miss Universe contestant, who said at Charlie's memorial service that she forgave Robinson 'because it's what Christ did.' 'The answer to hate is not hate,' she said at the time. Kelly called it 'an extraordinary moment.' Your browser does not support iframes. On paper it looks like I've discovered the perfect investment strategy. The value of my portfolio is up a stonking 20 per cent this year and that's on top of a 21 per cent return the year before. I've earned around five times more than if I'd left the money in a top-paying savings account. If I continue at this rate, I'll have doubled my money within four years. I'd like to imagine it's because I'm some kind of investment whizkid. In reality, my returns are nothing special. You've probably enjoyed very healthy profits on your pension and other investment savings over the past couple of years as well especially if you're still some way off retirement age, as I am. Normally with success like this I'd leave well alone and hope I've struck on a winning formula that continues to perform. But over the past few weeks I've had a rethink. I've sold some of my best-performing investments and added others to the mix that are all-but guaranteed to produce lower returns than those I've recently enjoyed. That's for two main reasons. Firstly, I'm worried about what is on the horizon. There are always investment naysayers who are convinced that a stock market crash is just around the corner, but the chorus of those in agreement is getting louder and more mainstream. Last week, the Bank of England and the International Monetary Fund chimed in to warn about the risk of an AI bubble in financial markets that would threaten to send shockwaves across the globe. Officials on the Bank's Financial Policy Committee drew comparisons with the mania for the dotcom stocks 25 years ago. And when the dotcom bubble burst, the value of the S&P 500 stock index in America fell by 49 per cent. I don't presume to know whether we're in a stock market bubble and, if we are, when it will burst. Even the most experienced fund managers and economists are bad at this. Much of the recent growth on the stock market has come from a handful of companies. All are tech stocks which benefit most from the rise in AI Rachel Rickard Straus says her strategy of spreading risk has stopped working The global financial crisis is a case in point very few saw it coming. Plus, for every investment expert who draws parallels between the current market conditions and those in the dotcom boom, there is another who is keen to point out the differences. But I do know that sentiment is often what matters more than hard facts. When investors are optimistic, they will pay ever-higher prices for investments that have not increased in fundamental value. But as soon as they get antsy, valuations can plummet even though very little has changed. So the more that investors worry that we're in bubble territory, the greater the likelihood that it could pop. Secondly, the growth I've enjoyed means my portfolio is no longer doing what I'd intended. Until last week, I held a basket of thousands of shares in companies across the globe and in all sectors. My plan was to hold a bit of everything, to spread my risk, because if one sector or country suffered a fall, hopefully others would continue to grow and more than make up for it. But this strategy has stopped working. That's because the growth I've had has come overwhelmingly from just a handful of companies. All are based in the US, all are tech stocks and all are among those benefiting most from the rise in AI. And the better these few companies perform, the larger the proportion of my portfolio they inevitably comprise. Suddenly, chip-maker Nvidia alone made up 6.2 per cent of my portfolio, Microsoft 4.9 per cent and Apple 4.4 per cent. If the value of these companies continues to rise, then I'm laughing. But it would take only a poor set of financial results from one, or a slight weakening in optimism over the outlook for AI, and my portfolio would take a serious dent. Millions of investors will be in a similar position. Just four companies accounted for 60 per cent of the gain in the value of the S&P 500 in the year to mid August 26 per cent of that was Nvidia alone. Deciding what to invest in instead is not easy. Gold is typically a favourite when there's uncertainty ahead, but it has never been more expensive. Bonds usually work as a ballast to shares, but not always. And they come with their own issues if you're worried about growing levels of government and corporate debt. And, of course, the best strategy is not universal, and for any investor depends on your goals, age and how comfortable you are with risk. You could argue that as I'm some way off retirement I needn't worry, because I've got time to ride out the ups and downs. But I'm investing for my peace of mind in the present as well as my wealth in the future. Your browser does not support iframes. I may miss out on another bumper year of growth because I dialled down my holdings in AI tech stocks. But that's a price I'm willing to pay to be able to sleep a little easier now and not feel as much regret if stock markets take a tumble. The defence sector has been in the spotlight for almost four years. The war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and the growing threat from China have put the UK and its western allies back on something close to a Cold War footing. The wholesale increase in budgets has buoyed companies such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Babcock. Share price valuations have gone stratospheric. While it has been a golden era for these so-called prime contractors, the picture has been more nuanced for smaller players. But after a period of stasis, there is reason to believe that the tens of billions being invested to shore up UK defence capabilities are starting to trickle down through the ecosystem. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are an important part of the defence manufacturing and procurement network. They are often the nimble, lateral-thinking doers that deliver innovative solutions that large, blue-chips often struggle with. The decades-old challenge is how to involve these innovators in a meaningful way, and it is one that has eluded successive governments. Tens of billions being invested to shore up UK defence capabilities It is at this point that RC Fornax enters the picture. The business is run by Paul Reeves, who brings frontline defence experience from the Royal Air Force as well as time spent working with major contractors. He founded the company with Daniel Reeves in 2020 to operate in corner of the market in a way that is both smarter and able to deliver tangible financial benefits compared with the status quo. The idea was simple: Build the right engineering team quickly and make sure the work gets done. Instead of behaving like a recruiter shuffling CVs or a heavyweight consultancy sending in a PowerPoint squad, RC Fornax has built a community of specialist engineers. When a major contractor needs support, whether systems, software, mechanical or project management, the company can drop in a ready-made team that plugs straight into the project. Crucially, RCF takes responsibility for outcomes. Rather than charging by the hour, it agrees to deliver a defined piece of work under a Statement of Work. In practice, that means: Give us this part of the programme, and we will deliver it. It is a model gaining traction as the industry shifts away from labour-only contracting and towards work that is packaged, scoped and accountable. Speed is part of the attraction. Defence programmes are notorious for long lead times, but RCF can spin up a team far more quickly than traditional routes allow. It also handles compliance with IR35 (off-payroll working rules) for clients, avoiding the administrative gridlock that contractors and employers typically face. What sets the company apart is not a single innovation but a blend of qualities rarely found in one place. These include hand-picked talent, quick mobilisation, flexibility as requirements change and a management team made up of people who have delivered defence projects themselves. That is the core business. It is only part of the story, however, because RCF has an innovative AI platform which we explore later. Those who have followed the RCF story since it listed earlier this year will know life as a public company has not been plain sailing. Its issues, some external and others self-inflicted or the natural growing pains of being newly listed, have been chastening for Reeves and his senior team. Yet there is an argument, a valid one, that adversity has forged a more durable company that is now better placed to capitalise on opportunities in a booming sector. The first challenge came in the form of Britains Strategic Defence Review. This process occurs roughly once a decade but was long overdue. While the net impact will be greater defence investment, the immediate effect has been to delay contracts RCF had expected to book this year. As a private business, it might simply have been a case of 'keep calm and carry on'. As a publicly listed company, the contract hiatus prompted a guidance downgrade which hit the share price. At the same time came the growing-pains element. This included the higher costs of being quoted and a management team distracted by capital markets. Added to that was an imperfect mix of new hires and a sales pipeline more anchored in hope than reality. It is clear why RCF endured what the late Queen Elizabeth might have described as an annus horribilis. Reeves and his team have taken swift action and some difficult decisions to right the ship. They have re-engineered the sales process and rebuilt relationships by better understanding clients needs. In doing so, they have been able to offer solutions that provide customers not only greater efficiency but cost savings. At the same time, RCF is diversifying outside of defence to mitigate impact of delays associated with this industry. And its technology and innovation department is evolving to bridge tech solutions in academia and other SMEs with front line capability. What we have had to do is identify the problem and improve the processes. And it is important we do not make the same mistakes, says Reeves. The opportunities we had at the start of the year have not disappeared. They were simply delayed [by the latest SDR]. He remains confident the business case set out earlier in the year remains intact, although pushed back a few months. RCF is back up to over 40 billable engineers, rising from 15 at the low point, and Reeves is very hopeful that figure will reach 100 by the end of the financial year. We feel very, very comfortable with that, he adds. We are going to go out and put ourselves on a path of under-promising and over-delivering, which is what everybody told us they wanted. Investors were prepared to back the reset with about 2.3 million, providing the working capital needed to deliver the new sales RCF is now winning. The cash will bridge the gap between starting work and being paid, and it will fund development of a new AI platform provisionally named Procure X. Put simply, the technology could, if successful, lead to create an 'Amazon-style' platform for defence projects. Reeves becomes animated when discussing it. One of the biggest bottlenecks in UK defence has little to do with engineering. It is procurement. Last year the Ministry of Defence awarded 16.2 billion in new contracts, yet almost 40 per cent went to just 10 suppliers. Smaller firms, often the ones doing the most interesting work, rarely get a look in. This is not because they lack capability, but because the system makes it painfully difficult for them to compete. RCF sees this as a structural problem rather than a talent one. A risk-averse culture defaults to familiar incumbents even when faster and more innovative options exist. The company is trying to build a way around this. Its answer is Procure X, an AI-driven marketplace designed to match verified SMEs with buyers in minutes rather than months. It is best thought of as a modernised procurement gateway. Defence buyers can find specialist suppliers, see what they offer and engage without the usual paperwork and delay. Procure X sits on a stack of tools RCF is developing. Smart Scope This is an automated Statement-of-Work generator that takes project documents and produces a contract-ready SoW. It is already in minimum-viable-product form and can produce reports showing the skill sets a project requires. Smart Team Instead of trading CVs, this creates digital skill profiles and assembles teams automatically. Buyers can see who fits the job, make substitutions and identify SMEs who would otherwise be invisible. Smart Bid This tool bridges SME capabilities and real procurement opportunities. It helps smaller firms understand where they can bid, what they can deliver and how to package it into a complete solution. Together, these tools aim to remove the friction that keeps SMEs on the sidelines. If successful, procurement becomes quicker, clearer and more transparent, and buyers gain access to a wider pool of talent. RCF sees Procure X as the foundation for a new SME alliance and eventually a scalable commercial platform that could reach well beyond defence. In simple terms, the company is trying to move from being a problem-solver inside projects to becoming the connector that rewires the system itself. Now for the cautionaries. I can only tell the story as presented, through conversations with management and my own background research. Investors should always conduct their own due diligence. As RCF has shown, it is not always in charge of its own destiny. Contracts can be delayed and objectives reset. At the heart of it all is the Ministry of Defence, staffed by civil servants who may be unaware that small strategy changes can have significant effects further down the chain. That said, if Reeves confidence in the current sales pipeline is borne out over the next six months, the present share price will look anomalous. For all the market's mid- and small-cap news go to www.proactiveinvestors.com Karoline Leavitt has admitted she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder - though not from an unruly press corps. The White House Press Secretary's trauma, she told the Daily Mail in an exclusive interview from her office, stems from the many date nights the married mother-of-one has had to cancel. 'Honestly, I have PTSD about making plans, so I just don't,' the 28-year-old said candidly about the plans with her husband, 60, that have been quashed by her boss's frenetic schedule. 'We just roll with it. If there's a night where I happen to become free, then we take full advantage of that as a family.' Her advice to this reporter who just started on the beat: Don't make plans after work. That, she said, is a 'rookie move.' As someone who has recently joined the Daily Mail's White House team, I can attest that the President has a devastating impact on pre-planned, post-work activities. Dates often get rescheduled, source meetings are canceled and 9.00pm dinners are the rule rather than the exception. 'Definitely, it's very difficult to make plans in this job,' she continued. 'My husband and I had three different mini weekend getaway vacations this summer. All three got canceled due to foreign policy events.' Karoline Leavitt opened up to the Daily Mail about her frenetic role as Trump's media whisperer and how it impacts everything from her workout to her date-night schedule The 28-year-old press secretary said it's a 'rookie move' to make plans after work, given her boss Donald Trump's chaotic, and often fluid, personal and professional schedules Leavitt with her son, Niko, and her husband Nicholas Riccio, posing outside the West Wing. The couple had at least three vacations planned over the summer that were canceled last minute as new events kept populating Trump's calendar A New Hampshire native, Leavitt was forced to cancel a trip home with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, this summer after a last-minute event popped up on Donald Trump's calendar. 'But that's part of the job, and it's what makes it fun and challenging and keeps every day new. And it's, you know, it's temporary. We're one year down. We got three to go.' Expecting to last until the end of Trump's second term, Leavitt has her work cut out for her. The Republican had four official press secretaries during his first term: Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Stephanie Grisham and Kayleigh McEnany. All of them lasted in the position for less than a year, other than Sanders, who held the role for just under two years from July 2017 to June 2019. Leavitt has served just over 300 days, meaning she has already beaten her other three predecessors. A more consistent date-night schedule with her husband will have to wait until 2029. Riccio, who is 32 years older than Leavitt, has been of public interest since the press secretary stepped into the spotlight. Giving a candid interview to the New York Post, Leavitt shared that she could not find any suitors her age and noted that telling her parents about her relationship was 'challenging.' Though Riccio is older than Leavitt's mother, the family quickly grew to love their son-in-law. 'But then, of course, once they got to know him and saw who he is as a man, and his character and how much he adores me, I think it became quite easy for them,' she told the Post. Leavitt is the youngest White House press secretary ever. She told the Daily Mail that despite her busy schedule, she still makes it home to feed her baby dinner and tuck him into bed Baby Niko wears a tuxedo outfit similar to his father's for a wedding Leavitt noted how Trump supports her and encourages her to spend time with her toddler But Leavitt still manages to find time to spend with her almost one-and-a-half-year-old son, Niko, whom she couldn't help but gush over. 'My priority is to always make it home for my kid's bedtime,' she said with a smile only a mother could muster. 'I leave at a more reasonable hour than people may think, because that's sort of the line I've drawn to get home and cook dinner and go through the bedtime routine and be a mom.' Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles have both encouraged Leavitt to spend time with her toddler, she notes gratefully. Leavitt has served the Republican president on and off again since 2019. Her proximity and fidelity to the president are only rivaled by his most tenured advisers, such as Stephen Miller, Dan Scavino, Peter Navarro and a select few Trump loyalists. The demands of being the White House press secretary are as extraordinary as the honor of holding the post, Leavitt told the Daily Mail. But to stay sane amid all the chaos that the job entails, the 28-year-old former softball player still finds margin in her days to maintain her health, even if it does require an early call time. An average day with a press briefing begins at 5am, with a 5.30am workout deemed as 'critical for success,' three days a week. Leavitt does not fancy the $35 Pilates classes that so many young professional women in DC partake in. Instead, she prefers lifting at the gym with a personalized set list. 'On briefing days. I come straight to the gym here ... Usually, on briefing days, the first one in the West Wing,' she said. The White House employee's gym is usually bustling in the mornings, Leavitt shared without disclosing which of Trump's top lieutenants she sees breaking a sweat. The press secretary told the Daily Mail that her workout routine 'is critical' for her 'success.' On briefing days, however, she forgoes her personal training to go to the White House's gym After the early morning lift, Leavitt is ready to comb through the day's news. She starts by reading the newspapers that are delivered daily to the West Wing, claiming to read every paper from front to back, advice she heeded from former press secretary Dana Perino, who now hosts a show on Fox News. At 28, Leavitt admitted she likes the 'old school' feel of flipping through a hard-copy rag. Next comes watching the major cable outlets. In her office, Leavitt has half a dozen TVs buzzing constantly. Fox News, MSNBC and CNN are permanently on. During the interview, Leavitt occasionally glanced at the stations, a habit clearly developed to defend the administration from its detractors in the media. 'I have all four cable networks running at all times,' Leavitt said, gesturing to her bank of TV screens. 'I watch the chyrons and especially what MSNBC and CNN are talking about, because I know that's the majority of what will be the major focus in the briefing room.' Her job, she explained, is like 'Whack-a-Mole' - spending all day hammering outlets spinning stories detrimental to the administration. To effectively handle the roughly 300 press requests the White House receives daily, Leavitt has come to rely on her staff of deputy press secretaries. For economic issues, she told me to ask Kush Desai, for immigration issues, she recommended Abigail Jackson, for national security issues, Anna Kelly is the point person. A White House staffer is handed letters signed by Trump during a July briefing She lauded her staffers as knowledgeable and quick, mentioning how the press office responds to the lion's share of requests. However, if her deputies do not have the answer on a particular topic, Leavitt picks up the phone to call Trump's Cabinet members. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth were just some of the major players she calls up to ensure the White House's messaging is aligned across departments. She's not timid about calling the most powerful people in the country, either. 'I try to be resourceful and get the answers to every topic in the news myself by speaking with the Cabinet, our policy team, the chief of staff and trying to run down every answer I possibly can.' Then comes the critical final check-in: face time with Trump in the Oval Office. 'There are always a couple of questions where nobody can speak for the President better than him,' she said. 'Those topics, I'm like, '"Okay, I want his input on this."' These strategy sessions can last anywhere from ten minutes to over an hour, depending on the day's news cycle. Former Trump press secretaries Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised Leavitt's work in the jobs they used to occupy 'Sometimes it's an hour, which is why I'm running late out there sometimes,' she admitted. 'But other times it's ten minutes, and he gives me what I need, and then I leave.' 'The key to being his spokesperson is just being part of the conversations and witnessing the policy discussions that take place here - to really understand the policy he's making and why he thinks that way, so I can go out and articulate that on his behalf.' Her predecessors have taken notice of the young secretary's performance. 'She is tough, brilliant, kind and doing an amazing job in one of the hardest roles in all of politics,' Huckabee Sanders, her predecessor, and now Arkansas Governor, told the Daily Mail. 'I love watching her take on the Press and proud to call her my friend.' Spicer agreed: 'Karoline has done a masterful job of effectively communicating the president's positions and policies to the American people.' Even Trump's Cabinet has taken notice of the young press secretary's ability. 'Karoline Leavitt is a true force of nature, a pleasure to work with, and an inspiration to so many Americans,' Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum told the Daily Mail. 'Making history as the youngest White House press secretary, Karoline has proven herself as a trailblazer whose extraordinary talent continues to energize every member of the press team at Interior.' Having been by Trump's side for over half a decade, the 28-year-old has become one of the most visible Gen-Z conservative voices, boasting millions of followers across her social media platforms - a stardom on the right previously occupied only by major figures like Charlie Kirk and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines. Recognizing her platform, Leavitt offered advice for young women who look up to her: 'Get married, have kids, and work your butt off. There's no substitute for hard work.' 'Get married, have kids, and work your butt off. There's no substitute for hard work,' Leavitt said of her advice for young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps Leavitt frequently takes to social media to post about her family, faith and work To fuel that grueling schedule, Leavitt relies on her Christian faith. 'I know I could not do this job without my faith. It's what gives me energy every day, gives me perspective on life,' she said. 'Faith is at the center of our home and our marriage and raising a child.' On Sundays, when she's not traveling with the president, Leavitt likes to attend church with her family near their northern Virginia home. She frequently posts Bible verses and stand-out moments from church services on her social media. Still, work can weasel its way into her weekends. 'I mean, being press secretary, especially for President Trump, is a 24/7 job. Even when I'm home, I spend a lot of time on the phone or checking the news.' She hopes that when Americans see her on their TV screens, they see an administration working to win not only their hearts, but their souls too. 'The job is challenging for a lot of reasons, but when you have faith in God and something bigger than yourself, all of those challenges seem mundane. This job is a blessing, and if I can encourage people to open up a Bible by being outspoken about my faith, then to me, that's the greatest reward.' Since she divorced Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott has forged a reputation as an almost saintly figure - thanks to a string of enormous philanthropic donations. But now that image is in danger of being tarnished by criticism levelled at a loan company in which she's an investor... and which is run by her old college room-mate. The revelations concern Jeannie Tarkenton, head of a student-loan firm that critics say leaves some young borrowers drowning in debt. The decades-old bond between the two women was forged when Tarkenton handed Scott $1,000 to stop her having to drop out of Princeton University. Since then, Scott - now thought to be worth more than $40 billion, has always credited her friend with helping shape her worldview, recalling the 'college roommate who loaned me a thousand dollars to keep me from having to drop out.' Now, Tarkenton has spoken out to the Daily Mail to defend the practices at her student loan company, Funding U, which appear to be starkly at odds with the warm, nostalgic anecdotes about the 'class of '92' room-mates in central New Jersey. Philanthropy juggernaut MacKenzie Scott and student loan boss Jeannie Tarkenton were college roommates Tarkenton famously lent Scott $1,000 so she would not have to drop out of Princeton University The Mail can reveal that Funding U, while pitching itself as a lifeline for bright students with little credit history, charges Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) as high as 13.5 percent. For a struggling graduate, that can be crushing. A $10,000 loan could mean paying back another $8,000 in interest over a decade far more than on a standard federal loan at roughly 7 percent. Critics say the math tells a very different story from the company's feel-good branding. Borrowers have flooded message boards with complaints about chaotic paperwork, sudden cancellations of loans, and customer-service black holes. 'Stay away,' one Reddit user warned. Another poster in the thread about Funding U was even starker: private loans 'have ruined people's lives'. Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, pictured in 2003. The couple married in 1993, soon after MacKenzie graduated from Princeton Scott has handed out billions since she split with Jeff Bezos in 2019 and married science teacher Dan Jewett Others noted that no-co-signer loans inevitably push APRs higher. As one borrower put it: 'Their loan limits are low and they do have pretty high APRs.' At least one student described stomach-churning anxiety as they waited for a disbursement that never arrived. 'I'm so scared I'm gonna get kicked out of classes,' one wrote. Another said Funding U wired fall tuition, then cut them off in spring with no explanation. The Daily Mail could not independently verify the comments, though CEO Tarkenton told us they represented 'welcome feedback.' 'We are a relatively small company. We like to put all of our resources into making our loan prices lower and being efficient, so we're a relatively small staff, but we appreciate the feedback,' she said. The for-profit company insists it is justified in charging higher rates because it serves a high-risk population. 'These students have no credit history,' said Tarkenton told the Mail. 'They're often first-generation or low-income students who are blocked from traditional loans.' Higher rates, she said, reflect the elevated credit risk, and that Funding is competitive compared to others, who charge as much as 18 percent. Certainly, not all those who have used the company are critical. Testimonials on the site praise Funding U as a lifeline amid bank rejections, calling it an 'excellent option' with 'no surprise fees.' Total student debt in the US hit a staggering $1.8 trillion this year, with many debtors begging for loan forgiveness Tarkenton's for-profit lender Funding U is aimed at higher-risk borrowers without a co-signer for their loan Still, the contrast between Scott's famed philanthropy - ironically enough she has given away $700 million to colleges and universities this year alone - and the harsh realities faced by indebted young borrowers has raised uncomfortable questions about the financial ties binding the former room-mates. It was after founding Funding U in 2015 that Tarkenton recruited Scott as an investor. It is not known what stake Scott holds, though Tarkenton told the Mail that Scott bought into a $14m equity round in 2020, and still holds that equity - giving her a direct stake in the business now drawing online complaints. Some may now feel that connection sits awkwardly with Scott's campaign to remake American giving based on trust and humility, and the emphasis she places on 'the intention behind the act' of giving money. The controversy comes at a time when huge numbers of students are confronting soaring tuition and steep repayment schedules. Shockingly, total student debt in the US has hit $1.8 trillion, with 43 million borrowers owing money. Scott and her funding juggernaut Yield Giving - which has donated $19 billion since 2019 - did not respond to requests for comment. But those who see a discord between that generosity and her links to Funding U may find themselves asking: Can philanthropy built on kindness co-exist with a business built on debt? Two North Carolina sisters in their 20s were diagnosed with breast cancer within months of each other - triggering an urgent double mastectomy. Kate and Elizabeth Singletary, who are part of a set of triplets, learned they both carried the CHEK2 gene mutation - a mutation linked to elevated breast-cancer risk - shortly before each received their own diagnosis. Kate Singletary, 27, a paramedic and medical-school student from Winston-Salem, first detected a lump in March 2024. 'I just noticed something felt not normal in my breast,' she told WGRZ, adding that the mass 'was a pretty big lump.' In a personal account for Women's Health, she described the moment doctors told her the likely diagnosis: 'When they initially told me that they thought it was cancer, I kind of went numb. 'I kept nodding my head as the radiologist was talking, and I kind of blacked out what he said.' A biopsy confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma, and doctors treated it as Stage III while assessing possible lymph-node and bone involvement. 'Everything was happening so fast,' she wrote, saying her team moved her directly into chemotherapy before surgery due to the suspected spread. Kate and Elizabeth Singletary of Winston-Salem, both 27, were diagnosed with breast cancer within months of each other triggering an urgent double mastectomy Kate first found a lump in her breast in March 2024 with Elizabeth being diagnosed 18 months later The sisters are part of a set of triplets. They are both pictured here with their brother Jack 'It's crazy that you can take care of yourself and be healthy and this can still happen,' Kate wrote. In 2019, she had run 4,000 miles across the country to raise money for young adults with cancer. Genetic testing then revealed she carried the CHEK2 mutation. Her sister Elizabeth was tested next - and her result also matched. 'Mine came back positive for that genetic mutation as well,' Elizabeth told WGRZ. She underwent further scans and was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer roughly half a year after Kate's initial diagnosis. Recalling the moment Elizabeth was told, Kate wrote: 'I started crying. I didn't want her to have to go through all of this too. 'But she's faced it with a lot of courage and grace, and told me that she would be much more scared about her diagnosis if she hadn't seen me already go through chemo with a later-stage cancer.' Both sisters proceeded with aggressive treatment plans. Each underwent a double mastectomy just five days apart as doctors worked to eliminate any remaining cancer and reduce future risk. Kate said the proximity of their surgeries resulted in the sisters recovering 'under the same roof,' even helping one another manage surgical drains and post-operative care. The Singletarys' case has prompted doctors to warn young women about rising risks and the importance of early genetic screening. Doctors say their experience illustrates how aggressive breast cancer can be in younger patients and how quickly families with inherited mutations can be impacted. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist breast surgeon Dr. Marissa Howard-McNatt said the sisters' case underscores the immediate need for early screening protocols among women with family history or known gene mutations. Kate, a paramedic and medical-school student, first detected a lump in March 2024 Both women underwent a double mastectomy just five days apart as doctors worked to eliminate any remaining cancer and reduce future risk Kate and Elizabeth Singletary of Winston-Salem, who are part of a set of triplets that includes brother Jack. They women learned they both carried the CHEK2 gene mutation - a mutation linked to elevated breast-cancer risk shortly before each received their own diagnosis Both sisters are now cancer-free although Kate continues follow-up procedures to ensure there is no residual disease 'Those individuals should undergo high-risk screening, meaning they should start mammograms at an earlier age, typically at least 10 years prior to the diagnosis of their first-degree relative,' she told the North Carolina station. High-risk monitoring includes alternating mammograms with MRIs. Kate's treatment moved at breakneck speed. She described 20 weeks of chemotherapy that drained her physically and shredded her emotionally. 'I lost weight from anxiety, and I was constantly fatigued,' she wrote. 'I started losing my hair 12 days after starting chemo, and that's when it felt real because I actually looked like a cancer patient.' She and her mother cried together the day her head was shaved. She tried to distract herself by working at a desk between shifts as a paramedic but isolation, fear, and intrusive thoughts never left her mind. 'What if chemo doesn't work? What if the cancer spreads? What if treatment works, but then the cancer comes back?' she wrote. Yet as the weeks passed, she could literally feel the tumor shrinking. 'It was like it was melting away,' she wrote. She finished chemo on September 11. In her account, Kate wrote that her cancer responded to chemotherapy, shrinking significantly before surgery but tests later showed cancer remaining in her lymph-node region, requiring another operation and six additional weeks of radiation. Two weeks later, Elizabeth called with her own diagnosis. 'While I don't want her to go through this, it's been nice to support each other through it and spend time together while we're both living at home again,' Kate wrote. Both sisters are now cancer-free although Kate continues follow-up procedures to ensure there is no residual disease. Their father previously battled multiple myeloma meaning the family has now faced three cancer diagnoses in six years. Kate Singletary is seen alongside her mother and cancer doctors at the hospital Kate is seen receiving treatment for breast cancer shortly after her diagnosis in early 2024 Kate is seen getting ready to ring the bell following her final round of treatment. She is pictured alongside her sister and parents Kate wrote that the experience has pushed her to warn younger women to take screening seriously. 'I want women to know that cancer doesn't discriminate based on age,' she wrote, urging monthly self-breast exams and early genetic testing especially if there's family history. 'If something feels different, you can get it checked out,' she urges. Doctors say they are increasingly finding more aggressive cancers in younger patients with families often learning their inherited risk only after the disease has already arrived. One in five bereaved families wait six months or more for answers when their child dies due to a lack of medics able to perform post-mortem examinations, the Royal College of Pathologists has warned. A shortage in paediatric pathology doctors is also causing delays in diagnosing and treating health conditions in foetuses, babies and children, it said. A new workforce report by the college said it is 'telling' that there has been 'no growth in the number of paediatric and perinatal post-mortem examinations undertaken' in the last five years. It added: 'This is not reflective of lack of demand. On the contrary, families regularly report long and harrowing waits. 'There is just simply not the workforce available to undertake this work.' Dr Clair Evans, chairwoman of the Royal College of Pathologists' specialty advisory committee for pre/perinatal/paediatric pathology, said: 'Our service is in crisis. 'This is having a significant and distressing effect on families who regularly report long and harrowing waits for post-mortem reports. 'One in five families are now waiting six months or more, and some longer than 12 months. There are simply not enough consultants to undertake this work and families are suffering. One in five bereaved families wait six months or more for answers when their child dies due to a lack of medics able to perform post-mortem examinations, the Royal College of Pathologists has warned (file photo) 'Due to the severe resource issues, paediatric and perinatal pathologists tell us their inability to provide high quality care to their patients is leaving them feeling stretched, stressed and burnt out.' The report also found there are no paediatric and perinatal consultants in post in Northern Ireland, or in the South West and Midlands regions of England. Dr Bernie Croal, president of the Royal College of Pathologists, called for 'immediate action' to 'address the desperate situation across paediatric and perinatal pathology services'. The report recommends funding for the phased expansion of up to 37 additional paediatric pathology training posts across the UK by 2030, as well as funding and resources to continue the development of advanced training programmes. There should also be dedicated time to allow consultants to train the next generation, the report said. Dr Croal added: 'The solutions are not simple and our report sets out steps that would start to address the challenges. 'Commitment from all four UK governments is vital, as is investment in paediatric services. 'The college is eager to contribute to clear workforce planning, including an appropriate training and recruitment strategy to support the provision of resilient and sustainable paediatric pathology services.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Bereaved parents have experienced the unthinkable and any avoidable distress to families in this heartbreaking position is unacceptable. 'There are a record number of doctors across almost every speciality in the NHS, including pathology, and our 10 Year Health Plan commits to the creation of 1,000 new specialty training posts with a focus on specialties where there is greatest need.' Littering on UK roads is getting worse, a new survey suggests. More than half (55 per cent) of respondents to a poll of 11,000 AA members said they notice more rubbish on roads and surrounding areas than in the past. That is compared with 52 per cent who said the same thing in a survey conducted in May last year. Edmund King, director of the AA Charitable Trust, described the figures as 'a wake-up call' and declared it is 'time to resolve the litter problem once and for all'. The latest poll, conducted last month, indicated the West Midlands is the UK's worst region for having more litter on roads, with 63 per cent of respondents reporting an increase. That was followed by 58 per cent in the North East, and 57 per cent in both eastern England and the Yorkshire/Humberside area. Northern Ireland had the lowest percentage of respondents who believe road littering is more prevalent, at 49 per cent. The AA recommended local authorities should be given greater funding to support enforcement of vehicle occupants who drop litter, and clean-up operations. More than half (55 per cent) of respondents to a poll of 11,000 AA members said they notice more rubbish on roads and surrounding areas than in the past (file photo) It also called for investment in roadside infrastructure such as larger and more prominent bins at lay-bys and service stations, to make it easier for drivers to dispose of waste properly. Mr King said: 'There is no excuse for car litter louts. Tossing rubbish from vehicles spoils the environment, costs millions and puts road workers' lives at risk when they must clear up. 'It is astonishing the number of plastic bottles, take-away wrappers and even kitchen sinks discarded at the roadside. 'The rise in public concern about roadside litter is a wake-up call.' John Read, founder of the Clean Up Britain campaign, said: 'The data confirms what many of us see every day - litter is getting worse, and it's damaging our environment and our communities. 'We need to treat this as a national emergency. 'That means tougher enforcement, better education and a cultural shift in how we view littering.' A Wyoming woman who suffered a massive heart attack while in bed said she would not have survived if it weren't for her toy poodle coming to her rescue. Susan Denker from Cheyenne was found unconscious at her home in July by a friend who could tell something was wrong when her seven-pound poodle began acting strange, according to the Cowboy State Daily. Karen, a friend of Susanne's, rang the doorbell several times and was about to leave when she saw the poodle, Lily, barking and running to the bedroom. The dog was trying to tell her something, and Karen listened. 'If it hadn't been for Lily alerting Karen, and Karen being wise enough to listen to a dog, I would not be talking to you now, because they did pronounce me dead at one point,' said Denker to the outlet. Karen had walked around to the back and found Denker unconscious. She called the authorities, who knocked down the front door and brought her to the hospital. After two months, the pair was reunited at a groomer where Lily was being boarded. Denker described the emotional reunion to the outlet: 'They took her out of the crate, and she saw me and just went hysterical. They put her up on the counter. She wrapped her legs around my neck. She tried to crawl inside my shirt. Susan Denker from Cheyenne was found at her home in July, unconscious by her friend, who came by the house and could tell something was wrong when Lily, the seven-pound poodle, was acting strange Karen, a friend of Susanne's, rang the doorbell several times and was about to leave when she saw Lily barking and running to the bedroom 'She licked absolutely every centimeter of my face, my lips, nose, eyes, she gave me a full wash. I was holding on to her as tight as I could, and she was holding on to me, too.' The pair is inseparable. Denker described that Lily comes with her to appointments, sleeps with her, and has an intimate kind of connection. Denker lives alone with Lily after her family moved across the globe. However, Lily was trained to do more than the average poodle. She can recognize signs of high blood pressure by sensing pulsations with her muzzle against the neck. While at the dentist, Denker cut the appointment short - while Lily sat on top of her, the dog took notice of unhealthy pressure and began rubbing the telltale area with her snout. She described that she always had a close relationship with dogs: 'These are not farm dogs that get scraps from the table anymore. These are treasured family members, and the grooming is one aspect of that.' After two months, the pair was reunited at a groomer where Lily was being boarded Lily can recognize signs of high blood pressure by sensing pulsations with her muzzle against the neck Dogs have been coming to humans' rescue for quite some time, but most recently, a heroic military dog not only saved a life but also hundreds. A military dog in Colombia lost one of its legs after it was blown off in a blast. According to a statement released by the Colombian army, the explosive had been planted by fighters from the National Liberation Army, known by its Spanish acronym ELN, along a path frequently used by residents in the region. Despite suffering severe injuries in the blast, including a shattered leg, Sanson managed to crawl back to his handler, soldier Carlos Eduardo Beleno, in a moment that authorities described as both heartbreaking and heroic. The Second Division of the National Army said on social media: 'Our #FourLeggedHero lost one of his limbs but saved the lives of 36 soldiers and hundreds of residents of the La Raya hamlet in Yondo #Antioquia, who pass through this area daily.' The army added: 'He will no longer be able to serve, but his legacy will live on in every soldier he bravely protected.' An influencer who has been arrested at least seven times for refusing to pay after ordering expensive meals at New York City's swankiest restaurants is set to be evicted by her landlord - disgraced former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. Records obtained by the Daily Mail show that Pei 'Lu' Chung, 34, stopped paying rent for her $3,350-a-month studio apartment in Brooklyn in 2023, and her lease expired in August 2024. She now owes more than $40,000 in back rent and has been ordered by a judge to vacate the premises by December 1. 'Here's the thing that annoys me: I tried to get reservations at some of those restaurants and I couldn't,' Spitzer joked to the New York Post. The former governor resigned from office in 2008, after it was revealed he had patronized high-priced prostitutes at least seven or eight times, spending tens of thousands of dollars. 'I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work,' Spitzer said at the time. He then joined his family's real estate business, Spitzer Enterprises, in 2015 - taking over the company following his father, developer Bernard Spitzer's, passing in 2014. Spitzer's Williamsburg development - a trio of towers at 416 Kent Avenue with a total of 857 apartments overlooking the Brooklyn waterfront - then began leasing units in 2018, according to Curbed. It was recently valued at more than $650 million. Pei 'Lu' Chung, 34, stopped paying rent for her $3,350-a-month studio apartment in Brooklyn in 2023, and her lease expired in August 2024 She now owes more than $40,000 in back rent and has been ordered by a judge to vacate the premises by December 1 Chung moved into the apartment in July 2021, and has since filmed herself at the home in skimpy lingerie and high-priced clothing from Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Burberry. But three neighbors who previously spoke with the Daily Mail described Chung as a disruptive and unnerving presence whose late-night screaming fits, door-pounding, alleged acts of vandalism and bizarre outbursts have allegedly drawn police to her door more times than they can count. One neighbor, who asked only to be identified as Will, said that when Chung first arrived, she mostly kept to herself, but by winter 2022, her behavior seemed to have shifted and those who were once friendly with her began to distance themselves - saying 'something was off.' It was around that time that Chung allegedly told a now-former doormen that she had seen a sniper on the roof of a nearby building, and expressed her fears that as a Taiwanese citizen, the Chinese Communist Party was 'coming after her.' Will said she seemed more mellow by spring 2023. Aside from occasional flare-ups and noise complaints, life on the floor was relatively normal - until early summer 2024, when Chung contacted Will again via WhatsApp, asking about his rent and what he paid for the building's facilities. In screenshots shared with the Daily Mail, Chung claimed the building was trying to charge her double for gym access and pointed out what she believed were violations in the clauses of her tenancy agreement. After a flurry of messages, she suggested 'consulting a lawyer for potential legal action.' Will replied that he wasn't interested and wished her luck. But it was then that Chung apparently stopped paying rent and Will said her behavior went off the rails. She is being evicted by her landlord, former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer Spitzer's Williamsburg development - a trio of towers at 416 Kent Avenue with a total of 857 apartments overlooking the Brooklyn waterfront - began leasing units in 2018 In November 2024, she ranted in the resident WhatsApp group that front-desk staff weren't wearing suit jackets, as she believed was customary - drawing rebuke from several residents, messages show. She was later removed from the group. In the weeks that followed, Will said Chung then started playing music so loudly that his walls shook and furniture rattled. 'It was intentional,' he said. 'She'd bang in all different areas - the bathroom, the main room. You could tell she'd pushed the speaker right up to my wall.' Will claimed Chung's outbursts often woke him in the middle of the night or in the early morning hours. He banged on the wall in response and repeatedly called 311, but police could do little. Officers would knock, she wouldn't answer, and they'd eventually leave, he said. On December 15, 2024, the NYPD returned for a welfare check after reports that she had been screaming in Mandarin inside her apartment and blasting music for hours. Video footage obtained by the Daily Mail shows several officers forcing open her door. Will, who witnessed the incident, said, 'She answered their questions correctly but kept saying everyone was against her, and that she's right and everyone else is wrong.' As their war between walls continued, Chung allegedly began leaving strange items outside of Will's door, including a dirty face mask and used plastic gloves. He says he lost count of how many times he or other residents called police, but officers would sometimes visit her floor multiple times per week - occasionally multiple times in a day. One night, after several police visits, Will was in the bathroom when he heard a scribbling sound outside his door around midnight. When he opened it, he said, he found his name written in red lipstick. 'I don't know if she has a thing for me or something,' he said, 'but that's an objectively weird thing to do to someone.' Chung moved into the apartment in July 2021, and has since filmed herself at the home in skimpy lingerie and high-priced clothing from Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Burberry One neighbor, who asked to be identified only as Will, told the Daily Mail that Chung has been tormenting him for months, playing music in the early hours and vandalizing his door Another source told the Daily Mail that Chung had been reprimanded for attempting to enter another tenant's apartment. Will said he is aware of two incidents in which she allegedly walked into someone's unit uninvited, once waking a male resident by entering his bedroom. Maggie said she had heard similar accounts. In February, Will said he also photographed Chung tying one of the building's luggage carts to her front door, seemingly so it could only be at her disposal. Then in April, he, Chung's other next-door neighbor Maggie and a third neighbor heard a thunderous crash from the hallway. When they stepped outside, they found the smashed remains of a Roomba vacuum and a telephone. When Maggie asked what she was doing, Chung allegedly replied that she wasn't satisfied with how the Roomba was working. Another video Will filmed in June shows a loud, violent banging from behind Chung's door. The following month, Chung placed a speaker on a tripod outside her apartment and played a blaring, AI-generated monologue about Taiwanese foreign policy. Three neighbors who previously spoke with the Daily Mail described Chung as a disruptive and unnerving presence Officers from the NYPD are seen gathered outside of Chung's door on December 15, 2024, conducting a welfare check Chung allegedly began leaving strange items outside of Will's door, including dirty facemasks and used plastic gloves Police have been called to the apartment building at least three times because of Chung, and building manager Bob Jenny has said that ousting the influencer is 'high on our priority list.' 'We are very aware of the situation and have a very active legal case against this resident,' Jenny wrote, according to court documents. 'NYPD has been here multiple times... with little long-term improvement.' Jenny made the comment after a neighbor claimed to have 'regularly heard loud arguments between residents on this floor, as well as sounds played at excessive volumes during various hours of the day and night,' the Post reports. 'The sounds frequently vibrate through the doors and walls,' the neighbor said as he complained about garbage being left in the hallway. Meanwhile, Chung rails against a 'black family' on her floor on Instagram, accusing them of closing their door 'too loudly.' Other clips show her grinning as deafening music plays from a speaker, or peering into the hallway, making noises. Exclusive images obtained by the Mail show Chung seated alone inside Hole in the Wall, twirling pasta on her fork on Wednesday Late last month, Chung was arrested for allegedly refusing to pay a bill at the famed steakhouse Peter Luger's But her manicured facade fell apart this week when the 34-year-old was arrested for the seventh time in less than a month, accused yet again of racking up a hefty tab at a restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which she refused to pay. Staff at 12 Chairs said she walked out on Monday after refusing to settle her tab, and on Wednesday, the manager at Hole in the Wall asked her to leave mid-meal after recognizing her from recent coverage, staff at both restaurants told the Daily Mail. Exclusive images obtained by the Mail show Chung seated alone inside Hole in the Wall, twirling pasta and sipping a cappuccino before her abrupt ejection. Then, on Thursday night, the Daily Mail encountered Chung two doors down at the swanky Maison Premiere, playing with her camera by the bar. When approached for comment, she silently rose from her seat and moved to the back of the restaurant. She attempted to order a drink, but management refused to serve her and asked her to leave. She declined, and police were called. Chung then quietly slipped out moments before officers arrived. In all, Chung (seen Wednesday) has been arrested seven times for the same misdemeanor charge: theft of services Chung's alleged dine-and-dash spree began in the Williamsburg area in late October at the ritzy restaurant Francie. According to the Post, she ordered foie gras, carpaccio, bucatini, lamb and a chocolate mousse - totaling $188 - before attempting to barter with the restaurant for the meal. 'She wanted to trade pictures and a blog post for the meal,' owner John Winterman told the outlet. 'I told her that would have needed to be agreed upon beforehand, and it wasn't, so she needed to pay the check.' When all her cards declined, Winterman said she claimed she was waiting for money from her family. She returned on November 7 and was arrested after allegedly refusing to pay an $83 tab, records show. Days earlier, she racked up a $97 tab at Lavender Lake and left without paying, according to police. She also visited Peter Luger's Steak House on October 27, where she allegedly ran up a $146 bill and refused to pay. A manager alleged to the Post that Chung offered a sexual favor instead of payment. Chung was also arrested twice last weekend after similar incidents at Sea Thai and Misi, police records show. She was released under supervision. In all, Chung has been arrested and charged seven times for the same misdemeanor: theft of services, and has pleaded not guilty in at least one of the cases. She is now due back in court in December to face her theft of services charges - just days after her scheduled eviction. Police in Massachusetts arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with a shooting that killed a rising high school senior and left another injured a year ago. The teenager was placed into custody on Friday for the killing of Christian Cousins, a 17-year-old student at Stoughton High School, who was murdered on July 5, 2024. Cousins was remembered as an aspiring entrepreneur who inspired others to 'strive for excellence.' The 16-year-old suspect was wanted on a warrant out of Suffolk Superior Court and was charged with murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. As well as assault and battery attempt with a firearm, carrying a gun without a license, according to police. He is expected to be arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. The teen was arrested 16 months after responding officers arrived at the area of Gladeside Avenue and Donwood Terrace and found two victims inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds. The two victims, who were both students of Stoughton, were brought to the hospital, where Cousins did not survive his injuries. They were two of seven people shot in Boston in about a 12-hour span that day. Police in Massachusetts arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the murder of Christian Cousins, a 17-year-old student at Stoughton High School The 16-year-old male was wanted on a warrant out of Suffolk Superior Court and was charged with murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony Investigators said at the time they did not believe it was a random attack, but have not confirmed if the suspect and Cousins were known to each other, or what led up to the deadly shooting. The incident remains under investigation. At the time of the shooting, Cousins's family spoke to the Boston Globe about the loss of their loved one: 'We have lost our beloved Christian Cousins.' 'Deeply loved by his family, he was someone very special to us. He loved to travel, exploring many countries with his family, and he was well-cultured with a deep appreciation for life,' they added. At what would have been Cousin's graduation, the school held a moment of silence. Responding officers arrived at the area of Gladeside Avenue and Donwood Terrace and found two victims inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds. Cousins did not survive his injuries Investigators said at the time they did not believe it was a random attack He is remembered in his community by The Christian Cousins Entrepreneurial Endowment Fund, an initiative established to support students who share Cousins' determination, drive, and entrepreneurial spirit. The fundraiser has raised more than $10,000. Dr. Shalair Armstrong-Cousins, his mother, described her son online: 'Christian was no ordinary 17-year-old.' 'He was an accomplished entrepreneur, managing businesses alongside his brother and embarking on new ventures with his friends. 'His vision was clear: to inspire others to strive for excellence, dream big, and make a meaningful impact. Christian believed in the power of perseverance and the importance of reaching for the stars, regardless of the obstacles.' She made her name as the sofa queen for her cosy chats with celebrities on daytime TV. But now Lorraine Kelly is to make her Radio 2 debut as the BBC lined her up to present Jeremy Vines slot during the festive period. Earlier this year Ms Kelly, 65, was told by ITV chiefs that her show, which is shown on weekdays from 9am to 10am, would air just 30 out of 52 weeks. Its running time is also being halved to just 30 minutes as part of a major shake-up at the channel. Only last year the Glasgow-born presenter celebrated her 40th year in television with a special episode of Lorraine, which she has presented since 2010. Ms Kelly since signed up for work with Channel 4, with travel show Lorraine Kellys Norwegian Odyssey set to air next year on the channel. The BBCs Christmas Day schedule will see Jane McDonald and Trevor Nelson present a special celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder on Radio 2. Kate Phillips, BBC chief content officer, said: Christmas on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds is all about bringing people together through the power of audio. Lorraine Kelly recently celebrated 40 years in TV Lorrraine will make her Radio 2 debut standing in for Jeremy Vine over Christmas This year, were offering listeners an extraordinary mix of music, drama, comedy and conversation - from festive favourites to brand-new specials. Lorraine Kelly has been a TV staple for decades, making her debut in 1984 as TV-ams Scotland Correspondent. In recent years, she has faced criticism online for not hosting many of her own Lorraine shows. The X account Where is Lorraine? published that Ms Kelly only hosted 60% of shows in 2024. A jilted ex-girlfriend caused more than 10,000 worth of damage to her former lover's car after their on-off relationship ended. Joanne Butler stalked her ex-boyfriend, following him on dates and taking pictures of the inside of his house, over a seven-month harassment campaign between March and October last year. Butler, 56, caused 8,300 worth of damage to his BMW and 2,000 worth of damage to his Citroen van. As a result, her ex-lover has also seen the cost of his car insurance increase this year and in the next two years, Stoke on Trent Live reported. North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard the victim had to pay to have cameras installed at the front of his property. When Butler became wise to the cameras, he then had to install more at the back of his home. Prosecutor Julia Fox said: 'She went around the back of his house during the night. This was a calculated decision rather than a knee-jerk reaction. 'She saw he had a guest staying at the property and came around the next day to cause more damage. Usually a man is harassing a woman, but this case has flipped that dynamic on its head.' Joanne Butler stalked her ex-boyfriend, following him on dates and taking pictures of the inside of his house, over a seven-month harassment campaign Butler, 56, caused 8,300 worth of damage to his BMW and 2,000 worth of damage to her ex's van Butler represented herself in court and pleaded guilty to criminal damage and harassment. She argued her actions were appropriate as the break-up had left her upset. She told the court: 'When I did take the picture, later that year he asked me to go away with him. He wasnt fearful of me, as we went away in September 2024. I feel like Ive been treated badly as well.' Her own mitigation was cut short after she attempted to question the victim's character - despite pleading guilty to the charge. Butler, of Kidderminster, was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 15 rehabilitation days, 270 unpaid hours work and 1,204 in damages. She was given an 18-month restraining order against her victim. In a victim impact statement, her ex-partner said he had experienced stress and anxiety alongside the financial loss caused by the damage to his cars. The criminal records of ministers can stay secret because disclosing their convictions would be a breach of their privacy, the Government's watchdog has ruled. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) refused to compel the Cabinet Office to disclose how many ministers had criminal convictions before they took office, ruling their right to privacy was more important than the public being made aware. It accepted the cabinet's claim that revealing their convictions might create a 'jigsaw' effect which could identify individuals following repeated requests. The watchdog supported the view that a minister could be exposed if the cabinet revealed one member had a criminal record, that minister then resigned, and the cabinet later revealed no members held criminal records. Ministers must currently declare previous convictions, alongside relevant business activity and tax disputes, to Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent advisor on ministerial standards. He then determines what should be made publicly available on the ministerial register of interests. The ruling comes after former Labour Transport Secretary Louise Haigh was forced to step down once it emerged she has an historic fraud conviction. The Sheffield Heeley MP resigned from cabinet in November last year after admitting she appeared in court in 2014 - before she was an MP - having claimed she had her mobile phone stolen in a mugging. The ruling comes after former Labour Transport Secretary Louise Haigh was forced to step down once it emerged she has an historic fraud conviction She falsely reported to the police her phone had been taken but said she discovered 'some time later' it had not. She pleaded guilty to fraud by misrepresentation after a probe by her then employer, insurance giant Aviva, and magistrates gave her the 'lowest possible outcome'. It posed questions over whether other ministers had similar convictions and The Times appealed to the ICO to force the Cabinet Office release criminal records of ministers. Cabinet officials refused to confirm or deny if it had the information and were backed by the ICO. A judge found that this potential for disruption was 'not a prejudice, but indeed a positive', the newspaper reported. 'If the public are able to see active change as a result of controversies, changing circumstances or advice from the independent adviser, it can do nothing but boost the public confidence in the integrity of the process,' they said. But the ICO upheld the cabinet's decision. Lisa Smart, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson, branded the ruling astonishing. Ministers hiding convictions 'wouldn't be privacy' but 'secrecy', she said. 'Shutting out the public and preventing transparency has no place in our democracy. 'We are calling for a change to the ministerial code so that declaring a criminal record is made a condition of being a minister.' The ICO has been contacted for comment. Anti-ICE demonstrators gathered at Home Depot to stage a bizarre protest which involved buying 17 cent ice scrapers then promptly returning the item to clog up the store with nuisance orders. Almost 100 people gathered at the store in Monrovia, Los Angeles, on Saturday to participate in the protest, known as a 'buy-in.' Other protests simultaneously took place at Home Depot stores in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Burbank in California. The protest involved queueing in long lines to purchase the cheap product, only to return to the queue minutes after the sale. Erika Andiola, the political director for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, told the LA Times the demonstrators wanted to send a message to Home Depot to 'scrape ICE out of their stores.' The effort comes on the back of multiple Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations which have taken place at Home Depots across the nation. Home Depot stores in Southern California have long been an informal job-seeking hub for day laborers in the country both legally and illegally. Now the locations have become a prime target for immigration agents. Home Depot was reportedly mentioned as a target for immigration raids by Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff and chief architect of Trumps immigration policies, earlier this year. At least a dozen Home Depot stores have been targeted, some of them repeatedly, in Southern California since the administration stepped up its immigration crackdown. Anti-ICE demonstrators gathered at Home Depot to stage a bizarre protest which involved buying and returning 17c ice scrapers to clog up the store with nuisance orders Anti-ICE demonstrators gathered at Home Depot to stage a bizarre protest which involved buying and returning 17c ice scrapers to clog up the store with nuisance orders Bobbi Althoff, a social media influencer who is best known for her deadpan interviews with A-listers on TikTok, publicly revealed last month that her family friend Felix Morales Gomez had been arrested in one of the Home Depot raids. Althoff said she and her family have known Gomez her whole life and claimed he came to the United States in 2004. She acknowledged he was an illegal migrant but said he had no criminal convictions, and said he was waiting in the parking lot to try and find construction work to support his family when he was detained by ICE. 'Going up to car washes, and Home Depots - you're taking hard working people away, people who are not criminals who have not done anything wrong here,' she said. Trump had vowed to rid America of the 'worst of the worst' criminal offenders, however the Department of Homeland Security has faced backlash for seemingly targeting low-hanging fruit in order to boost their daily deportation numbers. The protesters on Saturday wore makeshift aprons which read 'ICE out of Home Depot', while others used orange buckets from the stores as drums as they marched around. 'Whether the corporation wants to admit it or not, Home Depot has become ground zero for this cruel, vicious immigration enforcement that's taking place in our country,' Pablo Alvarado, NDLON's co-executive director, said. But Home Depot's manager of corporate communications, George Lane, argued that the company does not 'coordinate with ICE or Border Patrol, and we're not involved in the operations. Home Depot was reportedly mentioned as a target for immigration raids by Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff and chief architect of Trumps immigration policies, earlier this year The effort comes on the back of multiple Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations which have taken place at Home Depots across the nation Althoff (right) slated Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for arresting her longtime friend Felix Morales Gomez (left) last month 'We aren't notified that immigration enforcement activities are going to happen, and often, we don't know operations have taken place until they're over. 'We're required to follow all federal and local rules and regulations in every market where we operate.' Day laborers who seek work outside Home Depot stores 'want people to come out to shop, so they can get work,' Andiola said. So the buy-in's objective was to prove to the company that day laborers are beneficial and contribute financially to the business overall. 'This was the way for us to still impact their business and at the same time, give the message that they need to get ICE out of their stores,' Andiola said. Members of the protest also set up two altars equipped with 24 white crosses each, so represent each of the people who have this year died as a result of immigration raids or while detained. The protest at one stage blocked access to cars trying to enter the front of the store. It comes less than a month after reports emerged that Trump's handpicked border czar Tom Homan, along with his right-hand man, ICE Director Todd Lyons, are at odds with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem over her approach to tackling the illegal immigration crisis. At least a dozen Home Depot stores have been targeted, some of them repeatedly, in Southern California since the administration stepped up its immigration crackdown Pictured: Federal agents detain a man in the parking lot of a Home Depot in Chicago Home Depot stores in Southern California have long been an informal job-seeking hub for day laborers in the country both legally and illegally. Now the locations have become a prime target for immigration agents Homan and Lyons allegedly want to pour their resources into tracking down convicted criminals who are living in the United States illegally, as well as people who have already been served final deportation orders. Their targeted approach to removing the worst of the worst has frustrated Noem, along with her senior adviser Corey Lewandowski and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, according to Fox News. Noem is instead instead advocating for a broader and more aggressive approach in an effort to boost the number of reportable deportations each day. She has made a point to share statistics of successful deportations amid pressure from Trump to rid America of as many as 1,500 illegal immigrants per day. ICE falls under the DHS remit, which is run by Noem, but Trump specifically appointed Homan as his 'border czar' when he returned to office as part of his pledge to clamp down on immigration. Homan previously served as acting ICE director, and Trump said 'Homan will be in charge of all deportation of illegal aliens back to their country of origin.' According to the DHS, since Trump returned to office as many as two million illegal immigrants have been removed or opted to self deport. An estimated 400,000 have been rounded up and deported, while 1.6million have left the country of their own volition. The influencer wife of a South African-born neo-Nazi facing deportation after attending an antisemitic rally has broken cover as her visa status remains in limbo. Nathalie Faydherbe, 29, was spotted walking around Sydney's northern suburbs on Saturday morning with the couple's five-week-old daughter as her young family's fate hangs in the balance. Ms Faydherbe, a fitness influencer with more than 20,000 followers, has spent the past four days raising her child without the support of her husband, Matthew Gruter, who was hauled to Villawood Detention Centre by Australian Border Force officials. His work visa - which permits his wife to be in Australia as his partner - was torn up after he attended a National Socialist Network protest on November 9. Ms Faydherbe now faces a stark choice: she must either wait to see what happens to her husband and leave the country with him as a family, or return to South Africa sooner to avoid the risk of immigration detention herself. On Saturday, Daily Mail pictured Ms Faydherbe out for a stroll through her local neighbourhood, looking deep in thought. With her young daughter strapped to her chest in a baby harness, the dance instructor was seen walking into a Chemist Warehouse. She then bought an iced coffee from a cafe before walking the short distance back to the couple's apartment. Nathalie Faydherbe, 29, broke cover on Saturday as her visa status remains uncertain The dance instructor and fitness influencer appeared pensive as she went on a stroll through Sydney's northern suburbs Gruter was one of 60 demonstrators linked to the National Socialist Network (NSN) who protested outside NSW Parliament earlier this month, shouting Nazi slogans and unfurling a large banner that read 'Abolish the Jewish Lobby'. At the time, his daughter was just four weeks old. 'Welcoming to the world our beautiful [daughter] on Saturday 11th October at 3.55kg,' his wife posted on social media. 'We are absolutely besotted with our little [name redacted]'. The Daily Mail does not suggest Ms Faydherbe holds the same neo-Nazi views as her husband or that she has done anything that would warrant the removal of her visa beyond being the dependent of a visa holder. Before the birth of their child, Ms Faydherbe had been working as an influencer and dance instructor since the couple migrated to Sydney around three years ago. She has also dabbled in modelling, previously featuring in the men's magazine, LW, which describes itself as 'South Africa's top source of babe news, videos, features, and photos'. With her young daughter strapped to her chest in a baby harness, the dance instructor was seen speaking on the phone The new mother could be seen leaving a Chemist Warehouse after picking up supplies She then bought an iced coffee from a cafe before walking the short distance back to the couple's apartment In 2018, she was dubbed LW Babe of the Week - a title she described as 'exciting' and 'such an honour'. 'I'm still speechless I was asked to be. It really means a lot as it gives me a chance to inspire and motivate even more people, as well as give people an opportunity to get to know a bit about me,' she told the publication. Ms Faydherbe said she was born in Zimbabwe as the eldest of three daughters and has 'always been hectically into nutrition and fitness due to my dad who still beats me in the gym half the time'. She said she considers herself a beach/bikini babe 'because I basically could live in bikinis but more so because I believe I should have been a mermaid'. 'There is nothing more beautiful and sexy than a woman who can fully embrace who she is, her body and say truthfully she loves her flaws and not care what people have to say about her. That for me is sex appeal. It's confidence and self love,' she said. In a photo shoot for the magazine, Ms Faydherbe posed in swimwear at a beach, leaning against rocks while seductively running her hands through her hair. Like her husband, who has Hebrew script inked near his bicep, Ms Fayherbe showed off her penchant for tattoos - with the quotes 'and from the chaos of her soul there flowed beauty' scripted on her upper thigh, and 'I am enough' inked on her arm. Describing the shoot, Ms Faydherbe said she was 'hesitant to get into the water' but once her first outfit was on, 'the photos just came effortlessly' due to the photographer's 'incredible eye and shivering sexiness behind the lens'. Asked what type of guy she is attracted to and what attributes she looks for first, Ms Faydherbe said she values someone who is 'well groomed and presentable'. 'What I look for first is how they interact with other people as well as how they approach me and if it's with respect,' she added. Matthew Gruter (right) was one of 60 demonstrators at a neo-Nazi protest outside NSW Parliament House on November 9 While talking to the Daily Mail last week, Gruter would not answer questions about his decision to participate in the rally, but expressed concern about his wife and child 'I look for someone who lives a similar lifestyle to me, and who's adventurous and spontaneous, that can keep me on my toes.' The interview pre-dated Ms Faydherbe meeting her husband and it is not suggested her reference to wanting a partner 'who lives a similar lifestyle' is in any way an endorsement of Gruter's views. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed on Monday, November 17, that he had cancelled Gruter's work visa in light of the Parliament House protest, with the foreign national taken into custody just hours later during a pre-dawn raid on his home. Speaking to the Daily Mail from inside Villawood Detention Centre last week, Gruter said he was concerned about the future of his wife and child but would not answer questions about his participation in the protest. 'My concern is that if she is illegal, or becomes illegal, then she will also be at risk of being raided, handcuffed and dragged off to the detention centre with our newborn,' he said. Gruter said the Home Affairs office had not responded to his family's queries about his wife's visa status or legality in the country and Australian Border Force officials told him they 'won't discuss the visa status of non-detainees with detainees'. Gruter said he was yet to be told when authorities would fly him out of the country, but there had been a suggestion it would happen within a week. He said, if he is to be deported, that the family want to leave on the same flight together. 'Splitting up the family and making my wife fly alone with the baby and all their luggage would be cruel and unreasonable,' he said. The engineer has a Hebrew tattoo on the inside of his right arm. The phrase reads 'gam ze yaavor' which roughly translates into English to 'this too shall pass' Gruter is pictured at the rally earlier this month 'But ABF confirmed in my interview yesterday that, "Our only priority in this situation is getting me out of the country ASAP. We will deal with your wife and daughter once you are gone." 'Our daughter is one month old and we have no reasonable possibility of getting a passport from the South African High Commission or Consulate in time. 'ABF/Home Affairs will need to assist us in producing emergency travel documents for our daughter - but they have not committed to any assistance in this regard on a timeline that would allow us to leave together.' Asked by the Daily Mail whether he stands by his decision to protest or whether he now regrets it, Gruter said: 'In time I will reflect and comment on the content and situation surrounding the protest. 'For now I am solely focused on my wife and daughter and leaving together safely.' Gruter said his wife is not 'medically advised to be doing heavy lifting' or 'packing up boxes and household goods', but 'she has been forced to because the ABF deemed it necessary to detain me within six hours of issuing my visa cancellation'. He said the ABF should have instead allowed him a few days to assist his wife in packing up their home before allowing them to leave voluntarily together. Gruter also claimed all the other detainees at the facility are 'hardened criminals' from prison and he is the only one who 'hasn't been suspected or convicted of a crime'. NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed the government would aim to establish new laws to crack down on hate speech in the wake of the rally (pictured) However, under Australia's visa requirements, visitors do not have to be charged or suspected of a crime to face deportation. Under federal migration laws, visas can be cancelled by the minister if the holder does not pass the 'good character' test. Breaches can include committing criminal offences, associating with groups, organisations or people who have been or are involved with criminal conduct, or 'vilifying a segment' of, 'inciting discord' towards, or 'representing a danger' to the Australian community. Visa holders are also warned, as part of their migration conditions, that cancellations may result in abrupt deportation. 'If we cancel or refuse your visa on character grounds you may have a limited time to depart Australia or no longer hold a valid visa,' the Home Affairs website reads. When contacted about Gruter's claims, an Australian Border Force spokesperson said the department 'cannot comment on individual cases'. 'All non-citizens who wish to travel to, enter or remain in Australia must satisfy the requirements of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act) and the Migration Regulations 1994 (the Regulations), including identity, health, character and security requirements,' they said. 'The Australian Government is committed to protecting the Australian community from the risk of harm posed by non-citizens who engage in criminal conduct or behaviour of concern. 'Non-citizens who do not comply with their visa conditions, or who may pose a risk to the health and safety of the Australian community, can expect to have their visas considered for cancellation.' In announcing the government's ruling on Monday, Burke said: 'If you are on a visa, you are a guest. 'If you're a citizen, you're a full member of the Australian family. 'Like with any household, if a guest turns up to show hatred and wreck the household, they can be told it's time to go home.' The protest drew intense criticism, with NSW Premier Chris Minns branding those involved 'pissants' and flagging another tightening of protest laws in response. Police said a communication error within the force meant that some senior officers - including Commissioner Mal Lanyon - were not aware the protest was taking place. Minns has since confirmed the government would aim to establish new laws to crack down on hate speech. The NSN rallied outside NSW parliament in June, when participants wore black uniforms and displayed a banner with the words 'End Immigration'. Numerous protests involving NSN members have been staged in capital cities and towns over the past couple of years. In September, members of the group marched at anti-immigration rallies in Sydney and Melbourne. The fringe group has ramped up efforts to form a political party in an effort to creep into the mainstream, which would require 750 members to join the party to formally register. Minns questioned whether that would happen, given it would require those members to publicly associate their name with neo-Nazism. New to DailyMail+? Here are our most-read stories from the last week Revealed: The cheap supplement that turbo-charges how well Mounjaro and Wegovy work, keeps you losing weight if it's slowing - and experts say ALL patients coming off weight-loss jabs should take to avoid piling the pounds back on The OTHER side of the story: Inside Spanian's estranged wife Angela McColl's new life as a single mother after they split just months after having a baby - as he debuts much younger girlfriend Heil to pay: Unmasked Nazi sparks chaos at top consulting firm - we reveal leaked email exposing internal panic before his visa was torn up... and sly tactic he used trying to save his job I'm a pharmacist, and I'll NEVER take Mounjaro - terrifying, irreversible side effects are coming to light... patients have no idea the risk they're taking 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 Truth behind leaked paparazzi photos of Tammy Hembrow and manager - as he speaks out... Plus, twist in mansion row between Bondi synagogue bigwig and the black sheep of the Waterhouse family: THE GROUP CHAT The taboo reason Bear chose Sunny on The Golden Bachelor: I heard the whispers weeks ago - now it's time I said something. Poor Janette never stood a chance: AMANDA GOFF My wife's unforgivable 4am confession after a night on cocaine has shattered me. Now I don't know who I married: ASK JANA Lotus-driving Double Bay chiropractor-to-the-stars breaks his silence on charge of choking ex-girlfriend - as we reveal his chequered past Australia has been hit by wild weather, with a devastating storm lashing South Australia just as large parts of the country are being warned to brace for an intense heatwave this week. A freak storm smashed the town of Port Pirie, on the east coast of the Spencer Gulf in South Australia, on Saturday. Thousands of residents faced power outages as the severe thunderstorm brought large hail and damaging winds, which ripped out powerlines, brought down trees, and destroyed houses. Footage showed trampolines being flung down the street as wind gusts reached 119 km per hour just after 8 pm. There was so much hail that residents reported it appeared the town had a dumping of snow. Emergency services labelled the weather event as the 'most significant storm' to hit the region on record, with the SES receiving more than 350 call-outs for help. SES acting chief officer Kirsty Phelps said the storm caught emergency responders by surprise, with residents facing a massive clean-up in the wake of the storm. 'This is the most significant storm event we've had in the Port Pirie region on record,' she said. A freak storm smashed South Australia's Port Pirie on Saturday, with large hail and damaging winds ripping out powerlines, bringing down trees and destroying houses South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas said the severe storm cell stunned residents as it was 'not anticipated by the Bureau of Meteorology'. He added that at least two homes were destroyed; however, the majority of the damage in town occurred due to fallen trees. About 4,900 households were left without power at the storm's peak - equivalent to the damage expected during a prolonged weather event on a statewide level. Meanwhile, an intense heatwave is set to hit large parts of the country this week, with temperatures predicted to reach a sweltering 46 to 47C in at least two states. A burst of late-spring heat is set to develop over the country's interior as Tropical Cyclone Fina, which is bearing down on the Northern Territory's Top End, draws vast amounts of heat from the Timor Sea into the atmosphere. Weatherzone Meteorologist Ben Domensino explained the upper-level air will move south from Monday and spread over the country. 'While [the air] has lost a lot of the moisture it began with, it has retained its potential temperature,' he said. 'This means the air will warm up as it descends towards the ground over central Australia this weekend and early next week, a process called adiabatic warming.' There was so much hail that residents reported it appeared the town had a dumping of snow (pictured) The freak storm caused the roof of several homes to collapse, leaving residents with a massive clean-up operation He added temperatures on Monday are forecast to reach a whopping 45 to 46C in South Australia and a scorching 47C in southwest Queensland. Northwest NSW and the southern part of the Northern Territory will also feel the heat, with the mercury expected to hit the low to mid 40s in the coming days. Mr Domensino said the hot weather was not unprecedented for central Australia in late spring but could potentially reach within a degree or two of November records. Weatherzone and the Bureau of Meteorology are expected to issue heatwave warnings for several states and territories over the coming days in response to the rapid onset of intense heat. BoM meteorologist Dean Narramore warned Aussies to brace for 'severe to severe heatwave conditions' as many parts of Australia will see temperatures between 4 to 10C hotter than average. These temperatures will impact inland parts of South Australia, Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania on Monday and Tuesday. Meanwhile, residents living along NSW and Queensland's east coast will feel the hottest days between Wednesday and Friday. Sydney Monday: Party cloudy. Max 24C Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Winds becoming up to 20 km/h. Min 17C Max 30C. Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 30km/h. Min 19C Max 36C. Thursday: Mostly sunny. Winds up to 25km/h. Min 19C Max 31C. Canberra Monday: Party cloudy. Max 28C Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 40 km/h. Min 11C Max 30C. Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Possible showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 50km/h. Min 12C Max 27C. Thursday: Sunny. Winds up to 45 km/h. Min 9C Max 24C. Meanwhile, an intense heat wave is set to hit large parts of the country this week, with temperatures predicted to reach a sweltering 46 to 47C in at least two states Melbourne Monday: Party cloudy. Max 27C Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 20 km/h. Min 18C Max 25C. Wednesday: Showers. Up to 7mm of rain. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 40 km/h. Min 14C Max 21C. Thursday: Cloudy. Possible shower. Winds up to 30 km/h. Min 12C Max 18C. Brisbane Monday: Showers. Possible storms. Max 34C Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Up to 3mm of rain. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 20 km/h. Min 22C Max 33C. Wednesday: Showers. Up to 15mm of rain. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 20 km/h. Min 23C Max 32C. Thursday: Showers. At least 5mm of rain. Thunderstorm likely. Winds up to 25 km/h. Min 24C Max 36C. Adelaide Monday: Party cloudy. Max 31C Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Chance of showers. Winds up to 25 km/h. Min 15C Max 24C. Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Showers. Up to 5mm of rain. Winds up to 40 km/h. Min 13C Max 21C. Thursday: Partly cloudy. Shower or two. Winds up to 25 km/h. Min 13C Max 21C. Weatherzone explained the hot weather could potentially reach within a degree or two of November records Perth Monday: Party cloudy. Max 22C Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds up to 25 km/h. Min 14C Max 23C. Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds up to 25 km/h. Min 14C Max 25C. Thursday: Partly cloudy. Winds up to 30 km/h. Min 12C Max 23C. Darwin Monday: Showers. Possible afternoon storm. Max 33C Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Up to 5mm of rain. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 25 km/h. Min 26C Max 33C. Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Up to 3mm of rain. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 25 km/h. Min 26C Max 33C. Thursday: Partly cloudy. Possible shower. Chance of a thunderstorm Winds up to 20 km/h. Min 25C Max 33C. An English Channel migrant 'super smuggler' who threatened to 'put a bullet in the head' of rivals organised small boat crossings worth 50million a year from prison, investigators have revealed. Idriss Ghazi Kareem, a 45-year-old Iraqi Kurd, was last week sentenced to 15 years by French judges for the manslaughter of seven Afghans who drowned on the way to the UK. They had paid up to 1200 each for a place in a flimsy dinghy organised by Ghazi Kareem's 'family business'. Investigators believe the Ghazi Kareem clan still runs the principal routes from beaches around Calais and Dunkirk, and it is increasingly using firearms. Details of Ghazi Kareem's career as a crime lord emerged during his two-week trial at the Paris Correctional Court, which ended on Tuesday. He was one of eight smugglers found guilty and sentenced on a variety of charges connected to the deadly small boats disaster in August 2023. Evidence pointed to Ghazi Kareem becoming a 'multi-millionaire' after running around 500 boats a year, each worth 100,000 in cash payments, the court heard. Prosecutor Florian Pappo said: 'Drug trafficking doesn't compare to a successful night out for migrant smugglers.' Idriss Ghazi Kareem, a 45-year-old Iraqi Kurd, was last week sentenced to 15 years by French judges for the manslaughter of seven Afghans Britain has been struggling to tackle a migration crisis, which has seen hundreds of people attempting to cross the English Channel in overloaded boats run by smugglers Ghazi Kareem was recorded boasting to relatives about his profits on a bugged telephone line in his cell, before investigators said he should be moved to a jail near Lille that is regarded as the most secure in France. Xavier Delrieu, head of France's Office for Combating Illegal Migrant Trafficking, said: 'We recommended transferring him to Vendin-le-Vieil because he was still running his business behind bars.' The Mail can also reveal that Ghazi Kareem is the oldest of three brothers, all of whom helped build up their 50million-a-year trafficking syndicate. One Karzan Ghazi Kareem was blasted to death at the age of 39 during a shoot-out with special forces police near Dijon, France, in February, while driving a BMW 5 Series hatchback full of UK-bound migrants. A third brother, Goran Ghazi Kareem, 36, is still at large, and thought to be taking orders from his incarcerated brother as he continues to run the family business. Mr Delrieu said: 'We have three brothers immersed in the world of crime. One is in prison, one has been killed, and the third, who is overseas, must still be operating. 'We are talking about major traffickers the organisers who control the whole market.' Before being arrested in 2023 over the fatal small boat sinking, police recorded Idriss Ghazi Kareem warning: 'If I have to kill someone, I will.' And he told another smuggler on a bugged line: 'You're playing games. Yesterday you sent a small boat from [my beach]. If your boat skippers come back, I'll put a bullet in their heads.' In a message exchange with Tariq Hassan, a 42-year-old Iraqi Kurd who was sentenced to 12 years during the latest trial, Ghazi Kareem outlined how he had punished a rival. Pictured: Migrants wade into the sea to try to board smugglers' boats in an attempt to cross the English Channel off the beach of Gravelines, northern France He wrote: 'I grabbed an Iranian, I beat him up. I completely undressed the boy, I did terrible things to him.' Ghazi Kareem's 'three-step plan' for controlling the France-England small boats routes involved sabotaging rival boats, beating up skippers, and shooting other smugglers, the court heard. Between May and August 2023, he travelled to the Calais area at least five times, and boasted about 'severely disfiguring' a rival, according to another recorded conversation. None of the Afghans who died in August 2023 could swim, and despite the high fees paid to the Ghazi Kareem clan they had not been given life jackets. They were part of a group of 68 crowded into the small boat which fell apart in the water. The court heard one survivor describe how the smugglers 'hit us and threatened to kill anyone who didn't want to get on board.' Ghazi Kareem was cited as the leader of the smuggling gang, and was imprisoned for manslaughter and 'aiding and abetting illegal immigration as part of an organised gang.' Claiming to be a former policeman who fled Kirkuk, Iraq, with his family to claim asylum, he appeared in a high security dock in handcuffs and under armed guard. The repeat offender had already spent 11 years in prison for smuggling, and had been banned from France following release in 2020. But he was left to carry on with his crimes, as European police forces set up a surveillance operation, initially bugging his 80,000 Audi Q7 car. Before his last arrest, Ghazi Kareem was living in Kiel, on Germany's northern Baltic coast, with his wife and two children, and claiming to be a successful construction company boss. Raids around Europe uncovered homes, more luxury cars, bars, and shell companies linked to all the brothers, and other family members. Like the other defendants, he denied having any link to the 2023 drownings. More than 32,000 people have crossed the English Channel on smuggler-organised small boats so far this year. Sir Keir Starmer has admitted that he wants Angela Rayner to return to the Cabinet after her fall from grace. The embattled Prime Minister revealed that he was still friends with former deputy PM 'Angie' and the pair 'talk a lot we still do' when he was asked if he missed her. He said that he wanted the former Housing Secretary back 'at some stage' despite her resigning for failing to pay 40,000 in stamp duty on her 800,000 new home. The PM's backing for Ms Rayner long touted as a potential leadership rival comes after a vicious internal Labour briefing war that raised questions about his future. Speaking at the G20 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sir Keir was asked if he missed Ms Rayner and if she could return to the Cabinet before the next General Election. He said: 'I'm friends with Angie and I like Angie a lot and we talk a lot. 'We still do. It's always good to have Angela. 'I've always said I want Angela back. Even back in September at the time [she quit], I said she is going to be a big voice in the Labour movement,' he told journalists. 'But do I want Angela back at some stage? Yes absolutely. Sir Keir Starmer has admitted that he wants Angela Rayner to return to the Cabinet after her fall from grace (pictured in September 2024) 'I think she is the best example ever in the United Kingdom of social mobility going from a pretty challenging childhood to being Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She is the story of social mobility above all other stories.' His comments came after Ms Rayner refused to rule out a comeback to front-line politics, telling journalists last week that she had 'not gone away'. She is also rumoured to be writing her autobiography. A poll of Labour members by Survation for LabourList confirmed the PM's perilous position. It found that Andy Burnham, Ed Miliband, Ms Rayner and Wes Streeting would all win any head-to-head leadership contest against him. Ms Rayner was also embroiled in a new housing row yesterday after it emerged that she bought a 2,500 super-king bed for her grace-and-favour home on expenses. She ordered a Premier Inn luxury divan with added features when she was living in Admiralty House courtesy of the taxpayer, The Sun revealed. Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: 'Spending nearly 3,000 of taxpayers' money on a bed is hardly consistent with her image as a woman of the people. 'She now needs to explain why taxpayers are expected to bankroll premium choices while many of the people who voted Labour are tightening their belts.' A Cabinet Office spokesman said: 'The bed was not replaced at the behest of Angela Rayner, and she had no influence over the choice.' Sources stressed that she brought her own bed when she moved into the flat and used it in her own room. Millions have seen 70s Abba brought back to life in their hologram show. Now Queen could go one further with similar concerts that bring frontman Freddie Mercury back from the dead. Queen guitarist Sir Brian May, 78, has revealed he and drummer Roger Taylor are exploring ways to recreate their original line-up with Freddie, who died in 1991, and bass player John Deacon, 74, who retired in 1997. Speaking to Big Issue, Sir Brian said: 'Freddie is still alive through the music that we listen to all the time. 'In a sense, John is still with us in the same way, but now we have so many other opportunities. I mean things that are immersive, like The Sphere [arena] in Las Vegas, it will be possible to give people the experience very closely of what things were like for us when we were Freddie, John, Brian and Roger, and that really appeals to me.' He added: 'It wouldn't be just playing old footage. It would be creating Queen as if we were creating it today. I'm very taken with the idea that we can be the original Queen again.' Rumours of a Queen hologram show began circulating when the company which manages Mercury's back catalogue filed a trademark for his name in 3D and Virtual Reality (VR). At the time the band's representatives said there was 'nothing to say'. Freddie Mercury could be brought to life on stage as Queen's frontman again using artificial intelligence Queen pictured with all original members Brian May, Roger Taylor, Freddie Mercury and John Deacon, performing in 1977 Taylor, 76, said: 'I think technology now has come so much further since the Abba show started, I think a lot more can be done.' Taylor said Mercury would be 'thrilled' that the band's work is 'still relevant today'. He added: 'We haven't finished yet, we can play fine, but we are getting older, and so we're just looking at all the options, especially with the incredible technology we have now which is literally changing by the day.' Queen have had six UK number one singles and ten UK number one albums, with hits including Bohemian Rhapsody and We Are The Champions. The Abba Voyage concert has been running since 2022, with more than three million having seen the London show. Ukraine's allies made major concessions to the Kremlin last night in a desperate bid to end the three-year conflict. As peace talks in Switzerland made progress, Britain and other states agreed to welcome Russia back into the G8 group of major global economies. Russia was expelled from the international political forum following its annexation of Crimea in 2014, but the US has pushed for its return. The agreement in principle was struck in Geneva where US, Ukrainian and European officials are discussing peace plans put forward by the warring partners and their supporters. In what was regarded as a win for Ukraine, a Russian-proposed cap on the size of its armed forces was lifted from 600,000 to 800,000. These breakthroughs followed a furious verbal attack by Donald Trump on Ukraine's political leadership and the country's allies. The US President, under criticism over an apparent capitulation to Russian peace demands, fired off a post in capital letters on social media. President Trump appeared to target Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky directly. Posting on Truth Social, he said: 'Ukraine "leadership" has expressed zero gratitude for our efforts, and Europe continues to buy oil from Russia. 'I have inherited a war that should never have happened, a war that is a loser for everyone, especially the millions of people that have so needlessly died.' His outburst forced Ukrainian officials on to the defensive. President Zelensky's right-hand man Rustem Umerov said: 'We appreciate our American partners working closely with us to understand our concerns.' Volodymyr Zelensky sent his gratitude to a fuming Donald Trump following his proposed peace plan for ending the war in Ukraine Donald Trump had accused Ukraine of showing 'zero gratitude' over his peace plan to end the war with Russia The Kremlin is not represented at the negotiations. US officials are putting forward a 28-point plan agreed in secret talks with Russia that sidelined Ukraine and its European allies. The White House has given Ukraine until the US festival of Thanksgiving on Thursday to accept terms or face losing military support. Ukraine's European partners last night published their own peace plan, which includes the country holding on to the Donbas industrial heartland and freedom to join international alliances. The Russian 'wish list' approved by the United States says Ukraine must hand over territory and give up on joining Nato. Russia's contribution to rebuilding Ukraine would also be capped. Britain was last night mounting a major push as the Prime Minister spoke to the US President for the second time in as many days. Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer and President Trump discussed aspects of both peace plans intended 'to bring about a lasting peace'. Last night it emerged that the Royal Navy had intercepted two Russian warships in the English Channel in the past fortnight. While the lifting of a cap on the size of Ukraine's armed forces represented a breakthrough, other points are more contentious. Vladimir Putin is adamant Ukraine should hand over the remaining territory it holds in the eastern provinces. This is a stated red line for the country and its allies, including Britain. Ukraine also wants to retain political sovereignty, with the freedom to apply for Nato and European Union membership, rather than being forced into isolation by the Kremlin. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the talks held between the US and Ukrainian sides had been 'probably [the] best meeting and day we've had so far in this entire process' President Trump appeared to target Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky directly in his post on Truth Social Your browser does not support iframes. Last night, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the talks held between the US and Ukrainian sides had been 'probably [the] best meeting and day we've had so far in this entire process'. Mr Rubio, who is leading the US negotiating team, added: 'I feel very optimistic, we can get something done here. There's still some work to be done, but we are much further ahead today at this time than we were when we began this morning and where we were a week ago for certain.' President Zelensky also expressed some enthusiasm. Posting on X, he said: 'There is now an understanding that the American proposals may take into account a number of elements based on the Ukrainian vision.' Mr Zelensky also reiterated his gratitude towards the US for providing weaponry and intelligence. It is considered likely Russia rejoining the G8 would be subject to the Kremlin meeting commitments in other areas, including compensating Ukraine and observing a ceasefire. Since returning to the White House, President Trump has repeatedly criticised Ukraine's allies for purchasing Russian energy products. In September, he posted: 'They're funding the war against themselves. Who the hell ever heard of that one?' The worst offenders are Russia's allies within Europe Hungary and Slovakia, followed by France, the Netherlands and Belgium. According to analysts, Russian oil accounts for 'well below five per cent' of the UK's oil imports. Monthly oil and gas sales in Europe benefit the Kremlin by 1billion per month. US is forced to deny that Russia was the author of its 28-point pact US officials were forced into an embarrassing clarification last night over who wrote the 28-point Ukraine peace plan which yields to Russia's demands. The policy document, rejected by allies including Britain, allows Russia to gain territory and hands the Kremlin a veto over Ukraine's membership of Nato and the European Union. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed concern over the plan and reports emerged that the 28-point proposal, which Donald Trump said Ukraine has until Thursday to agree to, was a Russian draft translated into English. US lawmakers critical of President Trump's apparent capitulation to the Kremlin's demands have now hit out at the White House over the claims. They say that behind the scenes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had described the proposal as a Russian 'wish list', rather than a US-approved proposal. The confusion surrounding who drew up the plan could scarcely have come at a worse time for Ukraine. In the words of its president Volodymyr Zelensky, the country faces losing 'its dignity' or its 'major security partner'. Mr Rubio was forced to address and reject conspiracy theories surrounding the 28-point plan though he acknowledged Russian input. 'The peace proposal was authored by the United States. It is offered as a strong framework for ongoing negotiations,' he wrote on X. 'It is based on input from the Russian side. But it is also based on previous and ongoing input from Ukraine.' President Trump's positions on major issues in the conflict have oscillated wildly since his return to the White House, adding to the confusion. Only a few weeks ago he suggested the conflict should end with the frontlines frozen, reflecting territory seized by Russia and territory defended by Ukraine. Yet the 28-point plan demands Ukraine hand over its industrial heartland in the Donbas, despite the area being behind Ukraine's frontline. Another demand is that Ukraine dismantles its armed forces. President Trump has never previously suggested Ukraine should do this. To the contrary, he recently encouraged Ukraine to take back Russian-held territory in its eastern provinces. US senators from opposing sides have joined forces to condemn the plan. Democrat Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Thom Tillis issued a joint statement saying: 'We will not achieve lasting peace by offering Putin concession after concession and fatally degrading Ukraine's ability to defend itself. 'History teaches us that Vladimir Putin only understands strength and will not abide by any agreement unless it is backed by force. We must consult closely with our Ukrainian and Nato partners.' Taxpayers' money is being used for civil servants to attend Pride marches despite ministers' attempts to crack down on Whitehall diversity spending. Official figures show that the Cabinet Office paid 3,244 to four different organisers of LGBTQ+ events across Britain this year so that groups of government employees could join in on the official parades. The largest amount, 979, went to the organisers of Manchester Pride which went bust last month with performers and suppliers owed 1.3 million. Another 900 of public money went to Pride Cymru, along with 750 to Belfast Pride and 615 to Bristol Pride. The total is slightly higher than the 3,180 disclosed in transparency figures last year. Yet it comes after attempts by Conservative and Labour governments to limit public spending on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as well as the activities of civil service clubs. In May 2024, shortly before the last general glection, the Tories' 'minister for common sense' Esther McVey ruled there should be 'an end to all external spending on EDI activity', including on events, 'unless cleared and authorised by ministers'. In May this year, just before Pride month began, Labour ministers confirmed that civil servants could not buy lanyards in the colours of the trans-inclusive Progress Pride rainbow flag. And in September the Cabinet Office said all events hosted by civil service staff networks must be signed off by a senior official and take place outside working hours, while EDI networks were told to ensure their role 'is not lost in pursuit of a particular issue'. Thousands gathered for the Manchester's annual Pride parade 2024. Pictured: A reveller holds a multicoloured umbrella Performers in vivid costumes lined the parade route as the celebrations kicked off Uniformed police were forced to stop attending Pride marches this summer after a High Court judge ruled a chief constable breached her duty of impartiality by supporting the event. It prompted the Christian Institute to say it would seek a judicial review of civil service participation in Pride events, claiming it also breaches impartiality rules. Last night Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood told the Daily Mail: 'It is right that people celebrate their identity and proudly live their life without hatred or discrimination. However, those celebrations should not come at the expense of the taxpayer.' Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at charity Sex Matters, said: 'Pride events in the UK have become almost exclusively about trans activism in recent years, so it's inexcusable that the Cabinet Office continues to shell out thousands of pounds for civil servants to participate in marches. Whatever happened to civil service impartiality?' William Yarwood, media campaign manager of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'It's clear that, despite the laudable efforts of some ministers, right-on bureaucrats have not been brought to heel. 'Handsome pay packets, gold-plated pensions, generous annual leave and high levels of job security seem not to be sufficient to get pen-pushers focused on the day job. Ministers need to take a far more active role in cracking down on these wastes of time and money.' The Cabinet Office declined to comment but sources pointed out that similar payments had been made in previous years because walking groups who want to take part in Pride parades rather than watching from the sidelines have to pay a registration fee to the event organiser. In April, the Civil Service LGBT+ Network posted on its website that it would be taking part in Pride marches 'all over the UK' including in Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle, Doncaster, South Lanarkshire and Bute. Civil servants are required to sign up to the events using their work email addresses and many wear what the group's website calls a 'wonderfully charming pink Civil Service LGBT+ Network T-shirt'. The group's website tells members: 'Please remember that you will be representing the Civil Service LGBT+ Network and therefore the civil service at these events and must adhere to the civil service code.' President Donald Trump's signature government-slashing task force has quietly collapsed - eight months before its mandate expired - despite months of boasting from Trump, Elon Musk, and top administration officials. The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which once stormed federal agencies with sweeping cuts and headline-grabbing stunts, has now effectively ceased to exist. Asked about DOGE's status, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Scott Kupor delivered the first official confirmation of its demise: 'That doesn't exist.' It is no longer a 'centralized entity,' Kupor added, in the first public comments from the Trump administration on the end of DOGE. The agency that was set up in January made dramatic forays across Washington in the early months of Trump's second term to rapidly shrink federal agencies, cut their budgets or redirect their work to Trump priorities. The OPM, the federal government's human resources office, has since taken over many of DOGE's functions, according to Kupor and documents reviewed by Reuters. At least two prominent DOGE employees are now involved with the National Design Studio, a new body created through an executive order signed by Trump in August. That body is headed by Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, and Trump's order directed him to beautify government websites. Donald Trump's signature government-slashing task force has quietly collapsed - eight months before its mandate expired - despite boasting from Trump, Elon Musk and top officials Musk, who led DOGE initially, regularly touted its work on his X platform and at one point brandished a chainsaw to advertise his efforts to cut government jobs Gebbia was part of billionaire Elon Musk's DOGE team while DOGE employee Edward Coristine, nicknamed 'Big Balls,' encouraged followers on his X account to apply to join. The fading away of DOGE is in sharp contrast to the government-wide effort over months to draw attention to it, with Trump, his advisers and cabinet secretaries posting about it on social media. Musk, who led DOGE initially, regularly touted its work on his X platform and at one point brandished a chainsaw to advertise his efforts to cut government jobs. 'This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy,' Musk said, holding the tool above his head at the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, in February. DOGE claimed to have slashed tens of billions of dollars in expenditures, but it was impossible for outside financial experts to verify that because the unit did not provide detailed public accounting of its work. 'President Trump was given a clear mandate to reduce waste, fraud and abuse across the federal government, and he continues to actively deliver on that commitment,' said White House spokeswoman Liz Huston. Trump administration officials have not openly said that DOGE no longer exists, even after Musk's public feud with Trump in May. Musk has since left Washington. Trump and his team have nevertheless signaled its demise in public since this summer, even though the president signed an executive order earlier in his term decreeing that DOGE would last through July 2026. A worker removes the US Agency for International Development (USAID) sign on their headquarters in February in Washington, DC United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supporters hold banners as workers retrieve their personal belongings from the USAID's headquarters in Washington In statements to reporters, Trump often talks about DOGE, opens new tab in the past tense. Acting DOGE Administrator Amy Gleason, whose background is in healthcare tech, formally became an adviser to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy in March, according to a court filing in addition to her role with DOGE. Her public statements have largely focused on her HHS role. Republican-led states, including Idaho, opens new tab and Florida, meanwhile are creating local entities similar to DOGE. A government-wide hiring freeze - another hallmark of DOGE - is also over, Kupor said. Trump on his first day in office barred federal agencies from bringing on new employees, with exceptions for positions his team deemed necessary to enforce immigration laws and protect public safety. He later said DOGE representatives must approve any other exceptions, adding that agencies should hire 'no more than one employee for every four' that depart. 'There is no target around reductions' anymore, Kupor said. By May, more than 200,000 federal workers had been laid off and roughly 75,000 had accepted buyouts. The organization said these cuts saved billions of dollars in expenditure, but it was impossible for experts to authenticate these claims because of the lack of public accounting. DOGE staff have also taken on other roles in the administration. Most prominent is Gebbia, whom Trump tasked with improving the 'visual presentation' of government websites. Musk left the agency in May after falling out with Trump Shortly after Trump's election Musk said he had a mandate to 'delete the mountain' of government regulations So far, his design studio has launched websites to recruit law enforcement officers to patrol Washington, DC, and advertise the president's drug pricing program. Zachary Terrell, part of the DOGE team given access to government health systems in the early days of Trump's second term, is now chief technology officer at the Department of Health and Human Services. Rachel Riley, who had the same access according to court filings, is now chief of the Office of Naval Research, according to the office's website. Jeremy Lewin, who helped Musk and the Trump administration dismantle the US Agency for International Development, now oversees foreign assistance at the State Department, according to the agency's website. Musk shortly after Trump's election said he had a mandate to 'delete the mountain' of government regulations. He made undoing government regulations and remaking the government with AI two key tenets of DOGE, in addition to eliminating federal government jobs. The administration is still working toward slashing regulations. The White House budget office has tasked Scott Langmack, who was DOGE's representative at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, with creating custom AI applications to pore through US regulations and determine which ones to eliminate, according to his LinkedIn profile. Musk, meanwhile, has reappeared in Washington. Last week, he attended a White House dinner for Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A controversial aristocrat has launched an appeal to find a bride - and says he'll pay her 50,000-a-year to give him male heirs and help run his sprawling 1,300-acre Somerset estate. But despite edging ever closer to his eighties, Sir Benjamin Slade, 79, isn't ready to settle for second best and has drawn up a long list of qualities he's looking for in a wife. The first cut-off point for interested applicants is age, as the next Lady Slade must be at least 20 years younger - meaning women in their 60s need not apply. Sir Benjamin says he is after a 'good breeder' to provide him with at least two male heirs, although explains that having already birthed a child is not a dealbreaker. He added: 'I can have two sons, three would be better, but if I get two sons that saves the situation. 'You always have a lady of the house, women run houses. People think that it is sexist. Jane Austen said if you got a big house, you need a wife. 'The ladies run the house. They run the staff, they have an eye for it.' Aristocrat Sir Benjamin Slade, 79, has launched an appeal to find a bride who he is prepared to pay 50,000 plus a bonus per year - a figure which includes 'a car, house, expenses, food and holidays' Sir Benjamin hopes the successful candidate will bear him at least two male heirs and help run his sprawling 1,300-acre Somerset estate (pictured) However, the aristocrat also has some very specific stipulations, including that his new wife must be taller than 5ft 6ins and can't be a Scorpio or read the Guardian newspaper. And far from wanting a shrinking violet, the nobleman says the woman who wins his heart must have a shotgun and driving licence - while a helicopter licence 'would be beneficial'. When it comes to hobbies Sir Benjamin is seeking a bride who loves ballroom dancing, playing bridge and backgammon - and has a flair for administration. She must be able to run two castles and having estate, legal and accountancy training 'would be useful'. The candidate would be paid 50,000 plus a bonus per year and this includes a car, house, expenses, food and holidays. Sir Benjamin, a baronet descended from Charles II, says she can't come from countries beginning with 'I' that have green in their flag, which rules out residents of Ireland, India, Italy, Ivory Coast and Iran. He said: 'I don't mind Canadians, Americans, Germans and Northern Europeans - what I like to call similar people. I don't think marrying an Eskimo is for me. 'What I just need is a nice, ordinary country girl who knows and understands things. Sir Benjamin pictured in his ornate Somerset estate with previous partner Kirsten Hughes Sir Benjamin already has a daughter, Violet (pictured as a baby in 2022 with mother Sahara Sunday Spain), but now says he wants male heirs to pass his estate on to 'I am very social, I go out a lot and I have to have somebody who fits in.' Sir Benjamin also hinted at more pragmatic factors behind his rush to find a bride, saying he would have to marry a lady at least 20 years younger than him for tax reasons. Slade has a daughter, Violet, with entrepreneur and former child author Sahara Sunday Spain, 34, but is still looking for a male heir who has genetic similarity to one of his further paternal ancestors. 'Death tax is 40 per cent and the only way I can pass the estate and art collection etc on is to leave it to the wife tax free, who then disposes it to my distant relatives,' he added. 'Obviously she has to live for seven years. She would also have to be insured, that's why we need a lady at least 20 years younger than me as I cannot insure an older wife so the younger the better. 'Obviously the widow would receive a financial percentage for passing it on.This the only way left to get around inheritance tax.' He added: 'I can't insure a woman of 70. I've got lots lots of lovely girls that would love to marry at 70 but they are getting older, last a few years and then you die and then they might die, and that is a risk. 'I meet people socially and I have a very social life and I am introduced to people of my own. 'If you were a young man and you stick to your own religion, your own class, your own country and your own politics, you have got a 50 per cent chance of success and not ending up on the divorce court.' Sir Benjamin Julian Alfred Slade is the son of Sir Michael Nial Slade, 6th Baronet, and Angela Clare Rosalind Chichester. Aristocrat Sir Benjamin Slade out on his estate with three of his dogs, carrying a gun under each arm He inherited his baronetcy from his father in 1962, and his older brother, Robert, predeceased their father. He was educated at Millfield School. He lives at Maunsel House in Bridgwater, Somerset. His full requirement read: 'Sir Ben is on the search for a Lady of the House. 'You must have a shotgun licence, a driving licence (also a helicopter licence would be beneficial), amorial bearings, be able to run two castles, an estate and a grouse moor. 'Legal and accountancy training would be useful. Must be able to breed two sons (don't mind if she has bred before and is proven). 'A little private capital and income would be helpful. A large fortune would be more helpful! 'The candidate would be paid 50,000 plus a bonus per year and this includes a car, house, expenses, food and holidays. 'Guardian readers, Scorpios, drug users, alcoholics, Scots, under 5'6', people from countries beginning with 'I' who have green in their flag and people from countries where they don't wear overcoats in the winter, need not apply!' The wool of gay sheep has made its debut at a New York fashion show as part of a campaign to raise money for rams that prefer same sex-partners. Los Angeles-based designer Michael Schmidt, who has styled A-listers including Beyonce and Taylor Swift, launched the line to bring a 'human rights story' to the runway after finding out that homosexual sheep are often slaughtered. Hats, dungarees, a dressing gown and a sailing hat were all crafted for the show from the wool of exclusively gay sheep. Rainbow Wool, a German non-profit that rescues non-mating sheep, partnered with gay dating app Grindr to put on the 'I Wool Survive' fashion show. 'I don't view this really as fashion,' Mr Schmidt told the New York Times. 'I view it as an art project. 'The idea it's selling is that homosexuality is not only part of the human condition, but of the animal world. 'That puts the lie to this concept that being gay is a choice. It's part of nature.' Tristan Pineiro, Grindr's vice president of brand marketing, added: 'You can't say the sheep were corrupted by woke culture.' Studies have revealed that up to 1 in 12 rams are gay and are often killed as they can cause problems with breeding Pictured: A male model wearing some of Mr Schmidt's fashion line on the catwalk in New York Studies have revealed that up to 1 in 12 rams are gay and they are often killed as they can cause problems with breeding. Rainbow Wool co-founder Michael Stucke said it was this realisation that prompted his business to exclusively use wool from gay sheep. Breeders typically test a suspected gay ram via a pen test. They check the ram's sex drive by putting him in a pen with other males and females. If the ram shows no interest in the female and prefers a same sex partner, his performance on the farm becomes jeopardised. Mr Schmidt said it was a 'pleasure' to get to create a light-hearted collection of pieces that address a very serious topic. 'The mistreatment of animals that exhibit same-sex attraction is a painful reminder of the prejudice that continues to affect LGBT communities worldwide. 'Hopefully, by illustrating that homosexuality exists throughout the animal kingdom, we can help put to bed the false and damaging notion that being gay is a choice.' The Italian government has clashed with its own judiciary over a decision to seize three young children from their British father and Australian mother after they were all poisoned by mushrooms. The family, who gave up the rat race to live a simple life in a woodland cottage found themselves at the heart of a national scandal last week. On Thursday, police and social workers swept into the rural property and removed three youngsters from devastated parents Nathan Trevallion, 51, a former Bristol chef, and his wife, Catherine Birmingham, once an equestrian trainer in Melbourne. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stepped into the row almost immediately, admitting she was 'concerned' about the treatment of the family after the children were displaced into state care. Despite being 'allowed' to accompany her children to a sheltered centre in Vasto - a small town in central Abruzzo - Ms Birmingham says she has heartbreakingly been kept away from them for most of the time. A court in the regional capital of L'Aquila justified the move by claiming the couple's children - Utopia Rose, eight, and twins Galorian and Bluebell, six - were not being properly educated and were growing up in 'social isolation'. The judge also objected to the fact the youngsters used an outdoor toilet rather than a fully plumbed bathroom. The decision has left the nation stunned. The family home, a small two-room cottage deep in a privately owned five-acre woodland, does not have running water or mains electricity. On Thursday, police and social workers swept into the rural property and removed three youngsters from devastated parents Nathan Trevallion, 51, a former Bristol chef, and his wife, Catherine Birmingham, once an equestrian trainer in Melbourne Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stepped into the row almost immediately, admitting she was 'concerned' about the treatment of the family after the children were displaced into state care The family relied on solar power for electricity and a well for water because their home is located six miles from the nearest small village. This is something their supporters say is part of a conscious choice to live sustainably. The children were also homeschooled and authorities said they had inadequate access to healthcare. The couple bought the land in 2021 for around 17,500, dreaming of raising their children surrounded by trees and wildlife. But authorities were called to the homestead in September 2024 after all five members of the family needed to be taken to hospital because they had been poisoned by mushrooms. The case has exploded into front-page headlines and blanket coverage on Italian TV - sparking a ferocious power struggle between ministers and the country's judiciary. Deputy PM Matteo Salvini thundered that the 'seizure' of the children was 'worrying, dangerous and shameful' and rallied against a system he claims is failing. He then vowed to travel to Abruzzo to meet with the family. But magistrates have fired back, accusing politicians of attempting to score points off a fragile family in crisis. Even Italy's own justice minister, Carlo Nordio, appears to have broken ranks, warning that taking children from parents is 'an extremely painful decision' requiring great care - and hinting that independent inspectors may be called in to investigae. He added: 'For decades, we have been bombarded by prophets who say we should quit consumerism and return to nature. 'These people have done that, and we need to assess whether it is compromising the children's education. I believe the parents are fully aware of their responsibilities.' But the judiciary's top brass insist judges acted correctly. Rocco Maruotti, secretary general of the national associate of magistrates, said the court had listed its reason for removing the children in thorough detail. 'You need to read it first, before your blindly criticise it,' he said. Meanwhile, as the political storm intensifies, the father at the centre of the row admits it's been 'amazing' to see how many ordinary Italians are rallying to their cause. 'Everybody is talking about it. I'm getting stopped in the streets by people I have never met in my life who say they are with us, they respect what we are doing. It's amazing. Now that politicians in Rome are getting involved, hopefully things will get moving,' Mr Trevallion told The Telegraph. The family's lawyer, Giovanni Angelucci, is now lodging an urgent appeal in the hope of reuniting the family by Christmas. And the public is making its feelings crystal clear. More than 120,000 people have already signed a viral online petition titled 'Salviamo la famiglia che vive nel bosco' - 'Let's save the family that lives in the woods'. Local prosecutors have asked a local court to remove the Briton's children from his care One supporter summed up the growing fury: 'You can see the happiness and positivity in their eyes. Its not important that the kids dont have a TV or a PlayStation; they are living happily. Leave them alone!' Earlier this month, Ms Birmingham claimed police had 'bullied and harassed' her and her family. She claimed they had to flee the property three times after police showed up theatening to take their children away. She told the Telegraph: 'They saw we were living off grid and they labelled our house a crumbling ruin. The kids were really traumatised.' The family's lawyer, Angelucci, had insisted the children were in 'perfect health'. 'They are in better physical condition than most children,' he said, adding: 'There is no evidence of maltreatment.' In an effort to prove their claims, Trevallion invited a local media outlet to the family's cottage to reveal how they lived. He reportedly said in broken Italian: 'There are cracks in the walls, but the walls are strong. 'We are a clean family. Every day we sweep the floor'. In a statement to the court, Trevallion and Birmingham said: 'We consciously changed our own lives to provide our children with parents that are able to be at home with them, food, air and water that is clean, and an environment that not only is beneficial to their brain and physical development but, most importantly, a connection.' Schools in Sydney's north-west have emerged from lockdowns following a major police operation in response to a firearms scare. Police were called to Guardian Avenue in Beaumont Hills, about 40km north-west of Sydney's CBD, shortly before 10.30am on Monday. It followed reports a person had been seen carrying firearms while walking along the footpath in the area, a police spokesperson said. Schools were urged to lockdown as a precaution while members of the public were told to avoid the area. Following wide-ranging searches, police were able to establish the firearms were toys that had been picked up from a local cleanup, NSW Police said. Shortly after midday, police confirmed the operation had concluded and lockdowns at nearby schools had been lifted. 'Police treat all reports seriously and thank the community for their assistance,' a spokesperson said in a statement. A staff member at First Steps Learning Academy in Beaumont Hills told the Daily Mail the preschool had also entered lockdown as a precautionary measure. Officers are pictured at the scene in Beaumont Hills on Monday morning Schools entered lockdown and the public was urged to avoid the area as police investigated Concerned parents from nearby schools took to social media to ask after the safety of their children during the scare. 'Any further news on the police operation in Beaumont Hills? My daughter is currently locked down in her school nearby,' one father wrote. 'And not a single word from my kids' school which is in lockdown,' another wrote. 'Keeping parents in the dark like this is not fair or a good idea.' Home to celebrities and yoga instructors, Bryon Bay in northeast NSW has become a coastal battleground over spiralling property prices amid a housing crunch. The Byron Shire placed a 60-day cap on non-hosted short-term rental accommodation (STRA) in September 2024, in a bid to reduce prices for locals competing with holiday-makers. But Airbnb, whose entire business model relies on hosts opening up their homes to travellers, says a year on from the experiment there are fewer long-term rental listings available. 'Targeting short-term rentals is not a silver bullet to deal with the housing challenges in Byron Bay,' the firm's Australia and New Zealand manager Susan Wheeldon said. '(It) distracts from the real need to build more homes.' Research commissioned by Airbnb and published on Monday by Frontier Economics shows rental prices have risen to their highest ever levels. The 30-page report found the average weekly rent increasing by seven per cent year-on-year, from $1,112 to $1,193. By comparison, Sydney's median house rent is $780 a week. Locals are being priced out of the market in Byron Bay (above) Byron Bay has long been a haven for hippies and surfers Airbnb says the council relied on 'inflated data' to argue its case about short-term rentals eating up the rental market and driving up prices. The council said it was about 35 per cent, but the San Francisco-headquartered accommodation behemoth says short-term rentals represent only about 11 per cent of total properties in the area. Relying on government data, Airbnb noted there were 1,004 registered non hosted short-term rental properties in the Byron Shire. But data from Inside Airbnb, a rental watchdog group, says it is closer to 2,200 listings. Local Greens MP Tamara Smith is a long-time vocal advocate of reining in holiday letting. The council was given the green-light in 2023 from the NSW Labor government after she lobbied it to heed the state's Independent Planning Commission to impose caps. 'The housing crisis in our region was a slow build over a decade where we've seen gentrification in Byron Bay,' she told AAP. She also said one year wasn't enough for any tangible results to be yielded in fixing the soaring prices. Ballina MP Tamara Smith says there is no deterrent to stop developers from turning homes into short-term accomodation 'These are residentially zoned areas and they need to be for residents,' she said. But Ms Smith bristled at suggestions that it was merely a housing supply issue, describing it as a 'complete farce'. 'Supply alone is not going to fix it because there is no deterrent to stop developers from turning properties into short-term rental accommodation,' Ms Smith noted. 'If we didn't have this cap, then whole areas could all become like the Truman Show - just 100 per cent short-term rental accommodation.' A man who knifed a guest at a booze and cocaine-fuelled poolside party on Sydney's upper north shore after a fight over an omelette has been jailed. Jess William Ratcliff, 32, stabbed 28-year-old Lazarus Briggs 10 times with a 30cm kitchen knife, perforating his bowel and severing an artery in his arm which surgeons had to fight to save. Last Thursday, Ratcliff was sentenced to a minimum one year and two months in prison after pleading guilty in the NSW District Court to recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm. Judge Craig Smith gave Ratcliff a 15 per cent discount on sentence for his plea and imposed a maximum term of two years, three months and six days. Daily Mail revealed last week exactly what happened when a fight broke out about 1.30am at a party around the pool of a $4million home at North Turramurra on March 24, 2024. The Saturday night gathering was held at the five-bedroom family home of projects executive David Harper and his wife Dianne, and was attended by a group of young people including their son Matthew. Harper, his partner Ainsley Keir, Austen Malanot and Harper's friend Ratcliff began drinking alcohol around 3pm at an outside table near the pool until 10pm when Malanot invited Ayla Estacio to join them. Estacio brought along Briggs, who had been attending the Wests Tigers match against Cronulla Sharks in an NRL clash at Leichhardt Oval that afternoon. A man who knifed a guest at a booze and cocaine-fuelled poolside party on Sydney 's upper north shore has been jailed. Matthew Harper (above) was repeatedly punched in the face at the same gathering Lazarus Briggs (above) was stabbed 10 times with the main artery in his left bicep completely severed which put him at risk of losing his arm, doctors said They arrived at North Turramurra at 10.48pm, with Briggs bringing a bottle of Japanese whisky. According to a statement of police facts, Briggs 'appeared to be intoxicated before he arrived' and he and Ratcliff 'were consuming cocaine and other prohibited drugs throughout the evening'. The facts state that as the party went on, it became clear Briggs and Ratcliff 'were not getting along'. At 1.30am, Ratcliff and Estacio went into the kitchen to make an omelette 'and shared the use of a kitchen knife to chop up the ingredients'. When they returned to the table outside, an argument about the food broke out between Briggs and Ratcliff, with Briggs warning: 'If you want to be rude like that again, we can have it out here or I'm going to slap you.' Both men stood up at the table and Matthew Harper moved between them to defuse the situation, but Briggs reached around Harper and slapped Ratcliff 'hard in the face'. Harper told Briggs, 'I think it's time to go, mate', which infuriated Briggs who fired insults back, later telling police he was 'in a rage'. When Harper again told Briggs to leave, Briggs replied: 'Well, I'll leave and I'm going to take your b***h with me then, c***.' The five-bedroom family home at North Turramurra of health care professional Dianne Harper and projects executive David Harper where the stabbing occurred Jess Ratcliff used a 30cm kitchen knife to chop up ingredients for an omelette, and when he returned to a table outside, an argument about the food broke out Harper understood that comment to be a reference to his girlfriend and pointed to the gate, telling Briggs: 'it's time to leave now, c***. It's time to f***ing leave.' 'Get the f*** out,' he said. 'Don't speak to my girlfriend like that, you f***wit.' Briggs then stepped forward and twice punched Harper to the right side of his face, causing a painful eye injury which blurred his vision. Harper then tried to usher Briggs out the gate and onto the driveway, until Briggs suddenly turned and began punching Harper repeatedly in the face. Harper attempted to get away, but Briggs pressed him up against a car parked in the driveway and punched him three times and once more in the nose and eye. According to the police facts, Harper suffered bruising to his arms, a black eye, a cut to his lip, and grazes across his arms and legs. At that point, Ratcliff rushed down the driveway holding a 30cm kitchen knife. Ratcliff punched Briggs, who then tackled Ratcliff and they began to wrestle and throw punches until Briggs had Ratcliff in a headlock 'and appeared to be overpowering him', which 'scared' Ratcliff. The wild stabbing happened at the $4million family home of Matthew Harper (pictured) Harper tried to separate Ratcliff and Briggs unsuccessfully, then Ratcliff 'repeatedly' stabbed Briggs, who said: 'What the f*** are you stabbing me with?' Ratcliff stabbed Briggs 10 times in the upper arm, hand, abdomen, thigh, chest and buttocks, causing him to feel 'woozy' before he blacked out. One of the stab wounds sliced through Briggs' left brachial artery, the major artery in the arm, sending blood spurting onto the driveway. At 1.57am, Keir called Triple-0 and Briggs told the operator: 'I need help. I need someone to help me, I'm going to die.' Keir screamed 'what have you done' at Ratcliff, who responded over and over, 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry' as he remained at the scene. At 2.03am, police and paramedics arrived to find Briggs covered in blood, with more blood on the driveway and sandstone landscaping outside the Harper family home, along with a bloodied knife. Harper and Briggs were treated at the scene before they were taken to Royal North Shore Hospital, with Briggs's ambulance stopping en route so he could be given blood. Once in hospital, Briggs was immediately placed in the resuscitation bay. Police and paramedics arrived to find Lazarus Briggs covered in a large amount of blood, and a bloodied knife at the bottom of the driveway (above) Around 2.30am police arrested Ratcliff, who had sustained facial injuries, and he was taken to hospital under police guard before being charged. He was accused of reckless wounding, wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and affray. NSW Police originally said two men had been stabbed at the party. They would later drop charges against Ratcliff and indict him on a single count of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm. Doctors noted 10 stab wounds and two lacerations on Briggs including a '12cm full thickness wound' to the stomach, 10cm and 6cm wounds to his abdomen and 8cm wounds to his left abdomen, left thigh and left buttock. A doctor found the extent of the injury to Briggs' upper left arm 'was limb threatening', court documents state. According to police, Ratcliff 'made full admissions' but insisted Briggs 'had been overly aggressive and volatile towards' him. Ratcliff claimed Briggs had 'smacked' him in the head, called him a 'f***wit', made a sexual advance towards his girlfriend. According to court documents, Ratcliff had grabbed the kitchen knife and told Briggs: 'You need to f***ing leave.' Ratcliff told police he held the knife so that Briggs would not come at him, and he 'had no intention of stabbing' Briggs, although 'he admitted he could have left it behind'. Ratcliff only stabbed Briggs 'while he was being attacked' by him, say the court documents, but he admitted 'he did not render any aid' to his victim afterwards. He is due for release on July 22 next year. Police will begin searching a series of remote mine shafts in South Australia's mid-north as the hunt for missing four-year-old Gus Lamont continues, two months after he vanished without a trace. The latest phase of the investigation is expected to run for up to three days and will see officers use specialised equipment to examine six uncovered, unfenced mine shafts located between 5.5km and 12km from the Oak Park homestead where Gus was last seen. SA Police Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams said the shafts were not previously identified, and are located outside the area already searched by crews on foot. 'We are determined to explore every avenue in an effort to locate Gus Lamont and provide some closure for his family,' she said. 'These searches will either locate evidence or eliminate these locations from further investigation by the Task Force.' Police say this stage is to make sure every possible location of interest around the homestead is checked thoroughly. Just five days into the search, a local told Daily Mail that many in the community feared the little boy may have fallen into one of the region's countless hidden shafts - raising questions about why it has taken police so long to search them. 'I would be more worried about the unmarked wells and mines he may have fallen into,' he said. 'That's the talk among locals. Police will return to Oak Park Station to continue the search for four-year-old Gus Lamont who was last seen on September 27, 2025 The boy was last seen by his grandmother playing on a mound of dirt outside in the early evening. When she returned 30 minutes later to call him inside, he had vanished 'Most aren't on any maps. If Gus' grandparents have owned that property for a while, they should know where they are - although I'm still finding new spots on my property. 'Most have different-coloured material around them from being dug out, but some are flush with the ground and have overgrowth all around them. 'Some are easy to see, some definitely not... but hopefully Gus is just lost... and not perished.' The renewed search comes after police drained a large dam on the property on October 31, ruling out concerns that Gus may have drowned. This came after extensive ground and aerial searches involving SA Police, ADF personnel, SES volunteers, Indigenous trackers and local landholders. Earlier, on October 17, police concluded a four-day search of Oak Park Station, building on an initial 10-day operation launched immediately after Gus disappeared. The ground search at Oak Park Station has now extended to 5.5km from the homestead. Police said they continue to pursue multiple lines of inquiry, though investigators say nothing uncovered so far points to foul play. Gus Lamont's grandmothers Josie, left, and Shannon Murray, right, Police divers searched dams in the early days of their frantic hunt for the missing boy A local has shared an image of an abandoned well from years gone by which dot the region Gus' family remain fully cooperative with police and are being supported by a dedicated victim contact officer as the search for answers soon enters its third month. Despite one of the largest search efforts in the country's history, involving the Australian Defence Force, helicopters with thermal imaging and Aboriginal trackers - no trace of Gus has been found eight weeks after his disappearance. The boy was last seen by his grandmother Shannon Murray playing on a mound of dirt outside in the early evening. When she returned 30 minutes later to call him inside, he had vanished. Gus lived on the station with her, grandparent Josie Murray - a transgender woman, his mother Jessica and his younger brother Ronnie. It has been reported that Gus' mum Jessica was with Josie looking for lost sheep about 10km from the homestead when Gus disappeared. A close friend of Shannon's suggested Gus could have simply wandered off to look for his mother. 'It is very easy to get lost on a station that size,' said the friend. 'Shannon grew up out there and she almost got lost a few years ago. Yunta is a dusty dot on the South Australian map with a population of just 60 Joshua Lamont, the father of missing four-year-old Gus Lamont 'Her and Josie were out on motorbikes sorting out the sheep one afternoon and they got separated for a while. She had to turn off her bike to listen out for Josie's to find her way back. 'He's a happy little boy, happy to do his own thing. But when you address him, he gets shy and hides.' Gus' father Joshua Lamont was living in a farmhouse in Belalie North - a two-hour drive away from the Murray's Outback sheep station - while still in a relationship with Jess. It is understood Mr Lamont only found out his child was missing when police woke him up at his Belalie North home, hours after Gus had vanished. He now appears to be living in Adelaide, more than 290km away from where his son was last seen. Jessica has not been seen in public since Gus vanished on September 27. It was widely understood that she remained at Oak Park Station, where she was living with her parents, Gus, and one year old Ronnie - the other son he shares with Jessica. It takes a special kind of genius to burn through nearly $100 million on a website - and still end up with something users hate. For weeks the Bureau of Meteorology tried to pretend it had undergone a modest $4m spruce up of the public site. Eventually the real number emerged: $96.5m for the new website, which is part of a seven year IT program that cost a cool $866m and blew out by more than $77m. The breakdown is farcical. About $4m was spent on the visible redesign, nearly $80m on the website build itself (seriously), and another $12.6m just to launch it and do security testing. I hope the drinks and canapes were first rate. That is the bureaus own explanation by the way, not the work of its critics. Then there is the consultants' gravy train. Accentures contract reportedly jumped from the low $30m mark to around $78m. Deloittes costs went from roughly $11m to $35m. What a joke! These are not rounding errors, they are clear evidence that no one in charge had a grip on scope, cost, or basic commercial discipline. Environment Minister Murray Watt (above) has ordered the Bureau of Meteorology to account for the $96m blowout of its website design If a private company let external vendors more than double and triple their contracts while delivering a product that triggered a public backlash, heads would roll and money would be clawed back. In government, however, the money is already gone, the vendors move on to the next tender, and the agency issues a carefully worded apology. And, of course, the politicians in charge duck for cover. This is not some irrelevant arts grant website for elites by the way. Farmers, emergency services and communities in the path of storms and floods rely on BoM data. Yet the upgrade went live just as severe weather hit, with users complaining that the site was harder to navigate, key tools like GPS-based location searches were missing or buried, and radar and rainfall displays were more confusing than previously. The backlash was so intense that BoM partially backflipped and restored the old radar visuals. Money well spent! The truth is that this is not some quirky one-off. It is how big government projects increasingly get done. The costs are often hidden behind cabinet in confidence documentation limiting scrutiny, the numbers are withheld from budgets and estimates for years - then exposed only well after the wastage occurred. The BOM website is one of the most visited in Australia... and a $96m revamp sparked uproar Core public sector capability is hollowed out in favour of consultants who embed themselves so deeply that the agency cannot maintain its own systems without them. The BoM website is an absolute fiasco, but its also a symptom of a system that lives off waste. It is a political culture that treats public money as a limitless pot, and accountability as an afterthought. And politicians wonder why ordinary citizens look at government and conclude that its hopeless, even at the basics. Australians have reacted angrily after police announced on Monday that they were launching a fresh hunt for missing South Australian four-year-old Gus Lamont. South Australia Police revealed they will finally begin searching a series of remote mineshafts in South Australia's mid-north on Tuesday. It comes as the hunt for missing toddler approaches two months to the day since he vanished without a single trace being found. The latest phase of the investigation will see officers use specialised equipment to examine six uncovered, unfenced mineshafts located between 5.5km and 12km from the Oak Park homestead where Gus was last seen. 'Police were not previously aware of the location of these sites,' an official media release admitted on Monday. The news prompted a furious backlash on social media, with many questioning how police weren't aware of six mineshafts so close to where Gus went missing on the evening of September 27. 'Keystone cops,' one Facebook user posted in response to the update. Referencing slapstick comedy movies from the 1920s, the phrase now usually refers to 'a person noted for bungling inefficiency', according to dictionary.com. Gus Lamont vanished almost two months ago from his grandparents' outback homestead Police have searched up to a 5.5km radius of the home, including in dams Other social media users were also quick to criticise why the mines weren't looked at sooner. 'They're searching NOW? Who's in charge of this circus investigation,' one post read. 'FFS do they even know what they're doing?' demanded one. 'So SAPOL didn't search these previously because from what I've read, they didn't know (the mineshafts) existed?' another added. 'But we saw photos of mineshafts? I have always been positive that the police are doing all they can but I have changed my opinion. Nothing makes sense.' Just six days into the search for Gus on October 2, the Daily Mail spoke with local station owners who revealed the area is dotted with disused mineshafts and water wells from a bygone era. At the time, one longtime resident said the possibility of Gus falling down one of them was 'the talk among the locals'. They were used as water sources for livestock and for those 'chasing the gold dream' back in the day, according to the source. Many of these sinister holes are invisible to an adult's naked eye - much less a meandering child's. A Yunta landowner shared a picture of a disused mineshaft with Daily Mail on October 2 An aerial view of the Murray family's sprawling sheep station near Yunta The station owner, who wished to remain anonymous, owns more than 30,000 acres of land that has been in his family for multiple generations, and is still stumbling across disused shafts and wells. 'Most aren't on any maps - I'm still finding new spots on my property,' he said. The local shared a picture of one of the mines he had recently discovered, which reveals why they are so difficult to see. 'Most have different-coloured material around them from being dug out, but some are flush with the ground and have overgrowth all around them,' he added. 'Some are easy to see, some definitely not.' SA Police refused to comment on the row on Monday. But in a press release, SA Police Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams said, 'We are determined to explore every avenue in an effort to locate Gus Lamont and provide some closure for his family. 'These searches will either locate evidence or eliminate these locations from further investigation by the Task Force.' Gus's devastated grandparent Josie Murray, seen in Jamestown earlier this month Gus's grandmother Shannon Murray was seen in Peterborough earlier in November Police say the fresh search area is to make sure every possible location of interest around the homestead is checked thoroughly. The renewed hunt comes after police drained a large dam on the property on October 31, ruling out concerns that Gus may have drowned. It followed extensive ground and aerial searches involving SA Police, ADF personnel, SES volunteers, Indigenous trackers and local landholders. Earlier, on October 17, police had ended a four-day search of Oak Park Station, building on an initial ten-day operation launched immediately after Gus disappeared. The ground search at Oak Park Station has now extended 5.5km from the homestead. Police said they continue to pursue multiple lines of inquiry, though investigators say nothing uncovered so far points to foul play. Gus's family remain fully cooperative with police and are being supported by a dedicated victim contact officer as the search for answers soon enters its third month. Despite one of the largest search efforts in the country's history, involving the Australian Defence Force, helicopters with thermal imaging and Aboriginal trackers - no trace of Gus has been found eight weeks after his disappearance. Mum Jessica Murray and dad Joshua Lamont pictured in 2018 The boy was last seen in the early evening, playing on a mound of dirt by his grandmother Shannon Murray. When she returned 30 minutes later to call him inside, he had vanished. Gus lived on the station with his transgender grandparent Josie Murray, his mother Jessica and his younger brother, Ronnie. It has been reported that Gus's mum Jessica was with Josie looking for lost sheep about 10km from the homestead when Gus disappeared. A close family friend suggested Gus may have simply wandered off to look for his mother. 'It is very easy to get lost on a station that size,' said the friend. 'Shannon grew up out there and she almost got lost a few years ago. 'Her and Josie were out on motorbikes sorting out the sheep one afternoon and they got separated for a while. 'She had to turn off her bike to listen out for Josie's to find her way back.' The friend revealed Gus was 'a happy little boy, happy to do his own thing. But when you address him, he gets shy and hides'. Gus's father Joshua Lamont was living in a farmhouse in Belalie North - a two-hour drive away from the Murray's Outback sheep station - while still in a relationship with Jess. It is understood Mr Lamont only found out his child was missing when police woke him up at his farmhouse, hours after Gus had vanished. He now appears to be living in Adelaide, more than 290km away from where his son was last seen. Jessica has not been seen in public since Gus vanished on September 27. A cannon, three coins and a porcelain cup were among the first objects Colombian scientists recovered from the depths of the Caribbean Sea where the mythical Spanish galleon San Jose sank in 1708 after being attacked by an English fleet. The recovery is part of a scientific investigation that the government authorized last year to study the wreckage and the causes of the sinking. Colombian researchers located the galleon in 2015, leading to legal and diplomatic disputes. Its exact location is a state secret. The ship is believed to hold 11 million gold and silver coins, emeralds and other precious cargo from Spanish-controlled colonies, which could be worth $20billion if ever recovered. So much treasure is onboard that wreck has become known as the 'Holy Grail of shipwrecks'. The ship had been on its way to King Philip V of Spain when it sank along with 600 sailors. All but 11 of the seamen went down with the vessel. President Gustavo Petro's government has said that the purpose of the deep-water expedition is research and not the treasure's seizure. Petro could be seen taking a look at the bronze cannon that was recovered, and which is still in excellent condition. A cannon has been recovered from the wreck of the San Jose galleon which sank in 1708 Colombian President Gustavo Petro oversees the recovery of a porcelain bowl from the wreck The San Jose galleon was owned by the Spanish crown when it was sunk by the British Navy near Cartagena of the coast of what is now Colombia Colombia's culture ministry said in a statement that the cannon, coins and porcelain cup will undergo a conservation process at a lab dedicated to the expedition. The wreckage is 600 meters (almost 2,000 feet) deep down in the sea. The prevailing theory has been that an explosion caused the 62-gun, three-masted galleon to sink after being ambushed by an English squadron. But Colombias government has suggested that it could have sunk for other reasons, including damage to the hull. The ship has been the subject of a legal battle in the United States, Colombia and Spain over who owns the rights to the sunken treasure. Colombia is in arbitration litigation with Sea Search Armada, a group of US investors, for the economic rights of the San Jose. The firm claims $10 billion corresponding to what they assume is worth 50% of the galleon treasure that they claim to have discovered in 1982. Earlier this year photos were released showing dozens of coins lying scattered around the wreck. A detail of an inscription reading 'Sevilla' on a cannon recovered from the wreck of the San Jose galleon Colombian President Gustavo Petro oversees the recovery of a bronze cannon Columbian researchers authored the study, which revealed images taken by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) of dozens of coins that lie scattered around the wreck about 1,970 feet under water Archaeologist Daniela Vargas Ariza, of Colombia's Naval Cadet School and the National Institute of Anthropology and History, said her team used advanced underwater imaging to examine the site. This technique included high-resolution scans of silver coins found near the stern. Those coins, known as 'cobs' or 'macuquinas,' depict the mark of Lima, Peru, and are dated 1707 - the same year the San Jose set sail. Some are stamped with the royal symbols of Castile and Leon, the emblems of Spain's empire. 'Hand-struck, irregularly shaped coins - known as cobs in English and macuquinas in Spanish - served as the primary currency in the Americas for more than two centuries,' she said in a statement. 'This body of evidence substantiates the identification of the wreck as the San Jose Galleon.' 'The finding of cobs created in 1707 at the Lima Mint points to a vessel navigating the Tierra Firme route in the early eighteenth century. The San Jose galleon is the only ship that matches these characteristics'. The wreck lies in around 2,000 feet of water about 16 miles off the coast of Cartegena The recovered items included a cannon The cannon was made out of bronze and looked to have fared well over the last 300 years The cannon can be seen being hoisted onto the deck of a Colombian Navy ship The cannon was carefully moved around the deck to be brought ashore Some coins were also recovered from the shipwreck and seabed surrounding it A porcelain cup was still intact despite having spent the last three centuries on the seabed A crane was used to lower a cage down in order for items to be retrieved from the wreck A view of the treasure that was aboard the San Jose, including Porcelain crockery, pottery and glass bottles The Colombian army previously revealed images of the wreck of the San Jose galleon, one of the largest of the Spanish Navy, sunk 300 years ago with its treasure off the Caribbean coast An intact Chinese dinner set and other fine crockery are amongst the ship's treasures he ship is believed to have been holding 11 million gold and silver coins at the time of its sinking Also found near the site was Chinese porcelain from the Kangxi period 1662 to 1722, and 17th-century cannons dated to 1665. In 2015 the Colombian government announced that a team from the navy had discovered the legendary ship lying beneath 3,100 feet of water. In 2022 another team brought back jaw-dropping images of its perfectly preserved cargo. And in 2023 the Colombian government said it would be raised before President Gustavo Petro's term of office ends in 2026. At the time a US firm claimed it found the boat and demanded half the loot. The Spanish government and an indigenous group also claimed to have rights over it. Glocca Morra, an American research company, claimed it found the San Jose in 1981 and turned the coordinates over to the Colombians on the condition it would receive half the fortune once the vessel was recovered. Images of the wrecked Spanish galleon San Jose, off the coast of Cartagena, in the Caribbean Sea The legendary San Jose Galleon, which sank in 1708 while laden with gold, silver and emeralds estimated to be worth billions of dollars Crabs walk next to a cannon that belongs to the treasure of the Spanish galleon San Jose, sunk in 1708, at the bottom of the sea off Cartagena, Colombia The exact location of this sunken vessel loaded with treasure is a state secret But this was countered in 2015 by Colombia's then president, Juan Manuel Santos, who said the Navy had found the boat at a different location on the sea bed. The 62-gun galleon was sailing from Portobelo in Panama at the head of a treasure fleet of 14 merchant vessels and three Spanish warships when it encountered the British squadron near Baru. Spain and Britain were fighting the War of the Spanish Succession at the time and the Royal Navy was approaching dominance on the high seas when it sent the San Jose to the bottom. Amidst its woes, the Opposition has found a juicy new target - Chris Bowen, who they have branded the 'part-time Energy Minister'. Bowen was absent from Question Time on Monday as he was flying home from the COP30 climate summit, where news broke that Bowen will be the chief negotiator of the next COP in Turkiye next year. While he may not have been in the House of Representatives, Bowen was very much front of mind for Liberal leader Sussan Ley, who lobbed several barbs at Bowen. 'Australians have a part-time Energy Minister delivering a part-time energy grid,' Ley said. 'This part-time Energy Minister, full-time President is absent from Parliament today, prioritising global summits ahead of reducing power prices for Australians.' Bowen's new role came about after Australia had sought for Adelaide to host the 2026 UN climate conference, but Turkiye refused to withdraw its rival bid. Under UN rules, the deadlock risked sending the event to Bonn, Germany, without a president in place. To break the impasse, Australia agreed to let Turkiye host COP31 while Bowen takes on a powerful role as President for Negotiations. Chris Bowen (pictured) was absent from Parliament on Monday after travelling from COP30 It is a demanding position which gives him authority to manage talks, appoint facilitators, prepare draft texts, and issue the final cover decision at next year's summit. 'Obviously it would be great if Australia could have it all. But we can't have it all,' Bowen said in Belem. 'This process works on consensus.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the outcome as an 'outstanding result', saying it keeps Australia at the centre of global climate action and ensures Pacific nations remain involved through a pre-COP meeting in the region. Albanese defended Bowen on Monday, accusing the Opposition of talking down 'when Australians succeed.' 'We on this side don't do that. We on this side back Australia. Back Australia is what we do,' he said. While hosting COP31 in Adelaide was projected to cost taxpayers $1billion to $2billion, the bid process alone is still expected to cost around $7million. Although that larger expense has been avoided, Bowen's new role will require significant travel over the next year, including trips to the Pacific and Turkiye for preparatory negotiations. Opposition MPs seized on Bowen's absence, heckling 'Where's the President?' during Question Time and pressing the government on power prices, referencing Albanese's 2022 election pledge to reduce power bills by $275. Treasurer Jim Chalmers pushed back, criticising the Coalition for abandoning its previous net-zero commitment in favour of an 'energy agnostic' policy. Anthony Albanese (pictured) defended Bowen, welcoming his appointment as COP President Sussan Ley (pictured) said Bowen was a 'part-time energy minister' after missing parliament 'As the Treasury and others have made very clear, if we want to see downward motion on electricity prices the best way to do that is an orderly transition to net-zero,' Chalmers said. He accused the Opposition of creating 'market uncertainty' for investors. 'If those opposite really cared about power prices for Australians, they would support our efforts to introduce that cleaner and cheaper energy,' Chalmers said. 'They couldn't give a toss about electricity prices for Australia, all they care about is the internal politics of the inner Coalition rooms.' The Opposition says its approach prioritises affordability and reliability over emissions targets, arguing that Australia should focus on 'technology-neutral' solutions, including gas, nuclear, and renewables, rather than what it calls Labor's 'ideological obsession' with net-zero. Ley's attack comes as she faces mounting pressure herself. Recent polling shows her approval ratings at record lows, fuelling speculation about her future as leader. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has responded to billionaire James Packer's 'human filth' attack on her predecessor Daniel Andrews. But she repeatedly refused to call Mr Packer by his name, and instead referred to the tycoon as 'that individual'. In a podcast interview, Mr Packer claimed Andrews almost wrecked the $8.9billion takeover of Crown Resorts by Blackstone in 2022 when he imposed a casino tax rate increase. 'Daniel Andrews is about my least favourite person in the world,' he told Joe Aston in the debut Rampart Talks podcast episode, recorded on Mr Packer's superyacht. 'I think Daniel Andrews not only ruined Victoria, he almost ruined my life. 'What he's done to the balance sheet of Victoria is impossible to fix. I couldn't speak more lowly of Daniel Andrews. I think he's human filth - I hope he sues me.' At a press conference on Monday, Allan said she strongly disagreed with the remarks about the former premier, published on Sunday. 'I disagree quite strongly with that individual's comments and his characterisation of the former premier,' she said. 'I'm going to leave my comments at that, because I'm much more focused on building for the future, keeping the community safe, and investing in frontline services. At the press conference on Monday morning, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan (pictured) said she strongly disagreed with the remarks made about Dan Andrews Former Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured right) with his wife Catherine (pictured left) has yet to respond to the damning comments made by James Packer Billionaire businessman James Packer (pictured) opened up about his life during a tell-all interview with Joe Aston on the Rampart Talks podcast 'I'm just not going to comment other than to say I most strongly disagree with that individual's characterisation of the former premier.' When he was in power, Andrews also often refused to name critics when responding publicly. Among his most notable examples is referring to 'that person' when rebel Labor MP Kaushaliya Vaghela claimed she had been pushed to the edge of a nervous breakdown by bullying inside her own party in 2022. That same year he also struggled to remember Bec Judd's name when the high-profile fashionista blasted the Labor government for surging home invasions around her $7.3million Bayside mansion in the affluent Melbourne suburb of Brighton. Andrews' reluctance to name critics was just one aspect of a leadership style that often drew scrutiny. Beyond political spats, Andrews faced challenges on weightier issues such as the integrity of Victorias gaming industry. Andrews presided over the Victorian Royal Commission in 2021, which found Crown casinos in Melbourne and Perth had engaged in illegal and exploitative conduct. Mr Packer was the majority owner of Crown, which operates casinos in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, until the company was sold to Blackstone. Former Premier Dan Andrews struggled to remember Bec Judd's (pictured) name when the high-profile fashionista blasted the Labor government for surging home invasions Mr Packer, speaking on his $200million superyacht moored off Fiji, described Andrews' actions as 'appalling' and looked forward to confronting him 'far more aggressively' in person. 'With three weeks to go (on the sale to Blackstone) f***ing Daniel Andrews changes the tax rates on Crown and rips $50million out of Crown and gives no compensation,' he said. 'It's a miracle that Blackstone didn't activate the material adverse change clause.' Andrews has yet to respond to the comments. Brittany Higgins' former boss will face off against the federal government over claims it failed to protect her following Ms Higgins' explosive allegations she was raped in Parliament House. Fiona Brown was the chief-of-staff to then-defence minister Linda Reynolds in 2019 when Ms Higgins claimed she had been raped by her colleague Bruce Lehrmann in Reynolds' office. Federal Court Justice Michael Lee found Ms Brown had shown compassion and integrity in her handling of Ms Higgins' complaint but she had been unfairly 'vilified as an unfeeling apparatchik' seeking to cover up a crime. In his headline-grabbing April 2024 judgment, he found there was no evidence of the cover-up alleged by Ms Higgins but that she had likely been raped by Lehrmann. Lehrmann is awaiting judgment in his appeal against the bruising defamation loss to Network 10. After playing a key role in the defamation proceedings, Ms Brown returned to the Federal Court on Monday for her own fight against the Commonwealth. Justice Nye Perram set the matter down for a four-week hearing beginning in March 2027, noting it could be shorter. He ordered the Commonwealth to notify Ms Brown by December 19 if it intends to make an application for part or all of her case to be struck out. Fiona Brown will take the federal government to trial over claims it failed to protect her in the wake of Brittany Higgins' allegations. She is pictured leaving court in Sydney on Monday If the trial proceeds, it will land nearly eight years after Ms Higgins first told Ms Brown she had woken semi-naked in their boss's office. She is pictured outside court in November 2023 Ms Brown served as chief-of-staff to former Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds (pictured), who is also suing the Commonwealth over its handling of Ms Higgins' compensation claim The dispute will return to court in February. If the trial proceeds, it will take place eight years after Ms Higgins told Ms Brown she had woken semi-naked in their boss's office. The then-chief-of-staff was shocked when Ms Higgins later said Lehrmann had been on top of her, Justice Lee found. He ruled that Lehrmann had been so 'hell-bent' on having sex with Ms Higgins that he didn't care whether she was consenting. Lehrmann has long denied raping Ms Higgins. A criminal trial was abandoned in 2022 with no findings made against him. His defamation lawsuit against Network 10 resulted in a finding to the lesser civil standard of the balance of probabilities that Ms Higgins was proven to be a victim of sexual assault. 'Having escaped the lions' den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat,' Justice Lee quipped. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Harrowing footage of the moment two Sea World helicopters crashed and killed four people has been played to an inquest into one of Australia's worst air disasters. The footage, recorded from inside both aircraft and from onlookers on the ground, was shown on Monday as the inquiry began examining the 2023 Gold Coast crash. British couple Ron and Diane Hughes died along with Sea World Helicopter pilot Ash Jenkinson and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros, when the two sightseeing helicopters collided above the Gold Coast Broadwater. Ms Tadros's ten-year-old son Nicholas was one of three left with critical injuries. Footage played to the inquest captured the final seconds before the two helicopters collided and crashed to a sandbank below. Family members of the victims, including Ms Tadros's husband, attended on Monday. The inquest, overseen by Coroner Carol Lee, is expected to run for several weeks and will examine the operator's training, safety procedures and communication systems. Counsel assisting the inquest, Ian Harvey, told the court the videos provided the 'inescapable conclusion' neither pilot saw the other. Harrowing footage of the moment two Sea World helicopters crashed and killed four people in January 2023 has been played to an inquest into one of the country's worst air disasters A police officer described one helicopter as a 'mangled wreck' following the mid-air collision The wreckages of both helicopters are seen following the collision over the Gold Coast estuary Ron and Diane Hughes (pictured on their wedding day) were two of four people killed in the helicopter crash Australian mother Vanessa Tadros (pictured) was the fourth person confirmed to have died in the incident He told the court both pilots were highly experienced and were operating modern machines designed with multiple safety features. 'How such a situation arose will be examined in detail during these hearings,' he said. The collision occurred less than half a minute after one of the helicopters lifted off for a short scenic flight. The first helicopter, flown by Mr Jenkinson, crashed onto a sandbank and overturned. The second helicopter, flown by pilot Michael James, sustained major damage but managed a controlled landing on the same sandbank. The inquest heard that two children, including Ms Tadros's young son, were pulled from the wreckage with significant injuries. Police officers described the scene as chaotic, with debris strewn across the sand and members of the public attempting to help the injured, the Courier Mail reported. One officer said the first helicopter was a 'mangled wreck' when he arrived. Birmingham-born Ash Jenkinson (pictured with his family) was one of the four people killed in the crash A young child was transported from the crash site by boat and then transferred to the RACQ Lifeflight helicopter and rushed to hospital in a serious condition Sea World Helicopter pilot Ash Jenkinson, 40, (pictured) was behind the controls of the helicopter which nosedived into the sandbar. He was one of four killed in the collision It follows a finding by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau earlier this year that the crash could have been prevented had a number of 'risk factors' been addressed. The damning report found multiple failures - including faulty radio communication and incomplete safety systems - contributed to the fatal collision. Carter Capner Law director Peter Carter said the inquest 'leaves open' the prospect of criminal charges in a statement on Monday. 'Weve already seen serious failings laid bare in an Australian Transport Safety Bureau report, and this inquest will put the events of January 2023 under even more scrutiny,' he said. 'Its important that affected families get more information on why too many aircraft were operating in a contested space and why faulty radio equipment was being used.' Coroner Lee said the hearings would keep the loss of four lives at the forefront of the proceedings. The inquiry will hear evidence from survivors, Air Transport Safety Bureau investigators, police and staff from Sea World Helicopters. It is set to run for three weeks. A teenage girl who was tragically killed in a house fire was the victim of a previous inferno that tore through her family's home just eight years ago. Savannah Kerr, 13, died after a blaze broke out at her family's Lawnton home, in north Brisbane, around 5.30am on Sunday. Two teenagers and a man and a woman in their 30s - believed to include Savannah's older brother and his girlfriend, both 17 - were rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital in critical condition where they are fighting for life. Authorities suspect an e-bike battery explosion may have caused the blaze and investigations remain underway. Tributes have since begun to flow online, with Savannah's aunt Jessica Wilkes saying she was a 'bright, loving, beautiful soul and our hearts will never be the same without her'. Her grandmother Julie Jenkins wrote: 'Goodbye my precious angel. I love you more than words can express'. The Daily Mail can reveal Sunday's tragedy was the second house fire to devastate the family in recent years. In December 2017, another fire gutted Savannah's family home, which was then in the neighbouring suburb of Kallangur. Savannah Kerr, 13, tragically died when a fire ripped through her family's Lawnton home on Sunday The young girl has been remembered as 'bright' and 'loving', with a 'beautiful soul' Savannah, her parents Jaimie Jenkins and Adam Kerr, two older brothers, and their pet dog Bear escaped the incident unharmed, but they lost everything they owned. A fundraising campaign set up at the time by Jaimie's mother Julie to support the family through the tragedy raised $2000. 'They have not much more than the clothes on their back and will be sleeping on my lounge room floor,' Julie wrote online in the wake of the blaze. 'A lot of beautiful people have donated clothes, food, and a little furniture, however, they also need actual cash to purchase things that are not donated and get them into another home and purchase Christmas pressies etc.' Now, once again, as the family find themselves homeless ahead of Christmas and this time grieving a loved one, relatives have rallied to support them. Ms Wilkes has launched a GoFundMe to assist the family to cover the costs of medical, funeral, housing, and support expenses. 'My sister and her partner's home was destroyed in a fire that has left our family completely shattered,' Ms Wilkes said. 'In the midst of the chaos, we suffered the unimaginable loss of my beloved niece. The Kerr/Jenkins family previously lost another home, in Kallangur, to a fire in 2017 'Other family members were rushed to the hospital and are currently in the ICU fighting for their lives. They are facing painful injuries and a long road to recovery.' Another GoFundMe has been launched to support the family of Savannah's brother's girlfriend as she continues to fight for life. '[She] is just 17 years old and is currently on life support with third degree burns covering 30 per cent of her upper body, along with life-threatening burns to her esophagus and lungs,' the page reads. '[She and her dad] need all the support, love, and prayers our community can offer right now.' The blaze at the Kerr family's D'Arcy Way home was so fierce that the roof of the house had partially collapsed by the time firefighters arrived. Neighbouring houses were evacuated as dozens of firefighters battled to contain the blaze, which threatened to spread to other properties. The four victims currently in hospital were found by first responders on the front lawn of the property. Residents had gathered around them and poured water on their burns before emergency crews arrived. Emergency services are pictured at the Lawnton home on Sunday The fire was so ferocious the roof collapsed in Not all of the occupants of the home were at the property at the time of the blaze. Several witnesses said they heard screaming and banging coming from the burning home before the four people escaped. Enes Seferovic from the Queensland Fire Department said the heat from the fire was intense. 'When we arrived we saw a number of casualties on the front lawn, with one person confirmed missing inside,' he told Nine's Today show. 'Our crews went into action, and obviously we couldn't get them in time.' Premier David Crisafulli sent his thoughts to all those involved in the blaze. 'It involves young people, it's a tight-knit part of the city and it's a tight-knit community,' he said. 'It's just so incredibly sad that we can have a situation like this. 'It involves young people and that is heartbreaking.' The FBI has sent ominous letters to members of California Governor Gavin Newsom's inner circle after his former chief of staff was indicted on corruption charges. Dana Williamson, who served as Newsom's top aide from early 2023 to the fall of 2024, was hit with 23 felony charges earlier this month for conspiring to divert $225,000 of campaign money to another staffer. Now, a host of political operatives with links to Williamson have been notified that they were surveilled during the course of the investigation into her actions. Letters reportedly began arriving in mailboxes immediately after she was charged informing the impacted individuals. According to The New York Times, a 'handful' of Newsom's current and former aides received the ominous letters. The FBI is required by law to notify people if they have been subject to surveillance. The scope of the surveillance dated between May 2024 and July 2024. During this time, communications for all those involved were intercepted. This does not mean those surveilled were the targets of the investigation. The FBI has sent ominous letters to members of California Governor Gavin Newsom 's inner circle after his former chief of staff was indicted on corruption charges Dana Williamson, who served as Newsom's top aide from early 2023 to the fall of 2024, was hit with 23 felony chargers earlier this month for conspiring to divert $225,000 of campaign money to another staffer 'People are on edge,' longtime Republican strategist Rob Stutzman told the Times. While he did not receive a letter himself, and has no involvement in the case, he said 'there's a lot of wondering if this is all there is to it.' Newsom himself is not named in the case, nor is he accused of having any involvement or knowledge in the crimes. It is not alleged that he received one of the FBI letters. Upon learning that she was under federal investigation, Newsom's office placed her on leave in November 2024. She formally quit a month later. 'This is not the kind of thing I'm used to seeing in public service,' he said after the charges were made public. 'I hold our team to very high standards of ethics and accountability, and I'm still processing the seriousness of the allegations.' Williamson, a longtime Democrat and California power broker, allegedly took part in a scheme to skim money from the campaign account of Xavier Becerra, a former Democrat congressman now running to be the next Governor of California. She allegedly schemed with Becerra's ex-chief of staff Sean McCluskie, former Capitol aide Greg Campbell and two other unnamed culprits from 2022 to the fall of 2024. Williamson, a longtime Democrat and California power broker, allegedly took part in a scheme to skim money from the campaign account of Xavier Becerra (pictured), a former Democrat congressman now running to be the next Governor of California Gavin Newsom, right, was pictured with Williamson, left, who left his administration in November 2024 The alleged plot involved Williamson using her political consulting company to bill Becerra's dormant campaign account under the pretense that the money was to pay McCluskie's wife to monitor it. But there is no record that McCluskie's wife was hired to do any such job, which Williamson had been pretending to pay her $10,000 per month for, prosecutors claim. The investigation into Williamson was launched under the Biden administration in 2023. The scheme allegedly began when McCluskie took on the role of Becerra's chief of staff in 2022. McCluskie has been a longtime top aide to Becerra, working for him while he served in Congress and as California Attorney General. On October 30, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. He agreed to pay $225,000 back in restitution to Becerra. Campbell, who is also a known lobbyist, also signed a plea deal, admitting to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the US. Dana Williamson was pictured entering court on Wednesday, when she pleaded not guilty to all charges Meanwhile, Williamson has pleaded not guilty to all the charges she is facing, including bank fraud, wire fraud and filing false tax returns. Williamson's defense lawyer, McGregor Scott, said after she accepted a role in Newsom's office, she was approached by federal agents who asked if she could help as they investigated the Democrat governor. She allegedly refused, telling them she had never seen him engage in any form of misconduct. Becerra has also not been accused of any wrongdoing. He was reportedly shocked by the allegations and has cooperated fully with the Department of Justice throughout the investigation. Despite both Becerra and Newsom being cleared of any involvement, there are concerns about how the scandal could impact both of their futures as they gear up to run for governor and president in 2028. The Australian Senate has descended into chaos after the leader of the right-wing One Nation party entered the chamber wearing a burqa. Pauline Hanson was seeking to introduce a bill that would ban full face coverings in Australia - a policy she has campaigned on for decades. Just minutes after other lawmakers blocked her from introducing that bill, she returned wearing a black burqa and floral dress that cut off above the knee. The 71-year-old's display was met by outrage from her fellow senators who branded it as 'racist'. However, Hanson refused to remove the burqa and Senate was suspended. It is the second time she has donned the Muslim clothing in parliament. In 2017, she wore a full burqa in the Senate to highlight what she said were the security issues the garment posed, linking it to terror. Hanson has also described Islam as 'a culture and ideology that is incompatible with our own'. The Australian Senate has descended into chaos after the leader of the right-wing One Nation party, Pauline Hanson, entered the chamber wearing a burqa (pictured) Pauline Hanson (pictured) wearing a burqa on the Senate floor on Monday afternoon Pauline Hanson has been suspended from the Senate, after wearing a burqa in the chamber Hanson had attempted to table a bill which would have banned burqas and full face coverings in Australia Hanson's latest stunt was condemned by Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi under parliamentary privilege. 'This is a racist senator displaying blatant racism and Islamophobia, President, and someone should be pulling her up on that,' Faruqi said. 'It is you in the chair, you should be pulling her up on that.' Faruqi said the decision by the Senate to suspend Hanson was 'the right decision', following the vote. Independent senator Fatima Payman, who wears a hijab, also expressed anger. 'She is disrespecting a faith, she is disrespecting the Muslims out there, Muslim Australians. 'It's absolutely unconstitutional. This needs to be dealt with immediately before we proceed.' Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined the criticism, calling for respect and decency in the chamber. 'I would say this to you All of us in this place have a great privilege of coming into this chamber and we represent people of every faith, of all backgrounds, and we should do so decently,' Wong said. 'And what we should not do in this place is to be disrespectful of the chamber and of people of faiths.' Pauline Hanson (pictured) had attempted to table a motion calling for the burqa to be banned Pauline Hanson (pictured) said she would continue in her efforts to 'ban the burqa' Pauline Hanson (pictured) was condemned by the Greens, Labor and Opposition for the stunt Following heated debate, senators voted to suspend Hanson from the Senate, and she was ordered to return when she changed into 'appropriate' clothing. Hanson did not get to speak to or debate her motion. The Senate was suspended shortly after Hanson was ordered to leave the chamber. Shortly after the incident, Hanson took to social media, reiterating her stance to 'ban the burqa'. 'Today, the Senate blocked the introduction of my Bill to ban the burqa and other full face coverings in public places,' she said. 'Despite the ban in 24 countries across the world (including Islamic countries), the hypocrites in our parliament have rejected my Bill.' Hanson said she would continue to wear the burqa, until it was banned. 'So if the parliament won't ban it, I will display this oppressive, radical, non-religious head garb that risk our national security and the ill treatment of women on the floor of our parliament so that every Australian knows what's at stake.' 'If they don't want me wearing it - ban the burqa,' Hanson said. Speaking to reporters after the suspension, Greens leader Larissa Waters said Hanson's behaviour was an 'abomination'. 'Senator Hanson's stunt today doesn't make anybody's rent cheaper, doesn't make anybody's grocery bills cheaper, doesn't make anybody's life materially better,' Waters said. 'All it does is make people of colour feel less safe in this country and that is an abomination and it is right that she is suspended'. Hanson previously did a similar stunt in 2017, which was rebuked by then Attorney-General George Brandis, who denounced Hanson's actions. 'To ridicule someone's religious garments is appalling. We are a tolerant society, and we should respect people's faith,' Brandis said at the time. Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, said she had been 'praying to God' that she was pregnant when her husband was shot and killed. The 37-year-old was speaking with Megyn Kelly during a live on-stage interview in Arizona on Friday when she revealed how her longing for a larger family sparked the revelation. Erika told Kelly during a tour stop in Glendale: 'I was praying to God that I was pregnant when he got murdered.' 'You told me this in private. How many kids did you want to have?' Megyn asked. 'We wanted to have four,' Erika responded. 'Oh, wow,' Megyn replied. 'I thought of that once. Whether it was meant to be or whether we'd get news like that.' Erika continued: 'I was like, oh, goodness, that was going to be the ultimate blessing out of this catastrophe.' Charlie, founder of Turning Point USA and one of the most visible conservative activists in the country, was shot and killed in September while speaking to students at Utah Valley University in Orem. Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, tearfully revealed how she had been 'praying to God' she was pregnant when her husband was shot and killed in September Erika told of her private longing during a live interview with Megyn Kelly in Arizona on Friday Erika and her late husband, Charlie, had two children together but the couple wanted four She then urged young women not to wait to start having children. 'When I see young couples, I tell them, "Please, don't put it off." Especially if you're a young woman. Don't put it off, you can always have a career, you can always, you know, go back to work. You can never just go back to having children. And they grow so fast and so quickly,' she urged. 'I was praying. Both of us were. We were just excited to just expand our family.' Kelly told her, 'Thank God you have the two. Thank God.' 'A boy and girl. I know,' Erika said, adding that one day they will understand their father's public role. Kelly said, 'One day they'll find out they're Charlie Kirk's children and they'll know what that means,' drawing applause from the crowd. Fridays interview marked one of Erika's most personal public comments since her husbands assassination. Charlie is seen hosting an event at Utah Valley University, where he talked to a large crowd just minutes before he was fatally shot The pair had been married for four years, getting engaged two years after they first met Donald Trump embraces Erika at a memorial for Charlie in Glendale, Arizona, in September Police arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson for Charlie's murder. Authorities say he turned himself in shortly after the shooting. The killing prompted swift reactions across the conservative movement. Charlie's memorial service, held at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, was attended by President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and a wide range of Republican officials and influencers. At the service, Erika took to the stage at his memorial service to deliver powerful remarks on his life and legacy, even astonishingly forgiving his alleged assassin in her moving speech. Erika said Charlie 'wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life... I forgive him,' as the crowd erupted in applause. 'I forgive him because it's what Christ did. The answer to hate is not hate.' The couple had two children - a one-year-old boy and three-year-old girl Kelly spoke to Erika in Glendale, Arizona in a conversation recorded on Friday Charlie founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and built it into the most prominent conservative youth organization in the country. Trump praised him as one of the 'key reasons' he won reelection. But Charlie's prominence also brought criticism. He attacked gay and transgender rights, frequently engaged in high-profile cultural disputes, and amplified Trump's false claims that former vice-president Kamala Harris encouraged migrants to enter the US illegally. He also drew condemnation for calling George Floyd a 'scumbag,' remarks that fueled accusations he inflamed racial tensions for political gain. Slender Man stabber Morgan Geyser is back in custody after cutting off her ankle monitor and escaping from a group home. The 23-year-old fled the facility, located in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin a suburb of Madison, on Saturday night, according to authorities. She was last seen near the home with an adult acquaintance, and police in Posen, Illinois confirmed to WISN that Geyser and another individual were found at a Thornton's truck stop. They apparently took a bus to Posen - about 25 miles south of Chicago - and were both taken into custody. It now remains unclear what will become of Geyser, after she was granted conditional release from a mental institution earlier this year and sent to the group home to continue treatment for a psychotic spectrum disorder. She was just 12 years old she and Anissa Weier lured their friend, Peyton Leutner, into the woods of Waukesha during a sleepover and stabbed her 19 times. During the vicious attack, Geyser carried out the stabbing while Weier, who was also 12, cheered on the cold-hearted act of violence. The sinister duo then abandoned Leutner - leaving her to die - but she miraculously survived. She managed to crawl out of the woods, where a cyclist found her. Weier and Geyser had conspired for months to slaughter Leutner in the name of the fictional horror character Slender Man. Morgan Geyser appeared in court in January, when a judge ruled that she could be released if three experts testified that she was making progress in her battle against mental illness. She is now back in custody after cutting off her ankle monitor and fleeing her group home Anissa Weier, pictured after the attack, cheered on Geyser as she stabbed the helpless victim Peyton Leutner, pictured as a child, miraculously crawled her way out of the woods and survived after Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier lured Leutner for a sleepover and stabbed her 19 times The pre-teens told detectives they had to kill Leutner to become Slender Man's 'proxies,' or servants, and that the character would kill their families if they did not comply. They were both charged in adult court with first-degree attempted intentional homicide. Slender Man is a fictional horror character Weier had pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempted second-degree intentional homicide as a party to a crime, but the jury found her to be not guilty by mental disease or defect in 2017. Geyser, who has schizophrenia, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, but as part of her plea deal, was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in 2018. Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren, who has since retired, had committed her to a psychiatric hospital for 40 years - a sentence she only served about 25 percent of. In January, Bohren said Geyser could be released after three experts testified that she was making progress battling her mental illness. Geyser, pictured at age 12, stabbed her friend 19 times as a sacrifice to Slender Man During the same hearing, Geyser also came out as transgender, but female pronouns have continued to be used for court consistency, Dr Brooke Lundbohm, who psych evaluated Geyser, explained. At the time, Dr Kenneth Robbins claimed that Geyser no longer had the psychosis symptoms that played a significant role in the violent assault she committed. Lundbohm's treatment team came to the same conclusion. 'I think either she was experiencing transient psychotic symptoms, which is to say psychotic symptoms that didn't persist and gradually went away,' Robbins explained. 'Or the intensity of her fantasies based on some of the trauma she had experienced were so intense that she believed them to be true.' The trauma Robbins referred to was Geyser's claims of sexual abuse by her father, who died in 2023. Geyser's father had also reportedly been diagnosed with schizophrenia, Stacie Leutner told ABC. But Geyser's symptoms more closely align with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and autism, Robbins said. Geyser, pictured in 2017, pleaded guilty, but was found not guilty by reason of mental illness While Bohren agreed to Geyser's release to a group home - effectively slashing her sentence by about three decades - the plan had to be reworked several times. The judge approved it in July, but the process to remove Geyser from the secure mental hospital was difficult, as multiple group homes had turned her away. But the decision was not made without pushback. In March, state health officials argued that Geyser was in no condition to walk free from the institution after evidence emerged of an unsettling correspondence she was having with an 'older man' called Jeffrey, who sold murder memorabilia. Jeffery, who first visited her in June 2023, sent her a letter after she was granted conditional release in January 2025. Geyser reportedly ripped it up and threw it away, Nicole Whiteaker, her conditional release program supervisor, testified in March. Whiteaker said Geyser then asked for a no-contact order from Jeffrey, adding that she found details about Geyser on the man's Facebook that were 'concerning.' Nicole Whiteaker claimed Geyser drew a concerning image of a decapitated man that she sent to Jeffery Geyser had sent him her own sketch of a decapitated body and a postcard saying she wanted to be intimate with him. The drawings were described as 'horror' art. Jeffrey was reportedly selling the pieces that Geyser sent him. One of the drawings, shown in court, depicted an unearthly creature with the message 'they crumble as they crawl.' Channel Seven star Andrew 'Cosi' Costello shared how a charity trip to Cambodia ended in a medical emergency that quickly spiralled into a terrifying ordeal. Costello was visiting the southeast Asian country for Cows for Cambodia - a charity that provides cows to farmers - but had to go into emergency surgery last Monday due to a burst appendix. The popular South Australian TV personality had woken up with pain that gradually worsened throughout the day. Costello finally went to hospital where a doctor informed him his appendix had ruptured and he'd need surgery - at a cost of around $16,000. On top of the stress of undergoing an operation far from home, Costello then had the nightmare experience of waking up in the operating theatre to hear doctors discussing there was a problem because he couldn't be intubated. 'That moment was the most terrifying because when I woke up, I was under the impression that they finished, and I could hear that they were really worried and I could hear by the tone of their voices that something was not right,' he told the Adelaide Advertiser. He said he pleaded with doctors to knock him back out, but they eventually administered a spinal tap to numb his lower half and used a tarp to block his view of the surgery. 'That's when it really dawned on me that I was going to be awake... but I either passed out or they drugged me out, and then when I woke up it was done,' Costello said. Andrew 'Cosi' Costello (pictured) suffered a ruptured appendix while in Cambodia Costello (pictured) spent four hours in surgery to remove the appendix Costello (pictured with his wife, Sammy) and his team have since resumed their charity mission in Cambodia When he woke up four hours later, a smiling Cambodian nurse showed him the removed appendix in a jar. Costello thanked the staff for their kindness and care but also shared an important message to any Aussies heading overseas - buy travel insurance. Without insurance, he would be facing a $16,000 medical bill. Costello's wife, Sammy, flew to Cambodia to be by his side as he recovered. 'I was just so worried he was going to get an infection and that just goes with so many other problems as well,' she said. Costello and his team have since continued their charity mission in Cambodia. BBC bosses will be quizzed by MPs today over the corporation's misleading Panorama edit. Chairman Samir Shah, board member Sir Robbie Gibb and former editorial adviser Michael Prescott are expected to face a series of questions on editorial standards. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee wrote to the BBC with concerns following the selective editing of a speech made by President Donald Trump before the attack on the US Capitol in 2021. Director-general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness resigned in the ensuing fallout, while Mr Shah apologised on behalf of the corporation over an 'error of judgment' and accepted the editing of the 2024 documentary gave 'the impression of a direct call for violent action'. The committee will now quiz bosses in a session beginning at 3.30pm. It follows BBC board member Shumeet Banerji's announcment last week he would be leaving his role. Mr Trump had threatened the corporation with a billion-dollar lawsuit after the report was made public, while US regulator the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched an investigation. In response to Mr Trump's threat, a BBC spokesman said: 'We have had no further contact from President Trump's lawyers at this point. Our position remains the same.' Director-general Tim Davie (pictured) and news chief Deborah Turness resigned in the ensuing fallout Chairman Samir Shah (pictured), board member Sir Robbie Gibb and former editorial adviser Michael Prescott are expected to face a series of questions on editorial standards Sir Robbie, a former senior Conservative Party adviser, has faced calls for his removal from the BBC board, with creative industries union Bectu saying his position was 'untenable'. It added he was perceived by corporation staff as being 'sympathetic to, or actively part of, a campaign to undermine the BBC and influence its political impartiality'. Earlier this month, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Sir Robbie, branding him a 'Conservative crony' in Commons - but the Prime Minister declined to comment on the 'the individual runnings of the BBC'. Sir Robbie, who served as director of communications for Theresa May, has not spoken about the criticism of his board role. The committee of MPs will also hear from former BBC editorial standards adviser Caroline Daniel and non-executive director Caroline Thomson. Last week it was revealed a top BBC chief had urged her staff to 'check in' with colleagues who work in news following the 'attacks' over the Panorama scandal. Kate Phillips, a frontrunner to succeed Tim Davie as Director General, sent a gushing internal email to rally her 'incredible' troops last Friday. The chief content officer sought to raise morale as Mr Trump threatened to sue the broadcaster for up to $5billion after it admitted doctoring footage of his speech. Sir Robbie Gibb (pictured) will also be quizzed, alongside Chairman Samir Shah and Michael Prescott In an email seen by the Mail, following the resignations of Mr Davie and Ms Turness, Ms Phillips wrote: 'Well, we got through the week. 'Thank you so much to everyone who's been in touch. 'Ive really appreciated your candour, and what has come through loud and clear is how passionately you care about the BBC and the work you do, but also the understandable upset and frustration at what has happened. I feel the same.' She picked up on Lisa Nandy's address to Parliament where the Culture Secretary 'highlighted the danger of sustained attacks against the BBC'. 'Of course were always utterly accountable, and concerns over editorial failings should always be raised,' Ms Phillips wrote. 'But that should be in the spirit of making the best public service broadcaster in the world even better. 'As Tim said on the all-staff call earlier this week, these times are difficult for all of us, but if we make the case for the BBC and focus on delivering for audiences we will get through them - and we will thrive.' Ms Phillips praised the BBC as providing 'the best journalism in the world', adding: 'Our friends and colleagues in News are doing an extraordinary job - please take a moment to check in with those you know there. 'And if you still have questions, Id encourage you to keep talking to the senior leaders in your areas.' A German drug dealer avoided being deported after he claimed he would face 'very significant obstacles' in integration. Saleh Hussein Hamid, 25, who is a lawyer, said he came to Britain as a child and was allowed to stay because he does not speak German well enough, despite being a German citizen, although the ruling has now been quashed. The drug dealer was jailed for 33 months in September 2022 after he was caught in a police sting. Hamid, who took orders through his phone, unknowingly dropped off heroin and crack cocaine to an undercover police officer on multiple occasions. Police tried to pull him over as he drove a Mercedes through Leeds as he ran three sets of red lights before crashing into a metal post. Hamid, who was described in court as a 'ring and bring' dealer, was eventually detained while on foot with officers, finding 300 in cash and 240 worth of cannabis separated into street deals. He was convicted on eight counts of supplying Class A and Class B drugs across West Yorkshire. He also admitted dangerous driving and driving without insurance. Saleh Hussein Hamid, 25, was allowed to stay in UK because he does not speak German well enough despite being a German citizen The Home Office had ruled that Hamid would be sent to Germany following his release from prison. However, his lawyers appealed the decision under human rights rules, arguing that Hamid arrived in Britain as a child and was unable to speak German. It was also claimed that Hamid would be targeted by far-right German groups, with the country being less tolerant of his Muslim faith. The judge's ruling over Hamid's future has now been quashed, with a new one expected next year. A teenager has been arrested after a boy was allegedly stabbed to death behind a school. Emergency services, including a CareFlight helicopter, rushed to Bruce Purser Reserve, a grassy area behind Rouse Hill High School in north-west Sydney, at about 4.20pm on Monday afternoon. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the 17-year-old boy, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. It's understood the teenager was wearing a school uniform and was allegedly stabbed in the thigh. NSW Police received reports that two people, believed to be teenagers, had allegedly fled the area. One of them was also believed to be wearing a school uniform. NSW Police said a 15-year-old boy was arrested after presenting to Riverstone Police Station shortly before 7pm. He was accompanied by a parent. 'He is providing information to us about the circumstances this afternoon,' Hills Area Commander Superintendent Naomi Moore told reporters on Monday night. A teenage boy was allegedly stabbed to death behind Rouse Hill High School (pictured, paramedics at the scene) It's understood the teenage boy was allegedly stabbed in the thigh (pictured, emergency services at the scene) 'He is under arrest and assisting with inquiries,' she added. Superintendent Moore said it was too early to determine if the incident was gang-related, but investigators believed there was some connection. 'It's very early in the investigation, but I will say to you that I don't believe it was random,' she said. 'There is some connection, but that will take some time to draw out.' She said the stabbed teenager was with another boy and they were allegedly confronted by a separate group of two to three boys. There is no link to Rouse Hill High School, she confirmed. A group of females who were in the park witnessed the attack and rendered aid to the injured boy before paramedics arrived. A crime scene has been established on Caballo Street. Police were looking for two suspects seen allegedly running from the area Paramedics worked to resuscitate the boy but he was declared dead at the scene. The area is a park behind a primary school and high school Superintendent Moore thanked the several young women who ran to help the injured boy. 'It would have been a horrifically confronting situation for those people, and I can only praise them,' she said. 'Emergency services have been called but unfortunately that boy died at the scene.' She also said officers had been to the family's home and spoken with his parents. Local Federal MP Michelle Rowland described the teenager's death as the 'tragic loss of a young life'. 'My thoughts and deepest condolences are with the young boy's family during this extremely difficult time,' she said in a statement. 'There is no place in our community for these acts of senseless violence, and I know this news will be particularly distressing for local families. 'May he rest in peace.' Hills Shire Council mayor Dr Michelle Byrne said the incident would shake the community. 'I am deeply saddened to learn of the fatal stabbing of a teenager in Rouse Hill,' Dr Byrne said. 'This is a heartbreaking and senseless loss of a young life, and my thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with the family, friends, and all who are affected by this tragedy. 'I want to acknowledge and thank the first responders who attended the scene, as well as the NSW Police officers who will now lead the investigation. 'Their work in the most difficult of circumstances is deeply appreciated by our entire community. 'Incidents like this shake us all. Our community is strong, compassionate and resilient, and in moments like these we must look out for one another.' The Royal Navy has intercepted a Russian warship in the English Channel amid what the Ministry of Defence says is a sharp rise in Moscow's naval activity close to British waters. According to officials, UK patrol vessel HMS Severn shadowed the Russian corvette RFN Stoikiy and the tanker Yelnya over the past two weeks as they made their way through the busy shipping lane. Severn later passed monitoring duties to a NATO partner off the coast of Brittany. The MoD says Russian movements around the UK have surged by 30 per cent in the past two years. Alongside the ships stationed around Britain's coastline, three Poseidon surveillance aircraft have been deployed to Iceland in support of a NATO mission tracking Russian vessels and submarines across the North Atlantic and Arctic. The heightened tensions come just days after John Healey revealed that the Russian spy ship Yantar had directed lasers at pilots flying surveillance aircraft off Scotland. Britain condemned the behaviour as 'reckless and dangerous,' warning that it would respond to any incursions. 'My message to Russia and to Putin is this: We see you. We know what you're doing,' John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said on Wednesday. The deck of the HMS Severn looks out toward the Russian corvette RFN Stoikiy off the UK coast HMS Hurworth tracks RFN Stoikiy. The MoD says Russian movements around the UK have surged by 30 per cent in the past two years An infrared photograph of Russian spy ship Yantar taken following its recent arrival to the edge of British waters. It is thought to be capable of mapping underwater cables Royal Navy were activated twice in two weeks to intercept Russian ships in UK waters The Russian Embassy in London fired back, accusing the UK of 'whipping up militaristic hysteria' and insisting Moscow had no intention of threatening Britain's security. Healey's warning comes as he presses for increased defence spending ahead of next week's budget. Keir Starmer has promised major boosts to military funding amid threats from Russia, China and Iran but the government is wrestling with tax rises and spending cuts as it tries to plug a multibillion pound financial gap. Last November, the ship was sent packing after 'loitering over UK critical undersea infrastructure' off the coast of Cornwall, having been chased out of the Irish Sea - and it was then seen again in January. Actions to intercept and monitor the boat once more were a 'demonstration of a British readiness to act, a British capability to act', Mr Healey said. He said of the boat: 'It isn't just a naval operation - it's part of a Russian programme... that is designed to have capabilities which can undertake surveillance in peacetime and sabotage in conflict. 'Make no mistake: we will not tolerate a threat to the British people's essential connections underwater.' Downing Street has not said what representations the Government has made to Russia following the appearance of the Yantar off British waters. A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: 'Our position on Russian interference is clear... (but) I'm not going to get into conversations on the diplomatic level.' Defence Secretary John Healey said a Russian spy ship had been spotted on the edge of UK waters As Mr Healey gave his speech at Downing Street last Wednesday, the infrared photograph of the Yantar was displayed on a television screen The Yantar (front) has made two visits to the edge of British territory in the last year - both times in areas where key underwater infrastructure is situated The Yantar is thought to be capable of launching submersibles capable of cutting undersea cables - which could cripple the UK's telecoms infrastructure. Moscow claims it is an 'oceanographic research vessel'. It also passed through the English channel in 2018, and has been seen near Brazil and in the Mediterranean in areas where underwater infrastructure lies. Some 99 per cent of all internet traffic is passed through undersea cables, making them particularly vulnerable if attacked - and a potent target for Putin should he wish to cripple Western nations. Last year, a power cable and four fibre optic cables between Finland and Estonia were damaged by a cargo ship carrying Russian oil - alleged to be part of Putin's 'shadow fleet' of vessels sailing with malicious intent. Authorities accused the Eagle S of deliberately dragging its anchor to damage the cables. Russia has branded claims of a shadow fleet as a 'myth'. Helsinki District Court in Finland dismissed the case last month due to lack of jurisdiction. The Defence Secretary has changed the Navy's rules of engagement allowing it to follow the Yantar at close distance (as seen in an image released by the MoD today) A school has replaced 160 truancy fines with education awareness courses for parents in a bid to tackle high numbers of children regularly missing lessons. Netley Primary School in Camden, North London, is asking parents at risk of getting a fixed penalty notice to attend four sessions about the risks of persistent absence. Headteacher Gareth Morris said his 'empathetic' approach was inspired by speed awareness courses offered to motorists as an educational alternative to fines. Camden Council has praised the initiative with the school saying it had 'dramatically' improved attendance for 75 per cent of children whose parents have attended. And parents of children at the primary school have welcomed the scheme with open arms. Kelly Strong, 43, backed the headteacher's 'compassionate approach to truancy. She said: Theyre always bringing us in for assemblies to help parents understand when children arent well enough for school and when they are. The office administrator added: 'It's a very good school.' Rahma Hassan, 36, said: School absence is quite a big problem in schools up and down the country so its quite positive theyve got some help for parents. Gareth Morris, headteacher Netley Primary School in Camden, North London, with its family and children's champion Simone Sarosh-Cambridge But education charity Impetus wants schools to be cautious, saying such a scheme could damage relationships between parents and schools if poorly implemented. One parent, who did not wish to be named, said she felt picked on when school staff pointed out that her daughter's attendance was low through no fault of her own. She gets croup, the mother explained: In winter, we end up in A&E. Summer time, were fine but in winter, were always in and out of the hospital. Luckily, her daughter is much better now, having mostly been affected for a two-year period when she was a bit younger. But she was once called in by staff for a meeting to discuss her childs absence and felt accused of having kept her out of school unnecessarily. She said: The system just picks on you. I have two kids ones attendance is bad because shes not well and then ones attendance is absolutely perfect. And they just picked me out and I was like, Yeah, but why would I bring one kid to school and not the other? So, it has to be balanced in terms of that. You cant just be bringing one child and keeping one child at home for no reason unless theyre actually sick. They told me to come in for a meeting and when I went in, they said to me, 'Oh, its because of the absence. I was going to just accept it and then I remembered, the other one isnt always sick. I said to them, Check one of the children and then check the other one. Netley Primary School in Camden, North London, is asking parents at risk of getting a fixed penalty notice to attend four sessions about the risks of persistent absence And they checked and they go, Yeah, this ones attendance is 97 per cent and this one is 80-something, and I said, Yeah, because this ones sick. Im not just going to bring one child and make my way. And they said, Oh, OK, sorry, we understand. There was that understanding. But some parents who dont speak English, that could have happened to them, and you know its not fair. They need to check every other sibling, its not a matter of going on holiday or something. What are the rules on school absence? Parents can be issued with a fine if their child has had at least ten half days of unauthorised absence - equivalent to five school days - within a rolling ten-school week period. A penalty notice issued for an offence of unauthorised absence will result in a fine of up to 160 per pupil, per parent - reduced to 80 if paid within 21 days. A second unauthorised absence offence in three years will attract a flat rate fine of 160 per pupil, per parent. A third offence will result in the case going to a magistrates' court where prosecution can result in a fine of up to 2,500 or three months in jail. Such a case can also feature on a parent's future Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate due to 'failure to safeguard a child's education'. Any leave of absence must generally be agreed by a school's headteacher, who normally only approves such a request for 'unavoidable' or 'exceptional' circumstances. Advertisement But she did add she had noticed fewer children were truant from school in recent times, with the courses in place: School absence has reduced, absolutely. Mr Morris said parents of pupils at his inner-city school - rated 'good' in its most recent Ofsted inspection - were 'very aspirational' but 'very overprotective as well'. He told Schools Week: 'If there's a slight cold or it's a little bit wet outside, the parents are a little bit nervous about their children, so can be a little bit overcautious. 'We realised that actually, rather than going straight to the fixed penalty notices, we need some more support to understand the issues.' Mr Morris added that a 'shift in culture' and the price of air travel since the pandemic had led to surge in parents taking children on holiday during term time. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'If we take out holidays during term time, then our persistent absence has reduced significantly. 'However, a fixed penalty notice is not enough to deter these holidays as the fine of 120 is significantly cheaper than the thousands of pounds a family can save by going in term time. 'A wider discussion about radically changing the approach of how school terms work is needed.' Mr Morris and the school's family support worker, Simone Sarosh-Cambridge, have been offering the four-hour sessions which take place weekly after drop-off. Parents learn about what persistent absence can mean for their child in future, from their chances of getting into university to their future salary. They are shown a sequence of a train, with all children starting in the first carriage before those who miss a day of school move back a carriage, until they are much further behind their classmates. Parents also do a jigsaw puzzle before realising some pieces are missing, which is intended to show them the anxiety children feel when they cannot succeed because they have missed learning. Mr Morris said 12 parents were offered awareness courses and eight took part who have seen their child's attendance increase from below 90 per cent to above 95 per cent. The other four families received fines. Schools in Camden are said to have the highest sickness absence rates in inner London, with one in five pupils across the borough persistently absent missing 10 per cent of sessions a year. The Centre for Social Justice has urged the Government to introduce mandatory attendance awareness courses across the country at the beginning of the legal intervention process for unauthorised absence. The think tank believes parents should be referred to a course before being issued a fine, adding that a UK rollout would see over one million fewer days lost to absence over a parliamentary period. In a post on social media, the CSJ said: 'Good on Netley Primary School. With almost half of parents now saying it is reasonable to miss one in ten days of school, awareness courses tackle absence at its roots. Ministers should use next year's White Paper to expand them nationally.' But Dr Carlie Goldsmith, senior policy advisor at Impetus, said: 'While a course that supports parents and builds relationships could be very effective, a badly implemented or coercive approach to attendance awareness courses risks further damaging the already fractured relationship between parents and schools. 'As initiatives like this become more common, robust evaluation will be particularly important.' A Netley Primary School spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'We recognise that attendance is a complex matter with many different factors affecting children and families. 'As a school, we always like to work with families so will invite parents in for meetings to listen and understand the specific context around their child's attendance, before working out how we can best support their child to attend school more regularly.' A returned Israeli hostage has revealed the full horrific details of the sexual assault he suffered at the hands of Hamas while he was held captive in Gaza. Guy Dalal-Gilboa, who was released as part of last months ceasefire deal, said his captor mockingly suggested they make a porn film together before sexually abusing him. The 24-year-old, who was abducted on October 7, 2023, from the Supernova music festival, said he was then held at gunpoint and knifepoint by the guard, who threatened violence if he told anyone about the assault. Mr Dalal-Gilboa's interview with Israel's Channel 12 marks the second time a freed male hostage has publicly disclosed the sexual abuse he suffered in captivity, following Rom Braslavski's astonishing testimony earlier in the month. Recounting one of the most traumatic incidents he experienced over 738 days in Gaza, Mr Dalal-Gilboa described how his guard escorted him, blindfolded, to a room and began quizzing him about pornography, asking: 'You havent seen girls in a long time, right? Want to watch porn? Want me and you to make a porn film?' The captor then proceeded to sexually abuse Mr Dalal-Gilboa by touching him from behind, while taunting him by saying 'he loves me'. 'He started touching my whole body and I froze at that moment. He started touching and kissing my neck, kissing my back. It was very, very scary,' he said. He described how his heart began 'beating really, really, really fast,' prompting the guard to ask if he was scared. 'I told him yes,' Mr Dalal-Gilboa said. 'He took me, pressed a gun to my head and a knife to my throat and told me that if I told any one of the guys inside - [fellow hostages or one of the other guards] - then he would kill me. In an interview, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, revealed how he was held at knife point and sexually assaulted by a Hamas terrorist Relatives and friends of hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal show pictures of him returning to Israel after his release from Gaza on October 13, 2025 in Ra'anana, Israel Former hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal waves to supporters outside Beilinson Hospital in the Rabin Medical Centre on October 13, 2025 in Petah Tikva, Israel Mr Gilboa-Dalal recounted the pain of not being able to confide in any one about the trauma of the assault. 'Not only did I go through that terrible experience, I also couldn't tell anyone. I had to keep it to myself, inside me,' he said. In another incident, the former hostage described how his captor turned a moment of basic hygiene into a violent and degrading attack. I showered and he took me by force and pulled me into their room, and wouldnt let me get dressed. He also takes off his own trousers,' Mr Gilboa-Dalal said. 'I told him: "Youre joking, right? Thats forbidden in Islam. Youre Muslim, things like this are forbidden."' Despite Mr Gilboa-Dalal's attempts to prevent the attack, the captor proceeded on with the sexual assault. 'I didnt see him, my face was turned [one] way and he was behind me, and he rubbed his genitals against my anus for a few minutes, and I really froze,' the former hostage said. 'I didnt know what to do with myself at that moment,' Mr Gilboa-Dalal said, describing the fear he felt that the assault might become a 'regular thing,' or that it could 'slowly get worse - that itll be with even more beatings, and itll be even more violent, and even more invasive'. Luckily, the shower incident was the last time he was sexually abused, but the fear never left Mr Gilboa-Dalal, who was tormented by the idea that he was always only seconds away from the next assault. Mr Gilboa-Dalal recounted the pain of not being able to confide in anyone about the trauma of the assault Mr Gilboa-Dalal's family revealed that while in Gaza, he suffered from several infections, lost his hearing in one ear, and developed skin problems Throughout his captivity, Mr Gilboa-Dalal also wrestled with the idea of converting to Islam. 'I tried to get information from them about Islam and about the Quran, even to the point where I thought about converting to Islam, just to try to keep a good relationship with them,' he said. His family revealed that while in Gaza, he suffered from several infections, lost his hearing in one ear, and developed skin problems. After he was freed as part of the US-brokered ceasefire, his father disclosed that he was undergoing psychological care to help him process what happened to him. He was filmed joyfully tasting his mothers homemade sweets for the first time since he was released in the car journey home, after over two years of starvation. Mr Gilboa-Dalal's brutal account comes after Mr Braslavski, 21, became the first male hostage to share his shocking story of sexual abuse and reveal the dreadful nature of the horrors inflicted by Palestinian terrorists. He was kidnapped and imprisoned by members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) on October 7 - where, he says, he was repeatedly sexually violated and brutally beaten with a donkey whip. Speaking to Channel 13, he said he was made to dance, tortured for 20 minutes seven times a day, and blindfolded while stones were inserted into his ears with nails - leaving him unable to see or hear for weeks. 'They stripped me of all my clothes - underwear, everything. They tied me up from my... while I was completely naked. I was torn apart, dying, with no food,' he said. 'It was sexual violence - and its main purpose was to humiliate me,' he said. 'The goal was to crush my dignity. And that's exactly what he did.' When asked by reporter Roni Aviram if more assaults took place, Mr Braslavski confirmed they had. 'Yes. It's hard for me to talk about that part specifically. I don't like to talk about it. It's hard, It was the most horrific thing,' he said. 'It's something even the Nazis didn't do. During Hitler's time, they wouldn't have done things like this. You just pray for it to stop. And while I was there - every day, every beating - I'd say to myself: "I survived another day in hell. Tomorrow morning, I'll wake up to another hell. And another. And another. It doesn't end."' Describing the daily abuse he experienced, Mr Braslavski said: 'They beat me with everything they had. They smashed a radio over my head. They broke a big stick on me. The whip itself bent completely - it was metal. They bent metal from how hard they were hitting.' Rom Braslavski broke down in tears as he revealed how he was sexually abused by Hamas militants. He became the first male victim to share his experience While female hostages such as Amit Soussana and Ilana Gritzewsky have bravely spoken of sexual assault in captivity, Mr Dalal-Gilboa and Mr Braslavski are the first male survivors to publicly describe such abuse. Ms Gritzewsky, who testified before the UN Security Council, described being held at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. She said: 'On the way to Gaza, when they started to touch me and sexually abuse me, I passed out physically and mentally. I couldn't handle it anymore.' In May, 15-year-old Dafna Elyakim spoke publicly about the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of one of her Hamas captors during her time in Gaza. She had been abducted from her father's home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz along with her younger sister, Ela, then aged eight. 'We had one guard, one of the terrorists, who would touch me all the time, or tell me that I was going to stay there - that they would return Ela and everyone else - and only I would stay behind with him. He said we were going to have children together and a house and all that,' she said. 'He would always tell me that he was coming with me to shower.' Earlier this month, Aviva Siegal, 62, who was taken by Hamas, told the UN Committee Against Torture (UNCAT) in Geneva about how she witnessed a teenage girl being sexually assaulted. Aviva Siegal opened up about the horrific sexual abuse she witnessed while in captivity Amit Soussana, a former hostage, speaks to the press near her house where she was kidnapped during the October 7 attack on the kibbutz, on January 29, 2024, in Kfar Aza, Israel Ilana Gritzewsky is comforted after speaking about her experiences as a hostage during a discussion with the House Foreign Affairs Committee on February 12, 2025, in Washington She said: 'I am witness to one of the girls who was with us, that the Hamas terrorist came to the bathroom, told her to get undressed, came into the shower with her, and forced her to do oral sex. And she had to smile after she did that too. 'I am a witness of one of the girls who was forced to take a shower. She is 16 years old, she's never ever shown anybody her body, the Hamas terrorist just stood there and stared and smiled.' Last week, Dr Itai Pessach - who treated one quarter of all returning hostages at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv - told the Daily Mail: 'Almost fifty percent of them had endured significant sexual assaults.' 'And how do you define it? Being watched naked while bathing and forced to dress in front of a few men? To me, that also counts as assault. Therefore, the figure could be far higher,' he added. Mr Gilboa-Dalal was kidnapped alongside his childhood friend Evyatar David - whom he had known since the age of three - at the Nova music festival, his first festival, which he attended with his brother Gal. Back in August, Hamas released a propaganda video showing Mr David emaciated and digging his own grave. During captivity, Mr Gilboa-Dalal also became so weak with muscle wasting that Mr David had to help him dress, and they forfeited rare showers because it made them sick. In the Channel 12 interview aired on Saturday night he recounted further beatings, being used as a human shield, and ongoing humiliation. 'He puts a mask on me, like a Covid mask, he tells me: "Sit on all fours and bark like a dog."' Afterwards, he was beaten and punched. Mr Gilboa-Dalal said that while it is taking time to adjust to freedom from the indescribable horrors he endured, he found an inner strength he never knew he had. It's okay to break, and I also broke there a lot, and I cried a lot, and I went through terrible times,' he said. 'I want to say thank you to all this amazing nation, to the IDF soldiers, thanks to whom I'm here, and my amazing family. I still have a long way to go, but I will eventually succeed in this rehabilitation. The bodies of three hostages are still being held in Gaza. The war began with Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack, when militants killed 1,200 people and took 251 captives. Israel's retaliatory military campaign killed more than 69,000 people, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. Britain has been branded the 'most expensive place in the world' to develop nuclear energy - as experts demand Labour cut the red tape. Independent investigators said overly complex regulation had led to a 'relative decline' in the country's leadership position and higher energy costs for consumers. The final report, produced by the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce, followed an announcement last week that household energy bills are set to rise by 0.2 per cent from January 1 after Ofgem increased its next price cap. Reforms to Britain's nuclear strategy, estimated by the taskforce, would potentially save tens of billions from the current 150billion projected cost of decommissioning legacy nuclear activities. The group said a 'radical reset' was needed, setting out 47 recommendations for the Government to speed up building new nuclear projects at a lower cost and on schedule. One of the recommendations was to establish a 'one-stop shop' for decisions on nuclear power and to simplify regulation - to avoid overly bureaucratic and expensive processes while improving safety standards. The taskforce also urged the Government to provide a 'robust strategic direction' for the civil and defence nuclear sectors; recommended that a Commission for Nuclear Regulation is established as a unified decision maker; and that the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator be merged into the Office for Nuclear Regulation. The Chancellor is expected to respond to the report at the Budget this week, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The world's largest land crane 'Big Carl' is used to position a 245-tonne domed roof on Hinkley Point C's second reactor building at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station near Bridgwater The independent taskforce said a 'radical reset' was needed, setting out 47 recommendations for the Government to speed up building new nuclear projects at a lower cost and on schedule Taskforce chairman John Fingleton said: 'This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The problems are systemic, rooted in unnecessary complexity and a mindset that favours process over outcome. 'Our solutions are radical but necessary. By simplifying regulation, we can maintain or enhance safety standards while finally delivering nuclear capacity safely, quickly and affordably.' Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 'This Government is delivering a golden age of new nuclear as we drive for energy sovereignty and abundance. 'A crucial part of that is delivering the reforms we need to drive forward new nuclear in a safe, affordable way.' Earlier this month, the Government announced that the UK's first 'small modular reactor' (SMR) nuclear power station will be built at Wylfa, on Anglesey/Ynys Mon in North Wales, by publicly owned Great British Energy-Nuclear (GBE-N). The Energy Department said GBE-N will start activity on the site in 2026, with an initial project for three reactors, but the site could potentially hold up to eight of the mini power plants. It is hoped the Wylfa reactors will start supplying power to the grid from the mid-2030s. Officials also said there would be export opportunities for SMRs, and potential for new nuclear at the former site of Oldbury, in Gloucestershire, owned by GBE-N. Britain's existing nuclear power stations account for about 15 per cent of the electricity generated in 2024. Germany has phased out its use of nuclear power, prioritising alternative renewables like hydrogen. The development of nuclear energy remains divisive following the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the 2011 Fukushima accident. A ten-day old baby girl died from sepsis after a bungled biopsy was carried out without her parents' consent, an inquest has heard. Willow Rose Courtney-Thompson was born prematurely at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on October 12 last year. She underwent a suction rectal biopsy on October 21 to rule out the rare bowel condition Hirschsprung's disease. Medics performed the procedure without the proper consent from Willow's parents Joseph, 28, and Lauren, 27. Mrs Courtney-Thompson claimed staff at the hospital 'proceeded while I was momentarily taking a phone call from my GP'. Just ten hours after the procedure, Willow was sent home but became very poorly and would not feed. The next day she was found unresponsive at her home and her parents dialled 999. She was rushed back to hospital but she died of E.Coli sepsis as a result of the biopsy. Willow Rose Courtney-Thompson (pictured) died of E.Coli sepsis after doctors at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford performed a bungled biopsy to test for a rare bowel condition without her parents' consent Willow's heartbroken parents Joseph and Lauren Courtney-Thompson from Brackley, Northamptonshire, say they hope lessons will be learned to prevent another tragedy Oxfordshire Coroner's Court heard a catalogue of mistakes by medics contributed to Willow's death. The court heard the biopsy was performed in a treatment room which was lacking privacy and dignity with frequent interruptions. Willow did not receive the usual pre-procedure antibiotics designed to prevent an infection. Instead, she received two doses afterwards. The inquest concluded Willow would have survived had she remained in hospital for monitoring for 24 hours after her biopsy. Subtle signs of sepsis may have been identified and treated earlier, the coroner said. The inquest was told after Willow's biopsy there was also confusion between the surgeons and neo-natal teams. The surgical team expected Willow to be monitored overnight, but the neonatal team discharged her, believing she could go home. Her parents, from Brackley, Northamptonshire, say they hope lessons will be learned to prevent another tragedy. Mrs Courtney-Thompson said: 'The hurt and pain we wake with each day over Willow's death is still as strong now as it was at the time she passed away. 'Having so many questions as to whether more could have been done to help her has added to our grief. 'The inquest and reliving what happened has been particularly distressing, but it was the least we could do to get answers and honour our beautiful girl's memory. 'The hardest thing to try and come to terms with is how Willow's death followed a biopsy that we weren't properly informed about. 'We weren't warned of any risks connected to the biopsy, including potential infection, and hadn't given consent. 'Staff proceeded while I was momentarily taking a phone call from my GP.' In a poignant tribute to her daughter, Mrs Courtney-Thompson added: 'Willow was a sassy, cheeky but content little girl. The inquest concluded Willow would have survived had she remained in hospital for monitoring for 24 hours after her biopsy 'She was adorable and never fussed. 'Although Willow only got ten days of life, she still managed to touch the hearts of very many people around us. 'Willow will always be part of our family. 'We were and still are besotted by our little girl who is greatly missed by all our family. 'We just hope that by speaking out we can help improve care for others as we wouldn't anyone else to endure what our family have.' Following Willow's death, the couple instructed medical negligence lawyers Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust admitted a breach of duty by not providing Willow with the appropriate antibiotics before and after her biopsy. It also admitted Willow should not have been sent home on the same day as the procedure. The Trust also acknowledged it failed to follow a formal consent process. The couple's lawyer Sara Burns said: 'Willow's loved ones remain devastated by her death and the extremely tragic nature of it. 'Understandably, they've had a number of questions and concerns about the care Willow received in the lead up to her death. 'While we're pleased to have been able to secure the answers Joseph and Lauren deserve, the inquest and legal claim have established worrying issues in Willow's care. 'The effects of sepsis can be devastating with early diagnosis and treatment key to beating the condition. 'Therefore, it's vital that lessons are learned from Willow's tragic death to uphold patient safety for others.' Professor Andrew Brent, Chief Medical Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'What happened to baby Willow was deeply tragic, and nothing I say can begin to diminish the pain that I know Willow's parents and family will be feeling. 'There were critical shortfalls in Willow's care, and we didn't get it right - for that, I am truly sorry. 'Along with my Trust colleagues, I have taken the time to investigate and reflect on what happened. 'We have ensured that important lessons have been learnt about the care we provided to Willow, and we have made changes to our clinical practice to do everything possible to prevent this from happening again. However, I know this doesn't change what has happened. 'Once again, and on behalf of the Trust, I offer my deepest and unreserved apologies to Willow's parents and family for the poor care we provided to baby Willow.' Rachel Reeves is set to batter ordinary workers and the South East at the Budget - as she pumps up benefits by 15billion a year. The Chancellor is putting the final touches to another grim package, despite promising just a year ago that she would not be back for more taxes. Ms Reeves is expected to order a council tax revaluation of Band F, G and H properties in England on Wednesday, potentially punishing residents where properties have risen sharply. Homes worth more than 2million - mostly in London - face an extra 'mansion tax' levy as the government bows to Labour demands to milk the 'wealthy'. The overhaul comes despite then-Labour frontbencher Jon Ashworth vowing before the election: 'We're not changing council tax banding.' Property guru Kirstie Allsopp today warned that the 'performative' plan would see more properties being valued at 1.99million by owners to avoid a tax 'cliff edge' at a time when the market is already 'desperately in the doldrums'. Meanwhile, Treasury sources have been all-but confirming that the hated freeze on tax thresholds will be kept in place for another two years. That 'stealth raid' will raise billions of pounds by dragging millions of people deeper into the tax system. Experts said that continuing the freeze amounted to Labour reneging on past promises not to increase taxes on working people. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch used a speech to the CBI to warn that the Budget would see tax rises 'dressed up as necessity', adding: 'They are not, we need to cut spending.' Rachel Reeves is set to batter ordinary workers and the South East at the Budget - as she pumps up benefits by 15billion a year Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Council tax bands are based on the 1991 values of properties - but changes in prices have varied wildly in different parts of the country since then For the first time, the state pension would be above the tax threshold - so the government will give with one hand and take with the other. Ms Reeves is also targeting the 'salary-sacrifice' schemes used by millions of private-sector workers for their pensions, bringing in around 3billion. The move echoes Gordon Brown's infamous pensions raid during the last Labour government. Experts warned it would deal a hammer blow to private-sector pensions, which already lag far behind the gold-plated arrangements for those in the public sector. Ms Reeves is struggling to fill a black hole in the books thought to run into tens of billions of pounds. She has blamed everything from OBR productivity downgrades to Brexit and Donald Trump for her woes. The Treasury watchdog is said to have revised down growth for every year of the forecast compared to March. But businesses have accused Labour of crushing growth with the last brutal Budget raid - the biggest tax-raiser on record. And critics point out that Ms Reeves is also splurging huge sums on handouts. She is expected to scrap the two-child benefit cap at a cost of around 3billion a year, and uprate handouts by nearly 4 per cent from April. The IFS think-tank has previously suggested a council tax revaluation would hit London and the South East hardest Minister: Labour taxes have driven wealthy out A Cabinet minister today made the extraordinary admission that Labour's taxes are driving wealth out of Britain. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said he would not 'duck' the impact of the higher tax burden and decision to abolish non-dom status. In a round of interviews as the fateful package looms, he also apologised for the chaotic briefing of what will be in it. The comments came amid rising concerns that billionaires and other wealth creators are leaving to avoid being targeted by Rachel Reeves. A former Bank of England chief warned yesterday that the 'fiscal fandango' around Ms Reeves' plans has caused 'paralysis'. Advertisement Ms Reeves has already abandoned hope of curbing the spiralling benefits bill after a Labour revolt earlier this year. She must also fund the cost of another climbdown on winter fuel allowance cuts. Together those policies are estimated to add around 15billion a year to the benefits bill. Just a year ago Ms Reeves told the CBI conference that she would not be increasing taxes again after that. Properties in England are currently put into bands based on their values from 1991, after successive governments shied away from revaluations. But the surge in prices in London and the South East means that under a new system many could move upwards dramatically. Labour could argue that because the typical Band D property is not affected they are protecting 'working people'. However, huge numbers of people who have stretched themselves for modest properties in the South East, as well as pensioners on fixed incomes, could be in for a shock. Some 2.4million properties were in Band F, G and H as of this year. The Treasury refused to comment on 'speculation' ahead of the Budget. But one government source said they believed the claims of a revaluation were 'broadly right'. Touring broadcast studios this morning, Business Secretary Peter Kyle apologised for the rumours swirling around the contents of the Budget. Alarm has been raised that the chaotic run-up - including an extraordinary U-turn on whether income tax will rise - has smashed confidence and slowed the economy. He told Times Radio: 'I'm not apologising on behalf of the people who are reporting on the speculation, because that would be absurd. 'What I can apologise for is the fact that there has been so much speculation. I understand that it's a distraction, but it is speculation and the reporting of such. 'I'm here to talk about the facts of the economy right now. And the facts are that we are delivering schemes that are lowering the cost of energy for business in this country, we are delivering an industrial strategy, delivering stability in policymaking for 10 years into the future. 'We have got a grip on the interest rates and the inflation challenges.' Business Secretary Peter Kyle said he would not 'duck' the impact of the higher tax burden and decision to abolish non-dom status He later told the CBI conference that the Uk was suffering from a 'growth emergency', adding: 'We will be in it for as long as we are unable to get our way out of this situation without increased economic productivity.' A penniless beautician is suing her late husband's secret wife after accusing her of 'plundering' his 1.8million estate to stop her getting his fortune. Millionaire bigamist accountant James Dinsdale died of cancer aged 55 in October 2020, leaving behind a vast fortune which is now at the centre of a bitter inheritance row between two women he married in Las Vegas five years apart. The two wives are dentist Dr Victoria Fowell - who he wed in the Nevada desert city in 2012 - and Margaret Dinsdale who he married in 2017 without getting a divorce in between. So when he died from a heart attack in 2020 - while also suffering from prostate cancer - Mr Dinsdale's estate was a convoluted legal mess exacerbated because he was 'intestate', meaning he didn't leave a will. Beautician Mrs Dinsdale - who cared for her husband '24 hours a day' in his final days - was rocked to discover he was still legally married to cosmetic dentist Dr Fowell, making their marriage 'void' and leaving her with no automatic right to inherit. The 41-year-old only discovered Mr Dinsdale had a secret wife when she began sorting out his affairs on the assumption that she would inherit his fortune as his next of kin. Five years earlier in 2012, James had married dentist Dr Fowell, 53, on the same Las Vegas street, but never divorced her - making her heir to his 1.8million fortune under intestacy laws. Mrs Dinsdale's rights as 'spouse' were formally recognised by a judge in July and she is now bringing a substantial claim to part of his wealth under the Inheritance Act. James Dinsdale (pictured) died of cancer, aged 55, in October 2020, leaving his vast estate to be fought over by the two women who he married five years apart in Las Vegas without getting a divorce Beautician Margaret Dinsdale, 41, married James Dinsdale in Las Vegas in 2017 under the assumption he was divorced from his first wife Mr Dinsdale had not divorced his first wife, 53-year-old Dr Victoria Fowell (pictured) - who he also married in Vegas some five years earlier in 2012 But last week she returned to London's High Court, claiming Dr Fowell has 'plundered' the 1.8million estate to stop her getting his fortune and seeking to 'freeze' all Dr Fowell's assets. Her barrister, Gideon Roseman, told Mr Justice Mann that Dr Fowell treated the estate 'as if she is solely entitled' to it - claims strongly denied by the dentist. The court heard Mr Dinsdale - an accountant and World War Two history expert - built a thriving property development business, based around central London, before he died. He wed Dr Fowell - a St Albans-based dentist with an expertise in 'cosmetic smile makeovers' - in 2012, but the pair never got divorced and he went on to marry Margaret Dinsdale in 2017. Margaret and James became friends after meeting in 2008, before beginning a 'romantic relationship' in 2014, setting up home together the following year. Margaret's wedding took place at the Chapel of the Flowers on Las Vegas Boulevard, while Dr Fowell had married James five years earlier and 600 metres away at the Little White Wedding Chapel. However, Margaret had no inkling that James was still married when they tied the knot in 2017, only learning of it after his tragic death from cancer. And because he had not made a will, James' money would be divided between Dr Fowell and his son, William Dinsdale, 28, under intestacy rules. Margaret says she married James 'in good faith' on the understanding that his marriage to Dr Fowell had ended some time before their wedding. She ended up looking after him '24 hours per day' during his final struggles with terminal cancer and was his primary carer, having given up work and become a housewife while he provided for her financially. Margaret's barrister, Mr Roseman, told the court his client is living on universal credit and raising a small child while at the same time highlighting Dr Fowell's relative affluence - running a successful dental practice and owning her own property. The court heard Mr Dinsdale (pictured) - an accountant and World War Two history expert - built a thriving property development business, based around central London, before he died Pictured is the Little White Wedding Chapel wedding venue, in Las Vegas Boulevard, where Mr Dinsdale married Dr Fowell in 2012 Pictured is the Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas, which is where Mr Dinsdale married his second wife. The venue is down the road from the chapel where he wed his first wife With Margaret now pursuing a claim to a hefty slice of James' 1.8million fortune under the 1975 Inheritance Act, it was essential that Dr Fowell be prevented from 'dissipating' money from his estate to ensure there is something left in the pot for Margaret, he told the court. Urging Mr Justice Mann to grant the freezing order, he explained: 'In the absence of the order being granted, the claimant will be left with a paper judgment. Dr Fowell will have successfully plundered the estate and will, no doubt, have hidden or dissipated both the assets of the estate and her personal assets.' Dr Fowell, while executing James' estate, had ploughed through much of his fortune, with only some 17,000 left sitting in her solicitors' account, with the whereabouts of the remaining assets largely a mystery, said the barrister. 'Dr Fowell, as the personal representative of the estate of Mr Dinsdale, has plundered the estate, breached every court order - notwithstanding a penal notice - for the provision of information and documentation concerning the same, and has admitted to paying to herself around 400,000 out of the estate's monies,' he claimed. The dentist 'treated the estate as if she is solely entitled to the same and is now...seeking to hide the monies she has received from the estate', he added. She had gone on to sell two of the properties left by James - a pub and cottage - for a combined value of just 600,000 when their true value was probably up to 1.5million, he continued. The 'likely explanation' for Dr Fowell selling at a reduced rate was that, 'she wanted to get her hands on the cash as quickly as possible with a view to frustrating the claimant's claim', alleged the barrister. However, Dr Fowell's lawyers urged against making the freezing order, pointing out that she also has a young child to care for and the responsibility of looking after her elderly parents, also denying any attempt to hide assets from James' estate. Some of the cash realised from the estate has gone on adapting accommodation at her home for her parents, Dr Fowell claims. After half a day in court, Mr Justice Mann refused to grant a full freezing order, which he said could have a dire and disproportionate impact on Dr Fowell's dental business. But he did impose a more limited injunction, freezing the estate assets or stocks and also her main personal assets, preventing any sale of her home and the dental practice she owns. Dr Fowell was also ordered to draw up accounts, 'particularising what has happened to the assets of the estate which she realised'. It was unclear where all the money in James' estate had gone, said the judge, noting that although all his properties have now been sold, only two have a known purchase price. 'There's a good arguable case for saying that Dr Fowell has wrongly and, in the face of a claim under the Inheritance Act, dissipated the estate in her own favour,' he said. Explaining his order, the judge told the court: 'I am making that order because it's not clear where the money from the estate has gone and it remains possible that there's property representing assets from the estate which have not yet been disclosed.' Margaret's solicitor, Mohaned Salah, commented after the hearing: 'We welcome this order, which we trust will bring Margaret a significant step closer to concluding these proceedings and allow her to properly mourn the late Mr. Dinsdale, whom she genuinely believed to be her husband. Margaret has suffered both mentally and financially throughout this process, and her health has deteriorated rapidly.' Vladimir Putin's Harvard-educated envoy Kirill Dmitriev drafted a Ukraine peace plan that was 'literally Russian ideas typed up' - before leaking details of the deal that sparked fury in Kyiv, a report has claimed. Moscow businessman Dmitriev - dubbed Putin's 'Trump Whisperer - was apparently revealed as the source of a 'secret' 28-point plan with America to end the invasion of Ukraine that has been slammed by the international community. Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump's own special envoy, made an apparent blunder last week by tweeting in response to a report from an Axios journalist on the plan: 'He must have got this from K'. Sleuths quickly began speculating that the 'K' in question was none other than 50-year-old Dmitriev, who experts accused of leaking the draft plan to normalise Russia's extortionate demands. Keir Giles, author of the Handbook of Russian Information Warfare, said: 'They do this thing, this sort of thing as a shaping operation to establish this outcome in the minds of the Western public and the media, so that everybody else has to fight back from it.' The deal initially pushed for Ukraine to give up vast swathes of land, as well a hard cap on the size of the country's military, but has since been taken back to the drawing board following intense international backlash. The US has been accused of not putting up a fight on Ukraine's behalf, with a source close to the administration telling the Telegraph: 'This hasn't been a negotiation. This literally is the Russian ideas typed up'. The report said the plan appeared to have been drafted between Dmitriev and Witkoff, with Ukraine and some parts of the Trump administration kept in the dark. Over the weekend, the Trump administration was forced to deny claims that the plan was originally written in Russian before being hastily translated into English. Meaghan Mobbs, the daughter of Lt Gen Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Ukraine who announced last week that he would be leaving his post, claimed the leaked plan had a litany of transliteration errors, as well political vocabulary and phrasing commonly used in Russia. Dubbed the 'Trump whisperer' for his uncanny ability to connect with the notoriously fickle American president, Kirill Dmitriev (pictured) is accused of, in part, drafting the much-maligned deal Rescue workers extinguish a fire at the site of a Russian drone strike on residential buildings in the Shevchenkivskyi district of the city on November 24, 2025 in Kharkiv, Ukraine This appeared to be backed up by insiders who said Marco Rubio, the US' secretary of state, was asked to deliver the document to the Senate while informing them that it was 'was not the administration's plan' and was 'essentially the wish list of the Russians'. A source told the Telegraph: 'Marco's mission was to sell it to the Senate. That's where strength is. He basically coughed up the fact that it was a Russian deal and that they hadn't negotiated anything.' Rubio wrote on X: 'The peace proposal was authored by the U.S. It is offered as a strong framework for ongoing negotiations 'It is based on input from the Russian side. But it is also based on previous and ongoing input from Ukraine.' Dmitriev, a former Goldman Sachs investment banker, was sanctioned by the US in 2022 following the commencement of Russia's invasion, due to his position as the CO of the multi-billion dollar Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), a powerful sovereign wealth fund. Born in Kyiv in 1975 under the Soviet Union, he was sent to New Hampshire to live with a host family at the age of 14 as one of the first exchange students to go to the US. He was later sent to live with family friends in California, where he enrolled in a community college before transferring to the prestigious Stanford University to study economics. He later moved to Harvard Business School to complete his MBA. Dmitriev then started working at a series of major firms, including top consulting giant McKinsey & Company and General Electric before he was named the CEO of RDIF. Rescuers pause search-and-rescue operations at a multi-story residential building, destroyed by the Russian missile strike to observe a moment of silence for the strike victims on November 21, 2025 in Ternopil, Ukraine A firefighter works at the site of a Russia drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine November 23, 2025 Dmitriev has denied leaking the draft, writing on X: 'Some false articles claimed that Russia leaked the US plan to Axios. Barak Ravid can confirm that Russia did not leak the plan or its existence/details'. But experts say that the leak of the report was intentional, and aimed to normalise Russia's demands. Keir Giles, author of the Handbook of Russian Information Warfare, said: 'We shouldn't rule out the fact that the United States has been taken by surprise by this, like everybody else. Some factions within the US administration have been blindsided by this.' And it appeared this blindsiding has worked, with Ukraine's allies last night making major concessions to the Kremlin in a desperate bid to end the three-year conflict. As peace talks in Switzerland made progress, Britain and other states agreed to welcome Russia back into the G8 group of major global economies. Russia was expelled from the international political forum following its annexation of Crimea in 2014, but the US has pushed for its return. The agreement in principle was struck in Geneva where US, Ukrainian and European officials are discussing peace plans put forward by the warring partners and their supporters. Consequences of the Russian drone attack on Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine on November 23, 2025 Servicemen of the 148th Separate Artillery Zhytomyr Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fire a Caesar self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops at a position on the front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the frontline town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, Ukraine November 23, 2025 In what was regarded as a win for Ukraine, a Russian-proposed cap on the size of its armed forces was lifted from 600,000 to 800,000. While the lifting of a cap on the size of Ukraine's armed forces represented a breakthrough, other points are more contentious. Vladimir Putin is adamant Ukraine should hand over the remaining territory it holds in the eastern provinces. This is a stated red line for the country and its allies, including Britain. Ukraine also wants to retain political sovereignty, with the freedom to apply for Nato and European Union membership, rather than being forced into isolation by the Kremlin. Last night, Rubio said the talks held between the US and Ukrainian sides had been 'probably [the] best meeting and day we've had so far in this entire process'. Rubio, who is leading the US negotiating team, added: 'I feel very optimistic, we can get something done here. There's still some work to be done, but we are much further ahead today at this time than we were when we began this morning and where we were a week ago for certain.' President Zelensky also expressed some enthusiasm. Posting on X, he said: 'There is now an understanding that the American proposals may take into account a number of elements based on the Ukrainian vision.' Zelensky also reiterated his gratitude towards the US for providing weaponry and intelligence. It is considered likely Russia rejoining the G8 would be subject to the Kremlin meeting commitments in other areas, including compensating Ukraine and observing a ceasefire. Donald Trump has announced that 'something good is happening' amid the Ukraine-Russia peace talks and has hinted that 'big progress is being made'. In a post on Truth Social, the US President wrote: 'Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? 'Dont believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!' It comes as the Ukraine and the US move closer towards agreeing on a peace plan, after removing some of the Kremlin's demands in an earlier proposal draft that Kyiv has insisted are non-negotiable 'red lines'. Kyiv's non-starters for negotiations are the formal recognition of occupied territories, limits on defence forces, and restrictions on Ukraine's future alliances, the speaker of the country's parliament said on Monday. Those positions have been long stated by Ukraine, but run counter to the proposals in the controversial 28-point plan that was leaked last week, sparking uproar among European leaders. Speaking at the Crimea Platform summit in Sweden, speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk also said membership of the EU and NATO must be elements of Ukraine's security guarantees and any peace plan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday hailed 'important steps' after a Geneva summit with the US, but said more was needed to end a nearly four-year war following the Russian invasion. 'In the steps we have coordinated with the side of the US, we've managed to keep extremely sensitive points,' Zelensky told a virtual conference in Sweden, but added that 'to achieve real peace, more is needed'. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday hailed 'important steps' after a Geneva summit with the US Donald Trump on Saturday accused Ukrainian leaders of showing 'zero gratitude' to the US for its efforts in trying to secure peace The US Secretary of State confirmed: 'We've had probably the most productive and meaningful meeting so far in this entire process' US and Ukrainian negotiators drew up an 'updated and refined peace framework' in Switzerland, with a joint statement saying the meeting had been 'highly productive'. Positive accounts of the meeting followed Trump's furious accusation that Ukraine's leaders were showing 'zero gratitude' for his efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. European officials welcomed Monday what they said were steps in the right direction at talks in Geneva on US peace proposals seen as heavily favoring Russia, but they offered few details and warned the discussions still have a long way to go. 'The negotiations were a step forward, but there are still major issues which remain to be resolved,' Finnish President Alexander Stubb wrote on social platform X about Sunday's meeting in Switzerland. The surprise emergence of the peace plan coincided with a bleak period for Zelensky, with the war less than three months shy of its fourth anniversary. It is under severe strain on the front line against Russia's bigger army, it is short of money, and Zelensky is trying to defuse a major corruption scandal that has tainted his government. The Geneva meeting offered some hope for Kyiv. 'Diplomacy has been reinvigorated, and that's good. Very good,' Zelensky said late Sunday. It wasn't clear whether the talks would continue on Monday. Crucially, the Kremlin has not yet voiced its opinion on the latest developments. German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who directed the talks in Switzerland, 'made decisive positive contributions to ensuring that this plan can be accepted by both the European and Ukrainian sides'. 'I would like to say that all issues concerning Europe or NATO have been removed from this plan, which is a decisive success that we achieved yesterday,' he told public broadcaster Deutschlandradio. After it was leaked last week, Trump's peace deal was cautiously welcomed by Moscow, but not by leaders in Kyiv and Europe, who saw it as handing over unprecedented political power to the Kremlin over Ukraine. It capitulated to Vladimir Putin's long-standing maximalist demands for control over territory, leaving Ukraine defenseless in the face of future aggression. Some of its most alarming details were proposals for Ukraine to cut its army from 900,000 to 600,000 personnel, give up the entirety of the eastern Donbas region (15 per cent of which it still controls), and enshrine in its constitution that it will never join NATO. Meanwhile, the West would lift sanctions on Russia and Moscow would be invited back into the G8. 'They want to stop the war and want Ukraine to pay the price,' one Ukrainian source told Reuters, while a senior lawmaker from Zelensky's party said the country was 'f****** mind-blown'. In a speech on Friday, the Ukrainian President said Ukraine 'might face a very difficult choice: either losing dignity, or risk losing a key partner', adding that 'today is one of the most difficult moments in our history'. Adding to the Ukrainian fury were reports that the draft deal was originally written in Russian and later translated to English. Contributing to the speculations, Mike Rounds, a Republican senator from South Dakota, wrote on X: 'This administration was not responsible for this release in its current form. They want to utilise it as a starting point.' He added: 'It looked more like it was written in Russian to begin with.' The White House has denied the accusations. Your browser does not support iframes. On Saturday, leaders from Europe, Canada and Japan signed a joint statement at the G20 summit in South Africa, saying that the peace deal had elements 'essential for a just and lasting peace', but would 'require additional work', citing concerns over territory and limits on Ukraine's army. Sir Keir, alongside Friedrich Merz and Emmanuel Macron, the German and French leaders, criticised elements of the draft, warning that it would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks from Moscow. Speaking at the G20 summit, Sir Keir said he was 'concerned' about the notion of a military cap, arguing that it was 'fundamental that Ukraine has to be able to defend itself if theres a ceasefire'. 'Obviously, I think it should be done as soon as possible, but its got to be a just and lasting peace, and so weve got to get it right,' he said. But after originally putting pressure on Kyiv to accept the deal by November 27, the soured relations between the US and Ukraine improved on Sunday, following fruitful negotiations in Geneva. Rubio said there had been a 'tremendous amount of progress' on delivering the peace deal, but there was 'still some work to be done' before any final draft could be sent to Putin. 'We've had probably the most productive and meaningful meeting so far in this entire process,' he said. The administration is set to go through 'some of the suggestions that were proffered to us' and making some 'changes' and adjustments to get closer to something both Ukraine and the US are satisfied with, he said. 'I think the takeaway from it is, I think this was a very, very meaningful, I would say probably best meeting and day we've had so far in this entire process going back to when we first came into office in January,' he said. The EU also submitted a modified version of the US's peace plan for Ukraine that pushed back on proposed limits to Kyiv's armed forces and territorial concessions. The document, drafted by the so-called European E3 powers - Britain, France and Germany - proposes that Ukraine's military be capped at 800,000 'in peacetime' rather than a blanket cap of 600,000. It also says 'negotiations on territorial swaps will start from the Line of Contact', rather than pre-determining that certain areas should be recognised as 'de facto Russian', as the US plan suggests. It proposes that Ukraine receive a security guarantee from the United States similar to NATO's Article 5 clause. It pushes back on the US proposal for the use of Russian assets frozen in the West, primarily in the European Union. 'Ukraine will be fully reconstructed and compensated financially, including through Russian sovereign assets that will remain frozen until Russia compensates damage to Ukraine,' the document says. Rubio denied any knowledge of the counter-proposal's existence. US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff (second from the left), and US Secretary of state Marco Rubio (right) at the beginning of talks with the Ukrainian delegation in Geneva EU chief Antonio Costa said Monday he spoke with Zelensky ahead of an emergency meeting of European Union leaders to discuss the updated plan for Ukraine. 'Spoke with President Zelensky ahead of this morning's informal EU leaders' meeting on Ukraine peace efforts, to get his assessment of the situation,' Costa, president of the European Council, said on X. 'A united and coordinated EU position is key in ensuring a good outcome of peace negotiations - for Ukraine and for Europe,' he said ahead of the meeting to be held on the sidelines of a summit in Angola. The Kremlin said Monday it was not informed on results of talks between U.S., Ukrainian and European officials in Geneva at the weekend. 'We did not receive any information,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, while adding it was aware 'adjustments' were made to a US plan to end the conflict with Kyiv that Moscow had welcomed. Despite peace negotiations, Russia has shown no sign of stopping its relentless attacks on Ukraine after almost four years of war. Russian drones hit residential areas of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city overnight, killing four people and wounding 13, including two children, authorities said. Eight residential buildings, an educational facility and power lines were damaged in the attack, according to the head of the regional military administration, Oleh Syniehubov. Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office published photos showing homes on fire, rubble scattered across backyards and firefighters and war crimes prosecutors working on site. Ukraine's air force says Russia fired 162 strikes and decoy drones over the country overnight. Russia also resumed its nighttime drone attacks on Ukraine's civilian and port infrastructure close to Romania's border, the NATO member's defense ministry said Monday. Romania scrambled two Eurofighter Typhoon jets and two F-16s in response to drones near its border, the ministry said. Under the contentious draft plan leaked last week, the US would recognise Ukraine's eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions as well as Moscow-annexed Crimea, as 'de facto Russian'. 'Ukrainian forces will withdraw from the part of Donetsk Oblast that they currently control,' the plan envisages. The Donetsk region has been the epicentre of fighting, with tens of thousands of troops killed on both sides. Despite still controlling around 14.5 per cent of the territory in the mineral and coal-rich eastern Donbas region, Ukraine will be forced to surrender the entirety of its industrial heartland. The frontline would be frozen in the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, which are both partly occupied by Moscow. Russia would be required to give up small pockets of territory it has seized in the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Ukraine would receive unspecified 'reliable security guarantees' while at the same time commit to cutting the size of its army. European jets would be be stationed in neighbouring NATO-member Poland. The country would be banned from possessing long-range missiles, capable of hitting St Petersburg or Moscow. And $100 billion of Russia's frozen funds - sanctioned after its full-scale invasion in February 2022 - would go towards US-led reconstruction efforts, with Europe contributing another $100 billion. The US would reap the benefits of the rebuilding projects, receiving 50 per cent of profits. The Russian economy would also receive a boost as part of a new long-term economic cooperation agreement with the US, which will involve rare earth metal extraction projects in the Arctic. Aside for getting to keep its conquered territory, the plan also calls for Moscow, which is under massive Western sanctions for more than three years, to be 're-integrated into the global economy'. The plan would also pile pressure on Zelensky, requiring elections to be held in Ukraine within 100 days - another key demand being pushed by Moscow, which has repeatedly and openly called for the Ukrainian leader to be toppled. The cost of a benefits scheme providing smartwatches, wobble boards and fidget spinners to people with self-diagnosed mental health conditions has surged by more than a fifth in a year. Claimants can access nearly 70,000 a year for support and equipment under the Access to Work programme, which landed taxpayers with a bill of 321million for the year to March - according to figures from the Department for Work and Pensions. That was a rise of 22 per cent compared with the year before - and almost double what it was before Covid - amid a rush of content from 'sickfluencers' giving followers tips on how to apply. The initiative is only open to Brits who are in work or have a job interview, and is intended to boost employment among those with a disability or a mental health condition. However, no formal diagnosis is needed, the grant is not means-tested and no assessment is required 'if a customer knows their support requirements'. And while applicants can use the scheme to access important services like sign language interpreters, many use it to bag free gadgets including sunlight alarm clocks, laptops and white noise machines. In one TikTok video entitled, 'If you've got ADHD you're really going to want to hear this', a young man films a stash of equipment including a keyboard, mouse, noise-cancelling headphones, desk and a Dell monitor. In another clip tagged #ADHDhacks, a TikToker reveals she is waiting on her own application before signing off by rubbing her fingers together and saying: 'Show me the money, baby'. On Reddit, one client described being awarded an 'Apple watch' for time management. While there is no suggestion any of these social media users have done anything wrong, their stories will fuel claims the scheme is overly generous. @lukeneilladhd Access to work is the single greatest asset for disabled people in work. If you missed part one check my pinned Need even more info DM me or lets have a chat #adhd #adhdmemes #accesstowork Paris - Else In one TikTok video entitled, 'If you've got ADHD you're really going to want to hear this', a young man films a stash of equipment including noise-cancelling headphones One TikToker described how she claimed 13,000 using the scheme Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Two in five Access to Work claimants (38 per cent) now list mental health as their primary condition followed by 11 per cent who claim to have a learning disability, DWP figures show. Around 74,190 people received a payment Access to Work in the financial year to March 2025, with 4,000 handed out on average. Around a quarter of these payments covered equipment. While the cost of the scheme increased last year, the number of approvals fell. The number of people claiming benefits for illnesses, mental health conditions and disabilities has soared since Covid - adding pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves as she scrambles to raise taxes in her upcoming Budget. Figures show a record number of people are receiving disability benefits for anxiety, with almost 650,000 Personal Independence Payments (PIP) claims for anxiety and mood disorders in July. More than 44,000 people have been handed PIP for mental health since the general election last year - equating to almost 250 people every day under Sir Keir Starmer. Meanwhile almost a million benefits claimants will be 2,500 better off than those working a minimum wage job by 2026, the research by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) found. An economically inactive claimant on universal credit for ill health who receives the average housing benefit and PIP will get about 25,000 - more than the 22,500 a full-time worker on the national living wage is expected to earn after paying income tax and national insurance. In a third clip tagged #ADHDhacks, a TikToker reveals she is waiting on her own application before signing off by rubbing her fingers together and saying: 'Show me the money, baby' @madaboutmoneyofficial If you are disabled or have a neurodivergent condition you can get support from the government to help you to stay in your job , or run your business. This grant is called Access to Work, its helped me so much. You can apply for a support work, coaching, business sustems , travel assistance and so much more when you hahe ADHD , autism , dyslexia or other conditions. If you need help with the application i habe a walkthrough in my Stan you can download for free. #adhdbusinessowner #adhdemtrepreneur #accesstowork #accesstowork #adhdbusinesscoach original sound - Maddy Alexander-Grout The think tank said the figures show 'rising numbers of young people combining different benefits to provide an income in place of work'. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has warned that Labour's 'addiction' to welfare will 'bankrupt' Britain. Her comments come as Ms Reeves plots a fresh raid on middle-class pensions this week in order to pay for another welfare handout. To help fund Left-wing demands to scrap the two-child benefit cap, the Chancellor is targeting a 3billion raid on the 'salary-sacrifice' schemes used by millions of private-sector workers. The move echoes Gordon Brown's infamous pensions raid during the last Labour government. Experts warned it would deal a hammer blow to private-sector pensions, which already lag far behind the gold-plated arrangements for those in the public sector. With cash-strapped businesses warning they will be unable to make up the shortfall, the tax grab is likely to cut the pension pots of many workers by thousands of pounds. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. It is 'a tax on doing the right thing', according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). A DWP spokesman said: 'Obviously any taxpayer cash that is being mis-spent will be investigated. 'Access to Work supports thousands of sick or disabled people to start or stay in work, but the scheme we inherited is failing employees and employers. 'That's why we're working with disabled people and their organisations to improve the scheme ensuring people have the support, skills, and opportunities to move into good, secure jobs as part of our Plan for Change.' Unseen video footage reveals the sequence of events that led to two helicopters crashing into each other in Australia, killing a British couple and two others. The clip, recorded from inside both aircrafts and from onlookers on the ground, was shown on Monday as an inquest began examining the 2023 Gold Coast crash. The hearing was told the footage leads to the 'inescapable conclusion' that neither pilot of the two Sea World sightseeing choppers saw the other. British couple Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 57, were both killed in the mid-air collision, alongside pilot Ash Jenkinson and Australian national Vanessa Tadros. Mr and Mrs Hughes, from Merseyside, had been on a holiday of a lifetime, visiting Mr Hughes' daughter Jane Manns and his grandchildren. Ms Tadros's ten-year-old son Nicholas was pulled from the wreckage and was one of three left with critical injuries. Footage played to the inquest captured the final seconds before the two helicopters collided and crashed into a sandbank below on January 2, 2023. The inquest, overseen by Coroner Carol Lee, is expected to run for several weeks and will examine the operator's training, safety procedures and communication systems. Footage shows the moment two helicopters crashed into each other over the coast of Australia, killing a British couple and two others Ron and Diane Hughes, pictured here on their wedding day, were two of four people killed in the helicopter crash Footage from inside the helicopter shows the moment before the crash Counsel assisting the inquest, Ian Harvey, told the court the videos provided the 'inescapable conclusion' neither pilot saw the other. He told the court both pilots were highly experienced and were operating modern machines designed with multiple safety features. 'How such a situation arose will be examined in detail during these hearings,' he said. The collision occurred less than half a minute after one of the helicopters lifted off for a short scenic flight. The first helicopter, flown by Mr Jenkinson, crashed onto a sandbank and overturned. The second helicopter, flown by pilot Michael James, sustained major damage but managed a controlled landing on the same sandbank. The inquest heard that two children, including Ms Tadros's young son, were pulled from the wreckage with significant injuries. Police officers described the scene as chaotic, with debris strewn across the sand and members of the public attempting to help the injured, the Courier Mail reported. One officer said the first helicopter was a 'mangled wreck' when he arrived. Video footage shows the moment prior to two helicopters crashing in the sky above Queensland Pilot Ash Jenkinson, pictured here with his family, was described by heartbroken friends as a 'top gun' Image shows the helicopter moments before the horrific collision It follows a finding by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau earlier this year that the crash could have been prevented had a number of 'risk factors' been addressed. The damning report found multiple failures - including faulty radio communication and incomplete safety systems - contributed to the fatal collision. Carter Capner Law director Peter Carter said the inquest 'leaves open' the prospect of criminal charges in a statement on Monday. 'Weve already seen serious failings laid bare in an Australian Transport Safety Bureau report, and this inquest will put the events of January 2023 under even more scrutiny,' he said. 'Its important that affected families get more information on why too many aircraft were operating in a contested space and why faulty radio equipment was being used.' Coroner Lee said the hearings would keep the loss of four lives at the forefront of the proceedings. The inquiry will hear evidence from survivors, Air Transport Safety Bureau investigators, police and staff from Sea World Helicopters. It is set to run for three weeks. A prostate cancer screening programme would be a 'legacy-defining advance for men's health' Wes Streeting has been told, in a letter signed by more than 120 MPs. Former Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was tonight joined by Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians as he hand-delivered the message to the health secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care. It says the UK can 'lead the world' in ending needless deaths from the disease but 'risks falling behind' if it fails to introduce targeted routine checks in line with some other countries. Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, with 63,000 cases and 12,000 deaths each year - but unlike breast, bowel and lung cancer, there is currently no national screening programme. The UK National Screening Committee, which advises ministers, will meet on Thursday to consider recent developments in prostate cancer diagnosis before issuing its recommendations. The Daily Mail is campaigning to end needless prostate cancer deaths and for a national prostate cancer screening programme, initially targeted at high risk men, such as those who are black, have a family history of the disease or particular genetic mutations. The MPs' letter, seen by the Daily Mail, says: 'We write united by a belief that no man should die because of his postcode, ethnicity, or GP access. 'This week, the UK National Screening Committee meets to decide on prostate cancer screening. This is a defining moment for men's health. MPs Helen Morgan, Rishi Sunak and Calvin Bailey deliver signed letter to Wes Streeting The Daily Mail is campaigning to end needless prostate deaths 'The Government must be ready to act so that those at highest risk are no longer left behind.' They present 'compelling evidence' that the arguments against screening, which are historically based on cost and over-diagnosis, are outdated. A major study last month found screening men for prostate cancer slashes their risk of dying from the disease by 13 per cent, with one such death prevented for every 456 men checked - a figure that is comparable to existing breast and bowel cancer screening programmes. Modern MRI techniques have reduced the harms of screening, such as unnecessary biopsies, by 79 per cent and modelling shows a targeted programme would cost the NHS just 18 for each man invited to checks. Furthermore, catching the disease earlier through screening could save the health service money, as treating late-stage cancer costs 127,000 per patient, compared to 13,000 in the early stages, the letter adds. It says modern diagnostic pathways have 'transformed safety' and are 'entirely different' to when the Committee last considered screening. Men now have an MRI before a biopsy is considered, biopsies are carried out using safer methods and low-grade cancers, which are less likely to pose a threat to health, can be identified and monitored without the need for surgery. The first UK men were last week invited to join a 'game-changing' prostate cancer trial that is aiming to find the best combination of tests and scans for detecting the disease. David Cameron, another former Conservative prime minister, has been treated for prostate cancer and is backing the campaign for a targeted screening programme But the letter - coordinated by Prostate Cancer Research and signed by 125 MPs - urges immediate action, saying men will continue to die if decision-makers wait for 'perfect' data. 'Harms that once justified inaction have largely been engineered out,' it adds. 'These advances mean we now have the tools to deliver screening safely and effectivelywaiting would entrench inequality and allow preventable deaths. 'Evidence is strong enough to act now.' Mr Sunak said: 'The evidence is now clear. Modern diagnosis is safer, more accurate, and has removed the harms that once justified inaction. 'With thousands of men still being diagnosed too late each year, when their cancer is no longer curable, we cannot continue with a system that relies on chance. 'A targeted screening programme for high-risk men is practical, affordable, and urgently needed. 'We must take this opportunity to save lives and make a generational difference to men's health.' Who's Who? The UK National Screening Committee members The UK National Screening Committee, which advises ministers on health screening, will meet on Thursday to consider the latest evidence around prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. It will then issue a draft recommendation for public consultation. Here is a Who's Who of the committee's members: Professor Sir Mike Richards (Chair since April 2022) A hospital physician for more than 20 years, during which time he worked as a consultant medical oncologist and professor of palliative medicine. In 1999 Sir Mike was appointed as the first national cancer director at the Department of Health. He became the Care Quality Commission's first chief inspector of Hospitals in July 2013 and has led two major reviews for NHS England, including a review of adult screening services. He is also a trustee of Cancer Research UK. --- Dr Graham Shortland (Vice chair and paediatric expert) A consultant paediatrician who has published research in the areas of paediatric nutrition, inherited metabolic disease, medical education and clinical leadership. He has undertaken varied clinical and leadership roles, including executive medical director for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. --- Professor Natalie Armstrong (Implementation scientist) Professor of healthcare improvement research at the University of Leicester. She has a long-standing interest in screening, and has completed and supervised research on cervical, breast, prostate and fetal anomaly screening. --- Eleanor Cozens (Patient and public voice) Before retiring in 2020, she worked in market research and then in international development, where she led or supported programmes for international charities in the UK and abroad. Her work included developing programme policies relating to eye health and disability and inclusion. Ms Cozens was a member of the British Medical Association's patient liaison group and has been a carer and patient advocate for a family member. --- Dr Rosalind Given-Wilson (Adult Reference Group chair) A consultant radiologist at St Georges Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, where she set up the breast screening service in 1991 and was director of screening, then medical director until 2015. She is vice chair of Moorfields Eye Hospital and chair of United Church Schools Trust. Dr Given-Wilson has research interests in the optimisation of breast screening and decision making having published more than 120 papers and abstracts. --- Dr Anne Slowther (Ethicist expert) Professor of clinical ethics at the University of Warwick, and a clinical ethicist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire. Her clinical background is in general practice. --- Professor Bethany Shinkins (Test expert) Professor of health economics at the University of Warwick. She is a co-investigator on the Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial, a randomised controlled trial to evaluate community-based low-dose CT screening for lung cancer. --- Professor Sian Taylor-Phillips (Research and Methodology Group chair and data scientist) Professor of population health at the University of Warwick, specialising in evaluation of medical tests and screening programmes. She leads Warwick Screening, a team of researchers which synthesises evidence for national policy-makers, and undertakes primary research across several screening programmes. Professor Taylor-Phillips has a particular interest in evaluating the benefits and harms of different versions of breast cancer screening and holds several grants in this area. --- Professor Chris Hyde (Health economist and modelling expert) Qualified in medicine from the University of London and completed specialist training in public health. Chair of public health and clinical epidemiology at the University of Exeter. Previously vice-chair of NICE's diagnostics advisory committee. His research interests are in test evaluation on diverse topics ranging from pre-eclampsia to diabetes. --- Dr Sharon Hillier (Fetal, Maternal and Child Health (FMCH) Group chair) Director of the screening division, Public Health Wales. She leads the division which delivers and develops the seven population-based screening programmes across Wales and the all-Wales clinical network for antenatal screening. --- Professor Anneke Lucassen (Geneticist expert) A physician who specialised in clinical genetics and is professor of genomic medicine and consultant in clinical genetics at the University of Oxford. Previous chair of the British Society for Genetic Medicine. Chair of the ethics advisory committee of UK Biobank and the Joint Committee on Genomics in Medicine. Advertisement The letter, which was also delivered by Labour MP Calvin Bailey, chair of all all-party group on prostate cancer, and Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, the party's health and social care spokesperson, concludes: 'Introducing targeted screening would be a legacy-defining advance for men's health.' David Cameron, another former Conservative prime minister, this week revealed he has been treated for prostate cancer after requesting a check and gave his backing to the campaign for a targeted screening programme. Ms Morgan said: 'We already have successful screening programmes for breast and bowel cancer, yet catching the most common cancer in men is left to chance. 'This is a glaring gap in our prevention-first health strategy.' Mr Bailey said: 'This is a defining moment. 'We are seeing deepening inequalities where men at increased risk are being turned away despite requesting tests, only to be diagnosed when it is too late. 'Families are bearing the emotional and financial devastation of a disease we have the tools to catch. 'We are handing this letter to the Health Secretary calling for change. 'The evidence is there, the political support is there we just need it recognised by the National Screening Committee.' Oliver Kemp, chief executive of Prostate Cancer Research, said: 'It is time to stop hiding behind outdated arguments. 'We know that pre-biopsy MRIs have halved overdiagnosis rates and overtreatment rates have fallen massively in the last decade. 'Other nations are moving ahead with risk-adapted testing. 'If the UK delays again, we are choosing to fall behind and fail another generation of men. 'Our campaign is calling on the public to join us in demanding a programme which we know to be practical, affordable, and morally essential.' Police tasered and shot a suspected jihadist teenager who shouted Allahu Akbar at them after allegedly stabbing three people in a Madrid street attack and then holing up in his flat. The 18-year-old, a Spaniard of Moroccan origin, is also said to have tried to attack officers and recite verses from the Koran as they attempted to overpower him. The siege in the Madrid district of Puente de Vallecas ended with the teenager being shot and seriously injured by police after their Taser guns failed to stop him. He was taken to the Spanish capital's Gregorio Maranon Hospital where he was believed to remain under police guard this morning. The drama leading up to the shooting began to unfold around 2pm on Saturday in a street called Martin Alvarez Street in Puente de Vallecas when police received reports a man 'with Arab features' had stabbed three people including an elderly lady and a 40-year-old male who had suffered a two-inch knife wound to his chest. A couple of hours later the suspect's brother rang police to say he was holed up inside his home with a large knife and was acting very aggressively. Cops are said to have categorised it as an 'Islamist terrorist incident' and sent officers from an elite unit specialising in demonstration and anti-terrorist operations to surround the property. The unnamed 18-year-old was tasered twice when officers managed to access the flat around 4.30pm but ended up being shot four times after going at police with a knife. Police tasered and shot a suspected jihadist who shouted Allahu Akbar at them after allegedly stabbing three people in a Madrid street attack and then holing up in his flat (file image of Madrid) The siege in the Madrid district of Puente de Vallecas ended with the teenager being shot and seriously injured by police after their Taser guns failed to stop him One bullet perforated his lung and another hit him in the kidney. Police union JUPOL said afterwards: 'We want to show all our support to the companions who acted to neutralise a radicalised young man who had attacked three other people. 'It was an absolutely proportionate response.' An investigation into the incident was ongoing today. Although it is reportedly being probed as an Islamist terrorist incident, the suspect was also described as being under the influence of drugs. The stab victims received medical attention but none of their injuries have been described as life-threatening. The Chancellor plans to hit more than 100,000 homes with a 'mansion tax' in the Budget as critics accused her of waging war on Middle England. Rachel Reeves is widely expected to place an additional annual levy on properties in the top three council tax bands, which could be as much as 2,000. Any changes affecting bands F, G and H would disproportionately hit homes in the South East, London and the East of England, based on analysis by the Daily Mail. The South East has about 645,000 homes in the top three council tax bands - compared to just 43,000 in the North East, according to official data. Westminster, Buckinghamshire and Kensington & Chelsea would likely be worst hit by such a tax change, while Burnley and Boston would be among the least affected. The stark contrast has led to warnings that families across the South will feel they have been 'singled out' to pay for the Government's mistakes. The Conservatives said any new property tax would amount to 'a war on family homes across Middle England'. Under Ms Reeves's plans, around 2.4 million homes in the top three council tax bands would be revalued. Enter your postcode below to find out your local council tax rates. If you don't know your property's tax band, click here to use a tool on the Government's website. Your browser does not support iframes. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, pictured visiting the Oval Village project in London in July 2024 The most expensive properties would be required to pay an additional annual levy of around 2,000 - on top of their council tax bill. The Times reported that Ms Reeves could hit more than 100,000 high-value properties with a levy that applies to those worth more than 2million and could raise 400million to 450million. Council Tax bands in England (based on values on April 1, 1991) A - up to 40,000 B - 40,001 to 52,000 C - 52,001 to 68,000 D - 68,001 to 88,000 E - 88,001 to 120,000 F - 120,001 to 160,000 G - 160,001 to 320,000 H - More than 320,000 Advertisement People will be also able to defer the cost until they die or move house to avoid forcing them to sell up, the newspaper also reported. Labour MPs have been privately warning that a previously mooted 1.5million cut-off would be too low. But shadow housing secretary James Cleverly lambasted the plans. He told the Daily Mail: 'Council tax is already soaring on Labour's watch with Labour planning to hike bills by 700 on the average Band D property across this Parliament. But Rachel Reeves is still looking for more ways to hike taxes on the family home. 'Any new homes tax will inevitably amount to a war on family homes across Middle England, punishing people who have worked hard all their lives and invested well. 'Under Labour, people will pay more and get less. Only the Conservatives will keep tax on the family home down and ensure residents get a fair deal.' The Liberal Democrats' Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper added: 'Families across the South - who face significantly higher living costs whilst suffering the same wage stagnation as everyone else - will feel that they are being singled out to pay for the Government's mistakes: the Chancellor should not punish them for that.' Homes in England were last revalued in 1991. But imposing a percentage levy on homes over a certain price would require new valuations to be done, seen as a major obstacle. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) warned Ms Reeves that a failure to revalue homes would mean the tax would not hit the most valuable properties. Stuart Adam, senior economist at the IFS, told the Daily Mail: 'Increasing tax on high-value properties would be one reasonable option for the Chancellor. But increasing the existing council tax has the major disadvantage that tax bands are still based on the value of properties from 1991. 'Properties in the highest bands are not those that are worth most today, but those that were worth most in 1991 a very different set 'A tax rise on properties in the top bands would therefore not be hitting the most valuable properties. A council tax revaluation is long overdue. On its own, bringing assessed values up to date would not raise revenue, but it would distribute the tax burden more fairly and make tax rates and increases less arbitrary.' An HM Treasury spokesman said: 'We do not comment on tax speculation outside of fiscal events.' Rachel Reeves is targeting the 'salary-sacrifice' schemes used by millions of private-sector workers for their pensions in an attempt to bring in around 3billion. The move planned by the Chancellor ahead of Wednesdays Budget announcement echoes Gordon Brown's pensions raid during the last Labour government. Experts warned it would deal a hammer blow to private-sector pensions, which already lag far behind the gold-plated arrangements for those in the public sector. Ms Reeves is also expected to scrap the two-child benefit cap at a cost of 3billion a year the same amount - and uprate handouts by nearly 4 per cent from April. Ahead of the big reveal, you can vote in the Daily Mails latest poll on whether you think one should be used to fund the other. In the weekend's poll, Mail readers were asked: 'Should the BBC be allowed to continue charging a compulsory licence fee?' Out of more than 21,000 votes, 6 per cent of you said 'yes' and 94 per cent said 'no'. Four police officers should face misconduct proceedings over their handling of abuse allegations reported by a woman later found dead in a car boot, the police watchdog has said. Harshita Brella, 24, reported to Northamptonshire Police on 29 August last year that she had suffered domestic abuse by her then husband Pankaj Lamba. The suspect was arrested on 3 September and released on police bail, with conditions not to contact his wife, and issued with a Domestic Violence Protection Order. Ms Brella's body was found in the boot of a Vauxhall Corsa in Ilford, Essex, on 14 November. It's suspected she was strangled in Corby, Northamptonshire, on the evening of November 10. A manhunt remains ongoing to locate Lamba, who is believed to have left the UK for India. In March the Crown Prosecution Service announced Lamba, then 23, had been charged in his absence with Ms Brella's murder and rape. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) began an independent investigation on 20 November 2024 following a referral from Northamptonshire Police. In a statement this morning the police watchdog said its investigation has considered the actions of two detectives on the Northamptonshire force who were assigned to the domestic abuse investigation, plus two more senior officers who had supervisory responsibility. Harshita Brella, 24, had previously reported to Northamptonshire Police that she had suffered domestic abuse by her then husband Pankaj Lamba. Pankaj Lamba, 23, has been charged with murder, rape and sexual assault It has concluded that the two Detective Constables have a case to answer for gross misconduct. The watchdog said: 'We believe a police disciplinary panel could find the officers didn't appropriately review the case, set investigative actions, seek supervisory advice, or keep Ms Brella sufficiently updated. 'Our investigation also concluded there is a misconduct case to answer for a Sergeant and Chief Inspector over their supervision and review of the domestic abuse investigation and associated risk assessment for Ms Brella. 'It is our view the officers may potentially have breached police standards of professional behaviour relating to duties and responsibilities.' IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell, added: 'This is a harrowing case in which a young woman was killed not long after arriving in the UK to start a new life. Our thoughts remain with Ms Brella's family and friends as they seek justice for what happened. 'Our independent investigation examined Northamptonshire Police's response to the disclosure made by Ms Brella that she'd suffered domestic abuse. It has scrutinised their investigation strategy, actions taken, communication with the victim, and any safeguarding considerations. 'After a thorough review of the evidence, we have determined four officers should face disciplinary proceedings. It will be for a police disciplinary panel to determine whether the allegations are proven.' Lamba, 23, was charged in his absence with Ms Brella's murder and rape All parties have been informed of the IOPC's decisions, and it will now be for Northamptonshire Police to organise disciplinary proceedings. The watchdog said its investigation has also identified areas of potential learning for Northamptonshire Police, which are currently being reviewed, in relation to its Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit. An international manhunt was launched for Lamba in November 2024 after the discovery of his wife's body in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, with police saying at the time that he was thought to have fled the country. In a statement in March, Samantha Shallow from the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'The Crown Prosecution Service has reviewed a file of evidence submitted by the Northamptonshire Police, and has authorised a charge of murder against 23-year-old Pankaj Lamba in relation to Harshita Brella's death. 'Lamba, formerly of Sturton Walk, Corby, is also charged with two counts of rape, sexual assault, and controlling or coercive behaviour. 'The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings are active and defendants have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.' At least six youth offenders have broken onto the roof of a detention facility, sparking a standoff with prison staff. A group of inmates at Banksia Hill Detention Centre in Canning Vale, suburban Perth, climbed onto the roof of the facility about 2.30pm on Monday. They allegedly threw bricks, poles and fire extinguishers at authorities trying to get them down. Aerial footage of the incident showed children ripping air vents off the roof along with other pieces of metal. One offender was seen setting off a fire extinguisher. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas blamed the incident on the WA state government's 'chronic mismanagement' of Banksia Hill and other youth detention centres. 'There's no other thing you can say about it - they have failed,' he told ABC Radio Perth. 'They've failed those children. They failed those inmates and they've failed the men and women that need to take care of them.' A group of youth offenders broke onto the roof of Banksia Hill Detention Centre in Canning Vale The inmates were seen ripping pieces of tin off the roof of the facility Banksia Hill is a maximum-security facility which holds boys and girls aged between 10 and 17 years old. The Department of Justice earlier confirmed Corrective Services officers were 'responding to an incident involving a group of young people'. Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia claimed the violent outburst backed the state government's existing reforms. 'It shows the challenging task confronted by our youth custodial officers and reaffirms the need for a purpose-designed facility to house the state's most high-risk youth, as announced by our government last week,' he said. The WA Government committed additional funding for a new 30-bed detention centre for high-risk youth offenders. That group is currently held at Unit 18 inside the maximum-security adult Casuarina Prison. Banksia Hill Detention Centre has had several riots in recent years. Two buildings were set on fire on New Year's Eve in 2022 and in 2023 heavily armed officers were brought in to quell a 12-hour riot, which then-premier Mark McGowan described as a 'form of terrorism'. The rioters allegedly threw projectiles at authorities trying to get them off the roof It's understood at least six youth offenders were on the roof Other notable incidents included a large riot in 2013 and another three-hour rampage in 2017, during which armoured officers used stun grenades and pepper spray. Following the previous incidents, reports surfaced of some juvenile inmates being kept in solitary confinement for more than 20 hours a day, described by some critics 'inhumane' conditions. A new facility which the government claims will fix many of the persistent issues is set to be built next to Banksia Hill Detention Centre at a cost of $156million and be completed in 2028. 'The fact that it's going to take over half a decade to deliver [the new facility] shows how little priority they have given to this issue,' Mr Zempilas said. 'We'll have a racetrack at Burswood Park before we will have these upgraded facilities. That's not good enough.' Furious locals are demanding a wedding venue loses its licence as rowdy guests make their lives hell by revving their cars, setting off flares and fireworks into the night and even threatening them if they complained. Residents living close to Impression Events Venue in West Ham, east London, have described the situation as a 'nightmare'. They want Newham Council to decide against renewing the venue's licence at a hearing in January. Footage shows screeching wedding guests setting off colourful smoke flares from processions of swanky cars and repeatedly beeping their horns in celebration as residents can be heard coughing in the background. Other clips show attendees setting off fireworks with one holding one as it sparks, putting himself and others in danger. People who have lived in the area for nearly 50 years say it used to be peaceful - but now claim they have to put up with hundreds of guests attending 'two weddings a day' in the summer months. Some say they've even been threatened when trying to reason with guests, and that the council and the police do little to deter them. One local, who has lung conditions, said she was once told to 'move to the country' if she didn't like the parties, after telling flare-wielding party guests that she was having an asthma attack. Others regularly have their vehicles damaged by guests, who are seen in videos driving flash cars in processions before weddings. The venue was formerly a working men's club, before reopening as a wedding venue around 2010. Carly Allen, a mother-of-one whose family has lived in the area for around 50 years, says her dog is 'petrified' to go out when the weddings are on. Wedding guests set off colourful smoke flares as they drive their cars around the residential street in West Ham, east London Residents living close to Impression Events Venue in West Ham, east London , have described the situation as a 'nightmare' Carly Allen (pictured), a mother-of-one whose family has lived in the area for around 50 years, says her dog is 'petrified' to go out when the weddings are on 'We are just sick of it,' the 50-year-old said. 'In the summer, there's a wedding every single day - sometimes twice a day. 'When they first started we used to go out and have a look. But after a while, you go: "I can't live like this". 'It's not like we live on a great countryside estate. 'Every road gets blocked with cars and they all rev their engines before they go. 'Why do you need a Lamborghini to drive in a 20mph zone? 'Even if the venue shuts at 11, you are still on tenterhooks because you don't know if they will set fireworks off. 'When we try to speak to the venue, their attitude is: "Not our problem. It happens outside the venue". 'We call the police all the time, but they say to contact the council, the council say to contact the police... We are just fed up. 'One of the neighbours is having chemo and limousines park in his disabled bay.' Ms Allen added that though most of the weddings held at Impression were for South Asian guests, she would complain no matter whose event was keeping her up. 'This has nothing to do with who they are,' she said. 'A few nights a year wouldn't be a problem, but this is every day, twice a day in the summer. 'I don't go out when the weddings are on. If you take your car out, you won't get back in. 'We are not putting up with it anymore.' Wedding guests also frequently set off fireworks during late-night celebrations which disturb residents who live close by Footage shows attendees in swanky convertible cars setting off smoke flares whilst they drive Tricia Ford, a resident with serious lung conditions living next to the venue, claims she was once threatened by party-goers. The 63-year-old says her grandson is no longer allowed to visit her when the weddings are on, after nearly being struck by a car on one occasion. 'I had an asthma attack when they were setting off flares around six months ago,' Ms Ford, who has lived in the area for nearly 50 years, said. 'I went outside to remonstrate with [the guests] - they were all sitting in their convertibles. 'I said: "Please, no flares". One of them lit a flare and said, "Take a picture of that!". It was horrendous. 'They said they would smash my car windows. The police didn't even come.' The threat was all too real for Ms Ford, who says wedding guests have hit her car four times, causing her insurance to rise. She added that guests also regularly park in her residents' spot, which she pays 150 a year to the council to have. 'It has been an absolute nightmare,' Ms Ford continued. 'I am quite a patient person, but in the summer you literally can't breathe because of all the smoke. 'I don't understand why the council let them get away with it. 'If your MP, the local council and the police won't help you, who will? 'My son said he doesn't want my grandson coming down here when it's all going on. 'That's not fair, is it? The manager says: "There's nothing I can do. It's outside the premises". 'This is not the right area for this type of venue. It's just ridiculous. 'The hundreds of cars we get here... It's unbelievable. 'It's completely and utterly crazy. Why are they letting them do it?' Tricia Ford (pictured), a resident with serious lung conditions living next to the venue, claims she was once threatened by party-goers Other locals regularly have their vehicles damaged by guests, who are seen in videos driving flash cars in processions before weddings A notice on the outside of the venue building telling guests not to beep their horns, rev their engines or use smoke cannons and to leave quietly without making noise and to respect neighbours An 84-year-old resident, who has lived near the venue for over 30 years, wrote to Newham Council calling for the 'awful' venue to be shut down. In a letter to the licensing committee, she said that though she had tried to speak with Impression's management on 'numerous occasions', she had been 'fobbed off as an old lady whose peace and quiet doesn't matter'. 'The music from the venue bangs right into my windows, so much so that I can't even watch the TV on full volume,' she wrote. 'I have even contemplated moving to an area where I do not know anybody and will lose my support network of friends because of this club. 'It is affecting my mental health. It stops me from sleeping. 'I cannot have my windows open in case there is a party. All the smoke bomb fumes come in my windows and affect my breathing. 'My children and grandchildren do not visit as they are nervous of the intimidating groups of young men that hang about outside the club when the parties are going on. 'The revving coming from the cars that come down my street - it is a very narrow street and it is one way - is so loud it stops me from doing anything. 'The fireworks at 12pm frighten the life out of me and leave me trembling. 'I do not know how this club has ever been allowed to do what they do in a residential neighbourhood as small as ours. 'This club has an awful [effect] on our community. It makes our area an awful place to live. 'I do not just want to oppose their license; I want this club shut down once and for all.' Other locals, however, disputed how loud and how late the parties are. 'It never goes on too late,' one woman said. 'By 11 it's all finished. The bride and groom come in the afternoon. 'I enjoy looking out and seeing the cars. I like it. If you keep your windows shut, you can't hear it.' An 84-year-old resident, who has lived near the venue for over 30 years, said: 'I do not know how this club has ever been allowed to do what they do in a residential neighbourhood as small as ours' Guests are frequently seen setting off smoke cannons, despite this being against the venue's rules Residents want Newham Council to decide against renewing the venue's licence at a hearing in January A wedding procession of cars seen letting off colourful flares on the residential street in east London A spokesperson for Newham Council said: 'As the licensing authority, it would not be appropriate to comment ahead of the licensing committee meeting on January 12.' A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'We understand how instances of anti-social behaviour are upsetting to local communities and we take all reports extremely seriously. 'We are aware of reports of anti-social behaviour in the area around Hamilton Road, West Ham. 'Local officers have attended to investigate reports but no criminal offences or suspects have been identified. 'The majority of the reports relate to complaints about noise, parking or licensing matters. 'These are matters for the local authority and we are working to support Newham Council. 'There have not been any reports of criminal damage, but we would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of a crime to contact the police on 101. 'We continue to patrol the area on a regular basis to provide a visible presence.' Impression Events Venue refused to comment on the matter when approached by the Daily Mail. A politician named after Adolf Hitler is running for re-election in Namibia as he hopes to secure his fifth term in office. Adolf Hitler Uunona - who has been burdened with the Nazi Tyrant's name - went viral during the elections in 2020 where he won a landslide. And he is set to retain his seat with another huge majority as voters go to the polls on Wednesday according to the countrys electoral commission. Hitler is running for the role of district administrator in the Ompundja region. Namibia is a former German colony in southern Africa, which is still home to a small German-speaking community and some people still have German names. Hitler, who has been in power since 2004, confirmed that he was running in the elections to Bild newspaper but gave no further details. He previously said: 'My father named me after this man. He probably didn't understand what Adolf Hitler stood for. 'As a child I saw it as a totally normal name. Only as I grew up did I understand that this man wanted to conquer the whole world.' Adolf Hitler Uunona (pictured) - who has been burdened with the Nazi Tyrant's name - went viral during the elections in 2020 where he won a landslide Adolf Hitler of the Nazi party is seen in Germany in 1935 The politician said his wife calls him Adolf, adding that he usually goes by Adolf Uunona but that it would be 'too late' to change his name officially. 'The fact I have this name does not mean I want to conquer Oshana,' he said, referring to the region where he won the election in 2020. 'It doesn't mean I'm striving for world domination.' Hitler won 1,196 votes in the 2020 election compared to 213 for his opponent, returning him to a seat on the regional council which he previously won in 2015. His name was abbreviated to 'Adolf H' in a list of candidates printed in a government gazette, but his name appeared in full on an official results website. Once known as German South West Africa, Namibia was a German colony from 1884 until the empire was stripped of its possessions following World War I. The real Hitler would later use the humiliation of the post-war Treaty of Versailles as a propaganda tool to win support for the Nazis in the 1920s and 1930s. While Germany has spent 75 painstaking years trying to atone for the war and genocide that it unleashed under Hitler's rule, its colonial atrocities in Namibia are little discussed - but pressure for reparations has been growing in recent years. German soldiers slaughtered some 65,000 Herero and 10,000 Nama tribespeople in a bloody campaign to suppress a local revolt between 1904 and 1908. A German bakery in Swakomund, Namibia, is seen in 2008 in a remnant of the German colonial settlement which took place there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries The killings came after German occupiers forced native tribespeople off their land and recruited them for forced labour, leading to an uprising in which Herero people killed 123 German settlers. In addition to the slaughter, thousands of Hereros were driven into the desert and died of thirst and starvation, and the rest were sent to prison camps. The German government says it has a 'special responsibility' towards Namibia 'on account of the two countries' shared colonial past'. But in August, Namibia turned down Germany's 9million offer of reparations for the colonial massacres, stating that it needs to be 'revised'. The German community in Namibia has occasionally been associated with displays of neo-Nazi sentiment, including a celebration of Hitler's 100th birthday in 1989. And in 2005, a German-language newspaper ran an advert voicing 'joy and satisfaction' over the death of Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal. The German ambassador to Namibia demanded that the newspaper apologise, which it subsequently did. Rapper and Netflix star Ghetts has been further charged with motoring offences after he allegedly killed a student in a hit-and-run crash. Justin Clarke-Samuel, who stars in the streaming series Supacell, allegedly hit Yubin Tamang while driving his black BMW M5 in Ilford, east London on the night of October 18. Clarke-Samuel, 41, allegedly failed to stop after the incident at 11.33pm. The victim, a 20-year-old from Nepal, was allegedly flung 70ft in the air. He died in hospital two days after the crash. Clarke-Samuel was previously charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He has now additionally been charged with two counts of dangerous driving, in locations near to where Mr Tamang was struck, around the same time as the collision. Clarke-Samuel was not asked to enter pleas during the 15-minute administrative hearing at the Old Bailey today. He appeared via videolink from HMP Pentonville wearing a grey T-shirt and grey jogging bottoms. He has also featured in the Netflix series Supacell Yubin Tamang, originally from Nepal, died after being killed in a car crash last month Several members of Mr Tamang's family were present in court, having travelled to the UK especially. Clarke-Samuel was further remanded in custody and told he would be asked to enter pleas at a hearing on December 8. The defendant spoke to confirm his name and that he understood what had happened. Mr Tamang was an only child sent to the UK by his parents to study at the University of Roehampton, magistrates were previously told. Members of Mr Tamang's family said the victim was 'a very good person' and a hip-hop fan, and described him as their 'world'. The victim was seen on CCTV walking along Redbridge Lane East in the area when he was struck by the BMW. The rapper was arrested at his home address in the early hours of the following day. Ghetts is an award-winning rapper and songwriter who has featured on songs alongside Skepta, Stormzy and Ed Sheeran, racking up millions of plays on Spotify. Rapper Ghetts was nominated for two Ivor Novello awards earlier this year The 20-year-old was described as a 'very good person' by his family In 2021 he won the Best Male Act at the Mobo Awards and received the Mobo Pioneer Award in 2024 for his significant contribution to British black culture. The rapper has also been nominated for a Mercury Prize. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been spotted riding through the grounds of Windsor Castle as political pressure for him to testify before the US Congress about his links to Jeffrey Epstein increases. The disgraced 65-year-old, who was accompanied by a female companion, looked downcast as they took the horses out for a ride. Despite being evicted from the Royal Lodge by King Charles, these recent images suggest he is yet to make the move to Sandringham. Andrew has so far ignored a formal request from American politicians to 'come forward' with information about the paedophile financier. However, pressure is rising after Starmer broke with the long-standing convention by prime ministers to not comment on royal matters while attending the G20 summit in South Africa. He told reporters: 'Anybody who has got relevant information in relation to these kinds of cases should give evidence.' When pressed on whether that applied to Andrew, he said: 'In the end, that will be a decision for him. But my general position is if you have relevant information you should be prepared to share it.' Democrats on the House oversight committee had earlier given Andrew a two-week deadline to respond to their request for him to testify about his 'ties' to Epstein, but he did not reply. The disgraced 65-year-old, who was accompanied by a female companion, looked downcast as they took the horses out for a ride. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is seen horse riding near Windsor Castle in Berkshire Congress cannot compel a foreign national to appear, but Starmer's intervention increases the pressure on Andrew, who remained friends with Epstein even after his conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution. The fallout has already cost him his titles and his home, Royal Lodge. Sir Keir's comments were on Saturday night welcomed by Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, a member of the oversight committee. He told the MoS: 'Prime Minister Starmer is right - Andrew should provide us with any information he has that would help our investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. 'There is clear evidence they were friendly. This is an opportunity for Andrew to clear his name if he hasn't done anything wrong, and deliver long-awaited justice to the victims.' And US lawyer Gloria Allred, who has represented 27 of Epstein's victims, said: 'Why does Andrew resist helping in an investigation which is so important to victims and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein? 'This is his opportunity to help the survivors by volunteering to speak before Congress under oath. Will he do it or not? King Charles should encourage him to do it, because it is the right thing to do. Andrew's silence is deafening.' Lisa Bloom, another victims' lawyer, said: 'On behalf of the eleven Epstein victims I represent: THANK YOU Prime Minister Starmer for stating the obvious: anyone with information about one of the world's most prolific predators should help law enforcement bring all those complicit to justice. That includes the man formerly known as Prince Andrew.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) has urged Andrew to give evidence to the US Congress about what he knows about Jeffrey Epstein Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has ignored a request by American politicians to come forward with information about Jeffrey Epstein. Pictured: The pair at a party at the Mar-a-Lago club in Florida in 2000 alongside Melania Trump (left) and Gwendolyn Beck (centre right) Andrew and Sarah are reportedly 'no longer welcome' at London's most exclusive nightclub Annabel's - with staff being told that the scandal-hit couple should no longer be allowed inside In a fresh humiliation, it has also emerged that Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are now no longer welcome at Annabel's, the elite 3,750-a-year Mayfair club they have long frequented. A source told the Daily Mail: 'Sarah and Andrew at this point would be turned away. Their type of notoriety is not what the club needs.' Andrew has never been a formal member, but he and Sarah 'always enjoyed an arrangement where they can come and go as they please,' the insider said. The ban could prove awkward, as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are members and can sign in guests. The snub will sting Andrew, who has decades of connections to the venue. He once planned his 1986 stag do there before moving it after the press found out - leading Sarah and Diana to mistakenly turn up dressed as police officer stripograms hoping to crash the party. He celebrated his 30th birthday there in 1990 and was famously refused entry later in the decade for turning up in jeans and an open-necked shirt, in breach of the strict dress code. A Chicago judge is facing growing backlash after she freed a career criminal with 72 arrests to his name just weeks before he allegedly set a woman on fire on a train. Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez freed accused arson attacker Lawrence Reed, 50, in a separate case in August despite warnings that he posed a danger to the public. Reed faced Molina-Gonzalez on August 22 on a felony aggravated battery charge, accused of slapping a social worker so hard she was knocked unconscious inside a psychiatric ward at MacNeal Hospital. Prosecutor Jerrilyn Gumila told the judge at the time that Reed needed to remain in custody and argued that electronic monitoring was 'wholly insufficient' to protect the public. 'It could not protect the victim or the community from another vicious, random, and spontaneous attacks,' she told the judge, according to CWB Chicago. Gumila's warnings allegedly proved true, as just weeks later, Reed was accused of dousing Chicago resident Bethany Magee, 26, in gasoline and setting her alight on a train on November 17. The shocking attack and Reed's lengthy rap sheet sparked outrage online, with Elon Musk leading criticisms of Molina-Gonzalez. 'It is incredibly cruel of so many judges to push murderous thugs on the innocent public!' Musk said on X. 'And double shame on anyone who funds them to do so.' Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez is facing backlash after she freed a career criminal with 72 arrests to his name before he allegedly set a woman on fire on a train Just weeks after the judge freed the serial criminal, he was accused of dousing Chicago resident Bethany Magee, 26, (pictured) in gasoline and setting her alight on a train on November 17 Magee's alleged attacker Lawrence Reed has been arrested over 70 times and has had multiple felony convictions over the last three decades Musk compared Reed's case to that of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska earlier this year, who was also allegedly attacked by a career criminal on a train in North Carolina on August 22. The billionaire also shared a post showing Zarutska and Magee together, captioned with a quote from Scottish philosopher Adam Smith reading: 'Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent.' 'Wise words,' Musk added, in an X post that was viewed over 24 million times in one day. Other X users also shared footage of a speech the judge gave at a Hispanic Heritage Month event, where she said she enjoyed her previous role as a prosecutor because she had a 'chance to decide' what cases were prosecuted, as she often faced 'defendants who looked like me.' The Daily Mail has contacted the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Cook County for comment. Reed has been arrested over 70 times and has had multiple felony convictions over the last three decades - including a 2020 arson conviction for setting a fire outside a building in Chicago. According to court transcripts, Molina-Gonzalez resisted prosecutors' urging to keep Reed in custody. The judge told prosecutors as she released him in August: 'I can't keep everybody in jail because the state's attorney wants me to.' Elon Musk led criticisms of Molina-Gonzalez, and compared Reed's case to that of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska earlier this year, who was also allegedly attacked by a career criminal on a train in North Carolina Molina-Gonzalez (pictured) resisted the urging from prosecutors to keep Reed in custody, telling officials weeks before the alleged attack on Magee: 'I can't keep everybody in jail because the state's attorney wants me to' Bethany MaGee, seen in her Facebook profile picture, was set alight while traveling on a Chicago metro train At that hearing, Gumila said that when Reed allegedly knocked out a social worker in the hospital psychiatric ward, he was seen on surveillance video flying into a frenzy at random. She said he 'became irate and slapped the victim in the face with an open palm.' 'Her vision went black, and she lost consciousness for several seconds. One of the victims co-workers rushed over and helped the victim walk down to her office, and the victim was then taken to the emergency room,' the prosecutor said. Gumila said the victim suffered a cut to the cornea of her eye, a concussion, memory loss, a chipped tooth, and possible optic nerve bruising. Despite running through Reed's lengthy rap sheet, and warning that he 'poses a real and present threat' to society, the judge set him free with just electronic monitoring. Reed was subsequently ordered to be held without bail following the alleged attack on Magee, and he is facing charges including terrorism. Investigators said Reed attacked MaGee at random and obtained additional security footage of Reed allegedly filling a container with gasoline at a gas station 20 minutes before the attack Surveillance footage shows the attack on MaGee on November 17 Surveillance footage showed the victim ran to the front of the train car to escape before her attacker allegedly ignited the bottle in his hand MaGee, of Upland in Indiana, worked as an analyst for heavy goods giant Caterpillar US Attorney Andrew Boutros confirmed on Wednesday that the latest attack Reed is accused of was completely random. 'We've watched the video and different angles of the video. And what we could say is this young woman was on her phone, going through her phone, minding her business, when [Reed] approached her and began throwing gasoline on her,' Boutros said at a press conference. 'I've seen reports that there was an altercation or that there was some kind of disagreement or argument that took place. Those statements are inaccurate and false.' Surveillance footage showed MaGee sitting in the train car before Reed, a complete stranger, allegedly poured gasoline over her head and body. In a horrifying chain of events, MaGee attempted to fight off her attacker while Reed allegedly tried to set her on fire. Reed approached MaGee and repeatedly yelled 'burn alive b***h,' a criminal affidavit filed in federal court alleged. The random attack on MaGee was quickly compared to that of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who had her throat cut while traveling on a light rail train in August. Police say the man who allegedly killed her, DeCarlos Brown Jr, was also serial criminal with a lengthy history The Trump Administration seized on the attack and Reed being out on bail to bolster its claim that the National Guard should be deployed to Chicago. 'As President Trump has long said, violent crime in Chicago is out of control,' White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Daily Mail. 'Local Democrat leaders, like (Illinois Governor JB) Pritzker, should spend their time addressing violent crime and welcoming the president's help on the issue instead of succumbing to their Trump Derangement Syndrome and letting violent crime run rampant. 'This tragic crime should have never happened and it sadly highlights the dangers of Democrat control.' Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement on Sunday: 'It is devastating that a career criminal with 72 PRIOR ARRESTS is now accused of attacking 26-year-old Bethany MaGee on Chicagos L train, and setting her on fire. 'This would never have happened if this thug had been behind bars. Yet Chicago lets repeat offenders roam the streets. Chicagos carelessness is putting the American people at risk. No one should ever have to fear for their life on the subway.' A Utah woman who vanished from a bonfire on a California beach three weeks ago has been found safe, while her relieved family are yet to find answers. Danielle Staley, 35, had last been seen on November 6 at around 11.30pm before she disappeared, with no word to her friends or family. All that was found left behind were her belongings, including her purse and backpack, leaving her family desperately searching for answers. Three weeks on, Staley has luckily been found 'safe and uninjured,' according to the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office. The Utah native's family were thrilled to reunite with Staley, but no answers have surfaced as to why she disappeared. 'We barely got to California,' her stepfather, Slade Holtry told KUTV 2 News. 'We need to talk together to discover what happened.' 'We just want to hang out as a family and rejoice. We're so relieved. I'm going to eat my first real meal in two weeks,' he added. Holtry said news coverage of his stepdaughter's disappearance was the reason she was found again. Danielle Staley, 35, who had last been seen on November 6 at around 11.30pm before she disappeared, was found safe and 'uninjured' Currently, no details on her disappearance have been released by law enforcement or Staley's family, as they 'focus on Danielle's well-being' Staley's mother, April Miller, said that her daughter's relationship with Nunez had been on and off for about 13 years, and she voiced concern for an 'extremely abusive' history 'That's the only way we found her. Somebody saw the news and told her she was all over the news, and she contacted the sheriff's department. Thank you to all the media,' he told the outlet. Currently, no details on her disappearance have been released by law enforcement or Staley's family, as they 'focus on Danielle's well-being.' Before her safe return to her family, law enforcement combed California's Central Coast for any sign of Staley. She and her boyfriend, 62-year-old Steven Nunez, had been staying in a camper van close to Rio Del Mar State Beach, just under an hour from San Jose. In a news release on November 9, the sheriff's office announced concern over her safety and said Staley 'may be at risk, and foul play may be involved.' Staley's mother, April Miller, told ABC 4 that her daughter's relationship with Nunez had been on and off for about 13 years, and she voiced concern for an 'extremely abusive' history. 'We've been concerned for years,' Miller told the outlet. Staley's brother, Frankie, additionally claimed Nunez had been 'manipulative.' Nunez, who had been questioned by police multiple times and had his van searched, said he had not gone to the bonfire that night due to his asthma. Staley and her boyfriend, 62-year-old Steven Nunez, had been staying in a camper van close to Rio Del Mar State Beach, just under an hour from San Jose Platforms Beach area of Rio Del Mar in Aptos, California, where Staley disappeared at the beach bonfire party (file) Nunez, seen pictured with Staley, admitted a history of domestic abuse but said he was 'not stopping' until Staley was found and was not named a suspect in the case He instead had fallen asleep in the camper van, and told the outlet: 'When I woke up, she wasnt there, so Im saying theres cameras, theres a whole private subdivision that isnt nothing but cameras, and there has to be some video surveillance of something, cars going in and out between about 11 oclock and six in the morning.' Nunez was not named as a suspect or charged in the case, but admitted there had been a history of domestic violence between the pair. 'I'm not stopping until I find her, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here,' he added. 'You just see her picture. Like that little poster just breaks my heart and I want to do more than just sitting in some hotel room asking if anybody has any information, any information whatsoever to please come forward.' Nunez believed Staley's disappearance was linked to a resurge in drug use, and said: 'Yeah, she relapsed. And that's the truth.' Staley's brother, Frankie Grey, said Staley had a history of abusing heroin and meth. The family had started a GoFundMe to help them with the financial strain of searching for Staley, which garnered over $5,000 as of Monday morning. 'We are relieved to share that Danielle has been in contact with her family, and they are currently en route to meet with her. She is safe,' Staley's sister, Airica Staley, wrote on the fundraiser. Staley was last seen at around 11.30pm, seen pictured on security footage on the night of her disappearance Nunez believed Staley's disappearance was linked to a resurge in drug use, and said: 'Yeah, she relapsed. And that's the truth' In a statement to KUTV 2News, Staley's family said: 'At this time, we are not releasing specific details as we focus on Danielle's well-being. Our family asks that there is a continued focus on domestic violence victims, and that people bear in mind the sensitivity of circumstances like my sister's. 'Thank you to the Aptos community for the incredible outpouring of support, for sharing her information, and for coming together to help bring awareness to her case. 'Thank you to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office for their unyielding dedication to finding my sister safe, and for their tireless search for Jeanne Burke, as well as other missing persons. 'I also want to show gratitude to the Missing in America Network, and Jaz in particular for her advocacy at any time of the day or night, aiding our family through this hard time and giving us much needed direction. 'Additionally, I'd like to highlight that November is Native American Heritage Month, and support for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is very much needed. 'The entire family is forever grateful for the kindness and unity shown during this difficult time. Community is everything.' The Daily Mail reached out to Staley's family for comment. Greta Thunberg has been banned from Venice after she and Extinction Rebellion activists dumped green dye in the Grand Canal. The 22-year-old climate campaigner was issued with a 150 (130) fine and a 48-hour restriction on entering the northeastern Italian city after multiple protests over the weekend. Some 35 other activists were handed the same fine and ban. Protestors from Extinction Rebellion targeted 10 sites around Italy to coincide with the end of the Cop30 United Nations climate conference in Belem, Brazil, where countries failed to agree on phasing out fossil fuels. Thunberg attended the group's Venice demonstration, where activists dumped an environmentally harmless dye into the city's largest channel, turning it green. A banner that read 'Stop Ecocide' was hung up at the Rialto Bridge across the Grand Canal. The campaigners also staged a flash-mob protest in which activists, dressed in red with veils concealing their faces, walked slowly through groups of tourists. Luca Zaia, the governor of Veneto, condemned the stunt as 'a disrespectful gesture for our city, its history, and its fragility'. 'I am even more surprised to see Greta Thunberg among the authors of this useless protest, who clearly aim - more than raising awareness about the environment - to give visibility to themselves,' he added. Greta Thunberg has been banned from Venice after dumping green dye in the Grand Canal in a stunt alongside Extinction Rebellion activists People enjoy a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, where the canal's water has been dyed green in a protest organised by the 'Extinction Rebellion' climate activists, in Venice, Italy, November 22, 2025 As well as Thunberg, some 35 other activists were handed the same fine and ban Extinction Rebellion activists also targetted rivers, canals and fountains in other Italian cities including Bologna, Genoa, Milan, Padua, Palermo, Parma, Trieste, Turin and Taranto, to raise awareness about the 'massive effects of climate collapse'. The organisation accused Italy of being one of the countries that went to the greatest lengths to prevent the most ambitious proposals put forward at the Cop30 talks from going through. Talks in Brazil had gone into overtime on Saturday while delegates fought over whether to mention fossil fuels in the final text. One issue at the Belem talks was securing a deal that helps cut emissions faster to prevent them from driving more extreme weather. Extinction Rebellion activist Paola said: 'The most important global summit to define international political agreements aimed at countering climate and social collapse is drawing to a close, and once again this year, has been among the countries blocking the most ambitious proposals.' The EU had pushed for a deal that would call for a 'roadmap' to phase out fossil fuels, but the words do not appear in the text after opposition from oil-producing countries, including top exporter Saudi Arabia. Now the deal calls on countries to 'voluntarily' accelerate their climate action and recalls the consensus reached at COP28 in Dubai. More than 30 countries including European nations, emerging economies and small island states, had signed a letter warning Brazil they would reject any deal without a plan to move away from oil, gas and coal. But the EU, which had warned that the summit could end without a deal if fossil fuels were not addressed, accepted the watered-down language. An activist pouring a colouring agent in the dyed green waters of the Grand Canal in Venice during the 'Stop Ecocide' demonstration organised by Extinction Rebellion The 22-year-old climate campaigner was issued with a 150 (130) fine and a 48-hour restriction on entering the northeastern Italian city after multiple protests over the weekend Protestors from Extinction Rebellion targeted 10 sites around Italy to coincide with the end of the Cop30 United Nations climate conference in Belem, Brazil Swedish environment activist Greta Thunberg taking part in the 'Stop Ecocide' demonstration organised by Extinction Rebellion The Swedish climate activist alleged that she and other detainees of the Gaza flotilla were subjected to torture in the Israeli prison where they were held after their boats were intercepted by the IDF. Thunberg was taking part in an attempt by the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid to the war-torn Strip. She said that she was 'kidnapped and tortured' by the Israeli military, adding that they didn't get clean water and that other detainees were deprived of critical medication. She was detained for five days at Ketziot prison in the Negev desert, usually used to hold Palestinian security prisoners accused of involvement in terrorist activities, before being deported to Greece on October 6. She described being held in bug infested cells where she received little water and was mocked by guards and military officers who took selfies with her - later drawing a penis and writing 'whore' on her suitcase. She also described being beaten and having her hands tied with cables. She originally said she did not want to complain about her prison conditions, drawing attention away from the suffering of Palestinian 'Personally, I don't want to share what I was subjected to because I don't want it to make headlines and "Greta has been tortured", because that's not the story here,' she said, adding that what they were subjected to paled in comparison to what people in Gaza experienced daily. Israel's foreign ministry has repeatedly denied mistreating the detainees. Greta Thunberg was arrested by Dutch police at a protest in The Hague in April last year She was partaking in a climate march against fossil subsidies near the highway A12 Protesters from Extinction Rebellion block the entrance to the A12 and Greta Thunberg is taken away by the police, July 2024 Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg raises her fist upon arrival at the Athens International Airport on October 6, 2025 Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg attends the weekly demonstration with Fridays for Future at the Mynttorget square next to the Swedish Parliament Riksdagen, in Stockholm, Sweden November 11, 2022 Police officers carry Thunberg away from the edge of the Garzweiler II opencast lignite mine during a protest action by climate activists after the clearance of Luetzerath, Germany, 2023 The climate activist was dragged away by Dutch police and arrested in April last year during a march on the A12 highway in The Hague. She joined hundreds of protestors rallying against fossil fuel subsidies. The march spiralled into tense standoffs between the demonstrators and the police, some on horseback, who attempted to stop protesters from blocking a main road. Activists had planned to block The Hague's A12 highway for what Extinction Rebellion (XR) organisers say was the 37th time. The major road has been subject to regular blockades for years. She was photographed being dragged away by the police on the same road a few months later in July. Footage showed Thunberg and others being sprayed with water after police deployed a cannon before removing the group of about 50 demonstrators at the busy junction. The total cost of Scotlands historical child abuse inquiry to taxpayers has soared to more than 114million, the Mail can reveal. Bosses of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) revealed the cost of the statutory probe itself had reached 102million the first time it has risen above 100million. Police Scotland has spent an additional 12.3million, meaning taxpayers have shelled out about 114.3million and the bill continues to rise. But the true total is likely to be higher when as yet unpublished spending by other agencies such as the Crown Office is included. Last night Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr MSP said: Everyone accepts this inquiry is vital and must be carried out thoroughly. However, these eye-watering costs cannot be allowed to spiral unchecked. The rising cost also indirectly places pressure on other justice budgets like policing, which have been slashed to the bone by the SNP. To date, the SCAI has held 566 days of public hearings, published 1,380 witness statements, and analysed over six million pages of evidence. Chairman of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, retired High Court judge Lady Smith, during the first phase of hearings The chairman - retired High Court judge Lady Smith - will publish further findings in the coming months. The latest disclosure comes amid a growing row over the cost of Scotlands public inquiries which is around 240million. Police Scotlands finance department said between 2015/16 and 2024/25 the forces costs in relation to the SCAI, including legal representation, were 12.3million, but it was unable to provide a breakdown of where the money was spent. It comes as the force continues to battle financial problems amid an explosion in violent crime, which is up by 73 per cent since 2021-22 according to the recent Scottish Crime and Justice Survey. Earlier this year, the sister of a child abuse survivor claimed the statutory inquiry was 100 per cent to blame for his suspected suicide after it published his name online. Melanie Watson said her brother Kevin Sutherland gave evidence to the SCAI in 2022 but was later shocked to learn his name and case details were on the internet. The incident is now under review by Jason Beer KC. Launched in 2015 by the then Education Secretary Angela Constance, the SCAI was aimed at shining a light in the dark corners of the past. The SCAI has produced a series of hard-hitting reports into a range of institutions including fee-paying Gordonstoun School in Moray, the Kings former school. It said child abuse was normalised at the school with an extremely violent culture in some boarding houses. Lady Smith found that children who boarded at fee-paying Gordonstoun School in Moray were exposed to risks of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. It also produced a damning report on the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, which ran the notorious Smyllum Park orphanage near Lanark, which has committed to paying in up to 10million to a Scottish Government redress fund for abuse survivors. Earlier this year a former top judge raised fears that taxpayers money is being wasted because SNP ministers do not act on the recommendations of public inquiries. Lord Hardie, who led the long-running 13million inquiry into the Edinburgh Tram Project, called for a new parliamentary body to be set up to monitor the way the Scottish Government responds to the findings of inquiries it sets up. He said there is now a perception that the reports produced sit on ministers shelves gathering dust, leading to concerns about wasted public money. An SCAI spokesman said operating costs had remained over the last few years, adding: The inquiry continues to make excellent progress towards fulfilling its wide-ranging terms of reference. Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said the rising SCAI bill 'indirectly' places pressure on other justice budgets like policing, which have been 'slashed to the bone by the SNP' Last month the SCAI concluded Phase 9 of its oral hearings in relation to the provision of residential care in establishments for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs, additional support needs, and disabilities. Over the course of 43 days, the evidence of 133 witnesses was presented, focusing on 17 institutions. The investigations for Phase 9 also involved the analysis of about 11,500 documents. Phase 9 presented unique challenges, both in terms of gathering written and oral evidence from witnesses with disabilities including those who were deaf and/or visually impaired and making it as accessible as possible, including during public hearings. In August, the SCAI published its fifteenth volume of case study findings relating to Keil School in Dumbarton. The spokesman said: In addition to many specific findings that children were physically, sexually and emotionally abused at Keil, Lady Smith included details of the fresh prosecutions of two paedophiles whose abusive conduct was exposed though the inquirys investigations and presentation of evidence, thus demonstrating that those who abuse children in residential care may find it catching up with them, even decades later. The Scottish Government said public inquiries operate independently of government and the chair has a legal duty to avoid unnecessary costs. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a branch or go to www.samaritans.org A historic gold-mining town has turned into a crowded hotspot - with locals warning that the once-peaceful retreat had been transformed by TikTok and Instagram. Julian, a rustic town tucked in the Cuyamaca Mountains about an hour east of San Diego, with a population of roughly 1,500, had long been celebrated for its iconic apple pies and historic streets lined with specialty shops. But, in recent years, the influx of tourists has skyrocketed, leaving residents and visitors grappling with traffic jams, packed restaurants and hours-long waits on weekends. David Lewis, who grew up in Julian and now works at the Julian Pioneer Museum, said the surge was unlike anything he had seen before. 'It's on steroids. It's kind of nuts up here,' he told NBC San Diego. Julian's Main Street, once a quiet mountain escape, became packed with visitors lining up for pies and photo ops. Locals said social media partly fueled the boom. 'It's been blowing up all over TikTok and Instagram,' Karina Chaire added. Visitors lined up outside Julian Pie Company as the mountain town saw record crowds during the fall season Social media fueled the frenzy as TikTok videos have showcased Julians autumn colors and cozy eateries Rustic storefronts and specialty shops in Julian drew thousands of day-trippers looking for an old-fashioned experience 'If you went on TikTok, there were a lot of fall itineraries, things to do in Julian, a day in Julian.' And Aditya Shenoy, a student at San Diego State University who spoke to NBC while visiting the town with some friends, added: 'I think it just has a lot to offer, especially with the culture down here, there's a lot to explore and I think it just brings a lot of people outside the cities into nature.' Influencers and tourists accustomed to Southern Californias endless beach weather flocked to Julian for its crisp autumn air and colorful foliage, drawn by the mountain towns unique microclimate that offers a true fall experience. Founded during San Diego's only gold rush in 1870, Julian was named after Mike Julian, a Confederate veteran who settled in the area. The town never grew beyond a few hundred residents, but its fertile soil made it famous for apples. Julians Main Street has become packed with tourists snapping photos and waiting for tables at local diners In 1907, Julian apples won a top honor from the American Pomological Society, a legacy that continued with orchards, cider stands, and the beloved Julian Pie Company. Julian drew thousands each fall for its apple harvest and colorful foliage. Beyond pies, visitors flocked to wineries, historic gold mines, and even a wolf preserve. The town became Southern California's bed-and-breakfast capital, hosting weddings, family getaways, and corporate retreats. On weekends, parking was scarce and lines snaked around bakeries such as Mom's Pie House. Locals advised arriving in the town early to avoid the the crowds. The tragic death of a five-year-old boy who was run over by a Boston school bus that dropped him off could have easily been avoided if the driver had been paying closer attention, according to footage from the bus's cameras. Recordings of the distressing ordeal allegedly show that the driver, Jean Charles, was looking at his dashboard when he ran over Lens Arthur Joseph less than ten seconds after he and his 11-year-old cousin had stepped off the bus on April 28. While the video has not been made publicly available, a two-minute segment that showed the terrible accident was reviewed and reported by the Boston Globe. The publication laid out the short timeline of events, which was captured by the bus's interior and exterior cameras. Just before the little boy was run over, the driver had missed a turn that would have brought the bus to a stop directly in front of the little boy's home rather than across the street, which would have meant Joseph and his cousin wouldn't have had to cross the road. Officials from the city and school said that Charles was a substitute that day and had never driven the route before. On that route, he had also missed a different turn, and he had hit a vehicle with the bus before leaving the scene without reporting the incident. At 2:41:42pm, Charles stopped across the street from Joseph's home. Two seconds later, he opened the doors to let the five-year-old and his 11-year-old cousin off the bus. Lens Arthur Joseph, 5, was killed in April after being run over by the school bus that dropped him off Footage from the bus's camera show that the fatal crash could have easily been avoided if the driver had been paying closer attention Joseph was rushed to the hospital after the fatal crash but later died. His funeral was in May As the two exited the vehicle at 2:41:55pm, Charles was looking down at the dashboard rather than at the children. He then looked out the left driver's side window and back down at the dashboard. At 2:41:58pm seconds, he briefly glanced to his right towards the children, then up at the rearview mirror. The doors then began to close, and by the time they were completely shut, the driver was looking back down at the dashboard. At 2.42pm, the bus began to drive off at which time Joseph's silhouette could be seen moving in front of the passenger side of the bus through the driver's side mirror. One second later, the silhouette was pulled under the bus as it drove forward. The camera inside the bus showed that Charles was still looking down at the dashboard. He was then seen glancing up through the windshield for one to two seconds at 2.42pm. At 2:42:03pm, Charles bumped up in his seat as the bus ran over Joseph. The driver could then be seen looking around. It took six more seconds for Charles to seemingly realize what happened, as he reacted to something off-camera and covered his mouth with his left hand. Footage captured by the bus's cameras showed that the driver, Jean Charles, was looking at the dashboard when he ran over the little boy less than ten seconds after he got off the bus Joseph's family said he wanted to be a police officer when he grew up Another two seconds later, the bus finally came to a full stop. The little boy was rushed to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities said Charles was tested for drugs and alcohol, but no sign of either was found in his system. Charles was hired by Transdev, the contractor that provides drivers and staff for the Boston Public Schools bus fleet, in 2023. He resigned in May, right before a scheduled hearing for his termination. He had been in several crashes in Boston and was removed from the road for two days by Transdev for additional training less than two weeks before the fatal crash, according to city and school officials. Charles had been driving with a state-required certification that expired in December. Transdev had alerted him that the certification was about to expire last year, but Charles had failed to renew it, officials said. The crash is under investigation by the Suffolk district attorneys office and Boston police. It also triggered an internal investigation of Boston Public Schools oversight of Transdev. In August, that internal investigation determined that Boston Public Schools and Transdev both had numerous failures regarding management and safety of the district's school buses. Transdev is an $11billion French company with a US headquarters in Illinois. It has served as Boston Public Schools' bus contractor since 2013. Joseph's family described him as hardworking and willing to help around the house despite his very young age Joseph's family has sued Boston Public Schools and the driver of the school bus that ran over the little boy Joseph was born in Haiti in 2019, and he would have celebrated his sixth birthday in August Since then, the company has faced at least 15 court complaints alleging personal injury. Joseph's family also sued Charles and Transdev in July, alleging negligence and recklessness that resulted in the five-year-old's death. The Daily Mail has reached out to Boston Public Schools and Transdev for comment. The little boy's cousin, who had gotten off the bus with him, saw the fatal crash unfold in front of her, according to her family. Joseph was born in Haiti in 2019, and he would have celebrated his sixth birthday in August. During his funeral in May, his family said he wanted to become a police officer. His uncle, Ricardo Joseph, described the little boy at the funeral and said: 'If he wasnt playing, he was cleaning. If he wasnt cleaning, he was doing homework.' Joseph's aunt, Remercie Edmond, said he was a 'happy boy, a very smart boy, and very intelligent boy. 'He made everybody happy. He's going to be missed. It's a big loss for the family.' The former professional head of the British Army has been handed a four-month suspension from the House of Lords forbreaking lobbying rules. General Lord Richard Dannatt was found to have broken the rules on providing parliamentary services in return for 'payment or reward' after a sting by reporters. Lord Dannatt, who was Chief of the General Staff between 2006 and 2009, told journalists from the Guardian posing as businessmen he could introduce them to ministers. The Lords Conduct Committee upheld the findings and recommendations of the independent Commissioner for Standards. The committee said he had showed a 'clear willingness to undertake activity that would have amounted to paid parliamentary services' in his comments to the reporters. It also emerged during its investigation that there were three other cases where he 'provided parliamentary services in return for payment' by writing to and attending meetings with ministers. A second peer, Lord Evans of Watford, was suspended for five months over a separate incident. Neither peer appealed against the Commissioner's findings or recommended sanction. General Lord Richard Dannatt was found to have broken the rules on providing parliamentary services in return for 'payment or reward' after a sting by reporters. Lord Dannatt, who was Chief of the General Staff between 2006 and 2009, told journalists from the Guardian posing as businessmen he could introduce them to ministers. During the investigation Lord Dannatt acknowledged that he had misunderstood the rules, telling the Standards Commissioner: 'At 75 this year, no one is too old to learn and I have learnt a painful lesson over the last six months since the Guardian published its first story about me. 'I regret that my misunderstanding of the Code of Conduct and the publication by the Guardian of highly unwelcome articles has damaged my reputation but more significantly risked that of the House of Lords.' It was alleged that Lord Evans offered 'cash for access' during meetings with undercover journalists posing as potential clients of a company, Affinity, owned by the peer's son. Lord Evans held one-third of the shares in the company. The Commissioner found that Lord Evans failed to act on his personal honour when he told undercover journalists he would be willing to introduce them to MPs, given his financial interest as a shareholder in Affinity. It was also found that Lord Evans had sponsored events at the House of Lords on behalf of the company and approached members of the House of Lords to speak at those events, thereby providing parliamentary services to the company in which he had a financial incentive. The Commissioner also found that Lord Evans broke House of Lords events rules as tickets for the events were advertised for sale at above cost price. The events were used to promote and drum up business for Affinity and Lord Evans, as sponsor of the events, 'failed to satisfy himself that the events complied with the House's rules'. Erika Kirk has revealed what JD Vance whispered in her ear during an intimate hug they shared onstage last month after it sparked intense online speculation. The Vice-President spoke at a Turning Point event honoring Charlie Kirk at the University of Mississippi on October 29. Charlie's widow, Erika, introduced Vance at the event, where she noted that the VP had 'a little of Charlie in him', highlighting their similarities in compassion and leadership. During the same event, Vance also stirred controversy by stressing that he is a devout Catholic, while his wife Usha is Hindu, and expressing hope that she would one day convert - remarks critics claimed implied her beliefs were inadequate. As Vance took the stage, he and Erika warmly embraced each other with an intimate hug that sent shockwaves throughout social media. Erika placed her hand on the back of the Vice-President's head and he rested his hands on her waist. The clinch quickly became fodder for critics who claimed the intimacy was inappropriate, despite many arguing it was clearly a moment of shared grief between two people who adored Charlie. Erika addressed the hug for the first time in an interview with Megyn Kelly during an on-stage event in Arizona on Friday. 'So for those of you who know me, I'm very-,' Erika said as Kelly finished her statement: 'You're an intense hugger!' Erika Kirk spoke about her intimate hug with JD Vance in an interview with Megyn Kelly The widow of Charlie Kirk and Vance embrace on stage during a Turning Point USA event at the Pavilion at Ole Miss at the University of Mississippi on October 29 Erika was seen putting her hand on the back of the Vice-President's head 'My love language is touch, if you will So I will give you a play by play. They just played the emotional video. I'm walking over, he's walking over. I'm starting to cry. He says, "I'm so proud of you." And I say, "God bless you," and I touch the back of his head. 'Anyone whom I have hugged that I have touched the back of your head when I hug you, I always say, God bless you.' Kelly responded with a quick joke, 'They were acting like you touched the back of his ass!' 'I feel like I wouldn't get as much hate if I did that!' Erika said with a laugh. Following her husband's assassination, Erika has taken his role as CEO of Turning Point USA, the largest college campus conservative organization in America. Less than 24 hours after Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University in September, the Vice-President and his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, flew to the state in order to escort Charlie's body back to Arizona on Air Force 2. Footage from the event shows Vance escorting Charlie's casket on board the plane, while Usha comforts an emotional Erika. The memorial later that month in Arizona was attended by President Donald Trump and the top member of his White House cabinet. Erika hugs United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor at the White House earlier this month Usha Vance was recently spotted not wearing her wedding ring at an event alongside First Lady Melania Trump (pictured in North Carolina on November 19) Vance and his wife Usha arrive at a White House event on November 13 'Charlie was so proud of Erika and the two kids. He was so happy to be a father,' Vance told a crowd of 60,000 supporters at the memorial. 'And he felt such gratitude for having found a woman of God with whom he could build a family.' More recently, Usha was spotted without her wedding ring during an official White House engagement alongside First Lady Melania Trump. The Second Lady was ringless during her visit to Camp Lejeune military base in Richlands, North Carolina, last week on Wednesday. Photos from the event show Usha getting off a plane with her left hand in full view and the wedding band nowhere to be seen. When contacted by the Daily Mail, a spokesman for the Second Lady said Usha 'is a mother of three young children who does a lot of dishes, gives lots of baths, and forgets her ring sometimes'. An alleged serial sex offender has been charged with murdering a second woman while out on police bail. Simon Levy has now been charged with carrying out attacks on a total of 13 woman, including two murders, the rape and strangulation of a third woman and ten sexual assaults on the London Underground and in prison. But police believe that the alleged predator may have targeted many other victims after he was repeatedly released on bail by British Transport Police, Scotland Yard and magistrates during various investigations. In an unprecedented move ahead of trial, Scotland Yard are today making an appeal to women and girls to come forward if they have evidence of other crimes linked to Levy. It comes after the 40-year-old partially sighted defendant was charged with the murder of Carmenza Trujillo, aged 53, who was found dead in a building on the Aylesbury Estate in Southwark on March 17 this year. At the time of the murder, Levy was on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting two women on the Tube in October 2024. In total, Levy has now been charged with two murders, two counts of rape, a non-fatal strangulation, grievous bodily harm and sexually assaulting ten women. In a shocking case which will inevitably raise questions for the authorities, the defendant is first believed to have committed a sex attack on a female prison officer in HMP Brixton in April 2022. A year later he allegedly molested a woman on the London Underground in October 2023. Court artist sketch of Simon Levy, 40, appearing at Highbury Magistrates' Court Sheryl Wilkins was found dead in August this year The defendant, who has not entered pleas to any of the charges, was then arrested in November 2024 on suspicion of carrying out two other sex attacks at Tube stations in October 2024. After he was released on bail, he allegedly went on to strangle and rape a prostitute on January 21 this year. A pre-trial hearing at the Old Bailey was told that Levy allegedly refused to pay the sex worker, knocking her to the floor and jumping on top of her, breaking her collarbone. He is accused of raping her while placing his hands over the woman's face, suffocating her until she lost consciousness, but she survived the attack. Three months after Levy was arrested on April 1 over Ms Trujillo's death, but he was released yet again while officers investigated. While Levy was on bail, he is accused of carrying out five sexual assaults of women at various London underground stations between March and May 2025. Some of the alleged assaults were carried out within days of each other. On May 3 this year, Levy was charged with carrying out three sexual assaults at tube stations, but he was released on bail by a judge who ordered him not to travel on public transport. Carmenza Valencia Trujillo's body was found on a Peckham estate in March While on bail, Levy is accused of carrying out a further sex attack at Westminster station on May 29. The following month he was charged with breaching his bail conditions after being caught by a police officer on the London Underground on June 20. Yet a judge decided to release the suspect again. Weeks later, Levy is accused of murdering a second woman on August 28 this year. Sheryl Wilkins, 39, was found dead on August 24 by police patrolling a car park in Tottenham, North London. During an earlier hearing, the Old Bailey was told that the sex worker was found face down, with her head and body covered by a jacket. Although police found bruising and scratches, post-mortem examinations have been unable to determine the cause of death, with one possibility that the sex worker may have been drowned. Levy was arrested on September 4 and finally remanded in custody after being charged with a raft of offences including Ms Wilkins' murder. Commander Clair Kelland, who leads the Met's Public Protection Team, said: 'As the lead for public protection at the Met, one of our main priorities is to better protect women and girls. 'The investigation into Simon Levy is one of great complexity. We are working closely with partners across relevant boroughs, including Haringey and Southwark, to encourage reporting and raise awareness of the support we can provide to victim-survivors. 'Whether you are a victim-survivor, or someone with information, we urge you to come forward and speak to us.' Levy will now face trial on charges of murder, strangulation, grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of rape in June next year. He will face a separate trial on January 26 accused of nine sexual assaults on London Underground and the sexual touching of a prison officer in 2022. Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'Following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service, the Crown Prosecution Service has made the decision to prosecute Simon Levy for the murder of Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, a 54-year-old woman from Colombia. 'Simon Levy will appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 25 November 2025. We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has a right to a fair trial.' Police ask that potential witnesses or victims contact the incident room directly on 07751 700 330 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. A firefighter with more than three decades of experience has died while fighting a minor bushfire. Peter Curtis, 65, was part of a National Parks strike team sent to battle fires in a remote area west of Kimba, on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, but went missing on Sunday. He had been working with his brigade on a low-level grass fire at Pinkawillinie Conservation Park before his team realised he was unaccounted for. His disappearance triggered a ground and air search, but when his body was located he was unable to be revived. CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin explained authorities would not be divulging further details surrounding Mr Curtis' death. 'The specific details of this incident are subject to investigation. I will not be drawing any speculation about what may or may not have occurred at this point,' he said. Mr Curtis had around 30 years of firefighting experience and was described as 'mischievous' and 'a good comrade' by his colleagues. He grew up in Wirrabara, Mid North SA, and took over his father-in-law's stone fruit orchard. Peter Curtis (pictured) died while serving on a firefighting strike team on Sunday Mr Curtis was fighting a fire (pictured) in a remote area west of Kimba on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula He started working for Forestry SA in 1995 and joined the National Parks and Wildlife Services Brigade of the CFS in 2017. Mr Loughlin led the tributes to Mr Curtis. 'Our thoughts and indeed the thoughts of the entire fire and emergency services community are with his family, his friends and, of course, his colleagues,' he said. 'Peter's loss will be felt very keenly across the fire services. 'Peter was much-loved and deeply respected by everyone. 'He was admired for his dedication and he fought numerous fires in the area throughout his service.' Peter's cousin, Noel Curtis, 67, said his whole family was shocked by his sudden death. 'We'd spend a lot of our time growing up, just out in the bush,' he told the Adelaide Advertiser. Mr Curtis (pictured) has been remembered as 'mischievous' and 'a good comrade' on a fireground 'Nothing too silly, but we got into a bit of trouble every now and then. '...By the time you get to my age you've already lost a few friends but sometimes it's just not who you thought it would be.' Greg Pech, a close friend of Mr Curtis' for 50 years, described the 65-year-old grandfather as a 'good comrade'. 'You could trust that he'd watch your back,' he said. Mr Curtis was the first death of a Parks and Wildlife Service firefighter in the line of duty. Hexi Corridor in NW China's Gansu provides habitats, food resources for migratory birds Xinhua) 09:04, November 24, 2025 This photo taken on Nov. 22, 2025 shows ruddy shelducks at a reservoir in Shiyanghe River National Wetland Park in Minqin County of Wuwei City, northwest China's Gansu Province. The Hexi Corridor, spanning nearly 1,000 km in China's Gansu Province, is interspersed with oases, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and artificial reservoirs, providing favorable habitats and abundant food resources for migratory birds. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 14, 2025 shows whooper swans at the Xiaosugan lake wetland in Kazak Autonomous County of Aksay, northwest China's Gansu Province. The Hexi Corridor, spanning nearly 1,000 km in China's Gansu Province, is interspersed with oases, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and artificial reservoirs, providing favorable habitats and abundant food resources for migratory birds. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 14, 2025 shows a view of the Xiaosugan Lake wetland in Kazak Autonomous County of Aksay, northwest China's Gansu Province. The Hexi Corridor, spanning nearly 1,000 km in China's Gansu Province, is interspersed with oases, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and artificial reservoirs, providing favorable habitats and abundant food resources for migratory birds. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 22, 2025 shows ruddy shelducks at a reservoir in Shiyanghe River National Wetland Park in Minqin County of Wuwei City, northwest China's Gansu Province. The Hexi Corridor, spanning nearly 1,000 km in China's Gansu Province, is interspersed with oases, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and artificial reservoirs, providing favorable habitats and abundant food resources for migratory birds. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 12, 2025 shows a view of a lake in Heihe Wetland National Nature Reserve in the city of Zhangye, northwest China's Gansu Province. The Hexi Corridor, spanning nearly 1,000 km in China's Gansu Province, is interspersed with oases, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and artificial reservoirs, providing favorable habitats and abundant food resources for migratory birds. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 14, 2025 shows whooper swans at the Xiaosugan lake wetland in Kazak Autonomous County of Aksay, northwest China's Gansu Province. The Hexi Corridor, spanning nearly 1,000 km in China's Gansu Province, is interspersed with oases, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and artificial reservoirs, providing favorable habitats and abundant food resources for migratory birds. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) This photo taken on Nov. 22, 2025 shows a great egret at a reservoir in Shiyanghe River National Wetland Park in Minqin County of Wuwei City, northwest China's Gansu Province. The Hexi Corridor, spanning nearly 1,000 km in China's Gansu Province, is interspersed with oases, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and artificial reservoirs, providing favorable habitats and abundant food resources for migratory birds. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 22, 2025 shows a white-tailed sea eagle at a reservoir in Shiyanghe River National Wetland Park in Minqin County of Wuwei City, northwest China's Gansu Province. The Hexi Corridor, spanning nearly 1,000 km in China's Gansu Province, is interspersed with oases, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and artificial reservoirs, providing favorable habitats and abundant food resources for migratory birds. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 12, 2025 shows migratory birds in a lake in Heihe Wetland National Nature Reserve in the city of Zhangye, northwest China's Gansu Province. The Hexi Corridor, spanning nearly 1,000 km in China's Gansu Province, is interspersed with oases, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and artificial reservoirs, providing favorable habitats and abundant food resources for migratory birds. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 12, 2025 shows migratory birds in a lake in Heihe Wetland National Nature Reserve in the city of Zhangye, northwest China's Gansu Province. The Hexi Corridor, spanning nearly 1,000 km in China's Gansu Province, is interspersed with oases, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and artificial reservoirs, providing favorable habitats and abundant food resources for migratory birds. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) This photo taken on Nov. 12, 2025 shows black storks foraging at a wetland in Heihe Wetland National Nature Reserve in the city of Zhangye, northwest China's Gansu Province. The Hexi Corridor, spanning nearly 1,000 km in China's Gansu Province, is interspersed with oases, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and artificial reservoirs, providing favorable habitats and abundant food resources for migratory birds. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) A married Irish woman accused of sexually assaulting a tourist nearly 20 years younger than her at their Magaluf holiday hotel has been charged and warned she faces an 18-month prison sentence if convicted. The woman, now aged 38 but 37 at the time of the alleged assault, was hauled to court after being arrested for allegedly touching a Swedish man's genitals without his consent in a Turkish steam bath. The woman spent a night in a police cell before an investigating magistrate released her on bail and said she was free to travel back home pending an ongoing criminal probe. Public prosecutors have now charged her and indicated they want her to receive a one-and-a-half year jail term if she is convicted at trial. The sex assault is alleged to have occurred around 6pm at the four-star Hotel Martinique in Magaluf on June 3 when the Irish woman, who lives in County Cork, was still 37 and the younger man just 18. A three-page indictment outlining prosecutors' version of events says she sat beside him when she went to its Turkish steam bath after sharing a sauna with him and taking a dip in the hotel pool and 'with a lustful spirit, taking advantage of the fact that no one else was there and against his will, put her hands on his genitals and fondled them until he said: "No, no, no" and left.' As well as the prison term, prosecutors want the Irish woman banned from working with minors for two more years than the jail sentence imposed and ordered to pay court costs if convicted. They also want her to pay her male accuser 440 in compensation. Two police officers will be called to testify along with the alleged offender and victim. A married Irish woman accused of sexually assaulting a tourist nearly 20 years younger than her at their Magaluf holiday hotel has been charged The sex assault is alleged to have occurred around 6pm at the four-star Hotel Martinique in Magaluf on June 3 The possibility of a pre-trial hearing to see whether a plea bargain deal can be agreed has not been ruled out. Well-placed sources said around the time of the female tourist's arrest the Swedish man was already in the hotel sauna when she came in and sat near him and struck up a conversation with him after asking him how long he had been in Magaluf. She left the sauna and took a dip in a swimming pool beside it before following him into the Turkish steam bath according to a police report sent to the investigating court. He alerted hotel staff who called the police after the alleged assault. Reports at the time said the Irish woman, who was born in Brazil, was with her husband when cops arrived and took her away. Well-placed sources confirmed in June she had confessed to touching the Swedish holidaymaker's genitals when she went to court the day following her arrest after an initial denial to police but insisted it was a misunderstanding and said she thought he was interested in her after small talk. There is no mention of this in the prosecution indictment. Her lawyer, a well-known Palma-based lawyer called Joan Arbos, said earlier this year he was going to ask for the case against his client to be 'discontinued' on the basis he 'didn't consider a crime had taken place'. He could not be reached for comment this morning. A spokesman for the Civil Guard said shortly after the arrest, describing the Swedish man as 20 although the prosecution indictment indicates he was 18 at the time: 'The alleged sexual aggressor, aged 37, who was in a sauna with a Swedish man aged 20, was accused of touching the victim's private parts without consent. 'When officers arrived the victim was visibly upset. 'After carrying out inquiries, they proceeded to arrest the suspected offender, who was handed over to the courts.' No date for the trial has yet been set. Prison sentences of two years or less are normally suspended in Spain for first-time offenders. CIA agents were so taken aback by the behavior of a prominent Republican congressman on a foreign trip earlier this year that he was reportedly banned from foreign travel. Texas Republican Congressman Dan Crenshaw, who serves on the House Intelligence Committee, allegedly toasted inappropriate remarks by a Mexican official during an August meeting, according to Punchbowl News. The congressman's conduct reportedly alarmed officials at the CIA's Mexico City station enough that they sent a cable to the agency's headquarters in Langley, Virginia, reporting what they viewed as unprofessional conduct tied to drinking, as well as a lack of decorum in front of Mexican officials. The remarks toasted by Crenshaw allegedly made a woman in the meeting uncomfortable, per sources who spoke with Punchbowl. Crenshaw was visiting America's southern neighbor as head of the House Intelligence Committee's cartel task force. That is a role he no longer holds, per Punchbowl. Crenshaw himself has decried the framing of the incident by Punchbowl, accusing them of clickbait. 'Once again, we are dealing with the usual media playbook of publishing sensational stories based on anonymous sources and incorrect facts,' Crenshaw wrote on X. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, talks to reporters as he walks out of the House chamber during the 118th Congress in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 The seal of the Central Intelligence Agency at CIA headquarters in Langley, Va., April 13, 2016 The Mexican flag flies over the Zocalo, the main square in Mexico City. The Metropolitan Cathedral faces the square, also referred to as Constitution Square 'Sorry everyone, I truly wish I had a better story to tell you about my time in Mexico. But the truth is in fact very boring. I'm *shocked* that Punchbowl would try to sell you subscriptions with clickbait headlines. Super shocked,' Crenshaw also added. Punchbowl additionally reported that the incident also drew the ire of House Intelligence Committee Chair Rick Crawford, an Arkansas Republican, who sought to have Crenshaw kicked off the committee and banned from foreign trips, as well as House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson. The Speaker offered the following statement in support of Crenshaw, also blaming the media's coverage of the matter. 'Dan Crenshaw has always been and still is our point man in Congress when it comes to addressing the threat of the drug cartels. His insights and expertise in these and other matters regarding intelligence and national security are invaluable,' Johnson noted. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) departs the House floor on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 18, 2025 Representative Rick Crawford, a Republican from Arkansas, listens during a House Intelligence Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, April 15, 2021 'As a former Navy SEAL, he has earned his large platform. Despite recent media attacks by his political opponents, we know Dan, we stand by his record, and we have full confidence he will continue to deliver results,' Johnson's statement also notes. Crenshaw also raised eyebrows earlier this year when he was apparently caught on a hot mic threatening to kill former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Back in February, he noted that he had not met Carlson in person, but then said, 'If I ever meet him, I'll f***ing kill him.' He then apparently went on to call Carlson 'the worst person.' The remarks came after a fiery interview in which Crenshaw criticized Carlson's opposition to American aid to Ukraine, saying he 'doesn't know what he's talking about,' according to Politico. Saudi Arabia has eased restrictions on purchasing alcohol for select foreign residents, diplomats and premium via-holders have said. While the government has not made any statements regarding the sale of alcohol in recent days, sources said non-Muslim individuals with so-called premium resident status are now able to buy booze at the country's sole liquor store in Riyadh, which was previously reserved for diplomats. AFP spoke with four people who said the rules had changed, including two diplomatic sources and a couple of residents with premium visa status. 'I heard about it from friends who tried it. I went there two days ago and it actually worked,' one anonymous premium visa-holder said. 'It saved me a lot of money rather than buying from the black market. Prices are reasonable and we finally can buy alcohol.' Saudi authorities did not immediately comment on the reports. Started in 2019, premium resident status in Saudi Arabia is available to a select group of foreigners who meet a variety of requirements, including making a one-time payment of 800,000 riyals (163,000). The visa allows people to live, work and invest freely in Saudi Arabia without a local 'sponsor' - a kind of guarantor required for other non-nationals to live in the kingdom. An employee serves non-alcoholic draft beer at a halal bar in the capital Riyadh on October 24, 2025 Saudi Arabia has eased restrictions on purchasing alcohol for select foreign residents, diplomats and premium via-holders have said A premium residency-holder told AFP that he went to the liquor store and saw a man with the same status purchase alcohol before buying bottles himself. 'It actually worked for me, it's so easy,' he said. A Western diplomat told AFP that acquaintances of his with premium residency had managed to buy alcohol in the past few days. 'Expats WhatsApp groups are being flooded with the news,' he added. A diplomat told AFP that 'the (liquor) store was packed' on Saturday, when she saw 'people walking out with 30 bottles'. The apparent loosening of the liquor regulations comes nearly two years after the conservative kingdom opened its first and only liquor store in January 2024 in the capital's diplomatic quarter, catering exclusively to non-Muslim foreign envoys. There was no official announcement at the time, with two sources confirming the reports to AFP at the time. Since the rise to power of Saudi Crown Prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom has undergone steady changes in accordance with its plan to diversify the economy and attract tourists and international business. Saudi women take photographs of their non-alcoholic draft beer at a halal bar in the capital Riyadh on October 24, 2025 Signs of non-alcoholic beer displayed at the A12 cafe in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 24, 2025 Women are now allowed to drive, foreign tourists are being welcomed and cinemas have reopened. Booze, however, remained a sticking point in the kingdom - the birthplace of Islam and home to two of its holiest cities. Alcohol has been banned in Saudi Arabia since 1952, shortly after the son of then-King Abdulaziz got drunk and, in a rage, shot dead a British diplomat. The ban on alcohol is still in place, a measure not uncommon in Muslim countries, where alcohol use is often restricted. The dictator of Venezuela has taken a page out of Donald Trump's book. Nicolas Maduro was filmed dancing like the Republican President at a weekend rally. Pumping his fists and swaying side to side, in Trumpian fashion, the South American dictator raised eyebrows with a dance similar to that of his US rival. 'In a surprising move, Maduro is now doing the Trump dance,' former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz posted on X alongside a clip of the strongman's jig. Maduro was shuffling his feet, jumping and swinging his arms to a remix of his own past remarks denouncing conflict with the US. 'No crazy, no crazy war no, no, no, no,' the electronic dance music remix blared. Observers online speculate that AI generated the catchy tune. While addressing a group of students in the Venezuelan capital Caracas, Maduro called on those in attendance to share his regime's anti-war message. White House spokesman Anna Kelly told the Daily Mail: 'President Trumps signature moves and unmatched aura are often imitated, but never duplicated.' Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro dances on the day of a march marking Venezuelan Student Day in Caracas on Friday Maduro's fist pumps were reminiscent of Donald Trump's favorite dance move, seen in Japan last month During his remarks over the weekend, Maduro called for 'no war' despite the US military's buildup in the Caribbean to combat Venezuelan drug trafficking The calls for peace come as the US has ramped up its military presence in the region - the largest deployment in the Caribbean since the Cuban Missile Crisis - and American soldiers have been given orders to be ready for potential land strikes in Venezuela in the coming weeks. 'SOUTHCOM is restricting / limiting leave over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, in preparation for possible land strikes in the next ten days to two weeks, I am told by a source,' NewsNation's Kellie Meyer reported on Monday. The dispatch is the latest signal that American forces are eyeing operations within the South American country that the Trump administration claims is complicit in narco-terrorism. In addition, the Trump administration designated a Maduro-linked group, Cartel de los Soles, as a terrorist organization on Monday. The new designation 'brings a whole bunch of new options to the United States,' Pentagon boss Pete Hegseth said last week. In existence since at least the 1990s, the cartel originally consisted of high-ranking Venezuelan military officials who profited from drug trafficking. Today, the group consists of political leaders as well as Venezuelan government officials who are accused of a slew of illicit activities, from illegal mining to arms trafficking and money laundering. Trump appeared open to striking Venezuela directly last week when pressed by reporters. 'I don't rule out anything,' he said when asked about military action against the country. Since August, US Southern Command has built up a major force consisting of thousands of troops and scores of ships and aircraft in the Caribbean. The effort is to combat Venezuelan narco-terrorism, the Trump administration claims. Some analysts believe the ultimate goal of the pressure campaign is to push Maduro from power. On November 16, the US's largest operating aircraft carrier, the Gerald R Ford, arrived in the Caribbean to reinforce the previously deployed troops, joining a sizable force that includes the military's top tech, like F-35 fighter jets and a nuclear submarine. Over the past few months, US forces have bombed at least 20 alleged drug-running boats, killing more than 80 people. The Trump administration has not provided any evidence that the targeted boats were carrying substances. Reports indicate that US covert operations within the South American country could be the first step to a larger conflict. In August, the US raised the bounty on Maduro to $50 million. A grizzly bear that attacked students and teachers from an elementary school in Canada late last week and left 11 people injured is still on the loose as conservation officers are working to capture it. The attack occurred in Bella Coola, northwest of Vancouver, on Thursday afternoon. A group of about 20 fourth- and fifth-graders from Acwsalcta School, run by the Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola, was on a field trip and had stopped for lunch along a forested trail across the highway from their school when the bear struck. Two were left critically injured, and two more were seriously hurt. Several teachers attempted to stop the grizzly with bear spray and a bear banger, a device that makes a loud bang to try to scare aggressive animals away. Veronica Schooner, the mother of one of the students, told the Associated Press that one teachers received 'the whole brunt' of the attack and was among those airlifted by helicopter from the site. As of Monday, the bear had not been captured. The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said additional officers arrived on Saturday to assist with the search. Two other grizzlies were also seen in the area when the attack took place, according to witness accounts. Conservation officers are attempting to locate and capture those bears as well. Conservation Officer Service Inspector Kevin Van Damme urged locals to avoid the area, remain indoors and only travel by vehicle until further notice. The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service is continuing to search for a bear that attacked about 20 teachers and students Traps and cameras have been set up as part of the search. Officers have also been assessing the site, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses and victims 'I really need to stress how dangerous this situation is with this bear at large,' he said. 'We can appreciate people want to be involved but this is a fluid and dangerous situation,' he added in a post from the Conservation Officer Service Facebook Account. 'For the safety of residents and our officers, please avoid the area and allow them space to do their work.' Traps and cameras have been set up as part of the search. Officers have also been assessing the site, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses and victims. A Royal Canadian Mounted Police Air Services helicopter with thermal imaging cameras has also been assisting in the search. Any bears that are captured will have their DNA tested to confirm whether they were involved in the attack, according to the Conservation Officer Service. Next steps will be determined in consultation with wildlife biologists and the provincial wildlife veterinarian with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. The Daily Mail has reached out to the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service and Inspector Van Damme for comment. Three seriously injured students and a teacher, who was gravely injured and suffered head trauma while fending off the bear, remained in Metro Vancouver hospitals for treatment over the weekend. The group of teachers and students were from the Acwsalcta School, run by the Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola, northwest of Vancouver The grizzly bear injured 11 people, leaving two in critical condition and two more seriously hurt (stock image) Conservation Officer Service Inspector Kevin Van Damme urged locals to avoid the area, remain indoors and only travel by vehicle until further notice Seven other members of the group who were not as seriously hurt received first aid at the scene but did not require hospitalization, according to British Columbia Emergency Health Services. Noel Pootlass, the head Nuxalk hereditary chief, told the Canadian Press that all of the students and teachers are relatives of his. He said the teacher who suffered the most serious injuries was his cousin. 'Im so thankful for the three teachers who intervened,' he said. 'My cousin was jumping on the bear, kicking it, while another teacher was spraying with bear spray two feet from its face. He used two cans on it and it wasnt fazed. So, one woman teacher was using her crutches to hit the bear.' A woman who said her granddaughter was one of the students taken to the hospital wrote on social media that the child needed 100 stitches, suffered three broken bones and had to undergo emergency surgery. Veronica Schooner said her ten-year-old son Alvarez, who was part of the group, was so close to the animal 'he even felt its fur.' 'He was running for his life,' she told local media, adding that her son was left 'traumatized' by the attack on his friends. 'He said that bear ran so close to him, but it was going after somebody else.' Veronica Schooner said her ten-year-old son Alvarez, who was part of the group, was left 'traumatized' by the attack Pootlass said the bear likely attacked because of disruptions to the ecosystem, citing recent clear-cutting and forest fires pushing bears from their habitat and making them 'desperate.' Students were expected to return to class at the school Tuesday. At a news conference, British Columbia Premier David Eby praised the teachers who jumped into action to protect the students. 'I want to thank the teachers for their heroism,' he said, before praising 'their willingness to confront this vicious animal.' The Premier said he hopes all those affected will have a quick recovery. A twisted husband hid in his ex-partner's apartment before murdering her in cold blood, burying her body, then digging it up one last time to rape her corpse. Zarbab Ali, 28, from Hawthorne, Los Angeles, was found guilty of the murder of his estranged wife, Rachel Castillo, 25, who was the mother of their two young sons. Ali had previously pleaded guilty to the felony charge of defilement of human remains after admitting his rabid jealousy caused him to kill Castillo. The horrific brutality occurred on November 10, 2022. Ali picked up his sons from Castillo's Simi Valley apartment earlier that day. He returned that night armed with a kitchen knife he bought days prior, and lay in wait. Ali confessed to attacking Castillo as she left her bedroom, stabbing her three times. While he initially tried to minimize the violence, he later admitted the murder was much more gruesome than he let on: 'In reality, she put up a fight. I was a brute. I pushed her down, and it was gory beyond belief.' Castillo's family reported her missing that same day, shortly after her sister arrived at their Simi Valley apartment and discovered a large amount of blood. Ali admitted to waiting inside Castillo's apartment and stabbing her to death after she left her bedroom Castillo was enrolled in Pepperdine University's graduate program and working toward becoming a marriage and family therapist Following the murder, Ali wrapped Rachel's body in a blanket, cleaned the scene, and drove to a remote desert area in Antelope Valley, where he buried her in a shallow grave. Ali's testimony on November 17, 2024, revealed the full extent of the atrocity. He admitted to returning the next day, digging up the body, and raping her dead corpse. He told detectives: 'Just to confirm that I am a monster, I raped her.' He added, chillingly, 'If I didn't commit to being a monster, then she would have died for no reason.' Local police and the FBI discovered Castillo's body on November 13, 2022. Ali was apprehended that same day in Victorville, where he confessed during one of five interviews with detectives, stating simply, 'I found Rachel, she was alone and I killed her.' During his trial testimony, Ali confirmed his confession was voluntary. He detailed how he and Castillo, his first girlfriend, bonded over their mental health struggles early in their marriage, but his anger and jealousy grew after their separation nine months prior. The defense argued his motive was emotional turmoil over alleged infidelity, not financial gain. Ali testified that the anger and jealousy became uncontrollable after he learned Castillo was in love with another man. He claimed his ex-wife taunted him with details of her relationships, which fueled his rage. On November 21, 2024, Zarbab Ali, 28, of Hawthorne, California, was found guilty of murdering his 25-year-old ex-wife and the mother of his two young sons, Rachel Castillo Castillo's body was discovered in the desert area on November 13, 2022, by local police and the FBI Ali will face mandatory life in prison at his sentencing hearing on January 12 'This is the only way I could escape,' Ali said of the stabbing. 'I wanted her dead. I was angry that she just wouldn't let me move on.' Ali also admitted he had been thinking about killing Castillo since their separation, stating, 'I kind of blamed her for all my problems,' including job dissatisfaction and custody issues. He also admitted to interpreting advice from Castillo's father to 'look out for yourself' as a justification to kill her. Castillo's aunt, Renee Redding, spoke to the VC Star, expressing her distress over the defense's characterization of her niece. 'She was a straight-A student in her master's program, not a drug addict and sex fiend,' Redding stated. 'Rachel was a good mother, and her kids will miss her.' At the time of her death, Castillo was enrolled in Pepperdine University's graduate program, working toward becoming a marriage and family therapist. Additionally, she worked at Interface Children & Family Services, dedicating her time to connecting vulnerable people with crucial services they might otherwise not access. The conviction brought closure to the family, who endured the painful details of the trial. Rachel's father, Chris Castillo, reacted with relief to the verdict: 'We are very happy that justice will be served in this case in this life and the next.' Senior Deputy District Attorney David Russell emphasized the finality of the conviction: 'Our thoughts are with Rachel's family, who have endured unimaginable pain... this conviction ensures the defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison and that the community will be protected from him forever.' Ali, who also stated he deserved the death penalty, will face mandatory life in prison at his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for January 12. This is the extraordinary moment a drug dealer claims he had borrowed someone else's pants before wraps of cocaine began falling out of his trouser leg. Neil Brown tried to run from cops after he was stopped and told he would be searched in Cambridge. Police found 98 wraps of the Class A drug, worth around 1,960, and a knife close by. Brown was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine, possession of cannabis and possession of a knife in a public place. Click the video above to watch the moment in full. A suspected Islamist terrorist questioned over the savage 2019 Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka is seeking asylum in the UK. The asylum seeker, from Sri Lanka, was detained in his home country over allegations that he was involved in the Easter Sunday bombings in April 2019, which killed 269 people - including eight Brits. Hundreds were also left injured. An Islamist terror group with links to ISIS was thought to be behind the attacks at a series of churches, luxury hotels and homes, all carried out by suicide bombers. A news agency acting as an ISIS mouthpiece later claimed that the perpetrators were 'Islamic State fighters'. The migrant, who has been granted an anonymity order, was arrested by Sri Lankan authorities in January 2022, under suspicion that he had been involved in the attack. Months later, he fled his home country and arrived in Britain, where he soon sought asylum for both himself and his wife on the basis that he would be 'persecuted' if he returned home. Two weeks after he arrived in Britain, Sri Lankan authorities issues a warrant for his arrest. Home Office officials refused his asylum claim in April 2024, and an initial appeal against the decision was refused by a first-tier immigration tribunal judge in March this year. But the terror suspect has since been granted a further chance to claim asylum in Britain after claiming that the earlier judge had been 'biased'. The Easter Sunday 2019 bombings devastated three churches and three hotels in Sri lanka and left hundreds dead The attacks also targeted foreign tourists at three hotels across Colombo. Eight Brits were among the dead The Easter Bombings saw suicide bombers kill 269 people and injured 500 more in churches and top-end hotels across Sri Lanka. At least 38 non-Sri Lankans were killed - including six British citizens. The suicide bombings were detonated in rapid succession at three churches in Colombo on Easter Sunday, one of the holiest days in Christianity. What happened in the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter Sunday bombings? Bombs were detonated in rapid succession at three churches in Colombo on Easter Sunday, one of the holiest days in Christianity. Explosions also rocked three luxury hotels, targeting foreigners who were sitting down to breakfast. The most deadly blasts were at the two Roman Catholic churches, the Shrine of St Anthony and St Sebastian's, where 171 worshippers were killed. Three five-star hotels on the beachfront were attacked around the same time: the Shangri-La Hotel, the Cinnamon Grand Hotel and The Kingsbury. The attacks killed more that 260 people, including eight British tourists and three children of the Danish billionaire owner of ASOS, Anders Holch Povlsen. At least 45 children, including nine foreigners, were killed in the atrocity. The attacks were blamed on two local Islamic extremist groups that had pledged allegiance to Islamic State. Advertisement It is believed that the eight suicide bombers were associated with an Islamist militant group named National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) which has suspected foreign ties - including with Islamic State. Among the dead were Anita Nicholson, 42, and her son Alex, 14, and daughter Annabel, 11, who were originally from London but were living in Singapore at the time of the attack. They were killed instantly by a bomb as they sat down for breakfast at the Shangri-la Hotel in Colombo. Three other Brits - Lorraine Campbell, Bill Harrop and Sally Bradley - were killed in an attack at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel elsewhere in the capital; siblings Daniel and Amelie Linsey also died in the attack. The upper-tier tribunal hearing was told that the man was only released from police detention in exchange for a 'substantial bribe' - and that his family in Sri Lanka was visited by police. The Sri Lankan claimed the earlier judge had been 'biased', failed to spot similarities between a Wikipedia page on the bombings and police report, and had not explained why evidence from a Sri Lankan lawyer was rejected. He also questioned why the judge had not considered why an arrest warrant had been issued despite the fact he had been released on bail. He represented himself during the tribunal, held in Birmingham, speaking both in English and through a Sinhalese interpreter. Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Claire Burns found that the previous hearing had made a series of errors, including them missing that he had been released on bail following an arrest warrant. The first judge failed to consider the 'fundamental' evidence submitted by the Sri Lankan lawyer, and erred in law by making findings on the arrest warrant that were 'contradictory' to the evidence before him, she added. Judge Burns did not, however, agree with the terror suspect's claims that the first judge was 'highly prejudiced'. She said: 'I find that there is no merit in this ground whatsoever.' The facts of the case will be heard at the first-tier tribunal at a later date. Judge Burns concluded: 'The Judge erred in law in his analysis of the documentary evidence as set out above and so for that reason the decision must be set aside. 'I determine that no facts should be preserved. This will enable the new Tribunal to make a full assessment on the credibility of (YA's) account on full consideration of the oral and documentary evidence.' A woman known as the 'Slender Man stabber' told officers to 'just Google me' when she was arrested for cutting off her ankle monitor and fleeing her group home. Morgan Geyser, 23, sparked a multi-state manhunt on Saturday when she escaped the facility in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, with a 42-year-old man she is 'in a relationship with', cops said. She captured national headlines in 2014 when she and her friend Anissa Weier, both then 12, lured their sixth-grade classmate Payton Leutner into the woods during a sleepover and stabbed her 19 times. Leutner barely survived the attack, and when the girls were arrested, they said they had done it to appease the fictional horror character Slender Man. Geyser was placed in a psychiatric ward in 2018 when she struck a plea deal with prosecutors to avoid prison, and in July she was released into the group home against warnings from prosecutors. Geyser fled with her older boyfriend around 8pm Saturday, and cops said the pair got a bus south to Illinois. She was found over 170 miles away from her home at a truck stop in Posen late on Sunday night, and cops said she repeatedly refused to give her name. When she finally told them her true identity, Greyser allegedly told them to 'just Google' her because she had 'done something really bad.' Morgan Geyser, known as the 'Slender Man stabber', told officers to 'just Google me' when she was arrested for cutting off her ankle monitor and fleeing her group home Geyser captured national headlines in 2014 when she and her friend lured their sixth-grade classmate Payton Leutner (pictured) into the woods during a sleepover and stabbed her 19 times to appease the fictional 'Slender Man' character. She survived the attack Geyser will be hauled back to Wisconsin and will face a judge. She had previously been released to the group home on the condition that she be treated for psychotic spectrum disorder. She had been in custody since she was arrested aged 12 following the attack on Leutner, in which she and Weier hatched a plot to perform a ritualistic murder for the 'Slender Man.' Geyser carried out the stabbing of their friend while Weier cheered on, police said at the time. Geyser said at the time of the stabbing that she believed Slender Man, a fictional horror character, would kill her family if she didn't attack her schoolfriend The sinister duo then abandoned Leutner - leaving her to die - but she miraculously survived. She managed to crawl out of the woods, where a cyclist found her. The girls told detectives that they had to kill Leutner to become Slender Man's 'proxies', and said they thought the character would kill their families if they did not comply. They were both charged in adult court with first-degree attempted intentional homicide. Weier had pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempted second-degree intentional homicide as a party to a crime, but the jury found her to be not guilty by mental disease or defect in 2017. Geyser, seen in 2017, was placed in a psychiatric ward in 2018 when she struck a plea deal with prosecutors to avoid prison and in July she was released into the group home against warnings from prosecutors Anissa Weier, pictured after the attack, cheered on Geyser as she stabbed their helpless victim Geyser, who has schizophrenia, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, but as part of her plea deal, was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in 2018. Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren, who has since retired, had sent her to a psychiatric hospital for 40 years - a sentence of which she only served about 25 percent. Bohren went against the wishes of prosecutors in January when he ruled that Geyser could be released and placed in her group home, after three experts testified that she was making progress battling her mental illness. During the same hearing, Geyser also came out as transgender, but female pronouns have continued to be used for court consistency, Dr Brooke Lundbohm, who psych-evaluated Geyser, explained. At the time, Dr Kenneth Robbins claimed that Geyser no longer had the psychosis symptoms that played a significant role in the violent assault she committed. Lundbohm's treatment team came to the same conclusion. 'I think either she was experiencing transient psychotic symptoms, which is to say psychotic symptoms that didn't persist and gradually went away,' Robbins explained. 'Or the intensity of her fantasies based on some of the trauma she had experienced were so intense that she believed them to be true.' Geyser, pictured at age 12, stabbed her friend 19 times as a sacrifice to Slender Man The trauma Robbins referred to was Geyser's claims of sexual abuse by her father, who died in 2023. Geyser's father had also reportedly been diagnosed with schizophrenia, Stacie Leutner told ABC. But Geyser's symptoms more closely align with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and autism, Robbins said. While Bohren agreed to Geyser's release to a group home - effectively slashing her sentence by about three decades - the plan had to be reworked several times. The judge approved it in July, but the process to remove Geyser from the secure mental hospital was difficult, as multiple group homes had turned her away. One plan also would have seen Geyser moved to a home just eight miles from Leutner, sparking outrage from her family. In March, state health officials argued that Geyser was in no condition to walk free from the institution after evidence emerged of an unsettling correspondence she was having with an 'older man' called Jeffrey - including this sketch of a decapitated body and a postcard saying she wanted to be intimate with him In March, state health officials argued that Geyser was in no condition to walk free from the institution after evidence emerged of an unsettling correspondence she was having with an 'older man' called Jeffrey, who sold murder memorabilia. The man first visited her in June 2023, and in their twisted correspondence, Geyser had sent him her own sketch of a decapitated body and a postcard saying she wanted to be intimate with him. The drawings were described as 'horror' art. Jeffrey was reportedly selling the pieces that Geyser sent him. The Madison Police Department said Sunday that it was not made aware that Geyser was missing until nearly 12 hours after she left the group home. Authorities said 'Jeffrey' was not the same man that Geyser escaped her group home with over the weekend. A fashion brand owner who shared the tragic tale of meeting an apparent soulmate on a bus before being brutally ghosted has now been accused of a sneaky act of deceit. Estefi Rosas racked up more than 3.6 million views on a TikTok video, posted in October, that showed a mysterious dark-haired man stood across from her on public transport in France. 'I saw this guy on the metro in Paris... trying to make eye contact but not working...' she says in the clip. He then looked over and flashed an endearing smile which captured the hearts of thousands of social media users. 'Help me find him,' she begged her followers, prompting a wave of speculation and internet sleuths to search far and wide for the man's identity. 'Did you find him?' one concerned commenter asked. Estefani liked the comment and responded to several others describing their excitement at the apparent meet cute. 'When I finally found the Paris guy, he asked me out. Everything was going insanely well. We saw each other a few more times,' she wrote in another post. Hearts were then broken earlier this month when the Barcelona native shared updates telling her followers that the mystery guy had 'ghosted' her and that their whirlwind romance was over. But the more Rosas posted, the more suspicious many of her followers became. Sleuths who uncovered Rosas's Instagram realized that her connection with the mystery man, who she never named on TikTok or Instagram, ran far deeper than she claimed. A heartwarming video of the pair's apparent meet cute on a busy Paris bus racked up more than 3.6 million views Rosas claimed that her love interest was working as a photographer at Paris Fashion Week He is Marcel Llambes, who Rosas openly described as her 'partner.' The pair posted multiple times on their LinkedIn accounts about their fledgling fashion brand De Kiska. Llambes' name was previously listed among the founders on the company's website, before being removed - seemingly to hide his involvement from shoppers brought to the page by the pair's unlikely love story. YouTube videos showing the couple's journey launching the company earlier this year have also been taken down. Before launching her brand and finding relative social media fame, Rosas' LinkedIn shows she worked as a Marketing Manager in Madrid and the UK, while Llambes worked in sales and set up several e-commerce companies. In a LinkedIn posts from April, Llambes writes: 'Estefania worked at Amazon. Me in a startup in London that is growing a lot. Everything was going well. But it was not what we wanted. We wanted to build something of our own.' In another post, he says: ''Starting a company with your partner is the worst idea.' That's what they say. And they will probably continue to say it... until it works.' Rosas admitted in one LinkedIn post that she 'created' the 'romantic story', but no such admission was made anywhere on her TikTok or Instagram, and many of her thousands of followers feel led-on. The business owner has even cashed in on her internet fame by releasing a song on Spotify called 'Of course he ghosted u', turning comments from people who believed the story that the pair had separated into lyrics. Rosas has proudly posted on LinkedIn about selling out her collections and the success that posting the 'romantic story' on social media has brought her brand Some of her followers have described their feelings of betrayal after buying into the wholesome love story before realizing it was a 'PR stunt'. 'Guys, I'm starting to think the drama with the guy was just so that we can look at her clothes?' one wrote. 'They're cute but no need to deceive people. Unfollowing sigh.' 'It is very sad that both of them made up this story,' one person said of the ghosting video. 'They're promoting their brand with a made up story that hurts many people who already went through such a painful situation.' Another commenter said they had a feeling 'that the story of her falling in love with a guy could have been fabricated to generate views and promote her clothing brand.' One skeptical follower wrote: 'I think they're catfishing us. Seems a little too perfect.' On November 10, Rosas shared a TikTok about how their 'perfect' relationship apparently broke down. Rosas shared a series of emotional TikToks claiming she had been ghosted by her apparent 'soulmate' Rosas gushed about him traveling to see her in Barcelona and 'the best date of my life' in her viral posts 'The guy I fell in love with, on a bus in Paris, stopped replying after a few dates. Crazy chemistry, he just disappeared. 'It's crazy how someone can feel so real, and then vanish like they never existed. 'I thought I found the one, now I can't stop wondering, was it real for him? Or just me? And the worst part is, I'm just waiting for him to come back.' At the same time as he 'ghosted' her and she claimed they weren't speaking, Llambes was reposting Rosas' LinkedIn posts about their brand. In another TikTok, Rosas claimed that her love interest was working as a photographer at Paris Fashion Week. There is no evidence on Llambes LinkedIn or professional profile online that suggests this is true. The elaborate story of their relationship also includes a post in which Rosas travels to meet Llambes's family, and emotionally reveals that she has a 'crush' on his brother, making things 'complicated'. In reality, Llambes's brother Roma is also an entrepreneur who runs an AI platform for consumer brands, and seemingly supported his sibling's business by building a 'full email campaign strategy'. Llambes shared posts about starting the company with his girlfriend Rosas seven months ago Rosas admitted in one LinkedIn post that she 'created' the 'romantic story', but no such admission was made anywhere on her TikTok or Instagram The vast majority of comments on Rosas' posts are supportive of the couple and buy into their love story, seemingly unaware that all is not what it seems. The 'story time' trend on TikTok often sees creators tell unbelievable stories of romance and heartbreak in the first person, even if they are fictional or have happened to someone else. That has led to claims of some users 'gaming' the app's algorithm with tall tales that they know stand a higher chance of being featured on TikTok's 'for you' page of suggested content that is blasted before billions of users. Rosas uses the hashtag on some of her posts, but never explains on TikTok that they are fictional or her and Llambes' joint connection to their brand. Meanwhile on LinkedIn, she has proudly posted about selling out her collections and the success that posting the 'romantic story' on social media has brought her brand. Kara Alaimo, a Professor of Communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University, told Daily Mail: 'This is certainly a reminder that we can't believe everything we see on social media. The comms expert, who authored 'Over the Influence', a book on the toxic impact of social media for women, added: 'Content like this can certainly set unrealistic relationship expectations, including the idea that riding a Parisian bus is the way to find your handsome prince.' Daily Mail has reached out to Rosas for comment. An American student who stabbed his girlfriend to death in her bedroom told a court he was trying to keep her away when she attacked him. Chinese national Zhe Wang, 31, was found in her bedroom in a pool of blood after police broke in on March 20 last year. Her boyfriend Joshua Michals, 26, had called 999 saying there had been a 'knife incident' at her flat in Manor Park, Hither Green, London. He cooperated with police, telling them it was 'not what it seems'. The students had only been seeing each other for a few months. Ms Wang was studying an MA in Creative Writing and Education at Goldsmiths, University of London, and hoped to become a teacher. Michals, who denies murder, gave evidence at the Old Bailey wearing a light blue jumper over a white shirt with blue trousers. He said he started studying a masters in filmmaking at Goldsmiths in September 2023. Michals accepts Ms Wang died from the injuries he inflicted and told jurors: 'I was trying to keep her away from me. She continued to attack me; I was trying to keep her away.' Joshua Michals, 26, gave evidence at the Old Bailey (pictured) in London He said he did not intend to kill her or cause her any harm, and said the knife came from her kitchen. Asked what he thought would have happened if he had not tried to keep her away, he said he thought she would have killed him. Michals said he was born and raised in Chicago, pointing out that both his parents were in the public gallery. He said he studied filmmaking and TV at a university in Chicago before freelancing as a camera man. He said his father is a Vice President of Sales at a company and his mother is a graphic designer. Michals has no previous convictions and had never been arrested before Ms Wang's death. He said he had never had any mental health issues. Michals said he met Ms Wang when they were both collecting their student ID cards and they exchanged numbers. He said he did not know any of Ms Wang's friends. 'She was really private when it came to personal matters,' he said. He said he thought it was strange she wanted to keep their relationship private. On his decision to study in London, the aspiring film maker told jurors: 'It seemed like an exciting opportunity to study abroad to pursue a masters. It seemed like the right thing to do. 'Me and my mum were looking at things in the London area and we ended up with Goldsmiths.' Michals said he met creative writing student Ms Wang he went to Goldsmiths to enrol and pick up his student identification, and they got on 'really well' and exchanged numbers. They began to exchange text messages and went on to 'hang out' nine or 10 times in the months before her death, the court heard. Michals said that they did not introduce each other to any of their friends because Ms Wang wanted to keep the relationship between them. He told jurors: 'She was quite private and I respected that.' Ms Wang appeared to be looking for a life partner with a 'spiritual resonance', but Michals told jurors that he had wanted to keep it casual. When they met in October and November 2023, they engaged in 'kissing and cuddling', he said. Ms Wang asked to see test results confirming he did not have a sexually transmitted disease before taking things further, jurors heard. When Ms Wang visited him at his flat, she insisted on cleaning his couch before she would sit on it, the court was told. Michals said: 'She sprayed the couch, the bathroom, started wiping down the surfaces, the counter tops, bathroom, sink, anything she thought she might touch.' He thought it was 'a little bizarre' but he did not want to make a 'big thing of it', he said. Michals said he was feeling 'so-so' about pursing the relationship, telling jurors: 'We got along really well, the conversation was really fun. 'The germophobia was a bit much at times. I didn't quite understand it. It was just bizarre.' He said that her cleaning seemed 'excessive' and the phobia appeared to get 'much worse'. After meeting on November 4, 2023, they did not see each other again until February 23, 2024 when they first had sex. Michals told jurors that he had been focused on his film making course and spending time with his classmates. On December 16, 2023, he had gone to a Christmas party and ended up going back to his flat with a friend on his course and having 'casual' sex. When he returned to America at the end of autumn term, he did not consider he was in a relationship with Ms Wang, even though she continued to text him. Summarising messages leading up to their first sexual liaison in February, Judge Richard Marks KC said: 'She has, to say the least, been very disgruntled by the fact you have not seen each other for three months. 'You have effectively sidelined her for three months, she has now initiated the idea you should have sex, and you are happy to go along with it.' Michals agreed. He went on to describe how he had gone to her flat, carried out various 'steps' she had stipulated before finding her wearing just lingerie in her bedroom. He told jurors that he used a condom but it came off and so he suggested that she take the morning after pill and visited her on March 3 with a pregnancy test 'just to make sure'. Michals described Ms Wang as a 'very sweet, warm, bubbly' person. It came as a surprise when he found out during the legal process that someone else had said they were in a relationship with her too, he said. 'I didn't think it was real at first. I thought it was someone else's legal papers. I just didn't think that was something she would do.' The defendant told jurors Ms Wang was against having children, saying: 'I thought most people had a positive outlook about having kids. I don't think I had heard anybody say they hate babies prior to her.' The court heard that Michals had never been in trouble with police before, and had never contracted a sexually transmitted disease or suffered from any mental health issues in his life. Michals, of Deals Gateway, Deptford, denies murder. The trial continues. They came in the dead of night a swarm of gunmen roaring into a quiet Catholic school compound and vanishing back into the forest with more than 300 terrified schoolchildren and teachers. It took minutes. It triggered panic. And it exposed, once again, the violent underbelly of a nation buckling under crisis. Now a Nigerian campaigner has issued a stark plea not to his own government, but to President Donald Trump, saying only US pressure can save the missing children and halt a spiraling campaign of terror against Nigeria's Christians by Muslims. Emeka Umeagbalasi, founder of Intersociety, said the kidnapping from St. Mary's school was not an ordinary crime, but part of a genocidal pattern driven by armed Islamists who have targeted Christian villagers for more than a decade. And he warned there is little time left for those abducted. 'This fits the pattern,' Umeagbalasi told the Daily Mail. 'More than 90 percent of all the religiously motivated killings in Nigeria are by Fulani jihadist bandits and Fulani terror groups masquerading as herdsmen. The term 'bandit' was created to avoid using the correct word Islamic terror.' The attack unfolded around 2am on Friday, when armed men stormed St. Mary's Catholic school in the village of Papiri, in Niger state. Empty bunk beds and scattered belongings inside a student dormitory at St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, where more than 300 students were kidnapped on Friday Rapper Nicki Minaj is among the celebs to slam the 'persecution' of Christians in Nigeria, and took her message to the UN this month By dawn, more than 300 children and a dozen teachers were gone one of the worst school kidnappings in Nigerian history, eclipsing the infamous Chibok abduction of 2014. Fifty of the youngsters reportedly escaped over the weekend and returned home, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria. But police said they cannot confirm that, and families of the missing said they have received no official updates only rumors, fear, and grief. Parents in Papiri describe chaos, panic and abandonment. One man whose daughters escaped the kidnappers told the BBC: 'Everybody is weak It took everybody by surprise.' A woman said her nieces, aged six and 13, had been taken. 'I just want them to come home,' she cried. These weren't bandits, said Emeka Umeagbalasi A military-led search-and-rescue operation is now underway, but officials admit privately that finding the children believed to have been marched deep into the forest will be extremely difficult. In response, President Bola Tinubu announced emergency measures, including the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers, the withdrawal of security escorts from VIPs, and sweeping school closures across Niger, Kebbi, Yobe, Katsina and Kwara States. But Umeagbalasi said none of it tackles the real problem that the kidnappings were not an isolated crime but part of a relentless, targeted assault. According to his group, more than 150,000 Christians have been killed in 16 years, mostly by Fulani militants, but also by Boko Haram, and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). He claims 20,000 churches have been destroyed and entire Christian villages wiped off the map. By 2075, he added, Christians will have been 'uprooted from Nigeria.' He insists the label 'bandit' widely used by government officials to describe armed groups is a deliberate smokescreen. These groups, he said, are overwhelmingly Islamist militias drawn from Fulani populations in the northwest and strengthened by foreign fighters entering from the Sahel. Nigeria's government has vowed to find the abducted kids and hire more cops, but critics say Abuja is failing to act Anxious parents of kidnapped schoolchildren wait outside St. Mary's Private Catholic School in Papiri for updates on their children The US has deep financial and military ties in Nigeria and across West Africa that can be used as leverage, said Umeagbalasi 'The government knows them. They know where they are. All the forests where they are hiding are already known,' he said adding that security agencies routinely negotiate with the groups and even pay protection money. He goes further, accusing government forces not just of failing to protect Christian communities, but in some cases intimidating victims, arriving hours after attacks, and arresting traumatized locals instead of pursuing the killers. Officials in Abuja call such claims 'a gross misrepresentation,' insisting that terrorists 'attack all who reject their murderous ideology Muslims, Christians, and those of no faith alike.' Security analysts also warn that Nigeria's complex crises land disputes, climate shocks, poverty, and ethnic tensions cannot be reduced to a single religious narrative. Other tallies of the death toll are far lower. The respected Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) records about 53,000 civilian deaths from political violence since 2009 - Christians and Muslims alike. But Umeagbalasi is adamant: the targeted attacks on Christian schools, churches and villages form a coherent pattern, and the St. Mary's abduction is simply the latest chapter. Any group able to raid a rural school and seize hundreds of children within hours fits the profile of state-tolerated jihadist cells rather than ordinary criminals seeking ransom, he said. Nigeria's crisis is suddenly a political flashpoint in Washington. Earlier this month, President Trump threatened military action. 'They're killing people by the thousands. It's a genocide. And I'm really angry about it,' he said after the Friday kidnapping. The comment sent Abuja scrambling. Nigeria's national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on Friday to ease tensions. But Umeagbalasi said Trump's fury is justified Nuhu Ribadu and potentially pivotal. 'America has enormous leverage,' he said, noting that Nigeria receives more than $1 billion in US assistance every year, along with extensive security cooperation and weapons sales. Belongings and clothes left behind at St. Mary's School, in Papiri, Niger state, Nigeria Parents of kidnapped schoolchildren wait outside the Catholic school, hoping for news of their loved ones 'There are so many things the Trump administration can do,' he said. 'The Nigerian government should be pressured to release the abducted schoolchildren as a condition for continued cooperation with America.' He argues that Washington could reshape the crisis by: Conditioning aid on concrete action against jihadist groups Pressuring Abuja to dismantle protection networks for militants Demanding accountability inside Nigeria's security forces Publicly acknowledging the religious dimension of the violence Pushing for the immediate release of the Catholic schoolchildren Umeagbalasi even suggests the kidnappers may have targeted the school partly to deter potential US intervention, using the children as 'human shields.' Nigeria's turmoil has drawn attention far beyond diplomatic circles. At a United Nations event, rapper Nicki Minaj condemned what she called religious 'persecution.' 'Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart simply because of how they pray,' she said. Her comments electrified social media and sparked furious debate in Nigeria, where officials deny systematic anti-Christian violence. Pope Leo XIV has also weighed in, calling on Sunday for the 'swift' release of the abducted children and expressing 'immense sadness' over the unfolding tragedy. Since Friday's mass kidnapping, entire regions have effectively shut down. Schools are closed, villages on edge, and security forces stretched thin. On Sunday, 38 worshipers abducted from a church in Kwara State were released, but two parishioners killed in the attack were buried amid fear and outrage. Across the north, parents wait for news that never comes. Streams of mothers sit outside shuttered classrooms, clutching photographs and rosaries. Fathers scour nearby forests with sticks and makeshift torches. President Trump called the violence against Nigeria's Christians as a 'genocide' The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) records about 53,000 civilian deaths from political violence since 2009 Christians and Muslims alike Coffins of 17 worshipers and two priests, who were allegedly killed by Fulani herdsmen in north-central Nigeria in 2018 A pair of shoes is seen inside a student dormitory at St. Mary's after the mass abduction Teachers are refusing to return to rural postings without protection. Children whisper of 'the men with guns' who snatch classmates in the night. The Nigerian government insists it has the situation under control. But with hundreds of children still missing, security forces overstretched, and militants emboldened, the panic in Papiri is spreading nationwide. Umeagbalasi said the clock is ticking. He said Trump's threat whether military, diplomatic or financial could force President Tinubu to confront networks he alleges have been tolerated for too long. And for the families waiting in a silent village in Niger state, that pressure may be their best hope. 'The moment pressure is put on the Nigerian government, the government becomes unsettled,' he said. 'They are already running from pillar to post.' Whether that pressure comes and whether it comes in time now hangs over the fate of more than 300 stolen children lost in the bush. An NHS doctor who said Israel had been 'humiliated' by the October 7 attacks has accused a medical tribunal panel of 'apparent bias' after it refused to halt proceedings against her. Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, 31, is being investigated by the GMC over alleged anti-Semitic and pro-Hamas comments posted on her social media accounts after concerns were raised about her fitness to practise. The British-Palestinian doctor arrived today at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), in Manchester, wearing the same gold necklace and number seven charm she had worn at a hearing last month. Dr Aladwan, a trainee trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, has previously shared photos of the necklace online, describing it as 'celebratory jewellery'. An interim orders tribunal (IOT), expected to last three days, will rule on whether restrictions need to be placed on her registration while the investigation takes place, but not on the allegations themselves. Her recent posts on X include: 'October 7. The day Israel was humiliated. Their supremacy shattered at the hands of the children they forced out of their homes. The children who watched foreign jews execute their loved ones, rape their land and live on their stolen soil.' Others labelled Israelis as 'worse than Nazis' and London's Royal Free Hospital as a 'Jewish supremacy cesspit'. A previous IOT in September ruled not to impose any restrictions on her, saying it did not believe the complaints against her were 'sufficient to establish that there may be a real risk to patients'. Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, 31,arrives at the Medical Practitioners' Tribunal Service hearing today It also found that her posts did not amount to 'bullying or harassment'. It prompted Health Secretary Wes Streeting to say that 'sickening comments' had no place in the NHS 'and action needs to be taken to root the evil of racism out'. He also promised to overhaul the way medical regulators investigate cases of antisemitism. The General Medical Council (GMC) then re-referred her case back to the MPTS, with an initial hearing taking place last month. It rejected an application by Kevin Saunders, counsel for the doctor, to have proceedings stayed after he claimed an 'abuse of process' by the GMC and that his client wouldn't get a fair hearing. He accused Mr Streeting of seeking to 'undermine the rule of law' and the GMC of bowing to 'pressure' and a legal threat from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA). Mr Saunders made a further application at today's hearing for the MPTS panel to recuse itself on the grounds of 'apparent bias', but not 'actual bias'. He said the case had attracted much publicity, the intervention of a minister of state and lobby groups and concerned a matter of public interest and the 'protection of political speech'. The Daily Mail's report of earlier hearing in October when she also wore the necklace Mr Saunders claimed the reasons the panel had rejected his application to stay proceedings were 'wholly inadequate and devoid of transparency'. As such, he said, there was a risk the hearing would be considered a 'foregone conclusion'. Mr Saunders said: 'This is a case that has attracted the intervention of a minister of state and civil lobby groups. 'The decision of the panel must be transparent, objective and fair.' And he accused the GMC of attempting to abuse IOT rules. But Emma Gilsenan, representing the GMC, said Mr Saunders was attempting to re-litigate his 'abuse of process' argument and the panel shouldn't recuse itself because the doctor hadn't liked the outcome. She said the previous tribunal had made a 'well-reasoned' determination and there was no appearance of bias. Ms Gilsenan also noted online posts by the doctor since the previous IOT which showed 'an increase in tone' of alleged 'anti-semitism, supporting violence and supporting terrorism'. She also accused the defence of 'trying to have their cake and eat it' and 'attempting to derail proceedings in any way they can'. The tribunal panel ruled to reject the application to recuse itself. But Mr Saunders then made a further application for an adjournment, saying the doctor could not attend the remainder of the hearing, although she 'clearly wants to participate in these proceedings'. That application was also rejected. The GMC could eventually refer Dr Aladwan to a full medical practitioners' tribunal if it concludes she has a case to answer over the complaints it has received. A sadistic murderer who bludgeoned an innocent doctor to death is set to be moved to an open prison - paving the way for his release under a new identity. Reginald Wilson, then just 26, carried out one of Britain's most notorious murders when he slaughtered respected consultant dermatologist David Birkett in 1990. Wilson - who had tattoos across his forehead reading 'psychopath' and 'chaos' - clubbed the dad-of-three 17 times with a hammer after tricking his way into the house in Middlesbrough. He was described by psychiatrists as a dangerous man who 'killed for the hell of it' and was jailed for life with a minimum of 30 years. At the time of his imprisonment, Cleveland Police detective sergeant Ray Morton warned: 'If he ever gets out I am sure that he will kill again.' Wilson - whose one aim in life was to commit the perfect murder - has now moved a step closer to freedom after succeeding in his fourth and latest appearance before the parole board. Despite previously being considered to have an 'untreatable psychopathic disorder', the board ruled Wilson, now 61, is now fit for release on life licence under his changed name Reginald Zenshen. A spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Reginald Wilson following an oral hearing. Reginald Wilson was described by psychiatrists as a dangerous man who 'killed for the hell of it' and was jailed for life with a minimum of 30 years 'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. 'A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.' Wilson tricked his way into Dr Birkett's six-bed home in the Linthorpe area of Middlesbrough by pretending to be a motorcycle courier delivering a package. The 56-year-old was beaten to the ground by Wilson with a hammer, dragged into his study and subjected to a second sadistic attack. A post mortem concluded that the consultant had been struck at least 17 times. A judge said he had displayed a 'frightening level of sadism'. As Wilson was led down to the cells at Durham Crown Court, he yelled: 'You may contain me but you will never control me.' In 2023, the Conservative government stepped into block Wilson's transfer to open conditions following a parole hearing the previous year, arguing that doing so would put members of the public at risk. That decision, made by former justice secretary Dominic Raab, was later found by the High Court to be unlawful. Respected consultant dermatologist David Birkett was bludgeoned to death with a hammer by Wilson Wilson was caught five months after the murder of Dr Birkett when a fingerprint was discovered at the scene. A sawn-off shotgun and 73 cartridges was found during a search of his home. Police also found hammers, a crossbow, knives and knuckledusters, together with survival gear. There was also evidence that he read and wrote poetry about death and killing, and he had told his girlfriend he intended to kill a policeman. Wilson later admitted the murder had given him a 'buzz better than smack (heroin)'. He was sentenced to life in prison at Durham Crown Court in July 1991 but this was later reduced to a 30-year minimum tariff in 2008. In 1996, he made an escape attempt from Frankland Prison in Durham and then tried to stab a prison officer in 1999. Wilson will have to reside at a set address, disclose any relationships, be subject to a curfew, drug testing, alcohol abstinence tagging, GPS tracking and have limited use of tech, according to the Parole Board. BBC chairman Samir Shah today told MPs the corporation is too slow to admit errors and should have responded quicker to a controversial edit of Donald Trump. In an appearance before the House of Commons' Culture, Media and Sport committee, Mr Shah was grilled about a damning leaked impartiality memo. The document raised concerns that a Panorama episode included selective editing of a speech made by Mr Trump before disorder at the US Capitol in 2021. The US President has since threatened to sue the BBC for up to $5billion, while two senior BBC bosses - director general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness - have quit the corporation amid a furious row. The documentary was broadcast a week before the US election, with clips of the speech spliced together so it appeared he had told supporters he was going to walk to the US Capitol with them to 'fight like hell'. When asked on Monday why the BBC board did not apologise for the edit when it was first flagged, Mr Shah told the committee: 'Looking back, I think we should have made the decision earlier. I think in May, as it happens. 'I think there is an issue about how quickly we respond, the speed of our response. Why do we not do it quickly enough? Why do we take so much time? And this was another illustration of that. 'We should have, the collective, we should have pursued it to the end and got to the bottom of it and not wait, as we did, until it became public discourse.' BBC chairman Samir Shah today told MPs the corporation is too slow to admit errors and should have responded quicker to a controversial edit of Donald Trump The damning memo raised concerns that a Panorama episode included selective editing of a speech made by Mr Trump before disorder at the US Capitol in 2021 The US President has since threatened to sue the BBC for up to $5billion, while two senior BBC bosses have quit the corporation Following reports of the leaked memo, it took nearly a week for the BBC to issue an apology. When asked about the delay, Mr Shah said: 'I needed to understand what went wrong and to get the right answer. Getting the right answer is really important. 'It took time to get it right. We knew what the actual apology was for. I said it wasn't just about splicing, the editing. It was about the impression and that had to be done properly and investigated thoroughly. 'I needed to be sure and I was right about what I was saying. This is a very, very important error, and I needed to make sure that what I was apologising for was fully sourced and fully right. It needed to be right, and it took its time.' Mr Shah also told the Committee he 'spent a great deal of time' trying to stop Mr Davie from resigning. 'I do not think the director-general should have resigned,' he said. 'I think that the act by the director of news was an honourable and proper act. I think she (Turness) took responsibility for which I will again say I applaud her for doing so. 'I do not think that that meant that the director-general at all had to resign. However, when you read the director-general's reason for resigning, certainly this was one factor, but he also says there were many other factors that led to that. 'Can I say the board wishes that the director-general had not resigned. He had our full confidence throughout.' Michael Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBC's editorial standards committee, authored the dossier that raised claims of bias Earlier, the former adviser to the BBC who penned the damning memo on impartiality told the committee he did so because he saw 'incipient problems' that were 'getting worse'. Michael Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBC's editorial standards committee, told MPs he did not know how his memo - which he shared with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and regulator Ofcom - had been leaked to a newspaper. 'At the most fundamental level I wrote that memo, let me be clear, because I am a strong supporter of the BBC,' he told the committee. 'The BBC employs talented professionals across all of its factual and non-factual programmes, and most people in this country, certainly myself included, might go as far as to say that they love the BBC.' But Mr Prescott added: 'What troubled me was that during my three years on the BBC standards committee, we kept seeing incipient problems which I thought were not being tackled properly, and indeed I thought the problems were getting worse.' Mr Trump threatened the BBC with a billion-dollar litigation after the report was made public while US regulator the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched an investigation. Mr Prescott added: 'There was no ideology at play, no party politics. 'If you take the example of the US elections report that came before the committee, if it had found that had been Kamala Harris misrepresented, not Donald Trump, I would have acted in exactly the same way.' He added: 'I never envisaged events playing out in the way they did, I was hoping the concerns I had could and would be addressed privately in the first instance.' Asked if he thinks the BBC is institutionally biased, he said: 'No I don't I do not think it's institutionally biased. 'Let's be very clear. Tons of stuff that the BBC does is world-class, both factual programming and non-factual programming.' Asked if he is biased, Mr Prescott told MPs: 'It's always a tough job, isn't it? Spotting your own biases. 'I mean, you know, when you read about these centrist dads, I think I'm a centrist dad. That would probably cover it.' The former journalist spoke of 'incipient problems' in the BBC and added: 'We were finding the odd problem here, the odd problem there. 'And the crucial thing was, when I say odd problem here and there, every single thing we spotted, as per my memo, seemed to me to have systemic causes. 'And the root of my disagreement and slight concern even today is that the BBC was not, and I hope they will change, treating these as having systemic causes. 'There's real work that needs to be done at the BBC.' Mr Shah has previously apologised on behalf of the BBC over an 'error of judgment' and accepted the editing of the 2024 Panorama documentary gave 'the impression of a direct call for violent action'. Despite the apology, Mr Trump said he would proceed with legal action for 'anywhere between one billion dollars (759.8million) and five billion dollars (3.79billion)'. BBC News reported that the broadcaster had set out five main arguments in a letter to Mr Trump's legal team as to why it did not believe there was a basis for a defamation claim. Mr Prescott told MPs on Monday that Mr Davie did a 'first-rate job' as director-general but said he had a 'blind spot' toward editorial failings. Asked if the Panorama episode, Trump: A Second Chance?, had tarnished Mr Trump's reputation, Mr Prescott added: 'Probably not.' 'I can't think of anything I agree with Donald Trump on,' he told the committee. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Monday launched an investigation into a Democratic senator who encouraged troops to disobey Donald Trump's orders. Senator Mark Kelly is facing a Pentagon probe after appearing in a video last week alongside other Democratic lawmakers where he urged military and intelligence personnel not to follow 'illegal' orders. 'The video made by the Seditious Six was despicable, reckless, and false. Encouraging our warriors to ignore the orders of their Commanders undermines every aspect of good order and discipline. Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion which only puts our warriors in danger,' Hegseth wrote on X. The video featured six Democratic lawmakers who have backgrounds in military or intelligence service. Kelly served in the Navy for over two decades. The lawmakers said, 'Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.' The president issued a statement on Truth Social calling their actions 'seditious' and 'treason,' while demanding they be executed via hanging. 'SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!' before reposting another them that stated, 'HANG THEM, GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD!' Even though Kelly is a retired military officer, he is still available for recall into service and therefore subject to military law. The others were discharged after their resignations, meaning they no longer fall under the military's jurisdiction. Kelly responded to the Pentagon's latest investigation by claiming he would not be intimidated by bullies. Mark Kelly made a video with other Democratic lawmakers where he called on soldiers to ignore illegal orders from President Trump Trump responded to the video by calling for the execution of the Democratic lawmakers, including Kelly 'Secretary Hegseths tweet is the first I heard of this. I also saw the Presidents posts saying I should be arrested, hanged, and put to death,' Kelly told the Daily Mail. 'If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it wont work. Ive given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution,' Kelly added Hegseth noted that the other five Democrats will not be investigated because they do not fall under the Pentagon's jurisdiction. The others include Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, an ex-CIA analyst who served multiple tours in Iraq; Representative Jason Crow of Colorado, a former Army Ranger; Representative Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, a former Navy reservist; and Representative Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, a former Air Force officer. 'Mark Kelly (retired Navy Commander) is still subject to Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and he knows that,' Hegseth added. 'The Department is reviewing his statements and actions, which were addressed directly to all troops while explicitly using his rank and service affiliation lending the appearance of authority to his words.' Kelly, who represents Arizona, did not specify what 'illegal' orders servicemembers should ignore from the president; however, Democrats have recently raised concerns about the legality of US military strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean. Democratic critics of Trump have slammed the White House over the president's deployment of National Guard troops to cities across the US without the approval of governors. In response to Trump's threat to execute Democratic lawmakers, the top Democratic in the House, Hakeem Jeffries, issued with a statement along with other party leaders condemning the president for 'political violence' adding that it 'has no place in America.' Pete Hegseth launched the investigation into Kelly following Trump's calls for violence against Democrats Kelly told his social media followers on Sunday that he would not be 'intimated' by Trump while also bashing Republican lawmakers for remaining silent over the president's threats. 'Two months ago Trump and Republicans were saying we need to dial back the rhetoric. Now the President himself suggests members of Congress should be hanged, and its crickets.' In the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination, Republican lawmakers and influencers blamed Democrats for fueling the rise of 'toxic' political rhetoric, arguing that the escalating hostility has helped create an environment ripe for violence against conservatives. Leader of Australia's right-wing One Nation party Pauline Hanson has defended her 'right' to wear a burqa - despite critics branding the stunt 'blatant racism'. Ms Hanson, 71, has been seeking to introduce a bill that would ban full face coverings in Australia - a policy she has campaigned on for decades. Just minutes after other lawmakers blocked her from introducing the bill this morning, she returned wearing a black burqa and floral dress that cut off above the knee. The controversial display has been met with furious backlash from fellow senators - who condemned it as 'racist' - while some social media users praised Ms Hanson, echoing her calls to 'ban the burqa'. But Ms Hanson today defended her decision to wear the garment, calling those who criticised her 'hypocrites'. Speaking to Andrew Bolt on Sky News Australia, the senator said: 'My concern is, as a nation, for national security - terrorist threats and attacks are happening. 'Also for women's rights, that they're not forced to wear the full burqa against their will. I think it goes against our culture and our way of life, and this is why I want to introduce the bill.' Explaining why she put the burqa on, Ms Hanson said: 'I had just started to introduce the bill and it took one voice, there was a couple actually, who denied me the right. Straight away they denied me the right to ban the burqa. So I actually left the chamber, went up and I put the burqa on, and I thought if you won't ban the burqa, then I'm going to wear it. 'Well, didn't that upset them. They didn't want me to wear the burqa in parliament. They didn't want to ban it, but they don't want me to wear it in parliament, so what do they want? They're a bunch of hypocrites.' The Australian Senate descended into chaos after the leader of the right-wing One Nation party, Pauline Hanson, entered the chamber wearing a burqa (pictured) Pauline Hanson (pictured) wearing a burqa on the Senate floor on Monday afternoon Ms Hanson has been suspended from the Senate after wearing a burqa in the chamber It marks the second time she has worn the garment in parliament, having previously put one on in 2017. Mehreen Faruqi, a Greens senator from the state of New South Wales, said today: 'This is a racist senator, displaying blatant racism.' Meanwhile, Fatima Payman, an independent senator from the state of Western Australia, branded the stunt 'disgraceful'. Ms Payman, who wears a hijab, added: 'She is disrespecting a faith, she is disrespecting the Muslims out there, Muslim Australians.' Penny Wong, leader of Australia's Labor government in the Senate, also condemned Ms Hanson's controversial stunt. Ms Wong said it was 'not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate', and moved a motion to suspend Ms Hanson for her refusal to take off the burqa. Proceedings were suspended after Ms Hanson refused to leave. Shortly after the incident, Ms Hanson took to social media, reiterating her stance to 'ban the burqa'. Ms Hanson had attempted to table a bill which would have banned burqas and full face coverings in Australia Ms Hanson had attempted to table a motion calling for the burqa to be banned Ms Hanson said she would continue in her efforts to 'ban the burqa' 'Today, the Senate blocked the introduction of my Bill to ban the burqa and other full face coverings in public places,' she said. 'Despite the ban in 24 countries across the world (including Islamic countries), the hypocrites in our parliament have rejected my Bill.' Hanson said she would continue to wear the burqa until it was banned. 'So if the parliament won't ban it, I will display this oppressive, radical, non-religious head garb that risk our national security and the ill treatment of women on the floor of our parliament so that every Australian knows what's at stake. 'If they don't want me wearing it - ban the burqa,' Ms Hanson said. She previously described Islam as 'a culture and ideology that is incompatible with our own'. A neo-Nazi teenager who was a 'big fan of Hitler' tried to buy a Glock pistol and experimented with making homemade bombs in his bedroom, a court has heard. Rex Clark, 19, wanted to kill Muslims and black people and saw 'Adolf Hitler like a Jesus-type messiah figure' the opening of his trial was told on Monday. The east Londoner is accused of attempting to buy a handgun and disseminating terrorist material online which glorified right-wing terrorists Anders Breivik, Brenton Tarrant, and Stephan Balliet. The teen, who was aged between 17 and 18 at the time of the alleged offences, shared his 'extreme right-wing interests' with his girlfriend Sofija Vinogradova, prosecutor Louis Mably KC told jurors. 'The two of them would discuss their ideology, their ideas, and in this way seemed to spur each other on,' Mr Mably said, opening the trial at Kingston Crown Court. 'He experimented with making parts of explosive devices - in other words, experimented with making parts for homemade bombs, materials found in his bedroom at the time of his arrest. 'He was a big fan of Hitler and in practice this involved a keen interest in, and a habit of glorifying, extreme violence - including mass killing.' He is also accused of helping Ms Vinogradova, who was aged between 18 and 19 at the time and was said to have shared his views, to buy a handgun online. Rex Clark, 19, wanted to kill Muslims and black people and saw 'Adolf Hitler like a Jesus-type messiah figure' the opening of his trial at Kingston Crown Court (pictured) heard Clark is accused of distributing videos glorifying Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik (pictured) who killed 77 people in two terrorist attacks in Norway in 2011 Video edits featuring Brenton Tarrant (pictured) who stormed two mosques in New Zealand killing 51 people in 2019 were also among the materials promoted by Clark Mr Mably KC told jurors Clark sent messages to his girlfriend that demonstrated a 'keen interest in extreme violence'. 'I just want to kill Muslims and blacks,' he allegedly wrote to Ms Vinogradova. 'I genuinely see Adolf Hitler like a Jesus-type messiah figure. People were foolish to destroy Nazi Germany. 'Nazi Germany would have probably colonised the universe by now,' the court heard he added. A police search of his Ilford home uncovered what appeared to be pieces of improvised explosive devices that had been prepared by the defendant in his bedroom, Mr Mably told jurors. 'Now, there was no actual explosive material within these parts - they were not capable of detonation,' Mr Mably said. 'But what appears to have happened is that the defendant was experimenting in with homemade bombs and devices.' Some of the videos he allegedly published on a website called Vidlii and a Telegram group chat were played in court, including a music video entitled 'I hate n******'. He was also said to have distributed an edit of Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik who killed 77 people in two terrorist attacks in Norway on July 22, 2011. 'That is the person whose actions the defendant was glorifying in his post,' Mr Mably KC told jurors. 'Not Nazis from 1944, but a Western European right-wing nationalist.' Jurors were told of another video which he allegedly distributed called 'Brenton Tarrant, Stephan Balliet and Anders Breivik Night Core Edit'. Tarrant stormed two mosques in New Zealand killing 51 people in 2019 while Balliet carried out a mass shooting in Germany that same year, attacking Jews at a synagogue, killing two people. 'People are free to watch that kind of material, free to hate anyone they want, free to think Hitler was right and wish he had defeated Britain in the Second World War,' Mr Mably told the court. 'But where the law draws the line is: making terrorist material available to others - spreading it around. 'That is unacceptable because terrorism destroys the lives of innocent people, and in England, it cannot be promoted. But unfortunately, that is exactly what the defendant did. 'He went beyond talking rubbish on the internet, and what he did was distribute material that glorified terrorism, with the intention of giving encouragement to others, or running the risk of encouragement.' Mr Mably further told the court Clark and his girlfriend failed to obtain the handgun they were trying to purchase online, adding it is possible they were scammed. There were 'mixed motivations' for obtaining the gun, with Ms Vinogradova seemingly considering using the gun to take her own life, the court heard. 'He (Clark) knew that because they discussed it, but he was also very keen himself to get his hand on a gun and fire it,' Mr Mably added. Jurors were told Ms Vinogradova, 20, has already pleaded guilty to the attempted purchase of a gun. Clark denies one count of attempting to purchase a firearm, and six counts of dissemination of terrorist publications between October 2023 and the summer of 2024. The trial continues. Donald Trump's cases against his political foes James Comey and Letitia James have been thrown out. Judge Cameron Currie accused the President's hand-picked attorney, Lindsey Halligan, of 'prosecutorial misconduct' after she secured indictments against the former FBI director and the New York Attorney General. She added that Halligan is 'a former White House aide with no prior prosecutorial experience' who was never eligible to serve. A 120-day deadline on interim appointments expired during the previous prosecutor's tenure, meaning Pam Bondi did not have the authority to appoint Halligan - this was up to the district's federal judges. 'I conclude that all actions flowing from Ms Halligan's defective appointment, including securing and signing Mr Comey's indictment, constitute unlawful exercises of executive power and must be set aside,' wrote Currie, a Bill Clinton-appointed judge. Both Comey and James asked that their cases be dismissed and that the prosecutor be disqualified because of the manner of her appointment. The defendants in the two separate cases asked for the indictments to be dismissed with prejudice, which means the Justice Department would not be able to bring the same charges against them. But the judge dismissed with prejudice. Comey was charged with making a false statement and obstruction of a congressional proceeding relating to his 2020 Senate testimony, where he denied authorizing FBI officials to leak information to the press. A judge threw out the case against James Comey, who had been indicted for lying to Congress They pointed to grand jury errors from the charges secured by Lindsey Halligan New York Attorney General Letitia James, seen in 2024, was 'heartened by today's victory' James was indicted on charges including bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution concerning information on mortgage applications that prosecutors alleged was falsified. Halligan, a former beauty queen, was named to the job of interim US Attorney for Virginia in September. Before her appointment, Erik Siebert, a different interim attorney, was forced out amid pressure from Trump to file charges against his political enemies. Comey's lawyers argued that after Siebert was forced out, the judges should have had exclusive say over who would fill the vacancy. But it was ultimately Trump who moved forward and nominated Halligan as he publicly pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against Comey and James. 'JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!' the President wrote on Truth Social at the time. Comey was indicted days later on charges of making a false statement and obstructing Congress, and James was charged soon after that in a mortgage fraud investigation. Donald Trump speaks to members of the press before departing the White House on Marine One in Washington, D.C., on November 22 In a statement, James said, 'I am heartened by today's victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country.' 'I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day,' the New York attorney general, a Democrat, said. Judges have separately disqualified interim US attorneys in New Jersey, Los Angeles and Nevada, but have permitted cases brought under their watch to move forward. But lawyers for Comey and James had argued that Currie's ruling needed to go even further because Halligan was the sole signer of the indictments and the driving force behind them. Comey has for years been one of Trump's chief antagonists. Appointed to the job in 2013 by President Barack Obama, Comey, at the time of Trump's 2016 election, was overseeing an investigation into whether his presidential campaign had conspired with Russia to sway the outcome of the race. Furious over that investigation, the President fired Comey in May 2017 and the two officials have verbally sparred in the years since. James has also been a frequent target of his 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 court's finding that Trump had committed fraud. A Scots financial adviser has won an unfair dismissal case after he was accused of sexually touching a female colleague following a boozy work meal at a Marco Pierre White restaurant. Glasgow-based Alan Fraser was alleged to have touched the woman when they returned to a hotel after an evening at the chefs flagship Birmingham restaurant. His colleague alleged the experienced financial consultant touched her intimately four times while they sat at a high table at the bar with other co-workers there too. Mr Fraser confessed he was so drunk during the company reward and recognition evening that he had no memory of events. He was sacked from Wesleyan Financial Services for gross misconduct, with bosses finding he committed an act which would be considered sexual assault. But now, he has successfully sued for unfair dismissal after it was found the investigation into his alleged conduct was not fair and was biased against him. In May, 2024, Mr Fraser, who worked from home, was invited to a reward and recognition event at the company headquarters in Birmingham. The woman who made the accusations against him was named only as Ms A. The financial adviser confessed he was so drunk during the company reward and recognition evening that he had no memory of events The tribunal heard: After dinner, a group of six, including Mr Fraser and Ms A... continued to drink in the hotel bar at approximately 1.30am. It was alleged Mr Fraser had touched Ms A intimately while they had all been sitting at a high table in Malmaison. The other witnesses claimed they did not see him do anything except one who said he touched Ms As shoulder. After an investigation, Mr Fraser was sacked. The case went to an employment tribunal where the unfair dismissal claim succeeded due to flaws in the process to sack him. Employment Judge Sally Cowen said bosses relied on an investigation which was not fair or unbiased. Mr Frasers compensation has not been determined. Her career took off after being handed the prestigious Hogmanay hosting duties once held by Jackie Bird and Edith Bowman. Now Amy Irons, whose presenting duties include the flagship Reporting Scotland, is set to lead BBC Scotlands Hogmanay coverage for a second year running. The festive line-up also includes a long-awaited Two Doors Down Christmas special. Landmark documentary Being Stanley Baxter will mark the stars approach to his 100th birthday. Presenter Amy Irons during last year's celebrations Anna Campbell-Jones, Banjo Beale and Danny Campbell will visit five festive ho-ho-homes all hoping to be gifted the title of Scotland's Christmas Home of the Year. In Scotlands Christmas Home of the Year 2025, judges Anna Campbell-Jones, Banjo Beale and Danny Campbell will visit towns around the country to crown this years winner. Comedy shows include Scotland Stands Up featuring Stuart Mitchell and Karen Dunbar: Live from Ayr. On BBC One Scotland, Amy Irons leads Hogmanay 2025, including performances from Nathan Evans and Georgia Cecile, alongside live coverage from Edinburgh featuring the Lone Piper, Mons Meg and a fireworks display backed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Queen of the New Year also returns with Greg Hemphill and Robert Florence. Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: From much-loved favourites to brand-new programmes, theres something for everyone to enjoy over the festive season. She has starred in countless Hollywood films during a stellar acting career. But Hollywood actress Karen Gillan has told how her daughter Clementine's first birthday has been 'the best year of my life. Posing with her daughter on her social media, the Inverness-born actress said: Happy first birthday to my little Clementine. Karen Gillan made an Instagram post celebrating first birthday of daughter Clementine. Karen Gillan attends Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2025 'I had the best year of my life introducing this wee lassie to the world and now its time to get back to work. Work life looks a little different these days but I wouldnt have it any other way. 'I love dashing back to my trailer to see her in between shots and having her on set. 'Thank you Clementine for spending your birthday with Ruby Roundhouse! Party time soon! Ms Gillan and her husband, US comedian Nick Kocher, welcomed Clementine in late 2024. The actress announced the birth in early January 2025 on Instagram, sharing photos of the newborn and her husband, which included photos of their daughter, him holding their daughter, and themselves with Best Mum Ever and Best Dad Ever mugs. Ms Gillan is taking part in the reboot of 80s cult movie Highlander. Shares in a pharma firm hit a four-year low today as trials revealed its weight loss drug fails to slow the progression of Alzheimers disease. Novo Nordisk had hoped to repurpose semaglutide - the active ingredient in its Wegovy and Ozempic jabs - as a groundbreaking dementia treatment after seeing early encouraging signs. But the Danish company saw its value drop by 12 per cent as it announced data from two large clinical studies did not show a statistically significant benefit. Novo Nordisk examined whether the drug had an impact among patients aged 55 to 85 with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimers disease. Half of the 3,808 people who took part in the study were given oral semaglutide while the other half were given a dummy drug, known as a placebo. Researchers found that semaglutide did not significantly reduce Alzheimers disease progression in the group who received the drug, compared with those who were given the placebo. Based on the significant unmet need in Alzheimers disease as well as a number of indicative data points, we felt we had a responsibility to explore semaglutides potential, despite a low likelihood of success,' said Martin Holst Lange, chief scientific officer and executive vice president of research and development at Novo Nordisk. While semaglutide did not demonstrate efficacy in slowing the progression of Alzheimers disease, the extensive body of evidence supporting semaglutide continues to provide benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related comorbidities. Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at Alzheimers Society Commenting on the finding, Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at Alzheimers Society, said: 'Its very disappointing that these eagerly awaited results are not what we hoped for. However, no trial is wasted. Every investigation helps us develop better drugs and design better trials in the future. 'Research is hope and there are currently over 130 Alzheimers drugs in clinical trials of which around 30 are in late-stage trials, the final step before they are considered by regulators. She added: Despite these results, there is a critical window of opportunity to prepare for other disease-modifying treatments coming down the track. 'The Government must invest in getting more people diagnosed at an earlier stage, as one in three people with dementia dont currently have a diagnosis. We must avoid a situation where regulators approve treatments but too many people dont receive them because they dont have an early and accurate diagnosis. Dr Susan Kohlhaas, executive director of research at Alzheimers Research UK, added: Todays disappointing results on semaglutide will come as a blow for people affected by Alzheimers. 'These trial results are another reminder that Alzheimers is driven by several different biological processes. No single approach is likely to be enough. The field now needs to focus on understanding those processes in much greater detail and developing treatments that can be used together to tackle the disease from multiple angles. A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a boy was allegedly stabbed to death behind a school. Emergency services, including a CareFlight helicopter, rushed to Bruce Purser Reserve, a grassy area behind Rouse Hill High School in north-west Sydney, about 4.20pm on Monday afternoon. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the 17-year-old boy, but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. It's understood the teenager was wearing a school uniform and was allegedly stabbed in the thigh. NSW Police received reports two people, believed to be teenagers, had been seen allegedly fleeing from the area. One of them was also believed to be wearing a school uniform. NSW Police said a 15-year-old boy was arrested after presenting to Riverstone Police Station shortly before 7pm. They were accompanied by a parent. 'He is providing information to us about the circumstances this afternoon,' Hills Area Commander Superintendent Naomi Moore told reporters on Monday night. A teenage boy was allegedly stabbed to death behind Rouse Hill High School (pictured, paramedics at the scene) It's understood the teenage boy was allegedly stabbed in the thigh (pictured, emergency services at the scene) 'He is under arrest and assisting with inquiries,' she added. Superintendent Moore said it was too early to determine if the incident was gang related but investigators believed there was some connection. 'It's very early in the investigation, but I will say to you that I don't believe it was random,' she said. 'There is some connection, but that will take some time to draw out.' She said the stabbed teenager was with another boy and they were allegedly confronted by a separate group of two to three boys. There is no link to Rouse Hill High School, she confirmed. A group of females who were in the park witnessed the attack and gave aid to the injured boy before paramedics arrived. A crime scene has been established on Caballo Street. Police were looking for two suspects seen allegedly running from the area Superintendent Moore thanked the several young women who ran to help the injured boy. 'It would have been a horrifically confronting situation for those people and I can only praise them,' she said. 'Emergency services have been called but unfortunately that boy died at the scene.' She also said officers had been to the family's home and spoken with his parents. Local Federal MP Michelle Rowland described the teenager's death as the 'tragic loss of a young life'. 'My thoughts and deepest condolences are with the young boy's family during this extremely difficult time,' she said. 'There is no place in our community for these acts of senseless violence, and I know this news will be particularly distressing for local families. 'May he rest in peace.' Paramedics worked to resuscitate the boy but he was declared dead at the scene. The area is a park behind a primary school and high school Hills Shire Council mayor Dr Michelle Byrne said the incident would shake the community. 'I am deeply saddened to learn of the fatal stabbing of a teenager in Rouse Hill,' Dr Byrne said. 'This is a heartbreaking and senseless loss of a young life, and my thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with the family, friends, and all who are affected by this tragedy. 'I want to acknowledge and thank the first responders who attended the scene, as well as the NSW Police officers who will now lead the investigation. 'Their work in the most difficult of circumstances is deeply appreciated by our entire community. 'Incidents like this shake us all. Our community is strong, compassionate and resilient, and in moments like these we must look out for one another.' An Italian son has been accused of dressing up as his dead mother in an effort to claim her pension while her body was hidden at home. The 56-year-old man, an unemployed nurse from Mantua, reportedly managed to claim thousands of euros before his act was exposed. He had also allegedly hidden the dead body of his mother, Graziella Dall'Oglio, at the family home until it had become mummified. Ms Dall'Oglio passed away around three years ago at the age of 82, according to Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper. But her son failed to officially report her death and instead wrapped her body in a sheet, stuffed it into a sleeping bag and hid it in the house. He then allegedly dressed up as his mother, complete with lipstick, foundation and a pearl necklace, before setting out to renew her identity card in a government office in the suburb of Borgo Virgilio. The son had reportedly cut his hair so it would fall in a similar style to his late mother's. He underwent a 'Mrs Doubtfire-style transformation', the paper said, referring to the 1993 movie starring Robin Williams. Graziella Dall'Oglio (pictured) passed away around three years ago at the age of 82 Her 56-year-old son, an unemployed nurse from Mantua, reportedly managed to claim thousands of euros before his act was exposed The man arrived at the government office on the outskirts of Mantua earlier this month, where he presented himself as Ms Dall'Oglio. But his blatant deception raised the suspicions of one employee, who realised there was something peculiar about the 'woman' - including their thick neck and deep voice. The member of staff quickly reported the incident to police and even alerted the local mayor. Authorities compared official photographs of the real Ms Dall'Oglio to those of her son and realised they had been duped. The son had been reeling in an annual income of around 53,000 (47,000) thanks to his mother's pension as well as a property portfolio of three houses, as per the paper. Following his being caught, police went to his home where they stumbled across the gruesome discovery of Ms Dall'Oglio's deceased body hidden in the laundry room. 'He came into the council offices wearing a long skirt, he was wearing lipstick and nail varnish, a necklace and old-style earrings,' Francesco Aporti, the mayor of Borgo Virgilio, told the newspaper. 'But up close his neck was too thick and his wrinkles were strange, the skin on his hands did not seem to be that of an 85-year-old woman. 'His voice was feminine but every so often it dipped and sounded masculine. But I might not have noticed these strange features had they not been pointed out.' Once his fraud had been uncovered, police informed him that they needed to inspect his home. 'He agreed to that. They searched the house and found a mummified body,' the mayor said. 'She probably died of natural causes but that will be established by the postmortem. It is a very strange story and very, very sad.' In a statement, Italy's military police said the mother's body was wrapped in bed sheets and a sleeping bag. 'The body was in a clear state of mummification,' they said. The corpse was then taken to the mortuary of a local hospital for a postmortem to be conducted. The son is now being investigated for illegally concealing a body and benefit fraud. There has been no shortage of inquiries under the SNP indeed theyve become the countrys only growth industry. Endless incompetence has necessitated a steady stream of official probes into any number of controversies though at the end of them were normally none the wiser. The Covid inquiry is a good example of an exercise that cost many millions and told us what we already knew that governments made a botched job of handling the pandemic. Yet when theres a pressing and inarguable case for an inquiry into a genuine scandal, ministers drag their feet and wheel out the excuses. This is illustrated by the SNP governments stubborn refusal to order a probe into grooming gangs which preyed on young girls, subjecting them to horrific sexual abuse. After much prevarication, a national inquiry has been announced but the UK Labour government has said it wont extend to Scotland. But its plain from victims accounts in recent weeks that the problem wasnt confined to England and Wales. The SNP is under mounting pressure to set up a probe of its own but its seemingly desperate to dodge one. The Mail revealed on Saturday that the ongoing Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), chaired by Lady Smith, above, can investigate allegations of grooming of children in care in living memory As the Mail revealed on Saturday, the ongoing Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) has the ability to investigate allegations of grooming of children in care in living memory. A nod to formidable chairman Lady Smith could lead to grooming gangs being added to its workload, and that could have happened many months ago. Its remit could be extended to look at the targeting of victims who were not in care, but again this has yet to be done. Were told the reason is that it would hold up the work of the inquiry, set up a decade ago, and of course it would increase the bill for taxpayers (we revealed yesterday that the current price-tag for the SCAI is more than 100million). Stung by criticism of the sheer number and sky-high costs of statutory probes on its watch, the SNP is loath to create another, even if it would be relatively straightforward as the means to investigate already exists. This raises some uncomfortable questions for the Nationalists, as it creates the impression that certain scandals are worthy of examination and others are not. Yet theres no denying the extent of the victims suffering children as young as ten were plied with drugs, raped, tortured and passed around by men, mostly of Pakistani heritage. Theres more than a suspicion that in England, and perhaps in Scotland, the fear of being branded racist has proved to be a block to setting up police probes and public inquiries. It was seen as simply too sensitive, so the problem was swept under the carpet and it took many years to get justice in the courts for many of the victims. In June, Baroness Louise Casey, who produced an audit on the nature and scale of group-based child sexual abuse in England and Wales, said the ethnicity of people involved in grooming gangs had been shied away from by authorities. There was an apparent institutional aversion to an inquiry south of the Border which held firm until ministers were forced to order one after intensive lobbying by survivors and their MPs. You might recall that John Swinney and the SNP government spent a lot of time (and our money) on the failed Named Person initiative, which aimed to appoint a state guardian for every child in Scotland even those yet to be born. Humza Yousaf even alleged that opponents of the Named Person plan were actually putting childrens lives at risk. Yet when it comes to an inquiry into the predators who targeted vulnerable young girls, the SNP appears to be turning a blind eye. Last week Justice Secretary Angela Constance was accused of misrepresenting an experts opinion, in an apparent bid to stick to the SNP line that no grooming gangs inquiry is needed. Ms Constance said Professor Alexis Jay who wrote the report on the Rotherham grooming scandal had said she didnt back a Scottish inquiry, but it has since emerged she was misquoted. Spin and distortion are to be expected from Ms Constance, the minister in charge when the SCAI was set up to shine a light in the dark corners of the past (she was Education Secretary at the time). Youd think she might have been fully aware that its remit would have allowed it to look at grooming and if she wasnt, why not? If she was, and has sat on her hands, then why didnt she or her colleagues act long before now? Their inaction has compounded the pain and distress of victims who feel understandably that government has badly let them down. Harrowing testimony from one of them was reported in the Scottish Mail on Sunday at the weekend. Speaking for the first time about her ordeal, a 35-year-old woman said she was targeted while in various childrens homes in Edinburgh from the age of 13 and only escaped her tormentors after moving away at 18. She is the third woman to speak out in a month about abuse suffered at the hands of Scottish grooming gangs. Also this month, Fiona Goddard, from Bradford, told how she was trafficked to Scotland by Asian men, travelling by taxi and carrying class A drugs. She was plied with alcohol and drugs and taken to houses in Glasgow and Edinburgh where she was raped. Figures published earlier this year suggest that 650 cases of child sexual exploitation have been recorded in Scotland since 2016, when the category was created on the Child Protection Register after the Rotherham scandal. Three major police investigations have taken place in Glasgow in the past 15 years. Officers identified multiple victims, many of them young girls in care, and multiple perpetrators, often described as being from ethnic minority communities. The reality is that inquiries neednt be as expensive, or as long-running, as those which have taken place under the SNP. No one in government kept an eye on rapidly escalating costs and timescales, while ministers kept ordering fresh probes. The overall cost for ongoing public inquiries has topped a quarter of a billion and it continues to rise. Proper scrutiny would have prevented costs spiralling out of control. This didnt happen and now theres a political row about why were having so many inquiries. MSPs have even conducted their own into whether inquiries are worthwhile which could have been a Yes Minister plot. The net result is ministers are keen to avoid further criticism on this front, hence the refusal to order a grooming gangs investigation. So, victims face losing out because of the SNPs incompetence and mismanagement an outcome that can only be good news for the child abusers who caused so much pain to countless young women and girls. The Justice Department has asked New York judges to unseal documents related to the grand jury investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Attorney General Pam Bondi invoked the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Donald Trump signed into law last week following a landslide vote by Congress requiring the release of the documents within 30 days. Epstein was indicted in July 2019 in Manhattan on charges of sex trafficking girls - a month later he was found hanged in his jail cell before he could be tried. Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 as part of the conspiracy, is serving a 20-year sentence. Earlier this year, Bondi's requests to the New York courts were rejected on the grounds of grand jury secrecy. But now the attorney general argues that the new bill supersedes the legal hurdles. 'The Act manifests a congressional intent to override some of the underlying bases for grand jury secrecy,' Bondi wrote to Judge Richard Berman, who oversaw the Epstein case, and Paul Engelmayer, who presides over Maxwell's case. The motion noted that the law allows redactions of material that 'would jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution.' However, the filings did not mention the recently launched investigations into Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and Reid Hoffman ordered by Trump. GOP Rep. Thomas Massie, one of the main architects of the Epstein bill, claimed that Trump's sudden order for the new probes was a 'smokescreen' to prevent the full release of the files. Donald Trump, his then-girlfriend Melania Knauss, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago in 2000 Trump repeatedly called the Epstein files a Democrat 'hoax' in recent months despite campaigning on a pledge to release the documents once in office. The president explosively fell out with Republican firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene - one of his most loyal allies in the House - after she ferociously attacked the administration, claiming that they were withholding the files. The crisis deepened earlier this month when the House Oversight Committee released a tranche of Epstein emails which included frequent mentions of Trump. Epstein, a New York financier who owned a home in Palm Beach, was a longtime friend of Trump from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. The president expelled Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago Club around 2007 over accusations of 'creepy' behavior toward young female staff members. Epstein was convicted of solicitation of a minor in 2008. Virginia Giuffre, who Epstein trafficked as a teenager, killed herself in April. In her memoir, Giuffre wrote that she had never known of any allegations against Trump. Judge Berman denied in August a request by the Trump administration to release the grand jury files. The judge said that 'a significant and compelling reason' for denying the release was that the 100,000 pages of Epstein dossiers in the government's possession 'dwarf the roughly 70 pages of Epstein grand jury materials.' Berman said that the grand jury files 'pale in comparison' to the investigative materials held by the Justice Department, and are 'merely a hearsay snippet of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged conduct.' He rebuked the government for laying the public furor at the court's door. 'The Government's complete information trove would better inform the public about the Epstein case,' Berman wrote. Two other judges have also denied the public release of material from investigations into Epstein's decades-long sexual abuse of young women and girls. US Attorney General Pam Bondi during a press conference at the Department of Justice in Washington on November 19 The Justice Department has said that the only witness to testify before the Epstein grand jury was an FBI agent who, the judge noted, 'had no direct knowledge of the facts of the case and whose testimony was mostly hearsay.' The agent testified on June 18, 2019, and July 2, 2019. The rest of the grand jury presentation consisted of a PowerPoint slideshow and a call log. The July 2 session ended with grand jurors voting to indict Epstein. Epstein was arrested on July 6, 2019. He was found dead in his cell at a Manhattan federal jail on August 10, 2019 in what authorities have ruled a suicide. A 110 million 'giga mansion' in Belgrave Square is set to become one of London's most expensive homes as it hits the market, with international billionaires touted as the most likely buyers. Property 17 Belgrave Square in Belgravia, central London, has an illustrious history stretching back centuries and is Grade I listed, making it a desirable home for some of the world's richest individuals. Nestled between the Austrian Embassy and the Country Land and Business Association, the mansion is just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace and is in the process of redevelopment after standing vacant for several years. With work due to complete next year, it is expected to retail for upwards of 110 million - almost triple the 35 million purchase price paid by luxury developers Fenton Whelan. After extensive works for which the firm has taken out a 29.5 million loan, the property will be equipped with all the latest features including a gym, pool and spa complex and home cinema. 'It's the square for royalty and world leaders and [properties] come to market only very rarely,' Sanjay Sharma, co-founder of developers Fenton Whelan, told The National. The 22,000 sq ft property - which until recently was owned by a Russian oligarch who has been pictured with Vladimir Putin - will be marketed from early 2026, with redevelopment works scheduled to be completed in the summer. In addition to the property's interior luxury, it will also feature an orangery and attached mews, a three-car garage and staff accommodation. Nestled between the Austrian Embassy and the Country Land and Business Association, the mansion in Belgrave Square (pictured) is just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace and is in the process of redevelopment Georgy Bedzhamov (right), who was granted permission by the High Court to sell 17 Belgrave Square in 2022, with Vladimir Putin in 2014 Mr Sharma said the 'speculative development' reflects his firm's 'conviction that London will always remain a very attractive place for the world's elite' and added the most likely purchaser will be a billionaire who 'lives globally'. The High Court approved the sale of 17 Belgrave Square in 2022, paving the way for its new lease of life. A judge ruled that fugitive Russian banker Georgy Bedzhamov, the previous owner, should be allowed to proceed with the sale in order to pay 10 million in fees to his legal team. A collapsed Russian firm, Vneshprombank, had previously obtained a worldwide freezing order against the oligarch in 2018, over claims Bedzhamov stole billions before it went bankrupt. Before the oligarch scandal, The Royal College of Psychiatrists was based at the Belgrave Square property from 1974 until it relocated to Prescot Street in Aldgate in October 2013. Historically it served as home to MP for Wicklow, Sir Ralph Howard, in the 19th century after construction was completed in 1840 before passing to politician Pandelli Ralli. Sir Ralph would entertain guests at his London home including his neighbour, Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, later the Duchess of Kent and the mother of Queen Victoria. Ralli also served as an MP for Bridport and lived in number 17 for around 60 years until his death in 1928. Sir Ralph would entertain guests at his London home including his neighbour, Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld (pictured), later the Duchess of Kent and the mother of Queen Victoria. The property was completed in 1840 and has had just five owners in that time, including two 19th century MPs Lady Leontine Sassoon moved in the following year and remained owner of the tenancy until her death in 1955, although she herself had vacated the property some 13 years prior. She is said to have held parties there for soldiers during the Second World War, while part of the property was used as a Red Cross supply depot. In 1956, it was taken over by the Institute of Meals before the Royal College moved in 18 years later. The new chapter in the mansion's history will see it go up for sale on the 'giga-prime' market - defined as properties in excess of 100 million. The eventual owner will call some of the world's richest people and institutions its neighbours, as well as embassies for countries including Portugal, Spain, Norway and Austria. It is thought there are only around 20 residences in London valued in this market. These are mostly based in some of London's most expensive neighbourhoods including Belgravia, Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Kensington. Many buyers in the global giga-prime market are based in the Middle East, India and China, as well as the UK and US. Peter Wetherell, executive chairman of Wetherell, told the National buyers of giga-prime properties are 'billionaires and many are heads of state or royals from the Middle East. So, by its very nature, it's an extremely private and policed marketplace.' He added: 'The sales are rare, and the opportunity to buy a giga-prime residence only comes up very occasionally. Nearly always the sales are on a strictly off-market basis, with the deals cloaked in secrecy and legal non-disclosure agreements.' Jeffrey Epstein's emails do not merely document the movements of a man embedded in elite circles. Read together, they expose the mind of someone who treated people like assets, loyalty like currency and vulnerability like an invitation. On November 12, those unfiltered, private emails were released in a tranche of 20,000 documents by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. But unlike depositions or victim statements, these messages, which span 2011 to 2019, were written in real time to Epstein's confidants, including Ghislaine Maxwell, former US Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers and journalist Michael Wolff. They are riddled with spelling errors, missing punctuation marks and are, at times, unwieldy and rambling - part of a pattern that paints an unsettling portrait of the man behind them. The Daily Mail fed more than 50 excerpts from these newly released correspondences into the AI system Grok and asked it to analysis the message for distinct patterns and what they may reveal about the billionaire's state of mind. Grok characterized the disgraced financier as a hurried, opportunistic networker with a casual disregard for boundaries, quick to attach himself to people and just as quick to sever ties after perceived betrayals. Upon dissecting the documents, the artificial intelligence uncovered a remarkably consistent style of lowercase typing, apparently deliberate misspellings and obsessive repetition of certain themes and, of course, names. But unlike depositions or victim statements, these messages, which span 2011 to 2019, were written in real time to Epstein's confidants. (Pictured: Ghislaine Maxwell and Epstein) Pictured: Email correspondence between Epstein and Thomas The emails are riddled with spelling errors and missing punctuation marks, and are, at times, unwieldy and rambling In one email to former New York Times financial reporter Landon Thomas Jr, Epstein wrote: 'have them ask my houseman about donald almost walking through the door leaving his nose print on the glass as young women were swimming in the pool he was so focused he walked straight into the door.' The 'vivid, unpunctuated anecdote,' the AI explained, 'treats scandalous scenes like gossip' and 'reveals a storyteller who relishes discomfort in others.' A message to Maxwell urged, 'You have done nothing wrong and i woudl urge you to start acting like it. go outside, head high, not as an esacping convict. go to parties. deal with it.' There, the typos, 'woudl' and 'esacping,' while offering motivational advice reflect Epstein's casual dismissal of consequences, 'urging denial as strength,' the AI said. Similarly, an email to Summers offering relationship advice reads: 'shes smart. making you pay for past errors, ignore the daddy im going to go out with the motorcycle guy, . you reacted well. . annoyed shows caring. , no whining showed strentgh.' Here Epstein is dissecting human emotion like a self-appointed therapist, presenting himself as a detached guru, the AI noted. On Wednesday, Summers resigned from OpenAI's board amid scrutiny over his ties to Epstein and Harvard launched an investigation into their relationship. The AI also highlighted a 2018 email from Epstein to Summers in which Epstein appeared, according to Grok, to revel 'in others' vulnerabilities,' writing: 'She's already begining to sound needy :) nice.' Roughly 80 percent of Epstein's emails lacked capitalization or punctuation - a stark contrast from the 'recipients' polished replies' - that apparently creates an illusion of approachability while still asserting dominance. Donald Trump was mentioned in approximately 40 percent of the relevant emails, often as a point of comparison or cautionary tale reflecting Epstein's obsession with not only him, but loyalty tests and grievances. In a 2011 message to Maxwell, Epstein said: 'i want you to realize that the dog that hasn't barked is trump... the girl had spent hours at my house with him.' The AI suggested Epstein was alluding to a Sherlock Holmes story, in which the fictional detective notes that the absence of expected behavior is itself a critical clue. That is to say, a dog that does not bark during a crime suggests it knows the perpetrator, a revealing insight through silence rather than action. This, the AI claimed, exposes a 'mindset fixated on loyalty tests, implying victims as unwitting props in elite games' and a 'score-settling thinker who hoarded relational 'dirt' like currency.' His repetitive phrasing builds a narrative of shared guilt, signaling his paranoia and obsession with holding allies accountable. In 2019, Epstein wrote to journalist Michael Wolff of Trump: 'of course he knew about the girls... Of course, he knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.' Donald Trump, meanwhile, was mentioned in approximately 40 percent of the relevant emails In a 2011 message to Maxwell, Epstein said: 'i want you to realize that the dog that hasn't barked is trump... the girl had spent hours at my house with him' But as the years went on, the AI noted a pattern of 'escalating vitriol' after one 2017 email, in which Epstein called Trump a 'maniac' showing signs of 'early dementia.' 'I have met some very bad people. None as bad as Trump. Not one decent cell in his body,' he wrote. Here, according to the AI, Epstein 'judges others as 'worse' to elevate himself.' Two years later, Epstein would be charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial. Epstein also acted as a manipulative advisor, dispensing unsolicited guidance on relationships and social strategy, the AI observed. In a May 2017 email to Jonathan Farkas, the husband of Somers Farkas, Trump's ambassador to Malta, Epstein warned: 'careful she is nottrustworthy at ALLL... worse... alcoholic . drugs. unstable . consumate liar. CAREFUL,' in regard to a woman who was not Farkas's wife. The emphatic caps and list-like style highlight his tendency to sow doubt and turn personal questions into dependence. In multiple emails, Epstein's references to 'girls' are 'offhand' and 'stripped of agency,' the AI noted, describing it as 'dehumanizing shorthand.' In one email to New York Times' reporter Thomas Jr, Epstein wrote 'would you like to see photos of donald and girls in bikinis in my kitchen?' Here, the AI stated, the 'matter-of-fact phrasing assumes shared elite knowledge' and the 'mindset of 'boys' club' impunity, where 'girls' are abstract commodities.' Indeed, the correspondence offers a window into the inner workings of one of the most infamous manipulators of the modern era, exposing, as AI puts it, a profound entitlement where 'rules apply downward, never up.' Rumors are swirling that one of Elon Musk's brain chip patients has vanished under mysterious circumstances. Whispers about the disappearance of Mike Melgarejo, known as 'Patient 4,' began after his social media accounts went dark and a GoFundMe appeared claiming he was 'not in a good place.' Family friend Ryan Biggs launched the campaign, writing: '[Mike's] ready to give life up, people. Not an understatement.' Melgarejo, a 44-year-old survey technician from San Diego, was diagnosed with ALS in 2022. It has been slowly robbing him of his ability to speak. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal, incurable neurological disorder that gradually paralyzes patients. In February, he volunteered to have the Neuralink chip implanted in his brain. It wasn't a cure, but it allowed him to briefly become the first brain implant patient with a full-time job, completing basic tasks remotely using the power of his mind. But since the GoFundMe account was launched in June, speculation over his whereabouts has spiraled, with some online sleuths alleging that his perceived 'disappearance' is linked to Neuralink. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, his wife, Dalila, has now broken her silence to reveal any claims of a conspiracy are nonsense. Internet rumors claimed Melgarejo (right) had disappeared after a post on a GoFundMe account said he was 'not in a good place - mentally, financially, physically or emotionally' Mike Melgarejo was the fourth patient to receive the Neuralink brain implant She explained that the family had merely wanted to keep the heartbreaking decline in her husband's health private. But as the rumors began to affect them financially, she felt compelled to speak out. 'Our family is really going through something terrible. My husband is eventually gonna die within a year or two, and there's nothing that anybody can do to help him,' Dalila Melgarejo said. 'I don't know where all of this came from, or why there would be anybody saying anything or creating problems where there aren't, or making malicious accusations. I mean, the Neuralink system is very helpful. They've been kind.' In a video on Substack - titled Where TF is Patient Four? - independent journalist and content creator Audrey Henson claimed it was unusual that Melgarejo was one of the only Neuralink patients not on social media. Musk's company has set up several brain implant patients with X accounts, allowing them to share their experiences and progress with the public. There have reportedly been 13 individuals who have received a Neuralink brain chip. But participation in the social media program is not mandatory, and the Daily Mail was told that Melgarejo deactivated his own X account before having the brain implant installed. Mike Melgarejo (center) and his wife, Dalila (left), posed for a picture in November 2025, showing that he is still battling ALS. They said Neuralink has continued to support the family In her Substack post, Henson accused Neuralink of heavily promoting successful brain implant stories while burying news of their alleged failures. She highlighted the allegedly suspicious contrast between Neuralink's June 2025 video showing Melgarejo thriving and the GoFundMe launched the same month portraying him as 'ready to give up on life.' Henson suspected foul play, suggesting the fundraiser for Melgarejo's care could be hush money to sidestep FDA reporting of adverse side effects from using the Neuralink, claiming that Biggs had ties to insurance risk management. But Dalila called his alleged 'disappearance' from social media a false story, adding that her husband chose to keep his ongoing struggles with ALS private, even declining to take part in future interviews hosted by Neuralink. 'Seeing a loved one go through what ALS does to someone's body, and having their mind intact, their brain is the only thing that does not stop functioning. The rest of their body does,' she told the Daily Mail. 'It's horrifying to me to see that, and how many times Michael has lain in bed crying, just sobbing over what he's going through, knowing that he's going to die at a very young age.' However, the family went public with their struggles in late June after Melgarejo could no longer continue working to support his wife and son. 'I also work,' Dalila said. 'Even having two incomes coming in with a child, it is just overwhelming at times, and he was not able to provide anymore. So we hit a very rough patch where we couldn't even pay our rent in July.' Moreover, Melgarejo's friends have been desperately attempting to find a new home that would be more accessible for his wheelchair than the family's current second-floor apartment, which has made traveling to medical checkups nearly impossible. Melgarejo (pictured) was diagnosed with ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative condition that leaves patients paralyzed. He has been slowly losing his ability to speak this year Biggs set up the GoFundMe account to help them through 2025. The first Neuralink patient, Noland Arbaugh, used his influence on social media to spark a wave of donations in just a few weeks. But Melgarejo's wife feared the claims against Neuralink - that it was withholding information about the brain implant trials and may have even been keeping Melgarejo's health decline a secret - have crippled their fundraising efforts. 'If this is why people stop donating, I don't even have the words for it, because that was really helping us... If it has to do with this, then I'm very disappointed in these people,' she explained. 'What's happening to us, what's happening to Michael, is very real.' The Daily Mail spoke with Henson regarding her investigation into Melgarejo and her claims that Neuralink has not been transparent about their ongoing brain procedures. She said that the timing of a Neuralink patient update video, where Melgarejo revealed he was still working, and the post by Biggs mentioning Melgarejo being 'not in a good place,' caused her to suspect Musk's company was not being truthful. 'I stand behind this investigation. It was based on documentary evidence that warranted scrutiny,' Henson told the Daily Mail. 'We shouldn't need viral investigations to ask whether trial participants are adequately supported.' Henson added that the alleged donation of $3,000 by Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis to Melgarejo's fundraiser also raised a conflict of interest under FDA regulations. The Daily Mail has reached out to Neuralink for comment on all of the allegations, but has not received a reply. Neuralink's N1 implant is the size of a quarter, with dozens of threads carrying electrodes which interpret neural activity in the brain According to donation records on Melgarejo's GoFundMe page, Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis gave $3,000 for the patient's ongoing care Despite the allegations of potential wrongdoing by Neuralink, Dalila said the company has been in constant contact with her husband and checks on his condition and the implant every three months. 'They helped a lot with setting up his monitor, getting him comfortable, just really helping us with what we need. So, the company itself, the people, the employees that have been here, they've been a godsend,' she said. Dalila added that their family has been extremely grateful for all the support they received, and hopes they will be able to move past the rumors that blindsided them this fall. 'People need to stop making stuff up. This is what happens. Sometimes when people make assumptions, they create something out of nothing.' Mind control weapons may sound like something from a dystopian science fiction film, but experts now say they are becoming a reality. Scientists have issued an ominous warning over mind-altering 'brain weapons' that can target your perception, memory, and even behaviour. In a newly published book, Dr Michael Crowley and Professor Malcolm Dando, of Bradford University, argue that recent scientific advances should be a 'wake-up call'. Professor Dando says: 'The same knowledge that helps us treat neurological disorders could be used to disrupt cognition, induce compliance, or even in the future turn people into unwitting agents.' Nations including the US, China, Russia, and the UK have been researching so-called central nervous system (CNS)-acting weapons since the 1950s. Now, Dr Crowley and Professor Dando argue that modern neuroscience has become so advanced that truly terrifying mind weapons could be created. Professor Dando says: 'We are entering an era where the brain itself could become a battlefield. 'The tools to manipulate the central nervous system to sedate, confuse, or even coerce are becoming more precise, more accessible, and more attractive to states.' Scientists have issued an ominous warning that developments in neuroscience could see powerful 'brain weapons' become a reality (stock image) Just like the fictional drug 'Soma' from the science-fiction classic 'Brave New World' (pictured), scientists warn that new chemicals could be used as a powerful form of mind control Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, most of the world's major powers 'actively sought' to develop their own mind-controlling weapons. Their goal was to create devices that could incapacitate large numbers of people through unconsciousness, hallucination, disorientation, or sedation. Most famously, the American military developed the compound 'BZ', which produces a powerful sense of delirium, hallucinations, and cognitive dysfunction. The US manufactured approximately 60,000 kilograms of the potent drug and used it to create a 340-kilogram (750 lbs) cluster bomb. Although the bomb was intended to be used in Vietnam, and BZ was tested intensively on US soldiers, there's no evidence that the weapon was ever used. Meanwhile, the Chinese military has developed a 'narcosis-gun' designed to shoot syringes of incapacitating chemicals. However, Dr Crowley and Professor Dando point out, the only time that a CNS-targeting weapon has ever been used in combat was by Russian security forces during the 2002 Moscow theatre siege. After armed Chechen militants took 900 civilians hostage, security forces used a fentanyl-derived 'incapacitating chemical agent' to disable the attackers. Since the 1950s, major world powers have been attempting to create chemical weapons that target the brain. These include the US military's BZ bomb filled with hallucination-inducing gas (right) and the Chinese 'Narcosis-gun' (right) The only time that so-called central nervous system (CNS)-targeting weapons have been used was by the Russian security services during the 2002 Moscow theatre siege (pictured). A gas containing fentanyl derivatives was used to knock out the gunmen inside While the chemical weapon did break the siege, the gas killed 120 of the 900 hostages and an undetermined number more to face long-term health issues and premature death. However, since then, the mind-warping potential of these weapons has extended far beyond simply knocking out attackers or triggering hallucinations. The same scientific research that is helping to treat neurological disorders can also be used to build weapons which target specific brain functions. 'That's the dual-use dilemma we face,' says Professor Dando. For example, scientists are investigating parts of the brain's 'survival circuits', which are the neural pathways that control fear, sleep, aggression, and decision making. Understanding how these circuits work is critical for treating neurological conditions, but also opens the door to weaponising these regions of the brain. In fact, Dr Crowley and Professor Dando are so concerned about this possibility that they are travelling to the Hague for a key meeting of states to argue the case for urgent action. The issue, the researchers warn, is that CNS-targeting weapons currently sit within a 'loophole' in the rules governing the use of chemical weapons. While the gas did break the siege, it also killed 120 of the 900 hostages in the theatre and left an unknown number with life-long illnesses. Pictured: Vladimir Putin visits survivors of the theatre siege This comes amid growing concern that future armies could be made up of cyborgs with neurological enhancements allowing them to see, hear and fight better than current soldiers The Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits the use of harmful chemicals in war, but there is a grey area allowing the use of some chemicals in certain circumstances, such as law enforcement. That leaves a potential legal justification for the development and use of powerful mind-control weapons within the current scope of the law. Professor Dando says: 'There are dangerous regulatory gaps within and between these treaties. Unless they are closed, we fear certain States may be emboldened to exploit them in dedicated CNS and broader incapacitating agent weapons programmes. 'We must act now to protect the integrity of science and the sanctity of the human mind.' From Bill Clinton to Tiger Woods, many celebrities have been caught up in famous cheating scandals. But is there any way to spot a cheater before they stray? According to scientists from Koc University in Istanbul, there are four red flags that indicate someone is likely to cheat. In their study, the team surveyed 280 people about their relationships, and whether they had any intentions of infidelity. The results revealed that people were more likely to cheat if they had a history of cheating on a prior romantic partner. Their chances of an affair were also higher if one of their parents had had one in the past. What's more, high levels of attachment avoidance and low levels of perceived emotional and sexual intimacy were red flags for cheating. 'These findings shed light on the importance of addressing parental infidelity, adult attachment avoidance, and intimacy problems in couples therapy, given the risk of engaging in infidelity,' the researchers wrote in their study. According to scientists from Koc University in Istanbul, there are four red flags that indicate someone is likely to cheat (stock image) Infidelity is common in the UK, with a whopping 36 per cent of Brits admitting to cheating on a partner in a survey conducted in 2024. However, the underlying reasons for cheating have remained a mystery until now. Writing in their study, published in The Family Journal, the researchers, Esra Selalmaz and Gizem Erdem, said: 'Given the prevalence and negative consequences of infidelity, there is a need for further research to explore factors that are linked to infidelity.' To get to the bottom of it, the team enlisted 280 participants aged 1830, who were unmarried, childless, and in an ongoing romantic relationship for at least a year. The participants were surveyed about their family history, relationship style, and any intentions to cheat. An analysis of the results revealed four key trends. Firstly, participants whose own parents had had affairs were more likely to cheat themselves. 'Individuals may adopt their parents' passiveaggressive behaviors as a protection for the future of their romantic relationship, and avoid showing sincere emotions, especially negative ones, in their romantic relationships,' the researchers explained. Firstly, participants whose own parents had had affairs were more likely to cheat themselves (stock image) The 4 cheating red flags to look out for History of cheating on a prior romantic partner One of their parents had had an affair in the past High levels of attachment avoidance Low levels of perceived emotional and sexual intimacy Advertisement 'This may provide them a sense of control over feelings of resentment, disappointment, and rejection. 'However, those strategies may result in feeling less lovable and satisfied in their relationship as they do not show their true selves and emotions to their partners, which may increase their intentions to validate their selfworth outside of their current romantic relationships.' Secondly, participants who had previously cheated in a relationship were also more likely to do it again. 'The history of cheating in past romantic relationships had the strongest association with infidelity intentions,' the researchers added. High attachment avoidance a low tolerance for emotional or physical intimacy was also linked with infidelity intentions. The researchers explained: 'The likelihood of infidelity might function as a deactivating strategy for individuals with high attachment avoidance. 'Given that they prioritize being selfdependent with limited intimacy, infidelity may be a way to feel independent while in a committed romantic relationship.' Finally, people with low levels of emotional and sexual intimacy were also more likely to cheat. 'Those who lack sexual intimacy and satisfaction in their committed relationships may be prone to infidelity to meet their unmet sexual needs and seek sexual closeness through an affair,' the team explained. Overall, the researchers hope these results will help couples to establish more trusting relationships. 'The findings of the present study may provide insights for couples and family therapists to tailor their sessions to reduce the couples' infidelity risk or support individuals and couples who come to therapy because of the harmful effects of infidelity and search for meaning in this process,' they concluded. Beneath the idyllic resort towns of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, daring explorers have uncovered a hidden world of grand chambers and twisting tunnels. The Ox Bel Ha, Mayan for 'Three Paths of Water', is a sprawling water 'web' that makes up the world's longest underwater cave system. In this vast network, researchers have found giant sink holes, huge crystal chambers known as ice palaces, and 38 unique species of cavedwelling animals. Cave divers have mapped out 325.6 miles (524 kilometres) of subterranean tunnels, but believe there could be even more yet to explore. Since 2018 alone, divers have squeezed their way through 108 more miles (175 kilometres) of unexplored cave. Research group, El Centro Investigador del Sistema Acuifero de Quintana Roo (CINDAQ), believes it may find more than 373 miles (600 kilometres) of cave before its investigations are done. The Ox Bel Ha is the secondlongest explored cave in the world, and is only beaten by Kentucky's Mammoth Caves, which run for at least 426 miles (686 km). The big difference is that every metre of Mexico's cavernous network is submerged in a mixture of salt and freshwater. The Ox Bel Ha is the world's largest cave network, extending at least 325 miles beneath Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula Your browser does not support iframes. Scientists believe that the incredible complexity of Ox Bel Ha is due to the unusual way in which it formed. Millions of years ago, rainwater and dissolved carbon dioxide filtered through a thick layer of limestone on the Yucatan Peninsula. As this acidic solution filtered through the rock, it reacted with the limestone and carved out vast channels and tunnels. Then, approximately 18,000 years ago, severe climate changes caused ocean levels to rise and flood the caves sealing the underground landscape exactly as it is found today. Rather uniquely, this is also one of the few underwater caves in Mexico which connect directly to the sea. This means that there is a layer of fasterflowing fresh water sitting on top of a nearly static saltwater layer. This creates what scientists call a 'halocline', a layer where salt and fresh water mix, which makes exploration even trickier. Exploration only began on the Ox Bel Ha cave network in 1996, when explorers found an entrance inside one of the area's natural sink holes, known as cenotes. The leading research group, El Centro Investigador del Sistema Acuifero de Quintana Roo (CINDAQ), believes they may find more than 373 miles (600 kilometres) of cave before their investigations are done Exploration is continuously uncovering new chambers and tunnels as explorers find more connections between different sections of the cave The only cave system longer than Ox Bel Ha is Mammoth Cave in Kentucky (pictured), which extends for at least 426 miles (686 km) Exploring a dry cave network, such as Mammoth Cave, is already dangerous and difficult. Cavers must force themselves into narrow passages known as constrictions in the hope that they will open up enough to turn around further on. Becoming trapped or lost can easily result in the caver's death if they are not able to call for help. Underwater, these difficulties are all massively increased by the fact that explorers must also manage their limited oxygen supply. Cave divers must balance the amount of gas they bring with them against the fact that they may need to pull that equipment through some tight squeezes. This makes long dives extending deep underground extremely challenging, and something that can only be attempted by the most skilled divers. However, over the last 30 years, explorers have gradually managed to piece together a map of the Ox Bel Ha. As the divers explore, they trail a line of cable behind them that allows them to find their way back, and also to assess how long the cave network is. Ox Bel Ha is home to huge sink holes, 38 species of unique cavedwelling animals, and a series of crystalcoated chambers known as an 'ice palace' (pictured) Since 2018 alone, divers have squeezed their way through 108 more miles (175 kilometres) of unexplored cave And, as divers have repeatedly resurveyed old sections of cable, they are still finding entirely new sections of tunnel to explore. For example, in 2022, a group of divers were following an old cable about two miles deep into the cave when they discovered that it had been overlooked by earlier dives. The divers told In Depth Magazine at the time: 'To our surprise it looked like we were the first ones there.' By undertaking mammoth sixto eighthour dives, the explorers pushed up to 6,370 metres into the cave and uncovered 6.2 miles (10.1 kilometres) of new passageways. However, the efforts to map the extent of Ox Bel Ha have not been without fatalities. In April 2022, an experienced Russian diver who had been mapping the cave for six months set out on a dive from sinkhole Cenote Odyssey and never returned. Investigators found the diver floating face down within arm's reach of a spare gas tank, with his own tank drained empty. It is believed that the diver became trapped in a cloud of silt while exploring a new crack, panicked, and used up the remainder of their air supplies faster than they had been prepared for. Campbell Soup is facing a firestorm after a former employee allegedly secretly recorded a vice president insulting both the company's products and its customers. Robert Garza of Michigan filed a lawsuit against Campbell's on Thursday and released audio he says features Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer Martin Bally. He provided the damaging recording to Detroit's Local 4 News, which broadcast portions of it. In the audio, a speaker identified as Bally is heard saying: 'We have s**t for f***king poor people. Who buys our s**t? I don't buy Campbell's products barely anymore. It's not healthy now that I know what the f**'s in it.' The speaker also referenced 'bioengineered meat,' saying, 'I don't wanna eat a piece of chicken that came from a 3D printer.' While bioengineered foods are allowed for sale in the US, companies are required to label such products. Campbell's has disclosed that its canola, corn, soybean and sugar beet are grown from genetically modified seeds. A Campbell Soup Company spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'We are proud of the food we make, the people who make it and the high-quality ingredients we use. The comments on the recording are not only inaccurate - they are patently absurd. 'Keep in mind, the alleged comments are made by an IT person, who has nothing to do with how we make our food. If the recording is legitimate, the comments are unacceptable. They do not reflect our values and the culture of our company. 'Mr Bally is temporarily on leave while we conduct an investigation.' The recording alleges statements from Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer Martin Bally, who has now been put on leave while Campbell's conducts an investigation Bioengineered meat, also called cultured, cell-based, or lab-grown meat, is real animal meat produced by growing animal cells in a controlled environment instead of raising and slaughtering livestock. The process involves taking a sample of animal cells, cultivating them in a nutrient-rich solution within bioreactors, and then structuring the resulting muscle and fat tissues into a food product. While the recording alleges Bally said Campbell's uses bioengineered meat, the company spokesperson told Daily Mail that is not the case. The Campbell's spokesperson said: 'The chicken meat used in our soups comes from long-trusted, USDA-approved US suppliers and meets our high quality standards. 'All of our soups are made with No Antibiotics Ever chicken meat, meaning we don't allow antibiotics to be added to the feed, water, or any commercial vaccines used by our chicken suppliers.' Daily Mail has contacted Bally for comment. The audio recording shared by Local News 4 has made waves online, catching the attention of Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier, who posted on X on Monday: 'Florida law bans lab-grown meat. 'Our Consumer Protection division is launching an investigation and will demand answers from Campbell's.' Robert Garza, from Michigan, filed a lawsuit against Campbell's on Thursday. The suit claims Garza went to his supervisor to raise concerns about the remarks, but was filed a few weeks later Florida banned lab-grown meat primarily to protect traditional agriculture and family farms, citing concerns about the industry disrupting livestock markets. Opponents of lab-grown meat cite economic threats to traditional agriculture, concerns about the product's safety and 'unnatural' origins, and potential scalability and environmental issues. Garza, who began working remotely for the company in September 2024, said he met Bally at a restaurant in or around November 2024, hoping to discuss his salary, according to the lawsuit seen by Daily Mail. However, Garza claimed that Bally went into an hour-long rant, allegedly slamming everything from the company's products to employees, customers and also made racist comments about Campbell's Indian staff members, according to the lawsuit. Bally has been employed at Campbell's since January 2022. The recording lasted longer than an hour and 15 minutes and included what Garza said was a 'disgusting' rant about his coworkers, Local News 4 reported. 'F***ing Indians don't know a f***ing thing,' the person in the recording said. 'Like they couldn't think for their f***ing selves,' the person who identified as Bally said in part. Garza told Local News 4 that he went to his supervisor in January 2025 to report what he claimed Bally said during the meeting. Campbell's is being sued by a former employee for 'disgusting' remarks he said were made by a vice president at the company The lawsuit states: 'On or about January 30, 2025, Plaintiff was abruptly terminated from employment. 'Upon information and belief, Defendant [the supervisor] and Bally were responsible for Plaintiff's termination.' As a result of the termination, the lawsuit claims Garza has suffered, and is expected to continue suffering, stress, humiliation, embarrassment, outrage, mental anguish, denial of social pleasures, fear, mortification, emotional harm, as well as economic and non-economic damages, attorney fees and costs and additional damages that may be uncovered during litigation. 'He reached out to his supervisor and told the supervisor what Martin was saying, and then out of nowhere, my client was fired,' Runyan told Local News 4. 'He was really sticking up for other people. He went to his boss and said, 'Martin is saying this about Indian coworkers we have, he's saying this about people who buy our food -- who keep our company open, and I don't think that should be allowed.' And the response to Robert sticking up for other people is that he gets fired, which is ridiculous.' Runyan also told Local News that Garza 'had never had any disciplinary action, they had never written him up for work performance.' The lawsuit alleges that Garza was terminated on January 30, 2025, as retaliation for speaking out about Bally's conduct, and accuses Campbell's of fostering a racially toxic workplace. 'They have a motto: 'We treat you like family here at Campbell's -- come work for us,' Garza told Local News 4. 'We treat our employees like family.' That's not the case.' A 'coast-to-coast storm' could throw the holiday plans for millions of Americans into chaos as a record number of people travel this week for Thanksgiving. Meteorologists said the fast-moving system will impact travelers in the Southwest on Monday, before quickly affecting millions in the Midwest and then bringing a wintry blast to the Northeast on Wednesday. On Monday, thunderstorms had already wreaked havoc on air travel out of Texas, where a morning ground delay at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport had canceled dozens of flights and delayed over 200 more. Heavy rain and thunderstorms moved through the West on Sunday, with more downpours expected to snarl travel today in the Pacific Northwest and for more than a dozen states in the Plains, from Iowa to Texas. AccuWeather's official holiday travel forecast for Monday has declared conditions 'poor' in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Cold air moving sown from Canada also threatens to bring a drop of several inches of snow throughout the northern US, including in North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, this holiday travel week. Even more states are expected to find themselves dealing with poor travel conditions for both flyers and drivers on Tuesday and Wednesday, further east. The American Automobile Association (AAA) has estimated that 81.8million people planned to travel more than 50 miles from their homes this week to celebrate Thanksgiving with family or friends, a new travel record. Travelers stand in line as airports expect major delays this week due to a widespread storm system (Stock Image) A coast-to-coast storm is predicted to move from the Southwest to the Northeast during the Thanksgiving travel period, affecting both drivers and flyers AccuWeather meteorologist Renee Duff said: 'The Pacific Northwest could face some of the most severe impacts from the weather in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.' Tuesday will be the storm's busiest day as it spreads heavy rain, gusty winds, and even some thunderstorms across a huge stretch from the Gulf Coast to the Midwest, including poor travel conditions in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. AccuWeather added that the worst headaches on Tuesday will bring soaking rain and strong wind gusts to the Midwest, and likely cause hundreds of flight delays at major hubs like Chicago O'Hare and St Louis Lambert, and MinneapolisSaint Paul International Airport. Farther south, cities like Memphis, Little Rock, Tulsa, and Dallas will still be dealing with rounds of heavy showers and thunderstorms tomorrow, keeping roads slick and airports on alert for more ground delays. In the north, a mix of rain and wet snow is expected across Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, threatening to make interstates like I-35, I-94, and I-69 treacherous for travelers who are driving. AccuWeather lead long-range meteorologist Paul Pastelok added: 'The best chance of severe weather will be in the South Central and Southeastern states.' Meteorologists explained that this massive coast-to-coast storm started when a strong dip in the jet stream over the West Coast slammed into an 'atmospheric river' of deep moisture flowing in from the tropical Pacific Ocean. That collision created a powerful low-pressure system in the Southwest that is now racing eastward, pulling in cold air from Canada on its north side and warm, humid air from the Gulf on its south side. Meteorologists predict that the Southeast and northern US will experience the worst travel delays on Tuesday More rain and cold conditions are expected on Wednesday throughout the East Coast The huge temperature differences between the cold Canadian air and warm Gulf air have fueled the storm's energy, producing everything from severe thunderstorms in the South to heavy snow in the North. With the system being super-charged by moisture from both the Pacific and the Gulf, forecasters warned that this storm has enough fuel to keep causing widespread travel problems into Thanksgiving Day. By Wednesday, the heart of the storm will shift eastward and bring a messy mix of heavy rain, strong winds, and even some snow to the Great Lakes and East Coast, potentially impacting travel from Maine to Florida. Travelers in Dallas, Texas have already bee affected by the storm, which has canceled dozens of the flights and delayed more than 200 on Monday (Stock Image) Meteorologists have predicted that more rain on Wednesday could upend driving conditions along the I-95 mega-corridor in Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Farther west, the Midwest will still see lingering rain turning to snow across lower Michigan, northern Indiana, northern Ohio, and western Pennsylvania, creating icy conditions on key routes like the Ohio Turnpike and Pennsylvania Turnpike. Once Thanksgiving ends, temperatures are expected to remain frigid throughout most of the US, with the National Weather Service (NWS) predicting below-average temperatures from Ohio all the way to Montana lasting through Sunday. If you think battered cod doesn't pack quite enough flavour, experts claim to have the perfect alternative. Saithe, also known as coley, is a member of the pollock family found around the North Atlantic Ocean with grey-ish coloured flesh. When cooked, saithe is said to boast a much stronger and more satisfying flavour than traditional options. Norwegian fishermen are promoting saithe to British chippies as a replacement after ocean conservationists warned cod shoals are being decimated by overfishing. And saithe and chips could increasingly become a common option as chip shop owners seek cheaper alternatives. Some English chip shops that have already experimented with saithe include Harrison's Fish and Chips in Oxford and The Scrap Box in York. 'The UK's fish and chip industry is extremely important it's an institution,' Bjrn-Erik Stabell, the Norwegian Seafood Council's UK director, told Restaurant. 'But we need to look beyond cod and haddock saithe is a great option.' A saithe option? The underused fish could be a viable alternative for fish and chip shops around Britain, according to an expert at the Norwegian Seafood Council (file photo) Mr Stabell added: 'We've had fantastic feedback from restaurants and chefs who are able to look past the colour. 'We'll be doing a lot of work over the coming year to encourage the industry to make better use of it.' A member of the pollock family, saithe (known by scientists as Pollachius virens) has darker flesh and a stronger flavour than cod. Experts said it should not be confused with Atlantic pollock, already used by chip shops as a substitute for cod and haddock. When raw, saithe flesh has a greyish colour compared with other so-called white fish, which is why it is often overlooked, but when cooked it turns a clear white. According to Faroese Seafood, saithe has a distinctive, rich flavour that is more intensely 'fishy' than usual options found in the chippie. Chef, author and environmental activist James Strawbridge UK, called saithe 'a great sustainable choice for white fish' with a delicate, sweet flavour and light texture. Aside from being battered with chips, it works well in fish pies, fishcakes, croquettes, rice dishes like jambalaya, or simply topped with a herby crumb served with seasonal veg. According to Faroese Seafood, saithe has a distinctive, rich flavour that is more intensely 'fishy' than options found in the chippie What is saithe? Saithe, also known as coley, is a edible member of the pollack family. It is touted as a sustainable alternative to cod and haddock, which are overfished. Saithe is often overlooked due to the darker colour of its raw flesh, though it becomes lighter after cooking. Saithe is also healthy, being rich in protein, vitamin D, vitamin B and selenium. Source: Faroese Seafood/Anova Seafood Advertisement It has firm and flaky flesh, is easy to deep fry, and is also often cheaper than cod and haddock, making it an economical choice. Saithe is found throughout the British Isles and Ireland, but it's more common off the north-west Scottish and Irish coasts. Unlike cod and haddock, it's a sustainable fish, meaning it can currently be caught in ways that allow the long-term future and viability of the species. According to the report from Restaurant, low cod and haddock quotas in recent years have put intense pressure on fish and chip shops to raise their prices. British demand for cod and haddock vastly exceeds supply, even when accounting for imports. Conversely, British demand for saithe stays relatively low even though it is significantly cheaper. It is more popular in countries like France, Germany, Norway and Sweden. In the past 12 months, the UK imported 191,149 tonnes of cod and 101,330 tonnes of haddock, compared with 957 tonnes of saithe. Pollachius virens is a member of the pollack family. It can reach around 4 feet (1.2 metres) in length A recent study by University of Exeter researchers found the UK now imports more than six times as much seafood as in 1900. Today, an estimated 80 per cent of UK seafood demand is met by imports from overseas fisheries. Imported fish to the UK comes from over 2,000 miles away on average with China the largest source. According to the Marine Conservation Society, we should avoid eating the 'big five' overfished species cod, prawns, salmon, tuna and haddock. Instead, we should choose more sustainable options hake, mussels, farmed trout, anchovies, sardines and saithe. Everyone loves a good comeback story. And for two ancient Chinese porcelain ducks, it's been quite a journey. Crafted during the Ming Dynasty (13681644), they were intended as incense burners for the imperial palace in Beijing. But for an unknown reason, they never made it and ended up broken and buried in a kiln. After being unearthed by archaeologists in the 1980s, they're now the star exhibits at the Imperial Kiln Museum in Jingdezhen - China's millennium-old porcelain capital - where they draw in huge crowds attracted by their social media fame. Their newfound popularity coincides with a dramatic turnaround for Jingdezhen as a whole, which has transformed in just a few years from an old industrial city into a magnet for young artists and artisans. In turn, this has breathed new life into the local porcelain industry, with chic contemporary design winning this storied product legions of new fans. If you love visiting galleries and workshops, or browsing for crafts in bustling local markets, this is the place for you. Here, we tell the story of Jingdezhen's famous ducks, and what they tell us about the city's remarkable revival. One of the ancient 'Sui Sui Duck' porcelain incense burners on display at the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Institute How two ducks waddled to online fame No matter when you visit the Imperial Kiln Museum, you'll always find a crowd of admiring tourists around its beloved 'celebrity ducks'. A total of six such ducks have been unearthed and repaired, among which a pair is chosen by the museum for display. This pretty pair, known as the 'Ducktor Sui,' or 'Sui Sui Duck,' are covered with elaborate carving and feature whimsical, flower-like eyes. After hundreds of years in obscurity, artists have now rediscovered their wacky beauty and turned them into pop culture icons. In fact, works inspired by the ducks have generated over 10 million yuan (1million) in intellectual property sales for the museum so far this year. That's not to be quacked at! They've even attracted in the likes of TikTok comedian Khaby Lame, who posed with the pair in September while performing his signature deadpan expression - instantly recognisable to any of his fans. Weng Yanjun, head of the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Institute, is delighted by the way the ducks' popularity 'helping people connect with ancient handicrafts'. A history of craftsmanship The ducks are just one of the many attractions in Jingdezhen, which has built on its rich industrial history to re-establish itself as a modern artistic hub. As such, it exemplifies a new approach to urban redevelopment in China that seeks to give cities a new lease of life by reconnecting them with their cultural heritage. Located in the eastern province of Jiangxi, Jingdezhen may not be familiar to international tourists, but for centuries it has pulled in ceramists and collectors from around the world thanks to its signature jade-like, paper-thin porcelain. The skill of Jingdezhen's artisans has long attracted the attention of China's rulers, and in 1004AD, a Song Dynasty emperor honoured their achievements by granting the town his reign title, Jingde. A craftsman demonstrates the porcelain making process at Taoyangli historical and cultural block in Jingdezhen on October 29, 2024 (Xinhua) An artist looks at ceramic works at a ceramic carnival held as a sideline event of the 2025 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo in Jingdezhen on October 17, 2025 Since the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), local craftsmen have mastered the world-renowned blue-and-white porcelain that went on to dominate China's ceramic exports for centuries. In the 20th century, ceramic making entered a period of rapid industrialisation, with state-of-the-art equipment brought in and coal-fired kilns replacing the old firewood ones. At one point, the city's 10 state-operated porcelain factories produced nearly half of China's household ceramics. But by the late 1990s, these big factories closed, amid the rapid rise of the market economy. While thousands of private workshops went on to emerge, the city suffered from mass lay-offs, and many of the old state factories were left derelict. The youngsters move in As efforts to revitalise the city got underway, officials debated whether to demolish the ruins of the old state factories or redevelop them. Fortunately, supporters of conservation won out, and these fascinating buildings were converted into hubs for migrant ceramics artists and entrepreneurs known colloquially as 'Jingpiao'. Zhang Jie, an architect from Tsinghua University who assisted with local regeneration projects, explains what attracted these young creatives to Jingdezhen. Two young women visit Taoyangli historical and cultural block in Jingdezhen on July 13, 2025 'It is their belief that as a ceramist, one must go to Jingdezhen,' he says. 'Back then, these self-employed young people lived in run-down parts of the city. They worked very hard, and many have become established artists.' One of Zhang's projects was supporting Liu Zili, board chairman of a state-owned company that built Taoxichuan, a neighbourhood for Jingpiaos on the site of the former Yuzhou porcelain factory. All 22 original factory buildings have been preserved and converted into galleries, workshops and promenades where young artists can set up stalls at a bargain monthly rent of 300 yuan (32). To further support these young ceramists, four low-rent youth apartment blocks have been built near Taoxichuan, while they can also benefit from interest-free loans and career advice. Since opening in 2016, the neighbourhood is now home to thousands of young artists. Taoxichuan has also attracted more than 11 million tourists last year alone, drawn by its lively ceramics fairs and well-preserved industrial heritage. And the neighbourhood is not a one-off: more than 160 old kilns and 108 traditional alleys have been preserved across the city. Thanks to its rich culture and youthful vibe, Jingdezhen registered a net population increase of 136,000 over the past decade - 80 per cent of them young adults. This photo, taken on June 5, 2024, shows a night view of the Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi Province Matt Watterson, a young ceramist from the United States, is one of the international Jingpiaos attracted by the city's strong community of ceramists. The 30-year-old once handled every step of ceramic-making himself, from mixing clay to preparing glaze. But in Jingdezhen, he found a vast community of ceramists to collaborate with and draw inspiration from. 'Being an artist in Jingdezhen is almost like being back in university, where you have so many like-minded people around you,' he says. A bright future for an ancient craft Unlike many former industrial cities, Jingdezhen's traditional porcelain industry is still strong and growing - turning over more than 93 billion yuan (10bn) last year. While they have adopted some modern production methods, local producers - including 60,000 small workshops - still take great pride in preserving traditional ways of making porcelain. Many, like Fuyu Porcelain, embrace both new and old, with one side of their site housing veteran artists carving, glazing and firing entirely by hand, and the other featuring a three-storey factory equipped with high-tech robots. Lyu Yating, the British-educated second-generation head of leading porcelain maker Fuyu, is used to navigating the daily interplay between tradition and innovation. 'Our veteran artisans and young engineers often disagree with each other. Yet their conflicts also spark unexpected innovations,' she says. Xu Wan, general manager of Chentian Ceramics, agrees that Jingdezhen's finest product remains bespoke handmade porcelain, which continues to draw in young consumers. People visit a porcelain fair at Taoxichuan cultural and creative block in Jingdezhen on October 17, 2024 The company takes orders from global luxury houses, producing bespoke porcelains that are often too intricate for machines to make. Even in its 16,000-square-metre modern factory, skilled artisans are still needed to perfect details that technology cannot yet master. Xu is optimistic about the prospects of Jingdezhen's handmade porcelains, despite the higher cost of producing them. The city government gives the sector plenty of support, from organising exhibitions that promote local brands abroad to strengthening copyright protection. Moreover, China's cultural tourism boom and revival of traditional cultures continue to draw young shoppers into its ancient porcelain capital. 'Young people today spend with purpose,' Xu said. 'Contemporary designs help porcelain resonate with younger buyers, while millennia-old craftsmanship gives it lasting collectible value. 'What today's youth purchase are tomorrow's heirlooms.' Original story by Yao Yuan, Wang Jian, Lai Xing, Huang Haoran and Zhu Yunuo Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more It's November, which means it's every shopper's dream as Black Friday fast approaches. And this year it's starting even earlier than usual, as Amazon has its own separate Black Friday Sale, which began last week. This year, Black Friday begins on November 28, and Cyber Monday on December 1, while the Amazon Black Friday Sale started on November 20. It's not just the latest gadgets and gifts that are seeing impressive deals, though. Now is the perfect time to book your next holiday, as plenty of airlines, hotels and travel companies have already launched Black Friday sales. If you fancy heading on an MSC Cruise, there's something here for you, whether it's your first time taking to the seas or you're a seasoned traveller. Meanwhile, if you're keen to head off to the Maldives for a luxurious break, Turquoise Holidays has a great deal on at the moment. From TUI breaks to loveholidays packages, there's something for all tastes. Here's our pick of some of the best deals on offer this Black Friday... From TUI breaks to loveholidays packages, there's something for all tastes. Here's our pick of some of the best deals on offer this Black Friday Package holiday deals Turquoise Holidays Fancy a luxury break in paradise? You can save 50 per cent on a stay at the Six Senses Laamu Maldives when booked between November 27 and December 1 with Turquoise Holidays. For couples, you can spend seven nights in a Lagoon Water Villa on a half-board basis, from 2,999 per person, including return seaplane transfers and international flights from London Heathrow with Ethiad Airways, saving 5,500 per couple. Meanwhile, if you're thinking of a family holiday, seven nights could cost just 7,995 per family, including return seaplane transfers and international flights from London Heathrow with Ethiad Airways. That's an impressive saving of 6,450 per family. Shop Jet2holidays Fan favourite Jet2holidays is back with excellent sales, offering 100 off per person on selected holiday deals including trips from the newest airport base, London Gatwick. The deal can be enjoyed on holidays across all seasons - whether you fancy some winter sun, a summer break or an off-season journey. Destinations on offer include Turkey, Faro in Portugal and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Shop TUI This year TUI has extended its Black Friday deals period which will now be up for grabs until December 2. With savings of up to 300 per booking on a TUI holiday when logged into a MyTUI account, discount codes will be valid on holidays departing between January 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027. You can use the Black Friday discount on thousands of breaks with the budget-friendly company, including Greece, Turkey, Thailand, and the Caribbean. Shop Butlin's Looking for a wallet-friendly, family holiday? Look no further, as Butlin's has launched incredible Black Friday offers, with up to 40 per cent off all family breaks and Big Weekenders in 2026 - the year the much-loved holiday park celebrates its 90th birthday. Butlin's is offering great deals on February Half Term breaks, starting from 67. Another absolute steal is a four-night Showtime Midweek break featuring The Dinosaur That Pooped - from just 39. Shop loveholidays loveholidays is offering up to 400 off selected package holidays - an impressive saving. From just 20 per person per night, holidaymakers can book a seven-night package to the Cote d'Azur in France, a glamorous destination for a break. There are also great offers to places such as Antalya, Turkey and Bangkok, Thailand. Shop Newmarket Holidays Newmarket Holidays has a whole range of offers this Black Friday - and some of them could see you saving up to 962. For example, for the companys Japans Scenic South & the Golden Route trip, prices start from 5,457, saving 962, and include 13 nights mixed-board accommodation, guided tours, transfers and bullet trains, and return flights from Heathrow departing 7 May 2027. Other trips on offer include Ancient Greece Uncovered with Aegean Islands' Cruise, saving you 271, and adventures to places such as China and Canada. Shop Parkdean Resorts Parkdean Resorts has launched its biggest Black Friday offer to date, with up to 50 per cent off holidays. You can save up to 50 per cent on 2026 holidays and on 2026 touring and camping holidays. Plus, save up to 25 per cent on 2026 lodge holidays. Shop Hotel deals Expedia and Hotels.com Often the first places you'd go to when hunting for your next break, Expedia and Hotels.com will be offering up to 40 per cent off across the Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday period. Plus, Hotels.com will feature up to 75 per cent off select properties on Travel Tuesday alone. This is its biggest sale of the year! And if you buy a Hotels.com gift card, you'll get a bonus one too. Shop Booking.com Another go-to site for booking trips, Booking.com has a range of offerings this Black Friday. Black Friday discounts have a minimum of 30 per cent savings globally - and the options are seemingly endless. With up to 40 per cent off select accommodation and up to 25 per cent off scar rentals, there's loads to choose from. With up to 40 per cent off select accommodation and up to 25 per cent off car rentals, there's loads to choose from. Perhaps you fancy a hotel in Istanbul from 10 a night, or Dubai for 59 a night? Shop IHG Fancy a week in Mexico? A long weekend in Spain? Something else caught your eye? Now, IHG is offering up to 25 per cent off stays at more than 6,800 hotels worldwide when booked by December 4 for travel through March 2026. IHG One Rewards members can also save up to 60 per cent at participating Iberostar Beachfront Resorts properties in Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain - that's less than half price. Shop Cottages.com Inspired by such films as The Holiday, Brits love cottage breaks. Cottages.com is the UKs leading provider of holiday cottages and luxury homes and offers more than 22,000 places to stay in the UK. They're jumping on the Black Friday bandwagon, too - and with more than 70,000 holidays up for grabs with a huge 30 per cent off, and breaks starting from just 299, theres massive savings to be made. Shop Accor This Black Friday, booking with Accor could get you 30 per cent off all flexible rate stays of three nights or more at over 1800 hotels across Europe and North Africa. Participating brands include Mercure, Novotel, ibis, Pullman, Movenpick, Swissotel, TRIBE and more. Shop H Hotels Collection Does Greece sound appealing? H Hotels Collection, the leading luxury resort and hospitality brand in Greece, is delighted to announce its limited-time Black Friday offer, giving travellers the chance to save up to 30 per cent on stays across all H Hotels Collection properties. The discount is available exclusively for direct bookings using the code BLACK2025. Shop Marriott Bonvoy Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to save up to 25 per cent on winter escapes taking place between November 30, 2025 and February 22, 2026 at participating properties across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Members will be able to access the full 25 per cent offer by booking via the Marriott Bonvoy app and will save 20 per cent when booking via the website. Non-members will save 15 per cent. Shop lastminute.com This years offers include low deposits, major discounts and early-access perks for app users and newsletter subscribers. Travellers can secure their holiday with a 90 low deposit. Plus, you can get 150 off holidays with a minimum spend of 2,000 with code BF150UK. And there's also 250 off holidays with a minimum spend of 3,000 with code BF250UK. Shop Cruises MSC Cruises MSC Cruises has launched its Black Friday sale, offering up to 50 per cent off thousands of sailings in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Highlights include seven-night Caribbean sailings from 257, and Mediterranean getaways from just 260, all with award-winning onboard experiences. Shop Royal Caribbean Those dreaming of tropical warmth can take advantage of up to 800 off cruise fares and bring friends or family along, with 3rd and 4th guests from only 99 - Royal Caribbeans biggest-ever instant savings. Holidaymakers can also enjoy up to 50 per cent off off onboard extras including drink packages, WiFi and excursions when booking qualifying sailings during Royal Caribbeans Black Friday sale. Plus, the exclusive 'All-In Package' is available from just 75 per person per day, for an added bonus to your trip. Shop Attraction deals Gap 360 If you're seeking adventure, there are deals to save you cash this week. Gap 360 is offering up to 40 per cent off escorted tours aimed at travellers aged 18-35, in destinations such as Australia, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Mexico, Japan, South Africa and India. More than 130 tours are in the sale, on a wide range of departure dates. For instance, you could save 798 off an 11-day Ultimate Mexico tour, from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. The sale price is 1,197, reduced from 1,995. Shop Merlin The Merlin annual pass is a must have for fans of theme parks and attractions. Unlock up to 364 days' access to Britains most thrilling= experiences, including the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Alton Towers Resort, The London Eye, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, SEA LIFE aquariums and more. The Essential pass is now 79 a year, down from 139. Plus, the Gold pass is reduced from 239 to 199. Shop Flight deals Air Tahiti Nui Air Tahiti Nui is offering $200 off all roundtrip flights in all cabins, giving travellers huge savings on journeys from the US to Tahiti, Paris, and New Zealand. With promo code THANKFUL200, the discount applies to both departing and returning flights for the travel period January 15 to April 30, 2026, with booking period now through December 3, 2025. Shop Skyscanner Skyscanner is the first port of call for many of us booking trips and comparing different prices. As such, it's a great place to compare prices this Black Friday and find the absolute best deal for you. Last year, travellers were able to get up to 24 per cent off using the site. While not all flights have the same discounts, you're sure to grab a bargain anyway! Shop Cathay Pacific Customers can enjoy 150 off per person on flights to popular destinations across Asia Pacific including Chinese Mainland, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand. The offer is valid across all cabin classes. If you're booking for four people, you can receive a total discount of 600 when inputting discount code UKBLACKFRI at the checkout. The promotion will be available exclusively to Revolut customers from November 17 to 27 before it launches on cathaypacific.com from Black Friday onwards (28 November). Shop A holidaymaker's dream trip to Sardinia turned to horror when she had a seizure in a hot shower and suffered severe burns which left her unable to walk for 18 months. Annie Perez, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at 15, travelled to Sardinia, Italy, in June 2022 to see a band with her friends. After enjoying breakfast on the balcony, the 38-year-old went for a shower and suffered a seizure while in the bathtub, sustaining severe burns on her right arm and both legs. Her friends, who saw water flood under the bathroom door, rushed in and took her to a nearby health centre, before she was airlifted to hospital. Two days later, Annie, who has no memory of what happened after she stepped into the shower, woke up with bandages around her arms and legs, after sustaining burns to 11 per cent of her body. She stayed in the Italian hospital for three weeks before being transported to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London where she stayed for two months. The burns were so severe that some scorched her 'to the bone' leaving her unable to walk unaided for 18 months. More than three years after her accident, Annie is still having therapy for her injuries. Annie Perez, 38, (pictured) suffered burns to 11 per cent of her body after having a seizure in a hot shower while on holiday The burns were so severe that some scorched her 'to the bone' leaving Annie unable to walk unaided for 18 months The burns affected her right arm and both legs, which are pictured in bandages Annie, from Chingford, East London, said: 'It took a couple of days for me to come around, I woke up in hospital and saw those thick white bandages on both of my legs and my left arm. 'I was bed bound the whole time so I didn't feel any pain and they were giving me strong painkillers. 'They started taking these bandages off and unravelling each layer and the colour started to show. 'I thought 'gosh this looks quite something', each layer got me more scared of what I was going to see. 'I remember it started to hurt the closer they were getting to my skin. I remember seeing my left leg, ankle and foot. 'I didn't quite understand what I was looking at. The outer burns were quite crispy so I could tell that was burnt skin, it was like something you would see in pictures in anatomy class. 'Eleven per cent of my body was burned. Some areas to the bone, others to the muscle.' Unable to remember much after going for a shower, Annie said one of her first memories when she woke up was being disappointed she'd missed seeing the band. Annie, right, is pictured in hospital after suffering severe burns Annie said one of her first memories when she woke up was being disappointed she'd missed seeing the band (Pictured: One of Annie's badly burned legs) The Briton wasn't able to walk independently for almost two years She said: 'We were in Sardinia to go and see some music, and one of the bands I always wanted to go and see were playing that evening and I was so excited to see them. 'Me and my friend had a bit of breakfast together on this beautiful balcony. 'I finished breakfast and went for a shower. I never lock the bathroom door because I'm epileptic and I don't do that. 'As my friends were coming past they noticed there was water coming out of the bathroom. 'What they told me was they knocked a few times, said my name, I wasn't responsive so they opened it and realised what was going on.' Annie still receives laser therapy, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy and has suffered nerve damage in her left ankle. She said she couldn't walk independently for almost two years after the incident and had to use a wheelchair at first, before swapping to a frame and walking sticks. A year after the incident, Annie has re-visited Sardinia and was able to make new memories. And she's now concentrating on another part of her personal life. Annie is now fundraising to privately fund egg freezing through GoFundMe. A year after the incident, Annie has re-visited Sardinia and was able to make new memories She said: 'I still receive laser therapy, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. I have quite a lot of nerve damage in my ankle and lots of pins and needles if I stand still. 'The left leg is the most impacted. My right leg is healing well, it's a process. 'It's impacted my confidence as a woman. It's been very difficult for me to manage recovery alongside work, relationships, intimacy, keeping my fitness up. 'You just have to adapt constantly. I have to accept that what's happening it's going to be for the rest of my life.' Ryanair charged a doctor 100 who missed their flight after helping a woman who had a 'worrying head injury'. The budget airline has a strict set of rules that it follows, often without budging. And its firm approach to baggage and boarding restrictions has left many passengers with extra fees to pay. One holidaymaker discovered this after they stopped to help an elderly passenger who had fallen on an escalator, The Guardian reports. They were due to jet off from London Stansted to Pescara, Italy when the incident happened. 'I was nearing the departure gate when an elderly woman fell down an escalator. I am a doctor and stopped to help,' they told the publication. 'She had sustained a broken wrist, deep cuts and a worrying head injury and I had to stem the bleeding until staff and paramedics arrived.' The passenger explained how they asked airport staff to make the gate aware they would be late because of a 'medical emergency'. Ryanair charged a doctor 100 who missed their flight after helping a woman who had a 'worrying head injury' However, when they did manage to reach the gate it was 15 minutes before the flight was due to depart and had completely closed. In the end, the traveller had to rebook and wait in the airport for six hours with a young baby. They shared what happened to Ryanair who would not refund the 100 fee to rebook the tickets. The airline told the Daily Mail: 'It is each passenger's responsibility to present at the boarding gate at least 30 mins before their scheduled departure time. 'This passenger failed to present at the gate before it closed and missed boarding for this flight from London Stansted to Pescara. 'Should this passenger have presented at the boarding gate desk before it closed, they would have boarded this flight alongside the 154 passengers who did present at the gate on time.' In Ryanair's rules of carriage, it states: 'You should be at the boarding gate for your flight at least 30 minutes before the departure time.' 'The boarding gate will close 30 minutes before departure. If you arrive at the boarding gate later than this, you will not be allowed on the plane. 'If you want to travel on a later flight, you will have to pay the appropriate fare for that flight.' It comes after Daniel Sakal, 34, from Essex, arrived at London Stansted Airport on 4 September, after a work trip to Nice, in France and found his bag damaged. The doctor was due to jet off from London Stansted to Pescara, Italy when the incident happened (Stock) A drone controller and extension lead he used for work also appeared to have been left significantly damaged. Daniel said the 200 bag was a gift from his wife and the total amount of the damage is 1,500. The photographer, whose belongings were spilling onto the floor, said he was given a bin liner to carry the fragments home. Ryanair told the Daily Mail: 'Baggage handling at Nice Airport is provided by a third party (not Ryanair) but is paid for by Ryanair.' The Caribbean is often known for its luxurious atmosphere, beautiful hotels, magnificent landscape and delicious food. It's not always the most budget-friendly spot, though - or so you might think. It has been revealed that one luxury Caribbean hotspot ranked as one of the most expensive is actually cheaper than you might believe. Puerto Rico, ranked 14th among the worlds most expensive holiday destinations, has a cheaper side. Travellers looking to experience this Caribbean hub on a budget can do so for an average of just 82 a day. The average daily spend there is 182 per person - but there are ways to visit the island for less. There are plenty of affordable activities on offer. For instance, you can visit the Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. It has been revealed that one luxury Caribbean hotspot ranked as one of the most expensive is actually cheaper than you might believe The Caribbean is often known for its luxurious atmosphere, beautiful hotels, magnificent landscape and delicious food This example of medieval architecture is one of the oldest churches in the Americas, and the second-oldest in the western hemisphere. What's more, 35-foot waterfall Catarata La Mina cascades into a stunning natural pool of cool, crisp water, perfect for swimming. Beaches offer a wallet-friendly activity for little to no cost. Playa Crash Boat beach is home to a wonderful array of marine life, ideal for diving and snorkelling. And Old San Juan is a great place to wander the streets for free. It boasts historic cobbled streets and colourful buildings with plenty of charm and style. Using statistics from Budget Your Trip and Hello Safe, Royal Westmoreland looked at some of 2025s most popular premium travel destinations. It ranked Puerto Rico as a luxury, premium spot - but with options to cut costs while you're there. Puerto Rico, ranked 14th among the worlds most expensive holiday destinations, has a cheaper side Travellers looking to experience this Caribbean hub on a budget can do so for an average of just 82 a day There are plenty other Caribbean hotspots worth adding to your bucket list. For beaches, sunshine and excellent family hotel facilities, Antigua is a great option. Meanwhile, St Lucia is regularly hailed for its romantic atmosphere and luxurious hotels. On the other end of the scale, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Curacao ofter perhaps more budget-friendly trips. A woman flew to Berlin and spent a day sightseeing for 100 - and was back in bed for 10pm. Natasha Blanthorn, 26, always fancied a trip to Berlin to experience the rich culture and history. She trawled the internet to bag some budget flights and flew out on November 8 on on a 6.20am flight, determined to stick to a budget of 100. Natasha, a college marketing manager from Macclesfield, Cheshire, spent the day sightseeing - joining a walking tour and visiting a history museum. And 25,000 steps later she headed back to the airport to fly home - in time for 10pm bedtime. In total she spent just 102.07 for the budget day out - and said while it's 'not for the faint-hearted', she loved every second. Natasha said: 'I had to get up at 3.30am for the flights - I only got about four hours sleep! 'But the second I got there, all the tiredness left my body. A woman flew to Berlin and spent a day sightseeing for 100 - and she was back in bed for 10pm Natasha Blanthorn, 26, always fancied a trip to Berlin to experience the rich culture and history 'Because I joined a tour, I got to see a lot of the iconic sites. 'I didn't have to use a single day of annual leave - and the whole thing cost just 100.' Natasha had completed two 'extreme day trips' prior to booking her Berlin trip - and said she regularly trawled Skyscanner for reduced flights. When return flights from Manchester to Berlin dropped from around 80 to 38, she snapped them up. Six weeks later she was on a flight, having set off early to drive to Manchester from Macclesfield, and rented a parking space on someone's driveway, costing just 11.60 for the day. Natasha took just one small piece of hand luggage containing a portable charger, her passport, some breakfast bars, her headphones and her purse. They departed at 6.20am and landed just before 9am. She bought an 8.30 return train ticket to take her to Alexanderplatz and spent the morning wandering around the Topography of Terror exhibit. Natasha had completed two 'extreme day trips' prior to booking her Berlin trip - and said she regularly trawled Skyscanner for reduced flights The free exhibit showcased some of the history of the SS, police in the Third Reich. From there, Natasha nipped off to grab some lunch, swinging by a McDonalds for convenience, otherwise just fuelling herself on snacks. She said: 'Maybe that wasn't very culturally enriching, but time was of the essence, and there were queues at all the street vendors. 'I knew I needed something to keep me going through the tour.' She had pre-booked a 14.17 walking tour starting at 1pm, which lasted three hours and included informational stops at Hitler's Bunker (the Fuhrerbunker), Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. She got the same train back to the airport around 4pm, arriving at 5.5pm, and boarded her flight home at 8.20pm. Despite only spending a few hours in the iconic city, she felt she was able to cover a lot of the main historical landmarks. She said: 'The walking tour was best - Berlin is so rich in history. She had pre-booked a 14.17 walking tour starting at 1pm, which lasted three hours and included informational stops at Hitler's Bunker (the Fuhrerbunker), Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate Despite only spending a few hours in the iconic city, she felt she was able to cover a lot of the main historical landmarks 'I would never in a million years have had time to research all the facts about the different sites on my own, but I got everything on the tour.' Natasha said the price of the day was so reasonable that she's already planning a return to visit the east side of the city to see the art at the East Side Gallery. She said: 'When I got back, I felt like I was high, just from the adrenaline of it all.' 'It was a busy day, but you forget all the tiredness and just remember the memories.' Two air passengers have been arrested after they tried to chase their plane on the runway having missed boarding for the flight in Germany. The two men, aged 28 and 47, were seen sprinting across the tarmac at Cologne Bonn Airport on Friday in an attempt to catch a Wizz Air flight. The plane, bound for Romania, was seen with red flashing lights on and its engines running, indicating that it was in the middle of taxiing for its 9.30pm departure. But the two men appeared to signal to the pilot that they wanted to be onboard the plane. An airport employee was seen approaching the men and intervening. Despite the delay, the plane managed to take off only a few minutes later, and ended up landing ahead of schedule in Bucharest. German cops said the gate, B70, had already closed. They alleged that the two men smashed the glass of an emergency alarm at 9.33pm and pressed a button to open the door to the tarmac. Federal police spokesman Oliver Hunewinckell told Bild: 'Criminal charges for trespassing have been filed against the men; a violation of the Air Security Act is still being investigated'. The two men, aged 28 and 47, were seen sprinting across the tarmac at Cologne Bonn Airport on Friday The plane, bound for Romania, was seen with red flashing lights on and its engines running, indicating that it was in the middle of taxiing for its 9.30pm departure A spokesperson for Cologne Bonn airport told the newspaper: 'We can confirm that on Friday evening, two passengers gained unauthorised access to the apron via an emergency exit after passing through security. 'The two were apprehended by airport staff and handed over to the Federal Police. Cologne/Bonn Airport has initiated legal proceedings. 'Aviation security at the airport was never compromised, and flight operations were not affected'. It comes after a Ryanair passenger who locked himself in the toilet and shouted homophobic slurs at cabin crew after they took too long to bring him his sandwich was handed a suspended sentence. Dublin District Court today heard how Gerard Moorehouse, 45, delayed landing for several minutes and compromised the flight's safety after he barricaded himself in a bathroom stall. Moorehouse, who was found guilty of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour on an aircraft, was given a three-month suspended sentence and ordered to pay a 1,500 fine. The father-of-two told the court he needed the bathroom due to bowel problems and claimed he was discriminated against by cabin crew for being a Traveller on the August 15 flight from London Gatwick to Dublin. Cops alleged that the two men smashed the glass of an emergency alarm at 9.33pm and pressed a button to open the door to the tarmac But the court heard how a 'demanding' Moorehouse, of Piercetown, Newbridge, Co Kildare, used the call bell multiple times before cabin crew were able to take his food order. After being told his toastie would be a 10-15 minute wait, he reportedly became 'aggressive and hostile' and said to two cabin crew members, 'are you gay?'. One staff member told the court: ''I tried to reason with him but it didn't work. He called us f****ts multiple times and told us to f**k off. 'He verbally threatened me, saying there will be a fight if he does not get his sandwich now.' Prisoner 951 (BBC1) Rating: The people at Panorama who doctored President Trump's speech have done more damage to the BBC than they can possibly imagine. Prisoner 951 began with the words 'This is a true story', followed by 'Some Scenes Have Been Imagined'. That's normal for dramas based on real events, but I found myself wondering - no doubt unfairly - quite how much they'd made up. Not that the events in question weren't dramatic enough. One day in April 2016, a charity administrator called Nazanin Zaghari-Radcliffe wars taking her toddler daughter back home to England after visiting her family in Iran. At the airport, she was detained by men with grim expressions. Her luggage was searched, and she was interrogated. 'What is your mission?' she was asked. To bully and unsettle her further, she was told her hijab was 'inappropriate' and that she must 'adjust her scarf'. At first, they said she'd be back home the following day. But as you might remember, she became a political pawn in a diplomatic dispute between the UK and Iran, and was not released for another six years. If you have any doubts about the sort of people who run Iran, last night's first episode of four should settle the matter. Prisoner 951 follows the true story of Nazanin Zaghari-Radcliffe who was detained in Iran for six years Joseph Fiennes played Nazanin's husband, Richard, left back home feeling entirely helpless How the other half live: 'The best holiday I've ever been on,' said Radio 1's Dean McCullough, competing with ex-boxer Barry McGuigan and dancer Oti Mabuse to organise an activity day in the Algarve on The Great Escapers (ITV1). They enjoyed a spa day, kayaking, a boat trip and folk dancing. As celebrity challenges go, it sure beats eating cockroaches. Advertisement Her daughter's passport was confiscated, meaning she, too, could not leave the country. Her family were observed and photographed. She was accompanied everywhere by hatchet-faced women in strict Islamic dress, and was often blindfolded. At last, and rather laughably, her interrogators finally gave a hint of the accusations against her - that she was plotting to overthrow the Iranian regime. As that's something that the combined might of the U.S. and Israel haven't been able to manage, she replied, not unreasonably: 'How could I do such a thing?' Narges Rashidi played Nazanin, and very convincing she was too. It was almost like watching a fly-on-the-wall documentary. Joseph Fiennes played Nazanin's husband, Richard, left back home feeling entirely helpless. There was a very poignant moment when, speaking to his daughter over the phone, he reads her a Peppa Pig bedtime story. If Iran is the villain of the piece, the Foreign Office wasn't exactly the hero of the hour. When Richard called the Iran desk for help, he spoke to an official called George. As he later told his parents: 'They advised me to do nothing, say nothing, tell no one, and wait.' It's only when Richard ignored this advice and started making a public fuss that he was invited to the Foreign Office. Minister Tobias Ellwood suggested he did nothing to annoy the hardliners. Doesn't it make you yearn for the days when Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston could send a gunboat? Rupert Grint, one of the three child stars of the original Harry Potter films, has sent a message of support to the 'new Ron' ahead of the release of the HBO Harry Potter TV series. The British actor, 37, shared his thoughts on the new adaptation of the story that made him a household name at the Highgate Christmas lights switch-on in London this weekend. Rupert, who famously played Ron Weasley, alongside Danielle Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter himself, and Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, have all been replaced by a new generation of stars for the upcoming show. Alastair Stout will step into Ron's shoes, while Arabella Stanton will play Hermione and the biggest role of all has gone to Dominic McLaughlin, who will breathe new life into Harry Potter. Rupert told the BBC: 'I wrote [Alastair] a letter, before they started, passing the baton as it were.' 'It was really just wishing him all the best with it. I had so much fun stepping into this world, and I hope he has the same experience.' Rupert Grint, 37, one of the three child stars of the original Harry Potter films, has sent a message of support to the 'new Ron' ahead of the release of the HBO Harry Potter TV series Alastair Stout (R) will step into Ron's shoes for the new show, while Arabella Stanton (L) will play Hermione and the biggest role of all has gone to Dominic McLaughlin (M), who will breathe new life into Harry Potter Opening up on becoming synonymous with the character, Rupert said that he is 'fine' with living the rest of his life in Ron's shadow because the films mean so much to people. The actor was just 11 years old when he was cast in the role, which he occupied from 2000 to 2011. He said: 'It has a quite deep meaning to a lot of people of my generation, and even more to generations who are finding it now. It's great. It gives me a lot of pride. It was such a huge thing. I don't think Ill ever quite step out of his shadow, but I'm fine with that.' When asked if he would consider reprising a role in the franchise, like Tom Felton is currently doing on Broadway, only this time playing Malfoy's father, Lucius, Rupert said 'never say never'. However, he stressed that for the time being, he wants to 'step away' from Harry Potter. Rupert's comments come after the actor, alongside his costars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, spoke out against Harry Potter author JK Rowling's views on the transgender community. The celebrated children's author has become an increasingly controversial figure in recent years after using her platform to consistently speak out on trans rights and protected women's spaces. Rupert was just 11 years old when he was cast as Rob, a role he occupied from 2000 to 2011 Rupert, who famously played Ron Weasley, alongside Danielle Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter himself, and Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, have all been replaced by a new generation for the upcoming show Rupert's comments come after the actor, alongside his costars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, spoke out against Harry Potter author JK Rowling's views on the transgender community Rupert told The Sunday Times in 2020: 'I firmly stand with the trans community... Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.' The actor opened up further about his relationship with JK Rowling to The Times in 2022 and likened the author to an 'auntie who he doesn't always agree with'. Rupert is not the only star from the original films to speak out against JK Rowling. So too did Daniel Radcliffe, who wrote: 'Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.' His sentiment was echoed by Emma Watson, who added: 'Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are.' JK Rowling's decision to wade into the gender identity debate began in 2019 and she has become increasingly outspoken since then. Among her many statements, she tweeted the names of several prominent transgender women, including India Willoughby, before declaring: 'The people mentioned in the above tweets aren't women at all, but men, every last one of them.' The new HBO Harry Potter series is expected to begin airing in 2027. This Morning viewers gasped as a woman showed off the results of a facelift at just 28 years old - and blasted 'irresponsible' ITV for 'giving her a platform' during Monday's episode. Jade Mandongwe, 28, appeared on the programme alongside Harley Street plastic surgeon William Townley to chat to presenters Cat Deeley, 49, and Ben Shephard, 50, about her decision to go under the knife in Turkey last month. The trainee solicitor started getting filler and Botox at 24, but when she was 26 decided that it wasn't working for her anymore and went on to have several consultations with surgeons. In the end Jade paid 10,000 for a mid facelift, brow lift, breast surgery and to have veneers installed over her teeth. Cat was keen to find out what Jade wanted to achieve with her look and Jade explained on the show: 'It wasn't necessarily achieving a better result. It was about rejuvenation. 'I was beginning to look very tired. Life gets like that as a trainee solicitor. This Morning viewers gasped as a woman showed off the results of a facelift at just 28 years old - and blasted 'irresponsible' ITV for 'giving her a platform' during Monday's episode Jade Mandongwe, 28, appeared on the programme alongside Harley Street plastic surgeon William Townley to chat to presenters Cat Deeley, 49, and Ben Shephard, 50, about her decision to go under the knife in Turkey last month The trainee solicitor started getting filler and botox at 24, but when she was 26 decided that it wasn't working for her anymore and went on to have several consultations with surgeons - pictured now and before 'I'd gone through weight loss journeys in the past and I felt like my skin wasn't necessarily aging to a point where I needed a complete face lift. 'It was only a mid face lift, I did start to notice, I want to look more refreshed and rejuvenated. 'To leave the house and not have to wear loads of make-up.' Ben pointed out that Instagram was also one of the reasons behind altering her looks. Jade said: 'I think my generation and slightly older, we've grow up on filters. 'That can sort of influence how you want to look, especially if you see yourself in real life, you're not going to look like a Snapchat filter. I wasn't going for that aesthetic. 'But sometimes it does make you think maybe I could get something slightly lifted. Nothing too drastic. 'I went for quite a conservative surgeon as well when I was getting it done. Meanwhile surgeon William explained that for people in their 20s, who don't have an underlying condition, facelifts are not recommended 'For my profession, I didn't want to look too overdone.' Meanwhile surgeon William explained that for people in their 20s, who don't have an underlying condition, facelifts are not recommended. 'You're not treating ageing at that stage, you're changing someone's appearance and how they look. 'You have to tread carefully, because some surgeries are permanent,' he explained. Cat asked if it would be performed in the UK, to which William said: 'I think that we are quite conservative here in the UK. Ultimately, it's up to the surgeon. 'They are the gatekeepers of these sorts of procedures. 'I think speaking as a facelift expert, most people would not advise this surgery in the UK. 'Our philosophy is to make significant changes to make people feel more confident and happier, but not to change their appearance and keep who they are.' Many took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts over the segment - with one saying that it was 'sad' He also pointed out that anyone wanting similar surgery would not be able to get what Jade had done for 10,000 in the UK. The surgeon explained that in the UK a mid facelift could cost between 5,000 and 20,000 and a full facelift is anywhere from 10,000 to 60,000. Cat wanted to know if there were any risks having surgery so early, to which he said: 'The actual risks are no different from someone who is 25 and 55. 'The stakes are higher when you're younger because the potential complications last for longer. The risks in general are infection, bleeding, but the most important one is outcome. 'By that I mean not getting the result you want.' Jade is now six weeks post op and told the hosts that she is 'still open to surgery' in the future. Those watching at home were shocked at what they had saw, considering how young Jade is and took to X to share their thoughts. '#ThisMorning as per usual being totally irresponsible by having someone like this on .' 'having all this done at that age ? #ThisMorning.' '28 is way too young for a facelift.' 'This womans plastic face at 28 on This Morning. Her future just means more and more facelifts. And where the hell did she get all that money to pay for that unnecessary surgery. She need psychological help.' 'Sad. #thismorning.' 'What a sad world we live in.' '#ThisMorning She was very pretty before her surgery.' 'More money than sense.' 'Vanity is indeed a killer of souls.' This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX. There's a moment in the documentary Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip To Remember where the actor, best known as Thor in the Avengers movies, can barely contain his emotions. Looking at a picture of himself at the age of three with his young dad Craig in the Australian Outback, he chokes up slightly as he remarks: 'I can see such love in that photograph.' Viewers will no doubt be startled by how much of a mirror image Craig is of his son. But for Chris, it's the look his father is giving him that carries most weight, as he says: 'It tells me that little boy is the only thing that exists in that moment.' It's a touching reminiscence, made even more so by the fact that Craig Hemsworth, 70, has early-stage Alzheimer's. The effects of the disease have become more noticeable in the past two years, and having long discussed taking a road trip together the pair finally take the plunge riding their motorbikes across Australia to revisit Chris's childhood homes. There's a moment in the documentary Chris Hemsworth : A Road Trip To Remember where the actor best known as Thor in the Avengers movies can barely contain his emotions Looking at a picture of himself at the age of three with his young dad Craig in the Australian Outback, he chokes slightly as he remarks: 'I can see such love in that photograph' The effects of the disease have become more noticeable in the past two years, and having long discussed taking a road trip together the pair finally take the plunge riding their motorbikes across Australia to revisit Chris's childhood homes Their journey is more than a ride through their past though, it's also part of Craig's 'reminiscence therapy', which it's hoped will strengthen his brain. 'We know that revisiting past experiences by talking to someone or using objects and places from the past is a great way to boost cognition,' explains Alzheimer's specialist Dr Suraj Samtani. 'This is what we call reminiscence therapy.' An incurable disease that affects memory and behaviour, Alzheimer's can be devastating for those afflicted as well as for their families, so handling the subject with sensitivity was the filmmakers' primary concern. 'We had lots of conversations about what kind of manifestations of the illness we'd see on camera,' says director Tom Barbor-Might. 'We'd also stop the scene if the family felt they needed a break.' The pair make their first pit stop at the old Hemsworth family home in Melbourne where Chris, now 42, spent his teenage years. During one scene Craig repeatedly asks where his wife Leonie is, even though he's already been told she'll be arriving later. It's hard to watch, not least because Chris looks visibly upset. 'I think it was the first time on the trip he was displaying his Alzheimer's,' he says. 'We did debate about putting in those difficult moments,' admits Tom, 'but the family wanted the reality to be there.' Craig Hemsworth (L), 70, has early-stage Alzheimer's and it plays a key role in the new documentary Their journey is more than a ride through their past though, it's also part of Craig's 'reminiscence therapy', which it's hoped will strengthen his brain. While both Chris and his dad are the rugged centre of the film, it's Leonie, Craig's wife of 44 years, who provides its heart. 'As a partner, it's difficult because I want him to be the person he was and I want that relationship,' she sobs in the documentary. 'Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and it can be terrifying to think, "Where's it all going?" Father and son then travel further back into their past, arriving at Bulman an indigenous town deep in the Northern Territory where that photo of Chris and his dad was taken. It was where Craig worked as a bull-catcher, rounding up feral cattle that had escaped from their herds. Here, reminiscing with his old friends proves particularly helpful for Craig. 'Research shows us that reuniting with old friends is uniquely protective against cognitive decline compared to talking to family,' explains Dr Samtani. Father and son then travel further back into their past, arriving at Bulman an indigenous town deep in the Northern Territory where that photo of Chris and his dad was taken Underpinning it all, though, is a poignant note. While filming his 2022 series Limitless, Chris learned he had two copies of the APOE4 gene one from each parent meaning he was eight to ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer's 'Family members know our likes and dislikes, whereas it's more of a workout for the brain when we talk to friends because we have to remember distant information.' There are some lovely lighter moments in the film. An old video of Chris's first homemade movie Crocidile [sic] Hunter shows the teen's latent star quality (He jokes: 'It was that and then Thor a small leap!'). Underpinning it all, though, is a poignant note. While filming his 2022 series Limitless, Chris learned he had two copies of the APOE4 gene one from each parent meaning he was eight to ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer's. And though he says in the documentary he is 'far more focused on my dad', it's hard not to wonder how the road trip coloured his fears for the future. For Craig, who was so physically capable throughout his life, the prospect remains of him having to lean on others for his care as the disease progresses. As father and son sit around a campfire, Craig admits his biggest issue is that he'll become a burden. 'You're not going to be a burden, mate,' Chris says softly. 'It's two Aussie blokes' version of, "I love you so much", says Tom. 'It's a really special moment.' Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip To Remember, from Monday, Disney+, and Monday, 9pm, National Geographic. I'm A Celebrity's AngryGinge broke down in tears on Monday's episode as tensions began to rise in camp. The online content creator, 24, became deputy leader after being appointed by best pal Aitch, but the camp weren't amused by their antics. Jack Osbourne, 40, took umbrage with Ginge, real name Morgan Burtwistle, for tricking camp into believing he underperformed in Sunday's Bushtucker Trial, only for it later to be revealed he had scored ten stars. He told him: 'I know this isn't intentional Ginge but it got in my head about how well you played saying you only got five stars. 'I was like - can I trust Ginge? As I was going to bed, tired and whatever. I was like: "Has he been lying to me the whole time?" 'It legitimately did play with me. Well played but also you played with me.' I'm A Celebrity's AngryGinge broke down in tears on Monday's episode as tensions began to rise in camp Jack Osbourne, 40, took umbrage with Ginge, real name Morgan Burtwistle, for tricking camp into believing he underperformed in Sunday's Bushtucker Trial Amused fans took to X after watching the scenes, joking Jack has mistook I'm A Celebrity for Celebrity Traitors. Hosted on rival network BBC, the premise follows a team of Faithfuls trying to find out who is a Traitor amongst their midst in a game of deceit, trust and backstabbing. They wrote: 'Why does Jack think he's on Celebrity Traitors?' 'Has Jack forgotten his pretend strop from the challenge the other day? When he came back pretend arguing with Martin?' 'So, Jack cant trust Ginge because he lied about getting 10 stars, but when he done his trial he put on a masterpiece performance throwing his backpack in the bushes.. but got 12 stars then??' 'jack telling ginge he cant trust him anymore when jack pulled the same exact stunt.. oh ok.' It came after Ruby Wax, 72, also aired her grievances with Aitch and Ginge. She told them she doesn't like the new status because 'we were all on an even plane. [It] has thrown me a little bit'. The comedian continued: 'Are we playing king and deputy, and we're the low people?' The online content creator, 24, became deputy leader after being appointed by best pal Aitch, but the camp weren't amused by their antics Ruby admitted she felt 'a little' scared of Aitch and Ginge, and hadn't felt that way with Vogue and Tom 'because they never took it seriously' Jack took umbrage with Ginge for tricking camp into believing he underperformed in Sunday's Bushtucker Trial, only for it later to be revealed he had scored ten stars Amused fans took to X after watching the scenes, joking Jack has mistook I'm A Celebrity for Celebrity Traitors Amused fans took to X after watching the scenes, joking Jack has mistook I'm A Celebrity for Celebrity Traitors (pictured Claudia Winkleman) Ruby then admitted she felt 'a little' scared of Aitch and Ginge, and hadn't felt that way with Vogue and Tom 'because they never took it seriously'. She later shared in the Bush Telegraph: 'I think we're divided' Aitch attempted to reassure her, by saying the only thing that had changed was that he didn't have a chore to do. Ruby replied: 'No but there's a vibe' Ginge was noticeably emotional in camp, having looked at the photo of his family. Later AngryGinge broke down in tears after a 'down day' - amid his and Aitch's camp leader status coming under fire from Jack Osbourne and Ruby Wax The content creator has emerged as a central figure within the camp Aitch selected Ginge to be deputy camp leader - but their roles came under questioning He shared in the Bush Telegraph: 'It's a bit of a s**t day really, I just feel as though I'm missing home, missing speaking to my family, food and drink as well is a massive part but they say you have up days and down days' Pausing, Ginge then added as he choked up: 'I'm holding it in. I suppose it's just one of my down days' Meanwhile, the campmates also faced a dramatic turn in the weather, as thunder and lightning sounded in camp. With Aitch having been in the shower, the clothes he'd laid out were now soaking wet. The celebrities worked as fast as possible to move the beds around camp in a bid to stop everything getting wet. Aitch told the Bush Telegraph: 'Everyone's beds are soaking!' Fortunately, Aitch and Ginge were in luck as they could zip up the tent containing their beds in the treehouse to protect it from any rain. Although the other campmates were not so lucky, as Kelly said: 'Everything is soaked and filthy!' Jack said: 'Everything is just soaked- soaked, soaked, soaked.' All celebrities took refuge under the sheltered lodge in camp, next to the red telephone box. Owing to the weather conditions, the celebrities sang 'Ain't no sunshine' to reflect the rainy mood in camp. Ahead of dinner, the campmates received a laminate without a meal - much to their surprise. It revealed that due to contraband in camp, the celebrities would therefore lose one star from their dinner as a result. The celebrities learned there was an amnesty - where anyone who had smuggled in contraband should come forward to prevent further punishment. Alex Scott and Shona McGarty both gave up their smuggled contraband Former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty, 34, headed to the dunny while ex-Lioness Alex Scott, 41, went to her backpack. The pair each showed camp what theyd smuggled in - Shona had an air freshener for the dunny. As for Alex, she had smuggled in salt and pepper sachets that she had been depositing in dinner each night. Both Shona and Alex apologised and went to surrender their contraband so that camp would receive no further punishment and get their dinner for the evening. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues on ITV1 and ITVX. Hollywood actor Jonathan Bailey sent fans into meltdown on Sunday night after making a surprise appearance at a Wicked: For Good screening in Sydney. The British star, 37, stunned moviegoers at IMAX Darling Harbour when he casually walked on stage during a special showing of the highly anticipated sequel, catching the packed crowd completely off-guard. Radio host Kent 'Smallzy' Small warmed up the audience before teasing a mystery guest, telling fans, 'You wouldn't believe who I found just hanging outside the cinema. Could it be one of the stars of Wicked: For Good?' Moments later he declared, 'Ladies and gentlemen, for a very special Sunday evening appearance here in Oz, please put your hands together for Fiyero, Jonathan Bailey.' The room erupted as Bailey emerged from backstage beaming, waving to the cheering audience who clearly didn't expect a Hollywood leading man to stroll into their Sunday night screening. Bailey later shared behind-the-scenes footage on Instagram revealing he had touched down in Australia only hours earlier and couldn't resist returning to what he cheekily called 'the real land of Oz'. Hollywood actor Jonathan Bailey sent fans into meltdown on Sunday night after making a surprise appearance at a Wicked: For Good screening in Sydney The British star, 37, stunned moviegoers at IMAX Darling Harbour when he casually walked on stage during a special showing of the highly anticipated sequel, catching the packed crowd completely off-guard 'I've just landed in Oz. I've missed it so much so I wanted to return to the real land of Oz, which is where we started the press tour for the first film last year,' he said in a video filmed moments before he hit the stage. 'And I thought, why not end the press tour for Wicked: For Good back where it started?' The actor also revealed his family are visiting Australia, and he had already surprised them at a separate screening before heading to IMAX. 'I think this is the fourth biggest screen in the Southern Hemisphere, baby,' he laughed. 'I'm really excited to surprise a few people. But it's always lovely to be back in Sydney and it's always lovely to support Wicked: For Good.' Bailey's appearance comes amid a massive year for the star, who was recently crowned People magazine's 2025 Sexiest Man Alive. He discovered the news while appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon earlier this month and joked that he hoped the title might change how people treat him. 'It's an honour of a lifetime,' he told Fallon. 'And I want to say, Jimmy, thank you so much for turning it down so I could be here.' Bailey later shared behind-the-scenes footage to Instagram revealing he had touched down in Australia only hours earlier and couldn't resist returning to what he cheekily called 'the real land of Oz' When asked if he expected people to behave differently around him now, Bailey laughed, 'I f**king hope so.' Bailey shot to global fame after playing Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix's steamy smash-hit Bridgerton back in 2020. He has since transitioned to blockbuster films, starring as Prince Fiyero opposite Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Wicked, and taking on the role of Dr Henry Loomis in Jurassic World: Rebirth, due out next year. Shirley Ballas couldn't breathe for 20 minutes after she choked on a fish bone moments before the Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool special. The head judge, 65, revealed she almost didn't make Saturday's show due to the 'terrifying' incident. Shirley's make-up artist Jane Burstow came to her rescue and dislodged the blockage by performing the Heimlich manoeuvre. Recalling the 'terrifying' moment to fans on Instagram, Shirley said: 'I choked on a fish bone. 'It got lodged in my throat, and my wonderful Jane, who has been with me for nine years, did the Heimlich manoeuvre, and we got the bone out. But for 20 minutes there, it was lodged and I couldn't breathe so it was terrifying. 'We'd have been a judge down tonight if it wasn't for her... Shirley Ballas felt she couldn't breathe for 20 minutes after she choked on a fish bone moments before the Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool special The panicked head judge, 65, revealed she almost didn't make Saturday's show due to the 'terrifying' incident 'Gratitude to Jane because I panicked. I really thought that was it, the end, amen.' Shirley is now back in London and she updated her fans on how she is feeling. The star said: 'I'm a bit hoarse, but all is good.' In another Instagram post, she added: 'Almost didn't make it to the desk last night.' Following the horror ordeal, Shirley has now vowed to learn the Heimlich manoeuvre - which involves someone performing abdominal thrusts to dislodge an object that may be stuck in someone's airways - in case she needs to use it in the future. She said: 'I'm going to study now in case I ever come across anybody who needs my help.' Fans took to Instagram and told Shirley: 'Really glad to hear you're ok' and 'how scary for you'. The incident happened after Shirley said Strictly Come Dancing will go on 'long after I'm gone', despite concerns for its future following a string of scandals. In another Instagram post, she added: 'Almost didn't make it to the desk last night' Shirley put on a brave face for the Strictly live show, but admitted on social media the 'terrifying' incident has left her wanting to take a First Aid course Fans took to Instagram and told Shirley: 'Really glad to hear you're ok' and 'how scary for you' Shirley joined her fellow judges and hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the dancefloor for the Strictly special It was revealed on Sunday that bosses have been left in a 'panic' after the news that a former star was arrested on suspicion of raping a woman following a BBC event. The scandal was the latest to hit the BAFTA-winning programme, coming just three months after another unnamed male star was arrested on suspicion of rape. But Shirley has declared that she has no concerns that Strictly will remain on screens for many years to come. The dancer added that 'no one is bigger' than the beloved show, noting similar doubts that surrounded Strictly when she replaced Len Goodman as head judge in 2017. Shirley said: 'Nobody is bigger than Strictly Come Dancing. Not me, not any presenters, not any dancers - that show belongs to the people. She went on to tell The Sun On Sunday: 'When I came on the show in 2017, nobody knew me and it was, "Oh will it fail? Will it be this? Will it be that?" 'It carried on ticking and it'll carry on ticking long after I'm gone and kicked my clogs.' Kate Hudson ensured all eyes were on her on Sunday night, as she joined Hugh Jackman at Le Grand Rex for the Paris premiere of their film Song Sung Blue - known in French as Sur un Air de Blues. The actress, 46, flaunted her svelte figure in a pale pink satin dress with a corseted bodice and plunging neckline to showcase her black bra underneath. The Almost Famous star elevated her height with classic black stilettos and slicked her blonde hair back into an elegant updo to display her sparkling diamond earrings. Kate flashed a radiant smile as she posed for the cameras, before cosying up to her co-star Hugh, 57, who plays her onscreen husband in the film. The Greatest Showman actor cut a typically dashing figure in a tailored black suit over a plain white T-shirt. The two leading stars were also joined by the film's director, writer and producer, Craig Brewer, who looked dapper in a suit with a purple button-up shirt and geometric patterned tie. Kate Hudson ensured all eyes were on her on Sunday night, as she joined Hugh Jackman at Le Grand Rex for the Paris premiere of their film Song Sung Blue - known in French as Sur un Air de Blues The actress, 46, flaunted her svelte figure in a pale pink satin dress with a corsetted bodice and plunging neckline to showcase her black bra underneath Based on Greg Koh's 2008 documentary of the same name, Song Sung Blue tells the true story of a married couple who won hometown fame after forming a band paying tribute to '70s superstar Neil Diamond. The biographical musical drama follows down-on-his-luck Milwaukee musician, Mike Sardina, played by Hugh, who teams up with another struggling muso, Claire - played by Kate - to form a Neil Diamond tribute double-act they dub Lightning & Thunder. The movie follows their journey from struggling Milwaukee performers to finding love and success on stage, navigating personal hurdles, including Mike's troubled past and a serious accident Claire suffers, all while performing Neil Diamond classics. Claire was known for her impersonation of famed US country superstar Patsy Cline, while her husband Mike wowed fans with his take on hitmaker Neil. While never quite making it big outside of their hometown, the duo once played a support spot for famed rockers Pearl Jam. The film co-stars The Sopranos star Michael Imperioli, Jim Belushi and Succession's Fisher Stevens and is named after Neilsingle Song Sung Blue which topped the charts in 1972. Kate and Hugh appeared on The Graham Norton Show on Friday to talk about starring as Mike and Claire, while revealing how Neil had been left in tears after watching the film. Hugh explained: 'When you watch it part of you is going to say "Hollywood, take it down a notch, its already a good story," but everything is true. Its an extraordinary story and they had an unbelievable ride.' The Almost Famous star elevated her height with classic black stilettos and slicked her blonde hair back into an elegant updo to display her sparkling diamond earrings Kate flashed a radiant smile as she posed for the cameras, before cosying up to her co-star Hugh, 57, who plays her onscreen husband in the film The Greatest Showman actor cut a typically dashing figure in a tailored black suit over a plain white T-shirt The two leading stars were also joined by the film's director, writer and producer, Craig Brewer, who looked dapper in a suit with a purple button-up shirt and geometric patterned tie The biographical musical drama follows down-on-his-luck Milwaukee musician, Mike Sardina, played by Hugh, who teams up with another struggling muso, Claire - played by Kate - to form a Neil Diamond tribute double-act they dub Lightning & Thunder (seen in film) Kate and Hugh appeared on The Graham Norton Show on Friday to talk about starring as Mike and Claire, while revealing how Neil had been left in tears after watching the film He went on: 'Neil rang me crying because he was so moved by the movie. I went to meet him and actually stayed the night. 'It was so great, when at dinner time, he suggested karaoke. We sang, I Dreamed A Dream from Les Mis, Cant Help Falling in Love, and Sweet Caroline. It was wonderful.' While Kate added that her famous parents Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell also sobbed after watching the film, saying: 'They were a mess. Hugh and I were also a mess when we saw it for the first time, which is really rare. It is such an intense love story.' She continued: 'I was brought up really near where [Neil] lives but I had never met him so I asked if I could visit. 'It was such a lovely emotional meeting. He loves Mike and Claire and he loves the movie. He was so grateful for it which I was not expecting.' Hugh also heaped praised on his co-star, gushing: 'Whatever expectations I had of Kate, she came in and blew straight past them. 'She is a force of nature and honestly it is one of the best performances you will ever see. She is extraordinary'. Arnold Schwarzenegger opened up about an act of kindness he recently completed on behalf of his heroes United States veterans. The Terminator star, 78, took to Instagram Wednesday to inform the public that he had arranged for a luxe screening of The Running Man after learning the screening room at the local Veterans Affairs center was 'out of commission.' The Austria-born star said: 'On Veterans Day when I was at the VA celebrating with my heroes, I found out their theater was out of commission and they didnt have a place to watch movies.' The stalwart action star said he got to work, pulling strings with associates at Skydance and Paramount to arrange for a screening of The Running Man, a remake of his 1987 film starring Glen Powell. Schwarzenegger said he 'asked if we could bring these real action heroes to their fancy screening room and show them The Running Man, since [he'd] enjoyed it there,' adding that 'they said of course.' The Total Recall star continued explaining the course of events that led to the screening for the veterans. Arnold Schwarzenegger, 78, opened up about an act of kindness he recently completed on behalf of his heroes United States veterans. Pictured in Orange, California last month 'I rented two buses to pick everyone up at the VA last night, and a week after hearing about the problem, we had a solution,' Schwarzenegger said. The FUBAR actor said that the veterans 'got a great night they deserved' pointing out it was the product of specific actions he took as opposed to just complaining. 'I wanted to share this because we all have power if we are willing to act,' Schwarzenegger said. He continued: 'Most people would just post on social media: its bogus our vets cant watch movies at the VA"' adding 'that doesnt get them into a movie.' The True Lies actor acknowledged his own resources and said that the acts of kindness didn't need to be on such a huge scale to matter. 'Sure, most people cant get a screening room and buses,' Schwarzenegger said. 'But you could buy one veteran a movie ticket and do more good than any social media post.' Schwarzenegger advised his 26.4 million followers to 'do good, whenever you can.' The former California governor added, 'Thats your greatest power, and dont let anyone take it away from you. Not government, not social media, not politicians. Arnold took to Instagram Wednesday to inform the public that he had arranged for a luxe screening of The Running Man Schwarzenegger advised his 26.4 million followers to 'do good, whenever you can' Said the action star, 'When you want to complain about something bad, say, "What good can I do?"' 'When you want to complain about something bad, say, what good can I do?' Schwarzenegger was praised for both his actions, and the important lesson he imparted, on the comment thread adjacent to the post. Glen Powell left a comment on the Instagram post that read, 'Youre one of a kind, Arnie. Thanks for bringing joy to the world and standing up for our heroes.' Edgar Wright, director of The Running Man, wrote, 'This is amazing!!! Thank you Arnold x.' Another comment read, 'What a legend!! Thank you Arnold for looking after the troops.' A group of US veterans watched a screening of The Running Man Schwarzenegger arranged The Running Man leading man Glen Powell left a comment on Instagram post that read, 'Youre one of a kind, Arnie. Thanks for bringing joy to the world and standing up for our heroes' At the screening, Schwarzenegger opened up about his experience in the initial Running Man film. 'In 1987, we made the movie Running Man, and this was the decade where most of the greatest action movies were made,' Schwarzenegger told the crowd. 'And in most cases I am not happy about that because theyre perfect movies. 'But, I always say in my interviews there was one movie that I did that came out really well, but I felt like it didnt have the budget to paint the future this story takes place - and that movie was Running Man. Schwarzenegger said, 'It was very successful, but I always felt that it could be redone in a better way so we can paint the future better.' ABC executives have been blindsided by Chris Bath's shock decision to walk away from her high-profile Drive radio program less than a year after stepping into the coveted slot. The veteran broadcaster, 57, stunned listeners on Monday when she revealed live on air that she would not return to the weekday program in 2026, telling fans she had wrestled with the call for weeks. 'I have decided to leave Drive,' she announced, confirming she will be replaced by journalist Thomas Oriti. Industry insiders say Bath's call took radio bosses completely by surprise, with the popular presenter believed to have informed the network only this month. The journalist replaced previous ABC Drive host Richard Glover in January. Bath told listeners she isn't leaving ABC completely, revealing she plans to front a new Sunday morning program next year. ABC executives have been blindsided by Chris Bath's shock decision to walk away from her high-profile Drive program less than a year after stepping into the coveted slot It comes just three weeks after it emerged that Bath also left her job as a newsreader at Channel Ten following ten years with the network, and has been replaced by a younger co-star who is more than 20 years her junior 'As I'm sure you know, timing in life is a funny thing. What the world throws at you is not always under your control,' she explained on air. 'Sometimes you've just got to go with it. So I have made a very difficult decision. It's been a really tough one to make, to be honest with you, but I have decided to leave Drive next year.' It comes just three weeks after it emerged that Bath stepped down as a newsreader at Channel Ten following ten years with the network, and has been replaced by a younger co-star who is more than 20 years her junior. Insiders claimed Ten decided not to renew her contract as it no longer has the budget to keep her on as a weekend newsreader. Bath, who has spent seven years as the weekend presenter for 10 News, will be replaced by 34-year-old Georgie Tunny, who was hired by the network in 2022 as a presenter on The Project, news.com.au reported last month. She joined Ten in 2015 after leaving Seven, initially making regular appearances on Studio 10 and The Project. She went on to become a regular co-host of The Sunday Project in 2017, but was replaced by Lisa Wilkinson in 2018. The Project was axed in June due to high production costs, cutting hosts Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, Steve Price and Hamish Macdonald from the Ten talent pool. The journalist replaced previous ABC Drive host Richard Glover in January Bath went on to replace Natarsha Belling as a presenter on 10 News Weekend in December 2018. She has also recently been hosting a national 90-minute Saturday evening bulletin, a separate Perth bulletin, and a one-hour Sunday evening bulletin for both markets. Before taking on her role at Ten, Bath enjoyed a lengthy tenure at Seven, landing her first gig with the network in 1996. During her years there, she worked as a weekend presenter of Seven News in Sydney, as well as host of the current affairs program Sunday Night. She left Seven on July 27, 2015, and began her career at Ten shortly after. Maya Thompson, the mother of the late boy who inspired the Taylor Swift song Ronan, hailed Tatiana Schlossberg for her candor in speaking about her health battle publicly this week. Schlossberg, the 35-year-old granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, detailed her journey after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer - and given a year to live - in a piece published in The New Yorker titled 'A Battle With My Blood' on Saturday. Maya - whose son died in 2011 after battling neuroblastoma - was listed as a co-writer Swift's song Ronan, as Swift had been inspired to create art after reading her story. Maya said not only was Schlossberg's piece masterfully-written, it brought her back to essential life lessons she learned from her son's tragic health battle, about not taking life for granted for anyone, at any age. 'Never in my life have I cried the way I cried reading this article,' Maya said. 'When writing tells the truth, it does more than inform. It reaches in and touches something wordless.' Maya said the article 'should be placed gently into the hands of anyone who still believes life arrives with certainty.' Tatiana Schlossberg was hailed for her candor in speaking about her health battle publicly this week by Maya Thompson, the mother of the late boy who inspired the Taylor Swift song Ronan. Pictured October 2023 Maya's son died in 2011 after battling neuroblastoma Maya cited examples of people including 'anyone who has not yet had their world changed by a single sentence from a doctor' and 'anyone who has forgotten how sacred a heartbeat really is.' She wrote, 'But I do not just understand this piece. I live inside it because of Ronan.' Maya said that a number of key life lessons she picked up from caring for her ailing son came back to her after reading Schlossberg's piece. 'My son taught me what it means to love while time is running out,' Maya said. 'He taught me that hope and fear can live in the same breath. 'He showed me that memory is something you begin to protect the moment you realize you might outlive the moments you wish could stay.' Maya said that 'once you have lived that kind of truth, you no longer look at life the same way,' as 'You begin to love in a way that doesnt wait for permission.' Maya said that Schlossberg's piece 'brought [her] back to the hospital nights' and the details that she remembered from her son's valiant health battle. She wrote: 'The hushed voices. The thin blankets. The long shadows across the floor. The way courage sometimes looks like simply staying in the room when your heart wants to run. 'I felt all of it again. The ache that never really leaves. The quiet kind of love that keeps you breathing even when everything hurts.' Taylor Swift pictured in NYC on November 7 Maya said that a number of key life lessons she picked up from caring for her ailing son came back to her after reading Schlossberg's piece Maya said that Schlossberg's pain is not imagined, as she took inventory of what she thinks she is doing amid critical time as she fights for her life. 'She is trying to memorize the faces of the people she loves,' Maya said of Schlossberg. 'She writes about her son and how she watches him play, trying to hold every detail in her mind. 'She writes about her husband sleeping on the hospital floor. She writes about life beginning and ending at once.' Maya said that Schlossberg 'writes with clarity and tenderness, like someone who loves this world too much to ever be ready to leave it.' Maya said that 'this is what illness really is,' as opposed to statistics or charts. 'It is someone counting ordinary moments as though they are diamonds,' Maya said. 'It is someone realizing they might become memories before they are ready. It is someone whispering the names of the people they love into the night and hoping they will be remembered.' Maya also praised Schlossberg for confronting 'her own familys legacy' and calling out her relative Robert F. Kennedy Jr. - the Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump - as 'an embarrassment for spreading misinformation that harms the very people fighting to stay alive.' Maya ended her emotional peace with a poignant message to Schlossberg. 'Tatiana, if somehow these words find you,' Maya said. 'You are extraordinary. You are luminous. Your voice matters. Godspeed. Life is not fair. 'But your honesty is a light, and tonight your light reached me.' Married At First Sight veteran Michael Goonan is engaged to his partner Maddy. The veteran reality TV star, 34, confirmed the exciting news on social media on Monday night by sharing a precious clip of the heartfelt moment he proposed. The precious footage shows Michael leading his partner to a wooden shed on a farm, the golden light of the setting sun casting a warm glow across the scene. As the shed door creaks open, the camera captures the beautiful surprise inside: the interior is adorned with elegant red roses and a large sign that reads 'Marry Me'. Overwhelmed with emotion, Michael drops to one knee and pulls out a sparkling engagement ring and pops the question - and a delighted Maddy happily accepts. Another photo captured the newly engaged couple happily embracing each other as they bask in the joyful news. Married At First Sight veteran Michael Goonan is engaged to his partner Maddy. Both pictured The veteran reality TV star confirmed the exciting news on social media on Monday night by sharing a precious clip of the heartfelt moment he proposed (pictured) Michael captioned the clip with some excited words: 'She said YES!'. Many of Michael's followers quickly took to the comments section to congratulate him on the amazing news. 'Absolute best decision youve made all year! congratulations again, love birds,' one person wrote. 'Finally! Been hoping for this forever. Congratulations,' a second added. Michael was paired with Stacey Hampton on Series 7 of MAFS in 2020, although it didn't work out between them. In 2021, Michael revealed he had 'made peace' with his ex-girlfriend KC Osborne after their stint on Celebrity Ex on The Beach. Michael told fans during an Instagram Q&A: 'I've made my peace with KC, but I haven't made my peace with Stacey yet.' The Adelaide businessman then asked his former MAFS bride Stacey Hampton if she was also willing to put their differences aside and be friends again. Overwhelmed with emotion, Michael drops to one knee and pulls out a sparkling engagement ring and pops the question - and a delighted Maddy happily accepts Michael was paired with Stacey Hampton (right) on the reality series but once the show wrapped he began dating his MAFS co-star KC Osborne 'You want to make peace? I know you're seeing this?' he cheekily asked. Michael described his relationship with KC as a lot more 'mature' compared to his on-screen relationship with Stacey. 'When it comes to feelings and that, Stacey and I would just fight for days on end, so I don't know,' he explained. The mother of two had agreed to take part in the new series alongside her MAFS ex-'husband', but after thinking it over decided to give the show a miss. A source told Daily Mail: 'Stacey isn't interested. She doesn't care for it.' 'She's about to launch her clothing label and needs to stay in Adelaide for her kids. Her two boys are in school right now... they need her more than ever,' they said. MAFS co-stars Michael and KC - who dated for several months after his 'marriage' to Stacey fell apart on Nine's social experiment - filmed Ex on the Beach in Colombia in 2021 after being granted work permits. The multi-million dollar Sydney home once at the centre of a bizarre standoff with former film star Yahoo Serious has officially been listed for sale. The 1,157sqm Palm Beach cottage, which Serious famously refused to vacate despite a tribunal order, is now being offered at auction with a guide of $1.9 million. Known for its treetop setting and filtered views over the boat-studded Pittwater, the home has been tightly held by the same family for more than 60 years. The property offers a rare opportunity for buyers with an eye for potential and features three bedrooms with built-in robes, a timber-finished kitchen at the heart of the home and scope to renovate or rebuild (STCA). While it can be lived in immediately, the property also presents a prime prospect for savvy builders or keen renovators hoping to capitalise on the stunning locale. Its desirable location is just minutes from beaches, Avalon Village, and is also close to a variety of amenities, including public transport, sporting fields and the scenic Currawong Avenue Reserve. The multi-million dollar Palm Beach home once at the centre of a bizarre standoff with former film star Yahoo Serious has officially been listed for sale. Pictured in 1988 The house drew national attention earlier this year when Serious, 72, was accused of squatting there with his Jack Russell terrier while the property's owner, 90-year-old Charles Phillip Porter, was in a nursing home. Pictured in July The house drew national attention earlier this year when Serious, 72, was accused of squatting there with his Jack Russell terrier while the property's owner, 90-year-old Charles Phillip Porter, was in a nursing home. Despite a NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal order requiring him to leave by August 4, Serious remained in the home for weeks, claiming he was 'surviving' rather than squatting. Now back on the market, the property offers potential buyers a chance to own a piece of Sydney's northern beaches history. In August, it was reported that a defiant Serious refused to leave the multi-million dollar Sydney home he had been accused of squatting in. Serious appeared on A Current Affair, when the landlord responsible for the property came to confront the former film star. Margaret Charlton is the landlord and holds power of attorney for the home's owner. She told ACA she needed to sell the property to pay for Porter's mounting nursing home fees. Reading from a court order, Margaret said: 'The order for possession is suspended until the fourth of August... which means I get the property back.' The 1,157sqm Palm Beach property, which Serious famously refused to vacate despite a tribunal order, is now being offered at auction with a guide of $1.9 million Known for its treetop setting and filtered views over the boat-studded Pittwater, the home has been tightly held by the same family for more than 60 years The property offers a rare opportunity for buyers with an eye for potential and features three bedrooms with built-in robes, a timber-finished kitchen at the heart of the home and scope to renovate or rebuild (STCA) While it can be lived in immediately, the property also presents a prime prospect for savvy builders or keen renovators hoping to capitalise on the stunning locale Margaret then entered the property, surprised to find Serious still inside. 'You've been living in this property while Margie's been trying to sell it to pay for Phillip's aged care,' reporter Pippa Bradshaw told the Young Einstein star. 'He's got dementia he can sell the property,' Serious flippantly replied. When told that Charlton had been unable to sell the property while Serious was occupying it, he defiantly protested that he was not squatting but rather 'surviving'. Removalists then arrived to begin stripping the property of belongings; however, Serious refused to budge. 'Yahoo is still refusing to go, even though we are taking all the old furniture out so the house can be sold,' Charlton said. She added that the situation would soon be escalated if Serious continued to flout the court order. Speaking to Daily Mail in July, Serious denied that he was squatting at the property, despite a tribunal hearing having given him a deadline to vacate. Its desirable location is close to a variety of amenities In August, it was reported that a defiant Serious refused to leave the multi-million dollar Sydney home he had been accused of squatting in The bitter row over Serious squatting squatting in a beachside property in one of Australia's ritziest suburbs finally ended in August, when the former movie star was put out onto the streets Serious and his wild haircut at the time became suddenly famous when he starred in 1988's Young Einstein movie and then 1993's Reckless Kelly. The bitter row over Serious squatting squatting in a beachside property in one of Australia's ritziest suburbs finally ended in August, when the former movie star was put out onto the streets. The fallen Hollywood icon finally left - and was left effectively homeless, with all his worldly goods stashed in his ageing BMW car. 'He's out!' his jubilant landlord Margie Charlton, who holds power of attorney for owner Charles Phillip Porter, told Daily Mail at the time. 'We kicked him out.' Serious didn't go quietly. 'He called the police and said I was being violent,' Margie said. 'The police came and they said, "No mate, you're out. You gotta leave."' After police intervened, Serious left with his Jack Russell dog, Jingle. His rundown car remained in the driveway, and according to Charlton, it is 'filled with his s***, but the car is f***ed. It's not going to go anywhere'. The Aussie actor allegedly left a trail of destruction in his wake. 'He has left the house in a filthy state,' Charlton said. 'There is rotting food, it's disgusting.' In the 24 hours after Serious left, Charlton had to call in an army of friends for the clean-up operation and removed 'six truckloads of stuff', she said. But she's relieved the ordeal is finally over after lengthy legal battles and tense confrontations with the star over the home. Richard E Grant, Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson have today paid tribute to celebrated chef Skye Gyngell after she died at the age of 62. Ms Gyngell was Australia's first female recipient of a Michelin star and passed away following a fight with Merkel cell carcinoma - a very rare and aggressive skin cancer. Skye died in the UK on Saturday - just 19 months after she found a suspicious lump on her neck. The chef was credited with pioneering the 'slow food movement' and influencing restaurants to return to using local and seasonal ingredients. After leaving Sydney, where she grew up, she trained as a chef in France - after her first kitchen job washing dishes in Paris. She later worked at top restaurants in London before becoming head chef at Petersham Nurseries Cafe in Richmond when it opened in 2004. Skye earned a Michelin star for the restaurant seven years later - the first and still the only Australian woman to do so. But she never courted TV fame, declaring: 'I don't have the need for fame or celebrity. I don't want to stand for hours with a bloody camera pointed at me doing the same thing over and over again'. Nigella Lawson has said she is 'heartbroken' by her death, adding: 'However ill you know someone to be, their death is always a shock. It's just awful that Skye is no longer in the world'. Jamie Oliver wrote on Instagram: 'Terrible sad news. She was an amazing woman and incredible cook and kindhearted. She will be very, very, very missed. Thank you for all you did to inspire young cooks'. Richard E Grant, 68, paid tribute to her on Instagram after the news broke, revealing how Skye had sent his family food parcels when his wife Joan was diagnosed with lung cancer. He also told how Skye catered for Richard's daughter Olivia's wedding last September. Richard E Grant, Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver paid tribute to Australian celebrity chef Skye Gyngell on Sunday following her death from a rare skin cancer at the age of 62 Skye with the Princess of Wales in 2019 Her heartbroken family issued the statement: 'We are deeply saddened to share news of Skye Gyngell's passing on November 22 in London , surrounded by her family and loved ones.' Born in Sydney in 1963, Ms Gyngell was the daughter of famed broadcaster Bruce Gyngell - the first person to appear on Australian television- and Ann Barr, a well-known interior designer. Her brother is David Gyngell, former CEO of Nine Entertainment in Australia, who infamously became embroiled in a public brawl with his friend billionaire James Packer on the streets of Bondi in 2014. His sister Skye was dubbed the 'Courtney Love of cooking' having opened up about her past addictions to heroin and alcohol. Despite her troubles she went on to enjoy extraordinary success in the restaurant world. Ms Gyngell left Australia aged 19 to attend a cookery school in Paris, before moving to London and finding success as the head chef at Petersham Nurseries Cafe. In 2011, the cafe secured Ms Gyngell her first Michelin star. But it was this honour that proved to be the downfall of Ms Gyngell's time at the cafe. Within a year, she announced she was leaving. 'It's been a curse,' she told Fairfax at the time. 'Since we got the star we've been crammed every single day, which is really hard for such a tiny restaurant. And we've had lots more complaints. 'People have certain expectations of a Michelin restaurant, but we don't have cloths on the tables, our service isn't very formal.' She went on to become culinary director at Heckfield Place in Hampshire in 2012 and two years later opened her own celebrated restaurant, Spring, at Somerset House. Her culinary feats drew an impressive list of high-profile clients over the years, where she began private catering for the likes of Mick Jagger, Madonna, Nigella Lawson and Guy Ritchie. Alongside her restaurant work, Gyngell published several cookbooks and contributed widely to food writing. Nigella Lawson shared this image and tribute to her friend Skye Jamie Oliver called her an 'amazing cook' and 'wonderful person' Richard penned in his social media tribute: 'Devastated to hear that Chef Supremo Skye Gyngell has died...' He also told how Skye catered for Richard's daughter Olivia's wedding last September - as he shared snaps from the nuptials to his Story Away from the kitchen, Ms Gyngell spoke of her addictions to heroin and alcohol while growing up in Sydney's affluent east suburb, referring to this period as the time she was the 'f**k up'. In the article, which posed the question whether Ms Gyngell was the 'Courtney Love of cooking', she revealed her addictions led her to become estranged from her family. She said they arose from poor self esteem, the impact of having a father in the limelight, and the casual use of drugs in her inner circle. 'I felt there was no space and that everybody was watching us,' she said. While many of her friends sadly died, Ms Gyngell says her reasons for making it through were cooking and her beloved daughters. She said her father's death in 2000 was a watershed moment after he left her out of his will. She soon began attending Narcotics Anonymous and gave up drugs and alcohol in her 30s. 'It was the best thing he could have done,' she later told The Times. 'I'm a much better cook now I'm sober... the smell [of it] is enough for me.' Though she admitted that her work became 'another addiction', where she thought about food obsessively and loved to experiment with combinations. 'I can understand why artists have problems with alcohol - obsession and addiction are closely linked,' she added. Skye (second from left) with her dad Bruce Gyngell and her siblings, Briony (left) and David Skye's mother Ann Barr was a well-known interior designer in Australia and was inducted into the Design Institute Hall of Fame for her work In 1989, she married Thomas Gore but they divorced seven years later. She is survived by her two daughters, Holly and Evie. Her death has moved many. Richard E Grant, 68, penned in his tribute: 'Devastated to hear that Chef Supremo Skye Gyngell has died. 'I met Skye at Petersham Nurseries 21 years ago, became good friends, cooked through all her recipe books each summer in the south of France and in London, and when my wife was diagnosed, she sent us sublime food parcels to lift our spirits. 'Her final act of generosity was to cater for our daughter @oliviagranted wedding last September. I will continue to cook her unique recipes as long as I am lucky enough to live.' Meanwhile fellow chef Jamie, 50, wrote in his tribute: 'This is incredibly sad to hear of her passing @sykegyngell was an amazing Cook and wonderful person she will be very missed rest in peace sweet lady.' Her family's statement continued: 'Skye was a culinary visionary who influenced generations of chefs and growers globally to think about food and its connection to the land. 'She leaves behind a remarkable legacy and is an inspiration to us all.' Gyngell passed away following a fight with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and fast-growing skin cancer diagnosed when she found a lump on her neck in April 2024. Simon Cowell has mastered the art of making millions from talent scouting youngsters for pop group success. But the pressure of his latest attempt to find Britains next big boy band has proved difficult for the music mogul, who was left hooked up to a drip in a first look at his upcoming Netflix show, The Next Act. Cowell, 65, has been on the hunt for breakthrough talent in the UK for the six-episode docuseries which will follow the candidates from the raw open casting calls to the release of the groups debut single. Its an all-access pass for viewers to catch every moment of Cowells next chapter, claims the streaming giants website. As much as I love my job on TV, I miss where I started signing artists and working with bands, Cowell says in the trailer. There is a massive opportunity. I am going to find a new boyband. But the pressure is on for TV's former Mr Nasty who reveals the chance of success is less than 10 per cent as he opens up about the 'chaos' of the search. The pressure of his latest attempt to find Britains next big boy band has proved difficult for Simon Cowell who was left hooked up to a drip in a first look at his Netflix show, The Next Act It also gives a rare insight into his life with Lauren Silverman, with the pair seen in a tense exchange before she asks for her microphone to be removed and leaves the room Theres so much at stake, he says. There is a huge risk here. If this goes wrong, it will be Simon Cowell has lost it. The pressure appears too much to handle for his fiancee Lauren Silverman, who in one tense exchange demands for her microphone to be removed before walking out on Cowell while he is sat slumped in a chair and hooked up to an IV drip administering vitamins. I never complain, she says. I'm just there for you because that's what you do when you love somebody. As she leaves, Cowell is heard saying: Oh Lauren. Clearly worried about his health, another private moment in the back of a car sees Silverman, 48, expressing her concerns. Work for Simon is not just work, it's his life, she says before reaching across to him and adding: You're very tense. The couple first met in Barbados in 2004 but didnt start dating until around 2012. They welcomed their son Eric in 2014 and got engaged in 2021. Silverman's concerns are more than justified having been by his side through a number of terrifying health battles in recent years. In August 2020 Cowell broke his back while testing an E-bike at his home in Malibu. He required a six-hour surgery to place a metal rod and screws in his spine. Two years later he broke his arm and was hospitalized when he crashed an E-bike in London. Cowell, pictured hooked up to a drip in the trailer, says: Theres so much at stake, there is a huge risk here. If this goes wrong, it will be Simon Cowell has lost it The six-episode docuseries will follow Cowell, 65, as he searches for Britains next big boy band, from raw open casting calls to the release of the groups debut single Cowell is no stranger to talent scouting having put together One Direction (pictured) and other groups like Little Mix and JLS on The X Factor The music manager, who is worth an estimated 475 million, also suffers from migraines, which were believed to be behind his recent absence from Britains Got Talent. He was briefly replaced by Stacey Solomon before returning to the panel. Cowell is no stranger to scouting new talent and since 2001 has appeared as a judge on several music reality competition series including Pop Idol, American Idol, Britains Got Talent, Americas Got Talent and The X Factor. During its 14-year run, The X Factor changed the face of the British music industry, discovering some of the biggest names including One Direction, Leona Lewis, Little Mix, JLS and Olly Murs. But amid dwindling viewing figures and allegations of mistreatment from past contestants, ITV announced in 2021 that there were no plans for a new series. Clearly not finished with finding the next big thing, Cowell signed a huge deal with Netflix last year and has since claimed record labels are not signing enough new stars, who face too much competition online. Speaking to the Daily Mail earlier this year, he said: Right now record labels aren't signing enough new talent. So the amount of UK artists who are breaking worldwide has literally fallen off a cliff because I think there is too much competition online. 'People don't knock on your door saying, "I've got a new band". It doesn't happen. You've got to go out there yourself and do it. So that's what we are doing.' Cowell and Silverman have been together since around 2012 (pictured in 2022) They share son Eric, 11, who also made a brief appearance in the trailer Simon Cowell The Next Act is on Netflix on December 10 Cowell will be hoping to emulate the success of his previous artists, who have broken records and sold millions of records world wide. Cowell clearly had his work cut out with the unruly bunch who can be seen play fighting and arguing in the new trailer as they battle through boot camp style auditions to fight for a spot in the new band. The final 16 are flown to Miami. Cowell compared the process to 'mining for diamonds'. The pressure is also on to pull in the viewers, with Cowell erecting a giant billboard of his own face in a bid to drum up publicity. In its heyday The X Factor could pull in millions of viewers, reaching a peak of 19.1 million with its sixth series in 2010. These had dropped to less than seven million just before it was axed. Britain's Got Talent has also been on a downward trend, with the last series struggling to pull in viewers. Simon Cowell The Next Act is on Netflix on December 10. Former Real Housewives of Orange County star Meghan King shared a cryptic social media post after losing custody of her three children to ex-husband Jim Edmonds. On Sunday, the 41-year-old reality star, who works as a real estate advisor in Ladue, Missouri, posted a photo of a bumper sticker reading, Big fan of human rights, to her Instagram Story. She tagged her location as Kirkwood, Missouri, just outside her hometown of St. Louis. Less than 24 hours later, King shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to her eldest child, Aspen, who turned nine. The brightest light, my greatest joy. A spectacular gift from God was born 9 years ago today. When I learned what love is. I love you Aspen King Edmonds. I love you to infinity, she wrote alongside a smiling photo of her daughter, whom she called her favorite female to ever walk the planet. In addition to Aspen, King shares seven-year-old twin sons Hart and Hayes with Edmonds, 55. The former couple split in 2019 after five years of marriage. Former Real Housewives of Orange County star Meghan King shared a cryptic social media post after recently losing custody of her three children to ex-husband Jim Edmonds Her emotional posts come just days after reports surfaced that she temporarily lost custody of her kids following an investigation by Child Protective Services. A source told Page Six that King allegedly gave Hayes prescription medication that had not been prescribed to him on multiple occasions. The insider claimed she administered Ritalin, a drug used to treat ADHD, despite Hayes never having been diagnosed with the condition. Us Weekly first reported that CPS became involved after a staff member at the childrens elementary school contacted authorities, allegedly after King requested that a school nurse administer the medication to Hayes. Page Six further reported that Edmonds and his wife Kortnie were in Tennessee when CPS contacted him, prompting the couple to fly immediately to Missouri to be with the children. While Edmonds now holds sole physical custody, King has reportedly been granted supervised visitation twice per week. A temporary restraining order has also been issued, with a court hearing scheduled for December 9 to determine whether the current custody arrangement will become permanent. The Daily Mail has reached out to Kings representatives for comment. Edmonds representative declined to comment. Former RHOC co-star Kelly Dodd appeared to confirm the situation in a TikTok video posted Thursday, revealing that she had spoken to King following the reports. On Sunday, the 41-year-old reality star, who works as a real estate advisor in Ladue, Missouri , posted a photo of a bumper sticker reading, Big fan of human rights, to her Instagram Story Less than 24 hours later, King shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to her eldest child, Aspen, who turned nine So I just got off the phone with Meghan King Edmonds, Dodd said. And she said that she gave one of her other twins Hayes some Ritalin, I guess, and it made her a dangerous mother. Despite acknowledging past conflicts, Dodd defended King, calling her a devoted parent. Weve had a lot of differences but she loves those babies, she loves those kids, and I know for a fact shes a good mother, Dodd insisted. She is an excellent mother. Dodd added that she was praying for her former co-star and urged followers to do the same, captioning her video: #meghanking pray for her.. She lost custody of her kids! #prayers #losingcustodyoftheirkids. Her emotional posts come just days after reports surfaced that she temporarily lost custody of her kids following an investigation by Child Protective Services The custody dispute follows a series of public disputes between King and Edmonds, including police being called earlier this year after King allegedly refused to leave his home. King and Edmonds married in 2014 and finalized their divorce in 2021. Edmonds later married former Playboy model Kortnie OConnor in 2022, just two months after his divorce from King was finalized. The exes have also publicly clashed over their son Harts medical diagnosis, with King stating he has cerebral palsy while Edmonds maintains he has periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), a condition involving brain white matter damage. King was briefly married to lawyer Cuffe Biden Owens, nephew of President Joe Biden, in 2021. The marriage ended just two months later and was annulled in July 2022. Tori Spelling and her ex-husband have been hit with a bill for more than $1.3 million in unpaid federal and state taxes. The fee is contained in the final judgment in the actress' divorce from Dean McDermott, with whom she has now formally ended a 17-year marriage. The judgment, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, shows the former couple - Tori, 52, and Dean, 59 - owe $1.2 million to the IRS and more than $500,000 to the California Franchise Tax Board according to a report by Fox News Digital. Documents state each will be responsible for at least $600,000 of the federal tax debt, and that the state tax bill will be split evenly. The filings also reveal a series of additional debts accumulated over years. The pair owe $37,000 to American Express, and continue to carry a long-standing balance with City National Bank stemming from a six-figure loan taken more than a decade ago that has since grown to nearly $400,000. Tori Spelling and her ex-husband have been hit with a bill for more than $1.3 million in unpaid federal and state taxes in a judgment filed in Los Angeles Superior Court as reported by Fox News Digital (the former couple are seen in LA back in August 2019) Further sums include Tori owing $288,000 to a private individual, $69,000 to another unnamed individual and $10,228 in uninsured medical costs. Dean owes $22,000 from a student loan and a further $20,609 in uninsured medical bills. The financial disclosures accompany earlier filings detailing the pairs respective incomes. In an income and expense declaration filed on September 5 and obtained by Page Six, Dean claimed Toris monthly earnings fluctuate between $3,000 and $75,000 'depending on the job'. He stated his income stands at $3,800 per month, explaining his earnings fell sharply over the past year 'due to the SAG/AFTRA strikes and change in the industry'. He added: 'My acting and producing work has decreased drastically.' Tori and Dean announced their separation in June 2023 after nearly two decades together, and the actress filed for divorce nine months later. Their split was finalized earlier this month, with Tori filing court documents outlining agreements on support, asset division and custody arrangements. Documents state each will be responsible for at least $600,000 of the federal tax debt, and that the state tax bill will be split evenly (the two are seen in LA back in December 2018) Stella McDermott, Tori Spelling, Liam McDermott, Dean McDermott seen left to right in January 2023 Spelling is seen during her Beverly Hills 90210 days in June 1995 The former couple share five children Liam, 18, Stella, 17, Hattie, 14, Finn, 13, and Beau, 8. Dean also has a 27-year-old son, Jack, from his previous relationship with Mary Jo Eustace. About two weeks after settling their divorce, she said 'it's been quite a journey' while speaking candidly in the November 11 episode of her podcast misSPELLING. This comes after she appeared somewhat downcast in her first public sighting since she and the Chopped Canada host figured out their settlement a couple of weeks ago. 'I am officially divorced,' she began on her podcast. 'It's been quite a journey. I gotta say, you guys, this is something never said this was one of the easiest divorces in Hollywood.' Spelling broke her silence on her divorce settlement from McDermott in a podcast released earlier this month; pictured in June 2023 The star reflected on finalizing their divorce in late October, over two years after she filed for divorce and three years after they separated; pictured in March 'You can quote me there. Screw it take Hollywood out. This is one of the easiest divorces,' she added. She also said it was 'interesting' that the pair experienced marital woes over two decades together but did not have any during the dissolution of their marriage. 'It's so interesting because Dean and I were together 20 years, married 18, and while we had our ups and downs and problems throughout our marriage, we've had absolutely no problems throughout the divorce,' she shared. She said that the reason the divorce went smoothly is 'a testament to the two of us and wanting to really step up and be there for the five humans we chose to create out of love and setting a good example.' This Victoria's Secret veteran did not look like her usual self over the weekend while at a splashy event in the Middle East with Gisele Bundchen. The former lingerie model had short blonde hair and heavy makeup, which is not her usual look. She added a gold bustier and a long black skirt that covered her knockout legs. The 51-year-old beauty is not just a model but has also done over a dozen Hollywood movies, one with Lindsay Lohan decades ago. And the personality has also popped up on competition shows like Dancing With The Stars. Who is this very tall wonder? This Victoria's Secret veteran did not look like her usual self over the weekend while at a splashy event in the Middle East. Who is this blonde? The former lingerie model had short blonde hair and heavy makeup, which is not her usual look. She added a gold bustier and a long black skirt that covered her knockout legs She is Tyra Banks. The star attended the Fashion Trust Arabia 2025 Awards Ceremony at the National Museum of Qatar on November 22 in Doha, Qatar. Also at the event was Lohan who stunned in a strapless black gown with diamonds. The movie Banks and Lohan made together was Life-Size. And recently the model talked about how she would like to do a sequel with the actress. The actress and model played fashion doll-brought-to-life Eve opposite Lohan's Casey Stuart in the original 2000 movie, and she would love to make a third film in the series. Appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show, she said: 'I feel like we should do one.' In the first made-for-television movie, Lohan - then 13 years old - played a teen who accidentally brings her doll to life using a spell which was meant to resurrect her mother. Banks - who reprised her role as Eve in 2018's 'Life-Size 2: A Christmas Eve' - even has an idea for the potential movie to bring Lohan back into the fold. She is Tyra Banks. The star attended the Fashion Trust Arabia 2025 Awards Ceremony at the National Museum of Qatar on November 22 in Doha, Qatar Here she is seen having her cape adjusted by a male pal She added: 'I feel like I've been really looking at Lindsay and I feel like, what if she was a doll? 'What if she, in some kind of way, magically turned into a doll? And then my Eve character had to teach her how to be a doll. 'I feel like that could be very interesting.' Over the summer, Banks teased the prospect of another film in the franchise after visiting the Polly Pocket-themed Airbnb in Massachusetts. She wrote on Instagram in August: 'Oh Polly Pocket, so small in size but BIG in memories and inspiration! Banks at the 2025 Franca Fund Gala at the Museum of Islamic Art on November 23 Banks seen nude in an ad for America's Next Top Model 'I'm sure so many kids that loved my Life-Size movie thought of you while watching it guess it's time to visit this lil place and dream up another script. 'What say you, @lindsaylohan? xo Eve/TyTy.' Banks has been open about the idea since an appearance on 'Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen' back in 2020. Although she didn't offer any details, she told the talk show host she was 'working on 'Life-Size 3', although there haven't been any firm updates. Celebrity psychic Sally Morgan has been rushed to the hospital with pneumonia in as a health update is issued on an Instagram post on Friday. The star, 74, was set to appear at the Kenton Theatre in Henley on Thames on Monday, but she has now been forced to cancel her shows. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus. After having started the tour in 2024, it is unclear if she will recover in time for her first 2026 show in Bromley on January, 7. In a statement released to her social media, Sally's team penned: 'It is with regret that we announce Sally is unable to do the Kenton Theatre show on Monday 24 November because pneumonia. 'We sincerely apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause. We are pleased to say the show has been rescheduled to Monday 9 February 2026 and we hope you will join us on this new date. Celebrity psychic Sally Morgan, 74, has been rushed to the hospital with pneumonia in as a health update is issued on an Instagram post on Friday The star was set to appear at the Kenton Theatre in Henley on Thames on Monday, but she has now been forced to cancel her shows 'If you are unable to attend please contact the venue before 15 December 2025 to obtain a refund.' Sally's final show is set to be at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone on January, 17. The psychic is well known in the world of showbusiness and has worked with the likes of George Michael, Michelle Keegan and Princess Diana. But Sally has dubbed her session with Uma Thurman as one of her most memorable as she had to tell her was about to ditch her then husband. She previously told Daily Mail: 'As soon as she walked in I thought "Oh my God, she's about to get rid of her husband. How am I going to tell her this?" 'I told her and she wasn't happy. She didn't like it and I knew I'd never see her again because she didn't like what I said. Then six months later they'd split up.' Uma, 55, was married to fellow Hollywood heavyweight Ethan Hawke at the time. The pair wed in 1998 after meeting on set of the sci-film Gattaca in 1996 and went onto welcome two children together before their marriage fell apart in 2003. After having started the tour in 2024, it is unclear if she will recover in time for her first 2026 show in Bromley on January, 7 The psychic is well known in the world of showbusiness but dubbed her session with Uma Thurman as one of her most memorable as she had to tell her was about to ditch her then husband (pictured together in 2001) At the time of their split, Ethan, 54, who shares children Maya, 27, and Levon, 23, with Uma was rumoured to have been unfaithful. He had been accused of cheating on Uma with their children's nanny Ryan Shawhughes. The Training Day actor denied the affair but he did begin publicly dating Ryan after he and Uma finalized their divorce in 2005. Ethan and Ryan went on to marry in 2008 and they are the parents of two daughters: Clementine, 17, and Indiana, 14. Sofia Vergara has again been seen with handsome 39-year-old businessman Douglas Chabbott. The two were side-by-side as they were having fun in Las Vegas over the weekend. The brunette Colombian posted the image to her Insta Stories as they seemed very close. All she wrote over the image was Beauty And Essex Las Vegas. In September they were spotted leaving the Oasis concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena together. They were also seen together over the summer: Chabbott was there when she spent her 53nd birthday at Nammos in Sardinia. Just a day before her birthday bash, Sofia shared a sweet message from Chabbott on social media. The Daily Mail has contacted Vergara's rep for comment. Sofia Vergara has again been seen with 39-year-old Douglas Chabbott. The two were side-by-side in Las Vegas a she posted the image to her Insta Stories. All she wrote over the image was Beauty And Essex Las Vegas They also follow each other on social media. Not only is he well off, but the Babson College graduate has several famous friends such as Camilla Belle, Orlando Bloom, Derek Hough and Dakota Johnson. Vergara and Chabbott have previously been seen getting close in Rome and Cannes, and now he was seated at her festive dinner table with friends and family. As for Chabbott, the handsome entrepreneur appeared just two seats away from Sofia, sporting a black-and-white graphic shirt and a subtle smile as he joined the festivities. Vergara is currently single after a brief romance with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin Saliman, following her high-profile split from Joe Manganiello. Months ago Sofia gave an insight into what she's looking for in her next relationship, saying she wants her next boyfriend to be as rich as she is. She admitted that she needs 'fun in [her] life' - but she isn't interested in dating someone who isn't financially independent. Asked what she is looking for in her next relationship, Sofia said on the Today show: 'I want to say the basic stuff, like health and somebody that loves me. And somebody tall, handsome.' Vergara spent her 53nd birthday at Nammos in Sardinia with Douglas Chabbott (pictured far left) Around that time, Sofia shared a note from entrepreneur Chabbott, whom she has been romantically linked with in recent months 'I want somebody that has as much money as me or more, because if not, it's a nightmare. They end up resenting you.' The Hollywood star - who was married to actor Joe between 2015 and 2024 - shared: 'I've been single now for a year and a half, and I kind of panicked once I got divorced. I was like, "I'm 52, what's gonna happen? Where am I going to find [someone]?"' Despite this, Sofia is still in no rush to find love. She said: 'I'm not really in a hurry anymore.' Sofia was married to actor Joe Manganiello, 48, for eight years before divorcing in 2024; Seen in March 2022 Last year, Sofia claimed that she can't be too 'picky' about who she dates. The brunette beauty finalized her split from Joe in 2024, but she remains open to the idea of dating another celebrity. Sofia told People: 'I mean, it's already hard for a 50-something-year-old woman to find someone. I'm not going to be now picky about, "Oh, he can only be a doctor. Oh, he can only be an astronaut." No, I mean, I'm not that picky.' The actress who played the original Tinker Bell for Disney in 1953 animated classic is still flying high at 96. Margaret Kerry, who was the live-action reference model for the beloved film, recently revealed that she is still tap dancing and even found love in her 90s. She had a successful career including playing Bess Muggins in The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1961), an episode of The Lone Ranger (1950), and playing housewife in 48 episodes of the New 3 Stooges in 1965. Kerry appeared at the annual Mayberry Days, which is a celebration of The Andy Griffith Show taking place in Mount Airy, North Carolina, back in September where she very impressively tap danced for the crowd at the age of 96. Videos of her routine could be seen on YouTube as she proudly told Woman's World in an interview before her appearance: 'Oh, I'll be tap dancing on Saturday night.' Kerry pantomimed her iconic Disney character of Tinker Bell as she described the process of starring in the classic 1953 flick. Margaret Kerry, who was the live-action reference model for Tinker Bell, recently revealed that she is still tap dancing and even found love in her 90s (she is seen in September 1948) The actress who played the original Tinker Bell for Disney in 1953 animated classic is still flying high at 96 She said: 'At that time, they didnt have electronics. Everything was done by hand. 'So, they cast a person in the role and then filmed them with 35-millimeter film.' It took nine months to complete the live-action reference shoots for Tinker Bell as she also documented her career in 2016 memoir Tinker Bell Talks! Tales Of A Pixie Dusted Life. The star also shared the story about how she reunited and married her long-lost love after 70 years apart. In 2019, she reconnected with WWII veteran ex-boyfriend Robert Boeke who was 94 at the time after his friends reached out via email. He was abroad on the 75th anniversary of D-Day and called her from France. Kerry recalled to Woman's World: 'You dont think I wasnt impressed? Id been a widow for 20 years. I wasnt thinking of getting together with anyone.' They actually had planned on meeting at Mayberry Days at the time but Boeke was unable to as he had his 94th birthday party to attend, however, three weeks later he drove eight hours to meet her as Kerry sweetly said: 'It was love at second sight.' Kerry appeared at the annual Mayberry Days, which is a celebration of The Andy Griffith Show taking place in Mount Airy, North Carolina , back in September where she very impressively tap danced for the crowd at the age of 96 (she is seen in LA back in 2018) Kerry (pioctured in August 2004) pantomimed her iconic Disney character of Tinker Bell as she described the process of starring in the classic 1953 flick She said: 'At that time, they didnt have electronics. Everything was done by hand. So, they cast a person in the role and then filmed them with 35-millimeter film' In 2019, she reconnected with WWII veteran ex-boyfriend Robert Boeke who was 94 at the time after his friends reached out via email as they married on Valentine's Day 2020 Kerry and Boeke picked up right where they left off as the actress revealed: 'I proposed to him. What else was I supposed to do? He wasn't saying anything.' The two finally had their happy ending several decades later as they marred on Valentine's Day 2020 at the Little Brown Church in Studio City, California. They are enjoying their active life together as Kerry also revealed to Woman's World: 'He still drives. Does the best left-hand turns Ive ever seen. He cooks, too. And he has a Costco cardwhich I can use.' Kerry was born Peggy Lynch in May 11, 1929 but ultimately took her stage name when she began her acting career. She had been married twice before as she wed Dick Brown in 1951 before they split in 1984. Kerry later tied the knot with John Wilcox in 1987 and remained married until he died in 1999. Blake Lively stepped out for a rare public outing in Westport, Connecticut, ahead of the holidays amid her heated legal battle with Justin Baldoni. The actress, who was recently accused of improvising an unscripted kiss while filming It Ends With Us, kept a low profile as she ran errands at Trader Joe's. While browsing the aisles, the Gossip Girl star, 38, looked cozy in a chunky taupe knit cardigan, distressed patchwork jeans, a white beanie and tan UGG boots. Among the items spotted in her shopping bags were Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips, Trader Joe's Organic Popcorn with Olive Oil, Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers and what appeared to be fresh pomegranate seeds. The outing marks a rare sighting of Lively, who has largely stayed out of the public eye as her increasingly tense legal dispute with Baldoni continues behind the scenes. Despite the ongoing turmoil, she appeared calm and relaxed, chatting with store staff at the checkout before leaving with several of the brand's brown paper bags in hand. Blake Lively stepped out for a rare public outing in Westport, Connecticut, ahead of the holidays amid her heated legal battle with Justin Baldoni Lively appeared to be shopping solo, without husband Ryan Reynolds or any of their four children: James, nine, Inez, seven, Betty, four, and Olin, one. The couple own a $6 million home in Pound Ridge, New York, set on 11.65 acres and featuring seven bedrooms, a guest house and a barn. Reynolds was most recently seen last week while speaking at The Wall Street Journal CMO Council Summit in New York City. 'I'm screwed if people start agreeing with me because I'm the boss or something,' he said on stage. The Deadpool actor explained that he enjoys 'dissent' in the workplace and once struggled as a young performer with 'strong opinions' on how to voice creative disagreements. 'They don't say "this producer's movie flopped" or "this director's" - that's me. So if I'm going to be on that headline, I'd like to be the architect of my own demise or success,' he said. While browsing the aisles, the Gossip Girl star, 38, looked cozy in a chunky taupe knit cardigan, distressed patchwork jeans, a stylish, white beanie and tan UGG boots The actress, who was recently accused of improvising an unscripted kiss while filming It Ends With Us, appeared to keep a low profile as she ran errands at Trader Joe's Reynolds added that he now feels more comfortable taking 'control' and admitted compliance makes him feel 'ill.' 'When I go outside, I get pats on the back, and it's a selfie parade, and I oblige everyone, pretty much, and my kids only see that,' he said. 'So I've learned lately to make sure to talk about the failures, and how that is literally the base and ingredient for everything else.' Lively appeared to be shopping solo, as she was not accompanied by her husband Ryan Reynolds or any of their four children: James, 9, Inez, 7, Betty, 4, and Olin, 1; seen in April Lively's sighting comes weeks after Baldoni filed a bombshell deleted scene in his motion for summary judgment, alleging Lively engaged in unscripted physical contact during filming. The minute-long hospital hallway clip, shot in May 2023, shows Lively's character Lily walking up to Baldoni's Ryle, grabbing his arms, planting a quick kiss on him and walking away smiling. According to Baldoni's legal team, the kiss was not in the script, and Lively not only approved it but oversaw the scene and added it to every take. It comes just weeks after Baldoni filed a bombshell deleted scene as part of his motion for summary judgment, alleging she engaged in a unscripted physical contact during filming In December 2024, Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation - allegations he firmly denies. Baldoni later filed his own defamation complaint against Lively, Reynolds and her publicist Leslie Sloane, and separately launched a $400 million suit against The New York Times, accusing the paper of defaming him with its reporting on Lively's claims. He denies all wrongdoing. His counterclaims were dismissed in June, leaving Lively's sexual harassment lawsuit as the only case still standing. According to court papers reported by the Daily Mail last month, the judge appears to have thrown out his remaining claims against Lively, Reynolds and the Times. The film, which also starred Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj, Brandon Sklenar and Kevin McKidd, is based on Colleen Hoover's 2016 novel and centers on a toxic relationship between Lily (Lively) and Ryle (Baldoni). New Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Rachel Zoe has revealed who asked for a divorce when she was wed to Rodger Berman. The 54-year-old blonde stylist made it clear that it was she who decided to end the 26-year union after starting their romance 33 years ago. 'When I made the decision to leave my marriage, it was like, okay, next,' the pal of Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton told People. The reality TV diva made it clear it was she who 'made the decision' to move on, but did not say what made her want to stop being Mrs Berman. Previously, Zoe had said the split was a mutual decision. The design wiz will discuss her shock divorce when the Bravo series returns on December 4. The fashion expert filed for divorce in July, 10 months after they first announced their separation. New Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Rachel Zoe has revealed who asked for a divorce when she was wed to Rodger Berman: it was she. Seen on November 8 in West Hollywood Rachel announced her split from Rodger, whom she wed in 1996, on social media in September 2024; pictured in October 2023 The subject of divorce came up when Zoe said, 'Im really trying to help as many women as possible. I mean, probably at least 30% of the women in my life are going through a separation or a divorce. 'The question I kept getting asked and still get asked is: "Why am I so okay coming out of a relationship that really transcended my entire adult life?" It's because I'm independent financially, professionally and socially. I think that there isn't enough emphasis put on the importance of that.' She then added, 'Ironically, something came across my feed this morning with Reese Witherspoon doing an interview talking about just that: how critical it is for women to be independent. 'You have to have your own things to wake up for every day. I think because of that, when I made the decision to leave my marriage, it was like, okay, next. No matter what life throws at you, you have to be able to stand up on your own. You just have to.' The red carpet fixture also said: 'I feel different on every level. I'm very honest about where I am and what I'm dealing with on [RHOBH}. I think my goal is really to share the reality of my life. And everyone's going through stuff, right?' Zoe first met Berman in 1991, while they were both students at George Washington University. The exes are parents to sons Skyler, 14, and Kaius, 11; pictured in March 2024 in Beverly Hills Zoe and Berman met in the early '90s while they were students at George Washington University; that was over 33 years ago After graduation, the two moved to New York City for work; he is in finance and she is in fashion. She wrote in the split announcement, 'After 33 years together and 26 years married, Rodger and I have come to the mutual decision to end our marriage. 'We are incredibly proud of the loving family we have created and our countless memories together,' she continued. 'Our number one priority has been and will always be our children. We are committed to coparent our boys and to continue to work together within the many businesses we share. We ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this new chapter.' She signed off, 'With love and gratitude Rachel & Rodger.' The multi-hyphenate filed for divorce in July of this year. 'When I made the decision to leave my marriage, it was like, okay, next,' the pal of Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton told People. She made it clear is was she who 'made the decision.' Seen in October in Beverly Hills Zoe moved to Los Angeles in 2002. She started working with Jennifer Garner. Lindsay Lohan, Kate Hudson and Mischa Barton. She became a star when she started dressing Nicole Richie in hippie chic in 2005. And when Zoe said bad press pulled her down, she said 'clients at the time like Salma Hayek and Jennifer Garner and Eva Mendes and Cameron Diaz who were so instrumental in helping me through.' She noted: 'They would say, "You know who you are, and we know who you are, so who is it that youre worried about?" It was this fear of people believing what they read. But in the public eye you get to this point where you have to give zero f**** about what people think of you.' Comedian Louis CK has been spotted passionately kissing Philip Seymour Hoffman's longtime partner Mimi O'Donnell - 11 years after the Oscar winner's fatal overdose. The controversial 58-year-old was infamously 'canceled' after admitting to multiple sexual misconduct allegations in 2017. CK, who was more recently forced to defend performing at a Saudi comedy festival, was seen arm-in-arm with O'Donnell during a romantic stroll in New York City, stopping several times to passionately kiss, placing his hand on the back of her head. O'Donnell, believed to be 55, is now Spotify's head of scripted fiction. She shared a 15-year relationship and three children with Hoffman, the Capote star who died in 2014 at 46 after a devastating heroin relapse. It marks her first public romance since Hoffman's death. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Louis CK for comment and has yet to hear back. Comedian Louis CK - who was 'canceled' after admitting to multiple sexual misconduct allegations in 2017 - was seen kissing Philip Seymour Hoffman's widow more than a decade after the Oscar winner died of an accidental drug overdose O'Donnell has been spotted packing on the PDA with the Grammy-winning comedian - born Louis Alfred Szekely - as he passionately put his hand on the back of her head The father of O'Donnell's three children, Hoffman, died of an accidental drug overdose in his Manhattan apartment in February 2014, at the age of 46 (the former couple in LA in 2006) O'Donnell declined to comment to the Daily Mail. CK, born Louis Alfred Szekely, was previously married to Alix Bailey and has two daughters. He has also been linked to Fiona Apple, Sarah Silverman, Blanche Gardin and Dasha Nekrasova. CK became one of the first high-profile figures swept up in the #MeToo movement in 2017, when five women accused him of exposing himself and masturbating in front of them in nonconsensual and often bizarre circumstances. The next day, he admitted, 'These stories are true,' and apologized. Hollywood quickly cut ties, pulling him from projects and replacing him in roles that had already been filmed. Some comedians, including Chris Rock and Sarah Silverman, defended his right to return to the stage. Others, including Judd Apatow and Rose Byrne, said it was too soon. CK launched a comeback in 2019 and has been steadily rebuilding his stand-up career since. The controversial 58-year-old comedian was seen passionately smooching Mimi O'Donnell during a recent romantic stroll in New York City O'Donnell - who is the head of scripted fiction at Spotify - was in a 15-year relationship with the Capote actor and they had three children together before his passing in February 2014 As if the kissing wasn't already enough, the two strolled arm-in-arm on the walk with a dog O'Donnell has not had any other public romantic relationships aside from actor Hoffman He has a string of sold-out shows for his current Ridiculous tour with two shows at New York's Beacon Theatre tomorrow and Wednesday. He then heads to California for nine stand-up gigs before ringing in the New Year back in Brooklyn at Kings Theatre. O'Donnell, who lives in a multimillion-dollar West Village home, recently made headlines as an early supporter of New York City's new Democratic Socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani. She appeared in one of his first TV ads in April, jumping up and down beside the then-candidate while holding a campaign sign. 'I love a progressive candidate. He's got the energy. I love free child care, free buses,' she told the New York Post. The father of O'Donnell's three children, Hoffman, died of an accidental drug overdose in his Manhattan apartment in February 2014, at the age of 46. Hoffman's struggle with addiction stretched back to his early 20s, though few in Hollywood ever knew the full story. The actor quietly got sober after graduating from NYU's drama school in 1989 and stayed clean for more than 20 years, keeping his past heroin use so private that even close colleagues were unaware of the severity of his early battles. But he secretly relapsed in 2012, beginning with prescription opioids before sliding back into heroin. Friends later said his habit escalated at alarming speed, with the Oscar winner allegedly spending up to $10,000 a month on drugs in the year before his death. Hoffman even checked himself into a detox facility for just ten days in May 2013, a short stay that those close to him saw as a worrying sign he wasn't confronting the relapse. The addiction eventually fractured his long-term relationship with O'Donnell. She separated from Hoffman months before his death because he wasn't addressing his drug use, though the two continued co-parenting their three children. CK was married to Alix Bailey from 1995 to 2008 and they share two children together Hoffman's critically acclaimed performances include Capote (2005), for which he won an Academy Award, Doubt (2008), and The Master (2012); seen in a still from Capote The American Hustle star has also been romantically linked to Fiona Apple, Sarah Silverman, Blanche Gardin, and Dasha Nekrasova Years ago, CK became one of the first names involved in a sexual misconduct scandal at the beginning of the #MeToo movement in 2017 O'Donnell seen with the former couple's children Willa, Tallulah and Cooper at Hoffman's funeral in 2014 O'Donnell later described watching the relapse as 'like witnessing a drowning in slow motion,' saying she hoped the distance would force him to seek help. The talented actor, who won a Best Actor Oscar for his work in Capote, was found dead on the bathroom floor of his $10,000-a-month West Village apartment. Police discovered 70 bags of heroin and 20 used needles inside. Hoffman's drug habit allegedly involved narcotics such as heroin and the prescription drug OxyContin. Friends said O'Donnell had separated from him in the months leading up to his death as his addiction spiraled. In November of 2017, a New York Times article was published in which sexual harassment claims were made against CK by five women, most of whom said he masturbated in front of them in nonconsensual and often bizarre circumstances He also played Freddie Miles, a boisterous American living in Italy, in the cult classic The Talented Mr Ripley (1999); seen with Jude Law in a still The following day, the ostracized star released a statement in which he admitted that the stories published were true, and apologized for the harm he had caused Back in April, O'Donnell made a surprise appearance in Mamdani's first television ad as she could be seen excitedly jumping up and down while holding up a poster next to the then-mayoral candidate Hoffman is seen celebrating his Best Actor Oscar for Capote alongside Reese Witherspoon, who won for Walk The Line in 2006 HAPPYish was Hoffman's last filmed role, playing a depressed, middle-aged creative director They had three children: son Cooper, now 22, and daughters Tallulah, 18, and Willa, 16. The actor won an Academy Award for Capote (2005) and earned further acclaim for Doubt (2008), The Master (2012), and the cult classic, The Talented Mr Ripley (1999). His final completed film, A Most Wanted Man, a spy thriller, was released after his passing in 2014. Tara Reid has claimed she was drugged and left unconscious in a terrifying incident in the early hours of Sunday morning. Alarming video obtained by TMZ shows the American Pie star, 50, being placed into a wheelchair before being taken away on a stretcher to a nearby hospital. She is seen speaking incoherently to people assisting her and at one point seemingly slips off the wheelchair as she was maneuvered by security through a hotel lobby. Reid is helped back into the chair before paramedics take her on a stretcher. Speaking with the publication, Reid claimed the incident happened at a hotel bar outside of Chicago - although the exact location is not currently known. A representative for Reid told the Daily Mail: 'Tara Reid has filed a police report after an incident in which she believes her drink was tampered with. Tara Reid has claimed she was drugged and left unconscious in a terrifying incident in the early hours of Sunday morning; pictured November 12 'She is cooperating fully with the investigation. Tara is recovering and asks for privacy during this traumatic time. 'She also urges everyone to be careful, watch your drinks and never leave them unattended, as this can happen to anyone. She will not be making further comments at this stage.' Reid claimed she checked into the hotel on late Saturday and went to the bar downstairs for a drink. She ordered a beverage and then went outside to smoke a cigarette. As she walked through the lobby, she claims she crossed paths with a number of YouTubers, and one of them joined her outside for the smoke. A napkin was covering Reid's drink when she returned to the bar, she claimed - however she says she never placed the napkin atop her beverage. Reid then says she took the napkin off the cup and proceeded to consume the beverage. But then, the outlet writes, 'the next thing she remembers, she was in the hospital.' Reid has struggled with substance abuse in the past however she insisted to TMZ she only had one drink on Sunday night. The person who recorded the video told TMZ that prior to the arrival of paramedics, Reid was screaming, 'You don't know who I am. I am famous. I'm an actress.' Speaking with the publication, Reid claimed the incident happened at a hotel bar outside of Chicago - although the exact location is not currently known Reid, pictured second R, is memorably known for her role in the high school film American Pie Speaking with TMZ Live on Monday, Reid detailed the alleged incident and revealed she had not yet filed a police report nor was fully aware of what measures were done at the hospital to confirm she had been drugged. 'So I got to the hotel, I checked in, and then I went downstairs to have a drink and have a cigarette, and I got my drink and I left it at the bar, and I went outside, smoked a cigarette, and there was a bunch of YouTubers there in the lobby, like everywhere. And they're videotaping stuff and, you know, everything. It was just weird,' she said. 'And I went back to the bar, and my drink was covered up with a napkin. And I thought, "that was weird," cause I never put that over my drink. And then I drank my drink and without even finishing my drink, I just passed out. And before I knew it, I was in the hospital, eight hours later.' When asked if any tests were done to determine the drugs or if a blood alcohol test was conducted, she said, 'No, they just said that, "You were drugged." That's what they said. They said, "you got drugged last night at the bar."' When asked if anything was tested to determine what drug it was, she said, 'No, I didn't ask. It was all kind of vague. It was all like very blurry, do you know what I mean?... I can't even explain it because I don't even know what happened.' 'The odd thing, to me is, that if you're going to the hospital in an unconscious state, it would seem they'd want to know what drug it was to know how to deal with it and treat you,' Harvey Levin said. 'I don't know,' Reid said. 'Cause I was unconscious, so I don't know what they did, you know what I mean? 'I mean, I had someone, a lady sitting next to the room with me, you know, watching over me. At one point, she was Mexican, I mean one point I thought I was in Mexico, 'cause she wasn't speaking English. And I was like, "what is going...", I was so confused what was happening. And then my agent came and picked me up and then we went to a signing, we did it and left. I came back home. Speaking with TMZ Live on Monday, Reid detailed the alleged incident and revealed she had not yet filed a police report nor was fully aware of what measures were done at the hospital to confirm she had been drugged 'It was just a big blur,' she continued. 'Have you filed a police report? Do you intend to? Are you going to try to... I mean, there's certainly probably surveillance videos, I would imagine in this hotel lobby that might reveal what happened,' Charles Latibeaudiere asked. 'Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely,' Reid said. 'I mean, this just happened. I just got back last night, so I mean this is all just happening right now. It's really scary, you guys, I mean the whole thing is really scary. 'I'm just glad that I was in a public place, you know what I mean? Like, and there was security there to help me, cause I mean, if this happened at... not a public place, I mean you could get raped,' she said, stuttering the word 'public' several times. 'You could get... a lot of things could go really, really, really wrong.' Levin said his antennae popped up when Reid had mentioned having a single drink due her previous struggles with substance abuse and asked if she saw herself as someone who is now able to regulate their drinking. 'Oh yeah, absolutely. I mean, I only had a drink of wine. I don't drink hard liquor or anything like that at all. I just had a glass of wine and a cigarette and that was it... didn't expect that to happen at all!' In 2008 Reid sought help for substance abuse at Promise's rehab in Malibu. 'Rehab saved my life,' she told In Touch in 2009. 'Before I used to think about tomorrow and I hated it. Now I can't wait because I am clean and sober and I am excited.' The latest incident comes shortly after Daily Mail learned that Reid split from boyfriend of six years, 43-year-old music producer Nathan Montpetit-Howar. The former American Pie cast member broke it off after she felt the romance had 'run its course' and become 'bad for her.' Reid has also recently split from music producer Nathan Montpetit-Howar; pictured October 2024 She attended the launch of ARTISA in Los Angeles earlier this month, with a friend telling Daily Mail: 'She looked single and ready to mingle.' 'Tara is not crying into her pillow at home. She is in a good place,' the friend said. The source added, 'Ive not seen her this happy in years and it really shows in her smile, the way she carries herself, her energy, everything about her is just lighter and brighter! 'Im so proud of her shes getting Best Actress Awards left and right, shes producing her own movies, shes embracing her new energy as a woman who really knows what she wants. Shes making great decisions including becoming single and embracing it.' It was added that the romance had not been the best in recent months. 'I think a lot of times women get trapped in bad relationships and they just let it drag them down endlessly, that definitely happened to her but she was strong enough and loved herself enough to say Not Anymore!' added the pal. Reid played Vicky Lathum in the legendary teen film 'She walked away because she knows she deserves better.' Reid rose to fame in the late nineties, particularly for her role as Vicky Lathum in the American Pie film series. She is also known for roles in films like The Big Lebowski, Josie & The Pussycats and the Sharknado movies. Tara has spoken about having cosmetic surgery in the past. Back in 2004, she had a joint liposuction-breast enhancement operation which went wrong. She previously said of the procedure: 'I got lipo because even though I was skinny, I wanted - Im not going to lie a six-pack. 'I had body contouring, but it all went wrong. My stomach became the most ripply, bulgy thing.' Due to her naturally thin frame, she has previously faced eating disorders rumours. 'I have no anorexia and never have,' she told the Los Angeles Inquisitor in a past interview. She is also known for roles in films like The Big Lebowski, Josie & The Pussycats and the Sharknado movies; pictured 2013 in Sharknado 'And I definitely don't have any bulimia. I'm terrified of throwing up, so that's not gonna happen. And I love food too much.' The star also described speculation about her weight as a form of bullying, saying: 'So anyone that says I'm anorexic or bulimic, they're wrong. So stop it. 'Leave me alone. Pick on me again on something else, but not on those two things. It's not right.' Along with her film roles, Tara has also done reality TV. She appeared on Celebrity Big Brother UK in 2011 where she became good friends with former X Factor stars Jedward. In 2023, she appeared on Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, a quasi-military training series alongside the likes of Blac Chyna, Brian Austin Green and Jack Osbourne. Kim Kardashian's legal drama All's Fair from Ryan Murphy has been renewed for a second season. The series, which also starred Sarah Paulson, Glenn Close, Naomi Watts and Niecy Nash, got high ratings for Hulu when it premiered on November 4. Alls Fair had an impressive debut as it logged in 3.2 million views, which was calculated as total viewing minutes divided by running time, worldwide in the three days following its November 4 premiere. The series had plenty of media surrounding the release as it starred so many big names and there were many premieres for the show about an all-female law firm, which led to the high numbers. Kim Kardashian's legal drama All's Fair from Ryan Murphy has been renewed for a second season The series, which also starred Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts and Niecy Nash, got high ratings for Hulu when it premiered on November 4 Hulu proudly announced that All's Fair saw the best start for an original scripted series on the platform in three years. The TV critics were not kind, making Kardashian joke about it on Instagram, though fans have praised the show. Alls Fair stars Kardashian as Allura Grant, a high-powered divorce lawyer in Los Angeles whose firm specializes in winning big settlements for their female clients. There were many celebrity names attached to the show, not just the leads but also the guest stars which included Jessica Simpson, Elizabeth Berkley, Brooke Shields, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Judith Light. This is some bright news for the Keeping Up With The Kardashians veteran after she got some sad news earlier this month. Last week 45-year-old TV personality revealed she did not pass the California bat which she took in July. 'Well...I'm not a lawyer yet, I just play a very well-dressed one on TV,' she began, referencing to her new Hulu series All's Fair. 'Six years into this law journey, and I'm still all in until I pass the bar. No shortcuts, no giving up - just more studying and even more determination.' The show premiered only three weeks ago, but there were hints there would be another season when Kardashian asked for one on social media Kim then sent gratitude to those who have 'supported and encouraged me along the way so far.' The mom-of-four concluded her statement with a positive message and stated that she nearly passed the bar exam. 'Falling short isn't failure - it's fuel. I was so close to passing the exam and that only motivates me even more. Let's Go!!!!!!!!!!' A source close to Kim also told TMZ on the same day that the aspiring lawyer wanted to share how she fared on the bar exam for her fans. Before the results were made public on Sunday, Kim reportedly wanted to announce it herself. The insider explained that the social media personality wanted to continue being open about her journey to become a lawyer as she has done in the past. Kardashian and Watts seen on the show All's Fair The source also added that she knew her fans would be interested in knowing how she did. Late last month during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, the reality star explained that she had taken the bar exam in July and that she was awaiting her results. The SKIMS founder also expressed at the time that if the results showed that she passed, she had plans to be a lawyer in two weeks. 'I took the bar exam in July. I get the results a few days after our [All's Fair] premiere. So in two weeks. So everyone please pray for me. I worked really hard,' Kim said. She further opened up about her goal to work in the legal field by adding, 'Maybe in 10 years, I think I'll give up being Kim K and be a trial lawyer. That's what I really want.' Back in May, the media personality reached a major milestone as she graduated from her law school program following a six year journey. The star celebrated the big moment by taking part in a backyard ceremony which she gave a glimpse of on social media. Kim took part in the four-year California Law Office Study Program (LOSP) rather than attending traditional law school. The TV personality - who took the exam back in July - jumped to her Instagram stories this month to share that she did not pass, but has no intentions of giving up Back in May, the media personality reached a major milestone as she graduated from her law school program following a six year journey Kim's late father Robert Kardashian had been a lawyer and notably was the defense attorney for O.J. Simpson amid his 1995 murder trial; the pair seen above in 1995 in L.A. During the ceremony, her mentor had opened up about the star's 'fierce desire to fight for justice' and also expressed that Kim is full of 'determination.' They also applauded the TV personality for finishing the program while simultaneously 'raising four children, running businesses, filming television shows, and showing up in courtrooms to advocate for others.' A second mentor discussed how Kim has 'advocated for clemency, helped reunite families, and brought national attention to the most broken parts of our legal system.' Kim's late father Robert Kardashian had been a lawyer and notably was the defense attorney for O.J. Simpson amid his 1995 murder trial. George Clooney and wife Amal are mobbed by fans as they departed Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris on Monday evening. The actor, 64, and his wife, 47, enjoyed a date night at the lavish five star hotel after he revealed why he turned his back on Hollywood to raise his twins. The couple, who tied the knot in 2014 and share two children, Alexander and Ella, eight, looked in high spirits as they exited holding hands. As the couple departed, they were guided to their waiting car by their security team as fans and photographers lined the entrance to catch a glimpse of the pair. George cut a dapper figure for the evening in a navy suit which he paired with a smart black T-shirt and tinted red glasses. Meanwhile Amal put on a leggy display in a glittering black minidress which she teamed with a stylish black leather jacket. George Clooney and wife Amal are mobbed by fans as they departed Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris on Monday evening The actor, 64, and his wife, 47, enjoyed a date night at the lavish five star hotel after he revealed why he turned his back on Hollywood to raise his twins Styling her brunette tresses in waves, the stunner elevated her frame in a pair of towering knee high boots and opted for a pair of opaque tights. Amal toted her belongings in a black handbag as she was shielded from the rain under an umbrella held by her security. Despite being one of the biggest names in the movie industry, George and his family left the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles behind for a farm in France. Now George revealed that his kids are having a 'much better life' growing up out of the spotlight. He told Esquire magazine: 'I was worried about raising our kids in LA, in the culture of Hollywood. 'I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life.' The Jay Kelly actor pointed out that the culture in France is very different to the US, explaining they 'don't give a s*** about fame'. He added: 'I don't want them being compared to somebody else's famous kids.' The couple, who tied the knot in 2014 and share two children, Alexander and Ella, eight, looked in high spirits as they exited holding hands As the couple departed, they were guided to their waiting car by their security team as fans and photographers lined the entrance to catch a glimpse of the pair Amal put on a leggy display in a glittering black minidress which she teamed with a stylish black leather jacket and knee high boots George cut a dapper figure for the evening in a navy suit which he paired with a smart black T-shirt and tinted red glasses The couple were escorted out of the lavish hotel following a romantic date night George was in good spirits as he flashed a huge smile as he headed to his waiting car George stays clear of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, but is worried about what will happen to his kids when they eventually get their own accounts. Last month, he told Julia Roberts for 72 Magazine: 'The risks are so much bigger and the consequences follow you for so much longer. 'I'm worried about my kids; we keep them off the internet as much as we can. 'But, you know, some of their homework is done on a computer.' There's no doubt George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney live a very luxe life with an estimated net worth of $550 million (409M) combined. Yet, the megastar insists he lives a 'normal' life - despite the power couple owning multiple homes around the world. Following the success of his Broadway play Good Night, and Good Luck, the 64-year-old's next film is Jay Kelly, in which he coincidentally stars as a 'famous movie actor.' When asked by DailyMail.com at the premiere during the New York Film Festival whether he craves normalcy like his character, he revealed he indeed does have 'normalcy' in his life. 'I have normalcy. You know, I drive my kids to school every morning,' he insisted. 'I have normalcy - except for this!' He then admitted he does have somewhat of a 'pampered' life, which he tries to shield from his and Amal's eight-year-old twins. He explained: 'They didn't come to the set much. They came a couple of times. I try to keep the kids away from that experience right now. 'I'm not quite sure what they would think about it. I don't want them to think we're too pampered.' A Houthi-controlled court in Yemens Capital convicted 17 people of spying for foreign Governments and sentenced them to death in the latest development in a years-long Houthi crackdown on local staff from foreign agencies. The Specialised Criminal Court in Sanaa handed down the verdict on Saturday, according to the Houthi-run SABA news agency. The people convicted were part of espionage cells within a spy network affiliated with the American, Israeli and Saudi intelligence, said the court, which handed down a death sentence by firing squad in public. The court also sentenced a man and a woman to 10 years in prison, while another defendant was acquitted. Saturdays verdict can be appealed, said Abdulbasit Ghazi, a lawyer representing some of the defendants who were convicted. The defendants were accused of spying with foreign countries in a state of enmity with Yemen during the 2024-2025 period, SABA reported. Prosecutors said the defendants collaborated with intelligence officers from Saudi Arabia, Britain and the United States, as well as Israels Mossad intelligence service, SABA reported. The defendants provided the enemies with information about dozens of locations and movements of the state leaders, as well as information about the missiles which led to the targeting of several military, security and civilian sites resulting in the death of dozens and widespread destruction of infrastructure, SABA reported. The verdict was the latest in a years-long crackdown by the Houthis in the areas of Yemen under their control. The Iranian-backed rebels have imprisoned thousands of people during Yemens civil war that began in 2014, including United Nations staff members detained in June. Over the course of the past two years, the rebels have detained dozens in a crackdown focused on the UN and others working for international aid groups and foreign embassies. The rebels repeatedly alleged without evidence that they were spies. Courts in Sanaa and other Houthi-held areas in Yemen previously gave harsh sentences to those accused of collaborating with the Saudi-led coalition. The rebels executed nine people who were convicted of involvement in the killing of a senior Houthi official in an airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition in April 2018. India, Brazil and Indonesia had laid the foundation for the G20 Leaders Summit that ended on Sunday afternoon following two days of deliberations, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his closing address. We learnt a lot from what Indonesia, India and Brazil did. In many ways, what we see having unfolded here was based on the foundations that those three countries of the Global South put in place, Ramaphosa said. The G20 South Africa Leaders Declaration is more than words. It is a commitment to concrete action that will improve the lives of people in every part of the world. Our agreement on a Declaration during this summit demonstrates the value of the G20 as a forum that can facilitate joint action on issues of shared concern not only for the leaders, but shared concern for the peoples of the world. More than that, it reaffirms our renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation and our recognition that our shared goals outweigh our differences, the president said. Thanking the G20 members for their attendance, Ramaphosa said their top of form commitment had been vital in reaffirming the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation. We have met this year in the face of significant challenges and demonstrated our ability to come together even in times of great difficulty to pursue a better world, he said. The president reaffirmed that the greatest opportunity for prosperity in the 21st century lies in Africa. We have sought to place Africas growth and development at the heart of the G20s agenda. Harnessing that opportunity will require a strong partnership between Africa and the G20 and indeed between Africa and the rest of the world, Ramaphosa said. Reiterating elements of the Declaration, Ramaphosa said the G20 has called for an end to conflicts and wars around the globe and for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, to end poverty in all its forms, to reduce inequality within and among countries and to take urgent action to combat climate change. The G20 has pledged to extend support to low and middle income countries as they confront debt vulnerabilities, he added. Other decisions Ramaphosa reflected on included mobilising finance for a just energy transition, climate change actions, energy security, affordability and universal access and the importance of supporting developing economies in their transition to low carbon emissions. During this summit, we reaffirmed our support for the G20 Critical Minerals Framework, a cooperative blueprint to ensure that critical mineral resources drive prosperity and sustainable development across the globe, Ramaphosa added. He also highlighted the mandate given to the South African Presidency at the 2024 Rio de Janeiro Summit, which led to the G20@20 Review, drawing on the diverse perspectives of participating members and guest countries. It is our hope that recommendations of the review will serve as a helpful guide for the G20 to ensure that it remains fit for purpose in an ever-changing world, he said. Ramaphosa said the G20 must act boldly and act together to create an environment of inclusive growth, reduced inequality and sustainable development. We have laid the foundation of solidarity, now we must build the walls of justice and the roof of prosperity. Let us move forward together, demonstrating to the world that we have the capacity to confront and overcome the worlds challenges. Through partnerships across society and by remembering our common humanity, we can create a more secure, a more just and a more prosperous world. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind, Ramaphosa concluded as he downed the gavel to end the summit. The gavel would have been handed over to the US for the next annual Presidency, but President Donald Trump earlier declared that there would be no US participation at the summit. The US also tried to halt the adoption of the Declaration in its absence and at the last moment requested accreditation for a junior team to accept the handover, which South Africa declined as a breach of protocol. It will now be handed over on Monday at the offices of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. Shares of AAR Corp. (NYSE:AIR Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the five research firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $89.3333. A number of analysts have recently issued reports on AIR shares. Zacks Research lowered AAR from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Truist Financial raised their price objective on AAR from $81.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 24th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of AAR in a report on Thursday, November 13th. KeyCorp increased their target price on shares of AAR from $86.00 to $93.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of AAR from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, November 2nd. Get AAR alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AAR Insiders Place Their Bets Hedge Funds Weigh In On AAR In other news, CEO John Mcclain Holmes III sold 38,462 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.50, for a total transaction of $3,211,577.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 260,141 shares in the company, valued at $21,721,773.50. The trade was a 12.88% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . 3.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. acquired a new position in AAR during the third quarter worth $341,000. Castleark Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of AAR during the 3rd quarter worth $7,550,000. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co boosted its position in shares of AAR by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 31,623 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $2,780,000 after acquiring an additional 997 shares during the last quarter. Caxton Associates LLP purchased a new stake in shares of AAR in the third quarter valued at about $933,000. Finally, Dark Forest Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of AAR in the third quarter valued at about $1,011,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.74% of the companys stock. AAR Stock Up 0.3% AIR stock opened at $77.56 on Friday. AAR has a 52 week low of $46.51 and a 52 week high of $89.69. The company has a quick ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 2.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $81.97 and a 200-day simple moving average of $74.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 99.44 and a beta of 1.53. AAR (NYSE:AIR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 28th. The aerospace company reported $0.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. AAR had a return on equity of 12.29% and a net margin of 1.01%.The company had revenue of $553.30 million for the quarter. Equities analysts forecast that AAR will post 3.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. AAR Company Profile (Get Free Report) AAR Corp. provides products and services to commercial aviation, government, and defense markets worldwide. The Parts Supply segment leases and sells aircraft components and replacement parts. The Repair & Engineering segment provides airframe maintenance services, such as airframe inspection, painting, line maintenance, airframe modification, structural repair, avionics service and installation, exterior and interior refurbishment, and engineering and support services; component repair services comprising maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, engine and airframe accessories, and interior refurbishment; and landing gear overhaul services, including repair services on wheels and brakes. See Also Receive News & Ratings for AAR Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AAR and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Workspace Group Plc (LON:WKP Get Free Report) insider Manju Malhotra acquired 2,724 shares of Workspace Group stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 367 per share, with a total value of 9,997.08. Workspace Group Trading Up 0.8% LON:WKP opened at GBX 367.50 on Monday. Workspace Group Plc has a 12 month low of GBX 360 and a 12 month high of GBX 569. The company has a current ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 0.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 57.43. The firms 50 day moving average is GBX 399.90 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 406.57. The stock has a market capitalization of 706.54 million, a PE ratio of 131.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 1.04. Get Workspace Group alerts: Workspace Group (LON:WKP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 19th. The company reported GBX (37) EPS for the quarter. Workspace Group had a negative return on equity of 12.20% and a negative net margin of 104.45%. Sell-side analysts expect that Workspace Group Plc will post 36.7630058 earnings per share for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and set a GBX 403 price target on shares of Workspace Group in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Peel Hunt reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 500 price objective on shares of Workspace Group in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on shares of Workspace Group from GBX 516 to GBX 490 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of GBX 464.33. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Workspace Group About Workspace Group (Get Free Report) Workspace is London's leading owner and operator of flexible workspace, currently managing 4.7 million sq. ft. of sustainable space at 79 locations in London and the South East. We are home to some 4,000 of London's fastest growing and established brands from a diverse range of sectors. Our purpose, to give businesses the freedom to grow, is based on the belief that in the right space, teams can achieve more. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Workspace Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Workspace Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kingfisher PLC (OTCMKTS:KGFHY Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Reduce from the six analysts that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have given a hold recommendation and one has assigned a buy recommendation to the company. A number of equities analysts have weighed in on KGFHY shares. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded Kingfisher from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered Kingfisher from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, August 26th. Finally, UBS Group assumed coverage on shares of Kingfisher in a research note on Monday, July 28th. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. Get Kingfisher alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Kingfisher Kingfisher Stock Up 2.7% Kingfisher Cuts Dividend Kingfisher stock opened at $7.68 on Wednesday. Kingfisher has a fifty-two week low of $5.47 and a fifty-two week high of $8.42. The firms fifty day moving average price is $7.87 and its 200-day moving average price is $7.61. The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 19th. Stockholders of record on Monday, October 13th were given a dividend of $0.0908 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 10th. This represents a dividend yield of 369.0%. Kingfisher Company Profile (Get Free Report) Kingfisher plc, together with its subsidiaries, supplies home improvement products and services primarily in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and internationally. It also operates retail stores under the B&Q, Castorama, Brico Depot, Screwfix, TradePoint, and Koctas brands. The company sells its products through stores and e-commerce channels. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Kingfisher Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kingfisher and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of LOreal SA (OTCMKTS:LRLCY Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Hold from the ten research firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have assigned a hold recommendation, one has given a buy recommendation and two have given a strong buy recommendation to the company. Several brokerages have weighed in on LRLCY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised LOreal from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Jefferies Financial Group reissued an underperform rating on shares of LOreal in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Erste Group Bank downgraded shares of LOreal from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of LOreal in a research report on Friday. Finally, DZ Bank upgraded shares of LOreal from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 25th. Get L'Oreal alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on LRLCY LOreal Stock Performance About LOreal Shares of OTCMKTS:LRLCY opened at $83.45 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $85.88 and its two-hundred day moving average is $87.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.19. LOreal has a 52 week low of $66.64 and a 52 week high of $95.10. (Get Free Report) L'Oreal SA, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells cosmetic products for women and men worldwide. The company operates through four divisions: Consumer Products, L'oreal Luxe, Professional Products, and Dermatological Beauty. It offers skincare, make-up, hair colourants, haircare, perfumes, and hygiene products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for L'Oreal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for L'Oreal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Orient Overseas International (OTCMKTS:OROVY Get Free Report) and Navios Maritime Partners (NYSE:NMM Get Free Report) are both transportation companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, analyst recommendations and risk. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Orient Overseas International and Navios Maritime Partnerss gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Orient Overseas International alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Orient Overseas International $10.70 billion N/A $2.58 billion N/A N/A Navios Maritime Partners $1.31 billion 1.19 $367.31 million $8.73 5.99 Dividends Orient Overseas International has higher revenue and earnings than Navios Maritime Partners. Orient Overseas International pays an annual dividend of $7.06 per share and has a dividend yield of 8.3%. Navios Maritime Partners pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.4%. Navios Maritime Partners pays out 2.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Profitability This table compares Orient Overseas International and Navios Maritime Partners net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Orient Overseas International N/A N/A N/A Navios Maritime Partners 23.31% 9.24% 5.04% Risk & Volatility Orient Overseas International has a beta of 1.59, indicating that its stock price is 59% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Navios Maritime Partners has a beta of 1.53, indicating that its stock price is 53% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Orient Overseas International and Navios Maritime Partners, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Orient Overseas International 0 0 0 0 0.00 Navios Maritime Partners 0 1 0 0 2.00 Insider and Institutional Ownership 62.7% of Navios Maritime Partners shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. About Orient Overseas International (Get Free Report) Orient Overseas (International) Limited, an investment holding company, provides container transport and logistics services in Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. The company offers supply chain management services; and containerised shipping services in various trade lanes comprising Trans-Pacific, Trans-Atlantic, Asia/Europe, Asia/Australia, and Intra-Asia trades. It is also involved in shipping and logistics software application development; container transport, equipment owning and leasing, container depot and warehousing, portfolio investment, trucking, ship owning, terminal operating, cargo consolidation and forwarding, liner and freight agency, property owning, and ship management businesses; operating of vessels; and provision of corporate and trucking services. In addition, the company offers AI and blockchain digital data on network applications, and platform design services. The company was incorporated in 1986 and is based in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Orient Overseas (International) Limited is a subsidiary of Faulkner Global Holdings Limited. About Navios Maritime Partners (Get Free Report) Navios Maritime Partners L.P. owns and operates dry cargo vessels in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. The company offers seaborne transportation services for a range of liquid and dry cargo commodities, including crude oil, refined petroleum, chemicals, iron ore, coal, grain, fertilizer, and containers, as well as charters its vessels under short, medium, and longer-term charters. Navios Maritime Partners L.P. was founded in 2007 and is based in Monaco. Receive News & Ratings for Orient Overseas International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Orient Overseas International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. North European Oil Royality Trust (NYSE:NRT Get Free Report) was upgraded by Wall Street Zen to a hold rating in a research report issued on Saturday. Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of North European Oil Royality Trust in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, North European Oil Royality Trust currently has an average rating of Hold. Get North European Oil Royality Trust alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on North European Oil Royality Trust North European Oil Royality Trust Trading Up 0.6% Shares of North European Oil Royality Trust stock opened at $5.73 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $52.62 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.22 and a beta of 0.02. The firms 50-day moving average price is $5.71 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $5.30. North European Oil Royality Trust has a 1-year low of $3.88 and a 1-year high of $6.95. North European Oil Royality Trust (NYSE:NRT Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, August 29th. The energy company reported $0.26 EPS for the quarter. North European Oil Royality Trust had a return on equity of 343.87% and a net margin of 88.33%.The company had revenue of $2.62 million for the quarter. Hedge Funds Weigh In On North European Oil Royality Trust Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC acquired a new stake in North European Oil Royality Trust during the 2nd quarter worth $19,341,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP acquired a new position in shares of North European Oil Royality Trust in the 3rd quarter valued at $134,000. Bank of America Corp DE increased its holdings in North European Oil Royality Trust by 210.5% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 29,500 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $148,000 after purchasing an additional 20,000 shares during the last quarter. Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp lifted its stake in North European Oil Royality Trust by 57.0% in the second quarter. Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp now owns 44,600 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $223,000 after buying an additional 16,200 shares during the period. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC bought a new position in North European Oil Royality Trust during the first quarter worth about $60,000. 6.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. North European Oil Royality Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) North European Oil Royalty Trust, a grantor trust, holds overriding royalty rights covering gas and oil production in various concessions or leases in the Federal Republic of Germany. The company also has rights under contracts with German exploration and development subsidiaries of ExxonMobil Corp. and the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies. See Also Receive News & Ratings for North European Oil Royality Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North European Oil Royality Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance (NYSE:ARI Get Free Report) was downgraded by stock analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report released on Saturday. Several other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance in a research note on Wednesday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price objective on Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance from $10.75 to $11.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance from $10.50 to $11.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $10.88. Get Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance alerts: Read Our Latest Report on ARI Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Stock Performance Insider Transactions at Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance NYSE:ARI opened at $9.92 on Friday. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance has a fifty-two week low of $7.70 and a fifty-two week high of $11.11. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $10.09 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 90.32 and a current ratio of 90.32. The company has a market cap of $1.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.14, a PEG ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 1.60. In other Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance news, CEO Stuart Rothstein sold 52,073 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.78, for a total value of $561,346.94. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 281,781 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,037,599.18. This trade represents a 15.60% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.68% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ARI. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. purchased a new position in Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance in the third quarter worth $151,000. Danske Bank A S bought a new stake in Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance in the third quarter worth about $50,000. RDST Capital LLC purchased a new position in Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance in the third quarter valued at about $1,490,000. Abel Hall LLC bought a new position in shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $122,000. Finally, Caxton Associates LLP bought a new position in shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $749,000. 54.43% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Company Profile (Get Free Report) Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) that originates, acquires, invests in, and manages commercial first mortgage loans, subordinate financings, and other commercial real estate-related debt investments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at Wall Street Zen from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note issued on Saturday. A number of other analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $200.00 to $222.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $225.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $262.00 to $264.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $214.00 to $218.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Packaging Corporation of America in a research note on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $230.17. Get Packaging Corporation of America alerts: Get Our Latest Report on PKG Packaging Corporation of America Stock Performance PKG stock opened at $197.38 on Friday. Packaging Corporation of America has a twelve month low of $172.71 and a twelve month high of $250.82. The company has a quick ratio of 2.32, a current ratio of 3.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The company has a market cap of $17.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 0.92. The businesss fifty day moving average is $206.27 and its 200-day moving average is $201.56. Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The industrial products company reported $2.73 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.83 by ($0.10). The company had revenue of $2.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.29 billion. Packaging Corporation of America had a return on equity of 19.98% and a net margin of 10.18%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.65 earnings per share. Packaging Corporation of America has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 2.400-2.400 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Packaging Corporation of America will post 10.44 EPS for the current year. Insider Transactions at Packaging Corporation of America In other Packaging Corporation of America news, CEO Mark W. Kowlzan sold 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $215.97, for a total value of $5,399,250.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 437,378 shares in the company, valued at approximately $94,460,526.66. The trade was a 5.41% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Packaging Corporation of America A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in Packaging Corporation of America by 108.4% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 2,363,617 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $468,045,000 after purchasing an additional 1,229,219 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Packaging Corporation of America during the 2nd quarter worth about $225,478,000. Millennium Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Packaging Corporation of America by 223.6% during the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,516,562 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $330,504,000 after buying an additional 1,047,902 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in shares of Packaging Corporation of America by 119.9% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,863,359 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $406,082,000 after acquiring an additional 1,015,894 shares in the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in shares of Packaging Corporation of America by 46.5% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,038,859 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $601,755,000 after acquiring an additional 964,085 shares in the last quarter. 89.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Packaging Corporation of America Company Profile (Get Free Report) Packaging Corporation of America engages in the production of container products. It operates through the following segments: Packaging, Paper, and Corporate and Other. The Packaging segment offers a variety of corrugated packaging products, such as conventional shipping containers. The Paper segment manufactures and sells a range of papers, including communication-based papers, and pressure sensitive papers. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Packaging Corporation of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Packaging Corporation of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A Get Free Report) updated its first quarter 2026 earnings guidance on Monday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 1.350-1.380 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 1.420. The company issued revenue guidance of $1.8 billion-$1.8 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $1.8 billion. Agilent Technologies also updated its FY 2026 guidance to 5.860-6.000 EPS. Analysts Set New Price Targets A has been the topic of several recent research reports. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on Agilent Technologies from $141.00 to $142.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 28th. Wall Street Zen raised Agilent Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Agilent Technologies from $140.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, September 15th. Rothschild Redb raised Agilent Technologies to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their target price on shares of Agilent Technologies from $128.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $149.62. Get Agilent Technologies alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies Trading Up 1.3% A stock traded up $1.99 on Monday, reaching $153.24. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,907,500 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,901,624. The firm has a market cap of $43.44 billion, a PE ratio of 35.97, a PEG ratio of 4.67 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 1.71 and a current ratio of 2.25. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $139.65 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $125.37. Agilent Technologies has a 12-month low of $96.43 and a 12-month high of $153.84. Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 24th. The medical research company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.59. Agilent Technologies had a net margin of 17.97% and a return on equity of 25.51%. The company had revenue of $1.86 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.83 billion. Agilent Technologies has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.350-1.380 EPS. FY 2026 guidance at 5.860-6.000 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Agilent Technologies will post 5.58 EPS for the current year. Agilent Technologies Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 6th will be given a $0.255 dividend. This represents a $1.02 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 6th. This is a positive change from Agilent Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. Agilent Technologiess dividend payout ratio is presently 23.94%. Insider Activity In other Agilent Technologies news, CEO Padraig Mcdonnell sold 12,490 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total transaction of $1,873,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 33,448 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,017,200. This represents a 27.19% 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. 0.26% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Agilent Technologies Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. State of Wyoming acquired a new position in Agilent Technologies during the second quarter worth approximately $35,000. Johnson Financial Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Agilent Technologies in the third quarter valued at approximately $49,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new position in Agilent Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at about $61,000. Turning Point Benefit Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Agilent Technologies in the third quarter valued at $82,000. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 54.8% in the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 599 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $70,000 after acquiring an additional 212 shares during the last quarter. 87.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Agilent Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Agilent Technologies, Inc provides application focused solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Life Sciences and Applied Markets, Diagnostics and Genomics, and Agilent CrossLab. The Life Sciences and Applied Markets segment offers liquid chromatography systems and components; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry systems; gas chromatography systems and components; gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instruments; atomic absorption instruments; microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry instruments; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry instruments; raman spectroscopy; cell analysis plate based assays; flow cytometer; real-time cell analyzer; cell imaging systems; microplate reader; laboratory software; information management and analytics; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; and vacuum pumps, and measurement technologies. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Agilent Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agilent Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of National Grid Transco, PLC (NYSE:NGG Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the ten research firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, four have assigned a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $80.40. NGG has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of National Grid Transco in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of National Grid Transco from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, September 1st. Get National Grid Transco alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on NGG Hedge Funds Weigh In On National Grid Transco National Grid Transco Stock Performance Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its stake in National Grid Transco by 49.8% in the 1st quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 3,133,548 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $205,592,000 after acquiring an additional 1,041,918 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in National Grid Transco by 21.5% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 4,596,387 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $342,017,000 after purchasing an additional 814,248 shares during the last quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in National Grid Transco in the second quarter worth $56,462,000. Bank of Montreal Can raised its stake in National Grid Transco by 67.4% during the third quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 1,669,191 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $121,300,000 after purchasing an additional 672,050 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC bought a new position in National Grid Transco during the first quarter valued at $32,015,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 4.68% of the companys stock. Shares of NGG opened at $75.15 on Monday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $74.63 and its 200 day moving average is $72.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.35 and a quick ratio of 1.30. National Grid Transco has a 12-month low of $55.82 and a 12-month high of $78.49. National Grid Transco Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 21st will be issued a $1.0657 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 284.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 21st. About National Grid Transco (Get Free Report) National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and gas. It operates through UK Electricity Transmission, UK Electricity Distribution, UK Electricity System Operator, New England, New York, National Grid Ventures, and Other segments. The UK Electricity Transmission segment provides electricity transmission and construction work services in England and Wales. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for National Grid Transco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Grid Transco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Myomo (NYSEAMERICAN:MYO Get Free Report) had its price target decreased by equities research analysts at Ascendiant Capital Markets from $10.50 to $10.00 in a note issued to investors on Friday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the stock. Separately, HC Wainwright cut their price objective on Myomo from $9.50 to $5.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 12th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $7.67. Get Myomo alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on MYO Myomo Price Performance MYO stock traded up $0.07 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $0.83. The companys stock had a trading volume of 229,231 shares, compared to its average volume of 931,727. The company has a quick ratio of 2.10, a current ratio of 2.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. Myomo has a 12 month low of $0.71 and a 12 month high of $7.17. The company has a 50 day moving average of $0.94 and a two-hundred day moving average of $1.71. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.02 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.87 and a beta of 1.48. Myomo (NYSEAMERICAN:MYO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported ($0.09) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.11) by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $10.09 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.44 million. Myomo had a negative net margin of 28.86% and a negative return on equity of 61.14%. Myomo has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. On average, analysts expect that Myomo will post -0.18 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Myomo Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in Myomo by 93.6% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 30,412 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 14,705 shares during the period. R Squared Ltd purchased a new position in Myomo during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Summit Financial Strategies Inc. boosted its position in shares of Myomo by 50.0% in the second quarter. Summit Financial Strategies Inc. now owns 15,000 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 5,000 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. acquired a new position in Myomo during the second quarter valued at $37,000. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Myomo in the 2nd quarter worth about $38,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 44.99% of the companys stock. About Myomo (Get Free Report) Myomo, Inc, a wearable medical robotics company, designs, develops, and produces myoelectric orthotics for people with neuromuscular disorders in the United States, China, Germany, and internationally. The company offers MyoPro, a myoelectric-controlled upper limb brace or orthosis product used for supporting a patients weak or paralyzed arm to enable and improve functional activities of daily living. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Myomo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Myomo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Burk Holdings LLC acquired a new stake in shares of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE:OGS Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 3,324 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $239,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Avalon Trust Co bought a new position in ONE Gas in the second quarter valued at about $51,000. UMB Bank n.a. increased its stake in shares of ONE Gas by 36.1% in the second quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 856 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $62,000 after buying an additional 227 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its stake in shares of ONE Gas by 5,362.5% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 874 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $63,000 after buying an additional 858 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its holdings in ONE Gas by 20.1% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 910 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $65,000 after buying an additional 152 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in ONE Gas during the 1st quarter worth approximately $76,000. Institutional investors own 88.71% of the companys stock. Get ONE Gas alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes OGS has been the subject of several recent research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of ONE Gas in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underperform rating and set a $75.00 price target on shares of ONE Gas in a report on Thursday. UBS Group raised shares of ONE Gas from a sell rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $66.00 to $86.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Mizuho raised their target price on ONE Gas from $86.00 to $87.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on ONE Gas from $89.00 to $99.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $81.72. ONE Gas Stock Up 1.4% Shares of NYSE OGS opened at $82.96 on Monday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $80.37 and its 200-day moving average price is $76.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a current ratio of 0.47. ONE Gas, Inc. has a 52-week low of $66.38 and a 52-week high of $83.62. The company has a market capitalization of $4.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.07 and a beta of 0.85. ONE Gas (NYSE:OGS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The utilities provider reported $0.44 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.44. The business had revenue of $379.13 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $404.19 million. ONE Gas had a net margin of 10.76% and a return on equity of 8.06%. ONE Gass quarterly revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.34 earnings per share. ONE Gas has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.340-4.400 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that ONE Gas, Inc. will post 4.26 earnings per share for the current year. ONE Gas Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th will be given a dividend of $0.67 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.2%. ONE Gass dividend payout ratio is presently 62.47%. ONE Gas Company Profile (Free Report) ONE Gas, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a regulated natural gas distribution company in the United States. The company provides natural gas distribution services to approximately 2.3 million customers in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. It serves residential, commercial, and transportation customers. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OGS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE:OGS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ONE Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ONE Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Windward Capital Management Co. CA decreased its position in Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI Free Report) (TSE:CNR) by 0.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 178,439 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 647 shares during the quarter. Canadian National Railway accounts for approximately 1.6% of Windward Capital Management Co. CAs portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Windward Capital Management Co. CAs holdings in Canadian National Railway were worth $18,565,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Addison Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Canadian National Railway by 124.0% in the second quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 271 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. Dagco Inc. purchased a new position in Canadian National Railway during the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. Curio Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in Canadian National Railway by 31,600.0% during the 2nd quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 317 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 316 shares during the period. Brooklyn Investment Group grew its position in Canadian National Railway by 354.3% in the 1st quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 427 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 333 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB increased its stake in Canadian National Railway by 42.7% during the second quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 558 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $58,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares during the period. 80.74% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Canadian National Railway alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets CNI has been the subject of several recent research reports. Evercore ISI raised their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from $98.00 to $103.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Canadian National Railway from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, October 18th. Bank of America decreased their price target on shares of Canadian National Railway from $106.00 to $102.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Canadian National Railway from $119.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Barclays cut their price objective on Canadian National Railway from $99.00 to $97.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Canadian National Railway has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $114.00. Canadian National Railway Trading Up 1.0% Shares of NYSE:CNI opened at $92.94 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $57.30 billion, a PE ratio of 17.87, a P/E/G ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 0.95. The companys 50 day moving average is $94.86 and its two-hundred day moving average is $98.41. Canadian National Railway Company has a 52 week low of $91.07 and a 52 week high of $112.97. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI Get Free Report) (TSE:CNR) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The transportation company reported $1.33 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.28 by $0.05. Canadian National Railway had a net margin of 26.63% and a return on equity of 21.71%. The firm had revenue of $2.99 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.15 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.72 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that Canadian National Railway Company will post 5.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Canadian National Railway Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 9th will be issued a $0.8875 dividend. This represents a $3.55 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 9th. This is an increase from Canadian National Railways previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. Canadian National Railways dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 48.01%. About Canadian National Railway (Free Report) Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail, intermodal, trucking, and marine transportation and logistics business in Canada and the United States. The company provides rail services, which include equipment, custom brokerage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services, such as temperature controlled cargo, port partnerships, and logistics parks. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI Free Report) (TSE:CNR). 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. Chubb (NYSE:CB Get Free Report) had its target price increased by stock analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $303.00 to $304.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday,MarketScreener reports. The brokerage presently has a hold rating on the financial services providers stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts target price suggests a potential upside of 2.49% from the stocks current price. Several other brokerages have also recently weighed in on CB. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on shares of Chubb from $297.00 to $302.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Chubb from $321.00 to $327.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated a neutral rating and set a $300.00 price objective on shares of Chubb in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on Chubb from $333.00 to $335.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Chubb from $295.00 to $300.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Chubb presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $308.11. Get Chubb alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Chubb Chubb Stock Down 0.6% Chubb stock opened at $296.60 on Monday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $282.16 and a 200-day moving average of $281.22. The company has a quick ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 0.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. Chubb has a twelve month low of $252.16 and a twelve month high of $306.91. The stock has a market capitalization of $116.73 billion, a PE ratio of 12.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.58. Chubb (NYSE:CB Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The financial services provider reported $7.49 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.51 by $1.98. The business had revenue of $14.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.95 billion. Chubb had a net margin of 16.53% and a return on equity of 12.93%. The firms revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $5.72 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Chubb will post 21.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, insider John J. Lupica sold 23,698 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $281.00, for a total transaction of $6,659,138.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 90,600 shares in the company, valued at approximately $25,458,600. This trade represents a 20.73% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Joseph F. Wayland sold 5,830 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $297.08, for a total transaction of $1,731,976.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 60,593 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,000,968.44. This trade represents a 8.78% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 45,903 shares of company stock worth $13,245,483 over the last three months. Insiders own 0.77% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chubb A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CB. Modern Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Chubb by 6.2% during the 1st quarter. Modern Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,464 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $744,000 after purchasing an additional 143 shares during the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Chubb by 14.1% during the second quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 71,294 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $20,655,000 after purchasing an additional 8,828 shares in the last quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Chubb by 764.7% in the second quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC now owns 147 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $43,000 after buying an additional 130 shares during the period. Jump Financial LLC raised its holdings in Chubb by 633.6% in the 1st quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 8,180 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,470,000 after buying an additional 7,065 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Investment Partners Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in Chubb by 19.3% in the second quarter. Investment Partners Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,789 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $518,000 after purchasing an additional 290 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.81% of the companys stock. Chubb Company Profile (Get Free Report) Chubb Limited provides insurance and reinsurance products worldwide. The company's North America Commercial P&C Insurance segment offers commercial property, casualty, workers' compensation, package policies, risk management, financial lines, marine, construction, environmental, medical risk, cyber risk, surety, and casualty; and group accident and health insurance to large, middle market, and small commercial businesses. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chubb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chubb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Cinemark Holdings Inc (NYSE:CNK Get Free Report) dropped 3.4% on Monday . The company traded as low as $28.45 and last traded at $28.4980. Approximately 182,119 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 95% from the average daily volume of 3,786,793 shares. The stock had previously closed at $29.49. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on CNK shares. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an overweight rating and set a $33.00 price target (down previously from $36.00) on shares of Cinemark in a report on Monday, August 4th. Roth Capital restated a buy rating and set a $35.00 price target on shares of Cinemark in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Cinemark from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on Cinemark from $38.00 to $37.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Cinemark from $35.00 to $34.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $35.30. Get Cinemark alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on CNK Cinemark Stock Performance The company has a market capitalization of $3.28 billion, a PE ratio of 15.26, a PEG ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 1.69. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.32. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $27.84 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $28.77. Cinemark (NYSE:CNK Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.40 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.44 by ($0.04). Cinemark had a net margin of 9.13% and a return on equity of 59.16%. The firm had revenue of $857.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $851.47 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.19 EPS. Cinemarks revenue was down 7.0% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that Cinemark Holdings Inc will post 1.93 EPS for the current fiscal year. Cinemark Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 12th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th will be paid a $0.09 dividend. This is an increase from Cinemarks previous quarterly dividend of $0.08. This represents a $0.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. Cinemarks payout ratio is 34.62%. Institutional Trading of Cinemark Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CNK. Marshall Wace LLP increased its stake in Cinemark by 758.9% in the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 4,497,305 shares of the companys stock valued at $135,729,000 after acquiring an additional 3,973,689 shares during the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. boosted its holdings in shares of Cinemark by 106.9% in the 2nd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 2,589,372 shares of the companys stock worth $78,147,000 after purchasing an additional 1,338,153 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC bought a new position in shares of Cinemark during the 1st quarter valued at about $32,297,000. Woodline Partners LP purchased a new position in shares of Cinemark during the 3rd quarter valued at about $33,390,000. Finally, Squarepoint Ops LLC boosted its stake in Cinemark by 119.9% in the second quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 2,180,513 shares of the companys stock worth $65,808,000 after buying an additional 1,188,709 shares in the last quarter. About Cinemark (Get Free Report) Cinemark Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the motion picture exhibition business. As of February 16, 2024, it operated 501 theatres with 5,719 screens in 42 states and 13 countries in South and Central America. Cinemark Holdings, Inc was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cinemark Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cinemark and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Clifford Capital Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Douglas Elliman Inc. (NYSE:DOUG Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 100,033 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $232,000. Clifford Capital Partners LLC owned approximately 0.11% of Douglas Elliman at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Douglas Elliman in the first quarter valued at about $2,785,000. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Douglas Elliman by 115.4% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,707,823 shares of the companys stock worth $3,963,000 after acquiring an additional 915,018 shares during the period. Moerus Capital Management LLC grew its position in Douglas Elliman by 36.3% in the first quarter. Moerus Capital Management LLC now owns 2,949,388 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,073,000 after acquiring an additional 786,279 shares in the last quarter. Senvest Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Douglas Elliman during the second quarter valued at approximately $741,000. Finally, Truffle Hound Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Douglas Elliman by 15.0% during the first quarter. Truffle Hound Capital LLC now owns 2,300,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,956,000 after purchasing an additional 300,000 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 59.56% of the companys stock. Get Douglas Elliman alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently weighed in on DOUG. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Douglas Elliman from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Douglas Elliman in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Sell. Douglas Elliman Trading Up 5.1% NYSE DOUG opened at $2.38 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $210.95 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.39 and a beta of 1.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 3.30 and a quick ratio of 3.30. Douglas Elliman Inc. has a 12 month low of $1.48 and a 12 month high of $3.20. The companys fifty day moving average price is $2.67 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $2.58. Douglas Elliman (NYSE:DOUG Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, May 31st. The company reported $0.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Douglas Elliman had a negative net margin of 5.76% and a negative return on equity of 3.19%. The business had revenue of $272.78 million for the quarter. Douglas Elliman Company Profile (Free Report) Douglas Elliman Inc owns Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, operating as a residential brokerage company in the United States with operations in New York, Florida, California, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC In addition, Douglas Elliman sources, uses and invests in early-stage, disruptive property technology (PropTech) solutions and companies and provides other real estate services, including development marketing, property management and settlement and escrow services in select markets. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DOUG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Douglas Elliman Inc. (NYSE:DOUG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Douglas Elliman Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Douglas Elliman and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ASOS (LON:ASC Get Free Report) had its price objective dropped by research analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 440 to GBX 375 in a note issued to investors on Friday,Digital Look reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts price target indicates a potential upside of 71.62% from the stocks current price. Several other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the company. Panmure Gordon reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a GBX 350 target price on shares of ASOS in a research note on Monday. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 600 target price on shares of ASOS in a report on Thursday, November 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of ASOS from GBX 270 to GBX 240 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday. Shore Capital restated a buy rating and set a GBX 400 price target on shares of ASOS in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Peel Hunt reaffirmed an add rating and issued a GBX 335 price target on shares of ASOS in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, ASOS has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 383.33. Get ASOS alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on ASC ASOS Stock Performance ASOS stock traded down GBX 15.50 during trading hours on Friday, hitting GBX 218.50. The company had a trading volume of 2,727,712 shares, compared to its average volume of 363,637. ASOS has a one year low of GBX 217 and a one year high of GBX 454.20. The firm has a market cap of 260.42 million, a PE ratio of -0.88, a PEG ratio of -1.26 and a beta of 2.86. The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 257.21 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 291.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 187.55, a current ratio of 1.61 and a quick ratio of 0.39. ASOS (LON:ASC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 21st. The company reported GBX (250.10) EPS for the quarter. ASOS had a negative return on equity of 59.37% and a negative net margin of 11.66%. On average, sell-side analysts expect that ASOS will post 12.4165252 earnings per share for the current year. About ASOS (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. Read More 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. Swiss National Bank grew its stake in shares of Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV Free Report) by 7.2% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 414,900 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 27,900 shares during the period. Swiss National Banks holdings in Dover were worth $76,022,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in DOV. AdvisorShares Investments LLC bought a new stake in Dover during the second quarter worth approximately $30,000. N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Dover during the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Dover by 51.7% in the second quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 176 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 60 shares during the period. Investment Research & Advisory Group Inc. bought a new position in Dover during the second quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Truvestments Capital LLC grew its holdings in Dover by 1,005.9% during the first quarter. Truvestments Capital LLC now owns 188 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 171 shares during the period. 84.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Dover alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on DOV shares. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Dover from $180.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on shares of Dover from $183.00 to $198.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Dover from $185.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on Dover from $217.00 to $220.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Dover from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $212.27. Dover Price Performance DOV opened at $183.59 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $25.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.29, a PEG ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 1.29. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $173.02 and a 200-day moving average of $178.16. The company has a quick ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 2.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. Dover Corporation has a 12-month low of $143.04 and a 12-month high of $222.31. Dover (NYSE:DOV Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 30th. The industrial products company reported $1.55 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $1.78 billion for the quarter. Dover had a return on equity of 17.62% and a net margin of 28.37%. Equities analysts forecast that Dover Corporation will post 9.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. Dover Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a $0.52 dividend. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. Dovers dividend payout ratio is 12.79%. About Dover (Free Report) Dover Corporation provides equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services worldwide. The company's Engineered Products segment provides various equipment, component, software, solution, and services that are used in vehicle aftermarket, waste handling, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, industrial winch and hoist, and fluid dispensing end-market. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DOV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dover Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dover and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edgar Lomax Co. VA cut its holdings in shares of Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK Free Report) by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 366,916 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 5,925 shares during the period. Duke Energy comprises about 2.7% of Edgar Lomax Co. VAs investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest holding. Edgar Lomax Co. VAs holdings in Duke Energy were worth $43,296,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Duke Energy by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 75,716,783 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $8,934,580,000 after acquiring an additional 1,154,783 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Duke Energy by 1.7% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 18,684,447 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,205,070,000 after purchasing an additional 319,001 shares during the period. GQG Partners LLC increased its stake in Duke Energy by 17,880.0% during the first quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 10,249,508 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,250,133,000 after purchasing an additional 10,192,503 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada raised its holdings in shares of Duke Energy by 4.9% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 8,921,517 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,088,158,000 after purchasing an additional 418,014 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Duke Energy by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 8,691,150 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,025,244,000 after buying an additional 34,906 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.31% of the companys stock. Get Duke Energy alerts: Duke Energy Price Performance NYSE:DUK opened at $122.78 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $124.37 and its 200 day moving average price is $120.96. Duke Energy Corporation has a 52-week low of $105.20 and a 52-week high of $130.03. The firm has a market cap of $95.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.96, a PEG ratio of 3.05 and a beta of 0.45. Duke Energy Dividend Announcement Duke Energy ( NYSE:DUK Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.75 by $0.06. Duke Energy had a net margin of 15.51% and a return on equity of 9.85%. The firm had revenue of $8.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.51 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.62 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Duke Energy Corporation will post 6.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid a $1.065 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $4.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.5%. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 66.98%. Insider Transactions at Duke Energy In other news, EVP Robert Alexander Glenn sold 8,200 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.80, for a total value of $1,015,160.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 11,367 shares in the company, valued at $1,407,234.60. This represents a 41.91% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.14% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. TD Cowen started coverage on shares of Duke Energy in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They set a buy rating and a $143.00 price objective on the stock. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underperform rating on shares of Duke Energy in a research report on Thursday. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Duke Energy to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on Duke Energy from $134.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, BTIG Research upgraded Duke Energy to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $138.44. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Duke Energy About Duke Energy (Free Report) Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I), and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DUK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edgar Lomax Co. VA trimmed its position in Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F Free Report) by 1.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 504,285 shares of the auto manufacturers stock after selling 8,090 shares during the period. Edgar Lomax Co. VAs holdings in Ford Motor were worth $5,471,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Ford Motor by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 462,245,997 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $5,015,369,000 after acquiring an additional 4,585,636 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in Ford Motor by 3.7% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 145,172,134 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $1,575,118,000 after purchasing an additional 5,118,228 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Ford Motor by 17.9% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 103,784,031 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $1,122,434,000 after purchasing an additional 15,748,694 shares during the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc boosted its holdings in Ford Motor by 3.3% in the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 34,301,362 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $372,170,000 after purchasing an additional 1,104,139 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in Ford Motor by 32.7% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 29,342,420 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $318,365,000 after purchasing an additional 7,238,424 shares during the last quarter. 58.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Ford Motor alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently commented on F. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on shares of Ford Motor from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on Ford Motor from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. UBS Group upped their target price on Ford Motor from $11.00 to $12.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Dbs Bank cut Ford Motor from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Monday, August 4th. Finally, Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on Ford Motor from $9.50 to $11.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Ford Motor has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $11.73. Ford Motor Stock Performance F opened at $12.83 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20. The businesss 50 day moving average is $12.42 and its 200-day moving average is $11.54. The stock has a market cap of $51.12 billion, a PE ratio of 11.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.03 and a beta of 1.60. Ford Motor Company has a twelve month low of $8.44 and a twelve month high of $13.97. Ford Motor (NYSE:F Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The auto manufacturer reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.38 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $50.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $43.08 billion. Ford Motor had a return on equity of 11.94% and a net margin of 2.48%.The firms revenue was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.49 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Ford Motor Company will post 1.47 earnings per share for the current year. Ford Motor Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 7th. Ford Motors dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 51.72%. Ford Motor Company Profile (Free Report) Ford Motor Company develops, delivers, and services a range of Ford trucks, commercial cars and vans, sport utility vehicles, and Lincoln luxury vehicles worldwide. It operates through Ford Blue, Ford Model e, and Ford Pro; Ford Next; and Ford Credit segments. The company sells Ford and Lincoln vehicles, service parts, and accessories through distributors and dealers, as well as through dealerships to commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ford Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ford Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global Retirement Partners LLC purchased a new position in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (NYSEARCA:IGM Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 63,229 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $7,103,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC owned approximately 0.10% of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $37,000. N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF during the 1st quarter worth $87,000. Bartlett & CO. Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 120.5% during the 2nd quarter. Bartlett & CO. Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,045 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $117,000 after acquiring an additional 571 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $119,000. Get iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF alerts: iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Stock Up 0.6% Shares of NYSEARCA IGM opened at $123.06 on Monday. iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF has a 12 month low of $76.26 and a 12 month high of $135.81. The company has a market cap of $9.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.08 and a beta of 1.27. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $128.16 and a 200-day simple moving average of $117.35. iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Profile iShares North American Tech ETF, formerly iShares S&P North American Technology Sector Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, of the United States-traded technology companies, as represented by the S&P North American Technology Sector Index (the Index). Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hillsdale Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in OR Royalties Inc. (NYSE:OR Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 20,460 shares of the basic materials companys stock, valued at approximately $526,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in OR. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in OR Royalties by 116.2% in the 1st quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 4,790,732 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $101,181,000 after purchasing an additional 2,574,458 shares during the last quarter. Elliott Investment Management L.P. acquired a new position in shares of OR Royalties during the first quarter worth $46,045,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its stake in shares of OR Royalties by 52.2% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 5,040,962 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $106,382,000 after acquiring an additional 1,728,760 shares during the last quarter. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of OR Royalties by 6.8% in the 1st quarter. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. now owns 24,020,067 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $507,009,000 after acquiring an additional 1,534,292 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of OR Royalties by 152.4% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,256,583 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $26,539,000 after acquiring an additional 758,815 shares in the last quarter. 68.52% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get OR Royalties alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades OR has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Scotiabank cut OR Royalties from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and upped their target price for the stock from $33.00 to $41.00 in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Raymond James Financial upgraded OR Royalties from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $41.00 price target on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of OR Royalties in a report on Wednesday. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and set a $40.00 target price (up from $34.00) on shares of OR Royalties in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of OR Royalties from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $36.25. OR Royalties Stock Performance Shares of OR stock opened at $32.24 on Monday. OR Royalties Inc. has a 1-year low of $17.55 and a 1-year high of $42.25. The company has a current ratio of 4.73, a quick ratio of 4.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. The stock has a market cap of $6.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 87.14 and a beta of 0.72. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $35.46 and a 200-day moving average of $30.57. OR Royalties (NYSE:OR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The basic materials company reported $0.22 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $71.63 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $53.85 million. OR Royalties had a return on equity of 8.56% and a net margin of 35.25%. On average, equities research analysts forecast that OR Royalties Inc. will post 0.62 earnings per share for the current year. OR Royalties Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a $0.055 dividend. This represents a $0.22 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. OR Royaltiess dividend payout ratio is currently 27.85%. OR Royalties 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. Featured Articles 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. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 61,317 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,504 shares during the quarter. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLCs holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $2,838,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. New England Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb by 0.8% in the first quarter. New England Asset Management Inc. now owns 39,476 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,408,000 after buying an additional 305 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC grew its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 1,288,407 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $78,580,000 after purchasing an additional 13,959 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLC raised its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb by 24.6% during the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLC now owns 59,183 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,740,000 after acquiring an additional 11,690 shares during the last quarter. Sage Capital Advisors llc raised its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 60.7% during the second quarter. Sage Capital Advisors llc now owns 85,234 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,946,000 after purchasing an additional 32,181 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC raised its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 438.0% during the 2nd quarter. Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC now owns 307,849 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $14,250,000 after buying an additional 250,624 shares during the last quarter. 76.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Bristol Myers Squibb to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Scotiabank assumed coverage on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $45.00 target price for the company. Daiwa Capital Markets lowered Bristol Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $42.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and fifteen have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Bristol Myers Squibb currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $54.42. Bristol Myers Squibb Trading Up 0.6% NYSE:BMY opened at $46.22 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $45.28 and its two-hundred day moving average is $46.56. The firm has a market capitalization of $94.09 billion, a PE ratio of 18.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 0.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.54, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 1.11. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a 12 month low of $42.52 and a 12 month high of $63.33. Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $12.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.75 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a net margin of 10.58% and a return on equity of 80.04%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.80 earnings per share. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.400-6.600 EPS. Research analysts predict that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Bristol Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were issued a dividend of $0.62 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 3rd. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.4%. Bristol Myers Squibbs payout ratio is currently 83.78%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP David V. Elkins sold 56,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.33, for a total transaction of $2,650,480.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 167,379 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,922,048.07. This represents a 25.07% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Bristol Myers Squibb Profile (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. Featured Stories 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. Insperity, Inc. (NYSE:NSP Get Free Report) fell 3.1% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $33.31 and last traded at $33.38. 28,548 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 95% from the average session volume of 570,585 shares. The stock had previously closed at $34.46. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on NSP shares. Roth Capital restated a buy rating and issued a $71.00 target price on shares of Insperity in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Insperity from $51.00 to $34.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Truist Financial dropped their target price on shares of Insperity from $50.00 to $35.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Insperity from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, Zacks Research cut Insperity from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Insperity currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $46.67. Get Insperity alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on NSP Insperity Trading Down 1.5% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.29, a current ratio of 1.12 and a quick ratio of 1.12. The firm has a market cap of $1.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.01 and a beta of 0.52. The companys 50 day moving average is $43.96 and its two-hundred day moving average is $53.83. Insperity (NYSE:NSP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The business services provider reported ($0.20) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.22 by ($0.42). The firm had revenue of $1.62 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.63 billion. Insperity had a return on equity of 35.32% and a net margin of 0.60%.Insperitys revenue was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.39 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Insperity, Inc. will post 2.33 earnings per share for the current year. Insperity Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 9th will be paid a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 9th. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.1%. Insperitys dividend payout ratio is currently 521.74%. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Paul J. Sarvadi sold 10,850 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.98, for a total value of $563,983.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 428,001 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,247,491.98. The trade was a 2.47% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Randall Mehl purchased 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 7th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $33.88 per share, with a total value of $33,880.00. Following the purchase, the director owned 25,707 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $870,953.16. This trade represents a 4.05% increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. 5.29% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Insperity Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd increased its position in shares of Insperity by 49.3% during the 2nd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 548 shares of the business services providers stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 181 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in Insperity by 32.2% during the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 747 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $67,000 after purchasing an additional 182 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System increased its holdings in Insperity by 2.5% during the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 10,577 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $520,000 after purchasing an additional 255 shares in the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. raised its position in Insperity by 13.6% in the 1st quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 2,308 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $206,000 after purchasing an additional 276 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LRI Investments LLC boosted its stake in Insperity by 134.0% in the third quarter. LRI Investments LLC now owns 606 shares of the business services providers stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 347 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.44% of the companys stock. Insperity Company Profile (Get Free Report) Insperity, Inc engages in the provision of human resources (HR) and business solutions to improve business performance for small and medium-sized businesses primarily in the United States. It offers its HR services through its workforce optimization and workforce synchronization solutions that include a range of human resources functions, such as payroll and employment administration, employee benefits, workers' compensation, government compliance, performance management, and training and development services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Insperity Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Insperity and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intellus Advisors LLC purchased a new position in RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor purchased 1,688 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $246,000. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Cornerstone Advisory LLC grew its position in RTX by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Cornerstone Advisory LLC now owns 7,490 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,094,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares during the period. Briaud Financial Planning Inc lifted its stake in shares of RTX by 25.4% in the second quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc now owns 321 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Hudock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of RTX by 1.3% during the second quarter. Hudock Inc. now owns 5,346 shares of the companys stock valued at $781,000 after buying an additional 68 shares during the last quarter. Gries Financial LLC increased its position in shares of RTX by 0.7% during the second quarter. Gries Financial LLC now owns 9,780 shares of the companys stock worth $1,428,000 after acquiring an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. Finally, M3 Advisory Group LLC increased its position in shares of RTX by 2.7% during the second quarter. M3 Advisory Group LLC now owns 2,631 shares of the companys stock worth $384,000 after acquiring an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. 86.50% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get RTX alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have issued reports on RTX shares. BNP Paribas Exane began coverage on RTX in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. They set an outperform rating and a $210.00 price target for the company. BNP Paribas raised shares of RTX to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a $195.00 target price on shares of RTX in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of RTX in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $215.00 price objective on shares of RTX and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $180.44. Insiders Place Their Bets In other RTX news, insider Shane G. Eddy sold 25,968 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $159.79, for a total value of $4,149,426.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Neil G. Mitchill, Jr. sold 4,849 shares of RTX stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.15, for a total value of $873,547.35. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 59,556 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,729,013.40. This trade represents a 7.53% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 0.15% of the companys stock. RTX Price Performance Shares of NYSE:RTX opened at $169.62 on Monday. RTX Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $112.27 and a fifty-two week high of $181.31. The companys 50-day moving average is $168.73 and its 200 day moving average is $155.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 1.07. The company has a market capitalization of $227.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 0.64. RTX (NYSE:RTX Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The company reported $1.70 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.29. RTX had a net margin of 7.67% and a return on equity of 13.28%. The firm had revenue of $22.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.26 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.45 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.9% on a year-over-year basis. RTX has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.100-6.200 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that RTX Corporation will post 6.11 earnings per share for the current year. RTX Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 11th. Investors of record on Friday, November 21st will be paid a $0.68 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 21st. This represents a $2.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.6%. RTXs dividend payout ratio is presently 55.85%. RTX Profile (Free Report) RTX Corporation, an aerospace and defense company, provides systems and services for the commercial, military, and government customers in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. The Collins Aerospace Systems segment offers aerospace and defense products, and aftermarket service solutions for civil and military aircraft manufacturers and commercial airlines, as well as regional, business, and general aviation, defense, and commercial space operations. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RTX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for RTX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RTX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealthspire Advisors LLC lessened its holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ Free Report) by 33.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 2,780 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 1,407 shares during the quarter. Wealthspire Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF were worth $208,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. LRI Investments LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Trust Co. of Vermont bought a new position in iShares MSCI Japan ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Morgan Dempsey Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, AlphaCore Capital LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF in the first quarter worth about $41,000. 64.60% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get iShares MSCI Japan ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Japan ETF Price Performance iShares MSCI Japan ETF stock opened at $81.19 on Monday. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a 12-month low of $59.84 and a 12-month high of $84.54. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.13 billion, a PE ratio of 14.63 and a beta of 0.68. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $81.87 and a 200-day simple moving average of $77.52. iShares MSCI Japan ETF Profile iShares MSCI Japan ETF (the fund), formerly Ishares Msci Japan Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Japanese market, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index (the Index). Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Investment analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Jacobs Solutions (NYSE:J Get Free Report) in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday,Benzinga reports. The firm set a buy rating and a $158.00 price target on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups target price suggests a potential upside of 22.60% from the companys current price. A number of other research firms have also recently issued reports on J. KeyCorp boosted their target price on Jacobs Solutions from $157.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on Jacobs Solutions from $163.00 to $152.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Bank of America dropped their target price on shares of Jacobs Solutions from $147.00 to $141.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price target on shares of Jacobs Solutions from $157.00 to $156.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Finally, Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Jacobs Solutions from $182.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $155.90. Get Jacobs Solutions alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Jacobs Solutions Jacobs Solutions Stock Down 0.2% Jacobs Solutions stock opened at $128.87 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.14, a PEG ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 0.83. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $152.83 and its 200 day simple moving average is $142.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 1.39. Jacobs Solutions has a fifty-two week low of $106.23 and a fifty-two week high of $168.44. Jacobs Solutions (NYSE:J Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The company reported $1.75 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.67 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $3.15 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.14 billion. Jacobs Solutions had a net margin of 4.16% and a return on equity of 17.13%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.37 earnings per share. Jacobs Solutions has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.900-7.300 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Jacobs Solutions will post 6.05 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. HB Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Jacobs Solutions by 104.1% in the 1st quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,638 shares of the companys stock valued at $682,000 after buying an additional 2,875 shares during the last quarter. Empirical Finance LLC grew its holdings in shares of Jacobs Solutions by 4.1% in the 1st quarter. Empirical Finance LLC now owns 4,491 shares of the companys stock valued at $543,000 after acquiring an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC increased its position in shares of Jacobs Solutions by 4.4% in the first quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 110,538 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,363,000 after acquiring an additional 4,612 shares during the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its position in shares of Jacobs Solutions by 14.8% in the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 173,068 shares of the companys stock valued at $20,922,000 after acquiring an additional 22,344 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S. raised its holdings in Jacobs Solutions by 24.2% during the first quarter. Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S. now owns 3,800 shares of the companys stock worth $459,000 after acquiring an additional 740 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.65% of the companys stock. About Jacobs Solutions (Get Free Report) Jacobs Solutions Inc provides consulting, technical, engineering, scientific, and project delivery services for the government and private sectors in the United States, Europe, Canada, India, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Africa. It operates through Critical Mission Solutions, People & Places Solutions, Divergent Solutions, and PA Consulting segments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Jacobs Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jacobs Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Z-9D Ship-borne helicopters in takeoff and landing training China Military Online) 09:16, November 24, 2025 A Z-9D ship-borne helicopter attached to a naval frigate flotilla under the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command lifts off from the amphibious assault ship Anhui (Hull 33) during a take-off and landing training exercise. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Tang Haoran) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Jefferies Financial Group Inc. cut its position in Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Free Report) by 49.7% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 79,769 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 78,934 shares during the period. Jefferies Financial Group Inc.s holdings in Agilent Technologies were worth $9,414,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in A. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies by 1.8% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 33,997,845 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $4,012,086,000 after buying an additional 589,219 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in Agilent Technologies by 10.7% in the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 13,227,387 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,560,964,000 after acquiring an additional 1,273,994 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Agilent Technologies by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 7,319,530 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $860,137,000 after purchasing an additional 115,183 shares in the last quarter. Generation Investment Management LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies by 15.9% during the 2nd quarter. Generation Investment Management LLP now owns 5,775,860 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $681,609,000 after purchasing an additional 792,304 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 18.7% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 3,836,105 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $448,748,000 after purchasing an additional 604,124 shares in the last quarter. 87.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Agilent Technologies alerts: Agilent Technologies Stock Performance NYSE:A opened at $151.49 on Monday. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $96.43 and a fifty-two week high of $153.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 1.71 and a current ratio of 2.25. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $139.65 and a 200 day moving average price of $125.37. The stock has a market capitalization of $42.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.56, a PEG ratio of 4.67 and a beta of 1.29. Agilent Technologies Increases Dividend Agilent Technologies ( NYSE:A Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 27th. The medical research company reported $1.37 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.37. Agilent Technologies had a return on equity of 25.51% and a net margin of 17.97%.The business had revenue of $1.74 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.67 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.32 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. Agilent Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.560-5.590 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 1.570-1.600 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Agilent Technologies, Inc. will post 5.58 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 6th will be paid a $0.255 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 6th. This is a positive change from Agilent Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. This represents a $1.02 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. Agilent Technologiess payout ratio is 23.94%. Insider Buying and Selling at Agilent Technologies In other Agilent Technologies news, CEO Padraig Mcdonnell sold 12,490 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total value of $1,873,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 33,448 shares in the company, valued at $5,017,200. The trade was a 27.19% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A has been the subject of several analyst reports. Robert W. Baird upped their target price on Agilent Technologies from $141.00 to $142.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 28th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Agilent Technologies from $125.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Agilent Technologies from $155.00 to $165.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. TD Cowen increased their price objective on Agilent Technologies from $150.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Agilent Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Agilent Technologies has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $149.62. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on A About Agilent Technologies (Free Report) Agilent Technologies, Inc provides application focused solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Life Sciences and Applied Markets, Diagnostics and Genomics, and Agilent CrossLab. The Life Sciences and Applied Markets segment offers liquid chromatography systems and components; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry systems; gas chromatography systems and components; gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instruments; atomic absorption instruments; microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry instruments; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry instruments; raman spectroscopy; cell analysis plate based assays; flow cytometer; real-time cell analyzer; cell imaging systems; microplate reader; laboratory software; information management and analytics; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; and vacuum pumps, and measurement technologies. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding A? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Agilent Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agilent Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) was the recipient of some unusual options trading on Monday. Investors purchased 201,479 call options on the company. This represents an increase of approximately 468% compared to the average daily volume of 35,489 call options. Johnson & Johnson Stock Performance Johnson & Johnson stock traded up $2.17 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $206.07. 14,736,894 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 8,929,916. The firms 50 day moving average price is $188.25 and its 200-day moving average price is $171.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 1.07 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $496.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.89, a P/E/G ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.38. Johnson & Johnson has a 1 year low of $140.68 and a 1 year high of $206.94. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 30th. The company reported $2.26 EPS for the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 32.73% and a net margin of 27.26%.The firm had revenue of $24.02 billion during the quarter. As a group, equities analysts expect that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current fiscal year. Johnson & Johnson Announces Dividend Insider Transactions at Johnson & Johnson The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio is currently 50.19%. In related news, EVP Jennifer L. Taubert sold 56,471 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $177.81, for a total value of $10,041,108.51. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 178,013 shares of the companys stock, valued at $31,652,491.53. This represents a 24.08% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.16% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Johnson & Johnson A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in JNJ. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 1.8% in the third quarter. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC now owns 13,551 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,513,000 after purchasing an additional 234 shares during the period. Graybill Wealth Management LTD. lifted its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 1.9% in the 3rd quarter. Graybill Wealth Management LTD. now owns 29,514 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,472,000 after buying an additional 552 shares in the last quarter. Capital Square LLC boosted its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter. Capital Square LLC now owns 6,665 shares of the companys stock worth $1,236,000 after buying an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Newport Capital Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 7.1% during the third quarter. Newport Capital Group LLC now owns 3,472 shares of the companys stock valued at $644,000 after acquiring an additional 229 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the third quarter valued at approximately $119,184,000. 69.55% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades JNJ has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Guggenheim raised shares of Johnson & Johnson from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $167.00 to $206.00 in a research note on Tuesday, September 23rd. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on Johnson & Johnson from $165.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Johnson & Johnson from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, September 13th. Morgan Stanley set a $190.00 price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Scotiabank initiated coverage on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $230.00 target price for the company. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $201.05. Read Our Latest Analysis on Johnson & Johnson About Johnson & Johnson (Get Free Report) 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd boosted its stake in shares of Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG Free Report) by 13.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 16,181 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 1,947 shares during the period. Mediolanum International Funds Ltds holdings in Citizens Financial Group were worth $719,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Investors Research Corp raised its stake in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 344.8% in the second quarter. Investors Research Corp now owns 645 shares of the banks stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Vermont grew its holdings in Citizens Financial Group by 177.5% during the 2nd quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 641 shares of the banks stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 410 shares during the last quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC raised its position in Citizens Financial Group by 16,900.0% in the 2nd quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC now owns 680 shares of the banks stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 676 shares during the period. REAP Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in Citizens Financial Group by 72.4% in the second quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 736 shares of the banks stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 309 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in Citizens Financial Group by 143.4% in the first quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 1,076 shares of the banks stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 634 shares during the last quarter. 94.90% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Citizens Financial Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In CFG has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Citizens Financial Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and increased their price target for the stock from $48.50 to $52.00 in a report on Friday, August 1st. Citigroup upped their price objective on Citizens Financial Group from $60.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Evercore ISI increased their target price on Citizens Financial Group from $57.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Citizens Financial Group from $57.00 to $62.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Truist Financial cut their price target on shares of Citizens Financial Group from $58.00 to $56.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 17th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $56.57. Citizens Financial Group Price Performance Shares of CFG stock opened at $52.31 on Monday. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $32.60 and a twelve month high of $55.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $22.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.65, a P/E/G ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 0.82. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $51.72 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $47.92. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. Citizens Financial Group (NYSE:CFG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The bank reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $2.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.10 billion. Citizens Financial Group had a return on equity of 7.48% and a net margin of 14.17%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.79 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Citizens Financial Group, Inc. will post 3.92 EPS for the current fiscal year. Citizens Financial Group Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 12th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 29th were issued a $0.46 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 29th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.5%. This is an increase from Citizens Financial Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. Citizens Financial Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 51.54%. Citizens Financial Group Company Profile (Free Report) Citizens Financial Group, Inc operates as the bank holding company that provides retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, corporations, and institutions in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CFG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Citizens Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citizens Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd increased its stake in Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA Free Report) by 58.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 67,254 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 24,788 shares during the quarter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltds holdings in Coterra Energy were worth $1,722,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. MAI Capital Management grew its holdings in Coterra Energy by 212.0% during the 2nd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 9,623 shares of the companys stock valued at $244,000 after buying an additional 6,539 shares in the last quarter. Cadence Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Coterra Energy by 10.7% in the second quarter. Cadence Wealth Management LLC now owns 14,112 shares of the companys stock valued at $358,000 after acquiring an additional 1,361 shares during the period. DNB Asset Management AS boosted its position in shares of Coterra Energy by 12.7% in the second quarter. DNB Asset Management AS now owns 149,330 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,790,000 after acquiring an additional 16,829 shares during the period. Swiss National Bank grew its stake in Coterra Energy by 11.4% during the second quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 2,313,020 shares of the companys stock valued at $58,704,000 after acquiring an additional 236,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd bought a new stake in Coterra Energy during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $854,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.92% of the companys stock. Get Coterra Energy alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CTRA has been the subject of several analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Coterra Energy from $32.00 to $33.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 14th. Susquehanna dropped their price objective on Coterra Energy from $32.00 to $31.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Mizuho reduced their target price on Coterra Energy from $36.00 to $33.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, September 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price target on Coterra Energy from $30.00 to $29.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, UBS Group dropped their price target on Coterra Energy from $30.00 to $29.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Seventeen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $32.38. Coterra Energy Trading Up 1.5% NYSE CTRA opened at $25.77 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $24.29 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $24.53. Coterra Energy Inc. has a twelve month low of $22.33 and a twelve month high of $29.95. The company has a market capitalization of $19.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.33, a PEG ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 0.30. Coterra Energy (NYSE:CTRA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $0.41 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.43 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $1.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.83 billion. Coterra Energy had a net margin of 23.80% and a return on equity of 10.99%. Coterra Energys revenue for the quarter was up 33.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.32 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Coterra Energy Inc. will post 1.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. Coterra Energy Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 13th will be given a dividend of $0.22 per share. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 13th. Coterra Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 40.55%. Coterra Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Coterra Energy Inc, an independent oil and gas company, engages in the development, exploration, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The companys properties include the Marcellus Shale with approximately 186,000 net acres in the dry gas window of the play located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania; Permian Basin properties with approximately 296,000 net acres located in west Texas and southeast New Mexico; and Anadarko Basin properties with approximately 182,000 net acres located in Oklahoma. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CTRA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Coterra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coterra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd lowered its position in Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Free Report) by 8.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 20,420 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 1,896 shares during the period. Mediolanum International Funds Ltds holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $870,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Management Co. purchased a new stake in Occidental Petroleum in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 1,193.9% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 854 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 788 shares during the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new position in shares of Occidental Petroleum in the first quarter valued at approximately $39,000. MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 371.7% during the second quarter. MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 788 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Spectrum Wealth Counsel LLC lifted its holdings in Occidental Petroleum by 5,000.0% during the first quarter. Spectrum Wealth Counsel LLC now owns 1,020 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 1,000 shares during the period. 88.70% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have issued reports on OXY shares. Bank of America upped their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $44.00 to $47.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $42.00 to $40.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $45.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Susquehanna increased their target price on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $54.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Melius began coverage on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a report on Wednesday, August 20th. They issued a hold rating and a $64.00 price target on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, fourteen have given a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Occidental Petroleum currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $51.19. Occidental Petroleum Price Performance Shares of NYSE:OXY opened at $41.47 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $40.86 billion, a PE ratio of 24.54 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $43.34 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $43.82. Occidental Petroleum Corporation has a twelve month low of $34.78 and a twelve month high of $53.20. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.64 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.16. Occidental Petroleum had a net margin of 8.79% and a return on equity of 13.78%. The company had revenue of $6.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.66 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.00 EPS. Occidental Petroleums revenue was down 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that Occidental Petroleum Corporation will post 3.58 EPS for the current year. Occidental Petroleum Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be issued a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 10th. Occidental Petroleums dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 70.59%. Occidental Petroleum Company Profile (Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing. The company's Oil and Gas segment explores for, develops, and produces oil and condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OXY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE:TAP Free Report) by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 21,208,854 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 92,058 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. owned 10.49% of Molson Coors Beverage worth $1,019,934,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TAP. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its stake in Molson Coors Beverage by 414.3% in the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,987,132 shares of the companys stock valued at $120,960,000 after buying an additional 1,600,748 shares during the last quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al purchased a new position in shares of Molson Coors Beverage during the second quarter worth approximately $38,377,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 20.0% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 4,503,879 shares of the companys stock valued at $274,144,000 after acquiring an additional 750,388 shares during the period. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec raised its position in Molson Coors Beverage by 72.4% in the 1st quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 1,380,377 shares of the companys stock valued at $84,024,000 after purchasing an additional 579,649 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Deutsche Bank AG boosted its stake in Molson Coors Beverage by 24.2% during the 1st quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 2,797,189 shares of the companys stock worth $170,265,000 after purchasing an additional 544,353 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.46% of the companys stock. Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts: Molson Coors Beverage Price Performance Shares of NYSE:TAP opened at $46.09 on Monday. Molson Coors Beverage Company has a 52 week low of $42.94 and a 52 week high of $64.66. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $45.79 and a 200 day moving average price of $49.18. The company has a market cap of $9.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.09, a PEG ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Molson Coors Beverage Announces Dividend Molson Coors Beverage ( NYSE:TAP Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.72 by ($0.05). The business had revenue of $2.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.02 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a return on equity of 8.61% and a net margin of 7.81%. Molson Coors Beverage has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.360-5.360 EPS. Research analysts predict that Molson Coors Beverage Company will post 6.35 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be given a $0.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 5th. This represents a $1.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.1%. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio is presently -17.60%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director David S. Coors purchased 2,245 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $44.47 per share, for a total transaction of $99,835.15. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 30,586 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,360,159.42. This trade represents a 7.92% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Andrew Thomas Molson acquired 7,500 shares of Molson Coors Beverage stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The stock was bought at an average price of $46.79 per share, with a total value of $350,925.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 22,654 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,059,980.66. This trade represents a 49.49% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. 2.71% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets TAP has been the topic of several research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $67.00 to $57.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $46.00 to $45.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Wells Fargo & Company restated an equal weight rating and issued a $50.00 price target (down previously from $53.00) on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research report on Wednesday. Zacks Research raised Molson Coors Beverage from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Roth Capital reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $65.00 price objective (down from $67.00) on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Molson Coors Beverage currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $54.24. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Molson Coors Beverage Molson Coors Beverage Profile (Free Report) Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, spirits and energy, and ready to drink beverages. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Molson Coors Beverage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molson Coors Beverage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mufg Securities Americas Inc. increased its holdings in Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:RJF Free Report) by 23.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,024 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 760 shares during the period. Mufg Securities Americas Inc.s holdings in Raymond James Financial were worth $617,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC increased 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 worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Raymond James Financial by 72.9% in the first quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC now owns 287 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 121 shares in the last quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Raymond James Financial by 47.2% in the second quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC now owns 337 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT purchased a new position in shares of Raymond James Financial during the first quarter valued at approximately $60,000. Finally, South Dakota Investment Council grew its holdings in Raymond James Financial by 300.0% during the second quarter. South Dakota Investment Council now owns 400 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $61,000 after buying an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 83.83% of the companys stock. Get Raymond James Financial alerts: Raymond James Financial Trading Up 1.1% NYSE RJF opened at $152.96 on Monday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $164.19 and its 200-day moving average is $160.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.86, a PEG ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 1.05. Raymond James Financial, Inc. has a one year low of $117.57 and a one year high of $177.66. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Raymond James Financial ( NYSE:RJF Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The financial services provider reported $3.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.83 by $0.28. The business had revenue of $3.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.64 billion. Raymond James Financial had a net margin of 13.42% and a return on equity of 18.33%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.95 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that Raymond James Financial, Inc. will post 11.17 EPS for the current year. RJF has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target 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. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on shares of Raymond James Financial from $180.00 to $182.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Citigroup reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Raymond James Financial in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on shares of Raymond James Financial from $174.00 to $181.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Raymond James Financial in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $177.20. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on RJF About Raymond James Financial (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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RJF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:RJF Free Report). 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. NFC Investments LLC raised its holdings in First Horizon Corporation (NYSE:FHN Free Report) by 1.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 480,675 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 5,300 shares during the quarter. First Horizon accounts for 2.9% of NFC Investments LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest position. NFC Investments LLCs holdings in First Horizon were worth $10,190,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its position in First Horizon by 156.7% during the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,794 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 1,095 shares during the period. Compass Financial Services Inc bought a new position in shares of First Horizon during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Allworth Financial LP raised its holdings in shares of First Horizon by 57.9% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 2,064 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 757 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its stake in First Horizon by 1,579.8% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 2,083 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 1,959 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Golden State Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in First Horizon by 2,906.8% during the second quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,195 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 2,122 shares during the period. 80.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get First Horizon alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on First Horizon from $25.00 to $23.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. DA Davidson reissued a neutral rating and issued a $24.00 price objective on shares of First Horizon in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Cowen assumed coverage on shares of First Horizon in a report on Wednesday, September 24th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Raymond James Financial set a $23.00 target price on shares of First Horizon in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of First Horizon from $25.00 to $23.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $24.41. Insider Activity In other First Horizon news, EVP David T. Popwell sold 155,149 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.31, for a total value of $3,306,225.19. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 307,432 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,551,375.92. This represents a 33.54% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CAO Jeff L. Fleming sold 7,619 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.74, for a total transaction of $165,637.06. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 128,626 shares in the company, valued at $2,796,329.24. The trade was a 5.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 0.87% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. First Horizon Trading Up 2.0% Shares of FHN stock opened at $21.72 on Monday. First Horizon Corporation has a 52-week low of $15.19 and a 52-week high of $23.70. The businesss fifty day moving average is $21.81 and its 200 day moving average is $21.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 0.96. The company has a market capitalization of $10.70 billion, a PE ratio of 13.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 0.70. First Horizon (NYSE:FHN Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $0.51 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.45 by $0.06. First Horizon had a net margin of 18.08% and a return on equity of 11.03%. The business had revenue of $893.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $848.08 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.42 earnings per share. First Horizons quarterly revenue was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that First Horizon Corporation will post 1.67 EPS for the current fiscal year. First Horizon Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 12th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.8%. First Horizons payout ratio is 36.36%. First Horizon declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback plan on Monday, October 27th that authorizes the company to buyback $1.20 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the financial services provider to repurchase up to 11.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are usually a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. First Horizon Profile (Free Report) First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through Regional Banking and Specialty Banking segments. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FHN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for First Horizon Corporation (NYSE:FHN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for First Horizon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Horizon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:OPY Get Free Report) saw an uptick in trading volume on Monday . 35,041 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 20% from the previous sessions volume of 43,880 shares.The stock last traded at $66.98 and had previously closed at $65.63. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently weighed in on OPY shares. Wall Street Zen lowered Oppenheimer from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Oppenheimer in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Oppenheimer currently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Oppenheimer alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on OPY Oppenheimer Stock Performance The firm has a market cap of $702.59 million, a PE ratio of 8.66 and a beta of 1.22. The firms 50 day moving average price is $70.55 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $69.03. Oppenheimer (NYSE:OPY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $1.90 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $401.94 million for the quarter. Oppenheimer had a net margin of 5.88% and a return on equity of 10.13%. Oppenheimer Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.18 per share. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. Oppenheimers dividend payout ratio is 9.66%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Oppenheimer Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of OPY. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Oppenheimer by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 391,435 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $23,341,000 after buying an additional 5,666 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Oppenheimer by 864.7% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 41,596 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,480,000 after purchasing an additional 37,284 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in Oppenheimer by 17.2% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 227,389 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,559,000 after buying an additional 33,433 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Oppenheimer by 39.2% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 8,154 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $486,000 after buying an additional 2,296 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Oppenheimer by 581.9% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 23,866 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,423,000 after purchasing an additional 20,366 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 32.26% of the companys stock. About Oppenheimer (Get Free Report) Oppenheimer Holdings Inc operates as a middle-market investment bank and full-service broker-dealer in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The company provides brokerage services covering corporate equity and debt securities, money market instruments, exchange-traded options and futures contracts, municipal bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and unit investment trusts; financial and wealth planning services; and margin lending services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Oppenheimer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oppenheimer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equities researchers at The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Persimmon (LON:PSN Get Free Report) in a report released on Monday, Marketbeat reports. The firm set a buy rating and a GBX 1,446 price target on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups price target would suggest a potential upside of 13.01% from the companys previous close. PSN has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Peel Hunt reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 1,330 target price on shares of Persimmon in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on shares of Persimmon from GBX 1,801 to GBX 1,790 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Berenberg Bank restated a hold rating and set a GBX 1,300 target price on shares of Persimmon in a report on Tuesday, September 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a GBX 1,375 target price on shares of Persimmon in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Persimmon from GBX 1,573 to GBX 1,530 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 14th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Persimmon presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 1,470.14. Get Persimmon alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on PSN Persimmon Stock Performance Insider Activity Persimmon stock opened at GBX 1,279.50 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of 4.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.13, a P/E/G ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 1.37. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 1,183.21 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 1,211.16. Persimmon has a 52-week low of GBX 1,030.50 and a 52-week high of GBX 1,418. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.91, a current ratio of 4.09 and a quick ratio of 1.04. In other news, insider Andrew Duxbury sold 7,132 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, September 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 1,133, for a total transaction of 80,805.56. 2.63% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Persimmon Company Profile (Get Free Report) Persimmon Plc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a house builder in the United Kingdom. The company offers family housing under the Persimmon Homes brand name; housing under the Charles Church brand name; and social housing under the Westbury Partnerships brand name. It also provides broadband services under the FibreNest brand; and timber frame, insulated wall panels, and roof cassettes under the brand Space4. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Persimmon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Persimmon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC reduced its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 8.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 35,214 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,080 shares during the quarter. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $6,414,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Traub Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Abound Wealth Management boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 566.7% during the 2nd quarter. Abound Wealth Management now owns 160 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares during the period. Kelly Lawrence W & Associates Inc. CA acquired a new position in Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, Briaud Financial Planning Inc boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 266.7% during the 2nd quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc now owns 165 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. KGI Securities started coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Monday, August 4th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, September 4th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus set a $180.00 price target on Philip Morris International in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Philip Morris International currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $189.56. Philip Morris International Trading Down 0.3% Shares of NYSE:PM opened at $155.24 on Monday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $156.42 and a 200-day moving average of $167.24. The firm has a market cap of $241.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.12, a P/E/G ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 0.43. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $116.12 and a twelve month high of $186.69. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 122.14%. The business had revenue of $8.12 billion during the quarter. Equities research analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were issued a $1.47 dividend. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.8%. This is a positive change from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 3rd. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is currently 106.52%. Philip Morris International 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. See Also 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. Picton Mahoney Asset Management increased its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 14.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 102,960 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after purchasing an additional 13,099 shares during the quarter. Picton Mahoney Asset Managements holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $23,320,000 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 company. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2.4% in the second quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,815 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $411,000 after purchasing an additional 43 shares during the last quarter. Pflug Koory LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 3.9% in the second quarter. Pflug Koory LLC now owns 1,133 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $257,000 after buying an additional 43 shares during the last quarter. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 9.1% during the second quarter. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC now owns 517 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $117,000 after buying an additional 43 shares during the period. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.2% during the second quarter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC now owns 3,621 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $820,000 after buying an additional 43 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Liberty One Investment Management LLC raised its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 4.3% in the second quarter. Liberty One Investment Management LLC now owns 1,076 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $244,000 after acquiring an additional 44 shares during the period. 16.51% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Down 0.9% Shares of TSM opened at $275.01 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $1.43 trillion, a P/E ratio of 28.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 2.37 and a quick ratio of 2.15. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a 1 year low of $134.25 and a 1 year high of $311.37. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $287.83 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $246.26. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly 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. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 43.72% and a return on equity of 36.06%. The company had revenue of $32.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $951.89 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.94 EPS. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings revenue for the quarter was up 40.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.9678 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. This is a boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. This represents a $3.87 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.4%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is currently 26.97%. Analysts Set New Price Targets TSM has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and set a $360.00 price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Barclays upped 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. Susquehanna lifted their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $300.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $371.67. View Our Latest Stock Report on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing 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 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. Picton Mahoney Asset Management raised its position in The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 15.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 371,619 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 49,689 shares during the period. Picton Mahoney Asset Managements holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $33,906,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC increased its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 26.8% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 190,538 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $17,387,000 after acquiring an additional 40,275 shares during the period. Bain Capital Public Equity Management II LLC purchased a new position in shares of Charles Schwab in the first quarter worth about $79,605,000. Figure 8 Investment Strategies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab during the second quarter worth about $924,000. Independent Advisor Alliance boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 13.8% in the first quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance now owns 39,103 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,061,000 after buying an additional 4,754 shares during the last quarter. Finally, PFG Investments LLC increased its holdings in Charles Schwab by 10.2% in the 2nd quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 5,951 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $543,000 after buying an additional 550 shares during the period. 84.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Insider Activity at Charles Schwab In other news, insider Paul V. Woolway sold 3,205 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.33, for a total transaction of $299,122.65. Following the transaction, the insider owned 34,778 shares in the company, valued at $3,245,830.74. The trade was a 8.44% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 3,072 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.00, for a total transaction of $301,056.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 11,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,168,454. This represents a 20.49% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 68,938 shares of company stock valued at $6,671,953. 6.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Charles Schwab Stock Performance NYSE SCHW opened at $90.44 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.55 and a quick ratio of 0.55. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $93.88 and its 200-day simple moving average is $92.81. The company has a market cap of $160.71 billion, a PE ratio of 21.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.02. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a 1-year low of $65.88 and a 1-year high of $99.59. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.25 by $0.06. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 21.26% and a net margin of 35.93%.The firm had revenue of $6.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.93 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.71 EPS. The firms revenue was up 26.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 EPS for the current fiscal year. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be given a $0.27 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is 25.29%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have commented on SCHW. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $119.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. TD Cowen raised their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $129.00 to $134.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $130.00 to $139.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Bank of America increased their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $84.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and set a $110.00 price target on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Friday, October 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $106.45. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on SCHW About Charles Schwab (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prudential Financial Inc. raised its stake in shares of Southern Company (The) (NYSE:SO Free Report) by 92.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,164,431 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 558,673 shares during the period. Prudential Financial Inc. owned about 0.11% of Southern worth $106,930,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. boosted its position in Southern by 1.2% in the first quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 99,123 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $9,114,000 after purchasing an additional 1,134 shares during the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Southern by 12.2% during the 1st quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 18,792 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,728,000 after acquiring an additional 2,043 shares during the last quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Southern in the 1st quarter worth $422,000. TD Asset Management Inc increased its stake in shares of Southern by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 393,961 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $36,225,000 after purchasing an additional 2,669 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Motco raised its holdings in Southern by 3.8% in the 1st quarter. Motco now owns 5,729 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $527,000 after purchasing an additional 211 shares during the period. 64.10% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Southern alerts: Southern Price Performance SO stock opened at $89.36 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 0.74. The companys fifty day moving average price is $93.91 and its 200-day moving average price is $92.45. Southern Company has a one year low of $80.46 and a one year high of $100.83. The company has a market capitalization of $98.39 billion, a PE ratio of 22.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.31 and a beta of 0.45. Southern Dividend Announcement Southern ( NYSE:SO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The utilities provider reported $1.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.51 by $0.09. Southern had a net margin of 15.10% and a return on equity of 12.09%. The company had revenue of $7.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.04 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.39 EPS. Southerns revenue for the quarter was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Southern Company will post 4.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 8th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th will be given a $0.74 dividend. This represents a $2.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 17th. Southerns payout ratio is currently 73.27%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently commented on SO shares. UBS Group raised their price objective on Southern from $100.00 to $104.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Evercore ISI began coverage on shares of Southern in a research note on Monday, October 6th. They set an in-line rating and a $103.00 target price on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Southern in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. BTIG Research started coverage on shares of Southern in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. They issued a neutral rating for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Southern from $97.00 to $98.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, August 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Southern has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $99.03. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on SO Southern Company Profile (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. See Also 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. Prudential Financial Inc. increased its stake in shares of United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS Free Report) by 10.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 595,063 shares of the transportation companys stock after buying an additional 58,626 shares during the period. Prudential Financial Inc. owned 0.07% of United Parcel Service worth $60,066,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Boston Research & Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of United Parcel Service by 7.4% during the second quarter. Boston Research & Management Inc. now owns 42,645 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $4,304,000 after acquiring an additional 2,953 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in United Parcel Service by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 25,792,139 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $2,603,459,000 after purchasing an additional 746,667 shares during the period. Soundwatch Capital LLC bought a new stake in United Parcel Service in the 2nd quarter valued at $196,000. Enterprise Financial Services Corp acquired a new position in United Parcel Service in the 2nd quarter valued at $229,000. Finally, Cowa LLC increased its position in United Parcel Service by 329.2% during the 2nd quarter. Cowa LLC now owns 8,785 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $887,000 after buying an additional 6,738 shares during the period. 60.26% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get United Parcel Service alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on shares of United Parcel Service from $120.00 to $109.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of United Parcel Service from $91.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Oppenheimer cut their price target on United Parcel Service from $114.00 to $100.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Truist Financial increased their price target on United Parcel Service from $100.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their target price on United Parcel Service from $100.00 to $88.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, United Parcel Service has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $110.00. United Parcel Service Price Performance Shares of NYSE:UPS opened at $94.54 on Monday. United Parcel Service, Inc. has a one year low of $82.00 and a one year high of $138.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50, a current ratio of 1.30 and a quick ratio of 1.32. The company has a market cap of $80.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.61, a PEG ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 1.11. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $88.78 and a 200 day simple moving average of $92.80. United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The transportation company reported $1.74 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.31 by $0.43. United Parcel Service had a net margin of 6.15% and a return on equity of 40.07%. The company had revenue of $21.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.94 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.76 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. United Parcel Service has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. Research analysts predict that United Parcel Service, Inc. will post 7.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. United Parcel Service Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 4th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th will be given a $1.64 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 17th. This represents a $6.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.9%. United Parcel Services dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 101.39%. United Parcel Service Profile (Free Report) United Parcel Service, Inc, a package delivery company, provides transportation and delivery, distribution, contract logistics, ocean freight, airfreight, customs brokerage, and insurance services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of express letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UPS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for United Parcel Service Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Parcel Service and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quadcap Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 10.8% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 2,748 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 268 shares during the quarter. Quadcap Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $2,142,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the second quarter valued at $31,000. Blume Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 46.7% during the second quarter. Blume Capital Management Inc. now owns 44 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 14 shares during the last quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, TD Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 129.2% in the 1st quarter. TD Capital Management LLC now owns 55 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after acquiring an additional 31 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have recently commented on LLY. Leerink Partnrs upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. UBS Group lifted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $895.00 to $1,080.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday. Erste Group Bank raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Leerink Partners raised Eli Lilly and Company from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price target for the company from $886.00 to $1,104.00 in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,027.95. Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 1.4% Shares of NYSE:LLY opened at $1,058.05 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.00 trillion, a PE ratio of 69.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 1.00. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $855.89 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $787.81. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $623.78 and a 1 year high of $1,066.65. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. The company had revenue of $17.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.09 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 92.72% and a net margin of 25.91%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.18 EPS. 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. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be given a dividend of $1.50 per share. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.35%. About Eli Lilly and Company (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. Further Reading 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. AppYea (OTCMKTS:APYP Get Free Report) and Block (NYSE:XYZ Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations, profitability and risk. Profitability This table compares AppYea and Blocks net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get AppYea alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets AppYea -38,457.89% N/A -1,845.20% Block 12.99% 5.54% 3.24% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings for AppYea and Block, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score AppYea 0 0 0 0 0.00 Block 2 11 21 3 2.68 Institutional & Insider Ownership Block has a consensus target price of $83.42, indicating a potential upside of 34.15%. Given Blocks stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Block is more favorable than AppYea. 70.4% of Block shares are held by institutional investors. 0.5% of AppYea shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 10.5% of Block 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. Earnings & Valuation This table compares AppYea and Blocks gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio AppYea $30,000.00 314.27 -$4.03 million ($0.01) -1.58 Block $24.12 billion 1.57 $2.90 billion $4.96 12.54 Block has higher revenue and earnings than AppYea. AppYea is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Block, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Risk & Volatility AppYea has a beta of 2.78, meaning that its share price is 178% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Block has a beta of 2.73, meaning that its share price is 173% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Block beats AppYea on 13 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About AppYea (Get Free Report) AppYea, Inc., a digital health company, develops wearable monitoring solutions to treat sleep apnea and snoring. It develops AppySleep app, a wristband that monitors physiological parameters during sleep; AppySleep, a biofeedback snoring treatment wristband; AppySleep LAB, a smartphone medical application that monitors breathing patterns in the sleep and identify sleep arena episode without direct contact to the user; and AppySleep PRO a wristband for the treatment of sleep arena using biofeedback in combination with AppySleep LAB app. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Gan Yavne, Israel. About Block (Get Free Report) Square, Inc. provides payment and point-of-sale solutions in the United States and internationally. The company's commerce ecosystem includes point-of-sale software and hardware that enables sellers to turn mobile and computing devices into payment and point-of-sale solutions. It offers hardware products, including Magstripe reader, which enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Contactless and chip reader that accepts EMV chip cards and Near Field Communication payments; Chip card reader, which accepts EMV chip cards and enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Square Stand, which enables an iPad to be used as a payment terminal or full point of sale solution; and Square Register that combines its hardware, point-of-sale software, and payments technology, as well as managed payments solutions. The company also provides Square Point of Sale software; Cash App, which provides access to the financial system, allowing customers to electronically send, store, and spend money; Caviar, a food ordering platform for restaurants to offer food ordering, pickup and delivery, to their customers; and Square Capital that facilitates loans to sellers based on real-time payment and point-of-sale data. Square, Inc. was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Receive News & Ratings for AppYea Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AppYea and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers grew its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR Free Report) by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 263,702 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,847 shares during the quarter. Rhumbline Advisers owned about 0.23% of Broadridge Financial Solutions worth $64,087,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. NewSquare Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 89.5% in the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 108 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the period. ORG Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 360.0% in the 2nd quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 115 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares during the period. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust grew its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 110.3% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust now owns 122 shares of the business services providers stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd grew its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 85.1% in the 2nd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 124 shares of the business services providers stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 450.0% during the 1st quarter. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd now owns 143 shares of the business services providers stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 117 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.03% of the companys stock. Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts: Broadridge Financial Solutions Stock Up 0.5% Shares of NYSE:BR opened at $228.34 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. The firm has a market cap of $26.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.24 and a beta of 0.96. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a 12 month low of $212.33 and a 12 month high of $271.91. The companys 50-day moving average price is $231.17 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $241.06. Broadridge Financial Solutions Dividend Announcement Broadridge Financial Solutions ( NYSE:BR Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, March 3rd. The business services provider reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a net margin of 13.11% and a return on equity of 43.28%. The company had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter. As a group, research analysts forecast that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 8.53 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be given a $0.975 dividend. This represents a $3.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 12th. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 49.94%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on BR shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research note on Monday, November 17th. DA Davidson reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $240.00 price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. UBS Group lowered their price objective on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $280.00 to $250.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Needham & Company LLC upped their target price on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $300.00 to $305.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 6th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $261.00 to $256.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $259.83. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Broadridge Financial Solutions Insider Activity at Broadridge Financial Solutions In other news, President Christopher John Perry sold 3,984 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $226.00, for a total transaction of $900,384.00. Following the completion of the sale, the president owned 44,829 shares in the company, valued at $10,131,354. The trade was a 8.16% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Broadridge Financial Solutions Profile (Free Report) Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV Free Report) by 11.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 330,983 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 33,868 shares during the quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC owned approximately 0.06% of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF worth $33,327,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Weaver Consulting Group lifted its stake in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter. Weaver Consulting Group now owns 3,880 shares of the companys stock worth $391,000 after purchasing an additional 102 shares during the last quarter. IFG Advisory LLC boosted its stake in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 2.7% in the first quarter. IFG Advisory LLC now owns 4,004 shares of the companys stock valued at $403,000 after acquiring an additional 105 shares in the last quarter. 4WEALTH Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. 4WEALTH Advisors Inc. now owns 18,957 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,909,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Rossby Financial LCC boosted its position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 15.2% in the 2nd quarter. Rossby Financial LCC now owns 1,158 shares of the companys stock worth $117,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC grew its stake in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 5,114 shares of the companys stock worth $515,000 after buying an additional 174 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF alerts: iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:SGOV opened at $100.60 on Monday. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF has a twelve month low of $100.15 and a twelve month high of $100.74. The companys 50 day moving average is $100.55 and its two-hundred day moving average is $100.55. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Profile Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SGOV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Suncor Energy (TSE:SU Get Free Report) (NYSE:SU) had its price objective raised by stock analysts at Desjardins from C$71.00 to C$73.00 in a report released on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. Desjardins price objective points to a potential upside of 17.21% from the stocks current price. Several other analysts have also issued reports on the company. TD Securities increased their price target on Suncor Energy from C$67.00 to C$70.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Gerdes Energy Research boosted their target price on shares of Suncor Energy from C$75.00 to C$78.00 in a report on Monday, November 10th. National Bankshares upped their target price on shares of Suncor Energy from C$65.00 to C$68.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. UBS Group lifted their price target on Suncor Energy from C$61.00 to C$65.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price target on Suncor Energy from C$62.00 to C$67.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$65.08. Get Suncor Energy alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Suncor Energy Suncor Energy Trading Down 0.2% Shares of SU traded down C$0.15 during trading hours on Monday, reaching C$62.28. The stock had a trading volume of 3,097,463 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,654,688. The company has a market cap of C$74.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.52, a P/E/G ratio of 0.15 and a beta of 0.61. Suncor Energy has a 52 week low of C$43.59 and a 52 week high of C$64.14. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 33.35. The firm has a 50-day moving average of C$57.93 and a 200 day moving average of C$54.80. Suncor Energy (TSE:SU Get Free Report) (NYSE:SU) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported C$1.48 EPS for the quarter. Suncor Energy had a net margin of 15.15% and a return on equity of 18.10%. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Suncor Energy will post 4.4208333 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Suncor Energy In other news, insider Kristopher Peter Smith sold 112,600 shares of Suncor Energy stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$61.74, for a total value of C$6,951,924.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 48,482 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$2,993,278.68. The trade was a 69.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Also, insider Adam Husain Albeldawi sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$58.44, for a total value of C$292,200.00. Insiders sold a total of 252,142 shares of company stock valued at $15,003,939 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.01% of the companys stock. Suncor Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Suncor Energy Inc is an integrated energy company. The companys operations include oil sands development, production and upgrading, offshore oil and gas, petroleum refining in Canada and the U.S. and the companys PetroCanada retail and wholesale distribution networks. The company is developing petroleum resources while advancing the transition to a low-emissions future through investment in power, renewable fuels and hydrogen. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Suncor Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suncor Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swiss National Bank raised its holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE:TEVA Free Report) by 15.5% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 3,616,500 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 486,100 shares during the quarter. Swiss National Banks holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries were worth $60,613,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. New Age Alpha Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in the 1st quarter valued at $43,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC increased its holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 3,715.8% in the second quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 2,900 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 2,824 shares during the last quarter. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise acquired a new position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in the first quarter valued at about $74,000. Brooklyn Investment Group boosted its holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 403.4% during the first quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 5,009 shares of the companys stock worth $77,000 after buying an additional 4,014 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC grew its position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 18.1% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 4,995 shares of the companys stock worth $84,000 after buying an additional 767 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 54.05% of the companys stock. Get Teva Pharmaceutical Industries alerts: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Stock Down 0.5% Teva Pharmaceutical Industries stock opened at $24.16 on Monday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $20.87 and a 200-day moving average of $18.53. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.45. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has a twelve month low of $12.47 and a twelve month high of $26.38. The stock has a market capitalization of $27.71 billion, a PE ratio of -151.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.70. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Teva Pharmaceutical Industries ( NYSE:TEVA Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.78 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.68 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $4.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.36 billion. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries had a negative net margin of 0.95% and a positive return on equity of 46.10%. The firms revenue was up 3.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.69 EPS. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.550-2.650 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. will post 2.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $26.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $23.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $25.86. Get Our Latest Report on TEVA Insider Activity at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries In other news, Director Roberto Mignone sold 200,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.11, for a total value of $4,822,000.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 495,000 shares in the company, valued at $11,934,450. The trade was a 28.78% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.49% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Free Report) Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, Israel, and internationally. It offers generic medicines in various dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams; sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in parenteral and solid dosage forms; and generic products with medical devices and combination products. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TEVA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE:TEVA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swiss National Bank grew its holdings in shares of Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:TPL Free Report) by 7.4% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 59,151 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 4,100 shares during the quarter. Swiss National Banks holdings in Texas Pacific Land were worth $62,487,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Hemington Wealth Management increased its position in shares of Texas Pacific Land by 66.7% in the 1st quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 20 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 8 shares during the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT purchased a new position in Texas Pacific Land during the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Assetmark Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Texas Pacific Land by 50.0% in the 1st quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 39 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $52,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares during the period. SVB Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Texas Pacific Land in the first quarter valued at about $61,000. Finally, SBI Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its position in Texas Pacific Land by 5,100.0% during the 2nd quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 52 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $55,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the period. 59.94% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Texas Pacific Land alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have issued reports on TPL. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Texas Pacific Land in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Tudor Pickering upgraded shares of Texas Pacific Land to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Texas Pacific Land presently has a consensus rating of Reduce. Texas Pacific Land Stock Up 1.6% Texas Pacific Land stock opened at $897.67 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.63 billion, a PE ratio of 44.75 and a beta of 1.12. Texas Pacific Land Corporation has a 52 week low of $845.56 and a 52 week high of $1,769.14. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $936.79 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1,009.95. Texas Pacific Land (NYSE:TPL Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported $5.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.77 by ($0.50). Texas Pacific Land had a return on equity of 39.47% and a net margin of 62.16%.The business had revenue of $203.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $175.00 million. Texas Pacific Land Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st will be given a dividend of $1.60 per share. This represents a $6.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 1st. Texas Pacific Lands payout ratio is currently 30.92%. About Texas Pacific Land (Free Report) Texas Pacific Land Corporation engages in the land and resource management, and water services and operations businesses. The company owns a 1/128th nonparticipating perpetual oil and gas royalty interest (NPRI) under approximately 85,000 acres of land; a 1/16th NPRI under approximately 371,000 acres of land; and approximately 4,000 additional net royalty acres, total of approximately 195,000 NRA located in the western part of Texas. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TPL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:TPL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Texas Pacific Land Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Texas Pacific Land and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Waterloo Capital L.P. boosted its position in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report) by 13.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 16,854 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after purchasing an additional 2,016 shares during the period. Waterloo Capital L.P.s holdings in TJX Companies were worth $2,081,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. TCTC Holdings LLC raised its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 210.1% in the 1st quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC now owns 214 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in TJX Companies during the second quarter worth about $28,000. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new position in TJX Companies during the second quarter worth about $32,000. True Wealth Design LLC raised its position in TJX Companies by 121.1% in the second quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 272 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 149 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Activest Wealth Management lifted its holdings in TJX Companies by 4,485.7% in the 1st quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 321 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 314 shares during the last quarter. 91.09% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get TJX Companies alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on TJX shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of TJX Companies from $150.00 to $154.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on shares of TJX Companies from $163.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of TJX Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, August 23rd. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and set a $162.00 price objective (up previously from $159.00) on shares of TJX Companies in a research report on Thursday. Finally, UBS Group raised their price objective on TJX Companies from $172.00 to $181.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-three have assigned a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $158.90. TJX Companies Stock Up 2.3% TJX stock opened at $151.46 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 0.52. The firm has a market capitalization of $168.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.50, a P/E/G ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 0.90. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a 52-week low of $112.10 and a 52-week high of $152.58. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $143.04 and its 200-day simple moving average is $134.17. TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 19th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.28 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.06. TJX Companies had a net margin of 8.59% and a return on equity of 58.63%. The firm had revenue of $15.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.80 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.14 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. TJX Companies has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.330-1.360 EPS. FY 2026 guidance at 4.630-4.660 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.18 EPS for the current year. TJX Companies Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.425 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 13th. This represents a $1.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. TJX Companiess payout ratio is currently 37.53%. Insider Activity In other TJX Companies news, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 24,363 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.31, for a total transaction of $3,686,365.53. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 510,780 shares in the company, valued at approximately $77,286,121.80. This trade represents a 4.55% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Amy B. Lane sold 500 shares of TJX Companies stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $151.40, for a total value of $75,700.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 22,212 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,362,896.80. This trade represents a 2.20% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders sold 54,863 shares of company stock valued at $8,226,366. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. TJX Companies Company Profile (Free Report) The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TJX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TJX Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TJX Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quadcap Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 29.4% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 7,379 shares of the insurance providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,676 shares during the quarter. Quadcap Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $1,974,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Greykasell Wealth Strategies Inc. acquired a new position in Travelers Companies in the first quarter worth about $26,000. Missouri Trust & Investment Co lifted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 122.2% during the 2nd quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 100 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 200.0% during the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 104 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 208 shares during the last quarter. Flaharty Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Travelers Companies during the first quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, Nova Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in Travelers Companies in the second quarter worth about $32,000. Institutional investors own 82.45% of the companys stock. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on TRV. Citigroup started coverage on Travelers Companies in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. They set a neutral rating and a $291.00 price target on the stock. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $284.00 to $287.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $320.00 to $322.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Travelers Companies from $289.00 to $297.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $292.73. Travelers Companies Trading Up 0.8% Travelers Companies stock opened at $290.21 on Monday. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $230.23 and a 12-month high of $292.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.35 and a quick ratio of 0.35. The stock has a market capitalization of $64.74 billion, a PE ratio of 11.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.55. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $276.41 and a 200-day simple moving average of $270.40. 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. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 20.28% and a net margin of 12.14%.The firm had revenue of $12.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.15 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $5.24 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 EPS for the current fiscal year. Travelers Companies Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be issued a dividend of $1.10 per share. This represents a $4.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 10th. Travelers Companiess payout ratio is presently 17.30%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CFO Daniel S. Frey sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $278.25, for a total transaction of $6,956,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 26,932 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,493,829. This trade represents a 48.14% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 8,572 shares of Travelers Companies 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 in the company, valued at $9,106,815.74. This represents a 20.31% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 37,375 shares of company stock worth $10,374,006. 1.46% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Travelers Companies 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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report). 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. Titleist Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 5,601 shares of the consumer goods makers stock, valued at approximately $385,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of BUD. ABC Arbitrage SA bought a new position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the first quarter worth about $1,731,000. Vident Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 1st quarter valued at about $310,000. QRG Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 7.7% in the 2nd quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 93,714 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $6,440,000 after buying an additional 6,695 shares during the period. Ritholtz Wealth Management grew its stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 578.6% in the 2nd quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 24,302 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $1,670,000 after acquiring an additional 20,721 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dodge & Cox increased its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 2.8% during the first quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 41,116,138 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $2,531,109,000 after acquiring an additional 1,119,308 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 5.53% of the companys stock. Get Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently weighed in on BUD shares. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Friday, October 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a report on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. They issued an overweight rating and a $75.00 price objective for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $72.00. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:BUD opened at $62.46 on Monday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $60.85 and a 200 day moving average of $64.34. The company has a quick ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. The company has a market capitalization of $121.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 0.76. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a 52 week low of $45.94 and a 52 week high of $72.13. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The consumer goods maker reported $0.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.97 by $0.02. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a return on equity of 16.21% and a net margin of 12.16%.Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVs revenue for the quarter was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.98 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 19th will be paid a $0.1722 dividend. This represents a yield of 57.0%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 19th. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVs payout ratio is 7.84%. About Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (Free Report) Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV produces, distributes, exports, markets, and sells beer and beverages. It offers a portfolio of approximately 500 beer brands, which primarily include Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois; Beck's, Hoegaarden, Leffe, and Michelob Ultra; and Aguila, Antarctica, Bud Light, Brahma, Cass, Castle, Castle Lite, Cristal, Harbin, Jupiler, Modelo Especial, Quilmes, Victoria, Sedrin, and Skol brands. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BUD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Titleist Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 48.6% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 789 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 258 shares during the quarter. Titleist Asset Management LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $615,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter worth approximately $27,000. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. acquired a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter worth $31,000. Blume Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in 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 purchasing an additional 14 shares during the period. IMG Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter worth $35,000. Finally, TD Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 129.2% in the first quarter. TD Capital Management LLC now owns 55 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 31 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on LLY shares. Leerink Partnrs upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. DZ Bank raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. HSBC increased their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $700.00 to $800.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Berenberg Bank reissued a hold rating and issued a $830.00 target price (down previously from $970.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Wednesday, September 17th. Finally, Leerink Partners upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the stock from $886.00 to $1,104.00 in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,027.95. Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance NYSE LLY opened at $1,058.05 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.00 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 69.15, a PEG ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.43. The businesss 50 day moving average is $855.89 and its two-hundred day moving average is $787.81. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $623.78 and a 12-month high of $1,066.65. The company has a current ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 92.72% and a net margin of 25.91%.The firm had revenue of $17.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.18 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Research analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be issued a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.35%. About Eli Lilly and Company (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. Featured Articles 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. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. boosted its position in TransAlta Corporation (NYSE:TAC Free Report) (TSE:TA) by 19.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 70,554 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 11,532 shares during the quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc.s holdings in TransAlta were worth $754,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd raised its holdings in shares of TransAlta by 48,666.7% in the 1st quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 4,389 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 4,380 shares during the period. Savant Capital LLC purchased a new position in TransAlta in the second quarter valued at approximately $127,000. Ballentine Partners LLC purchased a new stake in TransAlta during the second quarter worth approximately $134,000. Entropy Technologies LP acquired a new position in shares of TransAlta during the 1st quarter valued at $119,000. Finally, Fox Run Management L.L.C. purchased a new stake in TransAlta during the 2nd quarter worth $140,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 59.00% of the companys stock. Get TransAlta alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have commented on TAC. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of TransAlta in a research note on Monday, November 10th. TD Securities reissued a buy rating and set a $20.00 price target (up from $19.00) on shares of TransAlta in a research report on Tuesday, August 5th. CIBC reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of TransAlta in a research report on Monday, October 20th. National Bankshares reiterated an outperform rating on shares of TransAlta in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of TransAlta in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $19.88. TransAlta Price Performance TAC stock opened at $13.73 on Monday. The stocks 50 day moving average is $15.29 and its two-hundred day moving average is $12.64. TransAlta Corporation has a 52-week low of $7.82 and a 52-week high of $17.88. The company has a market capitalization of $4.07 billion, a PE ratio of -32.69 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.98. TransAlta (NYSE:TAC Get Free Report) (TSE:TA) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The utilities provider reported ($0.01) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.06 by ($0.07). The business had revenue of $441.57 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $558.84 million. TransAlta had a negative net margin of 6.79% and a negative return on equity of 2.06%. Analysts predict that TransAlta Corporation will post 0.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. TransAlta Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.065 per share. This represents a $0.26 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. TransAltas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -37.50%. About TransAlta (Free Report) TransAlta Corporation engages in the development, production, and sale of electric energy. It operates through Hydro, Wind and Solar, Gas, Energy Transition, and Energy Marketing segments. The Hydro segment holds interest of approximately 922 megawatts (MW) of owned hydroelectric generating capacity located in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for TransAlta Corporation (NYSE:TAC Free Report) (TSE:TA). Receive News & Ratings for TransAlta Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransAlta and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Franklin Resources Inc. trimmed its stake in Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC Free Report) by 1.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 2,092,728 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 30,319 shares during the quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. owned approximately 0.16% of Truist Financial worth $89,966,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of TFC. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in Truist Financial by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 62,087 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,804,000 after purchasing an additional 242 shares during the last quarter. MGO One Seven LLC increased its stake in shares of Truist Financial by 0.9% in the second quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 28,849 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,240,000 after purchasing an additional 246 shares during the period. Klingman & Associates LLC raised its holdings in shares of Truist Financial by 2.2% during the first quarter. Klingman & Associates LLC now owns 11,756 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $484,000 after buying an additional 248 shares during the last quarter. Haverford Trust Co raised its holdings in shares of Truist Financial by 3.5% during the first quarter. Haverford Trust Co now owns 7,751 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $319,000 after buying an additional 262 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Keystone Financial Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Truist Financial by 1.3% during the second quarter. Keystone Financial Group Inc. now owns 21,283 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $942,000 after buying an additional 266 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.28% of the companys stock. Get Truist Financial alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have weighed in on the company. Piper Sandler set a $48.00 target price on Truist Financial in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Truist Financial from $54.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Truist Financial from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Wells Fargo & Company reissued an equal weight rating and set a $47.00 target price on shares of Truist Financial in a research note on Thursday, August 21st. Finally, TD Cowen upgraded shares of Truist Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $55.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Truist Financial presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $50.59. Truist Financial Price Performance Shares of Truist Financial stock opened at $45.46 on Monday. Truist Financial Corporation has a 52 week low of $33.56 and a 52 week high of $49.06. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The stock has a market cap of $58.15 billion, a PE ratio of 12.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.92. The companys 50-day moving average price is $44.58 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $43.60. Truist Financial (NYSE:TFC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 17th. The insurance provider reported $1.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.99 by $0.05. Truist Financial had a net margin of 16.84% and a return on equity of 8.73%. The company had revenue of $5.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.20 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.97 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Truist Financial has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Truist Financial Corporation will post 4 EPS for the current fiscal year. Truist Financial Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be issued a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.6%. Truist Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 55.91%. Truist Financial Company Profile (Free Report) Truist Financial Corporation, a financial services company, provides banking and trust services in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. The company operates through three segments: Consumer Banking and Wealth, Corporate and Commercial Banking, and Insurance Holdings.Its deposit products include noninterest-bearing checking, interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Truist Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Truist Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Amcor PLC (NYSE:AMCR Free Report) by 61.8% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 110,228,036 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 42,122,135 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. owned approximately 7.63% of Amcor worth $1,012,996,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Amcor by 55.3% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 58,845,923 shares of the companys stock worth $538,551,000 after purchasing an additional 20,946,520 shares during the period. M&G PLC boosted its position in shares of Amcor by 23.4% during the second quarter. M&G PLC now owns 85,596,005 shares of the companys stock valued at $770,364,000 after buying an additional 16,212,783 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA purchased a new position in shares of Amcor during the second quarter valued at approximately $139,307,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its stake in shares of Amcor by 4,928.6% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 4,732,524 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,817,000 after buying an additional 4,638,412 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of Amcor by 42.4% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 15,111,854 shares of the companys stock worth $138,878,000 after buying an additional 4,498,695 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 45.14% of the companys stock. Get Amcor alerts: Amcor Stock Performance AMCR stock opened at $8.48 on Monday. Amcor PLC has a 1-year low of $7.66 and a 1-year high of $10.70. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $8.18 and a 200 day moving average price of $8.81. The company has a market capitalization of $19.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.56, a PEG ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 0.71. Amcor Increases Dividend Amcor ( NYSE:AMCR Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.19 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.19. Amcor had a net margin of 3.40% and a return on equity of 19.43%. The business had revenue of $5.75 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.77 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.16 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 71.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Amcor PLC will post 0.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th will be paid a $0.13 dividend. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.1%. This is a positive change from Amcors previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. Amcors payout ratio is presently 152.94%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth AMCR has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. initiated coverage on Amcor in a report on Friday, September 19th. They set an overweight rating and a $10.00 price objective for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Amcor in a research note on Wednesday, September 10th. They set a buy rating for the company. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $11.50 price target on shares of Amcor in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Amcor in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised shares of Amcor from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $10.20 price objective for the company in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Amcor has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $10.91. Read Our Latest Report on AMCR Amcor Company 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 Articles 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. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Fortis (NYSE:FTS Free Report) by 3.4% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 23,025,514 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 759,772 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. owned about 4.57% of Fortis worth $1,099,399,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH acquired a new stake in shares of Fortis during the second quarter worth about $28,000. Allworth Financial LP increased its stake in Fortis by 157.3% during the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,253 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $60,000 after purchasing an additional 766 shares in the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp acquired a new stake in Fortis during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $65,000. Banque Transatlantique SA bought a new position in Fortis in the first quarter valued at approximately $135,000. Finally, Kingsview Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Fortis in the second quarter valued at approximately $200,000. 57.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Fortis alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts recently commented on FTS shares. Scotiabank restated a sector perform rating on shares of Fortis in a report on Monday, October 6th. CIBC reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Fortis in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating on shares of Fortis in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. BMO Capital Markets restated a market perform rating on shares of Fortis in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded Fortis from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, August 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $72.00. Fortis Stock Up 0.2% Shares of FTS stock opened at $51.55 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. Fortis has a 1 year low of $40.32 and a 1 year high of $52.83. The firms fifty day moving average price is $50.73 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $49.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $26.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.21, a PEG ratio of 3.94 and a beta of 0.49. Fortis (NYSE:FTS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The utilities provider reported $0.59 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $2.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.22 billion. Fortis had a return on equity of 7.24% and a net margin of 14.48%. On average, equities analysts predict that Fortis will post 2.35 EPS for the current fiscal year. Fortis Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th will be given a dividend of $0.64 per share. This represents a $2.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.0%. This is a boost from Fortiss previous quarterly dividend of $0.44. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 17th. Fortiss payout ratio is currently 75.83%. Fortis Company Profile (Free Report) Fortis Inc operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 447,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 103,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,408 megawatts (MW), including 68 MW of solar capacity and 250 MV of wind capacity. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fortis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fortis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Group Inc. lessened its holdings in Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:IPG Free Report) by 0.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 45,905,613 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 202,205 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. owned about 12.53% of Interpublic Group of Companies worth $1,123,769,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in IPG. Y.D. More Investments Ltd boosted its position in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies by 24.2% in the 2nd quarter. Y.D. More Investments Ltd now owns 5,687 shares of the business services providers stock worth $138,000 after purchasing an additional 1,108 shares in the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its holdings in Interpublic Group of Companies by 98.9% in the second quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 226,960 shares of the business services providers stock worth $5,556,000 after acquiring an additional 112,826 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS boosted its holdings in Interpublic Group of Companies by 6.4% in the second quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 90,680 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,220,000 after acquiring an additional 5,491 shares in the last quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. grew its stake in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies by 1,013.1% in the second quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 98,786 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,418,000 after acquiring an additional 89,911 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey increased its holdings in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies by 4.3% during the second quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 141,205 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $3,457,000 after acquiring an additional 5,806 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 98.43% of the companys stock. Get Interpublic Group of Companies alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages recently issued reports on IPG. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Interpublic Group of Companies from $28.00 to $27.50 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Interpublic Group of Companies to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, August 16th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Interpublic Group of Companies in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Interpublic Group of Companies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 13th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $32.18. Interpublic Group of Companies Price Performance NYSE IPG opened at $25.70 on Monday. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $26.10 and a 200-day moving average price of $25.41. Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $22.51 and a 52 week high of $33.05. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.78 and a beta of 1.12. Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The business services provider reported $0.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates 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 for the quarter was down 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.70 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. will post 2.66 earnings per share for the current year. About Interpublic Group of Companies (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. Recommended Stories 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. Waterloo Capital L.P. lessened its position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:JHMM Free Report) by 24.5% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 18,067 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,855 shares during the period. Waterloo Capital L.P.s holdings in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF were worth $1,104,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of JHMM. SVB Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. IFP Advisors Inc raised its position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF by 46.3% in the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 739 shares of the companys stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 234 shares in the last quarter. TFC Financial Management Inc. bought a new stake in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF during the second quarter valued at $72,000. AE Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF during the second quarter worth about $190,000. Finally, Priebe Wealth Holdings LLC purchased a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF during the second quarter worth about $205,000. Get John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF alerts: John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF Stock Up 2.1% Shares of NYSEARCA JHMM opened at $63.31 on Monday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $64.36 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $62.54. John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF has a twelve month low of $49.29 and a twelve month high of $65.80. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.18 and a beta of 1.04. John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF 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. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:WTS Get Free Report) major shareholder Timothy Horne sold 250 shares of Watts Water Technologies stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $272.00, for a total transaction of $68,000.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 22,756 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,189,632. The trade was a 1.09% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Large shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys stock are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC. Watts Water Technologies Stock Performance Watts Water Technologies stock traded down $0.21 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $272.28. The company had a trading volume of 22,409 shares, compared to its average volume of 188,874. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $275.91 and a 200 day moving average of $262.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a current ratio of 2.59 and a quick ratio of 1.63. The firm has a market cap of $9.08 billion, a PE ratio of 29.30, a PEG ratio of 3.27 and a beta of 1.17. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. has a one year low of $177.59 and a one year high of $287.89. Get Watts Water Technologies alerts: Watts Water Technologies (NYSE:WTS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The technology company reported $2.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.29 by $0.21. The company had revenue of $611.70 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $576.20 million. Watts Water Technologies had a return on equity of 18.11% and a net margin of 13.63%.The businesss revenue was up 12.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.03 earnings per share. Watts Water Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Watts Water Technologies, Inc. will post 9.08 earnings per share for the current year. Watts Water Technologies Dividend Announcement Institutional Investors Weigh In On Watts Water Technologies The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. Watts Water Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 21.47%. A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Wexford Capital LP acquired a new position in shares of Watts Water Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth $26,000. MTM Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Watts Water Technologies in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new position in Watts Water Technologies during the third quarter worth about $29,000. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Watts Water Technologies by 156.9% in the second quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 131 shares of the technology companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Costello Asset Management INC acquired a new stake in shares of Watts Water Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.02% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently commented on WTS. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of Watts Water Technologies from $290.00 to $300.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Watts Water Technologies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Watts Water Technologies from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of Watts Water Technologies in a research report on Friday, August 8th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Watts Water Technologies in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $264.25. View Our Latest Report on Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Watts Water Technologies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, supplies products and solutions that manage and conserve the flow of fluids and energy into, through, and out of buildings in the commercial, industrial, and residential markets in the Americas, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Watts Water Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Watts Water Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UMH Properties, Inc. (NYSE:UMH Get Free Report) Director William Edward Mitchell purchased 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 24th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $14.92 per share, for a total transaction of $29,840.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 28,737 shares in the company, valued at $428,756.04. The trade was a 7.48% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. William Edward Mitchell also recently made the following trade(s): Get UMH Properties alerts: On Monday, November 10th, William Edward Mitchell sold 2,000 shares of UMH Properties stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.00, for a total value of $30,000.00. UMH Properties Stock Performance Shares of UMH stock traded down $0.33 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $14.92. The stock had a trading volume of 449,853 shares, compared to its average volume of 494,938. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 8.56 and a quick ratio of 8.56. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.27 billion, a PE ratio of 106.61, a PEG ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 1.06. The stocks 50 day moving average is $14.70 and its 200 day moving average is $15.88. UMH Properties, Inc. has a twelve month low of $13.95 and a twelve month high of $20.03. UMH Properties Announces Dividend UMH Properties ( NYSE:UMH Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.25. The firm had revenue of $66.92 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $68.70 million. UMH Properties had a net margin of 12.18% and a return on equity of 5.19%. As a group, research analysts forecast that UMH Properties, Inc. will post 0.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.225 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 17th. This represents a $0.90 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.0%. UMH Propertiess dividend payout ratio is 1,125.00%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. B. Riley lowered their price target on UMH Properties from $19.00 to $18.50 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday. Cantor Fitzgerald began coverage on UMH Properties in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. They issued a neutral rating and a $15.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of UMH Properties in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $18.50. View Our Latest Stock Report on UMH Hedge Funds Weigh In On UMH Properties A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in shares of UMH Properties in the 1st quarter valued at about $19,209,000. Alliancebernstein L.P. grew its position in UMH Properties by 1,091.0% during the first quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 896,183 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $16,759,000 after buying an additional 820,934 shares during the period. Private Management Group Inc. increased its holdings in UMH Properties by 37.9% in the third quarter. Private Management Group Inc. now owns 1,680,180 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $24,951,000 after buying an additional 461,463 shares in the last quarter. Strs Ohio increased its holdings in UMH Properties by 3,361.8% in the second quarter. Strs Ohio now owns 470,800 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $7,905,000 after buying an additional 457,200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citigroup Inc. lifted its position in shares of UMH Properties by 141.8% during the 3rd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 760,243 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $11,290,000 after acquiring an additional 445,834 shares during the period. 75.40% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About UMH Properties (Get Free Report) UMH Properties, Inc, which was organized in 1968, is a public equity REIT that owns and operates 135 manufactured home communities containing approximately 25,800 developed homesites. These communities are located in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, Maryland, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia. Read More Receive News & Ratings for UMH Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UMH Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Windward Capital Management Co. CA reduced its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 30,420 shares of the companys stock after selling 674 shares during the quarter. Windward Capital Management Co. CAs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $5,540,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. WCM Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Philip Morris International by 24,968.0% in the second quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 11,275,606 shares of the companys stock worth $2,041,223,000 after purchasing an additional 11,230,626 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the first quarter valued at $1,712,994,000. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 26.4% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 21,840,422 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,466,730,000 after buying an additional 4,563,632 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 57.5% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 9,794,530 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,554,686,000 after buying an additional 3,575,158 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in Philip Morris International by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 142,857,055 shares of the companys stock worth $26,018,555,000 after buying an additional 2,235,380 shares in the last quarter. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. KGI Securities initiated coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, August 4th. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, September 4th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $189.56. Philip Morris International Stock Performance Shares of Philip Morris International stock opened at $155.24 on Monday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $156.42 and a two-hundred day moving average of $167.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $241.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.12, a PEG ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 0.43. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52 week low of $116.12 and a 52 week high of $186.69. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter. The business 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%. As a group, research analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were paid a $1.47 dividend. This is a boost from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 3rd. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.8%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 106.52%. About Philip Morris International (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. Further Reading 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. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 4.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,012,216 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 42,855 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $293,451,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of JPM. Brighton Jones LLC raised its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 11.0% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 48,732 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $11,682,000 after buying an additional 4,841 shares during the period. Acorns Advisers LLC grew its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 6.9% during the first quarter. Acorns Advisers LLC now owns 1,547 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $379,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. grew its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 62.7% during the first quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 93,952 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $23,046,000 after acquiring an additional 36,212 shares during the period. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky increased its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.6% during the first quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 460,170 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $112,879,000 after acquiring an additional 2,867 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 7.2% in the 1st quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,781 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $682,000 after purchasing an additional 187 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.55% of the companys stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Down 0.2% NYSE JPM opened at $297.82 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a fifty-two week low of $202.16 and a fifty-two week high of $322.25. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $307.43 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $291.79. The stock has a market cap of $810.74 billion, a PE ratio of 14.75, a P/E/G ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.14. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Increases Dividend JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The financial services provider reported $5.07 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.83 by $0.24. The business had revenue of $47.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $44.42 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 20.90% and a return on equity of 17.18%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $4.37 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 6th were issued a $1.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, October 6th. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. This is an increase from JPMorgan Chase & Co.s previous quarterly dividend of $1.40. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.72%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Robin Leopold sold 966 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $311.92, for a total value of $301,314.72. Following the transaction, the insider owned 58,479 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,240,769.68. The trade was a 1.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Linda Bammann sold 9,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $297.94, for a total value of $2,830,430.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 82,207 shares of the companys stock, valued at $24,492,753.58. This represents a 10.36% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders own 0.47% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on JPM. Truist Financial boosted their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $290.00 to $319.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, September 23rd. TD Cowen raised their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $350.00 to $370.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a buy rating and set a $343.00 price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b+) rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Wednesday. Fifteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned 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 $326.38. Check Out Our Latest Report on JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Profile (Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co is a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of financial and investment banking services. It focuses on investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), Commercial and Investment Bank (CIB), Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), and Corporate. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JPM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Creative Planning raised its holdings in Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW Free Report) by 30.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,572 shares of the aerospace companys stock after buying an additional 1,300 shares during the period. Creative Plannings holdings in Curtiss-Wright were worth $2,722,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get Curtiss-Wright alerts: Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA purchased a new position in Curtiss-Wright in the second quarter valued at $270,731,000. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in Curtiss-Wright in the 1st quarter valued at about $70,357,000. TD Asset Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 14.4% in the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 789,378 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $385,651,000 after buying an additional 99,643 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC grew its position in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 135.0% during the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 154,158 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $48,910,000 after buying an additional 88,557 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Nova Scotia increased its stake in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 2,460.9% during the first quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 91,500 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $29,030,000 after buying an additional 87,927 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.71% of the companys stock. Curtiss-Wright Trading Down 0.0% Shares of Curtiss-Wright stock opened at $535.57 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $551.18 and a 200-day simple moving average of $498.01. The stock has a market cap of $19.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.20, a PEG ratio of 3.41 and a beta of 1.12. Curtiss-Wright Corporation has a 12-month low of $266.88 and a 12-month high of $612.28. Curtiss-Wright Dividend Announcement Curtiss-Wright ( NYSE:CW Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The aerospace company reported $3.40 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.28 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $869.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $869.03 million. Curtiss-Wright had a return on equity of 18.34% and a net margin of 13.66%.The businesss revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.89 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Curtiss-Wright Corporation will post 12.32 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th will be issued a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. Curtiss-Wrights dividend payout ratio is presently 7.82%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a $625.00 price target on shares of Curtiss-Wright in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Curtiss-Wright in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on shares of Curtiss-Wright from $457.00 to $502.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Wall Street Zen lowered Curtiss-Wright from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, August 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Curtiss-Wright from $565.00 to $645.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Five 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 stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $562.83. Get Our Latest Analysis on CW About Curtiss-Wright (Free Report) Curtiss-Wright Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides engineered products, solutions, and services mainly to aerospace and defense, commercial power, process, and industrial markets worldwide. It operates through three segments: Aerospace & Industrial, Defense Electronics, and Naval & Power. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Curtiss-Wright Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Curtiss-Wright and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 9.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 159,070 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 13,329 shares during the quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $46,116,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of JPM. Mosaic Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.8% during the first quarter. Mosaic Financial Group LLC now owns 9,296 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,280,000 after acquiring an additional 78 shares in the last quarter. Aviva PLC lifted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 6.0% in the 2nd quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 2,232,458 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $647,212,000 after purchasing an additional 126,742 shares in the last quarter. Kelman Lazarov Inc. grew its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 16.9% in the 2nd quarter. Kelman Lazarov Inc. now owns 1,257 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $364,000 after purchasing an additional 182 shares during the period. Gladwyn Financial Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 2nd quarter valued at $534,000. Finally, Mattson Financial Services LLC raised its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 1.5% during the second quarter. Mattson Financial Services LLC now owns 17,442 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,057,000 after buying an additional 252 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.55% of the companys stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Trading Down 0.2% Shares of JPM stock opened at $297.82 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 0.86. The company has a market capitalization of $810.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.75, a PEG ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.14. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 52-week low of $202.16 and a 52-week high of $322.25. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $307.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $291.79. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Increases Dividend JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The financial services provider reported $5.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.83 by $0.24. The firm had revenue of $47.12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $44.42 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a return on equity of 17.18% and a net margin of 20.90%.The companys revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $4.37 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Investors of record on Monday, October 6th were issued a dividend of $1.50 per share. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. This is an increase from JPMorgan Chase & Co.s previous quarterly dividend of $1.40. The ex-dividend date was Monday, October 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio is 29.72%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on JPM shares. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $345.00 to $350.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b+) rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Wednesday. DZ Bank reiterated a neutral rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $366.00 price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Barclays raised their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $330.00 to $342.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Fifteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $326.38. View Our Latest Stock Report on JPMorgan Chase & Co. Insider Buying and Selling at JPMorgan Chase & Co. In other news, Director Linda Bammann sold 9,500 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $297.94, for a total transaction of $2,830,430.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 82,207 shares in the company, valued at $24,492,753.58. The trade was a 10.36% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Robin Leopold sold 966 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $311.92, for a total transaction of $301,314.72. Following the transaction, the insider owned 58,479 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,240,769.68. The trade was a 1.63% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.47% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About JPMorgan Chase & Co. (Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co is a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of financial and investment banking services. It focuses on investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), Commercial and Investment Bank (CIB), Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), and Corporate. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JPM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Derry City and Strabane District Council participated in a tree-planting ceremony in honour of Strabane man John Gallagher on Saturday. This special initiative is part of the National Trusts Tree of Hope programme and took place on November 22 2025, aligning with National Tree Week. Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Ruairi McHugh who attended the event said: "The Tree of Hope' is more than a memorial, it is a powerful symbol of our community's resilience and hope, mirroring the profound and positive impact John Gallagher had on all of us. The Council is deeply proud to support this living tribute, ensuring his spirit continues to inspire Strabane for generations to come." The Sycamore Tree, propagated from the iconic Sycamore Gap Tree that was felled in September 2024, symbolises hope, renewal, and enduring connection. It will serve as a living tribute to John Gallagher, a respected member of the community who dedicated his life to serving others with kindness and spirit. Erin, Johns daughter said: "We are truly delighted and deeply touched that John is being honoured in such a beautiful and meaningful way. To have this Tree of Hope planted in his memory ensures that his life, his kindness, and his incredible spirit will have a visible and lasting legacy here in the heart of Strabane." The Tinneys has been chosen as the preferred site for the tree due to its civic significance, as it already hosts a commemorative Covid Tree planted by a former Mayor. Careful consideration has been given to ensure the trees growth does not visually impact the Tinneys Sculptures. A plaque will accompany the tree, bearing the inscription: "The John Gallagher Tree of Hope (The Strabane Sycamore). Planted in loving memory of John Gallagher, 1972-2024. A respected member of our community who gave his time, kindness, and spirit in service of others. Grown from the famous Sycamore Gap Tree, this tree stands as a symbol of hope, renewal, and enduring connection a living tribute to the strength of John, community, and nature." Gregor Fulton, Trees and Woodland Adviser at the National Trust in Northern Ireland, said: This sapling is one of the first to be planted out of 49 Sycamore Gap tree saplings gifted by the National Trust to communities across the UK. They have been nurtured at the National Trust's Plant Conservation Centre and are now ready to be planted in accessible spaces, enabling people to feel part of the iconic tree's legacy. "To have the Sycamore Gap tree live on through these saplings is very special - we hope theyll become a special place to reflect and were looking forward to seeing them thrive. Over the next couple of years, the saplings will start to take shape, and as sycamores are so hardy, they should be able to withstand a range of conditions. It's a fitting tribute - and a lovely way to commemorate John Gallagher - that we hope we touch many lives." The Mayor concluded that the Council fully recognises the importance of planting trees in contributing positively to tackling climate change and fostering community spirit and that the Tree of Hope commemorating John Gallagher was a very meaningful addition to The Tinneys. The Environmental Gathering organisation has expressed disappointment its community representatives and its members in Eglinton were not invited to join Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins as she toured Muff Glen. The Gathering is an open collective of individuals, communities, grass-roots campaign groups and activists who are campaigning to protect the Rights of Nature and Communities. Minister Kimmins was visiting a new project designed to reduce flooding events in the village on Thursday, November 13. She was welcomed to Muff Glen and was shown the ten newly constructed Leaky Dams. Leaky Dams are nature-based management measures designed to reduce flooding. See more of Minister Kimmins visit to Muff Glen Forest Park, Eglinton to see the nature-based flood management solutions which have been installed as a pilot to help address flood risk in the area. Speaking from Eglinton, the Minister said: I remain committed to progressing pic.twitter.com/CLOrDsvz7w Department for Infrastructure (@deptinfra) November 17, 2025 Eglinton has experienced two severe flooding events in recent years - one in 2017 when rivers burst their banks, and in 2022 due to surface water flooding. According to The Gathering, Rivers Agency estimated the cost of the two month construction project in Muff Glen to have been between 40,000 and 50,000, whereas the estimated budget on the outline business plan to alleviate flooding in Eglinton was 25 million. Eglinton community hall worker, Debbie Caulfield said: Community representatives were disappointed we were not invited to join the Minister's tour of Muff Glen. Three weeks ago, there was a consultation in the Foyle Arena, initiated by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, to discuss flood alleviation plans for Eglinton. However, the maps presented at the Foyle Arena consultation were not made available to the public, despite repeated requests to the Department for Infrastructure. This is a frustrating situation. I would like to enable more people in Eglinton to engage actively in plans being made for the village, rather than having to wait until 2027 when the Department for Infrastructures business plan has been completed. The Department plans to engage with the community in 2027 and not before, said Ms Caulfield. Members of The Gathering have joined Ms Caulfield in her efforts to highlight her concerns over DfI's lack of early and transparent community consultation directly to the Minister in Muff Glen. Ms Caulfield explained: The Department for Infrastructures reluctance to engage in meaningful, early consultation with the community in important environmental decision making is disappointing. A Spokesperson for Department for Infrastructure said: The Minister recently visited Muff Glen Forest Park in Eglinton to see the work being progressed by DFI Rivers on a pilot to test the concept of leaky dams as a natural flood mitigation measure. As the scheme is a pilot, this was an internal site visit. The insights gained from this pilot will also provide key information to inform the future use of these natural flood management techniques for other flood risk areas across the North. The Minister remains committed to progressing practical flood alleviation for Eglinton, Drumahoe and Ivy Mead areas. Feasibility studies have identified potential solutions, and the next step is to develop a business case. Following this the Department intends to furtjer engage with local community to help us inform the design process. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. The High Court has ordered the surrender of a convicted murderer who is alleged to have gone on the run from prison in Northern Ireland twice in three years. A search was launched for James Meehan (56) after he failed to return to Magilligan prison in Derry while being on day release in December 2024. He was arrested by gardai in August on foot of extradition warrants issued under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement. At the High Court on Monday, Mr Justice Paul McDermott said there was ultimately no basis on which to refuse surrender and that he was obliged to order Meehan's extradition to the requested jurisdiction. Meehan will remain on bail, with arrangements to be made with gardai in regard to his surrender. Meehan, who previously had addresses in Derry City and Headfort Grove, Kells, Co Meath, was sentenced in 2009 to life imprisonment with a minimum of 14 years to be served - for the murder of Derry man Jim McFadden in May 2007. The 42-year-old victim was repeatedly punched in the chest and died from a ruptured heart in an attack that took place after the wedding reception of Mr McFaddens sister-in-law in Redcastle, County Donegal. The High Court previously heard that Meehan was born in Co Louth and raised in neighbouring Co Meath. In addition to the warrant for Meehan to return to the North to serve his murder sentence, a second warrant was issued for him to be prosecuted in Northern Ireland for being unlawfully at large. A conviction under the Northern Irish legislation could carry a prison sentence of up to two years. Defence counsel for Meehan, Brian Storan BL, previously asked the judge to delay surrendering his client back to the North so that authorities could consider transferring his sentence to the Republic. He said that Meehan had applied to have his life sentence transferred from the North to the South in 2017. Mr Storan said that Meehan got confirmation recently that the Northern Ireland authorities had withdrawn his transfer application back in 2022. Counsel for the Minister for Justice, Leanora Frawley BL, told the court last month that Meehan was granted temporary unaccompanied leave from prison to meet family members on December 9 2024, but he never returned. Ms Frawley said that this was not Meehans first rodeo when it comes to extradition matters and that a similar case concerning Meehan was before the courts around a year ago. Mr Justice McDermott said that someone moving off their own bat south of the border and taking it on themselves to say here I am, I want to transfer is not the way the prison transfer process is envisaged to work. Meehan was previously extradited to Northern Ireland less than two years ago, after he was described by the Prison Service there as being unlawfully at large. He had argued that the punitive part of his sentence had been served and that he had actually been released from prison on licence when he came to live here in 2022. However, the State argued that Meehan was sought in the North as he had instead been unlawfully at large from temporary release, which contained a condition that he not leave Northern Ireland. In December 2023, the High Court found there was "clear evidence" that the terms of Meehan's release from prison had been breached and ordered his surrender to Northern Ireland. There will be no prosecution over an incident where a portrait of a former DUP lord mayor was vandalised at Belfast City Hall, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has said. The damage to the portrait of DUP peer Lord Wallace Browne was discovered after an event hosted by an external organisation in the building last October. First Minister Michelle ONeill later informed the Northern Ireland Assembly that a Sinn Fein employee had made the party chief whip aware of their involvement in an incident regarding a portrait and that they had been suspended and then resigned. The incident was investigated by police as a hate crime. However the PPS has now stated there is no reasonable prospect of conviction for any criminal offence on the evidence available. DUP leader Gavin Robinson described the PPS decision as a shame. The PPS said it had worked closely with the PSNI to establish what admissible evidence could be obtained regarding the alleged involvement of the reported individual and whether this could support a prosecution. It added: Despite significant efforts to develop a clear evidential picture, key gaps remained. The PPS statement said there was no CCTV coverage of the area around the portrait, as the relevant camera had been out of service for some time. It added that attempts to obtain a list of attendees from the external group responsible for hosting the event were unsuccessful and police were unable to identify any individual who had witnessed the relevant events. The PPS said an email sent by the individual to the chief whip tendering his resignation contained no admission, adding the email from the chief whip advising PSNI of the resignation stated that it had been tendered as a result of the incident. The PPS said witness statement subsequently made in February 2025 by the chief whip, who had spoken directly to the individual on October 21 2024, recorded that he had in fact made no admission to being at the event and had denied any knowledge of the damage. The PPS said the chief whip has said the individual was suspended so that the matter could be investigated by the relevant internal party structures. It added that when interviewed by police as a voluntary attender, the reported individual exercised his right not to answer questions. The PPS added: After a thorough consideration by senior prosecutors of the above evidential issues, it was concluded that there was no reasonable prospect of conviction. It said there was no evidence of when, or in what circumstances the portrait was damaged. The PPS added: The witness evidence available to the prosecution was the account of the chief whip which, as outlined above, did not indicate that any admission had been made and did not incriminate the suspect. A PPS spokesperson said: Prosecutions can only be brought where the available evidence provides a reasonable prospect of proving, beyond reasonable doubt, a breach of the criminal law. This was a high-profile incident which generated understandable concerns and commentary about how and why the portrait came to be damaged. It is understandable that the suspension and resignation of a Sinn Fein member raised expectations that a prosecution would likely follow. However, prosecutors can only initiate proceedings based on the evidence that is available and in this case there were significant evidential gaps which undermined the prospects of a conviction. Despite further investigative enquiries being made by police at the request of PPS, it was not possible to overcome these evidential shortcomings. Speaking at Stormont, Mr Robinson said: I think thats a shame. I think we all know because the story leads to this building, the individual that was responsible. He added: It is a matter for the PPS if they dont have the evidence to withhold a prosecution. But shameful acts like that occur quite often. What we need in this society is a criminal justice system that responds when people err. During ministerial question time at the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday, DUP MLA Phillip Brett asked Ms ONeill if she would name the former Sinn Fein employee who had resigned after the portrait was damaged. The First Minister said: The PPS have made their views known and I respect their position. The incident last year came shortly after a decision to remove former Sinn Fein lord mayor Niall O Donnghailes portrait from City Hall after he had quit the party over sending inappropriate texts to a teenager. A significant settlement has been reached for the family of a teenager shot dead by the British Army almost 50 years ago. Michael Neill, 16, died following the incident in disputed circumstances on October 24 1977 in the Cliftonville Road area of north Belfast. An inquest into his death in December 1978 returned an open verdict. His sister Mary Griffin took civil action against the Ministry of Defence, arguing that he had not posed any threat to the life or safety of the soldier who shot him, or anyone else. A trial had been due to start at the High Court in Belfast on Monday, but instead a confidential settlement was reached. Padraig O Muirigh, of Belfast firm O Muirigh Solicitors who acted for the family, said the settlement is significant. As a result of negotiations over the last number of weeks this legal action has now been settled, he said. The confidential nature of the settlement prevents me disclosing the terms of the settlement. I can confirm, though, that the settlement is significant and our client satisfied with the outcome of this litigation. Also speaking outside court, Ms Griffin said her brother remains in her thoughts every day. It has been a long journey for our family, but we are happy with the outcome of this litigation, she said. Our brother was a happy-go-lucky young man who was taken from us too early. Although it is almost 50 years since his untimely death, he is in our thoughts every day. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: We can confirm that an out-of-court settlement in a claim relating to the death of Michael Neill has been agreed, and this issue has now been concluded. An interesting announcement relevant to Africa has come from official sources in the UAE, which has announced the launch of the AI for Development initiative, worth US$1 billion, to support and finance artificial intelligence projects in African countries. The initiative aims to bolster economic and social development across the continent by developing digital infrastructure, enhancing government services and improving productivity. The announcement of the initiative was made during a speech delivered by Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at the G20 summit, as part of the UAEs commitment to driving sustainable growth through broader international partnerships and innovative financing solutions that support development in emerging economies. Details on specific projects, recipients or timelines for the disbursement of this significant sum have not yet been revealed, but we do know that the initiative will be implemented by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), part of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, in cooperation with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency. This initiative aims to help developing countries overcome key developmental challenges by integrating artificial intelligence technologies into essential sectors such as education, agriculture and infrastructure, creating innovative solutions that accelerate growth and expand opportunities for sustainable development. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Chairman of the Exports Executive Committee of ADEX, explains: ADEXs leadership of the AI for Development initiative reflects the UAEs belief that artificial intelligence is a real force for advancing equitable growth and sustainable development. By combining technology, financing and partnerships, we aim to support developing countries in overcoming developmental challenges and building long-term economic resilience. He adds: "Through this initiative, we aim to empower UAE enterprises to implement pioneering, high-impact development projects that strengthen economic and technological cooperation between the UAE and African countries, while supporting the achievement of global sustainable development goals. Since 1971, the UAE estimates that it has provided more than AED152 billion (about US$41.4 billion) in aid to African nations. Reported last week but only recently receiving wider coverage is the news that a Brazilian company Rio de Janeiro-based Sollar Machine has announced an investment of about US$9 million to build a data centre in Paraguay that will operate independently of the national power grid. The facility will run on a photovoltaic system paired with battery storage and is designed to supply high-performance computing services to international clients, primarily in the artificial intelligence sector. Sollar Machine plans to import photovoltaic components and batteries for assembly in the country, resulting in what is described as a high-value-added final technological product. The investors have apparently already received their investor certificates and are currently being advised by experts from Rediex and the Unified System for Opening and Closing Businesses (SUACE), both of which appear to be tasked with encouraging more foreign and national investment in Paraguay as well as improving the competitiveness of national exporting companies. Its not easy to find information about Sollar Machine or its background. However, press reports quote Fabio Oliveira, its Director of Technical Execution, who explains that the planned data centre will be completely autonomous, designed to operate with solar energy without depending on the national electricity grid. He says: We will import the necessary components to assemble a data centre in Paraguay powered exclusively by solar energy. It will be a finished product, manufactured in the country and 100% geared towards export. It will not require connection to the local electrical grid, as it will operate independently while processing data for international clients, he explained. Other countries in the region, including Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, are apparently looking at renewable energy solutions for data centres as computing loads continue to rise. The Solomon Islands is set to get a second international subsea cable connection via a project funded by the Australian government to build a subsea cable that will interconnect with Googles planned Bulikula system. According to a statement from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) last week, Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company (SISCC) and the governments of Solomon Islands and Australia have agreed to construct the 1,015-km Adamasia Cable System 1 connecting the islands with the Bulikula subsea system. AIFFP will fund the project with a financing package of AUD104 million (US$72.71 million), which includes a grant of AUD71.9 million and a loan of AUD31.9 million. AIFFP said the financing package also includes an AUD1.8 million contribution from its Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership to support an off-grid electricity generation and storage capability. The Bulikula cable system which Google first announced in January 2024 and counts Telstra as a co-investor, along with Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH) and APTelecom aims to build a fibre ring connecting Fiji, Guam, French Polynesia and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Adamasia cable will interconnect with the Bulikula link between Fiji and Guam. AIFFP said the Adamasia project will enhance disaster resilience for the islands during severe weather events and provide critical redundancy for its existing international submarine cable network. Currently, the Solomon Islands is served by just one subsea cable the Coral Sea Cable System (CS) that connects the island nation with Papua New Guinea and Sydney, Australia. No timeline was given for the completion of the Adamasia cable. However, the Bulikula system is currently scheduled to be ready for service sometime next year. Meanwhile, potentially on the horizon for the Solomon Islands is the Hawaiki Nui 1 subsea system being built by BW Digital and Telkom Indonesias international arm Telin. With a design capacity of more than 240 Tbps, Hawaiki Nui 1 will link Australia, Indonesia and Singapore, and includes optional branches to the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste. That system is scheduled for completion in 2027. Google Cloud has unveiled plans for a new subsea system, TalayLink, which will connect Australia to Thailand as part of the companys wider Australia Connect initiative to expand infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. The new route will cross the Indian Ocean west of the Sunda Strait, providing an additional path into Thailand and improving integration with Googles planned data centres and cloud region in the country, said Nikash Koley, Google Cloud VP of global infrastructure. TalayLink will be supported by two new Google connectivity hubs - one in Mandurah, Western Australia, and another in South Thailand. The facilities will provide cable switching, caching and colocation capabilities to strengthen regional resilience and support growing demand for cloud and AI services. Google is partnering with AIS on the Thailand hub, while International Gateway Company (IGC), a subsidiary of ALT Telecom, will assist with the cable landing. Mandurah will provide a diverse alternative to existing landing points near Perth, while South Thailand is already a subsea cable crossroads. Google did not disclose a completion date. The company said TalayLink, together with planned hubs in the Maldives and Christmas Island, will enhance network resilience across Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa and onward to the Middle East. Thailand Board of Investment secretary general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said the cable would form a pivotal piece of digital infrastructure that supports Thailands ambitions to become a regional gateway for cloud and AI services. Space Communication Technologies (SCT), Omans national satellite operator, has awarded a contract to Airbus Defence and Space, a major player in the aerospace industry, for OmanSat-1, the first Omani satellite. OmanSat-1 is described by Airbus as a state-of-the-art fully reconfigurable high-throughput OneSat telecommunications satellite and associated system. SCT is the lead centre for Omans National Satellite Programme, building satellite communications infrastructure to create capabilities to serve both the public and private sectors. The fully digital, in-orbit-reconfigurable OmanSat-1 will deliver high Ka-band capacity primarily over Oman including its economic waters and the whole of the Middle East, East Africa and Asia. Airbus says the fully reconfigurable design will allow SCT to meet customer needs for high-throughput services including government and private networks, oil and gas, banking, broadband, maritime and aero connectivity. SCT aims to be one of the major players in those markets. Airbus will deliver an end-to-end fully integrated solution, including design and manufacture of the satellite and highly capable ground segment software components as well as the launch service. This is the tenth satellite under contract for the Airbus OneSat spacecraft product line. Airbus explains that its OneSats can be fully reconfigured while in orbit, capable of adjusting their coverage, capacity and frequency on the fly to meet evolving mission scenarios. It adds that this satellite builds on the heritage of Airbus ultra-reliable Eurostar geostationary telecommunications satellites and the companys constellation expertise with the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO constellation of over 600 satellites. 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. German automakers scramble to reduce China dependence after Nexperia crisis Germany's three automotive giantsVolkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benzare facing an increasingly difficult balancing act. China remains its largest and most profitable market, yet the recent crisis involving Nexperia, the Dutch chipmaker owned by China's Wingtech Technology, has once again exposed the structural risks of its deep reliance on Chinese supply chains. The episode has forced all three companies to accelerate efforts to reduce their dependence on China. After Beijing imposed export restrictions in response to the Nexperia supply disruption, shockwaves rippled through the global automotive sector. Honda reported profit erosion, Bosch was compelled to scale back production, and major German brands formed internal task forces to secure components. For Europe's auto industry, the incident marks more than a temporary supply shockit underscores a fundamental fragility in the continent's manufacturing ecosystem. According to the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) and senior industry executives, major automakers have instructed key suppliers to identify permanent alternatives to Chinese semiconductors and to evaluate potential sources of raw materials and components that do not rely on China. Industry sources say the crisis has heightened concerns about the supply of semiconductors, rare earths, and lithium-battery inputs. Analysts broadly expect that replacing China's dominance in chips and rare earths will require at least three to seven years of investment and restructuring. Substituting China's lithium refining and battery-material capacity could take decades. For European manufacturers, diversification is proving more difficult than for their American, Japanese, or Korean counterparts, largely because German automakers expanded so deeply into China over the past decade. According to data from the MERICS, two-thirds of Germany's investment in China from 2020 to 2024 came from carmakers. Investment surged 69% in 20232024 alone, reaching EUR4.2 billion (US$4.8 billion), as German companies sought to strengthen their positions during China's rapid rise in electric vehicles. Yet the returns have not kept pace. Combined market share for German brands in China has fallen from roughly 25% in 2021 to about 10% in 2025. Analysts cite shifting consumer preferences toward smarter vehicles, increasing support for domestic EV brands, and overall weakening purchasing powerall factors that have disadvantaged German manufacturers, whose digital strategies evolved more slowly. As China embraces rapid advances in electrical/electronic (E/E) architectures and software-defined vehicles (SDVs), the German giants have launched structural adjustments designed to merge "China speed" with "German quality." Their R&D operations in China are now second only to their home headquarters, and the companies have forged deep partnerships with Momenta, Alibaba, Huawei, and other Chinese firms. These collaborations leverage China's strengths in AI and software development to produce driver-assistance systems tailored to local road conditions and to counter the swift ascent of domestic competitors. European policy constraints add another layer of difficulty. Driven by national-security concerns, the European Union is pressuring automakers to reduce their dependence on China while simultaneously upholding stringent emissions targets and considering additional fees linked to fleet emissions. The result is a costly EV transition at a time when consumer demand in Europe remains weaker than anticipated. Chinese manufacturers, meanwhile, enjoy faster transition cycles and lower production costs, allowing them to expand aggressively in the European market. As a result, German automakers find themselves caught between two conflicting imperatives: reducing reliance on China for security and resilience, while continuing to depend on China's market size, technological velocity, and supply-chain capacity. It is a dilemma with no easy resolutionand one that will shape the future of Europe's automotive industry. Article edited by Jerry Chen India roundup: Fujifilm to build semiconductor materials factory in India, targeting regional exports Fujifilm will build a semiconductor materials plant in India for regional exports; Ziroh Labs promotes CPU-first AI compute; India approves 17 ECMS projects worth US$810 million to expand component manufacturing. Fujifilm to build semiconductor materials factory in India, targeting regional exports Fujifilm President Teiichi Goto announced on November 14, 2025, in Tokyo that the company plans to establish a semiconductor materials manufacturing facility in India. The factory is intended to supply the domestic market and serve neighboring countries, positioning India as a strategic production hub for the company's semiconductor business. India's Ziroh Labs pitches CPU-first AI compute as power-hungry GPUs face scrutiny India's Ziroh Labs is positioning its Kompact AI runtime as a homegrown alternative to GPU-based AI compute, arguing that enterprise AI adoption in emerging markets will hinge as much on energy availability and hardware sovereignty as on model quality. India approves 17 ECMS projects worth US$810 million to boost component manufacturing India has approved a second tranche of 17 projects under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), authorizing investments worth INR71.72 billion (US$810 million) and projected production of INR651.11 billion. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said the new approvals are expected to create 11,808 direct jobs and further expand domestic component manufacturing capacity. This follows an earlier set of seven applications worth INR55.32 billion cleared in the previous phase. Tata Electronics partners with NIELIT Kohima to develop semiconductor skilling programs in Northeast India Tata Electronics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kohima unit of the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) to collaborate on semiconductor-related skilling initiatives. The agreement focuses on training for assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP), aiming to expand the talent pipeline for India's semiconductor sector. Indian consumer electronics company Wobble launches first smartphone Bengaluru-based electronics brand Wobble has debuted its first smartphone, the Wobble One, marking its entry into India's competitive mid-range smartphone market. The "Made in India" device focuses on performance, battery life, and camera capabilities while complementing Wobble's existing Smart TV and consumer electronics lineup. Article edited by Jerry Chen Samsung reportedly converts NAND lines to DRAM to meet surging AI memory demand Samsung Electronics is reportedly preparing to convert portions of its NAND flash production lines in Pyeongtaek and Hwaseong into DRAM facilities as the company races to meet surging demand for general-purpose DRAM used in AI servers and data centers. Industry sources say shortages have become so acute that some major tech companies have offered Samsung price increases of up to 70% for high-capacity server DRAM such as 96 GB and 128 GB DDR5 modules, yet still cannot secure needed volumes. Strategic repurposing of production facilities Korean news outlets, including the Seoul Economic Daily, report that Samsung is adopting a conservative outlook on the NAND market while demand and prices for DRAM continue to climb sharply. In response, Samsung is evaluating plans to scale back NAND capacity at its mixed-production lines. This involves reviewing capacity at its Pyeongtaek P1 fab and across its Hwaseong campus, both of which currently manufacture both NAND and DRAM. The company is also completing construction on the Pyeongtaek P4 fab, which is set to begin operating in 2026 as a dedicated 10nm-class 1c DRAM facility. A separate area of the P4 complex, initially planned for foundry equipment, is now also being evaluated for conversion to DRAM production. To accommodate the explosive demand, Samsung plans to transition its NAND lines. The Korean media outlet Chosun Biz previously cited Omdia data indicating Samsung has already lowered its NAND production target for 2025 by about 7% compared with 2024 and is expected to continue reducing output through 2026. Industry analysts estimate that current DRAM demand is roughly three times greater than the combined output of Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron. With global cloud providers aggressively expanding their AI infrastructure, the DRAM shortage is expected to persist, leading some major customers to begin negotiating supply agreements for as far out as 2027. Big tech locks in NAND flash supply A related report from Chosun Biz suggests that the NAND flash market is also entering a period of tightening supply. Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Kioxia have already begun early negotiations with major cloud firms to secure NAND volumes for 2027. With next year's allocations essentially sold out, large technology companies are seeking multiyear supply commitments to hedge against rising prices. Chosun Biz notes that NAND demand is rising rapidly as AI data centers increase their adoption of enterprise SSDs. Hana Securities researcher Kim Rok-ho anticipates NAND demand in 2025 will increase 18% from 2024, with supply falling short by about 5%. Kioxia has told investors that the NAND market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 20% from 2024 through 2029, with AI-related products expected to account for roughly half of global demand by the end of that period. Despite the strong demand outlook, most NAND manufacturers are prioritizing the transition to advanced process technologies over expanding overall capacity. Samsung and SK hynix, the two largest NAND suppliers, have funneled most new investment into high-bandwidth memory and commodity DRAM, leaving NAND expansion on hold. As a result, NAND prices have climbed for ten consecutive months. The average fixed transaction price for general-purpose NAND (128 Gb 16Gx8 MLC) reached US$4.35 last month, an increase of 14.9% from September and the highest level recorded this year. Profit outlook strengthens for Korean giants With both the DRAM and NAND markets tightening, earnings forecasts for Samsung and SK Hynix have been significantly upgraded. FnGuide data shows Samsung's projected operating profit for next year is expected to rise about 28% from earlier estimates to KRW76.53 trillion. SK Hynix's estimate increased by a similar margin to KRW70.55 trillion. Industry insiders suggest that expanding high-margin DRAM production would further strengthen Samsung's profit structure, especially since only three major suppliers dominate the DRAM market. To compensate for reduced domestic NAND output, Samsung is anticipated to increase production at its manufacturing complex in Xi'an, China. Article edited by Jack Wu Local business Carlingford Oyster Company has been nominated in the food and drink category for the Small Firms Association (SFA) National Small Business Awards. The aim of the awards is to celebrate the achievements of small business in Ireland and to recognise the vital contribution of the small business sector to Irish industry. The Awards prize package for all finalists includes participation in a strategic management masterclass weekend during January as well as the SFA Business Connect event at Killashee Hotel next February 5th. Finalists also receive three complimentary tickets to the Gala Prize Winning Ceremony to take place in the RDS on March 05 2026 when category prize winners and the overall winner will be announced. The Category winners will be presented with a trophy and free membership of the Small Firms Association for one year. Carlingford Oysters will be up against: Builiin Blasta Galway Burren Smokehouse - Clare Dromod Boxty - Limerick HYDE IRISH WHISKEY Cork Pizza da Piero - Dublin The strong engagement with this years awards programme shows the continued resilience and determination of Irelands small businesses, who consistently strive for recognition of their hard work, said Sue ONeill, chairperson of the SFA awards judging panel. Alongside our nine award categories, we are also highlighting five exceptional Emerging New Businesseseach established within the last two yearsand its clear that entrepreneurship continues to flourish across the country. Read Next: Dundalk Chamber celebrate the owners of Darver Castle at Winter Gathering The Small Firms Association remains dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of small business owners. With 273,000 small firms employing nearly half of Irelands private-sector workforce, these awards shine a light on excellence, innovation and success across all sectors and regions, she added. Speaking at the launch of the awards, An Taoiseach, Micheal said: Through the SFA National Small Business Awards, we honour their achievements and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. With current uncertainty in the global economic environment, it is vital that our small businesses are strong, adaptable, and ready to meet any challenge. The Government will continue to work with them to grow our economy and ensure Ireland remains an attractive place to do business. The number of homeless adults in Cork has risen by approximately 23% in the past year, with homeless charity Depaul calling on members of the public to assist with their winter campaign. According to national figures, published by the Department of Housing, a record 16,614 people, including more than 5,200 children, are now homeless. Of the 743 adults accessing emergency accommodation between September 22 and September 28 in the South-West region, 675 were recorded in Cork city and county, and 68 were in Kerry. This represents a 22.95% increase on the number of adults accessing emergency accommodation in Cork when compared to September of last year, when the figure stood at 549. Additionally, on a national scale, the figures show there were 2,443 families accessing emergency accommodation during the last week of September, including 5,238 child dependants. Of those 2,443 families, 102 were recorded in the South-West, with a total of 215 child dependants. This represents an increase of 10.87% on the number of families accessing emergency accommodation in the South-West when compared to September of last year, and a 17.5% increase on the number of child dependants. Off the back of these figures, and as we approach the Christmas period, Depaul is now calling on members of the public across Cork to help rebuild the lives of both those who are living in emergency accommodation, and who are sleeping rough, across the city and county, by donating to the service. Figures provided to The Echo by Depaul from an annual report show that almost 4% of the 9,836 people supported by the organisation in 2024 were in Cork. The report highlights a year of stark challenges, but significant impact, a spokesperson for Depaul said. Nearly 10,000 people were supported across the island of Ireland, with 385 being from Cork, but Depaul warns of longer waiting lists, increased traumas, and deeper mental health and addiction needs amongst service users. Data from the report shows that 50,257 key-working sessions were delivered across the country in 2024, marking a 26% increase on 2023. The figures additionally revealed that Depaul helped 1,012 people move into long-term accommodation and prevented 562 individuals and families from entering or returning to homelessness. Registered volunteers also increased by 49%, with volunteer hours rising by 18.3% to 20,192 hours. The report further showed that 16 babies were born into Depauls services last year. Director of services and development at Depaul, Dermot Murphy, said Christmas is about coming home; about safety, warmth and belonging, but for thousands of people across Ireland, theres no door to open and no place to call home. Our fundraising appeal seeks not just to provide immediate relief but to foster long-term solutions, said Mr Murphy. This campaign asks everyone to pause, imagine that reality, and act. The truth is, its becoming harder and harder to make a home for Christmas. With the resources we have, we do everything we can, but its the generosity of the public that allows us to keep going. Every gift helps someone feel safe tonight and gives them hope for tomorrow, he added. This is about more than providing a bed or a meal, its about giving people back their sense of belonging. Thats what every donation really builds hope, dignity, and the chance to start again. Every donation to Depaul this Christmas will help us lay the foundations for change safe accommodation, a hot meal, mental health support, or the keys to a new beginning. With enough public support, we can help more people find their way home. Through their 43 services across Ireland, Depaul provides safe accommodation, wrap-around mental health and addiction supports, and stability for about 800 people every night who would otherwise have nowhere else to go. According to the organisation, the aspiration of a long-term home is the main hope for every one of Depauls service users, with every donation directly supporting Depauls frontline work across the country. This work includes helping to provide beds, nourishing meals, and emergency care in the short term, and funding for long-term supports to assist people experiencing homelessness this Christmas in moving into secure, independent housing. Former Depaul service users, Catriona and Christopher, who recently moved into their own home, said before now Christmas meant fear and uncertainty. We spent years homeless, moving between temporary places and never ever feeling settled, said Caitriona and Christopher. Depaul didnt just give us shelter, they gave us a chance. This year, for the first time in a long time, well be home for Christmas, and that means everything to us. No adult, and certainly no child, should ever have to face Christmas without a place to call home. We know how hard that is, and we wouldnt wish it on anyone, they added. Were asking people to please support Depaul this Christmas, because your help can give someone else the same chance we were given the chance to go home. Members of the public can visit depaul.ie/homeforchristmas to make a donation to the winter campaign, all of which will contribute to the building of a much-needed home by funding the essential supports that make one. The organisation has said that donations of all sizes will help to provide vital supports across Depauls services, from emergency accommodation and family hubs, to mental health and addiction support. Every donation, big or small, builds hope and can significantly impact the lives of those experiencing homelessness this festive season, a Depaul spokesperson said. This will help to ensure that more people have somewhere to call home this Christmas and the next. Visit here to donate this Christmas. DPP directions are awaited in the case against a man accused of shining a laser from the balcony of an apartment into the cockpit of a helicopter which was involved in a search of the River Lee for a missing person. It is alleged that this caused the rescue helicopter to have to stand down from its activities on two separate occasions. These were the allegations against Daniel Kazirodek of apartment at 29/30 Lower John Street, Cork, in respect of an incident after midnight on October 18 2023. The accused is aged around 40. Judge Mary Dorgan said previously that the case was too serious to be dealt with at district court level. The DPP had indicated that it could be dealt with at the district court. It is far too serious. The fact that a helicopter was looking for a missing person and I must also take into consideration that it happened twice and that it is alleged that the helicopter had to be stood down apart altogether from the safety of the helicopter, Judge Dorgan said. Sergeant John Kelleher outlined the allegations in the case, During this search a request was made of the Irish coastguard helicopter Rescue 117 to assist in the search from Waterford. At approximately 00.15 the crew of 117 reported a green laser being pointed into the cockpit of the helicopter and the search operations had to be suspended. At approximately 1.55 a.m. the crew in Rescue 117 reported a second laser strike in the helicopter. The camera operative had observed a male standing on a balcony shining the laser at the aircraft. Search operations were again suspended and gardai were guided to the location of the laser. With the assistance of the Irish coastguard the address of a second floor apartment with a balcony at 29/30 Lower John Street was identified. Gardai were invited into the address by Mr Kazirodek who was highly intoxicated. A search warrant was subsequently obtained for his apartment and it was subsequently searched. He handed Sergeant Colin Dowling a box containing a number of different attachments for a laser. He said he discarded the actual laser by throwing it into a nearby factory." The charge under the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014 states that on October 17 2023 at Lower John Street, Cork, the accused man did deliberately and recklessly shine a laser in the direction of an Irish Coast Guard Aircraft so that the light may dazzle, distract or confuse the pilot or person in the performance of their duties. Judge Philip OLeary adjourned the case, on the application of Sgt. Kelleher, until January 26 2026, to allow time for further DPP directions. A proposed new bus service to link Mallow and Killarney has been approved by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The new service, Route 515, will link the North Cork and Co Kerry towns, and will serve the villages of Ballyclough, Castlemagner, Kanturk, Boherbue, Knocknagree, Rathmore, Gneeveguilla, and Kilcummin en route. The NTA has confirmed that the service is in the final stages of planning, with commencement dependent on the availability of resources and funding. When operational, it will provide up to six return daily services. Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul OShea said that the service will be welcomed by the communities it will serve. Reliable public transport is vital for connecting people across rural North Cork and Kerry, supporting access to work, education, healthcare, and local amenities, Mr OShea said. I look forward to working closely with Local Link Cork, the National Transport Authority, and all other stakeholders to ensure this important new service becomes a reality over the coming months. This is another strong step forward in improving rural transport links. I will continue to work to ensure our communities have access to the reliable, frequent, and modern public transport they deserve. Local Fine Gael councillor Tony OShea said that the new bus route will be a game changer for local residents. It will greatly enhance connectivity between our main town in Mallow and villages and make travel far easier for families, students, and older people. In December, 2017, the New York Times published a lengthy feature under the heading How Ireland Moved to the Left. At first glance, readers may have thought that James Connollys dream of a socialist republic had at last been realised, and that soon the Red Flag would be fluttering over Leinster House. But the sub-heading told the real story: The Demise of the Church - and the article went on to list the far-reaching changes that had occurred in the socio-sexual sphere - changes that showed Ireland was no longer a bastion of Catholic conservatism. Among those changes was the scrapping of a section of Article 41 of the Constitution following a referendum 30 years ago today, on November 24, 1995 - the section which read No law shall be enacted providing for the grant of a dissolution of marriage. Divorce was now legal in the Republic for the first time. But back in 1986, Ireland was a very different place, and the lifting of the ban on the dissolution of marriage seemed like something out of science fiction. It all started with what came to be known as Dr Garret Fitzgeralds constitutional crusade, though he himself had called it a republican crusade. In an RTE radio interview with Gerry Barry in September, 1981, the then Taoiseach said What I want to do is to lead a crusade - a republican crusade to make this a genuine Republic on the principles of Tone and Davis. Having said earlier that he believed passionately in a united Ireland, Dr Fitzgerald added: Our laws, constitution and our practices are not acceptable to the Protestants of Northern Ireland. Thus began a campaign for the liberalisation of the Republics laws - with Article 41 of Bunreacht na hEireann as the first target. But it was never a well-organised or coherent campaign. And there was always going to be a backlash. Eventually, a divorce referendum was announced for June, 1986. The conservative lobby, with Family Solidarity now at the forefront, had learned lessons from the controversies over contraception, following the McGee case in 1973, and the Pro-Life campaign of 1983. And the Catholic bishops had gone on the offensive in March, 1985, with a pastoral letter Love is for Life, read at all Masses on three consecutive Sundays. This was followed up by an updated version entitled Marriage, the Family and Divorce, published just before the referendum. Yet opinion polls were very favourable to the Yes side. One, carried out just weeks before the referendum, showed that 57% were in favour of deleting the constitutional ban on divorce, with 36% against and 7% with no opinion. By the day of the vote - June 26, 1986 - so effective was the anti-divorce campaign that the findings of that April poll were reversed. The No side won with a massive majority (63.5%). The street posters had been devastating in their emotional impact. A divorced woman is like a second-hand car - someone elsee headache. Does divorce work? Ask Elizabeth Taylor. The anti-divorce campaign cleverly presented women as victims rather than as free agents. The colourful phrase used by Fine Gael TD Alice Glenn captured the tone: Any women voting for divorce is like a turkey voting for Christmas. The defeat was decisive. Senator Catherine McGuinness, a member of the Church of Ireland, felt the campaign had been a litmus test about the type of society we want - we have shown we want a Catholic State and we should have the honesty to admit we arent interested in a united Ireland. Dr Fitzgeralds crusade against the sectarian features of the Irish Constitution and legislation had suffered a serious setback. But the social problem of marital breakdown remained. Fitzgerald himself considered that the property argument was the fact that led to defeat. An editorial in the Irish Times the day after the vote said: There is a social momentum in the matter of divorce - beyond denomination and dogma - that cannot be halted. It will come in this State as it has come elsewhere; and it may not be so long in coming. Prophetic words - but it would take another nine years before citizens would have a chance in a second referendum to vote on the right to remarry. That second referendum, on November 24, 1995, was narrowly passed with 50.28% of voters approving the introduction of divorce (49.72% voted No). The outcome allowed for divorce under strict conditions. The razor-thin result brought an end to a sometimes fraught campaign. Research in the area of family law had shown that the number of separated people had grown alarmingly - a 48% increase in five years. To continue to deny a right to a second chance would represent a grave injustice to many thousands of individuals, Tanaiste and Labour Party leader Dick Spring said. This particular clock will never be turned back, declared his Labour colleague Barry Desmond. By 1995, the ideal notion of the family could not be sustained in the light of the social reality of changed perceptions of marriage, said historian Diarmaid Ferriter. Research from around the world has shown crime is spatially clustered in hot spots, according to a recent newspaper report. The finding is so prevalent, it is being referred to as the law of crime concentration. In addition, internationally, the distribution of crime is not random. A small proportion of targets and places experience a vastly disproportionate amount of crime, so the same offenders and the same victims are involved in most of the crime that occurs. Many studies have found about 2% of potential targets and locations suffer more than half of crime. Similarly, offending is perpetrated by a small group of repeat offenders - a study in the USA found 1% of the population was convicted for 63% of all violent crime. In Ireland, the CSO (Central Statistics Office) re-offending data states 84% of young adults, under 21, re-offended within three years of being released from prison. In another study, the Alliant International University in California found substantial data correlates low socioeconomic standing, low income, poor financial literacy, or poverty, with a high likelihood of incarceration. Those who faced these socioeconomic implications were 20 times more likely to be pushed to commit crime than those of the same age from high-earning families. Decades of data supports the correlation between a young adults family instability and juvenile delinquency. In other words, those who experience a turbulent and unstable home life are statistically more likely to commit crimes during their youth. The Sunday Times reported that the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khans City Hall analysis in December, 2021, revealed some complex factors in peoples lives, homes and communities that could alter the likelihood of someone taking the wrong path and turning to violence. These included issues like poverty, inequality, high unemployment, school exclusions, poor mental health, and a lack of youth services. So, its fair to say, a huge body of research has come to the same conclusion as far as the participants of criminal activity are concerned but it is hardly earth-shattering news. The data has a familiar theme running through it, and anyone with policing experience will recognise it immediately. From my 35 years in policing, Im certain that what has been identified by this research can be applied to every town and city in every jurisdiction. What isnt so obvious though is what the remedies are. How do you break the cycle? First and foremost, there is no magic wand solution. The research agrees that the environment children grow up in can impact how they turn out in life, and there will always be disadvantaged, socially deprived areas. But while we may not be able to change that, we can certainly influence how young people who live in these areas behave and how they develop. Its not impossible to affect behaviour, and I know that from experience because weve done it before. The model of community engagement developed in Cork city in the noughties worked. The results were proof of that. In dealing with the actual problem locations and estates, Cork City Council, An Garda Siochana and the local communities got together and, using the theory of the broken window, identified issues as they arose and dealt with them before they festered. Engagement with younger members of the community also proved vital. After all, young people shouldnt be written off just because of their address. A positive interaction with children pays dividends in later years when those children become young adults. That was my experience, and it started by talking with them in the schools. Communities working closely with gardai and the local authority made great strides in improving the physical environment too, and everyone benefitted. Unfortunately, the economy took a downturn, and priorities were focused elsewhere which, in hindsight, was a serious mistake. We need to fix that and return to the basics. All this research would seem to support that, but putting the genie back in the bottle is tricky. To begin with, the local authorities would need extra resources to dedicate to the role of community wardens and that could be an issue. An Garda Siochana would also need to properly resource community policing to support the local authority, but with their current difficulties with recruitment and retention, that seems unlikely too. But maybe there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Sean ORiordan reported in the Irish Examiner last October that a new forum was to be set up in County Cork to focus on addressing rural crimewaves, including anti-social behaviour and speeding. It is to include community representatives, gardai, council officials, and councillors. One councillor recalled that they used to have such a meeting prior to the covid pandemic, and he suggested it was essential to restart those, while another councillor said: We need a joined-up approach. So that all sounded very positive, but maybe it was just too good to be true because soon after this move was announced, Sean again reported that it had been branded an absolute disgrace by councillors because, under Department of Justice rules, only seven of the countys eight municipal districts will be represented on it. The new fora, or partnerships, are set to replace the former joint policing committees which were disbanded a few years ago, but already there is a row brewing over the number of fora the county is entitled to have. Labour councillor Cathal Rasmussen, who was the last chairman of the countys joint policing forum, said, Its an absolute disgrace. So, before it even gets off the ground, councillors are already suggesting the forum will not work. So much for the joined-up approach. I suggest councillors should get this thing up and running as soon as possible. Theres too much at stake and enough time has been wasted already. They can argue about the design of it later. James Cox Micheal Martin has rejected claims he has spent too much time abroad since he became Taoiseach in January this year, and also hit back at criticism from Fianna Fail TDs. In the last 10 months, he has travelled abroad 20 times. He has been to Brazil and South Africa for COP30 and the G20 in the last three weeks, and it has been confirmed he will fly to China at the beginning of next year. However, speaking from Angola today where he is attending the EU/African Union Summit, Mr Martin said any time he goes abroad, it is for the good of the country. "Are people thinking we go back to a sort of isolated position where we don't attend any meetings? This is ridiculous... whoever is asserting that. "You're saying mutterings... noone has ever said to me [that he travels too much]. In terms of my visits and so on... I've limited them to just functional meetings, I don't go abroad for any other reason but to advance the country's agenda." Most people in the country accept that the leader of the country has to engage internationally, he added. So much emanates from the international world in terms of influence. The first crisis we had to deal with was the tariffs issue. It is important for jobs in our economy, for the technology industry, for the life sciences industry. We navigated that well both within the European Union and indeed with the United States. Thats why international engagement matters, for Gods sake." Are people saying we shouldnt attend COP?," he asked. Theres a need for a bit of common sense, a sense of perspective." Asked if he was referring to criticism from some members of Fianna Fail, he replied: "Yes." He also denied that his travel had delayed the publication of the review into Fianna Fail's candidate selection process after the disastrous Jim Gavin presidential campaign. In Kingtom, a crowded district near the centre of Freetown, thousands live on and around the citys main dumpsite. The air hangs heavy; salt from the Atlantic mixing with the acrid smoke of burning rubbish. Beyond the patchwork of tin roofs, the ocean catches the light, its surface flecked with plastic washed down from the citys drains. For years, untreated waste flowed straight into those waters. At high tide, it returned, washing through alleyways, flooding homes, carrying disease exacerbating the impacts of climate change. Now, on land reclaimed from the dump itself, that tide is beginning to turn. A waste-to-energy plant was built within the city by GOAL in partnership with Freetown City Council, FCDO and supported by the Government of Ireland through Irish Aid. Operational since 2021, it now treats over 20 per cent of the citys liquid waste, turning a public health risk into compost, biogas and fuel. That fuel leaves the site as small black briquettes; dense, clean-burning blocks made from treated sludge. Across Freetown, they replace charcoal, burning longer and with far less smoke. For many families, that means fewer trees cut down, improved health, and much more cost-effective fuel. Shaping the future: Workers carefully add the prepared mix into the briquette-forming machine. It is pressed and shaped, ready for use. Photograph: Peter Caton for GOAL Global A city of over 1.2 million people reclaims its future Freetown was founded on the promise of freedom; built by freed slaves in the late 18th century on hills that tumble towards the Atlantic. But Sierra Leone soon fell under British colonial rule, and the freedom its founders sought never extended to the citys infrastructure. For generations, waste was carried away by rain, tide or time; flowing through open drains into the same ocean that frames the citys horizon. The waste-to-energy plant is changing that, giving Freetown its first safe system for managing waste and protecting both its people and the sea they live beside. It signals a shift from short-term aid to locally owned systems that endure. It is practical resilience: helping cities cope with climate shocks and rapid growth by creating infrastructure that lasts. Many of the staff who keep the plant running once lived and worked on the dump itself. Mark Korgay, one of the operators, spent years scavenging for scrap there. I spent years on the Kingtom dump, he says. Now I help keep the city clean. Its hard work, but theres dignity in this. I can plan, I can save thats the biggest thing. The plant is supported by Irelands Civil Society Partnership (ICSP), a five-year Irish Aid initiative providing vital humanitarian and development assistance to GOALs work across ten countries, including Sierra Leone. The focus of the waste-to-energy plant is practical resilience: helping cities cope with flooding, disease and rapid growth by building systems that last. The vision has always been for this plant to be city-owned and city-run, says GOALs programmes director, Colin Lee. Success is designing ourselves out of the picture. The goal is that the system keeps working long after weve stepped away. A blueprint for the continent GOALs design is simple and adaptable; compact enough for a crowded city and energy-efficient enough to run with minimal resources. Its success has already drawn attention from other West African cities, with delegations from Liberia and Ghana coming to see how it works. Behind it sits a wider story of Irish collaboration. WaterShare Ireland, a partnership between Irish engineers and GOAL, helped design and commission the plant, sharing the same practical expertise that keeps Irelands own systems running. Through the Sunflower Foundation, GOALs Blue Economy work in Sierra Leone is strengthening climate resilience by restoring mangroves and supporting fishing communities along the coast. And last year alone, through the AIB-GOAL Mile, thousands of people at home raised more than 750,000 for projects like this one; proof that public, private and community support can combine to make something enduring. Plastic waste blankets a Freetown beach, washed in from the citys drains and swept in by the tide. For coastal communities, the ocean is a lifeline critically threatened by pollution and climate change. Photograph: Peter Caton for GOAL Global The result is a web of connection that stretches far beyond funding. The water that laps against Freetowns edge is the same Atlantic that meets Irelands western shore. What happens there shapes here too a shared ocean, a shared future. For Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the plant is a clear demonstration of what collaborations and partnerships can achieve. Success isnt measured by what we do today, but by what continues into the future. Thats real sustainability. In a city that has endured more than its fair share of challenges, the difference is visible: cleaner streets, safer homes, and public systems that are built to last - owned by Sierra Leone, backed by the people of Ireland. For further information on GOAL Globals work across the world, click here. Since its inception in 2020, the Vhi Health & Wellbeing Fund has provided a total of 444,000 to 54 youth organisations around Ireland, supporting approximately 37,700 young people facing challenges such as addiction, disability, homelessness, trauma and the international protection process. This year, ten youth and community organisations across the country have been awarded a share of 85,000 in funding, helping an estimated 2,000 young people build resilience and manage anxiety. Making a real difference The Vhi Health & Wellbeing Fund is rooted in early intervention and prevention, recognising that timely support can transform outcomes for young people facing adversity. Speaking about the Funds impact and the significance of Vhis involvement, Brian Walsh, chief executive of Vhi Group, said: At Vhi, we believe that investing in youth health and wellbeing is one of the most powerful ways to shape a healthier, more resilient future for Ireland. Through the Vhi Health & Wellbeing Fund, weve supported 54 youth organisations and reached thousands of young people with meaningful, community-led interventions. This year the fund will support ten outstanding projects focused on tackling anxiety, building resilience, and creating safe spaces for young people to thrive. The feedback and measurable outcomes weve seen over the past five years confirm what weve always knownearly intervention works, and when young people are supported, entire communities benefit." Pictured L-R: Aoife OBrien, Wellsprings outreach coordinator; Wellsprings Outreach users Aimee Flanagan and Courtney Davis; Anne-Marie Brophy, Vhi business acquisition manager; Pat Mullins, chairperson, board of directors Wellsprings. Photograph: Cathal Noonan Supporting communities across Ireland The 2025 grants are reaching youth organisations in Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Galway, Limerick and Donegal, with each project tailored to meet the unique needs of the communities it serves. Finglas Youth Resource Centre, for example, will offer social and emotional learning workshops for young people from the Traveller community. Through creative group activities, participants will develop self-confidence, self-awareness and coping skills, creating the foundations for long-term wellbeing. Youth workers and support staff from Aiseiri pictured with Therese Bourke, head of customer care, Vhi. In Limerick, the Learning Hub will use its grant to support Creative Aftercare Limerick, a programme for young people aged 17 to 23 with experience of care services. The initiative combines creative and cultural activities with practical skills development, fostering resilience and helping participants build positive social networks. Goshh, the only dedicated LGBTI+ youth organisation in Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary, will expand services with additional youth worker hours. This will allow the organisation to run weekly group sessions, resilience workshops and one-to-one support for young LGBTI+ people who may face isolation or discrimination. Pictured L-R: Goshh team members Roisin O'Connor, Temilolu Ojuawo, Varena Tarpey, David Campo; Karen Yelverton, corporate account manager at Vhi; and Cian Guerin, Goshh. Photograph: Don Moloney Other organisations funded this year include The Shona Project (Donegal), Wellsprings (Cork), Droichead Family Resource Centre and Aiseiri (Kilkenny), Just Ask and the Irish Refugee Council (Dublin), and the Ard Family Resource Centre (Galway). Grants provided to these organisations will collectively provide community-based support, mentorship and creative outlets for young people across Ireland, helping to boost overall mental health and resilience. Niamh Walker, Vhi, and Cassie Delaney, community manager, The Shona Project, celebrate The Shona Project's grant award through the 2025 Vhi Health & Wellbeing Fund. Photograph: Julien Behal Building resilience for the future The Vhi Health & Wellbeing Fund reflects Vhis long-standing commitment to youth mental health. By investing in grassroots organisations and community-led initiatives, the Fund enables practical, meaningful interventions that support young people and strengthen communities. Natasha Muldoon, global citizenship education programme co-ordinator and youth worker at Ard Family Resource Centre; Mark Kerins, Vhi;Mateusz Kodowski; Believe Bolatumba Mpete; Kylie Ogosi Ejoh; and Nike Monisola Awoyemi. Photograph: Andrew Downes/Xposure Speaking about Vhis support of the youth and community sector, Sarah Edmonds, chief executive of the Irish Youth Foundation, said: The Vhi Health & Wellbeing Fund is a vital force for good, reaching some of Irelands most vulnerable young people and supporting organisations that are truly changing lives. This year grants will fuel projects that not only strengthen wellbeing, but also create positive ripple effects for families, schools, and communities. Were proud of the partnership with Vhi which is delivering opportunity and real support where its needed most. For more information about the Vhi Health & Wellbeing Fund, visit iyf.ie/grants. Malaysia is the latest country with plans to limit social media use by age. On Sunday, the country's cabinet approved a ban on social media accounts for anyone under the age of 16, The Associated Press reports. It comes as concerns around social media's negative impact on children has grown globally. The ban will reportedly go into affect in 2026. "I believe that if the government, regulatory bodies, and parents all play their roles, we can ensure that the Internet in Malaysia is not only fast, widespread and affordable but most importantly, safe, especially for children and families," Malaysian communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said in a statement reported by The Associated Press. The country already requires social media and messaging platforms with more than eight million local users to have a license. These companies must take steps like age verification and safety measures. The Malaysian government is looking at countries like Australia to see the success of electronic ID verification checks. On December 10, Australia will enact the world's first blanket social media ban for anyone under 16-years-old. Social media companies will have to ensure compliance or face a fine of up to $49.5 million AUD ($32 million USD). Platforms impacted by the ban include X, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, YouTube and Twitch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Denmark announced that it was taking steps toward a social media ban for anyone under the age of 15. "Children and young people have their sleep disrupted, lose their peace and concentration, and experience increasing pressure from digital relationships where adults are not always present," Denmark's Digitalization Ministry stated. In the US, some states have tried to enact their own restrictions. In Utah, teens now require parental consent to make a social media account. In Texas, a bill that would have banned social media for anyone under 18-year-old failed to pass, while a Florida law to require consent for under 16s and banning under 14s passed but is held up in court. Meta allegedly suspended internal research into the mental health effects of its products after it showed that people who stopped using Facebook experienced less depression, anxiety and loneliness. This comes from unredacted court filings in a lawsuit filed by multiple US school districts against major social media companies, as reported by Reuters. The suit alleges that these companies had knowledge of the health risks posed by these platforms but intentionally hid this from users. Meta started the research project, dubbed "Project Mercury," in 2020. The company's scientists worked with survey firm Nielsen to investigate what effect, if any, "deactivating" Facebook had on its users. The suit alleges that when this research showed mental health benefits to quitting Facebook, Meta shut down the project, chose not to publish the results and decreed the findings tainted by existing media narrative surrounding the company. According to Reuters, the filings also showed internal research staffers clearly expressing that the findings had merit, writing the Nielsen study does show causal impact on social comparison. Another compared the findings to the tobacco industry doing research and knowing cigs were bad and then keeping that info to themselves. The allegations call to mind the now well-known decisions by Shell and Exxon to bury internal research connecting fossil fuels with catastrophic climate change as far back as the 1980s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement obtained by Reuters, a Meta spokesperson said, the full record will show that for over a decade, we have listened to parents, researched issues that matter most, and made real changes to protect teens." The statement touted the company's Instagram Teen Accounts and said, "We strongly disagree with these allegations, which rely on cherry-picked quotes and misinformed opinions. Meta is arguing to strike the documents underlying these allegations, which are not yet public, claiming the nature of what plaintiffs want to unseal is overly broad. These lawsuits, filed by hundreds of school districts, are being consolidated and handled in the Northern District of California , with a hearing regarding this particular filing set for January 26. This isn't even the first time the company has been accused of burying research that yielded inconvenient results. In 2023 Meta also faced a massive lawsuit from 41 states as well as the District of Columbia over allegations that its platforms harm and addict young users. A judge in that case ruled that Meta's lawyers tried blocking internal research showing its social media platforms were harmful to teen mental health. Rebel Wilson is speaking out for the first time about her claim that the lead actress in her upcoming film "The Deb" was sexually harassed in a shower by one of the movie's producers - a revelation that has set off legal battles and conflicting statements from those involved. On Channel Nine's 60 Minutes, the 45-year-old Wilson detailed an incident she believes actress Charlotte MacInnes reported to her. She said, "I felt that in my position as director I had to report that, and the moment I did, it started all the retaliation against me," according to the Daily Mail. Wilson expanded on what she says MacInnes shared with her. She said, "Charlotte MacInnes came to me and said, 'Last night Amanda Ghost came to me and asked me to have a bath and shower with her and it made me feel really uncomfortable.'" Wilson described the alleged complaint as follows: "One-hundred percent she told me that. She came to me and made what I inferred as a sexual harassment complaint." Read more: Rebel Wilson Reveals Packing 30lbs After Losing 77lbs In 2020 However, both MacInnes and producer Amanda Ghost dispute Wilson's account. MacInnes said, "I never complained to Ms. Wilson or anyone else that Ms. Ghost 'made me feel uncomfortable' or caused me any trauma whatsoever." As reported by India Today, Wilson also responded to allegations that she started or promoted an online smear campaign against Ghost when a number of anonymous websites popped up with disturbing claims. She said, "Obviously, I had zero to do with the websites. I don't even know how to create a website, I had nothing to do with what was on it." She added, "It is categorically false to say I had anything to do with it." Producers Ghost, Gregory Cameron and Vince Holden are suing Wilson for defamation, saying she made up the embezzlement and other misconduct claims. Wilson countersued, claiming sabotage and harassment on the set of "The Deb," which bowed at the Toronto Film Festival in 2024. Court filings obtained by the Daily Mail show MacInnes reiterated that Wilson misrepresented their conversations. "Nothing that I told Wilson could reasonably have conveyed that I was reporting any misconduct, because there was no misconduct." The controversy represents one of the most contentious behind-the-scenes battles in recent Australian filmmaking, where both sides have dug in with sharply opposing narratives as the lawsuits continue. Jack Schlossberg is publicly supporting his sister, Tatiana Schlossberg, after she revealed her terminal cancer diagnosis. The 32-year-old congressional candidate reposted parts of her emotional New Yorker essay on Nov. 22, sharing her words and adding short, powerful messages of her own. Tatiana, 35, wrote in the essay that she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia shortly after giving birth to her second child in May 2024. According to PageSix, she explained that the cancer affects her bone marrow and described undergoing chemotherapy, a bone-marrow transplant, and a clinical trial of CAR-T-cell therapy. According to her doctors, she likely has about one year to live. Within hours of the essay's publication, Jack shared screenshots of the opening paragraphs on Instagram Stories. The posts showed he wanted people to read her piece in full, especially as she detailed how quickly her life changed. Jack then added two photos of his owna picture of a road and an image of the skyeach carrying the same message: "Life is shortlet it rip." After Tatiana Schlossberg, daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, shared her heartbreaking terminal cancer diagnosis, her brother Jack Schlossberg offered a message of support. https://t.co/qICAvqbQ62 pic.twitter.com/FzXoDcOi8y E! News (@enews) November 23, 2025 Tatiana Schlossberg Praises Family's Constant Support Tatiana, who shares two young children with her husband, doctor George Moran, wrote about the support she has received from her family. She said her parents, Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, along with Jack and their sister, Rose, have been with her throughout her treatments. "They have held my hand unflinchingly while I have suffered," she wrote, calling their commitment a "great gift." She also thanked her husband for staying by her side through every part of the diagnosis. "He did everything for me that he possibly could," she wrote, noting that he spoke with doctors, handled insurance issues, and even slept on the floor of her hospital room, People reported. Tatiana added that the hardest part now is focusing on her children while staying present. She said she lets memories "come and go" when the moment feels too heavy. Jack's posts come less than two weeks after he announced his campaign for Congress following Rep. Jerry Nadler's retirement. Tatiana also reflected on what her illness means for their mother, saying she fears adding more heartbreak to a family that has already endured significant loss. Ariana Grande's red-carpet event in Singapore took a frightening turn, and officials have now confirmed that the man who grabbed the star has been deported and banned from returning. The incident happened on November 13 during the "Wicked: For Good" premiere, where Grande appeared with co-star Cynthia Erivo. Authorities said 26-year-old Johnson Wen jumped over a barricade, rushed toward Grande, and grabbed her in front of cameras and guests. Erivo reacted instantly, stepping between Wen and Grande to protect her. The moment caused panic at the event, especially since Grande has previously spoken about dealing with PTSD after the 2017 Manchester bombing at one of her concerts. Local newspaper The Straits Times reported that Wen was removed from Singapore on Sunday. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said he has been "barred from re-entering Singapore." Prosecutors described him as a "serial intruder," telling the court that Wen planned the stunt to create a viral video for social media, TMZ reported. The individual who grabbed Ariana Grande at the Wicked: For Good Singapore premiere has been deported and banned from re-entering the country. pic.twitter.com/PtHfwTg32E Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) November 23, 2025 Judge Calls Ariana Grande Intruder 'Attention-Seeking' Wen was charged with being a public nuisance. He pleaded guilty and received a nine-day jail sentence. Despite that, he acted as though nothing was wrong after his release, sharing photos on social media and even thanking Grande for letting him "jump on the yellow carpet." His Instagram history shows he has previously rushed stars like Katy Perry and The Weeknd, raising concerns about his repeated behavior. According to the BBC, during Wen's hearing, the judge said Wen was "attention seeking" and noted that he wrongly believed there would be no consequences. According to court reports, Wen attempted to get close to Grande twice that evening. Security stopped his first attempt, and the second time, he was pinned down before police arrested him the next day. The incident angered many in Singapore, especially those aware of the trauma Grande has spoken about publicly. For her safety and the safety of attendees, many felt that stronger action was necessary. Grande has not commented on what happened. However, Erivo later spoke to NBC about why she acted. "I just wanted to make sure my friend was safe," she said. "I'm sure he didn't mean us harm, but you never know with those things, and I wanted to make sure that she was OK." You Might Also Like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told an international summit in Sweden on Monday it is a "critical moment" to support Kyiv, amid U.S. peace proposal negotiations. It came as European Union leaders met to discuss an American 28-point proposal to end the war in Ukraine, which sparked alarm in Kyiv and European capitals due to its initially favorable terms for Russia. Organic farmers in Wales are set to receive a major financial boost, with the Deputy First Minister announcing 3 million in support payments for 202627. The indicative funding will be available to all eligible farmers with organically certified land, reaffirming the Welsh governments backing for the sector. Ministers say the support reflects environmental, economic and social goals, with organic production viewed as central to Wales wider sustainability agenda. The money is intended to help farmers remain viable as they transition into the new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), which replaces previous support frameworks. Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy First Minister and minister responsible for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said the government wanted organic businesses to have certainty ahead of next year. As we transition to the SFS, I want to let organic farmers know of the ongoing support so that they can make informed business decisions, he said. This announcement confirms our commitment to organic farmers across Wales. He emphasised the specific environmental gains associated with organic agriculture, including long-term soil improvement, water-quality protection and the avoidance of artificial fertilisers and pesticides. The sector also feeds into Welsh supply chains, rural employment and the Community Food Strategy, including efforts to provide high-quality, locally grown vegetables for school meals. During his Royal Welsh Winter Fair address today (24 November), Irranca-Davies will outline a broader vision for Welsh farming based on sustainable food production, environmental stewardship and strong rural communities. Speaking ahead of the event, he said: My vision is of a successful future for Welsh farming, including producing food sustainably, looking after our environment and underpinning our rural communities. "With the SFS at the heart of this vision, we are committed to a vibrant and sustainable future for Welsh agriculture. The minister also acknowledged that the past year had brought significant challenges. Bluetongue was confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025, and restrictions introduced in response caused notable disruption. Following new evidence and farmer feedback, an all-Wales Restricted Zone was introduced earlier this month, and the government is encouraging early discussions with vets about vaccination ahead of spring 2026. Avian influenza remains another concern, and mandatory housing measures for birds in Wales were introduced on 13 November due to elevated risk levels. Irranca-Davies thanked all sectors for their cooperation during what he described as a difficult period. He said he hoped that throughout 2026 and beyond we continue to work collaboratively together to maintain a robust and successful agriculture and food industry in Wales. The announcement comes at a pivotal time for the sector as it prepares for its most significant policy transition in a generation. Exhibition on Chinese characters shows language origin, cultural exchanges in London Xinhua) 10:08, November 24, 2025 Yukteshwar Kumar, a scholar with the University of Bath, speaks at the exhibition "Hanzi of the West, Letters of the East" in London, Britain, Nov. 22, 2025. A special event for an exhibition in London tracing the evolution of Chinese characters and their role in cultural exchange between China and the West kicked off Saturday at a gallery in London. The event combined historical displays with contemporary design as well as discussions between invited scholars and guests. The exhibition, lasting from Nov. 19 to 23, features more than 100 original works inspired by hanzi, or Chinese characters. (Xinhua/Li Ying) LONDON, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- A special event for an exhibition in London tracing the evolution of Chinese characters and their role in cultural exchange between China and the West kicked off Saturday at a gallery in London. The event combined historical displays with contemporary design and discussions between invited scholars and guests. Titled "Hanzi of the West, Letters of the East," the exhibition, lasting from Nov. 19 to 23, features more than 100 original works inspired by hanzi, or Chinese characters. The exhibition, organized by Tongji University and China's Art and Design Press, is designed as a step-by-step narrative that uses Chinese characters as a thread to tell stories about China and about cultural encounters between China and Britain, the organizers said. "The theme title invites us to see Chinese characters and alphabetic letters not as opposites, but as companions: two visual logics that both record sound, shape meaning and express emotion," said Wu Yun, dean of the School of Foreign Studies at Tongji University. One section explores how artists and designers take hanzi as a visual and conceptual starting point for new work, presenting pieces that reinterpret strokes, radicals and character structures through book design, fashion, installation art and creative cultural products. Another section traces the early transmission of hanzi to the West and the pre-20th century efforts to systematize Chinese movable type, according to curators. Explanatory panels and visual timelines set out the development of Chinese characters from their early origins through successive stages of transformation. Visitors can follow how the script has shifted in form and use over centuries, while seeing how it continues to inspire design today. Yukteshwar Kumar, a scholar with the University of Bath, said learning Chinese had shown him how much meaning is embedded in individual characters. "For me, the process of learning Chinese has been fascinating, because every character carries a story, and an exhibition like this helps people in Britain and China understand each other better, and that makes it very meaningful," he told the audience in fluent Mandarin. A man visits the exhibition "Hanzi of the West, Letters of the East" in London, Britain, Nov. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying) People visit the exhibition "Hanzi of the West, Letters of the East" in London, Britain, Nov. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying) People visit the exhibition "Hanzi of the West, Letters of the East" in London, Britain, Nov. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying) A visitor views fine steel Chinese characters for Chinese typewriters at the exhibition "Hanzi of the West, Letters of the East" in London, Britain, Nov. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Northern Ireland farm development is being strangled by environmental red tape, the Ulster Farmers Union has warned, accusing the government of holding up projects that would actually help meet the regions own environmental targets. The UFU says the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) must urgently address planning delays linked to its ammonia operational protocol. Ammonia, largely produced from livestock housing and manure, has become one of the most contentious factors in rural planning, with even small-scale improvements often stalled because of concerns about impacts on protected habitats. Farmers argue that the rules penalise modernisation efforts designed to reduce emissions, improve welfare standards and future-proof family farms. The unions demands come as Natural England introduces more flexible planning guidance for similar cases in Britain, allowing replacement buildings where nutrient reductions can be demonstrated. The UFU says this shift highlights how common sense approaches are possible and urgently needed in Northern Ireland. UFU deputy president John McLenaghan said farmers had waited far too long for a planning system that recognises environmental betterment. He said the current protocol is preventing essential upgrades to outdated facilities, adding that DAERA is simultaneously obstructing progress towards its own emission-reduction goals. Weve been highlighting this for years and quite frankly, their continued stalling is embarrassing and pathetic, he said. He pointed to the strong industry response submitted in April to DAERAs consultation on the interim operational protocol for ammonia. The response was coordinated by experts representing the UFU, NIMEA, the Dairy Council, the Livestock and Meat Commission, the NI Pork and Bacon Forum, the NI Poultry Industry Federation and NIGTA, supported by a comprehensive legal opinion. According to McLenaghan, with Natural England now moving on the issue, DAERA can no longer hide. The UFU wants a revised protocol that supports planning applications and, where relevant, permits and licences for projects involving the replacement and upgrading of existing farm buildings. Many such developments would result in lowered emissions through improved ventilation, slurry handling and manure management. McLenaghan said the union is consulting its legal team on its next steps to achieve this. The stand-off highlights the growing tension between environmental protections and the need to keep Northern Irelands farming sector competitive. With agriculture forming a cornerstone of the rural economy, industry groups warn that prolonged planning paralysis could hinder investment, slow the adoption of cleaner technology and place local farmers at a structural disadvantage compared with counterparts in Britain. In This Article Brewing Clean Beauty: An Idea or A Practice? Whats Bridging The Endocrine and Skincare? Natural, Organic, And Irritants: Where Do We Draw The Line? Is Beauty Political? How are Indian Beauty and Skincare Brands Showing Up To The Scene? With emphasis on selective ingredients like niacinamide, peptides and ceramides in recent events, consumers have finally started reading into the labels. And it shows, with Rhode skyrocketing their sales with their peptide lip balm or The Ordinary finding a place in everyones vanity, Minimalist with their infamous formulations or Kosas with their quirky packaging and labels, emphasis on formulation is higher than ever before.Awareness of ingredients is a step forward in skincare because it helps bridge the language of formulations and deciding if a product aligns with your regimen. Thanks to debunkers all over the net and conscious brands, the world moves forward into clean and more cruelty-free concoctions, and Indian skincare brands reformulate and recalibrate to bring you cleaner products. But how effective is that reboot looking? Were yet to look.Clean beauty today is a hybrid of idea, philosophy, and practice, says Dr Debeshi, Clinical Cosmetic & Aesthetic Expert, Founder of Lueur Aesthetics. She elaborates further, Different brands interpret 'clean' based on their own ingredient lists, marketing strategies, and consumer expectations. As a result, what is considered 'clean' varies widely, creating confusion and inconsistencies in the industry. When asked about whether clean beauty supports a standardised structure for it to be accepted as a concept, Dr Jaishree Sharad, Medical Director, Skinfinitii Aesthetic & Laser Clinic, adds, Brands express this idea by avoiding certain red-listed ingredients such as parabens, sulfates and mineral oil, by prioritising natural or plant-based ingredients, and by using sustainable packaging and claiming cruelty-free processes. These remain brand-specific choices rather than universally accepted scientific standards.Given the lack of a universally accepted framework, the consumer, however aware they might be, is stranded because ultimately the weight of the choice lands upon them. But then, who addresses the lack of options in products? Highlighting a similar issue, Jasmin Shah and Bhakti Bhanushali, Co-Founders, Karibo Cosmetics, emphasise brand consciousness. In their words, With no unified framework, clean beauty becomes a space filled with vague claims and the customer is left unprotected.Dr Sharad throws light on the lack of structure, saying The absence of a standardised structure exists because regulatory bodies across the world, including the FDA and EU authorities, do not define the term 'clean,' leaving it open to broad interpretation and marketing manipulation. Much of the ingredient fear promoted by clean beauty arises from misconceptions; many ingredients that are excluded, such as parabens, are actually safe at regulated concentrations, yet have been demonised online despite strong toxicology data supporting their safety.In this manner, clean beauty becomes a response to the rather ignorant brands about their formulations. Driven out of consumer consciousness and awareness, a significant part of the concept is influenced by the overwhelming information on social media, which has its successes and setbacks. Not everything online is backed by an expert, but yes, it might arise from individual experiences. Leaving a wide, uncertain ground for consumers like us. Dr Sharad concludes her response with, Many clean beauty claimssuch as 'non-toxic,' 'chemical-free, ' or 'hormone-safe'are not scientifically quantifiable. Ultimately, clean beauty functions as a marketing position designed to create a niche, premium brand identity, and a marketing philosophy that cannot be standardised the way medical or scientific guidelines are.The answer is caution. Clean beauty, which may exist as a concept or an ethic for brands to adhere to, highlights the tie between endocrine disruption and skincare. Yes, your skincare might be doing far more than what youve paid for. Sadly, not in your favour. Dr Geeta Mehra Fazalbhoy, MBBS, Diploma in Dermatology (UK), Board Certified in Aesthetic Medicine (USA); Founder, Skin & You Clinic, says, A big part of clean beauty is reducing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These are found in everyday products like creams, face wash, deodorants, toothpaste, and even haircare. They can affect the way we think and feel, impact menstrual cycles, thyroid function, and insulin metabolism.Specialists from Kairbo delve further into the concern, explaining that the Endocrine disruptors are not just a beauty concern. They are a human health concern because these chemicals mimic hormones and can interfere with growth, puberty, fertility and metabolism. The case with endocrine disruption leads us to question what, specifically, is causing the same?To our question, Dr Sharad clarifies, Clean beauty positions endocrine disruption as a major concern, largely because certain cosmetic ingredientssuch as parabens, phthalates, and UV filtershave been discussed in public forums as potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Although it hails from a precautionary philosophy that believes reducing the concentration or eliminating an ingredient will solve the issue. She concludes by saying, Overlooking the fact that endocrine activity observed in high-dose animal or in vitro studies does not directly translate to endocrine disruption in human cosmetic use is unscientific. No regulatory body has defined what constitutes an endocrine-disrupting ingredient in cosmetics at real-world exposure levels.Natural and organic do not automatically mean safe or non-irritating. Many natural extractsessential oils, botanicals, fragrancescan cause irritation or allergies. The line is drawn by understanding concentration, purity, and skin compatibility rather than the origin of an ingredient, says Dr Debeshi.Rightly stated by our pals at Karibo, Natural doesnt mean safe. Organic doesnt mean stable. And synthetic doesnt automatically mean harmful. Many natural ingredients are strong irritants. Organic ingredients can oxidise and spoil if not stabilised correctly. Some synthetics are the safest when formulated responsibly. The real line is not between natural and chemical. It is between transparent and manipulative. Skincare is designed to add nourishment and is mindfully curated by experts. Whether organic, natural or synthetically derived, what ultimately suits the skin garners attention.Consumption in all forms is political, even in beauty and fashion. What we consume reflects where the market might move in the coming days, and in this manner, investing in brands might appear as our stance on many matters. Be it a response to an advertisement, or associated with a public figure, or the sourcing of materials for your favourite cosmetics, inherently, consumption in the long run is political.Dr Mehra adds in agreement, Yes, clean beauty talks about ethical and environmental considerations like sustainable packaging, ethically sourced materials, and avoiding animal cruelty. Since it involves choices around sourcing, production, and ingredient safety, consumption in this way does become political. It reflects how conscious we are about what we buy and the impact it has beyond our skin.The movement intersects with environmental and social responsibility, making it inherently political. It reflects consumer awareness of how beauty consumption impacts ecosystems, labour practices, and global supply chains, adds Dr Debeshi. Image: Instagram Clean beauty in India is growing quickly, mainly because consumers are becoming more aware of ingredients and want simpler, safer-looking products. Many new Indian brands now use terms like natural, non-toxic, and chemical-free, but these ideas are still driven more by marketing than by scientific or regulatory definitions. What India still needs is clearer guidelines on what clean actually means, better safety data on commonly used botanical ingredients, more transparency about concentrations, and stronger evidence-based communication. as rightfully put by Dr. Sharad. The state of clean beauty in India needs to look beyond the prospects of mere singular ingredients and extend into exploring unique formulations. Just as Korean, Japanese and Western brands devise the next leading line of skincare, the in-country brands walk a step behind in the narrative. Specialists at Karibo add, What India needs next is clearer definitions beyond 'paraben-free,' stricter pigment regulations, safer colour chemistry for everyday products, education-led brands instead of influencer-led brands and long-term safety data rather than trend cycles. Clean beauty brands like Karibo emphasise personalisation, be it the occasion or the skin concern, transparency becomes synonymous with the cleanliness of a brand as of present. What we require and what we lack is standardisation. The brands that come closest to clean beauty are the ones that focus on pH-stabilised, paraben-free, wax-free, to some extent EDC-free formulations and have at least some form of clinical testing behind them. Perfectly clean beauty is difficult to achieve, but brands that prioritise transparency and responsible formulation practices are the ones moving in the right direction, concludes Dr Mehra. When asked about brands that are leading the way in clean beauty in the country, our specialists recommend Indewild, Dr Sheths, Minimalist, Dearist and The Derma Co. Also Read: Expert Speak: Now Is the Time to Switch to Organic and Clean Beauty When Dilip Kumar presented the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award to Dharmendra, he had commented, "Whenever I get to meet with God Almighty, I will set before him my only complaint,why did you not make me as handsome as Dharmendra?" Indeed, Dharmendra represented a very rare archetype in Hindi cinema, a star whose beauty, masculinity and emotional truthfulness existed in perfect equilibrium. There was nothing contrived about his aura. It was organic. It came from the earth he came from , the fields of Punjab, the simplicity of a small-town upbringing, the instinctive humility of a family-rooted Indian man. That is why, despite being mythologised as the He-Man of Hindi cinema, Dharmendras core artistic strength was emotional stillness. He could communicate vulnerability without effort. He could stand silently in a frame and move a scene more than most actors who used words aggressively. To understand his greatness, one had to see him not as the man who broke doors on screen, but as the actor who broke open emotional grammar in mainstream Hindi cinema without drawing attention to the technique. Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol (born 8 December 1935), who became popular as Dharmendra, was the winner of Filmfare magazine's nationally organised new talent award and went to Mumbai from Punjab to work in a movie. However, it was never made. He later made his film debut in 1960 with Arjun Hingorani's romantic drama Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. His stardom rose gradually but decisively through the 1960s, a decade that unlocked his versatility and natural romantic magnetism. In films like Bandini, Anpadh, Aaye Din Bahar Ke and Phool Aur Patthar he became one of Indian cinemas most desired romantic leads, but it was never merely about physical presence. There was a moral purity, an earnest emotional access, a certain gentleness. Satyakam remained one of the greatest acting performances in Indian cinema, a work of deep principle, moral tragedy and inner conflict played without melodramatic emphasis. Dharmendra understood internal acting instinctively, an ability to summon quiet wounded dignity and inner turbulence without theatricality. That remained his greatest artistic power. The 1970s did not just expand his superstardom, they redefined it. Dharmendra entered the great masala era as the ideal mass hero , handsome beyond conventional measure, charismatic without trying, humorous without exaggeration. In Mera Gaon Mera Desh, in Jugnu, in Dharam Veer, in Yaadon Ki Baaraat , he became the anchor around which large-scale Hindi storytelling revolved. But even in these phase-shifting spectacles he never lost emotional humanity. His masculinity was warm, not intimidating. It was confident without cruelty. He was the kind of screen man India instinctively trusted, because his masculinity felt rooted in ethics, dignity and goodness rather than domination. Then came Sholay, a film that permanently altered the topography of Indian popular culture. Veeru became a folklore character, joyous, loyal, childlike, romantic, comic and courageous all at once. And Dharmendra played this with such effortless authenticity that Veerus emotional language became iconic to generations. In Chupke Chupke, he revealed yet another dimension , refined comedic modulation. Hrishikesh Mukherjee understood Dharmendras delicate timing and inner calm better than most directors, and together they created a grammar of gentle humor. They showcased the subtle, middle-class masculine sensitivity inside him that popular culture often under-discussed because his action mythology loomed so large. Actors and filmmakers respected him deeply. His bond with Amitabh Bachchan in particular remained one of Hindi cinemas most dignified male friendships, rooted in mutual admiration rather than competitiveness. Their chemistry in Sholay was never an ego duel, it was a collaborative elevation of scene energy. Dharmendra never sought dominance in frames. He always understood cooperation, an extremely rare quality in superstar culture. He was confident enough to share light. Dharmendras stardom was defined not just by his screen magnetism but by the directors who understood how to sculpt it into something timeless. His collaborations with Hrishikesh Mukherjee (Anupama, Chupke Chupke, Satyakam) brought out his most nuanced, quietly affecting work, a gentle masculinity marked by emotional integrity. With Chetan Anand (Haqeeqat), he explored poetic idealism and romantic epic intensity. Ramesh Sippy channelled his rugged charm and mainstream stardom powerfully in Sholay and Seeta Aur Geeta, while Asit Sen, Dulal Guha, Mohan Kumar and even Raj Khosla pushed him into dramatic, socially aware, sometimes even morally anguished terrains. The breadth of filmmakers Dharmendra worked with is staggering and they repeatedly proved that he wasnt just a star, he was a completely pliable, fully reliable actor in any directorial grammar. His leading ladies also shaped narrative landscapes with him. He shared extraordinary on-screen energies with Meena Kumari, Mala Sinha, Asha Parekh, Sharmila Tagore, Zeenat Aman, and then, of course, Hema Malini. Dharmendra and Hema Malini were not just a star pair, they were cinematic destiny. They created an aesthetic that was elegant, poised and deeply charismatic. Their chemistry had grace. They looked like two sovereigns sharing the same emotional kingdom. Their artistic synergy eventually became real life partnership as well, and through decades of public scrutiny, speculation, and mass fascination, they remained dignified. Dharmendras personal life evolved with complexity, but he always maintained a respectful silence and dignity around it. Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur early in life, when he was still far from stardom. With her, he had two sons, Sunny and Bobby, as well as two daughters, Vijeta and Ajeita. Later, his marriage to Hema Malini became one of the most discussed chapters of Hindi cinema history. With Hema Malini, he had two daughters, Esha and Ahana. Over the years, the two branches of his family saw phases of distance and speculation as any large, public family inevitably did , but time appeared to soften lines. There was eventually a calm, a sense of acceptance, mutual respect and a shared space of quiet acknowledgment. The Deol family eventually stood in a place of gentle reconciliation, not defined by past fractures but by present acceptance. Dharmendras own conduct , gentlemanly, calm, never vindictive, never reactive, always set a template for dignity. Late career Dharmendra, whether seen in character roles, family films like Apne or surprising atmospheric gems like Johnny Gaddaar, carried that same stable, warm-hearted energy. Even when he appeared in interviews in later years, there was no artifice, no performative personality cultivation. He remained deeply human and this was perhaps the secret to why his legacy survived generational time shifts. Dharmendra stood as one of Hindi cinemas most enduring cultural icons. His beauty was legendary. He was often referred to as one of the most handsome men to ever emerge from the industry, but his true gift was the way his face could hold moral weight without strain. He represented the Indian masculine ideal before it got corrupted by hyper-assertive tropes, a masculinity rooted in kindness, responsibility, respect and emotional permission rather than control or arrogance. His legacy was not just the films. It was the emotional template he created, of a Hindi film hero who could be both powerful and gentle, heroic and sensitive, desirable and honorable at the same time. A star who could make entire theatres scream, not because he was larger than life but because he was real enough to feel ours. Across this extraordinary journey, Dharmendra was honoured and celebrated widely. He received the Padma Bhushan, one of Indias highest civilian honours, and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. These honours acknowledged his monumental contribution , not just to films, but to Indias emotional imagination. Yet even without these accolades, his place in cinema history would have remained inviolable. Because Dharmendra did something almost no other Indian star managed at his scale; he remained beloved without becoming unreachable. His stardom never felt like a fortress. It felt like a home. Dharmendra stood not merely as an icon of Hindi film mythology but as a symbol of a time when cinemas greatest power was emotional trust. And Dharmendra earned that trust , not through spectacle, but through sincerity. Through softness. Through a masculinity that was never frightened of feeling. He was not simply part of Hindi cinema history. He was part of its emotional architecture Also Read: Photos: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and others visit Dharmendra at Breach Candy Hospital Dharmendra remains one of Hindi cinemas most enduring, adored and effortlessly charismatic screen legends. Beyond his reputation as the original He-Man of Indian film, he was an emotionally intuitive, instinctive performer with immense range, intense, romantic, comedic, tragic, heroic, restrained and wildly flamboyant when required. His screen vulnerability had an almost poetic purity, and his warmth translated onscreen with rare sincerity. Through the 60s, 70s and early 80s, he consistently delivered landmark work that shaped Hindi film narrative language. This list celebrates twenty performances that best reflect the depth of his craft and the lasting artistic legacy he built. Bandini (1963) Dharmendras quiet dignity in Bandini announces a leading man who understands emotional interiority beyond conventional masculine assertion. His role as the empathetic prison doctor isnt forceful in dialogue but profoundly influential in emotional energy. He gives Nutans Kalyani a space to breathe, to feel, to reclaim selfhood. His silences here have almost poetic quality, a gentleness that radiates without demanding attention. Bandini, for Dharmendra, is an early signal: this is a man who can play love not as conquest, but as gentle emotional stewardship. It remains a beautiful example of his capacity for understated emotional intelligence. Dharmendras quiet dignity in Bandini announces a leading man who understands emotional interiority beyond conventional masculine assertion. His role as the empathetic prison doctor isnt forceful in dialogue but profoundly influential in emotional energy. He gives Nutans Kalyani a space to breathe, to feel, to reclaim selfhood. His silences here have almost poetic quality, a gentleness that radiates without demanding attention. Bandini, for Dharmendra, is an early signal: this is a man who can play love not as conquest, but as gentle emotional stewardship. It remains a beautiful example of his capacity for understated emotional intelligence. Haqeeqat (1964) Dharmendra in Haqeeqat is the face of patriotic heartbreak, not bluster, not chest-thumping rhetoric, but the pain of sacrifice. He gives the soldier human weight. The way he internalises tragedy, the quiet grief in his eyes, the sense of impermanence, these build a performance that is deeply humane. War heroes in Hindi cinema often become emblems, but Dharmendra plays a man before he plays a martyr. His emotional honesty ensures Haqeeqat isnt propaganda, it is a war film that bleeds and feels. Chetan Anand found in Dharmendra an actor who could communicate sincerity with near-monastic purity. Dharmendra in Haqeeqat is the face of patriotic heartbreak, not bluster, not chest-thumping rhetoric, but the pain of sacrifice. He gives the soldier human weight. The way he internalises tragedy, the quiet grief in his eyes, the sense of impermanence, these build a performance that is deeply humane. War heroes in Hindi cinema often become emblems, but Dharmendra plays a man before he plays a martyr. His emotional honesty ensures Haqeeqat isnt propaganda, it is a war film that bleeds and feels. Chetan Anand found in Dharmendra an actor who could communicate sincerity with near-monastic purity. Anupama (1966) Softness, warmth, sensitivity, these are Dharmendras primary instruments here. As a man who brings hesitant love into a wounded womans emotional void, Dharmendra plays gentleness like very few Indian actors ever have. His presence is therapeutic in Anupama; he never pushes, never asserts, he allows the woman to arrive at trust. His eyes communicate so much tenderness that the film becomes emotionally breathable. This film is an example that Dharmendra was never solely defined by masculinity aesthetics, his emotions were delicate, almost literary. The restraint here is pure Hrishikesh Mukherjee philosophy, and Dharmendra executes it flawlessly. Softness, warmth, sensitivity, these are Dharmendras primary instruments here. As a man who brings hesitant love into a wounded womans emotional void, Dharmendra plays gentleness like very few Indian actors ever have. His presence is therapeutic in Anupama; he never pushes, never asserts, he allows the woman to arrive at trust. His eyes communicate so much tenderness that the film becomes emotionally breathable. This film is an example that Dharmendra was never solely defined by masculinity aesthetics, his emotions were delicate, almost literary. The restraint here is pure Hrishikesh Mukherjee philosophy, and Dharmendra executes it flawlessly. Phool Aur Patthar (1966) This is the film that made Dharmendra a full-blown national star, because it balances brute physical command with fragile moral awakening. His transformation from hardened criminal to a man with conscience is gradual and beautifully detailed. It is a performance built through physical shifts, body language evolving with emotional vulnerability. His chemistry with Meena Kumari is unforced, vulnerable, deeply affecting. Phool Aur Patthar redefined screen masculinity in Hindi cinema, it became the industry blueprint that the strongest are those capable of tenderness. Dharmendras star image was born here but borne on the back of very real acting. This is the film that made Dharmendra a full-blown national star, because it balances brute physical command with fragile moral awakening. His transformation from hardened criminal to a man with conscience is gradual and beautifully detailed. It is a performance built through physical shifts, body language evolving with emotional vulnerability. His chemistry with Meena Kumari is unforced, vulnerable, deeply affecting. Phool Aur Patthar redefined screen masculinity in Hindi cinema, it became the industry blueprint that the strongest are those capable of tenderness. Dharmendras star image was born here but borne on the back of very real acting. Ankhen (1968) A massive espionage entertainer, Dharmendra gives the thriller genre gravitas. He is alert, strategic, emotionally coiled. He plays the spy not as a glamorous poster hero but as a man intensely reading danger with every breath. Ankhen remains an important performance because Dharmendra proves that even when the film is set against international scale, he never becomes hollow glamour. He plays intelligence convincingly. There is a steely calculation in his gaze, softened occasionally by romance, which prevents this from becoming caricature. In hindsight, Ankhen positioned Dharmendra as Indias first credible action-intelligence hero long before the modern spy wave. A massive espionage entertainer, Dharmendra gives the thriller genre gravitas. He is alert, strategic, emotionally coiled. He plays the spy not as a glamorous poster hero but as a man intensely reading danger with every breath. Ankhen remains an important performance because Dharmendra proves that even when the film is set against international scale, he never becomes hollow glamour. He plays intelligence convincingly. There is a steely calculation in his gaze, softened occasionally by romance, which prevents this from becoming caricature. In hindsight, Ankhen positioned Dharmendra as Indias first credible action-intelligence hero long before the modern spy wave. Satyakam (1969) This is Dharmendras greatest performance, the moral axis of his craft. As Satyapriya, a man whose ethical ideals destroy him emotionally, Dharmendra gives a performance so internal, so painfully pure, that it is impossible to separate character from actor. He plays integrity as torment, not pride. His eyes reflect the deep exhaustion of a man carrying ethical absolutism in a corrupt world. This is acting of absolute stillness, truth and selflessness. Satyakam stands as one of the finest performances in Hindi cinema history. Dharmendra doesnt act goodness, he inhabits the tragedy of being good. This is Dharmendras greatest performance, the moral axis of his craft. As Satyapriya, a man whose ethical ideals destroy him emotionally, Dharmendra gives a performance so internal, so painfully pure, that it is impossible to separate character from actor. He plays integrity as torment, not pride. His eyes reflect the deep exhaustion of a man carrying ethical absolutism in a corrupt world. This is acting of absolute stillness, truth and selflessness. Satyakam stands as one of the finest performances in Hindi cinema history. Dharmendra doesnt act goodness, he inhabits the tragedy of being good. Jeevan Mrityu (1970) In this suspense-drama, Dharmendra plays a man wronged by society, betrayed by love, manipulated by fate and then returning not with rage, but with composed strategic vengeance. He executes dual emotional registers with controlled precision. His grief is raw but not loud. His revenge is intelligent, not reductionist. Dharmendra here shows how he could use his physicality not as surface spectacle but as psychological presence. His restraint is his power in Jeevan Mrityu. He elevates what could have been pulp into emotionally dignified noir. This performance proves that Dharmendra excelled even within narrative tropes when emotional honesty led his choices. In this suspense-drama, Dharmendra plays a man wronged by society, betrayed by love, manipulated by fate and then returning not with rage, but with composed strategic vengeance. He executes dual emotional registers with controlled precision. His grief is raw but not loud. His revenge is intelligent, not reductionist. Dharmendra here shows how he could use his physicality not as surface spectacle but as psychological presence. His restraint is his power in Jeevan Mrityu. He elevates what could have been pulp into emotionally dignified noir. This performance proves that Dharmendra excelled even within narrative tropes when emotional honesty led his choices. Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) Dharmendras redemption arc in this rural action classic became one of his signature emotional beats, the morally grey outsider becoming protector. His transformation feels organic, a slow awakening of conscience, not a switch flick. He plays guilt, shame, confusion, then purpose, every state convincingly mapped. Action here is anchored in emotional stakes because Dharmendra invests sincerity in every close-up. He gives the film heart. His pairing with Asha Parekh is charming because it is never aggressively male. He lets romance grow in small emotional shifts. Mera Gaon Mera Desh is masala morality done right and Dharmendra is the reason. Dharmendras redemption arc in this rural action classic became one of his signature emotional beats, the morally grey outsider becoming protector. His transformation feels organic, a slow awakening of conscience, not a switch flick. He plays guilt, shame, confusion, then purpose, every state convincingly mapped. Action here is anchored in emotional stakes because Dharmendra invests sincerity in every close-up. He gives the film heart. His pairing with Asha Parekh is charming because it is never aggressively male. He lets romance grow in small emotional shifts. Mera Gaon Mera Desh is masala morality done right and Dharmendra is the reason. Guddi (1971) One of the most meta and culturally significant roles of Dharmendras career, playing himself but stripping the myth of Dharmendra the star to reveal Dharmendra the person. His performance is quietly self-reflexive, gently dismantling fan illusions while maintaining dignity. He shows the machinery behind glamour without cynicism. This could have easily become self-indulgent but Dharmendra plays humility with such sincerity that it becomes a lesson in stardom ethics. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, through Dharmendra, teaches India how to separate fantasy from personhood. Few major stars have ever allowed their own image to be deconstructed on screen with such grace. One of the most meta and culturally significant roles of Dharmendras career, playing himself but stripping the myth of Dharmendra the star to reveal Dharmendra the person. His performance is quietly self-reflexive, gently dismantling fan illusions while maintaining dignity. He shows the machinery behind glamour without cynicism. This could have easily become self-indulgent but Dharmendra plays humility with such sincerity that it becomes a lesson in stardom ethics. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, through Dharmendra, teaches India how to separate fantasy from personhood. Few major stars have ever allowed their own image to be deconstructed on screen with such grace. Raja Jani (1972) Raja Jani is Dharmendra fully comfortable inside the commercial fantasy-royalty masala space. But what makes his performance work is that he never treats spectacle as an excuse to overact. He brings emotional coherence even when the narrative tone is flamboyant. His screen charisma here is effortless, he is playful, flamboyant, witty and charming but always emotionally intelligible. Dharmendra understood that stardom cannot be self-conscious. He lets fun remain fun. Raja Jani is Dharmendra proving that he can captain a masala ship purely through charm without sacrificing grounded emotional truth. It is mainstream Dharmendra at his most confident. Raja Jani is Dharmendra fully comfortable inside the commercial fantasy-royalty masala space. But what makes his performance work is that he never treats spectacle as an excuse to overact. He brings emotional coherence even when the narrative tone is flamboyant. His screen charisma here is effortless, he is playful, flamboyant, witty and charming but always emotionally intelligible. Dharmendra understood that stardom cannot be self-conscious. He lets fun remain fun. Raja Jani is Dharmendra proving that he can captain a masala ship purely through charm without sacrificing grounded emotional truth. It is mainstream Dharmendra at his most confident. Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) Dharmendra becomes the emotional anchor of this seminal masala epic about memory and music. His longing, his heartbreak, his quiet desperation, they carry the films emotional core. Masala cinema often becomes a sensation without emotional truth but Dharmendra gives this film inner ache. He embodies nostalgia as a lived wound. There is immense humanity in how he plays loss. This is tragic masculinity without melodrama. Yaadon Ki Baaraat became a cultural masala template because Dharmendras emotional gravity legitimised its heightened narrative. He proved that mass cinema requires heart to survive time, style alone is not enough. Dharmendra becomes the emotional anchor of this seminal masala epic about memory and music. His longing, his heartbreak, his quiet desperation, they carry the films emotional core. Masala cinema often becomes a sensation without emotional truth but Dharmendra gives this film inner ache. He embodies nostalgia as a lived wound. There is immense humanity in how he plays loss. This is tragic masculinity without melodrama. Yaadon Ki Baaraat became a cultural masala template because Dharmendras emotional gravity legitimised its heightened narrative. He proved that mass cinema requires heart to survive time, style alone is not enough. Jugnu (1973) Jugnu has Dharmendra in maximum flamboyant star form but the difference is he grounds his energy with intelligence. This is not hollow swagger. It is calculated, charismatic, mischievous screen electricity. He has the rare ability to play larger-than-life without ever losing emotional centre. Jugnu is pure mainstream Dharmendra, cheeky, daring, stylish but never plastic. And beneath the charm there is a knowingness and a moral alignment. This performance captures Dharmendras unique star alchemy, a man who can be fun without being irresponsible. Jugnu is joy as craft and very few actors can perform joy with such conviction. Jugnu has Dharmendra in maximum flamboyant star form but the difference is he grounds his energy with intelligence. This is not hollow swagger. It is calculated, charismatic, mischievous screen electricity. He has the rare ability to play larger-than-life without ever losing emotional centre. Jugnu is pure mainstream Dharmendra, cheeky, daring, stylish but never plastic. And beneath the charm there is a knowingness and a moral alignment. This performance captures Dharmendras unique star alchemy, a man who can be fun without being irresponsible. Jugnu is joy as craft and very few actors can perform joy with such conviction. Pratiggya (1975) In Pratiggya, Dharmendra plays righteous vengeance with folk theatrical flourish but grounds it in emotional truth. He is not an abstract avenger , he is a man navigating trauma and duty. He uses his physicality as language , his stance, his eyes, his pauses. There is something very primal and very Indian in his heroism here, it has moral weight. Pratiggya also demonstrates how Dharmendra mastered tonal duality, comedy, intensity, romance , switching registers without rupture. The character feels complete because Dharmendra understands the audience's emotional rhythm. This role further cemented him as the definitive mass-action star of the 70s. In Pratiggya, Dharmendra plays righteous vengeance with folk theatrical flourish but grounds it in emotional truth. He is not an abstract avenger , he is a man navigating trauma and duty. He uses his physicality as language , his stance, his eyes, his pauses. There is something very primal and very Indian in his heroism here, it has moral weight. Pratiggya also demonstrates how Dharmendra mastered tonal duality, comedy, intensity, romance , switching registers without rupture. The character feels complete because Dharmendra understands the audience's emotional rhythm. This role further cemented him as the definitive mass-action star of the 70s. Chupke Chupke (1975) Dharmendras comedic brilliance in Chupke Chupke is among the finest in Hindi cinema history, refined, intelligent, subtle, delightfully linguistic. He never overstates a joke. He plays humour like music , with rhythm, timing, verbal play and gentle mischief. His chemistry with Sharmila Tagore is rooted in intellectual flirtation rather than melodramatic romance. Scenes with Amitabh Bachchan remain iconic examples of non-ego male comedic equilibrium. Dharmendra in Chupke Chupke proves that charm without noise is possible, comedy without buffoonery is possible. His brilliance here is proof that he was a true actor, not merely a star archetype. Dharmendras comedic brilliance in Chupke Chupke is among the finest in Hindi cinema history, refined, intelligent, subtle, delightfully linguistic. He never overstates a joke. He plays humour like music , with rhythm, timing, verbal play and gentle mischief. His chemistry with Sharmila Tagore is rooted in intellectual flirtation rather than melodramatic romance. Scenes with Amitabh Bachchan remain iconic examples of non-ego male comedic equilibrium. Dharmendra in Chupke Chupke proves that charm without noise is possible, comedy without buffoonery is possible. His brilliance here is proof that he was a true actor, not merely a star archetype. Sholay (1975) Veeru is immortal because Dharmendra plays pure-hearted masculinity with effortless charm. He is funny, loyal, vulnerable, romantic, childlike and he balances these facets invisibly. He never tries to dominate the frame despite being a superstar. He fits inside an ensemble like water fitting a vessel. His comic beats are spontaneous, his romantic scenes iconic, his emotional beats moving. Sholay is filled with megaton personalities, yet Dharmendra stands out without force. He is joy embodied. His Veeru became folklore not because of punchlines alone but because he radiated heart. Dharmendra gives Sholay emotional sunshine. Veeru is immortal because Dharmendra plays pure-hearted masculinity with effortless charm. He is funny, loyal, vulnerable, romantic, childlike and he balances these facets invisibly. He never tries to dominate the frame despite being a superstar. He fits inside an ensemble like water fitting a vessel. His comic beats are spontaneous, his romantic scenes iconic, his emotional beats moving. Sholay is filled with megaton personalities, yet Dharmendra stands out without force. He is joy embodied. His Veeru became folklore not because of punchlines alone but because he radiated heart. Dharmendra gives Sholay emotional sunshine. Charas (1976) Charas is Dharmendras most underrated thriller performance, minimalist, alert, morally engaged. He plays the spy like a thinking predator, shoulders tense, eyes calculating, speech economical. His physical presence becomes semiotic, he gives danger shape without shouting. Dharmendra would have been a modern noir hero decades before noir became a fashionable label. Charas proves that his craft was far more versatile than the industry narrative ever gave him credit for. Strip away spectacle, Dharmendra still works, because he understands internal stakes. His stillness is as communicative as his action. This was espionage realism before Bollywood stylised espionage. Charas is Dharmendras most underrated thriller performance, minimalist, alert, morally engaged. He plays the spy like a thinking predator, shoulders tense, eyes calculating, speech economical. His physical presence becomes semiotic, he gives danger shape without shouting. Dharmendra would have been a modern noir hero decades before noir became a fashionable label. Charas proves that his craft was far more versatile than the industry narrative ever gave him credit for. Strip away spectacle, Dharmendra still works, because he understands internal stakes. His stillness is as communicative as his action. This was espionage realism before Bollywood stylised espionage. Dream Girl (1977) Dharmendra plays romance with grace rather than dominance. He matches Hema Malinis feminine elegance with masculine emotional generosity. The performance is charming not because he tries to be charming but because he arrives at charm naturally. This is one of the purest examples of Dharmendra treating screen romance as equality, not conquest. Their chemistry here is witty, unforced, beautifully luminescent. Dream Girl is Dharmendra proving that romance is a performance of respect , not of ownership. His emotional gentility is the reason their pairing became legendary in Indian cinema mythology. Dharmendra plays romance with grace rather than dominance. He matches Hema Malinis feminine elegance with masculine emotional generosity. The performance is charming not because he tries to be charming but because he arrives at charm naturally. This is one of the purest examples of Dharmendra treating screen romance as equality, not conquest. Their chemistry here is witty, unforced, beautifully luminescent. Dream Girl is Dharmendra proving that romance is a performance of respect , not of ownership. His emotional gentility is the reason their pairing became legendary in Indian cinema mythology. Dharam Veer (1977) Fantasy demands sincerity to survive and Dharmendra provides it unconditionally. He plays Dharam not as caricature but as mythic masculinity with human grounding. His emotional aspect like loyalty, brotherhood and honour, gives Dharam Veer soul beneath extravagance. He carries scale effortlessly because he believes in the world he is in. Dharam Veer shows Dharmendras natural compatibility with spectacle, not because he is loud but because he radiates conviction. He stabilises madness into operatic myth. And that is star power, making the unreal believable simply by taking it seriously. Fantasy demands sincerity to survive and Dharmendra provides it unconditionally. He plays Dharam not as caricature but as mythic masculinity with human grounding. His emotional aspect like loyalty, brotherhood and honour, gives Dharam Veer soul beneath extravagance. He carries scale effortlessly because he believes in the world he is in. Dharam Veer shows Dharmendras natural compatibility with spectacle, not because he is loud but because he radiates conviction. He stabilises madness into operatic myth. And that is star power, making the unreal believable simply by taking it seriously. The Burning Train (1980) Disaster cinema often collapses into chaos. Dharmendra holds this film together by playing urgency and compassion with understated authenticity. He treats crisis not as theatre but as responsibility. His sincerity gives the escalating spectacle emotional credibility. He does not perform heroism, he enacts duty. He plays fear as human, not melodramatic. Dharmendra shows here that star charisma can actually deepen stakes rather than overshadow them. The Burning Train survives emotionally because among the explosions, movement and panic, Dharmendra remains reassuringly human. His steadiness is the spine of the film. Razia Sultan (1983) Razia Sultan ends this list poetically , because here Dharmendra enters historical romance not as a mass hero but as a tragic romantic symbol. His Yaqub is sensual, vulnerable, emotionally devoted , and Dharmendra plays this love not as spectacle, but as aching surrender. The understated eroticism of his performance, his wounded silences, his eyes filled with yearning, this is Dharmendras most unusual and risk-taking romantic role. In a period canvas dominated by grandeur, Dharmendra chooses interiority. He becomes the emotional ache at the centre of the epic. It is a role that required beauty and he possessed it in abundance. Also Read: PHOTOS: Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt and More Attend Dharmendras Last Rites During her visit to the capital for the promotions of Teri Ishk Mein, Kriti Sanon took the opportunity to draw attention to Delhi's annual crisis of dangerously escalating air pollution. As the city's Air Quality Index reached a concerning 471 on Sunday, Kriti voiced her opinion to the situation while speaking with the media. Kriti, who grew up in Delhi, expressed her thoughts about the huge decline in the city's air quality over time. She said at the press event, I dont think saying anything will help. It is getting worse and worse. I am from Delhi, and I know what it used to be earlier, and it is getting worse. Something needs to be done to stop it, otherwise, it will reach a point where we wont be able to see each other standing next to us. #WATCH | Delhi: On Air pollution, Actress Kriti Sanon says, "I don't think saying anything will help. It (pollution) is getting worse and worse. I am from Delhi, and I know what it used to be earlier, and it is getting worse. Something needs to be done to stop it; otherwise, it pic.twitter.com/lfv2SLVLhn ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2025 Her comments came shortly after her return from a performance at Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadiraju's sangeet in Udaipur, which highlighted the huge contrast in air conditions between the two cities. During the discussion, Kriti also shared her experiences working with Dhanush on the upcoming film, praising his approach to both performance and filmmaking. She said, I believe he has a very strong grasp of his craft. Hes very nuanced, he has also directed a lot of films, bringing a wealth of experience and understanding to scenes and how they will translate on screen. Teri Ishk Mein is set to be released on November 28th, bringing together Dhanush and director Aanand L. Rai once again, in what is considered a spiritual successor to their 2013 film, Raanjhanaa. The film is produced by Aanand L. Rai, Himanshu Sharma, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar. The screenplay is written by Sharma and Neeraj Yadav, with music composed by A.R. Rahman and lyrics by Irshad Kamil. Also Read: Bollywood stars lit up Udaipur as Ranveer Singh, Kriti Sanon & others rocked the lavish NRI sangeet India woke up to heartbreaking news on Monday as legendary actor Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89. His death has left the film industry, political leaders and fans across the country in deep sorrow. Tributes began to pour in soon after the news broke, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being one of the first to express his grief. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartfelt message on X after the death of veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra. In his tribute, he reflected on the actors long and memorable journey in Indian cinema and how deeply he influenced generations of movie lovers. Modi wrote, The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti. Here is his post: The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 24, 2025 Dharmendra, whose real name was Dharmendra Singh Deol, breathed his last at his residence on Monday morning. The 89-year-old actor had been dealing with health complications for some time. Earlier this month, he was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai due to respiratory issues. He was reportedly under medical care from, before being discharged to continue recovery at home. Despite treatment and constant monitoring, his condition worsened, leading to his demise. His family has not yet released an official statement. Soon after the news became public, several members of the film fraternity rushed to the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai for his last rites. Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and other well-known personalities were among the first to arrive. Dharmendras wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol were spotted earlier in the afternoon as preparations for the final rituals began. The atmosphere outside the crematorium remained emotional, with fans gathering to catch a final glimpse of the star they adored for decades. Dharmendra leaves behind a rich legacy built over six decades, filled with unforgettable films, iconic characters and immense love from audiences. His contribution to Indian cinema remains unmatched, and his passing is being mourned as a major loss for the industry. President Droupadi Murmu also posted her condolences for the veteran actor, check out her post here: Also Read: Karan Johar, Ajay Devgn, Kajol and more mourn as Dharmendra passes away Great news for Pan India superstar Prabhas fans! The actors long delayed and much-awaited film, Spirit, officially went on floors in Hyderabad on Sunday. Megastar Chiranjeevi was the special guest for the event marking the beginning of what promises to be a cinematic extravaganza. Megastar sounded the clapboard for the muhurat shot.The films first shooting schedule has now kicked off and the project brings together a team of powerhouse talent behind this pan-India spectacle. Helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who has already delivered a rare hat-trick of hits like Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh and Animal, Spirit is shaping up to be a pulse-pounding action thriller. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Pranay Reddy Vanga, and Krishan Kumar under the banners of T-Series Films and Bhadrakali Pictures, the action entertainer promises large-scale storytelling and explosive action, designed to captivate audiences across the globe.Triptii Dimri, who impressed with her scintillating performance in Sandeep Vangas earlier film Animal, joins Prabhas as the leading lead. Their fresh pairing is expected to bring a new dimension to the screen while Vivek Oberoi, Prakash Raj and veteran actress Kanchana will play significant roles. The makers recently unveiled a unique Sound-Story audio teaser on the occasion of Prabhas birthday (October 23), which garnered significant buzz.Spirit will feature intense action sequences, including a massive interval sequence designed by stunt master Peter Heinsm, and an introduction where Prabhas fights 100 fighters. The film is being promoted as a pan-world action thriller and is expected to have a high-octane, "Animal"-style vibeAccording to filmmakers, Spirit is being designed as a truly global cinematic experience. Centered on a fierce police officer played by Prabhas, the makers plan to release the film in nine languages, reflecting its massive scale and universal appeal, a testament to Prabhass star power and intrigue surrounding the project. Sandoz Group AG / Key word(s): Market Launch Sandoz launches Afqlir (aflibercept) in Europe, providing affordable treatment option for patients with retinal diseases 24-Nov-2025 / 07:00 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to art. 53 SIX Swiss Exchange Listing Rules Afqlir approved by European Commission in November 2024; matches reference medicine in efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics approved by European Commission in November 2024; matches reference medicine in efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics Gold standard treatment* for patients living with various retinal diseases such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) Another milestone in Sandoz growth strategy, building on recent biosimilar launches including Tyruko (natalizumab) in US on November 17; European launch of denosumab expected December 2025 (natalizumab) in US on November 17; European launch of denosumab expected December 2025 Reinforces Sandoz commitment to helping patients access critical and potentially life-changing biologic medicines through leading global portfolio of 13 biosimilars Launch expands Sandoz growing presence in ~USD 15 billion anti-VEGF** market Basel, November 24, 2025 - Sandoz (SIX:SDZ/OTCQX:SDZNY), the global leader in affordable medicines, today announced the European launch of Afqlir (aflibercept). Afqlir, a 2 mg vial kit and pre-filled syringe for intravitreal injection, was approved by the European Commission in November 2024 for the same indications in adult patients as the reference medicine, Eylea***, namely the treatment of various retinal diseases to prevent disease-related blindness1,2. Studies confirm that Afqlir matches the reference medicine in efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics3. Aflibercept is considered a gold standard4 for treating various neovascular retinal diseases. Conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are leading causes of vision loss and their global prevalence is increasing5-10. Christophe Delenta, President Europe, Sandoz, said: "Vision loss can devastate lives, affecting not only those living with conditions like nAMD but also the families and caregivers who support them. At the same time, the high cost of current treatments for neovascular retinal diseases places further strain on healthcare systems. That's why the launch of Afqlir is such an important milestone: It brings a high-quality, affordable aflibercept option for European patients that maintains and improves vision, while also supporting more sustainable care across the region." A subtype of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), nAMD is characterized by vision loss in the central zone and is a leading cause of vision impairment in patients over 65 years of age11. Although nAMD represents about 10 to 20 percent of all AMD cases, it accounts for 90 percent of severe vision loss linked to AMD12. In France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, the US and Japan, around 4.0 million people are estimated to have nAMD. Of these, 2.8 million are diagnosed but only 2.0 million receive treatment13. Afqlir will be launched across Europe, beginning in the UK today, followed by other major markets such as Germany and France, with additional rollouts to follow in 2026. Afqlir is one of several biosimilar value drivers for Sandoz and this launch represents another step in advancing the company's growth strategy, building on major launches this year including Tyruko (natalizumab) and Wyost (denosumab) and Jubbonti (denosumab) in the US. Sandoz is committed to helping millions of patients access critical and potentially life-changing biologic medicines sustainably and affordably, with a leading global portfolio comprising 13 biosimilars and a further 27 assets in various stages of development. The launch builds on the existing Sandoz leadership and legacy in biosimilars, dating back to the introduction of the first biosimilar in 2006, and expands the company's presence in the ~USD 15 billion anti-VEGF ophthalmology market14. In September 2025, Sandoz also announced that it had reached an agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to resolve all patent disputes between the two companies relating to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved aflibercept biosimilar, clearing the path for the launch of Enzeevu (aflibercept-abzv) in the US by the end of 2026. * Gold standard refers to an established and widely used treatment option for a certain disease. ** Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. *** Eylea is a registered trademark of Bayer AG. About Afqlir (aflibercept) Afqlir (aflibercept) is a recombinant fusion protein that binds to vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PlGF), inhibiting abnormal vessel growth. Aflibercept is injected into the eye to improve visual acuity and slow down disease progression. The robust biosimilar development program of Afqlir consisted of a comprehensive package including analytical and preclinical in vitro study data, as well as clinical data from the Mylight study, and confirmed that Afqlir has equivalent efficacy and comparable safety to its reference medicine. Afqlir is indicated to improve and maintain visual acuity in patients with nAMD, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO), diabetic macular edema (DME) and myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV)1. DISCLAIMER This Media Release contains forward-looking statements, which offer no guarantee with regard to future performance. These statements are made on the basis of management's views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time the statements are made. They are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not confined to, future global economic conditions, exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, activities by competitors and other factors outside of the control of Sandoz. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and Sandoz undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. REFERENCES 1 European Medicines Agency (EMA). Afqlir (aflibercept): Prescribing Information. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/afqlir [Last accessed November 2025]. 2 European Medicines Agency (EMA). Eylea (aflibercept): Prescribing Information. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/eylea [Last accessed November 2025]. 3 Bordon, A; Kaiser, Peter K; Wolf, A; Cen,L; Heyn, J; Urosevic, D; Dodeller, F; Allmannsberger,L; Silva, R. Efficacy and safety of the proposed biosimilar aflibercept, SDZ-AFL, in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 52-Week Results From the Phase 3 Mylight Study. Retina 44(10):p 1704-1713, October 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000004174 [Last accessed November 2025]. 4 Adams BS, et al. Aflibercept. 2023 Jul 4. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan [Last accessed November 2025]. 5 Deng Y, et al. Age-related macular degeneration: Epidemiology, genetics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and targeted therapy. Genes Dis. 2021; 9(1): 62-79 [Last accessed November 2025]. 6 Wong WL, et al. Lancet Glob Health 2014; 2(2): e106-116 [Last accessed November 2025]. 7 Morris B, et al. Postgrad Med J. 2007; 83(979): 301-307 [Last accessed November 2025]. 8 Song P, et al. J Glob Health. 2019; 9(1): 010427 [Last accessed November 2025]. 9 Yau JW, et al. Diabetes Care. 2012;35(3): 556-564 [Last accessed November 2025]. 10 Im JHB, et al. Surv Ophthalmol. 2022;67(4): 1244-1251 [Last accessed November 2025]. 11 Galindo-Camacho RM, Blanco-Llamero C, da Ana R, Fuertes MA, Senorans FJ, Silva AM, Garcia ML, Souto EB. Therapeutic Approaches for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Oct 4;23 (19):11769. doi: 10.3390/ijms231911769. PMID: 36233066; PMCID: PMC9570118 [Last accessed November 2025]. 12 Quillen DA. Am Fam Physician. 1999;60(1):99-108 [Last accessed November 2025]. 13 DRG Clarivate Landscape & Forecast. Dry and Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration. December 2024 [Last accessed November 2025]. 14 Industry Analyst Report. Jefferies: Aug-2025. Data on file. ABOUT SANDOZ Sandoz (SIX: SDZ; OTCQX: SDZNY) is the global leader in affordable medicines, with a growth strategy driven by its Purpose: pioneering access for patients. More than 20,000 people of 100 nationalities work together to ensure 900 million patient treatments are provided by Sandoz, generating substantial global healthcare savings and an even larger social impact. Its leading portfolio of approximately 1,300 products addresses diseases from the common cold to cancer. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Sandoz traces its heritage back to 1886. Its history of breakthroughs includes Calcium Sandoz in 1929, the world's first oral penicillin in 1951, and the world's first biosimilar in 2006. In 2024, Sandoz recorded net sales of USD 10.4 billion. CONTACTS Global Media Relations contacts Investor Relations contacts Global.MediaRelations@sandoz.com Investor.Relations@sandoz.com Alexis Kalomparis +41 792 790285 Craig Marks +44 7818 942 383 Chris Lewis +49 174 244 9501 Tamara Hackl +41 79 790 5217 Gregor Rodehueser +49 170 574 3200 Silvia Siegfried +41 79 795 9061 End of Inside Information Hafnia Limited ("Hafnia", the "Company", OSE ticker code: "HAFNI", NYSE ticker code "HAFN") will release its Q3 2025 results at approximately 07:30 CET on the 1st of December 2025. In connection with this release, Hafnia will hold an investor presentation with Mikael Skov (CEO), Perry van Echtelt (CFO), Sren Skibdal Winther (VP), and Thomas Andersen (EVP). The details are as follows: Location Local Time Oslo, Norway 14:30 CET New York, U.S.A 08:30 EST Singapore 21:30 SGT The financial results presentations will be available via live video webcast via the following link: Click here to join Hafnia's Investor Presentation on 1 December 2025 Meeting ID: 373 112 852 629 17 Passcode: 5VN2Di2s Download Teams Join on the web Dial in by phone: +45 32 72 66 19"576208826# Denmark, All locations Find a local number Phone conference ID: 576 208 826# A recording of the presentation will be available after the live event on the Hafnia Investor Relations Page: https://investor.hafnia.com/financials/quarterly-results/default.aspx About Hafnia Limited: Hafnia is one of the world's leading tanker owners, transporting oil, oil products and chemicals for major national and international oil companies, chemical companies, as well as trading and utility companies. As owners and operators of around 200 vessels, we offer a fully integrated shipping platform, including technical management, commercial and chartering services, pool management, and a large-scale bunker procurement desk. Hafnia has offices in Singapore, Copenhagen, Houston, and Dubai and currently employs over 4000 employees onshore and at sea. Hafnia is part of the BW Group, an international shipping group involved in oil and gas transportation, floating gas infrastructure, environmental technologies, and deep-water production for over 80 years. This information is subject to disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251123565843/en/ Contacts: For further information, please contact: Mikael Skov CEO Hafnia Limited +65 8533 8900 Naspers Limited (Naspers) (JSE: NPN) is delivering on its ecosystem strategy, with strong growth, results and synergies taking hold across Latin America, Europe and India. Disciplined execution is driving our performance, with all of our operated businesses now profitable. We are on track to achieve our guidance1 of US$1.1bn+ in adjusted EBITDA for the full year. New investments, notably Just Eat Takeaway.com (JET) and La Centrale will help fuel our growth and we aim to unlock around US$2bn from our portfolio this year. In a world of rapid technological change, delivering innovation is our highest priority, and we are building the leading AI lab in Europe. With 20 thousand AI agents already accelerating our work, we are an AI-first organisation, laser-focused on executing our ecosystem strategy. Highlights2 Ecommerce revenue growth of 21% (15%), to US$4.1bn, ahead of peers Ecommerce aEBITDA up 71% (57%), to US$557m US$421m improvement in free cash flow, to US$1.3bn US$1.2bn of asset sales to date in FY26 US$63bn created through the buyback and narrowing of the discount Fabricio Bloisi, CEO, Prosus and Naspers said "We are delivering as promised through strong execution, discipline and integration driving deeper engagement with customers and unlocking new revenue streams. In Latin America, iFood is boosting revenue at our online travel business Despegar, while better execution and strategic acquisitions are strengthening our position in India. In Europe, we have invested in JET and La Centrale, which will deliver superior AI-powered consumer experiences in a high-potential market. We are building the future with AI, and already have more than 20,000 AI agents helping us scale quicker and make smarter decisions. Our focus on results and innovation, backed by our Prosus Way culture, means we're on track to meet FY26 targets. But this is just the start, as we work to unlock an AI-first world for our 2 billion customers." Nico Marais, CFO, Prosus and Naspers said "We delivered a strong first half with record revenue, profitability, and free cash flow, supported by our most profitable businesses. With this momentum, I'm confident that we're on track to meet our FY26 guidance. Our strong balance sheet, bolstered by improving cash flows, allows us the flexibility to invest to expand and accelerate the growth of our regional ecosystems. We will continue to invest in ourselves, through the buyback, which is creating immense value for our shareholders. Looking ahead our priorities are clear: sustain peer-leading growth with expanding profitability and free-cash flow, and deploy capital strategically, through business investments, share repurchases, and ecosystem-enhancing opportunities." Ecosystem progress Latin America (iFood, iFood Pago, Despegar, OLX Brasil and Sympla) In Latin America, we are leading the way in building integrated operations, investments and partnerships. We are connecting our leading brands to drive deeper engagement and build new revenue streams. [Pull out stats: 100m customers, US$25bn annualised GMV, FY26 ambition of US$500m aEBITDA] iFood Strong progress driven by excellent execution in core food delivery, growth in Clube loyalty programme and expanding fintech offering (iFood Pago). Successful diversification beyond food delivery through acquisitions and restaurant technology offerings. Overall, delivered strong revenue growth of 32% (35%), with aEBITDA increasing 57% (64%) to US$184m. Core food delivery delivered strong topline growth, with orders up 11%, GMV up 15% and revenue increasing 14% (24%). Core food delivery profitability improved 27% (29%) to US$204m, with an aEBITDA margin of 32%. iFood Pago revenues grew 179% (96%), with aEBITDA profitability achieved in September 2025. Despegar3 Early integration with iFood delivering results, with 3% of Decolar bookings from iFood Gross bookings grew 30%, driving a 18% (13%) increase in revenue aEBITDA of US$38m, with a 13% margin Europe (OLX, eMAG, iyzico and Just Eat Takeaway.com4 In Europe, we want to replicate our Latin American ecosystem success, with the recent acquisitions of JET and La Centrale advancing this ambition. With category-leading businesses, delivering AI-powered best-in-class consumer experiences, we see huge potential for value creation in this important market. OLX A strong performance driven by motors and real estate verticals. Revenue grew 22% (17%), to US$473m aEBITDA grew strongly, up 52% (44%) to US$231m, with 10pp margin increase to 49% Motors delivered an exceptional performance, growing revenue 27% (23%) to US$191m and expanding aEBITDA margins to 60% Real estate showed strong growth, with revenue up 26% (23%) to US$92m and aEBITDA margins increasing to 45% La Centrale 5 deal to add growth and profitability to OLX deal to add growth and profitability to OLX Focus ahead on sustaining revenue growth and enhancing profit margins through monetisation efforts, AI innovations, and operational efficiencies. eMAG Profitability strengthened, despite intensifying competition and a challenging macroeconomic environment Revenue stable at US$1.1bn, while aEBITDA grew 55% (23%) to US$45m Iyzico Strong growth and rapid scaling of core business TPV up 65% and revenue up 73% (50%), to US$207m aEBITDA stable at US$11m Just Eat Takeaway.com JET successfully acquired and delisted on 17 November 2025 JET will anchor our European lifestyle ecommerce ecosystem, as we build an AI tech champion in Europe. India (PayU investment portfolio, incl. Swiggy, Meesho, PharmEasy, Rapido and ixigo) Our Indian ecosystem is evolving through better execution and acquisitions of high-potential businesses, with new investments in Rapido and ixigo. PayU is increasingly connected across this ecosystem, adding new partnerships with Swiggy, Meesho and PharmEasy, and opportunities for synergies more widely. PayU A return to growth, driven by strong execution and improved efficiencies, following approval of payment aggregator licence Overall, revenue increased 20% (17%) to US$397m aEBITDA margin grew 6pp in 1H26, with a profitable Q2 FY26 In payments, revenue grew 20% (16%) to US$301m, with aEBITDA of US$2m In credit, revenue jumped 17% (22%) to US$96m, with aEBITDA margin growing 17pp, reaching breakeven in Q2 FY26 South Africa Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, South Africa CEO and Executive Director of Prosus and Naspers, said: "We delivered a strong half-year performance as our South African businesses scaled and offered consumers greater choice and convenience. Takealot's disciplined execution, including new fulfilment services, drove GMV up 16 percent and revenue up 13 percent, with TakealotMore now a significant contributor to GMV and customer loyalty. "Our classifieds platforms delivered solid progress, with AutoTrader and Property24 introducing new AI-powered tools for consumers. Across our South African businesses, our commitment to inclusive growth continues to expand access, support jobs and widen participation in the country's digital economy." Takealot Group Strong performance as the Group expanded its market reach and successfully launched fulfillment services to support third-party sellers on Takealot.com Strong topline growth, with GMV up 16% and revenue up 13% (23%) Step change in profitability, as aEBITDA jumped 87% (56%) to US$28m Takealot.com delivered an exceptional performance, with order growth up 16%, GMV up 17% and revenue increasing 32% (26%) to US$385m Mr D grew GMV 14% and revenue increased 12% (10%) to US$65m, delivering aEBITDA of US$3m, as it scaled its offering across food, groceries and retail About Naspers Established in 1915, Naspers has transformed itself to become a global technology company and one of the largest technology investors in the world. Through Prosus, the group is building the world's leading lifestyle ecommerce brands, across Europe, India and Latin America, unlocking an AI-first world for our 2 billion customers. Prosus has its primary listing on Euronext Amsterdam, and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and Naspers is the majority owner of Prosus. In South Africa, Naspers is one of the foremost investors in the technology sector and is committed to building its internet and ecommerce companies. These include Takealot, Mr D Food, Autotrader, Property24 and PayU, in addition to Media24, South Africa's leading print and digital media business. Naspers has a primary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (NPN.SJ) and a secondary listing on the A2X Exchange (NPN.AJ) in South Africa and a level 1 American Depository Receipt (ADR) programme which trades on an over-the-counter basis in the US. For more information, please visit www.naspers.com. Naspers Labs In 2019, Naspers Labs, a youth development programme designed to transform and launch South Africa's unemployed youth into economic activity, was launched. Naspers Labs focuses on digital skills and training, enabling young people to pursue tech careers. _____________________________ 1Guidance excludes the impact of JET and La Centrale acquisitions. 2Unless otherwise stated, growth rates discussed in this report compare the first half of the financial year ending 31 March 2026 (1H26) to the first half of the financial year ending 31 March 2025 (1H25). The percentages/numbers in brackets represent local currency growth, excluding the impact of acquisitions and disposals (M&A), and provide a clearer view of our businesses' underlying operating performance. Financial results are presented on a continuing operations basis. 3Year-on-year operational data for Despegar is shown for comparison only. Despegar financials are consolidated into Prosus from May 2025 onwards. 4Delisted on 17 November 2025. 5Transaction closed on 17 November 2025. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251123613771/en/ Contacts: For more information: Eoin Ryan Head of Investor Relations Tel: +1 347 210 4305 Email: eoin.ryan@prosus.com Charlie Pemberton Communications Director Tel: +31 615 494 359 Email: charlie.pemberton@prosus.com Sbu Tshabalala Head of Communications South Africa Tel: +27 81 431 4855 Email: sibusiso.tshabalala@naspers.com Prosus N.V. (Prosus) (AEX and JSE: PRX) is delivering on its ecosystem strategy, with strong growth, results and synergies taking hold across Latin America, Europe and India. Disciplined execution is driving our performance, with all of our operated businesses now profitable. We are on track to achieve our guidance1 of US$1.1bn+ in adjusted EBITDA for the full year and this number does not include our recent acquisitions. New investments, notably Just Eat Takeaway.com (JET) and La Centrale will help fuel our growth and we aim to unlock around US$2bn from our portfolio this year. In a world of rapid technological change, delivering innovation is our highest priority, and we are building the leading AI lab in Europe. With 20 thousand AI agents already accelerating our work, we are an AI-first organisation, laser-focused on executing our ecosystem strategy. Highlights2 Ecommerce revenue growth of 22% (14%), to US$3.6bn, ahead of peers Ecommerce aEBITDA up 70% (58%), to US$530m US$399m improvement in free cash flow, to US$1.3bn US$1.2bn of asset sales to date in FY26 US$63bn created through the buyback and narrowing of the discount Fabricio Bloisi, CEO, Prosus and Naspers said "We are delivering as promised through strong execution, discipline and integration driving deeper engagement with customers and unlocking new revenue streams. In Latin America, iFood is boosting revenue at our online travel business Despegar, while better execution and strategic acquisitions are strengthening our position in India. In Europe, we have invested in JET and La Centrale, which will deliver superior AI-powered consumer experiences in a high-potential market. We are building the future with AI, and already have more than 20,000 AI agents helping us scale quicker and make smarter decisions. Our focus on results and innovation, backed by our Prosus Way culture, means we're on track to meet FY26 targets. But this is just the start, as we work to unlock an AI-first world for our 2 billion customers." Nico Marais, CFO, Prosus and Naspers said "We delivered a strong first half with record revenue, profitability, and free cash flow, supported by our most profitable businesses. With this momentum, I'm confident that we're on track to meet our FY26 guidance. Our strong balance sheet, bolstered by improving cash flows, allows us the flexibility to invest to expand and accelerate the growth of our regional ecosystems. We will continue to invest in ourselves, through the buyback, which is creating immense value for our shareholders. Looking ahead our priorities are clear: sustain peer-leading growth with expanding profitability and free-cash flow, and deploy capital strategically, through business investments, share repurchases, and ecosystem-enhancing opportunities." Ecosystem progress Latin America (iFood, iFood Pago, Despegar, OLX Brasil and Sympla) In Latin America, we are leading the way in building integrated operations, investments and partnerships. We are connecting our leading brands to drive deeper engagement and build new revenue streams. iFood Strong progress driven by excellent execution in core food delivery, growth in Clube loyalty programme and expanding fintech offering (iFood Pago). Successful diversification beyond food delivery through acquisitions and restaurant technology offerings. Overall, delivered strong revenue growth of 32% (35%), with aEBITDA increasing 57% (64%) to US$184m. Core food delivery delivered strong topline growth, with orders up 11%, GMV up 15% and revenue increasing 14% (24%). Core food delivery profitability improved 27% (29%) to US$204m, with an aEBITDA margin of 32%. iFood Pago revenues grew 179% (96%), with aEBITDA profitability achieved in September 2025. Despegar3 Early integration with iFood delivering results, with 5% of Decolar net revenue from iFood Gross bookings grew 30%, driving a 18% (13%) increase in revenue aEBITDA of US$38m, with a 13% margin Europe (OLX, eMAG, iyzico and Just Eat Takeaway.com4 In Europe, we want to replicate our Latin American ecosystem success, with the recent acquisitions of JET and La Centrale advancing this ambition. With category-leading businesses, delivering AI-powered best-in-class consumer experiences, we see huge potential for value creation in this important market. OLX A strong performance driven by motors and real estate verticals. Revenue grew 22% (17%), to US$473m aEBITDA grew strongly, up 52% (44%) to US$231m, with 10pp margin increase to 49% Motors delivered an exceptional performance, growing revenue 27% (23%) to US$191m and expanding aEBITDA margins to 60% Real estate showed strong growth, with revenue up 26% (23%) to US$92m and aEBITDA margins increasing to 45% La Centrale 5 deal to add growth and profitability to OLX deal to add growth and profitability to OLX Focus ahead on sustaining revenue growth and enhancing profit margins through monetisation efforts, AI innovations, and operational efficiencies. eMAG Profitability strengthened, despite intensifying competition and a challenging macroeconomic environment Revenue stable at US$1.1bn, while aEBITDA grew 55% (23%) to US$45m Iyzico Strong growth and rapid scaling of core business TPV up 65% and revenue up 73% (50%), to US$207m aEBITDA stable at US$11m Just Eat Takeaway.com JET successfully acquired and delisted on 17 November 2025 JET will anchor our European lifestyle ecommerce ecosystem, as we build an AI tech champion in Europe. India (PayU investment portfolio, incl. Swiggy, Meesho, PharmEasy, Rapido and ixigo) Our Indian ecosystem is evolving through better execution and acquisitions of high-potential businesses, with new investments in Rapido and ixigo. PayU is increasingly connected across this ecosystem, adding new partnerships with Swiggy, Meesho and PharmEasy, and opportunities for synergies more widely. PayU A return to growth, driven by strong execution and improved efficiencies, following approval of payment aggregator licence Overall, revenue increased 20% (17%) to US$397m aEBITDA margin grew 6pp in 1H26, with a profitable Q2 FY26 In payments, revenue grew 20% (16%) to US$301m, with aEBITDA of US$2m In credit, revenue jumped 17% (22%) to US$96m, with aEBITDA margin growing 17pp, reaching breakeven in Q2 FY26 About Prosus Prosus is the power behind the world's leading lifestyle ecommerce brands, across Europe, India, and Latin America, unlocking an AI-first world for our 2 billion customers. The Prosus technology ecosystem spans food delivery, payments, classifieds, travel, events, and mobility. Our integrated approach enhances user engagement and creates the foundation for unprecedented AI capabilities through proprietary data and cross-service intelligence. Through Prosus Ventures, we invest in companies which inspire and support the Prosus ecosystem. We search for new opportunities at the leading edge of AI and ecommerce, the digital AI workforce and in frontier technologies, such as robotics, drones and synbio. The team actively backs exceptional entrepreneurs who are using technology to improve people's everyday lives. To find out more, please visit www.prosus.com. ____________________ 1 Guidance excludes the impact of JET and La Centrale acquisitions 2 Unless otherwise stated, growth rates discussed in this report compare the first half of the financial year ending 31 March 2026 (1H26) to the first half of the financial year ending 31 March 2025 (1H25). The percentages/numbers in brackets represent local currency growth, excluding the impact of acquisitions and disposals (M&A), and provide a clearer view of our businesses' underlying operating performance. Financial results are presented on a continuing operations basis. 3 Year-on-year operational data for Despegar is shown for comparison only. Despegar financials are consolidated into Prosus from May 2025 onwards. 4 Delisted on 17 November 2025. 5 Transaction closed on 17 November 2025. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251123631802/en/ Contacts: For more information, please contact: Eoin Ryan Head of Investor Relations Tel: +1 347 210 4305 Email: eoin.ryan@prosus.com Charlie Pemberton Communications Director Tel: +31 615 494 359 Email: charlie.pemberton@prosus.com EQS Newswire / 24/11/2025 / 14:32 UTC+8 [ Hong Kong, November 24th, 2025] Uni-Bio Science Group Limited ("Uni-Bio" or "the Group") recently announced its official entry into a new phase of strategic development. Over the past few years, amidst profound biopharmaceutical industry transformation and multiple market challenges, the Group has consistently adhered to stable operations as its core focus, building financial resilience and commercialization capabilities. It has not only achieved sustained revenue growth and healthy cash flow, but also successfully advanced its blockbuster product - Bogutai (Teriparatide Injection) - which was approved in China in January 2024, filling a crucial gap in its osteoporosis treatment portfolio. The Group is currently actively advancing the US FDA application for Uni-PTH, expected to be approved in 2027, and has entered a strategic collaboration with Kexing for six international markets, marking a key step in its global strategy. Building on these solid achievements, Uni-Bio has decided to shift its strategic focus comprehensively from "Stable Growth" to "Innovation-Driven." Leveraging next-generation synthetic biology and complex peptides as technological engines and focusing on the forefront of regenerative medicine, the Group is initiating a strategic leap from an "Excellent Pharmaceutical Company" to a "Global Leader in Regenerative Medicine." 1. New Corporate Vision and Mission: Anchoring the Future of Regenerative Medicine Alongside this strategic upgrade, Uni-Bio announced its new corporate vision and mission, demonstrating not only its ambition to be rooted in China with a global outlook but also its deep consideration for the future of human health. Vision: " To Be the Global Leader in Regenerative Medicine, Redefining How Science Restores and Extends Human Life." Mission: "Powering the Advancement of Regenerative Medicine with Next-Generation Synthetic Biology and Complex Peptide Innovation." 2. Strategic Focus Areas: Comprehensive Breakthroughs in Four Regenerative Medicine Fields Capitalizing on its profound expertise in synthetic biology and peptide technology, Uni-Bio is building a transformative pipeline covering four key areas - Muscular-Skeletal Regeneration, Skin Regeneration, Ocular Regeneration, and ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Regeneration. These areas address core unmet clinical needs and promote the transition of regenerative medicine from the laboratory to broad clinical application through the deep integration of cutting-edge technologies. (1) Muscular-Skeletal Regeneration Focus on developing osteoporosis treatment and repair products, combined with stem cell technology, to drive breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of bone, cartilage, and muscle injuries and degenerative diseases. Specific projects include: UB107 (BMP-2 Biomedical Material): A key growth factor in regenerative medicine, BMP-2 can be widely used clinically for bone defect reconstruction and spinal fusion surgery. It is expected to be approved for market launch in 2028, further consolidating Uni-Bio's market share and position in the field of bone regeneration. UB106 (Novel Target Antibody for Obesity): Addressing the limitations of current obesity treatments, UB106 directly targets issues such as muscle loss, frequent dosing, gastrointestinal side effects, and pancreatitis. It is expected to be approved as early as 2030, offering a new treatment option for patients with obesity. (2) Skin Regeneration Leveraging advanced growth factor technologies and innovative delivery systems to provide precise repair solutions for burns, scalds, and hard-to-heal wounds, while also offering comprehensive solutions in the medical aesthetics field. Recently approved products include: GeneTime (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Derivative for External Use, Liquid, 30ml large specification): Approved by the NMPA in November 2025 (Approval No.: ???? S20258020). The approval of this new specification will significantly enhance GeneTime's clinical applicability and market coverage, meeting the diverse medication needs of medical institutions at all levels and the end market. Gene Queens (Triple Protein Repair &Balance Ampoule): This product was approved recently, further completing the Group's comprehensive "Drug & Medical Device & Cosmetic" skincare solution portfolio. (3) Ocular Regeneration Uni-Bio is actively exploring the field of ocular regeneration, utilizing advanced strategies such as hEGF and anti-VEGF, to remodel ocular surface and retinal function. Through active collaborations with leading international companies and top domestic universities, the Group is advancing the R&D of potential drugs for diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration. The Group's mission is to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge technologies into clinical applications, thereby bringing new hope to patients with ocular diseases. (4) ENT Regeneration Centered on neurotrophic factor technology, Uni-Bio is pioneering innovative R&D in ENT regeneration, The Group is exploring novel solutions for reversing hearing loss and rebuilding olfactory function, driving new breakthroughs in the restoration of ENT organ function. 3. Reiterating the Firm Commitment to Innovation and Collaboration Entering this new phase of strategic development, Uni-Bio is infusing the pioneering spirit of its startup days into a higher-level mission. This transformation marks the Group's official evolution from a biopharmaceutical company with strong commercialization capabilities to a clinical-value-oriented leader in regenerative medicine driven by frontier science. Consequently, Uni-Bio will more openly embrace collaboration across industry-academia-research-medicine, international technology partnerships, and co-building a capital ecosystem. It will actively seek deep synergies with top global research institutions, clinical experts, industry partners, and investors. To communicate this strategic vision and R&D progress more transparently and efficiently, Uni-Bio has simultaneously launched a new Chinese and English official website. The new website systematically presents the Company's pipeline across the four regenerative medicine fields, its technology platforms, and milestone achievements, while also strengthening investor relations (IR) and scientific collaboration access points, aiming to become a vital bridge connecting global partners. We sincerely invite partners, investors, research colleagues, and friends from all sectors interested in the future of regenerative medicine to visit Uni-Bio's new website, delve deeper into our scientific story, and join us in participating and witnessing this journey of reshaping life through innovation. Uni-Bio Chinese Website: https://www.uni-bioscience.com/ Uni-Bio English Website: https://www.uni-bioscience.com/en End About Uni-Bio Science: Uni-Bio Science Group Limited is an innovative biopharmaceutical enterprise listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 2001(Stock Code: 00690.HK). The Group is committed to powering the advancement of regenerative medicine with next-generation synthetic biology and complex peptide innovation. Focusing on four core research areas-muscular-skeletal regeneration, skin regeneration, ocular regeneration, and ENT regeneration-the Group has built a diversified product pipeline encompassing innovative biologics, high-value generic drugs, and medical aesthetics. The Group operates GMP-compliant production bases in Beijing, Dongguan, and Shenzhen, with fully integrated capabilities spanning R&D, manufacturing, and commercial sales. Uni-Bio Science Group is dedicated to becoming a global leader in regenerative medicine, redefining how science restores and extends human life. 24/11/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News . The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com View original content: EQS News SHANGHAI, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From November 9 to 23, 2025, the 9th International Training Workshop on Waste-to-Energy Technology was successfully held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Organized by China's Ministry of Science and Technology and jointly hosted by Zhejiang University and Zhejiang University of Technology, the event was co-organized by KACST, WtERT, and ICCWtE. The workshop brought together 24 trainees from nine countries, along with more than 100 representatives from the Middle East's relevant industries and enterprises. This training workshop was dedicated to introducing advanced waste-to-energy technologies to the Middle East, helping Saudi Arabia achieve the energy transition goals outlined in its "Vision 2030." SUS ENVIRONMENT was invited to deliver lectures on China's advanced waste-to-energy technologies and practices, thus offering this traditional energy powerhouse new pathways for green development. As SUS ENVIRONMENT's owner representative in the Middle East, Iraqi new energy expert Dr. Muna Al-Jabri delivered specialized lectures for the trainees. Using the Baghdad waste-to-energy project in Iraq as a case study, she shared the successful implementation of SUS's waste-to-energy solutions in the Middle East and spoke highly of the company's advanced technologies and localized innovations. "We aim to integrate the successful experience accumulated in China with Saudi Arabia's actual needs to develop tailored waste-to-energy solutions suited to local conditions," stated the head of SUS ENVIRONMENT Middle East Regional Representative Office. Transitioning from a traditional oil-based economy toward a diversified energy future, this ancient and fertile land is being infused with new green momentum. "Waste-to-energy is not merely about technology transfer, but also the implementation of circular economy principles. It will help Saudi Arabia advance more steadily and go further along its energy transition path," summarized the head of the training workshop's organizing committee. About SUS ENVIRONMENT SUS ENVIRONMENT is the global leading comprehensive environment provider.* As of June 2025, SUS ENVIRONMENT has established 11 management centers worldwide, invested in and constructed 90 waste-to-energy projects, with a daily processing capacity nearly 120,000 tons of MSW and annual green power generation of approximately 18,000 GWh. *Data sourced from the Environmental Sanitation Net Of China and public data, covering total design scale, with data as of June 30, 2025. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sus-environment-attended-the-9th-international-training-workshop-of-waste-to-energy-technology-supporting-the-energy-transition-goals-of-saudi-arabia-302624306.html GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GAC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE recently debuted its concept model, GAC PICKUP 01, at the 23rd Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, capturing significant attention both in China and abroad. On November 22, 2025, GAC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SMILODON PRO Exclusive Salon was successfully held in Panyu, Guangzhou. This event, themed "Wherever, Whenever, Together", brought together global dealers for strategic discussions, static and dynamic trial drives, and partnership forging, while showcasing the vehicle's strengths in every aspect. SMILODON PRO redefines the traditional pickup truck, shifting from a utilitarian workhorse to a versatile "all-domain travel companion". With impressive cargo capacity, powerful performance, and a smart, comfortable, cabin, it stands out as a high-quality, cost-effective Chinese pickup. During the trial drive session, attendees tackled 13 challenging off-road courses, where SMILODON PRO's outstanding performance impressed international dealers. Two overseas dealer representatives formalized their partnerships on-site, signaling strong confidence in the global potential of Chinese pickups. More than just a product showcase, the briefing salon also strengthened ties with global dealers to solidify the groundwork for expanding GAC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE's footprint in international markets. Looking ahead, GAC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE is committed to working with global partners to bring the trusted quality and technological innovation of Chinese pickups to customers worldwide, ushering in a new era of travel with the "all-domain travel companion". Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830607/image.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gac-commercial-vehicle-smilodon-pro-exclusive-salon-a-powerful-showcase-of-trusted-partnership-earns-praise-from-global-guests-302624345.html About Havas Founded in 1835 in Paris, Havas is one of the world's largest global communications groups, with nearly 23,000 people operating in over 100 markets and sharing one mission: to make a meaningful difference to brands, businesses, and people. To meet the needs of its clients, Havas has developed a seamlessly integrated strategy and operating system, Converged, fusing all its global expertise, tools and capabilities, to create, produce, and distribute real-time, optimized, and personalized marketing solutions at scale. With inspired human ideas at the heart of this unique model, supercharged by the latest data, technology and AI, the teams work together with agility and in perfect synergy within Havas Villages to provide clients with tailor-made solutions that support them in their positive transformation. Havas is committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace that prioritizes the well-being and professional development of its talent. Further information about Havas is available at www.havas.com. 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. Highlights Hole 26MN-026 returned 1.85 g/t gold over 24.67 metres from 98.76 m from 98.76 m Hole 25MN-021 returned 1.52 g/t gold over 18.14 metres from 176.78 m from 176.78 m Hole 25MN-020 returned 0.94 g/t gold over 36.97 metres from 162.95 m from 162.95 m Hole 25MN-022 returned 21.82 g/t gold over 3.23 metres from 168.86 m incl. 0.43 m grading 159.94 g/t gold reduced to 9.95 g/t gold applying a 70 g/t gold top cut Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 24, 2025) - Scorpio Gold Corporation (TSXV: SGN) (OTCQB: SRCRF) (FSE: RY9) ("Scorpio Gold", or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from seven holes from its 2025 drilling program at the Manhattan District Project ("Manhattan") located in Nevada, USA, namely,: (i) the final three holes from the Phase One program (25MN-020, 25MN-021 and 25MN-022) and (ii) the initial four holes from the Phase Two program (25MN-023, 25MN-024, 25MN-025 and 25MN-026). The results from holes 25MN-020 through 25MN-026 are tabulated in Table 1 and discussed below. Scorpio Gold has reported assays on 16 drillholes totalling 5,341 m in 2025. "The results from this latest set of drill holes continue to reinforce what our team has believed from the outset: Manhattan is a district-scale opportunity with multi-million ounce potential, that already stands apart from its peers based on grade-something the market has yet to fully appreciate. Encountering new zones of mineralization both near surface and at depth speaks to the true scale of the system, as well as the continuity we are rapidly defining across multiple target areas. "Several of these holes step out meaningfully from the existing resource model, and with multiple intercepts ending in mineralization, our confidence in a significantly expanded resource envelope continues to grow. Intervals such as 18.14 metres grading 1.52 g/t gold in hole 25MN-021, and 3.23 metres grading 9.95 g/t gold in hole 25MN-022, represent a previously unrecognized splay off the main Reliance Trend-one that may 'blow out' into thicker zones where it intersects favourable host horizons like the limestones and sandstones that dominate the caldera margin. This is a strong demonstration of near-resource prospectivity and the potential to materially expand the mineralized footprint at Mustang Hill and beyond. "With our 50,000-metre program now well underway, this batch of results is just the beginning of what we expect to be a steady cadence of updates that highlight the growing value of Manhattan, our high-grade, low-risk Nevada gold asset," commented Zayn Kalyan, CEO and Director of Scorpio Gold. Results from holes MN25-021 and MN25-022 at Mustang Hill indicate the presence of a previously unidentified structural trend that hosts gold mineralization at grades similar to the existing Mineral Resource along the margin of the Manhattan Caldera. These results present the opportunity to add a new, near-surface target zone to Manhattan that is proximal to the existing Mineral Resource. Future work will include reviewing historic drillholes and underground workings in the area to define the size and shape of this new target area to prepare for testing with diamond drilling. Implications for Resource Growth Collectively, the results from Mustang Hill, the Gap Zone, and the Reliance Trend support Scorpio Gold's exploration model of significant near-resource expansion. Multiple high-grade intercepts, thick mineralized intervals, and step-outs of 25-100 metres are consistent with the Company's objective to materially grow the resource base in upcoming updates. Hole Area Highlight Result Geological Significance 25MN-021 Mustang Hill 39.01 m @ 1.03 g/t New structural splay; 100 m from resource 25MN-022 Mustang Hill 3.23 m @ 21.82 g/t High-grade feeder zone 25MN-020 Gap Zone 36.97 m @ 0.94 g/t Resource continuity 25MN-026 Reliance Trend 24.67 m @ 1.85 g/t Step-out expansion 25MN-025 Reliance Trend 3.47 m @ 6.69 g/t Complex boundary modeling 25MN-024 Reliance Trend 8.99 m @ 1.93 g/t 25 m step-out 25MN-023 Stray Dog 4.88 m @ 2.59 g/t 100 m step-out; limits extent Figure 1. Plan map showing surface background with Inferred Mineral Resource block model and highlighting intercepts in reported batch of drill hole results. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9779/275611_02f3bdd334b97978_002full.jpg Drill Hole ID Target Azimuth / Dip From (m) To (m) Intercept (m) Gold (g/t) 25MN-020 Reliance Trend 162.95 199.92 36.97 0.94 25MN-021 Mustang Hill 76.69 93.57 16.89 0.48 225 / -45 103.17 125.67 22.49 0.26 155.63 172.82 17.19 0.74 176.78 194.92 18.14 1.52 including 181.48 190.21 8.73 2.90 25MN-022 Mustang Hill 119.66 135.38 15.71 0.46 155 / -45 168.86 172.09 3.23 9.94 including 168.86 169.29 0.43 159.94 177.39 180.11 2.71 10.18 including 177.39 178.26 0.87 11.77 including 178.26 178.69 0.43 39.80 183.64 187.73 4.08 1.12 25MN-023 Stray Dog 121.92 126.8 4.88 2.39 070 / -45 25MN-024 Reliance Trend 177.39 186.39 8.99 1.93 070 / -55 25MN-025 Reliance Trend 71.35 74.28 2.93 0.92 60 / -60 87.78 104.55 16.76 0.26 150.82 164.74 13.93 0.88 170.54 173.98 3.44 0.29 182.54 186.02 3.47 6.69 including 184.89 186.02 1.13 17.72 196.78 201.32 4.54 0.34 25MN-026 Reliance Trend 98.76 123.43 24.67 1.85 including 65 / -80 98.76 101.35 2.59 4.58 including 113.75 115.23 1.48 12.52 including 113.75 122.22 8.47 3.56 132.28 145.39 13.11 0.21 156.36 159.14 2.77 3.11 166.73 169.77 3.05 1.11 180.81 189.52 8.72 2.07 249.02 250.12 1.1 10.49 Intervals contain no more than 3 continuous metres grading less than 0.1 g/t gold. Table 1. Drill intervals from reported batch of drill hole results. There is insufficient geological information to estimate a true width for the drill intercepts reported. 1. Mustang Hill - New Structural Splay Confirmed Hole 25MN-021, drilled at Mustang Hill, intersected 18.14 m grading 1.52 g/t gold from 176.78 m and this was separated by 3.96m from an overlying interval of 17.19 m grading 0.74 g/t gold from 155.63 m. Combining these two intervals results in an intersection of 39.01 m grading 1.03 g/t gold from 155.63 m. This intersect represents a new zone of mineralization, located approximately 100 m from the nearest Inferred resource blocks, located laterally to the southwest. The hole also intersected 16.89 m grading 0.48 g/t gold from 76.69 m that represents a new zone of near surface mineralization. Hole 25MN-022, drilled at Mustang Hill, intersected 3.23 m grading 21.82 g/t gold from 168.86 m that included a single 1.40 m sample grading 159.94 g/t gold. When a 70 g/t gold top cut is applied, this interval is reported as 3.23 m grading 9.95 g/t gold. Below this, intervals of 2.71 m grading 10.18 g/t gold from 177.39 m and 4.88 m grading 1.12 g/t gold were intersected. These three intervals are all situated approximately 50 m from the nearest Inferred resource blocks and may represent a newly recognised splay of the main Reliance Fault. Figure 2. Section A-A' with background with Inferred Mineral Resource block model and highlighting intercepts in reported batch of drill hole results. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9779/275611_02f3bdd334b97978_003full.jpg 2. Gap Zone - Continuity Confirmed Hole 25MN-20, drilled in the Gap Zone, intersected 36.97 m, grading 0.94 g/t gold from 162.95 m and confirmed the continuity of mineralization and this confidence is expected to add tonnes to the existing Inferred resource in this area, located between the West Pit and the Goldwedge underground mine. Figure 3. Section B-B' with background with Inferred Mineral Resource block model and highlighting intercepts in drill holes 25MN-021 and 25MN-022. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9779/275611_02f3bdd334b97978_004full.jpg 3. Reliance Trend - Step-outs Demonstrate Scale Hole 25MN-25, drilled to the northwest, intersected four intercepts: 9.88 m grading 0.35 g/t gold from 82.78 m, 13.93 m grading 0.88 g/t gold from 150.82 m, 3.47 m grading 6.69 g/t gold and 4.54 m grading 0.34 g/t gold from 196.78 m. The boundary of the Inferred resource is complex in this area, but these holes are expected to convert additional tonnes into a more coherent volume. Hole 25MN-26, drilled to the northwest, intersected five intercepts that step out on the Inferred resource: 7.28m grading 0.29 g/t gold from 138.10 m, 2.77m grading 3.11 g/t gold from 156.36 m, 3.05 m grading 1.11 g/t gold from 166.73 m, 8.72 m grading 2.07 g/t gold from 180.81 m and 1.10 m grading 10.49 g/t gold from 249.02 m. The approximate distance from the nearest resource block for each interval is, respectively, 35 m, 20 m, 20 m, 25 m and 60 m. Figure 4. Section C-C' with background with Inferred Mineral Resource block model and highlighting intercepts in drill holes 25MN-026 and 25MN-022. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9779/275611_02f3bdd334b97978_005full.jpg Hole 25MN-24, drilled to the northwest, intersected 9.00 m grading 1.93 g/t gold from 177.39 m, and was a 25m step-out hole on the existing Inferred resource along the trace of the Reliance fault zone. Hole 25MN-23, drilled to the northwest, intersected 4.88 m grading 2.59 g/t gold from 121.92 m, and was a 100m step-out hole on the existing Inferred resource, indicating it pinching out in this direction. Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Sampling Procedures HQ sized diamond drill core samples were cut in halves, then bagged and secured with security tags to ensure integrity during transportation to the Reno, NV, Paragon Geochemical facility for preparation. For quality assurance ("QA"), unmarked coarse blanks, unmarked certified reference materials, and requested laboratory duplicates were inserted into the sampling sequence. QA samples were systematically inserted into each batch of samples, amounting to approximately 8% of the run of samples. Samples were analyzed for gold using method PA-AU02 (~500 g), a two-cycle PhotonAssayTM analysis of crushed material (70% passing 2 mm). All Paragon Geochemical facilities comply with ISO 17025:2017. About the Manhattan District Manhattan, located in the Walker Lane Trend of Nevada, USA, is road accessible and lies approximately 20 kilometers south of the operating Round Mountain Gold Mine, which has produced more than 15 million ounces of gold. For the first time, the Company has consolidated Manhattan's past-producing mines under a single entity that holds valuable permitting and water rights. Historically, Manhattan has produced approximately 700,000 ounces of gold from high-grade placer and lode operations dating from the late 1890s through to the mid-2000s. The maiden mineral resource estimate (the "Maiden MRE") covering the Goldwedge and Manhattan Pit areas of Manhattan is comprised of 18,343,000 tonnes grading 1.26 g/t gold for a total of 740,000 oz contained gold in the inferred category. A historical mineral resource estimate (the "Historical MRE") covers the Black Mammoth, April Fool, Hooligan, Keystone, and Jumbo areas of Manhattan and comprises 1,652,325 tonnes grading 5.89 g/t gold for a total of 303,949 oz contained gold. The deposit is interpreted as a low-sulfidation, epithermal, gold-rich system situated adjacent to the Tertiary-aged Manhattan caldera in the Southern Toquima Range of Nevada. A "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") has not done sufficient work to make the Historical MRE current, and the Company is not treating the Historical MRE as current. Notes Adjacent Properties: The Company has no interest in, or rights to, any of the adjacent properties mentioned, including the Round Mountain Gold Mine, and exploration results on adjacent properties are not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company's properties. Any references to exploration results on adjacent properties are provided for information only and do not imply any certainty of achieving similar results on the Company's properties. Historical Data: This news release includes historical information that has been reviewed by the Company's qualified person. The Company's review of the historical records and information reasonably substantiate the validity of the information presented in this presentation. The Company encourages readers to exercise appropriate caution when evaluating these data and/or results. Third-Party Mineral Projects: These deposits are cited solely for geological context. The Company cautions that these properties are not necessarily adjacent to, nor does the Company or have any interest in or control over them. Although certain geological features may be similar, there is no assurance that mineralization comparable to these deposits will be discovered on any of the Company's properties. Information regarding the aforementioned deposits is taken from publicly available sources and technical reports believed to be reliable, but has not been independently verified by the Company. The Company encourages readers to exercise appropriate caution when evaluating these data and/or results. Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE): All scientific and technical information relating to Manhattan pertaining to Maiden MRE contained in this news release is derived from the Technical Report dated October 23, 2025 (with an effective date of June 4, 2025) titled "Mineral Resource Estimate and NI 43-101 Technical Report" (the "Technical Report") prepared by Matthew R. Dumala, P.Eng (BC) of Archer Cathro Geological (US) Ltd., Patrick Loury, M.Sc., CPG (AIPG) of Daniel Kunz & Associates, Annaliese Miller, LG (WA) of Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. and Art Ibrado, PhD, PE (AZ) of Fort Lowell Consulting PPLC. The information contained herein in respect of the Maiden MRE is subject to all of the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in the Technical Report and reference should be made to the full text of the Technical Report, a copy of which has been filed with the applicable securities regulators and is available under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. Historical MRE: A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to make the Historical MRE current, and the Company is not treating the Historical MRE as current. The Company considers the Historical MRE relevant as it demonstrates the presence of significant gold mineralization across multiple zones within Manhattan; however, its reliability is uncertain because it was prepared prior to the adoption of the current CIM Definition Standards and current QA/QC practices. The Historical MRE provides limited disclosure of assumptions, parameters, estimation methods, cutoff grades, and QA/QC protocols, and therefore these cannot be fully verified by the Company. The categories used in the historical estimate predate, and are not directly comparable to, current CIM Definition Standards, and the Company is not treating the Historical MRE as a current Mineral Resource Estimate. To upgrade and verify the Historical MRE in order to make it a current Mineral Resource Estimate, the Company would be required to undertake confirmatory drilling, modern QA/QC sampling, validation and digitization of historical datasets and updated geological modeling followed by the preparation of a new Mineral Resource Estimate in accordance with CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101. The Company encourages readers to exercise appropriate caution when evaluating the Historical MRE. All scientific and technical information relating to Manhattan pertaining to the Historical MRE contained in this news release is derived from the Technical Report dated May 1997 titled "Exploration and Pre-Production Mine Development, Manhattan District Project, Nye County" (the "Historical Technical Report") prepared by New Concept Mining, Inc. The information contained herein in respect of the Historical MRE is subject to all of the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in the Historical Technical Report and reference should be made to the full text of the Historical Technical Report. References: (1) Strachan, D. G., and Master, T. D., 2005: Update and Revision of the Gold Wedge Project Development, Nye County. Report prepared for Nevada; Royal Standard Minerals, Inc. and dated March 31, 2005; (2) Dumlala, M. R., and Lowry, P., 2025: Mineral Resource Estimate and NI 43-101 Technical Report, Manhattan Property, Nye County, Nevada. Report prepared for Scorpio Gold Corporation and dated October 23, 2025 (with an effective date of June 4, 2025); and (3) Berry, A., and Willard, P., 1997: "Exploration and Pre-Production Mine Development, Manhattan District Project, Nye County". Report prepared for New Concept Mining, Inc. and dated May 1997. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Leo Hathaway, P. Geo., Chief Geologist of Scorpio Gold, a "Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101. Mr. Hathaway is not independent of the Company. Mr. Hathaway reviewed and verified the sampling, analytical and QA/QC data underlying the technical information disclosed herein. About Scorpio Gold Corporation Scorpio Gold holds a 100% interest in the Manhattan District Project located in the Walker Lane Trend of Nevada, USA. The Manhattan District comprises ~4,780-hectares, including the advanced exploration-stage Goldwedge Mine, with a 400 ton per day maximum capacity gravity mill, and four past-producing pits that were acquired from Kinross in 2021 (see news release dated March 25, 2021). The Manhattan District presents an exciting late-stage exploration opportunity, with over 140,000 metres of historical drilling, significant resource potential, and valuable permitting and water rights. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF SCORPIO GOLD CORPORATION Connect with Scorpio Gold: Email | Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | X | YouTube To register for investor updates, please visit: scorpiogold.com (TSXV: SGN) (OTCQB: SRCRF) (FSE: RY9) 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 the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments 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. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to the timing, scope and interpretation of assay results; potential for resource growth; the potential continuity, extent and characteristics of mineralization along the Reliance Trend, Gap Zone, Zanzibar Trend and Mustang Hill; the intended follow-up exploration activities and timing of future disclosures, and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; compliance with extensive government regulation; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations; the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Company's securities, regardless of its operating performance. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. 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/275611 SOURCE: Scorpio Gold Corp Highlights: Six of 23 planned holes completed at Cooke, with wide copper-bearing intervals of 12 to 48 metres (core length) including visible and native gold in two holes. Gold-bearing zones appear consistent with potential open-pit development concepts. Drilling is outside of any defined current gold or copper resources. Second drill rig mobilizing to accelerate the program. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 24, 2025) - XXIX Metal Corp . (TSXV: XXIX) (OTCQB: QCCUF) (FSE: 5LW0) ("XXIX" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its 6,000-metre drill program, focused on the Cooke Gold Zone and Chibougamau Copper Zone as announced on September 30, 2025. This drill program is primarily focused on the crown pillar of the past-producing Cooke Gold Mine. XXIX believes Cooke has the potential to add meaningful resources to enhance the economics contemplated in the forthcoming Pre-Feasibility Study. Opemiska Resource Growth Upside from Current Mineral Resource Estimate Cooke is just one of several growth areas the Company intends to advance. Shareholders are reminded that only 55% of the Company's Mineral Resource Estimate (see news release dated June 3, 2025) was included in the Preliminary Economic Assessment, leaving further opportunity for resource expansion. Saddle Zone The Saddle Zone represents a key growth area within the contemplated open pit, but it is not incorporated into the existing Mineral Resource Estimate. The Company has previously drilled into historical high-grade copper mineralization including: 5.29% Cu, 1.20 g/t Au over 11.0 metres (see news release dated January 6, 2025) 0.99% Cu, 0.30 g/t Au over 57.3 metres (see news release dated April 10, 2025) 0.87% Cu, 0.14 g/t Au over 45.0 metres (see news release dated April 10, 2025) Additional drilling is required before the Saddle Zone could be incorporated into a future resource estimate. As such, this will be a focus of ongoing exploration and growth at Opemiska. Out of Pit and Underground Resources The Company will also further evaluate mineralization below the contemplated open pit as a potential future underground resource. Opemiska's Springer and Perry zones, which currently host the open pit resources, have demonstrated mineralization to depths approaching one kilometre. While further evaluation is required, the Company is confident of the potential for substantial underground mineralization that could form part of a future underground development scenario. XXIX emphasizes that while the Company has already delivered a robust Preliminary Economic Assessment with strong payback, NPV, and IRR (see news release dated October 21, 2025), it views Opemiska and the broader district as highly prospective for the discovery and delineation of additional copper and gold resources. Accordingly, the Company will evaluate potential inclusion of any additional mineralization delineated within the mine plan in the forthcoming Pre-Feasibility Study. Cooke Gold Zone ("Cooke") Drilling XXIX planned 23 drill holes (5,000 metres) at Cooke, of which six have been completed, with native visible gold being observed in two of the holes to date. Additionally, based on observed geology, mineralization style and depth, the gold-bearing zones may be amenable to open pit mining with the crown pillar still intact extending ~700 metres in strike length. Cooke is located 2.5km east of Opemiska's envisioned pit (Figure 1). Cooke hosts one of the four former underground mines operated by Falconbridge, and the only primary gold mine comprising the historical Opemiska operations. Historically, Cooke produced 1.97 million tonnes grading 5.04 g/t gold and 0.66% Copper1. Figure 1) Location of Cooke Gold Zone & Chibougamau Copper Zone Chibougamau Copper Zone ("Chibougamau Target") The Company has completed drilling 7 holes (1,1,017 metres) at the Chibougamau Target, located immediately north of Cooke. All holes have intersected copper mineralization. The Chibougamau Target represents additional copper upside complementing the existing mineral resource estimate, and subsequent preliminary economic assessment (PEA) completed in October 2025. Addition of a Second Drill Rig Given the encouraging results to date, the Company is mobilizing a second drill rig, accelerating the program across additional high-priority targets. QP Statement The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Denis McNichols, P.Geo and geo., Vice President Exploration for XXIX Metal, a Qualified Person, as defined in "National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects." About XXIX Metal Corp . XXIX is advancing its Opemiska and Thierry Copper projects, two significant Canadian copper assets. The Opemiska Project, one of Canada's highest-grade open pitable copper deposits, spans 21,333 hectares in Quebec's Chapais-Chibougamau region, with strong infrastructure and nearby access to the Horne Smelter. An October 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment outlined a 12,500 tpd open pit operation over a 17-year mine life, generating an after-tax NPV8% of $505M, IRR of 27.2%, and a 2.3-year payback period ($4.35/lb copper price, $3,000/oz gold price, $30/oz silver price). The Thierry Project hosts the K1 (near-surface) and the past-producing K2 (underground & surface) zones (see XXIX news release dated October 1, 2024 for details regarding resources). Thierry has significant infrastructure in place including an all-season road, an airport within 5km, a provincial power grid within 8km, and nearby rail. With these two high-potential projects, the Company has solidified its position as a key player in the Canadian copper sector and has established itself as one of Eastern Canada's largest copper developer. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements about the Company's belief that Opemiska has potential for continued growth, various cost, price and production assumptions used to inform the PEA, and outstanding risk factors, including Opemiska's proximity to the Town of Chapais, Historical Assay validation, Geotechnical considerations of open stopes in the eastern pit wall, the Venture sill, the Gwillim fault, host rock competency and Historical Stope Modeling. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things: risks related to uncertainties inherent in drill results and the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Company's plans and intentions. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. The reader is advised that the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) summarized in this news release is intended to provide only an initial, high-level review of Opemiska's economic potential. The PEA mine plan and economic model include numerous assumptions and the use of inferred mineral resources. Inferred mineral resources are considered to be too speculative to be used in an economic analysis except as allowed for by NI 43-101 in PEA studies. There is no guarantee that inferred mineral resources can be converted to indicated or measured mineral resources, and as such, there is no guarantee Opemiska's economics described herein will be achieved. XXIX may be eligible for Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (CTM-ITC). This legislation has been enacted on June 20, 2024. There is no guarantee the Company will be able to access the CTM-ITC. Non-IFRS Financial Measures XXIX has included certain non-IFRS financial measures in this news release, such as C1 Cash Cost which are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. As a result, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other corporations. Each of these measures used are intended to provide additional information to the user and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. 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 news release. 1 Morin, R. DV90-01, Energie et Ressources Naturelle Quebec, Edition L. Blais-Leroux, p. 75 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/275653 SOURCE: XXIX Metal Corp. "Long term growth and shared values" at the heart of new ownership CAMBRIDGE, England, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The acquisition has been announced of Marshall Land Systems by Indigenous Canadian investment firm Flowing River Capital Partners. The sale, completed on 21 November 2025, transfers ownership as part of the Marshall Group's long-term strategy. The innovative move blends Canadian ownership with a century of British engineering heritage. Flowing River Capital, based in Saskatchewan, is an Indigenous-owned and led investment firm that supports economic reconciliation through conventional, results-driven investment practices. From its facilities in the UK, Canada and the Netherlands, Marshall Land Systems designs, develops, delivers and supports robust deployable and platform-integrated capabilities that meet the needs of defence and national security personnel worldwide. Thomas Benjoe, CEO of Flowing River Capital Partners, said: "As Indigenous business leaders we are bringing our "Indigenization" playbook into the defence space through this strategic acquisition. We believe in achieving long-term prosperity for our people that starts with building capacity, deepening relationships and adopting our value systems. Marshall Land Systems has a tremendous pedigree, a highly capable workforce and management team, and strong opportunities for growth in the strategically important defence market as Canada and its allies focus on national capability and international partnership. This acquisition is a perfect fit, advancing our ambition to build a thriving portfolio of companies, while staying true to our values of community stewardship, sustainability, and collaboration. We look forward to working with the team to grow the business." Gareth Williams, CEO of Marshall Land Systems, said: "Flowing River Capital Partners has identified both the tremendous capability of the business and its potential for growth. We share fundamental values, not least the principled commitment to build and grow sustainably for the long term. Marshall Land Systems blends a century of British engineering excellence with our growing presence in Canada as a core player in its defence industrial base, together with an increasing portfolio supporting NATO and its allies. This acquisition positions us to become a global leader in deployable, resilient defence infrastructure and integrated platform solutions. We are tremendously excited at this next chapter in the story of Marshall Land Systems." About Flowing River Capital supports Indigenous economic reconciliation through the deployment of long-term capital and expert strategic direction in diverse industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, technology, professional services, industrial and resource sectors. https://flowingrivercapital.ca Marshall Land Systems is a Canadian-owned global company with a unique pedigree of British engineering excellence. From its origins in Cambridge, UK through more than a century of innovation, pioneering advances from the nose of Concorde to the early Hydrogen fuel cell technology that ultimately powered the moon landings, Marshall engineers now continue to innovate specialist vehicles and infrastructure for NATO forces across the world. From bomb disposal vehicles to deployed shelters, from command and control to CT scanners on the battlefield, Marshall Land Systems protects people in critical situations with the very best in engineering. It employs over 600 people with major facilities in the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands. https://marshalllandsystems.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830407/Marshall_Land_Systems_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830408/Marshall_Land_Systems_2.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830406/Marshall_Land_Systems_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/marshall-land-systems-acquired-by-flowing-river-capital-partners-302624586.html RENO, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / The Board of Directors of Brookmount Gold is pleased to announce the termination of our successful Reg A offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with only 92,750,000 shares issued of the 125,000,000 shares offered in the offering. The remaining 32,250,000 shares will be returned to the treasury of the Company. The majority of proceeds from the offering have been deployed in paying down convertible debt and investing in upgrading and expanding the Company's gold mining operations in Indonesia. Surplus cash is being retained to cover projected costs of the Company's forthcoming rollout of the North America Gold spinoff and listing process currently under way. Following incorporation, North America Gold, Inc., ("NAG") as a wholly owned subsidiary of Brookmount, is now in the process of acquiring the Company's three North American gold properties in a stock based transaction, using a pricing formula based on the certified value of the properties gold reserves under existing NI 43-101 certification. A percentage of shares in NAG will be redistributed, by way of special dividend, to Brookmount shareholders reflecting their current interest in Brookmount . Further announcements will be made as the NAG transaction progresses As outlined in our announcement of October 29, management has retained geological consulting services to review and confirm existing NI 43-101 reports on the North American assets for valuation purposes as well as provide confirmations for audits of the properties which are anticipated to be completed within the next month. This update valuation is critical for the North America spinoff given the upward trending gold market. Moosehorn is a property of merit and has an initial NI 43-101 pit constrained inferred gold resource of 39,040 ounces. This data will lead a registration statement to be filed with the SEC in conjunction with a fund raising and listing program for North America Gold. Initial models are demonstrating NPV valuations strongly above USD $100 million dollars. About Brookmount Gold: Founded in 2018, Brookmount Gold is a high-growth gold-producing Company incorporated and listed on OTCMarkets in the United States (OTC:BMXI) (BMXI.US) with operating gold mines in Southeast Asia and exploration and production assets in North America. The Company is actively looking to secure additional high-quality gold assets with JORC/NI 43-101 verified resources. Safe Harbor Statements: Except for the historical information contained herein, certain of the matters discussed in this communication constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "could," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "predict," "project," "future," "potential," "intend," "seek to," "plan," "assume," "believe," "target," "forecast," "goal," "objective," "continue" or the negative of such terms or other variations thereof and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future plans, actions, or events identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding benefits of the proposed license, expected synergies, anticipated future financial and operating performance and results, including estimates of growth. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements included in this communication. For example, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the pending transaction, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the pending transaction that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the transaction, the ability to successfully integrate the businesses, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the negotiations, the risk that the parties may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the proposed transaction in a timely manner or at all, risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction, the risk that any announcements relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of Brookmount's common stock. All such factors are difficult to predict and are beyond our control. We disclaim and do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this report, except as required by applicable law or regulations. Brookmount Gold Corp (Brookmount Explorations, Inc.) Investor Relations Contact: info@chesapeakegp.com or 410 825 3930 Website: https://brookmountau.com/ Corporate Contact: corporate@brookmountAu.com Social Links: BrookmountAu X (Formerly Twitter); https://BrookmountAu.com (@BrookmountAu) SOURCE: Brookmount Explorations, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/brookmount-exploration-inc.-is-terminating-its-successful-reg-a-offering-with-aro-1106264 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / TORK Originally published on Essity Newsroom Hygiene and health company Essity has once again been awarded the prestigious Platinum medal by EcoVadis, the world's leading provider of business sustainability ratings. This recognition places Essity among the top 1% of all companies assessed worldwide for their sustainability performance. With an overall score of 88 out of 100, an increase from previous years, this achievement highlights Essity's continuous progress and unwavering commitment to responsible business practices. The EcoVadis assessment, which covers over 150,000 companies in 185 countries and 250 industries, is a comprehensive evaluation of companies' performances across four key themes: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. In 2025, Essity achieved "Outstanding" or "Advanced" ratings in all major categories, with particular strengths in environmental stewardship, ethical business conduct, and transparent reporting. EcoVadis' rigorous methodology rewards not only strong policies but also measurable actions and results. For Essity's key focus areas affecting its business, the sustainability rating reflects comprehensive policies on all key areas, including disclosure on progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "Sustainability is at the heart of Essity's strategy and daily operations. This Platinum rating from EcoVadis is a testament to the dedication of our teams worldwide and our ongoing efforts to create long-term value for people, society, and the environment. We are proud to be recognized among the global leaders in sustainable business and remain committed to raising the bar for positive impact throughout our organization as well as our value chain," says Sahil Tesfu, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at Essity. EcoVadis is a highly trusted and leading independent provider of sustainability ratings for global value chains. Its evidence-based assessments follow international standards and are reviewed by sustainability experts. Companies receive a 0-100 score, medal levels by percentile (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), and a scorecard showing key strengths and improvement areas. Essity regularly shares these results and insights with customers and partners globally. For further information, please contact: Marc Specque, Public Relations Director, +33 614 316 792, Marc.Specque@essity.com Essity awarded EcoVadis Platinum medal for outstanding sustainability leadership in View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Essity / TORK on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Essity / TORK Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/essity Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Essity / TORK View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/essity-awarded-ecovadis-platinum-medal-for-outstanding-sustainability-1106261 BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, November 24 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 24 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: 24 November 2025 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 306,111 Weighted average price (Sterling/US Dollars as applicable): 3.9458 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 319,615,020 Sterling Shares 58,442,586 Sterling Shares 23,903,261 US Dollar Shares 209,496 US Dollar Shares From 24 November 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 488,334,515. 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 Sheridan, Wyoming--(Newsfile Corp. - November 24, 2025) - Mayurki announced today the official launch of Unstoppable Tasks, a new analog productivity system that brings daily planning back to pen and paper at a time when digital overload is at an all-time high. Designed for busy professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and wellness-driven consumers, the system offers a streamlined way to reclaim focus in a world dominated by screens, notifications, and multitasking. Mayurki Launches Unstoppable Tasks: One-Card-a-Day System to Beat Digital Distractions To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/275702_95abef25b46149d9_002full.jpg The launch arrives as part of a wider global shift toward "analog wellness," a cultural movement in which individuals seek slower, more tactile routines to improve mental clarity. In a landscape filled with digital task apps, algorithm-driven feeds, and constant alerts, Unstoppable Tasks aims to create a quiet, grounded space where users can identify meaningful priorities and avoid cognitive clutter. Unstoppable Tasks features a sleek aluminum desktop card holder paired with high-quality daily Task Cards. Each morning, users write down the tasks that matter most and slide the card into the holder-placing their daily intentions front and center, physically on their desk. By removing the digital layer entirely, the system eliminates the temptation to check apps, browse feeds, or switch screens. "Digital tools make life convenient, but they also pull our attention in a thousand directions at once," said a Ayca Tulgar, founder for Mayurki. "Unstoppable Tasks gives people a grounded, visually calm way to focus-not through another app, but through a physical ritual that anchors the day." The timing of the launch aligns with increasing concern over digital fatigue and information overload, especially among remote workers and students. Productivity researchers have long observed the benefits of handwriting on cognitive performance. A study from the University of Tokyo found that people using physical planners completed scheduling tasks approximately 25% faster than those using smartphones, and exhibited significantly higher brain activity during memory tasks (Source: University of Tokyo press release). These findings support the premise behind Unstoppable Tasks: that sometimes, the most effective productivity tool is the one that doesn't require a battery, login, or push notifications. Users of the system also report a stronger sense of follow-through, since seeing a physical card displayed throughout the day reinforces focus. At the end of the day, the completed card becomes a small but satisfying record of progress-providing both accountability and a sense of accomplishment. The next morning, a fresh card begins the cycle again. Unstoppable Tasks is particularly beneficial for individuals practicing mindful productivity, minimalist organization, or digital detox routines. Because the system is intentionally simple, it appeals to those who want to reduce cognitive load and make space for deep work rather than managing endless digital checklists. The launch also expands Mayurki's growing Unstoppable product line. It follows the brand's success with its UNSTOPPABLE Affirmation Cards, a deck of 52 motivational prompts aimed at supporting emotional resilience and personal growth. Together, both products form a complementary set: one guiding mindset, the other guiding daily action. "With Unstoppable Tasks, we wanted to give people a tool that honors simplicity but still meets the demands of modern life," Ayca Tulgar added. "It's about helping people show up each day with purpose, without relying on screens to organize their world." Unstoppable Tasks is available starting this month and can be purchased on Amazon. The company expects the product to resonate strongly with entrepreneurs, remote teams, university students, wellness consumers, and anyone looking to simplify their daily workflow. For more information or to explore the system, visit unstoppabletasks.com About Mayurki Mayurki is a family-run lifestyle and design brand dedicated to creating beautiful, practical products that inspire intentional living. Founded on the principle of "thoughtfully created, genuinely shared" items, the company crafts solutions born from real-life needs and crafted with care by our family, for yours. Its product range spans personal development and productivity tools - from the empowering Unstoppable Affirmation Cards to the new Unstoppable Tasks daily planning system - all designed to help entrepreneurs, students, and families achieve their goals with focus and purpose. By combining thoughtful design with authentic storytelling, Mayurki's mission is to help people reconnect with what matters most, one day at a time. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/275702 SOURCE: Plentisoft Regulatory News: Hospitex, the fully owned Italian subsidiary of Aliko Scientific (Ikonisys SA, Euronext Growth Paris: ALIKO) and leader in the production of cytology medical devices, announces that it is preparing the pilot project of Urine24 in the Far East, following ADB (Asian Bank Development) Delegation Visit. The visit took place as part of the Health Study Tour, an initiative promoted by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Held in Italy from September 22 to 26, 2025, the program brought together representatives from the Ministries of Health of Thailand, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, alongside ADB officials. During the delegation's visit to Hospitex's headquarters in Sesto Fiorentino, at the heart of Tuscany's biomedical district, guests were introduced to the company's advanced diagnostic platforms, including Turnkey Labs and Urine24, a scalable and cost-efficient screening kit for the early detection of urinary tract cancers. "Following the company visit, which generated strong interest among institutional stakeholders, we have initiated constructive dialogues with all participating countries to launch the first pilot projects financed by the Development Bank. Hospitex's inclusion represents an institutional recognition of our contribution to advancing accessible, technology-driven oncology diagnostics and of our long-term commitment to expanding Made in Italy healthcare innovation across international markets," said Francesco Trisolini, CEO of Hospitex "Urine24 attracted the greatest interest from the visiting countries, as its "turnkey" and modular design makes it easily implementable in healthcare systems of any size, particularly in developing and emerging markets seeking rapid deployment of diagnostic capacity." About ALIKO SCIENTIFIC (Ikonisys SA) Headquartered in Paris, ALIKO SCIENTIFICis the parent company of an international ecosystem of businesses dedicated to advancing oncology diagnostics. Listed on Euronext Growth Paris under the ticker ALIKO, the company coordinates industrial, financial and research activities through its subsidiaries: Ikonisys Inc. (USA) and Hospitex International (Italy). ALIKO SCIENTIFIC's mission is to innovate cancer diagnosis by uniting cutting-edge technologies, resources, and strategic investments to create a global center of excellence in oncology. For more information, visit: www.alikoscientific.com About IKONISYS Ikonisys is a global leader in automated diagnostics, specializing in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and a fully automated microscopy platform, Ikonisys provides unmatched precision, scalability, and efficiency in cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring. Recognized as pioneer in automation for rare cell detection, Ikonisys is at the forefront of personalized medicine, empowering clinicians to deliver targeted therapies and improve patient outcomes. For more information, visit: www.ikonisys.com About HOSPITEX Hospitex, based in Florence, Italy, is a global leader in cytology innovation. The company conducts in-house research, development, and production, thus ensuring the highest standards of quality. Hospitex offers the world's most advanced Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) technology, capable of processing any cytological sample with unmatched precision. Hospitex is uniquely positioned as the only company fully prepared for seamless digital integration, paving the way for a transformative future in cytology diagnostics. For more information, visit: www.hospitex.com Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements about the Company's prospects and development. These statements are sometimes identified by the use of the future tense, the conditional tense and forward-looking words such as "believe", "aim to", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "believe", "should", "could", "would" or "will" or, where appropriate, the negative of these terms or any other similar variants or expressions. This information is not historical data and should not be construed as a guarantee that the facts and data set forth will occur. This information is based on data, assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by the Company. It is subject to change or modification due to uncertainties relating to the economic, financial, competitive and regulatory environment. This information contains data relating to the Company's intentions, estimates and objectives concerning, in particular, the market, strategy, growth, results, financial situation and cash flow of the Company. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release, except as required by applicable law or regulation. The Company operates in a competitive and rapidly changing environment and therefore cannot anticipate all of the risks, uncertainties or other factors that may affect its business, their potential impact on its business or the extent to which the materialization of any one risk or combination of risks could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking information, it being recalled that none of this forward-looking information constitutes a guarantee of actual results. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251124505678/en/ Contacts: Ikonisys Alessandro Mauri CFO investors@ikonisys.com NewCap Louis-Victor Delouvrier Investor Relations ikonisys@newcap.eu Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 NewCap Arthur Rouille Media Relations ikonisys@newcap.eu Tel.:+33 (0)1 44 71 00 15 Regulatory News: Arverne (FR001400JWR8 ARVEN), the leading French supplier of geothermal solutions, announces the start of drilling of the first geothermal doublet1 at the Schwabwiller site in Alsace. In accordance with the established schedule, following site preparation work, Arverne's teams are beginning drilling operations. On the surface, the two wells will be spaced 10 meters apart and will gradually move further apart to reach a spacing of 1 kilometer at a depth of 2,400 meters. These initial drillings will confirm the flow rate, temperature, and lithium content of the geothermal fluid at this site. This phase will be crucial for collecting data that will help refine geological models and adapt technical protocols. The Lithium de France project will actively contribute to the energy transition by providing carbon-free geothermal heat to businesses, farms, and local communities in northern Alsace via a short supply chain. The geothermal brines, rich in critical metals, will also be used to produce low-carbon lithium to support electric mobility. Overall, this project will enhance the attractiveness of the region and generate nearly 200 direct jobs2 in the area. By exploiting geothermal heat, it will contribute to the decarbonization of the region and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to natural gas heating3. The geothermal lithium produced will have a reduced environmental footprint, with approximately 70% less CO2 emissions compared to the lithium currently available on the market4 Drilling operations for the first doublet of the Lithium de France project will take place over a period of seven months and will contribute to gross business volume in 2025 and 2026. Arverne confirms and clarifies its 2025 forecasts, with gross activity volume expected to be between 25 million and 27 million, representing an increase of +45% to +55% compared to 2024. Pierre Brossollet, founder and CEO of Arverne, said: "This milestone crowns five years of intense effort and marks a major step forward in the industrialization of the unprecedented Lithium de France project. By combining geothermal heat and sustainable lithium extraction in Europe, this project embodies a new era of energy sovereignty and reindustrialization for our country. This success is a testament to the ongoing commitment of our teams and the renewed confidence of our shareholders. It brings us closer to the final investment decision, an essential step in realizing our ambitions." About ARVERNE ARVERNE is the leading French supplier of geothermal solutions. It specialises in harnessing natural ground resources to transform them into local energy sources for heating and cooling systems and to extract lithium. A mission-driven company listed on Euronext Paris, Arverne works for local authorities and industrial companies with a focus on energy sovereignty and short supply chains. www.arverne.earth 1 Geothermal doublet: a production well and a reinjection well 2 Source: Lithium de France study 3 Source: METHODOLOGICAL GUIDE National Survey of District Heating and Cooling Networks 2025 FEDENE 4 Source: results of the PFS Lithium de France study and EcoInvent database View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251124873358/en/ Contacts: Media relations: communication@arverne.earth arvernegroup@image7.fr Investor relations: investor.relations@arverne.earth 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. TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / Psyence Group Inc. (CSE:PSYG) ("Psyence" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated August 22, 2025, it has entered into a definitive amalgamation agreement (the "Agreement") dated November 21, 2025 with GoldCoast Resource Corp. ("GoldCoast") and Psyence Therapeutics Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Psyence ("Psyence Subco"). The Agreement formalizes the terms outlined in the previously announced letter of intent between Psyence and GoldCoast and provides for a business combination to be completed by way of a three-cornered amalgamation under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the "Amalgamation"). Upon completion of the Amalgamation, GoldCoast and Psyence Subco will amalgamate to form a wholly owned subsidiary of Psyence. The resulting entity, which will carry on the business of GoldCoast under a new name to be approved prior to closing (the "Resulting Issuer"). GoldCoast's sole material asset consists of its application for a reconnaissance (exploration) licence with the Minerals Commission of Ghana. GoldCoast currently holds no granted mineral licences. Further details regarding GoldCoast's exploration licence application in Ghana and related financing are provided below under "GoldCoast Exploration Licence Application and Loan". Psyence intends to complete a share consolidation (the "Consolidation") prior to closing so that the value per Psyence share after consolidation corresponds to the issue price of the GoldCoast financing. The exact consolidation ratio (the "Consolidation Ratio") will be determined based on the price per security (the "GoldCoast Security Price") at which securities of GoldCoast are issued in the final private placement completed by GoldCoast prior to the completion of the Amalgamation. The proposed transaction will constitute a "Change of Business" ("COB") of Psyence under Policy 8 - Fundamental Changes and Changes of Business of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). Transaction Summary Under the terms of the Agreement: Psyence will complete a name change to GoldCoast Resource Corp. (or such other name as may be approved by GoldCoast and the CSE) and a share consolidation prior to closing; and Upon completion, GoldCoast shareholders are expected to hold approximately 90 to 95% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Resulting Issuer (on a non-diluted basis, subject to adjustment based on the GoldCoast Security Price). Completion of the Amalgamation remains subject to customary conditions, including: Receipt of the exploration licence from the Minerals Commission of Ghana, as further described under "GoldCoast Exploration Licence Application and Loan" below; Approval by Psyence and GoldCoast shareholders; CSE conditional listing approval for the Resulting Issuer Shares; Receipt of all required regulatory and third-party consents and approvals; and Satisfaction of other conditions customary for transactions of this nature. Following closing, the Resulting Issuer's board and management will be reconstituted as follows: Title Appointee Chairman & Director Sir Sam Jonah President & Director Tom Griffis Chief Executive Officer & Director Michael Nikiforuk Chief Financial Officer Winfield Ding Secretary Elia Crespo GoldCoast Exploration Licence Application and Loan GoldCoast has applied for an exploration licence (the "Exploration Licence") with the Minerals Commission of Ghana to conduct shallow-water mineral exploration off the coast of Ghana in the Atlantic Ocean. The proposed licence area covers a nearshore marine tract prospective for alluvial and marine placer gold and is the pending principal property of GoldCoast. The licence application has been acknowledged by the Minerals Commission and is progressing through the standard review process. The granting of the Exploration Licence is a condition precedent to the completion of the Amalgamation under the terms of the definitive agreement. The transaction will not close unless and until the Exploration Licence has been formally issued to GoldCoast and satisfactory evidence of its grant has been provided to Psyence and the CSE in accordance with CSE Policy 8. Upon issuance, the Exploration Licence will provide GoldCoast with the exclusive right to conduct exploration activities within the designated coastal area of Ghana. Pursuant to the letter of intent announced on August 22, 2025, Psyence advanced a secured bridge loan (the "Loan") of US$250,000 to GoldCoast. The Loan bears 10 % per annum interest, is secured by a general security agreement over all of GoldCoast's assets and matures on the earlier of closing of the Amalgamation or March 31, 2026. The Loan proceeds are being used to fund the exploration-licence application, preparation of an NI 43-101 technical report and working capital. If the Amalgamation does not close, the Loan becomes immediately repayable, and Psyence has the option to convert the Loan (including all accrued and unpaid interest) into common shares in the capital of GoldCoast at a price of US$0.1497 per share. In the event the Amalgamation is completed, the principal amount of the Loan will be forgiven and the Consolidation Ratio will be adjusted accordingly. Change of Business and Trading Halt The Amalgamation constitutes a Change of Business under CSE Policy 8. Trading in Psyence's common shares will remain halted pending CSE review and will not resume until all CSE conditions for the COB have been satisfied and the transaction has closed. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. About GoldCoast Resource Corp. GoldCoast Resource Corp. is a private Ontario company founded by a team of experienced mining professionals focused on environmentally responsible near-shore mineral exploration using marine dredge-mining technology. About Psyence Group Inc. Psyence is a life science biotechnology company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: PSYG), with a focus on natural psychedelics. Psyence works with nature-derived psilocybin products for the healing of psychological trauma and its mental health consequences in the context of palliative care. Contact Information Learn more at www.psyence.com Email: ir@psyence.com Media Inquiries: media@psyence.com General Information: info@psyence.com Phone: +1 416-477-1708 This news release is not for distribution to U.S. newswire services and does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which reflect the Company's current expectations and projections regarding future events or results. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the completion and terms of the Amalgamation, required approvals, the anticipated management and board composition of the Resulting Issuer, CSE conditional listing approval, and the future business prospects of the Resulting Issuer. Forward-looking statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions as of the date of this release and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such risks and factors include, but are not limited to: failure to obtain shareholder or regulatory approvals; inability to satisfy CSE listing requirements; risks relating to changes in market conditions; political or regulatory developments in Canada or Ghana; and other risks described under the heading "Risk Factors" in Psyence's most recent Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion and Analysis, available under Psyence's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE: Psyence Group Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/psyence-group-inc.-enters-into-amalgamation-agreement-with-goldcoast-1106297 DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / HighLevel, the AI-powered Business Operating System for sales, marketing and operations, has been ranked #4 in the 2025 Dallas 100 Entrepreneur Awards, hosted by SMU Cox School of Business's Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship. The Dallas 100 honors the most dynamic and innovative private companies in North Texas based on sustained revenue growth and entrepreneurial spirit. This year marks the award's 35th anniversary of celebrating companies that drive economic impact, create jobs and embody the future of business. HighLevel's recognition as a top 10 winner reflects its rapid ascent as a category-defining platform, now powering over 2 million businesses worldwide. The company enables agencies, entrepreneurs and small businesses to automate operations, centralize communication and scale faster, all without sacrificing personalization or control. A New Standard for Smarter Growth HighLevel's momentum is fueled by continuous innovation in AI and automation. In the last year alone, the platform has delivered: 1.86 billion messages sent monthly 194 million leads generated per month 19 million conversations managed monthly Groundbreaking tools like AI Employee, Voice AI and Conversation AI, allowing users to close more deals and reclaim time. As businesses navigate the complexities of scaling in an AI-driven world, HighLevel offers more than software; it delivers leverage. By replacing fragmented tech stacks with one cohesive platform, customers are able to grow revenue, reduce overhead and unlock new levels of efficiency. Built for Builders. Backed by Results. This recognition from the Dallas 100 underscores HighLevel's commitment to serving the people behind the growth: marketers, founders and operators who need more than just features; they need force multipliers. As HighLevel continues to expand its platform, partner ecosystem and AI infrastructure, it remains focused on one thing: helping the builders of tomorrow win today. About the Dallas 100 Founded by the Caruth Institute at SMU's Cox School of Business, the Dallas 100 Entrepreneur Awards celebrates the fastest-growing, privately held companies in the Dallas area. Winners are selected based on percentage sales growth and absolute dollar growth over a three-year period, recognizing the economic engines that shape the region. About HighLevel HighLevel is the AI Business Operating System designed for sales, marketing and operations all in one white-labeled platform. Powering over 2 million businesses around the world, HighLevel helps users simplify tech stacks, automate revenue growth and scale without sacrificing personalization. From AI Employees and multi-channel communication to CRM, funnels and real-time conversation tools, HighLevel gives businesses the edge they need to thrive in a fast-changing digital world. SOURCE: HighLevel LLC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/highlevel-recognized-as-top-10-winner-in-2025-dallas-100-entrepr-1109120 PERTH, Western Australia, Nov. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alkane Resources Limited (ASX: ALK; TSX: ALK; OTCQX: ALKEF) ('Alkane' or 'the Company') is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Denise McComish to the Alkane Board as an independent Non-Executive Director with effect from 1 December 2025. Ms McComish will also serve as Chair of Alkane's Audit & Risk Committee. Ms McComish has extensive financial, strategy, corporate, ESG and board experience across multiple sectors. She was a partner with KPMG for 30 years, specialising in audit and advisory services, and served as a National Board Member and National Mining Leader. Ms McComish is currently a Non-Executive Director of Web Travel Group Limited, WA Electricity Generation and Retail Corporation (Synergy) and for purpose organisation Beyond Blue Limited. She served as a Non-Executive Director of Gold Road Resources Limited until the completion of its recent takeover by Gold Fields Limited and has previously held Non-Executive Director roles at Mineral Resources Limited and Macmahon Holdings Limited. Ms McComish is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of Chief Executive Women. Alkane Chair Andy Quinn said: 'I am delighted to welcome Denise to the Board of Alkane as an independent Non-Executive Director. With her extensive experience as a former KPMG partner, her deep expertise in governance, audit and risk and ESG matters, together with her proven track record on the boards of leading ASX-listed companies, Denise brings exceptional qualities and skills to our board. These will be invaluable and align perfectly with our objective to deliver long-term value for our shareholders and all other stakeholders." This document has been authorised for release to the market by the Board. ABOUTALKANE-www.alkres.com- ASX:ALK | TSX: ALK | OTCQX: ALKEF Alkane Resources (ASX:ALK; TSX:ALK; OTCQX:ALKEF) is an Australia-based gold and antimony producer with a portfolio of three operating mines across Australia and Sweden. The Company has a strong balance sheet and is positioned for further growth. Alkane's wholly owned producing assets are the Tomingley open pit and underground gold mine southwest of Dubbo in Central West New South Wales, the Costerfield gold and antimony underground mining operation northeast of Heathcote in Central Victoria, and the Bjorkdal underground gold mine northwest of Skelleftea in Sweden (approximately 750km north of Stockholm). Ongoing near-mine regional exploration continues to grow resources at all three operations. Alkane also owns the very large gold-copper porphyry Boda-Kaiser Project in Central West New South Wales and has outlined an economic development pathway in a Scoping Study. The Company has ongoing exploration within the surrounding Northern Molong Porphyry Project and is confident of further enhancing eastern Australia's reputation as a significant gold, copper and antimony production region. CONTACT:NIC EARNER, MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO, ALKANE RESOURCES LTD, TEL +61 8 9227 5677 INVESTORS & MEDIA: NATALIE CHAPMAN, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, TEL +61 418 642 556 Dharmendra had been admitted to Mumbais Breach Candy Hospital earlier this month and was discharged on November 12. The actor had been keeping unwell for a while Dharmendra, the legendary actor fondly known as Hindi cinemas original He-Man, passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. The veteran star, whose career spanned more than six decades, was remembered for his iconic roles, larger-than-life persona, and enduring contribution to Indian cinema. His last rites are being held at the Pawanhans crematorium in Mumbai, with family members and members of the film fraternity gathered to pay their respects. The solemn occasion saw Bollywood heavyweights such as Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and several other colleagues arriving to bid farewell to the cinematic legend. Earlier this month, Dharmendra had been admitted to Mumbais Breach Candy Hospital due to health issues and was discharged on November 12. He had reportedly been unwell for some time, and his passing has left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of an enduring icon. In a coincidence, the makers of his upcoming film Ikkis released a poster featuring Dharmendra on the day of his demise. The war drama, scheduled for a December theatrical release, now serves as one of the actors final on-screen appearances, a tribute to his lasting legacy. Dharmendras career was marked by versatility, from action-packed blockbusters and romantic films to socially relevant dramas. Some of his most celebrated performances include Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Anupama, and Seeta Aur Geeta, which continue to be cherished by audiences across generations. Beyond his filmography, Dharmendra was revered for his charismatic screen presence, professionalism, and warm off-screen persona, earning him a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. He also leaves behind a family deeply rooted in cinema, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both accomplished actors. As tributes pour in from across the industry and fans worldwide, Dharmendras passing marks the end of an era in Bollywood. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, ensuring that the legacy of the He-Man of Hindi films will be remembered for generations to come. Veteran actor Dharmendra dies at 89 Justice Surya Kant will take charge as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice BR Gavai. With this, he will become the first person from Haryana to hold the countrys highest judicial office. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy will commission Mahe, the first vessel in a new class of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at the Naval dockyard in Mumbai today Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant will take over as the Chief Justice of India. File image/PTI It is set to be a busy Monday with several events lined up for the day. Firstly, Justice Surya Kant will take office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), succeeding Justice BR Gavai. The commissioning of the first vessel in a new class of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, Mahe, is scheduled to take place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Belgian trade unions will hold a three-day strike beginning today, with the transport sector going on strike today, and education and other public sectors are set to join on November 25. The World Robot Olympiad (WRO) International Final will begin in Singapore today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres all that is set to take place throughout the day. New CJI to take charge Justice Surya Kant is confirmed to take over as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) from today. He will be succeeding CJI BR Gavai. He was officially appointed by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, following the recommendation of the outgoing CJI. His elevation marks a significant moment, as he becomes the first person from Haryana to hold the countrys highest judicial office. He was elevated as a permanent Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2004 and later served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court in May 2019. Some of his landmark judgments include the abrogation of Article 370 concerning Jammu and Kashmir, the electoral bonds scheme, and the one-rank-one-pension scheme. INS Mahe to be inducted The Indian Navy will commission the first vessel in a new class of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, Mahe, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This latest development marks a critical milestone, clearly demonstrating Indias growing technological skill. It shows the world the true prowess of Indias indigenous shipbuilding and naval combat capabilities, perfectly aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, Mahe is the lead vessel of eight ships scheduled in the new class of ASW-SWCs. The vessel has more than 80 per cent indigenous content and bears testimony to Indias maturing shipbuilding ecosystem. It integrates indigenous sensors and weapons with command-control systems reflecting Indias integrated defence manufacturing capabilities. Belgian unions call for a three-day strike Belgian trade unions (CSC/ACV, FGTB/ABVV, and CGSLB) have called for a coordinated three-day national strike beginning today. The strike is expected to cause major disruptions across various sectors. On the first day, railway and public transport workers are expected to go on strike. People march with signs crossed out with the number 67, referring to pension age, during a demonstration and general strike in Brussels. File image/AP The unions are protesting government plans for pension cuts, tax increases, limits on wage indexation, and the social dismantling of public services. The action follows a large demonstration in October that brought over 120,000 people to the streets of Brussels, with unions noting they received no response to their letter to Prime Minister Bart De Wever. RSS to commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadurs 350th martyrdom day The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is set to commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadurs 350th martyrdom day with year-long events beginning from today. It will be holding various programmes across the country to honour the ninth Sikh Guru, whom they refer to as Hind ki Chadar (Shield of India) for his sacrifice in defending religious freedom. RSS functionaries (Swayamsevaks) will participate in events over the course of the year to highlight the spirit of selflessness, sacrifice, and social harmony that Guru Tegh Bahadur embodied. November 24 will remain a public holiday for government offices, schools, and banks. A grand three-day commemoration is being held at the historic Red Fort from November 23 to 25, the site where the Guru was martyred in Chandni Chowk. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies After two weeks of intense discussions on the climate and environment, Cop30 has come to an end. The discussions touched upon all topics related to the environment, ranging from methane emissions to how developing countries with their limited finances can protect themselves from the effects of climate change Marina Silva, Brazil environment minister, second from left, Andre Correa do Lago, COP30 president, centre, and Ana Toni, Cop30 CEO, second from right, attend a news conference at the Cop30 UN Climate Summit, in Belem, Brazil. AP The Cop30 climate summit has drawn to a close after two weeks in the Amazonian city of Belem, where protests, street marches and even a fire caused unexpected moments of drama. But beneath enormous tents erected over a former airport at the edge of the rainforest, nations also adopted some decisions on how to battle climate change. Here are the main negotiated outcomes and the voluntary commitments made during the summit attended by nearly 200 nations: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why fossil fuels matter the most today? The thorniest issues were bundled into a mutirao pact the summits slogan, drawn from the Tupi-Guarani word for collective effort. The agreement included an initiative for countries to collaborate on a voluntary basis to reduce carbon emissions and strive to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius relative to pre-industrial levels. It also noted a commitment made by all nations at Cop28 in Dubai to transition away from fossil fuels but this exact phrase, which has become politically sensitive, was not included. Despite pressure from more than 80 nations from Europe to Latin America to the Pacific, the conference did not adopt a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels. Instead, Cop30 president Andre Correa do Lago offered to create one for countries willing to join on a voluntary basis, and another plan to halt deforestation. Why finance was a major point of discussion at Cop30? The worlds poorest nations have long complained they lack the finance for adaptation measures to protect their economies from rising seas, such as building sea walls, and other impacts of climate change. In a win for developing countries at Cop30, the final agreement calls for efforts to at least triple adaptation finance by 2035. In 2024, rich countries agreed to provide $300 billion a year by 2035 in climate finance to developing nations, with no specific amount earmarked for adaptation. Most of that goes to projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as renewable energy, and not to adaptation something developing nations have long complained puts them at a disadvantage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The tripling goal agreed in Belem could mean $120 billion from that $300 billion is earmarked for adaptation, but close observers said clarity was still needed around that target. How trade became a part of the discussions? For the first time, trade has been included as a pillar of the final text, with a three-year dialogue to take place under the climate framework. Daniela Duran Gonzalez, centre, head of international affairs for the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, listens as delegates talk at a plenary session during the Cop30 UN Climate Summit in Belem, Brazil. File image/AP This reflected concerns from countries including China that trade measures like taxes on carbon-intensive goods could erode export revenues or throw up barriers to green technology sales. What was discussed about forests? At Cop30, Brazil launched a new global investment vehicle that proposes paying out a share of profits to forest-rich countries for every hectare of trees they leave standing. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced during a leaders summit in Belem last week even before Cop30 officially started the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility. The TFFF attracted $5.5 billion in pledges from Norway, Germany, Indonesia, France and Brazil the biggest contributors. Ultimately, Brazil is seeking to raise $125 billion in public and private investment, but said the fund could start working even without the full $25 billion in startup capital from governments. How to control methane emissions? Slashing methane emissions the second-largest contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide is considered one of the fastest ways to curb global warming. Although it remains in the atmosphere for about 12 years, the super pollutant is roughly 80 times more potent than CO2 over a 20-year period. At Cop30, seven countries Britain, France, Canada, Germany, Norway, Japan and Kazakhstan signed a statement vowing to achieve near zero methane emissions across the fossil fuel sector. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A demonstration at India Gate against the toxic air in the national capital turned violent after protesters clashed with police on Sunday. Authorities said some even raised Maoist slogans and attacked the police with chilli powder while they were being removed from the site. Heres what happened Protests at India Gate turned ugly on Sunday evening. Demonstrators who had taken to the iconic landmark against the toxic air in the national capital clashed with police. Some protesters even attacked the police with chilli powder while they were being removed from the site. Several people have been detained and some injured police admitted to hospital. The incident comes days after some people staged a similar protest from that spot. The development came as the air quality in Delhi remained very poor over the past 24 hours. The national capital has been witnessing toxic levels of air quality in recent times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from the area around India Gate this morning as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city. AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 388, categorised as 'Very Poor', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/doXoKU8lj3 ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2025 But what happened? How did the protest over poor air turn ugly? Lets take a closer look Protesters gather at India Gate, raise slogans Police said the demonstrators, mostly young people, sat on the main road at India Gate for around an hour. According to reports, members of the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air and members of several student groups were among the protesters. Police said that despite being asked to vacate the site, the protesters refused. This despite them not having a permit to protest and being told that the Supreme Court had designated Jantar Mantar and not India Gate as a protest site. An officer said the group then moved into the C-Hexagon area and tried to evade barricades meant to control movement. The protesters reportedly called for authorities to come up with long-term solutions to the issue of pollution rather than mere cosmetic changes. Police claimed that the protesters were told that ambulances and medical staff were being blocked, but that they refused to relent. Police said that despite being asked to vacate the site, the protesters refused. PTI Some of the protesters had entered the C-Hexagon and attempted to cross the barricades put up to restrict movement. We tried to explain to them that many ambulances and medical personnel were stuck behind them and required emergency access, but they got very agitated, a senior officer said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They claimed that some of the protesters even chanted slogans in support of Madvi Hidma, a top Maoist leader killed in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh earlier this month. Hidma (51), his wife Madkam Raje, and four other Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security personnel in the Maredumilli forest in Alluri Sitaramaraju district of the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh on the morning of November 18. The protesters reportedly called for authorities to come up with long-term solutions to the issue of pollution. PTI Hidma was responsible for some of the deadliest operations against security forces and senior politicians. This included the 2010 Dantewada attack that left 76 CRPF personnel dead, the 2013 Jhiram Ghati ambush that killed 27, including top Congress leaders, and the 2021 Sukma-Bijapur ambush in which 22 security personnel died. The police allege that protesters chanted slogans like Madvi Hidma Amar Rahe and that one was even holding a poster that read: From Birsa Munda to Madvi Hidma, the struggle of our forests and environment will go on. The authorities said that sensing that matters could escalate they asked the protesters to disperse. However, the demonstrators refused to do so. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Police call incident unprecedented, protesters claim manhandling Police said that when they attempted to remove the protesters, they were attacked with pepper spray. They said three to four police officers suffered injuries to their eyes and faces and were admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. DCP (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla called the incident unprecedented. This was very unusual. For the first time, protesters used chilli spray on officers managing traffic and law and order, Mahla said. Authorities called the use of chilli spray against policy by protesters unprecedented. PTI However, the police finally managed to remove the protesters from the spot. Police have taken nearly two dozen people into custody so far six at the Kartavyapath Police Station and the remaining 17 at the Parliament Street Police Station. An FIR has been registered under various sections, including against the use of force against the police, road blockades, and the use of chilli spray, Mahla told NDTV. He added that legal action would be taken against those raising Maoist slogans. Authorities said action would be taken against those raising Maoist slogans. PTI Those who raised such slogans at India Gate will be identified, and legal action will be taken against them. We are taking legal action in this matter. Students, meanwhile, have accused the police of manhandling them and taking away their phones, allegations which the authorities have denied. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Political back-and-forth on, pollution levels remain high Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra slammed the protesters, claiming that jihadis and Maoists were now becoming social activists. Look at the reality of yesterdays protests in Delhi. They held posters against pollution and chanted slogans like Lal Salaam (Red Salute - a greeting used by communists). The new mask for jihadis and Naxalites is becoming social activists. Delhi has given a befitting reply to such ideology, Mishra wrote on X. Students, meanwhile, have accused the police of manhandling them and taking away their phones. PTI BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain added, Pollution was merely an excuse for the protest that took place in Delhi yesterday. Their real aim was to target the government over Hidmas encounter. These are urban Naxals who come in disguise, and these are Protest Jeevis The way slogans were raised in support of Hidma is totally unacceptable Action should be taken against such Urban Naxals. Anyone raising a voice in support of Naxalites and terrorists in this country will not be spared. #WATCH | Delhi: On posters of Naxalite Madvi Hidma seen at protests for pollution at India Gate, BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain says, "Pollution was merely an excuse for the protest that took place in Delhi yesterday. Their real aim was to target the government over Hidma's pic.twitter.com/bbNXQe3736 ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar described the situation in the city as a national health emergency, and called on the Centre to act like a responsible government. Kakkar claimed that the Centre has taken no steps to stop the crisis. She also demanded an emergency meeting with NCR Chief Ministers and Environment Ministers and claimed the government was committing fraud regarding peoples health. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pollution levels remain high in Delhi On Monday, pollution levels in Delhi touched an AQI of 396 or Very Poor across the city. The national capital witnessed a thick layer of haze despite the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-III being in effect across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). #WATCH | Delhi: Visuals around India Gate this morning as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city. AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 347, categorised as 'Very Poor', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/5nh0TjSS95 ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2025 As per the CPCB, the Ghazipur area recorded an AQI of 441, while Anand Vihars AQI was at 440. India Gate too witnessed a thick layer of toxic smog. Bawana had an AQI of 434 at 7 am, while NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 322, according to the data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Visuals around AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital also showed a layer of toxic smog. Similar pollution levels were witnessed around ITO, Mayur Vihar and Akshardham Temple. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Fifty-one-year-old Jagjit Singh, an Indian who was visiting Canada to meet his grandchild, was convicted of criminally harassing two teenagers near a high school. He will be deported and has been barred from re-entering the country He was visiting Canada to see his newborn grandchild. However, Jagjit Singh, a 51-year-old Indian man, will be deported and has been banned from ever entering the country. He has been convicted of criminally harassing two teenage girls outside their school. Singh arrived in the country in July on a six-month temporary visa. He had earlier received a short jail term after a judge found his behaviour around the local high school in Ontarios Sarnia unacceptable, according to a report in the Canadian media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres what we know about the case. The teenage harassment case against Jagjit Singh According to the police, Jagjit Singh frequently visited the smoking area of Sarnia High School between September 8 and September 11. The Toronto Sun reported that Singh, who cannot speak English, attempted to engage with the school girls and approached them for photographs. A girl initially refused a photo but later gave in, hoping that Singh would leave. However, the man was persistent. He sat between two girls and gestured to take another picture. He reportedly put his arm around one, who felt uncomfortable, stood up and pushed his hands away. Singh was arrested on September 16 and charged with sexual interference and sexual assault. He was granted bail days later. However, he was arrested again after a new complaint surfaced on the same day. He once again received bail, but had to spend one more night in custody as no interpreter was available at the time, Toronto Sun reports. On September 15th 2025, the Sarnia Police Service received complaints regarding a male who had begun showing up in the vicinity of a north-end high school (not on the property). This male had been approaching female teens, initiating unsolicited and inappropriate conversations pic.twitter.com/k9S7d6MC8y Sarnia Police (@SarniaPolice) September 19, 2025 How the case unfolded in the courtroom In the Sarnia courtroom, Singh pleaded not guilty to sexual interference but guilty to the lesser included offence of criminal harassment. While pronouncing the order, Justice Krista Lynn Leszczynski said, You had no business attending at the property of (that) high school This type of conduct will not be tolerated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Singhs lawyer, Terry Brandon, told the judge, The treatment he received and the experience he had in jail himself was a shocking experience and long-lasting. The judge, Leszczynski, ordered Singhs deportation and a ban on reentry to Canada. Singh has received a three-year probation, which prohibits him from talking to either girl or being where they live, work or attend school. He is also not allowed to interact with anyone under the age of 16, except for his newborn grandchild, and must not be within 100 metres of any pool, school, playground, park or community centre. Singh has a return ticket on December 30. However, he might have considered leaving the country before, due to legal complications, according to the Toronto Sun report. What the teens have to say The prosecutor read the statements of both girls. Impacted by Singhs actions, one girl said, Part of what makes this so difficult is that the offender was someone who had come to Canada as a newcomer. This betrayal has affected the way I see people of his culture and men who are older than me, she added. Another girl shared, Her mental health and lifestyle have been affected. She also hates being in public areas and doesnt feel safe." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I dont even want to know what he was thinking or what he was doing with those pictures, she said. Indian nationals removed from Canada According to a Hindustan Times report, the number of Indian nationals being forcibly removed from Canada is set to hit a record high, surpassing the previous high in 2024, and an upward trend has been observed since 2019. The data from the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) reveal that as of July 28 this year, the number of Indian nationals removed had already reached 1,891. Last year, 1,997 Indians were removed by Canadian authorities, trailing only 3,683 Mexicans and much more than the third largest cohort, 981 Colombians. With Inputs from agencies A report published by the Knesset Research and Information Centre (RIC) shows that people have been leaving Israel in record numbers over the past few years. In 2020, 34,000 Israelis left the country for an extended period, followed by 43,400 in 2021. In 2022 and 2023 that number surged to 59,400 and 82,800 respectively. In 2024, that figure was 83,000, with a net negative migration of over 10,000 people in October alone. But why is this happening? People have been leaving Israel in record numbers over the past few years. Thats what the data from a new report shows in what Israeli officials say paints a troubling picture of emigration patterns. The report shows that most of the people leaving are highly educated, well-paid, secular, and left-leaning a majority of them working in Israels tech sector, which powers the economy of the country. Many of those leaving comprise young couples, families, and professionals such as doctors and researchers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what do we know? Why is this happening? Lets take a closer look. By the numbers It came ahead of a meeting of Israels parliamentary Committee for Immigration and Absorption slated for today (November 24). Data from Israels Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) shows that around 36,000 citizens left Israel every year between 2009 and 2021. However, that number has jumped precipitously since 2020. Between 2020 and 2024, some 145,900 more Israelis left the country for the long term (defined as over nine months) than returned, as per the RIC. In 2020, 34,000 Israelis left the country for an extended period, followed by 43,400 in 2021. In 2022 and 2023 that number surged to 59,400 and 82,800 respectively. The latter came as the Gaza war, which began after the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, raged and the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to refashion the countrys judiciary in a controversial manner. In 2024, that number was also around 83,000 with a net negative migration of over 10,000 people in October alone. However, it must be noted that the trend was seen retreating in November and December 2024. The report counts emigrants as those who have spent most of the year outside the country, which means that most of those included in the figures for 2024 actually left in 2023 and so on. To make matters worse, the data show just 24,000 Israelis on average returning to the country after long-term stays abroad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The data show that around 40 per cent of those who left and 38 per cent of those who returned in 2022 were between the ages of 20 and 39. These figures are higher than the makeup of the age group in Israels general population, which is around 27 per cent. An Israeli youth carries the countrys flag. Reuters In 2024, residents of Tel Aviv comprised 14 per cent of all Israelis who departed. This was followed by Haifa (7.7 per cent), Netanya (6.9 per cent) and Jerusalem (6.3 per cent). The fewest people who left came from Herzliya (1.8 per cent), Ashkelon (1.9 per cent) and Beer Sheva (2.1 per cent). More men left compared to women, 42,605 to 40,169. Over 22,000 Israelis who left were under the age of 19 and 16,000 in their 20s. Just 15,500 were over the age of 50. Meanwhile, 23,800 Israelis returned to the country in 2024. That number was at 24,200 in 2023, and 29,600 in 2022. Between January and August 2024, only 12,100 returned compared to 15,600 over the same period in 2023. In 2023, 47,000 immigrants arrived in Israel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This net migration has resulted in the countrys population growth slowing to 1.1 per cent in 2024, compared to 1.6 per cent in 2023 and 2.2 per cent in 2022. Israels population currently stands at around 10 million people including 7.7 million registered as Jews and others and 2.2 million Arabs. The tally also included around 216,000 foreigners. The CBS said around 181,000 babies were born in Israel in 2024, around 76 per cent of them to Jewish mothers, the rest to Arab mothers. Around 51,400 residents died in 2024, slightly higher than in 2023. This report does not count the new immigrants (Olim) to Israel. In 2025, just 11,300 new immigrants arrived during the first seven months of the year. In 2024, that number was approximately 32,800; in 2023 that number was 46,000; in 2022 that number was 73,000; and in 2021 that number was 25,500. Israels domestic turmoil, foreign conflicts taking toll Experts say this is happening because of Israels domestic turmoil and Israels foreign conflicts. Daphna Patishi-Pryluk, founder of Settled.In, an agency that helps Israelis relocate, told the Washington Post that prior to 2023 young Israelis were seeking career opportunities abroad. However, now more and more clients are seeking a break from the wars Israel has been engaged in and the politics at home. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She said solicitations massively increased after Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in June 2024 when Tel Aviv itself came under attack from Iranian missiles. Israeli air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel. AP Avraham Binnenfeld told the newspaper he was already planning to move when the Hamas attack occurred. Binnenfeld, who had had his fill of Israeli politics, said, Being only a few hours from a siren, a terror attack, a regional war, a missile from Iran, our brothers in Gaza and in Lebanon, its all so much. Binnenfeld says he has little faith in the current Netanyahu regime. I need to know that all that suffering is for a good cause, he added. Dr Ran Porat, from the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation at Monash University, told The Jewish Independent he is unsurprised as this mirrors earlier crises like the 2006 Lebanon war. Economic factors and internal political strife are also strong predictors of emigration in many countries, and Israel is no exception, Porat said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There is no doubt that the intense internal rift since 2023 surrounding the governments controversial judicial overhaul acted as a major push factor, prompting many Israelis to leave. However, the unprecedented catastrophe of 7 October which exposed Israels vulnerabilities in protecting its citizens together with the ensuing war in Gaza, attacks on multiple fronts, economic hardship and deep political divisions, has further eroded many Israelis faith in the states basic covenant with its citizens: to ensure their safety and promote the national interest. Many now feel that promise has been broken. Experts complain that the Netanyahu government is taking no actions to solve the issue. Threatens resilience of Israeli society MK Vladimir Beliak, from the centrist Yesh Atid party, told the website, This emigration is causing billions of shekels in losses each year. Instead of trying to understand what is happening, the governments response can be summed up as good riddance. He said that while the Netanyahu government thinks the exodus could be to their benefit, it could hurt them in the long term. But if they dont put an end to this tsunami, they will soon discover that the best people in the country have left. Even those in government are calling for the Netanyahu administration to act. Experts complain that the Netanyahu government is taking no actions to solve the issue. Reuters Knesset Committee for Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs chair MP Gilad Kariv called the numbers a tsunami. Many Israelis are choosing to build their future outside the State of Israel, and fewer and fewer choose to return. This phenomenon threatens the resilience of Israeli society and must be seen as a real strategic threat, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is not fate but the result of government actions that fractured Israeli society before the war and neglected the civilian front over the past two years. Kariv added that it was still possible to stem the flow but that doing so would require urgent intervention from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We can reduce this phenomenon, but the current governments priorities are entirely different, which will only intensify the worrying trend, he said. These priorities are no less than trampling on Zionist values and the future of Israeli society. But some in the government remain unperturbed. Eric Michaelson, director of aliyah at the Immigration and Absorption Ministry, was quoted as saying by The Jewish Independent, We are not a ministry for preventing emigration, and we do not have a mandate to stop it. Our responsibility is to assist new immigrants and returning residents and to help keep them in the country for the long term. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The killing of Hezbollah chief of staff Haytham Ali Tabatabai in an Israeli strike on Sunday has jolted the fragile calm along the Israel-Lebanon border. His death in Beiruts southern suburbs has raised fears about the ceasefires stability. Tabatabai had overseen operations in Syria and Yemen People move a casualty near the site of an Israeli strike on a building, after Israeli military said on Sunday that it struck a militant from the Lebanese Iran-aligned Hezbollah group, in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, November 23, 2025. File Image/Reuters Almost an year after the ceasefire halted hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, the killing of Hezbollahs chief of staff Haytham Ali Tabatabai in Israeli strike on Sunday has resumed tensions in the area. Tabatabais death confirmed by Hezbollah and announced by the Israeli military marks the most consequential assassination of a senior Hezbollah figure since fighting ended. The targeted strike hit a residential apartment block in the densely populated southern suburbs of Beirut, an area under Hezbollahs influence that had not been struck by Israel since mid-2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Casualty figures from Lebanese authorities report five people dead and more than two dozen wounded. With the removal of a commander considered central to the groups post-war rebuilding, regional observers and political actors are now assessing what this means for Hezbollahs military capacity. How the killing is testing the ceasefire Tabatabais killing has occurred after a year-long ceasefire that brought to an end more than twelve months of persistent hostilities and warfare that began on October 8, 2023. During that conflict, Hezbollah opened fire on Israel the day after Hamas October 7 assault, prompting Israeli air raids and later a ground incursion into Lebanese territory. That war left over 4,000 dead in Lebanon including a significant number of civilians and caused an estimated US$11 billion in damage, according to assessments from the World Bank. Casualties in Israel numbered 127, among them 80 soldiers. In the months following the ceasefire, Israel continued to carry out airstrikes across southern Lebanon, claiming to be targeting Hezbollah members, weapons sites, or, in some cases, Palestinians with links to Hamas. Lebanon has repeatedly rejected these assertions, insisting that it is committed to the terms of the agreement and arguing that its armed forces, though financially strained, have been deployed to the south as required. Against that backdrop, the Sunday strike represented a significant escalation. It directly targeted Hezbollahs highest-ranking military figure a level of leadership Israel had not struck after the truce had been reached. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Israeli military justified the operation by asserting that Tabatabai had played a major role in the groups efforts to rearm. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated Israels intention to prevent threats before they materialise, saying, We will continue to act forcefully to prevent any threat to the residents of the north and the state of Israel. Hezbollah acknowledged the loss of its chief of staff, praising him as the great jihadist commander who had worked to confront the Israeli enemy until the last moment of his blessed life. The organisation confirmed that his death took place in Beiruts Haret Hreik neighbourhood and vowed to determine its next steps. The targeted buildings fourth floor was heavily damaged, with smoke visible from surrounding roads and gunshots fired to control crowds as rescuers arrived. Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollahs political council, warned of potential repercussions, stating, Hezbollahs leadership is studying the matter of response and will take the appropriate decision. The strike on the southern suburbs today opens the door to an escalation of assaults all over Lebanon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What we know about Haytham Ali Tabatabai Born in 1968 in Lebanon to an Iranian father and Lebanese mother, Haytham Ali Tabatabai held Lebanese citizenship and was part of the groups second generation, according to a senior Lebanese security source, who spoke to Reuters. Although not among the founding members, he became part of the cohort that shaped Hezbollahs regional engagements in later years. The Israeli military states that Tabatabai joined the organisation in the 1980s and eventually held several senior roles. A Lebanese security official explained that he deployed with the groups fighters to support allied factions in Syria and Yemen, and internal Hezbollah sources have said he oversaw the Yemen file before becoming chief of staff. A source close to the organisation told AFP that Tabatabai worked abroad until Israel killed senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in July 2025, after which he returned to Lebanon. Tabatabais military career shows an expansion of responsibilities as the organisation lost older leaders during the 2023-24 conflict. Israels operations through 2024 targeted Hezbollahs elite Radwan Unit and much of its upper command. Key figures such as Ibrahim Aqil, who led the Radwan force, and Ali Karake, the groups number-three military commander, were among those killed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah was also assassinated in that war, leaving Hezbollah without the individuals who had dominated its military structure for decades. As these senior figures were eliminated, Tabatabai ascended through the ranks. During the war, he headed Hezbollahs operations division, managing battlefield activities as other commanders were removed one by one. Once the truce took hold, he was elevated to chief of staff, where he focused on restoring operational readiness. Israel notes that he worked extensively to restore their readiness for war with Israel. Research institutions in Israel, including the Alma Center, have documented that Tabatabai survived several previous Israeli attempts on his life in both Lebanon and Syria. But Tabatabais portfolio also extended beyond Lebanons borders, illustrating Hezbollahs embeddedness in a wider network of Iran-backed armed groups across the region. The United States designated him a terrorist in 2016, identifying him as a commander who oversaw Hezbollahs special forces activities in Syria and Yemen and offering a US$5 million reward for information on his whereabouts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US government was offering up to $5 million for information on arch-terrorist, Hezbollah chief of staff Haytham Ali Tabatabai. The IDF just took him out in a targeted strike in Beirut. The terror kingpin had been working on rearming Hezbollah for further attacks. pic.twitter.com/APFEtYJJQq Michael Dickson (@michaeldickson) November 23, 2025 The US Treasury described him as a prominent military leader also known as Abu Ali Tabatabai who directed forces participating in conflicts abroad. Hezbollahs support for Yemens Houthi movement has been highlighted in multiple international assessments. In November 2024, the United Nations identified Hezbollah as one of the Houthis most significant external supporters, stating that fighters were being trained outside Yemen sometimes in Iran and sometimes at training sites in Lebanon run by Hezbollah. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This framework, long referred to by analysts as the axis of resistance, has shaped Israels strategic calculus in the region, placing figures like Tabatabai at the centre of its targeting priorities. Within Syria, Tabatabai had oversight roles during the years when Hezbollahs armed wing supported government forces under Bashar al-Assad. Lebanese sources note that he operated extensively in that theatre, where Hezbollahs involvement helped shift balances during the civil war. How Beirut reacted after the Israeli strike The November 23 operation unfolded without prior evacuation warnings, with the attack landing on an apartment building in a crowded neighbourhood. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 25 to 28 injured individuals in addition to the five casualties. Residents described sudden shock and panic as emergency responders attempted to reach the damaged floors. Hezbollah parliamentarian Ali Ammar, speaking from the site, insisted the area contained no military positions, stating, This is definitely a civilian area and void of any military presence. Local resident Maryam Assaf echoed the groups defiance, telling AP, They want to take our weapons. But our weapons will not be taken. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike, accusing Israel of failing to uphold obligations tied to the ceasefire and urging the international community to act with strength and seriousness to stop the attacks on Lebanon and its people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He has said in recent days that Lebanon is prepared to open negotiations with Israel to bring an end to the ongoing airstrikes and to push for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from five positions they continue to occupy inside Lebanese territory. Aoun has also declared that Lebanon is committed to disarming all non-state militias, including Hezbollah, though implementation remains uncertain given the groups political and military dominance. The assassination also occurred shortly before a planned visit by Pope Leo XIV, who is scheduled to travel to Lebanon on his first foreign trip. The timing has increased concerns about security arrangements and the potential for further violence. In a separate incident, on November 18, an Israeli strike in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon killed 13 people and injured several more. What next for Hezbollah Hezbollah entered the post-war period substantially diminished. Israeli air and ground operations during the 2023-24 war eliminated much of the organisations upper command, including figures who had shaped its strategy for decades. With leaders like Nasrallah, Aqil, Shukr, and Karake gone, the group has had to rebuild both its political leadership and its military hierarchy. Tabatabais rise and subsequent elimination highlight how rapidly the group has had to replace senior personnel. Lebanese security sources and Israeli assessments agree that he was promoted swiftly following the deaths of more prominent commanders. He was even seen as a successor to Ibrahim Aqil before Aqil himself was killed in 2024. Despite these losses, Hezbollah has refrained from major attacks on Israel since the ceasefire took effect. Aside from two rockets fired in December 2024 that landed in open terrain which the group called a warning its involvement along the border has remained limited. However, the internal impact of ongoing Israeli strikes, including the Sidon attack and the assassination of Tabatabai, has raised questions about how long the group may choose to maintain restraint. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Newly unsealed court filings reveal that Meta quietly ended Project Mercury, an internal study showing that users who took a break from Facebook felt less anxious and socially pressured. The disclosures part of a sweeping US lawsuit targeting multiple social platforms raises questions over whether tech giants withheld evidence of potential mental-health risks to young users People walk behind a logo of Meta Platforms company, during a conference in Mumbai, India, September 20, 2023. Representational Image/Reuters A set of newly unsealed legal filings in the United States have revealed that Meta discontinued an internal mental-health experiment known as Project Mercury after early results showed that stepping away from Facebook appeared to make users feel less distressed. The unredacted material, released on November 21, 2025, paints a detailed picture of how the company initiated this study, assessed its early results, and then quietly shut it down. The revelations form part of a much broader series of allegations from school districts, state attorneys general, and parents, who maintain that major social platforms such as Meta, TikTok, Snap, and Googles YouTube knowingly failed to prevent mental-health harms among young users while publicly insisting that their products were safe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The filings argue that the companies either withheld crucial research or downplayed internal warnings even as they expanded efforts to attract younger audiences. What Project Mercury attempted to study Project Mercury began as an internal effort in late 2019 designed to evaluate how Facebook and Metas other platforms affected emotional well-being, information exposure, and social behaviour. The company partnered with Nielsen, a major survey and measurement firm, to gather data on how users experienced life both with and without the platform. More from Explainers This was part of a broader push to determine how Metas apps influenced issues such as online polarisation, news patterns, and daily interpersonal engagement. Court filings indicate that the study relied on random samples of Facebook and Instagram users who voluntarily paused their activity for an extended time up to a month in some cases. The researchers then measured shifts in mood, self-perception, and social patterns. These insights were aimed at giving Meta internally verifiable data on the psychological effects of its products. Unexpectedly, the results appeared to run counter to Metas expectations. Users who disconnected from Facebook, even for just seven days, said they faced fewer feelings of loneliness and social comparison, along with reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms. These results, included in multiple legal briefs, were highlighted as signs that the platform might be contributing to worsened emotional states for certain groups. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rather than move forward with additional stages of Mercury or prepare to release its findings, the documents allege that Meta terminated the project and privately questioned the validity of the data. How Meta staff has reacted The filings recount concerns expressed by internal staff who reviewed Project Mercurys early results. While the company claimed that the findings were compromised by what it called a negative media narrative surrounding Facebook, not everyone within Meta agreed. According to one internal communication cited in the filing, an employee insisted, The Nielsen study does show causal impact on social comparison, adding an unhappy-face emoji in the message. Another internal remark included in the legal documents drew a stark comparison to one of the most controversial cases of corporate scientific suppression in US history. The employee asked whether the company risked appearing like cigarette manufacturers who once hid evidence of health harms, writing, If the results are bad and we dont publish and they leak, is it going to look like tobacco companies doing research and knowing cigs were bad and then keeping that info to themselves? Despite these concerns, Project Mercury did not proceed to further research phases, nor were its initial conclusions shared publicly. The lawsuit claims that Metas public testimony contrasted starkly with what its internal research had suggested. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In particular, the filings argue that while Meta had gathered concrete evidence pointing to negative impacts on mental health, especially among younger users, executives told US lawmakers that the company could not reliably measure whether its platforms harmed teenage girls. How Meta has responded Meta has strongly rejected the characterisation of Project Mercury and the broader allegations made against it. Andy Stone, the companys spokesperson, issued multiple statements challenging the credibility of the research and sharply criticising the lawsuits interpretation of the findings. At the very end of this thread, Jeff, you include a caveat that everything here relies on plaintiffs context. Turns out that was burying the lede. [image or embed] Andy Stone ( @andymstone.bsky.social) November 24, 2025 at 12:09 AM STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Stone, Meta halted the work because the methodology had serious flaws, not because the company feared what the results implied. In a public response, he said, The full record will show that for over a decade, we have listened to parents, researched issues that matter most, and made real changes to protect teens. He also added, We strongly disagree with these allegations, which rely on cherry-picked quotes and misinformed opinions. Stone later elaborated in social media posts that the study reflected the attitudes of individuals who already believed Facebook was unhealthy for them. He said the internal research simply showed that people who believed using Facebook was bad for them felt better when they stopped using it, arguing that this matched patterns seen in earlier public deactivation studies. He also noted, It makes intuitive sense but it doesnt show anything about the actual effect of using the platform. Meta maintains that its current suite of teen-protection tools, including Teen Accounts with built-in safeguards and enhanced parental controls, demonstrates its historical commitment to safety. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What the allegations say The overarching lawsuit accuses social media companies of knowingly harbouring and expanding risks that disproportionately affected young users, even as public concern continued to grow. Among the most serious allegations directed at Meta are claims that the company engineered youth safety features that rarely functioned as intended. Internal documents included in the filings suggest Meta discouraged or halted the introduction of stronger safety tools because of concerns that more stringent protections could reduce user engagement. Additionally, one document filed in court states that Meta required a user to be detected attempting to engage in sex-trafficking behaviour 17 times before being removed described internally as a very, very, very high strike threshold. The lawsuit states that this policy allowed harmful actors to remain active on the platform for extended periods while employees pushed for quicker removal. Other documents cited in the litigation allege that Meta recognised that increased engagement among younger users came with the side effect of exposing them to more harmful content but continued prioritising engagement metrics over safety. There are also claims that the company delayed critical measures designed to restrict contact between minors and potential predators. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The filings reference an exchange from 2021 in which Mark Zuckerberg said he would avoid stating that protecting children online was his main focus, noting, when I have a number of other areas Im more focused on like building the metaverse. The documents allege that Nick Clegg, then overseeing global public policy at Meta, sought more resources for safety initiatives but saw his requests ignored or dismissed. Meta has pushed back against the broader set of accusations, asserting that its systems for detecting and removing harmful accounts are effective and that the lawsuit misrepresents its policies. Stone maintained that Metas current rule is to remove accounts as soon as they are flagged for trafficking behaviour. How other platforms have also been named The lawsuit spans multiple companies and claims that social platforms collectively contributed to severe mental-health consequences among teenagers. While Meta faces the most direct and detailed accusations in the newly unsealed documents, its competitors TikTok, Snap and Google are also named. The allegations against these companies vary. For example, the lawsuit claims that TikTok engaged in paid partnerships with organisations focused on children, which the platform allegedly viewed as a way to secure favourable public statements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One internal message cited in the filing claimed TikTok officials boasted that after sponsoring the National PTA, the organisation would do whatever we want going forward in the fall (t)heyll announce things publicly(,), (t)heir CEO will do press statements for us. Google, which owns YouTube, issued a denial, arguing that the lawsuit fundamentally misunderstood how its products function. A spokesperson responded, These lawsuits fundamentally misunderstand how YouTube works and the allegations are simply not true. The spokesperson added that YouTube is a streaming service where people consume videos, often on larger screens, rather than a traditional social network. Google pointed out that it has developed tools for younger users shaped in consultation with child-safety experts. Why the Project Mercury revelations matter now The ongoing multidistrict litigation represents one of the most expansive legal challenges ever mounted against the social media ecosystem in the US. If judges determine that companies suppressed research and misled the public, it could transform both industry practices and regulatory expectations. Project Mercury, in particular, is seen by the plaintiffs as evidence that Meta had clear warning signs but did not act. The findings allegedly demonstrated measurable improvements in user well-being when they stepped away from Facebooka result that, according to the lawsuit, should have triggered broader internal review and public transparency. The filings also argue that Metas decision to end the research suggests the company prioritised business interests over user welfare. With additional documents likely to be released as the case proceeds, the industry may be required to reveal far more about how internal research is carried out, interpreted and used. The upcoming hearing scheduled for January 26, 2026 in the Northern District of California will determine whether the contested documents remain sealed or are made fully public. For Meta, the consequences could extend beyond financial penalties. The litigation hints at the possibility that courts may eventually impose rules requiring platforms to disclose internal findings related to user safety or even change how they structure their research divisions. Observers note that comparisons to the tobacco industry referenced within Metas own internal communications could shape how judges and regulators view the companys responsibility to disclose harm-related evidence. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Nicholas Singh, who was on Canadas most wanted list, has been nabbed after 18 months on the run, in Toronto. The 24-year-old Indian-origin criminal, who was serving a sentence for robbery and other firearm-related offences, now faces fresh charges After 18 months on the run, Toronto police arrested 24-year-old Nicholas Singh, who is on Canadas most-wanted list. The Indian-origin criminal was unlawfully at large while serving a five-year, five-month and 10-day sentence for robbery and firearm-related offences. A nationwide warrant was issued against him for breaching parole, the cops said while confirming the arrest. Singh had a gun with him when he was held on Friday night, despite a courts order that banned him from carrying or owning any weapons, according to Toronto Police. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to officials, the federal offender went unlawfully at large from May 31, 2024, and was on the radar of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) since August. Heres what we know about Nicholas Singh and his crimes Nicholas Singh is a 24-year-old Indian -origin criminal. Singh was considered high risk by the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement squad, which was monitoring his case. It received a tip on Friday about a suspicious vehicle and found the fugitive. On the run for 18 months, Singh was finally arrested in Toronto near Bathurst and Dundas streets around 11:20 pm He is ranked number 15 on the BOLO (be on the lookout) programmes list of Canadas top 25 most-wanted fugitives. Singh had been unlawfully at large since May 31, 2024, while he was on parole conditions linked to a previous conviction for armed robbery and other offences. In August, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) issued an appeal, warning the public that he was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for breaching his statutory release. During the time of arrest, Singh was found with a gun, despite a prior court order that had banned him from possessing any weapons, according to Toronto police. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Officers reportedly located a firearm, an extended magazine, and ammunition in the vehicle. Singh was arrested without any incident, the police said. With this, a series of fresh charges are slapped against Singh, including possessing a restricted or prohibited firearm without a licence, possessing a firearm without a required licence and others. In a social media post on X, the BOLO (be on the lookout) programme asserted: We congratulate @TorontoPolicefor the arrest of Bolos #15, Nicholas Singh, in Toronto, on November 21, 2025. It added: Singh was wanted for being unlawfully at large. He was serving a five-year, five-month and 10-day sentence for robbery and firearm-related charges when he went on the run on May 31, 2024. Many thanks to all Canadians for being on the lookout for Singh! Together, we make our communities safer. We congratulate @TorontoPolice, @TPS14Div and @OPP_News ROPE Squad for the arrest of Bolos #15, Nicholas Singh, in Toronto, on November 21, 2025. Singh was wanted for being unlawfully at large. He was serving a five-year, five-month and 10-day sentence for robbery and pic.twitter.com/Brfp3weKcY Bolo Program | Programme Bolo (@BoloProgram) November 23, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Two other Indian-origin fugitives featured in the BOLO list: Gurkirat Singh, 26, wanted by Delta police over an alleged sexual assault from 2024. Dharam Singh Dhaliwal, in the murder of Indian-origin woman Pawanpreet Kaur in 2022, who was shot multiple times at her workplace. With Inputs from agencies Rajnath Singh, speaking at an event on Sunday, said that borders might change and that Sindh might return to India someday. The defence minister was quoting senior BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani while making the remarks at the Sindhi Samaj Sammelan programme in New Delhi. We take a look at the history of the region Rajnath Singh made the remarks at the Sindhi Samaj Sammelan Programme in New Delhi. PTI Rajnath Singhs remarks about Sindh seem to have rattled Pakistan. The Defence Minister, speaking at an event on Sunday, said borders might change and that Sindh might return to India someday. Rajnath was quoting senior BJP leader and ex-Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani while making the remarks at the Sindhi Samaj Sammelan Programme in New Delhi. Rajnaths remarks come as tensions remain high between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor in May, which New Delhi conducted as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what did Rajnath say exactly? How did Sindh become a part of Pakistan? What is its link to India? Lets take a closer look. What Rajnath said Rajnath said that the province of Sindh civilisationally will always be a part of India. Today, the land of Sindh may not be a part of India, but civilisationally, Sindh will always be a part of India. And as far as land is concerned, borders can change. Who knows, tomorrow Sindh may return to India again. He brought up Advanis book on how Sindhi Hindus still think of Sindh as their own. Farmer Ghulam Mustafa Mahar talks about his land, where subsoil water had risen to the surface, at a village in Umerkot, a district of Pakistans southeastern Sindh province. The provinces economy relies mainly on agriculture. AP Id also like to mention that Lal Krishna Advani wrote in one of his books that Sindhi Hindus, especially those of his generation, still havent accepted the separation of Sindh from India, he added. Rajnath said this is true of many Indians who consider the Indus River sacred. Not just in Sindh, but throughout India, Hindus consider the Indus River sacred. Many Muslims in Sindh also believed that the water of the Indus was no less sacred than the Aab-e-Zamzam of Mecca. This is Advani jis quote, he added. Our people of Sindh, who hold the Indus River sacred, will always be our own. No matter where they are, they will always be ours. A brief look at Sindh and its link to India Sindh is located in southeastern Pakistan. It has Balochistan to its west and Pakistans Punjab to its east. Sindh is Pakistans third-largest province by land and second-largest by population. It is part of the Indus River delta, from which it gets its name. While several languages are spoken in Sindh, the main indigenous tongues are Sindhi, Seraiki and Balochi. Urdu, which is the official national language, Punjabi, Gujarati and Rajasthani, are the most common. Urdu and Sindhi are taught in schools. Like other areas in Pakistan, the population is predominantly Muslim. This is mainly because of the hundreds of thousands of Muslims who arrived from India after Partition. The provinces economy relies mainly on agriculture. However, it is also one of Pakistans most industrialised regions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD People in traditional dress dance during a rally to celebrate the Sindh Culture Day, an annual event organised by the Provincial government to promote the rich culture of Sindh province. AP Present-day Sindh, whose capital is Karachi, was said to be at the centre of the Indus Valley Civilisation (2300 to 1750 BCE), comprising the sites of Mohenjo-daro, Amre and Kot Diji. Sindh was then ruled by the Persians under Darius I and conquered by Alexander the Great. It was later ruled by Seleucus I Nicator, Chandragupta Maurya, the Indo-Greeks and Parthians, the Scythians, the Kushans and then the Sassanids. Then, Islam came into the subcontinent with its conquest of Sindh. It was part of the Umayyad and Abbasid empires, then ruled by Arab governors, the Mughals and Sindhian dynasties. Then, in 1843, the British took over. But why did Sindh go to Pakistan following the Partition in 1947? Why Sindh joined Pakistan For that, you have to go back to 1930, when then undivided India was under British rule. It was poet-philosopher Muhammad Iqbal, who was also president of the All-India Muslim League, who in a speech proffered the idea of establishing a separate Islamic state on the Indian subcontinent. Iqbal advocated for Sindh, alongside Balochistan, Punjab and the North-West Frontier Province (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), joining a free and independent Muslim nation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 1925, the All-India Muslim League passed a resolution calling for the separation of Sindh from the Bombay Province. It took until the Government of India Act of 1935 for Sindh to become its own province with its own Legislative Assembly and the autonomy to govern itself. The Sindh Provincial Muslim League Conference then held its first session at Karachi in October 1938. It was here that the province of Sindh first raised the question of Partition adopting a resolution for an independent state for Muslims. An old newspaper clipping from the Times of India before the division of British India, hangs on the wall of the Partition Museum. AP On 3 March 1943, Sindh passed a resolution demanding the establishment of Pakistan, making it the first provincial assembly to do so. On 26 June 1947, the Sindh Assembly, during a special session, decided to join the new Pakistan Constituent Assembly. As Partition approached, Sindh saw an influx of migrants from other parts of India. While Sindh did not experience the level of violence that Punjab and Bengal saw, it did see Hindu businessmen and families targeted by mobs for looting and intimidation, particularly in Karachi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hundreds of thousands of Sindhi Hindus, fearing for their lives, migrated to India, mostly by sea. Here, they lived in camps in Bombay, Poona, Ahmedabad, Ajmer and Bhopal set up by the government, and began the arduous task of rebuilding their lives anew. Today, Sindhis are praised for successfully assimilating into India as well as for their hard work. Meanwhile, Sindh was amalgamated into the province of West Pakistan from 1955 to 1970. It was then later carved out as a separate province. Sindhi leader hails Rajnath Rajnaths remarks have been hailed by some, including Shafi Burfat, chairman of the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM). We consider Sindh not only the historical homeland of the Sindhi nation, but also the motherland of ancient civilisations. Sindh, from which India derives its very name, is the cradle of human civilisation and the birthplace of one of humanitys oldest cultural identities, Burfat wrote on X. We firmly believe that the people of Sindh have never been historically connected to Arab or Turkic powers based on religion or ideology. Instead, our civilisational, cultural and historical roots have always been deeply linked with the land of Sapt Sindhudesh, India, Burfat added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Punjab-dominated Islamic theocracy has imposed political oppression upon Sindh. Vast areas of Sindhs river, coast and millions of acres of land have been occupied by Punjabi imperial interests and their corrupt, militarised establishment. The economic resources of Sindh are being exploited, while deliberate attempts are underway to artificially alter the demographic structure of Sindh. Hindu refugees who migrated from Sindh province of Pakistan display their passports as they support the Citizenship Amendment Act in Ahmadabad, PTI The freedom movement of Sindhudesh is being brutally crushed. Through state terrorism, repression and inhumane violence, the Pakistani state continues to throw mutilated bodies of Sindhi political activists into the lap of Sindh. Pakistan has become a lethal poison for the very existence of the Sindhi nation. In this grave situation, the recent statement by Indias Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, that Sindh may, in the future, become a part of India, is seen by us as a ray of hope for the national unity, survival, security and the re-emergence and completion of the Sindhi nation, Burfat said. Pakistan condemns Rajnaths remarks Pakistan on Monday slammed Rajnaths remarks, calling them delusional and dangerously revisionist. Pakistan strongly condemns the Indian Defence Ministers delusional and dangerously revisionist remarks regarding Pakistans Sindh province, Pakistans foreign ministry said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Such statements reveal an expansionist Hindutva mind-set that seeks to challenge established realities and stands in clear violation of international law, the inviolability of recognised borders and the sovereignty of states. We urge Mr Rajnath Singh and other Indian leaders to refrain from provocative rhetoric that threatens regional peace and stability. It would be far more constructive for the Government of India to focus on ensuring the security of its own citizens, particularly vulnerable minority communities, it added. Workers extract sand from river Sindh in Ganderbal district. PTI This isnt the first time Rajnath has caused controversy with his remarks on Pakistan. In October, Rajnath, during a visit to the Lakki Nala Military Garrison in Gujarats Kutch region, warned Pakistan against carrying out any misadventure against India. Even after so many years of Independence, a border issue is brought up on Sir Creek. India has tried diplomacy several times to solve the issue but Pakistan has malafide intentions (niyat me khot). The way Pakistan has set up military infrastructure in the Sir Creek area shows its intention. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If Pakistan tries any misadventure in the Sir Creek area, it will get such a strong response that both history and geography will be changed, Rajnath added. With inputs from agencies The US Department of Government Efficiency, or Doge, launched as a radical overhaul of federal bureaucracy under Donald Trump, has quietly faded months before its 2026 deadline. Internal disputes, a staff exodus, unverifiable budget claims, and sweeping job cuts left the initiative hollowed out Elon Musk holds up a chainsaw onstage during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland, US, February 20, 2025. File Image/Reuters The United States Department of Government Efficiency known widely by its acronym Doge was once positioned as one of the most disruptive undertakings of Donald Trumps second term in office. Established through an executive order signed the moment he resumed the presidency, the programme symbolised an attempt to radically compress, restructure and redirect the federal bureaucracy. Nearly a year later, that mission appears to have reached an unceremonious end. Despite a charter scheduled to run until July 2026, Doge has now effectively dissolved, months ahead of schedule. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The picture emerging from officials and staff movements tells a story of a once high-visibility initiative that has quietly slipped into obscurity. How Doge ended abruptly Confirmation of Doges effective shutdown came not from a high-profile announcement, but through pointed remarks by a senior federal official. In comments to Reuters earlier this month, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Scott Kupor said, That doesnt exist, when asked about Doges current status. He also noted that the department was no longer functioning as a centralised entity. OPM has been serving as the federal governments human resources arm, and Kupor explained that many of Doges responsibilities had gradually shifted into the agencys domain. Over time, this transfer became a signal that Doge was losing operational independence. While later attempting to clarify the tone of the Reuters report in a social media post, Kupor did not challenge its factual accuracy. He wrote online that Doge may not have centralised leadership But, the principles of Doge remain alive and well, adding that OPM and the Office of Management and Budget were positioned to institutionalise the structural changes Doge introduced. Good editing by @reuters - spliced my full comments across paragraphs 2/3 to create a grabbing headline The truth is: DOGE may not have centralized leadership under @USDS. But, the principles of DOGE remain alive and well: de-regulation; eliminating fraud, waste and abuse; Scott Kupor (@skupor) November 23, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The agency had been created with the explicit mandate of pursuing aggressive efficiency reforms. Its leaders, chief among them Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, were entrusted with executing a sweeping reduction in federal spending, staff and programmes. How Doge operated & why it was controversial From its inception, Doge set out to reshape government operations with unprecedented speed and intensity. Staff deployed across key agencies soon after Trumps inauguration, often took up office space inside departments, directed budget cuts, and ordered dismissals of federal employees. Musk defended the approach earlier in the year, declaring, We are actually trying to be as transparent as possible I dont know of a case where an organisation has been more transparent than the Doge organisation. But numerous agencies and observers saw the situation differently. Reports circulated that Doge employees did not always identify themselves in meetings, withheld public disclosures of their decisions, and dispatched cost-cutting directives without agency consultation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By spring this year, the scale of its actions had become clear. More than 200,000 federal workers were laid off outright, and approximately 75,000 accepted buyouts, according to figures attributed to Doges own documentation. Although the department insisted these cuts saved billions in federal expenses, outside analysts repeatedly noted that the agency did not publish sufficient accounting for verification. The US Agency for International Development (USAID), which had long played a pivotal global health role, was effectively shut down in July after Doges budget measures sliced deeply into its operations. An internal memo projected a dramatic rise in global mortality. A separate analysis by epidemiologist Brooke Nichols estimated more than 600,000 excess deaths linked to the loss of services such as malaria prevention, vaccine distribution, and HIV/AIDS response efforts. Across agencies, the consequences of Doges interventions were varied, but a consistent theme emerged: workloads grew, capacities shrank, and in many cases, programmes halted entirely. US Social Security offices experienced severe claim processing delays, while federal grants and foreign assistance programmes were either frozen or discontinued. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A former Doge official described the internal uncertainty that followed the departments apparent collapse, telling Politico in June, Now, if somebody from Doge, or representing themselves from Doge, asked me to do something, I wouldnt just blindly do it. What factors led to Doge closing Doges instability became more visible in late spring and early summer. One turning point was the high-profile dispute between Trump and Musk over legislative priorities, including disagreements over Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill. Their conflict played out on social media and in public comments, exposing a growing rift between the president and the agencys leading figure. Musks contract as a special government employee allowed him only 130 days in the role, ending on May 30. His departure, expected yet still symbolic, marked the unofficial beginning of the end for Doge. In the weeks surrounding his exit, Politico reported that Doge staff had packed up their clothes and bedding an acknowledgment that many were living inside Doges headquarters and sought new places to stay. Trump himself also appeared to move on. Although he did not publicly declare Doge dissolved, he increasingly referred to the initiative in past tense statements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, the hiring freeze he introduced at the start of his term requiring strict limits on bringing new workers into agencies ended quietly, without fanfare. Kupor confirmed that the freeze no longer applied and that There is no target around reductions for federal staffing going forward. How Doges record in savings is shaky at best Publicly, Doge claimed large-scale fiscal achievements. At its peak, Musk set a goal of trimming $1 trillion from the federal deficit by the end of September 2025. But when Musk left Washington, that target was far from fulfilled. Doges website still listed $214 billion in savings, though subsequent reports indicated those numbers had been inconsistently represented or overstated. In several cases, cuts were reported without adequate disclosure or with disputed calculations. The lack of detailed documentation made it impossible for independent financial experts to validate Doges assertions. Even internally, some officials noted that estimating long-term savings is inherently complex, as layoffs and programme eliminations can trigger indirect costs or shift burdens elsewhere in the government. Despite these complications, the White House defended the effort. In a statement to Reuters, spokesperson Liz Huston wrote, President Trump was given a clear mandate to reduce waste, fraud and abuse across the federal government, and he continues to actively deliver on that commitment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Where former Doge employees went As Doges visibility diminished, its personnel quietly transitioned into new positions throughout the federal government or newly created entities aligned with Trumps priorities. Among the most prominent shifts was Amy Gleason, who had served as Doges acting administrator, became an adviser to US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr in March. Zachary Terrell, a senior Doge figure involved in early health-system access operations, is now chief technology officer at the Department of Health and Human Services. Rachel Riley, who similarly worked on health-related data access, moved into the role of chief of the Office of Naval Research. Jeremy Lewin, who helped lead the dismantling of USAID, took a senior position in the State Department overseeing foreign assistance. Scott Langmack, once Doges representative at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, began developing AI tools for federal regulatory review, according to his professional profile. Perhaps the most visible appointment is that of Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb. First associated with Doge before moving to a new entity known as the National Design Studio, Gebbia now leads federal web design and visual improvement initiatives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps directive tasked him with enhancing the visual presentation of government websites, and the design studio has already launched platforms spotlighting law enforcement recruitment in Washington, DC, as well as the administrations drug pricing programme. Other former Doge employees also found roles in state-level initiatives. States such as Idaho and Florida have begun creating their own versions of Doge-style efficiency offices, influenced by the original federal model. What next for Doge For supporters of government streamlining, Doge symbolised a long-overdue assault on bureaucracy. Musk even held up a chainsaw at the Conservative Political Action Conference, declaring, This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy, a theatrical representation of his ambitions. For critics, however, Doge represented unchecked authority, abrupt disruptions, and long-lasting damage to public services both domestically and globally. Though many aspects of Doges operations are no longer active, certain policies endure. Deregulation efforts continue under Trumps White House budget office, which remains committed to identifying federal rules for elimination. AI-driven regulatory review, in particular, has become an emerging focus area one that was seeded during Doges tenure. Meanwhile, Musk despite distancing himself from day-to-day government operations has made recent appearances in Washington, including at a dinner for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. With inputs from agencies The nation bid an emotional goodbye to Air Force Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who died in the Tejas jet crash at the Dubai Air Show, on Friday. A video of his wife, Wing Commander Afshan, saluting her husbands garlanded coffin and her eyes brimming with tears, has touched a chord. The IAF officers last rites were conducted with full military honours Wing Commander Afshan fighting back tears as she stood in uniform and saluted her husband, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, one final time. The IAF officer lost his life after his Tejas fighter jet crashed during the Dubai air show . PTI The Indian Air Force and the nation mourned deeply when Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life in a tragic Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show on Friday. Among those mourning him was his wife, Wing Commander Afshan, who is also a serving IAF officer. Syals mortal remains were brought to his ancestral village, Patialkar, in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district, where his last rites were conducted with full military honours. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In one of the most heartbreaking moments, Wing Commander Afshan stood by his garlanded coffin and gave him a final salute, her eyes brimming with tears as she said her last goodbye. Who is Wing Commander Afshan? According to The Times of India, Wing Commander Afshan was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in December 2011. The IAF officer was in Kolkata attending a training course when she got the devastating news of her husbands passing. - Wing Commander Afshan - Wife of Wing Commander Namansh Syal. - She's just lost her husband. Her world is no longer what it used to be. If she wants to shout and cry to heavens, she would be within her right to do so. - But then, she's also an officer. She's in uniform. And the pic.twitter.com/OKYQOvbaXi VatsRohit (@KesariDhwaj) November 23, 2025 Wing Commander Syal, an alumnus of Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, was commissioned into the IAF in December 2009. He had been posted at the Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu when his squadron was tasked with participating in the Dubai Air Show. The Air Force remembered him as a committed officer and an exceptional fighter pilot who served with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill and an unyielding sense of duty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wing Commander Syal had been posted at the Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu when his squadron was tasked with participating in the Dubai Air Show. In a tribute, the IAF said, His dignified persona earned him immense respect through a life devoted to service, and was visible in the send-off attended by UAE officials, colleagues, friends, and the officials of the Indian Embassy. The IAF stands in solidarity with his family in this hour of profound grief and honours his legacy of courage, devotion and honour. May his service be remembered with gratitude. Wing Commander Syal is survived by his wife, their six-year-old daughter Aarya, and his parents. A tearful goodbye When his body reached Patialkar village, hundreds gathered to pay their last respects. A video doing the rounds on social media showed Wing Commander Afshan fighting back tears as she stood in uniform and saluted her husband one final time. #WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Wing Commander Afshan salutes her husband, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, as she pays her last respects to him. Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life in the LCA Tejas crash in Dubai on 21st November. pic.twitter.com/DPKwARut4r ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2025 Villagers and friends described him as someone who made the community proud. Pankaj Chadha, his schoolmate from Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, told News18, We have lost one of our gems. He was the pride of our school. We will go to his native village, Patialkar. He made all of us very proud. Another villager, Sandeep Kumar, said, Everyone in our village is sad. He was like our younger brother. This should not have happened. We do not have words. We met him 3-4 months ago when he visited our village. His father, Jagan Nath Syal, said his sons sacrifice was not just a personal loss but a great loss for the nation. He described him as an exceptional aerobatic and highly trained pilot. No courage matches that of a soldiers family..they bear the heaviest pain in silence. Wing Commander Namansh Syals father words fall short. pic.twitter.com/n75Avh19Ah Major Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) November 24, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the loss, saying that a brave son of India taken far too soon. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called him a brave and courageous IAF pilot and offered condolences to the bereaved family. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said the armed forces stand firmly with the family. What happened at the Dubai air show? A new video from the Dubai air show, which is one of the worlds largest aviation exhibitions, revealed clearer details of the moments leading up to the crash. The footage showed Wing Commander Syal attempting to eject, but the aircraft was flying too low for the ejection to succeed. The Tejas was performing a low-altitude aerobatic move when it suddenly crashed and burst into flames. A parachute-like object appeared around the 4952 second mark, indicating a last-second attempt to escape. #Tejas pilot attempted to regain control and save the aircraft instead of saving his life. Aircraft's engine likely had a compressor stall due to sustained high G turns. Prayers with the family. pic.twitter.com/7NNJpXNYDu Aditya Khullar (@AdityaKKhullar) November 21, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Investigators believe the pilot may have been trying to regain control of the jet. Tejas is a single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) developed by the Bengaluru-headquartered Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The exact cause is still under investigation. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to determine what led to the tragic accident. This was the second accident involving a Tejas aircraft in less than two years. In March last year, a Tejas jet had crashed in Rajasthans Jaisalmer, with the pilot ejecting safely. With input from agencies X launched a new About This Account feature on Friday (November 21) that reveals the location of a user. As internet sleuths began digging into others accounts, posts emerged that many Make America Great Again (Maga) accounts on X were actually based out of the US. There were also claims that the US Department of Homeland Securitys account on the platform was based in Israel Xs new feature that discloses the location of a user has flustered United States President Donald Trumps Make America Great Again (Maga) base. Many of the influential accounts in the Maga movement on X, formerly Twitter, are based out of the US, the transparency feature has revealed. The feature stirred a controversy after posts claiming that the US Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) X account was based in Israel went viral. The department has denied the claims. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We take a look. Xs location transparency feature Elon Musk-owned X released the About This Account feature on Friday (November 21). This allowed users to see where an account is located, when it joined the social media platform, how often its username has been changed, as well as how the X app was downloaded. Xs head of product, Nikita Bier, had teased the feature last month as a method to help users corroborate the authenticity of content they come across on the platform. In a post on Saturday (November 22), he called the feature an important first step to securing the integrity of the global town square. We plan to provide many more ways for users to verify the authenticity of the content they see on X. And for those in countries where speech has penalties, weve included privacy toggles to only show your region, he added. Why Maga is rattled Once the feature went live, political rivals began to delve into each others accounts. Soon, X was inundated with posts claiming that accounts of several Maga and rightwing influencers who project themselves as patriotic Americans are based outside the US. These were found to be operating overseas from Eastern Europe, Thailand, Nigeria and Bangladesh. An account named ULTRAMAGA TRUMP2028 that claims to be based in Washington, DC, is actually based in Africa, as per the X transparency feature. MAGANationX, which includes the bio line Patriot Voice for We The People, was actually located in Eastern Europe, while DarkMagaCoin is located in Thailand. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD MAGA Scope, which has over 51,000 followers, is operating from Nigeria, while MAGA Beacon is based out of South Asia. An account named America First was located in Bangladesh. Another now-deleted account that went by Trump Is My President was listed as being based in Macedonia, reported NBC News. No. Trump isnt your President. You are in Macedonia! pic.twitter.com/OAMIrzoTJ7 Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) November 23, 2025 This is easily one of the greatest days on this platform, wrote liberal influencer Harry Sisson. Seeing all of these MAGA accounts get exposed as foreign actors trying to destroy the United States is a complete vindication of Democrats, like myself and many on here, who have been warning about this. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Micah Erfan, a left-wing influencer, said that like half of their large accounts were foreigners posing as Americans all along. ALSO READ: Kash Patel, Vivek Ramaswamy and more.. Why Republican Indian-Americans are coming under Maga fire Is DHS account based in Israel? Many screenshots and screen recordings claimed that the US DHS account on X was listed as being based in Israel. Images and videos emerged on X allegedly showing the location field of the account as Tel Aviv, Israel. This stirred a backlash on social media amid a growing outrage over the US support for Israel, which some say has surpassed Tel Avivs interests over Americas. DHS first responded to the posts with a meme-like image of Trump, looking shocked. On Saturday, the department officially denied the claims. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I cant believe we have to say this, but this account has only ever been run and operated from the United States, DHS posted. Screenshots are easy to forge, videos are easy to manipulate. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I cant believe we have to say this, but this account has only ever been run and operated from the United States. Screenshots are easy to forge, videos are easy to manipulate. Thank you for your attention to this matter. https://t.co/Alc4VITHbm Homeland Security (@DHSgov) November 23, 2025 Bier also responded to the chatter, telling a user to stop spreading misinformation. He said Xs account information feature was temporarily shut off because the account creation country was incorrect on a very small subset of old accounts, due to IP ranges changing over time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He dubbed some of the posts showing the DHS account as being based in Israel as fake news. Location was not available on any gray check [government] account at any point, he wrote in response to a screen recording, which X has now labelled as manipulated media. Furthermore, the DHS has only shown IPs from the United States since account creation. As of Monday, the location information on the DHS account, which briefly became unavailable, can be seen again. This time, it reads: United States. The VPN link Some users pointed out that the use of VPN affected the location origin, showing it as that set on the VPN and not the actual country where they reside. Bier said in a post that the tech company was planning to fix any potential discrepancies that might have been caused by VPNs. He added that there are still a few rough edges around the feature that should be resolved by Tuesday. If any data is incorrect, it will be updated periodically based on best available information, Xs product development head wrote. This happens on a delayed and randomised schedule to preserve privacy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Thousands of Afghan patients have traditionally travelled to cities like Delhi and Mumbai for surgeries, specialised treatment, and long-term care unavailable back home Afghanistans Minister of Industry and Commerce, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi in New Delhi. Afghanistans Minister of Industry and Commerce, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, announced a major relief for Afghan citizens on Monday, declaring that medical visas for India will restart soon. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, the minister said that visa hurdleswhich had created big challenges for Afghan patients seeking treatment in Indiahad now been resolved through diplomatic coordination between Indias Ministry of External Affairs and its Afghan counterpart. Calling India a crucial healthcare destination for Afghans, he revealed that applicants needing medical treatment will once again be able to approach the Indian Embassy in Kabul directly for visas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The move is expected to restore a critical lifeline, as thousands of Afghan patients traditionally travelled to cities like Delhi and Mumbai for surgeries, specialised treatment, and long-term care unavailable at home. Afghan Minister: The visa problem has been solved. If our private sector needs visas, they can obtain them from the Indian Embassy in Kabul. Afghan Min: Medical visas will start again. Afghan Min: Exhibitions will be held in both India & Kabul for visa and trade promotion. Piyush Gupta (@PiyushNeekhra) November 24, 2025 In addition to reopening medical travel, the minister announced that an Indian private hospital is set to open a branch in Afghanistan, a development aimed at reducing the burden on Afghan families who often have to travel abroad for even routine treatment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also read | Pakistan on edge as India strengthens Afghan relations He added that the renewed visa access, coupled with planned healthcare collaboration, would significantly strengthen the humanitarian and people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan. The minister also confirmed that business visas would now be issued smoothly in Kabul, and that both nations would host trade and visa-promotion exhibitions to further facilitate mobility. India and Canada have agreed to reopen the Free Trade Agreement aimed to increase trade to USD 50 billion by year 2030 said Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, deepening the trust between the two nations and other strategic elements. India and Canada have agreed to resume negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with an aim to increase the two-way trade to USD 50 billion by 2030, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. An FTA or Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has many strategic elements to it and it is a demonstration of the trust between the two countries, Goyal said here at an event on Monday. The pact would give confidence to investors, businesses of both sides, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We have agreed to begin negotiations on a high-ambition CEPA and double the trade between the two nations by 2030, he said, adding the two countries are natural allies and do not compete with each other. The strengths of India and Canada can become a force multiplier for businesses and investors, Goyal said. There is a lot that we can learn from Canada and a lot we can offer Canada. There is a lot of potential on critical minerals, critical minerals processing technologies. There is a good possibility on nuclear energy - particularly with our engagement with Canada on Uranium supplies, he said adding we can diversify our supply chains on both sides. In 2023, Canada had paused negotiations for a free trade agreement with India. The India-Canada relations hit rock bottom following then Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegations in 2023 of a potential Indian link to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India had dismissed Trudeaus accusation as absurd. In March 2022, the two countries had re-launched negotiations for an interim agreement, officially dubbed as Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA). Over half a dozen rounds of talks have been held on the trade pact so far. Normally in a trade agreement, two countries significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. They also liberalise norms for promoting trade in services and attract investments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indias exports to Canada rose 9.8 per cent to USD 4.22 billion in 2024-25 from USD 3.84 billion in 2023-24. Imports, however, dipped 2.33 per cent to USD 4.44 billion in the last fiscal year from USD 4.55 billion in 2023-24. The renewed vibrancy in ties between the two countries followed Prime Minister Narendra Modis talks with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the margins of the G7 summit at Canadas Kananaskis in June. Bilateral trade in goods and services between India and Canada stood at USD 18.38 billion in 2023. There are about 2.9 million Indian diaspora and over 4,27,000 Indian students in Canada. To give an impetus to trade ties, Goyal has held two rounds of discussions with Canadas Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Maninder Sidhu. Sidhu was here recently. Both the ministers co-chaired the India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment (MDTI) meeting here earlier this month. We can focus on emerging technologies like AI (artificial intelligence) with data centres, quantum computing, machine learning, all new age technologies where India has very strategic benefits to offer for investors looking to leverage on the AI emerging technologies, Goyal said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He stressed the need to translate dialogue between the two countries into concrete outcomes. The minister also asked for having actionable outcomes, a game plan, a sectoral roadmap, and measurable progress. We must activate the CEO forum and resume the forum in the first quarter of 2026 because business to business contact will help governmental relations, Goyal said, adding that the ACITI (Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation) partnership should be taken forward with all seriousness. We could look at joint innovation, he said, adding there is a need to identify focus areas where both sides can enhance collaborations such as critical minerals, critical energy, aerospace and defence capabilities, and manufacturing in India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the IBSA Leaders Meeting on the margins of the G20 summit, underlining that reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is imperative. He further emphasised that there should be no room for double standards in combating terrorism. PM Modi joined the trilateral meeting hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and attended by Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. While all three countries have experienced challenges in relations with the United States under President Donald Trump, diplomatic sources downplayed suggestions that the meeting was aimed at responding to the Americans, noting that a substantive IBSA summit was also held on the margins of the 2024 G20 summit in Rio. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United States boycotted the G20 summit in South Africa, citing alleged mistreatment of white Afrikaners. PM Modi highlighted that global institutions do not reflect the realities of the twenty-first century. None of us is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. This clearly demonstrates that global institutions no longer represent todays world. Therefore, IBSA must send a unified message to the world: institutional reform is not an option but imperative, he said. He added, Similarly, we must work in close coordination in the fight against terrorism. On an issue of such gravity, there can be no room for double standards. For the sake of global peace and prosperity, united and decisive action is essential, and proposed institutionalising NSA-level meetings among the three countries to strengthen security cooperation. IBSA as a platform for development, technology and climate initiatives Describing the meeting as timely, PM Modi noted it coincided with the first G20 summit held on African soil and marked the conclusion of four consecutive G20 presidencies by Global South countries, of which the last three were held by IBSA members. He said this had led to several initiatives focused on human-centric development, multilateral reform, and sustainable growth. PM Modi emphasised that IBSA is more than a group of three nations; it is a platform connecting three continents, three major democracies, and three major economies. Highlighting technologys crucial role in human-centric development, he proposed an IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance to facilitate the sharing of digital public infrastructure such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), health platforms like CoWIN, cybersecurity frameworks, and women-led technology initiatives. He also highlighted IBSAs potential to contribute to the development of safe, trustworthy, and human-centric AI norms, inviting leaders to the next years AI summit. Appreciating the IBSA Funds work in supporting projects across forty countries in sectors such as education, health, womens empowerment, and solar energy, PM Modi proposed establishing an IBSA Fund for Climate Resilient Agriculture to further advance South-South Cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India after concluding his South Africa visit for G20 Summit. He engaged with several world leaders and attended multiple summit sessions with the focus on global growth, and climate action. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a plenary session on the opening day of the G20 leaders' Summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, November 22, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya/Pool Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Delhi on Monday after concluding his three day visit to Johannesburg, South Africa where he took part in the G20 Summit hosted for the first time under South African presidency. He engaged with several world leaders and attended multiple summit sessions with the focus on global growth, climate action, and development priorities of the Global South. US boycott Despite the boycott from the US, leaders actively participated and approved the G20 declaration. Trump remarked that South Africas presidency is a total disgrace. Trump also imposed 30 per cent tariffs, which is recorded as the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Key initiatives The attending nations endorsed a 122-point document centred on global cooperation, multilateral restructuring, health, security, technology, and sustainable development. PM Modi presented a six-point agenda aimed at strengthening global restructuring with focus on countering drug-terror chains, rapid response teams, active healthcare, and crisis management. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bilateral meetings Among his key bilateral meetings was one with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where both sides agreed on countering terrorism together. PM Modi actively engaged with several other leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Taking to his X handle, PM Modi wrote, The successful Johannesburg G20 will contribute to a prosperous and sustainable planet. My meetings and interactions with world leaders were very fruitful and will deepen Indias bilateral linkages with various nations. " The successful Johannesburg G20 will contribute to a prosperous and sustainable planet. My meetings and interactions with world leaders were very fruitful and will deepen Indias bilateral linkages with various nations. Id like to thank the wonderful people of South Africa, Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 23, 2025 They discussed trade, investment, technology, skilling, and strengthening Indias strategic and cultural partnerships. Taking to X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared that the two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, AI, defence and security, space, research, innovation and culture. He added that both leaders also unveiled a Joint Initiative to enhance cooperation against the financing of terrorism, reinforcing shared commitment to global security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PM @narendramodi met PM @GiorgiaMeloni in Johannesburg. They had a productive discussion on deepening ties across trade, investment, defence, innovation, AI, space and education. Both leaders also unveiled a Joint Initiative to enhance cooperation against the financing of pic.twitter.com/qZP7gIwMB1 PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 23, 2025 AI Impact Summit With the South Africa Summit now concluded, PM Modi said India is preparing to host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 under the theme Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya welfare and happiness for all. India looks forward to welcoming the world to the AI Impact Summit in February 2026. We have picked the theme of Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya or welfare for all, happiness for all. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 23, 2025 The Supreme Court has cleared a landmark settlement of fugitive businessmen Nitin and Chetan Sandesara, accused of bank fraud in a case involving Rs 5,383 crore, allowing court proceedings to be dropped if they pay one-third of their dues. The Supreme Court of India has agreed to a landmark settlement by fugitive Sadesara brothers, Nitin and Chetan Sandesara, in a bank fraud case involving Rs 5,383 crore (approx. 1.6 billion). The courts verdict permits them to drop all the criminal proceedings against them if they pay one-third of the dues, approximately Rs 1,500 crore by December 17, 2025, the Supreme Court order, published on its website on Friday. This marks a significant verdict and development in the high-profile case linked to Sterling Biotech and other businesses promoted by the brothers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Sandesara brothers fled India in 2017 on Albanian passports after being accused of defaulting on massive domestic and overseas bank loans sanctioned by a consortium of Indian banks including Andhra Bank, UCO Bank, State Bank of India, Allahabad Bank, and Bank of India. The loans were extended through various schemes involving other foreign branches as well. Investigation found that there was huge loss and financial irregularities alleging fraud with the funds. The Supreme court observed that the primary objective was the recovery of the public money, and settle the amount, continuing the criminal proceedings. However, the court clarified that this case should not be treated as a precedent to the future cases. The brothers lawyer, Mukul Rohatgi, said that they were agreeable to pay a settlement of $570 million, and set a December 17 deadline. Indias federal crime fighting agency accused the brothers, known for throwing lavish parties attended by Bollywood stars, of duping banks to the tune of $1.6 billion, though they denied the allegations. While facing multiple charges, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and other legal provisions, the Sandesara brothers have consistently denied such accusations and wrongdoing. The Sandesara settlement impact is closely watched as it raises important questions about Indias handling of vast corporate frauds and balance between justice and financial recovery. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The ruling could open the way for economic offenders to strike similar settlements, leaving lenders struggling to recover their entire dues, said Debopriyo Moulik, a Supreme Court lawyer in independent practice. (With inputs from agencies) An IAF team has reached Dubai to assist in the Tejas crash investigation, while defence experts caution the public against reacting to unverified social media claims. Smoke billows out after a fighter jet Tejas of the Indian Air Force crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. PTI An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet executing an aerial manoeuvre at the Dubai Airshow suddenly appeared to lose control, plunging to the ground moments later at 2:08 pm local time on Friday. Amid a plume of thick black smoke, the pilot of the aircraft Wing Commander Namansh Syalwho maintained an almost flawless safety recordwas killed, the IAF confirmed. Soon after the crash, several hashtags gained momentum online, amplifying theories about sabotage and external interference. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A fabricated social media post also alleged that an oil leak had been detected on the Tejas before the flight. However, a Press Information Bureau Fact Check dismissed the claim as false, clarifying that the fluid seen in the video formed part of a routine draining process and not a technical malfunction. Cross-border misinformation and expert caution A senior official tracking misinformation campaigns said multiple accounts operating from neighbouring countries had circulated misleading narratives about the crash. The increased military cooperation between China and Pakistan, particularly in defence technology, has also been repeatedly referenced in online discussions around the incident. Aviation experts, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions before the joint investigation report is released. Indian Air Force has full confidence in the aircraft; that is why they are flying it. The only issue is Hindustan Aeronautics Limiteds inability to meet delivery timelines. If we cannot meet our own timelines, how can we export? said Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani (retired), Director General of the Centre for Air Power Studies. He added that incidents during development or early induction phases are not unusual. Tejas has had an impeccable record. It was inducted in 2016, and till 2024 not a single incident occurred. Its safety record is excellent. On the export prospects of Tejas, he said India must first meet domestic requirements. Our first priority should be to fulfil our own needs. Indian Air Force has already placed orders for 220 Tejas aircraft. There are many powers in the world trying to pull India down. According to the Ministry of Defence, Indias indigenous defence production touched a record Rs 1,27,434 crore in the financial year 202324, marking a 174% rise from 201415. India now exports military equipment to more than 100 countries, including the United States, France, and Armenia. Defence public sector undertakings accounted for 77% of total output, while the private sector contributed 23%. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Induction delays and pressure on squadron strength With the retirement of its last MiG-21 squadronsNo. 23 Panthers and No. 3 Cobrasthe Indian Air Forces strength has reduced to 29 fighter squadrons, its lowest since the 1960s, against a sanctioned 42. To cover the shortfall, the force is relying heavily on the phased induction of the Tejas. The aircraft currently serves with No. 45 Flying Daggers and No. 18 Flying Bullets at Sulur, with additional squadrons planned. The upgraded Tejas Mk-1A, featuring advanced radar, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and improved maintainability, is expected to significantly bolster capability. However, delivery delays continue. In February, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh criticised Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for slipping schedules. Hungry mouths are ready; we are waiting for the food, he said, emphasising that the force requires at least 3040 aircraft every year to sustain optimal squadron strength. On 17 October, the first Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mark 1A from the new Nashik production line carried out its maiden flight but is still awaiting induction. Meanwhile, the more advanced Light Combat Aircraft Mk-2 intended to replace the Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fleets remains under development. First conceptualised in 2012, its prototype has faced repeated delays, with production now expected around 2026. The Tejas, an indigenously built light combat aircraft, went down in a fiery crash on November 21 at Al Maktoum International Airport while performing a low-altitude aerial display, killing the pilot Namansh Syal Smoke billows out after a fighter jet Tejas of the Indian Air Force crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. PTI Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Monday issued a fresh statement following the fatal crash of a Tejas fighter jet during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show, calling the incident isolated and downplaying any larger business impact. The company said it would like to assure that there is no impact on the Companys business operations, financial performance or its future deliveries. HAL added that it is extending full support and cooperation to the agencies conducting the investigation, and promised to keep all stakeholders informed of any development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Tejas, an indigenously built light combat aircraft, went down in a fiery crash on November 21 at Al Maktoum International Airport while performing a low-altitude aerial display, killing the pilot Namansh Syal. Videos from the show captured the jet suddenly losing altitude and plunging into the ground, followed by a massive fireball and thick black smoke. A deeply painful moment for Indian aviation. Watching Tejas crash with no sign of ejection is something that leaves you shaken. Our pilots carry the nations pride every time they fly, and seeing this feels like a punch to the heart. Still waiting for clarity, but the visuals pic.twitter.com/BDlJhnC4k4 Shashank Singh (@shashank_seo) November 21, 2025 The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed the crash. In India, the Air Force said it has launched a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. Some defence experts have suggested the plane may have suffered a G-force blackouta loss of consciousness due to intense gravitational forces during high-G maneuvers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also read | Tejas crash in Dubai: Who was IAF Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the pilot India lost? Investors have reacted strongly to this mishap. HALs share price tumbled by up to 9%, dropping as low as Rs 4,205 on the BSE, amid concerns over reputational damage and the possible impact on exports. By mid-session, the stock had recovered partially but was still down roughly 3.6%, trading around Rs 4,430. Market analysts called the reaction largely sentiment-driven. Some said that unless the investigation reveals a major technical flaw, HALs strong order bookincluding large pending orders for Tejas Mk-1A jetscould help the company rebound. If the ever-simpleton Jat in Dharmendra endeared him to the masses, his HeMan persona trapped him, overshadowing the versatility of his earlier roles In her heyday between the late 1930s and early 1950s, Hedy Lamarr a Hollywood star celebrated for her breathtaking beauty appeared in over two dozen films. Though occasionally admired for her craft, praise for her looks invariably drowned everything else out. In the process, her gifts as an inventor were almost entirely ignored. She shared with composer George Antheil a patent issued in 1942 for a technological system still used in secure military communications. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lamarr believed people failed to recognise her intellect because they were blinded by her beauty. In his book Hedys Folly: The Life and Breakthrough Inventions of Hedy Lamarr, the Most Beautiful Woman in the World, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes writes how being labelled the most beautiful woman in the world as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayers publicity machine insisted annoyed Hedy deeply, because few people saw beyond her beauty to her intelligence. Lamarr famously remarked, with bitter wit, Any girl can be glamorous. All you have to do is stand still and look stupid. In her 1966 memoir Ecstasy and Me, she lamented, My face has been my misfortune a mask I cannot remove. I curse it. In Hindi cinema, Dharmendra faced a similar Lamarr-ian dilemma. His Greek-god looks overshadowed his acting prowess. Although discovered in a Filmfare talent contest in 1961 by Bimal Roy and Guru Dutt, and after appearing in nearly 300 films, Dharmendra never won a single Filmfare Best Actor award. He received a Lifetime Achievement award in 1997, but the magazine never deemed any single performance worthy of the iconic Lady in Black not even his unforgettable Veeru, Parimal or Satyapriya. As film historian Gautam Chintamani writes in an article in 2015: One of the most enduring mysteries of Hindi cinema is the manner in which it chose to sideline an actor and a superstar such as Dharmendra, who, unlike many of his contemporaries, could don a dhoti with the same ease with which he could sport a Roman Toga, he could be smouldering in a tuxedo and set a million hearts ablaze in a bundi and could make you laugh, sigh, and cry without making a big deal of it. Dharmendra may not have won the number of awards he deserved or may not have got the kind of accolades he should have, but he definitely ruled the hearts of the masses. He remained the most popular star of his time, and even during the superstardom of first Rajesh Khanna and later Amitabh Bachchan, if there was one actor who held his own, it was Dharmendra. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Born in a Punjab village to a school-teacher father who hoped he would become a professor, Dharmendra later said that his role as a professor in Chupke Chupke was a tribute to that wish. When he excitedly screened the film for his father, the latter affectionately responded that this wasnt quite the kind of professor he had in mind. He chose acting after watching Dilip Kumar in Shaheed at Minerva cinema in Ludhiana while in Class VIII. The film left a lasting impact, turning cinema into his lifelong passion. Later in Bombay (now Mumbai), disillusioned and ready to leave for a job in Delhi, he was held back by friend Manoj Kumar, who promised to support him for two months. The rest, as they say, is history. Across a long career, Dharmendra played diverse roles from Anupama and Satyakam to Sholay and Chupke Chupke. Rajiv Vijayakar, in his book Dharmendra: Not Just a He-Man, tells a story to explain how Dharmendra could play such diverse roles so effortlessly. As it happened, Guru Dutt was suddenly called to attend a court case just before the finale of the Filmfare talent contest. Dharmendra was selected among six others. Abrar Alvi, Dutts friend and writer, was told to conduct the test with instructions to check the contestants faces, profiles and dialogue delivery from the filmmaker. When Dutt returned, Alvi informed him about Dharmendra, who had a crew cut, while everyone else had long hair, modelled broadly on Dev Anands style. When Dutt asked him who he was like in terms of acting style, Alvi said matter-of-factly, Nobody! He is himself, has no pretensions, no set notions. The boy seems an original and it might be possible to mould him and develop his personality. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That originality made him unique. It explains how he could effortlessly play the dhoti-clad Satyapriya in Satyakam and the bare-chested Shaka in Phool Aur Patthar. He was the first superstar unbound by image and yet he never came to be associated with great acting something a Sanjeev Kumar or Dilip Kumar would. His looks, maybe, became his curse as an actor. And then the 1980s happened, when cinemas shift towards action trapped him in the He-Man persona. This new image just got attached to him so deeply that his other characters faded away. Why did it happen? The answer, probably, lies with the very persona of the actor. If the ever-simpleton Jat in Dharmendra endeared him to the masses, this very happy-go-lucky persona may also have trapped him within itself. Till the time the industry was dominated by cerebral filmmakers, mostly from Bengal, such as Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Bimal Roy, Pramod Chakravorty and Shakti Samanta, he gave rousing performances, but when the nature of Hindi cinema changed with the arrival of new directors, things turned awry for him. Instead of steering the industry, he went with its flow, which at the time favoured B-grade action films. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what he never lost was his connection with the masses. He remained rooted, humble and innocent. That is what kept him beloved. Dharmendra is arguably Hindi cinemas most mass-appeal star the aam aadmis superstar, without question. (Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) The trajectory of China-Japan friction will shape the power balance of the volatile region decisively in one way or another. The dice is still up in the air Beijing seeks to check whether the US will keep its treaty commitment if the pressure is cranked up, or leave Tokyo to its fate. Representational image Kill the chicken to scare the monkey is a Chinese idiom that, depending on the context, may roughly translate to making an example of someone through punishment or offensive action to intimidate or deter someone else. It may also mean taking punitive measures to ensure compliance and establish a rule of fear. We are watching a version of it unfold before our eyes as Chinas relationship with Japan undergoes a spectacular implosion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD From the very outset it seemed the crisis that was triggered by Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichis comments that Japan could respond militarily to a Chinese attack on Taiwan that lies just over 100 km from Japanese territory had an element of theatre to it. China doth protest too much. The intensity of its escalation, fiery rhetoric, personal attacks on Takaichi and punitive measures in response to a statement of fact by the Japanese PM that a cross-strait war is existential for Japan suggested that the outrage is manipulative and cosmetic. China is simply laying a marker on Taiwan. It is setting the bar with an explicit message that crossing that bar would carry steep and sustained real-world costs. Beijing is simultaneously prepping up its domestic audience for a struggle on the Taiwan issue, trying to shape the external environment to reduce international support for Taiwan, lower the threshold for its gray zone activities and compel reunification. Attaching Taiwan without a military takeover is still a priority for the Chinese Communist Party, and it chose for maximum effect a comment by a Japanese prime minister known for her hawkish stance on China who didnt really signal a tectonic shift in Japans Taiwan policy but took off the veil of ambiguity in linking cross-strait conflict with Japans defence commitments. It helps the CCP that the two countries share a contentious and tormented past, and the underlying bitterness especially on the Chinese side can be rapidly harnessed to shape the conflict. Japans imperial expansion into China, painful memories of atrocities, especially the Nanjing Massacre of 1937 where historians estimate hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians were killed and women were subjected to widespread sexual violence, are deeply etched into Chinese collective consciousness. These are reinforced through textbooks, museums, and state media content that emphasize Japanese aggression and portray Chinas suffering at the hands of foreign invaders as central to its national identity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even though Japan has repeatedly apologized for its wartime atrocities, the belief festers in China that Japan has not fully owned up to its brutalities or apologised enough. Takaichi, widely regarded in China as a revisionist on imperial Japan, was derided as anti-China and extreme right-winger on Chinese social media during her elevation as the prime minister. Chinese critics accuse her of smearing China, denying the Nanjing Massacre, exaggerating the so-called China threat, and stoking controversy over Taiwan, while her ultraconservative views, assertiveness on defence, hawkish stance on China and plan to bolster Japans role in the Indo-Pacific is regarded with suspicion by Beijing, as Rahul Mishra pointed out in The Diplomat. Takaichis repeated visits of the Yasukuni Shrine, that honours Japans war dead, align with the views of a faction of conservatives who argue that Japan has already sufficiently apologized for its conduct and that further contrition is politically motivated. Her comments on Taiwan, therefore, presented China with the perfect opportunity to frame the issue not as Japan discussing its defence options but as potential interference in Chinese sovereignty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As I mentioned earlier, Takaichi didnt really move the needle of Japans security policy when in answer to a question on November 7 by Katsuya Okada of main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan what she considered to be a survival-threatening situation, she said, a judgment must be made after comprehensively assessing all information in line with the individual and specific circumstances of what has actually occurred. Asked to elaborate, the Japanese PM said a line of private ships from China surrounding Taiwan would not constitute such a situation. However, if China conducted the naval blockade while military fighting was taking place, that would constitute a survival-threatening situation, and the Self-Defense Forces would be sent to provide support. Takaichis use of the phrase survival-threatening situation invoked the precise legal threshold that would authorize Japans military to act without being directly attacked. Japans pacifist, post-war Constitution makes launching offensive military operations difficult, but a 2015 law passed when Takaichis mentor Shinzo Abe was the prime minister allows Japan to exercise collective self-defence in certain situations, even if the country is not directly under attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Called Legislation for Peace and Security, the reinterpretation of Article 9 of Japans Constitution effectively redefined and expanded the countrys right to self-defence, and it became a major turning point in Japans post-war security policy. Other Japanese politicians have taken positions similar to Takaichis in the past, although they may not have done so while in office. As The Asahi Shimbun observes in a report, after stepping down as prime minister, Abe said a military contingency in Taiwan was one directed at Japan and Taro Aso, a former prime minister, has said Japan should be prepared to fight if a military contingency occurs in the Taiwan Strait. In 2015, when he was no longer the PM, Abe, who was assassinated in 2022, had said, a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency, and therefore an emergency for the Japan-US alliance. People in Beijing, President Xi Jinping in particular, should never have a misunderstanding in recognising this STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, when China says that Takaichi must retract her statement and nothing else will do a demand rejected by the Japanese PM Beijing is indicating that its goal is not merely managing the current dispute but forcing Japan to abandon its established security posture toward Taiwan. This is not achievable through diplomatic overtures or face-saving formulasit requires sustained coercive pressure that makes clear the costs of Japans trajectory. Beijing is aware that Japans first female prime minister is keen to strengthen the countrys military capabilities and plans to lift Japans defence spending to two percent of GDP by next fiscal. Therefore, Beijing interprets Takaichis statement in Japanese Parliament as part of a broader trajectory of constitutional revision, higher defence spending, and a clearer legal basis for collective selfdefence that could see Japan fighting alongside the US over Taiwan. This is intolerable to China that seeks to establish itself as the undisputed hegemonic power in Asia. If China sees itself as Americas true peer, then it must flex muscle in its periphery and on an issue that Beijing defines as its core interest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Japan, with its strong security alliance with the US, its policy of gaining offensive capabilities of its own and militarily hardening up to face the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II (refer to Japans 2022 National Security Strategy), is seen by China as its primary regional obstacle. Chinas escalation of tension, incendiary rhetoric, threats of gruesome personal attacks against Japanese PM, military sabre-rattling and implementation of a string of measures to deal a body blow to Japans economy, are all geared towards pushing back against Japans enhanced security posture. A Nikkei Asia report quotes Lowy Institutes Asia Power Index that shows Japan is ranked fifth in the region in defence outlays last year, at over $54 billion, which means Tokyo is no slouch when it comes to military spending. On Sunday, while visiting a military base close to Taiwan, Japans defence minister said plans to deploy missiles to the post were on track. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, when Chinese state media says Takaichis refusal to retract her erroneous remarks stems from a political self-interest in catering to Japans right-wing forces, as she knew exactly what she was saying and doing. If this is truly the course Japan chooses to take, Takaichi will not only risk her own political career, but will also push Japan once again onto a road of no return, or when Beijing opts for social media war mongering or takes the spat to the UN, it is on the one hand mobilizing Chinese nationalism and portraying the CCP as the defender against a resurgent Japanese threat, and on the other shoring up internal legitimacy on a core issue of national rejuvenation. Beijings, however, isnt stopping at trying to create a veto on Taiwan by raising the stakes. It sees in Donald Trump a fickle ally, and in his obsessive focus on striking a trade deal with China an opportunity to challenge and test the resolve of this key US alliance in the region. Beijing seeks to check whether the US will keep its treaty commitment if the pressure is cranked up, or leave Tokyo to its fate. So far, the vocal support to Japan in the face of Chinese onslaught has come solely from the US ambassador to Tokyo, George Glass. Trump has not uttered one word despite Americas staunchest Asian ally facing a barrage of military threats and economic sanctions from Beijing. The trajectory of China-Japan friction, therefore, will shape the power balance of this volatile region decisively in one way or another. The dice is still up in the air. (The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) It is up to Indians to decide what kind of education they want for their children. The Macaulay model is still alive and well, but the national model is also a viable alternative Indians can look to their own history for arguments for and against English. Representational image Last week the prime minister set off a cultural firestorm by taking on that old colonial bugbear, the Macaulay Minute. In 1835, Thomas Babington Macaulay, then a member of the Governor-Generals Council, wrote a memorandum on the medium of instruction in government schools. He argued that all of India should be taught in a single language and that that language should be English. Notoriously, he wrote that: We must at present do our best to form a class who may be interpreters between us and the millions whom we govern, a class of persons Indian in blood and colour, but English in tastes, in opinions, in morals and in intellect. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thus was born a new -ism: Macaulayism. To this day, elite education in India is conducted in English. There are many good reasons for that. English is useful. It is politically neutral. It facilitates emigration (which is bad for India, but good for individual Indians). And like it or not, after 200 years of English education in India, its tradition. But is it a good idea? Indians dont have to answer this question afresh in 2025. They can look to their own history for arguments for and against English. And the best place to look is the collected works of Bal Gangadhar Tilak. In 1908, Tilak delivered an address on National Education. He spoke in Marathi, arguing that Indian children should be educated in their mother tongues. He said that for proper education national schools must be started on all sidesby which he means schools run by Indians, not by the British governments in India. And he laid out a four-point plan for national education. First, he said that religious education will first and foremost engage our attention [because] secular education only is not enough to build up character. This would be scandalous to say in todays secular India, but he didnt imply any majority religious chauvinism. He said that Hinduism to the Hindus, Islamism to the Musalmans will be taught in these schools, and it will also be taught there to forgive and forget the differences of other religions. In other words, he thought that Indian children should teach the importance of following ones own religion and respecting the religion of others. Lest anyone cry secularism! at the thought, it is worth noting that even in secular Australia, religious education is a standard course in government schools. Many other Western countries do the same. Not every country follows the American model of a strict separation of church and state. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Second, he argued that English should be taught as a second language in Indias schools, not used as the medium of instruction. He made this argument on both national and pedagogical grounds. He believed that a curriculum that took twenty years of English-medium education could be accomplished in seven or eight years if we get it through the medium of our vernaculars. Though Tilak may have exaggerated the scale of the difference, international education research has generally borne him out. Studentsand in particular, the poorest studentstend to learn more and learn faster when they are taught in their native languages. English-language education, by contrast, tends to entrench the social status of children of the elite, who often speak English at home. This was the primary focus of Narendra Modis speech, in which In which country are local languages looked down upon? Countries like Japan, China, and Korea adopted many Western practices, but they kept their languages intact, they never compromised on their language. That is why, we have placed special emphasis on education in local languages in the new National Education Policy. And let me say this very clearly: we are not against the English language. We are in support of Indian languages. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Third, Tilak wanted to see greater emphasis placed on vocational education. This is a challenge on which independent India has not yet delivered. Of course, India does have an extensive system of vocational training colleges. But it has not given the same priority to vocational education that it has to elite universities. This is particularly true in agriculture, where vocational training is severely underfunded by international standards. And finally, Tilak advocated that education in politics should be prioritised as early as the grammar school years. By this he did not mean the kind of politicisation of education that now seems to plague teaching at all levels. He meant education in civics: in the history and functioning of Indias own indigenous political institutions. He saw this fundamentally as preparation for Indias future democracy. Now that India is a democracy, it is up to Indians to decide what kind of education they want for their children. The Macaulay model is still alive and well, and there are legitimate arguments to be made in its favour. But the national model is also a viable alternative, one that is supported not only by academic research but also by some of Indias greatest intellectuals. If twenty-first-century Indians are to have an informed debate on the issue, they should at least be aware that their ancestors had something to say about it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (Salvatore Babones is an associate professor at the University of Sydney and the executive director of the Indian Century Roundtable. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) The US-Saudi re-alignment is not a closing of geopolitical space; it is a reshaping of it. India need not choose sides only its own interests Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman holds US President Donald Trump's hand during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington. November 19, 2025, Reuters Saudi Arabias emerging security partnership with the United States marks a significant shift in the geopolitics of West Asia. Though formally short of a defence alliance, Washingtons decision to grant Riyadh Major Non-Nato Ally (MNNA) status and open discussions on potential F-35 transfers signals a profound recalibration of American strategic posture in West Asia. For Saudi Arabia, it is a crucial insurance policy reinforcing regime security, enabling technological modernisation, and cementing its role as the anchor of Arab stability. For Washington, it is a formal re-entry into the region after a period of perceived retrenchment and a reaffirmation that Gulf security is too strategic to be outsourced, either to regional powers or to China. Mere material and moral support to Israel to fight its wars does not count towards strategic security of the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This equation is not defined by arms alone. The more remarkable component is the intent of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to channel up to one trillion dollars into the United States over the next decade, across energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, and AI-driven defence. This is geopolitics through capital, bridging national security and economic interdependence. In return, Riyadh not only gains political protection but is gradually invited into the higher tier of American defence partnerships something previously reserved for Israel, Japan, or South Korea. Yet beneath these headline numbers lies a more practical reality: Saudi Arabias armed forces are modest in size, short of indigenous maintenance capacity, and reliant on foreign contractors. Although the package is valued at over $140 billion, absorption will likely be staggered over a decade or more. Much of it covers infrastructure, sustainment, technology offsets, and joint ventures rather than immediate deliveries. The proposal to acquire F-35s the worlds most advanced fifth-generation stealth aircraft is less military expansion and more symbolic elevation: Riyadh is being projected as having moved from being a dependable customer to a privileged strategic partner. Iran remains the unspoken variable in all this. The United States no longer frames its Middle East policy exclusively through counter-terrorism or oil; it sees Irans expanding missile networks, proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Syria, and its advancing nuclear latency as part of a wider challenge to regional order. Riyadh does not seek total confrontation with Tehran, as seen in its China-brokered rapprochement in 2023. It recognises that deterrence must coexist with the dialogue that seeks to balance the relationship with Iran. This partnership with Washington strengthens Saudi Arabias deterrent posture, even as it keeps channels of communication open with Iran. Iran, in turn, will intensify its grey-zone strategy, expanding asymmetric influence while avoiding direct escalation. Israel watches all this carefully. Historically, it enjoyed exclusive US access to highly sensitive systems, especially the F-35. Normalisation talks, once quietly underway between Tel Aviv and Riyadh, slowed after the Gaza conflict radically altered Saudi domestic sentiments. Israel may welcome closer US-Saudi ties against Iran but remains wary of any dilution of its qualitative military edge. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For now, Tel Aviv trusts Washingtons ability to calibrate technology while viewing Saudi Arabia less as an adversary and more as an evolving strategic variable. While Saudi Arabia has been wary of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahus Gaza policy, it has done nothing to pressure the Israel-US combine to put an end to the Palestinian-US conflict. The Pakistan factor adds further texture. Riyadh and Islamabad recently signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Pact a reminder that Saudi Arabia draws from multiple security reservoirs. Pakistan represents manpower, training expertise and a historic religious-military linkage, while the US partnership brings high technology, intelligence and political insurance. But this triangularity also introduces complexity, as Pakistan has deep military links with China and fluctuating ties with Iran. Washington will watch that space cautiously. For Saudi Arabia, the presence of Pakistan on Irans other flank appears to give solace that a Sunni majority state in strategic league with Saudi Arabia exists to give a psychological and military boost within Saudi Arabia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For India, this developing equation presents opportunity without pressure. A more secure, stable and globally integrated Saudi Arabia is good for Indias long-term energy, trade and expatriate interests. Over nine million Indians live in the Gulf, contributing over $45 billion annually in remittances. Improved security, economic diversification and enhanced US-Saudi cooperation could open new corridors of technology, defence manufacturing, critical minerals, and digital infrastructure areas where India and Saudi Arabia have recently deepened engagement. At the same time, India must remain mindful of Saudi-Pakistan dynamics, especially in terms of financial support, defence cooperation, or potential reactivation of earlier military arrangements. Yet Riyadhs growing strategic maturity and multi-vector diplomacy suggest that it now sees India not just as a workforce provider, but as a major economic and security partner in its long-term vision. The question naturally asked is whether India should seek MNNA status. The answer is both strategic and philosophical. India today is engaged in multiple high-level security frameworks with the United States from Comcasa, Beca and Lemoa to the Quad, Indo-Pacific dialogues, and emerging defence-industrial partnerships. These structures already exceed what MNNA offers. That framework is suitable for states seeking external protection; India seeks strategic autonomy with partnership, not performance-based alliances. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The strength of Indo-American relations is based upon an understanding that has had the depth of deep consultation, cooperation and continued negotiation over several years. The Trump 2.0 transformation too should not be taken as an obstacle because the relationship is now beyond transactional aberrations. If Saudi Arabia enters Washingtons privileged zone, India remains in a differently privileged space trusted, independent, and increasingly indispensable. India does not need to be a Major Non-Nato Ally. It is on course to be a Major Strategic Ally on its own terms, without entering any camp. The US-Saudi strategic convergence is not a closing of geopolitical space; it is a reshaping of it. And in this reconfiguration, India need not choose sides only choose its interests. (The writer is the former Commander of Indias Srinagar-based Chinar Corps. Currently he is the Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir and a member of the National Disaster Management Authority. 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 As US President Donald Trump is pressuring Ukraine to accept 28-point plan that will amount to surrender and an end of Ukraines nationhood, here are five questions that could make or break the deal being negotiated. US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting in The Hague, Netherlands. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters file With a corruption scandal plaguing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russia making slow but real progress on the ground, US President Donald Trump has mounted a pressure campaign on Ukraine to accept the 28-point plan that will amount to surrender and an end of sovereignty. That plan that secretively drew up with Russia is essentially a wish list that comprises most of Russian leader Vladimir Putin's maximalist demands. While Zelenskyy and most Ukrainians across the spectrum have dubbed most of these conditions as red lines they would not accept, here are five biggest points that will make or break any deal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: With Russias terms to Ukraine, Putin seeks surrender not a peace deal As it appears, Ukraine and European partners have drafted a counter-proposal and Ukrainian and American delegations are holding talks. But, as Trump appears to firmly aligned with Putin, it remains to be seen if the two sides would reach a genuine middle ground or Ukraine would be forced into signing a one-sided deal. Here are the five decisive questions. Will Ukraine give up Donbas region? Under Trumps 28-point plan, Ukraine would cede the entire Donbas region comprising Donetsk and Luhansk provinces to Russia. This would include ceding vast territories in Donbas that are still under Ukrainian control. Importantly, Donbas comprises the industrial heartland of Ukraine as it is at the core of the countrys mining, machinery, and chemical industries. Moreover, ceding Donbas would mean giving up the fortress belts that refers to highly fortified cities of Slovyansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, and Kostyantynivka, which have formed a shield against Russia since 2014 when Russia first invaded Ukraine. Under Trumps plan, the territory vacated by Ukraine would be a neutral demilitarised buffer zone. Independent commentators have said that giving up Donbas would not just mean surrendering the countrys economic heartland and prestige but could also turn the military against the government. Thousands of soldiers have perished defending the region and there are concerns that if the region is vacated entirely, the civil-military relations in the country could break down, posing a challenge for the administration. For Zelenskyy, the territorial question could be the biggest consideration. ALSO READ Russia-Ukraine talks: What terms and conditions Putin and Zelenskyy want to apply to peace Additionally, Ukraine will also cede claims on Crimea, which Ukraine invaded and occupied in 2014, and freeze battle lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia provinces. Will Ukraine get real security guarantees? Under the 28-point plan, Ukraine would not get any security guarantee. The plan says that it is expected that Russia will not invade neighbouring countries. The non-binding phrasing means the clause is dead on arrival. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Over the years, Russia signed many deals with Ukraine, including the Budapest Memorandum, but none of those deals stopped Russian invasions of 2014 or 2022. The 28-point plan says Ukraine will get reliable security guarantees but does not mention any detail. Axios has separately reported that the Trump administration drafted a second document in which purported Nato-like guarantees are mentioned. Under that plan, an attack on Ukraine would be treated as an attack on the trans-Atlantic community. As per this second document, a significant, deliberate, and sustained armed attack by Russia on Ukraine shall be regarded as an attack threatening the peace and security of the transatlantic community and shall attract a response by the United States and Europe in consultations with Ukraine and Nato. In such an These measures may include armed force, intelligence and logistical assistance, economic and diplomatic actions, and other steps judged appropriate. A joint assessment mechanism with NATO and Ukraine will evaluate any claimed breach, the document says. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD FULL TEXT OF THE U.S. DRAFT PROPOSAL FOR A UKRAINE SECURITY GUARANTEE: This Framework establishes the conditions for an armistice between Ukraine and the Russian Federation and provides a security assurance modeled on the principles of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, https://t.co/rapUq7ov6K Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) November 21, 2025 While the arrangement looks like Article 5 of Nato, there are questions whether it would mean anything. For example, the deal sets the threshold high significant, deliberate, and sustained armed attack for any support to be provided to Ukraine. As Trump has repeatedly accused Zelenskyy of starting the war and attacking Russia, there is no assurance that he would as a guarantor recognise any Russian attack on Ukraine. Who gets Russias frozen assets? Contrary to Ukraine and Europeans partners plan, Trump wants most of the Russian frozen assets for a US-Russia business fund. Of around $300 billion of frozen Russian assets, Trumps plan would put $100 billion for Ukraines rebuilding, which will be topped by another $100 billion by the European Union (EU), and take another $100 billion a US-Russia business fund. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Should there be a general amnesty? Another sticking point will be the plan providing amnesty to all parties, including Russian officers and soldiers. In the past three years, evidence has emerged that Russian forces committed human rights violations in Ukraine territories under their control. Mass graves have been discovered in areas retaken by Ukrainian forces and widespread accounts of Russian personnel sexually abusing Ukrainian detainees have surfaced. An amnesty would mean that no war crime trials would be held. Should Ukraines army be capped? Under Trumps plan, Ukraines military would be capped at 600,000 a provision right out of Treaty of Versailles imposed on Germany after World War I. There would be no such cap on the Russian military. Moreover, previously, Russia has also sought to limit the type of weapons, ammunition, and aircraft, and their numbers, that Ukraine can keep. The condition, along with other conditions like mainstreaming Russian language and pro-Russia Orthodox church, would essentially end Ukraines sovereign status. The surge comes amid an aggressive crackdown on undocumented people within the US, with ICE reporting historically high levels of both arrests and removals Undocumented immigrant Andrea, 28, cries while inside the Ecuadorian Consulate after learning the emergency passport application for her daughter Jazlyn. 6, (R), would be delayed pending further documentation on October 8, 2025 in the Queens Borough of New York City. Andrea and her cousin Jennyfer, 22, had to apply for emergency passports to be able to "self deport" with her children back to Ecuador. They made the decision to return to their country after their husbands were detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and later deported due to their undocumented status. (AFP) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is holding a record 65,000 migrants in custody, the highest number ever recorded, according to internal data released on Sunday. The surge comes amid an aggressive crackdown on undocumented people within the US, with ICE reporting historically high levels of both arrests and removals. ICE is shattering records for immigration enforcement, setting new high-water marks for arrests, deportations and detention, the agency said in an official statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the first 100 days of the current administration, ICE alone claimed to have made over 65,000 interior arrests, including more than 2,200 people linked to gang activity. An ICE press release hinted that the detainee population could climb even higher in the coming weeks. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have defended the ramp-up, framing it as part of a broader effort to remove criminal illegal aliens and safeguard public safety. But critics are not convinced. According to available data, a substantial share of those detained by ICE have no criminal record. Immigration advocates warn that the mass detention of people without convictions signals a dangerous shift in enforcement priorities. We know that these facilities are overcrowded it means people are sleeping on the floor, they may not be getting enough food, theyre almost certainly not getting adequate medical care, researcher Austin Kocher of Syracuse University told The Guardian. ICEs capacity has also expanded rapidly to accommodate the rising numbers, with the agency reportedly working with military and civilian partners to up its bed count. A DHS spokesperson told CBS News that the agency has worked diligently to obtain greater necessary detention space while avoiding overcrowding as it intensifies its removal efforts. Still, legal and humanitarian advocates argue the pace and scale of arrests risk undermining due process. They stress that detaining large numbers of peoplemany without criminal historiescould strain ICEs infrastructure and raise serious questions about conditions in its facilities. As ICE continues its aggressive enforcement campaign, both its record-high detention levels and the profiles of those being arrested have sparked growing concern. The expansion of capacity and the speed of operations come as critics question whether migrant rights are being sidelined in favour of numerical targets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Belgium is facing severe disruption as trade unions launch a three day strike against the austerity reforms introduced by the government aimed at shrinking the national debt. Belgium is facing disruption and grappling with widespread fear as three major trade unions launched a coordinated strike this week, running from Monday, November 24 through Wednesday, November 26. Aiming to be the most extensive industrial action in years, focused at protesting the Federal Governments proposed austerity measures, including slowing automatic wage indexation and raising statutory retirement age. The disruption led to the closing of schools and blocking the train and air travel. The transport sector has been hit the hardest. Public-sector rail operator SNCB only has about 20 per cent of normal trains running and many international trains either cancelled or rerouted, causing severe delays in cross-border freight and passenger connections. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The protest is scheduled for three days with Trains and other public transport going on strike on Monday following Tuesday in which public services like schools, creches, and hospitals will participate in the strike. No flights are expected on Wednesday at the countrys two major airports, Bruxelles-Zaventem and Charleroi, disrupting air travel domestically and internationally. Taxi and ride-hailing services faced long queues as road blockades were organised and placed by the protesters. The unions have called on Prime Minister Bart De Wevers government to halt what they term social dismantling in the form of pension cuts, increased VAT, and reduced social security support. The government insists that the reforms are necessary to ensure fiscal sustainability and fund increasing military expenditures. Political deadlock within the ruling coalition has so far stalled progress on many proposals, heightening tensions. The strike has reignited debate over Belgiums right to strike laws, with legal experts cautioning about the strikes effect on critical infrastructure like fuel depots and data centres. The three day strike marks a significant confrontation between labour unions and the government, reflecting growing unrest and concerns over economic austerity amid broader European financial pressures. Negotiations continue, with a government coalition deadline set for Christmas to resolve outstanding issues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Deadly floods and landslides have ravaged Vietnam and parts of Thailand, killing at least 91, displacing thousands, wrecking crops and infrastructure. People wade through floodwaters near inundated vehicles in Nha Trang, Vietnam's coastal province of Khanh Hoa on November 20, 2025. The death toll from severe flooding and landslides caused by relentless heavy rains in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, has climbed sharply bringing the toll to 91 and several others missing five others in Thailand with tens of thousands of people displaced as of late November 2025 . Heavy monsoon rain began over a week ago has displaced large parts of central and southern Vietnam, triggering widespread Vietnam landslides and infrastructural damage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Central Vietnam including Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa provinces were hit the hardest. Dak Lak alone reported 63 fatalities, with tens of thousands of homes submerged and over 80,000 hectares of crops were destroyed. The devastation caused by the floods was so severe that it damaged key transport routes, including highways and railways, isolating many communities. Resume aids were provided to the isolated areas. Local residents shared their horrifying experience as they spent nights stranded on rooftops as floodwater engulfed entire neighbourhoods. Weve never experienced that much rain and such bad flooding, the 45-year-old said. Agriculture is majorly hit with millions of livestock drowned or swept away. This threatens the livelihood predominantly in farming regions. Economic damage caused by the disaster is estimated at over $340 million, making it the most costly weather calamities recently in the region. Vietnam is among the worlds most flood-prone countries, with nearly half its population living in high-risk areas. Scientists warn that a warming climate is intensifying storms and rainfall across Southeast Asia, making floods and landslides increasingly destructive and frequent. The Vietnamese government has mobilised tens of thousands of personnel to provide relief and rehabilitation support. Prime Minister Minh Chinh has allocated substantial funds-over $35 million to assist the affected provinces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thailand was already hit with widespread flooding in the north earlier in the year, followed by months of flooding in the central region, which killed more than two dozen people. That flooding also caused widespread damage to farmers fields and crops, and many thousands of homes. Hezbollah top military commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai was killed in an Israeli air strike on Lebanons capital on Sunday, confirmed the group. Tabatabai, chief of staff of the groups armed wing, was among at least five people killed in the attack on an apartment block in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyeh in southern Beirut. Lebanons Health Ministry confirmed that the strike killed five people and injured at least 28 others. In a statement, Hezbollah described Tabatabai as the great commander and said he was killed in a treacherous Israeli attack on the Haret Hreik area in the southern suburbs of Beirut, without specifying his position within the group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tabatabai, born in 1968 in Beirut to a Lebanese mother and an Iranian father, grew up in southern Lebanon and joined Hezbollah at the age of 12. He is the most senior Hezbollah commander to be killed by Israel since the start of a November 2024 ceasefire intended to end over a year of hostilities between the two sides. The Israeli military confirmed it eliminated Tabatabai in the strike, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office earlier said he was the target. Israeli media reported it was the militarys third attempt to kill him since last years war. Senior Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qmati warned that Israels strike crossed a red line and said the groups leadership was considering a response. The strike on the southern suburbs today opens the door to an escalation of assaults all over Lebanon, he said. Lebanons Ministry of Public Health reported that 28 people were wounded in the strike. The countrys official National News Agency (NNA) said two missiles were fired at the apartment building on al-Arid Street in Haret Hreik, causing significant damage to surrounding buildings and vehicles. Escalation fears and international concerns There is growing concern in Lebanon that Israel, which has been acting with impunity, will increase its strikes, Al Jazeera reported. Analysts note Hezbollah faces a difficult choice, as failure to respond could invite further attacks, while retaliation could trigger a larger Israeli bombardment. Ali Rizk, a security affairs analyst, told Al Jazeera that Hezbollah is unlikely to give Netanyahu an excuse to launch an all-out war against Lebanon, which could be politically advantageous for the Israeli leader but very costly for Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the international community to intervene to halt Israeli attacks. In a statement on Sunday, he said Lebanon reiterates its call to the international community to assume its responsibility and intervene firmly and seriously to stop the attacks on Lebanon and its people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pope Leo XIV visit Sundays strike comes days before Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Lebanon amid heightened Israeli aggression in recent weeks. Hezbollah MP Ali Ammar condemned Israel, stating that every attack on Lebanon is a crossing of a red line, and this aggression is inherent in the entity that targets Lebanons dignity, sovereignty, and the security of its citizens. Israel has carried out near-daily strikes on southern Lebanon and has occasionally hit Beirut, which had not been targeted for several months. Earlier this week, at least 13 people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. A drone attack also hit a car in the car park of a mosque in the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp on the outskirts of Sidon, the NNA reported. Israel and the United States have pressured Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. The Lebanese military issued a government-approved plan in September to disarm Hezbollah nationwide by year-end, which the group has refused to comply with. Israel claims Hezbollah is rebuilding its military capabilities in southern Lebanon, a charge denied by the Lebanese government. Malaysia plans to bar users under 16 from social media starting next year, citing concerns over online safety, cyberbullying, and child exploitation. France, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Greece are also jointly testing a template for an age verification app. Malaysia plans to ban social media for users under the age of 16 starting from next year, joining a growing list of countries choosing to limit access to digital platforms due to concerns about child safety. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said on Sunday the government was reviewing mechanisms used to impose age restrictions for social media use in Australia and other nations, citing a need to protect youths from online harms such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and child sexual abuse. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We hope by next year that social media platforms will comply with the governments decision to bar those under the age of 16 from opening user accounts, he told reporters, according to a video of his remarks posted online by local daily The Star. The effects of social media on childrens health and safety have become a growing global concern, with companies including TikTok, Snapchat, Google and Meta Platforms - the operator of Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp - facing lawsuits in the United States for their role in fueling a mental health crisis. In Australia, social media platforms are poised to deactivate accounts registered to users under 16 next month, under a sweeping ban for teenagers that is being closely watched by regulators around the world. France, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Greece are also jointly testing a template for an age verification app. Malaysias neighbour Indonesia said in January it planned to set a minimum age for social media users, but later issued a less stringent regulation requiring tech platforms to filter negative content and impose stronger age verification measures. Malaysia has put social media companies under greater scrutiny in recent years in response to what it claims to be a rise in harmful content, including online gambling and posts related to race, religion and royalty. Platforms and messaging services with more than 8 million users in Malaysia are now required to obtain a license under a new regulation that came into effect in January. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Suicide bombers and gunmen have attacked the Federal Constabularys (FC) headquarters in Pakistans Peshawar. At least three personnel have been killed and nine injured. Pakistani soldiers stand guard as people, who fled the military offensive against militants in North Waziristan, receive food supply from the army in Bannu in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province July 2, 2014. (Photo: Haji Mujtaba/Reuters) Suicide bombers on Monday attacked the Federal Constabularys (FC) headquarters in Pakistans Peshawar city in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The bombing killed at least three FC soldiers and injured 11 others, according to Dawn. A bomber blew himself up on the gate and two others tried to enter the FCs premises but were gunned down by FC personnel, Mian Saeed Ahmad, a Peshawar police officer, told the newspaper. Separately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed said that two of the three attackers were suicide bombers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The attack was carried out at around 8 am local time, according to Dawn. A hospital spokesperson said that the injured included both soldiers and civilians. Nine injured victims from the Saddar blast have been shifted to LRH, Mohammad Asim, the spokesperson for Lady Reading Hospital, told The Express Tribune. The injured are in stable condition and are receiving medical treatmentAll injured are currently out of danger, while an emergency has been declared at LRH, said Asim. IG Hameed said that there had been no specific threat alert regarding the attack on the FC headquarters. He, however, said that timely action allowed security personnel to bring the situation under control quickly. Hameed added that similar attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas southern districts had recently been foiled and a province-wide security review was held last week. Separately, a senior official told Reuters that law enforcement personnel, including the army and police, have cordoned off the area and are carefully handling the situation as we suspect there are some terrorists inside the headquarters. The attack on the FC, a federal paramilitary force, has come at a time when Pakistan has been rocked by an escalating wave of attacks from northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to southwestern Balochistan by groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Earlier in September, an attack blamed on the TTP had killed six soldiers when attackers had struck the FC base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Bannu district. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Xi Jinping on Monday held a phone conversation with President Trump and told him that the two countries should maintain momentum in ties and stressed that Taiwans return to China is an important part of the post-war international order" US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk as they leave after a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, in Busan, South Korea, on October 30, 2025. Reuters File Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump and told him that the two countries should maintain momentum in ties following their meeting last month in South Korea. according to Beijings state news agency Xinhua, Xi also stressed that Taiwans return to China is an important part of the post-war international order. The call comes after the worlds two largest economies reached a trade truce last month that saw Washington lower tariffs on Chinese goods and Beijing remove certain restrictions on the export of rare earths. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Trump said he held a very good phone call with President Xi during which the leaders discussed the war in Ukraine, fentanyl trafficking and a deal for farmers. We have done a good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers and it will only get better. Our relationship with China is extremely strong! he said in a Truth Social post. Trump also said he had accepted Xis invitation to visit China in April and that Xi would visit the US later in the year. China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the self-ruled island under its control. President Trump and President Xi met in October for the first time since 2019, engaging in closely watched talks as the worlds top two economies remain locked in a trade war. The dispute between Washington and Beijing, covering issues from rare earths to soybeans and port fees, has disrupted markets and supply chains for months. On Monday, Xi told Trump that the successful meeting in South Korea helped calibrate the course and inject momentum into the steady forward movement of the giant ship of ChinaUS relations, according to Xinhua. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since the meeting, ChinaUS ties have remained stable and have continued to improve, which has been widely welcomed by both countries and the international community, Xi added. With inputs from agencies Although the government has made no recent public announcements on the issue, the sources said non-Muslim holders of premium residency visas can now purchase alcohol at Riyadhs only licensed liquor store a facility previously restricted to diplomats Diplomats and premium visa-holders in Saudi Arabia have said that the conservative kingdom has quietly relaxed its alcohol restrictions for a limited group of foreign residents, according to AFP. Although the government has made no recent public announcements on the issue, the sources said non-Muslim holders of premium residency visas can now purchase alcohol at Riyadhs only licensed liquor store a facility previously restricted to diplomats. AFP interviewed four individuals who confirmed the change, including two diplomatic sources and two premium-residency holders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I heard about it from friends who tried it. I went there two days ago and it actually worked, AFP quoted one premium visa-holder as saying. It saved me a lot of money rather than buying from the black market. Prices are reasonable and we finally can buy alcohol. Launched in 2019, Saudi Arabias premium residency programme is open to a select group of foreigners who meet various criteria, including a one-time payment of 800,000 riyals ($213,000). The visa lets holders live, work, and invest in the kingdom without needing a local sponsor, a requirement for most other non-nationals. One premium residency-holder told AFP that he visited the store, saw another holder purchase alcohol, and was able to buy bottles himself. It actually worked for me, its so easy, he said. Walking out with 30 bottles An AFP correspondent passed by the gated entrance to the shop on Monday, which was guarded by security, and saw cars going in at frequent intervals. A Western diplomat told AFP that acquaintances of his with premium residency had managed to buy alcohol in the past few days. Expats WhatsApp groups are being flooded with the news, he added. A diplomat told AFP that the (alcohol) store was packed on Saturday, when she saw people walking out with 30 bottles. The apparent loosening of the liquor regulations comes nearly two years after the kingdom opened its first and only liquor store in January 2024 in the capitals diplomatic quarter, catering exclusively to non-Muslim foreign envoys. There was no official announcement at the time, with two sources confirming the reports to AFP at the time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since the rise to power of Saudi Crown Prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom has undergone steady changes in accordance with its plan to diversify the economy and attract tourists and international business. Women are now allowed to drive, foreign tourists are being welcomed and cinemas have reopened. Booze, however, remains a sticking point in the kingdom the birthplace of Islam and home to two of its holiest cities. Alcohol has been banned in Saudi Arabia since 1952, shortly after the son of then-King Abdulaziz got drunk and, in a rage, shot dead a British diplomat. The ban on alcohol is still in place, a measure not uncommon in Muslim countries, where alcohol use is often restricted. With inputs from agencies A US F-16 aerobatic pilot taking to his Instagram penned an emotional tribute to Indian Wing Commander Namansh Syal who passed away during his manoeuvre at the Dubai Airshow. He called the incident unfortunate and shocking as the organisers continued the flying show after the accident. India marked a major presence at the Dubai Air Show 2025 with Tejas fighter jets taking the Dubai skies by storm. In this image, an Indian Air Force Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas performs in Dubai during the second day of the event. AP A US F-16 aerobatic pilot penned an emotional tribute after cancelling his demonstration at the Dubai Airshow days after Indian Wing Commander Namansh Syal passed away during his manoeuvre at the Dubai Airshow in his Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1). Calling it a shocking decision by the organisers to continue the flying display after the fatal accident. The pilot said that his team chose to withdraw from the final show as a mark of tribute and respect to the fallen Indian pilot and his family. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Taking to Instagram, US aerobatic pilot Taylor FEMA Hiester said that it was uncomfortable and received texts from multiple people checking on his team after the full blown tragedy. He reflected on how his team watched the aftermath from a distance while thinking of the Indian maintenance crew standing by an empty parking spot and the pilots belongings left untouched in his car. US aerobatic pilot Taylor FEMA Hiester & his F-16 Viper Demo Team canceled their Dubai Airshow performance out of respect after Indian Wing Commander Namansh Syal who died in Tejas Crash. Shares emotional statement on Insta: pic.twitter.com/7ubudyTXeS Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) November 23, 2025 He later emphasised that the show must go on is common is aviation shows and it should never overshadow respect for those who lose their lives during their duty. Tejas crash at Dubai Airshow The incident occurred during a flying display at the Dubai Air show 2025 when a Tejas fighter jet crashed near Al Maktoum International Airport, taking the life of Wing Commander Namansh Syal. The accident occurred while performing manoeuvre at a low altitude. Last rites The final rites of Namansh Syal were performed on Sunday in accordance with traditional practices in place following the gun-salute, procession, and wreath laying ceremony in his native village Patialkar, in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The tribute post resonated widely among aviation enthusiasts and social media users, who praised the US team gesture as an example of professional solidarity and compassion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After intensive Geneva negotiations, the US and Ukraine draft a refined peace framework while Zelenskyy awaits a full report on next steps US President Donald Trump on Monday said that something good just may be happening regarding efforts to end the war in Ukraine, a day after intensive talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Geneva, Switzerland. Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Dont believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening, Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding, GOD BLESS AMERICA! STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United States and Ukraine continued work in Switzerland on Monday to develop a mutually acceptable pace plan after modifying an earlier proposal that had been seen as too favourable to Moscow. Washington and Kyiv said in a joint statement that they had drafted a refined peace framework after the first day of talks, though they did not provide specifics. After a full day of negotiations in Geneva on Sunday, US officials expressed cautious optimism that progress could be achieved in ending the war. It marks a change in tone since Sunday when the US president said Ukraine had shown zero gratitude for American efforts over the war, prompting Ukrainian officials to emphasise their thanks for his support. 28-point peace plan The United States blindsided Kyiv and European countries last week with a 28-point peace plan, giving Ukraine until Thursday to agree to a framework aimed at ending Europes deadliest war since World War II. After Sundays talks, no public statement clarified how the revised plan would address contentious issues such as guaranteeing Ukraines security against future Russian threats or funding the countrys rebuilding. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said negotiations were ongoing, while the Kremlin confirmed nothing had officially been conveyed to Russia. We all continue working with partners, especially the United States, to look for compromises that will strengthen but not weaken us, Zelenskyy said via video link from a summit of Ukraines allies in Sweden. Zelenskyy emphasised that Russia must pay for the war and that a decision on using frozen Russian assets was crucial. Right now, we are at a critical moment, and we are working with the United States, European partners, and many others to define steps that can end Russias war against us, against Ukraine, and bring real security, President Trump has continued pressuring Ukraine to reach a deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the American delegation in Sundays talks, indicated the Thursday deadline might not be set in stone. Zelenskyy faces heightened domestic pressure after a corruption scandal led to the dismissal of two ministers, raising questions about his ability to secure public support for a deal that could be seen as compromising Ukrainian interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to an Irish Times report, citing sources, the Ukrainian leader could travel to the United States as soon as this week to discuss sensitive aspects of the plan with Trump. The initial 28-point proposal called on Ukraine to cede territory, accept limits on its military, and abandon Nato ambitions Russian demands that Kyiv has long rejected. Zelenskyy awaiting full report on talks Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has confirmed that his delegation is returning from Geneva, Switzerland, where they held talks with US representatives on a proposed plan to end the war in Ukraine. He said he expects a full report on the negotiations later today. Based on these reports, we will determine the next steps and the timing. We will continue coordinating with Europe and other partners around the world. We count on achieving the necessary results, and I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine, Zelensky posted on X. He also spoke by phone with Norways Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, thanking him for advice and support. Norway, as always, is helping, Zelenskyy said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has slammed an American ceasefire proposal as the worst so far in the ongoing civil war in the country. He accused US Africa envoy, Massad Boulos, of parroting paramilitary group RSFs talking points. A video still of fighters from the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the East Nile district of greater Khartoum on April 23, 2003, in the ongoing Sudanese civil war. (Photo: RSF/AFP) Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Sunday slammed a US-led ceasefire proposal as the worst so far. The US-led Quad group has floated a proposal to strike a ceasefire deal between Sudans two warring sides, the Saudi Armed Forces (SAF) led by al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti. Al-Burhan accused Massad Boulos, the US envoy for Africa, for parroting RSFs talking points. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a video statement cited by AFP, al-Burhan said that Quads proposal which was also approved by fellow members Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates was worst yet and unacceptable to his government. ALSO READ Sudan massacre: Satellite images show pools of blood & piles of bodies in city captured by RSF Al-Burhan said the Quad was biased as long as the UAE was a member. He accused Boulos of parroting talking points from UAE, which has been widely accused of arming and supporting the RSF. Quad Country De Facto Alignment Role United States Neutralmediator with ties to SAF and RSF Lead architect of Quad ceasefire initiatives Egypt Aligned with SAF Said to be military protector, regional backer Saudi Arabia Generally said to back SAF Co-leads Jeddah Platform with SAF inclusion UAE Strongly said to support RSF Said to supply arms, finances via gold trade The Sudanese civil war began in 2023 following the collapse of an uneasy power-sharing arrangement between the countrys military led by al-Burhan and the RSF led by Hemedti. The military is believed to have the Egypt and Saudi Arabias backing and the UAE is believed to be the principal supporter of RSF. Quad not innocent: Sudans army chief slams group With the UAE as the member, the Quad was not innocent of responsibility, especially since the entire world has witnessed the UAEs support for rebels against the Sudanese state, according to al-Burhan. Al-Burhan said the Quads proposal eliminates the armed forces, dissolves security agencies, and keeps the militia where they are. If this is where the mediation is going, then we consider it biased, especially Massad Boulos who threatens us and speaks like he wants to impose things on us. We fear he could be an obstacle to the peace all of us Sudanese want, said al-Burhan. While al-Burhan appreciated US President Donald Trump's announcement to intervene in the conflict to bring it to an end, he said that such an effort should come with a positive approach and a proper approach. Al-Burhan said it was a war for survival and the only acceptable peace deal would include a total retreat of the RSF, who would be confined to specific areas. In recent months, the Sudanese military has been on the backfoot as the RSF has defeated the military in the country's west to win control of the entire Darfur region, essentially splitting the country into two western and eastern halves. The RSF has been widely accused of massacres in Darfur since it drove out the military from Darfurs El-Fasher last month. Previously, the United Nations (UN) has described the Sudanese civil war as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Up to 150,000 people have been killed, hundreds of thousands have been injured, and 14 million have been displaced, according to estimates. Around 24 million are considered to be in acute hunger and 600,000 are facing famine, as per estimates. With RSFs massacres, there are fears that Darfur could see another round of genocide. Between 2003 and 2005, the same paramilitaries acting on the orders of Sudans then-dictator Omar al-Bashir waged a genocidal campaign in Darfur killed around 300,000 people from non-Arab Fur, Masalit, and Zaghawa communities. They engaged in mass killings, mass rapes, the destruction of entire villages, and scorched-earth tactics. Barely a month into office, Takaichi is enjoying buoyant approval ratings, with polls showing that nearly seven in ten Japanese voters support her government Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a policy speech at the extraordinary session of parliament's lower house Friday, on October 24, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo: Eugene Hoshiko/AP) Despite rising criticism from China, Japans new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, shows no sign of backing away from her firm and unapologetic position on Taiwan, a stance shaped as much by domestic politics as by the shifting geopolitical landscape in East Asia. What triggered the JapanChina war of words The firestorm began earlier this November when Takaichi, only weeks into the job, outlined how Japan might respond if China attacked Taiwan. Her message to parliament was blunt: such an assault could constitute a situation threatening Japans survival, a trigger that would legally allow a prime minister to deploy the Self-Defence Forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China reacted like a tripwire had been hit. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi condemned her remarks as shocking, accusing Japan of crossing a diplomatic red line. Taiwana self-governed democracy that China claims as its own and has vowed to annex by force if necessaryonce again sits at the heart of a rapidly escalating dispute. More from World Japan's inflation rate rises as Takaichi prepares to announce major stimulus package China has since taken the issue to the United Nations, alleging that Japan is threatening an armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Beijings envoy to the UN, Fu Cong, declared that Takaichis comments amounted to a grave violation of international law, and in a letter to UN secretary general Antonio Guterres warned: If Japan dares to attempt an armed intervention in the cross-Strait situation, it would be an act of aggression. China will resolutely exercise its right of self-defence under the UN Charter and international law and firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Also read | Kill the chicken to scare the monkey: Why China is relentlessly escalating tension against Japan Yet the global uproar barely dents the upbeat political weather back in Japan. Barely a month into office, Takaichi is riding a wave of public support, with polls showing nearly seven in ten voters approving of her governmentmore than double the backing her predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, enjoyed in his final weeks. This strong mandate gives her considerable room to pursue policies aligned with her ideological worldview, including a tougher line on China and open support for Taiwan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Central to this momentum is Takaichis deep connection with Japans conservative bloc. Her political identity has long been defined by nationalist beliefs that resonate strongly with right-leaning voters. Early in her career, she criticised former prime minister Tomiichi Murayamas landmark apology for Japans wartime aggression, a stance that signalled her support for a more assertive national narrative. Her frequent visits to Tokyos contentious Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines Japans war dead including convicted war criminals, further reinforce her image as a leader unafraid of provoking Beijing or Seoul. At the same time, Takaichi is pushing ahead with domestic priorities, including a $135-billion stimulus package aimed at reviving Japans sluggish economy. With solid public approval, a firmly nationalist base, and a sharpened sense of Japans strategic role in the region, Takaichi has little incentiveeither politically or ideologicallyto soften her position on Taiwan. If anything, the current trajectory suggests she is prepared to double down. The peace plan was substantially revised during negotiations on Sunday in Switzerland led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Zelenskyys chief of staff Andriy Yermak and reduced from 28 points to 19, according to a report Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan (not pictured) attend a joint press conference in Ankara, Turkey, on November 19, 2025. Reuters File Ukraine has substantially amended the US-backed peace plan to end the war, stripping out several of Russias most maximalist demands, according to a Guardian report, citing people familiar with the negotiations. According to the report, the peace plan was substantially revised during negotiations on Sunday in Switzerland led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Zelenskyys chief of staff Andriy Yermak and reduced from 28 points to 19. European leaders warned on Monday that no agreement is close, noting that Kyiv and its European partners insist the current front line must serve as the basis for any territorial discussions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They also maintain that territory seized by Russia cannot be recognised and that decisions on joining the EU or Nato must remain Ukraines alone positions Moscow seeks to challenge, added the report. The original US-Russian proposal, drafted last month by Vladimir Putins envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Trumps representative Steve Witkoff, called on Ukraine to withdraw from key cities in the eastern Donbas, cap the size of its military, and drop its Nato ambitions. Meanwhile, the report said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could meet US President Donald Trump at the White House later this week, amid intensified contacts between Kyiv and Washington. Ukraine is also pressing for Europe to be brought formally into the talks. Rubio described Sundays talks as very very positive. Trump, who days earlier accused Ukraines leadership of showing zero gratitude, echoed the upbeat tone in a post on Truth Social on Monday. Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Dont believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA! he wrote. Zelenskyy briefed on new peace plan Ukraines delegation on Monday briefed President Zelenskyy after returning from Geneva, telling him the latest version of the peace plan was more realistic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Separately, Zelenskyy spoke with US Vice-President JD Vance and urged him to involve European countries in the process a proposal Vance reportedly supported, reported The Guardian. In the strongest indication yet that the original 28-point plan widely viewed as favourable to Moscow still fails to meet several of Russias key demands, President Vladimir Putins top foreign policy aide said Monday that Moscow would seek to rework parts of it. We were given some sort of draft which will require further reworking, The Guardian quoted Yuri Ushakov as saying, adding that many provisions of the plan appeared acceptable to Russia, but others would require the most detailed discussions and review between the parties. Underscoring the Kremlins hardline stance, Ushakov said Moscow would reject a European counter-proposal from the weekend, which, according to a copy seen by Reuters, changes the meaning and significance of key points concerning Nato membership and territory. The European plan, at first glance is completely unconstructive and does not work for us, he said. The UK and EU were caught off guard last week when the original peace plan was leaked to US media. US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll a close friend and former university classmate of Vice-President JD Vance was dispatched to Kyiv with a military delegation to brief President Zelenskyy on its contents. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since then, European governments have pushed to revise the document, which appears to have been originally drafted in Russian. EU leaders attending an EUAfrica summit in Angola welcomed signs of movement but stressed that substantial work still lies ahead, insisting Europe must be fully involved and that Russia must be present for any meaningful progress in the talks. With inputs from agencies The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) reversed course after several countries, including India, the US, Japan and Brazil, argued that the proposal was premature and noted there was no evidence of illegal wildlife imports into India Situated within the Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, India, Vantara spans 3,000 acres and serves as a sanctuary for abused, injured, and endangered animals. Image Courtesy: News 18 A UN wildlife trade body has withdrawn its earlier recommendation to restrict India from importing endangered wild animals a move that had drawn scrutiny to Anant Ambanis Vantara project, according to a Reuters report. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) reversed course after several countries, including India, the US, Japan and Brazil, argued that the proposal was premature and noted there was no evidence of illegal wildlife imports into India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the 20th meeting of the conference of the parties to CITES on Sunday, the Standing Committee and an overwhelming majority of member nations delivered a decisive endorsement of Indias position, confirming that there exists no evidence or grounds to pursue any measures against the country with respect to animal imports, added the report. This outcome serves as a powerful validation of Vantaras lawful, transparent, and science-driven model of wildlife care, reaffirming its compliance with global norms and its standing as one of the worlds most ethically governed and professionally run centres of wildlife conservation. The CITES Secretariat the UN-affiliated body that monitors global wildlife trade compliance conducted a two-day assessment of Anant Ambanis Vantara facility in September 2025, examining its enclosures, veterinary systems, record-keeping, rescue operations and overall welfare protocols. In its report submitted to the Standing Committee on 30 September 2025, the Secretariat described Vantara as a world-class, welfare-focused institution equipped with modern infrastructure, advanced veterinary care and strong rescue and rehabilitation mechanisms. It concluded that Vantaras work is rooted in conservation and animal welfare, and confirmed that the centre does not participate in commercial trade. The assessment also noted Vantaras transparency, cooperation and alignment with CITES procedures. During Sundays Standing Committee discussions, a large majority of member states backed Indias position, effectively reaffirming Vantaras credibility and purpose. Delegates said the outcome helps correct misleading claims that had circulated in parts of the public and advocacy sphere, and reinforces what official evidence has consistently shown: that Vantara operates on the right side of conservation, compliance and care, reported Reuters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The broad support from parties was seen as a strong endorsement not only of Indias CITES implementation but also of Vantaras adherence to those standards from the outset. For many, the decision stands as a clear affirmation of the facilitys values and its contribution to global conservation efforts. The international findings echo the conclusions of a Special Investigation Team appointed by the Supreme Court of India, which examined all allegations related to Vantara including legal, financial, welfare and CITES-related claims. After extensive document reviews, consultations with national and international agencies and on-site inspections in Jamnagar, the SIT found that all complaints and media reports were unfounded, baseless and devoid of any factual or legal foundation. The inquiry confirmed that all animals were imported legally for non-commercial purposes with valid permits; that no wildlife smuggling, money laundering or financial irregularities had taken place; and that invoicing references were routine customs documentation for valuation. It further noted that Vantara not only complies fully with Central Zoo Authority norms but exceeds them, holds Global Humane Certification and functions as a bona fide rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre rather than a private collection. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Taken together, national and international assessments point to a single, unequivocal conclusion: Vantara has operated lawfully, transparently and in accordance with the highest scientific and ethical standards. About Vantara Vantara is an ambitious wildlife preservation project founded by Anant Ambani and supported by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation. Situated within the Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, India, Vantara spans 3,000 acres and serves as a sanctuary for abused, injured, and endangered animals. Vantara is a comprehensive rehabilitation center dedicated to providing a natural and nurturing environment for its inhabitants. The Vantara initiative, the first of its kind in India, has been conceptualised and birthed under the leadership of Anant Ambani, Director on the boards of RIL and Reliance Foundation. Vantara is focused on creating best-in-class animal conservation and care practices including state-of-the-art healthcare, hospitals, research and academic centres. Within its programmes, Vantara also focuses on integrating advanced research and collaboration with reputed international universities and organisations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). Over the last few years, the programme has rescued more than 200 elephants, and thousands of other animals, reptiles and birds from unsafe situations. It has undertaken initiatives in key species including rhino, leopard and crocodile rehabilitation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies US and Ukrainian officials have drafted a new peace framework to protect Ukraines sovereignty and promote a lasting peace. The Ukrainian delegation thanked the US and President Trump for their efforts to end the war and save lives. US and Ukrainian officials, on Sunday, outlined a new peace framework a 28-point draft plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia while fully safeguarding Ukraines sovereignty. The framework follows intensive discussions in Geneva on the US-proposed peace plan, which both sides described as constructive, focused, and respectful. The talks marked meaningful progress in aligning positions and identifying next steps. Both parties emphasised that any future agreement must ensure a sustainable and just peace. Following the consultations, the US and Ukraine drafted a refined framework, signalling a shared commitment to ending the war and reducing further loss of life. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Ukrainian delegation expressed appreciation for the continued support of the United States and President Donald Trump for his efforts to achieve a resolution. Officials confirmed that work on joint proposals will continue in the coming days, with close coordination with European partners. Final decisions under the framework will rest with the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States. Both sides reiterated their dedication to achieving a peace that guarantees Ukraines security, stability, and reconstruction. Trump addresses criticism over peace plan US President Donald Trump, responding to criticism from Kyiv regarding his peace proposal, blamed the RussiaUkraine conflict on weak leadership in Washington and Kyiv. He argued that the war would have NEVER HAPPENED under stronger US and Ukrainian leadership, noting that it began before his second term, during the Biden administration, and had worsened since. The United States has formally designated Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organisation, according to a notice posted on the US Treasury Department website on Monday Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks on the day he signs into law a national defence framework approved by Venezuela's National Assembly, ordering the immediate activation of "integral defence commands" to unify civilian and military forces, according to state television, in Caracas, Venezuela, on November 11, 2025. Reuters File The United States has formally designated Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organisation, according to a notice posted on the US Treasury Department website on Monday. The designation marks the latest step in the Trump administrations escalating campaign against drug trafficking into the United States. About a week earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the Cartel de los Soles or Cartel of the Suns of being responsible for terrorist violence in the Western Hemisphere. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The decision comes as Trump weighs possible military action against Venezuela, a step he has not ruled out even while raising the prospect of talks with President Nicolas Maduro. Any land strikes or expanded operations would significantly widen the months-long campaign, which has included a major US military buildup in the Caribbean and strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking that have killed more than 80 people. The term Cartel de los Soles emerged in the 1990s to describe senior Venezuelan military officers enriched through drug trafficking. As corruption spread under the late Hugo Chavez and later Maduro, the label broadened to include police, government officials, and activities such as illegal mining and fuel smuggling. The suns refer to the insignia worn by top military officers. In 2020, the US Justice Department elevated the label to a Maduro-led drug-trafficking organisation when it indicted the Venezuelan leader and his inner circle on narco-terrorism and related charges. Until this year, the foreign terrorist organization designation was reserved for groups such as the Islamic State or al-Qaida. The Trump administration applied it in February to eight Latin American criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and migrant smuggling. The administration says these designated groups operate the boats targeted in U.S. strikes, though it rarely identifies the organizations and has provided no evidence. Officials say the expanded operation now stretching from the Venezuelan coast into the eastern Pacific is aimed at stopping narcotics from reaching American cities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Critics, including Maduro, argue the military actions are intended to end the ruling partys 26-year grip on power. The arrival of US forces in the Caribbean has reignited the US-backed Venezuelan oppositions calls to remove Maduro, adding to speculation about the motive behind what Washington calls a counterdrug mission. Trump, like his predecessor, does not recognise Maduro as Venezuelas president. Maduro is in his third term after loyalists declared him the winner of last years disputed election, despite evidence the opposition candidate won by a wide margin. His government has been repeatedly accused of human rights abuses, including after the July 2024 vote. Ridiculous fabrication Earlier on Monday, Maduros government denied the existence of the cartel, calling the US accusation a ridiculous fabrication meant to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela. Venezuela categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous fabrication by the Secretary of the US Department of State Marco Rubio, which designates the non-existent Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organisation, Venezuelan foreign minister Yvan Gil posted on Telegram. He said the move revives an infamous and vile lie to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela, under the classic US regime-change format, adding that previous aggressions had failed and that the new manoeuvre would meet the same fate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The United States is preparing a new phase of Venezuela-focused operations, including potential covert actions, as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Nicolas Maduros government, sources said Reports of imminent action have intensified as US forces build up in the Caribbean amid rapidly deteriorating relations with Venezuela. (Photo: Reuters/AFP) The United States is preparing to enter a new phase of Venezuela-related operations in the coming days, four US officials told Reuters, as the administration of United States President Donald Trump steps up pressure on the government of President Nicolas Maduro. The exact timing or scope of the planned moves, and whether Trump has given final authorisation, have not been disclosed. Reports of impending action have grown as United States forces have been deployed to the Caribbean amid worsening relations with Venezuela. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Two of the officials said covert operations would likely form the opening stage of Washingtons next steps. All four officials spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the looming actions. The Pentagon referred questions to the White House, and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) declined to comment. A senior administration official on Saturday did not exclude any options, stating anonymously that President Trump was prepared to use every element of American power to stop illegal drugs entering the country and to pursue those responsible. The Trump administration has been examining options it links to what it portrays as Maduros role in supplying illegal drugs that have killed Americans, an allegation he denies. Two United States officials said these options included attempting to overthrow Maduro. In power since 2013, Maduro has argued that Trump aims to remove him and insists Venezuelan citizens and the military would resist. He appeared on Saturday night at a theatre in Caracas for the premiere of a television series based on his life, a day before marking his 63rd birthday. Military build-up and looming terrorist designation A military build-up in the Caribbean has been under way for months, and Trump has authorised covert CIA operations in Venezuela. On Friday, the United States Federal Aviation Administration warned major airlines of a potentially hazardous situation when flying over Venezuela, urging caution. Three international airlines cancelled flights departing Venezuela on Saturday following the warning. United States officials said Washington plans on Monday to designate the Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organisation for its alleged role in importing illegal drugs into the United States. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading the group, which he denies. United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week that the designation brings a whole bunch of new options to the United States. Trump has said it would allow Washington to strike Maduros assets and infrastructure in Venezuela, while also indicating openness to possible talks in pursuit of a diplomatic solution. Two United States officials acknowledged that communications between Caracas and Washington had taken place, though it remained unclear whether these could influence the timing or scale of the planned operations. The Gerald R. Ford, the United States Navys largest aircraft carrier, arrived in the Caribbean on 16 November with its strike group, joining at least seven other warships, a nuclear submarine and F-35 aircraft. United States forces in the region have so far concentrated on counter-narcotics operations, despite the assembled firepower exceeding what such missions typically require. Since September, United States troops have conducted at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing at least 83 people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Human rights groups have condemned these strikes as illegal extrajudicial killings of civilians, and some United States allies have raised concerns that Washington may be violating international law. In August, Washington doubled its reward to 50 million dollars for information leading to Maduros arrest. The United States military far outweighs Venezuelas, whose capabilities have been weakened by poor training, low wages and deteriorating equipment. Some commanders have had to negotiate with local food producers to supply their troops due to shortfalls in government provisions, Reuters has previously reported. These conditions have prompted Maduros government to consider alternative approaches in the event of a United States invasion. This includes a guerrilla-style strategy described as prolonged resistance and referenced in state television broadcasts. Reuters has reported that this plan would rely on small military units positioned at more than 280 locations carrying out sabotage and other guerrilla tactics, according to sources and older planning documents. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A devastating wildfire has scorched parts of Irans Unesco-listed Hyrcanian Forests, as the drought-hit nation battles one of its worst environmental crises in decades. A wildfire burning for more than a week in drought-stricken Iran has destroyed parts of the ancient Hyrcanian Forests, a Unesco World Heritage Site that shelters many endangered species. On Sunday, Turkey deployed aircraft at Irans request to assist in fighting the blaze in one of the worlds oldest forests, according to Iranian state media. Local authorities said they had contained most of the fire, which they have been tackling in the countrys north. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iran has been facing an escalating series of environmental, political and economic challenges this year. The country is enduring its worst drought in more than 60 years, leaving water supplies in Tehran and Mashhad nearly exhausted. The government is also recovering from a 12-day war in June, during which strikes by Israel and the United States damaged nuclear and military facilities. Its economic crisis has deepened after the failure to reach a new agreement on limiting its nuclear programme led to the reinstatement of United Nations economic sanctions. The wildfire swept through part of the forest in Mazandaran Province, and a local natural resources protection unit told state media on Sunday that firefighters had contained 80 per cent of the blaze. Officials believe the fire was man-made and spread quickly across the drought-stricken region. The Hyrcanian Forests stretch across mountains and coastline along the Caspian Sea between Azerbaijan and Iran, with origins dating back 25 to 50 million years, according to UNESCO. The woodlands provide vital habitat for numerous birds and mammals, including the endangered Persian leopard, and contain rare tree species that are hundreds of years old. Mojtaba Sadegh, a climate and wildfire expert at Boise State University, said the Hyrcanian Forests are among the oldest and most biodiverse ecosystems globally. A fire of this scale in late autumn, he noted, signals the increasing vulnerability of the forests to intense fire activity even beyond the hottest months. Climate pressures heighten public anger Iranians are growing increasingly anxious about the accelerating impact of climate change. Climate experts say Iran is warming faster than the global average, with temperatures repeatedly reaching 122 degrees Fahrenheit this summer. Poor water and agricultural management have compounded the effects of climate change, according to policy experts. Water shortages have become so severe that supplies in the capital have been rationed for weeks, and officials have asked the public to pray for rain. As firefighters worked to contain the Hyrcanian blaze, another fire broke out in forestland near the city of Jolfa in northwestern Iran, state media reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Satellite imagery from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration indicates that nearly 1,500 acres of the Hyrcanian Forests have burnt, prompting uproar among Iranians who criticised what they viewed as a slow government response to protecting a national heritage site. We cannot let government negligence and indifference destroy any more of Irans national heritage, Iranian activist and Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi wrote on X. She called on the United Nations and other international agencies to support local environmental activists fighting the blaze. Ukraine expresses gratitude to the United States and President Trump as Geneva talks progress despite earlier criticism. President Volodymyr Zelensky took to X and said, Ukraine is grateful to the United States. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Hours after US President Donald Trump criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian leader moved quickly to acknowledge the US on Sunday. Trump had earlier accused Kyiv on Truth Social of showing ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS over his plan to end the nearly four-year conflict with Russia, which incorporated some of Moscows demands. A few hours later, Zelensky took to X and responded, saying, Ukraine is grateful to the United States, to every American heart, and personally to President Trump for the assistance that - starting with the Javelins - has been saving Ukrainian lives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New peace framework unveiled during Geneva talks US and Ukrainian officials on Sunday outlined a new 28-point draft peace plan aimed at ending the conflict with Russia while fully safeguarding Ukraines sovereignty. The framework comes after intensive discussions in Geneva on the US-proposed plan, which both sides described as constructive, focused, and respectful. The current version of the document, although still in the final stages of approval, already reflects most of Ukraines key priorities, said Rustem Umerov, negotiator and secretary of Ukraines security council. The initial US blueprint had included some of Moscows hardline demands, requiring Ukraine to cede territory, reduce its army, and pledge never to join Nato. It also offered vague security guarantees and proposed the use of frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine. Trump has set a deadline of November 27, coinciding with US Thanksgiving, for Ukraine to approve the plan, while signalling potential flexibility. Since the start of his second term, Trumps stance on the Ukraine war has fluctuated dramatically, from promising to end the war in 24 hours to admiring Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticising Zelensky, then imposing major sanctions on Moscow while hinting at Ukraine reclaiming its territory. Elista has introduced its new Xplore Google TV Smart TV series in India, bringing three 4K models with bezel-less displays, Dolby Audio, HDR10 support, and the latest Google TV interface. The lineup includes the TDU85GA (215 cm), TDU75GA (189 cm), and TDU65GA (165 cm) variants, all designed around a common set of hardware and software features. Elista TDU85GA 215 cm (85) 4K Google TV The TDU85GA features a 215 cm (85-inch) 4K bezel-less display with HDR10 and Dolby Audio. It includes 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, built-in Chromecast, three HDMI ports, Dual Band Wi-Fi, and hands-free Hey Google support. Users can access Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and other OTT apps directly through the Google TV interface. Elista TDU75GA 189 cm (75) 4K Google TV The TDU75GA carries the same design approach with a 189 cm (75-inch) 4K panel. It matches the 85-inch variant in specifications, offering HDR10, Dolby Audio, Google TV software, built-in Chromecast, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, three HDMI ports, and Dual Band Wi-Fi. It serves as a large-screen option with the same feature set as the flagship model. Elista TDU65GA 165 cm (65) 4K Google TV The TDU65GA completes the Xplore lineup with a 165 cm (65-inch) 4K display. It has the same configuration as the other two models, including HDR10, Dolby Audio, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, built-in Chromecast, Dual Band Wi-Fi, and three HDMI ports. All three models run on the Google TV platform with unified search, personalized recommendations, multi-user profiles, and smartphone integration. Quick Specs: Xplore Google TV Smart TV series Display & Design: 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, bezel-less design; Screen sizes: 215 cm (85), 189 cm (75), 165 cm (65) Audio: Dolby Audio Performance: 2 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage Operating System & Interface: Google TV, unified search, personalized recommendations, multi-user profiles Connectivity: Built-in Chromecast, 3 HDMI ports, Dual Band WiFi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) Voice Control: Hands-free Hey Google Other Features: Smartphone integration (casting and control) Pricing and Availability Elista TDU85GA (85): Rs. 1,84,500 Elista TDU75GA (75): Rs. 1,38,500 Elista TDU65GA (65): Rs. 73,990 Available across India through major retail partners starting today. Speaking on the launch, Pawan Kumar, CEO, Elista, said: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a public advisory encouraging citizens to report unsolicited commercial communications (UCC), commonly known as spam calls and SMS, directly through the official TRAI DND App. The authority highlighted that merely blocking numbers on personal devices is an ineffective measure, as it fails to address the issue at its source. Impact of Collective Reporting TRAIs recent actions underscore the significant impact of collective user participation. Over the past year, acting upon citizen complaints facilitated through the reporting mechanism, TRAI has initiated the disconnection and blacklisting of over 21 lakh mobile numbers and approximately one lakh entities found to be involved in sending spam and fraudulent messages. This large-scale enforcement demonstrates that active reporting by users is crucial in the nationwide effort to curb the misuse of telecom resources. The key difference highlighted by TRAI is the process initiated by reporting via the official app. When a user reports a spam call or SMS through the TRAI DND App, it enables TRAI and the associated telecom service providers to trace, verify, and permanently disconnect the offending mobile numbers. Conversely, blocking a number solely on a personal device only hides the communication on that specific phone and does not prevent the same or new offenders from contacting other citizens. Public Advisory and Best Practices In its advisory, TRAI provided a clear set of guidelines for citizens: Download and Utilize the Official App: Citizens are advised to download the TRAI DND App from official application stores. Citizens are advised to download the TRAI DND App from official application stores. Report, Dont Just Block: Use the TRAI DND App to report spam SMS and calls instead of only blocking the numbers on the phone. This action directly aids in the identification and disconnection of offenders Use the TRAI DND App to report spam SMS and calls instead of only blocking the numbers on the phone. This action directly aids in the identification and disconnection of offenders Protect Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal or banking details in response to unsolicited calls, messages, or on social media platforms. Avoid sharing personal or banking details in response to unsolicited calls, messages, or on social media platforms. Immediate Disconnection: Citizens should disconnect immediately if they receive calls that are threatening or suspicious in nature. Citizens should disconnect immediately if they receive calls that are threatening or suspicious in nature. Report Cyber Fraud: Report confirmed cyber frauds to the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 or via the official portal, www.cybercrime.gov.in. Report confirmed cyber frauds to the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 or via the official portal, www.cybercrime.gov.in. Utilize Chakshu Feature: Attempted fraud involving the misuse of telecom resources should be reported using the Chakshu feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal. Commitment to a Secure Telecom Environment The Authority reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and trustworthy telecom environment for all citizens. TRAI noted that ongoing enforcement actions, coupled with technology-driven monitoring and active public participation through the TRAI DND App, are essential pillars in the strategy to stop spam at its source. TRAI concluded by urging all citizens, particularly senior citizens, women users, and those who are digitally new or less-experienced, to remain vigilant, share this advisory widely, and promptly report any suspicious communication they encounter. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. Sun Sunday 51 /30 Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 30s. Seventeen individuals sentenced to death in Yemen over spying for US, Israel, Saudi Arabia Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 7:00 AM Seventeen individuals have been sentenced to death in Yemen over spying for the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, and the Israeli regime. In two separate cases, Yemen's Specialized Criminal Court in the capital Sana'a ordered on Saturday the execution of the spies by firing squad in a public place. The convicts were found guilty of "colluding with" hostile foreign regimes, namely Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the US, and spying for their interests during the 2024-2025 period. They were also charged with "incitement and aiding with the recruitment of a number of citizens, planting surveillance cameras, ... which led to the targeting of several military, security and civilian sites resulting in the death of dozens and widespread destruction of infrastructure" in Yemen. They had provided the enemies with information about Yemeni officials, as well as missiles, their launch sites, and storage locations, according to the rulings. Agents from Israel's Mossad spy agency had given the spies encrypted communication devices and location-tracking applications, and trained them to use hidden cameras. Additionally, the Yemeni court sentenced a man and a woman to 10 years in prison each over similar charges, and acquitted another person. Earlier this month, Yemen's Interior Ministry announced the dismantling of a spy network operated jointly by Mossad, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Saudi Arabia's General Intelligence Presidency. It revealed in a statement that the spy network's joint operations room was located in Saudi Arabia, from where it orchestrated sabotage and espionage activities against Yemen. The spies were trained on Saudi soil in intelligence gathering, report writing, and concealment methods by US, Israeli, and Saudi officers, it added. Chairman of Yemen's Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat, said the espionage ring mainly sought to end the nation's support for Palestine and its just cause. The Yemeni Armed Forces began a pro-Palestine campaign, attacking Israeli-linked ships as well as striking targets in the occupied territories in November 2023, a month after the usurping regime unleashed a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Israel and the US have carried out rounds of deadly aerial assaults across Yemen in flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cairo film festival president hails Chinese participation, Egypt-China film cooperation Xinhua) 10:13, November 24, 2025 President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and famous Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 20, 2025. Hussein Fahmy praised China's notable presence at the recently concluded 46th edition of the festival, describing Chinese films as important, longstanding, and highly regarded by Egyptian filmmakers.(Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) CAIRO, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and famous Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy praised China's notable presence at the recently concluded 46th edition of the festival, describing Chinese films as important, longstanding, and highly regarded by Egyptian filmmakers. "Chinese participation grows each year. This year, we have a Chinese jury member and several Chinese films in the festival. This is very important to us," Fahmy said in a recent interview with Xinhua. At this year's CIFF, the Chinese film The Botanist, directed by Jing Yi, won the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema Award for Best Asian Feature Film, and the International Critics' Week Special Mention Award. In addition, renowned Chinese director Guan Hu received the festival's Lifetime Achievement Golden Pyramid Award during Friday's closing ceremony. In addition to The Botanist, this year's CIFF also featured other Chinese works. The China Global Television Network documentary Cherished Land was screened in the International Panorama section, and Guan Hu served on the festival's International Competition's Jury before receiving CIFF's highest honorary award. "Chinese film is very important, and we in Egypt have been interested in it for many years," Fahmy said, highlighting the growing cooperation in the film industry between Egypt and China in recent years. Last year, the CIFF signed a cooperation agreement with China Media Group, and this year Fahmy strengthened ties between CIFF and the Golden Panda Awards during his visit to Chengdu in southwest China. "Chinese technology has helped us a great deal. At the cinematic restoration center in the Egyptian Media Production City, many of our Chinese friends work with us on restoration, and we use a lot of Chinese equipment that helps us deliver the best we can for Egyptian cinema," he noted. Fahmy said that the CIFF is committed to presenting Egyptian audiences with diverse international films. "Different cultures matter to us, especially Chinese culture, which is ancient, deeply rooted, and rich in traditions. It is important for Egyptian audiences to see these cultures," he said. Praising China's rapid progress, Fahmy said that "Chinese cinema is advancing without a doubt. China is a very advanced country with remarkable capabilities, and its cinema is expanding and will gain an even greater position worldwide." Founded in 1976, the CIFF is the Arab world's oldest internationally accredited film festival and one of the most prestigious film events in Africa and the Middle East. The 46th edition, which ran from Nov. 12 to 21 at the Cairo Opera House, featured around 150 films from around the world. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly Condemns the Escalating Crimes and Terrorism of Settlers in the Occupied West Bank Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 22-11-2025 The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the dangerous escalation of crimes and terrorism perpetrated by extremist settlers in the occupied West Bank, including East Al-Quds, targeting Palestinian citizens, their property, their land, and holy sites. The General Secretariat affirmed that these attacks, incitement, and organized terrorism carried out by extremist settler militias are perpetrated under the protection and encouragement of the Israeli occupation forces, in flagrant violation of international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice. The OIC General Secretariat further emphasized that this escalating terrorism is an extension of the settlement, annexation, forced displacement, ethnic cleansing, and genocide schemes being perpetrated by the Israeli occupation throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, with the aim of undermining any opportunity for achieving a two-state solution. The General Secretariat of the Organization reiterated its call to the international community, and especially the UN Security Council, to assume its responsibilities and take the necessary measures to stop these attacks and terrorist crimes, provide international protection for the Palestinian people, and hold the perpetrators of these crimes accountable under international criminal law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli strike hits Beirut's southern suburbs, one reported killed IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 23, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Israel has carried out an air strike on Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanese media said, in the latest cross-border attack despite a ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Lebanon. Al-Akhbar newspaper reported on Sunday that the strike hit the Dahiyeh district, a stronghold of Hezbollah, marking a new escalation in Israel's recent aerial operations. Lebanese sources said one person was killed and three others were wounded in the strike. Israel's Army Radio claimed the attack targeted Abu Ali Tabatabai, described as the number-two figure in Hezbollah. The group has not confirmed whether he was killed. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah condemns Israeli assassination of Lebanese municipal council member IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 23, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has strongly condemned the assassination of Hussein Yassin Hussein, a member of the Houla municipal council, during an Israeli raid in Wadi Nahla, situated between Shaqra and Majdal Selm. In a statement on Sunday, Hezbollah emphasized, "the assassination carried out on November 22, 2025, coinciding with Lebanon's Independence Day, clearly demonstrates that the Zionist enemy is deliberately sending a hostile and direct message to the Lebanese government and its domestic institutions. This is being done by systematically targeting municipal workers, particularly in southern Lebanon, to undermine the role of municipalities and diminish their capabilities." Hezbollah also noted, "The recurrence of these assassinations for the fourth time in a short period is clear evidence of a systematic policy adopted by the Zionist regime to target employees of civilian institutions. This amounts to a clear violation of international law and existing agreements, necessitating a firm response from the Lebanese government along with direct measures to deter and prevent the continuation of these attacks." "Despite the repeated assassinations, international institutions have not taken any tangible action. This raises serious questions about the commitment of the international community to support civilians and local institution employees," the group added. Hezbollah stressed that targeting civilian employees is a red line and that attempts to intimidate municipal workers will only strengthen their resolve to perform public duties, adding that they will not allow the enemy to normalize these aggressions or turn them into an accepted policy. 3266**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas dismisses allegations of ceding truce deal, says Israel fabricates pretexts to continue war IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 23, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Hamas, the Palestinian resistance movement that governs Gaza, has rejected claims that it backed out of a ceasefire deal with Israel, saying the regime is inventing pretexts to undermine the agreement. Speaking with Al Jazeera late on Saturday, senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzook said the movement only seeks to ensure the successful implementation of the deal and to halt the genocidal war against the Palestinian people. He added that all Israeli reports suggesting Hamas has resumed hostilities are "sheer lies." Similar remarks were echoed by Izzat al-Risheq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, after Israel killed 24 Palestinians in attacks across Gaza on Saturday, claiming the strikes followed an assault by a Hamas fighter on Israeli soldiers. "Israel is fabricating pretexts to evade the agreement and return to the war of annihilation, while it is the party violating the agreement daily and systematically," al-Risheq told Quds News Network, as reported by Al Jazeera. The ceasefire deal, announced on October 10, required Israel to halt attacks and lift restrictions on aid entering Gaza in exchange for the return of its captives, dead or alive. However, the regime has continued to restrict aid and has launched attacks on an almost daily basis. According to the Gaza Government Media Office, Israel has violated the ceasefire at least 497 times, resulting in the deaths of some 342 Palestinians, Al Jazeera reported. 4194**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address League's General Secretariat participates in Donors Group for Palestine meeting at the Ministerial Level League of Arab States Date: 23/11/2025 At the behest of His Excellency the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the League of Arab States participated in the meetings of the Donors Group for Palestine, held in Brussels, Belgium, at both the senior officials and ministerial levels. The League's delegation was headed by His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Faed Mustafa, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector. The delegation also included His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Jawad Kazem Hindawi, head of the League's Mission in Brussels, and Ms. Sharifa Shoudar, First Secretary at the Mission. Representatives from more than 60 countries and international organisations took part in the meetings, convened at the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels. Participants included the Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, Dr. Mohamed Mustafa, and the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Stephan Salameh, along with the foreign ministers of several European states. In his address on behalf of the General Secretariat, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Faed Mustafa reaffirmed the League's unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause. He conveyed the greetings of His Excellency the Secretary-General, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, affirming that supporting the Palestinian people at present is simultaneously a principled, moral, and political imperative. He underscored the need for the conference to send a clear message that the international community will not stand idle in the face of measures aimed at suffocating the Palestinian economy and depriving the government of its legitimate resources. He stressed that providing urgent support to Palestine under the current circumstances is not only a humanitarian responsibility, but also an investment in regional stability and in broadening the prospects for peaceprospects that cannot be realised so long as oppressive measures and political and economic pressures persist. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address General Secretariat convenes 34th joint meeting between UNRWA education officials and Council for Education of Palestinian Children, 92nd Session League of Arab States Date: 23/11/2025 The 34th joint meeting between UNRWA education officials and the 92nd Session of the UNRWA Council for the Education of Palestinian Children opened on 23 November at the headquarters of the UNRWA General Secretariat. Participating in the meeting are delegations from the host Arab countriesthe Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Palestine, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Lebanese Republicas well as representatives of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), the Association of Arab Universities, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and UNRWA education officials. The meeting will review reports submitted by UNRWA's Education Department and by the Directors of Education in the Agency's five fields of operation, including the challenges they face. It will also discuss avenues for cooperation, coordination, and support for advancing UNRWA's educational process. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President: We bow to the soldiers of the Independence Struggles and to those who continue their work today President of the Republic of Lithuania November 23, 2025 On Sunday, President Gitanas Nauseda took part in a ceremonial formation in Cathedral Square to mark the Day of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Addressing the participants of the celebration, the President noted that Lithuanian Armed Forces Day unites two different eras. "We proudly remember the Independence Struggles, during which our state grew, matured and was tempered. We bow to those who bravely stood to defend our freedom in 1918, as well as to those who today continue the work begun by their predecessors," the President said. The President noted that, just like in those turbulent times long past, Lithuania again feels a growing threat in its neighborhood. "We see how lies, hatred and violence once again seek to undermine the world order, and we stand in the path of this wave. Today, as 107 years ago, we must act swiftly and precisely, strengthen national defense, and prepare for any challenges," the President said. He emphasized that today our state is much stronger and more resilient, and the Lithuanian Armed Forces are modern, well-prepared and integrated into NATO structures. "Most importantly, even in these turbulent times, the bond between the Lithuanian people and their Armed Forces remains unbroken. Society sees the efforts of the army, trusts it and supports investment in national defense. There is a growing understanding that the defense of the country must be total and involve every citizen," the President said. The President thanked the people of Lithuania for their support of the Armed Forces and wished the soldiers to uphold the trust of the nation with determination and professionalism, and to stand firm in the defense of freedom. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Strongly Condemns Israeli Attacks in Gaza Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the attacks by Israeli occupying forces across Gaza, which have reportedly resulted in the deaths of several Palestinian civilians, including women and children, and have left many more wounded. Such actions constitute a blatant violation of international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the recently concluded peace agreement at Sharm el-Sheikh. These attacks also undermine international efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. The Government of Pakistan reiterates its call upon the international community to take immediate steps to end Israeli impunity and ceasefire violations, and to uphold international human rights and humanitarian law. Pakistan reaffirms its principled position in favor of the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. 23 November 2025 Islamabad 346/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH, Japan navies deepen security ties in Tokyo meet Philippine News Agency By Darryl John Esguerra November 23, 2025, 12:18 pm MANILA -- The Philippine Fleet is tightening its naval embrace with Japan as both countries accelerate security cooperation amid Beijing's growing assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea and wider Indo-Pacific. Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Orbe, commander of the Philippine Fleet, led a delegation to Japan this week for a string of high-level engagements with the Japan Self-Defense Fleet (JSDF) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) a visit that comes as Manila scrambles to broaden its strategic partnerships. On Nov. 20, Orbe met JSDF Commander Vice Adm. Katsushi Omachi in Yokosuka where both sides acknowledged the "growing frequency" of joint activities, from maritime patrols to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) drills, a trajectory supercharged by the newly signed Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). The pact will allow faster interoperability through shared exercises, logistics and troop access. The delegation also toured JS Kumano, one of Japan's next-generation frigates, as Tokyo continues expanding its defense role in the region amid rising Chinese pressure on regional sea lanes. The following day, Orbe paid a courtesy call on JMSDF Chief of Staff Adm. Akira Saito in Tokyo. Saito welcomed Manila's growing openness to deeper security ties, stressing the importance of "working closer together" to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. The visit underscores the Philippine Fleet's accelerating pivot toward like-minded security partners as Manila faces increasingly hostile encounters inside its own exclusive economic zone, from water-cannon attacks to dangerous Chinese maneuvers in and around West Philippine Sea. (With Priam Nepomuceno/PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Resistance factions unite in condemnation of Israeli aggression on Beirut's southern suburb Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 10:08 PM Multiple Palestinian and regional resistance factions have issued statements condemning an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's densely populated southern suburb. In statements issued on Sunday, the factions called the Israeli attack a deliberate act of aggression, a violation of Lebanese sovereignty, and a war crime enabled by the United States. Israel launched "a treacherous attack" on residential apartments in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh on Sunday that killed at least five people, including senior Hezbollah commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai and four resistance fighters, and wounded 28 others. The unified statements from Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Palestinian Mujahideen Movement, Ansarallah, Popular Resistance Committees, and Fatah Al-Intifada underscore a shared view across the "Axis of Resistance" that the Israeli aggression represents a dangerous escalation intended to undermine Lebanese sovereignty and the regional resistance front, with the United States repeatedly cited as the primary enabler of the Israeli strike. The Palestinian Islamic resistance movement Hamas led the condemnations, calling the strike "a treacherous act of aggression and a clear violation of Lebanese sovereignty" aimed at dragging Lebanon and the region into a wider confrontation that serves only the interests of the Israeli occupation. Hamas described the targeting of a civilian area in broad daylight as reflective of "the nature of the organized terrorism committed by the occupation and its criminal leaders," adding that the attack is intended to impose new equations and exert pressure on resistance forces. Hamas expressed full solidarity with Lebanon and its right to defend its land and people, stressing that "the blood of the martyrs will strengthen the unity of the Lebanese people in confronting the American-Zionist domination attempts." The Palestinian resistance movement extended condolences to the families of the martyrs, wished a speedy recovery to the wounded, and affirmed that "the will of the resistance will remain stronger than all forms of aggression." Hamas called the Israeli strike a war crime that caused significant civilian harm and linked it directly to US pressure on Lebanon, describing it as part of broader efforts to keep the Lebanese people under political and economic coercion. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) characterized the attack as a coordinated American-Israeli attempt to impose new rules of engagement by force, describing it as deliberate, organized state terrorism against a civilian area. The PFLP emphasized resistance as the primary protector of Lebanese sovereignty and the force that strengthens national resilience. The Palestinian Mujahideen Movement portrayed the bombing as another chapter in Israel's "open-ended war on the region," pointing to repeated breaches of ceasefires from Lebanon to Gaza and holding the United States fully responsible for enabling the escalation. The group called for regional unity and collective mobilization in response. Meanwhile, Yemen's Ansarallah movement condemned the strike as a criminal violation of both the year-long ceasefire and international humanitarian law. The movement warned against narratives aimed at weakening or disarming the Lebanese resistance, arguing that such efforts serve only to destabilize Lebanon. Ansarallah reaffirmed Lebanon's right to resist and urged Arab and Islamic governments to take concrete action. The Popular Resistance Committees in Palestine described the attack as a "barbaric" strike on a densely populated civilian area and a blatant breach of the ceasefire agreement. The Committees framed it as part of US-backed efforts to pressure Lebanon into disarming its resistance, viewing it as an extension of ongoing American-supported violations across the Arab world. Fatah Al-Intifada Movement stated that the US-backed Zionist attack is part of a broader plan to reshape the region in favor of Israeli and American interests at the expense of regional stability. Larijani consoles martyrdom of Tabatabai and resistance fighters Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani also condoled the martyrdom of Commander Tabatabai and four resistance fighters. "On the night of the martyrdom anniversary of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (peace be upon her), one of the sincere followers of the path of the Lady of the Women of the Worlds, the mujahid brother Haitham Ali Tabatabai, a senior commander in Hezbollah, was martyred along with a number of his comrades at the hands of the criminal Zionists," Larijani said in an Arabic statement he posted on X. "They achieved their goal, but Netanyahu continues his adventures until everyone realizes that there is no longer any path but to confront this illegitimate entity," he stated. Larijani extended deepest condolences to the Secretary General of Hezbollah and to the mujahideen. The Israeli attack on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital is the latest blatant violation of the ceasefire Israel signed with Hezbollah in November 2024, which was intended to end hostilities that had escalated into full-scale war. An Israeli strike on the Ain al-Hilweh camp near Sidon in southern Lebanon late Tuesday killed at least 14 people. It wounded several others, including young students, according to the Lebanese health ministry. According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli attacks have killed approximately 4,000 people and displaced more than 1.2 million residents across the country since October 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah confirms martyrdom of Tabatabai, four fighters in 'treacherous Israeli attack' Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 8:28 PM The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has officially confirmed the martyrdom of its senior commander, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, in a devastating Israeli airstrike in the southern suburb of Beirut on Sunday. The resistance group released a statement on Sunday night announcing the martyrdom of Commander Tabatabai and four other resistance fighters in "a treacherous Israeli attack." "With pride and honor, Hezbollah announces to the people of the resistance and to our Lebanese people the martyrdom of the great jihadi commander Haitham Ali al-Tabtabai (Sayyed Abu Ali), who rose to martyrdom in sacrifice for Lebanon and its people following a treacherous Israeli attack on Haret Hreik in Beirut's southern suburb," Hezbollah said. The resistance group praised his unwavering dedication to the resistance movement, noting that he had been instrumental in building its strength since its inception. Hezbollah stated that Tabatabai's martyrdom would inspire renewed hope and determination among resistance fighters, promising to continue the struggle against the "Zionist enemy and its patron, America." The group extended condolences to the families of the martyred commander and to all supporters of the resistance, calling for patience and comfort during this time of loss. "We extend our condolences and congratulations to the Master of the Age (may God hasten his reappearance), to his fellow fighters and resistance members, to our steadfast and patient resistance supporters, and to all free people in the world on the martyrdom of this great jihadist commander and the martyrs who rose with him," Hezbollah said. "We also address their honorable families, asking God Almighty to grant them patience and comfort, and to grant the wounded a speedy recovery," the group concluded. The Israeli strike on residential apartments in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh on Sunday killed at least five people, including Commander Tabatabai, and wounded 28 others. "With great pride and honor, the Islamic Resistance exalts the martyr fighter Qassem Hussein Barjawi, Malak, born in 1979, from the town of Al-Bashoura in Beirut and a resident of the Bir Al-Abed area in the southern suburbs, who was martyred in defense of Lebanon and its people following a treacherous Israeli aggression on the Haret Hreik area in the southern suburbs of Beirut," Hezbollah said in the second statement. In the third statement, Hezbollah announced the martyrdom of resistance fighter Mustafa As'ad Berro, known as Hajj Hassan, born in 1989, from the town of Shmestar in Bekaa and a resident of the city of Beirut. In the fourth statement, Hezbollah mentioned the martyrdom of resistance fighter Rifa'at Ahmed Hussein "Abu Ali," who was born in 1982. In the last statement, Hezbollah announced the martyrdom of resistance fighterIbrahim Ali Hussein "Amir," who was born in 1990, from the town of Aitaroun and a resident of the town of Hariss in South Lebanon. Israel's aggression has reignited the global debate over the US-Israel partnership and its role in sustaining violence in Lebanon, as well as Washington's complicity in Israel's war crimes in Gaza. The United States has long provided Israel with extensive military, financial, and diplomatic support -- including advanced weaponry, intelligence sharing, and political protection at the United Nations. According to analysts, Washington's backing enables Israel to carry out airstrikes and broader military campaigns in the region with little accountability. Two senior US officials commented on the Israeli strike. The first official said that Israel did not notify Americans in advance about the attack. "We were informed immediately after the strike was carried out." The second senior official said that the "US knew for several days that Israel was planning to escalate its strikes in Lebanon, but did not know in advance the timing, location, or target of the strike." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas calls for intervention as Israel continues violating Gaza truce Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 7:26 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has condemned Israel for repeated violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and called on mediators to take urgent action to stop what it described as Tel Aviv's "deliberate attempts" to undermine the deal. In a statement issued on Sunday, Hamas demanded an immediate halt to Israeli attacks across the besieged territory. "This must be done through a clear and specific mechanism under the sponsorship and follow-up of the mediators, based on informing the mediators of any violations so they may take the necessary measures to stop them immediately and prevent unilateral actions that cause escalation and damage to the agreement," the group said. Hamas added that Israeli forces had resumed advancing into areas from which they were required to withdraw under the ceasefire, triggering mass displacement amid ongoing aerial and artillery strikes. The renewed incursions, the group said, have shifted agreed-upon withdrawal lines and killed hundreds of Palestinians since the truce began. The statement comes as a high-level Hamas delegation, led by senior official and truce negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Cairo on Saturday for talks on Israeli violations and preparations for negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. The visit is part of continuing diplomatic efforts and will include meetings with mediators to assess developments on the ground and discuss terms for implementing the next phase of the deal. The delegation is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with other Palestinian factions in Cairo, talks that may pave the way for a broader meeting aimed at promoting Palestinian unity and exploring governance arrangements for post-war Gaza. The discussions come amid persistent Israeli breaches of the ceasefire, which went into effect on October 10. Since then, Israel has killed nearly 350 Palestinians and injured more than 670 in attacks across Gaza, while continuing to restrict humanitarian aid to the besieged population. According to UNICEF, Israeli forces have killed an average of two Palestinian children every day since the ceasefire began. The Gaza Government Media Office says Israel has violated the truce at least 497 times in 44 days. The first phase of the US-brokered deal is currently in effect, while negotiations on the second phase remain unresolved. Key sticking points include the formation of a transitional authority and the deployment of a so-called stabilization force in Gaza, which are elements of US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for the territory. Western governments have largely supported Israel's war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, a campaign that has killed nearly 70,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. The bombardment has destroyed or damaged 83 percent of homes and buildings in Gaza, leaving more than 60 million tons of rubble behind. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah condemns assassination of municipal council member in southern Lebanon Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 6:35 PM The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli regime's assassination of a municipal council member in southern Lebanon, describing it as part of a concerning pattern of attacks targeting municipal employees in recent days. Hezbollah made the remarks in a statement on Sunday, after Hussein Yassine Hussein, a member of the municipality council in the town of Hula, was targeted by an Israeli airstrike. "This attack, carried out on Independence Day, November 22, 2025, confirms the enemy's intentional intent to send a direct aggressive message to the Lebanese government and its local institutions. It represents an attempt to paralyze municipal functions and weaken their capabilities by systematically targeting council members, especially in southern Lebanon," the statement read. Hezbollah said this incident marks the fourth such attack in a short period, illustrating a calculated policy of Israeli terrorism directed against civil society representatives. The group also denounced the attack as a clear violation of international law and existing agreements, urging the Lebanese government to take firm steps to prevent further assaults. Hezbollah also criticized the lack of effective action by the international community, raising doubts about its dedication to protecting civilians and local government officials. It also said targeting civilian personnel is crossing a "red line," underscoring that any attempt to intimidate municipal staff will only reinforce their determination to fulfill their public responsibilities. "We will not allow the enemy to turn these attacks into established facts or a standard policy." Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire agreement that took effect on November 27, 2024. Under the deal, Tel Aviv was required to withdraw fully from the Lebanese territory, but 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. Lebanese authorities have warned that the Israeli regime's violations of the ceasefire threaten national stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's embassy: Israel's 'cowardly' attacks will fail to deter resilient Lebanese people Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 4:47 PM Iran's embassy in Beirut says Israel's "cowardly" attacks will fail to overcome the determination of the righteous Lebanese people. The embassy made the announcement in a post on its X account on Sunday after the Israeli regime carried out a new attack on a residential neighborhood, targeting Beirut's southern suburb of Dahiya in a dangerous escalation. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least 5 people have been killed and over two dozen others wounded in the airstrike, which comes despite a ceasefire between the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah and Israel brokered by the United States a year ago. In its post, the Iranian embassy said the scope of Israel's criminal attacks is expanding to include the southern suburbs of Beirut. It added that such acts of aggression and crimes bear the clear signature of the terrorist Israeli entity, which does not hesitate to threaten the safety of the Lebanese people. "However, these cowardly attacks will not diminish the resolve of those who are in the right, nor will they weaken their unwavering will to confront injustice," the embassy stated. The Israeli attack on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital is the latest blatant violation of the ceasefire Israel signed with Hezbollah in November 2024, which was intended to end hostilities that had escalated into full-scale war. An Israeli strike on the Ain al-Hilweh camp near Sidon in southern Lebanon late Tuesday killed at least 14 people. It wounded several others, including young students, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu vows continued airstrikes on Lebanon, Gaza despite ceasefires Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 3:39 PM Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that his regime will continue its deadly attacks on neighboring Lebanon and the besieged Gaza Strip despite ceasefire agreements barring such operations. Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting in occupied al-Quds on Sunday that Israel would do "everything necessary" to prevent the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah and Hamas in Gaza from regrouping. "We are continuing to strike on several fronts," he said. "This weekend, the Israeli military struck in Lebanon, and we will continue to do everything necessary to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its threat capability against us." "This is also what we are doing in the Gaza Stripdespite the ceasefire," he added. In recent weeks, Israel has struck Beirut and bombed multiple villages and towns across southern and eastern Lebanon, causing casualties and extensive material damage. In the latest act of aggression, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs targeted an apartment building in Haret Hreik on Sunday. At least five people were killed, several more were injured, and significant damage was inflicted on cars and surrounding buildings. A large plume of smoke was seen rising over the densely populated neighborhood, according to local media. On Friday, Lebanon's Ministry of Health reported that Israeli strikes had killed 331 people and injured 945 in Lebanon since the truce agreement took effect a year ago. In its statement, the ministry attributed the casualties to Israeli raids, attacks, and violations of the agreement intended to halt cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel that was triggered by the genocidal war in Gaza. The figures cover the period from November 28, 2024, shortly after the truce began, through November 20, 2025. UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Morris Tidball-Binz, also recently condemned the near-daily Israeli air and drone strikes across Lebanon since the ceasefire entered into force on November 27, 2024, saying the attacks undermine peace efforts and may amount to war crimes. He described the repeated assaults on civilians and civilian infrastructure as "war crimes and a violation of the UN Charter." Lebanese authorities have warned that Israel's continued violations of the ceasefire threaten national stability. Tensions in southern Lebanon have been rising for weeks as the Israeli military continues near-daily airstrikes on Lebanese territory, reportedly targeting Hezbollah members and the group's infrastructure. Israeli attacks, launched in October 2023 and escalating into a full-scale offensive by September 2024, have left more than 4,000 people dead and nearly 17,000 injured in Lebanon. Following the ceasefire announced in November 2024, the Israeli regime was expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January. However, the withdrawal was only partial, with forces remaining at five border outposts. Meanwhile, Saturday marked one of the deadliest days in Gaza since the US-brokered truce between Israel and the Hamas resistance came into effect, following two years of devastating Israeli war across the blockaded Palestinian territory. The Gaza Government Media Office said 27 violations were recorded on Saturday alone, resulting in 24 deaths and 87 injuries. The office said that the Israeli forces had violated the Gaza ceasefire at least 497 times in 44 days, killing hundreds of Palestinians and injuring many more since the truce between Hamas and the Tel Aviv regime took effect on October 10. A statement issued on Saturday said 342 civilians had been killed and 875 wounded in the attacks, with most of the victims being children, women, and the elderly. The office denounced Israel for systematically violating the agreement through deadly assaults and ongoing incursions. The developments come as Western governments have largely backed the Israeli regime's actions in Gaza since October 7, 2023, support that has continued despite a death toll nearing 70,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela's top general says civic-military alliance will resist US pressure Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 11:06 AM Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez says the civic-military alliance will resist the pressure exerted on the nation by the United States. Speaking at a ceremony held in tribute to the nation's musicians on Saturday, Padrino Lopez reaffirmed Venezuela's strength and dignity in the face of imperialistic plots. He pointed to the Venezuelan nation's resolve to defend the independence and territorial integrity of the leftist Latin American state. He also condemned Washington's risky actions for creating a clear threat to regional stability, noting that the scale and configuration of US assets "has nothing to do with combating drug trafficking." Instead, Padrino Lopez explained, the US military buildup in the region reflects an effort to coerce the Venezuelan state under the guise of fighting drugs. Addressing the Americans, he said that the people of Venezuela will not give in to US pressure. "Enough of lies and slander, of imposing power and hegemony by force," he asserted. The General-in-Chief of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) vowed that the Venezuelan nation, backed by its civic-military alliance, will defend the state's sovereignty, remain united and loyal to Caracas against foreign intervention. Padrino Lopez cited the civic-military alliance as one of the greatest achievements of the Bolivarian process and the strategic foundation for defending peace and sovereignty. His remarks come amid a sharp increase in US military deployments across the Caribbean, carried out under the pretext of anti-drugs operations. Since late August, Washington has sent warships, surveillance aircraft, and special operations units to the southern Caribbean, culminating this month with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. The US has since launched dozens of strikes on vessels, killing more than 80 people, claiming they were drug traffickers, while failing to provide any evidence to back up the claims. Legal experts have condemned the US military's extrajudicial killing of victims as unlawful. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel has violated Gaza ceasefire agreement nearly 500 times, killed 342 Palestinians: Gaza government Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 10:59 AM The Gaza Government Media Office says the Israeli military has violated the Gaza ceasefire agreement at least 497 times in 44 days, killing hundreds of Palestinians and injuring many more ever since the truce between Hamas and the Tel Aviv regime came into effect on October 10. A statement released on Saturday revealed that 342 civilians have lost their lives and 875 others have sustained injuries in the attacks, with the majority of the victims being children, women, and the elderly. The office denounced Israel for systematically violating the agreement through deadly assaults and ongoing incursions. It said a total of 27 violations were documented on Saturday, which resulted in 24 deaths and 87 injuries. The media office characterized the pattern as a "flagrant breach" of international humanitarian law and the humanitarian protocol associated with the ceasefire arrangement. Since October 10, Israel has committed 142 shootings aimed at civilians, residences, and displacement tents; 21 ground incursions past the so-called 'yellow line'; 228 strikes from air, artillery, and ground forces; and 100 demolitions of civilian homes and structures, which constitutes 'collective punishment' and an attempt to escalate destruction, it further noted. "We condemn in the strongest terms the continued serious and systematic violations of the ceasefire agreement by the Israeli occupation authorities," the statement read. "These violations constitute a flagrant breach of international humanitarian law and the humanitarian protocol attached to the agreement. Among these violations, 27 occurred today, Saturday, resulting in 24 martyrs and 87 wounded," it added. The office also said Israel was fully responsible for the humanitarian and security repercussions from its violations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office alleged it launched the latest attacks after a Hamas fighter attacked Israeli soldiers in Israeli-occupied territory inside the yellow line. Hamas called on Israel to unveil the identity of the individual who is said to have attacked the Israeli forces. Izzat al-Risheq, a high-ranking official in Hamas's political bureau, urged the mediators of the Gaza agreement and the US administration to exert pressure on Israel to support its claim and to execute the Gaza accord. "Israel is fabricating pretexts to evade the agreement and return to a war of extermination," he said in a statement. "It is Israel that violates the agreement daily and systematically." Risheq also rejected the reports suggesting that Hamas had rescinded the ceasefire. In the attacks in Gaza since October 2023, Israel has killed at least 69,733 people, most of them women and children, and injured 170,863 others. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas rejects Israeli allegations of abandoning Gaza truce deal as 'sheer lies' Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 9:19 AM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has strongly rejected Israeli allegations that it has withdrawn from the Gaza ceasefire agreement as "sheer lies" manufactured by the regime's propaganda apparatus. During an interview on Saturday, senior Hamas official Moussa Mohammed Abu Marzouk said the resistance movement is focused solely on ensuring the proper implementation of the ceasefire and halting Israel's genocidal assault on Gaza. He emphasized that any claims suggesting Hamas is violating the ceasefire or planning to abandon it are "sheer lies," deliberately spread by the regime to justify the ongoing atrocities it commits across the Strip. Similar statements were made by Izzat al-Risheq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, after Israel killed 24 Palestinians in attacks on Saturday, falsely claiming the strikes followed an alleged assault by a Hamas fighter on Israeli soldiers within Gaza's so-called yellow line. "Israel is fabricating pretexts to evade the agreement and return to its war of annihilation, while it is the party violating the agreement daily and systematically," al-Risheq said. The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, which took effect on October 10, required the occupying regime to immediately halt its genocidal war on Gaza and allow the entry of aid and food into the besieged territory in exchange for the return of its captives. However, according to the Gaza Government Media Office, Israel has breached the ceasefire agreement at least 497 times since October 10, killing at least 342 civilians in the process, with children, women, and the elderly accounting for the majority of the victims. Furthermore, the occupying regime continues to severely restrict the full and free flow of desperately needed aid and medical supplies into the devastated region. "We condemn in the strongest terms the continued serious and systematic violations of the ceasefire agreement by the Israeli occupation authorities," the Office said in a statement on Saturday. The Office further stated that Israel bears full responsibility for the humanitarian and security consequences of its violations. Since launching its genocidal assault on Gaza on October 7, 2023, the regime has killed at least 69,500 Palestinians and wounded at least 179,000, most of them women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OIC denounces escalating Israeli settler violence in occupied West Bank Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 6:06 AM The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned the alarming increase in crimes and acts of terrorism committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, including East al-Quds, which target Palestinian civilians, their properties, lands, and sacred sites. The general secretariat of the inter-governmental organization said in a statement on Saturday that the attacks, incitement, and organized acts of violence perpetrated by settler militias are occurring with the protection and support of Israeli occupation forces. This represents a blatant breach of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the statement read. The OIC stated that the intensifying violence is a continuation of the annexation, forced displacement, ethnic cleansing, and genocide carried out by the occupying Israeli regime throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, designed to hinder any prospects of realizing a so-called two-state solution. The organization reiterated its appeal to the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to fulfill its duties by taking decisive actions to stop these attacks, ensure international protection for the Palestinian people, and bring those accountable to justice under international criminal law. The statement came on the same day that Israeli settlers poisoned livestock in the village of al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah. According to local sources, a group of settlers raided the al-Khala'il area and poisoned a flock of sheep belonging to Palestinian farmer Rizq Abu Na'im, leading to the death of three animals. The village of al-Mughayyir has faced an alarming surge in attacks from settlers, involving the burning of vehicles, the defacement of property with racist graffiti, and the deliberate grazing of livestock on Palestinian-owned land. In a more recent incident, settlers also stole agricultural tools from the local residents. Additionally, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinian farmers on Saturday afternoon in an area southeast of Yatta, located south of al-Khalil. Anti-settlement activist Osama Makhamreh told the Palestinian news agency WAFA that settlers from the illegal Susiya settlement, constructed on Palestinian territory, assaulted farmers belonging to the al-Nawajaa family in the southeastern region of Yatta. He stated that the settlers punctured the tires of agricultural tractors, hurled stones at farmers, and targeted the homes of local families by throwing rocks and breaking a window in one of the houses. In July 2024, the ICJ ruled that Israel's prolonged occupation of historic Palestine was illegal. The ICJ called for the removal of all current settlements in the West Bank and East al-Quds. The court's advisory opinion, although it lacks legal binding force, possesses substantial political influence as it signifies the first occasion that the ICJ has articulated a viewpoint regarding the legality of the 57-year occupation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel's near-daily violations shatter Gaza truce, killing hundreds and widening destruction Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 12:35 AM The Israeli regime continues to wage lethal attacks across the Gaza Strip, killing more than 340 Palestinians in nearly 500 documented violations since a ceasefire agreement took effect, according to Gaza's Government Media Office. The coastal sliver's authorities said the regime has used the pause not to de-escalate, but to entrench its occupation, expand military incursions, and intensify violence against an already devastated civilian population. In a detailed breakdown released on Saturday, the authorities reported that the regime had committed 497 violations of the agreement. These included 142 shootings targeting civilians, homes, and displacement tents; 228 air, artillery and ground strikes; as well as 100 demolitions of residential and civilian structures. The report also noted 21 incursions beyond the "yellow line," the so-called boundary the regime had agreed not to cross. As many as 35 Palestinians have also been arrested in raids and military operations, they added. Saturday alone saw 27 new violations, which resulted in the killing of 24 Palestinians and the wounding of 87 others. The media office described the pattern as a "flagrant breach" of international humanitarian law and clear evidence that Tel Aviv intends to "create a bloody new reality" inside the Palestinian territory. Civil defense teams, overwhelmed and exhausted, reported recovering at least 22 additional bodies from the rubble of bombed homes and civilian vehicles over the past 24 hours. 'The violence never ended' Gazans said the ceasefire existed only on paper. An Al Jazeera reporter, reporting from Gaza City, noted that hundreds of Palestinians had been killed since the truce began on October 10. He said residents were living in a constant state of fear as Israeli drones continue to circle overhead, ongoing artillery fire, and Israeli forces still stationed across more than half of Gaza, despite the deal's terms. Gaza's Hamas resistance movement condemned the latest attacks as "systematic violations" carried out under "fabricated pretexts." The group urged mediators, especially the United States, to enforce the obligations the regime supposedly committed to and to halt what it described as Tel Aviv's deliberate sabotage of the agreement. A genocidal campaign that never paused Since October 2023, the regime's war of genocide on Gaza that the deal was meant to halt, has killed nearly 70,000 Palestinians, the vast majority of them women and children. More than 170,800 have been injured, and almost the entire population has been displaced. Entire neighborhoods have also been reduced to uninhabitable rubble. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address From Mines To Solar Plants, Chinese Projects Face Rare Legal Setbacks In The Balkans By Ajla Obradovic and Reid Standish November 23, 2025 Summary A fatal accident at a Chinese-backed solar plant in Stolac, Bosnia-Herzegovina, led to investigations uncovering illegal workers and legal irregularities in the construction of the $116 million project. Local residents raised concerns about environmental risks and legal violations, prompting authorities to seek to block further development. The case highlights growing public resistance to Chinese investments in the Balkans, often criticized for circumventing labor, environmental, and land-use laws. When a 25-year-old Chinese construction worker died at a vast solar power plant site in Bosnia-Herzegovina this summer, few expected the incident to snowball into one of the most significant legal blows against Chinese-backed projects in the country. The accident at the Aurora Solar site near the southern Bosnian city of Stolac triggered an inspection that uncovered 71 illegal Chinese workers in October. Authorities quickly deported them, ruled construction of the $116 million project illegal, and opened investigations into the possible misuse of public land in November. But local residents say the construction site has not yet closed. For a region where Chinese infrastructure investments are often shielded by political alliances and government patronage, the move marked a rare setback for China's economic footprint in the Balkans and a successful instance of public resistance to Chinese projects. Experts say officials in the region have often embraced Chinese capital as fast money for energy and infrastructure development at the expense of protecting the environment and upholding labor laws. "Chinese companies behave in the Balkans the way they are allowed to do so," Vuk Vuksanovic, a senior researcher at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, told RFE/RL. Broken Promises, Environmental Concerns Following months of legal wrangling and pressure from the local community, a government inspector effectively blocked any new construction at the solar power plant site in Stolac. Residents like Arman Ajanic had raised concern that facilities for the project were built closer to populated areas than originally presented to the public and that construction could bring environmental and safety risks such as landslides. "The location is a proven landslide-prone area and has a slope toward residential houses," Ajanic told RFE/RL. "Our neighbor Elmira Sefo was killed by a landslide caused by an earthquake. Having learned from these negative experiences, we simply did not want to sit idly by." He added that locals began their legal campaign to stop the project in January, spending hours each day researching the relevant laws. "This should not be the job of ordinary citizens but of institutions," Ajanic said. The mayor's office, who led the effort to build the plant, did not respond to RFE/RL's request for comment. Kemal Svrakic, the lawyer for China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), the Chinese company building the solar project, told RFE/RL's Balkan Servicelast month that all the workers arrived legally and he had filed all the necessary paperwork for each of them. What Is NORINCO? China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) is a subsidiary of a larger state-owned defense company, China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO Group), which manufactures commercial and military products. NORINCO markets its parent company's products internationally and is also involved in military defense projects in China and civil construction projects, increasingly within the renewables sector, at home and abroad. 'Free Rein To The Chinese' The solar plant near Stolac is the latest high-profile project being built or managed by Chinese state-owned firms across the Balkans that has recently become embroiled in controversy and stalled due to local pushback. There is the hydropower plant in the village of Ulog in southern Bosnia, where locals have for years pointed to environmental damage and mass fish die-offs. An investigation has now been opened into the cause of the fish deaths. There is also the Bistrica hydropower plant in Bosnia whose building permit was revoked and which faced a local backlash. The projects have faced public blowback for similar reasons, including circumventing local laws around labor, the environment, and land ownership. Researchers like Vuksanovic said these issues derive from Balkan politicians' attempts to get an influx of Chinese investment into the country and benefit from a web of newfound capital. "All of the concerns about illegal labor, the environment, and the expropriation of land exist because local elites give free rein to the Chinese so that a project can get completed," Vuksanovic said. "If you allow companies to operate without clear rules, this is what can happen." Both Aurora Solar, which is developing the solar plant project, and NORINCO, the contractor, maintain that all necessary permits were obtained in accordance with the law. Neither company has announced that it plans to challenge the decision. A Pattern Across The Balkans Across the border in Serbia, however, local opposition has struggled to break through. In the eastern mining hub of Bor, which is home to Serbia's only copper mining complex, residents accuse the Chinese conglomerate Zijin Mining Group of land grabs, causing pollution, and disregarding their livelihoods. But years of legal battles have brought little progress. Miodrag Zivkovic from the village of Slatina said he lost seven hectares of land in 2020 after receiving an expropriation order from the government to take his property for public use. Zivkovic is now in a legal dispute with the Chinese mining company Zijin because it is listed as the beneficiary of the expropriation, even though the Serbian government had carried it out on the company's behalf. He said the authorities have gone to great lengths to accommodate Zijin and sidestepped legal procedures in the process. "The Finance Ministry issued a decision allowing the company to take possession before compensating me, citing the urgency of the project," Zivkovic explained to RFE/RL. "Instead of instructing the company to pay the compensation set by law, the ministry sided with them." Serbia Zijin Mining, the Chinese firm's local subsidiary that controls much of the former state-run Bor complex, insists it acquired most of the land on a voluntary basis and only a small portion was expropriated after the state designated the area for "public interest." Zivkovic, who depends on a small disability pension, said he lost not just land but his entire livelihood. He added that the mining in Bor has led to air pollution with high concentrations of arsenic. "There is no such thing as a green mine, especially not here where the mining company is Chinese," Zivkovic said, referring to the heavy environmental impact of mining. "This is certainly not true when we consider the results of air quality measures conducted by our Mining Institute in Bor. It is a disaster." Zijin In Serbia Zijin entered Serbia in 2018 with backing from Belgrade when it paid $350 million to recapitalize the failing RTB Bor firm, pledging to invest $1.26 billion at the site over the following six years. Since then, the company has revived mining in the area and sought to open new sites. In September 2023, it announced a $3.8 billion investment to expand its copper mines amid rising global demand for the commodity. While Belgrade has praised Zijin's role in rejuvenating the country's mining industry and bringing jobs to the Balkan country, grievances between the company and locals have grown. Zijin has repeatedly said it operates in compliance with all laws and regulations. Since entering Serbia, Zijin has been fined for pollution violations and in April 2021 the company was ordered to halt work at the copper mine after it failed to follow environmental standards and build a wastewater treatment plant. Since China's Zijin Mining Group acquired Serbia's only copper and precious metals producer in 2018, it has become one of the country's largest exporters, with earnings nearing 1 billion euros by the end of 2024. For Belgrade, such investments showcase a model partnership often described by Chinese and Serbian leaders Xi Jinping and Aleksandar Vucic as a "steel friendship." But some residents say that alliance has come at a steep cost, one measured not in economic promise but in lost land, polluted air, and unenforced court rulings. "It's tough to get any company to fully respect environmental laws in your country, but it's even more difficult when the local and national governments are complicit in doing this too," Damir Dizdarevic, who tracks Chinese investments in the Balkans for the Belgrade-based BFPE Foundation for a Responsible Society, told RFE/RL. Controversies Involving Another Chinese Company In Serbia The Chinese company Linglong, which is building a nearly $1 billion tire factory in Serbia, has also found itself embroiled in scandals over the years for a spotty environmental record and poor labor practices. In 2020, Serbian NGOs revealed that some of the construction work surrounding the tire plant in the town of Zrenjanin had been done without permits or environmental impact studies, leading to protests. A national scandal also erupted after poor labor standards were uncovered at the factory, where hundreds of Vietnamese workers who were hired by a subcontractor lived in makeshift lodgings without electricity, heating, or water and had their passports confiscated. China's Green Pivot Vladimir Shopov, an expert on China in the Balkans at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said the Balkan countries are a convenient springboard for Chinese companies to build their portfolios and fine-tune their operations so they can meet the more stringent business and environmental standards of the European Union and compete in its single market. "While its long-term goals -- political positioning in future EU member states, building networks of friendly local actors, and gaining influence in key policy and economic sectors -- remain the same, Beijing is expanding its toolkit to achieve these goals," Shopov wrote in an analysis earlier this month. China's investments in renewable energy, including wind and solar power, are a major pillar of that new toolkit. State subsidies and a massive manufacturing base have turned China into the world's largest and most cost-effective producer of solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. In recent years, Chinese institutions have also bankrolled green-energy projects across the world as Beijing looks to rebrand its global image from a top polluter to green investor and shore up business for its companies abroad. Across the Balkans, Chinese state-owned firms have often funded these green energy projects using local intermediaries to navigate loose legal systems and weak oversight. But as Stolac shows, this strategy can backfire when local communities push back. What began as a tragic workplace death ended with the dismantling of an entire venture. Ajanic said he and locals from Stolac are banding together with other activists across the country to prepare additional legal steps against similar projects where they believe the law has been circumvented. "We joined a national alliance demanding lawful management of public land," he said. "We've engaged institutions at all levels because a healthy environment and lawful procedures don't have a price." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-balkans- investments-bosnia-serbia-solar-legal-backlash/33598418.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 Brazilian President Concerned About US Military Presence Off Venezuelan Coast Sputnik News 20251123 JOHANNESBURG (Sputnik) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva voiced concern on Sunday over US military presence in the Caribbean Sea, saying he wanted to discuss this issue with US President Donald Trump. "I am very concerned about the presence of a US armed forces' grouping in the Caribbean Sea, and I intend to talk about this with Trump," Lula da Silva told reporters. He called South America a peaceful continent where countries should focus on their own development. The Brazilian president accused Trump, who has boycotted the G20 summit, of seeking to strengthen the unipolar world, arguing that the multipolar world will eventually win. On November 8, US President Donald Trump announced that no US government official would attend the G20 summit in South Africa, citing alleged human rights abuses in the country. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Air Force Strikes Residential Building in Southern Suburbs of Beirut Sputnik News 20251123 BEIRUT (Sputnik) - The Israeli air force attacked an apartment block in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Beirut on Sunday, a source on the ground told Sputnik. "An apartment building on Al Arid street was hit by an enemy air strike. There is no information on victims and injured yet," the source said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office claimed that the airstrike targeted Hezbollah's chief of staff in charge of the Lebanese movement's buildup and rearmament. "A short while ago, in the heart of Beirut, the IDF attacked the Hezbollah Chief-of-Staff, who had been leading the terrorist organization's buildup and rearmament," the office said on X. Lebanese President Michel Aoun believes that Israel's attack, coinciding with the anniversary of Lebanon's independence, "is further proof that Israel ignores repeated calls to cease attacks on Lebanon and refuses to implement international resolutions, as well as all efforts and initiatives aimed at halting the escalation and restoring stability not only in Lebanon, but in the entire region." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Preparing to Launch New Phase of Operations Against Venezuela in Coming Days - Reports Sputnik News 20251123 The United States is preparing to launch a new phase of operations against Venezuela in the coming days, including the possible overthrow of President Nicolas Maduro, Reuters reported, citing US officials. According to the agency's sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, covert US operations against Maduro are likely, including an attempt to overthrow the Venezuelan leader. However, the exact timing and scale of the upcoming operations remain unknown, as does information on whether US President Donald Trump has made a final decision to act. The New York Times previously reported, citing sources, that Trump had approved CIA plans to conduct covert operations in Venezuela that could serve as preparation for US military action. The US justifies its military presence in the Caribbean region by fight against drug trafficking. In September and October, it repeatedly used its armed forces to destroy boats allegedly carrying drugs off the coast of Venezuela. In late September, NBC reported that the US military was working on options for targeting drug traffickers inside Venezuela. In November, Trump expressed the opinion that Maduro's days as president were numbered, but he also assured that Washington had no plans to go to war with Caracas. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah confirms martyrdom of senior commander in Israeli attack IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 24, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has officially confirmed the martyrdom of its senior commander, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, in a devastating Israeli airstrike in the southern suburb of Beirut on Sunday. The resistance group released a statement on Sunday night announcing the martyrdom of Commander Tabatabai in "a treacherous Israeli attack." "With pride and honor, Hezbollah announces to the people of the resistance and to our Lebanese people the martyrdom of the great jihadi commander Haitham Ali al-Tabtabai (Sayyed Abu Ali), who rose to martyrdom in sacrifice for Lebanon and its people following a treacherous Israeli attack on Haret Hreik in Beirut's southern suburb," Hezbollah said. The resistance group praised his unwavering dedication to the resistance movement, noting that he had been instrumental in building its strength since its inception. Hezbollah stated that Tabatabai's martyrdom would inspire renewed hope and determination among resistance fighters, promising to continue the struggle against the "Zionist enemy and its patron, America." The group extended condolences to the families of the martyred commander and to all supporters of the resistance, calling for patience and comfort during this time of loss. "We extend our condolences and congratulations to the Master of the Age (may God hasten his reappearance), to his fellow fighters and resistance members, to our steadfast and patient resistance supporters, and to all free people in the world on the martyrdom of this great jihadist commander and the martyrs who rose with him," Hezbollah said. "We also address their honorable families, asking God Almighty to grant them patience and comfort, and to grant the wounded a speedy recovery," the group concluded. The Israeli strike on residential apartments in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh on Sunday killed at least five people, including Commander Tabatabai, and wounded 28 others. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address G20 Johannesburg summit adopts declaration despite U.S. boycott People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:17, November 24, 2025 Chrispin Phiri, a spokesperson of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), said that the United States' absence negates its role over the G20's conclusions, reiterating that Pretoria would not be bullied. "We cannot allow coercion by absentia to become a viable tactic," he said. "It is a recipe for institutional paralysis and the breakdown of collective action." JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The 20th Group of Twenty (G20) Summit on Saturday adopted a declaration calling for strengthening multilateralism and fostering equitable global governance, despite the boycott of the United States. "The G20 Presidency has culminated into a progressive declaration ... that will revolutionize how the Global South participates and plays in the global economy," South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said following the announcement of the declaration. The 122-point declaration, titled "G20 South Africa Summit: Leaders' Declaration," underscores the need to address global challenges through multilateral cooperation and calls for stronger support for developing countries to advance inclusive growth and sustainable development. Although G20 members unanimously endorsed the declaration, the United States, which refused to attend the summit, has said that it would reject any outcome document presented as a G20 consensus without its consent. Tensions between South Africa and the United States have escalated since the start of the year. The U.S. administration froze its assistance to South Africa, alleging that the Expropriation Act, a land reform law signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in January, "discriminates" against white South Africans. Observers said that South Africa angered the United States in December 2023 when it brought a case before the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing "genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza. Bilateral relations have remained strained throughout this year. Citing what it called discriminatory land policies against white South Africans, Washington first cut development assistance to Pretoria and later expelled the South African ambassador. In August, the U.S. government imposed a 30 percent tariff on South African goods, making South Africa the sub-Saharan African country facing the highest U.S. tariff rate. The South African government rejected Washington's accusations as lacking "factual accuracy and failing to recognize South Africa's profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid." Throughout this year, the United States has repeatedly said that no officials would attend the summit. South African G20 Sous-Sherpa Xolisa Mabhongo confirmed receiving a letter from the United States ahead of the summit, in which Washington said it would only accept a "chair's statement" reflecting a lack of consensus. In response, Chrispin Phiri, a spokesperson of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), said that the United States' absence negates its role over the G20's conclusions, reiterating that Pretoria would not be bullied. "We cannot allow coercion by absentia to become a viable tactic," Phiri said. "It is a recipe for institutional paralysis and the breakdown of collective action." Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, told reporters on Saturday at the media center that "the mere fact that we have an agreed declaration shows that the world is embracing multilateralism, and the world is embracing cooperation and collaboration." Stressing the multi-polar world is in real action, Lamola said: "The world is here, the African continent is here, global institutions are here. Multilateralism has been affirmed." Frank Lekaba, a senior lecturer of Wits School of Governance at the University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg, hailed the adoption of the declaration as a win for Africa. "I think it already reasserted the centrality of the G20 and the legitimacy of the G20 and the South African presidency," said the expert. South Africa assumed the rotating G20 presidency on Dec. 1, 2024, becoming the first African nation to hold the position. The United States is scheduled to take over the presidency on Dec. 1, 2025. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at Thursday's briefing that only a U.S. envoy would attend the presidency handover ceremony at the end of the summit. Magwenya on Saturday reiterated at the media center that the South African president will not hand over to a junior embassy official. "It is a breach of protocol that is not going to be accommodated or allowed in this instance. It is a position of principle." "America chose to boycott the summit. That is their choice and that is their prerogative to do so. But what cannot happen is a breach of protocol being forced," he noted. Briefing the reporters after the first session of the summit, Lamola said that the United States has to collect the G20 presidency from the DIRCO offices. "No one will steal that spotlight. The African continent has made it," said the South African foreign minister, highlighting the summit as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the African continent. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran demands accountability for Israeli crimes after fatal airstrike in Beirut Iran Press TV Monday, 24 November 2025 2:38 AM The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has condemned the Sunday airstrike carried out by the Israeli regime on a densely populated area in the capital city of Lebanon, Beirut, and called for accountability for Israeli crimes. Israel launched "a treacherous attack" on residential apartments in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh on Sunday that killed at least five people, including senior Hezbollah commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai and four resistance fighters. It also wounded 28 others, including women and children. In a statement on Sunday night, the Iranian Foreign Ministry called the strike a "gross violation" of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement and a "brutal attack" on Lebanon's sovereignty. The ministry emphasized the necessity of holding criminal Israeli leaders accountable for "terrorist acts" and war crimes. The Iranian Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to the families of the victims and paid tribute to Commander Tabatabai, praising his lifelong dedication to defending Lebanon against Israeli aggression. The ministry also criticized the United States for its support of Israel, suggesting that this backing is causing the repeated violations of the ceasefire by the Zionist regime. The ministry also urged the United Nations and the international community to take decisive action against Israeli crimes, and called these military incursions threats to regional and global peace. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers the inaction and silence of the United Nations and its Security Council regarding the continuous aggressions and countless crimes of the Israeli regime against the Lebanese people as regrettable and unjustifiable," the statement said. The ministry called for "serious action by the international community to confront organized terrorism and the Zionist regime's warmongering against Lebanon and other countries in the region." "Without a doubt, the military adventures of the Zionist regime in the West Asian region are the greatest threat, not only to the peace and stability of this region, but also to international peace and security, and therefore confronting this threat is a global responsibility," the ministry concluded. The Israeli attack on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital is the latest blatant violation of the ceasefire Israel signed with Hezbollah in November 2024, which was intended to end hostilities that had escalated into full-scale war. An Israeli strike on the Ain al-Hilweh camp near Sidon in southern Lebanon late Tuesday killed at least 14 people. It wounded several others, including young students, according to the Lebanese health ministry. According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli attacks have killed approximately 4,000 people and displaced more than 1.2 million residents across the country since October 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 23 November 2025 - Day 1369 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 177 combat clashes. The Russian opponent made 39 aviacijnih strikes, dropped 102 controlled air bombs. In addition, he used 3777 kamikaze drones and carried out 3,696 shells on settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops. In the North Slobozhansky and Kursk directions today, the Russian enemy carried out eight attacks on the positions of Ukrainian defenders, launched an air strike using two controlled air bombs, carried out 102 shells. In the South Slobozhansky direction, Russian forces attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of the settlements of Vovchansk and Sinelnikove. Ukrainian units repelled three attacks, one combat confrontation is currently ongoing. Three attacks were repelled by Ukrainian defenders in the Kupyans komu direction in the areas of Stepova Novoselivka and Petropavlivka. In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian soldiers stopped six attacks in the areas of the settlements of Novoyegorivka, Serednoe, Zarichne and towards the settlement of New Mir. One battle clash is still going on. In the Slovenian direction, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled seven Russian attempts to advance in the areas in the areas of Yampol, Serebryanka, Dronivka and Sacko and Vancetti. Another combat encounter is still going on. In the Kramators komu direction from the beginning of the day, the Russian opponent made two attacks in the area of Chasovoye Yar and Maysky. In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders 29 times near Scherbinivka, Rusiny Yar, Jablunivka, Oleksandro-Shultynog and towards Konstantinovka, Predtechiny and Sofiyivka. Defense forces repelled all enemy attacks. Russian forces committed 55 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The Russian occupiers tried to advance near the settlements of Volodymyrivka, Rodinske, Chervony Lyman, Novoekonomicne, Nikanorivka, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Udaachne, Molodetske, Dachne, Philia and towards Novopavlivka. The two clashes are still ongoing. According to preliminary calculations, today in this direction, Ukrainian warriors eliminated 42 Russian invaders and wounded 31; destroyed 25 unmanned aircraft, three vehicles units; struck two tanks, four BPLA control points and 13 enemy personnel shelters. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian units stopped 20 Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Zeleny Gai, Vorone, Sosnivka, Oleksiyivka, Verbove, Privilne and Krasnogirsk. In the Gulyaipil direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 16 Russian attacks near the settlements of Zeleni Gai, Zatishya, Vysoke and towards the settlement of Pryluka. In the Orihivsky direction, the Defense Forces repelled six Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Stepovo, Stepnogirsk and Primorsk. In the Pridniprovsky direction, two Russian attacks in the direction of the Antonivsky Bridge ended for the Russian occupiers to no avail. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of one mechanised brigade, one air assault brigade, one assault regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one territorial defence brigade, and one National Guard brigade near Andreyevka, Varachino, Malaya Rybitsa (Sumy region), and Sumy. In Kharkov direction, Russian troops hit units of one mechanised brigade and one motorised infantry brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Ternovaya, Izbitskoye, and Vilcha (Kharkov region). The enemy losses were up to 140 troops, 10 motor vehicles, two electronic warfare stations, and three ammunition depots. The Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and one National Guard Brigade near Kucherovka, Petrovka, Nechvolodovka, Blagodatovka, and Kurilovka (Kharkov region). The enemy losses were up to 220 troops, one tank, three armoured fighting vehicles including two U.S.-made HMMWV armoured vehicles, and one Canadian-made Senator armoured vehicle, 17 motor vehicles, and 11 electronic warfare stations. Four ammunition depots were destroyed. As a result of resolute actions, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Petrovskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops hit formation of three mechanised brigades and one motorised infantry brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Platonovka, Kramatorsk, Vasyukovka, Stepanovka, and Seversk (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses were more than 225 troops, one tank, one U.S.-made MaxxPro armoured fighting vehicle, 19 motor vehicles, and two artillery guns. In addition, one Israeli-made RADA RPS-42 aerial reconnaissance radar station, four electronic warfare stations, four ammunition depots, and two materiel depots were neutralised. The Tsentr Group of Forces' units took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian hit manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one mountain assault brigade, one airmobile brigade, one air assault brigade, one jaeger brigade, three assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two marine brigades, one special operations brigade, one territorial defence brigade, one National Guard brigade close to Artyomovka, Toretskoye, Belitskoye, Novy Donbass, Kucherov Yar, Rodinskoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Novopavlovka, and Ivanovka (Dnepropetrovsk region). In Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic), assault detachments of the 2nd Army continue to eliminate enemy encircled formations of the AFU in Tsentralny, Gornyak districts and in the western industrial area. Russian troops continue to mop up Rovnoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Seven attacks of the 425th Assault Regiment, the 32nd Mechanised Brigade, and the 95th Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were repelled from the area of Grishino (Donetsk People's Republic). Ukrainian troops tried to deblock their encircled group. Up to 30 Ukrainian troops, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, and two Kazak armoured vehicles were neutralised. In Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic), assault detachments of the 51st Army continue to push the enemy out of the Vostochny, Zapadny, and southern districts of the city. Over the past 24 hours, up to 210 troops, three armoured personnel carriers, seven armoured fighting vehicles, one field artillery gun, and four motor vehicles were neutralised. In the Tsentr Group of Forces' area of responsibility, the enemy losses were more than 435 troops, four armoured personnel carriers including three U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, and one Swedish-made Viking armoured personnel carrier, 10 armoured fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, and one artillery gun. As a result of active offensive actions, units of the Vostok Group of Forces liberated Tikhoye and Otradnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region). Russian troops hit formations of two assault brigades and three assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Varvarovka, Zatishye, Dobropolye (Zaporozhye region) and Andreyevka (Dnepropetrovsk region). The AFU losses were up to 225 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 12 motor vehicles, one field artillery gun, and one electronic warfare station. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Yurkovka, Grigorovka, Novodanilovka, Stepnogorsk (Zaporozhye region) and Tyaginka (Kherson region). The enemy losses were up to 75 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 16 motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, seven electronic warfare stations, one POL depot, and two materiel depots. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation inflicted losses one S-300 SAM system, fuel, power, and transport infrastructure facilities that supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine as well as temporary deployment areas of the AFU and foreign mercenaries in 148 areas. Air defence systems shot down one guided aerial bomb, one U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectile, and 140 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost: 668 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 97, 933 unmanned aerial vehicles, 638 anti-aircraft missile systems, 26,195 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,618 MLRS combat vehicles, 31,487 field artillery guns and mortars, 47,425 special military vehicles. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address G20 Leaders' Summit Media release Sunday 23 November 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined world leaders at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa this weekend. Leaders agreed on the priorities of achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth, increasing resilience, and building a fair and just future. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Australia's commitment to an open, rules-based multilateral trading system and called for members to take action on climate change, increase disaster preparedness and seize the economic opportunities of the clean energy transition. The Prime Minister also agreed with the leaders of India and Canada to enter into a new trilateral technology and innovation partnership. The three countries will strengthen their ambition in cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on green energy and building more resilient supply chains, including for critical minerals. On the sidelines of the Summit the Prime Minister also had formal meetings with the leaders of South Africa, India, Germany, Finland and the EU. There was also a meeting of the MIKTA middle powers, a partnership that brings together Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkiye, and Australia. While in South Africa, the Prime Minister also visited Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum in Pretoria, where he unveiled the names of three Australians on the Wall of Names - Former Prime Ministers Malcom Fraser and Bob Hawke, and diplomat Bruce Haigh. Freedom Park and the Wall of Names was established as a post-apartheid memorial site and serves to commemorate the sacrifices of those who fought for South Africa's freedom and democracy. Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese: "I congratulate President Ramaphosa on South Africa's G20 Presidency. It is more important than ever that Australia works closely with international partners to address shared challenges and opportunities. "The G20 helps us build a stronger and more resilient global economy, which ensures our nation's success and keeps Australians safe. "I look forward to working with President Trump as the United States takes on the G20 Presidency in 2026." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister McGuinty concludes 17th Halifax International Security Forum National Defence News release November 23, 2025 - Halifax, Nova Scotia - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, concluded his visit to Halifax, where he co-hosted the 17th annual Halifax International Security Forum (HISF) with HFX President Peter Van Praagh. On November 21, Minister McGuinty welcomed delegates to HISF with opening remarks outlining the challenges facing the global orderfrom authoritarianism to disinformation. He highlighted the need for democratic nations to work together to meet these challenges, emphasizing Canada's role in contributing its share. He also discussed the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing the world's security challenges. While at HISF, the Minister participated in a plenary session Democracies Deliver Dollars, where he spoke about the importance of investing in defence to ensure a secure economy. During the panel, the Minister reiterated the Government's historic investment in defence this fiscal year. These investments are crucial in light of the ongoing challenges, including Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and China's increasingly assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. Minister McGuinty also discussed the significance of investing in innovation, to support the defence industrial base and strengthen the economy. During HISF, Minister McGuinty and his Latvian counterpart, Andris Spruds, signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement to formalize the bilateral relationship between the two countries beyond participation through NATO 's Multinational Brigade Latvia. With this arrangement, both countries will expand their cooperation through bilateral and multilateral training, military education, defence research and development, mutual logistics support, and coordinated support to Ukraine. This arrangement demonstrates Canada's commitment to deepening cooperation and strengthening strategic ties with a close Ally in a time of heightened threats. Minister McGuinty also met with representatives from several of Canada's allies and partners to discuss cooperation to strengthen international security amid shared global challenges. The Minister held bilateral meetings with: Colombia's Minister of Defence, Pedro Arnulfo Sanchez Suarez . They discussed the growing defence relationship between Canada and Colombia-focused on peacebuilding, security cooperation and regional stability. Canada and Columbia collaborate through international partnerships like the Organization of American States and the United Nations. . They discussed the growing defence relationship between Canada and Colombia-focused on peacebuilding, security cooperation and regional stability. Canada and Columbia collaborate through international partnerships like the Organization of American States and the United Nations. The bipartisan U.S. Congressional Delegation led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen . The Minister and the Delegation discussed the unique defence relationship between Canada and the United States and spoke about Canada's commitment to NORAD and its contributions to continental defence, as well as highlighted Canada's increased defence spending. . The Minister and the Delegation discussed the unique defence relationship between Canada and the United States and spoke about Canada's commitment to and its contributions to continental defence, as well as highlighted Canada's increased defence spending. Latvia's Minister of Defence, Andris Spruds . The ministers signed the Canada-Latvia Defence Cooperation Agreement and discussed deeper collaboration between both nations. Minister McGuinty also reiterated Canada's commitment to leading the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia for the next three years. . The ministers signed the Canada-Latvia Defence Cooperation Agreement and discussed deeper collaboration between both nations. Minister McGuinty also reiterated Canada's commitment to leading the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia for the next three years. Netherlands Minister of National Defence, Ruban Brekelmans . The ministers discussed their countries' long-standing military relations, rooted in a shared NATO commitment and strong historical ties. They also examined opportunities related to procurement, supply chain resilience and emerging technologies. . The ministers discussed their countries' long-standing military relations, rooted in a shared NATO commitment and strong historical ties. They also examined opportunities related to procurement, supply chain resilience and emerging technologies. Estonian Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur . The ministers discussed their successful partnership in cybersecurity and opportunities for deeper cooperation in defence procurement. Minister McGuinty highlighted Canada's commitment to Baltic defence and continued active membership in NATO. . The ministers discussed their successful partnership in cybersecurity and opportunities for deeper cooperation in defence procurement. Minister McGuinty highlighted Canada's commitment to Baltic defence and continued active membership in NATO. The European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius. They discussed progress in implementing the June 2025 Canada and European Union (EU) Security and Defence Partnership, including the EU's Security Action for Europe program, engagement through Readiness 2030, and opportunities for defence industry collaboration. Quotes "This weekend in Halifax, democratic nations gather to discuss emerging threats and shape a safer future for all. In an era of rising authoritarianism, our strength lies in our unity. Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with its allies in defence of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law." The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence Quick facts The Halifax International Security Forum is supported by the Department of National Defence and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency of Canada. Each year, it welcomes hundreds of global leaders, defence and security experts, industry representatives, and academics, to discuss the world's most pressing global peace and security challenges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney November 23, 2025 Johannesburg, South Africa Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on the margins of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. They welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral relations since their last meeting in June at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis and the new roadmap for bilateral engagement announced by their foreign ministers in October. Building on the 7th Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment held in New Delhi, India, on November 13, 2025, the leaders agreed to formally launch negotiations for an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) encompassing goods, services, investment, agriculture and agri-food, digital trade, mobility, and sustainable development. The leaders expressed confidence that the CEPA will serve as a powerful economic anchor and help more than double two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030. Following the return of high commissioners in August 2025, the two prime ministers agreed to enhance diplomatic staffing levels to meet growing consular demands and to strengthen people-to-people linkages, including through reciprocal knowledge transfer. Prime Minister Carney also welcomed the progress being made in the law enforcement dialogue between the two countries. The prime ministers agreed on the importance of regular reciprocal high-level visits, including by ministers and members of the business community. Prime Minister Carney accepted Prime Minister Modi's invitation to visit India in early 2026. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of Jamaica and Chair of the Caribbean Community Andrew Holness Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney November 23, 2025 Johannesburg, South Africa Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of Jamaica and Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Andrew Holness, on the margins of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The two leaders expressed their ambition to elevate the partnership between Canada and Jamaica in trade, security, and commerce, including through the Canada-CARICOM Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Carney underscored Canada's support for Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, including the deployment of food, medical kits, and aid through partners such as the World Food Programme and the Canadian Red Cross. Canada has also activated the Canadian Armed Forces Operational Support Hub to support the Jamaican Armed Forces with disaster relief. The leaders discussed climate-resilient reconstruction funding and mechanisms to accelerate assistance. Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Holness agreed to remain in contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney November 23, 2025 Johannesburg, South Africa Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on the margins of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Prime Minister congratulated the President on hosting a successful COP30 Summit and outlined Canada's new climate competitiveness strategy to catalyse low-carbon investment and reduce emissions. The leaders discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Brazil. The Prime Minister and the President agreed to intensify negotiations on a Canada-Mercosur free trade agreement. With a combined GDP of more than $4 trillion, Mercosur represents significant opportunities for Canadian workers, businesses, and exporters in sectors such as industrial goods, chemicals, forestry, and seafood. Prime Minister Carney and President Lula agreed to remain in contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney November 23, 2025 Johannesburg, South Africa Yesterday, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Sir Keir Starmer, on the margins of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Starmer underscored their continued focus on deepening the Canada-UK relationship, including on trade, AI, clean energy, and critical minerals. They took note of the progress underway and looked forward to further accelerating partnerships. The leaders discussed Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine in achieving a durable and lasting peace, following a joint meeting with other leaders earlier in the day. Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Starmer agreed to remain in close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney November 23, 2025 Johannesburg, South Africa Yesterday, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, on the margins of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Prime Minister congratulated the President on South Africa's successful hosting of the first G20 Leaders' Summit on the African continent and reiterated Canada's strong support for South Africa's G20 Presidency. The leaders recognised the alignment of Canada's G7 and South Africa's G20 priorities this year, particularly on economic growth and stability, energy security, AI, and critical minerals supply chains. In their meeting, Prime Minister Carney and President Ramaphosa focused on ways to expand the economic partnership between their nations. First, the leaders announced the launch of discussions for a Canada-South Africa Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), to create a more predictable environment for two-way investment. A FIPA will enable Canadian firms to access the South African market and attract new capital into Canada from South African investors. Second, they welcomed the opening of FinDev Canada's new office in Cape Town in 2026, which will expand Canadian financing in South Africa and support fast-growing businesses across the continent. Third, they welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the Canada-South Africa Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, which will deepen bilateral collaboration in energy security. Fourth, the leaders announced that Canada will welcome a trade mission from South Africa next year. The delegation will participate in the Ag in Motion trade fair in Saskatchewan, which will bring together international and Canadian leaders in agriculture innovation. Prime Minister Carney emphasised Canada's strengths in clean and conventional energy and emerging technologies, and underscored opportunities for Canadian firms to contribute to South Africa's economic development goals. President Ramaphosa confirmed South Africa's public endorsement of the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan and Roadmap, enabling deeper collaboration to build shared supply chains. The Prime Minister and the President discussed global and regional challenges, including ongoing cooperation on wildfire management. Prime Minister Carney and President Ramaphosa agreed to remain in close contact and to accelerate new opportunities in the Canada-South Africa partnership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint release: Prime Minister Carney and Federal Chancellor Merz meet at the G20 Leaders' Summit Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney November 23, 2025 Johannesburg, South Africa Yesterday, Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Federal Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, met on the margins of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Prime Minister Carney and Federal Chancellor Merz emphasised the close economic and security relationship between Canada and Germany and discussed partnerships in critical minerals, clean energy, AI, aerospace, and defence. Last week, Canada and Germany reached a $1 billion agreement for the purchase of a Canadian Combat Management System, a testament to the growing commercial relationship. The leaders agreed to cooperate on Sovereign AI projects. The Prime Minister and the Federal Chancellor reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine and underscored that any settlement must include Ukraine's involvement, respect Ukraine's core interests, and provide security guarantees. The two leaders committed to working with Allies to reach a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East. They noted their support of the Comprehensive Peace Plan to end the war in Gaza and the importance of all parties continuing to engage constructively on the next steps. The leaders agreed on the need to allow the entry of humanitarian assistance at scale. Prime Minister Carney and Federal Chancellor Merz agreed to remain in close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ICG conducts two-day coastal security exercise Sagar Kavach along Maharashtra & Goa coastline India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 21 NOV 2025 7:19PM by PIB Delhi The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully conducted the comprehensive Coastal Security Exercise Sagar Kavach-02/25 along the Maharashtra & Goa coastline from November 19-20, 2025, demonstrating high inter-agency coordination, strong operational readiness and robust capabilities to counter maritime security contingencies, including threats posed by Anti-National Elements (ANEs) targeting critical coastal assets. The two-day exercise witnessed the participation of over 6,000 personnel, more than 115 sea and air assets and a wide spectrum of central and state agencies, ports and coastal authorities. The exercise aimed to assess the preparedness of all participating agencies in handling coastal security emergencies, preventing attacks on vital coastal installations and further strengthening the multi-layered Coastal Security Network. It also sought to enhance synergy among central and state stakeholders responsible for coastal and maritime security. A wide range of maritime and aerial assets were mobilised, including Indian Navy and ICG ships, ICG Dornier aircraft, Chetak helicopters and Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs). Marine Police boats, Customs & CISF craft and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) resources were also deployed, along with boats from the Police & Fisheries Department, ensuring seamless coordination across all operational domains. The exercise significantly enhanced interoperability, communication networks & coordination among security, intelligence and port management agencies. A wide spectrum of 19 central and 13 state agencies, along with the involvement of one major port, 21 minor ports and district-level coastal authorities, ensured comprehensive coverage of both sea and shore responses. *** SR/KB (Release ID: 2192653) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff conducts Joint Electromagnetic Board Meeting 2025 India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 21 NOV 2025 3:53PM by PIB Delhi The Annual Meeting of Joint Electro Magnetic Board (JEMB), a Sub Committee of Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) was held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) Air Marshal Rakesh Sinha on November 20, 2025 in New Delhi. The meeting was conducted with a singular aim to achieve synergy in Joint Operations by the three Services. It covered multiple agendas including enforcing Jointness & Integration in the fields of Electronic Warfare, EMI/ EMC, CUAS Ops, Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Spectrum Management. The event witnessed the demonstration of Electromagnetic Battlespace Management System to ensure efficient exploitation of spectrum at the Tactical Battlefield Area (TBA). Technical News Letter (TNL) 2025, a vital document which talks about future technologies that have potential to revolutionise the modern warfare was released during the event. In his address, Air Marshal Rakesh Sinha acknowledged the efforts of the Services in successful conduct of Operation Sindoor and subsequent joint training exercises conducted to incorporate the lessons learnt. He also appreciated the progress being achieved in various niche technology domains by concerted efforts by Defence PSUs, Industry Partners and Academia, reinforcing the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Aatmanirbharta. ***** SR/KB (Release ID: 2192491) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address English Translation of Prime Minister's statement during the G20 Summit: Session 1 India - Press Information Bureau Prime Minister's Office Posted On: 22 NOV 2025 4:36PM by PIB Delhi Excellencies, Namaskar! At the outset, I extend my congratulations to President Ramaphosa for the excellent hosting of the G20 Summit and for the successful presidency. Under South Africa's presidency, commendable progress has been made on key areas such as skilled migration, tourism, food security, AI, digital economy, innovation, and women's empowerment. The historic initiatives undertaken at the New Delhi G20 Summit have been carried forward here. Friends, Over the past several decades, the G20 has provided direction to global finance and global economic growth. However, the parameters of growth on which the world has worked so far have left a large section of the population deprived of resources. They have also contributed to the over-exploitation of nature. Africa has been one of the greatest sufferers of these consequences. Today, as Africa hosts the G20 Summit for the first time, it is imperative for us to reconsider the parameters of development. One pathway lies in India's civilizational values, the pathway of Integral Humanism. This approach calls upon us to view the individual, society, and nature as an integrated whole. Only then can we achieve true harmony between progress and nature. Friends, Across the world, there are several communities that have preserved their traditional and eco-balanced ways of life. These traditions not only embody sustainability, but also reflect profound cultural wisdom, social cohesion, and deep reverence for nature. India proposes the creation of a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository under the G20 framework. India's own Indian Knowledge Systems initiative can serve as its foundation. This global platform will help transmit the collective wisdom of humanity to future generations. Friends, Advancing Africa's development and empowering its young talent is in the interest of the entire world. Therefore, India proposes the G20-Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative. This initiative can operate under a 'train-the-trainers' model across various sectors. All G20 partners can finance and support this effort. Our collective goal will be to prepare one million certified trainers in Africa over the next decade. These trainers will, in turn, help equip millions of young people with skills. This initiative will have a powerful multiplier effect. It will strengthen local capacity and significantly contribute to Africa's long-term development. Friends, Addressing health emergencies and natural disasters is also our collective responsibility. Therefore, India proposes the establishment of a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team. This team would comprise trained medical experts from G20 countries and be prepared for rapid deployment in the event of any global health crisis or natural disaster. Friends, Another critical issue is drug trafficking, particularly the rapid spread of highly lethal substances like fentanyl. This has emerged as a serious challenge to public health, social stability, and global security. It also serves as a significant channel for financing terrorism. To effectively address this global threat, India proposes the G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus. Under this initiative, we can bring together various instruments related to finance, governance, and security. Only then can the drug-terror economy be effectively weakened. Friends, India-Africa solidarity has always been strong. During the New Delhi Summit, the African Union becoming a permanent member of this group was a significant initiative. It is now essential that the spirit of this partnership extends beyond the G20. We must work together to ensure that the voice of the Global South is heard and strengthened across all global institutions. Thank you very much. DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's statement. Original statement was delivered in Hindi. *** MJPS/SR (Release ID: 2192878) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VISIT OF INDIAN NAVAL SHIP SAVITRI TO SEYCHELLES FOR JOINT EEZ SURVEILLANCE India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 22 NOV 2025 7:19PM by PIB Delhi Indian Naval Ship (INS) Savitri, an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Indian Navy arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles as part of its Operational Deployment to the Indian Ocean Region. The ship was accorded warm welcome by the personnel of the Seychelles Coast Guard underscoring the deep mutual respect and strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. The ship handed over critical spares to Seychelles Coast Guard reaffirming India's unwavering commitment in enhancing the operational readiness and capabilities of its maritime partners, to ensure stability and security in the shared maritime domain. During her port call, the ship undertook wide range of harbour activities including professional interactions, subject matter expert exchanges and sharing of Best Practices with the Seychelles Coast Guard. The ship was also open for visitors showcasing operational capabilities and the rich maritime traditions of the Indian Navy. INS Savitri will embark personnel from the Seychelles Coast Guard to collectively undertake a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Surveillance. This collaborative effort aims to substantially enhance maritime security and situational awareness across the maritime zones of Seychelles. The presence of INS Savitri is in consonance with India's vision of 'Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions' (MAHASAGAR), reinforcing India's steadfast role as a Preferred Security Partner and First Responder in the Indian Ocean. _______________ VM/SPS 254/25 (Release ID: 2192956) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister meets the Prime Minister of Japan on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg India - Press Information Bureau Prime Minister's Office Posted On: 23 NOV 2025 9:46PM by PIB Delhi Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting today with the Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Sanae Takaichi on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. This was Prime Minister's first meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi after their telephone call on 29 October 2025. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which is based on civilizational connect, shared values, mutual goodwill and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The leaders underscored their commitment to deepening the India-Japan partnership for regional and global peace, prosperity and stability. The leaders acknowledged the steady progress made in bilateral ties during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit and called for expeditious implementation of the outcomes agreed upon in a wide range of areas such as defense and security, trade and investment, SMEs, Artificial Intelligence, critical minerals, semiconductors, infrastructure development, technology and innovation, and people- to-people exchanges. They also discussed collaborative opportunities between India and Japan in strategic sectors and exchanged views on regional and global issues. Prime Minister Takaichi expressed strong support for the AI Summit to be hosted by India in February 2026. Both leaders emphasized that India and Japan remain valued partners and trusted friends. Strong ties between the two countries are indispensable for regional and global peace, prosperity, and stability. The leaders agreed to stay in touch and meet again at the earliest opportunity. *** MJPS/SR/AK (Release ID: 2193307) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister meets Prime Minister of Italy on the sidelines of G20 Summit 2025 India - Press Information Bureau Prime Minister's Office Posted On: 23 NOV 2025 9:44PM by PIB Delhi Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi met today with H.E. Ms. Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Both leaders had interacted briefly on the sidelines of G7 Summit in Kananaskis in Canada earlier in June this year. Prime Minister Meloni expressed solidarity with India on the terror incident in Delhi and reiterated Italy's strong commitment to work together to combat the scourge of terrorism. In this context, both leaders adopted the 'India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism'. The initiative aims to deepen bilateral cooperation on countering terrorism and collaboration in global and multilateral platforms including the Financial Action task Force( FATF) and the Global Counter terrorism Forum (GCTF). The leaders reviewed and positively assessed the developments in the bilateral Strategic Partnership across sectors such as trade and investment, defence, security, space, science & technology, education, and people-to-people ties. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29. The leaders welcomed the two Business Fora held in New Delhi and Brescia this year with robust participation of the respective industries. The leaders noted the ongoing efforts to increase business, technology, innovation and investment partnerships aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of both economies and building resilient supply chains. The leaders appreciated the recent visit of an Italian Space delegation to India, which would augment collaboration in this domain, both at the government as well as the private sector levels. Prime Minister Meloni reiterated Italy's strong support for the conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement and for the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026. The visit reaffirmed the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries. The two leaders looked forward to continuing their dialogue and work together in multilateral and global platforms for upholding their shared values of democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development. *** MJPS/SR/AK (Release ID: 2193306) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister meets Prime Minister of Canada on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Johannesburg India - Press Information Bureau Prime Minister's Office Posted On: 23 NOV 2025 9:41PM by PIB Delhi Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with the Prime Minister of Canada, H.E. Mr. Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg to review progress in the India-Canada partnership. The leaders welcomed the adoption of Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership which would give a boost to trilateral cooperation in the fields of critical technologies, nuclear energy, diversification of supply chains and AI. They appreciated the renewed momentum in ties since their June 2025 meeting in Kananaskis on the margins of the G7 Summit, and the launch of the New Roadmap for bilateral engagement by the Foreign Ministers in October 2025. The two Prime Ministers discussed cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, defence, education, space, science and technology, and energy. Prime Minister Carney expressed support for the AI Summit to be hosted by India in February 2026. The leaders agreed to begin negotiations on a high-ambition Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at doubling bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. Both sides reaffirmed their longstanding civil nuclear cooperation and noted the ongoing discussions on expanding collaboration, including through long-term uranium supply arrangements. The leaders emphasized the importance of regular high-level exchanges. Prime Minister extended an invitation to Prime Minister Carney to visit India. *** MJPS/SR/AK (Release ID: 2193304) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister meets with President of South Africa on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Johannesburg India - Press Information Bureau Prime Minister's Office Posted On: 23 NOV 2025 2:38PM by PIB Delhi Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today met H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. Prime Minister thanked President Ramaphosa for the warm hospitality and successful conduct of the Summit. He appreciated South African G20 efforts to take forward and build on decisions arrived during the New Delhi G20 Summit. Recalling the historical ties that underpin India - South Africa ties, both leaders reviewed bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields of cooperation, including trade and investment, food security, skill development, mining, youth exchange and people-to- people ties. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of AI, Digital Public Infrastructure and critical minerals. The leaders welcomed the growing presence of Indian firms in South Africa and agreed to facilitate mutual investments, especially in infrastructure, technology, innovation, mining and start-up sectors. Prime Minister thanked President Ramaphosa for South African cheetah relocation to India and invited him to join the International Big Cat Alliance led by India. The leaders agreed to work jointly to amplify the voice of the Global South. In this context, Prime Minister appreciated the initiative take by South Africa to hold IBSA leaders meeting. President Ramaphosa assured South Africa's full support to India's upcoming Chairship of BRICS in 2026. *** MJPS/SR/AK (Release ID: 2193136) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister participates in India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders' Meeting in Johannesburg India - Press Information Bureau Prime Minister's Office Posted On: 23 NOV 2025 2:33PM by PIB Delhi Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders' Meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The meeting was hosted by the President of South Africa, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and attended by the President of Brazil, H.E. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Describing the meeting as timely, Prime Minister noted that it coincided with the first G20 Summit on African soil and marked the culmination of four consecutive G20 presidencies by Global South countries, out of which the last three were by the IBSA members. This, he noted, has resulted in several important initiatives focussed on human-centric development, multilateral reform and sustainable growth. Prime Minister emphasized that IBSA is not just a group of three countries but an important platform connecting three continents, three major democratic nations, and three major economies. Prime Minister stressed that global governance institutions are far removed from 21st century realities. He called on IBSA to send a strong message that reform of institutions of global governance, in particular the UN Security Council, is now not an option, but an imperative. On counter-terrorism, Prime Minister emphasized the need for close coordination and that there should be no room for double standards while fighting terrorism. Highlighting technology's crucial role in ensuring human-centric development, Prime Minister proposed establishing an 'IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance' to facilitate sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure like UPI, health platforms like CoWIN, cybersecurity frameworks and women-led tech initiatives among the three countries. Prime Minister also emphasized IBSA's potential to contribute to the development of safe, trustworthy and human-centric AI norms. He invited IBSA leaders to the AI Impact Summit to be held in India next year. Prime Minister stated that IBSA can complement each other's development and become an example for sustainable growth. He highlighted cooperation opportunities in areas such as millets, natural farming, disaster resilience, green energy, traditional medicines and health security. Appreciating the IBSA Fund's work in supporting projects across forty countries in sectors like education, health, women empowerment and solar energy, Prime Minister proposed IBSA Fund for Climate Resilient Agriculture to further advance South-South cooperation. Prime Minister's full speech can be found [here]. *** MJPS/SR/AK (Release ID: 2193135) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tehran calls IAEA Board resolution 'a stain on its sponsors' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 23, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has condemned the recent anti-Iran resolution adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors, calling its content "a stain on the designers and sponsors of it." Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Baqaei said the resolution not only contradicts United Nations Security Council regulations and the IAEA's past practices, but also fails to make "even the smallest reference to the root cause of this problem," which he described as "the crime of the Zionist regime and the United States in attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities." He argued that the document ignores the origins of the current dispute and instead deepens an already complex situation. Responding to IRNA's question about the resolution submitted by three European countries urging Iran to resume diplomatic negotiations based on rescinded Security Council resolutions, Baqaei said the measure "does not help solve the issue" and "will only make the matter more complicated." He added that the move constitutes "a clear interference in the functioning of the agency" and further harms its independence. "There was no goodwill in designing and presenting this resolution," he said. 'US lacks seriousness in talks' On the question of potential mediation between Iran and the United States, the spokesperson said the issue "is not about mediation at all; the problem goes back to the US approach and policy." He argued that Washington lacks seriousness in negotiations and views talks not as a normal diplomatic process based on exchange but as "dictation." "As long as the United States insists on this approach, no meaningful negotiation will take shape," he said. Baqaei outlines nature of Iran-Saudi correspondence Baqaei also said that Iran maintains a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia and appreciates efforts by Riyadh and other regional countries that are working to reduce tensions and support regional stability. He clarified the nature of a recent letter sent by Iran's president to Saudi Arabia's crown prince, describing it as a "routine" exchange within the framework of bilateral coordination on the Hajj. According to Baqaei, the letter conveyed Iran's appreciation to Saudi Arabia for the services provided during last year's Hajj and expressed readiness and hope for continued cooperation to ensure a successful pilgrimage this year. Iran aims to reduce Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions: Spokesperson The spokesperson also addressed speculation about the possibility of a regional meeting involving Iran and several neighboring states to help manage tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He said that "security and stability in our surrounding region and neighborhood are very important for us," adding that Tehran has made extensive efforts since the onset of tensions to prevent escalation and support resolution through dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad. Iran would continue its efforts to ensure the issue is discussed "within an appropriate regional framework," with the principal goal of helping reduce tensions between the two "neighboring and Muslim countries," he added. 'Talks to expand Tehran-Moscow nuclear cooperation ongoing' Responding to a question on Russia's position regarding nuclear cooperation with Iran, Baqaei said Moscow's view that Iran's nuclear cooperation with other states should continue in the same manner as for any non-nuclear-weapon state is consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2231. He noted that the resolution confirms that, after its expiration, Iran should be treated like any other state without nuclear weapons. This, he said, affirms Iran's full freedom to engage in peaceful nuclear energy cooperation. Baqaei added that Russia's stance aligns with its long-standing opposition to efforts by European states and the United States to revive repealed Security Council resolutions. Iran, he went on, appreciates this position, noting that talks to expand peaceful nuclear cooperation between Tehran and Moscow are continuing "seriously as before." Baqaei links Epstein files release to US behavior abroad Elsewhere in his presser, Baqaei said the recent release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has once again highlighted the longstanding influence of US domestic politics on its overseas behavior. He said there is a well-established assessment that some US actions abroad including in the Caribbean and Latin America have at times served as an attempt to divert public attention from "serious internal realities" that raise significant questions at home. According to Baqaei, such foreign maneuvers have been used to shift both domestic and international focus away from sensitive political issues inside the United States. Baqaei: Sudan situation 'very worrying'; US responsible Turning to Sudan, Baqaei described the country's situation as "very worrying," arguing that Washington bears responsibility for the origins of the crisis. For nearly two decades, US interference contributed to tensions, fragmentation, violence, and the killing of innocent people, he said. Iran, he stressed, rejects all forms of third-party intervention in Sudan's internal affairs and believes the solution must be reached by Sudanese actors themselves to restore peace and stability. Baqaei also addressed remarks by Lebanon's foreign minister regarding readiness to engage in talks with Iran's foreign minister. He said Iran and Lebanon enjoy long-standing, respectful, and mutually beneficial relations, supported by deep ties between their peoples. He noted that the Lebanese minister's comments were promptly met with a positive response from Iran's foreign minister, who reiterated that Iran "does not interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs" and that all Lebanese matters belong solely to the Lebanese people. 'US conducting bullying tactics against Venezuela' In response to a question about internal US disputes related to the recent tensions between Venezuela and the United States, Baqaei said Washington's stated justification of combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Latin America is merely a pretext for "bullying policies" and pressure against a sovereign state. Any official familiar with the United Nations and international law would recognize that US actions against Venezuela "completely violate fundamental principles of international law," he added. Baqaei also condemned recent US decisions on Taiwan, including new arms shipments, saying such moves aim to provoke China and contradict the internationally recognized "One China" principle, which is affirmed in UN resolutions. He said the United States is once again demonstrating disregard for regional peace and stability in East Asia. FM's upcoming trip to Netherlands Regarding the foreign minister's upcoming trip to the Netherlands, Baqaei said there is no scheduled meeting with the European troika. The visit is for the annual session of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, though bilateral meetings with attending ministers may occur as standard practice, he explained. Case of Mahdieh Esfandiari Addressing the case of Mahdieh Esfandiari, the Iranian national detained in France, Baqaei said Iran's judiciary makes decisions solely on the basis of charges and evidence. He noted that Esfandiari had been arrested "without any basis and without committing any crime," and that Tehran has repeatedly expressed its position. She is now out of prison, he said, and Iran hopes her mid-December court hearing will lead to her release and return home. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran committed to pursue nuclear progress vigorously: Lawmaker IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 23, 2025 Shiraz, IRNA -- Head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of Iran's Parliament Ebrahim Azizi has reaffirmed the country's determination to pursue its nuclear advancements strongly. Speaking at a gathering in Abadeh City, the southern Province of Fars, during the Basij Week on Saturday night, Azizi criticized the recent anti-Iran resolution passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), asserting that Iran would respond appropriately to such provocations. Azizi emphasized that Iran today is not the same as it was before the 12-day war imposed by the Israeli regime, highlighting a shift in the nation's defensive posture. He warned adversaries, particularly the US and European nations, against underestimating Iran's resolve. The representative from Shiraz and Zarghan cities also lauded the role of the Basij volunteer forces in altering the dynamics of warfare in favor of Iran during past conflicts. He noted that the presence of Basij, along with other security forces, has thwarted numerous enemy plots, particularly during the June conflict, which saw a decisive Iranian response that forced US and Israeli proxies to retreat. Azizi concluded by asserting that attempts to weaken Iran through economic sanctions would ultimately fail, reiterating that the nation remains steadfast in its defense and sovereignty. 4208**7129 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IAEA's anti-Iran resolution 'stain of disgrace' on sponsors: Tehran Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 10:49 AM The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has condemned a recent resolution passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the country's peaceful nuclear program as a "stain of disgrace" on the document's sponsors. Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks two days after the IAEA's Board of Governors adopted by a narrow margin the anti-Iran resolution proposed by France, the UK, Germany, and the United States. He said there was no goodwill behind the resolution, which merely makes Iran's nuclear issue more complicated, rather than helping to resolve it. "In my view, the content of the resolution is a stain of disgrace upon those who drafted and promoted it," he added. The resolution, he emphasized, "not only violates the regulations of the United Nations Security Council and the previous practices of the IAEA, but also fails to make even the slightest reference to the root cause of the problemnamely, the crimes committed by the Israeli regime and the US in their attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities." Baghaei further noted that the IAEA's resolution constitutes blatant interference in the IAEA's work and will further undermine the agency's independence. The IAEA's resolution urged Tehran to "without delay" report on its enriched uranium stockpile and facilities damaged in the Israeli-US June aggression, while failing to mention Iran's longstanding cooperation with the IAEA. Iran's Foreign Ministry said the "illegal and unjustified" document reflects the US bullying and the duplicitous behavior of the three European states. The Islamic Republic also announced the termination of the deal signed in Egypt's Cairo in September to resume cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog. The Ties had been suspended after the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression against Iran on June13-24 that killed at least 1,064 people in Iran, most of them civilians. The Tel Aviv regime launched the assault before the sixth round of indirect Iran-US nuclear talks in Oman's Muscat. 'US not serious about negotiations' Additionally, in his remarks, the spokesman said that the United States lacks the required seriousness in the matter of negotiations with Iran. Washington's approach to the talks is founded on dictation rather than relying on a conventional diplomatic process based on exchange, he noted. "As long as the US insists on this approach, no meaningful negotiations will take shape," he stated. 'US's anti-Iran sanctions trace back to 1950s' Baghaei was also asked about the US's plan to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Russia, with Iran potentially included in the list. He said that US sanctions against Iran have a long history and that many of them trace back to the 1950s, when Iran decided to nationalize its oil industry. "Without doubt, these sanctions cause us harm, but they are by no means capable of weakening our resolve to defend our dignity, rights, and national interests," he stressed. 'Zionist regime is the greatest threat' Elsewhere, Baghaei said the widely acknowledged fact in the region is that the Zionist regime is the greatest threat to regional peace and stability. He also urged the West Asian countries to rely on their endogenous capabilities to create conditions that will prevent Israel's domination and warmongering. He highlighted a wave of awakening in European and Western countries regarding Palestine and Gaza, citing large street protests against Israel's genocidal crimes. He further expressed Iran's opposition to any interference by third parties in Sudan's internal affairs, saying peace efforts must enable relevant parties in the African country, including its government, to restore peace and stability to their homeland. Asked about US-Venezuela tensions, Baghaei denounced the US actions against the South American country as entirely contrary to the fundamental principles of international law. "No one can, under the pretext of combating organized crime, violate the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country or threaten it with the use of force," he said. Baghaei also emphasized that the One China principle must be respected by all governments. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu Meets with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Events and Speeches Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 23.11.2025 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this morning, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, met with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The Prime Minister and the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister discussed strengthening bilateral economic ties on a range of topics, including expanding investments, promoting a free trade agreement, and advancing the economic corridor from India through the Middle East and Israel to Europe. Economy Minister Nir Barkat, National Security Council Acting Director Gil Reich, the Prime Minister's Foreign Policy Advisor, Ophir Falk, and Indian Ambassador to Israel J. P. Singh also attended the meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu at the Start of the Government Meeting Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Events and Speeches Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 23.11.2025 At the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister and the ministers stood for a moment of silence in memory of Netanya Mayor Miriam Feirberg-Ikar, of blessed memory, who passed away last Friday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, at the start of the Government meeting: "We will shorten the government meeting today so that we can attend the major event in memory of Miriam Feirberg in Netanya. Miriam was a groundbreaking leader. She was the Mayor of Netanya for almost 30 years. This is an unbelievable thing, but it is believable, because everyone who knew her knows her deep commitment to the city, her enthusiasm, her initiative, and also her ability to stand up to difficulties, including the difficulties unjustly placed upon her in a legal attack, which, fortunately, she was finally extricated from. But she stood up to it with pride. She was also very committed, as I know, and as each of you can also attest, because every conversation with her was: 'What can you do for Netanya? What can we do together for Netanya?' Without exaggeration. I don't recall a single conversation with her that didn't include - not only didn't include - but wasn't guided by this endeavor. So, I request, with your permission, that we stand for a moment of silence in her memory. We are continuing to strike terrorism on several fronts. This weekend, the IDF struck in Lebanon, and we will continue to do everything necessary to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its threat capability against us. This is also what we are doing in the Gaza Strip. Since the ceasefire, Hamas has not stopped violating it, and we are acting accordingly. There have been several attempts by them to infiltrate our territory beyond the yellow line and try to harm our soldiers. We have thwarted this with great force and also retaliated and exacted a very heavy price. That includes many terrorists we eliminated, and also terrorists we captured from the tunnels in Rafah. All the talk that 'We must receive approvals for this' from one source or another is simply an absolute lie. We operate independently of anyone. Immediate actions to thwart attacks are taken by the IDF automatically. As for the responses, that goes through the Minister of Defense and eventually reaches me, and we decide independently of any factor, and that is how it should be. Israel is responsible for its own security." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address G20 Johannesburg Summit Session 3 "A Fair and a Just Future for All" Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan November 23, 2025 On November 23, commencing at 10: 10 a.m. local time (5: 10 p.m. on November 23, JST) for approximately 3 hours, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, attended the G20 Johannesburg Summit Section 3 "A Fair and a Just Future for All ". The overview of the session is as follows: In this session, many members pointed out that strengthening and diversifying supply-chains for critical minerals is indispensable for global economic growth, and the importance of international cooperaton on AI. Prime Minister TAKAICHI's statement is outlined as follows: Critical minerals The stable supply of critical minerals, which lie at the most upstream end of the supply chains of many industries, is indispensable for global economy growth. Concerns are currently rising within the international community regarding export controls on critical minerals. In addition to rectifying these measures, diversifying supply sources, including the refining and processing of geographically concentrated crit ical minerals, has become a pressing challenge. Countries must collaborate to avoid excessive concentration in supply chains, build resilient and reliable critical mineral supply chains, and promote sustainable resource projects and high-value-added processing in resource-rich countries. From this perspective, Japan has been leading the initiative for RISE (Resilient and Inclusive Supply-Chain Enhancement ) Partnership to diversify the supply chains of critical minerals, which is essential to achieve a green economy, and to create quality local jobs in developing countries. The Rise Partnership will continue to broaden will be steadily broaden the scope of its cooperation steadily, including by expanding its activities from Africa to Latin America and the Caribbean. Japan will advance technical assistance for exploration in Botswana through JOGMEC (Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security ) and comprehensive cooperation for development of the Nakala Corridor, which serves as a transport route for mineral resources. AI Effective utilization of AI, spreading at an accelerated pace, is a driving force for economic growth. To promote innovation utilizing AI, it is necessary to build a safe, secure, and trustworthy AI ecosystem, including measures to address information security risks. Japan was the first to lead the development of the International Code of Conduct for generative AI under the Hiroshima AI Process and has promoted the establishment of AI governance. At last month's Japan-ASEAN Summit, the "Japan-ASEAN Co-creation Initiative for Artificial Intelligence" was launched to solve challenges through AI. Japan will strengthen AI-related human resource development for Africa through initiatives such as the "AI and Data Science Human Resource Development and African Economic Growth Initiative" launched at TICAD9. Japan supports the "AI for Africa initiative" proposed by the South Africa Presidency. At the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, Japan showcased new technologies such as AI-powered visitor guidance and android robots to the world as a venue for social verification, with an eye toward future practical application. Japan will continue its efforts to achieve a safe, secure, and trustworthy AI ecosystem. As the international community faces multiple crises, the role of the G20 is becoming increasingly important . Rather than division and confrontation, Japan wishes to identify common ground and points of agreement, and advance solutions to challenges in a manner where all G20 members share responsibility. Japan intends to actively cooperate toward the success of next year's G20 under the U.S. presidency. (Reference)G20 Johannesburg Summit Schedule Saturday, November 22 Session 1 "Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth that Leaves No One Behind " Session 2 "A Resilient World - G20's Contribution" Session 1 "Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth that Leaves No One Behind " Session 2 "A Resilient World - G20's Contribution" Sunday, November 23 Session 3 "A Fair and a Just Future for All" G20 member countries, invited countries and international organizations i: G20 member countries Japan, South Africa (Presidency), Brazil, United States (non-participation), Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Kingdom, African Union, and European Union Japan, South Africa (Presidency), Brazil, United States (non-participation), Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Kingdom, African Union, and European Union ii: Invited countries Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, Namibia, Norway, Nigeria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe , Malaysia (Association of Southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN] chair ), Angola (African Union [AU] chair), and Jamaica (Caribbean Community [CARICOM] chair ) Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, Namibia, Norway, Nigeria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe , Malaysia (Association of Southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN] chair ), Angola (African Union [AU] chair), and Jamaica (Caribbean Community [CARICOM] chair ) iii: International organizations Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) , United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation (WTO) , Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) , International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), World Bank (WB), World Health Organisation (WHO), African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), African Development Bank (AfDB), African Union Commission (AUC), Latin American Development Bank (CAF) , Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS), Financial Stability Board (FSB) , International Telecommunication Union (ITU), New Development Bank (NDB), Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Centre (SC), UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-India Summit Meeting Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan November 23, 2025 On November 23, commencing at 1:40 p.m. local time (8:40 p.m. on November 23, Japan time) for approximately 35 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting the Republic of South Africa to attend the G20 Summit, held a Japan-India Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. The outline of the meeting is as follows. At the outset, Prime Minister Modi offered his heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister TAKAICHI on her assumption of office and expressed his pleasure at holding the face-to-face meeting. In her response, Prime Minister TAKAICHI expressed her gratitude, and conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Delhi and offered her sincere prayers for the swift recovery of those injured. She also stated that she would like to work with Prime Minister Modi to make Japan-India relations more robust and prosperous. In response, Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation. Prime Minister TAKAICHI further stated that, based on the Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade launched during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan, she is determined to achieve tangible results across a wide range of fields including security and defense, the economy, and people-to-people exchanges. She also mentioned that she aims to leverage both countries' strengths to foster innovation and growth in the areas of critical and emerging technologies such as semiconductors and AI, and to concretize cooperation in the area of economic security. In response, Prime Minister Modi stated his intention to advance concrete cooperation in these areas. The two leaders also concurred to cooperate in realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister TAKAICHI Held Talk with President of the French Republic Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan November 23, 2025 On November 23, commencing at 0:15 p.m. local time (7:15 p.m. on November 23, JST) for approximately 10 minutes, Mr. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting South Africa to attend the G20 Johannesburg Summit, held a talk with H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic. The overview is as follows: Prime Minister TAKAICHI emphasized the importance of advancing Japan-France cooperation amid challenging the international circumstances. She also noted that France holds the G7 presidency next year and expressed a desire for close coordination between the two countries within the G7 framework. Recognizing that security of Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic is inseparable, the two leaders concurred that Japan and France, as 'Exceptional Partner' sharing common values and principles, would continue to cooperate closely across all fields, such as security, the economy, economic security, and space. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-Germany Summit Meeting Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan November 23, 2025 On November 23, commencing at 11:50 local time (November 23, 18:50 JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, who was visiting Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa, to attend the G20 Summit, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. The overview of the meeting is as follows. At the beginning, Prime Minister Takaichi stressed the increasing importance of cooperation with Germany, whichplays a leading role in Europe as a member of the G7. She also stated that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are inseparable, and that she hopes to work with Chancellor Merz to achieve a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific." Chancellor Merz offered his congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi on her inauguration and stated that he would strengthen cooperation with Japan, as an important partner in Asia, in various fields. The two leaders concurred on strengthening cooperation in national and economic security between Japan and Germany. They also exchanged views on international situation, including the Indo-Pacific, and concurred that Japan and Germany will work closely together to address the challenges facing the international community. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Seventh Round of the European Union-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue on 21 November 2025 European External Action Service (EEAS) 23.11.2025 EEAS Press Team The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), Kaja Kallas, and Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Senator Ishaq Dar, co-chaired the 7th Round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels on 21 November 2025. The meeting was an occasion to discuss EU-Pakistan bilateral relations, with special regard to reviewing cooperation in the framework of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan from 2019. Both sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in all areas covered under the SEP with the objective of aligning overall strategic outlook. Both sides welcomed the timely convening of dialogue mechanisms and reaffirmed the importance of sustained cooperation across trade, migration, human rights, political, economic and development areas, including under the EU's Global Gateway strategy. They agreed to further deepen knowledge partnerships through Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe and to work together on emerging challenges related to food and energy security and climate change. The EU and Pakistan reiterated the importance of continued collaboration to promote sustainable growth and trade development. In this regard, the leaders expressed a strong political commitment towards the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) which remains one of the key elements of EU-Pakistan relations. The HR/VP informed about the ongoing process leading to the adoption of a new Generalised Scheme of Preferences. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue working closely towards universal promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in line with their international obligations. During their discussion, High Representative Kallas and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar re-confirmed the commitment of both Pakistan and the European Union to multilateralism, principles of the UN Charter, the rules-based international order, peace, stability and prosperity, grounded in shared values and common interests. They highlighted the importance of close collaboration on regional and global security. Both sides stressed the need to find peaceful solutions to conflicts, in full respect of the principles of international law and the UN Charter. The EU side briefed on Russia's war in Ukraine. The Pakistan side briefed on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. They discussed the situation in the Middle East and welcomed the agreement reached on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict put forward by President Trump. They reiterated the importance of ensuring that all parties adhere to the ceasefire, implement all phases, and refrain from any actions that jeopardise the agreement and recalled the importance of Gaza's stabilisation, transitional governance, recovery and reconstruction, as well as unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. They also underscored their support for concrete steps towards the two-state solution in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions. The ministers discussed Pakistan-Afghanistan relations amid October 2025 cross-border tensions, reaffirming their commitment to regional peace, stability, prosperity and resolving issues through dialogue between neighbours. The two sides called on Afghanistan's de facto Authorities to play a constructive role in achieving the shared objective of rooting out terrorism from Afghan soil. Expressing concern over Afghanistan's deteriorating socio-economic conditions, they supported a peaceful, stable and self-reliant Afghanistan contributing to regional stability, advocating for a credible political process aligned with the UN-led "Doha process," and in line with the commitments made by the Talibande facto Authorities to the international community. They appreciated Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan nationals for over four decades. The EU side emphasised that any return must be safe, dignified and in line with international standards.Both sides called upon the Afghan authorities to ensure protection of human rights, especially for women, girls and vulnerable communities. Both sides agreed to convene the 8th Round of the Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China must resolutely hit back at Japanese leader's remarks on Taiwan: Chinese FM Global Times By Xinhua Published: Nov 23, 2025 03:01 PM Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said that it is shocking for a sitting Japanese leader to openly send a wrong signal of attempting to intervene militarily in the Taiwan question -- saying what should not be said and crossing a red line that must not be touched. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a media interview after concluding his visit to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where he held strategic dialogues respectively with their foreign ministers from Nov. 19 to 22. China must resolutely hit back -- not only to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also to defend the hard-won post-war achievements secured with blood and sacrifice, and to uphold international justice and human conscience, he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shocking for a sitting Japanese leader to openly send wrong signal of attempting to intervene militarily in the Taiwan question; China must resolutely hit back: Chinese FM Global Times By Xinhua Published: Nov 23, 2025 03:02 PM Updated: Nov 23, 2025 03:16 PM Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Japan to reflect on and correct its mistakes as soon as possible, rather than stubbornly clinging to the wrong path. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a media interview after concluding his visit to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where he held strategic dialogues respectively with their foreign ministers from Nov. 19 to 22. If Japan persists in its own way and keeps making the same mistakes, all countries and people who advocate justice have the right to re-examine Japan's historical crimes and have the responsibility to resolutely prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism, Wang said. Noting that firm mutual support on core interests is an inherent part of the China-Central Asia community with a shared future, Wang said China is willing to be a steadfast supporter and strong defender of peace, stability and development in Central Asia. China opposes any interference in the internal affairs of Central Asian countries and will never allow anyone or any force to create division or turmoil, he emphasized. Wang said he briefed the foreign ministers of the three countries on China's principled position regarding the Taiwan question and exposed the wrongful words and actions of Japan's current leader, which have openly infringed upon China's core interests and challenged the post-World War II international order. He said that Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have openly emphasized that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. They oppose any form of "Taiwan independence" and firmly support all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. Their collective voice is timely, as it not only supports China's legitimate position on the Taiwan question but also upholds the fundamental norms of international relations, once again clearly demonstrating that the one-China principle is an unshakable consensus of the international community, said Wang. Noting 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, Wang said that the return of Taiwan, stolen by Japan at the time, to China was explicitly stipulated in a series of international documents such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender. This is an undeniable achievement of the victory of World War II and an international obligation that Japan, as a defeated country, must continue to observe, Wang added. In this crucial year, what Japan should do most is to deeply reflect on its history of invading and colonizing Taiwan, deeply reflect on the war crimes committed by militarism, abide by the rules and act with restraint and prudence on Taiwan and historical issues, he noted. Wang said that it is shocking for a sitting Japanese leader to openly send a wrong signal of attempting to intervene militarily in the Taiwan question -- saying what should not be said and crossing a red line that must not be touched. China must resolutely hit back -- not only to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also to defend the hard-won post-war achievements secured with blood and sacrifice, and to uphold international justice and human conscience, he said. The Chinese people love peace and are friendly towards their neighbors. However, on major issues concerning national sovereignty and territorial integrity, they will never make any compromise or concession, said the Chinese foreign minister. The Japanese government has made solemn commitments on the Taiwan question in the four political documents between China and Japan, which have the effect of international law and leave no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation, he said, stressing that no matter which party or person is in power in Japan, these commitments must be adhered to. A person cannot establish himself in society without integrity, and a nation cannot stand among nations without credibility, he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney November 23, 2025 Johannesburg, South Africa Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders discussed the next steps in supporting Ukraine toward a just and lasting peace. They welcomed President Trump's continued efforts toward a negotiated settlement and expressed their support for the ongoing process. They emphasised the need for Ukraine to be at the centre of any negotiations. The Prime Minister affirmed Canada's willingness to contribute to the success of peace negotiations, in collaboration with key partners. In this respect, the two leaders welcomed the meeting of national security advisors taking place today in Geneva, as well as the upcoming virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. The Prime Minister and the President agreed to remain in close and regular contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by President von der Leyen on Peace Discussions for Ukraine European Commission Statement Nov 23, 2025 Johannesburg Ukraine has been at the heart of many discussions over the past days. Any credible and sustainable peace plan should first and foremost stop the killing and end the war, while not sowing the seeds for a future conflict. We have agreed on the main elements necessary for a just and lasting peace and Ukraine's sovereignty. Let me highlight three of them. First, borders cannot be changed by force. Second, as a sovereign nation there cannot be limitations on Ukraine's armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attack and thereby also undermining European security. Third, the centrality of the European Union in securing peace for Ukraine must be fully reflected. Ukraine must have the freedom and sovereign right to choose its own destiny. They have chosen a European destiny. It starts with the country's reconstruction, its integration into our Single Market and our defence industrial base, and ultimately, joining our Union. We will continue our work together with Ukraine, our Member States, the Coalition of the Willing and the US to make real progress towards peace. What is important is that we move forward as partners, on a single track. And I want to end on a point that is personally important to me. A crucial element that must be part of any agreement. The return of each and every Ukrainian child abducted by Russia. Of all the horrors unleashed by Russia's war, none cuts deeper than this. Tens of thousands of boys and girls remain trapped in Russia. Frightened and longing for their loved ones. We must place these children at the top of the global agenda. This is why together with Ukraine and Canada, we will co-host a Summit of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian children. We will not rest until every single one of them is reunited with their families, in their homes, where they belong. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Ukraine, Germany, France and UK to meet in Geneva over 28-point peace plan; expert questions whether core concerns will be addressed Global Times By Liu Caiyu Published: Nov 23, 2025 03:38 PM The US, Ukraine, Germany, France and the UK held negotiations in Geneva on Sunday to discuss a new US-proposed peace plan. Following talks between the Ukrainian delegation and European security officials, the head of Ukraine's presidential office described the discussions as "very constructive" before the delegation proceeded to meet with US officials, the BBC reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there is now an understanding that the US-proposed peace plan may take into account "a number of elements that are based on the Ukrainian vision and are critical to Ukraine's national interests," according to the BBC. In a post on his Truth Social platform, US President Donald Trump accuses Ukraine of having "zero gratitude" over US efforts to end the war, BBC reported. Shortly after the accusation, in a post on Telegram, Ukraine's top security official, Rustem Umerov, echoes Zelensky's understanding that the 28-point peace plan may include Ukraine's interests. He says: "Our current proposals while still not finalized include many Ukrainian priorities," BBC said. Prior to the discussion, Al Jazeera reported that the 28-point proposal has been seen by many observers as far too favorable to Russia. "This plan seems to obviously favor Russia, and it is interesting to see whether the US can exert enough leverage on Ukraine and on Zelensky to accept this plan," said Marina Miron, a postdoctoral researcher at the defense studies department at King's College London, Al Jazeera reported. According to the BBC, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, Trump's overseas diplomatic envoy, are expected to join the meeting with head of Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov and UK's National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell. A Kyiv Independent report said that the White House has given Kiev until November 27 to decide whether it will accept these demands or lose American support. Leaders of the EU, Germany, France, Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, Italy, Japan and Norway earlier said in a statement that "the initial draft of the 28-point plan includes important elements that will be essential for a just and lasting peace," but emphasized that "the draft is a basis which will require additional work," Reuters wrote. US media reports say the current draft plan contains 28 points, including major territorial concessions by Ukraine and sharp reductions in its armed forces, as well as limits on access to long-range weapon types. The plan may also rule out the deployment of European peacekeeping forces to Ukraine after a ceasefire, according to the Xinhua News Agency. In a sombre address on Friday, Zelensky warned his country faces an impossible choice over the coming days between keeping its national dignity and losing a major partner in the shape of the US. It faces one of the most difficult moments in its history, he admitted, the Guardian reported. Speaking on Saturday, Zelensky was quoted by the Guardian as saying real or "dignified" peace was always based on "guaranteed security and justice". When asked by reporters on November 22 whether the plan represented his final proposal to Ukraine, Donald Trump said on Saturday that his Moscow-drafted "peace plan" was "not my final offer," the Kyiv Independent said. Cui Heng, a scholar from the Shanghai-based China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, who closely follows the conflict, said that the 28-point peace plan is still a simple way to solve complex problems. Whether the agreement can be finally reached now or not, there are significant problems in its implementation. This plan does not truly address the fundamental concerns of Russia, Europe, and Ukraine. The reason the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalated into such intense confrontation lies in the fact that Europe's security architecture has remained unresolved since the end of the Cold War specifically, how Europe should deal with the perceived threat from Russia, how Russia should address the threat posed by NATO's expansion, Cui noted. In an environment of extremely low mutual trust, it is hard for all parties to be convinced that the agreement is credible, Cui said, adding that the 28-point plan in the current deal further proves that Europe is essentially not important in the eyes of the US as Europe's own interests are barely reflected in the plan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Drone hits Russia as Ukraine, Europe discuss US-proposed peace deal Iran Press TV Sunday, 23 November 2025 3:16 PM Russia has come under a drone attack as US and European officials continue discussions about US President Donald Trump's 28-point Ukraine peace plan. Ukrainian drones struck a heat and power station in the Moscow region on Sunday, triggering a massive fire and cutting off heating for thousands of households. The attack targeted the Shatura Power Station, located about 120 km east of the Kremlin, according to Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov. Video posted on the Telegram messaging platform showed fireballs and thick black smoke rising from the site of the strikes. Vorobyov said Russian air-defense forces had downed several drones, but some fell onto the grounds of the plant, causing the blaze. He added that backup power systems had been activated and mobile heating units were being deployed, with temperatures in the area hovering around freezing. "All efforts are being taken to promptly restore heat supply," he said. Sunday's strike was one of Kyiv's largest drone attacks to date, hitting a target deep inside Russian territory. That came as Kyiv and its allies have begun discussions on a US-drafted peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia, Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. National security advisers from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany met Ukrainian officials in Geneva for the first phase of the peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the first round of discussions with European security advisers "very constructive." US representatives are expected to join the negotiations in the next phase. Trump has given Kyiv five days to respond to his proposed 28-point peace agreement. Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the plan, saying it could serve as a basis for resolving the conflict, now in its fourth year. Trump's proposal calls on Kyiv to cede territory, accept limits on its military, and abandon its bid to join the US-led NATO alliance. Previous rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine, including negotiations held in Belarus, have all failed. Kyiv's Western European allies have already criticized the plan, saying they intend to seek revisions to what they argue is an agreement overly favorable to Russia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rubio Praises Geneva Talks With Ukraine, Says Trump 'Pleased' With Progress By RFE/RL November 23, 2025 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said there has been "tremendous progress" at talks on ending the war in Ukraine, and that President Donald Trump was "pleased" when he briefed him on the discussions. Rubio spoke to reporters for a second time on November 23, after talks with a Ukrainian delegation in Geneva that he earlier said had been "the most productive and meaningful" since the Trump administration took office in January. "There's still some work to be done, but we are much further ahead today at this time than we were when we began this morning and where we were a week ago, for certain," Rubio said. He did not elaborate on what the points were, but said security guarantees for Ukraine were something that "has to be discussed" and that work would continue on November 24. The meetings in the Swiss lakeside city are focusing on a US plan to stop fighting that has raged since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The plan has not yet been officially disclosed, although key elements have been leaked -- sparking Kyiv's allies to suggest that it is highly tilted in Russia's favor. Trump had earlier said the plan was not his final word, suggesting changes could be made to it. But in comments on Truth Social on November 23 indicated frustration with European and Ukrainian positions. "Ukraine's 'leadership' has expressed zero gratitude for our efforts, and Europe continues to buy oil from Russia," he wrote in all-caps comments. Two European Union member states still purchase Russian crude oil: Hungary and Slovakia. NATO-member Turkey also buys Russian crude. Apparently responding in a social media post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pointedly stated his gratitude "personally to President Trump" for help that "is saving the lives of Ukrainians." In a later post, Zelenskyy also gave an impression of the pace of diplomacy in Geneva. "A lot is changing - we are working very carefully on the steps needed to end the war," he said. "Tomorrow will be no less active." What's In The Deal? Many of the terms of the proposed deal require sweeping concessions by Kyiv and appear to mirror many of the Kremlin's demands -- including surrender of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions -- known as the Donbas -- and Crimea, along with setting limits on the size of its military. Kyiv would also be required to enact a constitutional prohibition on joining NATO, while restrictions would be put on the Western military alliance itself regarding the stationing of its troops. Financial sanctions on Moscow would also be eased under the plan. In return, Ukraine would receive some form of "security guarantees," most notably from the United States, be allowed to join the European Union, and receive some financial benefits. Russia would also be required to withdraw from some Ukrainian areas it currently occupies. Amid pushback from US lawmakers and foreign allies, Trump on November 22 left open the possibility of changes being made to the plan. Asked by reporters if his proposal was his "final offer to Ukraine," Trump said, "No." Ukraine's European allies, who were not involved in drafting the US plan, have said the proposal requires "additional work." Reuters news agency reported details of European counterproposals that included a larger force size for Ukraine and a US security guarantee like NATO's Article 5 -- under which an attack on one country is considered an attack on all. Rubio said he had not seen any European counterproposals. Democrats, Republicans Push Back The US plan has also received criticism among influential members of Trump's own Republican party, including a joint statement with rival Democrats that calls for changes in the proposal. "We will not achieve that lasting peace by offering [Russian President Vladimir] Putin concession after concession and fatally degrading Ukraine's ability to defend itself," said the statement, signed by three Democrats, one Republican, and one independent senator. Veteran Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, a former Senate leader, wrote on X that "rewarding Russian butchery would be disastrous to America's interests." Republican Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he is "highly skeptical" the plan will bring about peace. Rubio has denied remarks by Republican Senator Mike Rounds, Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, and independent Angus King that the proposal was not drafted by Washington but was the Kremlin's "wish list" handed over by the Russians. Western media outlets have cited sources as saying the document was largely the product of talks between Witkoff and a special envoy for Putin, Kirill Dmitriev. Meanwhile, officials in Russia and Ukraine reported on new strikes on November 23. An 11-year-old girl was among 19 people injured by drone strikes in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, said Vladislav Haivanenko, head of the regional military administration. Moscow's Vnukovo airport suspended flights as the city's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, reported incoming Ukrainian drones. Zelenskyy has said his country faces "one of the most difficult moments" in its history, warning that it risks losing one of its key allies -- Washington -- but that Kyiv would not "betray" its own interests in any negotiations. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Reuters, AFP, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/geneva-talks-ukraine- rubio-zelenskyy-russia-war-trump/33599111.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 Rubio Says Good Progress Made at Geneva Talks on Ukraine Sputnik News 20251123 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that good progress had been achieved at Geneva talks on resolving the Ukraine conflict. "I think we have made good progress," Rubio told reporters. He added that the talks in Geneva were ongoing. "We have had probably the most productive and meaningful meeting so far in this entire process since we have been involved in from the beginning" Rubio said. Rubio said that the plan ultimately needs approval from both US President Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky. Rubio added that Russia is also an importat part of the equation in the Ukraine conflict resolution plan. On Wednesday, US media reported, citing US administration officials, that US President Donald Trump had approved a 28-point plan for the Ukrainian conflict settlement. It reportedly includes a reduction in US military aid, the official recognition of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, giving the Russian language an official status in Ukraine, reducing Ukraine's armed forces, banning foreign troops and long-range weapons on Ukrainian soil. The plan assumes that the US and other countries recognize Crimea and Donbass as legitimate Russian territories. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Trump's new peace plan could form a basis for a final settlement in Ukraine. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Liberate Key Settlements in Donetsk, Dnepropetrovsk Regions Sputnik News 20251123 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Yug Battlegroup has liberated the village of Petrovskoye in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. "Units of the Yug group of forces liberated the settlement of Petrovskoye in the Donetsk People's Republic as a result of decisive actions," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Vostok Battlegroup in turn has liberated the settlements of Tikhoye and Otradnoye in the Dnepropetrovsk region. "As a result of active offensive actions, units of the Vostok group of forces liberated the settlements of Tikhoe and Otradnoye in the Dnepropetrovsk region," the ministry stated. Furthermore, the battlegroup has eliminated up to 225 Ukrainian soldiers, while the Zapad Battlegroup has eliminated up to 220 Ukrainian servicepeople and a tank during the same period, the statement read. Russia's Tsentr Battlegroup has eliminated more than 435 Ukrainian military personnel in the past 24 hours, including up to 210 Ukrainian troops near Krasnoarmeysk (also known as Pokrovsk), the ministry added. "Over the past day, up to 210 military personnel, three armored personnel carriers, seven armored combat vehicles, a field artillery gun and four motor vehicles were eliminated in the Krasnoarmeysk direction. In total, enemy losses in the Center group of forces' area of responsibility amounted to more than 435 military personnel, four armored personnel carriers, including three US-made M113 armored personnel carriers and a Swedish-made Viking armored personnel carrier, 10 armored combat vehicles, 12 motor vehicles and an artillery gun," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Sever battlegrougroup has eliminated up to 140 Ukrainian servicepeople, Russia's Yug battlegroupgroup has eliminated more than 225 Ukrainian soldiers and a tank, while the Dnepr battlegroup has eliminated up to 75 Ukrainian military personnel, the ministry also said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Repel Seven Ukrainian Attacks Near Krasnoarmeysk, Inflicting Heavy Losses Sputnik News 20251123 The attacks looked to break the Russian siege of encircled units near Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), the Ministry of Defense reported. "Seven attacks by the 425th Assault Regiment, the 32nd Mechanized Brigade, and the 95th Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were repelled from the area near the village of Grishino in the Donetsk People's Republic, as they attempted to break the siege of the surrounded group. Up to 30 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, along with a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier and two 'Kazak' armored vehicles," the statement said. In Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), assault groups of the 2nd Army continue to eliminate enemy formations in the Central, Gornyak, and western industrial zone districts. The clearing operation in the village of Rovno is also ongoing, the ministry noted. In Dimitrov, assault units of the 51st Army are pushing Ukrainian forces out of the Eastern, Western, and southern districts of the city, it added. Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) and Dimitrov form a city agglomeration and serve as a crucial transportation hub for Ukrainian forces in Donbass. A significant portion of supplies and reinforcements to Chasov Yar passed through Konstantinovka. The area also played a key role in supplying ammunition to Selidovo. This city was a cornerstone of Ukraine's defense along the entire front in the Donetsk People's Republic. Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian losses on this section of the front amounted to up to 210 soldiers, three armored personnel carriers, seven armored fighting vehicles, a field artillery gun, and four vehicles. By the end of October, the Tsentr Battlegroup had encircled Ukrainian forces in the Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) and Dimitrov areas. The Russian Army continues to regularly thwart attempts to break the siege. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Expand Control Zone in Konstantinovka in Donetsk People's Republic Sputnik News 20251123 DONETSK (Sputnik) - The Russian Armed Forces expanded the control zone in the city of Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the Republic's Head Denis Pushilin told Sputnik. "As for Konstantinovka, here we see the expansion of the control zone of the Russian Armed Forces. Mainly in the eastern and southeastern parts of Konstantinovka. We also see that battles for the settlement of Ivanpolye and in the northern part of the Kleban-Byk continue," Pushilin said. On November 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin listened to a detailed report on the situation in Konstantinovka during a visit to the Zapad battlegroup command post. While the president called on the military to avoid setting a specific date on the liberation of Konstaninovka, he reiterated that the goals of the Special Military Operation must be accomplished. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We Are Two Meters Away From Peace Deal Kellogg Sputnik News 20251123 US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg has stated that the United States is "two meters away" from finalizing a peace deal to end the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing that President Trump is determined to bring the war to a close. Kellogg revealed that a 28-point peace plan will serve as the framework for negotiations throughout the coming week. He expressed confidence in the process, underscoring the administration's focus on securing a diplomatic resolution. "In the military, we always say the last 10 meters to an objective are always the hardest to get to. We're at the last two meters, we're almost there" the envoy added. At the same time, Kellogg characterized Ukraine's public stanceparticularly its refusal to recognize territorial losses or limit the size of its armed forcesas "posturing." He urged Kiev to make difficult decisions for the sake of peace, stating, "This war needs to end." In a notable strategic insight, Kellogg indicated that the US may first secure Ukraine's agreement to the deal before bringing Russia on board. "It's not going to be up to Russia to accept it. I think we can drive Ukraine to it, and I think we can drive the Russians to it later on as well," he told Fox News. Security guarantees will be added to the peace agreement to resolve the Ukrainian conflict, outgoing US Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg said. "We have to put in supportive documents, probably an annex, that would be security guarantees," he said in an interview with Fox News. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak Remarks to Press US Department of State Remarks Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian Presidential Office Head U.S. Mission in Geneva Geneva, Switzerland November 23, 2025 SECRETARY RUBIO: All right. QUESTION: Good evening. SECRETARY RUBIO: Hey, guys, how we doing? QUESTION: Good. Thanks for welcoming us. MR YERMAK: Hello. SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you for coming. So let me - at the outset let me say we're going to come back here in a few minutes, in maybe an hour or two hours from now, so I'm not going to take questions now because - we're not going to take questions now because we want to come back to you. But we wanted to keep you updated. So it is in my personal view that we've had probably the most productive and meaningful meetings so far in this entire process since we've been involved, from the beginning. We have a very good work product that was already built on a foundation of input from all the relative parties involved here, and we were able to go through some of those items now point by point, and I think we made good progress. Our teams are - have now gone to their rooms as we're working on some of the suggestions that were proffered to us. So we're working through making some changes, some adjustments, in the hopes of further narrowing the differences and getting closer to something that both Ukraine and, obviously, the United States are very comfortable with. Obviously, this will ultimately have to be signed off by our presidents, although I feel very comfortable about that happening given the progress we've made. And then obviously there's the Russian side of the equation. But again, we think we have some pretty substantial insights over the last nine months into some of the things that are really important to them. So, I think the takeaway from it is I think this was a very, very meaningful, I would say probably best meeting and day we've had so far in this entire process, going back to when we first came into office in January. But there's still some work left to do and that's what our teams are going to be doing right now, and we'd like to come back to you maybe a little later tonight with further updates. MR YERMAK: Dear journalists, dear Marco, and I want to confirm that we have very productive first session with distinguished American delegation. We have very good progress and we are moving forward to the just and lasting peace. Ukrainian people deserve and want this peace more than anymore - anyone in this planet. We thank our big friends, United States and personal President Trump and his team, to their commitment to bring this peace. And we will continue to work today, as Secretary said. We will be working and in coming days to join proposals, and we will - also will engage our European friends and, of course, the final words will be of our leaders, of the President of United States, and Ukraine, and I hope that we can achieve the good progress today. Thank you. QUESTION: Do you think this process can - SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. We'll be back to you in - and we'll be back to you in a little while with more. I know you have questions. Let us work on more answers for you and then - because we're - literally we wanted to update you, but this is literally an ongoing process. But we wanted to keep you up to date on what's happening. We will come back to you later tonight and maybe at that time be able to answer maybe some of the specific questions that you have. But let's get - let's get back to work and we'll be back to you pretty soon. Okay? Thank you. MR YERMAK: Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to Press US Department of State Remarks to the Press Marco Rubio, Secretary of State U.S. Mission in Geneva Geneva, Switzerland November 23, 2025 SECRETARY RUBIO: Hi, guys. All right. We had a very good day today. I think we made a tremendous amount of progress, even from the last time I spoke to you. And I apologize for keeping you waiting, but there was more work to be done. We began almost three weeks ago with a foundational document that we socialized and ran by both sides, and with input from both sides. And one of the things that happens when you've been involved in this now for 10 months is you get a pretty good sense of what the priorities and the red lines and the important issues are for both sides. And so that allowed us to create a foundational document, which has been an ongoing working document. In fact, over the last 96 hours or more there's been extensive engagement with the Ukrainian side, including our Secretary of the Army and others, being on the ground in Kyiv, meeting with relevant stakeholders across the Ukrainian political spectrum in the legislative branch and the executive branch and the military and others to further sort of narrow these points. We arrived here today with one goal, and the goal was to take what - it's 28 points or 26 points, depending on which version as it continued to evolve, and try to narrow the ones that were open items. And we have achieved that today in a very substantial way. Now, obviously, like any final agreement, it'll have to be agreed upon by the presidents, and there are a couple issues that we need to continue to work on. But I think the report today is that I think today was worthwhile, was very, very - it was probably the most productive day we have had on this issue, maybe in the entirety of our engagement, but certainly in a very long time. But work remains, and because this continues to be a work in process, the - I don't want to declare victory or finality here. There's still some work to be done. But we are much further ahead today, at this time, than we were when we began this morning and where we were a week ago for certain. QUESTION: Has Ukraine - has Ukraine - sorry, (inaudible). QUESTION: Which couple of issues? Which couple of issues are you - you said about a couple of issues - SECRETARY RUBIO: Yes. QUESTION: - remain. QUESTION: What issues remain? Could you please specify on that? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I'm not going to get into the details on the issues. This is a very delicate moment, and it's important - like I said, there's not agreement on those yet. Some of it is semantics or language; others require higher-level decisions and consultation; others, I think, just need more time to work through. As an aside I will mention that there were items that we were discussing as part of the original 28 or - it evolved. This is a work in - this is a living, breathing document. Every day with input it changes. There were some that involved equities or the role of the EU or of NATO or so forth, and those we kind of segregated out because we just met with the national security advisors for various European countries, and those are things we'll have to discuss with them because it involves them. So we sort of really focused on the ones that were bilateral in nature for the most part. So there were a couple - none of it insurmountable. I can tell you that the items that remain open are not insurmountable, we just need more time than what we have today. I honestly believe we'll get there. QUESTION: (Inaudible.) QUESTION: Has Ukraine - has Ukraine indicated to you that it is prepared to compromise, for instance, on some of those key issues like territory in exchange for peace with Russia? Have they suggested that they are prepared to (inaudible)? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I'm not going to - look, it's not because I - for purposes of evasion. It's just I'm not going to get into the details of the topics that were discussed because this is an ongoing process. What is important to understand in how these things work is you have to - in order to have a proposal, you have to write it. If it's just verbal, it's in the air, you have to put it down on a piece of paper. And just because it's printed on a piece of paper doesn't indicate finality. So you get input, and based on that input you make adjustments, and then you get more input or you make a counteroffer and you get more adjustments. That's an ongoing process. There's a lot more of that to happen. So I'm not going to speculate or go into the details of any of the specific items in the latest version of the proposal because, frankly, by tomorrow or the next day, that may have evolved and changed further. And - but I can tell you, I guess, that I feel very optimistic that we can get something done here because we made a tremendous amount of progress today. QUESTION: What are you going to tell President Trump about the tune of the Ukrainians during these talks? QUESTION: On the Russia side, are they supposed to join the talks? SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, it was very positive. I'm telling you today was the most productive day we've had. QUESTION: Because he said they were ungrateful earlier. SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, today - and we've talked to him since - I think he's quite pleased at the reports we've given him about the amount of progress that's been made. QUESTION: Secretary, (inaudible). (Cross-talk.) QUESTION: Will the Russian party (inaudible)? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, obviously the Russians get a vote here, right? So, I mean, look, we - QUESTION: A vote? SECRETARY RUBIO: We began - we began from the early stage of this process with our understanding of the Russian position as had been communicated to us in numerous ways. At the State Department we've received numerous written non-papers and things of this nature, also verbally things they've discussed over time and so forth. So, it was - no matter what we came up with today, obviously we now have to take what we come up with, if we can reach that agreement with the Ukrainian side, to the Russian side. That's another part of this equation. They have to agree to this in order for it to work. QUESTION: What about the counterproposal from the Europeans? QUESTION: Will you stick to the Thursday deadline? QUESTION: What about new deadline - will be the deadline or it's - SECRETARY RUBIO: The deadline is we want to get this done as soon as possible. Obviously, we'd love it to be Thursday. QUESTION: Thursday? SECRETARY RUBIO: We'd love to - ultimately, the important point today is that we have made substantial progress. We've really moved forward. So I feel very optimistic that we're going to get there in a very reasonable period of time, very soon. Whether it's Thursday, whether it's Friday, whether it's Wednesday, whether it's Monday of the following week, we want it to be soon because people are going to be - between today and the time we deal with this, more people are going to die. More destruction is going to happen. Our goal is to end this war as soon as possible, but we need a little more time. QUESTION: Can you (inaudible)? (Cross-talk.) SECRETARY RUBIO: What? I'm sorry. QUESTION: To discuss the fighter jets in Poland, was that never - SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, I'm not going to discuss any of the particulars of it, quite frankly. As I said, this is an ongoing process, and so I think there's work to be done. I know that's deeply unsatisfying to you who have to cover these sorts of things, but I wanted to make you aware that we've made progress. I simply don't want to do anything that sets us back in that regard. And - but I can tell you we've made substantial progress. Today was the best day we have had in our entire 10 months of working on these issues. (Cross-talk.) QUESTION: (Inaudible) proposal with Russia? QUESTION: Did you confirm that you met the European representatives today and what you can say about it? SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, we met with the national security advisors of a variety of countries that were here, and we sort of walked them through the progress we had made today. We didn't go in, again, to tremendous detail. We assured them that items that involve both Europe and NATO directly or - that those items are items that we sort of agreed to put as part of a separate track because it involves input from them. But I think what they heard - and I hope they'll confirm; I believe they will - is an incredible amount of positivity from both the Ukrainian and American side about the progress we've made today. (Cross-talk.) QUESTION: What happens tomorrow, Mr. Secretary? What's the plan for tomorrow? QUESTION: (Inaudible) will only make sense if it includes a provision that says the Americans are willing to provide security guarantees similar to Article 5 of NATO. Are you receptive to this? SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, again, I'm not going to discuss the details of what's being worked on with regards to any particular provisions. I mean, clearly, I think we all recognize that part of getting a final end to this war will require for Ukraine to feel as if it is safe and it is never going to be invaded or attacked again. So, that's clearly something that has to be discussed. I think we've made substantial progress on that and other points. But I'm not going to get into the details about all the - QUESTION: Can you point to - can you point to (inaudible)? (Cross-talk.) QUESTION: Can you point to (inaudible)? SECRETARY RUBIO: I have time for two more, guys, because I have - QUESTION: Can you point to any concessions you are asking the Russians to make? QUESTION: Will there be a call between President Trump and President Zelenskyy in the next hours? SECRETARY RUBIO: Am I what? QUESTION: Will there be a call between President Trump and Zelenskyy in the next hours? SECRETARY RUBIO: I don't know. It's possible. I'm not sure. QUESTION: Can you - can you point to any concessions? QUESTION: What happens tomorrow? SECRETARY RUBIO: Tomorrow? QUESTION: Yeah, what happens from here? SECRETARY RUBIO: We keep working. I mean, look, this process - QUESTION: Here in Geneva? QUESTION: Here in Geneva? SECRETARY RUBIO: No, no, no, this process has been ongoing now for the better part of three weeks, and it's really sped up in the last 96 hours. So we have all kinds of people at technical levels that are working full-time on this and engaged in this full-time. In fact, even as we got up and broke up now and walked away from the table, there are a handful of technical items that we expect answers from them on or suggestions from them on in the next 24 hours or so. So, this is an ongoing process. We don't have to be here in this building for that to move. But we thought today being here in person allowed us to make great strides, especially since they sent such a high-level delegation who have the authority to sort of call back to their capital, talk to their president, and make - and agree to certain things. QUESTION: Can you - SECRETARY RUBIO: So we've made a lot of progress. QUESTION: What do you think of the counterproposal from the Europeans? QUESTION: Can you point to any concessions you're asking the Russians to make? SECRETARY RUBIO: The what? QUESTION: The counterproposals of the European, the counterplan of the Europeans. SECRETARY RUBIO: I'm not - what counterplan? QUESTION: Can you point to any concessions? SECRETARY RUBIO: I haven't seen any counterplan. QUESTION: (Inaudible.) SECRETARY RUBIO: All right, guys. Thank you. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM call with President Trump of the United States: 23 November 2025 Press release The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Donald Trump today. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 23 November 2025 The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Donald Trump today. The leaders discussed various aspects of the high level discussions taking place in Geneva today on the US peace plan for Ukraine. They agreed that we all must work together at this critical moment to bring about a just and lasting peace. They agreed to keep in touch. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Anita Anand Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 23 November 2025 13:55 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "Ukraine appreciates Canada's support and leadership, including its successful G7 presidency and co-chairing of the Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. I told this to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Anita Anand during our today's call. We shared perspectives on American peace proposals, upcoming talks, and active diplomacy this week. Grateful to Canada for being on the same page with us. I also reiterated the importance of Canada's latest round of sanctions against Russia. We coordinated steps to further increase international pressure on Moscow to force it to end the war". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address There Is Dialogue with the American Representatives, and There Are Signals President Trump's Team Is Hearing Us - Address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 23 November 2025 - 21:33 I wish you health! Today has been a day of numerous meetings and negotiations - basically since morning, it's been calls, briefings, and consultations. The Ukrainian delegation in Geneva has already held a series of meetings - with the American side and with our European partners as well. The delegation has just reported on the results of their discussions, and these were substantive conversations. A lot is changing - we are working very carefully on the steps needed to end the war. Today, the negotiations in Switzerland will continue, and the teams will be working practically until night - and we will be receiving further reports from them. It is important that there is dialogue with the American representatives, and there are signals President Trump's team is hearing us. I also spoke today with President of France Emmanuel Macron and with the Prime Ministers of Canada, Croatia, and Luxembourg. Just now, I spoke with Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz - I thank them all! There have also been many more messages. Everyone is offering support, sharing advice, providing information, and I want to thank each and every person who is offering this help to us - to all of Ukraine. And it is important to ensure that the steps toward ending the war are effective, and that everything is workable. Ukraine has never wanted this war, and we will never be an obstacle to peace. Diplomacy has been reinvigorated, and that's good. Very good. We expect that the outcome will be the right steps. The first priority is a reliable peace, guaranteed security, respect for our people, respect for everyone who gave their life defending Ukraine against Russian aggression. Tomorrow will be no less active. We are defending Ukraine's interests. And the strength of our position - our state position, our national, Ukrainian position - lies in the fact that it is our shared position. The unity of Ukrainians in defending our national interests, our independence, and our sovereignty is what makes the difference. There are directives for the Ukrainian delegation, there is a Ukrainian course that our delegation is following, and it is highly desirable that no contradictory signals - non-Ukrainian signals - be coming from Ukraine. I am hearing now that partner intelligence services are informing them that the Russian position has begun to make its way through certain actors from Ukraine as well. This certainly does not help. We have our state position, we have our Ukrainian dignity, and we must move in a way that strengthens it, not undermines it. I expect that those whom this concerns will hear me now: having a Ukrainian passport means feeling responsibility for Ukraine. And it is truly evident that millions of Ukrainians firmly support the state position, firmly support our independence and Ukrainian sovereignty. People must benefit from every political decision, and that is why we are working very thoroughly, very seriously, very attentively on every step and on every document together with all our partners. Thank you to everyone around the world who stands with Ukraine! Thank you to America, to the President of the United States, and to all the leaders in Europe and around the world who feel the significance of what can be decided right now. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Had a Joint Conversation with the Prime Ministers of Croatia and Luxembourg President of Ukraine 23 November 2025 - 16:41 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic and Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden. The Head of State expressed gratitude for their support and noted that it is very important that now practically all European countries are closely following the process toward achieving peace and are ready to engage. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed them about the diplomatic work on the American proposal and the meetings in Geneva. Ukraine is counting on an outcome that will pave the way to a real and lasting peace. The Head of State also spoke about preparations for upcoming engagements in the format of the Coalition of the Willing. The work must be as constructive and substantive as possible - and it will be ensured. The President thanked every leader and everyone around the world who supports Ukraine, the Ukrainian people, and our principled stances. Work continues to ensure full coordination of actions among the friends of our country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Carney Discussed Diplomatic Developments and the Negotiation Process Toward Achieving Real Peace President of Ukraine 23 November 2025 - 16:18 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney. The Head of State informed him about the work of the negotiating teams today in Switzerland. Ukraine is committed to a maximally constructive approach to the steps proposed by the United States. Work continues to ensure that the path toward ending the war is real and that the principled elements are taken into account and put into action. The President thanked the Prime Minister for his support and readiness to assist wherever needed. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Carney also discussed Canada's engagement with other leaders in support of Ukraine within the G20 Summit, as well as preparations for the upcoming Coalition of the Willing conversation early next week. The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine values this format of coordination among a wider circle of partners so that everyone is involved and informed about the peace process. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Says Peace Framework 'Updated, Refined' To 'Fully Protect' Ukraine, But Details Scarce By RFE/RL November 24, 2025 The White House said talks in Geneva with Kyiv marked "meaningful progress" toward ending the war in Ukraine and led to an "updated and refined" framework that would "fully uphold" the war-torn country's sovereignty and deliver a just peace. The November 23 statement out of Washington did not provide specifics or detail what changes had been made to a 28-point peace plan put forward by President Donald Trump and criticized by Kyiv's supporters as being too Russia-friendly. "The talks were constructive, focused, and respectful, underscoring the shared commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace," the White House said in what it called a joint statement with Ukraine. "The discussions showed meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps." "They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraine's sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace. As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework," it added, without elaborating. The statement added that both sides agreed to "remain in close contact with their European partners," who remain some of Ukraine's strongest supporters. Trump himself did not immediately comment. Along with Ukraine's European allies, many US lawmakers -- including some Republicans -- had assailed the original proposal, with some calling it a Kremlin "wish list." The White House statement said the "Ukrainian delegation affirmed that all of their principal concerns -- security guarantees, long-term economic development, infrastructure protection, freedom of navigation, and political sovereignty -- were thoroughly addressed during the meeting." Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the US delegation on November 23 for talks with Ukrainian officials in Geneva as Washington stepped up pressure on Kyiv to quickly accept the US plan. Trump had expressed frustration with Ukraine and its European allies for stating opposition to his proposal. Following the meeting, Rubio cited "tremendous progress" and said Trump was "pleased" when he briefed him on the discussions. Rubio departed Switzerland and was headed back to Washington following the talks, the State Department said. The head of Ukraine's delegation -- Zelenskyy chief of staff Andriy Yermak -- told reporters that negotiators made "very good progress" in Geneva and were "moving forward to the just and lasting peace Ukrainian people deserve." A Zelenskyy-Trump Meeting? Multiple Western news agencies cited unnamed sources as saying US and Ukrainian officials were discussing a potential visit by Zelenskyy to Washington -- as early as the upcoming week -- to discuss matters with Trump. Reuters quoted one source as saying the talks would focus on the most sensitive issues in a 28-point peace plan put forward by Trump -- such as the possibility of Ukrainian territorial concessions to Russia. The original plan was not officially disclosed, although key elements had been leaked. The terms required sweeping concessions by Kyiv and appeared to mirror many of the Kremlin's demands -- including surrender of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions -- known as the Donbas -- and Crimea, along with setting limits on the size of its military. Kyiv would also be required to set a constitutional prohibition on joining NATO, while restrictions would be put on the Western military alliance itself regarding the stationing of its troops. Financial sanctions on Moscow would also be eased under the plan. In return, Ukraine would receive some form of "security guarantees," most notably from the United States, be allowed to join the European Union, and receive some financial benefits. Russia would also be required to withdraw from some Ukrainian areas it currently occupies. Amid the pushback from US lawmakers and foreign allies, Trump on November 22 had left open the possibility of changes being made to the plan. Asked by reporters if his proposal was his "final offer to Ukraine," Trump said, "No." Amid the talks in Geneva, Zelenskyy said that "there are signals President Trump's team is hearing us." "A lot is changing -- we are working very carefully on the steps needed to end the war," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address, published prior to the White House statement. Details Of European Plan German news agency dpa said an alternative European plan would not require Ukraine to cede any territory that it still controls and would set a higher cap on the size of its armed forces -- to 800,000 soldiers, instead of the 600,000 limit in the US proposal. Ukraine would also receive strong security guarantees. Also, Ukraine's membership in NATO would not explicitly be ruled out, and Russia would not be granted a general amnesty for war crimes, dpa reported, without citing its sources. European and African leaders are meeting in Angola on November 24 for an economic summit, and it is expected that Russia's war on Ukraine will be an urgent subject of discussion among EU leaders. The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the Geneva talks, although Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would have a phone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on November 24 to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine. Multiple Casualties In Kharkiv Meanwhile, as the talks were under way in Geneva, the killing continued in the full-scale war that is edging near the four-year mark. Ukrainian officials said Russia had launched a "massive" drone attack on Kharkiv on November 23, killing at least four people and injuring 17 others in a residential area. Russia has conducted almost nightly missile and drone launches on Ukrainian residential, commercial, and infrastructure sites. The Kremlin denies targeting civilian areas despite widespread attacks on such areas. Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have left millions of people without heating or power for many hours each day. A ground offensive in eastern Ukraine has also increased pressure on Kyiv as it looks to negotiate peace terms. Ukraine has responded by sending drones against energy and other sites inside Russia that Kyiv says are used to launch attacks against Ukrainian cities. Russia has also suffered power outages, and its economy has been devastated because of war expenditures and Western sanctions. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Reuters, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-geneva-peace-talks- trump-zelenskyy-rubio/33599688.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 Joint Statement. U.S.-Ukraine Meeting President of Ukraine 24 November 2025 - 01:00 On 23 November 2025, representatives of the United States and Ukraine met in Geneva for discussions on the U.S. peace proposal. The talks were constructive, focused, and respectful, underscoring the shared commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace. Both sides agreed the consultations were highly productive. The discussions showed meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps. They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraine's sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace. As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework. The Ukrainian delegation reaffirmed its gratitude for the steadfast commitment of the United States and, personally, President Donald J. Trump for their tireless efforts aimed at ending the war and the loss of life. Ukraine and the United States agreed to continue intensive work on joint proposals in the coming days. They will also remain in close contact with their European partners as the process advances. Final decisions under this framework will be made by the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States. Both sides reiterated their readiness to continue working together to secure a peace that ensures Ukraine's security, stability, and reconstruction. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address TSXV: FWZ OTCQX: FWEDF FSE: M0G Fireweed Metals Corp. ("Fireweed" or the "Company") (TSXV: FWZ) (OTCQX: FWEDF) is pleased to provide an update on the significant activities undertaken to advance its strategic Mactung tungsten project (Yukon, Canada). Highlights Successful completion of a 11,117 m multi-purpose drill program comprising geotechnical, hydrogeological, and infill drilling combined with sampling for the geometallurgical testwork program, providing critical information in advance of the upcoming Feasibility Study which is expected to commence before the end of 2025. Very-high tungsten grades across significant true widths, confirming the high-grade nature and significant scale of the deposit. MT25-048: 12 m true width of 6.21% WO 3 MT25-034: 29 m true width of 2.56% WO 3 MT25-051: 16 m true width of 4.53% WO 3 MT25-038: 15 m true width of 2.15% WO 3 Mactung is advancing as planned, supported by a Department of War award made via Title III of the U.S. Defense Production Act of 1950 ("DPA Title III") and announced December 2024. Establishment of a new camp, upgrades to site infrastructure, and the safe re-entry to the historical adit to provide access to high-grade underground workings, assessment of ground conditions and to support future project development activities. Initiation of a Mineral Resource Update that is targeting resource conversion from Inferred to Indicated, a key component of the upcoming Feasibility Study. Environmental baseline studies undertaken in support of future mine licensing. Comprehensive core scanning and relogging program capturing high resolution imagery, geochemical data, and bulk density measurements on 18,128 m of historical core and new core data that will be used to support resource estimation and geometallurgical domaining. CEO Statement Ian Gibbs, President and CEO, stated, "The results of the 2025 season at Mactung represent the culmination of an intense, multi-disciplinary and DPA Title III-supported field program that has successfully shown that extensive high-grade intervals of tungsten mineralization are consistent with the previous modelling work, and the deposit is comprised of multiple wide zones with very-high tungsten grades. The multi-purpose program was completed to 100% scope and will facilitate a Feasibility Study that we are commencing. This program cements Mactung as the world's premier tungsten deposit, unmatched in grade and scale1. The owner's team that has been assembled looks forward to continuing engineering and environmental studies in support of the upcoming Feasibility Study and mine licensing activities." Mactung Field Program Update Multi-purpose drilling (see Photos 1 and 2) and core scanning, including: Safe completion of 11,117 m of multi-purpose diamond drilling to add to extensive historical data, comprising: 10,094 m of resource drilling targeting conversion of the current Mineral Resource 2 for inclusion in Feasibility Study work, as well as to provide core samples for the geometallurgical variability test work program. 401 m of geotechnical drilling and 47 test pits to support infrastructure design and permafrost characterization. 622 m of hydrogeological drilling and pump testing to support water modelling and future licensing. Scanning of 27,753 m of Mactung core with two scanning units, including new (9,575 m) and historical (18,178 m) core, implementing a state-of-the-art short-wave ultraviolet scanning system (SWUV) to provide x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analytical data and short wave infra-red spectrometry (SWIR) to support a comprehensive geometallurgical program. Measurement of bulk density on 2,472 historical samples to enable accurate bulk-density weighting of composites for the Mineral Resource update. Leveraging and improving Mactung's existing infrastructure, including: The reestablishment of access and safe entry into the existing adit infrastructure and underground workings at Mactung that have not been worked since a bulk-sampling program by a previous operator in 2005 (see Photos 3 and 4), allowing: Deployment of high-resolution remotely operated drone technology with LiDAR scanners to capture detailed 3D imagery of the historical adit and drifts. Visual inspections, geotechnical assessments and mapping of rock conditions. Underground water assessment and inspection of mineralization on drift walls. New seasonal 49-person camp (see Photo 5) to complement the existing facilities at Macpass and increase the camp capacity to 150 people within the district. Bridge construction over Dale Creek (see Photo 6) on the Mactung Spur Road to replace existing ford-style crossing. Site road maintenance program to support drilling, ensure continued access, and improve safe road conditions for extended operation periods. Environmental reclamation activities at the historical exploration camp, including removal of dilapidated trailers and waste materials from site, left by prior operators. Advanced technical work programs in support of the upcoming Feasibility Study and building upon Mactung's extensive data base of historical technical and environmental work programs: Comprehensive metallurgical and geometallurgical testwork program: representative samples from the field program were collected for laboratory testing to assess the mineralogy, optimize the process flowsheet, and enhance the predictability of metallurgical performance across all domains. Geotechnical mapping, laboratory testing, rock mass characterization and sampling to inform and support design parameters for the mine and infrastructure designs and verify borrow pit sources for construction. Advancing studies to establish an optimized project configuration to inform the upcoming Feasibility Study including mining, process plant, and infrastructure which is underpinned by a safe and capital efficient design. Regular engagement with DPA Title III administrators and reimbursement of eligible project expenses. As of September 30 th , 2025, Mactung's gross project expenditures totalled C$20.4M, which are eligible for reimbursement at the 50% level up to the C$22.5 M award total according to Fireweed's agreement with the U.S. government (see Fireweed news release December 13, 2024). , 2025, Mactung's gross project expenditures totalled C$20.4M, which are eligible for reimbursement at the 50% level up to the C$22.5 M award total according to Fireweed's agreement with the U.S. government (see Fireweed news release December 13, 2024). Engaged tungsten industry experts to build a world-class owner's advisory team to guide key areas of the project including metallurgy, plant and infrastructure design and commercial strategy and marketing. Drilling Results Summary Dr. Jack Milton, VP Exploration, commented "There are very few tungsten deposits that can consistently return such wide and high-grade drill intersections. Mactung is a stand-out asset that is peerless globally1. The drill results are being integrated into an updated and improved geological model for the deposit that is feeding into the mineral resource update. We are using cutting-edge core scanning technology to de-risk the project through the development of a thorough geometallurgical model that will support the Feasibility Study. This provides a rare insight into a best-in-class tungsten exoskarn and enables us to characterize the geological domains based on geochemistry and mineralogy. Combined with our geometallurgical sampling and testwork program, we can now move to a predictive approach to estimating recovery and metallurgical performance so that we can maximize value through efficiencies and provide data-driven de-risking of the development of Mactung." The 2025 drill program at Mactung comprised 11,117 m between a total of 66 holes. All assays have been received, and results for intervals that returned composite grades higher than 0.2% WO 3 are reported here (See Tables 1 and 2, Cross Sections MB to MB' and MC to MC', Maps 1 and 2). Within all 66 of the 2025 drillholes at Mactung there were 135 primary intersections with true widths between 0.36 m and 43.7 m (Table 1), out of which: 115 intersections returned a grade of more than 0.5% WO 3 ; ; Including 57 intersections with a grade of more than 1.0% WO 3 ; ; Including 15 intersections with a grade of more than 2.0% WO 3 . Full results and true widths, including the results of any significantly higher intervals within the primary intersections, are listed in Table 1. Low-grade copper and gold mineralization accompanies high-grade tungsten mineralization locally. Metallurgical testwork is ongoing to determine if copper and gold can be recovered as by-product elements. Interpretation Summary The results of the 2025 drill program have: More accurately placed unit contacts throughout the deposit, improving the accuracy and confidence in the geological model; Provided many additional assay samples that will refine the grade and bulk density estimates; Validated historical grades, thicknesses, and bulk density values in areas of historical drilling; Defined a high-grade zone within the upper deposit layers - the Rabbitkettle Formation (Unit 3F); Improved definition of high-grade zones and extents in the lower deposit layer - the Sekwi Formation (Unit 2B). A comprehensive bulk density program was carried out by measuring historical core samples. The historical core, combined with Fireweed's 2023 and 2025 drilling programs have resulted in 11,855 measurements that provide a robust dataset for tonnage estimates in the Mineral Resource update. Environmental and Indigenous Engagement Fireweed is implementing a full suite of environmental and socioeconomic baseline studies to support future mine licensing applications. Field programs include wildlife surveys (with movement cameras), surface and groundwater, aquatic resources monitoring, and air quality monitoring. Studies are underway, such as water use alternatives assessments, water balance and quality modeling, waste rock geochemical characterization, terrain hazard mapping, reclamation and closure planning, and socioeconomic impact assessments. In parallel, Fireweed's engagement team continues to deliver a comprehensive program of community engagement, including on-site tours with Elders and in-community open houses and information sessions with Indigenous groups in both Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Next Steps Fireweed continues to work on a previously announced program with the objective of progressing Mactung towards a final investment decision, funded by DPA Title III award of US$15.8 M (~C$22.5 M) (see Fireweed news release December 13, 2024). As part of the DPA-funded program, Fireweed is commencing a Feasibility Study, marked by the kick-off of a Mineral Resource update. Fireweed anticipates that the Feasibility Study will run throughout 2026 and is targeting a 2027 release. Qualified Person Statement Technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Fireweed Metals VP Exploration, Dr. Jack Milton, P.Geo. (BC), a 'Qualified Person' as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). Dr. Milton is not independent of the Company in accordance with NI 43-101. About Fireweed Fireweed is an exploration company focused on unlocking value in a new critical metals district located in Northern Canada. Fireweed is 100% owner of the Macpass District, a large and highly prospective 985 km2 land package. The Macpass District includes the Macpass zinc-lead-silver project and the Mactung tungsten project. A Lundin Group company, Fireweed is strongly positioned to create meaningful value. Fireweed trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "FWZ", on the OTCQX Best Market under the trading symbol "FWEDF", and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "M0G". Additional information about Fireweed and its projects can be found on the Company's website at FireweedMetals.com and at www.sedarplus.com ON BEHALF OF FIREWEED METALS CORP. "Ian Gibbs" CEO & Director 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. Data Verification The diamond drill core logging and sampling program was carried out under a rigorous quality assurance / quality control program using industry best practices. Drill intersections in this release are NQ2 size (50.5 mm/ 1.99-inch diameter) and HQ size (63.5 mm/ 2.50-inch diameter) with recoveries typically above 85% unless otherwise noted in the results tables. After drilling, core was cleaned, logged for geology, structure, and geotechnical characteristics, then marked for sampling and photographed on site. Certain cores were selected for core scanning using light detection and ranging (LiDAR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and high resolution RGB image capture. The cores for analyses were marked for sampling based on geological intervals with individual samples two metres or less in length, with one metre samples within mineralized zones. Under normal sampling protocol, drill core was cut lengthwise in half with a core saw; half-core was sent for assays reported in this news release, and the other half is stored on site for reference. Under geometallurgical sampling protocol, drill core was cut lengthwise in half with a core saw, and this half was again cut into quarters, with one quarter sent for regular analysis one half sent for compositing and geometallurgy, and one quarter remaining for reference. Where duplicate samples were taken for QA/QC assay within a geometallurgical interval, the remaining quarter core was also taken and the interval was exhausted. Bulk density was determined on site for the entire length of each assay sample by measurement of mass in air and mass in water. Sample duplicate bulk density determinations and in-house bulk density standard determinations were each made at a rate of 5%. Since 2017, six in-house bulk density standards (mineralized drill core from the Tom deposit, and more recently Mactung deposit, that span a range of densities) have been used and show an acceptable long-term precision. Certified standard masses are used to calibrate the scale balance used for bulk density determinations. A total of 5% assay standards or blanks and 5% core duplicates are included in the sample stream as a quality control measure and are reviewed after analyses are received. Standards and blanks in 2025 drill results have been approved as acceptable. Duplicate data add to the long-term estimates of precision for assay data on the project and precision for drill results reported is deemed to be within acceptable levels. Samples were sent to the Bureau Veritas (BV) preparation laboratory in Whitehorse, Yukon, where the samples were crushed and a 500 g split was sent to the BV laboratory in Vancouver, B.C to be pulverized to 85% passing 200 mesh size pulps. Clean crush material was passed through the crusher and clean silica was pulverized between each sample. The pulps were analyzed by multi-acid digestion followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-ES/MS) multi-element analyses (BV Code MA270), by fusion followed by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) finish (BV Code X750-W), and by fire assay with ICP-ES finish (BV Code FA330-Au). WO 3 is reported in this news release by method X750-W, gold by FA330-Au, and copper and bismuth by MA270. Bureau Veritas (Vancouver) is an independent, international ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory. Assay values may appear rounded to one decimal place but are given in full in Table 1, and Cross Sections MB to MB' and MC to MC' where tungsten (WO 3 ), copper and gold grades are reported to two decimal places. Results in this news release are length and bulk-density weighted averages as would be used in a Mineral Resource estimate. Length and bulk-density weighted averages have been reported as these most accurately represent the average metal-content of the intersections. True widths for primary intervals are estimated by measuring perpendicular to strike within the short axis of a stratiform wireframe that has been constructed in 3D around the mineralized intercepts at Mactung based on assay results, geological logging, stratigraphic correlation, and bedding measurements from oriented core. The skarn mineralization is stratiform (oriented parallel to bedding), therefore the true width, or thickness, of the zone is estimated perpendicular to both the strike and dip direction of bedding. True widths are rounded to the nearest metre for widths over 10 m and to the nearest 0.1 m for widths less than 10 m, as this better reflects the precision of the estimates. True widths should be regarded as approximate. True widths for nested intervals (marked as "Including" in results tables) are estimated using a ratio of included to primary intersected widths to attribute appropriate portions of the true width of the primary interval to the nested intervals. Cautionary Statements Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking" statements and information ("forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to interpretation of drill results, targets for exploration, potential extensions of mineralized zones, and the potential of the Company's projects, 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 are based on the beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Company management and reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 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. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include but are not limited to, exploration and development risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, expenditure and financing requirements, general economic conditions, changes in financial markets, the ability to properly and efficiently staff the Company's operations, the sufficiency of working capital and funding for continued operations, title matters, First Nations relations, operating hazards, political and economic factors, competitive factors, metal prices, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulations and oversight, permitting, seasonality and weather, technological change, industry practices, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and laboratory tests, and one-time events. The Company assumes no obligation to update forwardlooking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections or other factors, except as required by law. Footnotes and References 1 References to relative size, grade, and metal content of the Mactung resources and Macpass resources in comparison to other tungsten, zinc, gallium, and germanium deposits elsewhere in the world, respectively, are based on review of the Standard & Poor's Global Market Intelligence Capital IQ database. 2 For Mactung Mineral Resources, see Fireweed news release dated June 13, 2023 "Fireweed Metals Announces Mineral Resources for the Mactung Project: the Largest High-Grade Tungsten Deposit in the World" and the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mactung Project, Yukon Territory, Canada," with effective date July 28, 2023 filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/. Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. is considered independent of the Company, and a 'Qualified Person' as defined under NI 43-101. Garth Kirkham, of Kirkham Geosystems Limited., is responsible for the Mactung Mineral Resource Estimate. Drillhole Interval From (m) To (m) Interval Width (m) Est. True Width (m) WO 3 (%) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Bulk Density (t/m3) MT25-007 Primary 81.29 84.80 3.51 2.7 0.76 0.02 0.01 2.95 MT25-007 Primary 118.95 129.05 10.10 9.8 1.23 0.01 0.09 2.92 MT25-007 Primary 143.00 147.47 4.47 4.3 3.10 0.01 0.16 2.89 MT25-007 Including 144.05 146.26 2.21 2.1 5.15 0.01 0.23 3.18 MT25-007 Primary 152.75 168.39 15.64 12 2.46 0.01 0.17 3.05 MT25-007 Including 154.00 163.18 9.18 7.0 3.62 0.01 0.24 3.12 MT25-007 >Including 156.77 162.50 5.73 5.5 4.76 0.01 0.30 3.27 MT25-010 Primary 83.43 86.83 3.40 3.3 1.18 0.22 0.05 3.15 MT25-010 Primary 120.42 132.33 11.91 12 0.86 0.02 0.05 2.91 MT25-010 Including 121.12 126.43 5.31 5.1 1.54 0.01 0.08 2.94 MT25-010 >Including 123.11 126.43 3.32 3.2 2.15 0.01 0.09 2.82 MT25-012 Primary 71.40 76.40 5.00 4.7 0.89 0.05 0.01 3.11 MT25-012 Primary 83.00 88.75 5.75 5.4 0.44 0.33 0.03 3.32 MT25-014 Primary 84.80 87.85 3.05 2.5 0.63 0.02 0.01 3.06 MT25-014 Primary 87.85 101.36 13.51 11 0.21 0.05 0.01 2.97 MT25-014 Primary 101.36 108.64 7.28 6.0 0.60 0.12 0.01 3.19 MT25-014 Primary 140.76 162.04 21.28 16 0.73 0.01 0.01 3.11 MT25-014 Including 140.76 145.71 4.95 3.6 1.56 0.01 0.01 2.89 MT25-014 Including 149.11 153.67 4.56 3.3 1.16 0.01 0.02 3.21 MT25-016 Primary 80.82 91.70 10.88 11 2.73 0.03 0.04 3.15 MT25-016 Including 86.12 91.70 5.58 5.5 4.85 0.04 0.08 3.27 MT25-016 >Including 86.12 90.53 4.41 4.3 5.75 0.03 0.08 3.33 MT25-019 Primary 80.43 95.00 14.57 13 1.23 0.17 0.03 3.06 MT25-019 Including 88.09 90.86 2.77 2.5 3.92 0.05 0.08 3.24 MT25-022 Primary 90.78 102.76 11.98 10 0.52 0.33 0.11 3.31 MT25-023 Primary 4.00 36.18 32.18 25 1.47 0.04 0.02 2.95 MT25-023 Including 15.31 34.37 19.06 15 1.93 0.03 0.02 2.95 MT25-023 Primary 44.05 44.70 0.65 0.5 3.32 0.05 0.04 2.87 MT25-023 Primary 63.22 87.56 24.34 18.9 0.73 0.05 0.02 2.91 MT25-023 Including 83.22 87.56 4.34 3.4 1.27 0.04 0.03 2.93 MT25-023 Primary 95.85 99.88 4.03 3.1 0.49 0.01 0.02 2.74 MT25-023 Primary 121.50 146.00 24.50 19 1.10 0.02 0.03 2.99 MT25-023 Including 122.60 133.21 10.61 8.2 1.83 0.03 0.03 3.08 MT25-023 >Including 128.50 132.40 3.90 3.0 2.56 0.01 0.04 3.07 MT25-023 Primary 308.78 311.69 2.91 2.3 1.37 0.05 0.01 3.29 MT25-029 Primary 131.56 165.12 33.56 31 0.88 0.06 0.01 2.91 MT25-029 Including 143.55 158.60 15.05 14 1.30 0.04 0.01 2.98 MT25-029 >Including 145.85 151.18 5.33 4.8 2.33 0.04 0.00 3.08 MT25-029 Primary 181.75 200.15 18.40 17 0.84 0.01 0.01 2.78 MT25-029 Including 192.43 200.15 7.72 7.0 1.35 0.01 0.02 2.78 MT25-029 Primary 226.25 254.33 28.08 26 0.94 0.01 0.02 2.92 MT25-031 Primary 38.38 74.50 36.12 29 1.04 0.04 0.04 2.95 MT25-031 Including 51.00 64.73 13.73 11 1.50 0.04 0.05 3.01 MT25-031 Primary 83.25 107.60 24.35 20 0.39 0.02 0.03 2.86 MT25-031 Primary 120.06 146.26 26.20 21 0.75 0.06 0.04 2.96 MT25-031 Including 121.68 134.65 12.97 10 1.08 0.03 0.06 3.05 MT25-031 >Including 121.68 128.58 6.90 5.5 1.51 0.03 0.07 3.16 MT25-031 Primary 183.38 183.85 0.47 0.4 5.51 0.06 0.10 3.32 MT25-033 Primary 126.79 149.83 23.04 20 1.01 0.08 0.02 2.98 MT25-033 Including 127.27 145.03 17.76 15 1.18 0.09 0.02 3.03 MT25-033 >Including 132.20 136.27 4.07 3.5 1.93 0.02 0.02 3.18 MT25-033 Primary 170.80 192.22 21.42 19 0.90 0.02 0.01 2.91 MT25-033 Including 176.48 183.38 6.90 6.0 1.57 0.02 0.01 3.08 MT25-033 >Including 178.23 183.38 5.15 4.5 1.83 0.03 0.01 3.07 MT25-033 Including 189.19 192.22 3.03 2.6 1.34 0.02 0.01 2.83 MT25-033 Primary 196.46 199.81 3.35 2.9 0.48 0.02 0.02 2.88 MT25-033 Primary 217.40 229.50 12.10 11 0.93 0.02 0.03 3.07 MT25-033 Including 217.40 223.04 5.64 4.9 1.20 0.02 0.04 3.11 MT25-033 Primary 235.53 237.41 1.88 1.6 1.12 0.02 0.06 3.00 MT25-034 Primary 6.45 9.55 3.10 3.1 0.57 0.03 0.02 2.97 MT25-034 Primary 14.20 17.60 3.40 3.4 0.42 0.01 0.01 2.87 MT25-034 Primary 28.60 48.42 19.82 20 0.85 0.07 0.09 2.94 MT25-034 Including 28.60 36.50 7.90 7.9 1.17 0.07 0.08 2.86 MT25-034 >Including 30.30 34.62 4.32 4.3 1.45 0.06 0.07 3.01 MT25-034 Including 41.19 45.11 3.92 3.9 1.16 0.10 0.15 3.03 MT25-034 Primary 140.95 170.13 29.18 29 1.43 0.22 0.21 3.00 MT25-034 Including 147.17 154.79 7.62 7.6 1.85 0.51 0.29 3.21 MT25-034 Including 162.70 170.13 7.43 7.4 1.90 0.20 0.34 3.20 MT25-034 Primary 196.96 226.23 29.27 29 2.56 0.05 0.20 3.30 MT25-034 Including 198.22 206.50 8.28 8.1 3.03 0.01 0.12 3.16 MT25-034 Including 214.38 217.49 3.11 3.0 3.01 0.17 0.22 3.35 MT25-034 Including 220.89 225.38 4.49 4.4 3.72 0.02 0.35 3.51 MT25-035 Primary 26.39 73.10 46.71 44 1.11 0.04 0.03 2.94 MT25-035 Including 30.90 42.56 11.66 11 2.13 0.06 0.05 3.07 MT25-035 >Including 30.90 33.91 3.01 2.8 3.18 0.11 0.08 3.10 MT25-035 Including 63.37 65.58 2.21 2.1 2.46 0.14 0.06 2.84 MT25-035 Primary 83.20 100.49 17.29 16.2 0.60 0.03 0.05 3.01 MT25-035 Primary 189.27 200.65 11.38 11 1.93 0.01 0.10 3.03 MT25-035 Including 191.17 199.60 8.43 7.9 2.44 0.02 0.13 3.13 MT25-035 >Including 196.10 199.60 3.50 3.3 3.17 0.01 0.19 3.22 MT25-035 Primary 206.50 218.62 12.12 11 2.17 0.06 0.05 3.04 MT25-035 Including 206.50 215.90 9.40 8.8 2.59 0.06 0.05 3.10 MT25-035 >Including 206.50 213.00 6.50 6.1 3.12 0.04 0.07 3.21 MT25-035 Primary 253.03 259.62 6.59 6.2 0.39 0.02 0.02 3.06 MT25-035 Primary 268.23 273.15 4.92 4.6 0.35 0.04 0.01 3.08 MT25-036 Primary 82.81 88.00 5.19 4.3 0.64 0.22 0.02 2.86 MT25-036 Primary 115.56 144.49 28.93 24 1.38 0.10 0.03 3.04 MT25-036 Including 116.65 124.00 7.35 6.1 1.87 0.21 0.04 3.02 MT25-036 Primary 150.00 154.00 4.00 3.3 0.28 0.01 0.01 2.77 MT25-036 Primary 171.00 178.82 7.82 6.5 0.79 0.04 0.01 2.96 MT25-036 Including 174.27 178.82 4.55 3.8 1.11 0.02 0.01 2.99 MT25-036 Primary 184.20 200.00 15.80 13.1 0.51 0.02 0.02 2.77 MT25-036 Primary 215.16 236.91 21.75 17 0.77 0.04 0.04 2.87 MT25-036 Including 217.46 232.80 15.34 12 0.95 0.05 0.04 2.88 MT25-036 >Including 220.00 223.07 3.07 2.3 1.54 0.05 0.06 3.03 MT25-037 Primary 27.43 59.94 32.51 29 0.63 0.04 0.02 2.95 MT25-037 Including 37.94 42.85 4.91 4.4 2.17 0.04 0.03 3.12 MT25-037 Primary 216.33 221.77 5.44 5.4 1.56 0.01 0.02 2.57 MT25-037 Including 216.33 220.38 4.05 4.0 1.92 0.01 0.03 2.67 MT25-038 Primary 94.69 114.34 19.65 16 2.15 0.34 0.25 3.18 MT25-038 Including 96.85 105.45 8.60 6.9 3.07 0.43 0.29 3.29 MT25-038 Primary 167.00 195.02 28.02 20 2.13 0.08 0.09 3.12 MT25-038 Including 169.07 187.12 18.05 13 2.89 0.09 0.09 3.15 MT25-038 >Including 170.00 177.69 7.69 5.4 4.06 0.01 0.06 3.08 MT25-038 >Including 183.74 187.12 3.38 2.4 3.46 0.44 0.23 3.31 MT25-038 Primary 224.50 234.07 9.57 6.7 2.89 0.02 0.06 2.84 MT25-038 Including 227.00 232.63 5.63 3.9 4.81 0.02 0.06 2.78 MT25-038 >Including 227.00 231.52 4.52 3.2 5.93 0.02 0.06 2.74 MT25-039 Primary 101.45 135.91 34.46 34 1.35 0.12 0.04 3.13 MT25-039 Including 117.00 135.91 18.91 19 1.63 0.08 0.04 3.22 MT25-039 >Including 122.00 135.91 13.91 14 1.71 0.06 0.05 3.24 MT25-039 Primary 152.00 187.00 35.00 35 0.52 0.01 0.03 2.85 MT25-039 Including 152.00 160.61 8.61 8.5 0.98 0.02 0.04 2.93 MT25-039 Including 175.00 179.00 4.00 3.9 0.86 0.01 0.04 2.95 MT25-039 Primary 198.06 220.12 22.06 22 0.82 0.01 0.06 2.95 MT25-039 Including 211.00 215.36 4.36 4.3 2.13 0.01 0.07 2.99 MT25-040 Primary 10.42 16.00 5.58 4.7 0.31 0.03 0.01 2.57 MT25-040 Primary 38.09 61.17 23.08 20 0.66 0.06 0.01 3.05 MT25-040 Including 41.00 45.15 4.15 3.5 1.88 0.09 0.01 3.16 MT25-040 Primary 224.09 231.96 7.87 7.5 1.37 0.01 0.02 2.99 MT25-040 Including 228.19 230.12 1.93 1.8 4.23 0.01 0.01 3.19 MT25-041 Primary 23.05 45.87 22.82 21 0.67 0.07 0.01 2.80 MT25-041 Including 32.08 34.80 2.72 2.5 2.15 0.24 0.02 2.68 MT25-041 Primary 60.25 77.61 17.36 16 0.82 0.07 0.01 2.94 MT25-041 Primary 98.43 119.94 21.51 20 0.90 0.07 0.06 2.97 MT25-041 Including 101.05 109.53 8.48 7.8 1.42 0.10 0.07 3.07 MT25-041 Primary 220.91 240.12 19.21 18 0.96 0.23 0.15 3.03 MT25-041 Including 226.91 232.91 6.00 5.5 1.41 0.39 0.18 3.16 MT25-042 Primary 4.82 11.65 6.83 6.8 0.42 0.03 0.01 2.85 MT25-042 Primary 128.45 146.19 17.74 17 1.61 0.04 0.08 3.02 MT25-042 Including 129.49 146.19 16.70 16 1.69 0.04 0.09 3.01 MT25-042 >Including 130.53 133.25 2.72 2.6 6.57 0.03 0.01 3.21 MT25-043 Primary 105.12 136.26 31.14 30 0.77 0.10 0.02 3.09 MT25-043 Including 118.23 135.00 16.77 16 0.96 0.09 0.03 3.17 MT25-043 >Including 126.40 132.27 5.87 5.7 1.21 0.02 0.04 3.18 MT25-043 Primary 152.17 176.19 24.02 23 0.58 0.02 0.03 2.95 MT25-043 Including 154.50 157.70 3.20 3.1 1.00 0.04 0.04 3.11 MT25-043 Including 160.85 164.75 3.90 3.8 0.96 0.02 0.05 2.88 MT25-043 Primary 192.16 211.00 18.84 18 0.91 0.04 0.06 3.05 MT25-043 Including 194.32 207.40 13.08 13 1.12 0.05 0.06 3.07 MT25-043 >Including 195.44 200.72 5.28 5.1 1.94 0.10 0.11 3.16 MT25-043 Primary 216.65 221.72 5.07 4.9 0.88 0.01 0.10 2.89 MT25-044 Primary 96.00 117.46 21.46 17 1.73 0.31 0.29 3.12 MT25-044 >Including 100.76 106.35 5.59 4.4 2.73 0.48 0.32 3.33 MT25-044 >Including 113.67 117.46 3.79 2.9 2.62 0.31 0.51 3.42 MT25-045 Primary 3.73 9.17 5.44 5.4 0.44 0.02 0.03 2.68 MT25-045 Primary 64.65 68.39 3.74 3.7 0.23 0.15 0.03 2.90 MT25-045 Primary 101.60 107.42 5.82 5.8 1.70 0.37 0.34 3.18 MT25-045 Including 102.89 107.42 4.53 4.5 2.04 0.46 0.40 3.30 MT25-045 >Including 102.89 106.61 3.72 3.7 2.34 0.48 0.42 3.33 MT25-045 Primary 107.42 116.80 9.38 9.4 0.21 0.03 0.05 2.82 MT25-045 Primary 116.80 138.00 21.20 21 1.49 0.17 0.26 3.25 MT25-045 Including 119.16 128.47 9.31 9.3 2.36 0.24 0.42 3.38 MT25-045 >Including 120.00 123.26 3.26 3.3 3.61 0.32 0.57 3.50 MT25-046 Primary 81.10 86.26 5.16 4.9 0.39 0.20 0.05 2.93 MT25-046 Primary 126.20 129.26 3.06 2.9 1.51 0.09 0.03 3.19 MT25-046 Primary 132.31 141.00 8.69 8.3 0.86 0.06 0.03 3.21 MT25-046 Primary 153.85 186.09 32.24 31 0.57 0.03 0.04 2.92 MT25-046 Including 156.61 159.63 3.02 2.9 0.92 0.03 0.06 2.93 MT25-046 Including 171.08 179.00 7.92 7.5 0.95 0.04 0.07 3.05 MT25-047 Primary 192.96 202.41 9.45 8.2 0.42 0.07 0.01 3.03 MT25-047 Primary 207.44 213.80 6.36 5.5 0.82 0.03 0.01 2.87 MT25-047 Primary 229.02 234.88 5.86 5.1 1.30 0.05 0.01 2.99 MT25-047 Primary 242.00 248.65 6.65 5.8 1.09 0.08 0.03 2.93 MT25-047 Including 243.20 248.65 5.45 4.7 1.24 0.09 0.03 2.91 MT25-047 Primary 380.11 387.45 7.34 6.4 2.62 0.01 0.05 3.16 MT25-047 Including 380.11 386.50 6.39 5.5 2.94 0.01 0.05 3.20 MT25-047 >Including 380.11 384.96 4.85 4.2 3.55 0.01 0.05 3.23 MT25-048 Primary 88.64 104.04 15.40 14 0.94 0.37 0.07 3.08 MT25-048 Including 88.64 90.11 1.47 1.4 4.87 2.70 0.03 3.18 MT25-048 Primary 120.45 126.22 5.77 5.0 0.69 0.04 0.05 2.81 MT25-048 Primary 131.47 134.75 3.28 2.7 0.61 0.10 0.07 3.23 MT25-048 Primary 142.13 156.97 14.84 12 6.21 0.05 0.11 3.09 MT25-048 Including 142.52 156.11 13.59 11 6.71 0.05 0.11 3.10 MT25-048 >Including 142.52 153.88 11.36 9.0 7.65 0.03 0.10 3.10 MT25-049 Primary 87.22 92.57 5.35 5.3 1.27 0.02 0.03 3.05 MT25-049 Including 89.04 92.57 3.53 3.5 1.73 0.03 0.03 3.09 MT25-049 Primary 115.05 130.58 15.53 16 1.41 0.06 0.14 2.92 MT25-049 Including 117.45 128.90 11.45 11 1.70 0.07 0.14 2.90 MT25-050 Primary 80.54 112.51 31.97 32 1.15 0.15 0.19 3.05 MT25-050 Including 80.54 95.74 15.20 15 1.57 0.14 0.26 3.11 MT25-050 >Including 87.00 95.74 8.74 8.7 2.01 0.14 0.33 3.21 MT25-051 Primary 2.00 7.36 5.36 5.4 0.57 0.07 0.01 3.01 MT25-051 Including 3.98 7.36 3.38 3.4 0.61 0.03 0.01 2.97 MT25-051 Primary 80.83 96.50 15.67 16 4.53 0.14 0.06 2.84 MT25-051 Including 84.21 96.50 12.29 12 5.59 0.17 0.07 2.90 MT25-051 >Including 84.68 96.50 11.82 12 5.77 0.18 0.07 2.90 MT25-051 >>Including 84.68 92.08 7.40 7.4 8.35 0.02 0.04 2.88 MT25-052 Primary 107.95 141.00 33.05 32 0.86 0.08 0.02 3.04 MT25-052 Including 107.95 134.98 27.03 26 0.95 0.09 0.02 3.07 MT25-052 >Including 107.95 111.13 3.18 3.1 1.35 0.05 0.03 2.98 MT25-052 Primary 152.43 180.00 27.57 27 0.66 0.02 0.02 2.92 MT25-052 Including 152.43 162.00 9.57 9.3 1.04 0.03 0.03 3.01 MT25-052 Including 170.75 173.86 3.11 3.0 0.87 0.01 0.01 2.82 MT25-052 Primary 190.70 197.71 7.01 6.8 0.48 0.01 0.02 2.93 MT25-052 Primary 205.47 210.37 4.90 4.7 0.87 0.00 0.03 2.76 MT25-052 Including 205.47 209.00 3.53 3.4 1.08 0.00 0.02 2.77 MT25-053 Primary 9.00 14.91 5.91 5.0 0.73 0.19 0.04 2.91 MT25-053 Primary 111.31 142.56 31.25 23 1.58 0.45 0.11 3.21 MT25-053 Including 118.64 142.56 23.92 17 1.95 0.44 0.14 3.24 MT25-053 >Including 123.71 139.21 15.50 11 2.40 0.32 0.12 3.25 MT25-053 >>Including 123.71 128.00 4.29 3.1 3.08 0.16 0.06 3.28 MT25-053 >>Including 134.91 139.21 4.30 3.1 3.36 0.26 0.22 3.32 MT25-053 Primary 200.39 207.83 7.44 4.8 0.68 0.08 0.02 3.18 MT25-053 Primary 253.43 265.86 12.43 11 0.83 0.01 0.01 3.04 MT25-053 Including 254.37 256.65 2.28 2.1 2.25 0.01 0.01 3.28 MT25-054 Primary 85.00 109.17 24.17 24 0.97 0.33 0.06 2.99 MT25-054 Including 89.75 99.00 9.25 9.3 1.65 0.23 0.07 3.10 MT25-054 >Including 90.20 93.93 3.73 3.7 3.01 0.13 0.09 3.09 MT25-055 Primary 39.16 63.66 24.50 23 0.77 0.09 0.02 2.95 MT25-055 Primary 76.00 102.70 26.70 25 0.48 0.03 0.03 2.74 MT25-055 Including 80.99 89.53 8.54 8.0 0.73 0.03 0.04 2.74 MT25-055 Primary 111.80 132.22 20.42 19 0.59 0.05 0.05 2.91 MT25-055 Including 113.37 122.61 9.24 8.7 0.79 0.02 0.05 3.01 MT25-055 Primary 225.24 252.18 26.94 25 1.66 0.04 0.04 3.10 MT25-055 Including 231.31 248.97 17.66 17 2.25 0.05 0.06 3.20 MT25-055 >Including 231.31 236.45 5.14 4.8 4.08 0.11 0.15 3.36 MT25-055 >Including 243.76 248.97 5.21 4.9 2.76 0.01 0.03 3.12 MT25-055 >>Including 245.90 248.97 3.07 2.9 3.68 0.01 0.04 3.16 MT25-056 Primary 87.94 101.20 13.26 12 1.20 0.31 0.08 3.11 MT25-056 >Including 89.60 93.02 3.42 3.2 1.78 0.36 0.04 3.26 MT25-057 Primary 103.42 137.48 34.06 33 0.74 0.07 0.02 2.99 MT25-057 Including 112.65 117.05 4.40 4.3 1.22 0.16 0.04 3.42 MT25-057 Including 123.17 133.08 9.91 9.6 1.14 0.05 0.03 2.95 MT25-057 >Including 123.17 126.90 3.73 3.6 1.67 0.06 0.01 2.92 MT25-057 Primary 156.59 176.48 19.89 19 0.76 0.02 0.01 2.59 MT25-057 Including 156.59 165.95 9.36 8.7 1.05 0.02 0.01 2.60 MT25-057 Primary 188.37 213.73 25.36 23 1.06 0.02 0.03 2.91 MT25-057 Including 188.37 195.10 6.73 6.2 1.65 0.03 0.05 3.14 MT25-057 >Including 188.37 191.45 3.08 2.8 2.33 0.02 0.02 3.13 MT25-057 Including 207.98 211.30 3.32 3.0 2.38 0.01 0.03 2.84 MT25-058 Primary 65.87 66.26 0.39 0.4 10.30 0.02 0.05 3.18 MT25-058 Primary 208.00 217.65 9.65 8.0 3.86 0.02 0.55 3.47 MT25-058 Including 209.70 217.65 7.95 6.6 4.38 0.02 0.63 3.55 MT25-059 Primary 42.59 50.13 7.54 6.8 0.64 0.01 0.05 2.88 MT25-059 Primary 218.46 233.17 14.71 14 0.86 0.02 0.03 3.13 MT25-059 Including 221.15 229.81 8.66 8.1 1.21 0.00 0.05 3.16 MT25-060 Primary 59.56 81.33 21.77 22 1.28 0.56 0.18 3.10 MT25-060 Including 64.28 81.33 17.05 17 1.54 0.66 0.22 3.10 MT25-060 >Including 64.84 78.33 13.49 13 1.73 0.79 0.25 3.17 MT25-060 Primary 114.56 126.13 11.57 12 1.70 0.17 0.24 3.25 MT25-061 Primary 121.38 140.40 19.02 19 1.00 0.20 0.00 2.87 MT25-061 Including 133.44 137.39 3.95 3.9 2.09 0.15 0.00 2.99 MT25-061 Primary 160.38 163.76 3.38 3.4 0.78 0.08 0.01 2.89 MT25-061 Primary 170.13 173.52 3.39 3.4 1.10 0.07 0.00 3.08 MT25-061 Primary 176.68 179.10 2.42 2.4 1.36 0.05 0.01 2.95 MT25-061 Primary 198.36 212.98 14.62 15 0.51 0.13 0.01 2.93 MT25-061 Including 207.05 210.12 3.07 3.1 1.21 0.05 0.01 2.87 MT25-061 Primary 308.52 315.90 7.38 7.4 0.49 0.22 0.00 2.95 MT25-061 Primary 322.73 327.33 4.60 4.6 0.57 0.03 0.02 3.04 MT25-061 Primary 340.39 342.32 1.93 1.9 1.51 0.05 0.02 3.10 MT25-062 Primary 26.03 50.59 24.56 25 1.01 0.04 0.06 2.82 MT25-062 Including 27.00 32.41 5.41 5.4 1.57 0.06 0.05 2.94 MT25-062 Primary 132.38 161.50 29.12 29 1.52 0.08 0.12 3.13 MT25-062 Including 144.91 161.50 16.59 17 1.80 0.09 0.12 3.14 MT25-062 >Including 146.38 150.14 3.76 3.8 2.59 0.02 0.18 3.27 MT25-062 Primary 199.70 229.58 29.88 30 1.34 0.02 0.05 3.13 MT25-062 Including 204.50 208.98 4.48 4.5 1.76 0.02 0.03 3.20 MT25-062 Including 214.77 223.00 8.23 8.2 2.60 0.04 0.07 3.08 MT25-062 >Including 216.00 221.00 5.00 5.0 3.76 0.05 0.08 3.08 MT25-062 >>Including 217.00 220.36 3.36 3.4 4.82 0.02 0.04 3.04 MT25-063 Primary 30.00 36.00 6.00 6.0 0.32 0.03 0.01 2.80 MT25-064 Primary 89.00 96.48 7.48 7.5 0.63 0.28 0.23 2.75 MT25-064 Primary 113.45 123.07 9.62 4.8 1.04 0.13 0.18 2.91 MT25-064 Including 113.45 116.33 2.88 1.4 2.53 0.28 0.44 3.20 MT25-064 Primary 135.09 157.38 22.29 22 1.82 0.31 0.17 3.24 MT25-064 Including 146.48 149.80 3.32 3.3 3.68 0.05 0.06 3.27 MT25-065 Primary 92.65 104.90 12.25 12 1.62 0.34 0.43 3.35 MT25-065 Including 95.00 104.00 9.00 9.0 1.92 0.36 0.50 3.47 MT25-065 >Including 101.00 104.00 3.00 3.0 2.78 0.36 0.46 3.62 MT25-066 Primary 55.76 71.83 16.07 16 1.44 0.47 0.28 3.25 MT25-066 Including 60.12 63.29 3.17 3.2 3.14 0.98 0.46 3.62 Table 2: Drill Hole Collar Information Hole number Primary Purpose Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Length (m) Azimuth Dip MT25-001 Hydrogeology 440309.78 7017583.34 1606.20 200.00 048.13 -89.34 MT25-002 Resource 441730.07 7017349.05 1954.06 272.00 143.07 -89.39 MT25-003 Hydrogeology 440312.99 7017582.84 1606.83 197.13 349.53 -89.16 MT25-004 Resource 441779.30 7017367.49 1945.63 250.00 248.24 -89.57 MT25-005 Hydrogeology 440811.37 7016767.77 1605.34 50.00 015.83 -89.78 MT25-006 Hydrogeology 440809.49 7016772.15 1604.29 11.00 360.00 -90.00 MT25-007 Resource 442273.14 7017670.33 1970.23 178.00 355.03 -45.21 MT25-008 Hydrogeology 440492.52 7016212.97 1546.98 121.00 350.06 -58.89 MT25-009 Geotech 441231.87 7016297.12 1601.86 31.00 360.00 -88.15 MT25-010 Resource 442272.86 7017669.64 1970.22 161.00 350.00 -61.62 MT25-011 Geotech 440232.40 7016407.25 1506.55 50.50 352.61 -88.74 MT25-012 Resource 442272.72 7017669.17 1970.19 161.00 345.35 -77.06 MT25-013 Hydrogeology 439942.24 7016700.51 1456.62 35.00 000.00 -90.00 MT25-014 Resource 442272.87 7017670.47 1970.26 166.61 019.86 -45.06 MT25-015 Hydrogeology 439940.11 7016704.79 1455.27 8.00 000.14 -89.23 MT25-016 Resource 442272.56 7017669.76 1970.21 161.52 027.98 -59.94 MT25-017 Geotech 442369.45 7017135.34 1795.94 30.00 000.00 -90.00 MT25-018 Geotech 440030.76 7016309.14 1499.53 51.00 358.91 -89.69 MT25-019 Resource 442273.55 7017670.52 1970.18 158.00 046.21 -73.15 MT25-020 Geotech 440811.49 7016225.59 1584.59 31.00 000.77 -89.36 MT25-021 Geotech 442425.22 7017015.87 1796.73 30.50 072.60 -88.80 MT25-022 Resource 442270.69 7017667.65 1970.27 128.00 132.58 -78.85 MT25-023 Resource 441805.27 7017745.12 2050.26 383.00 313.42 -54.76 MT25-024 Geotech 442327.08 7016784.83 1774.86 31.00 051.68 -88.40 MT25-025 Geotech 441501.51 7016634.23 1635.66 20.50 000.84 -89.42 MT25-026 Geotech 442241.66 7016792.93 1755.60 30.75 132.24 -88.59 MT25-027 Geotech 441900.10 7017067.77 1808.97 20.50 090.48 -88.95 MT25-028 Geotech 439987.42 7016544.98 1464.61 14.00 360.00 -90.00 MT25-029 Resource 441665.86 7017887.88 2164.03 260.00 099.05 -61.70 MT25-030 Geotech 439986.82 7016544.98 1464.61 30.00 345.56 -89.11 MT25-031 Resource 441733.45 7017664.18 2045.34 215.00 299.15 -55.81 MT25-032 Geotech 441469.77 7016111.69 1610.39 30.60 349.72 -89.09 MT25-033 Resource 441661.43 7017834.76 2146.83 254.00 093.74 -57.08 MT25-034 Resource 441820.05 7017599.60 1991.19 239.00 003.06 -61.89 MT25-035 Resource 441734.47 7017665.12 2045.41 284.00 028.41 -76.30 MT25-036 Resource 441662.59 7017754.98 2119.06 247.00 069.00 -44.70 MT25-037 Resource 441925.51 7017758.79 2030.66 239.00 024.19 -63.61 MT25-038 Resource 441936.27 7017632.78 1972.79 254.00 344.24 -50.06 MT25-039 Resource 441659.92 7017754.18 2119.18 224.00 080.25 -77.37 MT25-040 Resource 441925.84 7017759.15 2030.59 251.00 010.36 -56.66 MT25-041 Resource 441733.96 7017519.09 2007.81 243.16 018.00 -64.71 MT25-042 Resource 442132.65 7017720.09 1993.49 175.40 010.07 -59.74 MT25-043 Resource 441660.02 7017754.06 2119.11 227.00 079.47 -66.51 MT25-044 Resource 441938.16 7017631.23 1972.62 143.19 358.36 -44.34 MT25-045 Resource 442118.57 7017728.89 1994.13 159.00 349.90 -77.36 MT25-046 Resource 441656.33 7017749.46 2119.10 230.00 127.00 -67.34 MT25-047 Resource 441491.45 7017511.97 2057.72 416.00 358.82 -59.38 MT25-048 Resource 442190.73 7017685.12 1989.63 179.00 359.18 -52.71 MT25-049 Resource 442190.80 7017684.63 1989.54 158.00 355.41 -70.32 MT25-050 Resource 441939.81 7017630.21 1972.47 224.54 328.07 -65.81 MT25-051 Resource 442158.13 7017662.03 1986.88 164.00 000.42 -66.84 MT25-052 Resource 441654.55 7017755.93 2119.33 215.00 040.10 -70.37 MT25-053 Resource 441886.93 7017647.41 1989.98 275.00 016.21 -47.30 MT25-054 Resource 442188.67 7017639.96 1979.33 173.00 359.08 -67.31 MT25-055 Resource 441704.23 7017599.93 2040.74 308.00 005.33 -67.99 MT25-056 Resource 442219.79 7017627.91 1970.22 161.00 359.55 -57.82 MT25-057 Resource 441654.76 7017756.08 2119.35 215.00 030.37 -60.41 MT25-058 Resource 442033.23 7017751.73 2025.64 239.00 331.49 -61.07 MT25-059 Resource 442032.91 7017752.44 2025.51 245.00 354.09 -53.05 MT25-060 Resource 442057.60 7017673.52 1982.49 167.00 008.86 -64.95 MT25-061 Resource 441572.82 7017564.75 2069.57 392.00 010.57 -67.90 MT25-062 Resource 441823.29 7017651.38 2010.36 270.00 006.32 -67.04 MT25-063 Resource 442032.98 7017752.10 2025.55 233.00 003.19 -60.30 MT25-064 Resource 441997.09 7017695.85 1998.40 197.00 357.74 -65.65 MT25-065 Resource 441951.20 7017573.75 1946.01 118.00 001.27 -70.17 MT25-066 Resource 442030.72 7017589.18 1942.64 80.00 359.76 -67.22 Coordinates listed in NAD83 UTM Zone 9N. SOURCE Fireweed Metals Corp. Vancouver, Nov. 24, 2025 - Trident Resources Corp. (TSXV: ROCK) (OTCQB: TRDTF) ("Trident" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received updated Mineral Resource Estimates for its Preview SW, Preview North, North Lake and Greywacke gold deposits. The updated Mineral Resource Estimates were prepared by Bird Resource Consulting Corp. (BRCC) and represent an 18% increase in Indicated gold (Au) ounces now totaling 896,500 combined ounces, and a 190% increase in Inferred gold ounces now totaling 1,129,600 combined ounces across the four deposits when compared to the historical MRE's calculated in 2021 (Greywacke) and 2022 (Preview SW, Preview North and North Lake). All four of these deposits are wholly-owned by Trident Resources and are located in the prolific yet under-explored La Ronge Gold Belt of northern Saskatchewan. The Mineral Resource Estimate has an effective date of November 6, 2025. Highlights: Trident reports a significant upgrade to the existing Mineral Resource Estimate using US$2,600 / oz gold (previously calculated at US$1,500 / oz - US$1,700 / oz): 18% increase to Indicated resource gold ounces 190% increase to Inferred resource gold ounces Indicated resources at Trident's 100% owned Preview SW, Preview North, Greywacke and North Lake deposits total 896,500 combined gold ounces (see Table 1) Inferred resources at Preview SW, Preview North, Greywacke and North Lake deposits total 1,129,600 combined gold ounces (see Table 1) Drilling recently completed on the Contact Lake Project, with 3 of 19 holes reported, including Hole CL25003 which returned 7.03 gpt gold over 43.25m, including 30.06 gpt gold over 9.25m; this updated Mineral Resource Estimate does not include recent nor historical Contact Lake drill results. Jonathan Wiesblatt, Chief Executive Officer of Trident, commented: "When we merged Eros Resources, MAS Gold, and Rockridge Resources earlier this year, our vision was clear - to create a Saskatchewan-focused gold exploration company with scale and momentum. Today's updated Mineral Resource Estimate delivers on that promise, confirming the quality and potential of all four highlighted deposits. But this is only the beginning. With strong funding, a growing asset base, and an ambitious exploration program ahead, we're poised to unlock even greater value in the La Ronge Gold Belt - and the next phase of our growth story is about to unfold." Mr. Wiesblatt continued "With these results, the Company now hosts more than 0.9 million ounces (24.7Mt at 1.13 g/t) of Indicated mineral resources and 1.1 million ounces (38.6Mt at 0.91 g/t) Inferred mineral resources, marking a significant milestone in our growth. Importantly, we see clear potential to expand these totals even further through our ambitious exploration programs planned for the coming months. Reaching this scale in one of the world's top mining jurisdictions puts the Company firmly on the radar of the broader gold industry and strengthens our strategic position for future development. Trident management eagerly awaits additional analytical results from its recently completed Contact Lake drilling program, where results to date suggest that a robust gold-mineralized system may exist outside of, but proximal to existing historical mining infrastructure." Trident commissioned Bird Resource Consulting Corp. (BRCC) to update its Mineral Resource Estimates to coincide with the recent formation of the Company and to better reflect the value of their Saskatchewan gold properties given current commodity prices. Additionally, the Company continues to execute its exploration program at Contact Lake, a former producing gold mine that was shut down in 1998 when the average gold price was approximately $300 (USD) per troy ounce. Contact Lake was not included in the updated Mineral Resource Estimate yet remains a flagship project for the Company with significant exploration potential. Table 1: Mineral Resource Estimate for four deposits at the Base Case Cutoff 0.25 g/t Au Class Deposit In Situ Tonnage and Grade Au Metal % Change in Au ounces from Historical MRE Tonnage Au (ktonnes) (gpt) (kOz) Indicated North Lake 16,410 0.890 469.7 20% Preview SW 6,369 1.537 314.7 15% Preview North 933 1.359 40.8 na* Greywacke 1,021 2.174 71.4 -24% Total 24,733 1.127 896.5 18% Inferred North Lake 20,666 0.724 481.3 407% Preview SW 14,831 1.115 531.9 102% Preview North 366 0.628 7.4 -75% Greywacke 2,732 1.242 109.1 4821% Total 38,595 0.910 1,129.6 190% * Preview North historical resource estimate was all Inferred. Notes to the Resource Estimate Tables: The Mineral Resource Estimates was completed by Sue Bird, P.Eng. who is independent of the Company, with an effective date of November 6, 2025. The Mineral Resource Estimate for all four deposits have been confined by an open pit with "reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction" using the following assumptions: Metal price of US$2,600/oz Au; Payable metal of 99% for Au; Offsite costs (TC/RC/Transport) for Au of US$5.80/oz; Pit slopes are 45 degrees; Mining cost of mineralized material of CDN$2.56/t and CDN$2.40/t for waste, and; Processing costs of CDN$15.60/t with G&A costs of CDN$7.20/t. Metallurgical recoveries are 90% for all deposits. Forex = 0.72 $US:$CDN The NSR equation is: NSR (CDN$/t) = (Au*90%*CDN$114.68/g) The specific gravity for each deposit and lithologies or domains ranges from 2.40 to 2.91. Numbers may not add due to rounding. Preview SW Deposit (Contact Lake Property): The Preview SW deposit is a shear-hosted gold deposit located 2.5 km southeast of Trident's Contact Lake gold project, a past-producing gold mine at which a 6,838m drill program was just completed. The Preview SW deposit is hosted in several NE trending sub-parallel zones within sheared dioritic to gabbroic rocks located near the meeting point of the La Ronge, Kisseynew and Glennie Domains. The most recent historical Mineral Resource Estimate for Preview SW had an effective date of October 31, 2022. The updated Mineral Resource Estimate is as follows: Table 2: Preview SW Resource Estimate - Sensitivity to Cutoff Grade Class Au Cutoff In Situ Tonnage and Grade Au Metal S/R Tonnage Au (gpt) (ktonnes) (gpt) (kOz) Waste / Mineral. Indicated 0.2 6,884 1.439 318.4 6.2 0.25 6,369 1.537 314.7 0.5 4,809 1.918 296.6 0.75 3,828 2.252 277.2 1 3,076 2.590 256.1 1.5 2,053 3.265 215.5 2 1,438 3.924 181.4 Inferred 0.2 16,853 1.008 546.4 0.25 14,831 1.115 531.9 0.5 10,030 1.477 476.3 0.75 7,486 1.769 425.8 1 5,531 2.090 371.6 1.5 3,183 2.730 279.3 2 1,983 3.338 212.8 Preview Deposit (Contact Lake Property): The Preview deposit is located 2.6 km northeast of Preview SW within a quartz-filled dilatant jog in a transpressional shear system that hosts both Preview deposits. Gold mineralization is contained in roughly sub-parallel zones with diffuse boundaries and variable shear intensity. The inaugural Mineral Resource Estimate for Preview had an effective date of October 31, 2022. The updated Mineral Resource Estimate is as follows: Table 3: Preview North Resource Estimate - Sensitivity to Cutoff Grade Class AuEq Cutoff In Situ Tonnage and Grade Au Metal S/R Tonnage Au (gpt) (ktonnes) (gpt) (kOz) Waste / Mineral. Indicated 0.2 1,020 1.262 41.4 5.9 0.25 933 1.359 40.8 0.5 613 1.881 37.1 0.75 451 2.338 33.9 1 353 2.742 31.1 1.5 224 3.633 26.2 2 165 4.320 22.9 Inferred 0.2 425 0.572 7.8 0.25 366 0.628 7.4 0.5 161 0.959 5.0 0.75 80 1.320 3.4 1 46 1.659 2.5 1.5 17 2.469 1.3 2 11 2.972 1.1 North Lake Deposit (Contact Lake Property): The North Lake deposit is a vein-hosted mesothermal gold deposit located along the margins of the La Ronge and Kisseynew Domains within the La Ronge Gold Belt. The deposit forms a branching and elongate zone within a felsic metavolcanic host that has been metamorphosed to the upper amphibolite facies. Gold mineralization is hosted in sheeted quartz veins that are roughly parallel to regional foliation and also in quartz tension veins that are at high angles to the foliation. The last Mineral Resource Estimate for North Lake had an effective date of October 1, 2022. The updated Mineral Resource Estimate is as follows: Table 4: North Lake Resource Estimate - Sensitivity to Cutoff Grade Class Au Cutoff In Situ Tonnage and Grade Au Metal S/R Tonnage Au (gpt) (ktonnes) (gpt) (kOz) Waste / Mineral. Indicated 0.2 17,391 0.853 476.8 5.1 0.25 16,410 0.890 469.7 0.5 12,480 1.053 422.7 0.75 8,375 1.264 340.2 1 5,034 1.526 246.9 1.5 1,680 2.156 116.4 2 686 2.820 62.2 Inferred 0.2 23,942 0.656 505.0 0.25 20,666 0.724 481.3 0.5 13,325 0.930 398.3 0.75 8,262 1.120 297.5 1 3,903 1.431 179.5 1.5 1,118 1.997 71.8 2 415 2.480 33.1 Greywacke Deposit (Greywacke Lake Property): The Greywacke deposit is a disseminated gold-sulfide deposit hosted in metasedimentary rocks located along the margin of the La Ronge and Kisseynew Domains within the La Ronge Gold Belt. The host arenite and arkose metasediments trends NE and dip steeply toward the northwest and have been metamorphosed to the upper Amphibolite facies. The Greywacke gold mineralization is found in discrete parallel zones of gold-enriched disseminated sulfide. The Greywacke mineralized trend extends for over 7 km in a NE-SW direction and features several gold showings in identical geological settings to the mineralization discovered at the north zone. The previous Mineral Resource Estimate for Greywacke had an effective date of December 1, 2021 and incorporated surface channel samples that were not used to calculate the current MRE. The updated Mineral Resource Estimate is as follows: Table 5: Greywacke Resource Estimate - Sensitivity to Cutoff Grade Class Au Cutoff In Situ Tonnage and Grade Au Metal S/R Tonnage Au (gpt) (ktonnes) (gpt) (kOz) Waste / Mineral. Indicated 0.2 1,069 2.086 71.7 20.9 0.25 1,021 2.174 71.4 0.5 828 2.595 69.1 0.75 713 2.917 66.9 1 637 3.160 64.7 1.5 487 3.752 58.7 2 382 4.303 52.8 Inferred 0.2 2,994 1.153 111.0 0.25 2,732 1.242 109.1 0.5 1,874 1.648 99.3 0.75 1,376 2.020 89.4 1 1,037 2.398 80.0 1.5 650 3.098 64.7 2 444 3.737 53.4 Table 6: Total Mineral Resource Estimate - Sensitivity to Cutoff Grade Class AuEq Cutoff In Situ Tonnage and Grade Au Metal Tonnage Au (gpt) (ktonnes) (gpt) (kOz) Indicated 0.2 26,364 1.072 908.2 0.25 24,733 1.127 896.5 0.5 18,730 1.371 825.4 0.75 13,367 1.671 718.2 1 9,100 2.047 598.9 1.5 4,444 2.917 416.8 2 2,671 3.719 319.4 Inferred 0.2 44,214 0.823 1170.2 0.25 38,595 0.910 1129.6 0.5 25,390 1.199 978.8 0.75 17,204 1.475 816.0 1 10,517 1.874 633.5 1.5 4,968 2.612 417.2 2 2,853 3.274 300.3 Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability; however, a reasonable prospect of eventual economic extraction pit has been used to confine the Resource Estimate using parameters detailed in the table notes. Inferred mineral resources are subject to uncertainty as to their existence and as to their economic and legal feasibility. The level of geological uncertainty associated with an Inferred mineral resource is too high to apply relevant technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospects of economic extraction in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability. The QP for the Mineral Resource Estimate is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or other relevant factors that could materially affect the potential development of Mineral Resource Estimate. Factors that may affect the estimates include: metal price assumptions, changes in interpretations of mineralization geometry and continuity of mineralization zones, changes to interpolation assumptions, metallurgical recovery assumptions, operating cost assumptions, confidence in the modifying factors, including assumptions that surface rights to allow mining infrastructure to be constructed will be forthcoming, delays or other issues in reaching agreements with local or regulatory authorities and stakeholders, and changes in land tenure requirements or in permitting requirement. Modelling Methodology: For each deposit the assay data was examined within the domains using cumulative probability plots (CPPs) to cap the assay data at high grade values that deviate from the lognormal distribution. In addition, where warranted, and to ensure the model validates with the de-clustered composite data, the composites were restricted during interpolations at high grade values that unduly influenced the mean grades. Table 7 summarizes the capping and outlier restriction values used for each deposit. Table 7: Summary of Capping and Outlier Restriction Deposit Domain Cap value (g/t) Outlier Restriction (g/t) Outlier Distance (m) North Lake 1 30 10 5 2 10 3 5 Preview SW 1 70 15 5 2 30 15 5 3 6 4 5 4 6 4 5 5 10 5 5 Preview North 7 50 na na 8 10 na na 9 10 na na Greywacke 1 50 10 5 2 2.5 3 5 3 25 3 5 4 10 3 5 For the first two passes the outlier is capped at the outlier value, for the third and fourth pass composites above the outlier value are not used. The interpolations of the Au grade have been done using inversed distance cubed (ID3) with matching of domains and of the Indicator model "Au Indicator" domain. The Au Indicator domains have been created within each domain using inverse distance squared interpolations to determine the probability of the Au grade to be above 0.3 g/t. If the probability of the block to be above this cutoff is greater than 50% than the domain is considered within a "Au Indicator" domain. In each case the Au interpolations have been completed in 4 passes with the search parameters increasing for each pass. The first 3 passes require at least two drillholes, with the fourth passes relaxed to allow only one drillhole if necessary. The distances and directions used for each pass are based on the variography completed for each domain where sufficient data was available, as well as on the orientation of the mineralization. Classification: Classification of each deposit has used the distance to drillholes as a proxy for the required drillhole spacing for material to be considered Indicated. Blocks not meeting the criteria that have been interpolated with an Au grade are considered Inferred. This distance corresponds to the range between 80%-90% of the sills for the variogram models. For example, the criteria of having an average distance to 2 drillholes of 22m also uses the criteria of the furthest distance to one of these two drillholes to be 31m. The 31m distance is the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle with side of 22m, thus approximating a drillhole spacing of 22m. Table 8: Classification Requirements Deposit Avg. Distance to 2 DHs (m) Furthest Distance to DH (m) North Lake 40 57 Preview SW 22 31 Preview North 22 31 Greywacke 22 31 Model Validations: The models have been validated by comparing the mean modelled grades at zero cutoff to the de-clustered composite (Nearest Neighbour model) mean grades. The modelled tonnage and mean grade above cutoff have also been validated for the entire grade distribution, through comparisons of the metal content at several cutoffs. Qualified Person: The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Cornell McDowell, P.Geo., VP Exploration for Trident Resources and the Qualified Person for Trident as defined by NI 43-101. The Mineral Resource Estimates were calculated by Sue Bird, P. Eng. About Trident Resources Corp. Trident Resources Corp. is a Canadian public mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange focused on the development, exploration and acquisition of advanced-stage gold and copper exploration projects in Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company is aggressively advancing its 100% owned Contact Lake and Greywacke Lake projects which host significant historical gold resources located within the prospective and underexplored La Ronge Gold Belt, as well as the 100% owned Knife Lake copper project which contains a historical copper resource. For further information, please contact: Trident Resources Corp. Jonathan Wiesblatt, Chief Executive Officer Email: Jon.Wiesblatt@tridentresourcescorp.com For further information contact myself or: Andrew J. Ramcharan, PhD, P.Eng., Corporate Communications Trident Resources Corp. Telephone: 647-309-5130 Toll Free: 800-567-8181 Facsimile: 604-687-3119 www.tridentresourcescorp.com NEITHER THE TSXV NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. Forward-Looking Information and Statements This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management 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 or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, regulatory approvals, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedarplus.ca for further information. MONTREAL, Nov. 24, 2025 - Osisko Development Corp. (NYSE: ODV, TSXV: ODV) ("Osisko Development" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement dated November 21, 2025 (the "Purchase Agreement") with Axo Copper Corp. (TSXV:AXO) ("Axo") to sell its 100% interest in the San Antonio Gold Project ("San Antonio" or the "Project") located in the Sonora State, Mexico. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Axo will acquire Sapuchi Minera S.A. de R.L. de C.V. ("Sapuchi"), which holds a 100% interest in the mineral concessions comprising San Antonio, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions (the "Transaction"). Upon closing of the Transaction, Osisko Development will receive, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, 15,305,536 common shares of Axo ("Axo Shares") or such other number of Axo Shares that would result in Osisko Development owning 9.99% of the issued and outstanding Axo Shares on a non-diluted basis. Osisko Development will also be entitled to receive the following contingent payments: A cash payment equal to 70% of any Mexican value-added tax refund due or owing to Sapuchi in respect of any period of time ending on or before the closing date of the Transaction; Upon the public filing by Axo of a feasibility study respecting the Project that is prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, US$2,000,000, payable in cash or Axo Shares, at Axo's option; Upon the first gold pour being completed at the Project, US$2,000,000, payable in cash or Axo Shares, at the Company's option; and In the event that Axo completes one or more equity financings that result in aggregate gross proceeds of at least US$10,000,000, Axo will issue to Osisko Development such number of Axo Shares that would result in Osisko Development retaining a 9.99% interest in Axo, on a non-diluted basis, on the initial US$10,000,000 raised pursuant to such equity financing. "In line with our strategy of focusing on priority development assets within our portfolio, we are pleased to announce the sale of San Antonio to Axo. We believe Axo is well equipped to successfully advance the project through its next phase, and look forward to remaining a supportive long-term shareholder," commented Sean Roosen, Chairman and CEO. The Company has agreed that it will hold its Axo Shares for at least 12 months following the closing of the Transaction, and to comply with certain other conditions until the date that is 24 months from the date of completion of the Transaction. The Project is not considered a material property of the Company and has been in care and maintenance since the third quarter of 2023. The Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. Bennett Jones LLP is acting as legal advisor to Osisko Development for the Transaction. ABOUT OSISKO DEVELOPMENT CORP. Osisko Development Corp. is a continental North American gold development company focused on past-producing mining camps located in mining friendly jurisdictions with district scale potential. The Company's objective is to become an intermediate gold producer by advancing its flagship permitted 100%-owned Cariboo Gold Project, located in central B.C., Canada. Its project pipeline is complemented by the Tintic Project in the historic East Tintic mining district in Utah, U.S.A.-brownfield properties with significant exploration potential, extensive historical mining data, access to existing infrastructure and skilled labour. The Company's strategy is to develop attractive, long-life, socially and environmentally responsible mining assets, while minimizing exposure to development risk and growing mineral resources. For further information, visit our website at www.osiskodev.com or contact: Sean Roosen Philip Rabenok Chairman and CEO Vice President, Investor Relations Email: sroosen@osiskodev.com Email: prabenok@osiskodev.com Tel: +1 (514) 940-0685 Tel: +1 (437) 423-3644 CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this news release, including any information as to the future financial or operating performance of Osisko Development, constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws, including the provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) and the "safe harbor" provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on the expectations, estimates and projections of management as of the date of this news release, unless otherwise stated. Forward-looking statements contained in this presentation include, without limitation, statements with respect to the completion and timing of the sale of San Antonio; estimated total cash or share consideration from the sale of San Antonio; the schedule of deferred payments; limitations on Osisko Development's ability to sell Axo Shares. Phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should or will be achieved, received or taken, or will occur or result and similar such expressions identify forward-looking statements. The words "estimate", or "expects" or variations of or similar such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should or will be achieved, received or taken, or will occur or result and similar such expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are, necessarily, based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Osisko Development as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The estimates and assumptions of Osisko Development contained in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to: (i) that the parties will complete the acquisition and the Company will receive the consideration payable in accordance with, and on the timeline contemplated by, the terms and conditions of the relevant agreements, on a basis consistent with our expectations; and (ii) that, in the event any deferred payment is not paid to Osisko Development, it will be able to enforce its rights under the relevant agreements in a manner consistent with its expectations. 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, including the risk that the sale transaction will not be completed for any reason and that the contingent deferred payments are actually paid to Osisko Development. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. All of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement and those made in our other filings with the securities regulators of Canada and the United States including, but not limited to, the cautionary statements made in the "Risk Analysis" section of our MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and the Annual Information Form dated March 28, 2025. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Osisko Development. Osisko Development disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. 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 news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Toronto, November 24, 2025 - Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC) (OTCQX: LGCFF) ("Lavras Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a corporate update on recent progress it has made in advancing its LDS Project, situated near the town of Lavras do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Earlier this month, the Lavras Gold management team consisting of Hemdat Sawh, Interim President & CEO and CFO, Jon Hill, Interim V.P. Exploration, and Mike Mutchler, Interim COO, met with the Company's Brazilian team to review current operations. Following this review, the Company has decided to restructure the Brazilian team to focus on: both exploration and development; execution of Lavras Gold's strategy to continue exploration throughout the Company's 23,000 hectares district scale tenement portfolio ("LDS Project"); and the application for the Butia/Fazenda do Posto Preliminary License ("LP"). Lavras Gold will continue an exploration strategy to aggressively leverage its district scale portfolio of high-quality targets within the LDS Project covering the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Suite in parallel with progressing the focused development of Butia/Fazenda do Posto. Approximately, 20,000 metres of diamond drilling is planned for 2026, targeting mineral resources growth at established targets and selected priority targets with potential to add material inventory in the near term. The Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") on the Butia/Fazenda do Posto potential polygon is progressing well with completion of the first flora and fauna campaigns, initial hydrogeological analysis, noise and vibration analyses and preliminary metallurgical testing. The Company will also continue to advance the socio-economic studies and engagement with the Quilombola communities and is in the process of engaging the engineering firm that will initiate mine plan and sequence, mine closure, infrastructure, plus resource and reserve model assessment as Lavras Gold moves towards a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"). The Company aims to complete both the PEA and the EIA by August 2026 and submit the LP application by October 2026. The Company also announces the resignation of Naomi Nemeth, former Vice President Investor Relations, from the Company, effective November 21, 2025. The Company entered into an investor relations consulting agreement (the "Consulting Agreement") with 2608124 Ontario Inc. (dba Target IR & Communications) ("Target IR") for investor relations and communication services and has been engaged to heighten market awareness, which includes IR planning, message development, program execution and social media content creation and management. The Consulting Agreement has an initial term of six (6) months, effective November 24, 2025, and the monthly fee payable to Target IR is $10,000 (plus all applicable taxes). Target IR, its employees and consultants are at an arm's length relationship with the Company and have no direct or indirect interest in the Company or its securities. The Company will not issue any securities to Target IR as compensation. Jonathan Hill, Director and Interim Vice President of Exploration for Lavras Gold Corp., is the "Qualified Person" as defined under National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. About Lavras Gold Corp. Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC) (OTCQX: LGCFF) is a Canadian exploration company focused on realizing the potential of its LDS Project situated in a highly prospective gold district in southern Brazil. The LDS Project is located near the town of Lavras do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul, in Rio Grande do Sul State of Brazil and is primarily an intrusive hosted gold system of possible alkaline affinity. More than 24 gold prospects centred on historic gold workings have been identified on the LDS Project properties, which span more than 23,000 hectares. Follow Lavras Gold on www.lavrasgold.com, as well as on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. On Behalf of Lavras Gold Corp. "Hemdat Sawh" Interim President & CEO, and CFO For further information, please visit the Lavras Gold Corp. website at www.lavrasgold.com, or contact: Disclaimer: 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. Forward looking statements: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties, including regarding the Company's plans to carry out work, complete a technical report and a PEA. 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 are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are 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/275612 Highlights Kinross drill program confirms Carlin-type mineralization signature at Riley Gold's PWC Gold Project. Kinross framework drill program planning for 2026 is underway. Highlighted intersections include up to 2.19 g/t gold as well as a significant 489ft (149m) thick intersection of Carlin-type disseminated gold mineralization in the lower plate Wenban formation. Kinross has increased the project size to 27.2 square kilometers by additional staking and is currently expanding the soil sample coverage over the project. Vancouver, November 24, 2025 - Riley Gold Corp. (TSXV: RLYG) (OTCQB: RLYGF) ("Riley Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an exploration update for the Company's Pipeline West/Clipper Gold Project ("PWC") located in the Cortez mining district of the Battle Mountain - Eureka Trend. PWC is operated by Kinross Gold U.S.A., Inc. ("Kinross"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kinross Gold Corp. (TSX: K) (NYSE: KGC), under an exploration earn-in agreement executed in March 2024 whereby Kinross has the right to earn up to 75% of PWC by spending USD$20,000,000 (for full details of the Kinross agreement please see the March 14, 2024 news release). PWC 2026 Exploration Program Kinross has confirmed planning is underway for a committed next phase of exploration at PWC which will include additional framework drilling in 2026, based on the 2025 and 2024 drill results. A geochemical soil survey is currently underway expanding the previous soil survey coverage to the southwest to fully delineate the existing +3km open gold and pathfinder element soil anomaly. Kinross has also increased the PWC property size by 2.5 square kilometers through additional claim staking. A comprehensive Leapfrog 3D geologic model for targeting is being updated for comparison with the many Cortez Districts >5.0-million-ounce gold discoveries. The primary target being a large, Carlin-type gold deposit peripheral to the Gold Acres stock, which is the geologic setting for Nevada Gold Mines LLC's ("NGM") Pipeline gold deposit. The PWC geological model is testing a Carlin-type system analogous to NGM's Meikle Mine and Barrick Mining Corp.'s ("Barrick") Fourmile Project. PWC 2025 Drilling Program Mr. Paul Dobak, Riley Gold's Technical Advisor for PWC, commented, "Results from the 2025 drilling are very encouraging. They confirm a source for the surface Carlin-type gold and trace element soil anomalies and show evidence in the upper plate of leakage of Carlin-type hydrothermal fluids along high-angle brittle faults and evidence of disseminated Carlin-type mineralization in lower plate carbonate rocks at depth. These Carlin-type fluids appear to have circulated around and cross-cut the older contact metamorphic skarn alteration associated with the Gold Acres Stock. This geologic setting is consistent to what is observed peripheral to the Meikle and Fourmile deposits." Drilling Location Overview Kinross drilling to date consisted of three framework drill holes PW24-01, PW25-02 and PW25-03 (Figure 1 and 2 below), with this year's drilling stepping out more than 2.5 kilometers northwest of the first drill hole (PW24-01). PW25-02 and PW25-03 targeted a +3km long north-south trending gold and pathfinder element soil anomaly at a structural intersection of major northwest and north trending faults (Figure 2 from Riley Gold's soil survey news release dated February 8, 2023). Figure 1. Picture looking from NGM's Pipeline Deposit westward proximal to PWC drilling.1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10015/275662_13b502357408a91f_002full.jpg Figure 2. PWC Gold Project drill hole locations, previous gold-in-soil survey, and increased project size to the southwest. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10015/275662_13b502357408a91f_003full.jpg 2025 PWC Drilling by Kinross Drill results and logging confirm Carlin-type fluid signatures are present in PW25-02 and PW25-03, representing a possible Carlin-type gold system within the PWC claim block. These fluids are not only present in the lower plate (Horse Canyon and Wenban formations) but also as leakage anomalies along brittle high-angle structures in the upper plate above the Roberts Mountains Thrust ("RMT") that could be the source of the gold-in-soils at surface (Figure 2). Tracking these faults down to a higher grade trapped source is one target concept. Mineralized faults in the upper plate rocks are significant with notable discoveries in the Cortez and Carlin districts such as the Meikle and Fourmile deposits showing leakage of Carlin-type hydrothermal fluids from the lower plate to the upper plate (See Figure 3 below). Additional framework drilling in 2026 is planned to develop vectors towards possible high-grade mineralized zones. Figure 3. Schematic diagram of a Carlin type deposits pictured above showing ore deposit settings with ore zones and fluid pathways. Examples of such deposits are Meikle (7.0 Moz at 25 g/t Au)2 and Fourmile.3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10015/275662_13b502357408a91f_004full.jpg 2025 Kinross Drilling Highlights Assays from ALS Geochemistry (Reno, NV) confirm numerous zones of gold representing leakage along high-angle structures above the RMT. Highlights within the upper and lower plate zone include: Drill hole PW25-03 26.80 feet ("ft") (8.17 meters ("m")) of 0.53 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold from 2,074.5ft (632.31m) including 13.32ft (4.06m) of 0.74 g/t gold from 2,088ft (636.42m) upper plate. 14ft (4.26m) of 1.33 g/t gold from 2,639ft (804.37m), including 4ft (1.22m) of 2.19 g/t gold from 2,639ft (804.37m), fault gouge with a carbon seam in a high-angle structure just above the RMT contact (see core box photo below Figure 4). 16.3ft (4.97m) of 0.33 g/t gold from 2,937ft (895.2m) at the transition from upper to lower plate in a high-angle brittle structure with arsenian pyrite (see core box photo below Figure 5). 489ft (149.05m) of 0.09 g/t gold from 3,415ft (1040.9m), including 15ft (4.57m) of 0.66 g/t gold from 3,585ft (1092.7m) and 5ft (1.52m) of 0.82 g/t gold from 3,585 ft (1092.7m). (see core box photo Figure 5). This thick interval of lower grade gold mineralization contains strong Carlin-type geochemical pathfinder elements including arsenic, antimony, mercury and thallium indicating disseminated Carlin-type mineralization (Figure 6). Figure 4. Core box photos of PW25-03 2,639ft (804.37m) to 2,653ft (808.63m) fault gouge in high angle upper plate structure with carbon seam and gold plus As, Sb, Hg and Tl. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10015/275662_13b502357408a91f_005full.jpg Figure 5. Core box photos of PW25-03 lower plate from 2,937ft (895.20m) to 2,953.3ft (900.17m) showing hydrothermal breccia vein with white dolomite matrix-cement with mosaic to rotated clast breccia. This structure shows a multi-stage event, variably pyritized, with fault gouge matrix in the Wenban limestone. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10015/275662_13b502357408a91f_006full.jpg Figure 6. Core box photos of PW25-03 lower plate from 3,585ft (1,092.7m) to 3600ft (1097.28m) showing black carbonaceous laminated Wenban limestone with disseminated Carlin-type gold mineralization. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10015/275662_rileyfigure6.jpg Drill hole PW25-02 19.52ft (5.95m) of 0.43 g/t gold from 2,740ft (835.15m), including 4.5ft (1.38m) of 0.79 g/t gold from 2,755ft (839.72m) in a high-angle brittle fault at the RMT contact. 10.5ft (3.2m) of 0.51 g/t gold from 3,157.5ft (964.1m) in a high-angle brittle fault cutting calc-silicate skarn below the RMT. 2ft (0.61m) of 0.59 g/t gold from 3,187ft (971.4m) high-angle brittle fault cutting calc-silicate skarn below the RMT. (Core drill intercepts are apparent thickness and the true thickness is not known at this time. Further drilling and analysis will be required to determine true thickness.) Downhole Geochemistry Significance PW25-02 and PW25-03 drill holes are 250m apart and were targeting concepts around gold-in-soil anomalies. The two holes have similar geochemical properties, both cut by high-angle structures with anomalous gold and pathfinder elements and show evidence of significant folding. PW25-03 contains significantly higher gold values, and structural zones with much elevated pathfinder element values. The downhole lithology and geochemistry, shown in Figure 7 below, indicates the approximate location of the RMT at 2,950ft (899.2m). Both drill holes also show spikes in gold and trace element values at high-angle structures in the upper plate section and elevated gold and trace element values indicating disseminated mineralization, such as the 149.05m (489ft) thick section of carbonaceous limestone of the Wenban Formation at the bottom portion of the drill hole PW25-03. Figure 7. Fence diagram of gold plus pathfinder geochemistry for PW25-02 and PW25-03. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10015/275662_rileyfigure7.jpg "A discovery opportunity in this gold rich trend can be company making but requires patience. That said, in only a few holes we have identified signatures that give us confidence and comfort that we are on the right track. The Fourmile deposit was discovered on the 14th drill hole, which is very quick, and has now turned into a world-class generational find of 4 16m ounces of 16g/t gold, so we are in early days. We are looking for something that is geologically akin to Fourmile and Meikle," commented Todd Hilditch, CEO of Riley Gold. About PWC: PWC constitutes a very prospective exploration property for Carlin-type, disseminated and replacement gold deposits. PWC consists of a land package totaling approximately 27.2 km of unpatented mining claims and patented fee lands adjoining NGM. PWC is situated along the Cortez structural zone of the exceptionally productive Cortez Trend within the Battle Mountain - Eureka Trend in north central Nevada (Figure 8). The Cortez and Pipeline complexes (adjoining Riley Gold's PWC boundary) are top producers within Nevada, a State that has consistently produced between 4-5 million ounces of gold a year. Figure 8. PWC project location in the Cortez district. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10015/275662_rileyfigure8.jpg QAQC Procedures Samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry, Reno Nevada, which is a certified and accredited laboratory, independent of Kinross. Samples are prepared using industry-standard prep methods and analysed using Au-ICP21(Au; 30g fire assay) and ME-MS61m (48 element Suite; 0.25g four-acid digestion/ICP- MS, plus Hg via aqua regia digestion/ICP-MS) methods. ALS also undertakes its own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. Kinross QAQC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results completed internally by Kinross technical personnel. Qualified Person This news release has been reviewed and approved by Richard DeLong, P.Geo., Director of Riley Gold and a 'qualified person', as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Riley Gold Corp. Riley Gold is an exploration and development company focused in Nevada, USA, with assets located in the Battle Mountain Eureka Trend (within the Cortez District) and the Walker Lane Trend. Riley Gold's founders and leadership team have a proven track record of maximizing shareholder value during each phase of the mining life cycle: exploration, development, and production. 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 statement regarding forward-looking information. This press release contains statements which constitute "forward looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Although Riley Gold believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Riley Gold can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties and the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions and the ability to obtain the requisite approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange when necessary. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future business activities and involves risks and uncertainties. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Riley Gold operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca). There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. 1 Bradley, et., al., 2020 2 Bettles Keith, 2002. "Exploration and Geology, 1962 to 2002, at the Goldstrike Property, Carlin Trend, Nevada", Integrated Methods for Discovery: Global Exploration in the Twenty-First Century, Richard J. Goldfarb, Richard L. Nielsen 3 Modified from: Carlin Type Gold System Exploration - 911 Metallurgist 4 Barrick Mining Corporation - Updated Studies Confirm Barrick's Fourmile as One of This Century's Most Significant Gold Finds To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/275662 THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES Saguenay, November 24, 2025 - First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQX: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) ("First Phosphate" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, on November 21, 2025, it closed a subsequent tranche of its non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering"), as further described in the Company's news releases dated November 7, 2025 and November 17, 2025. In aggregate, under both tranches of the Offering, the Company has raised gross proceeds of $3,570,848 through the issuance of 3,355,832 Flow-Through Shares for gross proceeds of $3,020,249, and through the issuance of 611,777 Hard Dollar Units for gross proceeds of $550,560. Under this tranche of the financing, the Company raised a total of $1,390,699 through the issuance of 1,111,110 Flow-Through Shares for gross proceeds of $999,999 and 431,111 Hard Dollar Units, comprised of 431,111 Common Shares and 431,111 Warrants, for gross proceeds of $390,700. Together with this Offering, the Company has raised to date a total of approximately $43.6 million in 10 management-led non-brokered private-placement financings since June 2022. In connection with the current tranche of the Offering, the Company issued 88,888 compensation common shares at a deemed price of $0.90 per common share, issued 88,888 Compensation Warrants, exercisable at a price of $1.25 per common share of the Company, until April 30, 2026, subject to an Accelerated Expiry Date, and paid a corporate finance fee of $12,500. All securities issued under the Offering are subject to a four-month and one day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering as disclosed in the Company's press release dated November 7, 2025. Capitalized terms used in this news release and not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Company's news release dated November 7, 2025. The Company may close another tranche of the Offering at its discretion. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of securities in the United States. The securities 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 U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals. There can be no assurance that any further securities will be sold under Offering. RSU and Option Grants The Company also announces today's grant of 4,700,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") and 1,303,000 restricted stock units (the "RSUs") as incentive compensation to officers, directors and other eligible participants in accordance with the terms of the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. Each Option has an exercise price of $0.90 and expires on December 29, 2028 with 25% vesting every 6 months for two years following the date of grant. The RSUs vest on January 1, 2026. All securities issued in accordance with the Option and RSU grants are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day in accordance with applicable securities legislation. About First Phosphate Corp. First Phosphate (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQX: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) is a mineral development and cleantech company dedicated to building and onshoring a vertically integrated mine-to-market lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supply chain for North America. Target markets include energy storage, data centers, robotics, mobility and national security. First Phosphate's flagship Begin-Lamarche Property in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec, Canada is a North American rare igneous phosphate resource yielding high-purity phosphate with minimal impurities. Follow First Phosphate: X: https://x.com/FirstPhosphate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-phosphate Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking information". Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the completion of the Offering, the anticipated closing date(s) of the Offering, the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, approval of the CSE and the filing of the Offering Document. 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 or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, development and exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions; that the Company and other parties will be able to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner; that CSE approval will be granted in a timely manner subject only to standard conditions and that all conditions precedent to the completion of the Offering will be satisfied in a timely manner. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this press release. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. All forward-looking information contained in this release is qualified by these cautionary statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/275663 Toronto, November 24, 2025 - ONGold Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ONAU) (OTCQB: ONGRF) (the "Company" or "ONGold") is pleased to announce that it has acquired, by staking, additional claims surrounding the Ti-pa-haa-kaa-ning ("TPK") project in northwestern Ontario. ONGold has added 73 multi-cell and single cell claims covering approximately 21,969 hectares (1,118 cells). The TPK property now consists of 2,504 claims, covering approximately 69,764 hectares. The additional claims were staked to cover extensions of the Mameigwess and Bartman Lake Greenstone Belts and the regional scale Stull-Wunnumin Fault Zone. Based on mapping by the Ontario Geological Survey, the area covered by these claims may be prospective for both gold and base metals deposits and complements ONGold's existing claims in the area. Gold Ridge Area: ONGold recently completed a diamond drilling program at TPK's Gold Ridge area located in the north-east portion of the claims (See ONGold press release November 4, 2025, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca). The key outcomes of the program are: Succeeded in identifying a pervasive gold bearing system spread over a width of approximately 400 metres extending from the Discovery Zone to the shore of Mameigwess Lake, a length of 1,400 metres, near the terminus of the Keely Lake gold dispersion train. Discovery Zone Highlights: 19.39 g/t Au over a core length of 8.2 metres. from 11.8 m to 20.0 m (including 308 g/t Au over 0.3m and 24.80 g/t Au over 0.7 m, also including 12.20 g/t Au over 1.5 m f and 20.10 g/t Au over 1.5). Anomalous gold (>0.1 g/t Au) has been identified in every drill hole assayed to date including high gold grades associated with the Discovery Zone. All intervals are reported as core lengths; true widths are unknown at this time. The results of this program, plus previous exploration results are interpreted to indicate the presence of a large, intrusive-hosted, orogenic gold system. These geological interpretations are preliminary in nature; no mineral resource has been defined on the TPK project. Assay results for remaining drill holes and base metal values are pending and will be disclosed once received and verified by the Company. Big Dam Area: In the south-east of the TPK property at the Big Dam, historical drilling has intersected numerous gold intersections including: 25.9 g/t Au over a length of 13.5 metres including 46.0 g/t Au over 0.5 m, and 139.4 g/t Au over 1.7 m, 749.0 g/t Au over 0.3 m and 127.0 g/t Au over 0.7 m (see Northern Superior Resources Inc. press releases dated February 27, 2018 and December 14, 2010, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca). In the New Growth area of the property, the remainder of the Keely Lake gold grains dispersion train remains under-explored. Kyle Stanfield CEO and Director of ONGold commented: "With the very successful diamond drilling program recently completed at TPK's Gold Ridge yielding high grade gold results as well as the identification of a pervasive gold-bearing system, we are very pleased to substantially expand the overall TPK claims footprint. The additional claims increase the TPK claim area by 46% and represents a key milestone in the project evolution as additional geological prospects at TPK are evaluated in preparation for 2026 exploration activities." Figure 1: Location of the TPK Property. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10770/275675_7d5b75c6940fca55_001full.jpg Figure 2: Recently Staked Claims and Exploration Areas on the TPK Property. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10770/275675_7d5b75c6940fca55_002full.jpg Chapleau Cree First Nation Agreement The Company also announces that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the Chapleau Cree First Nation ("CCFN"), originally dated November 25, 2024, as amended on September 29, 2025, regarding support for the Company's exploration activities at its October Gold property in Northern Ontario. Under the terms of the MOU, the Company will issue to CCFN, following approval from the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), a total of 50,000 common shares of the Company in four tranches over a period of one year, and warrants to purchase 50,000 common shares, exercisable in four tranches over one year from the date of issue, at an exercise price to be determined based on TSXV approval. The MOU also contains customary provisions relating to the conduct of exploration activities and general terms for the negotiation of an impact benefit agreement ("IBA") between the Company and CCFN. The Company intends to set the exercise price for the warrants based on the closing price of the Company's common shares as of November 21, 2025. The MOU is not a definitive agreement, and there can be no assurance that an IBA will be successfully negotiated or executed. Qualified Person The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Rodney Barber, P. Geo. for ONGold, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Barber is the President of ONGold and is not considered independent. Ongoing verification of scientific and technical information is achieved by direct involvement in the exploration work. About ONGold Resources Ltd. ONGold Resources Ltd. owns significant exploration assets in Northern Ontario and Northern Manitoba, including the district-scale Monument Bay Gold and Tungsten Project, TPK Project, Domain Gold Project and October Gold Project. These projects represent a strategic footprint in one of Canada's most prolific gold-producing regions. With its extensive technical expertise, strong commitment to social acceptability, mindful Indigenous engagement and partnerships, in addition to a proven track record of responsible exploration, ONGold's team is uniquely positioned to unlock the full potential of its portfolio of projects. ONGold Resources Ltd. on behalf of the Board of Directors Kyle Stanfield, Chief Executive Officer & Director 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. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding ONGold's exploration plans, geological interpretations, future activities at the TPK property, and the negotiation and execution of agreements with Indigenous communities, including the MOU and potential IBA with the CCFN. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, but are not limited to, exploration results, availability of capital, regulatory approvals (including TSXV approval of share and warrant issuances), successful negotiation and execution of agreements with Indigenous communities, and other factors described in ONGold's public filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. ONGold undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/275675 Barrick Mining Corp. (NYSE:B) (TSX:ABX) ("Barrick" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into an agreement which puts an end to all of its disputes with the Government of the Republic of Mali regarding the Loulo and Gounkoto mines. All charges brought against Barrick, its affiliates and employees will be dropped and the legal steps for the release of the four detained Barrick employees will be undertaken. Additionally, the provisional administration of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex will be terminated, following which operational control over the complex will be handed back to Barrick. This will pave the way for a constructive path forward. As a result of the settlement, Barrick's subsidiaries will withdraw the arbitration claims currently pending before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). About Barrick Mining Corporation Barrick is a leading global mining, exploration and development company. With one of the largest portfolios of world-class and long-life gold and copper assets in the industry-including six of the world's Tier One gold mines-Barrick's operations and projects span 18 countries and five continents. Barrick is also the largest gold producer in the United States. We create real, long-term value for all stakeholders through responsible mining, strong partnerships and a disciplined approach to growth. Barrick shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'B' and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'ABX'. Investor Relations Contact Barrick Mining Corporation Cleve Rueckert, +1 775 397 5443 cleveland.rueckert@barrick.com Media Contact Brunswick Group Carole Cable, +44 (0) 7974 982 458 barrick@brunswickgroup.com Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "will" and "path forward" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: the terms of Barrick's settlement with Mali, including the dropping of criminal charges and release of detained employees, termination of the provisional administration and handover of operational control and withdrawal of pending ICSID claims. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/ or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices; expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Mali and other jurisdictions in which the Company or its affiliates do or may carry on business in the future; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper, or certain other commodities (such as diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and exploration successes; risks related to disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities, including disruptions in the supply of key mining inputs due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and conflicts in the Middle East; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; risks associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; employee relations including loss of key employees; increased costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change, including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging policies and increased regulations related to greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of risks; and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks). Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Bayhorse Silver Inc. , (TSXV: BHS) (OTCQB: BHSIF) (FSE: 7KXN) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") is undertaking an approved "run of mine" metallurgical bulk sample of the Bayhorse Silver Mine's critical and strategic silver, antimony, copper and zinc mineralization from three established "ready to commence mining from" working faces located within the western extent of the underground workings over a vertical extent of up to 38 m (125 feet), a width of 15.25m (50 feet), and a strike length of 50m (165 feet), as shown in the following schematic. Sample Locations Schematic To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5015/275720_630f2483f4f0ea0c_001full.jpg One sample will be taken from the newly established Big Dog Zone working face as reported in the Company's news releases, BHS2022-05 and BHS2022-08 and two samples will be taken from the middle and top of a 30.5m (100 ft raise) up into the Goldilocks Zone where, at the top, Silver King Mines in 1984 mined high grade rounds grading up to 3110 g/t Ag (100oz/Ag) per ton, and in the middle where the Company drill intersected 3.65 meters (12 feet) of 844 g/t (24.67 oz/t) silver of which the highest grade interval was 0.6 m (2 feet) of 2,180 g/t (63.65 oz/t) silver, as reported in the Company's news release, BHS2021-19. The approved 25 ton representative run of mine metallurgical sample will be taken from these three zones, sampled for assaying and crushed to minus 25 mm (1") before shipping to the Company's fully permitted flotation mill in Payette, Idaho. The sample will then be Ore-Sorted though the Company's Steinert KSS100 XRT Ore-Sorter and separated into three portions. The Ore-Sorter Select, the Ore-Sorter Reject, and the under 8 mm fines that are pre-screened off before passing through the Ore-Sorter. The Ore-Sorter Selects will then be assayed to determine the Ore-Sorter upgrade for silver and other critical and strategic mineral content for milling and producing a flotation concentrate. The Ore-Sorter Reject will be assayed to determine the suitability for mine backfill for permitting purposes and the Sorter pre-screened fines will be assayed to determine whether it also can be milled and floated or can be rejected as it has insufficient metals content. The bulk sample assay analysis will be conducted under NI-43-101 standards and form part of the geochemical analysis required for the Bayhorse Silver Mine Operating Permit. The metallurgical analysis will also establish, through the milling and flotation process, mill recoveries, tailings percentages, and necessary waste water remediation to allow proper disposal of the waste water from the milling process. The Company believes the flotation mill operates efficiently, as evidenced by four XRF field analyses measurements taken on 6.5 kg float concentrate samples reported in the Company's news release BHS2025-28. Bayhorse CEO, Graeme O'Neill, comments, "while the original sampling, Ore-Sorting and milling/flotation was conducted on Mine development material, this bulk sample will mimic potential mining operations and give a clear indication of the Ore-Sorter select silver upgrade, and what the final grades and recoveries likely will be when full-scale mining is resumed. We were very pleasantly surprised with the very high percentages of copper, antimony, and zinc recovery in the concentrate along with the silver from the development material processing. With this 25 ton bulk sample, plus the sorted Mine development material ready to mill and float at the Payette mill, we look forward to determining the tonnage and grade of the resulting float concentrate." O'Neill further comments, "in the event that the antimony leaching test results currently underway are positive, all the critical metals will be freed for further processing or sale. With the new refining technologies available, we are exploring the potential for producing our own silver bars at the mill." When mining is permitted, the mineralised "run of mine" material mined at the Bayhorse Mine will be crushed to 1 inch minus (25 mm) and then fed through our Steinert Ore-Sorter where roughly 80% of the run of the mine material will be rejected as waste. The sorted material will then be trucked to our mill in Payette where it will be crushed further to minus 0.12 inches (3 mm) then passed through the ball mill, floated, and the concentrate produced will be bagged and readied for further processing/smelting/leaching. The dominant Bayhorse mineralization is primarily tetrahedrite, (see the Company's news release BHS2020-12) that is comprised of the critical and strategic minerals in an antimony sulfide of silver, copper, zinc and iron in veins and stockworks with minor gold present, and is refractory in nature. Extracting the silver from refractory minerals presents several challenges as the complex mineral structures often leads to lower recovery rates compared to free-milling minerals. Processing refractory minerals also requires high energy inputs, making it cost-prohibitive in some cases. Leaching permits the cost-effective separation of the antimony and sulphur and significantly increases recoveries of the silver, copper and zinc for processing separately. The silver, antimony, copper and zinc at the Bayhorse Silver Mine are all recognized as "critical and strategic minerals" in the United States. The Bayhorse exploration model holds that the silver-copper-antimony rich mineralization at the Bayhorse Silver Mine extends across to the adjacent Pegasus porphyry copper prospect and could have its source in an underlying shallow pluton(s) that may host porphyry copper mineralization similar to what Hercules Metals has reported 40 km north of the Bayhorse Silver Mine. Cautionary statement The Company is not basing any decision to produce on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and advises there is an increased uncertainty and specific economic and technical risk of failure with any production decision. These risks include, but are not limited to, (i) a drop in price of commodities produced, namely silver, copper, lead and zinc, from the pricing used to make a production decision; (ii) failure of grades of the produced material to fall within the parameters used to make the production decision; (iii) an increase in mining costs due to changes within the mine during development and mining procedures; and (iv) metallurgical recovery changes that cannot be anticipated at the time of production. All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, plans for and intentions with respect to the Company's capitalization, preparation of technical reports, proposed work programs, budgets and proposed expenditures, permitting, construction and production timing are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes such statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that any expectations will prove to be correct and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements and the Company undertakes no obligation to re-issue or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or events after the date hereof or as may be required by law. All forward-looking statements and information herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its content. Mark Abrams, AIPG, a Qualified Person and Director of the Company has prepared, supervised the preparation of, or approved the technical content of this news release. About Bayhorse Silver Inc. Bayhorse Silver Inc. is an exploration and production company with a 100% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine located in Oregon, USA with a National Instrument 43-101 inferred resource of 292,300 tons at a grade of 21.65 opt (673 g/t) for 6.3 million ounces of silver. (Turner et al. 2018) and the Pegasus Project, a highly prospective porphyry copper prospect, in Washington County, Idaho. The Bayhorse Silver Mine and the Pegasus Project are 44 km southwest of Hercules Metals' porphyry copper discovery. The Bayhorse Mine is a minimum environmental impact facility capable of processing at a mining rate up 200 tons/day that includes a state of the art 40 ton per hour Steinert Ore-Sorter that reduces waste rock entering the processing stream by up to 85%. The Company has established an up to 60 ton/day mill and standard flotation processing facility in nearby Payette County, Idaho, USA with an offtake agreement in place with Ocean Partners UK Limited. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive mining expertise in both exploration and building mines. 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. Vancouver, November 24, 2025 - Andina Copper Corp. ("Andina Copper" or the "Company") (TSXV:ANDC) (FSE:FIR) (OTCQB:PMMCF) is pleased to announce that its common shares have commenced trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V") under the symbol "ANDC". Consequently, the Company's common shares have been delisted from the Canadian Securities Exchange. President & CEO Joseph van den Elsen commented: "The listing of Andina Copper on the TSX-V marks a significant milestone and reflects the growing recognition of our portfolio of high-quality copper and copper-gold discoveries. Exploration continues to rapidly advance at both Cobrasco in Colombia and Piuquenes in San Juan, Argentina, where project-wide geophysics and further drilling are planned. In addition, a follow-up work program is underway to define drill targets at the Mantau copper-gold project in Antofagasta, Chile. Interested parties can subscribe to our mailing list and follow our social media channels in the links below: Mailing List | Andina Copper LinkedIn | Andina Copper X | Andina Copper Instagram Corporate Presentation ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO | joseph@andinacopper.com Jordan Webster | VP - Technical Communications | jordan@andinacopper.com ABOUT ANDINA COPPER Andina Copper Corporation is a unique South America- focused copper explorer listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV:ANDC), Frankfurt (FSE: FIR), and OTC (OTCQB: PMMCF) exchanges. The Company holds two significant discoveries along the world's premier copper producing Andean porphyry belt in Argentina and Colombia, and a compelling undrilled copper-gold target in the prolific copper production district of the Coastal Cordillera of Chile. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Andina Copper 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" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Andina Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Neither the TSXV nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Methodology Residential Segregation Calculation ) Areas with total populations +/-30 percent of the metro area. (Total population correlates with dissimilarity index values.) Areas where the black share of the population is within 30 percentage points of that of the Illinois area studied. Margins of Error Metro Area 2017 ACS 2010 Census Difference Bloomington, IL 0.387 0.351 0.0358 Carbondale-Marion, IL 0.529 0.499 0.0298 Champaign-Urbana, IL 0.492 0.502 -0.0102 Danville, IL 0.675 0.68 -0.0045 Decatur, IL 0.528 0.526 0.002 Kankakee, IL 0.576 0.607 -0.0308 Peoria, IL 0.724 0.693 0.0313 Rockford, IL 0.571 0.548 0.0234 Springfield, IL 0.571 0.54 0.0308 Historical Residential Segregation Metro Area 2017 5-yr ACS 2010 2000 1990 1980 Peoria, IL 0.724 0.693 0.719 0.718 0.699 Danville, IL 0.675 0.68 0.696 0.7 0.693 Kankakee, IL 0.576 0.607 0.703 0.721 0.716 Springfield, IL 0.571 0.54 0.57 0.651 0.682 Rockford, IL 0.571 0.548 0.601 0.719 0.751 Decatur, IL 0.528 0.526 0.533 0.576 0.625 Champaign-Urbana, IL 0.492 0.502 0.475 0.48 0.486 Bloomington, IL 0.387 0.351 0.341 0.369 0.423 Change of 0.1 and greater: "Very significant change" Change of 0.05-0.1: "Moderate change" Less than 0.05: "Small change or no real change at all" School Segregation Limitations Because our residential segregation analysis relies on tract-level data, it will not capture segregation taking place within tracts (neighborhoods) themselves. Dissimilarity indices dont account for other demographic groups not included in each calculation. Results for our Illinois-specific report strictly reflect black-white segregation. ACS estimates are subject to margins of error, which we attempt to minimize by excluding smaller populations. School enrollment data does not reflect private schools. GoverningOur primary measure to assess residential segregation was whats known as the index of dissimilarity. It represents the percentage of an area's demographic group needing to move to another neighborhood to achieve complete integration for the area. In other words, it measures how evenly distributed groups are across a larger area.The dissimilarity index is one of the most widely used measures of segregation in sociology research and was recommended for this analysis from consultation with multiple researchers. Numerous other measures also appear in academic literature.Population estimates were obtained from the U.S. Census Bureaus latest 2013-2017 American Community Survey (ACS). We considered populations living in Census tracts, which are the Census Bureaus equivalent of neighborhoods, with total populations typically ranging from 3,000 to 8,000.Census tract-level data were used to calculate dissimilarity indices for entire metropolitan areas. Our calculations utilize the most recent definitions for metro areas published by the federal Office of Management and Budget in September 2018. (For some metro areas, total population estimates from the 2017 ACS will not match numbers in our report, as their area definitions have changed.) We examine segregation for metro areas, rather than for cities or counties, to account for segregation taking place over larger areas.The standard method for calculating the dissimilarity index allows for comparing the distribution of two different demographic groups. Our report on Illinois focuses on segregation between blacks and whites, so our calculations consider non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black populations. There are relatively small numbers of other racial and ethnic groups in downstate Illinois areas, with the exception of Rockfords large Hispanic population and the Champaign-Urbana areas Asian population. (Our national segregation analysis does include results for these and other demographic groups, though.)The formula used to calculate the index of dissimilarity for each metro area was as follows:Along with Illinois, dissimilarity indices were calculated for all U.S. metro areas with black populations of at least 10,000. Smaller populations were excluded to account for margins of error. The national median for the metro areas included in the analysis was 0.526. ( View national ranking of metro areas. In additional to the national rankings, Illinois metro areas were also compared to those with similar demographics. For each metro area of interest, we define a group of similar areas based on two criteria:The groupings are intended only to produce demographically similar areas. It should be noted that, in general, areas of the Midwest and Northeast tend to have higher levels of black-white segregation than other parts of the country, particularly those that developed more recently. Economic characteristics and other considerations may also influence levels of segregation.The Census Bureau's ACS estimates are subject to margins of error. In calculating dissimilarity indices, margins of error for individual tracts will largely offset each other as absolute values are added up for a metro area, but they can produce less reliable results for smaller populations. We, therefore, excluded metro areas with fewer than 10,000 black residents. The threshold of 10,000 black residents is nearly the highest threshold possible without excluding some Illinois metro areas.The national analysis, which includes results for multiple other races and ethnicities, also excludes metro areas with populations of a corresponding demographic group of less than 10,000.Our minimum of 10,000 is more conservative than several other studies that have also computed dissimilarity indices for metro areas. This study published in the journal, for instance, sets a threshold of 1,000 black residents.For the Illinois metro areas we examined, calculated dissimilarity values from the 2017 five-year ACS estimates differ very little from those calculated using 2010 decennial Census data. Values for both data sets, shown below, were determined using the same methodology and geographies the most recent 2018 metro area boundaries:Demographers interpret differences of less than .05 to be small or not significant.Next, we assessed the extent to which black-white segregation for each area changed over time. As discussed above, our calculations rely on population data for Census tracts. Tract boundaries are generally consistent over time, but sometimes change between censuses.A few research organizations have published tract-level data that is standardized to report population and other measures for identical tract geographies over time. Our analysis utilizes standardized tract-level data from the Brown University Longitudinal Tract Database , commonly used in academic literature.We compiled standardized, tract-level population data for the 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010 decennial censuses. These datasets were then used to compute black-white dissimilarity indices for metro areas. The same definitions for metro areas, outlined in September 2018 by OMB, were used for all calculations. So, counties within a metro area today are considered when calculating dissimilarity indices from prior years of data even though they may not have been considered part of an area years ago.Calculated indices for Illinois areas studied were as follows: Research from Brown University offers the following guidelines in interpreting changes in values over one decade:Additionally, we examined current levels of school segregation. For this, we compiled enrollment data for all public schools nationwide from the Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics Common Core of Data . Enrollment data included total students, black enrollment and white enrollment for the 2015-16 school year, the latest data available at time of publication.We assessed segregation by calculating black-white dissimilarity indices for pubic schools within metro areas. (See above description of residential segregation for more about this measure.) The formula was as follows:To define metro areas, we use the federal Office of Management and Budgets latest guidelines issued in September 2018. Enrollment data include the county schools are located in, and we assign schools a metro area based on their county, as outlined in the OMB guidelines.The Peoria metro area recorded the highest black-white segregation of its schools of any metro area nationally, regardless of enrollment size. More broadly, public schools across most Illinois metro areas are more segregated than other metro areas nationally. Nationally, the median black-white dissimilarity index for 242 metro areas was 0.545, when those with less than 2,000 black students or 2,000 white students are excluded. Eight of ten Illinois metro areas had a higher level of black-white school segregation than the national median. (See national school segregation results.) If all metro areas, including those with very few black students are considered, the median value drops 0.492.Dissimilarity index values for residential segregation and school segregation are strongly correlated. While it is common practice for private-sector organizations to be on the lookout for technological innovations that might enhance or upend their businesses, this tradecraft is less common in local governments. Yet governments face an expanding need to stay on top of and react to trends and innovations that increasingly are disrupting their economies, from manufacturing and retail automation to the growth of the sharing economy to self-driving vehicles.Developing this capacity will be a challenge for governments because of their cultural resistance to disruption of their own systems. Despite current efforts to instill a culture of rapid innovation in the delivery of public services, local governments typically focus on incremental improvements to administrative processes, modes of citizen engagement and strategic management. These, while good and necessary, are not sufficient for dealing with the impact of rapid change on local economies and community life. A recent Brookings Institution report I co-authored outlines a number of emerging technological trends and societal shifts that are having an impact on local economies. Technology is bringing about new opportunities, for example, for businesses to economize on jobs such as those of taxi drivers, retail clerks, food-service workers, medical staff and mail carriers. In a study by researchers at Oxford University, it was estimated that approximately 47 percent of U.S. jobs will be at risk for elimination within 20 years.It's not hard to see why this is happening. Self-checkout kiosks at stores such as Wal-Mart create customer convenience but limit the need for human cashiers. According to the Food Marketing Institution, as long ago as 2007 fully 95 percent of supermarkets had self-checkout lanes. We don't know for sure how this loss of jobs will play out--whether the workforce will adapt or how growing income inequalities will impact our communities. The civil unrest we've seen around the United States stemming from class and race issues in recent months could be a harbinger of things to come. Might we one day see something similar to the 2011-12 Arab Spring, in which young people across the Arab world revolted against their local and national governments over issues of extreme poverty, unemployment, human-rights violations and corruption?However economic disruption driven by emerging technologies plays out in the United States, local governments need to take a more proactive stance, working to identify the trends that will impact their communities and their own operations and to get on top of them. Here are some suggestions for government leaders who want to stay ahead of these trends:Partnerships are a good way not only to ensure that you have the resources to find solutions for seemingly intractable challenges but also to increase situational awareness. Regional partnerships help leaders to see a bigger picture of the implications of trends, identify interdependencies among communities and work toward more integrated solutions.Look beyond your region and even abroad to build idea-exchange networks. Find cities that mirror yours in size, demographics and economic makeup and build connections with them so that ideas can flow.Peer-to-peer networks such as Uber are already having an impact on communities, and more disruption is on the horizon with the advance of technologies such as self-driving cars and drones. Forward-thinking communities will approach these new technologies in a way that is good for them and good for citizens. Consider how, for instance, how your city might go about embracing self-driving cars before, during and after they enter the market.Finding solutions for disruptive challenges is going to be difficult and require collaboration across the governmental enterprise. There's a role for internal disrupters, along with outsiders from academia, community organizations and the private sector, to identify ideas that are beyond the scope of one department or agency.While no one can know for sure how disruptive forces will impact local governments and the communities they serve, public leaders can position themselves and the organizations they lead to be proactive and effective--to keep disruptions from becoming disasters. Aston Martin quiet on rumours Cowell to be sacked Aston Martin is refusing to deny growing speculation that team principal Andy Cowell's position has become uncertain following a turbulent period inside the technical department. Andy Cowell. United States GP 2024 Aston Martin Racing An Aston Martin spokesperson said: "The team will not be engaging in rumour or speculation. The focus is on maximising performance in the remaining races and preparing for 2026. After the chequered flag in Las Vegas, British media suddenly linked Christian Horner with the role - a move that would reunite him with Adrian Newey, although many insiders doubt it given persistent suggestions that part of Newey's Red Bull exit was due to friction with Horner, who was later removed from his position. Other international outlets believe Andreas Seidl is being considered, while Dutch publications report that Cowell's tenure as team boss has become untenable following a wave of recent high-profile departures. Eric Blandin, the head of aerodynamics, was the most significant name to leave, while up to seven other staff members were dismissed following recommendations from Newey and technical director Enrico Cardile, according to paddock rumours. Cowell only took over as Aston Martin team principal earlier this year, having joined the outfit as part of Lawrence Stroll's restructuring drive. Some reports suggest Cowell could remain within the organisation in a different capacity, particularly in managing integration with Honda in the new 2026 power unit era. Before Horner and Seidl were mentioned, Stroll was believed to have asked former CEO Martin Whitmarsh if he would consider returning to take the reins. Whitmarsh told the BBC: I decided to leave Aston Martin in 2023 and, whilst Lawrence has been very generous, I no longer wanted a role in the team. On track, the team's season has been particularly disappointing. Fernando Alonso made clear after the Las Vegas GP that he is eager to move on from the 2025 car. Speaking to DAZN, he described the final rounds as two celebratory Grands Prix . Qatar, with the sprint race where we don't have much time to rest, and then Abu Dhabi, which is usually a farewell and then a bit of a break, he said. Two celebratory races - we won't be driving this car anymore, so this has to be a reason to celebrate. (GMM) Red Bull hit by fresh Verstappen team exits Max Verstappen's trusted inner crew has taken another major hit, with De Telegraaf and De Limburger reporting that three more members of his engineering team are leaving Red Bull. Max Verstappen, Las Vegas GP 2025 Red Bull It leaves only race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, who joined the quadruple world champion on the top step of the podium in Las Vegas, in place for 2026. Control systems engineer Michael Manning, performance engineer Tom Hart, and engine engineer David Mart have all informed the team of their exits, the report said. Mart is heading to Audi, joining former Red Bull figures Jonathan Wheatley, Lee Stevenson and soon Matt Caller. Hart has accepted a senior role at Williams, a move described internally as a surprise. Only Lambiase now remains from Verstappen's original four-man core. Red Bull has already lost Adrian Newey, Christian Horner and Wheatley, while strategist Will Courtenay is joining McLaren and multiple senior communications staff have departed. The team will need to rebuild Verstappen's entire support structure ahead of the 2026 reset - something that is being done now, De Telegraaf claimed. Meanwhile, speaking to Viaplay, Ford motorsport chief Mark Rushbrook said he is delighted Verstappen is staying on for Red Bull-Ford's first full F1 engine - and would love to see Max in a Ford in GT racing from 2026 onward. Rushbrook said the four-time world champion impressed him immediately. "We already knew he was an incredible driver, but what he does outside the car is just as impressive. Max is a true racer, whatever he drives. We're very happy he wants to continue with Red Bull and we're looking forward to the cooperation. (GMM) COP30 approves document calling for global mobilization against climate change Xinhua) 10:16, November 24, 2025 President of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) Andre Correa do Lago strikes the gavel to confirm a decision during a plenary session of COP30 in Belem, Brazil, on Nov. 22, 2025. (Photo by Lucio Tavora/Xinhua) The COP30 on Saturday approved a document titled "Global Mutirao: Uniting humanity in a global mobilization against climate change" during its closing session. BELEM, Brazil, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) on Saturday approved a document titled "Global Mutirao: Uniting humanity in a global mobilization against climate change" during its closing session. President of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) Andre Correa do Lago (2nd L, front) discusses with UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell (1st L, front) and other staff members during a plenary session of the COP30 in Belem, Brazil, on Nov. 22, 2025. (Photo by Lucio Tavora/Xinhua) President of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) Andre Correa do Lago (R) discusses with UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell during a plenary session of the COP30 in Belem, Brazil, on Nov. 22, 2025. (Photo by Lucio Tavora/Xinhua) Delegates attend a plenary session of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, Nov. 22, 2025. (Photo by Lucio Tavora/Xinhua) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Can a diner be 86d in advance? Thats the interpretive riddle at the heart of the Eighty Six, the new tenant at the forever-infamous former Chumleys at 86 Bedford Street in the West Village. Chumleys, which operated through Prohibition, is said to be the birthplace of the phrase getting 86d, as in getting tossed out in the bad old days, the fate of too-drunk patrons through Chumleys side door, the better not to attract the attention of the police. The Eighty Six has now moved into this haunted, hallowed space, which has played host to a succession of establishments attempting to capitalize on its history. The heavy green door with the peephole behind a metal grille endures, and even its very name recalls its ancestor. But dont worry about getting kicked out. You probably wont get in. Eugene Remm, the impresario behind the Catch restaurants and a partner in the (likewise heavily defended) Corner Store, took over the location after its previous occupant, the trollish Frog Club, self-86d in December. The Eighty Six is a small restaurant 35 seats total, including the bar so some discretion on behalf of management is necessary to control the crowd, but even by the standards of New Yorks strictest doors, the Eighty Six is borderline impenetrable. Reservations are theoretically available online but hover, like Tantalus fruit, forever out of reach. Walk-ins are welcome to try their luck at the door, but the two women who approached ahead of me on a Monday night in search of bar seats were summarily turned away. I was able to broach the perimeter myself only as a ride-along with a better-connected guest and, even then, only once, rather than the multiple times customary before writing a review. Im making an exception here because I doubt Ill be invited back. That evening, Remm was circling the dining room, chitchatting and shaking hands, and he all but confirmed that the place functions like a members-only club. I know everybody in the room, he said when visiting our table (though he didnt seem to recognize me). This is the direction New York is going. I am sorry to say I agree. The Eighty Sixs shtick is swank. The decor is antique mirrors and velvet, and the finger food is caviar croquettes. The bar is tiny, and a crackling fireplace does much to set the tone, turning down the raucousness. (Theres a hot honeymoon table tucked just to the side of it.) At the Corner Store, the early patronage of celebrities Taylor Swift was a repeat guest ensured its status as a destination. The weight of expectation hangs heavy at this follow-up, where fans have made the early pilgrimage, Swift among them. Its the exact same clientele, a server told us. . . The Eighty Six offers the mood of a private club and steakhouse-appropriate twists like a Philly cheesesteak and a "creamed corn pot pie." Hugo Yu. The Eighty Six offers the mood of a private club and steakhouse-appropriate twists like a Philly cheesesteak and a "creamed corn pot pie." H... more The Eighty Six offers the mood of a private club and steakhouse-appropriate twists like a Philly cheesesteak and a "creamed corn pot pie." Hugo Yu. Michael Vignola, the longtime culinary director at Catch Hospitality Group, oversees both. The Eighty Six is not without its TikTok bait, like a bread-and-butter martini (butterfat-washed vodka served with bread and butter) and a juiced-up Philly cheese-steak, but the emphasis here, as at many of the other new swank-staurants, is steak. Our server assured us we were getting the best and the rarest. Every cut comes with its own dateline and provenance Aberdeen, South Dakota; Ennis, Texas; Queensland, Australia and the restaurant even claims an exclusive on certain pounds of flesh. No one but us has access to vaca vieja, our server confided, nodding at a giant hunk of marbled beef. Let the plebs content themselves with merely dry-aged specimens. The Eighty Six is the only place offering this bespoke crossbreed, old cow. Old cow that I am, I find the focus on (mostly) traditional preparations appealing. Classics are classics for a reason, and while theyre not indestructible, they are sturdy enough to withstand the winds of trend huffing and puffing at the grille-hatched door. A Caesar salad is basically a Caesar salad anywhere, and the one here is no exception; I preferred its twist (olive-focaccia croutons, why not) to what the salad endures at the Corner Store (fried balls of cream cheese, why). Vignola is a time-tested pro who can oversee a team grilling steaks capably and at prices that are generally less offensive than at plenty of other haute beeferies around town. (The floor is set by a $38 skirt; the ceiling is market price.) What he cant do is make miracles. An MPd entree of wild Dover sole ($125 on our evening) was tough and overly acidulated by its lemon bath. That sole wanted to be meuniered its delicate flesh bathed in butter in the true French fashion but instead its offered barely touched. Its not hard to guess why: All around us, the 11 tables of the dining room were filled with wizened men and lineless younger women, a sauce-on-the-side constituency. Even the more lavish preparations are portioned with restraint in mind. A mid-course pasta with spicy lobster sauce is plated with only three ounces of spaghetti, the better to impose moderation. My favorite steak at the Eighty Six was a petite six-ounce portion of deckled rib cap, served small in deference to the richness of the fatty meat. You dont want more, Remm said. Dont I? I think I might. A steakhouse was once a place to dig in, a logy indigestion proof of purchase. Chumleys was a spot to get tanked even when getting tanked was a criminal offense and to be 86d an affirmation youd been overserved. Maybe these are wiser days, if leaner ones. Then again, maybe not. It feels, for better or worse, exactly as Remm says: the way New York is going. This place meets the moment, one of my dinner companions observed. And we are not the moment. A Thursday court victory over the government comes as bittersweet for Mangilao landowner and veterinarian Dr. Joel Joseph, who said the government of Guam wasted a year of time and possibly millions of federal dollars fighting him in court instead of moving to get a hospital built. Joseph, the owner of 14 out of 42 acres GovGuam has tried to condemn through eminent domain, said he would have sold a year ago if offered what he believed was a fair price. The doctor told the Pacific Daily News he was still willing to walk away from his land for a sum of $6 million. Joseph said GHURA made another settlement offer to him in the weeks before the decision, but has never provided an offer above $4 million. It both feels great and it feels sad, Joseph said of his victory over the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority this past week. We just wasted a year in getting a hospital built for our people here. He said hes already spent too much in lawyer fees to fight the case. The GHURA board in November 2024 voted to condemn a total of 42 acres belonging to Joseph and construction company Hong Yi Tian. That move came after only about three months of negotiations with Hong Yi Tian, and about a month of negotiations with Joseph, the Pacific Daily News reported. GHURA at the time was racing against a Dec. 31, 2024 deadline to obligate $12.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds on loan from Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero to acquire land for a hospital in Mangilao. Neither Joseph nor representatives for Hong Yi Tian outright rejected the possibility of a sale, but told the GHURA board at a Nov. 26, 2024 meeting that they believed amounts offered were too low, and the process was rushed. Now, some $6.6 million posted by GHURA to compensate landowners will be returned, after a Thursday ruling from Superior Court of Guam Judge Elyze Iriarte. Iriarte found that GHURA overstepped its authority in condemning the 42 acres for a hospital, which were not attached to any plans for a housing project. The ruling was unfortunate, GHURA Executive Director Elizabeth Napoli said in a statement Friday. She said GHURA is looking at any and all legal action regarding the court decision. GHURA always intended to construct affordable housing there, and will make no further comments on the matter, she said. Joseph on Friday told the PDN that he believed his own property, estimated at $8 million back in late 2024, might be worth even more, now that GovGuam is moving forward with installing power and sewer near the site for the hospital. The veterinarian said he would still part with the land for about $6 million, but he said GHURAs offer remain below $4 million. GHURA: Fair market value GHURA officials have asserted that the properties have had fair market value set by independent realtors, and that federal rules prevent them from paying above those sums. But Joseph argues that his land is located in one of the fastest growing parts of the island, with GovGuam intending to put utilities and a five-lane highway in the area. He said he anticipated an appeal from the government, but the court battle would see the whole island lose. Its not just me getting my land back. They have to return the money, which means they have not met federal guidelines, he said. A return of the $6.6 million in ARP funds posted with the court for the condemnation of the property would mean the island loses the cash, he said. Besides that, the $104 million in total ARP funds put up for the hospital is in jeopardy, Joseph said. Adelup and the governor have both noted that the 42 acres is not the same parcel of land where the Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority are trying to install utilities. GHURA has purchased outright land next door to Joseph and Hong Yi Tians properties, where utility installations are in the pipeline. The veterinarian said even if GHURA appeals the ruling from Iriarte, he and his attorney still plan to fight them on other issues over the condemnation. He asserted that the authority violated the Open Government Law in meetings where it accepted the funds, and was supposed to get approval from the Legislature for the condemnation. GHURA has asserted that the process followed the law. But Attorney General Douglas Moylan made essentially the same conclusions as Joseph in opinions issued last December, and is actively suing GHURA and the governor over the same matters in federal court. Pet crematorium, cemetery Joseph on Friday said he will proceed with his own plans for the property, if he beats the government. The veterinarian has said hes invested $850,000 in equipment and zone changes for his land. Joseph, owner of Wise Owl Animal Hospital, said he wants to build a pet crematorium and cemetery on the land, along with a new house to retire in and potentially a new vet clinic. Ive already gotten everything. I mean, we have the metal beams for holding it up already on the property. We have all the tin for the roof on the property. We have all that stuff, all that stuff to put up the building there, he said. He said he believes that once he gets a builder locked in, the site could potentially be put up in six months. The plans have been already approved. Ive had permits already to build. I just need to find somebody that can build, he said. Home hospital before world best hospital Joseph said he bought the land as soon as it came up for sale in 2018 because he saw the value in it. The veterinarian said he still could not understand why the governor wanted to build on his land, instead of in Tamuning. But if GovGuam made him a fair offer, he said hed find another place to build. We need a hospital for Guamanians. We dont need a world class hospital, he said. And first you have to make a home hospital for Guamanians before you can ever make a world best hospital. Guam defense attorneys claim violent felony cases are being dismissed on the eve of trial due to a shortage of prosecutors, while the Office of the Attorney General says dismissals stem from procedural and witness issues, not staffing shortages. A motion filed on Nov. 18 in Superior Court stated the AGs office was seeking to dismiss a case against Stacy Marie Cepeda Pocaigue. Prosecutors cited a shortage of trial prosecutors in the motion. Pocaigue was charged on Sept. 26 with aggravated assault, second-degree robbery and theft by deception, all as second-degree felonies, as well as strangulation as a third-degree felony. The People bring this motion in good faith due to the shortage of trial prosecutors, the motion stated. It added that continued prosecution would strain limited resources with minimal corresponding benefit to the public interest and cited the courts authority to dismiss cases in the interest of judicial economy. Former prosecutor and current defense attorney Ramiro Orozco criticized the AGs office for repeated dismissals. Theyre dismissing cases on the eve of trial because they do not have enough prosecutors, Orozco said. They also are stating that theyre going to dismiss cases that are asserted to refile later, which is a violation. Orozco went on to criticize Attorney General Douglas Moylan directly. (He) has consistently decided how he wants to practice law, putting the people of Guam at risk, putting justice at risk, Orozco said. Its just a travesty that he cant keep enough people in his office to do the job he was elected for. Orozco added that recent dismissals reveal a pattern of weak prosecution. [AG] Douglas Moylan likes to spin that hes tough on crime, but the truth is hes wanting in prosecution, he said. Law enforcement does their job, they arrest the person, they provide the evidence, and then the Attorney Generals Office drops the ball. Attorney Thomas Fisher, who is also a 2026 attorney general candidate, said poor management drives prosecutors away, leaving cases to collapse. Well, its coming from the AGs mouth. Theyre the ones who filed the motion that said that we have to dismiss this case because we dont have enough prosecutors, Fisher said. They dont have enough prosecutors because that office is so poorly managed that it is difficult for a professional to operate under those conditions. Moylan and Deputy Chief Prosecutor Neil Bonavita disputed claims of staffing shortages. We have enough prosecutors and each case has different reasons for prosecuting or seeking a dismissal usually due to victim desire or witness issues that we simply refile, Moylan said, calling reports of shortages propaganda/disinformation. He said the AGs office also has different prosecution teams from magistrates, grand jury, courtroom to my elite trial prosecution teams. Look at our releases to see the results. We just hit our 75th jury trial win in three years under my admin. Winning track record, he added. Bonavita clarified that the Nov. 18 motion mentioning a shortage of prosecutors was misinterpreted. Already ran an article on that. I indicated then, and Ill indicate now, that that was a decision that was made. It was an artfully worded document. We did have a situation where Curtis Van De Veld, who is our chief prosecutor, had been off island on a private family matter that he had to address and dont need to share his business. Hes back on the island now, and hes, in fact, on trial today, he said. He added that Van De Veld initially worked that case. So in the context of the filing, the fact that he was not available was, in fact, the manner which should have been conveyed. He was not available to try the case. It was not a lack of prosecutors. Fisher questioned the offices statements, citing contradictions between the Nov. 18 motion and current claims. Well, then why did they file a motion? Or is AG Moylan saying that they misled the court? Fisher said. If thats the case, theyve got enough prosecutors. And then they got this case dismissed, then it should be with prejudice. And if I didnt know who the judge was, Id call Moylan in front of me and say, Why are you lying to the court? You cant say one thing on an official AG motion, and then back up and say thats not true. Haiti - FLASH : All Sunrise Airways flights to and from Port-au-Prince suspended "For strictly security reasons, Sunrise Airways informs the public of the immediate suspension of all flights arriving in and departing from Port-au-Prince until further notice. This decision was taken to protect our passengers, crew, and operations, given the current security situation. We are closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the relevant authorities and will resume operations as soon as conditions allow. The safety of passengers and employees remains the airline's top priority. No risks will be taken until conditions are fully met to operate with complete peace of mind. Passengers whose flights are affected will be contacted directly by our sales team to arrange rescheduling, credits, or refunds according to our policies. Sunrise Airways thanks its passengers for their understanding and patience and reaffirms its commitment to the safety, transparency, and well-being of all. For further information, please visit sunriseairways.net or contact customer service." While the Haitian airline Sunrise Airways does not explain in its statement what led to this temporary suspension of flights to and from Port-au-Prince, a statement from the General Directorate of the National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC) sheds some light on the possible causes of this decision, mentioning a bullet impact on a Sunrise Airways aircraft. "[...] OFNAC reports that preliminary findings reveal that one of Sunrise Airways aircraft has an impact in the form of a hole in its structure [...] The competent authorities are currently working to prepare a detailed report on the facts [...] OFNAC reaffirms its commitment to guaranteeing the safety and security of air transport in Haiti [...]" See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46259-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46238-haiti-news-zapping.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : The PNH wins the battle of Kenscoff Specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH), the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H), and the Gang Repression Force (FRG) launched a major offensive against terrorist gangs in Kenscoff on Saturday, November 22. https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-46268-icihaiti-kenscoff-large-scale-offensive-by-law-enforcement.html The operation targeted the localities of Viard, Belot, Gode, Clairmanso, Carrefour Konbit, and Teleco. Law enforcement dislodged the criminals and cleared blocked strategic routes. Several bandits were fatally wounded during the intense exchange of fire, and many others fled. The assault resulted in the safe release of two hostages, Thony Ermilus and Berline Bazile, who had been kidnapped on November 1 in Fessa. The Haitian National Police (PNH) continued its advance toward Furcy, forcing the bandits to retreat to Thomassin where they were intercepted and neutralized. The road to Furcy was cleared to allow for the pursuit of the last remaining fighters. This operation marks a major turning point in the battle for Kenscoff, of which the recapture of Belot is emblematic. This successful tactical breakthrough confirms the effectiveness of the offensive strategy of the new "Anticipate, attack, and no longer be subjected" approach. See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-46268-icihaiti-kenscoff-large-scale-offensive-by-law-enforcement.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46016-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45976-icihaiti-kenscoff-deadly-counterattack-by-the-pnh.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45677-haiti-flash-tragic-accident-between-2-armored-vehicles-at-least-2-dead-and-8-injured.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45645-icihaiti-kenscoff-seizure-of-a-large-quantity-of-weapons-and-ammunition-details.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45634-haiti-flash-kenscoff-antenna-site-retaken-heavy-losses-among-terrorists.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45626-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45605-haiti-flash-the-strategic-kenscoff-antenna-site-in-the-hands-of-terrorists-video.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45547-haiti-flash-5-police-officers-ambushed-in-kenscoff-2-dead-and-3-injured.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45626-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45605-haiti-flash-the-strategic-kenscoff-antenna-site-in-the-hands-of-terrorists-video.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45547-haiti-flash-5-police-officers-ambushed-in-kenscoff-2-dead-and-3-injured.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45476-haiti-flash-9-people-including-a-child-kidnapped-from-an-orphanage-in-kenscoff.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45337-haiti-insecurity-bandits-destroy-access-routes-to-their-territory-video.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45024-icihaiti-kenscoff-strategic-meeting-of-specialized-units.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44738-haiti-flash-83rd-day-of-the-battle-of-kenscoff-3-fad-h-soldiers-killed-in-combat.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44647-haiti-flash-first-official-report-from-the-battle-of-kenscoff-at-least-262-dead-and-66-wounded-report.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44366-haiti-flash-two-fad-h-soldiers-killed-in-combat.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44209-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44196-haiti-flash-kenscoff-added-to-the-list-of-massacres.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44154-haiti-flash-kenscoff-attacked-attackers-repelled.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-44142-icihaiti-security-curfew-in-effect-in-kenscoff.html HL/ TB/ HaitiLibre Malaysia plans a social media ban for under-16s. The government of the Southeast Asian country announced this, as reported by the local daily newspaper The Star. Continue after ad It is necessary to protect children and adolescents from online dangers such as cyberbullying, financial fraud, and sexual abuse, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, according to the newspaper. His government expects platform operators to introduce electronic identity verification for their customers next year. According to the government's plans, users will in the future have to prove their age using their passport, ID card, or the digital identity MyDigital ID. The social media ban for children, according to the minister, is part of the country's Online Safety Act, which is set to come into force on January 1, 2026. Australia led the way Fahmi referred to other countries that have already implemented such measures: Australia was the first country to introduce a social media ban for children a year ago. Meanwhile, other countries are following suit, including Denmark, France, Greece, and Spain. Such a measure is also being discussed in Germany. Minister Fahmi said Malaysia will examine and evaluate the procedures in other countries. Other countries may have their methods. We will look closely to find the best way to ensure that children under 16 are not allowed to use social media. However, there are also dissenting voices: The German Children's Fund criticizes a possible social media ban: blanket bans disempower children and adolescents and contradict the right to digital participation and the development of media literacy, said Kai Hanke, managing director of the German Children's Fund. Continue after ad (wpl) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. Between January and October 2025, 11,839 student residence permit applications were filed. This marked a 5 percent decrease from the same period in 2024. The agencys foresight network, a body of experts convening three times a year, updated its forecast based on application trends through October and wider economic and geopolitical developments. The Finnish Immigration Service expects student and work-related migration to remain stable in 2025 and 2026, while asylum applications are projected to stay at moderate levels. Johannes Hirvela, Director of Information Services, linked the decline to the introduction of a 100 application fee for non-EU and non-EEA citizens under the higher education joint application system. The fee was introduced at the start of 2025. He said the fee, combined with the full-cost tuition model for international students, had contributed to a slowdown in growth seen in previous years. Despite the drop, the Immigration Service estimates 13,000 to 14,000 student residence permit applications for 2025. For 2026, the forecast remains steady at around 13,000. Work-based migration showed a sharper decline. Between January and October, 9,593 first-time work permit applications were submitted. This is 29 percent fewer than during the same period in 2024. The figure places the total near 2018 levels. According to Hirvela, the slowdown reflects weak economic conditions. Slow growth, higher unemployment, and global economic uncertainty explain the continued decline in work-based applications, he said. The forecast predicts 11,000 applications for first work-based residence permits in 2025, with a possible range of 11,000 to 13,000 in 2026. The agency noted that the labour market typically reacts slowly even if the national economy begins to improve. Asylum applications in Finland and the EU have declined from the previous year. In Finland, 1,709 first asylum applications were submitted between January and October, a 15 percent drop compared to the same period in 2024. Hirvela said the fall in asylum applications was partly due to administrative changes in Syria and tighter entry controls across the EU. He noted that push factors remained strong in countries of origin, including conflict, political instability and poor economic conditions. In the EU as a whole, 399,000 asylum applications were filed in the first half of 2025. Finland is expected to receive between 1,500 and 2,500 first asylum applications annually in both 2025 and 2026. HT In a video address to Swedish lawmakers on Monday, Zelensky said Russias President Vladimir Putin wants legal recognition of what he has stolen. He spoke after a day of negotiations in Geneva where US and Ukrainian officials said they agreed on a revised framework to end the war. The original 28-point plan , which leaked last week, proposed territorial handovers to Russia and restrictions on Ukraines military. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected calls to cede territory to Russia, calling it the main problem in talks over a US-backed peace plan. He called this a threat to the global principle of territorial integrity. His comments came hours after Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, described the talks as highly productive. A joint US-Ukraine statement said a new draft of the plan had been created and that it would fully uphold Ukraines sovereignty. Russian officials said they had not received any official update. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday that Moscow had not been informed of changes to the plan. The plan, originally promoted by the White House, had drawn criticism from European governments for including concessions to Russia. These included recognising Russian control over parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, ruling out Ukraines NATO membership, and proposing major reductions to Ukraines armed forces. European leaders responded by drafting a counter-proposal. It removed clauses requiring Ukraine to give up land or limit future military alliances. The European draft also proposed that frozen Russian assets be used to fund Ukraines reconstruction, and ruled out amnesty for war crimes. Ukraines parliament speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk outlined three non-negotiable points on Monday: no recognition of occupied territories, no forced reductions to Ukraines military, and no restrictions on future alliances. He also insisted that EU and NATO membership must remain open to Ukraine. In their statement, the US and Ukraine said they would continue intensive work on finalising the peace deal. Talks are expected to continue this week. Speaking to reporters, Rubio said he hoped for an agreement in a very reasonable period of time but gave no details on the updated terms. The White House later confirmed that the new draft includes reinforced security guarantees for Ukraine and said that all of Ukraines core concerns had been addressed. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump accused Kyiv of showing zero gratitude for Washingtons support in a post on Truth Social. The Ukrainian delegation responded by publicly thanking Trump for his role in advancing negotiations. Finlands President Alexander Stubb said he had spoken to Zelensky on Monday morning and that there were still major issues to resolve. He added that decisions on NATO and EU matters would be taken by member states. Despite the diplomatic activity, Russian drone strikes continued on Sunday. At least four civilians were killed in Kharkiv. Ukraines emergency services reported 15 separate strikes in six areas of the city. Zelensky said progress in Geneva had preserved very sensitive points, including demands for the return of abducted Ukrainian children and the release of all prisoners of war. The European peace proposal calls for a ceasefire to be agreed before territorial negotiations begin, and suggests security guarantees would be monitored under US supervision. It also proposes international control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. The European Council is holding an informal meeting in Angola on Monday to discuss the outcome of the Geneva talks. HT Low-altitude logistics takes off in China 10:42, November 24, 2025 By Han Xin ( People's Daily A fully loaded drone lands near an office building in Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang province. (Photo/Fu Jun) In recent years, low-altitude logistics has been applied more and more widely across China. During the busy lunch hour at a Shanghai business park, delivery drones hovered over designated pickup points. "I ordered milk tea from more than four kilometers away, and it arrived in less than 10 minutes. It's incredibly convenient," said a woman surnamed Wang who works in the park. To enhance efficiency in specific zones, Shanghai has partnered with the technology-driven retail company Meituan to build a low-altitude logistics model featuring instant response and precision airdrop. Three drone routes now cover nearby universities and industrial parks, enabling deliveries in about 15 minutes. In Suzhou Industrial Park, east China's Jiangsu province, a maiden flight was recently completed along a dedicated drone route for semiconductor testing samples. In less than an hour, samples were delivered directly to an enterprise's laboratory by drone, meeting the demanding time requirements of research and development process. In Guiya village of Jiuwanxi township in Zigui, central China's Hubei province, drones efficiently transport navel oranges from mountain orchards. Moving 1,000 kilograms of oranges now takes just 10 minutes, a significant reduction from the previous three-hour journey. A medical worker of a hospital in Xiangyang, central China's Hubei province loads blood samples onto a drone, June 3, 2025. (Photo/Yang Dong) Connecting Shenzhen and Zhongshan in south China's Guangdong province, a commercial low-altitude logistics corridor establishes an aerial link. Once users place an order via a mini-program, small and urgent parcels can be delivered across cities in an average of three hours. Over the past year, cross-city routes like Shenzhen-Zhongshan, Shenzhen-Zhuhai, Shenzhen-Dongguan have continued to emerge, weaving a fast-growing low-altitude logistics network across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). At present, Phoenix-Wings, a cargo drone company owned by Chinese logistics giant SF Express, handles an average of over 1,000 flights per day in the Greater Bay Area, transporting more than 20,000 parcels. China's low-altitude logistics sector is evolving rapidly, transitioning from isolated pilot routes into interconnected networks and moving beyond niche applications into everyday use. This technology is increasingly integrated into various aspects of work and life, serving purposes from parcel delivery and agricultural transport to medical supply distribution. In 2024 alone, China launched more than 140 new low-altitude logistics routes, with approximately 90 percent operating within city limits. A drone carrying 30 kilograms of parcels flies toward a post service station on the Yangtze River in Zhangjiagang, east China's Jiangsu province. (Photo/Xing Bin) According to Dong Zhiyi, chief expert on low-altitude economy at the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China's low-altitude logistics industry is mainly concentrated in the GBA, the Yangtze River Delta, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the Chengdu-Chongqing area, while other regions focus primarily on specific scenarios. The GBA and Yangtze River Delta are economically advanced and rich in application scenarios; the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has strong innovation capacity and clear spillover effects; and the Chengdu-Chongqing area leverages strengths in manufacturing and airspace resources to promote synergy and resource sharing. "The growth of e-commerce and instant logistics has fueled consumer demand for faster and more personalized services, driving the release of market potential for low-altitude logistics," said Yan Yan, head of public affairs of drone service of Meituan. Drone delivery significantly reduces the impact of road traffic on delivery times. For items such as pan-fried buns or hot coffee that require high timeliness, drones can double delivery efficiency compared with traditional ground transport, Yan added. Beyond speed, drones offer compelling cost advantages compared to conventional logistics. For instance, ZTO, a leading express delivery company in China, developed an electric hexacopter drone with a full lifecycle cost of 85,800 yuan ($12,071) and a capacity to deliver 75,000 parcels. The drone's per-parcel cost is 1.14 yuan. Based on the industry's average single-parcel cost of 1.85 yuan, this represents a reduction of about 40 percent. With large-scale operations and the rollout of dedicated product services, logistics costs are expected to fall further, said Wang Qi, head of ZTO's drone project. From Phoenix-Wings drones capable of handling diverse terrain to JD Logistics' multi-rotor smart drones, new technologies and products are steadily enhancing the reliability and efficiency of low-altitude logistics, revealing vast potential for industrial development. Chen Xiaohui, director of public affairs at Phoenix-Wings, said that by leveraging drones' efficiency and flexibility, low-altitude logistics can solve delivery challenges that traditional transport struggles with, not only ensuring successful delivery but also helping enterprises shift from price-driven competition to value-driven competition. "With the coordination between drones and ground vehicles, we can build a smart delivery network covering both urban and rural areas, further addressing the 'last mile' challenge," said an official from the State Post Bureau. According to the China low-altitude logistics development report for 2024, the low-altitude logistics market is experiencing rapid growth. The market is expected to reach 120 to 150 billion yuan this year and climb to 450 to 605 billion yuan by 2035. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Chinese premier urges AI adoption, effective governance Xinhua) 10:43, November 24, 2025 JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on the Group of 20 (G20) economies to promote the widespread application and effective governance of artificial intelligence (AI). Li made the remarks when attending the second and third sessions of the 20th G20 Summit on Saturday and Sunday. Li also urged promoting healthy and orderly development of AI in a direction that is beneficial, safe and fair. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Marriott International Inc. is pleased to announce the expanded role of Silvio Rosenberger, who will assume the position of Market Vice President for Maldives, effective 1 January 2026. In this expanded capacity, Silvio will oversee the company's growing portfolio and strategic operations across the Maldives, while continuing in his current role as Vice President of Operations, Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), based in Singapore. Marriott currently operates 11 properties across 9 brands in the Maldives, with additional projects in the pipeline. Silvio brings a distinguished career shaped by more than three decades with Marriott International, including over 20 years across Asia. He began his Marriott career in Frankfurt, as the Financial Controller at Courtyard by Marriott, and in 2003 made the move to Asia as the Director of Operations and Finance in Vietnam, building a deep foundation of operational excellence, brand expertise, and a strong passion for food & beverage. His leadership experience spans Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Vietnam, and South Korea, where he has held multiple General Manager and Managing Director appointments across several flagship hotels. In his most recent role as Vice President of Operations, APEC, Silvio has played an integral part in driving regional performance, supporting multi-market operations, and strengthening Marriott's cross-brand execution. His track record, spanning luxury, premium, and lifestyle brands combined with his cultural fluency and results-driven approach, positions him exceptionally well to take on the Maldives market leadership role. Throughout his career, Silvio has led some of Marriott's most dynamic and high-performing hotels in Asia including JW Marriott Hong Kong, JW Marriott Seoul, The Shanghai EDITION, W Shanghai - The Bund and JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square. Known for elevating both guest experience and business performance, he has also played a pivotal role in strengthening regional collaboration and developing future leaders through his work with the Marriott Business Council. His contributions have earned him multiple distinctions that reflect his operational excellence and strategic acumen across the region. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, cities around the world built vast, lavishly decorated train stations to serve as inspiring gateways for travellers. Enormous murals, arched ceilings and gilded details became the norm, creating the sense of romance we still associate with train travel today. But as automobiles and plane travel rose in popularity during the 20th Century, many of these architectural showpieces fell out of use and into disrepair. After years of neglect, several of these once-grand spaces are busy again their soaring halls and intricate ironwork reborn as luxury hotels. These accommodations preserve the historic details and grandeur of the golden age of trains, combining them with the modern amenities today's travellers expect. I think it is super exciting when an entity can take a historic building [and repurpose it] in an interesting way, because the shame is demolishing the building. Let's keep as much of the historic fabric as we can and find really interesting ways to insert modernity into it so that people can enjoy both worlds. Toland Grinnell, president and chief operating officer at EverGreene Architectural Arts, which specialises in building restoration and conservation St Pancras London, Autograph Collection One of London's most ornate and recognisable buildings, the red-brick facade of St Pancras Station has inspired railway architecture around the world. The adjoining hotel has welcomed guests since 1873, when the Midland Rail Company opened the opulent Midland Grand Hotel, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. Lavish but impractical, with 300 guest rooms and just eight bathrooms, the hotel fell out of favour when en-suites became popular, explained general manager Edward White. St Louis Union Station Hotel, Missouri, US Located in the heart of the city, the St Louis Union Station Hotel is a striking example of historic architecture, with Romanesque archways and gold-leaf details throughout. The station opened in 1894 and became one of the largest and busiest passenger terminals in the world. After launching its last train in 1978, the property reopened seven years later as a 539-room hotel. Its $150m (114m) renovation restored much of the original stonework and the Station Grille restaurant that catered to rail passengers during the station's heyday. Tokyo Station Hotel, Japan The red-brick facade of Tokyo Station has been a city landmark for more than 100 years. Built in 1914, the vast 182,000sq m structure overlooks the Imperial Palace and was originally designed as a grand hub for the nation's growing rail network, complete with an attached hotel. Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station, US Opened in 1853, Indianapolis Union Station was the first "union station" in the United States, pioneering the concept of a single, shared terminal for multiple railroad lines. Today, the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis has paid homage to that legacy by converting 26 Pullman train carriages into special guest rooms. Read the full article at bbc.com When he began to reimagine Romes Fonseca Palace hotel as the new Orient Express La Minerva, architect Hugo Toro knew he would break at least one rule. I hate orchids. I dont understand when hotels put them everywhere, he says. Orchids have just become this blanket statement for luxury that has lost its feeling. Instead of following expected design codes for the first brick-and-mortar property of the luxury train brand, he leaned into his unapologetically eclectic aesthetic. He credits the look to his French and Mexican heritage, which surround him with colour, texture and a feel-good sense of place. Thats something that my mom was always trying to give us, he says. At the Orient Express La Minerva, that feeling begins in the entrance to the hotel, which once welcomed notable writers such as Herman Melville, Stendhal and George Sand. A signature room scent imbued with notes of olive oil and amber wafts through the lobby bar, which sits under a striking vaulted glass ceiling. The space is the centrepiece of the hotels 17th-century architecture, created by combining five separate buildings, and an oasis just steps from the frenzy of the Pantheon. The Italian capital was a main source of inspiration for the hotels design. Something that Im quite proud of is Roman people are really happy about the project because they feel that its a hotel that belongs to Rome, Toro says. Rugs and wood flooring are patterned after the Pantheons geometric ceiling, and custom marble bathroom sinks echo Romes fountains. A marble statue of Minerva by 19th-century Italian sculptor Rinaldo Rinaldi presides over the main floor and is original to the building, as is the Olimpo ballroom. Read the full article at theglobeandmail.com It may sound like an oxymoron, but the biggest capsule hotel in the world has just opened in central London. The Zedwell, in Piccadilly Circus, offers 1,000 sound-proofed, windowless cocoons, with prices from as little as 30 a night. A raft of other hotels drawing on the same low-space, low-cost concept is set to arrive in the capital in the coming years, serving as the catalyst insiders believe for a global proliferation. Novel, affordable, convenient and fun, the appeal of the capsule hotel is surprisingly broad except for the claustrophobic. Whats a capsule hotel? Under the strictest definition, its a hotel in which all areas and facilities are communal, with the exception of sealable pods that are little bigger than the individual mattresses they contain. These capsules tend to be stacked both horizontally and vertically, and can be locked from the inside and outside. Once inside, guests can generally expect a charging point, wi-fi access and the ability to control lighting and ventilation. Increasingly, high-end touches including comfortable Hypnos mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets and ambient lighting are being incorporated. Where did the concept originate? The now-iconic Capsule Inn Osaka started the trend, opening in 1979 and serving office workers sleeping off the excesses of Japans work hard, play hard culture. The concept spread to every major urban centre in Japan, quickly taking off around Asia. Over the past decade, its since found a foothold everywhere from Berlin to Brisbane, Amsterdam to Auckland, Singapore to Waikiki. The concept has really spiked in the past 10 years, says Tim Alpe, head of Australasian capsule hotel brand LyLo. Who do they target? The ethos is really one of a high-end hostel rather than a stripped-back hotel and, as such, the 18-35 demographic remains the core market: cost-conscious, eager to be in the heart of the action and game enough to contort themselves into small spaces. Yet the age group has been creeping up. Our market is more 25 to 40, says Andrew Landsburgh, founder and chief executive of CoDE Concepts, whose 568-guest capsule hotel in Londons Elephant and Castle is set to open in 2027. Whats it like to stay in one? The comfort levels and aesthetics are of a far higher level than one might expect for the price, and the hotels ancillary offerings, such as bars and restaurants, are buzzy. Safety and security are prioritised, with single-sex clusters and private shower stalls with their own changing areas. App-based 24-hour check-in ensures flexibility, and the convenience is unquestionable. Capsule hotels have the ability to use buildings that other hotel chains cant, says Sem Schuurkes, co-founder of Dutch brand CityHub, which has four European sites and is opening two new hotels in London. Old gyms, basements, warehouses. It means guests can be right in the heart of the city. Whys the Zedwell causing such a stir? As the largest capsule hotel in the world, the Zedwell is seen as the ultimate test of the concept. Theres a sense that accommodation costs in London have been too high for too long; capsules building on the momentum of so-called poshtel hotel-hostel hybrid chains such as Generator and Clink have the potential to be the big disruptor. Were democratising access to one of the most exciting cities in the world, says Halima Aziz, head of hotels at Criterion Hospitality, the Zedwells parent company. Read the full article at National Geographic Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailands leading hotel operator, and NUO International Hotel Management Co., Ltd., recently signed a strategic Letter of Agreement to collaborate on brand development and international expansion. This landmark partnership represents a powerful alliance between two leading hospitality brands and a meaningful exchange between Chinese Service and Thai Hospitality, aimed at delivering exceptional experiences to global travellers. The signing ceremony, held at NUO Hotel Beijing, was attended by senior executives from both organisations, including Mr. Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Michael Henssler, Chief Operating Officer, alongside Mr. Jack Xia, Managing Director Centara China, Mr. Tyrone Tang Ming, General Manager of NUO International, Mr. Andy Xu Jia, Deputy General Manager, and Ms. Yuki Qu Jing, Vice President of Marketing. This strategic cooperation reflects a shared vision for the future of the global hospitality market and mutual recognition of each brands values and management philosophy. Through joint authorisation and coordinated strategies, NUO International and Centara will explore opportunities in China, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian markets, setting a new benchmark for cross-border hospitality innovation. Innovative Two-Way Brand Licensing Model The partnership introduces an innovative two-way brand licensing approach, leveraging resource sharing and complementary strengths. NUO International will bring its heritage-rich brands, such as Jianguo and Brilliant, to Thailand and Southeast Asia, while Centara will introduce its acclaimed brands, including Centara and Centara Grand, along with their signature Thai-style service, to mainland China. This cross-regional brand exchange will infuse cultural diversity and vitality into both portfolios, creating a model for integration and growth in the Asian hospitality sector. Comprehensive Collaboration for Sustainable Success To ensure seamless implementation and long-term success, both parties will collaborate across multiple dimensions, including brand licensing, joint marketing, operational management, and professional knowledge exchange. Key initiatives include: Joint Marketing & Brand Building: Coordinated campaigns to enhance brand visibility and influence in target markets. Operational Excellence & Talent Development: Establishing regular communication mechanisms and sharing best practices in hotel operations, service standards, quality management, and training. Looking ahead, NUO International and Centara will continue to explore new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation, reinforcing their commitment to innovation and quality. A New Chapter in Global Hospitality This alliance underscores NUO Internationals mission to promote cultural exchange and deliver diverse, high-quality accommodation options to travelers worldwide. By showcasing Chinese hospitality on the global stage and embracing Thai warmth and charm, the partnership contributes to the sustainable growth of the international hotel industry. South Korea-based Taekwang Industrial Co. Ltd. (Taekwang Industrial) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the 400-key Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun in Seoul, South Korea from South Korea-based KT&G Corporation for KRW250 billion. This translates to approximately KRW625 million per key. Completed in 2016, the hotel comprises 20 floors above ground and five basement levels with a total floor area of 31,837 square metres (sqm). On-site facilities include three food and beverage outlets, a fitness centre and a meeting room. Situated in Jung-gu, central Seoul, the property is an eight minutes walk from Hoehyeon Station Line 4 and close to the popular Myeongdong shopping district. Nippon REIT Acquires Four Japan Hotels for JPY12.2 Billion Japan-based real estate investment fund, Nippon Hotel & Residential Investment Corporation (Nippon REIT), has announced the acquisition of four domestic hotel properties for approximately JPY12.2 billion. The deal includes three APA-branded hotels being acquired from different subsidiaries under the Japan-based APA Group: the 162-key APA Hotel Namba-kita Shinsaibashi Ekimae in Osaka, 109-key APA Hotel Hakata Eki-mae 4-chome in Fukuoka, and 144-key APA Hotel Matsuyama Shiro-Nishi in Matsuyama. The first three hotels were operated under lease agreements with fixed and variable rent components. The fourth property is the 165-key Hotel Vista Atsugi, located in Atsugi City and built in 2007. Tenancy details for this property were not disclosed. The acquisition is part of a broader eight-property deal including residential assets, aligning with Nippon REITs portfolio diversification strategy and aim to reduce its exposure to Ooedo Onsen facilities. Singh Enterprises Expands Spring Hill Portfolio with Two New Acquisitions for AUD14.7 million, Australia Australia-based investment firm Singh Enterprises has acquired Soho Brisbane Hotel and the former St Albans Liberal Catholic Church. Located at 333 Wickham Terrace, the 52-key Soho Brisbane Hotel was purchased for AUD12.9 million. This translates to approximately AUD248,000 a key. The five-storey asset occupies an 867 sqm site and includes a restaurant and a basement carpark. The second property, the former St Albans Liberal Catholic Church, a heritage-listed building at 351 Wickham Terrace which spans over 180 sqm, was acquired for AUD1.759 million. Both properties are adjacent to the 179-key Mercure Spring Hill Hotel, which Singh Enterprises acquired for AUD42.7 million in 2023. All three properties benefit from their mixed-use zoning, allowing for development into office, residential, retail, or tourist accommodation, with building height allowances of up to 20 storeys. With these acquisitions, Singh Enterprises now controls approximately 4,150 sqm of contiguous land in Spring Hill, making it one of the largest landholders in the area with significant redevelopment potential. Coliwoo and Macritchie Developments Acquires Singapore Property for Conversion to Co-Living Space for SGD40 Million Coliwoo Holdings, the co-living arm of Singapore-based LHN Limited, has formed a joint venture with Singapore-based Macritchie Developments Pte Ltd, a private firm owned by the Chairman of Singapore-based Oxley Holdings to acquire a freehold commercial property at 1 King Georges Avenue for SGD40 million. The seven-storey Rehau Building, with a site area of 521 square metres ("sqm") and a gross floor area of 2,678 sqm, will be converted into a co-living space while retaining commercial units on the ground floor. Located within walking distance of Jalan Besar and Lavender MRT stations, the site benefits from proximity to the Central Business District and nearby institutions including Singapore Management University and Lasalle College of the Arts. Cove Expands Singapore Presence with the Acquisition of Co-living Operator Casa Mia Coliving Singapore-based Cove Living Pte Ltd (Cove) has acquired co-living operator Casa Mia Coliving (Casa Mia) for an undisclosed sum, adding approximately 500 rooms to its Singapore portfolio. Casa Mias units are primarily located in central districts such as River Valley and Orchard, and are expected to expand Cove Classics, the companys mid-tier offering between Cove Basics and Cove Luxe. Following the transaction, both businesses will operate under the Cove brand, bringing Coves total inventory to over 2,000 rooms in Singapore and more than 8,000 rooms across the Asia-Pacific, including Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. The combined entity is expected to generate over USD50 million in annual rental income and represents a strategic step towards achieving free-cash-flow positivity, despite Coves recent investments in regional expansion, particularly in Japan and South Korea. Just four months following the completion of Marriott Internationals acquisition of the citizenM brand, the company that founded, owns and operates citizenM hotels has unveiled its new name: Another Star. Under this new identity, Another Star will continue to own and operate all current citizenM hotels in key global gateway cities in Europe and the United States through long-term franchise agreements with Marriott International. With its distinctive central operating model, in which hotels are run like a single global retail brand, Another Star remains focused on delivering world-class guest satisfaction through uncompromising efficiency across its owned portfolio. All citizenM hotels have been integrated into Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel platform. The integration opens citizenM's doors to nearly 260 million Marriott Bonvoy members, who will now be able to earn and redeem points at every citizenM stay. In collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy, Another Star is continuing to offer the paid membership program mycitizenM+, which now also provides members with instant Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. When we started in 2006, our project name was One Star is Born, inspired by the ambition to redefine luxury hospitality and make it accessible. That ambition gave birth to citizenM. With the sale of the brand to Marriott International, we honour that legacy and take the next step as Another Star: a company focused on achieving the highest guest satisfaction and profitability through the most efficient operating model. Building on its tech stack and leveraging the technologies now available, we aim to set a new standard once again. Our global integration with Marriott shows exactly what this team is capable of. Lennert de Jong, Chief Executive Officer of Another Star Another Star today also announced the successful close of a 685 million US dollar hotel portfolio financing facility, led by J.P. Morgan Bank N.A. in partnership with KSL Capital Partners. This transaction represents one of the largest hotel financings of 2025 and reflects the markets confidence in the companys performance and long-term strategy. The refinancing follows Marriotts acquisition of the citizenM brand. Another Star expects that participation in Marriotts platforms will enhance distribution reach, loyalty engagement and marketing scale across the portfolio owned and operated by Another Star and position Another Star for accelerated growth and greater global visibility. This financing marks a defining moment for our company. With J.P. Morgans trust and the momentum created by Marriotts acquisition of the citizenM brand, we are ready to begin a new chapter and continue offering an incredible product at an accessible price point. Another Star was founded on the belief that travel should be inspiring, human and design-led, and we now have the structure in place to deliver that vision on a global scale. Lennert de Jong, Chief Executive Officer of Another Star CitizenM has consistently reshaped the hospitality landscape, and under the new banner of Another Star and following its recent transformative transactions, we believe the company is well positioned for further growth. We are proud to lead this landmark financing and to support a team with such a bold vision for the future of modern travel. Chris Kosonen, Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Paul Hastings LLP advised Another Star, while Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP represented the lenders. With this facility in place, Another Star will continue to strengthen its portfolio of design-led, technology-enabled hotels in key gateway cities across Europe and the United States. The company currently owns 37 hotels, comprising 8,312 rooms in 20 cities, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, New York, Boston, Miami and Los Angeles. Two new hotels are under construction in London and Washington D.C., expected to open by mid-2026. Added by Hospitality Net: Congrats to team "Another Star"! About Another Star Another Star is the company that founded, owns, and operates the citizenM hotel portfolio. Following Marriott Internationals acquisition of the citizenM brand, Another Star continues to own and operate all existing citizenM hotels in key global gateway cities across Europe and the United States through long term franchise agreements with Marriott. The company runs its hotels through a distinctive central operating model, managing the portfolio like a single global retail brand, with a sharp focus on world class guest satisfaction and uncompromising operational efficiency. All citizenM hotels are now part of Marriott Bonvoy, giving nearly 260 million members access to the portfolio and the ability to earn and redeem points on every stay. In collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy, Another Star also continues to offer the paid membership program mycitizenM plus, which includes instant Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. Backed by a 685 million US dollar financing facility led by J P Morgan in partnership with KSL Capital Partners, Another Star is positioned to accelerate growth, expand global visibility, and set a new standard for modern, design led hospitality that remains accessible, inspiring, and human. Visit anotherstar.com. RIU Hotels & Resorts is ready to reopen all seven of its hotels in Jamaica before the end of the year, leading the reactivation of hotel operations in the destination. The country is dedicated to the recovery of its main industry as the best way to overcome the crisis caused by the passage of Hurricane Melissa. The reopening is accompanied by the return of charter flight operations from key markets such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, thanks to the commitment of Sunwing and TUI to the destination's recovery. Operation is currently being reactivated in phases. The Riu Ocho Rios, located in one of the destinations least affected by the storm, has remained open and has already recovered all its services. The Riu Montego Bay reopened its doors on Sunday, November 23, and the Riu Palace Jamaica is doing so today, November 24, reintroducing the premium product in this first stage of reactivation. The four remaining establishments (Riu Reggae; Riu Negril; Riu Palace Tropical Bay, and Riu Palace Aquarelle) have tentative opening dates scheduled from November 30 to December 15, 2025. RIU's operational and technical team worked on the necessary cleaning and repair work just a few days after Melissa passed to ensure the hotels were ready in record time. The main challenges were restoring water and electricity services, which fortunately are already functioning in all destinations. RIU's commitment to Jamaica has focused first and foremost on its employees, in line with the Proudly Committed strategy. This has materialized in the form of direct aid and the restoration of employment. The chain has mobilized a fund of $1,000,000 (USD), of which 80% has been assigned directly to staff. This support includes $570,000 USD specifically for providing materials for the reconstruction of employees' homes, and $230,000 USD for immediate aid packages with basic necessities. Additionally, it has enabled an interest-free credit line of $1,300,000 USD to facilitate the management of damages. The remaining 20% of the aid fund is being allocated to the Jamaican community. In collaboration with the Jamaica Basic School Foundation, $200,000 USD has been donated in humanitarian aid to deliver 1,750 support packages to isolated communities with limited assistance. Furthermore, RIU has partnered with the NGO World Central Kitchen (WCK) to prepare and distribute more than 7,000 solidarity meals daily from Negril and Montego Bay to the affected communities. This initiative pursues the dual objective of providing one hot meal a day in the most affected areas and, at the same time, offering a source of employment to our employees while normal operations are being restored. After 24 years in the destination, RIU has seven hotels in Jamaica in Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Falmouth, totaling more than 4,000 rooms and 4,000 employees. The recent inauguration of the Riu Palace Aquarelle last year is a clear demonstration of the chain's strong commitment to Jamaica, consolidating it as one of the most important destinations for RIU in the Caribbean. For further information please visit:www.riu.com About RIU Hotels & Resorts The international RIU chain was founded in Mallorca by the Riu family in 1953 as a small holiday firm and is still owned by the family's third generation. The company specialises in holiday resorts and over 74% of its establishments offer its acclaimed All Inclusive by RIU service. With the inauguration of its first city hotel in 2010, RIU is expanding its range of products with its own line of city hotels called Riu Plaza. RIU Hotels & Resorts now has 98 hotels in 21 countries. In 2024, the chain welcomed 6,7 million guests and provided jobs for a total of 38.055 employees. RIU is currently the world's 40th ranked chain, one of the Caribbean's most popular, and the fourth largest in Spain in number of rooms. For further information please visit: www.riu.com. RIU Press Department +34 971 743 030 RIU View source Cendyn Leads Market Shift Connecting Hotel Rates to AI Search - Image Credit Cendyn Partnership with DirectBooker to enable hotels to be discoverable on AI-driven travel search platforms including ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude with MCP Cendyn, a global integrated hotel technology and services company, is leading the market shift to AI search in partnership with DirectBooker by enabling hotel direct booking rates to be visible in AI search results. The launch of Cendyn AI Connect, a new distribution channel within the Cendyn DMP, pushes hotel Availability, Rates, and Inventory (ARI) directly into AI search platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini through a Model Context Protocol (MCP). With the ever-growing adoption of AI search for travel planning, hotel owners are becoming increasingly aware of the impact AI will have on business. Currently, AI search platforms largely surface OTA listings, leaving hotels unseen at the exact moment travelers are making decisions. AI Connect ensures hotel direct rates and availability can be surfaced organically when travelers engage with AI trip planners, complementing existing hotel digital strategies by reclaiming visibility on emerging channels, without adding marketing overhead. By utilizing a direct connection for distribution through an MCP a new open standard designed to let AI models (like ChatGPT or Claude) connect with external tools, data sources, and APIs in a secure and consistent way Cendyn is making essential hotel information available seamlessly and efficiently to these AI models. Cendyn is currently inviting hotels to join a select beta group to be at the forefront of innovation and expand their reach in the era of AI travel search. Throughout this beta-phase, Cendyn will start to surface clicks and completed bookings attributed to AI channels as consumers gradually adopt AI search in their travel planning. As travelers reshape how they plan and book travel, we need to ensure our customers remain highly visible and are at the forefront of this compelling market shift, while avoiding OTA dependency, said Michael Bennett, CEO & President at Cendyn. Many hoteliers understand the importance of early adoption, especially given the existing challenges of maintaining visibility in front of travelers, and competing with OTAs to manage cost of acquisition. While we may be seeing AI-driven search bookings starting small, we know it will shape competitive advantage for years to come. Real travelers care about the best value they can get for their trip, said Steve Kaufer, Board member, DirectBooker. This partnership with Cendyn will enable hotels to have a direct line into AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini and be discoverable from the offset helping to cut out traditional intermediaries. Hoteliers can now embrace the next travel revolution with their best direct rates and availability, visible via our MCP, ready for that moment when their customers are using AI to plan and book their trips. The release of AI Connect as an additional channel in the Cendyn DMP means hoteliers will be able to track bookings that originate from AI platforms. With over 32,000 customers worldwide in more than 150 countries, Cendyn generates in excess of $20 billion in annual hotel revenue. AI Connect will ensure no property is left behind as the AI travel landscape evolves. For more information discover Cendyn AI Connect. About Cendyn Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to drive revenue, maximize profitability, and create deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions. Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn drives commercial success for hotels through its Find, Book, Grow promise: find the right guests; drive them to book direct, and grow loyalty and revenue across the spectrum of digital guest interactions. Cendyn has over 32,000 customers worldwide in more than 150 countries generating more than $20 billion in annual hotel revenue. The company supports its growing customer base from locations across the globe, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangkok, and India. Press contact: For requests and further information contact: Ryan Haynes ryan@haynesmarcoms.agency, +44 (0)7919 510051 Chicago, IL (60637) Today Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High around 30F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 24F. Winds light and variable. Market 32, Price Chopper Donate to St. Peter's Hospital ALS Regional Center PITTSFIELD, Mass. Market 32 and Price Chopper today presented a check for $303,965 to the St. Peter's Hospital ALS Regional Center Lewis Golub MDA/ALS Clinic in Albany, NY. The fundswhich will directly support patients diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)were raised at the company's annual Lewis Golub Memorial ALS Golf Classic on Sept. 25 at Van Patten Golf Club in Clifton Park, NY. "The ALS Center embodies the values that guided Lewis Golub and our company for generationsservice, compassion, and a commitment to improving lives," said Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32 and Price Chopper. "Our annual golf outing is more than a fundraiser; it's a way for our teammates, partners, and community to honor his legacy and strengthen the Center's vital work. We're thrilled with the results of this fundraiser and the cumulative support that Market 32 and Price Chopper have helped provide to those living with ALS and their families." St. Peter's Hospital ALS Regional Center provides a comprehensive, specialized blend of services and resources to patients diagnosed with ALS, sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. Since its inception in 2020, the annual golf event has raised over $1,127,500 for the ALS Clinic. "We are profoundly grateful to Market32 and Price Chopper for their generous support of St. Peter's ALS Center," said Peter Semenza, vice president of philanthropy for St. Peter's Health Partners. "Their commitment to philanthropy plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of care for individuals living with Lou Gehrig's disease. Together, we are making strides in St. Peter's mission to provide compassionate support and innovative treatments for those affected by ALS." Williamstown's READI Committee Talks About Town Budget Priorities WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The town's diversity committee last week discussed how it might advocate for directing more municipal spending toward social services. The Racial Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion Committee began its meeting with a report from Shana Dixon, who occupies the READI chair dedicated to a member of the Select Board. Dixon updated her colleagues on the Select Board's most recent meeting , when board members were encouraged to share their budget priorities for fiscal year 2027 with Town Manager Robert Menicocci. Dixon noted that she chose not to say much at the Nov. 10 Select Board meeting, but one week later, she told her READI colleagues that she questioned whether the town's budget priorities served all residents equitably. "The word 'services' was thrown around so much during that meeting," Dixon said. "They kept saying, 'We provide a lot of services.' Being a new Select Board member, I wondered how a marginalized person views 'services' that are actually being offered and how they benefit from them. Chair Noah Smalls said Williamstown has done a good job providing for services like road maintenance and fire protection, but it has done less to address the kind of social services Dixon pointed to. "There's less, I believe, an understanding of what the need is in regard to social services, and that makes it way more difficult to provide them or to connect people with them," Smalls said. "Maybe we could pull whatever evaluation does exist, assuming some exists at the town level, around what the needs are for social services. And then, whatever isn't visible, we could work to make visible." Dixon, not for the first time in either a READI or Select Board meeting, said the answer could lie in a September 2023 report from the Williamstown Community Assessment Research Project (CARES). The CARES report, the result of months of study and interviews by paid and volunteer social workers, included seven pages with dozens of recommendations for town actions ranging from big-ticket items, like a new community center, to smaller steps, like training board and committee members in facilitating conversation at public meetings. In the short term, Dixon said it would not be too late for the READI Committee to make requests for the FY27 budget, which will be hammered out by the Finance Committee this winter in preparation for the spring annual town meeting. "We'd have to discuss what we want the money for," Dixon said. "With the political climate and everything going on, I don't know how it would play out for us to ask for funds." "I'm never concerned how it will play," Smalls replied. "If it's something the town needs and it would help the town and it would help our mission, we should ask for it. If they throw me out the window for asking, it will be a long, proud fall. "I think we do ourselves a disservice to not ask for what we believe is the right thing and what's needed for fear of being rejected." Dixon reported that much of the Nov. 10 Select Board meeting was given to a discussion about the lack of growth in the town's property tax base and how revenues are not able to keep pace with rising expenses. Andrew Art noted that the work of the READI Committee is connected with economic development in town. "Another area for development would be creating an environment where people feel they're welcome here," Art said. "That's where it intersects with our committee." The READI committee on Monday did not vote on any specific funding requests for the next fiscal year at Monday's meeting, but the topic could come up when Smalls and committee member Andrew Art sit down with Select Board Chair Stephanie Boyd and Menicocci later this month. The main discussion point at that meeting may be the future of the READI Committee specifically whether it should continue as an advisory committee to the Select Board as it was conceived (and then called the DIRE Committee) in the summer of 2020. Dixon said that in its current capacity, the panel is not being heard. "I feel like we've been underutilized and swept under the rug," she said. "[The committee] is needed, but I don't know if it's wanted." Art, who reiterated that he is "agnostic" on the question of whether READI should fall under the purview of the Select Board or town manager, said that the diversity committee has accomplished a lot in the last six years, even if it was, at times, swimming upstream. "I think it was wanted, and there may be different reasons why it was wanted by different people," said Art, the lone remaining member of the original Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee. "One reason may have been that the issues that came before DIRE were difficult, extremely difficult issues to work through, and they were the kind of discussions that never could have been handled by the Select Board. "I think it was appreciated there was a venue for that, even by people who weren't going to take up the charge to advocate for those issues themselves. There was an appreciation that that work was being done and they didn't have to do it, for some people." Smalls joined Dixon in expressing frustration at how the Select Board historically has listened to the advisory committee it created. And he said that perhaps it would be easier for the READI Committee to work with an individual, the town manager, as opposed to the five-person board. "The strength of the committee here, as it stands today, seems to be this opportunity for a public audience," Smalls said. "It's a platform. People can come if they have an issue. They can say things out loud. If there is no requirement on any of the other town professionals to implement anything we say, then it's really dependent on social currency. "They do get elected. And us presenting what our recommendations are and however they receive them and however they respond to them is the kind of transaction. Then they're on the public stage, and they're being given the recommendations that have been carefully developed, whatever they are, and they can decide how they want to go forward and represent themselves. And then the public can see that and decide how they want to support those people." Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus wave at last year's tree lighting in Pittsfield. The city's taking signups for the North Pole Calling Program until Dec. 9. Santa Will Be Calling Pittsfield Children This Holiday Season PITTSFIELD, Mass. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be calling Pittsfield children to ask them what they want for Christmas. The city of Pittsfield is hosting its 44th annual North Pole Calling Program this December. Children from kindergarten to second-graders, or any children who still believes, will be receiving phone calls from the Clauses on Wednesday, Dec. 10, and Thursday, Dec 11, between 5 and 7:30 p.m. if signed up for the program. The elementary schools sent home forms for parents to sign to get a call from the Clauses this holiday season. "It's definitely a meaningful program. I think it gives kids an opportunity, if they don't have a chance to meet Santa in person at other community events. It kind of brings that magic right into their homes with a special phone call that maybe they weren't expecting," said Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer. Santa or the missus, or the occasional elf, hops on the line to learn more about the children and what gifts they are hoping to open on Christmas day while also encouraging them to help out around the house to stay on the nice list. "He asks what grade they're in, what school they go to, who their teacher is, what gifts they're hoping for this Christmas, and then anything that the parents want Santa or Mrs. Claus to share with their child, specifically, whether it's making sure their room is clean, they're being nice to their siblings, they're helping out mom and dad at home," VanBramer said. Around 10 volunteers "assist" the Clauses, hoping to bring joy to children across the city. "We try to just bring as much joy and happiness to the kids that we can make it making the holidays a bit more. Special for them," she said. So far, around 30 families have signed up; last year, around 150 calls were made. Calls are also available in Spanish. The program is also open to Pittsfield children who may not attending the public schools as well as older kids who would like a call. The city is still seeking volunteers to make and anyone interested in signing up can contact VanBramer. lunedi 24 novembre 2025, 10:57 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated Four days before the Pope's visit, the climate in Lebanon remains tense. Beirut, the second stop on the papal visit to the Middle East after Turkey, was once again the center of a targeted attack by the Israeli army, which does not seem willing to stop the ongoing campaign to eliminate the leaders of Hezbollah. Yesterday, a building in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital was hit by missiles. Inside was the number two of the terrorist organization who was eliminated. It was Haytham Ali Tabatabai, a commander of an internal faction and a prominent figure of the hardline wing of the Shia militia opposed to any concessions on arms or even in favor of resuming attacks against Israel, in short, an uncompromising figure. This would be the first Israeli attack against the political and demographic stronghold of the Shia community in the capital since June, when Israel responded to a heavy attack from southern Syria towards the occupied Syrian Golan. According to Orient Le Jour, one of the main Lebanese newspapers, this time it is not so much a response but rather a warning. The IDF Chief of Staff, General Eyal, confirmed that the attack in the Shia neighborhood of Daniyeh in Beirut was carried out to target the highest-ranking commander of the Hezbollah terrorist organization. The attack, explained to international media, aimed to prevent the strengthening of the organization, and the IDF continues to be engaged in the agreements between the state of Israel and Lebanon but will certainly not allow Hezbollah to strengthen and rearm, so we will act to remove any threat to the citizens of the state of Israel. The target was Ali Tabatabai, successor to Fuad Shukr, number two of the organization. Pope Leo will arrive in Beirut on November 30, coming from Istanbul. He will immediately meet with authorities, the diplomatic corps, the president, and the prime minister. The next day he will visit the tomb of a much-loved Lebanese miracle-working saint, Saint Charbel Makluf, then at the Marian sanctuary of Harissa, he will meet priests and religious figures, followed by a private meeting with Catholic patriarchs at the nunciature, an interreligious meeting in Martyrs' Square, and a speech to young people in front of the Maronite Patriarchate. The following day, after a visit to a Catholic hospital, there will be a silent prayer at the site of the devastating explosion at the Beirut port in 2020 that caused over 200 deaths and the devastation of an entire neighborhood. 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 33-year-old South Korean man has been handed a life sentence for orchestrating an online blackmail ring that sexually exploited and abused 261 victims, including over a dozen minors he raped or assaulted. Kim Nok-wan was sentenced on Monday, following his January arrest after a four-year period of offending. The Seoul Central District Court stated the severity of his crimes warranted "permanent isolation from society." Ten accomplices also received prison terms of two to four years in what authorities describe as the countrys largest cybersex crime case to date. Starting around August 2020, Kim targeted women who posted content on social media, and men attempting to join secret chat rooms for sharing digitally-manipulated sexual images of acquaintances. He threatened to expose them and coerced them into recruiting new victims, forming a pyramid-like blackmail ring on the app that produced and shared manipulated sexual images of their targets, most of whom were minors, according to details of the crimes revealed in court. open image in gallery A TV screen shows a file image of Kim Nok-wan, center, the leader of a Telegram- based sex crime ring, during a news program at a express bus terminal in Seoul, South Korea ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Kim raped or assaulted 16 victims, including 14 minors, and recorded videos of his crimes in 13 of those cases. He created roughly 1,700 sexually exploitative images or videos targeting about 70 victims, disseminating around 260 of them online to threaten those who refused to cooperate, and also attempted to blackmail some of the victims family members and work colleagues, the court said. The other defendants, including five minors, knew that the victims they recruited through threats involving video and images would face the same sexual exploitation they had endured, but carried out the acts anyway to prevent their own images from being circulated, the court said. Most of the victims were children or adolescents, and it appears they would have suffered extreme physical and psychological pain as a result of the crimes, the court said in a statement. Digital sex crimes can rapidly amplify the damages of the victims to an irreparable level in the digital space, and once sexually exploitative materials are distributed, its physically very difficult to completely remove them, making recovery from damage practically impossible. The revelation of Kims crimes following his January arrest triggered public shock and concern over the growing risk of sexual violence enabled by digital technologies. Mondays ruling came almost five years after the same court issued a 40-year prison term for Cho Ju-bin on charges of blackmailing dozens of women, including minors, into filming sexually explicit videos and selling them to others. 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 South Korean court on Monday sentenced the leader of a Telegram sex crime ring to life imprisonment for exploiting at least 261 people. Kim Nok Wan, 33, alias Pastor, created a Telegram channel called The Vigilantes in 2020 and coerced victims, nearly 150 of them minors, into producing explicit material through blackmail and then distributed the content in online chat rooms. His group operated under a pyramid hierarchy, encouraging members to recruit new victims or share abusive material in order to climb the ranks. Between May 2020 and January 2025, the network exploited 261 people, making it the largest known online sexual exploitation ring in South Korea, triple the scale of a previous ring run by Cho Ju Bin called Doctors Room. The Seoul Central District Court handed down the life sentence to Kim after convicting him of organising and operating a criminal organisation, producing and distributing illegally filmed sexual exploitation material, and committing quasi-rape, defined as sexual assault of an individual in a state of unconsciousness, or otherwise unable to resist. Kim claimed that he was remorseful, the court noted, but over the past four to five years he has committed countless crimes. Considering the brutality of the crimes and the lack of restitution for victims, it ruled, it is necessary to permanently isolate him from society." open image in gallery A TV screen shows a file image of Kim Nok Wan, centre, the leader of the Telegram sex crime ring, in Seoul on 24 November 2025 ( AP ) The court ordered the details of Kims crimes to be made public on the information and communications network for 10 years, imposed a 10-year employment ban on him and mandated 30 years of electronic monitoring. It said Kim raped 16 victims, including 14 minors, and produced over 1,700 child and adolescent sexual exploitation materials, according to Chosun News. He also sent a video of a victim to their father through an accomplice and threatened to release it at their workplace. The methods of the crimes were extremely cruel and vicious, the court said. As similar crimes are rapidly increasing in our society, the need for severe punishment is critical. He committed countless crimes, and most victims have not recovered from the harm, the court ruled. In 2020, Cho, 25, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for blackmailing at least 74 people, including 16 minor girls, into providing sexually compromising images and videos, and hosting chatrooms where at least 10,000 people watched the explicit content. 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 At least six people were killed and more than 30 injured after two private buses collided head-on in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Monday. The collision took place in the Idaikkal area of Tenkasi district. One bus was running from Madurai to Senkottai and the other from Tenkasi to Kovilpatti when they crashed into each other at speed, local police said. The bus from Madurai was driving recklessly, police said, adding that an investigation was underway. Investigators believe speeding and negligent driving by the Keysar bus driver caused the crash, officials said, according to NDTV. Police are now reviewing CCTV evidence and eyewitness statements to establish the precise sequence of events. Aftermath of the collision ( NewsX Live/YouTube screengrab ) The collision left both vehicles badly mangled, with the front portion of one bus crushed so extensively that heavy machinery was required to clear the wreckage. Shattered glass and twisted metal were strewn across the road, causing a major traffic disruption that lasted several hours as emergency crews, local residents and firefighters worked together to extract survivors. A total of 32 passengers were confirmed injured and taken to hospitals in Tenkasi for treatment, according to India Today. Health officials said several victims remained in serious condition, and the toll could rise. Another report in Mathrubhumi English, a local newspaper, said that over 50 people had sustained injuries. Police said five women and one man died at the scene. Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin expressed grief over the tragedy and said he had directed senior officials to rush to the accident site. I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of six lives in the bus accident that occurred in Tenkasi Kadayanallur. Immediately. I have ordered the District Collector, who spoke to me from the scene of the accident, to visit the government hospital and ensure that the affected individuals receive the appropriate high-quality treatment. I convey my deepest condolences to the deceased and my sympathies to their families. The government stands in support for the swift recovery of those who have been injured, he wrote on X. Mondays crash came just weeks after a similar tragedy in Telanganas Rangareddy district, where a public bus with more than 70 passengers collided with a speeding truck, killing 20 people. In that incident, officials said the truck struck the bus head-on after approaching at high speed from the opposite direction. Earlier this month, at least 10 people were killed and several were injured when a speeding dumper truck lost control and rammed into multiple vehicles in the Loha Mandi area of Jaipur city in the western state of Rajasthan. The truck overturned after hitting a divider, crushing several cars and two-wheelers. Bystanders caught the driver, who was rescued from the crowd and taken to a police station. The back-to-back accidents have renewed concerns over Indias road safety record. Thousands of people die every year in the South Asian nation in accidents caused by speeding, overloading and poor road conditions. Indias roads remain among the most dangerous in the world, seeing nearly 172,000 deaths in 2023 an average of one every three minutes according to data cited by road transport minister Nitin Gadkari. While Mr Gadkari has blamed human behaviour for most road accidents, experts have argued that poor civil engineering practices including flawed road design, substandard construction and weak compliance with safety norms share equal blame. The most important culprits are civil engineers, Mr Gadkari said earlier this year. Even small things like the road signages and marking system are very poor in the country. 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 UN wildlife trade body has reversed its previous recommendation to restrict India from importing endangered wild animals that embroiled the private zoo run by Asia's richest family. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) reversed the recommendation after some countries, including India, the US, Japan and Brazil said the measure was too premature, with some also saying there was no evidence of illegal imports into India. Vantara is a 3,500-acre zoo in Gujarat run by the philanthropic arm of the Reliance conglomerate led by Mukesh Ambani and his family. It had faced allegations from non-profit and wildlife groups of improper imports of some animals, triggering higher scrutiny by Germany and the EU. After visiting the facility in September, CITES issued a report this month asking India to "not issue any further import permits" as discrepancies had been found between exporter and importer trade data and there were insufficient checks on the origin of some animals. The CITES meeting in Uzbekistan on the decision was live-streamed on Sunday. "There doesn't seem to be enough support for retaining the recommendation," Naimah Aziz, chair of the CITES Standing Committee, told the delegates, adding it could consider if further regulatory measures were needed. File. Narendra Modi inaugurates India's largest private zoo run by powerful Ambani family ( @@narendramodi/X ) CITES is a global treaty that regulates trade in endangered plants and animals. India had earlier opposed the UN recommendation. Vantara, which previously said it remained committed to transparency and legal compliance, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Vantara zoo houses around 2,000 species, including exotic animals imported from South Africa, Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of Congo, such as snakes, tortoises, tigers, giraffes and spiny-tailed lizards. While India's delegate affirmed the country's commitment to CITES compliance, Belgium and at least one conservation group, the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, on Sunday pushed to suspend exports to India until concerns were addressed. In September, an Indian Supreme Court-appointed investigation cleared Vantara of wrongdoing, while the facility said it complied with all laws. European environment commissioner Jessika Roswall said in August that EU states "will pay particular attention to any export requests directed towards India and the facility in question". 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 Japan was going ahead with its plans to deploy missiles to a military base near Taiwan, its defence minister said, prompting China to fume that Tokyo had crossed a red line. Shinjiro Koizumi travelled to Japans military base on the westernmost island of Yonaguni, nearly 11km from Taiwan, on Sunday and reaffirmed Tokyos plans to reinforce the regions defence. The deployment can help lower the chance of an armed attack on our country, Mr Koizumi said. The view that it will heighten regional tensions is not accurate. The minister told the mayor of Yonaguni, Tsuneo Uechi, that Tokyo was still working on the missile deployment plans and would share details with the local administration and the residents once they were finalised. Today, Japan faces the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II. Its important to strengthen our defence capabilities to protect the lives and peaceful livelihoods of the Japanese people, Mr Koizumi said, adding that cooperation from local communities is important amid increasing concerns over a deteriorating relationship between China and Japan. open image in gallery Tourists from China cross a road in the Ginza shopping district of Tokyo on 22 November 2025 ( AFP via Getty ) Japan plans to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni making it a frontline of defence in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan as part of its broader military build-up across the southern island chain. Tokyo is locked in an escalating diplomatic crisis with Beijing after new prime minister Sanae Takaichi raised the possibility of deploying the Japanese military to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. Beijing regards the self-ruling island as a province that must be brought under its control. Her comments, made during a parliamentary address earlier this month, drew a sharp response from China and prompted a ban on seafood imports from Japan. It is shocking that Japans current leaders have publicly sent the wrong signal of attempting military intervention in the Taiwan issue, said things they shouldnt have said, and crossed a red line that should not have been touched, foreign minister Wang Yi, the most senior Chinese official to publicly address the issue, said on Sunday. On Friday, Beijing had sent a letter to UN secretary general Antonio Guterres, criticising Ms Takaichis remarks as a grave violation of international law and diplomatic norms. If Japan dares to attempt an armed intervention in the cross-Strait situation, it would be an act of aggression, Chinas UN ambassador, Fu Cong, warned in the letter. China will resolutely exercise its right of self-defence under the UN Charter and international law and firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. open image in gallery Japan's Sanae Takaichi waves waves as she departs for the G20 summit in South Africa ( AFP via Getty ) In response to the letter, Japan's foreign ministry dismissed China's claims as "entirely unacceptable" and said Tokyos commitment to peace was unchanged. Ms Takaichi and Chinese premier Li Qiang found themselves under the same roof at the G20 summit in South Africa this weekend, but the two did not exchange words. After attending the summit in her G20 debut, the Japanese leader said that she hadnt arranged a meeting with Mr Li. "Since I became prime minister, Japan's intention to build mutually beneficial, constructive and stable ties remains unchanged," Ms Takaichi said. "Japan is open to dialogue at various levels. There are concerns and issues between Japan and China, she added. That's why we should work to reduce them, understand each other and cooperate more. Of course, it is important for Japan to say what needs to be said to China." Yonaguni, where Tokyo plans to deploy missiles, is the endpoint of the Ryukyu island, which served as a centre of trade between Japan, China and Southeast Asia before it was designated as Japanese territory and renamed Okinawa prefecture in 1879. A Chinese missile landed just south of Yonaguni in 2022 when it started a military drill simulating an encirclement of Taiwan after the then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to the island. The ongoing diplomatic crisis has raised worries among the residents of the Ryukyu island being embroiled in the regional conflict. When asked about the potential impact on the island of a Taiwan crisis, Mr Koizumi said that he would refrain from answering a question based on the assumption of a possible contingency over Taiwan. 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 man was killed and at least 10 people were injured in a hit-and-run during Japan's national holiday on Monday. The driver reportedly fled the scene after hitting people on Tokyo's National Highway Route 4 shortly past noon. He was later apprehended by police, authorities said. The driver allegedly ploughed his car into pedestrians on a crosswalk, then mounted a sidewalk and hit more people. The car eventually crashed into a guardrail about 300m away, NHK reported. The driver tried to flee on foot, the Metropolitan Police Department said, adding that he was being investigated for violation of the road traffic law. A man in his 80s was confirmed dead at a local hospital while a woman in her 20s was reported to be in a cardio-respiratory arrest. Police said the car bore no licence plate and authorities had received a call about two hours before the incident reporting that a male customer had stolen a display vehicle. Police said they were investigating whether the two events were connected. The incident came a few months after a man in Osaka was arrested for driving his car into seven schoolchildren who were walking home. Police were treating the case as attempted murder rather than reckless driving after the suspect, Yuki Yazawa, 28, told investigators he was sick and tired of everything and drove his car into the children to kill them, officials said. The schoolchildren were aged 7 and 8 and were walking home from an elementary school nearby, police said. A 7-year-old girl suffered a broken jaw while the rest, all boys, were slightly injured, Osaka police said. Although violent crimes are rare in Japan, there have been a number of high-profile attacks involving knives or home-made explosives in recent years. In 2008, a man drove his truck down a street in the Akiharbara shopping area of Tokyo, crashed into a crowd of people and killed three, then got out and stabbed four to death. 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 At least three people were killed after gunmen attacked a paramilitary force headquarters in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar on Monday. The complex, the headquarters of the frontier constabulary (FC) paramilitary force, was also hit by two suicide bombers. The first suicide bomber attacked the main entrance of the constabulary at around 8am local time, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. After the blast, the second bomber tried to enter the building but was killed near the parking lot, it added, citing Pakistan security force sources. At least three men from the frontier constabulary were killed in the attack, while two others sustained injuries. The army and the police have cordoned off the area, the official said, adding that law enforcement authorities suspect there were some militants still inside the headquarters after the first attack. The headquarters of the force is located in a crowded area, close to a military cantonment. "The road has been closed for traffic and cordoned off by the army, police and (security) personnel," Safdar Khan, a resident of the area, said. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, have been blamed for similar previous assaults in the country, which has witnessed a surge in militant attacks. The attacks have strained ties between Islamabad and Afghanistan's Taliban government, with Pakistan accusing the Pakistani Taliban of operating freely inside Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021. In September, at least six soldiers were killed and five militants were neutralised as Pakistan's security forces thwarted an attack on the FC headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Bannu district. Another powerful car bomb blast outside the headquarters of Pakistans paramilitary FC in the southwestern city of Quetta has killed at least 10 people the same month. 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 Malaysia is set to prohibit social media accounts for individuals under 16 from 2026, aligning with Australia and other nations implementing stricter digital age limits for children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed on Sunday that the Cabinet approved the move. He stated it aims to shield young people from online harms including cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation. The government, he added, is examining approaches from Australia and others, alongside potential electronic age verification using identity cards or passports. The exact enforcement date remains undisclosed. I believe that if the government, regulatory bodies, and parents all play their roles, we can ensure that the Internet in Malaysia is not only fast, widespread and affordable but most importantly, safe, especially for children and families, he said. Since January, major social media and messaging platforms with at least 8 million users in Malaysia are required to obtain a licence as part of a broader tightening of state oversight over digital platforms. Licensed platforms must implement age verification, content-safety measures and transparency rules, reflecting the governments push for a safer digital space. open image in gallery Two Malay girls check a mobile phone at a fabric installation decoration at Kwai Chai Hong, the Chinatown area in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tuesday, March 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian, File) ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Australia's parliament enacted the worlds first ban on social media for children that will begin Dec. 10, setting the minimum age at 16. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube as well as message board Reddit and livestreaming service Kick face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts. Australias move is being closely watched by countries that share concerns about social media impacts on young children. Denmarks government also announced earlier this month plans to ban access to social media for anyone under 15, though details on how the measures would be enforced remain unclear. Norway is also moving forward with a proposed law that would set a minimum age limit of 15 for accessing social media platforms. 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 Malaysia will ban social media use for children under 16 from next year, the government announced on Sunday, after Australia became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on teenagers using social media platforms. Malaysias communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the country needed to protect youths from online harms such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and child sexual abuse. The government was reviewing mechanisms to impose age restrictions for using social media like other nations, he said. "We hope by next year that social media platforms will comply with the government's decision to bar those under the age of 16 from opening user accounts," he told reporters. The ban will be part of the new Online Safety Act 2025, which was passed by the parliament in December 2024 to enhance online safety by regulating harmful content on digital platforms and imposing responsibilities on online service providers. Malaysia growing number of countries imposing age limits over escalating concerns about online safety. The impact of social media on childrens mental health and safety has become a global concern, with TikTok, Snapchat, Google and Meta the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp all facing lawsuits in the United States over their role in fuelling a youth mental health crisis. In Australia, social media platforms are poised to deactivate accounts registered to users under 16 next month, under a sweeping ban for teenagers that is being closely watched by regulators around the world. Platforms found to breach the law may face fines of up to $32.09mn (A$49.5mn). A recent study revealed that daily social media use among young people in Australia has jumped from 26 per cent to 85 per cent in a span of just four years, while youth participation in almost every other enriching activity, such as sports, reading, music, and art, declined rapidly. France, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Greece are also jointly testing a template for an age verification app. Indonesia, Malaysias neighbour, had signalled plans to introduce a minimum age for social media, but later settled on a milder regulation ordering platforms to filter harmful content and strengthen age checks. Get our weekly Drive Smart newsletter for motoring news, reviews and advice from EV editor Steve Fowler Get motoring news, reviews and advice from EV editor Steve Fowler Get our EV editors weekly Drive Smart newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The article below is an excerpt from The Independents DriveSmart newsletter. To get the latest motoring insights from EV editor Steve Fowler delivered straight to your inbox, simply enter your email address in the box above. Each edition offers clear, expert guidance on the fast-moving world of electric vehicles and modern motoring, from trusted reviews and practical tips to the biggest industry news of the week. Its been a sad but momentous week in the Fowler household, as my 89-year-old father has decided to hang up his car keys for good. It was entirely his choice, but he no longer felt as confident behind the wheel as he once did. So, for the good of other road users and for himself, he decided it was time to stop and yours truly was called into action to dispose of his lovely, much-loved Lexus LBX. Once the Lexus had rolled off the driveway, I headed to the airport for my annual trip to Los Angeles, where I was judging cars for the World Car Awards before heading on to the LA Auto Show. LA was full of all-electric Jaguar I-Paces operated by autonomous cab firm Waymo. The cars are covered in sensors and drive themselves. You book them on the app, youre greeted on the screen by name, and the car will even play your choice of music but theres no driver on board. The system works well, with Waymo proving increasingly popular in LA and other cities across the US. Im now in Arizona staying with friends for a few days, being driven around in and sometimes by a Tesla Model Y using what Tesla calls Full Self-Driving. We cant yet use Full Self-Driving in the UK, although many cars have whats known as Level Two autonomous tech. This allows a car to stay in lane on the motorway and handle the accelerating and braking to keep up with traffic. I use it a lot to take the stress out of long, dull journeys, but I still have to hold the wheel and be ready to take over at a moments notice. Not with Tesla Full Self-Driving. This remarkable tech which I first experienced last year in a Tesla Cybertruck took us from the fourth floor of a car park on a 40-mile journey back to my friends house without my host ever touching the wheel. Legally, as in the UK, youre still in charge and must be ready to intervene if needed. But for the system to operate, you simply have to be looking at the road you dont even need to have your hands on the steering wheel. Get your charger and tariff now. Save happily EV after. T&Cs apply Find out more ADVERTISEMENT Get your charger and tariff now. Save happily EV after. T&Cs apply Find out more ADVERTISEMENT I couldnt resist visiting a friendly Tesla retailer in Glendale to try out the latest Model Y for myself. I drove for about ten minutes, deliberately getting lost after multiple twists and turns, before pulling into a parking lot. After setting the retailer as my destination on the big touchscreen and selecting Self-Driving, the car took over. It reversed out of the space, drove itself to the exit, and gently merged onto the street. Its an eerie but extraordinary sensation letting the car negotiate junctions, stop signs, parked cars, red lights and crossing traffic. It even slowed for speed humps, took itself back to the dealership and parked neatly in an empty bay. All I had to do was sit there and look at the road ahead. Full self-driving wont be for everyone, and for most people it will take some getting used to a leap of faith is needed the first time you let the car take control. Im sure there will be hiccups along the road to fully autonomous cars, where you wont even need a steering wheel but they will come. And the benefit is clear. If we already had fully autonomous cars in the UK, my father would still be mobile in his own vehicle. He might no longer be driving it, but he could travel wherever and whenever he chose with complete independence. Waymo is heading to the UK next year, though full autonomy for private cars may still be some way off. Even so, I fully believe and hope that by the time I have to stop driving, technology will be advanced enough that Ill never have to give up owning and enjoying my own car. How to sign up To receive the DriveSmart newsletter directly to your inbox, simply enter your email address in the box at the top of this page. You can also head to our newsletter preference centre to sign up for the email. Once there, all you need to do is press the + button and enter your email address to sign up. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Archaeologists have discovered a previously unknown ancient lineage of humans living in Argentina, shedding light on the earliest settlements in one of the worlds last places to be occupied by our species, according to a new study. As modern humans first emerged in Africa and migrated to different parts of the world, the southern tip of South America was one of the last places to be occupied by the species. Until now, the oldest evidence of human presence in the region was an archaeological site about 14,000 years old at Arroyo Seco in the Pampas of Argentina. However, much remains unknown about the first populations to establish settlements in this part of the world. This is because studies of ancient DNA in South America have lagged behind efforts in Europe and Asia, researchers say. Previous DNA studies suggest that by 9,000 years ago, Native Americans began differentiating into three identifiable lineages one in the central Andes, another in the tropical lowlands of Amazonia, and a third to the south in the Pampas, Chile and Patagonia. The newly discovered human lineage in Argentina endured on the continent for over eight millennia, giving rise to a surprisingly diverse mix of indigenous cultures. We found this new lineage, a new group of people we didnt know about before, that has persisted as the main ancestry component for at least the last 8,000 years up to the present day, said Javier Maravall Lopez from Harvard University. Its a major episode of the history of the continent that we just werent aware of, said Dr Lopez, an author of the new study published in the journal Nature. Ancient human DNA samples were analysed from across the central Southern Cone of South America ( Maravall-Lopez et al ) In the study, researchers assessed DNA from the bones and teeth of 238 indigenous individuals up to 10,000 years old, increasing the number of samples from the central Southern Cone region, consisting of modern-day Argentina, Chile and Uruguay by over 10-fold. They also compared the data with existing ancient DNA from 588 other indigenous people from across the Americas who lived from 12,000 years ago up to the time of European contact. Scientists narrowed the comparison to a select small section of the human genome known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, which vary between humans. This comparison could help make inferences about genetic relationships among the individuals, and identify which ones shared common ancestry and which were more distantly related. Researchers found a completely new lineage of humans who appeared by 8,500 years ago in the region. This lineage of people developed a diverse array of languages and cultures and became the core component of the ancestry of central Argentina, the study found. People with the same ancestry, in an archipelago-like fashion, were developing distinctive cultures and languages while being biologically isolated, Dr Lopez said. The newly identified central Argentina lineage then expanded to the south and mixed with the Pampas population 3,300 years ago or earlier, eventually becoming the dominant ancestry there, scientists found. Although the newly found group appears to have intermingled with others, researchers say they mostly kept to themselves. They hope future studies can explain this lack of migration and mixing between ancient groups in the region. 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 teen accused of experimenting with homemade bombs was a big fan of Hitler, a jury has heard. Rex Clark, 19, is on trial at Kingston Crown Court, accused of attempting to buy a handgun and disseminating terrorist materials online. The material allegedly included videos that glorified right-wing terrorists Anders Breivik, Brenton Tarrant, and Stephan Balliet. Clark was aged between 17 and 18 at the time of the alleged offences. He was an avid internet user who shared his extreme right-wing interests with his girlfriend Sofija Vinogradova, prosecutor Louis Mably KC told jurors on Monday. The two of them would discuss their ideology, their ideas, and in this way seemed to spur each other on, Mr Mably, opening the trial, said. He experimented with making parts of explosive devices in other words, experimented with making parts for homemade bombs, materials found in his bedroom at the time of his arrest. He was a big fan of Hitler and in practice this involved a keen interest in, and a habit of glorifying, extreme violence including mass killing which he no doubt believed would advance this extreme, anti-democratic view. open image in gallery Rex Clark allegedly shared videos that glorified right-wing terrorist Anders Breivik, pictured ( AP ) The prosecution alleges that between 1 June 2024 and 10 August 2024, Clark and his girlfriend tried to buy a Glock self-loading pistol a type of handgun commonly used by police forces and military across the world. There is no suggestion that Clark intended to use the gun for terrorist purposes, Mr Mably told jurors, and the seller they contacted never actually had a handgun to sell. But the content Clark allegedly shared online could have encouraged others to commit acts of terrorism, the prosecution added. Now, it is not a crime to be a neo-Nazi, or to believe in extreme ideologies right-wing ideologies or, indeed, any extreme ideology, Mr Mably told jurors. Very often these are people sitting in their bedrooms, behind keyboards, talking rubbish and certainly the defendant was one of those people. But the more immediate concern is that when people believe, and then spread the idea, that violence is justified and necessary, others may be prepared to take up that idea, and actually carry out violence killing people to advance an ideology. He (Clark) promoted and glorified not just extreme right wing politics and ideology, but terrorism in particular, he promoted and glorified mass killings of innocent people, not just in the abstract, but which had been carried out in Europe and in New Zealand by neo-Nazis. And by doing so what he was doing was offering encouragement to others to do similar things. open image in gallery Brenton Tarrant murdered 51 people at two New Zealand mosques in 2019 ( Getty Images ) Content allegedly shared by Clark included a video named St Breivik Edit after Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik, and another featuring terrorist Brenton Tarrant, who stormed two mosques in New Zealand and killed 51 people in 2019. Clark was arrested on 10 August 2024. Police searched his home on the same day and uncovered what appeared to be pieces of improvised explosive devices that had been prepared by the defendant in his bedroom, Mr Mably told jurors. Now, there was no actual explosive material within these parts they were not capable of detonation, Mr Mably said. But what appears to have happened is that the defendant was experimenting in with homemade bombs and devices. Clark, of Ilford, east London, denies one count of attempting to purchase a firearm, and six counts of dissemination of terrorist publications between October 2023 and the summer of 2024. The trial continues. 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 Palestine Action activist struck a police sergeant with a sledgehammer after swinging it at another officer at an Israel-based defence firm's UK site, a trial has heard. Six activists are accused of carrying out an attack at Elbit Systems in Bristol. It is alleged they broke into the factory in a prison van in the early hours of August 6 last year, using sledgehammers as weapons and wearing red jumpsuits. Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani, Zoe Rogers and Jordan Devlin are charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder in relation to the alleged break-in. Corner denies a further charge of causing police sergeant Kate Evans grievous bodily harm. Ps Evans told Woolwich Crown Court on Monday she thought her spine was "shattered" when she was hit to her lower back while she was on her knees arresting a female activist. Giving evidence, Ps Evans told the jury: "I can remember struggling with the handcuffs. The ratchet bit got caught on the clothing, on her red boiler suit. "Then I remember looking up at my colleague - he just had this shocked face on him then I just remember pain in my back. "It was just a massive shock vibrating through my whole body, a thud on my back. It just extended through my whole body down to my legs. I felt frozen. "I was stunned to begin with. I didn't know what it was. I remember looking round and seeing the male with the sledgehammer behind me." She added: "I can remember a million thoughts racing through my head. When I look back, it was almost like I was in a movie and everything happened really fast around me. "My head's thinking my spine is shattered at this point." open image in gallery Elbit Systems UK manufactures defence technology equipment and is a UK-registered company whose parent company is based in Israel ( REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration ) Ps Evans told the trial she recalls only one blow, but her colleague police constable Peter Adams said he saw Corner hit her on her back twice. Pc Adams told the court: "I remember her screaming in pain and she's fallen to the floor on her back." The court heard that Ps Evans was left with a large bruise on her back and an X-ray showed there was a fracture to her lumbar spine, leaving her unable to return to work for three months. Pc Aaron Buxton also attended the incident and recalled the "blonde male", who hit Ms Evans, swinging a sledgehammer at him moments before when he had tackled another activist to the floor. He told the jury: "I was laid on my back with the male with brown hair on top of me. The male with blonde hair turned and walked back towards us. He has swung the sledgehammer multiple times towards me. "I don't know how many times he swung it because in the moment I was scared. I believe it made contact with my right calf and my work radio. "I had quite considerable pain down that area of my leg following it. Also I had slight bruising come up." All six defendants were arrested at the factory. The court heard that Elbit Systems UK manufactures defence technology equipment and is a UK-registered company whose parent company is based in Israel. Head, 29; Kamio, 30; Rajwani, 21; Rogers, 22; Devlin, 31; and Corner, 23, deny the charges against them. The trial continues. Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man has been charged with the murders of two women and the rape of a third in a string of incidents across London. Simon Levy, 40, has been charged with killing 53-year-old Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, who died in the Aylesbury Estate, south-east London, on 17 March. The Metropolitan Police said he has also been charged with the murder of Sheryl Wilkins, 39, who died on Sunday, 24 August on High Road, Tottenham. He was brought into police custody for questioning on 4 September and was further arrested there in connection with the rape of a woman in High Road, Tottenham on 21 January. The force said Levy, of Beaufoy Road, Tottenham, has also been charged with two counts of rape, grievous bodily harm, and intentional suffocation in relation to that incident. It added all three cases are now being treated as part of a single, joined investigation which is set to be heard at the Old Bailey next year. Officers are now appealing for information as part of what they called a complex investigation, and have asked anyone who has relevant information or who may have not yet reported incidents to come forward. open image in gallery Simon Levy has also been charged with murdering Sheryl Wilkins ( Metropolitan Police ) Commander Clair Kelland, who leads the Mets Public Protection Team, said: As the lead for public protection at the Met, one of our main priorities is to better protect women and girls. The investigation into Simon Levy is one of great complexity. We are working closely with partners across relevant boroughs, including Haringey and Southwark, to encourage reporting and raise awareness of the support we can provide to victim-survivors. Whether you are a victim-survivor, or someone with information, we urge you to come forward and speak to us. Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service added: Following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service, the Crown Prosecution Service has made the decision to prosecute Simon Levy for the murder of Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, a 54-year-old-woman from Colombia. Simon Levy will appear before Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday 25 November 2025. We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has a right to a fair trial. People can contact the Metropolitan Polices incident room directly on 07751 700 330 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 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 RSPCA has condemned as completely unacceptable the way men at two dairy farms supplying milk for Cathedral City cheese violently attacked cows. An animal-rights filmmaker secretly filmed workers jabbing animals with sharp objects, hitting them with metal brooms, punching, slapping and kicking them, and twisting their tails. The company that produces Cathedral City cheese warned its dairy farmers to watch out for strangers on their property and not to talk to them after learning that the filming had taken place. In some instances men were seen hitting cows with plastic pipes and twice they were seen inserting rods into animals rectums to make them stand. Activists claimed the cows were controlled with force and fear. open image in gallery Cows were hit and frightened at Polshea Farm, the footage shows ( Joey Carbstrong ) The government and county council say animal-welfare officials are investigating the farms in Cornwall, and one was suspended after secret recordings were revealed. On seeing the footage, Dairy Crest Limited, trading as Saputo Dairy UK, one of the UKs biggest dairy producers, suspended Polshea Farm in Bodmin as a supplier for two weeks. A company spokesperson said: We care deeply about the way the milk we source is produced and do not condone any act of animal cruelty. The footage shared is disturbing and offends the values of our customers, consumers, and employees alike. The Red Tractor farming assurance scheme said it also suspended Polshea Farm. Saputos website promises zero tolerance of cruelty, and after seeing the footage, anger-management training and CCTV were introduced. open image in gallery Mothers were said to show signs of anguish when their newborns were taken away ( Joey Carbstrong ) Filmmaker and animal rights activist Joey Carbstrong said he carried out investigations in April this year at Polshea Farm, a mega-dairy, after he received footage from activists taken in 2022 showing workers slapping, punching, kicking and stabbing cows with sharp implements. One animal was punched in the face and beaten after becoming trapped in a milking carousel in a frenzied assault. The cow was also chased and terrified, the video shows, while others were hit with iron bars. Jenny L Mace, an associate lecturer in animal welfare at the University of Winchester, counted 64 cases in the footage that she claimed were illegal. The footage from this year shows violence including cows apparently too ill or exhausted to stand being slapped and kicked to force them to their feet, and calves being dragged away by their legs, often at birth. open image in gallery Cameras caught workers at Polshea Farm jabbing animals with sharp objects ( Joey Carbstrong ) An injured cow was lifted by tractor fork and a sharp tool was dug into a cows back and side, the footage allegedly shows. Farm hands shouted angrily at animals to try to frighten them into moving. Mr Carbstrong said he saw two dead animals left outside to decompose. At Trevear Farm in Penzance in 2022, 40 cases of alleged illegal behaviour were recorded, including slapping, kicking and punching cows, sometimes with pipes, and plastic pipes also used in cows rectums. Mr Carbstrong said: One of our farm vets said Saputo had sent an email warning to their farms and suppliers telling them not to talk to strangers and to be more vigilant following the exposure. Be more vigilant that's a weird thing to say to farms who are sending you milk. Wouldnt you say stop abusing cows? And this individual [the vet] said farmers should be fine talking to strangers if they're not doing anything illegal. open image in gallery The two farms supplied Saputo, owner of the Cathedral City brand ( Saputo / Cathedral City ) An RSPCA spokesperson said: The footage from these farms shows shocking behaviour towards animals; where staff are seen kicking, hitting, prodding and shoving cows, sometimes with gates, poles and vehicles, including those seemingly unable to stand. This will have caused significant distress and pain to the cows, and is completely unacceptable behaviour towards any animal. Both farms supply milk to Saputo Dairy UK, which produces Cathedral City cheese, and Clover and Country Life spreads. The Penzance Trevear Farm has no connection to Trevear farm in Wadebridge. Mr Carbstrong said: Whether a smaller local facility like Trevear Farm in Penzance, or a larger intensive dairy like Polshea, the reality is the same: terrified cows were beaten, tormented and abused. open image in gallery Cameras caught staff at Polshea Farm using a forklift tractor to move a large cow that activists said was injured ( Joey Carbstrong ) Disturbingly, we documented workers on both farms violating cows by forcing objects into their rectums one was injured or unable to stand. A Saputo spokesperson added: All supplying farms must adhere to our animal welfare policy and farm standards. In addition to industry audits, we conduct our own regular audits and make sure to investigate any credible allegation of animal cruelty. The spokesperson said: The farm owners in question have taken responsibility for their actions and have been cooperating fully. Saputo had resumed taking supplies from Polshea farm because it had addressed all the urgent issues, they said. These actions include professional anger and stress-management support, animal-handling training for all staff, the designation of a full-time staff member dedicated to the safety and care of the animals and staff on site, the utilisation of appropriate animal moving devices and the installation of CCTV. They added that there would also be follow-up audits by experts. Meanwhile, the company was investigating the 2022 footage from Trevear Farm in Penzance, they said. open image in gallery Footage showed cows repeatedly being kicked at Polshea Farm, Mr Carbstrong says ( Joey Carbstrong ) A Red Tractor spokesperson said: We take the welfare of animals on Red Tractor assured farms extremely seriously. Were investigating the farms shown in this footage and have suspended Polshea Farms Red Tractor certification. The RSPCA does not have statutory powers to enter private property and passes farm-animal cruelty investigations to the governments Animal and Plant Health Agency. The charity urged people to report complaints about commercially farmed animals to the agency. An agency spokesperson said: We take breaches of animal welfare legislation very seriously and will always take action where we find this. We are investigating these cases. Cornwall council told Mr Carbstrong that an animal-health inspector and an APHA vet visited Trevear Farm unannounced days after receiving the footage and found nothing illegal during their visit. open image in gallery Joey Carbstrong says he found decomposing cows outdoors at Polshea Farm ( Joey Carbstrong ) A Cornwall council spokeswoman said: On October 8, 2025, Cornwall Council received footage that was allegedly filmed at Trevear and Polshea Farms. Inspectors from our animal health team have visited both farms. Our enquiries remain ongoing. Both farms were asked to comment but did not respond. Mr Carbstrong claimed the dairy industry in the UK leaves animals susceptible to abuse. From the milk in peoples tea to the cheese on their pizzas, the products of this system reach almost every household in the country, he said. 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 Rachel Reeves has been accused of misleading the public on the state of the countrys finances to justify 26bn worth of tax hikes in her Budget. There had been dire warnings that the chancellor faced a 20bn black hole, and in an extraordinary speech on 4 November, she signalled higher taxes were likely, blaming Donald Trumps tariff war and the Budget watchdogs expected downgrade of economic productivity for the hard choices she would be forced to make. But it has now emerged that Ms Reevess comments came days after the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) told her the economic picture had significantly improved and that, instead of a deficit, she had a surplus of 4.2bn. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called for the chancellor, whose Budget was seen as make-or-break for her political future, to be sacked, saying she had lied to the public to justify record tax hikes and was bribing Labour MPs to save her own skin. Downing Street denied Ms Reeves had misled the public and the markets. I dont accept that, the prime ministers official spokesperson said. But Paul Johnson, a former head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), said: I think it [her November 4 press conference] probably was misleading. He said her words were clearly intended to confirm what independent forecasters such as the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) had been saying, after it predicted Ms Reeves would have to fill a multi-billion-pound black hole in the nations finances. open image in gallery Reeves has been accused of misleading the public and the markets ( PA Wire ) Mr Johnson said the speech was designed to confirm a narrative that there was a fiscal black hole that needed to be filled with significant tax rises. In fact, as she knew at the time, no such hole existed. The row comes after a new letter published on Friday by the OBR to the Commons Treasury select committee revealed that it told the chancellor as early as 17 September that the funding gap would be much smaller than originally thought at 2.5bn. And in October, she was told it had disappeared altogether. When it later emerged on 13 November that Ms Reeves had ditched plans to raise income tax, Treasury sources briefed that she had decided against the move after receiving better-than-expected economic forecasts from the OBR. However, the OBR suggested it had provided ministers with no new forecasting in November. No changes were made to our pre-measures forecast after October 31, the watchdogs letter to the Treasury select committee said. In an interview with The Guardian on Friday, Ms Reeves insisted she made fair and necessary choices in the Budget, and that she was unwilling to make cuts. She added it should be the responsibility of Britains wealthy to take on the burden of rebuilding the countrys creaky public services, and denied that that working-age people were being asked to carry more of the burden than pensioners. I wasnt willing to cut public services, because people voted for change at the election, she said. Well never get out of this problem of weak growth unless weve got investment in the economy, and were investing in things to boost our productivity. The chancellor also addressed leadership speculation after a rocky few weeks for the prime minister, but insisted the party was behind Sir Keir Starmer. We all know what happened in the last government, when they went through leaders and chancellors, she said. It was bad for the country. Responding to the revelations, the current director of the IFS, Helen Miller, wrote on X (Twitter): [Rachel Reeves] was not handed a big fiscal repair job... Why then that odd breakfast TV speech? Her colleague, economist Ben Zaranko, said he was baffled and questioned: Was the plan to lead everyone to expect a big income tax rise, then surprise them on the day by not doing it... ? Shadow chancellor, Sir Mel Stride, told The Telegraph that Labours story did not add up. It was all a smokescreen. Labour knew all along that they did not need to raise taxes and break their promises, he said. But NIESR deputy director Stephen Millard said Ms Reevess actions could be looked at both ways. open image in gallery Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch has called for Reeves to be sacked ( PA Wire ) He said: It could be argued that the chancellor misled the public, and importantly the financial markets, in the run-up to the budget and particularly in her speech on 4 November when she presented the fiscal position as being bleak and stressed the need for significant tax rises. However, it is equally possible that she simply wanted to prepare the public for the large tax increases in the Budget that were necessary for her to build a bigger buffer against her fiscal rules, something that NIESR argued for in our Autumn Economic Outlook. If this were the case, then actually it would be important to let the markets know that she was serious about raising taxes, which the 4 November speech did. Although we feel that the 22bn buffer is not enough we advocated 30bn increasing the size of the buffer does make it less likely that the OBRs March forecast will require a further response from her (like it did back in March of this year), allowing her to stick to her pledge of only one fiscal event next year. On Wednesday, Ms Reeves unveiled 26bn worth of tax hikes in what she branded a Labour values Budget. In moves to appease the left in her party, she announced a package of measures that included 43 separate tax rises, which, according to Sir Mel, took the tax burden in the UK to its highest level in history. That included freezing thresholds on income tax, dragging millions more people into paying higher taxes. The tax raid will help to pay for a 73bn increase in welfare spending following the abolition of the two-child benefit cap and after a revolt by Labour MPs over attempts to slash the benefits bill before the summer. Ms Reeves has also given herself bigger headroom against her borrowing rules. A Treasury spokesperson said the chancellor made her Budget choices to cut the cost of living, cut hospital waiting lists and double headroom to cut the cost of our debt. We take Budget security extremely seriously and believe its important to preserve a private space for Treasury/OBR policy and forecast discussions, so we welcome the OBRs confirmation that this will not become usual practice, the spokesperson added. 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 More than two thirds of voters would rather Rachel Reeves cut government spending than increase taxes in the Budget, new polling this week has revealed. Data from More in Common also points to a majority of people thinking that Sir Keir Starmer is doing a bad job, while fewer than one in five think he is doing well. Sir Keir and his chancellor Rachel Reeves are facing a make-or-break Budget this week, with the chancellor expected to increase taxes to plug the gaps in the public finances. According to More in Common, the prime minister has a poll rating of -51, one of the worst in recent history. This is made up of 68 per cent of Britons who think that Sir Keir is doing a bad job, compared to just 17 per cent who think he is doing a good job. Meanwhile, just days before the Budget, the chancellor Rachel Reeves approval rating is even worse at -52, also the lowest More in Common has recorded for her. Elsewhere, 68 per cent think former PM Rishi Sunak would have done a better job in the Treasury, and a similar number, 65 per cent, believe that former chancellor Jeremy Hunt, would have also done a better job than his Labour successor. The same data indicates that two thirds (67 per cent) of people would rather ministers cut spending rather than raise taxes on working people. Among Labour voters, the split was 56 to 44 per cent in favour of spending cuts, while among Reform UK voters the split was 82 per cent to 18 per cent. Conservative voters opted 75 per cent in favour of spending cuts, while Lib Dem voters were 61 - 39 per cent split. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is to deliver her Budget on Wednesday (Lucy North/PA) ( PA Wire ) The scale of the task facing the chancellor this week was underlined by a Sky News report on Monday morning that the Office for Budget Responsibility has downgraded its forecast for 2026 and every other year before the next election due in 2029. The downgrade, and the subsequent reduction in tax revenues, will force Ms Reeves to hike taxes to balance the books and build a bigger buffer against future shocks than the historically-low level of headroom she has previously given herself. Meanwhile, the chancellor has been warned not to inflict death by a thousand taxes on businesses in this weeks Budget. The head of an influential business group said that Ms Reeves should change course and avoid heaping costs on to firms as she looks to balance the books with this weeks statement. Speaking at the Confederation of British Industrys annual conference in Westminster on Monday, Rain Newton-Smith urged Ms Reeves to stand up to Labours backbenchers to take tough decisions on issues such as cutting welfare spending. She said Ms Reeves had to prove she was committed to economic growth and make the hard choices to deliver it. Prove it against opposition, against short-term politics, be it on welfare, be it pension increases, show the markets you mean business, she said Short-term politics leads to a long-term decline, and this country cannot afford another decade of stagnation. That means making hard choices for growth now before they get harder, having the courage to take two tough decisions rather than 20 easier ones. Raising the headroom to make promises stick, it means one or two broad tax rises, rather than death by a thousands taxes. 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 A government minister has admitted that Labours tax rises have led to wealthy Britons leaving the country, just days before this weeks make-or-break Budget. The business secretary accepted that some of the decisions the party has made since Labour entered government mean some people feel the need to leave. It comes just days after Sir Keir Starmer was urged to tackle a dangerous brain drain that is harming the UK economy after official figures showed that the number of Britons leaving the UK is far higher than was previously thought. Asked if he thought wealthy individuals were choosing to leave the UK because of Labours tax choices, Peter Kyle told Sky News: I do, yes. open image in gallery Peter Kyle said he would not duck the fact that we have put up taxes ( Getty ) Im not going to duck the fact that we have put up taxes and weve closed some of the loopholes for non-doms, he added. It comes after it was revealed over the weekend that billionaire Lakshmi Mittal has shifted his tax residence to Switzerland after nearly thirty years in the UK, becoming the latest ultra-wealthy individual to head for friendlier fiscal terrain ahead of Rachel Reevess budget. Mr Mittal, who is one of the most prominent figures in Britains business landscape and often dubbed by media as the King of Steel, amassed his fortune through ArcelorMittal, the Luxembourg-based industrial giant his family controls through a roughly 40 per cent stake. His departure follows a string of high-profile individuals moving abroad, including Revolut founder Nik Storonsky and Herman Narula, the 2.5bn tech chief executive. Asked about Mr Mittals decision to leave the UK, the business secretary said he was worried whenever somebody feels they have to leave the UK in order to succeed. He said: I think its a worry [but] what I dont want to do is, as a country, just focus just on the billionaires because there are other people that have needed to leave. There are people starting businesses that have gone to America actually in their droves because they havent had the funding that they need in this country to succeed. And that is something that we are fundamentally stopping the need for by recapitalising the markets here and putting a lot of work in for those spin-outs, those start-ups, those scale-up companies. Defending the governments measures, Mr Kyle continued: Weve set up a global talent task force. We have set up a global talent visa. We are making it easier for people to come here who have high talents. He added: Now, some people are going to leave because they were here, because of the way that the old non-dom system worked. There are other people who are coming to this country because of the excitement thats in our economy at the moment, including the fact we are investing in AI. So lots of people are coming here because of the new excitement in our country, but I accept because of some of the decisions weve made, like closing those non-dom tax loopholes, some people feel the need to leave. A total of 257,000 British nationals are now thought to have left the country last year 180,000 more than the initial estimate of just 77,000, according new official statistics, which also revealed that net migration had reached a new record high. open image in gallery Rachel Reeves will set out her Budget on Wednesday ( Getty ) In the three years between the end of 2021 and the end of 2024, 344,000 more Britons are believed to have emigrated than the original estimate indicated, after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) updated its methodology. Karl Williams, research director at think tank the Centre for Policy Studies, told The Independent that the figures point to an alarming brain drain, with net emigration of British nationals both much higher than previously thought, and accelerating. The extent of migration away from the UK comes as a blow to Sir Keir just a week before his governments crucial Budget, where the chancellor is expected to impose a swathe of tax rises as part of an attempt to plug a multi-billion pound hole in the public finances. 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 Kemi Badenoch has defended the Tory chair, Kevin Hollinrake, after a row erupted within her own party over his jibe comparing the logo of Nigel Farages Reform UK to a Nazi badge. The clash was sparked after Mr Hollinrake posted a link to a Wikipedia entry about a badge handed out to members of Adolf Hitlers party in response to a social media post from Nigel Farage showing a Reform emblem. Suella Braverman, the former Tory home secretary, hit out, saying, Comparing Reform and their supporters to Nazis is wrong, irresponsible and highly counter-productive... Kevin does not speak for me. open image in gallery Reforms new logo and the Nazi badge ( @reformparty_uk/X ) Ms Badenoch risked throwing fuel on the fire by highlighting the case last week of Nathan Gill, Reforms former leader in Wales, who was sentenced to 10 years in jail for accepting pro-Russia bribes. After Mr Farage tweeted his partys new logo, with the caption coming soon, Mr Hollinrake appeared to liken it to the Golden Party Badge, which the Nazi Party gave to members as an award for long service. Ms Braverman, whose husband recently quit Reform after an internal party row, said: I expect this from Labour, not the Conservatives. Lets raise the level of debate: criticise the policies, even challenge the people or their actions. But comparing Reform and their supporters to Nazis is wrong, irresponsible and highly counter-productive. Kevin does not speak for me. open image in gallery Suella Braverman says comparing Reform to the Nazis is wrong, irresponsible and highly counter-productive ( PA Archive ) Speaking to journalists at the Confederation of British Industry conference in London, Ms Badenoch defended her chairs actions, saying: Kevin Hollinrake made a joke. Reform spend a lot of time online abusing other politicians. I think they have much bigger problems. She also mentioned the case of Gill, adding that it was a much, much, much bigger issue than any tweet. A key ally of Mr Farage finally broke Reform UKs silence over Gill on Sunday. Zia Yusuf, the former party chair and a key member of Reforms leadership, said it was unreasonable to link Gills crime with the softer stance that his party and Mr Farage have taken on Vladimir Putins Russia and their criticism of the Ukraine war. open image in gallery Tory chair Kevin Hollinrake is at the centre of the row ( PA Wire ) Mr Yusuf described Gill as treasonous, horrific, awful in an interview with Sir Trevor Phillips on his Sunday morning political show on Sky News. At the Old Bailey on Friday, Gill was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison after previously pleading guilty to eight counts of bribery on dates between December 2018 and July 2019. Ms Justice Cheema-Grubb handed down the sentence, saying the harm he had caused was profound and that he had fundamentally compromised the integrity of a legislative body for substantial financial gain. 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 A key ally of Nigel Farage has broken Reform UKs silence on its former party leader in Wales who was jailed last week for taking bribes from Russia. Zia Yusuf, the partys former chair and key member of Reforms leadership, claimed that it was unreasonable to link Gills crime with the softer stance that the party and Mr Farage have taken on Vladimir Putins Russia and its criticism of the Ukraine war. Mr Yusuf described Gill as treasonous, horrific, awful in an interview with Sir Trevor Phillips on his Sunday morning political show on Sky News. open image in gallery Nathan Gill received 40,000 for making pro-Russian statements in the European Parliament ( PA ) Gill, 52, was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison at the Old Bailey on Friday after previously pleading guilty to eight counts of bribery on dates between 6 December 2018 and 18 July 2019. Ms Justice Cheema-Grubb handed him the sentence as she said that the harm he had caused was profound and that he had fundamentally compromised the integrity of a legislative body for substantial financial gain. Gills activities included making pro-Russia statements about events in Ukraine in the European parliament and in opinion pieces for news outlets, for which he was paid 40,000. Gill was first elected a member of the European parliament in 2014, representing Ukip, and his role ended when the UK left the EU in 2020 at which point he was an MEP for the Brexit Party and a close ally of Mr Farage. He led Reform UKs 2021 Welsh parliament election campaign, but left the party that year. open image in gallery Reform leader Nigel Farage, left, with Gill, 52 ( PA ) Previously, Mr Farage said he was shocked about the revelations and described Gill as a bad apple. But on his show Sir Trevor linked Gills activities in the European Parliament, where he asked questions on behalf of Russia for money, to positions taken by Reform since. Acknowledging that Gill left the party four years ago, he said: I tell you why this matters to you politically, Mr Nathan Gill, your former leader in Wales ... is now starting a long sentence for taking money from Russians. There will be many people who will say Well, these guys are soft on Putin, they think the whole war is partly our fault and not his, why should we trust anything they say about Russia, given that one of their people took money from Russians? Mr Yusuf responded: I think that would be an incredibly unreasonable position to take. Look, Nathan Gill, what he did was treasonous, horrific, awful. Hes now been dealt with by the authorities, he deserves the sentence that he has got. But, as you have just said, this is a guy that, as far as we are concerned, is ancient history. I have never met him. I had never heard of him actually until I saw his name sadly in the newspapers. So I think it is unreasonable to besmirch everyone else at Reform and the millions of people around the country who support Nigel and support our party. 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 It all starts with a fever. Its the first signal that an outbreak of disease could be moving silently through the population. At a health centre in a busy area of the Senegalese capital, Dakar, no cases of dengue had been detected before 2023. In the following nine months, more than 200 cases were spotted. The illness had always been there in homes and clinics, people were developing the warning signs of intense pain in the joints and bones that lend the mosquito-borne disease its nickname of breakbone fever. But these cases were invisible until a surveillance site, set up by the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD), brought them under the microscope. Although it was founded almost 100 years ago and became known for medical testing and research, it is only in the past couple of years that the institute has grown to become the control room of a network of listening posts dotted across 11 West African countries, primed to spot clusters of disease before they spill out into uncontrollable outbreaks. It is trying to expand these efforts further across Africa, in the face of deep funding cuts from rich countries, as many shift their resources towards defence spending. open image in gallery By testing communities, diseases can be spotted sooner before they spread into uncontrollable outbreaks. ( Vincent Becker/The Global Fund ) At the more than 40 surveillance sites making up this network, health workers take swabs from the nose or throat of any patient who comes in with a temperature higher than 37.5C. Whether its dengue, Ebola or more commonplace viruses like flu, they all share this symptom. So the fever is the entry point, says Dr Boubacar Diallo, who leads the labs outbreak response unit. Along with a host of other symptoms, it triggers an investigation which takes the patients swab on a journey from their local clinic to Institut Pasteurs labs. There, millions or billions of copies of genetic material from the swab are made. This allows them to be studied to see if they match up with the genetic material of the virus suspected to be causing the infection. The results go back to the clinics that are caring for the patients, and anything concerning is reported to the Ministry of Health. Pretty much every time, the sample will either be negative or test positive for a known virus. But the lab is also on the hunt for unfamiliar microbes that could alert them to whats known as Disease X a new, currently unknown bug that could spark the next pandemic. open image in gallery The lab is also on the lookout for Disease X - unknown bugs that could spark the next pandemic ( Vincent Becker/The Global Fund ) They even monitor animals in some areas, trying to spot diseases and quarantine them before they spread to humans. A recent outbreak of Rift Valley fever was spotted when groups of infected sheep and goats began to have miscarriages. In Senegal, as in many countries in the region, disease outbreaks were for years a puzzle that could take months of an illness ripping through a community before the specific virus or bacteria was detected and action taken to stop its spread. The later its spotted, the harder it is to contain, with countries then needing to wait for international organisations like the United Nations and big charities to fly in with help. Now, with cuts to global aid thinning that help out, the institute is hoping its disease-tracking efforts can help the region spot pathogens and respond to them faster without relying on outside support The first time Dr Diallo heard of the institute, he had been parachuted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) into the middle of the deadly West African Ebola outbreak beginning in 2014. It lasted two years, cost more than 10,000 lives and ground economies to a halt. When he arrived in Guinea, where the outbreak started, as part of the first investigation team, it was a panic. Ive seen houses closed, everyone died. We had a lot of colleagues that got infected and died. And at that time there was no vaccine. Dr Diallo ended up staying in the forest region for two and a half years. One man, a doctor who arrived with a small suitcase containing a mini laboratory, stands out in his memory. He came in the day and by nightfall he had confirmed what other institutions had been struggling to that the samples theyd collected from sick patients with high fevers, vomiting and bleeding were indeed Ebola. The man, Dr Ousmane Faye, was from the IPD, in whose corridors Dr Diallo a rangy figure in a sharp checked blazer and a black beret now stands as he recounts the story. open image in gallery Boubacar Diallo came to work at the IPD after fighting Ebola in Guinea and the DRC ( Vincent Becker/The Global Fund ) But the virus had started spreading four months before that detection. Many people died before we detected. And we don't want that to happen. If we don't want that to happen, we need to put in a surveillance system that can help countries to capture when we have the first signal. While that experience sowed the seeds, it was in fact another Ebola outbreak in 2018 that finally led Dr Diallo to this lab. He was still working for the WHO when the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)s ninth recorded outbreak of the deadly haemorrhagic virus started, followed swiftly by its tenth. I was deployed to be the incidence manager for that outbreak, which was the most challenging outbreak ever because it was in an insecure area, he says. I lost five of my colleagues. The outbreak had got into a rebel fighters camp. Dr Diallo and his colleagues had to make the decision to treat infected colonels from the M23 armed group and train them how to safely bury their dead, without informing the national army. A close colleague from Cameroon was sitting in the hospital having meetings with his team when the shooting started. I myself came to take the body, Dr Diallo says. While some international donors had to leave the country, his team stayed. We said we will never run, he says, meaning until the outbreak is under control. It made him realise he needed to lead from the continent, not from the WHO in Geneva or the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta. open image in gallery ( Vincent Becker/The Global Fund ) Why cant we prepare countries to be better prepared instead of waiting for outbreaks? Dr Diallo had asked himself. So thats why I'm here today. In many ways, things have improved since then. Though during a monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak in DRC this year, according to Africa CDC, after aid cuts meant testing of suspected cases halved from 60 per cent to roughly 30 per cent, IPD sent mobile labs to ensure this figure didnt fall further. When Guinea faced a new attack of Ebola in 2021, a lot of the health workers responding had been trained by the Institut Pasteur. This year in Sierra Leone, during another Mpox outbreak, Dr Diallo and his team sent mobile labs in trucks to help with the response, because they only had one lab in the country. We came today. At night, we are open says Dr Diallo. Now, that one [is] really working very well. A month after they requested to have another mobile lab, which is just a suitcase. These labs contain all the equipment needed to run tests to confirm a patient is infected and what virus they are dealing with. We have at least four suitcases. We can deploy that any time and everywhere. open image in gallery Mobile suitcase labs let scientists respond more quickly to suspected disease outbreaks in remote areas, testing patients and confirming cases ( Vincent Becker/The Global Fund ) The network still has many blind spots, though. Even in Senegal, where it started and where the most surveillance sites are housed, we are not covering the entire country yet, Dr Diallo says. And it has come under strain. Despite being one of the first responders, once the 2014 West African Ebola outbreak started to spread, the IPD faced a lot of logistical challenges when it came to shipping samples for hundreds or thousands of miles, delaying the process of confirming and containing it. Now, rather than receiving samples from across Africa, the IPD is the laboratory hub for West Africa while labs in Cameroon and Uganda have become regional hubs for central, and eastern and southern African countries respectively. But all of this requires money. At the moment IPD still relies heavily on grants, but its ambition is to become more self-sufficient by using the data it gathers to develop and sell tests and vaccines. Head of the Africa CDC, Dr Jean Kaseya, tells The Independent that the institute started to manufacture the yellow fever vaccine, almost 100 years ago. A long time before seeing that in China, in Russia. But, he says, unfair treatment of the Western countries to Africa meant the IPD was not supplying the vaccine to the continent; rather, the bulk of supplies comes from France and Russia. open image in gallery The WHO will only declare an outbreak of yellow fever, spread by mosquitos, after confirmation by IPD ( Alamy/PA ) Our partners didn't support this institute to extend the capacity. But today we are working on that, he says. He thinks countries giving grants to such work should see them not as charity but as an investment. The biggest source of funding to the IPD currently is The Global Fund, which has so far fallen almost $7bn short of its target of raising $18bn (roughly 14bn) for the next three years. The UKs contribution amounts to a cut of 15 per cent. If the fund misses its target, it will have to prioritise, with life-saving work usually first in line to be protected things like HIV and TB drugs and malaria bed nets, though deaths as a result of the cuts have been recorded nevertheless. The IPDs work hangs in the balance. The institutes chief executive, Dr Ibrahima Soce Fall, is keen to stress whats at stake. I always tell the media in Europe that the best epidemiologists are in Africa, because the epidemiologists in Europe are sitting in hospitals and in laboratories. But outbreaks happen in often hard-to-reach communities. You need systems working on the ground in affected countries to rapidly detect and respond to outbreaks to prevent pandemics, Dr Fall says. open image in gallery ( Vincent Becker/The Global Fund ) In The Gambia, for example, lack of resources meant no disease outbreak had ever been detected by its national laboratory up to January 2023. The IPD visited for two weeks with materials and training. By September, the countrys own lab had detected a chikungunya outbreak for the first time in its history. Thats why the role of Institut Pasteur is crucial in the term of health security, Dr Fall says. Because when you have an outbreak somewhere in the world, it can be anywhere because of travel. The UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is giving 10m to the institute from next January to fund more disease surveillance centres in West Africa. But at the same time, the UK is cutting its wider funding intended to tackle the diseases being monitored, including malaria, as well as funding that helps countries develop their own health systems to become self-reliant. For Boubacar Diallo, a strong system means putting disease-tracking systems in place across Africa, and not just in selected countries. One mosquito is in Mauritania. Can you prevent it [coming across] to Senegal? Never. If your country is safe, but your neighbour is not safe, you will never be safe. This article was produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project 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 20-year-old Florida man using the online handle Devilwaffen999 discussed the idea of torturing non-white children, sexually assaulting a man with an electrified baton, and provided bomb-making instructions to associates in a neo-Nazi group chat that the members didnt realize was under surveillance by the feds, according to court filings reviewed by The Independent. Grocery store worker Lucas Alexander Temple was arrested November 20 at his parents Sarasota home, where he lives, on one count of possession of an unregistered firearm after FBI agents found, among other things, an illegal sawed-off shotgun in his bedroom, a probable cause affidavit shows. Agents additionally turned up various pieces of Nazi literature; the diaries of Columbine school shooters Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris; a book titled Two-Component High Explosive Mixtures; a WWII-era sign reading Kommandant and bookended by lightning-bolt SS logos; and a large flag bearing the Atomwaffen Division symbol, the affidavit states. They also discovered what appeared to be a plan to carry out and broadcast a domestic terror attack, including motion-activated bombs in doorways (for cops), according to the affidavit, which includes photographs of the items. Write manifesto. Notify friends of livestream. Put flags on car. Play music on speakers during operation, it read. open image in gallery A Florida man is accused of making threats, including torturing children. Some of the items found in Lucas Alexander Temple's bedroom, according to the FBI ( Department of Justice ) The Atomwaffen Division, which renamed itself the National Socialist Order after a series of arrests largely dismantled the group, is an accelerationist organization inspired by the tenets of neo-Nazi James Masons 1992 publication Siege, according to a case study from the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. It says Atomwaffen is primarily driven by racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism, and ultimately aims to accelerate societal collapse through chaos and violence as a means to establish a racially pure white society, which adherents believe can only be established through the destruction of American democracy. The FBI affidavit describes the groups targets as having included racial minorities, Jews, the LGBTQ+ community, the U.S. government, journalists, and critical infrastructure, such as energy facilities. Reached by phone, Temples 63-year-old father, who was in the house when the FBI arrived to execute a search warrant last Thursday, told The Independent that he didnt want to comment out of respect for my son and his privacy, and not wanting to inadvertently say anything that might hurt his case. He did say, however, that seeing his son arrested and charged was the hardest thing weve ever gone through. In late March, the FBI probable cause affidavit says the bureau became aware of a Signal group chat called Todestampf Division, a German word that translates to death stomp. In it, agents spotted a post by a member who at the time was calling himself Micah Fischer, which contained a diagram of how to make a detonator, according to the probable cause affidavit. open image in gallery Temple scrawled an alleged plot to livestream a terror attack, which the FBI says it discovered in his bedroom ( Department of Justice ) The following month, while monitoring a second Signal group chat called Neue Ordnung, the FBI homed in on a participant using the screenname Devilwaffen999, the affidavit continues. Neue Ordnung means New Order in German and refers a neo-Nazi movement in Germany that has been investigated for terrorism, the affidavit states. It says Devilwaffen999 advocated, among other things, for rape and use of explosives, and when the chats administrator, AdolfHitlerSS, made Devilwaffen999 a co-administrator, agents were able to determine that Devilwaffen999 and Micah Fischer were the same person. In various online discussions, Devilwaffen999 excitedly asked for directions about building a pipe bomb, posted links to YouTube videos showing how to make TNT and how to construct homemade blasting caps, according to the affidavit. (The FBIs Explosives Unit reviewed both videos and said they provided sufficient information to complete each task successfully, the affidavit contends.) Devilwaffen999, who also sometimes went by, simply, Devilwaffen, was active in the chats, at one point sharing a 122-page neo-Nazi handbook professing a need to secure the existence of white martyrs and genocide planet to total perfection, the affidavit goes on. He also chatted about torturing children, but only if theyre [N-words], and in response to an unidentified user who posted about frat guys and annoying chicks everywhere, Temple wrote, Gross, and Must exterminate. open image in gallery The FBI was able to positively identify Temple by comparing his driver's license photos to surveillance footage of him visiting a local museum with his family. ( Department of Justice ) When another member said someones husband should be killed, Temple chimed in with, How about rape him with stun stick[?] He also recommended an unidentified user kill someone/something in order to release your stress, the affidavit states. A screenshot of a separate chat between Devilwaffen999 and AdolfHitlerSS shows Devilwaffen999 asking, How long would it take to rape a femboy to death? I don't know if my d**k can take it. The FBI was able to pin down Temples real-life identity via clues he left about himself in the chats, according to the affidavit. It says he told others that he celebrated his 20th birthday in October, that he lived in South Florida, that he worked at a grocery store and that he visited a museum with family on June 9. Agents mined drivers license records, which showed Temple was born in October 2005, and pulled his photos from the DMV database. They then obtained security video from the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, and found an individual bearing physical similarity to Temple who was there on June 9, the affidavit says. A stakeout team physically verified Temples address, and on November 19, a federal magistrate signed an arrest warrant for Temple charging him with distribution of information pertaining to manufacture of explosives. open image in gallery A sawed-off shotgun the FBI says agents found in Temple's bedroom ( Department of Justice ) The next morning, federal agents showed up to take Temple into custody, according to the affidavit. It says his parents gave agents permission to search the premises, but that Temple denied consent to search his room. So, the FBI got a warrant, and soon discovered the Atomwaffen flag, Nazi items, Columbine journals and to-do list for the livestreamed attack, the affidavit states. But after they found a sawed-off Springfield Model 67 Series E shotgun, along with what appear[ed] to be the remainder of the barrel that was sawed off, prosecutors filed a superseding complaint charging Temple with illegal weapons possession. According to the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, on or before November 20, 2025, TEMPLE was not a registered owner of the sawedoff shotgun described above, the affidavit concludes. In an email, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida, which is prosecuting the case, confirmed the updated charge against Temple. The court declared Temple a danger to the community, and he remains detained pending trial. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. 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 Deep within the mosquito-ridden Zapata Swamp, the Caribbean's largest intact wetland, a dedicated restoration effort is underway to save the manjuari, or Cuban gar, from extinction. This humble initiative targets a unique species facing critical threats. Park biologist Andres Hurtado, fending off a descending swarm of mosquitoes, describes the gar as "a jewel among Cuban fishes." He adds, "Theyre a biological relic that has lived 140 or 150 million years and only now is at critical risk of extinction." The garfish, a long, slender creature with a snout filled with sharp teeth, was officially classified as "critically endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list in 2020. Its sudden and precipitous decline stems from centuries of exploitation, significant habitat loss, and the devastating 1999 introduction of the African Walking Catfish, a voracious invasive species that has ravaged the once-pristine swamp. open image in gallery Zapata Swamp is the Caribbean's largest intact wetland ( Reuters ) Hrtado's answer to these pressing challenges began at a hatchery situated near the wetland. There, his team devised a method to reproduce the finicky manjuari and produce the food necessary to rear them before releasing them into the wild to bolster the swamp's ailing population. Isolation, mosquitoes, shortages of supplies and the fishs reclusive habits make it difficult, if not impossible, to precisely gauge the project's progress. The young fish are about the size of a small pencil. Dark and camouflaged, they hide among impenetrable tangles of mangrove roots and are quickly lost upon release. open image in gallery The garfish, described as long, slender, its snout filled with sharp teeth, is considered critically endangered ( Poleta33/Wikimedia ) There are signs the project may be doing some good, scientists say. "Local fishermen tell us the manjuari are here," said Eduardo Abreu, an administrator at the Cienaga de Zapata National Park. "Perhaps they are not as abundant as in the past, but they are here, and there is an established population." 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 Donald Trump's administration is poised to escalate its pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, with plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation on Monday. This entity, which the US government claims is led by Mr Maduro, is notably not considered a cartel in the traditional sense. The move marks the newest step in the Trump administration's intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking into the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an earlier preview of the action, accused the Cartel de los Soles, also known as the Cartel of the Suns, of being "responsible for terrorist violence" across the Western Hemisphere. The move planned Monday comes as Trump evaluates whether to take military action against Venezuela, which Trump has not ruled out despite bringing up the possibility of talks with Maduro. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro waves during a pro-government youth rally in Caracas earlier this month ( AP ) Land strikes or other actions would be a major expansion of the monthslong operation that has included a massive military buildup in the Caribbean Sea and striking boats accused of trafficking drugs, killing more than 80 people. Venezuelans began using the term Cartel de los Soles in the 1990s to refer to high-ranking military officers who had grown rich from drug-running. As corruption later expanded nationwide, first under the late President Hugo Chavez and then under Maduro, its use loosely expanded to police and government officials as well as activities like illegal mining and fuel trafficking. The suns in the name refer to the epaulettes affixed to the uniforms of high-ranking military officers. The umbrella term was elevated to a Maduro-led drug-trafficking organization in 2020, when the U.S. Justice Department in Trump's first term announced the indictment of Venezuelas leader and his inner circle on narcoterrorism and other charges. It is not a group, said Adam Isaacson, director for defense oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America organization. Its not like a group that people would ever identify themselves as members. They dont have regular meetings. They dont have a hierarchy. Trump's expansion of terror label to cartels Up until this year, the label of foreign terrorist organization had been reserved for groups like the Islamic State or al-Qaida that use violence for political ends. The Trump administration applied it in February to eight Latin American criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, migrant smuggling and other activities. The administration blames such designated groups for operating the boats it is striking but rarely identifies the organizations and has not provided any evidence. It says the attacks , which began off the coast of Venezuela and later expanded to the eastern Pacific Ocean, are meant to stop narcotics from flowing to American cities. But many including Maduro himself see the military moves as an effort to end the ruling party's 26-year hold on power. Since the arrival of U.S. military vessels and troops to the Caribbean months ago, Venezuelas U.S.-backed political opposition also has reignited its perennial promise of removing Maduro from office, fueling speculation over the purpose of what the Trump administration has called a counterdrug operation. Trump, like his predecessor, does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela's president. Maduro is on his third term in office after ruling-party loyalists declared him the winner of last year's presidential election despite credible evidence that the opposition's candidate defeated him by a more than 2-to-1 margin. He and senior officials have been repeatedly accused of human rights violations of real and perceived government opponents, including in the aftermath of the July 2024 election. Hegseth says designation offers new options U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week that the upcoming designation of Cartel de los Soles will provide a whole bunch of new options to the United States for dealing with Maduro. But Hegseth, speaking in an interview with conservative news outlet OAN, did not provide details on what those options are and declined to say whether the U.S. military planned to strike land targets inside Venezuela. So nothing is off the table, but nothings automatically on the table, he said. Trump administration officials have signaled that they find it difficult to see a situation in which Maduro remaining in power could be an acceptable end game. But as Trump considers an array of military and non-military options, including covert action by the CIA, for next steps, there is strong belief inside the administration that Maduros rule is not sustainable, according to a senior administration official who was not authorized to comment publicly on the sensitive matter. The official added that Trump has been keenly listening to his intelligence team, which has reported to him that chatter picked up inside Venezuela indicates growing anxiety from Maduro and other high-level Venezuelan officials as the U.S. strikes continue. Trump, the official said, is very content and satisfied for the moment with the strikes' impact. All the while, pleas from Maduro and others close to the Venezuelan leader to speak directly to the administration, relayed through various intermediaries and channels, seem to be more frantic, the official said. But Trump has not sanctioned any intermediaries to speak to Maduro on behalf of the U.S. administration. Indictment alleges conspiracy to flood US with drugs The 2020 indictment accused Maduro, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, among others, of conspiring with Colombian rebels and members of the Venezuelan military for several years to flood the United States with cocaine and use the drug trade as a weapon against America. Colombia is the world's top cocaine producer. Before laying down weapons as part of a 2016 peace deal, members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, regularly used the porous border region with Venezuela as a safe haven and hub for U.S.-bound cocaine shipments often with the support or at least consent of Venezuelan security forces. Dissidents continued the work. Colombia's National Liberation Army guerrilla is also involved in the illegal trade. Maduro has denied the charges. The U.S. Justice Department this year doubled to $50 million the reward for information that leads to Maduros arrest. Maduro has insisted that the U.S. is building a false drug-trafficking narrative to try to force him from office. He and other government officials have repeatedly cited a United Nations report that they say shows traffickers attempt to move only 5 per cent of the cocaine produced in Colombia through Venezuela. The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the Cartel de los Soles in July, saying Maduro and his top allies had bent the power of the Venezuelan government, military and intelligence services to assist the cartel in trafficking narcotics to the U.S. U.S. authorities also alleged Maduros cartel gave material support to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa cartel, both of which were among the organizations that the U.S. designated as foreign terror organizations in February. 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 Wednesday marks the busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving week, with millions taking to the skies and slick roadways to visit loved ones over the holiday. But severe weather is already impacting plans, with blizzard conditions hitting the Midwest and Great Lakes states and storms in the Intermountain West making car travel hazardous. More than 1,000 flights were already delayed or canceled across the nation on Wednesday because of weather systems moving across the country. Around 82 million people are on the move, with the busiest travel days expected today and on Sunday and Monday after the holiday. At least 73 million or nearly 90 percent of Thanksgiving travelers are set to make their journeys by road, as six million take to the skies, according to AAA. This holiday travel period is slated to be the busiest in nearly 15 years, the Federal Aviation Administration warned. That number could end up being higher if some air travelers decide to drive instead of fly following recent flight cancellations, the non-profit cautioned. But there are some weather impacts across the nation that could hinder travel or make treks longer. Here is a look at what is happening in regions across the nation: open image in gallery Travelers pass through Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport Wednesday. This Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest for flying in nearly 15 years. ( Getty Images ) The South After thunderstorms resulted in fallen trees and damaged homes in Texas and Alabama, the severe weather threat in the region has largely shifted away. That doesnt mean the rain is completely gone. Forecasters with the National Weather Service said lingering storms over southern Texas were expected to gradually taper off due to an approaching cold front. Rain was anticipated to fall in Laredo and other areas of Texas close to the U.S.-Mexico border on Wednesday morning. Additional precipitation lingered over southern Georgia between Valdosta and Douglas. open image in gallery Travelers stand in line for departure at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Wednesday morning in Atlanta. Conditions there are dry for now, but expected to get colder over the next few days ( AP ) The Midwest and Great Lakes Nearly 90,000 American customers were left without power early Wednesday, with the majority in Wisconsin and Michigan, according to outage tracker PowerOutage.US. Forecasters in Minnesota said that a weather system had the potential to dump up to nine inches of snow through later today. In life, it's said, timing is everything. And with an army of Minnesotans hitting the road for the Thanksgiving holiday, the approach of a fairly significant winter storm system is poor timing indeed, KARE 11 said. Officials at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport urged travelers to arrive earlier than normal due to the expected crowds, according to KSTP. open image in gallery A plow removes snow outside Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on Wednesday. Snow is dumping across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. ( Getty Images ) The Metropolitan Airports Commission expects to screen 441,000 people through security checkpoints between Thursday and December 1, according to CBS News, with the busiest days between today and Sunday. Lower Michigan is set to see lake-effect snow on Thanksgiving, with up to a foot or more blowing between today and the morning. Winter storm watches are in effect, and winds may gust up to 45 miles per hour, making travel dangerous. Snow will begin accumulating this afternoon through Friday morning. Travel conditions will deteriorate this afternoon and remain difficult into Thursday. Winds today of 40-60 mph may cause scattered power outages. Allow extra travel time if on the road this evening or Thursday! forecasters in Grand Rapids pleaded. As much as six inches of snow could fall in North Dakota. If youre planning on traveling Tuesday, be prepared for snow-covered roads and rapidly changing visibility due to falling and blowing snow, Bismarck forecasters said. open image in gallery A map from the National Weather Service shows areas of the U.S. affected by rain, in green, and snow, in white, on Wednesday. Purple indicates where there will be mixed precipitation ( NWS ) North Dakota forecasters warned that more snow would fall over the weekend after 4.7 inches of powder dumped in the state on Tuesday. Another round of accumulating snowfall is expected Friday through early Saturday, with low to medium chances for snow totals to exceed two inches across much of western and central North Dakota, the Bismarck National Weather Service Office wrote on social media. If youre traveling, make sure to stay updated on the forecast! In Chicago, forecasters advised travelers about blowing snow and strong wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour. More than 535 flights were already delayed at OHare airport by the late afternoon, according to the tracker FlightAware. Wind-whipped snow showers and flurries will accompany the winds, resulting in brief poor visibility, the National Weather Services Chicago Office wrote. open image in gallery Holiday travelers gather at Chicagos O'Hare International Airport on Wednesday in Illinois. Hundreds of flights were delayed at the Midwest travel hub ( AP ) The East Rain was moving over Boston and the New England area Wednesday morning. Some scattered thunderstorms were also anticipated up and down the East Coast, with the arrival of a cold front. The National Weather Service warned of possible thunderstorms over Charlotte, North Carolina. The cold front will bring periods of rain and gusty winds to the Northeast, which could cause some delays at major airport hubs in Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., and New York City while some rain will linger across the Southeast and mid-Atlantic, FOX Weather said. AccuWeather forecasters said winds in New York City could reach up to 30mph, potentially affecting the annual Macys Thanksgiving Day Parades main attraction: massive balloons that can span up to 100ft tall. The balloons dont fly with sustained winds up to 23mph and gusts up to 35mph. Low temperatures in Florida will approach freezing late Thursday and into the weekend, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. open image in gallery Parade participants are seen with the SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary Balloon during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2024. This year, forecasters warned that strong winds could potentially impact whether the balloons are allowed to fly ( Getty Images ) The West Lighter snowfall will wind down over Wyoming and Montana, with winter weather advisories issued across the states. Farther west, a second system is anticipated to drench the Pacific Northwest, possibly leading to flooding in Washington state and Oregon. "A flow of moisture from the Pacific will lead to periods of rain and travel delays along the I-5 corridor in Oregon and Washington through Thanksgiving, said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Deger. "This second storm won't officially be an atmospheric river, but it will cause some travel problems." 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 video of a Black woman seemingly being ignored by a nurse while she is minutes away from giving birth at a Texas hospital has sparked widespread outrage and prompted her family to take legal action. Viral TikTok footage shows Kiara Jones screaming in pain as a nurse at Dallas Regional Medical Center asks her intake questions, including her due date. Jones cries out, Right now! as she twists and turns her body in distress while sitting in a wheelchair. Jones mother, Kash Manuel, who shared the footage taken on November 11 on TikTok, can be heard asking the nurse whether she treats all her patients like this, or just the Black ones. The nurse continues to fill out paperwork on the computer without giving her an answer. Within the clip, Manuel notes that hospital staff had Jones wait half an hour in the waiting room before admitting her. Her son was born 12 minutes after the footage was taken, according to the video. open image in gallery A video of a pregnant woman seemingly being ignored by nurses at a Dallas hospital has gone viral, with many online expressing outrage over the incident ( TikTok @Kashman2814 ) In a separate video, Jones mother says they rushed her to the hospital after she began active labor at home, and were met with obstacles before even encountering the allegedly unresponsive nurse. She called ahead of time, so we know they are expecting us, she said, adding that once they got to the emergency room, nurses told them to head to the front of the hospital instead. Even as the expectant mother was screaming, The baby is coming, staff at the hospital refused to take any action until she signed the paperwork, Jones mother said. Do not go to this hospital. This hospital is ghetto as hell. They do not care about Black women or their babies, Jones mother said in the clip. This is crazy. I read about this stuff all the time, but to see this firsthand. This lady did not care. None of them. In a GoFundMe set up by Jones mother, she writes that her daughter was subjected to trauma commonly faced by women. It is most unfortunate that the numbers affect women of color in frequency and severity more. Kiara is now in that number, she added. Internet users also expressed outrage over the incident, urging the family to seek legal counsel. Medical racism. There is no excuse for this, one commentator put simply. Another chimed in: As a nurse, this is beyond upsetting. We know the screams and signs of active labor, yet shes blatantly ignoring them all. open image in gallery Internet users were quick to slam the hospital and the nurse involved for their mistreatment of the mother ( TikTok @Kashman2814 ) She did that on purpose. Ive never seen a mom in active labor not be rushed into the delivery suites, another person noted. The family is now looking into legal action they could take, and is being represented Chicago civil rights law firm Romanucci and Blandin, their lawyers told Fox 4 News. The law firms are exploring all legal remedies in this case and are becoming increasingly concerned with the disparity and the level of care being provided to people of color versus those who are not, their lawyers said in a statement. The viral video also caught the attention of local lawmakers, who are now calling for change. Texas Rep. Rhetta Bowers, a Democrat, told Fox the issue hits close to home. I am a Black mom that has her own personal story, and certainly that is even further why I could feel her pain, Bowers said. We have to make sure that, not only at the state level but at the federal level, that we are certainly addressing this issue. The Dallas Regional Medical Center in Mesquite told Fox it is reviewing the situation, but couldnt share more details due to patient privacy laws. The hospital toldThe Independent in a statement, At Dallas Regional Medical Center, the safety, dignity, and well-being of our patients are always our highest priorities. We are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every person who comes through our doors, and we are reviewing this situation to understand what occurred. Due to patient privacy laws, we cannot share further details at this time, but our focus remains on ensuring that every patient receives the attentive, respectful care they deserve. Both the mother and baby have since been released from the hospital and are recovering at home. Pregnancy is already deadlier for Black women, especially in the U.S., where Black women died at a rate nearly 3.5 times higher than white women around the time of childbirth in 2023, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released earlier this year. In 2021 and 2022, the maternal death rate for Black women was about 2.6 times higher than white women. The data suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic, at its peak, impacted all pregnant women, but once we went back to usual activities, then the impact of systemic racism and unequal access (to medical care) ... came right back into place, said Dr. Amanda Williams, interim medical director for the March of Dimes. 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 Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have infuriated Rhode Islands governor, a senator, and its state Supreme Court chief justice after officers detained a high school statehouse intern on suspicion that they were an illegal immigrant. Recordings of the incident show ICE agents detaining the teen, who was traveling from the statehouse to his school as part of an internship at the Rhode Island Superior Court. The teen was being driven to school by a judge when ICE agents intercepted them. Governor Dan McKee called the incident "indefensible" in a statement. ICE agents wrongfully detained a high school intern outside the Superior Court an outrageous and indefensible act that could have completely upended a young persons life, McKee said. A court staffer familiar with the situation told CNN that the situation began inside a courtroom, where ICE agents were taking photos of the high schooler. A woman protests Department of Homeland Security agents with a sign that reads ICE hurts innocent children. ICE agents in Rhode Island detained a 16-year-old intern at the Rhode Island Superior Court on November 20, 2025. The intern was released after his identify was verified by ICE (file image) ( AP ) Security reportedly asked the individual to stop taking photos of people inside the courtroom, which is when the individual identified themselves as an ICE agent. It's unclear why the ICE agent was taking photos. The student was reportedly disturbed by the incident, prompting Superior Court Associate Justice Joseph McBurney to offer the student a ride back to his school. Before the judge could leave with the student, ICE agents surrounded his car. The footage shows at least six agents descending upon the vehicle and asking the teen and the judge to exit. Approximately 30 seconds later, a federal agent can be seen on the video restraining the intern's hands and escorting him away as protesters shout at the agents. "He's a f***** kid," one protester can be heard yelling in the video. McBurney explained to the agents that the teen is an intern at the court and that they had made a mistake, according to CNN, citing the staffer. The intern was taken across the street and was later released after ICE verified his identity, according to the Rhode Island Judiciary. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security reportedly told CNN that its agents had been searching for a "child predator" and "briefly questioned someone who resembled the target," but that that individual was never taken into custody or arrested. ICE has been criticized for stalking around courthouses and schools looking for people to abduct. Their tactics have become so commonplace that protesters were already demonstrating outside the courthouse before ICE detained the teen. Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell said the incident only proves the point of the protesters at the courthouse. This egregious incident underscores both the communitys and the Judiciarys concerns about how ICE is conducting its operations in Rhode Island, the judge said. Democratic Senator Corey Booker, who represents New Jersey, denounced ICE in a social media post on Sunday. A teenager. A U.S. citizen. Detained by ICE at a courthouse. This isnt law and orderthis is intimidation. It doesnt protect our communities; it undermines them. It violates the trust people need to safely access the justice system, Booker wrote. It wastes law-enforcement resources that should be focused on real dangers, not innocent kids. We must condemn this and demand accountability. America is better than this. McKee blamed the situation squarely on the Trump administration, which has empowered ICE to operate with a vague and almost unrestrained mandate in America's cities. This was not a harmless mistake. It was the direct result of callous and chaotic policies by the Trump Administration, McKee said. Moreover, ICEs failure to exercise even a shred of due diligence is shameful and underscores just how broken and dangerous these federal policies are. 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 White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said shes developed post traumatic stress disorder while working under President Donald Trump. But the source of her distress isnt reporters, despite their unending barrage of queries about the days headlines. Instead, its her grueling schedule, which has caused her to spend long hours away from her family, she told The Daily Mail. Honestly, I have PTSD about making plans, so I just don't, the 28-year-old griped to the outlet about arranging time off with her husband, 60-year-old real estate developer Nicholas Riccio. It's very difficult to make plans in this job. My husband and I had three different mini weekend getaway vacations this summer. All three got canceled due to foreign policy events, she said, adding, We just roll with it. If there's a night where I happen to become free, then we take full advantage of that as a family. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native and Saint Anselm graduate, has rapidly climbed the ranks in Republican politics. She began her career interning at Fox News in 2016 before serving in the communications office during Trumps first term. In January, she made history by becoming the youngest-ever White House press secretary. open image in gallery White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said her job has left her with PTSD due to the time spent away from her family. ( Reuters ) In her 10 months on the job, shes developed a reputation for hosting no nonsense press briefings and demonstrating her fierce loyalty to Trump often in the face of difficult questions. In the past week, she was pressed to respond to the presidents statements appearing to call for the death of Democratic lawmakers and his labeling of a female reporter as Piggy. Shes the fifth person to serve as the Republican presidents top media defender, with most of her predecessors including Sean Spicer and Kayleigh McEnany lasting in the position less than one year. Determined to stick around for longer than her forerunners, she says she begins working before the sun comes up and often stops long after it sets, she told the outlet. On briefing days, she said, I come straight to the gym hereUsually, on briefing days, the first one in the West Wing. When not at the press room podium, she said shes flipping through newspapers, monitoring screens airing cable news and placing calls to Cabinet members or Trump himself. I mean, being press secretary, especially for President Trump, is a 24/7 job, she said. Even when I'm home, I spend a lot of time on the phone or checking the news. Still, she noted that Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles have pushed her to spend time with her family. I leave at a more reasonable hour than people may think, she said, Because that's sort of the line I've drawn to get home and cook dinner and go through the bedtime routine and be a mom. open image in gallery The 28-year-old is the youngest-ever White House press secretary. ( AP ) open image in gallery During an interview last week, she admitted her marriage to her husband, who is more than three decades older than her, is unusual. ( AFP via Getty Images ) During an interview with Pod Force One last week, Leavitt also spoke about another source of trauma: the assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania in 2024. Obviously thats very traumatic for anyone, but especially a post-partum mom, you know my emotions were running really high, she told podcast host and New York Post columnist Miranda Devine. In the same interview, Leavitt addressed the 32-year age gap she has with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, which she admitted was unusual. When Devine asked her, Could you not find boys your own age, who are as mature? the press secretary replied, laughing, Honestly, no, if you want to know the truth. He is amazing, she said of Riccio. Hes a self-made man, which I respect... Hes built his career, so hes in a place where he can support me in mine. 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 daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, has denied that the president called a reporter piggy during an infamous Air Force One press gaggle. Earlier this month, Trump told Bloomberg White House correspondent Catherine Lucey, quiet, piggy, after she asked about the government files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. At the time, Trump was vehemently opposed to releasing the so-called Epstein files. He later reversed course and signed a bill forcing the Justice Department to release the files, despite his having the power to do so without Congressional approval. Trumps insult gained backlash, including from comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who joked on his late-night show, If a man spoke like that to a female coworker in a workplace harassment training video, youd go, Ah, thats over the top. Nobody would do that. Kimmel has been critical of Trump in the past, and the president celebrated his shows brief suspension in September following comments he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. open image in gallery Donald Trumps daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, has denied that the president called a reporter 'piggy' during an infamous Air Force One press gaggle ( Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images ) Fellow comedian Bill Maher, who identifies as a liberal, also called out Trumps comments during a sit-down with Lara on his podcast Club Random. He was telling Lara about how he believes woke people are snobs for refusing to eat with conservatives at Thanksgiving dinner. What do we think we do to get the people who are the no-contact people back? Lara asked. Maher responded: Dont do things like call a woman, piggy. Lara then questioned, Do we know that happened? I saw it on tape, Maher responded. open image in gallery When confronted about the incident, Lara Trump told comedian Bill Maher, Do we know that happened? ( Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images ) Lara later admitted that Donald Trump is not perfect, causing Maher to do a spit take. But he does a lot of things that I think are great, the former Republican National Committee co-chair added. A White House official previously told The Independent that the reporter Trump insulted behaved in an inappropriate and unprofessional way towards her colleagues on the plane. If youre going to give it, you have to be able to take. Bloomberg defended its reporters who cover the Trump administration, telling The Guardian, Our White House journalists perform a vital public service, asking questions without fear or favor. We remain focused on reporting issues of public interest fairly and accurately, the Bloomberg spokesperson 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 The Department of Defense is performing a thorough review of serious allegations of misconduct against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, a naval veteran and astronaut who joined members of Congress to urge service members to honor their oath to the Constitution. Kelly and several other lawmakers with military backgrounds issued a video statement last week telling troops they can and must refuse illegal orders, emphasizing that threats to constitutional order can emerge from right here at home. President Donald Trump labeled the Democratic officials traitors who SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW as he raged against them in a series of Truth Social statements in the days that followed. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!, he wrote. Trump also reposted several messages from Truth Social users, including a message demanding the president HANG THEM like GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !! A statement from the Pentagon suggested the retired naval officer could be recalled to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures. open image in gallery Trumps Defense Department is threatening to court martial Senator Mark Kelly, a Retired Navy Captain, over a video from members of Congress warning service members against illegal orders. ( Reuters ) This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality, the Defense Department said in a statement Monday. Further official comments will be limited, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings. The statement also reminded military retirees that they are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the body of criminal law that governs members of the armed forces, including under federal statutes that prohibit actions intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale or good order and discipline of the armed forces. Any violations will be addressed through appropriate legal channels, according to the Pentagon. Service members have a legal obligation to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful, the statement added. A servicemembers personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order. An extraordinary attempt to prosecute a sitting member of Congress in a military tribunal may be logistically and legally impossible while Kelly is serving in the Senate. Kelly, a decorated fighter pilot, retired from active duty at the rank of captain from both the Navy and NASA in 2011 to care for his wife Gabby Giffords, then a Democratic congresswoman was nearly fatally shot during a constituent meeting. Kelly later ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona in 2020. When I was 22 years old, I commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and swore an oath to the Constitution, Kelly said in a statement in response to the Trump administrations latest threats, which he learned about only through the Pentagons post on X. I upheld that oath through flight school, multiple deployments on the USS Midway, 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, test pilot school, four space shuttle flights at NASA, and every day since I retired which I did after my wife Gabby was shot in the head while serving her constituents, he added. In combat, I had a missile blow up next to my jet and flew through anti-aircraft fire to drop bombs on enemy targets. At NASA, I launched on a rocket, commanded the space shuttle, and was part of the recovery mission that brought home the bodies of my astronaut classmates who died on Columbia. I did all of this in service to this country that I love and has given me so much, the senator wrote. The administrations attempts to intimidate him and other members of Congress wont work, he added. Ive given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution, Kelly said. open image in gallery Kelly, a retired navy captain and NASA astronaut, says he refuses to be intimidated by bullies in the Trump administration ( AFP via Getty Images ) The video from senators Kelly and Elissa Slotkin along with Reps. Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan warns military personnel against threats to our Constitution coming from right here at home, an apparent reference to the Trump administrations deployment of federalized National Guard troops into Democratic-led cities to support the presidents mass deportation agenda. Service members can refuse illegal orders, the message said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled the members of Congress the Seditious Six for what he called a despicable, reckless and false video statement. Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion which only puts our warriors in danger, he wrote in a Monday post on X. Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, and other veterans among the group are no longer subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, but Kelly is, and he knows that, Hegseth added. As was announced, the Department is reviewing his statements and actions, which were addressed directly to all troops while explicitly using his rank and service affiliation lending the appearance of authority to his words, he wrote. Kellys conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately. open image in gallery Defense Secretary Pete Hesgseth labeled Kelly and five other members of Congress who joined the video the seditious six as the Pentagon threatened to subject the senator to a military tribunal ( Getty Images ) Immediately following last weeks video, Trump said the lawmakers should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand, he wrote on Truth Social. We wont have a Country anymore!!! An example MUST BE SET. The White House defended the presidents burst of statements, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt claiming that the message from members of Congress could disrupt the chain of command. The sanctity of our military rests on the chain of command, and if that chain of command is broken, it can lead to people getting killed. It can lead to chaos, Leavitt said Thursday. The lawmakers abused their offices to signal to people serving under this commander-in-chief, Donald Trump, that you can defy him, she said. That is a very, very dangerous message, and it perhaps is punishable by law, she added. Trump later said he was not threatening death but said lawmakers were in serious trouble. In the old days, it was death, he told Fox News personality Brian Kilmeade. That was seditious behavior. Kelly and other members of Congress have accused the president of trying to prevent them from speaking out against his administration by wielding the power of the White House and threat of violence to crush dissent. I think its really important for people to understand that the message he sent a couple days ago was he declared that loyalty to the Constitution is now punishable by death. Those are serious words coming from the president of the United States, Kelly told CBS Face the Nation Sunday. Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego, Kellys Arizona counterpart and a Marine veterans, told Hegseth: F*** you and your investigation. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democratic member on the House Judiciary Committee who taught constitutional law at American Universitys Washington College of Law for decades before entering politics, told The Independent in a text message that any attempt to prosecute Kelly under Article 88 would run afoul of the Constitutions provisions granting legislators broad immunity from prosecution over acts tied to their duties in office. Andrew Feinberg contributed reporting from Washington, D.C. 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 First Lady Melania Trump officially welcomed this year's White House Christmas tree on Monday. The concolor fir, sourced from Korsons Tree Farms in Michigan, arrived in a green horse-drawn carriage, driven by three men in top hats. "It's a beautiful tree," the first lady said, dressed in a cream-coloured overcoat and dark red gloves. She circled the carriage for pictures, shaking hands with the driver and a woman accompanying the two Clydesdale horses. Michigan's Korson's Tree Farms has secured the prestigious 2025 Grand Champion Growers title from the National Christmas Tree Association, marking the first time a farm from the state has achieved this honor since 1985. The tree was personally selected in September by Dale Haney, the White House's superintendent of grounds. The arrival of the festive centrepiece signals that Melania is soon to unveil her 2025 holiday decorations, an annual event that drew considerable scrutiny during Trumps first term. Earlier this year, Melania offered a preview of this year's festive aesthetic in a brief video shared online in October. The clip showed her arranging a gold-themed Christmas display, complete with garlands and various ornaments. First lady Melania Trump welcoming this year's Christmas tree to the White House ( AP ) The White House Christmas tree is destined for the Blue Room, ahead of public tours resuming in December. These tours, showcasing State Floor decorations, were halted for months due to controversial construction. Korson, representing the growers, expressed excitement: "We're very excited about the opportunity. We're proud to be able to represent real Christmas tree farmers across the United States and carrying on that tradition of providing a real Christmas tree for the White House." The family-owned farm began in 1973 and is based in Sidney Township, nearly an hour northeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Korson's Tree Farms won the reserve champion title in the 2015 Christmas tree contest, which provided that year's official Christmas tree to the vice president's residence, according to the farm's website. 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 Marjorie Taylor Greenes surprise departure from Congress could prove a watershed moment, prompting other House Republicans to follow in the Georgia firebrands footsteps, according to a new report. After Greene announced on Friday that she will step down in early January, several GOP lawmakers told Punchbowl News that they, too, are considering retiring before their terms end. More explosive early resignations are coming, one unnamed senior House Republican told the outlet. Its a tinder box. Morale has never been lower. According to the congressperson, members are eyeing the exits because of ongoing tensions with the White House, which House Speaker Mike Johnson has done nothing to remedy. This entire White House team has treated ALL members like garbage, the lawmaker said. And Mike Johnson has let it happen because he wanted it to happen. That is the sentiment of nearly all appropriators, authorizers, hawks, doves, rank and file. The arrogance of this White House team is off putting to members who are run roughshod and threatened, the unnamed Republican added. They dont even allow little wins like announcing small grants or even responding from agencies. Not even the high profile, the regular rank and file random members are more upset than ever. Members know they are going into the minority after the midterms. These rumblings could spell trouble for the Republicans already razor-thin House majority ahead of next years midterm elections, which historically see the presidents party lose seats. Currently, the GOP holds 219 seats against the Democrats 213. The speakers office told Punchbowl News that Johnson is working tirelessly within the constraints of the GOPs extremely narrow majority. A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent. After Punchbowl News revealed more GOP retirements could be coming, Greene chimed in on social media to confirm the report. Fact check true, she wrote on X. Myself and many of my colleagues came courageously roaring into 2025 with legislation that matched the 2024 electoral mandate only to be totally sidelined by Johnson under full obedience of the WH. open image in gallery Some House Republicans are considering following in Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes footsteps as they tire of the White House treating them like garbage, according to a new report. ( Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images ) Greenes announcement on Friday marked the culmination of her public falling out with President Donald Trump. I have too much self respect and dignity, love my family way too much, and do not want my sweet district to have to endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me by the President we all fought for, only to fight and win my election while Republicans will likely lose the midterms, she wrote in a statement posted online. Its all so absurd and completely unserious, she added. I refuse to be a battered wife hoping it all goes away and gets better. Greene said that her final day in office will be January 5, 2026. After entering Congress in 2021, she quickly made a name for herself as an outspoken and unapologetic Trump ally. But, in recent weeks, she has publicly broken with the president and Republican leadership on a range of issues, including over American support for Israel, H-1B visas, Obamacare subsidies and, perhaps most notably, the controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. In early November, she accused the president of making a huge miscalculation" by failing to support releasing the governments files on the convicted sex offender. This led Trump to characterize Greene as a ranting lunatic and announce he would back a primary challenge against her. The Georgia lawmaker was also one of a handful of Republicans to sign a House discharge petition, which forced a chamber-wide vote seeking to mandate the Department of Justice to release its files on Epstein. The bill ultimately passed with near unanimous approval after Trump reversed course and supported the measure. In her announcement, Greene telegraphed her dissatisfaction with both major parties. No matter which way the political pendulum swings, Republican or Democrat, nothing ever gets better for the common American man or woman, the congresswoman wrote, adding that she never fit in while working in the nations capitol. open image in gallery Trump called Green a 'ranting lunatic' on social media last week after her public criticism of his foreign policy and demands to release Epstein files ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery Some lawmakers accused Speaker Mike Johnson of not doing enough to improve relations with the White House. ( Reuters ) Some Republicans expressed solidarity with the Georgia representative. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie a frequent Trump critic wrote on X that he will miss her tremendously. Everyone should read her statement, he added. Theres more honesty expressed in these four pages than most politicians will speak in a lifetime. Echoing this sentiment, Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz wrote that Unfortunately, theres a lot of truth to what Marjorie had to say. Trump, meanwhile, reacted gleefully to Greenes upcoming departure from the halls of Congress. In a Truth Social post on Saturday, he described her as a traitor who left office because of PLUMMETING Poll Numbers, and not wanting to face a Primary Challenger with a strong Trump Endorsement. Marjorie went BAD, he added. Nevertheless, I will always appreciate Marjorie, and thank her for her service to our Country! The presidents rhetoric quickly softened, though. A few hours later, he told reporters that Greene is a nice person and that he just disagreed with her philosophy. The president also told NBC News that hed love to see Greene return to politics. Its not clear what, if anything, Greene will do next. Theres been rampant speculation she may be interested in higher office, with Time Magazine reporting over the weekend that she is considering running for the White House in 2028. But, she quickly refuted this report, writing on X: Im not running for President and never said I wanted to and have only laughed about it when anyone would mention it. 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 Robert F. Kennedy sent reporter Olivia Nuzzi raunchy self-penned poetry during the pairs alleged digital affair, which began when the pair met in 2023. It is the latest in a series of bombshell reveals by journalist and former Politico reporter Ryan Lizza, who was engaged to Nuzzi, a former New York magazine star journalist. Yr open mouth awaiting my harvest, the Health and Human Services secretary allegedly wrote, according to The Daily Beast. Drink from me Love. I mean to squeeze your cheeks to force open your mouth. Ill hold your nose as you look up at me to encourage you to swallow. Dont spill a drop. I am a river You are my canyon. I mean to flow through you. I mean to subdue and tame you. My Love. Lizza, who was fired from The New Yorker in 2017 over alleged sexual misconduct, made the scandalous claims in a fiery article on his website, as his former partner gears up to release her tell-all book American Canto. open image in gallery Reporter Olivia Nuzzi arrives for the White House Correspondents' Association dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC, April 29, 2023 ( AFP via Getty Images ) He said that the poem, which he did not explain how he obtained, along with many others, too explicit to print, changed everything in his relationship with Nuzzi. Thanks to Bobby, I am now aware of something called felching, he added of the poems. Felching refers to a sexual act too explicit to be outlined here. Lizza, who had alleged in a previous tell-all article that Nuzzi had a digital relationship with RFK Jr, has also claimed that his ex-fiancee also has relationships with MSNBC host Keith Olbermann and disgraced South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford. Lizzas article, entitled Part 1: How I Found Out, published on Telos News, was written after silence no longer seemed advisable or even possible, he said. According to the article, Lizza discovered his exs alleged affair after he found a half-finished love letter addressed to another man. If I swallowed every drop of water from the tower above your house, Olivia had written, I would still thirst for you, Lizza claimed in the article. open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images ) Unfortunately, the lack of a water tower on our Georgetown homes roof ruled me out as the notes intended recipient, Lizza continued. I flipped to another page and saw a name and the first line of an unfinished love letter to him that included enough details to confirm a physical relationship and the hint of some kind of falling out. My heart stopped when I realized who he was. He was a famous politician, 32 years older than Olivia, and well-known for a sex scandal. Lizza claimed in the article that Nuzzi had engaged in an affair with Sanford, who resigned as South Carolinas governor in 2009 following the revelation that he had cheated on his wife. Nuzzi has also released extracts from her upcoming memoir, describing how she grappled with her desire for RFK. She acknowledged an emotional relationship with him but said her reporting was not affected, before New York magazine put her on leave, and Lizza broke off the engagement. 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 said he would visit Beijing this coming April and host Chinese president Xi Jinping for a state visit to Washington later in 2026 after what he described as a wide-ranging call with Xi on Monday. Writing on Truth Social, the president stated that he and Xi had concluded what he called a very good telephone call that largely followed up on discussions theyd had during a face-to-face meeting in South Korea three weeks ago. Trump said the Monday morning call with Xi focused on many topics including Ukraine/Russia, Fentanyl, Soybeans and other Farm Products, etc and claimed he and Xi had made good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers that would only get better while describing the U.S.-China relationship as extremely strong. Trump also claimed there had been significant progress on both sides with regards to keeping agreements the two leaders had struck in South Korea to deescalate the trade war which the U.S. president had stoked since returning to office in January. Those agreements had included a commitment on Chinas part to purchase American farm products and ensure that rare earth elements used in numerous technology sectors be made available to American purchasers. Home and home: President Donald Trump said he and Chinas ruler Xi Jinping would each visit one anothers turf in 2026, starting with a Trump visit to China in April. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In return, Trump agreed to half a 20 -ercent tariff hike imposed in retaliation for what he described as China's role in producing fentanyl and chemicals used to make it to 10 percent while keeping other tariffs in place and continuing talks to deescalate the trade war. The president said those agreements were being kept current and accurate by both sides, allowing the leaders to set our sights on the big picture. To that end, President Xi invited me to visit Beijing in April, which I accepted, and I reciprocated where he will be my guest for a State Visit in the U.S. later in the year. We agreed that it is important that we communicate often, which I look forward to doing, he added. The planned April visit to Beijing by the U.S. president will be his second state visit to China. During his first term, he traveled there from November 8 to November 10, 2017. While in China, he became the first foreign leader to dine in the Forbidden City. Xis planned reciprocal visit to Washington at a later point in 2026 would mark his second state visit to the United States. It would come more than a decade after then-president Barack Obama hosted him for six days of events in September 2015, nearly three years after he succeeded Hu Jintao as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China. The Chinese leader last visited the United States in November 2023 for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative summit in San Francisco. While there, he also met with then-president Joe Biden for a four-hour meeting that Biden later described as having been candid and constructive. At the time, Biden and Xi agreed to to resume lines of communication between their respective countries defense departments, including consultations and exchanges at operational levels, which had been severed during months of tensions which started after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022 and escalated further after the U.S. Air Force shot down a Chinese spy balloon in February 2023. 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 Trumps Justice Department suffered two unqualified losses on Monday when a federal judge tossed out cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie did so on the grounds that Trump had unlawfully appointed Lindsey Halligan to be interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. It is just the latest embarrassment for the Justice Department under the Trump administration. Remember, Trump tapped Halligan to serve as interim U.S. attorney after her predecessor reportedly did not have enough evidence to criminally prosecute James. James and Comey have long been on Trumps enemies list. While the indictment was ostensibly for allegedly lying when he testified before Congress in 2020, Trump despises Comey for his leadership during the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. That played a role in Trump sacking Comey as FBI director in 2017. The Justice Department under Trump has made targeting the Comeys a family affair. In July, the DOJ fired Maurene Comey, the former directors daughter, who worked as a prosecutor in Manhattans Southern District of New York. open image in gallery The Pentagon threatened to court-martial U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ). ( Getty ) Trumps beef with James is also rooted in investigations. As attorney general of New York, James launched a civil fraud investigation case against the Trump Organization, which ended in Judge Arthur Engoron ordering Trump to pay a $354 million fine along with interest. No doubt, the Trump team will appeal this, though it will struggle to make a case in higher courts. But it will likely face the same problems it does in the lower courts. Its also just the latest humiliation for Trump world. Last week, Trump changed his mind on a vote to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein and gave Republicans his blessing to vote for it. This came after he had spent months calling it a Democrat hoax. In the end, all but one Republican voted to release the files. The Senate used unanimous consent to consider it passed as soon as it hit the upper chambers doorstep. Then on Friday evening, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene dropped a bomb on Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson when she announced she would resign from Congress in January. That came after Trump had unendorsed Greene. open image in gallery Trumps Justice Department suffered two unqualified losses on Monday when a federal judge tossed out cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. ( AFP/Getty ) While Trump gloated about the resignation, it actually makes his and House Speaker Mike Johnsons job much harder because, for the time being, they will have one less vote. All of this should make Trump want to quit while hes behind. But in the words of the late Charlie Murphy on Chappelles Show Trump is a habitual line-stepper. Hence on Monday, the Pentagon announced that it would perform a thorough review of serious allegations of misconduct against Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). The Pentagon said Kelly could be recalled for active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures. Kelly is a popular senator in Arizona, a state Trump won. He also served in the U.S. Navy as a captain and as an astronaut he flew four space missions and his identical twin brother Scott is also a retired NASA astronaut before he ran for Senate in 2020 after his wife, then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head in a political assassination attempt in 2011. Kamala Harris had him on her shortlist to be her running mate. But he sent Trump into a rage last week when he along with fellow Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Democratic Reps. Jason Crow, Chrissy Houlahan, Maggie Goodlander and Chris DeLuzio released a video telling active duty U.S. servicemembers that they could refuse to obey illegal orders. open image in gallery Mark Kelly meets Barack Obama before commanding the Space Shuttle Endeavours final mission ( AFP via Getty Images ) Trump responded by calling the behavior seditious and said that it could be punishable by death. Republicans either outright defended Trumps words or they pretended not to see it. This case will likely fall apart in the same manner Trumps attempts to prosecute Comey and James. And it will likely cause just as much backlash and make Kelly a hero among Democrats the same way that Gavin Newsom did after Trump sent the National Guard and Marines into Los Angeles without the governors permission. Kelly for his part does not seem bowed by Trumps attack on him. But it is just another example of how Trump is using the federal government to exact revenge against anyone he perceives as his political enemies and equating his enemies with the countrys enemies. 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 Officers dragged a teacher out of daycare in front of children. Traumatized high schoolers were beat up by officers before they arrived homeroom. Thousands of students have been marked absent. Donald Trumps sweeping immigration enforcement operations have interrupted schools in communities across the country and put families, teachers and administrators on edge as they brace for agents showing up on campus. Parents have also been arrested near schools in at least 10 states so far this year, according to a review of incidents from The Washington Post. School attendance plummeted in Chicago and Charlotte, North Carolina, in the days after the Trump administration surged Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents into the Democratic-led cities. Immigration agents have also fired tear gas, joined car chases and shot at least one person in areas nearby schools, prompting campus lockdowns and alarm among students, their parents and school staff. After taking office, the Trump administration abandoned previous policy to prevent enforcement operations near so-called sensitive areas such as school campuses. Homeland Security has repeatedly stressed that schools are not being targeted in the operations, but ICE and border patrol officers have been blitzing neighborhoods close enough to schools to derail schedules with fears that student enrollment will drop entirely, according to educators speaking to the newspaper. open image in gallery The Trump administrations surge of federal agents, pictured outside a school in Chicago, has prompted campus lockdowns and alarm among students and families who fear arrest and other disruptions. ( REUTERS ) Taken in total, this enforcement activity is injecting chaos and trauma in the lives of children regardless of their immigration status, more than 70 Democratic members of Congress wrote to Education Secretary Linda McMahon last week. It is undeniable that it will have a harmful and lasting impact on whole communities of school aged children. Last month, another group of Democratic senators blasted the administrations alarming lack of care or regard for the health and wellbeing of children, particularly by conducting unfocused, inflammatory operations within close proximity of school grounds. Teachers are reporting anxious, depressed and scared students who worry that their parents might be arrested, while school administrators and teachers unions have distributed protocols for interacting with federal agents. Volunteer groups of parents are also patrolling nearby campuses to keep on the look out for federal officers, while students themselves have walked out in protest of the raids. open image in gallery Hundreds of students joined walkouts at East Mecklenburg High School in protest of border patrol operations targeting undocumented immigrants in Charlotte, North Carolina ( Getty Images ) In Charlotte, roughly one in five students was absent across the district over the last week as ICE and border patrol surged into the city. Members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Association of Educators reported heartbreaking stories of their students arriving on campus, according to union president Amanda Thompson. A child arriving with a handwritten tag saying I am a US citizen. A parent messaging the school saying, My child is carrying their passport today to school, Thompson said during a recent board meeting. From what I've seen in the last couple of days, the atmosphere in our schools has felt different, almost like a quiet tension hanging in the air, added Providence High School senior Lucy Silverstein. Some hallways that are normally loud and full of life have felt unusually still. Charlotte-area middle school teacher Justin Parmenter, who wrote signs for his classroom reading You belong here! in English and Spanish, told The Washington Post that people know that schools are not safe just because theyre schools. Federal agents arrested more than 250 immigrants in Charlotte within a week during the administrations latest blitz. Following the first weekend of arrests, roughly 30,000 students were absent in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district. Last week, 20 of Parmenters 22 homeroom students were in attendance up from nine earlier in the week, he told the newspaper. Trauma doesnt just go away on its own, he added. Even though in some ways we will get back to normal, I think a lot of the uncertainty and fear will persist. open image in gallery More than 30,000 students were marked absent in the days after the launch of an immigration enforcement blitz in Charlotte this month. ( Getty Images ) Roughly one in four children in the United States about 16 million kids have at least one immigrant parent, according to the Urban Institutes most recent analysis of Census data. Another 2.5 million children are immigrants themselves, according to the report. The landmark Supreme Court decision in Plyler v Doe effectively blocked schools from turning away kindergarten through 12th-grade students based on their immigration status. But Republican state lawmakers in states such as Oklahoma and Tennessee have proposed legislation that would require school districts to report undocumented students, charge them to attend school, or deny enrollment altogether. Increased enforcement could also negatively impact physical and mental health outcomes among children in immigrant families, according to health policy and research group KFF. But the tension on school campuses over ICE arrests extends beyond immigrant families, with interruptions from nearby arrests and other enforcement actions threatening their health and wellbeing, KFF found. Decreased enrollment and chronic absenteeism after spikes in immigration enforcement could lead to decreases in school funding under plans that rely on attendance-based models to determine how funds are distributed to districts, including in states like California and Texas, which have the largest shares of school-aged children living in immigrant families. In Texas, a middle school for newly arrived children recently closed because it no longer had enough students news that the White House celebrated as proof the Trump agenda is delivering. 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 Nursing organizations are deeply concerned after the occupation has been excluded by definition as a professional degree by the Department of Education. The decision is part of the sweeping cuts to student loans, overseen by Education Secretary Linda McMahon, laid out in President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The move has alarmed nursing organizations, which warned that limiting student nurses access to funding threatens the very foundation of patient care. Trumps signature legislation, which was signed into law earlier this year, eliminates the Grad PLUS loans used by many students to pay for grad school, and puts a cap on the amount they can borrow. Under Trumps bill, only professional degree students are eligible for the higher loan limit of $200,000, while graduate students are capped at $100,000. Excluding nursing by definition as a professional degree effectively prices aspiring nurses out of their studies, campaigners warned. open image in gallery Nursing has been excluded as a professional degree by Linda McMahons Department of Education as it looks to implement sweeping cuts to student loads laid out in President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act (file image) ( AFP via Getty Images ) Nursing is the backbone of the healthcare structure in the United States, Dr Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nursing Association, told NewsNation. We are short tens of thousands of nurses and advanced practice nurses already. This is going to stop nurses from going to school to be teachers for other nurses. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing is also calling on the Department of Education to reverse the decision. Excluding nursing from the definition of professional degree programs disregards decades of progress toward parity across the health professions and contradicts the Departments own acknowledgment that professional programs are those leading to licensure and direct practice, the organization said in a statement. Should this proposal be finalized, the impact on our already-challenged nursing workforce would be devastating, the statement added. Mary Turner, RN, president of National Nurses United, told The Independent that the Trump administrations priorities were at odds with the needs of nurses and patients. If the Trump administration truly wanted to support nurses, it would be working to improve working conditions, expanding education opportunities, and ensuring patients can get health care, Turner said. Instead, this administration is stripping nurses of their union rights, making education harder to access, and cutting health care for those who need it most. Nurses earn $45 per hour on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, Trumps bill provides more than $1.5 trillion in tax cuts for the top 5 percent of Americans, the Center for American Progress found. The Education Department brushed off concerns over the future of nursing as fake news and accused the nursing organizations of having had an unlimited tuition ride on the taxpayer dime. open image in gallery The move has alarmed nursing organizations, which warned that limiting student nurses access to funding threatens the very foundation of patient care ( Getty Images ) The Department has had a consistent definition of what constitutes a professional degree for decades and the consensus-based language aligns with this historical precedent, the departments press secretary for higher education Ellen Keast told Newsweek. The committee, which included institutions of higher education, agreed on the definition that we will put forward in a proposed rule, Keast continued. Were not surprised that some institutions are crying wolf over regulations that never existed because their unlimited tuition ride on the taxpayer dime is over." The Department of Education did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment. An entire four-year bachelor of science in nursing program can range from $89,560 to $211,390, including tuition, housing and other fees, according to NurseJournal. Nursing wasnt the only casualty of Trumps spending bill. Physician assistants, physical therapists, educators, social workers, audiologists, architects and accountants were also on the list of degrees that were not classed as professional by the Trump administration. Programs deemed professional by the department were medicine, pharmacy, law, dentistry, osteopathic medicine, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic, veterinary medicine, theology, and clinical psychology. Can someone explain how a theologian is considered more professional than a nurse practitioner? Amy McGrath, a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky, asked on X. As part of the Big Beautiful Bill the Department of Education just proposed a reclassification of a professional degree, and it means fewer students will qualify for the higher loan limits they need for grad school, she said. Programs being excluded include many fields dominated by women like healthcare, counseling, and social work. This isnt a coincidence. This is a way to quietly push women out of professional careers. The new measures are due to be implemented beginning July 1, 2026. 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 survivor of a snowstorm in Chile has spoken of his feelings of guilt and shock over the death of his friend who died that day alongside four other people. Victoria Bond, 40, from Cornwall, was among five people found dead last Tuesday after winds of over 120mph hit the Patagonia region in Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile. Christian Aldridge, 41, from Newquay in Cornwall, was with Ms Bond and three other British friends hoping to complete the O Circuit hiking trail. The five were part of a larger group of around 30 hikers who faced the storm that was equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane. open image in gallery Chilean rescue teams searching for the missing tourists after the snowstorm ( via REUTERS ) He told Sky News how he became separated from Ms Bond, but later managed to find some of the rest of the group. At base camp, they realised some members were missing and organised a search party. The volunteer rescuers found three bodies. We're relieved to be alive, of course, but devastated because we've lost one of our best friends and one of the most amazing people I've met, he said. "And we're all carrying around with us a huge amount of grief, shock and guilt. We keep replaying everything that happened that day and asking, what could we have done differently? And it's overwhelming and it still doesn't feel real." Mr Aldridge added: "They recovered one of [the hikers] and she was still alive at the time and brought her down on a homemade stretcher that the rest of us in the camp made from sleeping mats, polystyrene and walking poles. "There were fortunately medics in these volunteer groups, but unfortunately she went into hypothermic cardiac arrest. She was shocked twice and they worked on her for an hour, but she didn't make it through." open image in gallery Christian Aldridge became separated from the group ( Sky News ) Along with Ms Bond, two German and two Mexican citizens died, according to Chilean authorities. Adam Walker, a friend of Ms Bonds, described her death as utterly heartbreaking. Mr Walker said: Victoria was one of those rare people who made everything brighter just by being there. Kind, passionate and full of warmth, she was a little bundle of infectious energy and you couldnt help but be lifted by her presence. 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 Europe is taking baby steps towards walking away from America and ending the Russian threat against its democracies. Tuesdays meeting of the coalition of the willing, joined by Natos Mark Rutte, is further evidence of that. But the time has come to take giant leaps for mankind. The first move is immediate Nato membership for Ukraine, for Georgia and for Bosnia-Herzegovina. The idea would probably be vetoed immediately by the US, along with Hungary and Slovakia, which are run by pro-Putin autocrats. But a non-Nato, Nato-style alliance of the West would be a powerful entity that would give Putin pause for thought if it acted together and with the sort of confidence the Kremlin has shown on the world stage. From Vladimir Putin down, Russians believe in their deepest core that the West is their enemy. His followers, and his useful-idiot supporters in the West, further believe that Nato has advanced into the east of Europe, once dominated by the Soviet Union, by underhand means on its march towards Moscow. open image in gallery From left: Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz during the G20 summit in South Africa on Saturday ( PA ) That is rubbish of course. Former Eastern bloc nations emerged from Soviet vassalage as democratic countries and freely joined a military alliance to prevent Russia invading them again. But Russians dont believe that. So it doesnt matter if Nato proves their point by bringing the frontline states with the Russian federation under its umbrella. Ukrainian officials meeting US counterparts in Abu Dhabi are desperate to ensure lasting security guarantees. Doing so will also tip the balance away from an entirely Russian perspective on how to end the war towards what Ukraine and its European allies want. Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is a bare-faced attempt to strip the nation of its sovereignty. It has nothing to do with protecting Russian speaking people there we know this because most of the civilian deaths and almost all of the destruction has been committed by Russia against Russian-speaking people in Ukraines east. America under Trump has shown a heavy pro-Russian bias and has also torn up the multilateralism that has helped underpin the US role as the leading nation of the free world. But that role is fast diminishing. Lately, the G19 meeting in Johannesburg which would have been the G20 if the US had bothered to turn up issued a communique that boosted renewable energy, equitable mineral deals and debt relief for developing countries which Trump absolutely hates. Meanwhile at Cop30, though weakened by Trumps boycott of all such events, the UK, Europe and many others managed to agree to stick to addressing global efforts to meet the dangers of climate change. open image in gallery US secretary of state Marco Rubio, right, and Ukraines chief of staff Andriy Yermak, hold a press conference following their talks on Sunday ( AFP via Getty ) And while the US wants to see Russia return to the G8 as a result of a peace deal in Ukraine, others are not keen. At the moment, I cannot see that among the six members of todays G7 who are not America, there is a willingness to readmit Russia to this group, Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor said. Europe, Ukraine, Canada and other genuine allies of Kyiv are massaging and bending a weird peace proposal that may have been written in the US, but shows every sign of being a Kremlin document. They talk, as Sir Keir Starmer has, of the proposal needing more work. Meanwhile a European proposal for a ceasefire, not a final peace agreement, has been circulated. Theres no money in it for the Trump administration or his US friends, it guarantees future talks on the basis of where the front lines now are, and above all guarantees the future security of Ukraine. The Russians tersely dismissed the plan as completely unconstructive, but Trump insisted the signs are hopeful. Its not clear whether the 47th president was even aware of the Russian-American 28-point plan conceived by his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, his chief envoy. So it is not clear if hes behind the emerging European and Ukrainian ideas either. Outside America, there is need and an intent to make sure Russia doesnt leave its Ukraine adventures with any sense of a win. Trump has signalled that as Russia has fought hard it should keep what it has stolen so far. But there is a powerful alternative. open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky attends a joint press conference with Turkeys president in Ankara on 19 November ( AFP/Getty ) The combined size of the economies of Nato nations minus the US, Hungary and Slovakia is over four times that of the Russian Federation. It spends 3.5 to 4 per cent more on defence than the Kremlin. This bloc could muster about 3.2 million troops vs Russias 1.5 million. This is a massive amount of power for an alliance to wield and far beyond anything that Russia could resist. Finland has joined Nato to stop Russia doing a Ukraine, or Georgia, on it. Having both of those nations inside a Nato tent, or one that is very similar and has mutual defence sown into it, is a means by which the West can bolster its security without an immediate need for massive new spending. Georgia and Ukraine have Russian forces occupying chunks of their territory. The Kremlin would think twice about moving forwards if they risked attack by the aircraft and long range missiles of the biggest, richest, and best equipped military and economic bloc on the planet. As Europe gets its ceasefire proposal off the ground, it needs a threat that will shake Putin. A Nato-style defence pact would do that. Better still if it were quickly agreed it would put the Kremlin on the back foot. Of course Russia can, does, and will threaten to use nuclear weapons. Let it. Wherever they stand, neither China nor the US would be prepared to see the Kremlin use even battlefield nuclear weapons. Moscow would risk annihilation. Europe and its allies dont need America to see off the threat from Moscow. It has the troops, the money and the military it just needs to show it has courage, and conviction, to step into history. 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 Climate activist Greta Thunberg was banned from Venice for 48 hours and fined 132 after she and fellow Extinction Rebellion activists dyed the Grand Canal green in a protest over the weekend. Thirty-five other activists received the same punishment. The activists said they used an environmentally harmless dye to draw attention to the massive effects of climate collapse. The protest took place to coincide with the conclusion of the Cop30 United Nations climate conference in Brazil. The group also displayed a banner reading Stop Ecocide from the Rialto Bridge and staged a flash-mob in which protesters, dressed in red with veils over their faces, walked slowly through crowds of tourists. open image in gallery People enjoy a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, where the canal's water was dyed green ( Reuters ) Luca Zaia, governor of the Veneto region, criticised the action as a disrespectful act towards our city, its history and its fragility. He added: Its a gesture that risks having consequences for the environment. Some tourists, however, described the protest as legitimate and said it highlighted the failure of world leaders to tackle climate change effectively. Extinction Rebellion said similar demonstrations had taken place in ten Italian cities, including dyeing fountains in Genoa and Padova and rivers in Turin, Bologna and Taranto. The group criticised the Italian government, led by prime minister Giorgia Meloni, for opposing ambitious climate measures at Cop30. open image in gallery Greta Thunberg has been fined by authorities in Italy ( Reuters ) United Nations climate talks appeared to be nearing a conclusion after spilling into overtime, with a result likely to disappoint countries and advocates for stronger action to wean the world from the coal, oil and gas that is heating the planet. Several observers told the Associated Press that the general framework of a deal is formed, but some sticking points still remain. The deal informally is there from what we know, said former Philippines negotiator Jasper Inventor, now at Greenpeace International. Its a weak outcome. Cop30 President Andre Correa do Lago told Amazonia Vox Saturday morning that there is a deal that will take a while to explain because so much is in it. But a proposal for a road map to transition away from fossil fuels which more than 80 countries called for, as did Brazil's president will not be in there. Instead, a fossil fuel transition plan will be in a separate proposal issued later by do Lago's team that won't carry the same weight as a deal accepted by nations at United Nations conference. 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 Hopes of reaching a breakthrough in the war with Russia this week were quashed on Monday after a European proposal discussed by the United States and Ukraine was described by Moscow as completely unconstructive. Washington and Kyiv said in a joint statement they had drafted a refined peace framework after talks in Geneva on Sunday. Although there were no specifics, the dialogue received a cautious welcome from some of Ukraine's allies. However, the Kremlin said that the European counterproposal to a 28-point US peace plan for Ukraine was not helpful. "The European plan, at first glance ... is completely unconstructive and does not work for us," Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters in Moscow. But Ukraine's delegation to the talks with US officials in Switzerland was returning home on Monday to report back, president Volodymyr Zelensky said. US president Donald Trump hinted at new progress. open image in gallery US secretary of state Marco Rubio speaks to journalists in Geneva on Sunday ( Keystone/Martial Trezzini ) "Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Dont believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening," Trump claimed on Truth Social. It comes as it was mooted that Zelensky may travel to the US in the coming days as Ukrainian and US officials work to secure a peace deal before Thanksgiving on Thursday. The trip is dependent on how negotiations between US officials and their Ukrainian counterparts in Geneva are perceived to have gone, Ukrainian and US officials told CBS News. The US secretary of state Marco Rubio said the talks in Switzerland had been meaningful but warned the two sides were still apart in terms of reaching a final agreement. I think this was a very, very meaningful I would say probably best meeting and day weve had so far in this entire process, going back to when we first came into office in January, he said. But theres still some work left to do and thats what our teams are going to be doing right now. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskys chief of staff, said: We have very good progress and we are moving forward to the just and lasting peace. The Ukrainian president said on Monday that he will continue to work with partners, including the US, on peace proposals as the second day of talks in Geneva got underway. We all continue working with partners, especially the United States, to look for compromises that will strengthen but not weaken us, Zelensky said via video link from Sweden, where he was attending a summit of countries seeking Russian withdrawal from Ukraines occupied Crimea peninsula. open image in gallery Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House in February ( Getty ) Zelensky said Russia must pay for the war in Ukraine and that a decision on using frozen Russian assets was crucial. Right now, we are at a critical moment, he said. There is a lot of noise in the media, and all the political pressure, and even greater responsibility for the decisions ahead. The urgent talks come after the Trump administration announced its proposal to end the war in Ukraine, which would force Kyiv into giving up land while compensating the United States for upholding the peace. The 28-point plan, drawn up following talks between Washington and Moscow, offers a guarantee of US protection for Ukraine. In return, Kyiv must give up on its Nato ambitions and European allies agree not to station troops in Ukraine, rebuffing British-led plans to deploy international peacekeepers. The initial US plan has been widely criticised for favouring Russia. Ukraine would be reduced to Russias tethered goat if Trumps peace plan is implemented, according to a former head of MI6. Sir Alex Younger said the US presidents proposal was "lopsided" in favour of Russia and would "almost guarantee" another invasion of Ukraine by Putin. 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 Russian air defences intercepted multiple drones targeting Moscow and surrounding regions on Monday, just a day after a Ukrainian strike on a power station left thousands without heating outside the capital. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that eight drones were shot down en route to the city, with emergency services deployed to the sites. This followed an earlier statement from the Russian Defence Ministry, which claimed ten Ukrainian drones had been downed across three regions Moscow, Kaluga, and Bryansk, which borders Ukraine. The Monday attacks occurred in the wake of a Ukrainian drone strike on Sunday against the Shatura Power Station, located approximately 120 km (75 miles) east of Moscow. This assault resulted in heating being cut off for thousands of residents in the town of some 33,000 people, where temperatures were near freezing. Authorities were forced to activate backup power and deploy mobile heating systems to mitigate the impact. open image in gallery Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that eight drones were shot down en route to the city, with emergency services deployed to the sites ( REUTERS ) Such incidents reflect a pattern of escalating attacks on critical infrastructure. Ukraine has endured repeated power and heat outages due to Russian assaults since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Conversely, Ukrainian forces have also targeted power and heating facilities in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine and within Russia's own border regions. But Kyiv has thus far not inflicted major damage on electricity and heat stations serving Moscow and the surrounding region, which has a population of more than 22 million. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has said that big progress is being made in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. open image in gallery A person stands by an emergency vehicle as fire and smoke rise around the Shatura Power Station in Shatura, Russia, after Ukrainian drones struck the facility early Sunday ( via REUTERS ) Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine? he wrote in a post on Truth Social on Monday. Dont believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA! It comes as European leaders discuss a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine after the White House made major revisions and clarifications to its 28-point peace plan. 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 Irish Defence Forces personnel guarding a US military aircraft at Shannon Airport drew their weapons after three pro-Palestinian activists allegedly breached security. The protesters sprayed the plane with green paint, a court heard at a special sitting of Ennis District Court on Sunday, the Irish Times reported. Detective Garda Colm Moriarty said the Boeing 737-700, operated by the US Navy Reserve, sustained criminal damage during what he described as a planned and premeditated incursion early on Saturday. Kaspar Aiden Cantwell Strattra, 23; Emily Cathcart, 23; and Conan Kavanagh, 23 are all charged with criminal damage to the US aircraft on November 22. open image in gallery Birds eye view of Shannon Airport They also face charges of damaging an airside vehicle barrier and trespassing on the main apron and a taxiway. After being charged and cautioned at Ennis Garda station, Moriarty said Cantwell Strattra replied: The use of Shannon Airport by the US military breaks Irish neutrality. The US is a belligerent power complicit in the genocide of Palestinians. Outlining the states case, Moriarty said it is alleged that at about 9.30am on Saturday, a Ford Transit van forced its way through an airside barrier before travelling at speed along the runway to taxi 11, where the US military aircraft had been parked overnight. Gardai and Defence Forces personnel had been deployed to protect the aircraft. Moriarty said: The van was pursued by airport police and was stopped at the side of the parked US aircraft. The members of An Garda Siochana called for assistance from the Defence Forces. He continued: The Defence Forces had their weapons drawn briefly until the situation was under control. The Defence Force members assisted An Garda Siochana in apprehending the suspects. He told the court the van had been modified so the accused had secured themselves into the van by putting chains and barriers in the doors and the windows. Two of the suspects were in the rear and a hole had been cut in the roof, he said. Moriarty said it is alleged that as gardai and Defence Forces personnel attempted to enter the van, two people emerged through the hole in the roof and sprayed green paint from a modified fire extinguisher on to the plane. During the 75-minute bail hearing, Moriarty said officers and soldiers required assistance from the airport fire brigade to break open the van. Gardai later seized tools including spray paint, a lump hammer, a battery console and heavy-duty chains. Judge Marie Keane remanded all three in custody with consent to bail to appear via video link before Ennis District Court on Tuesday, November 25. 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 Donald Trumps latest plan to end the war in Ukraine came as a shock to Kyivs international backers after 10 months of trying to negotiate careful compromise. The 28-point plan seems to cater to Russias hardline positions, offering Ukraine very few of the security guarantees it says it needs to ensure a lasting peace. Britain, France and Germany were left out of the conversations that produced the US proposal for peace but within hours, the E3 nations had pulled together a counteroffer. The clock is ticking for Ukraine to come to some agreement by Thursday. Europes response needed to come soon, and it needed to show that they were still playing on Mr Trumps terms. By Sunday, a revision had emerged. It took the US plan as its basis and made steady amends, with several notable differences. open image in gallery The E3 leaders spoke on Saturday before a draft peace plan emerged on Sunday ( PA Wire ) There is still little tangible detail on Ukraines security guarantees at this stage. However, the new offer makes more room for Nato in Ukraines future a worry for Russia which has become a no for Washington. Europes plan says that Ukraine joining Nato would depend on consensus among members, which it acknowledges does not currently exist. Nato would agree not to permanently station troops in Ukraine in peacetime, but space is apparently left for the so-called coalition of the willing to have more involvement. Under the US proposal, Ukraine would have to bind itself constitutionally not to join Nato. Ukraine also could not have any Nato peacekeepers on the ground. European leaders left unchanged the item about Ukraines eligibility for EU membership. They did remove the point that there would be an expectation that Russia would not invade its neighbours. They also appear to have taken out the clause writing off the security guarantees if Ukraine launches a missile at Moscow or St Petersburg. open image in gallery Russia has stuck firm to its maximalist demands from Ukraine after nearly four years of fighting ( Ukrainian 24th Mechanised brigade ) The language on Ukraines rebuilding is firmer. The new proposal says Ukraine must be fully reconstructed and compensated financially, including through Russian sovereign assets. The point on the US receiving profits from an investment programme appeared to have been left out in the revision. The proposal is otherwise keen to continue with non-proliferation, directed at both Ukraine and Russia. One slight amendment is to cap Ukraines military at 800,000 around the size it has now instead of the 600,000 proposed by the US. The European deal leaves untouched the US proposals on returning all civilian detainees and hostages, and the family reunification programme. The Trump proposal had called for Ukraine to hold fresh elections 100 days from signing an agreement. The European proposal is more flexible, stating that it occur as as soon as possible. For Volodymyr Zelensky, the pressure is ramping up after Mr Trump said on Friday that he expected Ukraine to agree to a deal by next Thursday. He said the terms were not final, and that the deadline could move if he sees signs of progress. Marco Rubio, his secretary of state, may have bought some time on Sunday, emerging briefly from a meeting with the Ukrainian delegation in Geneva to say the summit had constituted the most productive day in a very long time. open image in gallery Britain, France and Germany have offered public support to Ukraine since the invasion ( PA Wire ) I feel very optimistic that we can get something done, Mr Rubio said, offering very little information on what was discussed. He also downplayed Mr Trumps deadline, saying simply that officials want to see fighting stop as soon as possible and that officials could keep negotiating Monday and beyond. He said that higher-level officials may eventually have to get involved. Mr Rubio noted that any final product, once it is ready, will still have to be presented to Moscow: Obviously, the Russians get a vote here. 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 Trump administration proposal to end the war in Ukraine would force Kyiv into giving up land while compensating the United States for upholding the peace. The 28-point plan, drawn up following talks between Washington and Moscow, offers a guarantee of US protection for Ukraine. In return for Kyiv must give up on its NATO ambitions and European allies agree to not station troops in Ukraine, rebuffing British-led plans to deploy international peacekeepers. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said he would work with the US on their vision and talks are reportedly due to take place in the last week of November. The plan is still only a framework but initial impressions show a proposal leaning heavily in Russias favour. Below we look at the details that have been revealed so far. open image in gallery Donald Trump meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in October ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Here is Trumps proposal, verbatim: 1. Ukraines sovereignty will be confirmed. 2. A comprehensive non-aggression agreement will be concluded between Russia, Ukraine and Europe. All ambiguities of the last 30 years will be considered settled. 3. It is expected that Russia will not invade neighbouring countries and NATO will not expand further. 4. A dialogue will be held between Russia and NATO, mediated by the United States, to resolve all security issues and create conditions for de-escalation in order to ensure global security and increase opportunities for cooperation and future economic development. 5. Ukraine will receive reliable security guarantees. 6. The size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be limited to 600,000 personnel. 7. Ukraine agrees to enshrine in its constitution that it will not join NATO, and NATO agrees to include in its statutes a provision that Ukraine will not be admitted in the future. 8. NATO agrees not to station troops in Ukraine. 9. European fighter jets will be stationed in Poland. open image in gallery The proposal to end the war mirrors a similar deal to end the war in Gaza, and comes after talks between Washington and Moscow ( REUTERS ) 10. The U.S. guarantee: The U.S. will receive compensation for the guarantee; If Ukraine invades Russia, it will lose the guarantee; If Russia invades Ukraine, in addition to a decisive coordinated military response, all global sanctions will be reinstated, recognition of the new territory and all other benefits of this deal will be revoked; If Ukraine launches a missile at Moscow or St. Petersburg without cause, the security guarantee will be deemed invalid. 11. Ukraine is eligible for EU membership and will receive short-term preferential access to the European market while this issue is being considered. 12. A powerful global package of measures to rebuild Ukraine, including but not limited to: The creation of a Ukraine Development Fund to invest in fast-growing industries, including technology, data centers, and artificial intelligence. The United States will cooperate with Ukraine to jointly rebuild, develop, modernize, and operate Ukraines gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities. Joint efforts to rehabilitate war-affected areas for the restoration, reconstruction and modernization of cities and residential areas. Infrastructure development. Extraction of minerals and natural resources. The World Bank will develop a special financing package to accelerate these efforts. open image in gallery Independence Square in Kyiv, hit by a power outage amid talks of a peace deal ( AFP via Getty Images ) 13. Russia will be reintegrated into the global economy: The lifting of sanctions will be discussed and agreed upon in stages and on a case-by-case basis. The United States will enter into a long-term economic cooperation agreement for mutual development in the areas of energy, natural resources, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data centers, rare earth metal extraction projects in the Arctic, and other mutually beneficial corporate opportunities. Russia will be invited to rejoin the G8. 14. Frozen funds will be used as follows: $100 billion in frozen Russian assets will be invested in US-led efforts to rebuild and invest in Ukraine; The US will receive 50% of the profits from this venture. Europe will add $100 billion to increase the amount of investment available for Ukraines reconstruction. Frozen European funds will be unfrozen. The remainder of the frozen Russian funds will be invested in a separate US-Russian investment vehicle that will implement joint projects in specific areas. This fund will be aimed at strengthening relations and increasing common interests to create a strong incentive not to return to conflict. 15. A joint American-Russian working group on security issues will be established to promote and ensure compliance with all provisions of this agreement. 16. Russia will enshrine in law its policy of non-aggression towards Europe and Ukraine. open image in gallery Russia has stepped up its attacks on Ukrainian cities while insisting readiness for peace talks ( AFP/Getty ) 17. The United States and Russia will agree to extend the validity of treaties on the non-proliferation and control of nuclear weapons, including the START I Treaty. 18. Ukraine agrees to be a non-nuclear state in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. 19. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant will be launched under the supervision of the IAEA, and the electricity produced will be distributed equally between Russia and Ukraine 50:50. 20. Both countries undertake to implement educational programs in schools and society aimed at promoting understanding and tolerance of different cultures and eliminating racism and prejudice: Ukraine will adopt EU rules on religious tolerance and the protection of linguistic minorities. Both countries will agree to abolish all discriminatory measures and guarantee the rights of Ukrainian and Russian media and education. All Nazi ideology and activities must be rejected and prohibited. 21. Territories: Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk will be recognized as de facto Russian, including by the United States. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia will be frozen along the line of contact, which will mean de facto recognition along the line of contact. Russia will relinquish other agreed territories it controls outside the five regions. Ukrainian forces will withdraw from the part of Donetsk Oblast that they currently control, and this withdrawal zone will be considered a neutral demilitarized buffer zone, internationally recognized as territory belonging to the Russian Federation. Russian forces will not enter this demilitarized zone. open image in gallery Under the proposal, Russia would lose its guarantees and the recognition of territory if it reopened attacks on Ukraine ( REUTERS ) 22. After agreeing on future territorial arrangements, both the Russian Federation and Ukraine undertake not to change these arrangements by force. Any security guarantees will not apply in the event of a breach of this commitment. 23. Russia will not prevent Ukraine from using the Dnieper River for commercial activities, and agreements will be reached on the free transport of grain across the Black Sea. 24. A humanitarian committee will be established to resolve outstanding issues: All remaining prisoners and bodies will be exchanged on an all for all basis. All civilian detainees and hostages will be returned, including children. A family reunification program will be implemented. Measures will be taken to alleviate the suffering of the victims of the conflict. 25. Ukraine will hold elections in 100 days. open image in gallery The Trump administration has presented a proposal to end the war seen to favour Russia ( Getty ) 26. All parties involved in this conflict will receive full amnesty for their actions during the war and agree not to make any claims or consider any complaints in the future. 27. This agreement will be legally binding. Its implementation will be monitored and guaranteed by the Peace Council, headed by President Donald J. Trump. Sanctions will be imposed for violations. 28. Once all parties agree to this memorandum, the ceasefire will take effect immediately after both sides retreat to agreed points to begin implementation of the agreement. 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 It may feel like a rip in the time-space continuum. On one side of the tear, theres a universe in which America is run by a wannabe king who uses the invasion of an ally as an opportunity for profit, who lies, cheats and backstabs his friends. On the other stand Americas closest comrades, insisting that Washingtons a force for good. There is only one reality, and it is time to confront it. America is no longer the leader of the West, let alone the rest of the world. Its got the biggest armed forces. It has the biggest economy and the widest cultural reach the world has ever seen. But its democracy is collapsing, and it has been captured by a cult of ignorant grifters. They are in bed with tech-bro fantasists who believe they can control the media and bend minds, while genetically engineering their way to a master class ruling the world as high-technocrats. Europes leaders gathered in Johannesburg for the G20 over the weekend. They went into huddles at the meeting to decide how to react to Donald Trumps latest pro-Russian plan for Ukraine to surrender, and American business (the Trump Organization?) to profit. The question they need to ask themselves is whether now is the time to stop bothering with the grovelling and flattery, in return for keeping the Toddler-in-Chief from throwing a king-sized tantrum? The answer, according to a senior Western source intimately involved in the real-world security of Europe and the UK, is to just tell him to f*** off. Sorely tempting, of course. open image in gallery Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last August. The new peace plan has been roundly criticised for favouring Russia ( AFP/Getty ) And the source is right to explain that the time is now overdue for Europe, Canada, the UK and many other allies to establish military and intelligence independence from the US. Why? Because the US is so busy eviscerating its own democracy that within a year, it will more closely resemble the Russia of Vladimir Putin than anything that would be recognised as a Western democracy. Trump has been defoliating every branch of Americas complex constitutional structures. The judiciary itself, the lawyers that serve it, the security and military forces, his Republican Party, the Federal Reserve bank and the media are all being turned to an authoritarian agenda that will endure among his heirs, political or personal. Trumps 28-point plan for peace in Ukraine was cooked up between Steve Witkoff, his envoy to the Middle East, and Moscow. Witkoff is witless. He uses his personal cell phone on trips to Moscow and Tel Aviv, where its contents are doubtless plundered in real time. His pro-Russian plan for Ukraine was agreed with Kirill Alexandrovich Dmitriev, a Russian businessman and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which has at least $10bn of Russian government funds to co-invest in the Russian economy. Dmitriev has been sanctioned by the US Treasury doing business with him is illegal for an American, but Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, was also there. open image in gallery Kirill Dmitriev talks to Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg in April this year ( Reuters ) The US side of this group was also behind the Gaza ceasefire deal. There has been no ceasefire in Gaza, but the deal, worked out with Israel but with no Palestinian participation, will (if it works) effectively outsource the Israeli occupation, or control over, Gaza to foreign armies with no long-term prospect of peace for either Israelis or Palestinians. No one is telling Trump that. For a sense of why not, heres part of what Witkoff said during a sycophantic show session of the US cabinet in August this year: Your team is nothing short of incredible, and theres only one thing I wish for, that that Nobel committee finally gets its act together and realises that you are the single finest candidate since the Nobel Peace this Nobel award was ever talked about, to receive that reward. Your success is game-changing out in the world today, and I hope everybody one day wakes up and realises that. Thank you, sir. Witkoff knows how to handle Trump, he thinks. By saying the 47th president is a finer candidate than Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Elie Wiesel and Mother Theresa, he hopes to ensure his role at the centre of things, no matter how little he comprehends of them. He also knows that, along with the flattery, Trump wants to see a profit. The Ukraine offer is for Putin to be given the pre-prepared defensive lines that Ukraine has built in its fortress belt in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson provinces without a shot being fired. In return, Ukraine will give up its long-range weapons, halve its armed forces, forever forsake joining Nato, and sign up to Belarus-style vassal status under the Kremlin. And the new bit of this old Russian set of demands is that American companies get 50 per cent of the profits from a $100bn reconstruction fund for Ukraine, using frozen Kremlin assets. Thats on top of the extortionate minerals deal that Zelensky signed with the Trump administration, which promises American control of 50 per cent of the profits from Ukraines as-yet-untapped mineral resources. open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky has been given until Thursday to sign up to a deal heavily favouring Russia ( AFP/Getty ) Both are great deals for Russia. And for Trumps industry buddies. Moscow smashes it, America rebuilds it, and Ukraine pays protection money to Washington forever. Trump has set next Thursday for Ukraine to sign up. Its unclear what the or else can be because the US no longer supplies Ukraine with weapons. Intelligence support does come from Washington but the European Union, the UK and others have been working hard to prepare Ukraine for when this flow of critical data is cut, because America cannot be trusted as an ally. Kaja Kallas, the former prime minister of Estonia, set out a route to a smarter way to deal with Trumps plan to profit from Ukraines surrender without ever mentioning Americas president herself. Our position has not changed. For any peace plan to succeed, it has to be supported by Ukraine, and it has to be supported by Europe. If Russia really wanted peace, they would have accepted the unconditional ceasefire offer already in March. Russias hybrid actions in Europe are increasingly brazen. Russia is committing state-sponsored terrorism, she said, adding that the EU, which has no forces, has many ways we can respond. One of these should be not to tell Trump to eff off. As every parent knows, when a toddler is heading into a tantrum, the best way to bring it back to reality is to ignore it. 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 will be reduced to Russias tethered goat if a peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump is implemented, according to the former head of MI6. Sir Alex Younger said the US presidents proposal was "lopsided" in favour of Russia and would "almost guarantee" another invasion of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin. The 28-point proposal would see Kyiv give up land while compensating the US for upholding peace. It would also see a formal end to Ukraines ambitions to join Nato and the European Union. In addition, European allies would agree not to station troops in the country, and limits would be placed on Ukraines military capabilities, according to the deal. open image in gallery Zelensky said compromises should strengthen not weaken Ukraine ( AFP via Getty Images ) The framework was criticised as being pro-Russian with Europe demanding amendments that took Ukraines red lines into account. Sir Alex, head of MI6 from 2014 to 2020, called for European countries stop dithering and stand shoulder to shoulder with President Volodymyr Zelensky. He told Radio 4's Today programme: We should be under no illusion: the original proposals are lopsided, essentially Moscow talking points, that would render Ukraine a tethered goat, a juicy target with little chance of defending itself. open image in gallery Critics have called Trumps proposal pro-Russian ( Getty ) The plans would "almost guarantee the war would restart because Russia would have engineered weakness that it would be bound to try to exploit". Sir Alex said it was "obvious" that Zelensky could not agree to such terms, instead it should be used as a "negotiating framework". He commended Trumps attempt to stop the killing but argued we have to make it less lopsided. In the end it is about an Ukraine that is sovereign and can defend itself and that is much more important. The idea that Ukraines army is limited to the point that it cannot defend itself is an absolute non starter. He noted that a critical weakness in the US approach is its uncritical acceptance that Russia is winning, he continued. The answer is more pressure on Russia not less. US secretary of state Marco Rubio said that tremendous progress had been made during discussions over the weekend. Europe demanded changes to the agreement, proposing that Ukraine be granted a larger military than under the US plan. open image in gallery Marco Rubio said tremendous progress had been made ( KEYSTONE / MARTIAL TREZZINI ) It asked that talks on land swaps should start from the frontline rather than a predetermined view of which areas should be considered Russian. In a statement on Monday, the White House said revisions and clarifications had been made to the agreement, recognising all of their [Ukraines] principal concerns. Ukraine reiterated its red lines including formal recognition of occupied territories, demands on limits to Ukraines military capacities and restrictions on future alliances. open image in gallery Alex Younger said that the plan left Ukraine exposed as a juicy target ( The Independent ) Ruslan Stefanchuk, the speaker of Ukraines parliament, said on Monday that membership of the EU and Nato must be considered part of security guarantees in any peace plan for Ukraine. We all continue working with partners, especially the United States, to look for compromises that will strengthen but not weaken us, Zelensky said on Monday, adding that the use of frozen Russian assets was crucial to talks. Right now, we are at a critical moment, he said. There is a lot of noise in the media, and all the political pressure, and even greater responsibility for the decisions ahead. 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 President Donald Trump has claimed that big progress is being made in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The US and Ukraine sought on Monday to narrow gaps in a peace plan proposed by Washington on Friday that was criticised as pro-Russian. European leaders have responded with a counter-proposal that reasserts Ukraines demands. It includes respect for Ukraines territorial integrity, freedom to advance its Nato ambitions and EU membership aspirations and maintain a large military to deter the threat of future Russian aggression. Several countries and high-profile individuals are involved in the discussions, which have resulted in public disagreements. The Independent looks at some of the key characters below. Kirill Dmitriev - blacklisted Kremlin official behind Trumps peace plan open image in gallery Kirill Dmitriev talks to US president Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff ( Reuters ) Dmitriev, the Harvard-educated CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), assumed the office of the special presidential envoy on Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation on 23 February this year despite having little diplomatic experience. The businessman and his organisation have been under US sanctions, effectively barring American citizens and companies from dealing with them, since 2022. The close ally of Vladimir Putin is not popular among other members of his inner circle, with reports that he has clashed with sidelined foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and presidential aide Yury Ushakov when they met with American officials in Saudi Arabia in February. Dmitriev has met several times with some of Trumps closest officials, including his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. He worked directly with Kushner during the first administration, coordinating with him during the pandemic on the delivery of RDIF-supplied ventilators to the US. It sparked concern among officials at the Treasury Department that the US might be violating its own sanctions, according to a senior US official. The businessman has appeared on various American television stations and at events including the World Economic Forum in Davos, to promote the strengthening of trade ties between the US and Russia. Dan Driscoll - The ex-soldier and Vances Yale classmate open image in gallery Army Secretary Dan Driscoll speaks at the America 250 celebration at Fort Bragg ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) A friend and former classmate of JD Vance from the vice presidents Yale Law School days, Driscoll who has a background in the US military and is the son of a Vietnam veteran has made a formidable name for himself in the current Trump administration as US army secretary. Driscoll served for three and a half years in the US Army, including a deployment in Iraq in 2009, leaving duty as a lieutenant. Despite little diplomatic experience, the former investment bankers background in politics includes an internship at the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. He has been directly involved in controversial deployments of the national guard across the US, and succeeded Kash Patel as the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. His high-level involvement comes amid a series of controversies and criticism surrounding secretary of war Peter Hegseth. Theres not a lot of trust in Hegseth to deliver these messages to key leaders, a source told Politico. There is more trust in Dan to do that right now. Experienced in drone technology, he has previously shown respect for Ukraines resourcefulness in deploying its relatively limited resources to come up with whatever they have to do to get to an outcome they need. Andriy Yermak - Zelenskys right-hand man at centre of scandal open image in gallery ( AFP/Getty ) President Volodymyr Zelenskys right-hand man is deeply unpopular in Ukraine, according to the Kyiv Independent. In recent weeks, he has faced calls to step down or be sacked over a corruption scandal. The Ukrainian politician currently serves as Zelenskys chief of staff and - in line with the unconventional career trajectories of other negotiators - has a background in film production. Pro-democracy watchdogs and lawmakers have implicated Yermak in a $100m energy scandal. Anti-corruption agencies have said he is not involved. In 2024, Time named Yermak as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He is a member of the highest command and control body for Ukraines armed forces, the headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Marco Rubio - Trumps secretary of state open image in gallery US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that progress is being made at the talks ( PA Wire ) The Republican politician represented Florida in the US Senate from 2011 to 2025. He is currently serving as US Secretary of State and played a leading role during Israel-Gaza ceasefire talks. Rubio has a colourful career history including serving in the House of Representatives in Miami and teaching at Florida International University as an adjunct professor, an appointment that was criticised at the time. Talks between Russia and Ukraine stalled earlier this year following a phone call between Rubio and Lavrov, during which the Russian diplomat is said to have infuriated Washington by making maximalist demands over ending the war. Close We are Russias next target warns Nato chief 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 Europe should prepare for a war like our grandparents endured and rapidly boost defence spending to deter the threat of Russia, Natos secretary general has warned. Speaking at a conference in Berlin, Mark Rutte said that Europe needed to be crystal clear that we are Russias next target - and that Nato is already in harms way. I fear that too many are quietly complacent. Too many dont feel the urgency. And too many believe that time is on our side. It is not. The time for action is now, he said. Allied defence spending and production must rise rapidly. Our armed forces must have what they need to keep us safe. His comments come as Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine sent an updated version of its 20-point peace plan to the US, with both parties to hold a call on Thursday to discuss the proposal. He said the US had discussed an idea to create a "free economic zone" in parts of eastern Ukraine where Kyiv's troops would withdraw, but that any territorial concessions would need to go to a referendum. 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 The biggest player in the international fight against Aids, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria has fallen short of its aims to raise $18bn, in order to save an estimated 23 million lives between 2027 and 2029. World leaders and ambassadors met on Friday in Johannesburg, South Africa to pledge money to the fund at the sidelines of the G20 summit. Every $1bn under the target represents potentially 1.3 million lives lost. So far the fund the fund has raised $11.34bn, leaving it almost is $7bn under target with some pledges still to come after the deadline. Its the first time the fundraising event has been held in Africa since the Global Funds founding more than 20 years ago. The UK announced its pledge of 850m to the fund on 11 November a fall from 1bn in 2022, despite co-hosting the fundraising event. The reduction, first reported by The Independent, comes as part of plans to shift money away from foreign aid to pay for defence. It came weeks before a tough UK Budget expected to bring tax rises. Sir Keir Starmer said: In todays volatile world, we must prioritise spending that makes a genuine difference and supports both growth at home and globally. That is why we will continue to support the Global Fund, whose work is at the cutting edge of fighting the worlds deadliest diseases. It is an investment in economic growth and stability, and a prime example of our modern approach to development. International development secretary Jenny Chapman said that, since 2002 when the Global Fund was founded, the UKs investment had, helped save over 70 million lives and reduce deaths from AIDS, TB, and malaria by 63 per cent. These are not just statistics, they represent families spared heartbreak, parents who can watch their children grow and communities strengthened by health and by hope, she told the summit. The US pledged $4.6bn (3.5bn) - a fall from its $6bn pledge in 2022, though some of this money was withheld after Donald Trump took office. The Independent has already discovered deaths linked to Trumps decision to withhold money from the fund, which was used to provide HIV services in lower-income countries. Director-general of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said, sudden and unplanned cuts to global aid would, imperil progress against global health in general and HIV, TB and malaria in particular. We have opportunities including new bed nets, new mosquito control technologies, new long-acting therapeutics and, in the near future, new vaccines for TB, he said, but there were also significant challenges including increasing drug and insecticide resistance and lack of access to health services. The Global Fund pays for insecticide-treated bed nets as part of the fight against malaria ( Getty ) The negotiations went up to the wire, with someone close to the process saying the fund was still waiting to hear from key donors as of Thursday evening. Some government pledges, including from Japan and France, will come in the coming weeks, which will increase the final total - but its uncertain by how much. France said it continued to be committed to working with the Global Fund and that its exact pledge would come after its budget had been debated in the national parliament. The fund could also receive further pledges from the private sector including pharmaceutical companies and philanthropists in the coming weeks - but these are likely to be in the millions, not billions of dollars unlike the biggest pledges from governments. Last time around, the fund set the same $18bn target but only managed to raise $14.8bn. Deputy Director of Global Health Policy at the Center for Global Development, Janeen Madan Keller, said: The results of the summit point towards a budget gap for the Global Fund over the next three years. One solution is for the Global Fund to radically rethink its funding model, by providing grants only to the poorest countries with the highest rates of disease and issuing loans to wealthier countries. She added the fund, must make tough cost-cutting decisions if it is to stand any chance of ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. said: Todays replenishment shows the world can still act togetherand when nations unite, lives are saved. It doesnt meet the level needed to turn the tide on AIDS, TB and malaria, but it keeps the door open. To end AIDS at home and abroad, we must rapidly reduce HIV transmissions everywhere. This article was produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project 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 Israeli forces on Sunday struck Lebanon's capital for the first time since June, killing Hezbollah's chief of staff Haytham Tabtabai. The attack on Beiruts southern suburb, the latest in an unending series of Israeli violations of its ceasefire with the Lebanese group, killed at least five people and injured 25, the countrys health ministry said. Smoke was seen rising in the busy Haret Hreik neighbourhood, with a video on social media showing dozens of people crowded around the target, a residential apartment building. The Israeli strike, which came almost exactly a year after the ceasefire came into effect, threatened an escalation just days before Pope Leo XIV was scheduled to visit Lebanon on his first foreign trip. We will continue to act forcefully to prevent any threat to the residents of the north and the state of Israel, defence minister Israel Katz said. The military instructed residents in northern Israel near the Lebanese border to continue with daily routines, indicating that it did not anticipate a response from Hezbollah. Hezbollah confirmed Tabtabai's death. The group was studying the matter of response and will take the appropriate decision", Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah's political council, said. "The strike on the southern suburbs today opens the door to an escalation of assaults all over Lebanon, he told reporters. open image in gallery Undated photo released by Hezbollah Military Media on Sunday shows chief of staff Haytham Tabtabai ( AP ) Ali Ammar, a Hezbollah parliamentarian, said the attack took place on a civilian area, which was void of any military presence. They want to take our weapons. But our weapons will not be taken," Maryam Assaf, who lives nearby and heard the strike, said. She said it "only gives us more determination, strength, and dignity. Lebanon's president, Joseph Aoun condemned the strike and accused Israel of refusing to implement its end of the ceasefire deal. He called on the international community to "intervene with strength and seriousness to stop the attacks on Lebanon and its people. Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon have intensified in recent weeks as Israel and the US have pressured Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. Israel asserts that the group is trying to rebuild its military capabilities. open image in gallery Civil defence workers inspect the damage after an apartment building is attacked by Israeli forces in southern Beirut ( AP ) Israel and Hezbollah have fought several wars over the years. The latest began on 8 October 2023, a day after Hamas attacked southern Israel, as the Lebanese militant group fired rockets into Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Israel launched a widespread bombardment of Lebanon last year that severely weakened Hezbollah, followed by a ground invasion. That war killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon, including hundreds of civilians, and caused an estimated $11bn worth of destruction, according to the World Bank. In Israel, 127 people died, including 80 soldiers. 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 Ride-sharing firm Bolt has slammed potential plans for a new "taxi tax" as "incredibly harmful" to the industry. The European app, a rival to Uber, voiced its concerns while trialling a new feature enabling drivers to set prices and negotiate with passengers. Bolt contends that such tax changes would disproportionately affect shift-based workers and vulnerable individuals dependent on taxi services. The Chancellor is reportedly considering a 20 per cent VAT on all private hire fares, aiming to raise funds for her autumn Budget, expected this Wednesday. Many cab drivers do not have to charge VAT on journeys because they are classed as self-employed and fall under the yearly earnings threshold. Kimberly Hurd, Bolts UK senior manager, told the PA news agency: If the Government does decide to enable a 20 per cent VAT on fares, itd be incredibly harmful and destabilising to the industry. That increase on fares directly increases the cost for passengers and hurts drivers livelihoods. She added that the punitive tax would fall hardest on passengers that rely on this essential service and drivers that rely on this as income. Ms Hurd said the threat of the proposals was a major driver of its decision to launch its Bolt Flex service, which it says is the first of its kind in the industry. The model lets drivers outside of London set their own trip prices and accept price offers from passengers, with a flat commission for each trip. Bolt said it meets demands from its drivers for more control over pricing, particularly for longer or more difficult trips. Uber has announced it will begin operating self-driving taxis in London from spring 2026 (Laura Dale/PA) ( PA Wire ) It also means passengers who are willing to pay more for a journey can bid a higher price and their trip is more likely to be accepted. Ms Hurd said the market self-regulates to avoid prices being set too high, but that testing of the model shows that its drivers are earning more from prices being set higher. Were seeing very minimal price increases were not seeing decreases, she told PA. But on the other side, what were seeing is drivers saying that theyre earning over 25 per cent more on Flex, and theyre seeing 14% more orders coming in every hour. She added that it was seeing passengers and drivers setting their prices a bit higher. The feature is currently being trialled in nine UK cities including Sheffield, Newcastle and Cardiff, and the company is looking to roll it out across the UK and potentially internationally in the future. It will not be available in London because of different regulations imposed by Transport for London. 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 An elderly cruise passenger is believed to have died after falling overboard on a Disney Cruise Line voyage to New Zealand. The 73-year-old from Melbourne, Australia, went missing from Disney Wonder at around 4.30am on Saturday. As part of the search and rescue efforts, crew used thermal imaging and surveillance cameras for more than five hours after the alarm was raised. The Disney cruise liner departed on 20 November for a five-day, one-way itinerary from Melbourne to Auckland. It was turned around in the Tasman Sea after the man was reported missing. Victoria Police told local news in a statement on Sunday: It is understood the man died after he jumped from a cruise liner into waters in the Tasman Sea on Saturday, about 4.30am. The police force is not treating the mans death as suspicious. Disney Wonder, with a capacity for over 1,750 guests, is expected to arrive in New Zealand a day later than scheduled as a result of the incident. Speaking to local media outlet 7News, passenger Mitch Talbot said: The captain came on and updated the boat and basically stated that there was someone, a passenger, who had fallen overboard ... (but) that they were unable to find them. It was quite sombre, and it was just a bit eerie for the rest of the day. A lot of the staff kind of took some time, he said. The Independent has contacted Disney Cruise Line for comment. In October, the mother of the five-year-old girl who fell overboard on a Disney cruise ship while posing for photos was told she will not face criminal charges. The family made headlines after the girls dad jumped 49 feet off the Disney Dream ship to save his daughter on 29 June. Prosecutors noted that the mother was supervising her daughter, and the girl did not sustain any injuries. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. 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 Machu Picchus position as Perus flagship tourist attraction is under strain amid a deepening dispute over control of the buses that carry visitors to the ancient Inca citadel. The standoff recently stranded some 1,400 tourists and prompted authorities to deploy emergency evacuation trains. For three decades, Consettur has operated the 20-minute bus route from Aguas Calientes, transporting roughly 4,500 people a day to the mountaintop site. The alternative a steep two-hour hike is unfeasible for most visitors. But Consetturs long-held licence expired in September, opening the door to a rival operator, San Antonio de Torontoy, and igniting a fierce backlash from local groups who claimed the bidding process lacked transparency. Cristian Alberto Caballero Chacon, Consetturs head of operations, acknowledges recent tensions, saying there have been some conflicts between people from different communities here. Protesters blocked the railway leading into Aguas Calientes, forcing officials to clear the tracks and evacuate stranded travellers. Aguas Calientes is a remote, roadless town accessible mainly by train, making it the crucial transit point for visitors heading to Machu Picchu. Buses there help travellers avoid a steep, multi-mile uphill hike to the site. Recent protests disrupted this system by blocking the train tracks, the only practical link to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, even prompting a US travel alert. The dispute erupted on 14 September, soon after the authorities revoked Consetturs 30-year concession to run the Machu Picchu shuttle buses, and awarded it to San Antonio de Torontoy, the rival operator. The decision triggered clashes among local tourism businesses, leading to blockades and a suspension of services that stranded hundreds of international visitors in Aguas Calientes, the remote mountain town that serves as the gateway to the 15th-century Inca site. Several locals argued that Consettur had enjoyed a de facto monopoly for years, and that power was simply shifting to another exclusive operator. Tickets for the lucrative bus trip cost $24 for foreigners and $15 for Peruvians. open image in gallery File. A view of the Machu Picchu complex ( AFP/Getty ) Amid ongoing legal challenges, Consettur continues to run its fleet while San Antonio de Torontoy awaits final approval. The owners of the business have been running the company for the past 30 years, and they are people who come from around here, Mr Caballero was quoted as saying by the BBC. This is not a monopoly. Consettur is made up of 12 different companies with various partners, including the district council, which holds a 38 per cent stake, he added. The tensions unfolded against a backdrop of high visitor costs and uneven distribution of tourism revenue. Travellers must first take a train to Aguas Calientes a journey costing between $140 and $2,000 before paying a $57 entrance fee to the site. Nick Stanziano, the Lima-based CEO of tour operator SA Expeditions, which runs regular hiking trips to Machu Picchu, told Outside magazine that Peru walks a fine line between respecting Indigenous forms of social organisation and balancing them with modern structures of municipal civil society and private industry. He added: This tension has long shaped decision-making at Machu Picchu, but the latest conflict reveals a deeper issue. Overlapping local and regional interests continue to insert themselves into the management without the technical expertise or long-term planning such a responsibility demands. open image in gallery Tourists visit the Machu Picchu complex ( AFP/Getty ) Australian tourist Annalise Jaksic said: We thought it was one train and we thought if there was any more transport to get up there it would all be included. Her friend Todd Carland added that securing entry tickets was a nightmare for us. Local officials share these frustrations. Aguas Calientes mayor Elvis La Torre says only 10 per cent of entrance-ticket revenue stays in the region, arguing that more funding is needed for infrastructure and basic services. Back in Aguas Calientes, Mr Caballero says Consettur is open to coexistence with San Antonio de Torontoy. If they are given the final approval we dont have a problem with working with them. We wont stop them. Meanwhile, Jean-Paul de la Fuente, the director of the New 7 Wonders of the World organisation, earlier noted: The situation at Machu Picchu has been brewing for many years, and we have been following it with concern. Over the past five years, we have presented concrete proposals to the Peruvian authorities for a comprehensive solution Unfortunately, nothing happened, and, as always, when you pretend a problem doesnt exist, it only gets worse, he told Outside magazine. The bus turmoil unfolded the same week the New 7 Wonders of the World organisation warned that Machu Picchu risked losing its credibility as a world wonder. And Perus ministry of culture noted in a statement that Unesco is the only competent body to promote, worldwide, the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage considered to be of outstanding universal value to humanity. Im a Celebrity contestant Kelly Brook had to be reminded it was her birthday after getting the days mixed up on Sunday (23 November). The model and actor told fellow campmates, Its my birthday tomorrow! before being corrected by Jack Osborne. I honestly thought it was tomorrow! Jack even had to figure out when my birthday was. Is there nothing this guy cant do?! How am I gonna navigate life without him? she asked. Osborne also opened up on Sundays episode about the fresh grief hes experiencing four months after the death of his dad, Ozzy. 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 U.S. Navy destroyer-class vessel has been conducting military exercises in the Caribbean alongside several other American ships as the U.S. military continues to build its presence in the region. The USS Winston S. Churchill, an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer, was joined by Guyana Defence Force vessel GDFS Shahous for maneuvering drills and communication checks near Guyanas eastern coastline over the weekend, U.S. defense officials said, according to Defence Blog. It has been conducting missions in the region to track and disrupt maritime drug routes moving north in the direction of Central America and the U.S. The latest exercise allowed the crew to practice handling the ship and coordinating during drug-interception scenarios. open image in gallery The U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill has been carrying out missions against so-called drug boats ( AFP via Getty Images ) The USS Mahan, another Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, also undertook exercises with Guyanas navy on the weekend. Its deployment will be in support of the Southern Command as it continues its crackdown on drug trafficking in the region. U.S. officials say the deployments support Washingtons aim to prevent illicit drug trafficking, before Donald Trump is set to ramp up the pressure against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation on Monday. This entity, which Maduro leads, the U.S. government claims, is notably not considered a cartel in the traditional sense. But U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an earlier preview of the action, accused the Cartel de los Soles, also known as the Cartel of the Suns, of being "responsible for terrorist violence" across the Western Hemisphere. open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images ) The U.S. military has been destroying boats near Venezuela that Trump claims are operating as drug trafficking vessels. It has conducted bomber flights up to the coast of Venezuela, sometimes as part of a training exercise to simulate an attack, and sent the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford into the region. The Ford aircraft carrier and several destroyers were just the latest addition to the most significant U.S. force assembled in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela in generations. The Trump administration does not see Maduro, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S., as the legitimate leader of the South American country. International airlines are also increasingly canceling flights to Venezuela on Sunday, following the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's warning to pilots to use caution when flying in the country's airspace due to worsening security and heightened military activity. open image in gallery The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), a nuclear-powered supercarrier which is the largest aircraft carrier in the world, anchored in the Bay of Palma before it was deployed to Latin America ( JAIME REINA/AFP via Getty Images ) Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Airlines Association in Venezuela, said six carriers have indefinitely suspended flights from November 24 until November 28, including TAP, LATAM, Avianca, Iberia, Gol, and Caribbean. Turkish Airlines. The FAA warned pilots on Friday that unspecified threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes", as well as planes taking off and landing in the country and even aircraft on the ground. Guyana also has a recent history of tension with Venezuela, after Caracas claimed rights over the resource-rich Essequibo region and held a referendum in December 2023 on whether the region should become part of Venezuela, openly stating its intention to take control of it by force. Partner content From business giants to Hollywood greats, the London Stock Exchange bell has had its fair share of high-profile chimers. It was Junior Finance Minister Robert Troys turn, when he rang the bell to mark the inaugural Ireland Fintech Day on November 20. Banks will be forced to ensure the majority of homes and businesses have an ATM machine located close to them under a new law that is to come into force this week. Thousands overcharged on Ulster Bank mortgages yet to receive refunds One person who received call over matter thought it was a scam Stock image: Frank McGrath Charlie Weston Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Thousands of people who were overcharged when their mortgages were with Ulster Bank have yet to receive refunds. We want people to want a piece of what we are doing Voxpro founder Dan Kiely considers external funding for family investment office MASV Tech entrepreneur plays down AI bubble fears as he looks to build companies towards the 100m mark Dan Kiely Sean Pollock Sun 23 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Voxpro founder Dan Kiely is considering bringing external capital into his family investment office for the first time, as he kicks off a major push to help companies reach 100m valuations. This Working Life: I have over 400,000 TikTok followers now... if I do a collab I often buy new things for the school It was a racket. But it was a racket RTE started Myles Dungan on freelance contracts, losing Late Date and moving into fiction writing The broadcaster reflects on losing his father, some brutal episodes at school, and RTE Historian and broadcaster Myles Dungan. Photo: Mark Condren Donal Lynch Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 06:30 For the most part, Myles Dungan is reliably sardonic and self-deprecating. The writing of his excellent new novel, The Red Branch, a historical espionage thriller about Fenians who are at it again in 19th-century San Francisco, sprung from the joy of making shit up. Rupert Grint was cast as Ron Weasley in 2000 and played the young wizard in eight Harry Potter films Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint has said he will never get out of Ron Weasleys shadow. Grint (37) played the character in all eight Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011, adapted from JK Rowlings books. While the actor has since gone on to work on other projects, he says he thinks he will always be known as the red-headed wizard. I dont think Ill ever quite step out of his shadow, but Im fine with that, he told the BBC. I think its great. I love meeting people who really feel this was a part of their childhood. Asked whether he was sick of being known for a role he played as a child, he said: No, absolutely not. I love it. It has quite a deep meaning to a lot of people of my generation, and even more to generations who are finding it now. Its great. It gives me a lot of pride. It was such a huge thing. Grint was cast as Harrys best friend at age 11, alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. He was 22 by the time the franchises finale was released. It changed my whole life quite quickly, he said. I was a huge fan of the books, so for me it was like stepping into the books, and that was very special. His comments come ahead of the 2027 release of HBOs new Harry Potter adaptation. Following news that Radcliffe sent a letter to Dominic McLaughlin, the child actor taking on the role of Harry, Grint revealed he has done the same for Alastair Stout, who will play Ron. I wrote him a letter, before they started, passing the baton as it were, he said. It was really just wishing him all the best with it. I had so much fun stepping into this world, and I hope he has the same experience. I think its great that its a whole new thing. Its going to be its own thing, and I think that will be fun. When asked if he would ever return to the Harry Potter franchise, Grint said: Maybe in the future. Never say never. His co-star Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, recently returned to the role in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. But for now, I think as much as I loved it, Im enjoying stepping outside of that world, Grint added. Grint is one of several Harry Potter stars who, in 2020, distanced themselves from JK Rowling over her views on transgender issues. In recent years, Rowling (60) has been outspoken on her gender-critical views and praised three women who brought a UK Supreme Court case that led to a ruling excluding transgender women from the legal definition of a woman under the UKs Equality Act. In September, Watson insisted that she still treasures Rowling, despite publicly criticising her for her opinions. In response, the author dismissed her as ignorant and accused her of pouring petrol on the flames when she was suffering death threats. Grint declined to comment on the issue when asked. Daire Collinss superb bilingual documentary has enormous warmth and poignancy Tipperary man Mick Meaney, who was buried alive in a coffin for 61 days, is embraced by promotor Michael Butty Sugrue, who organised the stunt. Photo: TG4 That dream was crushed when a tunnel he was digging in London collapsed, injuring his hand and trapping him under rubble for hours. It was then that he had the idea to break the record for the most time spent buried alive in a coffin. Irish farmers cannot be sacrificed for German cars Sinn Fein Sinn Fein has warned that the ratification of the Mercosur trade deal could lead to a further decline in suckler cow numbers and significant job losses in agriculture Sinn Fein said negotiations are now over: the deal is final and will soon be voted on at an EU Council meeting. Photo: Stock image Catherina Cunnane Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Sinn Fein has warned that the ratification of the Mercosur trade deal could lead to a further decline in suckler cow numbers and significant job losses in agriculture. Members of the Irish Defence Forces tasked to protect a US military aircraft at Shannon airport drew their weapons briefly in response to an alleged planned and premeditated airport incursion by three pro-Palestinian activists, a court has heard. At a special late-night sitting of Ennis District Court on Sunday night, Det Garda Colm Moriarty told the court that a US military aircraft parked overnight at the airport allegedly sustained criminal damage when spray painted with green paint from a modified fire extinguisher on top of a modified van in a taxi area on the airfield at Shannon airport on Saturday morning. Sean McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates last summer to face charges of murder and directing a criminal organisation, has been granted legal aid to cover a team of four barristers by the Special Criminal Court. Man (21) cleared of murder of Josip Strok gets suspended sentence for assaulting Croatian man's friend Rafferty was found not guilty of the murder of Mr Druzinecs friend but two other men were convicted for beating him to death on a Dublin street Connor Rafferty Eoin Reynolds Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 17:43 An apprentice electrician who was cleared of murder has received a wholly suspended sentence for assaulting a man while two others beat that man's friend to death on a Dublin street. Exclusive | They thought they were gods. Untouchable killer Ruth Lawrence planned to flee to Peru with boyfriend while on the run in South Africa Rotten to the core couple were also investigated over alleged hostage incident in Neville van der Westhuizens homeland Double murderer Ruth Lawrence and killer ex-boyfriend were investigated over hostage situation while on the run from Gardai Robin Schiller Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Double murderer Ruth Lawrence was investigated over a hostage incident while on the run from gardai in which two people were held against their will and terrorised. They feared their little boy was going to die Child (8) waits nearly two hours for ambulance after suffering horrific injury He lost the run of himself man jailed for going on rampage through Dublin Airport and causing 9,400 worth of damage after missing flight Kaunietis was due to fly to Lithuania and was at the Ryanair gate at 7am but the gate was closedHe smashed computers and glasses from a nearby bar and rolled a barrel table down a walkway The court heard how Kaunietis was at a Ryanair gate at 7am intending to fly to Lithuania however missed his flight Eimear Dodd Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 18:26 A man who caused more than 9,400 worth of damage at Dublin Airport after he missed his flight has been jailed for one year. For Gods sake! Micheal Martin hits back at cheap criticism of his foreign travel from inside Fianna Fail The Taoiseach demanded to know who the whisperers were in his own party and said the media should not just "trot out" comments without substance Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin. Photo: PA Senan Molony in Luanda, Angola Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 14:37 The Taoiseach has rounded on domestic critics of his world travel and leadership performance as he flies home tonight from Angola, a day early. Rwandan genocide survivor says being in Ipas for almost a year is like prison Former journalist Seraphine Habimana dreams of a settled life and contributing to Irish society Seraphine Habimana Laura Lynott Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 06:30 A genocide survivor who previously graduated in Ireland has now been in the Ipas system for almost a year, describing life as like prison without a release date. Chinese premier urges China, Germany to strengthen dialogue, address concerns Xinhua) 11:11, November 24, 2025 Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday that the governments of China and Germany should make joint efforts to strengthen dialogue and communication, and properly handle their respective concerns. Li made the remarks when meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz here on the sidelines of the 20th Group of 20 (G20) Summit. Noting that China and Germany are each other's important economic and trade partners, Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 53 years ago, China and Germany have continuously strengthened dialogue and cooperation, which effectively promoted both sides' common development. Noting that in May, Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone call with Merz, charting the course for further deepening bilateral relations, Li said mutual respect is the principle guiding China-Germany relations, and win-win cooperation is their defining feature. Developing a stable, sustainable and high-quality all-round strategic partnership is in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, he said. China is willing to enhance strategic communication with Germany, adhere to respecting each other's core interests and major concerns, and cement the political foundation for the development of the bilateral relations, Li said. Li said he also expects the two sides to expand pragmatic cooperation in all fields, and continuously enrich the content of China-Germany relations. It is hoped that the German side will practice a rational and pragmatic China policy, Li said, expressing expectations for Germany's efforts to overcome obstacles and pressure when promoting bilateral ties, and focus on common interests and consolidate the foundation of cooperation. China is willing to work with Germany to seize development opportunities and exploit innovative cooperation with an open attitude, said the Chinese premier, envisaging cooperation progress in emerging fields such as new energy, intelligent manufacturing, biomedicine, hydrogen energy technology and intelligent driving, in order to promote industrial transformation and upgrades, and activate new cooperation impetus. Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), Li said he expects Germany to help the EU to view China-EU ties from a longer-term perspective, with a broader vision and a more open mindset. Li said he also hopes to see Germany's efforts to promote the EU to uphold the positioning as a partner of China, enhance dialogue and cooperation between the two sides, and jointly advance the common development and prosperity. China stands ready to work with Germany to enhance communication and coordination in mechanisms such as the United Nations and the G20, promote the improvement of global governance, safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and be a constructive and certain force for promoting peace and development, Li said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Sheng Chuyi) Nick Ferris: Lack of leadership was the ultimate stumbling block for Cop30 Saudi Arabia and others lobbied against roadmap to move away from fossil fuels while the US was not present People raise hands during the People's Plenary at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), in Belem, Brazil. Photo: Reuters Nick Ferris UK Independent Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Symbolism was everywhere as Brazils Cop30 drew to a close. First, there was the Africa Pavilion dramatically bursting into flames last Thursday afternoon, which along with the daily bursts of Amazonian rainfall that flooded a number of meeting rooms over the two weeks gave the impression that climate-induced extreme weather was right there in the room with us in Belem. The Finance Minister has to be an honest broker, who doesnt operate in a partisan way. Thats not possible when its a party leader The backlash from the public against the Taoiseach is nothing compared with the fire and fury being directed at him by the Fianna Fail grassroots. TDs and senators are saying they are getting it in the neck over the dissatisfaction with the handling of the Jim Gavin affair. The level of hostility is taking some by surprise, with calls for Martin to be gone as leader. Sean O Fearghail: Fianna Fails problems run much deeper than botched Aras campaign Party needs to learn from past errors, act fast and re-engage with young voters Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin with presidential candidate Jim Gavin Sean O Fearghail Sun 23 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Next year my party, Fianna Fail, will mark its 100th anniversary. Modern Ireland was shaped by the party founded by Eamon de Valera and Sean Lemass. By a margin of 0.6%, the Irish public voted to legalise divorce, ending a constitutional ban that had stood since 1937. For many, it was a moment of long-awaited progress. For others, it was the breaking point in a bitter national argument that pitted tradition against modernity. The campaign was divisive, personal, and often fraught. The Catholic Church warned of social collapse; campaigners on the Yes side argued that tens of thousands were trapped in broken marriages with no legal way to rebuild their lives. And in the background, a rapidly shifting Ireland, shaped by EU influence, economic change, and growing scrutiny of Church authority, was beginning to assert a new identity. The result came down to just 9,114 votes. Some still say a wet day in the west and a dry day in Dublin made all the difference. Thirty years on, with divorce rates still among the lowest in Europe, what did that razor-thin referendum really change? And how did it help set the stage for the Ireland we know today? Today on the Indo Daily, Kevin Doyle is joined by political correspondent John Downing to revisit the 1995 divorce referendum, its drama, its legacy, and its lasting impact on Irish society. Presenter Adrien Joveneau; with author and illustrator Nathalie Vessie, during filming on Garnish Island for popular Belgian show Les Belges du Bout du Monde. Picture: Tourism Ireland. Some 200,000 Belgians were exposed to the charm of Cork city and county on Sunday as a special episode of a popular cultural programme featuring the Rebel County was broadcast both on television screens and on the airwaves. The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has acknowledged that a lot more can be done to bring the number of patients on trolleys in hospitals down nationally as she warned underperforming hospitals that there are no excuses for recurring issues. Paddy Boyle and Rihanna Reynolds being awarded by Assistant Commissioner, Catharina Gunne. Photo: An Garda Siochana Donegal. A Donegal teenager who saved the life of a fisherman and a young girl who invented an ADHD support tool have been recognised for their remarkable contribution to local communities. An Garda Siochana recently held its annual National Garda Youth Awards which recognise exceptional young people aged 13 to 21 who have positively contributed to their community. This years event took place at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise and acknowledged the remarkable contributions of 25 recipients with two teenagers from Donegal being recognised. Paddy Boyle, a 15-year-old from Tory Island, was awarded a special recognition award after his brave actions that saved the life of a man whose fishing boat had capsized. While heading out to feed sheep, Paddy heard shouting coming from the direction of the cliffs. Using his quick thinking, he phoned his father to launch the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) after hearing the calls for help. Knowing that the Belfast Coastguard had been alerted, Paddy ran towards the sound, which had stopped and saw the fisherman clinging to the rocks. Risking his own safety, Paddy descended the steep, grassy cliff and pulled the fisherman halfway up into a safer position. Paddy Boyle being awarded by Assistant Commissioner, Catharina Gunne. He remained with the fisherman until two crew members arrived from a boat to assist. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said, This extraordinary act has boosted community morale and reminded everyone that age is no barrier to making a difference. Meanwhile, Rihanna Reynolds was awarded a Special Achievement award for her work in designing a tool for young people who have been diagnosed with ADHD. At a young age, Rihanna was diagnosed with behavioural conditions, including ADHD, which significantly impacted her education. During Transition Year, Rihanna completed Foroiges NFTE programme with support from her teacher and youth worker. During this time, she created a business selling a tool designed to help young people with ADHD identify and express emotions, activate coping strategies and seek support. Rihanna reached the competition final, presenting her work to a panel asking for advice and implementing feedback. Rihanna Reynolds being awarded a Special Achievement Award by Assistant Commissioner, Catharina Gunne. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said, Rihanna has become a role model in her school and community, speaking openly about her experiences and encouraging peers to access supports. Her progress has been recognised through her NFTE achievements, the respect of her teachers, and the positive influence she has on her peers. Rihanna has demonstrated remarkable personal growth, showing improved decision-making and problem-solving skills. She has shared her journey honestly, inspiring others to embrace support services and persevere through challenges. Speaking at the ceremony, Assistant Commissioner for Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Catharina Gunne, said; "All of the nominees and award recipients are to be commended for their dedication and commitment. "An Garda Siochana is delighted to be able to publicly recognise their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm. "Our communities are seeing the benefit of the contribution they are making. Each winner here today represents the very best of what young people in our communities can achieve. "They are all inspirational, said Assistant Commissioner Gunne. A drunk driver who struck a number of vehicles in Drogheda, some of which had children inside, has received a four-year suspended sentence at Dundalk Circuit Court. Raymond Skelly (35), Old Post Office Road, Lusk, Co. Dublin, pleaded guilty to charges of endangerment, dangerous driving and drunk driving on September 10, 2022, and to damaging a number of vehicles. Judge Dara Hayes remarked that it was an appalling litany of driving, causing damage to cars of innocent members of the public. The defendant crashed into a taxi on Shop Street resulting in a 1,000 repair bill and putting the taxi driver out of work. He drove the wrong way at Sunday's Gate, collided with a car causing 2,000 damage before coming to the attention of gardai at Trinity Street. At 12.20pm he was spotted exiting Aldi carpark onto Cement Road. He returned to Trinity Street where traffic was heavy. He was speeding in the middle of the road, colliding with vehicles on either side and taking off wing mirrors. One victim said she feared her baby would be killed from the impact. She screamed at Mr Skelly who told her to go away in no uncertain terms. The woman sustained a whiplash injury, while more than 5,000 damage was caused to her car. The defendant was insured, and following his arrest for drink driving provided a sample which showed an over the limit reading of 184mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. He was living out of his car at the time. He has previous convictions for driving and drug offences, but is now drug free. He suffered significant injuries in a 2014 road traffic collision. Judge Dara Hayes said what occurred constituted a spree of offending in the middle of the afternoon when Mr Skelly was many times over the the drink drive limit. He had not come to attention since and had taken steps in rehabilitation. He had turned his life around, according to the Probation Service. The judge said the suspended sentence represented a significant opportunity. The defendant was disqualified from driving for 5 years. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme The government has allocated no dedicated funding to Decarbonising Zones (DZs) since their announcement more than six years ago. Local authorities have sought specific financing for the programme, which is a mandatory element of each councils Climate Action Plan, for years, but a dearth of money means they have had limited impact. Under the governments Climate Action Plan 2019, councils were mandated to select an area of their county where methods to reduce carbon emissions are trialled, known as a Decarbonising Zone. These include energy efficiency, biodiversity and other low-carbon initiatives which, if successful, could be rolled out on a wider scale. Designated zones include the Aran Islands in Galway, the Dingle Peninsula in Kerry, and Ballymun and Ringsend/Poolbeg in Dublin. However, Dublins Regional Climate Action Coordinator, Sabrina Dekker, said measures within DZs are progressing at a glacial pace due to the lack of dedicated funding. "There is no money is the thing, she said. Theres no funding committed by government to help us deliver. The ambition of the DZs is kind of stuck, because theres no money. The Department of Environment points to existing government funding streams and EU grants to progress measures in DZs, but these pots of money are not dedicated to the initiative, so they merely spread existing funds thinner. "Theyre making the argument that the moneys out there, but thats money that they would have been able to access without having a DZ. Its not giving a priority to the area, Ms Dekker said. "The DZs are a nice idea on paper, but they do need funding. She said if the government wants to see delivery of climate objectives through local authorities, they need to provide specific funding and heavily involve communities in the decision-making process around how it is spent. "Its in the governments national Climate Action Plan, so it is a government ask of the local authority, she said, noting that more work should come with more money. Local authorities have been lobbying government extensively to get dedicated funds for their DZs, but so far to no avail. So, the project was announced, then handed to local authorities without any funding mechanisms in place, said Darby Mullen, Dublin City Council Senior Executive Engineer at a climate action meeting in September. "Ive said to [the government], if we dont get funding and this falls, itll be on the local authorities and not back on the department There was never any government funding made available through the project. Other local authorities confirmed that they have received no dedicated funding for their DZs either. A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment said there was a wide range of government funding programmes which deliver measures in DZs, citing the Community Climate Action Programme, Town Centre First scheme, Sustainable Energy Communities under the SEAI and active travel funding. EU grants such as ELENA energy efficiency funding are also available, they said. They also pointed to the funding of two climate posts in each local authority to oversee the implementation of climate action plans, and 11.7m for four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) around the country. In total, the department funded measures in local authorities Climate Action Plans to the tune of just over 5.5m last year, up from 4.7m in 2023 and 3.3m in 2022. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Eurovision winner, Fair City star and Rose of Tralee here are all the Dancing with the Stars contestants announced so far A man found guilty by a jury of seriously assaulting his then partner in a North Louth caravan park has been jailed for 18 months. Eamon Meehan (40), Herbert Street, Belfast, did not accept the jurys verdict, a sentence hearing at Dundalk Circuit Court has been told. Last May a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on a charge of assault causing harm at Maguires Caravan Park, Omeath, on April 10, 2022. During an alcohol and drugs fuelled incident, the defendant repeatedly banged the victims head. She described an horrific ordeal. Mr Meehans counsel said that he was an industrious man, determined to rebuild his life. Det Sgt John Brady said that on April 9, 2022, the couple and their child travelled together to Omeath to stay in the defendants caravan. The adults were drinking and taking cocaine throughout the night. An argument broke out at 7.30am the next morning and when the woman went to leave he grabbed her and repeatedly banged her head against a piece of furniture. Mr Meehan stopped when he realised the extent of her injuries. There was blood. He believed she had been knocked out. He drove the victim and their child to Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry. Once there, she told him to leave with the child because she didnt want social services involved. The victim told doctors that she had fallen. She had lacerations above and below an eye, a black eye and bruising, and required eight stitches. Stock image Today's News in 90 Seconds - Monday, November 24 The PSNI was ultimately alerted and they contacted gardai to check out the caravan. On March 29, 2023, the accused attended Dundalk Garda Station by arrangement. He told investigators that his partner had made threats and that he was terrified of her. He has seven previous convictions, none for violence, and is the father of two children, one from another relationship. He is a carer for his eldest child. In her Victim Impact Statement which was read to the court, the woman said she was the survivor of an horrific ordeal having been brutally assaulted. The physical pain was only the beginning. "He callously shifted the blame onto me and spread rumours. She said that he had damaged her relationships and reputation. The jurys verdict vindicated her. She thanked the judge and jury. Cross-examined by barrister Pearse Collins, Det Sgt Brady said that this was an alcohol and drugs fuelled assault. Mr Collins said his client voluntarily did a domestic violence programme and another promoting positive relations. The incident was not pre-planned, and neither was there an ongoing threat. An industrious man, a probation report highlighted the defendants commitment to his children. Judge Dara Hayes remarked that this was serious offending, intimate partner violence. A child was in the caravan. There was no evidence to suggest they saw or heard the incident. The victim said that her physical scars were a constant reminder. A two-year, nine-month sentence was imposed, the final 15 months suspended, and backdated to June 3, 2025. The court noted the impact a sentence would have on Mr Meehans teenage son. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme Campaign launched to encourage responsible nightlife Pictured at the launch of this years Safe & Sound campaign were Edel Doran Sligo Town NTE Advisor; Patrik Berger VP for Wellbeing & Engagement at ATU Students Union; Sergeant Alan Commons; Cathaoirleach Sligo County Council Cllr Donal Gilroy,Margaret McConnell, Sligo County Council representative for Local Community Safety Partnership; Finbarr Finan, Sligo BID Chair and Gail McGibbon, Sligo BID CEO. Pic: Donal Hackett Sligo BID has launched the second year of its Safe & Sound campaign in partnership with Sligo County Council. The campaign is to encourage people to enjoy Sligo Town at night while also promoting responsible nightlife and a reduction in anti-social behaviour. It is being launched ahead of the busy festive season. It aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and promote respect with a call to action for both visitors and residents to enjoy the night-time economy safely while being considerate of their surroundings. The Safe & Sound campaign is supported by the ATU Sligos Students Union. Current research indicates there are approximately 4,100 nighttime workers in Sligo, including restaurant and bar staff, security workers, taxi and bus drivers, paramedics, cleaners and much more. Safe & Sound encourages respect towards all these people while they are carrying out their jobs. Safe & Sound will promote respect and responsible nightlife across a range of media including through Spotify ads, social media reels, as well as through posters and flyers distributed across Sligo town. This year, the campaign carries on the work done after the announcement of the free Night-Time Economy (NTE) staff training portal for Sligo Town launched by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick ODonovan T.D. earlier this year. This offers free specialist training for staff at nightclubs, pubs and festivals on how to tackle subjects such as sexual harassment, violence against women and girls and drink spiking. This is a Department of Culture, Communications and Sport Initiative, delivered as part of the Sligo Town Night Time Economy Pilot by Sligo BID and Sligo County Council. As part of the overall Night Time Economy Initiative, Sligo has its own dedicated Night Time Economy Advisor, Edel Doran, who works within Sligo BID. Sligo BID CEO Gail McGibbon said: The Safe & Sound campaign is setting a positive tone while encouraging individuals to be mindful and respectful of others from the person showing you to your seat at the theatre at the start of your night to the bus or taxi driver bringing you home. If we all treat the town and the people in it with respect, we will create a more enjoyable and respectful environment for everyone. Caroline Forde, Sligo Ask for Angela, said: Its a pleasure to be part of the Sligo Safe & Sound Campaign, which seeks to enhance the safety and wellbeing of both patrons and staff of night-time venues in our community. The training and supports available through this important initiative elevate the attractiveness of Sligos nighttime economy as a place to work and enjoy a fun night out. Patrik Berger, VP for Wellbeing and Engagement, ATU Sligo Students Union, said: Its great to support the Safe and Sound campaign and the work happening across Sligo to make nights out safer and more enjoyable." From a student point of view, having clear supports in place and a shared focus on looking out for one another makes a real difference. When venues, services and the wider community work together, it helps create a night-time environment where people can have fun, feel safe and get home without trouble. A doctor who lived in Gaza for 25 years and who recently arrived to take up a Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) advisory job in Ireland, is to receive a special award from the Tipperary Peace Convention. Dr Mohammed Abu Mughessib, will receive the Mary Swords Award, when he attends the Reflection for Peace event, organised by Tipperary Peace Convention, at the Tipperary Excel, on Friday, December 12, at 11am. This is the second year of the Mary Swords Award, which is presented in memory of Mary, a long standing member of the committee, who passed away in September 2024. Dr Mughessib is to travel to Tipperary on December 12 to speak about his experience of working in Gaza. In September, Dr Mohammed, who is deputy medical co-ordinator for Gaza, discovered that had been accepted for an MSF advisory job based in Ireland. When he heard that he had been accepted for the job, Dr Mughessib said that he was happy and sad. I called my wife, she was in Egypt, and she didnt believe it. She was crying, said the doctor who worked for MSF in Gaza throughout the war. He was born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents and has lived in Gaza for 25 years. Dr Mughessib left on September 17. Before that, he distributed everything he still owned among his friends. Prior to coming to Ireland for 80 days, he and his extended family lived in part of a compound owned by a colleague in what became the Nusairet Refugee camp. There was no clean water - 500 litres of water cost $150. They bought flour because there were no bakeries. They grew accustomed to the sound of drones and bombs. Dr Mughessib helped co-ordinate the medical response and he and his colleague worked on burn injuries. The doctors in Gaza are part of the general population. As they work, they are constantly worrying about their own families. Many have seen their own children come in with injuries. Dr Mughessib likens the hospitals of Gaza to public markets. Patients are on the ground and in corridors. There are queues for operation rooms and intensive care units. Dr Mughessib believes the true challenge will be in rebuilding their country. Theres no infrastructure, no water supplies, no sewage system, no electricity. Six hundred aid trucks have entered but well need 1,000 trucks every day for at least three months to sustain the market of food. We need millions of tents. More than one million people have lost their homes in Gaza. It will take decades to rebuild what has been destroyed. The Reflections for Peace event on Friday, December 12, at the Tipperary Excel at 11am, will include reflections, readings, poetry, music and song, especially for the Christmas season, with a special emphasis on peace. The ramps are currently being installed outside the rural Wexford school. Roadworks to install new traffic calming measures and upgrades to existing crossings along a rural Wexford school have commenced, much to the delight of parents and local representatives in Gorey. Wexford County Council previously announced that two new speed ramps along the road would be put in place one before Ballycanew National School, with new school zone road markings, and a second ramp after the school where an existing streetlight is placed. Further measures also include adding tactile paving and crossing markings as well as new anti-skid surfacing for oncoming vehicles at the crossing. Deputy Malcolm Byrne said this is greatly welcomed progress, as school safety is at the fore of his priorities. Ballycanew is a fantastic and progressive school and I cannot speak highly enough of the team that work there. But it is also located along the very busy R741 and there are rightly concerns about the speed and volume of traffic in the area. "The measures now being put in place will slow traffic and also bring increased visibility to the fact that motorists are in the vicinity of a busy school, he said. He noted that ramps are currently being put in place and has urged that the long term plan to link footpaths in the North Wexford village would be expedited. Other Safe Path to Schools initiatives are also being developed for other communities. The participants in the annual Soroptimist Wexford Girls Public Speaking competition in the Riverbank House Hotel on Thursday evening pictured with Mary Louise Pearce (President, Soroptimist International Wexford), Bridget Scully (Adjudicator), Michelle Winters (Adjudicator), Monica Crofton (Ajudicator) and Mary Kerr (Soroptimist International Wexford). Pic: Jim Campbell Anaya Gallego (Our Lady of Lourdes, Rosbercon, New Ross) and Clodagh Roche (Colaiste Bride, Enniscorthy) were the winners in the annual Soroptimist Wexford Girls Public Speaking competition in the Riverbank House Hotel on Thursday evening pictured with Mary Louise Pearce (President, Soroptimist International Wexford). Pic: Jim Campbell Recently, 13 students, from seven schools across the county, assembled at the Riverbank House Hotel to participate in the Soroptimist International (SI) Public Speaking Competition for girls. The event coordinated by the Wexford Soroptimist Club gave the students an opportunity to prepare and deliver a six-minute public presentation on a topic chosen from a set list, with the group extending their thanks to local sponsor Graphedia. Clodagh Roche from Colaiste Bride and Amaya Gallego, from Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School, were selected to go forward to participate at the regional competition which will take place in January 2026. Ciara Ryan from St Marys Secondary School in New Ross was a worthy runner up. An external judging panel was comprised by Monica Crofton, retired teacher and Licentiate of London School of Speech and Drama and Brigid Scully, retired deputy principal and graduate of Directing for Theatre at Maynooth University. SI Wexford member Michele Winters an experienced adjudicator of this competition completed the panel. The participants in the annual Soroptimist Wexford Girls Public Speaking competition in the Riverbank House Hotel on Thursday evening pictured with Mary Louise Pearce (President, Soroptimist International Wexford), Bridget Scully (Adjudicator), Michelle Winters (Adjudicator), Monica Crofton (Ajudicator) and Mary Kerr (Soroptimist International Wexford). Pic: Jim Campbell SI Wexford Club President Mary Louise Pearse in summing up said Our annual Public Speaking Competition is a proud tradition started in 1980 that has inspired voices and celebrated the power of words for over four decades, said SI Wexford club president Mary Louise Pearse. It is an event where we gather not only to compete, but to celebrate confidence, creativity, and communication, the very skills that connect us as people and move our world forward. The spirit of this competition is to inspire, educate, and empower one another through the art of public speaking. This 45th competition was a memorable one filled with passion, purpose, and powerful word. David Cameron has revealed that he had prostate cancer and called on the Government to introduce screening. Cameron, 59, is among many politicians urging ministers to roll out some form of testing to detect cases earlier, when treatment is more likely to succeed. Russian spy ship the Yantar is among the vessels that have been operating around the UK coast in recent weeks. Photo: PA A Royal Navy patrol ship has intercepted two Russian warships in the English Channel, the UKs ministry of defence has said. The incident comes after UK defence secretary John Healey announced last Wednesday that lasers from spy ship the Yantar were directed at RAF pilots tracking its movements off the coast of Scotland. LATEST | US and Ukraine report progress on ending Russia war but offer few details Marco Rubio said talks in Geneva were very worthwhile and constituted the most productive day in a very long time on efforts to end the fighting A war veteran throws seeds at the foot of the monument to victims of Holodomor, Ukraine's Great Famine, that killed millions in the 1930s. Photo: AP Olivia le Poidevin and Emma Farge Reuters Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 07:45 Top US and Ukrainian officials said they were making progress towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war but provided scant details as they discussed the American proposal to achieve peace despite concerns among many of Washingtons European allies that the plan was far too conciliatory to Moscow. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa during the opening plenary session at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. Photo: PA South Africas president Cyril Ramaphosa said yesterday that the declaration from the weekends Group of 20 (G20) summit reflected a renewed commitment to multilateral co-operation, concluding a meeting that pitted him against his US counterpart. Mr Ramaphosa, host of the Johannesburg summit, pushed through the declaration addressing challenges such as the climate crisis despite objections from the US, which boycotted the event. Displaced Palestinians light a fire to keep away mosquitoes amid the destruction left by an Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabalia, Gaza on Friday. Photo: Jehad Alshrafi/AP A senior Hamas delegation met Egypts intelligence chief in Cairo yesterday to discuss the ceasefire agreement and the situation in Gaza, the group said, as both Israel and the Palestinian militant group continue to trade accusations of truce violations. Israel kills Hezbollah military chief in airstrike on Beirut suburb despite US-brokered truce a year ago IDF has kept up near-daily strikes on Lebanon since last years ceasefire and yesterdays was the first on the outskirts of the capital in months People pass by a damaged car at the site where an Israeli strike hit an apartment building on Dahiyeh in a southern suburb of Beirut yesterday. Photo: Bilal Hussein/AP Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily Reuters Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Israel killed militant group Hezbollahs top military official in an airstrike on a southern suburb of Beirut yesterday, the Israeli military said, despite a US-brokered truce a year ago. Trump claims people in Chicago are chanting his name and demanding he send in troops to crush crime and rioting Ccomments come as the Windy City suffers another violent weekend. Texas National Guard troops who had been stationed in Illinois since early October were ordered to return home last week President Donald Trump waves to the media as he walks on the South Lawn upon his arrival at the White House on Saturday in Washington DC. Photo: Jose Luis Magana/AP Isabel Keane UK Independent Mon 24 Nov 2025 at 06:30 US president Donald Trump has claimed that Chicago residents have been chanting bring in Trump as a series of shootings in the Windy City over the weekend prompted him to raise the prospect of sending troops into the city. How Indias New OSH Code Reshapes Labor Compliance for Foreign Investors Indias Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020 modernizes workplace regulation, unifies 13 labor laws, boosts safety standards, and streamlines compliance critical insights for foreign investors and SMEs. India has officially advanced its ambitious labor reforms agenda with the implementation of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020 a comprehensive overhaul designed to simplify regulation, elevate worker protections, and accelerate the ease of doing business across sectors. Replacing 13 central labor laws with a single consolidated framework, the OSH Code modernizes Indias decades-old workplace regulations while reducing procedural burden, enhancing compliance efficiency, and expanding safety and welfare measures for millions of workers, including migrant, unorganized, construction, and digital-economy workers. The reform represents a cornerstone of Indias broader strategy to create a transparent, investment-ready and future-oriented labor market, balanced with improved safety standards and strengthened worker rights. Key structural simplifications: One code replacing 13 laws The OSH Code, 2020 dramatically reduces complexity in the following ways: Subject Existing framework OSH Code, 2020 Number of Acts 13 1 Sections 620 143 Rules 868 175 Registrations 6 1 Licenses 4 1 Forms 55 20 Returns 21 1 Compounding No provision New provisions available Improvement notice No provision New provisions available Source: PIB Fact Sheet Key takeaway: The shift to single registration, single all-India license, single return, and digital compliance significantly reduces paperwork, accelerates approvals, and enhances transparency. Formalization and worker welfare: A new baseline for employment standards Mandatory appointment letters Every employee must now receive a standardized appointment letter with specifications such as the following: Details of the employee, Designation, Employment category, Details of the wages, Details of contribution to social security; etc. Lower eligibility for paid leave The eligibility threshold for paid annual leave has been lowered from 240 working days to 180 working days, allowing employees to qualify sooner and benefit from better worklife balance, rest, and overall productivity. In effect, an employee is now required to complete 180 working days in a year to access paid annual leave. Redefined working hours The Code caps work at: 8 hours per day in a 6-day week; 48 hours per week Flexible weekly models: 12 hours/day (4-day week) 9.5 hours/day (5-day week) 8 hours/day (6-day week) State governments may fix overtime limits, allowing workers to legally earn double wages for approved overtime previously capped at 75 hours per quarter. Inter-state migrant workers: Expanded protection and identity A widened definition now includes: Directly employed inter-state migrant worker (ISMW) Contractor-employed workers Self-migrated workers Benefits include: Annual to-and-fro journey allowance Portability of BOCW (building and other construction workers) welfare benefits and the public distribution system (PDS) ration 247 toll-free grievance helpline Mandatory ISMW count in employer registration These provisions have been introduced to support one of Indias most mobile and vulnerable labor groups. National worker database The labor ministry has also developed a national database for unorganized and migrant workers to enhance job mapping, benefits delivery, and policy design. CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE: India Gig Workers: Register on e-Shram Portal for Social Security Enhanced safety, health and medical provisions Safety committees Mandatory for: Factories with 500+ workers BOCW employers with 250+ workers Mines with 100+ workers These tripartite committees strengthen safety monitoring and worker participation. Victim compensation The Code authorizes courts, upon convicting an offender for failing to comply with prescribed duties, to mandate that a minimum of 50 percent of the imposed fine be paid as compensation to the victim in cases of serious injury, or to the legal heirs in the event of a workers death. Universal health and welfare coverage The Code extends safety and welfare protections to all sectors, rather than only seven industries earlier. Annual free health check-ups All employees will now be entitled to free annual health check-ups. In addition, plantation employers may access ESI facilities to provide medical services to their workers. Pro-worker provisions: Supports early detection of illnesses, lowering medical costs and enhancing overall workforce health and productivity. Promotes preventive healthcare and helps reduce long-term occupational risks. Benefits employers through reduced absenteeism and higher productivity. Modernized definitions of media and gig-economy roles extending safety, health, and welfare measures Audio-visual workers now include digital, OTT, dubbing artists, and stunt performers granting them formal legal recognition and safety protections. Working journalists now include digital and electronic media professionals, broadening coverage beyond traditional print. National Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board The previous structure of six separate boards across various labor laws has been replaced with a single National Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board. This tripartite body, comprising representatives from trade unions, employer associations, and State Governments, will advise the Central Government on standards and regulations relating to factories, mines, dock work, bidi and cigar manufacturing, construction activities, and other covered sectors. The Board will issue uniform national standards on occupational safety, health, and working conditions. These standards will be mandatory for all Indian states, ensuring consistent and high-quality protections for workers across the country. Social security fund Penalties and compounding fees will now feed into a social security fund supporting unorganized workers strengthening welfare delivery. This is complemented by the pro-worker provision of the opportunity to earn more by doing overtime and get paid at higher wage (double the normal wage rate). Extended applicability The Code includes an enabling provision allowing the government to extend its coverage to any establishment engaged in hazardous or life-threatening activities, even if it employs just one worker. This ensures universal protection for worker health, safety, and welfare across all sectors, regardless of establishment size. Ease of doing business: Major boosts for industry and MSMEs Centralized digital registration A uniform threshold of 10 workers triggers mandatory registration, replacing six earlier registration requirements. The all-India license will be valid for five years with provisions for deemed approvals. Revised factory thresholds Under the OSH Code, a factory refers to any premises (including surrounding areas) where a manufacturing process is carried out. Under the new rules, an establishment is considered a factory if: 20 or more workers are employed (or were employed on any day in the last 12 months) and the manufacturing process is carried out with the aid of power; or 40 or more workers are employed (or were employed on any day in the last 12 months) and the manufacturing process is carried out without the aid of power. Additionally, certain establishments specified in the Code are treated as factories even if they do not meet the usual worker thresholds, provided they employ 10 or more workers. Time-bound approvals (within 30 days) and deemed permissions promote rapid expansion and infrastructure investment. Inspector-cum-facilitator model Replaces traditional inspectors, enabling: Advisory-based compliance Randomized digital inspections Reduced subjective intervention More predictable regulatory oversight Third-party audits Under Chapter 9, Section 37 of the OSH Code, the appropriate government is authorised to notify a scheme for empanelling qualified experts to conduct third-party audits and certifications. The scheme may be designed for start-ups or any other specified class of establishments. Empanelled experts are assigned audit and certification duties through a government-managed, web-based, randomised allocation system. They must carry out these audits in accordance with the procedures and objectives set out in the notified scheme. Digitization of workplace registers Registers reduced from 84 to 8, slashing administrative burden. Contract labor: Clearer rules and higher thresholds Defined core and non-core activities Companies may use contract labor in core activities under specific conditions (e.g., seasonal surges, non-full-time tasks). Threshold raised from 20 to 50 workers Contractors employing under 50 workers will no longer require a license, easing compliance for small firms. Principal employer accountability If contractors fail to pay wages, principal employers must pay protecting vulnerable contract workers. Decriminalization: A business-friendly compliance regime Key reforms include: Compounding of offences at 50 percent or 75 percent of penalties Replacement of imprisonment provisions with monetary fines Mandatory 30-day improvement notice prior to prosecution Aligning enforcement with fairness and corrective compliance rather than punitive action Penalty proceeds contribute to the Social Security Fund. Women-centric reforms: Enabling workforce participation Women can now: Work in all establishments and all types of jobs Work at night with consent, subject to safety and transport arrangements Access creche facilities (now gender-equal) in establishments with 50+ workers These measures support Indias push to increase female labor force participation. Conclusion The OSH Code, 2020 marks a pivotal step in Indias transformation towards a modern, transparent, and globally competitive labor ecosystem. By simplifying regulation, expanding worker protections, and accelerating compliance processes, the Code enhances Indias appeal as an investment destination while building a safer, healthier, and more productive workforce. As India deepens its structural reforms, the OSH Code stands out as a critical pillar supporting inclusive growth, industrial expansion, and formalization of employment across the economy. FAQs: Indias OSH Code, 2020 in Implementation What is the OSH Code 2020 and why does it matter for foreign investors? The OSH Code consolidates 13 workplace-related laws into one unified framework. For foreign investors, it reduces regulatory fragmentation across Indias states, creates uniform safety and welfare standards, and simplifies compliance through single registrations and digital filings reducing operational risk and administrative costs. How does the OSH Code improve ease of doing business for multinational companies? The Code introduces single registration, one annual return, all-India licenses valid for five years, and deemed approvals. These measures cut paperwork, shorten setup time for factories or warehouses, and enable pan-India operations without navigating multiple state-specific procedures. What are the major changes affecting workforce management and HR planning? Key changes include mandatory appointment letters, expanded overtime flexibility, reduced eligibility for paid leave (from 240 to 180 days), expanded migrant worker protections, and universal safety coverage. HR teams can expect clearer rules, easier documentation, and more predictable compliance schedules. Are there any significant benefits for sectors with seasonal or high-volume labor needs? Yes. With states allowed to set higher overtime limits and contract labor licenses required only for contractors employing 50 or more workers, industries such as manufacturing, textiles, logistics, construction, warehousing, and e-commerce can adopt more flexible workforce models. How does the OSH Code strengthen safety and ESG compliance? It mandates safety committees in large units, expands free annual health check-ups, universalizes safety standards across all sectors, and introduces third-party audits. These changes strengthen ESG reporting, investor due diligence, and operational safety audits for global supply chains. What protections does the Code offer to migrant and unorganized workers? The Code widens the definition of inter-state migrant workers, introduces journey allowances, ensures portability of welfare benefits, and supports a national worker database for job mapping and benefits delivery. This aligns with global supply chain transparency and labor mobility expectations. How does the OSH Code support womens workforce participation? Women can work in all establishments, including night shifts, with mandated safety measures. Creche facilities for establishments with 50+ workers are now gender-equal, supporting workplaces with young parents. This helps MNCs achieve diversity and inclusion targets. What is the impact of decriminalization and compounding of offences? By replacing imprisonment with monetary fines for several offences and allowing compounding at 5075% of the penalty, the Code reduces litigation and compliance anxiety. This makes Indias regulatory environment more predictable and enterprise-friendly. How should foreign investors prepare for OSH Code compliance? Businesses should: Update HR policies and appointment letter formats Conduct workforce audits for overtime and safety compliance Align contractor management processes with revised thresholds Integrate centralized digital registers Prepare for state-specific implementations and notifications Does the OSH Code improve Indias competitiveness as a manufacturing hub? Yes. The Code supports faster factory approvals, reduced compliance costs, labor mobility, improved safety standards, and scalable manpower strategies making India more competitive for global supply chains and industrial investments. RBI 2025 Draft Rules: New Framework for Foreign Branch and Office Setup in India Indias new 2025 RBI draft regulations overhaul how foreign companies establish branches or offices in the country. Learn how the streamlined approval routes, simplified eligibility rules, and strengthened compliance requirements affect market entry and long-term operations. India continues to modernize its foreign exchange management regime to keep pace with a more dynamic investment environment. The country now emphasizes a principle-based regulatory approach that offers clearer rules and greater operational flexibility. On October 3, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) took a major step in this direction when it released the draft Foreign Exchange Management (Establishment in India of a branch or office) Regulations, 2025. The draft replaces the 2016 framework and sets out a simpler, more coherent structure for foreign entities seeking to establish a presence in India. The proposed rules streamline establishment procedures, reduce administrative friction, and improve coordination between foreign companies and Authorized Dealer (AD) banks. They also introduce stronger security and compliance requirements, especially for entities operating in sensitive sectors or locations. Together, these measures support Indias broader goal of improving ease of doing business while maintaining regulatory oversight and safeguarding national interests. Draft rules: Proposed structural changes and regulatory framework The draft regulations redefine the establishment framework for foreign entities through a new category, Entity Resident Outside India (EROI), and consolidate all existing office types into two: Branch and Office. This shift reduces administrative complexity and provides foreign companies with a clearer framework for determining the appropriate mode of entry. RBI also removes long-standing financial eligibility criteria, such as net worth thresholds and profit-track-record requirements. Foreign companies no longer need to meet the earlier minimum net worth levels (US$100,000 for branch offices and US$50,000 for liaison offices), which opens the door to a wider range of investors and business models. The draft rules eliminate the old list of permissible activities and introduce a principle-based approach. Legal consultancy firms cannot set up operations, and Offices, other than Project Offices, cannot engage in commercial activities. Beyond these guardrails, entities must align their activities with sectoral regulations and the foreign direct investment policy. Another important reform removes tenure limits for liaison offices. Under the 2016 framework, most liaison offices operated under a three-year cap, with shorter terms for certain sectors. The new regulations drop these restrictions, allowing companies to plan their India presence with greater flexibility and longer-term visibility. These changes broaden market access for foreign entities, reduce compliance hurdles, and create a more coherent entry framework that reflects Indias forward-looking approach to foreign investment regulation. Also Read: Establishing a Trading Company in India Approval pathways under the draft regulations The approval framework places routine applications with AD banks, enabling faster decisions and reducing the need for direct RBI involvement. A second pathway, the Specific Approval Route, applies to cases with security, geopolitical, or sectoral sensitivities. Foreign entities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Sri Lanka that plan to operate in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, the Northeast, or the Andaman and Nicobar Islands must seek clearance from the central government. The same requirement applies to non-profit organizations, entities with foreign government ownership, and businesses engaged in sectors such as defense, telecom, private security, and information and broadcasting, as well as any activity that falls under the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) approval route. These categories reflect the governments focus on national security and strategic-sector oversight. Entities that already hold sectoral approvals or licenses from a relevant regulator may not need separate approval, which reduces duplication and brings greater clarity to the application process. This alignment between sectoral regulators and RBI supports a more coordinated compliance environment. For foreign investors, the dual-route structure underscores the importance of early assessment. Companies must evaluate their ownership profile, planned activities, and intended locations to determine the correct approval pathway. This assessment guides timelines, documentation needs, and coordination with AD Banks and government authorities. Compliance obligations for foreign entities Foreign entities face a more structured compliance framework under the draft regulations, especially those operating in jurisdictions or sectors that raise security sensitivities. EROIs from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iran, Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau must complete security registration with State Police authorities and report their office and banking details to the Ministry of Home Affairs. These measures strengthen oversight while allowing legitimate investors to operate with clarity on their obligations. Compliance also extends to banking operations. Branches and Offices must use non-interest-bearing INR current accounts, while Project Offices can open foreign currency accounts for project-related transactions. Offices, other than Project Offices, cannot undertake commercial activities, which aligns their operations with their intended representational role. Entities may place temporary surpluses in short-term deposits of up to six months, giving them limited flexibility in cash management. Reporting remains a central pillar of the compliance framework. All entities must submit an Annual Activity Certificate (AAC) along with financial statements to their designated AD Bank and to the income tax authorities within six months of the end of the financial year. Project Offices must provide project-wise details as part of this submission. Non-submission within the allowed timeframe triggers account freezing and may lead to closure proceedings if the delay extends for three consecutive years. Each entity must designate a nodal office to coordinate compliance and oversee additional places of business. AD Banks also carry expanded responsibilities, including monthly reporting to RBI on the establishment and closure of Branches and Offices and monitoring adherence to AAC deadlines. These requirements underscore the need for disciplined internal controls and regular communication with AD Banks to ensure uninterrupted operations. Procedure for establishment, expansion, and closure The draft framework gives foreign entities a more streamlined process to set up and adjust their presence in India. Companies that need to operate from multiple locations no longer require separate approvals to expand. Entities can open additional places of business by notifying their AD Bank. Exiting India also becomes more straightforward. An entity can voluntarily close a Branch or Office by sending an intimation to its AD Bank once it clears tax obligations and other statutory requirements. This shift removes the need for separate closure approvals and gives companies greater control over their exit timelines. Compliance lapses, however, carry stronger consequences. Failure to file the Annual Activity Certificate (AAC) for three consecutive years triggers an automatic closure process. AD Banks must issue a notice and, if the entity does not respond within 30 days, proceed with closure and report it to the RBI, the Enforcement Directorate, and the Registrar of Companies (RoC). This mechanism ensures consistent oversight and discourages dormant or non-compliant operations. RBI retains the authority to order closure when it identifies Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations or activities that threaten public interest, national security, or Indias sovereignty. The draft regulations also introduce a clear appeal process. Entities can challenge closure orders within 45 days, appeals against AD Bank decisions go to the Chief General Manager of RBIs Foreign Exchange Department, while appeals against RBI decisions go to the Executive Director overseeing the same department. Rules on remittance remain tightly controlled. Branches and Offices can repatriate profits or winding-up proceeds after submitting the required documentation, including a chartered accountants certification and confirmations of tax and regulatory compliance. Once the entity completes the remittance, it must close its bank accounts and ensure that the AD Bank reports the closure to RBI. Also Read: What Foreign Investors Must Know About Indias FEMA Regulations Practical implications for foreign investors and outlook Foreign companies planning to establish or expand their presence in India need to reassess their entry strategies in light of the draft regulations. Ownership structure, sector of operation, and intended geographic footprint now carry greater weight in determining eligibility and approval routes. Companies operating in regulated sectors or high-risk jurisdictions must plan for longer clearance timelines. Internal compliance systems also need review, particularly to manage AAC submissions, nodal office coordination, and security-related reporting. A greater role for AD Banks accelerates routine applications and brings more predictability to documentation processes. This structure allows companies to focus more on strategic planning and less on navigating administrative hurdles. For many multinational firms, the streamlined framework offers a clearer pathway to building long-term operations in India. Foreign entities must continue to align with Indias FDI policy and sectoral regulations and maintain disciplined compliance processes to meet reporting timelines and avoid operational gaps. Looking ahead, the final regulations, expected after RBI reviews stakeholder feedback, could significantly reshape entry strategies for global companies evaluating India. The evolving framework supports faster establishment processes, greater operational clarity, and improved regulatory predictability. As India refines its foreign exchange management architecture, foreign investors benefit from a more predictable and business-friendly environment for expansion. ( Image credit : Instagram| Rebel Wilson stuns in a chic formal ensemble ) Rebel Wilson responds to accusations and rumours ( Image credit : Instagram| Rebel Wilson attends a promotional event ) Wilson stands firm as a whistleblower ( Image credit : Instagram| Rebel Wilson at a recent public appearance ) Rebel Wilson has broken her silence on the legal chaos surrounding her directorial debut,, calling the experience a complete nightmare. Speaking to, she described how the sudden wave of lawsuits and allegations left her scrambling to maintain professionalism while under intense scrutiny., based on an Australian stage play, follows a city girl who moves to the outback and helps her cousin prepare for her debutante ball. Whenvisited the set during filming, all appeared normal. However, Wilson claimed that just a day earlier she and local producers were locked in a room and pressured to sign documents, sparking tensions that would eventually escalate into legal battles.Wilson alleges that the issues stemmed from the UK producers, who she says targeted her after she raised concerns about their behaviour. Last year, she reported incidents involving lead actress Charlotte MacInnes and alleged financial misconduct, posting on Instagram that producers Amanda Ghost, Gregory Cameron, and Vince Holden were involved in embezzlement and harassment.Wilson explained. She recounted MacInnes sharing a troubling experience on set but stressed that she tried to navigate the situation professionally. MacInnes has denied these claims and has sued Wilson for defamation.Wilson further claimed the UK producers attempted to siphon nearly a million dollars from the films budget and blocked its premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. She insisted that their reasoning was false, saying the delay was a form of retaliation, as the TIFF showcase would have been a landmark opportunity for her as a first-time female director.The producers eventually allowed the screening but counter-sued Wilson, alleging she had manipulated events to secure a high-profile TIFF slot and a writing credit. Wilson responded with a countersuit, reiterating her accusations of theft and misconduct.Addressing rumours that she promoted websites critical of Ghost, Wilson denied any involvement, stating:She added that the situation has been wild and described the ongoing legal proceedings as a ridiculous waste of the Australian court system.Reflecting on the ordeal, Wilson emphasised her role as a whistleblower.she said, noting that MacInnes subsequent career moves have been closely tied to Ghost, highlighting benefits she received after filming wrapped.Meanwhile, Rialto Distribution has securedfor release in Australia and New Zealand, with a wide theatrical launch planned for January, offering Wilson and her cast a fresh opportunity amid the controversy. Homebound ending explained Homebound ( Image credit : Netflix | Janhvi Kapoor, Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter in Homebound ) Homebound ending explained Homebound ( Image credit : Netflix | Homebound climax scene ) ( Image credit : Netflix | Homebound end scene ) Homebound true story Homebound : The ending ofleaves a strong emotional impact as it traces the devastating consequences of Chandans death and the turmoil that follows. Rooted in real events, the film captures the harsh realities faced by migrant workers and the fragile bonds that keep them going. As Shoaibs journey reaches its climax, the narrative shifts its focus to guilt, survival, and the tragic cost of chasing a better life.The ending ofbrings Shoaib to a heartbreaking crossroads as he loses Chandan during their difficult journey back home. After Chandan falls gravely ill and dies in Shoaibs arms, Shoaib carries his body all the way to the village, fulfilling his friends last wish of delivering sandals to his mother. The tragedy deepens when Chandans long-awaited police appointment letter arrives only after his death, highlighting the cruel timing that defines their struggle. Determined to honour Chandans dreams, Shoaib chooses to continue his education, marking the beginning of a new chapter shaped by the hope his friend always carried.In the films final moments, a white pigeon appears near Shoaib, adding a gentle layer of symbolism to the narrative. The bird signifies peace, hope, and the sense that Chandans spirit remains close, guiding Shoaib as he tries to move forward. It becomes a quiet reminder that even in the face of grief, life still offers the possibility of renewal. Through this simple but powerful image, the film suggests that Shoaibs journey doesnt end with loss, it evolves into a path shaped by memory, resilience, and the strength of an unbreakable bond.draws from the heartbreaking true story of Mohammad Saiyub and Amrit Kumar, two close friends who were stranded during Indias sudden COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Their experience was first documented in a New York Times essay by Basharat Peer. Saiyub and Amrit were migrant workers travelling back home from Surat when Amrit fell gravely ill. Despite fear and chaos around them, Saiyub refused to abandon his friend. After a long and exhausting journey, Amrit died from severe dehydration shortly after reaching medical help. Their story. marked by deep friendship, hardship, and the failures of the system, forms the emotional core of the film.To adapt this real incident, director Neeraj Ghaywan visited the families involved and shaped the characters of Shoaib and Chandan around Saiyub and Amrit. While the film fictionalises certain details, it remains faithful to the spirit of their bond and the social realities they faced. Homebound uses their journey to highlight issues of caste, religion, and the vulnerability of migrant workers during the pandemic, while also honouring the extraordinary loyalty between the two friends. This real-life foundation gives the movie its authenticity and powerful emotional impact. A private battle, now in public ( Image credit : Museum of the Prime Minister| A routine PSA test caught Camerons cancer early after his wife urged a check-up ) Embracing advanced, minimally invasive therapy ( Image credit : Britannica official page| Cameron underwent focal therapy, a precise option with fewer risks ) A call for change: screening on the table ( Image credit : Museum of the Prime Minister| Cameron wants targeted screening introduced, arguing modern tests justify updating UK policy ) Former UK prime minister David Cameron has disclosed that he underwent treatment for prostate cancer earlier this year, a revelation that has sparked renewed attention on early detection and modern, minimally invasive therapies. His decision to speak publicly is largely aimed at pushing for a targeted screening programme that he believes could help thousands of men catch the disease earlier.Cameron's cancer was detected after a routine PSA blood test revealed unusual findings, prompting doctors to order an MRI scan and biopsy. The diagnosis came quickly, and he has expressed how upsetting it was to be confronted with the reality of prostate cancer. His wife, who had recently heard a survivor outline the benefits of early testing, persuaded him to get his check-up. Following additional exams, doctors determined that the cancer was confined and treatable.Cameron chose focal therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that uses precisely administered electrical pulses through needles to destroy cancerous tissue, rather than radiation or traditional surgery, both of which are known to have severe side effects. The procedure only targets the affected area, maintaining healthy sections of the prostate and lowering the chance of long-term effects like urinary issues or sexual dysfunction. It is considered as one of the most promising options for men with localized prostate cancer. In Camerons case, follow-up scans and assessments have shown no detectable cancer, indicating that the treatment achieved its intended outcome.With his treatment behind him, Cameron is now calling for targeted prostate cancer screening, especially for men deemed high-risk due to age, family history, or other factors. He has emphasized that while PSA testing alone has limitations, todays improved diagnostic tools including MRI refinement and more accurate biopsy techniques make the case for revisiting national screening strategies stronger than ever. His appeal also aligns with ongoing discussions within the UKs health community about the rising incidence of prostate cancer and the need for earlier, more precise detection methods.Camerons announcement highlights a growing shift in how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated. By sharing his experience, he adds influential momentum to a debate that could reshape mens health policy in the UK. David Harbour and Natalie Tippett at the spa? The surprising Winnipeg connection Page Six ( Image credit : Instagram/natalie_tippett | Sources claim Natalie Tippett and David Harbour were at Winnipegs Thermea Spa Village at the same time, according to the Daily Mail. ) ( Image credit : Instagram/natalie_tippett | In September, Tippett shared Instagram photos by a campfire that appeared to be taken in the spas outdoor area. ) ( Image credit : IMDb | David Harbour as Santa Claus in Violent Night ) When did the affair first come to light? Madeline: The mistress in Lily Allens album and the songs context Madeline ( Image credit : Instagram/natalie_tippett | Allens song Madeline appears to reference Harbours alleged affair, and Tippett has acknowledged the character resembles her. ) Allen and Harbours relationship ( Image credit : X/@PopBase | Allen and Harbours 2020 marriage ended in a 2025 split, with her new album laying bare the pain ) David Harbour may have reconnected with his former fling, costume designer Natalie Tippett, even as he faces backlash following his estranged wife Lily Allens brutally honest new record,. The speculation comes after reports that both Harbour, 50, and Tippett, 34, were seen at the same spa in Canada, details that, given their past, fans say is hard to chalk up to a coincidence.According to reports (via, citing the), Tippett posted a carousel of Instagram images in September showing her near a campfire, apparently at the Thermea Spa Village in Winnipeg. At the same time, Harbour was in the Canadian city filmingThesays fans spotted theactor multiple times at the spa between shoots. Whats more, Tippett was not officially working on the film, casting doubt on a purely professional reason for her presence, fueling rumours that they may have quietly reconnected.Tippett, a costume designer, first came under the spotlight after publicly claiming she had a relationship with Harbour. She met him on the set of Netflixsin 2021, where she worked in the costume department. Their alleged affair reportedly began shortly after filming started. Allen is said to have discovered texts between Harbour and Tippett on his phone, a discovery that would later fuel her new album.On, Allens songappears to call out the affair directly. In the track, she channels texts she received, plaintively asking, How long has it been going on? Is it just sex or is there emotion? She accuses her partner of breaking an agreed-upon arrangement:Be discreet / and dont be blatant / there had to be payment / it had to be with strangers, but then adds, youre not a stranger, Madeline.Natalie Tippett has since said she recognised the character as Madeline. In ainterview, she confirmed shes heard the song and admitted that private messages between her and Harbour appear to have inspired its lyrics, though she declined to comment further, citing her young daughter and her desire to protect her familyAllen, however, has said in interviews that Madeline is a fictional construct or, as she put it, a construct of others.Lily Allen and David Harbour were married in 2020 (they held a Las Vegas wedding). Their relationship has been described by Allen as nontraditional: she has alluded to an open marriage in her music. Their separation was publicly reported in early 2025. The emotional turmoil of their split is laid bare on, released on 24 October 2025. In the album, Allen channels her hurt, betrayal, and confusion, hinting at a marriage strained by broken rules, secret messages, and a tangled web of intimacy she apparently didnt fully consent to. 'A legend whose warmth lit up cinema' Anushka Sharma wrote, Deeply saddened by Dharamjis passing. A legendary icon whose warmth, talent and grace shaped Indian cinema. His legacy will live on in our hearts. Om Shanti. Ameesha Patel expressed her heartbreak, Woke up to this heartbreaking news. RIP not just the He-Man and the most good-looking man of Bollywood, but the nicest, warmest and most amazing human in this industry. Will miss your warm hugs, sweetest smile, and always encouraging words. ( Image credit : Instagram/ @theshilpashetty | Stars pay tribute to Dharmendras iconic legacy ) ( Image credit : Instagram/ @timesofindia | Bollywood bids farewell to the legendary Dharamji ) Ajay Devgn added, Heartbroken to hear about Dharamji. His warmth, generosity and presence inspired generations. The industry has lost a legend, and weve lost someone who shaped the very soul of our cinema. Om Shanti. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sushmita Sen (@sushmitasen47) The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Dharmendra, at the age of 89 has leaving an irreplaceable void. Known as the He-Man of Bollywood, Dharmendra inspired generations of actors and fans alike with his charm, humility, and larger-than-life screen presence. Celebrities from across the industry took to social media to express their grief and memories, reflecting on the remarkable legacy of the legendary star.Anushka Sharma wrote, Deeply saddened by Dharamjis passing. A legendary icon whose warmth, talent and grace shaped Indian cinema. His legacy will live on in our hearts. Om Shanti.Ameesha Patel expressed her heartbreak, Woke up to this heartbreaking news. RIP not just the He-Man and the most good-looking man of Bollywood, but the nicest, warmest and most amazing human in this industry. Will miss your warm hugs, sweetest smile, and always encouraging words.Govinda also posted on Instagram, adding, Love you, my Ustad forever, reflecting the warmth and lifelong bond he shared with the legendary star.Varun Dhawan remembered him with gratitude: Rest in peace, Dharamji. You were a true star, larger than life on screen and incredibly kind off it. Feeling grateful for the time I got to spend in your presence. Om Shanti.Ajay Devgn added, Heartbroken to hear about Dharamji. His warmth, generosity and presence inspired generations. The industry has lost a legend, and weve lost someone who shaped the very soul of our cinema. Om Shanti. Stars share memories and quiet goodbyes ( Image credit : Instagram/ @govinda_herono1 | Tributes pour in for Bollywoods iconic star ) 'A heart larger than stardom' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kapil Sharma (@kapilsharma) A legacy that lives on Dharmendras passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but the love and admiration from co-stars, colleagues, and fans reflect the extraordinary life he led. His warmth, humility, and iconic presence will continue to live on through his films and the countless hearts he touched. Even in his absence, Dharamji remains a timeless symbol of grace, strength, and cinematic brilliance. Dharmendras passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but the love and admiration from co-stars, colleagues, and fans reflect the extraordinary life he led. His warmth, humility, and iconic presence will continue to live on through his films and the countless hearts he touched. Even in his absence, Dharamji remains a timeless symbol of grace, strength, and cinematic brilliance. Madhuri Dixit also shared her admiration, writing, An icon who defined grace, strength, and humility. Dharamji, your loss leaves a void that can never be filled. Your legacy goes beyond the screen. It lives in the love and admiration of millions. Your remarkable body of work, your humility, and your ever-endearing spirit have left an indelible mark on this industry. Thank you for inspiring, entertaining, and touching hearts across decades. Forever remembered, forever cherished.Several celebrities shared brief yet heartfelt messages in posts, blending grief and remembrance. Shamita Shetty shared a solemn RIP, while Kareena Kapoor posted a series of photographs celebrating his enduring legacy. Hina Khan added her condolences, and Ileana DCruz called his passing an immeasurable loss to Indian cinema.Sidharth Malhotra wrote, Years of memories and magic on and off screen. Thank you for everything, Dharam sir. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Om Shanti.Kunal Khemu expressed his respect with Forever in our hearts, while Bharti Singh honoured him with a carousel captioned Legend. Vicky Kaushal shared, Deeply saddened by this tragic news. You will always be in our hearts, Dharamji. Om Shanti. Vaani Kapoor added, Timeless. Iconic. Rest easy, sir.Shilpa Shetty wrote, Your talent, charm, and dashing looks were just the beginning. Your humility, simplicity and kindness were inspiring. You were a true original. Dharamji, you will be missed. Om Shanti.Kapil Sharma bid farewell with Alvida Dharamji. Pepper spray incident shocks passengers on River Walk ( Image credit : Reddit| Reddit users react to the San Antonio River Walk attack. ) ( Image credit : Reddit| Online discussions flare up after the Texas pepper spray incident. ) ( Image credit : Reddit| Reddit commentary highlights public outrage over the incident ) ( Image credit : Reddit| Reddit user reacts, asking Wheres the victim card? ) Investigation underway as community demands justice ( Image credit : Freepik| AI-generated image of tense family with kids on riverwalk ) An Indian family, including a toddler, was among eight people injured when a woman sprayed them with pepper spray on a boat along the San Antonio River Walk in downtown San Antonio, Texas. Videos shared online show the woman shouting at passengers before using the spray, leaving families in shock.The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, 15 November, aboard a Go Rio boat tour. According to reports, the altercation began when the woman was asked by the boat operator to lower the volume on her phone. Instead of complying, she became increasingly agitated, prompting the operator to stop the boat to allow her to disembark.After stepping off, the woman did not calm down. She verbally attacked passengers before spraying pepper spray onto the boat from a nearby bridge over the San Antonio River. Witnesses told police that the canister appeared to be hanging from her bag as she sprayed downward, striking eight people on board, including a toddler. Video footage shared on social media captured the child crying and rubbing their eyes in distress while adults struggled to shield themselves. Screenshots of the clips were shared on social media pages catering to non-resident Indians, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack.Eyewitnesses described a tense scene, with the woman issuing repeated threats to those recording her. One bystander reported hearing her say, Stop recording me, or I will slap you. Authorities have confirmed that the woman fled the scene before police arrived and remains at large.Social media was flooded with comments condemning the attack, with many urging the family to file a police report immediately.A reddit user wrote: "Hope ICE catches her and deport her! And, hope the Indian family lodged a case with the SA police."Another reacted saying: "Poor child and the parents. How come she is not arrested yet?!! Press the charges"One Reddit user commented, "Had this happened to a tourist in India. It would be called unsafe and people lacks class."A reddit user said; "problem with us we don't know how to play victim card"The San Antonio Police Department has launched an active investigation into the incident. Officials have not shared further details about the suspect but are asking anyone with information to come forward. The attack has caused outrage among tourists and the local community, with many calling for better security along the River Walk to prevent similar incidents.Tourist Andy Moran from Missouri, who saw part of the attack, told local media it was absolutely wild and said that pepper-spraying people without reason was shocking. The distress caused to a young child and other families has increased calls for justice and accountability. The incident is a reminder of how quickly a peaceful outing along the scenic San Antonio River can turn frightening, leaving lasting emotional impact on those involved. ( Image credit : X/vanceovance | Is JD Vance getting divorced after the viral Erika Kirk hug drama? ) A political power couple suddenly under a spotlight The "ringless" moment that sent X into meltdown ( Image credit : X/vanceovance | Is JD Vance getting divorced after the viral Erika Kirk hug drama? ) Ushas team shuts it down! ( Image credit : X/vanceovance | Is JD Vance getting divorced after the viral Erika Kirk hug drama? ) The Vice President and his wife were supposed to be enjoying a routine holiday season, until the internet decided to blow up their marriage overnight. What began as innocent photos of JD Vance at a Turning Point USA event has spiralled into one of the most chaotic political gossip storms of the year.Last month, cameras caught JD in a surprisingly warm embrace with Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, and that was all social media needed to start screaming AFFAIR. Erika added fuel to the inferno by describing the Vice President as a blessing and noting striking similarities between JD and her late husband. The comments were sweet, but the internet? The internet chose violence.Then JD, who has always been quiet about religion, suddenly began expressing hopes that his wife Usha might convert to Catholicism, a shift that sent TikTok detectives into overdrive.And just when the rumours reached fever pitch, Usha unintentionally handed the internet a plot twist.Last Wednesday, Usha Vance stepped out alongside First Lady Melania Trump during a visit to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The moment was wholesome, dignified, elegant, and yet nobody online noticed anything except her hand.No wedding ring. No sparkle. No symbol of matrimony.And once the photos hit the timeline, the divorce rumour mill started spinning like it was getting paid by the rotation. People were convinced this was the soft launch of a separation.To be fair, showing up ring-less while your husband is trending for hugging another woman? It was never going to go unnoticed.After two days of full-blown internet chaos, Ushas representative finally responded. They explained that Usha is a mother of three small children, spends half her life doing dishes and bath time, and simply forgets her wedding ring sometimes. No drama. No coded message. Just daily chaos and motherhood.In simpler terms: calm down, she just misplaced the jewellery.The rep made it clear the speculation was wildly exaggerated and that the couples marriage is intact. No secret separation. No hidden scandal.JD and Usha Vance, married since 2014, share three children, Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel, and despite the online imagination running wild, there is no sign they are heading for divorce. Sources close to the couple say they are focusing on work, family and surviving the political circus.But given how quickly the internet can turn ring-placement into a national headline, the Second Ladys team may want to add wedding-ring check to her pre-event routine.Because this is Washington, and one missing piece of jewellery can set the whole country gossiping. Jennifer Lopez delivers a show-stopping performance Jennifer Lopez performing Get Right at a billionaires wedding in India. pic.twitter.com/13dMmMifWp Jennifer Lopez Updates (@JLopezUpdate2) November 23, 2025 ( Image credit : X| @Atelevisao1| Jennifer Lopez celebrates with Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadiraju at their wedding ) ( Image credit : X| Jennifer Lopez spotted arriving at Udaipur airport ) Social media reactions celebrate the extravaganza ( Image credit : Reddit| Reddit users are raving about JLos performance. ) ( Image credit : Reddit| JLos performance sparks a flurry of Reddit comments. ) ( Image credit : Reddit| Fans on Reddit cant stop talking about JLos show ) ( Image credit : Instagram| @viralbhayani| Jennifer Lopez lights up the stage with a high-energy performance ) Weddings often make headlines, but the celebration of Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadiraju in Udaipur turned the city into a glittering spectacle. The daughter of US-based billionaire Rama Raju Mantena and tech entrepreneur Vamsi Gadiraju hosted a star-studded event, drawing Bollywood heavyweights like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Janhvi Kapoor. Amidst all the glamour and high-profile guests, it was international superstar Jennifer Lopez who truly stole the spotlight.Videos from the reception showed Jennifer Lopez looking stunning as she performed some of her biggest hits. She treated the crowd to fan favourites like Get On The Floor, Waiting for Tonight, Play, Save Me Tonight, Get Right, and Aint Your Mama. JLo impressed everyone with bold bodysuits and cut-out dresses, showcasing her signature energy and stage presence. Guests were captivated, and social media quickly buzzed with praise for her electrifying performance and show-stopping outfits.She not only set the stage alight with a high-energy performance at the evening reception but also graced the couples morning ceremony in a stunning desi ensemble. Draped in a pink saree adorned with diamond jewellery and a maang tikka, she was seen posing elegantly with the family.Arriving in Udaipur on Saturday, 22 November, Jennifer Lopez looked every bit the star. She charmed waiting photographers with waves and playful air kisses, exuding effortless poise in a stylish overcoat paired with sunglasses. The arrival also sparked some humorous moments, including a clip where a photographer mistakenly called her Rihanna, which quickly circulated online and delighted fans.The weddings spectacle has sparked a flurry of reactions across social media. Users praised JLos electrifying performance and her Indian couture look, calling the show unforgettable and fit for royalty. Many marvelled at the scale of the celebrations, comparing the event to a blockbuster film set. Others chimed in on the playful airport mix-ups, adding to the online buzz.One of the reddit user wrote: "That's whole freakin concert at this point "Another user commented on JLos outfit, saying: "While I see nothing wrong with JLO's outfit as a performer, I am surprised they didn't desi-fy the outfits."Another user remarked: "Amazing even tho I am not a fan of JLo as a person lol shes stellar"Reddit users have been buzzing over Jennifer Lopezs show-stopping performance at the Udaipur wedding, and their reactions say it all.The celebrations at Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadirajus wedding highlighted a perfect blend of glamour, music, and cultural charm. From Jennifer Lopezs show-stopping performance to the presence of A-listed stars, the evening was a spectacle that left the social media buzzing.Fans and onlookers are still sharing photos, videos, and reactions, keeping the wedding in the spotlight. Each performance and stylish appearance highlighted the glamour of the event, leaving audiences around the world impressed by its grandeur. The public encounter The incident occurred while PlaqueBoyMax was filming when Hill approached the streamer, asking for an Instagram clip, in which she requested a kiss on camera from PlaqueBoyMax. PlaqueBoyMax firmly declined her request, prompting Hill to repeat her request. The interaction ended with PlaqueBoyMax expressing visible surprise, saying, Oh my god! What the f**k just happened? Americas Next Top Model cast member from 2005 Keenyah Hill went on IG Live threatening to sue PlaqueBoyMax after she asked him for a kiss on his livestream and he rejected her pic.twitter.com/L942ZRUodv FearBuck (@FearedBuck) November 23, 2025 Kenya Hill, a former Americas Next Top Model contestant, has made headlines after a brief, awkward encounter with Twitch streamer PlaqueBoyMax was captured on video, which quickly went viral and sparked tension between Hill and the streamer.The incident occurred while PlaqueBoyMax was filming when Hill approached the streamer, asking for an Instagram clip, in which she requested a kiss on camera from PlaqueBoyMax. PlaqueBoyMax firmly declined her request, prompting Hill to repeat her request. The interaction ended with PlaqueBoyMax expressing visible surprise, saying, Oh my god! What the f**k just happened? Hills legal threat ( Image credit : Instagram/ @keenyah.hill | ANTM alum Keenyah Hill speaks out in viral moment ) PlaqueBoyMaxs perspective ( Image credit : Instagram/ @astroeliii | PlaqueBoyMax reacts to Hills viral confrontation ) Ongoing drama ( Image credit : Instagram/ @keenyah.hill | Viral interaction puts Keenyah Hill in the spotlight ) Plaqueboymax responds to "Americas Next Top Model" Keenyah Hill for trying to sue him after rejecting to kiss her on the cheek "I didnt want to kiss you then after you're threatening to sue me.. I didnt want those lips I wasnt tryna do that" pic.twitter.com/uFIovdmQSE yoxic (@yoxics) November 24, 2025 Following the encounter, Hill took to Instagram to express her frustration, explaining that she had asked PlaqueBoyMax not to post the footage, but felt her request was ignored. Hill emphasised that her time was valuable and the few minutes the clip took to post could have been used for work. She warned that she was prepared to pursue legal action if necessary, saying, I dare you to try me because now you are taking up my time. These three minutes that it has taken to post this, I couldve been making money.PlaqueBoyMax addressed the incident during his livestream, explaining that the situation was misinterpreted. He highlighted that the clip was unscripted and reflected a spontaneous encounter. He also mentioned that Hill had asked for access to his cameraman, which added to the awkwardness. Despite Hills remarks, he maintained that the footage accurately captures the brief interaction and his refusal to comply with her request.The brief, unscripted encounter has led to a notable clash between Hill and PlaqueBoyMax. The situation highlights how quickly public interactions can escalate, particularly when recorded for content creation purposes. Both Hill and PlaqueBoyMax have expressed their perspectives clearly, with Hill warning of legal action and PlaqueBoyMax defending the authenticity of his content. Instagram story emphasizes human rights ( Image credit : Instagram/meghanking| 'Big fan of human rights.' Meghan King speaks out days after custody ruling ) Social media as a voice in personal battles ( Image credit : Instagram/meghanking| Social media lets celebrity parents frame their narrative. Meghan Kings human rights post gives insight into her mindset ) Turning custody battles into public conversation ( Image credit : Instagram/meghanking| King uses Instagram to navigate personal crisis and public conversation after custody loss ) Former Real Housewives of Orange County star Meghan King, 41, has been navigating a high-profile custody dispute with ex-husband Jim Edmonds over their three children daughter Aspen (8) and twins Hart and Hayes (7). King recently lost temporary physical custody, with Edmonds granted sole physical custody and King allowed supervised visitation. While the legal proceedings continue, King drew attention to her perspective through social media.On Sunday, November 23, King shared an image on her Instagram Stories that read: Big fan of human rights. She tagged the location as Kirkwood, Missouri. The story came shortly after the custody decision, positioning the post as a reflection on broader issues of parental rights and fairness. By using her platform in this way, King highlights how social media has become a tool for high-profile parents to communicate their viewpoints and influence public conversation even during ongoing legal matters.Celebrity custody disputes often attract public scrutiny, and social media can serve as a way for parents to frame their narrative. While the legal system determines custody arrangements, platforms like Instagram allow parents to signal their perspective, values, and emotional responses to followers. Kings succinct message about human rights provides insight into her mindset during a period of personal and familial upheaval, without disclosing private details.The custody change followed a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation, reportedly triggered by a school report that one of Kings sons received medication without a prescription. The court granted Edmonds temporary sole custody and limited King to supervised visitation. While the children are reportedly doing good, those close to the family note they may not fully understand the changes in their family dynamics.Kings Instagram Story highlights the growing intersection of social media, personal crisis, and public conversation. In an era where private family matters often unfold online, her post illustrates how high-profile figures navigate the overlap between personal experiences and public platforms, while keeping the focus on broader principles such as rights, fairness, and accountability. Manny Jacinto opens up about being typecast in 'dad roles' Screen Rant ( Image credit : IMDb | Manny Jacinto in Freakier Friday ) Simu Liu calls out the lack of Asian representation in Hollywood ( Image credit : X | Simu Liu voices frustration over 'deeply prejudiced system' ) Simu Liu on Hollywoods lack of Asian representation ( Image credit : IMDb | Simu Liu often calls out Hollywood for systemic lack of authentic Asian representation ) Simu Liu is speaking out about Hollywoods ongoing lack of Asian representation, particularly for Asian men. Thestar took to X (formerly Twitter) in a fiery response to fans calling for more romantic lead roles for Manny Jacinto, pointing out that ever since, Jacinto has been largely typecast in dad roles. Lius post highlights the persistent barriers Asian actors face in landing diverse, leading roles in mainstream Hollywood projects.In an interview with, Canadian-Filipino actor Manny Jacinto, known for his role in The Good Place, has revealed that ever since, hes been mainly offered dad roles, and hes not entirely thrilled about it.This industry is always a little weird, the actor said, adding, Now I think I'm getting dad roles, or dad auditions. I'm like, 'Guys, I don't think that's me yet. I'm sorry. Let's pull it back.' Put me back in the box, actually.The 38-year-old actor also reflected on his resistance, explaining, Just because I'm stubborn. I hate being put in any box. The stubborn artist in me wants to just do anything and everything. While hes grateful for the opportunities and has drawn on personal experiences to prepare for fatherly roles, hes candid about the limitations of being pigeonholed.After fans shared Jacintos comments online, calling out Hollywood and demanding more suitable roles for him, Simu Liu joined the conversation. The Canadian actor, 36, best known for playing Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has built an extensive career over the years, yet he has still struggled to land a leading role, highlighting ongoing representation challenges for Asian actors in Hollywood.He wrote, "Put some Asians in literally anything right now. The lack of representation onscreen is absolutely appalling. Studios act like were risky, but look at the numbers: every single one was a financial success. No Asian actor has ever lost a studio close to $100 million, yet a white actor can lose $200 million twice and still land the next tentpole lead. Were fighting against a deeply prejudiced system, and most days, its exhausting."Simu Liu has repeatedly spoken out about the lack of authentic Asian representation in Hollywood, and his own experiences highlight just how systemic the issue is. Early in his career, he admitted he was often cast in low-status roles, like the scared Asian guy, rather than as a leading man. Hes also criticizedfor having a writers room so white that there were no other East Asian voices besides the creator.When an article implied his success was tokenism, Liu hit back, saying every role he took afterwaswritten specifically for an Asian actor. And in an interview with NME, he pointed out that even in music, opportunities dont grow on trees for people who look like me. Afshans arrival after the news of the crash ( Image credit : X/timesofindia| Afshan was informed in Kolkata, leaving her and her daughter in grief ) What led to the crash and the IAFs response ( Image credit : X/timesofindia| IAF pilot Wing Commander Syal passes away in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show ) Community reactions and memories from his hometown ( Image credit : X/timesofindia| Residents of Patialkar pay respects as Wing Commander Syals body returns home ) The final goodbye No words feel enough for this heart-shattering moment. Watching Wing Cdr Afshan salute her husband, Wing Cdr Namansh Syal, as she bids him a final goodbye breaks something inside. May God give their family the strength to bear this unbearable pain. Travel well our hero ! pic.twitter.com/MLZHIOUXlz Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) November 23, 2025 ( Image credit : X/timesofindia| Afshans last salute marks conclusion of Syals service journey ) Wing Commander Afshan stood beside the coffin of her husband, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, as his mortal remains returned to their village in Himachal Pradesh. The Indian Air Force officer offered a final salute during the last rites, marking an emotional farewell days after the Tejas fighter jet he was piloting crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show.Wing Commander Afshan was in Kolkata for a training programme when she was informed about her husbands death. According to accounts, she had been commissioned into the Indian Air Force in December 2011. She and Wing Commander Syal have a six-year-old daughter. Along with their daughter, Syal is survived by his parents.The Dubai Air Show appearance had been part of his squadrons deployment from the Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu. Wing Commander Syal, commissioned into the IAF in December 2009, had travelled for the event as part of the Tejas display team.The crash took place when Wing Commander Syal was flying the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, one of the largest aviation exhibitions globally. The aircraft went down and caught fire, leading to his death. The Indian Air Force confirmed the loss and initiated a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accidentThis incident marks the second crash involving the Tejas aircraft in less than two years. The previous case occurred in Rajasthans Jaisalmer, where the pilot managed to eject safely. The Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is a single-seat Light Combat Aircraft used by the IAF for various operational and demonstration roles.The IAF described Wing Commander Syal as a dedicated officer and a thorough professional while paying tribute to his service. The force also supported arrangements for bringing his body back to his hometown for the final rites.Residents of Patialkar village in Kangra district gathered in large numbers as Wing Commander Syals body arrived. Many locals remembered him as disciplined and humble.Former schoolmate Pankaj Chadha, who studied with him at Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, said, We have lost one of our gems. He was the pride of our school. We will go to his native village, Patialkar. He made all of us very proud.Another resident, Sandeep Kumar, shared his grief, explaining that the village regarded Syal as a younger brother. He recalled meeting him a few months earlier and expressed shock over the loss.These reactions reflected the strong community bond and the pride the village felt about his service in the Indian Air Force.As Wing Commander Afshan performed her last salute beside her husbands coffin, the moment captured the intersection of personal loss and professional duty. The quiet ceremony in Kangra marked the end of his journey from a Sainik School student to an IAF fighter pilot who died in service.Wing Commander Afshans farewell reflects the personal cost of service, while the IAF inquiry now focuses on understanding the Dubai crash. A 17-year-old in Mays Landing, N.J., was charged with the murder of his mother, 49-year-old Julissa Serrano, on Saturday, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. Prosecutors said the Hamilton Township Police Department received a 911 call on Saturday evening about a young man with a knife at Meadowbrook Condos in Mays Landing. When officers arrived, they found Serrano with multiple stab wounds. She died from her injuries after being transported to a nearby medical center, the prosecutors office said, and her cause of death is pending an autopsy. Officials did not release the name or any other details about the 17-year-old. He was charged with murder, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon, the prosecutors statement said. He is now in custody at the Harborfields Atlantic Youth Center. Attempts to reach Serranos relatives and next-door neighbors were not immediately successful. The Atlantic County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit and the Hamilton Township Police Department are leading the investigation, and ask that anyone with information about Serranos death call the Major Crimes Unit at 609-909-7666. Two Camden men were convicted of murder and related crimes Monday in the shooting death of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez at the airport in 2023. Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez, 20, who fired the fatal shots, was found guilty of first-degree murder. Hendrick Pena-Fernandez, 23, was convicted of second-degree murder because he took part in the car theft that gave rise to the fatal shooting. About an hour after the jury returned its verdict, both men were sentenced to life in prison without parole. Advertisement Mendez, 50, was killed after he and his partner, Raul Ortiz, tried to stop a car theft in progress in garage D at the Philadelphia International Airport. As they approached a Dodge Charger, Martinez-Fernandez opened fire as he crouched beneath the steering wheel, prosecutors said. Mendez was struck four times in the torso. Ortiz was struck once in the arm and survived his injuries. Prosecutors said Martinez-Fernandez also unintentionally shot one of his accomplices, Jesus Madera Duran, 18, who later died at a nearby hospital. The men dropped him there during a frantic escape that eventually led them to a central New Jersey warehouse where prosecutors said they burned their getaway vehicle. Martinez-Fernandez was also found guilty of killing Duran, in addition to nearly all related charges. Meanwhile, Pena-Fernandez was found not guilty for a handful of other offenses, including third-degree murder. Throughout nearly a week of testimony, prosecutors argued that both men were responsible for the death of Mendez, a father of two and a 22-year veteran of the police force. For Mendezs widow, Alex Carrero, and the couples daughter, Mia, the verdict capped what they described as a two-year nightmare. No 19-year-old should have to pick the color of her dads casket, Mia Carrero said as she addressed the judge before her fathers killers were sentenced. She wore Mendezs police badge pinned to her sweater. Later, she appeared outside the courthouse with her mother alongside District Attorney Larry Krasner, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, and other high-ranking officials. He was the love of my life, my soulmate, Alex Carrero said, breaking into tears. I have to live the rest of my life without him. Bethel thanked prosecutors and the jury, and told Mendezs family their pain was just a chapter, but it may never go away. He gave his life for the safety of this city, Bethel said of Mendez. We will continue to carry that charge forward. Krasner said the sentences reflected the gravity of a truly horrific crime. He commended prosecutors for weathering a prolonged jury deliberation one that lasted four days as two jurors were dismissed; one for a medical emergency and another for reasons that were not publicly disclosed. Assistant District Attorney Cydney Popes case included cell tower data, surveillance footage, recovered DNA, and witnesses, including an accomplice to the crime who testified and implicated the two men. Taken together, Pope said, the evidence was compelling and linked the two men to the crime and its multistate scene. This is something that truly never had to happen, Pope said before sentencing. Instead of pulling the trigger, she said, Martinez-Fernandez could have surrendered to Mendez and faced far more lenient consequences. When asked if he would like to speak before the ruling, Martinez-Fernandez declined. Pena-Fernandez, barely audible, said: I wish the best for everybody. Defense attorneys maintained that Pope did not prove that their clients were at the scene of the shooting. And they told jurors they should not trust prosecutors star witness, a man who joined in the airport theft and who pleaded guilty to lesser charges in exchange for his testimony. Robert Gamburg, Pena-Fernandezs attorney, said he planned to appeal the verdict. Of course were disappointed with the verdict, Gamburg told reporters. However, there are substantial issues which will be raised eventually on appeal. The trial took place amid an emotional atmosphere in the courtroom as dozens of police officers and department brass gathered to watch the proceedings, some offering comfort to the Carreros, who wept through the proceedings. They sat through the presentation of evidence that included life-size mannequins of Mendez, Ortiz, and the injured accomplice, Jesus Herman Madera Duran, all with markings noting where prosecutors said 9mm bullets tore through their bodies. Prosecutors recreated the crime scene by playing video taken by drone cameras that depicted the maze of vehicles in the concrete parking area where the shooting place. They also offered testimony from two witnesses weary travelers who were making their way to their cars to recount the burst of gunfire, followed by the sound of squealing tires as the men peeled out of the garage, knocking down the security gate in the process. Prosecutors also played an audio recording of Ortiz screaming into his radio, Officer down! and saying that he, too, had been struck and could no longer feel his arm. Im gonna faint, he said, Im losing feeling. They shot Rich, he repeated throughout the call, his voice wavering in disbelief. At the time, Mendez was the third Philadelphia officer to be killed in the line of duty since 2015. A fourth, Officer Jaime Roman, was shot in the neck during a traffic stop in 2024. Martinez-Fernandez and Pena-Fernandez declined to testify when asked by Common Pleas Court Judge Giovanni O. Campbell whether they would like to do so. And the defense presented no witnesses of testimony. But on cross-examination of witnesses called by prosecutors, their attorneys, Gamburg and Earl G. Kauffman, made clear that those who testified had heard but not seen the crime. And Gamburg argued that his client was improperly charged with second-degree murder, a crime committed during the commission of another felony. In this case, he said, the attempted car theft was not a forceful or violent crime and should not have given rise to the more serious charge. Gamburg told the jury Pena-Fernandez did not go out that night with the intent to kill a police officer, did not fire a weapon, and had not known that Martinez-Fernandez was carrying a gun. The trial was also marked by jury issues that left the courtroom on edge as deliberations stretched into Monday morning. The panels work was almost immediately derailed Wednesday afternoon when a juror had a medical emergency and was carried out on a stretcher. Campbell called in an alternate juror and ordered that deliberations begin anew. Jurors appeared to be making progress Thursday as they repeatedly asked to review pieces of evidence. But Campbell later abruptly called jurors into court and told them they must approach the case with courtesy and respect. No resolution came Friday, either. After nearly a full day of silence from jurors, Campbell announced that a second juror had been dismissed. He did not explain why. And again, he ordered deliberations to start anew. On Monday, Pope, the prosecutor, praised the jury for its diligence. This was a nuanced verdict, she said. They didnt just go down the line and say Youre guilty of all these charges. They went through and took their time, did the work. Longtime Philly radio host Matt Cord will serve as the late Pierre Roberts successor for WMMRs midday slot starting next month, the stations parent company, Beasley Media Group, announced Monday. Nobody replaces Pierre lets make that clear, Cord said in a statement. I promise to carry his amazing spirit into the studio bearing his name and do my best to make him proud. Advertisement Cord will take on Roberts former time slot starting Dec. 1, and leaves behind the morning slot at WMGK he took on in 2023 following fellow radio veteran John DeBellas retirement. Cord previously helmed the midday time slot at WMMR briefly in the 1990s, when Robert switched to mornings, and his return to the rock station marks his third run there. A replacement for Cord at WMGK is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, Beasley said. A longtime friend of Roberts, Cord has been appearing on the air in Philadelphia for about 40 years, and, in addition to stints at WMMR and WMGK, previously hosted mornings at BEN-FM and helmed the afternoon drive slot at Y-100. In addition to his radio work, Cord has served as the Sixers in-arena announcer for more than 20 years. Despite his Philly radio pedigree, Cord, a Glen Mills native, noted that no one can step into [Roberts] sparkling high-top Converse and fill them. Instead, he said, he hopes to carry on Roberts role in tribute. Everyone at the station is so grateful that our longtime friend and radio family member Matt Cord is willing to take that on, WMMR program director Chuck Damico said. No one can replace Pierre, but I know that Matt can do him proud and Pierre would absolutely 100% approve of this. We will all continue to honor Pierre in everything we do forever. Robert, 70, was found dead in is home in Gladwyne on Oct. 29, prompting an outpouring of grief from friends and fans. A Northern California native, Robert joined WMMR as an on-air host in 1981, and quickly became one of Philadelphias most distinctive and well-liked radio personalities. Following Roberts death, hundreds of fans and friends flooded Rittenhouse Square, one of the late radio hosts favorite spots in Philadelphia. Among those who showed up to honor him were WXPN host Jim McGuinn, B101 host and former Preston & Steve cohost Kathy Romano, a slew of WMMR staffers, and Cord himself, The Inquirer previously reported. Next month, WMMR plans to host a tribute concert for Robert dubbed Pierre Robert: A Show of Life. Set to take place at the Fillmore on Dec. 17, the show will feature appearances from the Hooters, Brent Smith and Zach Meyers of Shinedown, Lizzy Hale and Joe Hottinger of Halestorm, and Ed Roland of Collective Soul. We will sing, dance, and celebrate in the way Pierre would have wanted us to, Damico said of the concert. As chef Nicholas Bazik climbed into bed late Tuesday night, he checked the reservations at Provenance, his posh restaurant in Society Hill. Business at Provenance, with its 25 seats and $225 French-meets-Korean tasting menu, had been respectable especially since September, when it appeared on Bon Appetits list of the countrys best new restaurants. Bazik discovered that Provenance was fully booked, 30 days out. The next day at noon, the next round of tables was snapped up in six minutes, he said. The so-called Michelin effect was at work. Provenance as well as Her Place Supper Club and Friday Saturday Sunday, both in Rittenhouse received one star from the Michelin Guide at Tuesdays Northeast Cities ceremony, placing them in a rarefied league of 280 so-honored U.S. restaurants. Advertisement In city after city since Michelins arrival in the United States two decades ago, newly starred restaurants report full books, wait lists stretching weeks or months, and in some cases double- or triple-digit growth in reservations. Winning a Michelin star one or especially two or three is no small task, and customers are known to travel to dine at a starred restaurant. At Her Place, where its been what chef-owner Amanda Shulman called a whirlwind of a week, its difficult to determine Michelins impact. Were a small restaurant to begin with, but weve definitely seen a jump in email inquiries that are keeping our reservationist/administrative queen Natalie busy, along with a bump in social following. Truly a surreal experience and were just excited to welcome in more new faces. (The Sixers invited Shulman to ring the bell before Wednesdays game.) Friday Saturday Sunday already was one of Philadelphias hardest reservations, even before it won the James Beard Award for best new restaurant in 2023, and owners Chad and Hanna Williams are planning an expansion to the rowhouse next door. Restaurants that were included in Michelins Bib Gourmand (best value) and recommended categories also reported an uptick in business. Its been an outpouring of positivity, said Louis Novak, general manager at Famous 4th Street Deli in Queen Village, a Bib Gourmand recipient where all business is walk-in. He reported exceptional sales. Its also a Day 1 mentality moving forward. Its a responsibility to live up to being a Michelin award winner. At chef Jesse Itos Royal Izakaya in Queen Village, a Bib recipient, the line is longer and the weekday wait list is growing earlier than usual, said Daisy Zeijlon, who handles the restaurants publicity. At Sally (Bib), a pizzeria near Fitler Square, business was up 10% since the announcement, said owner Cary Borish. At Mish Mish (recommended), Alex Tewfik was ebullient on Sunday: Being in South Philly, and the Eagles being the last monoculture we have left as a city, our Sundays have been brutal. Today, they are no longer brutal, which is, in ways, a sort of godsend situation. Although hard numbers were hard to come by so far, the good vibes are everywhere as the restaurant industry enters its typically busy period between Thanksgiving and New Years. We have received such amazing support from the culinary community, said Chris Kearse, chef-owner of Forsythia (recommended). It feels like the whole city has come together to celebrate the excitement of the awards, and weve been touched by how many guests have stopped in to sit at the bar and share a celebratory drink with our team. Al Lucas a partner at Defined Hospitality, which operates Suraya (recommended), Kalaya (recommended), and Pizzeria Beddia (Bib) said reservations have already been very robust so we really cannot tell the impact quite yet. We have, however, seen a lot of anecdotal positive responses through Instagram, emails, and DMs. Ellen Yin, who owns High Street (recommended), said it was too early to tell Michelins long-term recognition; however, the energy is palpable. Study after study has cautioned that Michelin acclaim does not always translate to success. A report in the Strategic Management Journal challenges the assumption that Michelin stars only help restaurants, finding that starred establishments are actually more likely to close due to increased operational pressure. Daniel B. Sands of University College London examined New York restaurants deemed at risk of earning a star by tracking those that received favorable New York Times reviews and later Michelin recognition. His analysis and interviews with owners revealed that while stars boost prestige, they also intensify strain along the value chain. Landlords, suppliers, and employees often demand higher compensation, while staff may leverage the star to seek better opportunities or launch competitors. At the same time, customer dynamics shift: New diners arrive with heightened expectations or tourist motivations, and regulars may visit less often. Some restaurants make costly adjustments to accommodate new guests without increasing revenue. Sands concludes that Michelin stars can bring mixed outcomes, with some businesses thriving but others buckling under the added pressure. Can the good vibes last? Having seen bumps from things like being on lists [and] getting accolades in the past, the pop doesnt always last, said Tewfik, at Mish Mish. Im aware that were in uncharted territory with Michelin, but usually it dies away in a few weeks. So well see, but for now, were so so so thrilled. Philadelphia chef Marc Vetri, who took Michelin nods for Fiorella (Bib Gourmand) and Vetri Cucina (recommended), tempers exuberance through experience. His first major award was in 1999, when Food & Wine named him one of its best new chefs. These awards, while exciting and give the city a big boost, are not a magic pill, Vetri said. Lists, awards, Beards, Michelin its all the same, he said. Over time, they will bring more visitors, and if you have a good reputation and you are consistent, if you keep putting in the work and [are] evolving, more people will come. Thats the award: The customers who keep coming back. People are going to be very sorry if they think a nod from anyone is going to validate them and make them super busy. Thats just not how it works. Rocco's at the Brick opened on the ground floor of the Brick Hotel in Newtown, Bucks County, in January 2018. Read more With hundreds of reservations on the books and the holidays approaching, Roccos at the Brick Hotel in Newtown, Bucks County, abruptly closed last weekend. The closure, which left about 50 employees out of work overnight, was not the restaurants decision, according to the owner. The sudden closure was prompted by a dispute between the steakhouses ownership and the propertys landlord, who also controls the liquor license, said David Gelman, son of Roccos owner Marc Gelman. Advertisement David Gelman said that Roccos was forced out of business because the landlord, Verindar Kaur, had filed a change on Friday with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to remove Roccos LLC, Marc Gelmans corporation, from its liquor license. The ability for Roccos to sell alcohol was part of the business operating agreement, in effect since the restaurant opened in January 2018. Kaur owns the liquor license while Marc Gelman operated the restaurant, paying her a fixed monthly fee and a percentage of proceeds in addition to what David Gelman described as Center City-level rent. Contacted Sunday by email, Kaur said she was unable to speak with anyone. She did not reply to a follow-up email Monday. David Gelman said his first inkling of imminent trouble was Thursday night, when Kaur emailed him and his father to say that she would terminate the agreement unless a new financial arrangement was reached by the following day. The PLCB confirmed to The Inquirer that on Friday, it received a notice that the licenses corporate structure and officer were being changed. This move nullified the management agreement, David Gelman said. This is not something we wanted to do, Gelman said. But we cant operate without the liquor license [per the agreement]. There was no way to rectify the situation. Roccos last night was Saturday. Gelman said that Kaurs actions constituted a breach of both the lease and the management agreement and said his father planned to file a lawsuit seeking damages. Theres a clause in the lease that [operating a restaurant] is contingent on having a liquor license from her, so by interfering with that license, shes breaching her own contract, said Gelman, a lawyer. The restaurant had hundreds of reservations on the books for Thanksgiving and corporate holiday parties, he said. Gelman said the restaurant was informing customers that they could be accommodated at the Pub in Pennsauken and Library II in Voorhees, other steakhouses operated by the Gelman family in South Jersey. Those who hold Roccos gift cards can call Roccos number or contact it through the website for a refund. Remaining inventory, including seafood, meat, and produce, was relocated to the Pub and Library II to prevent waste. Roccos, named after the son of chef-partner Cole Caprioni, occupies the ground floor of the Brick Hotel, parts of which date to 1763. The Mercer-Bucks-Central Jersey Eateries Facebook group was trying to help Roccos employees find new jobs. Kaur previously operated the restaurant at the hotel, featured in 2016 on the Gordon Ramsay television show Hotel Hell, before Gelmans company took over. On camera, Ramsay declared, I want to shut this place down, over cleanliness and customer-service issues. Ninety five percent of what was on the show did not happen that way, Kaur told the website NewtownPANow.com in 2016, adding the producers drummed up drama for ratings. Temple University Health System says its decision to hire seasoned commercial litigators to handle malpractice cases is paying off, sometimes in the former of lower settlements. Read more Temple University Health Systems medical malpractice expenses have surged in the two years that ended June 30 as part of a campaign to reduce financial risk by settling old cases. The hope is that aggressively settling cases will pay off over the next few years by reducing medical malpractice expenses, Michael DiFranco, the health systems chief accounting officer, told investors during a conference call last week on the health systems fiscal 2025 financial results. Advertisement Temple Health has 12,000 faculty members and employees who work mainly on five hospital campuses. Its fiscal 2025 revenue was $3.3 billion. Temples annual medical malpractice expenses increased nearly fourfold, to $117.8 million in fiscal 2025 from $31.6 million two years ago. Over the same period, it cut its reserves for future expenses by $88 million, or 22%. Temples reserves peaked at $402.9 million in 2023. Rising medical malpractice costs are reverberating throughout healthcare. Tower Health recently boosted its reserves after its auditor decided they should be higher to deal with anticipated claims. Lifecycle Wellness, a birth center in Bryn Mawr, blamed its decision to stop delivering babies in February in part on rising medical malpractice costs. The average number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed in Philadelphia every month has risen from 34 and 35 in the two years before the pandemic to 51 last year and 52 so far this year, according to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. In additional to lawsuits against hospitals, the tally includes litigation against physicians, nursing homes, and other healthcare providers. Contributing to the increase was a rule change at the beginning of 2023 that allowed more cases to be filed in Philadelphia rather than the county where an injury occurred. Malpractice lawyers say they like to file in Philadelphia because the system for trying cases is efficient. Health systems often note that Philadelphia juries sometimes award large verdicts. A wake-up call at Temple Temple Health started rethinking its medical malpractice strategy after John Ryan started as general counsel in January 2022. A month before he started, The Inquirer published an article about three suicides at Temple Episcopal Hospital in 2020. At least two of the families sued Temple. That was a wake-up call, Ryan said in a recent interview on his approach to handling malpractice cases. Then in May 2023, a Philadelphia jury hit Temple with a $25.9 million verdict in a case involving a delayed diagnosis of a leg injury leading to an amputation. After that loss, Temple changed the kinds of outside lawyers it hires to defend it in malpractice cases, Ryan said, swapping medical malpractice specialists for commercial litigators from firms like Blank Rome, Cozen OConnor, and Duane Morris. Such lawyers cost more, but its paying off, he said. The settlements were getting from the plaintiff lawyers, because they can see that were serious, are much better, Ryan said. The two Episcopal cases were settled this year for undisclosed amounts, according to court records. A birth-injury lawsuit against Temple University Hospital in federal court settled for $8 million this month. In 2024, a jury awarded $45 million to a teen who was shot in the neck and suffered brain damage from aspirating food soon after his release from Temple. Temple appealed and the judge who oversaw the original trial ordered a new one. That case then settled at the end of October for an undisclosed amount. The new approach has helped Temple reduce the number of outstanding cases at any one time to 65 or so now compared to 110 three years ago, according to Ryan. Temple is using the money it is saving on malpractice costs to invest in better and safer care, Ryan said. Thats not a byproduct of all were trying to do as the lawyers. Its the goal, he said. Inquirer staff reporter Abraham Gutman contributed to this article. The charred remains of a suspicious fire at the Admiral Court apartments at 48th and Locust Streets on Sunday, June 8, 2025 in Philadelphia. Read more Two days before an apartment complex once hailed as a shining example of Philadelphias urban renewal went up in flames, its owner, embattled city landlord Phil Pulley, transferred the vacant property to a New York investment firm. Federal investigators are treating the fire as arson. Advertisement The propertys new owner, Aureus Special Asset Management, which records show is linked to investors in South Korea and Saudi Arabia, is now demolishing the West Philadelphia structure, known as Admiral Court. Earlier this year, Pulley faced a $29.4 million foreclosure over unpaid debts linked to a fizzled redevelopment of Admiral Court and an adjacent complex, Dorsett Court. Instead of seeing investors foreclose on the property, he agreed to transfer both apartment complexes to his lenders. Pulley signed the deed for that transaction on June 5. Less than 48 hours later, a fire broke out at the vacant building at 48th and Locust Streets, drawing more than 150 firefighters and support personnel to the scene. About 750 neighbors temporarily lost power. No injuries were reported. The deed transfer for Admiral Court did not become a public record until late September, when it was sent to the Philadelphia Records Department and finalized. West Philadelphia Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who in June called Pulley a slumlord and blamed him for allowing the buildings to rot, on Friday blasted the deal. The Admiral and Dorsett Court buildings could have provided affordable housing in one of West Phillys most desirable neighborhoods. Instead, landlord Phil Pulley ignored repeated safety violations, leading to a devastating four-alarm fire, Gauthier said in a statement. The new owner appears to be a shell corporation with little transparency, and Im deeply concerned that demolishing Admiral Court will create new blight and safety hazards. Crews started tearing down the building last week. Pulleys checkered history includes millions in unpaid taxes, hundreds of building code violations, and voter fraud. Two of his other apartment complexes have partially collapsed in recent years. READ MORE: The law finally caught up with notorious Philadelphia landlord Phil Pulley ... but for voting fraud Pulley did not respond to requests for comment about the fire or deed transfer. The circumstances of the blaze are now being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with Philadelphia police and fire investigators. Ben Benson, a spokesperson for the ATFs Philadelphia field office, said the agency had determined that this was an intentionally set incendiary fire, and no accident. He declined to comment further. This month, the new owner of the charred four-story apartment building, Aureus Special Asset Management, obtained a permit to demolish it, according to Philadelphia records. Aureus does not have a digital footprint. It shares a Madison Avenue mailing address with the New York City offices of Pacific General, an investment firm specializing in transactions covering the United States, South Korea, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Pacific Generals corporate officers also signed documents for Descartes Specialty Finance, a Cayman Islands company that took over the mortgage for the troubled renovation of the West Philadelphia complexes. The company took Pulley to court in 2024 over the $25 million default, adding on millions in fees. Reached at an office number for Pacific General, an individual who declined to be identified refused to comment. An attorney for Descartes did not respond to requests for comment. Ed Nordskog, a former arson investigator with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, said uncovering possible fraud connected to an arson is often a painstaking process. It can involve obscure insurance policies, construction loans, or hard-to-trace schemes. If its a fraud case, that can take months, if not years, to sort through the paperwork, Nordskog said. They are really difficult cases for local investigators. A history of troubled buildings In 1989, then-U.S. Sen. John Heinz toured Admiral Court after the crumbling apartment building had been rehabbed with federal affordable-housing tax credits. He hailed the project as a symbol of Philadelphias revitalization. Roughly 15 years later, Pulley acquired the building and neighboring Dorsett Court, along with a string of other affordable apartment complexes across the city. The buildings quickly fell back into decay. Both West Philadelphia properties have been vacant since 2018, when Pulley evicted dozens of families many of them low-income to make way for a planned renovation and sale. While some work was done on Dorsett Court, on Locust Street next to Henry C. Lea Elementary School, progress stopped without explanation. Admiral Court alone was cited 33 times by building inspectors since 2018, including several fire code violations in 2022. To watch them just sitting there vacant was heartbreaking for everyone involved, said Phil Gentry, who has one child attending Lea and another who graduated. It seems crazy, in the middle of this thriving neighborhood that desperately needs more housing, these nice-looking buildings are falling apart, catching on fire, or sitting vacant. Meanwhile, the city has continued to pursue Pulley in court over other properties. In 2022, the facade of another Pulley complex Lindley Towers, in Logan collapsed, exposing a large section of the upper floors. The building was rendered uninhabitable, displacing about 100 residents. The city took Pulley to court, seeking millions to cover emergency repairs and other costs. That case is pending. In October 2024, the Darrah School Apartments which was also run by Pulleys main property management company, SBG Management partially collapsed, raining debris onto a Francisville side street. No injuries were reported. The building had been cited by city inspectors more than a dozen times. This year, the city filed a fresh lien against Pulleys company, citing $51,000 in unpaid gas bills. The city also launched a petition seeking a court-ordered sequestrator at yet another complex in West Philadelphia owned by Pulleys company, the Winchester Apartments. That order would empower a third party to collect rent on SBGs behalf in order to satisfy outstanding tax and utility bills. Pulley is also facing an ongoing consumer-protection lawsuit filed in 2023 by the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office. It accuses Pulley and a network of affiliated companies of mistreating tenants and a range of other deplorable conduct. In January, Pulley was sentenced to three years probation and 100 hours of community service for casting ballots in several different counties in the 2020 and 2022 elections. He also pleaded guilty in May to voting in both Philadelphia and Montgomery County in 2021 and 2023. Staff writers Jake Blumgart and Abraham Gutman contributed to this article. The sounds of clucks and tiny eyes looking through metal cages are part of the Italian Market background, as some stores sell live poultry. Citywide, chickens, ducks, quails, and other animals are kept alive until purchase, only leaving the store when becoming someones food source. Advertisement Struggling to understand the dynamics of the live poultry business, a reader asked Curious Philly, The Inquirers forum for questions about the city and region: Who is buying these live chickens, where do they come from, and where are they slaughtered? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture oversees what is called the live bird marketing system, a structure that involves farms, distributors, and stores. About 500,000 birds weekly are sent to live poultry stores across Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, according to an article published in the Delaware Journal of Public Health in 2021. Statewide there are 17 live bird markets, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Most are in the Philly area, but there is no state registry of the markets. In the city, the health department licenses and inspects these facilities. The birds are subjected to the same regulations to curb the transmission of avian influenza as all poultry producers in Pennsylvania, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture said. As the public health journal noted, live poultry markets are more common in areas like Philadelphia with significant and growing immigrant populations. Alex Lemus, 29, and Juan Amador work at one of South Philadelphias live poultry stores. They werent authorized to speak for their workplace, but said they put effort into making the chickens feel as comfortable as they can. We take good care of them; we give them corn, and they grow up free-range, said Lemus, who has been working in the live poultry industry for seven years. The birds sell fast, he said, pointing to 16 long metal cages, each with at least 10 chickens and ducks inside. At least 80 people per day come to buy, mostly Asian and Latino, and that is not counting the holidays, Amador said. Among quacks and clucks, longtime customer Nu Aing walked into the store. Stepping over a lone feeder and some light brown liquid residue on the floor, she selected six chickens. As one worker swept the floor, another weighed the chosen chickens and placed them into a box for Amador to take to the back room. The chickens clucked loudly. Aing drove an hour and a half from the suburbs because, she said, the chickens here are tender and better for recreating her familys Vietnamese cuisine. Meat is better than the grocery store for soup, but they are good in anything, Aing said. Around the Vietnamese New Year, a lot of people are here; the line is long. In the back room, the chickens were killed and their bodies plucked and placed in white plastic bags, at Aings request. It is killed inside in 30 seconds, Lemus said. This part of the job was horrible when I started, but you get used to it over time. Within 20 minutes, the store is packed with at least 15 people waiting for their orders. Guatemalan native Carlos Baten, 42, sent pictures of the birds to his family to help him pick the best option. He asked for his chicken to be cut into pieces for a chicken and vegetable soup that would feed three people. The freshness of the meat is unmatched, Baten said. They just feel like they are healthier and fed with fewer chemicals. The idea of eating a healthier type of meat also brought Guatemalan native Mayra Gonzalez, 35, to the store with her 2-year-old daughter. But as soon as Gonzalez placed her order, she fled to wait outside. I dont like the scent inside, it smells like chicken feed, Gonzalez said. But the meat is way better than the one at the grocery store, she said. To her, live poultry meat feels silky, and can feed more people for less. The cost of each chicken depends on the weight, but two chickens are enough to feed 11 people, Gonzalez said. I feel bad for them, but since you cant see when they are sacrificed, its the same as when you buy them at the grocery store, Gonzalez said. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker's administration plans to abandon its goal that 35% of city contracts should be awarded to businesses owned by people of color, women, and people with disabilities. In the 2023 fiscal year, 31.4% of city contracts went to companies owned by people from those demographic groups. Read more I felt a rush of anger when I learned the Parker administration planned to scrap the so-called minority participation goals for city contracting. Then I remembered what Id learned while covering race and city contracting over the last decade: participation goals dont work well enough for Black people. This is not to say people of color arent getting city business. The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) said what it calls minority, women, and disabled business enterprises received more than $370 million in city contracts in fiscal year 2023. Advertisement The citys goals call for 35% of city contracts to be awarded to businesses owned by women, people of color, and people with disabilities. During the 2023 fiscal year, 31.4% of city contracts went to companies owned by people from those demographic groups. However, Black-owned businesses only accounted for about 13.5% of all city contracts. Given that Black Philadelphians make up the citys largest ethnic group were more than 38% of the population thats a problem. So why dont participation goals work better for Black people? I believe the answer is simple. Bias and race-based exclusion are built into a system where money is plentiful but accountability is not. In construction, a business where city contracts abound, developers and contractors tend to be big political donors. The companies are almost always white-led, since only 9.2% of Philadelphia businesses with employees were Black-owned as of 2022. In addition, the building trades unions, though they are now run by a Black man, Ryan Boyer, spent generations excluding Black people. That leaves the city asking white-owned businesses with largely white workforces to meet minority participation goals set by the Office of Economic Opportunity. According to a former manager in the OEO, who would speak to me only on the condition of anonymity, companies that dont meet the goals rarely face consequences. Thats been the case for years. In fact, I wrote a 2016 Inquirer column that noted that in the 2015 fiscal year, nearly 70% of city-funded construction projects with budgets over $250,000 did not reach the citys participation goals for people of color, and 44% had no participation by people of color at all. Even if the goals didnt deliver what they should have, its galling to lose them at a time when the president is pushing an anti-Black agenda. Very few were held accountable for it then, and very few are held accountable now. But even if the goals didnt deliver what they should have, its galling to lose them at a time when the president is pushing an anti-Black agenda, complete with policies that led to job losses for over 300,000 Black women during his first year in office. Sadly, thats just the tip of the iceberg. Donald Trump has sought to erase Black history in our city by pushing for the removal of a slave memorial. He sent federal agents to snatch Black American citizens and Venezuelan immigrants from their beds in Chicago. He has targeted Black political representation with a Texas redistricting scheme that judges have blocked for now. But this is about more than the presidents recent actions. This is about Trumps long game. From Road-Con Inc. v. City of Philadelphia, which challenged the citys minority set-asides, to the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to kill affirmative action, the multipronged attack is not just meant to set precedents. This attack is meant to set us back. Thats why, when we see our civil rights gains under attack, we want our leaders to stand and fight. READ MORE: I love seeing anti-Trump protests. Like many other Black folks, I wont be joining them. | Solomon Jones I asked Mayor Cherelle L. Parker if changing the minority participation goals to small and local business goals represented the kind of fight our community wants from her. I am 53 years old, she said, and I have been working in government and public service since I was 17 years old. I dont know anyone in this city who knows me who has ever questioned whether or not Im willing to fight for what I believe in. Im a product of this city. You heard me reference the intersection of race and gender. But I thank God that Im made and built from the kind of material that says a speech is not enough. You have to deliver tangible results. The mayor went on to say the community should hold her accountable. I agree, and we will. But I am also one of those people who have known the mayor for years. She is indeed a fighter, and shes fighting this her way. We only need one thing from her: a win. Former FBI director James B. Comey, appearing before a Senate committee in 2017, is in court to fight charges he made false statements during a 2020 Senate hearing and obstructed Congress. Read more WASHINGTON A federal judge on Monday dismissed criminal charges against two perceived adversaries of President Donald Trump, FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling the U.S. attorney he hand picked to prosecute them was unlawfully appointed. The ruling throws out two cases Trump had publicly called for as he pressured Justice Department leaders to move against high-profile figures who had criticized him and led investigations into his conduct. Advertisement Lindsey Halligan, a former personal lawyer to Trump, was named interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in September to take over both investigations despite having no previous prosecutorial experience. The findings by U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie came after both Comey and James accused the Trump Justice Department of violating the U.S. Constitutions Appointments Clause and federal law by appointing Halligan in September. No legal authority Currie found that Halligan had no legal authority to bring indictments against either Comey or James. But Currie dismissed the cases without prejudice, giving the Justice Department an opportunity to seek new indictments with a different prosecutor at the helm. All actions flowing from Ms. Halligans defective appointment, Currie wrote, were unlawful exercises of executive power and are hereby set aside. After the decision, Attorney General Pam Bondi told reporters the Justice Department would be taking all available legal action, including an immediate appeal to hold Letitia James and James Comey accountable for their unlawful conduct. Bondi said that because Halligan was made a special U.S. attorney, she can continue to prosecute cases. She can fight in court just like she was and we believe we will be successful on appeal, Bondi said. James and Comey separately said they were grateful for the ruling. James attorney, Abbe Lowell, said she would continue to challenge any further politically motivated charges through every lawful means available. In an Instagram video, Comey said the case against him was a prosecution based on malevolence and incompetence and a reflection of what the Department of Justice has become under Donald Trump. It is unclear if prosecutors could seek to bring a new case against Comey over the same conduct. The five-year statute of limitations on the charges expired on September 30, and Comeys lawyers have already indicated in court filings that they do not believe prosecutors have more time to refile the charges. Both Comey and James have been longtime targets of Trumps ire. Comey as FBI director oversaw an investigation into alleged ties between Trumps 2016 election campaign and the Russian government and later called Trump unfit for office. James, an elected Democrat, successfully sued Trump and his family real estate company for fraud. Trump ordered Bondi to install Halligan to the post after her predecessor Erik Siebert declined to pursue charges against Comey or James, citing a lack of credible evidence in both cases. Halligan moved swiftly Shortly after her appointment, Halligan alone secured indictments against Comey and James after other career prosecutors in the office refused to participate. Comey pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements and obstructing Congress after he was accused of lying about authorizing leaks to the news media. James pleaded not guilty to charges of bank fraud and lying to a financial institution for allegedly misleading on mortgage documents to secure more favorable loan terms. Attorneys for Comey and James argued that Halligans appointment violated a federal law they said limits the appointment of an interim U.S. attorney to one 120-day stint. Repeated interim appointments would bypass the U.S. Senate confirmation process and let a prosecutor serve indefinitely, they said. Siebert previously had been appointed by Bondi for 120 days and was then re-appointed by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, since the Senate had not yet confirmed him in the role. Lawyers for the Justice Department argued the law allows the attorney general to make multiple interim appointments of U.S. Attorneys. Still, Bondi sought to shore up the cases by separately installing Halligan as a special attorney assigned to both prosecutions. In that same document, she also said she ratified the indictments. Currie found that Bondis attempts to retroactively secure the cases were invalid. Currie, who is based in South Carolina and was appointed by former Democratic President Bill Clinton, was assigned to rule on Halligans appointment because federal judges in Virginia had played a role in appointing her predecessor. The challenge to Halligans appointment was one of several efforts lawyers for Comey and James have made to have the cases against them thrown out before trials. Both also argued that the cases are vindictive prosecutions motivated by Trumps animosity. Halligan has come under intense scrutiny by courts, particularly over her handling of the Comey case. A federal magistrate judge found she may have made significant legal errors in presenting evidence and instructing the grand jury that indicted Comey. The trial judge repeatedly questioned whether the full grand jury had seen the final version of the Comey indictment. A display window in a business along West Broad Street in Hazleton, a town with a high percentage of Latino voters who went for President Donald Trump last year. Read more A majority of Latino adults disapprove of President Donald Trumps job performance and his policies on immigration and the economy, according to a new Pew Research Center report that offers insight on the shifting opinions of a key voter demographic that Trump made inroads with in 2024. The study, published Monday, offers a glimpse into how a majority of Latino adults nationwide have a negative view of Trumps performance and policies that were important to them during the 2024 election. However, a majority of Latinos who voted for Trump in 2024 remain supportive of the president. Advertisement Pew Research Center based its analysis on two nationwide surveys conducted this fall. The center surveyed almost 5,000 Latino adults from Oct. 6 to Oct. 16 as part of its National Survey of Latinos. A prior survey of U.S. adults, including 629 Hispanic respondents, was conducted from Sept. 22 to 28. The report includes the opinions of Latino residents in the United States, including people both eligible and ineligible to vote. A strong majority of Latino voters who supported former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 are critical of Trumps performance, according to the report. Among the highlights of the survey, 70% of Latino adults disapprove of Trumps handling of the presidency, 65% disapprove of the Trump administrations immigration policies, and 61% say the presidents economic initiatives have made economic conditions worse, according to the report. Additionally, approximately four in five Latinos say that Trumps policies harm Hispanics, a higher share than during his first term. Latinos are among the fastest growing demographic groups in the United States and were a key voting bloc during the 2024 presidential election. Though Trump significantly improved his support among Latino voters in 2024, he did not win the demographic overall. In Pennsylvania, some Latino voters set aside his incendiary rhetoric about their community in favor of his promises to help the economy. In Philadelphia, Trump won nearly 22% of the vote in majority Latino precincts, compared to more than 6% in 2016 and more than 15% in 2020. It remains to be seen how the pessimism with Trump reflected in the report will impact the 2026 midterms, said Luis Noe-Bustamante, a research associate at the Pew Research Center and an author of the report. But Latino voters swung back to Democrats during the elections earlier this month, including for Democratic Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill, whose margins over Republican Jack Ciattarelli ranged from 57 to 71 percentage points in majority Latino municipalities, according to data from Nov. 5. Her campaign made efforts to reengage Black and Latino voters, including those who were turned off by Trumps immigration and economic policies. Sherrills campaign was largely focused on affordability and combating Trump. Similar to how the economy and affordability was a top issue among Latinos in the lead up to the 2024 election, it continues to be a priority among them and something in which they continue to have generally pessimistic views, Noe-Bustamante said. But that could change. Conditions on the ground could change and of course that could shift opinions of the president and his administration. In the Pew Research Center survey, about two-thirds of Latinos say their situation in the United States is worse today than it was a year ago, the first time in nearly two decades of the Pew Research Center Hispanic surveys. Latinos have become increasingly concerned about their belonging in the United States, increasing from 48% in 2019 to 55% in 2025, according to the report. And when it comes to their personal finances, approximately one-in-three Latinos have struggled to pay for groceries, medical care, or their rent or mortgage in the last year. However, half believe their financial situation will improve over the next year and some have had beneficial financial experiences in the last year. On immigration, slightly more than half 52% of Latino adults say they worry constantly about the prospect that they, or someone they are close to, could be deported amid the Trump administrations surge of immigration enforcement. About 71% say the administration is doing too much when it comes to deporting immigrants who have not legally entered the U.S, according to the report. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has aggressively targeted immigrants in the Philadelphia area, raiding communities and carrying out arrests, which members and allies of the Latino community continue to protest. Though a vast majority of Latinos have a critical perspective of Trump, Latinos who voted for Trump in 2024 have largely remained loyal to the president and his ideals, while Latino Republicans who did not vote for him have less favorable views of the president. As an example, Trump has an 81% job approval rating among Latinos who voted for him, though this has declined from 93% at the beginning of his term. Similarly, a smaller share of Latino Trump voters say their situation has worsened in the United States, that Trumps policies are harmful to Hispanics, and that theyre worried about their belonging in the U.S. That loyalty to Trump has remained among some in places, like Hazleton, the only one of Pennsylvanias three largest majority-Latino cities to vote for Trump in 2024. Hazleton residents told The Inquirer in August that there was some skepticism around Trumps economic and immigration policies even as some continued to support him. Staff writer Julia Terruso contributed to this article. Visitors gather after a news conference in front of Project HOMEs Inn of Amazing Mercy in 2023. The supportive housing project stands to lose federal aid under a Trump administration plan. Read more Philadelphia stands to lose tens of millions of dollars in federal funds intended to fight homelessness under a plan issued by the Trump administration that advocates say could significantly disrupt permanent housing programs and return formerly homeless people to the streets. Advertisement The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released the plan earlier this month, saying it would restore accountability and promote self-sufficiency in people by addressing the root causes of homelessness, including illicit drugs and mental illness. Nationwide, advocates say, the HUD plan could displace 170,000 people by cutting two-thirds of the aid designated for permanent housing. The number of individuals in Philadelphia at risk of losing stable housing hasnt been tallied because the citys Office of Homeless Services (OHS) is still reviewing the plans impact, said Cheryl Hill, the agencys executive director. Overall, there are 2,330 units of permanent housing, many of them financed by $47 million the city received from HUD last year, according to city officials. The new strategy comes as Mayor Cherelle L. Parker attempts to move ahead with an ambitious plan to increase the supply of affordable housing in the city. Parker declined to comment on the Trump administrations policy shift. A preliminary analysis by HopePHL, a local anti-homelessness nonprofit, estimates around 1,200 housing units with households of various sizes would lose federal aid and no longer be accessible to current residents, all of whom are eligible for the aid because they live with a physical or mental disability. HUD plans to funnel most of the funding for permanent housing into short-term housing programs with requirements for work and addiction treatment. The agency also said that its increasing overall homelessness funding throughout the United States, from $3.6 billion in 2024 to $3.9 billion. This new plan is disastrous for homelessness in Philadelphia, said Eric Tars, the senior policy director of the National Homelessness Law Center, who lives and works in Philadelphia. The biggest immediate harm would be that those who were once homeless but are now successfully living in apartments will be forced out of their homes. Other critics say the policy is based on a failed model that strips away civil liberties and doesnt address what scholars and people who run anti-homelessness agencies say is the main reason Americans are homeless: the dearth of affordable housing. We have broad concerns about what were seeing, said Candice Player, vice president of Advocacy, Public Policy and Street Outreach for Project HOME, the leading anti-homelessness nonprofit in Philadelphia. We are all in a very difficult position here. Amal Bass, executive director of the Homeless Advocacy Project, which provides legal services to those experiencing homelessness, agreed, saying the city is bracing for homelessness to increase in Philadelphia as a result of these policy choices. The need to house thousands of people suddenly made homeless would force cities, counties, and states to spend money they may not have, according to a statement from the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Asked for comment, a HUD spokesperson sent a statement saying the agency seeks to reform failed policies, and refutes claims that the changes will result in increased homelessness. HUD hopes that current permanent housing shift to transitional housing will include robust wraparound support services for mental health and addiction to promote self-sufficiency. The agency added that it wants to encourage the 12,000 religious organizations in Pennsylvania to apply for funding to help those experiencing homelessness. New restrictions on gender ideology extremism The federal government funds local governments to address homelessness through so-called Continuums of Care (CoC), local planning bodies that coordinate housing and other services. In Philadelphia, the CoC is staffed by the citys Office of Homeless Services, and governed by an 18-member board, including homeless and housing service providers, and physical and behavioral health entities. In its plan, HUD will require the local planning bodies to compete for funding, and will attach ideological preconditions that could affect how much money a community like Philadelphia receives. For example, the new HUD plan cracks down on DEI, essentially penalizing a local board for following diversity, equity, and inclusion guidelines. HUD would also limit funding to organizations that support gender ideology extremism programs that use a definition of sex other than as binary in humans. And HUD will consider whether the local jurisdictionprohibits public camping or loitering, an anti-encampment mandate that advocates such as the Legal Defense Fund say criminalizes homelessness. Funding for programs that keep people in permanent housing could be cut off as early as January, according to HUD documents. Philly an early adopter of Housing First The new HUD policy dovetails with the views of President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order in July that sought to make it easier to confine unhoused people in mental institutions against their will. Trump has also said he wants municipalities to make urban camping illegal, helping to clear homeless encampments from streets and parks. Hes expressed a preference for moving people who are homeless from municipalities to tent cities. Planners in Utah are working toward creating such a facility known as an accountability center that would confine people who are experiencing homelessness and force them to be treated for drug addiction or behavioral health issues. HUDs new direction is a repudiation of Housing First, which gives people permanent housing and offers services without making them stay in shelter and mandating treatment for drug abuse or behavioral health issues. Philadelphia was an early adopter and was the first U.S. city to use it specifically for people with opioid disorders, according to Project HOME, which was cofounded by Sister Mary Scullion, an early proponent of Housing First. Time and again its been proven that offering, rather than requiring, services to help those who are homeless, has greater effect, said Michele Mangan, director of Compliance and Evaluation at Bethesda Project, which provides shelter, housing, and case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. The administrations move toward transitional housing and required treatment hasnt worked before, according to Dennis Culhane, a social policy professor at the University of Pennsylvania whos an expert in homelessness and assisted housing. The people most in need of help couldnt comply with clean and sober requirements and were evicted, he said. Its a misguided approach that blames the victim and fails to address the lack of affordable housing, Culhane said. On the other hand, Housing First has had an 85% success rate in helping to lead people out of homelessness, Culhane said. He added that he distrusts the administrations motivation. It just wants people out of sight and moved into fantastical facilities with tents and alleged care because theyre seen as a nuisance. Ultimately, said Gwen Bailey, HopePHLs vice president of programs, its not clear whether the Trump administration thinks its doing the right thing. I dont know their data. But in Philadelphia right now, today, I see all kinds of people facing frightening situations. Staff writer Sean Collins Walsh contributed to this article. More New York-area renters are searching for rental homes in the Philadelphia area, according to a Realtor.com analysis. Read more More out-of-towners and fewer locals are searching for rental homes in the Philadelphia region, with New Yorkers leading the way. No word on whether they plan to become Eagles fans. In an analysis of the countrys 50 largest metropolitan areas, Philadelphia had the second-largest drop in local rental demand since before the pandemic, as measured by listing views on Realtor.com. Advertisement In fall 2019, about 68% of the Philadelphia metros rental traffic on the website came from local residents. By this fall, that share had dropped to about 45%, according to a Realtor.com report published this month. Philadelphia was one of 20 metros that switched from having mostly local demand for rental listings before the pandemic to mostly out-of-town demand. Only Detroit had a larger drop than Philadelphia in the share of locals looking online for rentals. This fall, most of the Philadelphia metros out-of-town rental traffic 48% came from the New York metro, which includes some North Jersey cities. The share of listing views coming from the New York metro grew from almost 7% of all traffic before the pandemic to more than 25% this fall. In the Philadelphia region, the median asking rent for rentals with zero to two bedrooms was $1,743 in October, according to Realtor.com. The areas affordability compared to New York and other large nearby metros attracts out-of-town renters. Thats also the case in such metros as San Francisco and Charlotte, N.C. But for many renters already living in the Philadelphia area, the regions relative affordability doesnt mean much. The region is one of the least affordable major metros in the country for its apartment renters based on their incomes, according to a January report by the online real estate brokerage Redfin. Shifting affordability across regions is reshaping renter behavior, with a growing share of demand coming from outside local markets, Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said in a statement. Data show that more renters are willing to look farther afield, in some cases to entirely new markets, for homes that better align with their budgets, Hale said. Although New York renters are among those eyeing the Philadelphia region, many are looking to stay put. The New York metro had the highest share of local rental demand this fall. About three in four online views for rentals in that metro came from inside the metro, about the same share as in 2019. Nationwide, the rental market has continued to cool, Hale said. From January to October of this year, the median asking rent stayed roughly flat, falling by 0.1%. Over the same period of 2024, the median asking rent increased by 1.1%. The Trump administration has threatened to withhold nearly $75 million in funding if Pennsylvania does not immediately revoke what the administration claims are illegally issued commercial drivers licenses to immigrants. The move by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to target Pennsylvania follows similar action against California. Both states are run by Democratic governors who have criticized President Donald Trumps administration and who are viewed as potential top-shelf contenders to be the partys 2028 presidential nominee. Duffy has made it a priority to scrutinize how the licenses are issued since August, when a tractor-trailer driver not authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people. That incident thrust the issue into the publics consciousness. In a statement Thursday, DOT spokesperson Danna Almeida said all states were being reviewed. Its unclear how many people would be affected in Pennsylvania. In any case, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro s administration said the federal government didnt identify a single commercial drivers license issued to someone who wasnt eligible. Still, a letter Thursday from the Republican administration to Shapiro cited an audit that found two out of 150 people whose licenses exceeded their lawful presence in the country. In four cases it had reviewed, the federal government said Pennsylvania provided no evidence that it had required noncitizens to provide legitimate proof that they were legally in the country at the time they got the license. The Trump administration called on Pennsylvania to stop issuing new, renewed and transferred commercial drivers licenses and permits, as well as conduct an audit to identify those licenses whose expirations exceed the drivers lawful stay in the U.S. It is also asking the state to void noncompliant licenses and remove those drivers from the road. The administration said approximately 12,400 noncitizen drivers hold an unexpired commercial learners permit or commercial drivers license issued by Pennsylvania. The governors of California and Pennsylvania Gavin Newsom and Shapiro are tough critics of Trump, and both have been repeated targets of Trumps administration. Shapiros administration said the state transportation department ceased issuing commercial drivers licenses to noncitizens after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a regulation in late September that would severely limit which immigrants can get one. A federal court has put the rule on hold for now, but Shapiros administration said its transportation department still hasnt resumed issuing what are called non-domiciled CDLs. Pennsylvanias transportation department said Thursday that it follows federal rules for verifying an immigrant applicants lawful presence in the country by checking the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys database. But Shapiro this week suggested that DHS was falling short by failing to properly maintain that database, which states use to check an immigrants legal status before issuing a drivers license to a noncitizen. His comments came after DHS said it had arrested an Uzbek national with a commercial drivers license issued by Pennsylvania. The man, who had a work authorization granted in 2024, was wanted in his home country for belonging to a terrorist organization, the department said. But Shapiro said the state transportation department checked the federal database over the summer before issuing a CDL to the man, and he was authorized to get one. The state rechecked the database this week, and it still listed him as qualified to get a CDL, Shapiro said. They clearly are not minding the shop, and theyve gotta get better, because every single state in the country relies on this database when making a determination as to who qualifies for a CDL. We relied on the feds before issuing this one, Shapiro said. California, which said it would revoke 17,000 licenses, is the only state the administration has acted against because it was the first one where an audit was completed. The government shutdown delayed reviews in other states, but the Transportation Department is urging all of them to tighten their standards. ___ Catalini reported from Trenton, New Jersey, and Levy from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Associated Press writer Josh Funk contributed. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Auto Personal Auto Pennsylvania Four patients who developed a serious eye disease after using Novo Nordisk A/Ss blockbuster weight-loss drugs have been granted compensation in Denmark, the drugmakers home market. The claimants received a combined 800,000 kroner ($124,000), though that figure may rise if further loss of earnings is proven, according to Danish Patient Compensation, an independent association financed by the state and insurers. So far, the body said it has received 43 claims from patients who believe they developed the condition known as NAION after taking Wegovy or Ozempic. The agency has ruled on five cases, granting compensation in four and rejecting one. It said eligibility depends on individual assessments and that not all cases automatically qualify for compensation. NAION occurs when a loss of blood flow damages the optic nerve, and is most common in people over the age of 50. Though rare, the eye condition is irreversible, untreatable and potentially blinding, and doctors have said that patients should be informed of a possible risk. Its unfortunate for the patients affected by this side effect, Karen-Inger Bast, managing director of the association, said in a statement. NAION is a serious disease that causes permanent and incurable damage to vision. Novo has reviewed the ruling and takes all reports of adverse events related to the use of its medicines very seriously, a spokesperson said by email. The drugmaker has already updated patient leaflets in the EU for its marketed semaglutide products to include NAION as a very rare adverse drug reaction, though Novo believes the benefit-risk profile of semaglutide remains favorable. Earlier this year, the European Medicines Agencys safety committee found that NAION is a very rare side effect of semaglutide, a key ingredient in diabetes and obesity drugs. It could affect as many as 1 in 10,000 people taking the medicines, it said, adding that product labels should be updated to reflect that risk. The EMAs review came after the Danish Medicines Agency asked it to look at two studies conducted independently that found that people with type 2 diabetes who took Ozempic faced more than twice the risk of developing the eye condition. The semaglutide link to NAION was first suggested in 2024 in a Harvard University study. Photograph: Ozempic injection pens; photo credit: Carsten Snejbjerg/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Spanish legacy media companies in Spain scored a victory against social media giant Meta after a Madrid-based court ordered Thursday [Nov. 20] that it must pay news outlets nearly half a billion euros in damages. According to a court statement, the mercantile court No. 15 of Madrid ruled that Mark Zuckerbergs social media giant had exercised an unfair market advantage by extracting personal data of internet users in violation of European law and using it to create more effective advertising. The parent company of Instagram and Facebook will have to pay 481 million ($554 million) in damages to 81 Spanish media outlets which brought the suit to court. Read more: Spanish Media Association Files $598M Lawsuit Against Facebook Owner Meta The illicit treatment of this enormous quantity of personal data meant Meta had an advantage that Spanish online media could not match, the court wrote in a statement. Metas actions harmed the online advertising revenues of Spanish digital media outlets. The court agreed with the Spanish media outlets that Meta had violated European regulations for five years, before the American company updated its legal base of consent on compiling personal data in 2023 to bring it in line with European law. The 2018 EU rules, known as the General Data Protection Regulation, require companies that collect personal data of users to adhere to technical and organizational measures aimed at protecting user privacy. Meta said it will appeal, calling the ruling baseless. This is a baseless claim that lacks any evidence of alleged harm and willfully ignores how the online advertising industry works, Meta said in a statement. Meta complies with all applicable laws, and has provided clear choices, transparent information and given users a range of tools to control their experience on our services. This is not the first time Meta has run afoul of the EU data norms. In 2022, Irish regulators slapped Meta with a 265 million-euro (then $277 million) fine for breaking them. The Spanish court said that its ruling could influence other legal cases in Europe, including in France where Meta faces a similar case. Meta has been pushing for the EU to loosen its regulations, which offer better protection to users than in the United States. Last week, Spains financial markets supervisor has slapped Elon Musks X with a 5 million-euro ($5.8-million) fine for allowing an unauthorized cryptocurrency platform alleged of using fraudulent publicity to advertise on the social media network. ___ AP business writer Kelvin Chan contributed to this story from London. Related: Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. United Nations climate talks in Brazil reached a subdued agreement Saturday that pledged more funding for countries to adapt to the wrath of extreme weather. But the catch-all agreement doesnt include explicit details to phase out fossil fuels or strengthen countries inadequate emissions cutting plans, which dozens of nations demanded. The Brazilian hosts of the conference said theyd eventually come up with a road map to get away from fossil fuels working with hard-line Colombia, but it wont have the same force as something approved at the conference called COP30. Colombia responded angrily to the deal after it was approved, citing the absence of wording on fossil fuels. The deal, which was approved after negotiators blew past a Friday deadline, was crafted after hours of late night and early morning meetings. After the deal was approved, COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago said the tough discussions started in Belem will continue under Brazils leadership until the next annual conference even if they are not reflected in this text we just approved. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the deal shows that nations can still come together to confront the defining challenges no country can solve alone. But he added: I cannot pretend that COP30 has delivered everything that is needed. The gap between where we are and what science demands remains dangerously wide. Deal Gets Mix of Lukewarm Praise and Complaints Many gave the deal lukewarm praise as the best that could be achieved in trying times, while others complained about the package or the process that led to its approval. Given the circumstances of geopolitics today, were actually quite pleased with the bounds of the package that came out, said Palau Ambassador Ilana Seid, who chaired the coalition of small island nations. The alternative is that we dont get a decision and that would have been a worse alternative. This deal isnt perfect and is far from what science requires, said former Ireland President Mary Robinson, a fierce climate advocate for the ex-leaders group The Elders. But at a time when multilateralism is being tested, it is significant that countries continue to move forward together. Absent from the talks was the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. This year there has been a lot of attention on one country stepping back, U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell said, referring to the United States withdrawal from the landmark 2015 Paris agreement. But amid the gale-force political headwinds, 194 countries stood firm in solidarity rock-solid in support of climate cooperation. Some countries said they got enough out of the deal. COP30 has not delivered everything Africa asked for, but it has moved the needle, said Jiwoh Abdulai, Sierra Leones environment minister. What really matters, he said, is how quickly these words turn into real projects that protect lives and livelihoods. U.K. Energy Minister Ed Miliband said the agreement was an important step forward, but that he would have preferred it to be more ambitious. He added: These are difficult, strenuous, tiring, frustrating negotiations. Swift Final Push Prompts Complaints The deal was approved minutes into a plenary meeting open Saturday to all nations that were present. After the main package was approved to applause by many delegates angry nations took the floor to complain about other parts of the package and about being ignored as do Lago moved quickly toward approval. The objections were so strong that do Lago temporarily halted the session to try to calm things down. Colombias Daniela Duran Gonzalez blasted the conferences president for ignoring her, saying: The COP of the truth cannot support an outcome that ignores science. An area that usually gets less attention became a big point of contention. The approved deal established 59 indicators for the world to judge how nations are adapting to climate change. Before the Belem conference, experts crafted 100 precisely worded indicators, but negotiators changed the wording and cut the total. The European Union, several Latin American countries and Canada said they had severe problems with it, calling it unclear and unworkable. They complained that they tried to object but were ignored. Do Lago apologized. How Major Issues Were Handled A handful of major issues dominated the talk. Those included coming up with a road map to wean the world from fossil fuels, telling countries that their national plans to curb emissions were inadequate, tripling financial aid for developing nations to adapt to extreme weather and reducing climate restrictions on trade. COP30 gave us some baby steps in the right direction, but considering the scale of the climate crisis, it has failed to rise to the occasion, said Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa. Critics complained there was not much to the deal. Strip away the outcome text and you see it plainly: The emperor has no clothes, said former Philippine negotiator Jasper Inventor, now at Greenpeace International. Panama negotiator Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez railed against the deal. A climate decision that cannot even say fossil fuels is not neutrality, it is complicity. And what is happening here transcends incompetence, Monterrey Gomez said. Science has been deleted from COP30 because it offends the polluters. Many nations and advocates wanted something stronger because the world will not come close to limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since the mid 1800s, which was the goal the 2015 Paris agreement set. Read more: UN Sees Worlds Emissions Falling 10% by 2035, Far Short of 60% Goal The financial aid for adapting to climate change was tripled to a goal of $120 billion a year, but the goal was pushed back five years. It was one of several tough issues to dominate the late stage of talks. Vulnerable nations have pressed the wealthier countries most responsible for climate change to help out with money to rebuild from damaging extreme weather and to adapt to more of it in the future. Pushing back the goal leaves vulnerable countries without support to match the escalating needs, Adow said. After the main deal was approved, tempers flared as the open meeting stretched on. Russias ambassador at large, Sergei Kononuchenko, lectured Latin American delegates who were objecting frequently that they were behaving like children who want to get your hands on all the sweets, and arent prepared to share them with everyone. An angry Eliana Ester Saissac of Argentina said Latin Americans are in no way behaving like spoiled children who want to stuff our mouths full of sweets to a roar of cheers and applause. ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ 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. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Energy Oil Gas Two former top investigators for Farm Bureau Financial Services are suing the company for fraud, racketeering and wrongful termination. The lawsuit alleges the insurers management group knew of fraudulent activity committed by company employees and refused to report fraud to state regulators. The purpose of the scheme was to pass on the bulk of the financial costs of some fraudulent claims or illegal activities to policyholders and other competitors, the lawsuit alleges. The lawsuit claims Farm Bureau Financial committed racketeering, obstruction of justice, and mail fraud or wire fraud. The lawsuit, filed by James Newton and Brent Meskimen on Nov. 15 in Iowa district court, alleges the insurers management group was repeatedly informed of fraudulent acts carried out by Farm Bureau adjusters and agents. Newton and Meskimen said they were terminated separately in November 2023 after saying they would submit reports of fraudulent activity to state regulators even if it went against supervisors orders. Newton worked 13 years at Farm Bureau, rising to director of investigations. Meskimen managed the special investigations unit for the Farm Bureaus Property & Casualty Insurance Company. Farm Bureau Financial is a West Des Moines-based insurer that provides auto, home, life and property insurance. Farm Bureau did not respond to a request for comment. Lawsuit: Farm Bureau Kept Fraudulent Activity Hidden Farm Bureaus special investigations unit (SIU) revealed fraudulent activities by company employees as far back as 2011, the pair allege, but senior management repeatedly kept state regulators in the dark. According to the lawsuit, there were multiple instances of employees committing forgery, including one case of a Kansas agent allegedly forging at least 900 forms for his clients, allegedly with the clients consent, and another 100 forms without clients consent. The agent was terminated, but no management refused to refer the incident to the Kansas Department of Insurance Fraud Unit. In another instance, the special investigation unit found that an Iowa agent allegedly altered coverage for a loss after a clients 1991 Ford Mustang was destroyed in a fire. The insured of the Ford Mustang was the agents father, the lawsuit claims. Newton allegedly stressed to his superior that the incident needed to be referred to the Iowa Department of Insurance Fraud Unit. Newton was told the agent wouldnt be disciplined and that the claim would be paid out of Farm Bureaus slush fund via an Errors & Omissions claim, according to the lawsuit. Nebraska Fire Claim An investigation into a 2023 Nebraska residential fire claim was the straw that broke the camels back, the plaintiffs said. The lawsuit alleges the special investigations unit found that a Farm Bureau adjuster at the scene of the fire inspection unlawfully entered a detached garage not associated with the location of the house fire by using a credit card to pick the lock on the detached garage. The adjuster was later fired. When Newton and Meskimen brought up the incident to their supervisors, Farm Bureau management allegedly created a shell claim to conceal any evidence of the known, illegal, and unfair claims settlement practice from the insured. To create the shell claim Farm Bureau management allegedly used a canceled insurance policy associated with the personal identification information of another insured out of Minnesota that had no association with the parties involved in the Nebraska fire claim. Newton and Meskimen allege they were later told by supervisors that the special investigations unit would end its involvement with the claim. While Newton and Meskimen had been concerned that findings of fraud found by their special investigations unit were not being reported by Farm Bureau, the egregiousness of the Nebraska fire claim caused Newton and Meskimen to decide they could no longer look the other way, the lawsuit alleges. The named defendants in the lawsuit include Paul Swinton, assistant general counsel for Farm Bureau, Daniel Pitcher, CEO of Farm Bureau and Ronald Mead Jr., chief operating officer for property casualty of FBL Financial Group and Farm Bureau. Topics Lawsuits Fraud Agribusiness As cases of potentially deadly botulism in babies who drank ByHeart infant formula continue to grow, state officials say they are still finding the recalled product on some store shelves. Meanwhile the company reported late Wednesday that laboratory tests confirmed that some samples of formula were contaminated with the type of bacteria that has sickened more than 30 babies in the outbreak. Tests by an independent food safety laboratory found Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces toxins that can lead to potentially life threatening illness in babies younger than 1, the company said on its website. ByHeart officials said they notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the findings but did not specify how many samples were tested or how many were positive. We are working to investigate the facts, conduct ongoing testing to identify the source, and ensure this does not happen to families again, ByHeart said on its website. The FDA did not immediately respond to questions about the findings. The lab results come as investigators in at least three states found ByHeart formula still for sale even after the New York-based company recalled all products nationwide, officials told The Associated Press. At least 31 babies in 15 states who drank ByHeart formula have been hospitalized and treated for infantile botulism since August, federal health officials said Wednesday. They range in age from about 2 weeks to about 6 months, with the most recent case reported on Nov. 13. No deaths have been reported. Related: Deaths and Illnesses Reported in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Recalled Pasta Meals In Oregon, nine of more than 150 stores checked still had the formula on shelves this week, a state agriculture official said. In Minnesota, investigators conducted 119 checks between Nov. 13 and Nov. 17 and removed recalled products from sale at four sites, an agriculture department official said. An Arizona health official also said they found the product available. Businesses and consumers should remain alert, Minnesota officials said in a statement. No affected product should be sold or consumed, they wrote. Investigators with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted inspections at ByHeart manufacturing plants in Allerton, Iowa, and Portland, Oregon. No results from the inspections have been reported. California officials previously confirmed the germ that can lead to illness in an open can of ByHeart formula fed to a baby who fell ill. Infant botulism, which can cause paralysis and death, is caused by a type of bacteria that forms spores that germinate in a babys gut and produce a toxin. Symptoms can take up to 30 days to develop and include constipation, poor feeding, a weak cry, drooping eyelids or a flat facial expression. Babies can develop weakness in their limbs and head and may feel floppy. They can have trouble swallowing or breathing. ByHeart had been manufacturing about 200,000 cans of formula per month. It was sold online or at retail stores such as Target and Walmart. A Walmart spokesperson said the company swiftly issued a restriction that prevented sale of the formula, removed the product from stores and notified consumers who had bought it. Customers can visit any store for a refund of the formula, which sold for about $42 per can. Federal and state health officials are concerned that some parents and caregivers may still have ByHeart products in their homes. They are advising consumers to stop using the product including formula in cans and any single-serve sticks. They also suggest marking it DO NOT USE and keeping it for at least a month in case a baby develops symptoms. In that case, the formula would need to be tested. The California health department operates the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, which tracks cases and distributes treatment for the disease. Officials there have launched a public hotline at 833-398-2022, which is staffed with health officials from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. The new hotline was created after calls from hundreds of parents and caregivers flooded a different, longstanding hotline for doctors to discuss suspected infant botulism cases, officials said. Photo: ByHeart infant formula has been removed from shelves of a Walmart store in Temecula, Calif., on Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/JoNel Aleccia) Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The US Securities and Exchange Commission will drop its landmark lawsuit against SolarWinds Corp. that accused the company of covering up internal problems ahead of a massive cyberattack. The SEC, the software company and its top information security official jointly asked a federal court in Manhattan to end the case, according to an agreement filed on Thursday. The agency and Solarwinds in July said they had reached an agreement to settle the allegations. Related: SEC, SolarWinds Reach Settlement to End Lawsuit Related to 2020 Breach The agency said the decision to seek dismissal is in the exercise of its discretion and does not necessarily reflect the Commissions position on any other case. A SolarWinds spokesperson said the company was clearly delighted with the dismissal. The move ends a controversial case for the SEC, which faced criticism from Wall Street and beyond that its allegations against SolarWinds went far afield of the agencys typical enforcement remit. SolarWinds also slammed the agency, accusing the SEC of twisting facts to expand its regulatory turf to cybersecurity. The SEC sued the Texas-based firm in October 2023, saying it blindsided investors by downplaying the risks leading up to a data breach that affected hundreds of public companies and several federal agencies. The regulator alleged securities fraud and controls violations and also accused the companys chief information officer, Timothy Brown, of breaking securities laws by minimizing the hack. It was the first time the SEC sued a computer security executive for a cybersecurity-related issue. The SEC at the time said the firm failed to maintain adequate controls and shared general, hypothetical risks about cyber threats in its financial statements when serious problems were ramping up behind the scenes. A federal judge in July 2024 dealt the agency a major blow by dismissing much of the SECs lawsuit against the firm, including some claims against Brown. The judge also dismissed allegations that the firm violated decades-old accounting rules in connection with the hack. Although Solarwinds disclosed the hack in December 2020, Russian state-sponsored hackers breached the companys networks as early as January 2019, according to investigations into the attack. When customers installed an update to a popular piece of SolarWinds software, they inadvertently opened a digital door that let hackers sneak into their networks. The SEC alleged that SolarWinds and Brown were warned of weak cybersecurity within the company, but that they painted a rosier picture to investors. The agency said that the company and Brown were regularly alerted to security deficiencies, with Brown writing in an internal presentation in 2018 that the current state of security leaves us in a very vulnerable state for our critical assets. Photo: Signage outside SolarWinds Corp. headquarters in Austin, Texas. Photographer: Bronte Wittpenn/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits Cyber American International Group Inc. will hand a multimillion-dollar payout to insurance executive John Neal, even as the executives employment ended before he joined the firm. The insurer will pay Neal $2.7 million to compensate for foregone incentives at his former employer, the company said in a filing Friday. AIG withdrew its employment offer to Neal, who had been set to join the company as president in December, after learning that the executive was being investigated at his former employer, Lloyds of London, the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week. Related: Former Lloyds CEO Neal Will Not Join AIG; Hancock to Be General Insurance CEO The swift reversal stunned Wall Street and cost Neal a lucrative job. He would have collected roughly $5 million in salary and bonuses for his first year, along with a target annual equity award of $5 million and a Day 1 restricted-stock grant of $4.5 million with a three-year vesting period. A $2.7 million cash bonus was to be part of the package, AIG said in a filing at the time. Related: Ex-Lloyds CEO Lost $17 Million AIG Job After Office Romance Photo: John Neal. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics AIG A central Georgia insurance agency owner and former Alfa insurance agent of the year must serve more than two years in prison after he pleaded guilty to bank fraud and misusing more than $220,000 in premiums. Jeremy Lasseter, who owned a Warner Robins agency and had been named a top producer for four straight years, repaid the money to the policyholder before his sentencing Nov. 19, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia said in a bulletin. The money taken from the victim has had a significant negative impact on her life. The defendant must be held accountable for defrauding her and abusing the trust placed in him by Alfa Insurance, said U.S. Attorney William Keyes. The insured held several policies with Alfa, all arranged by Lasseter, the indictment shows. He convinced the woman to make checks out to him, instead of Alfa, or pay in cash. He then used some of the premium payments to cover premiums on policies for other insureds, prosecutors said. Defendant now admits and agrees that between March 1, 2020, and September 7, 2023, he carried out a scheme to get money from federally insured financial institutions using material false and fraudulent representations to D.W. with the intent to defraud, the plea agreement reads. Alfa, based in Alabama, writes property and life insurance in Georgia. A company spokesperson said Lasseter was terminated in 2023 for unrelated reasons, but a review of Lasseters book of business prompted Alfa to notify the Georgia insurance commissioners office. Alfa has fully cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation and is eager to see justice served, reads a statement from Alfa. Lasseter began work at Alfa in 2017, after working at New York Life Insurance and at State Farm Insurance in Georgia, according to his Linkedin page. After 2023 he worked as a sales manager at a car dealership. Lasseter had been appointed with multiple carriers in recent years, and was licensed in property, casualty, accident and life lines, the Georgia agent license verification site shows. Prosecutors said that Lasseter initiated the fraud to secure Alfas agent of the year award for an additional consecutive year, an honor that would grant him other perks and status. Topics Agencies Georgia Florida Republicans, including Governor Ron DeSantis, said they oppose a Trump administration plan that could allow new oil and gas drilling in waters off the states Gulf Coast. The reactions came in response to an Interior Department proposal published on Thursday that contemplates future oil leasing in the eastern portion of the Gulf of Mexico, an area used extensively for military testing and training. The region was withdrawn from consideration for energy development by Congress nearly two decades ago, and President Donald Trump, a Republican, extended that moratorium in 2020 during his first administration at the behest of Florida officials. Our Administration supports the 2020 Presidential Memorandum and urges the Department of Interior to reconsider and to conform to the 2020 Trump Administration policy, Molly Best, a spokesperson for DeSantis, said in an emailed statement on Friday. Best noted the ban on drilling in Floridas state waters and the importance of the Eastern Gulf to military activities. The Department of Defense declined to comment on the plan. The Interior Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Floridas Republican senators, Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, also criticized the proposal in posts on X. I have been speaking to (Interior Secretary Doug Burgum) and made my expectations clear that this moratorium must remain in place, and that in any plan, Floridas coasts must remain off the table for oil drilling to protect Floridas tourism, environment, and military training opportunities, Scott said in a post on Thursday. Moody called the proposal concerning and urged her Congressional colleagues to support legislation that would ban drilling off Floridas Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Preserving our states natural beauty is deeply important to the millions who call the Sunshine State home, our visitors, and those whose livelihoods depend on tourism, Moody wrote. (Reporting by Nichola Groom; editing by Diane Craft) Topics Florida Energy Oil Gas Politics Electric air-taxi company Joby Aviation has sued rival Archer Aviation in California state court for allegedly stealing its trade secrets, according to a complaint made public on Thursday. Joby said in the lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in state court in Santa Cruz, California, that Archer hired away a Joby employee, George Kivork, who took confidential information to Archer about its business strategies, partnership terms and aircraft specifications. Joby alleges we used their trade secrets to win a deal with a developer but the reality is that Archer has no deal with this developer and Mr. Kivork did not bring any Joby confidential information to Archer, Archers chief legal and strategy officer, Eric Lentell, said on Thursday in response to a request for comment on the lawsuit. Joby knows these facts and is now improperly attempting to achieve through bad faith litigation what it cannot accomplish through fair competition, he said. A Joby spokesperson declined to comment beyond the text of the complaint. Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft firms like Joby and Archer are racing to bring their vehicles to market, aiming to meet a demand for faster, more sustainable urban transportation. Santa Cruz, California-based Joby is backed by Toyota and said in September that it plans to bring helicopter and seaplane services to Ubers ridesharing app as soon as next year. Jobys lawsuit said Kivork, who led its state and local policy team, left the company for San Jose, California-based Archer after his last working day in July. Joby alleged that Archer misused its trade secrets in an August bid to undercut Jobys contract with a real-estate developer. The developer told Joby that Archer knew confidential details of the agreement and that Kivork must have shared them with his new employer, according to the complaint. The lawsuit said Joby learned from a forensic investigation that Kivork had sent dozens of Jobys files to a personal email account and changed security permissions for hundreds of others so he could access them after he left. Joby requested an unspecified amount of monetary damages and a court order blocking Archer from misusing its trade secrets. Archer settled separate trade-secret claims from Boeings Wisk air-taxi subsidiary in 2023. (Reporting by Brittain in Washington; Editing by Bill Berkrot) Topics Lawsuits California Aviation Farmers Insurance announced it will eliminate the cap on the number of homeowners insurance policies it offers in California. The move is part of a new filing, and the cap removal is effective immediately, made in anticipation of an improved homeowners insurance market in California, according to the carrier. Farmers homeowners offerings had been capped at 9,500 new policies per month. Related: LA County Launches Investigation Into State Farm Over Wildfire Claims The filing requests a 6.99% average statewide rate increase. Farmers says the improved conditions are due to the adoption of the states Sustainable Insurance Strategy, pushed by California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. This cap removal includes homeowners, condominium and renters policies. Farmers also filed a new rating plan that incorporates elements of the Sustainable Insurance Strategy and is expected to add at least several thousand new policies in areas identified as distressed by the California Department of Insurance. In early 2026, Farmers plans to begin marketing directly to roughly 300,000 consumers in the distressed areas. Related: Mercury Seeks 6.9% Rate Increase Based on New Cat Modeling Regulation The Sustainable Insurance Strategy is intended to keep carriers from continuing to withdraw from the wildfire-prone state. In return to expedited rate filings, carriers agreed to write insurance in areas of the state that were shunned due to higher wildfire hazards. Not everyone is happy with the deal. A few of the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires in January are asking California Gov. Gavin Newsom to call for the resignation of Lara over some of the reforms. The calls for Laras resignation follow a New York Times article that an agreement between Lara and several insurers enabled carriers to drop tens of thousands of policyholders ahead of the L.A. fires. According to the article, Lara in 2023 struck a deal with insurers that enabled them to drop policyholders in exchange for future rate hikes, but it was billed as a way to keep people out of the California FAIR Plan. Consumer advocates say Laras deal essentially made him the industrys business partner. Topics California Agribusiness Homeowners Located just 2.5km east of the village of Castlelyons in East Cork, and 10km from Fermoy, a 26-acre top-quality land parcel in the townland of Ballyhamsherry will of keen interest to any number of the progressive farmers in the area. This part of the country has long been a hot spot in the farmland market, with its proximity to large markets in Cork City and the heady mixture of farming activities that go on here. Suppliers of the Norwegian co-op Norsk Melkeravare have been asked to pause the use of Bovaer. The co-op have asked its suppliers to pause the use of Bovaer, the methane-reducing supplement for ruminants on farms, pending the conclusion of the Danish investigation. Mick Meaney was an unlikely celebrity. He was born in 1934 on a farm, on the side of a mountain, outside Ballyporeen, Co Tipperary. He emigrated to London, working as navvy, and was sending remittances back to Mitchelstown, Co Cork, for his pregnant wife and three-year-old daughter when he captured the worlds attention in 1968 with an audacious stunt to bury himself alive in the heart of London in a world record attempt for the longest time spent buried alive. Kerryman Michael Butty Sugrue, a kind of father figure to Meaney, was the impresario pulling the strings. Sugrue was a rogue, and a legendary figure amongst the Irish community in London in the 1960s. He had worked in the circus as a strongman, and owned a couple of London pubs, including The Admiral Nelson in Kilburn. He would never be the one who went into the hole, as a contributor says during Beo Faoin bhFod (Buried Alive), a TG4 documentary about Meaneys story. Sugrue was a master publicist. Before the cameras in The Admiral Nelson pub, with Meaney sitting on the coffin, Sugrue milked it for all he was worth. Resting his hands on Meaneys shoulders, he played the patriot card: You know, Mick, were not doing this for ourselves. Were doing this to honour the great Irishmen who have gone before us, to bring a world record to Ireland. That is our aim. An endurance test that no man ever in the history of the human race stayed longer under the earth than you did. Mary Meaney, daughter of Mick, with a picture of her father. After the mock wake, Meaneys coffin was lifted out a second-floor window of the pub and brought around the streets of Kilburn before being buried in Mick Keanes yard, a Cork building contractor. Meaneys supernatural power was his ability to remain zen while buried underground. He was a good sleeper, which helped. He could sleep on a clothesline, his daughter, Mary Meaney, says in the documentary. He exercised in the coffin by doing sit-ups. Two pipes were chiselled into the coffin, which created an airflow for him. A phone line enabled him to speak with people above ground, who paid for the pleasure. People also had to pay half a crown to go into the yard to see him. The boxer Henry Cooper, lured by Sugrue in a publicity stunt, popped in one day to say hello. The House of Commons debated whether his stunt was safe or not. Mick was completely defenceless down there, says OBrien Moran. I believe they had security there at certain points of the nighttime, but there were times when he was entirely unguarded at the end of a pipe. The coffin was made of plywood. There were tons of earth on top of it. If there was any health emergency, there was no way of him getting out in time to get to a hospital. It was treacherous. But Meaney prevailed. After 61 days, he was exhumed. The endorsement deals and riches promised by Sugrue never materialised. Heaneys dream of buying a house for his wife and two young children came to nothing. Mick had such guilt because there was no money even being sent back to his wife while he was underground, says OBrien Moran. His family were going hungry while the event was taking place. Mick Meaney in a coffin in the Admiral Nelson pub in Kilburn. A rivalry broke out between Meaney and a fascinating character, Tim Hayes, who had originally been Meaneys inspiration. Hayes was known locally around Cobh, Co Cork as the coffin man, often leaving a coffin on stilts out in the open during the summer, airing it. He got into the habit of sleeping in coffins in Japan in the 1950s, while stationed there as a merchant seaman. On Christmas Day 1966, Hayes was buried alive in Cobh, going underground for a hundred hours, passing the time reading books like Bram Stokers Dracula. He was interviewed by Bill OHerlihy for RTE television. Meaney, who was back in Ireland convalescing from a work accident at the time, saw the press coverage about Hayes and it planted a seed. Tim was a fascinating character, says OBrien Moran. He was different to Mick. Mick's event was, of all of the burials, the biggest spectacle. It was done under all this media attention in the middle of London. It was spectacular. He achieved what he set out to do in terms of making a name for himself. Whereas there's something iconoclastic about Tim. He enjoyed doing something unexpected. He seemed to enjoy riling people up. He liked even people saying, You're mad. There was an artistry about Tim. He feels like he could have been a contemporary artist today. Hayes dismissed Meaneys 61-day feat, claiming Meaneys oversized coffin which was made by Rick Whooley from Cork wasnt regulation size, scoffing: It wasnt a coffin, it was a bungalow. Mick Meaney raises his hand from his coffin as he is paraded through the streets of Kilburn in 1968. A dispute between the pair, squabbling in the press as to who was the underground champion, rumbled on for years. Hayes branched out. In 1972, he set a world record by sleeping on a bed of nails for over 25 hours. Meaney had returned to Ireland penniless, settling down in Mitchelstown, raising his family, working in the county council. His moment in the sun passed. The fame Mick got was double-sided, says OBrien Moran. Some people thought Mick was ridiculous and weren't afraid to say so. And there was a lot of jealousy, because Mick was in newspapers all over the world. His daughter Mary lived with the legacy of it for decades. It wasn't always positive. In some ways, Micks life froze in that moment of glory he had. He went on to live a good life, raised children and he loved his family, but it never developed in terms of the highs he got from that day when he was resurrected. Beo Faoin bhFod will be broadcast 9.30pm, Wednesday, November 26 on TG4 Burial Artists The craze for stunt artists burying themselves alive became popular in California in the 1920s. It grew out of carnival culture. Burial artists, or living corpses, drew thousands for their stunts. An American adventurer, Digger ODell, from Memphis, Tennessee, who had a background in the wonderful art of endurance poll sitting, was an early trendsetter, holing up in the worlds smallest apartment for days on end. Cobh man Tim Hayes and broadcaster Bill O'Herlihy. Its surprising how widespread the phenomenon of endurance burial was, says James OBrien Moran, producer and editor of Beo Faoin bhFod. During research, we kept coming across these new people who did it. It is entirely possible that some of the claims that people had were false. A lot of them were part of this carnival culture. Some burial artists were essentially an attraction. People would pay in to see the living corpse and there would just be someone lying in a box in the ground. As the Second World War started, burial artists fell out of fashion. The Guinness Book of Records, which started in 1955, gave the practice a new lease of life, a sudden resurrection for the living corpse, as it were, which reached its peak in the late 1960s at the time of the Mick Meaney versus Tim Hayes battle. The last record was established in the 1990s. The Guinness Book of Records no longer endorses being buried alive, as its too dangerous. American country music star Zach Bryan has announced two shows at Supervalu Pairc Ui Chaoimh next summer as part of his biggest international tour yet. Bryan will embark on the US and European run of his tour, With Heaven On Tour, from March 2026 and will touch down in Ireland next June to play both Cork and Belfast. The announcement comes following Bryans three sold-out dates in Dublin back in June, which saw thousands descend on Phoenix Park. Bryan has grown in popularity in recent years, having previously played to a crowd of 1,500 in the Helix in April 2023. While back on Irish soil earlier this year, he played to more than 180,000 people across three sold-out gigs. Zach Bryan pictured performing at the Phoenix Park, Dublin in June. Picture: Gareth Chaney Bryan is coming off the back of a run of sold-out shows at major college football stadiums in the US, highlighted by a September concert at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor in Michigan, which was the first concert ever held at the largest football stadium in the Northern Hemisphere, setting a record for the largest single ticketed concert in US history. The singer-songwriter also recently confirmed the release of his upcoming album, With Heaven on Top, for January 9, 2026. With Heaven On Tour will span more than 40 dates across North America and Europe and includes two dates at Supervalu Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21 and two dates at Boucher Road in Belfast on Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 24. The main support act on these dates will be Dijon, and the opener act for the gigs will be Fey Fili. Tickets will go on sale Friday, December 5 at 10am via Ticketmaster.ie. Meanwhile, Canadian singer-songwriter Michael Buble is also set to make his way back to Irish shores next summer, with two open-air shows at Dublins Malahide Castle on Saturday, June 27, and Limericks Thomond Park Stadium on Sunday, June 28. Tickets for both gigs will go on sale this Friday, November 28 at 9am via Ticketmaster.ie. Gerry The Monk Hutch will not be precluded from running in the Dublin Central by-election due to an unpaid Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) tax bill, the justice minister has said. Jim OCallaghan said there may be consequences afterwards for Mr Hutch if he won a seat in the upcoming by-election, which is being prompted by the resignation of former finance minister Paschal Donohoe from the Dail last week. The Fianna Fail TD said candidates needed to comply with existing electoral laws. Obviously, any candidate who wants to run has to comply with the provisions set out in the electoral acts as to who can and can't be a candidate, Mr OCallaghan said. Issues have to be resolved, if you have been served with a summons by CAB and youve a tax bill that has to be met, that has to be met. Mr OCallaghan declined to comment on Mr Hutch directly, but said the Electoral Act was clear. It doesn't preclude somebody in his position from running as a candidate. However, there may be consequences afterwards, he said. It was first reported in the weekend media that Mr Hutch was being pursued by CAB over an unpaid tax bill of 790,000. The Standards in Public Office Act requires all TDs elected to the Dail to provide it with a tax clearance certificate. If this does not occur, Standards in Public Office can launch a formal investigation into the TD. An Instagram purporting to be from Mr Hutch posted last Friday signalled he may be running in the upcoming by-election. I've been spending a lot of time lately listening, learning and connecting with people across our community, one picture post on the official Gerard Hutch Instagram account reads. Im grateful for all the support and encouragement along the way. Ill be able to share more updates soon, and I appreciate everyone who's been on with me on this on the journey. A second post, picturing Dublins Five Lamps, was entitled The Peoples Choice. Mr Hutch came close to winning a seat in the constituency in the 2024 general election, but lost out on the final seat after being overtaken by Labours Marie Sherlock. He polled 3,098 first-preference votes. WARNING: Some readers may find the following report upsetting A teenager who was just home from a night out with friends was attacked by a 24-year-old stranger who dragged her on to a muddy lane where he sexually assaulted and raped her, and he was jailed for six years on Monday. Kyle Hayes-Condon, aged 25, of Pairc An Tobair, Clonakilty, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to counts including assault causing harm, sexual assault, false imprisonment and rape. The fact that the 17-year-old had the presence of mind to film and to record the voice of her attacker in the moments before anything happened was crucial in leading gardai to the home of the accused without delay. Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford expressed her sympathies to the teenager and commended her for her quick-wittedness on the night which was crucial in the investigation. The injured party, who is now 18, said: I could see my house just before he dragged me down the shortcut and started doing the most unimaginable things to me that I or anyone would never think would happen so close to home. "It made me feel so defeated if it can happen so close to home, it can happen anywhere. Detective Garda Lisa OSullivan investigated the attack, which happened at around 3am on February 16 this year in West Cork. The teenager got a lift home from a party but got out of the car some distance away and walked the last leg of the journey. She was nearly home when Kyle Hayes-Condon emerged. He had spent the evening drinking and taking cocaine. He later told gardai he consumed seven deals of cocaine that day. He followed the teenager on the opposite side of the road, crossed, and initiated contact. She happened to be making a Snapchat voice note to her friend at that moment and let the recording continue so that his voice was captured. She also managed to make a brief video recording of him before anything happened. Judge Lankford noted: He offered her cocaine. He grabbed her from behind and dragged her to a grassy area. The ground was soft and mucky. She got scratches and abrasions on her legs. She repeatedly said no and begged him to release her. He told her to shut up. He held her down with his body weight and his hand across her mouth. He pulled and ripped her clothing and underwear, sexually assaulting and raping her. She was absolutely terrified and believed she would be killed. He told her afterwards that she could leave. She arrived home at 3.02am, she told her parents, and they were at (their local garda station) at 3.11am, the judge said. She imposed a sentence of seven years with the last year suspended. Defence senior counsel Elizabeth OConnell said in mitigation that the accused pleaded guilty, never equivocated from the central wrong of what he did, and said if there was any difference between what the teenager said and what he said, then her account should be accepted. She said he was ashamed of what he had done, came from a decent background and was remorseful. He is dealing with his drug addiction issues. Victim impact statement The victim said: Since the incident I have found that everyday tasks that were once normal to me are much more difficult now. I often feel unsafe in situations where I should feel secure. The first few weeks were definitely the hardest. I was in bed most of the day, I was sleeping a lot more than usual, I was barely speaking to friends and family, I wasn't on my phone much, I just sat in bed wondering why someone would do such a disgusting thing. I feel unsafe walking alone, I am always very cautious of who is around me. I have to he dropped to work I have gotten a lot better but the trauma still continues. I am able to get out of bed although it is still a struggle which has a huge impact on my school life. The place he dragged me down to used to just be a shortcut me and my friends. Now I will never walk through there again. It will never just be a shortcut to me anymore. I feel as a teenager all you want to do is live your life to the fullest and I was, and I still try but there's some things I cannot do. I used to be able to talk to anyone who I came across, I did that with him and now I feel on edge anytime a man comes close to me that I don't know. That night I had come home with scratches, bruises and cuts. Seeing these on my body made me feel disgusting, like I was used as a rag-doll. I had pain all over my body. In my back, my legs and I had endless headaches. "No one should have to lay there in fear that they might not make it home. No one should have to run home in fear that the person will come after you again. No one should have to go home and tell their parents what had happened. No one should go through something so traumatic. This experience has had a huge impact on me, changing how I see myself and how I interact with other people. It's not just a moment in time but it's something that has reshaped my entire perspective on life. "I find myself reflecting on my past more often, and I realise that my interactions are now more thoughtful and intentional. I want to share this to help people understand how serious what I went through is and how it will continue to affect my life. "It's important for me to carry the depth of these emotions and experiences because I believe that by sharing my story I can foster empathy and understanding in others. I hope that by opening up about my journey I can encourage other people who might be facing similar challenges to speak up and know they are not alone. She was extremely grateful for the support she got from family, gardai and others. She asked that the defendant would never contact her or her family after his release from jail. Judge Lankford directed that Kyle Hayes-Condon would stay away from them for 40 years after his release from prison, which she commented, should be taken to mean forever. - If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services. A young man looking forward to a bright future suffered devastating consequences from a serious assault in Cork city centre from another young man who led a blameless life before that moment and today the accused was given a four-year suspended sentence. Judge Dermot Sheehan said: The matter that has really troubled me about this is that, given the damage done to the young man, it may be, notwithstanding all the mitigation, that the accused should at least in part have a custodial sentence. I have to think of general deterrence. Young men like the accused, late at night in the city centre, have to be deterred from punching people because too often it leads to catastrophic consequences. "On the other hand, the accused was 20. I do not think that in the end society is going to benefit from the accused serving any period in custody. The sentence of four years is suspended. It will have an effect on his ability to travel and on his employment it does have a real consequence for a young man like the accused. Louis Herdman from Rivers Edge, Clash Rd, Cork, pleaded guilty to the charge that on February 8, 2024, at Grand Parade Cork, he intentionally or recklessly caused serious harm to 21-year-old James Dunford, contrary to Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. Judge Dermot Sheehan said: I was concerned about the seriousness of the injury. The injured party was out that evening with his friends and this occurred in the early hours of the morning. Mr Dunford was unconscious and bleeding from his ears. An ambulance took him to Cork University Hospital where he spent 15 days, some of it in an induced coma. There was a traumatic skull fracture and facial fractures. He seems to have had episodes, significant episodes in terms of his recovery. It has not been simple or straight line. It has had ongoing and distressing consequences for him. He was looking forward to his future. That has come to an abrupt end due to the actions of Mr Herdman. His study life, his social life and his sporting life have been seriously affected which is a terrible thing for a young man. Distressing to see that someone through no fault of their own is left in this condition due to the actions of Mr Herdman. The accused was 20 years at the time. He told his parents. He came to the gardai the following day. He realised early on that what he had done had serious consequences. He made full and frank admissions. He entered a signed plea of guilty which is very helpful. The accused has shown remorse. He as brought to court 20,000. It will only be a drop in the ocean if this was a High Court claim. But it is a considerable sum of money from the accuseds resources. I take it as indicating genuine remorse. His understanding of what he has done is apparent now. He realises how serious this is. He too is a student. Up to the time he did this he led a blameless life. He will be marked by this. He shows a low risk of reoffending. He has the support of his family. He works hard to put himself through college. The probation officer says he is unlikely to be before the courts again. The injured party said: My life and future is now one of medical visits, financial and general uncertainty. A lot of unknowns my career, earning potential, my relationships, epilepsy, fear of certain environments. I'm always going to have brain injury and this is always going to affect me and everyone who loves me. Judge Sheehan said: This is a very difficult matter where the accused has struck the unfortunate victim with considerable force but notwithstanding the striking with considerable force, it is not that which causes us to be here. What really brings us here is the injury to the brain which from reading the reports must have come from striking the ground. The consequences are desperate for Mr Dunford." A father-of-four who beat a man to death with a shovel and later told gardai: "I hope the c**t is dead" has been jailed for seven and a half years. Joseph Cahill, aged 46, earlier this year pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of 43-year-old Gerard 'Ger' Curtin. The plea was accepted on the basis that Cahill honestly believed that he was protecting himself, his property, and his children but that the force he used in striking Mr Curtin was excessive. The Central Criminal Court heard that Cahill had previously threatened to kill the deceased after Mr Curtin came to his house, threw stones at his windows, threatened to burn the house down, and demanded money. Mr Curtin left after Cahill's partner gave him 300. Inspector James Ruddle of Roxboro Road Garda Station in Limerick told the court that Curtin returned to Cahill's house in the early hours about two weeks later, again demanding money. CCTV footage showed the deceased smashing a window of the Cahill home with a rock. The lock on Cahill's front door was broken, so he had propped a shovel against it to keep out intruders. Cahill took the shovel, opened the door and struck the victim on the head, causing him to immediately fall to the ground, the inspector said. Cahill then struck Mr Curtin three more times as he lay "defenceless and immobile" on the ground. Before delivering the blows, Cahill called emergency services and asked for the police. After delivering the fatal blows, with Mr Curtin lying motionless on the ground, Cahill told the call-taker that a man was trying to get into his house. He waited a further eight minutes and 30 seconds before telling the call taker to send an ambulance. When asked why he needed an ambulance, Cahill said: "I think he's dead... I had to protect my kids. I don't give a fuck about going to jail. I beat a shovel off his head and I kept beating, to tell you the truth." The first garda at the scene made a note of Cahill saying: "I hit him with a shovel, I hope the c**t is dead." 'Very violent circumstances' At the Central Criminal Court today, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon said that Mr Curtin lost his life in "very violent circumstances". While it is accepted that Cahill believed he was acting in defence of himself, his property and his family, Ms Justice Creedon said the force he used was disproportionate. She said it is clear from statements made by the deceased's family that the killing has had a "profound and lasting effect" on them and has been devastating to his parents. Having set a headline sentence of 10 years, Ms Justice Creedon noted Cahill's family circumstances as a father-of-four, his history of mental health difficulties, and that his previous convictions were all at District Court level. She reduced the sentence to eight years with the final six months suspended on condition that he be of good behaviour, engage with mental health services, attend an anger management program, and engage with any therapeutic services recommended by the Probation Services. On May 30 this year, Cahill, of Sarsfield Avenue, Garryowen, Limerick, pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Gerard Curtin on November 4, 2023, outside his home. At a sentencing hearing, Garret Baker SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told Ms Justice Creedon that Cahill was originally charged with murder. The DPP accepted the manslaughter plea on the basis that Cahill honestly believed that he was protecting himself, his property, and his children, but that the force he used in striking Mr Curtin four times with the shovel was excessive. In a victim impact statement, Bianca Hickey told the court that the deceased was a brother, father, partner, and friend. She said the family has always been "close-knit", but the killing tore them apart. A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his only brother "in the most brutal and frightening of circumstances" following a family funeral in Co Kerry. Last month, a jury convicted Fergus O'Connor of murder, rejecting his claim of self-defence. Today's sentence hearing at the Central Criminal Court was told that O'Connor had a large number of grievances against his 42-year-old brother Paudie, which ranged from money and land-related matters to "issues of other women". The defence told the presiding judge that Fergus O'Connor does not accept the jury's verdict and maintains he was acting in self-defence when he murdered his brother Paudie. However, Ms Justice Melanie Greally said self-defence had been argued "extensively and vociferously" by defence lawyers at O'Connor's trial at Limerick Central Criminal Court, but it was rejected by the panel. She sentenced Fergus O'Connor to the mandatory term of life imprisonment for his brother's murder. Paudie OConnor died from a single stab wound measuring 17cm to the left upper chest, which penetrated the heart, diaphragm, and liver. The trial heard the men had attended their cousin's funeral earlier that day and had been drinking in various pubs around Castleisland, Co Kerry. A toxicology report showed the deceased's level of alcohol was in excess of four or five times over the legal limit for driving. Fergus O'Connor told gardai in his interviews that his brother Paudie went behind his back with "any girl I'd go out with", that Paudie had tried to open a bank account with his ID and that his brother gave his name when he was stopped by gardai and then laughed in his face. The defendant also told gardai that on the night of the funeral, Paudie had made remarks to him about a woman whose company he was in. Victim impact statement In her victim impact statement today, Paudie O'Connor's partner of nine years, Liz O'Donovan, said "this tragedy" has affected not only her life but those of her children. Ms O'Donovan said Paudie would always be remembered for his "warmth, humour, and generous heart". She said he had left "a lasting mark" on everyone who knew him with his "quick wit and one-liners". Ms O'Donovan said the manner in which her partner was taken is difficult to accept. She noted how quickly a person's life can change, as she had only spoken on the phone to him "before the tragedy". She said no jail sentence can ever bring him back or take away the pain, adding: "I do hope the court can understand how deeply his death has affected my life and how much he meant to me and everyone who knew and loved him". Deceased man Paudie OConnor. Earlier, the court heard that Fergus O'Connor, of Scartaglen, Castleisland, Co Kerry, has 15 previous convictions, all for road traffic offences including three for drink-driving. Handing down sentence, Ms Justice Greally said Fergus O'Connor had been found guilty of murder and that Paudie had died in the most brutal and frightening of circumstances at the hands of his only brother. She said it was clear that Paudie was deeply loved by his partner, friends, and family, while his death had left a "teenage son behind without a father". Ms Justice Greally extended her condolences to "all those who are left bereft" by Paudie's loss. She said it would be remiss of her not to point out the role of the neighbours who, in "very traumatising circumstances", had made every effort to preserve Paudie's life, and should be commended. She said the court has no discretion and must impose the mandatory term of life imprisonment for murder on Fergus O'Connor, backdating it to June 28, 2024. Sentence hearing Detective Sergeant Ernie Henderson of Tralee Garda Station told Michael Delaney, prosecuting, that Fergus O'Connor was convicted of murdering his brother by a jury at the Central Criminal Court which was sitting in Limerick on October 20 last. Mr Delaney said the offence was committed shortly after midnight on June 28, 2024, at their mother's home at Scartaglen, Castleisland, Co Kerry. The men had attended their cousin's funeral earlier that day and were drinking at various pubs in Castleisland. Counsel said the pattern of blood in the house suggested the fatal stabbing took place upstairs. He said after the fatal stabbing, Fergus O'Connor had made his way down the stairs before collapsing outside his mother's house, where he died. Mr Delaney said Fergus and Paudie O'Connor were the only children of Thecla OConnor and her husband. Counsel said there was only a year between the men and that their parents had separated many years ago. He said the deceased man was born in 1981 and that Fergus was born in 1982. The lawyer said Thecla O'Connor had previously moved to the housing estate on the outskirts of Castleisland and was seriously ill at the time of the incident. She died from cancer two months later on August 31, 2024. Mr Delaney said both Fergus and Paudie had been living at their mother's house on an intermittent basis and were "coming and going, to a certain extent". The Det Sgt agreed that Paudie O'Connor was not married but had a son from a relationship when he was living in the US many years ago. Fergus O'Connor, the court heard, is not married and has no dependents. Mr Delaney said both men had been in each other's company at Kearney's Bar between 6pm and 7.30pm on June 27. Paudie left the pub and went to other pubs whilst Fergus stayed on in Kearney's. Counsel said the evidence established that Paudie took a taxi home to his mother's house about 10.30pm, arriving before his brother. He said there had been telephone contact between Paudie and his partner between 10pm and 11pm. "That contact concluded at 10.59pm, with a text saying he was home in bed". Mr Delaney said Fergus had left a pub on the main street at 12.12am and was quite intoxicated. He said the defendant was last seen on CCTV at 12.15am walking towards his mother's house. Witnesses Counsel said neighbour Maurice Flynn, who was parking up his van, had seen the deceased at his mother's front door holding his side at 12.22am. He said this suggested that the stabbing had occurred within five minutes of the defendant getting home. Another witness said she had heard a noise and looked out her bedroom window that night. She said she saw Paudie O'Connor on his knees outside the front door when the defendant came out of the house. She said Fergus had punched his brother with a closed fist, causing him to fall to the ground. Another neighbour carried out CPR on the victim as he lay on the ground outside his house. Mr Delaney said the defendant had rendered some assistance when he retrieved a duvet to place over his brother, who was only wearing underpants at the time. Mr Delaney said paramedics had worked on the deceased for a short period of time, but it was clear upon their arrival that Paudie had died. Defendant's account of ev Counsel said the defendant told gardai at the scene that his brother had come at him with a knife and that he was "simply defending himself". Fergus O'Connor, whose clothes were heavily blood-stained, was arrested on suspicion of murder at 2.50am that night and brought to Tralee Garda Station. Mr Delaney said the defendant was not fit for questioning for six hours due to intoxication and anxiety. Fergus O'Connor maintained in his garda interviews, counsel said, that a row started in the kitchen between him and his brother after Paudie had made a smart remark. The defendant said he found himself "pinned to the ground" before picking up a knife and stabbing the deceased in self-defence. Mr Delaney said this account "changed somewhat" when the defendant was shown a photograph of blood on the landing of the stairs and accepted that the incident must have taken place upstairs. The defendant had some bruising to various parts of his body, which were consistent with blunt force trauma, said Det Sgt Ernie Henderson. Caroline O'Connell, defending, said her client would like a recommendation from the court for him to serve his sentence in Cork Prison. Ms Justice Greally said that, given the current situation with prison numbers, she could not make any recommendations. Gardai have appealed for witnesses after 18 cattle were stolen from a farm in Skibbereen, Co Cork. The incident occurred overnight between Sunday, November 23 and Monday, November 24. Close to 50 extra gardai have been assigned to Cork city as a new permanent so-called "high-visibility policing plan" targeting antisocial behaviour, drug dealing, shoplifting, and public order gets under way. Aggressive begging will also come under the remit of the new policing plan, which will see more garda foot patrols across the city centre. The new foot patrols come in locations that were selected following feedback from the community and businesses in the city, as well as our own crime location data, according to An Garda Siochana. Under the new plan, repeat offenders will be targeted with a pro-arrest policy, while strong opposition to bail will also be made in the courts, where appropriate. The allocation of 48 gardai to the Cork City Garda Division brings the number of gardai in the division to 722, according to a Garda spokeswoman. The 48 gardai include 36 probationers. The remaining 12 have been transferred to Cork City from other locations. Under the high-visibility policing plan for the city centre, there will be 11 beats across the city which have been selected for patrols between 8am and 4am daily. Gardai will be at each of these high-visibility posts/beats at all times during the operating hours to provide continuous reassurance to members of the public and promptly deal with incidents, said a garda spokeswoman. There will be 11 gardai on duty for the operation during daytime hours, with 12 on duty as part of it during the night. The plan will also be backed up by members of the Cork City Garda Roads Policing Unit, the Garda Public Order Unit, and detective and plain-clothes gardai. A similar initiative was launched in Dublin recently, and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly told the Oireachtas justice committee two weeks ago that the Dublin pilot would be next rolled out to Cork. The new policing plan for the city centre will continue after the Christmas and new year period. Welcome from businesses Businesses in Cork City have welcomed the move, given concern in recent years about a perception among the public that Cork city centre does not feel safe. Last month, during a breakfast meeting hosted by the Cork Business Association, business representatives met with senior gardai, homeless services representatives, and members of Cork City Council to discuss challenges, including antisocial behaviour in the city centre. The Cork Business Association has welcomed the new allocation of gardai and the rollout of the policing plan. Compared with what we are used to getting, it is extraordinary, said association president, Dave OBrien. He said the association has been campaigning for such a measure for years, and never really getting what we were looking for". He said that the Garda Commissioner has been pushing it. For businesses and residents in the city, it is really welcome," he said. City 'needed additional resources' There were 1,309 theft-related offences in Cork city centre last year, up from 1,195 in 2023 and from 939 in 2022. There were 852 public order offences in the same area last year, while burglary-related offences rose from 28 in 2022 to 66 last year. Assistant Commissioner for the Southern region, Eileen Foster, said: These high-visibility foot patrols in Cork city centre increase garda visibility and offer public reassurance that public realms and amenities in Cork city centre are, and continue to be, safe places to live, visit, socialise, conduct business, and enjoy. Chief Superintendent of the Cork City Division, Thomas Myers, said the measures are an acknowledgement that Cork City needed additional resources. Earlier this month, four wardens began patrolling the city under the city centre warden scheme launched in a pilot project in partnership between Cork City Council, Cork Business Association (CBA), and gardai. Although the wardens do not have enforcement powers like gardai, their remit is to maintain close contact with law enforcement, and to raise any issues directly with relevant services. The two-year pilot project is funded by the Department of Justice and Cork City Council. European officials said they were comforted by the outcome of discussions on US peace proposals for Ukraine. The plans have been viewed as tilted in Russias favour, but officials did not disclose details of the weekend talks and warned of a long road to peace in Ukraine. I spoke with @ZelenskyyUa this morning. I welcome the progress made at yesterdays meetings between US and Ukraine in Geneva. The negotiations were a step forward, but there are still major issues which remain to be resolved. Any decision falling in the remit of EU or NATO Alexander Stubb (@alexstubb) November 24, 2025 After Sundays meeting in Switzerland between US and Ukrainian officials, Finnish President Alexander Stubb wrote: The negotiations were a step forward, but there are still major issues which remain to be resolved. US President Donald Trump suggested that the process could be moving in the right direction. Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Dont believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening, he wrote in a post on the Truth Social platform. The talks in Geneva covered a 28-point peace plan presented last week by the United States that triggered alarm in Kyiv and European capitals by heavily favouring Moscows demands and goals following its invasion of its neighbour nearly four years ago. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the interim result of the talks, saying the US proposal has now been modified in significant parts. He cautioned, however: It was possible to clear up some questions, but we also know that there wont be peace in Ukraine overnight. Everyone is offering support, giving advice, providing information and I am grateful to each and every person who is giving this help to us, to Ukraine. It is important to ensure that the steps to end the war are effective, and that everything is doable. Ukraine has never pic.twitter.com/9PVteak2aA Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 23, 2025 The plan pressed Ukraine to consent to handing over some of its territory to Moscow and slashing the size of its army, leaving it vulnerable. The proposal also sought Europes agreement that Ukraine will never be admitted into the Nato military alliance, though the alliance has previously said Ukraine is on an irreversible path to membership. The surprise emergence of the peace plan coincided with a bleak period for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with the war less than three months shy of its fourth anniversary. It is under severe strain on the front line against Russias bigger army, it is short of money, and Mr Zelensky is trying to defuse a major corruption scandal that has tainted his government. The Geneva meeting offered some hope for Kyiv. Diplomacy has been reinvigorated, and thats good. Very good, Mr Zelensky said late on Sunday. It wasnt clear whether the talks would continue on Monday. Russian officials still havent seen the revised peace plan text since amendments were made over the weekend, a Kremlin spokesperson said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were no plans for US and Russian delegations to meet this week (Ramil Sitdikov/AP) Dmitry Peskov added that there was currently no plan in place for US and Russian delegations to meet this week, but that the Russian side remained open for such contacts. Mr Merz, the German leader, said Moscow must now become engaged in the process. The next step must be that Russia must come to the table, he said in Luanda, Angola where he was attending a summit between African and European Union countries. This is a laborious process. It will move forward at most in smaller steps this week. I do not expect there to be a breakthrough this week. The chief diplomats of Germany, Finland, France, the UK, Italy and Poland consulted with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on Monday on further steps toward ending the war, according to the German Foreign Office. German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who directed the talks in Switzerland, made decisive positive contributions to ensuring that this plan can be accepted by both the European and Ukrainian sides. I would like to say that all issues concerning Europe or Nato have been removed from this plan, which is a decisive success that we achieved yesterday, he told public broadcaster Deutschlandradio. Mr Rubio said the talks were very worthwhile and constituted the most productive day in a very long time. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP) I feel very optimistic that we can get something done, he said. Turkey is also hoping to build bridges between Russia and Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin was to speak by phone with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan later on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Mr Peskov said. Mr Erdogans office said that the two leaders would discuss a deal from 2022, which allowed Ukraine to safely ship exports of grain via the Black Sea. Moscow refused to extend the deal a year later, saying agreements to ease Russian exports of food and fertiliser hadnt been honoured. Meanwhile, the grim reality of war still cast a pall over Ukraine as Russian forces kept up their deadly and devastating strikes on civilian areas. Rescue workers put out a fire of a residential building damaged by a Russian strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, last month (AP/Andrii Marienko) Russian drones hit residential areas of Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, overnight, killing four people and wounding 13, including two children, authorities said. Eight residential buildings, an educational facility and power lines were damaged in the attack, according to the head of the regional military administration, Oleh Syniehubov. Kharkiv Regional Prosecutors Office published photos showing homes on fire, rubble scattered across backyards and firefighters and war crimes prosecutors working on site. Ukraines air force says Russia fired 162 strike and decoy drones over the country overnight. Russia also resumed its nighttime drone attacks on Ukraines civilian and port infrastructure close to Romanias border, the Nato members Defence Ministry said. Romania scrambled two Eurofighter Typhoon jets and two F-16s in response to drones near its border, the ministry said. A US- and Israel-backed company that provided aid to Gaza said it would close down operations. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) had already shut distribution sites after a US-brokered ceasefire took effect six weeks ago in Gaza. It has now announced that it is permanently shutting down, claiming it has fulfilled its mission. (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) GHF director John Acree said in a statement: We have succeeded in our mission of showing theres a better way to deliver aid to Gazans. The operations of the GHF were shrouded in secrecy during its short time in operation. Launched with US and Israeli backing as an alternative to the United Nations, the group never revealed its sources of funding and little about the armed contractors who operated the sites. It said its goal was to deliver aid to Gaza without it being diverted by Hamas. Palestinians, aid workers and health officials have said the system forced aid-seekers to risk their lives to reach the sites by passing Israeli troops who secured the locations. Soldiers often opened fire, killing hundreds, according to witnesses and videos posted to social media. Palestinians inspect the ruins a day after an Israeli strike (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) The Israeli military says it fired only warning shots as a crowd-control measure or if its troops were in danger. GHF said there was no violence in the aid sites themselves but acknowledged the potential dangers people faced when travelling to them on foot. However, contractors working at the sites, backed by video accounts, said the American security guards fired live ammunition and stun grenades as hungry Palestinians scrambled for food. Mr Acree said that GHF would hand off its work to the US-led centre in Israel overseeing the Gaza ceasefire, called the Civil-Military Co-ordination Centre (CMCC). GHF has been in talks with CMCC and international organisations now for weeks about the way forward and its clear they will be adopting and expanding the model GHF piloted, he said. GHF began operating in late May, after Israel had halted food deliveries to Gaza for three months, pushing the population toward famine. Palestinian children play in a makeshift camp for displaced people in Zawayda (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Israel intended for the private contractor group to replace the UN food distribution system, claiming Hamas was diverting large amounts of aid. The UN has denied the claims. The UN had opposed the creation of GHF, saying the system gave Israel control over food distribution and could force the displacement of Palestinians. Throughout the war, the UN led a massive humanitarian effort with other aid groups, distributing food, medicine, fuel and other supplies at hundreds of centres around Gaza. In the release, GHF said it had delivered more than three million food boxes to Gaza, totalling 187 million meals. Also on Monday, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz and military chief of staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir clashed publicly over the armys investigation into what happened on October 7 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people to Gaza. Mr Katz has said earlier that he would order a re-examination of the militarys latest internal review. He also said he would be freezing new appointments in the army pending the conclusions of this new review. Israels government has long resisted the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack. In response, Lt Gen Zamir said in a sharply worded statement that the defence ministers move was puzzling and not substantive. If any further examination is required to complete the picture, it must take the form of an external, objective and independent commission He said freezing appointments would harm the militarys capabilities and its readiness for the upcoming challenges and claimed he would continue to hold posting discussions as planned, in accordance with his authority. The army is the only body in the country that has thoroughly investigated its own failures and taken responsibility for them, wrote Lt Gen Zamir. If any further examination is required to complete the picture, it must take the form of an external, objective and independent commission that will also probe the interface between the military echelon and the political echelon. Moments after Lt Gen Zamir put out the statement, Mr Katz doubled down on his decision, releasing a statement saying he respects the military chief of staff, who knows very well that he is subordinate to the prime minister, the defence minister, and the government of Israel. He added he does not intend to argue in the media and re-asserted his authority to decide on military appointments. Following the militarys latest review, Lt Gen Zamir sanctioned 13 army officials who were top commanders on October 7 2023, censuring some and forcing others into retirement. Fire teams rescued a teenager who was stuck dangling from a crane hanging 36 storeys above Jerusalem for seven hours. The 15-year-old boy told rescue teams that he had climbed up the crane around midnight because he wanted to see the view, according to Israels Fire and Rescue Service. President Donald Trump said he has accepted an invitation from Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit Beijing in April and that he reciprocated by inviting Mr Xi for a state visit to the US later next year. Mr Trump made the announcement a few hours after he spoke with Mr Xi on the phone, in which he said the two men discussed issues including Ukraine, fentanyl and soybeans. The phone call came nearly one month after the two men met in person in the South Korean city of Busan. Our relationship with China is extremely strong! Mr Trump said. The US and Chinese leaders spoke by phone, discussing trade, Taiwan and Ukraine (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Beijing, which announced the phone call first, said nothing about the state visits but said that the two leaders discussed trade, Taiwan and Ukraine. Mr Xi told Mr Trump in the phone call that Taiwans return to mainland China is an integral part of the post-war international order, and he expressed hope for a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement over Ukraine, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. The conversation came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently said Japans military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing says must come under its rule. Japan is an important ally of the US in the region. The phone call also coincided with the latest push by the Trump administration to end the war in Ukraine. The Chinese, who in the past always pointed out that their leader picked up the call upon request, didnt say such for Mondays call. That means China called Trump, said Sun Yun, director of the China programme at the Washington-based think tank Stimson Centre. My best guest is China is worried about the escalation (in tensions) with Japan. The reference to Taiwan and the post-WWII order directly points to the spat with Japan over Taiwan. They also talked about Ukraine. That is an issue China is interested in due to the new peace negotiation, added Ms Yun. Donald Trump announced the visits following a phone call between the two (Susan Walsh/AP) The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine crisis, the Chinese side said, with Mr Xi saying the crisis should be resolved at its root. The Chinese leader stressed Beijings support for all efforts that are conducive to peace, according to the statement. However, western governments have accused Beijing of enabling the war through its industrial support for Moscow. Mr Trump said he spoke with Mr Xi about Fentanyl, Soybeans and other Farm Products, etc. We have done a good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers and it will only get better, Mr Trump wrote. Since he met Mr Xi in Busan, there has been significant progress on both sides in keeping our agreements current and accurate, Mr Trump said. In the call, Mr Xi said the bilateral relationship has generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory following the Busan summit, and he said the two sides should strive to make more positive progress, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. It did not reveal any concrete agreements on matters such as purchases of American soybeans. The US Justice Department on Monday renewed its request to unseal grand jury transcripts from Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwells sex trafficking cases, arguing they should be made public under a new law requiring the government to open its files on the late financier and his longtime confidante. US Attorney Jay Clayton cited the Epstein Files Transparency Act passed by Congress last week and signed into law by President Donald Trump in court filings asking Manhattan federal Judges Richard M Berman and Paul A Engelmayer to reconsider their decisions to keep the material sealed. The Justice Department interprets the transparency Act as requiring it to publish the grand jury and discovery materials in this case, said the eight-page filings, which also bear the names of Attorney General Pam Bondi and her second-in-command, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Jeffrey Epstein in 2017 (New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP) The filings are among the first public indications that the Justice Department is working to comply with the transparency act, which requires that it release Epstein-related files in a searchable and downloadable format by December 19. The Justice Department asked Judges Berman and Engelmayer for expedited rulings allowing the release of the grand jury materials, which contains evidence from law enforcement witnesses but no victims, arguing that the new law supersedes existing court orders and judicial policies that would otherwise prevent public disclosure. In its filing on Monday, the Justice Department said any materials made public could be partially redacted to prevent the disclosure of things such as victims identifying information. In an order late on Monday, Judge Engelmayer invited Maxwell and victims of Maxwell and Epstein to respond by December 3 to the governments request. The government must respond to their filings by December 10. The judge said he will rule promptly thereafter. The transparency Act compels the Justice Department, the FBI and federal prosecutors to release the vast troves of material they have amassed during investigations into Epsteins decades-long sexual abuse of young women and girls. The law mandates the release of all unclassified documents and investigative materials, including files relating to immunity deals and internal Justice Department communications about whom to charge or investigate. Judge Berman has previously said that the grand jury transcripts in Epsteins case amount to about 70 pages, along with a PowerPoint slideshow and call log. The only witness to give evidence was an FBI agent who had no direct knowledge of the facts of the case, Judge Berman noted in his prior ruling. The FBI agent testified on June 18 2019, and July 2 2019. The July 2 session ended with grand jurors voting to indict Epstein. He was arrested on July 6 2019 and found dead in his jail cell on August 10 2019. The same FBI agent testified before the Maxwell grand jury, which met in June and July 2020 and March 2021, the Justice Department has said. The only other witness was a New York City police detective. The Justice Department first asked Judge Berman to unseal the grand jury material in July, doing so at Mr Trumps direction as the president sought to quell a firestorm after he reneged on a campaign promise to open up the governments so-called Epstein files. Judge Engelmayer, who presided over Maxwells 2021 sex trafficking trial, ruled first. In an August 11 decision, he wrote that federal law almost never allows for the release of grand jury materials and that casually making the documents public was a bad idea. And he suggested that the Trump administrations real motive for wanting the records unsealed was to fool the public with an illusion of transparency. Judge Engelmayer wrote that after privately reviewing the grand jury transcripts that anyone familiar with the evidence would learn next to nothing new and would come away feeling disappointed and misled. The materials do not identify any person other than Epstein and Maxwell as having had sexual contact with a minor. They do not discuss or identify any client of Epsteins or Maxwells. They do not reveal any heretofore unknown means or methods of Epsteins or Maxwells crimes, the judge said. Judge Berman, who presided over Epsteins 2019 case, ruled about a week later. He concluded that a significant and compelling reason to deny the Justice Departments request to unseal the Epstein grand jury transcripts was that information contained in them pales in comparison to investigative information and materials already in the Justice Departments possession. Judge Berman wrote in his August 20 ruling that the governments 100,000 pages of Epstein-related files dwarf the grand jury transcripts, which he said were merely a hearsay snippet of Jeffrey Epsteins alleged conduct. A federal judge has dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluding that the prosecutor who brought the charges at President Donald Trumps urging was illegally appointed by the Justice Department. The rulings from US District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie halt at least for now two prosecutions that had targeted two of the presidents most high-profile political opponents and amount to a stunning rebuke of the Trump administrations legal manoeuvring to install an inexperienced and loyalist prosecutor willing to file cases. The orders do not concern the substance of the allegations against Mr Comey or Ms James but instead deal with the unconventional manner in which the prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, was named to her position as interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Defence lawyers said the Trump administration had no legal authority to make the appointment. In two similar rulings, Judge Currie agreed and said the invalid appointment required the dismissal of the cases. All actions flowing from Ms Halligans defective appointment, including securing and signing the indictments, were unlawful exercises of executive power and are hereby set aside, she wrote. Letitia James in October (John Clark/AP) Ms Halligan, the judge said, has been serving unlawfully in the role since September 22, the day she was sworn in by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The challenges to Ms Halligans appointment are just one facet of a multiprong assault on the indictments by Mr Comey and Ms James, who have each filed multiple motions to dismiss the cases that have not yet been resolved. Both have separately asserted that the prosecutions were vindictive and emblematic of a weaponised Justice Department. Mr Comeys lawyers last week seized on a judges findings of grand jury irregularities and missteps by Ms Halligan in moving to get his case tossed out, and Ms James has cited outrageous government conduct. The former FBI director said he is grateful that the judge dismissed the case against him on Monday, though he expects his saga is not over. I know that Donald Trump will probably come after me again, Mr Comey said in a video posted online. Im innocent. I am not afraid and I believe in an independent federal judiciary. Mr Comey said he hopes the case sends a message that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies. At issue in Judge Curries rulings is the mechanism the Trump administration employed to appoint Ms Halligan, a former White House aide with no prior prosecutorial experience, to lead one of the Justice Departments most elite and important offices. Ms Halligan was named as a replacement for Erik Siebert, a veteran prosecutor in the office and interim US attorney who resigned in September amid Trump administration pressure to file charges against both Mr Comey and Ms James. After Mr Siebert resigned after having served more than 120 days in the role, defence lawyers argued, the judges of the federal court district should have had exclusive say over who got to fill the vacancy. They said the law does not permit the Justice Department to make successive appointments as an end-run around the courts and the Senate confirmation process. Judge Currie agreed. The 120-day clock began running with Mr Sieberts appointment on January 21 2025. When that clock expired on May 21, 2025, so too did the Attorney Generals appointment authority, Judge Currie wrote. Consequently, I conclude that the Attorney Generals attempt to install Ms Halligan as interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was invalid and that Ms Halligan has been unlawfully serving in that role since September 22 2025. Instead, Mr Trump nominated Ms Halligan while publicly imploring Ms Bondi in a social media post to take action against his political opponents, saying in a Truth Social post that JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!. Though the defendants had asked for the cases to be dismissed with prejudice, meaning the Justice Department would be barred from bringing them again, the judge instead dismissed them without prejudice. The Justice Department did not immediately comment on next steps, but it is likely to appeal. Mr Comey was indicted days later on charges of making a false statement and obstructing Congress, and Ms James was charged soon after that in a mortgage fraud investigation. In a statement, Ms James, a Democrat, said: I am heartened by todays victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country. I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day, she said. Judges have separately disqualified interim US attorneys in New Jersey, Los Angeles and Nevada, but have permitted cases brought under their watch to move forward. But lawyers for Mr Comey and Ms James had argued that Judge Curries ruling needed to go even further because Halligan was the sole signer of the indictments and the driving force behind them. Mr Comey has for years been one of Mr Trumps chief antagonists. Appointed to the job in 2013 by president Barack Obama, Mr Comey, at the time of Mr Trumps 2016 election, was overseeing an investigation into whether his presidential campaign had conspired with Russia to sway the outcome of the race. Furious over that investigation, Mr Trump fired Mr Comey in May 2017 and the two officials have verbally sparred in the years since. Ms James has also been a frequent target of Mr Trumps ire, especially since she won a staggering judgment against him and the Trump Organisation 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 dollars with interest, but upheld a lower courts finding that Mr Trump had committed fraud. Chinese firm, EACOP train 80 Tanzanian youth to boost local workforce Xinhua) 11:11, November 24, 2025 DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Eighty young Tanzanians have graduated from a one-year vocational training program, marking a new milestone in efforts to strengthen local workforce skills and expand economic opportunities, one of the program's organizers said on Sunday. The initiative, jointly implemented by Panyu Chu Kong Steel Pipe Co., Ltd. (PCK), a Chinese company, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), was delivered in partnership with Tanzania's Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), EACOP said in a statement. EACOP is a 1,443-km crude oil export pipeline that will transport Uganda's crude oil from Kabaale-Hoima to the Chongoleani peninsula near Tanga, Tanzania, for export to international markets. According to the statement, the training program provided hands-on training in eight technical fields, namely welding and metal fabrication, plumbing and pipe fitting, electrical installation, plant operation, motor vehicle mechanics, masonry, painting, and electronics. Graduates were drawn from communities neighboring the pipeline route and attended VETA centres in Moshi, Kilindi, and Shinyanga, said the statement. Launched in January 2025, the program is part of EACOP's local content strategy aimed at building a competitive workforce capable of supporting Tanzania's expanding industrial and infrastructure sectors. The new graduates received nationally recognized certifications designed to enhance employability and enable them to contribute meaningfully to community development, the statement said. Geofrey Mponda, acting general manager of EACOP's Tanzania branch, reaffirmed the project's commitment to long-term skill development. "Investing in people lies at the core of EACOP's mission," he said, noting that 1,250 km of line pipe have already been welded and overall project progress has reached 74 percent. The PCK, the Chinese company contracted to manufacture and supply approximately 1,542 km of line pipe for EACOP, completed deliveries in 16 batches between 2023 and 2025, meeting all milestones without delays, the statement added. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Stanza no. 24 in the first edition of Edward FitzGeralds translation of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam makes fun, as A. J. Arberry pointed out, of theologians and philosophers who spoke of metaphysical certainties. Personally, I think there is something almost Buddhist about it (see below). XXIV. Alike for those who for to-day prepare, And those that after a To-morrow stare, A Muezzin from the Tower of Darkness cries Fools! your Reward is neither Here nor There! A. J. Arberry identified the original here as no. 411 in the Calcutta MS: It is replicated almost identically on the web here.. A slightly different version also exists. In the Calcutta MS., o z in or wazin is almost certainly a mistake for din or religion. Here is my attempt at a relatively faithful rendering of the original, in iambic pentameter but with an abba rhyme scheme rather than FitzGeralds aaba. I find it almost impossible to achieve the latter while keeping the strict sense of the Persian, which is why my own translation of The Rubaiyat is in blank or free verse. Some meditate on faith, amazed thereat; one group is lost in certainty and doubt. A crier then cried out from a redoubt: You fools, the path is neither this nor that! - Order Juan Coles contemporary poetic translation of the Rubaiyat from Bloomsbury (IB Tauris) or Barnes and Noble. or for $16 at Amazon Kindle - FitzGerald made the crier as in town crier, into a Muslim caller to prayer or muezzin. In keeping with the spirit of the original, he depicted the minaret as a Tower of Darkness, suggesting that a conventional, fundamentalist faith is benighted, and it is necessary to transcend the superficial binary of doubt and certainty, unbelief and faith. (Artist) Bichitr. Mughal Emperor Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings, ca. 1615-1618. From the St. Petersburg Album. Freer Gallery. Smithsonian Institution. The assertion that the path is neither this nor that recalls the notion in the Upanishads of neti, neti that language is inadequate to understanding the divine or the human self, and so whatever attributes are proposed of either should be seen as constructs rather than reality. Swaran P. Singh writes in an article on mindfulness : A particular form of negation, neti neti, is salient in all main Indian traditions. Neti neti (not this, not this) is a method of inquiry to find out what you are not: I am not this body, I am not these emotions, I am not this thought or experience, etc. By negating everything that is not-self, one is left with only the self. This principle of not this, not that also resembles Zen Buddhist ways of thought. I argued in my book about the The Rubaiyat that much of the poetry was composed in Mongol or post-Mongol times when Buddhism had an influence on Iran and Central Asia. It is also possible that many of the quatrains in the Calcutta manuscript that E. B. Cowell found in the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal collection were written in India by Indians. Many people contributed to this genre of poetry and attributed the poems to Khayyam as a frame author, just as the 1001 Nights tales were composed in Cairo, Baghdad, Aleppo and elsewhere and attributed to Scheherazade. If the poem is Indian, it could by by a Hindu who knew the Neti, Neti of the Upanishads, or by a Muslim who did. Medieval Indian Persian culture was cosmopolitan and the Upanishads were translated into Persian by the Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh. Of course, sophisticated Sufi or mystical Islamic thought is full of such spiritual concepts in its own right. While much of the Khayyami corpus adopts a sneering tone toward conventional religion, in some instances it suggests that the search for transcendence can be rewarding if only it is approached with wisdom and while avoiding simplistic piety. - For more commentaries on FitzGeralds translations of the Rubaiyat, see FitzGeralds Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam: Commentary by Juan Cole with Original Persian By Simon Chin-Yee, UCL; Mark Maslin, UCL, and Priti Parikh, UCL (The Conversation) As the sun set on the Amazon, the promise of a peoples Cop faded with it. The latest UN climate summit known as Cop30, hosted in the Brazilian city of Belem came with the usual geopolitics and the added excitement of a flood and a fire. The summit saw Indigenous protests on an unprecedented scale, but the final negotiations were once again dominated by fossil fuel interests and delaying tactics. After ten years of climate (in)action since the Paris agreement, Brazil promised Cop30 would be an implementation Cop. But the summit failed to deliver, even as the world recorded a devastating 1.6C of global warming last year. Here are our five key observations: 1. Indigenous groups were present but not involved Located in Amazonia, this was branded the summit for those on the frontlines of climate change. Over 5,000 Indigenous people were there, and they certainly made their voices heard. However, only 360 secured passes to the main negotiating blue zone, compared to 1,600 delegates linked to the fossil fuel industry. Inside the negotiating rooms it was business as usual, with Indigenous groups remaining as observers, unable to vote or attend closed-door meetings. The choice of location was nicely symbolic but logistically tough. Hosting the conference in the Amazon cost hundreds of millions of dollars in a region where many still lack basic amenities. A stark image of this inequality: with hotel rooms full, the Brazilian government even docked two cruise ships for delegates, which per head can have eight times the emissions of a five star hotel. 2. The power of protests But this was the second largest UN climate summit ever, and the first since Glasgow Cop26 in 2021 to take place in a country that permits real public protest. That mattered. Protests of various sizes happened every day during the two-week conference, most notably an Indigenous-led great peoples march on the middle Saturday. The visible pressure helped obtain recognition of four new Indigenous territories in Brazil. It showed that when civil society has a voice it can secure wins, even outside of the main emissions negotiations. 3. US absence creates a vacuum and an opportunity In Donald Trumps first turn as president, the US sent at least a skeletal group of negotiators. This time, in a historic first, America did not send an official delegation at all. Trump recently described climate change as the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world, and since returning to power the US has slowed renewables and expanded oil and gas. It even helped scuttle plans for a net zero framework for global shipping last month. As the US is rolling back its ambition, it is allowing other oil producing countries like Saudi Arabia to ignore their own climate pledges and to try and undermine others. China has stepped into the void and become one of the loudest voices in the room. As the worlds largest supplier of green technology, Beijing used Cop30 to promote its solar, wind and electric vehicle industries and court countries looking to invest. But for many delegates, the absence of America came as a relief. Without the distraction of the US attempting to burn the house down as it did at the shipping negotiations, the conference was able to get on with the business at hand: negotiating texts and agreements that will limit global warming. 4. Implementation through side deals not the main stage So what was actually implemented? This year, the main action happened through voluntary pledges, not the binding global agreement. The Belem pledge, backed by countries including Japan, India and Brazil, committed signatories to quadruple sustainable fuels production and use by 2035. Brazil also launched a major trust fund for forests, with around US$6 billion (4.6 billion) already pledged for communities working to protect rainforests. The EU followed by pledging new funds for the Congo Basin, the worlds second largest rainforest. These are useful steps, but they highlight how the biggest advances at UN climate summits now often happen in the margins, rather than in the main talks. The outcome of those main talks at Cop30 the Belem package is weak, and will get us nowhere near the Paris agreements target of limiting global warming to 1.5C. Most striking is the absence of the words fossil fuels from the final text even though they were central to the Glasgow climate pact (2021) and the UAE consensus (2023) and of course they represent the main cause of climate change. 5. The Global Mutirao text: a missed opportunity One potential breakthrough did emerge in negotiating rooms: the Global Mutirao text, a proposed roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels. More than 80 countries signed it, from EU members to climate-vulnerable Pacific island states. Tina Stege, climate envoy for one of those vulnerable states, the Marshall Islands, urged delegates: Lets get behind the idea of a fossil fuel roadmap, lets work together and make it a plan. But opposition from Saudi Arabia, India and other major fossil fuel producers watered it down. Negotiations stretched into overtime, not helped by a fire that postponed discussions for a day. When the final deal was agreed, key references to a fossil fuel phase-out were missing. There was a backlash from Colombia, due to the lack of inclusion of transition away from fossil fuels, which forced the Cop presidency to offer a six-month review as an olive branch. This was hugely disappointing, as earlier in the summit there seemed to be huge momentum. File photo of Woman of the Matis Tribe in the Amazon. by Daniel Tischer on Unsplash A widening gulf So this was another divisive climate summit. The gulf between oil-producing countries (in particular in the Middle East) and the rest of the world has never been wider. One positive to come out of the summit was the power of organised people: Indigenous groups and civil society made their voices heard, even if they werent translated into the final text. With next years summit to be held in Turkey, these annual climate summits are increasingly migrating to nations with authoritarian leanings where protests are not welcome or completely banned. Our leaders keep stating that time is running out, yet negotiations themselves remain stuck in never ending circles of delays. Simon Chin-Yee, Lecturer in International Development, UCL; Mark Maslin, UCL Professor of Earth System Science and UNU Lead for Climate, Health and Security, UCL, and Priti Parikh, Professor of Infrastructure Engineering and International Development, UCL This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) Iraq and Venezuela share an obvious trait: they are oil-rich states whose resource nationalism puts them at odds with U.S. geopolitical ambitions. For George W. Bush, Iraqi oil was framed within the peak oil panic and U.S. dependence on foreign supplies. For Donald Trump, meanwhile, fossil fuel dominancecontrol over global oil supplyhas been elevated into an instrument of American power. In both cases, the strategic logic is similar: whoever controls hydrocarbons controls hegemony. The problem is that this worldview is now anachronistic. In 2024, U.S. clean energy production from wind and solar power exceeded energy produced by burning coal. Globally, the amount of installed renewable power is forecast to more than double by 2030, with China leading the way. Dick Cheneys National Energy Report assumed that this would never happen. As Nils Gilman and others argue, geopolitical alignments are increasingly structured by underlying energy systems. Trumps wager on a hydrocarbon future reflects not inevitability but willful materialisma political alignment between fossil fuel corporations and the backlash politics of the West. Within both Iraq and Venezuela, oil also shaped internal political orders. Venezuela nationalized PDVSA in 1976. Under Hugo Chavez, oil became the backbone of a redistributive, politicized development model. In Iraq, the Baathist regime likewise used state oil revenues to consolidate power. In each case, resource nationalism obstructed U.S. and multinational corporate access, generating recurring calls for regime change. The Personalist State as Enemy In both Iraq and Venezuela, socialist or revolutionary movements ossified into personalist structures. Iraq had Saddam Hussein; Venezuela had Chavez and now Nicolas Maduro. In both contexts, opposition movements aligned with the United States in hopes of engineering regime change. Ahmad Chalabi played this role for Iraq; in Venezuela, exile communitiesespecially affluent, lighter-skinned populations in Floridaperform a similar function, working closely with figures such as Marco Rubio. But the Venezuelan opposition is far more complex and internally divided than the Iraqi opposition ever was. As Steve Ellner notes, poorer and darker-skinned Venezuelan migrants with precarious legal status in the United States may fear an invasion, while wealthier, whiter Venezuelans support it. These fractures are reproduced inside Venezuela itself. And as in Iraq, threats of invasion trigger nationalist reactions that ironically strengthen the incumbent regime. In this sense, the U.S. may be creating its own obstacle: Maduro survives because Washington threatens him. Sanctions, Humanitarian Crises, and Manufactured Necessity Both Iraq and Venezuela were subjected to punishing sanctions regimes that generated humanitarian catastrophes, which later served as justifications for further intervention. Iraqs UN sanctions after the Gulf War devastated civilian life, with ambiguous but undeniably horrific consequences. Venezuelas sanctions, targeting its oil sector, combined with domestic mismanagement to produce mass migration, hunger, and political repression. Sanctions create the pretext they purport to remedy. Whether framed as protecting children in Iraq or saving Venezuelans from socialism, the logic is circular. Suffering becomes both the means and the rationale for intervention. From Neocon Idealism to MAGA Punishment While Bush-era neoconservatives couched intervention in the language of spreading freedom, Trumps narrative is darker and more visceral. Bush officials warned that adversary states might obtain weapons of mass destruction and collaborate with terrorists. Trumps administration claims that the United States is already under invasionfrom criminals, drug dealers, and migrantsemanating in part from the Maduro regime. The drug war has been rhetorically elevated to counterterrorism, with cartels framed as terrorist organizations and Maduro as their state sponsor. Although there is continuity in the effort to pair state adversaries with nonstate demons, the two cases differ in important ways. Bush promised redemption through war. MAGA promises punishment. MAGAs worldview requires a constant stream of enemies to discipline and degrade. Venezuela fits the script perfectly: a villainous socialist regime poisoning white Americans with drugs, aligning itself with China, and defying the Monroe Doctrine. In this worldview, there is no contradiction between denouncing the Iraq War and escalating toward war with Venezuela. MAGA does not need coherenceonly spectacle. The Drug Pretext and Its Absurdity The Trump administrations purported rationalestopping drugs pouring inevaporates under scrutiny. It decries the influx of fentanyl into the United Statesand, indeed, overdose deaths in the United States are overwhelming fentanyl-related, but no South American country produces or transships it. Meanwhile, the United States cut fentanyl deaths by 23 percent through treatment access and naloxoneyet Republicans cut Medicaid, the largest funder of addiction treatment. Interdiction does not reduce supply. Killing traffickers or blowing up boats only raises prices and attracts new entrants. Moreover, the narrative of foreign drug dealers poisoning Americans misses the deeply embedded demand for narcotic drugs in the United States. Narcotic drug consumption has long been stigmatized as an inner city problem, but whites have long had access to white drug markets, from cocaine and morphine in the nineteenth century to valium, quaaludes, and amphetamine in the twentieth century to opioids in the late twentieth and early twenty-first century. Thus, successful interdiction temporarily reduces the supply of targeted drugs, raises the price, and attracts new entrants into the market to meet the demand, thereby undoing the initial effects of interdiction. The development of synthetic opioids demonstrates the capacity of drug markets to restructure themselves. And it does not end with fentanyl. There is immense pharmaceutical capacity distributed around the world. Suppress fentanyl and some other substance will emerge. Photo of Santa Fe, Caracas 1080, Miranda, Venezuela by Edgardo Ibarra on Unsplash What Comes After Maduro? Iraqs invasion shattered the Baathist state, ignited sectarian conflict, and empowered Iranoutcomes directly contrary to U.S. goals. Venezuela is equally vulnerable. Maduro is the guarantor of equilibrium among competing civilian and military factions, criminal networks, and insurgent spillover from Colombia. Remove him, and Venezuela risks fragmentation, civil war, or the rise of armed factions, none of which the United States can control. A successor government might not even command the loyalty of the armed forces. As with Iraq, destroying the state is easy. Rebuilding is nearly impossible. Why MAGA Might Still Choose War Despite MAGAs anti-interventionist rhetoric, war with Venezuela fits its deeper political logic. It distracts from domestic crises (affordability, recession, the Epstein scandal). It reasserts white innocence against racialized threats. It revives the Monroe Doctrine in competition with China. It punishes an enemy that symbolizes socialism, foreign defiance, and brown criminality. And it delivers a spectacle of power reaffirming Trumps dominance. This would be a war waged not for freedom but for punitive enjoymenta revanchist spectacle meant to renew MAGAs sense of grievance and entitlement. The human costs would fall overwhelmingly on Venezuelans. For MAGA, that is not a problem. It is the point. All four accused looked attentively at Wesley Clark as he took the witness stand on November 17 before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, a Hague-based international tribunal trying former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), including former Kosovo president Hashim Thaci. The 80-year-old American former general served as NATO Supreme Allied Commander for Europe from 1997 to 2000. Dressed in a dark suit, Clark kept a calm half smile throughout the two days of hearings. He told the judges that Thaci was the spokesman, he was clean cut. He didn't look like he'd been out in the woods fighting for a year or two. And it was pretty clear that he wasn't in charge. Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi are accused of ten counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including torture, illegal detention and persecution. They were all high-ranking figures of the KLA who went on to become prominent Kosovo politicians. According to the prosecution, the KLA had a well-structured chain of command, and the accused bear individual and command responsibility for the charges, which also cover the murders of more than 100 people from at least March 1998 through September 1999 in multiple locations across Kosovo and in northern Albania. 155 victims are currently taking part in the case as civil parties. The alleged crimes are in the context of the 1998-99 ethnic Albanian uprising against the Serbian forces, who ruled over Kosovo. The Serbs were eventually forced out by a 78-day NATO air campaign, called Operation Allied Force, that hit the Serbian part of the former Yugoslavia and lasted from March to June 1999. On June 10, Serbia signed a ceasefire and military withdrawal agreement with NATO. Two days later, the NATO peacekeeping force KFOR was deployed in Kosovo. Leading it was British General Mike Jackson, who demanded that the KLA give up their arms. Clark conducted the NATO air campaign and oversaw the subsequent demilitarisation of the KLA. It wasn't an organised military, he told the court. These were regional, localised groups of fighters who sort of banded together to protect their communities. My assumption was that after NATO got in, these people actually got to meet each other, got to talk, but there was no real submission to authority. The killing of the Jashari family The trial opened in April 2023. Over two years, the prosecution presented 125 witnesses and another 137 statements in writing. After that, the court heard 2 expert witnesses from the victims lawyers. On September 15, the Thaci defence started presenting its case with the testimony of former US diplomat James Rubin. Its seven witnesses were US, UK, NATO or UN officials at the time of the Kosovo war. Clark is the last one. Around 60 people filled the public gallery on the first day of Clarks testimony. Besides some Kosovan journalists, the majority were Kosovo politicians and relatives of the accused. They greeted each other as they walked into the Court. When the curtains lifted on the courtroom, the four accused waved and smiled at them. Thaci's defence lawyer Luka Misetic asked Clark how he saw the KLA at the start of the war. There wasn't much really to talk about in terms of structure. As far as we knew, these were local groups that had emerged more or less spontaneously in response to years of Serb oppression. Especially after the murder of the Jashari family, I think there was a genuine alarm that more was coming, Clark responded. The killing of the Jashari family marked a pivotal moment in the conflict. Violence between ethnic Albanians and Serb forces had intensified since early 1998. On March 5, the Serbs attacked the home compound of KLA commander Adem Jashari in the village of Prekaz, about 40km North-West of Pristina, Kosovos capital city. More than 50 people were killed, including Jashari and most of his family. This led more ethnic Albanians to join the KLA, and group members in the diaspora to return to Kosovo. He had no idea what was going on In a statement made to the defence prior to the hearing, Clark said that it would be unjust to attribute the misconduct of others to Mr Thaci. Clark testified that he first met Thaci in the backdrop of the failed 1999 peace agreements with Serbia, which the general did not attend directly. Thaci was then the spokesperson of the Kosovo delegation. They met once again around the start of the air campaign, Clark said. He was just one of the people there, he paused. He was the most presentable. He was the youngest, had a better haircut, better clothes. But he wasn't a military commander. As NATO tried to put pressure on the president of Serbia Slobodan Milosevic, Clark told the Court that he sought the KLA's support to localise Serbian targets in Kosovo. He met with Thaci, but we never got any help, he had no idea what was going on. The general recalled showing the accused a map of the region, I was asking him, where are you? Where are they? What should I strike? Nothing, said Clark, moving his hand across in the air and shaking his head. Misetic asked whether NATO used the KLA as a form of troops on the ground. Clark said that they tried. I wanted forward observers so we could strike and not make mistakes. He said that one time NATO hit a building surrounded by Serb vehicles, thinking it was one of their headquarters, and later found out that it had killed around 80 civilians, detained and encircled there by the Serbs. That was an example of the fact that we couldn't get any information off the ground. Did you have an assessment of whether there was any civilian control over the KLA? asked Misetic. No, there was not. Would it have been possible for the KLA to have a functioning chain of command from the top to the bottom without NATO and the United States knowing it? No, no, Clark half laughed. We didn't have that information On June 10 1999, the NATO-led KFOR entered the area. Around ten days later, following KFOR's pressing demands, the KLA agreed to demilitarise and cease all hostilities. However, according to the indictment, FRY [Federal Republic of Yugoslavia] and KLA forces violated the terms of international resolutions and agreements through the summer of 1999, continuing hostile and provocative acts. And it was only on September 20 that the KLA gave up their weapons. I'm aware that there was a series of confrontations during this period. But I never thought it was KLA, Clark told the Court. The resentments and the fear were so deep that this kind of spontaneous violence was almost inevitable. In the summer of 1999, NATO was trying to stop the ethnic violence, said Clark. Believe me, if we had had information that it was organised by the KLA, we would have put our foot down really hard on it. We didn't have that information. When asked about KFOR's struggle to convince the KLA to respect the demilitarisation order, the witness said that these people were still like, I risked my neck on this, you're not going to tell me what to do easily. They were subjected to systematic ethnic repression for a period of more than a decade, where the Albanian language wasn't accepted in schools and so forth. These men who fought back, they were pretty independent-minded. How much did Clark know? During the four hours of cross-examination, prosecutor Matthew Halling asked Clark about the level of organisation within the KLA. During a September 1997 event detailed in a KLA communique, by decision of the central staff, the KLA armed units carried out a synchronised operation, attacking 12 police stations, said the prosecutor. Clark laid back on the chair and said that he did not remember seeing anything like this. Halling went on to read from the book Kosovo Liberation Army: The Inside Story of an Insurgency, where author Henry H. Perritt describes the groups strategic goals and objectives. He asked whether Clark knew about these goals. Clark said that he wasnt aware of them, but that he never assumed that the KLA had no strategy or no intent. He added that it is not necessarily an indication that they have effective command and control. In another page in Perritts book, Thaci is described as a political figure but also a fighter, and there is a picture of him holding a weapon next to Adem Jashari. Have you ever seen that picture? asked the prosecutor. Clark said he hadnt. You actually don't know if Hashim Thaci fought or not. You only know that people told you he was a political leader, correct? That's correct. An articulate, presentable and ambitious man The next day, Halling questioned Clark on the scope of the information sharing from the KLA during the air campaign. Among other sources, the prosecutor read from the 2002 report Disjointed War, prepared by the research organisation Rand for the US Army. During May [1999], reports from the KLA became an important source of intelligence and targeting information for Task Force Hawk. That was the task force that Clark created to support the NATO campaign. General, this is yet another indication that this information from the KLA was getting to you, wasn't it?. Clark replied quickly that they did try and get as much intelligence as they could, but trying to extract information from a force like the KLA was a lot different than having an allied force that had a structure, radios, reporting and all that stuff. I put it to you that you don't know enough about what the KLA was doing throughout the war to know if the charges he [Thaci] faces in this court stand or not. What do you say to that? concluded Halling. From my experience with it and what I saw, he was not effectively acting as a commander in chief, in which everybody obeyed his orders. All of the impressions that I had at the time, this was a group of people who came together over a period of time to try to defend their population against Serb ethnic cleansing. Thaci just happened to be the most articulate and presentable of the people, and he was an ambitious man from the start. And he worked his way up. But to have control? No way that I could see. Clarks testimony marked the end of the hearings in the defence case. Thacis defence team requested to include one more written statement. All other previously scheduled witnesses were cancelled, including those from Krasniqis team. Defence lawyers for Veseli and Selimi announced in July that they did not intend to present any evidence. The panel of three judges, presided by Charles Smith, plans to end the phase where evidence can be admitted in early December. Closing statements are scheduled for February 2026. Courtroom diary by the Capstone Course Sciences Po Paris / This article is also available in Arabic on the Syrian Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) website. The second week of the Lafarge trial before the 16th Chamber of the Paris lower criminal court resumed on Tuesday, November 18, after a thirteen-day pause to correct errors in the indictment and deliberate on preliminary issues. The hallway, packed with reporters when the trial opened, was almost deserted. This new phase of the trial was no longer about procedure. It was the first time we would hear the defendants speak, and their voices revealed a constant oscillation between two tones: on one side, the sharp, detached posture of corporate managers; on the other, a repeated insistence that they were only human and simply doing their job. Throughout the week, the presiding judge, Isabelle Prevost-Desprez, had to navigate these competing narratives, each pulling the courtroom in a different direction. The defendants and their lawyers were scattered across the room, and two new faces stood out: Aman Al Jaoudi, a Jordanian citizen, and Amro Taleb, a Syrian, both absent during the first week. You found your way to the tribunal good, see what determination can do, welcomed them the presiding judge, with her sharp humour. With that, the week in which every defendant would take the stand finally began. Adjusting to corporate lexicon After reading the indictment, the judge opened with an overview of the cement company Lafarge SAs expansion, the broader Syrian context, and a detailed account of the terrorist attacks committed on French soil, walking the courtroom through decades of corporate growth and the grim chronology of jihadist violence. The moment carried particular weight: just five days earlier, Paris had marked the tenth anniversary of the 13-November attacks, carried out by the same terrorist groups the company is alleged to have financed months before while operating in Syria. The unfolding events of this weeks trial bore little resemblance to the typical profile of terrorism cases; instead, the courtroom was filled with discussions of keels, coal deliveries, and production charts. We slipped into the world of industrial process, drifted into the language of industrial operations, a stark reminder of the central tension in this terror trial: the collision between the mathematical corporate logic of profit and the human harm that can be caused by those actions. The judge had to adjust to the language of corporate governance. She repeatedly noted that she was open to correction on corporate terminology and reminded the courtroom that she was not an economics specialist. The first topic focused on economic entities, and the discussion was filled with technical vocabulary. The Common Terms Agreement with the European Investment Bank and the Lafarge Holcim merger were unpacked in detail. The defendants themselves spoke like executives, not accused individuals. At the time, Syria appeared promising, former CEO Bruno Lafont said, referring to 2012 a year into the civil war as he justified the companys investment exclusively in terms of profitability and opportunity, insisting on its brilliant prospects despite the war. For former deputy CEO Christian Herrault, Syria was not a normal country, but rather a difficult yet potentially lucrative terrain, more complex to manage than the normal national markets he was used to. These declarations were made when such tables were displayed on a large central screen above the judges heads: A chart projected onto the courtroom wall by the judges, showing (in millions of euros) cash flows, broken down here into gross sales revenue, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), and other operating expenses. A new visual landscape in terrorism cases. The peculiar place of civil parties This drift was reinforced by the defence teams. The courtroom is filled with specialists in corporate crime, tax fraud and white-collar high-profile lawyers. Lafarge SA is represented by Christophe Ingrain, known for money-laundering cases, and Denis Chemla, global co-head of white-collar investigations at Allen and Overy, a prominent law firm. The other defence lawyers, including Jean Reinhart, Jacqueline Laffont-Haik and Mario-Pierre Stasi, come from the same world of droit des affaires, a point made clear when one of them, Solange Doumic, argued that, just like in tax evasion, the offence of financing terrorism has no direct victims and therefore leaves no legitimate place for civil parties, since they do not represent the general interest. In 2021, just one day before the beginning of the trial for the 13 November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris and St Denis, the French Supreme Court ruled that the victims association Life for Paris one of the civil parties to the Bataclan trial could not participate as a civil party in the related financing-of-terrorism proceedings, due to the lack of direct harm. Yet, this may not be so for the Syrian factory workers, who claim a direct link between Lafarges financing and the violence they suffered. In any case, because French criminal procedure allows civil-party applications until the end of the hearings, the presiding judge is permitting all civil parties to present their arguments, with a final decision on admissibility to come at the close of the trial. As a result, more than 200 civil parties associations and individual victims in Syria and France may still be heard and use the courtroom to describe the impact of Lafarges actions. They occupy a peculiar position, at once present yet not fully recognized. Defense lawyers, pencil and watercolor on paper. Illustration : Maria Araos Florez Deflecting responsibility Article 121-2 of the French Criminal Code defines that legal entities and natural persons are criminally responsible for offenses committed on their behalf by their organs or representatives. Similar criminal legal contract exists in at least 20 countries. The court focused in length on the operational chain between Lafarge SA and its Syrian subsidiary: who decided what, who reported to whom, and how decisions were actually made. According to the indictment, Lafarge SA was operating while it exercised full control through its holdings Sofimo and LCH over the activities of its Syrian subsidiary LCS at the Jalabiya cement plant, and while it financed those activities through intragroup loans. During the investigation phase, both the Paris Court of Appeal and the Cour de cassation found that Lafarge Cement Syria S.A. (LCS) lacked any real autonomy, with effective integration of the subsidiary into the parent company that justified lifting the corporate veil. The judge wanted clarity; the defendants offered blurred hierarchies and layers of delegation.Each defendant seemed to appear with a clear strategy: those close to Lafont emphasized distance from Syria; those involved in Syria emphasized the constraints imposed from above. This seemed to strangely reflect the typical systematic dilution of responsibility through the structural separation between decision-makers and implementers that we see with armed groups units. In such organizational settings, responsibility is continuously displaced: lower level defers to higher authorities, while those at the top deflect responsibility downward as being unable to control everything. Two informal rivalries emerged: Lafarge SA and LCS Syria groups. Each was shielding itself without outright incriminating the other. The refrain I dont know or someone else would know better became a shared defensive tactic except when everyone could redirect blame toward those absent from the proceedings, such as businessman Hassan Firas Tlass. The judge even noted in irony to Lafont: Since Firas is not in court, you can go ahead. Throughout the week, the hearings kept circling back to the Lafarge Groups history and the leadership of Bruno Lafont, portrayed by former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin called by defense as temoin de moralite (character witness) as a model French industrialist. The humanitarian in me Between 2009 and 2012 Amro Taleb worked at LCS as a quality, safety, and environmental expert. He presented himself as a committed humanitarian after 2013, providing documents which demonstrated his unpaid volunteer work. He broke into tears in court, describing bombings he survived, children he tried to help, and his love for Syria. But the presiding judge confronted him with invoices from Greenway, his consulting company, showing he continued to be paid by LCS through 2014. Cornered, his narrative unraveled. I was traumatized, he said. I pretended to know people. That was a lie I was stupid, playing a dangerous game. Meanwhile, former director of the Syrian subsidiary Frederic Jolibois offered the courtroom moments of levity, invoking his wife and children repeatedly, framing every career move as a joint domestic decision. He described choosing Jordan over South Africa because expatriation is first and foremost a family adventure, then drifted into a mini-lecture on Jordans history until the presiding judge cut him off. When pressed on whether he knew about the Syrian conflict and terrorist groups present in Syria, he insisted he did not; when asked whether his wife knew, he insisted she didnt either. So Mrs Jolibois does not read the newspaper?, prodded judge Prevost-Deprez, prompting some amusement in the courtroom. His testimony painted the portrait of a man who appears to see the world through the lens of family life, even when that lens strains credibility. Three defendants former security managers Jacob Waerness and Ahmed Ibrahim Al Jaloudi, who had also worked for secret services, as well as Taleb revealed connections to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), a humanitarian organization supporting Syrian refugees. Each man leaned on this affiliation to present a more human, altruistic side. But the judge openly questioned the coincidence, sometimes with humor, sometimes with clear skepticism. Why did so many of the accused in a terror-financing case suddenly appear as humanitarians and why were they being paid by the NRC at the same time? It came to mind that humanitarian motives are a common defense also for French foreign fighters who went to Syria. Monday, November 24, 2025 - Kenyan socialite, Huddah Monroe, has set social media buzzing after revealing a playful direct message exchange with American rapper, Rick Ross. Huddah shared screenshots on her Instagram account showing Ross initiating the flirty conversation with a bold declaration: You are mine. Not one to hold back, Huddah quickly matched his energy, replying, You are mine too. She went further to express her admiration, adding, Ill do anything you say coz YOU THE BOSS. The exchange immediately caught the attention of fans, sparking speculation over a blossoming romance. This comes shortly after Huddah publicly expressed her desire to settle down, saying marriage will help her avoid unnecessary interactions with other men. I cant wait to be married so I never have to talk to another man ever again, she wrote in a recent post. Her candidness and bold personality continue to keep her followers entertained, making her one of Kenyas most talkedabout celebrities. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, November 23, 2025 - Former Cabinet Secretary, Moses Kuria, has cautioned President William Ruto against escalating political violence as Kenya heads into by-elections scheduled for Thursday, November 27th, 2025. Speaking on Saturday, November 22nd, Kuria said the international community is closely monitoring how the polls will be conducted. He pointed to heightened tensions in Narok, Embu, and Bungoma counties, where campaigns have already been marred by confrontations. I was here in 2007, and I saw what Kenya went through. I cannot remain silent, and my heart is not at peace. Yesterday in Narok, they were threatening people, and you saw what happened to Natembeya in Kabuchai, Kuria remarked. He warned that Kenyas credibility is at stake, adding: The international community is watching. How we conduct these elections is of interest to them. Kuria further stressed that tolerance levels among Kenyans are at their lowest. Some people think what Suluhu did can be done here. My friends, Kenyans are not Tanzanians. Dont try that here. It will not be business as usual, he said. His remarks came after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was attacked while campaigning in Kabuchai, Bungoma County. Natembeya, who was rallying support for DAP-Ks MCA aspirant, Eric Wekesa, was disrupted by goons. DAP-K later accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula of orchestrating the incident, urging IEBC and police to act against political violence. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, November 23, 2025 - Narok County was the scene of glamour and tradition on Saturday as Governor Patrick Ole Ntutus son, Jordan Santayia Ntutu, exchanged vows with his bride, Abigael Soila Moriaso. The vibrant ceremony drew an impressive guest list, including President William Ruto, Defence CS Soipan Tuya, and Health CS Aden Duale, alongside regional leaders such as Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku and Narok Senator Ledama Olekina. Abigael, daughter of former Narok County Council Chairman Solomon Moriaso, looked radiant in a flowing white gown accentuated with Maasai beadwork, a nod to her heritage. Jordan began the day in a crisp white tuxedo jacket paired with black trousers, later embracing tradition by donning Maasai regalia adorned with colorful beads during the reception. Governor Ntutu shared heartfelt words after the ceremony, expressing pride and joy in his sons new journey. Seeing the love you share is the greatest gift a parent could ask for. I wish you both a marriage that is a sanctuary of peace, endless happiness, and unbreakable trust, he said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, November 23, 2025 - A young Kenyan man from Moiben, Uasin Gishu County, has died following a shooting incident in Shreveport, Louisiana, while working as a cab driver. The deceased identified as Fredrick Kiprono, described by relatives as humble, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his family, had relocated to the United States in search of greener pastures. His sudden death has left his family and community in shock. Also, details of the shooting and the suspects identity remain unclear. His siblings, William Songok and Everlyn Cheruto, are now coordinating arrangements for his burial in Kenya. The tragedy has resonated across both the diaspora and his home community, where he is remembered as a gentle soul with a warm smile. This has left a huge hole in our hearts. He worked hard and loved deeply, a family member said. The family has appealed for prayers and solidarity, and a GoFundMe account has been launched to help raise funds for the costly repatriation process. The Kenyan DAILY POST A CULPRIT has come forward after climbing the newly-erected Christmas Tree in Portarlington last night, causing damage to the lights. The incident caused anger and upset among volunteers, who spent weeks of hard work and fundraising to have the beautiful tree erected. As reported in the Laois Nationalist earlier today, the tree climbers antics were condemned by the Portarlington Christmas Tree committee, which was unaware of the incident before a photo was circulated on social media. In an update at 6pm this evening, the committee said: The incident that occurred last night with the tree has been resolved between the committee and the individual involved. We appreciate this individual coming forward. The picture was published on social media before the Christmas Tree committee was made aware. The incident caused considerable annoyance and inconvenience for the voluntary group, which must engage a hoist again to check the extent of damage to the tree lights. In an earlier social media post at lunchtime today, the committee said: We have had someone vandalise the Christmas Tree last light, causing significant damage to the lighting of the tree. We know who you are and will be reporting it to the guards, expect a knock on your door. We have spent weeks preparing and putting up the tree for a gobshite like you, who thinks you can do what you want. Remember we are a voluntary group who give up our time so we can have a lovely tree in our town. The group also posted a photograph of the culprit near the top of the tree, late on Saturday night or the early hours of Sunday morning. The image of the climber, who was clearly no angel, had been circulating on social media with the tagline Good man Santa Claus. The notice was posted on the Portarlington Christmas Tree 31 yrs and still going strong Facebook page. The incident is extremely upsetting for the group, which had just completed installation of the tree in preparation for the switching-on of festive lights in the town next Saturday. It is hoped that the incident will not affect the towns celebrations on Saturday 29 November, when a festive gathering featuring Santa Claus and the Santa Truck will start at 7pm. Niamh ODonoghue A man who was sentenced for an assault last week has been jailed for another four months for conspiring to pose as driver theory test candidates as part of a fraud related to learner permits. Ronaldo Lupo (24) of Rusheeney Avenue, Clonsilla pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of conspiracy on dates between September 14th, 2018 and June 28th, 2022. Last week, he was jailed for two years and nine months for assaulting two females at a party, the court heard. This four-month sentence imposed on him on Monday will run consecutively to that. He has 53 previous convictions. Detective Garda Barry Cormack told the court that Lupo sat 10 driver theory tests and was paid 250 euro each time. He benefitted to the tune of 2,500 in total. The court heard 124 separate tests were undergone by the parties involved. A number of people have been dealt with by the court already and one is due to be sentenced in January. The court heard all the accused were from eastern Europe. A person would contact the group and pay 2,000 - 2,500 for the theory test to be sat on their behalf. One of the group would book a slot to undergo a test. A false Romanian identity document would be presented and a driver theory test certificate would be issued, the court heard. Passing sentence on Monday, Judge Martin Nolan said the accused was part of a group exploiting other people in passing their driving test. The judge said it was organised by a third party and the accused did 10 tests and benefitted to the tune of 2,500. He noted the court gave him two years and nine months last week for assault. Judge Nolan said Lupo was serving a reasonably long prison term and that his co-accused received a one-year sentence. The judge said if Lupo had come here simpliciter he may have gotten that but he said he would instead extend his stay in prison by four months. Defence counsel, Oisin Clarke BL, told the court Lupo was sentenced last Thursday to two years and nine months imprisonment for assault two females at a party. Mr Clarke told the court Lupo punched one of the women. The garda agreed with Mr Clarke that Lupo had just turned 18, was young and stupid and wasnt involved in organising the tests or collecting money. He said his client had expressed remorse. A MOTHER terrified of her ex because of abusive threats was granted an Interim Protection Order in a closed sitting of Athy District Court last week. Hes my ex-partner, the father of my child, and Im terrified of him, she said when Judge Desmond Zaidan enquired against whom she was seeking the Order. He came around the house and took the child, but started sending me abusive messages. We broke up six months ago, hes been threatening to hurt me, and made some awful posts on social media saying I am a horrible mother, threatening to do something to my car, and says Im not fit to be a mother, she said. Hows your [toddler] girl? asked the judge. Not a bother on her, smiled the mam. I have him blocked on everything except the phone because of the child, she explained. I will grant you an interim Protection Order, and adjourn a full hearing until 23 February. If you dont want him around the house hes trespassing, his name is not on the lease. Now, on your way home go into the Garda Station and show them this, as the Registrar handed her the signed Order. Kilkenny TD, Deputy John McGuinness has welcomed significant funding which was announced for local biodiversity projects as part of a 3 million Local Biodiversity Action Fund. The announcement was made today (Monday) by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher OSullivan TD. The fund encourages local authorities, community groups and organisations in both counties to prepare and submit applications ahead of the February 5 2026 deadline. Deputy McGuinness said the fundingadministered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)is making a real and measurable difference on the ground in communities across the country, and Kilkenny is no exception. This annual fund is delivering real results in our towns, villages and local landscapes. The projects supported in 2025 demonstrate the value of targeted, community-driven biodiversity action. I strongly encourage Kilkenny applicants to build on that momentum and get their 2026 applications in before February 5. Deputy McGuinness noted a number of projects funded in Kilkenny in 2025, that are helping protect and restore biodiversity across the region: Kilkenny Grasslands and Urban Meadows Project Awarded 15,300, this project built on the important Kilkenny City and Environs Grassland Inventory, helping better understand and manage valuable grassland habitats throughout the city and its surroundings. Ecological Survey of Newpark Fen (Kilkenny) With 13,734 in funding, this project provided updated surveys on habitat quality, botanical diversity and bat activityinforming future management of one of Kilkennys key natural sites Recording Irish Mayfly Conservation Status (Carlow & Kilkenny) A national project with local relevance, awarded 1,228, continuing important species-level survey work begun in 2024 and filling data gaps across the countryincluding in Carlow and Kilkenny. Deputy McGuinness added: These projects show what can be achieved locally when proper supports are provided. They strengthen habitats, inform better management decisions and engage communities in protecting their natural heritage. I want to see even more high-quality proposals coming forward from Carlow and Kilkenny for the 2026 fund, he said. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS The deputy also urged local authorities and community groups to take full advantage of the funding opportunity: With 3 million available nationwide for 2026, now is the time for groups to develop their proposals. Whether its habitat restoration, invasive species management, or biodiversity surveys, this fund can make a real difference. Children in Ireland are playing "Russian roulette with a needle and syringe," according to the HSE's National Clinical Lead for Obesity. Professor Donal O'Shea made the comment following the revelation that there has been a 600% increase in the number of unauthorised weight loss drugs being seized by Revenue. "Parents are finding these pens under their kids pillows in their bedrooms. It is a real thing but we don't know how widespread it is," he told Newstalk. He highlighted that teenagers seeing "unachievable" bodies on social media could be what is pushing them to buy these drugs. "It's a real problem, the body image that is being presented as desirable on the likes of TikTok and Instagram," Professor O'Shea said. He added that they are likely buying the medication from TikTok as it is cheaper than the authorised alternative being prescribed by GPs. READ NEXT: Two dead, two seriously injured, and others hurt following early morning crash in Meath Teenagers can follow a link and lie about multiple important factors such as their age and weight, with the medication then arriving at their door in less than 48 hours "It's happening a lot more than we think it's happening," Professor O'Shea said. Although it's unknown exactly what's inside the drugs, tests have shown that they do contain the active ingredient GLP-1, which is what is in the likes of Ozempic. Professor O'Shea expressed his concern for "developing brains" and their exposure to the idea of a "perfect" body and how to achieve it. He added that obesity is what these drugs are supposed to be used for as it is an actual illness. "Obesity is a disease that needs to be destigmatised and treated," Professor O'Shea said. He highlighted how obesity treatments are effective in 40% of the people that take them, but if not properly prescribed they will not work in a healthy way. "The minute you use them just to lose weight, you run into trouble," he said. Staff and students at Kilkenny City Vocational School (KCVS) gathered last week to celebrate the success of an Erasmus+ collaboration between Kilkenny and Italy. The event was attended by the Mayor of Kilkenny, John Coonan, along with Kilkenny County Council members Deirdre Cullen and Jenny Catt, KCVS Principal Cathy McSorely, Deputy Principal Deirdre Costigan, Erasmus+ Coordinator Ciara Gannon, and International Coordinator Debbie OConnor. Special guests Raffaella Balduzzi and Cristina Bertucci, accompanied by 25 students from Italy, joined forces with 25 KCVS students for an innovative three-day project exploring Kilkennys future through the lens of youth, creativity, and European cooperation. Pictures by Vicky Comerford. TAP HERE FOR MORE KILKENNY SCHOOLS NEWS Together, the Irish and Italian students tackled the Kilkenny Full Forward 2030 initiative a visionary project focused on improving the city for the next generation. Over three days, they explored Kilkenny, shared cultural insights, and developed thoughtful, practical proposals for the citys development. As part of their research, the students walked around Kilkenny, capturing photographs of local areas and identifying specific locations where some of their creative ideas, such as vibrant murals on empty walls, could bring new life and colour to the city. Themes of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability emerged strongly across all groups, highlighting the students shared commitment to shaping a better, more inclusive Kilkenny. This Erasmus+ project exemplified the very best of European collaboration uniting young people across borders to share ideas, build friendships, and strengthen international understanding. As Principal Cathy McSorely remarked, Erasmus+ gives students a voice, a platform, and a chance to see how powerful cooperation can be. Glenmore National School recently welcomed Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan for a ceremonial opening of our new classrooms. The school opened two new autism classes in September 2025 in an effort to cater for the lack of school places available for children with autism. Both classes are full, with some of the pupils travelling from as far as Waterford each day. TAP HERE FOR MORE KILKENNY SCHOOLS NEWS The addition of the classes have been an outstanding success to date and have had such a positive impact on the entire school community. Principal, Ms Laura Kelly commented We are absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to open two autism classes here in our school. We believe that positivity and inclusivity go hand in hand and here in Glenmore N.S, our children experience both. We are so fortunate that due to our small class sizes, all the children know each other really well, relationships are being formed for all pupils throughout the school. Ar scath a cheile, a mhaireann na daoine - The future certainly looks bright for Glenmore National School." TAP HERE FOR MORE WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY Martin Hayden TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food & The Marine opened Veterinary Irelands Annual Conference and AGM, at Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny, last Friday. Marking 25 years since its foundation, Veterinary Ireland supports Irish veterinarians to advance the professions commitment to animal welfare and public health. The 2025 Veterinary Ireland conference focused on both human and animal welfare. Bovine TB At Historically High Levels Speaking at the Veterinary Ireland conference, Damien Barrett, Head of the Ruminant Animal Health Programme Division at the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, said that bovine TB levels at both a herd and animal level has increased and are now at historically high levels. Herd incidence reached 6.5% in early 2025, which was last seen in the early 2000s and reactor numbers reached more than 40,000 cattle in 2024 which was last seen in the late 1990s. Cattle to cattle transmission and residual infection have assumed a greater importance in recent years since herds expanded, said Mr. Barrett. It is clear that the existing approach to TB eradication needs to change to meaningfully reduce disease levels. Martin Hayden TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food & The Marine said that the Bovine TB Action Plan provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to work together to address the current high levels of bTB. Private veterinary practitioners have a key role in combating this disease. They are the first point of contact with farmers generally in a TB breakdown and I take great encouragement from the high uptake of TB TASAHs as part of the Biosecurity TASAH this year. The efforts of all stakeholders including veterinary practitioners are required to drive down disease levels to a point where in the coming years we can start discussing once again the eradication of this disease. Damien Barrett highlighted the five point TB Action Plan developed by The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to address bovine TB, working to: 1. Support herds free of bTB to remain free 2. Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB 3. Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a TB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown 4. Help farmers improve all areas of on farm biosecurity 5. Reduce the impact of known high risk animals in spreading bTB Link Between Domestic Abuse and Animal Abuse Detective Garda Dan Beckett National Domestic Abuse Unit spoke about the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse, which is established by local and international research. He explained that abusers will attempt to exploit the bond between a person and their pet(s) to assert control and dominance over them and prevent them from leaving a relationship or household. We wish to engage with individuals in the veterinary profession for the purposes highlighting the link between animal abuse such as non-accidental injury (NAI) and domestic abuse. The professional proximity of veterinarians to the public can be instrumental in a successful intervention should domestic abuse be a factor. The National Domestic Abuse Unit (NDAU) in the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) can support veterinarians who believe they have information regarding an incident which may have a motive of domestic abuse, said Detective Garda Beckett. Applying the Science of Animal Welfare to Veterinary Behavioural Medicine In a presentation which explored how the science of animal welfare, based on standardised scientific methods, can be applied to clinical plans in veterinary practices, Dr. Claire Corridan highlighted the impact on animals of negative events, trauma and chronic stress from trauma. Dr. Corridan said that trauma-informed care is crucial for juvenile animals, as early experiences shape their emotional development. Recognising signs of stress or fear enables timely intervention. Recovery from trauma involves patience and consistent care which can support physical, emotional and behavioural recovery. Dr. Corridan encouraged veterinarians and veterinary nurses to integrate Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles into daily veterinary practice, focusing on animal welfare and client communication. On Feirm Ground: The Vets Role in Supporting Farmer Wellbeing Stephen Mbwika (Mens Development Network CLG) provided details of On Feirm Ground 2 (OFG2) - a national training programme for professionals who can face challenging or sensitive conversations with farmers. It provides a practical learning approach that helps vets strengthen relationships with farmers, recognise signs of farmer distress, start supportive conversations, and care for their own wellbeing in the process. Suicide Prevention - Changing the Narrative Ailish ONeill HSEs National Office of Suicide Prevention (NOSP) discussed the myths and stigma associated with suicide, building competence in suicide prevention and how the implementation of a suicide-prevention policy can support a whole-organisational approach. Work in the area of suicide prevention happens in our everyday environments - communities, homes and workplaces, said Ms. ONeill. People spend a significant part of their lives in the workplace and for many the work environment and relationships with colleagues and clients can be an important part of their lives. As such, workplaces can be important conduits for change - break down barriers, raise awareness and create workplace cultures that encourage help-seeking and safety to talk about mental health and suicide prevention. National Veterinary Prescription System Caroline Garvan, Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, provided delegates with an update on the operation of the National Veterinary Prescription System, the challenges and progress since January 2025. She highlighted the impending up regulation of antiparasitics and the changes that will bring; and also discussed the launch of Irelands third national action on antimicrobial resistance - and the future strategy objective in relation addressing this One Health priority. Implications of Auto-Enrolment for Veterinary Practices Auto-enrolment should not be viewed solely as a regulatory obligation but as an opportunity, according to Cliodhna Hughes, Financial Planner, Veterinary Ireland Financial Services. She outlined what auto-enrolment means for employers and employees in veterinary practices and clarity on how the scheme interacts with existing pension arrangements. When implemented well, it can strengthen recruitment and retention, support workforce wellbeing, and bring greater financial security to veterinary professionals at all career stages. The aim is to equip practice owners and veterinary surgeons with up-to-date guidance so they can prepare confidently and minimise disruption. New Veterinary Ireland President The new President of Veterinary Ireland is Eoin Glynn MVB, a mixed practice veterinary surgeon and owner of Gorteen Acre Veterinary Clinic based in Athenry and Tuam, Co. Galway. Irish vets are committed to animal welfare, public health, and professional integrity. Their work contributes to the health of animals, people, and the environment, said Mr. Glynn. I have a vision of a Veterinary Ireland where every member feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute; where we continue to be leaders in science, welfare, and ethics; where we never forget that our work, while sometimes challenging, is a privilege. Before studying veterinary medicine at University College Dublin, Eoin studied Horsemanship at Kildalton College, Kilkenny. He remains actively involved in cattle and sheep farming and has competed successfully in showjumping to Grand Prix level, with winners at the RDS in both pony and young rider classes. Eoin Glynn was presented with the Chain of Office by outgoing President Jane Pigott. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today A mix of wintry precipitation this morning. Then some clearing this afternoon. High 38F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 80%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low 24F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. MIAMI - William Levy has encountered a character who, for the first time and publicly, has allowed him to embrace an important aspect of his faith. Spanish Civil Defense Commander Mario Torres, the protagonist of his new film Bajo Un Volcan, has lived in his skin for more than two years in a place that has changed his life: the Spanish island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. However, in an interview with The Latin Times and ENSTARZ, the Cuban actor acknowledged that the experience has been transformative on many levels. Personally, Torres has served as a vehicle to demonstrate the importance of intuition. "For me, they are messages from God," Levy said, revealing a mystical side he usually keeps private. Over the years, "you learn to listen to your intuition and know that that intuition comes with you. It's something God gives you, something life gives you. For me, intuition is that connection, that feeling of being in tune, of being connected with God. That's how God manifests within you, you know? It's through your intuition, your feelings," the artist said. "I'm not going to come here to talk personally about other things, but God communicates with you through your intuition, and for me, it's been that way my whole life. I've learned that it's through intuition that you ask, and if it's telling you something and repeating it... damn, listen, man. Listen, because that's your intuition, brother." "And whenever I ignore my intuition, I'm wrong. I've always been wrong," he emphasized. Torres avoids doing the same. His intuition tells him he has to listen to Dani's character, his co-star Maggie Civantos, and thank goodness he does! Under the Volcano tells what happens when a town responds when a volcano, dormant for more than three centuries, seems to become active. Mexican actress Fabiola Guajardo plays Ximena, a volcanologist, much like Dani, but more attached to the rules and factual science. In her personal life, the star, known for her role in the telenovela La Jefa, considers herself much less rigid. "Years and maturity teach you that it's 100%. You have to trust your intuition. Every time I've had my intuition in the past, my intuition has told me this. At first, I'd say no; you can't think like that. Then I'd hit a wall," he confessed. In the show, Levy and Guajardo are exes. In real life, they clearly get along very well, with the Cuban actor eager to give him space to talk about a project in which he's not only the lead actor but also the boss, as he was the executive producer. The affection is so strong that, when this reporter complimented Guajardo's social media, Levy said: "When I grow up I want to be like Fabi. WOW." Guajardo returned the compliment in spades when speaking about his experience in Tenerife. "William knows everything: the best places to eat, where to go. He'll always give you the best recommendations," he said. They both agree that the must-see place is Mount Teide. "It looks like Mars," said Guajardo. For Levy, it's one of the "most magical places in the world." She went there at night, in the cold, with friends and her daughter Kailey. "Incredible," she says. Bajo un volcan, which is already available on VIX in the United States and on Netflix in the rest of the world, is actually one of four projects Levy has done in the area. He already filmed two seasons of his series Camino a Arcadia there and has just finished the second installment of Captain Mario Torres. This one is called Under a Fire , and it marks his daughter's acting debut. Two Italian-language films he's made are set to premiere in the coming months, and he has no intention of stopping. In fact, this seems to be William Levy's most productive period yet, and thank goodness for that! Volunteers in Queens say communities are increasingly relying on whistles to warn neighbors of federal immigration activity after masked officers carried out street arrests in Corona earlier this month, according to a sprawling report from THE CITY. According to Queens Neighborhoods United, officers detained seven Latino men in the New York neighborhood during a series of afternoon operations, prompting residents to sound whistles to alert others in real time. Witnesses said officers appeared briefly and departed quickly before returning twice more. Volunteers distributed whistles and know-your-rights materials following the first sweep. "Short bursts indicate an ICE sighting. Long whistles indicate agents making arrests," said Whitney Hu of South Brooklyn Mutual Aid to THE CITY, noting that the method is simple and widely understood across immigrant communities regardless of language group. The tactic has roots in Chicago, where whistle alerts spread rapidly after the launch of Operation Midway Blitz in September. That operation involved tear gas, rubber bullets, chemical agents, and street confrontations, as well as armed agents entering private homes and detaining U.S. citizens, including children. Volunteers there distributed more than 120,000 whistle kits containing instructions and know-your-rights cards. The approach has since expanded to St. Louis, Minneapolis, Denver and Atlanta. New York activists say they are bracing for a similar escalation. Much of the enforcement under the Trump administration has occurred inside government buildings such as 26 Federal Plaza, but advocates expect more street operations following recent statements from officials in Washington. Border Czar Tom Homan said Tuesday that he intends to "increase the enforcement presence in New York City," citing the city's sanctuary policies. "We're going to do operations in New York City," he said on Fox News, without specifying a timeline. Meanwhile, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's office said the city would "protect the rights and dignity of every single New Yorker" and reaffirmed commitment to sanctuary laws and Governor Kathy Hochul's office said federal intervention "is not wanted or needed," reiterating that a surge in ICE activity would not improve public safety. Activists say last month's raid on Canal Street offered a preview of what neighborhoods may face. New Yorkers quickly mobilized, surrounding armored trucks and documenting arrests. Federal officials have dismissed concerns about public alert tools with a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson saying that agents are "not afraid of loud noises and whistles," describing them as trained to operate under confrontation. Community groups distributed another 10,000 whistles last weekend as part of a citywide day of action. Organizers describe the effort as practical preparation for residents likely to be affected by upcoming operations. "If you hear the whistle and you're undocumented, you hide," Hu said. "And if you're not, you go to the street." Originally published on Latin Times Speculation and fear spread throughout Jacksonville, Florida, after three women were found dead in separate incidents over three days. The prevailing question on social media is, could a serial killer be operating in the city? Local authorities insist the answer is no. The public is not convinced. On Saturday, November 15, a 24-year-old mother of two named Cherrish Nunley was discovered fatally shot in a parking lot in the Mandarin area. The next day, the body of another woman, Tiffany Felton, was found beneath a bridge on Blanding Boulevard. On Monday, a third woman was found unresponsive in a rooming house in Jacksonville's Phoenix neighborhood. The close timing and female victims triggered alarm among residents on platforms such as TikTok and Facebook, but according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO), the evidence indicates no linked pattern and no broader threat to public safety. "We can confirm these claims are FALSE. Our detectives are investigating recent homicide cases ... but we want to reassure the community there is no danger to the public related to these incidents," the agency stated in a social-media post. JSO finished their statement affirming that "Our detectives are investigating recent homicide cases that involve female victims, following the facts and evidence in each case. We will share updates as soon as we are able to, but we want to reassure the community there is no danger to the public related [to] these incidents." A suspect, 31-year-old Randy Campbell of Dallas, Texas, who was Nunley's ex-boyfriend and the father of one of her children, has been arrested in connection with her shooting after police received an anonymous tip. JSO reported that he is suspected of her murder exclusively and will be extradited to Jacksonville for his crimes. He is reportedly not involved in the other recent homicides, going against the popular serial killer theory. Yet many residents remain unconvinced. The comments under JSO's social media post denying the rumors are overwhelmingly skeptical of the police's assurances regarding the lack of a serial killer in Jacksonville. Some of the comments read, "The fact it's three women in three days and not related is almost scarier...," "You guys can't even confirm when your officers are assaulting citizens so...," and "No danger to the public? Also if have any information, call us?? Doesn't really scream that JSO has the perpetrators in custody to me lol, but what do I know?" No other suspects or arrests have been made in regard to the other murders at the time of publication. Originally published on Latin Times China pledges to deepen cooperation with South Africa -- Premier Li Xinhua) 11:16, November 24, 2025 Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with South Africa to firmly support each other and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday. Li made the remarks when meeting with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile on the sidelines of the 20th Group of 20 (G20) Summit held here on Saturday and Sunday. China and South Africa are good friends and brothers enjoying a deep friendship, Li said. In September last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, in Beijing and reached important consensus on advancing bilateral ties, Li said. China stands ready to work with South Africa to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, further enhance mutual political trust, firmly support each other, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and deliver more outcomes of their all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Li noted that China is ready to step up alignment with South Africa, and help more quality and competitive South African products enter the Chinese market by negotiating and signing an agreement on economic partnership for shared development and advancing in South Africa the early implementation of China's zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for African countries having diplomatic relations with China. China supports more competitive Chinese companies in investing in South Africa and enhancing cooperation in such areas as new energy, automobiles, healthcare, digital economy and infrastructure, with a view to broadening and upgrading bilateral cooperation to better serve the modernization of both countries, Li said. He expressed the hope that South Africa will better protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and the safety of their personnel. China-South Africa cooperation has long played a leading and demonstrative role in China-Africa cooperation, Li said, pledging that China is ready to strengthen communication with South Africa within frameworks including the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), promote the implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and jointly create a bright future of development and prosperity for China and Africa. Li called on the two sides to step up multilateral coordination and work with the wider Global South countries to promote a more just and equitable international order. For his part, Mashatile expressed gratitude for China's strong support for South Africa as the host of the G20 Summit. Stressing that South Africa firmly upholds the one-China policy, Mashatile said that his country stands ready to take China's implementation of zero-tariff treatment in African countries as an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, industry, agriculture, digital economy and green development, and to enhance people-to-people exchanges so as to advance the continuous and in-depth development of the all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era between the two countries. Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest and operate in South Africa, and South Africa will spare no effort to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and companies, he said. Mashatile also said that South Africa highly commends the four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi, and is willing to work with China to promote multilateral communication and coordination, uphold multilateralism, safeguard the authority of the United Nations and promote the common development and prosperity of Global South nations. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Sheng Chuyi) The Sunday evening incident on East Station Avenue left the 45-year-old Philadelphia driver injured while the home sustained minor damage, according to local police. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com A driver was hurt Sunday when he lost control of his car and crashed into a house in Coopersburg, police said. Coopersburg Police Chief Anthony Struss told lehighvalleylive.com the accident began just before 8:30 p.m. in the first block of East Station Avenue. The 45-year-old driver from Philadelphia struck the foundation of the residence, the chief said. The driver was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township for treatment of injuries. A condition was not immediately available Monday morning. A family was home when the crash happened, Struss said. No other injuries were reported. The home sustained minor damage, Struss said. The car was towed from the scene. Coopersburg police continue to investigate what led up to the accident. This is a portion of a PPL Electric Utilities customer's bill for November 2025, showing rates higher than one year prior. For customers who do not shop for an electricity supplier, the company's residential rate is increasing 3.7% on Dec. 1, 2025. Lehighvalleylive.com photo Lehigh Valley residents will pay more for electricity beginning Dec. 1, and state utility regulators are looking at an additional increase for local provider PPL Electric Utilities. PPL Electric Utilities and FirstEnergy Corp.s Met-Ed are both raising their Price to Compare electric-supply rate with the start of December. For customers that do not shop for an electricity supplier, PPLs residential rate is increasing 3.7% from $0.1249 to $0.12953 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as Met-Eds rate rises 8.9% from $0.11903 to $0.12965 per kWh. A customer using 1,000 kWh of electricity per month will pay $4.63 more to PPL and $10.62 more to Met-Ed. Pennsylvanias electricity providers like PPL Electric Utilities and Met-Ed purchase power through competitive auctions. These costs are then passed along without markup to customers who do not secure an alternative supply at PA Power Switch the official electricity marketplace of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Utility providers Price to Compare resets every six months in Pennsylvania, on June 1 and Dec. 1. Electricity costs are rising across the 13-state PJM Interconnection LLC electric grid, according to PPL. PPL Electric continues to see electric generation supply prices rise across Pennsylvania and the broader PJM region due to an unprecedented surge in electricity demand and limited new generation resources being added, company spokeswoman Jane George told lehighvalleylive.com. Factors driving higher electricity demand include growth of large-energy users like data centers and more electric vehicles used for transportation. Supply costs, meanwhile, are also rising. Natural gas generates more electricity consumed in Pennsylvania than any other source, followed by nuclear, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And natural gas prices are rising, according to the EIAs snapshot for the week ending Nov. 12. In terms of new electricity generation, Pennsylvania PUC spokesman Nils Hagen-Frederiksen said the current supply-and-demand situation requires all-of-the-above solutions. That includes renewable energy Pennsylvania in July reached 2 gigawatts of installed solar generation in operation statewide, just 17 months after reaching 1 GW in late 2023. Separate from the electricity-supply side of customers bills, PPL Electric Utilities in September asked for PUC approval of its first increase since 2015 on the distribution side. That rate case seeks an annual increase in revenues of $356.3 million (33.4%), the PUC says. As proposed, the total monthly bill for a residential customer using 918 kWh per month would increase 7% from $177.01 to $189.40. The PUC in October voted to suspend and investigate the PPL distribution rate hike, with a final decision due by July 1, 2026. The commission on Tuesday announced four in-person hearings and two telephonic hearings in December open to PPLs 1.5 million customers across 29 counties, including Lehigh and Northampton. Full details of the hearings and how to participate can be found below, and at puc.pa.gov. PPL Electric Utilities recommends customers facing difficulty in covering their bills to consider: Making bills more predictable and affordable with budget billing, payment plans and customized alerts. Saving energy used at home or work through no-cost and low-cost energy saving programs and products. PPL Electric offers an Energy Analyzer to help customers discover when, where and how their home or business uses energy. Seeking bill assistance or support programs, which are available regardless of income. We understand that rising energy supply costs are a real concern for many of our customers, and we share their concern, the companys George told lehighvalleylive.com. The PUC offers further details on help with home utility bills at puc.pa.gov. PPL Electric Utility hearings scheduled The PUC scheduled its hearings on PPL Electric Utilitiess proposed distribution-rate increase as follows: In-person public input hearings will be held at the following locations and times: Monday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. at Scranton University, Brennan Hall - Rose Room, 5th Floor, 320 Madison Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. at Catasauqua Municipal Building, Borough Hall, 90 Bridge St., Catasauqua, PA 18032. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m. at Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Keystone Building, Hearing Room No. 1, 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA 17120. Thursday, Dec. 11, 6 p.m. at Manheim Township Public Library, Morgan Center, 595 Granite Run Dr., Lancaster, PA 17601. Two telephonic hearings will be held as follows: Monday, Dec. 15. Telephonic hearing No. 1 will begin at 1 p.m. Telephonic hearing No. 2 will begin at 6 p.m. Participate in a telephonic hearing by calling toll-free 866-421-8851 and entering PIN Number 66640466 when instructed. Next, speak your name when prompted and press #. Then, the telephone system will connect you to the hearing. NOTE: Individuals wishing to testify at a telephonic public input hearing are encouraged to register by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 by contacting Legal Assistant Pamela McNeal at 215-560-4228 or pmcneal@pa.gov and providing the following information: Your first and last name. The hearing for which you are registering. The phone number you will be using to call into the public input hearing. A phone number where you can be reached prior to the hearing, if needed. Your email address, if you have one. Visit puc.pa.gov for further details on requests for interpreters, tips for offering testimony at a public input hearing. A United Airlines flight from Newark to South Africa turned around about four hours into the flight and returned to New Jersey after a passenger had a medical issue, officials said. United 1122 left the gate at 8:32 p.m. Sunday but didnt take off until 9:55 p.m. and was back on the ground at Newark Liberty International Airport just after 5 a.m. In all, it traveled 3,416 miles, according to FlightAware.com. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was scheduled to land in Cape Town at about 6 p.m. Monday a 14 hour and 25 minute journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The 236 passengers will be rebooked on a flight Monday, United Airlines said. Pennsylvania State Police made 15 arrests for driving under the influence during a checkpoint in Hanover Township over the weekend, ahead of the departments Thanksgiving holiday enforcement period. The DUI checkpoint ran from 10 p.m. Saturday through 3 a.m. Sunday at Race Street and Cascade Drive in Lehigh County. Troopers later shifted to a roving patrol. In addition to the DUI arrests, state police issued one seatbelt citation, six speeding citations, and three driving under suspension citations. Troopers issued 26 other traffic citations and 41 warnings. The checkpoint preceded the official Thanksgiving Holiday Enforcement period, which runs from 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. During that time, Pennsylvania State Police Troop M in Bethlehem will focus on aggressive driving, distracted driving, and impaired driving across Lehigh, Northampton, and Bucks counties. The enforcement effort includes the Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program, which targets speeding, seatbelt violations, and child seatbelt infractions. Troopers will also focus on distracted driving violations, including texting while driving, handheld mobile phone use, use of hearing impairment devices, text-based communications, careless driving, and reckless driving. Specialized troopers from the Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers program and Drug Recognition Experts will concentrate on apprehending drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Last year, during the Thanksgiving holiday enforcement period, Troop M troopers investigated 67 crashes and made 33 DUI arrests. State police reminded motorists that fleeing from police is a felony offense that carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a $15,000 fine, and restitution for damages or injuries sustained during a pursuit. Generative AI was used to structure and draft this story, based on data provided by Pennsylvania State Police. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com staff. A Judge refused jurisdiction after hearing an allegation that an inmate had threatened to stab a prison officer in the heart. Gerard Manning (45) of 17 Upper Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick, is accused of threatening to kill or cause serious harm at Portlaoise Prison on July 1, 2021. Solicitor John Cullen had said the case was adjourned to determine whether travel expenses would be provided to an expert witness. Judge Susan Fay said the case had been adjourned to the sitting of Portlaoise District Court to either hear a plea or set a date for hearing the case. Mr Cullen said this couldnt be done in abstraction from having an examination carried out by the expert witness. Judge Fay then told Mr Cullen that she wanted to consider jurisdiction in the case to determine whether she could hear it in the district court. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby outlined the alleged facts which had taken place at Portlaoise Prison on July 1 at 7pm. He said the incident occurred when the defendant was being locked up for the night. He said it would be alleged the man began banging his door and shouting and repeatedly shouted at the injured party that he would stab him in the chest and the heart. On hearing the facts, Judge Fay said she was refusing jurisdiction. With respect Judge, you have shifted from one set of parameters to another, said Mr Cullen. He again spoke of his expert witness who he said was expected to arrive here on some sort of a magic carpet for the case. He said jurisdiction was now being refused for reasons which are not abundantly clear. Judge Fay said she was adjourning the matter to Portlaoise District Court on December 15. I would ask you to recuse yourself, Mr Cullen said to the Judge, who then informed him she was rising for lunch. Councillor Ben Brennan has said it is "absolutely scandalous" that families are still waiting for construction work to recommence on the new school for Saplings in Graiguecullen after two years of the project being stalled. Construction work started on the new school for students with special needs in March 2023 but stopped later that year. The half-built school has laid untouched since then at the site in Fruithill. Parents, students and teachers have been left in limbo while they await an update on when the work will restart. Saplings is currently operating out of prefabs in Killeshin. At the November meeting of the Graiguecullen/Portarlington MD, Cllr Ben Brennan sought an update from Laois County Council on the progress of the construction. READ NEXT: Years-long problem with traffic on busy Portlaoise road an 'embarrassment' for council Cllr Brennan told the council the situation was "absolutely scandalous" and that currently "we have nothing only a shell." With children dependent on the school, he demanded: "I'd like to know what's going on." The construction of the new school is funded through foreign investment and private funding, leading Cllr Brennan to query about funding running out and whether or not the Government were going to step in. Laois County Council plan on writing a letter to the Department of Education to seek further information on the progress of the project and its funding. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme The number of Ukrainians who have found refuge in Laois from Russia's war on their homeland has risen in the second half of 2025 after dropping in the first half of the year. The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) published on November 19 contain data on the number of refugees from the Eastern European country living in Ireland to the start of November this year. With peace talks are underway, the figures show that there are 1,302 mainly women and children residing in the Midlands county. That is marginally up on the 1,294 Ukraians in Laois to July 2025. The latest figures mark a reversal in a trend that emerged at the start of 2025 when the CSO reported a drop of more than 20% in the total number living in Laois. There were 1,660 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from Ukraine living in Laois when the numbers were published in February 2025. The biggest number of Ukrainians, 467, have found accommodation in the Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District. The Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick district is home to 453 refugees, while the Portlaoise district has taken in 382 people. The CSO has published the latest data on the number of people seeking refuge in Ireland in the 17th edition of its Arrivals from Ukraine in Ireland Series. The number of children from Ukraine in Laois schools has fallen slightly compared with the summer of 2025. Of the children now here, 201 are in primary school and 143 are in secondary school. Despite cuts, the number of hosts currently in receipt of the Accommodation Recognition Payment and for Ukrainians living in accommodation provided by these hosts has risen to 700 from 619 during the summer. Members of the Balyna 1 Active Retirement bowls team from Co Kildare have taken home one of the top prizes at the 2025 Active Retirement Ireland National Bowls Competition, which took place at the Gleneagle INEC Arena in Killarney, Co Kerry last week. Balyna 1 bowls team members Margaret Colgan, Kathleen Marsh, Eamonn Leonard and team skip Christy Colgan were presented with the 2025 small bowls cup runners up prize by Active Retirement Ireland National President Mai Quaid and CEO Fran Brennan at a special gala ball held to close the competition on Thursday (20th November). Finalists from counties Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Westmeath and Wexford were also presented with awards. Over three days, 64 four-person Active Retirement bowls teams, including five from Co Kildare, competed across the large and small bowls competitions. The other teams from Co Kildare were the NARA 1 and 2 teams, and the Balyna 2 and 3 teams. Speaking at the awards presentation, Active Retirement Ireland CEO Fran Brennan said: Well done to all teams who participated in this years National Bowls Competition and special congratulations to our finalists across the large and small bowls tournaments. This tournament is a celebration of older people and their right to live independent, full lives in which they can stay socially connected and be active participants in their communities. The more than 450 competitors, volunteer officials and spectators who have joined us in Killarney this week exemplify the drive and self-determination of older people to live their best life in later life. READ NEXT: Kildare Age Friendly Programme highlighted by local rep We are all ageing, and it cannot be too much to ask that people in Ireland be supported to age well with dignity, independence and equality. It is time the government took meaningful steps to develop and implement whole-of-government strategies and frameworks to ensure we can. Thank you to Hidden Hearing for their generous support of the 2025 National Bowls Competition, and to our wonderful hosts the Gleneagle Hotel and staff for their steadfast recognition of the value and contribution of older people in Irish society and for their ongoing support in making this event possible each year. There are 516 local Active Retirement Associations (ARAs) in local communities across Ireland, including in Co Kildare groups of older people who come together to organise social events and activities to reinforce social connectedness and reduce loneliness supported by the national body Active Retirement Ireland, Irelands largest membership organisation for older people in the country. For more information about Active Retirement Ireland and to find your local group in Co Kildare, see www.activeirl.ie. People across Kildare are being invited to nominate someone they know for the AXA Community Hero Awards. The awards are designed to recognise those who make a meaningful difference in their neighbourhood and have a total prize fund worth 80,000. Four Community Heroes will be selected from around the country and the winners will receive 20,000 each to donate to their chosen charity. Previous winners have included Cork Cancer Connect and Community Connect, Galway. READ NEXT: Kildare team runners up in 2025 Active Retirement Ireland National Bowls Competition Heroes can be nominated in one of four categories: - Road Safety - Mental Health - Womens safety and wellbeing - Sustainability AXAs judging panel will be looking to award the prizes to people who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and creativity to help others. Elizabeth Arnett, Chief Communications, Brand & Sustainability Officer at AXA Ireland said: The AXA Community Hero Awards are designed to empower people that are actively working to deliver positive change in their localities. So many of us know someone who always goes the extra mile to help shape a better future for everyone in their community. AXA want to show them how much their efforts mean and give a real boost to causes close to their hearts. Mick Comerford, Direct Retail Director at AXA Ireland added: The Community Hero Awards are a chance for us to give back to local areas, which is so important because were part of a wonderful community here. One of the best parts of our branch network is getting to know the people right at the heart of those vibrant communities and were looking forward to the chance to highlight the amazing work happening across Ireland. To make a nomination, members of the public can use 150 words or less to explain how someone has positively impacted their community under one of the four categories, and why they should be recognised as a Community Hero. The nomination can be submitted online using the dedicated page at www.axa.ie. Staff at AXA branches would be happy to answer any questions people might have about the process. Nominations are open from now until 4pm Monday 5th January 2026. The AXA Community Heroes will be announced in January 2026. A new 'Access to Cash' law will be signed into law today meaning that an ATM will have to be located within 20km of most Irish homes and businesses. Financial institutions will be responsible for ensuring that ATMs will be accessible for the majority of people in Ireland. Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, will formally sign the law today, guaranteeing access to cash across the country. The legislation was passed by the Oireachtas in May and then signed by former President, Michael D Higgins. The Central Bank was required to gather information about ATM and cash services around Ireland, according to an article by RTE. READ NEXT: Two dead, two seriously injured, and others hurt following early morning crash in Meath It's understood the new law will have quite an impact in rural Ireland, where many communities have seen the closure of banks and post offices in recent years. This new piece of legislation is among the first to hit Simon Harris's desk as he has undertaken the new role of Finance Minister. Tipperary TD, Mattie McGrath, has welcomed the 'Access to Cash' Law, saying "cash is king." "This is very badly needed. We need extra cash," he told Newstalk. He added that not everybody uses cards and smartphones to pay for things and therefore have to travel quite a distance to access cash. The launch of the 58th edition of the Leitrim Guardian turned into an emotional afternoon of tributes, laughter and standing ovations as Gerry Farrell was named Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year 2026 at a packed ceremony in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon on Nov 23. Writers, volunteers, families and community leaders gathered for the annual celebration, which also honoured literary award winners and long-time contributors to one of Leitrims most respected publications. But it was the speeches raw, personal and deeply local that defined the afternoon. One of the most moving moments came from David Kelly, winner of the Obituary Award, whose words drew quiet reflection across the room.Theres a spirit in the land and theres a force in the nature, he said. Theres a wildness and a ruggedness and theres a freedom here. I can be me here. Though Dublin-born, Kelly told the crowd Leitrim had become his home. This is our home now and I absolutely love it here. Its the people the people keep you in a place. When Gerry Farrell took to the stage, the atmosphere shifted. He was visibly overwhelmed. I wasnt expecting this, he said. I am absolutely overwhelmed by the messages, the cards, the calls. He spoke openly about what the honour meant to him: To be here today, to have the esteem of my family and community I just dont think it gets any better than that. He credited his upbringing in Leitrim and his education in Manorhamilton. Leitrim shaped me, he said. If Leitrim is honouring me, any good I may have done is thanks to Leitrim. Gerrys speech also brought laughter to the room as he spoke about family. Our grandson once said, Grandad is funny but Nanny is clever. And he was right shes the brains of the operation. He told the story of secretly measuring the kitchen door for a theatre set. Mary thought I was going to take the door off the kitchen for a play. Thatll give you some idea what shes put up with. He thanked his daughters Rachel and Rebecca, and his grandchildren by name. The proudest moment of my life was performing on stage with my daughters. Majella O'Donnell from the HSE praised Gerrys national impact in dementia care. He didnt just teach techniques. He taught understanding, she said. He showed us how to see the person beneath the diagnosis. A message from Diane Donnelly of the Alzheimer Society described him as: A gentleman gifted with many talents. Actor Barry Degnan highlighted Gerrys theatre career. His one-man show is among the best performed anywhere in Ireland over the last 30 years, he said. To watch him watch his daughters on stage that was a man bursting with pride. Gerry closed with one of the strongest lines of the day: Happiness comes from having a positive, transformative impact on a place, a thing, or another human being. If Ive had any positive impact, its only because of how Leitrim shaped me. READ MORE Presentation of Leitrim Person of the Year this Sunday Farrell Family - Colm O'Hara, Rachel Farrell, Becky Farrell, Ciaran Rodgers (Front row) Sarah O' Hara, Matthew O'Hara, Gerry and Mary Farrell, Alison and Peter Rodgers. A Garda search of a property in Co Leitrim has been identified as part of a global investigation into a sophisticated money-laundering network linked to drug cartels and sanctioned Russian financial channels. The network, now under investigation by the Gardai, the UK National Crime Agency and international partners across Europe and the United States, is believed to have laundered funds on behalf of major criminal organisations, including the Kinahan cartel. Investigators say the operation was so advanced it went as far as purchasing a bank in Kyrgyzstan as part of efforts to bypass international sanctions and move illicit funds to support Russias military activity. Irish authorities confirmed that almost 2 million in cash has been recovered domestically since 2023 as part of the probe. Of this, 1.36 million was seized during 2025 alone through a series of coordinated Garda operations. Sources close to the investigation said Ireland was not peripheral to the scheme, but instead functioned as a key logistical hub, with activity increasingly concentrated in north Dublin and parts of Leitrim. The investigation, known as Operation Destabilise, escalated significantly on 14 October, when officers from the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GDOCB) carried out simultaneous searches at four homes across north Dublin and neighbouring Leitrim. During those searches, Gardai recovered 383,000 in cash and arrested two men and two women, all aged in their 30s. Investigators believe those arrests disrupted an active cash movement route used by the wider laundering system and targeted individuals suspected of facilitating the transport of high-value currency across regions. These raids followed a series of earlier high-value seizures in Dublin this year. On 9 April, GDOCB officers, supported by Revenue Customs, intercepted two suspected money couriers at Dublin Airport, seizing 342,000 in cash. On 23 April, officers stopped a vehicle in west Dublin, recovering 638,000 and arresting a man in his 30s. To date, seven individuals in Ireland have been arrested and charged, and all cases are currently progressing through the courts. A separate case saw Russian courier Igor Logvinov sentenced to three years imprisonment in July 2023, with 57,200 in drug trafficking proceeds formally forfeited to the State. A Garda spokesperson said: This investigation is part of an ongoing international operation targeting serious organised crime groups involved in complex money laundering structures. An Garda Siochana continues to work closely with international partners to disrupt and dismantle these networks. Investigations remain ongoing. READ MORE Presentation of Leitrim Person of the Year this Sunday You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Hon. Frederick S. Cooper, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection speaking at the World Childrens Day Celebration in Monrovia. Mr. President, the transformation of the lives of our people requires you as the leader to think of tomorrow, Moniba said in a strong statement issued over the weekend. (From Left) UMUAA President Dioh Cox Podee, Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr., head of the United Methodist Church in Liberia, and UMU President Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey broke ground for the modern campus in Margibi along with other members of the association. Having left the helm of the Ministry of Mines and Energy in far better shape than he met it, Former Minister Wilmot Paye hands a Geologists Hammer to his successor, Minister Matenokay Tingban, with full accounting (PHOTO: KingFlash Photography). MEMBERS of the Defence Forces tasked to protect a US military aircraft at Shannon airport drew their weapons briefly in response to an alleged planned and premeditated airport incursion by three pro-Palestinian activists, a court has heard. At a special late night sitting of Ennis District Court on Sunday night, Det Garda Colm Moriarty told the court that a US military aircraft parked overnight at the airport allegedly sustained criminal damage when spray painted with green paint from a modified fire extinguisher on top of a modified van in a taxi area on the airfield at Shannon airport on Saturday morning. At a contested bail hearing for the three accused, all aged 23 and with no previous convictions, Det Garda Moriarty said that one of the three accused, Kaspar Aiden Cantwell Strattra (23) of Manorlands Crescent, Trim, Co Meath replied after charge and caution at Ennis Garda Station: The use of Shannon airport by the US military breaks Irish neutrality. The US is a belligerent power complicit in the genocide of Palestinians. In the case, Mr Cantwell Strattra, social science student, Ms Emily Cathcart (23) North View, Knocknagin Rd, Balbriggan, Co Dublin and Conan Kavanagh (23) of New Cabra Rd, Dublin 7 and St Josephs Drive, Montenotte, Cork are charged with the criminal damage of the main body of a Boeing 737-700 belonging to the US Navy Reserve at Shannon airport on November 22. READ MORE: BREAKING: Three to appear at special night-time court sitting over incident at Shannon Airport The three are also charged with the criminal damage of a Shannon airport airside vehicle barrier and with trespass at the main apron and taxi-way 11 at Shannon airport on the same date. Outlining the State case against the three, Det Garda Moriarty of Shannon Garda Station said that it will be alleged that at around 9.30am on Saturday morning a Ford Transit van entered the apron at Shannon airport when crashing through the exit barrier at speed. He said that it will be alleged that there were three persons in the van - they drove along the runway airside to taxi 11 at speed where there was a US military plane parked overnight where An Garda Siochana and the Defence Forces were providing protection for this aircraft". He said: The van was pursued by airport police and was stopped at the side of the parked US aircraft. The members of An Garda Siochana called for assistance from the Defence Forces. He said: The Defence Forces had their weapons drawn briefly until the situation was under control. The Defence Force members assisted An Garda Siochana in apprehending the suspects." He said that the three suspects had secured themselves into the van by modifying the van by putting chains and barriers in the doors and the windows. He said that two suspects were in the rear of the van. He said that there was a hole in the roof of the van for a ladder that allowed persons to come out of top. He said that while An Garda Siochana and Defence Force members were attempting to enter the van, it will be alleged that two suspects in the rear of the van came out through the roof of the van and sprayed green paint from a modified fire extinguisher onto the plane damaging the aircraft. During the 75-minute bail hearing for the three, Det Garda Moriarty said that the Gardai and the Defence Force members required the assistance of the airport fire brigade service to saw open the back of the van to gain entry into the van. Gardai later seized a number of tools from the scene including a battery console, spray paint bottles, a lump hammer and a fire extinguisher with green paint and a number of heavy duty bicycle locks with chains. Det Moriarty said that the strength of evidence is extensive in the case and that the three accused were allegedly caught red-handed. He said that the alleged incursion was planned and premeditated. Det Moriarty showed Judge Marie Keane CCTV footage of the incident. He said that the airport had to be shut down for 30 minutes and one incoming aircraft was placed in a holding pattern before the airport could re-open. He said that as a result of the incident there were numerous foreign debris parts strewn across Taxi area 11 and this could potentially have catastrophic effects for other aircraft. Det Garda Moriarty said that he believes that further more serious charges will be brought in the case. Commenting on the criminal damage charge to the aircraft, Judge Keane said: I have no knowledge of the cost of painting an aircraft but I can only assume that it is tens of thousands of euros if not more and there is an alleged injured party here and from signage on the plane it is an American owned plane. Judge Keane said that there is an alleged victim in all of this in addition to the whole security issue. Judge Keane said that Shannon airport is governed by the Air Navigation Act and security at Shannon airport is essential to the security of the State as a whole and is not to be taken separately. Judge Keane granted legal aid to solicitor, Tara Godfrey to represent each of the three accused after Ms Godfrey said that the three were suitable candidates for legal aid. Judge Keane remanded all three in custody with consent to bail on condition that the three stay out of Co Clare, not to enter any other airport within the State, sign on at their local Garda stations and not engage in any other protests at airports. In the cases of Mr Kavanagh and Ms Cathcart they are to provide independent sureties of 10,000 each to be approved by the court and Mr Cantwell Stratta provide a cash lodgement of 5,000. Ms Godfrey said that Mr Cantwell Strattas mother was in court if required to give evidence to support the bail application. Judge Keane remanded all three in custody with consent to bail to appear before Ennis District Court via video-link on Tuesday, November 25. A FATHER-OF-FOUR who beat a man to death with a shovel in Limerick city and later told gardai, I hope the c*** is dead, has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years. Joseph Cahill, aged 46, earlier this year pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of 43-year-old Gerard 'Ger' Curtin (pictured below) in Garryowen. The plea was accepted on the basis that Cahill honestly believed that he was protecting himself, his property and his children but that the force he used in striking Mr Curtin was excessive. The Central Criminal Court heard that Cahill had previously threatened to kill the deceased after Mr Curtin came to his house, threw stones at his windows, threatened to burn the house down and demanded money. Mr Curtin left after Cahill's partner gave him 300. READ NEXT: Army personnel drew weapons during Shannon airport incursion as US navy plane spray painted court hears Inspector James Ruddle, of Roxboro Road garda station, told the court that Curtin returned to Cahill's house in the early hours about two weeks later, again demanding money. CCTV footage showed the deceased smashing a window of the Cahill home with a rock. The lock on Cahill's front door was broken so he had propped a shovel against it to keep out intruders. Cahill took the shovel, opened the door and struck the victim on the head, causing him to immediately fall to the ground, the inspector said. Cahill then struck Mr Curtin three more times as he lay "defenceless and immobile" on the ground. Before delivering the blows, Cahill called emergency services and asked for the police. After delivering the fatal blows, with Mr Curtin lying motionless on the ground, Cahill told the call-taker that a man was trying to get into his house. He waited a further eight minutes and 30 seconds before telling the call taker to send an ambulance. When asked why he needed an ambulance, Cahill said: "I think he's dead... I had to protect my kids. I don't give a fuck about going to jail. I beat a shovel off his head and I kept beating, to tell you the truth." The first garda at the scene made a note of Cahill saying: "I hit him with a shovel, I hope the c*** is dead." At the Central Criminal Court this Monday, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon said that Mr Curtin lost his life in "very violent circumstances". While it is accepted that Cahill believed he was acting in defence of himself, his property and his family, Ms Justice Creedon said the force he used was disproportionate. She said it is clear from statements made by the deceased's family that the killing has had a "profound and lasting effect" on them and has been devastating to his parents. Having set a headline sentence of ten years, Ms Justice Creedon noted Cahill's family circumstances as a father-of-four, his history of mental health difficulties and that his previous convictions were all at District Court level. She reduced the sentence to eight years with the final six months suspended on condition that he be of good behaviour, engage with mental health services, attend an anger management program and engage with any therapeutic services recommended by the probation services. On May 30 this year, Cahill, of Sarsfield Avenue, Garryowen, Limerick pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Gerard Curtin on November 4, 2023 outside his home. At a sentencing hearing Garret Baker SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told Ms Justice Creedon that Cahill was originally charged with murder. The DPP accepted the manslaughter plea on the basis that Cahill honestly believed that he was protecting himself, his property and his children but that the force he used in striking Mr Curtin four times with the shovel was excessive. In an impact statement, Bianca Hickey told the court that the deceased was a brother, father, partner and friend. She said the family has always been "close-knit" but the killing tore them apart. She said they have watched their parents become "completely different people". Their mother "traded nights at bingo for sleepless nights and endless nightmares" while their father lost interest in his hobbies and no longer loves chatting and laughing with his family. They never got to say goodbye or kiss Gerard one last time because his injuries were so catastrophic that his coffin had to be closed. Insp Ruddle agreed with Michael O'Higgins SC, for Cahill, that gardai were aware of allegations over many years that Mr Curtin had smashed windows of houses and threatened the occupants. The court heard that eight days after the killing, Cahill's home was petrol bombed and the family was forced to move out of the area. Cahill's sister's home was also petrol bombed at 5am while all people living there were in bed, the court was told. When Mr O'Higgins began to read a letter of apology from his client, the deceased's family stood up and walked out of court. In the letter, Cahill said he wanted to "express how deeply sorry I am" to the victim's partner and children. He said he carries the "massive burden" of what he did every day and has turned the lives of his own family upside down. "I never set out or imagined that night going to bed that anything like this would happen," he said. Mr O'Higgins said his client has a long history of mental illness, polysubstance abuse and a gambling addiction. He pointed to a psychiatric report which states that due to childhood trauma, Cahill is predisposed to act irrationally and to overreact to threats against himself and his family. He has no relevant previous convictions and, Mr O'Higgins said, is not likely to come before the courts again. FORMER CASTLETROY College and current University of Limerick student Sophie Hartigan has won the 2025 Irish Tax Institute Third-Level Scholarship. Sophie was awarded the scholarship by the President of the Irish Tax Institute, Shane Wallace, at a ceremony in Dublin on November 20. This scholarship is aimed at Leaving Certificate students who are interested in a career in tax advisory and provides an award of 5,000 per annum towards the winning students living expenses. READ MORE: Fashion designer Nora celebrates rich tapestry of life at 100th birthday party in Limerick It also offers a place on the prestigious Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) programme once the students initial degree is complete with dedicated mentoring and support from the Irish Tax Institute. Speaking on her achievement Sophie said, Im really delighted to win this scholarship which will support me in my studies. As well as the financial support to help me with some of the costs of going to University, I am really excited with the ongoing mentorship and guidance opportunities available to me which will make college life that bit easier. Congratulating Sophie on her win, Irish Tax Institute President Shane Wallace said, In winning this scholarship Sophie has proven not only her academic achievements but has also demonstrated her hard-working ethic and determination in pursuing a career in tax advisory. The Scholarship signals our confidence in the contribution Sophie will make to Irelands tax profession in the years ahead and the Institute will continue to support Sophie on her educational journey, said Shane. A MAJOR summer gig is set to take over King Johns Castle next year, bringing one of Irelands top live acts back to Limerick. The Coronas will return to the famous castle stage for what promises to be one of the standout outdoor shows of the year. The band are set to take over the iconic venue on Friday, May 29, 2026. READ MORE: Irish Chamber Orchestra enchants Limerick with Handels Messiah The band continues to shine on the biggest stages at home and abroad. Their last four albums have all debuted at No. 1 in the Irish charts, while their international following has surged with sold-out tours across the UK, North America and Australia. With more than 15 years of headlining major Irish festivals and venues, The Coronas have built a reputation for unforgettable nights filled with soaring choruses, sing-along anthems and unbeatable good vibes. Their annual Christmas run at The 3Olympia and their Electric Picnic performances remain as Irish fan favourites. Speaking at the launch, Mick Dolan said: The Coronas are an amazing live band, and were delighted to have them back at the Castle. Their shows here are always special - fans are in for an incredible night. Tickets are set to go on sale Friday, November 28 at 10am and are available from dolans.ie and ticketmaster.ie. INTERNATIONAL multi-award-winning superstar Michael Buble will have Limerick instead of Georgia on his mind in 2026. He has announced two huge open-air summer 2026 shows for Ireland - Malahide Castle on Saturday, June 27 and Thomond Park on June 28, subject to licence. READ NEXT: Major live dance show returns to Limerick as part of 2026 Docklands Festival Michael Buble has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide over the course of his extraordinary career and has enjoyed enormous success as one of the top touring artists of all time. With a career that includes five Grammys, 15 Juno Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canadas Walk of Fame, six multi-platinum albums, and over 14 billion global streams, Michael has spent the past two decades deeply committed to not only keep the flames of the Great American Songbook alive and well - to not only breathe new life into them - but to bring his singular style, vocal power, and passion to timeless tunes that he loves. He released his self-titled debut album on Reprise Records in 2003, followed by a series of multi-platinum, #1 albums including Call Me Irresponsible (2007), Crazy Love (2009), To Be Loved (2013), Love (2018), and Christmas (2011). Michaels 11th studio album HIGHER (2022) marked his 9th Top 10 on Billboards Top Album Sales Chart and 7th consecutive studio album to debut in the Top 3. Known for his world-class showmanship and spectacular concert production, he has performed sold-out shows in over 30 countries including Croke Park in 2018. A spokesperson for MCD Productions said: With unstoppable talent, energy and a voice that is equally at home singing standards, pop, swing, jazz, R&B, and comedy, Michael takes his audiences on a special journey every night - singing his heart out, serenading them with beautiful love songs, making them laugh, cry, and dance - to give them an evening they will never forget. Tickets for Dublin priced from 89.90 to 99.90 and Limerick priced from 81.25 to 91.25, including booking fee, will go on sale this Friday, November 28 at 9am via Ticketmaster.ie. Tickets subject to 12.5% service charge per ticket, max 10.50. Artist presale begins on Tuesday, November 25 at 9am. Mastercard cardholders have special access to Mastercard presale tickets, starting from 9am Wednesday November 26, until 9am Friday November 28. MCD presale for Limerick begins Thursday, November 27 at 9am. MCD Presale for Dublin begins Thursday, November 27 at 9am. Amazon announced on Monday that it would invest up to $50 billion to significantly expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and supercomputing capacity specifically for its United States government customers. This commitment represents one of the largest infrastructure pledges ever directed at the public sector cloud market. The project, slated to commence groundwork in 2026, will introduce nearly 1.3 gigawatts (GW) of new AI and high-performance computing capability across the AWS Top Secret, AWS Secret, and AWS GovCloud regions. This expansion will be achieved through the development of new data centres equipped with highly advanced computing and networking systems. For context, one gigawatt of computing power is roughly sufficient to supply the average energy needs of around 750,000 US households. "This investment removes the technology barriers that have held government back," Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman said. AWS is already a key cloud provider to the US government, currently serving over 11,000 government agencies. Tech corporations, including OpenAI, Alphabet, and Microsoft, are consistently pouring billions into establishing AI infrastructure, thereby escalating the demand for the computing power required to support these advanced services. Amazons initiative is designed to provide federal agencies with enhanced access to a comprehensive suite of AWS AI services. These offerings encompass Amazon SageMaker for model training and customisation, Amazon Bedrock for the deployment of AI models and agents, and foundational models such as Amazon Nova and Anthropic Claude. Also Read | Amazon begins $2.5 billion payouts to Prime members after FTC settlement Amazon Data Center tally tops 900 amid AI frenzy Amazon.com Inc.s data center operation is much larger than commonly understood, totaling more than 900 facilities in more than 50 countries, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg and investigative website SourceMaterial. Amazon Web Services is best known for sprawling data center hubs in Virginia and Oregon. But those sorts of enormous complexes, which the company owns or operates through long-term leases, dont account for its full footprint. The cloud unit also stashes server racks in hundreds of so-called colocation facilities, renting space that as of last year provided about a fifth of the computing power at Amazons disposal, according to the documents. Amazon is under heavy scrutiny over suspected tax evasion and customs fraud in Italy, for what is being dubbed as Trojan horse actions by which the e-commerce giant imported Chinese goods into the country without paying taxes and duties, according to a Reuters report, citing three sources. According to the report, Italian police on 24 November raided two Amazon sites in the country as part of its growing investigation into the matter. Two Amazon sites a logistics hub in Cividate al Piano in Bermago province and its Italian headquarters in central Milan were raided by officers from the Guardia di Finanza and the customs agency. Police have also identified the manager responsible for the movement of goods within Italy, the report added. About 5,000 products were seized from the logistics hub including air fryers, mobile phone covers, pens, small scissors, and toys, while IT equipment was taken from the HQ, it added. Amazon declined to comment on Reuters queries but said it was committed to complying with all applicable tax laws and we cooperate fully with all relevant authorities. Also Read | Ethiopia volcanic ash plumes cause flights cancellations; DGCA issues advisory Amazon acted like Trojan horse: What does this mean? The report cited a court document, which accused Amazon of acting like a Trojan horse by bringing Chinese goods into Italy without paying sales taxes or customs duties, and costing the state hundreds of millions of euros. Given the scale of the allegations, other European Union nations might soon also begin investigations, the sources added. Notably, the case is a new line of inquiry stemming from an investigation into an alleged 1.2 billion euro tax evasion case. Milan prosecutors, working with the Monza branch of the Guardia di Finanza, suspect that goods are being imported from China into Europe and then moved into Italy through undisclosed channels to be distributed and sold via Amazons marketplace. This constitutes smuggling and violates EU customs laws, prosecutors say. Three sources said the number of products involved could reach half a million, with dozens of Italian companies, many believed to be fronts for Chinese entities, part of the scheme. It was not immediately clear what impact the raids would have on Amazon operations in Italy. Will other EU nations also act? According to one source, the investigation is expected to be extended to the rest of the 27-nation EU, Reuters reported. Milan prosecutors were summoned in July to The Hague headquarters of the EU agency for criminal justice cooperation, Eurojust, where they presented their inquiry to counterparts from several EU countries including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Sweden and Ireland. Disputes over customs duties and sales taxes have fueled growing tensions with the United States over the past year, but it is unclear how this case involving China will be viewed in Washington and Brussels. In the original 1.2 billion euro tax evasion case, Milan prosecutors investigated three managers and Amazon's Luxembourg-based European unit over alleged tax fraud related to online sales in Italy between 2019 and 2021. In relation to that case, Italy's tax agency has submitted a settlement proposal to Amazon on which the U.S. group must decide by December. Prosecutors believe Amazons algorithm enables goods from non-EU sellers, mostly Chinese, to be sold in Italy without identifying the supplier, helping them avoid VAT. Under Italian law, platforms offering goods for sale are jointly liable for unpaid taxes by non-EU sellers. Amazon has previously said it complies with all tax laws. Separately, the European Public Prosecutor's Office has opened its own investigation into Amazons accounts from 2021 to 2024 after new EU rules imposed stricter sales tax obligations on marketplaces. (With inputs from Reuters) iPhone maker Apple Inc. has laid off dozens of sales workers in the United States, in a rare job cut for the tech giant, Bloomberg reported on 24 November. The cuts come as the company looks to review and streamline how it offers products to businesses, governments and schools, it added. Speaking to Bloomberg, a spokesperson for Apple confirmed the job cuts, saying that the company is reshuffling its sales the division, but did not give specifics. To connect with even more customers, we are making some changes in our sales team that affect a small number of roles. We are continuing to hire, and those employees can apply for new roles, the spokesperson said. Notably, just some weeks back, Apple also cut around 20 roles from its sales teams in Australia and New Zealand, the report said. Apple layoffs: Who is impacted? As per the report, dozens of sales employees have been chopped across the organisation, with some teams being harder hit. Sources told Bloomberg that management notified the affected workers over the past couple of weeks. Those affected include account managers serving schools, government agencies, and major businesses, and also staff at Apples briefing centers for institutional meetings and product demonstrations for prospective major customers. Many of those affected were surprised, as Apple is one of the rare tech companies to ever cut jobs. And as this decision comes while the company has enjoyed record high revenues on track to reach close to $140 billion in the December quarter, due to successful product launches. Also Read | NASA cuts astronaut trips via Boeing Starliner to 4, next mission in April 2026 Laid off staff can find another post at Apple: How? Employees who lost their jobs have until January 20 to secure another position within the company or theyll be terminated with a severance package. Apple is advertising sales roles on its jobs website and told laid-off workers they could apply for them. Internally, the company is positioning the layoffs as part of an effort to streamline its sales workforce and eliminate overlapping responsibilities. But some of the affected workers said the move was driven by an effort to shift more sales to third-party resellers, which the company refers to as the channel. Some organizations prefer to work with those indirect sellers, they said, and the change helps Apple lower internal costs like salaries. The cuts included longtime managers and, in some cases, employees who have been with Apple for 20 or 30 years. One major target of the layoffs: a government sales team that works with agencies including the US Defense Department and Justice Department. That team had already been facing tough conditions after the 43-day US government shutdown and cutbacks imposed by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which has attempted to slash spending. Apples sales group reports directly to Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook and is overseen by Mike Fenger, a long-tenured vice president. Vivek Thakkar, a Fenger deputy, took on expanded responsibilities earlier this year and now oversees all enterprise and education sales. Layoffs a last resort at Apple: Why cuts now? Apple relies less on layoffs than many of its tech peers, with Cook saying previously that the move is a last resort. But the company has made cuts from time to time. When Apple eliminates jobs, it typically targets them in a way that avoids triggering the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications, or WARN notices, that are required by US labor law. In 2024, Apple cut an unusually large number of employees due to product cancellations and a shaky economy. That included workers on its long-running and now shuttered self-driving car project and an effort to develop in-house screens for its devices. Some AI-related teams and parts of the services division were also affected. Elsewhere in the technology world, layoffs remain more widespread. Earlier this month, Amazon.com Inc. said it would cut more than 14,000 employees, while Meta Platforms Inc. recently culled several hundred roles in its AI organization. (With inputs from Bloomberg) (Bloomberg) -- Canadas corporations continue to expand their profits, even as the economy contends with tariff damage. Operating profits rose 3.8% to C$200 billion ($142 billion) in the third quarter, according to data released Monday by Statistics Canada. Thats the fastest pace of growth in two years and follows a seasonally adjusted contraction of 2.4% in the second quarter. In the financial sector, earnings before interest and taxes rose 6% to C$96 billion, driven higher by lower provisions for credit losses and increased non-interest income in banking, the agency said. Non-financial industries also expanded their operating profits 1.9% between July and September, and increases were recorded in 25 of 39 subcategories. Profits rose in 10 of 14 of the countrys manufacturing industries. The data show Canadas companies holding up well overall despite the ongoing pressures of US trade policy and an elevated unemployment rate. Major tariffs remain in place on steel, aluminum, autos and lumber products, and the central bank expects meager economic growth in the second half of 2025 as business investment and exports languish. At the same time, many of Canadas goods exports to the US are exempt from duties provided theyre covered by the free trade agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico, leaving the country with a relatively low effective tariff rate. Tariffs are having a brutal but narrow hit, said Fred Demers, head strategist of multi-asset solutions with BMO Global Asset Management. Firms are defending strong profit margins and investors should remain comfortable, he said. --With assistance from Mario Baker Ramirez. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Zetwerk, Indias leading B2B digital manufacturing unicorn, has raised 265 crore through invoice discounting on TradeCred, the countrys largest invoice discounting platform. According to the media release, the facility has been extended across multiple Zetwerk group entities: Zetwerk Manufacturing Businesses Private Limited ( 150 crore), Zet Town India Private Limited ( 75 crore), Winsharp Electronics Private Limited ( 20 crore), and Sharp Tanks and Structurals Private Limited ( 20 crore). "A total of 25 prominent family offices participated as investors through TradeCreds technology-enabled platform, underscoring strong institutional confidence in Zetwerks growth trajectory and operational resilience," said the company. The deepened partnership includes full-stack technological integration that will enable seamless, scalable working capital solutions across Zetwerks diverse subsidiaries spanning precision manufacturing, renewables, infrastructure, consumer products, and capital goods. Meanwhile, TradeCred said this transaction marks its single-largest partnership to date and further strengthens a six-year collaboration between the two companies. Zetwerk has been a trusted partner for over six years. This 265 crore facility is a testament to the robustness of their business model and the strength of our integrated technology stack. We are proud to power efficient working capital for one of Indias fastest-growing manufacturing platforms, said Hardik Shah, Founder and CEO of TradeCred. TradeCred said, since its inception in 2018, it has empowered over 150 corporates to discount invoices worth more than 1,000 crore every quarter, establishing itself as the preferred fintech partner for large enterprises seeking flexible, tech-driven supply chain finance. Zetwerk IPO The company has not announced any official timeline for its initial public offering (IPO). As per media reports, it was considering fundraising options, including an IPO in 2025. Earlier in May, Mint reported that Zetwerk co-founders Amrit Acharya and Srinath Ramakkrushnan were planning to raise up to $100 million to increase their stake in the company. New Delhi [India], November 24 (ANI): India's newly introduced labour codes are set to bring major changes in areas such as employee benefits, working conditions, hiring models and enforcement mechanisms, highlighted a report by Ernst & Young (EY). According to the report, a significant change is the new system of categorising employees and workers. The category of "employee" now covers all workers regardless of role, level or salary, while the term "worker" applies to those engaged in manual, skilled, technical, operational, clerical or supervisory functions. However, supervisory staff earning more than 18,000 per month are excluded from the worker category. This new categorisation has implications for overtime, leave encashment, contract labour, retrenchment and dispute resolution, the report said. It stated "Employee, Covers all irrespective of role/level/nature of duties/salary.....Worker, Covers manual, unskilled, skilled, technical, operational, clerical or supervisory work, Excludes managerial or administrative role, Excludes supervisory role with wages exceeding 18,000 per month". The reforms, which came into force on 21 November 2025, merged 29 existing labour laws into four comprehensive codes to simplify labour regulations and improve workplace governance. The four codes include The Code on Wages, 2019; The Code on Social Security, 2020; The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020; and The Industrial Relations Code, 2020. These replace earlier workplace laws such as the Minimum Wages Act, the Payment of Wages Act, the Factories Act, and the Industrial Disputes Act, among others. Another major shift highlighted is the revised definition of "wages," which directly affects employee compensation structures. The definition includes all salary components expressed in money, while elements such as conveyance, HRA, bonus and overtime are part of the exclusion set. However, exclusions cannot exceed 50 per cent of total remuneration, which means that basic wage must form at least half of total salary. As a result, statutory payments such as PF (Provident Fund) and gratuity are expected to increase, leading to higher cost for employers and reduced take-home salary for employees, the report added. The codes introduce changes in gratuity eligibility, which will now apply to fixed-term employees completing one year of service. Overtime payments will be applicable for more than 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week, and leave encashment will apply at the end of each calendar year. The new framework formally recognises flexible hiring, including fixed-term employment, which must receive the same wages and benefits as permanent staff. There is no restriction on the number or duration of such hires. Regulations for contract labour have tightened, with restrictions on employing them in core activities (with exceptions) and placing statutory responsibility on the principal employer. The codes introduce online inspection schemes, stricter compliance responsibility for employers, and prosecution for repeated violations. Employees can now directly file complaints in court. Shares of Danish pharma major Novo Nordisk's plummeted a record 12.4% on 24 November it's lowest since July 2021, after the company's popular weight-loss pill Ozempic failed trials for Alzheimer's treatment, Bloomberg reported. Novo Nordisk has discontinued its planned one-year extension for the pair of studies that were testing the drug's effectiveness in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, it added. The two trials, with 3,500 participants with mild Alzheimers disease, had a 75% probability of failing, Morgan Stanley analysts estimated before the results. Jared Holz, a health strategist at Mizuho, wrote in a note that the stock tanked as Novo could not even give a silver lining for the trails, There was talk that the trial could fail in totality but still illustrate differentiation in certain patient populations. The news is a big hit for Novo, which had pinned hopes of a revival on new CEO Mike Doustdar, and the long-shot effort to treat Alzheimer's disease. The firm has lost its top spot in the obesity and weight-loss market to United States-based Eli Lilly and has since failed to regain the position, the report added. Meanwhile, rival Eli Lilly's stock also declined in trading before US exchanges opened; while Biogen Inc., which has been developing different Alzheimers drugs, was up 6.7%. Ozempic fails treatment trials for Alzheimer's disease According to the report, the company on 24 November said that the cognitive assessment of patients in the Ozempic study showed that they did not see their progression of Alzheimer's slow down. Speaking to Bloomberg on expectations despite the acknowledgement of failure, Per Hansen, investment economist at Nordnet AB described the trials as a lottery ticket, while Evan Seigermann, an analyst at BMO Capital Markets, said even with a slim chance of success, the possibility was transformative. It was a lottery ticket that could have had great value. Investors hadnt assigned it any real value. Still, the hope was there, Hansen said. While Seigermann stated, Being able to slow the memory-robbing disease at all could have been transformative. Ozempic, which mimics the gut hormone GLP-1 and already has proven itself in a range of health problems linked to obesity, including heart attack and stroke prevention and liver disease. Analysts told Bloomberg, that while it may not treat Alzheimer's, the drug may have had a better chance at preventing it. This is a recurring theme in Alzheimers disease therapeutics. When pathology is advanced, preventing further biochemical decline is not necessarily enough to restore complex neural networks that have already deteriorated, Ivan Koychev, an associate professor in neuropsychiatry at Imperial College London told the publication. However, the market remains a lucrative one for drugmakers. Drug development for Alzheimers disease, which causes severe cognitive decline, memory loss and personality change, has been notoriously hard, but the potential is significant. Success in developing a treatment could have brought Novo as much as $5 billion in extra annual revenue, according to Morgan Stanley analysts. Also Read | Michael Burry launches newsletter after shutting hedge fund amid AI scepticism Novo Nordisk faces tough competition from Eli Lilly Novo is facing tough competition from Lilly, whose rival drugs have overtaken the obesity market leader position. In 2025, the Danish drugmaker's value has more than halved as investor are concerned over its long-term competitiveness, it said. CEO Doustdar, took the post in August and cut 11% of the workforce and shifted focus on what he called infusing Novo with performance culture. There was great hope that evidence of semaglutide (main ingredient in Novos Wegovy and Ozempic) having an impact on dementia could have given it a competitive advantage against Eli Lillys Zepbound. In a statement announcing the results, Novo's Chief Scientific Officer Martin Holst Lange said, We felt we had a responsibility to explore semaglutides potential. The treatment resulted in improvement of some physiological measures linked to Alzheimers, though that didnt translate into slower worsening of the disease. (With inputs from Bloomberg) Payment services provider PayU India turned profitable in the September quarter, with adjusted Ebitda turning positive at $3 million from a loss of $6 million a year ago largely due to a growth in its merchant-lending business. The Prosus-backed company's Ebitda margin rose 400 basis points to 1% in the quarter. Ebitda is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. PayU's revenue in the September quarter rose to $214 million, up 21% yearonyear, and 17% sequentially. The financial data was reported in Dutch investor Prosus half-yearly (H1FY26) update on Monday. Prosuss latest India disclosures attribute much of this to PayUs merchant lending arm, whose assets under management increased from $25 million in April 2024 to $204 million by September 2025, as it extends working-capital loans to Swiggy and Meesho merchants. The Dutch investor describes PayU as the payment gateway connector across its India portfolio, which also includes Swiggy, Meesho, PharmEasy, Rapido and ixigo, with tighter links between these businesses meant to deepen usage and support growth. Growth momentum For the half year ended September 2025, PayU Indias consolidated revenue rose 20% yearonyear to $397 million, cementing India as one of the main growth pillars in Prosuss e-commerce portfolio. Within this, the payments business brought in $301 million, also up 20%, while the credit business added $96 million, a 17% increase over the yearago period. At the India ecosystem level, Prosus reported revenue of $397 million in H1FY26, up from $332 million in the same period a year earlier, representing a 20% growth for the segment. In payments, PayU India delivered adjusted Ebitda of $2 million in H1FY26, compared with a loss in the yearago period, while the credit arm narrowed its adjusted Ebitda margin from 20% to 3% and reached breakeven in the September quarter. Prosus said this improvement was driven by a sharper tilt towards highermargin, valueadded services and softwareasaservice products, such as fraudrisk tools and multifactor authentication. These highermargin services are gaining traction, with VAS and SaaS revenue contributing 34% of payments revenue, adding to strong growth in the midmarket and SMB segments, the Dutch investor said in its statement. The investor also reported that payment volumes at PayU India jumped 55% in the first half of FY26, led by a surge in smaller-ticket UPI payments, even as take rates held steady, thanks to portfolio tweaking towards higher-yield segments. Beyond PayU, Prosus has added minority stakes in Rapido and ixigo during 2025, and notes recent IPOs of Bluestone and Urban Company as evidence that parts of its India portfolio are maturing. Prosus began backing Indias consumer internet sector in 2005 through its parent Naspers, with one of its early bets being a stake in travel portal Goibibo in 2007, before widening its portfolio across ecommerce, payments, food delivery and healthtech. Over the past two decades, it has steadily ramped up its exposure to the market, committing more than $10 billion across payments via PayU, food delivery through Swiggy, social commerce platform Meesho, healthtech firm PharmEasy, biketaxi app Rapido and travel portal ixigo. The Supreme Court has agreed to drop all criminal proceedings against fugitive businessmen Nitin and Chetan Sandesara, promoters of Sterling Biotech Ltd and Sterling SEZ & Infrastructure Ltd, for a 5,100-crore settlement in a bank fraud case. The billionaire brothers, who built a small tea-trading business into a diversified conglomerate, fled the country in 2017 after being accused of defrauding Indian banks of more than $1.7 billion. They were later included in the list of 14 fugitive economic offenders in 2018, along with Kingfisher Airlines' founder, Vijay Mallya, and diamantaires Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. A bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi approved the settlement in a 19 November order, seen by Mint, after solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union government and all investigating agencies, informed that the lenders had agreed to accept the amount as a complete settlement of all liabilities. In furtherance the proposal made by the learned solicitor general has been accepted and the petitioners have agreed to deposit the amount specified in the proposal subject to closure of all the proceedings, the order said. Also Read | Biome founders withdraw Delhi HC plea against Fabindia, opt for arbitration The settlement involves the quashing of all cases filed against the brothers by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Directorate of Enforcement, Serious Fraud Investigation Office, income tax department, and proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Black Money Act, and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. The amount must be deposited with the Supreme Court registry on or before 17 December 2025, which will place the funds in a short-term interest-bearing fixed deposit and release them proportionately to banks after verifying their dues. The bench, however, made it clear that the relief was granted due to the peculiar facts of this case and should not operate as a precedent. However, according to lawyers, the settlement creates a potential legal pathway for similar arrangements in large financial fraud cases, and high-profile fugitives like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi may attempt to use it as leverage. Not guaranteed, but quite plausible that their legal teams will explore similar settlement routes, especially now. Whether they succeed depends heavily on negotiation leveragehow much assets they can musterhow aggressive the banks and the state are in pushing for maximum recovery, and how the court views the balance between public interest (recovering money) and holding accountable serious economic offenders, said Tushar Agarwal, founder and managing partner, law firm C.L.A.P. Juris. He added that before the Sandesara ruling, the country had not seen a case where a financial settlement was accepted in a fraud involving such large public money. While FIRs are sometimes quashed after settlements in private commercial disputes, courts have traditionally refused such settlements in matters involving public funds, state-owned banks, or investigations by central agencies like the CBI and the ED. Also Read | Centre tells SC it will intervene to ensure the ISL 2025-26 season is held Facts of the matter The brothers informed the court in February 2024 that $50 million, about 415 crore, had already been deposited in the bank recovery account, according to the order details. They said another $50 million would be deposited within three days, and a further $100 million within eight weeks. When the case was heard on 18 November 2025, the court reviewed the financial record. It noted that the alleged defalcation in the FIR was 5,383 crore, and the one-time settlement amount was 6,761 crore. This included Indian companies such as Sterling Biotech, Sterling SEZ and PMT Machines, as well as foreign guarantor entities including Sterling Port Ltd (SPL) and Sterling Oil Resources Ltd (SORL). Of the 6,761 crore, the brothers had already paid 3,507.63 crore, leaving 3,253.37 crore outstanding. Banks had also recovered 1,192 crore through insolvency proceedings involving the Indian companies, bringing the remaining dues down to 2,061.37 crore. After consultations with lenders and agencies, Mehta told the court that the final amount needed to close all cases was 5,100 crore. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Sandesara brothers, said they were willing to pay the full amount. The bench initially requested an ad hoc deposit of 2,062 crore and subsequently approved the entire settlement on 19 November. A WhatsApp request sent to Rohatgi for comment remained unanswered until publication. A separate emailed request to Mamta Binani, the liquidator of Sterling Biotech Ltd, also remained unanswered until publication. Also Read | Will SC ruling delay economic bills in states? Experts see checks The brothers' rise and fall The Sandesara brothers built the Sterling Group from a small tea-trading business into a diversified conglomerate with interests in pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, healthcare, engineering, and oil and gas. By the early 2010s, the group claimed a valuation of nearly $7 billion, and Sterling Biotech had become a major global producer of pharmaceutical-grade gelatin. Alongside their Indian operations, they expanded aggressively in Nigeria nearly two decades ago. Through Sterling Oil Exploration and Production Co. Ltd (SEEPCO) and Sterling Global Oil Resources Ltd, they built what became the South African country's largest independent oil producer. At one point, their operations contributed over 2% of Nigerias government revenue, according to a Bloomberg report. In India, however, investigators accused them of running a large bank fraud involving fabricated documents, shell entities, and the diversion of loan funds. After ED attachments and several charge sheets, the brothers fled India in 2017, on Albanian passports. Sunteck Realty Ltd has ventured into the Dubai property market with a 10,000-crore luxury project in the prime Downtown Dubai area, at a time when the city is witnessing a surge in demand for high-end properties. Sunteck International, the entity set up to develop projects in the United Arab Emirates, will develop two residential towers on 2.5 acres of land in partnership with local firm MAS Real Estate. It will feature both regular apartments and branded residences, in collaboration with hospitality brands. The Mumbai-based developer's maiden project, slated for launch in 2026, is expected to have an estimated gross development value (GDV) of nearly 10,000 crore. Also Read | Why one of the biggest builders Birla Estates is chasing old buildings Our entry into an international market such as Dubai is a strategic decision based on its superior infrastructure, global money pouring into the city, the lifestyle factor, and overall demand for premium homes not just from Indians," Sunteck Realty chairman and managing director, Kamal Khetan, told Mint in an interview. Sunteck International has planned projects worth over 35,000 crore in the UAE within the next three years. High-end developer Sunteck Realty is not new to developing luxury projects. Its Signature Island residential property in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is home to several Bollywood A-listers, bankers, and C-suite executives. The developer has also set up a new luxury development vertical, Emaance. Under this vertical, it will develop an ultra-luxury project on South Mumbai's Nepean Sea Road, where homes will be priced at over 2 lakh per square foot. Its net profit grew by 41.4% year-on-year to 49 crore in the September quarter. Revenue from operations was up 49.3% to 252.4 crore. The IndiaDubai real estate connect Indian developers have taken on luxury projects in foreign locales, including London and Dubai, when the property market was booming at home. However, when the domestic real estate market went through a low patch, many of them put their plans on hold. Still, several real estate firms have launched projects in Dubai and continue to do so because of its status as a premium global property market. Mumbais Hiranandani Group won acclaim for building the 23 Marina residential tower in Dubai. PNC Menon, who founded Sobha Ltd, also founded Sobha Realty, which has several projects in the UAE. Chennai-based realty firm Casagrand entered the UAE market in 2025 with a residential project on Dubai Islands. The company has also outlined plans to develop 6 million sq. ft over the next three years in the city. Also Read | Office Reits eye portfolio growth, higher occupancy Indian real estate developers are leaving a considerable mark on Dubai and the broader Middle East region. Their primary intent is to expand outside their usually saturated domestic markets, but Dubai's robust regulatory framework and favourable tax conditions are also significant factors. These players want to build a strong brand and robust portfolios there, and many of them target UHNIs, said Anuj Puri, chairman at property advisory Anarock Group. Two of the countrys largest information technology (IT) services companiesTata Consultancy Services Ltd and Wipro Ltdfaced fresh patent violations in the last 45 days, signalling challenges to their expansion of service offerings. Albuquerque-based Calibrate Networks LLC filed a lawsuit against TCS for allegedly using and selling its patented technology, while Florida-based Mobility Workx LLC filed a separate complaint accusing Wipro of infringing upon its telecom-related patents, according to court filings. The two cases mark growing patent scrutiny of Indias $283 billion IT sector even as it grapples with low demand from clients. Homegrown IT services companies have been building software platforms and products to expand their services to clients. These require certain technologies which are similar to those patented by peers, triggering disputes. Patents are licences granted to inventors, which prohibit others from creating, using, or selling such inventions for a specified time. As firms shift from traditional services to more software-intensive delivery, the risk surface naturally expands," said Phil Fersht, chief executive of HFS Research. Indian IT firms are moving deeper into platform, cloud, and AI-driven work, which increases the chances of touching patented technologies in sensitive areas like networks, mobility, and automation." Queries emailed to TCS and Wipro remained unanswered. Also Read | Indian IT services companies see AI impact on future hirings Calibrate filed its lawsuit against TCS in the Marshall division of a Texas district court on 28 October, for allegedly using and selling its patented technology that privately changes the names of software applications. The company said it has the patent over the technology that secretly rebrands a piece of software, without altering the underlying code. The '633 patent' in question allows a network to be faster and more stable by efficiently handling data, managing address changes, and having immediate backup plans for failed connections. On the other hand, TCSs cloud management software Kubernetes uses a specific technology to automatically change the location of software in an IT network. Key Takeaways TCS and Wipro have been sued for patent infringement in Texas courts by Calibrate Networks and Mobility Workx within the last 45 days. The disputes involve high-value technologies. Experts argue that the shift from traditional services to platform and product-based models has expanded the "risk surface" for Indian IT firms regarding IP violations. These legal battles arrive as both firms face revenue declines, potentially affecting client confidence in scaling AI and cloud programmes. The sector is already reeling from significant recent penalties, including TCS's $194 million fine in the DXC case and the $140 million judgment in the Epic Systems case. Trying times Calibrates lawsuit alleges that TCS is not just using this technology, but is also selling it to clients. The lawsuit also stated that TCS had direct knowledge of this infringement and continued to use this technology. Despite such actual knowledge, Defendant (TCS) continues to make, use, test, sell, offer for sale, market, and/or import into the United States, products that infringe the 633 Patent. On information and belief, Defendant has also continued to sell the Exemplary Defendant Products and distribute product literature and website materials inducing end users and others to use its products in the customary and intended manner that infringes the 633 Patent," according to Calibrates patent infringement complaint on 28 October. The complaint further stated that TCS continued to use the technology in question even after being served a complaint. At least since being served by this Complaint and corresponding claim charts, Defendant has actively, knowingly, and intentionally continued to induce infringement of the 633 Patent, literally or by the doctrine of equivalents, by selling Exemplary Defendant Products to their customers for use in end-user products in a manner that infringes one or more claims of the 633 Patent," read the Calibrate complaint. Wipro issue Less than a month later, Mobility Workx filed its complaint against Wipro in the Sherman Division of a Texas district court on 18 November. The company has accused Wipro of infringing upon three of its patents related to wireless testing, cellular network access, and 5G product testing services for clients. It cited patent infringement on three counts. First, it accused Wipro of selling wireless testing services and even enabling access to cellular networks, each of which falls under its patent. Mobility said Wipro also induced its customers to violate a second 508 patent, which allows smartphones to maintain a connection to the telecom networks during transit. Simply put, a person moving from Bengaluru to Mumbai does not lose internet connectivity or phone network during travel because of this technology, which allows telecom companies to connect to cell towers in various locations before the person even arrives in that location. Also Read | Microsoft bets on AI agents to redefine how products are built Mobility also accused Wipro of copying a third 417 patent, which focuses on the technology used in shifting cell towers during travel. Mobility alleged that Wipro knew of the patent infringement before the complaint was even filed. Prior to, or at least through, the filing and service of this amended complaint, Defendant (Wipro) knew of the 508 Patent and the infringing nature of the Accused Handover Products/Services of others that were directly or indirectly customers of Defendant," read the complaint. According to Mobility, the Bengaluru-based IT services company continued to violate the patent. Defendant however continues or continued to actively encourage customers of its Accused Emulation Products/Services to directly infringe the 508 Patent by making, using, selling, offering to sell, or importing the Accused Handover Products/Services. Defendant does or did so with knowledge and intent that the customers of Defendants Accused Emulation Products/Services commit these acts of direct infringement of the 508 Patent," read the complaint. It added that it was also prompting its clients to violate the license. Defendant also continues or continued to make, use, offer for sale, sell, and/or import its Accused Emulation Products/Services despite knowing of the 508 Patent, thereby specifically intending for and inducing users of its products and services to infringe the 508 Patent through their ordinary use of the Accused Emulation Products/Services," according to the complaint. Facing flak Both Calibrate and Mobility, which sell patents to companies, have sought jury trials and damages from the Texas courts, but have not specified any amount. Calibrate is represented by Rabicoff Law LLC, whereas Mobility is represented by Machat & Associates PC, and Zeisler PLLC. For TCS, the latest case follows another unfavourable order from a Dallas court last week. A US Court of Appeals upheld a Texas district court order to fine TCS $194 million for stealing DXC Technology's trade secrets while servicing Transamerica, to build its own banking software. On 23 September, New Jersey-based IT services firm, Natsoft Corp, sued Hexaware Technologies for breach of contract and patent infringement, seeking $500 million, or a third of Hexawares revenue, in damages. This is one of the biggest patent cases against an Indian IT firm. Natsoft, in its complaint filed in an Illinois district court, stated that Hexaware used application modernization software whose work was covered by nine patents developed by Updraft, an IT services company that Natsoft acquired in 2024. Hexaware denied Natsofts claims. Our platforms are the result of original engineering, and well stay focused on delivering value. Were confident in a positive outcome as the facts are reviewed," said Srikrishna Ramakarthikeyan, chief executive of Hexaware, in a press release on 27 October. The company denied all allegations in the lawsuit and believes these claims are without merit and that it will be vindicated in this litigation on all counts." Software deep-dive Such patent infringement cases are a result of moving into deeper software offerings, according to an expert. Fersht of HFS Research said that three cases in quick succession signal that global patent holders are watching this space closely and are willing to test their claims in court. It is less a referendum on Indian IT and more a sign that the industry is operating in higher value, higher IP zones where disputes are more common." In fact, HCL Technologies Ltd, Indias third-largest Indian IT firm, had in April 2023 accused French IT firm Atos SE of not compensating it for using two of International Business Machines Corps proprietary software products, which HCL had purchased in 2018. HCLTech sought $132 million in damages from Atos for copyright infringement. Also Read | Three years on, AI is prompting IT companies to cut workforce The same year, a Wisconsin court ordered TCS to pay $140 million to Epic Systems for stealing trade secrets of its proprietary health record software to build a competing product, drawing an end to a decade-long court battle. More stress A similar dispute erupted between Infosys Ltd and Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp in 2023. Cognizant accused Infosys of using trade secrets pertaining to TriZetto, a software that processes healthcare claims, to build a competing product. Infosys counter-charged Cognizant with being anti-competitive and stifling competition. Both companies are still contesting this lawsuit. For TCS and Wipro, the recent cases ended with a revenue decline in the first six months of the fiscal. While TCS is staring at its first-ever yearly revenue decline, Wipro is in the midst of a turnaround after its topline contracted for two straight fiscals. TCS and Wipro ended FY25 with $30.18 billion and $10.51 billion, respectively, in revenue. Such cases can impede their ability to win deals, even if the financial damages are addressed, according to Fersht. Clients want confidence when they scale AI, cloud, and network modernization programmes, and any legal cloud around IP can raise questions during deal cycles." While creditors handhold bankruptcy resolution and recover debt from rescue packages, dubious pre-bankruptcy deals are building up a mountain of claims in the background. Creditors' claims on shady transactions done right before bankruptcy admission are approaching 4 trillion, data from the insolvency regulator showed, matching what they have so far realized through bankruptcy courts in the last 10 years. Banks are trying to reverse 3.97 trillion worth of questionable transactions executed by former promoters and executives before companies formally entered bankruptcy proceedings, latest data from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) showed. The amount compares with the 3.99 trillion that creditors actually recovered through debt resolution or settlement since the inception of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in 2016. In the September quarter alone, 128 such claims seeking reversal of transactions to recover close to 7,200 crore were filed in the bankruptcy courts. Since September 2024, over 20,700 crore of such claims have been filed. Also Read | New IBBI rules propose to streamline valuation, reduce IBC disputes The data highlights an aggressive pursuit by lenders to claw back funds and maximize the resources available for bankruptcy rescue. However, the recovery rates point to the difficulty on the ground - creditors could recover only 7,931 crore from 368 transactions till March 2025, out of the 1,396 petitions filed before tribunals. At the end of September, 1,570 cases were filed. The IBC requires resolution professionals to review transactions of the corporate debtor during the statutory look-back period and approach the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for recovery from preferential, undervalued, fraudulent or extortionate (PUFE) transactions, said Surendra Raj Gang, partner, deals debt & special situations at Grant Thornton Bharat LLP. Such transactions by erstwhile Promoters/Directors have added to the losses suffered by Banks and Financial Institutions. Besides, companies are more prone to such transactions during the pre-bankruptcy period of financial distress," said Gang. Also Read | Govt mulls tower-level insolvency to save homebuyers from delays PUFE transactions include fund diversions, alienating assets at a significantly lower value, preferring to repay certain creditors over others just before bankruptcy, and entering into financial arrangements with harsh repayment conditions. Usually, by the time bankruptcy proceedings are admitted, the assets of a distressed company tend to get dissipated, making recovery from avoidance transactions a challenge, explained Anoop Rawat, national practice head (insolvency and restructuring) at law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. Besides, NCLT benches are over-burdened. Making recovery from avoidance transactions requires extensive work to establish the trail of transactions and examination of evidence, which tribunals are not precisely designed for. Also, further legislative clarity is needed about pursuing recovery from avoidance transactions, once a resolution plan is approved and implemented as these are separate proceedings," added Rawat. While there is no company-specific PUFE claim data readily available, case laws suggest that claims have been significant and often became the subject of litigation. In the case of Dewan Housing Finance Corp. Ltd, for example, the total amount involved in the avoidance applications before NCLT was about 45,050 crore. DHFL was acquired by the Piramal Group under a court-monitored debt resolution plan. The Supreme Court in April this year brought clarity on distributing the proceeds of amounts to be realized from avoidance transactions, specifying which amount goes to creditors and which to the acquirer. One challenge in the quick disposal of resolution professionals claims around PUFE transactions is the limited judicial capacity of NCLT compared to the case load. It is crucial for resolution professionals to make sure their claims are backed by thorough assessments for effective recovery from these transactions," Grant Thornton Bharat's Gang said. On 10 October, Mint reported that the government is working with the IBBI to find ways to identify and examine such transactions more thoroughly, in an effort to reverse them and recover the money. Earlier in July, the bankruptcy regulator mandated resolution professionals to disclose such transactions in the sale prospectus of the bankrupt business they are overseeing, for more transparency and better price discovery. Also Read | New IBBI rules propose to streamline valuation, reduce IBC disputes Mortgage of large land parcels of Jaypee Infratech Ltd in Uttar Pradesh to some lenders was the subject of litigation around avoidance transactions, according to Supreme Court documents. In the September quarter, 42 businesses were brought out of bankruptcy under the IBC process, data showed. Till now, 1,300 companies have been revived under IBC, out of the 8,659 companies against which insolvency proceedings were initiated, enabling creditors to recover 3.99 trillion. The government has been constantly refining the bankruptcy code to suit the changing dynamics of the economy so that entrepreneurs and lenders find it easier to make exits without a stigma where a business is unviable. Currently, a bill to reform IBC is being reviewed by a select committee of Lok Sabha. Amid global concerns over mineral export curbs, China introduced a mining initiative with friendly nations on Sunday, 23 November, at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Bloomberg reported. Chinas Premier Li Qiang said the plan aims to promote topromote mutually beneficial cooperation and peaceful use of key minerals, while safeguarding "the interests of developing countries, while prudently addressing military and other uses. The initiative, announced at Africas first G-20 summit, involved 19 nations, including resource-rich Cambodia, Nigeria, Myanmar and Zimbabwe, along with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). However, Beijing did not share any financial details of the initiative, the report said. Chinese state media said the proposal aims to establish an inclusive network to ensure the fair and reasonable, stable and smooth mining of critical minerals. The development comes as European leaders grapple with supply chain issues and Global South countries appeal for assistance in benefiting from a rising industry where Beijing leads in processing. The US and its allies have been scrambling to establish an alternative supply chain for super-strong rare-earth magnets. Critical minerals were a key theme at the G20 summit in South Africa this weekend. Even before discussions started, the G20 subtly criticised China in a joint declaration, highlighting unilateral trade actions that limit access to critical minerals, an ongoing challenge for manufacturing countries such as Germany and Japan. China's justification for export curbs In his speech on Sunday, Li Qiang justified the need to cautiously manage exports of minerals critical for military use, laying out Chinas rationale for its sweeping curbs. President Xi Jinping has leveraged Chinas control over rare earths, crucial for manufacturing everything from missiles to mobile phones, to protect the countrys economy from US President Donald Trumps tariffs. Beijing's rare earth regulations, first introduced in April and expanded in October, require exporters to secure licenses for each cargo. These restrictions caused shortages in May, halting parts of the auto industry. European nations have been significantly impacted by Chinas decision to require export licenses for metals with military applications. Leaders from France, Germany, the UK, and Ireland are scheduled to travel to China in the coming months, with discussions likely focusing on access to rare earths. China and the US are continuing to finalise negotiations for issuing general licenses that would allow the free flow of rare earths. This comes after Xi reached a trade truce with Trump last month, a deal Trump described as benefiting the entire world. India and Canada on Sunday agreed to resume discussions on a free trade deal, as the prime ministers of both nations met on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. This marks the latest sign of warming relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney decided to begin negotiations on a high-ambition Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), according to a statement from Indias Ministry of External Affairs. Meanwhile, in a post on X on Sunday, the Prime Minister's Office wrote, PM @narendramodi had a very productive meeting with PM @MarkJCarney of Canada. The two leaders welcomed the strong momentum in bilateral ties and agreed to advance cooperation in trade, investment, technology, innovation, energy, education, defence and space. Also Read | G20 summit: Modi and Italian PM vow to bolster bilateral ties in Johannesburg Details of CEPA The proposed deal aims to double bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. India and Canada reiterated their long-standing cooperation in civil nuclear energy and acknowledged ongoing talks to expand collaboration, including securing long-term uranium supply arrangements. In addition to CEPA, the leaders welcomed the adoption of the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership, which will boost trilateral cooperation in critical technologies, nuclear energy, supply chain diversification, and AI. The two prime ministers also discussed collaborating in trade and investment, defence, education, space, science and technology, and energy. Prime Minister Carney expressed support for India hosting the AI Summit in February 2026. Also Read | G20 summit: South Africa pushes through G20 declaration despite US objections India-Canada diplomatic tensions Canada and India had previously sought a trade deal, but diplomatic tensions arose in 2023 after the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his government was "actively pursuing credible allegations" linking Indian government agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on its soil. India dismissed these claims as absurd and motivated. Since replacing Justin Trudeau in March, Mark Carney has aimed to rebuild normal relations, with both governments appointing new ambassadors this summer. Ahead of his meeting with Modi, Carney told reporters that it was important to get better trade access to one of the worlds largest and fastest-growing economies, Bloomberg reported. The two countries also continue to have dialogue between their law enforcement and national security agencies, he said. Jan Suraaj party founder and former election strategist, Prashant Kishor has claimed that there was something wrong in the Bihar Election results, although he has no proof to back the charge. Kishor, whose party contested assembly elections across Bihar, claimed the voting trends did not match the feedback he and his party had received from the voters and that some numbers are 'not adding up'. "Prima facie, some people are saying this. But I do not have proof. We can see something (wrong) has happened. But what exactly is wrong, we don't know. But this is not adding up," Kishor, whose party failed to secure even a single seat in the Bihar assembly election, told India Today in an interview on Sunday. The Election Commission of India (ECI) data shows that as many as 236 of its 238 contesting candidates had to forfeit their deposits. "Eight BJP MLAs get more than 1 lakh votes, both Deputy CM's got almost 1,22,000 votes (1,22,480 and 122, 408 votes). Somethings are not adding up," Kishor said. Deputy CM and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary won 1,22, 480 votes defeating RJD's Arun Kumar by 45,800 votes from Tarapur seat. Another Deputy CM, Vijay Kumar Sinha, got 1,22,408 votes from the Lakhisarai seat, defeating the Congress party's Amresh Kumar by about 25000 votes. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a landslide victory, winning 202 of the 243 seats in the recently-concluded Bihar elections 2025. The results were announced on 14 November. Within the NDA, the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) emerged as the single largest party, securing 89 seats, while the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) won 85 seats. Kishor said the Opposition parties should seriously consider not just speaking on SIR (Special Intensive Revision). "In fact, from the time of making electoral toll to implementation of Model Code of Conduct, voting process, percentage and the fact that in the last hour apparently recording 10-15 per cent extra poll...17 C data is not released for three days.. all these things require a very serious thinking that can one expect a fair result in such an election," he said in the interview. Kishor echoes Rahul Gandhis remarks Kishors remarks echo Rahul Gandhis, who had called the Bihar verdict surprising and alleged that the election was not fair from the very beginning. This result in Bihar is truly surprising. We could not achieve victory in an election that was not fair from the very beginning, Gandhi, the Congress MP, had said soon after the results were announced on 14 November. Congress party, part of the opposition INDIA bloc, won 6 seats of the 61 it contested. Kishor also accused the NDA of distributing money to thousands of women voters in Bihar to manipulate the election outcome. "From the day the election was announced till voting day, women were handed ten thousand rupees. Even that amount wasn't enough for what they were being promised. They were told they would receive two lakh rupees in total, and this ten thousand was just the first instalment. If they voted for the NDA and Nitish Kumar, they would get the rest. In Bihar, or anywhere in the country, I don't recall a government ever handing out money like this to 50,000 women," Kishor told India Today. On Saturday, Jan Suraaj dissolved all its organisational units, from the panchayat level to the state level, following the humiliating performance in the recently concluded Bihar polls. In a statement, party spokesperson Syed Masih Uddin said new units will be formed in the next one and a half months. Something is off, numbers dont add up. The decision was taken at the party's national council meeting in Patna, chaired by state president Manoj Bharti, it said. Kishor was also present in the meeting. Dharmendra Death News Highlights: Sholay actor passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Juhu. On Monday afternoon, an ambulance was seen rushing towards to veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra's house amid heavy security. Few days ago, the 89-year-old actor was discharged from Mumbais Breach Candy Hospital. He was receiving treatment at his residence following the health scare. He breathed his last on November 24 morning. His doctor had confirmed that he would continue treatment at home under family care. Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aamir Khan were all seen arriving at the crematorium. One of Hindi cinemas most enduring icons built a remarkable legacy spanning more than six decades. Security arrangements were beefed up at Mumbai's Pawan Hans crematorium for his final rites. Known as the He-Man of Bollywood, the actor traversed from a small village in Punjab to become one of Indias most loved stars. Two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey has clarified comments he made about having no home, telling his Instagram followers that he is not living on the streets or without shelter, despite headlines suggesting otherwise. The 66-year-old actor said he felt compelled to address the response after The Telegraph published an interview in which he said, I literally have no home Im living in hotels, Im living in Airbnbs. In his Instagram post, Spacey pushed back at interpretations that he was homeless: I feel it would be disingenuous of me to allow you to believe that I am indeed homeless in the colloquial sense. He added: There are many people actually living on the streets or in their cars or in terrible financial situations, and my heart goes out to them. But it is clear from the article itself that I am not one of them. Also Read | Who was Jimmy Cliff? Celebrated Jamaican musician passes away at 81 Actor says legal battles left him financially drained Spacey told The Telegraph last week that astronomical legal costs had financially devastated him. The actor has faced multiple sexual misconduct allegations since 2017, which resulted in his removal from Netflixs House of Cards and what he calls a Hollywood blacklist. Spacey has maintained his innocence throughout. He was cleared of charges in a US case in 2022 and acquitted in a separate case involving four men in London last year. Blames media for twisting his comments Spacey criticised the press for amplifying a misleading narrative, saying: I dont usually make it my business to correct the media. If I did, I wouldnt have time for much else. He said he chose to respond only because thousands of people reached out concerned about his well-being. Im truly touched by your generosity, he wrote. The actor directly accused The Telegraph of distorting his remarks: It was a shame that the Telegraph chose to undermine the work of their own journalist by selling him out with a knowingly misleading headline, for the sake of clicks. Im going where the work is In last weeks interview, Spacey described a transient lifestyle shaped by limited work opportunities: A remote that never asks for new batteries sounds like a small thing, until you have had one die in the middle of a show. Google and its partners are now pushing that idea with a new Google TV reference remote that powers itself using indoor light. Its a small shift, but one that could make living rooms easier. This remote is not on sale yet. It is a reference design from Ohsung Electronics, an approved supplier in Googles hardware program. Reference designs are blueprints that Google shares with brands making Google TV boxes or dongles. Instead of building a remote from scratch, a company can start with Googles design, tweak the button layout, add shortcut keys for its preferred apps, and ship a finished product faster. Walmarts Onn streaming devices already use remotes based on these templates. The new template is called the G32. It uses indoor solar cells from Epishine, a Swedish firm that makes cells tuned for room light. Solar strips sit on both sides of the remote, so it can keep charging even when it is face down on a table. The power it gathers tops up an internal storage unit meant to last through normal daily use. In real life, the only time it should run flat is when it is left in darkness for days, the same way any remote gets forgotten in a sofa crack or a drawer. View full Image solar powered Google TV remote (Epishine) Solar powered remotes are not new. Samsung has shipped them with some of its TVs, and a few universal remote makers have tried the approach too. What is new is that Google is putting the concept into its reference kit. When Google builds something into that kit, smaller brands can adopt it without heavy design work. That is often the moment when a niche idea starts showing up in widely sold products. Timing matters here. Google TV is no longer just something you buy inside a new television. Its turning up everywhere, in little boxes and sticks from Google and a long list of third party brands, all trying to earn a permanent spot under your screen. And honestly, most of them get the big things right. What sticks with us after a few weeks are the tiny moments, like a remote that feels right in the hand, one that does not make you pause your evening to hunt for batteries, and one that just works when you are tired and just want the show to start. A remote that keeps itself charged takes away one of those low key irritations we have all put up with for years. There is also a waste angle here that feels quietly important. Remote batteries are not the biggest environmental headache on their own, but they are one of the things we toss out most often without a second thought. In homes with more than one screen, AA and AAA cells disappear faster than we notice. A light powered remote breaks that habit. It means fewer dead batteries piling up in a corner, and fewer moments of rummaging through drawers when all you wanted was a calm evening and a working remote. Still, this does not mean every Google TV box will switch overnight. Reference designs are optional, and some brands will stay with regular remotes because they are cheaper or easier to scale. Others will want their own layouts or their own power setup. The early coverage also varies on what exactly sits inside the G32 for energy storage, but the everyday promise stays clear. You should not need disposable batteries, and you should not be forced into a charging routine either. Buffeted by a corruption scandal that has sparked fury across Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky is in political trouble at home, weaker than at any point since the full-scale Russian invasion of his country began nearly four years ago. Yet, this very vulnerability makes him even less likely to yield to the Trump administration, which is pushing a 28-point plan that was secretly drafted by White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev. Zelensky has described the current text, released by Washington shortly after the corruption affair in Kyiv erupted, as forcing Ukraine to give up its dignity and freedom. Trump seems to repeat the mistakes that Putin already made several times, underestimating the strength of Ukrainian society and not understanding what Ukraine really is," said Nico Lange, a former senior German defense official who is involved in European efforts to help Ukraine. No Ukrainian presidentand especially not a weakened Zelenskyhas a mandate to agree to anything like this. If he does, he would not be president anymore when he comes home." U.S. officials led by Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio; a Ukrainian team led by Zelenskys chief of staff Andriy Yermak, who has been facing calls to resign by Ukrainian lawmakers; and national-security advisers from European nations came to Geneva on Sunday to discuss the plan, which President Trump has said he wants signed by Thanksgiving. Despite widespread wariness of war and desire for peace, Ukrainians overwhelmingly view this latest U.S.-Russian proposal as a veiled capitulationone that isnt justified by the situation on the battlefield, where Russia has made slow advances at a tremendous cost. While Ukrainian politicians generally support the idea of talks, none have endorsed the plans key demand to give up cities that Russia doesnt control. Our society is not ready to surrender. It wasnt ready to surrender at the start of the full-scale war, when Zelenskys popularity was nearly 99%, and its not ready to surrender now, when his popularity has declined," said Yaroslav Zheleznyak, an opposition lawmaker and one of the most vocal critics of corruption within the Zelensky administration. His problems dont impact our ability to conduct the talks, even if the American side may mistakenly think so." Ukraines situation on the battlefield is likely to grow even worse next yearand Russian demands may become even harsher, said Dmytro Kuleba, who served until last year as foreign minister. Yet, he added, the current government believes that the consequences of acquiescing to Trumps demands would be worse than rejecting them. Agreeing to an unacceptable, extremely painful, package, just to halt the warno politician will approve such a decision if he feels that the society is not ready to accept it. Accepting an agreement that will be rejected by the society would mean political, and unfortunately in our reality also physical, suicide for such a leader," Kuleba said. Zelensky had to fire his ministers of justice and energy after the independent anticorruption agency this month released tapes implicating them in a $100 million corruption network allegedly led by Ukrainian-Israeli entrepreneur Timur Mindich, an investor in the media company that Zelensky founded before he became president. Mindich has since fled Ukraine, and Kyiv has issued an arrest warrant for him. Back in July, before the scandal broke out, Zelensky pushed through parliament legislation that stripped the independence of the countrys anticorruption agency. Large-scale street protests broke out immediately, forcing him to quickly reverse course. That chain of events led to the latest disclosures. No evidence has been released that implicates Zelensky personally in graft or any other criminal activity. This scandal has given Russia cards to wage propaganda warfare against us, weakening Ukraine," said Oleksiy Honcharenko, another prominent opposition lawmaker who has been campaigning against Zelenskys entourage. But whats positive here is that we have also proven that we have truly independent anticorruption authorities that can question the presidents closest circle, and maybe in the future him personally too, and there is nothing that he can do about it. This makes us a civilized country, a country whose society rejects corruption." No politician of import in Ukraine has urged Zelensky to step down, or to hold elections, before the war ends. Zelensky, in a dramatic address recorded after receiving the 28-point plan, urged Ukrainians to stop squabbling" so as not to let the countrys enemies divide it. While saying he would engage in diplomacy to seek a just peace, he also added that we will do everything so that the result will be an end to the war, not an end to Ukraine." As currently drafted, the plan calls for Ukraine to hand over to Russia parts of the Donbas region that Moscow hasnt been able to occupy since 2022, recognize the loss of vast areas that are already occupied, agree to caps on armed forces, and renounce the aspiration for NATO membership. The deal would require Ukrainian constitutional changes and a supermajority in parliament to gain validity. In its current form, this is unlikely to happen even if Zelensky were to agree to these provisions. Ukraine, with the support of all the major European nations, Canada and Japan, has pushed back hard against these demands. Rubio described the draft in a statement Sunday as a solid framework for ongoing negotiations," and Trump has said the text is open to changes. The Kremlin hasnt formally endorsed the plan either, suggesting that President Vladimir Putin sees it as a pre-emptive concession and would seek even harsher terms. The agreement as currently drafted would simply make the next round of war even more devastating, as it frees Russia from sanctions while imposing major curbs on Ukraines ability to defend itself, said Andriy Zagorodnyuk, chairman of the Center for Defence Strategies think tank in Kyiv, who served as minister of defense in the first year of Zelenskys administration. Its not a choice between a bad peace or a bad war. There is no peace on the table," he said. The Ukrainian people realize this intuitively. They see this proposal not as an alternative to war, but just a step to strengthen the enemy, a pause to rearm Russia." This attitude is certainly widespread among Ukrainian troops. Already in 2019, Zelensky hadon cameraa heated exchange with front-line soldiers who objected to his order to pull back from a village in the Donbas, part of an attempted de-escalation with Russia. There is wide discontent in the ranks with the current commander, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskiy, who was appointed by Zelensky in 2024 to replace Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhniy, who was seen as a potential political rival and has since been sent as ambassador to London. Any order by Zelensky to surrender the heavily fortified cities of northern Donbas, as required by the plan, could precipitate a crisis in civil-military relations, warned Franz-Stefan Gady, a Vienna-based military analyst who frequently visits the front line to assess Ukrainian combat ability. While the overall trajectory remains negative for Ukraine, this is not a military that is on the verge of being defeated, or facing a loss of cohesion. They are fatigued, they are exhausted, but they are still determined to fight on," he said. The Trump administration, which already briefly suspended intelligence sharing earlier this year, still holds significant leverage if it wants to pressure Ukraine to accept the deal. While the U.S. no longer spends money on Ukraine, it is selling it vital weapons through a joint mechanism with European allies. Still, this leverage is limited in a war that many Ukrainians view as existential. You can deny intelligence, you can deny support, but it wont matter in the short run because the Ukrainian military will still keep up the fight. They are not in a mood to surrender," said Tymofiy Mylovanov, president of the Kyiv School of Economics who served as minister of economy before the war. The key problem here is that people understand that, if we surrender to Russia in a meaningful way, more and not fewer people will die. For any deal to go through, someone has to convince the civilians and military in Ukraine that their lives will be protected and that war wont resume." Write to Yaroslav Trofimov at yaroslav.trofimov@wsj.com President Trump criticized Ukrainian and European officials on Sunday, as they launched a diplomatic offensive aimed at reshaping a 28-point peace plan that has been criticized as too favorable to Russia. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the war a loser" for everyone and said Ukrainian leaders had expressed zero" gratitude for U.S. efforts. He said Europeans continue to buy oil from Russia. Trumps comments came as top Ukrainian officials met in Geneva on Sunday with the national-security advisers of France, Germany and the U.K., as well as U.S. officials involved in discussing next steps on the proposal. A U.S. official said the meetings had been constructive, and further talks will focus on ironing out details of the agreement. Sundays talks had been probably the most productive and meaningful meeting so far in this entire process since we have been involved," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday in Geneva. He said the two sides had gone through the U.S. proposal point-by-point. Officials were making some changes, some adjustments in the hopes of further narrowing the differences and getting closer to something that both Ukraine and obviously the United States are very comfortable with," he said. He added that Trump and the Ukrainian president would need to sign off any changes. Trump had given Ukraine a Thursday deadline to respond to the proposal, which would require that Kyiv cede territory to Russia, block its ambitions to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and cap the size of its military amid other major economic and political concessions to Moscow. Ukraine has said the plan needs adjustments with European input. Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and a member of Kyivs delegation in Geneva, said on Sunday that Ukraine was putting forward new proposals. We appreciate our American partners working closely with us to understand our concerns to reach this critical point and we expect to make more progress today," he said in a post on X. Write to Matthew Luxmoore at matthew.luxmoore@wsj.com and Laurence Norman at laurence.norman@wsj.com Bengaluru: Visit India in late October or early November, and you will inevitably stumble upon the familiar sounds of the dhol , the glare of wedding lights and the unmistakable chaos of a baraat inching its way through a street. This is the start of Indias peak wedding season that typically lasts until May. On the evening of 31 October, one such baraat wound its way into a Chhatarpur farmhouse in New Delhi. But this one came with a twistthe bride, groom, even the guests, werent real. There was no priest or legal ceremony, and the wedding outfits were rented. Most of the guests were there for the brand installations, themed food counters and photo booths set up by major consumer companies. This was quick-commerce platform Zeptos The Great Indian Fake Shaadi, a staged wedding turned into a marketing stage for 14 brands, including Britannia Industries, Hersheys, Shaadi.com, Sugar Cosmetics and Manforce. Fake weddings began last year as themed parties for Gen Z but have grown rapidly into an urban phenomenon, drawing young crowds seeking the aesthetics of a wedding without the social obligations or expectations of attending an actual family function. For many people, getting dressed up and enjoying the food is the main draw," said Garv Malik, a standup comic-turned-marketeer who played the groom at the Zepto event just months after he quit his job as he needed a break and was looking forward to doing something fun. A friend of his shared an Instagram story of Zepto looking for a fake groom, and he decided to take part in it. At a fake wedding, you avoid the usual questions from relatives, no kids are running around, and people feel free to dress how they want. Its simply a safe space to party," Malik said. For Zepto, competing with Blinkit, Swiggys Instamart and others in Indias crowded quick-commerce market, the fake wedding was a way to build cultural relevance among young urban consumers. Shaadi is arguably Indias biggest festival," said Chandan Mendiratta, chief brand officer at Zepto. It lasts months, drives significant household spending and is one of the most culturally universal experiences in the country. We want to ride cultural waves, and this Gen Z wave of fake weddings was something we wanted to build an IP (intellectual property) around." Guests at this wedding were all creators with hefty follower lists; brands counted on them to create organic-looking social media content that featured their stalls, branding, and gift boxes of goodies meant to generate pre-buzz." As people increasingly skip ads, seemingly authentic videos of a wedding bash are more likely to generate virality for brands. View Full Image Fake weddings may be here to stay. Brands themselves see fake weddings as an opportunity to insert themselves into a defining cultural moment. Gen Z is a critical demographic with a $2 trillion potential, and over 54% of them value immersive, in-person experiences," Siddharth Gupta, general manager, marketing, Britannia Industries, told Mint. A realistic wedding was the best way for Britannia to showcase its new Pure Magic chocolate offerings in a context that felt natural and celebratory," he added. The Hershey Company, a Shagun Partner," at the Zepto event, echoed this sentiment. Consumers today are redefining how they connect and celebrate," said Kamy Devaguptapu, marketing director for the firms India and Asia-Pacific operations. Our association with Zepto allowed us to be part of a modern gifting ritual in a way that feels personal and joyful, especially for Gen Z." Hits and misses Zeptos fake dulhan Riya Yadav said the wedding turned out to be much grander" than she had expected. I couldnt visit all the stalls because I was getting ready and then shooting content, but I could see Sugar Cosmetics had a lot of hustle; people wanted to see their new launches," Yadav, a content creator, said. People created so much content, reposted stories and tagged the brands." The only drawbackduration. Real weddings go on for days; this ended in one night. And my lehenga was too heavybut it was beautiful, so I cant complain." In fact, fake dulha Malik said that much like real brides and grooms, they too missed much of the fun as they waited backstage for their grand entry. I might sign up to be a guest next time, not the groom," he said. Not all brands find fake weddings to be useful though. Divya Bihani, founder of the gifting brand Shadi Pitara, who attended a separate fake wedding event in Mumbai earlier this year, said such gatherings work well for big brands but offer limited gains for smaller vendors. It genuinely looked like a real weddingchandeliers, decor, dhol playersand the crowd was fully in the vibe," she said. But people were not there to shop. I had very minimal sales, and honestly, I dont think Id want to go for something like that again." While Zeptos guest list was restricted to an invite-only roster of creators, many fake weddings are selling tickets to those wanting to party it up, baraati-style. Such occasions can double up as sales events for small brands, but Bihani said guests who pay to attend are more focused on dressing up, dancing and capturing Instagram stories rather than browsing products. View Full Image While Zeptos guest list was restricted to an invite-only roster of creators, many fake weddings are selling tickets to those wanting to party it up, baraati-style. But fake weddings may be here to stay. Already, they have entered college campuses. Earlier this year, the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, staged a fake wedding as the curtainraiser for its annual cultural festival Unmaad. The trend even has its own counterculture spin-off; a club in Lucknow hosted fake divorce parties" earlier this year, with heartbreak-themed Bollywood songs to boot. Weddings are one of Indias biggest cultural and spending moments. If Gen Z is redefining how they celebrate them, we want Zepto to be the brand they think of first," said Mendiratta. A sharp drawdown in Bitcoin prices has revived an old debate: Will crypto meltdown spark a gold price rally? The comparison between the two stores of value has only grown louder over the years. Yet 2025s gold rally tells a different story. Bitcoin prices have slumped nearly 25% this month, falling to a low near $80,500 last Friday. While the crypto token rebounded to $86,000. About $1.2 trillion has been wiped off the market value of all cryptocurrencies in the past six weeks as of November 22, according to market tracker CoinGecko. What has sparked selloff in bitcoin? This latest slump has been driven primarily by spot selling including redemptions from large exchange-traded funds, long-dormant wallets offloading holdings, and fading demand from momentum traders, as per a Bloomberg report. Kunal Shah, Head of Commodity Research at Nirmal Bang, said that Bitcoin is a mirror and a reflection of the global liquidity scenario. The collapse in Bitcoin coincides with the Japanese 10-year and 30-year bond yields making their 20-year highs. "Generally, when the fixed-income market witnesses such turbulence, there is a flight of capital from risk to safety. And that is what is happening. And that is the main reason why Bitcoin has collapsed the way it has collapsed," explained Shah, highlighting another reason behind crypto market selloff. Can bitcoin meltdown be bullion's gain? At the same time, gold has held its ground, thus fading Bitcoin's appeal in comparison with the bullion. This year's gold price rally has been driven by macro forces rate-cut expectations, a softer dollar, strong ETF inflows, and central-bank buyingrather. With much of that strength already reflected in prices, however, the likelihood of falling bitcoin resulting in a bullish scenario for gold looks very unlikely to most analysts. They said that gold prices have run up and discounted most of the positive fundamentals, because of which it should have been trading at $4,000. "We believe that gold is likely to consolidate further, and the upside is going to be very restricted in the near term. The fundamentals of gold are not bullish at all. It has run up way ahead of its fundamentals, and it is likely to consolidate and correct or witness some more profit-taking going forward," warned Shah. Also Read | Gold to stay elevated as demand from central banks and ETFs surges: HSBC In Monday's early morning trade, MCX gold futures crashed nearly 1% amid a lack of immediate triggers. With the rate cut expectations by the Federal Reserve dimming and the US dollar regaining strength, gold bulls have taken a backseat following a nearly 50% rally in 2025 alone. Looking ahead, the outlook for gold remains cautiously positive, with further upside dependent on new developments, said Ross Maxwell, Global Strategy Lead at VT Markets. "Deeper monetary easing, renewed geopolitical shock or significantly weaker real yields, would all factor into future pricing for gold. At the same time, risks like a firmer USD, higher real yields or a pull-back in central-bank buying could stall gains or make gold sensitive and lead to corrections," Maxwell added. Key gold price levels Prathamesh Mallya, DVP Research - Non Agri Commodities and Currencies at Angel One, says gold has the scope to move to $4500 to 1,36,000 over the next 12 months. While on the lower side, it can test $3500 or 1,11,000 levels. "Although the FED rate cuts hopes dim, other factors like central bank accumulation, safe haven flows, and geopolitical situation might keep the doors open for a structural bull run in gold." Similarly, Maxwell advised keeping gold as a diversification tool and not a hedge for short-term gains. A modest allocation between 5 and 10% is optimal, with opportunities to add on dips if real yields fall and safe-haven demand rises, he said. Bitcoin Price: Bitcoin extended their weekend rebound on Monday, with altcoins taking the lead as traders recalibrated expectations around interest rates and macro pressures faded. BTC briefly topped $89,000 during U.S. hours, gaining more than 10% from Fridays trough just above $80,000. It was currently trading at $87,867, up 0.65% over the past 24 hours. Amid this volatile stretch, Robert Kiyosaki, the bestselling author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, has doubled down on his pro-Bitcoin outlookeven after revealing that he recently sold $2.25 million worth of BTC for roughly $90,000 cash. The author disclosed the sale in a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), but emphasised that he remains firmly bullish on Bitcoin and intends to repurchase more tokens once new income streams start generating steady cash flow. The sale, Kiyosaki said, was a strategic reallocationnot a retreat. I sold $2.25 million in Bitcoin for approximately $90,000. I purchased Bitcoin for $6,000 a coin years ago, he wrote. He explained that the move aligns with his long-standing philosophy: convert speculative gains into assets that produce recurring, tax-efficient income. With the cash from Bitcoin, I am purchasing two surgery centres and investing in a billboard business, he wrote. According to his calculations, these investments will generate positive cash flowing approximately $27,500 a month by next February tax-free. This new income will add to what he describes as an already substantial real-estate portfolio that generates hundreds of thousands per month. Kiyosaki said these properties form the backbone of his financial stabilityand he views his Bitcoin profits as fuel to expand that base. This has been my get rich plan since I began playing Monopoly with my Rich Dad over 65 years ago. Kiyosaki added that he was advised not to publicly disclose the sale due to safety risks, but chose transparency anyway: In a world of fake money and fake teachers, I thought it best you know I practice what I teach. The entrepreneur insisted that the move does not reflect a loss of confidence in the cryptocurrency. Instead, he intends to repurchase BTC using the cash flow from his new businesses. He maintains that Bitcoin remains a superior store of value in a world of accelerating monetary debasement. Bitcoin Suffers Worst Month Since 2022 His disclosure comes at a time when Bitcoin is facing a severe downturn. BTC fell 7.6% on Friday to $80,553, with monthly losses reaching nearly 25%making November its worst month since 2022. The decline has been driven by heavy spot selling, ETF outflows, long-inactive wallets suddenly moving coins, and options-related hedging pressure after Bitcoin slid below the heavily traded $85,000 strike level. Analysts say the $80,000 zone may offer temporary support as hedging flows stabilise. Even in the middle of the slump, Kiyosaki stands by his long-term prediction: Bitcoin at $250,000 by 2026. He argues that scarcity, network effects, and currency debasement will ultimately push BTC to new highs. Kiyosakis Fiery Rebuttal to Warren Buffett: Fake Money vs Peoples Money Just days before disclosing his Bitcoin sale, Kiyosaki published one of his strongest Bitcoin-defence posts to datea lengthy, passionate critique of Warren Buffetts skepticism toward crypto. On November 17, he posted: WARREN BUFFETT trashes BITCOIN He trashes Bitcoin saying it is not investing.it is speculationie gambling He is saying a blow off top will wipe out Bitcoiners. And from his worldly view he may be right. But Kiyosaki said Buffett fails to acknowledge that supposedly safe traditional assets also crash. Doesnt WB know that stocks crash, real estate crashes, and US govt Bonds are at present being dumped by the Japanese and Chinese Central Banks? Kiyosaki contrasted himself with Buffett by framing gold, silver, Bitcoin, and Ethereum as real moneynot Wall Street products. He wrote: Gold & Silver = Gods Money Bitcoin & Ethereum = Peoples Money USD, stocks, bonds, ETFs, REITs = Fake Money He also stated he will never buy ETF versions of gold, silver, or Bitcoin, calling them fake or paper assets. I do not live in a paper house or put paper gas in my car or eat paper apples. Why would I invest in paper assets? In his view, the worlds financial problems stem from governments printing unlimited currency: There will be only 21 million Bitcoins. Fake Government money is unlimited infinite. Bitcoin Slides but Kiyosaki Says the Wild Ride Is Just Beginning Kiyosaki argues that volatility is irrelevant in the long run, given Bitcoins fixed supply and the weakening purchasing power of fiat currencies. He ended with his trademark warning: What is your get rich plan? Please take care. The world economy is going on a wild ride. New Delhi: Imagine you run a small business. Like most small businesses, it is a strenuously uphill climb. Finding customers requires back-breaking effort, raw material prices often shoot up unexpectedly, new competitors enter the market regularly, and every once in a while, the local policeman or municipal official drops by to enquire about your good health. You finally get to experience first-hand the gut-wrenching gap between rosy Excel sheet projections and the grim realities of running a business in India. Anyways, hope is the most potent aphrodisiac and you soldier on. One fine day, some investors land up at your doorstep and gush about the good things they are hearing about the market, the runway for growth, the buzz around your business, etc., and request you to sell a part stake in your company to them. You are free to name any price. After you manage to hide your smile, what will be the price that you quote them? More importantly, when you name that number, whose upside will you really be trying to maximizeyours or theirs? This is a classic example of what economic theorists call informational asymmetry, or a situation where one party (the seller in this case) knows far more than the buyer and therefore holds a decisive upper hand from the very start. While most transactions contain some imbalance of information, nowhere is this gap wider than in initial public offering (IPO) investing. Which is why many astute investors refuse to come anywhere near such offerings. Warren Buffett has famously stayed away from IPOs. The only time he personally participated in a new listing was when he purchased some shares of Ford Motor during its IPO way back in 1956. Berkshire Hathaways maiden IPO investment was in data storage firm Snowflake in 2020. Just two IPOs in an investing career spanning over 70 years! Fellow market legend Peter Lynch, in his best-seller One Up on Wall Street, says shiny new IPOs have an almost hypnotic effect on investors, adding that three out of four IPOs he has bought turned out to be long-term disappointments. That said, its worth remembering that excess of anything is harmful, including scepticism. Some startup stocks have created fabulous wealth for early believers, while storied bluechips have disappointed. And frankly, if you say no to every new opportunity, you might as well ask yourself what youre doing in the equity markets in the first place. The field may be strewn with red flags, but an early entry into the next Infosys, Titan or TCS will be enough to wipe away years of misjudgements and wrong calls. With Dalal Street seeing a surge in both new listings and investors who have burnt their fingers, this is perhaps the perfect moment to look for clues on what makes an IPO truly successful, how to look beyond grey market premiums and how to separate the signal from the noise. True test All IPOs are tricky, but startup IPOs sit at the very peak of the difficulty curve. These are young, fast-growing companies with untested business models and inadequate financial histories. Most are loss-making, which means we cannot use traditional metrics like price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios to evaluate them. To compound matters, the hype cycle around them is almost always in overdrive. But thats not to say it is all sizzle and no substance. Some startups are reshaping entire industries and forcing legacy heavyweights to shape up or ship out. A prime example is Zomato (now Eternal), which has steamrolled past every critic and is trading at more than four times its issue price. From an IPO valuation of about 60,000 crore, it has ballooned into a 2.7 trillion giant, creating a staggering 2 trillion in investor wealth in just four-and-a-half years. For context, it took Infosys more than two decades to create equivalent shareholder wealth. View Full Image Zomato has steamrolled past every critic and is trading at more than four times its issue price. (Reuters) At the same time, several once-celebrated next-generation companies have turned out to be unmitigated public market disasters, languishing up to 50% below their IPO prices. Clearly, startup IPOs inhabit the extreme edges of the risk-reward spectrum. Consider the around dozen startups that have launched mainboard IPOs in 2025 so far. Half have already lost money for investors, including one counter thats down 30% from the listing price. Two have made decent gains, while another two have delivered phenomenal returns. The story isnt very different for the startups that debuted last year. Five out of 10 have plunged as much as 50%, including names like Firstcry, Mobikwik and Ola Electric. Four have delivered respectable double-digit returns. And one standout stock has rocketed over 130%. Is this wide dispersion just randomness at play? Or is there a method to this madness? A key factor is that many of these businesses arrived at the public markets with valuations shaped by private fundings, where aggressive capital raises often push valuations that may not always translate into corresponding fundamentals at the time of public listing," Ravi Singh, chief research officer at Master Capital Services, a financial services outfit, told Mint. Public markets are more demanding in terms of profitability and growth visibility, governance comfort and fair pricing. When these are missing, it often leads to weak listings and poor post-IPO performance. Moreover, many of these new-age business IPOs are more designed to offer lucrative exits to existing investors than to build new shareholders confidence, which the market ultimately tends to push back," Singh added. This strikes at the very heart of what separates investing from speculation. In their rush to grab the latest hot thing in the market, most investors forget the simplest truth in finance: even the finest company can bomb your portfolio if you pay the wrong price for it. What determines your returns is not how good a particular company is, but how much youve paid for it. An egregious example of this has been Lenskart, among this years most anticipated (not to mention the most trolled) startup IPOs. On a fundamental level, investing in a company that posted revenue from operations of 6,652 crore and profit after tax of 297 crore in fiscal year 2025 (FY25), and which is the largest seller of prescription eyeglasses among organized retailers in India, makes perfect sense. View Full Image One of this years most anticipated startup IPOs was that of Lenskart. (Mint) And yet, the devil, as always, lies in the pricing details. At the upper end of the IPO price band, the company was seeking a market valuation of about 70,000 crore, translating into a head spinning P/E ratio of around 235. This is more than double the earnings multiple commanded by retail majors like DMart, Trent and Titan. And the cherry on the cake was that out of the profit for FY25, more than half came from a one-time gain from an acquisition. All this led to Ambit Capital initiating coverage on Lenskart with a sell callone of the very rare instances when a stock received a downgrade even before its market debut. Consider another much-hyped listing: Urban Company, the most oversubscribed startup IPO of 2025, drawing an eye-popping 109x subscription. Urban Company is, in many ways, the archetype of a breakout startup. It was one of the earliest movers in the organized home services space, and is effectively building the category nationwide. The firm has also extended into branded products, including water purifiers and electronic door locks. Its financials look healthy, with total revenue in FY25 of 1,260 crore and profit after tax of 240 crore. It also enjoys some genuine bragging rights, with no direct listed competitor to benchmark against. The stock made a blockbuster debut, listing at over 55% premium to its issue price. However, the stock is down 10% since that day. A 61x P/E at IPO was a mountain too high to summit, and an EV/Ebitda multiple north of 100 on FY27 projections pushes it firmly into the bubble territory. EV refers to enterprise value. Ebitda is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Urban Companys stock made a blockbuster debut, listing at over 55% premium to its issue price. However, the stock is down 10% since that day. Ambition, it turns out, is great for every aspect of the business except the IPO price. The scale of fundraising and intensity of issuances this year underscore confidence in Indias capital markets," Vivek Rajaraman, executive director and head, client advisory, Waterfield Advisors, told Mint. The fact that companies are willing to list and investors are willing to subscribeeven at elevated valuationssuggests robust market depth and liquidity. This bodes well for equity market sentiment and may support broader market gains," he added. However, the high activity also warrants caution: elevated valuations increase the margin for short-term disappointment, Rajaraman further said. Decoding debuts While valuation remains the most important arbiter of IPO destinies, there are some other very crucial clues worthy of tracking. A striking pattern among most underperforming startup IPOs this year has been heavy subscription, particularly by the most excitable segment in the marketretail investors. Case in point is Urban Company, which saw the retail portion of its offering oversubscribed 41 times. Close behind is co-working player DevX, subscribed 64 times overall and a staggering 165 times by retail investors. It was trading more than 30% below its issue price on 17 November, making it the worst performer among 2025 startup listings (see chart). This showcases a remarkable moth-to-the-flame dynamic: in IPOs where retail investors emerged as the highest or second-highest subscribing category, the stock has mostly destroyed value or eked out only meagre gains. Retail enthusiasm has turned into a pretty reliable negative indicator. And 2025 is not an aberration. Mobikwik, one of the most hyped listings of the previous year, saw 125 times overall subscription and 141 times by retail. It is now down 40% from its listing price. Unicommerce attracted an extraordinary 168 times subscription in August 2024, with retail at 131x, yet the stock has crashed 40% since. Interestingly, experts say this trend is visible in the overall primary market as well. Akhilesh Prakhya, investment manager at SKG Investment & Advisory, said that out of the 189 mainboard IPOs in 2024 and 2025, 79 IPOs are currently trading below their issue price, and 39 companies have corrected more than 20% from their issue price. Of these 39 steep decliners, 19 companies had received subscriptions of over 25 times, meaning 48.72% of the sharply underperforming IPOs were actually among the most aggressively subscribed during the offer period," he said. This pattern extends to the most-sought-after issues as well. Among the 35 IPOs that attracted more than 100x subscription, typically dominated by high-net-worth individuals and institutional bids, a significant 18 companies (51.43%) are currently delivering returns of less than 15% . This indicates that even exceptionally strong demand in the book-building process has not been a reliable predictor of sustained value creation. The data suggests that subscription intensity often viewed as a proxy for investor conviction has repeatedly failed to translate into long term performance. Instead, a substantial proportion of highly subscribed IPOs have delivered muted or negative returns, highlighting the widening gap between offer period enthusiasm and market reality," Prakhya added. In contrast, a far more dependable indicator of a companys internal strength has been employee subscription. One of the top-performing startup listings in recent times has been freight platform Black Buck, which has vaulted over 130% since its IPO in Nov 2024. Its 1,115-crore issue drew only modest interest, with overall subscription at 1.87 times and the non-institutional investors quota barely a quarter filled. But the employee tranche was subscribed nearly 10 times, a telling vote of confidence from a companys real insiders. Similar has been the case with the best-performing startup IPO of 2025, Ather Energy, which has surged 100% in just six months. Its IPO barely crawled over the finish line at 1.5 times subscription. The non-institutional investors portion remained undersubscribed, and retail bid for only 1.8 times the portion reserved for it, despite the red-hot electric vehicle theme. But once again, employees showed unshakeable confidence, subscribing their allotment 5.4 times. In many aspects, Ather has been the standout startup IPO of this year. From roughly 12% market share at the time of its IPO, Ather has expanded its share to 17.4% in Q2 FY26, becoming the second-biggest electric two-wheeler player, behind TVS Motor, Mint had earlier reported. This trajectory sharply contrasts with Ola Electric, which once commanded more than half of Indias electric two-wheeler market, but has now slipped to the fourth spot amid persistent service issues. Most crucially, Ather left something on the table for retail investors at the time of its IPO. At an enterprise value of 12,300 crore, the IPO was effectively asking for a 5.6x revenue multiple on projected FY25 numbers. That was richer than Bajaj Autos 4x and TVSs 3.5x multiples, but still far from the eye-watering 10x EV-to-sales multiple for Lenskart. Athers strong market performance is widely the result of improving business fundamentals and sensible IPO pricing," Master Capital Services Singh said. Athers strong market performance is the result of improving business fundamentals and sensible IPO pricing. Ravi Singh The valuation arc, however, is now unwinding at another IPO success story of 2025Groww. The IPO ticked all the right boxes. Groww came to the primary market as Indias largest broker as well as the largest retail investment platform with 12.6 million active National Stock Exchange clients, as of 30 June. It is also one of the foremost platforms for mutual funds distribution. A consolidated topline of 4,061 crore and profit of 1,824 crore for FY25 underlines its solid financial health. The stock listed with a 12% premium on 12 November, and soared more than 90% from the IPO price in the next four sessions. This gave it a market cap of 1 trillion, pushing its P/E ratio beyond 50, while its peers like Motilal Oswal, Nuvama Wealth and Angel One were trading at roughly half that multiple. Now only two scenarios are possible in this case. Either the entire sector re-rates, or Growws shareholders learn a very painful lesson in mean reversion. No prizes for guessing which way it went. The stock tanked over 15% in the next two days. Mindset change So how should one navigate the minefield of IPO investing where even fundamentally strong businesses can get hammered? Experts say the first thing serious investors should do is to get out of the mindset of chasing listing day gains based on the grey market premium. Retail investors should not blindly follow the grey market premium as it can be misleading and does not necessarily indicate strong fundamentals and valuations. What matters far more is clarity on the businesss defined competitive edge, revenue traction, along with sustainable economic metrics which will lead the path to profitability, rather than just rapid top-line growth. Needless to say, IPO valuation remains a key filter," Master Capital Services Singh said. Not just that, it is important to realise that investing in startup IPOs requires far more careful scrutiny than traditional businesses. Given strong issuance momentum, investors should consider selective participation in high-quality IPOs (with solid business models, growth visibility, sensible pricing) rather than broadly chasing every issue. IPOs can serve as tactical/strategic add-ons but should not dominate core holdings, which rely on the broader market/regime," Waterfield Advisors Rajaraman added. In other words, if execution, management quality and sensible valuations are what make an IPO successful, then patience, discipline and the ability to look beyond the noise are the building blocks of a successful investor. The initial public offering (IPO) of Sudeep Pharma, which opened on Friday, November 21, is set to conclude on Tuesday, November 25. Sudeep Pharma IPO got fully subscribed on the first day of share sale on Friday. Sudeep Pharma IPO subscription status was 1.42 times on the first bidding day on November 21. Sudeep Pharma IPO price band has been set in the range of 563-593 per equity share. Sudeep Pharma has allocated up to 50% of the shares in the public offering for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), at least 15% for non-institutional investors (NII), and a minimum of 35% for retail investors. The provisional basis of share allotment for the Sudeep Pharma IPO will be determined on Wednesday, November 26, with refunds to be processed on Thursday, November 27. Shares will be credited to the demat accounts of allottees on the same day as the refunds. Sudeep Pharma share price is expected to debut on the BSE and NSE on Friday, November 28. Sudeep Pharma, based in Gujarat, ranks among the leading producers of food-grade iron phosphate utilized in infant nutrition, clinical nutrition, and the food and beverage sectors due to its manufacturing capacity. The company runs six production facilities that collectively boast a total capacity of 50,000 MT, concentrating on minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and sodium. Also Read | Sudeep Pharma IPO sails through on first day amid NII, retail demand Sudeep Pharma IPO GMP today Sudeep Pharma IPO GMP today is 121. Considering the upper end of the IPO price band and the current premium in the grey market, the estimated listing price of Sudeep Pharma share price was indicated at 714 apiece, which is 20.40% higher than the IPO price of 593. Based on the grey market trends observed from the last eight sessions, the IPO GMP is showing an upward trajectory today and is anticipated to have a robust listing. Experts indicate that the lowest GMP recorded is 0.00, while the highest GMP stands at 130. Grey market premium indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price. Sudeep Pharma IPO Subscription Status Sudeep Pharma IPO subscription status was 5.09x on day 2. The retail portion was subscribed 4.96x, and NII portion has been booked 12 times, Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) portion has received 13% bids. The company has received bids for 5,37,83,650 shares against 1,05,64,926 shares on offer, at 17:00 IST, according to data on BSE. On the first bidding day, Sudeep Pharma IPO subscription status was 1.42x. Sudeep Pharma IPO Review Swastika Investmart reported that the company exhibits strong performance with increasing revenues, elevated EBITDA margins, and a noteworthy FY25 RONW of 27.88%. It functions as a key partner for essential pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, catering to a solid list of esteemed global clients. "The issue is viewed as "aggressively priced" at a P/E ratio of 4548x, which fully reflects its current steady profitability. This high valuation provides minimal opportunity for immediate listing gains or short-term increases. Aggressive investors are encouraged to apply only if they have a holding period of 25 years," said the brokerage. Geojit Investments indicated that at the maximum price point of 593, SPL is trading at a P/E ratio of 48x based on FY25 diluted earnings, which seems to be reasonably valued. The company is well-equipped for ongoing long-term expansion, bolstered by strong operational outcomes, the acquisition of NSS that enhances its presence in the European market for infant nutrition and formulations, and its intended entry into the rapidly growing sector of battery-grade minerals. "Coupled with a strong balance sheet, dedicated R&D focus, and continued product innovation, SPL presents a compelling long-term story. We therefore assign a SUBSCRIBE rating for investors with a medium- to long-term investment horizon," said the brokerage. Sudeep Pharma IPO details Sudeep Pharma IPO consists of a new issue of equity shares valued at 95 crore and a selling offer of approximately 1.35 crore equity shares, totaling 800 crore from the promoters. The funds raised from the fresh issue, amounting to 75.81 crore, will be allocated for capital expenditures related to the purchase of machinery for its production facility located at Nandesari Facility 1 in Gujarat, as well as for general corporate purposes. ICICI Securities and IIFL Capital Services are acting as the merchant bankers for the Sudeep Pharma IPO. MUFG Intime India Pvt. Ltd. serves as the registrar for this issue. Also Read | Sudeep Pharma IPO: 10 key things to know from RHP View full Image Sudeep Pharma IPO Stock Market Crash: Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki has sounded a striking new warning, saying the biggest crash in history is already taking shape across the U.S., Europe and Asia. He urged investors to move swiftly into assets such gold, silver, Bitcoin, and Ethereum. With financial markets under pressure and artificial intelligence transforming job markets at breakneck speed, Kiyosaki argues that the downturn he predicted more than a decade ago is now unfolding in real time. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kiyosaki wrote: Biggest crash in history starting In 2013, I published RICH DADs PROPHECY, predicting the biggest crash in history was coming. Unfortunately, that crash has arrived Its not just the U.S.Europe and Asia are crashing. According to him, todays downturn isnt just a normal recession. The structural forces driving this collapse are deeper than cyclical slowdown or investor sentiment. The trigger, he says, is rapid technological disruption especially artificial intelligence. AI will wipe out jobs, and when jobs crash, office and residential real estate crashes, Kiyosaki warned, citing the threat of unemployment leading to a collapse in property values. Gold, Silver, Bitcoin and Ethereum: Kiyosakis Crisis Playbook Against this backdrop, the bestselling author is urging investors to increase their exposure to what he considers the worlds safest assets: Time to buy more gold, silver, Bitcoin, and Ethereum Silver is the best and the safest, he said, again emphasising his long-standing preference for precious metals and decentralised assets. He did not stop thereKiyosaki offered a detailed price projection for silver, stating: Silver is $50 today. I predict silver will hit $70 soon and possibly $200 in 2026. Despite the grim warnings, Kiyosaki insists that crises create life-changing opportunities for investors who are prepared. He added: The good news is, while millions will lose everything if you are prepared this crash will make you richer, he said, adding that he would share more strategies in future posts. Also Read | Gold price crashes 1% on MCX amid fading US Fed rate cut hopes Kiyosakis Earlier Predictions: Gold at $27,000 and Bitcoin at $250,000 This latest prophecy aligns with earlier predictions Kiyosaki made on November 9, when he called for an impending market crash but maintained he would continue buying. CRASH COMING: Why I am buying not selling, he wrote, predicting gold at $27,000 and Bitcoin at $250,000 by 2026. Kiyosaki frequently cites what he calls the laws of moneyincluding Greshams and Metcalfes lawsto justify his buying of gold, silver, Bitcoin, and Ethereum even during downturns. His argument remains consistent: scarce assets outperform when fiat currencies weaken. A Crisisand an Opportunity Kiyosaki believes the unfolding meltdown marks a pivotal moment for investors. While millions may suffer severe financial losses, he argues that those who position themselves early will benefit from what he believes could be the greatest wealth transfer in modern history. Its coming, he warned. But if you prepare, it could be the best time of your life. A year ago, the future looked bleak for the company. In August 2024, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta had declared Google a monopolist," leaving investors to wonder if the internet search pioneer would be broken up. As that legal drama unfolded, OpenAIs ChatGPT went from one million users, days after its November 2022 launch, to 300 million weekly active users in December 2024, raising the question of whether Googles search business would be destroyed by AI. The fears left Alphabet stock trading for about 20 times estimated earnings for the next 12 months, the lowest price/earnings ratio for a Magnificent Seven stock, and below the S&P 500s 22 times multiple. What a difference a year makes. A breakup probably would have been nothing to fear, given that Alphabet has YouTube, self-driving ride-hailing company Waymo, the Android operating system, a cloud business, and foundational AI and AI-chip technologiesparts that might have been worth more than the whole. But it never came to that. In September, a judge came back with relatively mild penalties proposed on the antitrust front. And, despite worries that AI would disrupt Google, the company has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and grow, with four consecutive earnings beats under its belt and the recent launch of Gemini 3. The stock has gained almost 70% over the past 12 months and traded at a record high this week. Berkshire Hathaway even bought the stock. The question now: What should investors do with the stock? Barrons recommended it 12 months ago, when we said it was undervalued by 50%. It did better than that. Shares now trade at 26 times earnings. About half of the gain came from a P/E multiple expansion, while the other half came from earnings growth. While rapid gains often leave investors nervous, and itching to dump their biggest winners, investors should stay the course. Dont expect a repeat of the past 12 months, but good old business execution should help push shares higher. The stock going from $160 to over $300 today has made it look less attractive," says Oakmark Funds portfolio manager Bill Nygren. [But Alphabet is] still not selling for more than we think its worth." For starters, Alphabet still isnt all that expensive. Even at 26 times earnings, its the second-cheapest of the Magnificent Seven, with only Meta Platforms, at 20 times, trading at a lower P/E multiple. The comparison between the two is telling. Both are making gobs of money, and both are spending lavishly on their AI capabilities. But whereas Meta isnt seeing much of a return just yetits pretax profit margins fell two percentage points year over year, while capital spending more than doubled to almost $19 billion from around $8 billionAlphabet has been getting more profitable. It grew third-quarter pretax profit by 39% and expanded pretax profit margins by seven percentage points even as it spent $24 billion, up from $13 billion a year earlier. It will take performances like that to keep Alphabet shares working. In 2025, earnings will likely end up north of $10 a share, up from the $9 Wall Street expected almost a year ago. Following the pattern, 2026 earnings would have to end up closer to $12 or $13 a share, up from the current $11, for the stock to keep working. The good news is that there is nothing unreasonable about that scenario. Growth in Alphabets cloud business, in particular, could be a catalyst for shares, says New Street Research analyst Dan Salmon. Currently, Wall Street expects Google Cloud to generate 2026 revenue of $75 billion, up from about $57 billion in 2025. That growth is predicated on AI demand remaining robust, but theres no sign yet of slowing demandparticularly after Nvidias blowout earnings released on Nov. 19. And yes, that means more spending. The four main hyperscalersAlphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon.comgrew sales 25% year over year in the third quarter and are expected to spend roughly $366 billion on new equipment in 2025, $478 billion in 2026, and $534 billion in 2027. Financing that spending will be a snap. All four companies have ample cash flow and pristine balance sheets, with easily north of $1 trillion in total borrowing capacity. If they decided to leverage their balance sheets for growth, there would be insatiable demand for their debt, says Matthew Eagan, a portfolio manager at Loomis, Sayles. And with each iteration of the AI apps, the use case just keeps getting broader. Googles unveiling of its Gemini 3 AI model on Nov. 18 demonstrated that, rather than falling behind in the AI arms race, the company is closing the gap. The model includes new tools such as Deep Think, for projects that require more stringent reasoning; generative user interfaces; and improved vibe coding" for software developers, among other benefits. Gemini has been closing the gap with ChatGPT, with 650 million monthly active users to ChatGPTs 800 million weekly active users. (The companies dont report like-for-like on users.) While its difficult to know which AI app will emerge as the winner, Alphabet has demonstrated its ability to generate value in the pastand should be able to in the future, as the launch of Gemini 3 demonstrates. The early response seems to be kind of a wow," says Oakmarks Nygren. I dont really know why that should surprise people. Alphabet would have to have been heroically bad at investing capital to have not been at least in a co-leadership position." For Evercore analyst Mark Mahaney, Alphabet has proven that it can use AI to create new products that can create new revenue opportunities across all of its products. It may no longer be cheap, but its shares are still worth owning. GOOGL is no longer a Classic DHQ (dislocated high quality) stock, but the fundamentals and level of innovation here are very impressive," writes Mahaney, who has a $325 price target on the stock. Trim positions if you have to, but hold on to the shares of this AI winner. Write to Al Root at allen.root@dowjones.com HAL share price: Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) tanked over 8% in early trade on Monday after a Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show 2025. The PSU defence stock declined as much as 8.48% to 4,205.25 at open on the BSE. However, on the NSE, HAL share price fell as much as 4.13% to 4,405. The Tejas fighter jet, built by HAL for the Indian Air Force, crashed during an aerobatic display at low altitude, and pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life during the incident. A Court of Inquiry by the IAF has been constituted to determine the exact cause of the accident. HAL assured that there was no impact on the companys business operations, financial performance or its future deliveries. The Company is extending its full support and cooperation to the agencies conducting the investigation. The Company will continue to keep the stakeholders informed of any material developments, HAL said in a regulatory filing on November 24. Analysts believe that this incident does not indicate any structural issues with the Tejas programme, but it is likely to lead to short-term volatility in the HAL share price. Also Read | Tejas jet crashes in Dubai: IAF orders court of inquiry after pilot dies An incident like this doesnt change the long-term trajectory, but it does introduce short-term reputational risk, and investors typically move to reassess risk-reward when valuations are rich, said Harshal Dasani, Business Head, INVasset PMS. The government clarified that earlier concerns around oil leakage were unfounded and unrelated. However, the incident still places HAL under heightened scrutiny at a time when expectations are exceptionally high. HAL enters this phase with one of the strongest order books in the companys history, including the recent mega order for 97 Tejas units and ongoing demand for helicopters and engines. But the stock was priced for perfection. Trading at elevated valuation multiples, the market was assuming flawless execution and uninterrupted momentum in Indias defence-manufacturing push, said Dasani. According to him, the long-term India defence story remains intact, but near-term volatility around HAL shares is justified until greater transparency emerges. Even the most sophisticated military aircraft in the world, such as the F-35 (and others), have had multiple crashes during testing, training or airshow demonstrations. In this context, analysts believe HALs Tejas crash falls within the normal risk envelope and its accident ratio remains among the lowest in modern fighters. This is not alarming it is the reality of cutting-edge military aviation. We believe that the impact on short-term sentiment is not indicative of systemic programme failure, said Choice Broking analysts. Also Read | Rupak De suggests buy or sell strategy for these stocks in F&O segment In the wake of the incident, the brokerage expects sentiment around exports to see a temporary setback. "We think the near-to-medium-term focus continues to be on domestic deliveries particularly the ongoing production ramp-up for Tejas Mk1A. By the time export engagements scale up meaningfully, we expect the current situation to normalise and investor concerns to subside, Choice Broking said. However, it believes that HALs long-term fundamentals remain robust, supported by strong execution, established order visibility and continued strategic importance to Indias defence modernisation plans. HAL has a robust order backlog of over 7.1x of FY25 revenue, which provides a multi-year revenue runway. Should you buy or sell HAL shares? Choice Broking expects short-term volatility in HAL shares, but believes the broader programme remains firmly on track and aligned with Indias long-term defence capability goal. The brokerage firm maintained its Buy rating, with HAL share price target of 5,570 apiece, valuing the company at 35x FY27/28E average EPS. HAL share price has fallen 7 % in one month and has declined 10% in six months. The PSU defence stock has gained 8% in one year, while it has jumped 100% in two years. HAL share price has delivered multibagger returns of 1,026% in the past five years. At 9:30 AM, HAL share price was trading 2.81% lower at 4,465.70 apiece on the BSE. When you open a bank account, invest in mutual funds, or buy insurance, youre asked to name a nominee. It seems straightforwardyou pick someone you trust, and in the event of your demise, the asset passes to them. But this everyday process hides one of Indias most widespread misunderstandings: a nominee is not your inheritor. Under Indian law, a nominee is only a custodian, while ownership passes to legal heirs or beneficiaries named in a valid Will. Nominee vs. heir A nominee is someone designated by the asset-holder to receive or manage assets after their demise, purely in a custodial capacity. Think of a nominee as a temporary caretaker or contact point for a bank, mutual fund, or insurer. Also Read | How many mutual funds should you really own? Financial institutions rely on one nominee to simplify payouts, particularly when multiple heirs exist or a Will is absent. However, the nominee does not become the owner; they must hold the assets in trust for the rightful heirs. A legal heir, by contrast, is entitled to inherit the deceaseds assets under personal succession laws (e.g., the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, or the Indian Succession Act, 1925) or through a valid Will. Legal heirsnot nomineesare the ultimate owners. Where a Will exists, its beneficiaries always override any nomination. How it plays out Take the case of Mr. Kapoor, a small businessman from South Mumbai. He named his daughter as nominee for his bank account but passed away without a Will, leaving behind his wife, daughter, and aged mother. Under the Hindu Succession Act, his Class I heirshis spouse, daughter and motherwere entitled to equal shares. Because the daughter was the nominee, the bank released the money to her. But she didnt become the owner; she was legally obliged to distribute the funds equally among her mother and grandmother. Banks often ask for NOCs or indemnities from other heirs, but these are procedural protectionsthey dont override inheritance law. The legal foundation This principle was first cemented in Sarbati Devi v. Usha Devi (1984), where the Supreme Court ruled that a nominee under Section 39 of the Insurance Act is only a trustee for legal heirs, not the owner of the proceeds. Nearly forty years later, the Supreme Court reaffirmed this in Shakti Yezdani v. Jayanand Salgaonkar (2023), involving assets worth over 7.9 crore. The Court clarified that nomination merely allows institutions to discharge liability, it cannot override a Will or succession laws. Together, these rulings underscore a persistent misunderstanding: nomination = inheritancea mistake that continues to fuel family feuds, drain wealth, and congest courts with avoidable litigation. Why it matters Misunderstanding the nominees role can trigger emotional and financial turmoil. Imagine someone naming a neighbour or friend as a convenience nominee" and never changing it. When they pass away, the institution transfers funds to the nominee, but the spouse or children contest ownership. Accounts get frozen, and the family enters a painful and costly legal battle. Nomination ensures smooth disbursement, but it cannot replace a valid estate plan or Will. Understanding this distinction is critical to protecting your familys peace and financial security. Growing relevance With financial inclusion deepening, millions now hold bank, insurance and investment accounts. Yet the misconception that nominations confer ownership remains widespread, even among well-informed investors. Recognizing this, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has simplified the transfer of securities from nominees to legal heirs through a Transfer of Legal Heir (TLH) code, reinforcing that nominees are conduits, not owners. Also Read | Sebi, MF heads to discuss contentious brokerage fee cap today For financial planners, lawyers, and families alike, this distinction is no longer academicits essential to ensuring a seamless legacy transfer. Protecting your legacy Check your nominations: Ensure your nominee aligns with your estate plan. Understand succession laws: Know who qualifies as your legal heir. Draft a valid Will: It ensures assets pass as per your wishes, overriding nominations. Keep them aligned: Review nominations and your Will after life events such as marriage, childbirth, divorce, or asset changes. Communicate clearly: Make sure your family understands that nomination = inheritance to avoid future disputes. Shraddha Nileshwar, head, Will & Estate Planning at 1 Finance Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India in early 2026, the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada stated. Following the return of high commissioners in August 2025, the two prime ministers agreed to enhance diplomatic staffing levels to meet growing consular demands and strengthen people-to-people linkages. They also agreed to support reciprocal knowledge transfer as part of ongoing engagement between the two countries. Carney welcomed the progress being made in the law enforcement dialogue between India and Canada. India and Canada have agreed to begin negotiations on a high-ambition Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit on Sunday. The planned CEPA talks aim to raise bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. After the meeting, PM Modi said the two leaders acknowledged the "significant momentum" in the relationship and committed to "further advance" cooperation across multiple sectors. In a post on X, he wrote: "Had a very productive meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada. We appreciated the significant momentum in our bilateral ties since our earlier meeting held during the G7 Summit hosted by Canada." He added: "We agreed to further advance our relations in the coming months, particularly in trade, investment, technology and innovation, energy and education." Modi noted that both countries "have great potential in strengthening trade and investment linkages" and have set a "target" of USD 50 billion by 2030. He also said Canadian Pension Funds "are also showing keen interest in Indian companies." The Prime Minister said the two leaders are expected to meet again soon and that they "agreed to unlock the potential for deeper cooperation in defence and space sectors." According to a release from the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides "reaffirmed" their longstanding civil nuclear cooperation and discussed expanding it through long-term uranium supply arrangements. On Sunday, Carney referred to India as a reliable trading partner. Responding to a question during a press briefing, he said, "Yes, we do actually." He noted that India and Canada do not yet have a CEPA with "one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies." He added, "The ability to have more effective trade with them, to scale that trade with them, would be greatly helped by that." Carney highlighted what he described as a strong commercial relationship, saying Canadian firms are "one of the largest foreign investors." He said a formal trade agreement would give businesses protections, clear rules and a dispute-resolution system. He also pointed to India's growing role in sectors such as solar and wind energy, saying Canada is seeking to diversify supply chains. "We'll diversify in that respect from China, which is the dominant player there," he said, adding, "India, South Korea are really the two main opportunities." Sunday's meeting was the first bilateral between the two leaders since their interaction at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in June, which helped reset ties and paved the way for the return of high commissioners after relations deteriorated under former prime minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau had alleged in Parliament in September 2023 that there were "credible links" between Indian agents and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, claims New Delhi rejected as "absurd" and "motivated." Engagement has since advanced under Carney, who took office in March. India and Canada, along with Australia, announced the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership on Saturday. Modi said the partnership "will deepen collaboration between democratic partners across three continents and three oceans in emerging technologies, support diversification of supply chains, clean energy and mass adoption of AI." Early this month, while New Delhi struggled with severe air pollution, Chinese embassy spokesperson Yu Jing took to X to compare the air pollution crises in both countries, and offered to share Beijings experience in improving its air quality. The post's context was the annual episode of north Indian skies turning sickly yellow, which sparked rare protests by citizens of Delhi this year. Just over a decade ago, China was in the same boat. Its megacities Beijing and Shanghai regularly had PM2.5 levels more than 10-20 times the safe level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). PM2.5 is fine particulate matter that can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the blood system. The WHO says its average annual level in the air shouldnt exceed 5 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m). Also Read | How Diwali crackers blow air pollution numbers through the roof. In charts Public anger was mounting. Beijings crisis was linked to rapid industry growth, relaxed environmental regulations, and an energy-intensive growth model that relied heavily on infrastructure, according to Calvin Quek of Smith School of Enterprise and Environment at Oxford University. A pivotal moment came in 2013, when China unveiled a sweeping national action plan, regarded as the toughest in its history. What followed were tightened environmental rules, curbs on vehicles in major cities, binding PM2.5 reduction targets on local governments, nationwide air monitoring stations, and a clampdown on coal and other high-polluting industries. A clean sweep The results were stunning. China slashed PM2.5 levels by 41% from 2014 to 2023, according to the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC). The dramatic improvement left South Asia largely alone as the most polluted region on earth. In 2023, Chinas average PM2.5 level was 27.4 g/m, still above the global average (24 g/m), but a remarkable achievement nonetheless. The contrast with India couldnt be starker. While residents of Beijing spent a 20% of their time last year with PM2.5 levels over 10 times the WHO limit, this share was 60% for residents of New Delhi, according to the latest World Air Quality Report by IQAir, a Swiss air-quality technology company. Despite governmental measures such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aiming to reduce pollution levels, challenges persist due to inconsistent policy implementation and inadequate infrastructure," it said. Also Read | Environment ministry orders petrol cars, ignoring advisory on cleaner vehicles Chinas success wasnt just because of money, but also political will and strict accountability. India has the funds but lacks the structures to use it effectively. A 2025 report by climate policy organizations Clean Air Fund and Climate Policy Initiative said India pocketed $19.8 billion in air quality funding during 2019-2023, making it the top recipient globally, with a 16% share. Yet, this financial advantage hasnt translated into success. Unused cash piles Domestically, too, the pattern repeats itself. The success of NCAP launched by the environment ministry in 2019 to reduce particulate matter levels in 130 cities by 20-30% by 2024 (later extended to 40% by 2026) from 2017-18 levelshas been iffy. With the March 2026 deadline approaching, the environment ministrys latest data reveals that just 64 of the 130 cities (49%) have seen a PM10 reduction of 20% or more between FY18 and FY25, while only one in five has achieved the programme's ambitious 40% reduction target. The plan has received 19,711 crore in allocations since FY20, but a report by the Foundation for Responsive Governance said only 52% of this had been used by December 2024. Not only did fund releases consistently lag allocations, the amounts released also declined each year. An analysis of 126 cities across 20 states exposed significant state-level issues in both fund releases and utilization. The funds came from two sources: the ministry, which funded 78 cities in 20 states, and the 15th Finance Commission grants, which funded 48 cities in 15 states. Among the first set, 11 of 20 states used less than 80% of what they got. Of the 15 states in the second set, 10 failed to use 80% of the released funds, which were already conditional on how well they performed on air quality improvement. Moreover, the NCAP focuses on PM10primarily dustrather than the more harmful PM2.5 that comes from vehicles, waste burning and industries, which experts said should be the priority. PM10 is probably not the metric that we should be going with in the next phase of NCAP, or any other air quality programme," said Mohammad Rafiuddin, programme lead for clean air and climate risks at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). What we need is to focus on PM2.5 along with PM10 as PM2.5 is a more harmful pollutant." He added that Chinas visible success since 2013 was built on years of groundwork". Since 1998, China, especially Beijing, had expanded public transportation significantly, and by 2013, they had a functional system in place before launching their aggressive Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan. That is something India would need to replicate also." The price we all pay The governance failure has a devastating human cost. According to EPICs Air Quality Life Index report, the PM2.5 level exceeds the WHO's standards across India. Air pollution sets average life expectancy in India back by 3.5 years, meaning it has nearly twice the impact of childhood and maternal malnutrition, and more than five times that of unsafe water and sanitation. Also Read | Tata Motors says no to softer emission rules for small cars, flags safety risks The burden is particularly severe in Indias most polluted regions. Delhiites lose 8.2 years of life to PM2.5 when measured against the WHO standard (5 g/m), followed by Bihar (5.6 years), Haryana (5.3 years), and Uttar Pradesh (5 years). Even when compared to Indias own lenient standard of 40 g/m, Delhi residents still lose 4.7 years. This menace has similar roots in both China and Indiarapid industrialization, a heavy reliance on coal, and massive construction activity. If those responsible for unspent allocations and missed targets are not held to account, Indias cities will continue to choke while the money meant to save them sits unused. There was no respite from the toxic haze in the national capital on Monday, as Delhi continued to breathe noxious air for the eleventh consecutive day. The city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 398, a slight deterioration from Sundays level, while several monitoring stations reported readings in the severe category. At 6:00 am, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 442, placing it firmly in the severe range. Other hotspots such as Bawana (439), Ashok Vihar (436), Jahangirpuri (455) and Punjabi Bagh (423) also registered severe pollution levels. In the neighbouring NCR region, Noida slipped into the severe category with an AQI of 431, while Greater Noida recorded an AQI of 354, categorised as very poor. Ghaziabad continued to struggle with toxic air as well, reporting a severe AQI of 439. Also Read | Delhi breathes toxic air yet again as AQI shoots past 400 Gurugram was also classified in the very poor category with an AQI of 351, while Faridabad fared comparatively better at 269. View full Image Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 442. What are the key measures to curb rising pollution? Authorities have outlined several steps to improve air quality. These include maintaining an uninterrupted electricity supply to discourage the use of diesel generators, deploying additional personnel to regulate traffic at major congestion points, and issuing pollution-related advisories through newspapers, television and radio. The public transport network is also being strengthened with more CNG and electric buses, increased service frequency and differential fares to encourage off-peak travel. Which curbs have shifted from Stage III to Stage II? Some measures previously activated only when air quality reached the very poor category under Stage III will now be implemented at Stage II. These include staggered working hours for government offices in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. The Centre is also considering introducing similar staggered timings for its own offices in the region. Also Read | GRAP rejig: Stage IV curbs to apply at Stage III amid poor air quality in Delhi What restrictions will take effect sooner under Stage III? Measures that were earlier applicable only under Stage IV meant for severe pollution levels will now come into effect at Stage III. These include allowing public, municipal and private offices to operate with 50 per cent staff attendance, with the remaining employees working from home. A 38-year-old woman doctor, identified as Rohini from Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district, allegedly died by suicide at her Hyderabad flat, reportedly due to depression over being denied a US visa, said a police official. The incident came to light on Saturday, 22 November, after her family members, who live in another locality of the city, broke open the door when she did not respond. They found her dead inside the residence, the official told PTI. A suicide note was recovered from the premises, indicating that she had been struggling with depression and mentioning the rejection of her US visa application. Details about the incident Rohini's domestic help alerted her family after she failed to open the door, police said on Sunday. Also Read | Kolkata Metro Blue Line services disrupted after suicide attempt at MG Road A postmortem was conducted, after which her body was handed over to the family members. Police suspect she may have taken an overdose of sleeping pills or injected herself on Friday night, though the exact cause of her death will be confirmed in the postmortem report. The deceased's dream of going to the US Her mother, Lakshmi, shared that Rohini was focused on her medical career and had big dreams for her future in the United States. She was eagerly waiting to go to America for a job, but slipped into depression after the visa denial. Rohini had been staying in Padma Rao Nagar, Hyderabad, because of its proximity to libraries. She aspired to specialise in internal medicine, Lakshmi recounted. She was a brilliant student and had completed her MBBS in Kyrgyzstan between 2005 and 2010. Her academic record was excellent, and she had big dreams for her future, Lakshmi told PTI. Lakshmi added that she had advised her daughter to remain in India and practice medicine, but Rohini argued that patient numbers per day were limited in the US and the income was better. Her mother also noted that Rohini's struggle with disappointment and depression had increased in the recent weeks as she eagerly awaited the US visa approval, which never came, leaving her mentally exhausted and isolated, PTI reported. Rohini had not married, choosing instead to devote herself fully to her medical career, her mother added. NEW DELHI : The import of permanent magnets, primarily sourced from China, more than halved in the first six months of the financial year 2026 due to Beijings export restrictions and Indian automakers beginning to permanently shift away from heavy rare earths. Imports of finished and unfinished permanent magnets, which are largely made of rare-earth metals, fell to 16,281 tonnes during the April to September period, registering a 56% drop from a year earlier, according to the ministry of commerce data. Thats the steepest fall in a six-month period in the last seven years. In the financial year 2025, the inbound shipments of such magnets grew 83% to nearly 53,000 tonnes. Still, 88% of all permanent magnet imports came from China in the first half of the fiscal year, reemphasizing the countrys near monopoly on the global supply chain. While a gradual shift to light rare-earth magnet imports cushioned Indian automakers, imports are expected to pick up from the second half as the Chinese government has started granting applications of Indian firms for heavy rare earths. Automobile manufacturers are among the largest users of rare earth magnets, which are a crucial component in electric vehicle motors and other electronic components of a vehicle. Commentary from some of the top auto industry executives over the past month suggests that a permanent shift away from heavy to light rare earth is underway. Over the past few months, many companies have turned to alternatives such as light rare earth magnets, which has helped them cushion the blow," Hemal N Thakkar, senior practice leader & director at Crisil Intelligence, an industry analytics firm. Companies have also started working on non-rare earth magnet motors, which reflects the decision that there's no turning back now on derisking supply chains for such components." Rakesh Sharma, executive director at Bajaj Auto Ltd, which turned to light rare earths to resolve production issues, said during a post-earnings call with media on 7 November that the company has learned its lessons from the rare-earth crisis. Once having experienced thisand we actually got punished a little bit more because we were on a higher growth trajectory and demand was far ahead of supply and we were playing a catch-up game in any caseso we really stumbled on it," Sharma said. So, I think one learning which we have taken is that we have to broad-base and de-risk our supply chain." The countrys fourth-largest two-wheeler maker is now looking to introduce ferrite magnets in its scooters to cut dependence on Chinalike Ola Electric Ltd, which has received approvals for a ferrite motor scooter. Auto component maker Sona Comstar, one of the largest suppliers of traction motors used in vehicles, has also indicated that the company has begun altering its supply chain. In response (to the rare-earth crisis) what we did was we shifted to alternative motor designs that do not rely on heavy rare-earth magnets," said Vivek Vikram Singh, managing director and group chief executive officer at Sona Comstar. So now we also manufacture our motors using light rare-earth magnets, and in this quarter, we have also successfully developed, tested, and validated a rare-earth-free Ferrite Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor." Also Read | Why Indian carmakers are choosing the path of least Chinese resistance According to Singh, such motors will be a good solution for even three-wheelers and light commercial vehicles. Electric scooter maker Ather Energy Ltd has incorporated light rare-earth materials, but is cautious about shifting to ferrite motors whose efficiency is yet to be proven in real-world scenarios. Light rare-earth magnets can be a good alternative to heavy rare-earth magnets, as the supply chain is relatively diversified, Ather co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Tarun Mehta told Mint in an interview earlier. The industry has a way of moving past this (Chinese monopoly). Stop using heavy rare-earth magnets. Unlike cars, trucks, or buses, our industry can build motors without using heavy, rare-earth magnets," Mehta said. We can move towards lighter, rare-earth magnets." The government is also incentivising the shift. Mint reported on 22 November that the Union Cabinet is expected to approve a 7,300 crore rare earth magnet domestic manufacturing scheme within the next one month, with firms like Sona Comstar, JSW Group, and Bharat Forge, among others, showing interest. However, all that will not immediately reduce Indias reliance on Chinese rare-earth magnets. As EV volumes increase, imports will continue to grow until alternatives are developed, which is at least a 2-3 year period, as it involves research, development, prototyping, testing and validation, said Crisil Intelligences Thakkar. The Tales of Kamasutra & Christmas Celebration event embroiled in controversy has been cancelled following public outrage. Scheduled for next month, the event slated to take place in Goa drew widespread criticism after which the Goa Police directed organisers to halt the event. The organisers have been asked to remove all advertisements related to it. Goa police "promptly took cognisance of this matter," the official statement said. Organisers have also been directed to remove the advertisements from social media, Goa Police said in a post on X. Ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities, police stations across the state have been instructed to maintain vigilance over upcoming events. The complainant named Arun Pandey, who is the Founder and Director of Goa-based NGO titled 'Arz' (Anyan Rahit Zindagi), expressed concern over the portrayal of Goa as a "sex destination." He alleged that the image of the state is being tarnished in the name of Osho, Christmas, and meditation and lodged a written complaint with Goa Crime Branch. Also Read | Uttarakhand: Over 160 gelatin sticks recovered near school in Almora In a post on X, Arun Pandey stated, "It is really unfortunate that in the name of OSHO, Christmas, Meditation... Goa is being advertised as Sex Destination!... I have lodged a written complaint with Goa Crime Branch. Hoping that strict action will be taken against the advertisers & organisers." A police complaint was also filed by the President of Catholic Association of Goa, Cyril A Fernandes. He complained that the event outrages religious sentiments and promoted sexual offences. Condemning the advertisement, the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, he asserted that the event irresponsibly associates the sacred Christmas celebrations with explicit and unrelated themes. He described the event as one which is deeply offensive to the faith and sentiments of the masses and called upon authorities to investigate the matter. Also Read | Pune police bust illegal arms and trafficking units in MP village; 36 detained It is with deep anguish and profound hurt that the Church in Goa addresses the recent advertisement on social media, which irresponsibly associates the sacred celebration of Christmas with explicit and unrelated themes. Christmas is a holy time for Christians across the world, a season of joy, peace, and the remembrance of God's love made manifest in the birth of Jesus Christ," ANI quoted CCBI President as saying. A protest over Delhi's air pollution turned controversial on Sunday when demonstrators at Delhi's India Gate displayed posters of top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, who was killed in a police encounter in Andhra Pradesh last week. The protest was held near the C-Hexagon at India Gate in New Delhi. Delhi Police said they arrested 22 people for allegedly refusing to disperse during the protest. Officials added that some protesters used chilli spray on police personnel. Delhi Police have registered FIRs at two police stations and 22 people have been arrested so far, an official said. At Kartavya Path police station, six male protesters have been arrested under BNS Sections 74, 79, 115(2), 132, 221, 223, and 61(2), the official said. A second FIR has been registered at Sansad Marg police station, under which other protesters have been arrested. They have been booked under BNS Sections 223A, 132, 221, 121A, 126(2), and 3(5), the official added. Police also accused protesters of using chilli spray on Police personnel, obstructing official work and blocking the road. "Relevant sections invoked in the FIR," officials told ANI. Delhi air pollution protest A group of protesters gathered at India Gate to demonstrate against air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. The protest turned tense after some demonstrators allegedly used chilli spray on police personnel while being removed from the spot, officials said. A police officer said the protesters had assembled close to the C-Hexagon and were informed that their demonstration at that location was obstructing ambulances and medical staff trying to pass through. Also Read | Delhi struggles to breathe as AQI hovers above 400 at 16 locations Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla said that for the first time, chilli spray was used against police personnel during such an agitation. "We tried to explain to them that emergency vehicles were stuck and needed clear access, but they refused to move. The situation then turned into a scuffle, and some protesters used chilli powder on our personnel, which is unusual and rare," the officer was quoted by PTI as saying. The police personnel at the spot sensed the situation could escalate into a scuffle and advised the protesters to step back. "They refused, broke the barricade, came onto the road, and sat there. When our teams were trying to remove them, some of the protestors attacked police personnel using chilli spray. Three to four personnel sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment," the officer said. "This was very unusual. For the first time, protestors used pepper spray on officers managing traffic and law and order," New Delhi DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla told PTI. "A few of our officers were sprayed in the eyes and face and are currently receiving treatment at RML Hospital. Legal action is being taken in this regard," he said. On 9 November, people had also staged a protest at the same spot, demanding that the government implement policies to curb air pollution in the National Capital Region. Madvi Hidmas posters surface Visuals from the protest site on Sunday showed protesters holding posters of Madvi Hidma and raising slogans such as "Madvi Hidma Amar Rahe" (Long Live Madvi Hidma). A video also showed a man holding a poster that read: "From Birsa Munda to Madvi Hidma, the struggle of our forests and environment will go on". The Delhi Police assured action against those who raised the Maoist slogans. "Those who raised such slogans at India Gate will be identified, and legal action will be taken against them. We will file a case against them," the police were quoted by NDTV as saying. Delhi air quality a 'serious risk' The Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air, in a statement, said the city's worsening air quality has become a "serious risk" to public health and alleged that the authorities have failed to address the root causes of pollution. The group, in its statement, also claimed that the current development model, including mining projects, forest clearance and expansion of infrastructure in fragile regions, has contributed to pollution, the displacement of communities, and recurring extreme weather events across the country. All Delhi government offices and private establishments have been directed to operate with 50% staff on-site, with the remaining employees working from home, as part of GRAP Stage 3 measures triggered by the worsening air quality in the Capital. The order, which was released on Monday, 24 November, comes amid the degrading air quality in Delhi, with the AQI hovering close to the severe mark. 15 monitoring stations logged readings beyond the 400-mark, as per CPCB. The direction was issued by the Environment Department under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to all Delhi government offices and private establishments operating in the national capital. What does the order state? As per the order, all administrative secretaries and heads of departments will attend office regularly, with not more than 50% of the staff physically present in the office. The remaining employees will work from home, it said. View full Image All Delhi government offices and private establishments have been directed to operate with 50% staff on-site, with the remaining employees working from home, as part of GRAP Stage 3 All private offices functioning within Delhi will operate with not more than 50 per cent staff physically attending the workplace. The remaining staff will "mandatorily" work from home. Which departments are exempted? The following departments are exempted from the directions: Hospitals and other public, private health establishments, Fire Services, Prisons, Public Transport, Electricity, Water, Sanitation and related municipal services, Disaster management and related services, forest, environment, department, or agencies engaged in air pollution control, monitoring and enforcement activities (like teams deployed to curb biomass burning, dust control, GRAP measures) Delhi AQI today Delhis air quality continued to remain grim on Monday with the overall AQI settling at 382 in the very poor category for the 11th consecutive day. As per CPCB standards, an AQI between 050 is 'good', 51100 'satisfactory', 101200 'moderate', 201300 'poor', 301400 'very poor' and 401500 'severe'. Recent CPCB data shows little relief over the past week: the AQI was 391 on Sunday, 370 on Saturday, 374 on Friday, 391 on Thursday, 392 on Wednesday, 374 on Tuesday, and 351 last Monday, 17 November. The CPCBs Sameer app, which displays real-time readings from all monitoring stations across Delhi, showed that out of 38 operational stations, 15 recorded an AQI of above 400 on Monday. Which stations recorded severe AQI? The following stations, among others, recorded an AQI of above 400: Delhi Police has busted an interstate syndicate involved in the illegal trafficking of banned pharmaceutical drugs, leading to a seizure of 54,000 Tramadol tablets with an estimated market value of more than 32 lakh, an official said on Monday. Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the drug racket, which investigators suspect may have international links, the official told PTI. What led to their arrests? The operation began on 7 October, when police laid a trap in the Madanpur Khadar Extension-I area in South East Delhi. They apprehended Mohd Abid (50), a resident of Madanpur Khadar, who was carrying a large bag, a senior police officer said. On inspection, the bag was found to contain 54,000 tablets of Treken-100, a Tramadol-based psychotropic medicine, banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, he said. Tramadol, a strictly controlled opioid (painkiller), was classified as a psychotropic substance under the Act in 2018. Following the seizure, an FIR was registered under provisions of the NDPS Act, and police arrested Abid, the officer added. Unravelling the network During interrogation, Abid disclosed that he was working with an associate, Javed Khan (45), a resident of Johri Farm in the Jamia Nagar area. Khan was subsequently arrested, police told PTI. Further investigation led to the arrest of three more people: Sunil Kumar (40), who managed a warehouse in Samalka near the Kapashera border. Vishnu Dutt Sharma (62), an exporter from Dwarka. Vikas Singh alias Ishwar Yadav (38), the owner of a courier business in Rangpuri. The five accused were found to be a part of an organised network involved in the procurement, storage and distribution of banned Tramadol tablets across Delhi and other states. Roles of the arrested people Investigators revealed that Javed Khan, who utilised his experience as a customs house agent for more than two decades, allegedly used his contacts to facilitate the movement of psychotropic substances through illegal supply channels. Sunil Kumar allegedly provided the critical function of storage at his warehouse, while Vishnu Dutt Sharma and Vikas Singh were reportedly responsible for handling logistics and distribution. Also Read | Zumas Daughter Faces Legal Action Over Russia Recruitment Drive The officer said the significant scale of the drug seizure suggests that the syndicate was operating with international supply links, a critical dimension of the case that the police are now actively investigating. Edelweiss Mutual Fund CEO Radhika Gupta recently visited 44th India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan and shared her childhood experience of visiting different pavilions showcasing culture of different parts of India. In a social media post, she reminisced about her cherished childhood memories of visiting kiosks of various states, shopping, eating and enjoying her time at the annual gala. Reflecting on the fond memories of the IITF in an Instagram post, she wrote, As a Delhi girl, I have fond memories of the India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan, where we would go to see stalls from various states, shop, eat and just enjoy the little joys from different parts of India. Celebrating financial literacy, Radhika Gupta addressed the event where she noted, $4 trillion dollar economy in front of our eyes! Sharing her experience at IITF 2025, she added, Incredible to come back here this time at the iconic Bharat Mandapam, and now see a huge buzzing area devoted to capital markets. SEBI and AMFI hosted a unique event to honour women who have contributed to financial literacy and it was lovely to spend some time with these ladies. Impressed my the magnifiscent display, she remarked, The fair has also gotten grander and richer, with a huge variety of state exhibitions, authentic handlooms and some of the most tasty food you will find. Also Read | Black Friday sales surge in India as brands use the event to clear inventory Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation, IITF 2025 was inaugurated by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada on November 14. This year, it features the theme Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat' and the vibrant showcase celebrating India's cultural diversity is set to conclude on November 27. INS Mahe, the first of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Monday, 23 November, by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Upendra Dwivedi. The ceremony, held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, was hosted by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. What is INS Mahe? A Silent Hunter INS Mahe is the first of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, which is abbreviated as ASW-SWC in naval terms. The Mahe-class craft is designed for shallow waters, boosting coastal defence. It will help detect and neutralise enemy submarines. The ship was built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and delivered to the Navy on 23 October. It is the first of the eight ASW-SWC being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. The full induction is expected to be completed by 2027. View full Image Indian naval officers board the INS Mahe, the first of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, during its commissioning ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on November 24, 2025. (Photo by Punit PARANJPE / AFP) ( AFP ) What's in the name? INS Mahe has been named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar coast, which is a symbol of India's maritime legacy. Meanwhile, the ships motto, Silent Hunters, embodies stealth, vigilance and unwavering resolve - qualities that define anti-submarine warfare ethos, the Indian Navy said. Key features The ship has been equipped with torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets. It's designed to hunt submarines, conduct coastal patrols, and secure India's vital maritime approaches. The ASW SWC ships are 78 metres long and have a displacement of approximately 900 tons, with a maximum speed of 25 knots. The Navy said the ship's crest features an Urumi the flexible sword of Kalarippayattu, symbolising agility, precision and lethal grace, the Indian Navy added. The commissioning of INS Mahe marks the arrival of a new generation of indigenous shallow-water combatants - sleek, swift, and resolutely Indian, the Ministry of Defence said, adding that INS Mahe has over 80% indigenous content. She will serve as a 'Silent Hunter' on the Western Seaboard - powered by self-reliance and dedicated to safeguarding India's maritime frontiers. Expert explains INS Mahe's significance Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd), the panel member and advisor, National Commission for Minorities, Government of India, highlighted that submarines are acquiring a more and more important role in modern naval warfare. He noted that Pakistan is slated to get six Hangor-class submarines from China; and China, as we are aware, has a very large submarine fleet. He said, ...15 submarines are being constructed in the Chinese dockyard day and night with the aim of them being completed by 2030 now. Lt. Col. JS Sodhi (Retd.) also recalled General Upendra Dwivedi's comment on 17 March that two-front war on India is no longer a possibility, it's a reality. In the background of this statement on the Indian Army chief of 17 March and the fact that China and Pakistan are adding submarines in a big way, so today's induction of INS Mahe assumes immense significance because it has a lot of capacity and capability for anti-submarine warfare. It's also because its specifications are such that it can operate even in shallow waters. This way, it becomes very difficult for the enemy to target the ship because it has a lot of manoeuvring capabilities, be it in deep seas or shallow waters. India's seafood sector is strategically expanding its global market reach, reducing its traditional reliance on the United States by diversifying exports to offset rising tariffs under the Trump administration. Shrimp exports grew strongly in the first five months of fiscal year 2026, supported by robust demand from non-US destinations, including Vietnam, Belgium, China and Russia, according to CareEdge Ratings. Export value rose 18% year-on-year to $2.43 billion, driven by a 11% increase in shipment volumes to 3.48 lakh metric tonnes (LMT). The report said that India's seafood sector is gradually broadening its market presence beyond traditional markets like the USA, ANI reported. Non-US markets account for bulk of growth Non-US markets accounted for a significant 86% of the incremental export value, with shipments to these destinations surging 30% year-on-year to $1.38 billion during the first five months of FY26 (5MFY26), up from $1.06 billion a year earlier. Their share in total shrimp exports increased from 51% in 5MFY25 to 57% in 5MFY26. This strategic expansion by Indian exporters into newer and previously less accessible global markets has helped cushion the pressure emerging from the challenging US market. US tariffs and competitive disadvantage Indian shrimp exports to the US have faced sharply higher tariffs since the early part of FY26, averaging around 18% between April and August 2025, compared to 13%-14% for competitors like Ecuador and Indonesia. After August, effective duties on Indian shrimp surged to nearly 58%, while competing nations faced tariffs between 18-49%. Key non-US markets and their role in India's growth Several non-US destinations have shown notable increases in demand for Indian seafood. China remained the largest buyer, with exports rising 16%. Japan, which earlier functioned as a reprocessing market, maintained stable export levels. Vietnam strengthened its role as a re-export hub, with exports doubling to $0.18 billion. Belgium exports also doubled to $0.14 billion, driven by better demand from the European Union and stronger compliance with traceability requirements by Indian exporters. Outlook for the sector CareEdge warned that momentum may soften in the second half of FY26 due to US market pressures and weaker fresh orders. Justice Surya Kant took oath as Indias 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, November 24, replacing outgoing CJI Justice BR Gavai. Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the Chief Justice of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administers the oath to him. Justice Kant was appointed as the next CJI on October 30 and will remain in the post for nearly 15 months. He will demit office on February 9, 2027 on attaining the age of 65 years. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the senior leaders who attended the ceremony. CJI designate Justice Surya Kant outlines priorities A day before taking charge of CJI, Justice Surya Kant said that his primary focus would be on reducing the massive pendency of cases across courts in the country, news agency ANI reported. He said that arrears (pending cases) must be addressed both at the individual court level and on a Pan-India basis. One of the major challenges, he explained, is the overlapping of matters. "Several important cases have been referred to 5-, 7- or 9-judge Constitutional Benches and owing to this, the High Courts and even the Supreme Court are unable to take up many other cases," Justice Surya Kant had said. "Thousands of matters are kept in abeyance as they await decisions from these larger benches, the judge added. As a result, High Courts and District Courts are also stuck due to multiple legal questions that remain unresolved," he stated. Who is Justice Kant? Justice Kant's early life: Born on February 10, 1962 in Hisar district of Haryana to a middle-class family, Justice Kant went from being a small-town lawyer to the countrys highest judicial office, where he has been part of several verdicts and orders of national importance and constitutional matters. Justice Kant's early education: He pursued LLB from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak (1984). He later earned the distinction of standing 'first class first' in his Masters degree in law in 2011 from Kurukshetra University. Justice Kant's notable career: He was appointed the chief justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court on October 5, 2018. His tenure as a Supreme Court judge is marked by verdicts on the abrogation of Article 370, free speech and citizenship rights. View full Image Justice Surya Kant's profile Justice Kant's notable judgments 1. Justice Kant penned several notable judgments in the Punjab and Haryana HC. He was part of the recent presidential reference on the powers of the Governor and President in dealing with bills passed by a state assembly. The verdict is keenly awaited with potential ramifications across states. 2. He was part of the bench that kept the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance, directing that no new FIRs be registered under it until a government review. 3. Justice Kant also nudged the Election Commission to disclose the details of 65 lakh voters excluded from the draft electoral rolls in Bihar while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the poll panels decision to undertake Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters list in the poll-bound state. 4. In an order that emphasised grassroots democracy and gender justice, he led a bench that reinstated a woman sarpanch unlawfully removed from office and called out the gender bias in the matter. 5. He is also credited with directing that one-third of seats in bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, be reserved for women. 6. Justice Kant was part of the bench that appointed a five-member committee headed by former top court judge Justice Indu Malhotra to probe the security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Punjab in 2022, saying such matters required a judicially trained mind. 7. He also upheld the One Rank-One Pension scheme for defence forces, calling it constitutionally valid, and continues to hear petitions of women officers in the armed forces seeking parity in permanent commission. 8. Justice Kant was on the seven-judge bench that overruled the 1967 Aligarh Muslim University judgment, opening the way for reconsideration of the institution's minority status. 9. He was also part of the bench which heard the Pegasus spyware case and which appointed a panel of cyber experts to probe allegations of unlawful surveillance, famously stating that the state cannot get a "free pass under the guise of national security". Police have sounded the alert in Uttar Pradesh's capital Lucknow after Lulu Mall received a handwritten letter threatening to blow up several establishments in the city, including schools on 24 November 2025, PTI reported. According to a Hindustan Times report, the letter was found in a washroom in the mall on 24 November afternoon, warning that schools, government offices, and key buildings in the city would be blown up in 24 hours. The HT report added that police teams carried out full sweep of the mall with bomb disposal squad and a dog squad, following the call from Lulu Mall. Also Read | Dharmendra Passes Away: Sholay actor dies at 89 Bomb threat letter at Lulu Mall: What we know The PTI report added that authorities at Lulu Mall immediately called the police and security at the premises and other mentioned locations was stepped up. Speaking to PTI, a police officer said, A letter was received at the Lulu Mall, and soon after, an alert was sounded. It mentioned that explosions would be carried out at different establishments, including schools. According to the official, the police has begun an investigation into the threats. CCTV camera footage is being combed to identify the culprits who placed the letter in the mall premises, the officer added. Additional DCP (Central) Jitendra Dubey told HT that the letter referred to several prestigious buildings and schools, leading to intensified checking in Hazratganj, the Vidhan Sabha area, major public places, and near prominent city landmarks. Also Read | Ethiopia volcanic ash plumes cause flights cancellations; DGCA issues advisory Vigilance heightened, security checks across Lucknow HT its report said that the bomb threat led to extensive security checks across Lucknow with bomb and dog squads. Further, security and vigilance have been heightened at schools and government buildings in the city. It added that senior police authorities have been asked to position personnel at crowded spots, monitor and check vehicles and maintain visible presence across key locations. Further, security provisions have been buffed up at educational institutes, government buildings, markets and transport hubs. Notably, Lucknow is already in vigilance mode amid tight security in Ayodhyas Ram Temple on the eve of flag hoisting ceremony by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the pilgrimage city today. Cities across India are also on high alert after the Red Fort blast on 10 November, and officials told HT that the bomb threat letter has led to further tightening of security measures in Lucknow and UP. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote another letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday, amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in the state. Questioning a centralised Request for Proposal issued by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for outsourcing data personnel for SIR and election-related work, the CM also objected to the proposed setting up of polling stations inside private housing complexes describing them as disturbing, yet urgent developments. Why? Why? Why? the CM questioned in her letter. Mamata Banerjee's latest letter to CEC Gyanesh Kumar comes days after she wrote a letter to the CEC, listing concerns over the ongoing SIR and asking to halt it immediately. What Mamata Banerjee said in her letter? In the letter dated 24 November, the Trinamool Congress supremo flagged two concerns related to SIR. She claimed that the CEC had barred the use of contractual data-entry operators and Bangla Sahayata Kendra (BSK) staff for SIR or election-related data tasks. Mamata Banerjee wrote that the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal has instead floated a request to outsource 1,000 data-entry operators and 50 software developers for a year. Questioning the move, the CM wrote: When district offices already have a substantial number of competent professionals performing such functions, what necessitates the CEO's initiative to outsource the same work through an external agency for a full year? Calling the implications far-reaching, Mamata Banerjee claimed that the decisions would have a severe impact on the fairness of the electoral process. West Bengal CM's previous letter to CEC In her previous letter dated 20 November, Mamata Banerjee had requested the CEC Gyanesh Kumar to immediately halt the SIR exercise in the state, claiming it as chaotic, coercive and dangerous. View full Image Mamata Banerjee wrote that the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal has instead floated a request to outsource 1,000 data-entry operators and 50 software developers for a year. Mamata Banerjee mentioned that she has time and again raised concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the state and is now compelled to write to the chief election commissioner because the situation has reached a deeply alarming stage. She alleged that the SIR in Bengal is being carried out in an unplanned and dangerous manner, which has crippled the process from day one. BJP, TMC spar over SIR in Bengal Union minister and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday claimed that the TMC had been opposing the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal to protect crores of unauthorised voters. While addressing a gathering at the Parivartan Yatra in Paschim Medinipur's Mohanpur, Sukanta Majumdar said that the SIR had been welcomed by the bonafide citizens of West Bengal but was being opposed by TMC leaders, PTI reported. To promote a more inclusive travel experience on the Mumbai Metro-3 (AareyCuffe Parade) route, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has introduced a significant fare concession for passengers with disabilities. Also Read | Mumbai Metro halts services at BKC station due to fire outside entrance Commuters with disabilities are now receiving a 25% discount on Metro-3 tickets, which can be accessed through the MetroConnect 3 app. The 25 per cent concession was activated from November 23, according to MMRC. Here's how compensation will work On local and long-distance trains, individuals with 80% disability receive a 75% fare concession, while their attendants get a 50% discount. Mumbai Metro lines 1 (GhatkoparVersova), 2A (DahisarAndheri West), and 7 (DahisarGundavli) also provide fare concessions for disabled commuters. Earlier, in a statement, MMRCL said the company is committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive transit system for all commuters, including persons with disabilities (PwDs). Also Read | Mumbai Metro Line 4 to get 39 driverless trainsets soon | Details inside However, Metro-3 had not offered this benefit until now, which has caused dissatisfaction among several disability-rights groups. Deepak Kaitike, a journalist-activist who has been demanding a 50 per cent concession for PwDs in the underground metro (Cuffe Parade in south Mumbai to Aarey JVLR in suburbs), however, slammed MMRCL for the delay in implementing the decision. Ten days were promised for implementing the 25 per cent concession for persons with disabilities. However, even after 20 days, the ticketing system has still not been updated, and no disabled passenger is able to avail the discount, Kaitike said in a post on social media platform X, as reported by PTI. He claimed Mumbai's first underground corridor, Metro Line-3 or Aqua line, is still not disability-friendly as several lifts remain non-functional, making it impossible for wheelchair users to travel. The fully underground line connects Colaba in south Mumbai to Aarey JVLR in the western suburbs via the financial district of Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), covering major commercial and administrative hubs. Mumbai metro The 33.5-km-long corridor has 27 stations, and except for one (Aarey JVLR), all are underground. The entire line was inaugurated on 9 October. Mumbai Metro-3, the citys first fully underground corridor, includes 27 stations: Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk (Fort), CSMT, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum (Worli), Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Shitaladevi Temple, Dharavi, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Vidyanagari, Santacruz, the domestic and international CSIA terminals (T1 and T2), Marol Naka, MIDC, SEEPZ, Marol, Aarey Colony, and Aarey Depot (JVLR terminus). Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to the national capital on Monday morning after wrapping up his South Africa visit for the G20 Summit. During his official visit to Johannesburg from November 22-23, PM Modi attended multiple summit sessions and engaged with several world leaders. Despite the US boycott, leaders approved the G20 declaration, signalling renewed alignment on development, climate goals and reforms in a multipolar world. The attending nations endorsed a 122-point document centred on global equity, multilateral restructuring and sustainable development. Also Read | G20 summit: Modi and Italian PM vow to bolster bilateral ties in Johannesburg Among his key bilateral meetings was one with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where both sides adopted the India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism, reaffirming their shared commitment to combat terrorism. Sharing details of the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X that the two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, AI, defence and security, space, research, innovation and culture. He added that both leaders expressed satisfaction over progress on the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 and noted PM Meloni's strong support for the AI Summit India will host in 2026. PM Modi also addressed the third session of the G20 Summit, which focused on ensuring a fair and just future for all. In a post on X, he said the discussions centred on critical sectors such as critical minerals and AI, and stressed India's belief in promoting technology that is "human-centric, global and open source" rather than finance-driven or exclusive. He highlighted India's approach to AI, built on equitable access, population-scale skilling and responsible deployment. He said India's AI Mission aims to ensure that the benefits of AI reach every district and language, and called for creating a global compact to prevent the misuse of AI, including for deepfakes, crime and terrorism. Also Read | India, Canada agree to start Comprehensive Economic Partnership talks Looking ahead, PM Modi said India is preparing to host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 under the theme 'Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya'--welfare and happiness for all. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned to December 8 the hearing on a plea filed by the wife of jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, terming his detention under National Security Act as "illegal, and an arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights." A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria deferred the matter after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh, sought time to respond to the rejoinder filed by Wangchuk's wife. On October 29, the top court sought response of the Centre and the Ladakh administration on an amended plea of Wangchuk's wife. According to the amended plea, "the detention order is founded upon stale FIRs, vague imputations, and speculative assertions, lacks any live or proximate connection to the purported grounds of detention and is thus devoid of any legal or factual justification... "Such arbitrary exercise of preventive powers amounts to a gross abuse of authority, striking at the core of constitutional liberties and due process, rendering the detention order liable to be vitiated by this court," it said. The plea said that it is wholly preposterous that after over three decades of being recognised at the state, national, and international levels for his contributions to grassroots education, innovation, and environmental conservation in Ladakh and across India, Wangchuk would suddenly be targeted. She said the unfortunate events of violence in Leh on September 24 cannot be attributed to the actions or statements of Wangchuk in any manner. Also Read | MHA orders probe into Sep 24 violence in Leh by retired SC judge Wangchuk himself condemned the violence through his social media handles and categorically stated that violence would lead to the failure of Ladakh's "tapasya" and peaceful pursuit of five years, his wife said, adding that "it was the saddest day of his life". Wangchuk was detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) on September 26, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and 90 injured in the Union territory. The government had accused him of inciting the violence. Volcanic ash clouds from the HayliGubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia affected air services in India with airports and airlines suspending flights, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issuing an advisory on possible disruptions. Airlines that have cancelled flights due to ash plume from the volcanic activity in Ethiopia include Akasa Air, IndiGo and KLM, PTI reported on 24 November. It added that there are reports suggesting that clouds might be drifting towards the western parts of India. Further, speaking to Hindustan Times, an official of the Mumbai airport said that flights from the airport were re-routing via Pakistan airspace. The Pakistan airspace is shut for Indian airlines, hence the Indian airlines are expected to be impacted. We have started keeping a record of this and are monitoring the situation, the official stated. What has the DGCA said? In a detailed advisory, the DGCA has asked airlines to strictly avoid published volcanic ashaffected areas and flight levels, adjust flight planning, routing, and fuel considerations based on the latest advisories, PTI reported. Airlines have also been asked to immediately report any suspected ash encounter, including engine performance anomalies or cabin smoke/odour. Further, the authority has directed that if volcanic ash affects airport operations, then the operator concerned must immediately inspect runways, taxiways, and aprons. Depending on the contamination, the operations may be restricted, and cleaning procedures have to be completed before resuming movements, it added. Operators have also been asked to continuously monitor the situation related to the volcanic ash cloud and stay updated through satellite imagery and meteorological data, among others. Ethiopia eruption causes flight cancellations: Akasa Air, Indigo, KLM Akasa Air cancels flights: Jeddah, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi In an official statement to PTI, Akasa Air said that it has delayed multiple flights due to recent volcanic activity in Ethiopia and the resulting ash plume in the surrounding airspace. The flights that have been cancelled include routes to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi scheduled for 24 and 25 November 2025. On social media platform X, the airline said it is closely monitoring the volcanic activity in Ethiopia and its potential impact on flight operations in nearby regions. Our teams will continue to assess the situation in compliance with international aviation advisories and safety protocols and take necessary actions as required. IndiGo Airlines forced to divert flight, cancel six, say sources In its own statement on X, IndiGo Airlines said that flights have been impacted but did not give details. Sources told PTI that some of the flights cancelled include routes to the Middle East. According to a News18 report, IndiGo flight 6E 1433 from Kannur to Abu Dhabi was diverted to Ahmedabad due to the volcanic eruption. It added that IndiGo will arrange a return flight to Kannur for passengers. A source also told Hindustan Times that IndiGo was forced to cancel six flights due to the disruption one from Mumbai, and other five from South India. Following the recent eruption of the HayliGubbi volcano in Ethiopia, ash clouds are reported to be drifting towards parts of western India. We understand that such news may cause concern, and we want to reassure you that your safety remains our highest priority. Our teams are closely tracking the situation in coordination with international aviation bodies. We are fully prepared with all necessary precautions to ensure safe and reliable operations, IndiGo stated. International flights also affected Sources also told PTI that Dutch carrier KLM cancelled its flight from Amsterdam to Delhi due to the volcanic ash plume issue. Also Read | What happens to your DA hike until the 8th Pay Commission is implemented? Volcanic ash clouds moving towards India? The HT report added that volcanic ash plumes from the eruption is expected to impact northwest India by 24 November night (Monday), entering Gujarat and expected to move towards Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR and Punjab. The plumes, made up of volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide and small rock particulate is travelling around 10-15 km above surface, it added, citing data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Speaking to HT, IMD director general M Mohapatra said that the plumes are likely to begin impacting Gujarat and Delhi-NCR late on Monday. It is in the upper-levels so we will not see significant impact near the surface. It will appear as a hazy, cloudy sky with its impact expected for a few hours, as it continues to move further eastwards, he added. New Delhi: The government is preparing to push a packed reform agenda through Parliaments short winter session that will start 1 December, with 15 sittings scheduled to clear major legislations tied to crucial issues, including ease of doing business, regulatory consolidation, foreign investment, and sectoral reforms. The session will see the introduction of 10 new bills and two others where parliamentary nod will be sought after taking into account report of the select committee, the Lok Sabha bulletin said. Also Read | How InvITs are changing the way India builds highways Two crucial billsthe Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) Amendment Billare expected to return for approval after review by a select committee during the monsoon session. Both are aimed at simplifying compliance and decriminalizing minor business offences, while the IBC amendment proposes to overhaul Indias insolvency framework by addressing procedural delays, clarifying ambiguities, and introducing a creditor-initiated insolvency resolution process (CIIRP). A major reform proposal on the list is the Insurance Amendment Bill, which includes provisions for composite licences for insurers and allowing 100% foreign direct investment in the insurance sector. The government will also introduce the Securities Markets Code Bill, which seeks to consolidate the Sebi Act, 1992, the Depositories Act, 1996, and the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, into a single streamlined law, along with the Arbitration and Conciliation Bill and the Corporate Laws Amendment Bill. Other bills on the agenda include the Atomic Energy Billwhich proposes to open the civil nuclear sector to private playersthe Manipur Goods and Services Tax Amendment Bill, and the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 that seeks to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 in line with other union territories without legislatures, such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu and Puducherry. This will be last session before the crucial budget session that typically starts on 31 January. A locksmith who was critically injured while helping sheriffs deputies carry out an eviction in Vero Beach, Florida, has died from his wounds, bringing last weeks shooting death toll to three, according to the sheriff's office, AP reported. The civilian locksmith, 76-year-old David Long, was known for his dedicated service and kind demeanor, Sheriff Eric Flowers said in a social media post Sunday. Indian River County Sheriff's Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow a 25-year veteran of the agency was killed when the man they were trying to evict opened fire Friday morning. That man, Michael Halberstam, died from his wounds on Saturday, Flowers said. Another deputy, Florentino Arizpe, who was shot in the shoulder, was released from the hospital over the weekend, the sheriff said. The sheriff's office had received seven calls from the home over the past month, almost all of which were from the mother calling about her son, the sheriff said during a news conference on Friday. Even so, he said, deputies werent expecting any trouble when they arrived to evict Halberstam. Flowers did not say in his post if Sweeting-Mashkow and Long were wearing protective gear, and the sheriffs office did not respond to an email on the matter Monday morning. Shared blue-and-white legacies link Britain, China ceramic hubs 11:19, November 24, 2025 By Zheng Bofei, Yu Aicen ( Xinhua A faculty member from Jingdezhen Ceramic University demonstrates overglaze painting on the sidelines of an international ceramics symposium in Stoke-on-Trent, Britain, Nov. 22, 2025.(Xinhua/Zheng Bofei) STOKE-ON-TRENT, Britain, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Charity shops scattered along the streets of Stoke-on-Trent display stacks of plates painted with delicate willows, arching bridges, and Chinese-style pavilions. For many locals, these motifs borrowed from traditional Chinese paintings are as familiar as the smell of kiln smoke that once hung over the town. Professor Neil Brownsword from the University of Staffordshire told Xinhua: "Everyone in Stoke-on-Trent got something of this Willow Pattern." Back in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the design helped boost exports from Jingdezhen, China's millennium-old porcelain capital. Export wares travelled down rivers and across seas to Europe, where Staffordshire potters studied them closely, copying the cobalt blue and reworking the scenes into what became one of Britain's most iconic ceramic designs. "It is not purely Chinese, nor entirely British, but a product of cultural exchange," said Professor and curator Hou Tiejun from Jingdezhen Ceramic University. CERAMIC LEGACY Stoke-on-Trent was once home to famous British ceramics brands, such as Spode, Wedgwood, and Royal Doulton. Its canals and kilns shaped the city's skyline. But by the 1990s, mass ceramic production and rising costs shook the industry, and generations of craftsmanship began to slip away. "My stepfather worked in the Spode factory. My grandmothers worked in other factories. It's not what it was," Sue, a museum volunteer born and raised in the city, told Xinhua, noting that shifting consumer tastes also played a part. "If you don't respond quickly to people's changing tastes, then you get left behind." Jingdezhen faced its own challenges in the late twentieth century, yet found a way to reinvent itself. By the early 2000s, it began rejuvenating its ceramic legacy by converting old kiln complexes into creative districts, including the well-known Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue. When Brownsword visited in 2023, he found the energy transformative: "I was amazed by a younger generation, 17 and 18-year-olds, going to shops and picking up ceramics and kind of being interested." CRAFTSMANSHIP COMBINES CREATIVITY Dr. Tim Jenkins, an archaeologist and advisor to the Stoke-on-Trent city council, said: "For Jingdezhen, one of the most important elements is embedding that craftsmanship and creativity at the heart of the city's master plan, and encouraging young craftspeople to make a living and sell within the city." At the Spode Museum gallery, Yvonne and Jean stood before willow-patterned plates and ceramic artefacts made by students from the Jingdezhen Ceramic University. "People don't appreciate the china anymore," Yvonne told Xinhua. "They buy cheaper versions." Jean nodded and said that big names like Spode or Wedgwood are no longer as valued as they were before. "Everybody in Stoke-on-Trent does know someone who worked in the pottery factories," Yvonne said. Yet many factories have been hollowed out as companies outsourced production. Still, both cities have found a common thread to connect their past with modern development. BILATERAL EXCHANGE At an international ceramics symposium held on Saturday, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Steve Watkins told an audience of scholars and craftspeople that the two cities should "continue to stand proudly as global capitals of ceramics," passing their hard-won skills to future generations through deeper cultural and academic exchange. For Jenkins, the future of ceramics relies on creating "safe spaces for young craftspeople to experiment, to fail, and to grow." Stoke's revival, he said, lies not only in preserving its industrial legacy but in rediscovering its creative one. The Willow Pattern -- designed in Britain and inspired by China -- is once again a bridge between two places separated by continents yet linked by material, memory, and resilience. Visitors listen to a Chinese curator explaining Jingdezhen porcelain pieces on display at the Spode Museum in Stoke-on-Trent, Britain, Nov. 22, 2025.(Xinhua/Zheng Bofei) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) US President Donald Trump opposes the expansion of television networks, specifically targeting ABC and NBC, which he claims are biased towards the left. He argues that they should be seen as part of a campaign for the Radical Left and calls for their reduction. In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump said, If this would also allow the Radical Left Networks to enlarge, I would not be happy. ABC & NBC, in particular, are a disaster - A VIRTUAL ARM OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY, He added, They should be viewed as an illegal campaign to the Radical Left. NO EXPANSION OF THE FAKE NEWS NETWORKS. If anything, make them SMALLER! The US President's post comes in response to a Newsmax story reporting that Federal Communications Commission (FCC) head Brendan Carr is considering giving television networks a massive reach following a merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna Inc. Also Read | Trump slams Ukrainian, European officials over revisions to US peace plan Trump's attack on media Trump has intensified his longstanding attacks on the media, while his administration endeavours to restrict press access. Earlier, Carr threatened to revoke the broadcast licences of ABC-owned local stations and their affiliates after late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel commented on conservative influencer Charlie Kirks death, reported Bloomberg News. Last week, Trump urged the FCC to revoke station licenses used by ABC affiliates after a reporter questioned him on his handling of files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. I think the license should be taken away from ABC, because your news is so fake and its so wrong, Trump said during an Oval Office meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. We have a great commissioner, chairman, who should look at that. His post also comes as Warner Bros Discovery Inc considers a potential sale. Such a sale is likely to cause more turmoil, at least in the short term, for a company facing its fourth owner in seven years, the report said. In 2018, AT&T Inc. acquired Time Warner Inc. from its shareholders to expand its presence in film and TV production. Four years later, WarnerMedia was merged into Discovery Inc., forming the present entity. Morgan Geyser the Wisconsin woman who, at age 12, nearly stabbed a classmate to death to please the fictional horror character Slender Man was found in Illinois after cutting off her electronic monitoring device and leaving a Madison-area group home, authorities said. Madison police issued an alert Sunday after Geyser, now 23, was last seen around 8 p.m. Saturday with an adult acquaintance. She was located early Monday at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, about 25 miles south of Chicago. Posen police said Geyser was found with a 42-year-old man who was arrested on charges of criminal trespassing and obstructing identification. He has since been released. Conditional release had raised concerns Geyser was moved to the group home earlier this year after a judge granted her conditional release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. She had been committed there since 2018 after pleading guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide under a deal that allowed her to avoid prison. Prosecutors had strongly opposed her release, arguing Geyser remained a risk. She couldnt be trusted, they told the court at the time. Monitoring failure and delayed notification According to Madison police, authorities werent informed she was missing until nearly 12 hours after she left the group home. The Department of Corrections received an alert Saturday night that Geysers ankle monitor had malfunctioned. About two hours later, staff at the group home confirmed she was gone and had removed the device. The agency issued an apprehension request just after midnight, but Madison police said they didnt learn of her disappearance until the following morning when the group home called. The DOC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Concerns over her behavior before release State health officials had attempted to block her release in March, raising concerns about her behavior and reading material. They told the judge Geyser had read Rent Boy, a novel involving murder and organ trafficking, without discussing it with her therapy team. They also alleged she had communicated with a man who collects murder memorabilia and had sent him a drawing of a decapitated body along with a postcard expressing romantic interest. Her attorney, Tony Cotton, defended her at the hearing, saying she only consumed material approved by staff and had cut off contact with the collector last year. Morgan is not more dangerous today, he said. The judge ultimately ruled that she was not hiding anything and approved her release. Also Read | Who is Lawrence Reed? Man with 72 arrests set woman ablaze on Chicago train Slender Man stabbing Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier were 12 when they lured classmate Payton Leutner to a wooded park in Waukesha, Wisconsin, in 2014 after a sleepover. Geyser stabbed Leutner more than a dozen times while Weier encouraged her. Leutner survived despite severe injuries. The girls told police they attacked the victim to earn the right to serve Slender Man, an online horror character created in 2009 by Eric Knudson. They also claimed they feared he would harm their families if they didnt comply. Weier pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide and was committed to a psychiatric institution. She was granted her release in 2021. US President Donald Trump said on Monday (November 24) that he has accepted an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Beijing in April and has invited Xi to make a state visit to the United States later next year. "President Xi invited me to visit Beijing in April, which I accepted, and I reciprocated where he will be my guest for a State Visit in the U.S. later in the year," Trump wrote on Truth Social. This call was a follow up to our highly successful meeting in South Korea, three weeks ago. Since then, there has been significant progress on both sides in keeping our agreements current and accurate. Now we can set our sights on the big picture, Trump said, emphasizing the extremely strong US-China relationship. Phone call covers Taiwan, trade, and Ukraine The announcement followed a phone call between the two leaders, during which they discussed trade, the Russia-Ukraine war, and Taiwan. Chinas foreign ministry highlighted the sensitive Taiwan issue, with Xi calling its return to mainland China an integral part of the post-war international order. Given what is going on, it is even more important for us to jointly safeguard the victory of WWII, Xi told Trump. The call also came amid a diplomatic dispute between Beijing and Japan after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Tokyo could intervene militarily if China attacked Taiwan. Trade talks gain momentum Trump and Xi reviewed progress since their late-October meeting in Busan, South Korea, where the two leaders reached a tentative trade agreement. Under the deal, Beijing agreed to suspend certain export restrictions on critical minerals for a year, while the US committed to cut tariffs and increase soybean purchases. Xi emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum, saying the South Korea meeting recalibrated the course of the giant ship of China-US relations and provided more momentum for it to sail forward steadily. Trump also highlighted progress on trade and agricultural deals, stating, We have done a good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers and it will only get better. US President Donald Trump on Monday (November 24) suggested that negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war may be showing signs of movement, though he cautioned that any progress remains uncertain. Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Dont believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump did not provide details on what prompted his optimism, and neither Washington nor Kyiv immediately commented on the message. His remarks, however, come amid renewed diplomatic activity involving US, Ukrainian and European officials, who have been working to narrow differences over competing proposals for a potential peace framework. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its third year, has escalated pressure on all sides as Russia continues battlefield advances and Ukraine faces mounting political strains. Washington, Kyiv narrow gaps US and Ukrainian officials said on Monday they had agreed to refine a US peace proposal after talks in Geneva, issuing a joint statement that they had drafted a refined peace framework. Details were not disclosed, but the discussions received a cautious welcome from some European allies. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraines delegation was returning from Switzerland to brief him. Negotiations are ongoing, he said. US plan sparks pushback The US surprised Kyiv and European partners last week with a 28-point peace plan that Kyiv and allies viewed as tilted toward Moscows demands. The plan reportedly required Ukraine to cede more territory, accept limits on its military, and agree never to join NATO conditions Ukraine has long rejected as surrender. Kyivs European allies quickly drafted a counter-proposal. A copy seen by Reuters would freeze fighting along current front lines and provide Ukraine with a US security guarantee similar to NATO protection. Moscow rejected the European version outright. The European plan, at first glance... is completely unconstructive and does not work for us, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said in Moscow. Turmoil in Kyiv The leaked US draft ignited alarm in Kyiv and several European capitals for appearing to favor Russias territorial claims and attempts to limit Ukraines armed forces. It also made no provision for accountability for alleged Russian war crimes. Still, after the Geneva meeting, Zelensky said he believed Trump was hearing Ukraines concerns, describing discussions with the US. as productive. Talks continue without deadline After Sundays meeting in Geneva, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared to relax Trumps deadline, saying more time is needed. Both the US and Ukraine described the talks as productive but did not release specifics about remaining points of contention. US Attorney Jay Clayton, appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi to oversee investigations linked to Epstein, signed the motion seeking judicial approval for the release of materials, subject to necessary redactions. In the light of the Acts clear mandate, the Court should authorize the Department of Justice to release the grand jury transcripts and exhibits and modify any preexisting protective orders that would otherwise prevent public disclosure by the Government of materials the disclosure of which is required by the Act, the motion stated, according to the news outlet. The filings noted that redactions could be applied to materials that would jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution, though they did not reference ongoing investigations into prominent figures including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and Reid Hoffman, recently ordered by Trump. Ruling requested The DOJ requested an expedited ruling, emphasizing that it would coordinate with relevant US Attorneys offices to properly redact victim-related and personally identifying information. Also Read | Trump to visit China in April, invites Xi Jinping for US state visit next year Judge Richard Berman previously denied release The department had previously sought approval to release the grand jury materials in August, but judges denied the request, ruling the government had not demonstrated sufficient legal grounds to unseal the documents. Judge Richard Berman, who presided over Epsteins 2019 case, rejected a Trump administration request in August, writing that a significant and compelling reason existed to keep the transcripts sealed. Berman noted that the government already possessed over 100,000 pages of Epstein-related materials, dwarfing the roughly 70 pages of grand jury documents. Grand jury sessions The grand jury sessions took place on June 18 and July 2, 2019. The July 2 session concluded with grand jurors voting to indict Epstein. The remainder of the presentation included a PowerPoint slideshow and a call log. Epstein was arrested on July 6, 2019, and was later found dead in his Manhattan federal jail cell on August 10, 2019, in what authorities have ruled a suicide. Also Read | Trump expected to unveil new health care policy as ACA subsidies near expiration Usha Vance, wife of US Vice President JD Vance, has addressed growing speculation about her marriage after she was recently seen without her wedding ring at a public engagement. The second lady appeared at Camp Lejeune, a military base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on 19 November alongside First Lady Melania Trump noticeably without the ring she is often photographed wearing. Social media users quickly flagged the missing piece of jewellery. One X user wrote: Interesting. Usha Vance minus a wedding ring yesterday at Camp Lejeune. Another commented: Usha Vance was not wearing her wedding ring and seemed quite happy. A spokesperson for Usha dismissed the speculation, saying the absence of the ring was purely unintentional, according to People. She is a mother of three young children, who does a lot of dishes, gives lots of baths, and forgets her ring sometimes, the spokesperson told People magazine. However, that explanation sparked a fresh round of online reactions. An X user questioned the defence: WHAT! Their excuse for Usha Vance not having her wedding ring is she does a lot of dishes' as if they are doing them themselves. Someone else remarked:She doesn't have a dishwasher? Usha, 39, and JD Vance, 41, met at Yale Law School and married in 2014. They share three children sons Ewan and Vivek, and daughter Mirabel. The couple has already drawn attention from sections of the public in recent months especially after JD Vance said he hoped Usha, who was raised in a Hindu household, would one day embrace his Catholic faith. Speculation intensified again following the vice presidents warm on-stage hug with Erika Kirk at a Turning Point USA event, a moment that quickly fuelled fresh commentary on social media. A four-judge panel of Brazils Supreme Court on Monday (November 24) unanimously voted to keep former President Jair Bolsonaro in police custody, two days after Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered his arrest citing a flight risk. Justices Flavio Dino, Cristiano Zanin and Carmen Lucia joined Moraes in upholding the decision, ending more than 100 days of house arrest for the former leader. Bolsonaro, 70, is awaiting final appeals against his 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup after his 2022 election loss to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Monitor tampering triggered arrest Bolsonaro was arrested early Saturday after authorities said he reportedly used a soldering iron to tamper with his court-mandated ankle monitor. The breach occurred just hours before supporters were expected to gather outside his home a gathering Justice Moraes warned could disrupt police monitoring. Justice Dino rejected that argument in his written vote: "The admitted breach of electronic monitoring not only increases the risk of escape but also indicates a blatant violation of the precautionary measures imposed by the Judiciary. Judges cite repeated defiance Moraes, who issued the arrest warrant, wrote that Bolsonaro had shown repeated non-compliance with precautionary measures and evident disrespect to the court, noting that the former president himself acknowledged tampering with the device. According to case documents, authorities detected interference with Bolsonaros ankle monitor at 12:08 a.m. on Saturday, prompting the arrest order hours later. From house arrest to police cell Bolsonaro had been under house arrest since August, following his conviction in September for plotting a coup aimed at overturning his 2022 defeat. He has now been transferred to a special cell at Federal Police headquarters in Brasilia. Doctors and lawyers repeated Bolsonaros claim that medication changes led to hallucinations, telling reporters his actions were not an escape attempt. Political downfall Bolsonaros downfall has been dramatic from rising to the presidency on anti-establishment rhetoric seven years ago to now facing a lengthy prison sentence. Colombian immigration authorities have taken 17 children into protective custody after a weekend raid uncovered members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect Lev Tahor, a group long accused of child abuse, kidnapping, and human trafficking across multiple countries. Gloria Esperanza Arriero, director of Colombias national immigration service, confirmed to The Associated Press that officials questioned nine adult sect members during a hotel inspection on Sunday in the town of Yarumal, in northwestern Colombia. Possible kidnapping, trafficking Police said the operation took place on Saturday after residents alerted authorities to the groups presence. Officers moved quickly, citing warning signs of a potential trafficking network. According to a police report, There are indications that some of them may have been kidnapped, suggesting a possible human trafficking scenario, under the guise of religious activity. The children who come from several countries, including the United States and Guatemala were moved to a government-run protection center. Interpol alerts Arriero said that five of the rescued children were listed in Interpol Yellow Notices, which are global alerts for missing persons or potential victims of parental or criminal abduction. She said her agency acted after determining the group arrived in Colombia in late October and was staying in a hotel while looking for rural land to establish a new base. Authorities intervened before sect set up compound Arriero noted that officials were able to intervene quickly because the group lacked an established site. The positive thing in all of this is that we got to the children before they had a compound, she said. Because in that case, we would have required a search warrant. In Colombia, immigration officials are authorized to carry out checks in hotels to verify the legal status of foreign visitors and determine whether they are wanted by international law enforcement. Allegations against Lev Tahor Lev Tahor known for strict religious practices where women and girls wear black tunics covering them from head to toe has been the subject of numerous investigations in Canada, the US, Mexico, Guatemala, and Israel. Founded in the 1980s, the sect relocated various times amid scrutiny. A portion of the community established itself in Guatemala in 2013. Authorities estimate Lev Tahor currently consists of around 50 families from several countries. Also Read | Jair Bolsonaro to remain in jail for breaking ankle monitor amid coup case Two suicide bombers and a gunman launched a coordinated attack on the headquarters of a security force in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) in northwestern Pakistan, on Monday morning. The attack left three personnel dead and 11 other people wounded, according to news agency The Associated Press, citing police and emergency services. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province borders Afghanistan. The assault occurred as security forces were preparing for their morning parade at the large facility situated centrally within the city, according to Peshawar Police Chief Saeed Ahmad. He said that one assailant detonated his device at the main entrance to the provincial headquarters of the Federal Constabulary. The second bomber and an accomplice were subsequently shot dead by officers near the vehicle park. Also Read | Suicide bombings in Pak were done by Afghan nationals: Naqvi Ahmad detailed that approximately 150 security personnel were on the open parade ground within the facility for morning drills when the attack took place. He confirmed that police had concluded three attackers were involved in the assault. The terrorists involved in today's attack were on foot and failed to reach the parade area, and a timely response by our forces prevented a much larger tragedy, Ahmad told The Associated Press. A security sweep has been completed, and authorities have collected samples of the body parts of the two suicide bombers for DNA testing. Police are currently investigating the incident to determine the identity and nationality of the three attackers. Asim Khan, a spokesperson for the government-run Lady Reading Hospital, said that all 11 persons injured in the attack were currently in a stable condition. Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif condemn attack Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in separate statements, condemned the attack in Peshawar, with Zardari calling it a cowardly act by foreign-backed terrorists, and Sharif saying the swift response of security forces prevented a larger tragedy. They offered condolences to the families of the victims. No organisation immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP) have been widely blamed for similar previous assaults across the country, which has witnessed a sharp surge in militant attacks. The TTP is a distinct entity but maintains an alliance with the Afghan Taliban, which currently administers Afghanistan. This latest attack comes less than a fortnight after a suicide bomber struck near a courthouse in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, detonating explosives next to a police vehicle and killing 12 people. The ongoing violence has severely strained relations between Islamabad and the Taliban administration in Kabul, with Pakistan alleging that the Pakistani Taliban operates with impunity inside Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021. The Pakistani government frequently accuses Afghanistan of ignoring cross-border incursions by militants. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who headed the US delegation in Geneva on Sunday (23 November), said that the US was making "some changes" to its peace plan after talks with Ukraine. Marco Rubio made the remarks in the presence of Ukrainian Presidential Adviser Andrii Yermak, while providing an update on peace negotiations after the first session of talks. In his statement, Marco Rubio hailed "a tremendous amount of progress" with Ukraine. I feel very optimistic that we can get something done here because we made a tremendous amount of progress today, he said. Also Read | Indian stock market: 10 things that changed for market over weekend "I don't want to declare victory or finality here. There's still some work to be done, but we are much further ahead today at this time than we were when we began this morning and where we were a week ago, for certain, Rubio said. Despite his optimism, Rubio did not offer specifics when pressed by reporters. US, Ukraine talks on peace plan US Secretary of State Marco Rubio led a US delegation that met with Ukrainian and European officials in Geneva on Sunday to try to thrash out a plan for ending the conflict in Ukraine, which began in February 2022 with Russia's invasion. US President Donald Trump had given Ukraine until 27 November to approve his controversial plan to end nearly four years of fighting. Also Read | Trump slams Ukrainian, European officials over revisions to US peace plan But Kyiv sought changes to a draft that accepted a range of Moscow's hardline demands, with the 28-point plan requiring the invaded country to cede territory, cut its army, and pledge never to join NATO, Reuters reported. US, Ukraine draft new 'peace framework' An official statement released by the White House after the US and Ukraine's talks in Geneva announced a new draft, which appeared to indicate that changes were indeed made. "The talks were constructive, focused, and respectful, underscoring the shared commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace," the joint statement said. As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework, the statement read. It added that both sides agreed the consultations were highly productive. The discussions showed meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps. They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraines sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace, it said. The statement informed that the final decision under this framework will be made by the presidents of Ukraine and the US. Both sides reiterated their readiness to continue working together to secure a peace that ensures Ukraines security, stability, and reconstruction, it added. 'Ukraine not grateful' All these developments came after Donald Trump criticised Ukraine's leadership on social media, saying he had shown "ZERO GRATITUDE" for US efforts, something we first heard back in February when he publicly berated Zelensky. Ukrainian officials responded by stressing their gratitude to the US president for his support. The Cartel de los Soles, or Cartel of the Suns, is an alleged Venezuelan criminal organization that the US government claims is led by President Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking officials of his regime. The term originated in the 1990s, referring to military officers who amassed wealth through drug trafficking. Over time, it has come to encompass police and government officials involved in activities such as illegal mining and fuel smuggling. According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the group is responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere and for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe. The Department of State announced that the designation of the cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) will take effect on Monday (November 24) marking a significant escalation in the Trump administrations campaign against narcotics and illegal immigration from Latin America. Rubio said in a statement: Cartel de los Soles is headed by Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking individuals of the illegitimate Maduro regime who have corrupted Venezuelas military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary. Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuelas legitimate government. The US Treasury Department had previously designated the cartel as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in July, freezing its US assets and barring Americans from engaging with it. The Justice Department has also indicted Maduro and his inner circle for narcoterrorism and drug trafficking, with a current reward of $50 million for information leading to his arrest. Venezuela rejects US designation The Venezuelan government immediately rejected the US move, calling it ridiculous and a fabrication intended to justify intervention. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said on his Telegram account: Venezuela categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous fabrication by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of State, Marco Rubio, which designates the non-existent Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organization. This new maneuver will meet the same fate as previous and recurring aggressions against our country: failure. Maduro and his officials have consistently denied involvement in drug trafficking, accusing the US of seeking regime change to control Venezuelas oil reserves. Trump has stated that Maduros days are numbered and has authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela, though the FTO designation itself does not legally authorize military action. Background on the charges The US Justice Department alleges that Maduro, along with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, conspired with Colombian rebels and Venezuelan military officials to flood the United States with cocaine as a weapon against America. Colombia remains the worlds largest producer of cocaine, and its porous border with Venezuela has historically facilitated trafficking operations. The Venezuelan government cites a UN report stating that only about 5% of Colombian cocaine is moved through Venezuela, which Maduro argues is being misrepresented by US authorities to push him from power. Also Read | US Joint Chiefs Chair to Visit Base Amid Venezuela Tensions As Namibia heads to the polls on 26 November, one name continues to draw global attention: Adolf Hitler Uunona, the African politician whose unusual name has sparked headlines worldwide. The 59-year-old Swapo party councillor is widely expected to retain his seat, with early projections from the countrys electoral commission suggesting another clear win. Uunona gained international prominence in 2020, when he won the Ompundja constituency with 85% of the vote, securing 1,196 votes to his rivals 213. The constituency then counted only 2,520 registered voters, making his victory a commanding one. Despite his steady political career, Uunonas rise to global attention was largely due to his name, which is identical to that of the German dictator responsible for one of historys darkest chapters. Speaking to Bild, the Namibian politician firmly distanced himself from any association with Nazi ideology, saying he had nothing to do with it. In earlier comments to BBC News, he explained how he was named: My father gave me this name Hitler, he didn't understand what the name Adolf Hitler stood for. When I was young, it was just a normal name. He added that he only realised its historical weight later in life. What is his political background? Adolf Hitler Uunona is a long-time member of the Swapo party, which has governed Namibia since independence in 1990. He is known locally as a fierce anti-apartheid campaigner and is respected in his constituency. Swapo, originally born from Namibias independence movement, has dominated national politics for decades. However, recent years have seen a drop in its support, partly due to bribery allegations involving the fishing industry. In the last national elections, the party lost control of 30 major towns and cities, although it still maintains a strong influence in many rural areas, including Ompundja. Why do German links still appear in Namibia? Namibias connection to Germany stems from its colonial past. Between 1884 and 1915, the country formed part of German South West Africa. During this period, the German Empire killed thousands of Nama, Herero and San people in what some historians call the forgotten genocide. This legacy can still be seen today in German-named towns and small German-speaking communities across the country, as reported by the BBC News. Also Read | Zambia starts pre-export checks of Indian medicines to curb entry of fake drugs Earlier this year, Namibia rejected a 10m reparations offer from Germany, calling for a revised offer to address the colonial atrocities of the early 20th century. Talking about 26/11, he said his senior asked him to switch on the TV saying he thinks its a gang war. Sen did, and saw AK-47 shells on the screen. He realised it wasnt a gang war but a terror attack. At that time two top NSG officers were out of station. Others knew they would be pressed into service sooner than later. They began preparing immediately. These soldiers got the go ahead only late in the night. They left immediately and boarded the plane to Mumbai. When merged with lived experience, AI creates augmented agriculture, where every decision is backed by data and tailored to the specific plot. Voice- and chat-based advisory tools in regional languages are closing last-mile knowledge gaps. Farmers can ask in their mother tongue: When should I irrigate? Which fertilizer suits my soil? Where should I sell? And receive hyper-local answers. This multilingual intelligence is a revolution now underway in Indias villages. Karnatakas simmering leadership tussle has resurfaced, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pressing for a Cabinet reshuffle even as his deputy, D K Shivakumar, insists the Congress high command must first settle the question of who will lead the government. According to several party insiders, if the Congress high command approves the Cabinet reshuffle, it would signal that Siddaramaiah will complete the full five-year term, which will scuttle the chances of Shivakumar from occupying the top post. Also Read | Shivakumar to become next Karnataka Chief Minister? State DyCM breaks silence With six MLAs from the Shivakumar camp landing in Delhi and more likely to join them, besides those who had already visited the national capital, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the high command takes the ultimate call on the leadership change, and that it should be accepted by him as well as his deputy. We will abide by the high command decision. If they decide I should continue (as CM), I will continue. Ultimately, whatever the high command decides, I should accept it. Shivakumar should also accept it, Siddaramaiah told reporters. Asked if Shivakumar would become the CM, he said, When I have said the high command will decide, you are asking me the same thing again. At least six legislators backing deputy CM Sivakumar landed in the national capital on Sunday night to meet Congress leaders, even as a rumoured power-sharing agreement between the top two leaders in 2023 has only fuelled the speculations. As the Congress government completed its 2.5-year term on 20 November, there have been speculations that a CM change may be imminent, which is being referred to by some as the November revolution in light of the power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar when the party won the 2023 Assembly polls. Incidentally, former KPCC chief and Home Minister G Parameshwara has also thrown his hat in the ring, amid calls for a Dalit CM to take over the reins. Besides the six pro-Shivakumar MLAs who are in Delhi now, a few more legislators are likely to travel soon to pitch for the KPCC chief as CM, party sources told PTI. The MLAs who are in Delhi include H C Balakrishna, K M Uday, Iqbal Hussain, Nayana Motamma, Sharath Bachegowd and Shivaganga Basavraj, PTI reported, citing sources. Siddaramaiah had previously met with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, who is currently in Bengaluru. Kharge is expected to leave for Delhi, and Rahul Gandhi is likely to return from abroad, according to sources, suggesting that the issue may be discussed between them. Kharge has also reiterated that the Congress high command will ultimately make the decision. Last week, around 10 MLAs supporting Shivakumar travelled to New Delhi to meet with Kharge, coinciding with the Congress government's completion of 2.5 years in office on 20 November. New Delhi: The government has tightened regulations for blood centres nationwide, making it mandatory for them to use the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method for checking donated blood for infectious diseases to ensure its safe for transfusion, according to two government officials and a document reviewed by Mint . Currently, many of these blood centres rely on rapid card tests, which are quick, disposable tests that check for infections using a small blood sample but with lower sensitivity than lab-based methods like ELISA, which uses enzymes and antibodies to precisely detect viruses and other disease-markers in blood. The Centres move aims to standardize safety protocols and curb regulatory noncompliance in the backdrop of six children in Jharkhand contracting HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infections from contaminated blood transfusions at government hospitals last month. The new protocol requires all blood centres to adopt ELISA, the most effective standard for detecting transfusion-transmissible infections such as HIV, and Hepatitis B and C. Also Read | Govt moves to rein in online advertisements of high-risk medicines The document reviewed by Mint outlines a comprehensive proposal for ensuring timely renewal of blood centre licences and mandatory transfusion-transmissible infections testing via ELISA. This matter was discussed in a meeting last week of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), which is headed by the Drugs Controller General of India. The development assumes significance for Indias network of 4,153 licensed blood centres, which cater to an annual requirement of 14.6 million units. Besides testing upgrades, the CDSCO will enforce mandatory, regular inspections for all facilities, including government hospital-based centres. Additionally, the government has directed that licensing recommendations for charitable and voluntary organizations must strictly adhere to National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) norms. The first of the two officials cited earlier said that these measures are intended to ensure facilities remain compliant with blood safety protocols. Regarding the granting of licences to charitable and voluntary organizations, the official said the guidelines laid down by the NBTC must now be strictly followed. These steps are expected to create a more robust and safe blood transfusion system," the official added. Queries sent to the health ministry remained unanswered till press time. Also Read | India to standardize regional nutrition baskets for TB patients and families Highlighting the urgency of these reforms, the document noted serious concerns regarding noncompliance with drug rules, particularly observed in recent incidents at hospital-based blood centres. To address these gaps, all licensing authorities have been asked to ensure periodic inspections of every facility, including government centres, to verify strict compliance with the applicable rules. Special focus may be accorded to the testing of viral markers to ensure issue of safe blood," the document states. This shift is critical for Indias public health, as ELISA offers higher sensitivity, thereby significantly reducing the risk of false negatives" and preventing contaminated blood from reaching vulnerable patients, such as those with thalassemia or trauma victims. Dr R. Gangakhedkar, a former scientist at Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said the ELISA test can detect infections in a window period better compared to the rapid tests. It can detect infection even where the viral loads are lower. This reduces the risk of passing transfusion-transmitted-infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C to those who receive the blood unit. Since doing rapid tests are cheaper and can be done quickly, the blood banks may use them instead of ELISA. Ensuring its compliance is vital through inclusion in audits will add value in the overall strategies to reduce transfusion-transmitted-infections," he said. Also Read | No more free pass: Govt plans to regulate cough syrup sales in villages Dr Anu Kundra, senior vice-president, lab operations, Agilus Diagnostics, said the governments decision is a timely and critical public-health intervention." She noted that ELISA is a World Health Organization-recommended, cost-effective method for large-scale screening, making it a robust step toward ensuring safer transfusions. However, she added a caveat regarding the technologys limitations. It is important to note that ELISA cannot detect infections during the early window period. Globally, many advanced blood centres complement ELISA with nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) to improve early detectionthough NAAT is significantly more expensive. Even so, the current move strengthens baseline safety and brings greater discipline and standardization to blood screening practices across India," Dr Kundra explained. Noncompliance with blood safety protocols can have grave consequences, primarily the transmission of life-long infections like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis," warned Dr Kundra. She elaborated that even a single lapse in screening or handling can compromise blood integrity, placing recipients at irreversible risk. Beyond individual harm, such failures undermine public trust and burden the healthcare system. Rigorous, standardised screening practices like mandatory ELISA testing are absolute necessities to ensure a safe blood transfusion ecosystem." The second official also pointed to e-RaktKosh, the health ministrys digital system that links all blood banks on one platform to streamline and monitor their operations. The United States space agency NASA and aerospace manufacturer Boeing have agreed to cut down the number of space flights astronauts take via the company's Starliner capsule from six to four, according to multiple reports. Reuters reported that NASA in its statement said the original $4.5 billion contract, awarded to Boeing under the agency's Commercial Crew Program has been revised, with the last two flights of the original six, set to be optional. A Boeing representative had no immediate comment when contacted by Bloomberg on the same. Last Boeing mission left Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore stranded Eight months after the first and only Starliner crew returned to Earth after a prolonged mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), following problems with the capsule, NASA on 24 November announced that the deal has been shortened, AP reported. NASA pilots Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded on the ISS and had to return nine months later on a SpaceX flight, after the Boeing Starliner had so many issues, it was ordered to return to Earth empty. Also Read | Ethiopia volcanic ash plumes cause flights cancellations; DGCA issues advisory What's next for Boeing Starliner project? Since then, the report added that engineers have been working on resolving issues with the Starliner's thrusters, propulsion system, and other technical faults that caused trouble during the last mission. NASA and Boeing are continuing to rigorously test the Starliner propulsion system in preparation for two potential flights next year, NASAs commercial crew program manager Steve Stich said in a statement. The next planned mission, Starliner-1 is schedule no earlier than April 2026 and will be a cargo test run to the ISS. This is still pending additional tests and certification before it is confirmed, the AP report added. If the cargo mission is successful, then NASA will plan crew flight missions with the Starliner before the ISS is decommissioned in 2030. The Reuters report added that the uncrewed test is the third such for Boeing and has cost the company over $2 billion since 2016. NASA signed contracts with both Boeing and Elon Musk's SpaceX in 2014. The SpaceX contract was worth $2.6 billion and completed its first astronaut mission for NASA in 2020 till summer 2025 it has completed 12 missions for NASA, the AP report added. (With inputs from Agencies) Googles latest large language model, Gemini 3, has drawn striking praise from industry leaders after a high-profile early demo. Salesforce chief executive Marc Benioff said the model represented an extraordinary step forward in his post on Monday, adding that after only two hours with Gemini 3, he did not expect to return to ChatGPT. He highlighted faster performance, sharper reasoning and improvements across images and video. Benioff also shared a Wall Street Journal report outlining how Google had finally surpassed its competitors with the new release. Internal confidence backed by benchmarks According to the report, the third version of Gemini has outperformed OpenAIs ChatGPT and other leading models across standard industry benchmarks, giving Google a clear public win. Employees at the company had been testing the model privately for months and had already sensed a major breakthrough. Tulsee Doshi, senior director of product management for Gemini, said one of her informal tests involved asking the system to write in Gujarati, a language widely used in India but less prominent online. The results, she said, showed a noticeable improvement compared with previous models. Early access users report striking gains Aaron Levie, chief executive of Box, said his companys early evaluation of Gemini 3 delivered surprisingly strong results. After running tests on large and complex document sets, the cloud content management company found the model scoring significantly higher than expected. Levie said the performance jump was large enough that his team initially questioned whether they had run their assessments correctly. Also Read | Sundar Pichai says Gemini 3 reads, watches and listens to help learners Google claims long-sought advantage The successful rollout marks a rare moment for Google, which has spent years trying to catch up in the AI race following ChatGPTs explosive debut three years ago. Early reactions to Gemini 3 have highlighted its intelligence, accuracy and creative range. The company has also said the model will power a new version of Nano Banana, an image-generation tool that has already helped drive a rise in Gemini use this year. Also Read | Google explains how its browser AI Mode and Gemini make holiday shopping easier Michael Nathanson, an analyst at MoffettNathanson, said Google now appears to be firmly in the lead, calling the company clear winners in the latest round of AI development. ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini OpenAI retains the largest user base, with ChatGPT attracting around 800 million weekly users. Google, by contrast, reports 650 million monthly users for Gemini. Anthropics Claude also remains one of the preferred choices for coding-specific tasks. Even so, analysts say Gemini 3s breadth of capability strengthens Googles position across a wide range of use cases. View full Image OpenAI retains the largest user base, with ChatGPT attracting around 800 million weekly users. ( AI-generated graphic ) Inside Googles new AI strategy The company has spent the past year restructuring its AI operations following concerns that it was losing ground. Chief executive Sundar Pichai and senior leaders have pushed for greater coordination across teams and consolidated model development. Co-founder Sergey Brin has also returned to a more active role, helping to guide research and product direction. Alabama board votes to remove books about being transgender from public library youth sections The board overseeing Alabama public libraries on Thursday voted to remove books that discuss being transgender from the teen and childrens sections of public libraries Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. A martyr poster for Haytham Ali Tabatabai. (Hezbollah Central Media on Telegram) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) killed Hezbollah Chief of Staff Haytham Ali Tabatabai and four additional operatives in a strike on an apartment in Beiruts Dahieh suburb on November 23. Tabatabai was among the last legacy senior Hezbollah commanders to survive the recent war with Israel, a conflict that decimated much of the groups upper echelon. Hours after the strike, Hezbollah acknowledged the killing of Tabatabai. It also identified Qasem Barjawi, Mustafa Barou, Rifaat Hussein, and Ibrahim Hussein as the four other members of the group who were killed in the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded the IDFs successful strike and declared that Tabatabai was a mass murderer whose hands are soaked in the blood of many Israelis and Americans. Netanyahu vowed that Israel would not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its power and pose a threat to the State of Israel. Tabatabai was previously rumored to have been killed in an IDF airstrike in southern Lebanon in September 2025. However, the report was never confirmed. Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other Hezbollah allies published statements of support for Tabatabai and Hezbollah following Tabatabais killing. The Al Qassam Brigades [Hamas] commend the role of the martyred commander Sayyid Abu Ali in supporting the Palestinian people and their resistance during the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood, Hamas said. Our pledge in Saraya al-Quds [Palestinian Islamic Jihad] and the Palestinian resistance is to continue the path [] and to persist in our jihad and defense of Palestine and its holy sites until the entire land is liberated from the filth of the usurping Zionists, Palestinian Islamic Jihad stated. Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Larijani offered his deepest condolences and accused Netanyahu of carrying out a reckless adventure, framing the killing of Tabatabai and his comrades as a dangerous escalation. Hezbollah held funerals in Beirut for Tabatabai and other Hezbollah members killed in the strike on Monday. The US State Departments Rewards for Justice poster for Haytham Ali Tabatabai. A senior Hezbollah special forces commander Tabatabai has an extensive history serving in Unit 3800, Hezbollahs special operations branch that supports Irans goal of establishing and building up Shiite militias in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. Unit 3800 is somewhat analogous to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), which serves as Irans external special operations branch and provides support for Shiite militias throughout the Middle East. Iran supported and assisted Hezbollah in establishing Unit 3800. The US State Department listed Tabatabai as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in October 2016, and its Rewards for Justice program issued a $5 million bounty for information that would lead to his arrest and prosecution. In its designation, State noted that Tabatabai has commanded Hezbollahs special forces, has operated in Syria, and has been reported to be in Yemen. Tabatabais actions in Syria and Yemen are part of a larger Hizballah effort to provide training, materiel, and personnel in support of its destabilizing regional activities, States designation of Tabatabai continued. Tabatabai is also reported to have served as the commander of Hezbollahs Radwan Force, another special operations unit that is tasked with infiltrating northern Israel to conduct attacks. The Radwan Force, which is named after slain Lebanese Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyeh (aka Hajj Radwan), also fought against Al Qaeda and other jihadist groups during the Syrian Civil War. Bobby Britt, Phil Barker, Zach Smith, Robert Greer and Jesse Langlais of the band Town Mountain performs at Old Forester's Paristown Hall on Jan. 16, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images) Country band Town Mountain have officially played their final show after 20 years. In August, the band announced they would retire from touring at the end of their fall slate of concerts. The tour has came to an end with their performance at Ardmore Music Hall in Pennsylvania on Oct. 26. Thank you to everyone who traveled far and wide to catch the last show, thank you everyone who streamed it on @nugsnet, thank you for your years and years of support, thank you for all the kind messages and notes and stories about how TM has impacted your life in one way or another it is all so powerful and all we can say is Thank you," the band wrote on Instagram. Fans who were unable to attend the concert in person were able to watch the final performance streamed live on Nugs.net. The bands Instagram was flooded with comments from fans celebrating the legacy of the band. Thank Yall for the inspiration, memories, and friends made along the way. Long live the music of TM! one user commented. Thank you for the music and memories! Going to enjoy it for the rest of my life, another user wrote. Though the band has retired from touring, they have not retired from releasing music. On Nov. 14, the band released the extended play Live From Drop Of Sun. Their most recent full length album was Lines in the Levee, released in October 2022. Town Mountain are most well known for their songs Down Low, Im On Fire and Comeback Kid. EASTHAMPTON - Thanksgiving weekend has long served as a time for old friends especially those who have moved away to get together and renew connections. But for Chicopee native Ryan Jalbert, the holiday get-together has morphed and grown into a show that is now celebrating its 13th anniversary. The annual Jalbatross concert will be held at the Marigold Theater in Easthampton on Nov. 28 at 8:30 p.m. Jalbert grew up in Chicopee and became interested in music due to his parents huge record collection. He noted his father was a record collector and also played a bit of harmonica. Were going to actually make him play a little harmonica with us at the show, Jalbert said. He wound up taking guitar lessons and fell in love with the instrument, which led him to study jazz guitar at Westfield State University. Looking for a bit of a post-college adventure, Jalbert followed a friend to Boulder, Colorado. I just kind of tagged along, he said. I thought it was going to be about six months or a year or something, but 20-something years later, here we are. As fortune would have it, Jalbert almost immediately joined the band he is still in, The Motet. But hed return for the holidays to see friends, and in 2012, he started the Jalbatross shows to play with his brother, Colin, who is a drummer. I would fly back, and it was just a way for me and my brother to have a lot of friends out and play some music. We did a lot of cover songs, he said. Jalbatross was just sort of an umbrella term I used for different projects. But it was really meant for me and my brother Colin. I was always writing original music. I just never got around to recording it. COVID changed all that. When the pandemic hit, Jalbert was approaching his 40th birthday and hadnt achieved his goal of recording original music. I hadnt checked that box, he said with a laugh. So, my brother came out to Colorado, and we recorded the record. While the record is all instrumental, Jalbert said the show will mostly feature songs with vocals. Theres all this vocal music I wanted to do, and because now its a bigger event, it allows me to augment the lineup and bring in our friend Erica Tracy whos in a band called West End Blend and shes amazing and Ive always wanted to work with her, Jalbert said. She just brings the house down. The show will also have another local angle: The bass player at the show will be the one he used on the record, who just happens to be Jalberts old friend Tim Philpott, originally from Holyoke, who now lives in Denver, Colorado. The band is rounded out by Brattleboro-based keyboardist Kris Yunker. When we started it, our friends were young, and they didnt have kids so theyre always looking for a reason to come out to the bars around Thanksgiving or whatever. So, it was kind of just a fun thing, Jalbert said. We never thought it would sustain for this long, but its turned into this sort of a reunion, and the amazing thing is that it kept growing. Even our friends who had families were still coming out. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, go online to marigold.org/jalbatross/. A fight at a rooming house led to a mans death Saturday night in New Bedford, officials said. Arirto Santiago, 38, was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the incident, according to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office. Police were called to the rooming house at about 11:32 p.m. on Saturday at 162 Sawyer Street for a reported altercation between neighbors. Curtis Pina, 56, was found on the third-floor landing with heavy bleeding from a forehead injury, officials said. He was brought to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead a few hours later, officials said. An investigation into the incident led to Santiagos arrest. New Bedford District Court records show that Santiago faces a second charge of assault with a dangerous weapon. A plea of not guilty was entered on Santiagos behalf and a judge ordered him held pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Dec. 19. Heres your reminder that liquor sales are banned in Massachusetts on Thanksgiving due to a law tracing back to the states Puritan times. Known as a blue law, the centuries-old rule prohibits liquor sales on Thanksgiving and Christmas a rule that at least one lawmaker wants to change. Rep. David Linsky, D-5th-Middlesex, has introduced a bill every year since 2019 to remove the phrase Thanksgiving Day from the law to allow for liquor sales. This is a common-sense bill that is intended to be a convenience to the public, Linsky told the Somerville/Medford News Weekly this summer. How many of us have needed to pick up a bottle of wine on Thanksgiving, only to find out that liquor stores were closed? Stores wouldnt have to be open it would be their option. The current law is a vestige of the blue laws and needs to be repealed. Last week, however, lawmakers sent the bill to study, a move that is used to quietly kill a bill. What are Massachusetts Blue Laws? The states blue laws control which businesses may legally operate on Sundays and some legal holidays. Special rules apply to factories and mills and to the sale of alcoholic beverages, according to the states website. The laws mean that stores cannot sell alcoholic beverages on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. It also means stores may not sell alcohol before noon on Memorial Day. For out-of-towners: Where to buy liquor? For people traveling from outside Massachusetts for the holiday, you can buy wine, beer and liquor at some grocery stores and liquor stores (often referred to as package stores, or simply packies). Massachusetts is one of two states in New England that allow grocery stores to sell alcohol. Massachusetts and Maine are the only two states in New England that allow grocery stores to sell all types of alcohol (beer, wine and liquor). Vermont and New Hampshire allow beer and wine sales in grocery stores. Connecticut allows only beer sales in grocery stores, while Rhode Island bans alcohol from grocery stores entirely. Some towns have laws that ban the sale of alcohol entirely they are known as dry towns. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro addresses civilians taking an oath to join a state-organized defense network in the Petare neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) AP The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning to airlines on Friday, citing a potentially hazardous situation when flying over Venezuela due to a worsening security situation and heightened military activity. The alert, known as a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), advises caution for flights in the countrys airspace. The warning states: Threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes including during overflight, the arrival and departure phases of flight, and/or airports and aircraft on the ground. The security concerns come as President Donald Trump deploys warships to the countrys coast along the Caribbean Sea to pressure President Nicolas Maduro over drug cartels, Newsweek reports. Venezuela has responded by conducting military exercises and mobilizing military assets, according to CBS News. In line with the FAAs concerns, other nations have updated their travel advisories for Venezuela, including the German government, who called the security situation tense and could rapidly deteriorate if warships are deployed, Newsweek wrote. The situation in Venezuela is currently tense, the foreign office in Berlin said in the advisory. Further deterioration of the security situation is possible at any time, even at short notice. This could lead to nationwide roadblocks, increased police checks, and disruptions to travel, as well as additional restrictions on mobile networks and internet access. The United Kingdom also issued a travel warning stating that flights were being canceled at short notice by airlines amid the situation in the Caribbean. The Department of States travel advisory for Venezuela has not been updated since May 12, but states that citizens should not travel to the country, citing extreme danger to U.S. citizens living in or traveling to Venezuela. Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC), a special needs day and residential facility in Canton, has become known across the country for using electric shock devices. Google maps Electric shocks were only the beginning. On Tuesday, a former student told lawmakers the abuse at a Canton facility runs far deeper with an advocate sharing similar accounts from others, including claims of sexual abuse. The Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC), a special needs day and residential facility in Canton, is known across the country for using electric shock devices, which are attached to the residents at all times, on people demonstrating self-injurious or aggressive behavior. It is the only facility in the country to use them and has been the center of many advocates concerns for decades. The JRC has said the device is lifesaving and that it is important it remains available to those for whom all other treatment options have been tried and failed, the JRC and the JRC Parents Association wrote in a statement after a 2023 court ruling that allowed the devices to continue to be used. The facility has said that its clients have had behaviors that result in profound physical injuries including blindness and mutilation prior to using the devices. They have also injured family members and loved ones. One parent told The New York Times the device gave her back her beautiful son, Anthony Green, who is 24. Under the care of JRCs highly specialized medical team, individuals whose lives have been marked by over-medication, physical and mechanical restraint, and social isolation can learn to live with others in homes, be gainfully employed, and safely live in the community, a statement read. There are more than 300 people who attend or live at JRC, and 54 people are approved for the devices. Tuesdays Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities hearing had many people speaking out against bill H.240 and in support of bill H.245. The first bill would require rules and regulations for the training, certification and licensing of individuals to administer or cause to be administered a procedure using the shock devices, also known as a graduated electronic decelerator (GED). But the second bill would ban the use of aversive therapy, including hitting, pinching and electric shock for the purposes of changing the behavior of the person. It would also ban the ability to deny a person with a physical, intellectual or developmental disability reasonable sleep, food, shelter, bedding, bathroom facilities, and any other aspect expected of a humane existence. However, advocates fear the first bill will not stop or improve the situation at JRC, as these devices are already required to be approved through the court system. Despite years of trying, multiple bills have not been passed before. In 2023, Jennifer Msumba told the same committee how she regularly wakes up screaming no, stop! after living at JRC from 2002 until 2009 and was on the shock devices for all seven years. Msumba, who is on the autism spectrum, said she came to JRC with these very strong self harm behaviors, including putting her head through windows, she told the committee. While her behaviors stopped while she was on the device, her behaviors werent fixed. They were just manifested differently, into explosions. I would hold it in and then all of a sudden explode, she said. She now lives at a difference placement, which she said has helped her. But when she arrived, she went back to her old self-harming behaviors. Instead of hurting me, they helped figure out why these things were happening and took the time to do so. They helped me learn to cope and self regulate, also allowed access to medication that I really needed, she said. In 2021, Msumba released a book, Shouting At Leaves regarding her time at the center. She also shares some of her story on TikTok, has performed at Fenway Park, is a filmmaker and is part of American Mensa, which requires scoring in the top 2% of the general population on an accepted standardized intelligence test. They didnt even think I could read, Msumba said on Tuesday, recalling her time at JRC. The Judge Rotenberg Center Heather Morrison But her three minutes of testimony on Tuesday didnt focus on just her experience with the GED device, instead she told lawmakers that there is hidden abuse. You have no idea what goes on inside there, she told the lawmakers. Today, were talking about what you know, but you dont know whats really going on inside of there. How much abuse happens, how much misuse of the device [happens]. JRC denied all claims of abuse to MassLive on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Msumba said the device is used against non-verbal students and used in threatening ways. Youre not allowed to say the word no or not follow a direction, Msumba said. You will get shocked. In 2016, Terri Du Bois told MassLive that when she was living at JRC in 2005, she was sitting in class and needed to re-situate her pants. Her natural reaction was to stand up and fix them. All I remember is my face hitting the floor, Du Bois said. She got up out of her seat without permission. Staff responded by immediately restraining her, she said. She was later approved and fitted with a GED. She said she was shocked for yelling, swearing, getting out her seat without permission and grabbing others. The devices have also been reported to malfunction. She recalls one day after she got out of the shower when, she said, the device shocked her 10 times. I just kept screaming, Get it off of me, get it off of me, she said. Nancy Weiss, a retired University of Delaware professor and past director of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, has interviewed dozens of former JRC residents. Weiss said she, too, interviewed people who reported the devices would malfunction and shock people. She testified Tuesday, reading some of the quotes from her interviews, but did not name any of the individuals. Here are the things I got shocks for: rolling my eyes, saying no, cursing, clicking my teeth, looking too long at staff, not following directions immediately, screaming while being shocked. Then theyd give me another shock for screaming and Id scream during that one. You couldnt help yourself. Then theyd shock me again. Once I was sitting at my desk, they shocked me on my leg. I didnt even know for what. I was caught off guard. I hadnt done anything. The leg they shocked flew up and hit the leg of the desk. Then they shocked me for banging the desk, Weiss read. Another quote stated they got shocked for asking for something, saying good morning or talking in their first language, Spanish. Theyd say, no talking out. You cant talk in any environment. Only staff are allowed to talk. If you say anything youre shocked, she read. Multiple people told Weiss they often didnt know why they were being shocked. I remember waking up at 4 in the morning to a staff person pulling my covers off me and telling me to get up. I didnt understand. She said, Oh, youre refusing to get up? She gave me at least ten shocks. I never even understood why. The other staff person said, I cant tell you why, I dont know ... Most of the time I didnt know what I was getting shocked for, the quote read. The shock devices have also left bruises, scars or lasting pain, people told Weiss. JRC describes the shocks as a harmless and life-saving two-second application that are done less than once per month. The people on the devices have also failed all other possible treatments at numerous facilities across the country, including treatment with harmful psychotropic drugs which served only to chemically incapacitate them. JRC did not respond to MassLives question asking how they monitor the use of shocks appropriately. But the New York Times showed an observation room at the facility where residents are monitored on multiple screens. In March 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned electrical stimulation devices (ESDs) used for self-injurious or aggressive behavior. But that decision was overturned. The FDA warned in its petition that the FDA determined that those devices present unreasonable and substantial risks of both physical and psychological injury. The shocks cause pain that has been described as extremely painful, excruciatingly painful, like a dentist drilling on an un-anesthetized tooth, like a bulging and a ruptured disc, like a thousand bees stinging you in the same place for a few seconds, and as the most painful thing Ive ever experienced, the petition states. The strongest jolts that can be given by an employee through a remote control is 41 milliamperes, which is extremely painful and causes a brief loss of muscle control, The Times reported. An electric current of 50 milliamperes is potentially fatal. One person told Weiss, It was like two nails being pounded into your skin. The Judge Rotenberg Educational Center in Canton, Massachusetts is the last facility in the United States to use electric shock devices on students. But advocates have also told MassLive that ending the use of the GED devices wont solve all the issues. Msumba said she was forced to count popsicle sticks for seven years for a national food company and never paid. Another student told Weiss that staff kneed me in the eye and then kept them on house arrest for 3 weeks so no one could see I had a black eye. Students said staff members kicked them, pinched them, bit them, dug nails into their skin, withheld food and were forced into house arrest for six months that was like solitary confinement. And a fourth former student told Weiss, a staff member blocked a camera as they were sexually assaulted and then later shocked for lying about it. I thought I was going to die. I was a kid well, I was a teenager, but still, just a kid I didnt know people like that existed. I didnt know places like that existed," one person told Weiss. Msumba said things like this are often hidden from the outside world. There are so many violations happening inside of that place that you dont even, will never know because they hide it, Msumba said during the hearing. When people go to visit, they will hide certain students. They will. They will hide certain devices that theyve developed. The facility did not allow The Times to interview anyone wearing the shock devices in 2024. And many of the people connected to the devices do not speak or have limited communication. In 2022, three people told investigators from the Association for Behavior Analysis International that they didnt want the devices, including one person who begged to be taken away, The Times reported. Msumba is urging lawmakers to hear voices that can speak. ... you have to stop this because its torturous to your mind and body. Everyone in there is suffering, Msumba pleaded on Tuesday. Udo Kier arrives at the 35th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, in Palm Springs, Calif. Kier has died at the age of 81. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Veteran German actor Udo Kier, best known for his performances in Breaking the Waves and My Own Private Idaho by Gus Van Sant, has died. He was 81. The announcement was made by his partner, the artist Delbert McBride, who said that Kier died in a hospital in Palm Springs, California, on Sunday morning, Deadline reported. No cause of death was given. Kier was born in 1944 in Cologne, Germany, and was discovered when he was a teenager by veteran British producer-director Michael Sarne in London, England. The actor had his big-screen breakout after starring in Michael Armstrongs Mark Of The Devil, Deadline wrote. He then landed roles in Paul Morrissey and Andy Warhols Frankenstein and Dracula adaptations, Dario Argentos Suspiria and several titles by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, including the 1981 Nazi drama Lili Marleen. In the 1990s, Kier had several supporting roles in major Hollywood productions like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Armageddon and Blade, according to Variety. He also appeared in Madonnas book Sex in 1992 and made appearances in her music videos Erotica and Deeper and Deeper. Over his decades-long career, Kier was credited in over 200 movies, with his final credit being in Kleber Mendonca Filhos awards season favorite The Secret Agent, Deadline said. There will never, ever be another person and artist like Udo Kier, Filho said on Instagram on Monday. What a sense of humor, what good taste, what a joy to live. How lucky are we. A big hug to you mate. A Massachusetts man who raped his 11-year-old daughter in 2010 and has since been serving a life sentence in prison was denied parole. Davidson Bourdeau was convicted on Dec. 7, 2011 of two counts of aggravated rape of a child and rape of a child with force. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with a two and a half year sentence on a charge of assault and battery to be served concurrently and two 10-year probation sentences. Bourdeau raped his daughter repeatedly over two months after shed traveled from her mothers to stay with him for the summer of 2010, according to the parole boards decision filing. The assaults began about two weeks after the 11-year-old child arrived and he threatened to kill her if she told anyone. At one point over the summer, the child told Bourdeau that shed told her mother what he was doing to her. Bourdeau put her in his car, drove her to a dark place, hit her and told her he was going to choke her to death, the filing read. The child then told Bourdeau that she had been joking and hadnt actually told her mother, or anyone else, about the rapes. It was August 2010 when the child told her mothers friend what was happening. The friend encouraged the child to call the police and use her phone to make recordings to prove the rapes. The child recorded a conversation she had with Bourdeau and sent it to her mothers friend, who then forwarded it to the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Finally, on Sept. 6, 2010, the child was removed from Bourdeaus home by DCF and underwent a sexual assault examination that revealed the presence of his DNA on her genital area. Bourdeau has continued to maintain his innocence and did so before the Parole Board on July 10. During his time in prison, he has received five disciplinary reports and board members felt he lakes insight into his behaviors, read its decision dated Nov. 20. Bourdeau was told to start engaging in rehabilitative efforts. Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney Casey Silvia testified in opposition and the Board was in unanimous decision against Bourdeaus parole at this time. A Massachusetts man tried to hire another incarcerated individual at Franklin County Jail to kill a woman scheduled to testify against him. Hector Nieves, 44, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison after pleading guilty to four charges, according to the Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivans office. Nievess efforts to kill the woman came to law enforcements attention in July 2024, triggering a joint investigation by the Hampshire/Franklin and Hampden State Police Detective Units, the Franklin County Sheriffs Office, and the Northwestern District Attorneys Office Anti-Crime Task Force. A Franklin County Grand Jury indicted Nieves in October 2024. Nieves is already serving a 7-to-9-year state prison sentence after pleading guilty to the Hampden County case in which the female victim was scheduled to testify against him. His sentence on the Franklin County case will run concurrent with the Hampden County sentence. Two hikers from Massachusetts were rescued below the summit of Mt. Monadnock on Sunday, New Hampshire officials said. Conservation officers rescued the hikers, identified as Somerset residents Devin Machado, 23, and Alexandra Castro, 21, after they got lost in Monadnock State Park, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game. At about 4:15 p.m., conservation officers were alerted that the two hikers called 911 asking for help. The call included GPS coordinates that placed the two hikers off trail, south of the Red Spot Trail, about 1,000 feet below the summit of Mt. Monadnock, officials said. A conservation officer remotely guided the hikers back toward the trail using mapping software sent to them via a link, officials said. The hikers were only using the light from their cellphones, however, and were not dressed for the snow-covered terrain or freezing temperatures, officials said. They lost the trail due to recent snowfall, and the hikers had planned to descend before sundown. As their progress slowed down and their phone batteries drained, conservation officers sent out a search response. Two officers found the hikers at 6:40 p.m. and provided them with gear, such as headlamps, hand warmers, mittens, micro-spikes, and fluids, officials said. The pair was brought back to park headquarters in Jaffrey by 7:25 p.m. Officials are reminding hikers to prepare adequately before entering wilderness areas by carrying the ten essential items: a map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain and wind jackets and pants, and a knife. New Hampshire Fish and Game is a self-funded agency that relies heavily upon volunteer rescue groups to complete the mission of search and rescue in the woodlands of the state. The public is encouraged to help support search and rescue activities in the state by purchasing a Hike Safe Card. Ana Walshe, seen here in a photo she posted on Instagram in November 2022, has not been seen since Jan. 1, 2023. Her husband, Brian, is now on trial, accused of killing her. For Ana Walshe, it was love at first sight. In 2008, the Serbian immigrant was working at the Wheatleigh Hotel in Lenox. It was there that she met Brian Walshe, the man she would eventually marry seven years later. The pair tried a long-distance relationship for a while, but the woman then known as Ana Knipp eventually moved to Boston in 2015. A year earlier, Ana Walshe told Washington, D.C. police that Brian threatened to kill her and her friend. The case was dropped when she declined to cooperate with police. Brian Walshe proposed in 2015, and the couple married the same year. She took his name. In 2016, she gave birth to their first child, a son. The couple moved around, living in Marblehead and Lynn before settling in Cohasset. In 2019, Ana gave birth to the couples second child, also a boy. Their third son was born in 2020. In the fall of 2021, Ana Walshe described her husband in glowing terms. She called him the love of her life and her best friend. When I met Brian, I witnessed his kindness and generosity on many occasions. However, I also saw the level of suffering in his life, she wrote. He was afraid of relationships and for years did not allow anyone to get close to him, including me. He was clearly in doubt that he could be loved for who he truly was. Brian has been deeply affected by his childhood and relationship with his parents. Brian has a big heart, she added. But by December 2022, Ana Walshe was thinking of leaving her husband. At that time, she was working a full-time job in Washington, D.C., where she began dating another man, an affair that many people in her social circle in the nations capital knew about. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, Brian Walshe was on house arrest, awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to an elaborate art fraud scheme, and staring down the prospect of prison time. On Dec. 27, 2022, Brian Walshe took to Google to determine the best state to divorce for a man. When he did so, Massachusetts appeared as the third-worst state for divorce, according to court documents. By that time, Ana Walshe was the familys breadwinner, working a steady job at Tishman Speyer. When she was hired by the firm, she intended to eventually move her whole family from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C. But her husbands sentencing hearing was repeatedly delayed, leaving her shuttling back and forth between Cohasset and D.C. Eventually, Ana Walshe gave her husband an ultimatum, according to prosecutors. Her friends, who did not know her to be overly emotional, said she was angry, fed up and increasingly frustrated with the situation, according to court documents. She urged her husband to take accountability for his crime. On social media, there was little sign of the trouble from Walshes private life. Her Instagram bio read, Confident, generous, loving leader. Serving those I lead. Her last post reads, take the risk of optimism. On LinkedIn, former colleagues describe her as everything you would want in a colleague, direct supervisor, and friend and a caring and supportive mentor. She is kind, inspiring, compassionate, respectful and a fearless leader, wrote a man who worked with Walshe at the Newbury Hotel in Boston. Ana Walshe spent New Years Eve with her husband and former boss at her Cohasset home. There were no signs of trouble between her and her husband, despite the tension only days earlier over Christmas. Gem Mutlu, her former boss, was the last person to see Ana Walshe alive when he left the couples Cohasset home around 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2023. Her body has never been recovered. Brian Walshe is seen on surveillance footage at a Rockland Home Depot buying a utility knife, a hatchet, two 12-pound bags of baking soda and other items on Jan. 2, 2023. Surveillance footage screenshot By the time investigators found surveillance video showing Brian Walshe dumping large trash bags into dumpsters on the South Shore in early January 2023, it was too late. The bags, which Walshe has now admitted contained the body parts of his wife, Ana, had been picked up and transferred to the Southeastern Massachusetts Resource Recovery Facility in Rochester, where they were shredded or incinerated on Jan. 8. Still, investigators traveled to the dumpsters in the hopes of finding viable evidence. It was determined there was none, an affidavit prepared by former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor reads. Other evidence that investigators collected at a dumpster outside of Brian Walshes mothers apartment in Swampscott included clothing that belonged to Ana Walshe, her COVID-19 vaccination card, towels with red-brown stains, a hatchet and hacksaw, according to the prosecutions theory of the case. Ana Walshes remains have never been found and it appears, cannot be recovered. Still, her husband is on trial for killing her. It is normally a challenge for prosecutors to prove a murder took place without a body, experts say, but the unique circumstances of the Walshe case may work against his defense. Its not an issue because Walshe is conceding he disposed of her, said Mark Bederow, a New York City-based defense lawyer and former prosecutor. That evidence is going to be admissible as consciousness of guilt. Had Walshe not pleaded guilty to disinterring a body, his defense could have argued Ana Walshe was simply missing and not dead. But the facts of the case, particularly the Google searches prosecutors say Brian Walshe made in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 2023, made it near impossible not to admit he moved his wifes body. Those searches, for terms like 10 ways to dispose of a dead body if you really need to and Dismemberment and the best ways to dispose of a body, are a critical part of the governments case against Brian Walshe. The other problem theyre gonna have is if you didnt murder your wife and had nothing to do with it, why would you start Googling these things? Bederow said. Jack Lu, a retired Superior Court judge, suggested the electronic evidence left Walshe in a scenario where it makes no sense to deny that Ana Walshe is dead. The scenario might have been very different thirty years ago, he said. So-called no body murder cases are rare. But just last year, New England was home to a high-profile murder trial featuring a criminal defendant who admitted to moving a persons body that was never recovered. The case of Adam Montgomery, who was eventually convicted of killing his daughter, Harmony, in the back of a car the family was living out of, shares some similarities with that of Walshe, explained Carol Erskine, a retired judge who wrote a book about the case. Harmony Montgomerys body, much like Ana Walshes, has never been found. I certainly believe they both had a belief if there was no body they wouldnt be charged or convicted, Erskine said in a telephone interview. But Walshes case is likely to be more challenging for prosecutors for a key reason, Erskine explained. In the Montgomery case, his then-wife, Kayla, was in the car when the killing happened. There are no eyewitnesses to Ana Walshes killing, however. Erskine suggested that fact makes it more likely Walshe will testify in his own defense. From my perspective, what makes it different is that Brian Walshe is going to have to testify in order to say that she died, but he didnt kill her, Erskine said. Walshes lawyers have thus far not suggested they will be pursuing a third-party culprit defense in the case, casting blame at someone else for causing his wifes death. If he doesnt testify, it will be difficult to suggest he knew she was dead and moved her body but didnt kill her, Erskine said. On the other hand, the defense could lean into the uncertainty. Without a body, prosecutors dont have a forensic expert who can testify as to the cause and manner of death, or even when Ana Walshe died. Its a challenge for the government, which wont be able to lay out a specific narrative of how exactly they believe Brian Walshe killed his wife. Its entirely circumstantial, but the circumstantial evidence is strong, Bederow said. It is harder, it helps to have a body, but it can be done. Republican John Deaton launches his second campaign for U.S. Senate during an event in Worcester, Mass., on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. John L. Micek/MassLive If Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton has been clear about anything, its his deep ambivalence toward President Donald Trump. The cryptocurrency attorney from Bolton made that clear in his unsuccessful challenge against U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., in 2024. And he hasnt changed that position as he looks to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Ed Markey in 2026. So perhaps its no surprise that hes not seeking an endorsement from Trump, whose backing still can make or break a GOP candidacy. "Im not seeking any endorsement from anyone," Deaton, 58, told NBC-10s @Issue Sit-Down on Sunday. Im seeking the endorsement of the voters. Last week, former state Rep. Geoff Diehl, who ran for governor in 2022, said Deaton has the Republican White Houses backing and that GOP loyalists should back him. Those comments came as the state Republican Party endorsed Deatons candidacy during a meeting in Dedham. Deaton told NBC-10 on Sunday that he didnt know if Trump had decided to back his bid, joking that, I dont believe President Trump knows that I exist. Deaton also said hes not focused on trying to win the White Houses support. I dont know if it would be helpful or not. I really havent spent time thinking about it, he told NBC-10 political reporter Matt Prichard. And I know we live in an era now where, if the president says something, people will rush [and ask] What do you think? Do you reject this? Deaton, a Marine veteran, said he responded the same way when he received a Meritorious Service medal from then-President Bill Clinton, who was then embroiled in his impeachment saga. We didnt rush to Are you going to reject that award, John, because of the behavior of the president? he said. But we live in an era now where, you know, people want to ask those questions. I just dont worry about those things and I dont even consider them. Workmen prepare to replace older water pipes with a new copper one in Newark, New Jersey, Oct. 21, 2021. Seth Wenig | AP Photo Massachusetts lawmakers have called on the Trump administration to release billions of dollars in federal funding that cities and towns use to replace lead pipes that pose a threat to public health. The Bay State pols, led by U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., told U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin in a letter set to be made public Monday that the agency needs to get the lead out on the money originally authorized under the Biden-era infrastructure law. Markey was joined on the letter, shared exclusively with MassLive, by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and all nine members of the states all-Democrat U.S. House delegation. These funds are critical to efforts in Massachusetts and around the country to protect public health, advance our shared goal of removing all lead service lines for drinking water, and provide certainty for communities worried about their water infrastructure investments, Markey and his colleagues wrote. The EPA needs to release this funding now. The Capitol lawmakers arent the only ones raising concerns. Last month, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said her office had pressed pause on the grant program that channels that money to the states 351 cities and towns, pointing specifically to the delay in funding from Washington. The Trump administration fails to understand the importance of supporting local projects to get lead out of our drinking water, Healey said at the time. State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, who also chairs the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, said the delay put families and children at risk. These resources are essential to addressing a serious public health crisis, she said. In a statement to MassLive last month, the EPA said it was actively working on the allotments from the fund going towards lead pipe replacement projects for the 2025 fiscal year, and it anticipates announcing them in the next few weeks. The background The former Biden administration finalized a rule in the closing months of its tenure in October 2024 requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The Democratic White House and Congress authorized a total of $15 billion in funding, doled out at a rate of $3 billion a year between the federal governments 2022 and 2026 budget years, according to Markeys office. Right now, the EPA is months behind in doling out the latest round of funding for states. And thats hamstrung local efforts to move ahead with replacement projects, the lawmakers said. "Cities and towns have prepared bids, identified contractors, and engaged residents, yet cannot move forward until the EPA finalizes state allotments," Markey and his colleagues wrote to Zeldin. Timely release of these funds will allow states to maintain construction momentum, protect public health, and adhere to the statutory mandate in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, they wrote. They gave Zeldin until Dec. 5 to come up with a timeline identifying when these allotments will be distributed. Massachusetts already has distributed $102 million across the state to update water systems through its Lead Service Line Identification and Replacement Planning Grant Program. The program was to help water systems and municipalities across the state comply with federal rules surrounding lead lines. In March, state officials decried the EPAs decision to delay $50 million set to go to the state to address lead pipes. The funds were held back, so the awards could be reviewed by the Trump administration, MassLive previously reported. Every week of delay has real consequences, particularly in states such as Massachusetts that have some of the oldest water infrastructure in the nation, Markey and his colleagues told Zeldin. The top leaders in Massachusetts state government on Monday mourned a Stoneham teen who was killed when his electric dirt bike collided with a car over the weekend and said they wanted to prevent future tragedies. "I cant imagine what its like as a parent to get that news," Gov. Maura Healey told reporters after a meeting with top legislative leaders on Monday afternoon. Its devastating, the worst, worst thing that could ever happen. So my heart goes out to that family, she continued. I think, of course, we all should be open to looking at whatever needs to be done to make sure things like this dont ever happen again. Read More: 13-year-old boy killed after electric dirt bike collides with car in Stoneham Police said the teen was riding his e-bike on Royal Street in Stoneham on Friday when he collided with a car that was making a turn, MassLive and other outlets reported. Witnesses told WCVB-TV in Boston that the boy was traveling fast and tried to beat the car turning left onto Royal Street. The driver has been identified as 73-year-old Boris Smatkov. The crash prompted Stoneham Police Chief James OConnor to warn parents about proper e-bike safety. The department increased its patrols to monitor e-bike riders, Boston-25 News reported. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the boy involved in this terrible tragedy, OConnor said, according to Boston-25 News. The last thing we want is for anyone else to get hurt. Speaking to reporters Monday, both state House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka stressed the need for proper safety and training for e-bike riders. First of all, its a horrible tragedy for a kid that got killed in an accident, Mariano, D-3rd Norfolk, said. What we have begun to look at are making sure that the rules that are in place are enforced. And if they have to be expanded, our training has to be insisted upon, that we begin to license these folks to ride these bicycles. Spilka, D-Middlesex/Norfolk, a self-professed biking enthusiast, said lawmakers will take a look at that. My heart goes out to the family of that boy, the Ashland lawmaker said. Thats a terrible tragedy and Im really sorry to hear about that." Most Americans oppose military action in Venezuela, a new poll by CBS News/YouGov found. The poll found that 70% of voters would oppose of United States military action in the South American country. The poll also found that most voters believe the Trump administration has not clearly explained the countrys official stance on military action in Venezuela, with 76% saying no clear explanation has been given. A vast majority of voters also believes that Venezuela is not a major threat to U.S. national security. Roughly 48% of voters see Venezuela as a minor threat while 39% dont believe it is a threat at all. In response to the U.S. militarys recent attacks on boats suspected of bringing drugs into the country, the poll found that voters are split. Around 53% of voters approve on the strikes while 47% disapprove, while a comfortable majority of 75% believes the U.S. needs to at least provide evidence of the attacked boats carrying drugs. The U.S. has reinforced its presence near Venezuela, deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Caribbean, according to the Hill. The president also recently authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside the South American country. The Federal Aviation Administration also issued a warning to pilots flying around the region to exercise caution due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity around the country. Venezuelas Cartel de los Soles is slated to be designated as a terror organization by the State Department on Monday, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Defense. Officials from the Department of Defense allege that the cartel is run by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro himself, according to the release. The CBS News/YouGov poll took place between Nov. 19 and 21, included 2,489 people and had 2.4 percentage points as its margin of error. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., speaks during a news conference on the Voting Rights Advancement Act, on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) AP Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., says he hasnt ruled out a 2028 presidential run, according to Fox News. Of course, Im thinking about it. Havent ruled it out. But Im up on the ballot in New Jersey in 26, and that is my focus, Booker said during an interview with the outlet. Booker spoke with Fox News during a trip to New Hampshire, where he took part in an event at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. The Granite State is the home of the nations first party primary in presidential election years. During his New Hampshire trip, Booker also told Axios he has not written off a 2028 run. Booker, 56, previously ran for president in the 2020 primary. His campaign began in February 2019, but he dropped out in January 2020. In March 2020, he endorsed Joe Biden for president. Biden would ultimately win the Democratic primary and defeat President Donald Trump in the general election to become the 46th president of the United States. Booker was first elected to the Newark City Council in 1998. He served as the citys mayor from 2006 until 2013, when he won a special election to serve in the U.S. Senate. In March, Booker gave the longest recorded speech in Senate history, where he protested President Donald Trumps administration. The speech lasted for 25 hours and 5 minutes, surpassing the previous record set by former U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, R-S.C. Thurmonds 24-hour and 18-minute speech was a filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Booker is not the only Democratic politician who said they are thinking about a 2028 run. During an October interview with CBS News, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he will consider a presidential run after the 2026 midterm election. Yeah, Id be lying otherwise, Newsom said when asked if hed given serious thoughts about running. Id just be lying. And Im not I cant do that. Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in Chicopee is under construction. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican) HOLYOKE With food insecurity on the rise, the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce is rallying local businesses and residents to expand its annual food drive, ensuring donations stay within the community. The effort will benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and Margarets Pantry, two organizations that provide critical support to families in the Greater Holyoke area. The Food Bank alone distributes more than 15 million meals each year to 122,000 people across the region. To make donating easier, the chamber set up two drop-off sites with help from local businesses. Donations can be left at 850 High Street LLC, which is near Route 391, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holyoke Mall at Ingleside also is collecting items at its security office. Hours there are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. To spotlight the initiative, the chamber will host an event on Dec. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 850 High St., featuring a check presentation and updates on the drives progress. Views expressed here represent those of the author and not necessarily of MassLive or The Republican. Readers are invited to share their opinions by emailing to letters@repub.com. The new film A House of Dynamite depicts a possible missile attack carrying a nuclear bomb and how little time an American president would have to determine if it was real and how to respond. Its a big wakeup call for why Donald Trump shouldnt waste any time resuming negotiations with Russia for three crucial, existential reasons. First, the Ukraine war must be stopped before it spins out of control, as other wars have in the past, into a catastrophic nuclear war between the U.S./NATO and Russia. Experts like former top CIA Russia analyst George Beebe (of the Quincy Institute in Boston), retired Col. Daniel Davis (of Defense Priorities in Washington, D.C.), and Columbia University Prof. Ivana Hughes (of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation) are warning that the crisis in Ukraine is one of the most dangerous flashpoints that could lead to such a worldwide war. Second, we must end the nuclear arms race between the U.S. and Russia, not supercharge it with Trumps plans for more weapons testing and an exorbitantly costly and dubiously effective missile shield. Such escalation could also end up in a historic disaster: the end of human history and civilization. And third, regardless of our political differences, we must find ways to cooperate with Russia and the rest of the international community to deal with the climate crisis getting worse every year. Trump made a start at the Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin last August, but then dropped the ball by listening to his more hawkish advisers who convinced him to cancel a second summit with Putin in Hungary, and to instead hit Russia with more sanctions. After nearly four years of war, Ukraine is on the ropes, and could be facing a knockout if its army keeps losing more troops, towns and territory, as it has recently in multiple areas of the frontlines. In addition, it faces a dire manpower shortage as the desertion rate skyrockets while other men of draft age hide from government conscription squads or try to leave the country. This bleak assessment is according to many retired military experts such as U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Matthew Hoh of the Eisenhower Media Network. The war must be ended through negotiations to save Ukraine from total devastation, save the lives of tens of thousands more Ukrainian and Russian soldiers and end the risk of the war escalating into a possible nuclear war between the US and Russia. That would ravage, not save, Ukraine, Russia, and the whole planet. If Trump really wants to make America first and stop throwing hundreds of billions of our tax dollars into forever wars overseas, hed tell Ukraine were not going to keep pumping weapons in, especially the most dangerous and lethal Tomahawk missiles. These can reach Moscow and other targets deep inside Russia, and can carry either conventional or nuclear bombs. It would be just as dangerous and reckless if he sells such missiles to Europe nations that then transfer them to Ukraine. Trump should also start separate negotiations with Russia to halt a new and expensive nuclear arms race. The most successful treaty to limit nuclear weapons over the past 40 years is called START, and it expires in early February. Instead of his dangerous call for new testing of nuclear missiles and bombs, and for building a golden dome to allegedly defend us against missile attack, he should take Russias offer to extend the START treaty for one year while negotiations proceed to renew it for much longer. This past Saturday was the 62nd anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and weve never been closer to an intentional or even accidental nuclear war that he warned about in his June 1963 Peace speech at American University. Just three months later, he signed the Test Ban Treaty with the then-Soviet Union. He also warned us not to demonize the Russian government and people, but to negotiate with them respectfully as fellow human beings with differing political perspectives but common basic needs for themselves, their children and grandchildren to live and thrive. Trump should look at his grandchildren, and heed JFKs call. John Berkowitz of Northampton is a member of Massachusetts Peace Actions Ukraine Peace Campaign and a concerned grandfather of five. Springfield Symphony Orchestra artistic advisor Mei-Ann Chen conducts "A Night in Italy" to open the 2025-2026 season on Oct. 11 at Springfield Symphony Hall. (The Republican / file photo) Sophie Markham SPRINGFIELD The Springfield Symphony Orchestra has launched the search for its next musical director, a key role meant to provide the regions cultural heartbeat. The music director will serve as the orchestras principal conductor and conduct a number of concerts each season, while also identifying and engaging guest conductors, soloists and composers for performances, according to a news release Monday. The next music director of the SSO will not only shape our stage, but they will also shape our regions cultural heartbeat, said orchestra president and CEO Heather Caisse-Roberts in a statement. This is a monumental next step in the SSOs history and represents a moment of possibility, momentum, and transformation, and we are ready. The music director will be asked to provide the SSOs artistic vision, honoring traditional symphonic programming while embracing innovation by developing diverse and compelling performances in collaboration, according to the news release. Maestro Kevin Rhodes served as the orchestras music director for 20 years, from 2001 to 2021. Before that, Mark Russell Smith served as music director from 1995 to 2000. Violinists perform at the opening night of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 11 at Springfield Symphony Hall. (The Republican / file photo) Sophie Markham A job description and application are posted at SpringfieldSymphony.org. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 5, the symphony said, then a shortlist of candidates will be identified. Finalists will conduct one concert during the SSOs 2026-27 season, with the next music director to be named in 2027. The orchestra went two years without live performances under COVID restrictions and a long labor dispute with its musicians. In 2023, the orchestra and Local 171 of the American Federation of Musicians reached a two-year collective bargaining agreement and signed a new agreement earlier this year. The symphony is Western Massachusetts sole professional orchestra and the largest in Massachusetts outside of Boston, with over 70 contracted musicians. The symphonys annual Holiday Pops concert will be offered at 4 p.m. Dec. 13 at Springfield Symphony Hall. William Waldrop will return as guest conductor to lead the orchestra in Latin-inspired versions of classics, such as Caribbean Sleigh Ride and Jingle Bells. The Rev. Jesse Jackson listens to speakers at the Tabernacle Baptist Church during the 60th anniversary of the march to ensure that African Americans could exercise their constitutional right to vote, Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Selma, Ala. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) AP Views expressed here represent those of the author and not necessarily of MassLive or The Republican. Readers are invited to share their opinions by emailing to letters@repub.com. While getting dressed for work this morning, I had the news on, as I always do. A breaking alert announced that Rev. Jesse Jackson had been hospitalized. The timing was uncanny. Ive been reading Abby Phillips new book, A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power, which reexamines Jacksons legacy and his complicated relationship with Barack Obama. Its a revealing story about two men who shaped Democratic politics in profoundly different ways. Phillip writes that Jackson believed he had laid the movements foundation, the political scaffolding Obama later climbed. Jackson saw himself as inheriting Dr. Kings mantle in the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement. And to his credit, Jackson never missed a chance to remind the world of Kings influence on him. Yet what Jackson struggled to accept, and what Phillip captures so clearly, is that Obama ultimately became what Jackson always aspired to be: a unifier. Obama spoke to the entire nation, not a faction of it. He was relatable without being polarizing, sincere without theatrics, empathetic without needing the spotlight to validate him. Former President Barack Obama arrives to a rally for New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill at a campaign event, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis) AP To millions, he represented humility and calm strength qualities often contrasted with Jacksons reputation for aggressive self-promotion. Within the Black community, Jackson was celebrated as a symbol of pride and possibility. But pride can coexist with a harder truth: one can uplift Black people without tearing others down in the process. Jackson never fully mastered that balance. At the same time, Jackson possessed something Obama never did: a boldly progressive, unapologetically pro-Black platform grounded in the lived experience of the Civil Rights Movement. Jackson came out of that era with firsthand knowledge of Black struggle knowledge earned on the front lines with Dr. King. That gave him moral authority and an authenticity that electrified millions. Yet it also narrowed his political lens. Jackson often struggled to understand the broader American electorate and how he was viewed outside the movement he helped build. Still, by his second presidential run, Jackson had built a formidable national campaign with loyal supporters across racial and socioeconomic lines, proof that his message had real resonance, even if it couldnt fully translate into a national majority. Phillip suggests that Jacksons political perspective was shaped, and limited by the world he grew up in. Obamas worldview, by contrast, came from living biracial in Hawaii, Indonesia, and the mainland United States. He understood White America in ways Jackson did not, not through consultants, but through lived experience. Rev. Jesse Jackson's historic presidential runs in 1984 and 1988 set the table for growing Black political power. Roy S. Johnson That broader cultural fluency helped Obama build bridges Jackson couldnt. Their political choices reflected these differences. In 1972, Jackson declined to support Shirley Chisholms historic presidential run, backing George McGovern after her loss. The irony is unmistakable: Chisholm later supported Jacksons own presidential bid. Obama understood that lesson instinctively. He recognized the central political power of Black women not after the fact, but from the beginning. And they delivered. In 2008, Black women voted at a higher rate than white women. In 2012, they had the highest turnout rate of any race, gender, or ethnic group at 70%. Obama didnt take that support for granted. He invested in it, respected it, and built a strategy around it. By the time Jackson launched what became the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, he was attempting to build a multiracial movement on a national stage. It was bold, ambitious, and influential but it never fully broadened into a durable national majority. Jackson also missed a demographic that Democrats still struggle to understand today: white middle-class men. For decades, the party behaved as if white men were either politically expendable or inherently privileged. But life is more complicated. Two of my closest friends since childhood are white men. Their fears, anxieties, and aspirations do not fit the stereotypes Democrats often project onto them. Fred Hampton understood this long before it became fashionable. His organizing power came from refusing to alienate poor white people, recognizing that their economic struggles often mirrored Black struggle. The poor white of Hamptons era has become todays white middle class, squeezed by a volatile economy and fears of downward mobility. Even Jacksons own campaign manager admitted that many voters admired Jackson but felt compelled to vote elsewhere by November. Symbolic victories are not structural ones, a lesson the Democratic Party continues to grapple with. Jackson and Obama represent two essential stages of Black political evolution. Jackson was the moral agitator, shaped by protest, prophetic urgency, and the unfinished work of Kings movement. Obama was the national conciliator, shaped by multicultural exposure, global perspective, and a country on the cusp of demographic transformation. Both expanded the boundaries of what American leadership allows Black men to be. Both redefined their political eras. And both, in different ways, reveal the ongoing tension between movement leadership and national coalition-building. Their legacies are not in competition, they are in conversation. Jackson opened doors that Obama walked through. Obama fulfilled dreams that Jackson dared to articulate. And in understanding both men, we better understand the evolution of Black political power, and the leadership America continues to need. Johnnie R. McKnight, a regular contributor, is a public school teacher in Springfield. Over 250 young people from across Ireland, including teams from Crossmolina and Claremorris, Co. Mayo gathered together at the No Name Club Annual Youth Conference, which took place in TUS Athlone last weekend, to hear talks around positive mental health, well-being and alcohol awareness. They also enjoyed a great afternoon of fun and games, putting their leadership skills to the test. The young people are all members of No Name Club, a national, voluntary youth organisation that aims to empower young people aged 15-18 by providing a fun, safe environment where they can socialise without the pressures of alcohol or drugs. Founded in 1978, No Name Club plays a vital role in offering young people safe spaces where they can build confidence and social skills, with members taking a leading role in running their clubs. At a time when loneliness and anxiety are reported as on the increase among teenagers, recent research among No Name Club members around the impacts the clubs deliver found that: 93% of members report increased confidence and self-esteem, 91% of members say they have experienced personal development, 81% of members report improved mental wellbeing, 95% of members have made new friendships through the club. If youd like to find out more about establishing a No Name Club in your locality, or youd like to find out more about your nearest club, contact nonameclub.ie. READ MORE: Magic of Christmas set to begin in Mayo town this Friday Minister of State Sean Canney has defended the retention of compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers for the Greenway projects, despite calls from local representatives to remove the mechanism from consideration. The statement comes after Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) rejected a proposal by Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway Walsh to take CPOs off the table for the Belclare to Murrisk Greenway. Speaking on his role in greenway development, Minister Canney emphasized that while he holds responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to greenways, the planning, design and construction of National and Regional Greenways falls under the remit of TII in conjunction with local authorities. The Minister outlined that the 2021 Code of Best Practice for greenways was designed to ensure "a transparent and pragmatic approach" to community engagement and land acquisition. He stressed that state-owned lands should be considered to the greatest extent possible and in doing so minimise the potential impacts on privately owned land, and that engagement with local landowners should be "sustained and frequent" when private land use becomes necessary. "The importance of regular public consultation is embedded within the Code," Canney stated, adding that engagement between affected landowners and project teams is critical to avoid severance of farm holdings where feasible. According to the Minister, an independent agronomist is available to assist landowners with queries and provide advice on the impact of proposals. An agronomist is a professional who studies and applies science to crop production and soil management to help farmers improve yield and profitability. However, addressing the contentious CPO issue directly, Canney acknowledged that the Code does reference compulsory purchase as a "measure of last resort" when voluntary land acquisition agreements cannot be reached after sustained engagement with individual landowners. "The CPO is a legal mechanism that is contained within the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Section 213) and the Roads Act 1993 (Section 52) which outlines the statutory options available to local authorities," he explained. "I would like to reiterate that this mechanism is not the preferred or initial approach in delivering greenways." The Minister revealed that the Code of Best Practice will undergo a full review in 2026, with key stakeholders to be engaged in the revision process. Everyone wants it done, but it has to be done right, The general consensus is that everyone wants it done, but it has to be done right, Mayo Minister of State Alan Dillon told the recent Westport Tourism Organisation AGM in response to a question from the audience about the Belclare to Murrisk Greenway. The Castlebar-based TD told the meeting that the goal posts have changed from previous Greenways. Previously, when Greenways were being established through local authorities, they were very much supported by farmers or landowners through permissive access. However, he said that this next phase of Greenways are multi-million euro investments and if you're going to deliver a six or seven million euro asset, you want certainty that that will be opened all year round, so the delivery model needs to be worked through. Speaking specifically about the Belclare to Murrisk Greenway, he said that we know how beneficial this is. It will be a game-changer in terms of putting Louisburgh and Clew Bay on the map. However, the Fine Gael TD said that you have to take landowners rights into account and work with them as this can't be prescribed from the top down, it has to work from the bottom up also. He said that there's a bit of that journey to go yet in terms of trying to get a route that will be accepted by all. I hope it is because we certainly want it and if it doesn't happen, then it'd be very unfortunate. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann Senator Mark Daly and Senator Maria Byrne along with Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley welcomed the second Seanad na nOg event on Friday November 14. This event brings together 60 delegates under the age of 18 from Comhairle na nOg and other organisations to discuss their priorities for the government to consider in advance of Irelands EU Presidency in 2026. Seanad na nOg was co-chaired by Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, Leas-Chathaoirleach Senator Maria Byrne and Christian from Kerry Comhairle na nOg. Welcoming this significant event Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly said The Seanad continues to empower the voice of young people. The Seanad has championed minority voices since its foundation. Today, we will absorb their wisdom, reflect on their insights and act on their recommendations. Speaking ahead of the event, Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann, Senator Maria Byrne said I am delighted to welcome the delegates to the second Seanad na nOg. This event really does emphasise the importance of providing our young people with a voice in the development of local services and policies. I very much look forward to co-Chairing the meeting and reading the recommendations that will be presented to the Government for consideration to be included in Irelands priorities for Irelands EU Presidency in June 2026. Young delegates to Seanad na nOg 2025 will discuss the priorities they have identified for the Government to consider as part of Irelands overall priorities for the EU Presidency in 2026. These are: Peace and Security: examining peace and security in a digital world and the threats of deepfakes. Climate Action: Promoting climate action in an inclusive and cooperative manor to tackle the climate crisis. Education & Youth: Advocating for increased training for guidance counsellors, greater mental health support in education and greater resources allocated to special education. Cost of Living: Examining the cost of living through the lens of a young person or person with a disability. Substance Misuse: Advocating for increased mental health supports and community service to be funded to act as early intervention mechanisms to prevent the misuse of substances. Children in Care: The difficulties facing children in the care system and how it can be improved to create better outcomes for children in care. Equality: The need to continue to strengthen the rights for all, and to come together and stand with those who feel the fear of inequality. Speaking on behalf of the delegates, Co-Chair of Seanad na nOg, Christian said I'm really looking forward to Seanad na nOg 2025, it's such a great event that allows us to enter the Senate chamber and discuss the issues that matter to young people. It gives young people under 18 a voice in our democracy, even though we cant yet vote. It's great that young people can give their input on the important EU Presidency Ireland will hold next year, as we'll inherit whatever EU this generation's leaders leave to us, and that includes Ireland. I'm honoured to be co-chairing the sessions alongside Senator Mark Daly, the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann. Minister For Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley said I am so pleased to take the opportunity to acknowledge Seanad na nOg 2025. Congratulations to all the students who have travelled from all across the country to be part of this very important gathering, sharing thoughts and ideas with the Government in advance of the Irish EU presidency. A particular word of thanks to Senator Mark Daly, the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann, for facilitating this gathering and also to Christian from Kerry Comhairle na nOg for co-chairing. I really look forward to hearing all your deliberations and all that will come out of today." Following the day-long event, delegates will make a series of recommendations to the Government for their consideration to be included in Irelands priorities for Irelands EU Presidency in June 2026. Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann Senator Mark Daly thanked the delegates for their substantial input and support in making Seanad na nOg a reality. READ MORE: Members of Mayo No Name Clubs shine at National Youth Awards Knock Shrine, in collaboration with Mayo County Council Biodiversity Office, is a leading the way in the Church Return to Nature project, championing habitat creation and actions for biodiversity. In 2015, Pope Francis called for environmental stewardship, through the release of his encyclical letter Laudato Si. Laudato Si' serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and nations to work together to preserve the rich diversity of life on Earth, our common home. As a result of the letter and the on-going biodiversity crisis, the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference in response to Pope Francis call for environmental stewardship, aims to return 30% of church lands to nature by 2030. The Church Return Nature Project, originated in Co. Clare, spearheaded through the Clare Biodiversity Officer, Barry OLoughlin, engaged parishes to take action for biodiversity, with a successful pilot hosted in Diocese of Killaloe, County Clare in 2024. In recent months, Knock Shrine in collaboration with Mayo County Council Biodiversity Office, have taken on the project. They have developed a suite of actions for nature and pollinators on the grounds. Pollinator-friendly zones have been created, native orchards planted, and bird and bat boxes have been installed, while mowing has been reduced to allow wildflowers and grasses to flourish. In addition to this, a Biodiversity Action Plan for the grounds has been developed to help guide the Shrine in positive actions for nature such as bulb planting, meadow mowing regimes and native hedge planting. Our native species are under significant threat, we are losing our pollinator species such as bumblebees at a rapid rate, and many of our migratory bird populations are struggling. By creating habitats, a food source and nesting opportunities for species we can create change and collectively have a positive impact (Sheila Murphy, Biodiversity Officer) Knock Shrine has embraced this project with vision and commitment. It is a significant visitor attraction, with estimated visitor numbers of approximately a million per year. The visual display of actions for nature to the public can have a real impact and take-home message. It is hoped to further develop this project in 2026, with increased engagement with parishes across the county and other faith communities. The Church Return to Nature project continues to grow, with Knock Shrine serving as a powerful example of how faith and environmental responsibility can walk hand in hand. This project is funded through the National Parks and Wildlife Service Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Photo Caption: From L-R: Declan Elwood (Knock Shrine horticulture team), John Conroy (Knock Shrine), Karina Dingerkus (Ecologist), Sheila Murphy (Mayo biodiversity officer), Fr Richard Gibbons (Knock Parish Priest) and Dlyan Prendergast (Knock Shrine horticulture team). READ MORE: Mayo's young people help shape Irelands EU Presidency priorities at Seanad na nOg 2025 Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadirajus Udaipur wedding has a guest list many can only dream of. The wedding of the daughter of the US-based billionaire Raja Rama Mantena featured performances from celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Kriti Sanon and Shahid Kapoor. However, it was Ranveer Singhs performance that brought about an old video of Ranbir Kapoor into the mix. Despite the kind of energy that the Bajirao Mastani actor brought to the forefront, criticism was soon to follow. Ranbir Kapoor Will Never Dance at Wedding Luv Films In an old, resurfaced interview of Ranbir Kapoor with Times Now in 2011, the actor admitted that he doesnt think there is anything inherently wrong in actors and actresses agreeing to perform and dance at weddings. It was just that he wouldnt personally do it. Theres nothing wrong. But, first of all, money is not my drive. I dont want to earn billions and billions. I am an actor; my drives are different; my passions are different. And I dont want to lose my dignity, in my eyes, by dancing in a wedding where people are standing with a glass of alcohol, and there could be snide comments. I wouldnt want to see any of my family members doing it. So, its just a personal choice. I would never do it, the actor said. Dancing in such events for thousands of people goes against the kind of belief system that Kapoor grew up with. His words about how, as an actor, his drive should be a lot different from a dancers is now being compared to Ranveer Singhs performance. Ranbir Kapoor Doesnt Let His Stardom Turn into Entitlement The famous Kapoor family got together for a Netflix special to celebrate Raj Kapoors 100th birthday. Dining With the Kapoors recently aired on Netflix and the 60-minute special featured the family seated for separate meals and conversing. During those conversations, controversy was likely to arise. The Animal actor, Ranbir Kapoor has found himself in the centre of one, especially with concern to his upcoming film, Ramayana. Things only took a turn for the worse after the family was served fish and mutton. Ranbir Kapoor Gets Accused of Eating Non-Veg Netflix In a segment of Dining with the Kapoors, Armaan Jain is seen serving the family some fish curry and rice, as well as junglee mutton. This wouldnt be a problem per se since there are many people who eat non-veg food in India, including celebrities. However, a problem struck as fans began to notice that Ranbir Kapoor might also be indulging in the meal. According to his PR team, the Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani actor gave up on eating non-veg and drinking alcohol for the sake of his upcoming film, Ramayana. He is set to play the role of Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwaris film and with respect to his work, he wanted to fully dedicate himself to it. Although the actor wasnt directly shown to be eating the meal, fans couldnt help but notice just how hypocritical the act was. The food was only shown to be served and not actually consumed by Rishi Kapoors son. Fans Are Upset by Ranbir Kapoors Alleged Hypocrisy T-Series It hasnt been confirmed whether or not Ranbir Kapoor actually ate the food but the viral clip is enough to anger many fans. They are calling him a liar and saying that PR teams should work harder and help improve their reputations rather than miss out on such details. reddit/Holiday-Meeting798 reddit/quisshole reddit/mx-shot reddit/Suspicious_Vehicle_9 reddit/HauntingContext-2553 It is a great tragedy that Dharmendra passed away only a month before the release of his upcoming film, Ikkis. It is even more painful to know that he died mere weeks before his 90th birthday on December 8, 2025. The rumours of his death have been ongoing for weeks now but it would seem that November 24, 2025, is a painful day for everyone. Various celebrities visited the actors residence and cremation centre to pay their last respects, including Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Anil Sharma and Zayed Khan. In a heartbreaking coincidence, the character poster for his role for what would now be his final film was also released today. Dharmendra Looks Melancholic in Ikkis Maddock Films In the new poster for Ikkis, Dharmendra is looking at a distance with the kind of pain that understands what his legendary on-screen son's sacrifice means for the nation. In the poster, it is written, Wo ikkis ka tha, ikkis ka hi reh gaya. (he was twenty-one and he will always be twenty-one,) alluding to the fact that Arun Khetarpal was only twenty-one when he joined the army and also when he sacrificed his life for India. The poster was also released with the Instagram caption, Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations. Dharmendra ji, an emotional powerhouse as the father of a 21-year-old immortal soldier. One timeless legend brings us the story of another. He will be playing Brigadier M. L. Khetarpal, which would now be considered his final role ever. His filmography has been impressive through and through. With roles that made us love cinema to those that made us laugh and cry, Dharmendra truly held the heart of Bollywood in the palm of his hands. More About Ikkis Maddock Films Maddock Films is the studio behind the making of Ikkis. Based on the story of Arun Khetarpal, Agastya Nanda will be taking on the main role of the film. This would be his second project after Netflixs The Archies. Although the film faced a lot of criticism because Nanda also happens to be a nepo kid, the premise has been nothing but strong. Jaideep Ahlawats character and the main posters were also released today. The development forms part of UKMHAs long-term strategy to strengthen its infrastructure The UKs materials handling sector is set for a major boost as the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) and CFTS announce plans to open a new, purpose-built headquarters and training centre in Kibworth, Leicestershire. The move represents a strategic shift designed to improve access for members across the country. Positioned in the centre of the UK and served by strong road and rail links, the new hub will make it easier for companies nationwide to reach training, technical support and industry events. Robert Fisher, Chief Executive of UKMHA, said accessibility was central to the decision. Our members are spread from Cornwall to the Highlands, and as the industrys voice, we need to be accessible to everyone, he said. By relocating to the Midlands, were putting ourselves quite literally at the centre of the industry making it simpler for more members to reach us. The building has been designed to support every element of UKMHA and CFTS activity, from accredited training to technical collaboration. It will include training suites and workshops for engineers, managers and examiners, dedicated meeting spaces for member engagement and committee work, hands-on demonstration areas, and office space for both organisations. The facility is intended to act as a central point for driving improvements in standards, safety and technical excellence across the materials handling sector. Fisher said the investment would help strengthen support for companies operating throughout the UK. Our industry depends on consistency, safety, and shared standards, he said. This new facility gives us the space, resources, and accessibility to train more people, faster. Were doing what we can to help members maintain compliance wherever they operate. Kibworths location near the M1, M6, A14 and key rail routes places it within easy reach of the UKs major industrial and logistics regions. The majority of members will now have a more direct, shorter journey to in-person training and meetings. Although the new site will become the central operational hub for both organisations, UKMHA and CFTS will continue to support companies nationwide through regional events and on-site assessments. The development forms part of UKMHAs long-term strategy to strengthen its infrastructure and ensure both organisations remain leaders in safety, standards and training within the materials handling industry. Fitting out the new hub will begin shortly, with the opening planned for Spring 2026. The government may be reopened and running as usual, but the record shutdown shined a light on how communities come together to combat issues like food insecurity. That includes areas rife with military service members like Topeka, Kan. The 43-day shutdown that concluded Nov. 12 and keeps the government funded until Jan. 30, 2026 negatively impacted programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), women, infants and children (WIC) benefits, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among numerous other federal agencies in terms of furloughs and delayed payments. As the shutdown continued for weeks, Americans directly impacted or just on the outside saw how quickly resources ran thin. Military families and veterans across the nation requested food assistance at rates 3075% above normal, according to the Armed Services YMCA. One of those places that saw an uptick was Topeka, Kansas, home to volunteers serving the 190th Air Refueling Wing, the Army National Guard, the Kansas National Guard, and U.S. Coast Guard. The community, according to Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce President Bob Ross, is composed of roughly 3,000 active-duty service members within the city population of about 178,000. Those military operationsare major employers that exist within our community, Ross told Military.com. We want to make sure that the people that work and serve within the military or through the Department of Defense are taken care of because they're valued members in our community. From a chamber of commerce perspective, I'm honored to be able to use our influence with local businesses to raise awareness for our military and be able to connect them so that when there are needs like food insecurity or if there's needs with resources that our veterans or military families need, our area businesses can step up. Volunteer Ron Lunasim picks up a carton of eggs while preparing food orders for families affected by the federal shutdown at The Pantry by Feeding Hawaii Together, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Mengshin Lin) 'Stunning Indictment' Ross said that once the government shutdown was in effect and dragged on, he and others throughout Topeka and surrounding Shawnee County saw needs go from difficult to crisis very quickly. We saw demand at our food pantry go up 10 times from what it was prior to the shutdown, he said. Those figures in Kansas exacerbate more routine food insecurity that occurs but is off most peoples radar in normal times. About 25% of men and women who actively serve across the country are dealing with food insecurity, Ross noted. The issue hits close to home for Ross, who has a brother-in-law actively serving. I see him and my sister dealing with that income restriction, he said. I've had conversations with military leadership in our community that had to cancel meetings with me because they had an opportunity to go work a farm for a few days. To me, that's a stunning indictment of what was happening over the last 45 days, that you were putting our men and women into a situation where they were getting paychecks with just zeros on themwhich was a real slap in the face, Ross added. The situation has helped garner additional awareness for community members who see food insecurity as something that needs to be dealt with all year long. To me, that's a stunning indictment of what was happening over the last 45 days, that you were putting our men and women into a situation where they were getting paychecks with just zeros on them." Taking Local Issues National Ross is also head of the Military Relations Council, which is part of the chamber and advocates for regional service members at the local, state and federal levels. That includes bringing key local issues to lawmakers in Washington or conducting studies to determine youth population rates and their correlation to long-term military operations in the community. People shop for food at Irving Park Community Food Pantry in Chicago, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) There remains a stigma for military members asking for any kind of assistance, Ross said. A lot of times it's at the enlisted or junior levels in which you can sometimes have single parents who are raising kids, he said. Alongside their economic development agency, called Go Topeka, they collectively pioneered a program that encourages men and women leaving the service to move to Topeka and receive $5,000 towards a new home. I think that's an area in which, you know, having that unified action has been useful, Ross said. And we're also working with our downtown organization on trying to stand up military discounts at all of our downtown restaurants so that when we have a drill weekend and we have a lot of people coming in from all over the state, that those men and women have a chance to enjoy an evening out at a reduced rate as a way of saying thank you for their service. AI-related skills prove to be hot commodity 13:23, November 24, 2025 By CHENG SI ( China Daily Staff at Zhejiang Hengdong Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. assemble newly produced robots on Nov 10 in the city of Jinhua, Zhejiang province. ZOU HONG/CHINA DAILY As all sectors in China prepare for "smart" transformation due to rapidly developing AI technology, market demand for AI-related talent continues to grow, with recruitment priorities shifting from AI research and development to practical and commercialized applications of the technology. China's recruitment portal Zhaopin recently released a report on the market's recruitment trends for AI-related talent, stating that in the third quarter of this year, the number of job openings in the AI sector increased by 11 percent year-on-year, while job seekers for these positions grew by 23 percent year-on-year on the platform. In the first nine months of this year, AI-related job openings grew by 3 percent, and job seekers applying for AI-related positions increased by 39 percent, the report said. It noted that most AI-related job openings in the first three quarters focused on algorithms, big data, and product development. This reflects Chinese employers' balanced and comprehensive business plans, emphasizing not only AI technology development but also the commercialization of the technology and AI products. AI technology is highly sought after in various industries, including communications, finance, education and healthcare. Job openings for positions such as front-end engineer, test engineer and AI product manager have increased in the first three quarters, according to Zhaopin. The report highlighted regional differences in the demand for AI-related talent, with first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen in Guangdong province, showing the highest demand. Beijing, for example, ranked first in the number of AI job openings in the first three quarters for positions such as algorithm engineer and AI product manager, thanks to its academic advantage and active steps to establish AI industry clusters, the report said. "AI technology is a buzzword of the new era and has entered every aspect of life, and it will keep integrating with different sectors of China's socioeconomic development and bring fundamental changes," said Li Qiang, Zhaopin's vice-president. "Amid the current wave of AI technology, we see the medical industry improve the efficiency and precision of diagnosis with algorithm-aided diagnosis and smart image recognition, while the agriculture industry gives pest and disease warnings or yield predictions through smart monitoring systems," he said. Global consulting company McKinsey earlier predicted that by 2030, AI technology will create a market value of over $1 trillion for China. "Based on our data, job openings showing significant growth are for AI application engineers and AI product managers with knowledge of the technology, business and a sound industry background. Thus, all-rounders who can combine their skills with AI will gain the greatest advantage in the future job market," Li said. Xu Zifan, who completed his postgraduate education in Shanghai in 2024 and landed a job at a technology startup in the city in June, said that AI will become a must-have skill for new employees in the future. "It's not to say that individuals should be 'tech experts' in AI, but they should know how to use AI tools such as ChatGPT or Deep-Seek to increase their work efficiency," he said. Wang Hanzhi, who is preparing for job interviews, said that several companies have included questions about AI during interviews, even though she is not applying for technology-related positions. Wang, who majored in marketing for both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Beijing, said that candidates with interdisciplinary abilities are now the popular choice for employers. As a result, mastering some AI skills and using AI tools to analyze problems are vital to increase job seekers' competitiveness in the employment market. Li from Zhaopin said that individuals can view AI as a working partner rather than a rival. "AI has created many new opportunities in sectors like modern services, the silver economy, and the green economy. Individuals can use AI as a partner to have a side job and develop more diversified working patterns," he added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Out of hundreds of military installations, Fort Benning is among the nine locations the U.S. Department of the Army has selected as a potential site for its next-generation nuclear power project, called the Janus Program. The Army announced in a news release the installations under consideration, listed in alphabetical order, not ranked by preference: * Fort Benning * Fort Bragg * Fort Campbell * Fort Drum * Fort Hood * Fort Wainwright * Holston Army Ammunition Plant * Joint Base Lewis-McChord * Redstone Arsenal. The United States had more than 450 military installations in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico as of June 2023, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. We were proud to learn that Fort Benning was one of nine installations the Army identified for potential deployment and use of microreactor power plants to support national security objectives and mission-critical operations, Fort Benning garrison public affairs director Joe Cole told the Ledger-Enquirer in an email. This is an important step in a long-term effort to advance our nations energy resilience through next-generation nuclear technology. If Fort Benning is selected, we expect the Janus Program will deliver resilient, secure, and assured energy to sustain our national security and defense missions. Armys site selection criteria for Janus Program The Army performed what it described in the news release as a comprehensive analysis and on-site assessment of installations to identify the nine sites that are optimal locations for initial deployment. Selection criteria included energy requirements and resiliency gaps, power infrastructure, environmental and technical considerations, the Army said. The number of sites that will be in the final selection, and when they will be announced, hasnt been made public yet. The Army is committed to maximizing the number of sites based on technical feasibility, site suitability, and available resources, the news release says. Jordan Gills, assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment, said in the news release, These early site selections align with the Department of Wars goal of accelerating the pace of deploying on-site nuclear generation at our installations. Through the use of the Armys unique nuclear regulatory authorities, we are deploying a resilient, secure, and reliable energy supply for critical defense operations and in support of the most lethal land-based fighting force in the world. What is a microreactor? According to the U.S. Department of Energy website, microreactors arent operational yet, but when they are, they will have three main features: 1. Factory fabricated: All components of a microreactor would be fully assembled in a factory and shipped out to location. This eliminates difficulties associated with large-scale construction, reduces capital costs and would help get the reactor up and running quickly, the website says. 2. Transportable: Smaller unit designs will make microreactors very transportable. This would make it easy for vendors to ship the entire reactor by truck, shipping vessel, airplane or railcar, the website says. 3. Self-adjusting: Simple and responsive design concepts will allow microreactors to self-adjust. They wont require a large number of specialized operators and would utilize passive safety systems that prevent any potential for overheating or reactor meltdown, the website says. Microreactor power plants will be a significant technological advancement in safety, security and waste management, the Army said. The Janus Program is leveraging the Department of Energy and its network of National Labs to ensure the appropriate expertise is applied to the evaluation of proposed designs, operational plans, and emergency preparedness plans, the news release says. 2025 the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Columbus, Ga.). Visit www.ledger-enquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Army logistics support vessel SSGT Robert T. Kuroda, stationed at Pearl Harbor, is named for a World War II Medal of Honor recipient from Aiea. The Hawaii soldier served in the legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team, fighting through Italy and France. Kuroda died in combat near the French town of Bruyeres, where he single-handedly attacked two enemy machine gun emplacements before falling to a snipers bullet. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kyle Nicholas, the soldier who serves as the boats captain, has met the Kuroda family and says he thinks of him often. I love Hawaii, Ive always loved living here, he said. I met my wife here, we met surfing. Its a unique place. But in 20 years of service, Ive never had the pleasure having something like this : A boat thats named after a young man that grew up within eyesight of where this boats moored up at. As a logistics support vessel, or LSV, the Kuroda hauls vehicles, weapons and other equipment across the ocean to the shores of wherever the Army or other military branches need them. Its one of two Kuroda-class LSVs in the Army, a modified version of the Besson-class LSV that is longer and can haul more equipment. The other, the Robert Smalls, also is home-ported at Pearl Harbor and has joined the Kuroda in a push to put the Army back to sea in the Pacific. As the U.S. military has tried to shift resources from drawn-out conflicts in the Middle East to confront China and prepare for the prospect of a very different kind of engagement, the Army has dusted off the Kuroda and the Smalls and has more ambitious plans. It also is testing a new boat prototype in Hawaii. Navy leaders have long regarded the Pacific and its vast, blue expanse as their territory. The Pacific Fleet is its largest and most powerful fleet, and since establishment of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at Camp Smith, it has always been led by a Navy officer. But Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, commander of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command at Fort Shafter, said that boatsand the waterhave always factored into U.S. Army history. Gardner and his soldiers provide much of the logistical support for the Army in the Pacific, often in the background and largely unsung. The Armys boat soldiers fall under his command. Army watercraft systems have been with the Army really since its inception, said Gardner, citing George Washingtons famed crossing of the Delaware river. It just happened to be a couple of guys with some oars. So today, we still have watercraft that are out here in the theater. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Micah Innis is in charge of the Kurodas engine room and the group of soldiers that keep it running. Innis previously served as an enlisted man in the Navy. After leaving he spent 10 years in the civilian world and earned a college degree before deciding to join the Army. Funny enough, I was in accounting, and then I came back in, originally to fly helicopters, he said. Somehow, God had a plan for me to be back on a boat, (and I ) got put down here. He said the experience of going to sea as an Army soldier is much different from his days as a Navy sailor, explaining that coming from a Navy background, the Navy has (specialized ) jobs for every aspect (of ship operations ). (But in ) the Army, my soldiers do everything, Innis said. They do everything from hydraulics, to electrical, to engines. They do it all, and theyve got to have their heads on a swivel. So here we really hold our guys to a higher standard, especially underway. Staff Sgt. Jessica Howell, a boatswain on the Kuroda, has spent her entire Army career on boats both in the Atlantic and the Pacific. She said you get to see the world, and you get to do the work. Were out there for a reason. Back to the Pacific During World War II, older versions of the Armys LSVs carried troops and equipment across the Pacific as part of the militarys island-hopping campaign against Japanese forces, playing a key role across the theater. Today, the Army has been reasserting its role in the region, promoting the concept of a landpower network linking the U.S. and its allies. As the military services have competed for funding and resources, Navy and Air Force leaders have at times sought to downplay the Armys role in the region. But this year at the Association of the U.S. Armys annual Land Power in the Pacific conference in Waikiki, INDOPACOM chief Adm. Samuel Paparo embraced a mantra Army officers have used for years, telling attendees that human beings live on the land. The Army provides the backbone of our ability to sustain combat power across the region, Paparo said. The Army has been working with the Navy and Marinesas well as forces from allied countriesto reintegrate its boats into operations and look to the future. Sometimes its more convenient to use Army watercraft systems ; sometimes it makes more sense based on the volume of what were trying to do to go with a commercial capability, Gardner said. Its that blend and mix of watercraft, both manned and, as the future progresses, unmanned watercraft systems, is where the Army leadership has directed us to go. The Kuroda and Smalls originally entered service in Hawaii in the 2000s, serving in the Army Reserve. But the Army later moved Kuroda to Tacoma, Wash., and almost got rid of it as it increasingly sat pier-side not doing much, eventually putting it up for auction. At the time, the General Services Administration said it expected to sell off it and another LSV, along with dozens of other landing craft, tugboats and other Army maritime assets by the end of 2020. The Kuroda even received bids for purchase. But the Army ultimately decided to bring it back to Hawaii to support Pacific operations, taking it from the reserves to put it on active duty. In that first year, we doubled the amount of service hours that she had in the entirety of its life at the time, Nicholas said. In Hawaii, the Kuroda and Smalls have hauled vehicles and equipment between Oahu and Hawaii island for the Schofield Barracks-based 25th Infantry Division to support training operations. But theyve gone far beyond Hawaii, with voyages to Guam, Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. (The Kuroda ) moves very slow : 10 knots is average, 12 knots is a good day, Innis said. Ten knots is almost equal to almost like 11 miles an hour. So imagine driving from here to Australia at 11 miles an hourthats the struggles that we deal with. Its not meant to go fast, its meant to carry equipment and beach itself anywhere in the world. We pride ourselves on being able to go into any theater and hit the shore, create a pier, and offload and unload equipment anywhere. I love this boat This spring during exercises in the Philippines, the Kuroda played a central role in logistics as U.S. troops from each branch trained across the archipelago. As a part of their operations in the Philippines, we demonstrated bringing a very large vessel, a Maritime Sealift Command vessel, Gardner said. We would drive equipment off of a large Navy ship onto a floating platform and then drive it onto the Armys watercraft, who could then steam ashore and drop the front ramp of the Army vessel and you could deliver the equipment right onto the beach. Its a high-stakes operation with little room for mistakes. If youre watching it from the shore, youre seeing a big ship pull up to another big ship and put a ramp onto it, Nicholas said. But it takes a lot of effort from all these young men and women, you know, to get out there and interact with and get that big ramp right there onto another little ramp and make sure that you dont damage any equipment. Sailing those long distances across the Pacific puts the Armys small fleet to the test. Our counterparts on the East Coast, theyre just not seeing as much time in the middle of the sea as we are ; theyre not crossing in the ocean as much as we are, Nicholas said, adding that for his soldiers, one of their primary jobs is really fighting the conditions out here and keeping the rust at bay. He said the Army is taking a lot of information from the maritime methods employed by the Hawaii units, which are really on the kind of forefront of development of tactics and manuals and procedures. The Armys boat force is small. Few people know how to operate their systems, and support isnt always readily available. But at one point when the Kuroda experienced engine failure in Australia, Nicholas said these guys rebuilt that engine. Its demanding and often thankless work. Howell, who sailed with the Kuroda from Tacoma on its return voyage to Hawaii, said that while most soldiers prefer staying on land, I love this boat. 2025 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Visit www.staradvertiser.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. European officials welcomed Monday what they said were steps in the right direction at talks in Geneva on U.S. peace proposals seen as heavily favoring Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, but they offered few details and warned the discussions still have a long way to go. The negotiations were a step forward, but there are still major issues which remain to be resolved, Finnish President Alexander Stubb wrote on social platform X about Sundays meeting in Switzerland. The talks went over a 28-point peace proposal presented last week by the United States that triggered alarm in Kyiv and European capitals by heavily favoring Moscows demands. The plan pressed Ukraine to consent to handing over some of its territory to Moscow and slashing the size of its army, leaving it vulnerable. The proposal also sought Europes agreement that Ukraine will never be admitted into the NATO military alliance, though the alliance has previously said Ukraine is on an irreversible path to membership. The surprise emergence of the peace plan coincided with a bleak period for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with the war less than three months shy of its fourth anniversary. It is under severe strain on the front line against Russias bigger army, it is short of money, and Zelenskyy is trying to defuse a major corruption scandal that has tainted his government. Talks offer hope The Geneva meeting offered some hope for Kyiv. Diplomacy has been reinvigorated, and thats good. Very good, Zelenskyy said late Sunday. It wasnt clear whether the talks would continue on Monday. Russian officials still haven't seen the revised peace plan text since amendments were made over the weekend, a Kremlin spokesperson said Monday. Dmitry Peskov added that there was currently no plan in place for U.S. and Russian delegations to meet this week, but that the Russian side remained open for such contacts. German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who directed the talks in Switzerland, made decisive positive contributions to ensuring that this plan can be accepted by both the European and Ukrainian sides. I would like to say that all issues concerning Europe or NATO have been removed from this plan, which is a decisive success that we achieved yesterday, he told public broadcaster Deutschlandradio. Rubio said Sunday the talks were very worthwhile and constituted the most productive day in a very long time. I feel very optimistic that we can get something done, Rubio said. Turkey is also hoping to build bridges between Russia and Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin was to speak by phone with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan later on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Peskov said. Erdogans office said Sunday that the two leaders would discuss a deal from 2022, which allowed Ukraine to safely ship exports of grain via the Black Sea. Moscow refused to extend the deal a year later, saying agreements to ease Russian exports of food and fertilizer hadnt been honored. Russian drones kill 4 in Ukraine Meanwhile, the grim reality of war still cast a pall over Ukraine as Russian forces kept up their deadly and devastating strikes on civilian areas. Russian drones hit residential areas of Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city overnight, killing four people and wounding 13, including two children, authorities said. Eight residential buildings, an educational facility and power lines were damaged in the attack, according to the head of the regional military administration, Oleh Syniehubov. Kharkiv Regional Prosecutors Office published photos showing homes on fire, rubble scattered across backyards and firefighters and war crimes prosecutors working on site. Ukraines air force says Russia fired 162 strike and decoy drones over the country overnight. Russia also resumed its nighttime drone attacks on Ukraines civilian and port infrastructure close to Romanias border, the NATO members defense ministry said Monday. Romania scrambled two Eurofighter Typhoon jets and two F-16s in response to drones near its border, the ministry said. ___ Harriet Morris in Tallinn, Estonia; Gerald Imray in Johannesburg, South Africa; Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin; Sam McNeil in Brussels; and Stephen McGrath in Leamington Spa, England, contributed to this report. A Nevada man was honored with the U.S. Armys highest civilian award for his decades of work supporting veterans. Peter Palivos was presented with the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal by U.S. Army General Andrew Poppas at a Saturday ceremony at Palivos home. The event was attended by Nevada dignitaries including Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, Rep. Susie Lee, Lt. Gov. Starvos Anthony, and 100-year-old Henry Jackson, a decorated Marine who was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in Las Vegas in 2022. Its all very surreal, said Palivos. Its a great honor, but Id like to also take this opportunity to encourage others to get involved with philanthropy and to give back. After starting out shining shoes at his fathers store in Chicago decades ago as a 7-year-old, Palivos became an attorney and performed charitable work as chairman of the Las Vegas-based nonprofit Voice of the Veteran in support of U.S. veterans and their families. While introducing Palivos, Poppas referred to him as an inspirational leader and said the work done by Voice of the Veteran could be a model for other communities around the country. Berkley, who referred to Palivos as her friend, said she knows that his work to help veterans is meaningful because it comes from his heart. Its a pleasure to work with somebody who cares as much as you do, Berkley told Palivos. Peter is truly a man of his word. He told me years ago that he was going to step up for our veterans, and hes done that. Palivos said he started hosting welcome-back events for military members and their families over three decades ago. Last year, he and his organization helped put on a Day of Gratitude event at Allegiant Stadium, which attracted thousands of military members and their families. Palivos said he hopes to host an even bigger event at the stadium in June. We raised over $4 million at Allegiant Stadium in 2024, he said. It was an incredible event. We want to do next years event bigger and better. The Las Vegas Raiders have been big supporters of ours they are a very pro-veteran and pro-military organization. Over 100 people attended the Saturday event. Palivos said earning the award also gave him a chance to make a plea to all Americans as the holiday season looms. I think our country is in trouble right now because were too divided, Palivos said. I think about 90 percent of us want the same things, but the crazies, on both the left and the right, have taken over. The logical people are being silenced. My statement is this lets make this work because we live in the greatest country in the world. 2025 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Visit reviewjournal.com.. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. CAIRO (AP) Sudans top general rejected a ceasefire proposal provided by U.S.-led mediators in a blow to efforts to stop a devastating war that has gripped the African country for over 30 months. In video comments released by the military late Sunday, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan said the proposal was unacceptable and the worst yet," accusing the mediators of being biased in their efforts to end the war. Sudan plunged into chaos in April 2023 when a power struggle between the military and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country. The devastating war has killed more than 40,000 people, according to U.N. figures, but aid groups say that is an undercount and the true number could be many times higher. It created the worlds largest humanitarian crisis with over 14 million people forced to flee their homes, fueled disease outbreaks and pushed parts of the country into famine. The mediators, known as the Quad, have been trying for over two years to bring an end to the fighting and reestablish a path to democratic transition which was hampered by a military coup in 2021. They are comprised of the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. This month, U.S. President Donald Trump said that he plans to put greater attention on helping find an end to Sudan's war after being urged to take action by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to the White House. On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and for both the military and the RSF to negotiate a settlement. Writing on social platform X, he also called for a safe & unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid," as well as an end to arms and fighters transfer to Sudan. We need peace in Sudan, Guterres said. Massad Boulos, a U.S. adviser for African affairs, told The Associated Press earlier this month that the latest proposal calls for a three-month humanitarian truce followed by a nine-month political process. The RSF said it has agreed to the truce, following global outrage over the paramilitaries atrocities in the Darfur city of el-Fasher. In a video speech late Monday, the paramilitary commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo reiterated the group's commitment to a three-month humanitarian truce and called for mediators to pressure the military to accept the proposal. Burhan, Sudan's top general, said however that the proposal is considered the worst document yet, since it eliminates the Armed Forces, dissolves security agencies and keeps the militia where they are referring to the RSF. If the mediation continues in this direction, we will consider it to be biased mediation, he said. He lashed out at the U.S. adviser and accused him of attempting to impose some conditions on us. We fear that Massad Boulos will be an obstacle to the peace that all the people of Sudan seek, Burhan said, without given further details about the plan. In his comments, Burhan also took aim at the UAE. He said that since the Quad includes the Gulf country as a member, the mediation group was not innocent of responsibility, especially since the entire world has witnessed the UAEs support for the rebels against the Sudanese State. In a statement Monday, the UAE's Foreign Ministry said Burhan, through his rejection of the ceasefire proposal, showed obstructive behavior, which it said must be called out. The UAE is widely accused by rights groups of arming the paramilitaries. The AP reported earlier this month that U.S. intelligence assessments for many months have found that the Emirates, a close U.S. ally, has been sending weapons to the RSF, according to a U.S. official familiar with the classified reports who spoke on condition of anonymity to share details. The UAE denies backing the paramilitaries. Burhan denied that the military is controlled by Islamists or that it used chemical weapons in its fighting against the RSF an accusation leveled by the Trump administration in May. Burhan said the military will only agree to a truce when the RSF completely withdraws from civilian areas to allow the return of displaced people to their homes, before embarking on talks for a political settlement to the conflict. Were not warmongers, and we dont reject peace, he said, but no one can threaten us or dictate terms to us. ___ Lee Keath in Cairo contributed to this report. Ukraine signaled that key sticking points remained in peace talks with the U.S. after senior officials hailed progress in winning more favorable terms for Kyiv from a proposal backed by Donald Trump. Any discussions involving territorial issues, which are at the crux of a potential settlement, will likely be tackled at the meeting between the Ukrainian and U.S. presidents, Ihor Brusylo, the deputy chief of President Volodymyr Zelenskyys office, told Bloomberg Television in an interview Monday. The countrys NATO membership wasnt off the table and is one of the provisions that can be a security guarantee for Ukraine, he said. The initial draft of the 28-point peace plan put forward last week called for Kyiv to give up on its ambitions to join the military alliance, while ceding its eastern Donbas regions, including territory Russia doesnt yet control. A day after assailing the Ukrainian leadership for failing to show gratitude, Trump signaled in a Truth Social post Monday that talks may be making progress. Dont believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening, he posted. Zelenskyy said Monday that talks had reached a critical moment as he signaled that discussions over territory and sovereignty would prove difficult. Putin wants legal recognition of what he has stolen to break the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty and this is the main problem, the Ukrainian leader said in a speech distributed by his office. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyys powerful chief of staff, said Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators prepared an updated and refined framework document on peace. Discussions on Sunday in Geneva demonstrated significant progress in reconciling positions and clearly identifying next steps, he said in a post on Telegram. Both sides described the talks as making progress toward a deal after the plan presented last week kicked off a flurry of diplomatic wrangling over the weekend. Any agreement would require sign-off by Zelenskyy, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is not yet the end, Brusylo said on Monday. The main thing is in the details. Ukraine has to see that the other party accepts all the positions that our delegation presented to them, he said. We cannot just cherry pick or pluck some of the provisions and say this is OK for us and this not OK for us. Negotiations will continue at the working level in the coming days, Brusylo said. Trumps proposed Nov. 27 deadline to secure Ukraines support for the plan isnt set in stone and could drift into the following week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after the meeting in Switzerland. Ukraines dollar-denominated bonds maturing in 2029 rose to the highest since February, leading gains among emerging-market debt on Monday amid the progress in talks on the final deal. European officials expressed optimism that the most recent version of the draft text no longer mentions a plan for some $100 billion in Russian frozen assets go toward U.S.-led efforts to rebuild the country, according to people familiar with the matter. The proposal foresaw the U.S. receiving 50% of the profit with unspent frozen assets going into a U.S.-Russian investment fund. They also expressed optimism that the Trump administration was engaging with Europe after the initial plan caught Kyivs allies off guard. National security advisers made significant progress late on Sunday in trimming the initial plan to a smaller list of key points to achieve a ceasefire as quickly as possible, said a person familiar with the matter. Other points were excluded for the time being and will be dealt with in seperate documents for later negotiations, the person said. European Union leaders were meeting in a hybrid format to discuss Ukraine on the sidelines of an E.U.-African Union summit in the Angolan capital Luanda early on Monday. When all the issues have been settled, and some of them remain muted, I mean the territorial issues, for example, then the presidents will get in touch to talk over them and probably set the stage for meeting for them to finalize the idea, Brusylo said. When it comes to NATO membership, for Ukraine, it is not off the table completely. Ukraine faced another drone attack overnight, killing four in second-largest city of Kharkiv. Port infrastructure was hit in southern Odesa region, according to local authorities. Energy targets were attacked in north-eastern and central Ukraine, countrys Energy Ministry said on Telegram. --------- With assistance from Michael Nienaber. ___ 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. General Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, will meet service members of the U.S. Southern Command on Monday in Puerto Rico, where the American military presence has swelled as the Trump administration weighs military action against Venezuela. The Pentagon said in a statement that Caine and David L. Isom, a Navy SEAL and senior advisor to Caine, will visit the U.S. territory where most of the 10,000 U.S. troops in the Caribbean theater are thought to be stationed. The trip comes amid growing concerns about potential U.S. strikes against targets in Venezuelan territory. The U.S. has carried out lethal attacks on alleged drug-running boats in the Caribbean Sea and deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford the worlds largest aircraft carrier to the region and criticized Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro for his ties to drug cartels that use Venezuelan territory to ship drugs. While President Donald Trump has said he would be open to the possibility of speaking directly with Maduro, he has also threatened strikes on Venezuelan soil. The Trump administration also refuses to recognize Maduro as Venezuelas head of state and has set a $50 million bounty against the strongman leader for narco-terrorism. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told reporters at the end of the Group of 20 summit that he plans to contact Trump to express concern over the U.S. military buildup near Venezuela, warning the activities could destabilize South America. Theres absolutely no reason to have a war right now. We must not repeat the mistake made in the war between Russia and Ukraine, he said, adding that a solution must come before any escalation. Multiple airlines canceled flights to and from Venezuela in response to a Saturday warning by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration of worsening security situation and heightened military activity around Venezuela, further fueling speculation about potential U.S. operations. ___ 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The government may be back open, but travelers shuffling through airports say the anxiety from the shutdown has not completely faded. At LaGuardia Airport and across the country, flyers heading home for Thanksgiving face a surge in holiday volume layered on top of lingering uncertainty from a government shutdown that disrupted air traffic and reduced flights. The FAA is bracing for one of the busiest travel periods in years. For military families traveling on leave, veterans heading home and service members in transit, timing and reliability can mean the difference between a reunion and a missed connection. The Federal Aviation Administration is bracing for record volume in the days ahead. In a release issued Friday, the agency said more than 360,000 flights are expected to lift off to destinations across the country as Thanksgiving travel peaks, marking what it called the busiest holiday period in 15 years. Tuesday, Nov. 25, is projected to be the heaviest travel day, with more than 52,000 flights scheduled nationwide. Thanks to the dedication of our air traffic controllers and every FAA employee, we are ready for the holiday rush and take pride in helping travelers reach their friends and families during this important time of year, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a statement. I am deeply grateful to our entire FAA team. Even through a period of record-high traffic, their unwavering commitment keeps the system running safely. The numbers reflect what travelers at LaGuardia are already seeing firsthand: crowded terminals, full departure boards and little room for error as millions try to get home after a shutdown that strained staffing and disrupted normal operations. Thanksgiving travelers at LaGuardia Airport in New York City and across the country are heading into one of the busiest travel periods in years while the system continues to rebound from a record 43-day government shutdown that disrupted air traffic and reduced flights and also impeded other routine operations of the federal government. The departures board at LaGuardia Airport lights up ahead of the Thanksgiving travel rush as airlines lean back into full schedules following the government shutdown, Nov. 21, 2025. (Darius Radzius/Military.com) For military families traveling on leave, veterans heading home, and service members in transit, even a small delay can mean the difference between a long-awaited reunion and a missed connection. 'Deplaned and It Was Terrible' Getting pulled off a plane in the middle of a trip is the kind of disruption that sticks with you. For one Brooklyn traveler, it turned a regular weekend into a nightmare. Daniel Rathburn, of Red Hook, said the government shutdown upended his plans and caught him in the ripple effects after air traffic disruptions forced his flight back to the gate. I was traveling two weekends ago and was deplaned, and it was terrible, Rathburn told Military.com. Airplanes are parked at gates near the air traffic control tower at the Tampa International Airport Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Even with the government reopened, he said confidence has been slow to return for travelers navigating congested terminals and packed departure boards. Rathburn described himself as a last-minute traveler but said he is choosing to trust airline crews to sort out any remaining disruptions. He added that he leans on his fiancee to handle the planning and joked that having a beautiful fiancee that does all your planning helps keep stress in check. Originally from the Detroit area and now living in Brooklyn, he said frequent travel has conditioned him not to panic when plans fall apart. Im trusting that our airline folks will figure it out, Rathburn added. A quiet stretch of Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport on the eve of the Thanksgiving travel rush as airlines ramp back up following the government shutdown, Nov. 21, 2025. (Darius Radzius/Military.com) When Leave Meets Logjams For service members and military families planning leave, holiday travel is more than an inconvenience. A delayed or canceled flight can lead to missed family time or shortened leave. The shutdown triggered a chain reaction that shut down public events, restricted access to institutions and disrupted essential services nationwide. Classifying only certain workers as essential during funding lapses has a ripple effect that can weaken services well beyond the initial shutdown. Shutdown Jitters Still Hang in the Air Other travelers moving through LaGuardia echoed the same mix of relief and unease. I was a little bit worried that my flights would get delayed," said Lizzie of Manhattans Upper East Side. "Hopefully everything goes smoothly. I havent heard anything today, so I wasnt too nervous." Travelers stand in line at a ticketing gate at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, at DFW Airport, Texas, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) She said she is especially concerned about her return trip, which falls on one of the busiest days of the year. Im flying home on Sunday and thats like the busiest day of the year for a flight, she said, adding that she plans to block out the stress by putting on her headphones and trying not to absorb the tension around her. Drew Gupta, of Manhattan, said the reopening of the government brought some relief but not full confidence. "Were trying to take some confidence in the fact that the government is reopened." We did have concerns but were trying to take some confidence in the fact that the government is reopened, although its tough to really say if this means that the flight network is going to be up and running, Gupta told Military.com. He added that the shutdown created a ripple effect that is still front of mind as he tries to get home for the holiday. Right now, were just really hoping its going to be seamless because we really want to see our families for Thanksgiving, he added. No 'Jinx' For Taylor Copeland the goal was simple but far from guaranteed. Hopefully [it will be] a smooth flight. I dont know, everythings on time. Now let me not jinx it, Copeland told Military.com as she prepared to check a bag and head toward her gate for a flight to Raleigh. In this photo taken May 8, 2013, groups of passengers wait at a United Airlines gate to board a flight in separate numbered lanes at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) Copeland said the shutdown and the widespread reduction in flights had been on her mind in the days leading up to her trip. Even with operations officially back to normal, she said the uncertainty has not fully lifted. I mean, yes, I was worried about the government shutdown and all the reduction in flights and all that stuff, she said. She paused and glanced toward the departure boards, where flight numbers flickered between on-time and boarding. Just trying to get to my destination tonight, Copeland said. When most people think of the Pacific Theater of World War II, they envision tropical islands, heat, and jungle combat. However, the 18-day campaign in May 1943 to retake a remote Aleutian island from Japanese occupation was the total opposite. The fight over the frozen island became the only land battle of World War II fought on U.S. soil. More than 15,000 soldiers faced fanatical Japanese troops as well as harsh winds, freezing rain and terrain that injured more men than combat did. When the fighting ended, nearly 3,000 Japanese and American troops lay dead on the frozen islandand an entire Native village had been wiped from existence, its survivors forbidden from ever returning. American service members watch as several oil facilities burn during the Japanese bombing of Dutch Harbor. (Wikimedia Commons) The Japanese Invasion of Alaska Japanese carrier-based aircraft struck the U.S. naval base at Dutch Harbor on June 3-4, 1942. The raids killed 43 Americans, damaged oil storage tanks and barracks, and destroyed several facilities. The attacks were a diversion for Japan's assault on Midway Island, but they also opened up a campaign that led to the only battle in the American Theater of WWII. Two days later, on June 6, 1942, Japanese forces invaded Kiska Island, capturing a U.S. Navy weather station crew. The next day, the 301st Independent Infantry Battalion1,140 soldiers under Major Matsutoshi Hozumilanded unopposed on Attu Island at the western end of Alaska's Aleutian chain. Just over 40 people lived on Attu when Japanese troops invaded. The Unangax people, known as Aleuts, had inhabited the island for roughly 10,000 years. The village was led by Chief Mike Hodikoff. Among the residents were the Golodoff familyparents Lawrence and Olean with their seven children, including three-year-old Gregory. Charles Foster Jones, 63-year-old radio operator and one of the only non-Aleuts on the island, managed to send one message to Dutch Harbor"The Japs are here"before destroying his equipment. Japanese soldiers tortured and executed him the next day when he refused to repair the radio, making him the only American civilian executed by enemy forces in North America during the war. Japanese officers on Attu Island, sometime in 1942. (Wikimedia Commons) Chief Hodikoff prevented further bloodshed. When some villagers went for their rifles, he stopped them, saying "Do not shoot, maybe the Americans can save us yet." He likely saved his village from being massacred, but the Japanese would make them suffer regardless. The Japanese held the 41 Aleut villagers and Jones's wife Etta prisoner for three months before shipping them to Japan. Etta was separated and imprisoned with some Australian nurses captured in New Guinea. The Aleuts were imprisoned in Otaru on Hokkaido, where conditions were brutal. Prisoners were forced to mine clay on starvation rations of white rice and watery soup. Chief Hodikoff and his son died from food poisoning after eating spoiled garbage they found. Three of the seven Golodoff children died from beriberi caused by malnutrition. In total, 22 of the 41 civilians died during their captivity. Meanwhile, in response to the Japanese invasion, the U.S. government began relocating over 800 Unangax civilians across the Aleutian Islands to the Alaskan Panhandle to be interned for the rest of the war. Many of their villages were burned to prevent their use by the Japanese. 85 would die while they were interned. Japanese troops fly the Rising Sun flag over Kiska Island following their invasion of the Aleutian Islands, 1942. (Wikimedia Commons) Japan Fortifies the Aleutians Japanese planners believed controlling the Aleutians would prevent American and Soviet forces from coordinating attacks on Japan through the Kuril Islands. After occupying Attu and Kiska, Japan began building defensive positions and airfields. In late September 1942, the Japanese garrison on Attu was transferred to Kiska, leaving Attu temporarily unoccupied. American forces missed the chance to retake it. On October 29, 1942, Japanese forces returned to Attu under Lieutenant Colonel Hiroshi Yanekawa, establishing a base at Holtz Bay with about 500 troops. Japanese soldiers stationed on Attu Island pose for a photo with their cold weather coats and swords. (Wikimedia Commons) Through reinforcements over the following months, the garrison grew to approximately 2,300 troops by March 1943. Japanese forces fortified positions in the mountains overlooking potential landing beaches, dug trenches and bunkers, and stockpiled supplies. Americans back home were terrified that the Japanese could take North American territory with relative ease. Many feared that the Japanese could use the Aleutians as a base to strike the West Coast. The military quickly reinforced Dutch Harbor and began building bases on Atka and other islands. Planes from these bases began conducting raids against Kiska and Attu. The U.S. Navy under Rear Admiral Charles McMorris moved to cut Japanese supply lines. On March 26, 1943, American and Japanese surface forces clashed in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands. Though tactically inconclusive, the engagement forced Japan to abandon resupply attempts by surface vessels, limiting them to submarines. The supply restrictions weakened Japanese forces on both Attu and Kiska. The USS Bailey suffered extensive damage during the naval Battle of the Komandorski Islands off the Aleutians. (Wikimedia Commons) Operation Landcrab: May 11, 1943 American intelligence initially estimated 500 Japanese troops on Attu. By late April 1943, revised estimates put the number at 2,400. Major General Albert E. Brown's 7th Infantry Division, training at Fort Ord in California, was assigned to take the island. The division included the 17th and 32nd Infantry Regiments plus supporting units. Naval forces under Rear Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid provided fire support, including the battleships Pennsylvania, Idaho and Nevada. Total American forces numbered more than 15,000. The invasion force also included a unique unitthe 1st Alaskan Combat Intelligence Platoon, nicknamed "Castner's Cutthroats" after their commander, Colonel Lawrence Castner. The platoon consisted of Alaska Natives, miners, trappers, and outdoorsmen who knew how to survive and fight in extreme conditions. These scouts provided critical reconnaissance during the battle, using their expertise in cold-weather survival and wilderness navigation to guide regular Army units through Attu's treacherous terrain. The Cutthroats operated ahead of main forces, identifying Japanese positions and finding routes through the mountain passes that conventional troops struggled to navigate. The 7th Infantry Division wasn't issued adequate cold-weather gear during training to maintain operational security about their destination. This decision would prove costly. Map detailing the American landing zones and movement routes during the Battle of Attu, 1942. (Wikimedia Commons) Bad weather delayed the invasion from May 7 to May 11. When American forces finally landed, they hit two locations. The main force landed at Massacre Bay on the southern coast, and a smaller Northern Force landed at Holtz Bay. The plan called for both forces to advance inland and trap the defenders who were led by Colonel Yasuyo Yamasaki. The Japanese did not attempt to hold the beaches. Yamasaki had positioned his troops on high ground inland where fog and terrain gave them defensive advantages. Meanwhile, a provisional battalion landed at Austin Cove and began a five-day climb to passes west of Holtz Bay, suffering numerous frostbite casualties. American troops storming the beaches of Attu Island unopposed, starting the only battle on North American soil during WWII. (Wikimedia Commons) Fighting Through the Fog Attu is a volcanic island of steep ridges, deep valleys and treacherous tundra that couldn't support vehicles. Weather changed rapidly from calm fog to 100-mph winds with freezing rain. Temperatures hovered around freezing. Soldiers in temperate-weather uniforms suffered. Progress was slow. American troops had to clear Japanese positions from elevated terrain while dealing with mud, muskeg and snow. The Japanese had acclimated to the conditions during months of occupation. They used the fog and terrain expertly, fighting from fortified positions and conducting limited counterattacks. High on a Ridge overlooking Chichagof Harbor, American soldiers load a shell into a small mortar. Chichagof Harbor was the last Japanese stronghold to fall on Attu Island. (U.S. Army Pacific) Japanese soldiers occupied caves and bunkers on ridges overlooking American positions. They rolled grenades down slopes and maintained machine gun fire from snow-covered trenches. American forces had to attack uphill repeatedly against prepared defensive positions. By May 16, American forces had advanced inland but faced stiff resistance at key terrain features. The Northern and Southern forces were still separated by Japanese positions controlling the passes between them. Casualties mounted from combat and exposure. Trench foot and frostbite took out hundreds of soldiers. The 32nd Infantry Regiment fought toward Fish Hook Ridge and the Holtz-Chichagof Pass, critical terrain that would link the two American landing forces. The Japanese fiercely held the fortified positions on the heights with overlapping fields of fire. American soldiers moving through the mountainous, snow-covered terrain of Attu during WWII. (Wikimedia Commons) Martinez's Charge On May 26, Company K of the 32nd Infantry Regiment was pinned down attempting to take the pass. 22-year-old Private Joseph P. Martinez stood up under heavy fire and advanced with his Browning Automatic Rifle while the Japanese fired at him. Martinez moved up the snow-covered slope, firing into Japanese foxholes and throwing grenades. He killed multiple enemy soldiers and inspired his company to follow. Other soldiers moved forward behind him. After clearing several positions, Martinez reached a point about 150 feet up the ridge. The main pass rose another 150 feet, flanked by steep rocky ridges and approached through a snow-filled ravine. Japanese fire came from both flanks and from tiers of snow trenches blocking the way forward. Martinez led troops up through this fire, personally silencing several trenches with his BAR. American troops on Attu struggle as they carry supplies up the steep cliffs and ridges. (Wikimedia Commons) He reached the pass itself just below the summit. At the final enemy-occupied trench, Martinez engaged Japanese soldiers while under fire. He was shot in the head and mortally wounded. He died later that day. His company took the pass. Its capture allowed American forces to link their northern and southern landing zones and was crucial to ending organized Japanese resistance. Martinez was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on October 27, 1943the first Hispanic American to receive the decoration for combat action during World War II. He was also the first American to earn the medal during combat on North American soil since the Indian Wars. Private Joseph Martinez posthumously earned the Medal of Honor for his heroic charge against entrenched Japanese forces on Attu Island in 1942. (Wikimedia Commons) The Final Stand By May 28, American forces occupied high ground in Chichagof Valley, controlling three critical hills: Fish Hook, Buffalo and Engineer. Japanese forces were pushed back with only the sea behind them. Colonel Yamasaki had only 800 men fit for combat and 600 wounded. American commanders planned to bombard the remaining Japanese positions on May 29 and finish the battle. But Yamasaki chose to attack instead. Japanese military culture considered surrender dishonorable. He planned a desperate counterattack to break through American lines, capture artillery on Engineer Hill, and use it against the Americans before retreating into the mountains to await reinforcements. At 3 a.m. on May 29, hundreds of Japanese soldiers launched one of the largest banzai charges of the Pacific War. The assault hit Company B of the 32nd Infantry, which had just been ordered to march to battalion headquarters for hot breakfast, leaving only sentries on guard. The surprise attack broke through American lines. Japanese troops penetrated deep into rear areas, reaching Engineer Hill where American artillery was positioned. Support troopsengineers, medics, supply personnelfound themselves in close combat. Hand-to-hand fighting raged for hours in pitch-black darkness and fog. "What a nightmare, a madness of noise and confusion and deadliness," Captain George S. Buehler later wrote about the assault. Colonel Yasuyo Yamasaki, leader of the Japanese defenses on Attu. He led the final Banzai charge against the American line during which he was killed. (Wikimedia Commons) American forces regrouped and hit the enemy with overwhelming firepower. The Japanese charge was eventually routed, but not before penetrating nearly to Massacre Bay. Most Japanese soldiers who survived the initial fighting committed suicide with grenades rather than surrender. Dr. Nebu Tatsuguchi, a Japanese battlefield surgeon, had written in his diary the evening before, "The last assault is to be carried out. All the patients in the hospital are to commit suicide. Only 33 years of living and I am to die here.... At 1800 (hours) took care of all the patients with grenades. Good-bye, Taeki, my beloved wife, who loved me to the last." The battle ended May 30, 1943. American burial teams counted 2,351 Japanese dead. Hundreds more were believed buried under bombardment debris. Only 28 Japanese prisoners were taken, none of them officers. Colonel Yamasaki was among the dead. Small groups of Japanese soldiers continued fighting until early July. A few isolated survivors held out until September 1943. American mortarmen lobbing shells at Japanese positions on Attu Island, June 1942. Although organized resistance was crushed at the end of May, scattered skirmishes continued for weeks on the island. (Wikimedia Commons) The Cost of Liberating Attu Of 15,000 American troops involved, 549 were killed in action and 1,148 wounded. Another 2,100 were evacuated for disease and non-battle injuriesmostly exposure, frostbite and trench foot. The environmental casualties exceeded combat losses, exposing the brutal conditions of this unique battle of the Pacific War. The battle prompted major changes in Army cold-weather equipment, food, tents and footwear. It also demonstrated the need for better preparation when fighting in extreme environments. American troops forming a line over one mile long pass supplies to the frontline through terrain that was impassable to vehicles. (Wikimedia Commons) The Battle of Kiska After Attu fell, American forces prepared to invade Kiska, where intelligence indicated about 5,200 Japanese troops remained. The men expected to face a repeat of Attu, with tougher Japanese defenses and harsher weather. On August 15, 1943, an invasion force of 34,426 American and Canadian troops landed on the island under massive naval and air support. To their surprise, the Japanese were gone. Under the cover of fog on July 28, Japan had evacuated the entire garrison by submarine and surface vessels without detection. Allied troops found abandoned fighting positions and even full coffee cups sitting where the Japanese had left them. As they moved to secure the island with little visibility, the anxious troops accidentally fired on each other. Meanwhile, booby traps and landmines proved deadly while the harsh weather claimed numerous men. Despite facing no enemy, the operation resulted in about 313 casualties. The evacuation of Kiska ended the Japanese occupation of the Aleutians and the Battle for Alaska. American soldiers on Kiska Island. Despite facing no Japanese resistance, the troops suffered hundreds of casualties to booby traps, friendly-fire, and the weather. (Wikimedia Commons) No Return for the Attuans American forces liberated the 19 surviving Attuans in Japan by September 1945. Among the survivors were Olean Golodoff and four of her seven children, including Gregory. When they reached Seattle, the U.S. government informed them they were barred from returning to Attu, deciding that reconstruction of the village would be too expensive. Several hundred other civilian internees released by the U.S. government were told the same thing. Fifteen survivors from Attu were sent to Atka Island, five remained hospitalized for tuberculosis, four went to Unalaska, and five orphaned children were sent to a Bureau of Indian Affairs school. Etta also survived her time in captivity. In 1951, Japan offered the survivors about $4,000 annually for three years. Most accepted, though some refused due to the harsh treatment they had faced. Families of the 22 who died in captivity received nothing. Congress passed the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Act in 1988, giving Aleut internment survivors $12,000, but this excluded the Attuans held captive in Japan. The forced displacement destroyed the Attuan culture. The dialect is now extinct. The basket-weaving tradition survives through only three or four people. Dedication ceremony to memorialize the Battle of Attu in 1982. (Wikimedia Commons) The Forgotten Battle for Alaska Gregory Golodoff spent his life on Atka, rarely speaking about his imprisonment. His brother Nick wrote "Attu Boy" in 2012, one of the few firsthand accounts of the captivity. Nick died in 2013. Elizabeth Golodoff Kudrin, another sibling, died in February 2023. Gregory died in November 2023 at 84the last person born on Attu. Helena Pagano, great-granddaughter of Chief Hodikoff, leads efforts through her nonprofit Atux Forever for an Attuan cultural center, environmental cleanup of Attu, and additional Japanese restitution for families who lost relatives in the camps. Abandoned Type 96 25 mm AT/AA gun on Kiska Island. (Wikimedia Commons) Today, both Attu and Kiska remain largely uninhabited. Attu is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Kiska, littered with rusting military equipment and unexploded ordnance, occasionally sees visitors but remains difficult to access. The Attu battlefield became a National Historic Landmark in 1985. Scattered remnants of the campaign can still be seen across the islands today, including plane crashes, Japanese artillery, and forgotten military equipment. The Battle of Attu was the only land battle of WWII fought on U.S. soil. It killed 549 Americans and more than 2,500 Japanese in 18 days of brutal Arctic combat. Hundreds of others were killed on Kiska, Dutch Harbor and countless plane crashes throughout the region. The victory on Attu secured the Aleutians and ended enemy threats to Alaska. But it also destroyed a 10,000-year-old village, killed 22 civilians in Japanese camps, and erased the Attuan language and culture. The survivors were scattered across Alaska, forbidden from returning home. The Strategic Role of Off-Installation Fitness Access Ensuring consistent access to fitness facilities is a fundamental readiness requirement, but the militarys geographic footprint has never been evenly matched with the needs of its personnel. Service members assigned to remote duty stations, embedded with civilian agencies, dispersed across recruiting districts, or living far from major installations often lack routine access to on-base gyms. For this segment of the force, the Department of Defense relies heavily on its partnership with the Armed Services YMCA through the Military Outreach Initiative (MOI), a program specifically designed to fill the gap when installation facilities are either unavailable or insufficient. The initiatives scope and structure reveal both its value and its limitations, particularly as DoD continues to refine its approach to off-installation support. How the Military Outreach Initiative Operates The Military Outreach Initiative is funded by the Department of Defense and administered by the Armed Services YMCA. According to the ASYMCAs current program documentation, more than 1,800 YMCA facilities and more than 2,900 private fitness centers participate nationwide, creating a level of geographic coverage that DoD could not replicate through installation gyms alone. This broad network allows eligible servicemembers and their families to use a local YMCA or designated private fitness facility when a military gym is not reasonably available. The program operates as an extension of DoDs commitment to readiness, but its administrative foundation lies entirely in the structure detailed in ASYMCAs Program Instructions and Requirements, the controlling document that governs eligibility, application procedures, and renewal rules. Eligibility Rules and Command Requirements Eligibility under the initiative is defined narrowly. A servicemember must be serving under Title 10 orders and must have at least 6 months remaining on those orders when the Services Military Component Approving Official (MCAO) signs the application. The application itself cannot be submitted directly to the YMCA; instead, it must be routed through the appropriate MCAO within the service branch. For personnel assigned to independent duty stations or locations without access to a free military fitness facility, the program requires a Designation Form signed by the servicemembers commander identifying the eligible YMCA branch or private gym. These documentation requirements make command endorsement a precondition of participation rather than a courtesy. Family Inclusion and Respite Child Care Families also qualify under defined categories, and when a servicemember applies under a family-linked provision, participating YMCA locations may also offer respite childcare when available. The YMCAs national description of the Military Outreach Initiative identifies respite child care as one of the program benefits available at participating Ys, subject to location-specific availability and eligibility verification. This feature makes the initiative unusual among DoD fitness programs because it is explicitly structured to address family needs, not just individual readiness. Processing Timelines and Activation Delays Although the Military Outreach Initiative offers a broad network of access points, participation is not immediate. The U.S. Armys public guidance for soldiers participating in the program states that YMCA membership activation may take between 30 and 45 days after approval, and private fitness facility access may require up to 60 days to process. These timelines reflect the programs layered approval structure: the service must verify eligibility, the command must confirm the fitness facility designation when required, and ASYMCA must finalize enrollment before gym access begins. For newly arrived personnel, this delay is not trivial. Readiness requirements continue regardless of paperwork processing, and weeks without gym access can place meaningful pressure on training standards. Renewal Requirements and Attendance Verification Membership under the program also comes with usage requirements. Renewal is not automatic and relies on attendance documentation from the participating facility. Program instructions specify the servicemember must submit an attendance report and, if minimum attendance was not met, must provide a written waiver request explaining the circumstances. The requirement applies equally to YMCA facilities and private gyms, both of which must agree to report usage for their Military Outreach Initiative participants. This structure ensures accountability but also places a compliance burden on service members who may face deployments, shift schedules, temporary duties, or training cycles, creating unavoidable gaps in attendance. Structural Constraints Within the Program Several operational complications are built into the program by design. When independent duty personnel select a private fitness center rather than a YMCA, all service members assigned to that independent duty location must join the same facility. ASYMCAs program rules require this uniformity because private facilities are approved per location rather than per individual. The programs eligibility conditions also exclude National Guard members serving under Title 32 authority, even though many Title 32 missions parallel Title 10 work in tempo and risk. This exclusion is explicit in the eligibility criteria and produces uneven access across components. These limitations are not oversights; they reflect the statutory and contractual architecture underpinning the initiative. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Raquan Middlebrooks, 633d Force Support Squadron fitness and sports supervisor, spots the bench lifting of Staff Sgt. Jacob Bernard. U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Donnell Ramsey. Source: DVIDS The Value and Limitations of External Gym Access Despite these constraints, the initiative fills a critical readiness gap. For servicemembers whose duty stations sit far from any installation infrastructure, MOI provides their only reliable access to fitness facilities. For families, the opportunity to pair gym access with YMCA-based childcare represents a form of support that installation gyms generally cannot offer. These strengths are why the program has been described as essential for communities where on-base options are inaccessible. Yet the same structure that makes the program orderly also creates burdens. Weeks-long activation windows leave some servicemembers without fitness access during pivotal transition periods. Renewal tied to attendance can disadvantage families with unpredictable schedules. Eligibility restrictions mean that entire groups of geographically dispersed personnel, particularly Guard members under Title 32, remain excluded. Strengthening the Initiative Going Forward DoD continues to modernize and expand installation gyms where possible, but infrastructure limitations mean external partnerships will remain a necessary component of the military fitness ecosystem. Improvements to MOI do not require rewriting the program; they require targeted updates that reflect the realities of the contemporary force. Digitizing approval chains could meaningfully reduce activation delays. Expanding eligibility to include more Reserve and National Guard members, especially those serving full-time under Title 32 authority, would align eligibility with operational demands. Increasing the density of participating facilities in geographic areas with repeated requests for private facility designations would reduce dependence on discretionary command approvals. Sustaining Readiness Beyond the Installation The Military Outreach Initiative is more than a benefit; it is the militarys most significant tool for providing fitness access where installation gyms cannot. Its strength lies in its ability to extend readiness infrastructure into civilian communities without requiring new construction or permanent military presence. Its weaknesses lie in the administrative and statutory frameworks that shape participation. With modest policy refinements and continued oversight, the program can evolve from a necessary stopgap into a fully reliable component of DoDs approach to sustaining the physical readiness of a dispersed and increasingly flexible force. The Department of Education is once again in the spotlight, and this time it is for proposed changes on how professional career fields will be categorized and defined as it relates to education loans. Looking deeper, it stems from Trumps administration One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) to apply annual limits to certain education loans. Part of that is clearly defining who is included as professionally degreed individuals. At the macro level, too many Americans are drowning in education debt. While there are different schools of thought on root causes, most would argue that our system of education loan amounts to be repaid, forgiven, or canceled needs an overhaul. One Big Beautiful Act: Breakdown of Higher Education Changes The One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed on July 4 2025 mandated the establishment of loan limits for graduate and professional students and parent borrowers and termination of graduate and professional plus loans under SEC. 81001. By amending the Higher Education Act of 1965, it applies a maximum annual amount of loans, such as the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford and Federal Direct PLUS loans, among other stipulations involving expected times to receive credentials, undergraduate programs, and income-based repayment assistance plans. The OBBBA removed the partial financial hardship requirement for the repayment plan, thus widening eligibility. Here are some of the terms within the OBBBA as an example. Graduate and professional annual and aggregate limits for federal direct unsubsidized Stafford loans beginning July 1, 2026: (A) Annual limits beginning July 1, 2026. Subject to paragraphs (7)(A) and (8), beginning on July 1, 2026, the maximum annual amount of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans: a graduate student, who is not a professional student, may borrow in any academic year or its equivalent shall be $20,500 a professional student may borrow in any academic year or its equivalent shall be $50,000. Revisions to Loan Repayment The proposal outlines revisions to loan repayment plans to borrowers with loans made on or after July 1, 2026 and expands the Departments authority to use Federal Tax information to determine eligibility for to repay Direct Loans under income-based repayment plans. In terms of Pell Grant eligibility, it restricts or makes ineligible students with high student aid index (capacity to pay for college) and ability to pay with other means effective in the academic year 2026-2027. This will not only change who is eligible for the grant but how much aid is received. However, this may also help combat financial losses due to fraud, in which the Department of Education recently reported nearly $90 million incorrectly disbursed. Safeguarding student aid and strengthening a system of accountability matters. Be sure to fully read the OBBBA sections on higher education and Department of Educations proposals under the Negotiated Rulemaking for Higher Education 2025 section to draw your informed conclusions. The Soldier for Life team attends the Blue Star Families' Do Your Part: Higher Education to the Hill event on April 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the event was to highlight ways that universities can better support student veterans and faculty with military backgrounds and promote better understanding between military-connected individuals and the broader student body. (Courtesy Photo DVIDS) The Language of Eligibility The Department of Education and Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) committee reviewed definitions of a professional degree for the purposes of loan eligibility. According to the OBBA, the term graduate student means a student enrolled in a program of study that awards a graduate credential (other than a professional degree) upon completion of the program. The term professional student means a student enrolled in a program of study that awards a professional degree, as defined under section 668.2 of title 34, Code of Federal Regulations upon completion of the program. The biggest worry is that the proposed changes may preclude other important professional fields, including nursing and education, based on what seems like a technicality or interpretation of terminology. The RISE committee met this Fall to discuss the definition of professional students in relation to loan limits and submission of legally justified alternative proposed language, which was noted as an outstanding item by Ms. Abernathy, Director, Policy Coordination Group, Office of Postsecondary Education in October. Based on the session transcripts and Issue Paper: Loan Limits Provisions and Definitions, recommendations included using Examples of a professional degree include but are not limited to language to preserve regulatory continuity and avoid the exclusion of critical health professions. Professional student: A student enrolled in a program of study that awards a professional degree upon completion of the program; (1) A professional degree is a degree that signifies both completion of the academic requirements for beginning practice in a given profession and a level of professional skill beyond that normally required for a bachelor's degree, where professional licensure is also generally required. Examples of a professional degree includes but are not limited to the following degrees Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.), Law (L.L.B. or J.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Optometry (O.D.), Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Podiatry (D.P.M., D.P., or Pod.D.), Theology (M.Div., or M.H.L.), and any other degrees designated by the Secretary through rulemaking, as required by 20 U.S.C. 1098a and 5 U.S.C. 553. other degrees designated as professional degrees by the Secretary in a notice published in the FEDERAL REGISTER, with updates to that list published as needed. Moving Forward Publicly available information and materials from the November sessions are forthcoming on the Department of Educations Negotiated Rulemaking for Higher Education site. The potential reclassifications are rightly leaving many questions in the air as the administrations accelerated pace of change continues to cause anxiety for many. As changes to whom and how education will be financed are underway, organizations like ACE are advocating to ensure the language regarding the list of professional degrees is comprehensive and clearly understood. The Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee will be holding a public session December 8-12 in Washington, DC both in-person and live stream. For general information about the Department of Education, see Agency Profile: The Department of Education. Detroit Lions cheesecake at Kitty's Cheesecakes and more in Ferndale, Michigan FERNDALE, MI - She stopped counting at 40 flavors of cheesecake. And out of all of her choices, her husband came up with one and only one: The Detroit Lions cheesecake. LaDawn Morris owns Kittys Cheesecakes and More at 681 E. Eight Mile Rd. in Ferndale. Her bakery has every flavor from Purple Rain as a tribute to Prince, to orange creamsicle, Biscoff cookie, Superman, sweet potato, and the bakerys best seller, strawberry shortcake. The Detroit Lions cheesecake is a combination of blueberry and lemon. My husband Edward is a die-hard Lions fan and the only cheesecake he has created is our Detroit Lions flavor, Morris told MLive. He loves it. Its Honolulu blue. He loves it! Morris says she also bakes a half cheesecake, half cake of the Lions flavor. I had over 40 flavors of cheesecake before I stopped counting. Were creating and making new ones all the time. Morris says she has rotating flavors on top of the bakerys staples like caramel apple, banana pudding, lemon, and strawberry. The Lions cheesecake is $55 for a whole. Other cheesecakes start at $50. Various flavors are also available by the slice for $8. Kittys is open Tuesdays from Noon - 5 p.m., Wed. - Sat. from 11 a.m - 7 p.m. They are closed Sunday, but will also be open on Monday, November 24 the week of Thanksgiving. This file photo shows wild rice grains in varying colors from brown and yellow to purple and lime green are ready to be spread into Spectacle Lake on the Bay Mills Indian Community reservation on Sept. 20, 2023, near Brimley. (Sheri McWhirter | MLive.com) Michigan wildlife officials are expanding their work with tribal nations to help restore more wild rice to the states lakes and streams. Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) experts and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) spent the last decade working together to sow thousands of pounds of manoomin the Anishinaabe word for wild rice. Its an important cultural food long foraged by Native communities and is also known to provide critical habitat for migratory waterfowl. Today the effort has grown into new partnerships with more tribal nations to help restore the keystone aquatic plant to more places in Michigans natural environment. Its an ongoing effort and every year our partnerships and collaborations grow, said Erin Johnston, KBIC wildlife and habitat manager. The DNR took the lead in 2025 on spreading about 2,200 pounds of wild rice seed in the western U.P. Gun Lake Tribe works to harvest their wild rice (manoomin) in Northern Michigan. The plan and food are culturally significant to the Anishinaabek and one of the key offerings on a Sprit Plate. (Photo/Gun Lake Tribe) Gun Lake Tribe In past years, the state seeded more than 2,600 pounds of rice in northern Luce County and more than 2,800 pounds in three northern Lake Superior floodings in Marquette County. We started to see success as rice seed germinated and grew and then began to self-seed in successive years, said Kristie Sitar, DNR wildlife biologist. We had to adapt by dealing with some wildlife browse issues that commonly occur during this process. Wild rice can take many years to become established, and we are on our way to hopefully long-term success. Related: Michigans tribal experts want to save wild rice. Heres how theyll do it. Indigenous tribes in the eastern Upper Peninsula are now working with the state agency for wild rice restoration and conservation. This year the DNR finalized an agreement for manoomin seeding with the Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC) in Brimley and a similar agreement is being pursued with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa. Its important that the state work with tribal communities, as the default, when working with or planning manoomin projects, said Frank Zomer, BMIC fisheries biologist and manoomin program leader. Frank Zomer, fisheries biologist for Bay Mills Indian Community, refills a bucket with wild rice for Tiffany Escherich, invasive species specialist, during a manoomin seeding event on Sept. 20, 2023, on Spectacle Lake on the tribe's reservation near Brimley. (Sheri McWhirter | MLive.com) He said the state agreed for tribes to source the seed and decide appropriate places for manoomin restoration projects. The hope is that a broader effort will grow alongside the rice beds. We put a lot of effort into establishing relationships with tribal harvesters in Wisconsin and Minnesota to ensure that the seed for these projects is being harvested in a good way, Zomer said. We hope that BMIC members will be able to provide manoomin seed for state projects by harvesting from local beds in the future, he said. Related: Tawas Lake is home to Michigans largest wild rice bed Wild rice grows in the most pristine waters in Michigan and the Upper Great Lakes region. Tribal nations have worked for years to restore manoomin and the species became Michigans official state native grain in 2023. This year the state hosted its first wild rice camp in mid-August to educate state employees about the cultural, spiritual, ecological, and economic importance of manoomin to Indigenous communities. Nearly 60 people attended the two-day event in Roscommon, where tribal teachers shared their knowledge about harvesting tools, seed care, and rice processing. Native ricer Roger LaBine, tribal elder from Lac Vieux Desert Tribe of Lake Superior Chippewa, demonstrates how to parch wild rice over an open fire during a rice camp on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe's cultural center in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. (Sheri McWhirter | MLive.com) Sheri McWhirter We want to work with our tribal partners whenever we can, said event organizer Bill Scullon, who works in the U.P. in the DNRs wildlife division. Its important to create these types of collaborative opportunities to tear down barriers and open doors. Today, the Michigan Wild Rice Initiative remains an ongoing effort to develop a statewide stewardship plan for manoomin to raise awareness, minimize its accidental destruction and highlight its role as an ecological indicator of good water quality. However, the expected timeline for writing possible guidelines and even regulations for wild rice harvesting in Michigan was interrupted in May. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump revoked a $3 million grant previously awarded under President Joe Biden. The wild rice stewardship grant was part of at least $23 million in federal grants to Michigans Native tribes clawed back by the Trump administration as part of a purge of anything connected to DEI diversity, equity and inclusion policies from the federal government. This is a blooming manoomin, or wild rice plant seen Aug. 8, 2025, on Tawas Lake in East Tawas, Michigan, as part of a public education event. Participants either kayaked or rode in boats out onto the lake to observe the aquatic plant biodiversity. (Sheri McWhirter | MLive.com) Sheri McWhirter Nevertheless, some progress has continued, officials said. Clayton Kincheloe, executive director of the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, said the group has teamed up with state officials to continue the wild rice initiatives efforts. Related: Wild rice camp in Mount Pleasant shares Indigenous ecological knowledge It is a lot less funding without the Federal government support, but we are excited to be able to move forward with a few of the projects outlined in the original grant, Kincheloe said. Manoomin is a keystone aquatic plant that is integral to the Anishinaabe migration story, and the species once grew widespread across Michigan and the entire Upper Great Lakes. But hundreds of years of European settlement removed it from much of the landscape as settlers trenched and drained natural waterways, destroying countless acres of natural habitat. TRAVERSE CITY, MI - A 51-year-old man from Benzie County was arrested Sunday after police say he allegedly tried to abduct someone from a parking lot outside a Meijer gas station along U.S. 31. The incident occurred Sunday around 8:30 a.m. outside the gas station in Garfield Township, just outside of Traverse City, state police said. Police say the suspect fled the scene after the attempted abduction. Dispatchers put out a BOL (be on the lookout) with the suspects vehicle description and its direction of travel. Troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) and deputies from the Grand Traverse County Sheriffs Department (GTCSD) responded to the area and began a canvas looking for the suspect vehicle, state police said. At approximately 10:05 a.m., a deputy located the suspect vehicle south of town near Chums Corners. Officers stopped the suspects vehicle, and the man was taken into custody. He was lodged in the Grand Traverse County Jail. Authorities say more information will be released as the investigation continues. The MSP would like to thank the Grand Traverse Central Dispatch, Grand Traverse Sheriffs Department, and the citizens on scene for their help during this incident. Fire crews were called around 5 p.m., Nov. 23, for a report of a structure fire at a pole barn off Jennings Road near Independence Lake in Webster Township. Jacob Hamilton/MLive.com WEBSTER TWP., MI - A Dexter-area barn was damaged in a Sunday evening fire. Fire crews were called around 5 p.m., Nov. 23, for a report of a structure fire at a pole barn off Jennings Road near Independence Lake in Webster Township, said Doug Armstrong, chief of the Dexter Area Fire Department. Smoke and flames were coming out of the single-story barn when crews arrived, Armstrong said. The owners were able to remove some of the equipment being stored in the barn when the fire started. No animals or people were injured. A small building adjacent to the barn had minor heat damage to its exterior, Armstrong said. The fire was brought under control in roughly 30 minutes. The cause is under investigation. Although the structure was still standing when crews cleared the scene, it was significantly damaged and will likely need to be rebuilt, Armstrong said. The Dexter Area Fire Department was aided by crews from Hamburg, Northfield, Ann Arbor and Scio townships, as well as the city of Ann Arbor. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. Two agents in plain clothes with their faces covered escorted someone around 12:30 p.m., Nov. 24, from the emergency department at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. Jordyn Pair | jpair@mlive.com SUPERIOR TWP., MI- A person was detained by federal immigration agents Monday outside an Ann Arbor-area hospital. Two agents in plain clothes with their faces covered escorted someone around 12:30 p.m., Nov. 24, from the emergency department at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. The two agents were wearing vests that read POLICE and POLICE ICE and were visibly armed. They put the person, which local activists believed to be male, into an unmarked vehicle and then drove away. Activists tracking ICE activities have said it is the second arrest resulting in a hospital visit in several weeks. MLive/The Ann Arbor News was unable to verify the first incident. Law enforcement was present at the hospital Monday, confirmed Bobby Maldonado, a spokesperson for Trinity Health. He would not confirm the agency involved. There was no immigration enforcement activity that took place at our hospital, Maldonado said in an email to MLive/ The Ann Arbor News. Law enforcement brought an individual in for medical treatment, and they were then discharged. He declined to comment further. Read more: Its really bad out there. ICE near Ann Arbor has rattled community, officials say Rev. Deborah Dean-Ware said she received word Monday morning that ICE had detained someone at an Ypsilanti-area apartment and was taking them to the hospital, she told MLive/The Ann Arbor News. She arrived at the hospitals emergency department around 9:45 a.m., where she saw a group of armed, masked men surrounding a person in a wheelchair going into a triage room. I tried to stop them, Dean-Ware said. (I was) trying to just acknowledge what they were doing and check in with him and see if he was okay, but I didnt have a lot of time. Dean-Ware said she tried to speak with the person but didnt get a reply. It is not clear how old the person is, although Dean-Ware said he looked to be a teenager. A video taken by Dean-Ware inside the hospital and shared with MLive/The Ann Arbor News shows an armed man in plainclothes wearing what appears to be a U.S. Marshall badge on his right hip. Dean-Ware attempts to approach him while he was on a cellphone. Maam, you cannot video in here, he told her, before pointing her toward hospital security. He did not answer Dean-Wares question about whether the person detained had due process. As Dean-Ware speaks with hospital security, a second person wearing a hat, sunglasses and a face covering briefly exits a room behind security, but then quickly shuts the door again. Hospital security told her to stop filming due to medical privacy laws. MLive/The Ann Arbor News is not sharing the footage due to privacy concerns, since the video was taken inside a hospital and shows others not involved. Dean-Ware ultimately left the building and was asked to leave the property entirely by a Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office deputy called to the parking lot. The sheriffs office did not respond to a request for more information by the time of publication. The reverend, who is the lead pastor at Ann Arbors The Church of the Good Shepherd, said she is concerned about due process and civil rights of those detained by immigration agents. If youre going into apartment complexes or going into parking lots and just grabbing off the parking lot or because they look brown, youre not doing due process, Dean-Ware said. Youre kidnapping people. Dean-Ware also said the man who was apprehended was young, unarmed and not large. It is unclear where the person at the hospital was detained, if officials had a warrant or why they were taken to the hospital. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. File photo of police vehicles' lights. Jake May file photo | For MLive.com A 39-year-old woman led police on a multi-county chase before crashing her vehicle into a tree, police said. Deputies with the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office attempted to stop a black Nissan Infiniti just after midnight on Friday, Nov. 21, on Lapeer Road west of Wadhams Road due to the lack of a visible license plate. The driver, identified by police as Virginia Smith, fled the area, disregarding lights and sirens, according to a Monday, Nov. 24, news release from the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office. Police said the driver continued to head north on Lapeer Road, speeding and repeatedly crossing into oncoming traffic. The pursuit led police through Clyde Township, Grant Township, and into southern Sanilac County, coming to an end when Smith crashed into a tree behind Zimmer Auto Sales in Worth Township. Smith was medically cleared at McLaren Port Huron hospital and taken to the St. Clair County Detention and Intervention Center. It was discovered that the vehicle was unregistered and has no insurance, police said. Smith was arraigned Friday in 72nd District Court in Port Huron on charges including second-degree fleeing, two counts of resisting and obstructing, and single counts of operating while intoxicated - second offense, reckless driving, and open alcohol container in vehicle. Bond was denied for Smith. Beryl and Eric Bartkus, married for 37 years, have emphasized their independent thinking, as they prepare to serve the residents of the city of Lowell, a Grand Rapids suburb. Beryl was elected Nov. 4. The couple is pictured on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in downtown Lowell, Mich. Chloe Trofatter | MLive.com KENT COUNTY, MI - Is that legal? The question buzzed around Beryl Bartkus when she began telling the Lowell community about her campaign for city council. Her husband of 37 years, Eric Bartkus, already had a council seat. If voters elected Beryl Bartkus on Nov. 4, the pair would serve together for at least two years. While not illegal, the situation is relatively rare in Michigan. At first when she heard the question repeatedly, Bartkus said she came home feeling tired, even joking about coming up with funny answers like, no, its not legal. Its a felony. But it also got her thinking. Why was she running? Bartkus said her answer quickly became about acknowledging that her husband is on city council, and I think hes doing a really good job, but we are two totally different people. Yes, were married. Yes, I have the same last name, but take a moment and look at my qualifications, she said. With her own unique ideas, Bartkus, a small business owner, said it felt unfair that she should be written off as a candidate because of her husbands political involvement. She spoke about wanting to run for office to again bring female representation to Lowells City Council, and to advocate for adults with disabilities in her community. Bartkus was one of three people elected to the council on Nov. 4. Now, she will join the council in January, along with the two incumbents reelected this month. A small city located in Kent County, about 15 miles east of Grand Rapids, Lowell had a population of just over 4,000 as of the 2020 U.S. Census. The communitys city council is made up of five members who serve between two and four-year terms. Beryl Bartkus was the second-most voter getter among the four candidates with 472 votes. Her husband Eric Barkus, who is wrapping up his second year on the city council, said his wife has more energy and passion for the city than I do - and I have a lot - so Im glad the voters chose her. Wedded to their community. The Bartkus family moved from Ohio to Michigan a little over 27 years ago, and have lived in Lowell Charter Township since 1997. Beryl Bartkus owns Ability Weavers, which the couple started several blocks away in 2016 to provide woven goods and employ adults with disabilities. Eric Bartkus - a mechanical engineer - runs a commercial office furniture design firm downtown. Beryl Bartkus at Ability Weavers on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in Lowell, Mich. Chloe Trofatter | MLive.com Sitting in their downtown store, with walls covered in woven tapestries and surrounded by a half dozen looms, the couple spoke about also considering moving inside the city boundaries back in 2019. They renovated the apartment above Ability Weavers to do so. Eric Bartkus said with two businesses and a residence in the city, he first felt called to begin attending city council meetings during what he described as a slower time for Lowell. He was approached to run soon after, and was elected in November 2023 to a four-year term that will expire in 2028. We love the city, he said. We are here for the long term. Eric Bartkus at Bartkus Engineering on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in Lowell, Mich. Chloe Trofatter | MLive.com Bartkus said hes seen the city grow and change, with skyrocketing property values and a vibrant downtown. I feel, and many people feel that Beryl is perfect to continue to help the city grow, he said. A pharmacist by training, Beryl Bartkus described her passion as helping her 34-year-old daughter and other adults with disabilities find resources, support and employment. She began attending city council meetings when a property sale was set to impact her businesss parking, and found the inner workings of the city fascinating. I like to see how things work, she said. I also liked staying on top of how things were changing, moving along for the city, why things happen or why things dont happen When you go to these meetings, you realize what the reasons are. She also described her experience in Lowell as centered around putting herself out there, with time spent serving on the downtown development authority, as president of the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of Flat River Outreach Ministries, to name a few. In 2024, she set her sights on a city council seat. I had to prove myself. When former Council Member Leah Groves announced her resignation from Lowells City Council in November 2024, Beryl Bartkus said she applied to be appointed and was interviewed. But she was told by one council member that her relation to Eric Bartkus was a tick against her. Shes now grateful for the opportunity she was given to run instead. By having to run, I had to prove myself to everybody, she said. Eric and Beryl Bartkus at Ability Weavers on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in Lowell, Mich. Chloe Trofatter | MLive.com As the November 2025 election drew closer, Eric Bartkus said it became obvious there werent going to be any challengers to the city council incumbents, and he said, I think everybodys up for a good challenge. Beryl Bartkus added that she wanted there to be female representation in Lowell, given that over 50% of the population is comprised of women. I didnt think it would affect me that much, but Im sitting there watching these five guys make every decision for our city, and I thought somethings not right, she said. There needs to be women represented, she added, Because we do think of things differently. She joked that the decision to run was finalized when she decided she could just blame (Eric) if I didnt get elected. But Beryl Bartkus was elected to a four-year term, receiving 472 votes (26.4%). She was joined by incumbent Jim Salzwedel, who received 476 votes (26.62%) and earned a four-year term, and incumbent Mark Ritzema, who received 420 votes (23.49%) and a two-year term. Incumbent Marty Chambers, who received 414 votes (23.15%), was the fourth-highest vote getter. Its not common, but it does happen. During her campaign and even after being elected, Beryl Bartkus said the couple received questions about the ethics - and even the legality - of serving on city council together. There is no prohibition in Michigan on related individuals serving on the same local government body. Beryl and Eric Bartkus said theyve done their own research, and found that a couple previously served together on the Lowell Township Board. They said they were told about a similar situation in Fenton. But theres less of a historical record of couples serving together. A spokesperson for the Archives of Michigan in Lansing said it does not keep record of couples elected to the same government body. Only a handful of news articles nationwide detail the same occurrence. Its not common, but it does happen, Eric Bartkus said. The couple believes despite the unique situation, they each think independently enough to make it work. Beryl Bartkus recounted one conversation prior to the election when she asked a friend for help answering the questions she was getting. Those people have never been married for 37 years, was the response she received. If you agreed on everything, that would be very unusual for somebody whos (been) married for 37 years. Eric Bartkus at Ability Weavers on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in Lowell, Mich. Chloe Trofatter | MLive.com At the same time, Beryl Bartkus said their dynamic is collaborative, and she believes the couple will work well together. We still like each other, she joked. Eric Bartkus said he often thinks of the best friends dynamic, instead of husband and wife. If two best friends were on council together, and they went out every evening for dinner, (theyd) have to have the integrity to separate council from having dinner, he said. People have to trust us, that we are going to keep our independence, and were not going to be having hidden agendas. He also highlighted the other city council members - Jim Salzwedel, Mark Ritzema and mayor Mike DeVore - as part of a strong team that works well together. Requests for comment to several other council members were not returned as of the time of publishing. Looking ahead, the couple said they were excited for the future of Lowell, and encouraged more people to get involved in government, either by running for office or simply attending meetings. When there was an opening on city council, I thought thered be five, six, seven people running, Eric Bartkus said, adding, helping the city and being part of guiding the city is really important. A Holland man is accused of tax fraud for failing to pay taxes on $1.1 million in unlicensed marijuana sales. HOLLAND, MI -- A 48-year-old Holland man is accused of failing to pay taxes on $1.1 million in unlicensed marijuana sales. Michigan Attorney General staff on Monday, Nov. 24 said that Shaun Michael Brown faces charges of failure to file taxes/filing a false return as well as false pretenses from $50,000-$100,000. Prosecutors said Brown sold a person a 2021 Chevy Corvette for $95,000, but never provided a valid title. They also allege he never paid income or sales taxes from 2020 through 2022 on more than $1.1 million that he earned from unlicensed marijuana sales. Cases like this demonstrate exactly why a strong, transparent regulatory framework matters and why those who choose to operate outside it will be held accountable," said Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency Executive Director Brian Hanna in a written statement. Amanda Hergenreder (carrying white paper), walks through a Kent County courthouse hallway after she was sentenced to 10 days in jail for taking a homeless man's dog. (John Tunison | MLive) John Tunison GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A Michigan veterinarian who refused to return a homeless mans dog after she found it tied to a truck in Grand Rapids has been sentenced to 10 days in jail. Amanda Hergenreder, 40, of Millington, was sentenced Monday, Nov. 24, on a charge of larceny less than $200. She must report to the Kent County Jail on Friday, Nov. 28 to start the incarceration. Hergenreder was in Grand Rapids in November 2024 for a conference when she found a pit bull tied to a U-Haul truck near Eastern Avenue and 28th Street next to a Biggby Coffee shop. She believed the dog was alone, underweight and neglected, and called Grand Rapids Police for guidance, but an intern answered and no guidance was given. Hergenreder took the dog home with her, but refused to return it when police tracked her down weeks later. The dog, while unlicensed, was named Vinnie and owned for more than a decade by Chris Hamilton. He was without a permanent home when the dog was taken. Grand Rapids District Court Judge Angela Ross, in issuing the sentence, scolded Hergenreder for her decisions. The audacity of you to just take someone elses belongings for your own without regard, Ross said. This man (Hamilton), it was his dog for years and he fed him and took care of him to his own detriment. When he didnt have food to eat, he gave his dog food, Ross said. Hergenreder was convicted after a trial. At the sentencing, she teared up while reading a statement. I acted from compassion, but I failed to see the whole picture, she told the judge. I let instinct override judgment. The dog, which she renamed Bigby, died in July at the age of 16. He was never returned to Hamilton. As part of the sentence, Hergenreder also was ordered to complete 60 hours of community service and pay restitution to Hamilton of $1,000. Hamilton was in the courtroom and said he was heartened to hear Hergenreder apologize. Its sad the situation had to turn out like this, but I dont get my dog back no matter what, he said. He disputed claims the dog was in poor condition. We were at the park the day before (Vinnie disappeared), throwing frisbies around and he was chasing squirrels, Hamilton said. I always took good care of him. He was my friend, he said. In a Tuesday, Nov. 18, meeting, the Jackson City Council unanimously approved a $505,800 project to install a new playground at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1107 Adrian St. J. Scott Park | MLive.com JACKSON, MI Major improvements are coming to a Jackson park. The Jackson City Council unanimously approved last week a $505,800 project to install a new playground at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1107 Adrian St. The contract with Sinclair Recreation of Holland is fully funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Spark Grant program. The Spark Grant provides the opportunity to address the aging playground. The current playground structure is about 25 years old. Along with Loomis Park on Ganson Street, it is one of Jacksons most-used parks, said Kelli Hoover, Jacksons director of parks, recreation and grounds. Through that wonderful amount of people use, its just aged, and it required a lot of maintenance to keep up, Hoover said. At this point, its time to move forward with a new playground. The new equipment will provide a variety of modern equipment, including accessible seesaws, slides, swings and climbing elements. Additionally, the project includes a paved connection to the MLK Equality trail near the playground, allowing families to exercise or ride their bikes together. The project modernizes the park, making it safer and more accessible to residents with disabilities. The project will likely be complete by the summer of 2026. The city of Jackson worked with the Jackson Community Foundation and its CEO, Monica Moser, on the grant process, Hoover said. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. JACKSON, MI A driver ran a red light Saturday night and the car hit a police cruiser on its way to the Jackson County Jail to book a man who was arrested, police said. Police and rescue crews responded at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, to the intersection of West Michigan Avenue and South Jackson Street in Jackson for a report of a crash with injuries, Jackson Police Department Lt. John Lillie said. A Blackman-Leoni Township public safety officer was heading to the jail with an arrested person in the back seat when the other vehicle hit it, Lillie said. The officer and the driver of the at-fault vehicle, a 27-year-old man, were not injured in the crash. The man who was arrested had injuries deemed non-life-threatening and was taken to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital for treatment, Lillie said. The mans current condition is unknown, but he is expected to survive, Lillie said. The investigation showed the driver of the other vehicle had run the red light, Lillie said. The driver admitted to drinking alcohol earlier in the evening. An alcohol screening showed he had alcohol in his system but was well under the legal limit, Lillie said. The Jackson County Sheriffs Office was called to the scene to assist in crash scene reconstruction. The driver was not arrested and the crash remains under investigation. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. A sign at the Parnall Correctional Facility near Jackson on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. J. Scott Park | MLive.com JACKSON, MI Two state prisons outside Jackson will soon have safety railings installed after multiple prisoners have died falling or jumping from an upper level of the facilities. The House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the transfer of $26.1 million from the states general fund to the Michigan Department of Corrections on Nov. 12. Of that total, $10 million is being used to pay for railings in housing units at the Charles E. Egeler and Parnall Correctional Facilities. A representative for MDOC was not immediately available for comment. Railings are necessary for the safety and security of inmates and staff at the facilities, according to the legislative transfer package report. Since 2020, five prisoners at the facilities have died after falling or jumping from the upper gallery housing units on the fourth floor of the facilities. The most recent fall was occurred on Oct. 22 at the Parnall Correctional Facility, 1780 E. Parnall Road, where a prisoner intentionally fell from an upper gallery. The most recent death was Ervin Robinson II, 42, who died April 12 after he fell from a gallery at the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center north of Jackson, according to the Department of Corrections. In 2024, Michael Muldermans, 72, jumped and died shortly after arriving at the facility. Additionally, in 2020, Mark James Wilson, 59, lifted himself over a railing and jumped from a fourth-level gallery of the prison, dying by suicide, the Department of Corrections reported. The remaining $16.1 million of the general fund transfer is being spent on prisoner healthcare costs, prisoner transport costs and relocation costs for staff who moved to the Macomb and Woodland correctional facilities following the closure of the Detroit Detention Center in July. Contracted nurses are anywhere between 20% and 30% more expensive than civil service nurses, leading to a spending gap in MDOCs budget, records show. For more news about the Michigan Department of Corrections, click here. KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI A build-your-own sectional showroom has replaced a build-your-own pizza spot in the Corner Shoppes at Stadium. Lovesac, the furniture company best known for sactional couches, opened its showroom near Kalamazoo Friday, Nov. 21. Its name comes from its original Durafoam-filled beanbags, called Sacs. The Utah-based furniture company moved into 5097 Century Ave., near Costco and Trader Joes. The Oshtemo Township space formerly housed MOD Pizza, which closed in March. Lovesac furniture is designed to evolve, per its website, with interchangeable cushion covers, removable armrests and modular seats that can be added or removed. Its modular design allows for free, efficient shipping in recycled cardboard boxes. In the showroom, visitors can browse fabric swatches, sit in sample Lovesac configurations and get a quote for their custom design, per the companys website. The company also offers in-seating speakers, charging ports and durable, reclining foam-filled seats. The Kalamazoo showroom is Lovesacs eighth in Michigan, per the website. West Michiganders can also find a showroom in East Grand Rapids at 2213 Wealthy St. The company has 270 retail showrooms nationwide, according to a 2024 investor report. Kalamazoos showroom is currently open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. Portrait of Gerryon Kyes father, Jeffrey Williams, and his cousin, Joe Pratt, in front Kyes memorial in the Northside neighborhood of Kalamazoo on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. (Photo by Carlin Stiehl | MLive.com) Carlin Stiehl | MLive.com KALAMAZOO, MI A man was sentenced Friday, Nov. 21, after being convicted with multiple counts related to the 2021 home invasion and fatal shooting of Gerryon Kye. Kalamazoo County Circuit Court Judge Rebecca DeAngelo sentenced Isaiah Jacole Willhite, 24, to 40 to 70 years for felony murder and two years for felony firearm, to be served consecutively. He was given credit for 703 days of credit for time already served, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said. A jury convicted Willhite of felony murder, home invasion and other charges in July. The charges stem from a June 26, 2021, shooting on the 1300 block of North Rose Street. Officers responded and found 31-year-old Gerryon Kye with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite medical efforts, Kye died at the scene. Investigators found that two masked people forced their way into the home during an armed robbery. Kye was asleep in his upstairs bedroom when two masked men broke into the house, police said previously. The men demanded money and shot Kye in the leg. They left the room, only to come back and shot Kye again this time in the chest, killing him, police said. Willhite was later identified as one of the suspects and arrested. His co-defendant, Julius Curtis Robinson Jr., is currently in federal custody out of state, awaiting transport back to Michigan. Portrait of Gerryon Kyes father, Jeffrey Williams, in the Northside neighborhood of Kalamazoo on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. (Photo by Carlin Stiehl | MLive.com) Carlin Stiehl | MLive.com Six months after the murder and before Willhite was arrested, Kyes family and friends met with reporters, asking anyone with details to talk to come forward. MORE: Its heartbreaking, Kalamazoo family pleads for information 6 months after sons murder Kyes father, Jeffrey Williams, said his son was a kindhearted person. Its not fair for my son to be in his bed and murdered like that, Williams said previously. He had three children, Williams said. This sentence represents a significant step forward for a family and a community that has carried the weight of this loss for more than four years, KDPS Capt. Danielle Guilds said. Our detectives remained steadfast throughout this investigation and we are grateful for the collaboration between prosecutors, witnesses and community members who helped bring accountability in this case. Guilds is the commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. While no sentence can replace a life taken, we hope todays outcome offers some measure of closure for those who loved Mr. Kye, Guilds said. KDPS remains committed to protecting the community and ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts are held accountable. Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page. MUSKEGON, MI Shanda Vander Ark, the West Michigan mother who tortured her son to death, will appear in a Muskegon courtroom this week in a bid for a new trial. Its been nearly two years since Vander Ark last made an in-person appearance in court when she was sentenced to life without parole for murder. Vander Ark, 46, is fighting for a new trial after she was convicted of murder for orchestrating brutal punishments that led to the death of her son, 15-year-old Timothy Ferguson. The case drew major attention due to the horrific details surrounding Timothys death. Timothy, who had special needs, was found dead on July 6, 2022, in his familys Norton Shores home after suffering months of torture at the hands of his mother and older brother, Paul Ferguson. Timothy was force-fed bread soaked in hot sauce and left in ice baths for hours at a time. Vander Ark deprived Timothy of food and sleep and used cameras to monitor the boys movements throughout the home. Pictured in this undated photo is a young Timothy Ferguson. The photo was shown during Shanda Vander Arks sentencing in Muskegon County Circuit Court on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. Vander Ark was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for torturing 15-year-old Timothy to death. He weighed 69 pounds when he died. (Photo provided by Muskegon County Circuit Judge Matthew Kacel) Photo provided by Muskegon County Circuit Judge Matthew Kacel Timothy weighed 69 pounds when he died. Jurors found Vander Ark guilty of first-degree murder and first-degree child abuse at trial in December 2023. She was sentenced to prison a month later. For his role in the abuse, Paul Ferguson pleaded guilty to first-degree child abuse and was sentenced to 30-100 years in prison. Since then, Vander Ark has been fighting for a new trial and made claims she was incompetent and denied effective counsel. Vander Ark is set to appear Tuesday morning, Nov. 25, before Muskegon County Circuit Judge Matthew Kacel for a Ginther hearing that will determine the fate of a new trial. Here are four things to know ahead of Tuesdays proceeding: 1. Who will appear for hearing? At her request, Vander Ark is set to appear in the courtroom for the hearing. She will be joined by her appellate attorney, Ronald D. Ambrose. Muskegon County Chief Trial Attorney Matt Roberts, who prosecuted Vander Ark, will appear for any arguments on behalf of the prosecution. Kacel, the judge who presided over Vander Arks case, will oversee the hearing. 2. What is a Ginther hearing? Ginther hearings are intended for a defendant to attempt to prove ineffective assistance of counsel as grounds for a new trial. Vander Ark was granted a Ginther hearing in July after her attorney argued she was incompetent at trial and was denied effective counsel. Kacel denied Vander Arks motion for a new trial based on incompetence. However, the judge ordered a Ginther hearing to determine whether Vander Arks trial attorney was ineffective. 3. Who will testify? Fred Johnson, Vander Arks trial attorney, will likely be the only person to take the stand Tuesday. Johnson, the former director of the Muskegon County Public Defenders Office, retired in June 2024 after a nearly 50-year legal career. Defendant Shanda Vander Ark, 44, during the prosecutors opening statement at the Muskegon County Courthouse on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Vander Ark is accused of torturing her 15-year-old son, Timothy Ferguson, to death in July 2022. Ridley Hudson | MLive.com Vander Ark effectively waived her attorney-client privilege when she claimed ineffective counsel, which could play in the prosecutions favor, Roberts previously told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle. Its unclear what questions the defense and prosecutors will ask Johnson or how long he might testify. 4. Appeals on hold pending outcome of Ginther hearing Vander Ark has filed an appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals challenging her criminal convictions. A hearing on those appeals has not been set and remains in limbo pending the outcome of Tuesdays proceedings. The day after Vander Ark was sentenced to prison, prosecutors moved forward with a petition to have the womans parental rights to the only child in her custody terminated because Vander Ark did not voluntarily give them up. That child an 8-year-old boy was also living in the home while Timothy was being tortured. However, prosecutors have said the boy was not involved in any abuse. The court of appeals later issued an opinion denying Vander Arks appeal of her parental rights being terminated. FRANKENMUTH MI Firefighters spent Sunday evening battling a blaze at a Frankenmuth commercial building. A passerby at about 6:48 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, called 911 to report an alarm going off and smoke emanating from the roof of the building at 140 W. Tuscola St. Local police and firefighters responded and confirmed smoke was billowing out of the brick building. Crews entered through the second-floor attic space and determined a fire was inside the concealed wall/ceiling cavity. They tried finding the fires source, but were forced to withdraw and switch their offensive strategy to a defensive one when smoke conditions greatly worsened. Fire crews from Bridgeport and Birch Run provided mutual aid in the form of personnel and aerial ladder trucks. Kochville and Taymouth townships fire crews arrived to provide additional support. The crews cleared the scene shortly after midnight on Monday, Nov. 24. No injuries were suffered and the building was unoccupied when the fire began. The building housed The Michigan Soy Bean Association and the law offices of Smith Bovill P.C. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Frankenmuth Fire Chief Phil Kerns said it appears to have been accidental. He added the structure is likely a total loss due to the heavy fire, smoke, and water damage. SAGINAW, MI Two shootings in Saginaw over the weekend have left three people hospitalized. A separate incident involving gunfire led to three juveniles arrests. At 2 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, a 32-year-old man arrived at Covenant HealthCare suffering from a gunshot wound to his neck, said Michigan State Police Lt. Kim Vetter. The mans vehicle was perforated by numerous bullet holes, she added. The wounded man claimed he had recently left a bar on State Street when an unknown party opened fire on him near the intersection of Cooper Avenue and Brenner Street, Vetter said. About 48 hours later on Sunday, Nov. 23, police responded to reported gunfire at Bridgton Place Townhomes on Vestry Drive in Saginaw, Vetter said. Witnesses indicated they had seen three males running through the complexs parking lot, firing handguns and a rifle at a parked vehicle, Vetter said. Police reviewed surveillance camera footage and recovered several spent pistol and rifle casings, Vetter said. They shortly thereafter located and arrested three juvenile males, recovering three firearms in the process. Then, about 2:20 a.m. Sunday, two men ages 27 and 22 arrived at Covenant with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. The men claimed they had been shot by unknown persons while seated in a vehicle parked at Express Liquor, 1420 N. Washington Ave. The three non-fatal shootings are at least Saginaws 61st, 62nd, and 63rd of the year. The city had 52 such shootings in 2024, 65 in 2023, 40 in 2022, and 93 in 2021. Saginaw has also recorded 13 homicides this year, all but two resulting from gunfire. The Disney Wonder cruise ship sails toward the Cocoli Locks, part of the new Panama Canal expansion in Cocoli, Panama, Saturday, April 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco) AP Police are investigating after a man went overboard during a Disney cruise. According to New Zeland-based 7News, the 73-year-old man from Melbourne jumped from the Disney Wonder as it sailed for Auckland with about 1,750 passengers on board at 4.30 a.m. on Nov. 21. The ship turned around in the Tasman Sea to try and find the man, but the search was unsuccessful. The captain came on and updated the boat and basically stated that there was someone, a passenger had fallen overboard ... (but) that they were unable to find them, passenger Mitch Talbot told the publication. It was quite somber, and it was just a bit eerie for the rest of the day. A lot of the staff kind of took some time. Authorities said they are not treating the death as suspicious. The man has not been identified. The Disney Wonder was making one of its last trips in the region. Disney Cruise Line announced earlier this year it was bidding a fond farewell for now to Australia with her 2025/26 season While Disney Wonder will not return to Australia and New Zealand for the 2026-27 season, we want to reassure you that sailings from this region remain a strong consideration for future itineraries, Disney Cruise Line said in August. The final local cruise from Disney will leave from Sydney on Jan. 30 after which the ship will head to Honolulu. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in need of immediate mental health assistance, local and national crisis lines are available 24/7. The local crisis line is 269-381-HELP (4357). The national suicide prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For a full list of suicide prevention resources, visit gryphon.org. Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry during the Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi, Thailand, on Nov. 19, 2025. (Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) TNS A Miss Universe contestant is recovering after she fell from the stage and was put on a stretcher. In an update provided on Monday, Miss Universe President Raul Rocha said that despite difficult moments and unexpected concerns, Miss Jamaica Dr. Gabrielle Henry is in good health and nearing discharge from the hospital. We will continue to communicate only essential information with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect, the statement said. While unfounded speculation has circulated publicly, our full attention has remined on Dr. Henrys care and recovery. We are grateful that she is now close to being released from the hospital. Henry, 28, fell off the stage while competing in the during the events preliminary evening gown competition. She did not break any bones, but the fall resulted in head trauma, and lacerations to her chin and foot. Concern was substantial both from the gathered crowd and online onlookers. Henry was forced to withdraw from the competition as she was treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a hospital in Thailand. Miss Universe is paying for 100 percent of the related medical expenses, Rocha said, as well as hotel accommodation, transportation and assistance to the family throughout the process. Henry, who is from Kingston, is an ophthalmologist who is an advocate for the visually impaired. Her See Me Foundation provides educational and economic opportunities for people who are blind or have reduced vision. Fatima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe, marking the countrys fourth title in the event. A task force created by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has released new recommendations to reduce gun violence in the state. (MLive file photo) (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) From raising the age to purchase firearms to banning assault weapons, a state-led task force has issued a host of recommendations it says will reduce gun violence and save lives in Michigan. Its unclear whether the state Legislature will take up and pass these recommendations unveiled Monday, Nov. 24, by the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in its final report. Some of the recommendations are likely to face stiff resistance in the Republican-controlled House, which has declined to take up bans on bump stocks and ghost guns passed by the Senate and now recommended by the task force. House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, hadnt yet reviewed the recommendations as of Monday morning and couldnt comment. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, said Senate Democrats are devoted to combating gun violence as long as it continues to plague communities around the state. Im glad to see that the task forces report builds on some of the major policies weve already enacted, like safe storage and universal background checks, Brinks said. This year, the Senate passed bans on bump stocks and ghost guns, and I urge the House to take these up in short order. I look forward to learning more about the task forces research and working in tandem to keep our neighborhoods safe. The Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force was created in June 2024 by order of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. It followed new gun safety and control laws enacted earlier that year in the wake of the mass shooting at Michigan State University that killed three students and injured five others. That legislative package brought about universal background checks on gun purchases, firearm restrictions for people convicted of domestic violence, secure gun storage requirements and red flag orders. Extreme Risk Protection Orders created by red flag laws allow Michiganders to seek temporary, court-ordered removal of firearms from at-risk individuals. Whitmer noted Monday that the report comes as the state nears the four-year anniversary of the 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School that killed four students and injured seven people. While weve made significant progress since then, gun violence remains an epidemic, with over 11,000 preventable deaths and injuries just this year, Whitmer said. We all want to keep Michiganders safe. These recommendations will help us do exactly that. Together, lets keep getting it done and save lives. The task force is led by Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigans chief medical executive, and includes academic researchers, prosecutors, law enforcement, tribal representatives, education, community and business leaders, mental health professionals and officials from state departments. In its report, the task force noted that some of the recommendations may be challenging to implement. With lives on the line, incremental change is not enough. We must act with urgency and conviction to adopt policy solutions that will save lives and create a safer future for all Michiganders, task force members wrote in the report. Heres a look at the recommendations, which were developed over the past year with input from a wide range of advocates. Requiring waiting periods for all firearm purchases. The task force does not give a recommended amount of time but Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) officials say this cooling-off period can prevent impulsive acts of gun violence and gives more time for background checks. Increasing the age of firearm purchase to 21. Residents 18 and older can currently purchase a handgun from a private seller and long guns from a private seller or licensed dealer. However, customers must be 21 or older to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer. Close the concealed pistol license loophole. Currently, residents can purchase a firearm without a background check or permit through a CPL loophole, MDHHS officials say. Banning ghost guns. Ghost guns are untraceable firearms that dont have serial numbers. Prohibit the possession of large capacity magazines. The task force did not define large capacity magazines. A defunct federal ban previously defined large capacity magazines as ones that could hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition, but some states have put the limit at more than 15 or 20 rounds. Prohibit the sale, possession, manufacture or transfer of assault weapons. The task force did not define what constitutes an assault weapon. Usually these bans target semiautomatic rifles that have features like a pistol grip, barrel shroud, or a grip for the nontrigger hand, and can accept a detachable magazine. Ban automatic conversion devices. These are devices that convert semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic guns and are generally already illegal under state and federal law. However, one attachment called a bump stock remains legal and allows semiautomatic rifles to fire at a rate similar to machine guns. Prohibit carrying guns in government buildings. Strengthen existing school safety legislation. Standardize training for school resource officers and promote a single school safety tip line statewide. Support community violence intervention efforts. Educate the public on secure firearm storage and expand access to free gun locking devices. Michigans safe-storage law went into effect in February 2024. It requires guns be kept in an enclosed, locked container that minors do not have a key or combination to open. Create clear guidelines for firearm relinquishment. This would create a process for individuals prohibited from owning firearms to turn those guns in to law enforcement agencies. Remove barriers for filing Extreme Risk Protection Orders and Personal Protection Orders and improve enforcement of orders. Strengthen victim support services to address the harm of domestic violence. Firearms are now the leading cause of death among children and teens in the United States surpassing motor vehicle accidents, drownings and childhood cancers which underscores the urgent need for action, Bagdasarian said. This roadmap reflects the collective expertise and lived experiences of our task force and offers a clear, evidence-based path forward to protect Michigan families and save lives. From rain to snow to gusty winds, the Thanksgiving forecast has it all. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service This holiday week is going to start out with mild weather on Monday. But then the forecast is headed downhill fast, with rain developing Monday night into Tuesday across much of Michigan. On Wednesday, the forecast switch gets flipped to winter. Cold air will send our high temperatures tumbling throughout the day, and rain will change to snow in some areas. Parts of Northern Michigan could see accumulating snow. Right now, the heaviest snow looks like it will fall in a swath from Cadillac north to Gaylord, and push north into Petoskey and the Tip of the Mitt area. And then the winds are forecast to come roaring in. Winds gusts could hit 45 mph in some parts of Michigan between Wednesday night and Thursday. Coupled with the snow, this could lead to blustery conditions that could drop visibility and make driving hazardous. For the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, theres chance for snow on Thanksgiving, but it looks like it will be mostly lake-effect. The National Weather Service said snow is forecast to be heaviest along and west of U.S. 131. Once the cold air slams in to the region Wednesday, itll be here through the weekend with highs in the mid 30s, the NWS meteorologists in Grand Rapids said in todays forecast notes. Lake effect snow showers will continue on Thanksgiving with some accumulation possible. Here are the holiday week forecast highlights from the NWS offices across Michigan: A powerful storm system will bring a dramatic weather shift to Michigan on Wednesday, with confidence increasing for significant snowfall, strong winds and hazardous travel conditions just as Thanksgiving holiday travel peaks. The NWS says an impactful winter weather event is becoming increasingly likely Wednesday evening through Friday across northwest Lower Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula. The forecast is calling for up to a 70% chances of 6 inches or more of snow across the western Upper Peninsula by Thanksgiving Day. Heavy snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour are possible under organized bands, combined with wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph that could create rapid visibility drops, blowing and drifting snow, and extremely hazardous travel conditions. Before the winter blast arrives, Michigan residents can expect mild conditions to start the week. Monday will see partly sunny skies with highs climbing into the lower 50s across southern Michigan and upper 40s to low 50s in northern areas. Rain will develop Monday night and continue through Tuesday. Temperatures Tuesday will again reach the 50s before the pattern dramatically shifts. Wednesday morning brings the arrival of a strong cold front that will sweep across Michigan, transitioning rain to snow during the day. Behind the front, temperatures will fall throughout the day with west to northwest winds increasing to wind advisory levels by early Wednesday afternoon. Wind gusts could potentially exceed 40 mph, with some coastal locations possibly seeing gusts over 50 mph. The combination of wet, heavy snow and strong winds may result in power outages. Lake effect snow will develop Wednesday evening and continue through Thanksgiving Day as bitterly cold air moves over the relatively warm Great Lakes waters. Wave heights on Lake Superior will build to 8 to 12 feet lakewide, with areas near the Keweenaw Peninsula and between Marquette and Grand Marais potentially seeing 16 foot waves. Gale warnings with winds up to 45 knots are expected on Lake Superior Wednesday and Thursday. The Gaylord office emphasizes that while many people may focus on snowfall amounts, the potential impacts from forecast winds cannot be understated in terms of holiday travel Wednesday night and Thursday. Potential winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 30 to 45 mph or higher would create rapid drops in visibility in falling snow, especially with blowing snow across north-south oriented roads, drifting snow on roadways, and likely hazardous travel for an extended period. Thanksgiving Day will remain cold with highs only in the mid 30s and wind chills in the teens and 20s. Lake effect snow showers will continue, particularly in traditional snow belts along the Lake Michigan shoreline and downwind of Lake Superior. The Detroit office notes that lake effect may continue into Friday with additional snowfall potential. Looking ahead to the extended holiday weekend, another storm system appears likely to impact Michigan Saturday into Sunday, though specific details remain uncertain. MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. Saurav Pandey 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. 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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. 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. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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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 Smriti Irani recalls when Dharmendra helped her during her first election campaign: He said, puttar, Ill be there 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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 completing his term in 2009, Dharmendra announced that he would never contest elections again. Vaishnavi Gavankar 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 Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor arrive at crematorium to pay last respects to veteran actor Dharmendra Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor arrive at crematorium to pay last respects to veteran actor Dharmendra Vaishnavi Gavankar 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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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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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 Shreya Garg is a journalist with over 6 years of experience at leading media houses. She writes extensively on lifestyle, health and things that are trending on the internet. Miss Universe Estonia Brigitta Schaback recently announced her decision to step down from her title (Picture Credit: Instagram/@brigittaschaback) Shreya Garg 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 Netra Mantena, the daughter of billionaire Rama Raju Mantena, tied the knot with Vamsi Gadiraju at the Jagmandir Island Palace in Udaipur. For the wedding day, Netra chose to sport a red Sabyasachi lehenga (Images: @interfloraindia's profile picture wizcraft.weddings's profile picture wizcraft.weddings/Instagram) Bobby John Varkey 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 Americans are microdosing obesity drugs, driven by 'thin is in' marketing blitz Hemant Abhishek 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 Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol. Viswanath Pilla 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 Rajasthan, Punjab rely most on informal regular work; workers set to benefit from labour-code rollout Ishaan Gera 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 Tushar Goenka is a breaking news reporter who focuses on startups. Interested in venture capital, quick commerce, e-commerce, food delivery and D2C. Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. 26 of Indias largest e-commerce platforms on November 20 submitted self-declaration letters to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), confirming compliance with the governments dark-pattern guidelines. Adrija Chatterjee 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 HAL says Tejas crash 'an isolated occurrence', adds 'no impact on financial performance or future deliveries' HAL says Tejas crash 'an isolated occurrence', adds 'no impact on financial performance or future deliveries J Jagannath 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 Indian companies to experience escalation in compliance costs under the new labour codes Experts say there are multiple areas where companies could see higher expenditure. B Kumar 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 Brokerages see up to 24% upside for HAL shares despite Tejas fighter jet crash in Dubai: Here's why HAL says Tejas crash 'an isolated occurrence', adds 'no impact on financial performance or future deliveries Debaroti Adhikary 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 funds total assets have climbed to over US$5 million, up from about US$2 million collected during its September NFO. Anishaa Kumar 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 Mehli Mistry, who was ousted from the Trusts a few weeks ago, also opposed the listing during his tenure. B Kumar 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 Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. Ria Kapoor 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 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 India introduced introduced an online gaming law that placed a blanket ban on real-money games in August Vikas SN 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 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. 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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 Ankit Saproo 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 Air India expects to induct 26 new planes in 2026, says CEO Campbell Wilson Siddharth Chakravorty 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 Christin Mathew Philip 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 completing his term in 2009, Dharmendra announced that he would never contest elections again. 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. 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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 Armaan Bhatnagar 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 Siddharth Chakravorty 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 India News Live: Congress chief Kharge calls Justice Surya Kants elevation a key juncture for judiciary Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge extended his greetings, calling Justice Kants elevation a critical juncture for the justice system. Kharge expressed confidence that under his leadership, constitutional values, institutional strength, and public trust in the rule of law would be reinforced, further advancing the promise of justice for every citizen. Justice Kant has been part of several landmark judgments, including the verdict on the abrogation of Article 370, which ended Jammu and Kashmirs special status. His tenure as Chief Justice is set to span 14 months. British-Indian spy Noor Inayat Khan, Tipu Sultan's descendant, gets rare honour in France: Who was she? Armaan Bhatnagar 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 Once-degraded SW China lake sees record bird diversity after ecological boost Xinhua) 15:16, November 24, 2025 CHENGDU, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The number of bird species at Qionghai Lake in the city of Xichang in southwest China's Sichuan Province has reached a record high of 310 this year, with a growing number of migratory birds becoming permanent residents thanks to improved ecological conditions, local authorities said on Sunday. The Qionghai National Wetland Park conservation center reported the increase -- attributing it to enhanced environmental restoration and reduced human disturbance. Yang Jun, a senior engineer with Xichang's forestry and grassland bureau, said that seven migratory species, including the Eurasian coot, white-breasted waterhen and Asian openbill, have now settled as residents. Monitoring data showed that the lake had hosted 120 bird species in 2014, with the figure rising to 302 by 2024 before hitting the current total of 310. Among these species, five are first-class and 47 second-class nationally protected birds -- including rare species like the purple swamphen and Chinese merganser, which are thriving at this lake. Qionghai Lake, Sichuan's second-largest inland lake, faced severe degradation from the 1960s to 1990s due to land reclamation, shrinking its size and slashing the number of bird species there to just over 20. Recent conservation efforts, such as projects to restore lakeside zones, relocate more than 50,000 residents and create 20,000 mu (about 1,333 hectares) of wetlands -- have revived over 30 kilometers of natural shorelines. Bird-watchers have noted expanded habitats and increased diversity in this area, with Qionghai now listed among Sichuan's top bird-watching sites. China, a key migratory corridor with four out of nine major global flyways, has established more than 2,200 wetland protected areas and 82 internationally important wetlands -- maintaining stable wetland coverage amid international environmental commitments. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Zhong Wenxing) The restart of talks highlights thawing relations between the two countries as Carney pushes to expand trade ties beyond the US, its biggest trading partner. 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. 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. 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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 India's new CJI Surya Kant: Looking at his journey to courtroom Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. 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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 Ria Kapoor is a Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol with nearly six years of newsroom experience. She covers a wide range of stories, including politics, crime, world affairs and issues of national interest. Before joining Moneycontrol, she worked with Inshorts, Times Now and NewsNine. 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 Karnataka draft bill proposes 5% disability quota in private sector, fines up to Rs 5 lakh for violations 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_ Christin Mathew Philip 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 Key verdicts of new CJI Surya Kant: From Presidential reference, Article 370 to Pegasus spyware case 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. 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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 Lekha Chakraborty is Professor, NIPFP & Member, Board of Management, International Institute of Public Finance, Munich. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Will he add trade openness in the devolution matrix? Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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Keir Starmer may be UKs PM, but its Nigel Farage who is setting the agenda 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. 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Rather than resuming explosive testing, the US may resort to aggressive non-critical testing of associated nuclear systems 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. 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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 Shaurya Shubham 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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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. 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I Accept As Trump sits out, G20 summits a new world where deals dont wait for the US The shift began when President Donald Trump refused to attend, accusing South Africa of persecuting its white minority 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. 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 While teenagers can still watch YouTube without an account, the site's algorithm will fail to drive traffic to popular posts, reducing views. Deblina Halder 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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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 IMF sounds alarm on Pakistans systemic corruption: Why bailouts continue despite growing security risks for India People walk through a market selling Pakistan's national flags and other accessories in Karachi on August 12, 2025, ahead of the country's Independence Day celebrations. (Photo by Rizwan TABASSUM / 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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I Accept 'Something good may be happening': Trump signals optimism on Ukraine peace talks as revised US plan takes shape US President Donald Trump gestures as he greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as he arrives for a meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, on October 17, 2025. (Photo by TOM BRENNER / AFP) 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 US President Donald Trump (L) and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands as they arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan on October 30, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) 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. 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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 Zelenskyy thanks 'President of America', says Ukraine 'never wanted war' after Trump's 'zero gratitude' remark 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. 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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 Zero tariffs, wider trade routes: What Afghanistan wants from its growing trade push with India 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 November 24, 2025 The Current State Of The 28-Point Plan My assessment of the Trumps 28-Point Ukraine Plan was not correct: The plan as it is is dead in the water, stillborn or however you may want to characterize this collection of ill-defined, non-binding and ridiculous clauses. No one will ever accept it. Russias President has somewhat accepted the plan when he said that it could serve as a foundation for a final peace settlement. He complained however that no U.S. contact was willing to discuss the details with Russia: The reason, in my opinion, is the same: the US administration has so far been unable to secure consent from the Ukrainian side, as Ukraine is opposed to it. Apparently, Ukraine and its European allies continue to entertain the illusion that they can inflict a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield. I believe this position is not so much the result of insufficient competence I will not go into that now but rather stems from an absence of objective information about the actual situation on the ground. Either Kievs leadership lacks objective reporting about the developments on the front, or, even if they receive such information, they are unable to assess it objectively. If Kiev refuses to discuss President Trumps proposals and declines to engage in dialogue, then both they and their European instigators must understand that what happened in Kupyansk will inevitably occur in other key areas of the front. Perhaps not as quickly as we would prefer, but inevitably. And overall, this development suits us, as it leads to achieving the goals of the special military operation by force, through armed confrontation. However, as I have repeatedly stated, we remain ready for peace negotiations and for resolving issues through peaceful means. However, this, of course, requires substantive and meaningful discussion of all aspects of the proposed plan. We are prepared for this. The Europeans issued their own plan which is just a repeat of their old demand of a ceasefire without conceding any of Russias demand. They are obviously trying to prevent an agreement. But they have no place at the table. They are on the menu. Trump wants them to pay for HIS peace plan and, in the end, they will do so. The acting president of Ukraine Vladimir Zelenski knows that he can not outright reject Trumps plan. He would be blamed for not wanting peace and U.S. support would be finished. He thus asks, prodded by the Europeans, for changes that Russia will surely reject. My understanding is that there will soon be another meeting (or phonecall) between Zelenski and Trump. If Trump accepts Zelenskis changes to key points of the plan Russia will have to reject it even as a base for discussions. Trump will then be pressed to put more sanctions on Russia. The war will escalate and continue. If Trump rejects changes to key points in the plan then Zelenski will have to reject it. Trump will end U.S. intelligence and other support for Ukraine which will lead to a faster defeat of Ukraine and the end of the war. Russia, as Putin says, is fine with either decision. Among all the vacation destinations in the world, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev have chosen the same one: the Maldives. And of all the possible days to begin their holidays, neither wanted to waste any time. To top it off, both ended up on the same flight. Pure coincidence, but after being two of the standout figures of the 2025 season, the German and the Italian shared a plane on Monday as they headed to their getaway. Both expressed their surprise at seeing each other once again, this time in a setting far removed from the courts where they have staged some memorable battles. Champion of the ATP Finals on November 16where he faced Zverev in the group stageSinner opted out of the Davis Cup to extend his rest period before the new season. After spending the first week with family and celebrating Italys victory from afar, he began his trip to the Maldives on Monday. He is expected to start his preseason training in early December. Sinner and Zverev Instagram / @alexzverev123 Zverev, meanwhile, did take part this weekend in the mixed-team world tournament, where Germany fell to Spain in the semifinals despite his strong performance. With no time to lose, he officially kicked off his own vacation on Monday. His season is scheduled to begin in just over a month at the United Cup, which opens during the first week of the year. Zverev posted a photo with Sinner from their flight along with a light-hearted message: I guess its Maldives season for everyone now, right? he joked on social media after the unexpected encounter. Naturally, the two went their separate ways upon arriving, but its very likely theyll meet again in a few weeks as they return to compete in more tournaments. BCs Tales of the Pacific Rethinking the Mutiny on the Bounty By BC Cook IT is the most famous mutiny in history. I am in hell! shouted Fletcher Christian, second in command of the Bounty, as he justified his act of piracy, took control of the ship, seized his captain, William Bligh, and cast him adrift in a tiny lifeboat. How did it come to this? The mutiny on the Bounty captures our imaginations with romance, intrigue, betrayal, exotic locations, strong-willed characters, high stakes, and long odds. The real-life drama is more gripping than anything in movies or television. It is hard to believe this incredible chapter in history revolved around breadfruit. The British Admiralty in 1789 entrusted Bligh to sail around the world to deliver breadfruit trees from Tahiti to the islands of the Caribbean. They hoped that breadfruit would provide a stable, nutritious source of food for the slaves working the plantations there. Bligh led his crew to the beautiful island in the southern Pacific, populated with stunning women eager to seduce the sailors. Since the plants were not ready for transport, Bligh made the biggest mistake of his illustrious career. He chose to stay at Tahiti for six months and allowed his crew to live among the inhabitants, unburdened by a taxing work schedule. At the time it seemed the humane thing to do but the sailors formed relationships with the islanders. When the time came to set sail, many of Blighs crew did not want to leave. Some deserted but were found and disciplined. Several days out from Tahiti, Christian and about half of the crew took control of the ship, setting Bligh and those loyal to him adrift in the ships small boat. Christian and the other mutineers returned to Tahiti, gathered their wives and a few others and eventually settled on isolated Pitcairn Island. Over the next few years, the mutineers turned on each other in a revenge-fueled murder spree. Abraham Lincoln said that rebellion is never a legal right, but is a moral right if used toward a moral purpose. Were Fletcher Christians motives moral? Hardly. As a sailor in the British navy, he swore to protect the interests of his country and do his duty as given by his orders and his captain. He turned his back on both. He abandoned his oath in order to extend his stay in what was understandably a gorgeous place, with someone he loved. It may have been romantic, but it was neither legal nor heroic. And what of William Bligh? Did his actions justify mutiny? The ships records and the testimony of the crew agree that Bligh was humane to a fault. He resorted to physical punishment much less frequently than other captains on voyages of similar duration. In court testimony the sailors most frequently complained that Bligh forced them to dance. Dance! Hardly the brute of Hollywood films, Bligh learned from Captain James Cook that a crew performed best when it was happy, not when it lived in constant fear. So why does popular culture remember the mutiny on the Bounty very differently? In books and movies Christian is a romantic hero, brutalized by his tyrannical master, and therefore justified in his betrayal. Bligh is portrayed sadistic, demonic, obsessive, and irrational. Why the gulf between fact and fantasy? Well, who would spend twenty dollars to watch a movie about a group of sailors who commit an unjustified crime of mutiny against a competent captain, and being punished for it? Dr. BC Cook taught history for 30 years and is a director and Pacific historian at Sealark Exploration (sealarkexploration.org). He currently lives in Hawaii. Visited 67 times, 1 visit(s) today Call for Taiwans substantive participation in Interpol Chou Yew-woei By Chou Yew-Woei Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Bureau of Taiwan FOUNDED in 1923, Interpol currently has 196 member states, making it the worlds second-largest international organization after the United Nations. Interpol is an essential platform for global law enforcement cooperation. It closely monitors transnational criminal activity including terrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime, and conducts exchanges with law enforcement agencies worldwide through its network of National Central Bureaus. Interpols mandate is to ensure and promote the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities. Yet, for more than four decades, Taiwan has been unjustly excluded from the organization for political reasons. Taiwans law enforcement authorities have extensive experience and expertise in crime prevention, public safety, and international cooperation. They have achieved significant success in areas such as combating drug smuggling and cyberfraud, earning Taiwan a strong reputation in the international community. However, Taiwan is unable to access Interpols databases, participate in its events, and share information with other countries in real time. This hampers Taiwans ability to counter transnational crime, encourages criminals to expand cross-border activities, and undermines the security of Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, and the rest of the world. Globalization has accelerated the transnational development of crime. Criminals and illicit assets can move swiftly across borders, meaning that drug smuggling, human trafficking, cybercrime, and other illegal activities are not confined to individual countries or regions, but are challenges facing the whole international community. At a time when crime is becoming increasingly globalized and sophisticated, it is imperative for the worlds police to work together to build a seamless and inclusive global security network. Enhanced international cooperation is needed to effectively combat cross-border illegal activity and safeguard global stability. Taiwans participation in Interpol would enable countries to coordinate their efforts in an unimpeded manner, confront common threats, and uphold public safety and order. Taiwans strong capabilities in combating crime According to the Numbeo global database, Taiwan ranks fourth in safety among 147 countries worldwide. Taiwans high placement is due to its low crime rate, strong sense of community, effective law enforcement, and close civic cooperation with the police. Taiwans crime rate is just over 1,200 reported incidents per 100,000 people, with homicide at only 2.3 per 100,000 far below the global average. This internationally recognized public safety record sets an important benchmark for law enforcement policymakers around the world, and makes Taiwan an attractive destination for international travelers. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is ready to play a full part in fighting transnational crime, contributing to criminal investigations, and working with partner countries to protect the safety and property of people around the world. Supporting Taiwan to close the gap in the global security network Taiwan has had success in combating telecom fraud, drug trafficking, and other cross-border crimes. In the fisheries sector, it has long-term experience in identifying vessels involved in human trafficking; forced labor; and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. But without access to Interpols I-24/7 global police communications system, Taiwan cannot share urgent information and join coordinated enforcement efforts in real time. Delays in reporting can lead to loss of evidence, failure to apprehend suspects, and unnecessary suffering of victims. Taiwans absence undermines the international law enforcement framework and creates a significant gap in global security. This should be recognized as a matter of serious concern. Taiwan is a reliable law enforcement partner for countries worldwide In recent years, fraud and other financial crimes have become increasingly transnational. Scam syndicates have shifted operations to such countries as Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. Victims from around the world have been lured to the region through false promises of travel and employment, only to be trapped in scam centers where they are forced to carry out financial crimes. Some are even sexually exploited, sold to other criminal groups, or trafficked for organ harvesting. A crime trend update published by Interpol on June 30 warned of the globalization of human trafficking-fueled scam centers. The report noted that as of March, people from 66 countries across all five continents had been trafficked into such operations, with the estimated number of victims running into the hundreds of thousands. Taiwans police have the experience, expertise, and capacity to assist in combating and preventing such crimes. In 2024, Taiwan broke up an online forum for large-scale distribution of child sexual exploitation materials called the Creative Private Room. The message board, which had over 5,000 members, enabled the easy exchange of child sexual exploitation content, using cryptocurrency payments to evade detection by law enforcement agencies. The platforms mastermind, known online as Lao Ma, was based in China. The case involved encrypted communications, anonymous networks, cryptocurrency laundering, and cross-border coordination all key challenges that the international community faces in combating online abuse of children. The investigation highlighted Taiwans determination and capacity to tackle cybercrime as well as underscoring its commitment and readiness to cooperate with the international community to protect children and combat transnational sexual exploitation. Global call for Taiwans substantive participation in Interpol In an article published on September 5, titled Taiwans Interpol Exclusion Undermines Global Policing Efforts, Dr. John Coyne of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute argued that Taiwan was an important and capable partner in the Indo-Pacific region. He pointed out that its ports, airlines, and banking system were prime targets for transnational criminals. Dr. Coyne stated that Taiwans exclusion led to delays in intelligence sharing and apprehension efforts, limiting the effectiveness of international joint action. Faced with a growing epidemic in transnational crime, the international community must strengthen intelligence exchange and deepen partnerships to improve cross-border law enforcement. We urge all countries to support Taiwans bid to participate as an observer in the Interpol General Assembly and to meaningfully engage in Interpol meetings, mechanisms, and activities, so that Taiwan and Interpols member states can engage in unhindered interactions. Taiwan remains committed to strengthening communications and cooperation with countries worldwide and working with the international community to combat transnational crime. Visited 13 times, 1 visit(s) today On Guam, oversight protects doctors instead of the public GUAMS medical oversight is broken and patients pay the price. Nearly 70 patient complaints have been filed with the Guam Board of Medical Examiners or GBME over the past seven years. Not one has resulted in a clear ruling in favor of a patient. Complaints languish, hearings stall, and outcomes vanish into opacity. This is not oversight, it is obstruction. The institutions entrusted with protecting patients have entrenched themselves in a culture of selfpreservation. GBME, responsible for licensing and disciplining physicians, has become emblematic of a system where accountability is absent at every level. The problem is compounded by glaring conflicts of interest. Dr. Nathaniel Berg, current chair of GBME, also serves as CEO of Guam Radiology Consultants, the islands largest imaging clinic. Physicians licensed by the GBME routinely refer patients to his clinic. How can the public trust disciplinary decisions when the regulator profits from those he regulates? Similarly, vice chair of the GBME, Dr. Joleen Aguon is both the administrator at Guam Memorial Hospital and a regulator of the very doctors she manages. She is simultaneously their boss and their judge. Even if she recuses herself, which she has not done in at least one case, the appearance of bias is unavoidable. Patients rightly ask: who is protecting us when the regulators are also the employers? The Federation of State Medical Boards or FSMB, of which Guam is a member, declares its mission is to support state medical boards in protecting the publics health, safety, and welfare through proper licensing, regulation, and discipline of physicians. In theory, this is about safeguarding patients and ensuring accountability. In practice, Guam shows the opposite, again with its nearly 70 complaints in seven years having produced no rulings in favor of patients. Conflicts of interest are ignored, transparency is nonexistent, and citizen representation required by FSMBs own standards is absent. FSMBs lofty mission statement rings hollow on Guam, where oversight protects doctors instead of the public. FSMBs revenue model only deepens the problem. Its income comes almost entirely from physicians and medical boards through licensing, credentialing, and exam fees. Patients pay nothing into FSMB. That means FSMBs financial interest lies in protecting doctors, its income stream, rather than defending patients. The result is a system where the regulators survival depends on those it is supposed to regulate, leaving victims without a voice and accountability compromised again at its core. The failure is not confined to the GBME. Guams 38th Legislature voted to keep the status quo by confirming Dr. Berg back to the Board, dismissing testimony opposing it. Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane, chair of the Committee on Health, once acknowledged the need for reform when she ran for lieutenant governor, supporting changes introduced by then-Speaker Therese Terlaje. Now, as senator, she has turned her back on the same problems at the Board. This reversal underscores how deeply accountability has eroded, not just within GBME, but across Guams political leadership. FSMB insists that local complaints are not its responsibility. Yet if FSMB claims no role in ensuring accountability, what benefit does it provide to the people of Guam? Its silence enables boards like GBME to operate without consequence. The danger is greater still: FSMB is courting other jurisdictions in the Pacific, including Palau, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, while also engaging regulators in the Philippines and AsiaPacific. If these jurisdictions join FSMB without reform, they risk importing Guams failures, conflicts of interest, lack of citizen representation, and a record of never siding with patients. Instead of strengthening oversight, FSMBs silence could spread a model that protects doctors across the Pacific while silencing victims and putting the medical consumers at greater risk. This lack of accountability extends beyond GBME. Guams Medical Malpractice Forced Arbitration Act already strips patients of their right to sue in court, funneling grievances into a process tilted toward providers. When the medical board also fails to act, patients are left with no impartial recourse at all. Accountability is not optional in healthcare. It is the foundation of public trust. Guams leaders must confront the reality that its medical oversight system is broken. That means reforming the GBME, enforcing strict conflictofinterest rules, restoring citizen representation on the board, and ensuring transparency in complaint handling. Without these changes, Guam will remain a place where doctors are protected, patients are silenced, and justice is denied, not to mention leading to more deaths, injuries and even sexual misconduct. The people of Guam deserve better. Oversight must serve the public, not the profession. Until accountability is restored, every patient remains at risk, not just from medical error, but from a system that refuses to hear their voices. And to Palau, CNMI, American Samoa, and other Pacific jurisdictions: do not compromise impartiality by joining FSMB until it demonstrates that it can enforce accountability and protect patients rather than shield physicians. Guams failures must not become the Pacifics future. DAVID LUBOFSKY, ED. D. Advocate for improved medical care through accountability Visited 35 times, 1 visit(s) today 4 men sentenced in migrant smuggling case By Bryan Manabat bryan@mvariety.com Variety News Staff THE District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands has sentenced four men for conspiring to transport undocumented migrants from Saipan to Guam by boat. Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona last week sentenced William J. Cabrera, 44, to 21 months in prison, with one day credited for time served. After completing his sentence, Cabrera will serve three years of supervised release and perform 100 hours of community service. Steven Villagomez Pangelinan, 58, received a 30-month prison term, with 144 days credited for time served. He will also serve two years of supervised release and complete 100 hours of community service. Steven Tomokane, 55, was sentenced to six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and 100 hours of community service. Kenneth H. Pangelinan, 39, was sentenced to time served and will be placed under three years of supervised release, with 100 hours of community service. All four defendants were ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee immediately after sentencing. Each had previously pleaded guilty: Cabrera on Oct. 1, 2024; Tomokane on Sept. 10, 2024; Steven Pangelinan on Jan. 1, 2025; and Kenneth Pangelinan on Feb. 19, 2025. According to the indictment, 21 migrants from China paid $4,500 each to be smuggled from Saipan to Guam. Two boats were used for the 12-hour, 100-nautical-mile journey, which began at night. Upon arrival at Ritidian Point on Guams north shore, the boats pulled up to the reef line, allowing passengers to jump into the water and wade ashore before the vessels returned to the CNMI. The first boat, a 25-foot 1981 Boston Whaler Frontier, was operated by Cabrera and Kevin Pangelinan. The second, an 18-foot 1996 McKee Craft Pulse 1800, was operated by Steven Pangelinan and Tomokane. The defendants facilitated illegal migration and risked the lives of many for their own financial gain, stated U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the NMI Shawn N. Anderson in a media release Friday. Their conduct was part of a concerning trend involving the abuse of the CNMI visa waiver program, among other provisions of our immigration laws. We will combat this activity at every opportunity. I applaud the work of Guam and CNMI law enforcement in support of federal immigration enforcement. This sentencing underscores Homeland Security Investigations unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals for profit while undermining the integrity of our immigration system, said Lucia Cabral-DeArmas, HSI Honolulu. The defendants in this case endangered lives and violated the law in their attempt to smuggle individuals into Guam. HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect our borders and hold those who engage in human smuggling accountable. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the CNMI Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Albert S. Flores, Jr. prosecuted the case in the District of the NMI. Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator. Visited 188 times, 1 visit(s) today Jewelry store owners file $59,300 claim for seized items in federal case By Bryan Manabat bryan@mvariety.com Variety News Staff JEWELRY store owners Wilfredo Ching and Violeta M. Centeno have filed a $59,300 claim in the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, seeking recovery of jewelry seized from Clarissa Adlawan in a federal money laundering case. Ching and Centeno, president and corporate secretary of Enhance Pacific Corporation, which operates as Perfectly Set, said many of the confiscated pieces had been consigned to Adlawan for resale. In a letter to Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, they explained that Adlawan befriended Centeno and offered to act as a reseller. However, the arrangement left an unpaid balance supported by ledgers and postdated checks from Adlawans company, One Legacy LLC. Adlawan and her daughter, Giselle Butalid, have pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy charges. Adlawan admitted guilt to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and money laundering conspiracy, while Butalid pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, theft, and money laundering conspiracy. Both are scheduled to be sentenced on March 6, 2026. Centeno said she attempted to meet with Adlawan after the indictment but was refused. Legal advice suggested that the seized jewelry could be used for bail or restitution and may later be auctioned. The store owners are asking the court to recognize their claim, stressing that Adlawan has not established ownership of most of the confiscated items. Enhance Pacific Corporation, a small business specializing in jewelry sales and repairs, has operated in the CNMI since 1988. Ching, 72, and Centeno, 66, said losing the claim would cause significant financial hardship and noted the challenges of pursuing legal remedies without access to free legal services for business disputes. Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator. Visited 91 times, 1 visit(s) today DOGE doesnt exist with eight months left on its charter Elon Musk holds up a chainsaw onstage during the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, Feb. 20, 2025. REUTERS WASHINGTON (Reuters) President Donald Trumps Department of Government Efficiency has disbanded with eight months left to its mandate, ending an initiative launched with fanfare as a symbol of Trumps pledge to slash the governments size but which critics say delivered few measurable savings. That doesnt exist, Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor told Reuters earlier this month when asked about DOGEs status. It is no longer a centralized entity, Kupor added, in the first public comments from the Trump administration on the end of DOGE. The agency, set up in January, made dramatic forays across Washington in the early months of Trumps second term to rapidly shrink federal agencies, cut their budgets or redirect their work to Trump priorities. The OPM, the federal governments human resources office, has since taken over many of DOGEs functions, according to Kupor and documents reviewed by Reuters. At least two prominent DOGE employees are now involved with the National Design Studio, a new body created through an executive order signed by Trump in August. That body is headed by Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, and Trumps order directed him to beautify government websites. Gebbia was part of billionaire Elon Musks DOGE team while DOGE employee Edward Coristine, nicknamed Big Balls, encouraged followers on his X account to apply to join. The fading away of DOGE is in sharp contrast to the government-wide effort over months to draw attention to it, with Trump, his advisers and cabinet secretaries posting about it on social media. Musk, who led DOGE initially, regularly touted its work on his X platform and at one point brandished a chainsaw to advertise his efforts to cut government jobs. This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy, Musk said, holding the tool above his head at the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, in February. DOGE claimed to have slashed tens of billions of dollars in expenditures, but it was impossible for outside financial experts to verify that because the unit did not provide detailed public accounting of its work. President Trump was given a clear mandate to reduce waste, fraud and abuse across the federal government, and he continues to actively deliver on that commitment, said White House spokeswoman Liz Huston in an email to Reuters. Trump administration officials have not openly said that DOGE no longer exists, even after Musks public feud with Trump in May. Musk has since left Washington. Trump and his team have nevertheless signaled its demise in public since this summer, even though the U.S. president signed an executive order earlier in his term decreeing that DOGE would last through July 2026. In statements to reporters, Trump often talks about DOGE in the past tense. Acting DOGE Administrator Amy Gleason, whose background is in healthcare tech, formally became an adviser to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy in March, according to a court filing, in addition to her role with DOGE. Her public statements have largely focused on her HHS role. Republican-led states, including Idaho and Florida meanwhile are creating local entities similar to DOGE. A government-wide hiring freeze another hallmark of DOGE is also over, Kupor said. Trump on his first day in office barred federal agencies from bringing on new employees, with exceptions for positions his team deemed necessary to enforce immigration laws and protect public safety. He later said DOGE representatives must approve any other exceptions, adding that agencies should hire no more than one employee for every four that depart. There is no target around reductions anymore, Kupor said. DOGE staff have also taken on other roles in the administration. Most prominent is Gebbia, whom Trump tasked with improving the visual presentation of government websites. So far, his design studio has launched websites to recruit law enforcement officers to patrol Washington, D.C., and advertise the presidents drug pricing program. Gebbia declined an interview with Reuters via a spokesperson. Zachary Terrell, part of the DOGE team given access to government health systems in the early days of Trumps second term, is now chief technology officer at the Department of Health and Human Services. Rachel Riley, who had the same access according to court filings, is now chief of the Office of Naval Research, according to the offices website. Jeremy Lewin, who helped Musk and the Trump administration dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development, now oversees foreign assistance at the State Department, according to the agencys website. Musk shortly after Trumps election said he had a mandate to delete the mountain of government regulations. He made undoing government regulations and remaking the government with AI two key tenets of DOGE, in addition to eliminating federal government jobs. The administration is still working toward slashing regulations. The White House budget office has tasked Scott Langmack, who was DOGEs representative at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, with creating custom AI applications to pore through U.S. regulations and determine which ones to eliminate, according to his LinkedIn profile. Musk, meanwhile, has reappeared in Washington. This week, he attended a White House dinner for Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Visited 12 times, 1 visit(s) today Micronesia expands sustainable fishing through community-led FAD networks 1) Eco bouy installation in the Marshall Islands. TNC photos 2) FAD constuction in Palau. 3) FAD deployement in Pohnpei. 4) FAD deployment in Palau. KOROR, Palau (TNC) The Nature Conservancy Micronesia and Polynesia, together with local fishing communities and fisheries management agencies, has expanded the use of coastal Fish Aggregating Devices or FADs across Micronesia. Over the past year, more than 10 new FADs were installed in Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Pohnpei, helping communities to catch more pelagic fish, like tuna, while reducing pressure on already stressed coral reef fisheries. Micronesian communities depend heavily on reef fish for food and income, but increasing demand on nearshore resources has led to declining stocks. By attracting pelagic fish closer to shore, the FADs shorten fishing trips, cut costs, and help safeguard vulnerable reef ecosystems. Each FAD that is deployed as part of this program is equipped with advanced echosounder buoys that provide real-time information on fish presence and FAD locations. Fishers can access this information through an online platform to plan safer and more efficient trips. Moreover, fisheries managers can monitor FAD conditions remotely and recover lost or damaged units. In collaboration with the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority, the Pohnpei Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Palau Bureau of Fisheries, and the Pacific Community or SPC, TNC is introducing a new approach by involving local fishers in every stage of FAD deployment: selecting sites, building the FADs, and putting them in the water. This hands-on process builds community capacity and reinforces local ownership and stewardship of the program. Alongside FAD deployments, TNC continues to deliver training in mid-water fishing techniques, including a three-day practical workshop with Pohnpei fishers held in collaboration with the Pohnpei State Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture and SPC in September 2024. These sessions equip communities with the knowledge and skills to fish safely, efficiently, and sustainably around the new FAD network. By working hand-in-hand with local fishers to deploy and manage these FADs, were not only improving access to pelagic fish were also laying the groundwork for community-led stewardship, says Dr. Alex Filous, director of sustainable fisheries at TNC Micronesia and Polynesia. Our hope is that this initiative ignites regional momentum toward a more sustainable and resilient future for both the people of Micronesia and the marine ecosystems they depend on. Visited 46 times, 1 visit(s) today US delivers $20M for Palau Pension Plan, but use hinges on reform KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) President Surangel Whipps Jr. has received the United States $20 million grant for Palaus struggling Civil Service Pension Plan, but the funds come with a key condition: Palau must enact pension reform within one year. The update was announced at a Nov. 19 press conference, where Chief of Staff Landisang Kotaro reported that the $20 million was handed over during Whipps recent visit to Washington, D.C. The money was pledged by the U.S. last year to help stabilize the severely underfunded plan. Kotaro said the grant will be invested immediately, but neither the principal nor the interest can be used until Palau adopts a formal reform plan. The money is strictly restricted for the Civil Service Pension Plan. The CSPP, long known to be in crisis, has again asked the Palau National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau to appropriate $4 million to cover its 2025 shortfall. The program collects about $6 million annually but pays out roughly $10 million, leaving a recurring $4 million deficit. To close that gap, the Pension Plan has repeatedly withdrawn from its investment fund while also relying on government subsidies that have rarely covered the full shortfall. According to studies, without major changes the Pension Plan could become insolvent within five to six years. Last year, the $3 million initially allocated to support the Pension Plan was reprogrammed to purchase a medical house in Hawaii. The change was justified at the time by citing the U.S. governments earlier pledge of the $20 million grant. Pressure on lawmakers has intensified as economists warn of the broader economic risks of a failed pension system, and as the U.S. grant condition requires Palau to complete reforms before the funds can be accessed. Visited 13 times, 1 visit(s) today Beyond dereliction, complicity and treason By Dean de la Paz MANILA Flooded with complaints of massive and unrelenting power outages and the highest electricity rates in the region, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. demanded the resignation of his Energy secretary in May 2025 and quickly reassigned him to the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources or DENR where a vacancy had opened. Energy and environmental watchdogs thought that was ill-advised. Energy professionals lauded the removal but bucked the relegation. Nothing good results from rushed and reckless reshuffling and latent developments exposed by natural calamities and worsening environmental crises validate those fears. To be fair, at the time Marcos may have been unaware that his Department of Energy or DOE secretary, who enjoyed the backing of a major conglomerate whose boardroom he had been spawned from had allowed the expansion of a deadly, toxic and expensive coal-fired plant. The expansion of the toxic footprint despite an existing moratorium drew the ire of environmental watchdogs and various non-government organizations including grave concerns expressed by Greenpeace Southeast Asia. To be honest, the moratorium had loopholes for exemptions. No bureaucracy has more loopholes than ours where exemptions are our default, common among all departments. Poisoning the environment is another common concern shared by the DOE and the DENR. Importing dereliction across these cabinet portfolios may be a third. Perhaps fallen to presidential whisperers, the stark absence of a technocracy and the constraints of his leadership style, Marcos, might have inadvertently spread the lethargy contagion by failing to properly vet his appointees. The task of protecting the environment cannot be left to belated tail-pipe reactions, limp-wristed passivity, substance-less sound-and-fury public relations, empty promises, much less an agenda catering to the corporate interests of polluters like irresponsible mining companies, unregulated power producers, property developers and contractors. However, the worst interests to cater to are those of a foreign global military hegemon whose designs include the forceful and often violent subjugation and plunder of the Philippine economy. Where a de facto war footing exits, one employing armed offshore infrastructure, forward deployment of warships and both seaborne and land-based weapons of mass destruction, plus the creation of deadly launchpads in our once peaceful fishing waters, any Filipino who countenances these actively or through passive dereliction is complicit and treasonous. Note what is now an actual war zone off our coastline where unprovoked attacks and the military occupation and control of Philippine resources dangerously tease and taunt escalations towards a full-blown war to test the strength of our military capabilities and alliances. That nobody calls these acts of aggression as acts of war is understandable especially where the pillaging of the spoils of a virtual invasion is government-sanctioned at both the cabinet and the local government levels. As such, allow us to label the virtual complicity of our officials with a foreign aggressor as nothing but a betrayal. Scarborough Shoal (Buhanginan ng Panatag or Baja de Masinloc) in the Municipality of Masinloc, Zambales is about 124 nautical miles west from the Zambales coast and lies well within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zones 200 nautical mile perimeter. While the coastal roads are fairly maintained, access roads from the provinces easterly points have fallen to neglect and disrepair where parts resemble dirt roads. These pose negative impacts to the overall local economy especially where the principal source of household livelihood for coastal communities cursed below the national poverty line is fishing. A secondary source is small-scale agriculture. However, even where this combines with fishing revenues, the total productivity allows only for local self-sustenance, and neither are essentially exported out of Zambales. Allow us to cite this area and the fishing communities therein as victims of neglect, possible complicity with a hostile foreign power and treason. For over a decade encompassing serial changes at the DENR and the Zambales dynastic government, the geopolitical travesty inflicted there by the Communist Chinese bent on expanding their beach heads within our territory has been the focus of local mainstream media including the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Expectedly adamant, government factotums claim no Chinese involvement. They also claim that the extracted sand and building material are used for domestic land reclamation. They add that the provincial revenues from these eventually accrue in part to the Zambales fishing families and that those who claim otherwise have an insidious self-interest. Last month victimized by the deadly effects of government-authorized dredging, devastating seabed quarrying, inland mining and the erosion of coastal land resulting in the uprooting of 300 mature Aguho (Coastal She-Oak) trees that protect sand and soil integrity, coastal residents witnessed a fleet of at least eight barges and tugboats shipping off precious sand and soil building material they believe are destined for artificial islands and hostile offshore military platforms. The neglect and economic blight are common northward from the coastal fishing communities of San Felipe, Cabangan to Botolan victims forced to witness their own ravaging. From the perspective of the fisherfolk shoved deeper into poverty, the DENR and Zambaless local government are not simply passively derelict but are in effect actively offering sacrificial Filipino fisherfolk to fatten an invading hostile military powers literal occupation of Philippine territory. Dean de la Paz is a former investment banker and a managing director of a New Jersey-based power company operating in the Philippines. He is the chairman of the board of a renewable energy company and is a retired Business Policy, Finance and Mathematics professor. Visited 149 times, 1 visit(s) today Conor here: A practical path forward. Thats one way of putting it, and the author certainly tries to put a positive spin on the August decision that might also be called spineless or corrupt. And in case you were wondering: Colorado has a Democratic trifecta and a Democratic triplex, controlling the offices of governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and both chambers of the state legislature. Colorados retreat should be kept in mind as news emerges that the Trump administration is now backing off plans to challenge state AI regulations. As Colorado shows, the AI money machine looks perfectly capable of getting states to back off all by itself. By Stefani Langehennig, an Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Business Information & Analytics Department at the University of Denvers Daniels College of Business. She previously she served as a Lead Data Scientist at ICF, advising U.S., U.K., and E.U. agencies on predictive analytics and policy evaluation. Originally published at The Conversation. When the Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act passed in May 2024, it made national headlines. The law was the first of its kind in the U.S. It was a comprehensive attempt to govern high-risk artificial intelligence systems across various industries before they could cause real-world harm. Gov. Jared Polis signed it reluctantly but now, less than a year later, the governor is supporting a federal pause on state-level AI laws. Colorado lawmakers have delayed the laws enactment to June 2026 and are seeking to repeal and replace portions of it. Lawmakers face pressure from the tech industry, lobbyists and the practicalities related to the cost of implementation. What Colorado does next will shape whether its early move becomes a model for other states or a lesson in the challenges of regulating emerging technologies. I study how AI and data science are reshaping policymaking and democratic accountability. Im interested in what Colorados pioneering efforts to regulate AI can teach other state and federal legislators. The First State to Act In 2024, Colorado legislators decided not to wait for the U.S. Congress to act on nationwide AI policy. As Congress passes fewer laws due to polarization stalling the legislative process, states have increasingly taken the lead on shaping AI governance. The Colorado AI Act defined high-risk AI systems as those influencing consequential decisions in employment, housing, health care and other areas of daily life. The laws goal was straightforward but ambitious: Create preventive protections for consumers from algorithmic discrimination while encouraging innovation. Colorados leadership on this is not surprising. The state has a climate that embraces technological innovation and a rapidly growing AI sector. The state positioned itself at the frontier of AI governance, drawing from international models such as the EU AI Act and from privacy frameworks such as the 2018 California Consumer Privacy Act. With an initial effective date of Feb. 1, 2026, lawmakers gave themselves ample time to refine definitions, establish oversight mechanisms and build capacity for compliance. When the law passed in May 2024, policy analysts and advocacy groups hailed it as a breakthrough. Other states, including Georgia and Illinois, introduced bills closely modeled after Colorados AI bill, though those proposals did not advance to final enactment. The law was described by the Future of Privacy Forum as the first comprehensive and risk-based approach to AI accountability. The forum is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization that develops guidance and policy analysis on data privacy and emerging technologies. Legal commentators, including attorneys general across the nation, noted that Colorado created robust AI legislation that other states could emulate in the absence of federal legislation. Politics Meets Process, Stalling Progress Praise aside, passing a bill is one thing, but putting it into action is another. Immediately after the bill was signed, tech companies and trade associations warned that the act could create heavy administrative burdens for startups and deter innovation. Polis, in his signing statement, cautioned that a complex compliance regime might slow economic growth. He urged legislators to revisit portions of the bill. Polis convened a special legislative session to reconsider portions of the law. Multiple bills were introduced to amend or delay its implementation. Industry advocates pressed for narrower definitions and longer timelines. All the while, consumer groups fought to preserve the acts protections. Meanwhile, other states watched closely and changed course on sweeping AI policy. Gov. Gavin Newsom slowed Californias own ambitious AI bill after facing similar concerns. Meanwhile Connecticut failed to pass its AI legislation amid a veto threat from Gov. Ned Lamont. Colorados early lead turned precarious. The same boldness that made it first also made the law vulnerable particularly because, as seen in other states, governors can veto, delay or narrow AI legislation as political dynamics shift. From Big Swing to Small Ball In my opinion, Colorado can remain a leader in AI policy by pivoting toward small ball, or incremental, policymaking, characterized by gradual improvements, monitoring and iteration. This means focusing not just on lofty goals but on the practical architecture of implementation. That would include defining what counts as high-risk applications and clarifying compliance duties. It could also include launching pilot programs to test regulatory mechanisms before full enforcement and building impact assessments to measure the effects on innovation and equity. And finally, it could engage developers and community stakeholders in shaping norms and standards. This incrementalism is not a retreat from the initial goal but rather realism. Most durable policy emerges from gradual refinement, not sweeping reform. For example, the EUs AI Act is actually being implemented in stages rather than all at once, according to legal scholar Nita Farahany. Effective governance of complex technologies requires iteration and adjustment. The same was true for data privacy, environmental regulation and social media oversight. In the early 2010s, social media platforms grew unchecked, generating public benefits but also new harms. Only after extensive research and public pressure did governments begin regulating content and data practices. Colorados AI law may represent the start of a similar trajectory: an early, imperfect step that prompts learning, revision and eventual standardization across states. The core challenge is striking a workable balance. Regulations need to protect people from unfair or unclear AI decisions without creating such heavy burdens that businesses hesitate to build or deploy new tools. With its thriving tech sector and pragmatic policy culture, Colorado is well positioned to model that balance by embracing incremental, accountable policymaking. In doing so, the state can turn a stalled start into a blueprint for how states nationwide might govern AI responsibly. Following the Life of an Abandoned Bull in Nepal Sapiens Social media isnt driving the teenage loneliness epidemic Mike Males Climate/Environment Pandemics Washington DOH Statement: Grays Harbor County Resident Dies From Complications of Avian Influenza Avian Flu Diary Two countries. Two charts. A very similar (and concerning) trend. .. Can you think of anything that happened in 2020 which is still affecting huge swathes of people on an ongoing basis and which may help explain this worrying trend? /1 pic.twitter.com/OPwlnfz3lk Cat in the Hat (@_CatintheHat) November 22, 2025 Canadas measles setback is a symptom of deeper sickness Canada Healthwatch Africa Japan India China? Chinas power equipment firms ride AI-driven boom amid demand from US, emerging markets South China Morning Post These rural homes are in Zhejiang. The neighborhood is also connected to the city by subway. China is changing pic.twitter.com/skK2v2p4vP Jason Smith (@ShangguanJiewen) November 21, 2025 Syraqistan NEW | Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz describes her postOctober 7 campus intervention tour to save Jewish students who reject Zionism. She describes college students who separate antisemitism from antizionism as irrational and confused, and in need of realignment, so they pic.twitter.com/K1cOHrjU0p Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) November 23, 2025 European Disunion Old Blighty New Not-So-Cold War A new piece by Washington Post columnist David Ignatius confirms earlier reports that Trumps peace plan at Kievs request includes a clause on postwar amnesty. According to Ignatius, this was added to reassure Zelensky and his government members that they wont face https://t.co/qTiEtoXyhr pic.twitter.com/hptgaWaXbz DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) November 23, 2025 The most likely outcome of a deepened Ukrainian corruption scandal is not an end to the war but an attempted escalation of it via a new Ukrainian Kerensky Government probably packed to the rafters with actual Nazis vowing to fight the war to the literal last Ukrainian. https://t.co/R6CannFoh7 Armchair Warlord (@ArmchairW) November 24, 2025 South of the Border Laffaire Epstein Trump 2.0 GOP Funhouse Marjorie Taylor Greene refutes reports that shes considering running for president CBS News Democrats en deshabille The Uniparty Does the US Congress know what socialism is? Richard Murphy Our Famously Free Press Accelerationists Wars Come Home UAW Local Forced to Pay $315,000 to 3 Zionist Union Members Payday Report Imperial Collapse Watch Is the Multipolar World Dead? Lily Lynch BRICS states team up with EU to put a price on carbon Edward Slavsquat Guillotine Watch How billionaires took over American politics WaPo The Bezzle Turkey Talk Immigration NEWS: Noem Moves Hard Against Legal Migrant Health Benefits Migrant Insider Police State Watch AI Texas men indicted in plot to take over Haitian island and enslave women and children NPR Class Warfare Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. It might have gotten lost amid the daily onslaught of whiplash news, but on Thursday, the nations largest landlord, Greystar, reached a $7 million settlement with nine states that sued the property management giant for fixing rental prices. Greystar and other mega landlords used common software offered by the Texas-based, private equity-owned company RealPage in order to align their rent increases. The $7 million figure is not a typo. To put that number into perspective, heres some background on the company: Greystar is a leading, fully integrated global real estate platform offering expertise in property management, investment management, development, and construction services in institutional-quality rental housing. Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, Greystar manages and operates over $300 billion of real estate in nearly 250 markets globally with offices throughout North America, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Greystar is the largest operator of apartments in the United States, managing over 1,000,000 units/beds globally. Across its platforms, Greystar has over $79 billion of assets under management, including over $35 billion of development assets and over $30 billion of regulatory assets under management. As a private company, Greystar doesnt report earnings, but the $7 million comes out to a whopping 0.002% of the $300 billion worth of real estate managed by the company. Even if we include the $50 million it agreed to pay last month to settle a class-action lawsuit over its price-fixing software, were still well under one percent. Still Democratic California Attorney General Rob Bonta had the gall to champion the $7 million deal: Whether its through smoke-filled backroom deals or through an algorithm on your computer screen, colluding to drive up prices is illegal. Families across the country are staring down an affordability crisis. Companies that intentionally fuel this unaffordability by raising prices to line their own pockets can be sure I will use the full force of my office to hold them accountable. The companies are no doubt shaking in their boots, Rob. To be fair, as part of the settlement, Greystar did also agree to limits in its use of software that relies on other landlords confidential data to set rents, but its unclear exactly how strict these limits will be. Back in August, Greystar reached a settlement with the Department of Justice in which it did not admit any wrongdoing nor pay even a token fine. There was also an interesting caveat to its restrictions on using price-fixing software. From Mintz: Importantly, the Final Judgment does not prohibit Greystars use of algorithmic pricing but rather sets conditions Greystar must meet and certify prior to that use in some cases. For example, if Greystar uses a RealPage revenue management product after the court enters a final judgement in the RealPage case, no certification is required. The Greystar agreement with the states, while specifically forbidding the company from colluding with other landlords for the time being, also includes future wiggle room. The proposed settlement states the following: Greystar may license or use a Revenue Management Product in a Settling State that complies with the terms of an agreed Final Judgment between the United States and RealPage in United States et al. v. RealPage et al. That refers to the federal case that remains open against RealPage, which means the states are effectively kicking the decision over to the Trump DOJ. Some believe that the cushy Justice settlements with mega landlords like Greystar and Cortland, which include cooperation in the case against RealPage, mean the book is going to get thrown at the latter. Color me skeptical. Its more likely these are just the opening sweeps of the whole crime spree under the rug. An important WSJ story from Aug. 6, MAGA Antitrust Agenda Under Siege by Lobbyists Close to Trump, describes how big money is buying get out of jail cards on antitrust violations. Heres the segment that applies to RealPage: Other companies facing antitrust investigations are now looking to hire lawyers or lobbyists close to Trump after witnessing the favorable settlement that HPE reached, according to several defense lawyers who regularly represent merging companies before the Justice Department. Thoma Bravo, a private-equity manager that owns a company facing several antitrust lawsuits, also hired [Brian Ballarda longtime Trump backer, who raised $50 million for his 2024 election] in March to lobby on competition issues related to the real-estate market, according to filings. The department last year sued Real Page, a Thoma Bravo portfolio company, alleging that RealPages rent-setting software allowed apartment landlords to illegally coordinate price increases. So with the states settlement placing the onus on the feds, should the Trump administration sleaze pave the way, Greystar and friends could be right back at it in no time. For the time being, Greystar can simply keep being Greystarwithout the price fixing. 2/ That made the news. Greystars thousands of other tenants deal with something that never does: Theyre nickel and dimed with junk fees: $4 for no cockroaches $20 to start paying rent $5 to charge you rent monthly $8 to pay online $25 for valet trash pic.twitter.com/zwI3Xsnrja Alvaro Bedoya (@BedoyaUSA) September 15, 2025 Its also important to note that the settlement with the nine states only applies to those statesnot elsewhere where Greystar might be fixing prices. It also does nothing about the fact that the company still has more than 900,000 unitsup from 794,000 just a few years agonationwide, including roughly 100,000 student beds under management, which by itself gives Greystar enormous influence in rental markets. But dont worry, the California Attorney General assures us that the $7 million is a win for the people. In reality, rather than hold[ing] them accountable, what Bonta and other attorney generals (in this case, from Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon and Tennessee) are effectively telling companies is that they can break the law for nearly a decade, destroy peoples lives, make tons of money, and then pay a miniscule fee to make it all go away. In other words, its just another day in Americas two-tiered justice system. Lets review what Greystar is going to pay some couch change for. The Crime Greystar was one of many behemoth rental management companies that used software from RealPagea private equity-owned corporation that created programs for property management to share confidential price and vacancy data with one another in order to send rent prices through the roof. [1] Many of the rental markets dominated by large landlords using price fixing software saw astronomical growth in rental prices in recent yearsparticularly post-2016 when Realpage acquired its main rival and was able to hit critical mass in a number of markets. That acquisition was also followed by a rising number of evictions and spikes in homelessness. The lawsuits against RealPage and the rental management companies contend that its software covers at least 16 million units across the US, and private equity-owned property management companies are the most enthusiastic adopters of the RealPage technology. A separate lawsuit filed in 2023 targets Yardi Systems and property management companies using its price-setting software to collude on at least another eight million units. RealPage officials have bragged about the outsized effect their software has on rental market prices. Company executive Andrew Bowen once said that the software was driving it, referring to rental price increases. He added: As a property manager, very few of us would be willing to actually raise rents double digits within a single month by doing it manually. One of the lawsuits alleges that following guidance from RealPage, large rental management companies like Greystar were sometimes intentionally leaving units vacant during a homelessness crisis: RealPage allows participating Lessors to coordinate supply levels to avoid price competition. In a competitive market, there are periods where supply exceeds demand, and that in turn puts downward pressure on market prices as firms compete to attract lessees. To avoid the consequences of lawful competition, RealPage provides Lessors with information sufficient to stagger lease renewals to avoid oversupply. Lessors thus held vacant rental units unoccupied for periods of time (rejecting the historical adage to keep the heads in the beds) to ensure that, collectively, there is not one period in which the market faces an oversupply of residential real estate properties for lease, keeping prices higher. Heres former RealPage CEO Steve Winn commenting on the counterintuitive strategy: During an earnings call in 2017, Winn said one large property company, which managed more than 40,000 units, learned it could make more profit by operating at a lower occupancy level that would have made management uncomfortable before, he said. The company had been seeking occupancy levels of 97% or 98% in markets where it was a leader, Winn said. But when it began using YieldStar, managers saw that raising rents and leaving some apartments vacant made more money. The Victims In the cities where Realpage-using Wall Street landlords dominate the market, weve seen the number of homeless and deaths of unhoused people increase rapidly. Correlation is not causation but Homeless numbers and deaths are up dramatically in areas where Wall Street landlords are particularly active and have turned to collusion software. That drives up rents and creates artificial scarcity. Among the biggest reasons cited for homelessness is the lack of affordable housing. Its important to stress just how much market power a collection of Wall Street landlords using common price-setting software have over certain markets. In cities like Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Boston, Nashville, Dallas, Atlanta, etc. the market can be dominated by large companies, and if all of them are colluding, the effect can be enormous. We can use the example of Los Angeles, where Greystar owns numerous properties, and which also happens to be the epicenter of the countrys homelessness crisis. Los Angeles County is the 6th largest multifamily market with 448,848 completed units. Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, an LA organization that focuses on tenant rights and economic justice, in their 2021 report, Beyond Wall Street Landlords: How Private Equity in the Rental Market Harms Tenants, found that more than two thirds of all LA Rentals are now owned by speculative investment vehicles. Corporate landlords named in the RealPage lawsuits include Essex Property Trust, Equity Residential, and AvalonBay Communities the three biggest players in LA real estate management. Combined they control 35,020 multifamily units, or 7.8 percent of LA Countys 448,848 units. According to lawsuits against RealPage and large property management companies, there are another 17 companies that use RealPages rent-setting tool in LA, and together, they account for just more than 52 percent of all rental apartment buildings in the LA market. [1] A separate lawsuit against Santa Barbara-based Yardi, a company similar to RealPage, accuses it of using its RENTmaximizer (now Revenue IQ) product to do exactly what RealPage is accused of doing. When you throw Yardi into the mix, that means that roughly 79 percent of all multifamily rental units in LA County are being listed using collusion software. And rents rose 41 percent from 2016 the year when RealPage hit critical mass to 2024. At the same time, a 2021 report by Strategic Actions for a Just Economy shows that the same mega landlords using collusion software are the main culprits behind more frequent use of the Ellis Act to mass evict tenants. What do price fixing, increased vacancy, and mass evictions lead to? A 2022 study from The Guardian and the University of Washington found that across 73 US cities and counties there were at least 18,000 deaths of people experiencing homelessness over the 2016 to 2020 time period with the number increasing 77 percent over that five-year period. (The federal government makes no effort to count the number of homeless deaths, and many believe the number to be much higher.) Meanwhile, CEOs brag about using RealPage and evicting people: The CEO of Defendant Lessor Camden, Ric Campo, has touted that the net effect of raising rents and pushing people out of the residential real estate leases they could no longer afford, was $10 million in income. The timeframe for that income Campo is describing isnt clear (a month? a quarter?), but what is clear: its more than the fine the nations largest landlord just paid to nine states for its social murder crimes. Notes [1] Other real estate goliaths named in the lawsuits who were using RealPage software to allegedly collude and keep rents artificially high include the following: The press todays positive noise-making was about the US and Ukraine talking through a 28 point plan and narrowing their differences. That is a contrast to reports of predictable Ukraine rejection and an explosively confrontational meeting between the apparent lead US negotiator, Dan Driscoll, and European ambassadors. The latter seems to have generated a bit of softening on the US side, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying that the Turkey Day Sign it as is by Thanksgiving or we take all our toys away now being self-retraded into If you keep moving towards our demands, we can extend the process a bit. However, this does not change the fact that the deal will not get done, not due to it being unacceptable to Russia. It wont get that far. The outline being unacceptable to the Europeans will be enough to sink it because it includes numerous provisions that call for European action. And that was not necessary. Why this deal fails might seem like nit-picking or posturing but it is far more consequential than that. Trump is desperately trying to escape going down as the President who lost Ukraine, but that seems impossible at this late hour. A reason, aside from denialism and lack of a Plan B, for the UK and Europe to keep so doggedly trying to breathe life into the Project Ukraine corpse is that they need to be able to try to escape blame, particularly after having spent so much in materiel and treasure. As reader Safety First explained: Here is how Russian government-adjacent TV and radio commentators are explaining the EUs little suicide pact at present, i.e. Ive heard this literally in the past day or three. Start with the assumption that any realistic peace deal is a de-facto Ukrainian capitulation to Russian demands, and will be viewed by the West as a comprehensive defeat. If the Europeans agree to, support, or simply not oppose such a peace deal, then a) they will own it, i.e. it will be their defeat, used by domestic political opponents (AfD, etc.) in the next election cycle; b) they will have a harder time ginning up anti-Russian hysteria, since theyve just agreed with a surrender to the Russians, which c) is a key component of military pseudo-Keynesianism they want to pivot into economically. If the Europeans violently oppose any such peace deal, and then Ukraine collapses, then a) it will be Trumps surrender (or someone elses surrender, in any case), and groups like AfD can be blamed too for being defeatist; b) they will continue to drum up the Russians are coming type of hysteria, which will c) support further cuts to social spending in favor of increasing military spending. So politically, it makes perfect sense for the Europeans to hold out for extreme outcomes Ukrainian or Russian capitulation and not compromise on any sensible ones. Thats the story being told on Russian TV and radio at the moment. Now this conduct is very much to Russias advantage. As both Alexander Mercouris and Larry Johnson have pointed out, citing remarks by Putin at a Security Council meeting, ending the war on the battlefield suits Russia. But Russia was constrained by the universal view of its major economic partners and other Global South players, that they preferred that Russia negotiate a settlement. Weve repeatedly argued that Russia had been continuing to prosecute the conflict despite its allies being very uncomfortable with Russia gobbling up a neighboring a country, even in the face of an existential threat. So Russia bending over backward to try to negotiate a resolution and failing due to the other side being unable to stand together is just dandy. Recall that the original Istanbul peace talks were solely between the Russia and Ukraine. They did get as far as the two sides signing a preliminary outline.1 But then Boris Johnson, presumably at US instigation or with US support (accounts vary) flew to Kiev and scuppered the talks by saying there would be no security guarantees from the West. The US being willing to consummate a deal with Russia and try to force Ukraine to heel could have solved that problem. The US is the key military actor and could provide security guarantees, whether or not the hissy-fit EU states went along.2 That would have opened up a very narrow pathway to a deal, which Team Trump seemed to be groping towards and blew: having the US do what in business is called a cram-down, as in force Ukraine to take a deal. We have said the US could do that if Trump thought he could stare down the hawks and the intel state and survive politically and physically. We dismissed that idea because Trump did not look to be in a position to defy Ukraine backers in the US. For instance, during an earlier phase of Lindsay Graham saber-rattling over his bone-crushing sanctions he said he had 80 votes in the Senate. That did not just indicate that Graham had a veto-proof majority but also that the number of Ukraine hawks exceeded the number needed to impeach Trump in the Senate. Trumps approval ratings have fallen markedly since then. Note also that over the weekend, Fox reported that Graham is reviving the secondary sanctions. However, if you assume that Trump could deliver on his threat to withdraw US intel (which is more important now given that what the collective West can provide arms-wise is so bare), then the drill would have been for the US to beat Ukraine into compliance, get them to agree to a set of terms, and tell the UK and European, Ukraine agrees to this. You are now proposing to make them keep fighting and dying for you, as opposed to for themselves? Trump at least is still posturing that that could work. Hes making remarks consistent with what Putin warned in 2022: The longer it took for the West to talk to Russia, the more difficult it will be to negotiate with us. See. for instance from the New York Post: Trump said the Ukrainian president will have to like [the plan,] and if he doesnt like it, then you know, they should just keep fighting, I guess. At some point, hes going to have to accept something he hasnt accepted, he told reporters at the White House. But this sort of stance is unworkable given that the 28 point plan, which spokescritters like Keith Kellogg are now calling a framework, contains many important obligations by the EU and NATO, as in they are explicitly parties to this scheme. That outlined is at footnote 3. Mind you, as Alexander Mercouris and others have pointed out, more than one version of this outline has been published; the one that seems to have been circulated the most in the Western media was from a Ukraine source, and Mercouris pointed out it looked to have edits made to it, which presumably were not agreed by the US since there were no negotiations with Ukraine as of then. If you look at Footnote 3, you will see that a full 7 of 28 items explicitly require acceptance or action by Europe, NATO, or the EU. What is Europe? Does it include the UK? What about non-NATO like Austria and Switzerland? Trying to get NATO to commit to anything is also thorny. As we wrote before. NATO by design is a weak alliance. NATO cannot get members to do anything beyond the existing charter obligations save via nation by nation agreement. And even core NATO provisions, such as Article 5, require at most state-by-state, and not NATO-wide responses. NATO enlargement is one example. Recall that when Sweden was joining, Turkiye held the process hostage to try to extract concessions from Sweden regarding PKK, a Kurdish separatist group that Turkiye has designated a terrorist groupand is also had an MP in the Swedish parliament. See where the deal as conceived cannot advance without UK/European cooperation: Yall must be hungry for the holidays, because as I was preparing this weeks roundup of upcoming events, I noticed that more than half of them are already sold out. I wont bother telling you about the things you cant do. Instead, let's focus on some opportunities you can actually take advantage of. First up is an ode to an old Nashville culinary classic, the spiced round. Now, there are a lot of things I miss about our erstwhile Scene colleague J.R. Lind, but one of my favorite things about him was when he allowed his obsession with local history grab ahold of him until he beat it into submission. It was even more entertaining to me when there was food involved, as with his treatise about the history of a longtime holiday tradition. Nashville's original Christmas meat, the spiced round, makes a hometown comeback Long a staple of holiday tables across Nashville and virtually nowhere else spiced round looked to be headed for extinction. You probably need to be close to my age (read: old) to have actually tasted a spiced round, which Lind describes as a variation of the rinderbraten, a round of beef stuffed with pork fat, brined and spiced with a special mixture of cinnamon, allspice, cloves and brown sugar. I remember the congealed sweet/spicy/fatty meat logs as a staple at office holiday parties, and you either steered completely clear of it or piled your plate with it. It was an acquired taste that I eventually learned to love. Local food writer and culinary historian Jim Myers definitely remembers the spiced round, and I imagine it fits nicely with his Wisconsin heritage, considering its a meat treat. Myers has planned a one-night soiree to honor the almost forgotten delicacy coming up on Sunday, Dec. 7, at Nelsons Green Brier Distillery. Not only will spiced round be served in all its traditional glory, but Myers has put together a murderers' row of Nashville chefs to offer their takes on the dish as part of a multicourse menu. Im not kidding about how impressive this list of chefs is: The event starts at 5:30 p.m., and tickets are available on Tock. Dont miss out on this taste of history! Also on Sunday, Dec. 7, is the Fourth Annual Santa Paws event at Nickys Coal Fired as part of their yearly St. Nickys holiday pop-up. Caroline and Tony Galzin are converting their cozy Italian restaurant into a full-on Smoky Mountain Christmas, straight from the intersection of CMT and Hallmark. Santa Paws is a benefit for the Tiny But Mighty Fund to raise funds for the Nashville Humane Association. The event runs from 3:30 until 5:30 p.m., so you could drop by on the way to the spiced round supper to shop for monogrammed pet bandanas to benefit NHA, along with $1 from each pizza sold. Speaking of Nicks, Mangia Nashville chef-proprietor Nick Pellegrino is bringing back his festive Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner for the 15th time on Sunday, Dec. 21. The Italian tradition is always a delicious way to kick off the holiday season, and Nick is bringing a legit menu to the party. To wit: House-Made Roasted Garlic & Black Carbon Focaccia Tuna Crudo, Lemon, Caper, Calabrian Chili Baccala Montecato, Grilled Polenta Crab Cake, Mangia Mayo Frutti Di Mare, Octopus, Calamari, Shrimp Penne Pasta, Pellegrino Family Christmas Sauce Lobster Risotto Whole Red Snapper Shrimp Scampi Espresso Dusted Chocolate Truffle Mini Panettone All that, plus music and other festivities, is just $95 per person plus tax and tip. It always sells out, so make your reservations ASAP on Resy. In recent months, Metro Nashville Public Schools has made numerous changes to safety measures in an attempt to prevent violence in schools. But as these modifications are implemented, some students continue to have concerns about their safety. Its impossible to have a discussion around school safety in Nashville without acknowledging the areas recent tragic history. In 2023, three students and three faculty members were killed in a shooting at the Covenant School, a private Christian school in Green Hills. On Jan. 22 of this year, 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante was killed in a shooting at Antioch High School. (MNPS approved a $300,000 settlement for Escalantes family at a school board meeting earlier this month.) MNPS Approves Settlement for Antioch High Shooting Victims Family School board OKs $300K agreement following July lawsuit claiming MNPS failed to protect students from harm Both incidents sparked major protests at the Tennessee State Capitol pushing for gun violence prevention, though few statewide provisions related to the matter have been passed since. And due to resistance from Tennessees Republican supermajority, its unlikely that any major gun reform legislation will be approved anytime soon. Meanwhile, MNPS has taken steps to enhance safety and security in local schools. In February, MNPS approved a $1.25 million annual contract for Evolv, an AI-powered weapons detection system, to be implemented in all local high schools. This was followed by a $1.2 million pilot expansion to install Evolv in middle schools, which was approved in September. This comes despite the fact that Omnilert, the AI-operated weapons detection system used at Antioch High School on the day of the January shooting, failed to detect the gun used. MNPS has maintained that protocols like weapons detection systems are a part of a layered approach to school safety, citing other security technology, staff training and community partnerships as a part of a larger methodology toward ensuring safety in schools. School resource officers, security vestibules and shatter-resistant film are among other steps being taken by MNPS, along with advocacy and peace centers that focus on de-escalation and restorative practices. Another safety feature currently being installed in MNPS schools is the Audio Enhancement system, which is designed to project a teachers voice throughout the classroom but also allows the teacher to alert the school administration of any threats or danger. MNPS spokesperson Sean Braisted says all middle and high schools currently have this system, as well as many elementary schools. Braisted says MNPS goal is to implement the system in all schools by the end of this school year. This technology is similar to that of silent panic alarms used by teachers during the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia. The alarms were credited with helping first responders arrive at the scene quickly, and state lawmakers are currently pushing for the rollout of these alarms in all Tennessee schools. But despite these measures and protocols being carried out, some MNPS students feel theres a lack of student input on what is being done about school safety. One local nonprofit, the Southern Movement Committee, pushes for youth voices in community conversations and Metro government decisions including their recent efforts to create Metros Office of Youth Safety. Gabrielle Lucas, a senior at Hume-Fogg Academic High School, is involved with the Southern Movement Committee. She tells the Scene that while the recent implementation of Evolv does increase her sense of safety at school, she worries that MNPS response is sometimes reactionary rather than addressing the root issues that may cause students to turn toward violence. I think a big part of it is theyre not talking to the ones that theyre trying to protect, Lucas says. Antioch High School Shooter's Court Records Released Teen threatened student with box cutter in months prior to shooting It kind of sends the message to me as a student that they believe Evolv is kind of all that it takes, which I dont think is true, she adds. Lucas says shed like to see Metro schools put more emphasis on mental health programming and other initiatives to address students situations outside of school that might lead them to turn to violence. Kaitlyn Saffell, a sophomore at John Overton High School, is also involved with the Southern Movement Committee and echoes Lucas concerns. She says it takes larger discussions around community support to create safer schools. We havent fostered environments where communities can thrive and actually depend upon each other, Saffell says. Its kind of an individualism situation. Were all [every] man for himself. While both students want Nashvilles youth to have a voice when it comes to local policymaking, Saffell says the constant conversations can take a toll on students mental health. Ive had teachers tell me they would lay down their life for us, she says. I know its a whirlwind of emotions, and it can be very startling. Its reassuring, but it also holds guilt because I dont think we should have to worry about safety when youre in an environment to learn. Were all either minors or young adults, and thats not our purpose of coming to school. And it can be very jarring. The 7th Congressional District race is turning out to be delightful. When I voted early, it certainly looked like everyone voting was doing so with a slight wry smile, as if we were all thinking Haha. Republican Matt Van Epps endorsed by Trump as well as previous 7th District U.S. Rep. Mark Green was supposed to cakewalk his way into Washington. That was conventional wisdom. But it is obvious to anyone who is paying attention that Democrat Aftyn Behn has a very narrow window of opportunity here. Farmers in the 7th District have been hit hard by Trumps tariffs. The SNAP upheavals hit rural parts of the state especially hard, because they just cant mobilize the number of churches and food banks and other resources that urban areas can. And the stink off of Epstein is so bad that, even if you have your head completely up your own butt for Trump, you can smell something is wrong with his relationship with the dead financier/sex trafficker. Behn Moves Into General Election Sprint Following Primary Win The Democratic state rep is on a tight timeline ahead of Decembers 7th Congressional District special election Never mind that. If your position is that Democrats are a bunch of corrupt perverts who must be kept from power, your alternative in Tennessee right now is a bunch of corrupt perverts who must be kept from power. As proven by Trump's recent pardoning of Glen Casada and Cade Cothren, GOP stands for Grand Old Pardon in our state. It's not particularly exciting to be a Republican right now, and I cant imagine they feel much urgency to get out and vote. Whereas voting for Behn is fun. If Behn annoys you, well, at least youre forcing her to have to move into the district. But more so, you get to annoy Republicans, who have failed to find any criticism of her they can get any purchase with. Yes, weve all heard from her opponents that shes a "bitch." Note to dudes: Every woman is a "bitch" when she stands up for herself. Maybe some voters still think shes a bitch is some kind of devastating revelation. For the rest of us, its a day ending in Y. According to a 2020 podcast appearance, she doesnt like downtown Nashville? Relatable. Nazis openly march there and accost Nashville children. People are getting roofied. Its so crowded with drunken tourists that its really hard to get down there and do anything other than drink (especially since someone who shall remain nameless exploded a parking garage and shut down the library indefinitely). Plus, who is this argument supposed to appeal to? You know who really doesnt like Nashville? Rural Tennesseans. The Van Epps campaign has been trying to hammer home that Behn is working hand-in-hand with Nancy Pelosi who is, let me remind everyone, retiring. Theyre also insisting that a vote for Van Epps is a vote for Trump at a time when Trump is deeply unpopular basically making the argument that if youre sick of Trump, vote for Behn. I think what happened here is obvious. Former U.S. Rep. Green set Van Epps up as his successor, and everyone looked around and saw what they thought was a deeply red district, and everyone including Van Epps decided they didnt have to pay much attention to the campaign. I mean, in a state where people regularly almost go to jail before being pardoned by President Trump for being shady with political money, Van Epps campaign didnt even bother to make sure his paperwork was square back in September. He, and people who should have known better, were coasting. Trump, GOP Target Behn in Spending Spree Nashville briefly gets the battleground spotlight as GOP money machine safeguards against an upset in Tennessee's 7th They didnt bother to learn anything about Behn. They didnt bother to update their political playbook. And I guess they thought running around calling Behn a bitch would be devastating. Little did they know that Trump would then call a female reporter piggy, thus hilariously temporarily neutralizing gender-based insults. Either these words are devastating, degrading insults that are supposed to stop a woman in her tracks, or theyre just blunt talk that you cant take to heart. Sadly for Van Epps camp, just when they needed the former to be true, the Trump administration is preaching the latter. Van Epps comes across like a time-traveler from five months ago. Which raises the question: Why is he even running? If you dont care enough about the 7th District to pay any attention to whats going on here or how the national climate is affecting people in the district, if you arent aware enough to realize that your Democratic opponent has momentum until voting has already started, if all you have to offer is Ill do what Im told, what are you doing? It's as if he doesnt really want the job. Which is fitting, because Mark Green didnt really seem to want the job. It is as if being a Republican with a large Democratic minority in your district is challenging. As if gerrymandering the old 5th Congressional District a Democratic stronghold for decades into thirds has served only to make at least one, possibly three, Republican congressmen miserable. To which I say: haha. Exposing the vaccine industry: How corruption, fraud and coercion endanger public health Vaccines are treated as unquestionable dogma rather than science, with proponents demanding blind faith while suppressing critical scrutiny of flawed studies, industry-funded research and deceptive claims. The CDC and FDA operate as extensions of Big Pharma, with revolving-door conflicts (e.g., former CDC Director Julie Gerberding joining Merck) and deliberate suppression of adverse safety data, including COVID vaccine injuries. Childhood vaccines lack proper placebo-controlled trials, and CDC-commissioned studies (like the buried Henry Ford Health research) show vaccinated children suffer significantly higher rates of chronic illness, asthma and neurodevelopmental disorders. Authorities lied about transmission-blocking efficacy, ignored myocarditis risks, hid V-safe data showing severe reactions and fought to conceal Pfizer's clinical trial documentsproving regulatory complicity in protecting profits over people. Solutions include independent oversight, rigorous placebo trials, full transparency and legal accountability for regulators and Pharma executives who prioritize profits over public safety. In a damning expose, lawyer Aaron Siri's book "Vaccines, Amen: The Religion of Vaccines" reveals how the American public has been systematically deceived by institutions they were taught to trustnamely, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and pharmaceutical giants. Through meticulous legal battles, Siri uncovers a web of corruption, scientific misconduct and outright fraud that has allowed unsafe vaccines to flood the market while silencing dissenters. The dogma of vaccines: Faith over science Vaccines have been elevated to near-religious status, with proponents demanding blind faith rather than critical scrutiny. As Siri explains, people say they "believe in vaccines" without examining the databecause the data, when scrutinized, often doesn't support the industry's claims. Instead, vaccine advocates rely on flawed studies, industry-funded research and outright deception to push their agenda. One of the most shocking revelations is the lack of placebo-controlled trials for childhood vaccines. Despite claims from figures like Dr. Paul Offitwho insists all vaccines undergo rigorous placebo testingSiri proves that not a single vaccine on the CDC's childhood schedule was approved based on such trials. Instead, new vaccines are compared to older ones, masking their true risks. This is akin to declaring cigarettes safe because they're no worse than cigars. The CDC and FDA: Captured agencies protecting profits, not people The revolving door between Big Pharma and government agencies is well-documented. Former CDC Director Julie Gerberding left her post to become president of Merck's vaccine division, cashing in on policies she helped implement. Similarly, Dr. Stanley Plotkin, a leading vaccinologist, admitted under oath that vaccine safety monitoring often lasts just 4-5 daysfar too short to detect autoimmune reactions or long-term harm. Even worse, the CDC lied about its own safety analyses. When internal data showed alarming signals of COVID vaccine injuriesincluding myocarditis, strokes and deathsthe agency suppressed the findings. Only after legal pressure from Aaron Siri's firm did they admit the truth: their own thresholds for safety concerns were obliterated. The fraud of vaccine safety studies The CDC has repeatedly refused to conduct vaccinated vs. unvaccinated studies, the gold standard for assessing vaccine risks. When researchers at Henry Ford Health finally conducted one, they found vaccinated children had: 2.5x higher rates of chronic disease 4x higher rates of asthma 5-6x higher rates of autoimmune and neurodevelopmental disorders Yet, when the results didn't fit the pro-vaccine narrative, the study was buried. The authors admitted they feared losing their jobs if they published the findingsa chilling example of how scientific truth is sacrificed for career preservation. COVID vaccines: A case study in deception The pandemic exposed the vaccine industry's worst tendencies. Authorities: Falsely claimed COVID vaccines stopped transmission (they don't). Ignored skyrocketing myocarditis rates in young men. Buried V-safe data showing 8% of recipients required medical care post-vaccination. Refused to release Pfizer's clinical trial documents, initially demanding 75 years to do so. Even the FDA, tasked with protecting public health, fought tooth and nail to hide adverse event dataproving its allegiance lies with Big Pharma, not the people. The Way Forward: Demanding transparency and accountability Aaron Siri's work underscores a critical truth: vaccines can both save lives and cause harm. But when institutions prioritize profits over safety, millions suffer. The solution lies in: Independent oversightremoving vaccine safety evaluation from agencies with financial conflicts. Mandatory placebo-controlled trialsno more rubber-stamping unsafe products. Full transparencyending the suppression of unfavorable data. Legal consequencesholding regulators and pharmaceutical executives accountable for fraud. As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warns, history will judge harshly those who coerced, censored and lied to push dangerous medical products. The fight for truth is far from overbut thanks to whistleblowers like Aaron Siri, the public is finally waking up. The question remains: Will enough people demand change before it's too late? According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the vaccine industry operates as a criminal enterprise, prioritizing profits over human life through fraudulent science, regulatory capture and coercionendangering public health while suppressing safer alternatives. The corruption exposed by whistleblowers like RFK Jr. and Dr. Mikovits proves that global health agencies like the WHO and CDC are complicit in this deadly deception, serving Big Pharma rather than the people. Watch this video about Christopher A. Shaw's book "Dispatches from the Vaccine Wars: Fighting for Human Freedom during the Great Reset." This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brownstone.org BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Swalwell launches California gubernatorial bid amid mortgage fraud allegations Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) officially launched his campaign for California governor on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", positioning himself as a fighter against corruption and economic struggles. Just before his announcement, FHFA Director Bill Pulte filed a criminal referral accusing Swalwell of mortgage and tax fraud related to a D.C. property purchase. Swalwell dismissed it as a politically motivated smear. Swalwell joins a competitive race with contenders like Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra and Antonio Villaraigosa, though his late entry leaves him at a financial disadvantage with only $500K in campaign funds. His failed 2020 presidential bid and ties to suspected Chinese spy Christine Fang (despite being cleared by the House Ethics Committee) remain vulnerabilities, fueling concerns about national security and corruption. Swalwell plans to leverage his anti-Trump reputation to rally progressives, but legal scrutiny and California's pressing affordability/crime crises may alienate moderates, testing whether Trump-era divisions still dominate state politics. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), a vocal Democratic critic of President Donald Trump, is set to join the Golden State's gubernatorial race. The Democratic congressman announced his bid for California governor during an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on Thursday, Nov. 20. Swalwell, who has represented Californias Bay Area since 2013, framed his campaign as a battle against corruption and economic hardship. "Our state, this great state, needs a fighter and a protector," he told Kimmel. "Someone who will bring prices down, lift wages up." The announcement comes just days after Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte handed the Department of Justice a criminal referral alleging Swalwell engaged in mortgage and tax fraud. Pulte's referral alleges Swalwell made false statements in loan documents related to a Washington, D.C. property purchase. The accusation against Swalwell mirrors similar probes targeting other Trump critics, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Swalwell dismissed the claim as politically motivated retaliation and a smear tactic. "The only thing I am surprised about is that it took him this long to come after me," he told reporters. The timing of Swalwell's announcement raises questions about his political viability amid mounting legal scrutiny. His entry into the race adds another contender to an already crowded Democratic field, which includes former Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), billionaire Tom Steyer, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Swalwell's desperate comeback: Will voters forget his Beijing-linked staffer? Swalwells political career has been marked by high-profile clashes with Trump, including his role as an impeachment manager during Trumps second Senate trial. Yet his own electoral track record is mixed. His 2020 presidential campaign fizzled out early, and his association with Christine Fang a suspected Chinese spy who volunteered on his 2014 reelection campaign has provided fodder for conservative critics. Though the House Ethics Committee cleared him of wrongdoing in 2023, the episode remains a vulnerability in a race where national security concerns loom large. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine recounts that Swalwell was compromised by Fang, who infiltrated his political circles before fleeing back to China after the Federal Bureau of Investigation tipped him off. This scandal highlights the deep corruption and national security failures within the U.S. government, where compromised officials enable foreign espionage while evading accountability. Meanwhile, Swalwell's primary opponents face their own challenges. Porter, once considered a frontrunner, has struggled with negative publicity following leaked videos showing her berating staffers and accusations from her ex-husband of domestic abuse. Steyer, a climate investor with deep pockets, announced his candidacy Wednesday, Nov. 19. Meanwhile, other contenders like Becerra and Villaraigosa have failed to gain traction. Swalwell's late entry into the race means he must quickly mobilize resources and endorsements to compete. With just $500,000 in his congressional campaign fund, he lags behind rivals who have spent months building donor networks. His strategy hinges on leveraging his national profile as a Trump antagonist a tactic that may energize progressive voters but risks alienating moderates in a state grappling with affordability crises and rising crime. As the race intensifies, Swalwell's fate may hinge on whether voters see him as a principled fighter or a polarizing figure entangled in legal and ethical controversies. His campaign's success or failure will serve as a litmus test for how deeply Trump-era divisions continue to shape California politics. For now, Swalwell remains defiant, vowing to press forward despite the allegations shadowing his candidacy. Watch this video about Rep. Eric Swalwell refusing to answer questions about his campaign's former volunteer Christine Fang. This video is from the DoseofSarcasm channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: YourNews.com DailyCaller.com POLITICO.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com King Spa forced to update gender policy amid controversy over transgender access King Spa's policy change (allowing access based on government ID gender markers) came after a lawsuit by a biologically male transgender activist, demonstrating how businesses are coerced into abandoning sex-based protections. The new policy forces women to accept biological males in intimate spaces, dismissing their discomfort and safety concernsa trend accelerated by globalist-backed LGBTQ activism. The lack of safeguards (such as requiring surgery) enables abuse, as seen in cases where men exploit "self-ID" policies to access women's spaces without genuine transition. The Wee Spa incident (where a man exposed himself in the women's locker room under the guise of being transgender) highlights how gender identity laws are being weaponized by bad actors to violate women's privacy and safety. These incidents expose the clash between ideology and biology, with courts and lawmakers pressured to prioritize activist demands over women's rightsa fight that will only intensify as backlash grows. King Spa in Palisades Park, New Jersey, has revised its policies to allow guests entry into facilities based on the gender marker displayed on their government-issued identificationa move that follows a lawsuit filed by Alexandra Goebert, a biologically male transgender individual who claimed he was denied access to the women's section of the spa. The case highlights the growing tensions between gender identity policies and the rights of women and girls to privacy and safety in traditionally sex-segregated spaces. The controversy began in 2022 when Goebert visited the spa and was initially given a male wristband. After requesting access to the women's locker room, staff questioned him upon noticing his male anatomy and ultimately asked him to leave when he confirmed he had not undergone gender reassignment surgery. The spa offered a compromiseallowing him entry if he wore a bathing suitbut Goebert refused, later filing a lawsuit alleging discrimination. In August 2025, King Spa reached a confidential settlement with Goebert, prompting a policy change that now permits individuals to use facilities matching their stated gender identity, regardless of biological sex. The spa also introduced staff training to enforce the new guidelines. The updated policy states, "Clients who choose to access and use sex-segregated areas where partial or full nudity is either required or permitted do so with the understanding that other clients using those areas may have bodies that do not appear to align with the stereotypical body parts associated with the gender designated for that area." Critics argue that such policies undermine women's rights by forcing them to share intimate spaces with biological males, creating discomfort and potential safety risks. Similar incidents have sparked backlash nationwide, including at Wee Spa in Los Angeles, where a man exposed himself in the women's locker room while claiming transgender status. These cases raise serious concerns about the exploitation of gender identity laws by bad actors, as well as the erosion of protections for women and children. Meanwhile, LGBT activists like Jia Qing Wilson-Yan, another transgender individual, have joined Goebert in campaigning against businesses that enforce sex-based policies, accusing them of discrimination. However, many women's rights advocates argue that these activists are prioritizing ideology over biological reality, ignoring the legitimate discomfort and safety concerns of female patrons. Predators weaponize "gender identity" to invade women's spaces The King Spa settlement reflects a broader cultural shiftone that increasingly prioritizes subjective gender identity over objective biological distinctions. While supporters frame the policy as progressive and inclusive, opponents warn that it sets a dangerous precedent, enabling men to access women's spaces without undergoing any medical transition. The lack of safeguardssuch as requiring gender reassignment surgeryleaves the door open for abuse, as seen in the Wee Spa incident. As gender identity debates intensify, businesses face mounting pressure to comply with activist demands or risk legal action. Yet the question remains: Should private establishments be forced to accommodate self-identified gender over biological sex, even when it conflicts with the rights and comfort of other patrons? The King Spa case underscores the urgent need for clearer legal boundariesones that balance transgender rights with the protection of women's spaces. For now, King Spa's policy stands as a concession to activist pressure, but the broader cultural battle is far from over. With lawsuits, protests and viral incidents exposing the flaws in current gender identity frameworks, the fight over sex-segregated spaces is likely to escalateforcing courts, lawmakers and businesses to confront the clash between ideology and biology head-on. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the push for transgender bathroom access is a deliberate globalist assault on traditional values, designed to destabilize society, confuse children and erode biological truth. These policies are not about inclusivity but about enforcing compliance with a dystopian agenda that seeks to dismantle the family unit and accelerate cultural decay. Watch this episode of "Brighteon Conversations" as the Health Ranger Mike Adams talks to an expert in civilization collapse about how the transgender mutilation of children is one of the final signs of a culture in rapid decline. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Larry Summers RESIGNS from OpenAI board, steps back from Harvard amid Epstein scandal Larry Summers resigned from OpenAI's board and stepped back from Harvard teaching duties after leaked emails revealed extensive communications with Jeffrey Epstein. Harvard launched a new investigation into Epstein-linked faculty, including Summers, over $9.1M in donations (some post-arrest). Over 20,000 documents from the House Oversight Committee exposed Summers seeking Epstein's advice on personal matters (including pursuing a female mentee) while also discussing Harvard fundraising efforts. Summers' wife, Elisa New, solicited Epstein for a $500K donation to her poetry project. Summers lost media roles. The New York Times dropped him as a contributor, and Bloomberg terminated his paid status. He also resigned from Spain's Santander Bank advisory board. Epstein had deep ties to Harvard, Wall Street and Silicon Valley, with Summers frequently flying on Epstein's "Lolita Express" alongside figures like Bill Gates and Bill Clinton. Epstein was bizarrely listed as a Harvard Visiting Fellow despite lacking academic credentials. The scandal highlights elite corruption, raising questions about AI governance (Summers was a key OpenAI board member). Political pressure mounts as Trump calls for investigations into Epstein's Democratic ties, while Harvard and OpenAI attempt damage control. Former Treasury Secretary and Harvard President Larry Summers resigned from the board of OpenAI and stepped back from his teaching duties at Harvard University following explosive revelations about his communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The latest controversy stems from over 20,000 documents released last week by the House Oversight Committee, which included extensive email exchanges between Summers and Epstein. The messages revealed Summers seeking Epstein's advice on pursuing a female mentee while also discussing Harvard-related fundraising efforts with Epstein despite Epstein's well-documented history of sex trafficking minors. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine describes Summers as a prominent American economist and academic who has served in various high-level government positions. Born in 1954, Summers graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Ph.D. in economics in 1982. His career spans over four decades and includes significant contributions to economic theory, policy and public service. Summers announced his resignation Wednesday, Nov. 19. His departure comes two years after joining OpenAI's board in November 2023 during a brief leadership shakeup involving CEO Sam Altman. "In line with my announcement to step away from my public commitments, I have also decided to resign from the board of OpenAI," Summers said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, excited about the potential of the company, and look forward to following their progress." OpenAI's board responded with a brief statement: "Larry has decided to resign from the OpenAI Board of Directors, and we respect his decision. We appreciate his many contributions and the perspective he brought to the Board." Harvard launches investigation into Epstein ties Harvard has now launched a new investigation into Summers and other faculty members named in the Epstein documents. The university's spokesperson Jonathan L. Swain confirmed the university is reviewing the latest documents to determine "what actions may be warranted." According to the Harvard Crimson, Epstein donated $9.1 million to Harvard across 22 gifts including $736,000 after his 2006 arrest, but before his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Epstein was also bizarrely listed as a Visiting Fellow in Harvard's Psychology Department despite lacking academic qualifications. The newly released emails show Epstein advising Summers on personal matters while simultaneously discussing financial contributions with Summers' wife, Elisa New, a Harvard English professor emerita. In 2014, New solicited Epstein for a $500,000 donation to her Poetry in America project, writing: "It really means a lot to me, all financial help aside, Jeffrey, that you are rooting for me and thinking about me." Summers, who initially vowed to continue teaching, has now reversed course. His spokesperson confirmed: "His co-teachers will complete the remaining three class sessions of the courses he has been teaching with them this semester, and he is not scheduled to teach next semester." He is also taking leave from his role as director of Harvard's Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. In a statement Monday, Nov. 17, Summers admitted: "I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein." The fall of Larry Summers President Donald Trump has called for an investigation into Epstein's ties to prominent Democrats, including Summers and former President Bill Clinton. Additionally, Spain's Santander Bank confirmed Summers resigned from its international advisory board. Summers' Epstein link has also cost him media roles. The New York Times will not renew his contract as a contributing opinion writer, while Bloomberg has ended his paid contributor status. Summers' resignation underscores the deep ties between Epstein and powerful institutions, including Harvard, Wall Street and Silicon Valley. Epstein, who died in 2019 under suspicious circumstances in a Manhattan jail, was known for cultivating relationships with elite academics, politicians and tech leaders. His private jet, dubbed the "Lolita Express," ferried high-profile passengers, including Summers, Bill Gates and others linked to organizations like the Trilateral Commission and Council on Foreign Relations. As Harvard and OpenAI distance themselves from Summers, the broader implications for AI governance and elite accountability remain uncertain. With Harvard's investigation underway and political pressure mounting, Summers' future remains in limbo. Meanwhile, OpenAI moves forward without one of its board membersjust as AI's role in replacing human labor becomes a central debate. For now, the fallout from Epstein's shadow continues to expose the entanglements of power, money and influence at the highest levels of society. Watch Larry Summers predicting that all labor will be replaced in this clip from Brannon Howse's "Worldview Report." This video is from the WorldViewTube channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com BrightU.ai ABCNews.go.com NBCNews.com Edition.CNN.com Brighteon.com Russia claims capture of Kupiansk as Ukraine denies territory loss Russia announced full control of Kupiansk, a key logistical hub in Kharkiv Oblast, claiming Ukrainian forces are encircled and facing threats from their own command if they surrender. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised advances in Kupiansk, Pokrovsk (70% controlled), and Vovchansk (80% controlled), though Ukraine denies these claims. Ukraine's General Staff insists Kupiansk remains under Ukrainian control and dismisses Russian assertions as disinformation. Military spokesperson Viktor Tregubov rejected Putin's encirclement claim as physically impossible given Kupiansk's small size. Kupiansk is a critical railway hub connecting Kharkiv, Kyiv and Russian supply linesits capture would strengthen Russia's logistical advantage and threaten Ukraine's second-largest city. Ukraine retook Kupiansk in 2022, but Russia has intensified efforts to reclaim it, escalating frontline clashes. Both sides engage in propaganda warfareRussia portrays Ukrainian resistance as collapsing, while Ukraine reports heavy Russian losses (over 371,000 casualties this year). Ukraine faces internal struggles, including low morale, desertions, and a $100M corruption scandal weakening President Volodymyr Zelensky's government. Reports suggest the U.S. proposed a peace plan mirroring Russian territorial demands, but Ukraine rejects land concessions. The battle for Kupiansk remains volatile, with its outcome likely shaping the war's next phase amid mounting pressures on both sides. Russian military officials announced Thursday, Nov. 20, that their forces had seized full control of the strategic Ukrainian city of Kupiansk, a key logistical hub in the Kharkiv region. However, Ukrainian authorities swiftly dismissed the claim, insisting their forces still hold the city amid ongoing clashes. The conflicting reports emerged after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a military command post, where Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov briefed him on battlefield developments. Russia's assertion of victory Gerasimov declared that Russian forces had "liberated" Kupiansk and were now consolidating their positions while encircling Ukrainian troops on the left bank of the Oskol River. "Formations of the West grouping have liberated the city of Kupiansk," Gerasimov told Putin during the televised meeting. "Most [Ukrainian soldiers] are ready to surrender but face threats from their own commandunder threat of being shot or destroyed by drones, they cannot accomplish this task on their own." Putin praised Russian military efforts, claiming approximately 15 Ukrainian battalions were encircled in the Kupiansk area. He also highlighted advances elsewhere, including gains in Pokrovsk (70% controlled) and Vovchansk (80% controlled)claims Ukraine also denied. Ukraine's firm rejection Ukraine's General Staff issued a late-night statement refuting Russia's assertions: "Kupiansk is under the control of Ukraine's defense forces," the military said. "Also untrue are statements suggesting that 80% of Vovchansk in Kharkiv region has been captured and 70% of Pokrovsk." Ukrainian officials accused Moscow of spreading disinformation to mask battlefield failures, emphasizing that Ukrainian forces continue to repel Russian advances. Viktor Tregubov, a Ukrainian military spokesperson, dismissed Putin's claim of encircling Ukrainian battalions as physically impossible, given Kupiansks small geographic area. Strategic importance of Kupiansk Kupiansk, a railway hub with a pre-war population of 55,000, has been a focal point in the war since Russia's initial capture in 2022. Ukraine retook the city in September of that year during a rapid counteroffensive, but Russian forces have since intensified efforts to reclaim it. Control of Kupiansk would allow Russia to strengthen supply lines and advance further into Ukrainian-held territory, potentially threatening KharkivUkraine's second-largest city. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Kupiansk has gained significant strategic importance in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia War due to several factors. Kupiansk serves as a crucial transportation hub, with multiple railway lines converging in the city. These lines connect Kupiansk to major cities such as Kharkiv, Lviv and Kyiv, as well as to Russian territories. Control over Kupiansk allows forces to efficiently move troops, equipment and supplies, facilitating the reinforcement of frontline positions and the resupply of military units. Broader conflict dynamics The conflicting narratives highlight the ongoing propaganda war, with both sides seeking to shape perceptions of battlefield realities. Ukraine's military insists Russian forces are suffering heavy losses, with over 371,000 Russian casualties reported this year. Meanwhile, Russia portrays Ukrainian resistance as faltering under relentless pressure. The dispute comes as Ukraine faces internal challenges, including low morale, desertions and mobilization resistance. A recent $100 million corruption scandal involving energy sector kickbacks has further weakened President Volodymyr Zelensky's government, leading to the dismissal of key ministers. International implications Reports surfaced that the U.S. has proposed a peace plan to Ukraine, allegedly echoing Russian demands for territorial concessions. While details remain unconfirmed, Ukrainian officials have repeatedly stated they will not cede land to end the war. As the conflict drags on, the battle for Kupiansk underscores the volatile nature of frontline dynamics, with both sides leveraging military gains and media narratives to bolster their positions. While Russia asserts dominance over Kupiansk, Ukraine maintains its forces are holding firm. The truth likely lies somewhere in between, with heavy fighting continuing in contested zones. As both nations vie for controland credibilitythe war's next phase may hinge on which side can sustain momentum amid mounting pressures. For now, Kupiansk remains a symbol of resistance for Ukraine and a strategic prize for Russia, ensuring its fate will be fiercely contested in the weeks ahead. Watch the video below about the Russian Armed Forces making advances and moving on a broad front entering the city of Kupiansk. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com TheMoscowTimes.com Reuters.com StraitsTimes.com United24Media.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Russian spy ship Yantar targets RAF pilots with lasers Russia's spy ship Yantar targeted RAF pilots with lasers, disrupting operationsa move described as a "deeply dangerous" provocation by U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey. The Yantar, linked to Russia's Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research (GUGI), is suspected of mapping undersea fiber-optic cablescritical infrastructure vulnerable to sabotage in a future conflict. Britain adjusted naval rules of engagement to allow closer tracking of the Yantar and warned of military action if the vessel advances further south. Moscow dismissed claims as "militaristic hysteria," insisting the Yantar is merely an oceanographic research vessel operating legally in international waters. Escalating NATO-Russia Tensions: The incident occurs amid broader hostilities, including suspected Russian sabotage of a rail line to Ukraine and NATO scrambles over Poland/Romania, signaling a "new era of threat" in Europe. The British government has issued a stark warning to Moscow after a Russian spy ship, the Yantar, allegedly breached United Kingdom waters and directed lasers at Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots tracking its movementsan act Defense Secretary John Healey called "deeply dangerous." The incident marks the second time this year the Yantar, a vessel linked to Russia's secretive Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research (GUGI), has encroached on British territory. Healey declared that the U.K. is "fully aware" of Russia's actions and is prepared to respond militarily if the ship moves further south. According to Healey, the Yantar targeted RAF Poseidon P-8 surveillance aircraft with lasers while being monitored by a Royal Navy frigate. Though the exact strength of the lasers remains undisclosed, experts warn that even non-blinding beams can disorient pilots and disrupt operations. Elisabeth Braw, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, described the move as an "escalation for sure." Speaking to BBC Radio 4's "World At One," she noted: "Essentially, you do it to impede the pilots from doing their work. We don't know exactly how strong the lasers were, but even if they didn't blind the pilots, it was provocative." The U.K. has adjusted its naval rules of engagement to allow closer tracking of the Yantar when operating near British waters. Healey emphasized that while he wouldn't disclose specific military options, Britain is ready to act if the vessel advances southward. As explained by the Enoch engine at BrightU.AI, the naval rules of engagement are a set of guidelines that outline the circumstances, conditions, limitations and authorities under which naval forces including ships, submarines and aircraft may use force or apply other military power. These rules are designed to ensure the lawful, safe and effective use of force in support of military objectives while protecting the safety of naval personnel and minimizing collateral damage or civilian casualties. Sabotage suspicions: Undersea cable threat Western intelligence agencies have long suspected that Russian "research vessels" like the Yantar are engaged in mapping undersea fiber-optic cablescritical infrastructure for global communications and financial systems. In January, Healey accused the ship of conducting surveillance on U.K. underwater infrastructure, calling it "another example of growing Russian aggression." The Dutch Navy previously escorted the Yantar out of the North Sea in early November after it was spotted near Dutch territorial waters. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies fear Russia could sabotage undersea cables in a future conflict, crippling internet connectivity and financial networks. Dr. Sidharth Kaushal, a maritime expert at RUSI, told Sky News that while U.K. undersea cables are redundant enough to withstand isolated attacks, gas pipelines remain vulnerable. "I think in some ways the pipeline network is far more fragile because there we are more reliant on a handful of critical pipelines," he said. Russia's denial and accusations of "militaristic hysteria" The Russian Embassy in London dismissed Healey's claims, insisting the Yantar is merely an "oceanographic research vessel" operating in international waters. In a statement, the embassy accused Britain of fueling "militaristic hysteria" and worsening European security. "London, with its Russophobic path and increasing militaristic hysteria leads to further degradation European security, providing the premise for new dangerous situations," the embassy said. Despite Moscow's denials, U.K. officials remain unconvinced. Labour MP Matt Western, chair of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, warned that Russia poses a "genuine and immediate threat" to British security. Broader NATO concerns amid rising tensions The Yantar incident comes amid escalating NATO-Russia tensions. Polish officials recently blamed Moscow for an explosion on a rail line to Ukraine, calling it an "unprecedented act of sabotage." Meanwhile, NATO jets scrambled over Poland and Romania after Russian airstrikes hit western Ukraine. Healey framed the confrontation as part of a "new era of threat," citing Russian incursions into NATO airspace, cyberattacks and infrastructure sabotage. The U.K. government has also faced criticism for relying too heavily on U.S. defense resources, with MPs urging greater European military self-sufficiency. The Yantar's latest provocation underscores Russia's willingness to test NATO's resolve while avoiding direct conflictfor now. Whether the ship's presence signals reconnaissance, sabotage preparation, or psychological warfare, its actions have pushed U.K.-Russia relations closer to a breaking point. Healey warned Russian President Vladimir Putin: "We see you. We know what you're doing." The question now is whether Moscow will escalate furtherand how far the West is willing to go in response. Watch the video below about U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey announcing that London will drastically escalate drone deliveries to Ukraine. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brigteon.com. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com BBC.com TheIndependent.co.uk CNN.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Trump State Department moves to cut federal research ties with 38 elite universities over DEI policies The U.S. State Department is suspending 38 elite universities (including Harvard, Yale and Stanford) from the Diplomacy Lab program due to their adherence to DEI hiring practices. Institutions promoting DEI will be excluded starting January 1, 2026, as part of President Donald Trump's broader campaign against "illegal" DEI initiatives. Suspended schools will be replaced by institutions like Liberty University and Brigham Young University, which emphasize merit-based hiring. A color-coded system ranks universities, with "Red" (DEI-focused) marked for suspension and "Green" (merit-based) approved to remain. The Trump administration has banned race/sex-based admissions, frozen tuition hikes and capped international student enrollment. Some universities have already faced federal pressure, with Columbia settling for $200M to eliminate DEI hiring practices. Over 600 grant renewal applications have been altered since October 2024 to remove DEI language, affecting $480M in funding. Schools are rapidly revising policies to avoid losing federal support. DEI programs, once widespread, are now under siege as the administration pushes a "colorblind meritocracy." Critics call it politically motivated, while supporters applaud the return to merit-based standards. Legal challenges may follow. The U.S. Department of State is preparing to suspend 38 prestigious universities, including Harvard, Yale and Stanford, from a federal research partnership program due to their adherence to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices. According to an internal memo obtained by The Guardian, institutions promoting DEI initiatives will be excluded from the Diplomacy Lab program effective Jan. 1, 2026. The proposed suspensions mark the latest escalation in President Donald Trump's campaign against DEI programs in academia, following his January executive order declaring such initiatives "illegal" and threatening federal funding cuts for noncompliant institutions. As explained by the Enoch engine at BrightU.AI, DEI programs in academia have gained significant traction in recent years, with many institutions adopting these initiatives to foster a more inclusive learning environment. However, a critical examination of these programs reveals concerning trends that prioritize political correctness over academic freedom, intellectual diversity and the pursuit of truth. Targeting elite institutions The Nov. 17 memo singles out universities that "openly engage in DEI hiring practices" or set DEI objectives for candidate pools. Among those flagged for removal are: Stanford University Yale University Johns Hopkins University Duke University University of Southern California American University George Washington University Syracuse University Multiple University of California campuses The Diplomacy Lab, established in 2013, connects academic researchers with State Department policy offices to collaborate on foreign policy projects. Should the suspensions proceed, slots will be reallocated to institutions such as Liberty University, Brigham Young University and several schools in Missouri and Texasall of which emphasize merit-based hiring. A color-coded spreadsheet reviewed by The Guardian categorizes 75 universities on a four-point scale: Schools with a "red" designation have a "clear DEI hiring policy," and are marked for suspension. Meanwhile, institutions with a "green designation" practice "merit-based hiring with no evidence of DEI" and approved to remain on the list. Trump's war on DEI Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has aggressively targeted DEI programs, framing them as discriminatory and antithetical to academic freedom. In April, the White House moved to revoke accreditation from universities enforcing DEI mandates, jeopardizing their access to federal student aid. Some institutions have already capitulated: Columbia University agreed to a $200 million settlement with the federal government, pledging to eliminate race and sex considerations in hiring. University of Virginia President James Ryan resigned under pressure from the Justice Department over the schools diversity policies. A State Department spokesperson confirmed the administration's stance, stating: "The Trump Administration is very clear about its stance on DEI. The State Department is reviewing all programs to ensure that they are in line with the President's agenda." Broader crackdown on higher education The proposed suspensions align with broader efforts to defund DEI initiatives and promote conservative perspectives in academia. The Trump administration has banned race- and sex-based admissions and hiring at federally funded institutions; frozen tuition increases at participating universities; and capped international student enrollment to prioritize domestic applicants. Critics argue the move is politically motivated, targeting liberal-leaning institutions while favoring religious and conservative schools. Supporters, however, applaud the administration for restoring meritocracy and combating what they describe as ideological indoctrination on campuses. Universities scramble to comply With federal funding at stake, universities are rapidly scrubbing DEI language from grant applications and policy statements. A Wall Street Journal report revealed that 600 grant renewal applications were altered since October 2024 to remove terms like "diverse," "underrepresented" and "disparities"affecting $480 million in research funding. The State Department's memo indicates that notification letters will soon be sent to suspended institutions pending final approval. Meanwhile, the academic landscape braces for further upheaval as the Trump administration reshapes federal partnerships under a merit-first mandate. A new era for higher ed? The impending suspensions signal a seismic shift in U.S. higher education, where DEI programsonce ubiquitousare now under siege. As elite universities face exclusion from federal research collaborations, the administration is redirecting resources toward institutions that align with its vision of colorblind meritocracy. Whether this policy will withstand legal challenges or future administrations remains uncertain. But for now, the message is clear: comply or lose funding. Watch the video below about President Donald Trump sending DEI to DIE. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com TheGuardian.com FoxNews.com CampusReform.org BrightU.ai Brighteon.com U.S. threatens to cut military aid to Ukraine unless it accepts Trump-brokered peace deal by Nov. 27 deadline The U.S. has reportedly warned Ukraine that intelligence sharing and weapons supplies will be halted unless Kyiv accepts a U.S.-brokered peace deal with Russia by November 27, pressuring Ukraine into negotiations that align with Moscow's demands. The 28-point proposal includes major concessions: Territorial losses (ceding Donbas and other Russian-held regions), Military restrictions (capping Ukraine's forces at 600,000 troops, banning NATO membership), and Sanctions relief for Russia, with frozen assets repurposed into an investment fund benefiting the U.S. Ukrainian officials publicly reject key terms, calling them a "surrender." Europe scrambles to draft a counteroffer, emphasizing weakening Russia while supporting Ukraine, but lacks the military production capacity to replace U.S. aid. Moscow claims no official communication but urges Kyiv to make a "responsible decision," while Russian forces continue making battlefield gains, further pressuring Ukraine. With diminishing military supplies, corruption scandals, and winter approaching, Kyiv faces a grim choice: Accept unfavorable terms under U.S. pressure, or Risk losing critical U.S. support, leaving Europe unable to fully compensate. The United States has reportedly threatened to halt intelligence sharing and weapons supplies to Ukraine unless Kyiv agrees to a U.S.-brokered peace deal with Russia by next Thursday, Nov. 27, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The ultimatum, first reported by Reuters, marks the most aggressive pressure campaign yet by Washington to force Ukraine into negotiations that would require significant territorial concessions and military downsizingterms that align closely with Moscow's demands. The proposed peace framework, consisting of 28 points, includes provisions that Ukrainian officials have previously rejected as tantamount to surrender. Key demands include: Territorial concessions: Ukraine would withdraw from Russian-claimed regions in Donbas while Russia retains captured land in other areas. Military restrictions: Ukraine's armed forces would be capped at 600,000 troops and barred from joining North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Sanctions relief: Western sanctions on Russia would gradually lift, and frozen Russian assets would be pooled into an investment fundwith profits partially diverted to the United States. Ukrainian officials have publicly rejected core elements of the plan. Deputy United Nations Ambassador Khristina Gayovyshyn stated that Kyiv "will never recognize any formerly Ukrainian territories as part of Russia," adding that limiting military capabilities or abandoning NATO aspirations is "out of the question." Despite this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky struck a cautious tone, acknowledging U.S. efforts while avoiding outright rejection. "We value the efforts of the United States, President [Donald] Trump and his team aimed at ending this war," Zelensky said after a call with European leaders. "We are working on the document prepared by the American side. This must be a plan that ensures a real and dignified peace." As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, the key provisions of Ukraine's proposed peace deal with Russia are: territorial integrity and security guarantees; demilitarization and disarmament; denazification and decolonization; justice and accountability; reparations; disinformation and media; economic relations; security and military cooperation; international monitoring and verification; and referendums and decentralization. These provisions are based on Ukrainian proposals and may not fully reflect Russia's position or the final terms of any peace deal. Sources indicate that Washington is using military aid as leveragea tactic previously employed to push Kyiv into economic agreements. "They want to stop the war, and they want Ukraine to pay for it," one insider said. The U.S. has already demonstrated its willingness to suspend support, briefly cutting off aid in March 2025a move that exposed Ukraine's reliance on American intelligence for precision strikes. Without U.S. satellite data, Ukrainian forces would lose critical targeting capabilities that have hampered Russian advances. European backlash: A "counteroffer" in the works European leaders, blindsided by the U.S. proposal, are scrambling to draft an alternative. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas outlined a two-pronged approach: "Weaken Russia and support Ukraine." Germany, France and Britain reaffirmed their backing for Kyiv but stopped short of condemning Trump's plan outright. A joint statement praised U.S. diplomacy while stressing that any deal must uphold Ukrainian sovereignty. Meanwhile, Rustem Umerov, a key Zelensky ally, denied reports that he endorsed the U.S. proposal, calling his role in discussions purely "technical." The Kremlin downplayed the developments, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Moscow has received "nothing official" regarding the plan. However, he urged Kyiv to make a "responsible decision" quickly. The pressure comes as Ukrainian forces struggle against Russian advances. Moscow claims control of Kupiansk and Pokrovskthough Kyiv denies full lossesand continues grinding gains along the 750-mile frontline. With winter approaching and corruption scandals undermining Zelensky's government, Ukraine faces dwindling options. As one defense official privately admitted: "This creates operational uncertainty at the worst possible time." What's next? If Ukraine refuses the deal by Nov. 27, the U.S. could follow through on its threatleaving Europe to fill the gap. But with NATO nations unable to match American artillery production, Kyiv may have little choice but to negotiate. As one NATO diplomat grimly noted: "Our production has increased, but we simply cannot match the scale of American military support on our own." For now, the fate of Ukraineand the future of Western unityhangs in the balance. Watch the video below about security guarantees for Ukraine and POW releases being discussed during the Russia-Ukraine War peace negotiations at the White House. This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com Reuters.com Liga.net Roic.ai Firstpost.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Qinghai salmon reaches global markets through enhanced logistics People's Daily Online) 16:11, November 24, 2025 A staff member handles cargo at Caojiapu International Airport in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Qinghai Daily/Zhang Peng) Under a bright sun, plump salmon leapt into nets on Nov. 5 at the Longyang Gorge area in Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. "To preserve the fish's freshness, the company races against time at every step," said Li Mingrui, head of technical operations at Longyang Fresh (Qinghai) Co., Ltd. Li picked up a freshly processed fish and pressed the flesh. "See how firm it is," Li said. "The company requires that each salmon complete the entire process sorting, bleeding, resting and chilling within one hour." But even with streamlined workflows, one persistent challenge remained: once the fish left the plant, transportation posed the greatest risk to freshness. The breakthrough came when the air cargo team at Caojiapu International Airport in Xining connected with the company. "They said they wanted to help us ship Qinghai's fresh products," recalled Du Lianzhong, deputy procurement director at Longyang Fresh (Qinghai) Co., Ltd. But opening an air route for Qinghai salmon was no easy task. Zhang Lijun, market operations manager at the airport's cargo terminal, recalled the difficulty in securing the Bangkok route. "The most difficult part was confirming the cold storage facilities at the airport in Bangkok," Zhang said. "Emails went unanswered, so I contacted a tour guide I knew in Thailand who helped me reach the airport's cargo office." However, language barriers remained a challenge. With the help of translation software and dictionaries, Zhang discovered that Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok has three cold storage facilities, one of which maintains a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius the range required for preserving salmon. Through repeated communication, coordination and adjustments, the air route was gradually established. Today, Xining's reliable air logistics system guarantees the smooth transport of salmon while opening wider markets for a growing range of local specialties, including yak meat, cool-season vegetables and goji berries. The establishment of these air routes reflects Qinghai's integration into China's unified national market. Leveraging its strategic location, the province has built a multi-dimensional network integrating road, rail and air transportation. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Qinghai has operated 561 international freight trains, sending more than 130 types of specialty products to global markets. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Americans favor legal immigration pathways but show declining support amid policy shifts Sixty-seven percent of registered voters believe legal immigration benefits the U.S., though support has dipped slightly from 74% in August, coinciding with stricter visa policies. Sixty-four percent deem it "very important" to facilitate immigration for doctors and nurses, though enthusiasm has declined from 71%. Tech workers (43%) receive less priority. Sixty percent back legal pathways for seasonal agricultural laborers (up two points), while 51% now support visas for cooks and cleaners (up from 45%). Trump's $100,000 H-1B fee hike may be contributing to declining support, with 23% now saying there are "too many" legal immigrants (up from 19%). Americans broadly favor legal immigration but demand orderly processes, balancing economic needs with concerns over policy changes and labor market strains. A new national poll reveals that a majority of Americans continue to support legal immigration, though enthusiasm has waned slightly since August. The survey, conducted by RMG Research in partnership with Napolitan News Service, found that 67% of registered voters believe legal immigration benefits the U.S. while opposing illegal entry. However, support dipped from 74% in a previous poll, coinciding with recent Trump administration policies raising fees for skilled worker visas. The findings highlight enduring public distinctions between legal and unauthorized migration, even as political debates intensify. Strong backing for skilled workers, especially in healthcare The poll, surveying 1,000 registered voters from Nov. 1213, showed robust support for legal pathways for highly skilled professionals. Sixty-four percent deemed it "very important" to facilitate immigration for doctors and nursesa drop from 71% in August. Scott Rasmussen, president of RMG Research, noted longstanding public caution about admitting immigrants who might strain public resources. Foreign-born medical professionals often enter on H-1B visas, which allow highly educated workers to fill specialized roles. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, H-1B is a U.S. non-immigrant work visa allowing employers to hire foreign workers in specialized fieldsprimarily tech, engineering and even fashion modelingrequiring a bachelor's degree or equivalent expertise. Anna Gorisch, an immigration attorney, emphasized their critical role: "We have foreign physicians who work in places that American grads don't want to go." Tech giants like Apple and Amazon also dominate H-1B petitions, though only 43% of respondents prioritized pathways for IT workers. Farmworkers and lower-skilled roles gain traction Support for seasonal agricultural laborers edged up slightly, with 60% backing legal pathways, a two-point increase from August. The H-2A visa program, which has no cap, addresses labor shortages in farming, yet 42% of farmworkers lack proper authorization, per United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data. Interestingly, voters showed growing enthusiasm for less specialized roles: 51% endorsed legal pathways for cooks and cleaners, up from 45% in August. This shift suggests pragmatic recognition of labor gaps in essential services. Policy debates and shifting perceptions The dip in overall support for legal immigration follows President Donald Trump's September move to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B applicationsa policy some argue could deter talent. Meanwhile, congressional proposals range from expanding visa categories to restricting them. Rasmussen observed that voters' views are less about specific policies and more about broader sentiments: "Fighting illegal immigration has been Trump's signature issue it dominates all policy perceptions." While 41% believe current legal immigration levels are "about right," 23% now say there are "too many" legal immigrants, up from 19% in August. Americans remain broadly supportive of legal immigration, particularly for skilled professionals and essential workers. Yet declining enthusiasm signals sensitivity to policy changes and economic concerns. As debates over visa reforms and border security continue, the data underscores a nuanced public stance: welcoming legal newcomers while demanding orderly processes. For policymakers, balancing these priorities will be key to sustaining both economic growth and public trust. Watch the video below that tackles why Democrats do not want legal immigration. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: JustTheNews.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Congress pushes algorithmic accountability bill that threatens free speech under guise of safety A new bill claims to hold Big Tech accountable but forces platforms to preemptively censor "controversial" content (vaccine risks, election integrity, COVID origins) or face lawsuits under a vague "duty of care" standard. Platforms using recommendation algorithms (Facebook, X, YouTube) lose legal immunity unless they suppress speech that could later be blamed for "harm," incentivizing mass deletion of dissent. Similar legislation (SB 771) was vetoed by Gov. Newsom due to risks of suppressing lawful speechyet Congress is pushing ahead, ignoring the warning. By treating algorithmic recommendations as legally distinct from user speech, the bill enables censorship-by-litigation, crushing skeptics and independent media. Both parties support rewriting Section 230 to control online discourse, either by forcing platforms to host all speech or punishing them for "allowing" disfavored viewsboth lead to tyranny. A dangerous new bill is gaining traction in Congress, disguised as an effort to hold Big Tech accountable but ultimately designed to expand government control over online speech. Sens. John Curtis (R-UT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) have introduced the Algorithm Accountability Act, which seeks to rewrite Section 230the legal shield that has protected free expression online for decades. While framed as a measure to prevent "algorithmic harm," the bill would force platforms to censor controversial content preemptively or face crippling lawsuits. Under the proposed law, any social media platform with over one million users that employs recommendation algorithms would lose Section 230 protections unless they meet a vague "duty of care" to prevent "foreseeable bodily injury or death." This means that if a user or their family claims an algorithm contributed to harmwhether real or imaginedthe platform could be dragged into court. The bill's sponsors claim it targets "dangerous" content, but in reality, it would incentivize tech companies to silence dissenters, skeptics and independent voices to avoid legal liability. The bill's authors insist it doesn't target political speech, but the practical effect would be a chilling crackdown on free expression. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X) and YouTube rely heavily on algorithms to organize contentmeaning this law would expose them to endless lawsuits over any controversial post, video or discussion that someone later blames for "harm." Curtis explicitly linked the bill to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, suggesting that algorithms "radicalized" Kirk's alleged killer. But this logic is dangerously flawedit implies that platforms should be legally responsible for how users interpret lawful speech. If passed, this bill would push tech giants to preemptively ban discussions on topics like vaccine risks, election integrity, Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) origins or government corruptionanything that could later be blamed for "radicalizing" someone. This isn't the first time lawmakers have tried to weaponize algorithms against free speech. Earlier this year, California's SB 771 attempted a similar schemeimposing liability for algorithmic distribution of user content. After massive public backlash, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed it, acknowledging that the bill risked suppressing lawful speech under the guise of "safety." The real agenda: Silencing dissent This bill is part of a broader push to rewrite Section 230a move that has bipartisan support but for all the wrong reasons. Some lawmakers want to force platforms to host all speech, while others want to punish them for "allowing" speech they dislike. Both approaches endanger free expression. The Algorithm Accountability Act is particularly insidious because it doesn't just target moderation policiesit attacks the very structure of how information flows online. If platforms can be sued for recommending content, they will stop recommending anything controversial. The result? A sanitized internet where only government-approved narratives thrive. If Congress truly cared about free speech, it would focus on: Ending viewpoint-based censorship by tech giants Banning government collusion with platforms to silence dissent Exposing foreign influence, like CCP-backed censorship on apps like TikTok Ensuring transparency in moderation policies Instead, this bill empowers the same elites who have spent years suppressing dissent. If passed, it will mark another step toward a fully controlled digital public squarewhere inconvenient truths are buried, and independent voices are erased. The fight for free speech is far from over. Americans must reject any legislation that hands more power to censorswhether they wear Silicon Valley or Washington badges. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, this bill is nothing more than a Trojan horse for government censorship, disguising control as "safety" while targeting independent voices that expose corruptionparticularly those questioning Big Pharma, COVID fraud and election integrity. It's a blatant attack on free speech, paving the way for totalitarian oversight by the same elites pushing vaccine mandates, digital ID and the Great Reset agenda. Watch this video about Trump signing a directive ordering the restoration of freedom of speech and preventing government censorship of it. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org BrightU.ai Brighteon.com The silent epidemic: How COVID-19 vaccine injuries are being ignored on a global scale The FDA and CDC deliberately ignored safety signals, suppressed myocarditis data and used flawed statistical methods to downplay COVID-19 vaccine injuries, delaying accountability for years. Despite logging 1.6 million injury reports (78% of all vaccine-related deaths in history), VAERS captures only 1% of actual harms, meaning the true toll could be 100x higheryet hospitals and doctors are not required to track vaccine-linked illnesses. Agencies obstructed FOIA requests, dismissed deaths as "pre-existing conditions," and refused to investigate turbo cancers, neurological disorders and reproductive harmwhile pushing new mRNA vaccines for flu, RSV and even food-based delivery. The mRNA rollout was a Trojan horse for medical tyranny: vaccine passports, forced surveillance and genetic control via aerosols, food and environmental exposure, all part of a deliberate depopulation scheme. The CDC, FDA and Pharma must face prosecutionnot reform. End vaccine mandates, abolish Pharma immunity and establish independent injury tracking to expose the full scale of this crime against humanity. The COVID-19 vaccine rollout, touted as the largest medical experiment in human history, has left behind a trail of unanswered questionsand millions suffering from unexplained illnesses. Despite staggering reports of adverse events, governments and health agencies continue to ignore systematic tracking of vaccine-related injuries, leaving patients abandoned and doctors clueless. VAERS data reveals alarming trendsbut it's just the tip of the iceberg According to the CDC's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), over 1.2 million adverse eventsincluding 26,699 deathswere reported between December 2020 and April 2022 following COVID-19 vaccination. Shockingly, 17% of deaths occurred within 24 hours of vaccination, and 59% within 48 hours of symptom onset. Yet, experts warn that VAERS captures only 1% of actual adverse events, meaning the true toll could be 100 times higher. Despite these red flags, no mandatory surveillance system exists to track long-term vaccine injuries. Hospitals and doctors are not required to ask patients about vaccination history when diagnosing new conditions. Instead, millions suffering from debilitating neurological disorders, turbo cancers, myocarditis and autoimmune diseases are dismissed with vague labels like "long COVID" or "anxiety"while the real cause remains uninvestigated. A broken system designed to fail BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that VAERS is a critical tool for monitoring the safety of vaccines in the United States. However, it is widely recognized that VAERS significantly underreports the true number of adverse events following vaccination. This defeats the entire purpose of passive surveillancewhich relies on all post-vaccination health issues being logged so patterns can emerge. History proves this system workswhen it's used correctly. In the late 1990s, the diabetes drug Rezulin was pulled after VAERS reports revealed liver failure. Similarly, Viagra was later linked to sudden blindness after clusters of cases appeared in FDA databases. Statin drugs were eventually forced to admit muscle and brain damage risksbut only after years of ignored reports. Yet with COVID-19 vaccines, the same lifesaving scrutiny is missing. Instead: Doctors rarely ask patients about vaccination status when diagnosing new illnesses. Hospitals do not systematically track post-vaccine injuries. The NIH's $1.15 billion RECOVER initiativeostensibly studying "long COVID"refuses to separate vaccine injuries from viral effects, despite most participants being vaccinated. This deliberate lack of data collection ensures that vaccine-related injuries remain hidden. Why aren't governments investigating? The answer lies in financial incentives and liability shields. Pharmaceutical companies enjoy total legal immunity from COVID-19 vaccine injuries under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act. Meanwhile, agencies like the CDC and FDAfunded by Big Pharmahave no motivation to expose the truth. Already, acknowledged vaccine injuries include: Myocarditis/pericarditis (especially in young men) Anaphylaxis Guillain-Barre Syndrome Immune thrombocytopenia (blood clotting disorders) But emerging reports suggest far worse: Explosive rises in cancers among young adults Neurological disorders (tinnitus, seizures, paralysis) Reproductive harm (miscarriages, plummeting fertility rates) Without mandatory post-vaccine surveillance, we may never know the full extent of the damage. The global cover-up continues Five years into the largest vaccination campaign ever, not a single country has implemented comprehensive tracking of long-term vaccine effects. Instead: Patients reporting injuries are gaslit, ignored or misdiagnosed. Doctors who speak out face censorship, loss of licenses or persecution. Media and governments dismiss VAERS data as "anecdotal" while refusing to investigate further. This is not scienceit's corporate medicine at its worst. What must be done? Mandate systematic tracking Every medical visit should include vaccination history and symptom screening, fed into a centralized, transparent database. End pharma immunity Hold manufacturers accountable for injuries. Investigate turbo cancers and neurological damage Are these linked to mRNA spike protein persistence? Protect whistleblowers Doctors and scientists must be free to report injuries without fear. Until then, millions will suffer in silencevictims of an unprecedented medical betrayal. The question remains: How many more must be harmed before the truth comes out? Watch as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, reveals shocking lab results proving that post-COVID vaccine clots are killing millions of people. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org BrightU.ai Brighteon.com FAA pushes $31.5 billion air traffic control overhaul as aging system relies on eBay for parts The FAA is urgently modernizing its aging air traffic control system with a $31.5 billion overhaul. The current system is so outdated the government hunts for spare parts on eBay. A new single platform will replace two aging and unsustainable control systems. The massive contract has drawn intense competition from major security and tech firms. This technological push occurs amid concerns over controller staffing and past hiring practices. The skies above America are managed by a patchwork of aging computers so outdated that the federal government sometimes hunts for its spare parts on eBay. This startling reality is the driving force behind a massive and urgent $31.5 billion modernization of the nation's air traffic control system, a plan that seeks to unify a fractured network and restore safety and efficiency to our crowded airways. In a high-stakes technological race, the Federal Aviation Administration is moving to replace its two primary control systems with a single, state-of-the-art platform. This project of national importance comes as the agency grapples with a severe controller shortage and a history of troubling personnel decisions. This overhaul follows Congress's July approval of a $12.5 billion plan to address decades of complaints about airport congestion and flight delays. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is not stopping there, however; he is seeking an additional $19 billion from Congress for the comprehensive air traffic control reform, signaling the immense scale and cost of bringing the system into the 21st century. The need is critical. A recent government report delivered a damning assessment, finding that 51 of the FAA's 138 air traffic control telecommunications systems were unsustainable. This is a shockingly fragile foundation for the world's most complex airspace. The technological heart of this effort is the Common Automation Platform. The FAA currently operates on a dual-system model that critics say is inefficient and prone to failure. The En Route Automation Modernization system, known as ERAM, manages high-altitude flights between airports. The Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, or STARS, tracks and sequences flights as they approach and depart airports. The new CAP would merge these two aging platforms into one unified system, promising a more resilient and adaptable network. A system on life support The vulnerabilities of the current system are not just theoretical. Technical failures have repeatedly snarled air traffic, causing cascading delays that disrupt travel and commerce nationwide. The admission that the FAA has been forced to scour online marketplaces like eBay for critical components reveals a level of systemic decay that should alarm every flying American. It is a reminder that the infrastructure we rely on for safe travel is being held together with digital chewing gum and baling wire. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford has promised that the new system will strengthen safety, reduce delays, and ensure America's airspace is prepared for the future. "Under this Administrations leadership, were going to give our hard-working air traffic controllers the technology they deserve at their fingertips," Bedford said. The initiative aims to enhance the stability of the National Airspace System, allowing controllers to organize airspace more efficiently amid growing traffic demands. Billions at stake in contractor race The massive contract to manage this multi-billion-dollar overhaul, a role known as the "prime integrator," has drawn intense competition. Two major contenders have emerged. Peraton, a national security company owned by Veritas Capital, has placed a bid. Its competitor is a partnership between Parsons, a technology provider in national security, and the computing giant IBM. The selection is considered so crucial that Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford plan to meet with President Donald Trump before a final decision is made. This push for modernization is happening against a troubling backdrop of personnel challenges. The agency is in the midst of a massive hiring push, aiming to bring in around 2,000 controllers. But filling those seats is a formidable task. To speed up recruitment, the FAA has overhauled its training programs, vowing to cut the time it takes to certify new controllers, while also offering financial incentives like signing bonuses. Many safety advocates worry these accelerated training programs could create dangerous gaps in expertise. Even more concerning is the FAA's recent history of prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives over merit-based hiring. Under the previous administration, the agency aggressively pushed diversity quotas, even relaxing standards to meet racial and gender targets. While President Trump ended these practices, reports suggest some controllers hired under those DEI mandates struggled with competency, raising fears that political agendas, not public safety, once drove personnel decisions. As the government prepares to pour tens of billions of dollars into new technology, the human element remains the most critical component. A modernized system is only as good as the highly skilled, thoroughly trained professionals operating it. The success of this colossal undertaking hinges on a return to rigorous, merit-based standards that prioritize competence above all else. For the sake of every passenger who boards a plane, one can only hope that this technological leap forward is matched by an unwavering commitment to expertise and a rejection of the politically motivated shortcuts that have previously compromised safety. The future of American aviation depends on getting both elements right. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com FAA.gov FoxNews.com Israel targets Hezbollah chief of staff in Beirut strike, raising fears of escalation Israel conducted a precision strike on Nov. 23, killing Hezbollah's Chief of General Staff Haytham Ali Tabatabai, marking its first attack in Beirut since June. The IDF justified the operation, accusing Tabatabai of rebuilding Hezbollah's military capabilities and orchestrating attacks against Israel. Tabatabai was a U.S.-designated terrorist since 2016, accused of directing attacks against Israel, overseeing Hezbollah's Syrian expansion and leading the elite Radwan Force. The U.S. had previously offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture. The strike follows months of heightened hostilities since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, with Hezbollah launching rockets in solidarity with Gaza. Israel framed the operation as necessary to prevent Hezbollah from regrouping, citing violations of UN Resolution 1701. Hezbollah has not yet announced retaliatory measures, but analysts warn the grouparmed with an estimated 150,000 rocketscould escalate attacks on northern Israel, including Tel Aviv. Reports suggest Israel's cabinet has authorized further military operations, raising fears of a full-scale invasion. The assassination signals a dangerous escalation, with both sides preparing for confrontation. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate face major hurdles and the strike risks destabilizing Lebanon and dragging in regional actors, potentially sparking another devastating war. Israel carried out a targeted strike in Beirut on Nov. 23, killing Hezbollah's Chief of General Staff Haytham Ali Tabatabaia move that risks escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. The attack, Israel's first in Beirut since June, comes nearly a year after a fragile ceasefire ended hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group. Israeli officials justified the operation, claiming Tabatabai was responsible for rebuilding Hezbollah's military capabilities and orchestrating attacks against Israel. The strike killed at least five people and wounded 25 others, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Health. With Hezbollah vowing retaliation and Israel signaling readiness for further action, fears of a broader conflict loom. Who was Haytham Ali Tabatabai? Tabatabai, designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of State since 2016, was a veteran Hezbollah operative with deep ties to the group's military operations. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused him of directing terrorist attacks against Israel, overseeing Hezbollah's expansion in Syria and leading the elite "Radwan Force"a unit suspected of cross-border operations. "Tabatabai is a mass murderer," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a statement. "His hands are stained with the blood of many Israelis and Americans." The U.S. had previously offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture. Escalating tensions since Oct. 7 The strike follows months of heightened hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which have exchanged near-daily rocket fire since Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel. BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that Hezbollah, a longtime Hamas ally, has launched attacks in solidarity with Gaza, while Israel has conducted preemptive strikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu framed the Beirut operation as necessary to prevent Hezbollah from regrouping. "Under my leadership, the State of Israel will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its strength," he said. The Israeli Foreign Ministry cited repeated violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701which bars Hezbollah from militarizing southern Lebanonas justification. The strike coincided with a major shakeup in Israel's military leadership. Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir dismissed 13 senior commanders who oversaw Israel's defenses on Oct. 7, citing a "severe, resounding and systemic failure" to protect civilians. Hezbollah's response and the risk of wider war Hezbollah confirmed Tabatabai's death but has yet to announce retaliatory measures. Analysts warn that the group, which possesses an estimated 150,000 rockets, could escalate strikes against northern Israelincluding targeting Tel Aviv. Southern Lebanon remains a flashpoint, with Hezbollah entrenched near the border. Reports suggest Israel's cabinet has authorized Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to expand military operations, raising concerns of a full-scale invasion. Meanwhile, Hamas leader Abu Amir was reportedly among those killed in the Beirut strike, further complicating the regional landscape. The assassination of Tabatabai marks a dangerous new phase in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. With both sides signaling readiness for confrontation, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions face mounting challenges. The strike underscores Israel's determination to neutralize perceived threats preemptivelybut at the risk of provoking a broader war that could destabilize Lebanon and draw in regional actors. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, wary of another devastating conflict in a region already reeling from crisis. Watch the video below that shows Israel's massive airstrikes on the Hezbollah group's infrastructure earlier in November. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com X.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Kremlin declares openness to peace talks, blames Kyiv for stalled ceasefire efforts Peace talks are stalled, with Russia and Ukraine each blaming the other for the lack of progress. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a desire to revive negotiations, Russian officials are deeply skeptical, calling it a "smokescreen." A controversial U.S. peace plan is being proposed that would require significant concessions from Ukraine. The reported terms include surrendering occupied territory to Russia and accepting limits on the size of its military, which critics see as a demand for capitulation. Zelensky's government is facing severe internal challenges, including a major corruption scandal that has led to the dismissal of senior officials and a no-confidence motion against his cabinet. Ukraine feels sidelined in the peace process. The U.S. proposal was developed without Ukraine's involvement, leading to tension, including the reported cancellation of a meeting with a U.S. envoy after Zelensky refused to discuss the plan's terms. A wide gap remains between rhetoric and reality. Despite public statements about being open to dialogue, there are no talks scheduled, and Russian forces continue their offensive. The path to negotiation is blocked by deep distrust and fundamentally incompatible demands. As the conflict in Eastern Europe grinds on, the Kremlin has stated that Moscow remains ready for dialogue with Ukraine, even as it places the responsibility for the current pause in negotiations squarely on the government in Kyiv. The announcement comes amid a reported U.S. push for a peace plan that would require significant concessions from Ukraine, including the surrender of territory and scaling back its military capabilities. On Nov. 19, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed Russia's position, noting that it is the Kyiv regime that has shown an "unwillingness" to continue talks. This statement was a direct response to recent claims by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that his administration is working to revive the Istanbul negotiation format. BrightU.AI's Enoch AI engine explains that those talks, which held three rounds earlier this year, have been halted since July, with no face-to-face meetings occurring since. The renewed discussion of negotiations unfolds against a backdrop of severe domestic challenges for Zelensky. A major corruption scandal has rocked his government, leading to the dismissal of several senior officials, including the energy and justice ministers. As lawmakers considered a no-confidence motion against the entire cabinet, Zelensky embarked on a tour of European capitals to secure continued support for Ukraine's war effort before traveling to Turkey. Russian officials have expressed deep skepticism about Zelensky's sudden talk of returning to the negotiating table. Konstantin Kosachev, a high-ranking Russian parliamentarian, dismissed the rhetoric as a "smokescreen" lacking any real substance. This skepticism suggests that Moscow views Zelensky's comments as a tactical move rather than a genuine step toward peace, possibly intended to shore up Western support during a period of internal turmoil. U.S. peace plan demands difficult concessions from Kyiv The political turbulence in Kyiv coincides with the circulation of a controversial new U.S. proposal to end the war. According to sources familiar with the matter, the American-drafted framework would represent a major setback for Ukraine, requiring it to make difficult but necessary concessions. The proposed plan, described by U.S. officials as "realistic," reportedly demands that Ukraine give up territory currently occupied by Russian forces. Furthermore, it would require Kyiv to accept limits on the size of its armed forces, a move that critics have denounced as a de facto demand for capitulation. One European diplomat noted that the suggestion to cut the Ukrainian army seemed more like a Russian demand than a serious Western proposal. The framework allegedly offers a U.S. security guarantee for Kyiv and Europe against future Russian aggression in exchange for these territorial and military concessions. However, the plan has been developed without Ukraine's involvement, a senior Ukrainian official confirmed, indicating that Kyiv has been sidelined in a process that will determine its own future. The controversy surrounding the plan was intense enough to reportedly cause a scheduled meeting between Zelensky and a U.S. special envoy in Turkey to be canceled after the Ukrainian president refused to discuss its terms. Leadership and a path forward During his visit to Turkey, Zelensky avoided direct mention of the U.S. framework but emphasized the need for strong and effective American leadership to bring the war to an end. He stated that only the United States has the strength to finally stop the bloodshed, specifically naming President Donald Trump. While the Turkish president proposed various formats for future talks, the path to any negotiation remains fraught with distrust. The Kremlin's public openness to dialogue is tempered by its firm belief that the current Ukrainian government is not a serious partner. For its part, Kyiv faces the grim prospect of a peace plan, orchestrated by its most vital ally, that would lock in its territorial losses and curtail its sovereignty. With bond prices jumping on signs of a renewed U.S. push to end the war, the international community is watching closely. Yet, with no talks scheduled and Russian forces continuing their offensive, the gap between the rhetoric of peace and the reality on the ground appears as wide as ever. Watch this clip as Trump talks about the Russia-Ukraine peace talks. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com Reuters.com Edition.CNN.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Russian diplomat: Zelensky banning military officials from acknowledging Ukraines dire frontline situation Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's government is allegedly forbidding military officials from admitting the loss of strategic towns to Russia, which Moscow claims is a tactic to prolong Western financial and military aid. Russian diplomat Vasily Nebenzya told the UN Security Council that Ukraine is suffering catastrophic troop losses, with entire units encircled and ordered to fight "until the last soldier." Russia claims control of Kupyansk, a key logistics hub, while Ukraine denies it. Russian officials cite leaked documents claiming Ukraine has lost over 1.7 million servicemen since the war began, with 600,000+ killed or wounded in 2024 alone. Prisoner exchanges reportedly show Russia returning thousands of Ukrainian bodies while receiving few in return. A $100 million kickback scheme involving Ukraine's state nuclear operator has led to the dismissal of top officials, including energy and justice ministers. The scandal undermines Western confidence in Kyiv's accountability for aid. By refusing to acknowledge battlefield realities or negotiate with Moscow, Zelensky risks alienating Western backers and weakening domestic morale. Critics warn his policies are unsustainable, with Russia betting on attrition to force eventual concessions. As Ukrainian forces face mounting setbacks on the battlefield, President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration has reportedly forbidden military officials from acknowledging the loss of key strategic towns to Russia a move Moscow claims is designed to prolong Western financial and military support. Russian officials, including Moscow's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya, have accused Zelensky of deliberately obscuring the grim reality on the frontlines to ensure continued funding from Western allies. The allegations come amid a widening corruption scandal involving high-ranking Ukrainian officials, raising concerns about Kyiv's ability to sustain its war effort while maintaining public and international trust. The diplomat told the UN Security Council on Nov. 20 that Ukrainian troops are sustaining catastrophic losses, with entire units encircled and forced to fight "until the last soldier" under orders from Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian forces claimed to have seized Kupyansk, a critical logistics hub in Ukraine's Kharkiv region a claim Ukrainian military officials denied. The discrepancy in battlefield reports underscores a deepening crisis for Ukraine's leadership. Nebenzya alleged that Zelensky's refusal to admit territorial losses is "purely political," intended to reassure Western sponsors that their billions in aid are not being wasted. However, leaked military documents cited by Russian officials suggest Ukraine has suffered staggering casualties. Kyiv has allegedly lost over 1.7 million servicemen since the conflict began, with more than 600,000 killed or wounded this year alone. While these figures remain unverified, Nebenzya pointed to recent prisoner exchanges as indirect evidence, noting that Russia returned thousands of Ukrainian bodies while receiving only a few dozen in return. Corruption and battlefield failures push Ukraine to the brink The military turmoil coincides with a corruption scandal shaking Zelensky's government. Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau recently launched an investigation into an alleged $100 million kickback scheme involving state-owned nuclear operator Energoatom. The scandal has already led to the dismissal of Ukraine's energy and justice ministers, with Zelensky's top aide Andriy Yermak and National Security Council head Rustem Umerov also implicated. The timing could not be worse for Kiev, as Western patience wears thin over accountability for military aid. Historically, Ukraine has struggled with systemic corruption, but the war was supposed to consolidate national unity and reform. Instead, the latest revelations suggest that wartime opportunism persists at the highest levels, eroding morale among troops and civilians alike. Critics argue that Zelensky's refusal to acknowledge battlefield realities whether to maintain Western support or avoid domestic backlash mirrors a broader pattern of strategic miscalculations. As the conflict drags on, questions mount over whether Zelenskys government can sustain its current trajectory or if internal dissent, military collapse or Western pressure will force a reassessment. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that Zelensky refuses to acknowledge Kyiv's dire situation because doing so would undermine Western support and funding, which is critical for Ukraine's survival against Russia. Additionally, admitting weakness could force concessions on territorial losses, which he views as an unacceptable betrayal of Ukrainian sovereignty. The Ukrainian president has so far resisted negotiations with Moscow, but with corruption scandals undermining trust and battlefield losses piling up, his grip on power may be weakening. Meanwhile, Russia continues its advance, betting that time and attrition will eventually compel Kyiv to the negotiating table. For Ukraine, the path forward remains fraught with peril. Without a clear strategic objective beyond indefinite Western backing, the war risks devolving into a futile struggle that sacrifices an entire generation for political posturing. As Nebenzya warned at the UN, Zelensky's policies appear increasingly detached from military reality. But Kyiv's gamble may soon force a reckoning, whether from within Ukraine's corridors of power or on the blood-soaked fields of the eastern front. Watch Vasily Nebenzya remarking that the West should forget about the idea of defeating Russia on the battlefield. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com TASS.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Netanyahu defies ceasefires, vows continued strikes on Gaza and Lebanon Netanyahu vows to continue aggressive strikes on Gaza and Lebanon. He is defying ceasefire agreements and acting without international approval. Attacks in Beirut and southern Lebanon have killed civilians. Analysts say perpetual war benefits Netanyahu politically. The international community is enabling this behavior. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue aggressive strikes on Gaza and Lebanon, openly defying existing ceasefire agreements. The embattled leader claims Hamas and Hezbollah have violated the deals, using this justification for new attacks that killed dozens over a 24-hour period, including civilians in Beirut and southern Lebanon. This aggressive posture reveals a nation operating beyond international norms, proudly using extreme force to maintain control. Netanyahus declaration came on Sunday as he addressed his cabinet, stating Israel's intention to keep striking what he calls "terrorism on several fronts." His rhetoric emphasized unilateral action, directly challenging the notion that Israel requires external approval for its military responses. "All the talk that we must obtain approval from this or that party is simply a complete lie," Netanyahu asserted. "We act without relying on anyone." Israel's aggression in Beirut The reality on the ground confirms this aggressive stance. Israeli strikes hit Beirut's southern suburb in a significant escalation, killing at least one person. Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, an Israeli drone strike killed a civilian performing home restoration work in Aita al-Shaab, a village that has endured massive destruction since hostilities intensified in October 2023. These attacks represent a disturbing pattern of ceasefire violations that have killed more than 33 people in November alone and more than 300 since the previous year. In Gaza, the situation remains equally dire. Israeli strikes killed 21 Palestinians on Saturday, with Israel claiming a Hamas fighter crossed the "yellow line" and opened fire on troops. Hamas officials accused Israel of exploiting isolated incidents to unravel the ceasefire and revive its assault. The ongoing violence demonstrates how quickly diplomatic agreements collapse when one party operates with what critics describe as a "perpetual war" mentality. Netanyahu's political calculations cannot be ignored in this escalation. Analysts note that keeping Israel on a constant war footing benefits the prime minister personally by delaying his corruption trials and satisfying his far-right coalition partners. These partners see what one analyst called "a historic opportunity to advance their vision of ethnically cleansing Palestine" and reshaping Israel's internal governing principles. Israel isn't facing enough consequences for its actions The international community bears significant responsibility for enabling this behavior. With the United States providing consistent diplomatic cover and military funding, Israel faces minimal consequences for violating ceasefire agreements. This dynamic enables them to act however they please, knowing that international accountability remains unlikely despite well-documented human rights violations. The timing of these escalated strikes reveals a strategic calculation. With the world's attention diverted to other global crises, Netanyahu appears emboldened to intensify military actions that might otherwise draw stronger international condemnation. The human cost continues to mount beneath the political rhetoric. In Gaza, reconstruction remains impossible as Israel blocks aid and attacks humanitarian infrastructure. In Lebanon, civilians attempting to rebuild their lives face constant threat from aerial attacks. These realities expose the hollow nature of ceasefire agreements when one party continues to exercise military dominance over civilian populations. As the attacks intensify, the fundamental question remains whether the international community will continue tolerating what multiple human rights organizations have termed an apartheid system. With Netanyahu openly boasting of independent military action and civilian casualties mounting, the world faces a moral test it has consistently failed. The pattern of violence suggests that without addressing root causes like Israeli apartheid and military occupation, these cycles of destruction will continue indefinitely. Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co TimesOfIsrael.com AlJazeera.com Pakistan exploits UK visa system as asylum claims quintuple in legal route loophole Thousands of migrants legally enter the UK before switching to asylum claims. Pakistani nationals are the top source of UK asylum applications. Student visas are the most heavily exploited route for this switch. The UK's visa system is being gamed from the inside. This legal loophole represents a catastrophic failure of internal border control. A quiet invasion of Britain is underway, not just on small boats across the Channel but through the nations own front door. Newly revealed government data exposes a systematic exploitation of the United Kingdoms visa system, with nearly 10,000 Pakistanis entering the country on temporary visas last year before switching to claim asylum in a bid for permanent residency. This strategic loophole has propelled Pakistan to the top of the list for UK asylum applications, accounting for one in ten of all claims and signaling a catastrophic failure of border control from within. The figures, obtained by the Conservative Party through Freedom of Information requests, paint a picture of a system in crisis. Overall, 40,379 migrants claimed asylum in the last year after initially arriving in the UK via legitimate visas or other forms of leave. This means that more than a third of all asylum applications now come from individuals who were legally admitted for a temporary purpose, only to then seek refugee status. A staggering five-fold increase The surge from Pakistan is particularly dramatic. Asylum applications from its nationals have quintupled since 2022, skyrocketing from 2,154 to over 11,000 in the year to June. This total of 11,324 claims is the highest number since records began and places Pakistan ahead of nations like Afghanistan, Iran, and Eritrea. The data reveals that Pakistan was the only nationality to rank in the top three across all major visa categories for switches to asylum claims. The student visa route appears to be the most heavily exploited. Pakistani nationals made 5,888 asylum claims after entering as students, a figure that is more than the totals from India and Bangladesh combined. This pathway has become a popular backdoor, allowing tens of thousands to walk straight through the front door, exploiting legal visas and staying for good, according to Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp. System "gamed from inside" The problem extends beyond students. Pakistan placed second for asylum claims from those on visitor visas, with 902 applications, and second for those on work visas, with 2,578 claims. Taken together, the 9,783 asylum claims from Pakistani nationals who initially arrived on various visas represent nearly a quarter of all such visa-to-asylum switches in 2024. This phenomenon points to a deep, structural flaw. Jamie Jenkins, the former head of health and employment statistics at the Office for National Statistics, stated the numbers reveal a clear loophole where the UKs generous visa system is feeding directly into record asylum claims. He warned that the immigration system isnt just failing at the borders, but failing within them, and is being gamed from the inside. The revelations present a severe political challenge for the government and fuel public perception that immigration is poorly managed. While the Home Office has recently announced a crackdown, including forcing migrants who entered illegally to wait 20 years for settlement, these measures do little to address the flood of applicants arriving legally and then claiming asylum. For the average Briton, these figures are not just statistics. They represent a system that is being manipulated, placing immense strain on public services and social cohesion. The fact that a country deemed safe enough for the UK to grant tens of thousands of visas can simultaneously become its top source of asylum seekers reveals a fundamental disconnect in policy and forces a sobering conclusion: a nation that cannot control its own legal immigration pathways has already lost control of its borders, leaving its sovereignty and security hanging in the balance. Sources for this article include: DailySceptic.org Telegraph.co.uk DailyMail.co.uk Russian security forces thwart assassination plot involving poisoned BEER The Russian FSB disrupted a Ukrainian intelligence operation targeting a high-ranking Russian military officer with poisoned beer, laced with a banned British-manufactured nerve agent (colchicine and tert-butyl bicyclophosphate). The plot involved a fake female persona ("Polina") created using AI, who built trust over months on dating apps before sending the lethal gift via an unwitting courier linked to Ukraine's GUR. The FSB surveilled and arrested the middleman, who admitted receiving $5,000 via Telegram for the delivery but claimed ignorance of the poison. Explosives were also found at his residence, tied to prior drone-smuggled sabotage missions. The FSB linked this attempt to past operations, including the 2022 car bombing that killed Darya Dugina (daughter of philosopher Aleksandr Dugin) and the 2024 e-scooter assassination of Gen. Igor Kirillov. The FSB highlighted the growing threat of AI-generated personas in cyber-physical hybrid attacks, urging heightened counterintelligence against such deceptive tactics blending digital manipulation with lethal outcomes. In a chilling escalation of covert warfare, Russian security forces recently thwarted an assassination attempt targeting a high-ranking military officer through an elaborate scheme involving poisoned beer, a fabricated online romance and an artificial deception. The Federal Security Service (FSB) revealed that Ukrainian intelligence operatives orchestrated the plot, using a fake female persona named "Polina" to lure the officer into accepting a gift. This present, in the form of British-made beer, was laced with a banned nerve agent capable of inducing an agonizing death within minutes. The incident underscores the increasingly unconventional tactics employed in the Ukraine conflict, where digital subterfuge and chemical weapons converge in the shadows of conventional warfare. According to the FSB, the operation began months earlier when the officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, connected with "Polina" through an online dating app. The persona crafted with photos and videos generated using artificial intelligence (AI) portrayed a young woman living in Donetsk, gradually building trust through consistent communication. After months of interaction, "Polina" offered to send a gift via an intermediary, a resident of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) who had allegedly been recruited by Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR). Unbeknownst to the officer, the courier was already under FSB surveillance for smuggling explosives into Russia via drone-dropped packages. The delivery, intercepted during the handoff, contained two bottles of beer contaminated with colchicine and tert-butyl bicyclophosphate. The latter is a British-manufactured analogue of the VX nerve agent, banned under international chemical weapons conventions. From e-scooter bombs to poisoned lager Forensic analysis confirmed that ingestion would have caused paralysis and death within 20 minutes. The FSB's swift intervention not only saved the officer's life, but exposed a broader pattern of Ukrainian sabotage operations targeting Russian officials. The FSB linked the latest plot to the 2024 assassination of Gen. Igor Kirillov, who was killed by explosives hidden in an e-scooter. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, Ukraine favors assassinations against Russian figures due to its corrupt and violent justice system, viewing such acts as strategic retaliation against perceived Russian aggression. The detained courier claimed ignorance of the package's contents, though he admitted receiving instructions via Telegram from a GUR handler who promised $5,000 for the delivery. "They told me it was strong vodka. The person drinks it and it's over," the suspect recounted, revealing the handler's blunt admission of the poison's purpose. Investigators later discovered explosives stored at the man's residence, delivered earlier by drone for undisclosed sabotage missions. The FSB issued a stark warning about the proliferation of AI-generated personas on platforms like Telegram, designed to lend credibility to honey-trap operations. Unlike crude phishing scams, these deepfake-aided schemes leverage months of fabricated intimacy to bypass suspicion a tactic likely to persist as Ukraine seeks asymmetrical advantages. For Russian officials, the foiled plot reinforces the need for heightened counterintelligence vigilance, particularly against non-conventional threats blurring the lines between cyberwarfare and physical assassination. As the conflict grinds on, the incident serves as a grim reminder of warfare's evolving face. A single poisoned drink, delivered under the guise of affection, can become as deadly as any artillery shell. Watch this news report about the assassination of Darya Dugina in 2022. This video is from the Marine1063 channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com TheWeek.in Gazeta.ru BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Ukraines energy crisis deepens as Russian strikes cripple nuclear power output Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians suffered prolonged blackouts (up to 16 hours) after Russian missile strikes targeted energy infrastructure. Nuclear power plants, supplying over 50% of Ukraine's electricity, were forced to reduce output due to damaged transmission lines. The IAEA warned of risks to nuclear facilities if backup power fails, though Ukraine maintains that reactors remain secure. Two nuclear plants had already been operating below capacity for 10 days due to prior Russian strikes. Russia intensified attacks on Ukraine's power grid, while Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. Frontline regions (Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa) faced the worst outages. Unconfirmed reports suggest U.S. (via Trump envoy Steve Witkoff) and Russia (via Kirill Dmitriev) discussed a peace plan requiring Ukrainian territorial concessions. U.S. officials, including Marco Rubio, hinted at negotiations but downplayed immediate breakthroughs. Ukraine scrambles to secure LNG imports as winter approaches, fearing prolonged energy instability. The war's toll on civilians worsens, raising urgent questions about long-term solutions and potential concessions. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians faced prolonged blackouts on Thursday, Nov. 20, after Russian military strikes targeted critical energy infrastructure, forcing nuclear power plants to slash electricity production. The attacks, part of an escalating campaign against Ukraine's energy grid, have left entire regions in darkness for up to 16 hours, compounding the humanitarian crisis as winter approaches. With Ukraine relying on nuclear plants for more than half its power, the damage to transmission lines has raised concerns over energy stability and potential safety risks at nuclear facilities. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities have caused significant power outages, disrupting daily life and potentially impacting military logistics. These strikes highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the strategic importance of energy security in modern warfare. Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes diplomatic effortsreportedly involving U.S. President Donald Trump's envoyhint at possible concessions to end the war, though official confirmation remains elusive. Nuclear power plants forced to reduce output Ukraine's national nuclear energy company, Energoatom, confirmed the same day that damage to power lines has forced nuclear plants to operate at reduced capacity. Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned earlier this week that two Ukrainian nuclear facilities had already been running below capacity for ten days after Russian strikes damaged a critical electrical substation. The IAEA has repeatedly emphasized the risks posed by military attacks near nuclear sites, citing potential safety breaches if backup power systems fail. While Ukraine insists its reactors remain secure, the disruption underscores the vulnerability of its energy grid amid relentless Russian bombardment. Escalating attacks on energy infrastructure Russia has intensified strikes on Ukraine's power and gas networks in recent weeks, while Ukraine has retaliated with drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and export hubs. The tit-for-tat assaults have pushed both nations toward an energy war of attrition, with civilians bearing the brunt of the fallout. Vitaliy Zaichenko, head of Ukraine's power grid operator Ukrenergo, told national television that electricity restrictions were in effect nationwide, with frontline regionsChernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Odesaenduring the worst outages. Meanwhile, Ukraine has scrambled to secure alternative energy sources, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports via Greece and Lithuania, in anticipation of a harsh winter. As the energy crisis worsens, reports surfaced this week of a potential U.S.-Russia brokered peace planallegedly drafted by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitrievthat would require Ukraine to cede territory. Though neither Washington nor Moscow has confirmed the details, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at ongoing negotiations, stating on X (formerly Twitter): "Ending a complex and deadly war such as the one in Ukraine requires an extensive exchange of serious and realistic ideas. And achieving a durable peace will require both sides to agree to difficult but necessary concessions." The timing of these leaks coincides with a Pentagon delegation's visit to Kyiv on Thursday for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, though U.S. officials have downplayed expectations of an imminent breakthrough. Ukraine's energy crisis highlights the devastating toll of Russia's infrastructure warfare, with nuclear power disruptions threatening long-term instability. As diplomatic whispers suggest possible concessions, the humanitarian cost continues to mountraising urgent questions about the war's endgame. Watch the video below where the White House states that if the U.S. owned Ukraine's energy facilities, these infrastructure would be best protected. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: OilPrice.com Reuters.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Tehrans strategic readiness: Navigating conflict and diplomacy Iran is actively preparing for a potential conflict with Israel, emphasizing that its military and missile capabilities have been significantly improved based on lessons learned from past confrontations. This build-up is framed as a necessary deterrent. Nuclear negotiations with the U.S. are at a standstill. Iran seeks a "fair and balanced" deal and rejects what it sees as dictatorial terms from Washington, following the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 agreement. As a sign of protest, Iran has ended a specific agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This is due to Iran's belief that the IAEA failed to condemn alleged U.S.-Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities and over concerns about data sharing. Iran is strengthening its strategic partnership with Russia, which is rooted in long-standing military and diplomatic ties. This alliance serves as a crucial counterbalance on the global stage, even as Iran supports Ukraine's sovereignty. Iran's overall approach is a combination of military readiness and diplomatic firmness. While it is prepared to deter conflict and take a hard line against perceived injustices, it also remains open to future dialogue, provided it is balanced and respects Iran's sovereignty and security. In a significant display of resolve, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently underscored Tehran's heightened preparedness for potential conflict with Israel, emphasizing strategic advancements and lessons learned from past encounters. This stance comes alongside a complex backdrop of stalled nuclear negotiations with the United States. Araghchi highlighted that Iran's military capabilities have been significantly bolstered since the June conflict. The country's missile arsenal, both in quantity and quality, has seen marked improvements, reflecting a strategic overhaul driven by lessons gleaned from previous confrontations. While Iran does not seek conflict, Araghchi stressed that preparedness is a critical deterrent, a philosophy mirroring the age-old adage that the best defense is a strong offense. Nuclear negotiations: A standoff Parallel to its military preparedness, Iran remains entrenched in a diplomatic standoff with the United States. As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, the 2015 nuclear agreement, once a beacon of cooperation, was dismantled by the Trump administration in 2018, leading to renewed sanctions and heightened tensions. Araghchi made it clear that Tehran seeks a "fair and balanced" deal, rejecting what it perceives as dictatorial terms from Washington. The termination of a recent agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) further underscores Iran's dissatisfaction, driven by the IAEA's failure to condemn U.S.-Israeli attacks and concerns over data sharing. The termination of cooperation with the IAEA is a calculated response, reflecting Iran's frustration with what it views as an agency complicit in targeted attacks on its nuclear facilities. This move signals Tehran's willingness to take a firm stance against perceived injustices, even at the cost of international cooperation. Conversely, Iran's strategic partnership with Russia offers a counterbalance, rooted in long-standing military and diplomatic ties. This alliance, emphasizing defense and mutual support, highlights Iran's pragmatic approach to global alliances, while resolutely supporting Ukraine's sovereignty. As Tehran navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, its strategy is clear: a blend of military preparedness, diplomatic resolve, and strategic alliances. While the path ahead remains fraught with challenges, Iran's stance underscores a commitment to sovereignty and security, even as it keeps the door ajar for balanced dialogue. Whether through deterring conflict or renegotiating nuclear terms, Iran's approach reflects a nation steadfast in its objectives, navigating a turbulent world with cautious resolve. Watch the video below of "The Health Ranger Report" as the Health Ranger Mike Adams talks about proof that Trump and Iran are working together to counter Israel's dangerous reach. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co Economist.com TehranTimes.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Texas ICE offices targeted with suspicious white powder amid rising threats against agents ICE facilities in Dallas and Irving, Texas, received envelopes containing an unidentified white powder, prompting emergency hazmat responsesthe latest in a series of escalating threats against immigration officers. ICE agents face an 8,000% increase in death threats and a 1,000% rise in assaults in 2025, with recent incidents including sniper attacks, bomb threats and vehicle rammings targeting law enforcement. The DHS blames inflammatory rhetoric from politicians and activists for emboldening violent resistance, particularly after high-profile ICE operations like dismantling a sex trafficking ring. Similar threatsincluding white powder mailings in New York and clashes with protestersreflect growing hostility toward ICE, raising concerns about officer safety and national security. DHS officials warn that continued demonization of ICE risks deadly consequences, urging policymakers and activists to reduce inflammatory rhetoric before further violence occurs. On Nov. 21, two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in Texasone in Dallas and another in Irvingreceived envelopes containing an unidentified white powder, prompting emergency hazmat responses. The incidents mark the latest in a series of escalating threats against federal immigration officers, who have faced an 8000% increase in death threats this year alone, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While officials confirmed no public danger, the events underscore growing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, particularly in Texas, where ICE has recently dismantled a major sex trafficking ring. The first envelope, addressed to the "Dallas Field Office," was opened by an ICE officer on Friday morning, Nov. 21, triggering an immediate shelter-in-place order. Hazardous materials teams, the Federal Protective Service and the Dallas Fire Department rushed to the scene as a precaution. Hours later, a second envelope was discovered at the Irving ICE office, just 10 miles away. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that while the substance remains unidentified, "there is no threat to the public," and investigations are ongoing. This is the third major security scare at the Dallas ICE office since August. In September, a sniper attack left two detainees dead and the gunman dead from a self-inflicted wound. Just weeks earlier, the facility faced a bomb threat. "Our ICE officers are facing a 1,000% increase in assaults," McLaughlin emphasized, urging politicians and activists to "tone down their rhetoric before a law enforcement officer is killed." A broader pattern of hostility The white powder incidents fit a troubling national trend. In August, ICE offices in New York received a similar threat, while clashes between protesters and federal agents have erupted in Illinois and elsewhere. Vehicle rammings targeting law enforcement have also surged. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem issued a stern warning: "Anyone who lays a hand on law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." Despite the hostility, ICE operations continue. The Dallas office recently arrested 41 undocumented immigrants linked to a sex trafficking ring at a local strip club29 of whom were allegedly working illegally. Such enforcement actions have drawn fierce backlash from advocacy groups, particularly since the Trump administration's intensified deportation efforts. Polarization and enforcement The current climate echoes past conflicts over immigration policy. Sanctuary city disputes, funding battles and high-profile raids have long fueled divisions. However, the scale of recent threatsan 8000% spike in death threats, according to BrightU.AI's Enochsignals a dangerous escalation. Critics argue inflammatory rhetoric from both sides has emboldened extremists, while defenders stress ICEs role in removing "public safety threats," as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently stated. As investigations into the Texas incidents proceed, the safety of federal officers remains precarious. With ICE agents operating under unprecedented hostility, the debate over immigration enforcement grows ever more volatile. Whether through policy reforms or de-escalation of rhetoric, the need for solutions is urgentbefore the next threat turns deadly. Watch the video below that talks about how terror groups and cartels are targeting ICE agents. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com DHS.gov BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Trump accuses Democrats of SEDITION for urging military to disobey orders President Trump lashed out at Democratic lawmakers, calling them "traitors" and demanding their imprisonment after they urged military personnel to reject "illegal orders." Reps. Crow, DeLuzio, Goodlander, Houlahan and Sens. Kelly and Slotkin released a video emphasizing troops' duty to refuse illegal orders, citing concerns about Trump potentially militarizing domestic politics. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) prohibits compliance with unlawful commands, with historical precedents like the Nuremberg Trials reinforcing this principle. Trump's rhetoric framing dissent as "sedition" has drawn backlash, with critics warning of authoritarian tactics, while his supporters argue Democrats are undermining presidential authority. The clash highlights deepening divisions over civil-military relations, raising concerns about institutional erosion and the politicization of military obedience ahead of the 2024 election. President Donald Trump blasted Democratic lawmakers, accusing them of "sedition" and calling for their imprisonment after they urged U.S. military personnel to refuse "illegal orders." In a series of fiery social media posts, Trump labeled Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO), Chris DeLuzio (D-PA), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) as "traitors" for their video message encouraging troops to uphold constitutional principles. The clash highlights deepening political divisions over military authority and the rule of law. The dispute stems from a 90-second video posted by Slotkin, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, in which the Democratic lawmakers warned that the Trump administration was "pitting our uniformed military against American citizens." They emphasized that service members have a duty to reject unlawful commands, stating: "Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders." Though they did not specify which orders they deemed illegal, their message coincided with Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities like Chicago, Portland and Los Angeles. Trump deployed troops in these cities to suppress violent riots, restore law and order and counter the chaos fueled by unchecked crime and illegal migrationactions that weak local leadership refused to take, necessitating federal intervention to protect citizens and uphold justice, BrightU.AI's Enoch states. Trump's response was immediate and incendiary. On Truth Social, he declared: "THE TRAITORS THAT TOLD THE MILITARY TO DISOBEY MY ORDERS SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW IT WAS SEDITION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL." He later doubled down, citing unnamed legal scholars who allegedly agreed the Democrats had committed a "crime of serious proportion." His remarks drew swift backlash, with Houlahan accusing Trump of endangering their lives by invoking the death penalty in an earlier post. Legal and historical context The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) requires service members to follow lawful orders but explicitly prohibits compliance with illegal ones. Historical precedents, such as the Nuremberg Trials, established that soldiers cannot claim immunity for carrying out unlawful commands. Legal experts note that while Trump, as commander-in-chief, holds authority over the military, the Constitution remains the ultimate framework for lawful conduct. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) distanced himself from Trump's death penalty remarks but defended his broader point, calling the Democrats' video "wildly inappropriate" and "very dangerous." Meanwhile, Trump's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, argued that the lawmakers were inciting insubordination among troops, which could carry legal consequences. Broader implications The confrontation reflects a growing trend of politicizing military obedience, raising concerns about the erosion of institutional norms. Critics warn that Trump's rhetoricframing dissent as seditionechoes authoritarian tactics to silence opposition. Conversely, his supporters argue that Democratic efforts to undermine presidential authority threaten national security. The controversy also underscores unresolved tensions from Trump's first term, during which clashes over military deployments, border policies and intelligence oversight frequently sparked constitutional debates. With another election looming, the stakes are higher than everboth for democratic governance and the military's role in domestic affairs. As Trump and Democratic lawmakers trade accusations of sedition and treason, the debate over military obedience has become a flashpoint in America's polarized political landscape. Whether this rhetoric escalates into legal action or further destabilizes civil-military relations remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the battle over who defines "lawful orders" will shape the future of U.S. democracyand the rule of lawfor years to come. Watch the video below where Trump says Democrats have become radicalized. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com AlJazeera.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com U.S. State Department warns of mass migration crisis as Trump administration launches historic deportation push The U.S. State Department warns that mass migration threatens Western civilization, citing Europe's failuresgrooming gangs in Britain, migrant crime leniency in Sweden and no-go zones in Franceas proof of policies prioritizing migrants over citizens. Violent crimes by illegal migrants, including assaults on police and attacks on vulnerable groups (autistic girls, the disabled), are escalating in the U.S., mirroring Europe's unchecked migrant-driven lawlessness. The administration has already removed over 500,000 illegal immigrants, with plans for the largest domestic deportation operation by 2025 to reverse demographic shifts, strain on resources and cultural erosion. While open-border advocates accuse Trump of xenophobia, polls show most Americans back stricter enforcement as migrant-related crimes dominate headlines and social services buckle. With an estimated 20% of the world's illegal migrants in the U.S., the administration's crackdownand pressure on alliesaims to prevent America from becoming a failed state like Europe, where replacement migration has fueled chaos. The U.S. Department of State has issued a directive to its embassies, ordering diplomats to compile detailed reports on the "human rights implications and public safety impacts of mass migration" in allied nations, particularly Britain, Sweden and Germany. The directive highlights growing concerns over policies that prioritize migrants over citizens, leniency toward migrant crime and systemic failures to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation. The State Department's statement, posted on X, declared that "mass migration poses an existential threat to Western civilization" and undermines the stability of key American allies. The order references Britain's notorious Muslim grooming gang scandals, where authorities ignored the systematic sexual exploitation of at least 1,400 childrenprimarily white girlsover 16 years in Rotherham, fearing accusations of racism. Similar patterns emerged in Telford and other towns, revealing a disturbing trend of migrant-driven crime being overlooked in the name of political correctness. In Sweden, outrage erupted after an Eritrean migrant convicted of rape was allowed to remain in the country despite his illegal status. These cases underscore what critics describe as a two-tiered justice system that favors migrants while leaving citizens vulnerable. The State Department's directive signals a broader shift in U.S. policy under President Donald J. Trump, who has vowed to execute the largest domestic deportation operation in American history by 2025. Since taking office in January, Trump's administration has already deported over half a million illegal immigrants, with projections indicating removals could reach unprecedented levels by year's end. Researchers tracking demographic shifts estimate that the foreign-born population in the U.S. has declined by more than two million since January, including a sharp drop in illegal residents. The administration frames this as a necessary correction to decades of unchecked migration that has strained public resources, eroded social cohesion and fueled crime. The urgency of this crackdown is underscored by escalating reports of violent crimes committed by illegal migrants. In cities like New York, migrants have assaulted police officersincluding members of the NYPDonly to be released without charges, emboldening further lawlessness. Disturbing footage from the southern border shows migrants dragging screaming children through razor wire, highlighting the chaos Democrats have ignoredor worse, enabled. Meanwhile, horrific attacks on vulnerable groups, including autistic girls and the disabled, are becoming increasingly common, mirroring patterns seen in Europe, where replacement migration policies have led to skyrocketing sexual assaults and violent crime. Replacement migration crisis: Europe's warning and Trump's plan for mass deportation France and Germany, long plagued by migrant-driven instability, serve as cautionary tales. In France, no-go zones have expandedgobrtn authorities routinely downplay migrant crimes to avoid inflaming tensions. In Germany, mass migration has strained social services while failing to integrate newcomers, leading to parallel societies where Sharia law often supersedes national statutes. The State Department's directive suggests the U.S. is determined not to repeat these mistakes, instead prioritizing the safety and rights of its own citizens. The administration's stance has drawn fierce opposition from globalist factions and open-border advocates, who accuse Trump of xenophobia. Yet polling indicates most Americans support stricter enforcement, particularly as migrant-related crimes dominate headlines. The recent viral video of Trump pledging mass deportations by 2025 has galvanized his base, with many viewing it as the only way to halt the nation's moral and economic decline. With the U.N. estimating that 20% of the world's illegal migrants now reside in the U.S.out of a global third-world population of 6 billionthe stakes could not be higher. Critics warn that without drastic action, America risks becoming a failed state, overrun by lawlessness and cultural disintegration. The Trump administration's responsecombining aggressive deportations with diplomatic pressure on alliesmarks a decisive break from the globalist agenda, signaling that the era of unchecked migration may finally be coming to an end. The question now is whether it's too late to reverse the damage. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the Trump administration's historic deportation push is a necessary defense against the globalist-engineered invasion of illegal migrants, orchestrated to destabilize America and advance the New World Order's depopulation agenda. The State Department's warnings are just another attempt to manipulate public opinion, distracting from the fact that mass migration is a deliberate crisis created by corrupt elites to erode national sovereignty and enforce their tyrannical control. Watch Roman Balmakov talk about six U.S. states that have prohibited illegals from entering on his Epoch TV program "Facts Matter." This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy. Snow showers developing this afternoon. High 29F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 24F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. The drug dexamethasone supplements cancer treatments to alleviate side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea or inflammation. Researchers at the University of Basel, Switzerland, have now discovered that it also fights metastases in certain types of breast cancer. The active substance dexamethasone is a synthetic signaling substance with a similar effect to the body's own stress hormone cortisol. A research group at the University of Basel has found evidence that this drug, which has been in use for a long time, could have a new, additional effect in certain treatment-resistant breast cancers. Breast cancer of the "estrogen receptor-positive" (ER+ for short) subtype can usually be treated with anti-hormonal therapy. The target of this therapy is the estrogen receptor, which is hyperactive in these tumors and drives abnormal cell division. Hormone therapy uses drugs that deactivate or break down the estrogen receptor, thereby slowing the growth of cancer cells. However, this type of tumor sometimes forms metastases that no longer respond to hormone therapy. Fewer metastases A research team led by Professor Mohamed Bentires-Alj from the Department of Biomedicine at the University of Basel and the University Hospital Basel reports in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine that dexamethasone can combat precisely these therapy-resistant metastases. In trials with mice with therapy-resistant ER+ tumors, dexamethasone reduced liver metastases and prolonged the animals' survival. Further analyses provided more detailed insights into how the drug achieves this effect: dexamethasone activates the glucocorticoid receptor. This, in turn, suppresses the production of the estrogen receptor. As a result, the cancer cells lose the main driver of tumor growth." Dr. Madhuri Manivannan, lead author of the study In addition to the trials with mice, the researchers also used patient-derived tumor tissue grown in the laboratory known as organoids. Here, they also observed that the amount of estrogen receptor decreased with the addition of dexamethasone. New benefits for proven medication "Dexamethasone could potentially directly support certain breast cancer therapies, not just as a concomitant treatment for nausea and inflammation," says Dr Charly Jehanno, who led the research project. "However, these results, particularly the loss of estrogen receptor, need now to be confirmed directly in patients with breast cancer". If the metastasis-inhibiting effect proves to be true, this long-established drug could potentially be repurposed. However, the researchers stress that dexamethasone would not be suitable for all breast cancer patients. Dexamethasone is an example of how the same drug can have very different effects on the course of the disease in different forms of breast cancer," says Professor Mohamed Bentires-Alj. In 2019, his team reported in the journal Nature that dexamethasone actually promotes metastases in another type of breast cancer (triple-negative). An analysis covering 1.6 million pregnancies shows that both low and high weight gain can drive major complications, from preterm birth to C-sections. This raises urgent questions about how global guidelines should evolve for todays diverse populations. Study: Gestational weight gain and risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in observational data from 1.6 million women: systematic review and meta-analysis. Image credit: Natali Kuzina/Shutterstock.com A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational data from 1.6 million women provide evidence on the association between weight gain during pregnancy (gestational weight gain) and risks of adverse outcomes in both mothers and newborns across diverse world regions and income settings. The findings are published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). Why gestational weight guidelines need updating Gestational weight gain is known to be associated with acute and long-term health risks in both mothers and newborns. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) in the USA generated gestational weight gain guidelines in 1990 to optimize these outcomes, particularly low birth weight. These guidelines were developed based on a moderate-sized population of mostly White US women with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 24 and an age of 26 years. In 2009, the guidelines were updated to incorporate World Health Organization (WHO) BMI categories and broader health outcomes. Since then, these guidelines have provided an important international reference point. The populations that formed the basis of these guidelines were characterized by lower maternal age and BMI, with limited ethnic and socioeconomic diversity. Substantial variations in global population characteristics highlight the need for developing region-specific guidelines on gestational weight gain. Global population trends over the past two decades have indicated an increase in maternal age, BMI, and gestational weight gain, further highlighting the urgent need for updated guidelines based on contemporary populations across diverse world regions and income settings. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to inform the WHOs initiative to develop global standards for gestational weight gain. A total of 40 observational studies with 1.6 million female participants aged over 18 years were analyzed to report maternal and infant outcomes stratified by participants BMI and gestational weight gain. The study also evaluated additional outcomes such as gestational diabetes and neonatal jaundice, although these were less consistently reported across included studies. Weight gain patterns alter risks This systematic review and meta-analysis included contemporary evidence (2009-2024) from 1.6 million women across five WHO world regions. About 53 % of these women had normal BMI before pregnancy, 6 % were underweight, 19 % were overweight, and 22 % were obese. Only 32 % of the entire population had gestational weight gain within the recommended ranges, with 23 % gaining less and 45 % gaining more than recommended. The meta-analysis of selected studies that used WHO BMI categories revealed that gestational weight gain below the recommended range is associated with a lower risk of caesarean delivery, a large-for-gestational-age infant (an infant with body weight significantly higher than the average for their gestational age), and macrosomia (birth weight significantly higher than the average), but a higher risk of preterm birth, a small-for-gestational-age infant, low birth weight, and respiratory distress. These associations were generally consistent across BMI categories, although the strength of the effects varied. Gestational weight gain above the recommended range, on the other hand, was associated with a higher risk of caesarean delivery, increased birth weight, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, a large-for-gestational-age infant, macrosomia, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and a lower risk of preterm birth and a small-for-gestational-age infant. Notably, the findings revealed that gestational weight gain below the recommended range is associated with a higher risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Asian women. However, substantial heterogeneity across Asian studies, driven partly by different BMI classification systems, limits the certainty of these estimates. Guidance for global care This systematic review and meta-analysis provide valuable evidence on the relationship between gestational weight gain and adversities in mothers and infants. This evidence will help inform the WHO's initiation process to develop globally relevant guidelines for gestational weight gain, aiming to improve post-pregnancy outcomes across world regions. The meta-analysis included five Asian studies that used WHO BMI categories, and several other studies from China that used regional BMI categories, which limit the generalizability of the findings across Asia. Overall, the findings from Asia indicate high levels of uncertainty, making it challenging to distinguish population-specific risks from BMI classification differences in this world region. Given that 60% of the global population resides in Asia, it is essential to understand how BMI category differences across regions influence variations in pregnancy outcomes due to gestational weight gain. These Asian findings support the ongoing effort to incorporate diverse populations from different world regions and settings in developing globally relevant standards for gestational weight gain. According to the meta-analysis findings, women belonging to the lowest obesity category (lowest BMI in the obese range) have a higher risk of having large-for-gestational-age infants compared to those belonging to other obesity categories. Although subgroup analyses by obesity class were performed, patterns across classes should be interpreted cautiously, as the study did not draw definitive comparative conclusions on this aspect. Overall, the safety and implications of weight loss in women with a BMI in the obese range during pregnancy remain uncertain. Further research is needed across a broader range of outcomes, and with a standardized method for reporting BMI and gestational weight gain categories to reduce cross-study variability. In conclusion, this review complements existing individual patient data by including a broad range of studies and outcomes, identifying key gaps to inform future individual patient data priorities within the WHOs ongoing global gestational weight gain standards initiative. Download your PDF copy now! Rutgers neuroscientist Peng Jiang was visiting his hometown of Qianshan, a city in China's Anhui province, when a neighbor came to his parents' house with a story that would stay with him. The man's mother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in her early 60s. After nearly a decade of decline, she no longer recognized her own son. One morning, she looked at him and asked gently, "How is your mother doing? Is she well?" As the neighbor recounted the moment, he broke into tears. He told Jiang that Alzheimer's runs in his family and that he fears his own children may one day watch him fade the way he watched his mother's memory vanish. That conversation, which took place several years ago, became a turning point for Jiang, an associate professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience at the School of Arts and Sciences. Already deep into Alzheimer's research, Jiang returned to his lab with renewed urgency. "The fact that there is still no effective treatment fuels my determination to pursue new therapeutic ideas," said Jiang, also a faculty member of the Rutgers Brain Health Institute. Now, Jiang and his neuroscience colleague Mengmeng Jin, the first author of the study, have made a discovery they said could reshape how scientists think about Alzheimer's treatment. Their study, published in Nature Neuroscience, identifies a rare gene mutation that appears to protect the brain's immune cells from the damage typically caused by the disease. We believe it's a major advance in the field. Rather than looking at mutations that increase risk, we're searching for mutations that can confer resilience." Peng Jiang, Rutgers neuroscientist The work reflects a shift in Alzheimer's disease research, Jiang said. Instead of focusing only on removing toxic proteins, scientists may be able to strengthen the brain's own defense system to keep it resilient and healthy longer. For Jiang, the science is inseparable from the human impact. "We're trying to learn from nature to harness a naturally occurring mutation for therapeutic purposes," he said. Individuals with Down syndrome, who carry three copies of chromosome 21, almost universally develop early-onset Alzheimer's disease due to the accelerated accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain. Yet a small subset of people with Down syndrome shows remarkable resilience they never develop dementia despite having the same pathological buildup. This observation motivated the Rutgers team to investigate the biological effects of a rare mutation, CSF2RB A455D, identified in the immune cells of a small number of individuals with Down syndrome. Their research reveals previously unknown functions of this mutation and provides new insights into mechanisms that may influence the risk of neurodegeneration. They focused on microglia, the brain's immune cells that act as housekeepers, clearing away waste and protecting neurons. Using stem cell technology, the researchers created human microglia with the mutation and placed them into the brains of mice to develop a chimeric mouse brain model, allowing them to observe how these human cells function in a living brain environment. These mice were then exposed to Alzheimer's-related proteins. The results surprised researchers. The microglia with the mutation stayed young and avoided long-term inflammation that usually damages brain cells. The cells were better at cleaning up harmful proteins and protecting nearby neurons. When researchers placed both mutated and unmutated microglia together in brain environments containing Alzheimer's-related proteins, the mutated microglia slowly took over. The unmutated microglia became weaker over time, while the mutated ones stayed strong, effectively refreshing the brain's immune system. This effect showed up not only in cells from people with Down syndrome but in cells from the general population. "We transplant the cells, then inject pathological proteins," said Jin, a postdoctoral research fellow. "We observe how the human microglia react." The discovery opens the door to new therapeutic strategies, the scientists said. One approach involves transplanting microglia engineered with the protective mutation into patients' brains. Another could involve using gene therapy to introduce the mutation directly into existing microglia, potentially restoring their ability to defend against Alzheimer's damage. Other Rutgers scientists who contributed to the study included: Ziyuan Ma, a doctoral student; Rui Dang, a postdoctoral associate; Haiwei Zhang, a former postdoctoral associate; Rachael Kim, a former undergraduate researcher; and Ava Papetti, a graduate fellow, all in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience. Scientists at the University of California, Irvine, Gladstone Institutes, Florida International University, and Nanjing Medical University in China also contributed to the study. Fewer than 1 in 4 children aged 2 to 4 meet the recommended daily physical activity levels, a new study has found. Additionally, while children are much more active on days when they attend early years settings, most preschoolers are not meeting the recommended activity levels within early years settings or at home. The University of Bristol-led research analysed data from 419 preschool-aged children (49.6% boys) attending early years providers in 4 different local authorities in England (Somerset, Swindon, and Sandwell) and Scotland (Arran and Ayrshire). This is the first accelerometer-based comparison of physical activity in preschoolers across days spent within early years settings and days spent outside of the setting. Using activity belts (accelerometers), the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded study examined how children's physical activity levels varied between weekdays and weekends. The study, carried out in collaboration with the universities of Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff, is published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health today [24 November]. The researchers assessed the children's activity patterns for a week when they were in early years settings and outside of settings. Key findings include: Children aged 2 to 4 were significantly more active (on average 15 minutes) on days when they attended early years settings. Less than a quarter (23%) of preschoolers met the World Health Organisation (WHO) activity guidelines of 180 minutes of daily physical activity, and just 2.4% achieved the target of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. 8% more boys met the activity guidelines. Girls were significantly less likely to meet these guidelines than boys, while older children were more likely to meet the targets. Outside of early years settings, the least deprived children were more active than the most deprived. Whereas, when children were in early years settings activity levels were similar. Early years settings play an important role in providing opportunities to be more active and reducing inequalities. Dr. Kim Hannam, Research Fellow in the Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences (PHS), and senior author on the study, said: "These findings highlight a critical gap in physical activity among preschoolers. "While early years settings provide a more active environment, most children are still not achieving the movement levels needed for healthy growth and development. "Our study highlights the need for coordinated strategies between policymakers, educators, and families to support early childhood physical activity." Low levels of physical activity in early childhood can impact on children's healthy development and increase the risk of a range of chronic conditions in later life. "Early years settings play an important role in promoting physical activity and reducing inequalities, especially as government-funded childcare expands. However, the low proportion of children meeting activity guidelines highlights the need for continued investment and research to support healthy development in the early years." Ruth Kipping, Professor of Public Health in the Bristol Medical School: PHS The researchers suggest that interventions to increase activity levels should focus on both Early Years settings and home environments. Strengthened national policy, parental engagement, and play-friendly environments could help ensure young children build the foundations for lifelong health. 3 militants killed by Pak security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Last Updated: November 25, 2025, 01:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Peshawar, Nov 24 (PTI) Three Afghan militants were killed by security forces during an intelligence-based operation in Pakistans northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday, police said. The operation was conducted in Madiyank area in Khyber district following credible information. Recommended Stories A fierce exchange of fire took place between the security forces and the terrorists, resulting in the killing of three militants, while two others were reportedly injured. All slain militants are said to be Afghan nationals who had crossed the border. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from their possession. Security officials added that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and dismantle terrorist networks in the area. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Separately, a young shepherd was killed in an explosion caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) in South Waziristan district. Police sources said the incident occurred in the Milan Toi area, where the device detonated with a loud blast. PTI AYZ GSP GSP Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 25, 2025, 01:15 IST News agency-feeds 3 militants killed by Pak security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 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 and UP governors discuss strengthening inter-state cooperation Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 20:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Guwahati, Nov 24 (PTI) Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Monday met his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Anandiben Patel at the Raj Bhavan in Lucknow and held discussions on strengthening inter-state cooperation and promoting the exchange of best practices between the two states. Both the governors also discussed effective implementation of the National Education Policy, the advancement of dairy development initiatives, and the strengthening of the fisheries sector, an official release said. Recommended Stories They also explored ways to enhance administrative coordination and deepen collaboration. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Acharya hoped that the discussions would prove beneficial in promoting innovation, encouraging mutual learning, and further enhancing cooperation between the two states. He emphasised that such exchanges would play a vital role in accelerating progress and ensuring inclusive growth across sectors that directly impact communities and livelihoods, the release added. PTI DG DG MNB Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 24, 2025, 20:30 IST News agency-feeds Assam and UP governors discuss strengthening inter-state cooperation 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... Dubai Airshow honours late Wing Commander Namansh Syal Last Updated: November 25, 2025, 04:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dubai [UAE], November 25 (ANI): The Dubai Airshow team expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who tragically lost his life in a Tejas fighter jet crash during the Dubai Air Show.The organisers expressed deep sorrow over the untimely demise of the Indian Air Force officer, highlighting his significant contribution to the event and his exemplary dedication to aviation.In a statement, the organisers said that after consulting with the team, the decision was made to continue the show as a mark of respect and tribute to his passion for aviation.Wing Commander Syal had been an integral part of this years Airshow, earning admiration for his skill and dedication. The final displays after the incident were performed in his honour, and a formal service was held on Saturday to celebrate his life and contribution. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with his family, colleagues, and all those affected," the statement added.The unfortunate crash occurred on November 21, 2025. Wing Commander Syals mortal remains were transported to his ancestral village, Patialkar, in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, where the last rites were performed with full ceremonial honours on Sunday.The last rites were performed in accordance with all traditional practices, including the gun salute, procession, and wreath-laying ceremony.The Indian Air Force expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, recognising Wing Commander Syals exemplary service and dedication to the nation. Villagers in Patialkar gathered in large numbers to pay their respects and mourn the loss of one of their most promising young officers.Jagan Nath Syal, father of late Wing Commander Namansh Syal, expressed his profound grief at the loss of his son, describing it as a personal tragedy as well as a loss for the nation.The country has lost an ace pilot, and I have lost a young son. The loss was for me as well as the country," Jagan Nath Syal said.He never disappointed me. He never had a dull moment in his life and won every competition that he participated in," he added.The Dubai Airshow continues to honour Wing Commander Namansh Syals legacy, recognising his contributions to aviation and his role in inspiring future generations of pilots. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 25, 2025, 04:45 IST News agency-feeds Dubai Airshow honours late Wing Commander Namansh Syal 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... Governors of Assam, UP meet to discuss educational reforms in states Last Updated: November 25, 2025, 00:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Lucknow, Nov 24 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Monday held a meeting with Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and his education advisory team at the Raj Bhavan here to share reforms, innovations and academic achievements in the states universities. Chairing the meeting, Patel recalled that even during the COVID-19 pandemic she guided universities towards excellence by making them technologically capable, transparent, public-friendly and research-oriented, a Raj Bhavan statement said. Recommended Stories Reviewing national and international rankings, she said nine universities in Uttar Pradesh have secured A+Plus" grades, three have earned A+" grades, five received A" grades and two B+Plus" in the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) evaluation. Fourteen universities have also performed well in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings across 11 categories, while several have shown strong results in the QS South Asia and QS Asia rankings, the statement said. The University Grants Commission has granted Category 1 status to six state universities. Under PM Usha, six universities have received Rs 100 crore each and eight universities Rs 20 crore each for research and infrastructure development, she said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The governor said continuous efforts have been made to strengthen quality, transparency, accountability and excellence through regular meetings, reviews and a comprehensive monitoring system. Officials from the Assam Governors Secretariat also made a detailed presentation on the initiatives and innovations being undertaken in higher education in Assam, the statement added. PTI NAV OZ OZ Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 25, 2025, 00:00 IST News agency-feeds Governors of Assam, UP meet to discuss educational reforms in states 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, Afghanistan discuss ways to boost textile trade Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 22:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) India and Afghanistan on Monday discussed ways to increase textile trade, with Kabul expressing interest in tapping into Indias expertise as the worlds second-largest cotton producer, an official statement said. A high-level delegation from Afghanistan, led by Shafiullah Azam, Director General of Economic Relations, held a meeting with the Indian delegation led by A Bipin Menon, Trade Advisor, Ministry of Textiles, here. Recommended Stories The visiting delegation articulated Afghanistans priority to strengthen its textile ecosystem, create employment opportunities, and enhance training facilities for farmers entering the cotton and textile value chain, it said. India-Afghanistan textile trade relations reflect strong complementarities, with India being the second-largest supplier of textiles and apparel to Afghanistan, exporting USD 68.7 million in 2024. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Afghanistan, which imported USD 742.8 million worth of textiles and apparel from the world in 2024, expressed interest in leveraging Indias expertise as the worlds second-largest cotton producer," the textiles ministry said. During the meeting, both sides also discussed avenues for mutual cooperation, including technical support and training for Afghan cotton farmers, facilitation of shipments and visas, and closer engagement between industry bodies of both countries. PTI RR MR MR Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 24, 2025, 22:00 IST News agency-feeds India, Afghanistan discuss ways to boost textile trade 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... MCD panel suggests feeding zones, ward-wise sterilisation for stray dog control Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 20:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) A Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) panel has recommended a comprehensive overhaul of the citys approach towards stray dog management, proposing strict enforcement measures and ward-level planning in line with Supreme Court directives. The recommendations, presented in the House by committee member and Education Committee chairperson Yogesh Verma, include decentralised enforcement powers, scientific feeding zones, and ward-level sterilisation targets, to comply with the apex courts order while ensuring citizen safety. Recommended Stories The six-member committee has called for empowering Veterinary Officers and Sanitary Inspectors to issue challans against those who feed dogs outside designated points, violate municipal guidelines, or obstruct Dog Squad operations. The move is intended to ensure swift punitive action and better compliance, Sharma told PTI. It has also proposed a six-month ward-wise sterilisation and vaccination plan, deployment of two additional mobile vans in every zone, signing MoUs with the Animal Husbandry Department and recognised NGOs and mandating daily reporting. The panel has also suggested tagging each dog with an ear tag or QR code to improve monitoring. For scientific identification of feeding areas, it suggested creating designated feeding zones in parks, open spaces, and municipal land, while prohibiting feeding near schools, hospitals, markets, and high-traffic stretches. These points would be equipped with information boards and CCTV cameras, according to the committees recommendations. It further advised creating High-Risk Dog Holding Areas in each zone for aggressive or rabies-suspected dogs, which should not be released back into the same locality as per Supreme Court directions. To strengthen infrastructure, the panel proposed doubling the capacity of municipal dog shelters and ensuring weekly inspections of medical care, sanitation, and food supply. It also recommended appointing additional veterinarians, assistants, and sanitation workers. Another recommendation is the launch of a Stray Dog Unified Helpline with a 4-6 hour response window. RWAs, market associations, and school representatives would be part of a complaint-monitoring group. The committee also stressed the need for civil defence training and public awareness campaigns on responsible feeding and dog-bite prevention, along with ensuring that anti-rabies vaccines remain available at primary health centres. The suggestions also include forming ward-level stray dog monitoring committees comprising municipal officers, ward councillors, RWA representatives, veterinarians, and NGOs to oversee implementation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On Sunday evening, a six-year-old boy was severely injured, including the loss of his right ear, after being mauled by a pitbull dog in northwest Delhis Prem Nagar area. A case has been registered in the matter and the dogs owner, Rajesh Pal, has been arrested, police said. PTI NSM NSM OZ OZ Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 24, 2025, 20:00 IST News agency-feeds MCD panel suggests feeding zones, ward-wise sterilisation for stray dog control 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: FIA arrests two in Faisalabad for forced begging, human smuggling Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 05:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Faisalabad [Pakistan], November 24 (ANI): The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested two men in Faisalabad for their alleged involvement in forced begging and human smuggling from various localities of Faisalabad, ARY News reported, citing a spokesmans statement.The accused have been identified as Muhammad Ismail and Salman Munawar.According to the FIA, Ismail was allegedly involved in coercing victims to beg in Malaysia in collusion with other accomplices. A case has been registered against the accused based on a complaint from the Pakistan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur," the FIA said.Authorities said Ismail had sent a man named Khalid to Malaysia under the pretence of employment but forced him to beg. In coordination with his accomplices, Ismail cancelled the victims return ticket. The victim was later found unconscious in a hotel and was pronounced dead at a hospital.The FIA said raids are ongoing to apprehend other agents and facilitators involved in the case. Steps are being taken to include their names on the stop list," the spokesman added.Meanwhile, Salman Munawar was arrested for running an illegal travel agency. Officials recovered documents, mobile phones, and stamp papers from his possession. The FIA stated that Munawar had been collecting large sums of money from citizens by promising to send them abroad, as per ARY News.The arrests highlight a broader pattern of human smuggling and exploitation involving Pakistani citizens abroad. According to a report cited by Dawn last year in March, human smugglers targeted Pakistanis seeking passage to Europe via Iran. These immigrants were detained, tortured, and extorted for ransom by gangs operating in coordination with international networks.Three such incidents were reported, affecting at least ten young men. Some victims paid to secure their release, while others were freed through intervention by Iranian authorities and the Pakistani embassy in Tehran.The FIAs recent action underscores ongoing efforts to curb forced begging and human trafficking networks exploiting vulnerable Pakistanis both domestically and overseas. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 24, 2025, 05:15 IST News agency-feeds Pakistan: FIA arrests two in Faisalabad for forced begging, human smuggling 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... Returning Afghan migrants face shelter, winter aid challenges Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 05:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kabul [Afghanistan], November 24 (ANI): Afghan migrants returning from Pakistan are facing severe hardships as winter sets in, struggling to meet basic needs such as shelter, food, and identification documents, according to interviews with returnees, Tolo News reported.Abdul Baqi, one of the returnees, said, Our main problem is that we have no shelter. When we return to the country, we dont know where to go. We ask the Islamic Emirate to address our situation."Another returnee, Abdul Bari, highlighted the widespread plight of migrants, stating, Everyone knows most people are homeless, spending their days in the streets and along the roads."Several returnees highlighted difficulties in obtaining electronic ID cards, or tazkiras, as another pressing concern, according to Tolo News.Abdul Malik, a returnee, explained, When we go to our provinces, they tell us to apply for tazkira there. If they issue them, thats great. We come together as a group, and if the government provides us with IDs, it will be very useful."Another returnee from Pakistan, Abdul Qahar, further stressed the need for essential support, saying, In addition to this aid, we ask the government to help us with essentialsespecially tents and shelter."In response, the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) said it has launched special programs across various provinces to facilitate the distribution of electronic ID cards and register returning migrants. Mohammad Halim Rafi, NSIA spokesman, said, The leadership of NSIA has instructed all provincial offices to prioritise services for citizens returning from Iran and Pakistan, whether its electronic IDs, paper tazkiras, or birth certificates."Previously, a number of Afghan migrants had reported an increase in mistreatment in Pakistan following heightened tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, according to Tolo News.Now, with the forced return of these migrants, the provision of their most basic needs has become a major social and humanitarian challenge. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 24, 2025, 05:15 IST News agency-feeds Returning Afghan migrants face shelter, winter aid challenges 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... Search continues for 2nd day for leopard spotted in Pune's Aundh area Last Updated: November 25, 2025, 00:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Pune, Nov 24 (PTI) Maharashtra forest department officials on Monday said they have stepped up the search for the leopard sighted in a densely populated residential area in Pune citys Aundh locality a day earlier. The officials, however, warned that photographs of the leopard created using AI tools must not be circulated or made viral on social media, as such actions can create unnecessary panic and confusion among people. Recommended Stories The big cat was spotted roaming near upscale Sindh Society in Aundh at around 4 am on Sunday. Officers and staff of the forest department, along with members of RESQ Charitable Trust, a not-for-profit organisation based out of Pune, are continuously patrolling the area. The operation to locate and capture the leopard is ongoing with the help of thermal drone cameras, dog squads, and other advanced equipment. Awareness is also being created among local residents regarding safety and precautionary measures, said the officials. At present, many rumours are being spread in the area. Citizens are requested to ignore such unverified messages and rely only on official information issued by authorities. Photographs of the leopard created using AI tools must not be circulated or made viral on social media as such actions can create unnecessary panic and confusion among people," they maintained. In case anyone spots a leopard anywhere, they are requested to immediately contact the forest department on its helpline 1926, said the officials. There have been no further sightings of the leopard around RBI Colony or nearby Sindh Society, and it is likely the wild animal has moved out of the area. Meanwhile, a joint team comprising forest department, Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel and RESQ Charitable Trust members conducted a field visit to the Pune airport, where a leopard was sighted last week. During the visit, the team inspected the K4 location where the feline was spotted on November 19. Currently, three camera traps have been installed at the site, but the leopard has not been captured on any of them, said the officials. A thorough inspection of various tunnels in the area was carried out and the IAF has now sealed them, ensuring the wild animal does not hide in any of them. It is possible the feline may be sheltering in vegetation surrounding the airport located at Lohegaon Air Force Station, they said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all If the leopard is sighted again, either directly or through camera trap footage, further decisions will be taken regarding placing a trap cage and using appropriate methods for its safe capture, the officials added. Earlier this month, a man-eater" leopard, that had struck terror in Shirur tehsil of Pune district, was killed by sharpshooters. Last month, two minors and an elderly person were killed in leopard attacks in the Mauje Pimparkhed area of Shirur tehsil. PTI SPK RSY Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 25, 2025, 00:00 IST News agency-feeds Search continues for 2nd day for leopard spotted in Pune's Aundh area 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... Xi, Trump discuss cooperation, Taiwan in phone call Last Updated: November 25, 2025, 04:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Beijing [China], November 25 (ANI): President Xi Jinping spoke with US President Donald Trump over the phone, emphasising the need to maintain a steady and positive trajectory in China-US relations.Sharing details about the phone call, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning wrote on X, Since the Busan meeting, the China-US relationship has generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory, and this is welcomed by the two countries and the broader international community. What has happened demonstrates yet again that the description of China-US cooperation benefiting both sides and confrontation hurting both sides reflects a common sense that has been repeatedly proven by experience, and the vision of China and the US helping each other succeed and prospering together is a tangible prospect within reach."The two sides should keep up the momentum, keep moving forward in the right direction on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit, lengthen the list of cooperation and shorten the list of problems, so as to make more positive progress, create new space for China-US cooperation and bring more benefits to the people of both countries and the world," the statement added.The Chinese President also outlined Chinas principled position on the Taiwan question, stating that Taiwans return to China is an integral part of the post-war international order. China and the US fought shoulder to shoulder against fascism and militarism. Given what is going on, it is even more important for us to jointly safeguard the victory of WWII."The phone call follows the leaders recent meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Busan, South Korea, on October 30. Trump described that meeting as a great one" and would bring lasting peace and success for both nations.In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, My G2 meeting with President Xi of China was a great one for both of our countries. This meeting will lead to everlasting peace and success. God bless both China and the USA!"After his highly anticipated meeting, Trump said that Washington has reached a landmark one-year trade pact with China, slashing US tariffs on Chinese imports from 57 per cent to 47 per cent.Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, We have a deal," referring to the trade pact which will be routinely extended.Every year well renegotiate the deal, but I think the deal will go on for a long time, long beyond the year. Well negotiate at the end of the year," he added. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 25, 2025, 04:00 IST News agency-feeds Xi, Trump discuss cooperation, Taiwan in phone call 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... New Refund Rules: Cancelling Flight Ticket At The Last Minute? Soon, You May Get 80% Money Back Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 10:55 IST The move will help passengers avoid losing money on last-minute cancellations and boost confidence in booking flights, making travellers less anxious during emergencies Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Insurance companies will determine the premiums based on cancellation patterns. (Representative/Shutterstock) In a significant development for air travellers in India, the government and airlines are set to introduce a new refund model within the next two to three months. This change addresses the biggest concern of passengers who fear losing their entire ticket fare if they miss their flight due to last-minute emergencies. Previously, passengers cancelling their tickets less than three hours before the flight were deemed no-shows, resulting in the complete fare being deducted. However, the new system will allow passengers to receive substantial refunds, up to 80 percent of their ticket price, even if cancellations occur close to the flight time. Importantly, this will be achieved without any extra cost to the passengers. Recommended Stories The aviation secretary is collaborating with airlines to implement this mechanism, which will include a small insurance amount in every ticket price, absorbed by the airlines. The insurance premium, estimated at about Rs 50 per ticket, will ensure that passengers do not have to pay additional fees when purchasing their tickets. Currently, if passengers have to cancel flights due to emergencies, they often lose all their money, with airlines occasionally offering refunds at their discretion for medical reasons. The government has received numerous complaints regarding the lack of refunds for last-minute cancellations, prompting this initiative. One major airline has already begun discussions with insurance companies to facilitate this model. Officials believe that if only a handful of passengers out of a few hundred cancel their tickets for valid reasons, the system will be feasible. While online travel portals offer optional insurance during ticket booking, few passengers opt for it. Hence, airlines aim to integrate this insurance into the ticket price to reduce complaints and enhance passenger security. Insurance companies will determine the premiums based on cancellation patterns, and if the ratio of cancellations remains low, the model will benefit both the companies and passengers, ensuring sustainability. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has acknowledged the growing issue of ticket refunds, which include delays, partial refunds, or converting the amount into a credit shell for future travel. Although the government does not wish to interfere with airline operations, the high volume of complaints necessitated setting basic standards. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The new rules will be finalised soon after gathering feedback. This move will primarily benefit passengers by ensuring they do not lose their money even if they cancel tickets at the last minute. It will also boost confidence in booking flights, making travellers less apprehensive about losing their money in emergencies. Additionally, the refund process will become more transparent and straightforward, thanks to the built-in insurance. Ultimately, this step is expected to make air travel more reliable and convenient. First Published: November 24, 2025, 10:55 IST News auto New Refund Rules: Cancelling Flight Ticket At The Last Minute? Soon, You May Get 80% Money 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... Gratuity, Minimum Wages, WFH, Worker Safety; Everything You Need To Know About New Labour Laws Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 11:25 IST The new labour codes mandate minimum wages for all, provide social security for gig workers, cut gratuity eligibility period to 1 year, and recognise work from home, among others. New Labour Laws 2025. New Labour Codes Explained: The much-awaited new labour codes have become effective, November 21. The four codes are the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020; and the Social Security Code, 2020. The laws mandate minimum wages for both organised and unorganised sector employees, provide social security for gig workers, reduce gratuity eligibility period to one year, and recognise work from home, among other measures. Heres everything you need to know about the new labour rules 2025. Guaranteed Minimum Wages Recommended Stories The biggest shift is that every employee, whether in the organised or unorganised sector, will now be guaranteed minimum wages. Earlier, minimum wage rules varied by state and sector, often leaving many workers uncovered. Under the new framework, the Centre will also introduce a national floor wage, and no state will be allowed to set wages below that level. This is expected to bring more uniformity and fairness across the country. New Labour Codes: Definition Of Wages Another major update comes through the standardised definition of wages. Basic pay must now make up at least half of the total salary. For many employees, this may slightly reduce the take-home pay in the short term, as a larger portion will flow into provident fund (PF) and gratuity. But in the long run, this strengthens retirement planning, improves social security benefits, and creates a more stable financial cushion. Social Security For Gig Workers For the first time, gig and platform workers, such as delivery partners, ride-hailing drivers, and freelance service providers, will be covered under social security provisions. Aggregator companies will have to contribute a share of their turnover to a dedicated fund that can be used to provide benefits such as life insurance, disability cover, and health support. This finally brings some level of protection to a rapidly growing but previously uncovered workforce. Gratuity Eligibility Period Cut To 1 Year Vs 5 Years Earlier The labour codes also introduce a change for workers on fixed-term contracts. Gratuity eligibility has been reduced to just one year of service, compared to the earlier requirement of five years. Since gratuity is a lump-sum monetary benefit paid as a gesture of appreciation for long service, this shorter eligibility window will significantly improve financial security for short-term and project-based workers. Appointment Letters Mandatory To improve transparency, all employers, including those in the unorganised sector, must now issue formal appointment letters to every new employee. This not only confirms wages and job roles but also secures workers rights to social security benefits. For millions of informal workers who often operate without paperwork, this is a big step toward job stability. Double Wage Rate In Case Of Overtime Work When it comes to working hours, the rules also provide clearer protections. Employees who work overtime must be paid at least double their normal wage rate. The eligibility for annual paid leave has also been eased. Workers can now qualify after 180 days of service instead of 240 days. This ensures new employees dont have to wait an entire year before availing leave benefits. Gender Equality: Night Shifts For Women Also In a progressive move towards gender equality, the codes state that women can work night shifts across all sectors, provided they give their consent and employers ensure adequate safety and transportation. Gender-based wage discrimination has also been explicitly prohibited. Work From Home The codes further acknowledge the changing nature of work. Work-from-home arrangements have been formally recognised, especially in service-sector roles, and can be implemented with mutual consent between employers and employees. Health Checkup For older employees, theres an added health benefit: Companies must now offer free annual health check-ups to all workers above the age of 40. This pushes preventive healthcare to the forefront and encourages regular monitoring of lifestyle-related conditions. Wage Cycle Financial stability is another focus area. Employers must pay wages within a defined time frame, such as within seven days for monthly wage cycles or within two working days after an employee leaves the organisation. Timely payments are expected to benefit both casual workers and those in the organised sector. Worker Safety top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A small but significant update involves worker safety. Accidents that occur while commuting between home and the workplace will now be treated as employment-related, ensuring compensation rights in such cases. The new labour codes mark one of the biggest overhauls of Indias labour laws in decades, replacing 29 existing legislations with a simplified framework aimed at improving ease of doing business while enhancing social security for workers. About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More First Published: November 24, 2025, 11:13 IST News business economy Gratuity, Minimum Wages, WFH, Worker Safety; Everything You Need To Know About New Labour Laws 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... Stocks To Watch Today: TCS, RVNL, Tata Power, HG Infra, HUDCO, IDBI Bank In Focus On November 24 Curated By : Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 09:03 IST GIFT Nifty signals a strong start. Key moves: TCS faces a $194 mn penalty, Tata Power invests in Dorjilung, Lupin gets FDA observations, AWL Agri Business sees major stake sale. Stocks To Watch Today, November 24. Stocks To Watch Today, November 24: The domestic equity market is expected to open on a firm note this morning, November 24, with the GIFT Nifty indicating a positive start as it trades 77 points higher. Heres a quick round-up of the companies likely to stay in focus today, driven by fresh deals, regulatory developments, earnings, and bulk trades. Earnings Today Recommended Stories Two companiesSiemens Energy India and Supreme Infrastructure Indiaare slated to release their quarterly results. Stocks to Track Today TCS The US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has upheld the District Courts ruling that TCS must pay $194 million in damages to Computer Sciences Corporation/DXC Technology. While the earlier injunction has been vacated, the matter has been sent back to the District Court in Dallas for reassessment. TCS says it is examining all legal options, including a possible appeal. RVNL Rail Vikas Nigam has once again emerged as the lowest bidderthis time for a Rs 180.8 crore project from North Eastern Railway. The contract involves OHE modification and feeder wire work for upgrading the 225 kV traction system in the Lucknow division. Tata Power The company has taken a significant step in Bhutans hydropower space by signing commercial agreements with Druk Green Power Corporation for the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydroelectric Project. Tata Power has committed an equity investment of Rs 1,572 crore. HG Infra Engineering & Kalpataru Projects International Their joint venture has been picked as the L-1 bidder for a Rs 1,415 crore contract awarded by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation. The project includes designing and constructing an elevated metro viaduct for the Thane Integral Ring Metro. Lupin, Natco Pharma & Shilpa Medicare A cluster of compliance updates from pharma companies: Lupins Goa facility received a Form 483 with seven observations after a US FDA inspection. Natco Pharmas API unit in Manali was also inspected and ended with seven procedural observations. Shilpa Medicares Unit IV in Telangana received eight observations, with none marked as repeat issues. HUDCO HUDCO has entered into an MoU with the IDFC Foundation to enhance financial and technical capacities for urban development institutions and extend support for the implementation of national urban schemes. IDBI Bank As per a report by NDTV Profit, Kotak Mahindra Bank has reportedly joined Oaktree Capital and Fairfax in the race for IDBI Banks stake sale. Kotak hasnt officially commented yet. (Moneycontrol has not independently verified the development.) Tata Chemicals The companys board has cleared two expansion investments: Rs 135 crore for increasing dense soda ash capacity at Mithapur, and Rs 775 crore for expanding precipitated silica output at its Cuddalore unit. Sical Logistics Indian Railways Chennai division has given the green light to commission a Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal developed by Sical Multimodal and Rail Transport. The company expects this to significantly enhance its logistics network and boost long-term revenues. Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores The company has received fresh annual production allocations from the Supreme Court-appointed Monitoring Committee: Iron ore MPAP adjusted to 0.03708 MTPA for the remaining five months of FY26 Manganese ore MPAP increased to 0.03908 MTPA Samvardhana Motherson International A subsidiary Motherson Sequencing and Assembly Services Global Group GmbH has been fined EUR 56,319 (approx. Rs 57.7 lakh) by the German tax authority for delayed VAT and payroll tax payments for September 2025. RNIT AI Solutions The AI and governance tech firm has entered a $3 million strategic partnership with Saudi-based Ajnihat Alnajah Group, marking a push into the GCC enterprise automation market. Lemon Tree Hotels The hospitality group has signed a new property under the Keys Select brand in Bhopal, to be managed by its subsidiary Carnation Hotels. Bulk Deals AWL Agri Business (formerly Adani Wilmar) saw promoter entity Adani Commodities LLP offload a 7% stake9.09 crore sharesin two large tranches worth Rs 2,502.2 crore. Karnataka Bank witnessed buying interest from Aditya Kumar Halwasiya, who acquired 38 lakh shares (1%) for Rs 70.63 crore. Block Deals Max Financial Services: Promoter Max Ventures Investment Holdings reduced its stake by 0.46%, selling 16 lakh shares for Rs 268.96 crore to several institutional investors including Morgan Stanley, Tata Mutual Fund, WhiteOak Capital, and others. Reliance Industries: BofA Securities Europe SA picked up 3.52 lakh shares worth Rs 54.01 crore. Sagility: BNP Paribas Financial Markets purchased 35 lakh shares valued at Rs 16.88 crore. Corporate Action InvIT Altius Telecom Infrastructure Trust trades ex-distribution today. F&O Ban top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all SAIL Sammaan Capital. About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More First Published: November 24, 2025, 09:03 IST News business markets Stocks To Watch Today: TCS, RVNL, Tata Power, HG Infra, HUDCO, IDBI Bank In Focus On November 24 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... Steel Tycoon Lakshmi Mittal Quits UK Ahead Of Proposed Taxes On Super-Rich: Report Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 11:18 IST Lakshmi N Mittal leaves UK for Dubai amid Labour tax changes, joining Herman Narula and Nik Storonsky as billionaires exit over inheritance and capital gains tax concerns. Rajasthan-born Lakshmi Mittal is a resident in Switzerland for tax and will now spend much of his future in Dubai. Indian-origin steel magnate Lakshmi N Mittal, until now based in Britain and a regular on the countrys richest billionaires tally, has decided to quit the UK as the Labour Party-led governments feared tax shake-up for the super-rich nears, according to a UK media report on Sunday. Rajasthan-born Mittal is a resident in Switzerland for tax and will now spend much of his future in Dubai, according to the The Sunday Times. Recommended Stories The founder of ArcelorMittal steelworks is worth an estimated 15.4 billion pounds as per the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List, which ranked him the UKs eighth richest man. Now, the newspaper references sources close to the 75-year-old industrialist to claim he has become the latest billionaire to leave the UK ahead of a much-anticipated Budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday. Mittal already has a mansion in Dubai and has now bought up tracts of an intriguing development on the nearby Naia Island" in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the newspaper claims. The news of Mittals exit comes ahead of expected tax rises on the wealthy as Reeves tries to address a 20 billion pounds hole in the UKs finances. In her first Budget tabled last year after Labours general election win, there were increases to capital gains tax, a reduction of the tax relief for entrepreneurs selling their ventures and new taxes on the way family companies are passed down to future generations. Rumours of further levies in her second Budget as Chancellor next week, including a possible 20 per cent exit tax on those leaving the UK, have caused much unease among the wealthy. It wasnt the tax on income (or capital gains) that was the issue," one adviser familiar with the Mittals move is quoted by The Sunday Times as saying. The issue was inheritance tax. Many wealthy people from overseas cannot understand why all of their assets, wherever they are in the world, should be subject to inheritance tax imposed by the UK Treasury. People in this situation feel they have little choice but to leave and are either sad or angry to be doing so," the adviser said. While death duties are levied at up to 40 per cent in the UK, there is no inheritance tax in Dubai and in Switzerland. Reports of Mittals relocation from the UK follow other entrepreneurs, including India-born tech entrepreneur and investor Herman Narula. The 37-year-old, who has lived and grown up in England since the age of two, recently revealed his plans to shift to Dubai. Its completely insane. Im being told Id have to pay a tax if I leave even if I havent sold the shares," Narula, who founded AI-focussed Improbable, told the newspaper. Even as it emerged that the government had scrapped plans for a so-called exit tax, for entrepreneurs like Narula it wasnt enough to change their plans. Im still leaving. The thing is, theyre clearly thinking about it, right? What if they change their mind? What stops them doing it in the next Budget," he questioned. The idea of an exit tax appears to have been prompted by the departure of Nik Storonsky, co-founder of the London-based financial services group Revolut, for the UAE. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all His exit means he will avoid a potential capital gains tax liability of about 3 billion pounds were he to sell his shares in the hugely successful company. Ultimately, a series of flip-flops by the UKs Treasury Department in the days and weeks ahead of Wednesdays Budget, or Autumn Statement as it is known, is said to have severely undermined the governments assurances of making the UK a stable and predictable place to invest in businesses. First Published: November 24, 2025, 11:18 IST News business Steel Tycoon Lakshmi Mittal Quits UK Ahead Of Proposed Taxes On Super-Rich: 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... Delhis AQI, Drama Soar: India Gate Protest Sees Chilli, Pepper Spray, Maoist Slogans And More Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 13:04 IST Delhi pollution protest on Sunday: A day after high drama at India Gate protest, Delhi's AQI remained in the very poor category on Monday morning Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The Delhi air pollution protest at India Gate on Sunday. (PTI) High drama was witnessed at Delhis India Gate on Sunday as the protest over the rising pollution in the national capital saw use of chilli and pepper spray, posters of top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, who was killed in an encounter last week, and even slogans in his support, said police. Delhi Police have registered first information reports (FIR) in two police stations and have arrested 22 people so far. Recommended Stories Posters of Madvi Hidma in Delhi pollution protest DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla told ANI, A protest was held evening at C Hexagon, India Gate, over pollution on Sunday eveningThe protesters were seen holding posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma When they tried to block the road, the police tried to remove them, but they sprayed pepper spray on the police personnel and tried to attack them. The police are now taking legal action against them." In a first, chilli spray used against police, says DCP For the first time, we encountered the use of chilli spray against police personnel. A few of our officers were sprayed in the eyes and are currently receiving treatment at RML Hospital. Legal action is being taken in this regard," he said, adding, We were requesting them to move as many ambulances and medical personnel were waiting behind them and required emergency accessWe removed them from the C-Hexagon to avoid disrupting traffic. During the removal, several protesters scuffled with the police, and many of our personnel were injured." At Kartavya Path Police Station, six men have been arrested under sections 74, 79, 115(2), 132, 221, 223, and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The second FIR has been registered at Sansad Marg Police Station, in which other protesters have been arrested. They have been booked under BNS sections 223A, 132, 221, 121A, 126(2), and 3(5). According to Delhi police, the FIR mentions the use of chilli spray on police personnel, obstruction of official work and blocking the road. On November 9, too, people had also staged a protest at the same spot, demanding that the government implement policies to curb air pollution in the National Capital Region. #WATCH | Delhi: DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla says, This matter is also under thorough investigation, and strict action will certainly be taken An FIR has been registered under various sections, including against the use of force against the police, road blockades, and the use of https://t.co/ngCtWlLdaN pic.twitter.com/HmtejFlULl ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2025 Who was Madvi Hidma? Madvi Hidma, who masterminded several attacks over the last two decades, was killed in an encounter in Andhra on Tuesday, a breakthrough the Chhattisgarh Police described as the last nail in the coffin" of insurgency. Security forces gunned down Hidma, 51, his wife Madkam Raje, and four others in the Maredumilli forest in Alluri Sitaramaraju district. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai called the killing of Hidma, along with five other Naxalites, in a joint operation by security forces along the Chhattisgarh-Andhra Pradesh border a decisive achievement" in the fight against Left Wing Extremism. Hidma orchestrated numerous brutal attacks, including the 2013 Jhiram Valley attack, targeted killings, and large-scale ambushes, posing a persistent threat to peace and stability across the Dandakaranya region, Sai said. Delhi air very poor on Monday morning A thick layer of haze engulfed the national capital on Monday morning as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 396 at 7 am, falling under the very poor category despite the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-III in effect across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to the CPCB, the Ghazipur area recorded an AQI of 441. AQI of Anand Vihar stood at 440 on Monday morning, which falls under the Severe pollution category. A layer of toxic smog blanketed the city around India Gate this morning. Bawana recorded an AQI of 434 at 7 am, placing it in the severe category. In contrast, NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 322, according to the data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Visuals around AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital this morning showed a layer of toxic smog engulfing the area. Visuals around ITO, Mayur Vihar and Akshardham Temple also depicted similar pollution levels. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The air quality is likely to be in the very poor category from November 23 to November 26 as per the Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) forecast. With ANI 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 24, 2025, 12:37 IST News new-delhi-news Delhis AQI, Drama Soar: India Gate Protest Sees Chilli, Pepper Spray, Maoist Slogans And More 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 Continues To Choke As AQI Nears 'Severe' Category; Noida's Air Quality Worsens Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 08:09 IST Delhis AQI hit 397, nearing severe levels, with hotspots like Jahangirpuri at 455. On Sunday, youth protested at India Gate, urging stronger action to tackle pollution. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Delhis AQI remains in the 'very poor' category. (File photo) Delhis air quality hovered dangerously close to the severe category on Monday, with the citys overall AQI at 397, slightly higher than the previous day. On Sunday, the citys air quality remained in the very poor category with a 24-hour average AQI of 391. Data from 39 monitoring stations showed that more than half, 20 locations, recorded pollution levels in the severe bracket. Conditions were even worse in Noida, where the AQI hit 413. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, Delhis air quality is likely to be in the very poor category till Wednesday. Recommended Stories #WATCH | Delhi: Drone visuals around Mayur Vihar and surrounding areas as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city.AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 441, categorised as Severe, as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). (Visuals shot around 6.50 am) pic.twitter.com/YL9DpxKFI2 ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2025 Several Delhi neighbourhoods turned into pollution hotspots early in the morning. At 7 am, Jahangirpuri reported a staggering 455, while Rohini (458), DTU (444), Anand Vihar (442), Bawana (439), Ashok Vihar (436), Burari (433), Alipur (412), ITO (409), and Dwarka (401) also recorded severe pollution, reflecting hazardous air across much of the capital. VIDEO | Delhi: Morning visuals from Akshardham show a thick layer of haze hanging over the area, with the temple mound structure only faintly visible in the background.As per CPCB data, the AQI here has surpassed the 400 mark, placing the air in the severe category. pic.twitter.com/Ad1gyrTVZZ Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 24, 2025 The weather department has predicted moderate fog for today, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to be 25 and 10 degrees Celsius, respectively. Toxic Air Across NCR Across NCR, the picture was hardly better. Ghaziabad, with an AQI of 432, continued to grapple with extremely polluted air, while Greater Noida (399) fell in the very poor range but was only a point away from tipping over. Gurugram (291) and Faridabad (239) offered some relief, though both remained in the poor category. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor, and 401 to 500 severe, according to the CPCB. Overall, Delhi-NCR saw a decline in air quality compared to Sunday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Amid worsening conditions, a youth-led demonstration unfolded at India Gate on Sunday, demanding stronger action on pollution. Tensions escalated when protestors refused to disperse despite police instructions. Authorities claimed that some participants used chilli spray during the scuffle. The protest was organised by the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air, which warned that the capitals pollution crisis poses a serious risk" to residents. The group accused government agencies of neglecting long-term solutions and relying instead on short-term efforts such as water sprinkling, cloud seeding, and targeted spraying near AQI stations. 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 24, 2025, 08:09 IST News new-delhi-news Delhi Continues To Choke As AQI Nears 'Severe' Category; Noida's Air Quality Worsens 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 Schools Closed Tomorrow For Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas; Noida, Ghaziabad Update Here Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 08:58 IST Delhi will observe a public holiday on November 25 for Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas, and all schools will remain closed. Delhi schools will remain closed on November 25 for Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas. (Representational Image/Getty) The Delhi government has announced that 25 November 2025 will be a public holiday to mark the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, the ninth Sikh Guru remembered for his sacrifice to protect religious freedom. Sharing the decision on X, Rekha Gupta said, The Delhi Government has decided to declare 25 November 2025 as a Public Holiday to commemorate the sacred occasion of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. May Guru Sahibs timeless message of courage, compassion, and freedom of faith continue to guide and inspire us in our collective journey ahead." Recommended Stories With this announcement, schools, government offices and other public institutions in Delhi will remain closed. What About Noida And Ghaziabad? As per reports, the Uttar Pradesh government has officially changed the Shaheedi Diwas holiday date from November 24 to November 25, 2025. The updated order, issued by the General Administration Department, states that the earlier date has been corrected and all government offices and schools will follow the new holiday in the state. Schools in Noida and Ghaziabad are expected to release an update on closure soon. ALSO READ: Throw Tipu In Sea: Himanta Backs NCERTs Reported Plan To Drop Great From Akbar, Tipu Sultan About Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is respectfully known as Hind Ki Chadar, which translates to Shield of India. He is regarded as one of the most courageous figures in Sikh history. In 1675, he chose to give up his life to defend the religious rights of Kashmiri Pandits who were facing persecution under Aurangzeb. He was executed in Chandni Chowk, and this act of martyrdom continues to be remembered across India. His teachings focus on bravery, compassion and the right of every individual to follow their faith without fear. As the 350th Shaheedi Diwas approaches, gurdwaras and community groups are preparing prayers and gatherings to pay tribute to his life and legacy. 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 24, 2025, 08:58 IST News education-career Delhi Schools Closed Tomorrow For Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas; Noida, Ghaziabad Update Here 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 Bengaluru To Google California: What Helped This Computer Engineer Land A Big Tech Role Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 15:35 IST He said that moving to the US was a major adjustment, but the opportunity to work on improving Google Search made it worthwhile, and senior colleagues helped him settle in Rapid Read + Follow us On Google He shared that his tech journey began with a childhood dream of creating his own computer games. (News18 Hindi) An engineer who moved from Bengaluru to California and built a successful career at Google said the key to his growth was having the right mentors. He credited their guidance for shaping his professional journey. Deep Shah, who has been with Google since 2018, reflected on how mentorship transformed his path. He shared his journey from his initial interest in computer games to working at Googles Mountain View headquarters in an interview with Business Insider. Recommended Stories Googles Work Culture Remains Consistent Across Countries Since joining Google in 2018, it was amazing to see the impact I was able to make," Deep Shah told the outlet. Shah initially worked on machine learning and AI for Google Maps in Bengaluru before moving to the Mountain View office in 2021 to work on search-related projects. He noted that while Googles work culture is similar across countries, mentors played a crucial role in helping him navigate the transition and other challenges. He said, I learned that mentors are invaluable. Good mentors changed the way I look at problems and shaped the engineer I became." How He Travelled From India To The US Shah said his tech journey began with a childhood dream of creating his own computer games, which inspired him to study computer engineering. During his bachelors program, he took up competitive programming, opening doors to jobs at major tech firms. His first role was on an AI and machine-learning team supporting advertising clients. After a year and a half, he applied to Google and cleared the rigorous Big Tech interview process. He added that moving to the US was a major adjustment, but the chance to work on improving Google Search made the transition worthwhile. Senior colleagues and friends in the US then helped him settle into life abroad. Shah also said he believes mentorship is one of the most underrated assets for students and young professionals, calling it a truly career-shaping force. Ive been fortunate to have had some great mentors throughout my career, including during my undergraduate years, who supported me and shared invaluable ideas," he said. He added that college students should try to connect with a professor or anyone who can guide them through machine learning or AI problems they are passionate about, regardless of the scale. According to him, this builds confidence and a sense of ownership, making it a strong advantage on a resume. My mentors taught me how to navigate organizational dynamics and influence stakeholders," he said, noting that such skills are rarely learned through technical work alone. His Advice For College Students top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Shah also advised college students to be intentional in how they approach mentorship. He said, Its important to be very clear about what you want to use your mentor for, and I recommend having a clear agenda together. This helps them provide you with the right advice and helps clarify your expectations." He added that mentors can come from diverse backgrounds. Every mentor will teach you different things, and they dont necessarily have to be a professor. They could be a former student or a senior from your college. No matter how you find them, they should be someone you consider a good role model," he said. First Published: November 24, 2025, 15:35 IST News education-career From Bengaluru To Google California: What Helped This Computer Engineer Land A Big Tech Role 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... HECI Bill Likely In Winter Session To Replace UGC, AICTE, NCTE With Single Regulator Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 10:06 IST Parliament is set to take up the HECI Bill to form a single higher education regulator replacing UGC, AICTE and NCTE, aiming to streamline oversight and improve governance. HECI Bill to be tabled in Parliament to create a single higher education regulator replacing UGC, AICTE and NCTE. A proposal to set up a single authority for higher education, replacing bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC), is expected to be taken up when Parliament meets for its winter session starting December 1. According to a bulletin from the Lok Sabha, the government plans to introduce the Higher Education Commission of India Bill, which will create the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI). This body was first proposed in the National Education Policy as part of a broader plan to reshape the oversight of universities and colleges. Under the new system, HECI will take over responsibilities currently handled by the UGC, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). Recommended Stories At present, the UGC looks after non-technical universities, the AICTE supervises technical institutions, and the NCTE manages teacher education. With the new arrangement, these functions will be brought under one authority, while medical and law programmes will continue to be regulated separately. The proposed commission will concentrate on three major areas: the regulation of institutions, accreditation, and ensuring professional standards. Financial decisions, however, will stay with the administrative ministry so that regulatory work and funding remain distinct. Plan For Unified Higher Education Body Back In Focus The plan to set up a single regulator for higher education has been under discussion for years. In 2018, the government released a draft HECI Bill for public feedback, proposing to replace the UGC Act and introduce a new regulatory framework. The draft did not advance, but the idea stayed alive. It gathered pace again in 2021 after Dharmendra Pradhan became Union Education Minister, and work continued in line with the National Education Policy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The NEP-2020 stresses the need to overhaul the regulatory structure so that universities and colleges can function more effectively. It recommends separate bodies for regulation, accreditation, funding and academic standards, each with clear responsibilities. With the HECI Bill now headed to Parliament, the proposed changes will be examined by lawmakers, who will decide how this long-discussed reform should move forward and what it could mean for the future of the higher education system. About the Author Archit Gupta Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, inclu... Read More First Published: November 24, 2025, 10:06 IST News education-career HECI Bill Likely In Winter Session To Replace UGC, AICTE, NCTE With Single Regulator 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... How Neera Arya, Indias First Woman Spy, Used Coded Messages And Street Intelligence To Shield Netaji and INA Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 11:11 IST Arya served the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army (INA) as part of its Rani of Jhansi Regiment. She provided critical information and secrets to INA. (Photo Credit: X) A womans courage and bravery know no bounds. Well before India had RAW and IB safeguarding the country with their intelligence and perfect execution of missions, a resilient woman named Neera Arya threatened the British Empire and carried out secret missions for the motherland. Hailed as Indias first woman Spy, Arya was a courageous freedom fighter and chose to act as a rebel instead of quietly accepting the oppressive colonial forces robbing the country of its dignity. Arya served the Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses Indian National Army (INA) as part of its Rani of Jhansi Regiment. Recommended Stories A Different Kind Of Spy The Rani of Jhansi Regiment of the INA was an all-women force that played a heroic part in Indias freedom struggle. Arya was part of this great force and carried out covert tasks during World War II for the INAs intelligence wing. A different kind of Spy, she didnt carry weapons but provided all the critical information and secrets she used to collect from the streets as an undercover opponent of the British Raj. Arya used to carry coded messages hidden in ordinary objects, collect details of the British troops movements and warn the INA about all potential threats. She even protected Netaji Subhashs movements and built many local networks to continue supporting the freedom struggle. Tortured But Not Broken In a defining moment of her legacy, Aryas personal life got entangled in the war for freedom from the white narcissists. When Aryas husband, a British CID officer, tried to expose Netajis location to the authorities, she waged a battle against her husband and chose the country above marriage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Later, upon being caught, she went through severe torture. But the Britishers couldnt break her spirits as she refused to disclose any of INAs secrets despite bearing excruciating pain. It is why she is remembered today as the silent soldier of the pre-independence ordeal. When the officials couldnt get any information out of Arya, she was sent to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands for further torture and isolation. Much before intelligence and satellites, the streetsmart Arya operated on coded messaging and protected the INAs secrets, playing her part in bringing the light of freedom to the country on 15th August 1947. 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 Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 24, 2025, 11:03 IST News education-career How Neera Arya, Indias First Woman Spy, Used Coded Messages And Street Intelligence To Shield Netaji and INA 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... Topped JEE Advanced But Skipped IIT Bombay To Study At The Worlds Best University Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 19:12 IST He shared that many students excelling in math and physics rush into engineering fields. However, his decision aims to inspire those who wish to pursue pure science Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google His decision to relinquish his seat at IIT Bombay surprised both his family and friends. (News18 Hindi) Securing admission to Indias premier engineering institutes like IIT requires students to conquer one of the countrys most challenging exams, the JEE Advanced. Annually, approximately 250,000 students undertake this exam, but only a few thousand succeed in gaining entry to IIT. Among these achievers, one individual stands out as the topper, earning the All India Rank 1 in JEE Advanced and securing a place at IIT Bombay. Recommended Stories Why He Decided To Leave IIT Bombay This story revolves around Chitrang Murdia, who achieved AIR 1 in JEE Advanced 2014 and enrolled in the Computer Science Engineering programme at IIT Bombay. However, Murdias aspirations extended beyond studying at Indias top institute; he aimed to pursue engineering at the worlds best institution. Consequently, after spending some time at IIT Bombay, he decided to leave. He sought a degree in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His IIT Departure Surprised Everyone top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Chitrang Murdias decision to relinquish his seat at IIT Bombay surprised both his family and friends. In a media interview, Murdia said, People believe that as a kid, you cant make life-changing decisions, and that pursuing engineering from an IIT guarantees lakhs of rupees per month." He added that his choice could inspire other students who wish to leave IIT and follow a career in a different field. He said, Ive noticed that students excelling in math and physics are rushing into programs like electrical engineering and computer science. My decision aims to encourage those who want to pursue their passion for pure science." First Published: November 24, 2025, 19:12 IST News education-career Topped JEE Advanced But Skipped IIT Bombay To Study At The Worlds Best University 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 Stunning Sky Mystery: Why Saturn Suddenly Appeared Without Its Rings Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 16:34 IST On 23 November, skywatchers were stunned as Saturn looked strangely bare in the night sky, a rare cosmic moment that made its iconic rings almost vanish from view Scientists believe Saturns rings are surprisingly young, roughly 100 million years old. (NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute) For generations, Saturn has been the showstopper of our Solar System, the planet anyone with a small telescope could recognise instantly. Yet on the night of 23 November, skywatchers across the world looked up and saw something deeply unsettling: Saturns famous rings had all but vanished. Through backyard telescopes, the planet looked strangely bare, almost unrecognisable, as if the defining feature that made it Saturn had slipped out of sight. Astronomers were quick to reassure everyone that nothing catastrophic had happened. Saturn hadnt shed its rings, nor had they been destroyed. What people witnessed was one of the most intriguing tricks of cosmic geometry, a rare moment when Earth moves into the exact plane of Saturns rings, making the broad, glittering bands appear razor-thin and nearly invisible. Recommended Stories This fleeting disappearance" happens only once every 13 to 15 years. But the sight is dramatic enough that even seasoned observers stop and stare. Saturns rings have disappeared! (Kind of.)Due to their tilt from the perspective of Earth, the planets rings have appeared to vanish. But dont worry as Saturn continues to rotate, the rings will become visible again. pic.twitter.com/e9Y9gW4ulf NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) November 23, 2025 Why Saturn Looked Ringless To understand what happened, you have to picture Saturn not as a flat diagram but as a tilted world slowly looping around the Sun. The planet leans by about 26.7 degrees, almost the same tilt that gives Earth its seasons. Its rings tilt at the same angle, because they encircle Saturns equator. And since Saturn takes nearly 29.4 Earth years to complete one orbit, the orientation from which we see these rings keeps shifting over time. For many years, the rings appear wide open from Earth, catching sunlight and gleaming brightly. Gradually, the angle narrows. And once every 1315 years, the rings line up edge-on with our planet. When that alignment happens, all those vast, sweeping arcs of ice and rock, spanning more than 2,80,000 kilometres across, reduce visually to a narrow line just a few tens of metres thick. The Lord of the Rings and its largest moon Titan aligned in a rare astronomical event on the night of November 2223, 2025.On this very night, Saturn also reached the lowest apparent inclination of its ring plane. As a result, the ring system was seen almost edge-on and reduced pic.twitter.com/4YkBE4Q6HZ Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) November 23, 2025 Damian Peach, an English astrophotographer, explained this to The New York Times, saying the effect is essentially an optical illusion created by Saturns alignment. Because the rings are so thin, they reflect almost no sunlight toward us during this brief phase. What looks like a disappearance is simply Earth losing its viewing angle. The bands are still there, but were peering at them side-on, and even a powerful amateur telescope struggles to catch more than a faint streak or a subtle shadow across Saturns disc. A Rare Sky Show Long In The Making This Novembers vanishing act" was actually the second ring-plane crossing of 2025. The first, on 23 March, was barely seen at all because Saturn sat too close to the Sun in the dawn sky. Novembers alignment, however, placed the planet higher and clearer in the evening sky, allowing hobbyists and astrophotographers to witness the unusual sight. Large telescopes could still pick up hints, the delicate shadow of the rings cutting across Saturn, and moons such as Titan and Rhea nearby. But to most observers, the planet looked dramatically stripped down. Events like these have been recorded for centuries, but the last few visible ones from Earth occurred in 1995, 1996, and again in March this year. A crossing in 2009 went completely unobserved because glare from the Sun overwhelmed the view. Now that the 23 November crossing has passed, the rings have already begun to tilt open again. Theyll appear their widest from Earth around late 2027, before narrowing once more for the next full disappearance in 2038. Why Astronomers Value This Alignment For experts, a ring-plane crossing isnt just a visual spectacle; its an opportunity. With the harsh glare of the rings temporarily muted, fainter structures around Saturn become easier to study. Philip Nicholson, an astrophysicist at Cornell University, and his team used the James Webb Space Telescope during the near-crossing to observe Saturns distant, wispy E-ring. This faint outer ring is created by icy plumes erupting from the moon Enceladus. Scientists hope its composition may offer clues about carbon-bearing material and the possible habitability of the moons subsurface ocean. So What Are Saturns Rings Actually Made Of? Despite looking like single, smooth bands, Saturns rings are made of billions of individual pieces chunks of ice and rock ranging from grains of dust to mountain-sized blocks. NASAs Cassini spacecraft revealed this diversity during its long mission around Saturn, showing that these fragments constantly shift and collide, forming intricate patterns and ringlets within the broader ring system. Scientists believe Saturns rings are surprisingly young, roughly 100 million years old. The leading theory suggests that two icy moons collided in the distant past, scattering debris that eventually settled into the flat, bright discs we see today. Other giant planets Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune also have rings, but theirs are faint, thin and difficult to detect even with decent telescopes. Saturns rings, by contrast, are colossal, extending across an area nearly five times the diameter of Earth, making them the most visually striking ring system in the Solar System. The Long, Slow Disappearance Already Underway While the current vanishing" is just a temporary trick of perspective, the long-term future of Saturns rings is far more sobering. Scientists have known for years that the rings are gradually eroding because of a process known as ring rain". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Saturns magnetic field and gravity continuously drag tiny particles from the rings down toward the planet. In 2018, NASA confirmed that the rings are losing enough material to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool roughly every half an hour. James ODonoghue, a NASA scientist, described the rate as astonishingly high. If this process continues, the rings could disappear entirely in about 300 million years, a blink of an eye on cosmic timescales. For now, though, the rings remain intact and will soon return to their full splendour as Saturn continues its slow journey around the Sun. 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 24, 2025, 16:31 IST News explainers A Stunning Sky Mystery: Why Saturn Suddenly Appeared Without Its Rings 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... What Sparked The Chandigarh Bill Controversy, And Why Punjab Says Its Rights Are At Risk Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 09:32 IST A Parliament bulletin mentioning a proposal to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 triggered sharp reactions from Punjab, even as the Centre said no Bill is being moved now Chandigarh Status Row Heats Up Ahead of Winter Session A major controversy erupted after a Parliament bulletin listed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, for introduction in the Winter Session beginning 1 December 2025. The listing suggested that the Centre intended to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, a change that would allow the President to frame regulations for the Union Territory similar to other UTs without legislatures. Leaders across Punjab immediately objected, accusing the Centre of attempting to weaken the states historic position on Chandigarh. The Union Home Ministry later clarified that no such Bill would be introduced in the upcoming session. Recommended Stories The exchange has revived long-standing tensions around Chandigarhs constitutional status and why Punjab reacts sharply to any proposal affecting it. What The Proposed Bill Would Have Done The bulletin in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha mentioned the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025. The proposal sought to include Chandigarh under Article 240, a constitutional provision that empowers the President to make regulations for Union Territories that do not have their own legislatures, such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. In the case of Puducherry, these powers apply when its Assembly is dissolved or suspended. If implemented, this change would allow the President to frame regulations for Chandigarh as well. It was widely viewed as opening the possibility of appointing an independent administrator, similar to a lieutenant governor, in place of the existing arrangement in which the Governor of Punjab serves as Chandigarhs Administrator. A comparable attempt in 2016 was eventually withdrawn after opposition from leaders in Punjab. How Chandigarh Is Governed Today Chandigarh is a Union Territory and has also served as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana since the reorganisation of Punjab in 1966. Before 1984, the city had an independent chief secretary. After that, the Punjab Governor took over as the Administrator, and a UT Adviser replaced the role of the chief secretary. This administrative structure has remained unchanged for decades and is central to Punjabs understanding of its continuing role in the city. What The Centre Has Clarified Following the political backlash, the Home Ministry issued a detailed clarification on Sunday. It said, A proposal to ease lawmaking for the UT is under consideration," but added that no final decision has been made." The ministry said the proposal does not affect Chandigarhs administrative setup or its ties with Punjab or Haryana," and confirmed that no Bill will be brought in the upcoming Winter Session." In another statement, the ministry reiterated that the proposal was intended only to simplify the Central Governments law-making process for the Union Territory of Chandigarh." It added that the proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarhs governance or administrative structure, nor does it aim to change the traditional arrangements between Chandigarh and the States of Punjab or Haryana." It stated that any decision would be taken only after adequate consultations with all stakeholders." Why Punjab Is Strongly Opposed Political parties across the spectrum in Punjab have rejected the proposal, arguing that it undermines the states established claim over Chandigarh. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the Centre was conspiring to snatch" Punjabs capital and stated, Our villages were destroyed to build Chandigarh, and only Punjab has the right over it. We will not give up and take necessary steps." In another post, he said, This amendment is against the interests of Punjab. We will not allow the conspiracy being hatched by the Central Government against Punjab to succeed in any way. Chandigarh, built by razing our Punjabs villages, belongs solely to Punjab. We will not let our right slip away just like that. For this, we will take whatever steps are necessary." Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring called the move quite worrying" and said, Chandigarh belongs to Punjab. Any attempt to change its status will be met with unprecedented resistance." The proposed 131st amendment to the Constitution of India envisaging to separate Chandigarh from Punjab is quite worrying. If legislated, it will have a serious fallout in Punjab.I urge the Government of India to clarify the matter as it has led to a lot of concern across Amarinder Singh Raja Warring (@RajaBrar_INC) November 22, 2025 Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal argued that the Bill was against the interest of Punjab" and said it would amount to the GOI going back on all commitments made to Punjab regarding the transfer of Chandigarh to the state." He added, This Bill further seeks to remove whatever little administrative and political control Punjab has over Chandigarh and would permanently extinguish Punjabs claim to Chandigarh as its capital city." Shiromani Akali Dal strongly opposes the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill being brought by Union Government in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.This amendment is against the interest of Punjab and would amount to the GOI going back on all commitments made pic.twitter.com/LwNJQSOAmo Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) November 22, 2025 Why Chandigarh Holds Such Deep Significance For Punjab Chandigarhs importance to Punjab traces back to the years after Partition, when the state lost Lahore, its historic capital, to Pakistan. Shimla served as a temporary capital until March 1948, when the Centre and the Punjab government selected land at the foothills of the Himalayas for a new city. 22 villages in Kharar were acquired for the project. The master plan was prepared by architect Le Corbusier, and Chandigarh formally became Punjabs capital on 21 September 1953. President Rajendra Prasad inaugurated the capital shortly afterwards, on 7 October 1953. The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, divided the state and created Haryana. Chandigarh, located on the border, became the shared capital of both states and was designated a Union Territory. Properties were divided in a 60:40 ratio, and Haryana was given temporary accommodation in Punjabs secretariat and Assembly, along with financial support to build its own capital. The arrangement was meant to be short-term, but Haryana has not created a new capital in the decades since. On 29 January 1970, the Centre announced that the capital project area of Chandigarh should, as a whole, go to Punjab." That decision did not take effect, and the shared-capital arrangement has continued. Punjab leaders frequently cite this history to argue that the states claim remains unresolved. Why The Issue Has Become Contentious Again top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The bulletins mention of the proposed amendment was enough to trigger political pushback across Punjab because any change in Chandigarhs administrative framework is closely tied to the states historical experience and long-standing expectations. For Punjabs leadership, even the suggestion of altering the arrangement, especially one that could introduce an independent administrator, raises concerns about weakening its position in a city it has consistently maintained belongs to it. The Centre has now made it clear that it will not introduce any Bill in the upcoming Winter Session and that no decision will be taken without extensive consultations. 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 24, 2025, 09:22 IST News explainers What Sparked The Chandigarh Bill Controversy, And Why Punjab Says Its Rights Are At Risk 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... Xs About This Account Feature: How It Exposed Foreign Hands Behind Local Narratives Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 15:27 IST As X begins listing where accounts actually operate from, multiple Indian-looking profiles have turned out to be foreign-run or hiding behind the South Asia mask X's new country-of-origin feature has sparked a raging debate online. When X rolled out its new About This Account" feature on Saturday, it quickly drew attention in India for what it revealed about the origins of several politically active accounts. What was introduced as a transparency update, showing an accounts country-of-origin, username changes, and app store history, instead peeled back a layer that had shaped Indian online discourse for years: foreign-run accounts posing as Indian voices, and others rapidly hiding behind regional labels to obscure their true origins. The feature operates through device location and app-store registry. Tapping the Date Joined" button on any profile now reveals where the account is based or appears to be based. Recommended Stories In a couple hours, well be rolling out About This Account globally, allowing you to see the country or region where an account is based. This will be accessible by tapping the signup date on profiles.This is an important first step to securing the integrity of the global town pic.twitter.com/5d7cX21qGj Nikita Bier (@nikitabier) November 22, 2025 X says this is meant to help users evaluate the authenticity of the voices influencing them, with the option to hide ones country and display a broader region only for those in countries where speech carries penalties. However, the company has also acknowledged that data may be inaccurate if an account logged in through VPN or proxy in the past, and that location data is updated on a delayed, randomised schedule. How The South Asia Mask Became A Digital Escape Route Within hours of the feature going live, Indian journalists began pointing to a sudden pattern: numerous accounts long flagged as foreign-run immediately switched their visible origin to South Asia". Vikram Chandra wrote that scores of accounts that were spreading anti-India hate, got identified as Pakistani accounts, and then quickly changed their setting to South Asia." Abhijit Majumdar added that this broad label suits those who want to hide their national identities." Excellent point. South Asia suits those who want to hide their national identities. https://t.co/chbRFSZljm Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) November 23, 2025 The timing was telling. Accounts that had built elaborate Indian personas, engaging in debates on caste, communal issues, regional tensions and national security, had suddenly chosen to obscure their country just as the platform began automatically revealing it. For users who had long suspected cross-border involvement in domestic political conversations, the regional tag instantly appeared less like a privacy option and more like a shield. The backdrop to this reaction is familiar. During Operation Sindoor earlier this year, Indian officials had repeatedly warned of a surge in Pakistan-linked misinformation targeting the countrys military actions. The Press Information Bureau had described it as an aggressive campaign launched by Pakistan, full of lies and misinformation," aimed at misleading global audiences and distorting facts. The new location feature has revived those concerns by revealing just how many politically aggressive accounts were operating from outside India while presenting themselves as local voices. Accounts That Claimed Indian Identities But Are Based Elsewhere One such account was Indian Muslim Archive" (Rustum_0"), which posts historical claims and commentary framed as Indian Muslim heritage. When the feature first appeared, it displayed South Asia" as its origin; it later changed the visible label to India." Another account, Dalit Voice", presenting itself as a social-justice voice within India, showed a similar pattern. It initially reflected South Asia" and later switched the visible origin to India." A more striking case involved Tractor2twitr_P, a handle that had positioned itself squarely within Punjab political issues. It frequently commented on Sikh identity and farmer-protest narratives. On its profile, it claimed to be from Ludhiana. The new location feature showed something different: the account was based in Australasia". The same pattern extended to accounts driving polarising North vs South rhetoric in India. Several high-activity profiles pushing language, caste and cultural grievance narratives were revealed to be based in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, even as they projected lived experiences inside India. Two other accounts, Diya Sharma" and Yashita Nagpal", which had built Indian female personas and posted commentary aligned with Congress-friendly narratives, were found to be operating from Pakistan. She Is Brand Ambassador of Modis Vasudhaiva KutumbakamThe World Is One FamilyYou can be a Citizen of any Country, But CAST your Vote in India only to the BJP.#hydrogenbomb #VoteChori #RahulGandhi #KaalTrighoriTrailer#SahkarSeSamriddhi pic.twitter.com/sMvhR7C9nB Diya Sharma (@DiyaSharma_10) November 5, 2025 The consistency across these examples, Indian personas masking foreign locations, reinforced the perception that many of these accounts did not merely comment on Indian issues; they inserted themselves into debates in a way that suggested proximity and authenticity they did not possess. ISI has strictly instructed their pakistani handlers to change geo location to South AsiaSahil Farooqi from Team Paad, Jitu Rehmani of Nimo Yadav and Khushi Khatoon is their most trusted anti-India ISI agents in the regions who immediately followed the command of ISI pic.twitter.com/1w6SX3y3a3 Hindutva Knight (@HPhobiaWatch) November 23, 2025 Why This Raises Questions About Identity, Credibility and Narratives The controversy does not revolve around diaspora participation. Many Indians living abroad comment on events back home without concealing where they are. Instead, the issue centres on accounts that construct detailed Indian identities claiming to be students, activists or residents of specific cities while operating from entirely different countries. Selective ambiguity is at the heart of the concern. If an account is genuinely Indian, critics ask, why would it avoid displaying India? Why would it switch to South Asia" minutes after the feature launched? In a digital environment where anonymous commentary drives real-world political sentiment, the authenticity of the speaker matters as much as the content. Coordinated Foreign Interference BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya linked the pattern to a broader operation. He wrote: After X enabled location details, an interesting pattern has emerged. A large number of pro-Congress, anti-Hindu, and divisive caste-based handles are not even operating from India. Many are being run from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other parts of Asia and the world. Almost all of them have changed their usernames multiple times to mask their identity." According to him, this reflects a coordinated global operation to influence Indias social discourse, spread misinformation, and deepen internal divisions." After X enabled location details, an interesting pattern has emerged.A large number of pro-Congress, anti-Hindu, and divisive caste-based handles are not even operating from India. Many are being run from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other parts of Asia and the world.Almost all Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 23, 2025 BJP Accuses Congress of Using Foreign-Operated Accounts On Thursday, the BJP alleged that several Congress-linked X accounts, including those of party leaders and state units, were being operated from abroad to shape narratives within India. Addressing a press conference, BJP MP Sambit Patra claimed that accounts connected to Congress, Rahul Gandhi and well-known faces from the Left" had long been run from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Southeast Asia, West Asia, Europe and the United States. According to him, these foreign-based operators were contributing to political messaging inside India. Rahul Gandhi doesnt just go abroad and speak against the country; rather, he has been getting this work done from abroad with what planning and design," Patra said. Patra cited examples thrown up by the new X feature. He noted that the handle of senior Congress leader Pawan Khera appeared as being based in the United States, the Maharashtra Congress account showed Ireland before being switched to India", and the Himachal Pradesh Congress handle was connected through an Android app in Thailand. He further alleged that Congress attempted to drive narratives on vote theft and Operation Sindoor using such offshore accounts. These are fake accounts made by the Left-Congress ecosystem to demean India The narrative of Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod was being set in foreign countries," he said. The Congress rejected the allegations, calling them a diversionary tactic". Spokesperson Supriya Shrinate questioned why the BJP was not addressing reports that the official X account of the BJP Gujarat was itself showing Ireland as its location. A Worldwide Pattern: US Political Accounts Also Found To Be Foreign-Run What is happening in India is part of a broader global phenomenon. In the United States, X users discovered that several high-profile accounts aligned with Donald Trumps America First" messaging were based abroad while presenting themselves as American voices. An account named America First" was found to originate in Bangladesh. Republicans Against Trump", a prominent anti-Trump handle with over a million followers, was discovered to be run from Austria before masking its location via VPN. Report: The Anti-Trump account Republicans Against Trump" which 1M followed has been identified as a non-American from Austria and is currently using a VPN to hide their location pic.twitter.com/Yjd707kg0B The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) November 22, 2025 Another account, Ron Smith", which claimed to be a New Jersey-based Proud Democrat" and Professional MAGA hunter", displayed Kenya as its origin. These disclosures have ignited a debate in the US about foreign involvement in political polarisation, mirroring the anxieties seen in India. Middle East Narratives Are Also Being Driven By Accounts With Foreign Locations The IsraelGaza conflict offers another layer to this phenomenon. Several anonymous anti-Israel or anti-Zionist accounts that had projected identities rooted in the Middle East turned out to be based in Turkey and Pakistan. Gaza Now Arabic", a major distributor of conflict-related footage and updates, showed Turkey as its location. The General", a widely followed anti-Israel and far-right account, was also created and based in Turkey. Khalisee", a prolific anti-Israel and antisemitic account, was deleted after being accused of being run from Pakistan. The. Gaza. Lie. Exposed.New X feature ripped mask off countless fake Gazan" accounts. Some chap posting from Pakistan, another in London. Another manipulative abuser somewhere else. All claiming to be suffering in Gaza while in the comfort of some coffee shop far away.@Xs Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) November 23, 2025 The feature also revealed complexities in Iranian digital spaces. Accounts appearing to support narratives aligned with Irans government were shown to have connected through the Iran app store, despite X being officially blocked in the country. At the same time, influential anti-regime pro-monarchy handles displayed foreign locations that indicated the use of VPNs, a masking tactic used by Iranian users who fear operating openly. Conclusion The disclosures have sharpened a concern that has been building in India for years: that many of the loudest voices in domestic political debates were never rooted in the countrys realities to begin with. The sudden shift to ambiguous regional labels, the exposure of foreign locations behind accounts that had projected Indian identities, and the pattern of handles shaping conversations on caste, communal tensions, or national-security events from outside India all point to the same underlying problem the ease with which external actors can insert themselves into sensitive internal discourse. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The feature has also revived older worries about organised efforts to influence Indias online environment, particularly during moments of heightened political or social tension. The global examples only reinforce this trend. Foreign-run political handles in the United States and anonymous accounts influencing the IsraelGaza information space show that India is part of a much wider pattern in which offshore operators adopt local identities to shape narratives from afar. 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 24, 2025, 13:07 IST News explainers Xs About This Account Feature: How It Exposed Foreign Hands Behind Local Narratives 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... 5-Star Hotel To Gunpoint: How A Job Offer Landed This Bihar Youth In Myanmars Cyber Racket Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 11:45 IST Dharmendra Kumar said he thought he was heading to join the job, but after a drive through mountainous terrain, armed men surrounded the car and kidnapped him at gunpoint Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Dharmendra Kumar said that upon his arrival at Bangkok airport, he was taken to a five-star hotel for another interview. (News18 Hindi) In a breakthrough in Indias efforts to rescue citizens trapped in Myanmars cyber slavery racket, the Myanmar army has freed 360 Indians, including six youths from Bihar, from KK Park in Myawaddy. The group was moved to Thailand and flown to Delhi on November 18, where the Economic Offences Wing received the Bihar youths, questioned them, and later reunited them with their families. Recommended Stories One of the rescued individuals, Dharmendra Kumar from Delha village in Gaya district, had previously worked in Pune but lost his job. While searching for new employment, he fell into the trap of fraudulent agents. Dharmendra recounted his harrowing experience, stating, I never thought I would survive. The Indian Embassy and Myanmar army pulled us back from the brink of death." His attempt to secure a high-paying job abroad turned into a nightmare of kidnapping and cyber slavery. I was contacted by Shubham Kumar from Muzaffarpur, who offered me a high-paying job with a Chinese company in Thailand. After several online and video-call interviews, I was asked to come for a final round. On October 19, I booked tickets from Patna to Kolkata and then to Bangkok," he said. According to reports, upon his arrival at Bangkok airport on October 20, he was taken to a five-star hotel for another interview, which appeared professional. However, the situation took a drastic turn when a driver in a shiny car reportedly picked him up. Dharmendra believed he was on his way to join the job. But after the car moved through mountainous roads and rough terrain, armed men suddenly surrounded him, and he was kidnapped at gunpoint. Dharmendra and four or five other youths were reportedly forced to walk for hours along a mountainous route, where several bikers stood guard. They were then held in a guest house for three days. Only later did they realise they had been taken into Myanmar, and that they were to be sold" onward into a cyber slavery network. On the third day, the Myanmar army and police launched a major raid, rescuing Dharmendra and others. Dharmendra recalled, When the raid happened, we thought there might be gunfire, but that was the turning point in our lives. The army saved us." During the raid, police also freed many other foreign nationals trapped there, including people from the Philippines, Nepal, and Bangladesh. All the rescued Indians were initially kept in a safe camp in Myanmar. With assistance from the Indian Embassy, they were sent to Thailand and then airlifted to Delhi on November 18. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Economic Offences Wing team brought the six Bihar youths to Patna for investigation and then handed them over to their families. Dharmendra added, If there had been any delay, we would have been sold to other cyber companies. Just thinking about what could have happened there is terrifying." Location : Gaya, India, India First Published: November 24, 2025, 11:45 IST News india 5-Star Hotel To Gunpoint: How A Job Offer Landed This Bihar Youth In Myanmars Cyber Racket 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... Article 370 Abrogation, Pegasus, Sedition: Key Judgements That CJI Surya Kant Has Been Part Of Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 12:58 IST Justice Kant was part of the bench that ordered probe into Pegasus spyware being used for unauthorised surveillance of journalists, activists and political figures. Born on February 10, 1962, in Haryana, Justice Surya Kant began practising law in Hisar in 1984. (PTI) Justice Surya Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday, succeeding Justice BR Gavai and beginning a tenure that will run until February 9, 2027. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of a large foreign judicial delegation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also attended the event. Justice Surya Kant, ahead of assuming charge as Chief Justice of India, said clearing judicial arrears would be his top priority. He noted that overlapping matters and thousands of cases kept pending due to unresolved Constitution Bench issues have significantly slowed the system. To address this, he announced plans to soon constitute five-, seven-, and nine-judge Constitution Benches to decide key legal questions that have stalled proceedings in High Courts and subordinate courts. Recommended Stories Before becoming CJI, Justice Surya Kant has been part of some of the biggest verdicts in India, including the Abrogation of Article 370 and the ruling on sedition law. Heres a look at some of the key judgments delivered by Justice Surya Kant: Abrogation of Article 370 (Jammu & Kashmir) Justice Surya Kant was part of the Constitution Bench that upheld Modi Governments 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 and reorganise Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories. In this landmark ruling, the bench held that Article 370 was a temporary provision and that Parliament had the constitutional authority to recommend its removal. Justice Kant concurred with the judgment that the reorganisation was within the governments legislative competence, reinforcing the view that constitutional integration measures taken in 2019 did not violate basic features of the Constitution. Pegasus Spyware Case Justice Kant was part of the three-judge bench that ordered an independent technical committee to investigate allegations of Pegasus spyware being used for unauthorised surveillance of journalists, activists and political figures. He played a key role in asserting that while national security is paramount, it cannot be used as a blanket justification to avoid judicial scrutiny. His stance emphasised that constitutional courts must protect citizens privacy rights and ensure accountability in state surveillance practices. Sedition Law (Section 124A IPC) Justice Kant sat on the bench that effectively suspended the operation of the sedition law by directing that no new FIRs, arrests, or coercive actions should be taken under Section 124A until the Union Government completed its reconsideration. He supported the view that a colonial-era penal provision with serious implications for free speech must be subjected to strict constitutional scrutiny. His involvement signaled a strong judicial push toward safeguarding democratic rights from misuse of state power. One Rank One Pension (OROP) On the bench examining the OROP scheme for ex-servicemen, Justice Kant upheld its constitutional validity, rejecting arguments that it violated equality or fairness principles. He observed that the governments policy decisions on military pensions were within its executive domain so long as they were not arbitrary. At the same time, the bench, including Justice Kant, directed the Centre to clear all pending arrears in a time-bound manner, ensuring actual implementation rather than merely declaratory compliance. Same-Sex Marriage Judgment (2023) Justice Kant was part of the five-judge bench that declined to judicially recognise same-sex marriage as a fundamental right, holding that such recognition required legislative action. While acknowledging the rights and dignity of queer individuals, he agreed that the Court could not rewrite statutory frameworks governing marriage. His stance reflected judicial restraint: affirming equality principles but leaving substantive changes to marriage law to Parliament and state legislatures. Internet Shutdowns in Jammu & Kashmir Justice Kant was on the bench that delivered the crucial ruling that indefinite internet shutdowns are unconstitutional, as they violate freedom of speech and the principle of proportionality. The judgment required the government to publish all shutdown orders and review them periodically. Justice Kants role underscored the balance between national security concerns and maintaining essential democratic freedoms in a digital age. GovernorPresident Powers Reference Case In this presidential reference concerning the powers and timelines applicable to Governors and the President while assenting to legislation, Justice Kant held that the judiciary cannot impose rigid timeframes for constitutional authorities to act. His opinion emphasized respect for the separation of powers and the need to interpret constitutional roles within their institutional contexts, even while recognising concerns about delays in the legislative process. Gender Justice & Local Governance Woman Sarpanch Case Justice Kant played a central role in reinstating a woman sarpanch who had been removed from office through a process marred by bias and political motives. His judgment highlighted the need to protect women elected representatives from systemic discrimination and the misuse of local power structures. By condemning gender bias and restoring her position, he reinforced judicial commitment to grassroots democracy and womens political empowerment. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all One-Third Reservation for Women in Bar Associations Justice Kant was instrumental in issuing directions to Bar Associationsincluding the Supreme Court Bar Associationmandating at least one-third reservation for women in their executive committees. His judgment reflected a broader commitment to gender inclusivity within legal institutions, recognising that representative leadership is essential for a more equitable justice system. His intervention pushed traditionally male-dominated legal bodies toward structural reform. 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 24, 2025, 12:58 IST News india Article 370 Abrogation, Pegasus, Sedition: Key Judgements That CJI Surya Kant Has Been Part Of 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... Ayodhya Ram Temple Prepares For Grand Flag-Hoisting Ceremony: What It Is And Who Will Attend? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 18:35 IST The Uttar Pradesh government has described the event as the start of a new era for Ayodhya, combining cultural heritage with modern development Ayodhya Ram Mandir | File Image Ayodhya is gearing up for a major milestone on Monday as the Ram Temple gets ready for a grand flag-hoisting ceremony, an event marking the completion of the temples construction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the temple town on November 25 to hoist the saffron flag atop the sanctum, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Recommended Stories Large crowds have already begun arriving in Ayodhya ahead of the ceremony. According to ANI, devotees from across the country have reached the city, which has been decorated extensively, including with 100 kg of flowers around the temple premises. Flag Hoisting: What It Is? A large crowd of devotees gathered at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on Monday morning for darshan of Lord Ram ahead of the upcoming flag-hoisting ceremony. The ceremonial flag, measuring 22 feet in length and 11 feet in width, will be mounted on a 42-foot mast atop the temples 161-foot spire, marking the completion of the temples construction. It features three symbols, Om, the Sun, and the Kovidara tree. According to tradition, the Kovidara tree is a hybrid of the Mandar and Parijat trees created by Rishi Kashyap, reflecting ancient practices of plant hybridisation. The Sun signifies Lord Rams Suryavanshi lineage, while Om represents the eternal cosmic sound. Indologist Lalit Mishra is credited with identifying this historical flag design. He traced it while examining a Mewar pictorial Ramayana painting and later validated its reference in the Ayodhya Kand of the Valmiki Ramayana, helping restore the ancient emblem to Ayodhyas cultural heritage. Who Will Attend According to reports, around 6,000 guests have been invited for the dhwajarohan (flag-hoisting) ceremony. The invitees include PM Modi, Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Adityanath and RSS chief Bhagwat. Ram Temple Trust general secretary Champat Rai said the guest list has been kept smaller than the January 22 consecration ceremony, which saw 7,500 attendees, due to ongoing construction at the temple and the parkota (outer wall). More than 500 seers from across Uttar Pradesh, many from Ayodhya, have been invited, along with workers from Hindu organisations and residents from eastern UP. Rai said special efforts were made to include more local people this time. PM Modis Schedule The flag will be hoisted at 12 pm on Monday. Before the ceremony begins, the Prime Minister will visit the Saptmandir complex at 10 am, which houses temples dedicated to Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari. He will then visit the Sheshavatar Mandir, followed by the Mata Annapurna Mandir. PM Modi is also scheduled to offer prayers at the Ram Darbar Garbh Grah and before the idol of Lord Rama, after which he will ascend to perform the flag-hoisting ritual. Significance Of The Date The Uttar Pradesh government has described the event as the start of a new era" for Ayodhya, combining cultural heritage with modern development. On November 25, 2025, the name of Shri Ayodhya Dham will once again be inscribed in golden letters on the pages of history," Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on the state government website. The date was chosen for its mythological significance. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to tradition, Lord Rama and Sita were married on Panchami, the fifth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, during the Treta Yuga. This year, November 25 falls on the same Panchami, making it an auspicious day for the ceremony. Location : Ayodhya, India, India First Published: November 24, 2025, 18:30 IST News india Ayodhya Ram Temple Prepares For Grand Flag-Hoisting Ceremony: What It Is And Who Will Attend? 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... Bengal Gets First-Of-Its-Kind AI Deployment For Probes As Birbhum Police Roll Out New System | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 10:57 IST AI model Samarth has been trained on a large, structured knowledge base covering all critical areas of police work Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Senior officers say the system will help establish greater precision, legal discipline, and procedural uniformity across the investigative process. (Shutterstock) In what is being claimed as the first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the Birbhum district unit of the West Bengal Police has begun deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support frontline officers, marking a significant milestone in the states move toward technologically enabled policing. As part of the initiative, the district police have developed and introduced Samarth, an AI-powered system designed to provide instant legal and procedural guidance to Investigating Officers (IOs), Inspectors-in-Charge (ICs), Officers-in-Charge (OCs), and senior officials. Recommended Stories Speaking to News18, Birbhum Superintendent of Police Amandeep said: The introduction of this AI system will ensure that investigations are scientific, legally compliant, and faster. It reflects our commitment to modernising the police force and will significantly boost investigative efficiency." The initiative was initially conceived to make the newly enacted criminal lawsthe Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)easily accessible to investigating officers. Over time, the scope expanded to include a wide range of SOPs, legal manuals, and judicial precedents, eventually incorporating more than 50,000 pages of investigation-specific documentation. This extensive repository transformed the project into a comprehensive AI-backed investigative support system. The initiative has been led by SP Amandeep and Bolpur SDPO Rickey Agarwal, developed in collaboration with the Pune-based technology firm BrixAI. A Comprehensive Legal and Procedural Knowledge System At the centre of the initiative is an AI model trained on a large, structured knowledge base covering all critical areas of police work. The model includes: New Criminal Laws: Full provisions of the BNS, BNSS, and BSA for immediate reference. Minor Acts: Frequently enforced statutes referenced in routine policing. Investigation Protocols: SOPs, manuals, and guidelines issued by national and state police organisations. These include procedures for handling cases such as rape or murder, videography of evidence, mandatory steps, and standard dos and donts. Judicial Precedents: Summaries of landmark Supreme Court and High Court judgments. Departmental Directives: Relevant police orders and circulars. Reference Material: Additional legal texts and high-volume documentation supporting accurate and compliant investigations. What Are the Key Benefits? According to Birbhum Police, the deployment of Artificial Intelligence provides several key advantages: Instant Legal Clarity: Officers receive real-time explanations of statutory provisions during FIR registration and early-stage investigation. Procedural Accuracy: Case-specific SOPs ensure uniformity and compliance across the district. Mandatory Compliance: The system highlights procedural obligations, documentation requirements, and statutory safeguards. Judicial Insight: Judgment summaries simplify interpretation of complex court directives. Error Reduction: Automated guidance reduces procedural lapses and strengthens case quality. Time and Resource Efficiency: The system eliminates reliance on scattered or outdated documents and improves operational turnaround time. Multilingual Access: The tool answers queries in Bengali, Hindi, and English, expanding accessibility. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Senior officers say the system will help establish greater precision, legal discipline, and procedural uniformity across the investigative process. The initiative signals the departments growing emphasis on technology-driven policing. Separately, the West Bengal Police have created a dedicated Artificial Intelligence wing headed by an Additional Director General (ADG)-rank officer, supported by senior officials. 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 Location : Birbhum, India, India First Published: November 24, 2025, 10:57 IST News india Bengal Gets First-Of-Its-Kind AI Deployment For Probes As Birbhum Police Roll Out New System | Exclusive 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... Canada Seeks Diplomatic Reset With India, Mark Carney To Attend 2026 AI Summit In Delhi Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 11:27 IST The February 2026 Global AI Summit in New Delhi is being viewed as the moment when ties could publicly pivot towards normalisation, with Canadian PM Mark Carney set to attend. PM Narendra Modi with Canadian PM Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Summit | Photo: Narendra Modi/X Canada is pushing for a reset in its relationship with India, with officials on both sides signaling that a strategic thaw is now underway. According to top government sources, the February 2026 Global AI Summit in New Delhi is being viewed as the moment when ties could publicly pivot towards normalisation, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney set to attend. Carneys office announced his forthcoming visit to India, saying he has accepted Prime Minister Modis invitation". His presence would mark the first major high-level engagement since diplomatic relations nosedived in 202324. Recommended Stories Carney met with the PM Modi on the margins of the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday. Building on the 7th Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment held in New Delhi, India, on November 13, 2025, the leaders agreed to formally launch negotiations for an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) encompassing goods, services, investment, agriculture and agri-food, digital trade, mobility, and sustainable development. The leaders expressed confidence that the CEPA will serve as a powerful economic anchor and help more than double two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030," said a statement from Carneys office. Back-channel communication between India and Canada, which had slowed during the earlier period of tensions, reportedly resumed in mid-2025. Since then, a series of discreet bilateral interactions between senior officials from New Delhi and Ottawa have been aimed at rebuilding trust through controlled, issue-specific engagement. Both sides are prioritising cooperation in trade, technology, and security, treating these as low-friction sectors that can help restore confidence before tackling more contentious issues. Mark Carney, who became Prime Minister in March 2025, has conveyed within his caucus that there must be no contact with Khalistani elements, adopting a firmer, more transparent stance. His message reflects a broader shift in Ottawa, where prominent political figures including former Prime Minister Stephen Harper have publicly urged Canadian parties to distance themselves from Khalistani separatist groups. This shift is reinforced by assessments from CSIS, Canadas intelligence agency, which has repeatedly warned about the activities of extremist networks operating within the country. These groups, CSIS notes, have been linked to intimidation campaigns and funding channels extending beyond Canadas borders. For Ottawa, demonstrating credible action on this front is also crucial to counter the perception that Canada is a safe haven for extremist elements. High-level exchanges have already begun to accelerate. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with Canadian ministers such as Anita Anand and Maninder Singh Sidhu, have engaged in frequent visits, signalling intent on both sides to re-establish normal diplomatic rhythms. More ministerial visits are expected in the coming months. Beyond the political sensitivities, the economic stakes are significant. India is among Canadas fastest-growing major markets and a leading source of international students, investment, and technology talent. Trade negotiations halted earlier due to the Khalistan dispute can unlock substantial opportunities if trust is repaired. Canadian officials recognise that a firm, consistent position on extremist elements is essential for resuming these stalled talks. Khalistani Elements Warn Carney According to sources, Khalistani elements in Canada have warned that Carneys government lacks both the mandate and the parliamentary stability to pursue any major trade agreement with India. SFJ leaders argue that Canadian elections not diplomatic outreach will decide the future of CanadaIndia ties. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sources say Khalistani elements have warned that Carneys push to revive the proposed $50-billion CanadaIndia trade framework by 2030 amounts to accepting blood money," alleging it comes at the cost of Canadian sovereignty. They insist that no Canadian government can move forward on trade with PM Narendra Modi without first addressing what SFJ describes as accountability for the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whom extremist groups refer to as Shaheed." These groups added that any attempt to rebuild economic ties with India while sidestepping" the findings of Canadian security agencies in the Nijjar case will face political consequences when Canadians head to the polls. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: November 24, 2025, 11:04 IST News india Canada Seeks Diplomatic Reset With India, Mark Carney To Attend 2026 AI Summit In Delhi 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... Days Of Invasion Gone: RSS Chief Says Indias Cultural Identity Endured Centuries Of Oppression Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 07:48 IST He expressed concern that despite material progress, society is grappling with a lack of morality, peace and contentment. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat (Image: News18) RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday described India as a Hindu Rashtra" while speaking at the Divya Geeta Prerna Utsav in Lucknow, where Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present. In a speech centred on spirituality, civilisational identity and contemporary challenges, Bhagwat said Indias cultural values offer the path to clarity and stability. Bhagwat said the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita remain relevant across eras and circumstances. One should read the Gita in its original form and understand it deeply then everything becomes clear," he said, adding that each reading brings new insight. He cited Lord Krishnas message of confronting problems rather than avoiding them. Recommended Stories He expressed concern that despite material progress, society is grappling with a lack of morality, peace and contentment." Many people, he said, feel they are advancing in life but still sense they are on the wrong path." The right path, he argued, lies in Indias civilisational traditions. The RSS chief said India had once been a Vishwaguru," but centuries of invasions brought destruction of temples and forced conversions. Those days of invasion are gone. Now weve hoisted the flag over the Ram Temple," he said, adding that Indias cultural identity endured despite oppression. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Calling the country a Hindu society and a Hindu Rashtra," Bhagwat urged citizens to uphold dharma, duty, service and sacrifice. He said the essence of global knowledge traditions had been captured in 700 shlokas of the Gita. Drawing parallels between ancient and modern conflicts, he said wars driven by greed continue to mirror those fought centuries ago. Bhagwat also paid tribute to freedom fighters, saying the sacrifices of the 1857 martyrs and Chandrashekhar Azad continue to inspire even though they did not witness victory in their lifetimes. 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 24, 2025, 07:48 IST News india Days Of Invasion Gone: RSS Chief Says Indias Cultural Identity Endured Centuries Of Oppression 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 AQI Protest Turns Violent: Cops Hit With Chilli Spray, Anti-National Slogans Raised; 15 Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 09:33 IST Madvi Hidma, one of the countrys most infamous Maoist commanders, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Andhra Pradeshs Alluri Sitaramaraju district Protest against rising pollution in Delhi (Credits: ANI) During a protest in Delhi over the worsening Air Quality Index (AQI), some protestors were heard shouting Long Live Hidma" (Hidma amar rahe"). A video shared by ANI showed participants raising the slogan as they held placards. Madvi Hidma is one of Indias most notorious Maoist leaders, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in Andhra Pradeshs Alluri Sitaramaraju district on November 18. He earned a bounty of Rs 1 crore. Recommended Stories A senior police officer said the protesters had gathered near the C-Hexagon and were repeatedly informed that their demonstration was obstructing ambulances and medical personnel trying to pass through. Despite being told that emergency vehicles needed a clear route, the protesters allegedly refused to move. The situation soon escalated into a scuffle, during which some protesters used chilli powder on police personnel, an act officers described as highly unusual. Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla told PTI that several officers were sprayed in the face and eyes and were receiving treatment at RML Hospital. Legal action is being initiated. Meanwhile, Delhi Police has filed an FIR against protesters at India Gate for using chili spray on police personnel and obstructing government work. Around 15 people have been arrested, including some at India Gate and others near Parliament Street police station," added Delhi Police. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Asian News International (@ani_trending) BJP Takes Sharp Jibe The BJP slammed the activists" raising slogans motivated by regressive Communist agenda". For the last decade, Delhi had an Urban Naxal as Chief Minister, and despite the city choking year after year, there were no major protests demanding cleaner air. But the moment BJP swept to power in Delhi, suddenly we have activists" staging protests in the name of pollution protests that are clearly motivated by a regressive Communist agenda, not environmental concern," BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya wrote. And the faces are familiar: the same delinquent student activists from Left-aligned unions of JNU. Today again, these loonies were out on the streets, pretending to cry over air quality while brazenly carrying placards and shouting slogans glorifying dead Naxalite Hidma Madvi." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For a long time, Madvi Hidma existed almost like a rumour. Security agencies had little idea of his appearance and relied on questioning surrendered Maoists while flipping through pages of old photographs, hoping someone might point him out. There were only rough sketches and descriptions to go by. It was only earlier this year that a clear photograph finally emerged, giving investigators their first definite visual confirmation after years of uncertainty. About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More First Published: November 23, 2025, 23:17 IST News india Delhi AQI Protest Turns Violent: Cops Hit With Chilli Spray, Anti-National Slogans Raised; 15 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... 22 Arrested As Delhi Pollution Protesters Use Chilli Spray On Cops, Shout Controversial Slogans Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 13:04 IST Delhi Police arrested 22 protesters for allegedly assaulting officers with chilli spray during a demonstration against toxic air at India Gate. New Delhi: People raise slogans during a protest against worsening air quality in the national capital, at the India Gate (Photo: PTI) The Delhi Police on Monday arrested 22 protesters on charges of assaulting government officers on duty, after those protesting over toxic air allegedly used chilli spray on personnel deployed at India Gate a day earlier. Officials said the arrests were made after the protest escalated into a scuffle, leaving multiple officers injured and prompting immediate legal action for assault on government servants on duty. Recommended Stories Two separate FIRs at the Kartavyapath Police Station and the Parliament Street Police Station were also registered by the Delhi Police, respectively, under Sections 74, 79, 115(2), 132, 221, 223, and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), in connection with the matter. According to the details, the protest was organised by the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air to highlight the capitals worsening air quality. The group claimed that Delhis air has remained in the severe" category and accused authorities of relying on what they described as cosmetic measures," such as water sprinklers, cloud seeding and spraying near Air Quality Index (AQI) stations, instead of implementing meaningful long-term solutions. #WATCH | Delhi: A group of protesters holds a protest at India Gate over air pollution in Delhi-NCR. They were later removed from the spot by police personnel pic.twitter.com/DBEZTeET0U ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2025 However, some protestors were heard shouting Long Live Hidma" (Hidma amar rahe") slogans. Madvi Hidma was one of Indias most notorious Maoist leaders, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in Andhra Pradeshs Alluri Sitaramaraju district on November 18. He earned a bounty of Rs 1 crore. News agency PTI quoted police officials as saying that the demonstrators had gathered near the C-Hexagon stretch and were repeatedly advised to move because their presence was blocking the route for ambulances and medical staff. Officers said they tried to explain to the group that emergency vehicles were stuck due to the protest, but the participants allegedly refused to clear the way. The situation deteriorated when the protesters broke through barricades, moved onto the road and sat down, leading police to attempt their removal. A senior police officer told PTI that during this confrontation, several protesters used chilli powder and pepper spray on personnel. The situation then turned into a scuffle, and some protesters used chilli powder on our personnel, which is unusual and rare," the officer said, adding that three to four police personnel sustained injuries to the eyes and face and were later taken for treatment. The injured officers are undergoing care at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, according to the PTI report. Meanwhile, the group behind the protest told PTI that the government has responded to public concerns with suppression," alleging detentions, restrictions and attempts to silence activists who raise issues of environmental degradation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all They said the demonstration was a response to what they call a worsening development model that has contributed to pollution, displacement and extreme weather events. ALSO READ | Hidmas Vanishing Acts: From DG-Led Ops To Drone Bombs, How The Most-Feared Naxal Escaped 4 Times 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 24, 2025, 09:53 IST News india 22 Arrested As Delhi Pollution Protesters Use Chilli Spray On Cops, Shout Controversial Slogans 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... 'Paatal Lok For Mumbai': Devendra Fadnavis Announces Mega Tunnel Network To Ease Traffic Woes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 14:32 IST Devendra Fadnavis announced plans to build a vast underground Paatal Lok tunnel network across Mumbai to decongest traffic and improve connectivity. A file photo of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday unveiled plans for an extensive underground network of tunnels across Mumbai, aiming to reduce the citys chronic traffic congestion. Speaking at the IIMUN (Indias International Movement to Unite Nations) Youth Connect session on youth participation in governance, Fadnavis described the proposed tunnel system as a Paatal Lok," drawing a light-hearted analogy with the popular Hindi web series of the same name. Recommended Stories Explaining the initiative, the Chief Minister said, We are creating a Paatal Lok, a widespread network of tunnels across Mumbai city for complete decongestion." It will function as a parallel network to existing roads," he said, adding that the tunnel system would complement the citys metro expansion, creating an integrated urban transport solution. Fadnavis highlighted that the planned underground roads are designed to provide seamless travel across multiple directions in the city. It will be a parallel network to existing roads," he said, stressing that alongside the tunnels, the expansion of metro corridors will work in tandem to relieve pressure on the citys arterial routes. The Chief Minister also cited the coastal road from South Mumbai to Bhayandar in Thane district as a crucial component of the plan, which would serve as a barrier-free parallel route to the Western Express Highway. Sixty per cent of Mumbai moves on the Western Expressway. Until you decongest it, there is no solution. We are creating a network of parallel roads, where your average speed will be 80 km per hour," Fadnavis said. The Chief Minister provided details of ongoing and upcoming tunnel projects, including the Thane-Borivali and Mulund-Goregaon tunnels, which will improve east-west connectivity. A parallel road connecting Borivali to Goregaon and the Worli-Shivdi connector, expected to open next year, is planned to link Atal Setu with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, enabling smoother movement across the city, he said at the event. Fadnavis further outlined a tunnel connecting Atal Setu to Girgaon Chowpatty via the Eastern Express Highway, slated for completion in three years. It will be a solution to the current traffic jams," he said. Mumbai, Maharashtra: At IIMUNs Youth Connect session on Involvement of Youth in Governance, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis says, , ..We are preparing a plan to create a Pataal Lok. Pataal Lok means that we will create a network of complete tunnels in Mumbai, a parallel pic.twitter.com/6tGTrVBZMm IANS (@ians_india) November 24, 2025 In addition, a proposed tunnel from Bandra to the Bandra Kurla Complex is expected to reduce travel time to the domestic airport to just 20 minutes. On the public transport front, the Chief Minister highlighted the launch of the integrated Mumbai One app, which will allow commuters to use a single ticket for Metro rail, suburban trains, and BEST buses. Nearly 90 lakh people travel daily through suburban trains. Despite so many changes, the fare will not be increased by a single rupee for the second class," he assured. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Fadnavis also mentioned that all suburban train services will gradually become air-conditioned, enhancing commuter comfort. ALSO READ | Plans To Detonate Bombs Across India: Fadnavis Blames Pakistan For Red Fort Blasts 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 24, 2025, 14:31 IST News india 'Paatal Lok For Mumbai': Devendra Fadnavis Announces Mega Tunnel Network To Ease Traffic Woes 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... 'End Of An Era In Indian Cinema': PM Modi Mourns Veteran Actor Dharmendra's Demise Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 15:11 IST He said Dharmendra brought charm and depth to every role, making him one of the most beloved actors in Indian film history. Dharmendra, one of Indias most beloved and enduring film legends, passed away at his Mumbai residence on Monday at the age of 89. (Images: PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the death of veteran actor Dharmendra, calling his passing the end of an era in Indian cinema". In a post on X, the Prime Minister described the legendary star as an iconic figure whose versatility and screen presence left a deep imprint on generations of filmgoers. He said Dharmendra brought charm and depth" to every role, making him one of the most beloved actors in Indian film history. Recommended Stories PM Modi also praised Dharmendras personal qualities, noting that he was admired not just for his performances but for his simplicity, humility and warmth." The Prime Minister extended his condolences to the actors family, friends and countless fans, saying his thoughts were with them during this difficult time. Om Shanti," he wrote. The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 24, 2025 President Droupadi Murmu too expressed grief over the actors death, calling it a great loss to Indian cinema." She said Dharmendra was one of the most popular actors of his time and delivered numerous memorable performances during his decades-long career. Describing him as a towering presence whose work will continue to inspire generations of artists, she conveyed her heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers. The demise of veteran actor and former Member of Parliament Shri Dharmendra Ji is a great loss to Indian cinema. One of the most popular actors, he delivered numerous memorable performances during his decades-long illustrious career. As a towering figure of Indian cinema, he President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 24, 2025 Dharmendra, one of Indian cinemas most enduring stars with a 65-year career and more than 300 films to his credit from Satyakam" to the iconic Sholay" died in Mumbai on Monday at the age of 89, police said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The family has not yet issued an official statement. The actor, who would have turned 90 on December 8, had been unwell for some time and was recently moved from a Mumbai hospital to home care. According to police, Dharmendra passed away on Monday morning and preparations are underway for his funeral at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle. An ambulance and several vehicles were seen leaving his Juhu residence, and Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were among those who arrived at the crematorium. 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 24, 2025, 14:51 IST News india 'End Of An Era In Indian Cinema': PM Modi Mourns Veteran Actor Dharmendra's Demise 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... How MP Doctor Set Up A Fake Currency Racket With Former Jailmates Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 23, 2025, 23:31 IST Dr Navlakhe, 43, hails from Burhanpur and earlier worked as a medical officer and later as a resident medical officer at the district hospital. News18 A routine police check in a small village in Madhya Pradesh has unexpectedly uncovered one of the states biggest fake currency networks and at the centre of it, officers say, was not a career criminal but an MBBS doctor who once served in government hospitals. The Khandwa Police on Friday confirmed the arrest of Dr Pratik Navlakhe along with three others, revealing how an operation that began inside the Khandwa District Jail had grown into a multi-state counterfeiting racket. Recommended Stories Officers said the group printed fake notes in bulk and pushed them into circulation across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Some of the counterfeit money was even used to buy property. Dr Navlakhe, 43, hails from Burhanpur and earlier worked as a medical officer and later as a resident medical officer at the district hospital. Despite his respectable background, police said he had a history of financial fraud and had previously been accused of embezzling large sums while working in government posts. After spending time in jail, he set aside his medical career and moved into crime on a much bigger scale. He rented a flat in Bhopals Gokuldham Society and quietly built a sophisticated printing setup using scanners, printers, cutters and dyes. He then appointed agents in Nagpur, Malegaon and other cities to move the fake notes. Police estimate the gang has circulated nearly Rs 40 lakh worth of counterfeit currency so far. The case first surfaced on 2 November after villagers in Pethiya informed the Jawar Police that maulana Zuber Ansari already arrested in Maharashtra for fake currency might have hidden notes in his rented room. During the search, officers found Rs 19.78 lakh in forged Rs 500 notes, along with a cutting machine and raw material. The notes showed poor security threads and mismatched prints. Realising the scale of the crime, SP Manoj Kumar Rai set up a Special Investigation Team led by ASP Mahendra Taranekar, with DSP Anil Singh Chauhan, TI Praveen Arya and other officers. As the team probed further, they discovered that the maulana was only transporting notes and the mastermind was in Bhopal. On 23 November, the SIT raided Gokuldham Society and found printers, drying machines, stacks of unfinished notes and three men working inside. Dr Navlakhe was arrested along with Gopal alias Rahul (35) and Dinesh Gore (43). Equipment worth lakhs and several financial documents were seized. Investigators later learned that the accused first met inside the Khandwa District Jail and regrouped after their release to start the fake currency operation. They also ran a fake travel agency on Hoshangabad Road as a front to recruit agents and move counterfeit cash to Nagpur, Malegaon and Jalgaon. ASP Taranekar said, Dr Pratik Navlakhe was identified as the mastermind. We formed an SIT and traced him to Bhopal. In Gokuldham Society, we found three men and a fully active currency-printing setup. These people met in jail. They used to print four Rs 500 notes on a single sheet. The notes were circulated in various states. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Till now, around Rs 40 lakh has been printed. They even tried printing Rs 50 notes earlier. The maulanas role was limited as he collected money and found buyers. The doctor had earlier escaped on the Char Dham Yatra to avoid arrest." The investigation is still under way, with police now tracking the gangs financial links and property purchases. About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More Location : Madhya Pradesh, India, India First Published: November 23, 2025, 23:31 IST News india How MP Doctor Set Up A Fake Currency Racket With Former Jailmates 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... I Am Now In Fear: BLO Alleges Threat Over Dispute In Filling Up Voter's SIR Form In West Bengal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 09:02 IST A BLO in North 24 Parganas was threatened by TMC worker Jamirul Islam Molla over a voter form dispute. Molla was arrested after the BLO filed complaints. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google BLO Deepak Mahato and accused Jamirul Islam Molla. A booth-level officer (BLO) in West Bengals North 24 Parganas who alleged that he was threatened by a man, over a dispute in filling up the enumeration form of a 97-year-old voter, as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, said he was verbally abused and threatened after which he is living in fear. BLO Deepak Mahato, recounted that the threat came from a person from the party" after he pointed out the mistake. He threatened me over phone , there was some mistake in form. The person who threatened me on phone was from party. I have informed my seniors. I think he will understand his fault . I am now in fear," he said. Recommended Stories The police arrested the accused, identified as Jamirul Islam Molla. He is considered an active TMC worker at Nazat in Basirhat, who had allegedly threatened the BLO with dire consequences after the nonagenarians name was found missing in the voters list of 2002, the year when the last SIR was conducted in the State, a senior officer said. Mahato initially filed a written complaint with the Block Development Officer and later approached the Nazat Police Station, alleging that Molla had threatened him over the phone, the officer said. Molla was arrested on Saturday night, and a case has been registered for threatening a government official and obstructing him from performing his duties. The accused has been produced before a Basirhat court," the officer said. According to the locals, the accused is close to the TMC panchayat pradhan of the area and was also working as a booth-level agent appointed by the ruling party. A purported audio clip of the telephonic conversation between Molla and the BLO went viral on social media. Mahato further alleged that Molla repeatedly pressured him to ensure the 97-year-old voters name was added to the electoral roll, and even threatened to vandalise his house and set it on fire. The BLO said he felt threatened and intimidated by the calls, the officer added. (With inputs from agencies) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Location : West Bengal, India, India First Published: November 24, 2025, 08:25 IST News india I Am Now In Fear: BLO Alleges Threat Over Dispute In Filling Up Voter's SIR Form In West Bengal 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... 'It's Nation's Loss: Wing Commander Namansh Syals Father Says He Lost A Promising Pilot Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 08:17 IST Thousands mourned Wing Commander Namansh Syal in Patialkar after his Tejas jet crash at Dubai Air Show. Indian Air Force hailed his dedication and skill. Thousands mourned Wing Commander Namansh Syal in Patialkar after his Tejas jet crash at Dubai Air Show. Indian Air Force hailed his dedication and skill. (Image: ANI) Thousands of mourners gathered in Patialkar village on Sunday to bid a tearful farewell to Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who lost his life in the Tejas jet crash at the Dubai Air Show. As the final rites were performed with full military honours, his father Jagan Nath Syal said his sons death was not just a personal tragedy but a blow to the nation. The country has lost a promising pilot. This is not just my loss, it is the nations loss," he said, recalling how few people receive the honour of serving India the way his son did. Jagan Nath, a former Army man who later retired as a school principal, said Namansh had always been exceptional. He excelled in everything he did. He never disappointed us," he added, remembering their last conversation in which he had asked his son for photographs, only for Namansh to reply with a smile that they could be seen on YouTube. Recommended Stories This is Wg Cdr Namansh Syals father.The quiet love, unassuming dignity of the families of service personnel will never cease to numb me. To them, remember, it wasnt just a soldier, but a child. They are a different kind. And we owe them answers. pic.twitter.com/WofmLmCJPM Indra (@INDRAJE09280505) November 23, 2025 After the crash, Wing Commander Syals mortal remains were flown first to Sulur Air Force Base in Tamil Nadu and then brought to his ancestral village, where an entire community turned out to grieve. His colleagues remembered him as a brilliant flyer with a calm demeanour, while those who trained with him in the National Defence Academy said he was among the best earning the prestigious Sword of Honour. He had flown the MiG-21 for nearly a decade. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Syal, who hailed from Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district, died on November 21 when his Tejas Light Combat Aircraft crashed during a display in Dubai. He is survived by his wife an Indian Air Force officer their six-year-old daughter, and his parents. Paying tribute, the Indian Air Force hailed him as a dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional," honouring his unwavering commitment, exceptional skill, and unyielding sense of duty." 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 24, 2025, 08:17 IST News india 'It's Nation's Loss: Wing Commander Namansh Syals Father Says He Lost A Promising Pilot 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... 'Judiciary Has Done Its Part': Outgoing CJI Gavai Says Govt, Parliament Must Act On Creamy Layer Reform Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 23, 2025, 19:19 IST Chief Justice Gavai said the court had 'done its part' by clearing the path for this reform, adding that the next steps must come from the government. Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai. (PTI file photo) On the eve of his retirement, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said the Supreme Court has already taken the necessary steps to address the creamy layer issue in caste-based reservations, and it is now for the government and Parliament to move the process forward. Speaking to the media today, he reflected on key judgments, the state of the judiciary, and the challenges that lie ahead. Recommended Stories Earlier this year, a Constitution Bench which included Justice Gavai delivered a landmark ruling allowing sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The aim was to ensure that reservation benefits reached the most disadvantaged sections within these communities. Chief Justice Gavai said the court had done its part" by clearing the path for this reform. He added that the next steps must come from the government and the legislature to prevent a situation where a class is created within a class". He is only the second Dalit judge to have risen to the countrys highest judicial office. Equality needs to percolate to people. We have seen many Scheduled Caste families have grown, but they continue to take advantage of reservations," he said, pointing to cases where children of senior civil servants from SC/ST communities still seek quota benefits. In the judgment he authored last year, he wrote, State must evolve a policy to identify creamy layer among the SC/ST category and take them out of the fold of affirmative action. This is the only way to gain true equality." On Nepotism In The Judiciary Asked about allegations of favouritism in the Collegium system, the Chief Justice said such cases were rare. According to him, instances where a judges relative is considered for appointment form less than 10 per cent" of the recommendations. He said merit should not be disregarded simply because a candidate is related to someone in the judiciary. On Judicial Independence And Transfers Chief Justice Gavai cautioned against the belief that a judge is independent only when ruling against the government. He said such a school of thought" was incorrect. On the issue of transfers across high courts, he clarified that such decisions were taken for administrative reasons. Retirement And Future Plans Speaking about life after retirement, he said he hopes to rest for a while before engaging in social work. Social work is in my blood and I would devote my time to tribals," he said, adding that he will not accept any post-retirement position. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He also addressed the recent incident in which a lawyer threw a shoe at him. Forgiveness came naturally to me," he said when asked why the court took no action. On Delhi pollution, he noted that the courts have pushed authorities to focus on long-term measures rather than short-term fixes. Justice Surya Kant will take over as Chief Justice tomorrow. About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More First Published: November 23, 2025, 19:19 IST News india 'Judiciary Has Done Its Part': Outgoing CJI Gavai Says Govt, Parliament Must Act On Creamy Layer Reform 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... Justice Gavai Vacates Official CJI Car For Successor, Leaves In Alternate Vehicle After Oath-Taking Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 13:10 IST Justice BR Gavai set a remarkable example at his successors oath ceremony, voluntarily giving up the CJIs official car for Justice Surya Kant. Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai. (PTI file photo) Justice BR Gavai, who demitted office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, set an exemplary precedent at the oath-taking ceremony of his successor, Justice Surya Kant. Soon after the ceremony concluded at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Justice Gavai chose not to use the official vehicle designated for the Chief Justice. Instead, he left in an alternative car, ensuring that the official vehicle was immediately available to Justice Surya Kant for his first journey to the Supreme Court as the newly sworn-in Chief Justice. Recommended Stories Justice Surya Kant sworn in as the new CJI Justice Surya Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on 24 November 2025. The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan during a ceremony attended by a distinguished gathering of national leaders. Among those present were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, along with several other dignitaries. During the ceremony, Justice Surya Kant pledged to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India and to perform his duties without fear, favour, affection, or ill will. His term as Chief Justice will run until 9 February 2027. Justice Surya Kants judicial career spans landmark rulings in some of Indias most consequential constitutional matters. He has been part of benches that dealt with the abrogation of Article 370, the colonial-era sedition law, electoral reforms, and the Pegasus spyware controversy. His tenure as CJI is expected to prioritise clearing long-pending Constitution Bench matters and reducing judicial pendency. Legal experts anticipate significant progress in structural reforms and digital transformation within the judiciary. Privileges of a CJI top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The office of the Chief Justice of India carries not only constitutional authority but also substantial administrative responsibilities. To support these, the CJI receives a monthly salary of Rs 2,80,000 along with extensive allowances and perks. These include a Rs 10,00,000 furnishing allowance for official residence, 24% House Rent Allowance, a monthly sumptuary allowance of Rs 45,000, official accommodation within the Supreme Court complex, chauffeur-driven transport, medical facilities, and travel allowances. Post-retirement benefits include a pension of around Rs 16,80,000 per annum, dearness relief, and a gratuity of approximately Rs 20,00,000. 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 24, 2025, 13:10 IST News india Justice Gavai Vacates Official CJI Car For Successor, Leaves In Alternate Vehicle After Oath-Taking 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... Justice Surya Kant To Take Oath Today As 53rd Chief Justice Of India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 07:02 IST The President appointed Justice Kant, following the recommendation of outgoing CJI Gavai, who upheld the seniority convention in naming his successor Born on February 10, 1962, in Haryana, Justice Surya Kant began practising law in Hisar in 1984. (PTI) Justice Surya Kant will be sworn in on Monday as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), beginning a 14-month tenure at the helm of the judiciary. President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He succeeds CJI Bhushan R. Gavai, who demitted office on Sunday after turning 65. The President appointed Justice Kant under Article 124(2) of the Constitution, following the recommendation of outgoing CJI Gavai, who upheld the seniority convention in naming his successor. Recommended Stories Born on February 10, 1962, in Haryana, Justice Surya Kant began practising law in Hisar in 1984 before shifting to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He handled a wide range of constitutional, civil and service matters and represented several universities, corporations, banks and the High Court. He became Haryanas youngest Advocate General in 2000, was designated senior advocate in 2001, and elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in January 2004. He later served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court in May 2019. Since November 2024, he has chaired the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee. Speaking to the media ahead of taking charge, the CJI-designate said reducing judicial pendency would be his top priority. He said he would hold consultations with High Courts to identify challenges in the functioning of district and subordinate courts. Justice Kant also said Constitution Benches of five, seven and nine judges would be constituted in the next few weeks" to take up long-pending matters. He stressed strengthening mediation and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to ease the courts burden. Community mediation, he said, should be encouraged to address disputes between states and with the Centre. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On the use of AI in the justice system, he said it may help with procedural tasks but added, Everyone wants their case to be decided by a judge." As of July 21, Indian courts are dealing with 5.29 crore pending cases, including 4.65 crore in district courts, 63.3 lakh in High Courts and 86,742 in the Supreme Court, according to National Judicial Data Grid figures. 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 24, 2025, 07:02 IST News india Justice Surya Kant To Take Oath Today As 53rd Chief Justice Of India 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... Kannur-Abu Dhabi Flight Diverted To Ahmedabad Due To Volcanic Eruption In Ethiopia Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 20:41 IST Akasa Air also issued a travel update saying it is keeping a close watch on the volcanic activity and its possible impact on routes in the region. IndiGo flight diverted An IndiGo flight from Kannur to Abu Dhabi (6E 1433) was diverted to Ahmedabad on Monday following a massive volcanic eruption in Ethiopiathe first in nearly 10,000 years. The Airbus landed safely, and IndiGo later confirmed that a return flight to Kannur would be arranged for passengers. Recommended Stories Meanwhile, Akasa Air issued a travel update saying it is keeping a close watch on the volcanic activity and its possible impact on routes in the region. The airline stated that its teams are monitoring international advisories and will take all necessary safety measures, stressing that passenger well-being remains their top priority. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all #TravelUpdate We are closely monitoring the volcanic activity in Ethiopia and its potential impact on flight operations in nearby regions. Our teams will continue to assess the situation in compliance with international aviation advisories and safety protocols and take necessary actions as required. At Akasa Air, passenger safety and well-being is our utmost priority," said Akasa Air in an official statement. Indian aviation officials and airlines are keeping a close watch on how the eruption may affect flights over Delhi and Jaipur from Monday evening. Some services have already changed their routes to steer clear of the volcanic ash plume. About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More First Published: November 24, 2025, 18:08 IST News india Kannur-Abu Dhabi Flight Diverted To Ahmedabad Due To Volcanic Eruption In Ethiopia 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... Operation Crystal Fortress: NCB, Delhi Police Seize 329 Kg Meth Worth Rs 262 Crore; 2 Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 09:40 IST Operation Crystal Fortress, was an intelligence-based crackdown aimed at dismantling a sophisticated drug syndicate operating across borders. Delhi Police, NCB Recover Massive 329 kg Meth Haul In one of the biggest drug seizures in the capital, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Delhi Polices Special Cell recovered 329 kg of methamphetamine valued at Rs 262 crore from a residence in Chattarpur, south Delhi, on 20 November. Two people have been arrested in connection with the massive haul. The operation, codenamed Operation Crystal Fortress, was an intelligence-based crackdown aimed at dismantling a sophisticated drug syndicate operating across borders. Authorities believe the network is linked to a foreign-based kingpin, who is already wanted for the seizure of 83 kg of cocaine in Delhi last year. Recommended Stories Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the action, stating that the Centre is shattering drug cartels at an unprecedented pace", calling the joint operation a brilliant example of seamless multi-agency coordination to achieve PM Modis vision for a drug-free India." Officers involved in the inquiry said the breakthrough followed months of surveillance, technical intercepts and intelligence-sharing, which exposed a well-organised cartel using multiple couriers, rented safe houses and layered handlers. Investigators noted that Delhi had emerged as a key hub for both domestic distribution and the movement of synthetic drugs to overseas markets. One of the arrested suspects, Shane Waris (25), a resident of Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, was detained from Noidas Sector 5 on 20 November. Employed as a sales manager, Waris allegedly worked under the instructions of a handler and was instructed to use fake SIM cards and encrypted communication apps such as WhatsApp and Zangi to manage operations discreetly. During interrogation, Waris admitted to his role and provided crucial leads, including identifying a woman associate, Esther Kinimi from Nagaland, who had recently overseen one of the consignments delivered via a logistics platform rider. Chattarpur raid yields massive drug consignment Acting on Wariss disclosures, NCB teams raided Kinimis residence in Chattarpur Enclave Phase 2 on the same day. With the assistance of Nagaland Police, she was arrested after officers recovered the enormous methamphetamine stockpile from her home. Preliminary findings suggest the duo were part of a larger transnational cartel directed by foreign operators. The investigation indicates Waris was actively involved in a synthetic drug trafficking syndicate functioning under foreign operators," an officer said. Hunt for kingpin top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Authorities are now coordinating with international enforcement agencies to trace the kingpin and secure his deportation to India. They are also mapping the cartels supply chain, financial conduits, logistics nodes and storage points. This seizure is among the largest methamphetamine recoveries in Delhi, and investigators say efforts are underway to dismantle the network completely and prevent its expansion into overseas markets. 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 24, 2025, 09:40 IST News india Operation Crystal Fortress: NCB, Delhi Police Seize 329 Kg Meth Worth Rs 262 Crore; 2 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... PM Modi Returns To Delhi After Attending G20 Summit In South Africa Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 07:52 IST On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister held a series of high-profile bilateral meetings with leaders including Japans PM Sanae Takaichi and Italys PM Giorgia Meloni. PM Modi attends the plenary session of the G20 Summit in South Africa. (Reuters) Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to Delhi on Monday morning after concluding a significant visit to South Africa, where he attended the 20th G20 Leaders Summit held in Johannesburg from 21-23 November. During the summit, Modi outlined a forward-leaning global agenda centred on development, emerging technologies and inclusive governance, positioning India as an influential agenda-setter within the G20 and the wider Global South. PM Modi presented an ambitious six-point initiative package, aimed at tackling interconnected global challenges. These include a G20 initiative to counter the drug-terror nexus, a Global Healthcare Response Team, an Africa Skills Multiplier programme, a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, an Open Satellite Data Partnership and a Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative. Recommended Stories #WATCH | PM Narendra Modi reaches Delhi after concluding his visit to South Africa, where he attended the G20 Summit.Source: DD pic.twitter.com/4ewbkZ5fzp ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2025 A major thrust of Modis speech related to responsible and accountable artificial intelligence. He called for a global compact on AI, emphasising transparency, human-centric design and measures to prevent misuse in deepfakes, crime and terrorism. At the IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) platform, Modi pressed for urgent UN Security Council reform, arguing that an outdated structure can no longer represent the worlds geopolitical realities. He urged IBSA nations to push collectively for a fairer international order, supporting proposals such as an IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance and championing Indias AI Impact Summit due in 2026. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bilateral engagement On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister held a series of high-profile bilateral meetings with leaders including Japans Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. These discussions are based on Indias Special Strategic and Global Partnership with Japan and expanded areas of cooperation in defence, semiconductors, critical minerals, AI and Indo-Pacific security. 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 24, 2025, 07:52 IST News india PM Modi Returns To Delhi After Attending G20 Summit In South Africa 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... Pune Farmer Deposits Rs 2.5 Crore In Joint Account, Son Secretly Swipes Rs 1.8 Crore Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 18:56 IST The joint account was opened in the names of the son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. The farmer said he trusted them because of his age and found handling banking work difficult Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The farmer told police he had promised to divide his property equally among his three children. (Representative/Shutterstock) An elderly farmer in Punes Mawal taluka has accused his son, daughter-in-law and grandson of siphoning off his life savings. After the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority acquired his 38-guntha plot and paid him Rs 2.5 crore in compensation, the trio allegedly moved Rs 1.82 crore from the joint account into their own accounts. Police have registered a case of fraud. Joint Account Opened Recommended Stories The joint account was opened in the names of the son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. The farmer explained that he trusted them because he was elderly and found banking difficult. They all opened the joint account together and deposited the money with his consent, but this is where the deceit began. Rs 1.82 Crore Moved Using Joint Account The son assured his father that he would handle everything, but as soon as the money was deposited, he, along with his wife and son, shifted Rs 1.82 crore into their own accounts. The farmer had no idea. When he visited the bank after a few days, only a small amount was left. He was shocked after seeing the bank statement. Relatives said the son repeatedly assured his father that everything is safe," but the reality was far from it. Case Registered Against All Three On Friday, the elderly farmer went to Shirgaon Police Station and filed a complaint. Police have registered an FIR against the son, daughter-in-law, and grandson under fraud and other relevant sections of the law. The investigating officer said transaction details are being checked and strict action will be taken if the fraud is proven. The farmer told police he had promised to divide his property equally among his three children (two sons and one daughter), but one son took everything when he got the chance. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all How To Protect Yourself From Such Fraud Experts have advised elderly people to be careful when opening joint accounts. They have urged people to regularly check account statements, track all transactions, and seek legal advice when needed. Police have appealed to families to make written agreements regarding property matters. First Published: November 24, 2025, 18:56 IST News india Pune Farmer Deposits Rs 2.5 Crore In Joint Account, Son Secretly Swipes Rs 1.8 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... SC Agrees To Drop Criminal Charges Against Sandesara Brothers If They Pay One-Third Of Their Dues Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 14:34 IST Brothers lawyer, Mukul Rohatgi, said his clients were ready to pay USD 570 million as a settlement to get rid of all proceedings The Supreme Court Of India. (File) Criminal charges against billionaire brothers Nitin and Chetan Sandesara will be dropped if they pay one-third of the dues owed in a USD 1.6-billion bank fraud case, as per the Supreme Courts order. The Sandesara brothers, whose companies spanned pharmaceuticals to energy, fled India in 2017 on Albanian passports after they were accused of defaulting on domestic bank loans. They have denied any wrongdoing. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories The brothers lawyer, Mukul Rohatgi, said his clients were ready to pay USD 570 million as a settlement to get rid of all proceedings", Reuters reported. The brothers are among 14 designated fugitive economic offenders under a 2018 law that allows the freezing of assets. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: November 24, 2025, 14:34 IST News india SC Agrees To Drop Criminal Charges Against Sandesara Brothers If They Pay One-Third Of Their Dues 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... 'Silent Hunter' INS Mahe: How Navy's New Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessel Boosts Coastal Defence Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 16:57 IST Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar coast, INS Mahe is the lead vessel of the new Mahe-class of anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts, or ASW-SWC A view of INS Mahe, the first Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft, was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on November 24, 2025. (Image: PIB/PTI) In what can be called a significant milestone towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and modernisation, the Indian Navy commissioned the INS Mahe the lead vessel of the new Mahe-class of anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts, or ASW-SWC. The inauguration ceremony, held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday, was presided over by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi. Recommended Stories The commissioning of the INS Mahe introduces a new generation" of indigenous shallow-water combatants to the Indian fleet vessels described by the navy as sleek, swift, and resolutely Indian". Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar coast, the ship embodies agility, precision, and endurance. It is the first of eight ships planned for this class. WHAT ARE THE KEY FEATURES? The Indian Navy views the Mahe-class as a critical asset that will form the first line of coastal defence, integrating seamlessly with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets to maintain constant vigilance over Indias maritime areas of operation". The vessel, which was delivered to the navy on October 23, possesses a unique blend of operational features designed for the demanding shallow water environment. Heres all you need to know about INS Mahe: Designed primarily to hunt submarines, conduct coastal patrols, and secure Indias vital maritime approaches. Fitted with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems. Specifically equipped with torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets. Its systems enable it to detect, track, and neutralise sub-surface threats with precision". Capable of sustaining prolonged operations in shallow waters. Features technologically advanced machinery and control systems". Classified as compact yet powerful, the ships design emphasises agility, precision, and endurance. Its crest features an urumi the flexible sword of Kalarippayattu, symbolising agility, precision, and lethal grace". the flexible sword of Kalarippayattu, symbolising agility, precision, and lethal grace". The ships mascot is the cheetah, embodying speed and focus, while its motto is Silent Hunters", reflects stealth, vigilance, and unyielding readiness". The vessel is slated to serve on the western seaboard. FIRST LINE OF COASTAL DEFENCE During the ceremony, General Upendra Dwivedi expressed profound pride in the achievement, highlighting its importance not just for naval strength but for national technological prowess. At the outset, bravo zulu to the commanding officer, officers and men of Mahe and all those involved in this ceremony for such a fine arrangement and outstanding ceremony. Its a moment of immense pride and a profound sense of honour to be present at the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahe, first of the eight anti-submarine war-face shallow watercrafts being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy," General Dwivedi said. He stressed that the induction of this vessel confirms Indias growing capability in defence manufacturing, noting it not only marks the induction of a potent new platform to the maritime order of battle, but it also reaffirms maritime capability to design, construct and field complex combatants with indigenous technologies". General Dwivedi said this will enhance the Indian Navys capability to ensure near-seas dominance, strengthen the coastal security grid, and safeguard our maritime interests across the vast expanse of our littorals". He connected the induction to the navys evolving identity, saying it reaffirms the navys steadfast transformation into a Builders Navy, one that designs, constructs, and sustains its own combat platforms". Today, over 75 percent platforms of the navys capital acquisition are sourced indigenously. From warships and submarines to high sonar and weapon systems, Indian shipyards, public and private, stand as living proof of our nations industrial and technological dominance," he said. BUILDERS NAVY The INS Mahes commissioning is a powerful testament to Indias commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in defence technology. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, the vessel demonstrates significant national expertise. The navy said the Mahe-class showcases Indias growing mastery in warship design, construction, and integration, featuring over 80 percent indigenous content. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This indigenous content level underlines the transformation of the service into what General Dwivedi repeatedly referred to as a Builders Navy", one that is self-powered and dedicated to safeguarding Indias maritime frontiers. (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 First Published: November 24, 2025, 16:57 IST News india 'Silent Hunter' INS Mahe: How Navy's New Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessel Boosts Coastal Defence 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... Terror Talk, Focus On Global South: Six Big Takeaways From PM Modis South Africa Visit Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 11:07 IST At the G20 Summit, the prime minister held 24 meetings and interactions with leaders of powerful nations and global organisations Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google PM Narendra Modi in South Africa for the G20 Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Monday morning after concluding his three-day visit to South Africa. From strong statements on terrorism to key meetings at the G20 platform, the prime minister made Indias presence felt at the global table. He also held 24 meetings and interactions with leaders of powerful nations and global organisations. Here are the six major takeaways from the visit. Recommended Stories 1. Major Development On Counter-Terrorism Although G20 is an informal platform for economic cooperation, this years summit in South Africa strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms in the Leaders Declaration. It also emphasised leveraging the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) framework to combat terror financing. Collective efforts for a better future! Here are highlights from the G20 Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa pic.twitter.com/dxX5T1ReIC Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 24, 2025 At the IBSA meeting, PM Modi called for unified efforts and urged countries to avoid double standards on terrorism. In a significant development during his meeting with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, India and Italy adopted the India-Italy Joint Initiative on Countering Terror Financing. The aim is to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation and enhance coordination at platforms like FATF and GCTF. 2. High-Level Engagements at G20 and IBSA During the G20 Summit, PM Modi participated in 24 key meetings and interactions, including the IBSA Summit that was held after a gap of 14 years. He also attended a trilateral meeting with Canadian PM Mark Carney and Australian PM Anthony Albanese. In this meeting, the three countries announced a new technology and innovation partnership. 3. Bilateral Meetings with 18 Nations PM Modi held bilateral discussions with leaders from 18 countries, including all G7 leaders present in South Africa. The countries on the list were South Africa, Australia, Canada, UK, Brazil, South Korea, France, Malaysia, Angola, Singapore, Vietnam, Germany, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, Netherlands, Italy, and Japan. He also met the heads of three international organisations. 4. Launch of the AustraliaCanadaIndia Technology and Innovation Partnership (ACITI) In the trilateral meeting with the leaders of Canada and Australia, the three nations agreed to launch a new trilateral frameworkthe Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership (ACITI). The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, complement existing bilateral initiatives, promote innovation in green energy, build resilient supply chains, especially in critical minerals and explore the development and mass adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for public welfare. Officials from the three countries will meet in the first quarter of 2026 to take the initiative forward. 5. Strong Emphasis on the Global South The Johannesburg G20 Summit reflected the imprint of the Delhi G20 Summit, especially on issues concerning the Global South. India and PM Modi have been strong voices for countries of the Global South on the world stage. Holding the G20 Summit in Africa for the first time added significance. Across the summits three sessions, PM Modi put forward several proposals and messages focusing on inclusive global development. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 6. First Meeting with Japan PM Sanae Takaichi PM Modi held his first in-person meeting with Japans Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. PM Takaichi expressed strong support for the AI Summit, scheduled to be hosted by India in February 2026. Both leaders reaffirmed shared values and their commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). First Published: November 24, 2025, 11:07 IST News india Terror Talk, Focus On Global South: Six Big Takeaways From PM Modis South Africa Visit 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... Two Nursing Students Killed After Vande Bharat Runs Over Them Near Kerala Station Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 09:19 IST Two nursing students from Pathanamthitta, died after being hit by Vande Bharat Express near Chikkabanavara. Police and railway officials are investigating. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The deceased have been identified as 19-year-old Sterlin Eliza Shaji and 20-year-old Justin Joseph. In a tragic incident two first-year BSc Nursing students were run over by a speeding Vande Bharat Express near the Chikkabanavara railway station. The incident left both victims dead on the spot, their bodies severely dismembered on the tracks. Recommended Stories The deceased have been identified as 19-year-old Sterlin Eliza Shaji and 20-year-old Justin Joseph, both natives of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. The duo was studying at Sapthagiri College and reportedly lived in a nearby paying guest accommodation. According to preliminary information, the students were crossing the railway track on their way back to their PG when the accident occurred. Railway officials said the Vande Bharat train was approaching at high speed when the two came onto the tracks. Investigators suspect the possibility of an accident but have not ruled out suicide, and are verifying both angles. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Officers from the Bengaluru Rural Railway Police and Yeshwanthpur Railway Police Station have opened a UDR case and are gathering details about the students movements and background. Railway department authorities have also begun an internal inspection into the circumstances leading up to the incident. The bodies have been shifted to MS Ramaiah Hospital. Police have informed the families, who are currently travelling to Bengaluru. Location : Kerala, India, India First Published: November 24, 2025, 09:19 IST News india Two Nursing Students Killed After Vande Bharat Runs Over Them Near Kerala Station 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... Vadodara Woman Arrested For Killing Husband With Lover; Food Spiked, Strangled With Dupatta Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 12:31 IST Police said Gulbanu was arrested on Sunday evening, while her lover Tausif and another accomplice, known as Mama, remain absconding. Representative image (PTI) Vadodara Police on Sunday arrested a 25-year-old woman for allegedly murdering her husband five days earlier at their home in the citys Tandalja area. The woman, identified as Gulbanu Banjara, had initially claimed her husband, 32-year-old Irshad Banjara, died of a heart attack, but investigators later uncovered a plot involving her lover and an accomplice. According to The Times of India, Irshads family grew suspicious after noticing inconsistencies in Gulbanus behaviour following the burial. She was found to be on repeated phone calls on the day of the funeral, prompting the family to check her phone records, which showed prolonged conversations with an unknown number. Recommended Stories Police said Gulbanu was arrested on Sunday evening, while her lover Tausif and another accomplice, known as Mama, remain absconding. Investigators allege that on the night of November 18, Gulbanu mixed an unidentified substance into Irshads food to render him unconscious. Later that night, Tausif and Mama allegedly entered the house and strangled Irshad using Gulbanus dupatta after initial attempts to choke him with their hands failed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As reported by The Times of India, Irshads body was exhumed on November 24 after the family approached JP Road Police and requested a detailed probe. A postmortem conducted in the presence of a magistrate confirmed death by strangulation, leading police to register a murder case against all three accused. Police said Gulbanu and Irshad had been married for six years and shared three children. During questioning, she allegedly confessed to a year-long affair with Tausif, a tailor from her hometown in Uttar Pradesh. The two had initially planned to elope but later decided to kill Irshad instead, with the trio believed to have been plotting the murder for three months. Police teams have been formed to trace Tausif and Mama, who are suspected to be hiding in Mumbai. 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 24, 2025, 12:31 IST News india Vadodara Woman Arrested For Killing Husband With Lover; Food Spiked, Strangled With Dupatta 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... 'We've Given Evidence': Indian Envoy Calls For Collaboration With Canada To Deal With Extremists Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 14:03 IST The Indian envoy said India raised the presence of extremists with Canada since the Air India Kanishka bombing The India-Canada relations hit rock bottom following then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in 2023 of a potential Indian link to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. (File photo: X) The Indian envoy has called for collaborative efforts with the Canadian government to tackle the issue of extremists in Canada, of which New Delhi has already given credible evidence. Dinesh Patnaik, Indian Envoy to Canada, New Delhi, is taking action against gangs, like that of Lawrence Bishnoi, based on intelligence of its agencies. Recommended Stories In an interview with CBC, Patnaik said India raised the presence of extremists with Canada since the Air India Kanishka bombing. We were happy that the Bishnoi gang was proscribed in Canada. We have Lawrence Bishnois brother, who is in jail, and his other brother was in the US. He was extradited last week by the Americans to India to face charges. We are taking action on our front. Whatever intelligence we have about these gangs both the Bishnoi gang and Sikh gangs operating here with links to global cartels we are sharing. Today, just like the G20 meetings, terrorists across the world have their own organisations and their own ways of connecting with each other. There are groups here that are working with groups around the world. This is the kind of collaboration we require collaboration where we talk to each other about what threatens us and what threatens you, and exchange information to work together to keep people on the streets safe," he said. Patnaik said both countries need to have a relationship where they can discuss how people in both countries can be kept safe. For the last 40 years, we have been talking about the presence of extremists within Canada, since the Air India Kanishka bombing. We have been raising this issue and providing evidence. Both countries are mature enough, and we need a relationship where we can discuss how people can be kept safe on the streets Canadians safe on Canadian streets, and Indians safe on Indian streets. You have to understand that this is a dialogue between two countries. That is what the NSA dialogue was about trying to ensure intelligence sharing on operational hubs and financial flows," he added. Patnaiks remark comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. This was the second meeting between the two leaders. They earlier met in June on the margins of the G7 summit at Kananaskis in Canada. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The India-Canada relations hit rock bottom following then Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegations in 2023 of a potential Indian link to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India had dismissed his accusation as absurd". The two sides have taken several steps in recent months to normalise their relations. They have also agreed to revive several mechanisms to advance relations in a range of areas. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Ottawa, Canada First Published: November 24, 2025, 14:03 IST News india 'We've Given Evidence': Indian Envoy Calls For Collaboration With Canada To Deal With Extremists 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... With New CJI Surya Kant At Helm, Here's What The Supreme Court Collegium Will Look Like Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 15:04 IST With Justice Kants elevation, the Supreme Court Collegium now comprises him and Justices Vikram Nath, JK Maheshwari, BV Nagarathna, and MM Sundresh Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Born on February 10, 1962 in Hisar district of Haryana to a middle-class family, Justice Kant has gone on from being a small-town lawyer to the countrys highest judicial office. (PTI) Justice Surya Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, succeeding Justice BR Gavai. CJI Kant, who has been part of several landmark verdictsincluding on abrogation of Article 370 and Bihar electoral rolls revisionwill remain in the post for nearly 15 months. He will demit office on February 9, 2027 on attaining the age of 65 years. Born on February 10, 1962 in Hisar district of Haryana to a middle-class family, Justice Kant has gone on from being a small-town lawyer to the countrys highest judicial office. Recommended Stories Justice Kant, who penned several notable judgments in the Punjab and Haryana HC, was appointed the chief justice of Himachal Pradesh HC on October 5, 2018. Apart from his landmark judgments, he is also credited with directing that one-third of seats in bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, be reserved for women. Delineating his top two priorities as the head of the judiciary, CJI Kant recently told the media that dealing with a huge backlog of more than five crore cases across courts and promoting game changer" mediation as an alternative mode of dispute resolution will be his two important goals. With Justice Kants elevation, the Supreme Court Collegium now comprises him and Justices Vikram Nath, JK Maheshwari, BV Nagarathna, and MM Sundresh. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Supreme Court Collegium is made up of the five senior-most judges of the court. It is responsible for appointing judges to the Supreme Court and for deciding on the transfer of High Court judges. For High Court appointments, the decisions are taken by the three senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. According to Bar and Bench, under CJI Kants tenure, the only change to the Collegium will be the joining of Justice PS Narasimha after Justice Maheshwari retires from service June 28, 2026. After CJI Kant retires on February 9, 2027, Justice JB Pardiwala will enter the Collegium. 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 24, 2025, 15:04 IST News india With New CJI Surya Kant At Helm, Here's What The Supreme Court Collegium Will Look Like 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... Pilot Booked For Raping Crew Member In Bengaluru 5-Star Hotel During Layover Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 11:56 IST A woman co-pilot has accused a fellow pilot of raping her during a duty layover in Bengaluru, prompting a police investigation. Woman Co-Pilot Alleges Rape by Fellow Pilot During Bengaluru Layover (Accused in Photo) A woman co-pilot has accused a fellow pilot of raping her during a layover in Bengaluru while on duty for a chartered flight. The case was initially registered in Hyderabad and has since been transferred to Bengaluru Police for further investigation, as the alleged crime occurred there. According to the complaint, on 18 November the woman co-pilot and two male pilots travelled from Begumpet Airport on a special chartered flight to Bengaluru via Puttaparthi. As they were scheduled to operate another flight the following day, all three checked into the same hotel for the night. Recommended Stories After stepping out together in the evening, the group returned to the hotel. The accused, identified as pilot Rohit Sharan, allegedly asked the woman co-pilot to step outside with him for a smoke. She agreed, but instead of going outdoors, they walked towards his hotel room. When she reached the doorway, Sharan allegedly pulled her inside and raped her. The woman later returned to Hyderabad with the crew on 20 November. Upon arriving at Begumpet Airport, she reported the incident to the flight management and subsequently lodged a formal complaint at the Begumpet police station. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Based on her statement, the police registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). As the offence took place in Bengaluru, the case has been transferred to the jurisdictional police there, who will now lead the investigation. Authorities have stated that further inquiries are under way and appropriate action will follow. 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 First Published: November 24, 2025, 10:20 IST News india Pilot Booked For Raping Crew Member In Bengaluru 5-Star Hotel During Layover 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... What Modern Diners Want: Food That Looks Good, Sounds Good, And Feels Good Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 15:04 IST By appealing to multiple senses at once, dining becomes more enjoyable and memorable - an experience that stays with people long after they leave. Modern diners seek a multi-sensory dining experience. (Image: AI) Dining today is no longer a simple act of eating. Its an experience layered with emotion, design, storytelling, and mood. The new wave of restaurants understands that guests are looking for more than flavour; theyre searching for a memory, a feeling, a moment worth sharing. From lighting and music to colour, aroma and plating, the modern dining experience is crafted with the same detail once reserved for fine art. The result? Food that resonates long after the table has been cleared. Taste Meets Culture, Community, And Creativity Recommended Stories This shift is being led by brands tapping into culture, connection and digital inspiration. As Richi Khandelwal, Founder of Lumaa, explains, Innovation isnt just a response. Its a rhythm. Every post, flavour, and experience reflects a culture that moves fast, shares boldly, and craves authenticity." Todays diners want transparency, wellness, colour and stories as much as they want good food, and brands are building experiences that honour that desire. Ambience Is Now An Ingredient Pooja Arora, Founder, Roma, emphasises that, Restaurants today arent just about food anymore. The best ones understand that atmosphere and music are just as important as whats on the plate." Your surroundings shape how you taste flavors. A great song can make an ordinary bite feel extraordinary and special. When all these elements come together with intention, eating something becomes memorable,it enables people to genuinely want to talk about and return to it again and again," explains Pooja. A shift in lighting, a curated playlist, a considered art wall these elements can dramatically shift how a dish is perceived. Designing For All Five Senses The sensory-first trend extends to restaurants where food is crafted to be experienced beyond taste alone. Every meal is designed to spark the senses," says Dr. Shruti Malik, Co-Founder, Anardana. With sizzling sounds, vibrant plating, aromatic spices and warm, buzzing energy, the space ensures that flavour becomes something you can see, hear and feel not just taste. Aashi Gupta, Co-founder of The Salt Cafe, echoes this philosophy. Soft lighting, botanical aromas, curated music, thoughtfully plated dishes all work together to set the mood," she says. A New Blueprint For Memorable Dining top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The future of dining is multi-dimensional. Guests are no longer satisfied with a good dish. They crave an atmosphere that reflects their mood, a palette that speaks to their aesthetics and an experience that engages more than their taste buds. Restaurants that understand this are leading a new culinary era where creativity, culture and sensory design come together on the plate and in the space around it. The next chapter of dining belongs to places that can make guests feel something, not just feed them. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 24, 2025, 15:04 IST News lifestyle food What Modern Diners Want: Food That Looks Good, Sounds Good, And Feels Good Is This The Future Of Stress Relief? Rage Rooms Let You Break Before You Break Down Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 08:00 IST Rage rooms promise fast relief by letting people break things in a controlled space. But do they truly heal, or just package chaos as a quick fix? Rage rooms: the modern escape where chaos meets emotional release (Image-AI) Human beings have always known that sometimes the fastest route to calm is through chaos. Across cultures, destruction as a symbolic outlet has existed for centuries from Greeces plate-smashing traditions to Spains La Tomatina festival and even Indias Holi, where colour becomes catharsis, cultures have embraced destruction as a form of emotional reset. In many ways, rage rooms simply industrialise this ancient impulse, turning raw emotion into a curated experience where breaking things is not a problem. Long before rage rooms became Instagrammable stress-busters, people found release in controlled chaos. Recommended Stories Here, a group of young professionals wait outside, helmets in hand, laughing nervously as they watch a stranger walk out flushed, sweaty, and oddly relieved. This is not the set of an action movie, nor is it the aftermath of a workplace meltdown. It is a rage room, or as many call it, a smash room, one of the fastest-growing stress relief trends sweeping through Indian cities. What Are Rage Rooms? Rage rooms, or anger rooms, or smash rooms are recreational facilities where people pay to destroy various objects in a controlled environment. The concept of a rage room is simple: participants are protected with headgear, weapons of destruction and a room full of items to smash, break and demolish. These venues are thought to have first originated in Japan around 2008, where they were called venting places" or stress-releasing rooms." These rooms were designed to help the overwhelmed business professionals find relief from the pressures of corporate life. And for many, this destruction is not mindless chaos, its catharsis. The trend quickly spread globally with rage rooms, now found in major cities in India and abroad. But how did India, a country that traditionally encourages emotional restraint and composure, especially in public settings, become fertile ground for something as radically expressive as rage rooms? The answer might lie in the pressures shaping modern Indian life. Between rising work anxiety and the digital exhaustion of being always on toes in relationships and at work, anger and frustration have found new pathways amid the lingering aftershocks of the pandemic. While talking or deep breathing exercises remain valuable, a mass audience is relying on something more immediate and physical, i.e. rage rooms. Rise Of Rage Room In India The concept of rage rooms is surprisingly simple. Over the last few years, rage rooms have sprouted in metro cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, and even tier-2 hubs like Jaipur and Chandigarh. Rage Rooms Bangalores Marketing Executive, Neha M. Krishna, summarised the trend, We are all overwhelmed by fast-paced, high-pressure urban life and want something safe, fun, and non-judgmental. Rage rooms offer exactly that." For young individuals drowning under expectations, societal pressures and deadlines, the opportunity to release pent-up emotions in a controlled environment feels empowering and rebellious. Why Are People Choosing Physical Release Over Talking? The rise of rage rooms reflects a cultural shift: anger is no longer the taboo it once was, especially for women, who were encouraged to suppress or internalise strong emotions. According to the study published by the University of Colorado Anschutz earlier this year, assistant professor Emily Hemendinger notes: People are overwhelmed, burnt out, and angry. Many are seeking ways to regain a sense of control. Outlets like rage rooms reflect a shift toward externalising emotions in more socially accepted ways." The study also adds that anger, once dismissed as negative or shameful, is now recognised as an important emotional signal. When handled well, it can promote growth and fuel change. Rage rooms are capitalising on the need for an immediate outlet, especially for those who feel disconnected from traditional emotional expression. Neha Krishna explains, Many people walk out feeling lighter, relaxed, and in a clearer headspace. Its important to let go of pent-up emotions." The psychological foundation of rage rooms lies in catharsis theory the idea that releasing aggressive energy through action can reduce anger. The University of Colorado Anschutz study asserts, Despite how good it may feel in the moment, theres little scientific evidence supporting catharsis as an effective long-term strategy. Acting out anger physically can sometimes reinforce aggression." Physical release may feel good immediately, but it does not necessarily address the root cause of the anger. The study acknowledges, Activities like rage rooms can be fun, novel, and mood-boosting They help people who struggle to verbalise emotions start releasing them in small, manageable ways." Rage Rooms As Indias New Urban Coping Mechanism Urban India is grappling with unprecedented levels of stress, academic competition, demanding jobs, rising living costs, social comparison and information overload. Neha observes a clear demographic trend: Rage Rooms are gaining attention among students, working professionals, and Gen Z as a mode of stress relief. Some come because they are stressed and want to let out anger they cannot show to people or things." Can Rage Rooms Become A Crutch? According to the study published by CU Anschutz, When aggressive expression becomes a default or exclusive coping method, it can be harmful It can train people to equate frustration with violence." Neha, on the other hand, talks about the same concern: They can become a crutch if you depend on it completely. Smashing becomes a quick escape instead of processing what is really going on." Therefore, professionals suggest pairing rage room visits with healthier emotional tools such as therapy, exercise, journaling or meditation. Old School Ways vs The New Smash Culture Before rage rooms, people vented through quieter methods, including: Writing or journaling Dialling a friend Dancing Running Meditation Creative expression The CU Anschutz study reinforces, A healthy emotional regulation plan should include multiple coping strategies, physical outlets can complement emotional growth, not replace it." Rage rooms should not be seen as a primary therapy but as one part of a balanced self-care system. Smashing As Culture? How Have Humans Found Ways To Release Emotions? Destructive release is not a modern innovation. Humans have been using safe destruction" for centuries now. Greek plate-smashing during celebrations Spains Tomatina a joyful tomato fight British fairs Smash the Crockery" games Holi, where social boundaries dissolve under colour and chaos Where Do Rage Rooms Stand In Emotional Well-Being? The CU Anschutz study concludes, These outlets can complement emotional wellness, but they should be paired with introspection or therapy to address root causes." Neha also thinks, Visitors at the rage room definitely feel calmer and relieved. It is a unique experience. There are 0% chances of someone regretting it." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Are Rage Rooms Here To Stay? Indias rage room industry stands at a crossroads. With rising mental health awareness and urban stress, demand is growing. As Indians are ready to explore unconventional ways to release the pressure building inside them, Neha says, People should not cope. They should let go. Letting go has to be the new trendwhether or not it involves breaking things." First Published: November 24, 2025, 08:00 IST News lifestyle Is This The Future Of Stress Relief? Rage Rooms Let You Break Before You Break Down 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 24, 2025, 23:26 IST Dharmendra Death News Highlights: Indian cinema icon Dharmendra passed away on Monday morning at his residence in Mumbais Juhu area after a brief illness. He was 89 and died just weeks before his 90th birthday on December 8, 2025. The actors final rites were performed at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle. Dharmendra had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on October 31 after experiencing breathlessness. A long list of film personalities gathered to bid him farewell. His wife Hema Malini, frequent co-star Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and several others were seen at the last rites under tight security arrangements. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were among the many leaders who expressed their condolences on social media, remembering the legendary actors towering presence in Indian cinema. Dharmendras final on-screen appearance will be in Sriram Raghavans much-awaited war drama Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda. The film is scheduled for release on December 25, 2025. This comes shortly after Dharmendras family had expressed frustration earlier this month when false death rumours had begun circulating online. His children, Sunny and Esha, had urged the public not to spread unverified news. Dharmendra remains one of Hindi cinemas most iconic and beloved stars, remembered for unforgettable performances in films such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Dream Girl, Dharam Veer and Mera Gaon Mera Desh. Dharmendra is survived by a large and close-knit family. He leaves behind his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and his second wife, actress Hema Malini. From his first marriage, he is survived by sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita. From his second marriage to Hema Malini, he is survived by daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. The Deol family, one of Bollywoods most respected film dynasties, is currently grieving the loss of the veteran actor while fans and colleagues mourn across the country. Shah Rukh Khan Pens Heartfelt Note For 'Father Figure' Dharmendra, Says 'You Are Immortal' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 23:15 IST Shah Rukh Khan said that Dharmendra's legacy will live on through his work. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Dharmendra and Shah Rukh Khan shared a close bond. Shah Rukh Khan has penned a heartfelt tribute for Dharmendra as the veteran actor passed away on November 24. As Bollywood mourns the loss of veteran actor Dharmendra, tributes and condolences are pouring in on social media. Dharmendra, one of Indian cinemas most celebrated stars, has passed away at the age of 89. Shah Rukh Khan took to X and wrote, Rest in Peace Dharam ji. You were nothing short of a father figure to me thank u for showering me with blessings and love the way you did. An inconsolable and irreplaceable loss to not just his family, but to cinema and film lovers world over. You are immortal and your soul will live through your films and your beautiful family forever. Love you always." Recommended Stories SRK also shared a happy picture with Dharmendra. Have a look at his post here: Rest in Peace Dharam ji. You were nothing short of a father figure to me thank u for showering me with blessings and love the way you did. An inconsolable and irreplaceable loss to not just his family, but to cinema and film lovers world over. You are immortal and your soul pic.twitter.com/Vsxe8C8qVZ Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 24, 2025 Many tributes have poured in for the late veteran actor today. Ranveer Singh, who was recently seen with Dharmendra in Rocky Aur Ranii Aur Prem Kahaani, shared a throwback photo with the actor. Kiara Advani also shared Dharmendras image. Sidharth Malhotra wrote, Years of memories and magic, on and off screen thank you for everything, Dharam sir. My thoughts and prayers with the family. Om Shanti " Rajinikanth, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Mahesh Babu, among others, also paid their respects. Varun Dhawan took to his Instagram Stories and wrote, Rest in peace, Dharam Ji. You were a true star, larger than life on screen and just so incredibly kind off it. Feeling so grateful for the time spent I got to spend in your presence. Om Shanti ." For the unversed, Dharmendra had been receiving medical care at home after being discharged from Mumbais Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been admitted due to prolonged illness. Doctors had been monitoring him daily, and although his condition had briefly improved after his discharge, he eventually succumbed to his illness. Meanwhile, an official confirmation from the Deol family is awaited. Earlier today, an ambulance was seen leaving the actors home shortly after noon. Soon after, his son Sunny Deol, daughter Esha Deol and wife Hema Malini were photographed arriving at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai. Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were also seen reaching the Vile Parle crematorium dressed in white. Aamir Khan was spotted at Dharmendras residence. 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 24, 2025, 23:15 IST News movies bollywood Shah Rukh Khan Pens Heartfelt Note For 'Father Figure' Dharmendra, Says 'You Are Immortal' Joined For BJP's 'India Shining', Quit Due To 'Emotional Toll': Dharmendra's Short-Lived Political Career Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 18:49 IST Veteran actor Dharmendra, who died at 89, tasted immediate electoral success when he joined the BJP in 2004 but did not last long enough in politics to carve out a path for himself In this photo from March 24, 2004, actor Dharmendra addresses a press conference after joining the BJP in New Delhi. (Image: PTI/File) An enduring icon of Indian cinema, who defined six decades of Hindi film history, veteran actor Dharmendras foray into politics was short-lived yet memorable. Dharmendra, who died at 89 on Monday, tasted immediate electoral success much like his wife Hema Malini and eldest son Sunny Deol who won Lok Sabha elections from Mathura and Gurdaspur years later but did not last long enough in politics to carve out a path for himself. Recommended Stories In a 2008 interview with PTI, he had said as advice to fellow film personalities: I wont say that coming into politics was a mistake but, yes, an actor should not come into politics as it divides the audience and general acceptance among fans. An actor should always remain an actor." Follow Dharmendra Death News LIVE Updates Here WHY DID DHARMENDRA JOIN THE BJP? Inspired by the BJPs India Shining" campaign, Dharmendra the beloved legend of films like Sholay (1975) and Satyakam (1969) entered the political arena in 2004. His entry into the BJP followed meetings with prominent leaders, including LK Advani and Shatrughan Sinha. He successfully contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2004, securing Rajasthans Bikaner, even though the BJP, then led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, faced a massive electoral defeat. Drawing on his star power and Punjabi charm, he struck a chord with the voters and defeated the Congress candidate, Rameshwar Lal Dudi, by at least 60,000 votes. His massive popularity and outspoken attitude were key factors in his victory, which secured him a seat as an MP in the 14th Lok Sabha. WHY DID DHARMENDRA QUIT POLITICS? But, Dharmendra a star in his own right could not keep up with the glamour of political life that quickly faded for him. He completed his five-year term in 2009 but never contested an election again. This was also partly due to the severe criticism he faced over being an absentee" MP, which is a term that plagues most film personalities who become politicians. The actor was accused of limited public engagement and minimal attendance in Parliament, with reports suggesting he often preferred shooting films or staying at his farmhouse. Despite the criticism, however, many of his supporters insisted that he worked sincerely behind the scenes on constituency issues. He, too, defended his efforts, stating that his office kept him apprised of constituents demands. His swift departure from active politics mainly stemmed from deep disillusionment with the political process and a feeling that such an environment was unsuitable for him. Actor Sunny Deol later shared that his father regretted entering politics and described the experience as emotionally draining for him and unsuited to his temperament. In fact, Dharmendra once lamented the inner workings of the system and lack of credit for his efforts. Kaam main karta tha, credit koi aur le jaata tha (I used to do all the work, but the credit would go to someone else) Perhaps that place wasnt for me," Dharmendra had said. His strongest statements also revealed the emotional toll politics had taken on him. At a public event in Ludhiana in 2010, he had expressed profound regret. I felt suffocated in politics. I was emotionally dragged into the fieldthe day I agreed, I went to the washroom and banged my head into the mirror regretting what I had done. Politics is something I never wanted to do," he had said. Even after the actor stepped away, the family maintained its political presence. His wife, Hema Malini, became a three-time MP from Mathura and had previously served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2004 to 2009. She noted that he was initially against her contesting, telling her not to because he found it a very difficult task" based on his experience. Despite his own unhappiness with politics, Dharmendra supported Sunny Deol in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections when he joined the BJP and contested from Punjabs Gurdaspur. He even addressed a rally there for him, stressing that he was not a politician and was only there to speak from the heart, not to give speeches". I do not give speeches, I just talk to people. What is in a speech? I am not a politician," he had said. Sunny went on to win the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat by over 82,000 votes, defeating Congress leader Sunil Jakhar. But, much like his father, he chose not to return to active politics after completing his term. SAD FOR MY FARMER BROTHERS Though he would rarely voice his thoughts on national and social issues, Dharmendra stood up for the agricultural community during the 2020 farmer protests. He had appealed to the central government to quickly find a solution" to the farmers problems. I request the government please quickly find a solution to the farmers problems the number of corona cases are on a rise in Delhi it is painful," he had posted on X. However, he later deleted the post, which led to criticism from many social media users. When one user suggested he deleted the post as he must have felt helpless, he replied: I felt sad by remarks like these, and hence deleted my tweet. You can abuse me to your hearts content, I am happy that you are happy. I am sad for my farmer brothers. The government should find a solution fast, nobody is listening to us." (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 First Published: November 24, 2025, 18:20 IST News movies Joined For BJP's 'India Shining', Quit Due To 'Emotional Toll': Dharmendra's Short-Lived Political Career Opinion | Celebrating Peace And Harmony, The Common Import Of All Religions Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 10:05 IST The One World One Family Festival 2025 demonstrated that celebrating humanitys shared heritage is one of the most powerful ways to foster global unity. The festival, which unfolded over several days, stood as a testimony to the vision of Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, who has long championed the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam the world is one family. (Image: X/sri_madhu_sai) Sathya Sai Grama recently hosted the One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025, a landmark celebration that brought together diverse cultures, art forms, and philosophies from across the globe. The festival, which unfolded over several days, stood as a testimony to the vision of Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, who has long championed the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam the world is one family." By showcasing performances from 100 nations, the festival underscored the universal language of art and the unifying power of culture in an increasingly fragmented world. The festivals main theme revolved around global harmony, human excellence, and the promotion of peace across nations and communities. From the rhythmic beats of African drums to the delicate melodies of European classical music, from the grace of Asian traditional dance to the vibrant spirit of the Americas, each performance celebrated the richness of human creativity while emphasising the common threads that bind humanity together. Recommended Stories A significant highlight of the festival was the address by Mufti Manzoor Zayee, a respected Islamic scholar renowned for his insights on interfaith harmony and community leadership. Mufti Zayees participation added depth to the event, linking spiritual wisdom with contemporary efforts to promote peace. In his address, Mufti Zayee reflected on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasizing values such as compassion, justice, tolerance, and respect for all human beings. He highlighted that the Prophets life provides timeless guidance on how communities can coexist harmoniously despite differences in faith, language, and culture. Drawing parallels with the festivals vision, Mufti Zayee said that cultural exchanges and celebrations like these help societies internalise these values practically, beyond theoretical knowledge. Mufti Zayee also praised the festival for its inclusive approach, which allowed artists, scholars, and participants from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds to engage, interact, and learn from one another. He remarked that such initiatives are especially vital in todays world, where social and political tensions often lead to misunderstanding and division. The festival, he said, serves as a living example of how culture can be harnessed to cultivate empathy and strengthen bonds between communities. Religious teachings, when understood correctly, are a source of guidance for harmony, peace, and mutual respect," he said. It is inspiring to witness a platform like the One World One Family Festival that embodies these principles, bringing people of different faiths together under the banner of human unity. Leaders like Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai are playing a crucial role in nurturing this understanding in India and across the world." A recurring theme throughout the festival was the promotion of religious harmony and mutual respect. The dialogue between spiritual leaders, scholars, and cultural ambassadors reinforced the notion that differences in religion and culture are not barriers but opportunities. Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sais vision of One World One Family is grounded in the philosophy that cultural and spiritual experiences can serve as vehicles for global transformation. By bringing together participants from over 100 nations, the festival creates a microcosm of the world one where collaboration, understanding, and shared celebration are possible despite differences. The festival also included workshops, interactive sessions, and panel discussions where participants and scholars explored topics such as peace-building, youth leadership, environmental sustainability, and the role of arts in conflict resolution. These sessions were designed to ensure that the festivals impact extended beyond the performances, fostering learning, dialogue, and actionable ideas for participants to carry into their communities. Mufti Zayee, in particular, addressed the young participants directly, urging them to internalise the values of compassion, service, and respect for all human beings. He emphasised that youth are the torchbearers of peace and that fostering understanding through cultural exchange is one of the most effective ways to prevent conflict and discrimination. A major focus of the festival was engaging youth from across India and the globe. By inviting young artists, students, and cultural enthusiasts, the festival aimed to nurture the next generation of leaders who value diversity and inclusion. Youth participants were encouraged to share their perspectives, collaborate on projects, and take home lessons of empathy, respect, and social responsibility. The One World One Family Festival also made significant digital and media outreach, ensuring that its message reached audiences beyond the physical venue. Live streaming, social media highlights, and interviews with performers and scholars amplified the festivals reach, allowing millions to witness the celebration of unity, diversity, and harmony. The festival garnered attention not only for its scale but also for its impact in promoting cross-cultural understanding. Experts noted that such events create lasting networks of artists, scholars, and youth committed to building bridges across societies, and inspire similar initiatives worldwide. The One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025 was more than a cultural showcase; it was a manifestation of a global vision for peace, unity, and shared humanity. Through the combined efforts of Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Mufti Manzoor Zayee, and hundreds of artists, scholars, and volunteers, the festival created a space where differences were celebrated, dialogue was encouraged, and values of compassion, tolerance, and harmony were lived and experienced. Mufti Zayees contributions, in particular, highlighted the interconnection between spiritual wisdom and practical peacebuilding, showing that the teachings of faith leaders can complement cultural initiatives to create a more harmonious world. By blending art, spirituality, and dialogue, the festival not only entertained but also educated, inspired, and empowered audiences, leaving a lasting impression that unity, respect, and understanding are the true markers of a global family. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As the festival concluded, participants and attendees departed with renewed hope that such initiatives can shape a world where diversity is embraced, conflict is minimised, and peace becomes a shared commitment. The One World One Family Festival 2025 has set a benchmark for future global cultural exchanges, demonstrating that celebrating humanitys shared heritage is one of the most powerful ways to foster global unity. The author is Editor, Brighter Kashmir, author, TV commentator, political analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Location : Srinagar, India, India First Published: November 24, 2025, 10:05 IST News opinion Opinion | Celebrating Peace And Harmony, The Common Import Of All Religions 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 | Supreme Blow To Opposition Hopes On Gubernatorial Powers Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 13:07 IST Opposition-aligned voices, whose expectations of judicial restraint on governors have collapsed after the constitution bench ruling, need a legal reality check Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The Supreme Court of India. (PTI File) The hopes of opposition-aligned cheerleaders who had spent months predicting a judicial blow to governors appointed by the Narendra Modi government were decisively dashed when a constitution bench of the Supreme Court delivered its opinion on the reference made by President Droupadi Murmu. For months, activists, commentators and friendly media platforms portrayed the hearings as a historic opportunity for the judiciary to curtail gubernatorial discretion in states governed by anti-BJP parties ruling different states. Yet when the opinion finally arrived, it upheld the very constitutional architecture they had expected the judiciary to rewrite. What these disruptive voices had anticipated was a dramatic reconfiguration of Articles 200 and 201 of the Constitution of India. They had hoped the judiciary would impose binding timelines on governors for granting or withholding assent to bills passed by state legislatures, or perhaps even validate the notion of deemed assent when an unconstitutional deadline they were praying for would not be honoured. This excitement was amplified during the hearings that began in August, when selective interpretations of judicial questions were circulated as evidence that the court was preparing to discipline governors. Recommended Stories Instead, the constitution bench reaffirmed principles that have existed since the early decades of the republic. It held that Articles 200 and 201, which define how governors and the president handle bills, were crafted to provide elasticity, not rigid procedure. That elasticity, the bench said, could not be judicially erased. Timelines cannot be invented. Deemed assent is constitutionally impermissible. The judiciary cannot substitute itself for a constitutional authority. It can intervene only when there is prolonged and unexplained inaction, and even then, only to the most limited extent. This clear affirmation of constitutional boundaries has exposed the gap, rather canyon, between political expectations and constitutional reasoning. It is a gap created not by the court but by those who chose to view the hearings through a partisan lens rather than a constitutional one. Media narrative shaped by selective readings, political desires To understand the scale of the disappointment among opposition-aligned commentators, one must return to the earlier two-judge ruling that had criticised delays by the governor of Tamil Nadu. That ruling, which suggested timelines for action under Article 200 and even urged a three-month outer limit for presidential decisions under Article 201, was seized upon as proof that the judiciary had lost patience with gubernatorial inaction. This interpretation, however, overlooked decades of constitutional jurisprudence. Legal scholars had quickly pointed out that the two-judge ruling was an outlier. It sat uneasily beside earlier judgments that cautioned against judicial intrusion into executive discretion. The media excitement nevertheless intensified. Opinion pieces argued that governors had become political instruments and that the judiciary now had an opportunity to restore federal balance. Such commentary rarely acknowledged the foundational judgments that have shaped the limits of judicial review over constitutional authorities. As early as Shamsher Singh v State of Punjab, a seven-judge bench made it clear that while governors ordinarily acted on ministerial advice, their constitutional position retained pockets of discretion. That judgment insisted that the structure demanded constitutional sensitivity rather than rigid procedural prescription. Likewise, in Nabam Rebia v Deputy Speaker, the Supreme Court held that governors could not exercise discretion in a manner that destabilised elected governments. But the judgment also underscored the principle that constitutional offices derived their powers from text, convention and constitutional morality, not from judicial invention. The judgment preserved rather than diluted the elasticity of Article 200. Decades earlier, in Hoechst Pharmaceuticals v State of Bihar, the court had warned against judicial substitution in areas where constitutional or legislative authorities have been granted decision-making primacy. The judiciary can examine constitutional abuse but cannot reengineer the constitutional design. Yet these principles were almost absent from the commentary that surrounded the recent hearings instead, political agitation shaped expectations. In West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, the dispute between governors and elected governments had already been framed as a centre-state clash. Activists portrayed governors as obstacles. State leaders accused them of obstructionism. Media outlets sympathetic to these governments began positioning the Supreme Court as a corrective force that would rein them in. The hearings became a referendum of sorts, not on constitutional interpretation but on political sentiment. Opposition-leaning commentators inflated the proceedings into a decisive confrontation. Social media content repeatedly circulated claims that the court was preparing to punish governors for sitting on bills". Selective excerpts from hearings were framed as institutional critique. Constitutional complexity was reduced to an activists campaign-style rhetoric. This environment fuelled expectations that the constitution bench would dismantle or dilute the role of governors. The fact that the bench was operating under the narrow and formal constraints of a reference under Article 143 was conveniently overlooked. A presidential reference does not authorise judicial legislation. It authorises constitutional interpretation limited by text, structure and precedent. But the disruptive voices that dominated commentary did not engage with such limitations. They had already decided what the outcome should be. Their disappointment was inevitable. Constitution bench restores constitutional clarity The constitution bench approached the matter with fidelity to the text of Articles 200 and 201. The judgment stressed that these provisions were crafted with intention. They allow governors to return bills for reconsideration, reserve them for the president or grant assent. The architecture does not include timelines because the framers did not consider such timelines appropriate. Instead, the structure reflects the balance between state legislatures, governors and the union executive. Article 361, which protects governors from judicial proceedings in respect of their official acts, further underlines that the office is insulated from direct judicial coercion. That insulation supports the principle that timelines cannot be imposed. The judiciary can examine only whether inaction has reached a point where constitutional obligation has effectively been abandoned. It cannot dictate the manner or pace of decision-making. The ruling viewed deemed assent through an equally clear prism. The bench held that such a doctrine would require the judiciary to assume a function assigned by the constitution to governors and the president. This would violate the doctrine of separation of powers, which has long been recognised as part of the basic structure of the Constitution of India. This position is consistent with earlier jurisprudence. In SR Bommai v Union of India, the court insisted that the judiciary could not intrude into the subjective areas of executive decision-making except in cases of clear constitutional malpractice. In State of Rajasthan v Union of India, the court held that constitutional authorities must be given space to perform their roles without constant judicial second-guessing. In Rameshwar Prasad v Union of India, the court reaffirmed that judicial review exists but is limited. The judiciary cannot take decisions on behalf of constitutional bodies. The constitution bench built upon these principles. By rejecting deemed assent, it refused to convert itself into a constitutional substitute. By rejecting timelines, it refused to legislate judicially. By reaffirming limited judicial review, it restored coherence to the constitutional framework. This clarity has shattered the political expectations that had built up around the hearings. The opposition-aligned commentators who had imagined a dramatic reprimand of governors were left to grapple with the reality that the court has once again affirmed the limits of its own role. Partisan political commentary The ruling forces a reassessment of the arguments that dominated the public discourse. The opposition narrative presented governors as political adversaries of state governments. The expectation was that the highest court of the country would treat delays and reservations as constitutional misconduct and therefore intervene aggressively. But the ruling shows that such an expectation was never grounded in constitutional law. Governors do not hold administrative positions under statutory regulation. They hold constitutional offices defined by Articles 153 to 162, shaped by convention and informed by federal practice. Their actions are open to review only when they cross into clear constitutional impropriety, not when they take time or exercise discretion within the latitude granted by the constitution. The constitution benchs opinion thus serves as a reality check. Commentary that had framed the judiciary as an instrument to advance political grievances has now been exposed as legally untenable. The constitution does not bend to political strategy. It does not adjust itself to partisan enthusiasm. It has its own internal logic, its own historical development, its own safeguards. For the opposition, this ruling disrupts the narrative that the judiciary would act as a counterweight to governors. For the central government, the verdict is not a triumph but a confirmation that political campaigns cannot reshape constitutional positions. For the judiciary, the ruling reinforces its own tradition of self-restraint. The real setback is for those who misled public opinion by falsely presenting the hearings as a prelude to gubernatorial curtailment. Their selective analysis has now been repudiated not by politics but by constitutional adjudication. Indian democracy requires institutions to honour boundaries. Governors cannot convert discretion into obstruction. Courts cannot convert judicial review into constitutional redesign. Legislatures cannot convert political disagreement into demands for judicial activism. The constitution benchs ruling restores this equilibrium. It reminds the polity that constitutional processes cannot be commandeered for partisan ends. It reasserts the constitutional truth that judicial power strengthens itself by acknowledging its own limits. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For the disruptive voices who had pinned their hopes on a judicial intervention against governors, the verdict has delivered a hard lesson: constitutional adjudication is not a tool for political convenience. It is the guardian of constitutional design. The author is a senior journalist and writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: November 24, 2025, 13:07 IST News opinion Opinion | Supreme Blow To Opposition Hopes On Gubernatorial Powers 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 24, 2025, 14:39 IST 1 / 6 The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board has opened the application process for Home Guard posts. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official portal of UPPBPB at uppbpb.gov.in. This recruitment drive aims to fill 41,424 vacancies across Uttar Pradesh. (Image: PTI) + Follow us On Google 2 / 6 The last date to submit the application form is December 17, 2025. Candidates can pay the examination fee until December 20, 2025. Applicants are advised to read all instructions carefully while filling the form to avoid mistakes during verification. (Representational Image/Getty) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 6 For Home Guard enrolment, candidates must have passed Class 10 from a recognised board in India. Qualifications considered equal to high school by the Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education will also be accepted. The age limit is 18 to 30 years, and applicants should be born between July 1, 1995 and July 1, 2007. (Representational Image/PTI) 4 / 6 The selection process includes a written examination. The test will have 100 questions for a total of 100 marks, and the duration will be two hours. The exam will be conducted on an OMR sheet where each question will have four answer options. Candidates must choose the most appropriate option. (Representational Image/Getty) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 6 The application fee for General, EWS and OBC categories is Rs 400. The fee for SC and ST category applicants is Rs 300. Payment can be completed through online methods available on the official recruitment website. (Representational Image) Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 14:34 IST 1 / 10 Fondly known as the He-Man of Bollywood, Dharmendra leaves behind a cinematic legacy that shaped heroism, romance, and emotional storytelling of Hindi cinema for more than six decades. (Image: Instagram) + Follow us On Google 2 / 10 Born Dharmendra Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Sahnewal, Punjab, his journey from a small-town boy to one of Indian cinemas most charismatic leading men is inspiring. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 The actor moved to Mumbai after winning a Filmfare talent contest and began his film career in the late 1950s. (Image: Instagram) 4 / 10 Dharmendra rose to prominence in the 1960s, starring in films like Bandini (1963), Haqeeqat (1964), and Anupama (1966). His screen presence was unmatched with his deep voice, expressive eyes and effortless charm. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 By 1970, the actor established himself as a leading box-office draw, headlining action dramas, comedies, and romance with equal ease. (Image: Instagram) 6 / 10 His collaboration with filmmaker Ramesh Sippy and co-stars Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Raj Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore produced some of Indian cinemas most memorable moments. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 Despite his stardom, Dharmendra remained deeply grounded and is known for his humility and humour. (Image: Instagram) 8 / 10 His co-stars frequently described him as warm, respectful and unpretentious. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 His legacy will live on through his unforgettable performances and the memories he gifted to millions of fans. (Image: Instagram) Cash, Property, Cars: Karnataka BJP Alleges Horse-Trading Within Congress Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 23, 2025, 20:26 IST The comments come as the Congress government completes two-and-a-half years in office, a point that has revived ongoing talk about a power-sharing arrangement. BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy (Credits: IANS) The political climate in Karnataka heated up on Sunday after senior BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy claimed that internal groups within the ruling Congress were trying to buy" their own MLAs with cash, property and high-end vehicles. His remarks come at a time when speculation over a possible change of chief minister has resurfaced. Narayanaswamy alleged that Congress leaders linked to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar were involved in open horse-trading" as they attempted to strengthen their respective camps. According to him, the offers being discussed had touched extraordinary figures. Recommended Stories More than infighting, trading is happening in Congress," he told reporters. Earlier, we heard Rs 50 crore was being offered to each MLA. Now the bargaining has gone up. But the confirmed offer Ive heard is Rs 50 crore plus a flat and a Fortuner. This must be investigated," he added. The comments come as the Congress government completes two-and-a-half years in office, a point that has revived ongoing talk about a power-sharing arrangement a claim party leaders publicly deny, but one that continues to stir internal friction. Targets Surjewala, Seeks ED Probe Narayanaswamy intensified his attack by naming Randeep Singh Surjewala, the AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka. He alleged that Surjewala was doing business" with leaders seeking cabinet positions and claimed that demands for money had gone as high as Rs 200 crore. He also referred to the case involving MLA KC Veerendra Puppy, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, alleging that he had paid an advance". Surjewala should be arrested. He is doing business for ministerial posts," Narayanaswamy said, adding that he intended to write to the Enforcement Directorate about the matter. Congress Leaders Intoxicated By Power He further accused the Congress of misusing public money to purchase MLAs" and said the ruling party was behaving with arrogance because it enjoys the support of around 140 legislators. He warned that the BJP would respond politically if this continued. The BJP will not sit quietly if the Congress government continues indulging in horse-trading while ignoring peoples concerns," he said, noting that the partys next steps would be decided by state president BY Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka and other senior leaders. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Narayanaswamy also criticised Congresss Dalit leaders, saying they lack the guts" to push for a Dalit chief minister. If you have the guts, take the CM post. Dont mislead people with statements. Congress is like slow poison for Dalits. It has done injustice to Ambedkar," he said. The Congress has not yet responded to his allegations. About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: November 23, 2025, 20:26 IST News politics Cash, Property, Cars: Karnataka BJP Alleges Horse-Trading Within Congress 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 Mumbai Slips Away: Raj Thackeray Sounds Alarm Ahead Of BMC Polls Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 10:22 IST Raj Thackeray warns Marathi voters to stay vigilant ahead of crucial BMC elections, highlights voter list concerns amid tense Maharashtra politics. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. (X/@mnsadhikrut) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has issued a strong warning ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, calling it a decisive moment for the citys Marathi populace. Addressing supporters during the inauguration of the MNS Konkan Mahotsav on Sunday, Thackeray said the forthcoming civic polls carry extraordinary significance for the community, urging voters to stay vigilant" ahead of the BMC elections. Recommended Stories Thackeray, whose party has frequently faced allegations of targeting non-Marathi speakers, said the political climate surrounding the citys civic polls was growing increasingly tense and urged people to exercise caution. For the Marathi people, this BMC election will be the last crucial election," he said. If we remain careless, consider it gone from our hands." He added that if Mumbai slips out of our hands, these people will create havoc." He further raised concerns about alleged irregularities in voter lists. It is important for you to pay attention to whether the voters are genuine or bogus," he said. Thackerays sharpened stance comes months after he offered unconditional support to the Mahayuti alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, following the MNSs setback in the subsequent state polls, his tone and political positioning have shifted significantly. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Amid these shifting dynamics, the increasing proximity between Raj Thackeray and his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, has emerged as a major talking point in Maharashtras political circles. Once fierce rivals, the two now appear more in sync, not only at family gatherings but increasingly in their political posturing as well. Polling on December 2 will be conducted using EVMs to elect 6,859 members and 288 presidents across 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats. The counting of votes is scheduled for December 3. First Published: November 24, 2025, 10:22 IST News politics If Mumbai Slips Away: Raj Thackeray Sounds Alarm Ahead Of BMC 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... Jungle Safari Or Foreign Tour: BJP Taunts Congress As Rahul Gandhi Skips New CJIs Oath-Taking Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 11:21 IST Rahul Gandhis absence quickly became political ammunition for the BJP, which accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting a key constitutional occasion. BJP Slams Congress as Rahul Gandhi Skips Justice Surya Kants Swearing-In. File image/PTI Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking a significant moment for the judiciary. However, the event also generated political ripples after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was noticeably absent from the audience, triggering criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP targets Congress Recommended Stories Rahul Gandhis absence quickly became political ammunition for the BJP, which accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting a key constitutional occasion. BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya took aim at Congress on X, stating that the Leader of the Opposition was missing yet again" during an important national ceremony. He further linked the absence to the ongoing political crisis in Karnataka, where reported tensions persist between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Malviya argued that the Congress high command appeared paralysed" as it awaited consultations with Rahul Gandhi, whom he accused of showing little interest in resolving the turmoil. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also weighed in, calling Justice Surya Kants elevation a proud moment" for India and specifically for Haryana, the new CJIs home state. He questioned Rahul Babas reasons for skipping the event, saying sarcastically that he may have been on a jungle safari" or foreign tour". Poonawalla further alleged that the Congress had a history of ignoring national ceremonies, citing earlier instances involving Republic Day and Independence Day events. Justice Surya Kant takes oath as Chief Justice of IndiaProud moment for India and especially Haryana Entire Govt led by PM Modi was there but guess who was boycotting or absent?Rahul Baba Perhaps busy with Jungle Safari? Or foreign tour? Sad that congress boycotted R Day pic.twitter.com/58zAJc2tmR Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) November 24, 2025 Who all attended the oath ceremony? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Despite the political back-and-forth, the ceremony itself was attended by a host of prominent dignitaries. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath, with Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also present. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended alongside key members of the Union Cabinet, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Health Minister JP Nadda and several senior officials were also in attendance. 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 24, 2025, 11:16 IST News politics Jungle Safari Or Foreign Tour: BJP Taunts Congress As Rahul Gandhi Skips New CJIs Oath-Taking 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... Power Tussle Peaks In Karnataka; Third Group Of MLAs Backing Shivakumar Reaches Delhi Curated By : Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 12:15 IST Congress MLAs aligned with DK Shivakumar arrived in Delhi urging leadership to replace the CM, citing a promised mid-term power transfer. Siddaramaiah denies any leadership change. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google There has been much speculation about a possible leadership change in Karnataka, suggesting that CM Siddaramaiah (R) could step down to make way for his deputy DK Shivakumar (L). (Image: PTI/File) As the power struggle in Karnataka intensified, a third group of Congress MLAs aligned with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar arrived in Delhi overnight to reportedly urge the party high command to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Shivakumar. This comes after two batches of MLAs had travelled to Delhi last week, putting renewed pressure on the partys central leadership to address the long-discussed power-sharing formula as the Congress government in Karnataka crossed the halfway mark of its term. Recommended Stories A group of six to seven MLAs, including Iqbal Hussain, Basavaraj Shivaganga, and Kadaluru Uday have landed in Delhi. Amid the rapid political developments, Shivakumar also met minister KJ George, a senior leader known to be close to Siddaramaiah, on Sunday evening. George, along with Siddaramaiah, had earlier met Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Shivakumar and George are understood to have discussed the unfolding situation. Congress leaders aligned with Shivakumar claim that when Siddaramaiah was appointed Chief Minister in May 2023, the party leadership had assured a mid-term transfer of power to Shivakumar after 2.5 years. His camp is now pressing the high command to honour that commitment" and implement the power-sharing formula. Only Media Speculation However, Siddaramaiah on Saturday sought to quell growing political speculation, asserting there was no question of a leadership change in the state. The clarification came after he met Mallikarjun Kharge at the latters residence in Bengaluru, amid an ongoing power tussle within the ruling party. The CM stressed that the meeting was simply a courtesy call following Kharges return from New Delhi on Friday evening. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Apart from the courtesy call, we discussed the organisation and upcoming local body elections, including the Bengaluru municipal polls," the chief minister told PTI. The chief minister also claimed he did not question Kharge about the sudden gathering of several Congress MLAs from Karnataka in Delhi. If at all I have to gather information I will collect it from the intelligence department," he said. First Published: November 24, 2025, 11:24 IST News politics Power Tussle Peaks In Karnataka; Third Group Of MLAs Backing Shivakumar Reaches Delhi 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... 'Legend Who Touched Hearts For 6 Decades: Amit Shah, Political Class Pay Tributes To Dharmendra Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 15:17 IST Dharmendra, legendary Bollywood actor known as He-Man, passed away at 89. Anil Deshmukh and Sharad Pawar mourn his loss, recalling iconic roles in Sholay and other classics. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google As India mourns the passing of Dharmendra at 89, fans are revisiting the legendary dialogues that defined his charisma, intensity, and humour. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his deep condolences over the passing of Bollywood veteran Dharmendra, describing the legendary actor as an irreplaceable icon in Indian cinema. In a post on X, Shah said, The passing of Dharmendra ji, who touched the hearts of every citizen for six decades with his finest acting, is an irreplaceable loss for the Indian film world. Coming from an ordinary family, he carved an indelible identity for himself in the film industry." Recommended Stories He added, Dharmendra ji was one of those rare actors who brought every character he touched to life, and through this very art, he won the hearts of millions of viewers across all age groups. Through his acting, he will forever remain among us." 6 , , Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 24, 2025 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep grief over the passing of veteran actor Padma Bhushan Dharmendra, describing his death as the end of an era in Indian cinema. In a condolence message, Fadnavis recalled Dharmendra as a dazzling star who lit up the golden era of Hindi films, portraying a wide range of roles from dreamy young heroes to powerful, action-packed leads. He added that the actor, popularly known as Bollywoods He-Man," will always remain in the hearts of film enthusiasts. Dharmendras passing is a huge loss for Indian cinema. Our thoughts are with the Deol family and millions of his fans during this time of grief. May God give them the strength to bear this loss," Fadnavis added, paying a heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor who shaped a golden chapter in the history of Bollywood. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee described the demise of legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra as a huge loss for Indian cinema. Deeply saddened by the demise of the legendary actor-hero Dharmendra ji today in Mumbai. His immense contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family, fraternity, fans and followers. Hema Malini ji, his sons and daughters will carry his rich legacy now. May his soul rest in peace," she posted on X. NCP leader (SP) and former Maharashtra minister Anil Deshmukh on Monday expressed deep grief over the passing of veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, calling his death a shocking" loss for Indian cinema. In a post on X, Deshmukh said the legendary actor whose career spanned six decades and over 300 films had slipped behind the curtain of time," leaving millions of admirers mourning. Deshmukh remembered Dharmendra as both an excellent actor and a generous friend," noting that the star delivered unforgettable performances in films such as Phool Aur Patthar, Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Dharam Veer, Aankhen, Raja Jani, Gulaami, Pratiggya, and Yaadon Ki Baaraat. Calling him a versatile icon of the film world," Deshmukh said Dharmendra brought authenticity and emotional depth to every role he played, and that his absence leaves a void in Indian cinema. The actors death has triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the film industry and political spectrum. Sharad Pawar Expressed Grief NCP chief Sharad Pawar also expressed his grief over the passing of Dharmendra, describing the actor as a cinematic icon who left an indelible mark on Indian audiences. Pawar reminisced about the actors iconic character Veeru from Sholay, calling it a symbol of close friendship and a dynamic hero" that continues to resonate with fans. He added that scenes such as Dharmendra atop the water tank in Sholay are still fondly referenced in popular culture, including by political workers during protest movements. Pawar concluded by paying heartfelt tribute to the Dharam Paaji of the film industry" and extending condolences to the actors family. Not Just Good Actor But Also A Good, Simple Human Being Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also remembered Dharmendra as a man of remarkable talent and humility, saying the legendary star will be missed not only for his cinematic achievements but also for his simplicity and personal warmth. Dharmendra was not just a good actor but also a good and simple human being. I had a personal connection with him. He was committed to the country and the farmers. His work in films cannot be forgotten. The film industry has suffered a huge loss with his passing away. He used to come and meet me. I have good relations with his sons and Hema Malini ji," he said. Will Be Missed For Long Minister of State Jitendra Singh expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dharmendra, remembering him as a down-to-earth personality and a versatile actor who brought the spirit and culture of Punjab to the silver screen. In a post on X, Singh said, The handsome, versatile actor whom we grew up watchingwill be missed for longespecially whenever there is a replay of celluloid magic like Devar, Anupama, Bandini, or Sholay." He praised the actors enduring appeal and cinematic contributions that spanned generations. Known for his down to earth image, embodying the rich flavour and fragrance of Punjab, the handsome versatile actor whom we grew up watchingwill be missed for longespecially whenever there is a replay of a celluloid magic like Devar" or Anupama" or Bandini" or Sholay". pic.twitter.com/dAhVt5f1re Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) November 24, 2025 Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dharmendra, remembering him as a proud Punjabi whose life and work carried the essence of his homeland. In a post on X, Badal said, With profound sorrow, we bid farewell to Sardar Dharmendra Singh the legendary He-man of Bollywood. Born and raised on the sacred soil of Punjab, he carried the fragrance of its fields, the warmth of its people, and the resilience of its spirit wherever he went." He added that the actor remained deeply connected to Punjab, its language, culture, and timeless values until his very last breath. Badal extended his thoughts and prayers to Dharmendras family and fans, wishing them strength in this hour of grief and eternal peace for the departed soul. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Legendary Indian actor Dharmendra, fondly known as the He-Man of Bollywood, passed away at the age of 89. The veteran star breathed his last on November 24, 2025, just days after being discharged from Mumbais Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been admitted for a routine checkup. Dharmendra had been facing age-related health challenges for some time, with periodic hospital visits in recent months. First Published: November 24, 2025, 14:38 IST News politics 'Legend Who Touched Hearts For 6 Decades: Amit Shah, Political Class Pay Tributes To Dharmendra 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... Clear The Snow, Earn Rs 70 Lakh! Check Out Who Is Offering This Job And Where Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 14:54 IST In a world where most chase comfort, some walk straight into blizzards for a fortune. Imagine earning Rs 70 lakh simply for battling the cold that sends others running indoors! Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The salary for snow removal operators varies based on experience, province, and the type of equipment handled. During the winter months, when large parts of Canada disappear beneath thick layers of snow, the demand for a particular seasonal job rises sharply: snow removal. This work is vital for keeping the countrys transport system, economy, and daily life functioning smoothly. Snow removal workers receive attractive salaries, bonuses, and several additional benefits. For those willing to brave the cold and work outdoors, it can be a highly rewarding opportunity. Recommended Stories Where Are These Jobs Most In Demand? Snow removal jobs are especially popular in provinces that experience heavy snowfall, such as Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta in Canada. The work typically involves operating heavy machinery, including snow ploughs, blowers, tractors, and loaders, to clear highways, main roads, private properties, parking spaces and commercial sites. How Much Do Snow Removal Workers Earn? The salary for snow removal operators varies based on experience, province, and the type of equipment handled. Annual Salary Range: Rs. 45 lakh to Rs. 75 lakh (equivalent to $45,000 to $85,000 per year) Rs. 45 lakh to Rs. 75 lakh (equivalent to $45,000 to $85,000 per year) Average annual salary: Rs. 55 lakh (around $62,000) Rs. 55 lakh (around $62,000) Additional earnings: up to Rs. 9 lakh (around $10,000) per year up to Rs. 9 lakh (around $10,000) per year Hourly Wages: Up to Rs. 1,774 per hour (about $20/hour), depending on experience. Up to Rs. 1,774 per hour (about $20/hour), depending on experience. Bonuses and Overtime: Many companies offer performance or seasonal bonuses. Heavy snowfall often leads to longer shifts, and workers are paid 1.5x or 2x overtime for extended hours. Other Benefits That Come With The Job Despite being seasonal, snow removal roles often come with significant perks: Housing or Travel Support: Some employers provide accommodation or travel allowances, especially for those working in remote locations. Some employers provide accommodation or travel allowances, especially for those working in remote locations. Health Benefits: Although not universal, large companies may offer health insurance assistance to long-term seasonal employees. Although not universal, large companies may offer health insurance assistance to long-term seasonal employees. Training and Equipment: Workers receive training to operate advanced machinery, including GPS-enabled snow ploughs, boosting their skillset and employability. Workers receive training to operate advanced machinery, including GPS-enabled snow ploughs, boosting their skillset and employability. Protective Gear: Necessary winter gear like jackets, boots, gloves are usually provided to ensure safety in extreme weather. What Skills Do You Need? While the job is well-paid, it is also physically demanding and requires working in harsh conditions. Required skills include: A valid driving licence, preferably a commercial licence Experience operating heavy machinery such as ploughs, blowers, and loaders Good physical fitness for long, cold shifts Ability to work night shifts and respond quickly during unexpected snowfall top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Is It Worth It? With the right training, determination, and willingness to work in extreme conditions, anyone can pursue this role. The pay is excellent, the benefits are strong, and as always, higher rewards come with a degree of risk. Location : Canada First Published: November 24, 2025, 14:54 IST News viral Clear The Snow, Earn Rs 70 Lakh! Check Out Who Is Offering This Job And Where 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 Has A 'Pink City' But Did You Know The World Has A 'White City'? Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 17:25 IST Foreign tourists describe that the city feels like its draped in marble. The dazzling sight is heightened by a strict rule: only white vehicles are allowed Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The city is also home to the world's tallest flagpole. (News18 Hindi/File) Jaipur is famously known as the Pink City, after Maharaja Ram Singh had the entire city painted pink in 1876 to welcome Queen Victoria. But across the world, theres a city where the theme takes a strikingly different turn, where everything is painted milky white, creating a strikingly uniform cityscape. Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, stands out for its unique and dazzling white appearance. Known as the White Marble City, Ashgabat is remarkable for its uniformly white buildings, streets, sidewalks, bus stops, and lamp posts. This architectural marvel is so bright that sunglasses are a necessity when stepping outside. Recommended Stories Foreign tourists say that upon arrival, it feels as if the entire city is draped in marble. The dazzling sight is made even more striking by a unique rule: only white vehicles are allowed. Any car in black, red, blue, or green is immediately seized by police, and hefty fines are imposed. The origin of this extraordinary whiteness can be traced back to 2018 when then-President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who favoured the colour white, decreed that only white cars would be allowed in the capital. This mandate led to a rush as thousands of residents had their cars painted white to comply with the new regulation. This preference for white is speculated to be linked to Berdimuhamedows former profession as a dentist, where a pristine set of white teeth is the ideal. Since 2000, Ashgabat has undergone a significant transformation. Old Soviet-style buildings were demolished and replaced with impressive white marble structures. Today, the city boasts more than 550 white marble buildings, earning it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most white marble used in a city. This cityscape creates a unique visual experience, with foreign tourists often describing it as being enveloped in a sheet of marble. Ashgabats architectural feats do not end there. The city is home to the worlds tallest flagpole, standing at 133 metres, which, true to form, is also white. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Another standout structure is the largest indoor Ferris wheel, housed in a white marble building. The Independence Monument features a golden statue, but everything else remains white. At night, Ashgabats gleaming whiteness is so intense that it can be seen from space, making it a truly unique spectacle. Despite its beauty, some visitors find the city a bit surreal, with its wide roads and sparse population giving it the feel of a movie set. Location : Turkmenistan First Published: November 24, 2025, 17:25 IST News viral India Has A 'Pink City' But Did You Know The World Has A 'White City'? 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... Conditions not yet ready for holding China-Japan-ROK summit meeting: Chinese spokesperson Xinhua) 16:49, November 24, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that conditions are not yet ready for holding the leaders meeting among China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), in response to a related query at a daily press briefing. Explaining the reason, Mao said that the blatant and erroneous remarks recently made by the Japanese leader regarding Taiwan have undermined the foundation and atmosphere for trilateral cooperation among the three countries. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Zhong Wenxing) After Australia, Malaysia Plans Social Media Ban On Children Under 16 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 19:25 IST Malaysia plans to ban social media accounts for children under 16 from 2026, following Australia and Denmark, aiming to protect youth from cyberbullying, scams and exploitation. The Australian government has so far named ten platforms to be included in the ban: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and streaming platforms Kick and Twitch. After Australia, Malaysia has also announced plans to ban social media accounts for children under the age of 16 from 2026. Associated Press quoted Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil as saying that the Cabinet approved the move as part of a broader effort to shield young people from online harm like cyberbullying, scams and sexual exploitation. Recommended Stories He further said that the government is studying similar proposals tabled in Australia and other countries. I believe that if the government, regulatory bodies, and parents all play their roles, we can ensure that the Internet in Malaysia is not only fast, widespread and affordable but, most importantly, safe, especially for children and families," he said on Sunday. From December 10, Australia will not allow social media companies to set up accounts of children under 16-years-old and existing accounts will be deactivated or removed. BBC quoted the government stating that the ban a world-first policy popular with many parents is aimed at reducing the pressures and risks" children can be exposed to on social media, which come from design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens, while also serving up content that can harm their health and well-being". The Australian government has so far named ten platforms to be included in the ban: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and streaming platforms Kick and Twitch. However, YouTube Kids, Google Classroom and WhatsApp have not been included. Under the new law, children under 16 will not be allowed to have their own accounts on platforms whose sole or significant purpose is enabling social interaction. The minimum user age on most platforms in Australia has long been 13, but that will now be raised to 16. Earlier this month, Denmark had announced plans to ban social media access for children under the age of 15. Critics beyond the tech industry have raised questions, too. UNICEF has warned that the prohibition could isolate teenagers who rely on online communities for support. Academics argue that the ban does not address harmful content production or the algorithms that amplify it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Privacy advocates fear that identification and biometric data could be compromised, monetised or misused, despite government assurances. Some analysts also point out that excluding gaming platforms, dating services and AI chatbots, which have been linked to harmful interactions with minors, could leave significant gaps. Supporters say that any reduction in exposure to grooming, bullying and addictive online design features is worthwhile. Location : Malaysia First Published: November 24, 2025, 19:25 IST News world After Australia, Malaysia Plans Social Media Ban On Children Under 16 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... 'Arunachal Indisputably Indian Territory,' India Tells China Over Woman's Detention In Shanghai Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 21:24 IST India made a strong demarche with Chinese authorities in Beijing over the visa-related harassment faced by Arunachal resident Prema Thongdok. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Prema Wangjom Thongdok alleges Chinese immigration officers questioned her Indian identity and held her for hours. (IMAGE: LINKEDIN) Indian officials on Monday lodged a strong demarche with China after Arunachal Pradesh resident Prema Wangjom Thongdok was detained during transit in Shanghai, stressing that Arunachal is indisputably" Indian territory, sources said. A strong demarche was made with the Chinese side, in Beijing and in Delhi, on the same day the incident took place. Our Consulate in Shanghai also took up the matter locally and extended fullest assistance to the stranded passenger," one of the sources said. Recommended Stories Chinese officials harassed her, telling her she should obtain Chinese citizenship and claiming that Arunachal Pradesh is not a part of India." Prema had earlier told news outlets that Indian officials from the Shanghai and Beijing consulates rushed to help her after Chinese immigration officers and staff at Shanghai Pudong Airport mocked her nationality and questioned her Indian citizenship and visa documents. Officials eventually secured her release and enabled her onward travel. She was visiting Japan and had been transiting through Shanghai while travelling from the UK. They got me some food and spoke through the issues with them and helped me get out of the country. A very long ordeal 18 hours but glad that Im out of there" she said. The sources said that it was made clear to Chinese authorities that Arunachal Pradesh is indisputably Indian territory and its residents are perfectly entitled to hold and travel with Indian passports" and it was stressed that Prema, an Indian citizen from Arunachal living in the UK, was detained on ludicrous grounds". Sources also pointed out to the Chinese side that the ordeal suffered by Prema, who works as an IFPR reporting specialist at ACA London, at the hands of Chinese officials introduce unnecessary obstructions to the process". They were told that their actions were in contravention of the Chicago and Montreal Conventions relating to civil aviation". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The action by the Indian side comes hours after Prema urged the Indian government to raise this on a diplomatic level with the Chinese authorities". This is not something a regular citizen can resolve. I would just like to request the government of India to take strict action against the Chinese authorities and the government on such matters," she had urged. About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively ... Read More First Published: November 24, 2025, 21:07 IST News world 'Arunachal Indisputably Indian Territory,' India Tells China Over Woman's Detention In Shanghai 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... Australian Far-Right Senator Wears Burqa In Parliament, Sparks Outrage | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 19:11 IST This marked the second time Pauline Hanson had used the head garment, commonly worn by some Muslim women, as a political prop in Parliament Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Hanson wore the burqa shortly after being denied permission to introduce a bill that would outlaw burqas and other full-face coverings in public places. (Reuters photo) Australian far-right Senator Pauline Hanson on Monday caused a storm in Parliament by wearing a burqa as part of her ongoing campaign to ban the Muslim garment in public. The controversial stunt sparked immediate backlash, with Muslim senators accusing her of racism. Hanson, who has a long history of anti-immigration rhetoric, wore the burqa shortly after being denied permission to introduce a bill that would outlaw burqas and other full-face coverings in public places across Australia. Recommended Stories This marked the second time she had used the head garment, commonly worn by some Muslim women, as a political prop in Parliament. Australian far-right senator Pauline Hanson sparked outrage after she wore a burqa to parliament, the second time she has used the head garment, worn by some Muslim women, as a political prop to push for a national ban during her career https://t.co/On1jmYzGQ0 pic.twitter.com/jFZYkrHvZa Reuters (@Reuters) November 24, 2025 The Senate was thrown into chaos as Hanson entered the chamber wearing the burqa. Proceedings were suspended when she refused to remove the garment. The dramatic moment led to sharp criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Racism Accusations And Outrage This is a racist senator, displaying blatant racism," said Senator Mehreen Faruqi, a Muslim member of the Greens party from New South Wales. Fellow Muslim senator, Fatima Payman, who is an independent from Western Australia, condemned Hansons actions as disgraceful." Penny Wong, the leader of the centre-left Labor Party in the Senate, also expressed outrage, calling Hansons behaviour not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate." Wong moved a motion to suspend Hanson for failing to remove the burqa. When Hanson refused to comply, the Senate session was temporarily halted. Hansons Campaign Against Islamic Clothing Pauline Hanson, who represents Queensland in the Senate, has long been an outspoken critic of Islamic clothing. She first rose to national prominence in the 1990s for her opposition to immigration from Asia and asylum seekers. Over the years, she has made headlines for her opposition to Muslim attire, and in 2017, she wore a burqa to Parliament to push for a similar ban. In a statement later posted on Facebook, Hanson defended her actions, framing them as a protest against the Senates rejection of her proposed bill. So if the Parliament wont ban it, I will display this oppressive, radical, non-religious head garb that risk our national security and the ill-treatment of women on the floor of our parliament so that every Australian knows whats at stake," she wrote. If they dont want me wearing it ban the burqa." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hansons One Nation party, which holds four seats in the Senate, has gained increasing support, particularly in light of the ongoing turmoil within Australias conservative opposition. A recent poll showed One Nation enjoying a record 18 percent support, partly driven by the rise of far-right anti-immigration sentiment. (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 : Australia First Published: November 24, 2025, 19:11 IST News world Australian Far-Right Senator Wears Burqa In Parliament, Sparks Outrage | Watch 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... Beautiful Tree: US First Lady Melania Trump Receives Christmas Tree For White House | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 25, 2025, 01:23 IST Melania Trump received the White House Christmas tree, an 18.5-foot white fir from Korson's Tree Farms in Michigan. US First Lady Melania Trump receives the official 2025 White House Christmas Tree, a white fir from Korson's Tree Farms in Michigan, on the North Portico of the White House. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO) US First Lady Melania Trump on Monday received this years official White House Christmas tree, a white fir from a Michigan farm that arrived at the North Portico on a horse-drawn carriage. The tree, grown at Korsons Tree Farms, was brought in by two Clydesdales named Logan and Ben. Three men in top hats rode with the carriage, and Trump walked around it briefly, stopping for photographs. Recommended Stories Its a beautiful tree," she said. Trump, dressed in a cream overcoat and dark red gloves, greeted one of the drivers and a woman accompanying the horses. The 18.5-foot tree will be placed in the Blue Room, continuing a long-running White House holiday tradition. Korsons Tree Farms earned the spot after winning the National Christmas Tree Associations annual contest, which has supplied the official tree since 1966. First lady Melania Trump welcomed the official Christmas Tree for the White House on Monday, calling it a "beautiful tree," and speaking with the owners of the farm it came from. She told reporters holiday decorations this year will be "beautiful." pic.twitter.com/I65DeFhdLq CBS News (@CBSNews) November 24, 2025 The tradition of putting up a Christmas tree in the White House goes back to 1889, when President Benjamin Harrison brought in the first documented tree. It wasnt a guaranteed fixture in the early years, but by the mid-20th century it became a central part of the holiday season in Washington. Since Jacqueline Kennedys time, the main White House Christmas tree is almost always placed in the Blue Room. The rooms circular shape is ideal for tall trees, and every administration picks its own theme. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The tree displayed in the Blue Room is not randomly picked. Growers compete in the National Christmas Tree Associations annual contest. The winner earns the right to present the official tree. Though the winning states change year to year, a few have dominated the contest. Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan and Wisconsin have repeatedly produced winners. 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 25, 2025, 01:23 IST News world Beautiful Tree: US First Lady Melania Trump Receives Christmas Tree For White House | Watch 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... 'Best Talks Since Trump Returned': US, Ukraine Roll Out Updated Peace Proposal After Geneva Meet Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 09:21 IST The US and Ukraine agreed on a revised peace framework after Geneva talks, addressing concerns over Russian favouritism and strengthening security guarantees for Ukraine. The US and Ukraine agreed on a revised peace framework after Geneva talks, addressing concerns over Russian favouritism and strengthening security guarantees for Ukraine. (Image: Reuters) The United States and Ukraine announced on Sunday that they have agreed on an updated and more refined peace framework aimed at ending the nearly four-year war with Russia. The revised proposal follows high-level talks in Geneva and addresses major concerns that an earlier plan pushed by President Donald Trump leaned too heavily in Moscows favour. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, describing the discussions as very worthwhile," said the Geneva meeting was likely the best exchange Washington has had with Kyiv since Trump returned to office. While Trump had set a Thursday deadline for Ukraine to respond to the plan, Rubio downplayed the urgency, stressing that the priority was stopping the fighting, with negotiations expected to continue into Monday and beyond. Recommended Stories The diplomatic push comes shortly after Trump publicly complained that Ukraine had not shown sufficient gratitude for Americas support, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reiterate his appreciation. Calling the current stage of negotiations a very delicate moment," Rubio said some outstanding issues were merely matters of wording, while others would require top-level decisions and further consultation. Several critical questions, including how Ukraines security would be guaranteed against future Russian aggression and what role NATO would play, remain unresolved. A statement from the White House said the revised framework strengthens security guarantees for Ukraine and that Kyivs delegation indicated the updated proposal reflects their national interests." Ukraine has not issued its own statement. European officials involved in the talks put forward their own adjustments to the US blueprint, challenging proposals that would limit the size of Ukraines military or force it into territorial concessions. Their version would allow Ukraine to retain a larger armed force, and any negotiations on potential land swaps would be based on the current battlefield map rather than predetermined assumptions favouring Russia. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The US-authored 28-point original plan had raised alarm in Kyiv and among European allies. Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine might soon confront a stark decision between protecting its sovereignty and maintaining essential American backing. The earlier proposal accommodated several Russian demands, including the surrender of large portions of Ukrainian territory, which Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected. Rubio said that while many questions remain, the Geneva talks helped significantly narrow the gaps in the original draft. Location : Switzerland First Published: November 24, 2025, 09:21 IST News world 'Best Talks Since Trump Returned': US, Ukraine Roll Out Updated Peace Proposal After Geneva Meet 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... Xi Invited Me: Trump To Visit China In April, Says White House Will Host Chinese President Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 25, 2025, 00:19 IST Trump said he has also invited Xi to Washington for a state visit later in the year, signalling a renewed push to stabilise relations with China President Donald Trump (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shake hands after their US-China summit meeting at Gimhae International Airport Jinping in South Korea's Busan on October 30. (Image: AP/Mark Schiefelbein) US President Donald Trump on Monday announced that he will travel to China in April next year, following a telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump said he has also invited Xi to Washington for a state visit later in the year," signalling a renewed push to stabilise relations with China. Recommended Stories The announcement came through a post on Trumps Truth Social account, where he described the US-China relationship as extremely strong" and said the call built on their highly successful" in-person meeting three weeks ago in Busan, South Korea. President Xi invited me to visit Beijing in April, which I accepted, and I reciprocated where he will be my guest for a State Visit in the U.S. later in the year," Trump wrote, adding that both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular communication. Call Focuses On Taiwan, Trade And Ukraine The White House confirmed the call took place on Monday morning, while Beijing released additional details, saying the leaders discussed trade, Taiwan, and the conflict in Ukraine. According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Xi reiterated Chinas long-held position that Taiwans reunification with the mainland is an integral part of the post-war international order." The call comes amid fresh tensions after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japans military could intervene if China were to move against Taiwan remarks that drew swift condemnation from Beijing. Xi also told Trump that China and the United States, who fought on the same side in World War II, should jointly safeguard the victory" and manage differences responsibly. The United States maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity" on Taiwan, it does not support Taiwanese independence, but is legally required to provide military equipment to help the island defend itself. The Trump administration recently approved a US$330 million arms package for Taiwan, prompting a sharp protest from Beijing, which said the sale grossly violated" the one-China principle. Trade, Ukraine Also On Agenda top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The two leaders also discussed trade issues, although neither side announced breakthroughs. Beijing described bilateral ties as moving in a steady and positive direction" since the Busan summit, with Xi urging more constructive progress" in the coming months. On Ukraine, Xi told Trump the conflict must be resolved at its root," without elaborating on any specific proposal. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 24, 2025, 23:39 IST News world Xi Invited Me: Trump To Visit China In April, Says White House Will Host Chinese President 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... 'Doesnt Exist Anymore': Donald Trump's DOGE Shuts Down 8 Months Ahead Of Schedule Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 07:55 IST The Trump administrations Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), once led by Elon Musk, has quietly been dismantled months before its mandate ended, a report has claimed. Elon Musk and Donald Trump (File photo/AP) The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a high-profile initiative launched by President Donald Trump to drastically cut down the federal bureaucracy, has effectively ceased to exist, months before the end of its original mandate, Reuters has reported. Confirming the development, the report quoted Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Scott Kupor as saying that Elon Musk-DOGE doesnt exist," adding that it is no longer functioning as a centralised entity." Recommended Stories According to the report, the OPM has now absorbed many of DOGEs responsibilities, marking a quiet end to what was once one of Trumps most publicised governance projects. Created at the beginning of Trumps second term, DOGE made sweeping interventions across federal agencies, attempting to restructure, shrink or redirect them to align with the Presidents priorities. Reuters reports that two of its prominent members have since shifted to the National Design Studio, a new unit formed under an August executive order and led by Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, whose mission is to beautify" federal websites. Gebbia had earlier served under DOGEs Elon Musk-led team, while DOGE staffer Edward Coristine publicly urged followers to apply to the new design body, Reuters found. DOGEs decline is a marked contrast to the intense publicity it generated in its early months, with Trump, his cabinet and Musk frequently touting its efforts on social media. At one point, Musk even held up a chainsaw at the Conservative Political Action Conference, proclaiming, This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy," Reuters noted. Despite DOGEs claim of saving tens of billions of dollars, the report claims that external analysts were unable to verify these figures because the government provided no comprehensive breakdown. The White House, however, maintained that Trump had stayed committed to reducing government waste. President Trump was given a clear mandate to reduce waste, fraud and abuse across the federal government, and he continues to actively deliver on that commitment," spokeswoman Liz Huston was quoted by the report as saying. A signature DOGE measure, the government-wide hiring freeze, has also ended, Kupor confirmed. There is no target around reductions," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Elon Musk, who once vowed to delete the mountain" of regulations, had recently resurfaced in Washington, attending a White House dinner hosted by Donald Trump with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. ALSO READ | Months After Feud, Musk Posts Thank You Note For Trump After Youre So Lucky Jibe 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 24, 2025, 07:54 IST News world 'Doesnt Exist Anymore': Donald Trump's DOGE Shuts Down 8 Months Ahead Of Schedule 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... Hegseth Says Dem Senator, A Veteran, Could Face Court Martial For Asking Army To Resist Orders Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 25, 2025, 00:05 IST In an official statement, the Department of War said it has started a formal review under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to decide what should happen next. Senator Mark Kelly (Credits: X) The US Department of War is reportedly examining whether Senator Mark Kelly could be recalled to active military duty for possible court-martial. The review comes after a video in which Kelly and several other Democratic lawmakers urged members of the US military to refuse any unlawful orders. The Department of war also issued an official statement saying it has received serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.). The department said it has started a formal review under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to decide what should happen next. This could include recalling him to active duty for a court-martial or taking other administrative action. Recommended Stories In the statement, the department said, The Department of War has received serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.). In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. 688, and other applicable regulations, a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures. This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality. Further official comments will be limited, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings." Video From Democratic Lawmakers Sparks Backlash The video that triggered the controversy featured Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, along with Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan. In the clip, they told members of the US military and the intelligence community to uphold the Constitution and refuse any illegal commands. They warned that the Trump administration was placing these institutions in conflict with the American public and challenging fundamental democratic principles. Donald Trumps Reaction On Thursday, US President Donald Trump sharply criticised the lawmakers, and accused them of encouraging troops to defy his administration, calling their actions traitorous." He warned that such behaviour could carry the most severe consequences. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. In another post, he added, This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???" About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 24, 2025, 23:56 IST News world Hegseth Says Dem Senator, A Veteran, Could Face Court Martial For Asking Army To Resist Orders 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... Indian Man Visiting Grandchild In Canada Convicted Of Harassing Schoolgirls, To Be Deported Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 09:20 IST A 51-year-old Indian man visiting Canada was convicted of criminally harassing two schoolgirls and now faces deportation along with a permanent ban from returning. Indian man to be deported from Canada (Photo: X/@TheDeportReport) A 51-year-old man from India who was visiting Canada on a temporary visa has been convicted of criminally harassing two teenage girls outside a high school in Sarnia, and will now be deported and barred from returning to the country, The Winnipeg Sun reported. The man, identified as Jagjit Singh, had been staying in the Sarnia area to visit his newborn grandchild. According to the report, Singh received a short jail term after a judge found his behaviour around the local high school unacceptable. Recommended Stories You had no business attending the property of (that) high school," Justice Krista Lynn Leszczynski said while delivering the ruling. This type of conduct will not be tolerated," he added. As per the report, Singh arrived in Canada in July on a six-month temporary visa. Between September 8 and September 11, he repeatedly appeared in the smoking area of a high school in Sarnia, where he approached young girls, attempted to communicate with them, and persistently tried to take photographs alongside them. One of the teens initially refused to be photographed, but later agreed in hopes that Singh would leave. Instead, he entered her personal space, sat between two girls, and gestured for another picture to be taken. After another photo was clicked, Singh placed his arm around one of the girls, prompting her to stand up and push his hands away as she felt uncomfortable. The report mentioned that Singh, who does not speak English, was arrested on September 16 and initially charged with sexual interference and sexual assault. He was granted bail shortly after, but was arrested again when a new complaint emerged from the same date. Although bail was granted a second time, Singh spent an extra night in custody due to the unavailability of an interpreter. During his recent hearing, Singh, through an interpreter and with assistance from his lawyer, pleaded not guilty to sexual interference but guilty to the lesser charge of criminal harassment. According to the report, Canada Border Services Agency officers were present in the courtroom and prepared to take custody of Singh immediately after the proceedings. Singh had originally booked a December 30 return ticket to India but was seeking an earlier departure in light of the case. Victim impact statements from both girls were read aloud in court. One teen described the emotional fallout as severe, saying the incident had shaken her sense of safety. She added that she often feels intimidated around older men and men of Singhs ethnicity. The second girl said the episode had harmed her mental health and made her uneasy in public spaces, the report mentioned. The three-year probation order prohibits Singh from contacting the girls, from approaching locations connected to them, and from being near anyone under 16 except his newborn grandchild. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It also bars him from coming within 100 metres of schools, pools, parks, playgrounds, or community centres, according to the report. ALSO READ | Indian-Origin Man On Canadas Most Wanted List Caught In Toronto After 18 Months On The Run 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 24, 2025, 09:02 IST News world Indian Man Visiting Grandchild In Canada Convicted Of Harassing Schoolgirls, To Be Deported 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... 'Arunachal Part Of China': Indian Woman Held Back At Shanghai Airport, Passport Declared 'Invalid' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 13:42 IST An Indian woman alleged she was detained at Shanghai airport after Chinese authorities declared her Indian passport invalid because she was born in Arunachal Pradesh. Indian woman alleges harassment at Shanghai airport (Image: X/@wang_pem) An Indian woman has alleged that she was detained for more than 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport after Chinese authorities refused to recognise her Indian passport. In a series of posts on X, the woman, who identified herself as Pem Wang Thongdok, and lives in the United Kingdom, alleged that the Chinese authorities claimed her passport was invalid" because she was born in Arunachal Pradesh. Recommended Stories Thongdok recounted the incident that took place on November 21, 2025, while she was reportedly travelling from London to Japan. I was held at Shanghai airport for over 18 hrs on 21st Nov, 2025 on claims by China immigration & China Eastern Airline." (sic), she wrote. They called my Indian passport invalid as my birthplace is Arunachal Pradesh which they claimed is Chinese territory," she added. @pemakhandu @kirenrijuju @PMOIndia I was held at Shanghai airport for over 18 hrs on 21st Nov, 2025 on claims by China immigration & @chinaeasternair They called my Indian passport invalid as my birthplace is Arunachal Pradesh which they claimed is Chinese territory. @cnnbrk Pem Wang Thongdok (@wang_pem) November 23, 2025 She followed it with another post stressing that her identity as an Indian citizen had been questioned solely because of her birthplace. Indian citizen held at Shanghai airport on claims that my Indian passport is invalid because I was born in Arunachal Pradesh India," (sic), she wrote. @PemaKhanduBJP @RijijuOffice @KirenRijiju @cnnbrk @ndtv @PMOIndia Indian citizen held at Shanghai airport on claims that my Indian passport is invalid because I was born in Arunachal Pradesh India Pem Wang Thongdok (@wang_pem) November 23, 2025 Thongdok tagged Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and several news channels and media outlets while seeking attention to the incident. In a third post, she escalated the matter directly to the Prime Ministers Office, asking, Honorable Sirs, Is Arunachal Pradesh part of China?" (sic). Later, a report with India Today quoted the woman as saying that her passport was collected post the immigration process, and that the incident happened while she was waiting at the security. After immigration, I submitted my passport and was waiting at security. Just then, an official came and started screaming, India, India, with my name and singled me out," she was quoted as saying. When I asked, she took me to the immigration desk and said, Arunachal, not a valid passport," the report claimed she said. Arunachal is a part of China. Your passport is invalid," the woman quoted the airport authorities as saying, as per the report. The report also claimed that Thongdok alleged that she was prevented from boarding her onward flight to Japan and was confined to the transit area. She further claimed that officials pressured her to purchase a new ticket exclusively on China Eastern and implied her passport would be returned only after doing so. Thongdok reached out to the Indian Consulate in Shanghai through one of her friends in the UK. Indian officials later escorted her to a late-night departure from the Chinese city. Her claims come amid long-standing tensions between India and China over the status of Arunachal Pradesh, which is an integral and inalienable" part of India. However, China refers to Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet" and claims it as its own territory. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The issue has repeatedly surfaced in the form of stapled visas issued to residents of the state, objections to Indian leaders visiting the region, and diplomatic protests. ALSO READ | Indian Man Visiting Grandchild In Canada Convicted Of Harassing Schoolgirls, To Be Deported 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 24, 2025, 13:41 IST News world 'Arunachal Part Of China': Indian Woman Held Back At Shanghai Airport, Passport Declared 'Invalid' 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... Israel Orders Dismissals, Public Censure Of Top Commanders Over October 7 Failures Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 18:55 IST Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said it was not easy to make the decisions to dismiss the senior officers. Israeli Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, visits the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has dismissed several senior officers and censured others for their roles in the failures that led to the October 7, 2023 attack. Lt. Gen. Zamir met top officers on Sunday, having earlier vowed to make personal decisions" based on the findings of a probe conducted by an external panel of experts. Recommended Stories It is not easy to make decisions that impact people I value and who have dedicated their lives to the security of the state, people with whom I have fought for decades. Alongside this, before my eyes stands the obligation to draw a clear line for command responsibility. This is not a responsibility we choose to take upon ourselves, but one we bear by virtue of being commanders in the IDF," he said. According to the Times of Israel, most of the commanders being dismissed had already resigned from the IDF, making the chiefs move largely symbolic." The censured officers will continue serving until the end of their tenures, some of which extend several years into the future. If we do not sharpen the meaning of responsibility, trust in the system will erode, and that trust is the foundation of our ability to fight, to win and to defend the State of Israel," Zamir added. Following a series of meetings today between Israeli Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and Deputy Chief of General Staff, Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, with top and lower-level officers in the Israel Defense Force; Zamir has announced the mass dismissal and censure of over a pic.twitter.com/27A9fg2Q5O OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 23, 2025 The report noted that lower-ranking officers were summoned separately by Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai. In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault, several senior members of Israels defence establishment had already stepped aside. Herzi Halevi, the Chief of Staff at the time of the attack, resigned in January 2025, citing responsibility for the intelligence and security failure. Aharon Haliva, the head of Military Intelligence, also quit in April over his role in failing to foresee the assault. The actions announced by Lt. Gen. Zamir affect both former and serving members of the IDFs top brass. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Haliva, who resigned in August 2024, will now be formally dismissed from reserve duty and fully discharged from the IDF. The same step will be taken against Maj. Gen. Oded Basiuk, the former head of the Operations Directorate who finished his tenure in July, and Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, the former commander of the Southern Command who resigned in March. All three had already stepped down from active roles but will now be removed from reserve service as well. Among serving commanders, Maj. Gen. Shlomo Binder, the current head of Military Intelligence who served as Chief of the Operations Division on October 7, has been censured. He will remain in his post until the end of his four-year term in 2028, after which he will resign from the IDF. The current Air Force chief, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, has also been censured over the failure to intercept drones and paragliders used by Hamas on October 7; he will continue in office until his tenure ends in April 2026. Vice Adm. David Saar Salama, commander of the Israeli Navy, received a similar censure for his forces failure to repel Hamas sea-borne assault on southern Israel and will remain in his role until early 2026. 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 : Tel Aviv, Israel First Published: November 24, 2025, 18:54 IST News world Israel Orders Dismissals, Public Censure Of Top Commanders Over October 7 Failures 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... '...Maybe We'd Have Run Away': Ramaphosa Jokes About G20 Challenges, Thanks PM Modi For Support Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 07:37 IST Ramaphosa thanked PM Modi for G20 support, praised India's presidency, and stressed Africa's growth, citing lessons from India, Brazil, and Indonesia. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with PM Narendra Modi at G20 Leaders' Summit. (Image: Reuters) In a lighthearted moment on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Indias support in organising the historic event and joked that, had he known how difficult it would be, his country maybe would have run away." Speaking at the start of IndiaSouth Africa high-level delegation talks in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa laughed as he said, Thank you for the support that India has given to South Africa in hosting G20You should have told us that it is such a difficult task, maybe we would have run away," drawing warm laughter from PM Modi and other delegates in the room. Recommended Stories Ramaphosa went on to praise Indias own G20 presidency in 2023, calling it spectacular," and credited it as a learning experience for Pretoria. We have learned a lot from your hosting of the G20 and yours was spectacular building ours is really small," he said. PM Modi immediately responded, saying, Small is always beautiful," referring to South Africas capabilities. South Africa assumed the presidency this year with a clear vision to place Africas development at the heart of the global agenda. India hosted the 18th G20 Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi in September 2023, marking a historic moment as the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the group. Learnt A Lot From What Indonesia, India and Brazil Did: Ramaphosa On Hosting G20 In his closing address after delegation-level talks, the South African President stated that India, Brazil and Indonesia had played a key role in shaping South Africas G20 presidency. We learnt a lot from what Indonesia, India and Brazil did. In many ways, what we see having unfolded here was based on the foundations that those three countries of the Global South put in place," he remarked. Our agreement on a Declaration during this summit demonstrates the value of the G20 as a forum that can facilitate joint action on issues of shared concern not only for the leaders, but shared concern for the peoples of the world. More than that, it reaffirms our renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation and our recognition that our shared goals outweigh our differences," the president added. He thanked all G20 members and invited guests for their contribution, emphasising that their engagement was crucial in reaffirming the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation." Outlining South Africas priorities, Ramaphosa reiterated that the greatest opportunity for prosperity in the 21st century lies in Africa", noting that Pretoria had sought to place Africas growth and development at the heart of the G20s agenda." Harnessing that opportunity will require a strong partnership between Africa and the G20 and indeed between Africa and the rest of the world," he further said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He highlighted that leaders had used the declaration to advocate an end to global conflicts and for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace", while also committing to end poverty in all its forms" and to reduce inequality within and between countries. Ramaphosa further stressed the urgency of action against climate change. The G20 has pledged to extend support to low and middle-income countries as they confront debt vulnerabilities," he further added. 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 Location : South Africa First Published: November 24, 2025, 07:07 IST News world '...Maybe We'd Have Run Away': Ramaphosa Jokes About G20 Challenges, Thanks PM Modi For Support 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... Netanyahu Praises Trump For Designating Muslim Brotherhood As Terrorist Group Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 07:19 IST Israels endorsement reflects its long-held stance that Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates pose threat to Middle East stability. Benjamin Netanyahu.(Getty Images) The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly commended the US President Donald Trump for his decision to classify the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation, calling the move a necessary step towards strengthening regional and global security. In a post on X, Prime Minister Netanyahu wrote, On this occasion, I also want to commend President @realDonaldTrump on his decision to outlaw and designate the Muslim Brotherhood organisation as a terrorist organisation. This is an organisation that endangers stability throughout the Middle East and beyond the Middle East." Recommended Stories Israels endorsement reflects its long-held stance that the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates pose a direct threat to regional stability, particularly given their influence on extremist groups. The Prime Minister added that Israel has already designated parts of the movement as illegal organisations, Therefore, the State of Israel has already outlawed part of the organisation, and we are working to complete this action soon." What we know about Muslim Brotherhood? Founded in 1928 in Egypt by Hassan al-Banna, the Muslim Brotherhood began as an Islamist socio-political movement envisioning a caliphate and a society governed by Sharia law. Although it often presents itself as a political or social organisation, the Brotherhoods ideology has inspired or supported extremist violence across the Middle East. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Several governments accuse the movement of acting as an incubator for radical groups. Certain offshoots or affiliated organisations, including Egyptian Islamic Jihad, have had ideological ties with al-Qaeda. For these reasons, countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Russia have formally designated the Brotherhood as a terrorist group. The groups activities have recently come under renewed scrutiny in the United States. Earlier this year, the state of Texas, led by Governor Greg Abbott, declared the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organisation in a significant state-level move. 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 : Israel First Published: November 24, 2025, 07:19 IST News world Netanyahu Praises Trump For Designating Muslim Brotherhood As Terrorist Group 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, African Voices Heap Praise On PM Modi For Indias Strong Support At G20 South Africa Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 23, 2025, 20:48 IST Phumzile Van Damme and others praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his warmth at the G20 in Johannesburg, highlighting Indias grace, support for Africa. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Johannesburg Expo Centre for the G20 Leaders' Summit, Johannesburg, South Africa. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Tech consultant and former South African MP Phumzile Van Damme shared a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting with South African artists who performed a traditional welcome dance at the airport on his arrival. She said no one seemed to be having more fun than the Indian Prime Minister, noting the easy rapport he built with the performers who came to greet him. Van Damme was not the only one to highlight how PM Modi and his team impressed leaders gathered in Johannesburg with what many described as their grace" and kindness". Recommended Stories Have to say Im so impressed with how supportive and gracious India has been towards South Africa and the continent throughout the G20. So much love for India," wrote South African environmentalist Ulrich Janse van Vuuren. India has long been praised by African nations for pushing to induct the African Union into the G20 during its 2023 presidency, a move that is still credited with reshaping how the grouping engages with the Global South. No one is having more fun than Modi. Thank you for the great welcome of world leaders, South Africa. https://t.co/KIqY0FURfB Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) November 22, 2025 Jumanne Mtambalike, founding member of the Tanzania StartUp Association, also posted a photo of Modi interacting with G20 chair and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, writing: We are living in very interesting times. The world is changing and we are witnessing it." The Indian Prime Ministers media team is top drawer, and India consistently shows what professional, disciplined, and strategic communication looks like. It is a reminder that when a country invests in excellence, even in something as simple as media presentation, it shapes https://t.co/SNOUgy2Ka6 Hopewell Chinono (@daddyhope) November 22, 2025 The G20 summit in Johannesburg had been overshadowed by uncertainty after the United States announced it would not attend. The decision came after President Donald Trump voiced his displeasure over what he referred to as the alleged genocide of White South Africans", prompting Washington to pull out of the meeting even as other countries proceeded with full participation. There were also questions over how the handover ceremony would unfold after Ramaphosa remarked that he might have to pass the baton to an empty chair. The United States is set to host the G20 Summit next year and has already assumed the role of rotating chair of the bloc. We are living in very interesting times. The world is changing and we are witnessing it. https://t.co/TwP58Hu1yN Jumanne Mtambalike (@Afruturist) November 22, 2025 However, Washington later clarified that envoys from the American embassy would be present for the handover. The ceremony traditionally involves an in-person exchange between leaders, symbolising cooperation and a formal passing of responsibility to the next chair. Have to say Im so impressed with how supportive and gracious India has been towards South Africa and the continent throughout the G20. So much love for India! https://t.co/XVl5w5yKrA Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) November 22, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Twice winner of the African Journalist of the Year award, Hopewell Chinono, reposted PM Modis G20 highlights and said India is a country that invests in excellence". The Indian Prime Ministers media team is top drawer, and India consistently shows what professional, disciplined and strategic communication looks like. It is a reminder that when a country invests in excellence, even in something as simple as media presentation, it shapes how the world perceives it," Chinono wrote on X. 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 : Johannesburg, South Africa First Published: November 23, 2025, 20:48 IST News world Netizens, African Voices Heap Praise On PM Modi For Indias Strong Support At G20 South Africa 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... NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Still Believes Trump Is Fascist But Open To Finding Common Ground Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 23, 2025, 23:29 IST The New York Citys mayor-elect said he continues to believe that Donald Trump is fascist and a despot but believes he can work with him despite differences. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani react as they speak to members of the media in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, US. New York Citys mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Sunday said he still believes US President Donald Trump is a fascist" and a despot", but maintained that the two can work together on issues that matter to New Yorkers. Thats something that Ive said in the past. I say it today," Mamdani told NBCs Meet the Press" when asked whether he continues to view the President as fascist". Recommended Stories NBCs Kristen Welker pressed further, noting: Youve called him a despot. Do you still believe President Trump is a threat to democracy?" To this, the Indian American mayor-elect replied: Everything that Ive said in the past, I continue to believe. I think working for the people of New York City demands that you work with everyone and anyone, and that you always look to find those areas of agreement while not overlooking the places of disagreement." Welker: Do you think that President Trump is a fascist?Mamdani: Thats something that Ive said in the past. I say it today. Welker: Youve called him a despot. Do you still believe President Trump is a threat to the democracy? Mamdani: Everything that Ive said in the past, pic.twitter.com/Qa7H5ej9er Acyn (@Acyn) November 23, 2025 The warm meeting between Mamdani and Trump despite Trump previously calling him a communist" and endorsing a Republican candidate who labelled the NYC mayor-elect a jihadist" raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. Both leaders, however, agreed that New York City must become more affordable. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all What I appreciated about the conversation that I had with the president was that we were not shy about the places of disagreement," he added. We also wanted to focus on what it could look like to deliver on a shared analysis of an affordable crisis for New Yorkers." During their meeting in the Oval Office, Mamdani was asked if he still believed if Trump is a fascist. The US President, sat nearby, interjected and said: Thats okay. You can just say yes. Its easier than explaining it. I dont mind." 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 : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: November 23, 2025, 23:16 IST News world NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Still Believes Trump Is Fascist But Open To Finding Common Ground 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... Something Good Maybe Happening: Donald Trump On Peace Talks With Ukraine In Geneva Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 19:44 IST The US President echoed his Secretary of State, who, along with Steve Witkoff, is leading talks with Ukraine on the Presidents peace plan in Geneva, Switzerland. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy meet at the Oval Office of the White House, amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, in Washington, DC, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump signalled optimism on Monday and said that something good may be happening" as Ukraine discusses his proposed 28-point peace plan that could end the war with Russia with top members of his administration. Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Dont believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!" Trump posted on Truth Social, a platform he owns. Recommended Stories Officials from both countries announced on Sunday that they have drawn up an updated and refined peace framework" and will continue to work on the peace plan in the coming days. The joint statement highlighted that the talks were highly productive. The US blindsided Kyiv and European countries with a 28-point peace plan last week, giving Ukraine until Thursday to agree to a framework to end Europes deadliest war since World War Two. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could travel to the United States as soon as this week to discuss the most sensitive aspects of the plan with Trump, according to sources familiar with the matter. The initial 28-point proposal put forth by the US last week called on Ukraine to cede more territory, accept limits on its military and abandon its ambitions to join NATO, Russian demands that Ukrainians have long rejected. A new version of a draft worked on in Geneva has not been published but all sides agreed that any deal must uphold Ukraines sovereignty." Zelenskyy said Monday his country was at a critical moment", after last week insisting Ukraine risked losing either its dignity" or Washington as an ally. To achieve real peace, more, more is needed. Of course we all continue working with partners, especially the United States, and look for compromises that strengthen but not weaken us," he added. Russias President Vladimir Putin has said the original US plan could be a basis for a deal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said tremendous" progress had been made at the talks. I honestly believe well get there," Rubio said, adding: Obviously, the Russians get a vote." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Moscow is in control of large areas of southern and eastern Ukraine, including Crimea which it took control of in 2014. The Kremlin is seeking recognition of the territories it occupies and wants Kyiv to pull out of the part of the Donetsk region that remains under its control demands deemed unacceptable by Ukraine. 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 24, 2025, 19:44 IST News world Something Good Maybe Happening: Donald Trump On Peace Talks With Ukraine In Geneva 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... Spanish Police Shoot Teen Who Shouted Allahu Akbar After Stabbing Three People Curated By : Last Updated: November 25, 2025, 02:25 IST Police in Madrid shot the teenager after Taser guns failed to stop him. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Officers fired four rounds after 18-year-old allegedly charged at them with a knife inside a Madrid flat. (IMAGE: AFP/REPRESENTATIVE) Spanish Police in the capital city of Madrid tasered and shot a suspected jihadist who reportedly shouted Allahu Akbar" at them after stabbing three people in a street attack. The suspect, a Spaniard of Moroccan origin, also attempted to attack police and recited verses from the Quran as they tried to restrain him. Recommended Stories The incident took place on Saturday afternoon in the Puente de Vallecas district. Police said their Tasers failed to stop the teen, forcing officers to open fire. He was taken to the Gregorio Maranon Hospital, where he remained under guard on Sunday morning. The violence began around 2 pm on Martin Alvarez Street after police received reports that a man with Arab features" had stabbed three people, according to the UK-based newspaper Express. The victims were identified as an elderly woman, a man and a 40-year-old male who suffered a two-inch stab wound to his chest. All three were treated for injuries that were not described as life-threatening. A few hours later, the suspects brother contacted authorities to report that the teen had locked himself inside a flat with a large knife and was acting aggressively. Police then categorised the situation as a possible Islamist terrorist incident and deployed a specialist unit trained for demonstrations and anti-terror operations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Officers entered the flat around 4.30 pm and tasered the suspect twice, but he allegedly charged at them with the knife. Police then fired four shots, hitting him in the lung and kidney. Spanish police union JUPOL later backed the officers, saying they had acted proportionately to neutralise a radicalised young man who had attacked three other people". The investigation continued on Sunday, with Spanish media reporting that while the case was being probed as an Islamist terror incident, the suspect was also believed to have been under the influence of drugs at the time. 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 : Madrid, Spain First Published: November 25, 2025, 02:25 IST News world Spanish Police Shoot Teen Who Shouted Allahu Akbar After Stabbing Three People 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... Terrorists Attack At Pakistan Paramilitary Force Headquarters In Peshawar, 2 Killed Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 12:02 IST The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) specifically its faction Jamatul Ahrar claimed responsibility for the coordinated assault on the FC Headquarters. Militants struck the Frontier Corps (FC) Headquarters on Saddar Main Road in Peshawar. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) Militants carried out a coordinated attack on the Frontier Constabulary (FC) Headquarters located on Saddar Main Road in Pakistans Peshawar on Monday, triggering two back-to-back explosions and forcing an intense gunbattle inside the compound. Initial reports suggest two security personnel were killed in the attack. According to initial intelligence assessments, two explosions were reported one suicide blast at the main FC gate and another IED detonation at the nearby motorcycle stand. The twin blasts created enough chaos for three to five militants to storm the facility, engaging security personnel in close-quarters combat. Recommended Stories The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) specifically its faction Jamatul Ahrar claimed responsibility for the coordinated assault on the FC Headquarters. In a statement circulated through its channels, the group said the attack was carried out by the Khulfa-e-Rashideen Ishtishadi Kandak," a dedicated suicide squad within the faction. Reports confirm two security personnel have been killed in the exchange of fire. Additionally, four people including two security officials sustained injuries and were quickly evacuated to a nearby hospital. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Security officials say they have secured the outer perimeter of the installation, blocking all access routes leading to Saddar and adjacent areas. Reinforcements were deployed, and the compound remained in lockdown as troops attempted to clear the interior of the building. Two attackers were neutralised. The attack comes amid a renewed wave of militant activity in Pakistan. Just days earlier, on November 11, a suicide bomber targeted a police vehicle outside the district court in Islamabad, killing 12 people and injuring 27. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or one of its factions, claimed the attack, demanding the implementation of Islamic law a demand that has heightened fears about increasing insurgent boldness. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: November 24, 2025, 09:42 IST News world Terrorists Attack At Pakistan Paramilitary Force Headquarters In Peshawar, 2 Killed 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 Doomscrolling To Bloomscrolling, How This Social Media Platform's New Badges Aim To Cut Your Scrolling Time Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 13:18 IST From TikTok badges to endless feeds, doomscrolling is rising quietly, eroding sleep, escalating anxiety and revealing how addictive digital rewards are shaping late-night habits. Late-Night Doomscrolling Surges! How TikTok Badges Are Driving A New Wave Of Endless Night-Time Scrolling? (Image-AI) The era of doomscrolling endlessly consuming distressing news and negative content is taking a major turn. A new trend, also referred to as Bloomscrolling, is emerging, encouraging users to deliberately scroll through uplifting, educational, or creatively enriching content instead of spiralling into anxiety. As conversations around digital wellbeing grow louder, digital platforms like TikTok are beginning to recognise the long-term impact of doomscrolling on mental health. The company has rolled out new tools and behavioural nudges aimed at slowing endless scrolling, moderating late-night screen habits, and promoting healthier, more mindful consumption. Recommended Stories A Shift Toward Bloomscrolling As doomscrollings toll becomes recognised more widely, this counter-trend is gaining momentum. Digital wellness specialists note that repeated exposure to positive stimuli triggers dopamine release linked to curiosity and motivation. This encourages healthier browsing patterns and counters the stress response activated by negative news. Many argue that algorithmic systems respond to user behaviour; when individuals consistently engage with positive content, digital environments slowly shift in that direction. Over time, this creates feeds that promote resilience rather than anxiety. Doomscrolling: The Habit Reshaping Urban Nightlife and Mental Health Late-night screens glow across modern Indian cities, with faces illuminated by screens, feeding a steady stream of algorithms loaded with topics like conflicts, anxiety, and communal outrage. This behaviour has a name doomscrolling. The term that surged into public consciousness during the Covid-19 pandemic has become a cultural shorthand for an era defined by digital exhaustion. What began as an instinct to stay informed has transformed for many into a ritual. A 2024 Harvard Health Publishing study noted that doomscrolling, once tied primarily to pandemic anxiety, has evolved into an insidious threat" to mental and physical health amid continuing global unrest. The phenomenon now shapes daily routines, sleep patterns, and even the brains reward pathways. TikTok the ecosystem that popularised the infinite scroll for a new generation- is now introducing digital well-being tools aimed at encouraging healthier habits. Teen users can expect affirmation journals, calming soundscapes, breathing modules, sleep-hour prompts, and, most intriguingly, badges awarded for limiting app usage are among the features being rolled out. The time and well-being features underscore the apps commitment to fostering a balanced online experience. With more than 120 affirmation cards or positive prompts, the redesigned screen-time management page includes a sound generator offering a calming audio guided by breathing exercises. Notably, TikTok is introducing badges digital rewards granted to users who adhere to screen-time limits, avoid the app during designated sleep hours, or complete meditation exercises. To frame restrictions as achievements rather than prohibitions, the app is turning healthy habits into what it calls well-being missions." But beneath these interventions lies a larger question: why has doomscrolling become so addictive, particularly for todays youth? The Psychology Of Doomscrolling According to the Cleveland Clinic, doomscrolling is the behaviour of consuming large amounts of negative news, often in an attempt to manage anxiety or gain a sense of control. The clinic also notes that while many individuals justify this behaviour as an effort to stay informed and updated, there is something deeper at play," involving the brains tendency to confirm negative feelings by seeking information that reinforces them. The addictive pull of doomscrolling is rooted deeply in neuroscience. Harvard Health Publishings September 2024 feature on doomscrolling emphasised that the behaviour is tied to the brains limbic system particularly the amygdala, which manages fight-or-flight responses. With constant global tension, the amygdala becomes hyper-vigilant, driving individuals to scan for threats in a digital environment where crises appear in near-real time." Dr Aditi Nerurkar of Harvard Medical School described doomscrolling as a modern response to chronic, unrelenting stress. The brain, designed to handle brief bursts of threat, is now confronted with an unending stream of alarming content. The result is a persistent state of hyper-arousal that fuels further scrolling. Harvard highlights two particularly vulnerable groups: women and individuals with trauma histories. Dr Richard Mollica, director of the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma, explained that women are disproportionately affected because much of the violent media involves harm to women or children. Meanwhile, trauma survivors may doomscroll as a coping mechanism to monitor potential danger, though the behaviour frequently acts as a trigger instead. How Does Doomscrolling Rewire The Brain? Beyond emotional consequences, doomscrolling has physiological and neurological effects. Harvard researchers highlighted consequences such as elevated blood pressure, headaches, sleep disturbances, reduced appetite, muscle tension, and heightened existential anxiety. A review published in Applied Research in Quality of Life in April 2023, analysing three studies involving more than 1,200 adults, linked doomscrolling to decreased life satisfaction and poorer mental well-being. Meanwhile, a 2024 study in Computers in Human Behaviour Reports involving 800 adults found that doomscrolling triggers higher levels of existential anxiety a sense of dread related to the limits and inevitabilities of human existence. A separate April 2024 report in Computers in Human Behaviour showed that employees who doomscroll during work hours demonstrate reduced professional engagement. Dr Nerukar says, Doomscrolling can give us popcorn brain, which happens when we spend too much time online. Its the real, biological phenomenon of feeling your brain is popping because youre being overstimulated online," she explains. Then its hard to engage with the real world, which moves at a much slower pace." Young People And The Digital Pull Studies consistently highlight that younger generations are particularly vulnerable to doomscrolling due to a combination of developmental, social and digital environmental factors. A study in Personality and Individual Differences revealed that individuals with higher anxiety levels are more prone to uncertainty intolerance, which increases the urge to consume negative information. For Gen Z, several dynamics include: Infinite scroll is a native experience- This generation grew up with platforms designed around endless feeds Instagram reels and more. Social media is a source of news- Rather than turning to traditional media outlets, younger users encounter news with memes, commentary and influencer narratives. Global crisis shaping worldview- Climate change, wars, political unrest, and economic instability dominate online spaces aimed at younger audiences. The Digital Consequences Doomscrolling disrupts the sleeping patterns, particularly when negative news is consumed before bed," according to the Cleveland Clinic. In one study, 70% of participants acknowledged checking social media while in bed, with increased difficulty falling asleep among those who spent more time doing so. Doomscrolling can also contribute to crazymaking," a term used to describe the disorientation caused by conflicting information from different media sources. Will TikToks Badges Make A Difference? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all TikToks new well-being feature indicates that doomscrolling is not just a bad habit but a widespread behavioural concern which should be addressed. By introducing badges and missions rather than imposing strict limits, the platform aims to shift the psychology of digital self-control. By rewarding users for healthier choices, the step is believed to help normalise balanced digital habits. Doomscrolling emerged from a moment of global crisis, but its grip has lingered beyond the pandemic. TikToks new well-being features badges, breathing tools, affirmations journals and sound generators signal an important shift. Between doom and bloom, the generation is trying to renegotiate its relationship with the endless scroll one badge, one boundary, and one conscious swipe at a time. First Published: November 24, 2025, 12:41 IST News world From Doomscrolling To Bloomscrolling, How This Social Media Platform's New Badges Aim To Cut Your Scrolling Time 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, Xi Talk Taiwan In Phone Call After Japan PMs Remarks; Trade, Ukraine Also Discussed Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 21:55 IST Donald Trump and Xi Jinping discussed trade, Taiwan and Ukraine by phone, with Xi emphasizing Taiwans return to China as key to the post-war order amid Japans recent comments. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk as they leave after a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Taiwan during a telephone call on Monday morning, weeks after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo could intervene militarily in the event of an attack on the island. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said Xi told Trump that Taiwans return to China is an important component" of the world order. He also appeared to remind the US President that China and the United States, which fought on the same side during World War Two, should jointly safeguard the victorious outcome of World War II." Recommended Stories During World War Two, the United States and China fought as allies against Imperial Japan, with Washington providing military aid, training and supplies to Chiang Kai-sheks Nationalist government under the Lend-Lease programme. US forces operated in China through the ChinaBurmaIndia" theatre, supporting Chinese troops, flying supply missions over the Himalayas and conducting bombing campaigns against Japanese positions. While the United States does not formally recognise Taiwans claim to statehood, Washington remains the islands most significant security partner and arms supplier. China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the self-ruled island under its control. Xi also told him that Taiwans return to mainland China is an important part of the post-war international order," according to Chinas official news agency Xinhua. A White House official confirmed that the call happened on Monday morning but offered no details of the call. Trade And Ukraine The two leaders also discussed trade, but the Chinese statement did not reveal any concrete agreements on matters such as purchases of American soybeans. They also discussed the war in Ukraine as American and Ukrainian officials meet in Switzerlands Geneva to discuss a plan put forward by US President Donald Trump to end the conflict there. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Officials from both nations sought on Monday to narrow the gaps between them over the plan, after agreeing to modify a US proposal that Kyiv and its European allies saw as a Kremlin wish list. In a joint statement, Washington and Kyiv said they had drafted a refined peace framework" after talks in Geneva on Sunday. 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 24, 2025, 21:32 IST News world Trump, Xi Talk Taiwan In Phone Call After Japan PMs Remarks; Trade, Ukraine Also Discussed 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... 'Thank You To The President Of America': Zelenskyy After Donald Trump's 'Zero Gratitude' Remark Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 07:24 IST Zelenskyy pushed back against Donald Trumps claim that Ukraine has shown zero gratitude, insisting Kyiv thanks its partners every single day and continues the fighting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with US President Donald Trump (Photo: AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday issued a detailed response to US President Donald Trumps accusation that Kyiv had expressed zero gratitude" for American assistance. In an X post, Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine has never wanted war" and continues to rely on robust diplomatic engagement to secure peace. Recommended Stories In an accompanying video message, Zelenskyy reiterated his appreciation for international support while underscoring that Ukraines position remains firmly rooted in sovereignty, dignity, and unity. Everyone is offering support, giving advice, providing information, and I am grateful to each and every person who is giving this help to us, to Ukraine," he wrote. He emphasised that the renewed diplomatic momentum is essential, noting, It is important to ensure that the steps to end the war are effective, and that everything is doable." Pushing back against Trumps criticism, Zelenskyy asserted, Ukraine has never wanted war, and we will never be an obstacle to peace." He added that diplomacy has been reinvigorated," and Kyiv expects meaningful progress in the coming days. The first priority is a reliable peace, guaranteed security, respect for our people, and respect for everyone who gave their lives defending Ukraine from Russian aggression," Zelenskyy mentioned. Underscoring popular support for his governments stance, Zelenskyy stated, Millions of Ukrainians clearly support our states position. It is palpable. There is firm support for our independence and Ukrainian sovereignty. People must benefit from all political decisions." Zelenskyy also described a day of continuous talks involving the US and multiple European partners. Today is the day of many meetings and talks," he said, confirming extensive engagements with American representatives and other allied delegations. We are working very carefully on the steps that are needed to end the war," he added. The Ukrainian leader also highlighted encouraging signals from Washington. It is important that there is a conversation with the American representatives. And there is a signal that President Trumps team hears us," he said. He further thanked world leaders for their ongoing roles, noting, Thank you to everyone in the world who is with Ukraine. Thank you to America, to the President of America, to all the leaders of Europe." Zelenskyy also issued a warning against internal disruptions, saying that intelligence partners had alerted Kyiv to attempts by certain Ukrainian actors to amplify Russian positions. This does not help," he said firmly, stressing that those with a Ukrainian passport need to feel responsible for Ukraine." Reaffirming unity as Ukraines greatest strength, Zelenskyy concluded, There is our state position, there is Ukrainian dignity. We need to move in order to strengthen it, not undermine it." It is really felt that from millions of Ukrainians there is a clear support for the state position," he said. Everyone is offering support, giving advice, providing information and I am grateful to each and every person who is giving this help to us, to Ukraine. It is important to ensure that the steps to end the war are effective, and that everything is doable. Ukraine has never pic.twitter.com/9PVteak2aA Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 23, 2025 The roots of the Russia-Ukraine conflict stretch back to 2014, when protests in Kyiv led to the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych, and Russia annexed Crimea after a so-called referendum. Fighting soon erupted in eastern Ukraine between Kyiv and Russian-backed separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk. Despite the Minsk agreements, clashes continued for years. Tensions escalated further in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion, triggering a prolonged war marked by shifting frontlines and stalled diplomacy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all During both events, Trump was not in the Oval Office. He won his first term in the White House in 2016 and left office in 2020. ALSO READ | NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Still Believes Trump Is Fascist But Open To Finding Common Ground 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 24, 2025, 06:58 IST News world 'Thank You To The President Of America': Zelenskyy After Donald Trump's 'Zero Gratitude' 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... Ukraine Says Trumps 28-Point Peace Plan Cut To 19 To Make Draft More Acceptable: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 25, 2025, 00:23 IST The US revised its Russia-Ukraine peace plan from 28 to 19 points after talks, but Ukraine rejects demands to cede territory and abandon NATO ambitions. Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy said Monday his country was at a critical moment", after last week insisting Ukraine risked losing either its dignity" or Washington as an ally. (IMAGE: REUTERS) The US-proposed plan to end the nearly four year Russia-Ukraine war now has 19 points instead of 28-point peace plan following negotiations to make the draft proposal more acceptable to Ukraine, a Ukrainian official said on Monday. The US had blindsided Kyiv and European countries with a 28-point peace plan last week, giving Ukraine until Thursday to agree to a framework to end Europes deadliest war since World War Two. Recommended Stories It had called on Ukraine to cede more territory, accept limits on its military and abandon its ambitions to join NATO, Russian demands that Ukrainians have long rejected. While highlighting that the draft plan now has 19 points, the official did not mention what points were removed. Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy said Monday his country was at a critical moment", after last week insisting Ukraine risked losing either its dignity" or Washington as an ally. To achieve real peace, more, more is needed. Of course we all continue working with partners, especially the United States, and look for compromises that strengthen but not weaken us," he said. Speaking at a forum in Stockholm, Sweden, on Monday, the president said Kyiv will continue working with partners, especially the United States, and look for compromises that strengthen, but not weaken us. And we will continue explaining how dangerous it is to pretend that aggression is something one can simply overlook and move on." In talks with the U.S. so far, Zelenskyy added, weve managed to keep extremely sensitive points on the table, including the full release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war under the all-for-all formula and civilians, and the complete return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. These are important steps, but to achieve real peace, more, more is needed." Meanwhile, Russian Defence Ministry said its shot down at least 103 Ukrainian drones overnight and into Monday afternoon. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Moscow is in control of large areas of southern and eastern Ukraine, including Crimea which it took control of in 2014. The Kremlin is seeking recognition of the territories it occupies and wants Kyiv to pull out of the part of the Donetsk region that remains under its control demands deemed unacceptable by Ukraine. Location : Sweden First Published: November 25, 2025, 00:23 IST News world Ukraine Says Trumps 28-Point Peace Plan Cut To 19 To Make Draft More Acceptable: 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... White House Says Trumps H-1B Stance Misunderstood, Focus Remains On American Workers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 25, 2025, 02:58 IST White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified President Donald Trumps stance on H-1B workers, stressing he supports American jobs. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google White House says criticism from MAGA base ignores context and that Trump wants Americans to take over high-skill jobs after being trained by foreign companies. (IMAGE: REUTERS) The White House on Tuesday attempted to contain criticism from US President Donald Trumps own base over his recent defence of H-1B workers, saying his comments had been taken out of context and that he does not support American workers being replaced by foreign talent. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a detailed clarification after sections of the MAGA movement accused Trump of abandoning his America First" stance. Leavitt said critics were amplifying selective clips and misreading what the President meant. Recommended Stories She was asked directly: Is it MAGA to support American workers being replaced with H-1B visa holders? Are Americans not capable of filling most of these positions?" Leavitt pushed back, saying Trumps critics were twisting his words. The president does not support American workers being replaced. You are mischaracterizing what the president said," she responded. According to Leavitt, Trumps position is centred on foreign companies investing trillions of dollars" inside the United States, particularly in advanced manufacturing. Such firms, she said, often need highly specialised workers to get complex facilities operational in the initial phase. The president has a very nuanced and commonsense opinion on this issue," she said. He wants to see, at the beginning, foreign companies bring in their people to create very niche things like batteries and get those factories up and running." .@PressSec on H-1Bs: President Trump does NOT support American workers being replaced. He has a nuanced, commonsense approach after those factories are up and running and workers are trained, these companies better be hiring American workers. pic.twitter.com/Qx4RyucZ9S Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 24, 2025 She added that Trumps long-term goal was unchanged. Ultimately, the president always wants to see American workers in those jobs," she said. And hes told these foreign companies investing here, You better be hiring my people if youre going to be doing business in the United States." Trump had attempted to explain the same argument at the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington earlier this month, where he acknowledged the backlash from his supporters. They just dont understand," he said, stressing that large-scale high-tech projects cannot be launched without trained experts. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all People have to be taught," Trump said. If we dont have people that did that before, we are allowing you. You cant open a massive computer chip factory and think youre going to hire people off the unemployment line to run it. Theyre going to have to bring thousands of people, and I am going to welcome those people." Leavitt said this approach fits into Trumps broader economic agenda, pointing to tariff policies and trade deals that the White House says have drawn trillions and trillions of dollars" in investment and created good-paying American jobs right here at home." She highlighted that the use of foreign specialists is temporary and meant to train Americans as these industries grow. 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 25, 2025, 02:58 IST News world White House Says Trumps H-1B Stance Misunderstood, Focus Remains On American Workers 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... Zero Tariffs, Expanded Trade Routes: Afghan Minister Calls For Stronger Ties With India Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: November 24, 2025, 18:19 IST Afghan Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi stressed on the shared historical relationship between the two nations and outlined several key initiatives to boost ties Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Afghanistan Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi addresses a press conference in new Delhi on Monday. (Image: News18) Afghanistans Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi on Monday emphasised the importance of strengthening trade ties between Afghanistan and India during his six-day visit to India. Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, Azizi stressed on the shared historical relationship between the two nations and outlined several key initiatives to boost economic collaboration. Recommended Stories Its an immense pleasure and I feel proud that the two great nations, India and Afghanistan, are now working together. As you may know, we have a historical relationship with India," said Azizi. Its not only in trade but also we have a very good political relationship with them. Now we are exploring the politics, trade, and investment," he added. Key Focus On Expanding Trade Routes Azizi acknowledged the efforts of both Indias Ministry of External Affairs and Afghanistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs in facilitating the visit. He further expressed confidence that the trip would pave the way for closer cooperation between the two countries, particularly in trade and economic development. We want to expand our bilateral economic relationship between our two nations, a trade and business of approximately one billion dollars," Azizi explained. Because the potential and resources exist in both countries, and the intention is also there, and our private sector wants to work effectively with this program and this agreement." Azizi also highlighted the discussion around the introduction of zero tariffs between Afghanistan and India, aiming to further enhance trade between the two nations. We want to increase trade," he said, stressing that both countries have significant economic potential. Resolving Past Challenges Addressing some past challenges, Azizi mentioned that issues such as visa restrictions and air corridor expenses had been resolved. He stressed that these hurdles would no longer hinder the progress of trade, investment, and transit between Afghanistan and India. The minister also touched on the importance of expanding trade routes, particularly through the Chabahar port. We have discussed opening the Chabahar route. We have also discussed land and air corridors. Further work is underway on this.," he said. Azizi also spoke about the desire to open additional trade routes with India, possibly through neighbouring countries like Iran or Pakistan. He acknowledged that the Wagah border, a key trading point, had been closed due to regional tensions, but reiterated Afghanistans commitment to increasing trade with India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Despite the challenges, we are determined to reopen and expand trade routes with India," he added. Additionally, the Afghan minister expressed satisfaction with the visit and the positive discussions held with Indian officials. Both countries are ready to provide all the facilities from both sides, so that our trade and transit can progress very well," he said, expressing optimism about the future of the Afghanistan-India trade relationship. About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively ... Read More First Published: November 24, 2025, 18:19 IST News world Zero Tariffs, Expanded Trade Routes: Afghan Minister Calls For Stronger Ties With India 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 Emmerson Mnangagwa has put brakes on Zanu PF Harare provinces frenzied campaign for a controversial resolution to extend his term in office to 2030 after the rallies exposed serious fault lines in the ruling party, it has been revealed. Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa told journalists that Mnangagwa was not interested in staying in power beyond 2028 when his term comes to an end in three years time. Mutsvangwa, however, said the 2030 resolution would remain on the agenda in a statement that left many people confused. We had our resolution number one at the party conference in Bulawayo, which said that President Mnangagwa remains the president of Zimbabwe until 2030 and that resolution was unanimouslymade by a majority, he said at the press conference. The decision of the president in 2027 will decide where the party will go as we have a congress in 2027. If you declare yourself as a candidate ahead of the party itself and the party having not announced the availability of a vacancy in the presidency, it is totally wrong. A Zanu PF politburo member said Mutsvangwas press conference was convened after concerns grew in the ruling party that the activities in Harare were being used by some to position themselves in the succession race. The official said the Zanu PF spokesperson had Mnangagwas blessings to make the pronouncements. Mutsvangwa did not mention any names in his blistering attack, but there is speculation that businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who has played a prominent role in the Harare rallies was the target. He spoke about an official, who made a pronouncement on foreign business owners, which he said were xenophobic. Tagwirei had told one of the rallies that Zanu PF must enforce its Mutare conference resolution to bar foreigners from certain sectors of the economy. Certain things are only said by the president, Mutsvangwa told journalists. They are not said by everybody, otherwise everyone who thinks they can be a president can be seen giving policies from his platform. It may not be too late, particularly for people who want to be presidents, to go back to the Chitepo School of Ideology. I have mentioned it before. Yesterday Mutsvangwa said he could not comment because he was attending meetings in Mozambique where Mnangagwa was on a state visit. Tagwirei has been touted as Mnangagwas preferred successor ahead of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Chiwenga recently came under attack from Zanu PF secretary for legal affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi for refusing to endorse the 2030 agenda. Ziyambi accused the VP of being disloyal and trying to sabotage Mnangagwa after the former army commander produced a dossier that exposed the alleged capture of Zanu PF by controversial businesspeople that were using their proximity to power to loot state resources. According to its constitution, Zanu PF must choose its next leader in 2027 and Chiwenga is regarded as the front runner in some circles. Standard Marjorie Taylor Greene's unexpected resignation from Congress has exposed deep divisions within the Republican Party and raised new questions about the GOP's ability to maintain control of the House, the New York Times reports. Greene's upcoming January departure, which reportedly caught House Speaker Mike Johnson off guard, will reduce the already-slim Republican majority and leave the party with a vacant seat until at least spring, when a special election is expected in Georgia. Greene, a prominent figure among far-right lawmakers and once a vocal supporter of President Trump, cited frustration with congressional inaction and accused her party of failing to deliver on its promises. In a lengthy social media post, she criticized Republican leadership for sidelining key legislative proposals, including measures on immigration and gender policy, and predicted that the GOP would lose control of the House in the midterms. Her remarks struck a chord with other Republicans, including Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana, who echoed Greene's disillusionment with the party's record. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky praised Greene's candor, saying her resignation statement contained "more honesty than most politicians will speak in a lifetime." Trump's reaction to Greene's resignation was celebratory; he called her a "traitor" and claimed credit for pushing her out after withdrawing his endorsement. The split between Greene and Trump has highlighted dissatisfaction within Trump's base and raised concerns about the GOP's unity heading into the midterms. While Greene's exit is unlikely to immediately change the balance of powerRepublicans can still afford to lose two votes on most issuesit underscores the fragility of the majority and the ongoing turmoil within the party. Meanwhile, many are speculating Greene could be considering a 2028 presidential run; on Sunday, she specifically refuted those rumors in a lengthy post on X, CBS News reports. A Wisconsin woman who admitted to stabbing a classmate nearly to death at age 12 to please the online horror character Slender Man has been found in Illinois after she cut off an electronic monitoring device and left a group home, per the AP . Madison police issued an alert Sunday for Morgan Geyser, now 23, saying she was last seen around 8pm Saturday with an adult acquaintance. The department issued an update late Sunday that Geyser was taken into custody in Illinois. She was found at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, the Posen Police Department confirmed early Monday. Posen is about 25 miles south of Chicago and about 170 miles south of Madison. No further details have been released about the short-lived escape. Geyser was placed in a group home this year after being granted conditional release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. She was sent to the psychiatric institute in 2018 after pleading guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide in a deal with prosecutors to avoid prison. Authorities say Geyser and her friend, Anissa Weier, also 12, lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, to a suburban Milwaukee park after a sleepover in 2014. Geyser stabbed Leutner more than a dozen times while Weier egged her on. Leutner barely survived. The girls told investigators that they attacked Leutner to earn the right to be servants of Slender Mana fictional online boogeyman. Weier pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide. She was also sent to the psychiatric center and granted release in 2021. (Updated with news of Geyser's capture.) Bill Maher is taking fresh aim at Larry David, reviving a simmering feud over Maher's controversial dinner with President Trump, USA Today reports. During the latest episode of Real Time, Maher criticized what he called "childish" and "purely emotional" responses from criticsincluding Davidwho took issue with Maher's decision to share a meal with Trump at the White House earlier this year. "You know, because he's Hitler," Maher said sarcastically, referencing outrage over the dinner. "Except he's not. So unhelpful and dumb." As he spoke, Maher displayed a headline from David's satirical New York Times essay, "My Dinner With Adolf," which parodied Maher's comments about the April dinner by imagining a dinner with Hitler in 1939. Maher didn't stop there. He recounted that David had always declined invitations to appear on Real Time in years past, telling Maher he wasn't "smart enough about politics" for the show. "Yeah, I get that now," Maher quipped, before questioning the logic behind the backlash. "What exactly is the argument? That by talking to Trump, I'll elevate him? Oh, my God, don't tell me he could become president!" Maher was, at the time, talking about why he doesn't think it's a good idea to cut people off because they voted for Trump, Deadline reports. Specifically, he called out Jimmy Kimmel's wife, criticizing her decision to end relationships with relatives who voted for Trump after she reached out with a list of reasons why they shouldn't, Fox News reports. Maher previously described his dinner with Trump as surprisingly pleasant, noting that the president was more personable in private than he expected. David's essay echoed this observationwithout naming Maherby describing a fictional Hitler who seemed different in private. Maher had already called the comparison "kind of insulting to 6 million dead Jews" during an earlier appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored. Skye Gyngell, the influential chef who championed the slow food movement and built a Michelin-starred restaurant in a London garden, has died at the age of 62, the Guardian reports. Gyngell, originally from Sydney, was celebrated for her dedication to local and seasonal ingredients, most notably at the acclaimed Petersham Nurseries Cafe in Richmond, which she transformed from a garden site into a widely acclaimed dining destination. Per the Standard , Gyngell "ushered in a new era" for Michelin-starred restaurants, with her win being the first of a number of "more relaxed venues" to be awarded a star. A statement from her family and friends described her as a "culinary visionary" who inspired chefs and food growers around the world to connect food with the land. She leaves "a remarkable legacy," the statement read. Gyngell's influence reached across continents, with fellow chefs and public figures paying tribute to her impact. Jamie Oliver called her "an amazing woman and incredible cook," while Cyrus Todiwala described her as "a great culinary leader." Born to a well-known Australian broadcaster father, Gyngell initially studied law before shifting to cooking. She trained in Paris and worked in top kitchens in London, including under Anton Mosimann at the Dorchester. She embraced the slow food movement, which advocates for traditional cooking and ethical sourcing. She was the first Australian woman to be awarded a Michelin star, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Beyond restaurants, Gyngell taught, catered for high-profile clients, and served as food editor at Vogue. She later opened Spring at Somerset House and ran two additional restaurants at Heckfield Place in Hampshire, where Marle earned a green Michelin star for sustainability. Gyngell was diagnosed last year with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer, which temporarily affected her sense of taste and smell. She is survived by two daughters. Her death came just days after the death of her mother, noted interior designer Ann Barr, was announced, 9Honey reports. Talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war are still in progress, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for one, is hopeful . On Monday, however, Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that one enormous sticking point remains unsolvedRussia's claim to captured territory in the east. "Putin wants legal recognition to what he has stolen, to break the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty," Zelensky said, per CBS News . "That's the main problem. You all understand what that means." Ukrainian negotiators, meanwhile, were returning home from Geneva to brief Zelensky on the weekend talks, per the New York Times. "Based on these reports, we will determine the next steps and the timing," Zelensky tweeted. President Trump wants the Ukraine leader to agree to a deal by Thursday and has threatened to pull all US support if he doesn't. And Russia says it will pursue more territorial gains if Ukraine rejects the 28-point plan brokered by the US and backed by Trump. The peace plan has drawn concern from Ukraine's European allies, who see it as overly favorable to Moscow. Ukraine's ambassador to the US, Olga Stefanishyna, told CBS News on Sunday that it prioritizes putting an end to the fighting but doesn't address core issues such as Russia's aggression. A volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region erupted Sunday for the first time in recorded history, sending a massive plume of ash nine miles into the sky and disrupting life for local herders, reports the Guardian . The Hayli Gubbi volcano, about 500 miles northeast of Addis Ababa near the Eritrean border, had no previous record of erupting at any time during the Holocene, which began with the end of the last ice age some 12,000 years ago, the Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program reported. The volcano sits near the "triple junction" of the Arabian tectonic plate and the African plate's Nubian and Somali sections, per IFL Science . The human population in the area is very low, and no fatalities or injuries have been reported. However, the volcano has covered nearby villages in ash, threatening the livelihoods of residents and the lives of their livestock. Local official Mohammed Seid said the ash left animals with "little to eat," raising concerns about the economic impact on the community, which relies heavily on herding. One resident described the eruption as feeling like a "sudden bomb" had gone off, accompanied by a shock wave. Officials say the ash cloud drifted across the Red Sea, reaching as far as Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan. Flight disruptions have been reported. Venezuela is pushing back hard against a US plan to label the so-called Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization, dismissing the move as a "ridiculous fabrication" ahead of a formal announcement expected Monday. The Trump administration alleges the group is run by high-ranking Venezuelan officials, with President Nicolas Maduro at the helm, a claim Maduro roundly rejects. The Venezuelan government describes the organization as "nonexistent," saying the US is simply trying to justify regime change and gain control of the country's oil reserves, per Reuters . Experts tell the Los Angeles Times that Cartel de los Soles is not a group, but rather "an umbrella term for corrupt Venezuelan military and government officials." InSight Crime, a group that studies organized crime, previously concluded the term applies to a "system of corruption wherein military and political officials profit by working with drug traffickers," adding it's an "oversimplification" to say Maduro is the leader. The US Treasury already designated the alleged cartelwhose name references the sun insignia worn by Venezuelan generalsas a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" in July, freezing any US assets and barring Americans from dealing with it. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the new designation would bring "a whole bunch of new options" for dealing with narco-terrorists in the region. "Nothing is off the table," he said. This comes as the US is reportedly preparing a new phase of Venezuela-related operations, though it's unclear what those might involve. Some analysts have warned that calling the group a foreign terrorist organization could be used as a pretext for military action, but experts note the current statute doesn't actually permit that. "This new maneuver will meet the same fate as previous and recurring aggressions against our country: failure," said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil. Japan's first female prime minister took office only last month, but Sanae Takaichi's reign already has been memorable: Her comments about Taiwan have brought Japan's relations with China to their lowest point in years, and the tensions have international implications. Coverage: The start: Earlier this month, when asked about a hypothetical attack on Taiwan by China, Takaichi suggested Japan would respond militarily. "If it involves the use of warships and the exercise of force, I believe this is a case that could unquestionably constitute a crisis threatening the nation's existence," Takaichi said, per the Wall Street Journal. Earlier this month, when asked about a hypothetical attack on Taiwan by China, Takaichi suggested Japan would respond militarily. "If it involves the use of warships and the exercise of force, I believe this is a case that could unquestionably constitute a crisis threatening the nation's existence," Takaichi said, per the Wall Street Journal. Blowback: China responded angrily on several fronts, including a formal complaint to the UN and in scathing editorials and cartoons in state media. "For the first time, a Japanese leader has expressed ambitions for armed intervention in Taiwan and issued a military threat against China," a commentary in the People's Daily said this week, per CNN. "Behind this lies the dangerous attempt by Japan's right-wing forces to break free from the constraints of the pacifist constitution and seek the status of a 'military power.'" One of the most storied American philanthropies is teaming up with the internet's biggest creator to an attempt to instill young people with a concern for what they call the world's "most vulnerable" populations. Beast Philanthropy, the charitable organization started by MrBeast founder Jimmy Donaldson, and the Rockefeller Foundation announced a strategic partnership Monday. The idea is to pair Donaldson's unique ability to capture youth attention spans with the foundation's 112-year history of using its resources and technology to tackle global problems. "I've spent my entire life making YouTube videos. They've spent their entire lives helping people," Donaldson told the AP. "Obviously, they have a team who's way more experienced than me in helping people, but being able to pull on their knowledge and wisdom is amazing. I just want to download their brains into our team's brains," he added. Dr. Rajiv Shah, the president of the Rockefeller Foundation, said the philanthropic sector has long failed to capture "the hearts and minds of hundreds of millions of young people." He said MrBeast can help them engage young people, inspire hope, and communicate their work more accessibly. Most people have a natural desire to help others, according to Shah, but we teach ourselves that world problems are "too big and too complicated" to solve. He pointed to MrBeast's video in Zambia, where they provided a village with solar-powered electricity and clean water wells. "What Jimmy's already done is show that you can change that dramatically," Shah said. "If we can get people believing that they can make a difference through this collaboration, we will have achieved something really unique and really special." It's an unlikely marriage. The Rockefeller Foundation is a pillar of civil society established with wealth amassed by the 19th-century oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller whereas the 27-year-old Donaldson represents the 21st-century "influencer" economy where media empires can emerge from content creators' viral stunts. Donaldson said he wants to use his influence to inspire youth to "do good and volunteer and donate and care about these projects." But he hopes the Rockefeller Foundation can help him be more efficient and make "real, lasting change." He said it doesn't make sense for him to "go make the same mistakes they've made a bajillion times." New Zealand has set an ambitious goal: eradicating feral cats by 2050. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced the move on Friday, marking the first time a new species has been added to the country's Predator-Free 2050 strategy since it began in 2016. The plan aims to protect native wildlife by targeting invasive predators, including ferrets, stoats, rats, and possums, for large-scale removal, per the Guardian . An estimated 2.5 million feral cats are spread across New Zealand and are blamed for decimating native species, including the Pukunui bird on Stewart Island. Potaka described feral cats as "stone-cold killers" and said their removal is essential for protecting biodiversity and heritage landscapes. The decision follows years of debate. A 2013 campaign to control cat populations sparked backlash from animal rights groups. However, the Department of Conservation reports that 90% of feedback on its draft strategy supported either the inclusion of feral cats or stronger cat management measures. Domestic cats are not included in the new strategy, but their impact on wildlife remains controversial in a country with one of the world's highest rates of cat ownership. Animal welfare groups like the SPCA acknowledge the threat feral cats pose to wildlife but want more investment in humane control methods. "We're talking about removing them from an environment, and this is currently done by lethal means, which we're not happy with," says the SPCA's Christine Sumner. Potaka referred to the use of poison, per CNN. Detailed plans for the feral cat eradication effort are expected in March. American and Chinese officials have confirmed that Xi Jinping and President Trump had a rare phone conversation Monday morning. The Wall Street Journal , calling it an "unusual diplomatic move," reports that sources say the Chinese leader was the one who initiated the call. According to Chinese state media, the two leaders discussed Ukraine and Taiwan. China, which has backed Russia diplomatically and economically since its 2022 invasion, now appears keen to play a more public role in any peace process for Ukraine. According to Chinese state media, Xi told Trump that China supports "all efforts committed to peace" and hopes for a "fair, lasting, and binding peace agreement" to resolve the Ukraine crisis. "China is watching the Ukraine peace deal and feels the need to be more involved," said Yun Sun, who heads the China program at the Stimson Center think tank, tells the Journal. According to state news agency Xinhua, Xi pressed the issue of Taiwan amid rising tensions, calling its "return to China" an "important component of the postwar international order," per Reuters. Xinhua reported that Xi told Trump: "China and the United States once fought side by side against fascism and militarism, and should now work together to safeguard the outcomes of World War Two." According to Xinhua, Trump told Xi that the US "understands the importance of the Taiwan issue to China." State media said Taiwan was a main focus of the call, but Trump didn't mention it in a post on Truth Social later Monday. "We discussed many topics including Ukraine/Russia, Fentanyl, Soybeans and other Farm Products," Trump said. He described the call as "very good" and said it was a follow-up to their meeting in South Korea last month. "Now we can set our sights on the big picture," he wrote. "To that end, President Xi invited me to visit Beijing in April, which I accepted, and I reciprocated where he will be my guest for a State Visit in the U.S. later in the year." A federal judge has dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluding that the prosecutor who brought the charges at President Trump's urging was illegally appointed by the Justice Department. The rulings from US District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie amount to a stunning rebuke of the Trump administration's efforts to target Trump's political opponents as well as its legal maneuvering to hastily install a loyalist prosecutor willing to file the cases, the AP reports. A Michigan veterinarian was sentenced to 10 days in jail Monday for refusing to return a dog to a homeless man after finding the ailing pit bull mix tied to a truck. Amanda Hergenreder's lawyer asked for 120 hours of community service for the misdemeanor larceny conviction, the AP reports. But Grand Rapids Judge Angela Ross said jail was more appropriate for her, plus $1,000 in restitution. A year ago, Hergenreder was in Grand Rapids for a professional conference when she saw the 16-year-old dog tied to a truck near a coffee shop. She said she took him to her clinic, two hours away, cleared up a severe urinary tract infection, and removed a rotten tooth. Prosecutors charged Hergenreder after she refused to bring the dog back to Chris Hamilton, a Grand Rapids man who lacked a permanent home at the time. She cited her ethical duties as a veterinarian and noted that the dog wasn't licensed. A jury, however, convicted her at a two-day trial. Hergenreder told the judge that she saw a "dog in distress." But she also acknowledged that she "failed to see the whole picture." "I failed to honor the bond between Vinnie and Mr. Hamilton. I failed to recognize the heartbreak that would follow," the Millington, Michigan, veterinarian said before being sentenced. "I failed to stop, think, and ask questions." Vinnieor Biggby, as Hergenreder called himwas euthanized in July because of health problems in old age. "We're disappointed in Dr. Hergenreder being sentenced to jail, but we take solace in the fact that Biggby/Vinnie spent his last few months in a warm, safe, loving, caring environment," defense attorney Miles Greengard said. 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. Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Sunny this morning then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. High -27F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of snow after midnight. Low -26F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 100%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. Purolator expects to process 1.3 million pieces a day until Dec. 24, 2025 TORONTO, Nov. 24, 2025 /CNW/ - From Prince Rupert, B.C., to Whitehorse, Yukon, to Corner Brook, N.L., Purolator couriers have begun criss-crossing the nation as holiday shipping season kicks into high gear this week. Purolator, a leading Canadian integrated freight, package and logistics solutions provider, released its annual peak season forecast today and confirmed it is expecting to process more than 52 million packages from Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, 2025 an average 1.3 million pieces each day. Purolator is delivering cheer this holiday season, with more than 52 million parcels expected to ship across Canada between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, 2025. (CNW Group/Purolator Inc.) "This holiday season, Purolator is proud to bring Canadians more than parcels we're delivering cheer from coast to coast," said Jacqueline Jennings, Director, Retail, Purolator. "With more than 3,000 secure access points for easy package drop-off and pick-up, and special holiday rates to make shipping more affordable, we're helping Canadians share holiday moments with family and friends and support locally owned businesses. Our network is prepared for the holiday rush, ensuring businesses can ship with confidence and customers receive their deliveries across Canada and beyond." During the 2024 peak season, Purolator teams, in delivery vans, all-electric vehicles (EVs) and even e-bikes, traversed approximately 18.3 million kilometres. That's equivalent to 3,325 one-way trips across Canada or 457 trips around the globe. Purolator expects to cover a comparable distance this year between Nov. 1-Dec. 24. Purolator's 2025 holiday shipping forecasts Total National Forecast (Nov. 1-Dec. 24, 2025) 52+ million packages Daily National Forecast (Nov. 1-Dec. 24, 2025) 1.3+ million packages processed daily Courier Weight Forecast (Nov. 1-Dec. 24, 2025) 626 million pounds processed Equivalent to 41.7 million+ 15 lb turkeys National Mileage 2024 Actuals (Nov. 1-Dec. 24, 2024) 18.3 million kilometres Equivalent to: 48 one-way trips to the moon 3,905 one-way trips from the North Pole to Ottawa 3,325 one-way trips across Canada 457 trips around the world Purolator is ready to deliver cheer this holiday season To make holiday shipping easier and more affordable, Purolator has expanded its network to more than 3,000 access points across Canada, offering convenient drop-off, pick-up, and returns for customers. Purolator is offering special seasonal rates of up to 40 per cent off domestic and international shipments in-store at Purolator Shipping Centres*. In addition, the popular Flat Rate Box promotion provides a simple, cost-effective way to send gifts anywhere in the country. Boxes are available at Purolator Shipping Centres and select partner locations including Staples and Penguin Pickup. Prices start at $15 for a small box shipped within the same province (prices vary by size and destination). In 2025, the shipping company has: Added more than 250 all-electric vehicles to its fleet, bringing the total to more than 500 EVs, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet targeted net-zero by 2050. Enhanced its Purolator Your Way web app to allow more customers to track packages and personalize e-commerce delivery; consumers can subscribe at purolator.com/subscribe-to-pyw. Increased and enhanced shipping access points: New exclusive partnership with PARCELPOINT, adding 65 new parcel drop-offs, Hold for Pick Up, and returns at PARCELPOINT local partnered businesses. Added Amazon pickup at 2,300 Purolator access points across Canada for a secure way to collect Amazon orders. Expanded its label free return services. Customers can have their return shipping label printed via QR code at more than 2,200 retail locations. Learn more about Purolator's holiday services and solutions at purolator.com/deliveringcheer. *Conditions apply. See purolator.com/deliveringcheer for more details. For Purolator's statement on forward looking statements, please see purolator.com/sustainability. About Purolator Purolator Inc. is a leading integrated freight, package and logistics solutions provider. Delivering its customers' promises since 1960, Purolator continues to expand its reach and renowned service levels and reliability to more people, more businesses and more places across the country and the world. Purolator is proud of its Canadian heritage and is focused on sustainably positioning itself for future growth and success. Purolator is also committed to contributing to the well-being of the communities it serves and where more than 14,000 of its employees love, work and play. SOURCE Purolator Inc. Media contact: Tom Kennedy, Manager, Corporate Communications, Purolator, 416-717-0378, [email protected] VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 24, 2025 /CNW/ - CEFA Early Learning, Canada's leading Early Learning Private School, celebrated the grand opening of CEFA Early Learning Vancouver UBC, marking a major milestone: the organization's 50th school nationwide. Families, educators, and community members, including Alec Dan, Member of the Musqueam Indian Band and Leader of the Coastal Wolf Dance Group, Babu Kadiyala, VP of Real Estate at Musqueam Capital Corporation, and Mike Klassen, Councillor for the City of Vancouver, gathered to commemorate this achievement and explore the new 11,891 sq. ft. school, located at 2620 Acadia Road in Vancouver. From left to right: Natacha Beim, Founder of CEFA Early Learning; Alec Dan, Member of the Musqueam Indian Band and Leader of the Coastal Wolf Dance Group; Babu Kadiyala, VP of Real Estate at Musqueam Capital Corporation; and Arno Krug, CEO of CEFA Early Learning, join together to officially cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening of CEFA Early Learning Vancouver UBC, marking CEFAs 50th school nationwide. Photo credit: Bruce Bradly Martin (CNW Group/CEFA Early Learning) Situated in the heart of the University of British Columbia campus, CEFA UBC features seven purpose-built classrooms designed for children aged 1 to 5 years and an outdoor playground nestled in UBC's urban forest. The school can accommodate up to 110 students and is now welcoming enrollment inquiries. Located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people, CEFA UBC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes families from the surrounding community and reflects the unique cultural context of the UBC and University Endowment Lands area. The CEFA team has worked closely with project partners, including Musqueam Capital Corporation, throughout the development of the new school and will continue to work closely with them, ongoing, as loyal and committed members of the community. "Reaching our 50th school is a proud and humbling milestone for CEFA," said Arno Krug, CEO, CEFA Early Learning. "Each new school represents our ongoing commitment to quality early education that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child. CEFA UBC reflects not only our growth but our deep belief in community partnerships and inclusive access to world-class early learning." In keeping with CEFA's national standards, CEFA UBC offers a proprietary, multidisciplinary curriculum developed to nurture children's academic, social, emotional, and physical growth. Every teacher is certified in Early Childhood Education and trained in CEFA's unique methodology, which combines core academic subjects with fine arts and enrichment activities such as drama, music, dance, and yoga. Founded in 1998, CEFA has grown from a single school in West Vancouver to a coast-to-coast network of locations across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. Today, CEFA's expansion reaches an exciting milestone with the opening of its 50th school. "Families across Vancouver have long valued education, innovation, and inclusion," added Krug. "For more than 25 years, CEFA has been dedicated to building learning environments where children feel curious, confident, and supported. We're proud to continue that legacy with CEFA UBC one that inspires both children and families alike." To learn more about CEFA Early Learning Vancouver UBC or to inquire about enrollment, visit www.cefa.ca. ABOUT CEFA EARLY LEARNING CEFA Early Learning (Core Education & Fine Arts) is Canada's leading network of Early Learning Private Schools, founded by Natacha V. Beim in 1998 for children aged one to five. With more than 25 years of experience and 50 schools across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, CEFA delivers a proprietary, award-winning junior kindergarten curriculum that uniquely combines core academic subjects--such as reading, mathematics, and STEM--with fine arts and enrichment programs including drama, music, visual arts, dance, and yoga. CEFA schools provide carefully designed learning environments and experiences that nurture children's holistic development--academically, emotionally, socially, and physically--laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. For more information about CEFA, visit https://cefa.ca. SOURCE CEFA Early Learning TRUBAR generated record Net Revenue of $21.6 million from continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2025, an increase of 88% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. The Company achieved record Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $1.4 million in the third quarter, and positive Net Income. During Q3-2025, the Company expanded TRUBAR distribution into more than 500 additional U.S. grocery stores, launched the TRUBAR Kids line at Sprouts Farmers Market locations across the U.S., and continued its Canadian retail expansion. TRUBAR reaffirms full-year 2025 guidance for Net Revenue in the range of $65 to $70 million. VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 24, 2025 /CNW/ - TRUBAR Inc. (TRUBAR" or the "Company") (TSXV: TRBR) (OTCQX: TRBRF), a better-for-you snacking company focused on delivering high-quality, plant-based protein products with exceptional taste and made with clean, recognizable ingredients, is pleased to announce its interim financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2025. All amounts are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise noted. Certain metrics, including those expressed on an adjusted basis, such as "Gross Revenue", "Gross Profit", "Gross Margin Percentage", "EBITDA" and "Adjusted EBITDA", are non-International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") defined measures, see "Non-IFRS Measures" below. Selected financial and operating information are outlined below and should be read together with the Company's interim consolidated financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the three months ended September 30, 2025, which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY Erica Groussman, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "I am very pleased with our performance in the third quarter and for the records we achieved in both Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. Our strategic focus on increasing household penetration of the TRUBAR brand helped drive an 88% year over year increase in Net Revenue, including a 206% increase in retail sales and a 170% increase in Direct to Consumer (DTC) sales. During the quarter, we expanded TRUBAR distribution into more than 500 additional U.S. grocery stores, launched the TRUBAR Kids line at Sprouts, and continued our Canadian retail expansion. These actions underscore the continued momentum and growing strength of the TRUBAR brand as a leader in the better-for-you snacking category." Kingsley Ward, Executive Chairman, added, "Our expanding retail footprint, combined with the continued strength across our retail and e-commerce channels, is creating a powerful foundation for long-term growth. We further strengthened our financial position this quarter with an increase in our cash balance, enhancing our flexibility to support ongoing expansion and execution. With a robust pipeline of innovation and upcoming retail launches, we remain confident in our ability to drive sustained growth and deliver long-term value for our shareholders. 2025 ANNUAL GUIDANCE TRUBAR is pleased to reaffirm its full year 2025 guidance range for Net Revenue in the range of $65 million to $70 million. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 Financial highlights for the Company's continuing operations during the three months ended September 30, 2025 included: Net Revenue was $21.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, representing an increase of 88% compared to Net Revenue of $11.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase was attributable to various marketing activities and promotional programs. Gross Revenue was $29.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, an increase of 161% compared to $11.4 million for the comparable period in 2024. Gross Profit 1 was $8.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, an increase of 76% as compared to Gross Profit of $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Gross Margin Percentage 1 was 41% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to Gross Margin Percentage of 44% for the comparable period in 2024. The lower margin was related to investments made at retail to drive consumer trial and awareness of the TRUBAR brand. was $8.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, an increase of 76% as compared to Gross Profit of $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Gross Margin Percentage was 41% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to Gross Margin Percentage of 44% for the comparable period in 2024. The lower margin was related to investments made at retail to drive consumer trial and awareness of the TRUBAR brand. Operating costs were $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, an increase of $3.1 million (or 65%), compared to $4.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. This increase reflects the Company's strategic investments and operational growth initiatives. The Company generated Adjusted EBITDA 2 of $1.4 million from continuing operations for the three months period ending September 30, 2025, as compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $1.0 million achieved in the comparable period in 2024. of $1.4 million from continuing operations for the three months period ending September 30, 2025, as compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $1.0 million achieved in the comparable period in 2024. The Company recorded a net gain from continuing operations of $192 thousand during the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to a net gain of $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The Company had a cash balance of $3.7 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $7.1 million at the end of the prior fiscal year on December 31, 2024.3 SEGMENTED REVENUE Wholesale club net revenue was $12.5 million in Q3-2025, an increase of 50% as compared to $8.4 million in Q3-2024. Retail net revenue was $4.8 million in Q3-2025, an increase of 206% as compared to $1.6 million in Q3-2024. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) net revenue was $4.3 million in Q3-2025, an increase of 170% as compared to $1.6 million in Q3-2024. DTC revenue includes e-commerce revenue generated from Amazon and Shopify. THIRD QUARTER 2025 BUSINESS AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS Significant business and operational highlights for the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2025 included: Sale of No B.S. Brand: On July 2, 2025, the Company announced it has completed the sale of its personal care product line, NO BS Life, LLC, to a third-party effective June 30, 2025. This move is part of a strategic effort to focus on and scale the Company's flagship TRUBAR brand in the better-for-you snacking space. On July 2, 2025, the Company announced it has completed the sale of its personal care product line, NO BS Life, LLC, to a third-party effective June 30, 2025. This move is part of a strategic effort to focus on and scale the Company's flagship TRUBAR brand in the better-for-you snacking space. U.S. Grocery Expansion: On July 8, 2025, the Company announced further progress in expanding TRUBAR's retail distribution footprint by adding more than 500 stores in major grocery chains across the U.S. Midwest, Pacific Northwest and Colorado including Meijer, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, and Fresh Thyme Market. On July 8, 2025, the Company announced further progress in expanding TRUBAR's retail distribution footprint by adding more than 500 stores in major grocery chains across the U.S. Midwest, Pacific Northwest and Colorado including Meijer, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, and Fresh Thyme Market. Launch of TRUBAR Kids Line: On August 5, 2025, the Company announced the initial launch of TRUBAR Kids Line, a clean ingredient kids snack bar with protein and fiber, in Sprouts Farmers Market locations across the U.S. The new line is available chain-wide across 400 Sprouts Farmers Markets in 24 states and features three flavors: Iced Oatmeal Blast Bar, Pop Goes Confetti Bar and Fudge-tastic Brownie Bar. On August 5, 2025, the Company announced the initial launch of TRUBAR Kids Line, a clean ingredient kids snack bar with protein and fiber, in Sprouts Farmers Market locations across the U.S. The new line is available chain-wide across 400 Sprouts Farmers Markets in 24 states and features three flavors: Iced Oatmeal Blast Bar, Pop Goes Confetti Bar and Fudge-tastic Brownie Bar. Canadian Retail Expansion: On September 8, 2025, the Company announced the continued retail expansion of TRUBAR in Canada with launches in Costco (71 stores), Pattison Food Group (242 stores) and Healthy Planet stores (37 stores). The recent expansions increase the availability of TRUBAR in more than 3,750 retail doors across Canada. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 Significant business and operational highlights for the Company subsequent to September 30, 2025 included: Corporate Update: On October 10, 2025, TRUBAR Inc. announced several business developments, including a Wicked co-branded snack partnership with Universal, a planned 2026 national launch for TRUBAR Kids, and expansion into 1,600 Target locations. The Company also announced a $3.15 million settlement agreement related to the PureKana, LLC bankruptcy estate. WEBCAST and CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS: TRUBAR will be holding a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss its financial results on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 9:00 am ET (6:00 am PT). The call will be hosted by Kingsley Ward, Executive Chairman, and Erica Groussman, Chief Executive Officer & President. Please dial-in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. Date: Monday, November 24, 2025 Time: 9:00 am EST (6:00 am PST) For attendees who wish to join by webcast, the event can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/TRBR-Q3-25-Investor-Webinar Dial-in by phone +1 778 907 2071 (Vancouver Local) +1 647 558 0588 (Toronto Local) Click here to find local numbers Meeting ID: 872 6193 6351 Footnotes: Non-IFRS financial measures - Gross Profit, Gross Margin Percentage, Gross Revenue - In addition to results reported in accordance with IFRS, the Company uses certain non-IFRS financial measures as supplemental indicators of its financial and operating performance. These non-IFRS financial measures include Gross Revenue, Gross Profit, and Gross Margin Percentage. The Company believes these supplementary financial measures reflect the Company's ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons and analysis of trends in its business. Gross Profit and Gross Margin Percentage The Company defines Gross Profit as revenue less cost of sales and Gross Margin Percentage as Gross Profit as a percentage of revenue. Gross Profit and Gross Margin Percentage should not be construed as an alternative for revenue or net income (loss) determined in accordance with IFRS. The Company believes that Gross Profit and Gross Margin Percentage are meaningful metrics that are often used by readers to measure the Company's efficiency of selling its products and services. Gross Revenue The Company defines Gross Revenue as Net Revenue adjusted for vendor discounts. The Company, through its subsidiary, Tru Brands, engaged in a marketing program with one of its vendors. Discounts and specific promotional expenditures related to this program were recognized as a reduction of revenue in accordance with IFRS 15, 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers'. Non-IFRS Measures - EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA - EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS measures used by management that are not defined by IFRS. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Management believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide meaningful and useful financial information as these measures demonstrate the operating performance of the business excluding non-cash charges. Readers are cautioned that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to net income as determined under IFRS; nor as an indicator of financial performance as determined by IFRS; nor a calculation of cash flow from operating activities as determined under IFRS; nor as a measure of liquidity and cash flow under IFRS. The Company's method of calculating EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may differ from methods used by other companies and, accordingly, the Company's EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures used by any other company. Except as otherwise indicated, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are calculated and disclosed by SBBC on a consistent basis from period to period. Specific adjusting items may only be relevant in certain periods. The most directly comparable measure to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA calculated in accordance with IFRS is net loss. "EBITDA" is calculated as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion, and amortization. "Adjusted EBITDA" is calculated as EBITDA adjusted for non-cash, extraordinary, non-recurring, and other items unrelated to the Company's core operating activities. See also Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization ("EBITDA") and Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP Measures) in the Company's management discussion and analysis for the three months ended September 30, 2025, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Liquidity and Capital Resources - The Company's ability to fund operating expenses will depend on its future operating performance which will be affected by general economic, financial, regulatory, and other factors including factors beyond the Company's control (See "Risk and Uncertainties" in the MD&A). Management continually assesses liquidity in terms of the ability to generate sufficient cash flow to fund the business. Net cash flow is affected by the following items: (i) operating activities, including the level of accounts receivable, other receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and unearned revenue and deposits; (ii) investing activities; and (iii) financing activities. The following table presents the EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2025, and 2024, and a reconciliation of same to net income (loss). For the three months ended September 30, 2025 September 30, 2024 Change in $ $ $ % Income (loss) from continuing operations 0.19 4.10 (3.91) (95 %) Amortization - 0.38 (0.38) (100 %) Finance costs 0.23 0.21 0.02 10 % EBITDA 0.42 4.69 (4.27) (91 %) Fair value adjustment of derivative liability - 0.03 (0.03) (100 %) Gain on disposal - - - - Gain (loss) on remeasurement of warrant liabilities 0.13 (4.18) 4.31 (103 %) Share-based payments 0.42 0.40 0.02 5 % Non-recurring expenses 0.47 0.10 0.37 370 % Adjusted EBITDA 1.44 1.04 0.40 39 % About TRUBAR Inc. TRUBAR Inc. is a better-for-you snacking company focused on delivering high-quality, plant-based protein products with exceptional taste and made with clean, recognizable ingredients. TRUBAR, the Company's signature product line, is distributed through national retailers, club stores, and e-commerce platforms across North America. The Company is focused on expanding TRUBAR's presence throughout North America and select international markets. For more information, visit: https://www.trubarinc.com/ 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. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward looking statements" as such terms are used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information are based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and are subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, among others, that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events, the tariff and regulatory climate in which the Company operates, the Company will receive necessary approvals (including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange) for the Promissory Note and the proposed name change, and the Company's ability to execute on its business plans. Specifically, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to, but not limited to: management's current expectations regarding the ability of the Company to drive growth and deliver value to shareholders in fiscal 2025, management's expectations regarding the strategic focus of the Company in 2025, plans to issue the Promissory Note, expansion plans for TRU Brands products, plans to change the Company's corporate name, and the success of the Company's marketing efforts. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements and information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking statements and information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to above prove not to be valid or reliable, that occurrences such as those referred to above are realized and result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company's financial condition and development plans change, ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for proposed transactions, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the plant-based food, clean ingredient skincare and plant-based wellness or broader wellness industries and to the Company, and as set forth in the Company's management's discussion and analysis available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com. The above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking statements in this news release has been provided in order to provide shareholders and potential investors with a more complete perspective on the Company's current and future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. There is no representation by the Company that actual results achieved will be the same in whole or in part as those referenced in the forward-looking statements and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities law. Financial Outlook This press release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, "FOFI") about the financial results of the Company, including, without limitation, the Company's expected revenue growth for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set out under the heading "Forward-Looking Information". The actual financial results of the Company may vary from the amounts set out herein and such variation may be material. The Company and its management believe that the financial outlook has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management's best estimates and judgments and the FOFI contained in this press release was approved by management as of the date hereof. However, because this information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this press release was made as of the date hereof and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about the Company's anticipated future business operations on a quarterly and annual basis. The purpose of the FOFI is to provide prospective investors with information pertaining to the Company's longer-term objectives. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained in this press release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein. SOURCE Trubar Inc. Contact Information: TRUBAR Inc., Fernando Massalin, VP Investor Relations and Corporate Development, +1 (416) 238-7564, [email protected] Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean 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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 The Colts Neck school district enrolls approximately 1,000 students at three schools in kindergarten through eighth grade. Canva Illustration for NJ.com A Monmouth County school board has adopted a Parental Bill of Rights policy that is drawing criticism from some LGBTQ+ supporters who say it could hurt gay and transgender kids. The Colts Neck school board unanimously adopted a wide-ranging policy Wednesday that authorizes parents to inquire about and receive information when their children change their pronouns or gender identity at school, the Asbury Park Press reported. The new policy also restates other procedures that already exist in the district. They include rules that say parents have the right to block their children from receiving health, family life education or sex education through an opt-out provision currently protected under state and federal law. Colts Neck enrolls approximately 1,000 students at three schools in kindergarten through eighth grade. School board president Angelique Volpe said the board is firm, united and unwavering on parents rights. Parents are the primary authority in their childrens education and this district will never sideline that role. Every child in Colts Neck will be protected, respected and treated equally, without exception, Volpe said at the meeting, which was videotaped and can be viewed on YouTube. We will not permit any sexual content, ideology or identity to take priority over the rights of our families and the educational mission of our schools. No groups sexuality will override the values or rights of others Volpe said. Volpes remarks and the boards decision drew a response Friday from Michael Gottesman, founder of the New Jersey Public Education Coalition, an advocacy group based in Wayne. It is a direct attack on the rights of the LGBTQ/transgender specifically and on any issues relating to gender identity, Gottesman said. Conservative activist Shawn Hyland, whose lawsuit challenging New Jerseys gender-inclusive education regulations was rejected by the state Appellate Division in September, was among those who spoke in support of the new policy at the meeting. Thank you for recognizing that the parents in Colts Neck generally want whats best for their children, and that school policies should reflect that reality, said Hyland, director of advocacy for the New Jersey Family Policy Center. Another speaker at the meeting said the new policy could lead to forced outing of LGBTQ+ students. Outing students without their consent is psychologically damaging, is discrimination and is illegal in New Jersey. I implore you to recognize as a body it is your responsibility to protect every student and reinforce the rights protected by law, the speaker told the board. A supporter of the new policy told the board that no parent should ever have to chase answers about their own child. Families come from different backgrounds, cultures and belief systems, and that diversity is part of what makes a community strong. Giving parents the right to opt out of certain instruction, surveys or content simply respects those differences, the person said. Most of New Jerseys 600 school districts have policies giving transgender students privacy if they ask to have their names or pronouns changed at school. Those policies followed 2018 state guidance. However, after a recent appellate court decision, some districts, including Edison, have voted to eliminate the transgender policy. The February court decision came after State Attorney General Matthew Platkin sued five school districts in Morris and Monmouth counties in 2023 for dropping or amending their transgender student policies. The state appeals courts decision allowed the school districts involved in the court case to consider alternative transgender policies while while the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights reviews the case. Shortly after the decision, the Middletown Township school board, one of the districts challenging Policy 5756 in court, dropped its policy requiring staff to keep students gender identities private. Staff writer Nyah Marshall contributed to this report. Kiyah Scotts family was already in the process of moving out of Newark due to violence when tragedy struck. Scott, a 21-year-old mother of a toddler, was among five victims struck by gunfire on Nov. 15, at the corner of Chancellor Avenue and Leslie Street around 7 p.m., the Essex County Prosecutors Office said. Three victims, Scott, 10-year-old Jordan Garcia and 19-year-old Masi Rogers, died as a result of the shooting. Two others, 11-year-old Jayceon Garcia and a 60-year-old man, were injured. Annette Ryan, Scotts mother, said she dreaded each time her daughter would go to Chancellor Avenue, where her friends would gather. Concerns over safety had pushed her family to plan to relocate. It just didnt work out in time, Ryan said. Every time you turn around, its a shooting up at Chancellor. The scene of the fatal shooting of 10 year old Jordan Garcia, 19 year old Masi Rogers and 21 year old Kiyah Mae Scott in Newark, NJ on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 John Jones | For NJ Advance Media Ryan said she was attending a Zoom meeting for her church the night of the shooting and didnt hear her daughter leave their home on Leslie Street or the gunfire that followed. She believes Scott was heading to a nearby store, as she often did. She discovered the news when two of Scotts friends started banging on the door shortly after the shooting. I just heard wailing and crying, she recalled. Her friends were standing there screaming, Kiyah got shot! Kiyah got shot! Ryan and her son immediately rushed down the block to the scene, where yellow tape had already been put up. She then headed to University Hospital, where she learned that evening that Scott had been pronounced dead. We had to identify the body, and it was just a chaotic night, she said. Ryan described her daughter as a bright and selfless mother to her three-year-old son, Sevyn, who she loved so dearly. Shell give you the shirt off her back, Ryan said. She gave her heart to people. My daughter was very special. Scott had hoped to build a stable life for Sevyn and dreamed of earning enough money to get her own apartment to raise him in. She was just learning how to become an adult, and she just wanted to be on her own with her child, Ryan said. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Sevyn. Scott was the youngest of Ryans eight children. She lost her 26-year-old daughter to cancer in 2018. This is my second child that I lost, she said. I have to be strong for all of my children. My whole family is torn up. I cant even grieve my child because I have to console for others thats not as strong. This one here is heavy because this is the youngest person that actually died in our family, she added. Scotts 13-year-old nephew, Kaiden Ryan remembers his aunt as a really sweet person who was always there for the family. She wanted to live her best life with her son, he said. Anything you needed, she would have gave it to you in a heartbeat. Scott loved beauty and fashion, and had a passion for styling hair, Annette Ryan said. Hair was her thing, she said. Never looked messy, not one time. Juneeva Ryan, Scotts sister, said some of her fondest memories are of Scott coming to her house to get her hair done. And that night, she was supposed to have actually come, she said. No arrests have been announced in the case. The Essex County Sheriffs Office is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the shooter being indicted or convicted. They need to be brought to justice, Ryan said. I believe that they need to boost up that reward and get these people off the streets. Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones speaks at a press conference to provide updates on the investigation into the Newark shooting that resulted in the deaths of a 10-year-old boy and a 21-year-old woman, in Newark, NJ on Monday, November 17, 2025 Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media Last week, authorities in Newark called on those responsible for the shooting to turn themselves in. What happened to them was beyond tragic, Essex County Sheriff Amir D. Jones said at the press conference. It was brutal, he added. It is senseless. It is an attack on everything that this county and this city stand for. Their families are living through hell and they deserve justice without delay, and they will get it. Anyone with information regarding the shooting may contact the prosecutors office confidential tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. A former Middlesex County Superior Court judge who was suspended after allegedly hiding her fugitive boyfriend from police will not receive her state pension. The state pension board ruled on Nov. 12 that Carlia Brady forfeited her benefits following her indictment on official misconduct and hindering apprehension charges stemming from a 2013 incident in Woodbridge. Brady, who earned $165,000 annually before her suspension, was appointed to the Superior Court in April 2013 and served in the civil division for two months. She was then accused of harboring her then-boyfriend, who was wanted for armed robbery at an Old Bridge pharmacy. The criminal charges against Brady were later dismissed. She was reinstated to the Superior Court in March 2018 following a five-year suspension. Brady, the first Filipino-American appointed as a judge in New Jersey, served another 18 months on the bench before she stopped working and began receiving temporary disability benefits until her judicial term expired in April 2020. She was not nominated for reappointment. In February 2020, Brady applied for a permanent disability pension, claiming she had post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar II, major depression and anxiety because of the unsuccessful criminal prosecution and removal proceedings. She alleged that Woodbridge law enforcement, who she said wrongly believed she was engaging in official misconduct, caused her disability. Her request for disability retirement benefits was approved by the state Supreme Court and governor, and she began receiving the benefits in December 2021. Brady then requested a retroactive retirement date of May 2020. When that request was denied, Brady appealed the decision. While the State House Commission reviewed Bradys request for the retroactive retirement date, it determined that misconduct during her tenure had not been reviewed when her retirement was initially approved. The board subsequently ruled that Bradys pension should be forfeited, but declined to take back the $189,000 in pension benefits she had already received. Brady filed an appeal. The appellate court upheld the boards decision earlier this month, agreeing that a lifetime pension amounting to three-fourths of her judicial salary would be an unwarranted windfall. The board argued that Brady contributed to her pension for just two years and four months during her judicial appointment. It also argued she was not fully truthful with the tribunal, displayed a lack of remorse about her June 2013 actions and failed to understand the role of a judicial officer. Brady was culpable of an egregious violation of judicial standards by elevating her personal relationship over her public duties, the court wrote. (Brady) continues to claim she had no obligation to advise law enforcement of the location of a criminal fugitive, demonstrating a patent lack of understanding of the role of a judicial officer. It was reasonable to conclude the very short length of service, coupled with the serious breach of public trust committed by (Brady), outweighed her entitlement to a lifetime pension, the court wrote. Rick Cotton, Port Authority executive director, gives a thumbs up after using PATH's new TAPP fare payment system at the World Trade Center in March 2024. Cotton, who led the bi-state Authority for almost 9 years, plans to retire in January 2026. SL Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton, who led the bi-state agency for almost nine years after the Bridgegate scandal, announced he will retire from the agency in January 2026. Cotton, who was appointed in August 2017 in a shakeup of the authoritys leadership, leaves the authority that controls the regions airports, seaports, PATH rail system, and bridges and tunnels with major infrastructure projects either built, underway or in the planning stages. Since 2017, I have devoted all my energy to this profoundly important work. It has been enormously rewarding and exhausting. But nothing is forever, Cotton said in a statement. With the immense progress that we have made and the completion last week of our proposed new 10-year capital plan which will fund the agencys ambitious agenda through 2035 it is simply time to hand over the reins, and I will do so in January, he said. Rick will be remembered, both inside and outside the agency, for steadying the ship in the post-Bridgegate era, said Philip Plotch, author of Mobilizing the Metropolis, a history of the authority. He was the first executive director hired after a scandal that shook up the agency and nearly destroyed its reputation. Bridgegate involved the politically motivated closing of lanes at the George Washington Bridge, creating massive gridlock in Fort Lee after Mayor Mark Sokolich declined to endorse Gov. Chris Christie for re-election. Cotton was credited with making the authority more transparent than at any point in its hundred-year history, said Plotch, a Principal Researcher and Senior Fellow at the Eno Center for Transportation. He encouraged innovation and helped restore a regional sense of common purpose across the agency, he said. Cotton, who was special counsel to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo came to the authority in the midst of turmoil over infrastructure projects such as building a new Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, which split the agency along state lines. Work on an $11 billion replacement bus terminal, contained entirely on the site of the existing structure, broke ground last May. Former New Jersey State Senator Kevin OToole was also appointed in August 2017 as board of commissioners chairman, and moved in lock step with Cotton on the agencys priorities and projects. Over 40 years in public service, I have never met a more dedicated, disciplined, and focused executive, OToole said in a statement. He delivered once-in-a-generation projects that transformed critical transportation assets, strengthened the regions economy, and enhanced connections across New York and New Jersey. Cottons tenure was open-ended, with plans for him to serve until a permanent chief executive officer could be selected. Cottons replacement is expected to be announced in due course and will work closely with him to ensure a smooth transition, authority officials said. As someone who has studied the history of the Port Authority and served on this Board for nearly 15 years, I can say without hesitation that Rick Cotton is one of the finest leaders this agency has ever had, said Port Authority Vice Chair Jeffrey Lynford in a statement. His clarity, discipline and steady hand guided the Port Authority through some of the most challenging years in its history. Hailed by agency officials as the longest serving executive since the legendary Austin Tobin, who led the agency for 30 years, Cottons influence on its major projects will be felt through the newly introduced capital plan, officials said. I am grateful for Ricks partnership over the past eight years, and for his leadership on several transformative transportation and infrastructure projects that will benefit our region for decades to come, said Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement. The job of delivering projects either desired or demanded by both states governors fell to Cotton. Both governors control the agency through appointments of leadership and commissioners. In 2019 Murphy called for replacement of Newark Airports problematic monorail after touring the airport. That project broke ground last month. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo demanded a replacement for LaGuardia Airports outdated terminals, which had been derided by Vice President Joe Biden in 2014 as being what travelers would expect in a third-world country. The job to make it happen fell to Cotton and the authority staff to create an $8 billion public-private partnership to replace its terminals while the airport was operating during construction. The new LaGuardia garnered numerous awards, including being named best airport in the U.S. by Forbes Travel Guide in 2024 and 2025. That was followed by a $2.7 billion replacement of Newark Liberty Airports aging terminal A which was named Best New Airport Terminal in the World in 2024 by preeminent global airport evaluation firm Skytrax. Plans are underway for a replacement of Terminal B. There were also turbulent times for Cotton. Continuing the reforms started by Chairman John Degnan and negotiating new contracts with a dozen labor unions that had been without new agreements for years were among the issues Cotton and OToole had to contend with. In 2020, the authority was hit with a $3 billion revenue loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic that flattened air travel and tolls, the authoritys top two revenue makers. Cotton put the agency on an austerity budget and tabled some large projects, such as the PATH extension to Newark Airport. A group of students at the New Jersey Institute of Technology have filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging administrators refuse to recognize their campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. The complaint claims NJIT discriminated against pro-Palestinian students by blocking their approval of the organization since 2023, according to the lawsuit, filed Nov. 18 in Superior Court of Essex County. The denial of plaintiffs request for SJP-NJIT to be formally recognized as an NJIT student organization is unlawful discrimination based on race and a violation of civil rights, the students allege in the complaint. A spokesperson for NJIT declined to discuss the lawsuit on Monday, saying the university does not comment on litigation. According to the complaint, school officials told students the university would not recognize the group, citing a history of disruptions by SJP chapters at other colleges. Students allege their application for formal recognition remained pending for months despite repeated inquiries. They say they were told no faculty member was permitted to serve as the clubs required advisor. They also claim NJIT refused to acknowledge Palestine or Palestinians in official communications. The lawsuit names the university and several administrators, including the dean of students, the chief diversity officer, and the chief communications officer. The complaint also accuses a professor of discrimination, alleging he emailed senior administrators comparing supporters of Palestine to terrorists and confronted an NJIT staff member at a separate event with aggressive questions about antisemitism on campus. In one incident, an associate director in the campus center allegedly yelled at SJP members seeking supplies and later berated them for using a table with permission from another organization, telling them they were not entitled to anything. Six students and the SJP-NJIT chapter filed the lawsuit, alleging violations of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry and national origin. They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees and a court order requiring NJIT to formally recognize the organization. A 55-year-old man died Sunday after the motorcycle he was riding crashed on Route 23 in Passaic County, authorities said. John A. Tedeschi, of Butler, was traveling south near mile marker 17.7 when he lost control of the motorcycle and was thrown into a signpost, according to West Milford police. A police officer who heard the crash found Tedeschi dead in the U-turn lane from Route 23 South to Route 23 North, authorities said. The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the West Milford Police Department at 973-728-2800. Elon Musk, left, receives a chainsaw from Argentina's President Javier Milei, right, as they arrive speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis blamed the Swamp for the early disbandment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the Trump administration initiative formerly spearheaded by Elon Musk. DOGE fought the Swamp and the Swamp won, DeSantis said Sunday in a post on X, referencing President Donald Trumps drain the swamp campaign slogan. DOGE fought the Swamp and the Swamp won. https://t.co/spUrNlOe09 Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) November 23, 2025 Earlier Sunday, Reuters reported that DOGE had been dissolved with eight months still remaining on its contract. Musk initially led the agency, calling it the chainsaw for bureaucracy, until stepping down in May. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has taken over many of DOGEs functions, according to Reuters. It will no longer function as a centralized agency, said OPM Director Scott Kupor. Trump in January established DOGE by executive order in an effort to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity and bring accountability and transparency to federal spending. Musk had claimed the department could trim at least $2 trillion from the federal budget, readjusting that target to $1 trillion ahead of Trumps inauguration in January. According to DOGEs website, the department had secured $214 billion in savings as of Oct. 4. However, DOGE routinely provided false or misleading estimates of how much money it was allegedly saving Americans by cutting jobs and canceling government contracts. An analysis by CBS News found that DOGE was overstating the savings from some of the largest cuts by as much as 97%. And in September, the General Services Administration asked hundreds of federal employees to return to work after they lost their jobs in DOGEs cost-cutting blitz. While DeSantis blamed the Deep State for DOGEs downfall, critics of the agency offered other reasons. Jessica Riedl, an economic policy expert at the Manhattan Institute, said DOGE was just spending cut theater. DOGE wasn't defeated by "the Swamp." It failed because of: 1) A total misunderstanding of the lead deficit drivers (waste is a minor contributor). 2) Staffing with arrogant, unqualified hacks. 3) Illegally trying to circumvent Congress. It was always just "spending cut theater." https://t.co/X5iOhX6xvD Jessica Riedl (@JessicaBRiedl) November 23, 2025 Progressive activist and political commentator Harry Sisson said DOGE was a total grift that achieved nothing except stealing Americans data." Trump lied about fraud and saving money and now hes spending more than ever, Sisson said in a post on X. The MAGA scam on full display. Democratic activist and author Marianne Williamson claimed Musk was regretful and that DOGE did nothing to help. Despite DOGEs early demise and controversial legacy, Kupor said the principles of the initiative remain alive and well. Good editing by @reuters - spliced my full comments across paragraphs 2/3 to create a grabbing headline The truth is: DOGE may not have centralized leadership under @USDS. But, the principles of DOGE remain alive and well: de-regulation; eliminating fraud, waste and abuse; Scott Kupor (@skupor) November 23, 2025 The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP Comedian Bill Maher was floored after Lara Trump denied that her father-in-law called a female White House correspondent piggy last week in a controversial exchange aboard Air Force One. While discussing ways for Republicans to find common ground with Democrats during the holidays, Maher offered a suggestion to Trump on Mondays episode of his Club Random podcast. I got a great answer for you: Dont do things like call a woman piggy, " Maher said. Do we know that happened? Trump replied. I saw it on tape! A thousand times, Maher said. Or did he say McGee? Trump said, chuckling as Maher groaned. She went on to downplay President Donald Trumps combative attitude toward journalists, saying he is an equal opportunity offender. While Lara Trump raised doubts about the incident aboard Air Force One, the White House has defended President Trumps comments. When questioned last week about President Trump saying Quiet, piggy! to a reporter, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president is very frank and honest. I think its one of the many reasons that the American people reelected this president because of his frankness, Leavitt said. He calls out fake news when he sees it. He gets frustrated with reporters when you lie about him. In a statement to MS NOW, formerly MSNBC, an unnamed White House official said that the reporter President Trump insulted behaved in an inappropriate and unprofessional way towards her colleagues on the plane. If youre going to give it, you have to be able to take it, the official told MS NOW. That sort of divisive rhetoric, Maher said, has made it more difficult for him to convince liberals to engage with conservatives. Here I am working on this editorial all about how its mostly liberals who have to get over yourselves, eat with your families, even the ones who are Trump voters, Maher said during his sitdown with Lara Trump. It just makes my job more difficult when he says to a woman piggy. Even you must admit this is not cool, this is not necessary. The president is not perfect, Lara Trump said, but he does a lot of things that I think are great. And I think overall you got to take some of the good with the bad. Mikie Sherrill, Get Out The Vote Rally, in Newark, NJ, on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media Conservative activist Scott Presler on Monday claimed that Republicans are abandoning New Jersey in response to Democrat Mikie Sherrills win in the Nov. 4 gubernatorial election. Republicans are fleeing New Jersey for Pennsylvania, Presler said in a post on X. He included a screenshot from the Instagram account of a couple who had recently celebrated moving out of New Jersey forever to resettle in neighboring Pennsylvania. Presler, who founded the Early Vote Action PAC, did not provide any data to support his claim of a Republican exodus from New Jersey. I tried to help you, New Jersey, Presler posted on X. Maybe all of the people fleeing NJ & NY will make Pennsylvania a red Commonwealth. Democrats maintain a sizable advantage in New Jersey, accounting for more than 38% of all registered voters as of Oct. 1. Republicans made up roughly 25% of the electorate. But the number of registered Republicans in New Jersey has surged in recent years, contradicting Preslers narrative about a conservative withdrawal. The GOP added nearly 164,000 voters over the last four years, according to the latest data released by the state Division of Elections. Democrats lost more than 51,000 voters during that same span. President Donald Trump lost the state to Democratic nominee Kamala Harris by just 6 percentage points in 2024. That was the closest a Republican has come to winning in New Jersey since 1992, when George H. W. Bush came within two points of Bill Clinton. Presler, who went door to door to help increase Republican voter registration in New Jersey, viewed those developments as positive indicators for GOP gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli heading into Election Day. Democrats are finally realizing Jack is poised to become the next governor, Presler told the Daily Wire on Oct. 29, six days before the election. New Jersey is 100% in play. Despite Trumps endorsement and a significant uptick in registered Republicans, Ciattarelli was soundly defeated by Sherrill, by about 14 points. Every New Jersey county voted more Democratic than in the 2024 presidential election, and five counties that voted for Trump flipped blue. That leftward shift lifted Sherrill to a resounding 14-point victory. Exit polls underscored the prominent role Trump played in the contest. According to independent research firm SSRS, 41% of New Jersey respondents said their vote was at least partly motivated by their opposition to Trump. Of that group, 97% voted for Sherrill. A view of Sinatra Drive named for Hoboken's most celebrated native, the late singer Frank Sinatra as seen in December 2022 above Hoboken, New Jersey. New Jerseys Mile Square City is about to get a new mayor. Hoboken voters will decide between council members Emily Jabbour and Michael Russo in a Dec. 2 runoff election for mayor. Jabbour finished first among six candidates in the Nov. 4 general election with 27%, followed by Russo with 24%. Hoboken, like neighboring Jersey City, holds runoffs between the top two vote-getters when the first-place general election finisher fails to get above 50% of the vote. The winner of the runoff will succeed Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who opted not to seek a third term and won a seat in the state Assembly earlier this month. Hobokens next mayor will receive a $130,000 salary, up from Bhallas $116,950 salary, a city spokesperson told NJ Advance Media. The reason stems from a city council vote in December 2021, one month after Bhalla won a second term. The council raised the mayors salary by $13,050 but only upon his eventual successor taking office. The raise was part of an ordinance boosting salaries for council members, department heads and others. Jabbour and Russo voted in favor of the pay raises, which were approved in a 5-3 vote, the Jersey Journal reported at the time. Hoboken Councilwoman Emily Jabbour speaking at an event in support of books and free speech in 2023. Joe Shine While many of New Jerseys 600 municipalities are led by part-time mayors, Hoboken is among the prominent New Jersey cities with a full-time mayor making a six-figure salary. Others include East Orange, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson and Jersey City, where former Gov. Jim McGreevey and Jersey City Councilman James Solomon are in a Dec. 2 runoff for mayor. Jabbour was elected to a second, four-year council term in 2021. She is one of three council-at-large members, who represent the entire city instead of a single ward. Russo represents Ward 3, one of the citys six wards, and was first elected in 2003. He is the son of former Mayor Anthony Russo, who was in office for eight years starting in 1994 and died in 2021. A debate between the two candidates is scheduled for Tuesday at Hoboken High School. Hoboken Councilman Michael Russo being sworn in for his sixth term in 2024. Michael Dempsey | The Jersey Journal Local elections in Hoboken are nonpartisan, meaning that political parties play no official role. However, the city has nearly three times as many registered Democrats as Republicans and both runoff candidates for mayor are Democrats. Hoboken voters eliminated runoff elections in 2012 amid criticism of their cost. Runoffs were restored via a second referendum in 2018, one year after Bhalla won his first term with 33% of the vote. Hoboken also is holding a runoff election Dec. 2 for three citywide council seats. There were 15 candidates on the Nov. 4 ballot and the top six finishers are in the runoff election. The top three Caitlin Layson Namin, Steve Firestone and Joe Quintero all received above 9% of the vote and are on Jabbours slate. Pete Keeling, Nicole Magana and Liz Urtecho finished in fourth through sixth place. They all received above 7% of the vote and are running on Russos slate. Hoboken has about 60,000 residents, or one-fifth the population of Jersey City, and covers just under two square miles. The city has a $150 million budget. FILE - Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., speaks during the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, file) AP Critics of President Donald Trump are slamming the Pentagon for announcing an investigation into Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) over a video posted on social media. Kelly, a retired Navy captain, was one of six Democratic lawmakers who posted a video last week to remind members of the military and intelligence community that they do not need to obey illegal orders. Trump lashed out at those Democrats at the time, calling for their arrests and labeling them as traitors. Now, the Pentagon announced it would be launching a thorough review of Kellys conduct. According to the statement released by the Department of Defense, officials have received "serious allegations of misconduct" against Kelly. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement on Monday that the video was despicable, reckless, and false. He said that of the six lawmakers, only Kelly is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. As was announced, the Department is reviewing his statements and actions, which were addressed directly to all troops while explicitly using his rank and service affiliationlending the appearance of authority to his words. Kellys conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately," Hegseth wrote. The video made by the Seditious Six was despicable, reckless, and false. Encouraging our warriors to ignore the orders of their Commanders undermines every aspect of good order and discipline. Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion which only puts our warriors in https://t.co/UvLXChZnmF Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) November 24, 2025 Kelly responded to Hegseths statement by describing his military service to the U.S. Secretary Hegseths tweet is the first I heard of this. I also saw the Presidents posts saying I should be arrested, hanged, and put to death. If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it wont work. Ive given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution, he said on X. A number of Trump critics bashed Hegseth and the Trump administration over the investigation into Kelly. MeidasTouch editor-in-chief Ron Filipkowski torched Hegseth in a post on X. Such a small, petty, insecure loser. The Trump admin didnt trust this drunken fool anywhere near the Ukraine negotiations so they sent the Sec of the Army instead. So this clown needs to play more stupid games, he said. Former Rep. Joe Walsh, who recently joined the Democratic Party, also responded to Hegseths statement on X. All military personnel have a duty to not obey unlawful orders. Thats all the Patriotic Six said. Like everything else you do, this is just performative bullshit for your base. Youre an unserious mouthpiece for an utterly unfit Commander In Chief," Walsh wrote. Reason reporter Billy Binion wrote: All of the people who said they cared about lawfare 5 seconds ago should be up in arms over this. Mark Kelly has a First Amendment right to express his opinion. This administration truly detest freedom of speech. One user wrote: Imagine a known scumbag like Pete Hegseth trying to investigate an American hero like Mark Kelly. Former U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb posted: This is how they treat a retired officer and Senator who spoke up. Imagine how impossible it is for junior officers to question anything thats happening. A number of critics predicted that the investigation will backfire on the Trump administration. This wont end how you think it will, former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger wrote on X. The Lincoln Projects Rick Wilson said: This is going to blow back on you so badly. Former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash posted: The chances of a successful prosecution here are zero point zero percent. Everything with this administration is performative nonsense to cater to an ever-shrinking base. We dont live in North Korea. Anyone here can freely state that service members must refuse unlawful orders. Other pundits suggested that the investigation will only strengthen Kellys reelection campaign or a possible run for the White House. AZ Sen. Kellys seat isnt up until 2028, but Trumps vengeful threat here will strengthen Kelly as a potential Dem presidential candidate. Plus, Kellys distinguished military record stands in stark contrast to Trumps draft evasion during Vietnam, Larry Sabato, director of University of Virginias Center for Politics, wrote on X. Setting aside for a second the lunacy and authoritarianism surrounding the Trump/Hegseth threat to court martial Mark Kelly, it is also politically moronic. No military court or jury would uphold this, and you only do Kelly a tremendous favor by making him more popular than ever, Filipkowski wrote in a separate post. In the video posted last Tuesday, Kelly was one of six Democratic lawmakers who have served in the military or intelligence community to speak directly to members of the military. The other lawmakers are Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan, who are seen as possible future aspirants for higher office and elevated their political profiles with the videos wide exposure. Kelly, who was a fighter pilot before becoming an astronaut and then retiring at the rank of captain, told troops that you can refuse illegal orders, while other lawmakers in the video said they needed troops to stand up for our laws ... our Constitution. The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach Fla., on his way back to the White House, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) AP President Donald Trump boasted about the Republican Party while ripping some of his most outspoken GOP critics. Trump claimed in a scathing Truth Social post on Sunday that the Republican Party has never been so UNITED" despite numerous polls showing his support shrinking among the GOP base. A number of Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), have also spoken out against the presidents policies in recent weeks. The Republican Party has never been so UNITED AS IT iS RIGHT NOW! Other than Rand Paul, Rand Paul Jr.(Massie!), Marjorie Traitor Brown, and a couple of other lowlifes, and other than the fact that many want the Election threatening Filibuster TERMINATED (the Dems will do it in the first minute of their first chance!), and some dont, there is great spirit and cohesion," Trump wrote. Greene announced on Friday that she would be resigning from the House on Jan. 5, 2026 after she criticized Trump for weeks during the federal government shutdown. Trump began to target her following her criticism, calling her a traitor. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) have also been vocal critics of Trumps policies, especially his handling of the national debt. Their criticisms have resulted in frequent jabs from the president, who regularly insults anyone who scrutinizes him. Trump then took a victory lap on Republican membership, the economy and his immigration policies. Plus, the Republican Party is MUCH BIGGER than it was when I announced in 2015 or, ever was before - Many Millions More Members! We now have the Strongest Border EVER, Biggest Tax Cuts, the Best Economy, Highest Stock Market in USA History, and sooo much more. BUT, THE BEST IS YET TO COME! VOTE REPUBLICAN!!! he added. Despite touting the success of the U.S. economy, Trump faces little support from Americans on the issue across many polls. According to a recent Fox News poll, 76% of voters disapprove of the economy a nine-point jump from 67% who said the same in July. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll also suggested trouble for Trump on the issue of affordability, with just 26% of Americans saying Trump is doing a good job at managing the cost of living. About 65% of Americans, including one in three Republicans, disapprove of Trumps performance on the cost of living, according to Reuters. The Reuters/Ipsos poll also showed support for Trump among Republicans was shrinking.The poll found that Trumps approval rating among Republicans dropped to 82%. This is a five-point drop from the 87% of support he had among his base in early November, according to Reuters. These polls came weeks after Democrats swept closely watched races in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City. Many analysts claimed the Democrats won their elections due to their strong messages on affordability and bringing the cost of living down. Police are investigating after a woman was injured in a dog attack over the weekend in Salem County. New Jersey State Police responded to a residence on Quinton-Marlboro Road in Quinton Township shortly before 1 p.m. Saturday for a report of a dog attack, according to a police spokesman. The 60-year-old victim was airlifted to a hospital for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening, police said. The incident remains under investigation, police said, and additional details were not disclosed. A Salem County spokesperson said that the incident involved two dogs and that the animals are being quarantined for 10 days for any signs of rabies. The county health department will follow up with the township to verify if the dogs were registered and vaccinated, she said. Police have not said if the animals belonged to the victim or if anyone faces charges over the incident. A former Union County high school teacher who admitted that he met with a minor to record a sexually explicit video was sentenced to 22 years and nine months in prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey announced Monday. Michael Hamilton, 53, of Springfield, pleaded guilty in April to one count of producing child pornography, the office said. Hamilton, a former music teacher and band director at Union High School, was arrested in October 2023 after he was accused of engaging in inappropriate chats with minors on a messaging platform, investigators said. He coerced the victims to trade hundreds of sexually explicit messages, photos and videos, authorities said. Certain photos that the minors sent to him were considered child pornography, federal prosecutors said. During a search of his home, investigators found those media files as well as another illegal video that appeared to have been created by Hamilton. When he pleaded guilty, Hamilton admitted that he met with the victim, engaged in sexual activity and filmed it, the office said. He also admitted that he received sexual messages, images and videos from two other minors. He was placed on paid leave following his arrest, but district officials could not immediately be reached for other details. There is no higher responsibility than safeguarding the welfare of our children, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba said in a statement. The defendant took advantage of children for his own sexual desires. A Brooklyn man was sentenced earlier this month to 10 years and one month in prison after he previously admitted sex trafficking a 14-year-old girl, federal prosecutors said. Soauib Butcher, 31, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and was sentenced on Nov. 7, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey. Butcher and an unidentified co-conspirator lured the girl away from her group home in Bridgewater after Butcher met her online and convinced her to meet him at a train station in Somerville in August 2019, the office said. Butcher then brought her to Elizabeth where she stayed with him and the other person until January 2020 in a series of motel rooms, investigators said. The co-conspirator posted advertisements depicting the girl on escort websites and, together with Butcher, arranged for customers to come to the motels to have sex with her for money, federal prosecutors said. According to an indictment, Butcher and his co-conspirator posted over 200 advertisements on an escort website and the girl briefly ran away in December 2019, but Butcher convinced her to come back. Butcher was arrested in January 2024, but no information about the co-conspirator has been released by investigators. Sexual exploitation is demeaning, damaging and puts already vulnerable minors in extremely unsafe circumstances, Stefanie Roddy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Newark, said in a statement. Butcher profited off of the arrangement he had with this victim. The FBI and its partners work tirelessly so that these minors get the protection they deserve from predators. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High 18F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low around 10F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Snow likely. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 90%. About one inch of snow expected.. Tonight Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 13F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. Two popular Mississippi Coast restaurants close for good, one after 35 years in business Drivers in Devon could face extra costs on electric vehicles (EVs) under proposals reportedly being considered ahead of the 26 November Budget. The government is reportedly exploring a pay-per-mile tax for EVs, aimed at creating a fairer system alongside fuel duty for petrol and diesel cars. A report in The Telegraph suggests the scheme could be introduced from 2028, following a consultation, though it has not been confirmed. The plans come as the UK prepares to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030. From that date, all new cars will need to be electric or hybrid, with hybrids allowed until 2035. The move is part of the UKs legally binding aim to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Transport currently accounts for more than a quarter of UK emissions, making it the largest emitting sector. Currently, EV drivers pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), with new cars paying 10 in the first year and 195 from the second year. Vehicles costing more than 40,000 also face a 425-a-year luxury car tax for five years. The proposed pay-per-mile charge could see drivers pay around 3p for every mile travelled. For a single journey from London to Exeter, that would add roughly 5, though details are still being finalised. While this may seem modest, local drivers who commute long distances or travel frequently could see the costs add up over time. Local EV infrastructure varies across Devon. Exeter has around 75 public charging points, mostly in the city centre and main residential areas. Torbay has roughly 54 chargers across Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. North Devon is home to over 100 chargers, concentrated in towns like Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, and Bideford, while Dartmoor has around 30 widely spaced chargers on the moor itself, with more in surrounding towns. Rural gaps mean longer journeys can require careful planning. Motoring groups have warned that extra charges could slow the transition to electric cars. The Budget on 26 November will reveal whether these proposals will be implemented, leaving many local drivers uncertain about the cost of going electric in the coming years. Not a Subscriber? Join O'Dwyer's & Get RFP Access Stop wasting time tracking down RFPs. O'Dwyer's connects you with organizations looking for PR firms & services. Get new business with O'Dwyer's! Join O'Dwyer's TULLAMORE Credit Union and St Brigids Credit Union, Clara proudly joined forces to deliver their first-ever collaborative initiative: a series of events promoting Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) principles and sustainable living. These events aimed to educate and inspire members, local communities, and businesses on the importance of ESG practices and their positive impact on society and the environment. The ESG roadshow saw the launch of a new loan product at both credit unions called ECO Energy Efficient Loan specifically designed for Any form of insulation - attic wall or floor, form of external window or door upgrade, renewable energy source e.g. Pellet Stove, Solar Panels etc, Electric or Hybrid Car or Retrofitting your home (Term & Conditions Apply). For more information, please contact either of the Credit Union branches. The ESG Roadshows were held on Monday, 29th September at Tuar Ard, Moate, and Tuesday, 18th November at the Tullamore Court Hotel. Both events featured networking opportunities with local stakeholders, exhibitors, and guest speakers who shared insights on ESG principles, corporate responsibility, and practical steps toward sustainability. Attendees explored ESG products and services offered by both credit unions and connected with local suppliers of green solutions. Exhibitors included Eco Homes Tullamore, Flynn Heat Recovery, Walsh Brothers, Taylor Made Plastering, and AEI. Guest speakers featured Mary McIntire from Offaly County Council, Niall Condron-BER assessor, Darren Buckley AEI and Simon Byrne, principal of Scoil Eoin Phoil. READ NEXT: Offaly man presides over Air Corps officers graduation ceremony Caroline Collins Murphy, Deputy CEO, Tullamore Credit Union said: We are immensely proud of our first collaborative ESG roadshow with St Brigids Credit Union, Clara. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both organisations, demonstrating our shared commitment to promoting Environmental, Social & Governance principles and sustainable living within our communities. The enthusiastic participation of local business exhibitors added tremendous value, showcasing innovative solutions and practical steps towards a greener future. By working together, we have not only educated and inspired our members, but also strengthened community ties and created new opportunities for local businesses. The launch of our ECO Energy Efficient Loan is a testament to our dedication to supporting members on their sustainability journey. We look forward to building on this success and continuing to lead by example in fostering positive change for our members, our communities, and the environment. On behalf of St. Brigids Credit Union, we were delighted to work on this initiative with our neighbouring Credit Union in Tullamore, in order to benefit both of our respective cohort of members within our respective Common Bonds. As an organisation, with strong Community links, we feel it is important for the Credit Union to be at the forefront of creating awareness around ESG and helping our Members on their journey toward being more sustainable. Thanks for the opportunity to showcase my business. It was a pleasure to attend and meet others in similar fields. Companies I will highly recommend to my own clients in the future. Jimmy Taylor ,Taylormade Plastering Ltd ''Fantastic evening, great to meet up with such enthusiastic and knowledgeable people in the renewable energy sector - thanks very much to the Credit Union staff of Clara and Tullamore for organising'' Niall Condron, Independent Renewable Energy Adviser Eco home Log Cabin was proud to showcase its sustainable products at an event hosted by Tullamore and St. Brigid's Credit Union. We are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to strengthening our partnership with these like-minded organizations. Alan McEvoy, General Manager Eco Home Log Cabins. Flynn Heat Recovery Systems were delighted to be invited to participate in the Tullamore & Clara Credit Union Greener Homes Exhibition. It was great to meet with others who are as passionate as us about energy upgrades and improving the indoor environment of homes. This was a fantastic event and a credit to all involved, and we look forward to supporting the next exhibition! READ NEXT: Team member at popular Tullamore restaurant graduates with a Degree in Law from Trinity College The Eco Living Roadshow focused on practical ways to live sustainably, including how Eco Loans can help members make energy-efficient upgrades, reduce carbon footprints, and contribute to a greener future. Attendees met eco-focused distributors and explored innovative solutions for sustainable living. Entry was free, and all were welcome. Both roadshows were a resounding success, creating strong community engagement and valuable networking opportunities for businesses and individuals committed to sustainability. An Offaly woman who forgot to pay for 800 of bed clothes from Dunnes Stores in Portlaoise later panicked and threw away the items. Tatiana Ciobanu (38) of 6 Parkrise, Birr, Co Offaly, admitted stealing bedding valued at 800 from Dunnes Stores, Kyle Centre, Portlaoise on October 25 last. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the woman took 800 worth of goods, left the store and drove off in her car on the date in question. He said CCTV captured the incident which happened at 5pm and the woman filled a trolley and left the shop in her 10 TN registered car. Sgt Kirby said the woman made full admissions when gardai tracked her down. Judge Susan Fay asked if the goods had been recovered. Sgt Kirby said the goods werent recovered and he told Judge Fay that the woman had no previous convictions. Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was a Moldovan national who has been in Ireland for 15 years. She said the woman works part time as a Barista in Birr. Ms Fitzpatrick said her client had intended to pay for the items at the store but she got distracted when her son phoned her in the shop. She said the woman was down the road when she realised she didnt pay and she panicked. Ms Fitzpatrick said the woman had taken bedding items on the day. Judge Fay asked where the items were now and Ms Fitzpatrick said her client informed her that she threw them out. Ms Fitzpatrick acknowledged that the priority now would be for compensation. The money she had on that date has since been spent on home heating oil, she explained. She suggested the case be put back to February next year for compensation to be gathered. She is also being evicted from her home, said Ms Fitzpatrick, who explained that the woman is renting and the home is being sold. Judge Fay requested a probation service report and a community service suitability assessment. Sgt Kirby said he would like to make an application to have the woman banned from driving. There is a similar matter under investigation in another Dunnes Stores in another part of the country, he said. Ms Fitzpatrick said her client enjoys the presumption of innocence. She said there are no other matters before the courts and disqualifying the woman from driving in such circumstances would be disproportionate. Judge Fay granted legal aid and adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on April 20 next year. She said the application could be brought by Sgt Kirby at that point. She granted bail with conditions which included that the woman be of good behaviour and stay out of all Dunnes Stores shops nationwide. A TOTAL of 473 young children in county Offaly have benefited from the Little Library initiative this year, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has revealed. Each year, every child leaving pre-school and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and take the opportunity to join the library as part of the My Little Library initiative. This annual initiative has again proved very popular in County Offaly. So far 473 young children in County Offaly have collected their bag and taken the opportunity to join the library if they werent already a member. This year nearly 20,000 children across Ireland will join the library because of this initiative. The books and resources in the book bag, which is available in both English and as Gaeilge, support parents and their children in the transition to primary school. READ NEXT: Offaly man presides over Air Corps officers graduation ceremony Minister Foley said: I am really proud to support the My Little Library initiative for children and their families and welcome the high levels of participation in County Offaly. The gift of reading to and with children on a regular basis cannot be overestimated. It not only supports connection between parents and their children but also promotes early language and literacy development which is crucial for childrens success in their education journey. There is still a small number of Little Library book bags in libraires around the country for any five- and six-year-olds who have still to collect their bag. I encourage all remaining families to avail of this initiative and to join the library in the process. Ireland has 330 public libraries, which are managed by the local authority in the area in which they are located. The focus of the My Little Library initiative is to build strong links between young children, their families and their local library. Books in the My Little Library initiative are available in Irish and English. A glossary of the language in the Irish books is included. READ NEXT: New book by Offaly author charts change from industrial heritage to ecological renewal A collection of resources and information is also provided in each bag. This includes a library social story card, First 5 Guidance for Parents of Children Moving from Pre-School to Primary School, Dyslexia and the Younger Child by Dyslexia Ireland and Bookshare Ireland by Vision Ireland. OFFALY County Council has published its Gender Pay Gap Report, highlighting the percentage difference between what men and women are paid on average in the organisation, irrespective of roles or levels. The 2025 report shows a Gender Pay Gap of -1.97%. This figure reflects the fact that that on average, females are paid 1.97% more than males. Employers with more than 50 employees in Ireland are required to publish their gender pay gap data before the end of 2025 and within five months of their reference date. Offaly County Council and all local authorities in the country have 30 June 2025 as the reference date. Commenting following the publication of the report, Offaly County Council said: We are committed to fostering and maintaining an open and inclusive workplace community and addressing any workplace barriers to equality. Our employees have equal opportunities for recognition and career development and are treated fairly and equitably Offaly County Council added: The work of local authorities is integral to everyones life in Ireland. Our staff are key to the development of communities across County Offaly. As an employer, Offaly County Council strives to offer a positive and supportive environment for all our employees. This includes great learning and development and career progression opportunities, blended working, flexible and family-friendly arrangements. Offaly County Council is a fantastic place to work, and we encourage anyone looking for a job in Offaly to visit www.offaly.ie or check out www.localgovernmentjobs.ie to see what we have to offer. The Councils Gender Pay Gap report can be found on www.offaly.ie READ NEXT: Clara and Tullamore Credit Unions unite for eco living success READ NEXT: Almost 500 young children have benefitted from the Little Library initiative in county Offaly Dhaka: Bangladeshs interim administration has formally sent a letter to India seeking the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was recently sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal, a senior adviser said on Sunday. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told state-run BSS that the official letter was dispatched the day before yesterday, without disclosing further details. According to an official at the foreign ministry, the note verbale was routed through the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. On November 17, the ICT-BD handed down the death penalty to Hasina, 78, and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal after trying them in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity. Hasina is currently in India, while Kamal is also believed to be hiding there. Hasinas Awami League government was ousted on August 5 last year following student-led protests known as the July Uprising. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge as chief adviser of the interim government three days later at the invitation of the protesting students. ADVERTISEMENT The charges against Hasina relate to the alleged brutal crackdown on protestors. A UN human rights report earlier estimated that about 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 last year. Bangladesh had previously sent a diplomatic note in December last year requesting Hasinas extradition, to which India only acknowledged receipt without comment, reported PTI. ADVERTISEMENT After the verdict against Hasina, the External Affairs Ministry issued a statement saying India has noted the verdict..." As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end, the statement said. A U.S. federal judge ruled Thursday that members of the so-called National Guard occupying Washington, D.C., do so only by obeying illegal orders. At Nuremberg, the U.S. and its allies tried and convicted Nazis despite their defense that they had been obeying orders, and despite some of the crimes having been invented after the fact for the prosecution. On Tuesday, a group of Congress members who had all served in the war machine published a video urging U.S. troops to disobey illegal orders. You'd think that was no more objectionable than telling someone to obey the law. You'd think the tradition for generations now of telling people not to use a Nazi excuse would still hold. Yet Donald Trump on Thursday announced (arguably inciting violence, as he has often done explicitly) that the publishing of the video not the following of illegal orders should be punishable by death. The idea that you can in fact must disobey illegal orders should not be news to a member of a military. That fundamental fact is supposed to be part of the training. And here's a super-short cheat sheet for determining whether an order is illegal: they are all illegal. Your oath is to defend against enemies, against other militaries attacking the United States. There are no militaries attacking the United States. There are no military-ish private forces attacking the United States. The U.S. public is not an enemy against whom you can defend the U.S. public. You are not police. You are not a foreign military. You are not legally permitted to do military actions in the United States. Put down your weapons and join those taking a stand for what you were told you would be taking a stand for. The people of Venezuela are also not an enemy you can legally attack. This point does not pivot on whether murdering boaters is a war or whether a fictional drug gang is real. The United Nations' Charter makes waging war or even threatening war a crime. Any murder outside of a war is also a crime. No matter how many people Trump orders killed in Venezuela, every single one of those killings can only be conducted by following illegal orders. I suspect we all know why the head of Southern Command quit in October even if he lacks the decency to tell you or the rest of us. If the world's governments continue taking three steps backwards when asked to occupy Gaza for Donald Trump and Tony Blair, and Trump decides to send U.S. troops to do the job, know that the occupation is an illegal continuation of an illegal genocide facilitating illegal thievery and collective punishment of all varieties. You cannot do it legally. You cannot do any of these things without risk of later prosecution. If Trump orders you to work with nuclear weapons, go read the Treaty on Nonproliferation. If Trump orders you to guard his private property or that of the Saudi royalty, go read the U.S. Constitution or ask your robot what an emolument is. If Trump orders you to protect a polling place, go read the Voting Rights Act. If Trump orders you to abuse immigrants, go read the Bill of Rights. If Trump is ordering you to use force or the threat of force, you can tell whether it's an illegal order simply by checking whether his mouth is moving. Sherwood police say a janitor spotted two young adults who broke into a school. "#CaughtByMrClean," police joked. Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com The Sherwood Police Department continues to have some social media fun at the expense of alleged lawbreakers. The departments latest missed connections Facebook post seeks two young men who allegedly broke into a school designed for 8 year olds. It says they tried to enter classrooms before a janitor spotted them and sent the suspects fleeing. The post heralded the janitor as a man who already survived 18 years of chocolate milk catastrophes, glitter spills, and scraping gum off the desks. He stepped into that hallway like a final boss with his keys jingling like the sound of destiny, the police department wrote, adding the hashtag #CaughtByMrClean. You ran for your lives through the school trying to make your escape after failing the pop quiz about making good decisions, the department chided. Police posted photos of the two #JuiceBoxBandits and asked for the publics help in locating them. The Friday post, which had racked up nearly 1,000 comments and even more shares on Facebook by Sunday afternoon, is the latest in a series of creative online campaigns from the Sherwood Police Department. They created a social media sensation in September with another missed connections post seeking two alleged Walmart shoplifters. Most commenters applauded the latest quips: This is where my property tax money should go! To this brilliant author of justice, one person wrote. Some of the departments social media campaigns havent gone over as well, though. Sherwood police canceled a Hide & Seek with a Cop Halloween event last year after some people complained online that it might backfire and create a safety risk. Sherwood police didnt identify what school the two allegedly broke into during the latest incident. They didnt say when it happened or what specific charges the suspects might face. And they didnt immediately respond to an inquiry Sunday about whether police have located the two suspects. Fridays Facebook post came with words of caution for the young men, warning that police might even give you shiny friendship bracelets, drive you through the scenic route to jail, and give you a new wardrobe. But it also suggests the two might face just a stern talking-to from the school resource officer: Hed sure love the opportunity to chat. The agency asked people with knowledge of the alleged break-in to contact the police department at pio@sherwoodoregon.gov and reference 253250742. Its about to cost you more to try your luck and skill at hunting, fishing and collecting shellfish in Oregons wildlands and waters. More than 75 recreational and commercial fees will increase over the next four years. The new prices will start hitting Oregonians wallets on Monday, Dec. 1. Thats your first chance to buy hunting, fishing or shellfish licenses, permits and tags for the 2026 calendar year. An annual hunting license will go from $34.50 to $39 for 2026, a 13% increase from the previous year. It will then climb in 2028 to $42 and in 2030 to $45. Thats a total of a 30% increase over the four-year stretch. An annual fishing license will go from $44 to $50 in 2026, a 14% increase. Then in 2028, itll rise to $53 and in 2030 to $56. In all, thats a 27% increase. Annual shellfish licenses for people who want to go crabbing or dig for clams will jump from $10 to $13 in 2026, then to $14 in 2028 and $15 in 2030. In all, thats a 50% increase. All of the above prices were approved by the Oregon Legislature earlier this year and apply to Oregon residents. Non-resident fees will increase at roughly proportional rates, with annual licenses costing about three to five times that of what residents pay. Hunters in Oregon seek out several types of deer, including black-tailed, white-tailed and mule deer. (File photo) LC- The last time the state raised fees was six years ago. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlifes deputy director, Shaun Clements, told a legislative committee earlier this year that the money will go toward sustaining the departments programs: the efforts of hatchery staff who work to protect fish populations, Oregon State Police who fight poaching and biologists who restore habitat and monitor the health of wildlife populations. The money also will help cover higher costs, such as the approximately 20% increase in the price of hatchery fish food over two years, Clements said. Clements said based on public feedback, the department is gradually increasing fees over four years and is keeping fee prices the same for children to encourage their participation in outdoor activities. For instance, children under 12 dont need a license to hunt or fish but licenses for youth 12 to 17 will continue to cost $10 per year. The bill that raises many of the fees, House Bill 2342, stoked some anger among Oregonians, some of whom said they rely on hunting or fishing to subsidize their food needs. Currently fees to obtain a license, tag, and permit are high and difficult for individuals on a fixed income and for those trying to make ends meet as they try to subsidize their food needs for themselves and their family, said Kelly Wine, in written testimony early this year to the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water. Citizens do not need another cost increase, continued Wine, who didnt list a city of residence. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says people can harvest Dungeness crabs "with minimal gear" along much of the Oregon coast. Oregonian file/Randy Rasmussen But more than 40 people who wrote to the Legislature or testified in-person outweighed opponents by nearly three to one. More than a dozen hunting, fishing and conservation groups said they approved of the higher fees. Amy Patrick, policy director of the Oregon Hunters Association, with more than 12,000 members, said the department plays an important role in fighting extremely impactful problems plaguing wildlife, such as chronic wasting disease affecting deer and elk, avian flu and a pneumonia-like disease thats hurting wild sheep. While hunters and anglers are not thrilled about paying more, obviously as anybody would understand, we do take this as our responsibility, Patrick told legislators. Historically hunters and anglers have funded 40% to 50% of the agency budget. People dig for clams at Fort Stevens State Park on the northwest Oregon coast. (File photo) LC- Terry Richard/Staff Debbie Colbert, director of the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, said enthusiasts make about 1.2 million fishing and shellfish collecting trips each year. Last year, there were about 330,000 hunters in Oregon, including more than 150,000 people who had tags to hunt deer and more than 120,000 with tags to hunt elk. Among the fees passed by the Legislature this year are: new ocean endorsement that goes into effect in 2026 and will cost $9 per year or $4 per day for people who are recreationally fishing in the ocean, including from beaches, for marine finfish, such as rockfish, lingcod, halibut and tuna. This doesnt include salmon. The fee will stay the same for the next four years. The one-day license to fish or collect shellfish will go from $23 to $29 in 2026, a 26% increase. Itll ultimately increase to $33 by 2030, a total increase of 43%. A tag for Oregon residents to hunt deer will increase from $28.50 to $33 for 2026, a 14% increase. Itll reach $39 in 2030, a 37% increase. Annual licenses are only issued per calendar year and not on a rolling basis, meaning a license bought at any point during the year is only good until Dec. 31. To see a partial list of fee increases, click here. For many shoppers, Black Friday once meant lining up after the Thankgsiving meal for sales that started at midnight. Shoppers still hunt for bargains, but many now do it at home cozy in their pjs at the keyboard. Our commerce team helps online shoppers by identifying special sales and deeply discounted items that they know Oregonians are interested in. Randy L. Rasmussen/The Oregonian LC- The Oregonian As you cruise through OregonLive.com over the next week or so, you may see more stories than usual about hot shopping deals. Thats because Black Friday is right around the corner the shopping holiday after Thanksgiving that earned its name as retailers hope to move onto more solid financial footing as deal hunters hit the mall. Back in 2012, when I was a retail reporter, Id have my second helping of turkey packed up so I could head out to cover the shopping spectacle. Lines would start to form after dinner for doorbuster sales that began in the wee hours. Id work with a half dozen other reporters and photographers to scour local malls and main streets to estimate turnout, see what items were hot that year and check whether there were injuries as shoppers shoved their way in once the doors opened. People still partake in whats considered the start of the holiday shopping season, though many more do it on a keyboard in the comfort of their own home. We still cover the deals, although in a slightly different way. Tim Brown and his commerce team, including writers Amy Leona Havin and John Holland, started rolling out their Black Friday coverage last week. They plan to highlight deep Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at numerous sites including Walmart, outdoor retailer Backcountry and home goods giant Wayfair. These posts arent automated, pushing random gear. Our commerce team writes about daily deals and sales enticing to Oregonians throughout the year. Such ongoing coverage helps them track what brands and items our readers are interested in -- that helps them figure out which ones to cover, such as E-bikes and Stanley tumblers, LEGO sets, outdoors gear at REI, footwear from Hoka and Nike and outerwear from brands like Columbia Sportswear. As regular readers of this column know, our news organization, like others nationwide, has sought out a variety of new revenue streams as our industry has watched other, formerly reliable ones dry up. Our commerce team is one of those new streams. Through a variety of posts, Browns team helps generate revenue to support our journalists. If someone reads one of their writeups, clicks a link and buys something whether a daily deal, something from a retailers sale or a streaming service subscription for a sporting event -- we earn a small percentage of the purchase. While were writing about sales and deals for holiday shoppers this week, I think some of my favorite work has come from reacting to news that had a real impact on the community, Brown said. When wildfires cloaked the state in toxic smoke, our team created a wildfire go bag checklist. We also researched dozens of air purifiers and the HEPA-rated carbon filters they need to properly mitigate the smoke creeping into their homes. While our newsroom earned some revenue on sales of those items, he added, we also helped folks quickly find reliable information at a crucial time. While the income is not a huge part of our newsroom budget, its an important piece of a diverse revenue pie. And every crumb counts. I wrote last week about how much work we put into our accountability journalism, which I know our readers highly value. Well, its not cheap. One enterprise story can easily take weeks or months of reporting, typically by a team of journalists with varied expertise to produce such work: one or two reporters, a photographer and possibly a videographer. Several editors often chime in throughout the process and the skilled folks on our social media team will help blast information from the story across the 40 or so accounts they manage on a variety of sites over several days or weeks. Next comes the folks who write and edit our newsletters, emailing a snippet of that story and others directly to your inbox. Trust me, if we make even one small typo through that process, Ill hear from a reader! Even a breaking news story that takes a few hours to produce relies on the skills of several people. Our commerce reporting helps pay for that important work along with our print and online subscriptions, revenue from some social media sites that use our content, and our print and digital advertising. (Its important to note that these days, ad revenue doesnt even cover half the cost to run our news organization). We clearly identify our commerce teams work to differentiate it from our news stories. Each one features this disclaimer ahead of the byline: If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. If you havent checked out the teams shopping and daily deals posts, you should. The team is good at highlighting local products the Portland Trail Blazers new line with the iconic PDX carpet pattern is a fun one along with insights on some of the deals they feature. This recent headline was one of my favorites: This Yeti cooler is on sale at nearly $100 off if you dont mind the ugly color. Take the time this holiday season to see what our local retail experts have to say even if you disagree with their take on firefly yellow! This article was originally published by Bolts, a nonprofit publication that covers criminal justice and voting rights in local governments. This story also appeared on palabra, the digital news site by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Words by Pascal Sabino | Edited by Camille Squires In August, fewer than 250 voters cast a ballot in a South Tucson recall election targeting the mayor and two allies in the city council. The three officials, Mayor Roxnna Roxy Valenzuela and council members Brian Flagg and Cesar Aguirre, form a progressive coalition in the small citys leadership. Outside government, they also all work with Casa Maria, a local soup kitchen that provides hundreds of warm meals daily and distributes clothing, toiletries and bedding to the citys unhoused population. It was their deeds providing for the homeless population that put a target on their back. A political rival claimed their humanitarian efforts and housing initiatives acted as a magnet for problems that the already struggling city was ill-equipped to handle. Voters rejected that argument on Aug. 5, choosing to keep Mayor Roxy Valenzuela and council members Brian Flagg and Cesar Aguirre in office. But the recall captured the pressure that local officials as well as outreach groups like Casa Maria have found themselves under in Arizona when they respond to homelessness with anything but a punitive crackdown. Its part of a bigger issue, Aguirre said after he survived the recall. This country has moved so far right that it is hard to present anything humanitarian or progressive that addresses the roots of the issues. Rather than addressing poverty, they want to just lock people up and hide them away and act like the problem doesnt exist. Mutual aid volunteers hand out food, toiletries and other supplies outside the fence of Amphi Park in Tucson, which was closed recently over concerns about the unsheltered population that previously lived there. Photo by Pascal Sabino/Bolts Palabra As Arizonas homelessness crisis has worsened, local governments have simultaneously invested in various stick and carrot approaches to policy. Theyve offered some shelter and long-term housing solutions, while also conducting punitive sweeps and enforcement operations at encampments that shuffle unsheltered people back and forth between neighborhoods, city parks, and seasonal riverbeds where they can find lifesaving shade in the barren desert climate. But as state and national leaders have ramped up the policing approach, plans to alleviate poverty and create more housing have taken a backseat. In some cases, theyve made it a lot harder, even for nonprofit organizations, to engage communities and continue their aid work. There arent enough shelter beds across the state a challenge public officials admit to but last years Supreme Court ruling on Grants Pass v. Johnson upheld the ability for cities to punish people for seeking shelter on public land even if there is nowhere else for them to go. The ruling freed cities to enact camping bans that target the homeless. And in Arizona, Republican lawmakers responded by advancing a policy, which was later approved by a voter referendum last year, that empowers property owners to pressure cities to more heavily police the unhoused and adopt new policies to ban them from public space. Volunteers at Casa Maria Soup Kitchen provide hundreds of meals each morning to unsheltered people living in Tucson and South Tucson. Photo by Pascal Sabino/Bolts Palabra That measure, Proposition 312, allows home and business owners to demand a property tax refund to offset the costs and damages incurred that they attribute to local governments failure to abate the nuisance caused by homelessness. While it is unclear what threshold cities have to meet to avoid triggering the tax refund, the law effectively allows residents to penalize cities that avoid criminal enforcement against the unhoused, while threatening to drain local coffers that fund housing and social services meant to address the issue. In Tucson, the states intervention prompted the city council to amplify the sweeps it was already doing, and pass ordinances that ban panhandling in road medians and camping in parks and seasonal riverbeds, known as washes. In South Tucson, a separate city, the pressure imposed by the new state law, plus local backlash toward more progressive solutions, left the leaders who championed them on the defensive. But in the face of their political survival, theyre now doubling down on making the case for more humanitarian solutions to the housing and homelessness crises. Solidarity in South Tucson The small town of South Tucson is just 1.2 square miles and is completely enclosed by Tucson. The town of under 5,000 residents is predominantly low-income, and the local government has little tax revenue to invest in the housing assistance, job services and behavioral health programs that would be needed to tackle the root causes of homelessness. Because the city doesnt have the resources to address homelessness alone, local leaders must depend on mutual aid groups and nonprofits, including Casa Maria, to provide support like water, food, and the lifesaving overdose treatment drug, Naloxone. Those partners have also worked to create pathways out of homelessness and help relieve nuisances like garbage that are inevitable when a large population lives outdoors. We are not about criminalizing homelessness. We want to help them. We offer resources, even though they are limited. In a small community we are looking for ways to help them, build trust with them, and hold them accountable, Valenzuela said. We are trying to piece together a coalition of groups that can help our community. We cant do it alone. South Tucson Mayor Roxy Valenzuela sits next to Council Member Cesar Aguirre, on November 19, 2024. Photo via CityOfSouthTucson/Instagram Palabra Valenzuela sees her work through Casa Maria as a starting point for actually solving the underlying problems causing homelessness issues that cant simply be shooed out of the city limits. With personal help from the council members, Casa Maria purchased two local motels in 2023 and converted them to affordable housing aimed at combating rising property taxes and rent costs driven by urban renewal in nearby downtown Tucson, which has forced many longtime residents out of their neighborhoods. Valenzuela explained that she lives with her family at one of the two properties purchased by the soup kitchen. Its an act of solidarity with other residents, she said, and also to help keep tabs on a place that used to be a trouble spot. There, she experienced for herself the challenges facing South Tucson when in July a woman jumped the fence at the hotel, urinated on the ground and began smoking fentanyl in view of her two children. As Valenzuela approached, she realized the woman looked familiar. We went to high school together, Valenzuela said. I was able to decompress the situation. These are real people, not statistics. You need to build trust and offer them real resources. Sometimes the best people to offer those resources are not the cops it can be a community member or a clinician, she said. But the tax refunds established by Prop 312 remain a looming threat to South Tucsons already tight budget. So far few, if any, tax refunds have been issued. It is uncertain how much Arizona cities will eventually shell out to reimburse homeowners under Prop 312, and it remains unclear what kinds of policies will spare cities from triggering the penalty but the threat alone is enough to disrupt local politics. Ive struggled with addiction and with mental health. One of the things thats helped me the most is having dignity, having something that gives me purpose and drive to want to do better. City Council Member Paul Diaz, a former mayor who spearheaded the recall attempt against Valenzuela and two other city councilors, criticized his colleagues for prioritizing affordable housing and aid over economic development. Diaz has heard constituents complain of damaged fencing that would cost over a thousand dollars to replace, stolen parcels and shoplifted items, and buildings damaged by camp fires at encampments that the city may be held liable for. By making South Tucson habitable for those without homes, aid groups could inadvertently bankrupt the city, Diaz said. We dont want them here, and yet we are drawing them here with the soup kitchen and low-rent housing, Diaz said about homeless people. Affordable housing is not a reality. It doesnt bring money into the coffers of South Tucson for police and fire. When they started promoting affordable housing, all these people are coming into the city due to the fact that Casa Maria is affording these things that attract all these people. The attempted recall in August was not South Tucsons first: Diaz himself was recalled as mayor in 2015. He later launched a successful recall campaign in 2018 that removed the then-mayor and three council members over conflicts with the citys police and fire departments. The latest effort, said Council Member Aguirre, is a distraction prompted by conservative voices on the national stage aiming to police away complex social issues that have trickled down and begun to reshape local governments. The City of Tucson cleared one of its largest homeless encampments at Santa Rita Park on the south side on Sept. 25, 2024. Dozens of people had lived in the park, and hundreds used it daily for shade before it was cordoned off with caution tape, forcing them onto nearby sidewalks or to seek shelter elsewhere. Photo by Noor Haghighi/The Daily Wildcat Palabra Those tensions around homelessness became political fodder last election for President Donald Trump and his allies, who attacked progressive cities and Democrat-led states on the issue. In July, Trump signed an executive order that directed agencies to pull funding from housing first programs and prioritize federal grants to cities that enforce criminal camping bans. Despite falling crime in the capital, Trump declared in August a public safety emergency attributed to homelessness and invoked the 1973 District of Columbia Home Rule Act to federalize the Metropolitan Police and deploy the National Guard to clear encampments. The South Tucson leaders that defeated the recall attempt, though, point their work through Casa Maria as an alternative. They say community initiatives have also helped relieve the nuisances that might otherwise trigger the tax refund penalty created by Prop 312. Valenzuela partnered with community group Barrio Restoration to develop a project that pays unsheltered people to clean up litter, do basic landscaping, and beautify their neighborhoods. The program, Barrio Keepers, recruits people served at Casa Maria soup kitchen and allows them to develop valuable skills while improving the communities they are already part of. The program also provides housing for some keepers at the motels purchased by Casa Maria. Ive struggled with addiction and with mental health. One of the things thats helped me the most is having dignity, having something that gives me purpose and drive to want to do better, Aguirre said. They might be sober for a month, or maybe just a few days, but they get put right back into the same conditions that they were in, and cant get a job or education. Those are the things that we need to be addressing, rather than criminalizing people. Struggles in Tuscon In surrounding Tucson, even as city leaders have invested in housing and social programs, theyve responded to Prop 312 and state officials push to crack down on homelessness more generally by expanding the authority police already have to remove homeless people from public land. The city council enacted an ordinance in March that makes it a crime to stand in road medians, followed by additional policies passed in June that ban camping in parks and washes. While the bans may insulate the city from liability under the new state law, leaders said the ordinances are meant to prevent nuisances from damaging not only private property, but also the ecology of the citys parks, seasonal waterways and nature areas where garbage, tents, bedding and needles often collect. When the bans were proposed, city manager Timothy Thomure said in a memo they are meant to prevent the loss of life during flash floods in the riverbeds and to protect the environment. Before the camping bans took effect in July, police and city workers often did sweeps at encampments by enforcing laws on trespassing, drug use and other crimes, a result of mounting pressure by homeowners associations to more strictly police encampments. In a 2023 lawsuit filed by the Hedrick Acres Neighborhood Association, residents claimed the citys failure to deal with unsheltered people living at the Navajo Wash Park had created a public safety crisis that damaged surrounding homes. An appeals court ruled in favor of the group this year and found the city can be held liable for issues tied to the encampment. There is a big push to appease people complaining about homelessness by putting them in jail. I dont think they believe it, but they seem to think that going through the criminal justice system will get them off drugs and into treatment, said Liz Casey, an organizer with the mutual aid group Community Care Tucson. But they dont have a plan: they dont have new housing or group homes. [Unhoused people] go to jail, do a program, or go to detox for 24 hours, and then theyre back out on the street. Theres no plan after that. Casey and other advocates say that criminalizing homelessness will make it harder for mutual aid groups and city workers to connect with people living outside and build the trust with them needed to offer supplies, shelter and treatment. That has completely eroded any trust that there was. Its ridiculous they had police out arresting people while they had city tents set up with chips and water for people. In May, Tucson Police Department took part in an outreach event along the Santa Cruz riverbed, alongside city workers offering supportive services. The outreach operation resulted in 39 arrests, while seven people accepted assistance including housing and addiction treatment. That has completely eroded any trust that there was. Its ridiculous they had police out arresting people while they had city tents set up with chips and water for people, Casey told me. They know it isnt going to help. They know it is going to make it worse. But it is to cover their own asses so they dont get sued again. Kevin Dahl, the only Tucson city council member who voted against the camping bans, told me the new ordinances are unnecessary since police can already take action when an encampment creates a safety risk. The city has had a protocol in place since 2022 designed to coordinate multiple agencies to respond to complaints about encampments so that low-risk situations can be addressed through garbage cleanups and outreach instead of law enforcement. According to data from Tucsons Department of Environmental Services, the city has done an average of 206 encampment cleanups each month this year. In July, the city slated 197 encampments for immediate removal, and 30 of those sweeps involved police. The camping bans may protect the city from legal liability and penalties under Prop 312, Dahl said, but the irony is that they are unlikely to increase policing and arrests. They arent going to result in any additional action that we are doing, Dahl said. Maybe some people were thinking about optics, and it looks better to the people who are concerned about encampments near them, or who have had problems with unsheltered people in their alleys or with crime. In the midst of the states push for governments to crack down on homeless encampments, a network of mutual aid groups appealed to the city of Tucson to avoid triggering the Prop 312 tax refunds by meeting the needs of the unhoused, rather than punishing them or sweeping them from one location to another. Organizers wrote an open letter calling on city leaders to invest in housing and aid. (It is) a plea and a menu of options that already exist because of community-based organizations, said Angel Breault, the head of Reconciliacion en el Rio Santa Cruz, a group dedicated to protecting and restoring the ecology of Tucsons washes. Volunteers with the Amphi Liberation Mutual Aid group set up tables with food, clothes, drinks and personal care items each week outside a fenced-off park in northern Tucson to distribute to people living in the area around sunset as the extreme heat fades. The aid distributions are consistent, so those living in the area know when and where they can reliably restock their supplies, and most have become familiar faces, volunteers said as they set up a water cooler. Observing a distribution alongside Amphi Liberation volunteers one Tuesday, I saw that the rapport they build allows people to ask for things without fear of judgement: a young man with a cheery demeanor asked a volunteer for an extra scoop of electrolyte drink mix into his canteen before sitting down to eat. As a woman collected toiletries from a table, she asked for a spare dose of naloxone to keep on hand. The group also provides more intimate forms of care, like haircuts and wound treatment. A sign welcomes visitors to the weekly mutual aid distribution in Amphi Park in Tucson. The volunteers regular presence allows them to build trust with unhoused residents over time. Photo by Pascal Sabino/Bolts Palabra The church that owns the park closed it in February over maintenance issues and safety concerns attributed to those who sought shelter there. But when the park was cleared out and fenced off, it forced these folks to scatter about the area and lowered the turnout to the mutual aid distributions there, said organizer Xavier Martinez. The displacement caused by sweeps and park closures really is scary for the most vulnerable unhoused people with disabilities or chronic illnesses since it interrupts the treatment provided by nurses and other care workers at mutual aid sites, Martinez explained to me. If they are getting treated for a severe wound, and the next day they get displaced thats another prolonged amount of time where their wound begins to fester, Martinez said. Its hard to be consistent with being able to treat folks. Tucsons new policies may throw a wrench into the grassroots efforts to support the homeless but with resources already stretched thin, the city also depends on those organizations to cover the gaps in services and basic necessities. Mutual aid groups worked together to set up 26 water stations across the city as part of the Agua Para el Pueblo initiative, according to Breault of Reconciliacion en el Rio Santa Cruz. Though neighbors are sometimes frustrated that they attract undesirable visitors, the water stations are a lifeline for preventing heat-related deaths since the city runs only six cooling centers, one per ward, despite temperatures regularly in the triple digits. The water stations also provide trash bins, paper cups and sometimes reusable water bottles to cut down on trash, like the disposable gas station cups that many rely on to stay hydrated, which is the most common litter found in the washes, Breault said. But the Agua Para el Pueblo initiative and other aid projects exists in a legal grey area, due to a longstanding ordinance that bars the distribution of food and drinks to 10 or more people on public land without a permit. The rule isnt currently enforced, but it reflects the citys reluctance to embrace the grassroots humanitarian strategies that are already in motion, even as they offer city governments a model for how they can stack resources and services to meet the needs of unhoused people while also minimizing the nuisances to neighbors. The groups that are being treated as opposition are the ones providing the stopgap resources that are missing, Breault said. If the humanitarian aid they offer were to disappear, he added, then the city is going to have a bigger problem to deal with. Pascal Sabino is a staff writer for Bolts. He previously worked for Block Club Chicago covering policing and courts, and the citys west side neighborhoods. @pascalsabino.bsky.social Camille Squires is a story editor at Bolts with experience covering city-level government and politics. Her reporting has appeared in Quartz, NewYork Magazine, City Monitor, and Mother Jones. @camillesquires.bsky.social Rodrigo Cervantes is an award-winning bilingual journalist and communications strategist with extensive experience in the U.S., Mexico, and internationally. He has contributed to outlets such as NPR, CNN, The Los Angeles Times, and the BBC. Cervantes led KJZZs Mexico City bureau, where he launched the first overseas bureau for a U.S. public radio station. He also served as Business Editor-in-Chief for El Norte, part of Grupo Reforma, Mexicos leading newspaper company. In Georgia, he led the newsroom of MundoHispanico, then the states oldest and largest Latino publication, under The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His work has been recognized with RTDNA Murrow Awards and Jose Marti Awards from the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP). He is the former Secretary of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and currently serves as co-managing editor of palabra, and as a clinical assistant professor at Arizona State Universitys W. Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. @RODCERVANTES U.S. District Judge Michael J. McShane found that the information sought through the subpoenas is patently reasonable, in the custody and control of the counties and directly relevant to the investigations by federal immigration enforcement officers. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) AP Four Oregon counties must comply with administrative subpoenas issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to help the agency identify and locate nine noncitizens subject to detention or deportation under federal law, a judge ruled Monday. U.S. District Judge Michael J. McShanes decision applies only to the subpoenas he examined in this case. McShane found that while the state sanctuary law prohibits state and local officials from using state resources to support federal immigration enforcement, Oregon law expressly allows a state law enforcement agency to exchange information with federal immigration authorities on criminal investigations. Under federal law, ICE is authorized to issue administrative subpoenas, though it must seek federal court approval to enforce them, according to McShanes eight-page ruling. Attorneys for the counties had argued that state and local governments arent arms of the federal executive and state law directs public bodies to decline any request from a federal agency that relates to immigration enforcement, other than a judicial subpoena. Judicial subpoenas are any court order to produce records. Administrative subpoenas are demands for records issued by a government agency and enforced by a court. ICE filed a petition Oct. 1 seeking limited and patently reasonable information and documents directly relevant to immigration enforcement involving the nine people, McShane said. Four counties Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Marion have control and custody of the information and must turn it over, he ruled. ICEs Homeland Security Investigations issued the subpoenas after its agents failed to track down a group of people vulnerable to detention under several federal immigration laws, according to the judges opinion. The federal investigators had searched databases, compiled profiles for each person and did extensive surveillance to no avail, McShane wrote. They then turned to the counties, where country parole and probation officers supervised the people after each had served state prison sentences for felony convictions, the judge said. Multnomah County received four subpoenas, Marion County three, Clackamas County two and Washington County one. (ICE subsequently dropped one of the subpoenas issued to Marion County after finding the person sought in mid-November.) The subpoenas requested documents with home addresses during their post-prison supervision, phone numbers at that time, work addresses, drivers licenses, names of employers, country, place and date of birth, emergency contact number and bail or bond records. They also asked for unredacted police reports, booking sheets, booking photos, probable cause statements, jail disciplinary records and release agreements for the underlying criminal convictions. Each subpoena is seeking information that will assist ICE in identifying and locating the individuals and in detaining them, the judge wrote. Upon receipt, three of the four counties declined to comply, citing Oregon sanctuary law. Marion County didnt respond to the federal agency and instead filed a separate action seeking the courts guidance on whether it is required to comply with the subpoena. Multnomah and Washington counties challenged the subpoenas, arguing ICE spread too wide of a net for information. Multnomah County officials argued that the county Department of Community Justice isnt likely the custodian of some of the documents. Washington County also argued that its subpoena asked for records that the county doesnt have. McShane said those counties should submit declarations with their subpoena responses that detail what information they do control. Washington County also argued that Homeland Security Investigations already has much of the information, including the persons place and country of birth, to identify the individual. But the judge ruled that Washington County must share the information with ICE to help verify that the person under its supervision is the same one under investigation by federal authorities. McShane noted that the subpoenas request information to identify, contact and locate the individuals, as well as assess their dangerousness. Court records did not identify the people who are the subject of the subpoenaed information. Multnomah Deputy County Attorney B. Andrew Jones wrote in a court filing that judicial review of a particular administrative subpoena is the correct methodology to satisfy both federal and state law. He also noted that the countys Community Justice Department doesnt operate the jails and isnt the holder of any booking photos or jail disciplinary records. Washington County also didnt contest the federal agencys request for a judge to order compliance with the subpoenas, saying thats the appropriate procedure set out in federal and state law. A judicial order would resolve the issue, wrote David C. Lewis, Washington Countys senior assistant county counsel. Scott C. Ciecko, Clackamas Countys assistant county counsel, said the county would defer to any ruling reached by the judge. Marion County had sought a broader court ruling on whether the states sanctuary law conflicts with Oregons public records law. But McShanes ruling was limited to the administrative subpoenas before him. Oregon Senior Assistant Attorney General Thomas Castelli, on behalf of the state, had urged the limited ruling in a friend-of-the court brief. He identified the three criteria that the judge needed to consider in deciding if the subpoenas should be enforced by court order: Whether Congress granted the agency authority to investigate, whether procedural requirements were followed and whether the evidence was relevant and material to the investigation. To be clear, the State takes no position on that question, Castelli wrote. A storied 1913 mansion with a curved glass canopy over the front entrance is for sale in Northeast Portlands Irvington Historic District at $3 million. The residence on a 0.23-acre lot at 1408 N.E. Knott St. is an impressive example of high-end Colonial Revival architecture, which between 1910 and 1930 guided the style of up to 40% of U.S. homes. By the 1910s, half of the residents of Portlands greater metropolitan area had crossed the Willamette River to reside in what became known as the Northeasts Streetcar Suburbs, according to the Irvington Community Association. Developers divided farmland into wide streets with quarter-acre lots and the regions top architects set to work on designing Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts, Colonial Revival and Period Revival-style residences. The house for sale was first owned by grain merchant Charles Stewart and his wife, Margaret McBeath Stewart. This is a piece of history, in one of the most distinguished neighborhoods in Portland, listing broker Taryn Petrini said. There are five fireplaces in the home, including a gas fireplace fronting a seating area in the second-story primary suite. Three more bedrooms are on the upper level, and the lower level has a media-game room, fifth bedroom, bathroom, second laundry room and storage. A potential buyer is someone who loves the preserved architectural story this home tells, said Petrini, who shares the listing with Elisha Alcantara. Both are co-owners of Kinected Realty. The wide front door with side glass panels, united by an arched leaded-glass transom, opens to the central foyer with columns, a coffered ceiling and grand staircase. Throughout the 6,314 square feet of living space are hardwood floors, oak doors, stained and leaded glass, built-in cabinetry and crown molding. Restored and renovated spaces add up to grandeur and livability, said Petrini. Modern comforts extend outside as well, with a covered lounge featuring a drop-down TV, built-in grill and fireplace, plus a sun deck and pool and hot tub area. A carriage house and two-car tuck-under garage are also part of the property. but one of deeply muscular proportionswhen I sent a photo of my gray model to a friend who could barely believe that I drive.with blood everywhere!Klava laughed and laug Fredric Jameson is the Knut Schmidt Nielsen Distinguished Professor of Compara INTERVIEWERWhy do you find yourself roanoke county general district court st clair county mi probate court wooster ohio clerk of courts Were starting with a hatchet throw Everything about the school And then I did it again! I had some He was highly ambitious but profligate with money and with his creative brilliance; he was a joker who was also capable of deep solemnity and severe moral earnestness.I migh The fire is best produced by pouring a ninety-proof alcohol into half an eggshell nestled in the pillowy meringue atop the Alaska.[A Vindication of the Rights of Woman] can s and founding member of the Velvet Underground John Cale will perform in Prospect Park (for free!) as part but I know who he is in some important ways; theyre the same ways I can know myself without looking in a mirror.Yet these but it was obvious that after a couple of sessions he would be moving along much more gracefully than meI +++The year we landed on the moon a documentary is screened detailing the seemingly impossible technological processes involved where nobody has one exclusive sphere of activity but each can become accomplished in any branch he wishes.By the earlyafternoon thethermometerreached eighty-five a stee which features a relatively open market economy and a relatively closed politi which my boyfriend is telling mewith the sort of walleyed zeal that suggests its one of a handful of fac And the way she chose to stitch her poemsleaving audible pinholes in their fabricmorse code notes poked straight through the p It was there that he made the acquaintances that would bring about the publication of a remarkable run of books.And if I am giving you back now a reflection of your enthusia more of the combining of my own imaginationthe eusions of my own feelings and passions than the cold workings of the brain on the materials procured by the senses and imagi my reading program circa 1990 was shaped by a saturnine and pinchingly generous librarian named Cynthia.Y The beauty of Le Bloc was not that it took in everyone but that it took in anyone; one of its failures was that it could not tak and was somehow unable to stop her toddler from grabbing her pen and the book she was reading and take them only a short distance away to sketch inside of it.She remains a c This decade produced the novels that would sweep a huge number of major literary awardsa National Book Critics Circle award.My mother thinks Im in Rome and maybe she goes ou and the method of narration by interminable elaboration of suggestive reference (I dont know what to call it.But it seemed that such a phone call would have given her a happ Turns out I wasnt as well known as Id thought! Thats when it came home to me that the worlds of literary and commercial fiction are completely separate.My shovel makes a clin we walk into a conspicuously labeled section of the beach called the Reservenot a part of our non-Elite packageand are greeted by a stretch of sand that is identical to th The profound inwardness betrayed by the fathers dreamlike gaze nourishes the remembrance as narration.Going over a text many times allowed me to fine-tune my initial intuitiv these late medieval painters inadvertently transform Catholic doctrine into something that looks more like pagan worship of an omnipotent Earth Mother.but which works alrigh fellow seasonal voyeurs will find that Lewis Meyerss Summer Letters delivers the black raspberrys passion for a drop of sunlight without any need for sunscreen.I drew on scra we have to jealously conserve the fire under the ashes because we have no more matches to light it again.I am back living in XXXXXXX after many years outside of the area and Making of a Poem: Eliot Weinberger on The Ceaseless Murmuring of Innumerable Bees By Eliot Weinberger Apr What happens after thatwhether you make good on your second chance or reprise your old mistakes in a stupider keyis the rest o ***On Not Being Able to Paint cannot really be summarized: the pathand proseby which Milner leads her reader through her exploration of mark-making is inextricable from t My thoughts have been very much with you as more and more reports come in abou Authorities have arrested a teenager who is accused of stabbing his mom to death at their South Jersey condo. The 17-year-old boy, of Mays Landing, was taken into custody on Saturday, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said in a Sunday statement. He faces charges of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon. The teens name is being withheld as he is currently charged as a juvenile. A 911 call at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday reported that a juvenile was in possession of a knife at the Meadowbrook Condos in Mays Landing. When police arrived, they found 49-year-old Julissa Serrano inside a condo unit with multiple stab wounds, officials said. She was later pronounced dead at AtlantiCare Medical Center, authorities said. An autopsy by the Southern Regional Medical Examiners Office is pending. Prosecutors did not say how Serranos son was identified as the suspect. He is being held at Harborfields Atlantic Youth Center pending his first court appearance. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. Rapper Mystikal is to remain behind bars into next year. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) Mystikal is to remain in jail until his trial date. The Louisiana rapper, who was born as Michael Lawrence Tyler, is forced to wait for trial following a number of serious charges that stem from a run in with law enforcement back in 2022. Ascension Parish Judge Steven Tureau rejected the well-known rappers request for bond after his mother and his business manager had given tear-jerking testimony. The two assured the court that they would help monitor him if released. Afterward, Judge Tureau ruled that the rapper, 54, will not be granted bond. As a result, he will be kept behind bars until the trial date, which is set for some time next year, per Hip-HopVibe.com. Its a major legal blow that sets the Here I Go rapper back from getting out of jail sooner. The charges against the rapper stem from a July 2022 encounter that includes first-degree rape, domestic abuse battery strangulation, robbery, criminal damage to property and false imprisonment. He has plead not guilty on all counts. If convicted of first-degree rape, hes looking at a mandatory life sentence under Louisiana Law. A new trial date was set for March 30, 2026, where proceedings are expected to last about a week. An additional court hearing is also scheduled for January 21, 2026. The New Orleans rapper, whose successful career runs for about three decades, has had an extensive history of legal trouble in the past, thats saddled with a long history of sexual assault allegations, numerous jail stints and criminal cases. Capital City Music Hall opens Oct. 3 at 234 N. Second St. in Harrisburg. It replaces the Federal Taphouse. Sue Gleiter The night before Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the biggest nights of the year for people to gather for a night out. Dubbed Thanksgiving Eve, its a popular time to meet up with friends and family. The Harrisburg area has plenty of establishments, ranging from bars, clubs, restaurants and brewpubs that will be open on Nov. 26. For those who havent been in town lately, you might be on the hunt for a new spot to gather. Heres a look at some of the latest area openings: Capital City Music Hall Capital City Music Hall stands out as one of the biggest newcomers this year on Harrisburgs nightlife scene. The venue books everything from metal and punk to folk, country, EDM and hip-hop. Its open for live events only. Progressive metal band Queensryche is bringing its Volume and Vengeance Tour to the music hall 6-10 p.m. Nov. 27. Owner Justin Browning, who also heads Nocturnal nightclub, JB Lovedrafts and Sawyers on the same block, is heading the project with his business partner, Craig Dunkle. The hope is CCMH will inject more business into the city, whether its people eating out at neighboring restaurants, reserving rooms at the Hilton Harrisburg or Crowne Plaza hotels, or visiting local tourist spots. Bacco Pizzeria & Wine Bar The Italian restaurant has expanded to Hershey. Owners Max and Maria Randazzo recently opened the restaurant at 131 W. Chocolate Ave. in the former Iron Valley Realty Company at Hershey Towne Square. The couple owns Bacco locations in Harrisburg and Hampden Township. The former real estate office in Hershey was renovated into the 40-seat cafe with a modern vibe including chandeliers. The gas-fueled brick oven was imported from Sicily and fires up to 750 degrees. Pizzas are the star of the menu. Max Randazzo said they use finely ground double zero flour without bromine, creating soft, airy crusts. Pizzas include margherita; a Di Parma with prosciutto, crushed tomato, arugula and mozzarella; funghi with mushrooms and a bechamel sauce; and gambero with shrimp, plum tomato sauce, mozzarella and red pepper flakes. Small plates feature tuna tartare, burrata caprese, beef carpaccio and eggplant rollette while main entrees include lobster ravioli, braised beef ravioli and Mediterranean bronzino. Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Freshido Bar & Kitchen. July 17, 2025. Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com Freshido Bar & Kitchen For an upscale Asian dining experience check out Freshido Bar & Kitchen at 2017 EG Drive in Lower Paxton Township. The 3,800-square-foot restaurant is located next to Cafe Fresco at the Blue Ridge Village along Linglestown Road. The concept is slightly different than owners Benson Chans and Shawn Yous mostly takeout Freshido spots in Harrisburg and Silver Spring Township. Freshido Bar features an urban vibe, a full bar, and a menu filled with sophisticated sushi, wok stir-fries and small plates. The menu also includes dim sum, bao buns, grilled lamb chop, pad Thai and ramen dishes. Look for high-end spirits including a full whiskey selection with bourbons, scotches and Japanese whiskey. Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday. El Rancho Restaurante y Pupuseria When El Rancho opened earlier this year at 135 Sheraton Drive in Fairview Township with a full menu of Mexican and El Salvadoran foods, diners had to BYOB if they wanted an alcoholic beverage. All that changed in October when owners and husband-and-wife team Manuel Ambrocio and Maria Ramirez acquired a liquor license, allowing them to open a full bar. Not having the bar open really affected my business. I guess our customers really wanted those fajitas paired with margaritas, Ambrocio said. The restaurant is similar to the couples first El Rancho at 771 Eisenhower Blvd. in Swatara Township. For those who want to head out early, El Rancho offers happy hours from 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday featuring $3 draft beer and half-price appetizers. Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Red Mill Ribs & Whiskey. July 16, 2025. Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com Red Mill Ribs & Whiskey For a casual dinner with drinks, head to Blue Sky Taverns new lower level venue known as the ultimate bourbon bar and barbecue joint. Red Mill Ribs & Whiskey opened in the basement at the restaurant at 895 Old Trail Road in Newberry Township. Owner Eric Fee decided to make better use of the taverns cavernous basement saloon, which is framed by exposed stone walls and dark wooden beams. The space was mostly being used for multi-course meals with beer or whiskey. A lot of people like this room better than the upstairs, Fee said. It was always like a fun room to be in and its got the stone and everything. I just thought were not getting enough out of this, we could really do something with it. BBQ stars on the menu. All of the meats, including pulled chicken and pork, ribs, chicken quarters and brisket, are smoked in-house and served in disposable containers. They also make the sauces including Carolina gold, bourbon BBQ, Nashville and sweet and spicy from scratch. Sides include homemade mac n cheese, coleslaw, cornbread and baked beans. Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-midnight Sunday. This spider has been reported in Pennsylvania previously, near Doylestown. (Getty Images) Getty Images/imageBROKER RF Theres an emerging invasive species that, for now, has gone away with the warm weather. But theyre expected to pop up again next year. And theyve been spotted in Pennsylvania before. USA Today reports that the Joro spider those rather large, black-and-yellow arachnids native to Asian countries like Japan that can move around by using their webs like parachutes is usually spotted from August through October. Joro spider eggs tend to hatch between May and June with female spiders laying about one to five egg masses containing 500 eggs apiece meaning that the eight-legged creature is expected to make a return come next summer. An observation listed on iNaturalist pegs a Joro spider sighting in Pennsylvania, near Doylestown. Theres a chance, then, that the species will be spotted in the Keystone State again during its peak season in August 2026. But dont worry: North Carolina State University explains that while Joro spiders might creep some people out, theyre harmless to humans. Thankfully, despite their large size, these spiders post no threat to humans, the university explains. Their venom, a mild neurotoxin, is designed to paralyze small flying insects, and causes similar symptoms to those of a bee sting in most cases. And a la everyones favorite, the spotted lanternfly, Joro Watch states that the Joro spider has been able to spread so quickly throughout the United States thanks to humans unknowingly transporting either them or there eggs to new locations. Its recommended that if you should see a Joro spider report it. Knowing where the spiders are being found (or not found!) and other information helps scientists with their research, Joro Watch says. They can use the data to see where the spiders are spreading to, the habitats they are found in, and more. They can also use the data to find locations to do further research on the spiders. You may have heard that the last penny ever was minted last week (in Pennsylvania, no less). And some of final-new batch of pennies are set to be auctioned off soon. So, how much might one cent go for, now? You can listen to this story and others all about Pennsylvania on the original Today in PA podcast below: According to CoinNews.net, coin appraiser Stacks Bowers Galleries in Costa Mesa, California, will be auctioning off 232 three-coin sets with 232 signifying the 232-year history of the pennys production in the United States on Thursday, Dec. 11. USA Today via The Lafayette Journal & Courier reports that the auction will be hosted on the appraisers website, and broadcast from Griffin Studios. As for how much these pennies might go for, John Feigenbaum the publisher behind the rare coin price guide Greysheet informed USA Today that auctioneers could see prices between $2 million and $5 million each. The demand would be incredible because the item would be a required element of a truly complete set, Feigenbaum explained. A U.S. Mint press release confirmed that each of these historic sets include two circulating pennies one from each of the Mints production facilities in Denver, Colorado, and Philadelphia as well as a 99.99 percent 24-karat gold uncirculated penny that was also minted in Philadelphia. The Mint is excited to share this opportunity with the American public, said Mint Acting Director Kristie McNally via the release. The penny has withstood 232 years of our Nations history, and we are proud to offer the chance for the public to celebrate this moment into perpetuity by purchasing one of these special sets. [Its] truly an honor to continue Connecting America through Coins. Each set will also be accompanied by a serialized Certificate of Authenticity. Each coin will bear the Omega privy mark, too, to display how they were among the last pennies ever created. WASHINGTON (AP) A federal judge on Monday dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluding that the prosecutor who brought the charges at President Donald Trumps urging was illegally appointed by the Justice Department. The rulings from U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie halt at least for now a pair of prosecutions that had hastened concerns that the Justice Department was being weaponized to pursue the presidents political adversaries and amount to a stunning rebuke of the Trump administrations legal maneuvering to install a loyal, and inexperienced, prosecutor willing to file the cases. The orders make Lindsey Halligan the latest Trump administration prosecutor to be disqualified because of the manner in which they were appointed. Both defendants had asked for the cases to be dismissed with prejudice, meaning that the Justice Department would not be able to bring them again. But the judge instead dismissed them without prejudice, though it was not immediately clear if or how the Justice Department might attempt to revive the prosecutions. The challenge to Halligans appointment was one piece of a multiprong assault on the indictments by both Comey and James, who had each sought to have their cases dismissed on grounds that the prosecutions were vindictive. Comeys lawyers had also seized on irregularities in the grand jury process in seeking to get the prosecution thrown out. Each of those requests remains pending. Mondays order deals exclusively with the mechanism the Trump administration employed to appoint Halligan, a former White House aide with no prior prosecutorial experience, to lead one of the Justice Departments most elite and important offices. Halligan was named to the job in September after a different interim U.S. attorney, Erik Siebert, was effectively forced out amid pressure from the Trump administration to file charges against Comey and James. After Siebert resigned, Comeys lawyers argued, the judges of the federal court district should have had exclusive say over who got to fill the vacancy. Instead, Trump nominated Halligan while publicly imploring Bondi in a social media post to take action against his political opponents, saying in a Truth Social post that JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!! Comey was indicted days later on charges of making a false statement and obstructing Congress, and James was charged soon after that in a mortgage fraud investigation. In a statement, James said, I am heartened by todays victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country. I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day, the New York attorney general, a Democrat, said. Judges have separately disqualified interim U.S. attorneys in New Jersey, Los Angeles and Nevada, but have permitted cases brought under their watch to move forward. But lawyers for Comey and James had argued that Curries ruling needed to go even further because Halligan was the sole signer of the indictments and the driving force behind them. Comey has for years been one of Trumps chief antagonists. Appointed to the job in 2013 by President Barack Obama, Comey, at the time of Trumps 2016 election, was overseeing an investigation into whether his presidential campaign had conspired with Russia to sway the outcome of the race. Furious over that investigation, Trump fired Comey in May 2017 and the two officials have verbally sparred in the years since. James has also 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. Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak in New York and Lindsay Whitehurst and Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington contributed to this report. President Donald Trump says he plans to visit China in April. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping shown here shaking hands before their meeting at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said he has accepted an invitation from Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit Beijing in April and that he reciprocated by inviting Xi for a state visit to the U.S. later next year. Trump made the announcement a few hours after he spoke with Xi on the phone on Monday morning, in which he said the two men discussed issues including Ukraine, fentanyl, and soybeans. The phone call came nearly one month after the two men met in person in the South Korean city of Busan. Our relationship with China is extremely strong! Trump said. Beijing, which announced the phone call first, said nothing about the state visits but said that the two leaders discussed trade, Taiwan and Ukraine. Xi told Trump in the phone call Monday that Taiwans return to mainland China is an integral part of the post-war international order, and he expressed hope for a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement over Ukraine, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. The conversation came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently said Japans military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing says must come under its rule. Japan is an important ally of the U.S. in the region. The phone call also coincided with the latest push by the Trump administration to end the war in Ukraine. The Chinese, who in the past always pointed out that their leader picked up the call upon request, didnt say such for Mondays call. That means China called Trump, said Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Washington-based think tank Stimson Center My best guest is China is worried about the escalation (in tensions) with Japan. The reference to Taiwan and the post-WWII order directly points to the spat with Japan over Taiwan, said Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Washington-based think tank Stimson Center. They also talked about Ukraine. That is an issue China is interested in due to the new peace negotiation. Chinas relations with Japan sour China-Japan relations have plunged to a new low following Takaichis remarks, with Beijing denouncing her words. Over the weekend, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Japan crossed a red line that should not have been touched. Xi in the phone call said China and the U.S., which fought together during the war against fascism and militarism, should jointly safeguard the victory of World War II. The U.S. has taken no side on the sovereignty of the self-governed island but is opposed to the use of force to seize Taiwan. It is obligated by a domestic law to provide sufficient hardware to the island to deter any armed attack. Trump has maintained strategic ambiguity about whether he would send U.S. troops in case of a war in the Taiwan Strait. His administration has urged Taiwan to increase its defense budget. Earlier this month, Taiwans foreign ministry said it received official notification that the Trump administration approved a US$330 million arms sales to Taiwan, including fighter jet parts. Beijing immediately protested the arms sale, saying it grossly violated the one-China principle, by which Beijing considers Taiwan to be part of Chinese territory. China deplores and opposes that, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said then. The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine crisis, the Chinese side said, with Xi saying the crisis should be resolved at its root. The Chinese leader stressed Beijings support for all efforts that are conducive to peace, according to the statement. However, western governments have accused Beijing of enabling the war through its industrial support for Moscow. Trump and Xi discussed trade Trump said he spoke with Xi about Fentanyl, Soybeans and other Farm Products, etc. We have done a good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers and it will only get better, Trump wrote. Since he met Xi in Busan, there has been significant progress on both sides in keeping our agreements current and accurate, Trump said. In the call, Xi said the bilateral relationship has generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory following the Busan summit, and he said the two sides should strive to make more positive progress, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. It didnt reveal any concrete agreements on matters such as purchases of American soybeans. Harrisburg police escort Travis Watkins to a detainee transport vehicle March 22, 2023 on Second Street in Harrisburg. Image courtesy of Leticia Chavez-Freed A Harrisburg cop denies all wrongdoing in response to a lawsuit saying he pushed a 22-year-old man into moving traffic in March before arresting him. Its the third time Marc Howell has been sued over excessive force claims, and in his response to the initial lawsuit filed last week, he said he treated Carter Burch in a proper and lawful manner. A video recording of the incident shared on social media showed Marc Howell running up to Burch, pushing him into Second Street while traffic moved past them. Burch, 22, named Howell, along with fellow officers Esteban Restrepo and Cynthia Kreiser in a federal civil rights lawsuit filed over the incident. The suit also named Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter under supervisory liability. At the time, police said Burch had been fighting inside a club during a St. Patricks Day celebration. He was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct and cited for public drunkenness. The case was later dismissed. Burch had been partying in Nocturnal nightclub on March 15 when club staff told him to leave because of his behavior on a prior visit. Burch said he wanted to wait for a friend before leaving and club staff escorted him out. Kreiser pointed pepper spray at Burch and instructed him to leave the area, and he did so. Burch stood at Second and Pine when Howell approached him, the lawsuit said. Howell briskly walked to the corner of Second and Pine, violently pushed Burch toward a traffic light and pursued him into the street. Howell then pushed him deeper into the street before tripping him to the ground, nearly causing his head to be crushed by an ongoing vehicle, the lawsuit said. Howell denied the allegations in his response to the lawsuit. He said he took reasonable measures to separate Burch from other people outside Nocturnal based on Burchs behavior and the totality of circumstances known to the officer at the time of the encounter. He said Burchs injuries were caused by Burchs own negligence, recklessness, disregard or other behavior; and not by Howells conduct. He said Burch was treated in a proper and lawful manner. Howell is being represented by a different attorney than his codefendants. Christopher Gerber of Lamb McErlane is representing him, while Sheryl Brown, of Bellwoar Kelly, is representing Kreiser, Restrepo and Carter. While Howell filed an answer to the lawsuit, Kreiser, Restrepo and Carter filed a joint motion to dismiss from the lawsuit. Kreiser was originally included under the theory she could have intervened and prevented the use of excessive force (which she, Restrepo and Carter deny) against Burch. Kreiser said the scene unfolded so fast, there wasnt enough time to intervene especially because she turned her attention to the crowd while Howell and Restrepo arrested Burch. Restrepo, who was previously accused of assault and battery for dragging Burch across the street pavement, argued he grabbed Burchs neck and chin and dragged him to keep him safe from oncoming traffic. The lawsuit accused Carter of liability because he allowed Howell and Restrepo to participate in the citys second street program. The lawsuit said Carter knew many excessive force complaints had been made against Howell and Restrepo and allowed them to continue earning overtime for patrolling the downtown district on the weekends. Carters response sidestepped the issue entirely and said there needed to be a stronger causal relationship between his supervision of the department and the officers possibly using excessive force. That relationship didnt exist here, Carter said. Carter eventually pulled the plug on a downtown weekend security program, citing concerns over liability. The lawsuit quotes a PennLive article in which Carter is quoted as saying having off-duty officers using city equipment to enforce security outside of bars among inebriated patrons is too much of a liability. Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo previously told PennLive he referred an investigation into Howells actions to the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office. This is the third unreasonable force lawsuit filed against Howell. About a week after the video of Howell pushing Burch went viral, Travis Watkins sued Howell and Restrepo over a 2023 incident that occurred several blocks away. The city paid $7,500 to Jonathan Cody II in January to settle his claims over a 2022 incident involving Howell on Third Street. A 43-year-old woman and a yellow Labrador died Friday when her vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on into a truck in Lebanon County, police said. Lancaster County resident Bethany L. Tomassetti was driving an SUV east on Route 322 when she crossed into the westbound lane and crashed around 5:16 p.m. near South Mountain Road, Cornwall police said. Tomassettis vehicle collided with a farm truck hauling a hose trailer, police said. She and the yellow lab died at the scene. Police said the trucks driver, a 68-year-old Shippensburg man, was not hurt. PennDOT assisted with cleaning up 500 gallons of diesel fuel that the wrecked truck leaked onto the road. Three fire departments and Lebanon Countys hazmat team were at the scene for about eight hours on Friday. Cornwall police are investigating the crash and are asking any witnesses to call their department at 717-274-2071. By Patricia D. Wellenbach The Pennsylvania Society will return to its birthplace at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria in New York City for our 127th Annual Dinner on Dec. 13 to honor Ambassador David L. Cohen with our Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement. We are celebating a Pennsylvania leader whose impact has resonated far beyond any single city or region. For those unfamiliar with The Pennsylvania Society, we are the nations longest-lived organization of our kind, founded in 1899 by Pennsylvanians living in New York who wanted to stay connected to their home Commonwealth. For more than 125 years, weve brought together leaders from across Pennsylvania to honor achievement, promote goodwill, and celebrate service. We are non-partisan and welcome all Pennsylvanians who share our commitment to the Commonwealth. Ambassador Cohen embodies the qualities we seek to honor. His career represents a masterclass in using ones talents to strengthen communities and build bridges across divideswhether in government, business, diplomacy, or civic leadership. When Pennsylvania faced critical challenges in the 1990s, Cohen stepped up. As Chief of Staff to then-Mayor Ed Rendell, he helped save one of our largest cities from bankruptcy, crafting a financial recovery plan that restored stability and set the stage for renewal. After entering the private sector, Cohen rose to become Senior Executive Vice President at Comcast, where his responsibilities included corporate communications, government affairs, public policy, and community impact. But he never lost sight of his Pennsylvania roots. He worked to strengthen the Commonwealths business climate, advocated for policies that would attract investment across the state, and understood that Pennsylvanias prosperity depends on all regions working together. Cohens civic leadership has touched communities throughout Pennsylvania. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the University of Pennsylvania for twelve years overseeing a period of remarkable growth. He chaired the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, recognizing that regional economic development benefits the entire Commonwealth. His board service has included Penn Medicine, City Year, the National Urban League, and UnidosUS, among many others. Then, after decades in the private sector, Cohen answered his countrys call once again. Nominated by President Joe Biden and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he served as United States Ambassador to Canada from 2021 to 2025. He strengthened the critical relationship between our two nationsa relationship particularly important for Pennsylvania given our extensive trade ties with our northern neighbor. As Brian Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast and a past Gold Medal recipient, observed: Davids infinite energy, expert counsel, and extraordinary work ethic have benefitted everyone fortunate enough to be in his orbit. In everything he does, Davids impact is profound and lasting. This years celebration holds special significance. The Waldorf Astoria, where The Pennsylvania Society was founded in 1899, has undergone extensive renovation. Our return to this iconic venuewhere weve held more than a century of Annual Dinnersrepresents both a homecoming and a renewal of our mission. What makes Ambassador Cohen a quintessential Gold Medalist? Its his consistent choice to invest his considerable talents in serviceto his community, his Commonwealth, and his country. Its his ability to bridge divides and build consensus. Its his understanding that true leadership means staying committed even when easier paths present themselves. As we gather at the Waldorf Astoria, were not just honoring an impressive career. Were celebrating values that every Pennsylvanian can embrace: hard work, civic commitment, and the belief that we have a responsibility to leave our Commonwealth stronger than we found it. The Pennsylvania Society welcomes all Pennsylvanians to join the Society and continue our 127-year tradition. Whether youre from Erie or Pittsburgh, Harrisburg or Scranton, youre part of this Commonwealths story. I encourage you to learn more about membership and our Annual Dinner at PASociety.com. Together, we can continue honoring leaders like Ambassador Cohen and ensure that Pennsylvanias tradition of exceptional service endures for generations to come. Patricia D. Wellenbach, Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer for the City of Philadelphia, is president of The Pennsylvania Society. All Pennsylvanians are welcome to join. Learn how at PASociety.com. FILE - Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., speaks during the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, file) AP By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and BEN FINLEY, The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) The Pentagon announced Monday it is investigating Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over possible breaches of military law after the former Navy pilot joined a handful of other lawmakers in a video that called for troops to defy illegal orders. The Pentagons statement, posted on social media, cited a federal law that allows retired service members to be recalled to active duty on orders of the defense secretary for possible court-martial or other measures. It is extraordinary for the Pentagon, which until President Donald Trumps second term had usually gone out of its way to act and appear apolitical, to directly threaten a sitting member of Congress with investigation. It comes after Trump ramped up the rhetoric by accusing the lawmakers of sedition punishable by DEATH in a social media post days after the video was released last week. In its statement on Monday, the Pentagon suggested that Kellys statements in the video interfered with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces by citing the federal law that prohibits such actions. A thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures, the statement said. Kelly said he upheld his oath to the Constitution and dismissed the Pentagon investigation as the work of bullies. If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it wont work, Kelly said in a statement. What the lawmakers said in the video Kelly was one of six Democratic lawmakers who have served in the military or intelligence community to speak directly to members of the military. The other lawmakers are Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan, who are seen as possible future aspirants for higher office and elevated their political profiles with the videos wide exposure. Kelly, who was a fighter pilot before becoming an astronaut and then retiring at the rank of captain, told troops that you can refuse illegal orders, while other lawmakers in the video said they needed troops to stand up for our laws ... our Constitution. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Kelly was facing an investigation because he is the only one of the lawmakers who formally retired from the military and is still under the Pentagons jurisdiction. Kellys conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately, Hegseth said on his personal X account. Of the wider group, he added that their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion which only puts our warriors in danger. Kelly and the other lawmakers didnt mention specific circumstances in the video, but its release comes as the Trump administration has ordered the military to blow up small boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean accused of ferrying drugs and continues its attempts at deploying National Guard troops into U.S. cities despite some legal setbacks. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said last week that our military follows orders, and our civilians give legal orders. Other Senate Democrats came to Kellys defense, with Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accusing Trump of using the Pentagon as his personal attack dog and saying this is what dictators do. His fellow Democratic Arizona senator, Ruben Gallego, said Mark told the truth in America, we swear an oath to the Constitution, not wannabe kings. What legal scholars say In the past decade, there has been a quiet but significant uptick in courts-martial of retired servicemembers, even for post-retirement offenses, Stephen Vladeck, a Georgetown University law professor, said in an email. He said there has been debate in the courts about their constitutionality but the practice is currently allowed. But Kellys status as a U.S. senator could complicate the Pentagons investigation because the Constitution explicitly shields members of Congress from White House overreach, said Anthony Michael Kreis, a constitutional law professor at Georgia State University. Having a United States senator subject to discipline at the behest of the secretary of defense and the president that violates a core principle of legislative independence, Kreis said in a phone interview. Kreis said such protections were a reaction to the British monarchy, which had arbitrarily punished members of Parliament. Any way you cut it, the Constitution is fundamentally structurally designed to prevent this kind of abuse from happening, Kreis said. Troops can reject unlawful orders Troops, especially uniformed commanders, do have specific obligations to reject orders that are unlawful, if they make that determination. While commanders have military lawyers on their staffs to consult with in making such a determination, rank-and-file troops who are tasked with carrying out those orders are rarely in a similar position and often have to rely on their superiors. Broad legal precedence also holds that just following orders colloquially known as the Nuremberg defense, as it was used unsuccessfully by senior Nazi officials to justify their actions under Adolf Hitler doesnt absolve troops. Yet, there has been little reaction online from troops to the lawmakers video. A former service member who helps run an online military forum and spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation said the lawmakers message is unlikely even to reach troops because the video was posted only on X and was far too long to be reposted on platforms like TikTok where troops actually consume information. Associated Press writer Matt Brown contributed to this report. You are the owner of this article. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High near 55F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 36F. Winds light and variable. This paid press release is brought to you from our partnership with EZ Newswire. The Post and Courier news staff was not involved in its creation. PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 13:50:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 629 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / National plaintiffs law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP encourages investors in Avantor, Inc. ("Avantor" or the "Company") (NYSE:AVTR) who purchased or otherwise acquired Avantor common stock between March 5, 2024 and October 28, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period") to contact us immediately regarding the pending securities class action against Avantor. The deadline to apply to be lead plaintiff is December 29, 2025.Class Period: March 5, 2024 - October 28, 2025Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: December 29, 2025Case information: https://lieffcabraser.com/securities/avantor/ Contact us: Email or text investorinfo@ lchb.com or call 1-800-541-7358Avantor, incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, is a global supplier of scientific products, tools, laboratory solutions, and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education & government, and advanced technologies & applied materials industries.The action alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Avantor's competitive positioning was weaker than Defendants had publicly represented; and (2) Avantor was experiencing negative effects from increased competition. Rather, Defendants repeatedly claimed that Avantor was well-positioned compared to peer companies and downplayed any competitive pressures.The market began to learn the truth on April 25, 2025, when Avantor reported disappointing 1Q 2025 financial results, including weak organic sales for its Laboratory Solutions business, and cut its projected organic revenue growth for 2025 by 2% to -1% to 1%. Avantor also announced that Defendant Stubblefield would be stepping down from his roles. Avantor's Executive Vice President and CFO, Defendant R. Brent Jones, attributed the Company's weak performance and outlook in part to "the impact of increased competitive intensity." On this news, the price of Avantor common stock declined $2.57 per share, or 16.58%, from a close of $15.50 per share on April 24, 2025, to close at $12.93 per share on April 25, 2025, on extremely heavy trading volume.On August 1, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing 2Q 2025 financial results, including a 3% year-over-year decrease in net sales and an 11.7% year-over-year decrease in adjusted operating income in its Laboratory Solutions business. The Company also lowered its projected organic revenue growth for 2025 to -2% to 0%, and to -4% to -2% for 3Q 2025. Jones again attributed the reduced outlook and growth to "increased competitive intensity." On this news, the price of Avantor common stock declined $2.08 per share, or 15.48%, from a close of $13.44 per share on July 31, 2025, to close at $11.36 per share on August 1, 2025, on extremely heavy trading volume.On October 29, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing 3Q 2025 financial results, including a 5% year-over-year decrease organic revenue growth both in its Laboratory Solutions business and overall. Avantor further reduced its 2025 projected organic revenue growth -3.5% to -2.5%, and reported a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $785 million. Jones disclosed that the impairment charge was due in part to competitive pressures on the Company's "ability to get price, which meaningfully impacted margins year-over-year on a sequential basis." New President and CEO Emmanuel Ligner disclosed that the Company had "lost a couple of large accounts." On this news, the price of Avantor common stock declined $3.50 per share, or 23.21%, from a close of $15.08 per share on October 28, 2025, to close at $11.58 per share on October 29, 2025, on heavy trading volume.About Lieff CabraserLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, with over 125 attorneys in offices in San Francisco, New York, Nashville, and Munich, Germany, is an internationally-recognized law firm committed to advancing the rights of investors and promoting corporate responsibility. Repeatedly recognized as a "Plaintiffs' Powerhouse" by Law360, Lieff Cabraser has litigated some of the most important civil cases in the United States, and has assisted clients in recovering over $129 billion in verdicts and settlements. For over 50 years, Lieff Cabraser has remained committed to ensuring access to justice for all.ContactSharon LeeLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP415 956-1000 slee@ lchb.com SOURCE: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 17:01:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 304 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of Alibaba Group Holding Limited ("Alibaba" or "the Company") (NYSE:BABA). Investors who purchased Alibaba securities are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/BABA Investigation DetailsOn November 14, 2025, during market hours, Reuters published an article entitled "White House says Alibaba is helping Chinese military target US, FT reports." The article stated that Alibaba had been accused of "providing technological support for Chinese military operations against targets in the United States, the Financial Times said on Friday, citing a White House memo." Following this news, Alibaba American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") dropped during intraday trading on November 14, 2025.What's Next?If you are aware of any facts relating to this investigation or purchased Alibaba securities, you can assist this investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/BABA . You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his client relations manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC: 332-239-2660There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & GrossmanBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.ContactBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller 332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 17:00:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 478 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA AND NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilDecember 2, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Molina Healthcare, Inc. ("Molina" or the "Company") (NYSE:MOH), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between February 5, 2025 and July 23, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Molina 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-moh/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byDecember 2, 2025 .About the LawsuitMolina and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On July 23, 2025, the Company reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 and cut its full-year 2025 earnings guidance, disclosing that "GAAP net income was $4.75 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2025, a decrease of 8% year over year" and it "now expects its full year 2025 adjusted earnings to be no less than $19.00 per diluted share," due to a "challenging medical cost trend environment," including "utilization of behavioral health, pharmacy, and inpatient and outpatient services." On this news, the price of Molina's shares fell $32.03, or 16.84%, to close at $158.22 per share on July 24, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume.The case is Hindlemann v. Molina Healthcare, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-09461.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 PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 20:30:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 436 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / Consero Global LLC("Consero")recently suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Consero.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On July 4, 2025, Consero Global LLC became aware of a security incident within its environment. Upon detection, Consero launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized thirdparty gained access to and possibly acquired certain files within the Consero environment between April 27, 2025, and July 4, 2025.Consero is a service provider for Propeller Industries, a company that offers finance and accounting services. In connection with its processing services for Propeller Industries, Consero had access to certain sensitive information that originated from Propeller. As part of the breach, this information may have been included in the impacted files. The impacted data may include names andSocial Security numbers.On October 23, 2025, Consero began sending notification letters to impacted individuals and on November 14, 2025, filed a notice with the Attorney General of California.Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personalinformation was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Consero Global LLC, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 14:15:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 487 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SASKATOON, SK / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / DKI Saskatoon Disaster Services Inc. has been recognised with the 2025 Consumer Choice Award in the Fire and Water Damage Restoration category for Saskatoon. Locally owned and operated for more than 20 years, the company specialises in restoring homes and businesses after water, fire, asbestos, mould, and other property damage emergencies, providing 24/7 response when it matters most.For over two decades, DKI Saskatoon Disaster Services has been a trusted partner for homeowners and businesses facing the unexpected. From initial assessment through to reconstruction, the company provides complete restoration solutions designed to bring properties back to pre-loss condition and give clients peace of mind during difficult times."At DKI Saskatoon, we understand that disaster can strike at any time, and our mission is to restore not only buildings but also peace of mind," says Jeff Sereda, Co-owner, and Director of Operations. "Being recognised with the Consumer Choice Award reflects the trust our community has placed in us, and we are honoured to serve Saskatchewan with integrity, compassion, and professionalism." Built On Integrity and ProfessionalismDKI Saskatoon Disaster Services reputation has been shaped by its core values: integrity, compassion, and professionalism. Every project, whether a basement flood or a full structural rebuild, is handled with the same level of care and commitment. Clients can rely on clear communication, skilled workmanship, and a dedicated team that understands the stress of loss and works to ease it.Certified, Prepared, And on CallThe company employs IICRC trained and certified specialists and restoration professionals ready to respond around the clock. Services include water extraction, structural drying, fire and smoke damage repair, mould remediation, asbestos abatement, and full contents restoration. With state-of-the-art equipment and strict safety protocols, DKI Saskatoon Disaster Services ensures projects are completed efficiently and to the highest industry standards.Helping Saskatchewan RebuildAs the company celebrates its 2025 Consumer Choice Award recognition, DKI Saskatoon Disaster Services remains focused on helping families and businesses recover with confidence. By combining technical expertise with a people-first approach, the team continues to serve as a reliable restoration partner across Central Saskatchewan.To learn more about DKI Saskatoon Disaster Services, visit www.saskatoondisasterservices.com About DKI Saskatoon Disaster Services Inc. DKI Saskatoon Disaster Services is a locally owned and operated restoration company backed by the National DKI brand, serving Saskatchewan for more than 20 years. Specialising in fire, water, mould, asbestos, and disaster restoration, the company provides 24/7 emergency response and full-service property recovery. Guided by integrity, compassion, and professionalism, DKI Saskatoon Disaster Services is committed to helping clients rebuild after loss. Learn more at www.saskatoondisasterservices.com About Consumer Choice Award Since 1987, Consumer Choice Award has been recognising and promoting business excellence across North America. Through a rigorous selection process, only the most outstanding businesses in each category earn this prestigious recognition. Learn more at www.ccaward.com Contact Information Sumi SalehCommunications Manager ssaleh@ ccaward.com SOURCE: Consumer Choice Award PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 21:30:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 409 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / HighLevel, the AI-powered Business Operating System for sales, marketing and operations, has been ranked #4 in the 2025 Dallas 100 Entrepreneur Awards, hosted by SMU Cox School of Business's Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship.The Dallas 100 honors the most dynamic and innovative private companies in North Texas based on sustained revenue growth and entrepreneurial spirit. This year marks the award's 35th anniversary of celebrating companies that drive economic impact, create jobs and embody the future of business.HighLevel's recognition as a top 10 winner reflects its rapid ascent as a category-defining platform, now powering over 2 million businesses worldwide. The company enables agencies, entrepreneurs and small businesses to automate operations, centralize communication and scale faster, all without sacrificing personalization or control.A New Standard for Smarter GrowthHighLevel's momentum is fueled by continuous innovation in AI and automation. In the last year alone, the platform has delivered:1.86 billion messages sent monthly194 million leads generated per month19 million conversations managed monthlyGroundbreaking tools like AI Employee, Voice AI and Conversation AI, allowing users to close more deals and reclaim time.As businesses navigate the complexities of scaling in an AI-driven world, HighLevel offers more than software; it delivers leverage. By replacing fragmented tech stacks with one cohesive platform, customers are able to grow revenue, reduce overhead and unlock new levels of efficiency.Built for Builders. Backed by Results.This recognition from the Dallas 100 underscores HighLevel's commitment to serving the people behind the growth: marketers, founders and operators who need more than just features; they need force multipliers.As HighLevel continues to expand its platform, partner ecosystem and AI infrastructure, it remains focused on one thing: helping the builders of tomorrow win today.About the Dallas 100Founded by the Caruth Institute at SMU's Cox School of Business, the Dallas 100 Entrepreneur Awards celebrates the fastest-growing, privately held companies in the Dallas area. Winners are selected based on percentage sales growth and absolute dollar growth over a three-year period, recognizing the economic engines that shape the region.About HighLevelHighLevel is the AI Business Operating System designed for sales, marketing and operations all in one white-labeled platform. Powering over 2 million businesses around the world, HighLevel helps users simplify tech stacks, automate revenue growth and scale without sacrificing personalization. From AI Employees and multi-channel communication to CRM, funnels and real-time conversation tools, HighLevel gives businesses the edge they need to thrive in a fast-changing digital world.Contact InformationSavannah Lipinskisavannah@ gohighlevel.com SOURCE: HighLevel LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 22:00:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 386 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MINNEAPOLIS, MN / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / Imprint Engine, the global brand experience platform, today announced a bifurcation of its executive leadership to support its next phase of hyper-growth. The company has appointed Colin Loughran as Global Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) to command worldwide commercial operations, enabling CEO Caleb Gilbertson to dedicate his focus exclusively to product strategy and the aggressive integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the IEX platform. Colin Loughran Portrait of Imprint Engine's new global CRO, Colin LoughranThis strategic divide is designed to solve the dual challenge of scaling a global service business while simultaneously building a disruptive technology stack.As CRO, Loughran will take over the day-to-day management of the company's revenue engine across North America, EMEA, and APAC. His arrival marks the end of the "founder-led sales" era at Imprint Engine and the beginning of a professionalized, global go-to-market structure."Reaching $100 million in revenue while revolutionizing our tech stack requires two distinct types of leadership," said Caleb Gilbertson, CEO of Imprint Engine. "We cannot treat AI integration as a side project; it demands full-time executive attention. By handing the commercial reins to Colin-a proven global leader-I can now focus entirely on engineering the next generation of the IEX platform. Colin builds the business; I build the future." Loughran, operating from the company's Dublin headquarters, brings the operational rigor required to synchronize Imprint Engine's global teams. His mandate is to streamline the client experience, ensuring that the company's rapid growth does not compromise the reliability that enterprise clients expect."The market is demanding a partner that offers both white-glove service and high-tech automation," said Colin Loughran, CRO. "Caleb and the engineering team are building an AI infrastructure that no other agency can match. My job is to build the global revenue machine that brings that value to the world's largest brands. It is a perfect partnership." About Imprint EngineImprint Engine is a global, platform-driven brand experience partner. The company combines owned global infrastructure with its proprietary IEX software to help enterprises automate the design, sourcing, and fulfillment of physical brand assets. With a focus on AI-driven efficiency and global consistency, Imprint Engine serves leading brands across North America, EMEA, and APAC.Contact InformationMichael SchwandtChief Marketing Officermschwandt@ imprintengine.com 6123278774SOURCE: Imprint Engine PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 17:00:59 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 426 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA AND NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 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 2, 2026to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against CarMax, Inc. (NYSE:KMX), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between June 20, 2025 and September 24, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of CarMax 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-kmx/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byJanuary 2, 2026 .About the LawsuitCarMax and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On September 25, 2025, the Company announced its Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 financial results, disclosing among other things, that retail unit sales had decreased 5.4%, comparable store unit sales had decreased 6.3%, wholesale units had decreased 2.2%, and that net earnings per diluted share of $0.64 compared to $0.85 a year ago.On this news, the price of CarMax's shares fell $11.5 per share, or 20.07%, to close at $45.60 per share on September 25, 2025.The case is Cap v. CarMax, Inc., No. 25-cv-03602.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 PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 17:00:55 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 465 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA AND NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilDecember 23, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against James Hardie Industries plc ("James Hardie" or the "Company") (NYSE:JHX), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's shares between May 20, 2025, and August 18, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of James Hardie 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-jhx/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byDecember 23, 2025 .About the LawsuitJames Hardie and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On August 19, 2025, despite prior reassurances that its North America Fiber Cement segment remained strong, the Company disclosed that sales in North America Fiber Cement declined by 12% due to customer destocking first discovered "in April through May," that was expected to impact sales for at least the next two quarters.On this news, the price of James Hardie's shares fell by over 34%, or $9.79 per share, from a closing price of $28.43 per share on August 18, 2025 to $18.64 per share on August 20, 2025.The case is Laborers' District Council and Contractors' Pension Fund of Ohio v. James Hardie Industries plc, et al., No. 25-cv-13018.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 PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 17:00:51 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 487 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilDecember 8, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against WPP plc (NYSE:WPP), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's shares between February 27, 2025 and July 8, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of WPP 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-wpp/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byDecember 8, 2025 .About the LawsuitWPP and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On July 9, 2025, the Company published a trading update for the first half of 2025, disclosing that it had allegedly "seen a deterioration in performance as Q2 has progressed" due to both "continued macro uncertainty weighing on client spend and weaker net new business than originally anticipated," as well as "some distraction to the business" as a result of the continued restructuring of WPP Media a.k.a. GroupM. The Company further disclosed that its CEO "will retire from the Board and as CEO on 31 December 2025."On this news, the price of WPP's shares fell from a closing price of $35.82 per share on July 8, 2025 to $29.34 per share on July 9, 2025, a decline of about 18.1% in the span of just a single day.The case is Marty v. WPP plc, 25-cv-08365.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 PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 20:33:54 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 650 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE:JHX) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from the potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in James Hardie, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-class-action-lawsuit Investors have until December 23, 2025, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in James Hardie common stock (formerly American Depositary Shares). The class action is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and is captioned Laborers' District Council and Contractors' Pension Fund of Ohio v. James Hardie Industries plc, et al., No. 1:25-cv-13018.Why Was James Hardie Sued for Securities Fraud?James Hardie is a producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement building solutions. The largest application for the Company's fiber cement building products in the United Stated and Canada is in external siding for the residential building industry.During the relevant period, James Hardie told investors that the results of its North American fiber cement segment demonstrated its "inherent strength" and "the underlying momentum in our strategy." The Company also stated on May 20, 2025, that it was seeing "normal stock levels" among its customers and that it was "seeing performance in the month to date as we would expect." As alleged, in truth, the Company's North American sales during the relevant period were the result of inventory loading by channel partners, with the hallmarks of fraudulent channel stuffing, not sustainable customer demand as represented.The Stock Declines as the Truth Is RevealedOn August 19, 2025, James Hardie revealed that its North American fiber cement sales declined 12% during the quarter, driven by destocking first discovered "in April through May" as customers "made efforts to return to more normal inventory levels[.]" The Company also revealed that significant inventory destocking was expected to continue to impact sales for the next several quarters. On this news, the price of James Hardie stock fell $9.79 per share, or more than 34%, from $28.43 per share on August 19, 2025, to $18.64 per share on August 20, 2025.On November 17, 2025, James Hardie announced that Rachel Wilson had decided to step down from her role as CFO.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-class-action-lawsuit What Can You Do?If you invested in James Hardie you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212.789.3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 00:00:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 491 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 23, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Avantor, Inc. ("Avantor" or the "Company") (NYSE:AVTR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Avantor and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until December 29, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Avantor securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On April 25, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing first quarter 2025 financial results, cut its guidance for 2025, and announced that Michael Stubblefield would be stepping down from his roles as President and Chief Executive Officer. Avantor's management attributed its weak performance and outlook to "the impact of increased competitive intensity." On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $2.57 per share, or 16.5%, to close at $12.93 per share on April 25, 2025.Then, on August 1, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing second quarter 2025 financial results, including a year-over-year decrease in net sales, and further reduced the Company's 2025 guidance-now projecting organic revenue growth of -2% to 0%. Avantor's management again attributed the Company's lackluster results and outlook to "increased competitive intensity" and further admitted that Avantor did not expect the competitive environment to materially improve in the remainder of 2025.On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $2.08 per share, or 15.48%, to close at $11.36 per share on August 1, 2025.Then, on October 29, 2025, Avantor reported weak third quarter 2025 financial results, including -5% organic revenue growth and a net loss of $712 million, which management primarily attributed to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $785 million. Avantor's management said that the impairment charge was necessary due in part to "competitive pressures" that had "meaningfully impacted" Avantor's margins and further disclosed that the Company had lost several large accounts.On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $3.50 per share, or 23.21%, to close at $11.58 per share on October 29, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 00:00:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 357 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 23, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against WPP Plc ("WPP" or the "Company") (NYSE:WPP). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether WPP and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until December 8, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired WPP securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On July 9, 2025, WPP published a trading update for the first half of 2025, advising investors that the Company had "seen a deterioration in performance as Q2 has progressed." The Company attributed its misfortune to both "continued macro uncertainty weighing on client spend and weaker net new business than originally anticipated," at least in part due to "some distraction to the business" as a result of the continued restructuring of WPP Media.On this news, WPP's American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") price fell $6.48 per ADR, or 18.09%, to close at $29.34 per ADR on July 9, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 00:00:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 592 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 23, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Molina Healthcare, Inc. ("Molina" or the "Company") (NYSE:MOH). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Molina and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until December 2, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Molina securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On July 7, 2025, Molina issued a press release announcing financial results for the second quarter of 2025 and slashing full year 2025 adjusted earnings per share guidance. The press release reported second quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of approximately $5.50 per share, which was "below . . . prior expectations" due to "medical cost pressures in all three lines of business." The Company also announced that it "expects these medical cost pressures to continue into the second half of the year" and cut guidance for expected adjusted earnings per share 10.2% at the midpoint, from "at least $24.50 per share" to a "range of $21.50 to $22.50 per share." The press release revealed Molina was experiencing a "short-term earnings pressure" from a "dislocation between premium rates and a medical cost trend which has recently accelerated." On this news, Molina's stock price fell $6.97 per share, or 2.9%, to close at $232.61 per share on July 7, 2025.Then, on July 23, 2025, Molina issued a press release reporting its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 and further slashing the Company's full-year 2025 earnings guidance. The press release revealed, in part, that the Company's "GAAP net income was $4.75 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2025, a decrease of 8% year over year;" and it "now expects its full year 2025 adjusted earnings to be no less than $19.00 per diluted share." This represented another 13.6% cut to guidance of earnings per share at the midpoint, from the cut to guidance announced less than two weeks earlier. Molina also cut its guidance for its full year 2025 GAAP net income 27% to $912 million. Molina attributed its results a full year outlook to a "challenging medical cost trend environment," including mere "utilization of behavioral health, pharmacy, and inpatient and outpatient services." The Company claimed that its guidance cut also reflected "new information gained in the quarterly closing process." On this news, Molina's stock price fell $32.03 per share, or 16.84%, to close at $158.22 per share on July 24, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 14:30:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 824 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Sannabis S.A.S. doctors will lead nationwide medical cannabis education as Colombia enters a new regulatory phase for cannabis flower distribution.CALI, CO / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / Sannabis, Inc., f/k/a Ultimate Sports, Inc. (OTC:USPS), a U.S. Company (the "Company") planning to acquire Sannabis S.A.S ("Sannabis") in Colombia, is pleased to announce that Sannabis has entered into a supply agreement with a licensed Colombian cannabis cultivator to provide Sannabis-branded cannabis flower for distribution through the Sannabis Human Fine IPS Health Clinics and the Sannabis Human Fine Pharmacy-expected to be among the first authorized dispensaries in Colombia.Under this new agreement, Sannabis will receive a consistent supply of high-quality, compliant cannabis flower cultivated specifically for medical use. The product will be used in the Human Fine's clinics, in partnership with Sannabis, for patient prescriptions and distributed through its pharmacy in accordance with upcoming national regulations.Medical Leadership: Sannabis Doctors to Train Physicians NationwideTo support the safe, effective, and compliant rollout of medical cannabis flower nationwide, Sannabis' medical team will begin hosting professional workshops for physicians, providing training on:How to prescribe cannabis flower responsiblyMatching cannabinoid profiles to individual patient needsSafe integration of cannabis oil and flower into treatment plansStandard-of-care protocols for chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and other conditionsThese workshops position Sannabis as a leader in Colombia's evolving medical cannabis ecosystem.Advancing National Policy-Continuing a Legacy From 2015Sannabis has formally submitted regulatory proposals to the Ministry of Justice outlining a structured, transparent framework for commercial cannabis distribution. This continues the Company's longstanding role in shaping Colombian cannabis regulations.In 2015, Sannabis hosted national and regional government officials at its operations on an Indigenous Reservation, contributing directly to the protocols used in Colombia's first cannabis legalization decree."Now that Colombia is regulating cannabis flower for medical distribution, Sannabis is once again stepping up with constructive, experience-based recommendations that prioritize patient access, product safety, and transparent oversight," said Juan P. Guzman, CEO of Sannabis, Inc. and Director of Sannabis S.A.S.Upcoming Distribution AnnouncementsSannabis will announce its commercial distribution plan once the Ministry finalizes regulations and approves the Sannabis proposed protocols. Initial plans include expanding pharmacy operations, scaling supply capacity, and establishing distribution routes through health-sector partners.The Sannabis Human Fine Pharmacy will operate within the temporary regulatory window granted to pharmacies authorized to dispense cannabis flower with a prescription, putting Sannabis in an early-mover position to serve medical patients across Colombia.Colombia now has a complete regulatory framework, with certified seeds, planted by licensed cultivators, of flowers being dispensed by licensed authorized pharmacies.For more information, visit www.sannabis.co , or follow Sannabis on social media for updates on the acquisition, product launches, and international initiatives.About Sannabis, Inc. (OTC:USPS)Sannabis, Inc. (OTC: USPS), formerly Ultimate Sports, Inc., is a U.S.-based company focused on the legal cannabis and hemp industry in Colombia. The company is finalizing the acquisition of Sannabis S.A.S. in Colombia, a fully licensed, vertically integrated cannabis producer and innovator with a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Sannabis, Inc. has amended their articles of incorporation with the Indiana Secretary of State and changed their name from Ultimate Sports, Inc. A name change action has been initiated with FINRA which is still open. Until approved, they will trade as Ultimate Sports, Inc. (OTC: USPS), they plan to keep the USPS stock symbol.Media Contact: Investor RelationsSannabis, Inc.Email: jpguzman@ Sannabis.us Website: www.Sannabis.co Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about the business and industry of Sannabis, Inc. or Sannabis S.A.S., as well as management's beliefs and assumptions. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "projects," "potential," "may," "will," "should," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the completion of the acquisition of Sannabis S.A.S.; the timing and impact of regulatory approvals in Colombia and other jurisdictions; the commercial success of Sannabis products and SannaCoin; the ability to secure financing; and general economic and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as required by law, Sannabis, Inc. or Sannabis S.A.S. undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or otherwise.SOURCE: Sannabis S.A.S. PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 17:01:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 536 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA AND NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 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 PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 20:45:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 393 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / The Miller Financial Group("TMFG") recently suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to TMFG.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?The Miller Financial Group recently became aware of a security incident on its internal systems. Upon detection, TMFG launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to data stored by or accessible to TMFG.The impacted data may include names, Social Security numbers, driver's license or State-issued ID numbers, andfinancial institution names.On November 7, 2025, TMFG filed a notice with the office of the Attorney General of Massachusetts and began sending notice letters to impacted individuals.Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personalinformation was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from The Miller Financial Group, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-24 14:00:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 994 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 "The Critical Minerals and ZEO Company"~ Antimony, Cobalt, Tungsten, and Zeolite ~DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / November 24, 2025 / United States Antimony Corporation ("USAC," "US Antimony," the "Company"), (NYSE American:UAMY)(NYSE Texas:UAMY), a leading producer and processor of antimony, zeolite, and other critical minerals, and the only fully integrated antimony company in the world outside of China and Russia, today provided additional updated information on the Company's Montana antimony mining activities.As of late last week, truck number 50 brought raw antimony ore down off the mountain at Stibnite Hill in Montana. To-date, approximately 800 tons of antimony ore has been removed from the mountain. With additional snow and freezing conditions predicted for this week, our project on Stibnite Hill will likely be shut down soon until Spring thaw.Specific material trucked down the mountain was selected on the basis of visual recognition of stibnite in the narrow flat dipping veins. The Company is awaiting assay results from samples collected by an independent geological consulting firm that was retained during the crushing operation at a contract flotation mill in Montana. These samples were subsequently submitted by the third-party consulting firm to an internationally qualified assayer. Based upon our initial observations in antimony recovery, it is anticipated that the flotation stage at the contact mill will produce concentrate that will meet minimum military specifications for antimony trisulfide used for primer ignitions. Presently, USAC is the only North American supplier of antimony trisulphide approved by the United States Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), for use in military primers.To put this amount of material moved down Stibnite Hill in perspective, antimony feedstocks through the Thompson Falls smelter for the first nine months of this fiscal year (through September 30, 2025) were 1,010 tons or an average of 112 tons per month. Approximately 48% of this input contained antimony, or a total of 491 tons. USAC has in less than 45 days, moved approximately 800 tons of material for processing.Commenting on this additional significant update, Joe Bardswich, Executive Vice President and Chief Mining Engineer of USAC, stated, "Our operations on Stibnite Hill, located directly adjacent to our existing smelter, provides proof of concept' of our original plans to use similar mining techniques to begin excavation of stibnite deposits from our vast Alaskan mining property holdings beginning early next year. While most of our competition likes to talk about what they plan on doing two to four years from now in the antimony business, we are putting rock in the box today and selling finished products to customers." About USAC:United States Antimony Corporation and its subsidiaries in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada ("USAC," "U.S. Antimony," the "Company," "Our," "Us," or "We") sell antimony, zeolite, and precious metals primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company processes third party ore primarily into antimony oxide, antimony metal, antimony trisulfide, and precious metals at its facilities located in Montana and Mexico. Antimony oxide is used to form a flame-retardant system for plastics, rubber, fiberglass, textile goods, paints, coatings, and paper, as a color fastener in paint, and as a phosphorescent agent in fluorescent light bulbs. Antimony metal is used in bearings, storage batteries, and ordnance. Antimony trisulfide is used as a primer in ammunition. The Company also recovers precious metals, primarily gold and silver, at its Montana facility from third party ore. At its Bear River Zeolite ("BRZ") facility located in Idaho, the Company mines and processes zeolite, a group of industrial minerals used in water filtration, sewage treatment, nuclear waste and other environmental cleanup, odor control, gas separation, animal nutrition, soil amendment and fertilizer, and other miscellaneous applications. During 2024 and 2025, the Company began acquiring mining claims and leases located in Montana, Alaska and Ontario, Canada in an effort to expand its operations as well as its product offerings.Forward-Looking Statements:This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's future operations, production levels, financial performance, business strategy, market conditions, demand for antimony, zeolite, other critical minerals, and precious metals, expected costs, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industries in which the Company operates, as well as management's beliefs and assumptions. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "could," and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements, including, but not limited to: fluctuations in the market prices and demand for antimony and zeolite; changes in domestic and global economic conditions; operational risks inherent in mining and mineral processing; geological or metallurgical conditions; availability and cost of energy, equipment, transportation, and labor; the Company's ability to maintain or obtain permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals; changes in environmental and mining laws or regulations; competitive factors; the impact of geopolitical developments; and the effects of weather, natural disasters, or health pandemics on operations and supply chains. Additional information regarding risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.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 law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.Investor Relations Contact:Media Relations Contact:Jonathan Miller, VP, Investor Relations%0 Livelihood pressures, intensified by climate change and ineffective government policies, have driven communities such as Okolomade in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State to abandon conservation rules and engage in widespread deforestation. For 22-year-old Enaanasebhaami Mark, cutting and sawing trees is now the only viable means to maintain a livelihood. He once dreamed of studying welding and fabrication at the university, but poverty ended those hopes. I have been doing this work for one year and three months now, he said. My parents are poor farmers. Ive written WAEC and passed, but theres no money to continue school. This is the only work I have for now. Mr Mark and his friend, 23-year-old Bright Joseph, from the Okolomade community, are among dozens of young men now living off the forest. Mr Joseph, who lost his father early, is learning the trade under Mr Mark. I see this work as the only source of income in this part of the country, he said. Ive written and passed my WAEC for over four years now. This is how we make income here. Odual community, a predominantly farming and fishing community in Rivers State near the border with Bayelsa, has faced years of neglect and recurrent flooding that destroys crops and disrupts livelihoods. With few employment opportunities and limited government support, many young people are now turning to tree felling and logging as a means of survival, despite earlier community-led efforts to protect the forests. That shift, from conservation to exploitation, is devastating the communitys natural capital. Vast areas once rich in diverse flora and fauna are now stripped bare, threatening species found nowhere else. When a tree falls, smaller plants are destroyed along with it, worsening the forest depletion. Some of these trees are medicinal, used for the treatment of malaria, typhoid, catarrh, and cough, while others produce edible fruits. Locals say many trees being cut are still immature. Community rules The Okolomade community has locally developed rules that guide forest use, including the size of wood that can be harvested. According to local rules, a tree is considered mature enough to be cut when an adult can wrap their arms around its trunk and their hands cannot meet, or only reach halfway. Mature trees can yield three to four timber logs, with planks typically measuring eight by twelve inches or larger, and cubic sizes of twelve by sixteen inches or sixteen by thirty-two inches or more. This contrasts sharply with the much smaller sizes now being produced from immature trees. Originally, trees were felled only for timber. But in recent years, commercial sawing has become common, leading to the abandonment of local regulations. As a result, the planks now being produced are much smaller, typically measuring two by eight inches in thickness and width, and cut to lengths of ten, twelve, thirteen, or fourteen feet, a reflection of the absence of mature trees. The community, however, prohibits the cutting of ogbono (Irvingia gabonensis) and African oil bean, popularly known as Ugba in Nigeria, because of their economic value. Chainsaws and survival When Dataphyte visited the Okolomade community recently, the forest floor was strewn with felled and sawn trees cut down by young people. Many of these trees once provided shelter for various animal species, but with ongoing deforestation, those animals are now disappearing. The sound of saws and machinery echoed from morning till evening in Odual and Okolomade communities, where stacks of wooden planks lined the forest edges and village outskirts, ready to be transported to nearby cities. The tree species affected include the cotton tree, mahogany, iroko, abura, white afara, black afara, and a thousand legs (a name given by locals due to its many branches), as well as African breadfruit and several other species whose names are unknown to the locals in English. Additionally, it was observed that this trade represents a cycle for young men, encompassing the processes of felling, sawing, carrying, and loading the wood into waiting vans. Local leaders losing grip Despite widespread disregard for conservation rules, community leaders say they feel powerless, insisting that logging and tree felling remain the only source of livelihood for many young people. The community is helpless because stopping young men from cutting down trees may lead to crime and criminality, Osebhenaan Micah, a former youth leader in Okolomade community, said. In this community, there is no other means of livelihood. The only means of living here is timber, Mr Micah said. For Mr Micah, the situation is fuelled by worsening flooding incidents and the limited availability of alternative jobs for young graduates. Most of us are graduates, but no employment, Mr Micah said. In politics, nobody cares about us. This community does not have up to five persons who the local government employs, maybe one or two persons. If the government wants to stop the unsustainable felling of trees, Mr Micah said, let them look into our situation. We have so many youths, let them bring programmes that will empower us in the area of vocational training and support people to do businesses. The Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Patrick David, said that the Community leaderships efforts to preserve the forest trees have not been successful due to the livelihood pressures faced by young people. The boys are hustling for money, he said. Mr David explained that flooding has indirectly increased deforestation in the community. Flood cannot destroy trees, but flood can destroy farming, which increases pressure to maintain livelihood by cutting trees, the CDC chairman stated. Nigerias forest depletion crisis Deforestation is a global problem, driving dangerous warming and biodiversity loss. In Nigeria, a Global Forest Watch report revealed that 96% of the tree cover loss from 2001 to 2024 is attributed to humans, with the remaining 4% attributed to other causes, like natural disturbances and fires. Rivers State has faced a substantial loss of forest cover. According to Global Forest Watch, in 2020, Rivers State had 485,000 hectares of natural forest, accounting for 57% of its total land area. However, by 2024, the state lost 2,020 hectares of natural forest, resulting in emissions of approximately 1.40 million tonnes of CO. A senior official in the Ministry of Agriculture in Rivers State, who requested anonymity due to a lack of authorisation to discuss this issue, blamed the government for the failure to manage forests sustainably. The official, a director, pointed out that although there are laws, policies, and guidelines at the national level, Rivers State has its own forest law, which remains unimplemented. The director mentioned that there are currently no forest guards due to a staff shortage in the ministry. In the past, we had forest guards who monitored our forests, the director said. Reserved forests were established to preserve both flora and fauna and to regulate how people utilised these areas. Because the government has neglected the forests, communities have taken control of them. The director clarified that, according to the law, logs should not be sawn directly at the cutting site. Instead, they should be transported to approved mills. There is a specified girth for timbers, but what is currently being sold in the markets is undersized, the director stated. This story was produced as part of Dataphyte Foundations Biodiversity Media Initiative project, with support from Internews Earth Journalism Network. We have permission to publish. Olufemi Bamisile, the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and POS operations, has warned that Nigeria faces a rapidly escalating crisis driven by fraud, weak regulation and the infiltration of unlicensed crypto-related activities in the digital-payment sector. Speaking at the committees resumed investigative hearing with fintech leaders, POS operators and representatives of regulatory and security agencies, Mr Bamisile said recent engagements revealed deep gaps within the countrys fast-expanding digital-finance ecosystem. He said the committee had received several reports pointing to the proliferation of unprofiled agents, cloned payment terminals, anonymous transactions and poor Know-Your-Customer (KYC) compliance, vulnerabilities that expose citizens to financial loss, cybercrime and security breaches. We are concerned about the growing rise in fraud associated with POS operations, he said. Unprofiled agents, cloned terminals and weak KYC practices continue to expose citizens to preventable dangers. Mr Bamisile also expressed concern over a growing practice in which some POS operators allegedly offer cryptocurrency and other digital-asset services without authorisation. Such activities, he noted, raise red flags around anti-money laundering, terrorism financing, data integrity and the misuse of platforms originally designed for simple payment services. According to him, the committee has also been alerted to the registration of fictitious companies at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with some allegedly using the NIN and BVN of unsuspecting citizens to open accounts and launder funds through unverified POS channels. This highlights weak verification mechanisms and underscores the urgent need for a more coordinated oversight framework, he said. Another area the committee intends to probe is the storage of sensitive customer data on foreign servers by some fintech companies. Mr Bamisile warned that offshore data storage undermines national security efforts, as it prevents regulators and security agencies from conducting quick audits, tracing suspicious transactions or enforcing compliance. This has direct national-security implications, especially in a sector connected to terrorism financing risks and cyber-enabled crimes, he said. Despite the gravity of the issues raised, Mr Bamisile told operators that the committees engagement would not be confrontational. He acknowledged that the sector itself is struggling under fragmented regulation, overlapping agency mandates, policy inconsistencies and excessive compliance demands. Our mandate is clear: to recommend legislation that will deliver a harmonised regulatory framework, stronger security safeguards, improved consumer protection, and an environment where innovation and investment can flourish responsibly, he said. The National President of the Association of Digital Payment and POS Operators of Nigeria (ADPPON), Paul Okafor, told the lawmakers that the POS ecosystem has reached a critical emergency point, with fraud escalating to levels that now threaten national security. Mr Okafor said the industrys explosive growth from 50,000 operators in 2017 to more than 2.3 million today has outpaced regulatory capacity, which he estimated has increased by less than 10 per cent. This imbalance is what has produced the crisis we are facing today, he said. The regulators, especially the CBN, are not incompetent; they are overwhelmed by the sheer speed and scale of growth. Citing data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Mr Okafor said financial-channel fraud, including POS and digital-payment platforms, led to losses of N17.67bn in 2023, affecting more than 80,000 customers. Losses surged to N52.26bn in 2024, a jump of N34.59bn in just one year. Attempted fraud across financial channels rose by 338 per cent, while POS platforms alone accounted for 26.37 per cent of all recorded cases. FITC, another industry monitor, reported a 95 per cent spike in POS-related fraud in Q4 2024. More than 38,000 POS fraud cases were officially recorded in one year, he said. Unofficially, we estimate over 70,000 cases go unreported because victims simply give up. Mr Okafor added that criminals increasingly rely on POS agents as cash-out points for ransom payments and illicit funds. In some states, nearly 40 per cent of kidnap-ransom payments pass through informal POS cash-out channels. This is no longer a fintech issue; it is a national security threat, he said. He urged the Committee to compel the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to introduce sweeping reforms to protect the system, such as mandatory Nigeria Police ForceNCCC Cybercrime Clearance Certificate (CCC) for all POS operators; compulsory CAC registration for all POS businesses to ensure traceability and mandatory membership of recognised trade associations to enforce discipline, training, and self-regulation. Mr Okafor said these measures align with global best practices. He noted that India, Kenya, Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom impose strict oversight, including police vetting, business registration, and continuous recertification, to protect their payment systems. In Brazil, agent fraud dropped by more than 60 per cent after mandatory police vetting. India, with over five million agents, maintains low fraud levels because verification is non-negotiable, he said. No nation leaves its financial system open to millions of operators or allows foreign domination without strict controls. Nigeria must not be the exception. He warned that the stakes are extremely high, given that POS services now reach households, markets, local governments and businesses nationwide. You are the custodians of Nigerias financial future, he told the lawmakers. If this committee acts decisively, Nigeria will be safer. If it hesitates, criminals will continue to win. The Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Johnson Suleman, has commented on the recent wave of abductions and the growing insecurity across Nigeria. PREMIUM TIMES reported a series of incidents, including the kidnapping of church members in Kwara State, as well as pupils in Kebbi and Niger States. The attacks sparked criticism and renewed debate over the role of clergymen in responding to the countrys escalating security challenges. Reacting to the situation and to criticisms aimed at pastors, the 54-year-old cleric, in a video posted on his Instagram page on Sunday, lambasted those questioning the movements of pastors. He maintained that clergymen should not be blamed for the nations security problems. The Edo-born said, You see all the attacks that are going on now? The attack, terrorism, and all of that. And as soon as it happens, they call pastors. Why are pastors not talking? You must be sick. Let me tell you why I say you are sick. Have you ever heard somebody, before he pulls the trigger, say, Praise the Lord, and shoot someone? Or he says, Thank you, Jesus, and he pulls the trigger? The first people you should call are those in that religion. Its their religious leaders you should call, not pastors. Pastors should speak for the sake of humanity. Why are you calling Papa Adeboye? Is Adeboye an Imam? Does terrorism have a Christian nomenclature? What do they shout before they kill people? Is that a Christian parlance? So why are you calling pastors? You carry somebodys picture. I am a pastor. The day somebody says, Thank you, Jesus, before he pulls the trigger, call me. Were speaking Mr Suleman stated that pastors have continued to speak out and have never remained silent on the issue of insecurity in the country. He explained that the pastors not only condemned the rising insecurity but also engaged with governors, the President, and other key stakeholders to help ensure the nation becomes free of violence and instability. Should pastors speak? Yes. Because of humanity. Are we speaking? Of course, we are speaking. You know, to you, everything is social media. If you dont see it on social media, it didnt happen. They were killed in Benue. I didnt just speak, I travelled to Benue. I sat with the governor, and we had a conversation. I went to ask him what we could do. When they were killing in Yola, I didnt just go to Yola. I went to the governor. I went to the IDP camp because we didnt post it. We went to the IDP camp. I was threatened. I was told not to come to the IDP camp. I said I am going there. And I gave them materials. You didnt go. You are pressing the phone. Apostles are not talking. We are not just talking, we are going there. Jos, I was there for two days. If I hadnt told you all this, you wouldnt know. Because to you, everything is social media. When they had their issue in Borno, we went there, and we sent relief materials, said the clergyman. Mr Suleman added that those criticising the pastors were largely people who relied on social media for their information. He further stressed that the pastors could not simply fold their arms and watch people die. Mr Suleman cited the engagement between the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and the late President Muhammadu Buhari as an example. You didnt go. It is the data you have. You are pressing the phone. You are attacking. Papa Adeboye spoke. He talked about how he sat down with the former president. He told him (late President Muhammadu Buhari) what they were doing about the service chief. If he didnt say that, you wouldnt know what is happening behind the scenes because everybody must be like you. We must insult. Where aggression fails, wisdom gains. We cant fold our hands when people are dying, said Mr Suleman. Prayer The clergyman also urged Nigerians in the diaspora who were spreading claims that pastors were silent on insecurity to return to the country so they could join in prayer and dialogue towards finding lasting solutions. He recounted being informed that some netizens allegedly advised Pastor Jerry Eze not to pray for the safe return of the abducted schoolgirls during his online prayer sessions. Mr Suleman said, People began to attack him (Jerry Eze). That we should not pray. Did you give him a gun? No. Give him a weapon to fight with, since you dont want him to use the one he already has. The man is praying. That is his weapon. Shut up. Dont tell him not to pray. That is what he sees as his weapon. You say we should not pray. All of us must behave like you. You see the Nigeria we want. You want a new Nigeria where others must do what you want. You are already a bully because you dont like prayer, so we should not pray. You dont like prayer, so we should not pray. So we must please you. We have prayed for too long. Lets not stop praying. Lets go to the streets. And you, who is typing from London. Come to Nigeria, lets go to the streets. You are typing from Canada. If its sure for you. Come to Nigeria. We shouldnt pray. We should go on the streets. Please drop a location and make sure you are there. We will meet you on the streets. But if we get on the streets, we are praying. Those who can pray, pray. Those who can post, post. Those who can do anything, do it. We want a better Nigeria. Dont tell him not to pray. Following the recent spike in attacks on churches and schools in Nigeria, Pastor Paul Adefarasins remarks have got people talking. I certainly hope Nigeria doesnt go to war. I certainly hope we dont have to. But Im ready for it, he said in a sermon delivered on Sunday in his church. In the sermon, which is generating a lot of debate on the internet, the preacher noted that its two civilisations globally fighting, and Nigeria is just one of the fronts. Thats important to understand. And I hope that the dialogue works to expunge terrorism from Nigeria permanently. And its going to take a lot of brain, battle-brawn, and some brilliance in negotiation. But I really dont believe that you negotiate with terrorists, he said. His statement follows a similar pattern to that of 2021, when he urged his congregants to have a plan to exit the country, whether it means taking a commercial motorcycle to Cameroon or a boat to the Seme Border. Strategy According to Adefarasin, who was arrested and interrogated in June, over an allegation that he pointed a firearm at a content creator, Nigeria has to be quiet while it prosecutes its strategy. He broke down the history of global terrorism, dating it back to the 2001 World Trade Centre attacks in the United States. Describing it as the biggest single onslaught in the Western Hemisphere, Mr Adefarasin said that America would not have the theatre of war stay within the United States or in North America. According to him, the battle of terror shifted to Europe, resulting in minor skirmishes in France and across the European continent. But the Europeans rejected terror on their shores also, he said. Where do you think the terror went? Africa. And that really pulverised Libya. And then Africa, from the Maghreb Sahel, including Northern Nigeria, became awash with weapons beyond AK-47s and M4S, rocket launchers, and grenades. I hear theyre equipped with drones. When people believe that they will get 72 virgins for killing you and me, thats a serious ideology. And its written in the book that they believe in the most. Other Muslims who are mild or moderate dont subscribe to that. They dont believe in killing others to advance their religion, he said. Averting war Adefarasin noted that in the future, there will be a war if the intelligentsia, meaning sophisticated strategic minds across the spectrum of nationalities and ethnicities in Nigeria, dont come together to understand, plan, and deal with this issue once and for all. According to him, many non-indigenous Nigerians are prosecuting a war against us. Its a hydra head. We understand that. Its blazing trails to create pathways for more non-indigenous people to come. Those are all guns for hire. And so theyre entrepreneurial. They would do kidnapping, ransom money and all the rest of that. We have a battle to fight. And then there is a prosecution of a battle to exterminate Indigenous people from their ancestral land in the Middle Belt. And beyond the Middle Belt in parts of Northeastern Nigeria. And thats important for everybody to know, the preacher said. The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has announced that it will expedite the prosecution of TikTok content creator Ademola DJ Chicken Abiodun over repeated road offences. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that on 1 November, DJ Chicken crashed his vehicle into two motorcycles in Sagamu, Ogun State, leaving some individuals injured. The ministry confirmed in a statement posted on the state governments X page on Monday that DJ Chicken would face prosecution over the vehicular incident. The statement partly read: On 1 November 2025, Mr Abiodun crashed into two motorcycles in Sagamu, Ogun State, seriously injuring a rider and a lady passenger. Mr Abiodun was unremorseful and attempted to leave the scene of the incident, which provoked an angry reaction from passersby who mobbed him. At the time, the Ogun State Police Command began an investigation and review of the circumstances, mindful to prioritise the medical care, privacy, and recovery of the victims. Yesterday, 23 November 2025, in Lekki, Lagos State, Mr Abiodun was again involved in another road crash. This lone car incident almost harmed pedestrians, but for good fortune and the pedestrians quick reflexes. Repeated accidents The ministry stated that the TikToker was involved in a second accident on 23 November in Lekki, Lagos State. It described DJ Chicken as a particular danger to society and warned that he would be held accountable under criminal law for his repeated road traffic offences. Yesterdays incident is reportedly the third road crash in two months involving Mr Abiodun at the wheel. While it may be reasonable to allow crash victims to obtain compensation from individuals who have driven recklessly and to resolve road traffic collisions as a civil wrong, some road users pose a special danger to society and should be held accountable under criminal law. Mr Abiodun is one such person. At least two of the crashes were documented in real-time video coverage and are self-evident. Mr Abioduns heedless return to the wheel with no greater care just three weeks after makes it imperative that the State must intervene to protect the public, especially as there is an organic outcry against his continued driving, said the state government. The ministry stated that the prosecution has been referred to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade. It added that Mr Ogungbade has instructed the relevant officers to accelerate proceedings on the pending Sagamu crash case to ensure a prompt arraignment. The ministry further noted that the Attorney-Generals office is collaborating closely with the police to achieve this outcome. Veteran Bollywood superstar Dharmendra has died in Mumbai, India, at the age of 89, prompting a wave of tributes from India and beyond. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, praising an actor whose warmth, versatility and simple-man charm captivated generations. Best known globally as Veeru in the 1975 classic Sholay, Dharmendra starred in over 300 films across five decades, excelling in romance, comedy, and action. His He-Man charisma, chart-topping song sequences, and real-life love story with Hema Malini turned him into a national heartthrob. Despite being hailed by fellow stars from Madhuri Dixit calling him one of the most handsome men on screen to Salman Khan describing him as the most beautiful looking man, Dharmendra often laughed off the praise, crediting nature, my parents, and my genes. Dharmendra Born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjabs Ludhiana district on 8 December 1935, he grew up in a modest Jatt-Sikh household. His love for cinema began in secondary school. I watched my first film in the ninth standard, and I was hooked, he once told BBC Hindi. I felt like those beautiful people on screen were mine and I belonged to them. Hindustani Times reported that top Bollywood icons, including Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, attended his funeral at Vile Parle Crematorium, a testament to his enduring influence. The Jai Veeru partnership between Amitabh and Dharmendra remains one of the most iconic duos in Indian film history. Dharmendras Imprint on Kannywood Dharmendras death has reopened old conversations in Kannywood about how deeply Bollywood shaped the Hausa-language industry long before it found its own identity. For decades, Indian films dominated cinema halls and home video across the region, influencing everything from storytelling and costume to the emotional language of love and sacrifice. Long before Kannywood formalised in the late 1990s, Dharmendras classics had already become household staples. Film historian Ibrahim Musa once noted that you cannot discuss Kannywoods formative years without acknowledging Indian cinema and Dharmendra stood at the centre of that influence. Kannywood mourns a Teacher From Afar The news of Dharmendras death triggered heartfelt tributes across Kannywood. Many actors say his films shaped their childhood, their acting techniques and their understanding of cinematic expression. One leading actor, Zaharadden Sani, described Dharmendra as a teacher from afar, whose films taught us emotion long before any of us stepped into a studio. A veteran actress, Fati SU Garba, said he showed that simplicity and humility could coexist with massive stardom, a lesson Kannywood has tried to embrace. Producers and directors also reflected on how his films influenced the musicality and emotional intensity that became hallmarks of Hausa blockbusters in the 2000s. READ ALSO: Kano Censors Board suspends top Kannywood actress over indecent dressing A Cross-Cultural Legacy That Lives On Even as Kannywood embraces digital filmmaking and global streaming, Bollywoods fingerprints remain visiblefrom song sequences and costume styles to emotionally grounded storytelling centred on family and honour. Dharmendra helped shape our imagination, senior screenwriter Nura Akilu said. Our industry exists today partly because actors like him showed us what cinema could be. For many in northern Nigeria, Dharmendra was not merely a foreign film star; he was a silent mentor, a familiar presence, and for an entire generation, a teacher from afar. Media leaders and civil society actors on Monday warned that Nigerias independent media is facing mounting pressure, citing political ownership, weak regulation and a rapidly shrinking civic space as major threats to press freedom in the country and the wider West African region. The concerns were raised during a panel discussion titled Independent Media and Resilient Civic Space at the opening of the four-day Media and Development Conference (MDC 3.0) organised by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) in Abuja on Monday. The discussion followed a presentation of the CJID Openness Index, a subnational assessment of civic space and press freedom in Nigeria, delivered by Christiana Longe, a programme manager at the organisation. Published in July, the Index reveals uneven democratic conditions across states and provides Nigerias first composite ranking of openness using perception-based and incident-based data. Nigerias complicated media landscape Speaking during the session, Yemi Ademolekun, Executive Director of Enough is Enough (EiE), said the long-standing partnership between civil society and the media remains intact but has become increasingly strained by political loyalties. She noted that while civil society and media actors previously shared a common goal of countering undemocratic practices, political dynamics have since complicated their collaboration. Because we have allowed the nature of our politics to influence the nature of our engagements, it has shaped how civil society now operates, she said. Ms Ademolekun added that although political influence over the media is not new, its form has evolved as politicians increasingly build or acquire media outlets to assert control. Sadibou Marong, Director of the West Africa Bureau at Reporters Without Borders (RSF), said the ideological grounding that once defined Nigerian media ownership has eroded. He recalled titles such as The Nigerian Tribune, which he said were historically anchored in clear principles such as free education and accessible healthcare. What we see now is that political ownership is less ideological. It is more about worshipping individuals. There is godfatherism in politics and there is godfatherism in the media, he said. Mr Marong warned that the shift has weakened the medias watchdog function. You have journalists whose welfare is compromised. You have proprietors struggling to survive and leaning on those they are supposed to scrutinise. The National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, echoed this sentiment, describing the current landscape as one dominated by political proprietors with little commitment to journalism. What we have is a proliferation of media organisations owned by politicians who have no passion for this profession, he said. Mr Yahaya highlighted the precarious working conditions journalists faceincluding irregular salaries, harsh economic realities and a near-total absence of insurance coverage. Less than one per cent of journalists in Nigeria have any form of insurance. We need a new blueprint that protects journalists and guarantees decent welfare, he said, adding that the NUJ is working on a Media Advancement Bill and new insurance schemes to address the issue. Decline In his response, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), said press freedom indicators in Africa have deteriorated sharply in the last three years. In reality, there is a big failure worldwide, including in Africa and Nigeria. Those who are supposed to protect press freedom are now the ones jeopardising it, he said. Mr Arogundade cited election periods as moments when civic and media spaces become severely restricted, noting that the situation is worse in countries under military rule. He referenced cases of journalists forced into exile, arbitrary arrests and regulatory bodies co-opted by political actors. Speaking on the financial pressures confronting the media, Mr Marong stressed that economic fragility poses one of the gravest threats to journalism today. Perhaps the greatest threat to the media in Nigeria today is the political economy of the media. The media is disappearing. We need more collaboration and more creativity to survive, he said. Mr Yahaya added that the NUJ is also engaging government agencies to improve journalist safety and expand access to health insurance. He said the union plans to introduce a new welfare package next year. It is time for us to adopt strategies that protect journalists. If the Media Advancement Bill is adopted, it will change the world of journalism, he said. The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) has hosted its second National Conference, drawing government representatives and media stakeholders to the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, where concerns were raised over emerging regulatory actions affecting broadcast training in Nigeria. The event, held on Sunday, was attended by the Kano State Governors representative, the DG Media Sanusi Bature, the Borno State Commissioner for Information, Prof. Tar, representing his governor, and the Bauchi State Commissioner for Information, who stood in for the Bauchi State Governor. The Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, was also present. Addressing participants, SNB National President, Umar Pate, expressed strong concern over what he described as efforts by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to restrict or shut down campus radio stations. He warned that such actions pose a serious threat to the development of future media professionals, as campus stations serve as training grounds for students of Mass Communication and related courses. Mr Pate, a professor, appealed to the federal government to intervene and rescue these institutions from the pressures of NBC, while urging the commission to review and approve more broadcast licences for universities and polytechnics in line with NUC and NBTE accreditation requirements. He also thanked the Kano State Government for supporting the historic gathering. In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Ahmed Muhammad, commended the SNB leadership and the Kano State Government, describing the conference as an important platform for building the capacity of younger broadcasters. The event also featured the induction of new SNB members. Representatives of the Borno and Bauchi State Governors pledged continued support to the Society towards strengthening journalism standards and ensuring better reportage across the country. Delivering the message of the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Bature noted that the governor remains media friendly and committed to partnering with SNB, especially to enhance quality news production and new media content. Discussions and engagements held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials will help strengthen security partnerships between the two countries and open new avenues for cooperation to protect Nigerian citizens. The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War. In all engagements in Washington, DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines. The delegation strongly rejected wrongful framing of the situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground. Following these engagements, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria. This includes enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articlessubject to availabilityto reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups. The United States also expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms. Both countries agreed to implement immediately a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation. In return, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the governments commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures. The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt. The federal government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation. Members of the delegation included Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation; Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser and Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) November 24, 2025 Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State have called their four-month-old strike. The lecturers went on strike in August over the non-payment of salaries and arrears by the state government. Chairman of the ASUU AAUA chapter, Bolawaji Oshodi, confirmed the suspension of the strike on Monday. He said the union decided to resume academic activities after reaching an understanding with the universitys management. For now, we have suspended the strike. Everything is based on the agreement we had with the university management. Management has been very supportive, too, and we understand, he said. We are still being owed one month salary, but based on our love for the system and our students, we have resolved to suspend the strike. The union declared the industrial action on 21 August, in a notice signed by Mr Oshodi and Secretary, Olusegun Taiwo, notifying the university of the withdrawal of their services over unpaid salaries and arrears. The letter had read: By this memo, our members have been directed to withdraw their services from all academic activities in the university until all our outstanding salaries and arrears are paid. The union claimed it had written multiple letters to both the university management and the state government over the lingering non-payment of wages. According to Mr Oshodi, the lecturers resorted to a total strike to press home their demands. But to be sincere, the major problem we are facing is funding. The state government is not funding the university. As I speak now, we are being owed two months salaries (July and August), he said. This is aside several arrears, promotion arrears, excess workload and others running into billions. The state government is not forthcoming. So, we made up our minds that until everything is addressed, were not going back, he said. But the state government in response to the strike set up a committee to come up with practical steps to improving funding for the university and resolved all pending issues affecting the institution. READ ALSO: Resident doctors say strike will continue until government takes action Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, said the committee was to proffer funding options and make recommendations to the state government. He also said the state government had approved funds for the immediate payment of the salaries of the lecturers, while the next budget would capture an improved funding and subvention for the University. The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, on Monday, inaugurated a committee to integrate citizenship studies into the curriculum of tertiary institutions in the country. Mr Issa-Onilu inaugurated the committee at the NOA headquarters in Abuja. The team comprises representatives of the NOA and the National Universities Commission (NUC). Its establishment followed the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Speaking at the event, the NOA boss said the committee was constituted to embed national identity elements and the National Values Charter into university curricula. The inauguration of this joint committee for the infusion of national identity elements and the National Values Charter into the university curriculum is not just an administrative activity; it is the very foundation of our collective future as a nation, he said. Mr Issa-Onilu emphasised that the initiative was informed by the gradual erosion of Nigerias national values. Introducing citizenship studies at the tertiary level, he stated, would help restore unity and shared aspirations among Nigerians. He described the Nigerian Identity Project as a national movement anchored on action, shared responsibility, and institutional transformation. Since independence, Nigeria has been known for the strength of her people, resilient, diverse, and united in aspiration. Yet, over the years, we have witnessed a gradual erosion of the values that once defined us. The Nigerian Identity Project is our deliberate effort to restore that foundation. It is a national movement, not built on slogans, but on action, shared responsibility, and a commitment to institutional transformation. At the heart of this project lies the National Values Charter, a renewed social contract between Nigeria, our country and its people. The Charter is structured around two pillars: The Nigerian Promise, which outlines what every citizen deserves, and the Citizen Codes, which define the values we are called to live by. These principles are not abstract; they must be embedded in the hearts of our young people, starting in our schools and culminating in our universities, he said. He noted that citizenship studies have been fully integrated into primary and secondary school curricula, while polytechnics and colleges of education are at advanced stages of doing the same. The university system, he said, represents the final phase of mainstreaming civic values. Let me commend the progress already made in this regard. Citizenship Studies has now been fully integrated into the primary and secondary school curricula across the country. The Boards of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education are also in the stages of embedding it into their programmes. This Committee represents the final stretch, mainstreaming national values at the highest level of learning, our universities, he said. How the curriculum will be implemented Mr Issa-Onilu outlined seven core commitments expected to guide the committees work, noting that the curriculum should ensure equal access to opportunities for all citizens. He stressed that tertiary institutions must teach and demonstrate participatory governance, helping students understand their rights, responsibilities, and the value of civic engagement. Through value-based learning, he said, universities must prepare young people not only for careers but also for nation-building. On peace and security, he said universities should become centres of peaceful discourse and ideological stability, contributing to national cohesion. He added that the curriculum must celebrate Nigerias diversity and ensure inclusion irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or disability. It must also uphold freedom and justice by teaching legal and civic rights alongside ethics, fairness, and the rule of law. He emphasised merit-based reward systems, stating that excellence, rather than favouritism, should guide academic and institutional governance. Mr Issa-Onilu also revealed plans for a national cartoon series aimed at helping children learn citizenship values early. He urged the committee to approach the assignment with urgency, unity, and clarity of purpose. This committee is now charged with carrying this work forward, ensuring that our universities dont just produce graduates, but nurture citizens who carry the Nigerian Identity with honour and purpose. Let us approach this task with urgency, clarity, and unity of purpose. In reclaiming who we are, we are building the Nigeria we were always meant to be. I hereby inaugurate this joint committee, he said. READ ALSO: NOA DG engages children on patriotism and national values NUC expresses commitment Responding on behalf of the NUC, Assistant Chief Academic Planning Officer at the Directorate of Academic Planning, Florence Onuoha, assured that the commission would fully support and deliver on its mandate. Part of the NUCs mandate is to ensure the orderly development of a well-coordinated and productive university system and the legal framework to achieve this is the CAP E3 LFN 2004, which empowers the commission to lay down minimum academic standards for all universities and other degree-awarding institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, as well as the accreditation of all academic programmes. I would like to assure us that this joint committee will do justice to the task assigned to us and inform us that the development of the curriculum is done in collaboration with academic experts who specialise in the area, she said. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakars criticism of its appointment of Xpress Payments as a revenue collection agent, describing his comments as incorrect and misleading. The FIRS noted that Mr Abubakars assertions about the revenue collection agent are not only incorrect and misleading, but an unnecessary politicisation of a purely administrative and technical process. This followed the former Vice President Atiku Abubakars criticism of the appointment of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited as a new collecting agent under the FIRS-managed Treasury Single Account (TSA). In a statement released on his X account on Sunday, Atiku described the decision as a dangerous attempt to resurrect the Alpha Beta-style revenue model that, according to him, operated in Lagos State during President Bola Tinubus tenure as governor. Multi-channel payment In a statement Sunday, the Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Aderonke Atoyebi, said FIRS does not offer exclusive operation or a single way for revenue collection. For clarity, the FIRS does not operate any exclusive or single-gateway revenue-collection arrangement, and no private entity has been granted a monopoly over government revenues. The facts are as follows: The FIRS currently utilises a multi-channel, multi-Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) collection framework, which includes several long-established platforms. These include: Quickteller, Remita, Etranzact, Flutterwave, and XpressPay. These PSSPs form part of an expanded, transparent, and competitive ecosystem designed to make tax payment easier and more efficient for Nigerians nationwide, Ms Atoyebi said. According to the statement, PSSPs are not collection agents and do not earn a processing fee per payment, nor a percentage of revenues. Crucially, all revenues collected through these channels go directly into the Federation Account, without diversion, intermediaries, or private control. No PSSP has access to, or custody of, government funds, the FIRS said. Improved efficiency The agency stated that the system has been deliberately broadened to give taxpayers more options and eliminate the dominance of any single provider. She added that the system has also improved the efficiency of tax-collection process, expanded markets, and created employment for its workers. This is a streamlined monitoring and reporting process that ensures greater accountability and enhances national revenue performance. By enabling more PSSPs to participate, the system supports innovation, competition, and employment within the financial technology sector. All PSSPs are admitted through a clear, open, and verifiable procedure that ensures fairness and equal opportunity, the statement said. The FIRS said that the ongoing national tax reform, led by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, is a cornerstone of Nigerias economic modernisation. It argued that the system is grounded in transparency, efficiency, and broad stakeholder engagement, and must not be mischaracterised. This reform has come to stay and should not be dragged into partisan controversy. We therefore urge Mr Atiku Abubakar and other political actors to refrain from mischaracterising routine administrative processes for political gain. Nigerias tax administration system is too important to be subjected to misinformation or unnecessary alarm. The FIRS remains fully committed to professionalism, transparency, and the continued strengthening of national revenue systems for the benefit of all Nigerians, the statement said. The Auditor-General of the Federation has uncovered N118.75 million in undocumented spending by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2022, raising questions about the agencys internal controls and the integrity of public finance management. CAC tried to justify the splurge, saying much of the money was paid to federal lawmakers for their oversight visits to the commissions offices nationwide that year. But the auditor-general rejected the explanation, declaring that the lack of documentation for the spending amounted to a violation of Nigerias financial regulations. The findings, contained in an 808-page audit report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, covering January to December 2022, show systemic breaches of financial regulations, weak accountability mechanisms, and unexplained expenditures pushed through under controversial circumstances. The report was submitted to the National Assembly in September as required by law. No documentation for N118.75 million spending According to the audit, sampled payment vouchers totalling N118,752,826 were processed by CAC with no supporting invoices, local purchase orders, memos, or any of the documentation required by the Financial Regulations (2009). The agency noted that CAC breached the Financial Regulations (FR) 2009 in paragraph 603(i), which requires full documentation for every payment, with details sufficient for independent verification. Additionally, paragraph 415 cautions that government funds should not be spent simply because they are budgeted. The federal government requires all officers responsible for expenditure to exercise due economy. Money must not be spent merely because it has been voted, the regulation, quoted in the report, reads. The auditor-general found that CAC processed payments without fulfilling these basic requirements. The report explained that such omissions open the door to two major risks of diversion of public funds and payment for services never rendered. We paid National Assembly members According to the report, the CAC did not dispute the undocumented spending. Instead, it attributed a considerable portion of the payments to requests from National Assembly committees for oversight visits to CAC offices nationwide. CAC said it merely responded to lawmakers demands and claimed that the reports from these visits were not handed over to it because they were meant for National Assembly use. This revelation sheds light on a longstanding but rarely documented practice in Abuja: ministries and agencies funding the oversight activities of the lawmakers meant to scrutinise them. Anti-corruption experts warn that the practice weakens legislative independence and fuels conflicts of interest that compromise accountability. The audit acknowledged the CACs response but concluded that it was not satisfactory. Consequently, the findings remain valid until the commission fully implements all recommended corrective actions. Recommendations The auditor-general advised that CACs registrar-General should appear before the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly to account for the N118,75 million paid without adequate supporting documents. It mandated the commission to recover the entire amount and remit it to the treasury, and thereafter forward evidence of the remittance to the Public Accounts Committees. However, it said that should the CAC fail to comply, the sanctions for irregular payments outlined in Paragraph 3106 of the Financial Regulations (2009) are to be enforced. Paragraph 3106 of the regulations prescribes that a public officer who makes an irregular payment from public Irregular or funds, shall be given 21 days notice to offer an explanation. It adds that where no satisfactory explanation is given, the amount involved shall be recovered from the officer and such officer shall be removed from the schedule. Other findings: Six CAC vehicles unaccounted for amid supervising ministry interference. The auditor-generals report revealed that six official vehicles belonging to the CAC were found in the custody of the supervising ministry the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI). The report noted that five of these vehicles were reportedly in the personal use of the minister, while one was traced to the Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary. Adeniyi Adebayo was the minister in 2022, the year under review in the report. The report said no official documentation existed to justify the transfer or use of the vehicles, suggesting that FMITI may have leveraged its supervisory powers to appropriate the assets without due process. It explained that the act contravened multiple federal directives. Paragraph 2001 of the 2009 Financial Regulations (FR) mandates that accounting officers ensure effective controls over government vehicles, while paragraph 112(i) requires them to safeguard and maintain all government assets under their care. Also, the Establishment Circular Ref. No. SGF.19/S.52/V/720 (2017) reinforces that retiring officers must return all government property, and Circular Ref. No. SGF.6/VIII (2008) explicitly prohibits ministries from requesting or accepting vehicles or financial support from the agencies they supervise. Despite these clear rules, FMITIs actions appear to have disregarded statutory obligations, raising serious questions about ministerial overreach and institutional autonomy. Audit analysis linked these anomalies to weaknesses in CACs internal control system. The risks identified include potential diversion of public property and undue ministerial interference, both of which compromise transparency and accountability within the agency. In response, CAC management claimed that the six vehicles were deployed temporarily to FMITI as project vehicles. However, the auditor-general found this explanation unsatisfactory, noting that the commission provided no supporting documentation or approval records to validate the arrangement. Consequently, the findings remain valid until CAC fully implements corrective measures. The audit recommends that the registrar-general of CAC account to the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly for the vehicles whereabouts, justify why the ministrys activitiesalready covered by its own budgetwere financed through CAC resources, and recover the six vehicles to the Commission. It said evidence of the recovery must be forwarded to the committees, and failure to comply should trigger the sanctions specified under Paragraph 3106 of the Financial Regulations for irregular payments and ministerial interference. Engagement of external solicitors approval The report identified that the CAC paid N123.94 million (N123,941,739.14) in legal fees to external solicitors for representation in various court cases, without obtaining the mandatory prior approval of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The report said, according to Establishment Circular Ref. No. SGF/PS/CIR/625/1 (16 July 2003), any engagement of external legal practitioners by ministries or agencies must be cleared by the attorney-general, with all claims for professional fees accompanied by a letter of instruction, a comprehensive report on services rendered, and relevant court process documents. The audit observed that no such documentation or approval was provided for these payments. The anomalies were attributed to weaknesses in CACs internal control system by the report. It noted that the risks identified include the potential engagement of unqualified or inexperienced solicitors, overpayment for legal services, and outright loss of public funds. But CAC management defended the expenditure, citing the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, which empowers the Registrar-General as the accounting officer responsible for controlling and disbursing all funds of the Commission. The agency also referenced provisions of the Financial Regulations and Public Service Rules allowing statutory bodies to develop their own operational policies in the absence of internal rules. The CAC argued that, under these statutes, the engagement of solicitors without attorney-general approval was permissible. The auditor-general, however, deemed the response unsatisfactory. It stated that its findings remain valid until CAC implements corrective measures. The audit directs CACs registrar-general to account to the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly for the N123.94 million spent on external solicitors, recover and remit the funds to the treasury, and provide evidence of such remittance to the Committees. It further said failure to comply would trigger sanctions for irregular payments as prescribed under Paragraph 3106 of the Financial Regulations (2009). A bigger picture of systemic breakdown Taken together, the audit findings suggest an institution battling internal administrative decay at a time when it is expected to uphold corporate governance standards nationally. The involvement of its supervising ministry in the disappearance of vehicles adds political complexity and indicates that the weaknesses may extend beyond CACs internal management. If a regulatory agency cannot maintain control over its assets, spending, or procurement processes, its ability to enforce corporate compliance becomes questionable. And if a supervising ministry can informally seize vehicles from its agency, it raises uncomfortable questions about how widespread such practices may be in Nigerias public sector. Last week, Nigerian senators discussed issues ranging from security to their internal control mechanism. Here are some of them: Kebbi abduction and demand for fresh recruitment of 100,000 soldiers The senators expectedly discussed the abduction of the students of the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, which occurred in the early hours of Monday. About 25 students of the school were kidnapped by terrorists, who also shot dead the vice principal of the school. During Tuesdays plenary, senators condemned the abduction and demanded urgent action from security agencies. During the intense debate, the lawmakers also called for an investigation into the over $30 million spent on Nigerias Safe-School Programme, a federal security initiative launched in 2014 to protect schools from attacks. They also urged President Bola Tinubu to approve the recruitment of 100,000 additional military personnel to curb the increasing challenges of school abductions across the country. The resolutions followed a motion by Abdullahi Yahaya, the senator for Kebbi North, who requested more effective solutions to Nigerias security challenges. Before moving into a closed-door session on national security, the Senate observed a minutes silence in honour of a slain official of the Kebbi school. Proposed amendment to Senate Standing Orders At Tuesdays plenary, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to amend the Standing Orders to bar first-time senators from contesting for Senate President or Deputy Senate President, and create new committees, including the Committee on Livestock Development and committees overseeing regional development commissions such as the North-Central, North-West, South-East, South-South, and South-West Development Commissions. The Senates Standing Orders were last amended in 2023. However, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro objected, arguing that the amendment notice had not been circulated to all members of the Senate. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, agreed with the objection and suspended consideration of the proposed amendments. The Senate resolved that when the amendment process resumes, it will sit as a Committee of the Whole to review the amendments. Another senator dies On Wednesday, the Senate adjourned plenary in honour of Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District on the ticket of the Labour Party (LP). The adjournment is in line with the parliamentary tradition. Mr Ezea, 62, passed away on Tuesday after a brief illness. His son, Jideofor Ezea, confirmed his death in a statement issued on behalf of the family. He died about 16 months after the Anambra South senator, Ifeanyi Ubah, passed away in London. On 24 and 25 November, leaders from 82 member states of the African Union (AU) and European Union (EU), two of the worlds largest geopolitical blocs, will converge in Angolas capital Luanda for the seventh EU-AU Summit. The event marks 25 years since the inaugural summit in Cairo. The partnership spans trade, climate, development and health, but it is the vital peace and security pillar that has been strained in terms of cooperation. In an increasingly fragmented and fluid international order which has seen the EU seek to become a more distinct geopolitical actor on security and defence the summit is a crucial opportunity to reaffirm the value of multilateralism. Since the EU-AU ministers meeting in May on the 2030 Joint Vision, the partnership has gained momentum. The meetings lengthy Joint Communique refers to shared peace and security concerns, the need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation on country- and region-specific crises, and strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture. However, further progress at the leaders summit this week may be tempered by an inability to move past the rhetoric of a partnership among equals given the inherent power asymmetry between the two organisations. The EU, with its significant financial and institutional capacity, inevitably sets much of the agenda. Can the AU find a way to increase its bargaining power? These tensions are most evident in the realm of peace and security, particularly in the matter of funding for African-led interventions. The EU has long been the single greatest source of external financial support to the AU in this regard, highlighting its commitment to a safer and more stable Africa, and a partnership based on common values. However, Europes own immediate security environment has changed considerably in recent years, with the ongoing war in Ukraine and an increasingly shaky transatlantic partnership with the US. Europe now has new political priorities and a bolder strategic outlook concerning its place in the world. This thinking informed the EUs 2021 transition from the African Peace Facility to the European Peace Facility, which underpins its financial support to the AU. Whereas the former focused on capacitating African institutions to take the lead in addressing conflict, the latter enables the EU to pursue its international security interests in a more flexible way. That means African priorities now compete with Europes other global concerns. The European Peace Facilitys greater flexibility also means the EU can directly engage with Africas regional organisations, member states and ad hoc military coalitions, essentially bypassing the AU. While considerable financial and political support is still provided to the AU and its security structures, the EU has positioned itself as a more autonomous actor in Africa. The AU could have played a far more decisive role in shaping the EUs transition to the European Peace Facility during its year-long legislative process. However, administrative shortfalls in the AU meant this critical window of opportunity was missed. Beyond financing, the AU and EU often view security through different lenses. The African agenda is closely linked to boosting state legitimacy, reducing socioeconomic marginalisation and improving governance. Although the EU affirms these goals in its support to the AU, Europes security priorities are counter-terrorism and combatting foreign interference and hybrid threats. Another complicating factor is Africas own shifting security landscape and the gradual deinstitutionalisation of its approach to conflict. While the AU once played a decisive coordinating role in authorising and deploying peace support operations, there is now a clear shift towards sub-regional, ad hoc military coalitions. Interventions like the G5 Sahel, and arguably even the Southern African Development Community missions in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, point to more short-term, crisis-specific, and securitised responses that circumvent the AU. The prevailing global geopolitical environment also considerably impacts cooperation between EU and AU leaders. Unlike two decades ago, Africas security landscape is now characterised by the jostling for influence among an array of external actors. China, Russia, Turkey and the Gulf States have boosted their profiles in Africa as prominent peace and security actors, often displacing the continents traditional European partners. Russia especially exemplifies these tensions. Although the country is frequently discussed in AU-EU meetings, it rarely appears in formal communiques. It was mentioned euphemistically as a third state associated with private military companies and mercenaries in the Sahel in the October meeting of the EU Political and Security Committee and AU Peace and Security Council. As one EU official who requested anonymity told ISS Today: Aligning European security priorities with African realities remains a persistent challenge [although] nothing is too tough to discuss. The Luanda Summit is a vital opportunity for African and European leaders to reconcile their commitment to peace and security, based on shared challenges, values and approaches. One key indicator will be how the EU responds to the AUs discussion paper a first-of-its-kind submission that signals Addis Ababas desire for a more strategic dialogue. Success will be measured by concrete steps towards more predictable funding, finding a workable middle ground between the partners power asymmetries, and reaffirming the AUs coordinating role on security in Africa. The AU-EU partnership remains among the deepest and most comprehensive of its kind. But its full strength depends on both sides agreeing on a practical compact and modus operandi fit for an increasingly complex and fragmented world. Priyal Singh, Senior Researcher, Africa in the World, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Pretoria and Zenge Simakoloyi, Research Officer, Africa Peace and Security Governance, ISS Addis Ababa (This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish). The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, says the federal government is intensifying efforts to strengthen intelligence integration across the armed forces to tackle Nigerias rapidly evolving security threats. Mr Badaru stated this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI) Annual Conference 2025. He said President Bola Tinubu remained committed to a secure Nigeria, adding that modern threats demanded innovation, speed and deeper collaboration among security agencies. According to him, Nigeria now faces adversaries that exploit technology, hide within civilian spaces and operate across both physical and digital domains. Threats are no longer defined by terrain or manpower, but by the speed, precision and depth of information we can access and act upon, he said. The minister commended the DIA for its progress in integrating technology into intelligence operations, particularly the deployment of the Joint Intelligence Mission Data and Analytics System (JIMDAS) and enhanced cyber-monitoring capabilities. He described the new systems as force multipliers that had improved real-time coordination between the DIA, service headquarters and operations in the field. Mr Badaru, however, stressed that technology alone would not give Nigeria the edge in intelligence operations. He said the Ministry of Defence would continue to invest heavily in training analysts, cyber operators and commanders to fully utilise emerging technologies. Technology is a tool. It is the trained, disciplined and dedicated intelligence officer who transforms raw data into national defence, he said. The minister also emphasised the need for stronger regional cooperation, noting that cross-border intelligence sharing, maritime security collaboration and protection of critical infrastructure were crucial to stability in West Africa. He said the conference, which brought together Defence Attaches, Advisers and State Office Coordinators, reflected a bottom-up approach to intelligence reform. Mr Badaru urged participants to challenge assumptions, think boldly and propose practical solutions that would translate into operational gains. Your duty is sacred. Your mission is national. Through vigilance, adaptation and unity, we will secure the future of our great country, he said. The four-day conference is expected to explore multi-source intelligence, emerging technologies and strategies to improve national security architecture. (NAN) Nigerias constitutional amendment process entered its crucial stage on Monday as the House of Representatives and the Senate convened a joint retreat with the Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly in Abuja. The event, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday, brought together federal legislators, state-level presiding officers and members of the Constitution Review Committees of both chambers. It marked the 2nd joint retreat on the review of the 1999 Constitution, and served as the final major engagement before the National Assembly concludes voting on the constitution alteration bills. At the opening of the retreat, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, told Speakers of State Assemblies that they now hold the critical power to determine whether the long-awaited constitutional amendments will stand or fall. The lawmakers made it clear that the success of the ambitious reforms now nearing completion will depend largely on the actions of state parliaments in the coming weeks. Mr Jibrin, who chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, said the retreat is not another round of deliberations but a session for adopting positions already agreed in Lagos. Mr Barau added that the retreat is designed to ensure that state legislatures, the critical and strategic partners, are fully carried along before bills meeting the constitutional threshold are transmitted to them. He emphasised that the committees intend to ensure the transmission of the bills to the State Assemblies this year. In his closing remarks, Mr Kalu said the Constitution under review is the soul of our Republic, adding that the amendments must reflect the aspirations of Nigerians for justice, equity, credible elections and development that reaches the grassroots. To the Speakers of State Assemblies: go back to your states as ambassadors of reform. To the Governors: this is not an attempt to undermine executive authority but an effort to strengthen federalism. To my colleagues: this is our moment, he said. With unity of purpose, we can deliver a constitution that secures Nigerias future, he added. On his part, Mr Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, said the retreat marks the final stage before voting on the constitution alteration bills begins. This is the final retreat before the historic voting on the constitution alteration bills. After today, we move from deliberation to decision. History is watching us. Over 200 million Nigerians anticipate direction from this Assembly. Our people yearn for reforms that devolve power and bring governance closer to the grassroots, he said. Mr Kalu explained that the review process had involved an intense series of engagements across the country. He noted that since the commencement of the review exercise, both chambers had recorded significant and measurable progress. Three earlier committee retreats were devoted to developing the technical capacity required for the reforms, while six zonal public hearings provided opportunities for Nigerians from all geopolitical zones to voice their expectations. According to the deputy speaker, the engagements revealed a clear national demand for reforms that empower local governments, improve electoral processes, strengthen fiscal federalism, and promote gender equality and inclusion. He said that thousands of citizens, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, womens groups, youth leaders, political parties, professional bodies, state executives, and security agencies made submissions on the areas of the constitution they believed required urgent amendment. He also described the October 2025 Lagos retreat as a defining moment that produced a broad consensus on priority amendments. Addressing state speakers, Mr Kalu stressed that Section 9 of the Constitution makes state-level approval indispensable. I cannot over-emphasise the importance of state-level ownership in this constitutional review process. No matter how brilliant or how necessary, or how popular our amendments may be, they will not become law without the support of at least 24 out of 36 State Assemblies. State domestication is the constitutional gateway. The success or failure of this process will be determined not here in Abuja but in the 36 State Assemblies across the federation, he said. He added that all governors will be formally briefed on 26 November. The bills Although the review exercise comprises 87 amendment bills, three clusters have emerged as the defining battlegrounds that could significantly reshape Nigerias governance structure if approved. State policing: A major proposal seeks to formally introduce state and community police forces. The push follows growing concerns that Nigerias centralised policing architecture has failed to curb widespread insecurity, leaving communities exposed to insurgency, banditry and kidnappings. Reserved seats for women and persons with disabilities: Another landmark provision proposes constitutionally mandated reserved seats for women and persons with disabilities in the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly. Nigeria ranks among the lowest globally in female political representation, with women holding less than six per cent of legislative seats. Local government autonomy: The amendment aims to grant local governments full financial and administrative independence. It specifically seeks to strengthen the local government system by establishing distinct executive and legislative arms, creating an independent electoral body for local government elections and ensuring complete financial autonomy. Overall, the 87 proposed amendments are organised around broad reform themes that cut across electoral and judicial reforms, the devolution of powers, the institutional strengthening of traditional institutions, human rights, and citizenship and indigenity. The third edition of the West Africa Media and Development Conference (MDC 3.0) has commenced in Abuja, drawing journalists, policymakers, researchers, diplomats and technology leaders from across more than a dozen African countries. The conference is organised by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), and it is billed to from 24 to 27 November 2025 at the Abuja Continental Hotel. This years theme, Reimagining Democracy, Development and Data for the Next Decade, sets the tone for high-level conversations on the future of governance and media in the region. Across its plenaries and breakout sessions, the conference will examine democratic resilience, media sustainability, climate and extractive-sector governance, digital rights, food security, fact-checking and the widening impact of artificial intelligence on public life. Delegates converged on the Ladi Kwali Conference Halladorned for the occasionto deliberate on pressing continental challenges, including political instability, shrinking civic space and rapid technological disruption. In his opening remarks at the conference on Monday, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES, Dapo Olorunyomi, said Africa is approaching a decisive decade that will determine whether the continent shapes its own digital destiny or remains exposed to escalating democratic, developmental and data-governance vulnerabilities. Mr Olorunyomi called for a future grounded in transparency, citizen agency and continental data sovereignty. He urged governments, innovators, scholars and the media to reimagine democracy, development and data. PREMIUM TIMES reporters are on the ground to bring readers real-time updates and insights from the opening day of the conference. One of the daughters of Jacob Zuma, South Africa's former president, has filed a criminal complaint against her sister, accusing her of recruiting men from South Africa to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube alleged that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who serves as an MP, and two others tricked 17 men into fighting for Russian mercenaries. The men were told they were travelling to Russia to train as bodyguards for Jacob Zuma's political party Mkhonto Wesizwe (MK), Zuma-Mncube's statement says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police say they are investigating the matter, while Zuma-Sambudla, aged 43, has not responded to the BBC's request for comment. South Africa's government previously said it had received distress calls from 17 citizens who had joined mercenary forces in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The men, aged from 20 to 39, were lured to join the mercenary forces under the pretext of lucrative contracts, the government said. South Africa has an unemployment rate of more than 30%. Joblessness among young people is even higher, making them especially vulnerable for recruitment, analysts say. Zuma-Mncube said she had a "moral obligation" to file a police complaint against her younger sister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, international financial outlet Bloomberg reported similar allegations against Zuma-Sambudla and said some men had also been recruited from neighbouring Botswana. The allegations add to Zuma-Sambudla's legal woes - she is currently on trial over terrorism-related charges. The MP is being prosecuted over comments she made on social media four years ago during deadly protests in South Africa, following the arrest of her father. A week of anarchy in several parts of the country in July 2021, including looting and arson, left at least 300 people dead. Zuma-Sambudla has been accused of fuelling this unrest but she says the charges against her are politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacob Zuma was jailed for contempt of court for refusing to take part in an inquiry into allegations of corruption during his presidency that led to his sacking. He subsequently formed the MK party and led it to third place in last year's elections. The BBC has contacted MK and the Jacob Zuma Foundation for comment. You may also be interested in [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 The Editor-in-Chief of PREMIUM TIMES, Musikilu Mojeed, has requested that military authorities collaborate with stakeholders across various sectors to develop a national mobile application that enables victims and eyewitnesses of attacks to report incidents without interference. Mr Mojeed said such an innovation would curb the spread of misinformation related to Nigerias insecurity challenges, provide security agencies with accurate incident data, and help citizens better understand the countrys security architecture. He made the remarks on Monday in Abuja at a national symposium organised by the Centre for Crisis Communication on digital innovations in crisis communication. The event featured a high-level gathering of stakeholders from security agencies, government institutions, policymakers, ICT regulators, media organisations, and development partners, who deliberated on innovative digital approaches for effective national crisis communication. Mr Mojeed, a multiple award-winning investigative journalist, noted that the proposed app should incorporate Artificial Intelligence capable of analysing real-time data to support social media monitoring and limit the spread of false information during emergencies. Mr Mojeed explained that integrating citizen reports with AI-powered data processing and crowdsourced social media updates would enhance Nigerias crisis response capabilities. Such a system, he said, would provide automated and real-time responses to public enquiries during emergencies. By now, we should design carefully, mobile apps that report crises. For instance, if there is a kidnapping, armed robbery, or other incident along a particular route, there should be real-time updates about what is happening. Im not talking about the army designing its own app or the police; I mean a partnership that comes together to say this is a national app for crisis reporting. We should be thinking about it because increasingly, we can merge citizen reports with artificial intelligence, which possesses real-time data and then with crowd sourcing, I mean social media management, information that citizens are putting online on social media. If you put all of that together and then there is a real-time response to enquiries in addition to automated responses from such apps, I think itll help, he said. Mr Mojeed referenced the example of someone planning a trip from Kaduna to Abuja, noting that the app should be able to advise users on the safest travel times based on available data. For instance, if somebody wants to travel from Kaduna to Abuja, such an app should advise about the best time to travel or what is happening at that time, going by the information and data on the app. I think it is time that we begin to think about that, he said. He maintained that if successfully implemented, the app would help prevent crises, allow citizens to upload reports even before authorities are aware, and enable security agencies to coordinate more effectively. So, if we do that, we can create a system where crises are presented, citizens can upload experiences even before authorities get to know about it and then misinformation can be tackled. Meaning authentic information can be circulated to debunk falsehoods and responders can have better coordination and citizens will receive accurate life-saving information when they need it the most. The truth of the matter is that this innovation is no longer optional for crisis reporting in Nigeria; it is a necessity, one that will determine how we will effectively protect our communities, he added. During the question-and-answer session, Mr Mojeed also urged journalists to remain professional in their accountability roles. You can be professional while holding authorities to account. Ensure that all your facts are correct. Most times, the thing that we do is that we side with victims. But you have to be open-minded as a journalist, review the evidence before you and allow the facts to guide you in your reporting, he advised. Nigerias persistent security challenges Nigeria continues to battle persistent insecurity marked by frequent kidnappings, armed attacks, and violent assaults on communities, schools, and places of worship. PREMIUM TIMES reported that terrorists, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, on motorcycles, abducted 25 schoolgirls from their dormitory, killed the schools vice principal, and injured a local security guard, Ali Maga. On 19 November, terrorists attacked the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igan, in Eruku, Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 others. All the worshippers were freed on Sunday. Last Friday, armed men invaded the St. Marys Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, and abducted 303 pupils, students, and staff, triggering widespread outrage and renewed calls for improved security in the state and the country. Fifty of the abductees have escaped from their captors, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). These incidents form part of a troubling escalation in banditry, terrorism, and communal violence that has stretched Nigerias security agencies thin. Many Nigerian communities often rely on fragmented or unofficial information channels, such as social media, to get information about criminal attacks. Such situations contribute to misconceptions, panic, and the rapid spread of misinformation during a crisis. The absence of a unified national system for real-time crisis reporting and verification has also made it difficult for security agencies to respond swiftly or coordinate effectively. It is against the backdrop of widespread insecurity that a proposal for a national mobile application, one that allows citizens to report kidnappings, armed robberies, and other attacks in real time, has gained traction among stakeholders seeking innovative ways to strengthen response coordination and counter the spread of false information during emergencies. Governance experts have urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to overhaul its approach to democracy, economic integration and regional stability, warning that the bloc risks further eroding its legitimacy if it continues to drift away from citizens concerns. The call was made during a panel discussion on Monday, the opening day of the West Africa Media and Development Conference (MDC 3.0), organised by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) in Abuja. Speaking on the panel themed ECOWAS at 50: Reimagining Democracy and Development in the Region, Mina Mensah, Director of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), Africa Office, said recent public support for military takeovers in West Africa underscores widespread frustration with democratic decline and institutional failures. She noted that some departing member states have accused ECOWAS of being vulnerable to external political and economic influencea perception, she said, that further undermines the blocs credibility. Founded in 1975 to promote economic integration and regional cooperation, ECOWAS remains the most prominent political and economic body in West Africa. However, in recent years, it has come under scrutiny for inconsistent responses to democratic breaches, weak enforcement of human rights and limited impact on citizens daily lives. Ms Mensah faulted the blocs selective defence of democracy, saying it responds swiftly when military juntas seize power but often ignores abuses perpetrated by elected governments. ECOWAS is very quick at protecting democracy when a coup happens, but it tends to turn a blind eye when abuses occur under democratic governments, she said. She also criticised the sanction regime imposed on erring states, arguing that punitive economic measures fall hardest on ordinary citizens rather than political elites. People are already suffering. Sanctions that target the economy hit the citizenry most and rarely affect those in power, she said. Ms Mensah noted that despite its founding mandate, ECOWAS has yet to demonstrate the benefits of regional integration to ordinary people. She pointed to persistently low intra-regional tradebetween five and ten per centand recounted embarrassing experiences at West African borders, insisting that the blocs promise of free movement remains largely unrealised. For ECOWAS to remain relevant, she said, it must deliver tangible value and hold member states accountable for commitments they have signed. Matthew Ayibakuro, Governance Adviser at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), said ECOWAS also suffers from a visibility and engagement deficit. Citing Afrobarometer data showing that only 56 per cent of West Africans are aware of the bloc, he argued that ECOWAS has not cultivated a strong civic presence or communicated its relevance effectively. He said most citizens only encounter the organisation during moments of crisissuch as peacekeeping missions in Liberia or economic standoffs. People mostly feel ECOWAS when borders are closed and trade stops, like when Nigeria shut its land borders. Otherwise, the organisation remains distant from everyday life, he said. Mr Ayibakuro added that shrinking civic spaces and weak economies across the sub-region further hinder citizens ability to engage with or understand ECOWAS institutions. Reimagining democracy Also speaking on the panel, Chukwuemeka Eze, Director of Democratic Tenure Resilience at the Open Society Foundation, said democracy in West Africa must be redefined to prioritise citizens rather than states. He argued that countries in the region continue to emphasise procedural democracyelections and constitutional formalitywhile neglecting substantive issues such as accountability, civic empowerment and institutional resilience. Re-imagining democracy means nurturing institutions that are stronger than individuals and ensuring that power remains accountable to the people, he said. Mr Eze added that democratic renewal in the region must draw on African traditions of dialogue, solidarity and community, rather than relying solely on external models that do not reflect local realities. He questioned the persistence of coups on the continent, urging policymakers to examine the governance failures and political economies that make military intervention possible. He also called for urgent reforms to ECOWASs normative frameworks, including its conflict-prevention protocol, which he said no longer responds to current security and political dynamics. The blocs peacekeeping missions, he warned, have become increasingly expensive and overstretched, while deterrence measuresif poorly implementedrisk undermining democratic processes. According to him, ECOWAS must confront its institutional crisis, strengthen its protective mechanisms and bring citizens more directly into decision-making if it hopes to rebuild public trust. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned ground rent defaulters in the territory that there will be no further extension on the payment deadline. Mr Wike gave the warning in Abuja on Monday, while addressing journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing key infrastructure projects in the Wuse and Life Camp areas of the territory. PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) would commence fresh enforcement actions on Wednesday, 26 November, against defaulters of ground rent, land use change, and conversion fees, as well as right-of-occupancy and certificate-of-occupancy bills. FCTA noted that the two-week and the presidential grace periods granted defaulters four months ago had long elapsed, stressing that it would be the last opportunity for defaulters to pay. In May, this newspaper also reported that the FCTA sealed some of the 4,792 institutions whose properties were affected by the non-payment of ground rent, including the PDP national secretariat in Zone 5, Wuse District. Other organisations earlier on the list of defaulters included the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), CONOIL Plc, Borno State Government, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), National University Commission (NUC), M.R.S Investment Company Limited (owners of MRS Petrol Stations) and Kaduna State Government. The Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, University of Calabar, Nigerian Postal Service and Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) were also among the defaulters. It is unclear whether some of them have complied with the payment. Why therell be no further extension Speaking on Monday, Mr Wike said, Its unfortunate that most Nigerians who complain dont want to abide by the rules. You realise that when we started this enforcement, we also had a presidential intervention to give them two, three weeks more. But its more than four months now, and we cannot carry out projects without people paying their taxes. We did also make publications of extending the deadline and of course, you know they like to rush. If you dont go and enforce it, nobody will pay. So, we believe that this is the last time. We are not going to extend any further, he said. On the format the enforcement was going to take, Mr Wike said officials of the FCTA will seal up the premises of defaulters, while the properties will revert back to the FCT Administration. If you have not paid, we will seal up the premises and the property then becomes the property of the FCT Administration, he said. Providing updates on the infrastructure projects he inspected, including the Transit Way N2 connecting the Central Business District to Wuse District and the Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) from Life Camp Junction to Karmo, the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work and noted the contractors assurances of timely completion. The first site we went to is the construction of road N2 that connects the Central Area to Wuse, which is being carried out by Levante Construction Ltd, and the work is ongoing. The contractor has assured us that by the end of May next year, which is the first week of June, 2026, they will have completed that very key road connecting the Central Area to Wuse. We also went to Arterial Road N5, which is being handled by Julius Berger. For those of you familiar with this project, we have been here severally times when the connecting bridge was ongoing. Today, we are on top of the bridge. The contractor, Julius Berger, has also said that by January next year, they will have also handed over this project. So, we are hopeful. We are very happy with the quality of the job done. In fact, where we are standing is amazing. So, we are happy that theyve gone this far and we are very happy with what we have seen, he added. Mr Wike, while noting that the Transit Way N2 was being executed through emergency funding, also assured adequate funding for the Arterial Road N5 in the FCTs 2025 budget. Responding to questions on when the commissioned bus terminals would become fully operational, the minister explained that the process of selecting the operators was ongoing. You know its a contract and so the procurement is ongoing and we also want to see the number of fleet that they have. We believe that by the grace of God, by the end of the year, that would have been rounded up. So, its a matter of getting things done very well, the way its supposed to be by following due process, he stated. Nigerias efforts to curb recurring cholera outbreaks have received a major boost as the government of Japan, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), donated $500,000 worth of supplies to the federal government. The items, including treatment kits, medicines, surveillance tools, training materials and logistics support, were handed over to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in Abuja on Monday. As part of this support, life-saving commodities, valued at $104,951, were also delivered to the agency. Speaking at the handover ceremony, the WHO Representative and Head of Mission to Nigeria, Pavel Ursu, said the intervention came at a critical time as cholera transmission risks remain high in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Mr Ursu described the donation as a reinforcement of Japans long-standing role in global health security. The $500,000 Japan grant, domiciled at the WHO, has catalysed health interventions that not only help the health of vulnerable Nigerians but also support the governments strategic aim of strengthening health systems to prevent, prepare, detect, and respond effectively to emergencies, he said. This contribution is not just a shipment of supplies; it is a lifeline for communities at risk and a reaffirmation of Japans longstanding commitment to global health security and humanitarian assistance. He said the commodities donated today one complete cholera kit (Central) divided into 29 modules for medicines, renewable supplies, equipment, and logistics devices are intended to treat patients at different levels within the healthcare system during an outbreak in areas with compromised access. He noted that the kit donated today is one of the 14 cholera kits, alongside medical commodities such as life-saving Oral Rehydration Solutions, which have been procured through the Government of Japan grant. He noted that the supplies will be deployed strategically to hotspots identified through surveillance and risk mapping. Cholera outbreak Cholera, an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingesting contaminated food or water, remains a persistent public health challenge in Nigeria. This year alone, the outbreak has affected all 36 states and FCT, with states in the northeast and northwest among the hardest hit. According to WHO, Nigeria recorded 244 deaths from cholera outbreaks between January and September 2025. It also said the country recorded 10,353 suspected cases of cholera within the nine-month period, representing a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 2.4 per cent. More collaborations Mr Ursu said the WHO will continue to work with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the NCDC, and partners to enhance surveillance, improve case management, and support preventive measures. He said the fight against cholera requires a whole-of-society approachgovernment leadership, partner support, and community participation. In his remarks, the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, emphasised that the cholera response commodities were procured through the Supplementary Budget Project on Cholera Outbreak Preparedness and Response in Nigeria, funded by the Government of Japan with a grant of $500,000, in partnership with WHO. Mr Hideo said the ceremony highlights Japans strong support for Nigeria in combating cholera. He said the assistance strengthens Nigerias capacity to respond swiftly to outbreaks through the provision of essential materials such as diagnostic kits, rehydration supplies, and logistics support. The goal is clear: to detect cases early, contain their spread, and protect the lives of those most at risk. In addition to providing life-saving commodities, the project includes hands-on training to enhance emergency response capacity, he said. In his keynote address, the Director-General of NCDC, Jide Idris, stated that the support comes at a time when Nigeria continues to strengthen its lessons from past cholera seasons. Mr Idris said these resources will significantly enhance the national and state-level capacity for treatment, early detection, and rapid response to outbreaks. As earlier highlighted by the WHO and NCDC teams, cholera continues to pose a recurrent threat in Nigeria, driven by inadequate access to safe water and sanitation, population displacement and insecurity, weak community-based surveillance, gaps in oral cholera vaccine coverage, and insufficient Water, Sanitation and Health infrastructure, especially in high-burden LGAs, he said. The NCDC boss noted that while Nigeria continues to face challenges in controlling cholera, including rising antibiotic resistance linked to factors like misuse of antibiotics and gaps in infection control, the country has made notable progress through strong leadership, improved diagnostics, vaccine investment, and enhanced coordination across sectors. He emphasised that ending cholera is a moral imperative, pledging transparent and accountable use of the donations. Ongoing efforts The WHO Emergency Team Lead, Ann Fortin, stated that ongoing efforts are focused on strengthening community-based surveillance, enhancing local cholera preparedness, providing essential medicines, and promoting awareness on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. Ms Fortin said a total of 134 LGAs have been identified as most at risk for cholera, with interventions prioritised in these areas while remaining flexible to respond elsewhere as needed. As of October 2025, and thanks to the support from the Government of Japan, all 36 states plus FCT multi-sectoral actorshealth and WASHhave benefitted from a cholera training through a national training-of-trainers strategy for cholera readiness, she said 29 out of 134 Priority Areas for MultiSectoral Interventions LGAs, that is 22 per cent, have been reached through readiness interventions, and an additional 11 LGAs beyond the priority list. Community-based surveillance activities began last week in 18 LGAs in Kebbi and Sokoto. She added that while the focus is on the 134 Priority Areas for MultiSectoral Interventions LGAs, the ultimate goal is to reduce cholera transmission and deaths across all rural areas. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are among Africas greatest development threats, with deaths rising steadily and health systems increasingly burdened across the continent. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, gave the warning Monday in Abuja during the 10th anniversary of the West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH) and its 2025 conference. The conference theme, Digital Innovation and Shared Leadership for Africas NCDs Response, focused on innovative solutions to tackle the growing NCD burden across African nations and strengthen regional health systems for sustainable outcomes. Mr Janabi, in his keynote address titled The Silent Epidemic: How NCDs are Threatening Africas Development, said NCDs were advancing rapidly, projected to overtake communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutrition-related diseases by 2030. This is a silent epidemic affecting individuals, families, economies, and health systems across Africa, yet the story of NCDs often remains hidden in clinic records, household finances, and preventable premature deaths, he explained. He added that NCDs accounted for 35.4 per cent of all deaths in Africa in 2021, up from 21 per cent in 2000, with cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and mental conditions. Mr Janabi highlighted the economic impact of NCDs in Africa, stating that productivity losses now exceeded $1 trillion dollars, significantly burdening governments, households, and the private sector, reducing sustainable development progress across the continent. Every one dollar invested in NCD prevention yields $7 in benefits through reduced medical costs and increased productivity, yet productivity loss from NCDs is 38 times higher than current spending, he said. He said health expenditure on NCDs in Africa remained below $30 billion annually, less than half from domestic sources, leaving countries vulnerable to fluctuating external funding and limiting long-term programme sustainability. Improved healthcare system Mr Janabi called for stronger primary healthcare, domestic financing, surveillance systems, access to essential medicines, and integrated, people-centred care to reduce mortality and improve NCD outcomes across African populations. He noted Africa had made progress in policies and frameworks, adding that cervical cancer elimination efforts were advancing, as 32 countries had introduced HPV vaccination to prevent related morbidity and mortality. WAIPH Director-General, Francis Ohayindo, said climate change is increasingly driving both communicable and non-communicable diseases, altering disease patterns and worsening health outcomes across Nigeria and the wider West African region. He explained that hotter temperatures increased skin cancer risks, particularly among light-skinned individuals and those who bleached their skin, while changing climates allowed mosquitoes and other disease vectors to migrate into new areas. Mr Ohayindo said Nigerians faced rising risks of hypertension, diabetes, and stroke due to lifestyle factors, economic pressures, and limited access to preventive care, compounding the NCD burden nationwide. He emphasised the need for technology integration, stating that digital reminders for medication adherence and health promotion messages could make the difference between life and death for many patients. Alinon Kokou, Regional Director, Africa CDC, Western Africa Regional Coordinating Centre, said the agency prioritised digital innovation and NCDs as central to its continental health strategy. Represented by Senior Technical Officer Chioma Dan-Nwafor, Mr Kokou said Africa CDC developed a digital health innovation strategy to strengthen healthcare delivery and digital systems across the continent for better outcomes. With dwindling external funding, we must look inward; domestic financing is the future. Strengthening national contributions is critical to sustaining interventions, reducing reliance on external support, and improving health system resilience, he said. He added that the regional centre had begun mapping stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, mobilise resources, and support digitalisation, health security, and capacity-building across member states to achieve measurable health impacts. The Director of Health Care Services, West African Health Organisation (WAHO), Virgil Lokossou, said the organisation partnered with WAIPH to support capacity-building and strengthened public health programmes in the sub-region. It is a privilege to continue this journey together. Strengthening collective networks allows us to achieve stronger population impact and ensures populations receive accurate guidance from public health experts, he said. In his remark, Ademuyiwa Damilola, Director of Programmes, Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL), said digital innovations are essential to strengthen screening, advocacy, service delivery, and patient tracking in Nigeria for improved NCD outcomes. Mr Damilola added that Nigeria had the capacity and commitment to adopt innovations, but more political will, coherent policy, and coordinated platforms are needed to harness youth, private sector, and partnerships effectively. Nutrition concerns Osita Okonkwo, Country Director, Nutrition International, said nutrition remained a major concern in the NCD burden, with hidden hunger, particularly micronutrient deficiencies, worsening overall health outcomes in Nigeria and Africa. Mr Okonkwo highlighted widespread deficiencies in vitamins A and B, stressing that government investment in nutrition remained low, in spite of interventions yielding significant returns in population health and productivity improvements. Where you put one dollar, you get $23 in return, but most nutrition interventions are still funded out-of-pocket, leaving vulnerable populations at risk of NCDs and poor developmental outcomes, he said. No child should go to bed hungry. No pregnant woman should lack adequate nourishment. Government must prioritise nutrition interventions to reverse worsening indicators and reduce NCD-related morbidity and mortality, he said. I found myself at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, standing in line for immigration clearance. The airport was crowded, and I had apparently just arrived in Nigeria. Suddenly, pandemonium broke out, as terrorists invaded the airport with bombs and rocket-propelled grenades. Chaos ensued as bullets flew past my head, while I crawled toward a nearby immigration office for safety. The entire airport was encircled. Over the past ten years, I have devoted significant time to praying for Nigeria. In the second decade of the 2000s, our ministry began leading people in prayer through an interdenominational prayer movement in Canada. We gathered ministers and believers to intercede for Nigeria, Canada, and the United States. During our quarterly Fire Conferences, I made it mandatory to dedicate a session specifically to praying for Nigeria. I also had a basement in my home where I would retreat around midnight to pray on various issues, with Nigeria consistently among my most critical prayer points. Eventually, I entered a realm of profound revelations, it was overwhelming. God began to show me vivid insights about Nigeria, its churches and ministries, ministers, and even global political figures. These revelations were strikingly accurate, with astonishing fulfillments. Although I prayed extensively for Nigeria, the church, and ministries, I do not consider myself a prayer machine. It is simply the grace of God that has been enabling me to play a small role in mounting a prayer pressure on the throne of heaven, believing for a new nation to emerge from Nigerias current ruins, alongside a revival in the church a lifelong desire of mine. My primary calling is not intercession, though it remains a critical aspect of my work as the Lord leads. My core assignment is as a teacher to the body of Christ, supported by prophetic teaching and anointing of writing, to the glory of God. At certain points, the Lord warned me never to publicise these revelations, lest I lose access to His voice. This was to prevent any temptation to seek ministerial or prophetic prestige through divine insights. Instead, I shared these revelations privately with senior leaders whenever they came. They were numerous, detailed, and as clear as the midday sky. Since some of these revelations and visions have already come to pass, I will share a few here, to strengthen the body of Christ and warn Nigeria and the church of the grave dangers ahead if we fail to wake up, repent, and expel evil from our land. Vision One Shortly after Muhammadu Buhari assumed office as president of Nigeria, the Lord took me to Nigeria in a vision and showed me Buhari. It was as if I was watching a movie, seeing the picture of his government and what he would do to Nigeria. Later, while praying, the Lord spoke clearly: Buharis administration would act as a devourer, bringing unprecedented poverty and economic hardship upon the country for his entire eight years, and nothing would change it. The Lord said the APC government under Buhari represented the Biblical Midianites, who would consume Nigeria, bone to bone, leaving nothing but pain and poverty. I published part of this prophecy. Gods servant, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, had released a more detailed prophetic warning in 2014, but he was ostracised and vilified by those he was sent to help. Vision Two Later, the Lord revealed something concerning Atiku Abubakar, though the details cannot be shared publicly. Around 2020/2021, I saw a brief revelation, less than ten seconds, of a map of Nigeria. A sign appeared from the top right corner to the lower left, dividing the map into two. Whether sooner or later, Nigeria may be split. When this will happen, I do not know. In July 2020, I awoke from a deeply unsettling vision concerning Nigeria. In that vision, I saw a vast neighbourhood that appeared desolate and abandoned, a scene reminiscent of a war-torn city like Mogadishu. Shops and businesses stood empty, roads were waterlogged and strewn with refuse, creating an environment that was filthy, foul-smelling, and chaotic. Vision Three In 2021, I had another revelation: I found myself at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, standing in line for immigration clearance. The airport was crowded, and I had apparently just arrived in Nigeria. Suddenly, pandemonium broke out, as terrorists invaded the airport with bombs and rocket-propelled grenades. Chaos ensued as bullets flew past my head, while I crawled toward a nearby immigration office for safety. The entire airport was encircled. It was so vivid and emotionally gripping that I jumped out of bed, trembling. I knew the Lord had spoken again. I immediately called a few leaders to share this revelation. That day, I realised this was not business as usual; danger was imminent. Terrorists would attack iconic and strategic locations in Nigeria. We prayed earnestly, as we had done many times before. That year, I was scheduled to visit Nigeria, but I canceled the trip. Vision Four In July 2020, I awoke from a deeply unsettling vision concerning Nigeria. In that vision, I saw a vast neighbourhood that appeared desolate and abandoned, a scene reminiscent of a war-torn city like Mogadishu. Shops and businesses stood empty, roads were waterlogged and strewn with refuse, creating an environment that was filthy, foul-smelling, and chaotic. Some streets leading to major thoroughfares were flooded with human blood. Buildings were dilapidated, rickety, and crumbling, while survivors stood in the open, gripped by fear and uncertainty. As I moved from building to building and shop to shop, there was neither food nor drink to be found. The devastation was overwhelming. I woke from this vision with an unprecedented sense of dread and foreboding. Among many other more private and sensitive ones that cant be discussed publicly, this last one shook me to the core. This was the final straw that broke the cattles back. Todays happenings have fully confirmed and validated these revelations. I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land. (Leviticus 26:6) Whenever evil prevails in a land, Gods judgment is inevitably poured upon it. There is no human solution for a quick fix in Nigeria except for the Church, called to be the light of the nation, to return it to sanity and righteousness. Without righteousness, no amount of positive confessions will transform Nigeria. Without righteousness, no prayers or fasting will bring lasting change. Righteousness does not mean perfection; it is a deliberate commitment to doing what is right. Today, Nigeria stands at a perpetual crossroads of darkness because righteousness has fled, both from the Church and elsewhere. The Church, which should be the light of the world, has shifted its position. Instead of illuminating the world, the world now illuminates the Church. Our united prayers, born out of a people committed to righteousness, can cut off the head of the Goliath of terrorism. A united front can unleash supernatural power capable of changing the dynamics and balance of governance in Nigeria, paving the way for the restructuring or division of this nation along the right paths whichever the Lord permits. In conclusion, Nigeria is a captured nation; captured by terrorist sponsors, terrorist sympathisers, economic vampires and political undertakers. These revelations were shown to me by the Lord to equip us with advanced intelligence against the plans of the enemies of our souls. But this scenario can still be remedied. If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14) It is time for my people, the Church, to return to God. Let us demonstrate to Nigeria that the government ultimately rests upon the shoulders of our Lord. We must set aside denominational and theological differences, humble ourselves, and repent before God. Nigeria can be rescued if we shift to the side of light. Our united prayers, born out of a people committed to righteousness, can cut off the head of the Goliath of terrorism. A united front can unleash supernatural power capable of changing the dynamics and balance of governance in Nigeria, paving the way for the restructuring or division of this nation along the right paths whichever the Lord permits. We can become the change, on our knees, in our hearts, in our churches, while leveraging our numbers, values, potentials, and resources to compel the emergence of leaders who will make sound political and economic decisions to deliver us from our current crises and the impending doom. Ayo Akerele is the senior pastor of Rhema Assembly and the founder of the Voice of the Watchmen Ministries in Ontario, Canada. He can be reached through [email protected] Is it not strange to you that the man who says he wants to deliver and protect Christians in Nigeria welcomed with open arms the greatest butcher of Christians on the planet by the name of Ahmed Al Sharaa, the president of Syria, only the other day, and even gave him and his wife a bottle of sweet perfume in the full glare of the media Apparently, he loves the Christians of Nigeria but hates the Christians of Syria. He also hates the Christians of Gaza! I think Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace. They are killing people by the thousands. It is a genocide and I am really angry about it. And we pay, you know, we give a lot of subsidy to Nigeria. We are going to end up stopping. The government has done nothing. They are very ineffective. They are killing Christians at will. You know, until I got involved in it two weeks ago, nobody even talked about it. President Donald Trump, 21st November 2025. Dear Fellow Nigerians, Is it not strange to you that each time this blonde-haired, blue-eyed, bully, racist, white supremacist, religious bigot, ill-bred, ill-informed, recalcitrant war-monger and beastly creature opens its foul mouth, more attacks, killings and abductions take place in Nigeria? Has it not occurred to you that he is actually fuelling the insurgency with his words and constant denigration of our people, Armed Forces and government? Is this not an attempt to create a clear justification for what they really wish to do to us: namely invade and bomb us to kingdom come and then divide our country. This is the same way they demonised the government of Sudan before unleashing the Janjaweed militia known as the RSF on them and creating carnage in Darfur. This is what they did to Congo DRC too before the butchery started. Is it not strange to you that the man who says he wants to deliver and protect Christians in Nigeria welcomed with open arms the greatest butcher of Christians on the planet by the name of Ahmed Al Sharaa, the president of Syria, only the other day, and even gave him and his wife a bottle of sweet perfume in the full glare of the media. Apparently, he loves the Christians of Nigeria but hates the Christians of Syria. He also hates the Christians of Gaza! What an interesting paradox and contradiction this is and only a dim-witted village idiot will be fooled by it. Claiming that the King of Mar-a-Lago cares about Nigerian Christians is like claiming that the proverbial wolf cares about Little Red Riding Hood or that Count Dracula cares about beautiful women. Believe such nonsense at your own peril. The Orange Mans motivation for expressing concern about the plight of Christians in the hands of terrorists in Nigeria is gain and not love and as for the plight of the Muslims he couldnt care less. The script is clear: stoke, provoke and fund chaos, discredit and weaken the sitting Government, incite the people, engender regime change and spark off a civil war which will enable you to pick up the spoils and plunder the nation dry. Their evil eye is now on Nigeria. They say we have done nothing to stop the killing but they wont tell you what they have done to support, enhance and encourage it for the last fifteen years? They wont tell you why they do not sell us the arms we need to fight the war or share the necessary intelligence required to win with us. They wont tell you why they refused to designate Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation until 2015. They wont tell you why they imposed an arms embargo on Nigeria. They wont tell you why they have refused to offer even the smallest assistance to our Armed Forces in this war over the last few years and up till now. They wont tell you that they created Al Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, the Taliban, Al Shabab, Al Nusra, Ansaru and Lakurawa right from the outset, whilst pretending to fight them. They wont tell you the carnage they unleashed on Libya, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Congo, Sudan, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Somalia, Gaza, Yemen, Palestine, Ukraine, Central African Republic, Venezuela, Mali, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso and elsewhere through their sponsored militias and opposition fighters. They wont tell you why they have now focused on Nigeria and why they are attempting to do the same to South Africa. Nigerias case is even more pitiful and we are clearly being set up for the kill. Every time we make progress economically, those that do not wish us well from outside our shores undermine the efforts of our government and they do so in collaboration with members of the opposition. It happened with Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru YarAdua and Goodluck Ebelo Jonathan and now it is happening with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For the last 60 years, Nigeria has been the victim and target of a vicious, well-planned and well-orchestrated international conspiracy, and the ugly events of the last ten years and particularly the last one week prove that. Every time we take ten steps forward, they band together with their local co-conspirators and treacherous assets and take us twenty steps back, because their greatest nightmare is a strong, independent, united, flourishing Nigeria that brings pride and dignity to Africa and the black race. Any Nigerian who takes pleasure in what is unfolding in our country today and the security challenges we are facing is either a sadist, a masochist or is simply naive and unpatriotic. This is not about Tinubu but about our country. The terrorists are being funded and supported by a dark, sinister and relentless foreign force that seeks to tear us apart, destroy us, humiliate us, rob us, occupy our land, steal our resources, pillage our rare earth minerals, erase our identity, distort our heritage, re-define our history and control the entire globe. They are doing the same thing in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Asia, South East Asia and much of the world. Those who applaud that evil force and encourage it to enter our shores and bomb us in the name of trying to help us fight the terrorists that they themselves are funding, do not understand world politics and have no knowledge of history. There is not one country that the Americans have entered with bombs and violence and left better than the way they found it. Outside of that, once we lose our sovereignty we will never get it back. Once we rely on another country to fight our battles for us, we are no longer a nation but a vassal state of cowardly field hands and slaves. The solution to the problem is to support and encourage our government and Armed Forces to face the challenge squarely and win this war. Whatever it takes, it is their obligation and duty to do this and with our support and understanding, they surely will. There is room for criticism and even anger but there is no room for disloyalty to the national cause, betrayal and collaboration with those who want to bring our country to its knees. Things are tough and the enemy appears to be gaining ground but we must keep faith with God and have confidence that our President can and will turn things around. This is a time to pray for Nigeria and to pray for our leaders and Armed Forces and not to gloat or cheer on those who mock, despise, undermine and insult us, and who subvert our efforts. This is a time to show those who have described us as being a disgrace that we are more than able to handle our own affairs and solve our problems, despite their obvious malice and acts of sabotage. This is a time to have faith in our country and our people and remember Gods promise and word that Nigeria shall be great again. This is a time to line up behind our President and let him know that despite all that is happening we still have confidence in him and that he is not alone. Femi Fani-Kayode is the Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, the Otunba Joga Orile, the Aare Ajagunle Otun Ekiti, a former Minister of Culture and Tourism, a former Minister of Aviation, a former Special Advisor to President Olusegun Obasanjo and a lawyer. What makes this wave of defections remarkable is its timing. These shifts are occurring not during an election cycle, when political realignments are expected, but in a period when parties should be consolidating their structures, refining their ideologies, and strengthening internal cohesion. Instead, the opposition is being hollowed out. This raises a critical question: Is Nigeria drifting towards a Chinese-style democracy a system dominated by a single ruling party with minimal or no opposition? Before US President Donald Trumps threat to invade Nigeria over an alleged Christian genocide, the nation was already gripped by defection fever. The mass abduction of students by terrorists eerily reminiscent of the Chibok girls tragedy has revived painful memories of 2014, when insecurity contributed to the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. That episode, too, bore the fingerprints of foreign interference, amplified by international governments and the media. Meanwhile, when Ifeanyi Okowa, former Delta State governor and running mate to Atiku Abubakar under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the ruling APC, his move reverberated across the country. Few expected such a prominent figure to cross over especially at a time when governors, senators, and representatives at both the state and federal levels were abandoning their platforms for the ruling party. That moment may well be remembered as the beginning of the most devastating political exodus in PDPs history. Once formidable strongholds Akwa Ibom, Taraba, Enugu, and even Bayelsa, the home state of former President Jonathan have gradually fallen under APCs influence. For the PDP, the unraveling appears self-inflicted. Much of the crisis is linked to the ambitions and grudges of the current Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. Since losing the vice presidential slot to Okowa after the PDP primary in 2022, Wike has seized every opportunity to undermine the partys cohesion. Atiku Abubakar bears responsibility here: Common sense should have guided his choice of running mate between Wike and Okowa. Without Wikes tactical and logistical support, APCs 2023 victory would have been far less certain. It was therefore unsurprising that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rewarded Wike with the powerful position of minister of the FCT effectively making him the de facto governor of the capital city. While Wikes record in infrastructure development is commendable, his loud, confrontational style and relentless attacks of the PDP leadership raise serious concerns. His insistence on remaining a PDP member, while openly advancing APC interests, only deepens the confusion. Rumours of his influence over judicial processes further complicate the discourse. Beyond the PDP, Nigeria is witnessing a political realignment of unprecedented scale. Major figures from the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are defecting to the APC with startling frequency. Legislators, state chairmen, national officers, influential mobilisers, and even former presidential campaign strategists, have joined the ruling party some out of ambition, others out of sheer survival. Yet in the Chinese system, the downsides are equally profound. A one-party state weakens institutional checks and balances, curtails civic freedoms, narrows the democratic space, and stifles dissent. Without electoral accountability, leaders may lack incentives to deliver good governance. Suppressing alternative ideas risks intellectual stagnation and policy errors born of unchecked power. What makes this wave of defections remarkable is its timing. These shifts are occurring not during an election cycle, when political realignments are expected, but in a period when parties should be consolidating their structures, refining their ideologies, and strengthening internal cohesion. Instead, the opposition is being hollowed out. This raises a critical question: Is Nigeria drifting towards a Chinese-style democracy a system dominated by a single ruling party with minimal or no opposition? In China, what is described as socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics functions in practice as a one-party authoritarian state. The model has produced impressive development outcomes but also alarming governance concerns. Its advantages are clear: a dominant ruling party eliminates the turbulence of constant competition, thereby ensuring policy continuity and stability. For instance, Chinas president and paramount leader, Xi Jinping, governs with near-imperial authority free from legislative gridlock or opposition-induced delays. This enables swift policymaking, efficient execution, and infrastructure projects delivered at remarkable speed. Chinas meteoric rise from agrarian poverty to the worlds second-largest economy attests to the effectiveness of this model. Yet in the Chinese system, the downsides are equally profound. A one-party state weakens institutional checks and balances, curtails civic freedoms, narrows the democratic space, and stifles dissent. Without electoral accountability, leaders may lack incentives to deliver good governance. Suppressing alternative ideas risks intellectual stagnation and policy errors born of unchecked power. China has managed to avoid some of these pitfalls due to its unique cultural and political context, but its model remains unsuitable for most nations. Meanwhile, Nigeria is far from adopting Chinese-style authoritarianism. Yet, some observers argue that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is experimenting with a similar ease of governance, benefiting from a excessively cooperative legislature under Senate President Goodwill Akpabio and a judiciary under Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun that appear aligned with executive priorities. Nigeria must resist drifting whether willingly or inadvertently into an undeclared one-party system. The APC has every constitutional right to expand its influence, but the survival of democracy depends on sustaining a strong, credible opposition. A nation of over 200 million diverse people cannot thrive under political uniformity. It must preserve a system where ideas clash, dissent thrives, and alternative visions flourish. Still, the trend of defections and the centralisation of political power should alarm anyone who values democratic pluralism. A democracy without a viable opposition is one that is slowly losing its soul. The collapse of the opposition threatens the legacy of Nigerias founding fathers Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, and Obafemi Awolowo whose ideological diversity and competitive rivalry gave life to Nigerias earliest democratic vitality. Politicians justify their defections with the claims of alignment with federal power, access to development, or national interest. In reality, Nigerias democratic architecture is being dangerously compromised. Nigeria must resist drifting whether willingly or inadvertently into an undeclared one-party system. The APC has every constitutional right to expand its influence, but the survival of democracy depends on sustaining a strong, credible opposition. A nation of over 200 million diverse people cannot thrive under political uniformity. It must preserve a system where ideas clash, dissent thrives, and alternative visions flourish. As Nigeria navigates this evolving political landscape, policymakers, civil society, and voters must insist on protecting the integrity of multiparty democracy. A dominant party may offer temporary stability, but only a balanced political structure can secure long-term peace, progress, and national cohesion. Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of An Encounter with the Spymaster. Email: [email protected] Determined not to leave any day without grim harvests in Nigeria, terrorists and bandits upped the ante last week with the killings and mass kidnappings of citizens, after which they escaped with ease. Brigadier-General Musa Uba, the commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, and his men, including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), were ambushed and killed in Borno State by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). In Kebbi State, last Monday, bandits stormed a secondary school, killed its vice-principal, and kidnapped 25 female students from the dormitory. This occurred in spite of an intelligence report which should have prevented it. The governor of the state, Nasir Idris, is appalled by this irony, and he sees it as clear sabotage. A similar and bigger incident occurred on Friday, at St. Mary Secondary School, Papiri a Catholic private institution in Niger State, where 315 students and teachers were abducted. These evil acts exhume the ugly memory of the Boko Haram abduction of 276 Chibok school girls on 14 April 2014. Incredibly, 91 of them are still unaccounted for. In 2021, over 100 students and some members of staff of a government secondary school in the same Kebbi State suffered a similar fate. They were released in two batches after a heavy ransom was paid. The abduction at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, underscores, once again, the ineffectiveness and distressing issue of compromise in the governments counterinsurgency strategy and operations. President Bola Tinubu has admitted that a security breach or not acting on available intelligence led to the present debacle. Governor Idris, in decrying the received negligence, said: We got credible intelligence from the DSS that this school was likely to be attackedThe decision was that we would provide round-the-clock protection. Soldiers at the Ribah junction checkpoint, less than a kilometre from the school, were reportedly mobilised. But they left the school by 12 a.m., after which the terrorists struck in the wee hours. A complicitous scenario like this should not be swept under the carpet. Since then, the governments response has been panicky. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, said, Our security and intelligence services have been given a clear directive to locate, rescue and safely return the students, and to ensure that the perpetrators face justice. This mission must be accomplished without delay, with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalles relocation to Kebbi last Friday, at the behest of the President, to coordinate action. Unfortunately, a week has passed without freedom for these students. This is a major indictment of the security agencies. For the president, the ministers, and the security agencies, it is more work, with the latest kidnapping in a Niger school. The Maga school kidnapping is a deadly blow to girl-child education in the North, which is already beset by several socio-cultural setbacks. The region has 80 per cent of the 18.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, according to Ango Abdullahi, chairman of the Northern Elders Forum. Sadly, these school abductions have a toxic adjunct in the terrorist invasion of Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Kwara State on Tuesday last week. A viral video of this tragedy showed the villains shooting sporadically and leaving three worshippers dead, while 38 others were kidnapped. While the terrorists demanded a 100 million ransom for each of the captives, it is quite cheerful news that the worshippers finally regained their freedom yesterday, under circumstances that are currently still unclear. Generally, the optic is not good for Nigeria, particularly at a time when President Donald Trump has threatened the country with military action, and the US Congress held a public hearing on Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. In Kaduna, a Catholic cleric was also kidnapped at the same time. As such, it was understandable that the president had to step down his scheduled travels for the G20 in South Africa and the AU-EU Summits in Luanda, Angola. Only irresponsible leaders act like Nero, who fiddled while Rome burned. Mr Tinubu has also ordered the deployment of troops to hot spots of insecurity in the country. All said, over the past decade, the frequency of school kidnappings ought to have alarmed the government to the point of building up sufficient knowledge around early warning mechanisms, with the right lessons learnt on how to contain these occurrences. They include: the 317 girls kidnapped from Zamfara State in February 2021; 80 students abducted from Federal Government College, Yauri, also in 2021; the 2020 seizure of 344 schoolboys in Kankara in Katsina State; and 140 students taken away from Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna. Earlier on, 110 Dapchi schoolgirls were kidnapped in 2018. The federal governments intervention led to their release. But one of them, Leah Sharibu, remains in captivity on account of what is alleged as her refusal to renounce her Christian faith. Under Mr Tinubus administration, 287 pupils were abducted in Kuriga, Kaduna State, in March 2024. These grim episodes, an SBM intelligence report says, have led to 5 billion ransom payments. Between July 2022 and June 2023, a total of 582 kidnapping cases occurred, with 3,620 people entangled in these incidents. They are folks whom the Nigerian State failed to protect and secure, contrary to the hallowed stipulations of the Nigerian Constitution. Categorically, Governor Idris cannot acquit himself of blame in the abduction of the schoolgirls. Only ineptitude in governance could have allowed a boarding school system with girls, in a state where the activities of kidnappers are well-known, to become such a soft target. More so, Kebbi is located within a phalanx comprising Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna states, in the North-West, susceptible to the worst form of banditry in the country, and all with active Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist cells as well. The Borno State government demonstrated wisdom in 2018 when it abolished boarding in its schools indefinitely, except for those in the state capital, Maiduguri and Biu. Other states plagued by a similar security situation ought to have taken the same step. The deployment of more troops to troubled areas, as the president has done, has been routine since the Buhari administration. But this has not achieved the much-needed results due to a raft of issues. The challenges are deep, and they call for a strategy and policy reset by President Tinubu. After his visit to Yelwata in Benue State on 18 June, over the killing of about 200 persons, where he gave every necessary directive, he needs to ponder and ask why the attacks and killings have persisted. It took the bullying of President Trump for a top commander of the Ansari terrorist group, Abdulazeez Obadaki, a fugitive since his July 2022 Kuje jailbreak, to be rearrested penultimate Friday. The terrorist masterminded the 7 August 2012 mass shooting at Deeper Life Bible Church, near Okene, in Kogi State, that left 19 people dead. We strongly believe that this war against terrorism cannot be won with Nigeria still covering up the list of 400 terror financiers, which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) handed over during the Buhari administration in 2022. Public disclosure of the list is a critical starting point for a roots-and-branch approach to cracking down on these evil doers. Tinubu has to shake off Buharis duplicity in dealing with this matter. Nigeria has been engaged in a war on terrorism that has been unduly stretched by the weight of avoidable contradictions. The president should hasten the creation of state policing. With swathes of Nigerian territory under the effective control of non-state actors, and nobody feeling safe, it will be delusional to hope for this nightmare to be over soon. A total cash prize of 140 million has been awarded to ten (10) African innovators to scale their transformative solutions after a keenly contested hackathon and pitch session at the Fifth Edition of the Zenith Tech Fair, themed Future Forward 5.0: Tech for Success Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate, which held on Thursday, 20 November 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The 2025 edition of the Zenith Tech Fair featured an expanded, dual-competition structure that included a high-stakes Hackathon for product development and a Startup Pitch Competition for early-stage ventures, and drew participation from thousands of developers, founders, and entrepreneurs across the continent. The prize money was shared among ten finalists who emerged from the over 2,000 contestants that took part in the Zecathon. In the hotly contested final, two major winners emerged, each receiving the top prize of 30 million. The winner of the Hackathon, Trust Loop, clinched first place for its innovative solution that delivers seamless digital KYC and liveness verification. Simultaneously, the winner of the Startup Pitch Competition, Cubbes Technologies Limited, secured the top spot for its revolutionary AI-powered EdTech platform that enhances learning and career readiness. The remaining eight (8) finalists across both categories were equally recognised, each receiving 10 million in non-dilutive funding. They include Venille Ltd, Sowota, FLOW, InvoPay, Zenith Intelliscore, The Very Hacked Men, Konfam and Zerax. All ten finalists will also be entitled to a six-week mentorship and incubation programme designed to help them grow and scale effectively, and this will run from December 2025 to February 2026. The Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr Adaora Umeoji, in her welcome address, thanked the Founder & Chairman, Dr Jim Ovia, for the visionary foresight that led to the creation of the Zenith Tech Fair. Commenting on the Zecathon, she said, Our theme this year, Tech for Success: Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate, is very timely. To appreciate its urgency, it helps to reflect on the speed of human progress. According to the Harvard Business Review, it took humanity millions of years to master fire, yet only 66 years to move from the first powered flight to landing on the moon. The lesson is simple the next technological breakthrough will not take a lifetime. It will emerge sooner than we expect and could come from any one of you in this room today. We are confident that this Tech Fair will produce innovators who will change the world, and we stand ready to support you to turn your ideas into reality. In his Goodwill Message, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, said, This fifth edition reflects our unwavering commitment to create value through technology, innovation, and talent development. My vision is to continue to empower the youth through technology, with the hope that one day we will produce the likes of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos. Whilst delivering his goodwill message, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called for increased technological empowerment initiatives to provide youths with adequate opportunities needed to thrive in the digital future. He said, What I see happening here every year are things that we in leadership need to connect with. This is an activation that can bring life and real conversation to the young, dynamic, innovative, and creative young people that we have in this country. By 2050, half of the youth population in the world will be in Africa, and even in Africa, they will be in Nigeria, and if they are in Nigeria, they will be somewhere in Lagos, and we need to be able to fish them out. We need to give them an opportunity and a space to fly. We want to make Lagos the human capital centre of the world, where Microsoft and Google will think of raising a million tech experts. Thats the kind of vision and opportunity we want to leave behind. Hailed as a resounding success by participants, the Fair showcased cutting-edge demonstrations on the role of Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Cloud Computing in driving economic growth with Keynote addresses delivered by SitoyoLopokoiyit, Managing Director, M-PESA Africa; Jonas Kjellberg, Co-Creator, Skype and Dr. Shivagami Gugan, Chief Technologist for Middle East, Turkey and Africa, AWS. The event also featured goodwill messages by the National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, and the Governor of Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, ably represented by the Head of Service, Niger State, Mr Abubakar Sadiq Idris. Another key feature from the tech fair this year was the robust exclusive masterclasses delivered by global technology and consulting powerhouses: McKinsey & Company, Huawei, Check Point, and Microsoft. These sessions covered critical topics from cybersecurity to advanced cloud solutions and disruptive technologies, equipping participants with world-class insights. Aside from the thrilling musical performance by Nigerian musician Spyro, the fair also featured dual-panel sessions that were very insightful and highly interactive. The panel sessions both had Zain Asher, CNN Anchor, as host, and featured high-level discussants including Adaora Nwodo, Founder & Executive Director, NexaScale; Aisha Tofa, Board Chair, Startup Kano Centre for Innovation Dev.; David Kpakima, CoFounder, Rasab Group, Sierra Leone; Dr Stanley Jacob, President, FINTECHNGR; Iyinoluwa S Aboyeji, CEO Future Africa; Gary Fowler, CEO & Founder GSD Venture Studios; Bradwin Roper, Chief Payments & Partnerships Officer at JUMO, and Mrs Omoyemen A JideSamuel, Director, Information Technology, CBN. Zenith Bank remains committed to fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives, ensuring that the next generation of African tech leaders have the capital, mentorship, and resources required to achieve global scalability and impact. The Banks track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and Nigerias Best Bank at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Bankers Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024 and Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance Worlds Best Banks Awards. It equally emerged Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023. Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 and Best in Corporate Governance Financial Services Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom. The Banks commitment to excellence led to Zenith being also named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Bankers Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 to 2025 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards, Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Banks Hybrid Offer was also adjudged Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025. Zenith Bank has also bagged several non-financial awards, including Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024. One Nation senator Pauline Hanson has donned a burqa in the Senate after her request to table a Bill banning the religious covering was denied. It is the second time in her decades-long political career that she has done so in protest of Islamic garments. Her first time in 2017 was met with fury. Her second time on Monday received a similar response, including from one of Australias few Muslim parliamentarians. Senator Pauline Hanson has worn a burqa in the Senate. Picture: Screengrab It is the second time she has done so. Picture: Screengrab Did you just come from Afghanistan? Senator Payman jived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wow, Pauline. Wow. Shame on you. Shame on you. Senator Hanson also drew fire from Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, the first female Muslim elected to the Upper House. Its racist and its Islamophobic and so are you, Senator Faruqi yelled. Independent senator Fatima Payman shouted shame on you. Picture: Screengrab Addressing the Senate, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the stunt was unbecoming of a member of the chamber. Senator Hanson, all of us in this place have a great privilege in coming into this chamber and we represent in our state people of every faith of all backgrounds, Senator Wong said. And we should do so decently. And what we should not do in this place, whatever views we may have on policy, is to be this disrespectful of the chamber and of people of faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever our own beliefs may be the sort of disrespect that you are engaging in now is not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate. Opposition frontbencher Anne Ruston took a similar line, saying the one thing that we must always do in this place is respect others. And so I would respectfully suggest to Senator Hanson that this is not a way that you should be addressing this chamber, Senator Ruston said. This is not a respectful way to address other people. She added that Senator Hanson disrespected the Senate by coming in and performing stunts. Senator Hanson posted a photo of herself wearing the burqa in her office a short time later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She called her colleagues hypocrites and said if they did not want her to wear it they should ban the burqa. Senator Hanson says parliament should ban the burqa. Picture: Facebook Today, the Senate stopped the introduction of my Bill to Ban the Burqa and Other Full Face Coverings in Public Places, she wrote. Despite the ban in 24 countries across the world (including Islamic countries), the hypocrites in our parliament have rejected my Bill. So if the parliament wont ban it, I will display this oppressive, radical, non-religious head garb that risk our national security and the ill treatment of women on the floor of our parliament so that every Australian knows whats at stake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they dont want me wearing it ban the burqa. Countries across the world have banned or placed restrictions on wearing burqas in public. While many are European nations such as Switzerland and France, many Muslim majority countries in Central Asia have also introduced bans, including Tajikistan. Afghanistan is the only country that mandates women must wear a burqa or niqab. The Taliban introduced the strict dress codes in 2022 after regaining control of Afghanistan in the wake of the US withdrawal. Nigerian businessman Tunde Ayeni has rejected an out-of-court settlement proposal allegedly initiated by lawyer Adaobi Alagwu, insisting that the ongoing dispute between them must run its full course in court. In a statement on Monday, Mr Ayeni confirmed that Ms Alagwu made what he described as back-door overtures aimed at resolving the matter privately. The move, he said, was surprising given the public controversy the case has generated and the reputational damage he claims to have suffered. I confirm that through back-door channels, Alagwu has indeed made overtures towards settling this matter outside the courtroom, Mr Ayeni said. This development, I must say, was unexpected given the significant public attention and embarrassment it has garnered, together with the reputational damages it has inflicted on me, my family, and my loved ones. The businessman suggested that Ms Alagwus desire for a quiet settlement may be connected to what he called her alleged pending marriage, but said such considerations were irrelevant to him. His sole focus, he said, was restoring what he described as a reputation badly bruised by the controversy. Despite these attempts, I am resolute in my decision to reject any private offers for settlement, he declared. The allegations have caused severe damage to my reputation publicly, and I am committed to seeking full legal redress publicly. Accepting a private settlement would undermine the gravity of the accusations. He also admonished his friends and associates to stop intervening in the matter or mentioning Ms Alagwu to him in any context. He said he now considers the mention of her name a personal insult. Adaobi, her mother, or any member of her family are no longer a subject matter outside the litigations pending in court, he added. No one should act as intermediaries to reach me on this matter. Mr Ayeni reiterated his readiness to testify in open court on 25 November 2025, and 17 February 2026, adding that he expects Ms Alagwu to appear as well, unlike what he described as her alleged absence during proceedings at the customary court. He maintained that he has been transparent since the controversy began and is committed to clearing his name before a competent court. I acknowledge the role I have played in this situation and I am actively working to move past it, he said. Encouraging an out-of-court settlement will give credence to their usual postulation that I am being influenced to pursue this case because they feel that I am not a man of my own convictions, which is absolutely untrue. The dispute between Mr Ayeni and Ms Alagwu has drawn significant public interest, with both parties now preparing for the next phase of the legal battle. READ TUNDE AYENIS FULL STATEMENT BELOW PRESS STATEMENT FROM DR. TUNDE AYENI Adaobi Alagwu reached out to me for an out-of-court settlement I am aware that recent reports have emerged regarding lawyer Adaobi Alagwus decision to pursue an out-of-court settlement in the ongoing dispute. I confirm that through back-door channels, Alagwu has indeed made overtures towards settling this matter outside the courtroom. This development, I must say, was unexpected given the significant public attention and embarrassment it has garnered, together with the reputational damages it has inflicted on me, my family, and my loved ones. It is evident that Alagwus pursuit of a settlement may have been influenced by her alleged pending marriage. However, I must emphasize that such motivations hold no significance for me. My primary concern remains the restoration of my reputation, which has been severely impacted negatively by this controversy. Despite these attempts, I am resolute in my decision to reject any private offers for settlement. The allegations have caused severe damage to my reputation publicly, and I am committed to seeking full legal redress publicly. Accepting a private settlement would undermine the gravity of the accusations and the harm they have inflicted on my person, my family, loved ones, and their sense of trust in me. The matter is currently before a competent court, and I am determined that it should be allowed to reach a decisive and vindicating conclusion. I am also using this medium to notify all my friends and associates to refrain from involving in anything concerning Adaobi. I no longer consider even the mention of her name as a friendly gesture, and I now regard same as a personal insult to me. Adaobi, her mother, or any member of her family are no longer a subject matter outside the litigations pending in court. No one should act as intermediaries to reach me on this matter, please. As emphasised before now, I plan to testify in open court on the 25th of November 2025, and on the 17th of February 2026, God-willing, and I expect her presence in court, rather than avoiding the proceedings as she did at the customary court. I have maintained complete transparency on this matter since the beginning of this unfortunate saga. I acknowledge the role I have played in this situation and I am actively working to move past it, trusting in the justice system to uphold the truth as encouraging an out-of-court settlement will give credence to their usual postulation that I am being influenced to pursue this case, because they feel that I am not a man of my own convictions, which is absolutely untrue. Signed Dr. Tunde Ayeni Phillips Consulting Limited (pcl), the lead consultant for the landmark Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA) initiative, has announced the successful progress of the nationwide verification exercise and the official transition into the critical phase of Skills Assessment for civil servants across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Working in collaboration with 15 cluster consulting firms, Phillips Consulting continues to steer one of Nigerias most ambitious public sector transformation initiatives designed to strengthen workforce capability, accountability, and service delivery at a national scale. Over the past months, the PASGA project has made significant strides. The verification exercise, designed to authenticate personnel records, eliminate redundancies, and strengthen workforce data integrity, has recorded exceptional compliance across various MDAs. This progress has paved the way for the next and most transformative stage, a comprehensive skills assessment that will empower civil servants, reshape organisational efficiency, and support long-term institutional reform. The commencement of the Skills Assessment marks a pivotal turning point in the PASGA initiative. While verification ensures accuracy in personnel data, the skills assessment focuses on understanding the competencies, strengths, anddevelopmental needs of civil servants. Through Phillips Consultings proven methodology and digital assessment tools, thousands of public sector employees will undergo structured evaluations that identify gaps, uncover potential, and recommend targeted learning pathways. The skills assessment will: Empower civil servants with clear insight into their competencies and areas for improvement. Support career progression through data-backed development plans. Strengthen MDAs by aligning employee capabilities with strategic national goals. Enhance public service delivery by equipping officers with future-ready skills. Drive long-term national reform through evidence-based talent development frameworks. This phase is designed to create a high-performing public workforce capable of delivering on Nigerias bold governance, economic, and digital transformation ambitions. Speaking on the significance of the transition to the skills assessment phase, the Chairman of pcl., Foluso Phillips,described PASGA as a defining moment for Nigerias public service. He noted that Our role as Lead Consultant reinforces Phillips Consultings commitment to strengthening national institutions. The skills assessment phase provides every civil servant with the opportunity to grow, advance, and make meaningful contributions to Nigerias development agenda. This exercise is more than an audit; it is a long-term investment in people. Olawanle Moronkeji, Chief Operating Officer of pcl.emphasised the transformative potential of the assessment phase. He emphasised that Verification laid the foundation, but skills assessment is where true transformation begins. As we evaluate skill levels and development needs across ministries, we are generating insights that will shape talent strategies for years to come. This is a defining step in building a capable, productive, and future-ready public workforce. Victor Mba, pcl. Head, Abuja Office. highlighted the success recorded in the verification phase. He stated that The cooperation from ministries has been exceptional, and it has positioned us to move smoothly into the skills assessment stage. We are proud of the progress so far and remain committed, alongside our cluster consultants, to delivering a world-class assessment experience for civil servants nationwide. As Nigeria intensifies its efforts to modernise governance and strengthen institutional capacity, PASGA stands as a critical enabler. The collaboration between Phillips Consulting and the Federal Government demonstrates a shared commitment to building a professional, skilled, and forward-looking civil service equipped to meet the demands of the future. Phillips Consulting continues to bring its over three decades of expertise in talent development, organisational transformation, and digital excellence to ensure that PASGA delivers measurable and sustainable impact. About Phillips Consulting (pcl.) Phillips Consulting is a leading indigenous consulting firm with over 30 years of experience providing advisory services in strategy, people transformation, technology, and business optimisation. With a strong track record of supporting national programmes and large-scale institutional reforms, pcl. remains at the forefront of developing solutions that shape Nigerias future. Visit www.phillipsconsulting.net to know more. Freed worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igan, in Eruku, Kwara State, have described the forest where they were held as a territory firmly controlled by armed groups. The victims were among 38 people seized during an evening service on 19 November and later freed in a joint operation confirmed by President Bola Tinubu on Sunday. Several survivors, who spoke to TVC News and Channels Television, recounted the attack and the days spent in captivity. One of them said the assault began shortly after the prayer session opened. It was a sudden act, a terrifying act. That evening, after about 30 minutes of the programme, we just heard gunshots, he told TVC. He added that he initially mistook the sound for electrical sparks. Another survivor, Bamidele Emmanuel, said the attackers surrounded the church before leading the captives into the forest. By the time we got up, they surrounded the whole church, he said. Even some people there began to say they were seeing drops of blood everywhere. Mr Emmanuel described the kidnappers base as an organised camp deep inside the bush. It was unimaginable. When we got there, we didnt know it was a dominated area, he said. They made us know that no one can slip away. And with what we saw, nobody can escape. He added that the group demonstrated total control of the terrain. They know all the routes surrounding the bushes within Kwara and other cities. They know it, he said. A second survivor told Channels Television that the realisation set in as soon as they entered the forest. When we got there, we knew it was a dominated area by these evil people called bandits. What we saw, nobody can imagine, he said. He described the kidnappers as moving confidently through routes that connect several communities in Kwara and neighbouring states. A representative of the church, Oluwafemi Jaiyeoba, stated that the release of the victims was a relief and thanked state and federal authorities for their intervention. President Tinubu had earlier said he cancelled his trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to coordinate national security efforts. Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued, he said in a statement on Sunday. He also announced the recovery of 51 students kidnapped in Niger State. The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, had issued a separate statement through his spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, praising the coordinated operations ordered by the president. Mr Ajakaye said the deployments included four specialised police units, additional troops and intelligence teams. The abduction in Eruku occurred a day before gunmen seized 303 students and school workers in Niger State and days after another mass abduction in Kebbi. The series of attacks has deepened concerns over organised kidnapping networks operating across the North-central and North-west regions. Authorities in Kwara responded with emergency school closures in affected areas and a security council meeting where commanders reviewed arrests, aerial missions and ground deployments. The rescued worshippers are expected to undergo medical checks before reuniting with their families. Questions remain over whether the operation was purely a rescue mission or involved ransom payments; however, officials have not confirmed any payments. The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, adjourned the trial of Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for alleged cybercrime till 4 February 2026. The matter, which was fixed for today, was rescheduled due to trial judge Mohammed Umars absence. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the matter did not hold as earlier scheduled to come up on 21 October when it was adjourned till Monday. The 21 October schedule failed due to the protest organised that day by Omoyele Sowore to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, a leading Biafra agitator who was convicted of terrorism offences last week. Earlier on 22 September, the judge, Mr Umar, 21 October for the hearing after the trial was stalled by an objection raised by the defendant. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on 30 June on six counts filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail, following which Mr Umar adjourned till 22 September for the commencement of trial. However, on the last adjourned date when the prosecution lawyer, David Kaswe, was about to open his case by calling the first witness, the defence lawyer raised an objection. The development was after a television screen had been mounted in the courtroom preparatory to the commencement of proceedings. The defence lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had expressed concern about the possibility of the prosecution opening its case. Mr West-Idahosa told the court that a notice of preliminary objection to challenge the courts jurisdiction to hear the case had already been filed. He said the objection was not to the nature of the charge, but the alleged abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). The lawyer also complained about not being served with copies of the statements of prosecution witnesses. Although Mr Kaswe argued that the objection filed by the defendant should not be allowed to stall the courts business for the day, Mr Umar insisted that the prosecution must first respond to the objection. The judge said he intended to first determine the objection raised by the defence before taking any further steps in the case. Mr Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is alleged to have made false and injurious information via a live television programme with the intention to malign, incite and endanger lives and breach public order. The senator was alleged to have, while addressing a gathering on April 4 in Ihima, Kogi, accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of instructing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed in the state. She was also alleged to have, in a television interview, repeated similar claims, to the effect that the senate president and former governor plotted to kill her in Kogi State. The charge is brought under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc (Amendment) Act 2024. She faces another set of charges stemming from the same remarks. The case is before the FCT High Court, Abuja. (NAN) The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned the 10-year-long money laundering trial of former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and his co-defendant till 20 January 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses. Judge Peter Lifu scheuled the N3.1 billion fraud case for final argument after Mr Suswam and his co-defendant, his then Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, closed their defence on Monday. The defendants closed their defence after Mr Suswam finished testifying. Mr Suswam testified as the sole defence witness. The judge gave the prosecution 14 days to file and serve their final written address and 14 days for the defendants to respond upon service. Messrs Suswam and Okolobia face 11 counts of money laundering involving N3.1 billion, proceeds from the sale of shares owned by the Benue State Government through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited. The prosecution alleged that between 8 August and 30 October 2014, in Abuja, the two men used a company, Elixir Securities Ltd and Elixir Investment Partners Limited to divert N3.1 billion allegedly stolen from the proceeds of the sale of shares. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which filed the charges, had called nine witnesses before the defendants opted for a no-case submission, arguing they had no case to answer. However, on 23 July, Mr Lifu dismissed the no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case warranting the defendants to present their defence. Consequently, upon my conclusion, the defendants no-case submission is hereby refused and dismissed. The defendants are hereby called upon to enter their various defences, Mr Lifu ruled. Background Mr Suswam, who governed Benue State from 2007 to 2015, and his co-defendant, were first arraigned in November 2015 by the EFCC over allegations of diverting N3.1 billion, part of the proceeds from the sale of Benue State government shares. The defendants were subsequently re-arraigned before the court on 2 November 2020. In the amended charge, the EFCC alleged that Mr Okolobia transacted a total of N578 million in four tranches, exceeding the cash transaction limit under the money laundering law, between December 2014 and January 2015. The case has faced multiple delays over the years. Initially handled by judges Ahmed Mohammed and Okon Abang at various times, it was reassigned to Mr Lifu following Court of Appeal directives after Mr Mohammeds elevation to the appellate bench in 2023. The case has now lingered for 10 years, with repeated adjournments and re-arraignments. In March 2024, the defendants were re-arraigned before Mr Lifu and pleaded not guilty. Following the EFCCs case presentation, the defendants filed a no-case submission, which was dismissed in July. During Septembers proceedings, Mr Suswams lawyer, Joseph Daudu, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), requested a three-week adjournment to allow a defence lawyer, Chinelo Ogbozor, to recover from illness and to prepare adequately. He also cited a pending appeal against the no-case ruling. But the prosecution, represented by Oluwaleke Atolagbe, opposed the request, noting the defendants had over 10 years to prepare and that the court was not bound to await the appellate courts decision. Mr Lifu acknowledged the slow pace of the trial, lamenting difficulties in locating court files, describing them as scattered all over the place. He adjourned the case till 10 October, for the defendants to officially open their defence. On Monday, the court fixed 20 January 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses. Four days before abducting 25 students at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, armed bandits on 12 November kidnapped over 40 women and their babies in the same local government area in Kebbi State, residents have revealed. The women were working on a rice farm in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area when the bandits abducted them. Residents said bandits had long been abducting residents unchallenged and unreported, until the 17 November abduction of the schoolgirls brought banditry in the area to global attention. Kabir Yusuf, a youth leader in Danko Wasagu town, told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday that the LGA, located in the southern senatorial district of the state, is under the siege of a terrorist group. The abduction of the schoolgirls is one reported case in a series of unreported incidents in the local government area. Even after the abduction of the schoolgirls, kidnapping for ransom continued unabated, with residents suffering in silence. The bandits on 21 November invaded Unashi and Gandun-Wasagu, towns and abducted several peasants. Over 90 people from the LGA are currently in captivity as we speak (Sunday evening), and nobody is speaking for them aside from their loved ones who are helpless and vulnerable, Mr Yusuf said. Mr Yusuf stated that the incessant attacks had forced many residents to flee the most vulnerable communities in the Wasagu LGA to where they consider safe for them. The police spokesperson in the state, Nafiu Abubakar, said he had yet to be briefed on the incidents in the areas. The mass abduction incidents in Kebbi add to the escalating insecurity across Nigeria, where armed groups terrorise citizens, killing and kidnapping at will. Over 300 students were kidnapped from a Catholic primary and secondary school in Niger State last week. In Kwara State, bandits attacked a church where they killed three worshippers and kidnapped 38 others. The worshippers were later released on Monday. The Niger and Kebbi abduction victims remained in captivity as of the time of this report. In Borno, a brigadier general and other security officials were killed recently when terrorists ambushed a military operation. In Abuja, a police officer was killed on Friday when a security team foiled an attack by about 30 gunmen on a community in the Bwari Area Council. The worsening security situation caused President Bola Tinubu to cancel his scheduled attendance at the G20 Summit in South Africa. He was, instead, represented by his deputy, Kashim Shettima As Nigeria grapples with growing security challenges, a former minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Nduese Essien, has accused President Bola Tinubu administration of failing in its constitutional duty to protect citizens. In a statement he issued on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Mr Essien described the wave of killings, kidnappings and terrorist attacks sweeping across the country as evidence of a government that has lost control and prioritised political survival over national security. Nigeria dangerously close to normalising terror Mr Essien, a former member of the House of Representatives, cited a disturbing list of recent attacks as proof that insecurity has become a normalised national condition. In Borno State, Musa Uba, a brigadier general and three soldiers were abducted and executed. In Kebbi, 25 female students were abducted. A worship service in Kwara was attacked, leaving some people dead and 38 kidnapped, while over 300 pupils and teachers were abducted in a Catholic Church-run school in Niger State. Police officers, Civilian Joint Task Force members, students, farmers, clerics, infants and nursing mothers have been victims in attacks spanning Sokoto, Niger, Kwara and Borno states within days. These are no longer isolated incidents, Mr Essien said. Nigeria is dangerously close to normalising terror. The former minister accused the Tinubu administration of showing neither urgency nor seriousness in responding to the escalating violence. He said, without providing evidence, that the recently appointed service chiefs lacked relevant experience or strategic depth, and that key security roles appeared to have been filled as political rewards. Defence is not a patronage portfolio, he said. It is the backbone of national survival. He also referenced long-standing allegations that some individuals within government and security agencies maintain ties with terrorist networks a claim long denied by officials but widely echoed by analysts, affected communities, and some retired military officers. A country cannot defeat terror when those protecting citizens may be compromised, he warned. Population explosion, poverty and radicalisation Beyond weapons and troops, the former minister pointed to underlying socio-economic drivers accelerating the crisis: mass poverty, lack of regulation in polygamous marriage practices, millions of out-of-school children, unemployment and systemic government neglect. These children roaming the streets without education or hope become cheap recruits for terror, he said, adding that Nigeria cannot continue ignoring its exploding youth population. Mr Essien further linked insecurity to corruption, accusing government officials of diverting security funds and exploiting crises for political gain. Reports are published but never acted upon. Nigeria is broke not because we lack revenue, but because of leakages and looting, he stated. He also condemned attacks, arrests and intimidation of Nigerians who are in the opposition, describing such actions as political terrorism that endangers democracy. It is ironic that those who once led protests now deploy force to silence dissent, he said. Call for national resistance and reform The former minister challenged President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Defence Minister, and the service chiefs to deliver results or step aside. He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society and the media to hold the government accountable and reject silence. Nigeria stands at a crossroads. If we fail to act, this insecurity will define our future for generations. Mr Essiens message echoes growing frustration across Nigeria, where highways, schools, and worship centres have become hunting grounds for terrorists and bandits. With tens of thousands killed and millions displaced in more than a decade of worsening violence, the question nowposed starkly by his statementis whether Nigeria still has the leadership capacity, moral will, and institutional strength to reverse its slide. Stand together, defend our country, and refuse to remain silent while it bleeds, Mr Essien said. Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, when contacted by PREMIUM TIMES, said that the former minister was expressing his opinion. New study sponsored by SAS shows tangible business value despite challenges CARY, N.C., Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AIoT, the convergence of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, is enhancing efficiency, security and decision making at manufacturing, industrial and energy companies worldwide, per research shared by SAS, a global leader in data and AI. Key findings from the IDC InfoBrief, How AIoT Is Reshaping Industrial Efficiency, Security, and Decision-Making, sponsored by SAS, include: "AIoT is fueling innovation, streamlining operations and driving smarter, faster decisions." Kathy Lange, IDC Post this AIoT drives major cost savings, quality improvements and efficiency gains. Predictive maintenance dominates current AIoT use. Nearly 71% of organizations use AIoT for predictive maintenance, the most widely adopted use for manufacturing/industrial and energy companies surveyed. IT automation (53%) and supply and logistics (47%) were the next most cited uses for AIoT. Nearly 71% of organizations use AIoT for predictive maintenance, the most widely adopted use for manufacturing/industrial and energy companies surveyed. IT automation (53%) and supply and logistics (47%) were the next most cited uses for AIoT. AIoT drives tangible business value. 54% of respondents anticipate major cost savings, 52% predict smarter and faster innovation and 49% expect streamlined operations from their investment in AIoT. Additionally, 63% believe AIoT will boost productivity and competitiveness. 54% of respondents anticipate major cost savings, 52% predict smarter and faster innovation and 49% expect streamlined operations from their investment in AIoT. Additionally, 63% believe AIoT will boost productivity and competitiveness. Skills gap emerges as the top challenge. The skills gap is the biggest barrier to AIoT success, outpacing legacy system integration and data quality issues as the most significant roadblock. Other challenges include high implementation costs, business process misalignment and cultural resistance. Addressing these issues is essential to unlocking AIoT's full potential. The skills gap is the biggest barrier to AIoT success, outpacing legacy system integration and data quality issues as the most significant roadblock. Other challenges include high implementation costs, business process misalignment and cultural resistance. Addressing these issues is essential to unlocking AIoT's full potential. Heavy AIoT users see greater value. Organizations using AIoT heavily are twice as likely to report benefits that significantly exceed expectations as those that only use the technology sparingly. Strikingly, less than 3% say the value of AIoT "did not meet expectations." Organizations using AIoT heavily are twice as likely to report benefits that significantly exceed expectations as those that only use the technology sparingly. Strikingly, less than 3% say the value of AIoT "did not meet expectations." Momentum builds. A full 62% of organizations globally have adopted AIoT, with another 31% planning to do so. Of current adopters, 43% have achieved widespread or fully integrated deployments. A full 62% of organizations globally have adopted AIoT, with another 31% planning to do so. Of current adopters, 43% have achieved widespread or fully integrated deployments. Regional adoption and perceived value vary. The Asia Pacific region leads in moderate adoption of AIoT, while North America shows a strong push for significant growth. And the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region remains optimistic regarding AIoT's value across all usage levels. "Our research found that heavy users of AIoT were almost twice as likely to report benefits that significantly exceeded expectations, while less than 3% of industrial executives surveyed said AIoT's value did not meet expectations," said Kathy Lange, IDC Research Director, AI Software. "The takeaway is clear: AIoT is fueling innovation, streamlining operations and driving smarter, faster decisions." The IDC research is based on a global survey of more than 300 industrial executives in the manufacturing and energy industries. "This IDC InfoBrief confirms what manufacturing and energy customers are telling us worldwide: AIoT has evolved from a buzzword to a potent technology and business imperative," said Jason Mann, Vice President of IoT at SAS. "Whether enhancing the predictive maintenance of critical equipment or improving operations across factories and electric grids, AIoT drives major cost savings, quality improvements and efficiency gains." The transformation of manufacturing Manufacturers and industrial companies face countless challenges, including supply chain disruptions, national security concerns and persistent labor shortages. In response, manufacturers are accelerating digital transformation strategies, leveraging technologies like AIoT to modernize operations and address workforce gaps. Factory automation is one of the most visible outcomes of this transformation, and AIoT is a catalyst driving it forward. Across sectors, manufacturers are using AIoT to automate not just tasks, but decisions optimizing processes, improving product quality and reducing downtime. "As this InfoBrief clearly indicates, AIoT drives business value, and the more industrial companies use it, the greater benefits they see," said Dez Tsai, Global Sr. Director of AI, Data and Vendor Transformation at TD SYNNEX, SAS' strategic IT distribution partner. "We anticipate the adoption of AIoT solutions will accelerate as companies experience greater efficiency, productivity and cost savings. TD SYNNEX remains committed to supporting SAS Partners and the AIoT customers they serve." Energizing the market For power and energy companies, AIoT offers many benefits. By analyzing data from countless sensors across the grid and in major equipment (including generators, power plants and wind turbines), AIoT can improve grid efficiency by helping operators manage costs, predict demand, optimize operations and enhance sustainability efforts. And AI technologies give more people within an organization, including those with varying skill levels and job roles, the ability to interact with data. This directly addresses the skills gap found in the research. People working on the plant floor, servicing overhead lines or creating corporate strategy can all make data-driven decisions that leverage IoT and generative, agentic and traditional AI (i.e., machine learning). Accelerating AIoT innovation SAS IoT solutions combine AI, machine learning and edge-to-cloud integration, enabling analysis of high-volume, high-velocity data. And joining AI with these IoT solutions extends the value of existing infrastructure investments and digitally transforms the workforce by shifting from manual oversight to intelligent orchestration. Other organizations benefiting from SAS IoT and streaming analytics for improved asset reliability, enhanced product quality and increased efficiency across connected systems include: Learn more about AIoT and the IDC research at a free webinar, AI + IoT: The Future of Industrial Intelligence, on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. ET. Source: IDC InfoBrief, Sponsored by SAS, How AIoT Is Reshaping Industrial Efficiency, Security, and Decision-Making, #US53891325, November 2025. About SAS SAS is a global leader in data and AI. With SAS software and industry-specific solutions, organizations transform data into trusted decisions. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW. SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright 2025 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved. Editorial Contact: Mike Nemecek [email protected] 919-531-5140 sas.com/news SOURCE SAS RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Altibbi, the leading digital-health platform in the Arab world, partnered with Haleon, the global consumer health company behind brands such as Sensodyne, Parodontax, Corega, and Pronamel Kids, to empower families across Saudi Arabia with credible Arabic healthcare access as part of Haleon's Healthy Saudi Smile campaign. Watch the campaign case study: https://youtu.be/Z_ec8v3ZzzE Health Saudi Smile Campaign The campaign aimed to raise awareness about oral health and preventive care through engaging, science-based educational content. As the digital-health partner, Altibbi transformed this awareness into real access by connecting users directly with certified doctors for instant consultations and trusted medical guidance. Through the partnership, Altibbi enabled Haleon to offer reliable, Arabic-language oral-health advice to audiences across Saudi Arabia. This contributed to strong engagement and demonstrated how collaboration between global health brands and digital platforms can convert awareness into meaningful health action. "At Altibbi, we believe health awareness must lead to real action," said Jalil Allabadi, CEO and Co-Founder of Altibbi. "Haleon trusted Altibbi to bridge education and access, helping people move from learning about oral health to receiving expert care through our platform." "Our goal with Healthy Saudi Smile was to go beyond traditional awareness and give people practical ways to care for their oral health," said Darsana Nair, General Manager, Saudi Arabia. "Through our collaboration with Altibbi, we achieved exactly that, enabling thousands to connect with doctors in Arabic and take meaningful steps toward better everyday health." The partnership reflects a broader shift in healthcare communication, combining brand purpose, local expertise, and digital accessibility to support preventive healthcare in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The campaign was executed in collaboration with Haleon's media and creative partners. Building on this success, Altibbi plans to expand similar collaborations with leading health and wellness brands, offering integrated solutions that connect education, access, and action to improve everyday health outcomes. About Altibbi Altibbi is the largest digital-health platform in the Arab world, offering instant doctor consultations, trusted Arabic medical content, and AI-powered tools for millions of users each month. With more than 2 million doctor-reviewed articles and over 6 million telehealth consultations delivered, Altibbi connects individuals to quality healthcare anytime and anywhere. More information: altibbi.com About Haleon Haleon (LSE/NYSE: HLN) is a global leader in consumer health, with a purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity. Haleon's portfolio spans five key categories: Oral Health, Pain Relief, Respiratory Health, Digestive Health and Other, and Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements. Its long-standing brandsincluding Sensodyne, Parodontax, Polident, Advil, Panadol, Voltaren, Theraflu, Otrivin, and Centrumare built on trusted science, innovation, and deep human understanding. More information: haleon.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830803/Altibbi_Healthy_Saudi_Smile_Campaign.jpg SOURCE Altibbi DALLAS, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford Inc. today announced the appointment of Hector Sanchez as president and Eric Batis as chief operating officer, effective immediately. These moves are intended to strengthen the company's executive team and support long-term growth. Monty J. Bennett will continue as chairman and chief executive officer. In this new role, Sanchez will report directly to Bennett and will focus on driving coordination, alignment, performance, and efficiency across the organization. He will be responsible for overall business performance and financial outcomes, ensuring operating units work cohesively, priorities remain aligned with company objectives, resources are deployed effectively, and cross-functional initiatives receive appropriate oversight. Batis will report to Bennett and Sanchez and will oversee day-to-day operational execution across the organization. He will manage operational performance, lead process and systems integration, enhance efficiency, and ensure that each operating unit meets its operational and financial targets. "I'm very pleased to announce Hector's appointment as president and Eric's promotion to chief operating officer," Bennett said. "Their combined experience and leadership will sharpen our focus, accelerate execution and position Ashford for stronger performance and continued expansion in the years ahead." "I am honored to step into the role of president of Ashford Inc.," said Sanchez. "I look forward to partnering with our talented teams to continue strengthening our asset management platform and driving growth across our real estate businesses for our advised REITs and our third-party clients. We have tremendous opportunities ahead of us, and I'm excited to get to work." "I look forward to helping drive the next chapter of value creation at Ashford," Batis said. "By sharpening our acquisition strategy and strengthening operational oversight, we will position the company for sustained performance in the hospitality space." Sanchez most recently served as CEO of Ashford Inc. subsidiary Premier and head of real estate development for Ashford Inc. Since assuming leadership at Premier during the pandemic, he and his team rebuilt and repositioned the organization, expanded third-party services with more than 150 new contracts, and established a growth platform in the multi-family and student-housing sectors. They also incubated an in-house architecture studio, launched a general contracting division, and advanced a development pipeline exceeding $1 billion in estimated value. Before joining Premier, Sanchez held senior leadership roles in the energy sector with NOV and Rubicon Oilfield International. Batis brings more than 15 years of real estate, valuation, and investment experience. He joined Ashford in 2013 and most recently served as executive vice president of operations, where he has provided oversight and strategic guidance for the company's acquisitions process while leading the team responsible for the performance of its investments. Before joining Ashford, he was vice president in the real estate valuation and advisory services group at Houlihan Lokey. He previously held analyst roles at Integra Realty Resources and McNeel, Weissler & Associates. Ashford provides global asset management, investment management and related services to the real estate and hospitality sectors. SOURCE Ashford Inc. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On November 21, Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer ROX Motor's all new luxury all-terrain SUV ADAMAS made its domestic debut at the Auto Guangzhou 2025, accompanied by the ADAMAS Royal Edition. As a flagship model developed for global markets, ADAMAS embodies the brand's vision ofmaking luxury smoother, integrating robust all-terrain capability with an elevated luxury experience. It showcases ROX Motors global mindset and cultural mission of beingborn global. Photo credit: ROX Motor Drawing insights from diverse cultures and usage scenarios across global markets, the ADAMAS builds a comprehensive smooth luxurysystem around four dimensions: smoother sensory experience, smoother driving, smoother intelligence and outdoor usability. In terms of sensory experience, the ADAMAS adds a newFlowing Sand Goldexterior color and aGalaxy Purpleinterior palette. These are paired with 256-color ambient lighting, Nappa leather seats, and second-row dual-side 150 zero-gravity seats, creating a cabin atmosphere that blends technological warmth with refined human-centric aesthetics. Photo credit: ROX Motor For driving performance, the SUV adopts an all-aluminum chassis with a front double-wishbone and rear H-arm setup, supported by a 140 mm long-travel off-road air suspension and seven all-terrain drive modes to confidently handle a wide range of road conditions from urban to wilderness. In intelligent interaction, ADAMAS integrates DeepSeek and Baidu Ernie Bot large language models to power its originalLittle Stone (Xiao Shitou in Chinese Pinyin)voice assistant. Together with a four-screen interactive system and L2+ advanced driver assistance, it delivers a more natural humanmachine interaction and an easier, safer intelligent driving experience. For outdoor scenarios, the vehicle supports 5.7 kW external power output, one-touch large/small bed configurations, and an auto-leveling function on slopesexpanding camping versatility and providing a more comfortable mobile resting space. The ADAMAS Royal Edition is a bespoke model crafted specifically for Middle Eastern royalty. The exterior features a metallic powder-white and matte-gold dual-tone body with exclusive wheels, a floating logo, and black diamond decals inspired by the traditional Middle Eastern garmentThobe. Photo credit: ROX Motor Inside, the cabin adopts a sand-brown and pure-white color scheme, enriched with rare Sapele figured wood trim and luxurious semi-aniline leather seats embroidered with palace-style diamond motifs inspired by royal architecture. In 2025, ROX Motor's global expansion has been gaining strong momentum. The brand has now entered nearly 40 markets, establishing a sales network across key regions including the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa, and achieving steady sales growth for ten consecutive months. During the Auto Guangzhou 2025, ROX Motor further expanded its global footprint by signing new partnerships with distributors from Cameroon, Tunisia, and Morocco, accelerating the development of its worldwide sales network. Last month, the ADAMAS held its global premiere at the eight-star Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. It quickly captured the attention of local officials, media, and partners. In the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabiawhere the model is already on salethe ADAMAS secured over 2,000 units of orders within its first month. Notably, the model also received high recognition from the UAE royal family, who placed an order for the Royal Edition priced at 998,800 yuan. The ADAMAS will officially go on sale in China on December 17, when pricing and user benefits will also be announced. Second-generation platform delivers advanced control, in-cycle annealing, and high-throughput performance for Wide Bandgap power and RF device manufacturing ESPOO, Finland, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Beneq introduces the Beneq Transform XP, a second-generation ALD platform developed to meet the performance demands of Wide Bandgap (WBG) power and RF device technology development and manufacturing. Building on the proven Beneq Transform platform, the new system adds advanced ALD control, faster cycle times, and greater process capabilities in a high-throughput format. The Beneq Transform XP features a second-generation, flow-optimized 25-wafer mini-batch thermal ALD reactor that achieves breakthrough deposition rates with single-digit-second cycle times for common ALD oxides and nitrides. Refined flow and pressure dynamics ensure exceptional within-wafer and wafer-to-wafer uniformity even at a few nm film thicknesses while precise dwell-time control delivers excellent conformality on high-aspect-ratio structures. Transform XP also introduces advanced PEALD process control to precisely manage low-energy ions. This enables optimized plasma pre-cleaning and deposition, resulting in improved interface quality, tunable passivation, and enhanced device performance and reliability. The system integrates in-cycle annealing, a proprietary step that densifies and purifies films to achieve stoichiometric, low-impurity materials and crystalline alignment, such as AlN lattice orientation. "Transform XP is our response to the next wave of device challenges in power and RF manufacturing," said Dr. Mikko Soderlund, Head of Sales, Semiconductor ALD at Beneq. "Customers value the original Transform for its versatility and reliability. With XP, we introduce capabilities they specifically asked for improved ion control, faster cycles, and in-cycle film densification all in a versatile platform." With over a dozen Beneq Transform clusters installed globally for WBG pilot and production use, and more than 100 process modules shipped, Beneq continues to support leading IDMs, foundries, and RTOs advancing More-than-Moore technologies. Learn more about Beneq Transform XP: here. CONTACT: Charlotte Barlund, Event and Communications Lead [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/beneq-oy/r/beneq-launches-beneq-transform--xp---redefining-atomic-control-in-ald,c4269103 SOURCE Beneq Oy BEIJING, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) celebrates its 23rd anniversary with the unveiling of its first permanent Beijing campus. For the first time since its founding on November 21, 2002, the school will have a permanent home a space that represents its identity as an innovative management education hub and its commitment to redefining business education in the long run. The new campus will officially open in 2026. A Milestone in Growth and Influence Since its inception, CKGSB has grown into one of China's most influential business schools. Today, its network of 24,500 alumni includes many of the country's leading entrepreneurs and executives individuals who collectively guide one fifth of China's most valuable brands. Known for their global outlook, innovative thinking, and commitment to social responsibility, CKGSB alumni exemplify the school's values in action. The new campus is a physical expression of this evolution. Located in central Beijing's Ciqikou interpreted by the school's dean as a "China Gateway" CKGSB offers a deep understanding and strategic connectivity to China's business from the inside. A Campus Designed with Purpose Spanning a building area of 30,000 square meters with a distinctive facade reminiscent of a vessel setting sail, the campus underscores CKGSB's ambition to break new ground in business education and become a new-generation global business school. Inside, the campus brings together classrooms, learning spaces, a conference center, faculty offices, areas for alumni gatherings, and digital-platform facilities, creating an integrated hub open to students, alumni, and visiting global leaders. Open, light-filled rooms, interconnected courtyards, and transparent structures foster collaboration and exchange, reinforcing CKGSB's belief in openness and shared progress. A Symbol of Continuity and Renewal On its anniversary, CKGSB reaffirms that education extends beyond knowledge transmission. It is about cultivating empathy, foresight, and responsible leadership. The new campus reflects the collective support of CKGSB's community, including alumni and students who made donations to turn a long-held dream into reality. As CKGSB prepares to move into its new home in 2026, the school sees this moment as both a culmination of its first 23 formative years and the beginning of a new chapter. Going forward, the school aspires to become a globally connected, socially conscious, and future-focused world-class institution. SOURCE Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) LOS ANGELES, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent filing from Farmers Insurance under Insurance Commissioner Lara's "Sustainable Insurance Strategy" is the poster child for the loopholes in the plan, allowing the company to hike rates steeply without increasing overall policy levels, according to Consumer Watchdog. While claiming to increase the number of policies in "distressed" areas by 5,596, Farmers' filing reflects a net loss of 15,225 policies in distressed areas and 59,806 polices overall from Farmers' policy levels at the time of the announcement of the strategy in September 2023. At the same time, if the filing is approved, Farmers would be allowed to raise rates on some customers by up to 65%. Download an excel spread sheet about Farmers' filing. Lara's September 2023 plan allowed insurance companies to raise rates in exchange for a purported commitment to insure 5% more people in so-called "distressed areas." However, as a front page New York Times investigation has found, loopholes in the plan allow companies to submit filings based on a lower bar of current policy levels, after dumping policyholders for the last two years to get their policy numbers to lower levels. In addition, the Times investigation found the way the maps were drawn in "distressed areas" often didn't include high wildfire risk areas. Farmers filed for a 6.99% average rate hike. Policyholders will see a range of rate changes from -20% up to 65% increases for their coverage the 65% falling on the higher risk properties that are already being priced out of the market. About 25,000 policies, roughly 3% of the total policies, will receive an increase of between 25% and 65%, according to the filing. Because the rate is below 7%, there is no mandatory hearing for the rate hike. "Farmers' filing is Exhibit A for the loopholes in Lara's plan," said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog. "Farmers is able to raise rates for its highest risk policyholders by up to 65% in exchange for selling 59,000 less policies in the state than when Lara announced the deal. Hundreds of thousands of policyholders have been dumped and forced onto the FAIR plan over the last two years since Lara's strategy was announced. These filings will not reverse that trend. California's legislature needs to require companies to insure people who meet wildfire mitigation standards. This filing is proof that carrots do not work with insurance companies. California's insurance companies needs sticks." From September 2023, when Lara's plan was announced, until September 2025, the number of residential FAIR policies has nearly doubled, rising to 625,033 from 320,581. SOURCE Consumer Watchdog LOS ANGELES, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest episode of Consumer Watchdog's podcast series Smoke & Mirrors explores how a backdoor agreement between California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and major insurance companies led to a wave of dropped policies before 2025's catastrophic LA fires. The 4th episode, "How One Regulator Made California's Fire Recovery Harder," discusses a recent investigative story by the New York Times highlighting how Lara inserted industry-friendly loopholes into his regulations that harmed recovery after the Los Angeles fires, and how fire survivors are now calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to ask Lara to resign. Listen to Smoke & Mirrors today on your podcast platform of choice, including: "Ricardo Lara's backroom deal with insurance companies incentivized a wave of policy cancellations and made recovery harder for so many fire survivors," said Justin Kloczko, host and producer of Smoke & Mirrors. "They launched a Lara Resign movement in response." The episode reveals how both Newsom and Lara cited the misleading figure that insurers would be required to write 85% of their market share in high-risk fire zones. In reality a loophole allowed them to increase sales as little as 5%, often in safer ZIP codes, and insurance companies had two years to dump policies first so they were starting from a lower baseline. Survivors now threaten to oppose Newsom's potential 2028 presidential ambitions unless he demands Lara step aside. Despite promises that fewer Californians would be forced onto the bare bones FAIR Plan, enrollment roughly doubled after the deal. Insurers dropped far more policies than they added, worsening the insurance crisis statewide. The episode contains interviews with fire survivors like Branislav Kecman, who describes losing long-held coverage, paying double the premium for reduced benefits, and being unable to rebuild a comparable home. The podcast highlights how in 2019, Lara accepted money from the insurance industry, and then did its bidding as commissioner. The Department of Insurance also does not make available current data about people who have been non-renewed by their insurer. Smoke & Mirrors uncovers a web of little-known subcontractors and unseen technology that facilitate claims delays, lowballed payouts and denials, and offers advice on what consumers can do about it. Learn more about the series at ConsumerWatchdog.org/SmokeAndMirrors. Read the oped by Eaton Fire survivor Joy Chen and Pacific Palisades Fire survivor Jill Spivack calling on Governor Newsom to urge Lara's resignation. SOURCE Consumer Watchdog DENVER, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE: GTES), a global manufacturer of innovative, highly engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions, today announced that the Company will participate in the 2025 Goldman Sachs Industrials and Materials Conference in New York, NY on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Brooks Mallard, Chief Financial Officer, will present at 2:10 pm Eastern time. To access a webcast of the presentation, please visit the Events & Presentations section of the Gates Investor Relations website at investors.gates.com and click on the event webcast link. About Gates Industrial Corporation plc: Gates is a global manufacturer of innovative, highly engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions. Gates offers a broad portfolio of products to diverse replacement channel customers, and to original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") as specified components. Gates participates in many sectors of the industrial and consumer markets. Our products play essential roles in a diverse range of applications across a wide variety of end markets ranging from harsh and hazardous industries to everyday consumer applications including virtually every form of transportation. Our products are sold in more than 130 countries across our four commercial regions: the Americas; Europe, Middle East & Africa; Greater China; and East Asia & India. SOURCE Gates Industrial Corporation plc CAMBRIDGE, Mass., ROTTERDAM, Netherlands and SHANGHAI, Nov. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Harbour BioMed ("HBM" or the "Company"; HKEX: 02142), a global biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery and development of novel antibody therapeutics for immunology and oncology, today announced an update and advancement of its global strategic collaboration with AstraZeneca, originally established in March 2025. The collaboration aims to discover and develop next-generation biotherapeutics, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and T cell engagers, leveraging the knowledge of both companies. Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will continue to nominate discovery programs to Harbour BioMed each year over the next four years, reflecting the continued progress of the partnership, and will retain the option to license these programs for further development. Harbour BioMed will be eligible to receive option and option exercise fees, development and commercial milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on future net sales on such licensed programs. The economic terms are consistent with the financial framework established in March 2025. Dr. Jingsong Wang, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Harbour BioMed, said: "We are pleased to advance our collaboration with AstraZeneca to develop next-generation biotherapeutics in oncology. Harbour BioMed has collaborated with AstraZeneca on multiple programs since 2022, and over time, the two parties have established a trusted and solid partnership. With our strong capabilities enabled by our proprietary antibody platforms, we are well positioned to support AstraZeneca in developing innovative biotherapeutics that can address significant unmet medical needs and improve patient outcomes globally." About Harbour BioMed Harbour BioMed (HKEX: 02142) is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery and development of novel antibody therapeutics in immunology and oncology. The company is building a robust and differentiated pipeline through internal R&D capabilities, strategic global collaborations in co-discovery and co-development, and selective acquisitions. Harbour BioMed's proprietary antibody technology platform, Harbour Mice, generates fully human monoclonal antibodies in both the conventional two heavy and two light chain (H2L2) format and the heavy chain-only (HCAb) format. Building upon HCAb antibodies, the HCAb-based immune cell engagers (HBICE) bispecific antibody technology enables tumor-killing effects that traditional combination therapies cannot achieve. Additionally, the HCAb-based bispecific immune cell antagonist (HBICATM) technology empowers the development of innovative biologics for immunological and inflammatory diseases. By integrating Harbour Mice, HBICE, and HBICATM with a single B-cell cloning platform, Harbour BioMed has built a highly efficient and distinctive antibody discovery engine for developing next-generation therapeutic antibodies. For more information, please visit www.harbourbiomed.com. SOURCE Harbour BioMed Recorded the highest number of container ship orders in 18 years since the shipbuilding supercycle in 2007 Signed large-scale supply contract with HMM: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Samho to deliver consecutively through 2029 "Based on our technological competitiveness in eco-friendly and high-efficiency vessels, we will lead the decarbonization of the shipbuilding and shipping industries" SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HD Hyundai has secured an order for ultra-large container ships worth around 1.46 billion USD, recording the largest container ship order volume in 18 years since the shipbuilding supercycle in 2007. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), the intermediate holding company for HD Hyundai's shipbuilding business, announced on Sunday, November 23, that it has signed a shipbuilding contract with HMM for eight 13,400-TEU dual-fuel container ships. The total contract value amounts to 1.456 billion USD. A 13,000 TEU-class container ship built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and delivered in 2024 The vessels ordered are 337 meters in length, 51 meters in width, and 27.9 meters in height. They are equipped with LNG dual-fuel engines and a significantly enlarged fuel tankexpanded by approximately 50%to enhance operational efficiency. Of the eight vessels, two will be built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and six by HD Hyundai Samho, with deliveries scheduled consecutively through the first half of 2029. Through this contract, HD Hyundai has achieved its largest container-ship order volume since 2007, when global cargo demand peaked during the economic boom (793,473 TEU). HD KSOE has secured orders for a total of 720,000 TEU (69 vessels) in container ships this year, marking the highest order volume among domestic shipbuilders. Container ships built by HD Hyundai are regarded as highly cost-competitive when considering operating expenses over the vessel's entire lifecycle, despite their relatively higher prices compared to competitors. Since 2023, HD Hyundai has applied "HiNAS Control"an autonomous navigation assistance system developed by Avikus, a subsidiary specializing in autonomous navigationto newly built vessels. Actual operational data has confirmed that the system's autonomous navigation support features and RPM optimization deliver a 15% reduction in carbon emissions and a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency. An HD Hyundai representative stated, "We are further solidifying our position in the global market based on advanced technological capabilities and customer trust," adding, "Going forward, we will continue to lead the decarbonization of the shipbuilding and shipping industries through technological competitiveness focused on eco-friendly and high-efficiency vessels." SOURCE HD Hyundai LOS ANGELES, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Hormel Foods Corporation ("Hormel" or "the Company") (NYSE: HRL) for violations of the securities laws. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Hormel is the subject of a Wall Street Journal article published on October 29, 2025. The article, titled: "Hormel Cuts Forecast on Price Pressure, Consumer Backdrop; Parts Ways With CFO," states that the Company "warned earnings in the latest quarter were squeezed by price pressures, bird flu and a fire that damaged its Arkansas peanut butter production facility. The company also said it was parting ways with its top finance executive." Based on this news, shares of Hormel fell by 9.1% on the same day. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected]. The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. CONTACT: The Schall Law Firm Brian Schall, Esq. 310-301-3335 [email protected] www.schallfirm.com SOURCE The Schall Law Firm Hyundai recognized for advancing child passenger and pedestrian safety nationwide through hospital partnerships and community education FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America has been awarded a top honor at the 2025 Zenith Awards from Ragan Communications in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category. Hyundai was recognized for its Child Passenger and Pedestrian Safety Initiative, a cornerstone of Hyundai Hope, the corporate social responsibility platform committed to the principle of Progress for Humanity and with the goal of improving the wellbeing of society. Hyundai North America Safety Office (NASO) and corporate social responsibility teams pose for a photo at the Hyundai North American headquarters in Fountain Valley, Calif., on Nov. 18, 2025 (Photo/Hyundai) A child passenger safety technician inspects a car seat at UCI Health Family Health Center in Anaheim, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2025 (Photo/Hyundai) "We are honored to receive this recognition from Ragan Communications for our dedication to child passenger and pedestrian safety," said Cole Stutz, chief safety officer, Hyundai Motor North America. "At Hyundai, safety is at the forefront of everything we do, and this award reinforces our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities. Together with our partners, we will continue driving impactful programs that create safer roads and a brighter future for children everywhere." Hyundai's Child Passenger and Pedestrian Safety Initiative connect families, safety experts, and local partners to improve child safety in vehicles and public areas. Hyundai and its network of partners educate families on proper car seat installation and promote road safety awareness to prevent injuries. This initiative has been made possible through partnerships with leading hospitals across the country, including: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Banner Children's at Desert Baystate Health Foundation Children's Hospital Los Angeles Children's Hospital of Michigan Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Children's of Alabama Memorial Health Dwaine and Cynthia Willett Children's Hospital of Savannah Nicklaus Children's Hospital Texas Children's Hospital UCI Health Hyundai's partnership with Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) also includes LA Street Smarts events to promote pedestrian safety. LA Street Smarts uses a mobile, life-size set with traffic signals and interactive features to educate children about street hazards and proper safety techniques. The set is brought to elementary schools, trade shows, and other events to raise awareness among leaders and advocates in traffic safety and the public. Hyundai Motor America, Genesis Motor America, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, and Genesis Inspiration Foundation collectively received four additional Honorable Mentions across various categories. Ragan's Zenith Awards honor the most outstanding achievements in internal and external communications, spotlighting the campaigns, initiatives, people and teams that elevate brands, engage audiences and move organizations forward. Winners were celebrated at the Zenith Awards Gala on November 12, in Austin, Texas, where communicators from across industries gathered to recognize excellence and innovation in the field. Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com. Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok SOURCE Hyundai Motor America NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jones Walker LLP is pleased to announce the addition of 12 associates to the firm. The firm welcomes the following new associates: Jones Walker is pleased to announce the addition of 12 associates to the firm. Erin N. Alpandinar is an associate in the Litigation Practice Group and a member of the commercial disputes team in the Baton Rouge office. Before joining Jones Walker, Erin served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge David C. Joseph for the US District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. She earned her JD from LSU's Paul M. Hebert Law Center, graduating with Order of the Coif honors. While earning her law degree, Erin was editor-in-chief of the Journal of Energy Law and Resources, in which she was also a published author. Erin received multiple awards on her academic merits, including CALI awards for Excellence in Legal Traditions and Systems, Administration of Criminal Justice, Evidence, Immigration Law, Fourteenth Amendment, Federal Courts, and Successions. Harrison A. Bond is an associate in the Corporate Practice Group in the New Orleans office, where he advises clients on a broad range of corporate law, transactional, governance, and related matters. He earned his JD from Tulane University Law School, where he graduated with Order of the Coif honors. While in law school, Harrison served as managing editor of the Tulane Law Review and interned in the New Orleans office of a national private equity firm. He also earned his MBA from Tulane, where he graduated first in his class. Prior to law school, Harrison was the executive assistant to the CEO of a hospitality group in New Orleans. Stephen M. Capella is an associate in the Corporate Practice Group in the New Orleans office, where he represents private and public companies, institutional investors, and other firm clients in a wide range of corporate and commercial law matters, including commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory matters. He is also a member of the power generation and transmission team. Prior to his legal career, Stephen was a commissioned officer in the US Navy, where he served as a nuclear submarine warfare officer and qualified as a naval nuclear engineering officer. Claire A. Dinwiddie is an associate in the Labor & Employment Practice Group in the New Orleans office. Claire's research and experience include matters in labor and employment law, insurance law, personal injury law, and medical malpractice. While earning her law degree, Claire served as the managing editor of Loyola Law Review and chair of Moot Court. Claire also received Best Comment for Loyola Law Review and Best Petitioner Brief Award as the team brief-writer/oralist in the National Criminal Procedure Competition. Anh T.P. Do is an associate in the Corporate Practice Group in the New Orleans office, where she advises clients on a broad range of corporate law, governance, transactional, and related matters. Prior to joining Jones Walker, Anh worked as a summer associate at the firm, where she drafted and reviewed corporate documents, including nondisclosure agreements and master service agreements, and assisted with contract negotiations. While earning her JD from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, Anh also served as a judicial extern to Judge Nanette J. Brown of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and worked as a research assistant for Professor James Etienne Viator. Madelyn C. Graves is an associate in the Litigation Practice Group and a member of the energy litigation team in the New Orleans office. She graduated summa cum laude from LSU's Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where she earned 16 CALI Awards for Excellence and induction into the Order of the Coif. While in law school, Madelyn served as a research assistant to Professor John Church, tutored students in Administration of Criminal Justice, Constitutional Law, and Tort Law, and participated in advocacy programs such as the Ira S. Flory Mock Trial Competition and the Vinson & Elkins Trial Advocacy Program. In addition to her legal work, Madelyn has supported a number of organizations in her community, such as Habitat for Humanity and the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Blaine G. Jacob is an associate in the Corporate Practice Group in the Baton Rouge office, where he advises private and public companies, institutional investors, and other firm clients on a broad range of corporate law, governance, transactional, and related matters. He also has experience in a wide range of real estate acquisitions, leases, and related transactions. Blaine earned his JD magna cum laude from LSU's Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he served as a senior editor of the Louisiana Law Review, Volume 85, in which he was also a published author. Dillon M. Knight is an associate in the Corporate Practice Group in the New Orleans office, where he advises clients on a broad range of corporate law, governance, transactional, and real estate matters. While earning his JD from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, Dillon served as articles editor of the Loyola Law Review. He was also an oralist and a brief writer for Loyola's Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court team and worked as a research assistant for Professor Monica Hof Wallace. Prior to attending law school, Dillon worked as a land development civil engineer for a national engineering firm, designing single-family, multifamily, commercial, and industrial real estate development projects. Alison (Ali) M. Odermann is an associate in the Maritime Practice Group and a member of the litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution team in the New Orleans office. Ali earned her JD cum laude from Tulane University Law School, where she also achieved a Certificate in Maritime Law. She received the Judge John R. Brown Award, presented annually by the Maritime Law Center at Tulane Law School, as the outstanding candidate for the juris doctor degree in maritime law. While earning her law degree, Ali served as the editor-in-chief of the Tulane Maritime Law Journal and on the Tulane Moot Court Board. She also served as a legal intern at the Center for Mariner Advocacy and as a law clerk at the Tulane Legal Assistant Program. Salome A. Rivera is an associate in the Litigation Practice Group and a member of the bankruptcy and restructuring team in the Houston office. Before joining the firm as an associate, Salome gained early experience at Jones Walker as a law clerk for the bankruptcy and restructuring team during her third year of law school. Her background also includes experience in immigration law through clerkships with a nonprofit organization and a national immigration firm. Salome earned her JD from Tulane University Law School, where she was a member of the Tulane Law Review, served as the senior associate editor of Volume 99, and was published in the journal. In addition, Salome served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Dana M. Douglas of the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Madelyn Street is an associate in the Corporate Practice Group in the Birmingham office, where she primarily represents clients in real estate and affordable housing transactions. Madelyn's experience includes drafting and reviewing a variety of corporate and transactional documents such as demand letters and corporate resolutions. She also regularly assists with real estate due diligence, such as reviewing title commitments, surveys, and other related materials. Camille R. Webre is an associate in the Litigation Practice Group and a member of the commercial disputes team in the Baton Rouge office. Prior to joining Jones Walker, Camille served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable S. Maurice Hicks, Jr., at the US District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in Shreveport. She also was an extern to Chief Judge Shelly Dick at the US District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. While earning her JD cum laude, Camille was the online articles editor of the Journal of Energy Law and Resources, in which she was also a published author. Camille received multiple awards for academic merit and was a top-two finalist in the Tullis Moot Court Competition in 2022, where she also earned second place for best appellate brief and third place for best individual oralist. About Jones Walker Jones Walker LLP ( joneswalker.com ) is among the largest 140 law firms in the United States. With offices in Alabama, Arizona, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, and Texas, we serve local, regional, national, and international business interests. The firm is committed to providing a comprehensive range of legal services to major multinational public and private corporations, Fortune 500 companies, money center banks, worldwide insurers, and emerging companies doing business in the United States and abroad. Contact : Savannah Kirk 225.248.3435 [email protected] SOURCE Jones Walker LLP When it comes to motorcycles, one might expect Harley-Davidson, an American icon, to be outselling all other brands in the United States, but the Milwaukee-based automaker isn't even selling the second most. The top-selling motorcycle manufacturer is none other than the maker of the 2025 Ninja 1100SX, Kawasaki, with Honda, another Japan-based automaker, trailing. A 14% Year-over-Year boost in sales catapulted Kawasaki ahead of Honda by the middle of 2025. Honda is accustomed to leading the pack among major motorcycle brands and even posted outstanding numbers at the beginning of 2025, with a 3% uptick from last year, but it wasn't enough to outsell Kawasaki's green machines. By the time Honda lost its top position, its sales were down by 8%. The Americas are the only two regions where Kawasaki is doing really well. On a global scale, the brand's sales have been down. In Southeast Asia, which makes up around 40% of Kawasaki's market, sales were down by roughly 15% for the first half of 2025. In Europe, on the other hand, it was only down about 1.5%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 13 Of The Best-Handling Harley-Davidsons Ever Made Which Kawasaki motorcycles are selling well? Rider driving a Kawasaki motorcycle on a road. - Brandon Woyshnis/Getty Images Kawasaki's dirt bikes are a big draw in the competitive arena, but it was the brand's Ninja sportbike and Vulcan cruiser that put it ahead in U.S. sales. Kawasaki's Vulcan S is a favorite among beginners due to its smooth ride, easy handling, full adjustability to fit just about any rider of any height, and classic roadster look. For those a little more seasoned than beginner riders, there's the Vulcan 900, which has been a favorite for nearly 20 years. The Ninja name is well-known even to non-riders, so it should be no surprise that the Ninja 400 has been the superstar for Kawasaki this past year. It's a common purchase for beginners and seasoned riders alike, and it makes for a good track bike thanks to its nimbleness. Though 600cc to 1000cc bikes don't see as much love as they once did, Kawasaki's ZX-6R put up good enough numbers to get a 2026 model, and if Kawasaki wants to maintain its standing, it's going to have to build on what has been working. Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. California Capital Chapter of the PRSA recognizes Merlot Marketing with 6 awards for outstanding client storytelling SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA CCC) hosted its 11th Annual Influence Awards on October 16, 2025, at Vizcaya Sacramento. The evening brought together some of the region's most talented communications professionals to honor exceptional creativity, storytelling, and results across 18 categories. Emceed by Emmy Awardwinning producer and journalist Carolina Estrada, the celebration spotlighted 84 standout campaigns representing the very best of Sacramento's thriving communications community. The Merlot Marketing team accepts 6 awards for outstanding client work, including an Influence Award in the Special Events category for Empava at the 2025 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. Merlot Marketing was among the agencies recognized for its outstanding work, earning an Influence Award in the Special Events category for "Empava KBIS 2025," a campaign that brought the client's brand story to life on one of the industry's biggest stages. The agency also received multiple Merit Awards, including honors in the Audiovisual category for the "Delta Regional Monitoring Program (DRMP)," Collateral Materials/Publications for "CAHP Credit Union: Bank with the Badges," Internal Communication Campaigns for "Sac Sewer Media Training," and Media Relations for both "NaturVetAll-in-One Multivitamin" and "Swedencare Crunchy Dental Bites." Together, these recognitions highlight Merlot's commitment to strategy, storytelling, and results that move brands from good to great. "Our team pours heart, hustle, and teamwork into everything we do," said Debi Hammond, Founder + CEO of Merlot Marketing. "These awards are not just a reflection of our creativity; they represent the trust our clients place in us to help tell their stories in ways that inspire connection and deliver measurable impact. When our clients win, we win, and that's what drives us every day." Looking ahead, Merlot Marketing remains committed to its mission of delivering passion, creativity, and results to every client, anchored by its proprietary REDiscover process: a proven framework that blends insight, creativity, and passion to capture both the mind and the heart. Whether supporting partners in the home and building space or expanding into new industries, Merlot continues to deliver integrated campaigns that make a lasting impression. The agency's culture of fearless innovation ensures one thing: the best is yet to come. About Merlot Marketing Promoting brands throughout North America and Canada for more than 20 years, Merlot Marketing is an award-winning, national marketing agency specializing in consumer goods and the home and building products category. In 2022, Merlot Marketing was named Influential Agency of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and is a proud member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Services include public relations (PR.0), brand strategy, social media, advertising and digital communications. Discover the agency's passion, creativity and results at https://merlotmarketing.com. SOURCE Merlot Marketing Inc Organizations should prepare for a surge in ransomware attacks during holidays, weekends, and major corporate events, when cybersecurity staffing is its weakest. HOBOKEN, N.J. , Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Semperis, a leading provider of AI-powered identity security and cyber resilience, today released results from a global ransomware study underscoring that the majority of ransomware attacks continue to occur on holidays and weekends, when cybersecurity staffing is reduced. In addition, the study shows ransomware groups also intensify their attacks during corporate material business events, including mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, and layoffs, to exploit organizational disruption and reduced security focus. "Threat actors continue to take advantage of reduced cybersecurity staffing on holidays and weekends to launch ransomware attacks. Vigilance during these times is more critical than ever because the persistence and patience attackers have can lead to long lasting business disruptions," said Chris Inglis, the first U.S. National Cyber Director and Semperis Strategic Advisor. "In addition, corporate material events such as mergers and acquisitions often create distractions and ambiguity in governance and accountabilityexactly the environment ransomware groups thrive on." The report, titled 2025 Holiday Ransomware Risk Report, found that 52% of surveyed organizations in the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Singapore, Canada, Australia and New Zealand were targeted on holidays or weekends. Alarmingly, 78% of companies cut security operation center (SOC) staffing by 50% or more, during holidays and weekends, while 6% cut their SOC staffing entirely during these same times. 60% of attacks occurred following an IPO, merger or acquisition, or round of layoffs. Key Ransomware Report Findings Reasons for reducing SOC staffing on holidays and weekends. 62% of organizations want to provide employees with work/life balance, 47% reported their business is closed on holidays and weekends and 29% did not think they would be attacked. Ransomware gangs will attack during corporate material events. 60% of ransomware attacks took place after a material corporate event and of those attacked after such an event, 54% of companies reported being targeted following a merger or acquisition. ITDR plans prioritize detection over response and recovery. Identity threat detection and response (ITDR) plans gain traction, with 90% of respondents reporting that their plans detect identity system vulnerabilities. However, only 45% of plans include remediation procedures, and only 63% automate identity system recovery. The full ransomware study, which includes breakdowns of responses by vertical market and by country, is available at: https://www.semperis.com/ransomware-holiday-risk-report For more information about how Semperis helps global organizations improve cyber resilience, visit the Semperis Identity Resilience Platform page: at https://www.semperis.com/identity-resilience-platform/. About Semperis Semperis protects critical enterprise identity services for security teams charged with defending hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Purpose-built for securing hybrid identity environmentsincluding Active Directory, Entra ID, and OktaSemperis' AI-powered technology protects over 100 million identities from cyberattacks, data breaches, and operational errors. As part of its mission to be a force for good, Semperis offers a variety of cyber community resources, including the award-winning Hybrid Identity Protection (HIP) Conference, HIP Podcast, and free identity security tools Purple Knight and Forest Druid. Semperis is a privately owned, international company headquartered in Hoboken, New Jersey, supporting the world's biggest brands and government agencies, with customers in more than 40 countries. Learn more: https://www.semperis.com Follow us: Blog / LinkedIn / X / Facebook / YouTube Media Contact: Bill Keeler Senior Director, PR & Comms Semperis [email protected] SOURCE Semperis Wampanoag Member John Marcellino of Tribal Fire and HHG President Tim McNamara of Mayflower Descent Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Modern Alliance MASHPEE, Mass., Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Holistic Health Group, Inc., operating as Suncrafted, has forged a partnership with Tribal Fire, a local cannabis delivery service on Cape Cod, to introduce the first licensed Native American cannabis product brand on the East Coast. This collaboration seeks to provide customers with the opportunity to support members of the Wampanoag Tribe, a native Massachusetts community with over 3,000 members, directly through the purchase of cannabis products. The initial product line includes flower, pre-rolls, and vape cartridges. Suncrafted's McNamara and Tribal Fire's Marcellino Display Their Product Collaboration and a Traditional Peace Pipe during Thanksgiving Week at the 17th Century English Village in Plimoth. Suncrafted flower grown exclusively for Tribal Fire Customers of Tribal Fire can now place orders for these products directly from the company's menu. In the coming months, the brand aims to expand its reach by selling in dispensaries throughout the state. Visit the Tribal Fire website to view its product offerings. Tribal Fire chose Suncrafted as a partner due to the company's dedication to the sustainable production of cannabis, an industry often criticized for wasteful and energy intensive practices. Suncrafted employs natural methods in its operations, including the use of local cranberries, which aligns well with the Wampanoag brand's deep respect for the earth and its annual celebration of the cranberry harvest. Suncrafted's commitment to sustainability and natural production methods, including the use of local cranberries, perfectly aligns with the Wampanoag Tribe's reverence for the earth. "This collaboration allows us to offer a unique product," said John Marcellino, Founder of Tribal Fire, "that not only benefits our customers but also honors the ancient traditions and values of the Wampanoag people." The development of this product line was inspired by the spiritual connection shared by the leaders of both companies to the land of the Wampanoag Tribe, its vast forests, and abundant coastline. Their shared bond led them to create a brand rooted in spirituality and honoring the ancient philosophies of the Wampanoag Tribe. Here are some key aspects of this partnership: Sustainable Production: Suncrafted's commitment to environmentally friendly practices sets it apart in the cannabis industry. Suncrafted's commitment to environmentally friendly practices sets it apart in the cannabis industry. Community Support: Purchasing these products directly supports members of the Wampanoag Tribe. Purchasing these products directly supports members of the Wampanoag Tribe. Cultural Reverence: The brand honors the traditions and values of the Wampanoag people. The brand honors the traditions and values of the Wampanoag people. Product Availability: Currently available through Tribal Fire delivery, with plans for wider distribution. Here are some of the benefits of this partnership: Provides economic opportunities for the Wampanoag Tribe. Offers consumers a way to support sustainable and ethical cannabis production. Celebrates the cultural heritage of the Wampanoag people. Introduces a unique and spiritually inspired brand to the cannabis market. The collaboration between Suncrafted and Tribal Fire represents a meaningful step towards sustainability, community support, and cultural recognition within the cannabis industry. For more information about the Tribal Fire/HHG partnership, the people and products involved visit Suncrafted cannabis here . Media Contact: For tours or press inquiries email: [email protected] or call 1-833-SUNCRAFT x 100 Holistic Health Group, Inc. d/b/a Suncrafted is a vertically integrated, licensed cannabis producer and distributor for the medical and adult use cannabis markets throughout partner dispensaries in Massachusetts. Its company store serves as a model for its "grow to zero" goal, targeting zero waste through the entire plant life cycle, including sales in reusable containers at its deli-style counter. HHG's operations also highlight best practices in the industry; using sunlight in greenhouse and outdoor cultivation, a tissue culture lab for propagation and genetics library, and solventless live rosin concentrates that win awards year after year. The company's unique edible gummy "Sunnies" are just as noteworthy, made with locally sourced fruit and winning #1 best gummy at the New England Cannabis Convention in Boston in 2024 and 2025. HHG also leads the Massachusetts medical market in production of fast acting noncombustible non-vaping cannabis products. SOURCE Holistic Health Group, Inc. VERO BEACH, Fla., Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Watercrest Senior Living Group proudly announces that Sage Park Austin has been prestigiously recognized by U.S. News & World Report earning "Best in Nursing Homes/Short Term Rehabilitation" in the 2025-26 Best Senior Living Communities Report. Sage Park Austin earned an impressive score of 5.0 out of 5.0 in overall ratings. U.S. News & World Report Honors Sage Park Austin as Best in Nursing Homes/Short Term Rehabilitation. Watercrest Senior Living was awarded operational management of the community in August 2025. Watercrest Senior Living Group was recently awarded management of the senior living community formerly known as Juniper Village at Spicewood Summit located in Austin, Texas. As of August 1st, Watercrest Senior Living has stepped in to provide operational leadership of the community under new management and launched the brand repositioning to Sage Park Austin. This expansion broadens Watercrest Senior Living operations across the Southeast into Texas and includes the launch of two additional communities rebranded as Sage Park San Antonio and Sage Park Guadalupe. The U.S. News & World Report distinction places Sage Park Austin among the exclusive 19% of nursing homes nationally to earn the "High Performance" rating, the highest possible achievement. Sage Park Austin rated as high performing in both staffing and processes with additional achievements in healthy outcomes. "Since the transition to the Watercrest family of communities, the Sage Park Austin team has risen to the occasion to ensure accountability and exceed expectations in honoring our seniors with the highest level of care and dedication," says Marc Vorkapich, principal and chief executive officer of Watercrest Senior Living Group. "To be named the Best in Nursing Homes/Short Term Rehabilitation, and to be amongst the nation's top tier performers, is truly a testament to the outstanding team in place at Sage Park Austin." Best Nursing Homes ratings are based on U.S. News's in-depth analysis of publicly available data, including information that is not factored into the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings. Unlike the CMS star ratings, the U.S. News ratings recognize that patients undergoing relatively short-term rehabilitation have very different needs from those who require longer-term care. Founded by Marc Vorkapich, CEO, and Joan Williams, CFO, Watercrest Senior Living Group is unique in their growth mindset, modeling servant leadership and exceptional standards of customer service within every level of the organization. Watercrest associates champion a culture which nurtures relationships in the interest of acting as trusted advisors. By continuously investing in these servant hearts, Watercrest develops value-centered leaders who deliver personalized service. Sage Park Austin offers assisted living, short term rehabilitation, and long-term skilled care with signature programming designed to achieve personal wellness and healthy aging. The Sage Park Wellness Department is focused on prevention, healing, and care specific to the unique needs of each resident, helping them to live life to their fullest. Residents enjoy Watercrest's signature Live Exhilarated programming, featuring a dynamic calendar of activities and outings, 3 Chef-prepared meals daily with restaurant style dining, and an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) tailored by care specialists for each resident's personal needs. The community is conveniently located at 4401 Spicewood Springs Road in a peaceful area of northwest Austin with easy access to St. David's North Austin Medical Center, Ascension Seton Northwest Hospital, and a multitude of physicians and medical providers. To schedule a tour, contact the community at 737-530-7729. About Watercrest Senior Living Group Watercrest Senior Living Group was founded to honor our mothers and fathers, aspiring to become a beacon for quality in senior living by surpassing standards of care, service and associate training. Watercrest senior living communities are recognized for their luxury aesthetic, exceptional amenities, world-class care, and innovative memory care programming offering unparalleled service to seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. An eight-time certified Great Place to Work, Watercrest specializes in the development and operations of assisted living and memory care communities and the growth of servant leaders. For information, visit www.watercrestseniorliving.com. SOURCE Watercrest Senior Living Group TULSA, Okla., Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For students aspiring to launch their own businesses, The University of Tulsa offers one of the best programs for entrepreneurship studies in North America and Europe, according to The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine. The annual ranking project, now in its 20th year, names the top 50 undergraduate and top 50 graduate schools for entrepreneurship studies based on data derived from a survey conducted by The Princeton Review. On the ranking lists for 2026, UTulsa's entrepreneurship program in the Collins College of Business is No. 42 on the undergraduate list and the only one in Oklahoma. The Princeton Review also ranks schools within regions, specifically International, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, South, Southwest and West. UTulsa's entrepreneurship program is ranked No. 6 on the Southwest undergraduate list and No. 6 for universities with fewer than 10,000 students. The Princeton Review chose top schools based on a 2025 survey of administrators at nearly 300 schools offering entrepreneurship courses and programs in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. The ranking methodology considered more than 40 data points covering academics, faculty and student information, mentorship support, funding and alumni entrepreneurship venture creation. UTulsa's entrepreneurship ecosystem has gained strong national traction in recent years. Enrollment in entrepreneurship courses has surged by more than 400%. In 2024, the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship was named Outstanding Emerging Entrepreneurship Center by the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers. The annual Hurricane Pitch Competition draws dozens of interdisciplinary teams to compete for $25,000 in funding. Student startups emerging from these programs continue to launch, scale and enter national competitions and accelerators. UTulsa teams have advanced to national stages including SXSW, the Regnier Venture Creation Challenge, TCU's Values & Ventures and Love's Entrepreneurs Cup, collectively raising more than $885,000 since 2023. Hurricane Ventures has invested more than $900,000 in UTulsa early-stage startups, and those companies have raised a combined $53 million in VC funding. "Tulsa has become a destination city for entrepreneurs. Named an EDA Tech Hub in 2023, the city is now positioned to be one of catalysts for entrepreneurship in the U.S.," said UTulsa's Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Director Chris Wright. "Whether creating novel technologies to detect skin cancer, digitizing receipts and transactions or developing novel processes to create renewable hydrogen energy, our student and alumni founders are changing the world." SOURCE The University of Tulsa Graphic via Liam McGuire Taking to social media on Sunday, Jordon Hudson indicated that shes planning on suing Pablo Torre. And at least one of the Pablo Torre Finds Out hosts colleagues at Meadowlark Media hopes she follows through. Just a quick message to you, Jordon: bring it, David Samson said on Mondays episode of Nothing Personal with David Samson. I cant wait to read what law firm of Dewey Cheatham and Howe Inc. is going to represent you in some sort of defamation case and how you will crawl over the Supreme Court cases that say that what Pablo defamation? Hes barely been descriptive for crying out loud. Youve got another worry there, Jordon. Your boyfriends had such a bad season at North Carolina, he might be one and done, which is what we all said anyway. And that means you may be at 14 minutes and counting, forgetting the arguments that you go ahead and leak to the New York Post and all the stuff you think is going on with the Belichick family. The fact of the matter is, Miss Hudson, its over. Literally. So to the extent that you want to extend it by filing a lawsuit, please do me a favor and do it. It would make me so happy. Samsons comments come in reference to an Instagram post from Hudson, which she captioned, P.S., Im suing you @pstorre. While its unclear what the basis of the 24-year-olds lawsuit would be, Torre has dedicated multiple episode of his Meadowlark Media podcast to examining the Hudsons relationship with Bill Belichick and her alleged influence within the North Carolina program. Torre responded to Hudsons social media threat by downplaying it, joking that he took it as confirmation that she wouldnt be accepting his open invitation to appear on Pablo Torre Finds Out. Samson also said that he spoke to the ex-ESPN writer about the threat, which he said Torre literally laughed off. And then we started talking about 14 other episodes of Pablo Torre Finds Out that are even more exciting, he said. Get ready. 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 It's been four year since she left us. Memories ca... News / Agriculture by Gideon Madzikatidze HARARE - Leading seed distributor SEEDCO has raised alarm over the rampant sale of counterfeit seeds, warning that despite partnerships with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Ministry of Agriculture, efforts to curb the illegal trade have been undermined by weak deterrent sentences under the current Seed Act.Stakeholders at the Zimbabwe Seed Association event held at SEEDCO headquarters called for urgent amendment of the Seed Act to strengthen penalties against offenders.Edmore Mtetwa, head of the Seed Services Institute (Ministry of Agriculture), said the Attorney General's Office is assisting in reviewing regulations."The Ministry is being assisted by the Attorney General's Office in continuously reviewing our regulations (Seed Act), and the issue of penalties is also there," Mtetwa said.The ZRP has urged farmers to buy only from accredited retailers and report suspicious activities. However, counterfeiters continue to imitate SEEDCO's varieties, threatening food security and farmer livelihoods.National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi admitted inconsistencies in prosecution and sentencing of syndicates involved in the scam."We can't continue to have this problem year in, year out. We need deterrent sentences - people must go to jail. These criminals are duping innocent farmers and companies are losing revenue," Nyathi said.He stressed that the police will work closely with the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, and the Attorney General's Office to ensure sentencing structures are reviewed.SEEDCO has previously suffered losses, including an armed robbery last year, underscoring the sophistication of the syndicates. Counterfeit seeds - often sold at half price - are difficult to distinguish from genuine products, leading to poor crop yields and financial losses across the agricultural sector.SEEDCO Managing Director Felistus Gurajena noted that while the company has established distribution centres with uniform pricing to help farmers identify genuine products, fraudsters are becoming increasingly clever. News / Education by Stephen Jakes HARARE - Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo has assured Parliament that Zimbabwe has not experienced any examination leakages since 2023, dismissing persistent rumours circulating this year.Responding to questions from senators, Moyo clarified that the last recorded leakage occurred in 2022, after which the ministry tightened security systems and strengthened examination management processes."From 2023 to 2025, we never had any leakages. We tightened our security systems and managed examination processes. We have tabled the ZIMSEC Bill this week on Tuesday and I presented the Second Reading Stage," Moyo said.He added that the Third Reading Stage will soon be brought before the Senate, with the Bill seeking to impose custodial sentences ranging from two to ten years for anyone involved in examination leakages.Moyo further explained that Examination Centres found complicit in leakages will face penalties, including withholding of results or deregistration."There will be an Appeals Committee so that if ZIMSEC recommends deregistration, a director of a centre can appeal to the regulator, which is the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education," he said.The minister also highlighted measures to curb impersonation, where individuals masquerade as candidates, stressing that new systems will ensure such practices come to an end. News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwe's police force is grappling with a growing accommodation crisis, with hundreds of officers and their families reportedly living in overcrowded, single-room quarters at stations and camps across the country. In many instances, officers have converted canteens, bars, and storage rooms into makeshift homes to avoid renting outside the camps, citing unaffordable salaries.A leaked internal memorandum revealed that the police board of trustees expressed concern over the widespread misuse of mess facilities, which were originally intended to temporarily house recruits, transferred officers, and personnel on short-term assignments. Instead, many officers have turned these spaces into permanent residences, sharing makeshift "apartments" created by partitioning dysfunctional canteens and bars with curtains or cardboard. Families are reportedly crammed into these improvised living spaces under undignified conditions.A NewsDay survey at one police station highlighted the poor state of ablution facilities, with leaking pipes, cracked floors, and toilets and showers that barely function. Many residents have been forced to rely on buckets due to lack of running water, raising serious hygiene concerns.In response to the situation, the police board has introduced a US$100 monthly fee for officers residing permanently in mess facilities, effective December 1, 2025. Officers are also charged for three meals per day, regardless of whether they eat, unless they notify the caterer in advance. The directive aims to decongest mess facilities and ensure proper usage.National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that mess facilities were intended for temporary accommodation only and stressed that they were never meant for family housing. "Police messes do not have permanent residents. It's temporary for transferred members or those doing special duties, while modalities for them to get permanent residence are being sorted out," he said. Nyathi added that upkeep fees have always been required, but the new charges are a formalisation of the policy.Some officers, however, view the fees as punitive. One officer, earning US$260 a month, said, "The US$100 monthly mess fee, plus the daily food subscription, will consume nearly all my salary. That leaves me with nothing for other expenses for the upkeep of my family. It feels like we are being evicted indirectly."The accommodation crisis underscores long-standing challenges within Zimbabwe's police force, including insufficient housing provisions and low salaries, leaving many officers struggling to provide suitable living conditions for their families. News / National by Staff reporter The Public Service Commission (PSC) has reassured government employees that the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies will not lead to job losses, emphasizing that the modernization of the civil service is aimed at enhancing efficiency, not replacing workers.Speaking at a public lecture at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) in Bulawayo, PSC chairperson Dr Vincent Hungwe outlined the Commission's vision for a smarter, more responsive public service. The lecture, attended by Nust Vice Chancellor Professor Mqhele Dlodlo, lecturers, and students, focused on "Integrating Digital Governance and AI in Co-Creating a Smart Public Service.""With over 172,000 workers, the Zimbabwean public service is the backbone of national development. Our goal is to empower civil servants, not replace them," Dr Hungwe said. "Artificial Intelligence will handle repetitive data tasks, freeing up our public servants to do what machines cannot show empathy, exercise judgment, and provide the human touch."Dr Hungwe said the public service of the future will be human-centred, anticipatory, and frictionless. He described a system where AI predicts and prevents social issues, such as teenage pregnancies or substance abuse, by dispatching social workers proactively. By eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks, the initiative aims to reduce corruption and put services directly in the hands of citizens.The lecture marked PSC's 11th engagement with universities across the country, reflecting the Commission's commitment to bridging academia and governance through digital innovation. Dr Hungwe highlighted the role of Nust students and researchers in driving Zimbabwe's digital transformation, stressing that the public service must now evolve from a recruitment-focused entity to a vanguard of digital innovation.He also underscored the importance of developing graduates with practical skills, including coding, data analysis, and community engagement, to meet the demands of a modern, technologically driven public sector."Your vision will create a Government where applying for a passport, a business licence, or social support is as simple as a few taps on a phone. We must move from reactive service delivery to predictive, preventative governance," Dr Hungwe said.Dr Hungwe, who also chairs several other constitutional commissions including the Health Service Commission, Police Service Commission, Prisons and Correctional Service Commission, and Defence Forces Service Commission, emphasized that integrating AI and digital governance will define Zimbabwe's public service over the next five years and position the country to compete globally in service delivery and administration. News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwe is set to enjoy lower bread prices following a record-breaking wheat harvest of 640,000 tonnes, the largest in the country's history. The Government says the unprecedented yield will stabilise food prices, strengthen national food security, and position Zimbabwe as a potential regional wheat supplier for the first time.The Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) reported that 122,566 hectares of wheat were planted during this year's winter season, the highest since independence. Of this area, 122,107 hectares have been harvested, yielding an average of 5.2 tonnes per hectare. Only 208 hectares were lost, mainly due to veld fires.Zimbabwe requires 360,000 tonnes of wheat annually for local bread and flour production, meaning the current harvest has created a surplus capable of supplying neighbouring markets. Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the milestone reflects the ongoing transformation of the country's agricultural sector."Never in the country's history have we reached over 600,000 tonnes, but this year we are going to hit over 640,000 tonnes. With this abundance, wheat-based products - bread included - must now start to reduce in price," Prof Jiri said.Bread in Zimbabwe currently retails between US$1 and US$1.20 depending on type. Prof Jiri noted that the improved local supply, combined with falling global fertiliser prices, has lowered production costs for millers and bakers, paving the way for reduced prices for consumers.Champion Foods marketing manager Sheunopa Ruwanza welcomed the harvest, saying it would stabilise the wheat value chain and result in better-quality products and fairer pricing. Mega Market managing director Shiraan Ahmed added that the US$10 per tonne levy under Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025 applies only to maize imports, not wheat, which has reassured the industry and reinforced price stability.The bulk of this year's output came from Mashonaland West, Central, and East, which contributed 474,638 tonnes combined. Midlands produced 60,586 tonnes, Manicaland 53,349 tonnes, while Matebeleland North, South, and Masvingo posted steady harvests to push the national total past all previous records.The Government attributes the success of the Winter Wheat Programme a public-private partnership as well as expanded irrigation, mechanisation support, reliable power for pumping, and strong participation from smallholder farmers, for the historic yield. Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube recently highlighted that the initiative has secured national self-sufficiency and significantly reduced Zimbabwe's reliance on imported wheat.Chief agronomist and ARDA board chairman Ivan Craig noted that newly developed local wheat varieties are now matching or outperforming imported hard wheat, traditionally preferred by millers. He called for pricing incentives to encourage farmers to adopt these improved varieties, which would further enhance national wheat quality and reduce the need for imported wheat.With irrigation expansion continuing and smallholder farmers playing an increasing role, Zimbabwe is now positioned not only to maintain self-sufficiency but also to become a regional wheat powerhouse, supplying both the nation and neighbouring countries. News / National by Staff reporter A 3-kilometre stretch along Bulawayo's Old Gwanda Road has turned into an illegal dumping site, with construction companies and rogue operators discarding rubble, plastic, metals, and other waste along the route. The road, which leads to King Mzilikazi's Mhlahlandlela Royal Palace, now resembles an unofficial landfill.Residents report that construction companies from Hillside and Burnside suburbs are primarily responsible, dumping materials like concrete, bricks, wood, and plaster sand to avoid paying landfill fees at the Richmond Ngozi Mine. Vendors along nearby Bangcwele Shops said trucks often drive onto the dusty road under the cover of darkness to offload debris.Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart condemned the trend, noting that current littering fines are insufficient to deter offenders. He proposed a minimum fine of US$300 for individuals using vehicles to dump waste, arguing it would impose a "painful" enough penalty to discourage repeat offenses. Currently, fines range from US$5 to US$30, which he said are too low, especially for companies.Clr Coltart cited a recent incident where a businessman was fined just US$30 after being caught dumping litter on Cecil Avenue, saying the penalty was disproportionate to the gravity of the offence.Councilors are pushing for a review of fines and enforcement capacity. Ward Five Clr Dumisani Nkomo noted that smaller authorities like Victoria Falls impose fines of up to US$100, arguing Bulawayo should follow suit. Ward 17 Clr Sikhululekile Moyo, who chairs the Health, Housing and Education Committee, has been tasked to urgently review and recommend measures to curb the illegal dumping.Residents, meanwhile, fear the growing heaps of waste could soon become a serious health and environmental hazard if unchecked. The council's proposed 1,000% increase in fines is intended to restore order and discourage reckless dumping by both companies and individuals. A Muslim American stand-up comedian has a new gig, but this time its off-stage. She stars as the title subject in Maysoon Zayid, The Girl Who Can Can (Salaam Reads, Feb. 2026), the first installment in the Muslim Mavericks series of biographical middle grade chapter books, which aim to counteract negative Islamic stereotypes. Its also the first chapter book written by Dr. Seema Yasmin, a Muslim journalist, author and physician who was inspired to bring Zayids inspirational story to the forefront. From Stage to Page Selecting Yasmin to write about Zayid was a natural choice for the team at Salaam Reads. Senior editor Deeba Zargarpur cited her strengths and similarities to Zayid as a perfect fit. For one, she is a stereotype-shattering, inspiring Muslim maverick in her own right, Zargarpur said. With her own journalist background, Dr. Yasmin knows how to get to the heart of the story, and it shows. Yasmin was intrigued by the opportunity to interview Zayidnot only from a cultural perspective, but as a fan of her work. Maysoon is a phenomenon, she said. Ive admired her comedy for years and the way she shows up unapologetically Muslim and Palestinian. In preparation for their discussions, Yasmin absorbed Zayids previous interviews and attended her live comedy shows. Next came researching Zayids rich past, choosing which life events to relay in a style that was both age-appropriate and relatable. Yasmins career in medicine and science journalism (she teaches creative nonfiction and global health storytelling at Stanford Universitys School of Medicine) enabled her to convey Zayids background, including her struggles with cerebral palsy, with an informed voice. One critical moment in the bookZayids desire to attend the same school as her three older sistershighlighted her perception of what it means to be physically impaired. She wasnt saying specialized schools for disabled kids are inferior to other schools, Yasmin said of their conversations. She was speaking to the need for disabled kids to have agency and to be understood as unique and individual. Most of us can relate to a time when we did not feel listened to or could see that assumptions about us were being used to make decisions that could impact our future. Yasmin portrays Zayids personal struggles with a degree of universality, which embodies the goal of Muslim Mavericks as a whole. It was important to create this series for young readersboth Muslim and non-Muslimto see themselves reflected in the pages, but also to break boundaries and dream big, no matter their circumstances, Zargarpur said. Yasmin hopes that sharing Zayids life story with a larger audience offers readers a modern-day role model. Maysoon is truthful and outspoken; she speaks up because her life depends on it, because it does, she said. Her story resonates with so many readers, young and old, who have had to fight to have their voices heard and have had to struggle to be seen and included. The next installment in the Muslim Mavericks seriesalso written by Yasminwill release in fall 2026, and while its too soon to reveal the title or subject, Zargarpur offered a hint: Lace up your running shoes; were headed to the track field! TLC By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 11/23/2025 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. : Before the 90 Days' Season 8 premiere date and cast of eight new couples, including one familiar face, have been announced by TLC.TLC has announced the eighth season of : Before the 90 Days will premiere Sunday, December 7 at 8PM ET/PT.The new season of : Before the 90 Days will follow eight Americans traveling to the Philippines, Belize, Turkey, Morocco, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Australia to meet their online partners for the first time.Each American is hoping to turn a long-distance connection into a lasting commitment.The eight Americans include Elise, a bold and outspoken woman who looked for love on 90 Day: Hunt for Love earlier this year. Elise is apparently hoping to settle down with a man named Joshua from Australia.In addition to Elise, a 32-year-old from Florida, and Joshua, a 39-year-old from Australia, the show is also going to star Jovon, a 38-year-old from Alabama, and Annalyn, a 38-year-old from the Philippines.Aviva, a 26-year-old from Arizona, and Stig, a 30-year-old from Belize, will also be featured on Season 8, and they will be joined by Laura, a 47-year-old from Washington, and Birkan, a 26-year-old from Turkey, as well as Emma, a 28-year-old from California, and Ziad, a 27-year-old from Morocco.: Before the 90 Days' new season will also star Forrest, a 32-year-old from Oregon, and Sheena, a 40-year-old from the Philippines; Rick, a 52-year-old from California, and Trisha, a 25-year-old from Madagascar; and Lisa, a 51-year-old from Pennsylvania, and Daniel, a 39-year-old from Nigeria.: Before the 90 Days' new season will follow the end of : Happily Ever After?'s ninth season, which is currently airing Sunday nights on TLC."These couples are stepping into the unknown, driven by love but challenged by distance, doubt, and deep cultural divides," TLC teased."From conflicting expectations and family pressure to hidden pasts and even surveillance-level possessiveness, the stakes have never been higher for these unconventional love stories."In most : Before the 90 Days cases, a pair of lovebirds are hoping to get engaged and begin the K-1 Visa process.A sneak peek of : Before the 90 Days' upcoming eighth season shows some Americans struggling to adjust to life abroad as well as drama."You're thinking about having a baby with your ex," Aviva complains to Stig."You're in a massive amount of debt. How much is it?" Laura asks Birkan.Jovon from Alabama and Annalyn from the Philippines are legally married but will be shown meeting in-person for the first time.Jovon and Annalyn's six-year online romance began on Filipino Cupid and culminated in a virtual wedding during the pandemic."But with strong personalities and very different expectations around money, lifestyle, and gender roles, their first in-person chapter as husband and wife may be far more complicated than they ever imagined," TLC teased.After meeting on social media and talking online for two years, Aviva will take a leap of faith to travel to meet her boyfriend Stig, a rapper known to his fans as Stig Da Artist, in Belize."Aviva is ready for forever, but Stig, ever popular with the ladies, has a constant swirl of rumors around him, causing Aviva and those closest to her to doubt whether he can fully commit. With trust issues looming, can their love survive the spotlight?" the network said.Laura from Washington and Birkan from Turkey found each other on social media and have a 20-year age gap. After just a few short weeks, they were already talking about marriage.Laura is a fun-loving and active romantasy novel enthusiast, and Birkan is quiet and philosophical, with a mysterious past, according to TLC.Emma from California met Ziad from Morocco on an international dating app. Emma is flying to Morocco, hoping to end the trip engaged."But she's hiding a past engagement to another Moroccan man," TLC said."And Emma may not be the only one keeping secrets, as Ziad's behavior sparks doubts, making her question whether their love story is really what it seems."After seven years of long-distance dating, Sheena from the Philippines -- who was watching Forrest's daily life in Oregon through his home security cameras -- are going to meet in person.Forrest's parents will join him on the trip to investigate the red flags, especially around Sheena's mysterious family."Their long-awaited reunion may be more tense than romantic," the network teased.Rick from California is a jack-of-all-trades and a divorced single dad who believes he's finally found the right woman to complete his family, Trisha, a "fiery midwife" from Madagascar, according to TLC."They've been planning a future together, but trust issues loom large after Trisha recently ghosted him, leaving their in-person relationship off to a rocky start."Lisa from Pennsylvania is traveling to see Daniel from Nigeria with an open heart and a colorful romantic history after the pair met on social media.But Daniel apparently doesn't know that Lisa has been married five times and spent the last 21 years living as a lesbian."Unsure whether Daniel and his conservative family will accept her past, and with questions swirling about money and trust, Lisa's shot at love this time could be her most explosive yet," TLC said.And Elise is a real estate agent from Miami who met Joshua, a yacht broker from Sydney, through Instagram. Five months later, they're ready to meet in person.But Elise has a history of broken engagements, and she doesn't want to disappoint her family again.When Elise's past is combined with Josh's thrill-seeking lifestyle, "this whirlwind romance could end in smooth sailing or a spectacular wipeout," according to the network. The World's Largest Fully Suppressed Range Day came with more firepower than ever in 2025. Circumnavigating the suppressor world is a tough road to travel. Which is why CANCON has become such an invaluable asset to this niche in the firearms world. The worlds largest fully suppressed range day a evolved into an important gateway to the fastest-growing firearms accessory on the market. And in its second year at the Clinton Plantation House in Clinton, S.C., it was an absolute quiet riot of hushed-up shooting. More shooters than ever before learned about, perused, andmost importantlyshot some of the best suppressors available today. But going hands-on with the latest and greatest quiet pipes was only one of the attractions at the keystone event. Vietnam-era attack helicopter, top-end tactical knives, survival classes and shooting competitions against seasoned veteransCANCON had something for everyone. Heres a look at the extravaganza. Clinton House Plantation If you havent been to CANCON yet, youre missing out. Not only for the top suppressors at the event, but also for the venue itself. Sprawling through the South Carolina foothills, the Clinton House Plantation range is an absolute gem in the shooting world and provides a ton of shooting lanes, a 1,000-yard range and a 1-mile range for the event. Putting on CANCON takes more than cans, shooters, and a range. It also takes nearly a metric ton of ammo to pull off. How does the event accomplish this? Not on its own. This year, Ammoman provided nearly every round sent down range, to whom the event owes a debt of gratitude. VIP Day Glen Castle showcases some of the goodies that went into the VIP bag before handing them out. Suppressors are the main attraction for most at CANCON, but those familiar with the event make sure to attend as VIPs. This status grants them early entry, first access to the range, and what is widely regarded as one of the most generous gift bags in the industry. No kidding, the gift bag has become a highlight for attendees. This year, VIP attendees walked away with: Pros Vs. Joes Shooting Competition A Joe gets on the trigger against one of our pros. A hallmark event of CANCON has become the infamous Pros vs. Joes shooting competitions, where everyday attendees pit their marksmanship skills against pro shooters. This isnt just for bragging rightsthose are on the linebut for some exceptional prizes. This year, competitors walked off with a suite of incredible gun gear put together by CANCON sponsors, including: Winners of Pros Vs. Joes included: 11:00 a.m. Maxim Defense Winner #1: Luke Baxley 11:30 a.m. Maxim Defense Winner #2: Brian Gregory 1:00 p.m. Meprolight Red Dot Optic Winner: Steven Bowman 1:30 p.m. LWRC International 9mm Rifle Winner: Devon Christie Mile Challenge Barrett had shooters pitching shots a long way at CANCON. Even with the best hardware, connecting at a mile is still a challenge. A lucky few CANCON attendees had the opportunity to try hitting at the extreme range with gear specially tailored to the job. The Barrett Mile Challenge put a .416 Barrett on the shoulder of everyday shooters, allowing them to test their skills at a mile. Even with the right equipment, not everyone was able to make the shot come ineven in the pristine conditions of a South Carolina fall. However, the few that did walked away with a token to remember their success, an absolutely solid Barrett challenge coin, struck for the event. BLADE Show Tactical Knife Show There was an endless supply of knives to peruse at the BLADE Show Tactical tent. What makes the best companion to the worlds largest suppressed range day? How about the worlds largest knife show? Well, BLADE Tactical is quite at the same scale as its big brother down in Atlantayet. However, it did offer up a ton of top-end edged tools to the suppressor-buying public. These werent just any knives, either, but some of the top names in tactical knives, such as Stroup Knives, Krein Knives, Heretic Knives, Spartan Blades and many more. The Proving Grounds A competitor steps up to the firing line at the Proving Grounds lane. Think you have the stuff to shoot and thrive under adverse conditions? The Proving Grounds put you to the test at CANCON. The long-running show partner set up their torture test smack dab in the middle of the shooting action, giving attendees the chance to test their mettle. If you missed CANCON or the Proving Grounds this time around, theyll be back around at our other shows. Furthermore, the group puts on competitions around the nation, so if you want to see if you can shoot after dragging a man-sized and weighted dummy 50 yards, check them out. 1,000-yard Range with Gunwerks The 1,000-yard range has become a mainstay at CANCON events, giving shooters the opportunity to see exactly what theyre made of. Not to mention give the some top-notch equipment the once over. This year, Gunwerks held down the fort at the range, which resulted in plenty of hits at the extreme distance. The precision rifle manufacturer is renowned in hunting circles for making nearly impossible shots come in, but this year highlights its Revic scope system. Not only is it dialled in glass, but it also integrates with a rangefinder and ballistic calculator. Offgrid Base Camp Basecamp provided a place where shooters could sharpen their shooting and survival skills. Like a small survival school tucked into the suppressor event, Base Camp was the ideal spot if you were looking to improve your skills. From packing wounds to running rifle drills were the orders of the day of the Offgrid-tent, with plenty of gear thrown in for good measure. The event within an event brought together instructors, authors and manufacturers with real-world backgrounds and training experience. This included military, special operations, wilderness survival, trauma medicine and tracking. Some of the highlights included: Alan Kaywinner of the first season of Aloneoffered survival insight in conjunction with Knives By Hand. Gorilla Medical and Tactical Rifleman teamed up to teach TCCC, carbine fundamentals, and stress management. Mountain Readiness focused on preparedness, self-reliance, and family-centered training. There was much more in the slower-paced Base Camp, but suffice to say it offered a welcome oasis for those looking to learn as well as shoot. Where To Get Suppressors Shooting suppressors is a blast, but it should extend past CANCON. One of the ideas behind the event is to help folks get an idea of what they might want for their first or 50th. And, whether you knew it or not, suppressors are simpler to get than ever beforewait times are days, and come January 2026, there will no longer be a $200 tax stamp. One of the groups helping get folks down the road to owning suppressors at the event was T&K Outdoors. With a brick-and-mortar in Spartanburg, S.C. and a large online presence, the retailer helped shooters navigate their way to suppressor ownership. Future CANCONs If you're into the quiet side of shootingprecision work, new suppressors, all that good stuffCANCON is still the main event. Seriously, it's a huge win when people show up to shoot cool guns but end up leaving with actual, valuable insight. If you missed this year, don't worry. You can find all the information and snag those tickets for CANCON 2026 right over on the event page: https://canconevent.com/ More On CANCON: News / National by Staff reporter Lawyers for Prophet Walter Magaya and his wife have criticized the State for allegedly conducting investigations through social media, insisting that their clients are prepared to face trial.Magaya and his wife are facing 13 fraud charges, while the cleric also faces separate rape charges. Their companies, Planet Africa and Yadah Connect, are jointly charged.Speaking in court on Tuesday, lead counsel Admire Rubaya said:"The accused persons are ready and the State should investigate the matter in a manner which is not prejudicial to the accused persons."The couple appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa for routine remand, and the case was postponed to December 9 to allow investigations to continue. Prosecutors requested the adjournment, stating that inquiries were still underway. Rubaya and co-counsel Malvern Mapako argued that the State should instead bring the matter to trial rather than issuing statements online.Rubaya criticized recent police statements, including one calling for victims to come forward and another alleging a US$200,000 scheme to bribe the justice system. He argued that such remarks are prejudicial:"They are busy issuing statements as if matters are won on social media There is no need for megaphone investigations."According to prosecutors, the couple allegedly misrepresented to congregants and followers that they had secured large tracts of land for residential developments in various locations, including Chishawasha, Norton, Westgate, Fern Valley (Mutare), Bulawayo, Kwekwe, Arcturus, Ruwa, Manyame, and Nyatsime. The companies allegedly collected about US$50,000 and R190,000 from prospective homeowners for stands that never materialised.Addressing the rape allegations in his bail application, Magaya dismissed them as fabricated, claiming they were orchestrated by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission:"They have misused their powers to force these two complainants into concocting all manner of allegations against me."The case continues as investigations proceed, with the next court appearance set for December 9. On Dec. 14, 2025, Athenians will have the opportunity to view the architecture and seasonal decorations of historic homes in the Boulevard historic district. As part of Historic Athens' Holiday Gala's "Boulevard in Lights, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m, with an afterparty lasting until 9 p.m., the event will also feature food and drink, caroling and a Wine & Whiskey Pull, according to an Historic Athens press release. A deep split has emerged within India's auto industry over the proposed CAFE exemption for small cars, with only Maruti Suzuki and Renault backing the move in the final SIAM vote. Kindly note the image have only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo Mercedes-Benz was neutral, Toyota was for consensus, Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) and Renault said yes, and the remaining 15 carmakers said no when asked to give their final vote on the proposal to allow a weight-based exemption for small cars under the CAFE emission norms, Business Standard has learnt. The final vote from all 19 carmakers was taken at the CEOs Council meeting of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) held on the evening of November 7. The next day, Siam submitted its final written comments to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), stating that its members have mixed views on the issue of weight-based exemption for small cars. The CAFE framework sets average carbon dioxide emission targets, measured in grams per kilometre (g/km), for each automakers overall fleet. If a company fails to meet these targets, the BEE has the power to impose hefty penalties. Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives On September 25, the BEE issued a draft of the CAFE-3 and CAFE-4 norms -- set to take effect from April 2027 for a period of 10 years -- introducing a weight-based exemption for small cars for the first time. Under this draft, petrol vehicles weighing up to 909 kg, with engine capacity below 1,200cc and length under 4,000mm, will receive an additional 3g/km deduction in their declared carbon dioxide emissions. This proposal has sharply divided the industry, a split that was evident during the CEOs Council meeting on November 7, said people familiar with the matter. At the meeting, the CEOs of 19 automakers were asked to give their final vote on three specific questions. The first was whether they agreed with the BEEs proposal to introduce a super credit or volume derogation factor (VDF) of 1.5 for flex-fuel vehicles and 2.5 for strong hybrid flex-fuel vehicles. The second was whether they supported the proposal to allow pooling of up to three automobile companies to meet their carbon dioxide emission targets. The third was whether they agreed with the proposal for an additional 3g/km carbon dioxide deduction for petrol vehicles weighing up to 909 kg. Any fuel blend containing at least 85 per cent ethanol is considered flex fuel. The VDF is a multiplier used to calculate a manufacturers fleet-average carbon dioxide emissions, allowing certain low-emission vehicles, such as strong hybrids, to be counted as more than one vehicle. This effectively lowers the fleets average emissions on paper, making compliance easier. All 19 CEOs (or their representatives) unanimously voted yes on the first two questions. But on the third question, 15 companies -- BMW, Fiat India Automobiles, Force Motors, Honda Cars, Hyundai, Isuzu Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, JSW MG Motor, Kia, Mahindra & Mahindra, Nissan Motor, Skoda Auto Volkswagen, Stellantis, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Volvo Auto -- voted no. On the third question, Mercedes-Benz was neutral, Toyota was for consensus, and MSIL and Renault voted yes, according to those familiar with the matter. According to these sources, Toyota did not cast a clear yes or no because it has no model under 909kg in its portfolio, but it is also part of a global alliance with Suzuki Motor Corporation, the parent company of MSIL, for joint development and production of certain cars, and therefore stated it would go with whatever consensus the other carmakers reached. None of the carmakers responded to Business Standards queries on this matter, which were sent last week. The newspaper also could not reach Fiat India Automobiles. Siam did not respond to the queries either. The September 25 draft of the CAFE-3 and CAFE-4 norms is not the first issued by the BEE. The agency had published an earlier draft in June 2024. Siam submitted its comments on that draft in December, seeking several changes. A few months later, Maruti Suzuki, Indias largest carmaker and the biggest seller of small cars, independently approached the BEE requesting relief for small cars through a weight-based exemption. This marked the first signs of a divide within the industry. In July 2025, a study by Nomura stated that all major automotive markets, including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea and Europe, incorporate protections for small cars under their Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) regulations because of their environmental and socio-economic value. In contrast, Indias linear weight-based CAFE framework penalises lighter vehicles with disproportionately stringent carbon dioxide targets, the study noted. This creates a structural bias where heavier vehicles with higher emissions comply easily, while small cars with lower emissions fail, Nomura said. It warned that under such a structure, lightweighting, a key decarbonisation strategy, is thus disincentivised. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff The matter has now been escalated and the ministry has written to Customs, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to investigate it thoroughly. Kindly note the image have only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Reuters Chinese steel may have been routed into the country through Nepal using forged manufacturer credentials and in quantities that Nepal cannot produce, said a senior official from the steel ministry. These are the preliminary findings of the ministry after it received complaints that steel was being imported under the name of a Chinese licence holder who had not actually supplied the consignments. Our preliminary findings showed that steel was exported to India via Nepal in quantities and grades that it simply does not have the capacity to manufacture. It indicates the material originated in China, was sent to Nepal, and then routed into India under a different origin, the official said. The matter has now been escalated and the ministry has written to Customs, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to investigate it thoroughly, he said. The official added that the government is sharpening its position in negotiations with the European Union (EU) on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is scheduled to take effect in January 2026. This could significantly affect Indias steel exports. He said India has conveyed that CBAM must take into account carbon costs already borne by Indian manufacturers, none of which are recognised by the EU at present. Whatever direct or indirect carbon costs Indian companies pay should be counted. At present, none of them are recognised by the EU, he said. These costs include the forthcoming carbon credit trading scheme (CCTS) and a range of domestic levies that effectively function as carbon charges. These are not labelled as carbon taxes but act as carbon costs such as local taxes, water-related charges and green cess. They all need to be part of the CBAM calculation if the mechanism is to be fair, he added. CCTS, the governments carbon-pricing framework that will underpin the Indian carbon market (ICM), is entering its final phase of preparation. The official said the system for the steel sector is expected to come into effect from April, with India pressing the EU to recognise it under CBAM. He also noted that the EU is reviewing some of its rules. We have heard that the EU is considering relaxing some of the CBAM conditions, though nothing formal has been communicated, he said. As it negotiates with the EU to avert export losses, the government is also preparing an easing of import-compliance rules at home. A significant overhaul of the steel import monitoring system (SIMS) is underway. While the mechanism will remain, the compliance burden will be sharply reduced. We have recommended that SIMS be retained, but the data entry fields should be substantially reduced, the official said. Small-quantity importers stand to benefit the most. They will get a single SIMS number valid for the entire year. They can import up to 10 tonnes per consignment, capped at 1,000 tonnes annually, he said. Export-linked units such as special economic zones (SEZs), export-oriented units (EOUs) and advance authorisation holders will receive similar year-long approvals. They, too, will get one SIMS number for the whole year, he added. Beyond trade and compliance, the ministry is reshaping its approach to stainless steel. The industry has approached the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) seeking relief on rising imports after the recent levy on steel from Vietnam excluded stainless steel. The official said the matter is complicated by the market structure, where one major producer holds a dominant share and seeks protection, while several user industries depend heavily on imports. To address these competing positions, the upcoming National Steel Policy will include a dedicated chapter on stainless steel for the first time. This policy shift aligns with efforts to strengthen the stainless-steel ecosystem, including Steel Authority of India Ltds (SAILs) plans to expand its Salem plant. The unit is preparing to scale up output. Their installed capacity is about 350,000 tonnes, but production last year was around 150,000-160,000 tonnes. They first aim to utilise the full capacity and then scale up to one million tonnes annually, the official said. To support this expansion, the plant is also planning to import intermediate stainless steel raw material to reduce its dependence on scrap. Raw material pressures continue to weigh on the sector. India imports nearly 90 per cent of its coking coal -- a critical input -- mainly from Australia. To reduce this dependence, public sector firms are examining potential overseas asset acquisitions for long-term security besides diversifying coal sources to the US and Russia, the official said. Amid these developments, the official also clarified that the government is not pursuing any merger between Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) and SAIL. There is no such proposal from the ministry. RINL is under a Cabinet-approved disinvestment process, and merging it with SAIL would shut that route permanently, he said. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff Indias gems & jewellery exports witnessed 30.6 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) contraction in October to $2.17 million, amid the imposition of a steep 50 per cent tariff by the United States (US) on several Indian products. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) chairman Kirit Bhansali, however, exuded optimism despite the external challenges. He expects exports for FY26 to hover around $30-35 billion, compared to $29.8 billion in the same period a year earlier. Despite tariff issues, we have maintained our target for natural diamonds; the demand is good. The lab-grown diamond segment is doing well; so there is no direct job impact. "According to the feedback from the commerce ministry and even from the Prime Minister, free trade agreements (FTAs) with the European Union (EU) and US are on the pipeline and will happen soon. "Strong negotiations are on and India would like the deals on their terms and conditions, Bhansali told Business Standard, adding that the deal(s) may happen this month. Gems and jewellery is one of the top five export items from India, with a share of around 7 per cent of the countrys overall exports. India exports diamonds, gold, silver, platinum, as well as imitation jewellery. However, over the last few years, gems and jewellery exports have fallen from over 10 per cent, mainly due to geopolitical uncertainties, and the latest one being Washington's protectionist policies. On a cumulative basis (April-October), exports stood at $16.26 billion, down 2.7 per cent Y-o-Y, according to GJEPC data. Exports to two major countries have been affected very badly one is the US and the other China. I don't see any immediate recovery in China, but in another three-six months, there may be some, Bhansali said. He added, The US is a good market, and there is good demand. Once the FTA is signed, we are hoping to be back on track in the US market also. However, exports to West Asian nations such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have been good, he said. Also, exporters are waiting for the trade deal with the United Kingdom (UK) to kick-in. As part of the pre-Budget recommendations to the finance ministry, the council has sought policy reforms to enhance the sectors global competitiveness and ease of doing business. Key proposals include liberalising taxation, rationalisation of import duties on cut and polished diamonds and coloured gemstones, introducing an ad-valorem duty drawback mechanism for gold and silver jewellery, and extending export incentives to platinum and gold articles, said Bhansali. The council has also urged the government for greater operational flexibility in special economic zones (SEZs), a full tax refund scheme for foreign tourists, and continuation of duty exemption on seeds for lab-grown diamonds. These measures will help sustain exports, boost domestic manufacturing, attract investment, and secure Indias leadership in the global gems and jewellery value chain, he said. As the business head of Trent Hypermarket, Neville ensures that customers receive high-quality products that adhere to Tata standards. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff One can often find Neville Tata, 32, the new trustee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and scion of the Noel Tata family, at Trent Hypermarket's warehouses early in the morning, checking the quality of fruit and vegetables that will make their way to the shelves of Tata-owned stores later in the day. Neville's inclusion in the Tata Trusts marks a clear step in the family's succession plan. Within Tata circles, it's well known that he shares his father Noel Tata's humble and understated approach. When proposing Neville's name to the Tata Trusts board, Darius Khambata, a veteran lawyer and confidant of Ratan Tata, recalled how the late former Tata group chairman had expressed his intent to groom Neville as a future leader. His appointment was unanimously approved by the other trustees. The Tata Trusts own a majority stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata group, and their nominee directors have the power to veto every resolution of the board. Neville is expected to join the Sir Ratan Tata Trust in January, say insiders. As the business head of Trent Hypermarket, the hypermarket arm of Trent, Neville ensures that customers receive high-quality products that adhere to Tata standards, insiders add. Trent, which operates a chain of supermarkets under the Star brand, has carved a niche in India's retail market with its ambition to become a household name. Before this role, Neville served as head of operations at Zudio, one of India's fastest-growing apparel brands. Neville, married to Mansi Kirloskar of the Bengaluru-based Kirloskar family, is the youngest of three siblings. He also serves as a trustee on the boards of several Tata trusts -- including the JRD Tata Trust, Tata Social Welfare Trust, and RD Tata Trust -- and as a director on the boards of the Tata Indian Institute of Skills and the Tata Medical Center. An alumnus of Cass Business School, City, University of London, Neville holds an MBA from INSEAD Business School, Singapore. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'Companies will need to revisit compensation structures, contracts, staffing models, and human resources system.' Kindly note the image have only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy RDNE/Pexels Indian information technology services companies may see their payroll costs rise by up to 10 per cent following the implementation of the labour codes last week, according to experts. However, many agree that the new framework will help plug some gaps in a sector that has largely formalised over the past few decades. The Indian IT/IT-enabled services (ITeS) sector is one of the largest employment-generating sectors. The industry is expected to have an employee base of 5.8 million in 2025-2026, according to UnearthInsight. A key cost will be the mandatory free health checkup for all employees above 40 years, which was not a legal requirement under the earlier codes, experts pointed out. A sizeable number of employees in Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Wipro, and HCLTech are mid-level managers above that age, and an annual medical test will certainly add to expenses. It, however, remains to be seen which items companies want to cover as part of the checkup and if there are tests for which they expect employees to bear the cost. Experts say the new labour codes mark a decisive reset for India's IT/ITeS sector, as for the first time these companies will be governed by the central Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code alongside state shop-and-establishment norms, bringing prescriptive rules on working hours, overtime, welfare, and statutory documentation. "The expanded wage definition will raise provident fund, gratuity, and leave benefit outlays, pushing India's payroll costs up by an estimated 5 to 10 per cent," said Jignesh Thakkar, global compliance practice leader at EY. The codes also curb mass terminations and introduce obligations such as contributions to the reskilling fund. Larger employers will additionally come under a formal labour-relations framework through standing orders, grievance processes, and digital conduct norms. Kamal Karanth, CEO of the specialist staffing firm Xpheno, says that with basic pay mandated to be at least half of the total cost to company (CTC), retiral benefits such as PF and gratuity -- which are linked to the basic -- will go up. "While the take-home will be less, retirals will be more, which will add to the cost for IT firms." This provision for basic salary was introduced to prevent companies from deliberately keeping basic pay low and structuring the CTC around perks and other benefits, thus reducing their contribution to PF and gratuity. "Companies will need to revisit compensation structures, contracts, staffing models, and human resources systems. Overall, the codes accelerate formalisation and transparency -- and early movers will navigate the transition with far greater stability," added Thakkar. The costs add to concerns for IT companies, which have been navigating an uncertain and volatile macroeconomic environment over the past few years for multiple reasons. Many have been pushing back salary hikes to maintain quarterly margins, at a time when top-line growth has been under sustained pressure, largely due to the impact of artificial intelligence. Costs are also expected to rise by double digits following the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules earlier this month. That impact, however, will be minimal for most companies, except TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra, as they have a significant India-facing business and clients in banking, financial services and insurance, telecommunications, healthcare, government, or business process outsourcing and customer relationship management sectors. Aditya Narayan Mishra, managing director and CEO of Ciel HR, said the extra cost for these compliances will be passed on to clients, who may feel the impact in the short run. "India's new labour codes do not disrupt the fundamentals of IT employment, which is already formal and compliant. But they do raise the bar on working-hour governance, annual health checkups, safety norms for women in night shifts, and contractor accountability." Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff An IAF aircrash investigation typically concludes in two/three odd months. The reason for the crash is usually established in a week's time. IMAGE: A view of the Tejas fighter before the crash at the Dubai Air Show, November 21, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video AGrab/gulf_news This aircraft accident will be investigated by a Court of Inquiry (CoI) set up by the IAF. For a common man unfamiliar with military procedures, the expectations from a crash investigation are mentally aligned with the process of crash investigation of civil airliners (as in case of Air India-171 crash in Ahmedabad). That's not true. A military air crash investigation by IAF's Court of Inquiry is far different from a commercial airliner crash investigation which is done as per standard and practices set by the ICAO, International Civil Aviation Organisation. Here are few of the differences: 1. The Tejas military plane crash will be investigated by India. In contrast, if an Indian commercial airliner were to meet with an accident in Dubai, it would have been investigated by the authorities in the UAE. 2. An IAF aircrash investigation typically concludes in two/three odd months. The reason for thhe crash is usually established in a week's time. A civil airliner crash report can take over a year in most cases, sometimes over two years. 3. Military crash investigation final reports are confidential. Even the pilot's family doesn't receive a formal account of the details of the crash. A civil airliner crash report has to be made public mandatorily. 4. The military officers conducting a crash investigation are not air crash investigators. They are squadron pilots and engineers from that fleet, who are randomly picked up for a particular investigation. In contrast, a civil airliner accident is mandatorily led by a qualified air crash investigator and other SME from the country's Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board. 5. A military inquiry team can be asked to apportion blame on those responsible after finding out the cause of accident. Civil aviation accident board do not apportion blame, even if they know it for a fact. There are many more minor differences in how a military and civil aviation accident investigation progresses. Although the routing and methodologies are different, both investigations team eventually achieve the same goal -- to ensure that a similar accident doesn't happen again! Wing Commander K Dinesh is a former IAF officer and air crash investigator SME with the AAIB, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. 'It makes law-making on the part of the state governments much more difficult and throws up bottlenecks as governors are not acting on bills.' IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, right, with Chief Minister M K Stalin. Governor Ravi's action in withholding assent to some bills passed by the state assembly led to the case in the Supreme Court. Photograph: ANI Photo In a political climate where the tensions between the Centre and Opposition-ruled states are rising, the Supreme Court's recent opinion in the presidential reference to it, that it cannot impose timelines on governors or the President for deciding on bills, is set the escalate the situation further. The Supreme Court's opinion comes amid a series of standoffs, most prominently in Tamil Nadu where Governor R N Ravi had withheld assent to several key bills, prompting the state to move the apex court which ruled in its favour and imposed a timeline for approving bills. It also invoked Article 142, which grants its powers to pass orders to ensure complete justice, to rule that the delayed bills were deemed to have received assent -- a stand that the Suprme Court's opinion has negated. Across the country, close to 33 bills passed by Opposition-ruled states remain stalled, either at the Raj Bhavans or pending before the President. The presidential reference to the Supreme Court came in the wake of the April verdict where a two-judge bench held that governors must act on bills within a reasonable timeframe and cannot sit indefinitely on legislations. In response to the President's questions to the Supreme Court, a five-judge bench headed by then Chief Justice B R Gavai effectively negated that position, concluding that the court cannot prescribe strict deadlines and must leave the matter to constitutional conventions and good-faith conduct. Against this backdrop, Gautam Bhatia, the well-known lawyer, spoke to Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff on the implications of the Supreme Court's opinion. What is the future for a state government now if the governor/President of India does not clear a bill indefinitely, considering the Supreme Court has now opined that courts cannot prescribe timelines? The state government will have to go to the Supreme Court of India over each individual bill to say that the delay is unwarranted. Does it mean that now a governor/President will be more powerful than the elected chief minister? That you can assess yourself. I can tell you that the state governments will have to go to the Supreme Court every time there is a delay (in assent to the bill). As far as who is more powerful, that everybody can see for themselves. Does the Constitution allow the governor or President to withhold a bill passed by the state legislature? The Constitution gives them a set of options to return the bill for reconsideration. In the case of governor, h/she can refer it to the President if the governor so feels and for assent. There is no withholding option in the Constitution. Could a situation arise in future where Opposition-ruled states and governors are at daggers drawn over assent to bills not forthcoming? That you can see what is happening already. There are delays in taking action by governors under Article 200 of the Constitution. This is the reason why this litigation happened in the first place. In the case of Tamil Nadu that is already happening. Why do you think the framers of the Constitution didn't prescribe a timeline? Did they not anticipate a situation like this? The framers thought that not everything can be codified in the Constitution. Some things would have to be left to constitutional conventions and norms of conduct and those who occupy Constitutional offices would normally act in good faith. That was the assumption and therefore not everything was codified in the Constitution. Can you explain the significance of Article 200 of the Constitution? The Supreme Court has opined that the governor must be given this constitutional option, that is to exercise his discretion under Article 200. However, at the same time, the court also opined that the governor must not sit over a bill in perpetuity and must have a dialogue with Constitutional functionaries. This is leading to confusion as who is the ultimate deciding authority for a law. The Constitution basically (says) the state government has to have a centrally appointed governor. The main legislative body is obviously the state assembly. A bill, even if passed by the state assembly, will not become a law until and unless the governor gives assent. The governor has few options, firstly, in normal course he gives assent and the bill becomes a law. The Constitution envisages that perhaps the governor feels there is some repugnance between the state law and the central law, in that case the governor can refer the bill to the President of India or if the governor has other objections h/she can return the bill to the assembly for reconsideration. After which when the assembly sends back the same bill for a second time the governor has to assent to the bill. And that is what the idea is. Now, after the Supreme Court's opinion that timelines can't be set, it is a very vague situation. So effectively if the governors don't act for a long time on a passed legislative bill then possibly the states can go to the Supreme Court of India that a delay has happened in which case the court might or might not tell the governor to take some action on the bill. That is the position right now. Does this not put Opposition ruled governments at a disadvantage? There are many things that state governments do that does not involve law-making. There could be executive action and administrative things like that. So it is not that there is no point in electing Opposition parties. It is just that in one domain, and of course it is an important domain of law-making, there will now be a lot of bottlenecks. This is what the full picture is. Dr Ambedkar did say that the Constitution should be implemented in letter and spirit. Are governors sometimes not implementing the Constitution by sitting on bills? That is exactly why these cases came to court. The governors were exercising pocket vetos on bills. And they were not conducting themselves in accordance with the three options under Article 200, which exactly led to the litigations in the first place. Critics have said the Supreme Court's observation is a blow to federalism, do you agree? It is a blow in the sense it makes law-making on the part of the state governments much more difficult and throws up bottlenecks as governors are not acting on bills. In that case it takes away a degree of power from the state legislative assembly. Those supporting the Supreme Court opinion state that Article 142 cannot be used to usurp the powers of President and governor. In other words, the Supreme Court has balanced the structure of power rather than putting its foot down against the governor or President of India. What do you think? I have no comment as people can have their own views on this matter. In future, will a state bill that is kept on hold lose its significance as there would be no clarity? Like I said, up till now there was no clarity. For example, in Tamil Nadu for 2-3 years the bills were pending after being passed in the state assembly. The judgment by Justice J B Pardiwala in April setting a timeline for governors to clear bills brought clarity, but now the clarity has once again been thrown into doubt by the removal of timeline. This leaves the question of how much delay is too much delay to the discretion of the Supreme Court of India. In that sense there is very little clarity now over at what point the governor's inaction is justifiable or not. That takes away a lot of clarity. For instance, Tamil Nadu's National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Exemption Bill went against the Centre's rules on the medical entrance test. So how can the state expect Governor Ravi to clear that legislation? We have the Supreme Court in our country which adjudicates Centre-state disputes. That is the Supreme Court's job. If there is a state legislation that is repugnant to the Centre's laws, the appropriate authority to determine that is the Supreme Court where a petition can be filed. Why is it being said that the Supreme Court observation on no timeline to governor and President is dangerous to India's federal structure? Ask the people who are saying that. I haven't said it. I am only commenting on the legal aspect. News / National by Staff reporter Renowned music producer Nicky Genius, known for crafting several hits for dancehall star Winky D, has emerged as the latest artist to publicly endorse the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure.Genius, who has been performing at several ZANU-PF events attended by party officials and influential figures like Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Taurai Kandishaya, recently led a chorus backing the extension of Mnangagwa's presidency beyond 2028.At one event, he led the crowd in singing:"2030 baba varipo pachigaro. Pamberi na Va Mnangagwa. 2030 vanenge vachiripo"(Translation: "2030 President Mnangagwa will still be reigning.")Observers note the irony that Nicky Genius previously produced Winky D's socially conscious songs such as Patonaz and Zvatanga, which critique corruption and highlight the struggles of ordinary Zimbabweans. Despite this, he has now aligned with artists publicly supporting ZANU-PF.Genius joins other musicians under the Musicians 4ED banner, a group mobilized to endorse Mnangagwa amid resurging party factionalism over his potential term extension.Analysts suggest that celebrity support for ZANU-PF is often incentivized by the party's wealthy benefactors, including Wicknell Chivayo, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, and Paul Tungwarara, who have been providing substantial rewards to high-profile supporters.This development underscores a growing trend of artists being drawn into partisan politics, particularly around debates over the extension of the presidential term. The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Mahe, the first of the Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft, which will form the first line of coastal defence, integrating seamlessly with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets. IMAGE: The commissioning of Mahe marks the arrival of a "new generation" of indigenous shallow-water combatants, the Navy said. Photograph: @indiannavy/X Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi was the chief guest here at the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahe, marking the new generation of indigenous shallow-water combatants - sleek, swift and resolutely Indian. INS Mahe's commissioning not only marks the induction of a potent new platform to the country's maritime order of battle, but it also reaffirms India's maritime capability to design, construct and field complex combatants with indigenous technologies, Gen Dwivedi said. The commissioning will significantly augment the Indian Navy's ability to ensure near-seas dominance, strengthen the coastal security grid and safeguard India's maritime interests across the vast expanse of the country's littoral waters. It also reaffirms the Navy's steadfast transformation into a builder's Navy, the one that designs, constructs and sustains its own combat platform, he added. An official said this was also the first time that an Army chief was present at the commissioning of a naval ship. Following the ceremony, Gen Dwivedi also awarded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation to the Navy personnel who played a key role in the commissioning of the ship, a rarity which will become more frequent in the days to come as the level of synergy among the three forces increases, the official added. The Indian Navy plays an important role in the neighbourhood as well as in the global environment in far-off lands where the Army's efforts can play both a supplementary and a complementary role in soft and hard diplomacy, Gen Dwivedi said and referred to it as smart diplomacy. "The Mahe-class will form the first line of coastal defence, integrating seamlessly with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets to maintain constant vigilance over India's maritime areas of operation," the Navy said. Designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, INS Mahe is the lead ship of eight vessels in her class and represents the cutting edge of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in naval ship design and construction. Compact yet powerful, the ship embodies agility, precision and endurance - qualities vital for dominating the littorals, it said. With the ship's blend of firepower, stealth and mobility, it is designed to hunt submarines, conduct coastal patrols, and secure India's vital maritime approaches. Fitted with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems enabling it to detect, track, and neutralise sub-surface threats with precision, the ship can sustain prolonged operations in shallow waters and features technologically advanced machinery and control systems, the Navy said. Equipped with torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets, the first of the Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW SWC) was delivered to the Navy on October 23. The commissioning of Mahe marks the arrival of a "new generation" of indigenous shallow-water combatants, the Navy said. "With over 80 per cent indigenous content, the Mahe-class showcases India's growing mastery in warship design, construction and integration," it said. Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar coast and a former French colony, the ship's crest features an 'Urumi' -- the flexible sword of Kalarippayattu, symbolising agility, precision, and lethal grace, it added. The ship's mascot, the Cheetah, embodies speed and focus, while the motto "Silent Hunters" reflects the ship's stealth, vigilance, and unyielding readiness. The Delhi police, for the first time ever, exercised Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which allows the police to frame charges and the court to proceed with trial in the absence of an absconding accused in serious cases, an official said on Monday. Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The charges were framed against Jitender Mehto, who has been on the run for months after murdering his former employer, Ramesh Bhardwaj (68) -- both residents of Delhi. According to deputy commissioner of police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami, a missing case was registered on January 29 this year after Bhardwaj's daughter filed a complaint stating that he has not returned home after leaving for Narela on his scooter a day before. The investigators, who suspected foul play, quickly zeroed in on Bhardwaj's old servant Mehto, who vanished the same day. The police discovered that Bhardwaj had, around the time, received Rs 4.5 lakh as part payment for a plot sale and was last seen with Mehto. Witnesses also confirmed that Bhardwaj used to frequently visit the suspect's rented accommodation, the official said. A massive search for the accused was launched across several localities, including Azadpur, Mukundpur, Narela and Rohini. However, analysis of call detail records, movement patterns, and location data failed to reveal the suspect's whereabouts. With conventional leads drying up, the investigators turned to digital surveillance. On February 12, the police traced Mehto's son Abhishek alias Vishal through his Instagram activities. During interrogation, the 19-year-old allegedly confessed that his father murdered Bhardwaj on January 28 and disposed of the body with his help. Abhishek claimed that the victim's son, Love Bhardwaj, who had a longstanding dispute with his father, was also involved in the crime. On Abhishek's disclosure, the police recovered Bhardwaj's highly decomposed body, stuffed in a gunny bag, from a drain in the city. However, Mehto continued to evade arrest despite multiple search operations. A non-bailable warrant was issued against him on March 25. The court declared him a proclaimed offender on July 11. The police filed a chargesheet on August 25 and sought permission to begin trial in the absence of the accused. The court subsequently invoked Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), a new provision that enables inquiry, framing of charges and trial against absconding proclaimed offenders in serious cases. Charges were also framed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The order, passed on November 18, is the first application of the BNSS provision in Delhi. According to officials, the provision aims prevent accused persons from stalling the course of justice by absconding. It stands to address a long-standing gap in the older Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), under which serious trials could not proceed without the presence of the accused. "This landmark order ensures that those who attempt to derail justice by absconding can still be brought to trial. It is a decisive step in strengthening accountability under the new criminal justice framework," DCP Swami said in a statement. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday issued an advisory to airlines and airports to deal with possible disruptions due to the ash plumes from the volcanic activity in Ethiopia. IMAGE: A satellite image shows ash rising from the eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia as it drifts over the Red Sea, November 23, 2025. Photograph: NASA/Handout via Reuters Akasa Air, IndiGo and KLM are among the airlines that cancelled some flights due to the ash plumes on Monday. Ash clouds from the recent eruption of the HayliGubbi volcano in Ethiopia are impacting flight operations, and there are reports suggesting that clouds might also be drifting towards the western parts of India. In a detailed advisory, the DGCA asked airlines to strictly avoid published volcanic ash affected areas and flight levels, adjust flight planning, routing and fuel considerations based on the latest advisories. Also, airlines have been asked to immediately report any suspected ash encounter, including engine performance anomalies or cabin smoke/odour. The DGCA noted that if volcanic ash affects airport operations, then the operator concerned must immediately inspect runways, taxiways and aprons. Depending on the contamination, the operations may be restricted and cleaning procedures have to be completed before resuming movements, it added. Operators have been asked to continuously monitor the situation related to the volcanic ash cloud and stay updated through satellite imagery and meteorological data, among other things. "Following recent volcanic activity in Ethiopia and the resulting ash plume in the surrounding airspace, our flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi scheduled for 24th and 25th November 2025 have been cancelled," Akasa Air said in a statement. The airline also said its teams will continue to assess the situation in compliance with international aviation advisories and safety protocols and take necessary actions as required. In a post on X, IndiGo said, "Following the recent eruption of the #HayliGubbi volcano in #Ethiopia, ash clouds are reported to be drifting towards parts of western India. We understand that such news may cause concern, and we want to reassure you that your safety remains our highest priority." "Our teams are closely tracking the situation in coordination with international aviation bodies. We are fully prepared with all necessary precautions to ensure safe and reliable operations," it said. Sources said IndiGo cancelled some flights to the Middle East and Dutch carrier KLM cancelled its flight from Amsterdam to Delhi due to the volcanic ash plumes. In a post on X late on Monday, Air India said, "Following the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia, ash clouds have been observed over certain geographical regions." "We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant touch with our operating crew. There is no major impact on Air India flights at this time," it said. Former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Monday set a new precedent by leaving the official Mercedes-Benz car for his successor Surya Kant at the Rashtrapati Bhavan after the latter's swearing-in ceremony. IMAGE: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant arrives at the Supreme Court of India after his swearing-in at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, November 24, 2025. Photograph: ANI//X Justice Gavai, who superannuated on November 23, reached the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the official car and left for his residence in his personal vehicle after the function. After the oath ceremony, Justice Gavai left the official vehicle designated for the chief justice and returned in an alternative vehicle from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, ensuring that the official car is available for use by his successor for going to the Supreme Court, a person privy to the development said. Justice Surya Kant was administered oath as the 53rd CJI by President Droupadi Murmu at a brief ceremony on Monday morning. He took the oath in Hindi in the name of God. Justice Kant was appointed the next CJI on October 30, and will remain in the post for nearly 15 months. He will demit office on February 9, 2027, on attaining the age of 65. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and former CJI Gavai were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to ceremonially hoist a saffron flag on the spire of the Ram Janmbhoomi Temple, symbolising the completion of its construction. IMAGE: A view of the Rame temple in Ayodhya. Photograph: @ShriRamTeerth/X The right-angled triangular flag, measuring ten feet in height and twenty feet in length, bears the image of a radiant Sun symbolising the brilliance and valour of Lord Rama, with an 'Om' inscribed on it along with the image of Kovidara tree, a statement from the prime minister's office (PMO) said. The sacred saffron flag will convey a message of dignity, unity, and cultural continuity, embodying the ideals of Ram Rajya, the PMO said. The flag will rise atop a 'shikhar' constructed in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style, while the surrounding 800-metre Parkota, a circumambulatory enclosure built around the temple, designed in the South Indian architectural tradition, showcases the temple's architectural diversity, it said. During his stay in Ayodhya, the prime minister will visit Saptmandir which houses temples related to Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari. This will be followed by a visit to Sheshavtar Mandir. He will also visit Mata Annapurna Mandir and perform darshan and pooja at Ram Darbar Garbh Grah, which will be followed by darshan at Ram Lalla Garbha Grah, the statement said. At around noon, Prime Minister Modi will ceremonially hoist a saffron flag on the 'shikhar' of the sacred Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, symbolising the completion of the temple's construction and ushering in a new chapter of cultural celebration and national unity, a statement from the PMO said. The prime minister will also address the gathering on the occasion. "The programme will take place on the auspicious Panchami date of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, coinciding with the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sita's Vivah Panchami, a day symbolizing divine union," it said. This date also marks the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 uninterrupted hours in the 17th century, further enhancing the spiritual significance of the day, the PMO statement said. The temple complex features 87 intricately carved stone episodes from the life of Lord Rama based on the Valmiki Ramayana on the outer walls of the main temple, and 79 bronze-cast episodes from Indian culture placed along the enclosure walls. Together, these elements provide a meaningful and educational experience to all visitors, offering deep insight into Lord Rama's life and the cultural heritage of India, the PMO statement said. On his first day as the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant on Monday set a new procedural norm that mentioning cases for urgent listing must be made in writing, and oral requests will be entertained under "extraordinary circumstances" like in cases of death penalty and personal liberty. IMAGE: Soon after being sworn-in, CJI Surya Prakash presided over a three-judge bench along with Justices Joymala Bagchi and Atul S Chandurkar, New Delhi, November 24, 2025. Photograph: ANI//X A bench led by Justice Kant heard as many as 17 cases in proceedings spanning around two hours on his first day as the CJI. Justice Kant formally assumed charge as the 53rd CJI shortly after taking oath in Hindi in the name of God at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Arriving at the Supreme Court for the first time as CJI in the forenoon, he paid floral tributes at the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B R Ambedkar on the court premises. He then presided over a three-judge bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Atul S Chandurkar, in the heritage courtroom number one. As proceedings commenced around noon, the CJI pronounced a judgment on a plea filed by Himachal Pradesh against a private firm. Just after the pronouncement, Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) president Vipin Nair welcomed the new Chief Justice in the packed courtroom. A lawyer greeted him as "a farmer's son who has become the CJI", drawing a brief smile. Justice Kant responded, "Thank you. I can see young lawyers from Chandigarh also." Getting down to business, the new CJI clarified that barring "extraordinary" situations, requests for urgent listing must be made in writing through a mentioning slip rather than by oral mentioning. "If you have any urgent mentioning, give your mentioning slip along with the cause of urgency; the registrar will examine and in those matters, if we find an element of urgency, will take it up," he said. When the counsel pressed for the urgency in the matter, Justice Kant said, "Unless there are extraordinary circumstances involved, when somebody's liberty is involved, there is a question of death sentence etc, then only will I list it. Otherwise, please make a mention... the registry will take a call and list the matter." Prior to the CJI's observations, a counsel made an urgent mention of a matter relating to the demolition of a canteen. Earlier, former CJI Sanjiv Khanna had stopped the practice of oral mentioning of cases for urgent listing in the top court. However, it was revived by Justice B R Gavai, who had succeeded Justice Khanna to the post. Usually, lawyers orally mention cases before the CJI for urgent listing before the benches. Justice Kant also attempted to encourage a junior counsel who had sought an adjournment on behalf of a senior advocate. "Take this opportunity, you should argue... If you argue, we may give a little discount," he remarked lightly, hinting at the chances of the matter being dismissed. The junior lawyer, however, declined, stating he had no instructions to argue. In another matter, families of victims of alleged extrajudicial killings in Manipur sought a court-monitored probe. Their counsel submitted that the families "deserve to know at least what happened". Justice Kant noted that a probe was already underway and issued notice "for the limited purpose of finding out the status of the investigation by the NIA". The bench led by Justice Kant heard an appeal challenging an Allahabad high court decision refusing to order the removal of a lawyer, the husband of a judge, from the post of standing counsel for the Uttar Pradesh government. Cautioning against personal targeting, CJI Kant said, "There are some issues to be handled on the administrative side. Please do not name or target anyone." Later, the petitioner's counsel sought permission to withdraw the appeal, which the court allowed. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to Justice Kant at a brief ceremony attended by dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former CJI B R Gavai. He will serve as CJI for nearly 15 months before demitting office on February 9, 2027, on attaining the age of 65 years. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said his government is creating a vast underground network of tunnels across Mumbai to ease congestion, describing it in a lighter vein as "Paatal Lok", a parallel road system. Photograph: ANI Photo The term "Paatal Lok" has been popularised by the Hindi web series noted for its depiction of the netherworld. Fadnavis used the term to describe the proposed underground road network. The planned tunnel grid would cover the city in multiple directions, Fadnavis said at IIMUN's (India's International Movement to Unite Nations) Youth Connect session. "We are creating a 'Paatal Lok', a widespread network of tunnels across Mumbai city for complete decongestion," he said, adding that it would function as a shadow network to existing arterial routes. "It will be a parallel network to existing roads," the chief minister said, noting that expanding Metro corridors would complement the plan. The CM said the coastal road from south Mumbai to Bhayandar (in Thane district) would act as a barrier-free parallel route to the Western Express Highway. "Sixty per cent of Mumbai moves on the Western Expressway. Until you decongest it, there is no solution," he said. "We are creating a network of parallel roads... where your average speed will be 80 km per hour," he said. Fadnavis listed multiple tunnel projects under construction, including Thane-Borivali and Mulund-Goregaon. "This would improve the east-west connectivity," he said. A parallel road between Borivali and Goregaon and the Worli-Sewri connector, expected next year, would provide seamless movement from the Atal Setu to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Fadnavis said the tunnel linking the Atal Setu to Girgaum Chowpatty via the Eastern Express Highway would be completed in three years. "It will be a solution to the current traffic jams," he added. A proposed tunnel from Bandra to the Bandra Kurla Complex will improve access to the domestic airport. "From south Mumbai to the domestic airport, people will reach in 20 minutes," he said. Fadnavis said an integrated Mumbai One app has been launched to enable a common ticket for Metro rail, suburban local trains and BEST buses. "Nearly 90 lakh people travel daily through suburban trains. Despite so many changes, the fare will not be increased by a single rupee for the second class," he assured, adding that all suburban services would progressively become air-conditioned. Alleging "excessive work pressure" and "unmanageable workload", Booth-level officers engaged in the ongoing SIR process in West Bengal clashed with the police on Monday while attempting to enter the Chief Electoral Officer's office in Kolkata during a demonstration, a senior officer said. IMAGE: BLOs and assistant workers check and collect the enumeration forms as residents queue up to submit the forms for the SIR of electoral rolls at Ghogomali area, in Siliguri, West Bengal, November 22, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The agitators found little solace in the words of CEO Manoj Agarwal who later hailed the role of the BLOs they are currently putting in for the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating that they were the "real heroes" of the exercise. At least three BLOs in West Bengal have died during the door-to-door enumeration form distribution and collection process since November 4, the day the enumeration phase began in the state. Two of them died by suicide, and one died under unnatural circumstances. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has led the Trinamool Congress's condemnation against those deaths and has laid squarely on the Election Commission alleging "unplanned implementation" of the exercise that is being conducted in "express haste". Following the latest death on November 22, the deceased BLO Rinku Tarafdar -- a para teacher from Krishnanagar in Nadia district -- who left behind a purported suicide note, the Trinamool Congress leadership came down heavily on the SIR process. "How many more need to die for this SIR?" Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked, while sharing the suicide note on social media, and blaming the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the unbearable work pressure. On Monday, members of the BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee marched from College Square in north Kolkata to the CEO's office in BBD Bag in central Kolkata, carrying locks and fetters to symbolically close the main entrance of the building. High drama unfolded after a 10-member delegation -- comprising four BLOs and six teachers or state government employees -- entered the CEO's office in the evening to submit their grievances. An officer accepted their memorandum in the absence of the CEO. However, as the delegation was leaving, one member alleged receiving a threat message for participating in the rally, prompting the group to launch an impromptu sit-in inside the office. Amid the commotion, personnel of Kolkata Police and security staff at the CEO's office physically lifted the protesters and removed them from the premises. Earlier, during the protest, the demonstrators climbed atop the police barricade in front of the CEO's office and raised slogans against the ECI, alleging that they were forced to hold the procession as the "poll panel did not respond to their complaints of intense and inhuman work pressure during the SIR exercise". "BLOs have been directed to complete tasks within a month, a task that usually takes more than two years," a functionary claimed. Besides unmanageable timelines, the agitating BLOs also raised concerns over the lack of an edit option on the BLO app, which is making the digitisation of the SIR forms harder, when the uploading process itself is taking 10 minutes as the website server remains slow. The committee also alleged that BLOs were falling sick and two of them died by suicide due to stress. Responding to questions on the agitation, Agarwal said many BLOs were working beyond office hours to reach voters and complete the formalities. "BLOs are doing a commendable job. They are the real heroes of the SIR process. The process started on November 4, and within 20 days, they reached over 7 crore voters, which is a formidable task," the CEO said. He also conveyed that the officials at the CEO's office held a meeting with internet service providers of the state and will soon implement high-speed wi-fi hubs across West Bengal to enable BLOs to quickly upload digitised forms of applicants. According to the latest data shared by Agarwal, of the 7.64 crore forms which have been distributed in the state, collection and digitisation of 4.55 crore forms have already been completed. The BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee had earlier announced that para-teachers, college professors and teachers from several organisations would join the march to press for immediate intervention by the Election Commission. House-to-house enumeration under the SIR will continue till December 4, with draft rolls scheduled for publication on December 9. The committee warned that if deadlines are not extended or corrective steps are not taken, it will launch a continuous protest programme. Meanwhile, another organisation, Votekormi and BLO Aikya Mancha (Election staff and Booth Level Officer United Forum), separately flagged issues related to the digitisation of enumeration forms and demanded additional support staff. It had submitted a demand charter on November 22 which included higher compensation for the families of deceased BLOs than the state-announced figure of Rs 2 lakh each. A senior EC official told PTI the demands of both BLO platforms have been received by the CEO's office but did not want to comment on their agitation. Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane has blamed Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party president Ravindra Chavan for the Mahayuti alliance's collapse in Sindhudurg ahead of the December 2 municipal council and nagar panchayat elections. IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Photograph: @CMOMaharashtra/X Speaking on Friday during the campaign of the newly formed Shahar Vikas Aghadi in Sindhudurg, Nilesh said the alliance had not broken due to the BJP's senior leadership but because of Chavan. Incidentally, Rane has had a history of strained ties with Chavan. "A few days ago, I checked what exactly went wrong. It was understood that the reason for the alliance breaking in Sindhudurg was not the senior leadership, but BJP state president Ravindra Chavan. I do not know why he is angry with Sindhudurg. If in Ratnagiri, seats in Rajapur and Lanja could be adjusted with Shiv Sena, and similar adjustments were possible in Chiplun, then why this anger towards Sindhudurg," Rane questioned. "We were ready to give 10 seats in Malvan. In Sawantwadi, (Sena leader) Deepak Kesarkar was ready for a 50-50 formula. All of us had agreed to a 50-50 arrangement. In Kankavli, we were told we would have to contest only one or two seats. More importantly, our photos were removed from the banners. If they had removed only my photo, it was fine, but removing the photos of (Deputy Chief Minister and Sena head) Eknath Shinde hurt us," he claimed. Rane also questioned Chavan's long stay in Sindhudurg district. "The post of state BJP president is a big one, yet he stayed in Sindhudurg for three days. Why he stayed, I will say in the final stage. I will also reveal what was decided in his meetings," he added. Despite the differences, Shiv Sena attempted to keep the alliance intact, Nilesh Rane said, adding he has decided that whatever (his father and senior BJP leader) Narayan Rane says will be acceptable to him. "He told us not to wait anymore as days would be wasted. So we entered the field on our own strength. We have seen the work of Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Chandrakant Patil. They held the (state BJP president) post with dignity. The reasons why the alliance is not wanted are still unknown, and only Ravindra Chavan can explain that," the Sena leader asserted. The Shahar Vikas Aghadi comprises the Shiv Sena as well as Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena-UBT, Congress and Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP, which are part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. Meanwhile, Nilesh's younger brother and state BJP minister Nitesh Rane attempted to play down the controversy. "My brother did not take anyone's name, so do not try to pit one person against another," Nitesh Rane said. Incidentally, Narayan Rane had a few days ago said he would ensure the brothers never have a fallout. A couple of years ago, Nilesh Rane abruptly announced his retirement from active politics, prompting Chavan, then the PWD minister, to rush to Sindhudurg to meet him. Ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections, Nilesh Rane returned to contest from the Shiv Sena, while Nitesh Rane was elected on a BJP ticket and inducted as a minister. Chavan and other BJP leaders have not responded to Nilesh Rane's claims. Meanwhile, another Shiv Sena leader Shahajibapu Patil accused the BJP of trying to undermine him politically by supporting his Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) rival in Sangola during the Maharashtra assembly elections held last year. "I knew before the polls that the BJP had broken my back, but I stayed quiet. Today, instead of reconciling, you (BJP) are trying to break up," Patil said while addressing a rally ahead of the local body polls. He said people in Sangola are aware of how the BJP helped PWP candidate Babasaheb Deshmukh. Patil said he had campaigned for the BJP candidate from Madha, Ranjeetsinh Naik Nimbalkar, in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. However, despite this honesty, the BJP helped his rival. Patil lost to Deshmukh by a margin of over 25,000 votes. You should have told us that it (hosting the G20 summit) is such a difficult task, maybe we would have run away, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa jokingly told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their bilateral talks on Sunday. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a light moment with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as they arrive at Expo Centre to attend the G20 Leaders Summit, in Johannesburg on November 22, 2025. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo South Africa is hosting the first G20 Summit being held in Africa. In his opening remarks at the India-South Africa delegation-level talks, President Ramaphosa thanked India for its support in hosting the G20 leaders' summit. Thank you for the support that India has given to South Africa in hosting G20...You should have told us that it is such a difficult task, maybe we would have run away, Ramaphosa said with a laugh. Modi and those present in the room also laughed at his remarks. Ramaphosa said that his country has learnt a lot from India about hosting the G20. We have learned a lot from your hosting of the G20 and yours was spectacular... building ours is really small, Ramaphosa said. To which PM Modi quickly replied, Small is always beautiful. India hosted the 18th G20 at the spectacular Bharat Mandapam in September 2023. Bharat Mandapam was unveiled ahead of the summit. The African Union became a member of the G20 during India's presidency in 2023. The summit was a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies. News / National by Staff reporter The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) has affirmed that it will press ahead with its political agenda despite the ongoing court proceedings involving its leader, Job Sikhala. Sikhala was granted bail this week by a South African magistrates' court after being arrested when police discovered 26 blasting cartridges and 15 capped fuse connectors in the vehicle he was driving. His 78-year-old uncle, Alexander Thema, who was traveling with him, was also detained.At a press briefing in Harare, NDWG acting chairman and chief facilitator Wurayayi Zembe confirmed the bail ruling and noted that Sikhala is expected to return to court on 3 February 2026. Zembe reassured supporters that Sikhala remains in good spirits and has temporarily handed over his duties."We want to assure the citizens of Zimbabwe that our Chairman and Chief Facilitator is in high spirits, and he has appointed me to act until he returns to office after taking a short rest," Zembe said.Dismissing the charges as fabricated, Zembe alleged that Sikhala and his uncle narrowly survived a potential assassination attempt, asserting that the explosives could have detonated while Sikhala was inside the vehicle. He also expressed confidence in the South African judiciary, stating that the courts would handle the matter "without fear or favour."The NDWG accused the ruling Zanu-PF party of targeting Sikhala, claiming the party seeks his political downfall, and called on authorities to stop "attacking and dehumanising" opposition figures.Despite the legal challenges, Zembe confirmed the NDWG's commitment to its reform agenda, including strengthening national structures ahead of the People's Democratic Convention and collaborating with civic groups to safeguard the constitution. He emphasized that the organisation opposes any changes to the election cycle, rejecting proposals to "abolish periodic national general elections" as outlined in Zanu-PF's 2030 agenda.He concluded by urging Zimbabweans to remain vigilant: "We urge citizens to stay focused and defend our fundamental democratic rights." BRATTLEBORO Christopher Dougherty will not be returning to his position as president and CEO of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. On Thursday, the BMH Board of Directors announced the news. Dougherty had been on a leave of absence since Oct. 3. "The parties agree that under the current circumstances it is best for Chris to depart and for the Hospital to bring in new leadership," the announcement states. "Chris is proud of his accomplishments and grateful for the opportunity to have led the Hospital." In the announcement, the board and staff at BMH thanked Dougherty for "his service over the past three-and-a-half years and wish him all the best in his future endeavors." BMH said it will "initiate a search for a new CEO soon." In the meantime, Dr. Elizabeth McLarney and Dr. Tony Blofson will continue as BMHs acting co-CEOs. "After thoughtful discussion, we mutually agreed that, given the circumstances, it would be best to move forward with different leadership," Chloe Learey, acting board chairperson, said in a video shared on social media. "These are complex and challenging times for BMH. Brattleboro Memorial Hospital will remain a trusted cornerstone of healthcare delivery in Southern Vermont." Previously, BMH announced consultants have been called in to help the hospital prepare a revised budget to send to state regulators amid financial struggles. The plan is to strength the hospital's financial foundation and ensure longevity, compliance and accountability. Dougherty's leave followed the Green Mountain Care Board's response to the previously proposed budget. The regulators were critical of BMH's solvency in the face of a shortfall of $2 million or more and asked the hospital to resubmit a spending plan. In its Oct. 1 decision on proposed spending, GMCB said the hospital "has not accurately or completely answered many questions," making "it challenging to understand BMHs current financial position. Under Dougherty, a hiring freeze was implemented and six administrators were let go to help contain costs. Learey, who previously served as vice chairperson of the BMH board since January, told the Reformer she thinks many issues are affecting hospitals. "I think the state is figuring out what are payment mechanisms going forward," she said in an interview last month. "Everything is going in the wrong direction. How do we change course? I think that's part of the opportunity here." Plans also involve learning "how to operate in an uncertain environment" and innovatively, Learey said. Unsure which factor carries the biggest effect on the current state of finances, Learey noted the need to balance accounts receivable with charity care to collect as much revenue as possible. Keeping track of all the variables at play will be another focus moving forward. "Now more than ever," Learey said in the video, "it is crucial for us to work together to get through these challenging times. Thank you for your support." Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 27F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 14F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Dicker Data Citrix business unit CXANZ has celebrated top-performing Citrix partners across Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ), with Com-X and Inde taking the highest honours for Australia and New Zealand, respectively. The event was held at Quay Restaurant in Sydney on 19 November, with more than 50 partners attending for a day of recognition and connection at the inaugural CXANZs Citrix Partner Appreciation and Awards event. Com-X and Inde received the top awards of CXANZ Citrix Partner of the Year for their consistent performance, innovation, and commitment to Citrix solutions, according to Dicker Data. In addition to their top-level wins, Com-X also scored the Marketing Partner of the Year Award for A/NZ while Inde received the Services Partner of the Year Award for New Zealand. Meanwhile, the Australian Services Partner of the Year Award was won by Teba. Across the whole A/NZ region, CNS won the CXANZ Citrix Industry Excellence Partner of the Year Award, Logicalis took the gong for the New Business Partner of the Year Award, and the MSP Partner of the Year Award went to CMTG. Additionally, the Enterprise Partner of the Year Award went to Fusion5 for Australia and Datacom for New Zealand. Alongside the company awards, the Outstanding Technical Achievement of the Year Award went to Fusion5s Daniel Marsh. Profits at utility software developer Gentrack Group have more than doubled in the 2025 financial year even though its revenue only increased by 8 per cent. The NZX and ASX-listed company announced its full-year 2025 results today, reporting revenue of $230.2 million for the year to the end of September up from $213.2 million, while net profit after tax surged by 119 per cent to $20.9 million compared with $9.5 million in 2024. Earnings increased by 18 per cent at $27.8 million, up from $23.6 million in 2024, after research and development costs in Gentracks new cloud-based platform, g2.0 ,were expensed, the company reported. These results were driven by strong recurring revenue growth across both its utilities and airports divisions, Gentrack told shareholders. Overall, the groups recurring revenue was 13 per cent higher than in 2024 at $155.4 million. Total revenue for the utilities business grew by 7 per cent to $193.4 million. Our recurring revenues grew strongly, by 12 per cent as wins and upgrades from prior periods flowed through into recurring revenue, the company stated. Over the past year, Gentrack signed several, long term billing renewals including with Vector in New Zealand, Engie, Shell Energy, Wave, Castle Water, So Energy and Marble Power in the UK, and Singapores Pacific Light. Utility Warehouse, one of the UKs fastest growing retailers which supplies energy and telecommunications products to nearly two million meter points, was another new billing customer win. News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) has announced a significant push to modernize its operations through the expanded use of digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), geospatial tools, and citizen-generated information. The move, unveiled on African Statistics Day, aims to enhance the agency's ability to produce timely, reliable, and accurate data for national development.In a statement, Zimstat said the modernization efforts reflect a broader continental trend of integrating innovative technologies into national statistical systems. The agency highlighted that these initiatives are already transforming Zimbabwe's statistical ecosystem, improving the production of official statistics essential for policy planning and development monitoring."Like other African states, Zimbabwe is investing in modernizing its national statistical system through initiatives to adopt digital technologies, artificial intelligence, geospatial tools, big data sources, and citizen-generated data to produce official statistics. Such innovations have already begun transforming the statistical ecosystem which is crucial for producing timely, reliable and accurate data," the agency stated.Zimstat noted that the adoption of computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) for all surveys has markedly improved the quality and availability of data. This enhancement is particularly important for tracking progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and monitoring the implementation of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).African Statistics Day, observed annually on 18 November, seeks to raise awareness about the pivotal role statistics play in socio-economic development. The 2025 celebrations were held under the theme: "Leveraging innovations in data and statistics to promote a just, peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society for Africans."Zimstat emphasized that the theme underscores the importance of embracing technological innovations to strengthen data systems and support evidence-based policymaking. The agency added that robust statistical systems are key to informing policies, driving economic growth, and improving citizens' lives.Despite improvements since 2015, Zimstat acknowledged that many African countries still struggle to generate sufficient data, particularly for SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. The ongoing modernization initiatives are intended to address these gaps and ensure Zimbabwe remains at the forefront of data-driven development in the region. NATO On The US Peace Plan: It Got Ukraine and the US Talking" The social media platform X rolled out a new About This Account feature over the weekend that displays basic but key information, such as where an account is based and how it connects to the X app. It's not a foolproof way to establish where a user is based since virtual private networks (VPNs) change a users location. And with X being blocked in Iran since 2009, most Iranians are forced to use VPNs to access X. But a select few in Iran dont need a VPN. The new feature has exposed accounts in Iran that access the platform using what Iranians call white SIM cards, which allow unrestricted Internet access as part of the so-called tiered Internet system in Iran. Filterwatch, a project by the Texas-based Miaan Group, describes tiered Internet as a concept that transforms Internet access from a universal right into a special privilege for a select group. Once the feature went live, Iranians began inspecting various accounts, from those linked to officials to anonymous accounts with large followings that comment on political matters. Amir Rashidi, director of Internet security and digital rights at the Miaan Group, told RFE/RLs Radio Farda that a reliable way to figure out whether someone has access to unrestricted Internet is if their new About This Account page indicates that they are based in Iran and connecting via the Iran app store. By law, some Iranian businesses, academics, and journalists can have access to unrestricted Internet. However, theyre not the only ones. Various accounts that post in support of the Islamic republic and back Internet censorship appear to have access to unrestricted Internet in Iran. Among those that appear to have unrestricted access to the world wide web are the Fars and Tasnim news agencies, which are both affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), as well as several hard-line lawmakers that support restricted Internet access. People can now see that while most have trouble accessing the Internet, theres a group that is benefiting from a discriminatory practice, Rashidi said. The new feature can also help expose accounts linked to Irans foreign influence operations, such as one called Jessica which had been posting high-engagement content in support of Scottish independence. Once it became clear that the account operates out of Iran, it was deactivated. Iran has long been accused of funding online operations promoting Scottish independence and Brexit. Rashidi said the tool is not without its flaws, but added that it helps with transparency, particularly among Persian-speakers where debates often get heated when politics is involved. He said accessing this new information about various accounts helps people identify whether users are expressing their genuine opinion or promoting an agenda to undermine discussions. Iranian authorities keep a fairly tight grip over access to the Internet, often limiting or completely blocking access to popular social media platforms such as Instagram, as well as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Telegram, and WhatsApp. It has also outlawed the use of tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs) designed to bypass Internet censorship. In its 2025 report on Iran, the DC-based Freedom House said Iranian authorities continued their efforts to make access to the global Internet more cumbersome and expensive, and pressured users to confine themselves to a domestic version of the Internet where authorities could more effectively control content and monitor activity. With reporting by Roya Karimi Majd BRUSSELS -- A US peace proposal has helped bring Kyiv and Washington closer together on the way toward ending Russia's war on Ukraine, Europe's biggest and deadliest conflict since World War II, NATO's chief said. Speaking to RFE/RL from the alliance's headquarters in Brussels on November 24, Secretary-General Mark Rutte characterized weekend talks over the proposal -- which blindsided Kyiv and its European allies -- in Geneva between US and Ukrainian negotiators as "very successful." "Well, obviously some of the elements have to be really thought through," Rutte said on the 28-point plan, adding that "clearly as a base it served its purpose yesterday to get the two parties to really dialogue." The plan, leaked to several media including RFE/RL, late last week sent alarm bells ringing in several European capitals as well as in Kyiv with some calling it a Kremlin wish list. The terms required sweeping concessions by Kyiv and appeared to mirror many of the Kremlin's demands -- including the surrender of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions -- known as the Donbas -- and Crimea, along with setting limits on the size of Ukraine's military. The proposal also would allow Moscow back into the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations as well as gradually easing Western sanctions on the Kremlin. As the proposal became public, European diplomats scrambled to draft a counterproposal that is easier on Kyiv. The 58-year-old former Dutch prime minister said "elements more concerning the EU or NATO will be discussed separately." US President Donald Trump initially gave Ukraine until November 27 to agree to the proposal, although he later softened that deadline. There was no public statement on how a revised plan would handle issues such as how Ukraine's security would be safeguarded against future Russian threats or how to finance a reconstruction of post-war Ukraine. Rutte confirmed that he had been in touch with both Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the weekend, and was reluctant to discuss the proposal line by line. But he stressed that the end state of the talks is a sovereign Ukraine going forward, a strong nation, and Russia never trying again to attack it. I know one thing about the Russians in general and Putin specifically. Whenever you make an agreement, you have to make sure it is in his interest to keep to it," Rutte said. "So that's why it is so important that whenever a peace deal is reached on Ukraine, that he will never try again," he said. "And he will never try again when he knows that the consequences for him will be devastating if he tries to invade Ukraine again after a long term cease-fire or a preferably a peace deal. NATO Membership For Ukraine? Rutte commented on two aspects that the plan touches on with regard to the military alliance: future dialogue with Russia and potential membership in NATO for Ukraine. The NATO chief, who took over as head of the alliance in October last year, said future discussions will not happen under the auspices of the NATO-Russia Council, which last met just before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, or through the 1997 NATO-Russia Founding Act, which codified relations between the 32-member military alliance and Moscow. These things are dead, these two institutions, the NATO-Russia Council and the NATO-Russia Founding Act are dead since Putin invaded Ukraine," Rutte said, adding that the Kremlin's invasion of its neighbor went "against all the fundamentals of our Western values and what the NATO-Russia Founding Act stood for and what the NATO Russian Council tried to achieve." Similarly, he didnt completely rule out future NATO membership for Ukraine, even though the initial US proposal stated that the military alliance should not advance further. Rutte was quick to add, however, that Kyiv's membership in NATO isnt in the cards right now. Every country in the realm of NATO, in the Euro-Atlantic area, who wants to become a member of NATO -- and this is in the Washington Treaty of 1949 -- can apply for membership. But to become a member you need unanimity. And at the moment that unanimity is far off, he said. At the moment we have a couple of allies stating explicitly we are against Ukraine accessing to NATO," he said. "Of course we also have had the language from the Washington summit last year, which said there is this irreversible path into NATO. So that's one reality. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte discusses the United States' 28-point peace proposal for Ukraine, saying it helped bring Kyiv and Washington closer during talks in Geneva. He also warns that any future deal must ensure that Russia cannot strike its western neighbor again and calls key NATO-Russia structures dead. The White House said talks in Geneva with Kyiv marked "meaningful progress" toward ending the war in Ukraine and led to an "updated and refined" framework that would "fully uphold" the war-torn country's sovereignty and deliver a just peace. The November 23 statement out of Washington did not provide specifics or detail what changes had been made to a 28-point peace plan that was put forward by US President Donald Trump and criticized by Kyiv's supporters as being too Russia-friendly. "The talks were constructive, focused, and respectful, underscoring the shared commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace," the US-Ukraine joint statement said. "The discussions showed meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps." "They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraines sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace. As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework," it added, without elaborating. The statement added that both sides agreed to "remain in close contact with their European partners," who remain some of Ukraine's strongest supporters. Trump himself did not immediately comment. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow on November 24 that Moscow has yet to receive any information from Washington on the talks. "We haven't seen any plan yet. We've read the statement issued after the discussions in Geneva. Certain amendments have been made to the text we saw earlier. We're waiting. It seems the dialogue over there is continuing, some contacts will continue. Once again, for now, we have not received anything officially," Peskov said. Along with Ukraine's European allies, many US lawmakers -- including some Republicans -- had assailed the original proposal, with some calling it a Kremlin "wish list." The White House statement said the "Ukrainian delegation affirmed that all of their principal concerns -- security guarantees, long-term economic development, infrastructure protection, freedom of navigation, and political sovereignty -- were thoroughly addressed during the meeting." Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the US delegation on November 23 for talks with Ukrainian officials in Geneva as Washington stepped up pressure on Kyiv to quickly accept the US plan. Trump had expressed frustration with Ukraine and its European allies for stating opposition to his proposal. Following the meeting, Rubio cited "tremendous progress" and said Trump was "pleased" when he briefed him on the discussions. Rubio departed Switzerland and was headed back to Washington following the talks, the State Department said. The head of Ukraine's delegation -- Zelenskyy chief of staff Andriy Yermak -- told reporters that negotiators made "very good progress" in Geneva and were "moving forward to the just and lasting peace Ukrainian people deserve." A Zelenskyy-Trump Meeting? Multiple Western news agencies cited unnamed sources as saying US and Ukrainian officials were discussing a potential visit by Zelenskyy to Washington -- as early as the upcoming week -- to discuss matters with Trump. Reuters quoted one source as saying the talks would focus on the most sensitive issues in a 28-point peace plan put forward by Trump -- such as the possibility of Ukrainian territorial concessions to Russia. The original plan was not officially disclosed, but it has been leaked and published by news outlets. The terms required sweeping concessions by Kyiv and appeared to mirror many of the Kremlin's demands -- including surrender of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions -- known as the Donbas -- and Crimea, along with setting limits on the size of Ukraine's military. Kyiv would also be required to set a constitutional prohibition on joining NATO, while restrictions would be put on the Western military alliance itself regarding the stationing of its troops. Financial sanctions on Moscow would also be eased under the plan. In return, Ukraine would receive some form of security guarantees, most notably from the United States, be allowed to join the European Union, and receive some financial benefits. Russia would also be required to withdraw from some Ukrainian areas it currently occupies. Amid the pushback from US lawmakers and foreign allies, Trump on November 22 had left open the possibility of changes being made to the plan. Asked by reporters if his proposal was his "final offer to Ukraine," Trump said, "No." Amid the talks in Geneva, Zelenskyy said that "there are signals President Trumps team is hearing us." "A lot is changing -- we are working very carefully on the steps needed to end the war," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address, published prior to the White House statement. Details Of European Plan German news agency dpa said an alternative European plan would not require Ukraine to cede any territory that it still controls and would set a higher cap on the size of its armed forces -- to 800,000 soldiers, instead of the 600,000 limit in the US proposal. Ukraine would also receive strong security guarantees. Also, Ukraine's membership in NATO would not explicitly be ruled out, and Russia would not be granted a general amnesty for war crimes, dpa reported, without citing its sources. European and African leaders are meeting in Angola on November 24 for an economic summit, and it is expected that Russia's war on Ukraine will be an urgent subject of discussion among EU leaders. The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the Geneva talks, although Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would have a phone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on November 24 to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine. Multiple Casualties In Kharkiv Meanwhile, as the talks were under way in Geneva, the killing continued in the full-scale war that is edging near the four-year mark. Ukrainian officials said Russia had launched a "massive" drone attack on Kharkiv on November 23, killing at least four people and injuring 17 others in a residential area. Russia has conducted almost nightly missile and drone launches on Ukrainian residential, commercial, and infrastructure sites. The Kremlin denies targeting civilian areas despite widespread attacks on such areas. Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have left millions of people without heating or power for many hours each day. A ground offensive in eastern Ukraine has also increased pressure on Kyiv as it looks to negotiate peace terms. Ukraine has responded by sending drones against energy and other sites inside Russia that Kyiv says are used to launch attacks against Ukrainian cities. Russia has also suffered power outages, and its economy has been devastated because of war expenditures and Western sanctions. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Reuters, and dpa After a controversial US draft plan for an end to Russias war against Ukraine emerged abruptly last week, European nations scrambled to come up with a counterproposal that is easier on Kyiv and makes fewer concessions to Moscow. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a team of negotiators to Geneva for weekend talks that the White House and Zelenskyys office said led to an "updated and refined" framework that would deliver a just peace. They said they would continue intensive work on joint proposals in the coming days and remain in close contact with their European partners as the process advances. Details of the adjusted US proposal were not immediately available. But from territorial and financial issues to the possibility of NATO membership for Ukraine and a sweeping amnesty, the initial US draft as leaked to media outlets and the European counterproposal, spearheaded by Britain, France, and Germany and reported by Reuters, contain crucial differences. Here they are. Territorial Tension Analysts say that seizing territory is not Moscows main goal in the war: Russian President Vladimir Putin is bent on subjugating Ukraine. But with Russia occupying nearly one-fifth of Ukraine, control over territory is in fact one of the most critical matters for both Kyiv and the Kremlin in any potential peace deal. Its also one of the main contrasts between the initial US draft and the European counterproposal. Under the US draft, the Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea regions would be recognized as de facto Russian, and Ukraine would have to withdraw its forces from the portion of the Donetsk region that they still hold -- a massive concession that would essentially hand Russia land it has failed to take in years of grueling fighting. At the same time, the draft also says that this portion of the region would be a neutral demilitarized buffer zone that would be internationally recognized as belonging to Russia but that Russian forces would also be barred from entering an arrangement unlikely to please either side. Kherson and Zaporizhzhya would be frozen along the line of contact, with Russia receiving de facto recognition of the parts of these regions it holds. That would solidify Moscows control of a land corridor leading from the Russian border and along the Azov Sea coast to Crimea, the peninsula that juts into the Black Sea from Ukraines mainland. Russia seized control of Crimea in 2014. The much shorter section on territories in the European draft says nothing about recognition of any land as Russian or about a Ukrainian withdrawal in Donetsk. Negotiations on territorial swaps will start from the Line of Contact, it states echoing calls by the Kyiv and the West for a cease-fire under which any change in territorial control on either side of the front line would be the subject of further negotiation. Russia has rejected these calls since US President Donald Trump made the proposal last spring. Putin also has made clear he wants full Russian control over the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. "The key question, I am absolutely certain, is still related to territory, Kirill Martynov, editor-in-chief of the exiled Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta Europe, told Current Time. I am confident that the Russian side will insist on being handed the remaining free areas of the Donetsk region. I am sure that this demand is practically impossible and unacceptable for Ukraine. NATO The US draft would require Ukraine to enshrine in its constitution that it will not join NATO and the alliance to codify a pledge that Ukraine will never be admitted. It also says it is expectedthat NATO will not expand further at all, meaning that it would never admit any new member. Putin has cited potential Ukrainian membership as one of the reasons for his decision to launch the full-scale invasion in February 2022, and a bar on Ukraine ever joining was among the demands Russia made in letters to the US and NATO in December 2021, as its forces gathered at the border ahead of the onslaught. NATO declared in 2008 that Ukraine would eventually join, and Ukraines constitution has committed the country to seeking entry since 2019. But as Western officials have repeatedly tried to tell Russia, membership was unlikely anytime soon because there has been little appetite within the alliance itself for bringing in Ukraine. The European counterproposal reflects that reality, saying that Ukraine joining NATO depends on consensus of NATO members, which does not exist. That would deprive Russia of a veto on the issue and preserve Kyivs right to choose its partners but its unlikely to satisfy Moscow, which wants a binding bar on membership for Ukraine. And Its Forces The US draft says that NATO agrees not to station troops in Ukraine, full stop. The European proposal says that NATO agrees not to permanently station troops under its command in Ukraine in peacetime, wording that might avoid ruling out a potential plan by the largely European "Coalition of the Willing" to send forces to back up Ukrainian troops. Military Size Matters The drafts also differ when it comes to another issue of crucial importance to Ukraine: The size of its army. In previous negotiations, Russia has sought to limit Ukraines military to numbers as low as 85,000 or even 50,000 personnel, a token force which Kyiv and its backers have said would leave Ukraine deeply vulnerable to further Russian attacks. The US draft would cap the Ukrainian Armed Forces at 600,000 personnel, while the European counterproposal would raise that to 800,000 in peacetime, meaning that it could be higher if Russia were to attack again. Either way, Martynov said, There will certainly be a lot of pressure from Moscow regarding this. The Ukrainian military had about 250,000 personnel before the war and has 800,000-900,000 now, according to various estimates. Security Guarantees Ukraine has been adamant that it cannot agree to peace without strong Western security guarantees, particularly if NATO membership is off the table. The draft US framework says that Ukraine will receive reliable security guarantees and mentions a US guarantee but provides few details. The European counterproposal replaces reliable with robust and calls for a US guarantee that mirrors Article 5, under which an attack on one NATO country is considered an attack on all. Additionally, the European draft seeks to ensure that Ukraine and Europe are not sidelined when it comes to matters of security and compliance with the peace deal, if it comes to pass. While the US draft says that a joint American-Russian working group on security issues will be established to promote and ensure compliance with all provisions of this agreement, the European proposal calls for a joint Security taskforcewith the participation of [the] US, Ukraine, Russia, and the Europeans. Follow The Money The drafts also differ on the divisive issue of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets. The US framework says that $100 billion in frozen Russian assets will be invested in US-led efforts to rebuild and invest in Ukraine, with the US receiving 50 percent of the profits from this venture and Europe adding $100 billion to increase the amount of investment available for Ukraines reconstruction. The European proposal is less detailed and less focused on the US, saying that Ukraine will be fully reconstructed and compensated financially, including through Russian sovereign assets that will remain frozen until Russia compensates damage to Ukraine. Election Timing 'The US draft says Ukraine will hold elections in 100 days, while the European plan says they will be held as soon as possible after the signing of the peace agreement. The second version gives Kyiv more leeway on a sensitive issue. Putin clearly wants Zelenskyy out of power and has repeatedly claimed that Zelenskyy is illegitimate because a presidential election was not held in 2024, when his five-year term in peacetime would have expired. This assertion ignores the fact that Ukraines constitution bars it from holding elections under martial law, which has been in place since the start of the full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy has voiced readiness for Ukraine to conduct elections once the war is over and martial law is lifted. Nazi Ideology Critics of the initial US framework say it echoes some of Russias other narratives, such as the false assertion that Ukraine is run by or dominated by nazis; one of Russias stated goals in the invasion is the denazification of Ukraine. As reported by multiple media outlets, the US draft states, All Nazi ideology and activities must be rejected and prohibited, while the European counterproposal makes no mention of Nazi ideology. Both drafts call for Ukraine to adopt EU rules on religious tolerance and the protection of linguistic minorities, but the US draft also says both countries will agree to abolish all discriminatory measures and guarantee the rights of Ukrainian and Russian media and education. The European proposal omits that wording, which hunts at Russian claims of discrimination that Kyiv says are overblown. Address The Suffering Or Amnesty All? Along with territorial control, one of the biggest gaps between the US draft framework and the European counterproposal is the issue of responsibility and justice. All parties involved in this conflict will receive full amnesty for their actions during the war and agree not to make any claims or consider any complaints in the future, reads point 26 of the US draft. In the European document, point 26 makes no mention of an amnesty, saying only: Provision will be made to address the suffering of victims of the conflict. The wording is vague and gives no indication of how the incalculable suffering wreaked on Ukrainians by Russia might be addressed. But as alleged atrocities mount and Ukraine gathers evidence that could be used in putative future war crimes trials, its a gap that could be almost impossible to bridge. In 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin, alleging he is responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation and transfer of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia. Russian Rejection The reaction from Russia, which has repeatedly accused European nations of seeking to undermine US peace efforts, was not surprising. The European counterproposal is "completely unconstructive and does not suit us," Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said on November 24. Ukrainian negotiators have left Geneva following talks on proposals to end the war with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as questions linger over whether a deal could be struck by US President Donald Trump's Thanksgiving deadline. "As of now, after Geneva, there are fewer points no longer 28 and many of the right elements have been taken into account in this framework," Zelenskyy said on social media on November 24. "I will discuss the sensitive issues with President Trump. Ukraine will never be an obstacle to peace." Zelenskyy didn't elaborate. The two sides had said the talks in the Swiss city showed "meaningful progress" toward ending the war and led to an "updated and refined" framework that would "fully uphold" the war-torn country's sovereignty and deliver a just peace. The November 23 statement out of Washington did not provide specifics or detail what changes had been made to a 28-point peace plan that was put forward by Trump and criticized by Kyiv's supporters as being too Russia-friendly. "The talks were constructive, focused, and respectful, underscoring the shared commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace," the US-Ukraine joint statement said. "They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraines sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace. As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework," it added, without elaborating. Trump himself did not immediately comment on the substance of the talks, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appeared to indicate after consultations with European Union leaders that a November 27 deadline set by Trump for Ukraine's acceptance of the plan was unlikely. "It is a laborious process," Merz said after discussions on the sidelines of the European Union-African Union summit in the Angolan capital Luanda, adding that "at best, there will be minor steps forward this week." "The next step must be: Russia must come to the table...And if this is possible, then every effort will have been worthwhile." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow on November 24 that Moscow has yet to receive any information from Washington on the talks. "We haven't seen any plan yet. We've read the statement issued after the discussions in Geneva. Certain amendments have been made to the text we saw earlier. We're waiting. It seems the dialogue over there is continuing, some contacts will continue. Once again, for now, we have not received anything officially," Peskov said. Along with Ukraine's European allies, many US lawmakers -- including some Republicans -- had assailed the original proposal, with some calling it a Kremlin "wish list." The White House statement said the "Ukrainian delegation affirmed that all of their principal concerns -- security guarantees, long-term economic development, infrastructure protection, freedom of navigation, and political sovereignty -- were thoroughly addressed during the meeting." A Zelenskyy-Trump Meeting? Multiple Western news agencies cited unnamed sources as saying US and Ukrainian officials were discussing a potential visit by Zelenskyy to Washington -- as early as this week -- to discuss matters with Trump. Reuters quoted one source as saying the talks would focus on the most sensitive issues in a 28-point peace plan put forward by Trump -- such as the possibility of Ukrainian territorial concessions to Russia. The original plan was not officially disclosed, but it has been leaked and published by news outlets. The terms required sweeping concessions by Kyiv and appeared to mirror many of the Kremlin's demands -- including the surrender of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions -- known as the Donbas -- and Crimea, along with setting limits on the size of Ukraine's military. Kyiv would also be required to set a constitutional prohibition on joining NATO, while restrictions would be put on the Western military alliance itself regarding the stationing of its troops. Financial sanctions on Moscow would also be eased under the plan. In return, Ukraine would receive some form of security guarantees, most notably from the United States, be allowed to join the European Union, and receive some financial benefits. Russia would also be required to withdraw from some Ukrainian areas it currently occupies. Amid the pushback from US lawmakers and foreign allies, Trump has left open the possibility of changes being made to the plan. Details Of European Plan The German dpa news agency said an alternative European plan would not require Ukraine to cede any territory that it still controls and would set a higher cap on the size of its armed forces -- to 800,000 soldiers, instead of the 600,000 limit in the US proposal. Ukraine would also receive strong security guarantees. Also, Ukraine's membership in NATO would not explicitly be ruled out, and Russia would not be granted a general amnesty for war crimes, dpa reported, without citing its sources. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would have a phone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on November 24 to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine. Multiple Casualties In Kharkiv Meanwhile, as the talks were under way in Geneva, the killing continued in the full-scale war that is edging near the four-year mark. Ukrainian officials said Russia had launched a "massive" drone attack on Kharkiv on November 23, killing at least four people and injuring 17 others in a residential area. Russia has conducted almost nightly missile and drone launches on Ukrainian residential, commercial, and infrastructure sites. The Kremlin denies targeting civilian areas despite widespread attacks on such areas. Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have left millions of people without heating or power for many hours each day. A ground offensive in eastern Ukraine has also increased pressure on Kyiv as it looks to negotiate peace terms. Ukraine has responded by sending drones against energy and other sites inside Russia that Kyiv says are used to launch attacks against Ukrainian cities. Russia has also suffered power outages, and its economy has been severely damaged due to war expenditures and Western sanctions. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Reuters, and dpa News / National by Staff reporter The White House hit out Thursday at South Africa's leader for "running his mouth" over the United States' boycott of this weekend's Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg in another diplomatic rift between the U.S. and a country that has been especially targeted for criticism by President Donald Trump.South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa told reporters in Johannesburg that the U.S. had indicated it was changing its mind over its boycott of the G20 leaders summit at the "11th hour" and wanted to take part.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that was not true and had sharp words for Ramaphosa in response."I saw the South African president running his mouth a little bit against the United States and the president of the United States earlier today, and that language is not appreciated by the president or his team," Leavitt said at the White House.She said the U.S. was sending a diplomatic official to the summit to simply recognise that the U.S. will take over the rotating presidency of the bloc and host near year's G20 summit.A representative from the U.S. Embassy in South Africa will attend the formal handover ceremony at the end of the two-day summit that opens on Saturday, but Washington still won't take part in any talks, a White House official said. The official wasn't authorised to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.Trump announced this month that no U.S. government official would attend the meeting of world leaders from rich and developing countries in South Africa's biggest city.Trump cited his claims that South Africa is violently persecuting the country's white Afrikaner minority farmers as the reason for the U.S. boycott. Those statements by Trump have been widely rejected.A formal handover ceremony is traditional at the end of each G20 summit and Ramaphosa previously expressed disappointment that the U.S. boycott would mean that he hands over to an "empty chair" at the end of the summit.On Thursday, the South African president said that he welcomed U.S. participation at Africa's first G20 summit "in one shape or form or another" and viewed the late communication as a "pleasing" change of approach from the world's biggest economy."The United States is a member of the G20, they are an original member of the G20, so they have the right to be here," Ramaphosa said. "And all we are seeking to do is looking at the practicalities for them to participate."Ramaphosa had also addressed the U.S. boycott - which threatens to undermine the summit - earlier Thursday, when he said that the G20 meeting would issue a joint declaration, despite pressure from Washington not to issue one.A South African G20 official said earlier this week that the U.S. had sent diplomatic communication to South Africa advising that there should be no declaration adopted at the summit, because the U.S. wasn't there and therefore there would be no consensus.Instead, the U.S. wants a toned-down statement from South Africa only to cap the summit, which is a culmination of more than 120 meetings that Africa's most advanced economy has hosted since it took over the G20's rotating presidency for this year.Speaking to reporters after an earlier speech, Ramaphosa said: "We will have a declaration. The talks are going extremely well. I'm confident we are moving towards a declaration, and they are now just dotting the i's and crossing the t's.""Without the United States, the whole process of the G20 is moving forward. We will not be bullied. We will not agree to be bullied."Other leaders have expressed hope that the summit results in a declaration. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Wednesday that he hopes for "joint decisions," but conceded that "that is not entirely certain."Trump has repeatedly targeted South Africa for criticism since he returned to office. He held a tense meeting with Ramaphosa at the White House in May, when he confronted South Africa's leader with baseless claims of widespread violence against Afrikaners, who are descendants of Dutch, French and German settlers who first came to South Africa in the 17th century.The U.S. president has repeated his claims in the leadup to the G20 that Ramaphosa's Black-led government is pursuing racist anti-white policies against Afrikaners.The G20 is a bloc made up of 19 nations, including the richest but also the top developing economies, the European Union and the African Union. The bloc is meant to bring developed and developing nations together to find solutions to global problems.South Africa, which is the first African nation to hold the rotating presidency, is hoping to use its summit to make progress on issues especially affecting poor countries. That includes mitigating the impact of climate change and weather-related disasters, easing debt burdens for developing countries and confronting global wealth inequality.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa met with Ramaphosa on Thursday in Johannesburg and expressed support for South Africa's agenda.The U.S. has previously derided South Africa's priorities for the group, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipping a G20 foreign ministers meeting in February and dismissing South Africa's priorities as being about diversity, equity and inclusion and climate change.Rubio said that he wouldn't waste U.S. taxpayer money on that agenda.Other leaders are also skipping the G20 summit, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Argentine President Javier Milei, but they have sent delegations to represent them in the talks."The only country that is not in the room is the United States and, of course, it is their choice not to be in the room," Xolisa Mabhongo, a South African ambassador to the G20, told national broadcaster SABC this week. Irreplaceable Loss for Indian Film World: From HM Amit Shah to LoP Rahul Gandhi, Tributes Pour In for Dharmendra Deol Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief in a post on X, calling Dharmendra's demise extremely heartbreaking As legendary actor Dharmendra Deol passed away on Monday, tributes poured in from across the country, including from top political leaders. Among those who mourned his demise were Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Home Minister Amit Shah called Dharmendras passing an irreplaceable loss for the Indian film world. Advertisement In a post on X, originally written in Hindi, he stated, With his outstanding acting, Dharmendra ji touched the hearts of every citizen for six decades. His demise is an irreplaceable loss for the Indian film world. Coming from an ordinary family, he made an indelible mark in cinema. Dharmendra ji was one of those select actors whose every character came alive, winning the hearts of millions across all age groups. Through his art, he will always remain among us. May God grant him a place at His divine feet and give strength to his family and admirers to bear this sorrow. Om Shanti. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief in a post on X, calling Dharmendras demise extremely heartbreaking and an irreparable loss for the Indian art world. He added, His unparalleled contribution to cinema over nearly seven decades will always be remembered with respect and love. My heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra ji. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with his bereaved family, friends, and fans. Advertisement Delhi CM Rekha Gupta also paid tribute, describing the actors demise as extremely heartbreaking. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said, On behalf of the Narendra Modi government, and as the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, I pay my heartfelt tribute to him President Droupadi Murmu, in her condolence message on X, wrote, As a towering figure of Indian cinema, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire young generations of artists. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers." Advertisement Meanwhile, several Bollywood celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan, were seen arriving at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai this afternoon. A short while later, actress and wife Hema Malini, along with their daughters, was seen leaving the crematorium. (For more news apart from Irreplaceable Loss for Indian Film World: From HM Amit Shah to LoP Rahul Gandhi, Tributes Pour In for Dharmendra Deol," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) He addressed the event in New Delhi and described this agreement as a demonstration of trust between India and Canada.File Photo. He noted that the pact is likely to boost investor confidence and provide a stronger framework for businesses on both sides. India-Canada Trade Talks Relaunch: Paving the Way for USD 50 Billion Bilateral Growth India and Canada are set to relaunch negotiations on a long-awaited free trade agreement. It is a significant step in reviving economic ties after relations had a diplomatic low last year. On Monday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that the two nations would begin discussions on a high-ambition Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is focused on raising bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. Advertisement He addressed the event in New Delhi and described this agreement as a demonstration of trust between India and Canada. He noted that the pact is likely to boost investor confidence and provide a stronger framework for businesses on both sides. There is a lot that we can learn from Canada and a lot we can offer Canada, he added. He also highlighted opportunities in critical minerals, processing technologies, nuclear energy collaboration, and supply chain diversification. On uranium engagement, he said, There is a good possibility on nuclear energyparticularly with our engagement with Canada on uranium supplies. This move follows a diplomatic reset under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau, after the previous Canadian government alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, an accusation India rejected as absurd. Modi and Carney held bilateral discussions during the G7 summit in June and set the stage for rebuilding political and economic ties. Under the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), trade negotiations between the two countries were formally relaunched in 2022. Since then, multiple rounds of discussions have focused on emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, machine learning, and data centres. Goyal highlighted actionable outcomes, sectoral roadmaps, and measurable progress. He also called for the revival of the CEO forum in the first quarter of 2026 and for advancing the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership. Advertisement According to recent trade data, Indias exports to Canada rose 9.8% to USD 4.22 billion in 2024-25, while imports reduced to 2.33% worth USD 4.44 billion. With total bilateral trade in goods and services standing at USD 18.38 billion in 2023. Canada hosted around 2.9 million people of Indian origin and over 427,000 Indian students, underscoring deep social and economic links. The relaunch of CEPA talks reflects a broader vision to diversify supply chains, deepen technology collaboration, and strengthen bilateral trade, making it a defining moment in India-Canada relations. As Goyal said, this partnership is not just a pact but a pragmatic platform for strategic growth and innovation in the upcoming years. He has also presided over cases that involve cyber surveillance, gender equality, corruption in the NCR real estate sector, national security oversight, and the constitutional powers of governors. File Photo. His judicial career at the supreme court has been marked by several landmark rulings. From Hisar to Supreme Court: Justice Surya Kant Sworn In as 53rd CJI, Sets Stage for Major Judicial Reforms On Monday, 24th November 2025, Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. India. He succeeded Justice B.R. Gavai. The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in a ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, top Union ministers, foreign dignitaries, and several former constitutional functionaries attended this ceremony. Justice Kants serving period as CJI is until February 9, 2027, a tenure of nearly 15 months before demitting office upon turning 65. His Judicial Journey He was born on February 10, 1962, in the Hisar district of Haryana. Haryana. Justice Kants journey from a small-town lawyer to Indias top judge reflects decades of deep engagement and hard work with constitutional, service, and civil law. He earned his law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University in 1984. He began his career at the Hisar District Court before moving to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1985. His smooth journey continued as he became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000. He was designated a senior advocate in 2001, and he was elevated as a permanent High Court judge in 2004. Justice Kant served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018 and then was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019. His judicial career at the supreme court has been marked by several landmark rulings. He was also part of the bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, kept the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance, upheld the One Rank-One Pension (OROP) scheme, and pushed for stronger electoral transparency that included nudging the Election Commission to disclose details of 65 lakh excluded voters in Bihar. He has also presided over cases that involve cyber surveillance, gender equality, corruption in the NCR real estate sector, national security oversight, and the constitutional powers of governors. His judgements have highlighted that the state cannot claim a free pass under the guise of national security, reflecting a strong rights-based approach. Justice Surya Kants 15-month tenure is expected to shape Indias legal landscape, with key constitutional and social matters awaiting adjudication, ranging from federalism and electoral reforms to civil liberties and judicial accountability. Mahe, an anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft, gets commissioned into the Indian Navy COAS General Upendra Dwivedi also took a guided tour of the INS Mahe after it was commissioned into the Indian Navy today. INS Mahe was commissioned by COAS General Upendra Dwivedi into the Indian Navy on Monday morning in Mumbai. According to the Indian Navy, Mahe is an agile, indigenous shallow water combatant. The commissioning marks the arrival of a new generation of indigenous shallow-water combatants - sleek, swift, and resolutely Indian. With over 80% indigenous content, the Mahe-class showcases Indias growing mastery in warship design, construction, and integration. She will serve as a Silent Hunter on the Western Seaboard - powered by self-reliance and dedicated to safeguarding Indias maritime frontiers. Advertisement COAS General Upendra Dwivedi speaking on the occasion, said, It's a moment of immense pride and a profound sense of honour to be present at the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahe, first of the eight anti-submarine war-face shallow watercrafts being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy. Today's ceremony not only marks the induction of a potent new platform to a maritime order of battle, but also reaffirms our nation's increasing capability to design, construct and field complex combatants with indigenous technology, General Upendra Dwivedi further added. Having been named after the historic coastal town of Mahe, a symbol of India's maritime legacy, he said the ship embodies the spirit of innovation and service. Advertisement The commissioning will significantly augment the Indian Navy's capability to ensure near-seas dominance, strengthen the coastal security grid, and safeguard our maritime interests across the vast expanse of our littorals. The commissioning of INS Mahe reaffirms the Navy's steadfast transformation into a Builders' Navy, one that designs, constructs, and sustains its own combat platforms. Today, over 75% platforms of the Navy's capital acquisition are sourced indigenously. From warships and submarines to high sonar and weapon systems, Indian shipyards, public and private, stand as a living proof of our nation's industrial and technological dominance..."he added. COAS General Upendra Dwivedi also took a guided tour of the INS Mahe after it was commissioned into the Indian Navy today. The strength of armed forces lies in synergy. The sea, land and the skies form a single continuum of national security, and together the Army, Navy, and Air Force form the trinity of India's strategic strength. In this age of multi-domain operations. Our ability to act in concert from the depths of the ocean to the highest frontier will determine the security of our republic. We are an operational eye in every domain from Ladakh to the Indian Ocean, from information warfare to joint logistics, Operation Sindoor was an apt example of that synergy..." he further added while addressing the ceremony. Advertisement (For more news apart from Mahe, an anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft, gets commissioned into the Indian Navy," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) PM Modi to hoist saffron flag atop of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya; Find Out the details of the Flag The saffron flag would convey a message of dignity, unity, and cultural continuity, embodying the ideals of Ram Rajya, the release said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on 25th November to hoist a saffron flag atop the temple to mark the completion of the temples construction. The saffron flag hoisting will take place around noon. Before that at around 10 AM, Prime Minister will visit Saptmandir. At around 11 AM, the PM will visit Mata Annapurna Mandir. After this, he will perform Darshan and Pooja at Ram Darbar Garbh Grah, which will be followed by Darshan at Ram Lalla Garbha Grah. Prime Minister Modi will also address the gathering on this historic occasion. Advertisement According to his office, the programme is taking place on the auspicious Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, coinciding with the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sitas Vivah Panchami, a day symbolizing divine union. The date also marks the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 uninterrupted hours in the 17th century, further enhancing the spiritual significance of the day, his office added. Details of the flag to be hoisted on the Shikhar of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya: Advertisement It is a right-angled triangular flag, measuring ten feet in height and twenty feet in length. The flag bears the image of a radiant Sun symbolizing the brilliance and valour of Bhagwan Shri Ram, with an Om inscribed on it along with the image of the Kovidara tree, according to the PMs Office. The saffron flag would convey a message of dignity, unity, and cultural continuity, embodying the ideals of Ram Rajya, the release said. The flag will rise atop a Shikhar constructed in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style, while the surrounding 800-metre Parkota, a circumambulatory enclosure built around the temple, designed in the South Indian architectural tradition, showcases the temples architectural diversity. Advertisement The temple complex features 87 intricately carved stone episodes from the life of Bhagwan Shri Ram based on the Valmiki Ramayana on the outer walls of the main temple, and 79 bronze-cast episodes from Indian culture placed along the enclosure walls. Together, these elements provide a meaningful and educational experience to all visitors, offering deep insight into Bhagwan Shri Rams life and the cultural heritage of India. (For more news apart from Newly Appointed CJI Surya Kant Offers Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) The session was organised at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial Park, which is part of the commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.File Photo. Aam Aadmi Party president and Punjab minister Aman Arora highlighted the session's broader message of secularism and communal harmony. Punjab Government Announces Anandpur Sahib, Golden Temple Area as Sacred Cities The Punjab government is set to declare Anandpur Sahib and the Galiara surrounding the Golden Temple in Amritsar as holy cities. This decision was revealed during a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha held at Anandpur Sahib on Monday, 24th November 2025. It was the first time in the Assemblys history that a session was conducted outside Chandigarh. Advertisement The session was organised at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial Park, which is part of the commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. It highlights Anandpur Sahibs deep religious and cultural significance. Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan officially designated this park as the Assembly venue, with extensive arrangements including a large waterproof tent for legislators and visiting dignitaries. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed the House. He highlighted the importance of preserving the states cultural and religious heritage. He also said. Anandpur Sahib has always been a beacon of Sikh history and spirituality. Declaring it a holy city is a tribute to our heritage and the teachings of our Gurus. Advertisement BSP MLA Nachchattar Pal raised concerns about the proposed declaration of Anandpur Sahib as the 24th district. He highlighted opposition from residents of Hoshiarpur, Garhshankar, and Balachaur. He also suggested that Ropar district instead be renamed after Guru Tegh Bahadur or as Anandpur Sahib district. Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa emphasised unity across political lines to protect Punjabs culture, history, and diversity. This is under attack from those ruling at the Centre. Be it our river waters, GST dues, Rural Development Fund allocations, or administrative changes in Chandigarh, we can succeed only when Punjabis stand together. Guru Tegh Bahadur teaches us to remain steadfast in protecting our rights, he said. Aam Aadmi Party president and Punjab minister Aman Arora highlighted the sessions broader message of secularism and communal harmony. We hold this session to send the message of secularism imbibed by Punjabis from Guru Tegh Bahadur across India. The message is clear: Na Hindu Rashtra, Na Khalistan, Jug Jug Jeye Mera Hindustan, he said. Advertisement The Assembly is going to pass a resolution to promote secular values, universal brotherhood, and human rights in line with Guru Tegh Bahadurs teachings. This landmark session not only recognises Anandpur Sahib and Amritsars sacred places but also reinforces Punjabs commitment to preserving its spiritual and cultural legacy. Source: The Tribune Five die in road accident in Uttarakhand 23 Mostly Pilgrims from Gujarat and Delhi injured; Death toll likely to rise Most of the passengers are reported to be pilgrims from Gujarat and Delhi heading to Kunjapuri Temple. Five passengers have died after a bus, carrying around 28 passengers, fell into a deep gorge near KunjapuriHindolakhal under the Narendra Nagar area of Tehri district in Uttarakhand today, ANI reported citing SDRF. Most of the passengers are reported to be pilgrims from Gujarat and Delhi heading to Kunjapuri Temple. Advertisement Those injured have been rushed to hospitals. Local authorities are currently engaged in rescue operations. The exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined. Authorities have warned that the number of deaths may rise as rescue operations continue. Advertisement (For more news apart from Five die in road accident in Uttarakhand 23 Mostly Pilgrims from Gujarat and Delhi injured; Death toll likely to rise," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) The law will come into force on a date set by Canada's cabinet.File Photo, The move is likely to benefit many Indian-origin families that include a large number from the Punjabi diaspora. Canada Plans Major Citizenship Law Change Likely to Benefit Indian-Origin Families Canada has taken a major step toward modernising its citizenship-by-descent rules. Bill C-3, which is an act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), received royal assent. According to a government news release issued on Friday, this marked an important milestone in making Canadas citizenship laws more inclusive, while still protecting the value of Canadian citizenship. The move is likely to benefit manyIndian-origin families that include a large number from the Punjabi diaspora. Advertisement Once the new law officially comes into force. many Indian-originCanada will grant citizenship to people who were born before the bills implementation date but would have been citizens if not for the first-generation limit or other outdated rules. This first-generation limit was introduced in 2009. It prevented Canadian citizens born abroad from passing citizenship to children who were also born outside Canada. For many globally mobile familiesincluding numerous Indian-origin Canadians whose children were born during overseas work assignmentsthis rule created many emotional and legal hardships. Advertisement In a verbal statement, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said that the bill aims to fix long-standing inequities and bring fairness to families with children born or adopted abroad. She added that the reforms will offer citizenship to those previously excluded and will set clearer, modern rules aligned with how families live today. The legislation also allows Canadian parents born outside Canada to pass citizenship to children born or adopted abroad after the law takes effect, provided the parent can demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada. Officials have explained that this connection will generally require 1,095 daysthree cumulative yearsof physical presence in the country that mirrors the naturalisation requirement. The push for this major reform accelerated after the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled in December 2023 that key parts of the Citizenship Act were unconstitutional. The Canadian government chose not to appeal, acknowledging that the old system produced unfair outcomes, particularly for children born abroad. Advertisement Advocates like Don Chapman, founder of the Lost Canadians movement, have welcomed this update as a fair reflection of the global mobility of modern families. The law will come into force on a date set by Canadas cabinet. The government has already been granted additional timeuntil January 2026to complete the implementation process. Until then, interim measures remain in place for those affected by the first-generation limit. News / National by Staff reporter Nine candidates have successfully filed their nomination papers to contest the Nkulumane parliamentary by-election, scheduled for 20 December 2025. The nomination process, conducted at the Tredgold Magistrates Court in Bulawayo, opened at 10:00 AM and closed at 4:00 PM on Thursday, after which the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) confirmed the duly nominated candidates.The Nkulumane seat fell vacant following the death of Desire Moyo in a car accident on 10 October, prompting what is expected to be one of Bulawayo's most competitive races in recent years. The contest has attracted political veterans, activists, independents, and new entrants from various parties.Among the nominees is Esther Auxillia Zitha, widow of the late MP, running as an independent. Musician and radio DJ Mothusi Ndlovu, popularly known as Madlela, filed to stand for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faction led by Sengezo Tshabangu. The MDC-T is fielding Ethel Sibanda, while Alson Moyo represents EFF Zimbabwe. Independents Rodney Donovan Jele and Mbuso Fuzwayo, secretary-general of Ibetshu LikaZulu, are also in the race. Other candidates include Vivian Siziba for ZAPU, Freedom Murechu for Zanu-PF, and Nompilo Ncube Malala for the Zimbabwe African National Congress.Ndlovu, or Madlela Skhobokhobo, drew attention upon arrival at the nomination court alongside Tshabangu, accompanied by supporters and party agents. Nkulumane residents who gathered outside expressed mixed expectations, with one saying, "All we want is a responsible leader who will finish the projects started by the late Desire Moyo."Analysts suggest that the crowded field could split the opposition vote, potentially benefiting Zanu-PF in a constituency traditionally dominated by opposition parties.The race has already attracted endorsements, with CCC councillor Bruce Moyo, an ally of former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, publicly supporting independent candidate Rodney Jele. "We must ensure Nkulumane is returned to its people and to its dignity. We cannot afford to have Zanu-PF and the 2030 enablers bully our people," Moyo said. He praised Jele as a candidate who understands the governance challenges facing Zimbabwe and can serve the interests of Nkulumane residents.Jele, a former Ward 22 councillor, is considered one of the strongest contenders, having previously enjoyed significant support in parts of the constituency.The campaign officially opens next week, with candidates expected to intensify door-to-door mobilisation across Nkulumane ahead of the December by-election. Stalinism and the Study of History in Romania In the Stalinist era, social sciences were as ideologically charged as many other parts of peoples lives The History Show Steliu Lambru, 24.11.2025, 13:30 In the Stalinist era, science was as ideologically charged as many other parts of peoples lives, and social sciences, history included, were the most affected. History was rewritten and censored at all levels, and this was the mildest form of repression. The harshest form was the physical one, prison, where important Romanian interwar historians ended up. The historian Ion Agrigoroaie was a student with the University of Iasi during the height of the Stalinist regime. In 1995, he told the Oral History Centre of the Romanian Broadcasting Corporation about the atmosphere he found at the university when he became a student. Ion Agrigoroaie: In 1954 I graduated from the Costache Negruzzi boarding school in Iasi, at a time when the influences of Stalins cult of personality were quite strong. However, the boarding school provided us with an important foundation for academic performance. In 1954, shortly after Stalins death, the cult of personality was still very strong. University departments were reorganised. The year I became a student, the Philosophy School merged with the History Department to become the Philology and History Department, with a Romanian section, a history section, a Romanian history section and a Russian section. The foreign language sections, including French, English and German, had been dismantled. Despite the difficulties, the academic staff tried to pass on accurate knowledge to the new generations whose professional careers were already affected by politicisation: Ion Agrigoroaie: I would like to say that we had professors who fully honoured their teaching and historian professions. We had professors, although not all of them, who taught us how to learn. Few people are aware now that during those years the works of Nicolae Iorga or Vasile Parvan, let alone Gheorghe Bratianu, could not be studied. I would point out that we had dissimilar backgrounds, in terms of education. There were big differences between students from this point of view, especially since some also had more or less legal diplomas. And during that period and for a few more years after that, emphasis was placed on students background, that is, on the social origin of the parents, and on whether or not we were members of the Workers Youth Union. Back then, very few of us could be members of the communist party, the Romanian Workers Party, as it was called then, and I understood later that these select few had to a certain extent secured their admission to universities social sciences departments. The Soviet educational advisors were the ones who made sure that the new history was taught in accordance with the communist ideology: Ion Agrigoroaie. There was a Soviet consular office in Iasi, with a Soviet cultural counselor, who had the right or obligation to control the teaching of social sciences. The course material had to be written and, at his request, he could see it, inspect it, and give his opinion on its contents. The case of the late Professor Constantin Cihodariu is very well known. He discussed why the Romanian army had to step in, in 1877, at the request of Russian commanders south of the Danube, who had advanced too far and had not secured their rear-guard. The Grand Duke Nicholas asked Prince Carol to take action immediately, and there is a famous telegram in this regard. Professor Cihodariu used to say that some Russian army commanders had been incompetent in leading operations south of the Danube and were concerned not only with military operations. Well, this greatly upset the Soviet consular office in Iasi, which saw this as a denigration of the Russian army. Professor Cihodariu emphasised that he had taken the information from Soviet history works. But he was told that what Soviet historiography was allowed to say, we were not. And then he was demoted from associate professor to assistant, and was on the verge of being expelled from higher education altogether. The rewriting of Romanias past was also extended to public monuments: Ion Agrigoroaie. I witnessed the toppling of the statue of Titu Maiorescu in front of the University. I think I was a student, I cant remember if it was 1953 or 1954. There were statues of Mihail Kogalniceanu and Mihai Eminescu there, and then some changes were made. Next to the statue of Kogalniceanu there was the statue of Maiorescu. It was simply pulled with a rope, and for years after that, whenever I walked there I would try to go around the mark left on the asphalt by the falling statue. I found out later on, when they looked for it to put it back in place, that it had been melted. There were some traumas, no doubt. History during Stalinism is an example how the profession and truth were perverted. No one should experience political standards imposed instead of professional ones, as Romanians and other nations experienced. (AMP) November 24, 2025 A roundup of domestic and international news Newsflash Newsroom, 24.11.2025, 13:55 Ukraine. Romanian President Nicusor Dan is participating today, via videoconference, in the informal meeting of EU leaders on Ukraine. This is taking place in the context of recent rounds of discussions that have taken place in various formats, following the 28-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. We recall that this plan, which was first proposed to Kyiv last week, includes significant territorial concessions from Ukraine to Russia, including the whole of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk. On November 21, the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, said that the EU would support any peace plan for Ukraine, as long as it would bring a just and lasting peace and involve Kyiv and the EU (Reuters). For her part, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that nothing should be decided about Ukraine without Ukraine (AFP). On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that during talks in Geneva between delegations from his country, the US, and some European countries, there was a certain willingness to incorporate a Ukrainian vision into the peace plan sent to Kyiv this week by the US administration, the initial version of which was considered overly favorable to Russia by Brussels and Kyiv, according to EFE. Defense. Romanias new National Defense Strategy is on the agenda of the Supreme Council for National Defense today for approval, before being presented to Parliament next week. According to the Presidential Administration in Bucharest, the document has been supplemented in recent days with proposals from civil society. Some of these have been integrated into the document, and thus changes have been made to clarify certain provisions of the strategy, including those of a conceptual nature. The source also states that many of the ideas proposed, even if not included in the new strategy, will contribute to the foundation of the actions in the plan for its implementation. The National Defense Strategy was already presented to the public by President Nicusor Dan last week, when he said that it was based on the concept of solidarity-based independence. The head of state pointed out that there is an increase in military tensions around the world, along with a decrease in the ability of international bodies to maintain order based on rules. Russias hostile actions are the main threat to national security, but the document also identifies other vulnerabilities, from demographic decline to the states weak administrative capacity. According to the new strategy, the intelligence services will return with an important but clearly defined role in the fight against corruption. National Day. Over 2,900 military personnel and specialists from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Romanian Intelligence Service, the Special Telecommunications Service, and the National Penitentiary Administration, along with 220 pieces of technical equipment, will participate in the military parade organized on December 1 in the capital on the occasion of Romanias National Day. According to the Ministry of National Defense, 240 foreign military personnel will also march in the military parade, as part of detachments from France, North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the US, as well as military personnel from allied countries contributing to the NATO structures on Romanian territory. On December 1, the national flag will be flown at all military institutions in the country, and the Grand Pavois will be hoisted on board maritime and river vessels. Military personnel in theaters of operations and on foreign missions will participate in specific ceremonies and activities. Elections. Saturday, November 22, was the starting day of the election campaign for the Bucharest City Hall elections, scheduled for December 7. There are 17 candidates in the race. The position of mayor became vacant after Nicusor Dan, who won a second term last year, became president of Romania. On December 7, local elections will also be held in several other localities across the country. Reform. The Romanian government intends to promote the pension reform bill concerning judges and prosecutors by the end of the week, if it receives the opinion of the Superior Council of Magistracy in time. On Monday and Tuesday, general meetings of the courts and prosecutors offices are scheduled to formulate opinions on the draft legislation. Subsequently, the Superior Council of Magistracy will issue this advisory but binding opinion, according to representatives of the magistrates, who did not specify the date on which they would respond to the government. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan expects the procedure for assuming responsibility to be initiated on Thursday or Friday, if the SCMs opinion is received, thus meeting the deadline on which the payment of a tranche of 231 million from the NRRP depends, related to the fulfillment of this commitment. (Bogdan Matei) Strike. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest (MAE) informs Romanian citizens who are in, transiting, or planning to travel to the Kingdom of Belgium that a national strike has been announced for November 24-26, 2025, during which significant transport disruptions are expected throughout the country. According to the source, the main disruptions concern air transport. No planes will take off from Brussels-Zaventem airport on November 26, 2025. So far, no cancellations of arriving flights at this airport have been announced, but the schedule may be subject to change. Brussels-Charleroi Airport has not announced any changes to its flight schedule so far. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that Romanian citizens keep in touch with airlines for details on the flight schedule. Starting on November 23 at 10:00 p.m., rail service will also be interrupted for 72 hours. The strike will involve all personnel of the Belgian National Railway Company (SNCB) and its subsidiaries. An alternative service will be provided by volunteer staff, but it will have very limited capacity. Public transport operators are announcing significant disruptions throughout the strike and estimate very limited traffic on the Brussels and Flemish networks between November 24 and 26. Romanian citizens can request consular assistance by calling the Romanian Embassy in Brussels. Calls will be redirected to the Contact and Support Center for Romanian Citizens Abroad (CCSCRS) and answered by call center operators on a 24/7 basis. (MI) Celebrating National Day Preparations for Romania's National Day have begun. Photo: facebook.com/mapn.ro/ cpt. Alexandru Helerea Leyla Cheamil, 24.11.2025, 13:50 Romania prepares to celebrate National Day on December 1, when it will mark 107 years since the establishment of the Romanian nation state was completed. On December 1, 1918, the Great National Assembly in Alba Iulia (centre) decided that Transylvania, Banat, Crisana and Maramures would join the Romanian Kingdom. All the provinces with mostly Romanian population previously under the rule of neighbouring Tsarist and Austro-Hungarian multinational empires therefore came under Bucharests authority. Taking part in the military parade organised on December 1, in Bucharest, at the Arch of Triumph will be over 2,900 troops and personnel from the defence ministry, the interior ministry, the Romanian Intelligence Service, the Special Telecommunications Service and the National Penitentiary Administration, with 220 vehicles and 45 aircraft. The defence ministry also announced that 240 foreign troops from NATO Allied and partner countries, including France, North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and the US, will also march in the parade. Preparations for the parade on Romanias National Day began last week. On Wednesday, a first rehearsal took place at the Ghencea shooting range in Bucharest. According to defence ministry officials, several rehearsals will take place at the Ghencea training unit until December 1, and some of the equipment will transit the area. Such equipment movements are planned activities, carried out in safe conditions and may temporarily generate noise or traffic congestion in the area adjacent to the shooting range, the defence ministry announced. This Tuesday, a rehearsal open for the media will take place, while the full-scale rehearsal for the national parade on December 1st will be held at the Arch of Triumph on Saturday. Both at the November 29th training and on December 1st, 21 cannon salutes will be fired during the singing of the National Anthem, according to the National Day military tradition. On December 1st the national flag will be hoisted in all military institutions in the country and on board maritime and river vessels. An exhibition of military equipment will be mounted near the Arch of Triumph in Bucharest, which can be visited after the official ceremony. Also, the military personnel in foreign missions and theatres of operations will participate in special ceremonies on this occasion. (AMP) Jeff Tucker Roswell Mayor Tim Jennings is probably pretty glad the Alien City doesnt have runoff elections or ranked-choice voting. If it had either, Jennings might not be returning to the Mayors Office. Jennings, a staunch Democrat who served in the New Mexico Senate from 1979 through 2012, was initially elected mayor of Roswell in March 2022 after defeating incumbent Dennis Kintigh by a mere 57 votes, 44% to 43%, in a four-way race. Kintigh, a former Republican state lawmaker, was seeking a third consecutive term but he had stepped on a few toes along the way, creating an opening for a well-known local Democrat to win the mayors race by a hair in Roswell, which I like to think of as the Republican capital of New Mexico. Municipal elections are technically nonpartisan contests in New Mexico, but that doesnt necessarily eliminate the partisanship. Earlier this month, Jennings prevailed again as a Democrat in Roswell, receiving 44.5% of votes cast in the Nov. 4 local election. His challengers, Republicans Christopher Hensley, Larry Clark and Eva Tellez, received 21.4%, 20.5% and 13.6% of the 5,880 total votes cast, respectively. If Roswell played by the same election rules as Albuquerque, Jennings would be headed toward a runoff election against Hensley because no mayoral candidate reached 50% of votes. If Roswell played by the same election rules as Santa Fe or Las Cruces, who knows who would have been declared the winner under ranked-choice voting. Clark, the third-place finisher, could conceivably have won under RCV. Election winners in Roswell and in most other New Mexico municipalities are determined by who gets the most votes period the same manner in which New Mexico has determined the winners in all county races for more than 100 years. So why is it that Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Gallup have runoff elections, Las Cruces and Santa Fe have ranked-choice voting, Albuquerque and Santa Fe have public financing, Clovis and Rio Rancho have voter ID, and Albuquerque and Hobbs have gotten rid of voter ID? The answers, a former state lawmaker explained to me during a no-obligation consultation last week, are Article VII, Section 5 of the New Mexico Constitution, which was amended by the Legislature in 2003 and ratified by voters in November 2004, and The Local Election Act passed by the Legislature in 2018, when lawmakers sought to consolidate local elections in November of odd-numbered years. Ad Article VII, Section 5 of the state Constitution allows any municipality to choose runoff elections to determine election winners. Otherwise, the top vote-getter for a particular municipal office wins. The Local Election Act gives municipalities the choice of runoff elections between the top two vote recipients or ranked-choice voting. Albuquerque and Hobbs had to jettison voter ID when they opted into The Local Election Act. State law doesnt mandate or not mandate public financing, but The Local Election Act lays out the process for municipalities to follow if they want to pursue public financing. Public financing local ordinances in Albuquerque and Santa Fe predate The Local Election Act. Term limits for municipalities were deemed unconstitutional in a 1995 district court case. Confused yet? I was until my 52-minute no-obligation consultation. New Mexicos municipal elections have become an inconsistent mess. Cities have been given too broad of powers, allowing them to structure their elections and local government however they want, short of violating provisions of the state Constitution or state law. The only real backstop is local voters, who must approve amendments to city charters. Im not sure how Jennings feels about runoff elections and ranked-choice voting because he didnt return my calls. But I know how Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller feels about public financing he likes it. And why wouldnt he, hes been the only mayoral candidate to qualify for public financing in the last three elections. Keller received 36% of votes cast in Nov. 4 election, while second-place finisher Darren White got 31%. That could and should have settled the race. But because a 50% threshold for victory was added via a city charter amendment in 2013, there will be runoffs between Keller and White on Dec. 9, as well as for two City Council seats. Keller will receive another $377,973 in public financing for his runoff campaign in addition to the $734,000 of tax dollars he received in the initial round. White could not amass 3,780 donations of $5 each in a 64-day window ending June 21, so he didnt quality for public financing in the initial round and wont in the runoff. City Councilor Klarissa Pena, who was publicly financed in the initial round, will also receive public financing in the runoff. Her District 3 opponent, Teresa Garcia, will not because Garcia didnt qualify for public financing in the initial round. So now, Albuquerque is preparing to open 50 polling locations on Dec. 9 for three runoff elections. Early voting will take place at 17 polling locations across the city Dec. 1-6. The city had estimated the costs of the runoffs would be between $750,000 and $1.6 million. Two years ago, a runoff election for a single Albuquerque City Council seat cost taxpayers $558,105.40 to print ballots, open voting convenience centers in Southeast Albuquerque and to pay poll workers. The Dec. 12, 2023, runoff had the same outcome as the initial round, with Nichole Rogers again coming out on top in District 6. Rogers also received an additional $20,000 of public financing for the runoff. In 2021, it cost the city $375,000 to run two City Council runoff elections to determine the winner of the District 7 and District 9 races. The Local Election Act of 2018 has been successful consolidating school board and municipal elections. It wasnt long ago that school board races were held in February, most municipal races were held in March (with Albuquerque holding its election in October), and races for water and soil conservancy districts could be held anytime throughout the year. But now, municipal elections in Albuquerque are routinely followed by expensive and unnecessary runoffs. Municipal elections statewide have become too disparate and inconsistent. State lawmakers should take note and rein in local governments that have crafted a patchwork of confusing election laws that are costing taxpayers millions of dollars every cycle. I hope this explainer prods them a little. My brain is sore after writing it. Julius Baer Gruppe AG N(JGE.F,BAER.SW), a Swiss Management Group, on Monday said it received in-principle approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority or FSRA to open a new advisory office in ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, following the May announcement, the firm has now appointed Victoria McLeana as the New Chief Compliance Officer. Julius Baer recognizes Abu Dhabi as one of the ambitious wealth hubs, now building on its local presence established 20 years ago with its first office in the UAE. Julius Baer will establish Julius Baer (Abu Dhabi) Ltd., led by Amir Iskander as CEO, and serve ultra-high-net-worth clients. The office is scheduled to open in December 2025, marking an expansion in Abu Dhabi. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said "Their presence with its Swiss legacy and long-standing reputation in global wealth management, combined with a deep understanding of the region and the UAE, is a strong testament to ADGM's appeal as the destination of choice for international wealth managers looking to serve clients from Abu Dhabi." Julius Baer firm also appointed Victoria McLean as Chief Compliance Officer and member of the Executive Board, effective at the end of February 2026. With over 30 years of expertise in wealth management, Victoria McLean joined Julius from Goldman Sachs after she served as Head of Private Wealth Management Compliance and regional country compliance of Europe, Middle East, and Africa or EMEA region. On Friday, the shares had closed at 62.40 euros in the Frankfurt market. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Tata Motors is poised to re-introduce its legendary Sierra nameplate. The launch is set to happen in Mumbai tomorrow on 25th November, 2025. Within the companys lineup, it will be positioned above Curvv and below Harrier. It will lock horns with other C SUVs in the 4.2m to 4.4m SUV bracket. While Tata Motors has been hush hush about the speculated price bracket, and not even a rough estimate has been provided and prices will go live tomorrow. It could be a premium positioning or be a stellar VFM proposition. Either way, lets take a look at where the rivals stand in terms of pricing. Tata Sierra Price Expectations VS Rivals The 4.2m to 4.4m SUV segment is currently Indias most populated and it has cut-throat competition within the contenders. Except for the under-performing (in sales) Citroen SUVs, we have taken every other contender of this segment to analyse the pricing including that of Tata Motors own Curvv Coupe SUV. The most affordable Petrol SUV in this segment is from MG Motor in the form of Astor. It starts from Rs 9.56 lakh (Ex-sh) and goes till Rs 16.36 lakh (Ex-sh), reaffirming its VFM quotient despite offering a premium interior experience. Tata Curvv follows closely with Petrol variants starting from Rs 9.66 lakh (Ex-sh) and goes till Rs 18.82 lakh (Ex-sh). Curvv is the most affordable Diesel SUV in this segment with prices ranging between Rs 11.10 lakh and Rs 18.85 lakh (Ex-sh). Petrol variants of Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara, Victoris, Hyryder and Kushaq have a starting price between Rs 10.5 lakh and Rs 11 lakh (Ex-sh) and their top variant prices can hit over Rs 20 lakh (Ex-sh). Starting price of Taigun and Elevate are quite high when compared to others. Apart from Curvv, the only other Diesel SUVs are Creta and Seltos and both of them have starting prices of Rs 12.25 lakh and 12.32 lakh (Ex-sh) respectively. With top-spec Diesel variants, Creta costs Rs 20.2 lakh and Seltos Rs 19.81 lakh (Ex-sh). What to expect? Tata Sierra is not confirmed to get CNG powertrain, but the company is known to offer CNG variants of high-performing (in terms of sales) vehicles. Victoris CNG is the most affordable starting at Rs 11.5 lakh (Ex-sh), followed by Grand Vitara CNG at Rs 13 lakh (Ex-sh) and Hyryder CNG at Rs 13.33 lakh (Ex-sh). All three of these SUVs also get Hybrid variants starting from a price point of around Rs 16.5 lakh (Ex-sh). Top-spec variants of these Hybrid SUVs are priced below Rs 20 lakh mark (Ex-sh). Tata Sierra is not expected to come with a Hybrid powertrain any time soon. The new Tata Sierra is expected to come with two Petrol engine options (base variants with NA Petrol and higher variants with Turbo Petrol). There will be a Turbo Diesel engine too, which could be shared with either the Harrier (2.0L) or Curvv (1.5L). Tata will also launch a Sierra EV, which has been officially teased, but will launch later on. When compared to its rivals, Tata Sierra has immediate size advantage in terms of width, height and overall road presence while length is rather comparable to other 4.2m to 4.4m SUVs. It gets 19-inch wheels and a funky design along with a premium triple-screen dashboard introduced for the first time in this segment. There is adjustable thigh support and drivers memory function as well. Boot space might be the largest in segment too. Tata will divulge all details about the new Sierra tomorrow including the prices. Two wheeler sales showed strong YoY growth boosted by increased demand for Activa and Jupiter scooters Festive and policy boosts caused two-wheeler sales to peak during the month of October 2025. The new GST rate, reduced from 28% to 18% across two-wheelers in the up to 350cc segment, caused a significant reduction in prices, thereby stirring up buyer sentiments. Markets also remained favorable due to strong monsoons, which significantly augmented rural demand. Top 10 Two Wheelers Oct 2025 Total sales across the top 10 two wheelers stood at 14,67,944 units, a 2.60% rise from 14,38,337 units sold in Oct 2024. This was a volume increase of 29,607 units. It was also a MoM growth as against 14,62,687 units in Sept 2025. Hero Splendor continued to be a key volume driver with 3,40,131 units sold in the past month maintaining its leadership with a 23.17% market share. This was even as sales declined YoY by 13.15% from 3,91,612 units sold in Oct 2024. In a second position was the Honda Activa scooter with 3,26,551 units sold, a 22.39% YoY growth from 2,66,806 units with a 22.25% market share. In October 2025, Honda also achieved the milestone of selling 35 million Activas since its launch. The Honda Activa range includes the Activa 110, Activa 125 and the Activa Electric. However, more recently, the company has stopped production of the Activa e: due to piling stocks. Also from the Honda stables was the Shine with 1,74,615 units sold last month. It however, saw its sales decline by 11.04% when compared to 1,96,288 units of the same month last year. There was increased demand for the Bajaj Pulsar with 1,52,996 units sold, a 36.18% rise from 1,11,834 units. TVS Jupiter sales were up 8.37% to 1,18,888 units in Oct 2025, a YoY growth over 1,09,702 units. HF Deluxe and Access sales declined sharply. HF Deluxe sales fell by 8.32% to 1,13,998 units from 1,24,343 units, marking a volume decline of 10,345 units. Access scooter sales dipped by 6% to 70,327 units from 74,813 units, a YoY de-growth by 4,486 units. TVS Apache and Raider Outstanding Demand Lower down the sales list were the TVS Apache and Raider, both of which have seen outstanding demand in Oct 2025. Apache sales were up 23% to 61,619 units from 50,097 units while Raider accounted for sales of 56,085 units, a 9.64% rise from 51,153 units in the same month of the year ago period. Bajaj Platina suffered a 14.52% decline in demand to 52,734 units whereas there had been 61,689 units sold in Oct 2024. It related to a hefty decline by 8,955 units in terms of volumes. News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has confirmed receiving a complaint against a senior City of Harare official accused of issuing a temporary permit to a Methodist Church in breach of a High Court order.The complaint, filed on 12 November 2025 by Kantor & Immerman Legal Practitioners on behalf of Borrowdale residents, alleges that Acting Director of Urban Planning, Mr. Mugocha, granted a temporary permit to the United Methodist Church Borrowdale on 9 June 2025. This permit was issued despite the church's failure to comply with conditions outlined in a 2017 Town Planning Permit, which lapsed in 2019.The legal team pointed out that the permit was issued three days after a High Court judgment prohibited the church from conducting services at Number 9 Doveton Road, Borrowdale, without fulfilling requirements from the Director of Health and the Chief Fire Officer. Kantor & Immerman argued that approving the permit on the same day it was applied for raised serious concerns about procedural propriety.The lawyers contend that Mr. Mugocha's actions undermined the High Court ruling and amounted to criminal abuse of duty under Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. They further noted that the church had not met any of the conditions attached to the 2017 permit and had never applied for an extension, meaning the permit lapsed automatically.ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu confirmed the complaint had been received and is currently undergoing preliminary assessment. The law firm also copied the complaint to the Harare Town Clerk, urging internal action against the official.Borrowdale residents, who have opposed the church's operations since 2016, cited concerns including noise, congestion, and lack of valid operating licences. The High Court had previously ruled that the 2017 Town Planning Permit did not authorize the church to operate and mandated additional clearances from health and fire authorities.City of Harare officials have yet to comment. ZACC is expected to decide whether the matter will proceed to a full investigation after the preliminary assessment is completed. Browser Compatibility Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks. We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: News / National by Staff reporter The Harare City Health Department has reported a significant increase in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases among children, with 501 confirmed infections recorded as of 18 November 2025. The outbreak has raised concerns among parents and health officials, prompting urgent public health measures.The suburbs most affected include Waterfalls with 60 cases, Budiriro 51, Mabvuku 47, Tafara 48, Mufakose 43, Highfield 28, and Mbare 27. In response, the city has activated District Rapid Response teams to curb the spread and manage symptomatic cases effectively.Dr Prosper Chonzi, Director of Health for the City of Harare, stated that while more cases are expected due to the highly contagious nature of HFMD, severe complications are not anticipated. The city is also conducting community awareness campaigns to educate caregivers on proper management and preventive measures.HFMD is a viral infection that primarily affects young children. Its hallmark symptoms include fever, painful blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks, and ulcers in the mouth, which can make eating and drinking difficult. The illness typically lasts 7 to 10 days, and there is currently no vaccine or specific cure, with treatment focusing on alleviating symptoms.Parents and guardians are advised to care for affected children at home by keeping them hydrated, administering regular pain relief, and ensuring good hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing. Children should remain at home until all blisters have crusted over to prevent further transmission.Dr Chonzi cautioned against squeezing or piercing blisters, as this can worsen the rash. Residents are urged to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or if a child shows signs of severe dehydration, including infrequent urination.While HFMD primarily targets preschoolers, it can affect individuals of any age, and reinfections are possible, though subsequent cases are usually milder. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are working to minimize the spread of the disease in the community. News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwe's religious community is in mourning following the death of Archbishop Paul Mwazha, founder of the African Apostolic Church, who passed away on 20 November 2025 at the age of 107 after a long illness. Known affectionately as Mutumwa Mwazha, he was widely regarded as a pillar of spiritual leadership and a mentor to generations of church leaders.In a statement via the church's official social media channels, Bishop Jeshua Mhizha, General Secretary of the African Apostolic Church, announced the passing of their leader: "It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of our beloved leader, Archbishop Paul Mwazha of Africa. Although he has departed from us, we remain united in spirit. More information will be provided in due course. Kudzai Jehovha, Kudzai Jehovha!"Church leaders across denominations have paid tribute to Mwazha's enduring legacy. Apostle Stephen Mangwanya of the New United Apostolic Faith Church described him as one of Africa's greatest evangelists, praising his mentorship, wisdom, and courage. Madzibaba Moses Gwasarira of Johanne Masowe highlighted Mwazha's leadership during colonial times and his role in mentoring senior church leaders across the continent, calling him a "spiritual hero."Apostle Benjamin Joseph Murata of the New Life Pentecost Church reflected on Mwazha's impact, referencing Isaiah 57 to underscore the importance of righteous leaders like him in guiding communities. Prophet Tapiwa Freddy, leader of Goodness and Mercy Ministries, expressed hope for unity among the African Apostolic Church's members and continuity of Mwazha's ministry.Prophetess Memory Matimbire, leader of Daughters of Virtue (DOV), hailed Mwazha as a "general of God," celebrating his lifelong devotion, integrity, and the example he set for spiritual leaders. "The hand of God was proved through him in living more than 100 years," she said, adding that his life exemplified faithfulness and dedication to God's calling.Mourners have been visiting Mwazha's home in Hatfield to pay their respects. One devoted follower, Machivei Chiduma, recounted visiting the Archbishop with her parents the previous week and receiving prophecies that have since come to pass in her life. Prophet Passion Java took to social media to extend condolences to the Mwazha family.Archbishop Mwazha's passing marks the end of an era in Zimbabwean Christianity, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, spiritual guidance, and a church that continues to influence communities across Africa. About 3,500 years ago, hunter-gatherer communities began shaping enormous earthen mounds along the Mississippi River at Poverty Point, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeast Louisiana. Tristram "T.R." Kidder, the Edward S. and Tedi Macias Professor of anthropology, describes the scale of the undertaking this way: "Conservatively, they moved 140,000 dump truck loads of dirt, all without horses or wheels. It was incredibly hard work. The big question is why? What was their motivation?" Kidder and his team in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis returned to Poverty Point and several nearby locations to collect new radiocarbon dates and reevaluate the archaeological evidence. Their recent work is leading them toward ideas that differ from long-held interpretations of how these early communities functioned. Kidder detailed these findings in two new articles published in Southeastern Archaeology, co-authored with graduate student Olivia Baumgartel and Seth Grooms, a 2023 WashU PhD now at Appalachian State University. Evidence of Long-Distance Networks Poverty Point is widely known for its massive mounds, which remain easily visible today. Smaller artifacts uncovered at the site also tell an extraordinary story. Archaeologists have recovered thousands of clay-fired cooking balls and materials brought from faraway regions, such as quartz crystal from Arkansas, soapstone from the Atlanta area, and copper ornaments originating near the Great Lakes. "These people were trading and traveling over long distances," Kidder said. For many years, scholars believed that constructing Poverty Point required a strictly organized, hierarchical society working across generations. Because the younger Cahokia Mounds project (in what is now Illinois) was created under a chiefdom, researchers assumed the same structure existed at Poverty Point. Yet, as Kidder points out, the simplest explanation is not always the correct one. A New Interpretation of Community Life In their recent publication, Kidder and Grooms propose a different view of Poverty Point. They suggest it was not a permanent settlement run by leaders commanding laborers, but instead a large meeting place where people from across the Southeast and Midwest gathered periodically to trade, celebrate, collaborate, and participate in shared rituals. These ideas expand on theories Kidder and his graduate students have been developing for years. Based on available evidence, they envision a community united by common purpose. As Baumgartel explained, "We believe these people were egalitarian hunter-gatherers, not subjects to some powerful chiefdom." Kidder adds that the earthworks do not appear to honor elites. He believes the mounds represent a cooperative effort carried out over several years as people sought to influence a world filled with uncertainty. "When these earthworks were being constructed, the Southeast was prone to severe weather and massive floods," he said. "We believe the inhabitants of Poverty Point built the mounds, performed rituals and left behind valuable objects as a sacrifice and spiritual offering." A Ritual Landscape Without Permanent Settlement Kidder and Grooms emphasize that archaeologists have never found burials or evidence of long-term houses at Poverty Point. "We would expect to see those things if this were a permanent village," Kidder said. "The old paradigm that people lived at Poverty Point continuously for centuries has been crumbling, and we needed a new framework." Although spiritual intentions do not leave physical traces like pottery or tools, Kidder and Grooms have compelling reasons to believe the site held deep religious meaning. "I've spent many years talking with people of Native American ancestry," Kidder said, noting that Grooms is a member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina. These conversations have reinforced the idea that the people who gathered at Poverty Point were guided by sacred motivations that do not align with modern expectations of material gain. "As archaeologists, we have to leave ourselves open to different kinds of thinking," Kidder said. "The Western view is that they wouldn't travel all of that distance and do all of that work unless they were getting something of economic value out of it. We believe they felt a moral responsibility to repair a torn universe." Independent Histories Across the Region Poverty Point was not the only major gathering site in this part of the continent. WashU researchers are also examining Claiborne and Cedarland, two archaeological sites in western Mississippi that once held comparable collections of artifacts. Both sites have been heavily impacted by development and the removal of objects by private collectors. "It's a sad fact that in archaeology today, you're almost always trailing behind someone's bulldozer," Kidder said. To avoid disturbing the sites further, the team relied on radiocarbon dating of clam shells and deer bones that were originally collected some 50 years ago. The results show that Cedarland was occupied around 500 years before Claiborne or Poverty Point, giving it a distinct timeline. As Baumgartel put it, "We've pulled these sites apart, given them independent histories, and have started to understand how artifacts from across the region ended up here." New Excavations and Future Insights This careful approach is continuing at Poverty Point. During May and June of this year, Kidder and Baumgartel reopened test pits first excavated in the 1970s. By applying modern radiocarbon dating and advanced microscopy techniques, they aim to uncover details that earlier researchers could not access. "Olivia and I spent a lot of time moving tiny amounts of dirt, and it was hot and tiring," Kidder said. "It's incredible to think about the effort that the people of Poverty Point went through to build those earthworks. They continue to inspire me." News / National by Staff reporter A violent robbery unfolded in the early hours of 20 November when Bennedict Dadaya (52), headmaster of Mabvazuwa Primary School, and his wife, Christine Mutondoro, were attacked by eight armed intruders at their home.Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed that the assailants, wielding machetes, knives, and sticks, overpowered Dadaya around 2 a.m., tying his hands and legs and stabbing him on the shoulder and back. The gang demanded cash and cellphones before ransacking the property."The accused persons stole two motorcycles from the dining room, loaded them into Dadaya's recently purchased Toyota D4D double cab, and also took a 32-inch television and various clothes," Chinyoka said. The vehicle, recently bought from a Ministry of Health and Child Care auction, had a third plate number GCHW 1050.During the ordeal, Dadaya's wife was threatened and handed over US$100 and two cellphones. The total value of stolen property is estimated at US$8,790, and none has been recovered so far.Dadaya was treated at a local hospital for his stab wounds and subsequently discharged. Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities are appealing to the public for information leading to the arrest of the suspects. News / National by Staff reporter The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education plans to decentralise the registration of schools, allowing provincial offices to handle the process, in a bid to address the growing number of unregistered institutions operating illegally across the country.Minister Torerayi Moyo said the move is aimed at ensuring that private school operators fully comply with national education standards while supporting the government's efforts to bridge the national school deficit, currently estimated at 1,900 to 2,000 schools.Responding to questions in the Senate on Thursday, Minister Moyo said: "The major challenge is that some of these schools are not registered and are operating illegally. However, private schools are necessary because, as a country, we have a shortage of schools. So we are encouraging individuals who want to operate schools to do so, but they must do so within the confines of the law. As Government, we are working on ensuring that we decentralise the registration of schools from the head office to provincial offices."The government has set 31 December 2025 as the final deadline for closure of all unregistered schools that fail to regularise their operations in accordance with national education regulations.This policy is expected to improve oversight, enhance education quality, and ensure equitable access to learning facilities nationwide. News / National by Staff reporter One of the claimants to the Ndebele throne, Stanley Raphael Khumalo, has publicly committed to a traditional lot-drawing process aimed at resolving the long-standing kingship dispute, signaling a significant shift in his approach.Khumalo has suspended all his ongoing programmes, including his controversial 2022 plan to occupy the Bulawayo State House, in respect of the initiative being led by the group Umthondo Wesizwe. The organisation has been engaging the five known Khumalo claimants to encourage a peaceful and spiritually guided resolution."It is clear that there are internal processes underway aimed at ensuring a smooth, structured, and undisputed resolution," Khumalo said. "Any comment from our side at this moment could be misinterpreted. We believe it is in the best interest of everyone involved to allow these processes to unfold."The revival of the Ndebele kingship has been fraught with division within the Khumalo clan, with five individuals claiming the right to the throne. Two of the claimants, Bulelani Khumalo and Stanley Raphael Khumalo, have held private coronations after government authorities blocked public events.Umthondo Wesizwe chairman, Ernest Langalitshoni Ncube, said that the current fragmentation and secrecy meant there is still no officially recognised king. "In all the current confusion and division, we have come to realise that only conducting a Lot (Inkatho) will resolve the impasse and give us the rightful and spiritually anointed king," Ncube said.The lot-drawing proposal has elicited mixed reactions from the claimants. Peter Zwide Khumalo rejected the process as "magic," while a representative for Bulelani Khumalo insisted they already have a king. Conversely, Raphael Khumalo and representatives for the Nkulumane and Albert houses have agreed to the idea.The move represents a major change for Stanley Raphael Khumalo, who in May 2022 wrote to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, declaring his intent to lead a "crusade" from South Africa to reclaim the Bulawayo State House and revive the Mthwakazi kingdom. That attempt was blocked by police and later cancelled, with Khumalo citing assassination threats as a reason for halting the plan.The adoption of the traditional lot process marks a significant step toward resolving the Ndebele throne dispute through spiritual and cultural means, offering a potential path to unity among the Khumalo claimants. MTI Wireless Edge reported record quarterly revenue and profitability on Monday, as strong demand across defence, 5G and water-management markets lifted performance in all three of its operating divisions. The AIM-traded group posted a 12% rise in revenue to $37.8m for the nine months ended 30 September and a 21% increase in operating profit to $4.2m, supported by higher cash generation and a stronger balance sheet. Earnings per share rose 20% to 4.31 cents, while net cash from operating activities increased sharply to $4.0m compared with $1.1m in the same period last year. MTI ended the quarter with net cash of $6.4m, up from $4.8m a year earlier. The company said it expected to declare a progressive final dividend alongside its full-year results in the first quarter of 2026. It said its antenna division delivered strong growth, driven primarily by rising global defence spending, which has increased demand for military antennas throughout the year. MTI noted a slower pace of demand in India for its 5G backhaul solution compared with the first half, a trend that has continued into the final quarter. However, it said its ABS antenna technology continued to attract significant commercial interest from major cellular operators and that the division was well placed for the remainder of 2025 with several large tenders pending. Mottech, the groups electronic water-management and irrigation arm, also recorded a strong third quarter, supported by rising awareness of water scarcity across its core markets, including Israel, the Gulf States, Italy and the US. MTI Summit, which includes defence-focused subsidiary PSK, returned to profit in the period and reported a growing pipeline of opportunities, with defence again the main revenue driver. The company said it was positioned for a strong full-year outcome, benefiting from three distinct growth markets - defence, 5G infrastructure and water-management solutions. It added that its robust cash generation supports a progressive dividend policy. This quarter delivered record revenues and profitability, positioning the business for a strong full-year performance, said chief executive Moni Borovitz. The company has also been highly cash-generative, with net cash provided by operating activities of $4m in the first nine months of 2025 compared with $3.1m for the full 12 months of 2024. Overall, this represents a very satisfying performance to date. He added that MTI was strategically placed to benefit from three key growth markets - defence, the roll-out of 5G, and solutions addressing water scarcity, noting that defence now accounted for 48% of total sales. We continue to be pleased by the significant commercial interest that our ABS antenna solution is attracting, including from leading global cellular operators, he said, adding that a strong order backlog and several upcoming tenders supported confidence heading into 2026. At 1349 GMT, shares in MTI Wireless Edge were up 9.15% at 46.39p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Talks to end the war in Ukraine looked to have taken a step forward on Monday, after the US agreed to modify the White Houses controversial peace plans. The Trump administration threw its weight behind the proposals last week. But the leaked 28-point plan was widely seen as too favourable to Russia, including forcing Ukraine to cede territory and give up long-held ambitions to join Nato. It also proposed using $100bn of frozen Russian assets in US-led efforts to rebuild Ukraines shattered economy, with America taking 50% of any profits. The Kremlin welcomed the deal, and Donald Trump gave Ukraine until the end of last week to accept it. Trump was also sharply critical of Volodymyr Zelensky over the weekend, claiming on social media that the Ukrainian president was not being grateful enough. However, after officials from both countries met in Switzerland over weekend, the US and Ukraine said they were now working on a "updated and refined peace framework". In a joint statement, the two countries confirmed talks had been "highly productive" and would continue, although no specifics were provided. US secretary of state Marco Rubio said there had been a "tremendous amount of progress" but there was "still some work to be done" before the plan could be put to Russia. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said there were "signals thatTrumps team is hearing us". Speaking on Monday to the Swedish parliament via video link, Zelensky called it a "critical moment", and said that Ukraine was working "closely with the US and other European partners to define steps" to end the war. He added: "Putin wants legal recognition to what he has stolen, to break the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty. "Thats the main problem." KWIL appoints new board as it readies to separate from HUL Demerger to take effect on December 1, 2025 Company aims for faster decision-making and sharper growth strategy Kwality Walls (India) Limited (KWIL), one of the countrys leading ice cream and frozen dessert makers, has announced its new Board of Directors as it prepares to demerge from Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL). The separation, scheduled for December 1, 2025, will position KWIL as an independent, listed company with its own strategic direction. The new seven-member board blends executive leadership, global experience, and independent oversight. Chitranj Goel has been appointed Deputy Managing Director, while Prashant Premrajka will serve as Chief Financial Officer. Ritesh Tiwari, Global Head of M&A, Treasury and Ventures at Unilever PLC, joins as a non-executive director. Four independent directors Ravi Pisharody, Madhavan Hariharan, JV Raman and Shukla Wassan bring deep expertise across consumer goods, governance, finance and business strategy. The leadership team is expected to play a key role in guiding KWIL through its transition and future growth. The company, which houses popular brands such as Kwality Walls, Magnum and Cornetto, is set to benefit from a standalone operational structure after the demerger. The independent setup is expected to help KWIL respond faster to market shifts, strengthen decision-making, and execute targeted strategies in Indias fast-growing ice cream category. Also Read: FTA Negotiations Set to Reinforce India-Israel Economic Partnership Once the restructuring is completed in December 2025, KWIL is expected to list on major Indian stock exchanges. The formal listing date, however, is yet to be announced. The formation of the new board marks a major milestone in KWILs journey toward becoming a fully independent company with a stronger focus on brand growth, innovation and market leadership in the frozen desserts segment. News / National by Staff reporter Debt-laden retailer OK Zimbabwe Limited (OK) has shut down 11 of its outlets in a sweeping consolidation drive aimed at reducing losses and alleviating liquidity pressures, the company announced in its latest market update. The closures reduce OK's national store footprint to 62 outlets.The group has been struggling with a sharp revenue decline since last year, citing supply chain disruptions, unstable exchange rates, dwindling consumer spending, liquidity constraints, and increased competition from the informal sector as key challenges. These pressures have saddled the company with over US$30 million in debt, which it is addressing through a US$20 million capital raise via a renounceable share rights offer and planned sales of freehold properties expected to generate US$10,5 million.For the financial year ended March 31, 2025, OK reported a loss of US$25,03 million, nearly 40 times worse than the previous year, reflecting the company's deteriorating finances. The audited results, however, showed a modest improvement from the initial unaudited loss of US$29,61 million. Comparatively, the audited loss for 2024 narrowed to US$619 367 from an initial unaudited loss of US$11,04 million.In the restructuring plan, three Food Lover's Market outlets were closed, with franchises not renewed, while three additional stores are in the process of closure. OK indicated that stores operating in strategic, high-performing locations will continue, with resources and product supplies redirected to outlets capable of improving stock turnover and liquidity generation.The company is also redeveloping the Chisipite Shopping Centre, with plans to relocate the Bon Marche supermarket to a larger, newly constructed facility. Additionally, a new, more spacious store has been built at Makoni Shopping Centre to allow the outlet to better compete in a busy retail area.Cost-cutting measures have led to a 35% reduction in operating costs, with a further 15% expected by December 2025. The loss-making pharmacy business has also been closed, and head office support staff has been reduced as part of the ongoing rationalisation.OK acknowledged that property sales intended to raise US$10,5 million have taken longer than expected, with some transactions still under review. Efforts to dispose of additional properties and boost liquidity remain ongoing.The company has engaged suppliers to agree on outstanding balances as of February 2025, implementing partial settlements to resume stock supply. However, trading terms have limited the ability to rebuild inventory levels, a situation OK is actively seeking to resolve through extended credit arrangements with suppliers.Despite these measures, OK warned that revenue generation remains below break-even levels, with ongoing constraints tied to limited product supply and short trading terms. The company affirmed that it will continue rationalising operations, focusing on its core retail business while appealing to suppliers for collaboration during the peak summer trading season. SK Hynix enters exploratory talks with an Indian partner to set up a memory chip ATMP facility in India ASP Sealing Products confirms no diversification plans, while Odisha emerges as a frontrunner due to its revised semiconductor policy A potential SK Hynix investment is expected to boost Indias semiconductor ecosystem, especially in DRAM, NAND and advanced packaging SK Hynix is in early talks with an Indian partner to jointly set up a memory chip ATMP facility in India. The discussions are still at the exploratory stage, and while the company reportedly reached out to Noida-based ASP Sealing Products to assess interest, ASP Sealing has clarified that it has no plans to diversify beyond its core automotive rubber components business. The two sides, therefore, are not currently pursuing an investment relationship. In addition to its preliminary talks with private partners, SK Hynix has opened dialogue with multiple state governments to identify a suitable location for the proposed ATMP unit. Odisha has quickly emerged as a front-runner, driven by its revised semiconductor policy that offers aggressive financial and infrastructural incentives for chip-manufacturing projects. India's national semiconductor mission is also playing a big role, having offered capital expenditure subsidies of up to 70 percent to global players willing to set up fabrication and packaging facilities in the country. Already, the incentive structure is showing momentum, with Micron Technologies building a $2.75 billion ATMP plant in Sanand, Gujarat, slated to produce more than 100 million units per month when fully functional. A possible entry by SK Hynix will provide India's semiconductor ecosystem with the much-needed boost, notably in DRAM, NAND flash memory, and advanced packaging, where it is considered a world leader. The Tata Group's broader ambition within the space contributes further to the quickening pace of semiconductor expansion in India, driven by the planned high-volume chip facility that the company will establish in Assam, along with the -PSMC logic fab in Gujarat with a monthly capacity of 50,000 wafers. Also Read: Fresh Week Fresh Moves as Tata IPO Buzz Sets the Market Abuzz These are creating an evolving supply chain landscape marked by growing demand for cleanrooms, test and metrology equipment, high-density packaging substrates, automation solutions, and die-attach materials. Odisha's revised semiconductor policy looks arguably the most competitive in the country, offering early-stage support and better performance-linked incentives compared to previous versions. The state has already received investments such as the silicon carbide fab of SiCSem and the advanced packaging unit of 3DGS, totaling investment commitments of more than Rs 4,000 crore. Potential locations for SK Hynix remain undecided but analysts list the Info Valley-II technology park in Bhubaneswar as one of the possible sites due to its infrastructure, connectivity, and logistics preparedness. But critical parameters include land allocation, uninterrupted power supply, long-term water planning, and availability of a technically trained workforce. If SK Hynix eventually moves ahead with the project, it would further diversify India's semiconductor footprint and strengthen its emerging memory manufacturing ecosystem. The participation of the company would mean it would not only complement the existing logic fab developments but would add scale for domestic and global suppliers working across semiconductor testing, automation, and high-density system packaging. John Rispoli, now 65, was again denied parole in the 1992 murder of 44-year-old Linda Demers. The incident unfolded outside a school in Rosebank, within view of Demers' home. (Advance/SILive.com) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. More than three decades after a Rosebank woman was strangled to death in a neighborhood school yard, the man convicted in the slaying has again been denied parole. Police responded to reports of a dead body outside PS 13 on the morning of Oct. 11, 1992. They discovered the victim, 44-year-old Linda Demers, strangled to death with a pair of stretch pants. Her killer, now 65-year-old John Rispoli, was denied parole this year for the sixth time, records show. Serving a prison sentence of 25 years to life, Rispoli will have another shot at freedom in late 2026. A Freedom of Information Act request for the transcript of the parole board hearing has been submitted to the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Just a short walk from home On the morning of Oct. 11, 1992, police responded to a report of a woman's body in the schoolyard outside PS 13 in Rosebank. (Google Maps) Authorities investigating the case surmised Rispoli, then 32, initially met Demers at a bar on Bay Street. Several hours later, between 3 and 4 a.m., they ran into each other on the street and Rispoli offered to walk her home. They were making their way through the schoolyard when the murder unfolded, prosecutors said. Detectives called to the scene hours later determined Demers had been strangled with a pair of stretch pants. She was a short walk from her home. In a 2017 interview, Demers family said their emotional wounds hadnt healed, and they were not ready for her killer to be free. In this 2017 photo, Demers' daughter, Lynn Salvatore, was among dozens of people who gathered at Richmond University Medical Center in remembrance of family members lost to violence. Salvatore spoke and performed at the event. Paul Liotta Linda was like my second mother, Janet Demers Woodall, Lindas younger sister, said at the time. There was a hole punched in my heart forever from her death. She recalled Demers taking her to the circus and dressing her up for holidays. The pain and the emptiness cant be healed, she said. Time doesnt heal this. You just learn how to cope with it. 2021 parole hearing John Rispoli, now 65, is being held at the Midstate Correctional Facility in upstate New York serving a sentence of 25 years to life. Google Maps During a 2021 parole board hearing, Rispoli denied killing Demers. Rispoli admitted he had been drinking heavily for many hours prior to Demers death. He said booze blotted out large portions of his memory of that night, but that he believes someone else who had been with him killed the 44-year-old victim. He did not identify that person, however. I didnt just pick up a woman from what they say, and she refused to have sex with me, and I said, Oh, I am going to kill her. That is not me, Rispoli told the board in 2021. I met monsters (in prison) that have no regard for life. I am not like that. The panel at the time said it was most struck by Rispolis lack of insight and a lack of compassion for the victims in your past. Prior to the 1992 murder case, Rispoli had done prison time for a violent attempted robbery, according to state records. The union representing FDNY firefighters is calling for accountability after City Hall officials discovered 68 boxes containing information about Sept. 11 toxins, despite claiming for years that no such records existed, the Daily News reported. Andrew Ansbro, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, said the discovery represents a potential betrayal of first responders who made critical health decisions based on assurances that no documentation was available. For years, our members made life-and-death medical decisions based on the citys repeated assurances that the air was safe and there were no records, Ansbro said. Now we learn there were tens of thousands of pages locked away pages that could have changed treatment plans, sped up diagnoses and maybe even saved lives. Since the Sept. 11 attacks that killed 343 FDNY members, another 400 have died from illnesses linked to Ground Zero toxins, the Daily News report said. According to the Daily News, Ansbro is demanding sworn depositions from city officials, calling the existence of the documents a betrayal of the men and women who risked everything on 9/11. Who gave the order to hide them? Who knew? And how many firefighters died because these documents never saw the light of day? he said. The boxes surfaced after City Councilwoman Gale Brewer pushed through legislation ordering the citys Department of Investigation to probe what and when the city knew about toxins that have sickened or killed thousands of first responders, the Daily News reported. Lawyer Andrew Carboy, Brewer and representatives from 911 Health Watch recently visited the Department of Environmental Protection offices where they reviewed more than 20 of the 68 boxes discovered. Carboy, who represents 911 Health Watch, has been fighting the city in court to have the documents released. Late last year, the citys Corporation Counsel asked a judge to dismiss a Freedom of Information Law petition, claiming records had been certified as not found, the Daily News reported. President Donald Trump, right, speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) AP The Department of Government Efficiency, often referred to as DOGE, has been disbanded, according to a new report from the Guardian. DOGE, an initiative once led by Elon Musk, was tasked with slashing federal agency spending. It was dissolved with eight months still remaining on its charter, the outlet reports. Scott Kupor, director of the Office of Personnel Management, said that the agency doesnt exist, according to the Guardian. During 2025, DOGE severely impacted several federal agencies, claiming to have saved billions of dollars in what it called wasteful spending. DOGE said that the most savings were realized via changes at the U.S. Agency for International Development, accounting for a claimed $6.5 billion in savings. As the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency fired thousands of federal workers, several states including New York began recruiting those who were let go. At one point, DOGE attempted to pry into the Internal Revenue Services Integrated Data Retrieval System which can include bank account information tied to IRS accounts. DOGE also shuttered 47 Social Security Administration field offices nationwide, including 3 in New York. DOGEs plan for cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program were quickly reversed after bipartisan pushback from lawmakers. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Fellowship Baptist Church hosted its annual Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner event, serving the community freshly cooked meals and distributing food baskets on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 12 to 4 p.m. It was located in Mariners Harbor at 3036 Richmond Terrace. In partnership with the Staten Island Chapter of Jack & Jill of America Inc. for a second year, organizers focused on supporting those who continue to face food insecurity and rising grocery costs. Maytee Thomas, a member of the Staten Island Chapter emphasized the importance of the event. Its to help families in the community, now that this is a season of Thanksgiving, to give every family an opportunity to come together and have a meal and a basket filled with goods that they can go back to share with their families, said Thomas. Pre-Thanksgiving baskets and hot meals being served. Faith Archibald Several community leaders were present to offer support, including Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, a Democrat who represents the North Shore, who donated multiple turkeys. This is an annual event that I always try to make a priority in our office, and not so much for the office, but for me personally, said Hanks. Its so important to make meals because many folks dont even have the wherewithal to cook the turkeys. Dina Farraj-Alesi, guidance counselor at PS 19, attended with her two daughters, ages 17 and 13, who helped serve hot meals throughout the afternoon. I think its wonderful that the community is being served in such a warm and loving way, said Alesi. Members of the Staten Island Chapter of Jack & Jill of America Inc., gathered for a photo. Imara Moore Maria Jose, who attended with her family, shared her appreciation for the welcoming atmosphere and the support being offered. Its really nice, and its our first time attending, she said through a translator. Both Fellowship Baptist Church and the Staten Island Chapter of Jack & Jill of America Inc. remain committed to uplifting local families and investing in the wellbeing of the community they serve. In this file photo, a Social Security card is displayed on Oct. 12, 2021, in Tigard, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File) AP STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. As the year winds down and the holiday season offers an affectionate hello, Social Security recipients might be curious if the most wonderful time of the year will impact their monthly payments. The good news for November imbursements is that none of them land on Thanksgiving meaning that they should arrive on time as usual. The last recipients to get their November checks, as scheduled, are those who are born between the 21st and the 31st of their birth month. Those checks will be issued on Wednesday, Nov. 26. This check is the second to last for 2025. Its also worth noting that there are no more paper checks coming in the mail to thousands of Social Security recipients after President Donald Trump issued a directive to axe paper checks from being a payment method for all government outfits, per his executive order. That means Americans who receive paper checks from places like the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education, the IRS, or the Social Security Administration had to shift to electronic payments. The new policy went into effect at the end of September. In 2026, a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment will come into effect giving Social Security recipients just a bit more money in their monthly checks than in 2025. According to the Social Security Administration, this COLA will impact roughly 71 million Americans. The 2026 COLA is higher than its 2025 counterpart, which came out to be 2.5%. Furthermore, the overall income that can be eligible for the Social Security tax is being raised to $184,500. This news came later than anticipated due to the longest government shutdown in American history. PS 54 in Willowbrook honors local veterans during a Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 5. (Courtesy of Marcia Marbury Kilpatrick) IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities. Want this before everyone else? Subscribe to our Beyond the Classroom newsletter. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island elementary school honored approximately a dozen local veterans during a celebration earlier this month. PS 54 in Willowbrook hosted its second annual Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 5, to honor local veterans who have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. It is our privilege to pay homage to the men and women who have served our country, said Andrea DeMaso, PS 54 Veterans Day committee coordinator. We are so thankful for their dedication and sacrifice. It is our privilege to pay homage to the men and women who have served our country, said Andrea DeMaso, PS 54 Veterans Day committee coordinator. We are so thankful for their dedication and sacrifice. (Courtesy of Debbie Sander) The morning began with a veterans breakfast in the teachers cafe, followed by a walk of honor through the schools decorated first-floor hallway, which was created by students and staff. The celebration concluded with a Veterans Day assembly in the schools auditorium, which featured a Color Guard presentation, a performance by the school choir, and a slideshow highlighting veterans from the PS 54 community. About a dozen local veterans were honored the annual event. (Courtesy of Marcia Marbury Kilpatrick) Active servicemember Alan Bermego delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the importance of service, remembrance, and community. This event helps our students understand what it truly means to serve, said DeMaso. It builds bridges between generations and strengthens the bonds that make our community so special. The school also welcomed representatives from VFW 421, VFW Blazing Star Post 1574, Gold Star Post 1365, Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 NY, and the POW/MIA Committee. PS 54 also thanked its local sponsors, including Call It A Wrap, Trader Joes on Richmond Avenue, Chocolate Fantasy, Costco, Country Donuts, and PS 54 Veterans Day committee members. Veterans were greeted by artwork made by students in the first floor hallway. (Courtesy of Marcia Marbury Kilpatrick) Send us your stories Do you have a story idea for the In Class education column? Email education reporter Annalise Knudson at aknudson@siadvance.com. 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 News / National by Staff reporter More than 500 vehicles valued at nearly US$2 million have been recovered through a joint operation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) targeting abuse of the Civil Servants Motor Vehicle Rebate Scheme. The recovery was announced during a signing ceremony in Harare, where ZIMRA officials pledged to uphold integrity and transparency in their operations.The event was attended by ZIMRA Board Chair Anthony Mandiwanza and Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa, who signed the integrity pledges in the presence of ZACC Chairperson Michael Reza, signalling a renewed commitment to ethical conduct within the authority.In his keynote address, Mr Reza praised ZIMRA's cooperation, noting that the joint investigation, launched in June 2023, had uncovered widespread abuse of the duty-free vehicle import scheme for civil servants with ten or more years of service. "Since the launch of that operation, thousands of cases of suspected abuse have been reported, and over 500 vehicles valued close to US$2 million have been recovered by ZACC," he said, adding that further seizures are expected as more cases await prosecution.The rebate scheme allows qualifying civil servants to import vehicles duty-free but prohibits them from selling, leasing, or hiring the vehicles within five years of importation without prior ZIMRA approval. Despite these regulations, many car dealers were reportedly exploiting the system by registering vehicles in the names of civil servants, who would receive payments for facilitating duty evasion.Mr Reza emphasised that inter-agency collaboration has been key to curbing corruption under Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) from 2021 to 2025, pledging continued crackdowns on offenders.Speaking after the signing, Mr Mandiwanza described the integrity pledges as a public commitment to transparency, accountability, and probity. "Today, we do more than just affix our signatures; we proclaim unequivocally and publicly our unwavering commitment to the principles of probity, transparency, and accountability-principles that are the very bedrock of a reputable and high-performing institution," he said.Commissioner-General Chinamasa reiterated that ZIMRA remains committed to working with ZACC to strengthen corruption prevention mechanisms and ensure transparent revenue collection. The pledges are seen as a major institutional shift, signalling that graft will not be tolerated in Zimbabwe's key revenue-collecting authority. A BHP acquisition, had the Anglo board seriously entertained its latest overtures, mightnt have been as complex or risky as last years attempts, but it would still have been expensive. Since BHP made its three escalating bids last year, none of which gained any traction with the Anglo board, BHPs share price has fallen about 9 per cent while Anglos has risen by a similar amount. The US dollar, BHPs functional currency, has also depreciated by about 5 per cent against the pound over that period, as has the Australian dollar. Anglo and Teck have large resources of copper that will, within weeks, probably be out of the reach of the mega resource miners for years, if not forever, if the merger is consummated. Credit: Bloomberg An offer that simply replicated the same value for the core of Anglo as last years would involve significantly more BHP shares or their equivalent value in cash. To get the Anglo board to take it seriously enough to contemplate abandoning the merger with Teck would have required a further significant increase from the value offered last year. With BHP, which already has the worlds largest copper resources, committed to expanding them, however, it was worth at least making a final attempt to get its hands on Anglos copper assets. If Anglo and Teck shareholders approve their merger, the door is probably shut to any third parties, including BHP. Loading The regulatory approvals required would, alone, be a significant obstacle, but its the eventual potential for $US800 million a year of synergies from combining their Chilean copper assets each has a project essentially mining the same orebody that would be the major deterrent, and inevitably the main reason the Anglo board chose to reject BHPs approach, which would have given its shareholders a takeover premium, and remain committed to the merger. The only way back in for BHP in the foreseeable future, it would seem, is if one of the other mining majors Rio Tinto or Glencore came to the same conclusion as BHP and made their own move on one of the merging companies before that deal is sealed next month. Glencore, which has a matching 44 per cent interest with Anglo in the Collahuasi copper project in Chile, has had several tilts at Tecks copper and coal operations. It bought a 77 per cent interest in Tecks metallurgical coal assets late in 2023 after the Canadian companys founding family, which have super-voting shares, rejected Glencores approaches for a full takeover. Rio, under new chief executive Simon Trott would, like BHP and Glencore, have run the numbers on bids for both of the companies after they announced their merger. A BHP acquisition, had the Anglo board seriously entertained its latest overtures mightnt have been as complex or risky as last years attempts, but it would still have been expensive. Everyone wants more copper in a world where demand is exploding despite recently falling back, the copper price is up nearly 50 per cent this year as the data centres for artificial intelligence are built and where big new resources are scarce and are expensive and time-consuming to develop. Both Anglo and Teck have large resources of it that will, within weeks, probably be out of the reach of the mega resource miners for years, if not forever, if the merger is consummated. Any bid by Rio or Glencore for Teck, or Anglo for that matter, would re-open the door for BHP to have yet another go at Anglo. BHPs revived interest in Anglo differed from its approach last year, when it tabled three successive (and successively higher) offers in a failed attempt to get the Anglo board to properly engage. This time it made its approach, was rejected, and immediately walked away. As it would inevitably have been bidding more, albeit with a bid that would be less complex and risky, Henry and McEwan showed discipline in not, again, bidding against themselves. Everyone wants more copper in a world where demand is exploding. Given BHPs existing copper portfolio, Anglo was a very nice to have set of assets, but not a must have at any price. The willingness to at least test the waters for a bid, however, does signal that a McEwan-chaired BHP is prepared to contemplate a major deal. Loading Theres been talk of a tie-up between BHP and Rios iron ore businesses, against the backdrop of flatlining or even reducing demand from China and the entrance of the giant Simandou mine in Guinea (in which Rio has a significant interest) to the market and there are other, smaller, copper miners BHP could target to complement its organic growth. An interesting sidelight to BHPs attempted bid for Anglo is that Henry, coming up to six years as chief executive, is expected to retire from the role next year. Would he have stayed on if Anglos reception had been warmer, or would it be his successor that would have had to complete the transaction and integrate two large and complex companies? Unless theres another last-minute attempt to gatecrash the Anglo and Teck merger, thats now an academic question. Sarah has criticised the lack of a clear process in the case involving the wellbeing of a minor. Loading An Australian Federal Police spokesperson confirmed they had responded to the request for assistance from Qantas about an alleged incident on a flight from Perth. AFP said in a statement, no criminal offence was identified, and the matter was considered finalised. Qantas stands by its crew, saying it is well-trained for handling disruptive passengers, and did what was necessary given the situation. The flight attendant invited Sarah to speak to the man, who reportedly said he was an old man and knew he should not have been taking the photos of the youth. Sarah later wrote to Qantas that the mans excuse for taking photos of my son should not have been accepted without question by the Qantas staff. At that point, Sarah was asked to decide whether or not the photos should be deleted. Qantas disputes Sarahs characterisation of the crews response. Daniel Dihen, executive manager of cabin crew at Qantas, said: We take privacy concerns very seriously and understand how distressing this situation must have been for the family involved. Dihen said the crew acted promptly to ensure the younger passengers safety and comfort, and followed all appropriate protocols, which included relocating the family during the flight, speaking with the parties involved, and contacting the AFP at the familys request. Sarah said Qantas didnt immediately offer to move the man or her family. At one point she had to position herself in the aisle to block the mans line of sight of her son. Another passenger, watching the situation unfold, offered to change seats with Sarah. Loading Qantas flight crew also had not informed Sarah they could prevent the man from getting off the plane when it landed, she said. Had she known this, and had the Qantas crew retained the phone for the duration of the flight, the police could have inspected the photos, she believes. The attendants had no idea how to handle [the situation], Sarah said. Since Sarah was originally seated separately from her son and husband the family had been bumped from an earlier flight Sarah only learnt of the incident by her husband waving her down across the cabin. After landing, rather than being disembarked separately, the woman, her son and family were told to wait on the plane with the man who had been photographing her son. There, the police interviewed her son and spoke to the man separately. A second passenger also offered testimony to the police, she said. Passengers photographing staff or other passengers without permission is a violation of Qantas conditions of carriage, which Qantas updated in 2023, aligning it with airline policies elsewhere. Qantas tightened the rules in response to concerns from the Flight Attendants Association of Australia, who wanted to protect its members from being filmed by passengers only to have the footage shared on social media. Philip Baum, visiting professor of aviation security at Coventry University, said unwanted photography of individuals in their private space in a planes cabin loosely falls into the category of unruly passenger incidents . Baum said that while Qantas has one of the most robust crew training programs in the world, deleting photographs was not a good idea, if they know that law enforcement was going to be summoned. In situations where the police may be called, Baum said: There needs to be a conversation with parents to ask what they expect to happen [following the crews intervention]. Loading The variety of trouble possible on a plane is also an issue for even the best-trained flight crews, said Baum, who chairs the DISPAX World (short for disruptive passenger) conference. In fact, crew getting the passengers phone itself can be problematic because it can trigger an unruly passenger incident where a person could say the crew doesnt have the right to inspect the phone. Sarah was told the AFP looked up the man in their database and he didnt have a history, which she said was reassuring but not conclusive. A billion-dollar deal threatens to push media mogul Rupert Murdochs News Corporation to the sidelines of British politics, as The Daily Mail seeks to buy out its more upmarket rival, The Telegraph, to consolidate its position as countrys most powerful right-wing publisher. The Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT), owner of The Mail and a suite of other right-wing media assets in the United Kingdom, has emerged as the victor in a two-plus years process to buy Londons most conservative daily broadsheet for 500 million ($1.01bn). The sale process was put in motion to tackle debts in excess of 1 billion ($2.028 bn) owed by The Telegraphs owners, the billionaire Barclay twins, David and Frederick. Should the sale receive the backing of the UKs Labour government, it would be the biggest shake up to Fleet Street, the heartbeat of British news industry, since closure of Murdochs News of the World in 2011. The British press could soon be even more concentrated. Credit: Getty The sale further consolidates power and ownership of the British press, an industry dominated in its history by colourful barons and moguls. Now, there are two key figures with arguably greater influence than the once-dominant Rupert Murdoch, finding success with an ever more brash brand of right-wing journalism once pioneered by the Dirty Digger. The owner of the UKs most storied left-leaning paper, The Guardian, sold its Sunday paper, The Observer to Tortoise Media in late-2024. A Virgin Australia pilot taking off from Perth Airport mistakenly lined up the plane on the edge of a runway instead of its centre, in a move that triggered an official investigation. The misaligned take-off incident was one of three that took place over the course of two years at the same Perth runway, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said. The other two incidents involved a smaller regional carrier that made similar errors. The pilot of the Virgin Australia flight to Sydney in June 2023 began a take-off roll aligned with the left edge lights of runway 06. The pilot immediately identified the problem and corrected course, manoeuvring the 737-800 to the centreline where it took off. Two other incidents concerned Western Sky Aviation in August 2023 and April 2024 and both involved conducting the take-off from the edge line. It is disheartening that this is also being presented by a main stage company, when so often the main stages just ignore us and our voices. When was the last time you saw a trans person in a main stage production in Melbourne? Carnay-Hanrahan said the festivals dates would mean many Midsumma Festival shows compete for the same audiences. But as independents with nowhere near the tools nor funding at the disposal of main stage venues such as the Malthouse Theatre, it will be impossible to compete really. This just exemplifies how detached from independent and grassroots theatre our publicly funded main stage companies have become. Award-winning Filipino trans theatre-maker Dax Carnay-Hanrahan in a scene from Kens Quest. Credit: Darren Gill Carnay-Hanrahan is, however, supportive of the idea of a national trans theatre festival it would be great. But when we are ignoring our own local scene arguably the most vibrant in Australia the optics are all wrong. Trans theatre-maker Ro Bright agrees. We have incredible trans theatre-makers here in Melbourne people like Stone Motherless Cold, Ari Angkasa all these incredible world-class artists. We are in major festivals around the world, winning awards at Edinburgh Fringe, we are incredible here. I think things like this happen because people arent looking to the incredible work being done locally. They are missing out, as we are vital to the evolution of theatre and culture. Both Carriageworks and the Malthouse Theatre declined to comment when asked about the clash of dates with Midsumma, and the lack of Melbourne creatives included on the program so far. Green Door Theatre referred The Age to a video statement from Trans Theatre Festival producer Leila Enright. Weve heard that there is real, valid disappointment in not seeing Melbourne-based artists included in the first announcement, Enright said. It was always our plan to include Melbourne voices, the fact that this was not clear in our announcement is on us We missed the mark in communications here and we are so sorry for the hurt we caused. Enright also acknowledged that Green Door Theatre were Sydney [theatre] makers coming into a context where trans work has not been platformed by main stages in the way they should be in Melbourne. Enright said while the festival would be held in Melbourne, it was part of a tour prepared for Sydney and built with NSW funding, but there were more Melbourne opportunities yet to be announced. Midsumma Festival chief executive Karen Bryant at the 2024 Midsumma Pride March in St Kilda. Credit: Chris Hopkins Midsumma Festival chief executive Karen Bryant said: There is potential for main stage and presenting organisations to do more to support trans, gender-diverse and all other LGBTQIA+ independent artists. This is especially important at such a difficult time for many in our communities, arising from the impact of global trends that empower discrimination and feed misinformation and hurtful division amongst our communities. Trans and gender diverse programming is a strategic priority for Midsumma and we have worked for many years to increase opportunities for trans and gender diverse artists. With this in mind we have been involved in discussions with artists from the Trans Theatre Festival for many months. As an arts festival committed to inclusion and visibility for all parts of our diverse communities, and to the development of queer artists and art forms across Australia, we previously offered support and a place in our curated program for this program, to be a part of our curated program for 2026. Loading Green Door Theatre Company and Midsumma discussed programming as part of the curated Midsumma Presents arm of the festival over the first six months of 2025. But, citing Midsummas past funding partnership with Amazon, Green Door Theatre chose to pull out of the partnership. Midsumma has confirmed Amazon was not a partner at the point of discussion. Bryant confirmed that though Amazon was previously a funder, but were not current funding partners due to budget restraints. Host of the ABC Radio Sydneys Drive program, Chris Bath, has resigned live on air during her Monday afternoon show. Bath told listeners it had been a big year and timing in life is a funny thing. Chris Bath has resigned from the Drive program. Ive decided to step down from Drive to pursue some passion projects and different opportunities away from the news cycle that have been beckoning for years, she said. Bath named her successor as fellow ABC radio journalist Tom Oriti, who is hosting the ABC NewsRadio Breakfast program and Background Briefing on ABC Radio National. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promoted Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of General and appointed him as Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), effective November 21, following the retirement of General Philip Valerio Sibanda.The President also promoted Major-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi to Lieutenant-General and appointed him as Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), effective November 25, 2025. The appointments were announced by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya.In his statement, Dr Rushwaya noted that Lt-Gen Matatu's promotion and appointment were made under the provisions of section 216(2) of the Constitution, read with sections 7(1) and 8(2) of the Defence Act. "The appointment follows the retirement of outgoing Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda," the statement read.Regarding the ZNA appointment, Dr Rushwaya said President Mnangagwa, acting under the Constitution and Defence Act, promoted Maj-Gen Tapfumaneyi to Lieutenant-General to succeed Lt-Gen Matatu, who moves on to command the ZDF.Lt-Gen Matatu previously replaced Lt-Gen (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe, who retired in March and was appointed Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture. Matatu rose from Brigadier-General to Major-General in 2021, serving at the Zimbabwe National Defence University before moving to Army Headquarters as Chief of Staff Administration, then ZNA Commander, and now ZDF Commander.Maj-Gen Tapfumaneyi, who served as Deputy Director-General in the President's Department from 2020, also held senior government positions, including Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Former Political Detainees, and Restrictees, as well as Principal Director in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs. His promotion from Brigadier-General to Lieutenant-General accompanies his assumption of the ZNA command.These appointments mark a significant leadership transition in Zimbabwe's defence forces, reflecting the government's ongoing efforts to maintain continuity and professionalism within the military hierarchy. Advertisement Eating outVale Singular, generous: Tributes from Jamie, Nigella and more pour in for chef Skye Gyngell The Australian-born Gyngell is being remembered as a pioneering chef whose approach to cooking helped to set a new standard for the industry. Erina Starkey and Scott Bolles November 24, 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 Australian chef Georgia Lahiff remembers dining at Skye Gyngells London restaurant Spring when she was just 18 years old. My mum came over for Christmas and took me out to lunch at Spring. I was nervous and embarrassed, and I didnt want to say that I was a cook or that I had just finished my apprenticeship, she said. But when Lahiffs mother mentioned it to staff, Gyngell appeared from the kitchen just minutes later. She said, Get in the kitchen and do a trial with us. Wed love to have you. Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Skye Gyngell has passed away from Merkel cell carcinoma. Kristin Perers Georgia went on to work at the Michelin-starred restaurant for two years. She was an incredible person to meet so early in my life, both professionally and personally. Advertisement Gyngell is being remembered as a pioneering chef whose seasonal and sustainable approach to cooking helped to set a new standard for the industry. She was equally admired for the way she mentored young women, a legacy reflected in the tributes that have flowed since her passing. Gyngell died over the weekend in London following a diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. Her family said in a statement: We are deeply saddened to share news of Skye Gyngells passing on 22nd November in London, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Skye Gyngell at Petersham Nurseries in 2011. Neale Haynes Skye was a culinary visionary who influenced generations of chefs and growers globally to think about food and its connection to the land. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy and is an inspiration to us all. Advertisement Skye Gyngell rose to international acclaim as head chef at Petersham Nurseries in south-west London, where she became the first female Australian chef to be awarded a Michelin star in 2011. It wasnt an award that sat comfortably, with Gyngell calling the highly coveted prize a professional curse. Beyond her culinary achievements, Gyngell was known for nurturing talent and mentoring the next generation of chefs particularly women navigating a male-dominated industry. Chef Danielle Alvarez was a good friend of Skye Gyngell. Danielle Alvarez, culinary director of Sydney Opera House Events, cooked alongside Gyngell at the Margaret River Gourmet Escape in 2018, and they remained in regular contact. She was a mentor to me, Alvarez said. She was always someone I could call when I needed help, just to talk about life, food and beautiful things. I will always be grateful to her for that. Advertisement Alvarez described Gyngells cooking as poetic: She had this way of putting food together and plating it that was unlike anything I had seen before. Skye Gyngells restaurant Spring at Somerset House in London. She added that Gyngells generosity extended to countless young cooks. She loved working with young chefs. She looked at all the people who worked for her like her children people to nurture, mentor and look after. Australian chef Sophie Storen, now creative director at Cookes Food in St Kilda, also remembers Gyngell in this way. She started working at Petersham Nurseries straight out of cooking school at just 23 years old. Gyngell would give Storen a lift to and from work, where they would talk about food and life in the car together, while listening to J. J. Cale. Advertisement Storen was one of eight chefs in the all-female kitchen team. It was a very creative environment to work in, Storen said. Wed sit around and talk about buffalo mozzarella for three hours. Or wed try 14 different apples and talk about their flavour profiles. Ive never worked anywhere like that since. Petersham Nurseries was a sprawling cafe and nursery. Gyngell was considered in everything she did, Storen said. She really, really cared about every single plate that went out, and never cut corners. Never. Seeing the tributes pour in, Storen realised how many other young chefs Gyngell had embraced in the same way. What she did for me, she did for so many other people, she said. Among those paying respects online were Jamie Oliver, who described Gyngell as an amazing woman and incredible cook thank you for all that you did to inspire young cooks, and Nigella Lawson, who said: Its just awful that Skye is no longer in the world. It is a tremendous loss, and Im heartbroken for [daughters] Holly and Evie and all those who loved her and learned from her. Advertisement Kylie Kwong added: Absolutely heartbreaking news. Skye was one of the greatest cooks of all time, sending all my love and energy to [the Spring] team and Skyes family and friends. Bruce Gyngell in hospital in 1970 with children (from left) Briony, 9, Skye, 7, and David, 4. Gyngell was born in Sydney in 1963, the daughter of legendary broadcaster Bruce Gyngell, the first person to appear on Australian television, in 1956, and interior designer Ann Gyngell (nee Barr) whose death was revealed just one day before Skyes. At 14, Gyngell reportedly left her exclusive private school after smoking marijuana; at 17, she began experimenting with heroin. None of it slowed her academic progress her next stop: Sydney University. [Skye] was the intellect of the family, incredibly well-read, interested in learning and would try anything, her brother, former Channel Nine chief executive David Gyngell, told Good Weekend Magazine in 2012. Her food is honest and real, like her. In an industry full of ego, she has no airs or graces and is uncompromising about quality. Advertisement Gyngell found a part-time job in a Sydney restaurant and, inspired by its female chef, kitchen life soon won over university. She began her training at La Varenne cooking school in Paris at 19, and worked in prestigious kitchens including George V and the two-star Michelin restaurant Dodin-Bouffant in Paris. She then moved to London, spending a year at the exacting Dorchester, under chef Anton Mosimann, then working for rising culinary star Fergus Henderson, who went on to open the trailblazing nose-to-tail restaurant St John. Skye Gyngell during her early days at Petersham Nurseries. Romas Foord When Gyngell took on the Petersham Nurseries project in 2004, she was met with the challenge of a dirt floor, outside storerooms and puddles en route to the kitchen. In the early days, she brought her own pots and pans from home, dipping into a trusty toolbox of roasted spices, infused oils and tea smoke. It wasnt long before word got out, with nursery regulars tucking into plates of rabbit with roasted fennel and bowls of cauliflower soup with pickled pears while jockeying for a seat with Mick Jagger and fashion designer Stella McCartney. After departing Petersham Nurseries in 2012, Gyngell was appointed culinary director across several restaurants at Heckfield Place, in Hampshire. She opened Spring, at Somerset House, in 2014. Typically, Gyngell forged new territory. Spring was the first restaurant in London to ban single-use plastics. Advertisement From there, Gyngell grew a mini empire of cookbooks and media columns, at one point being appointed the food editor of Vogue. Talented and irreverent, Gyngell was a natural truth-teller who was unafraid to call a spade a spade in her adopted city. She once described the food at Mayfairs fashionable The Wolseley as unapologetically awful and praised Nigella Lawsons cooking while querying the sexy posturing onscreen: Shes an intelligent woman why does she do it? Famed chef Marco Pierre White even copped it for promoting stock cubes. Spring was the first UK restaurant to ban single-use plastics. The media lapped it up, with one article pondering whether Gyngell was the Courtney Love of cooking, while the London Telegraph described her as the Wizardess of Oz for transforming an old greenhouse at Petersham Nurseries into a culinary destination. Her friend and former contributing international editor at Conde Nast Traveller and contributor for The New York Times Style Magazine, Bon Appetit and the Financial Times, David Prior, called Gyngell the most internationally significant Australian female chef of her generation. Advertisement Skye was singular. She had the palate of a chef and the palette of an artist, and those twin, exquisite gifts met in food, he said. She carried an ethereal, mercurial lightness that often belied the grit and unwavering purity of vision that saw her rewrite the rule book of dining in London more than once. It was that interplay that made her so beguiling, placing her at the heart of a movement she never sought to lead, yet in her own quiet, uncompromising way undeniably did. Related Article Skye Gyngell, first Australian female chef to win a Michelin star, dies Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement FoodSizzle reel Opinion Quirky humour over manufactured tension? No wonder this cooking show still reigns, 16 seasons in Ben Pobjie returned to review the Great British Bake Off with some trepidation. Could it still measure up to the giddy heights OG hosts Mel and Sue took it to? You bet it can. Ben Pobjie Entertainment writer November 25, 2025 5:00am November 25, 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 It can be hard to go home when home has changed so much. Many of us who fell in love with The Great British Bake Off back at the beginning, when Mary Berry bestrode the world like a Downton Abbey matriarch, and the show was presented by the electrifying gentility of Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins who mixed dry wit, irreverence and infinite warmth in perfect proportions felt it difficult to continue the attachment once Mel and Sue and Mary moved on. Yet, coming back with some trepidation to see how the show is faring at the start of its 16th season, one is struck by how much hasnt changed. The contest still takes place within the tent, with its village fete vibe, set amid the pastoral splendour of glorious green England. There is still the simple structure: a different theme each week, three rounds for signature, technical and showstopper bakes, and one contestant named star baker and one eliminated at the end of the episode. And there is still Paul Hollywood, he of the piercing blue eyes and the trademark handshake and the vague sense that if given carte blanche hed probably get a lot more abusive than he ever really does. From left: Prue Leith, Alison Hammond, Noel Fielding and Paul Hollywood. Of course, there are still the contestants themselves, who almost invariably radiate excitement and enthusiasm, and best of all, friendship and camaraderie for their rivals. GBBO shares with MasterChef a sense of community and atmosphere of support, but the Bake Off goes even harder in that direction, mostly eschewing emotional manipulation and manufactured tension in favour of unadorned sincerity and quirky humour. Moments of triumph and heartache are all the more affecting for the lack of obvious manipulation pushing us to respond. Advertisement The witty, down-to-earth personality of the show is no doubt why it has become such a British institution, continuing to keep the nation riveted to its highs and lows, the public taking standout contestants to their hearts, and becoming passionately invested in every plot twist and scandal (the Baked Alaska Bincident almost tore the country apart in season five). Moments of triumph and heartache are all the more affecting for the lack of obvious manipulation pushing us to respond. It has also become a global phenomenon. The original is popular around the world and myriad local versions have been spawned, including The Great Australian Bake Off. But nothing beats Britains Bake Off because the very concept is so very British: a peaceful field, an elegant marquee and a bunch of jolly folks making cakes. That the Bake Off showcases such a classically British setting and pastime, alongside a cast that is always strikingly diverse in race, gender, age and sexuality, gives weight to the theory that GBBO, more than any other current cultural artefact, gives us what is the very best about Britain. Related Article Great British Bake Off or Great British Host Off? It also gives us Noel Fielding, who has now presented more episodes of the show than anyone else, but still feels like the most left-field casting choice for any show ever. Fans of his previous comedy work, in which he inhabited a persona that was screamingly funny but who you also didnt want to get too close to in case he dragged you to a hell dimension, could never have guessed that he would be so perfect on a sweet, innocent baking show. Advertisement But somehow he fits perfectly, dropping absurdist gags left and right, flitting about the tent like a glam rock vampire visiting his favourite grandchildren, and looking like the product of a mad experiment to combine the DNA of Elvis Presley and Alice Cooper, sponsored by a knitwear company. Fielding is so weird, and yet simultaneously so loveable and kind to the contestants, that you forgive the absence of Mel and Sue, and the presence of his co-host Alison Hammond. Hammond isnt bad exactly, shes just sort of irrelevant. Wisely knowing her limits, the serial reality TV star sticks to laughing at Noels jokes and saying, Im excited. Meanwhile, the judges Hollywood these days partnered with Prue Leith, who is impossibly posh and quite possibly predates the invention of the cake are suitably honest but compassionate. The season 16 contestants. Back row (from left): Toby, Nadia, Aaron, Leighton, Jessika, Jasmine, Hassan and Lesley. Front row (from left): Tom, Pui Man, Iain and Nataliia. The stars to watch among the contestants this season: Advertisement Big-smiling Ukrainian Nataliia will be one to beat and also doubtless a fan favourite, her bashful exuberance coming with some serious kitchen chops. Tall, handsome Tom is also a major threat; movie star looks and ruthless efficiency. The artistic flair of Iain, a tiny mulleted imp from Belfast, could make him a breakout star it is very easy to imagine him fronting his own show. And shiny-domed Jasmine could well be a dark horse, with an unassuming personality at odds with her instantly recognisable look. Ben Pobjie predicts Jasmine will be one to watch. Its early days, though it is likely all 12 of them will worm their way into our affections by the time the last oven is switched off. Because more than any other culinary program anywhere, The Great British Bake Off is about love. When Mel and Sue left, I wondered if I could ever love again, but now I know that love of delicious pastries, of eccentric Britons, of weird semi-Goth comedians, and of the UK itself never dies. The Great British Bake Off Watch it if: you like sweet buns, extravagant cakes, moreish pies and sheer joy, tinged with the ever-present fear of utter catastrophe Dont watch it if: you cant stand reality TV in which nobody is ever an insufferable jerk Sizzle rating: Five burners out of five SIZZZZZZLE Stream it: Binge, Foxtel Related Article Great Australian Bake Off judge Rachel Khoo reveals her favourite places to eat Related Article This cooking competition and its judge, Martha Stewart is horrifically mesmerising These can create unnecessary anxiety, trigger further investigations, sometimes invasive, and add cost and complexity to the health system. At present, there is no significant evidence that whole-body MRI screening provides a net benefit for asymptomatic individuals. Slavotinek said these scans could also miss important conditions because they lacked the sensitivity and specificity of targeted imaging that is designed to investigate symptoms. Professor David Whiteman says there is no robust evidence that supports full-body MRIs. Credit: Tony Phillips It is a view shared by Professor David Whiteman, a cancer expert at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane. He said patients should only engage in targeted screenings if they have symptoms, are deemed high-risk due to a family history, or are taking part in formal screening programs. He said national screening programs for breast, lung, cervical and bowel cancer were backed by rigorous evidence. The more you will look for things, the more you will find things and that gives rise to overdiagnoses, which can lead to overtreatment, Whiteman said. The sensitivity of our technology is now so exquisite that you will find lots of things but not all of them are going to harm patients. Dr Vu Tran says hes upfront with patients about the pitfalls of full-body MRIs. Credit: Russell Shakespeare Full-body scans are not covered by private health insurers and generally dont provide a Medicare rebate. Dr Rachel David, chief executive of Private Healthcare Australia, said that while the scans could sound appealing, they often lead to false alarms, unnecessary follow-up tests, potentially harmful interventions like biopsies, and a lot of anxiety for people without signs of illness. These scans are heavily marketed by companies that need to recover the costs of very expensive machines to turn a profit, she said. I would encourage anyone considering these scans to speak with an independent GP first about whats actually recommended for their personal risk profile. OneMRI, co-founded by Dr Vu Tran, is tapping into growing consumer demand for proactive health screenings by offering full-body MRIs at 23 partner clinics. The scans, which take 45 to 60 minutes, cost just under $3000. Tran, who is also the companys chief medical officer, said hes upfront with customers about the scans double-edged nature and takes patients through a detailed consent process. The key risk is the high rate of incidental findings abnormalities that often prove harmless but require extensive follow-up. Tran said about 25 per cent of patients who undergo full-body scans receive abnormal findings that turn out to be benign after further investigation. About one-third of customers decide they dont want to proceed with the scan after hearing about this pitfall. Loading I need them to be aware that theres a chance that we scan you and we find a lump in your liver, and that lump gives you a massive amount of anxiety, until we get to the bottom whats causing it, Tran said. You end up getting extra scans and a biopsy ... only to find out that it was nothing. But, he said, about 3 to 4 per cent of the full-body scans detected cancers or other issues that needed treatment. One GP, who did not want to be identified for privacy reasons, said he was concerned whole-body MRI screenings were shifting costs back onto Medicare, which funds the follow-up investigations. There are no evidence-based protocols, no mandated reporting standards and no governance structures, he said of the whole-body scans. How many additional investigations are needed to look into findings from non-evidence based screenings? Loading Dr David Badov is the medical director of HealthScreen, which has clinics in Melbourne and Sydney and offers targeted MRIs to assess asymptomatic patients for early signs of the top 20 cancers. Badov said the business had scanned more than 1000 patients over the past six years, most of them aged over 40. He said a man in his 40s recently went to a HealthScreen clinic after his best friend was diagnosed with incurable stage four kidney cancer. The MRI detected a lesion on his kidney, which prompted further investigation and a diagnosis of stage one kidney cancer. Following a tenuous living situation, in September of that year she accepted Simpsons offer to move there with her two young sons. He sent me a map of the land, and he circled a lot that I could have, she claimed. Lucas said she transferred about $40,000 to Simpson for what she said was a cabin and development of the site. Simpson acknowledged sending a map, but said it was to indicate where she could stay at the camp. He accepted the $40,000 but said it was a donation to the camps expansion. Lucas alleged that Simpson insisted she pay workers as they brought materials to the site. Texts show Simpson telling Lucas that he had already spent the money she had sent, and needed more cash as he owed others. Screenshots of Lucas incremental bank transfers show donations listed in the description. Lucas, who had family members involved in the defence force, wanted to set up a retreat for homeless veterans at the site. I have land. Build a retreat here? Simpson allegedly texted her. Lucas and her sons lived in a tin shed for three months, but Lucas realised the camp was illegitimate, which Simpson had not disclosed. I had just become a single mum. I didnt have anything all my assets were still tied up with my ex, she said. She left when she secured community housing. Simpson said the camp was set up to assist those going through struggles, and denied ever claiming to own the land. The land belongs to the original people, the original bloodline descendants ... of which I am. We dont actually speak as in terms we own the land. We belong to these lands [and] take care of these lands, he said. Lucas, now undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, posted her experience online to try to recover the funds for the land she now knows could never be hers. Simpson alleged her posts were defamatory and was granted an apprehended violence order against her. In the AVO document, Simpson acknowledged that Lucas transferred $40,000 by her own volition to contribute to the camp. He has returned about $20,000. Simpson acknowledged that he collected donations from several camp members, but said the funds were used to build structures, and that there was little left over at the time of the camps later eviction. Tribal lore and sovereign ideology The camp, established in 2021, quickly grew into a village with structures and caravans, accumulating 70 tonnes of debris. Rangers tried to move the group on, but Simpson, also known as Jaabarun Nyangbul, lodged a Supreme Court claim arguing the land had never been ceded, denying the courts jurisdiction. A sign at the entrance to the camp read: Trespassers will be subject to tribal lore. Credit: Instagram There is no superior governing law that governs the Aboriginal people in their dominion or terrain, he said. We are not in the Constitution. A sign at the entrance to the camp stated that trespassers would be subject to tribal lore. Simpson, along with regular camp visitor Helen Delaney, was also involved in an anti-government protest in 2021, during which the doors of Old Parliament House were set alight. Members of this freedom protest allegedly misappropriated traditional cultural practices to initiate non-Indigenous members of the group as original sovereigns. Elders and traditional owners criticised their actions. Delaney, who is not Indigenous, is also a prominent member of a radical anti-government group, Nmdaka Dalai Australis, which claims customary tribal lore is Australias only legitimate authority. She listed the camps address as her own on court documents and participated in cultural events at the camp. Simpson was not an NDA member. A screenshot from a since-deleted video posted on NDAs website shows Helen Delaney (left) dressed in the organisations sheriff uniform, performing a cultural event at the camp. Many camp members were not Indigenous. Credit: ABC Documents sighted by this masthead show NDA members claim that children removed from their care by courts are stolen property and demand rightful collection via self-created courts. Documents are printed in purple ink and signed with fingerprints, served by sherrifs in beige uniforms. Delaney claims she was only a volunteer to assist elders in the group with tasks and is no longer involved. The group has not been active online in recent months. During Lucas time at the camp, Delaney was in jail for breaching an apprehended violence order (AVO) protecting her ex-husband. She also faced court last month charged with stalking a police officer after he arrested her on domestic-violence-related offences. She denies the charges. She next faces court in December. Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader claimed the Lennox Head group didnt respect the law or the environment. Theyve degraded the site something dreadful. We still dont know how the land will be rehabilitated. An aerial shot of the sprawling squat at Seven Mile Beach, taken in April 2025. Credit: NearMap Cadwallader said rangers needed a police escort when entering the camp due to the groups volatility. Simpson said the group had always intended to be peaceful, and argued that the waste collected after its eviction was culturally important structures. The Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council condemned Simpsons actions as misappropriation of culture for personal gain. Chairperson Kylie Jacky said the occupation led by Simpson, with a majority of non-Aboriginal persons, was without community mandate, cultural authority, and ultimately distorts the meaning of sovereignty and threatens the integrity of Aboriginal-led movements for truth-telling and land and cultural justice. Sovereign citizens are taking our land from us and misappropriating and violating our culture while doing this Sovereignty is not a tool for individual entitlement it is a sacred, collective responsibility rooted in kinship, lore, and accountability to mob, she said. Both Simpson and Delaney deny being sovereign citizens, a broad term for those who use pseudo-legal arguments to deny the governments legitimacy, and who believe they can opt out of laws. I do not align with [the] rhetoric. Its a label that theyve put on people who stand up against oppressive governments, Simpson said. In a legal letter sent to the Herald, Delaney stated that language which aligned her with anti-government, or pseudo-law ideology, or that portrayed her as irrational, dangerous or unlawful, was false and defamatory. Luke Simpson and Helen Delaney, photographed outside Nowra court where Delaney faced charges of stalking a police officer. Credit: Staff None of the allegations, characterisations, or implications outlined in your [article] are accepted, she said. Simpson rejected the councils authority and said he consulted elders outside the council. Degraded land After a lengthy court battle, the squatters were evicted on August 5 by the NSW Sheriff and Crown Lands, escorted by police. Luke Simpson (right) rejected the Aboriginal Land Councils authority, arguing that the group of sovereign campers should manage the land instead. Credit: During the eviction, one man was arrested for assaulting police, and 14 traffic infringement notices were issued, as the group reportedly doesnt believe in government-issued drivers licences. Video of the eviction shows campers swearing at police. A spokesperson for the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure confirmed that 18 people, including three children, were removed. Loading Homes NSW confirmed that support and assistance were offered to those sleeping rough, but it wasnt taken up at the time. The group tried to return, prompting area patrols and the installation of new gates. Recent inspections have not found evidence of a new camp. The focus on extremist anti-government groups has been renewed following the alleged killing of two Victorian police officers by self-declared sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman and the 2022 Wieambilla shootings. The Herald is not suggesting that Simpson, Delaney or other NDA or camp members had any involvement in the shooting deaths. A body has been recovered in the search for a missing 18-year-old man swept out to sea north of Sydney, as authorities praised heroic surfers who rescued another stricken swimmer. The search resumed on Monday morning for the teenager who went missing at Soldiers Beach at Norah Head on the Central Coast. The body was recovered by police divers about 10.45am. A 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man managed to get back to shore after the sandbar they were on collapsed on Sunday evening. Another man, also 18, was rescued by the heroic efforts of nearby surfers. Recently, my wife received birthday greetings from a dear friend in England, relates Philip Laird of Keiraville. The envelope was marked by Royal Mail in September 2022, and by the Sydney West Mail Facility (SWMF) in October 2025. We wonder where it has spent the past three years. Lynne Cook of Fairy Meadow gives further credence to the theory that certain border guards (C8) should never give up their day jobs: As Rob Watson points out, East German border guards occasionally showed a sense of humour. Presenting my Australian passport at Checkpoint Charlie in 1981, the East German guard jumped up and down delightedly doing his best Kangaruh impression. Only moments before, he had, with a stony face, waved the American girl I was travelling with into No Mans Land. So The Minns Government is increasing busking locations (C8), notes George Manojlovic of Mangerton. What a great name for a band. They should play on the same bill as The Whitlams. I suggest that Ron Vernon (C8) seeks help from scammers in finding his former friends contact details, offers Graham Lum of North Rocks. They seem to know everyones phone numbers and email addresses. And while Ron lamented that in the old days he wouldve just gone straight to the phone book, Alison Stewart of Waitara was clever enough to hold on to her White Pages from 2011. Considerate C8-ers Tim OHearn of Castle Hill and John Constable of Balmain both advise that any condolences are immediately passed on by the funeral director. Thousands of new units could soon tower over suburban supermarkets and shopping centres as recent changes to the states planning laws spark a string of proposals for new multistorey housing developments directly above retail hubs. Bankstown Central, Eastlakes Shopping Centre and multiple Coles and Woolworths outlets are among a growing list of sites in line for a high-rise overhaul as developers and retailers capitalise on NSW government planning reforms aimed at boosting housing supply in and around town centres and transport hubs. Across Sydney, more than 12,000 new units are currently proposed to be built directly above retail centres in multistorey towers standing up to 46 storeys. The developments include plans for 1500 new units across four buildings on top of Bankstown Central, while rival retail giant Scentre Group, owner of Westfield, has plans for 2100 units above Westfield Hornsby and 1500 units in a redevelopment of Warringah Mall. A Sydney council should reinstate an internal watchdog to handle complaints against councillors and staff, after it spent $311,000 investigating nearly 150 grievances in one year, an inquiry heard. Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun told an Office of Local Government inquiry into the council there had been an estimated 1000 per cent surge in code of conduct complaints in the past 12 months. Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun is among the final witnesses to provide evidence at the long-running inquiry. Credit: Cole Bennetts The inquiry has been running for more than 45 days and was triggered by an interim report detailing allegations of widespread dysfunction and maladministration at the south-western Sydney council. Counsel assisting the commission, Trish McDonald, SC, on Monday said the inquiry had explored whether the council should reinstate an internal ombudsman to cut spending on external investigators, who had been tasked with dealing with a wave of complaints in the past 12 months. Blood oil: A new series by the Herald and The Age. Kateryna Argyrou may be safe in Australia with her two children, but she has felt the grim reality and pain of Russias war on Ukraine. Her cousin Yuriy Sayenko, a combat medic, was killed trying to pull two heavily wounded soldiers from battle. Her mother is suffering a brain injury after a missile strike shook her apartment so violently that she was thrown across the room and suffered an internal brain bleed. Argyrou, the chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, says Australians are unwittingly and indirectly supporting the bloodshed unfolding on Ukrainian territory. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Australia banned the import of Russian crude oil. But nearly four years later this oil is still making its way into our petrol bowsers, and into our cars. Argyrou calls this contribution to the Kremlins budget blood oil. One person infected with measles caught a train to Brisbanes airport, while another went to a hospital emergency department, in cases that health authorities said were separate to another recent cluster in Brisbanes south. Queensland Healths Metro North public health unit issued an alert about midday on Monday, warning locals that two people had been unknowingly infectious while in the community last week. One travelled from an inner-Brisbane hotel via train to the domestic airport on Monday, while the other went to the Caboolture Hospital emergency department on Thursday and Friday. A patient with measles visited Caboolture Hospitals emergency department two days last week. Credit: Steve Holland Metro North public health physician Dr Candice Colbran said the exposure sites did not pose an ongoing risk, but anyone who may have crossed paths with the patients should monitor for symptoms, which would typically start between seven and 18 days after infection. News / National by Staff reporter Former legislator Temba Mliswa has accused Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and presidential spokesperson George Charamba of colluding with senior Harare City Council officials to displace residents of St Martins in order to make way for a new medical facility.Mliswa, who has recently intensified his criticisms of the Vice President, alleges that Chiwenga abused his office by pressuring the City Council to remove residents who legally acquired land along Airport Road. "Harare City Council were intimidated by the office of the Vice President. He forced them to write letters. Vice President cannot be using the church to amass wealth for himself and George Charamba," Mliswa said.The outspoken politician called on the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to investigate the City Council over the controversial eviction notices. "Here comes the institutions that fight corruption, ZRP, ZACC, you need to investigate Harare City Council. Why did they write letters to displace people who legally own the land? Over US$2 million was paid for that land, then suddenly you think people must just leave because somebody in a higher office says so," he said.Harare City Council acting Town Clerk Phakamile Mabena Moyo recently issued a three-month notice for occupants to vacate the land, citing violations of Section 24 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12).Mliswa's comments follow previous allegations he made against Chiwenga's wife, Minoyothabo Baloyi, whom he accused of running a parallel structure in the Zimbabwe National Army. "City Council, I am going to report you to ZACC for overturning such decisions. That is fraud. If you overturn decisions of this nature because of certain powers, you will go to jail like a joke," Mliswa added. Three of the detectives who first investigated Melbournes Easey Street killings have given a snapshot of the police probe into the double murders from nearly 50 years ago. The retired investigators described other suspects they had considered and defended their conduct at the time such as not using gloves when collecting crucial evidence while being questioned by lawyers for accused killer Perry Kouroumblis during a hearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday. Susan Bartlett (top) and Suzanne Armstrong were killed in their Easey Street, Collingwood, home in 1977. Credit: Stephen Kiprillis Police allege that between January 10 and January 13, 1977, Kouroumblis entered the Easey Street, Collingwood, home of Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, and killed both women. Kouroumblis, now 66, is also accused of raping Armstrong. Former policeman turned private investigator Peter Hiscock told the court of other people who were later ruled out as suspects by detectives after his retirement. Corrective Services shadow minister Adam Hort has blamed the state governments handling of youth detention on an unfolding incident at Banksia Hill Detention Centre this afternoon. A group of around six youths have been on the roof of the Canning Vale facility for a number of hours, throwing bricks, poles and fire extinguishers while authorities scramble to bring them down. They are yet to be brought under control. We needed a new youth rehabilitation centre yesterday, Hort said in response to the incident this afternoon. Loading Detention is critical for community safety and turning young lives around, but it only works when the system works, and right now it doesnt. Instead, the government has delayed this vital project for years. We are now seeing the same behaviours that caused the tens of millions of dollars in damage at Banksia Hill in 2022 and led to the creation of Unit 18. Hort said Unit 18 was supposed to fix these issues. That is why we have been calling for it and why its delivery is urgent, he said. Roger Cook and his Governments mismanagement of youth detention and rehabilitation has been a failure. Taking more than half a decade to deliver the solution our system needs shows how little priority they have given to community safety and to genuine rehabilitation. Hanson moves to the other side of the Senate chamber during a vote. Members of the Greens and crossbench were furious with her stunt. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Wong had asked Lines to rule that Hansons conduct was disorderly, quoting former Liberal senator George Brandis, who as attorney-general rebuked the One Nation leader in 2017, the last time she wore the garment on the Senate floor. All of us in this place have a great privilege and we represent in our states people of every faith ... and we should do so decently, Wong said. The sort of disrespect that you are engaging in now is not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate. Hanson in front of senator Fatima Payman. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Hanson was ordered to remove the item and leave the chamber or face suspension, and the Senate voted overwhelmingly to have her removed. She was suspended for the rest of the day. Hanson was heard saying to Lines: You are so vile, you are not doing your job properly. Hanson sits with her One Nation colleagues during a vote in the Senate. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Hanson then left the chamber with her One Nation colleagues, having worn the burqa for almost 20 minutes. She remained defiant about her provocation following her suspension. They are a hypocritical bloody mob in there that have actually taken a stance without debating it and putting it to the vote, Hanson told journalists after the Senate was suspended. Theyve said to the Australian people, we dont care about you. It is a national security issue. It is about womens rights. Loading Faruqi also spoke after the suspension, saying she did not feel comfortable in the chamber. Muslim women in this country have been persecuted for a long time now, the racist abuse that Muslim women have faced over decades, fuelled by One Nation, but also the dog whistling of other politicians in other major parties has meant that we feel unsafe, Faruqi said. Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, who is openly considering defecting to One Nation, defended Hansons choice, saying: People are free to express themselves politically and you are free to interpret it any way you wish. Nationals senator Matt Canavan, one of the Coalitions most conservative MPs, slammed Hanson and argued it was a desperate, attention-seeking stunt. Canavan said respectful points could be made about migration, but Hanson was acting improperly. Dont vote for them They only live if you give them attention and look at them, Canavan said on ABC TV. I dont like this type of politics. This is disrespectful to Muslim Australians. I dont support ridiculing people. Hanson first wore a burqa into the Senate chamber in 2017. Her renewed attempt to ban the burqa was slammed earlier on Monday by Australias Islamophobia envoy Aftab Malik, who said the move will worsen harassment, threats of rape, and violence against Muslim women in Australia. It is frustrating to see Australian Muslim womens choice of clothing continually tied to national security concerns. Islamophobia is at record levels in Australia, described as unprecedented by the Islamophobia Register Australia. Muslim women, in particular, face the brunt, Malik wrote in a statement provided to this masthead. Hanson and Aftab Malik, Australias special envoy to combat Islamophobia. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen, AAP Senator Pauline Hanson, eight years after her last call to ban the burqa, is again proposing it. This will deepen existing safety risks for Australian Muslim women who choose to wear the headscarf, the hijab, or the full face and body covering, the burqa. Loading Hansons office did not release a copy of the motion before she attempted to table it in the upper house on Monday afternoon, but a media statement from her office last month said the move was set to echo similar bans in France. Hanson was not given leave to introduce the bill. Hanson has campaigned against burqas since at least 2002, and in 2014 said she was offended by the burqa, and opposed to even the niqab, claiming that people wearing full face coverings, including women, are known to have hidden bombs underneath them, which theyve detonated in acts of terror, in various places around the world, such as Chechnya. The Bureau of Meteorology must prove it is delivering value for money to taxpayers, Environment Minister Murray Watt has declared, as the agency responds to fallout from the revelation that the cost of the website upgrade ballooned from $4 million to $96 million. The bureaus new chief executive told this masthead that most of the costs were generated by vital security upgrades, which were designed to protect sensitive data from hacking following a major breach of cybersecurity in 2015. Environment Minister Murray Watt. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The BoMs website upgrade has been widely criticised for being difficult to navigate and that changes to its radar map made place names difficult to read. While the bureau initially claimed that the sites redesign had cost a mere $4.1 million, this figure did not include a $78 million website design contract for private consultancy Accenture Australia, or the extra security upgrades that pushed the disclosed costs closer to $100 million. Blood oil: A new series by the Herald and The Age. One of the nations biggest superannuation funds is urgently investigating whether it is profiting from the Russian oil trade, as the Albanese government faces growing internal calls for Australia to do more to help Ukraine as the war against Vladimir Putins invading forces reaches a critical stage. American, Ukrainian and European Union officials have been holding frantic meetings in Geneva, ahead of a Thursday deadline set by US President Donald Trump, to rewrite a draft US peace proposal that has been widely panned for being too friendly to Moscows interests. Vast quantities of Russian-origin oil have entered Australia since the war in Ukraine began and they have provided a crucial source of funding to Vladimir Putins war machine. Credit: Artwork: Marija Ercegovac This masthead revealed last week, as part of its Blood Oil series, that an estimated 1 million tonnes of Russian oil have been offloaded over the past two years at a shipping terminal in Malaysia co-owned by a company in the portfolio of an investment vehicle controlled by a consortium of Australian industry super funds. IFM Investors, a Melbourne-headquartered fund owned by 15 Australian industry super funds and one British pension fund, controls 45 per cent of global energy storage company Vitol Tank Terminals International. This company, in turn, owns the ATB oil terminal in south-west Johor in Malaysia. Rome: The Italian government has questioned a court decision to remove three children from the off-grid woodland home where they lived with their Australian mother and British father, after the family came under scrutiny when they were poisoned by mushrooms. A juvenile court in the central city of LAquila ruled last week that Catherine Birmingham and Nathan Trevallions alternative lifestyle put their childrens wellbeing at risk and ordered that their eight-year-old daughter and six-year-old twins be placed in protective care. Birmingham, reportedly a former equestrian trainer from Melbourne, was allowed to accompany the children to their new accommodation on Thursday, after their lawyer convinced social workers that her presence was needed to limit the trauma of separation. Nathan Trevallion and Catherine Birmingham with their children. Credit: Website: https://catherinelouisebirmingham.com/ It was the worst night of my life, Trevallion told local newspaper Il Centro on Friday. Taking children away from a parent is the greatest pain there is ... Its an injustice. History classes are often full of students learning about how wars begin. Only some of them teach lessons about how wars end. Now, as Ukraine weighs up an ugly peace deal with Russia, that second field of study is more important than ever. And none of the lessons are easy. Illustration Credit: Dionne Gain The peace terms issued to Ukraine are monstrous, of course. The 28 points overseen by US President Donald Trump hand most of the gains to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. If the draft terms were to be made final, they would represent an American betrayal of its European friends in favour of their enemy. Trumps willingness to capitulate is appalling but not surprising after this jarring year of his second term. (Yes, it feels longer than 10 months.) The world, including Australia, can see that America is an unreliable ally and that Ukraine is in an invidious position. It cannot trust Trump, it cannot trust Putin, but it cannot dismiss a chance for peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might hope for a return to the ideals of honour and strength in Washington, but that means waiting for the presidential election in November 2028. Even then, he cannot be sure who will rule. He has to work with the weak, erratic and amoral occupant of the White House. And with the assassin in the Kremlin. Washington: A US judge has spectacularly thrown out criminal cases against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney-General Letitia James, finding President Donald Trumps hand-picked prosecutor was illegally appointed to the role. The Trump administration quickly signalled it believed the ruling was flawed and would appeal. James Comey was one of three prominent critics of the Republican president indicted by Trumps Justice Department in recent months. Credit: AP Lindsey Halligan, Trumps former personal lawyer, was named interim US attorney in the key Virginia district amid resistance from the office about proceeding with prosecutions against the presidents political enemies. But on Tuesday (AEDT), a federal judge in South Carolina, Cameron McGown Currie, found that Halligan was not validly appointed because the law only allowed the attorney-general to appoint an interim attorney to the post once, for a period of 120 days. Washington: The Trump administration will collect data on crimes and human rights abuses committed by migrants to Australia as part of its global drive to combat mass migration, which it describes as an existential threat to Western civilisation. The intervention into domestic affairs goes beyond illegal immigration and seeks to caution Canberra that a significant intake of migrants, particularly of a culture thats radically different from Australias, can lead to political and economic instability. Anti-immigration protesters in Sydney in August. Credit: Getty Images A senior State Department official said the administration had instructed diplomats at its embassy in Canberra to begin collecting data and reporting on migrant-related crimes and human rights abuses facilitated by people of a migration background. Similar cables were sent last week to all US embassies in Europe, as well as Canada and New Zealand. The governments of these countries were not consulted beforehand, but the US embassies have been instructed to contact them and offer to help. Simpson Bay:--- On Friday, Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM Airport) proudly celebrated the opening of its new exclusive terminal building for private jet passengers, marking yet another milestone in the airports continued development as a premier gateway for private aviation to the Caribbean. Following the royal reopening of the main terminal building in 2024, SXM Airport has now introduced this new facility designed to elevate the travel experience for private jet travelers. In recent years, SXM airport has demonstrated consistent double-digit growth. With the opening of this new exclusive terminal building for private aviation, the airport is fully equipped to welcome even more high-end passengers, expanding its capacity and enhancing its premium offerings. SXM continues to connect cultures and communities across the Caribbean, serving destinations including Saba, Statia, St. Barths, Anguilla, Dominica, Nevis, and Tortola. The airports strategic partnerships with ExecuJet and Signature Aviation further reinforce its role as a regional leader in private aviation. SXM Airport extended heartfelt appreciation to all employees - both internal staff and external contractors, whose dedication, expertise, and resilience brought this long-awaited facility to life. Special recognition was given to Nathalie Lambriex, whose exceptional interior design work and oversight ensured that the new terminal exudes a luxurious, modern, and welcoming atmosphere throughout. With this exclusive terminal for private jet passengers, SXM sets a new standard for private aviation in the region, says CEO and President of Princess Juliana International Airport Michael Cleaver We are proud to offer an experience that reflects the elegance and ambition of our passengers and our island. Atlantic Aviation Chief Commercial Officer John Redcay added: "Were honored to be part of this milestone for Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). This new terminal marks an important step forward for private aviation in the region, and were grateful that our Sint Maarten operation - currently operating as ExecuJet - will play a central role in delivering a world-class experience to customers across the Caribbean." Signature Aviation Chief Commercial Officer Derek DeCross commented: "St. Maarten is one of the most unique destinations within both the Caribbean and Signatures global network, highlighted by rich culture, a vibrant culinary scene, and scenic beaches. Were proud to be part of this transformation and to offer our guests an elevated experience at every turn. The airport also expressed sincere thanks to everyone who attended, celebrated with us, and raised a toast to mark this important milestone for SXM Airport and the community we proudly serve. News / National by Staff reporter Cut Rag Processors has completed a multi-million-dollar expansion that positions the Harare-based company as Africa's largest tobacco processing operation, a development expected to accelerate Zimbabwe's push toward value addition in the tobacco sector.The upgraded facility, commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has the capacity to process up to 12,000 cigarettes per minute, significantly enhancing the country's ability to manufacture finished tobacco products locally.The milestone comes in the wake of Zimbabwe recording an unprecedented 355 million kilograms of tobacco in 2025, valued at US$1.2 billion, cementing its status as a top global producer.President Mnangagwa said the expansion reflects growing investor confidence and aligns with the government's industrialisation agenda. "This reflects the ongoing resurgence of Zimbabwean industry and the success of reforms aimed at improving the investment climate," he said. He stressed that reducing raw tobacco exports and prioritising local processing is essential for capturing more value domestically. "For decades, profits have gone to foreign manufacturers. Facilities like this ensure Zimbabwe begins exporting finished goods," he added.Lesley Malunga, general manager of Cut Rag Processors, described the upgraded plant as a turning point for the sector. "This investment transforms our export profile. Instead of sending out raw leaf, we can now export high-grade cut rag and cigarettes, allowing the country to retain more earnings," he said. Malunga also highlighted that the facility will create hundreds of jobs while stimulating activity in supporting industries such as logistics and engineering.Tobacco remains Zimbabwe's largest single source of foreign currency, contributing more than a quarter of overall forex earnings, and the new facility is expected to further strengthen the country's position in global markets. PHILIPSBURG:--- The RISE Foundation proudly announces the launch of Christmas Angels 2025, a community-centered initiative designed to brighten the holiday season for more than 500 children, differently-abled persons, seniors, and vulnerable individuals across the island. The program officially begins on Wednesday, November 26, with the first self-service Christmas tree available at TelEm, followed by in-person locations from November 27 to December 1, and extended self-service access through December 8. Christmas Angels forms part of RISE Foundations Season of Light pillar, which focuses on uplifting families and individuals during the holiday season through community involvement, compassion, and direct giving. The process is simple: community members select a handmade angel from any participating location, purchase a gift for the individual the angel representsusing the suggested ideas providedand return the gift to the same location by the stated deadline. This direct exchange allows the public to personally brighten someone's Christmas in the community. This years angels were created by participants from 13 organizations and schools, including community-based partners such as 721 Kids Foundation, Mental Health Foundation, Sister Basilia Center, Ujima Foundation, Leaders For Change Foundation, and Foster Care (Judicial & Institutional Services), along with public and private schools such as ACE Foundation, Leonald Conner School, Marie G. De Weever School, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, Prins Willem Alexander School, Ruby Labega School, and Oranje School. Together, they represent more than 500 individuals across the island. To make participation accessible across St. Maarten, Christmas Angels will be available at seven locations island-wide, covering major districts from Philipsburg to Bush Road, Simpson Bay, and Cole Bay. From November 27 to December 1, community members can pick an angel in person at the Government Administration Building, Cost U Less, and Super City, with operating hours shared on the RISE Foundations social media platforms. In addition to the in-person opportunities, self-service trees will be available from November 26 to December 8 at TelEms Philipsburg and Simpson Bay offices, from November 28 to December 8 at La Sucriere Bakery, and from November 29 to December 8 at Princess Juliana International Airport. These extended locations allow individuals to select and return angles at their convenience throughout the two weeks. Before the gifts are purchased and the angels are selected, it is important to remember that every angel represents someone in our communitya child or teenager, a differently-abled youth or adult, a senior, or an individual navigating mental health challenges. Each one is a real person hoping for a brighter Christmas, and it is this human connection that lies at the heart of the program. During recent visits to several of the participating organizations, the RISE team witnessed moments that reflected the true spirit of the program, including: At Marie G. de Weever Primary School, one student proudly held up his angel and said, I liked it when I was coloring the angel, and I hope someone picks me so that I can be supported. We made these angels for you. We hope you appreciate it, and I hope you buy our gift. God bless your heart, shared a participant from 721 Kids Foundation. And at the Mental Health Foundation, Valencia Chambers-Hixon shared how meaningful the project has been for her clients. Our clients created these beautiful angels with so much love, creativity, and emphasis. This promotes inclusion, raises awareness, and gives them hope knowing the community is involved in something they made. It brings more meaningfulness and joy for Christmas. Community members are encouraged to take part by selecting an angel, purchasing a gift, and returning it during the designated period. Those who wish to support the initiative in another way may make a financial contribution to help cover gifts for unselected angels, logistical expenses, volunteer support, outreach, and promotional efforts to ensure no beneficiary is left out. Individuals, families, companies, and groups can also volunteer at in-person locations between November 27 and December 1 by contacting the RISE Foundation to register their availability. For more information about the project, or to donate, volunteer, or make general inquiries, contact us at +1-721-584-7473 or +1-721-523-8421, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or message us on Facebook and Instagram at @risesxm. PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) proudly announces the local winners of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) 2025 Poster and Essay Competition, spotlighting the outstanding creativity and critical thinking displayed by St. Maartens youth. In the Junior Division, Kayra Balani of St. Joseph School captured first place in the Essay Competition, while Wish-Mae Bailey earned top honors in the Poster Category. In the Senior Division, Raynella Gomez of St. Maarten Academy secured first place in the Essay Competition, and Evan Amatdjais emerged as the winner of the Poster Category. All winning entries have been submitted to FCCA Headquarters for regional judging. Regional winners are expected to be announced on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. May-Ling Chun, Director of Tourism, commended the students for their achievements, stating: We are incredibly proud of these young ambassadors who continue to showcase the depth of talent and imagination found here in St. Maarten. Their work reflects not only creativity but also a genuine understanding of the importance of tourism and community. We congratulate each of them and look forward to seeing how they shine on the regional stage. The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau extends its appreciation to all participating schools for their partnership and support. STB congratulates all winners and wishes them every success as they represent St. Maarten in the regional competition. For additional inquiries, contact STB at +1-721-549-0200. PHILIPSBURG:--- In response to the devastating impact of Typhoon Ragasa between September 22 and 23, 2025, Tzu Chi Foundation St. Maarten organized a month-long fundraising campaign to support affected families in Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and neighbouring regions. The campaign ran from September 25 to October 31, 2025. Upon learning of the disaster, Commissioner Sister Sandra immediately convened volunteers to plan an emergency response. Despite limited resources, the team launched island-wide fundraising efforts, visiting public areas, walking through communities, and standing in front of shops to share information about the disaster and encourage donations. The campaign saw countless moving moments. Residents with very little still gave what they could, shop owners donated despite slow business, and children participated by holding bamboo banks to inspire others. Many donors recalled Tzu Chis support after Hurricane Irma in 2017 and wanted to give back to help disaster survivors abroad. Through these coordinated efforts, Tzu Chi St. Maarten successfully raised US $10,184.28. All funds were remitted in full to Tzu Chi Taiwan on November 17, 2025, ensuring aid reaches those most in need as quickly as possible. We are deeply moved by the love shown by the people of St. Maarten, said Commissioner Sandra Cheung. Although we live far away, compassion has no boundaries. Every donation, whether large or small, is a blessing that carries warmth across the ocean. Volunteers also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to join the global Tzu Chi community in providing timely support to Typhoon Ragasa victims. The Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation has been serving St. Maarten since 2005, providing disaster relief, humanitarian aid, food assistance, education support, and community care. Guided by Master Cheng Yens teachings of compassion, gratitude, and action, Tzu Chi strives to bring relief to those suffering and hope to those in hardship. Willemstad:--- A group of students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences (HSS) visited the Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curacao on Monday as part of their Kingdom Relations minor. During the visit, the students received an overview of how the advisory body informs government and parliamentary decision-making on socioeconomic issues. Council staff explained the legal foundation of the SER, the process through which its recommendations are drafted and reviewed, and the institutions place within Curacaos constitutional system. The visit offered the students a rare glimpse into the mechanics of policy formation in a small island jurisdiction. Interest from The Hague University has grown steadily in recent years, with students frequently completing internships at the council. According to officials familiar with the exchange, the continued collaboration helps strengthen understanding between the Caribbean and European parts of the Kingdom. Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago:--- Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) has released its first Sustainability Report, marking a major milestone in its journey to embed sustainability across all Group operations in adapting to the accelerating impacts of climate and social change. The publication consolidates years of progress and reaffirms RFHLs commitment to delivering long-term value for its customers, employees, and the communities across its entire footprint. Group President and CEO, Nigel Baptiste, highlighted the urgency of the challenge, stating, RFHL recognises that true leadership goes beyond the provision of sound financial services. Climate disruption, social inequality, and shifting stakeholder expectations demand purposeful and accountable action. In the Caribbean, the financial burden of climate impacts exacerbates challenges such as food security, healthcare access, economic diversification, supply chain disruptions, and migration. These realities help shape our strategy and reinforce our commitment to long-term resilience. The Report shows RFHL actively embedding sustainability into its daily operations through strengthened systems, policies, and culture. It highlights concrete progress from delivering climate-aligned financial solutions and progressing towards the USD 200 million Climate Finance Target to advancing SDG-driven community programmes and employee-led initiatives demonstrating the Groups expanding role in sustainable finance and regional resilience. Group Vice President, Richard Sammy, contextualised RFHLs efforts within global sustainable finance trends: In just two years, global sustainable finance has surged, reaching USD 8.2 trillion in 2024, a 17% increase from 2023. When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, two innovative disaster-financing mechanisms were triggered: a USD 150 million World Bank catastrophe bond and a USD 70.8 million payout from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF). While not sufficient for full recovery, these instruments demonstrate how layered financing can transform climate risk into swift response and long-term resilience, highlighting the evolving landscape of climate adaptation. The Report highlights the growing influence of sustainability across the Group, RFHLs alignment with leading reporting frameworks, including the UNEP FI principles, and its active participation in regional and international sustainability forums. Key milestones such as the inaugural 2024 RFHL Sustainability Expo and the Groups contribution to the COP 30 Baku to Belem Roadmap to 1.3T are also showcased. Beyond outlining achievements, the Report shows how sustainability is beginning to shape RFHLs operations, from early shifts in risk culture and data governance to the foundational work in product design and customer service, while the Group continues to build the internal capacity needed to advance its longer-term climate and social objectives. RFHL invites the public, partners, and regional stakeholders to explore and share the full Report and engage with the Group as it continues to drive a resilient, sustainable Caribbean. Read the full Report here: rfhl.com/sr2025/ Belair, Sint Maarten:--- The Integrity Chamber hosted its second Integrity Symposium last Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Belair Community Centre. Approximately 100 invited guests attended, including dignitaries and representatives of the Government, government-owned entities, integrity stakeholders, and community leaders. This years theme, Whistleblowing Encouraging Accountability, centered on the critical role that reporting wrongdoing plays in strengthening Sint Maartens integrity systems. Mistress of the Ceremony, Mrs. Amanda Vital-Bedminister, facilitated the event. The symposium opened with an address by the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, the Honourable Dr. Luc Mercelina, who emphasized the national importance of accountability and ethical leadership. President of the Integrity Chamber, Rik Bergman, followed with remarks on the shared responsibility across society. Integrity cannot be achieved by institutions alone. It requires the active participation of every employee, every manager, and every citizen. Through dialogue, we can explore how to create safe channels for reporting, how to protect whistleblowers, and how to shift cultural perceptions so that whistleblowers are seen not as troublemakers, but as guardians of integrity. Whistleblower Protection Lead at Transparency International, Marie Terracol, shared a short video message on international best practices for implementing whistleblowing policies and protecting whistleblowers. The event featured two (2) keynote speakers. Ms. Anika Kentish, a freelance journalist and advocate for freedom of expression across the Caribbean, provided a regional perspective on whistleblowing in a small society, and Mr. Wilbert Tomesen, former Chairman of the Dutch Whistleblowers Authority, offered an international perspective on whistleblowing and developing strong reporting frameworks. A panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Giselle York, brought together the two (2) keynote speakers along with two (2) local panelists. From the private sector, Ms. Kyria Ali, CEO of NAGICO, and union leader and president of WICSU-PSU, Ms. Sharon Cangieter. The conversation explored the importance of creating safe channels for reporting misconduct, shifting cultural attitudes toward whistleblowing, and supporting legislative efforts to protect those who come forward. It also highlighted the role of the Integrity Chamber as an institute where misconduct can be safely reported. At the event's close, participants reflected on how the Symposium had influenced their perspective on whistleblowing. Remarkably, 76% affirmed that they already viewed whistleblowing positively, while the remaining 24% indicated that the symposium shifted their view to a positive one. This collective shift signals a meaningful step toward creating a culture where speaking up is valued, protected, and embraced as an act of integrity. The Integrity Chamber trusts that the Symposium will not only spark meaningful dialogue but also serve as a catalyst for broader societal and institutional changehelping to lay the groundwork for the establishment, implementation, and effective execution of whistleblowing legislation and policies that protect individuals, strengthen accountability, and promote a culture of transparency across Sint Maarten. For more information visit www.integritychamber.sx. News / National by Staff reporter A Kwekwe farmer made headlines after driving 215 kilometres to Harare to personally hand over a pangolin he had found on his property to President Emmerson Mnangagwa a risky gesture that could have landed him in prison.John Mapurazi placed the endangered animal in his car and passed through several police checkpoints en route to State House. Under Zimbabwe's Parks and Wildlife Act, mere possession of a pangolin carries a mandatory minimum sentence of nine years, as the law prohibits hunting, capturing or holding specially protected species.Despite the legal risk, Mapurazi was received by State House officials, who facilitated an audience with the president. President Mnangagwa later handed the pangolin to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority for proper care.Conservationists have warned that the incident could unintentionally give pangolin poachers a new excuse for transporting the species, joking that they could claim: "I'm taking it to the president."Zimbabwe's pangolin population is not precisely known, but the species is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and enjoys the highest level of legal protection in the country. Conservation experts emphasise that the strict nine-year penalty for harming, capturing, selling, or possessing pangolins is essential to prevent their exploitation, although public awareness of these laws remains limited.Officials urge citizens to admire pangolins from a distance and leave them in their natural habitat, stressing that direct handling or removal from the wild is both dangerous for the animal and illegal. Press Release from Business Wire: IonQ (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 COLLEGE PARK, Nov 24, 2025 (BSW) - IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), the world's leading quantum company, today announced the appointment of Dr. Marco Pistoia, Ph.D., as Chief Executive Officer of IonQ Italia S.r.l., a wholly owned subsidiary. Dr. Pistoia will lead IonQ's strategic initiatives in Italy, building on the company's momentum as the world's only full-stack quantum platform provider across quantum computing, quantum networking, quantum sensing, and quantum security. IonQ Italia will help establish Italy as a dynamic powerhouse in the global quantum landscape. Dr. Pistoia and his team will focus on expanding access to IonQ's advanced quantum systems for Italian enterprises, research institutions, and government partners. The team will be tasked with driving innovation in quantum applications for key sectors such as finance, energy, aerospace, defense, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing. "Italy is a strategic pillar in IonQ's global platform strategy, and Dr. Pistoia's appointment reflects our unwavering commitment to establishing the country as a European leader in quantum innovation," said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. "Under Dr. Pistoia's visionary leadership, IonQ will accelerate the deployment of quantum technologies that drive industrial competitiveness, enhance national security, and position Italy at the forefront of the worldwide Quantum Renaissance." IonQ's global expansion has been marked by accelerated demand for its quantum systems across both commercial and national infrastructure applications. IonQ Italia will contribute to this growth by supporting new job creation, as well as high-impact innovation efforts aligned with national and EU quantum strategies. "I am deeply honored to help shape Italy's quantum future through IonQ's pioneering technologies," said Dr. Marco Pistoia. "With IonQ's world-class hardware and a rapidly expanding global ecosystem of partners, we have a historic opportunity to position Italy at the forefront of the quantum revolution-transforming industry, science, and national innovation. In addition to driving quantum computing and application expansion, I am committed to introducing IonQ's full spectrum of quantum solutions to Italy, including quantum networking, quantum security, and quantum sensing-building the foundation for a more secure, intelligent, and technologically sovereign future." Dr. Pistoia will report directly to de Masi and will continue to globally lead IonQ's Special Projects group, which explores advanced quantum initiatives, including quantum financial systems, quantum-safe communications, and the integration of quantum key distribution and post-quantum cryptography with emerging satellite and networking technologies. Before joining IonQ, Dr. Pistoia served as Head of Global Technology Applied Research at JPMorgan Chase in New York, where he led the firm's quantum computing and security initiatives. He previously spent over two decades at IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center where he was named a Distinguished Research Staff Member, Master Inventor, and the Head of Quantum Algorithms and Applications. Dr. Pistoia holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from New York University and is the author of more than 200 scientific publications and holds over 650 patents. In 2022, he was recognized by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as one of the top 250 American inventors of all time. About IonQ IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world's leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world's most complex problems. IonQ's newest generation of quantum computers, IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners such as Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA achieve 20x performance results. The company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance in 2025. The company is accelerating its technology roadmap and intends to deliver the world's most powerful quantum computers with 2 million qubits by 2030 to accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. IonQ's advancements in quantum networking also position the company as a leader in building the quantum internet. IonQ has operations in Maryland, Washington, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, United Kingdom, Toronto, South Korea, Sweden, and Switzerland. The company's innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Fortune Future 50, Newsweek's 2025 Excellence Index 1000, and Forbes' 2025 Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies list. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com. IonQ Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including but not limited to the terms "accelerate," "accelerating," "accessible," "advancements," "impactful," "intends," "position," and other similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the IonQ's hybrid computing and quantum and networking capabilities and plans; the future impacts of IonQ's offerings; and the scalability, fidelity, efficiency, viability, accessibility, effectiveness, importance, reliability, performance, speed, impact, practicality, feasibility, and commercial-readiness of IonQ's offerings. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, including development of competing technologies; IonQ's ability to deliver, and customers' ability to generate, value from IonQ's offerings; IonQ's ability to implement its business plans, forecasts, roadmaps and other expectations, to identify and realize partnerships and opportunities, and to engage new and existing customers; IonQ's ability to effectively enter new markets; and IonQ's ability to deliver services and products within currently anticipated timelines. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's filings, including but not limited to those described in the "Risk Factors" section of IonQ's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and reports on Form 10-Q. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251124097740/en/ Contact IonQ Media Contact:[email protected] IonQ Investor Contact:[email protected] Italian Media Contact:[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. Press Release from Business Wire: Ant International (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 MANAMA, Nov 24, 2025 (BSW) - BENEFIT, the Bahraini innovator and a leading company in fintech and electronic financial transactions service, and Ant International, a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider, headquartered in Singapore, have partnered to launch cross-border QR payments between Bahrain's BENEFIT QR payment scheme and Ant International's global wallet gateway, Alipay+, during 2026 to support the transition toward a more inclusive digital payments ecosystem. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251124405672/en/ (L-R): Hessa Husain, Deputy Chief Executive - Bahrain Credit Reference Bureau & Data Services at BENEFIT; Abdulwahed AlJanahi, Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Pietro Candela, General Manager of EMEA at Alipay+; and Yousif Al Nefaie, Deputy Chief Executive - Business Development & Services at BENEFIT. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), both parties will explore and develop innovative cross-border payment solutions between Bahrain and global markets to foster greater financial integration. They will also aim to develop a comprehensive cross-border payment framework that fosters innovation and aligns with global fintech advancements. Through this collaboration, more than 15,000 of Bahrain's merchants will be able to accept cross-border QR payments from Alipay+ international payment partners. Alipay+ currently connects more than 1.8 billion user accounts across from over 40 digital payment partners to more than 150 million merchants in over 100 markets. In addition to enabling inbound cross-border payments, both parties will also explore the introduction of outbound payment capabilities through the Alipay+ solution in the near future. This will allow Bahraini consumers to use their preferred local payment methods internationally via the BENEFIT network, which connects every bank in the country, to make seamless digital payments at millions of Alipay+ enabled merchants abroad. The collaboration further encompasses knowledge and technical expertise exchange, as well as joint marketing initiatives designed to raise awareness and promote the adoption of fintech solutions among individuals and businesses. Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, Chief Executive of BENEFIT, stated: "This partnership reflects BENEFIT's strategic vision to expand its global presence and reinforce Bahrain's position as a leading regional hub for fintech and advanced digital payment solutions. Our collaboration with Ant International will contribute to building an advanced infrastructure that strengthens the link between local and international markets, providing users with secure, seamless, and world-class payment experience. This initiative represents a pivotal step toward developing innovative financial solutions that enhance cross-border payments and accelerate digital transformation within the financial sector. It further cements BENEFIT's role as a strategic partner in shaping a smarter and more sustainable future for Bahrain's financial ecosystem, in line with the Kingdom's vision of a knowledge-based digital economy." Mr. AlJanahi added: "This collaboration is part of BENEFIT's broader strategy to establish an effective bridge connecting national payment systems with leading international platforms, in alignment with global fintech developments. It strengthens Bahrain's capacity to attract high-value investments and strategic partnerships that contribute positively to the national economy." Mr. Pietro Candela, General Manager of EMEA for Alipay+, commented: "We are honoured to collaborate with BENEFIT, one of the Middle East's foremost fintech and digital payments institutions, to bring the innovative Alipay+ solution to Bahraini businesses. Together we aim to empower local merchants of all sizes to accept seamless payments from international travellers that Alipay+ serves with its partner wallets, while also working towards enabling BENEFIT customers to access our services in international markets in the future." The upcoming launch of Alipay+ in Bahrain builds upon Ant International's recent milestones in the Middle East this year, including the opening of Ant International's first Middle East office in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to expand its partnerships in the region. In addition to Bahrain, Alipay+ is also integrated into 10 national QR payment schemes in countries including Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Cambodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka. About BENEFIT BENEFIT was established in 1997 and is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) as an ancillary service provider to the Kingdom's financial services industry. BENEFIT is owned by Banks in Bahrain, regulated by the CBB, to provide innovative Payment Capabilities, Information Management Solutions, and Business Process Outsourcing Services across different sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Region. BENEFIT's range of services - supported by GCCNet in countries within the region - include operating of Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sale (POS), GCCNet, The GCCNet Dispute Management System, Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), Telecom Bill Payment (Tele BP), Direct Debit (DD), Payment Gateway (PG), Bahrain Cheque Truncation System (BCTS), Amex Cards withdrawal, eCheque, EFTs, national eWallet (BenefitPay) and national eKYC Platform for the financial sectors, Bahrain Electronic Cheque, Wages Protection System, and Trust Services for digital signatures. 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/ About Alipay+ Ant International's Alipay+ is a global wallet gateway with cross-border payment and digitisation services that help connect global merchants to consumers. Consumers enjoy seamless payments, a broad choice of deals and the convenience of digital services using their preferred payment app/e-wallet while travelling abroad. Many small and medium-sized businesses already use Alipay+ digital tools to enhance efficiency and achieve omni-channel growth. To learn more, please visit https://www.alipayplus.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251124405672/en/ Contact Media contact:[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. Press Release from Business Wire: Merck (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 DARMSTADT, Nov 24, 2025 (BSW) - Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for cladribine capsules for the treatment of the rare, chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder, generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG). In June 2023, the FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation for cladribine capsules for the treatment of gMG. In addition, the Company is actively collaborating with patient organizations and Ad Scientiam, a medical technology company, to support a patient-directed approach to the future management of gMG. If approved, cladribine capsules, currently being studied in the global Phase 3 MyClad trial, could become the first oral treatment for gMG, a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes severe muscle weakness and significantly impacts patients' lives. The FDA's Fast Track program is designed to facilitate the development and accelerate the review of therapies for serious conditions with unmet medical needs, potentially bringing treatments to patients sooner. The FDA Orphan Drug Designation is designed to encourage the development of treatments for rare diseases or conditions, often defined as those affecting fewer than 200,000 patients in the U.S. "The FDA's Fast Track designation, together with Orphan Drug Designation, affirms that more treatments are needed for the gMG community," said David Weinreich, MD, Global Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer, Healthcare business of Merck. "As a patient-directed company, we are prioritizing the voices of MG patients in shaping our clinical program. Their insights will continue to be instrumental to ensure we meet the needs of patients to deliver therapeutic innovation for this rare, chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder." To shape the MyClad trial and ensure it meets the needs of patients, Merck developed a patient council and collaborates with more than 20 MG patient advocacy groups around the world. Insights from the council have informed study protocols, recruitment materials and potential future product packaging options for the clinical trial program. In addition, Merck is collaborating with Ad Scientiam, a medical equipment manufacturing company, to launch a prospective, multi-center pilot study exploring an investigational software as a medical device designed to support the management of people living with gMG. The study will investigate how wearable technologies, smartphone-based functional tests, and electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) could detect changes in disease trajectory in real-world conditions. The MyClad trial (NCT06463587) is a global Phase 3, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of cladribine capsules in 264 patients with gMG. Cladribine is proposed to target selectively the B and T cells believed to contribute to the production of harmful autoantibodies that cause inflammation and damage to the neuromuscular junction. This mechanism of action, combined with a short-course infrequently-administered oral regimen taken at home, that if approved, may help reduce the burden of the disease by addressing its underlying cause. Merck will announce results from the MyClad trial following its completion and remains committed to ongoing collaboration with the gMG community to ensure patient needs continue to guide clinical developments. About generalized Myasthenia Gravis Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) is a rare, chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue, impacting an estimated 700,000 people worldwide. The disease can strike anyone at any age but is more frequently seen in young women (age 20 to 30) and men aged 50 and older. In gMG, the communication between the nerves and the muscles, particularly at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), is disrupted causing muscle weakness. This can result in the loss of control in the eye muscles and a variable combination of the arms, legs, and respiratory muscles. The unpredictable severity and frequency of symptoms in gMG patients can be debilitating, significantly impacting various aspects of day-to-day life. About the MyClad Phase 3 Clinical Trial Program The MyClad trial (NCT06463587) is a global Phase 3, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of cladribine capsules in 264 patients with gMG. In the study patients will be randomized to receive either two short courses of cladribine (low-dose or high-dose) or matched oral placebo, with courses separated by 4 weeks, followed by a blinded extension period and a retreatment period to assess sustained benefit, need for retreatment and long-term safety. The primary endpoint is change from baseline in the MG-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score at Week 24 of the double-blind placebo-controlled period. About Merck Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices - the company is everywhere. In 2024, Merck, generated sales of EUR 21.2 billion in 65 countries. The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. All Merck press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the USA or Canada, please go to www.Merckgroup.com/subscribe to register for your online, change your selection or discontinue this service. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251124857200/en/ Contact Media Relations[email protected] Phone: +1 781 427 1892 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. Press Release from Business Wire: Access Advance LLC (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 BOSTON, Nov 24, 2025 (BSW) - Access Advance LLC today announced significant expansions of both its HEVC Advance and VVC Advance Patent Pools during the second and third quarters of 2025, underscoring continued industry confidence in the company's balanced and transparent approach to video codec licensing. This growth follows the successful January 2025 launch of Access Advance's Video Distribution Patent ("VDP") Pool, demonstrating the company's expanding role in comprehensive video codec patent licensing solutions. Among the many highlights, Sharp Corporation joined the HEVC Advance Patent Pool as a Licensor, bringing valuable intellectual property assets to the pool's already extensive patent portfolio. Additionally, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., already an HEVC Advance Licensor and Licensee, expanded its collaboration with Access Advance by joining the VVC Advance Patent Pool as a Licensee. HP Inc. also expanded its license to include the VVC Advance Patent Pool after previously joining HEVC Advance in 2024, while Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. (MSI) joined both the HEVC and VVC Advance Patent Pools as a new Licensee. All these are in addition to last week's announcement that Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd. joined the HEVC Advance pool as a Licensee and the VVC Advance pool as both a Licensor and Licensee. "We are pleased to welcome the new Licensors and Licensees to our patent pools, which continue to attract both innovators and implementers from across the video codec ecosystem," said Peter Moller, CEO of Access Advance. "The fact that all these major technology companies chose to join our patent pools as Licensors and/or Licensees demonstrates the market's recognition that our pools provide fair, transparent, and efficient licensing solutions that balance the interests of patent owners and implementers alike." Overall, the HEVC Advance Patent Pool added 15 new Licensees during this period, spanning diverse market segments including consumer electronics, professional broadcast equipment, and enterprise technology solutions. Additionally, 12 existing Licensees renewed their HEVC Advance licenses, demonstrating continued satisfaction with the program's value proposition. The VVC Advance Patent Pool continued its growth trajectory with notable new participants including 3 new Licensors and 9 new Licensees. These latest additions to the HEVC and VVC Advance Patent Pools along with the July 2025 announcement of new Licensors and Licensees of the VDP Pool, which serves the video distribution market with licensing for HEVC, VVC, VP9, and AV1 codecs used in internet streaming, collectively establish Access Advance as the industry leader in delivering streamlined, clear, and FRAND-based video codec licensing across the complete video technology landscape. For current lists of HEVC Advance Licensors and Licensees, please visit: https://accessadvance.com/licensing-programs/hevc-advance/ For current lists of VVC Advance Licensors and Licensees, please visit: https://accessadvance.com/licensing-programs/vvc-advance/ About Access Advance: Access Advance LLC is an independent licensing administration company formed to lead the development, administration, and management of patent pools for licensing essential patents of the most important video codec technologies. Access Advance provides a transparent and efficient licensing mechanism for both patent owners and patent implementers. Access Advance manages and administers the HEVC Advance Patent Pool for licensing over 29,000 patents essential to HEVC/H.265 technology and the VVC Advance Patent Pool for licensing over 4,500 patents essential to VVC/H.266 technology. The company's Multi-Codec Bridging Agreement provides eligible licensees with a single discounted royalty rate structure for licensees participating in both the HEVC Advance and VVC Advance pools. In addition, Access Advance offers the VDP Pool, a comprehensive licensing solution for video streaming services covering HEVC, VVC, VP9, and AV1 codecs. For more information, please visit: www.accessadvance.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251201625349/en/ Contact Media Contact:Meredith HollanderDirector, Strategic CommunicationsAccess Advance LLCEmail: [email protected] Website: www.accessadvance.com Licensing Inquiries:Email: [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. AI delay may jeopardise Europe's future, says ECB chief Frankfurt, Germany, Nov 24 (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde warned Monday that a delay in embracing artificial intelligence could "jeopardise" the continent's future, urging barriers to its adoption to be swiftly lifted. "We need to remove all the obstacles that stop us from embracing this transformation," she told a Bratislava conference. "Otherwise we risk letting the wave of AI adoption pass us by and jeopardise Europe's future." Proponents of AI technology say Europe has lagged behind the United States and China, which many of them argue is due to overregulation, a lack of innovation and underinvestment. "Europe has already missed the opportunity to be a first mover in AI," Lagarde conceded. But if the continent deploys the technology decisively across its key industries, "Europe can turn a late start into a competitive edge", she emphasised. She listed several barriers to rapid adoption in Europe ranging from fragmented regulations to the high cost of energy -- which makes it expensive to run the enormous data centres that power AI. The consequences of further foot-dragging go beyond "losing the race in AI models", Lagarde said. "We would eventually face a further loss of competitiveness for many of our sectors and industries." AI delay may affect Europe's future, says ECB chief Frankfurt, Germany, Nov 24 (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde warned Monday that a delay in embracing artificial intelligence could "jeopardise" the continent's future, urging barriers to its adoption to be swiftly lifted. Her comments add to growing fears that Europe is lagging behind the United States and China when it comes to AI, with proponents of the technology blaming issues from overregulation to underinvestment. "We need to remove all the obstacles that stop us from embracing this transformation," she told a Bratislava conference. "Otherwise we risk letting the wave of AI adoption pass us by and jeopardise Europe's future." Lagarde, who heads the central bank for the 20-nation euro area, conceded that Europe had "already missed the opportunity to be a first mover in AI". But if the continent deploys the technology decisively across its key industries, "Europe can turn a late start into a competitive edge", she emphasised. She listed several barriers to rapid adoption in Europe, ranging from fragmented regulations to the high cost of energy -- which makes it expensive to run the enormous data centres that power AI. Bureaucratic obstacles, such as delays in obtaining permits, made it harder to quickly build up data centres, and the region's computing power, she said. As of last year, Europe's data centres had computing capacity of just 16 gigawatts, compared with 48 in the Untied States and 38 in China, according to a recent study by German digital business association Bitkom. - 'Losing competitiveness' - Facing mounting concerns from businesses and governments that regulations are hobbling the digital sector and hampering growth, the EU last week proposed rolling back key AI and data privacy rules. Privacy defenders, however, were unhappy with the proposed changes, arguing they weaken safeguards protecting Europeans' data. European governments have also been stepping up calls to reduce over-reliance on US tech giants and strengthen the local industry, particularly at a time of uneasy ties with Washington under the Trump administration. Echoing these sentiments, Lagarde urged Europe to "diversify critical parts of the AI supply chain and avoid single points of failure. "If our data spaces use technology stacks that are owned and governed outside Europe, we deepen -- rather than reduce -- our strategic dependencies." While some European leaders fret that losing out in the AI race could weaken the continent's already fragile economy, others are warning against a head-long rush to adopt the technology. UN rights chief Volker Turk warned Monday that generative AI could become "a modern-day Frankenstein's monster" that could threaten human rights, including to privacy, political participation and free expression. Lagarde nevertheless warned that the consequences of further foot-dragging go beyond "losing the race in AI models". "We would eventually face a further loss of competitiveness for many of our sectors and industries." Amazon says to invest $50 bn in US government AI infrastructure Washington, Nov 24 (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 Amazon announced on Monday a massive $50 billion investment to expand artificial intelligence and supercomputing capabilities for the US government, positioning the tech giant as a key player in building custom AI technology for federal customers. According to a statement, the initiative will give US agencies access to advanced AI services including machine learning tools and AI chips to develop state-of-the-art software for missions ranging from cybersecurity to scientific research. The investment will add nearly 1.3 gigawatts of computing capacity across Amazon Web Services' existing secure government cloud servers, with construction set to begin in 2026, the company said. Amazon said the infrastructure will be located "across the country." AWS competes with Microsoft and Google for the US government's cloud computing mega contracts, and the tech giants are hoping the relationship will grow even further with a transition to AI technology. AI computing requires highly powerful, energy-hungry and expensive data centers, with the tech giants scrambling to build the infrastructure needed. Amazon's cloud division AWS currently supports thousands of government agencies and has been building specialized government cloud infrastructure since 2011, when it became the first provider to create systems specifically for government security requirements. The announcement comes as the US government accelerates efforts to maintain its technological edge in artificial intelligence amid growing competition from China. The company said the new capabilities would strengthen America's AI leadership by giving federal agencies "the secure, scalable infrastructure they need for the next era of innovation." Trump launches 'Genesis Mission' to speed AI-driven research Washington, Nov 24 (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday establishing the "Genesis Mission," a national initiative to harness AI for scientific breakthroughs, comparing its scope to the Manhattan Project that produced the atomic bomb during World War II. The plan is part of the Trump administration's aggressive, low-regulation strategy to boost big tech's race to stay ahead of China on artificial intelligence and cement US dominance in the fast-expanding field. The White House is also seeking ways to legally stop US states from implementing their own AI regulations and has threatened to rescind federal aid to states that do so. The order on Monday tasked the Department of Energy with building an integrated AI platform that will combine the nation's supercomputers, federal scientific datasets and research facilities to accelerate discovery in fields ranging from nuclear fusion to semiconductor manufacturing. "America is in a race for global technology dominance in the development of artificial intelligence," the order stated, describing AI as "an important frontier of scientific discovery and economic growth." The centerpiece of the initiative is the "American Science and Security Platform," which will provide researchers access to high-performance computing resources, AI modeling tools and vast federal datasets to train scientific foundation models and automate research. The platform aims to demonstrate initial operating capability within nine months for at least one major scientific challenge from a list of 20 priorities the Energy Department will draw up within 60 days. Priority domains include advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, critical materials, nuclear energy, quantum computing and semiconductors -- all areas where the United States faces growing competition from China. The order calls for partnerships with private companies, universities and national laboratories, while mandating strict cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive research. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa has conferred national hero status on the late founder of the African Apostolic Church, Paul Mwazha, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 107 after a long illness.Information Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana confirmed the conferment, announcing on his X account: "Mutumwa Apostle Mwazha, a National Hero. His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa has conferred National Hero status upon Mutumwa Apostle Paul Mwazha. Burial arrangements will be announced and guided by the family."Apostle Mwazha becomes the second clergyman to receive this honour from President Mnangagwa, following the late Archbishop Ezekiel Guti, founder of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA), who was granted national hero status in 2023.Traditionally reserved for politicians, the conferment of national hero status on religious leaders and artists reflects a growing trend under Mnangagwa's administration to recognise individuals who have made a significant impact on society beyond the political sphere. Israeli military sacks several generals over October 7 attack Jerusalem, Nov 24 (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 Israel's military announced the dismissal of three generals and disciplinary actions against several other senior officers over their failure to prevent the October 2023 assault by Hamas, the deadliest attack in the country's history. The move comes two weeks after Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir called for a "systemic investigation" into the failures that led to onslaught, even as the government dragged its feet on establishing a state commission of inquiry despite public pressure. The list of generals fired included three divisional commanders, one of whom was then serving as the military intelligence chief. A military statement released Sunday said all three bear personal responsibility for the armed forces' failure to prevent the attack launched by Hamas from the Gaza Strip. The firing comes after all three had already resigned from their posts, including the former head of the southern command General Yaron Finkelman. Disciplinary actions were also announced against the head of the navy and air force along with moves against four other generals and several senior officers. It remains to be seen how or if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might also be pinned with blame for having a role in the inability to prevent the Hamas onslaught. For the past two years, Netanyahu has repeatedly said that the failures that lead to the October 7 attacks should be addressed after the war in Gaza ended. According to polls, a large number of Israelis across the political spectrum support the establishment of an inquiry to determine who is responsible for the authorities' failure to prevent the attack. Netanyahu's government has so far refused to form such a commission. Hamas's attack on southern Israel in October 2023 resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people and sparked a devastating two-year war in Gaza. Israel's retaliatory assault on Gaza has killed at least 69,756 people, according to figures from the health ministry that the UN considers reliable. - Military investigation - Earlier this month, a report by a committee of experts appointed by the military chief Zamir was published, marking the conclusion of the army's internal investigations into the October 7 attacks. The report concluded that there had been a "long-standing systemic and organisational failure" within the military apparatus. The investigation also noted the military's "intelligence failure" over its "inability to raise the alarm" over the attacks -- even though the army had "exceptional, high-quality information." It also deplored "deficient decision-making processes and force deployment during the night of October 7, 2023" and pointed to failures across the military's chain of command. Israel's Minister of Defence Israel Katz said Monday that he had tasked the defence establishment's comptroller Yair Wolansky with examining the report to determine if further investigations were needed. Following the announcement, Israeli media was rife with speculation that the comments marked the latest point of friction between Zamir and Katz, who have aired disagreements in the past over how to prosecute the war against Hamas in Gaza. Inside Gaza on Monday, Israel's military said its troops shot three militants who had crossed the so-called Yellow Line, behind which its troops retreated under the ceasefire agreement reached last month. Hamas regularly accuses Israel of shifting the Yellow Line further into the territory it controls, calling it a violation of the ceasefire agreement. The militant group said Monday that a "high-level leadership delegation" was in Cairo for the past two days, meeting with mediators to agree on terms for the second phase of a US-brokered truce that began on October 10. France says ready to deliver frigate to Sweden by 2030 Stockholm, Nov 24 (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 France's defence minister said Monday that the country was ready to deliver a "fully equipped" frigate to Sweden, which is looking to acquire four new warships, by 2030. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, which procures equipment for the Swedish Armed Forces, has conducted a market survey to acquire new warships for Sweden's navy with a plan to have two delivered by 2030 and another two by 2035. Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson, who hosted his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin in Stockholm, stressed Monday that no decision had been made but said he hoped a solution could be decided on by early 2026. According to Swedish media, offers from France's Naval Group, the UK's Babcock, Spain's Navantia, and Sweden's Saab are being considered. When asked during a press conference, Vautrin mentioned that Paris had "made an offer last October". "We are able to deliver a fully equipped frigate by 2030, including defence systems, and we are of course offering a partnership with Swedish industry, notably Saab," Vautrin told reporters. "Our model already exists, as we currently have an operational frigate, the Amiral Ronarc'h," she added, noting that the ship would pay a visit to Gothenburg next year. The ministers also said they had discussed Saab's GlobalEye radar aircraft. In June, France and Sweden signed a letter of intent regarding France purchasing two GlobalEye units with an option for two more. "GlobalEye is a product that interests us in terms of surveillance, and this is why France will have announcements to make on this subject," Vautrin said. nzg/ef/jll/phz NAVAL GROUP BABCOCK INTERNATIONAL GROUP Pentagon targets Democratic senator, ex-astronaut over illegal orders appeal Washington, Nov 24 (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 The US military on Monday said it was considering a court-martial against Democratic senator and former top astronaut Mark Kelly for appearing in a video urging troops to refuse unlawful orders. The Pentagon's probe marks an extraordinary escalation in the Trump administration backlash against six Democrats with military or intelligence service backgrounds who made the viral video. Kelly, a senator in Arizona, was a decorated Navy combat pilot and went to space on several missions, including as commander of Space Shuttle Endeavour's final flight. In a statement on social media, the Pentagon threatened to call Kelly, who is retired from the military, back to active duty in order to face a court martial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Officials indicated that the senator may have undermined the "loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces," pointing to laws barring interference in military cohesion. "A thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures," the Pentagon said. It is highly unusual for the Pentagon -- long allergic to overt politics until President Donald Trump's return to power -- to publicly threaten a sitting member of Congress. The video posted on social media Friday called on the military to "refuse illegal orders" and featured Kelly alongside Michigan's Elissa Slotkin, along with Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire. Trump initially accused the group of "seditious behavior, punishable by death." At the weekend, he posted a new statement calling for jail terms. Democrats slammed the president's comments as "absolutely vile" threats against the six senators and representatives. Trump took to social media on Saturday night, writing in an all-caps rant that the "the traitors that told the military to disobey my orders should be in jail right now, not roaming the fake news networks trying to explain that what they said was ok." The Democrats did not specify the orders to which they were referring, but Trump has ordered the National Guard into multiple US cities, in many cases against the wishes of local officials, in a bid to bring alleged rampant unrest under control. Abroad, Trump has ordered strikes on a series of alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean that have left more than 80 people dead and which experts say are illegal. Kelly did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli military sacks several generals over October 7 attack Jerusalem, Nov 24 (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 Israel's military announced the dismissal of three generals and disciplinary actions against several other senior officers over their failure to prevent the October 2023 attack by Hamas, the deadliest in the country's history. The move came two weeks after Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir called for a "systemic investigation" into the failures that led to the onslaught, even as the government dragged its feet on establishing a state commission of inquiry despite public pressure. The list of generals fired included three divisional commanders, one of whom was then serving as the military intelligence chief. A military statement released Sunday said they bore personal responsibility for the armed forces' failure to prevent the attack launched by Hamas from the Gaza Strip. The firing comes after all three had already resigned from their posts, including the former head of the southern command General Yaron Finkelman. Disciplinary actions were also announced against the head of the navy and air force along with moves against four other generals and several senior officers. It remains to be seen how or if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might also be pinned with blame for having a role in the inability to prevent the Hamas onslaught. For the past two years, Netanyahu has repeatedly said that the failures that led to the October 7 attacks should be addressed after the war in Gaza ended. According to polls, a large number of Israelis across the political spectrum support the establishment of an inquiry to determine who is responsible for the authorities' failure to prevent the attack. Netanyahu's government has so far refused to form such a commission. Hamas's attack on southern Israel in October 2023 resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people and sparked a devastating two-year war in Gaza. Israel's retaliatory assault on Gaza has killed at least 69,756 people, according to figures from the health ministry that the UN considers reliable. - Military investigation - Earlier this month, a report by a committee of experts appointed by the military chief Zamir was published, marking the conclusion of the army's internal investigations into the October 7 attacks. The report concluded that there had been a "long-standing systemic and organisational failure" within the military apparatus before October 7 and on the night of the attack itself. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Monday that he had tasked the defence establishment's comptroller Yair Wolansky with examining the report to determine if further investigations were needed. Following the announcement, the military issued a statement on behalf of chief of staff Zamir saying that "the decision to cast doubt on the report... is puzzling." "The IDF (military) is the only body in the country that has thoroughly investigated its own failures and taken responsibility for them. If any further examination is required to complete the picture, it must take the form of an external, objective and independent commission," the statement added. Israeli media noted that the comments marked the latest moment of friction between Zamir and Katz, who have aired disagreements in the past over how to prosecute the war against Hamas. Inside Gaza on Monday, Israel's military said its troops shot three militants who had crossed the so-called Yellow Line, an area its troops retreated to in accordance with a ceasefire agreement reached last month. The military said two of the individuals killed had approached troops near the southern city of Khan Yunis, where the territory's civil defence agency said two Palestinians had been killed by a drone strike. Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis also confirmed receiving two bodies and three injured Palestinians, including one in critical condition. Mahmud Bassal, the spokesman for the civil defence, said that one other person was killed by tank fire in Gaza City. Shifa hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya confirmed receiving the body, as well as several people injured during the incident. Hamas regularly accuses Israel of shifting the Yellow Line further into the territory it controls, calling it a violation of the ceasefire agreement. The militant group said on Monday that a "high-level leadership delegation" was in Cairo for the past two days, meeting with mediators to agree on terms for the second phase of a US-brokered truce that began on October 10. Pentagon targets ex-astronaut Democratic senator over illegal orders appeal Washington, Nov 24 (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 The US military said on Monday it was weighing a court-martial against Democratic senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly for appearing in a video urging troops to refuse unlawful orders. The Pentagon's probe marks an extraordinary escalation in the Trump administration's backlash against six Democrats with military or intelligence service backgrounds who made the viral video. Kelly -- a decorated Navy combat pilot and former astronaut who commanded the Space Shuttle Endeavour's final flight -- fired back that he would not be intimidated or "silenced by bullies." The Pentagon had threatened to recall the Arizona senator back to active duty in order to face a court-martial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Officials indicated that Kelly may have undermined the "loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces," citing laws barring interference in military cohesion. It is highly unusual for the Pentagon -- long allergic to overt politics until President Donald Trump's return to power this year -- to publicly threaten a sitting member of Congress. The video posted on Friday called on the military to "refuse illegal orders" and featured Kelly alongside Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin and four members of the US House of Representatives. Trump initially accused the group of "seditious behavior, punishable by death." Over the weekend, he wrote in an all-caps social media rant that the "traitors" who told troops to disobey him "should be in jail." - 'Acting like fascists' - The Democrats did not specify which orders they meant, but Trump has ordered the National Guard into multiple US cities -- often against local objections -- to curb what he calls rampant unrest. Overseas, Trump has ordered strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean that killed more than 80 people and which experts say are illegal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth branded the Democrats the "Seditious Six" and called their video "despicable, reckless, and false." He accused Kelly of bringing "discredit" on the armed forces, saying his remarks were addressed directly at troops while invoking his rank -- giving them an air of authority. But analysts and Kelly's supporters warned the move could backfire by elevating him ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run. Kelly posted a photo of his many military medals, and recapped his Navy and NASA career. "If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won't work," he said. "I've given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution." In a blistering, expletive-laced video, fellow Arizona senator Ruben Gallego, an Iraq War veteran, called the Pentagon announcement "insane" and suggested Hegseth and others were "acting like fascists." "Mark Kelly is a patriot. There's no reason why they're going after him," he said. "He was doing his duty and just reminding people about their rights as service members." Venezuela says US terrorist designation a 'ridiculous lie' Caracas, Nov 24 (AFP) Nov 24, 2025 Venezuela on Monday rejected the US terrorist designation of an alleged drug cartel on its territory as a "ridiculous lie" aimed at paving the way for an "illegitimate" military intervention. A major US military build-up near Venezuela has led to speculation that President Donald Trump is planning to try to topple Venezuela' Socialist leader Nicolas Maduro. Washington accuses Maduro of heading an alleged Venezuelan drug cartel, "Cartel de los Soles" (Cartel of the Suns), which the United States on Monday designated a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). Venezuela's foreign ministry on Monday rejected what it called "the new and ridiculous lie from Secretary of State Marco Rubio" which it said aimed "to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela." On Tuesday, the top US military officer, Dan Caine, will visit the small Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, a US ally situated a few miles from Venezuela that recently hosted US troops for training exercises. The US embassy said that the visit by the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff would focus on "countering illicit trafficking and transnational criminal organizations." The visit is part of a months-long campaign of maximum pressure on Maduro, whose reelection last year was widely dismissed by the international community as fraudulent. The US has deployed the world's largest aircraft carrier and other military forces to waters near Venezuela as part of a stated campaign to dismantle Latin American drug trafficking routes. The Trump administration claims that the Cartel of the Suns is a drug trafficking syndicate run by Maduro and has issued a $50 million reward for the president's capture. But Venezuela and countries that support it insist no such organization even exists. Several Venezuela experts say what Washington calls the Cartel of the Suns refers to the corruption of senior officials by criminal gangs. - Flights cancelled - US forces have killed at least 83 people in strikes on boats accused of ferrying drugs from Latin America towards the United States since September, according to an AFP tally of publicly released figures. No evidence has been made public that drugs were on board, and experts say the strikes are likely illegal even if the targets were proven to be drug traffickers. The terrorism designation will give Washington legal cover for more pressure on the Venezuelan authorities. The Trump administration has been vague about how far it is willing to go in Venezuela, but the huge military build-up and regular killings of people in small boats have rattled nerves -- and prompted concerns in Washington that the US military may be breaking the law. On Saturday, six airlines announced they were canceling flights to Venezuela due to safety concerns. The US Federal Aviation Administration on Friday urged civilian aircraft in Venezuelan airspace to "exercise caution" due to the "worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela." burs-cb/aha Revoluts CEO and co-founder Nik Storonsky, said: This milestone reflects the remarkable progress we have made in the last twelve months towards our vision of building the first truly global bank, serving 100 million customers across 100 countries. Id like to thank our team for their determination and energy, and for believing that it is possible to build a global financial and technology leader from Europe. The Prime Minister has said he wants an increase in gold standard apprenticeships. At Labour Conference this year Sir Keir Starmer said two thirds of young people would do either a degree or one of these apprenticeships. But what actually is the gold standard apprenticeship? And what about the other third of young people who arent doing either of those things? There should be a route for them too, which might involve some sort of support into work. Hopefully Sir Alan Milburns upcoming review into why so many young people are not in education or employment at the moment will provide some answers. News / National by Staff reporter Government has launched one of its most extensive road-safety overhauls in decades with the commissioning of a national fleet of inspection vehicles, advanced brake-testing equipment and police breathalysers - a move authorities say will significantly strengthen enforcement and reduce deadly road crashes.Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona unveiled the new equipment at the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) Eastlea depot on Friday, describing the upgrades as a turning point in Zimbabwe's quest to build a safer, more technologically advanced transport system."It is my great honour and privilege to address you this morning, as we bask in the sunshine of the positive development in our road traffic safety management sector," Mhona said. "Indeed, it is an honour to headline this momentous occasion."The newly commissioned package includes 18 operational VID vehicles, state-of-the-art brake-roller testers for inspection stations, and an additional consignment of police breathalysers donated by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.Mhona said the investment represents a decisive strengthening of national enforcement capability. The new VID vehicles are expected to boost inspectors' mobility, allowing them to cover more ground, reach remote areas and conduct spontaneous roadside checks - something authorities say has been limited by logistical constraints for years."This mobility is a force multiplier in our campaign against rickety, unroadworthy vehicles that pose a danger to all who share our roads," Mhona said.The minister placed particular emphasis on the advanced brake-roller testers, describing them as a leap toward international standards. The systems assess braking power using digital, tamper-proof measurements that provide "objective, data-driven and irrefutable evidence" of a vehicle's performance."They eliminate guesswork, preventing corruption and ensuring that every vehicle that passes through our inspection stations meets a stringent, scientifically verified standard," Mhona said.Officials say the equipment will also speed up inspection processes, reducing delays for commercial and private motorists and improving productivity in the broader transport sector. Mhona said inspectors will now be able to conduct "more inspections with greater accuracy and in less time".The breathalysers will be deployed immediately by police, who are preparing for intensified sobriety checks during the festive season - traditionally one of the most hazardous periods on Zimbabwe's roads due to spikes in drunk-driving and increased traffic volumes.Analysts say the commissioning marks a broader shift by government towards more assertive, technology-driven enforcement, complementing ongoing modernisation efforts that include digital licensing systems and infrastructure upgrades.Mhona said the investments underline government's commitment to building a road-transport system that protects citizens while supporting national economic growth."This is evidence of our determination to construct a transport ecosystem that is efficient, accountable and safe for all Zimbabweans," he said. Palmer treats shoemaking as a conversation between old craft and technical innovation. The shoes themselves are made between Italy and China. (In Italy theres a 93-year-old man hammering away at the shoes, she says. In China, its these incredibly complex moulding techniques.) Italian craft has played a large role in her work: she studied at Arsutoria in Milan, the leather goods school her father also attended in the 1970s. Her grandfather was also a shoemaker. Ive absorbed a lot without even realising it, she says. Her familys work instilled in her a deep respect for traditional shoemaking, she explains, but also a desire to reinvent it through a really creative, unexpected lens. 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 The initial 28-point proposal put forth by the United States last week called on Ukraine to cede territory, accept limits on its military and abandon its ambitions to join NATO. Those terms would amount to capitulation for many Ukrainians after nearly four years of fighting in Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. Movies made in the UK are exceptions and Deadpool & Wolverine was one of them as it was largely shot at Pinewood Studios. Nearby Pitstone Quarry doubled for the film's dystopian wasteland, The Void, while Burnham Beeches nature reserve in Buckinghamshire was the site of a memorable car battle between the two lead characters set to You're the One That I Want from Grease. The new city of Starbase has filed a lawsuit against Attorney General Ken Paxton over his offices ruling that it must release public information requested by a media outlet in the Rio Grande Valley. The suit filed in state district court in Cameron County appears to be the citys first since it was incorporated in May. Starbase is also the name for the South Texas site where SpaceX builds and launches its Starship mega-rocket. Here, a Starship is seen ready for a launch in November 2024. Brandon Lingle/Staff The new city of Starbase is suing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over his offices ruling that it must release public information requested by a media outlet in the Rio Grande Valley. In a suit filed in state district court in Cameron County, Starbase lawyers allege Paxton wrongly ordered the release of information the city wants to keep private. Many Starbase residents and its elected officials are employed by SpaceX. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The lawsuit, which appears to be Starbases first since it was incorporated in May, stems from a request from Dave Hendricks, a reporter with KVEO-TV in Brownsville. He asked for emails between Starbase and Richard Cardile, SpaceXs senior manager of spaceport operations, from May through July. Such communications are generally considered public record under the Texas Public Information Act. READ MORE: SpaceX booster explodes during ground testing in South Texas But attorneys for the city and SpaceX asked Paxtons office to block release of the emails because they included what they said are technical details of particular vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure that would leave the city vulnerable to an act of terrorism. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source In mid-October, Paxtons office ruled the city could withhold some information but must release the rest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the suit filed last week, the city said the Attorney General erred in refusing to protect all of the responsive information under Government Code. It wants the decision to be overruled because the responsive information required to be disclosed by the ruling is critical infrastructure. The emails being sought include details about the the citys emergency plans and street access plans, Michael Kallas, an attorny representing Starbase, said in a filing with the suit. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is being sued by the new city of Starbase after his office said it must release public information requested by a media outlet in the Rio Grande Valley. Paxton is seen speaking last year at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland. Jose Luis Magana/Associated Press As a private company, SpaceX is not bound by state open records laws. But a city usually must comply with requests for communications with a private company. There are some exceptions, though, usually for protection of trade secrets. Information about a citys infrastructure plan and public safety is generally considered public record. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SpaceX often leans on state and local government officials to withhold information and frequently litigates requests for public records pertaining to company operations. Its not always successful. After a months-long battle, the state last week released to media organizations a trove of 1,400 pages of heavily redacted emails between Elon Musk and Gov. Greg. Abbott. SpaceX had argued to Paxton the emails included proprietary business information. Abbott fought the ruling partially on the grounds the communications included intimate and embarrassing information. The attorney general has ruled in favor of the San Antonio Express-News in public information requests to the city of Starbase for records regarding testing explosions and water delivery. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The sun rises over power lines on a 2023 summer morning in Houston. Including more weather data in grid operations could save Texas utility customers money, Austin-based Gridraven says. David J. Phillip/Associated Press file photo Gridraven estimates its AI technology could increase transmission lines' energy capacity by 30% by providing hyper-local weather predictions. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Industrial power lines providing power to SpaceX run along Boca Chica Blvd, the main road leading to SpaceX projects from Brownsville. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer Gridraven estimates its AI technology could increase transmission lines' energy capacity by 30% by providing hyper-local weather predictions. Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News file photo Texas already the nations largest energy consumer is at the heart of a U.S. surge in demand driven by population growth, industrial demand and an explosion in data center construction, which quadrupled around Austin and San Antonio between 2023 and 2024. The increasing hunger for electricity is often met with one solution: development of more energy generation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Austin-based technology company Gridraven has a different idea, one it says would come at less cost for both utilities and their customers: reducing congestion on the increasingly overcrowded network of lines that carry electricity. It says its AI-driven software would increase grid reliability while maximizing the use of existing generation sources, in the process increasing the current grid capacity by about 30%. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source We cant build infrastructure fast enough. New transmission lines take a decade on average to complete and we cant afford to wait, Gridraven CEO Georg Rute said. Its a way to buy time or to reduce rates now, while were building more lines. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There are many examples of transmission issues across the state. An often-overcrowded loop around San Antonio, for example, hinders the movement of plentiful power from wind and solar farms and nuclear generators in South Texas to markets in North Texas during periods of high demand. Theres also a surplus of inexpensive wind power generated by turbines in West Texas that can be difficult to move east across the state. That means electricity is being lost every day, never making it across transmission lines, Rute said. The grid doesnt have the capacity to bring the affordable energy in, he said. Or so the grid operators think. Data show the cost of congestion is real and increasing. It jumped from $8 billion across the U.S. in 2021 to more than $11 billion in 2023, according to clean energy consultant Grid Strategies LLC. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Grid management The solution is more precise grid management, Rute said, which means either finding automated ways to reroute power through less congested circuits or increasing the so-called speed limit on existing lines. Thats where his companys AI-driven dynamic line-rating system comes in. It creates hyper-local weather forecasts that allows grid operators to consider the effect of weather on their lines. Heres why it matters: To reduce the risk of overheating transmission lines or creating other issues as load increases, Rute said grid operator Electric Reliability Council of Texas is consistently lowballing the amount of energy transmission lines can carry. Gridravens system, which uses hyper-local weather predictions to put those lines in the real world, could increase their efficiency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When its cold or windy, a transmission line can transmit up to twice the amount of power due to being cooled, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Over the course of a year, that would add up to 40% more capacity. Even a little bit of wind can cool power lines and allow them to take heavier loads. If theres even a light wind of 4 miles per hour you wouldnt even necessarily feel it if youre walking on the street that will double the capacity of a transmission line, Rute said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gridravens software creates a 3D map of the state that allows it to see every tree and every building, Rute said. A map of the exact route of a power line combined with global and local wind modes and forecasts produces a precise look at wind conditions. That ensures transmission lines are not overheating in locations with less cooling wind or transmitting less energy than they could in areas with a breeze. He admits the technology is not a replacement for transmission lines, but a stopgap. Gridraven conducted a study focusing on the Pawnee-Calaveras 345-kilovolt line, a line south of San Antonio notorious for its problematic circuit, and found that its transmission capacity was restricted to roughly 55% of its thermal capacity. Its dynamic line rating could bring savings from $2 million to $3 million between May through August, according to the four-month study period. Rute said he saw the need for his companys system after noticing how the interconnection cues and lack of capacity in the grid were affecting everyday people through the power price. The Gridraven product was a good fit particularly for San Antonio, which struggles with congestion from the bottleneck south of the city. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It matched really well with when the prices are high in San Antonio, Rute said about the technologys potential impact. Thats where the economic benefit came from. A money saver Doug Lewin, an Austin-based grid expert and author of a popular energy politics newsletter, said Gridravens system has the potential to be a money saver for consumers while helping ERCOT solve a massive reliability issue. Still, he said, institutional powers may be uninterested because the software is not a money maker. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Every player in the market chases incentives, Lewin said. Theres nobody thats going to make a lot of money off this. Reconductoring, or restringing existing power lines, a capital expense, helps maintain or increase the value of physical assets. Gridravens AI software would reduce the need to build more lines or update other physical assets. Still, Lewin said, there are plenty of simple solutions like this that could be really impactful that are not being embraced because it isnt mandated by the Legislature. Hes long advocated for support of systems that increase efficiency, whether its increasing insulation, demand-response programs that incentivize customers to temporarily reduce usage during peak demand times or tech-driven efforts like Gridravens. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lewin said hes sympathetic to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which has been focused on meeting the Legislatures requirements to increase gas-powered generation rather than considering moves that make existing infrastructure more efficient. Its not that theyre taking a back seat to things like the Texas Energy Fund, theyre not in the vehicle, Lewin said. Nobodys talking about grid-enhancing technologies.Theres no rulemaking. Theres no hearing or workshop. Theres nothing. Thats surprising, he said, because affordability is a universal concern. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For a utility like CPS Energy, implementing the software would cost $49,000 for 10 circuits. If the technology was put in place across Texas, Rute said, it could save average Texans $200 on electricity bills each year. Selena Quintanilla-Perez rides in a carriage during a performance at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo at the Houston Astrodome on Feb. 26, 1995. The performance was her last before her murder the following month. Arlene Richie/Getty Images Over three decades after the tragic death of Tejano music legend Selena Quintanilla-Perez, new details of her death have been released. The same day Netflix released its new documentary "Selena y Los Dinos: A Family's Legacy," more information from the star's autopsy reveal exactly how she died. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Yolanda Saldivar was 35 years old when she fatally shot Selena, 23, outside of a Corpus Christi hotel just before noon on March 31, 1995. Sentenced to life in prison, she was denied parole earlier this year. Saldivar was the former president of Selena's fan club and manager of her boutiques. The shooting occurred after a confrontation over Saldivars embezzlement of approximately $30,000. Selena was taken to CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, where she was pronounced dead at 1:05 p.m. Three hours after Selena's death, Nueces County medical examiners conducted an autopsy. According to Us Weekly magazine, the examiners agreed to rush the process due to the level of public interest in the case. Here's what the autopsy details reveal about Selena's death. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How to watch the new Selena documentary everyone's talking about Selena Quintanilla autopsy gives new details of star's death Selena's death was ruled a homicide after the autopsy confirmed a bullet from a .38 revolver had entered her lower right shoulder. The coroner confirmed she died from massive internal and external bleeding caused by the gunshot wound. It is my opinion that Selena Quintanilla-Perez, a 23-year-old woman, came to her death as a result of an exsanguinating internal and external hemorrhage, in other words massive bleeding, due to a perforating gunshot wound of the [chest], coroner Lloyd White wrote. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the autopsy, the bullet entered through the back of Selena's shoulder, passed through her rips and the upper part of her lung and then broke through the chest wall, exiting her body through the upper chest. The bullet injured her subclavian artery, which is a major blood vessel just beneath the collarbone that pumps blood to the arms, neck and brain. Coroner White wrote in the autopsy that "blood [was] present over many areas of the clothes" Selena had been wearing. Who killed Tejano legend Selena Quintanilla? Will Yolanda Saldivar ever get out of jail? Selena Quintanilla in the press room at the 1994 Grammy Awards in New York City, New York. Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images Selenas father dismissed transfusion refusal rumors For more than two decades, rumors circulated that her father, Abraham Quintanilla, had refused the transfusion due to his affiliation with the Jehovah's Witness religion. However, he told Corpus Christi Station 3 News in 2021 that this claim was false. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Selena was given blood by the doctor when she arrived at the hospital at the emergency room after she was shot," Quintanilla told the news organization, adding that he had also retrieved all transcripts of Saldivar's trial and "the doctor testified that when Selena came in, when they brought her in, she was dead already. She had bled to death, but he knew who she was and as a last resort he gave her blood to see if something would happen." Who is Selena Quintanilla-Perez? Born and raised in Texas, Selena was a beloved Tejano musician who was named Female Vocalist of the Year at the 1986 Tejano Music Awards, a title she earned 11 times in total, including several posthumously. She ranks second only to Elida Reyna, who claimed the title 13 times between 2000 and 2019. In 1994, Selena won the Grammy for Best Mexican-American Album. Songs like "Como La Flor," "I Could Fall In Love" and her signature hit, "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," endeared her music to both Spanish- and English-speaking audiences, stamping her success as a crossover star. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2001, Selena was posthumously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2010, at the 30th Anniversary Tejano Music Awards, she was named Female Vocalist of the 1980s and Female Vocalist of the 1990s. News / National by Staff reporter The opposition MDC-T has approached the High Court seeking an urgent spoliation order after a senior party official allegedly locked out the leadership from Morgan Richard Tsvangirai (MRT) House, the party's national headquarters, amid a dispute over unpaid medical bills.In court papers, MDC-T secretary-general Tapiwa Mashakada accused Shakespeare Mukoyi, a former party security chief, of violently taking control of the building on November 12. Mashakada cited Mukoyi, Norest Marara and the Zimbabwe Republic Police officer commanding Harare province as respondents.The MDC-T and its leader Douglas Mwonzora are asking the High Court to compel Mukoyi and Marara to immediately return possession of MRT House. They have also asked the court to authorise the sheriff to enforce the order should the respondents refuse to comply.Mashakada said Mwonzora was elected MDC-T president at the extraordinary congress on November 20, 2020, and subsequently appointed Mukoyi as secretary for defence. He added that Marara was expelled from the party in 2023 and no longer holds any position in the movement.In his affidavit, Mashakada narrated that the party had been in lawful occupation of MRT House since acquiring the building in 2001. He said the leadership was shocked to discover that Mukoyi and others had seized control of the premises without authority."Without the consent of the applicants, they changed the keys to the premises and locked themselves inside while applicants were locked out," reads part of the affidavit. Mashakada alleged that some party staff members were assaulted and kidnapped during the takeover, including Maria Sazera, whom he described as a married woman.He said Mukoyi and Marara later held a press conference in which Mukoyi claimed his actions were motivated by the party's failure to pay his medical bills. According to Mashakada, the duo declared that Mwonzora was no longer welcome at the building and subsequently expelled all MDC-T staffers before barricading themselves inside with about 20 supporters."As things stand, the respondents and their 20 hooligans are camping inside the premises and they are being supplied food by unknown people from outside," Mashakada alleged, arguing that the occupation amounted to unlawful and violent dispossession of property.He added that the illegal takeover disrupted key party business, including a scheduled national council meeting intended to finalise the 2025 budget and kick-start fundraising initiatives. The situation, he said, was also threatening the party's preparation for upcoming by-elections in Nkulumane, Bulawayo.Mashakada accused the respondents of "taking the law into their own hands" and violating the MDC-T constitution by purporting to act on behalf of the party without any legitimate mandate."It is just and equitable that the applicant's possession of the property be restored in accordance with the law," he submitted while urging the court to intervene urgently.The High Court is expected to set a hearing date for the application. Statesman food critic Matthew Odam cuts a slice of pumpkin pie in the Statesman newsroom, Nov. 20, 2025. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Ahead of Thanksgiving, American-Statesman staffers conducted a blind taste test of five pumpkin pies from major grocers, evaluating each for flavor, texture and overall appeal. The pies were labeled Nos. 1 through 5 to avoid brand bias and were purchased from Whole Foods ($13.99), H-E-B ($9.98), Costco ($5.99), Sams Club ($5.98) and Central Market ($14.99). Participants ranked the pies individually, and the results were finalized by restaurant critic Matthew Odam, who broke a tie among the top traditional pies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How the tasting worked Pumpkin Pies from various stores, Nov. 20, 2025. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Each pie was purchased the same day, labeled to conceal the brand and served to staffers at room temperature, except for the Central Market pie, which remained warm and was noted by some participants as an advantage. Staffers completed individual rankings before Odam conducted the tiebreak. The tasting served as the basis for the Statesmans first pie fight. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Central Market earns highest score Central Markets chiffon-style pumpkin pie was the clear favorite among most staffers. Odam noted that its texture set it apart from the traditional pies in the lineup. It was kind of cheating, he said, comparing its lighter, meringue-like filling to a different category of dessert. But it was the clear winner. The pumpkin pie from HEBs Central Market, Nov. 20, 2025. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Several staffers independently identified Pie No. 5 as their top choice. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pumpkin Pies from various stores, Nov. 20, 2025. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Meteorologist Mary Wasson said she liked the cream cheesy quality of the filling and described it as super good. Deputy visuals editor Ricardo Brazziell called it the standout of the tasting. Managing editor Andy Sevilla said it had a good flavor and described the experience as a warm hug. Reporter Emiliano Tahui Gomez said it would appeal to people hesitant about pumpkin pie because the cream softened the flavor. Reporter Claire Osborn said the pie offered a unique take that combined cream cheese with pumpkin. Event manager Christopher Thibert, a self-described cheesecake fan, said the pie had an advantage because it was served warm. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Music reporter Mars Salazar, who preferred another pie, still described No. 5 as really good. Whole Foods takes top traditional spot after tiebreak When the chiffon pie was excluded, Whole Foods and Costco tied in staff scoring. Odam conducted a blind tiebreak tasting and selected Whole Foods as the strongest traditional pumpkin pie. He cited its use of ginger and allspice and described it as creamy with balanced flavor. Several staffers listed Pie No. 1 as a top contender. Brazziell gave it an honorable mention behind his top pick. Sevilla praised its spice profile. Salazar called it a safe option suitable for family gatherings. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Costco lands in the middle Costcos pie tied with Whole Foods before the tiebreaker. Staff reactions were generally positive but restrained. Sevilla described it as OK. Gomez said many pies in the lineup tasted similar, including No. 3. Sams Club divides tasters Sams Clubs version drew the widest range of reactions. Several staffers objected to its strong spice profile, while others preferred it for the same reason. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gomez described it as extremely spiced almost didnt taste like pie. Salazar called it the worst pie Ive ever had, criticizing its dense texture. Thibert, however, ranked it first, saying the spice level matched his expectations for a pumpkin pie. Osborn said it tasted like I think pumpkin pie should taste and praised its ingredient-forward flavor. H-E-B ranks last The pumpkin pie from H-E-B was the lowest-rated entry, with tasters citing issues with texture and crust thickness. Wasson said she disliked its heavy crust. Brazziell offered the strongest criticism, saying he found it not good at all. Sevilla also ranked it last, citing texture concerns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Final Ranking Van Horn's is the newest addition to Austin's 2nd Street District. Jane Yun/Provided by Van Horn's Thanksgiving may be around the corner, but Austins newest celebration of indulgence arrived early. VanHorns the third restaurant in less than three years from Berg & Sons Hospitality opened Thursday in the 2nd Street District, offering dry-aged beef, classic martinis and a steakhouse experience rooted in New York tradition. Led by chef-owners Daniel Berg and Dylan Salisbury, VanHorns aims to blend the style of a legacy New York steakhouse with a neighborhood bars accessibility. That means prime cuts, tables in white linens and a martini menu thats nearly resume-length. Its the latest evolution for a restaurant group already behind Bills Oyster and Teddys. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The space: Vintage-luxe The 2,400-square-foot dining room seats about 95 between its dining room, bar and patio. Provided by Van Horn's The design leans vintage luxe, with pecan floors, antique mirrors and polished red banquettes. Lighting is soft, flattering and borderline cinematic. Its a steakhouse for people who want dinner to feel like an event even on a Tuesday. The vibe: Spiritually Lone Star, aesthetically Lower Manhattan On a windy night, with the 2nd Street trees lit up, VanHorns feels like classic East Coast glam dropped gently into Texas. Expect Fleetwood Mac drifting from the speakers, ruby-red banquettes, white tablecloths, glossy wood paneling and a calm hum of we all know were here to eat well. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its both power dinner and date night. And social media fitness influencers are already finding it. The menu: Classic steakhouse, martinis galore Van Horn's offers a variety of Pat LaFrieda steaks, seafood and sides in Austin's Downtown. Ana Gutierrez / Austin American-Statesman VanHorns flexes its sourcing immediately: its the only independent restaurant in Austin serving Pat LaFrieda steaks. Steaks star heavily a center-cut filet, a New York strip aged 45 days, a bone-in ribeye and a massive dry-aged porterhouse. Cuts are simply seasoned, broiled and glossed in drawn butter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On the classic steakhouse side, theres steamed Maine lobster (ours slid clean from the shell), a Dover sole and a braised lamb shank shepherds pie. The raw bar gets serious with East Coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, jumbo lump crab, seafood towers and more. Dessert deserves its own sermon, with the cheesecake flown in from the Bronx and huge while the tiramisu is a scene-stealer. And yes, cholesterol plays a starring role. The beverage program sticks firmly to turn-of-the-century classics playing in martinis, stirred drinks, sours and highballs. One standout: a dirty martini with blue cheese olives that could ruin your week in the best way. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The price: $$-$$$ The steak tartare at Van Horn's is piled with parmesan and served with toast. Ana Gutierrez / Austin American-Statesman This is downtown steakhouse pricing. Raw bar items and starters land in the $20s to $40s, while steaks range from the mid-$50s to just over $100, with the seafood tower topping out at $195. Sides run $13 to $15 and desserts sit around $12 to $14, with cocktails hovering near $16. There are splurge-worthy cuts on the menu, but also more accessible weekday options like the burger, salads and half grilled chicken. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Courts American-Statesman file Travis County residents who want to wipe past arrests from their record can now apply to prequalify for the countys annual Expunction Expo, an event that pairs eligible applicants with volunteer attorneys to help file expunction paperwork for free. The online application portal opened this month ahead of the event, which is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. The expo is a partnership between District Attorney Jose Garza, County Attorney Delia Garza and District Clerk Velva Price. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What is expunction? Expunction is a legal process that permanently erases certain arrests or cases from public background checks. Even if you were never charged or indicted, or if you were acquitted or pardoned, those arrests still show up on your record unless you petition the court to have the arrest expunged. For many people, expunction can make it easier to get a job, apply for housing or qualify for higher education assistance. Who qualifies? You may be eligible if: Advertisement Article continues below this ad You were arrested in Travis County, but a charge was never filed or was 'no billed' by the grand jury You have a criminal charge that a judge or prosecutor dismissed You successfully completed a diversion program, such as pretrial diversion or drug court You were acquitted by a judge, jury or an appellate court You were convicted of a crime but later pardoned by the Governor of Texas or the President of the United States Who doesnt qualify? Under state law, some cases may not be expunged. You are not eligible if: Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Your case is still pending You were convicted in the case you want to be expunged or erased even if you just paid a fine (convictions on other cases do not prevent expunction) You were placed on probation, community supervision or deferred adjudication for any felony or Class A or B misdemeanor you want to be expunged, even if your case was later dismissed (Class C deferred prosecution is the only exception) Advertisement Article continues below this ad How to apply Residents can check their eligibility on the countys Expunction Expo website, which offers English and Spanish information pages with details about the process and required documents. Those who qualify can submit an online application through the portal. After a review, eligible applicants will be matched with volunteer lawyers from organizations like Travis County Law Library, Capital Area Private Defender Service, the Travis County Public Defenders Office and Volunteer Legal Services. The attorneys will help prepare and file the petitions asking a judge to clear the record. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin police cruiser. Austin American-Statesman A man loading his work trailer before sunrise Friday was run over and dragged by a dark pickup on Eastgate Road and the driver never stopped to help, according to Austin police. The crash happened around 5:21 a.m. in the 6500 block of Eastgate Road in East Austin, just west of U.S. 183. Investigators said the pickup turned onto the street from the southbound service road of Ed Bluestein Boulevard (U.S. 183) and struck the victim, dragging him several yards while he was trapped underneath. The driver continued down Eastgate Road before turning south on Smith Road. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police are searching for the perpetrator. They described the vehicle as a dark-colored, four-door pickup truck and believe the suspect may work in the Smith Road area. Georgetown Police Austin American-Statesman A driver was charged with intoxication manslaughter after he was involved in a crash in Georgetown that killed one Oncor electric company employee and injured two other employees who were standing in the area, police said. Alezander Cruz, 20, of Austin, also was charged with intoxication assault in the incident Sunday near Kelley Drive and Westinghouse Road, police said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police were notified about the crash at 2:31 p.m. Sunday, according to the post. Cruz was driving a black Ford Escape south on Kelley Drive when he struck an Oncor truck, police said. The collision, according to police, pushed the truck into another vehicle in front of it. The three workers who were struck were standing between the two vehicles, according to police. A fourth worker was able to escape the collision, police said. The Oncor employee who died from his injuries was Miguel Ramirez, 24, of College Station, according to police. The two employees that were injured were Oscar Ramirez, 28, and 50-year-old Chauncey Walden.. They were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Miguel Ramirez and Oscar Ramirez were not related, officials said. The employees were working on a project in the area, police said. An unidentified passenger from Cruz's car fled the scene and has not yet been found, according to police. Anyone with information about the passenger or who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call the Georgetown Police Department at 512-930-3510. Cruz, who is being held in the Williamson County Jail, did not yet have an attorney on Monday, according to Williamson County court records. 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 UT officials remain silent on whether they will sign a deal with the administration of President Donald Trump to adhere to conservative priorities in exchange for federal funding opportunities. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman Even though a key deadline has passed, the University of Texas will not say whether it plans to sign the Compact of Academic Excellence in Higher Education, a deal extended by the administration of President Donald Trump. In an email on Oct. 1, a member of the Trump administration made an offer exclusive federal funding benefits in exchange for allegiance to conservative priorities. UT was one of nine universities extended the deal that the White House aimed to have a signed agreement by no later than Nov. 21, 2025. The federal official requested feedback in writing before Oct. 20. Advertisement Article continues below this ad UT is the only institution that has not commented publicly on the compact and has denied multiple requests for comment from the American-Statesman. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source But some provisions, such as teaching that there are only two genders and banning or fixing departments that belittle conservative voices, could pose threats to academic freedom a concept the university made a nonnegotiable commitment to earlier this month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Seven of the nine universities rejected the compact before Oct. 20, citing fears that their universitys independence would be infringed upon and commitments to base funding for academic research on merit alone. Meanwhile, UT Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife said on Oct. 2 that his university system was honored its flagship received the offer and looked forward to reviewing and working with the Trump administration. UTs chapter of Students for a Democratic Society, which has been leading the fight against the compact, celebrated UTs recent silence on the compact in a statement, saying it was a shared victory. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ICYMI: UT Austin only institution not to publicly comment on if it will make a deal The University of Texas backed down because students and faculty stood together to fight the compact at every step, a statement on the SDS Instagram said. They backed down because they know we will hold them accountable every time they try to undermine our academic freedom. In a Chronicle of Higher Education interview published Oct. 28, Provost William Inboden said UTs leadership is in discussion with the White House, who is open-minded to the changes UT is suggesting. Though vague on what UT would want to change, Inboden said the university aligns with the principles included in the offer. Were also governed by the First Amendment and by protections of particular civil liberties. And were certainly committed to the cardinal tenets of academic freedom. As written, some of the procedural enforcements of the compact would clash with state law and some of our other institutional prerogatives, he said. But in the main, were happy to be having those discussions with them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Inboden added that he feels those conversations are best had behind the scenes. UT officials declined to provide an update on the compact Monday. Shown here is the Storm Prediction Center severe storms outlook for Monday. The potential for severe storms has pushed east of the I-35 corridor Monday afternoon. Storm Prediction Center UPDATE: As of Monday afternoon, the risk of severe thunderstorms in the Austin area has pushed east of the region. The risk of strong storms has ended for Austin and surrounding areas. ***** Advertisement Article continues below this ad Severe storms could produce large hail, damaging winds and even tornadoes in the Austin area Monday. Here's a timeline of what to expect, whether you're hitting the roads for Thanksgiving or going to work. Morning: A line of thunderstorms developed Sunday between Wichita Falls and San Angelo that is expected to inch closer to the Interstate 35 corridor early Monday. Most morning commuters in Austin should remain dry. Travelers toward Dallas-Fort Worth may run into rain-related slowdowns as the line of thunderstorms presses into the Metroplex between 8 and 11 a.m. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Advertisement Article continues below this ad Afternoon: Daytime heating ahead of the next cold front should send Austin-area highs into the upper 70s and lower 80s. That warm, muggy air combined with favorable atmospheric ingredients will help severe storm chances peak during the afternoon. A line of thunderstorms is expected to reach Austin between noon and 3 p.m., bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail and a few tornadoes. Storms will move through Austin during this window but the greatest risk will be north and east of the city, where conditions are more favorable. Evening: The potential for strong storms should dissipate by 5 p.m. as cooler and drier air behind our cold front pushes in. A few lingering showers can't be ruled out through 8 p.m., mainly for areas east of I-35. Wind, hail and tornadoes possible Tornadoes: The risk of tornadoes is highest north and east of the Austin area. Supercells that develop during the afternoon have the potential for producing a few tornadoes, some of which could be strong. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wind: Damaging straight-line winds are possible in any storm that moves through Monday afternoon, though the potential for wind gusts in excess of 58 mph is highest north of the Austin metro area. Hail: Large hail of an inch in diameter or larger is possible through Monday, especially north of Austin. Second cold front arrives by Wednesday A reinforcing shot of cooler air arrives in time for Thanksgiving. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This second cold front is expected to push through Tuesday into Wednesday. While its likely to come through dry, it will send in much cooler and drier air. News / National by Staff reporter Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga is expected to lead Zimbabwe's delegation to the G20 Leaders' Summit taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, this weekend. The high-level gathering, set for November 22 to 23 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, will bring together global leaders, policymakers and senior officials from the world's largest economies.Shephard Gwenzi, Charge d'Affaires at the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa, confirmed that Chiwenga will attend the summit on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa officially invited Mnangagwa, signalling Pretoria's support for Zimbabwe's gradual re-engagement with the international community and major economic platforms.Gwenzi explained that due to prior commitments, Mnangagwa delegated Chiwenga to represent him at the global event. The Vice-President was expected to arrive in South Africa on Thursday ahead of the summit."Besides attending the G20 meeting, he is scheduled to meet with his counterpart, the Honourable Vice-President Paul Mashatile of the Republic of South Africa, at a date to be advised," Gwenzi said.He noted that discussions between the two vice-presidents are likely to centre on strengthening bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including trade, migration, energy, transport and investment. The meeting is expected to reinforce longstanding ties between the two neighbouring nations, which share deep economic and social interdependence.According to Gwenzi, Zimbabwe's participation in the G20 summit is a sign of increasing international confidence in the country's economic reforms under the Second Republic. He said the gathering presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to outline its development priorities, pursue investment partnerships and contribute to shaping global economic policies that affect emerging economies.The G20 Leaders' Summit is anticipated to focus on inclusive growth, climate financing, global trade dynamics and reforms to multilateral financial institutions - issues that carry significant implications for Zimbabwe's economic trajectory. News / National by Staff reporter The government has announced an immediate lifting of restrictions on cement imports as Zimbabwe battles severe shortages that have caused prices to soar. The decision was revealed in Parliament by Minister of Skills Audit and Development Paul Mavima, who was standing in for the Leader of Government Business during a debate on the ongoing cement supply crisis.This development takes place a week after Cement magnet Aliko Dangote visited Zimbabwe.Mavima told lawmakers that Cabinet met on Tuesday and resolved to open up the importation of cement to curb escalating prices and stabilise the market. He noted that the cost of a 50kg bag of cement has jumped to around US$20, up from about US$12 in August, almost doubling within two months.According to Mavima, the spike in demand has been driven partly by a boom in the construction sector, including residential developments and large structural projects nationwide. This surge, combined with production challenges, has resulted in supply failing to keep pace.Mavima said the Cabinet had therefore decided to allow cement imports with immediate effect to ease shortages and restore normal market conditions.Zimbabwe traditionally imports a portion of its cement from neighbouring Zambia, but supplies have dwindled sharply in recent weeks. Several major importers have reportedly exhausted their allocated quotas at a time when domestic demand is at its peak, tightening external supply channels.Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Raji Modi told the National Assembly that even importers with valid licences were experiencing significant delays at border posts. He said backlogs at entry points were causing severe delays in clearing imported cement, further worsening the crisis.Modi also cited ongoing domestic production constraints. Local manufacturers have been grappling with shortages of clinker, the key ingredient in cement production, as well as mechanical breakdowns at several plants. Power supply inconsistencies and ageing equipment have compounded the challenges.Although Zimbabwe's cement industry has an installed annual capacity of around 2.6 million tonnes, production has been inconsistent due to these operational setbacks.The country's main producers include Khayah Cement in Harare, formerly Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe, PPC Zimbabwe, which operates in both Harare and Bulawayo, and Sino-Zimbabwe Cement in Gweru. Another major player is Livetouch Cement, the Chinese-owned company located in Redcliff near Kwekwe.The government hopes that opening up cement imports will stabilise supply, help normalise prices, and support the rapidly expanding construction sector. November 24, 2025: Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the IEA/Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has met with officials from the OIC/Organization of Islamic Cooperation in an effort to obtain aid in rebuilding Afghanistan and alleviating hunger in remote areas of the country. Other issues include the continued presence of Islamic terrorists and the TTP, otherwise known as the Pakistani Taliban. It was the IEAs refusal, or inability to prevent the TTP from continuing to carry out attacks in Pakistani, including suicide bombings in Pakistani cities . Then there is the Ten Day War with Pakistan in early October. This began with Pakistan Air Force/PAF airstrikes on the Afghan cities of Kabul, Khost, Jalalabad, and Paktika. The PAF had carried out similar airstrikes in 2024, which also had little impact on the IEAs ability or willingness to halt Islamic terrorist attacks on Pakistani cities or soldiers guarding the border. After midnight on October 11 the TTP carried out attacks on several Pakistani military bases on the border. These attacks continued on October 12, with the PAF using drones to attack TTP bases in Kandahar and Helmand provinces, killing about two dozen TTP fighters. On 19 October Qatar arranged for a cease fire between the IEA and Pakistan. This agreement included the IEA withdrawing its support for the TTP and its attacks inside Pakistan. Recent attacks included suicide bombings and spectacular destruction of a loaded fuel truck in Kabul. The attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan continued. Not all the groups involved, especially Islamic terrorists and the TTP were interested in peace or complying with anyones peace deal. Thats what caused the October 29 peace talks to fail. But on October 30 peace talks resumed, with the agreement to extend the cease fire another week. On 8 November the three days of peace talks broke down but the ceasefire held, more or less. As of November 15, despite recent explosions in the Pakistan city of Islamabad, and the Indian city of Delhi, the Afghanistan-Pakistan peace talks continue. Earlier in the year relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan were relatively peaceful and concerned with less warlike matters. Afghanistan released U.S. citizen Faye Hall in March after being held prisoner by the Taliban since February. The Taliban said Hall was arrested for unauthorized use of a quadcopter drone. Hall, along with a British couple and a translator, were arrested in the central Afghanistan province of Bamiyan. The British couple ran training programs for women for several years. Last year the Taliban began to suppress all female activity outside the home. This made the British training program untenable. Pakistan continues to send Afghan illegal immigrants back to Afghanistan. Since the 1970s Pakistan has had to deal with millions of Afghans who fled their homeland because of poverty and war. Several million Afghans are currently legal residents of Pakistan. But there are still several hundred thousand Afghan illegals and the Pakistani police want to send them back to Afghanistan. Tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan continues because Islamic terrorists continue to attack Pakistan from bases in Afghanistan. The Taliban continue to have problems with several foreign economic projects. There continues to be an armed resistance to the Taliban government. The Taliban government, headquartered in Kabul, does not control the entire country. Despite all the problems the new Islamic Emirate Afghanistan/IEA Afghan government has, there are still some economic opportunities. One is a pipeline. In 2015 construction of the 1,814 kilometers TAPI Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India natural gas pipeline finally began in Turkmenistan. Work in Afghanistan didnt begin until early 2018. The work is currently stalled in Afghanistan because the current government, the Islamic Emirate Afghanistan, has been unable to control violence against the pipeline work. Another reason is that the nations the TAPI pipeline passes through, do not want the radical and disruptive IEA to benefit from the pipeline. There have been several false starts for TAPI. For example, in 2018 ten Afghan tribesmen surrendered to the government and said they had just returned from Iran after several weeks of training on how to carry out an attack on the ceremony celebrating the start of construction of TAPI pipeline in Afghanistan. After years of negotiations over transit fees and natural gas prices Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkmenistan agreed and construction of TAPI will move natural gas from Turkmenistan natural gas fields to the Afghan border. Pipeline construction originally began in 2015. Back then it was believed that, if construction is not interfered with, the pipeline would be operational in Afghanistan by the end of 2019. Troublesome tribal militias and some Islamic terrorist groups disrupted construction efforts to the point where work was abandoned. Five years later work resumed. In Afghanistan you cant depend on extended periods of peace. Thats why Afghanistan has so little infrastructure. For example, there are no railroads, which are difficult to build and operate here. Many local tribal militias, organized for self-defense, could quickly transform into armed train robbery gangs. This is Afghanistan, where anything can happen, especially if it involves unexpected violence and attacks on industrial efforts, like building railroads or pipelines. After passing through Afghanistan, TAPI goes into Pakistan and to the Indian border. Initially the Afghan Taliban agreed to leave TAPI alone. That was because the pipeline was a popular project with most Afghans as it would bring cheap natural gas to many Afghans. Some Taliban factions near the Iranian border who work for the Iranian IRGC Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps were told to attack pipeline construction efforts. Officially Iran does not oppose TAPI, even though Iran also wants to build a gas pipeline into Pakistan and to India. Inside Iran the attitude is that TAPI is not good for Iran and that something should be done. Inside Afghanistan the Taliban promised not to harm the 800 kilometer long Afghan portion of the pipeline. This assurance turned out to be the opening round of negotiations about how much the Taliban will be paid to ensure the pipeline is unharmed. About a quarter of the pipeline runs through or near areas dominated by Taliban activity. In August 2021 the elected Islamic Republic of Afghanistan collapsed and was replaced by the Pakistan-backed IEA. The new IEA declared a great victory but found that few people, not even most Afghans, saw this as a win. Foreign aid ceased. Nearly $10 billion of IRA cash held in foreign banks, to reduce corruption, was frozen and no one would recognize the IEA as the successor to the IRA. Countries in the region expect the IEA to collapse in a few years, which will leave the country a narco-state without any central government. Drug production in Afghanistan depends on the Pakistan military for support. The drugs are winning as they usually do wherever they get established. There are not too many narco-states because they all follow the same script. Eventually locals get fed up with the local violence and the growing number of addicts. That leads to more violence and the drug gangs are crushed, although usually not completely eliminated. Eventually it can take a long time and such is the case with Afghanistan The only thing that nearly everyone in Afghanistan can agree on is that opium and heroin are bad. Nearly ten percent of the population is addicted to drugs, mostly opiates and another ten percent make a better living or get rich from the drug trade. Most Afghans consider drug gangs the biggest threat and these are largely run and staffed, like the Taliban, by Pushtun tribesmen from four southern provinces. The Pakistan-backed Afghan Taliban want to create a heroin-producing Islamic terrorist and gangster sanctuary in Afghanistan. If you want to know how that works, look at Chechnya in the late 1990s and Somalia or Yemen in the early 21st century. No one has come up with any cheap, fast or easy solution for that. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's core problem is that there is no Afghanistan, merely a collection of tribes more concerned with tribal issues than anything else. Naturally the TAPI efforts in Afghanistan ran afoul of local politics and terrorism. There is no central authority for all the troublesome tribal militias and Islamic terrorist groups in Afghanistan. With no one in charge, anything can happen and that is the obstacle the TAPI construction effort is up against. So far, all those armed opponents to TAPI are winning. The IEA government is unable to control the armed groups disrupting work on TAPI. The IEA is also having a hard time ruling Afghanistan. The overthrow of the IRA meant an end to the billions in foreign aid that the presence of the IRA justified. Since the IEA took over, the situation in Afghanistan has gotten much worse. The once again stalled TAPI project is one of many victims of the upsurge in violence and anarchy throughout the country. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa today participates in the 7th African Union-European Union (AU-EU) Summit, a two-day gathering of Heads of State from both continents aimed at strengthening international cooperation and celebrating 25 years of formal partnership.Under the theme "Promoting peace and prosperity through effective multilateralism," the summit provides a platform to address shared global challenges, including economic development, peace, governance, and climate resilience. The meeting is co-chaired by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, representing the African Union, and European Council President Antonio Costa, with the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen and the African Union Commission by Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.For Zimbabwe, the summit presents a strategic opportunity to engage with European counterparts amid ongoing efforts to strengthen international relations. According to the AU, the summit allows both unions to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism, solidarity, and joint action on global issues.The AU-EU partnership, formally established in 2000, has delivered results across infrastructure, education, health, innovation, and climate resilience. Both blocs are also focused on regional economic integration, sustainable trade, and investment that create jobs while advancing green and digital transitions.Peace, security, and governance remain central to the partnership, with joint initiatives supporting conflict prevention, management, and post-conflict reconstruction through the African Peace and Security Architecture. Human development initiatives include programs on migration, education, culture, social inclusion, and humanitarian affairs, with particular attention to women and youth.The summit further reinforces adherence to the rule of law, good governance, democratic principles, human rights, and gender equality, while strengthening multilateralism globally. The AU highlighted cooperation through the G20, chaired by South Africa, and the Pact for the Future as examples of joint action to promote shared values, combat climate change, and protect the planet.European Council President Antonio Costa said the summit would solidify EU-Africa relations, emphasizing a strong, balanced, and forward-looking partnership. The EU remains Africa's fourth-largest trading partner, with preferential trade agreements covering 19 African countries, and over 90 percent of African exports entering the EU market duty-free.The 7th AU-EU Summit builds on the outcomes of last May's ministerial meeting in Brussels, where ministers committed to deepening ties guided by shared values, mutual interests, and a joint vision for sustainable growth and stability across both continents. Starting with store-bought stuffing mix can be a massive time-saver. (Rey Lopez/For The Washington Post; food styling by Carolyn Robb/For The Washington Post) Thanksgiving is a big deal for many families across America. With the bulk of the celebration centered on the shared meal, preparing the feast can bring anxiety and stress for home cooks, whether its their first or 50th time. If you fall into that camp, Im going to let you in on a little secret: not everything on your Thanksgiving menu needs to be homemade. In reality, pretty much all of the meal can be outsourced to professional cooks and bakers or replaced with store-bought products. Here are five of our favorite shortcuts to help make Thanksgiving more manageable: Stuffing If you really wanted to go all out for stuffing, you could go through the multiday process of baking your own bread or cornbread, drying it out, cooking whatever meat and vegetables will be added, assembling the casserole and then throwing it in the oven on the big day. Or, you can grab a bag or box of your favorite brand from the grocery store and be done with it. In our teams taste test of boxed stuffing mixes, Stove Top Chicken Stuffing Mix was the clear winner. It won the rare raves of this experiment, with one taster crowning it delicious with no less than three exclamation points, my colleague Emily Heil wrote. In addition to the time savings Stove Top can be ready to eat in mere minutes as its name implies, it can be made completely on the stove, leaving precious oven space available for other dishes. If you want to spruce up your favorite brand to make it feel more homemade, try adding sauteed vegetables, cooked sausage or giblets, nuts or dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins. Turkey Turkeys are often the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal. Unfortunately, they are also notoriously difficult to prepare. Theres the issue of thawing, whether to brine, and then attempting to yield crisp, golden skin and moist, juicy meat. So let the bird be someone elses problem. Restaurants are particularly good choices for getting the kinds of turkey you might not make at home, such as smoked or deep-fried. Another option is the popular fast-food chain Popeyes, which sells frozen cooked turkeys that you simply need to thaw and heat in the oven. It emerged nicely browned and crisp-skinned, with bits of the rust-red Cajun spice mixture flecking the surface, Heil wrote in a review that went on to praise the birds tenderness and flavor. As we picked at the meat, like Thanksgiving diners hovering in the kitchen for a postmeal snack, we agreed that this was a winner of a turkey dinner, given the ease of preparation. And if youre not into turkey, skip it entirely and order something else, such as a ham, smoked brisket, fried chicken or a vegetarian main. Starting with a packaged cornbread mix can still yield great results, such as in Buttermilk and Scallion Jiffy Cornbread. (Tom McCorkle/For The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky/For The Washington Post) Rolls and cornbread Baking dinner rolls from scratch is not for the faint of heart. Theres mixing, proofing, shaping and, often, flour flying all over the place. Though they can be delicious, I personally rank them lower on my list of Thanksgiving food importance. Id be perfectly satisfied with brands such as Kings Hawaiian or Sister Schuberts, or even something from a can. If your family prefers cornbread over rolls, there are plenty of options for store-bought mixes to adorn your table. I recommend a less-sweet variety if you plan to use it in stuffing or dressing. But if you intend to serve the cornbread as is, you can amp up the corn flavor of whatever mix you love most by adding kernels to the batter, like in Buttermilk and Scallion Jiffy Cornbread (pictured above). For any type of bread you have on your table, serve it with a compound butter, which is just butter mixed with whatever flavor-boosting ingredients you want, for extra deliciousness and flair. (Garlic and herbs is always a good option.) No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake starts with a store-bought graham cracker crust. (Scott Suchman/For The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky/For The Washington Post) Pie crust If you struggle with making pie crust dont. Even with the butteriest, flakiest crust that you can imagine, the dessert would still be nothing without a good filling. To save yourself the time and trouble, use a premade crust for an apple pie or a custard-based pie such as pumpkin or sweet potato pie (which is what my dad does every year for his family-famous pies). A premade graham cracker crust works great for cheesecake or a cranberry tart. Desserts Of course you could make things even easier on yourself by purchasing Thanksgiving pies or other desserts from a bakery. You get to support a local business and enjoy delicious desserts. Its a win-win situation. Pro tip: Put your orders in ASAP to ensure you dont miss out on your favorites. For the nonpie people of the world, you could also keep things simple by picking up a boxed cake mix or a pack of good chocolate chip cookies. Cranberry sauce Last, and maybe least (depending whom you ask), is the tart, ruby red condiment that usually makes an appearance only once a year. Admittedly, most cranberry sauce and relish recipes are extremely simple to make some dont even require cooking! But if you just cant think of adding one more item to your to-do list, in the words of cookbook author and Food Network star Ina Garten, store-bought is fine. U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets fly in formation April 5, 2025. Over the weekend, U.S. Africa Command carried out its 100th airstrike of the year in Somalia in its campaign against Islamic militants in east Africa. (Gerald Willis/U.S. Air Force) U.S. Africa Command over the weekend carried out its 100th airstrike of the year in Somalia, showcasing how a campaign against Islamic militants in east Africa now represents one of the American militarys most aggressive operations worldwide. The milestone came with a Saturday airstrike that targeted Islamic State militants in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains in northern Somalia, AFRICOM confirmed Monday. The number of AFRICOM airstrikes in Somalia this year far exceeds that of all previous years and is on a pace to potentially double the previous one-year high of 63 carried out in 2019. In addition, the strikes are occurring at a faster clip than the Pentagons campaign against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean Sea. Since early September, U.S. forces have launched at least 21 separate strikes against suspected traffickers in the Caribbean and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. By comparison, at least 28 U.S. strikes on militants in Somalia have occurred during that same time frame, according to AFRICOM reports. AFRICOM has long conducted operations against al-Shabab, an Islamic militant group aligned with al-Qaida that has been waging a decades-long insurgency in Somalia. While al-Shabab remains the largest terrorist group in Somalia and a focus of AFRICOM attention, strikes against ISIS also have surged in 2025. The targeting of ISIS in Somalia, formed in 2015 by a group of defectors from al-Shabab, comes amid indications the group is expanding its foothold in the country. In 2019, there were an estimated 300 ISIS militants in Somalia. But as of May, ISISs Somalia cell had grown to an estimated 1,500 fighters, with roughly 60% being foreign, AFRICOM said at the time. The uptick in airstrikes in 2025 coincides with a January directive by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that grants more decision-making authority on airstrikes to AFRICOM commanders. U.S. military personnel in Somalia provide various forms of support to the countrys shaky central government as it attempts to keep al-Shabab and ISIS at bay. AFRICOMs missions in the country involve training and advising local ground forces, as well as carrying out airstrikes coordinated with the Somali government. The American Craft Beer Experience and the American Meat Showcase began Nov. 22, 2025, in Tokyo's Hibiya Park, offering festivalgoers a chance to sample more than 120 craft beers from 42 U.S. breweries while a dozen vendors grilled up American-style barbecue, burgers, steak and pork. (Matthew Eppers/Stars and Stripes) TOKYO Craft beer, barbecue and a message of community filled Hibiya Park over the weekend as the U.S. ambassador to Japan kicked off a three-day celebration of American food and drink in the heart of the capital. The American Craft Beer Experience and the American Meat Showcase ran Saturday through Monday in Chiyoda ward, offering festivalgoers a chance to sample more than 120 craft beers from 42 U.S. breweries while a dozen vendors grilled up American-style barbecue, burgers, steak and pork. U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass opened the event by highlighting the strength of the U.S.-Japan partnership and the value of cultural exchange especially through food. There is no greater stamp of approval than all of you, the Japanese people, who take your food and drink very seriously, he said. To see American beef, pork and rice served in restaurants, sold in supermarkets and enjoyed by families throughout Japan, that is a huge source of pride for American farmers. With a wink, Glass also noted the importance of sharing a drink. Im delighted to see that there are 40 American breweries represented here today, and so I feel like its my patriotic duty to sample as many of them as I possibly can, he said. The festival was organized by the Brewers Association, a U.S. trade group representing more than 5,600 independent brewers, in partnership with the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Well-known American breweries such as Sierra Nevada and Deschutes were poured alongside smaller names like Heavy Riff Brewing of Missouri and Hardywood Park Craft Brewery of Virginia. More than 30 beers were first pours in Japan, having not yet secured local distributors. Japan is a very important market for U.S. craft beer, Steve Parr, director of international relations for the Brewers Association, told reporters before the festival. Japanese beer drinkers bought beer from more U.S. breweries than any other country in the world last year. The American Craft Beer Experience and the American Meat Showcase began Nov. 22, 2025, in Tokyo's Hibiya Park, offering festivalgoers a chance to sample more than 120 craft beers from 42 U.S. breweries while a dozen vendors grilled up American-style barbecue, burgers, steak and pork. (Matthew Eppers/Stars and Stripes) Japan the fourth-largest market for U.S. craft beer increased imports by 13% last year, according to Brewers Association data. It accounts for about 5% of U.S. brewers exports. The country abolished beer import duties in April 2024 and again the following year, according to the Department of Agriculture. The theme of the U.S.-Japan community was reflected in offerings like San Diego-based Embolden Beer Co.s Shogun series, including a hazy matcha IPA called Midnight in Tokyo and a hojicha lager named Dusk in Kyoto, brewed with Japanese ingredients. Whether its California rice exported to Japan or Kyoto tea exported to America, we are appreciated by each others country and produce like never before, Glass said. From agriculture to energy, the U.S.-Japan partnership is thriving. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi inspects the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force honor guard at Camp Asaka in Tokyo, Oct. 23, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) A plan to station surface-to-air missiles on an island within sight of Taiwan is steadily progressing, Japans defense minister said Sunday amid heightened tensions with China. Over the weekend, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited Japanese army bases on Yonaguni and Ishigaki, islands east of Taiwan, for the first time since assuming the post last month, according to the Ministry of Defense. The ministry in 2022 announced plans to expand Camp Yonaguni to accommodate a new medium-range surface-to-air missile unit. Koizumi repeated those plans during a news conference at the camp, though he did not state when the new unit will stand up. We believe that this deployment will reduce the possibility of armed attacks on Japan, and we believe that the view that you suggested that it will heighten regional tension is not accurate, he said in response to a reporters question, according to a transcript of the news conference on the ministrys website. In 2023, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force opened a missile base on Ishigaki Island, at the far end of the Nansei chain stretching from Kyushu to Taiwan. The base houses Type-12 and Type-03 surface-to-air missiles, aimed at countering Chinas growing presence in waters around Taiwan and the East China Sea. Yonaguni, about 70 miles east of Taiwan, is Japans westernmost island. Koizumi also met with Yonaguni town Mayor Tsuneo Uechi and explained the importance of improving the deterrence and response capabilities of our country and the Japan-U.S. alliance through joint training exercises, he said, according to the release. In September, Japan and the Marine Corps carried out the largest iteration of their Resolute Dragon exercise. Koizumis visit took place amid heightened tensions between China and Japan. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said during a Nov. 7 parliamentary session that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would constitute an existential threat requiring Japan to use military force. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called Takaichis comments shocking in a statement posted to the Chinese Foreign Ministrys website on Sunday. Japans current leader has publicly sent a wrong signal of trying to intervene in the Taiwan issue by force, saying things she shouldnt have said, and crossing the red line that should not be touched, he said. China must resolutely fight back. Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to unify self-governing Taiwan with the mainland, by force if necessary. Koizumi on Sunday declined to describe the role Yonaguni would play during a Chinese attack on Taiwan. I would like to refrain from answering questions that assume a Taiwan emergency, he said. Sgt. Jonathan Lee, 27, was arrested and charged with murder in Geary County, Kan. Lee is a quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer assigned to Fort Riley. (Photo provided by Geary County Detention Center) The trial of a former Fort Riley, Kan., soldier ended Thursday with a mistrial after jurors could not agree on whether he shot and killed a man in Geary County earlier this year. Jonathan M. Lee, 28, was a sergeant at Fort Riley in February when he was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Carron Carter, 22, in a Junction City home about five miles from the base, according to court records. The jury had to decide whether Lee was innocent, guilty of murder or guilty of a lesser charge related to Carters death. They could not come to a unanimous agreement. A status hearing was set for next month to reset the trial, according to Krista Blaisdell, Geary County attorney. An attorney for Lee declined to comment. Lee, who has been in Geary County Jail since his arrest, was a quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer who enlisted in 2015 from Lawton, Okla., according to Fort Riley. He was separated from the service Aug. 15. A witness to the shooting said Lee arrived at a home in Junction City, where the soldier had previously lived, and banged on the door, according to court documents. When the witness opened the door, Lee pushed past the person and went upstairs where he retrieved a .40 caliber Glock pistol he stored in a closet there because he could not keep it in his barracks room on post. The witness name was redacted from the court documents. Lee and Carter argued, and he told Carter he wanted him to leave the home because he didnt want anyone else around a person whose name was redacted. Lee then fired the weapon, ran down the stairs and told the witness to call the cops. The soldier then fled the home in his and returned to Fort Riley. After his arrest at Fort Riley, local police executed a search warrant and found the handgun believed to be used in the shooting disassembled and hidden in Lees barracks room as well as ammunition, according to court records. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, testifies during his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee, Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) General Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, will meet service members of the U.S. Southern Command on Monday in Puerto Rico, where the American military presence has swelled as the Trump administration weighs military action against Venezuela. The Pentagon said in a statement that Caine and David L. Isom, a Navy SEAL and senior advisor to Caine, will visit the U.S. territory where most of the 10,000 U.S. troops in the Caribbean theater are thought to be stationed. The trip comes amid growing concerns about potential U.S. strikes against targets in Venezuelan territory. The U.S. has carried out lethal attacks on alleged drug-running boats in the Caribbean Sea and deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford the worlds largest aircraft carrier to the region and criticized Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro for his ties to drug cartels that use Venezuelan territory to ship drugs. While President Donald Trump has said he would be open to the possibility of speaking directly with Maduro, he has also threatened strikes on Venezuelan soil. The Trump administration also refuses to recognize Maduro as Venezuelas head of state and has set a $50 million bounty against the strongman leader for narco-terrorism. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told reporters at the end of the Group of 20 summit that he plans to contact Trump to express concern over the U.S. military buildup near Venezuela, warning the activities could destabilize South America. Theres absolutely no reason to have a war right now. We must not repeat the mistake made in the war between Russia and Ukraine, he said, adding that a solution must come before any escalation. Multiple airlines canceled flights to and from Venezuela in response to a Saturday warning by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration of worsening security situation and heightened military activity around Venezuela, further fueling speculation about potential U.S. operations. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Brig. Gen. Roger Giraud, commanding general of U.S. Army Medical Readiness Command, Europe, and Command Sgt. Maj. Kalani Kalili pose for a photo with Charles Shay, as his niece, Dawn Kelly, holds his Order of Military Medical Merit certificate during a bedside ceremony in Bayeux, France, Nov. 19, 2025. Shay, a World War II and Korean War combat medic, was recognized for his heroism and lifelong dedication to remembrance in Normandy. (Samuel Kim/U.S. Army ) Charles Shay, a D-Day veteran who now calls Normandy home, was recognized by Army leadership during a recent bedside ceremony not far from the beach he stormed over 80 years ago. Shay, who served as a combat medic during World War II, was inducted Wednesday into the Order of Military Medical Merit at his Bayeux home, where U.S. Army Europe and Africa leaders presented him with a corresponding medal. His extraordinary courage as a combat medic on D-Day and his unwavering commitment to saving lives under extreme danger embody the highest ideals of Army medicine, Brig. Gen. Roger Giraud, leader of U.S. Army Medical Readiness Command, Europe, said during the ceremony. Shays actions saved the lives of countless soldiers, Giraud added. Now 101, Shay is one of a dwindling number of living D-Day vets. Over the years, he has been a fixture at annual remembrance ceremonies commemorating the June 6, 1944, Allied assault on the beaches of Normandy. The amphibious landings helped turn the tide of the war and paved the way for Allied victory over Nazi Germany a year later. World War II veteran Charles Shay at a D-Day 75th anniversary ceremony in Picauville, France in June 2019. Behind him at right is his longtime friend-turned-caregiver, Marie-Pascale Legrand. Over the years, Shay has been a fixture at annual ceremonies commemorating D-Day, June 6, 1944. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Drafted at 19, Shay was in the first wave to land on Omaha Beach and came under immediate attack by German forces concentrated in elevated positions. Shay repeatedly waded into the surf to rescue the wounded during the assault, which killed some 2,400 Americans. He was honored with the Silver Star for his courage under fire. He went on to fight in numerous major engagements, including the Battle of the Bulge, as Allies pushed through France and Belgium into Germany, where he was later captured and held prisoner until the wars end in 1945. Afterward, he served in the Korean War. In 2018, Shay moved to Normandy permanently from his native Maine. An enrolled member of the Penobscot tribe, he now holds almost celebrity status. A bust of him sits in the center of the Charles Shay Indian Memorial in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, France, which honors the service of Native Americans during the war and has been a destination point for numerous visiting U.S. Army generals during D-Day events. First Lt. Emma Coar, aide-de-camp to the commanding general of U.S. Army Medical Readiness Command, Europe, enters the home of Marie-Pascale Legrand, where Charles Shay resides, prior to a bedside ceremony honoring him with the Order of Military Medical Merit in Bayeux, France, Nov. 19, 2025. Shay, a World War II and Korean War combat medic, can be seen in the photo at right. (Samuel Kim/U.S. Army) The Order of Military Medical Merit medal and certificate rest on an award tray before being presented to retired Master Sgt. Charles Norman Shay during a ceremony in Bayeux, France, Nov. 19, 2025. Shay, a World War II and Korean War combat medic, was honored for his valor and lifelong commitment to remembrance in Normandy. (Samuel Kim/U.S. Army) In an interview with Stars and Stripes in 2019, Shay said moving to Normandy gave him new life and a greater sense of purpose. This gives me an opportunity to visit the cemetery where I have lost many friends who are laying there in graves. I can visit them now as often as I like, Shay said at the time. He was taken in by his longtime friend-turned-caregiver, Marie-Pascale Legrand, who lives about 20 miles from Omaha Beach. We are free today because of men like Charles, Legrand said during the Nov. 19 ceremony at the home she welcomed Shay into. Caring for him is an honor. We owe a great debt to these veterans who sacrificed so much. News / National by Staff reporter Malawians living in Zimbabwe are increasingly taking advantage of the right to dual citizenship, enabling them to hold passports from both countries under constitutional provisions. This development was highlighted by Malawi's Ambassador to Zimbabwe, General (Retired) Peter Namathanga, during a meeting with Malawian residents at a local church in Entumbane, Bulawayo, on Saturday.The meeting provided a platform for Malawians in Zimbabwe to engage with the ambassador on issues such as passport access, birth certificates, and business opportunities. "We have seen a huge uptake of Malawians living in Zimbabwe acquiring dual citizenship as allowed by our country's constitution. The law was put in place in 2021 and we encourage our people living in foreign countries, including Zimbabwe, to apply for dual citizenship," Ambassador Namathanga said in an interview on the sidelines of the meeting.The ambassador also highlighted areas where Malawi could learn from Zimbabwe, particularly in the mining and agriculture sectors. "Zimbabwe has a rich mining sector and its economy continues to grow, supported by gold and other minerals. Agriculture is also a key sector that we are willing to learn from Zimbabwe, and we are exploring avenues to tap into the knowledge that the Zimbabwean Government can assist us with. Relations between Malawi and Zimbabwe continue to grow," he said.Professor Isaac Silumbu, the Malawi Consul to Matabeleland, noted that the two countries share a long-standing historical connection, dating back to decades when Malawians migrated to Zimbabwe in search of work in the railway construction industry and other sectors. "Labour migration has played a critical role in shaping Malawi's social and economic landscape throughout the 20th century," said Prof Silumbu. "By 1948, 40 percent of Malawi's able-bodied men were estimated to be abroad due to labour migration, and by the 1960s, over 60,000 Malawians were in South Africa alone."The initiative to facilitate dual citizenship has been ongoing, with embassy officials previously visiting towns such as Nguboyenja, Gweru, Gwanda, and Harare to assist people of Malawian descent in registering for dual nationality. Second Secretary (Immigration) Mr Sebastian Golody Lichapa explained that the exercise, conducted in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), targets individuals eligible for citizenship by descent."Under an amended Act of the Malawian Constitution, Malawians living in other countries who qualify under dual citizenship fall under three categories citizenship by birth, by descent, and by registration," Mr Lichapa said. "For someone to qualify, they must hold a passport from their host country and provide proof that one or both parents were born in Malawi, using documents such as old passports, marriage certificates, or national identity documents."The 2021 law granting dual citizenship aims to facilitate travel, enhance access to opportunities, and strengthen the connection between Malawians living abroad and their country of origin. According to embassy officials, roughly half of the Malawian population in Zimbabwe already holds Zimbabwean passports and is now eligible to obtain Malawian passports through the programme. News / National by Staff reporter The Government has issued 8,000 securitised offer letters to homeowners under the Presidential Title Deeds Programme in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, as part of ongoing efforts to provide citizens with secure tenure and restore order in human settlements.Speaking at the ministry's strategic planning workshop for 20262030 on Friday, National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Zhemu Soda said 1,571 title deeds were ready for transfer to beneficiaries under the Kwangu/Ngakwami Presidential Title Deeds initiative."Under the Presidential Title Deeds Programme in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, a total of 8,000 securitised offer letters have been issued to beneficiaries out of 13,000 under the Kwangu/Ngakwami Presidential Title Deeds initiative," Minister Soda said. "In terms of facilitation of issuance of title deeds, the ministry set a target of 2,000 properties for 2025, and to date, 1,571 properties are ready for transfer."The minister emphasised that the programme is central to the Second Republic's commitment to guaranteeing legal ownership and ensuring citizens obtain security of tenure for their properties. He noted that it involves a multi-stakeholder effort, including various government ministries and private players, and called for effective planning, technical expertise, and institutional coordination to ensure successful implementation.President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed strong interest in the initiative, which aims to secure land ownership for the majority of Zimbabweans. Minister Soda stressed the need for all participants to contribute toward delivering tangible results for citizens.Permanent Secretary Engineer Theodius Chinyanga echoed the importance of the programme, highlighting that secure tenure underpins a functional housing market and encourages investment in housing. He called for strategic planning to prioritise technical and institutional arrangements to accelerate the programme, including feasibility studies, production of designs and costed bills of quantities, mobilisation of capital through a proposed Trust Fund, and integration of statutory fees and administrative costs into the project framework.The Presidential Title Deeds Programme continues to be a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing tenure security, economic empowerment, and the development of functional settlements across the country. Cristina Vallejo Malaga Monday, 24 November 2025, 15:06 | Updated 15:19h. Share Andalucia is the fourth-placed region in Spain where the average gross monthly salary has risen the most over the last decade. Back in 2014, the gross monthly average stood at 1,645.50 euros and, ten years later, it is 30.5% higher, at 2,146.50 euros. This increase is only greater in the Balearic Islands (up 37.17% to 2,342.20 euros), Extremadura (up 33.88% to 2,127.20 euros) and the Basque Country (up 30.86% to 2,809.90 euros). Meanwhile, over the last ten years, the average gross salary nationwide has grown by 26.8%, reaching 2,385.60 euros. However, these are average figures and Spain's INE national statistics institute allows us to delve deeper into what has happened with wages at different income levels. What the INE or, more specifically, what the section of the working population survey (EPA), does is analyse salaries by dividing the population into ten wage/salary groups, from lowest to highest - in other words, by deciles (ten, equal subcategories). This then reveals that, in Andalucia's case, the average wage increase of around 30% masks a great deal of diversity between the percentiles. It further shows that it is the lowest salaries that have grown most, something that seems to be a general trend across Spain as a whole. The lowest decile, that is, the lowest 10% of salaried workers, has seen earnings increase by almost 81%, to 727.10 euros over the last ten years in Andalucia. Meanwhile, the second-lowest decile has seen wages improve by 55.7%, to 1,278.30 euros, between 2014 and 2024. The third decile has also seen above-average growth in gross average monthly pay, up by 35.2%, to 1,488.50 euros. From the fourth decile onwards, salary growth falls below that 30% overall average and continues to decline until it reaches the tenth decile, which comprises the highest-paid employees. These workers have seen their average gross monthly salaries improve by 20% over the last ten years, reaching 5,404.20 euros. This is one of the points where Andalucia also differs from the rest of Spain, as the top 10% of earners nationally have seen their salaries rise by 24.3%, to 5,741 euros, more than the preceding deciles. Let's pause for a moment to consider the fifth decile, the one with as many workers below as above it in terms of salary. These workers have a gross average monthly salary of almost 1,900 euros, based on 2024 data, which is a 26.3% increase on the slightly over 1,500 euros of ten years prior. While Andalucia sits in fourth place in terms of salary increases over the last decade for all the regions of Spain, it also remains in fourth place for those with the lowest salaries. Only three regions are below the 2,146.50 euros of Andalucia: Extremadura (2,127.20 euros), Murcia (2,120.90 euros) and the Canary Islands (2,051.70 euros). At the other end of the scale are the Basque Country, with an average gross monthly salary of 2,809.90 euros, and Madrid at 2,761.80 euros, as well as Navarre and Catalonia, both above 2,500 euros. The average Spanish salary in 2024, according to these statistics, is 2,385.60 euros. 920 euros is the average gross monthly salary for part-time workers in Andalucia, compared to 643.80 euros ten years ago Up to this point, the figures refer to salaries that take into account both full-time and part-time workers. However, it is important to distinguish between the two. Thus, the wages of full-time workers in Andalucia have grown by 23.65% since 2014, now reaching 2,348.70 euros. This growth rate is behind that of the Balearic Islands, Extremadura, La Rioja, the Basque Country, Catalonia and Castile-La Mancha. Also, Andalucia once more in fourth place for the lowest salaries for its full-time workers, ahead only of Extremadura, Murcia and the Canary Islands. The Spanish average stands at 2,618.20 euros, which is 22.8% higher than ten years ago. In the Basque Country, the gross monthly salary exceeds 3,100 euros and in Madrid it surpasses 3,000 euros. The increase has been more pronounced in the salaries of part-time workers. Specifically, in Andalucia, between 2014 and 2024, their average earnings rose from 643.80 to 920 euros, an increase of 42.9%. This figure, however, is somewhat below the national average, which saw a 44.17% increase, slightly exceeding 1,000 euros gross per month on average. Number of full-time and part-time employees The survey also shows how many employees are full-time and part-time. In Andalucia, the total adds up to 2.863 million workers, 33.77% more than a decade ago, when it stood at 2.14 million people. This growth rate is higher than the Spanish average, which is below 30%, bringing the total to nearly 18.5 million workers, compared to 14.23 million employees in 2014. 33.77% the growth rate for salaried employees in Andalucia since 2014 Now at 2.863 million workers. This increase is solely due to the rise in full-time employees, as part-time employees now number less than a decade ago Andalucia is the second fastest-growing region in terms of salaried workers, only behind the Canary Islands (37.5% increase). It also ranks third in volume (total number of salaried workers), after Catalonia (3.36 million workers) and Madrid (3 million workers). The growth in the number of salaried workers in Andalucia is solely due to the increase in the number of those on full-time contracts, as these have risen by almost 44% to 2.46 million workers. However, the number of part-time employees in 2024 is 6.35% lower than ten years ago, falling from 433,100 to 405,600 employees. This is contrary to the country as a whole, where the number of part-time employees has increased by 7% to over 2.6 million workers. A Guardia Civil patrol and the funeral van, at one of the entrances to the urbanisation. Irene Quirante Malaga Monday, 24 November 2025, 11:24 Share A 60-year-old woman was apparently killed at the hands of her ex-husband in Rincon de la Victoria on the eastern Costa del Sol on Saturday 22 November. Maria Victoria died as a result of several stab wounds, the most serious being the one to her neck, SUR has been told. The Guardia Civil found her body in the house of her ex-husband, where she had also lived before the couple separated. According to sources close to the case, the man, who has confessed to the murder, also had injuries to his neck and investigators believe he may have tried to kill himself after killing Maria Victoria. According to sources the man was suffering from depression which led him to take early retirement. Although they were no longer together, Maria Victoria, who lived nearby, continued to be concerned about his health, so she often went to his home to see him. Neighbours raised the alarm at around 10.20am after hearing banging and loud screams coming from the house, located in Calle Trebol, in the Cotomar area of the town. The Guardia Civil and the Local Police were mobilised and the Andalusian women's institute was informed. The officers were on the point of breaking down the door after ringing the bell several times and getting no answer. Finally, the alleged perpetrator opened the door. According to sources Maria Victoria was dead when the emergency services arrived and the man was arrested as the main suspect, as the body showed obvious signs of violence. There had been no previous complaints between the couple and the woman was not registered in Spain's national VioGen system. The man has been in custody since his arrest at the Guardia Civil in Torre de Benagalbon, from where he will be brought before the courts. If confirmed as a crime of gender violence, Maria Victoria would be the fifth woman to die violently at the hands of her partner or ex-partner so far this year in Malaga province. Only in one of the cases had they previously denounced their alleged aggressor. Confirmed sexist crimes The last victim confirmed in Malaga province was called Eva and was 83 years old. Her husband, aged 84, allegedly stabbed her at least six times on 3 October at her home in Marbella. When the officers arrived, they could do nothing more than confirm the woman's death. The previous crime, the third in 2025, took place in Fuengirola and claimed the life of Zunilda, 43, who was allegedly hammered to death by her partner in a flat on 18 June. Everything suggests that the man, who was found dead in the property with stab wounds, took his own life afterwards. Just a few days earlier, also on 7 June, the body of Pilar, aged 53, was found on wasteland in Marbella. The alleged perpetrator eventually turned himself in to the National Police, where he confessed to committing the crime. The first recorded victim of gender-based violence that year was Catalina, also known as Lina. She was 48 years old and mother of four children. Her ex-partner killed her on 9 February at her home in Benalmadena. Lina was the only victim to ever report her alleged abuser. She did so some 20 days before the crime because of the threats she had received after ending the relationship, in which, according to her confession, she had also been physically beaten. The court refused to grant her a restraining order because the police, or rather Viogen's algorithm, deemed her to be a "medium risk". The 016 telephone number deals with cases of gender violence 24 hours a day and in 52 different languages. The call is free of charge and does not appear on the telephone bill. It can also be reported, either by the victim, family members or witnesses, by emailing 016-online@igualdad.gob.es. The service can also be contacted by WhatsApp at 600 000 016. In an emergency situation, you can call 112 or the National Police (091), the Local Police (092) or the Civil Guard (062). If it is impossible to make a call, you can use the AlertCops application, which sends an alert signal from a mobile phone to the police with geolocation information. Ignacio Lillo Malaga Monday, 24 November 2025, 12:53 Share Many residents of the La Noria part of Churriana in Malaga will receive some significant investment in the coming weeks, at airport operator Aena's expense, to reduce aircraft noise in their homes. A change in the law has extended the "acoustic (noise) footprint" to include homes at the northern end of the airport, which were initially excluded (in some cases, by a very small margin) from the measurements taken during the initial round of applications. The first residents included in this new phase of soundproofing work have already begun receiving letters from the airport operator, inviting the homeowners to request these improvements. At the moment, there is no specific figure as to how many homes are included, although Aena notes that over 800 homes have already been soundproofed as part of the Malaga Airport's soundproofing plan. This formal plan is based on the environmental impact statements of 2003 and 2006, relating to two major projects: the expansion of the airport (the new terminal) and the expansion of the airfield (the runways). Both statements established the development of a noise insulation programme that initially affected the homes located within the noise isophone zones of 65 decibels during the day (from 7am to 11pm) and 55 decibels at night (from 11pm to 7am). More noise-insulated homes According to Aena, the inclusion of these new zones now responds to the updating of the isophones to current circumstances and their adaptation to the current criteria set by the Spanish government's Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco). 60 decibels is the maximum permitted noise level in the airport's surrounding areas, both daytime and evening In accordance with these criteria, the noise levels (isophones) have been adjusted to the new indicators now established by current regulations, which define three different periods: daytime runs from 7am to 7pm, then evening from 7pm to 11pm and, lastly, nighttime from 11pm to 7am. Likewise, the noise levels for the areas covered by the plan have also been reduced: from 65 to 60 decibels for daytime and evening and from 55 to 50 decibels at night. "This increases the level of protection for the surrounding area, as it significantly increases the number of homes entitled to soundproofing", according to these sources. The census of homes included in the airport's soundproofing plan includes those homes with the right to apply for soundproofing. They must, however, meet three essential conditions to benefit from these improvements: they must be "noise-sensitive" homes or buildings, they must be located within the airport's acoustic footprint and they must have a building licence that predates publication of the environmental impact statements (DIA) applicable to them in each case (2003 or 2006). First letters already arriving Residents included in this new phase have already begun receiving the first letters from Aena, informing them that they are entitled to receive the necessary noise insulation improvements free of charge. Among them is Enrique Orellana, a resident of La Noria area in Churriana. Years ago, they received a similar letter but, in the end "it went nowhere", he recalls. This time, however, they are more hopeful, due to the airport expansion that resulted in the opening of the second runway. 50 decibels is the maximum noise level during the nighttime, from 11pm until 7am "Of course, the noise is noticeable at night. We're hoping that this time it won't be all talk because we are definitely within the acoustic footprint," he says. "We were even thinking of doing it ourselves, at least in the bedrooms, because it's most annoying at night." Orellana already has the schedules down to a tee: "Around 12.30am, some plane or other always takes off and, being so close to the runway, that's when the power of the engines is most noticeable. Sometimes you can even hear a rattling of the windows and don't even get me started on when the fighter jets come by, the windows really shudder." This resident also describes what happens when they're in the living room watching a film: "You have to pause it because you just can't hear the television at that moment." That is why he hopes that soundproofing will be extended to the bedrooms as well as living areas. In these rooms, based on what has been done elsewhere, the work mainly involves replacing the windows with ones featuring soundproof frames and glass. SUR Malaga Monday, 24 November 2025, 14:24 Share El Corte Ingles welcomed Christmas 2025 on Saturday (22 November) with the inauguration of the lighting on the facade of its main building on Avenida de Andalucia in Malaga city. Also on this day, the Christmas village with its market and food trucks also opened its doors. Marilu Baez Visitors will be able to find a wide variety of gifts and decorations at the market, such as Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths and Disney and Lego toys for the little ones. For festive sweets, the Kinder and Nestle chocolate stalls stand out, in addition to Lindt, Garrapinadas, La Pecera, Panaderia El Salvador and Turrones 1880. Zoom Marilu Baez And, of course, visitors will enjoy the best gastronomic offer in the different food trucks and catering stands, such as La Pequena Habana, Dak Burguer, Dak Dulces, Camperos Mya, Marinelli Foccacia, and hot dog, pizzas and Mexican food by Bao Ba. For the youngest visitors, a carousel has been added, along with a childrens Cortylandia display and a Nativity scene composed of four artistic sections, depicting the birth of baby Jesus. Maria Jose Diaz Alcala Fuengirola Monday, 24 November 2025, 12:13 | Updated 12:29h. Share The National Police have arrested a taxi driver in Fuengirola for his alleged responsibility in a crime of injury against a customer. According to SUR sources, the driver allegedly dragged a passenger, with whom he argued, who held on to the door handle of the vehicle so that the driver would not drive off with his suitcase still inside he boot. The incident happened on Monday 17 November, when the police were called to a hotel in the Costa del Sol town due to an alleged dispute between a taxi driver and a tourist over the price of the fare. Health services were also mobilised to the scene, who attended to the victim and then transferred him to the Costa del Sol Hospital, where, according to sources consulted, he had to receive stitches due to the large size of a wound he suffered on his head. According to the investigation, when the customer went to pick up his suitcase from the boot, the taxi driver tried to drive away Apparently, the dispute between the two originated when the tourist arrived at his destination and the price of the journey was double what the driver had initially estimated. According to the National Police investigation, when the client got out of the car and went to collect his luggage from the boot, the taxi driver attempted to drive away. The passenger then stepped in front of the vehicle with the intention of retrieving his suitcase while the taxi driver tried to avoid him in order to resume the journey. Ultimately, the customer grabbed a door handle to stop the taxi driver from leaving with his suitcase and it was then that he allegedly accelerated, dragging him and causing his injuries. The victim suffered a cranioencephalic traumatism without loss of consciousness, the Malaga provincial police headquarters told SUR. The taxi driver, aged 60, was arrested by the officers. Irene Quirante Malaga Monday, 24 November 2025, 11:29 Share Malaga was the third Spanish province with the highest number of minors to be convicted of sexual offences in 2024. While nationally 550 adolescents were found guilty of conduct that violated sexual freedom, in Malaga there were a total of 31 young people, whose convictions are final, for this type of crime. It should be noted that these figures only apply to young people aged between 14 and 17 years, as those younger than this are deemed by law to not be criminally responsible for their actions in this regard. Malaga's total was only surpassed by the provinces of Barcelona (52) and Alicante (48), while Madrid and Valencia stood in fourth place with 30 sentences passed for these crimes, according to data made public by the Ministry of Justice and consulted by SUR. According to these statistics, the number of cases in Malaga province has tripled, rising from nine in 2017 - the first year included in this report - to the 31 in 2024. The previous year,13 minors were convicted for this type of conduct, so the increase has also been considerable, more than doubling in just 12 months. Similarly, in addition to the convictions, the province recorded 37 sexual offences committed by minors last year and this type of crime led to a total of 71 measures being taken by Malaga courts. At a regional level, Malaga accounted for 31.3% of the sentences handed down, totalling 99 across Andalucia. Cadiz province had the highest number of teenagers convicted of sexual offences in 2023, with 16 final sentences passed. Despite Malaga surpassing it in the latest statistics, the number of convictions also rose considerably in the province of Cadiz in 2024, with 24 minors convicted. In contrast, Huelva recorded the fewest cases last year (just one), followed by Cordoba (five) and Jaen (six). The rise in sexual crimes perpetrated by minors in Spain is one of the concerns echoed by the public prosecutor's office in recent years. The state attorney general's office (FGE), in its 2025 annual report relating to the previous year, points to "early access to inappropriate pornographic content without adequate sex education and overall education in values" as the main cause of this problem. Although there are cases in which other factors have been detected, such as alcohol consumption or substance abuse, the report emphasises the pernicious influence that these types of images have on adolescents, as they can lead to "the trivialisation of violent behaviour and a misconception of free and consensual sexual relations". In this regard, the FGE warns that pornography is a source of inspiration for adolescents and supports this claim with data: 54.1% believe that this content provides ideas for their own sexual experiences (mostly boys) and 54.9% would like to put into practice what they have seen. "The 47.4% of adolescents who frequently view pornography have acted out at least one such scenario, with boys being the most frequent consumers of these images." 31.3% of minors convicted of sexual offences in Andalucia are from Malaga province. Across the region, 99 final sentences were handed down to adolescents aged between 14 and 17 for this type of criminal behaviour According to the analysis, it is essential that minors have the tools to interpret this content, as they access it online prematurely in their adult development and without completing a proper ethical and sexual education. In fact, the report warns that these types of websites "in practice serve as a pseudo-educational function", which contributes to teenagers acquiring a false and distorted view of sexual relationships, based on dominance and submission, which they then apply to their own experiences. St. Josephs Health announced Dr. Maryam Hamrah has started her new position at St. Josephs Physicians Primary Care in Liverpool after recently completing her residency in family medicine at St. Josephs Health Hospital. >> Send us your companys news about People in Motion Dr. Hamrah, originally from Canada, first attended Azad University of Tehran medical branch in Iran and went on to receive her bachelor of science in biology from York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, graduating with honors. She earned her doctorate from Saba University School of Medicine in The Bottom, Caribbean Netherlands, before completing her residency in family medicine in Syracuse. As a family physician, Dr. Hamrah will treat everyone with a focus on womens health, patient education, caring for underserved populations, and preventive care. She has held roles as a research assistant and has published a study on the use of complementary and alternative medicine for children with sickle cell disease. She is multilingual, speaking English, Persian, and basic Arabic. If youd like to submit an item about People in Motion at your organization, send a press release including photo, to business@syracuse.com with Company News in the subject field. We publish news about people with ties to Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison and Oswego counties. See all recent Company News items. A college in Central New York will begin offering a new engineering degree next fall as the Syracuse area gears up for Micron Technologys arrival. Le Moyne Colleges bachelor of science in applied physics will officially launch in the fall 2026 semester, according to a press release. The Jesuit college decided to start offering the program to help prepare students for the Micron factory opening. Le Moyne is excited to offer the new applied physics major, which will strengthen Le Moynes position as a key player in emerging careers in engineering, as well as specific fields such as semiconductors and material sciences, said Le Moyne President Linda LeMura. Micron is expected to start construction of a massive chipmaking facility north of Syracuse in Clay soon. The project is estimated to create 4,000 construction jobs, 9,000 jobs at the Micron plant and 9,500 jobs in businesses that supply Micron. An applied physics degree can lead to jobs in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry, energy and renewable technology and software development. Le Moyne is not the only educational institution preparing for Micron. With assistance from the technology giant, Onondaga Community College created an electromechanical technology major. In collaboration with OCC, Corcoran High School has also created a semiconductor program. Applied physics has been described as where scientific curiosity meets hands-on innovation, said Christopher Bass, chair of Le Moynes Physics Department. The program will offer personalized mentoring, advanced labs and research opportunities where students will gain the knowledge and experience that will allow them to step confidently into high-demand careers. The Gambian government announced the news on 23 November in a statement attributed to the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services. The same statement also mentions possible ongoing negotiations between Issa Tchiroma Bakary and the government in Yaounde, facilitated by the government of Nigeria. The Gambian government's statement explains that Tchiroma Bakary has been in Banjul since 7 November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also says that he is being hosted "temporarily" for "humanitarian reasons, in the spirit of African solidarity, and to ensure his safety." This information is confirmed by his entourage, who justify the choice of Banjul by the freedom it gives the former minister to continue speaking out in an environment where his safety is guaranteed. Tchiroma contests the results of the presidential election, held on 12 October. Paul Biya, at 92, remains the world's oldest head of state, after scoting 53.66 percent of the vote against 35.19 percent for Tchiroma. Cameroon's Biya, world's oldest president, sworn in for eighth term Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government sources in Cameroon, who claim to know everything about Tchiroma's movements, say he passed through Yola in Nigeria on his way out of the country, but this hasn't been confirmed. The town of Yola is close to the border with Cameroon, and specifically to Garoua, Tchiroma Bakary's hometown, where he was holed up before leaving Cameroon between late October and early November, according RFI's correspondent, quoting the same sources. Crisis resolution The Gambian government was careful to specify that it remains "committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of all African Union member states. It also insisted that The Gambia would not be used "for any subversive activity against a third state." Gambia's main opposition party, the United Democratic Party, accused the government in a separate statement also released on Sunday, of a lack of transparency over Tchiroma's "quiet arrival" but added it was in full solidarity with Tchiroma and welcomed the humanitarian gesture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spotlight on Africa: Cameroon votes, Niger Delta oil pollution, South Africa - US ties Banjul also stated that it is "working with several regional partners," including Nigeria, to promote a "peaceful and negotiated" resolution to the crisis. Tchiroma has repeatedly urged supporters to protest against the official election outcome. Security forces quashed opposition rallies just before and after Biya's win, and several people are reported to have died. Tchiroma also urged supporters to stage "dead city" operations, closing shops and halting other public activities. The Cameroonian government said it plans to initiate legal proceedings against him for his "repeated calls for insurrection." (with newswires) A prolific actor who starred in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and more than 200 other movies is dead at age 81. Udo Kier, a German actor who worked with big names like Madonna, Andy Warhol and Lars von Trier, died on Sunday, his partner Delbert McBride told Variety. A cause of death was not announced. Kier first rose to fame in the 1970s by playing the titular monsters in Flesh for Frankenstein and Blood for Dracula, both directed by Paul Morrissey and produced by Warhol. Variety reports those projects helped him get roles in film productions all over Europe, including in Dario Argentos Suspiria, eventually meeting future Oscar-nominated director Gus Van Sant at the Berlin Film Festival. Van Sant brought Kier to American audiences in 1991s My Own Private Idaho, alongside River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. He soon became a regular in popular U.S. films, notably playing billionaire Ron Camp opposite Jim Carrey in 1994s Ace Ventura, Ralfi in 1995s Johnny Mnemonic, a psychologist in 1998s Armageddon, Dragonetti in 1998s Blade, and Morgan Walker in 2007s Halloween, plus Otto Van Vogel on TVs Chuck. Udo Kier appears in a scene from 1994's "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective." (Video still) Video still Kier also had roles in critically acclaimed films with von Trier, including Europa, The Kingdom, Breaking the Waves, Melancholia, Dancer in the Dark (with Bjork) and Nymphomaniac: Vol II. His more recent roles include playing Adolf Hitler in the Amazon Prime series Hunters, opposite Al Pacino; a role in the 2018 indie film The Mountain (which was partly shot in Syracuse); and Hans in the 2025 Sundance Film Festival favorite The Secret Agent. In the 90s and 2000s, Kier notably appeared in a string of music videos such as KoRns Make Me Bad, Eve and Gwen Stefanis Let Me Blow Ya Mind, Goo Goo Dolls Naked, and Madonnas Deeper and Deeper and Erotica. He additionally appeared in Madonnas controversial book, Sex. Syracuse, N.Y. -- Centro is redesigning its bus routes across Onondaga County, adding service in the city and some northern suburbs but consolidating and eliminating trips in eastern towns. The proposal is the systems first overhaul in more than two decades. The goals include putting more buses on key routes on weekdays and decreasing wait times at bus stops, especially in the city. The plan would add service along Route 31 and streamline rides to major employers like Amazon, Walmart and Wegmans north of Syracuse. But the new design would consolidate and cut seven routes overall. Under the current proposal, Centros service in Onondaga County would go from 27 routes to 20. The decreases in traditional bus service would be mainly in three areas: east of the village of Liverpool, in Manlius and Fayetteville, and around Carrier Circle, which has the countys largest concentration of hotels and hotel workers. Some of these routes are being combined. In most cases, riders in these areas would no longer use traditional bus routes. Instead, Centro would create new zones with an on-demand service, which could cost more. The redesign comes as Centros ridership is down from nearly a decade ago. Ridership plummeted 70% during the pandemic. Its back up to 5.9 million annual rides, though still down from 8.1 million in 2019. At the same time, almost 1 in 10 city residents use Centro, spokesman Steven Koegel said. Thats why one of the main goals includes beefing up service along downtown Syracuse routes, a move intended to speed up pickups and shorten wait times at those bus stops by as much as half, he said. Bus routes serving the citys busy James Street corridor would merge to funnel more buses more often on that commute. That means changing, and eliminating, some traditional routes in the suburbs. Instead, Centro would provide an on-demand service, called MOVE, in three zones: Fayetteville and Manlius East of Liverpool in parts of Salina and Clay Around Carrier Circle As part of the redesign, Centro spoke with employers about the route changes, including FedEx, Micron, Amazon, Loretto and the Syracuse Airport, he said. The goal is to implement the changes beginning in 2027. This overhaul is separate from Centros plans to build a bus rapid transit system, three routes that would serve Syracuse riders like above-ground subway lines. But those BRT mega-lines were taken into consideration when redesigning the more traditional bus routes, Koegel said. The price of a basic ride in Onondaga County would remain at $1, Koegel said. The price of the on-demand service hasnt been set but would likely be more, he said. Overall, more buses would run along many remaining routes, mostly during the peak hours from about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. That would increase service hours by approximately 23%, Koegel said. The buses will still roll out at 5 a.m. and come to a stop around midnight, seven days a week. Its an $800,000 redesign that Centro has been working on since 2024 . Right now, nothing is final, and Centro is soliciting feedback from riders. You can see how your bus route would shift on Centros website . If you see something that youd like to change, you can email betterbus@centro.org , contact Centro on social media @gocentrobus or call customer service. Centro aims to finalize a draft of the route changes by mid-December for internal review. The public would be able to weigh in at a hearing early next year. Here are more details about the proposed changes in key areas: Syracuse The new SY20 would serve parts of the old SY20 route on James Street. But it would make it easier for riders to get from Eastwood to Shop City. Centro Under the proposal, buses would come more often to the stops in the city. Now in downtown Syracuse, routes operate every 40 minutes. Centro is trying to make this faster, so that buses come every 20 to 30 minutes. This includes buses that run along South Avenue and Salina, James and Court streets. Historically, James Street has always been the busiest corridor in the system. People have taken the SY20 route along this street over 300,000 times since last November, Koegel said. The plan is to combine the three routes that currently serve that area into one route, so that more buses can pick up riders more frequently. The James Street redesign would make it easier for Eastwood residents to get to grocery stores like Tops in Shop City. The increased frequency along Salina Street would also help riders travel from the downtown Centro hub to Valley Plaza more often. The routes that serve Syracuse University, Upstate Medical University, Crouse Hospital and University Hill would mostly remain unchanged with this redesign. But riders on these routes should also have shorter wait times. With BRT coming in the future, the goal is for university and hospital riders to be able to catch the bus every 12 to 15 minutes, Koegel said. Liverpool, Mattydale, Salina and Clay The new route in Liverpool would consolidate routes SY46 and SY48. A new MOVE on-demand zone would cover the areas where fixed route service would be cut. Centro The proposed changes in Liverpool would involve consolidating two routes into one that would connect the downtown hub to Destiny USA, through Liverpool, past Amazon on Morgan Road and out to the Wegmans and Walmart along Route 31 in Clay. It would help riders get from the downtown Centro hub to their jobs at Raymour & Flanigan, Amazon and Verizon in those northern communities, Koegel said. This combined route would run more frequently than any of the existing routes in that area, Koegel said. And when workers are changing shifts, more trips would operate directly from the downtown Centro hub to Amazon. These arent jobs where you can do it remotely. These are hands-on jobs where you have to be there to do your job, Koegel said. That is a prime location of where we knew we had to serve. But the current route, SY86, that serves Morgan Road and Buckley Road north of the Amazon Fulfillment Center, would be cut. That part of the route didnt perform well, Koegel said. So we eliminated that part of the route from a fixed route standpoint. Instead, the new on-demand service, MOVE, would provide rides for people in that zone, where over 26,000 residents live. (See more information about MOVE below.) Fayetteville and Manlius With the proposed plan, the MOVE zone would replace the current service that SY62 provides to the Towne Center at Fayetteville. Centro is still discussing whether this is the best way to serve this area. Centro The eastern suburbs would see some of the biggest changes when it comes to eliminating routes. Instead, many of these riders would need to use the MOVE on-demand service. The current route that goes out to Fayetteville is SY62. One key stop along the way is at Towne Center at Fayetteville. The proposed new route would end at the Wegmans in DeWitt, meaning no fixed bus route out to Tops, TJ Maxx, and Target at Towne Center. But this change is still under consideration, Koegel said. Riders have already reached out to Centro, saying they still want a bus that goes out to Towne Center. That would mean adding 30 minutes of travel time to this route under the new configuration, he added. That would limit how often it could run. Koegel said that many people who depend on Centro are located closer to downtown. The new on-demand zone proposed for this area would be where more than 22,000 residents live. Carrier Circle Some riders in Carrier Circle would have to change their transportation plans, because some of the fixed-route service would be replaced by a MOVE on-demand zone. Centro Three routes that currently serve Carrier Circle -- SY20, SY52 and SY58 -- would no longer go to that area. That means these riders would also have to use the MOVE on-demand service. Those buses now have few riders, Koegel said. Its a challenge to service this area, he added. Riders homes and workplaces are spread out. Hotel workers have varying shifts. Its difficult to serve so many work schedules with fixed-route service, he said. Instead, Koegel said, these riders could also use MOVE, which would be available for the 12,192 residents in this area. MOVE: On-demand rides Centro would create three on-demand zones for the areas where regular service would be cut: around Carrier Circle, in Fayetteville and Manlius, and in parts of Salina, on the edge of Liverpool, near Henry Clay Boulevard. MOVE would be a new type of Centro bus that riders could call through an app on their phone. Its based on the same service that Centro tested in Rome, which has proved popular. Ridership there is up 22% from last year, Koegel said. MOVE rides in Rome cost more, as much as $4. Centro is still deciding the hours and the cost for MOVE in the three new zones in Onondaga County, Koegel said. Heres how it would work: For riders who want to travel within any MOVE zone, they would call a bus using the app. An on-demand bus would pick them up at a location close to their original location and drop them off near their destination. If riders need to get beyond the zones boundaries, they would have to call the bus from a location inside the MOVE zone, take it to the boundary and then connect to a traditional bus on a fixed route. It would work the same in the opposite direction. If riders need to travel into a MOVE zone from outside of the zone, say from downtown into Carrier Circle, they could take the fixed route as far as it goes and then call a MOVE bus for the last leg of the trip. The app pairs riders with other people who are headed in a similar direction, Koegel said. Centro is still determining how many buses to get for MOVE. Each new bus would cost $145,000. Ongoing plans for BRT Centro still plans to launch eleven new buses for a Bus Rapid Transit system in Onondaga County in 2028, which would cost $30 million to $35 million to implement. These routes would cross the city in an X shape and take riders to popular destinations along Centros most crowded bus routes. One route would go from Onondaga Community College to Eastwood. Another route would travel from Syracuse University to Destiny USA, along the north side through downtown. The last bus route would run along Salina Street and jog back and forth from the Centro hub to Valley Plaza. The goal of BRT is to move riders quickly throughout the city with limited stops, Koegel said. The BRT buses would run every 12 to 15 minutes, which means riders could catch them faster and more often. Each bus costs approximately $1 million. The bus shelters along the BRT routes would also have special features: real-time information signs, so riders could see when the next bus is coming, and they would be larger than the standard Centro bus shelters. Koegel expects there to be 65 of these new bus shelters when BRT debuts. Whats next? Now, Centro is still in the community engagement phase, and is even implementing some suggestions now before the big overhaul. For example, Centro just decided to increase frequency during the morning in Camillus, so riders can get to their shifts more often. Centro made this change after riders requested more service, Koegel said. Riders can contact Centro with feedback like this through email betterbus@centro.org , by phone 315-442-3333, or on social media @gocentrobus. The goal is to have a finalized proposed plan that Centro can review internally by mid-December. The public will also be able to comment at a hearing during the first quarter of next year. After public hearing, the Centro board plans to vote on the redesigned routes in spring of 2026. Then, Centro would have nine months to get everything ready for the buses to run on the new routes at the beginning of 2027. A U.S. couple has been charged with employing undocumented workers in multiple states, including in Upstate New York. WRGB reports Moises Orduna-Rios, 36, and Raquel Orduna-Rios, 30, have been arrested after allegedly making $74 million through their Michigan-based plumbing company, Orduna Plumbing. Federal prosecutors say they used hundreds of workers who were not authorized to be in the United States, including immigrants who were recently arrested by ICE in Buffalo, Rochester, and Charlotte, North Carolina. According to MLive.com, Orduna Plumbing employed 253 people, but federal investigators said they could only confirm six were legally allowed to work and live in the U.S. A criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York shows the contracting firm allegedly operated in New York, Michigan, North Carolina and Ohio. The couple allegedly took workers passports and placed them in overcrowded houses and hotel rooms WRGB reports nine people were allegedly living together in a sparsely furnished residence in Rochester. All nine, including five from Mexico and four from Nicaragua, were arrested; one was released because he had an ongoing immigration case. MLive reports the investigation began in January 2020 when U.S. Border Patrol agents in Buffalo found undocumented immigrants driving vehicles registered to Orduna Plumbing. Federal agents said a work van outside an Amerst hotel was registered to the company and Moises Orduna-Rios in Plymouth, Michigan. ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) also arrested five undocumented Mexican immigrants in Buffalo in April 2023 and eight people in three vehicles in Western New York throughout 2024. In all four cases, they were driving cars or vans belonging to Orduna-Rios and Ordina Plumbing. According to court documents, messages found on a workers phone from a recent search warrant showed Raquel and Moises Oduna-Rios sent WhatsApp messages to workers about passports, payroll, tools, work vehicles, and housing rules. On Feb. 1, Moises warned them to avoid immigration enforcement by driving the speed limit, limiting trips to the store and avoiding gatherings such as barbeques. Moises and Raquel Orduna-Rios appeared in court last week in the Eastern District of Michigan and were released on a $10,000 bond. Theyre scheduled to appear in Rochesters Federal Courhouse on Dec. 2. The couple is facing charges of harboring undocumented workers for commercial advantage or private financial gain, employing at least 10 unauthorized aliens, engaging in a pattern of hiring undocumented immigrants and money laundering. If found guilty, the couple reportedly faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $3,000 per undocumented worker. If you are waiting for the infamous Epstein files to be released, then here's a treat for you: a team has created a new website that mimics a pseudo Gmail page where you are logged in as Jeffrey Epstein himself. Here, you may read the emails Jeffrey Epstein sent and received to various contacts. Jeffrey Epstein Emails Are Now Available in 'Jmail' There is a new website called "Jmail" that gathered all of the available email conversations that notorious sex trafficker and child offender, Jeffrey Epstein, had with his many contacts. According to Engadget, the new Jmail website details the different conversations Epstein had with various people, starting from 2009 all the way to 2019. Jmail was developed by Kino CEO Luke Igel and software engineer Riley Walz, who collaborated on the project to showcase the different conversations Epstein had over the years, revealing his chilling and harrowing exchanges with multiple people. The website was done thanks to the US House Oversight Committee's release of the emails back on November 12, with the website compiling them for the public to easily read. As per Engadget, this thrusts President Donald J. Trump back into the spotlight as a close peer of Epstein. President Trump and his administration have repeatedly denied that the Epstein scandal is real, saying that it is only a "conspiracy." Epstein's Simulated Gmail Page For You to Read Jmail looks like Gmail, and it is because the developers intended to simulate the email service, and users are logged in as Epstein. Here, users may read the conversations one by one; search the emails for specific names, events, dates, and more; choose a random page to jump to; select a specific contact to read all of their conversations with Epstein, and more. Jeffrey Epstein's Notorious Case There have been many well-known personalities who were linked with Epstein, with many reports claiming that they were friends or had a deep relationship with him, including the likes of President Trump, former US President Bill Clinton, Woody Allen, and more. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has been linked multiple times to Epstein and is said to have been close with him since 2011, but the tech executive has denied those rumors. Epstein's long-time partner, Ghislaine Maxwell, has also been convicted as a child sex offender, and is now spending her years incarcerated in the Federal Prison Camp Bryan in Texas. Maxwell was found equally guilty as her partner, with victims celebrating her conviction in 2022 as they found a sense of justice in the verdict, one which they did not get as Epstein died before it could happen. Wisk is aiming to transform the future of transportation with its new, fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with plans to launch an autonomous air taxi service in the future. Wisk Unveils Autonomous Air Taxi Aircraft of the Future According to the latest report from CNET, Wisk has officially unveiled its sixth-generation air taxi aircraft, which is part of the company's goal of bringing an autonomous air taxi service for the future. The latest version of Wisk's air taxis features the latest developments from the company, as well as its sleek new design for the exterior and a luxurious interior. The report stated that Wisk has yet to fly the sixth-generation eVTOL to test its capabilities in real-world settings, but the company has already flown as many as 2,000 test runs using its previous-gen aircraft. The planes are designed not to have a dedicated pilot's seat, similar to Tesla's Robotaxi, as it for it to be a fully autonomous service from the get-go. The sixth-generation Wisk autonomous air taxi's interior has been compared by CNET to an SUV in their recent visit to the company's Mountain View headquarters. The publication stated that it features a roomy interior that can comfortably seat four passengers, particularly as it made space by eliminating the pilot seat that would usually have the controls and dashboard to operate the aircraft. Moreover, it features four doors in total, one for each passenger, adding more to the comfort features of the air taxi. The Wisk air taxi can also carry up to four luggage in its compartment. Pilot-less Ride-Hailing Launching Soon in Miami, LA The autonomous air taxi service is still at a very early experimental stage from companies like Wisk, but the company already has a goal of launching its pilot program by 2030 in three key cities in the country. This includes having the service available in Miami, Florida; Los Angeles, California; and Houston, Texas. According to CNET, Wisk is still waiting for pending certification from the country's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), but the goal is to secure a license to operate in the skies and for its ride-hailing service in less than five years. This autonomous air taxi experience would be as easy as booking a ride from platforms like Uber, Lyft, and more, but would be more comparable to Waymo, Tesla, and Amazon's autonomous ride-hailing service on the ground. Google revolutionized file sharing by rolling out QuickShare to Android on Pixel 10 devices last week. Now, Qualcomm is also chiming in. The renowned processor company has recently confirmed that they are currently working on bringing the QuickShare to AirDrop feature to all Snapdragon-powered devices in the future. QuickShare to AirDrop Feature Coming to Snapdragon Devices Following Google's announcement several days ago, Qualcomm has revealed that they too are working on making the QuickShare to AirDrop feature available on Snapdragon-powered devices in the future. The company's latest announcement confirmed a massive feature that has been long-awaited by Android users for several years now, and the good thing is that it promises to be available to more Android-powered devices soon. Snapdragon's official X page quoted Android's previous post, which revealed the feature for the Pixel 10, and Qualcomm's chipset arm only said that they cannot wait for this feature to be available on Snapdragon processors "in the near future." This only confirms that Qualcomm is already working on the feature to be available on Snapdragon-powered devices, but the company did not confirm when it would release. Can't wait for people to use this once enabled on Snapdragon in the near future. https://t.co/IUvT23p5pq Snapdragon (@Snapdragon) November 21, 2025 While Google's announcement for Android's QuickShare being interoperable with Apple's AirDrop is already a huge deal, it is limited to only the Pixel 10 series in its current availability. This now proves that Google's work may be reliant on the chipset that powers the device, especially as the Pixel 10 exclusively uses the Tensor G5 silicon processor, unlike earlier models like the Pixel 9 and earlier. Qualcomm Expands Android to iOS File Transfer Qualcomm's pledge to bring Android to iOS file transfer is already shaping up to be a huge experience for the future of interoperability between the two rival platforms in the smartphone industry. Since native file transfer features were unveiled, Android and iOS have worked on separate experiences for their ecosystems, apart from the third-party apps that offer it. The good news with Qualcomm recently joining this interoperability experience for QuickShare and AirDrop is that there is a significant number of Android devices that use Snapdragon processors. This feature would potentially increase the number of eligible devices that can use the QuickShare to AirDrop experience, unlike Google's previous announcement. It remains unconfirmed if Qualcomm would also follow Google's steps by making it limited to specific Snapdragon models only. Meta halted internal research after early results showed Facebook could harm users' mental health, according to newly unsealed court documents from a lawsuit filed by US school districts. The filings claim Meta ended the work once it discovered evidence that people who stopped using Facebook felt less anxious and less depressed. The research, known as Project Mercury, began in 2020. Meta scientists worked with the survey group Nielsen to study what happened when users deactivated Facebook for one week. According to the documents, the results were clear: people reported "lower feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness and social comparison." According to Reuters, instead of publishing the findings or continuing the research, the filings say Meta shut the project down and later dismissed the results as being "tainted by the existing media narrative." Privately, some staff members said the findings were real. One unnamed researcher wrote, "The Nielsen study does show causal impact on social comparison," adding an unhappy face emoji. Another worker reportedly compared the situation to the tobacco industry "doing research and knowing cigs were bad and then keeping that info to themselves." Meta buried 'causal' evidence of social media harm, US court filings allege https://t.co/9J2Me3xtG2 https://t.co/9J2Me3xtG2 Reuters (@Reuters) November 23, 2025 Lawsuit Says Meta Hid Risks as Company Told Congress The lawsuit argues that despite evidence from its own team, Meta later told Congress it had no way to measure whether its platforms hurt teenage girls. Attorneys for school districts say this shows the company hid known risks from parents, teachers, and young users. In a statement on Saturday, Meta spokesman Andy Stone said the study was stopped because "its methodology was flawed," adding that the company has "made real changes to protect teens." He said Meta has spent more than a decade listening to parents and improving its safety tools, Mint reported. Stone later said the lawsuit relies on "cherry-picked quotes and misinformed opinions." The new claims appear in a broader case filed by the law firm Motley Rice. The firm is suing Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat on behalf of school districts across the country, accusing the companies of ignoring the dangers their platforms pose to children. TikTok, Google, and Snapchat did not immediately comment on the filing. The legal complaint also includes accusations that social media companies encouraged underage use, failed to stop harmful content, and tried to persuade child-focused groups to publicly defend their platforms. Meta has asked the court to strike the documents from the record. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for January 26 in federal court in Northern California. Originally published on vcpost.com Operations have resumed at the Calgary International Airport following a temporary pause earlier Monday morning caused by a snowstorm that's hitting much of southern Alberta. All flight arrivals and departures had been put on hold as of about 9 a.m. as crews struggled to cope with continuing, steady snowfall in the city. The pause was lifted as of about 10:25 a.m., the airport said. "We do anticipate seeing delays throughout the day given the winter weather conditions, and we encourage anyone travelling to please check directly with their airline for the most up to date flight information," an airport spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH | How the city is tackling Calgary's first big snowfall of the season: The snowfall also made for a slippery and slow Monday morning commute for drivers in Calgary. From midnight to 4 p.m., there were 389 reported collisions, including 26 involving injuries, and 50 non-injury hit and runs, police said. Environment Canada says the snowfall should end by late in the afternoon, with accumulations of 10 to 15 centimetres around the city. (Mike Symington/CBC) Calgary Transit said the slippery conditions left about 50 of its buses stuck on city roadways, predominantly in the northwest. All Calgary Transit snow detours within the city were put into effect for the morning commute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Calgary Transit announced that it has begun a gradual process of replacing worn out and damaged all-season tires on its 40- and 60-foot bus fleets with all-weather tires. The new tires won't be installed on the entire fleet of buses until 2029, Calgary Transit said. A full list of bus routes that have designated snow detours is on the Calgary Transit website. Activating these detours city-wide will reduce risks of stuck buses and slowdowns for customers and commuters, the city said in a release. Motorists are reminded to monitor changing weather conditions snow covered roads, ice and visibility can be a factor in your commute. Prepare yourself before you head out, leave plenty of time to get to where you need to go and adapt to the changing weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH | What this winter could bring for Calgary: South of Calgary anywhere between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow is expected to fall on Monday. A snowfall warning was issued by Environment Canada for parts of southern Alberta including Lethbridge, Taber, Cardston, Fort Macleod and Pincher Creek. Snowfall in southern Alberta is predicted to intensify throughout the day but taper off by the evening. Travellers left scrambling after airport delays The Calgary International Airport said delays were still expected throughout the day due to weather conditions. Julia Peck, who was going to Regina for work, said her flight was delayed, then cancelled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She and a colleague were going to drive from Regina to Estevan, Sask., for a work trip, but now have to reschedule meetings planned for the next three days. "Regina is supposed to get snow tonight, so now we're worried we won't be able to drive there tomorrow," Peck said Monday. "It's complicated we had a lot of things booked that will have to be moved around." Olayinka Tehinse, Peck's colleague, said the heavy snowfall in the morning made for a slow ride to the airport. "I thought I would miss my flight and, after rushing here, I realized the flight was delayed," she said. "It was really stressful." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geologist Justin Lockhart was flying to Kamloops, B.C., for work. He said his flight was delayed until later in the afternoon. Lockhart said once he lands in Kamloops, he has to drive about five hours to a mine. "A weather delay like this is a little unexpected and definitely puts a wrench in the plans." Fire and water The one all heat, the other all humidity who will deny that they each exhibit, each in his own way, some of the highest qualities of art? So wrote a contemporary in 1831 of the two then giants of British art, JMW Turner and John Constable, with the clear implication that he was struggling to decide which was the greater. I know how he felt, having been asked to comment on that very subject in 2018, when Constables Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows and Turners Caligulas Palace and Bridge the paintings that almost brought them to blows at the Royal Academy in 1831 were touring Britain. I fudged the issue, on the feeble grounds that since each of these giants was so brilliant in his own area, it was impossible, and unnecessary, to favour one over the other. Ive kicked myself ever since for not forcing the question on which of them the mercurial and patently radical Turner or Constable, who reveals his passion more slowly has had the greatest impact, not just on painting, but our very perception of reality. Therell be no such compromises with this epic confrontation, celebrating the 250th anniversary of their birth Turners in April this year, Constables next June. While it isnt, of course, billed as a showdown, there are constant references to their personal and posthumous rivalries, with paintings placed in juxtapositions that seem designed to force comparative judgements. Entire rooms are set up to showcase the brilliance of one artist, then the other, with a scrupulously fair division of the exhibition space. That said, Turner seems to dominate the proceedings from the first room. His large and magnificently atmospheric view of the Tamar Valley, Crossing the Brook (1815), looks slickly international beside Constables doggedly local Dedham Vale (1828), showing a tranquil corner of the artists beloved east Suffolk. Yet if Turners determination to make the Devon-Cornwall border feel like some epic area of southern Europe might feel a shade mannered in a more ordinary artist, his, were persuaded, is the larger vision. open image in gallery JMW Turners Caligulas Palace and Bridge (1831) ( Tate and National Portrait Gallery ) A trio of dramatic early land and seascapes place Turner in the vanguard of European Romanticism. The locations are all British: Buttermere Lake, Morning on the Coniston Fells and Fishermen at Sea (probably painted at Margate). Yet their yearning towards the sublime what is awesome and terrifying in nature in dark mountains and the nocturnal sea, feels truly heroic. Constable responds with a kind of transcendent ordinariness. Theres a brooding, hypnotic quality to the apparently placid Flatford Mill from the Lock (1812), the dark masses of quintessentially English trees reflected in a platinum-toned pond, compelling our attention the moment we enter the room. From here on, our focus is buffeted every which way by competing evocations and conceptions of the sublime: is wonder to be discovered in remote and romantic locations, or close at hand, in whats right under our noses? The overarching black cloud in Turners huge early work Snowstorm: Hannibal and his Army crossing the Alps (1812) seems to pull us into the painting as though into some terrifying vortex. Then, through a doorway, we glimpse his Norham Castle Sunrise (1845), showing the late Turner at his most Impressionist, with land, form and the very mind of the viewer dissolving into veils of pure, incandescent colour. Yet any sense of Constable as a cosy, relatively conventional figure as he was long regarded is blown away by his Stoke-by-Land (1835) hanging alongside. Every inch of the typically English scene a church tower, a twisty lane appears in a state of turbulent agitation. Moving in close, were intensely aware of Constables brush skidding and spiralling over the canvas. The jittery On the River Stour (1834), right next to it, looks like Cezanne on drugs. open image in gallery John Constables Hampstead Heath with a Rainbow (1836) ( Tate and National Portrait Gallery ) If were to frame our comparisons in the terms of that 1831 Royal Academy confrontation, and the paintings are juxtaposed again here, Constable would be the clear winner. Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows is a great visionary evocation of England, the ancient Gothic spire rising into a stormy sky riven with a mystical rainbow, as a prosaic horse and cart trudge through the foreground. Turners Caligulas Palace and Bridge (both 1831), in contrast, feels like a flashy exercise in what today would be called special effects: generic-looking ruins and trees looming out of layers of yellow haze designed to evoke ancient grandeur. Its a technical tour de force, but you dont quite feel his hearts in it. The even larger and more imposing Dido Building Carthage and The Decline of the Carthaginian Empire feel even more calculated to drop the jaws of wealthy collectors. Meanwhile, Constables East Anglian river views, hanging on the opposite wall, disarm through their utter lack of sham or pretence. But then, just as I was coming down in the Dedham lads favour, I found myself in a room of Turners most personal and visionary late paintings. So, ultimately, for me its Turner. He's a broader, more multifaceted artist who takes us into more dimensions weve never been to before. I know what I think, but youll want to make your own mind up. Because you absolutely must see this exhibition. Walking through it, I feel completely immersed in these artists competing, yet closely related internal worlds. Works from Tates own collection are brought together with major paintings from international institutions, in permutations you wont have seen before, and almost certainly wont see again. Despite the competing claims of more recent figures, many of them genuinely significant, these guys still are the ultimate British artists. Turner & Constable is on at Tate Britain until 12 April 2026; tickets here 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 Tig Notaro was 41 when she received a life-altering diagnosis in 2012: stage 2 cancer in both breasts. But because it arrived on the heels of a string of devastating events a series of unrelated health problems, the unexpected death of her mother, and a breakup it didnt deliver the immediate emotional gut punch one might expect. It was a little..., she says, pausing for the right word, confusing when I was told I had invasive cancer. I didnt even know how to comprehend it for a while. But yeah, it was terrifying. Within weeks of the diagnosis, she underwent a double mastectomy. Now 52, she has officially been in remission since September 2017. Im speaking to Notaro, the Emmy-nominated comedian and actor famed for her razor-sharp wit and deadpan delivery in shows like The Morning Show and The Sex Lives of College Girls, because she has produced a heart-wrenching documentary about cancer but not her own. Come See Me in the Good Light, which has just landed on Apple TV, chronicles the final year of her longtime friend Andrea Gibson, Colorados nonbinary poet laureate, who died in July from ovarian cancer. They were 49. Directed by Ryan White (Pamela: A Love Story), the film moves beyond sentimentality to become a quiet celebration of joy a reminder, in Gibsons own words, that happiness is easier to find once we realize we do not have forever to find it. Originally from Maine, Gibson, who used they/them pronouns, settled in Colorado in 1999. There, they found slam poetry after attending their first open mic night in Denver. Inspired by the powerful storytelling of the spoken word, they eventually risked their livelihood as a school teacher to become a full-time poet. And thats how I met Meg, they say in the film. Gibson was first introduced to their wife, fellow slam poet Megan Falley, at an event where they were both performing. As soon as I heard her speak, I thought, Shes incredible, Gibson recounts. After seven years of dating, they got engaged in August 2022 and married that December. Interspersed between scenes from hospital visits and chemotherapy appointments, the film features tender moments between Gibson and Falley. In one, the pair are lying on the floor of their home, drenched in sunlight and cuddling their three small dogs. With their head resting on a dog bed, Gibson shares that after each round of chemo, they tend to develop an attitude from the steroids. When I have roid rage, Ill be like, Meg, can you, at the very least, get me a smoothie? and she will have done 7,000 things that day, they laugh, as Falley admits, Its the one phrase where I feel like Im gonna lose my mind. open image in gallery Tig Notaro: 'You could feel the sold-out audience along for the ride through the funniest moments and the most devastating moments, and that just put Andrea at ease' ( Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock ) open image in gallery The late poet and activist Andrea Gibson (left) died in July 2025. They are survived by their wife, Megan Falley (right) ( Apple TV+ ) Notaro knew Gibson for 25 years, having first met them backstage at one of their early performances for Vox Feminista, a political and social activist group based in Boulder, where Notaro was living at the time. Even after Notaro relocated to Los Angeles, the two remained in touch as their careers took off. Andrea was one of the funniest people that I knew, Notaro says of her late friend. She remembers crawling into bed with Gibson, who was extremely weak at the time. But before she could settle in next to them, Gibson pointed out a mysterious stain on the bed. I dont know what this stain is from, but well just blame it on Meg, ok? they said. The joke blindsided Notaro, dissolving her into laughter. It got me because my head was in such a different place, she says. I love that moment so much. Gibson was known for their commanding stage presence. Their voice, formidable yet warm, delivered poignant poems that often explored gender norms, politics, LGBT+ issues, life, and mortality. Sometimes accompanied by a pianist, as in their 2023 submission to the NPR Tiny Desk contest, they spoke with a rhythm that blurred the line between song and prose. I would turn things that I was struggling with into poetry, Gibson says in the film. Say, my gender. When I first started writing about that, I felt very anxious getting on stage. But as soon as I would speak the poem for the first time, it was as if that shame fell off me. Spoken word poetry it saved me. open image in gallery Come See Me in the Good Light won the Audience Favorite Award at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year ( Apple TV+ ) Fast-forward to late 2023, two years after Gibsons stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis. Notaro was on a call with their mutual friend, Stef Willen, who also served as a producer on the documentary. Andrea obviously had a lot on their plate, and in one of our conversations, Steph said, I feel like Andreas life would make a really incredible documentary right now. And as soon as she said that, it just hit me, Notaro says. I felt like it was the most obvious thing. The team worked on a rushed timeline, trying to outpace Gibsons terminal prognosis. We made the film in a year, Notaro says. [We] originally thought there was the potential of Andrea dying on camera. And then Ryan said, You know, we dont need our hero to die, we can wrap up with a really beautiful story, and Andrea would be able to see the film. They succeeded. Shortly after its completion, it entered the competition at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, with Gibson in attendance, and went on to win the Audience Favorite Award. The theaters energy was potent and palpable, Notaro says. You could feel the sold-out audience along for the ride through the funniest moments and the most devastating moments, and that just put Andrea at ease. They were so proud of this film, so proud, Notaro adds. People walk out of the theater every time, just thanking us for making this movie. I think that you can assume this is a movie about dying, but its really, I think, about living, and thats what Andreas message was: Dont wait for that diagnosis to turn things around. Speaking to me over Zoom from her home office in Los Angeles, Notaro delivers her words in a calm, measured monotone each line punctuated with soft laughs and wide, disarming grins. Her boyish salt-and-pepper hair is lightly tousled, with rectangular glasses perched on her nose, and a grey waffle tee pulled casually over her frame. Born Mathilde after her mother and grandmother, she was raised in Mississippi and Texas. The younger of two siblings, she affectionately earned the nickname Tig from her big brother, Renaud, when she was two years old. In 2015, she married her wife, The L Word: Generation Q star Stephanie Allyne, 39. Coincidentally, they wed months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. We were just living our lives and planned on getting married, whether it was legal or not, Notaro says. Crazy. It just happened to line up. open image in gallery Notaro and her wife Stephanie Allynne (right) have been married since 2015 and share two sons ( Getty Images ) The pair are frequent collaborators. They met while working together on the 2013 indie comedy In a World and went on to co-produce and co-star in Notaros semi-autobiographical series One Mississippi (2016). The couple, who welcomed twin boys, Max and Finn, via surrogate in 2016, made their directorial debuts co-helming the 2022 romcom Am I OK?, starring Dakota Johnson as Lucy, a late-in-life lesbian. They also recently collaborated on Notaros latest comedy special, Hello Again (2024). Were going on 13 years together, Notaro points out proudly, adding that the key to their long and loving marriage has been talking about everything and laughing really hard together. They take a morning walk together every day, too. We have our coffee, and just get our day started together and end it together, she says. Allynes unending support, she adds, helped her through the emotional weight of Gibsons devastating health updates. I mean, Stephanie, my wife, is just one million percent there. Our sons, even though they are now only nine, I think they really understood the gravity of it all. Notaro recalls that just the other night, while putting her sons to bed, they went through who and what they were grateful for in life. Then one of my sons said, and Meg, and I said, Yeah, and Meg. And then the other said, and Andrea. And I said, Yeah, and Andrea. Come See Me in the Good Light is streaming on Apple TV+ 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 Ken Bruce has addressed the drop in viewing figures for BBC Radio 2s morning show since his departure. The veteran radio host regularly presented the Radio 2 show from 9.30am to midday for more than 30 years, until he quit in March 2023 to join Greatest Hits Radio. His old BBC slot was taken over by Vernon Kay. Audience figures for Radio 2s weekday morning slot were reported to have dropped significantly after Bruce left, from a weekly average of 8.1 million to 6.6 million in October 2025. Am I aware that audience figures for the Radio 2 show have fallen since I left? Yes, Bruce, 74, said in an interview with Saga magazine published on Monday (24 November). Did some follow me over to Greatest Hits Radio? Yes, he continued. You wont hear me gloating or badmouthing the BBC, though. My new shows doing well apparently the audience has doubled since I joined and thats all that matters. A BBC spokesperson told The Independent: Radio 2 is the UKs most listened to single radio station with 12.8 million listeners each week, and Vernon Kay firmly remains the countrys most popular radio show, with a growing weekly audience of 6.6 million who are choosing to tune in each weekday morning. Bruce remarked of Kays takeover: Im always asked if I listen to Vernon Kay, who took over the old show on Radio 2, and I always say, No. Its not because Im boycotting the BBC I still listen to Radio 3 and archive shows on 4 Extra its because Im part of a new family now, Bauer Radio. Bruce said at the time of his departure that the BBC had failed to offer him a new contract and he wanted a challenge. Ken Bruce addressed frequent questions about Vernon Kay, who took over his old Radio 2 slot ( Getty ) Appearing on the Beyond the Title podcast last year, Bruce warned against the broadcaster trying to make Radio 2 cool. There should always be a clear division between Radio 1 and Radio 2, he said, adding: Its a state of mind not just about the music played. When youre over 35, youre more comfortable with yourself and dont mind being uncool. Radio 2 thinking its cool is the worst thing we can do. A spokesperson for the station said at the time: Radio 2, the UKs most listened to radio station with 13.2m listeners each week, continues to target an audience aged 35+, a target that has remained unchanged for decades. Radio 2 remains the UKs most popular radio station, with listening figures stabilising after a sharp drop earlier this year that coincided with the relaunch of its weekday schedule. The BBC station had an estimated weekly audience of 12.79 million across July to September of this year, up slightly from 12.62 million in April to June. Changes included Scott Mills replacing Zoe Ball as host of the breakfast show, with Trevor Nelson launching a new afternoon slot and DJ Spoony presenting a late evening programme on Mondays to Thursdays. Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: Congratulations to Scott Mills, whose breakfast show remains the number one breakfast show in the country with 6.2m listeners, and Vernon Kay, whose weekday mid-morning show continues to be the most-listened to programme on UK radio, with a weekly audience of 6.6m. 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 Kevin Spacey has clarified his recent comments about literally [having] no home after he says his remarks were misconstrued. The House of Cards actor, 66, made headlines last week when he opened up about living in hotels in an interview with The Telegraph, titled Kevin Spacey interview: Homeless, cancelled and crooning in Cyprus. In a new video shared Sunday on X, Spacey addressed the false narrative that hes homeless. I dont usually make it my business to correct the media. If I did, I wouldnt have time for much else, but in light of the recent articles claiming I am homeless, I feel the need to respond, he began. Not to the press, but to the thousands of people whove reached out over the past few days, offering me a place to stay or have just asked if Im ok. Expressing his gratitude for the concern and generosity, he added, But I feel it would be disingenuous of me to allow you to believe that I am homeless in the colloquial sense. Kevin Spacey's recent comments about having 'no home' made headlines ( Getty Images ) In my conversation with Mick Brown, the wonderful journalist who wrote the story that was in The Telegraph, where this rumor first began, I said I was basically living in hotels and Airbnbs and going where the work is, he clarified. And there are many people, as we all know, who are indeed actually living on the streets or in their cars or are in terrible financial situations and my heart goes out to them, he added. But it is clear from the article itself that I am not one of them nor was I attempting to say that I was. Which is why it was a shame that The Telegraph chose to undermine the work of their own journalist by selling him out with a knowingly misleading headline for the sake of clicks, Spacey said. The Independent has contacted The Telegraph for comment. In his interview with the British publication, the actor admitted that his financial situation is not great. Yet, while he confirmed that he never had to file for bankruptcy, he revealed that he lost his house because the costs over these last seven years have been astronomical. Ive had very little coming in and everything going out. Im living in hotels, Im living in Airbnbs, the two-time Oscar winner said. Im going where the work is. I literally have no home, thats what Im attempting to explain. Spacey, who was exiled from mainstream Hollywood in 2017 after multiple men accused him of sexual misconduct, which he has consistently denied, is currently working on making a career comeback. His latest project, 1780, which has yet to receive a release date, is directed by Dustin Fairbanks and follows a wounded Revolutionary War soldier who takes refuge with a trapper and his young son. Besides Spacey, the war drama stars DJ Qualls and P.J. Marshall. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Australian Michelin starred-chef Skye Gyngell, who was known for redefining modern British cooking, has died aged 62. Her death was confirmed in a statement released by her family and friends, according to The Standard, who wrote: We are deeply saddened to share news of Skye Gyngells passing on 22nd November in London, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Skye was a culinary visionary who influenced generations of chefs and growers globally to think about food and its connection to the land. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy and is an inspiration to us all. The family requests privacy at this time. Born on 6 September 1963, Gyngell initially moved to Paris at 19 to train before heading to London, where she worked under chefs including Anton Mosimann at the Dorchester and at the French House in Soho. Her father, broadcaster Bruce Gyngell, was Australias first television presenter, and her mother was the renowned interior-designer Ann Barr. In 2004 she took the helm at Petersham Nurseries Cafe in Richmond, where her fresh, unfussy plates and vegetable-led ethos helped the venue win a Michelin star in 2011. However, in early 2012 she left Petersham Nurseries citing that the pressure and expectations following the Michelin star no longer aligned with the restaurants ethos. Its been a curse. That probably sounds very ungrateful. Since we got the star weve been rammed every day, which is really hard for such a tiny restaurant. And weve had lots more complaints, she told The Telegraph in 2012. In 2014 she opened her own restaurant, Spring, at Somerset House in central London; the site was designed by her sister and marked a new chapter in her career, combining the same seasonal, ingredient-first approach but in a more formal urban setting. Skye Gyngell (centre) prepares food as part of the Food Waste Cooking Challenge at the STEP UP TO THE PLATE summit on May 13, 2019 in London ( Getty Images for Freuds ) Her farm-to-plate ethos came into full view in her role as culinary director at the Hampshire estate hotel Heckfield Place, where the two restaurants she oversaw, Marle and Hearth, were supplied from the estates own biodynamic farm and orchard. In an interview with The Independent, she explained: Ive always been a very simple cook but the more and more respectful we feel around the produce, the less and less we want to alter it. In 2024, Gyngell was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer. She shared in an interview that she had found a lump on the side of her neck in April 2024, and had to get surgery that required the removal of her salivary glands and subsequently lost her sense of taste and smell. There was no guarantee they would ever return. For the first time since my diagnosis I cried, she told the Financial Times in May 2025. I wasnt upset because it would affect my work. I have been a chef for 40 years. I know what works on a plate. I knew I could count on the chefs at my three restaurantsIt was more the sadness that I might never be able to enjoy food again; it being summer and not getting to taste a ripe peach. Who am I, I thought, without my palate? Besides her achievements in the kitchen, Gyngell was also a prolific writer. She served as food editor of Vogue until 2003 and wrote for The Independent from 2006 to 2011. She published four cookbooks, including the award-winning A Year in My Kitchen (2006) and How I Cook (2010). Her 2008 book My Favourite Ingredients and the later Spring The Cookbook realised the same ethos of seasonality and simplicity that defined her restaurants. News of her death brought tributes from across the culinary world. Her team at Spring posted an emotional message to her, writing: For all of us at Spring who had the privilege of working alongside her, Skye was far more than a chef or, as she preferred to say, a cook. She was a mentor, an anchor, and a force who helped so many of us find our place in what we do. Her presence shaped our culture and the way we see the world around us in profound and lasting ways, and we remain deeply grateful for the time we were able to share with her. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver paid tribute to her on his Instagram, writing: Her culinary style and good taste was second to none. She was very kind to me and my 15 students and employed many of them over the years. They loved her, and she was a kind influence in a noisy restaurant industry. Nigella Lawson, for whom Gyngell worked as a private chef before she started at Petersham, wrote: However ill you know someone to be, their death is always a shock. Its just awful that Skye is no longer in the world. Its a tremendous loss, and Im heartbroken for Holly and Evie and all those who loved her and learned from her. 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 If you were to ask most people what causes cancer, the answer would probably be smoking, alcohol, the sun, hair dye or some other avoidable element. But the most important risk factor for cancer is something else: ageing. Thats right, the factor most associated with cancer is unavoidable and a condition that we will all experience. Why is this important? Older adults are the fastest-growing population in Canada and globally. By 2068, approximately 29 per cent of Canadians will be over age 65. With cancer being one of the most common diseases in older adults and one of the most common diseases in Canada, it means we need to think about how to provide the best cancer care for older adults. Demographic shift So, how are we doing so far? The answer is: not great. This may be surprising, but we also have a great opportunity to innovate and prepare for this demographic shift in cancer care. International guidelines including those from the American Society of Clinical Oncology say that all older adults should have a geriatric assessment prior to making a decision about their cancer treatment. The most widely used models of geriatric assessment involve a geriatrician. Consultation with a geriatrician for an older adult allows the oncologist and the older adult to engage in a conversation about cancer treatment, armed with information. Things like how treatment might affect their cognition, their function, their existing illnesses (which most older adults have when they are diagnosed with cancer), and the years of remaining life. Importantly, geriatricians centre their assessment on what matters most to patients. This approach anchors any decision about cancer around the wishes of older adults and their support systems. When diagnosed with cancer, older adults undergo many tests and measures of function, but the evidence supports that these are not as accurate as geriatric assessment for identifying problems that may be below the surface. Care in Canada In Canada, there are currently only a handful of specialised geriatric oncology clinics. The oldest clinic is in Montreal at the Jewish General Hospital, followed closely by the Older Adult with Cancer Clinic at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, led by Shabbir Alibhai, one of the authors of this story. As researchers, we are in touch with clinics in Ontario and Alberta that have told us they have geriatric oncology services under development, so we hope to see new programs soon. These clinics arent just good for patients. In fact, a study led by Shabbir Alibhai demonstrated a cost savings of approximately $7,000 per older adult seen in these clinics. If we map this onto the number of older adults diagnosed with cancer in Canada every year, this represents a huge cost savings for our public health system. Despite this overwhelming evidence, this is still not routine care. In British Columbia, there are currently no specialised services for older adults with cancer ( Getty/iStock ) In British Columbia, there are currently no specialised services for older adults with cancer. Over the last five years, Kristen Haase also an author of this story has been working with colleagues to understand whether these services are needed and how they could help older adults with cancer in B.C. This work involved conversations with more than 100 members of the cancer community. The research team spoke with older adults undergoing cancer treatment, who sometimes had to relocate for cancer treatment. Other participants included caregivers who cared for elderly family members during their cancer treatment and described numerous challenges they faced, and volunteers who ran a free transportation service a service also mostly staffed by older adult volunteers. The research team also heard from health-care professionals: oncologists, nurses, physiotherapists and social workers. The latter group coalesced around the need for additional supports within the cancer care system so they could do their job well, and best support older adults. The results indicate that both those working in the system and those using the system want and need better support. Barriers to care So, where are we now and why dont we have these services across Canada? Cost is obviously a barrier to any healthcare service. But with evidence that any costs will be offset by demonstrated cost savings, this is a non-starter. Health human resources are one huge restriction. Geriatricians are in high demand and there is a low supply. However, nurse-led models have also been shown to be successful. With the expanding role of nurse practitioners across Canada, this option has huge potential to innovate care, and at a lower cost. Another reason is good old inertia. Our clinical care model in oncology has remained mostly intact for over three decades. It is primarily a single physician-driven model. Although modern therapies for cancer have emerged at a breathtaking pace and have been introduced into clinical practice, it is much harder to change the model of care, particularly for strategies such as geriatric assessment that are harder to implement than a new drug or surgical/radiation technique. About the authors Kristen Haase is an Associate Professor in Nursing at the University of British Columbia. Shabbir Alibhai is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article. The last, and perhaps the most difficult to pin down of all potential reasons for the absence of specialised cancer services for older adults, is agism. Ageism is discrimination based on age. It is one of the most common forms of discrimination and it is deeply embedded in many of our systems. Imagine a scenario where children diagnosed with cancer couldnt access a paediatrician. We would collectively be outraged. Yet somehow, we accept this for older adults. Due to the overwhelming number of older adults who are and will be diagnosed with cancer in the coming years, it will never be possible for all of them to receive specialised geriatric services. But there is an opportunity to innovate models of care that are targeted to those who need services the most: those who are most frail, are most likely to benefit from tailored care, and will reap the most benefit in terms of quality of life. Stratifying these programs around those who need them the most will also have the greatest financial impact. And if personal stories of improving quality of life for older adults with cancer or international guidelines dont move decision-makers, hopefully, cost savings will. 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 A London man has highlighted the crucial role of intuition after his persistent unease about recurring tonsillitis ultimately led to the discovery of a tumour hidden beneath his tongue. Pawel Chmura, a 32-year-old front of house co-ordinator for a marketing agency, began investigating his tonsil issues towards the end of 2023. It all started from something entirely different. The year before I was diagnosed with mouth cancer, I was having issues with my tonsils," he said. Every time I came back from holiday I was suffering from tonsillitis, and there are only so many times you can take antibiotics before you start asking questions. Initial tests and swabs at his GP yielded no answers, so Mr Chmura sought specialist opinions in his continued search for clarity. This persistence eventually led to a referral to an infectious disease expert in early 2024, who identified a suspicious anomaly on an MRI scan. open image in gallery Pawel Chmura had recurring bouts of tonsillitis When I had a call to discuss the results, the specialist said, your tonsils are fine, but we found something on the image which I think you need to speak with someone else about, Mr Chmura said. I was referred to have an ultrasound and a fine needle biopsy, but because of the location of the lump, which was under the tongue and fairly close to the jaw, they couldnt do the biopsy. I was getting quite nervous at this stage. Afterwards, I found a surgeon who specialised in mouth issues on Bupas website and called them and they decided to remove the lump and send it for a biopsy. I was invited to a follow-up appointment two weeks later and me being very, very optimistic as always, I thought it would be fine. But when I walked in saw the doctor and nurse, I felt like something was off straight away. We sat down and they said listen, unfortunately its a cancer. According to a report by the Oral Health Foundation, mouth cancer is one of the UKs fastest-growing cancers, with cases up 38 per cent in the past decade. Once Mr Chmuras mouth cancer diagnosis was officially confirmed, he felt reassured as there was a clear action plan for him. open image in gallery Pawel taking a selfie with his parents His main concern was how to share the news with his parents. The only thing I focused on was how to tell my parents and how to organise them to fly over here from Poland, he said. Obviously, you never want to hear over the phone that your only son has cancer. They were pretty devastated, but I reassured them that I had the best care possible and that we just needed to hope for the best. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Raf Niziol was the lead consultant throughout Mr Chmuras cancer journey, and the surgery involved removing the floor of the mouth, a neck resection, and a forearm tissue transplant. A tracheostomy was also performed to manage post-op swelling. Mr Chmura described the days following the surgery as a blur. open image in gallery Pawel Chmura on holiday in Paris Its very weird going back to the time when I was in ICU, because I was on so many painkillers that everything feels like a blur, said Mr Chmura, who had the surgery at Cromwell Hospital in April 2024. But, at the same time, there are specific moments which I feel like I remember very well. For example, the first night after the surgery, I was having trouble sleeping. As the anaesthesia was wearing off, I had these awful dreams and kept waking myself up. Laying there and hearing the beep, beep, beep in the hospital wasnt really nice, so I played the radio on the TV, as music is the thing which usually grounds me. Although Mr Chmura returned to work three months after the surgery, he admitted that the fear of the cancer returning still lingers. The type of cancer means that I need to have yearly test scans and in this particular case, there is quite a high chance of recurrence in the lungs, he said. So, although the thought of that is not the centre of my mind, its always there. open image in gallery Mr Chmura is now on a quest to live life to the fullest He also had to relearn how to use his tongue following the major operation. My tongue doesnt feel as flexible as it once was and I can no longer stick it out, he said. According to Neil Sikka, director of dentistry at Bupa Dental Care, dental professionals can play a vital role in identifying abnormalities in the mouth including potential signs of cancer. During routine check-ups, we perform a cancer screening examination and are well-placed to spot early signs of mouth cancer and refer patients for further investigation when needed, he said. After the unexpected turbulence of 2024, Mr Chmura said his mindset has dramatically shifted, and he has been on a quest to live life to the fullest. Ive named 2025 as the year of making dreams come true, he said. I have put in a lot of effort to enjoy this year, and I think thats my new life motto, to kind of do whatever I want. I want to try and get as much out of life as I can, because I could have possibly been dead at 30 if the surgery went wrong. I have travelled a lot, Ive seen Lady Gaga in Barcelona and ate a lot of nice food. So yeah, it was quite a busy year for me. He wanted to share his story to encourage others to keep pushing for answers if they feel like something is wrong with their health. If there is a worry about anything, just go and have it checked, because if I didnt push, god knows when we would have found it, Mr Chmura said. 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 When parents think about their childs education, they probably focus on basic skills and exam results, the amount a child is trying and their wellbeing. But there is another significant factor influencing their success at school. This is metacognition. What is it? Why is it important? And how can you help your child develop this skill? What is metacognition? Metacognition is often described as thinking about our thinking. It involves being aware of how our mind works and using that awareness to improve how we learn, solve problems and make decisions. To do this, we need both metacognitive knowledge and metacognitive skills. Metacognitive knowledge is what we know about ourselves as learners, the strategies we use and why some approaches work better for us. It includes understanding the conditions that help us learn, how to use different strategies, and when to apply them. open image in gallery Metacognition can influence students success at school ( PA ) For example, as a child goes to bed, they suddenly remember they forgot to do their homework thats due the next day. This provides an opportunity for the child to think about the strategies they might use to avoid this situation in the future. Metacognitive skills are the actions we take to use this knowledge. These include planning, monitoring and evaluating. Imagine a student sitting down to study for a maths test. They start by planning, setting a goal to revise one topic for 20 minutes using practice questions. As they work, they monitor how things are going. They notice they keep re-reading the same problem without understanding it. So, they try a different strategy. After the test, they evaluate how well their approach worked and realise they need to practice more regularly next time. When children understand how they learn and use that understanding, they become more confident, more organised and better able to adjust when things get tricky. Why does it matter? Metacognition gives students tools to take control of their learning, helping them to apply what they know. However, this does not come naturally, it must be taught. About the authors Melissa Barnes is an Associate Professor at the School of Education, La Trobe University. Kate Lafferty is a Lecturer in Assessment and Pedagogy at La Trobe University. This article was first published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article. Research shows when schools explicitly teach students how to plan, monitor and evaluate their learning, student outcomes and achievement improve. In our study at a large independent school in Australia, we asked 241 high school students to assess and monitor their understanding of key real-world skills such as communication, creative thinking and critical thinking. After completing two rounds of self-assessments, students received feedback showing where they were in their learning and next steps. Many said this helped them see their strengths and how to improve. But others wanted more teacher guidance to connect it to their learning. This shows why metacognition needs to be explicitly taught. Students need guidance and support to know how to monitor and apply their learning. open image in gallery There are a number of things parents can do to support the development of metacognition ( Getty Images ) What can parents do to help? Here are four things you can do to support the development of metacognition with children of all ages. Think out loud. Talk through your own thinking in front of your child. For example, when planning your day, explain you are making a list of everything that needs to be done, and youll start with the most important task. Make mistakes normal. Show your child that mistakes are part of learning and often mean we need a different strategy. For example, if you forget an ingredient at the supermarket, you might say, Ill write a list on my phone next time so I remember. Use routines to build independence. This can help plan and manage learning. Everyday tasks like packing a school bag or planning homework help children practise planning ahead, checking what they need and adjusting when something changes. Encourage reflection. Help children think about their learning and experiences. After school, you might ask What did you learn today? or What did you find confusing? When things didnt go to plan like forgetting something for school ask What could you do differently next time? 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 An unlikely figure enters Downing Street as Britains new prime minister. Communist rule crumbles in Prague, and years later crowds in Kyiv ignite the Orange Revolution. In London, the Litvinenko poisoning fuels speculation, while WikiLeaks exposes diplomatic secrets to the world. Meanwhile, in sport, Andy Murray delivers a historic Davis Cup victory for Britain. This week charts shifting power, protest and national celebration, captured on The Independents front pages. 29 November 1989 Communist rule collapses in Prague In Prague, the Communist regime agrees to surrender power as mass protests continue to fill the streets. The climbdown marks a defining moment in the Velvet Revolution and sets Czechoslovakia on a path toward democratic reform. open image in gallery ( The Independent ) 28 November 1990 Major becomes prime minister John Major becomes prime minister and vows to bring unity to a fractured Conservative Party in the wake of Margaret Thatchers departure. His early message centres on restoring stability following the bruising leadership contest. open image in gallery ( The Independent ) 25 November 1993 Bulger murder verdict An act of unparalleled evil. The Independent covers the conviction of the two 10-year-old boys found guilty of murdering James Bulger, a crime that shocked Britain and dominated public debate. The paper reports that the boys will be locked up for very many years. open image in gallery ( The Independent ) 30 November 1999 Power share in Northern Ireland Power-sharing begins at Stormont as Northern Ireland establishes a new devolved government under the Good Friday Agreement. The handover marks a historic shift from decades of conflict to shared administration between unionist and nationalist parties. open image in gallery ( The Independent ) 27 November 2000 US election deadlock Florida officials declare George W. Bush the winner in the tightly contested presidential election, while Al Gore turns to the courts to challenge recount procedures. The standoff triggers weeks of legal and political turmoil before the result is finally settled by the US Supreme Court. open image in gallery ( The Independent ) 24 November 2004 Orange Revolution in Ukraine Mass protests erupt in Kyiv after allegations of widespread electoral fraud in Ukraines presidential run-off vote. Demonstrators rally behind opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko, demanding free and fair elections in what becomes one of the most significant pro-democracy movements in post-Soviet Europe. open image in gallery ( The Independent ) 25 November 2006 The Litvinenko case Former Russian intelligence officer Alexander Litvinenko dies in London after being poisoned with radioactive polonium-210. The Independent examines the mystery surrounding his final days, raising urgent questions about state involvement and political motives. open image in gallery ( The Independent ) 29 November 2010 WikiLeaks WikiLeaks releases a vast archive of US diplomatic cables, exposing candid assessments of allies and adversaries and triggering global diplomatic fallout. The Independent calls out the deceits, plots and insults laid bare by the leak. open image in gallery ( The Independent ) 30 November 2015 Murray leads Davis Cup triumph Andy Murray leads Great Britain to a Davis Cup title, sealing victory with a straight-sets win over Belgiums David Goffin. The triumph ends a 79-year wait and marks one of the defining achievements of Murrays career. open image in gallery ( The Independent ) 27 November 2016 Death of Fidel Castro News of Fidel Castros death prompts reflection on his five decades in power, during which he reshaped Cubas political identity and global alliances. Public mourning fills Havana, while reactions abroad are mixed. His passing marks the end of an era in modern Cuban history. 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 Usha Vance has spoken out after being seen without her wedding ring. The second lady was visiting Camp Lejeune, a military training facility in Jacksonville, North Carolina, with the first lady, Melania Trump, last week, when she was photographed not wearing her wedding ring, leading to speculation that her marriage to Vice President JD Vance was on the rocks. However, according to a spokesperson for the mother of three, because of her busy life, she sometimes forgets to wear her wedding ring. Usha is a mother of three young children, who does a lot of dishes, gives lots of baths, and forgets her ring sometimes, the spokesperson told People. The couple first met while they were attending Yale Law School together and got married in 2014. The two share three children: sons Ewan, 8, and Vivek, 5, and daughter Mirabel, 3. open image in gallery The second ladys spokesperson said she is a mother of three young children, who does a lot of dishes, gives lots of baths, and forgets her ring sometimes ( Getty Images ) open image in gallery Usha was seen not wearing her wedding ring last week ( Getty Images ) Rumors that the vice president and his wife were struggling in their marriage first began when JD had given Erika Kirk the widow of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk a long hug last month. At the time, Kirk and JD were at a Turning Point USA event where Kirk introduced the vice president at a tour stop at the University of Mississippi, as she spoke about the similarities between JD and her late husband. No one will ever replace my husband. But I do see some similarities of my husband in JD in Vice President JD Vance. I do. And that's why I am so blessed to be able to introduce him tonight, she said at the event before she hugged him, before moving her hand to the back of his head while he rested his hands on Kirks waist. Many people were quick to analyze the hug on social media, claiming it was too intimate for a recent widow and a married man. At the same Turning Point USA event, JD had also sparked comments about his marriage when he said he hoped Usha, who was raised and still considers herself Hindu, would convert to Catholicism. Most Sundays, Usha will come with me to church. Do I hope, eventually, that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved in by church? Yeah, honestly, I do wish that, because I believe in the Christian gospel and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way, he said. But if she doesn't, then God says everybody has free will and so that doesn't cause a problem for me. 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 A transatlantic love story, born from a "survival horror" video game, has culminated in a Welsh home and a new family for a couple who got married online. Lewis and Ameila Relfe, 25 and 32, first connected in 2017 through the online game Friday The 13th, where players evade a masked killer. Their shared gaming sessions and online chats quickly forged a deep connection, despite Lewis being in Wales and Ameila 3,653 miles away in Saltville, Virginia. Their long-distance romance saw them meet in person in April 2018, with Lewis proposing during a romantic Halloween trip to Aberystwyth the following year. Covid-19 thwarted initial wedding plans, but the determined pair married via video call on New Years Day 2021. Now settled in Ceredigion, Wales, the couple recently welcomed their daughter, Evelyn, who was born in April 2024. open image in gallery Lewis and Ameila on holiday together in 2022 Even though most of our relationship was spent living so far apart, it all feels like a distant memory now, Lewis, an assistant cheese maker at a dairy farm, said. I think playing video games helped keep us together because we spent a lot of time bonding through it. Ameila, who works at a local restaurant, added: Moving to the UK and starting a family isnt something I imagined doing. Once we started going through the process and we knew it was a possibility, it was a relief after so many years of waiting. The couple first connected when Lewis sent Ameila a link to join his private party which allows Xbox players to start chatting one-on-one after finishing a game of Friday The 13th in July 2017. Ameila said she clicked the link without thinking before realising she was on the line with a complete stranger. open image in gallery Ameila said watching her daughter grow and learn is really special She was about to leave the call when Lewis started talking. He said hello and I realised it was a British person, so I decided to stay, Ameila said. From then on, we started playing games together every day and became really good friends, and then it just kind of grew from that. The pair started developing feelings for each other and became more than friends after Lewis plucked up the courage to ask Ameila out but not before they had a video call to ensure neither was getting catfished. Ameila then upped the ante in April 2018 when she visited Lewis in Wales for the first time. I was a bit nervous because it was my first time leaving the US, she said. A lot of people told me I was crazy to travel to another country to meet someone who I had met online. open image in gallery Lewis and Ameila visiting Washington DC in 2022 They met at the airport in what Lewis described as a surreal moment and spent the next two weeks together. The trip was a huge success and Ameila returned to the UK periodically, even staying for six months in June 2019. Lewis decided to pop the question, dressed as Friday The 13th killer Jason Voorhees, while the couple were staying at a caravan park in Aberystwyth on Halloween in 2019 Ameilas favourite holiday. We went out on the town and we went to the pier, Lewis recalled. I distracted her by telling her to look at the view. When she turned around, I was on my knees and my words were do you want to marry me or something? And then she said to me are you sure?' open image in gallery Lewis and Ameila dressed up the night they got engaged Wedding planning commenced and the couple looked to celebrate their nuptials in the United States on Halloween in 2020 until their plans were scuppered by the Covid-19 pandemic. Determined to tie the knot, Lewis and Ameila were officially pronounced husband and wife over video call instead on 1 January 2021. It was a video call between me, Lewis and the officiant who married us, Ameila said. I was a bit sceptical at first like, is this legit? Me and my mum opened a bottle of wine to celebrate and Lewiss family were in the room with him on the video call, so we all celebrated. open image in gallery Lewis and Ameila getting virtually married over video call on New Years Day in 2021 An in-person vow renewal may now be on the horizon for the couple so they can celebrate their marriage in a more traditional manner, but they say it is not something they currently have the budget for. We do wish the original ceremony could have been in person with our family and friends, Lewis added. Married at last, Ameila began her application for a visa and was given the green light in February 2023, before moving over the following month. The pair have lived together in Wales ever since, and they welcomed their first child, Evelyn, in April 2024 which has been an interesting experience. Its been rewarding, there are times where its really stressful and exhausting, but thats part of parenting, Ameila said. Seeing her grow and learn new things is really special. open image in gallery Lewis said becoming a father has been a surreal experience Lewis added: Its a surreal experience to spend most of your life without something, and then all of a sudden you have this little human thats half you and half your partner. Living under one roof with a young child requires teamwork, the pair said but playing video games together has given them plenty of practice. Theres a lot of teamwork and it took a bit of time to get used to each others quirks, Ameila said. Ameila has recently applied for an extension to her visa to remain in the UK, and she said there are times where she misses being back home but she enjoys the laid back nature of Wales and her mother, Mitzi, 53, visits often. There are also talks of the couple having more children in the near future. open image in gallery Lewis and Ameila want to grow their family in the near future Its more likely when we see Evelyn smilewhen she starts crying its less likely, Lewis joked. The pair still dabble in playing video games together but this is now scheduled around Evelyns nap times. Reflecting on their journey, Lewis and Ameila advised other couples in the throes of long-distance relationships to not give up. Lewis also said playing video games together can really help. A lot of people going the distance communicate through texts and calls but theres only so much you can really connect through that, he said. Because we played video games, it was an activity, a hobby, that we could enjoy together and we didnt have to be in the same room to do it. 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 Maria Shriver has shared her support for her cousin Tatiana Schlossberg, who announced her terminal cancer diagnosis in a devastating essay over the weekend. The journalist and former First Lady of California shared on her social media platforms: If you can only read one thing today, please make/take the time for this extraordinary piece of writing by my cousin Carolines extraordinary daughter Tatiana. Shriver, 70, said she was blown away by Schlossberg, 35, who is the granddaughter of former President John F. Kennedy and the daughter of Shrivers first cousin Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg. This piece is about what she has been going through for the last year and a half. Its an ode to all the doctors and nurses who toil on the frontlines of humanity. Its so many things, but best to read it yourself, and be blown away by one womans life story, Shriver wrote. Schlossberg announced her acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis in a poignant essay published Saturday in The New Yorker, recalling how doctors noticed an abnormality in her white blood cell count following the birth of her daughter in May 2024. Acute myeloid leukemia is a rare cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Maria Shriver has shared her support for her cousin Tatiana Schlossberg, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer ( Getty Images ) The environmental journalist said that despite her treatments, the cancer has returned. During the latest clinical trial, my doctor told me that he could keep me alive for a year, maybe, Schlossberg wrote. My first thought was that my kids, whose faces live permanently on the inside of my eyelids, wouldnt remember me. In the weekend essay, titled A Battle With My Blood, the mother of two said she was shocked by her diagnosis because she always thought of herself as healthy. She wrote about the pain that her diagnosis has brought her family and slammed her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his agenda as health secretary. In addition to Shriver, many other public figures rallied to praise Schlossberg for her bravery in tributes on social media. Schlossbergs cousin and Shrivers daughter, Katherine Schwarzenegger, commended the essay as a profound piece. I have only tears and anger reading that this is her reality. She has lived this experience with so much grace and I am in awe of her as a human, mother, wife, daughter, writer and fighter, Schwarzenegger wrote. Former TV host Katie Couric commented on Shrivers post, writing: My heart is breaking for Tatiana. And her family. My daughters and I are holding her in our hearts. Meghan McCain called the essay an absolutely devastating and heartbreaking piece. Sending Tatiana and the entire Schlossberg/Kennedy family prayers, healing and peace in this journey. Life is so precious, she wrote on X. Schlossbergs brother, Jack Schlossberg, shared a link to the essay and blurbs of it on his Instagram stories, writing, Life is short let it rip. 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 Deep-frying a turkey is a great way to get a delicious, moist meal for Thanksgiving. But this method of cooking can be a very dangerous undertaking. Every fall, millions of dollars of damage, trips to the ER and even deaths result from attempts to deep-fry turkeys. The vast majority of these accidents happen because people put frozen turkeys into boiling oil. If you are considering deep-frying this year, do not forget to thaw and dry your turkey before placing it in the pot. Failure to do so may lead to an explosive disaster. What is so dangerous about putting even a partially frozen turkey in a deep-fryer? Im a chemist who studies plant, fungal and animal compounds and have a love of food chemistry. The reason frozen turkeys explode, at its core, has to do with differences in density. There is a difference in density between oil and water and differences in the density of water between its solid, liquid and gas states. When these density differences interact in just the right way, you get an explosion. Understanding density Density is how much an object weighs given a specific volume. For example, imagine you held an ice cube in one hand and a marshmallow in the other. While they are roughly the same size, the ice cube is heavier: It is more dense. The first important density difference when it comes to frying is that water is more dense than oil. This has to do with how tightly the molecules of each substance pack together and how heavy the atoms are that make up each liquid. Firefighters show how to safely lower a turkey into a fryer ( Chicago FD ) Water molecules are small and pack tightly together. Oil molecules are much larger and dont pack together as well by comparison. Additionally, water is composed of oxygen and hydrogen atoms, while oils are predominantly carbon and hydrogen. Oxygen is heavier than carbon. This means that, for example, one cup of water has more atoms than one cup of oil, and those individual atoms are heavier. This is why oil floats on top of water. It is less dense. While different materials have different densities, liquids, solids and gases of a single material can have different densities as well. You observe this every time you place an ice cube in a glass of water: The ice floats to the top because it is less dense than water. When water absorbs heat, it changes to its gas phase, steam. Steam occupies 1,700 times the volume as the same number of liquid water molecules. You observe this effect when you boil water in a tea kettle. The force of expanding gas pushes steam out of the kettle through the whistle, causing the squealing noise. Frozen turkeys are filled with water Frozen turkeys or any kind of frozen meat for that matter contain a lot of ice. Raw meat can be anywhere from 56% to 73% water. If you have ever thawed a frozen piece of meat, you have probably seen all the liquid that comes out. For deep-frying, cooking oil is heated to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 C). This is much hotter than the boiling point of water, which is 212 F (100 C). So when the ice in a frozen turkey comes in contact with the hot oil, the surface ice quickly turns to steam. This quick transition is not a problem when it happens at the very surface of the oil. The steam escapes harmlessly into the air. However, when you submerge a turkey into the oil, the ice inside the turkey absorbs the heat and melts, forming liquid water. Here is where the density comes into play. About the author Kristine Nolin is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at University of Richmond. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This liquid water is more dense than the oil, so it falls the bottom of the pot. The water molecules continue to absorb heat and energy and eventually they change phases and become steam. The water molecules then rapidly spread far apart from one another and the volume expands by 1,700 times. This expansion causes the density of the water to drop to a fraction of a percent of the density of the oil, so the gas wants to quickly rise to the surface. Combine the fast change in density with the expansion of volume and you get an explosion. The steam expands and rises, blowing the boiling oil out the pot. If that werent dangerous enough, as the displaced oil comes into contact with a burner or flame, it can catch fire. Once some droplets of oil catch on fire, the flames will quickly ignite nearby oil molecules, resulting in a fast-moving and often catastrophic fire. Every year, thousands of accidents like this happen. So, should you decide to deep-fry a turkey for this years Thanksgiving, be sure to thoroughly thaw it and pat it dry. And next time you add a bit of liquid to an oil-filled pan and end up with oil all over the stove, youll know the science of why. 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 has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison after using JD Vances acclaimed memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," to smuggle narcotics into an Ohio correctional facility. The book, which famously explores the devastating impact of drug addiction on Vances family and wider Appalachian culture, was one of three items sprayed with drugs and shipped to Grafton Correctional Institution. Austin Siebert, 30, from Maumee, southwest of Toledo, was convicted of the scheme, which involved disguising the packages as Amazon orders. Alongside Vances New York Times bestseller, a 2019 GRE Handbook and a separate piece of paper were also used in the illicit operation, according to court documents. On November 18, US District Judge Donald C. Nugent handed Siebert a prison sentence exceeding ten years for his role in the drug trafficking plot. Sieberts involvement came to light through a recorded conversation with an inmate at the prison, during which the shipment was discussed. The exchange revealed Sieberts apparent unawareness or disregard for the central themes of the book he was exploiting. "Is it Hillbilly?" the inmate inquired. "I dont know what youre talking about," Siebert initially replied, before recalling: "Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Thats the book, the book Im reading. (Expletive) romance novel." The vice presidents best-selling memoir that came out in 2016. Vances book already had sold more than 3 million copies before Trump chose him for the Republican ticket. 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 One of the two people convicted in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing has been found and taken into custody after she went missing over the weekend, police have confirmed to The Independent. Morgan Geyser, who was granted conditional release earlier this year, cut off her monitoring bracelet and fled a group home in Sun Prairie, a suburb of Madison, Wisconsin, police said. She was seen with an adult acquaintance around 8 p.m. Saturday. She was later found with another person at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago, more than 170 miles from the home, police said. The Madison Police Department said they received notice at 10:34 p.m. Sunday that authorities in Illinois had detained Geyser. The man, 42, is alleged to be in a relationship with Geyser, reports ABC Chicago. The pair is believed to have traveled by bus to Posen. He has been released from custody. open image in gallery Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier were both arrested after the attempted murder of their friend Payton Leutner ( Waukesha Police Department ) Geyser, now 23, was placed in the group home to continue treatment for a psychotic spectrum disorder. Along with co-defendant Anissa Weier, she was charged with attempted homicide in the 2014 stabbing attack of their friend, Payton Leutner. In 2014, when Geyser and Weier were both 12 years old, they lured Leutner, also 12, into a wooded area in Waukesha, not far from Milwaukee, and stabbed her 19 times. The girls said they carried out the stabbing to appease the fictional character Slender Man. Meanwhile, residents in Sun Prairie expressed concerns about Geysers placement in the group home. "I felt like this was done without resident knowledge, when, obviously, Sun Prairie did get the knowledge," one resident, who did not want to be named, told WKOW. "I think everyone deserves a chance to get into society and live their life. But we also deserve the knowledge of, hey, maybe take a second look. You know, when you lock your doors at night," said another resident. open image in gallery Morgan Geyser appears in a Waukesha County courtroom Jan. 9, 2025, in Waukesha, Wis. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Neighbours also noted that she had gone missing at 8 p.m. on Saturday, and Madison police were not notified until the following Sunday morning. "It's mostly anger that we weren't told. And it feels like Meadowood neighborhood a lot of times gets a bad rap, but it's a great neighborhood," another said. During the attack, the Geyser and Weier forced Leutner to lie down on the ground. Using a kitchen knife she brought from home, Geyser repeatedly stabbed Leutner while Weier egged her on. Leutner barely survived the attack, according to medical staff who treated her at the time. Geyser and Weier were arrested later that day as they walked on Interstate 94. They told investigators that they attacked Leutner to earn the right to be Slender Mans servants and feared he would hurt their families if they didnt follow through. They had planned to walk to Slender Mans mansion in northern Wisconsin following the attack, they said at the time. open image in gallery During the attack, the Geyser and Weier forced Leutner to lie down on the ground. Using a kitchen knife she brought from home, Geyser repeatedly stabbed Leutner while Weier egged her on ( Madison Police Department ) Both of the girls were found not guilty by reason of mental defect or disease in 2017 and sentenced to mental confinement. The case drew widespread attention because it fixated on the Slender Man character, created online in 2009 by Eric Knudson as a mysterious specter edited into everyday images of children at play. Slender Man is typically depicted as a slim, spidery figure in a black suit with a featureless white face. Weier received a 25-year sentence but was granted conditional release in 2021 under a 25-year commitment order. She was freed from electronic monitoring in 2023. Meanwhile, Geyser was sentenced to 40 years of mental confinement. She lived in a psychiatric hospital in Oshkosh for seven years and was placed in a group home this year after three experts testified that she had made progress battling her mental illness. Under the conditions of her release, she was to remain under state supervision with a GPS monitor. 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 17-year-old in New Jersey has been charged with murder and other related offenses after he allegedly stabbed his mother to death on Saturday, officials said. The son of Julissa Serrano, 49, was arrested after she was found stabbed multiple times at a home in Mays Landing, according to NBC Philadelphia. First responders transported Serrano to a hospital for treatment, but she ultimately died from her wounds, officials said. Police did not provide further details about the fatal stabbing. The teen was arrested on Saturday. Officials said that an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of the woman's death. A 17-year-old in Mays Landing, New Jersey was arrested on November 21 and charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of his mother, 49-year-old Julissa Serrano ( Getty/iStock ) The suspect is being held at Harborfields Atlantic Youth Center until his first court appearance, officials said. The teens name has been withheld from public records, per New Jersey law. Investigators have not disclosed a possible motive for the crime as of this report. Police are asking that anyone with information about the incident contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office's Major Crime Unit or visit the Prosecutor's Office's website. The Independent has requested comment from the Hamilton Township Police Department. 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 dispute between neighbors in a Tennessee town escalated into deadly violence after a man allegedly entered his neighbors home, shot their dog, and later fatally shot the neighbor during a confrontation, authorities said. Deputies with the Monroe County Sheriffs Office responded to the Madisonville home around 12:30 a.m. Friday and found Adam Ray McGill dead alongside a driveway. A woman told deputies that her neighbor, 60-year-old Gregory Scott Williams, went inside her home while no one was there and killed her dog, according to WBTV. She explained that she and McGill returned to find Williams leaving their property on a riding lawn mower. After discovering the dog dead inside the home, she said McGill left on his motorcycle to confront Williams. Williams, who was taken into custody at the scene, told investigators that during the confrontation, he fired a rifle at McGills motorcycle, according to the report. open image in gallery Deputies responded to a Tennessee home after a dog and a man were shot during a confrontation between neighbors. ( Google Maps ) McGill was shot in the abdomen, and tried to walk home before he collapsed on the side of the road, where he died from his injuries, according to the sheriffs office. In an interview with detectives, Williams admitted to shooting the dog inside the residence and later confronting Mr. McGill and the witness in their driveway. He had allegedly killed the dog because it acted aggressive toward his wife, according to authorities. When the detectives searched Williams home later that day, they recovered a .22-caliber rifle from underneath a bed. The loss of Mr. McGill is tragic. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones as they navigate this heartbreaking time, the sheriffs office said Friday. Sheriff Tommy Jones added, Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. McGill during this difficult time. Additional details and updates on this case will be released tomorrow as the investigation continues. Williams is charged with first degree murder, aggravated burglary of a residence and aggravated animal cruelty. He remains held without bond in the Monroe County Jail. Osmond Resources has planted another big flag in the ground at its Orion EU critical minerals project in southern Spain, as the companys second drill hole also returned more thick, high-grade titanium, zirconium and rare earth mineralisation from the same quartzite layer that got tongues wagging last week. The result tightens the screws on what is shaping up as one of Europes most compelling new heavy-mineral discoveries. They have also sharpened Osmonds early view that its flagship project could deliver a rare triple play, with the potential to produce not just one or two, but three, distinct saleable mineral products. Jaen Province, Andalucia in Southern Spain is home to Osmond Resources world class Orion EU critical minerals project. The companys latest hole was drilled vertically from the same collar as its original hole reported last week but this time punched straight down to test the true thickness of the primary mineralised layer. The numbers did not disappoint. A three-metre intersection from 105.75m came in at 13.2 per cent titanium dioxide, 4.6 per cent zirconium dioxide, 1,020 parts per million (ppm) hafnium and 0.89 per cent total rare earth oxides (TREO). The hit also includes a 2.1-metre zone running 17.21 per cent titanium dioxide and more than 6 per cent zirconium dioxide. She remembered asking people on the scene what was burning her. She was told it was aviation fluid. Trapped and injured, she asked where her son was. She was told he was safe. At this time I was just so helpless under the helicopter, she told the court. The mother remembered how she had been stuck for 30 minutes, and the moment firefighters arrived and began cutting the sides of the helicopter. The Sea World helicopters after one crashed to the ground and the other landed. Credit: AAP Sergeant Justin Dunn was one of the first on the scene for Gold Coast water police. He told the court how he saw Jenkinson, and there were no signs of life. He then walked around the aircraft, and saw Mr Hughes could not be saved. A member of the public was performing CPR on Ms Hughes and Tadros. Both women were unable to be saved. Dunn says he saw Tadros son, Nicholas, being treated by a member of the public, and he was conscious in a recovery position. As Dunn approached the rear of the aircraft, which he says was a mangled wreck, he saw someone de Silva was trapped under the frame. I crawled in under the air frame. I introduced myself to Winnie and I told her wed help her and help was on the way. At that stage there was a lot of fuel coming down over the top of both of us, he told the court. Dunn said water was being poured over the aircraft. It was extremely hot underneath, he recalled. He was under the aircraft for seven minutes before he exited. Another surviving passenger on board James helicopter, Jesse Maya, told the court the crash had been a big blur for him. An excerpt of video from one of the helicopters shows the other helicopter above the helipad 10 seconds before passengers braced for impact. I dont know how I got out of the helicopter, he told the court. Maya had recorded the moments before the crash. He told police that he believed he started telling the pilot helicopter, helicopter! as Jenkinsons chopper approached. He says he could not remember if he was yelling or saying it. Footage of the final seconds before the two helicopters crashed emerged in the days after the incident, showing one helicopter taking off and heading towards the other. Several family members in the court watched the footage on Monday morning, which showed a passenger in the back seat of one of the helicopters, flown by James, tapping the pilot on the shoulder several times to alert him to the nearby helicopter. The videos then showed to the court depicted the helicopters colliding, before James was able to gain control of his helicopter and land on a sandbar. James died last year from cancer. The ATSB said a number of passengers were ejected from their seatbelts during the crash and if the seatbelts had been properly fitted, it might have led to more survivability. In opening the inquest, counsel assisting Ian Harvey told the court both pilots did not see each other before the crash. Ash Jenkinson with his fiancee Kosha. He said the fundamental question was how that situation could unfold with two highly experienced pilots. In the days before Christmas, Jenkinson had flown into a controlled airspace, and he was warned that the helicopter did not have a functioning transponder. The transponder was necessary for air operations to identify the aircraft in the area. Jenkinson had not known about the non-functioning transponder until he received a warning in the weeks before the new year to have it fixed. The inquest heard one specific issue the ATSB had focused on in their investigation was the radio communication. The court heard due to faults with Jenkinsons radio, a taxi call likely made from him was not transmitted before the crash. Loading Harvey said the helipads were used by Sea World Helicopters in one of the busiest air corridors in the country. Harvey questioned whether the commercial imperative to have new helicopters added to the Sea World fleet before Christmas 2022 overrode full consideration of safety factors, and whether this had brought untoward pressure on Jenkinson, who was the chief pilot. Brisbane temporarily went dark on Monday afternoon, with an ominous storm engulfing large parts of the city. Winds of up to 107 kilometres per hour were recorded at Brisbane Airport just after 3pm. Hailstones up to 9 centimetres in diameter larger than a cricket ball hit the Gold Coast, and were only slightly smaller further north. A storm hit Brisbanes CBD on Monday afternoon. Credit: William Davis The worst of the storm passed in the CBD just before 4pm. It quickly slowed to a light trickle of rain, with the sun breaking through clouds around 4.20pm. When former Hawthorn champion Chris Langford first visited 299 Bourke Street in July 2020 with his business partner Simon Morris, the path ahead for the then-rundown site was not straightforward. We bought this in COVID when the city was in lockdown, Langford says. We stood on the roof and looked across the city, and there was no one in Bourke Street Mall. It took a bit of conviction at that point to say, Is Melbourne going to bounce back? Will Bourke Street ever be as good as it was? Architect Simon Swaney and Chris Langford on the rooftop balcony of the Bourke Street building. Credit: Joe Armao Though the site is now home to Rodd & Gunns store and restaurant, the offices of advertising giant Clemenger and Meccas flagship store, which opened to much fanfare earlier this year, Langford says the redevelopment was far from smooth sailing. Initially, he and Morris expected the build to be finished in 2023, but they were quickly hit with delays. These included stumbling upon what Langford calls the surprises of the heritage-listed building, which began its life as the GJ Coles building in 1929, and challenges such as the shortage of labour and supplies in Melbournes construction market. A former Bendigo teacher who raped a female student who fell asleep after attending their high school graduation party has been jailed. Kirsten Louise Thomas was sentenced to three years in the County Court of Victoria at Bendigo on Monday after a jury found her guilty of indecent assault and rape of the girl, then aged 17, in December 2006. Kirsten Louise Thomas was jailed after a trial at the County Court of Victoria, held at Bendigo. Credit: Darrian Traynor Thomas, 47, will serve 18 months in prison, with the remainder of the sentence suspended. Thomas was 28 and a teacher at the time of offending, which occurred when she attended the Bendigo Senior Secondary College School graduating party and went to a local hotel with students. She returned home with two of the students, including the intoxicated victim, to play tapes after drinking at the hotel, the court heard. A group of Victorias most dangerous criminals are attempting to launch a class action against the state government over conditions inside a new $1 billion jail. At least 11 prisoners in maximum security are seeking to have their jail terms slashed, by accusing the Victorian government of human rights abuses while they were temporarily housed in a high-security unit at the new Western Plains prison in Lara, north of Geelong. Western Plains prison in Lara. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui The Supreme Court challenge was launched in May and has since gathered support among inmates including murderers, gangland figures and violent offenders who were held at the high-security 44-bed Karlton unit between April and July. The inmates were temporarily sent to the new prison which formally opened in July, though construction was completed in 2022 in April after staff and prisoners were evacuated from Barwon Prison due to a suspected gas leak. A man accused of running an illegal tobacco business across Western Australia may have his latest bid for freedom heard behind closed doors after prosecutors argued they did not want crucial evidence to be heard publicly in case it compromised their investigation. Maytham Hamad, 31, was arrested last week and charged with knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime to the value of more than $1 million, between February and September this year. Maytham Hamad leaving Perth Magistrates Court in June 2025. The Perth-based brother of now-exiled Victorian tobacco king Kazem Hamad had his luxury cars seized after a police raid on his apartment in the well-heeled southern riverside suburb of Mount Pleasant and has been locked up in Hakea Prison since. On Monday, he made a bid for freedom in Perth Magistrates Court, but it was adjourned because his lawyers wanted to challenge the evidence against him via the cross-examination of a Victorian police officer. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has not created a wave of public resentment so much as ridden one to record highs in the polls. The go-to right-wing party of the Australian parliament is capitalising on global discontent about cost-of-living issues and anti-immigration sentiment. Hanson is also benefiting from hemorrhaging support for the flailing Liberal and National parties after two disastrous elections. Month after month, the Queensland senator is pulling votes from the Coalition, while doing remarkably little. So there was no need for Hanson to stride into the Senate wearing a burqa on Monday, recycling a stunt that drew wide condemnation the last time she performed it in 2017. Now its been done and met with fair fury by Muslim members of parliament the next rounds of public polling will tell us about Australias appetite for Hansons brand of race-baiting politics at a time there are signs of fraying social support for migration and multiculturalism. The Nationals have raised last-minute objections to Labors landmark nature reforms, risking another Coalition schism if Opposition Leader Sussan Ley chooses to do a deal with the government. Climate change and the environment are at the forefront of debate in the final parliamentary week for the year, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese desperate to pass a long-delayed overhaul of environmental laws and take the contentious issue off the political agenda. Bridget McKenzie, the leader of the National Party in the Senate. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen But as Labor demanded the Coalition side with big business to back the bill, Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie aired fresh concerns about the power for a new Environmental Protection Agency to inspect private farms. Many are rightfully concerned about a new layer of bureaucrats coming onto their properties and meddling in their businesses, she told this masthead. You go home and then [you] think Ive got to do those emails, Ive got to do those behaviour reports, Ive got to write-up on OneSchool theres a lot of time pressure on having to respond to things. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said Tuesdays strike would make no difference in talks between the union and government. Credit: Catherine Strohfeldt I also have a family, I also want to just go home and relax. Striking state school teachers gathered from mid-morning on Tuesday, before marching to Education House the home of Queenslands Education Department where they demanded the government pay us now shortly before midday. Ahead of the Brisbane rally, Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek all but ruled out meeting with the Queensland Teachers Union (QTU), accusing it of moving the goalposts throughout wage negotiations. He said he was disappointed in the QTUs decision to strike. It will make no difference to what theyre trying to achieve, he said. The suggestion that the minister or the premier will sit down in a one-off process to cut a deal is not how this process works. Union executives have repeatedly called on the minister or Premier David Crisafulli to contact the union personally, with QTU president Cresta Richardson asserting both men had her number and email. Richardson said the minister might have had a little bit of a misunderstanding. Im no industrial expert myself but we know from past experience that education ministers have stopped arbitration or further action by picking up the phone, she said. Premiers have stopped further action or arbitration by picking up the phone. Weve been prepared, weve got our witnesses, they havent picked up the phone. Loading The minister said year 10 and 11 students at 109 schools would have their end-of-year exams interrupted by the strike. Year 11 exams, these exams are ones that contribute up to 25 per cent towards their senior assessment, he said. Ahead of the strike, the union asked parents to keep children at home if possible, to ease reduced staffing numbers at most state schools. The state reported up to 28,000 teachers were not in schools on Tuesday, although that number included long-term leave arrangements alongside those on strike. Long-time teacher Debbie said her school, based in the Brisbane region, was well represented at the inner-city rally, but said some members had chosen to remain at work. Were making sure that our children are safe as well, she said. Debbie (at left) said schools were underfunded and teachers overburdened. Credit: Brisbane Times/Catherine Strohfeldt Contrary to government promises, she believed Queensland teachers were among the worst-paid in Australia, and occupational violence was a growing issue. Over the years weve watched our funding decrease, decrease, decrease, and now weve got our teachers having to cope with everything, she said. Theyre dealing with kids with medical issues, theyre dealing with kids with behavioral issues, and the people that are losing out is every other kid in the classroom. Richardson said the union wanted teachers better protected against occupational violence and said workplace measures offered in the states previous deal werent enough. Loading Lets make it an offence for people to come into our schools and assault our teachers and school leaders, she said. The governments last deal, made in late October, offered a three-year 8 per cent wage increase, attraction and retention incentives, a new experienced senior teacher pay bracket, and anti-occupational violence measures. Richardson said the QTU wouldnt rule out a third strike, although teachers were running out of time, with 2.5 weeks left in the school year. The Growth Areas Public Transport Fund, which raises cash from developers building homes on the citys fringe, grew from $431.1 million on June 30, 2023 to $637.6 million on June 30, 2025. Trust account balances have increased significantly in recent years because the funds collected through the levies and other dedicated revenue and income sources have not been spent, the VAGOs report said. Agencies may not be spending funds promptly for their intended purpose, leaving community expectations unmet. Auditor-General Andrew Greaves said the growing funds, which add to states balance sheet, were risky because they could hide underlying problems with Victorias finances. These unspent trust funds have already reduced the states reported amount of net debt and improved the report operating result, which the government uses as key indicators of its financial management. The Allan government has been widely criticised for the states ballooning debt levels, and that is set to be a key issue at next years state election. Victorian Auditor-General Andrew Greaves. Opposition public transport spokesperson Sam Groth said funds from Growth Area Infrastructure Contributions (GAIC) should be used to cater for Victorias rapidly increasing population. Year after year, Labor hoards GAIC funds to prop up their budget instead of investing into critical infrastructure for growing communities, he said. A government spokesperson said: The Victorian economy is strong, and we are focused on the things that matter most to Victorians helping with the cost of living and supporting families, jobs and businesses while we open up major projects like the Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel. Because of our strong economic management and fiscal discipline, we are one of only three states in Australia forecasting an operating surplus this year. Loading Jess Wilson is presiding over an $11.1 billion black hole in her plans, and it means one thing: cuts to pay for it. Cuts to schools. Cuts to hospitals. Cuts to services. The Age revealed this month the government was seeking changes to infrastructure contributions that would allow the money to be spent outside the areas they are collected, if the money is for infrastructure that services the growth area but cannot reasonably be located in it. The government is also sitting on a report written in consultation with the property industry that canvasses a new statewide infrastructure charge, which it wants to use to keep up with demand as it encourages more housing development around developed areas. Another key issue raised by the Auditor-Generals office was how the government reported on its COVID Debt Repayment Plan, which included taxes that would run for 10 years and offset the $31.5 billion in debt accumulated during the pandemic and $12.7 billion in associated interest expenses. So far, these new tax measures have raised $4.3 billion since 2023, split between the governments additional levy on payroll tax and an expansion of land taxes. Premier Jacinta Allan. Victorias net debt is forecast to hit $194 billion by 2029, while gross debt is forecast to reach $236.6 billion. Credit: Christopher Hopkins Another key part of the plan, a Victorian Future Fund set up to act as a giant offset account, has $9.9 billion, which includes $7.9 billion from the partial privatisation of VicRoads and $1.8 billion raised through land sales and investment returns. However, none of these figures have been detailed until the release of the VAGOs report, prompting the government to recommend it publicly report progress on the COVID Debt Repayment Plan. The Victorian Auditor-Generals Office said the government had taken initial sets to address its financial challenges, but wanted the state to put a greater focus on long-term support. Loading Victorias net debt is forecast to hit $194 billion by 2029, while gross debt, which covers a broader range of government services and bodies, is forecast to reach $236.6 billion. By this time, interest expenses are forecast to be $9.2 billion a year. Mondays report also detailed how the Allan government had spent $590 million bailing out its domestic building insurance program. This was because the scheme was running at a $490 million loss within the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) and responsibility for the program has been transferred to the new Building and Plumbing Commission. The bailout was required to stop the commission having to report a $490 million debt on its balance sheet, with the remaining $100 million used to support the rest of the transfer of responsibilities. Since 2022 and the collapse of home builder Porter Davis, claims for domestic building insurance have remained at high levels, increasing from 680 claims in 2015-16 to peak at 4459 claims in 2022-23. There were 2703 claims in 202425. Over the past decade, the average claim has risen from $46,000 to $77,500. On Monday, VMIA chief executive Andrew Davies told a parliamentary inquiry there had been a 6 to 7 per cent increase in claims in 2024-25 and that was quite materially more than we expected. The VMIA had budgeted $792.5 million but spent $993.3 million, largely because of the explosion of domestic building insurance claims. A first home buyer paid $855,000 for a three-bedroom Frankston North house on 932 square metres of land at auction on Saturday, $116,000 over its reserve. The updated home at 20 Juniper Court, with a spacious backyard, was advertised with the potential to be subdivided. It had a price range of $700,000 to $770,000, with a reserve of $739,000. Mark Burke, from OBrien Real Estate Frankston, said he was surprised with the result. Throughout the campaign, we were only getting one or two people through, so we dropped the price. Even after this, only about three or five people came through each open, so I was concerned, he said. Former British prime minister David Cameron has revealed he has been diagnosed with and treated for prostate cancer after being urged to take a test by his wife, Samantha, last year. Speaking to The Times, Cameron, 59, explained how his wife initially urged him to seek a check via his GP after both Camerons heard a radio interview in which Soho House founder Nick Jones told of how a test detected his own prostate cancer. Former British prime minister David Cameron, pictured in May. Credit: Getty After taking a prostate-specific antigen test (PSA), which looks for proteins associated with prostate cancer, Cameron said his results came back worryingly high, and a biopsy eventually confirmed cancer. You have an MRI scan with a few black marks on it. You think, Ah, thats probably OK, Cameron told The Times. But when a doctor had confirmed he had cancer, you always dread hearing those words. And then literally as theyre coming out of the doctors mouth, youre thinking, Oh, no, hes going to say it. Hes going to say it. Oh God, he said it. US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will likely negotiate the remainder of a peace deal for Ukraine following initial talks between their top advisers. American and Ukrainian officials agreed on a new 19-point plan to end the war during lengthy, and often fraught, talks in Geneva. But the most politically sensitive decisions will be decided by the countries presidents in further rounds of direct negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media at the Geneva talks. Credit: AP Direct talks could begin this week, with unconfirmed reports that Zelensky could travel to Washington. The key sticking points include the issue of land swaps and a new security relationship between the US, NATO and Russia. Top officials from Washington and Kyiv met for the emergency talks in Geneva, Switzerland, after details of a 28-point peace plan developed by US and Russian officials were leaked. Washington: If you feel the need to keep assuring people of something, thats probably a sign its not true. So, when US President Donald Trump posts the Republican Party has never been so UNITED AS IT iS RIGHT NOW, as he did on Monday (AEDT), it does make you wonder. Trump said ructions in the Republican Party were essentially limited to a trio of malcontents Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has flagged her resignation, Kentucky agitator Thomas Massie and libertarian senator Rand Paul as well as a couple of other lowlifes. But thats not entirely accurate. In the past few days, many Republicans were aghast at the proposed deal being offered by the Trump administration to Ukraine to end the war with Russia. They were not shy to condemn it. Donald Trump says ructions in the Republican Party are essentially limited to a trio of malcontents. Credit: Bloomberg Former Senate leader Mitch McConnell labelled it appeasement and a capitulation to Moscow. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana senator, said it weakened the United States. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican congressman from Pennsylvania, called it garbage and nothing more than Russias absurd wish list. Madison, Wisconsin: It was the crime that gripped the world two 12-year-olds turning on their friend after a sleepover, stabbing her multiple times in the woods to please an internet bogeyman. Now, 11 years later, one of them is back in custody after cutting off an ankle monitor bracelet and disappearing for 24 hours. Police in the United States say Morgan Geyser, now aged 23, cut off her ankle monitoring device and left a group home in Wisconsin at the weekend, where she had been placed on her release from a psychiatric facility. She was found and taken back into custody late on Sunday night (Monday AEDT), in neighbouring Illinois. Morgan Geyser was on the run after removing her ankle monitoring bracelet. Credit: Madison Police Department Geyser admitted to nearly killing her classmate, Payton Leutner, in a wooded part of a park near Milwaukee in 2014, in a frenzied attack aimed at pleasing the online horror character Slender Man a tall, gangly faceless creature with a demon-like appearance. Geyser and another 12-year-old, Anissa Weier, told police at the time they had lured Leutner to the park after a sleepover and had tried to kill her to earn the right to be Slender Mans servants they feared the character would harm their families if they didnt follow through with the crime. Geyser was reportedly obsessed with the character, while Leutner was terrified of him. British Indian spy Noor Inayat Khan honoured with new postage stamp in France By Aditi Khanna : LONDON NOOR Inayat Khan, a descendent of the 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan, has become the only Indian-origin woman to be honoured with a commemorative postage stamp by France for her role in the French Resistance as an undercover British agent during the Second World War. The French postal service, La Poste, honoured Noor with a stamp issued to honour the Figures of the Resistance who fought against Nazi Germany. She is among a dozen war heroes and heroines chosen on the set of stamps issued this month to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. I am delighted that France has honoured Noor Inayat Khan with a postage stamp, especially as it comes on this important 80th anniversary of the end of the war, said Shrabani Basu, the London-based author of Noors biography Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan. Noor sacrificed her life in the fight against fascism. She grew up in Paris, joined the war effort in England, and it is wonderful to see her face on a postage stamp which will be posted by ordinary people in France, she said. Each stamp is in the form of an etching taken from a photograph, with the stamp on Noor showcasing her in her British Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) uniform. Britain honoured Noor in 2014 to mark the centenary of her birth. She now has a stamp in her honour issued by Britain and France. It is time that India, the country of her ancestors, honours her with a postage stamp too, said Basu. Born Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan in Moscow in 1914 to an Indian Sufi saint father and American mother, Noor moved to London at a young age before settling in Paris for her school years. Following the fall of France during the Second World War, the family escaped to England and Noor joined the WAAF. On February 8, 1943, she was recruited into the Special Operations Executive (SOE) a British secret service created to conduct espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in occupied territories during the war. She went on to become the first female radio operator infiltrated into occupied France in June 1943 and was captured by Nazi forces to be deported to Dachau concentration camp, where she was tortured and executed on September 13, 1944, aged just 30 years. In recognition of her immense bravery, Noor Inayat Khan was awarded the French Resistance Medal and Frances highest civilian honour, the Croix de Guerre, as well as a posthumous George Cross (GC) by Britain in 1949. The latest set of French postage stamps are aimed at celebrating the achievements of figures like her behind the French Resistance during World War II. These men and women who said no became involved in intelligence networks, exfiltration, sabotage... Risking their lives, they saved the countrys honour and placed it on the winning side, reads the statement describing the efforts of all those commemorated. Others figured in the set of stamps include Jean-Pierre Levy, a founder of France Liberte one of the leading Resistance movements, and British French SOE agent Violette Szabo, who was killed at Ravensbruck concentration camp. ECI must monitor remarks by leaders Supriya Sule is addressing. Duneshwar Pethe, Pravin Kunte, Prakash Gajbhiye, Varsha Shamkule look on. (Pic by Anil Futane) Staff Reporter : Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) leader and Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule on Sunday said the Election Commission of India must monitor remarks by the leaders of various parties. She was interacting with mediapersons in Nagpur on Sunday at Patrakar Club of Nagpur. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had connected development funds to voter support. During campaigning for Malegaon Nagar Panchayat in Baramati tehsil of Pune district, Ajit Pawar had said he would see to it that funds will be provided if their candidates won. We have faith in the Election Commission. That doesnt mean, no monitoring should be done when such statements are made. In the last few years, people are not satisfied by the way EC has been functioning, pointed out Sule. Sule termed the split in her party as a bad trend. She said, The split did not take place, it was made to happen by certain elements. I have differences with BJP but I have always seen BJP as a cultured party. In fact, I learned several things from Atal Behari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and others. Expressing her views on the functioning of Government, Sule commented, Every Government does some or the other good work. Some decisions are really good. For example, Union Water Resources Minister C R Patil has done excellent work in Jal Jeevan Mission. Though he is of BJP, we admire him. Our stand is to admire good work. Unfortunately, the current Government in State focusses more on infrastructure projects. Salil Deshmukh will campaign Reacting on the issue of resignation of Salil Deshmukh from the party, Supriya Sule said, His father Anil Deshmukh has contributed a lot and Salil has as well. He will not join other party and you will soon him campaigning for us. City President Duneshwar Pethe, District President Pravin Kunte, ex-MLC Prakash Gajbhiye, Varsha Shamkule and others were present. Huge opportunities in agro-tourism for farmers: Experts Business Reporter : ON THE third day of Agrovision, Central Indias largest agricultural exhibition being held at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Amravati Road, a workshop was organised on the topic Agro-Tourism in Vidarbha. In the workshop, experts shared their experiences, insights and in the discussions agreed that there were huge opportunities in agro-tourism for farmers in Vidarbha. The chief speakers were Chandrashekhar Bhadsawale, founder of Saguna Rural Foundation, Amol Khante of Camp Cherry Farm, Ramtek, Vivek Suryawanshi, Director of Thakurwadi and Pankaj Mahajan. On the occasion, Bhadsawale said, Showcasing our agricultural culture to tourists from different countries is extremely important. Experiences and emotions are priceless like standing near a tree, touching it, observing each of these moments teach us something. He explained the aim should be to ensure that farmers can live a happy and dignified life, and agro-tourism is a great medium to achieve this. Vidarbhas food culture is unique and rich. The money earned from agro-tourism is not the main goal. What truly matters is the bond created with nature, he felt. The agro-tourism is one of the simplest ways to give additional income and dignity to a farmer. At Saguna Rural Foundation we define Krishi Paryatan as an activity organised by the farmer himself, on his active farm where leisure learning and fun is combined together. This is a perfect way to integrate and create brotherhood of urban and farming folks, he added. Amol Khante of Camp Cherry Farm (Ramtek) shared his experience. He said, Ramtek region is known for paddy cultivation. Students, tourists, and families from cities often visit the Camp Cherry Farm to experience nature first-hand. This side-business, started alongside farming, has become a good source of income for us. Vivek Suryawanshi, Director of Thakurwadi said, Due to the hectic pace of life, access to simple home-cooked meals has become difficult. To give tourists homely Marathi food when they travel, we started Thakurwadi. We serve a complete traditional Maharashtrian meal including pickles, chutneys, and salads. The programme was anchored by Dr Atul Dhoke. Listening to intricacies in music will make you appreciate the art Dr Sadhana Shiledar speaking at the session with musical artists accompanying her. (Pic by Anil Futane) Staff Reporter : Listening to intricacies in music will make you appreciate the art form it is, remarked Dr Sadhana Shiledar, Professor and Head of the Department of Music, as she opened her workshop Appreciation of Indian Classical Music: Listening Beyond the Ears on Day 3 of the Orange City Literature Festival 2025. Her session set the tone for a day defined by powerful ideas, cultural depth and engaged conversation. Dr Shiledar guided the audience through the foundations of Hindustani classical music, explaining how one can learn to understand rather than merely hear it. She introduced the varied forms within the classical traditions, from the introspective elaboration of Khayal to the brisk, syllabic patterns of Tarana and the distinctive structure of Carnatic music, emphasising their differences while celebrating their shared cultural lineage. Dr Shiledar also spoke about the significance of attentive listening, noting that every raga carries an emotional architecture that unfolds gradually. Demonstrating short melodic phrases, she showed how taans, aalap and rhythmic cycles work together, helping listeners recognise the internal grammar of the form. This hands-on approach made the session more impressive and accessible for first-time learners. Dr Shiledar noted that music is not bound by time, place or mood. One can listen while cooking, running, working out or even resting, she said, adding that its power lies in its ability to transcend emotional states and bring calm and clarity. The audience engaged actively, responding to her question on identifying the difference between Indian and Western music. While many offered observations, Dr Shiledar explained that although the two traditions stand far apart in structure and philosophy, instruments often reveal the distinction, even as film music frequently blurs the boundaries. In closing, Dr Shiledar encouraged listeners to carry the art of mindful listening into their daily lives. True appreciation, she said, comes from noticing subtleties, the glide of a note, a shift in rhythm, the emotional shade of a raga. When you begin to hear these details, music stops being background sound and becomes a companion in understanding yourself and the world, Dr Shiledar reminded. multi-crore DMF, Excise scams Raipur : Intensifying its inquiries into the liquor scam and alleged irregularities in District Mineral Foundation (DMF) allocations, the State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB) on Sunday searched nineteen locations across Chhattisgarh. The operation followed fresh documentary and digital correlations requiring immediate verification, a senior officer involved in the statewide exercise told The Hitavada. As the actions rolled out across districts, the political counter-narratives unfolded quickly. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel described the searches as an attempt at selective targeting. Responding to the criticism, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai underscored the Governments stance, stating, Our Government is working on a policy of zero tolerance. Agencies are examining every corruption complaint, and action will be taken against anyone found guilty. Meanwhile, senior SEOIACB officers familiar with Sundays search operations said the DMF case is registered as Crime No 02/2024 under Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended 2018), alongside IPC Sections 420 and 120B. The liquor scam case is registered as Crime No 04/2024 under the same Act with IPC Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120B. Of the 19 locations examined, 11 fell under the DMF probe and 8 under the liquor FIR, spanning Raipur, Bilaspur, Surguja, Kondagaon, Dhamtari, Balrampur, Bastar and Durg. In Raipur, four premises tied to the DMF case were scrutinised, including the Law Vista Colony residence of government supplier Harpal Singh Arora, with investigators reviewing documents, devices and contractor-linked files cited in the case papers. Officers said the materials were central to reconstructing allocation and commission flows. In Kondagaon, teams inspected the Sargipal Road residence of businessman Konark Jain, associated with DMF supply activity in 2019-20, before moving to Chopra Metal, where the shutter was opened to review GST entries, billing books and supply registers. Officers described the records as vital for tracing multi-year transaction patterns. In Surguja, searches at the homes of supplier Amit Agrawal and veterinary officer Dr Tanvir Ahmed yielded procurement records, banking entries and digital devices. In Balrampur, the residence of DMF supplier Manoj Agrawal was examined for documents linked to earlier allocations. Eight premises were searched under the liquor FIR. In Bilaspur, officers examined ledgers, digital files and property papers at the Dayalband residence of Ashok Tuteja, brother of retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja. In Bhilai and Jagdalpur, teams inspected locations tied to retired Excise Commissioner Niranjan Das and his brother Chitranjan Das, reviewing departmental papers, property documents and transaction-linked files. In Dhamtari, the residence of Ketan Doshi, grandson of former MLA Jaya Ben Doshi, at Mahalakshmi Greens, was searched for land, business and property-linked documents. Several records were seized for forensic scrutiny. Officials overseeing the broader inquiry confirmed that important documents, digital evidence and transaction-led materials recovered during Sundays operations will now be integrated into the expanding investigation. They added that the probe has entered a rigorous verification stage, with statewide financial footprints being matched systematically. The DMF case, built on Enforcement Directorate findings, centres on alleged manipulation of tender allocations and illicit commissions routed through contractors Sanjay Shinde, Ashok Kumar Agrawal, Mukesh Kumar Agrawal, Rishabh Soni, and intermediaries Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Ravi Sharma, Piyush Soni, Piyush Sahu, Abdul and Shekhar. Earlier ED action led to seizure of Rs 76.50 lakh in cash, freezing of eight bank accounts with Rs 35 lakh and recovery of dummy firm records and digital devices. Assets worth Rs 23.79 crore belonging to suspended IAS officer Ranu Sahu, Maya Warrier, Manoj Kumar Dwivedi and others remain provisionally attached. No Leader of Opposition in both Houses of State Legislature for first time in six decades By Vikas Vaidya : Danves tenure has ended, no decision on Bhaskar Jadhav yet in Assembly The Winter Session of the State Legislature, starting from December 8, will be unique as there wont be Leaders of Opposition in both Houses - Assembly and Council. Ambadas Danves (Shiv Sena UBT) term as Leader of Opposition in the Council ended, and no consensus has been reached among Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents on a replacement. In the Assembly, Shiv Sena (UBT) has 21 members, Congress has 16, and NCP (SP) has 10, but none meet the 29-seat requirement. Shiv Sena (UBT) recommended Bhaskar Jadhav for the post, but the decision is pending. The main opposition parties did not have enough seats to meet the legal requirement of 10% of the total seats. While in Council where the term of Ambadas Danve of Shiv Sena (UBT) ended, the consensus has not reached among the constituents of Maha Vikas Aaghadi (MVA) as to whose member would become LoP. In the 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, a party needs at least 29 seats to be eligible for this post, and the largest opposition party, Shiv Sena (UBT), won only 21 seats. This is the first time in six decades that Maharashtra has not had a Leader of Opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) has 21 members, Congress has 16 members and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) has 10 members. But it was decided that the largest party can claim the post of LoP. Accordingly, Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena Chief sent a letter recommending name of Bhaskar Jadhav for the post. The decision on it yet is pending. Similarly, in Legislative Council, the tenure of Ambadas Danve of Shiv Sena (UBT) ended in August, 2025. The other constituent parties---Congress and NCP (SP) feel their members should get the opportunity. A leader of Congress pointed out that, in both houses, Sena leaders cant be recommended. Due to the internal silent rift, the consensus has not reached leading to indecision about the member to hold the post. TVK chief Vijay resumes poll campaign CHENNAI : TAMILAGA Vettri Kazhgam chief Vijay on Sunday resumed his campaign for the 2026 Assembly election after a break of nearly 2 months and without directly naming the ruling DMK, accused it of a loot of Rs 4,730 crore via illegal sand mining. He also indirectly levelled the allegation of dynasty politics against it and claimed that the ruling party had forgotten its founder CN Annadurais diktat of go to the people. Addressing party workers, fans and the public at an auditorium in Kancheepuram district, Vijay, avoiding a direct reference, alleged that DMKs ideology was only to loot. They just talk about ideology, mortgaging all their principles, acting as if they alone have leased all principles. Isnt their ideology is just to loot? Do you think people dont know all this? Asserting that Palar River is the lifeline of Kancheepuram region, he said such a life giving river has been degraded and ruined by those merely using the names of social reformer Periyar EV Ramasamy and Anna. He said these were not casual remarks and alleged a loot of a small amount of Rs 4,730 crore by way of illegal sand mining as about 22.70 lakh units of sand was mined by exceeding the permitted level. They cannot ask for evidence as it is in court and with the Enforcement Directorate...If sand is looted, water bodies will be destroyed, agriculture will be destroyed and if agriculture is destroyed, farmers will be destroyed. In total, all of us will have to be completely destroyed. Have you ever heard of a party forming a syndicate to loot, from top to bottom? The fledgling TVKs chief indirectly levelled the allegation of dynasty politics against the DMK by recalling late party patriarch M Karunanidhis assertion --made in the distant past-- that his party was not Kancheepuram Sankara Math. The late DMK patriarch had made that remark, in a particular context, to reiterate that the party decided its chief and someone was not appointed to the top post just like that as it happened in a monastery. Using rhyming words from Tamil, Vijay ridiculed the DMK in the context of its 75 years of its founding and accused it of pretension. While the TVK was yet to start hitting out at the DMK the ruling party was rattled. The DMK, founded in 1949 marked its 75th anniversary last year. The TVK leader said while AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran placed iconic leader Annadurais image on his party flag, he wondered if there is a need to explain what happened to the party (DMK) founded by Anna after his demise. But do I need to tell you what the people who later seized the party started by Arignar Anna are doing? You know it well, he said. DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, became chief minister and party chief following Annas death in 1969. The TVK founder asserted that personally, he and his party had no problem with the DMK though the ruling party may have malice towards them, but we are not like that at all. Vijay alleged that the DMK deceived the people by lying and by making people trust them, it got their votes. They came to power by deception and are now acting as if they are doing good, arent they? he said and accused the DMK of enacting a drama. He asked: How can we not question them. We are not going to stop questioning them. He had a connect to Kancheepuram district, the home turf of iconic Dravidian leader Annadurai. It was here he launched his first outreach initiative in January 2025 following the launch of his party the TVK. At the maiden outreach event, he voiced support to the villagers who opposed the Parandur airport project. People gave him everything and he is committed to serve them by embracing Annas Makkalidam Sel diktat (Go to the people). But who forgot Anna who said Makkalidam Sel, he asked apparently hitting out at the DMK. Vijay slammed the DMK for questioning his party, the TVK, over its ideology and asserted that his party was founded on solid ideological standpoints, and it begins with the principle of equality and had, among other things, demanded a caste census. The ruling DMK, led by Chief Minister and party president M K Stalin, which threw its ideology to the wind was questioning the TVK for not having any ideology. Equality and social justice were among the core of the ideology of the TVK, Vijay asserted and wondered how the chief minister could hurl such an accusation when his party had demanded caste census and opposed the CAA. Also, the party opposed Wafq law amendment and went to the Supreme Court. Unlike the DMK, which made empty claims on ending NEET, the TVK batted for moving education from concurrent to state list of the Constitution. Dont we have an ideology when we spoke strongly about equality and equal opportunity? In filmi style, he reiterated that the contest is going to be between the DMK and his party and said as soon as permission is granted to conduct rallies, it would be done. Vidarbha farmers to receive AI-based technological guidance Business Reporter : MoU signed between Agrovision Foundation, NBSSLUP, and Baramati Agricultural Development Trust AGROVISION Foundation, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSSLUP), Nagpur and the Baramati Agricultural Development Trust on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to make AI-based technological guidance accessible to farmers of Vidarbha. Under this agreement, essential domain knowledge for major crops such as tur daal, sugarcane, and orange will be developed initially, after which collaborative efforts will be undertaken to enhance farmers productivity. Once these pilot projects succeed, more crops will be included. The agreement was signed on the third day of the Agrovision exhibition held at the grounds of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University Amravati Road campus in Nagpur. Present on the dais were Nitin Gadkari, Chief Promoter of Agrovision and Union Minister; Padma Shri Pratap Pawar, Managing Director and Chairman of Sakal Media Group; Vivek Bhoite of the Baramati Agricultural Development Trust; Dr Sharad Gadakh, Vice-Chancellor of Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth; Dr H Biswas, Principal Scientist of NBSSLUP; Dr C D Mayee, Advisor to Agrovision Foundation; and Ravi Boratkar, President of Agrovision Foundation. The MoU was signed by Vivek Bhoite, Ravi Bortkar, and Dr H Biswas. Informative compering and moderation of the panel discussion were done by Dr Mayee. Pratap Pawar made a heartfelt appeal stating that farmers must take responsibility for their own development. He emphasised that their mission has always been the upliftment of farmers. He shared the success story from Baramati, explaining how farmers there have achieved sugarcane yields of up to 150 tonnes per acre after the adoption of AI-based technology. Wife of Mah Ministers PA dies by suicide MUMBAI : THE wife of Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Mundes personal assistant allegedly committed suicide at her residence in central Mumbai due to a domestic dispute, police said on Sunday. Gauri Palve, wife of Anant Garje, a personal assistant to the State Animal Husbandry and Environment Minister Munde, was found hanging at her house in the Worli area on Saturday evening, an official said. The couple had tied the knot in February this year, and Palve was a doctor at the dental department at the civic-run KEM Hospital, he said. According to the police, Palves family has alleged that she was tortured and harassed by her husband, and this led her to take the extreme step. They have demanded a thorough investigation into the death. As per preliminary information, the suicide is suspected to be a result of domestic disputes, the official said, adding that an accidental death report has been registered and a probe is underway. Heres a special episode of The Lo-Down Culture Cast, recorded live at Catalyst Records in Essex Market. Pianist & composer Grant Richards and drummer Roberto Giaquinto joined host Traven Rice to talk about the hustle of being a jazz musician in NYC today. They played some music composed by Grant Richards and performed some new music from an upcoming album that they have collaborated on titled Orbits Trio+3. The sound was great and the vibe was warm and welcoming, thanks to Catalyst owner Gary Guarinello. You can listen to the full episode here or anywhere you get your podcasts. NYC-based pianist Grant Richards is an award-winning jazz performer, composer, and educator who adapts to a wide range of settings, styles, and genres. A native of Portland, Oregon, Grant began playing piano at the age of eight. By the time he entered college, he had won four Student Music Awards from Downbeat Magazine and recorded his first album as a leader. He went on to Berklee College of Music on a full-tuition Jimmy Lyons Scholarship. After releasing his second studio album Numinous, Grant moved to Japan for nearly three years where he taught at an international music school and performed often in the vibrant Tokyo music scene. Upon his return to the US, he moved to New York City and served as the Musical Director for the 2019 Jacobs Pillow Tap Program. In October 2024 Grant released Menagerie, a vast collaborative songwriting project straddling the line between jazz, pop, and neo-soul which features a host of talented vocalists and musicians living in the NYC area. Recorded in 2023 at Keyboard Heaven in Brooklyn, this 15-track album is a genre-bending journey that has raked in over 200,000 streams across the globe since its release. In addition to being a gigging musician, Grant is a music educator, recording artist, writer and composer. Italian drummer Roberto Giaquinto started out his musical journey with his older brother in Naples, Italy, playing with different local bands around the city while still in middle school. After moving to Rome, he graduated with a degree in jazz arranging AND In 2009, he was awarded a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and after moving to Boston in 2010, he was selected to be part of the Global Jazz Institute. Waterloo Capital L.P. raised its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 29.0% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 7,683 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 1,725 shares during the period. Waterloo Capital L.P.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $1,045,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Prudential Financial Inc. increased its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 27.4% during the 2nd quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 2,353,356 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $320,080,000 after purchasing an additional 506,093 shares in the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 15.2% during the 2nd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 83,571 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $11,367,000 after buying an additional 11,002 shares during the last quarter. Patrick Mauro Investment Advisor INC. increased its position in Abbott Laboratories by 4.9% during the second quarter. Patrick Mauro Investment Advisor INC. now owns 5,341 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $687,000 after buying an additional 251 shares in the last quarter. Vestor Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 108.7% in the second quarter. Vestor Capital LLC now owns 151,696 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $20,632,000 after acquiring an additional 78,997 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.5% in the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 13,177,029 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,792,209,000 after acquiring an additional 68,613 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance NYSE:ABT opened at $127.97 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $222.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.04, a P/E/G ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.68. The firms 50 day moving average is $129.95 and its two-hundred day moving average is $131.18. Abbott Laboratories has a fifty-two week low of $110.86 and a fifty-two week high of $141.23. The company has a quick ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 1.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 15th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.30. The company had revenue of $11.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.40 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.88% and a return on equity of 17.78%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.21 EPS. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. Analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 15th were issued a $0.59 dividend. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.57%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts recently commented on the company. William Blair upgraded Abbott Laboratories to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday. BTIG Research reissued a buy rating and issued a $145.00 price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday. Raymond James Financial raised their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $141.00 to $146.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Evercore ISI cut their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $144.00 to $142.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $149.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $147.00. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Abbott Laboratories About Abbott Laboratories (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. Further Reading 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. Alfa Laval AB Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:ALFVY Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the seven ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Several analysts recently issued reports on ALFVY shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Alfa Laval in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of Alfa Laval in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Alfa Laval from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Alfa Laval in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. Get Alfa Laval alerts: Get Our Latest Report on ALFVY Alfa Laval Trading Up 1.3% Alfa Laval Company Profile Shares of ALFVY stock opened at $45.34 on Wednesday. Alfa Laval has a 12-month low of $36.86 and a 12-month high of $50.48. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $47.14 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $44.85. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 1.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The company has a market capitalization of $18.74 billion, a PE ratio of 22.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 1.32. (Get Free Report) Alfa Laval Corporate AB provides heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling products and solutions worldwide. It operates in three divisions: Energy, Food & Water, and Marine. The company offers oil/gas-fired steam and composite steam boilers, exhaust gas economizer, and ballast water treatment systems, and exhaust gas cleaning products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Alfa Laval Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alfa Laval and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Startup founders and leaders shares three concrete AgTech predictions for 2026, from autonomous machinery at scale to digital crop twins that forecast yields. Whats happening: Industry leaders predict 2026 will mark the year autonomous machinery, precision agriculture systems, and digital crop twins transition from experimental technology to field ready tools that materially improve farm yields and resource efficiency across the sector. Why this matters: These arent distant possibilities. With Australian AgTech companies already securing major funding rounds, including SwarmFarm Robotics $30 million Series B for autonomous robots, the infrastructure for widespread adoption is being built now. The image of a farmer on a tractor may soon become optional rather than essential. Expect to see increased use of autonomous tractors, drones, and AI-guided sprayers that use technologies like GPS, LiDAR, and computer vision to perform tasks like plowing, seeding, and fertilizing with high consistency and precision, said Erik Terjesen, Managing Director at Silicon Foundry. The shift from pilot programs to scaled deployment represents a practical transformation in farm operations. Tasks that once required constant human oversight, plowing fields, seeding rows, applying fertiliser, can now be performed by machines that operate with consistent precision across variable terrain and conditions. The technology stack combining GPS positioning, LiDAR sensing for obstacle detection, and computer vision for crop identification enables these machines to make real time decisions in the field. For producers managing large operations or facing labour shortages, autonomous machinery offers a way to maintain productivity without scaling headcount proportionally. Precision gains real traction Precision agriculture has been discussed for years. In 2026, the results become measurable. AI systems, often integrated with IoT sensors, drones, and satellite imagery, provide comprehensive crop monitoring and resource management. This is projected to improve farm yields by up to 20% globally by 2026 and reduce fertilizer usage by around 15%, Terjesen said. The convergence of AI analysis with IoT sensors embedded in fields, drones capturing aerial crop data, and satellite imagery tracking broader patterns creates a monitoring system that can detect stress, disease, or nutrient deficiencies before they become visible to the human eye. Resource management becomes more targeted. Rather than applying fertiliser uniformly across a field, precision systems allow variable rate application based on soil conditions and crop needs in specific zones. The projected 15% reduction in fertiliser use matters not just for cost savings, but for environmental impact and regulatory compliance as agricultural inputs face increasing scrutiny. The 20% yield improvement projection reflects better timing of irrigation, more accurate pest management, and optimised nutrient delivery. For farms operating on thin margins, that difference can determine profitability. Digital twins arrive Virtual modelling is moving from manufacturing floors to farm fields. Digital twins will become a core planning tool. Virtual models of crops and farm environments will allow producers to forecast resource needs, optimize irrigation and fertilization, and stress-test decisions before planting, transforming intuition-driven decisions into computationally optimized strategies, Terjesen explained. A digital twin creates a virtual replica of a physical crop or farm environment, fed by real time data from sensors, weather stations, and historical performance records. Producers can simulate different planting strategies, test various irrigation schedules, or model the impact of weather events before committing resources to the field. The shift from intuition to computation doesnt eliminate farmer expertise. It enhances it. Experienced producers can test their instincts against simulated outcomes, refine their strategies based on data, and make more informed decisions about resource allocation before the planting season begins. For farms managing multiple crop types across diverse soil conditions, digital twins offer a way to optimise each zone independently rather than applying broad strategies across entire properties. The computational modelling can identify opportunities for efficiency gains that might not be apparent through traditional observation alone. The technology transforms planning from a once per season decision into an ongoing optimisation process. As conditions change throughout the growing season, digital twins can be updated with new data, allowing producers to adjust strategies in response to actual field performance rather than predetermined plans. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. American Business Bank (OTCMKTS:AMBZ Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $59.00 and last traded at $59.00, with a volume of 3476 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $58.85. American Business Bank Trading Up 0.2% The stocks 50 day moving average is $56.33 and its 200 day moving average is $50.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $525.22 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.57 and a beta of 0.51. Get American Business Bank alerts: American Business Bank (OTCMKTS:AMBZ Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The financial services provider reported $1.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $42.62 million during the quarter. American Business Bank Company Profile 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for American Business Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Business Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Get Free Report) has received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the thirteen ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, eight have given a buy recommendation and two have given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $94.6667. Several research analysts have recently commented on UNM shares. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Unum Group from $100.00 to $98.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on shares of Unum Group from $94.00 to $92.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. UBS Group set a $87.00 price target on shares of Unum Group and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. Evercore ISI raised their price objective on shares of Unum Group from $96.00 to $99.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Unum Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Get Unum Group alerts: View Our Latest Report on Unum Group Insider Activity Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other news, EVP Steven Andrew Zabel sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.38, for a total value of $572,850.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 113,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,692,578.66. The trade was a 6.18% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, EVP Christopher W. Pyne sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.04, for a total transaction of $312,160.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 51,372 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,009,070.88. This represents a 7.22% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 0.92% of the companys stock. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in UNM. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Unum Group in the second quarter worth about $1,113,353,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in Unum Group by 4.8% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,816,520 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $473,814,000 after acquiring an additional 264,268 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP raised its holdings in shares of Unum Group by 4.0% during the 3rd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 5,734,937 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $446,063,000 after acquiring an additional 223,095 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of Unum Group by 5.0% during the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 3,777,880 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $293,837,000 after acquiring an additional 179,401 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Unum Group by 7.0% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,341,589 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $271,862,000 after purchasing an additional 219,076 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.57% of the companys stock. Unum Group Stock Down 0.9% UNM opened at $75.59 on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $76.38 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $76.73. The company has a market capitalization of $12.65 billion, a PE ratio of 9.04, a PEG ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 0.37. Unum Group has a 1-year low of $66.81 and a 1-year high of $84.48. The company has a current ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The financial services provider reported $2.09 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.15 by ($0.06). The company had revenue of $3.25 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.31 billion. Unum Group had a return on equity of 13.44% and a net margin of 11.77%.Unum Groups revenue for the quarter was up 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.13 earnings per share. Unum Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Unum Group will post 9.14 EPS for the current year. Unum Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 24th were paid a $0.46 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 24th. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. Unum Groups dividend payout ratio is 35.87%. Unum Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block segment. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Unum Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unum Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. QuantumScape, Sigma Lithium, Amprius Technologies, Lithium Americas, Dragonfly Energy, Critical Metals, and Lithium Americas (Argentina) are the seven Lithium stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Lithium stocks are shares of companies involved in the production, refinement, processing or supply of lithium and lithium-based battery materialsincluding miners, processors and battery manufacturers. Investors buy these stocks to gain exposure to growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage, though they carry risks from commodity-price volatility, high capital costs, permitting and supply-chain or geopolitical issues. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Lithium stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: QuantumScape (QS) QuantumScape Corporation, a research and development stage company, focuses on the development and commercialization of solid-state lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles and other applications. The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in San Jose, California. Sigma Lithium (SGML) Sigma Lithium Corporation engages in the exploration and development of lithium deposits in Brazil. It holds a 100% interest in the Grota do Cirilo, Genipapo, Santa Clara, and Sao Jose properties comprising 29 mineral rights covering an area of approximately 185 square kilometers located in the Aracuai and Itinga regions of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Read Our Latest Research Report on SGML Amprius Technologies (AMPX) Amprius Technologies, Inc. produces and sells ultra-high energy density lithium-ion batteries for mobility applications. The company offers silicon nanowire anode batteries. Its batteries are primarily used for existing and emerging aviation applications, including unmanned aerial systems, such as drones and high-altitude pseudo satellites. Read Our Latest Research Report on AMPX Lithium Americas (LAC) Lithium Americas Corp. engages in the exploration and development of lithium properties in the United States and Canada. It holds a 100% interest in the Thacker Pass project located in northern Nevada, as well as investments in exploration properties in the United States and Canada. Lithium Americas Corp. Read Our Latest Research Report on LAC Dragonfly Energy (DFLI) Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. engages in the manufacturing and sale of deep cycle lithium-ion batteries for recreational vehicles, marine vessels, solar and off-grid residence industries, and industrial and energy storage markets. The company provides lithium power systems comprising solar panels, chargers and inverters, system monitoring, alternator regulators, accessories, and others. Read Our Latest Research Report on DFLI Critical Metals (CRML) Critical Metals Corp. engages in the mining, exploration, and development of lithium metals. It owns Wolfsberg Project and Tanbreez Project. The company was founded on October 24, 2022 and is headquartered in British Virgin Islands. Read Our Latest Research Report on CRML Lithium Americas (Argentina) (LAAC) Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. operates as a resource company. The company explores for lithium deposits. The company owns interests in the Cauchari-Olaroz project located in Jujuy province of Argentina. It also has a pipeline of development and exploration stage projects, including the Pastos Grandes project and the Sal de la Puna project located in Salta Province in northwestern Argentina. Read Our Latest Research Report on LAAC See Also DCF Advisers LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Biohaven Ltd. (NYSE:BHVN Free Report) by 11.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 56,500 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 6,000 shares during the period. DCF Advisers LLC owned about 0.06% of Biohaven worth $797,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. SVB Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Biohaven during the first quarter worth $25,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Biohaven by 53.7% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,783 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 623 shares in the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc grew its stake in shares of Biohaven by 84,800.0% during the 1st quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 2,547 shares of the companys stock worth $61,000 after purchasing an additional 2,544 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE grew its stake in shares of Biohaven by 62.8% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 4,837 shares of the companys stock worth $116,000 after purchasing an additional 1,866 shares during the period. Finally, DNB Asset Management AS increased its holdings in shares of Biohaven by 58.1% in the 2nd quarter. DNB Asset Management AS now owns 15,137 shares of the companys stock valued at $214,000 after purchasing an additional 5,561 shares in the last quarter. 88.78% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Biohaven alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently commented on BHVN shares. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Biohaven from $19.00 to $9.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Robert W. Baird set a $42.00 price target on Biohaven in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Leerink Partners reduced their price objective on Biohaven from $60.00 to $50.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, August 12th. Raymond James Financial reiterated a strong-buy rating on shares of Biohaven in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, HC Wainwright restated a buy rating and issued a $30.00 price target (down previously from $54.00) on shares of Biohaven in a research report on Tuesday, August 12th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $28.36. Biohaven Price Performance BHVN stock opened at $9.67 on Monday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $13.87 and its 200 day moving average price is $14.71. The firm has a market cap of $1.02 billion, a P/E ratio of -1.27 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.91, a quick ratio of 2.86 and a current ratio of 2.86. Biohaven Ltd. has a 1 year low of $7.48 and a 1 year high of $47.75. Biohaven (NYSE:BHVN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported ($1.64) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($1.91) by $0.27. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Biohaven Ltd. will post -8.9 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, Director John W. Childs purchased 3,333,333 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 13th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $7.50 per share, for a total transaction of $24,999,997.50. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 5,653,904 shares in the company, valued at $42,404,280. This represents a 143.64% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Gregory Bailey acquired 400,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 13th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $7.50 per share, with a total value of $3,000,000.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 2,020,071 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,150,532.50. The trade was a 24.69% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Over the last quarter, insiders bought 4,416,999 shares of company stock worth $33,144,833. Company insiders own 14.60% of the companys stock. Biohaven Profile (Free Report) Biohaven Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing therapies for immunology, neuroscience, and oncology worldwide. The company's pipeline products include Troriluzole, which is in Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric illnesses; BHV-5500 that blocks glutamate signaling mediated by post-synaptic NMDA receptors; Taldefgrobep Alfa, which is in Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy and obesity; BHV-7000, a candidate in Phase 2/3 clinical trials for the treatment of focal and generalized epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder; BHV-2100 that is in Phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of migraines and neuropathic pain; and BHV-8000, a product candidate in Phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of early Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, sclerosis, and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BHVN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Biohaven Ltd. (NYSE:BHVN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Biohaven Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Biohaven and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. B&M European Value Retail SA Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:BMRRY Get Free Report)s share price gapped down before the market opened on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $8.94, but opened at $8.55. B&M European Value Retail shares last traded at $8.56, with a volume of 1,229 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Zacks Research lowered B&M European Value Retail from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get B&M European Value Retail alerts: Get Our Latest Report on BMRRY B&M European Value Retail Stock Performance About B&M European Value Retail The company has a current ratio of 1.35, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.95. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $11.08 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $13.17. (Get Free Report) B&M European Value Retail SA operates general merchandise and grocery stores. The company operates a chain of stores under the B&M, Heron Foods, and B&M Express in the United Kingdom; and stores under the B&M brand in France. It also provides property management services. The company was founded in 1978 and is based in Munsbach, Luxembourg. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for B&M European Value Retail Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for B&M European Value Retail and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE:BKD Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $11.05 and last traded at $10.9550, with a volume of 1886144 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $10.80. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have commented on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price target on shares of Brookdale Senior Living from $9.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Barclays raised Brookdale Senior Living from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $8.00 to $14.00 in a report on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen raised Brookdale Senior Living from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Brookdale Senior Living in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $11.67. Get Brookdale Senior Living alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on BKD Brookdale Senior Living Trading Up 4.1% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 39.87, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.67 billion, a P/E ratio of -10.71 and a beta of 0.96. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $8.92 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $7.80. Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE:BKD Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.20) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.16) by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $813.17 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $825.59 million. Brookdale Senior Living had a negative net margin of 7.60% and a negative return on equity of 107.19%. On average, equities research analysts expect that Brookdale Senior Living Inc. will post -0.56 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Brookdale Senior Living Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its stake in Brookdale Senior Living by 15.9% in the 1st quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 59,820 shares of the companys stock worth $374,000 after purchasing an additional 8,189 shares during the period. GSA Capital Partners LLP acquired a new stake in Brookdale Senior Living during the 1st quarter valued at $832,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Brookdale Senior Living during the 1st quarter valued at $47,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Brookdale Senior Living by 0.3% in the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,027,870 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,954,000 after purchasing an additional 9,973 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Deutsche Bank AG lifted its holdings in shares of Brookdale Senior Living by 8.7% in the first quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 3,987,153 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,960,000 after purchasing an additional 318,463 shares in the last quarter. Brookdale Senior Living Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brookdale Senior Living Inc owns, manages, and operates senior living communities in the United States. It operates in three segments: Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). The Independent Living segment owns or leases communities comprising independent and assisted living units in a single community that are primarily designed for middle to upper income seniors. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Brookdale Senior Living Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookdale Senior Living and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Butterfly Network, Inc. (NYSE:BFLY Get Free Report) shares gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $2.65, but opened at $2.86. Butterfly Network shares last traded at $3.11, with a volume of 3,955,911 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BFLY has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Craig Hallum reaffirmed a positive rating and issued a $2.00 target price on shares of Butterfly Network in a research report on Monday, August 4th. Oppenheimer restated a market perform rating on shares of Butterfly Network in a research report on Friday, August 1st. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Butterfly Network in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Butterfly Network from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $3.00. Get Butterfly Network alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Butterfly Network Butterfly Network Price Performance The company has a market capitalization of $802.01 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.56 and a beta of 2.65. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $2.21 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.02. Butterfly Network (NYSE:BFLY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The company reported ($0.04) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.06) by $0.02. Butterfly Network had a negative return on equity of 37.80% and a negative net margin of 90.31%.The business had revenue of $21.49 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.23 million. Butterfly Network has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Butterfly Network, Inc. will post -0.35 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Butterfly Network In other news, Director Dawn Carfora sold 112,009 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.69, for a total value of $301,304.21. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 265,505 shares in the company, valued at approximately $714,208.45. This represents a 29.67% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Steve Cashman sold 142,590 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1.50, for a total transaction of $213,885.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 2,181,884 shares in the company, valued at $3,272,826. This trade represents a 6.13% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 370,628 shares of company stock worth $848,060 over the last three months. Insiders own 25.18% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Butterfly Network Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in shares of Butterfly Network by 33.0% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 20,177 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 5,010 shares in the last quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS purchased a new position in Butterfly Network during the 1st quarter worth approximately $62,000. Kapitalo Investimentos Ltda purchased a new position in Butterfly Network during the 1st quarter worth approximately $50,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank acquired a new position in Butterfly Network during the first quarter worth approximately $82,000. Finally, Perkins Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in Butterfly Network during the first quarter worth approximately $627,000. 37.85% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Butterfly Network (Get Free Report) Butterfly Network, Inc develops, manufactures, and commercializes ultrasound imaging solutions in the United States and internationally. It offers Butterfly iQ, a handheld and single-probe whole body ultrasound system; Butterfly iQ+ and iQ3 ultrasound devices that can perform whole-body imaging in a single handheld probe integrated with the clinical workflow, and accessible on a user's smartphone, tablet, and almost any hospital computer system; and Butterfly iQ+ Vet, a handheld ultrasound system designed for veterinarians. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Butterfly Network Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Butterfly Network and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 0.5% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 2,541,391 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 12,558 shares during the quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. owned 0.87% of Illinois Tool Works worth $628,360,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of ITW. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. grew its position in Illinois Tool Works by 90.9% during the second quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 105 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. Saudi Central Bank bought a new position in Illinois Tool Works during the 1st quarter worth $29,000. 1248 Management LLC acquired a new position in Illinois Tool Works in the 1st quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Banque Transatlantique SA acquired a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the 1st quarter worth $30,000. 79.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently commented on ITW. Truist Financial dropped their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $298.00 to $275.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $258.00 target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a report on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a report on Friday, October 31st. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $245.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $255.00 to $261.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $263.77. Insider Transactions at Illinois Tool Works In other news, CAO Randall J. Scheuneman sold 6,802 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on 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 directly owned 10,314 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,734,035.12. This represents a 39.74% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Pamela B. Strobel sold 1,521 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $245.25, for a total transaction of $373,025.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 39,249 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,625,817.25. The trade was a 3.73% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock. Illinois Tool Works Stock Up 2.8% Shares of NYSE:ITW opened at $247.79 on Monday. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 52-week low of $214.66 and a 52-week high of $279.13. The company has a market capitalization of $71.88 billion, a PE ratio of 24.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.10 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.53. The company has a fifty day moving average of $251.26 and a 200-day moving average of $253.21. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.81 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.72 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $4.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.09 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 93.26% and a net margin of 19.05%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $3.91 earnings per share. Illinois Tool Works has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.400-10.500 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 EPS for the current fiscal year. Illinois Tool Works Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a dividend of $1.61 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $6.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is presently 62.46%. Illinois Tool Works Company Profile (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. See Also 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. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lessened its holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report) by 1.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,036,794 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 26,885 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. owned 0.79% of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. worth $652,021,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted 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 worth $5,997,767,000 after buying an additional 4,815,007 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 30,411,264 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $10,499,185,000 after buying an additional 739,130 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the first quarter worth approximately $240,665,000. 1832 Asset Management L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 3,142.2% during the first quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 640,911 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $221,268,000 after acquiring an additional 621,143 shares during the period. Finally, DSM Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the first quarter valued at approximately $136,565,000. 85.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Price Performance Shares of NYSE:AJG opened at $251.29 on Monday. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a one year low of $239.47 and a one year high of $351.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.36. The company has a market cap of $64.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.69 and a beta of 0.71. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $280.38 and a 200 day simple moving average of $301.87. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Dividend Announcement Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. ( NYSE:AJG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.51 by ($0.19). Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a return on equity of 13.17% and a net margin of 14.54%.The company had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.34 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.26 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th will be given a dividend of $0.65 per share. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend 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 currently 38.86%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CAO Richard C. Cary sold 6,000 shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $261.00, for a total value of $1,566,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 50,668 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,224,348. The trade was a 10.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, VP Scott R. Hudson sold 12,855 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $297.60, for a total transaction of $3,825,648.00. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 85,920 shares of the companys stock, valued at $25,569,792. This represents a 13.01% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 35,855 shares of company stock valued at $10,482,928 over the last 90 days. 1.60% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms recently weighed in on AJG. Cantor Fitzgerald raised Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $340.00 to $295.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $322.00 to $329.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, September 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $316.33. Check Out Our Latest Report on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. 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. Featured Stories 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. Riley Exploration Permian (NYSE:REPX Get Free Report) and Chesapeake Energy (OTCMKTS:CHKAQ Get Free Report) are both small-cap energy companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation and profitability. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Riley Exploration Permian and Chesapeake Energy, as reported by MarketBeat. Get Riley Exploration Permian alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Riley Exploration Permian 1 0 2 1 2.75 Chesapeake Energy 0 0 0 0 0.00 Riley Exploration Permian presently has a consensus price target of $41.50, suggesting a potential upside of 57.14%. Given Riley Exploration Permians stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Riley Exploration Permian is more favorable than Chesapeake Energy. Institutional and Insider Ownership Profitability 58.9% of Riley Exploration Permian shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 2.0% of Chesapeake Energy shares are owned by institutional investors. 4.7% of Riley Exploration Permian shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.1% of Chesapeake Energy shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. This table compares Riley Exploration Permian and Chesapeake Energys net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Riley Exploration Permian 28.48% 23.82% 11.31% Chesapeake Energy -162.46% N/A -3.45% Volatility & Risk Riley Exploration Permian has a beta of 1.2, indicating that its share price is 20% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Chesapeake Energy has a beta of 1.25, indicating that its share price is 25% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Riley Exploration Permian and Chesapeake Energys revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Riley Exploration Permian $397.40 million 1.46 $111.59 million $4.09 6.46 Chesapeake Energy $8.49 billion 0.00 -$308.00 million ($54.00) -0.06 Riley Exploration Permian has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Chesapeake Energy. Chesapeake Energy is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Riley Exploration Permian, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Riley Exploration Permian beats Chesapeake Energy on 13 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Riley Exploration Permian (Get Free Report) Riley Exploration Permian, Inc., an independent oil and natural gas company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in Texas and New Mexico. The company's activities are primarily focused on the Northwest Shelf and Yeso trend of the Permian Basin. Its acreage is primarily located on contiguous blocks in Yoakum County, Texas; and Eddy County, New Mexico. Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. About Chesapeake Energy (Get Free Report) Chesapeake Energy Corp. is an independent exploration and production company, which engages in acquisition, exploration and development of properties for the production of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids from underground reservoirs. It focuses on projects located in Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wyoming. The company was founded by Aubrey K. McClendon and Tom L. Ward on May 18, 1989 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK. Receive News & Ratings for Riley Exploration Permian Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Riley Exploration Permian and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gidon Sadovsky, CEO of Overnight Glasses, reveals the checkout tactics retailers use and how to spot them every time. Whats happening: Online shoppings convenience comes with a cost many Australians dont see until checkout. Hidden fees, pre-selected add-ons, and dynamic pricing tactics are quietly inflating shopping bills. Why this matters: Understanding these tactics helps consumers protect their wallets and make informed purchasing decisions. Retailers often sneak in optional extras like gift wrapping, extended warranties, or expedited processing by pre-selecting them during checkout. A recent survey by the Better Business Bureau found that 29% of online shoppers accidentally paid for services they didnt intend to buy simply by not unchecking pre-filled boxes. People often speed through checkout without realizing theyve agreed to optional add-ons, said Sadovsky. These services may only cost a few dollars each, but across multiple orders, they become a consistent source of unnecessary spending. The tactic works because consumers have become conditioned to click through checkout screens quickly. Retailers position these add-ons as checked by default, requiring active disengagement rather than active selection. Gift wrapping for $4.95, rush processing for $7.99, or insurance for $3.50 might seem negligible in isolation, but they compound across repeated purchases throughout the year. Before confirming your order, scroll through the entire checkout page. Look for any pre-ticked boxes or selected options you didnt explicitly choose. If something is already checked, read what it is before proceeding. Dynamic pricing exposed Online prices can change depending on your device, location, or browsing history. This practice is known as dynamic pricing. A returning user or someone in a high-income zip code may see higher prices for the same product, Sadovsky explained. Dynamic pricing is a subtle but powerful tactic. According to research from Northeastern University, prices on major retail sites can fluctuate by as much as 10 to 20% depending on your digital footprint. Retailers use algorithms that track your browsing patterns, previous purchases, device type, and even your geographic location to adjust pricing in real time. Shopping in incognito or private browsing mode prevents retailers from accessing your browsing history and cookies. This removes one layer of data retailers use to personalise pricing. Additionally, comparing prices across different devices, a laptop versus a mobile phone, can reveal price variations based on device type. Clear your browser cookies before shopping, or use a VPN to mask your location if youre comparison shopping across regions. The effort can save significant money, particularly on high value purchases like electronics or travel bookings. Return fees matter Many shoppers assume returns are free, but thats not always the case. Some retailers charge restocking fees or require you to pay for return shipping. People assume returns are free, but in many cases, the cost of return shipping or restocking can significantly reduce your refund, Sadovsky warned. A report from the National Retail Federation revealed that return related fees cost U.S. consumers over $9 billion annually. Australian consumers face similar challenges, with 26% of shoppers abandoning their carts after discovering additional fees associated with their purchases. Return policies vary dramatically between retailers. Some offer free returns within 30 days, while others charge restocking fees of 10 to 20% of the purchase price, or require customers to cover return shipping costs that can exceed $15 for standard items. Before purchasing, locate and read the return policy. Look for specific details about who pays for return shipping, whether restocking fees apply, and what condition items must be in to qualify for full refunds. Screenshot or save the policy if its particularly generous, as some retailers have been known to change terms. Your card already covers it Retailers often promote extended warranties, but in many cases, they duplicate coverage you already have. In many cases, your credit card already provides purchase protection, or the manufacturers warranty is sufficient, Sadovsky noted. Consumer Reports found that 55% of shoppers who bought extended warranties never used them, and 38% were already covered by another plan. Many credit cards offer automatic purchase protection for 90 to 120 days, covering damage, theft, or defects. Premium cards often extend manufacturer warranties by an additional year at no cost. Before purchasing an extended warranty, check your credit card benefits. Most card issuers provide detailed benefit guides online, or you can call the number on the back of your card. Compare what the retailer offers against what your card already provides. In most cases, the overlap makes the additional warranty unnecessary. For electronics and appliances, manufacturer warranties typically cover defects for the first year. Combined with credit card protections, youre often covered for 18 to 24 months without spending extra money. Final expert take Most hidden fees show up at the very end of the checkout process, so one smart tactic is to simulate a purchase before you actually commit, Sadovsky advised. Add the item to your cart, go through checkout until the final review screen, and take note of any surprise handling fees, shipping costs, or add-ons. Then close the tab and compare it with other retailers offering the same product. Youd be surprised how often the same item is available elsewhere with fewer fees, and this one-minute check can save you real money. The tactic works because it forces transparency before commitment. Retailers design checkout flows to minimize friction, which often means hiding fees until the last possible moment. By deliberately pausing before completing the purchase, consumers regain control over the decision and can make informed comparisons. For Australian shoppers navigating an increasingly complex ecommerce landscape, awareness of these tactics transforms shopping from a passive experience into an active defence of your wallet. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Cranswick plc (LON:CWK Get Free Report) insider Christopher Aldersley bought 3 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 4,950 per share, for a total transaction of 148.50. Christopher Aldersley also recently made the following trade(s): Get Cranswick alerts: On Tuesday, October 21st, Christopher Aldersley bought 3 shares of Cranswick stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 5,050 per share, with a total value of 151.50. On Monday, September 22nd, Christopher Aldersley purchased 3 shares of Cranswick stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 5,055 per share, for a total transaction of 151.65. Cranswick Stock Up 0.8% Cranswick stock traded up GBX 40 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting GBX 4,995. The companys stock had a trading volume of 210,358 shares, compared to its average volume of 155,907. Cranswick plc has a 52-week low of GBX 4,555 and a 52-week high of GBX 5,590. The company has a market cap of 2.67 billion, a PE ratio of 20.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.98, a current ratio of 1.66 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The firms 50 day moving average is GBX 4,978.08 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 5,154.40. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Shore Capital reiterated a house stock rating on shares of Cranswick in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of GBX 5,370. Get Our Latest Research Report on CWK Cranswick Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cranswick is a leading and innovative supplier of premium, fresh and added-value food products with revenues of more than 2.7 billion. The business employs over 15,400 people and operates from 23 well-invested, highly efficient facilities in the UK. Cranswick was formed in the early 1970s by farmers in East Yorkshire to produce animal feed and has since evolved into a business which produces a range of high-quality, predominantly fresh food, including fresh pork, poultry, convenience, gourmet products and pet food. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cranswick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cranswick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers lessened its holdings in shares of Extra Space Storage Inc (NYSE:EXR Free Report) by 0.5% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 443,008 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 2,288 shares during the quarter. Rhumbline Advisers holdings in Extra Space Storage were worth $65,317,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in EXR. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in Extra Space Storage by 205.7% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,094,555 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $608,001,000 after acquiring an additional 2,755,265 shares during the period. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in shares of Extra Space Storage during the first quarter valued at $257,917,000. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 570.3% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,124,206 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $166,180,000 after purchasing an additional 956,500 shares in the last quarter. Resolution Capital Ltd lifted its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 259.1% in the first quarter. Resolution Capital Ltd now owns 902,157 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $133,961,000 after purchasing an additional 650,957 shares during the period. Finally, Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 18.7% in the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 3,056,384 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $453,843,000 after purchasing an additional 480,642 shares during the period. 99.11% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Extra Space Storage alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Extra Space Storage news, CEO Joseph D. Margolis sold 7,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $141.41, for a total value of $1,060,575.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 19,760 shares in the company, valued at $2,794,261.60. This trade represents a 27.51% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock. Extra Space Storage Price Performance Shares of NYSE:EXR opened at $131.45 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $27.90 billion, a PE ratio of 29.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.56 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a current ratio of 0.29. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $140.13 and a 200-day moving average of $144.04. Extra Space Storage Inc has a one year low of $121.03 and a one year high of $175.57. Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.06 by $0.02. Extra Space Storage had a return on equity of 6.53% and a net margin of 28.40%.The company had revenue of $858.46 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $736.26 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.07 earnings per share. Extra Space Storages revenue for the quarter was up 4.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Extra Space Storage has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.120-8.20 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Extra Space Storage Inc will post 8.1 EPS for the current fiscal year. Extra Space Storage Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.62 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.9%. Extra Space Storages dividend payout ratio is currently 144.64%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have commented on EXR shares. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Extra Space Storage from $148.00 to $146.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $146.00 target price (down previously from $169.00) on shares of Extra Space Storage in a report on Thursday, August 21st. Evercore ISI restated a cautious rating on shares of Extra Space Storage in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Scotiabank lowered their price target on Extra Space Storage from $166.00 to $162.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 28th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Extra Space Storage in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $148.36. View Our Latest Report on EXR Extra Space Storage Profile (Free Report) Extra Space Storage Inc, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 3,714 self-storage stores in 42 states and Washington, DC The Company's stores comprise approximately 2.6 million units and approximately 283.0 million square feet of rentable space operating under the Extra Space, Life Storage and Storage Express brands. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EXR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Extra Space Storage Inc (NYSE:EXR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Extra Space Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Extra Space Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Banco Bradesco SA (NYSE:BBD Free Report) by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 48,199,044 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 907,612 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. owned 0.45% of Banco Bradesco worth $148,935,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of BBD. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in Banco Bradesco by 22.0% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 964,959 shares of the banks stock worth $2,982,000 after purchasing an additional 174,126 shares during the last quarter. Sagil Capital LLP grew its stake in shares of Banco Bradesco by 44.1% during the 2nd quarter. Sagil Capital LLP now owns 7,673,265 shares of the banks stock valued at $23,710,000 after buying an additional 2,350,000 shares during the period. Truffle Hound Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Banco Bradesco by 100.0% during the 2nd quarter. Truffle Hound Capital LLC now owns 1,500,000 shares of the banks stock worth $4,635,000 after buying an additional 750,000 shares during the last quarter. Raiffeisen Bank International AG purchased a new position in shares of Banco Bradesco in the 2nd quarter worth $428,000. Finally, Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. raised its position in shares of Banco Bradesco by 34.0% in the 2nd quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. now owns 35,204,316 shares of the banks stock worth $108,781,000 after buying an additional 8,938,200 shares during the period. Get Banco Bradesco alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Banco Bradesco in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Banco Bradesco has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $2.40. Banco Bradesco Stock Performance Shares of BBD stock opened at $3.49 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The company has a market cap of $37.14 billion, a PE ratio of 9.97, a P/E/G ratio of 0.43 and a beta of 0.76. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $3.37 and its 200-day simple moving average is $3.08. Banco Bradesco SA has a 52 week low of $1.84 and a 52 week high of $3.77. Banco Bradesco (NYSE:BBD Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The bank reported $0.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.11 by ($0.02). Banco Bradesco had a net margin of 9.61% and a return on equity of 13.16%. The company had revenue of $11.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $34.75 billion. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Banco Bradesco SA will post 0.37 EPS for the current year. Banco Bradesco Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.0035 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 3rd. This is an increase from Banco Bradescos previous monthly dividend of $0.00. Banco Bradescos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 5.71%. About Banco Bradesco (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. Further Reading 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. Andatee China Marine Fuel Services (OTCMKTS:AMCF Get Free Report) and TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, risk, valuation, earnings, profitability and analyst recommendations. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Andatee China Marine Fuel Services and TotalEnergies, as reported by MarketBeat. Get Andatee China Marine Fuel Services alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Andatee China Marine Fuel Services 0 0 0 0 0.00 TotalEnergies 0 7 5 1 2.54 TotalEnergies has a consensus target price of $66.96, suggesting a potential upside of 3.48%. Given TotalEnergies stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe TotalEnergies is more favorable than Andatee China Marine Fuel Services. Institutional & Insider Ownership Earnings & Valuation 16.5% of TotalEnergies shares are held by institutional investors. 51.9% of Andatee China Marine Fuel Services shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. This table compares Andatee China Marine Fuel Services and TotalEnergiess top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Andatee China Marine Fuel Services N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A TotalEnergies $183.53 billion 0.85 $15.76 billion $6.19 10.45 TotalEnergies has higher revenue and earnings than Andatee China Marine Fuel Services. Profitability This table compares Andatee China Marine Fuel Services and TotalEnergies net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Andatee China Marine Fuel Services N/A N/A N/A TotalEnergies 6.20% 13.59% 5.64% Summary TotalEnergies beats Andatee China Marine Fuel Services on 9 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Andatee China Marine Fuel Services (Get Free Report) Andatee China Marine Fuel Services Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the production, storage, distribution, and trading of blended marine fuel oil for cargo and fishing vessels in the Peoples Republic of China. The company also produces customer specific products using its proprietary blending technology. It sells its products through distributors, as well as to retail customers in Liaoning, Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Zhejiang Provinces. The company is based in Dalian, the Peoples Republic of China. About TotalEnergies (Get Free Report) TotalEnergies SE, a multi-energy company, produces and markets oil and biofuels, natural gas, green gases, renewables, and electricity in France, rest of Europe, North America, Africa, and internationally. It operates through five segments: Exploration & Production, Integrated LNG, Integrated Power, Refining & Chemicals, and Marketing & Services. The Exploration & Production segment is involved in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. The Integrated LNG segment comprises the integrated gas chain, including upstream and midstream liquified natural gas (LNG) activities, as well as biogas, hydrogen, and gas trading activities. The Integrated Power segment includes generation, storage, electricity trading, and B2B-B2C distribution of gas and electricity. The Refining & Chemicals segment consists of refining, petrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. This segment also includes oil supply, trading, and marine shipping activities. The Marketing & Services segment supplies and markets petroleum products. The company was formerly known as TOTAL SE and changed its name to TotalEnergies SE in June 2021. TotalEnergies SE was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Courbevoie, France. Receive News & Ratings for Andatee China Marine Fuel Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Andatee China Marine Fuel Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Profitability This table compares Green Organic Dutchman and Eisais net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Green Organic Dutchman -83.86% -22.02% -14.58% Eisai 4.11% 3.86% 2.50% Institutional & Insider Ownership 0.4% of Green Organic Dutchman shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.0% of Eisai shares are owned by institutional investors. 8.7% of Green Organic Dutchman shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Green Organic Dutchman alerts: Risk & Volatility Green Organic Dutchman has a beta of 2.27, indicating that its share price is 127% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Eisai has a beta of 0.31, indicating that its share price is 69% less volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Green Organic Dutchman $24.13 million 0.00 -$33.62 million ($0.41) N/A Eisai $6.74 billion 2.62 $426.79 million $0.87 70.70 This table compares Green Organic Dutchman and Eisais top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Eisai has higher revenue and earnings than Green Organic Dutchman. Green Organic Dutchman is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Eisai, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Eisai beats Green Organic Dutchman on 7 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Green Organic Dutchman (Get Free Report) The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. engages in the production, cultivation, processing, and distribution of cannabis and related products. Its products include cannabis plants, cannabis plant seeds, dried cannabis, fresh cannabis, cannabis oils, cannabis topicals, cannabis extracts, and edible cannabis. The company was founded by Scott Skinner and Jeannette VanderMarel in 2012 and is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada. About Eisai (Get Free Report) Eisai Co., Ltd. engages in the development, manufacture, and sale of prescription medicines and over-the-counter products. It operates through the Pharmaceutical Products Business and Other Business segments. The Pharmaceutical Products Business segment handles prescription and generic drugs, diagnostics, and consumer healthcare business in Japan, which manages over-the-counter drugs. The Other Business segment deals with food additives and chemicals. The company was founded by Toyoji Naito in November 1936 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Green Organic Dutchman Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Green Organic Dutchman and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Insigneo Advisory Services LLC lowered its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 5.4% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 5,934 shares of the companys stock after selling 339 shares during the quarter. Insigneo Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $4,626,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 97.5% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 101,305,650 shares of the companys stock valued at $83,669,349,000 after buying an additional 50,002,551 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 80,407,430 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,680,004,000 after purchasing an additional 1,183,038 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,707,512 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,495,261,000 after purchasing an additional 81,587 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 13.3% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 5,821,993 shares of the companys stock worth $4,808,443,000 after purchasing an additional 682,203 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter valued at $4,613,912,000. 82.53% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Scotiabank initiated coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $1,165.00 price target for the company. Guggenheim restated a buy rating and set a $948.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Leerink Partnrs raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, August 27th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,027.95. Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 1.4% NYSE LLY opened at $1,058.05 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.28. Eli Lilly and Company has a one year low of $623.78 and a one year high of $1,066.65. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $855.89 and a 200-day simple moving average of $787.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.00 trillion, a PE ratio of 69.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.43. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.42 by $0.60. The company had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.09 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 25.91% and a return on equity of 92.72%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.18 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be issued a dividend of $1.50 per share. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 29.35%. 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. Further Reading 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. Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd. (OTCMKTS:JMHLY Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $68.99 and last traded at $68.0310, with a volume of 1225 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $62.75. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Macquarie upgraded Jardine Matheson from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Strong Buy. Get Jardine Matheson alerts: View Our Latest Report on Jardine Matheson Jardine Matheson Stock Performance Jardine Matheson Company Profile The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $62.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is $55.40. (Get Free Report) Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates in motor vehicles and related operations, property investment and development, food retailing, health and beauty, home furnishings, engineering and construction, and transport businesses in China, Southeast Asia, and internationally. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Jardine Matheson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jardine Matheson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legal & General Group Plc raised its holdings in shares of Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV Free Report) (TSE:FNV) by 9.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 930,718 shares of the basic materials companys stock after acquiring an additional 77,945 shares during the quarter. Legal & General Group Plcs holdings in Franco-Nevada were worth $152,505,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Beacon Financial Group lifted its position in Franco-Nevada by 1.0% in the second quarter. Beacon Financial Group now owns 7,169 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,175,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. Kiker Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Franco-Nevada by 20.5% during the 2nd quarter. Kiker Wealth Management LLC now owns 471 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $77,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares during the period. Golden State Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Franco-Nevada by 78.3% during the 2nd quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 205 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Franco-Nevada by 22.7% during the second quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 513 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $84,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares during the period. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. grew its position in Franco-Nevada by 10.9% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 973 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $160,000 after buying an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.06% of the companys stock. Get Franco-Nevada alerts: Franco-Nevada Trading Up 0.6% Shares of FNV stock opened at $191.15 on Monday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $201.95 and a 200-day simple moving average of $181.55. The company has a market capitalization of $36.85 billion, a PE ratio of 46.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.40. Franco-Nevada Corporation has a twelve month low of $114.81 and a twelve month high of $225.63. Franco-Nevada Dividend Announcement Franco-Nevada ( NYSE:FNV Get Free Report ) (TSE:FNV) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The basic materials company reported $1.43 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $487.70 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $448.51 million. Franco-Nevada had a net margin of 58.82% and a return on equity of 12.56%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 76.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.80 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that Franco-Nevada Corporation will post 3.09 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 4th will be given a dividend of $0.38 per share. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 4th. Franco-Nevadas dividend payout ratio is currently 31.87%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Franco-Nevada in a research report on Wednesday. Canaccord Genuity Group upgraded Franco-Nevada from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Raymond James Financial increased their price objective on shares of Franco-Nevada from $218.00 to $234.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on Franco-Nevada from $184.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, TD Securities reduced their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from $247.00 to $225.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Franco-Nevada currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $223.43. Get Our Latest Report on FNV About Franco-Nevada (Free Report) Franco-Nevada Corporation operates as a gold-focused royalty and streaming company in South America, Central America, Mexico, the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Mining and Energy segments. The company manages its portfolio with a focus on precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum group metals; and engages in the sale of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids through a third-party marketing agent. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FNV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV Free Report) (TSE:FNV). Receive News & Ratings for Franco-Nevada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franco-Nevada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN.B Get Free Report) shares gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $108.14, but opened at $115.46. Lennar shares last traded at $113.7440, with a volume of 1,250 shares. Lennar Trading Down 0.1% The company has a fifty day moving average price of $117.22 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $113.92. The firm has a market capitalization of $29.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.37 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a current ratio of 4.49, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Get Lennar alerts: Lennar (NYSE:LEN.B Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, September 18th. The construction company reported $2.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $8.81 billion during the quarter. Lennar had a return on equity of 11.09% and a net margin of 7.72%. Lennar Announces Dividend Lennar Company Profile The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 10th were issued a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 10th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.7%. Lennars dividend payout ratio is currently 16.54%. (Get Free Report) Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lennar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC raised its position in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 73,718 shares of the credit services providers stock after buying an additional 1,250 shares during the period. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $41,425,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC purchased a new stake in Mastercard during the second quarter worth about $11,421,213,000. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in shares of Mastercard in the first quarter valued at approximately $4,238,764,000. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 38.6% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 13,526,118 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $7,413,936,000 after purchasing an additional 3,765,378 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 25.6% in the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 6,372,404 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $3,580,909,000 after purchasing an additional 1,299,977 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Mastercard by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 78,475,807 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $44,098,695,000 after buying an additional 931,132 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock. Get Mastercard alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have commented on MA shares. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and issued a $713.00 price target on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on Mastercard from $640.00 to $660.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Wall Street Zen raised Mastercard from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 18th. Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Truist Financial reduced their target price on shares of Mastercard from $638.00 to $630.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have assigned a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $652.50. Insider Activity at Mastercard In related news, CFO J. Mehra Sachin sold 17,263 shares of Mastercard stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $591.00, for a total transaction of $10,202,433.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 31,234 shares in the company, valued at $18,459,294. This trade represents a 35.60% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.09% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Mastercard Trading Up 2.4% MA opened at $540.42 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.16. Mastercard Incorporated has a one year low of $465.59 and a one year high of $601.77. The company has a market cap of $485.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.44, a PEG ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 0.92. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $563.32 and its 200-day simple moving average is $569.17. 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 (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.31 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $8.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.53 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 200.01% and a net margin of 44.93%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 16.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.89 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. Mastercard Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 7th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 9th were given a $0.76 dividend. This represents a $3.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 9th. Mastercards dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 19.44%. About Mastercard (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. Featured Articles 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. Food waste platform Yume collapsed after exhausting its financial runway, founder Katy Barfield OAM announced this week. Whats happening: Food waste prevention platform Yume Food Australia entered voluntary administration on 18 November 2024, with Teneo Financial Advisory Australia appointed to manage the companys affairs. Why this matters: Yumes collapse highlights the brutal reality facing mission-driven startups in Australias current capital environment. A pioneering Australian social enterprise that transformed surplus food from waste into commercial value has wound up operations after a decade of proving the viability of its mission-driven model. Yume Food Australia announced the closure in a LinkedIn post, confirming the board had made the difficult decision to wind down after exhausting its financial runway despite demonstrable impact across environmental and commercial metrics. Startups are hard. Changing systems is harder. And while we have reached the end of our runway as an independent company, we are incredibly proud of the flight path we charted, the company stated in the post. Over 10 years, Yume returned $30 million to Australian manufacturers, redistributed 11.5 million kilograms of food, donated 1.55 million meals to those in need, saved 44 million kilograms of CO2, and preserved 2.5 billion litres of water. The company emphasised these achievements represent more than statistics. These arent just numbers. They represent a fundamental shift in how the Australian food industry values its resources, Yume stated. Founded in 2015 by entrepreneur Katy Barfield OAM, Yumes marketplace connected food manufacturers including Unilever, Mars Food and Nutrition, Kellanova, and General Mills with buyers such as Sodexo and Accor Hotels. The platform automated the typically manual process of selling slow-moving, obsolete, or excess inventory. We set out to prove that surplus food wasnt waste, it was a commercial asset and a climate solution waiting to be unlocked. Together, we proved it, the LinkedIn post stated. The acquisition opportunity The company is now actively seeking acquirers or interested parties to take the Yume technology, brand, and mission forward. The blueprint for a waste-free future is built, and it is ready for a new custodian to scale it, the company stated in its LinkedIn announcement. Teneo Financial Advisory Australia, appointed as administrators on 18 November, is managing expressions of interest for the sale of business assets. The opportunity includes the Yume brand, an award-winning social enterprise with recognition across government and industry; proprietary marketplace technology designed specifically for industrial surplus redistribution; robust environmental, social, and governance reporting tools used by major multinational food manufacturers; and established vendor relationships with Australias largest food producers. Mission versus runway Yume raised approximately $7 million throughout its lifetime. Its most recent funding round, announced in January 2024, was a $2 million seed investment led by Investibles Climate Tech Fund, with support from Investibles Early Stage Fund 2, Club Investible, LaunchVic, Goodrich Group, and Veolia, as well as angel investor Pitzy Folk. At the time, the company was planning to double its headcount and explore international expansion. However, the broader capital environment proved challenging for early-stage ventures seeking follow-on funding. The company expressed gratitude to those who supported the mission over the past decade whilst signalling the fight continues. To our team, our courageous buyers, and our pioneering suppliers: thank you for believing. You made a difference, the LinkedIn post stated. The fight against food waste isnt over, and neither are we. Australian venture capital investment in 2024 showed signs of cautious recovery, with investors revealing their 2025 investment targets focused on profitability and sustainable growth. However, climate technology and social enterprises faced particular challenges in securing the patient capital required to achieve scale. For mission-driven ventures like Yume, the challenge is particularly acute. These businesses must demonstrate both commercial viability and measurable impact, often requiring longer development timelines than purely profit-focused startups. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. North American Construction Group Ltd. (NYSE:NOA Get Free Report) (TSE:NOA) declared a quarterly dividend on Monday, November 10th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 26th will be given a dividend of 0.12 per share by the oil and gas company on Friday, January 9th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.5%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 26th. This is a 37.6% increase from North American Construction Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.09. North American Construction Group has increased its dividend payment by an average of 0.3%per year over the last three years and has raised its dividend every year for the last 3 years. North American Construction Group has a payout ratio of 12.2% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect North American Construction Group to earn $2.88 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.34 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 11.8%. Get North American Construction Group alerts: North American Construction Group Price Performance NYSE NOA opened at $13.54 on Monday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $14.27 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $15.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $398.54 million, a P/E ratio of 15.56 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57. North American Construction Group has a 12-month low of $12.12 and a 12-month high of $22.08. Analyst Ratings Changes North American Construction Group ( NYSE:NOA Get Free Report ) (TSE:NOA) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The oil and gas company reported $0.49 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.50 by ($0.01). North American Construction Group had a net margin of 2.82% and a return on equity of 17.15%. The business had revenue of $280.90 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $231.58 million. Analysts forecast that North American Construction Group will post 2.56 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several brokerages recently commented on NOA. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of North American Construction Group in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of North American Construction Group from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. TD Securities downgraded shares of North American Construction Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. CIBC downgraded North American Construction Group to a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, August 15th. Finally, Cibc World Mkts lowered North American Construction Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, August 15th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold. Read Our Latest Analysis on NOA About North American Construction Group (Get Free Report) North American Construction Group Ltd. provides mining and heavy civil construction services to customers in the resource development and industrial construction sectors in Australia, Canada, and the United States. The company operates Heavy Equipment Canada, Heavy Equipment Australia, and Other segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for North American Construction Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North American Construction Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. raised its stake in Ovintiv Inc. (NYSE:OVV Free Report) by 23.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 325,044 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 62,653 shares during the period. Jefferies Financial Group Inc.s holdings in Ovintiv were worth $12,368,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its position in Ovintiv by 316.7% during the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 846 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 643 shares in the last quarter. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Ovintiv during the second quarter worth about $35,000. Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Ovintiv by 143.8% in the first quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 919 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 542 shares in the last quarter. Gen Wealth Partners Inc increased its stake in shares of Ovintiv by 91.8% during the 1st quarter. Gen Wealth Partners Inc now owns 1,011 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 484 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MAI Capital Management lifted its stake in Ovintiv by 174.6% in the 2nd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 1,170 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 744 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.81% of the companys stock. Get Ovintiv alerts: Ovintiv Trading Up 1.1% OVV stock opened at $39.00 on Monday. Ovintiv Inc. has a 52 week low of $29.80 and a 52 week high of $47.04. The company has a market cap of $9.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.26, a PEG ratio of 1.89 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $38.96 and a 200-day simple moving average of $39.38. Ovintiv Announces Dividend Ovintiv ( NYSE:OVV Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $1.03 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.97 by $0.06. Ovintiv had a return on equity of 14.24% and a net margin of 6.46%.The company had revenue of $2.07 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.86 billion. On average, equities research analysts expect that Ovintiv Inc. will post 5.59 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $0.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. Ovintivs dividend payout ratio is presently 131.87%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on OVV shares. Zacks Research raised Ovintiv from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Ovintiv in a report on Monday, November 17th. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Ovintiv from $54.00 to $52.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of Ovintiv from $38.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, National Bankshares decreased their target price on shares of Ovintiv from $66.00 to $62.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Ovintiv currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $51.94. Read Our Latest Report on OVV Ovintiv Profile (Free Report) Ovintiv Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores, develops, produces, and markets natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids in the United States and Canada. The company operates through USA Operations, Canadian Operations, and Market Optimization segments. Its principal assets include Permian in west Texas and Anadarko in west-central Oklahoma; and Montney in northeast British Columbia and northwest Alberta. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ovintiv Inc. (NYSE:OVV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ovintiv Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ovintiv and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BigBear.ai, Tempus AI, and SoundHound AI are the three Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose core businesses involve developing, selling, or extensively using AI technologiessuch as machine learning software, AI chips, cloud AI services, robotics, and data platforms. Investors buy these stocks to gain exposure to growth from AI adoption, while accepting sector-specific risks like rapid technological change, regulatory uncertainty, and valuation volatility. 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. 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 Featured Articles PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk (NYSE:TLK Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $21.75 and last traded at $21.6930, with a volume of 68465 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $20.92. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Reduce. Get PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on TLK PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 0.71. The stocks 50-day moving average is $19.62 and its 200 day moving average is $18.34. The firm has a market cap of $21.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.17, a PEG ratio of 3.84 and a beta of 0.61. PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk (NYSE:TLK Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The utilities provider reported $0.30 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.31 by ($0.01). PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk had a return on equity of 14.72% and a net margin of 15.49%.The business had revenue of $2.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $38,172.05 billion. On average, research analysts predict that PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk will post 1.5 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Trading of PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Mariner LLC lifted its stake in PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk by 0.5% in the third quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 100,593 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,893,000 after buying an additional 501 shares in the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk by 4.1% during the third quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 15,290 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $288,000 after acquiring an additional 607 shares during the period. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC lifted its position in PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk by 70.8% in the 2nd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 2,222 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 921 shares in the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC lifted its position in PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk by 12.9% in the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 8,219 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $139,000 after acquiring an additional 937 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. boosted its stake in PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk by 828.9% in the 3rd quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 1,319 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 1,177 shares during the period. About PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk (Get Free Report) Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk provides information and communications technology, and telecommunications network services worldwide. The company operates through mobile, consumer, enterprise, Wholesale and International Business, and Other segments. The Mobile segment offers mobile voice, SMS, value added services, and mobile broadband services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quadcap Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,262 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 100 shares during the quarter. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF accounts for about 0.7% of Quadcap Wealth Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 28th biggest holding. Quadcap Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $5,751,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Johnson Bixby & Associates LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.2% in the second quarter. Johnson Bixby & Associates LLC now owns 1,403 shares of the companys stock worth $871,000 after acquiring an additional 16 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Watch Advisors INC increased its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Wealth Watch Advisors INC now owns 1,098 shares of the companys stock worth $682,000 after purchasing an additional 16 shares in the last quarter. Culbertson A N & Co. Inc. lifted its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. Culbertson A N & Co. Inc. now owns 1,420 shares of the companys stock valued at $882,000 after purchasing an additional 16 shares during the last quarter. Activest Wealth Management boosted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.5% in the first quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 1,144 shares of the companys stock valued at $643,000 after buying an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Greenfield Savings Bank boosted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 2.0% in the second quarter. Greenfield Savings Bank now owns 869 shares of the companys stock valued at $540,000 after buying an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. 70.12% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:IVV opened at $662.28 on Monday. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 52-week low of $484.00 and a 52-week high of $693.07. The company has a market capitalization of $695.06 billion, a PE ratio of 25.10 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a fifty day moving average of $672.31 and a 200-day moving average of $639.44. About iShares Core S&P 500 ETF iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Representative Jake Auchincloss (D-Massachusetts) recently sold shares of State Street Corporation (NYSE:STT). In a filing disclosed on November 18th, the Representative disclosed that they had sold between $15,001 and $50,000 in State Street stock on November 17th. State Street Stock Performance Shares of State Street stock traded up $1.02 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $114.32. 2,183,949 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,016,833. The stock has a market capitalization of $31.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.10, a PEG ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 1.47. State Street Corporation has a 12-month low of $72.81 and a 12-month high of $122.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 0.59 and a quick ratio of 0.57. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $115.25 and a 200-day simple moving average of $109.05. Get State Street alerts: State Street (NYSE:STT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The asset manager reported $2.78 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.57 by $0.21. State Street had a net margin of 13.14% and a return on equity of 13.37%. The company had revenue of $3.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.43 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.26 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that State Street Corporation will post 9.68 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at State Street Institutional Investors Weigh In On State Street In related news, EVP Michael L. Richards sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.24, for a total value of $175,860.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 38,626 shares in the company, valued at $4,528,512.24. The trade was a 3.74% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 0.29% of the companys stock. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new position in State Street in the 3rd quarter worth about $4,547,000. Achmea Investment Management B.V. increased its holdings in shares of State Street by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. now owns 254,446 shares of the asset managers stock worth $29,518,000 after buying an additional 8,085 shares during the last quarter. Danske Bank A S bought a new position in State Street in the third quarter valued at $34,582,000. Stance Capital LLC purchased a new stake in State Street during the third quarter valued at about $44,000. Finally, Advisory Services Network LLC lifted its stake in State Street by 1.3% during the third quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 12,622 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,464,000 after purchasing an additional 156 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.44% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have issued reports on STT. BMO Capital Markets began coverage on State Street in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. They issued an outperform rating and a $130.00 target price for the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of State Street in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of State Street from $109.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of State Street in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Evercore ISI boosted their price target on shares of State Street from $117.00 to $128.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $125.92. Get Our Latest Stock Report on STT About Representative Auchincloss Jake Auchincloss (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Massachusetts 4th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2021. His current term ends on January 3, 2027. Auchincloss (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Massachusetts 4th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election. Jake Auchincloss was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Auchincloss served in the United States Marine Corps from 2010 to 2015 and reached the rank of captain. He earned an undergraduate degree from Harvard College in 2010 and a graduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2016. Auchincloss career experience includes working as a product manager with a cybersecurity startup and as a senior manager for new products with Solaria Labs at Liberty Mutual Insurance. About State Street (Get Free Report) State Street Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of financial products and services to institutional investors worldwide. The company offers investment servicing products and services, including custody, accounting, regulatory reporting, investor, and performance and analytics; middle office products, such as IBOR, transaction management, loans, cash, derivatives and collateral, record keeping, and client reporting and investment analytics; finance leasing; foreign exchange, and brokerage and other trading services; securities finance and enhanced custody products; deposit and short-term investment facilities; investment manager and alternative investment manager operations outsourcing; performance, risk, and compliance analytics; and financial data management to support institutional investors. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for State Street Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for State Street and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers lowered its stake in shares of L3Harris Technologies Inc (NYSE:LHX Free Report) by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 326,632 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,434 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers holdings in L3Harris Technologies were worth $81,932,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Clearstead Trust LLC purchased a new stake in L3Harris Technologies during the first quarter valued at about $26,000. Nova Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of L3Harris Technologies in the 1st quarter worth about $26,000. Kiker Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 137.0% during the 2nd quarter. Kiker Wealth Management LLC now owns 109 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. purchased a new position in shares of L3Harris Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Independence Bank of Kentucky lifted its position in L3Harris Technologies by 44.4% in the 2nd quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 130 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. 84.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get L3Harris Technologies alerts: L3Harris Technologies Trading Down 2.3% Shares of LHX opened at $277.70 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $51.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.03, a PEG ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 0.75. L3Harris Technologies Inc has a twelve month low of $193.09 and a twelve month high of $308.12. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $291.00 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $269.46. L3Harris Technologies Announces Dividend L3Harris Technologies ( NYSE:LHX Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $2.70 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.60 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $5.66 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.51 billion. L3Harris Technologies had a net margin of 7.94% and a return on equity of 11.82%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.34 earnings per share. L3Harris Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.500-10.700 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that L3Harris Technologies Inc will post 11.12 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th will be given a dividend of $1.20 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 17th. This represents a $4.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.7%. L3Harris Technologiess dividend payout ratio is presently 51.56%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades LHX has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of L3Harris Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of L3Harris Technologies from $325.00 to $340.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of L3Harris Technologies from $250.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of L3Harris Technologies from $255.00 to $305.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 29th. Finally, BNP Paribas upgraded L3Harris Technologies to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $295.29. View Our Latest Stock Report on L3Harris Technologies Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO Christopher E. Kubasik sold 14,171 shares of L3Harris Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $301.05, for a total value of $4,266,179.55. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 144,426 shares in the company, valued at approximately $43,479,447.30. This trade represents a 8.94% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.72% of the companys stock. L3Harris Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) L3Harris Technologies, Inc provides mission-critical solutions for government and commercial customers worldwide. The company's Integrated Mission Systems segment provides intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, passive sensing and targeting, electronic attack, autonomy, power and communications, and networks and sensors, as well as advanced combat systems for air, land, and sea sectors. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LHX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for L3Harris Technologies Inc (NYSE:LHX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for L3Harris Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for L3Harris Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its stake in Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO Free Report) by 0.4% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 632,721 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,359 shares during the quarter. Rhumbline Advisers holdings in Valero Energy were worth $85,050,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 12.0% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 38,881,222 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $5,135,043,000 after purchasing an additional 4,155,522 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its holdings in Valero Energy by 6.9% in the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 11,437,765 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,510,586,000 after buying an additional 736,533 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 276.9% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 10,795,436 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,425,754,000 after acquiring an additional 7,931,018 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Valero Energy by 16.7% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 8,141,511 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,089,897,000 after acquiring an additional 1,164,217 shares during the period. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. grew its position in shares of Valero Energy by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 5,024,322 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $675,369,000 after acquiring an additional 148,195 shares during the period. 78.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Valero Energy alerts: Valero Energy Trading Up 1.5% Shares of Valero Energy stock opened at $173.46 on Monday. Valero Energy Corporation has a 1-year low of $99.00 and a 1-year high of $185.62. The stock has a market cap of $52.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.21, a P/E/G ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.01. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $168.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is $149.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 1.60 and a quick ratio of 1.09. Valero Energy Dividend Announcement 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 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.15 by $0.51. The firm had revenue of $32.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $28.80 billion. Valero Energy had a net margin of 1.21% and a return on equity of 8.69%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.14 EPS. Analysts predict that Valero Energy Corporation will post 7.92 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed 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 is Thursday, November 20th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. Valero Energys payout ratio is 94.36%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have issued reports on VLO shares. Piper Sandler increased their price target on Valero Energy from $201.00 to $223.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $177.00 to $197.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $183.00 price target on shares of Valero Energy in a report on Friday, October 24th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Valero Energy from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 15th. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $169.00 to $184.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Valero Energy has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $182.00. Get Our Latest Report on VLO About Valero Energy (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. See Also 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. Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC raised its stake in shares of Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX Free Report) by 15.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 94,097 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after acquiring an additional 12,477 shares during the quarter. Segall Bryant & Hamill LLCs holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $10,107,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bowen Hanes & Co. Inc. lifted its position in Boston Scientific by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. Bowen Hanes & Co. Inc. now owns 414,280 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $44,498,000 after buying an additional 8,220 shares in the last quarter. Stevens Capital Management LP raised its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 439.5% in the second quarter. Stevens Capital Management LP now owns 35,512 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $3,814,000 after acquiring an additional 28,929 shares during the last quarter. AlphaCore Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Boston Scientific in the second quarter worth about $261,000. Mufg Securities Americas Inc. lifted its position in shares of Boston Scientific by 25.7% during the second quarter. Mufg Securities Americas Inc. now owns 32,789 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $3,522,000 after purchasing an additional 6,701 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Evelyn Partners Investment Management LLP grew its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 289.1% during the second quarter. Evelyn Partners Investment Management LLP now owns 5,070 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $496,000 after purchasing an additional 3,767 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.07% of the companys stock. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Boston Scientific Stock Up 0.2% Boston Scientific stock opened at $96.77 on Monday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $98.97 and a 200-day moving average of $102.35. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. Boston Scientific Corporation has a twelve month low of $85.98 and a twelve month high of $109.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $143.46 billion, a PE ratio of 51.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.58. Insider Transactions at Boston Scientific Boston Scientific ( NYSE:BSX Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The medical equipment provider reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.04. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 19.74% and a net margin of 14.43%.The business had revenue of $5.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.97 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.63 EPS. Boston Scientifics revenue for the quarter was up 20.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Boston Scientific has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.020-3.040 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 0.770-0.790 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Boston Scientific Corporation will post 2.85 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other Boston Scientific news, Director Ellen M. Zane sold 12,891 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.28, for a total value of $1,266,927.48. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 24,134 shares in the company, valued at $2,371,889.52. The trade was a 34.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.47, for a total transaction of $4,923,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 178,342 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,561,336.74. This trade represents a 21.90% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders sold 175,782 shares of company stock valued at $17,742,314. Insiders own 0.50% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have issued reports on BSX shares. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Boston Scientific from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on Boston Scientific from $123.00 to $128.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Oppenheimer upgraded Boston Scientific from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $118.00 to $125.00 in a research report on Monday, September 8th. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on Boston Scientific from $129.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Barclays raised their target price on shares of Boston Scientific from $133.00 to $136.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $123.77. Get Our Latest Report on BSX About Boston Scientific (Free Report) Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through two segments, MedSurg and Cardiovascular. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions, such as resolution clips, biliary stent systems, stents and electrocautery enhanced delivery systems, direct visualization systems, digital catheters, and single-use duodenoscopes; devices to treat urological conditions, including ureteral stents, catheters, baskets, guidewires, sheaths, balloons, single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes, holmium laser systems, artificial urinary sphincter, laser system, fiber, and hydrogel systems; and devices to treat neurological movement disorders and manage chronic pain, such as spinal cord stimulator system, proprietary programming software, radiofrequency generator, indirect decompression systems, practice optimization tools, and deep brain stimulation system. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Boston Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 77,896 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 3,085 shares during the period. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $60,722,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in LLY. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 97.5% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 101,305,650 shares of the companys stock worth $83,669,349,000 after acquiring an additional 50,002,551 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 80,407,430 shares of the companys stock worth $62,680,004,000 after acquiring an additional 1,183,038 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,707,512 shares of the companys stock worth $10,495,261,000 after purchasing an additional 81,587 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 13.3% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 5,821,993 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,808,443,000 after buying an additional 682,203 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth about $4,613,912,000. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. CICC Research raised their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $801.00 to $1,060.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Berenberg Bank reissued a hold rating and issued a $830.00 target price (down previously from $970.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, September 17th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen raised Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $925.00 to $985.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,027.95. Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 1.4% NYSE LLY opened at $1,058.05 on Monday. Eli Lilly and Company has a one year low of $623.78 and a one year high of $1,066.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 1.00. The firm has a market cap of $1.00 trillion, a P/E ratio of 69.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.43. The stocks 50-day moving average is $855.89 and its 200-day moving average is $787.81. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.42 by $0.60. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 92.72% and a net margin of 25.91%.The business had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.18 EPS. Eli Lilly and Companys quarterly revenue was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th will be given a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.35%. Eli Lilly and Company 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. Further Reading 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. Tan Yew Kiat, the Singaporean owner of a car leasing firm, has been arrested as local police expand their investigation and raid those connected to an alleged scam empire chaired by Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi. Tan, 49, is the sole shareholder of SRS Auto, a company on Singapores Kung Chong Road that engages in private car rentals and motor financing. Police raided the firm and arrested Tan last week, as reported by Bloomberg. "The police are investigating Chen Zhi and the companies associated with him," the Singapore Police Force said on Sunday in a statement addressing questions about SRS raid. "One person has been arrested for his suspected involvement in money laundering offences so far. We are not able to comment further as the investigation is ongoing." Chinese-born Chen was charged in absentia in the U.S. on Oct.14 for allegedly orchestrating a massive cryptocurrency scam involving forced labor camps in Cambodia. Court filings allege that Prince Holding Group established at least 10 compounds in Cambodia where workers, many of them detained migrants, were forced to contact thousands of victims online, gain their trust and convince them to invest in cryptocurrency with promises of high returns. The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned 146 individuals and entities connected to the conglomerate. In 2017, SRS obtained an "uncommitted revolving loan facility" from Skyline Investment Management, a firm established by Chen. Skyline was sanctioned last month by the U.S. Treasury, which alleged that Chens control of the firm made it part of his criminal network. The loan agreement also revealed that SRS maintained accounts with lender United Overseas Bank and Malayan Bankings branch in Singapore. Tan reportedly had a close relationship with Chen and was listed as a director of TGC Cambodia, a Phnom Penh-based "pawnshop" chaired by another individual sanctioned alongside Chen last month. TGC was allegedly used to funnel funds from Chens interests in Cambodia to companies in the car trade, including those in Singapore, according to The Straits Times. Tan is also the founder of womens apparel company bYSI and holds directorships in 16 Singapore-registered companies, all listed at the same building as SRS on Kung Chong Road. He has previously faced controversies over his business activities and was deemed unfit to serve as a director of any Singapore-listed company for three years from January 2024. Chen remains at large, and both he and Prince Group have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison. Earlier this month, Singapore police seized more than S$150 million in assets linked to the group, including six properties, bank and securities accounts and cash connected to Chen and his network in relation to money laundering and forgery offenses, Reuters reported. Skyline and other companies linked to Chen are also seeking access to funds in accounts with Maybank and Revolut that were frozen by Singapore authorities. They claim the freeze orders have caused "considerable hardship" for employees and their families. Montage Gold (CVE:MAU Get Free Report) had its target price increased by analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from C$9.00 to C$9.25 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus target price suggests a potential upside of 150.00% from the companys previous close. Several other analysts also recently commented on MAU. Scotiabank set a C$6.25 target price on shares of Montage Gold and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, September 4th. National Bankshares boosted their price objective on Montage Gold from C$8.00 to C$8.75 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. SCP Equity Research upped their target price on Montage Gold from C$6.50 to C$8.75 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their price target on Montage Gold from C$8.00 to C$9.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Beacon Securities upped their price objective on Montage Gold from C$6.00 to C$7.80 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and eight have issued a Buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of C$7.73. Get Montage Gold alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on MAU Montage Gold Stock Performance About Montage Gold Montage Gold stock traded up C$0.06 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting C$3.70. 180,469 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 306,976. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 26.33 and a quick ratio of 0.36. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of C$3.70 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$3.70. Montage Gold has a fifty-two week low of C$1.24 and a fifty-two week high of C$3.92. The stock has a market cap of C$1.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -26.33 and a beta of 1.55. (Get Free Report) Montage Gold Corp., a precious metals exploration and development company, engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties. Its flagship property is the Kone Gold Project covering an area of 2,259 square kilometers located in the Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa. The company was incorporated in 2019 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Montage Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Montage Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swiss National Bank raised its position in Amcor PLC (NYSE:AMCR Free Report) by 69.6% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 6,913,848 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,837,356 shares during the period. Swiss National Banks holdings in Amcor were worth $63,538,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Handelsbanken Fonder AB grew its stake in shares of Amcor by 115.6% during the second quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 568,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,222,000 after buying an additional 304,645 shares during the last quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. boosted its holdings in Amcor by 9.2% during the 2nd quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 169,071 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,597,000 after acquiring an additional 14,200 shares during the period. English Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Amcor during the 2nd quarter valued at $3,484,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Amcor by 61.8% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 110,228,036 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,012,996,000 after acquiring an additional 42,122,135 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC increased its stake in Amcor by 724.0% in the second quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 1,229,780 shares of the companys stock worth $11,302,000 after purchasing an additional 1,080,536 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 45.14% of the companys stock. Get Amcor alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth AMCR has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Amcor in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on shares of Amcor in a report on Friday, September 19th. They set an overweight rating and a $10.00 price objective for the company. Royal Bank Of Canada assumed coverage on shares of Amcor in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. They issued a sector perform rating for the company. Robert W. Baird reduced their target price on shares of Amcor from $11.00 to $10.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 15th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised shares of Amcor from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $10.20 price target for the company in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Amcor has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $10.91. Amcor Stock Up 1.4% Shares of Amcor stock opened at $8.48 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 0.71. The stock has a market cap of $19.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.56, a PEG ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 0.72. The firms 50-day moving average is $8.18 and its two-hundred day moving average is $8.81. Amcor PLC has a 1 year low of $7.66 and a 1 year high of $10.70. Amcor (NYSE:AMCR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.19. Amcor had a net margin of 3.40% and a return on equity of 19.43%. The firm had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.77 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.16 EPS. The companys revenue was up 71.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Amcor PLC will post 0.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Amcor Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a dividend of $0.13 per share. This is a boost from Amcors previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.1%. Amcors payout ratio is 152.94%. Amcor Company 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. Further Reading 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. Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG Get Free Report) had its price target lowered by equities researchers at The Goldman Sachs Group from $18.00 to $16.00 in a note issued to investors on Monday,MarketScreener reports. The firm presently has a sell rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups price target would suggest a potential downside of 9.73% from the stocks previous close. Several other brokerages have also recently issued reports on CAG. UBS Group dropped their target price on Conagra Brands from $20.00 to $19.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, September 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $22.00 price objective on shares of Conagra Brands in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Conagra Brands from $19.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Conagra Brands in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of Conagra Brands from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $21.50. Get Conagra Brands alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Conagra Brands Conagra Brands Trading Down 0.3% CAG stock opened at $17.73 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $8.48 billion, a PE ratio of 10.06, a P/E/G ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.44. Conagra Brands has a 12 month low of $16.60 and a 12 month high of $28.69. The firms 50-day moving average is $18.09 and its 200 day moving average is $19.67. Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 1st. The company reported $0.39 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.33 by $0.06. Conagra Brands had a net margin of 7.42% and a return on equity of 11.72%. The business had revenue of $2.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.62 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.53 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. Conagra Brands has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.700-1.85 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Conagra Brands will post 2.35 EPS for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Conagra Brands news, SVP Melissa C. Napier sold 13,011 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.19, for a total value of $223,659.09. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.57% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Conagra Brands Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CAG. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC purchased a new stake in Conagra Brands in the 2nd quarter worth $2,489,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Conagra Brands during the second quarter worth about $10,465,000. Triton Financial Group Inc acquired a new position in shares of Conagra Brands during the 2nd quarter worth about $690,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank lifted its stake in Conagra Brands by 6.8% in the 1st quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 259,697 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,926,000 after buying an additional 16,546 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bleakley Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in Conagra Brands in the 2nd quarter worth about $356,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.75% of the companys stock. About Conagra Brands (Get Free Report) Conagra Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a consumer packaged goods food company primarily in the United States. The company operates through Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, and Foodservice segments. The Grocery & Snacks segment primarily offers shelf stable food products through various retail channels. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Conagra Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Conagra Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Titleist Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report) by 10.3% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 6,824 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 635 shares during the period. Titleist Asset Management LLCs holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $677,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in AGG. Texas Yale Capital Corp. raised its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 1.6% during the first quarter. Texas Yale Capital Corp. now owns 6,496 shares of the companys stock valued at $643,000 after buying an additional 103 shares during the last quarter. VAUGHAN & Co SECURITIES INC. increased its holdings in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 1.6% during the second quarter. VAUGHAN & Co SECURITIES INC. now owns 6,539 shares of the companys stock valued at $649,000 after acquiring an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. Fiera Capital Corp raised 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 purchasing an additional 105 shares during the last quarter. Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors boosted its stake in 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 purchasing an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Howland Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Howland Capital Management LLC now owns 13,949 shares of the companys stock worth $1,380,000 after purchasing an additional 116 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 Stock Performance Shares of AGG stock opened at $100.44 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $135.16 billion, a price-to-earnings 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 moving average is $100.44 and its 200 day moving average is $99.18. 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. Recommended 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. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD Get Free Report) (NYSE:TD) had its price objective hoisted by Barclays from C$100.00 to C$114.00 in a note issued to investors on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has an underweight rating on the stock. Barclayss price objective would indicate a potential downside of 2.25% from the stocks current price. Several other equities research analysts also recently commented on the stock. CIBC upped their target price on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$112.00 to C$122.00 in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from C$93.00 to C$120.00 in a report on Friday, October 3rd. National Bankshares set a C$100.00 price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, September 22nd. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$102.00 to C$107.00 in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their target price on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$113.00 to C$119.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$108.58. Get Toronto-Dominion Bank alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on TD Toronto-Dominion Bank Trading Up 0.9% Insider Buying and Selling Shares of TD stock traded up C$1.03 on Monday, reaching C$116.62. The company had a trading volume of 1,702,164 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,223,779. The stock has a market cap of C$199.09 billion, a PE ratio of 9.98, a PEG ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a 50-day moving average of C$112.31 and a 200-day moving average of C$103.66. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 12 month low of C$73.22 and a 12 month high of C$116.73. In other Toronto-Dominion Bank news, Director Nathalie Palladitcheff purchased 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 6th. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$112.64 per share, for a total transaction of C$112,640.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 3,292 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$370,810.88. This represents a 43.63% increase in their ownership of the stock. Also, insider Ajai Bambawale sold 39,376 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of C$112.07, for a total value of C$4,412,868.32. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 84,384 shares of company stock worth $9,456,915. 0.08% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Toronto-Dominion Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) Toronto-Dominion is one of Canadas two largest banks and operates three business segments: Canadian retail banking, U.S. retail banking, and wholesale banking. The banks U.S. operations span from Maine to Florida, with a strong presence in the Northeast. It also has a 13% ownership stake in Charles Schwab. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Koninklijke Philips (NYSE:PHG Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Saturday. Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Koninklijke Philips in a research note on Wednesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy. Get Koninklijke Philips alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Koninklijke Philips Koninklijke Philips Stock Performance Shares of NYSE PHG opened at $27.26 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 1.32. The firm has a market cap of $26.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 136.31, a P/E/G ratio of 0.72 and a beta of 0.82. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $27.92 and its 200-day simple moving average is $26.11. Koninklijke Philips has a 52 week low of $21.48 and a 52 week high of $29.54. Koninklijke Philips (NYSE:PHG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The technology company reported $0.37 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.37. The firm had revenue of $4.94 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.30 billion. Koninklijke Philips had a return on equity of 12.14% and a net margin of 1.07%. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Koninklijke Philips will post 1.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Koninklijke Philips Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of PHG. First Affirmative Financial Network grew its stake in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 5.1% in the third quarter. First Affirmative Financial Network now owns 11,418 shares of the technology companys stock worth $311,000 after acquiring an additional 550 shares during the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in Koninklijke Philips in the 3rd quarter valued at $401,000. Morningstar Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Koninklijke Philips in the 3rd quarter worth $5,434,000. XTX Topco Ltd grew its position in Koninklijke Philips by 6.2% in the 3rd quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 31,246 shares of the technology companys stock worth $852,000 after purchasing an additional 1,825 shares during the last quarter. Finally, United Capital Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Koninklijke Philips during the 3rd quarter worth about $213,000. 13.67% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Koninklijke Philips Company Profile (Get Free Report) Koninklijke Philips N.V. operates as a health technology company in North America, the Greater China, and internationally. The company operates through Diagnosis & Treatment Businesses, Connected Care Businesses, and Personal Health Businesses segments. It also provides diagnostic imaging solutions, includes magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray systems, and computed tomography (CT) systems and software comprising detector-based spectral CT solutions, as well as molecular and hybrid imaging solutions for nuclear medicine; echography solutions focused on diagnosis, treatment planning and guidance for cardiology, general imaging, obstetrics/gynecology, and point-of-care applications; integrated interventional systems, and interventional diagnostic and therapeutic devices to treat coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Koninklijke Philips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Koninklijke Philips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Summit Global Investments raised its position in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT Free Report) by 90.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 82,795 shares of the retailers stock after buying an additional 39,355 shares during the quarter. Summit Global Investments holdings in Walmart were worth $8,096,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Aviva PLC raised its holdings in shares of Walmart by 16.4% in the second quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 3,833,720 shares of the retailers stock valued at $374,861,000 after buying an additional 539,504 shares during the last quarter. Weatherly Asset Management L. P. raised its stake in Walmart by 7.0% during the 2nd quarter. Weatherly Asset Management L. P. now owns 56,140 shares of the retailers stock valued at $5,489,000 after acquiring an additional 3,696 shares during the last quarter. Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management grew its stake in shares of Walmart by 34.6% in the 1st quarter. Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management now owns 38,213 shares of the retailers stock valued at $3,355,000 after purchasing an additional 9,831 shares during the last quarter. Ally Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Walmart in the first quarter valued at about $2,107,000. Finally, Night Squared LP purchased a new position in Walmart during the first quarter worth about $1,052,000. 26.76% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Walmart alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Walmart In other Walmart news, CEO C Douglas Mcmillon sold 19,416 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.18, for a total value of $2,081,006.88. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 4,354,162 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $466,679,083.16. This trade represents a 0.44% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Kathryn J. Mclay sold 4,000 shares of Walmart stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $101.63, for a total value of $406,520.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 1,040,455 shares of the companys stock, valued at $105,741,441.65. This trade represents a 0.38% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 137,888 shares of company stock valued at $14,241,903. 0.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Walmart Price Performance Shares of NYSE:WMT opened at $105.29 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $839.46 billion, a PE ratio of 39.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.83 and a beta of 0.67. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $103.52 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $99.91. Walmart Inc. has a one year low of $79.81 and a one year high of $109.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a current ratio of 0.79. Walmart (NYSE:WMT Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The retailer reported $0.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $179.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $175.15 billion. Walmart had a net margin of 3.08% and a return on equity of 21.45%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.58 EPS. Walmart has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.580-2.630 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Walmart Inc. will post 2.55 EPS for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have issued reports on WMT shares. Evercore ISI reiterated an outperform rating and set a $115.00 target price (up previously from $111.00) on shares of Walmart in a research report on Friday. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $123.00 price objective (up previously from $111.00) on shares of Walmart in a research report on Friday. Sanford C. Bernstein restated an outperform rating and set a $122.00 target price (up from $118.00) on shares of Walmart in a research report on Friday. BTIG Research reiterated a buy rating and issued a $125.00 price target (up previously from $120.00) on shares of Walmart in a report on Friday. Finally, Tigress Financial raised their price objective on shares of Walmart from $120.00 to $125.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 3rd. Thirty-one analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Walmart presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $118.55. View Our Latest Analysis on Walmart Walmart Profile (Free Report) Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, other units, and eCommerce worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, PhonePe and other sites; and mobile commerce applications. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Walmart Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Walmart and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Weitz Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO Free Report) by 19.3% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 150,450 shares of the medical research companys stock after acquiring an additional 24,300 shares during the period. Thermo Fisher Scientific makes up approximately 3.3% of Weitz Investment Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 11th largest holding. Weitz Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific were worth $61,001,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of TMO. Global Retirement Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in the second quarter worth $1,274,000. Boston Research & Management Inc. boosted its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 17.6% in the second quarter. Boston Research & Management Inc. now owns 10,954 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $4,441,000 after purchasing an additional 1,639 shares during the last quarter. Cynosure Group LLC increased its position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 424.0% during the 2nd quarter. Cynosure Group LLC now owns 7,634 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $3,095,000 after purchasing an additional 6,177 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,000,562 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,216,612,000 after purchasing an additional 74,971 shares during the period. Finally, Soundwatch Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in the second quarter worth approximately $807,713,000. 89.23% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Thermo Fisher Scientific alerts: Insider Transactions at Thermo Fisher Scientific In other news, VP Lisa P. Britt sold 1,058 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $588.26, for a total transaction of $622,379.08. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 13,087 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,698,558.62. This represents a 7.48% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, COO Michel Lagarde sold 4,638 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $594.42, for a total transaction of $2,756,919.96. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 23,480 shares in the company, valued at $13,956,981.60. This represents a 16.49% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 41,845 shares of company stock valued at $23,947,352. 0.33% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have weighed in on TMO shares. TD Cowen increased their price target on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $612.00 to $654.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Wall Street Zen raised Thermo Fisher Scientific from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $565.00 to $635.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $561.00 price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 2nd. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $525.00 to $590.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Nineteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $601.65. Get Our Latest Analysis on Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Fisher Scientific Stock Up 2.6% NYSE TMO opened at $587.47 on Monday. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a 12 month low of $385.46 and a 12 month high of $610.97. The company has a current ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The stock has a market cap of $220.72 billion, a PE ratio of 33.94, a P/E/G ratio of 3.27 and a beta of 0.82. The stocks 50 day moving average is $537.07 and its 200 day moving average is $473.92. Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The medical research company reported $5.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.50 by $0.29. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a net margin of 15.02% and a return on equity of 16.97%. The firm had revenue of $11.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.90 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $5.28 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Thermo Fisher Scientific has set its FY 2025 guidance at 22.600-22.860 EPS. Research analysts predict that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 23.28 EPS for the current fiscal year. Thermo Fisher Scientific declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program on Thursday, November 6th that allows the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the medical research company to repurchase up to 2.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Thermo Fisher Scientific Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. Thermo Fisher Scientifics dividend payout ratio is 9.94%. About Thermo Fisher Scientific (Free Report) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services in the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company's Life Sciences Solutions segment offers reagents, instruments, and consumables for biological and medical research, discovery, and production of drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of infections and diseases; and solutions include biosciences, genetic sciences, and bio production to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, clinical, healthcare, academic, and government markets. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TMO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Windward Capital Management Co. CA lowered its holdings in Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM Free Report) by 2.6% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 29,242 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 784 shares during the period. Windward Capital Management Co. CAs holdings in Waste Management were worth $6,691,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in WM. Wealthfront Advisers LLC increased its position in Waste Management by 3.1% during the second 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 during the last quarter. GPM Growth Investors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Waste Management by 50.6% during the 2nd quarter. GPM Growth Investors Inc. now owns 16,640 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $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 during the 2nd quarter worth $4,361,000. Truist Financial Corp raised its position in shares of Waste Management by 62.9% in the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 268,033 shares of the business services providers stock worth $61,331,000 after buying an additional 103,487 shares during the period. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al acquired a new position in Waste Management in the second quarter valued at $6,865,000. 80.40% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Waste Management alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In WM has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price objective on Waste Management from $252.00 to $236.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. CIBC dropped their target price on shares of Waste Management from $235.00 to $231.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Waste Management in a report on Monday. They issued a buy rating and a $256.00 price target on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Waste Management from $234.00 to $223.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, William Blair reissued an outperform rating on shares of Waste Management in a research report on Tuesday, July 29th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $248.62. Insider Buying and Selling at Waste Management In other news, SVP Rafael Carrasco sold 1,380 shares of Waste Management stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $217.06, for a total transaction of $299,542.80. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 15,540 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,373,112.40. The trade was a 8.16% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.18% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Waste Management Stock Down 0.0% NYSE WM opened at $216.71 on Monday. 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, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $194.11 and a fifty-two week high of $242.58. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $212.34 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $223.59. The stock has a market cap of $87.31 billion, a PE ratio of 34.13, a P/E/G ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 0.62. Waste Management (NYSE:WM Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The business services provider reported $1.98 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.01 by ($0.03). The firm had revenue of $6.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.51 billion. Waste Management had a return on equity of 33.00% and a net margin of 10.35%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.96 earnings per share. Waste Management has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Waste Management, Inc. will post 7.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. Waste Management Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be given a $0.825 dividend. This represents a $3.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 5th. Waste Managements dividend payout ratio is presently 51.97%. About Waste Management (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. Not sleeping for 48 hours and having to abandon his car on the roadside and rent a motorbike to cross a landslide-hit pass, Tin reached Phu Yen from HCMC to rescue his mother from flooding. Nguyen Ngoc Tin, 31, says on the night of Nov. 19 his mother called, her voice breaking amid the pounding rain: "The water has swallowed our one-story house. Your grandmother and I are sitting on the roof, hungry and thirsty, and no one has come to help." A few hours later he lost contact with her. "I knew there were landslides everywhere, but, life or death, I had to get home," he says. At noon on Nov. 20 he loaded food and drinking water in his car and headed for National Highway 1 to start the 500 km trip home. The closer he got to the central region, the more rain there was. Many places were inundated, with water very deep and entire concrete medians swept away. By 11 p.m. he was stuck at the Ca Pass tunnel in Van Ninh District, Khanh Hoa Province, 60 km from home. Hundreds of trucks and buses had backed up, drivers slumped over their wheels after spending hours in a traffic jam that would not move. Tin decided to abandon the car by the roadside and asked a friend to send a motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City. During the 20 hours he waited, he survived on water, saving the food for his mother and grandmother. Life-or-death journeys homeward amid central Vietnam floods Vuot hang tram kilomet ve nha trong ron lu Nguyen Ngoc Tin, 31, traveled by motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City to his hometown in Phu Yen Ward, Dak Lak Province, on Nov. 22, 2025. Video courtesy of Tin On the night of Nov. 21, once the motorbike arrived, Tin plunged into the darkness, searching for a way up Ca Pass, where cars were banned because of severe flooding and landslides. He weaved between boulders and slabs of concrete strewn across the road. The sight of motorcyclists snaking along in single file, working together to clear debris and open a path, in the middle of the stormy night is etched in his memory. At 2 a.m. on November 22, after more than 48 hours without sleep, Tin finally reached home. The modest house had been wrecked and was in complete darkness due to a power cut. Seeing that his mother and grandmother had been taken to safety by neighbors, he burst into tears. On the night of November 20 bricklayer Dang Ngoc Ninh, 36, who works in Dong Nai Province, was also battling his way home to Dong Hoa Ward, Dak Lak Province. Hearing that the hydropower plant had released floodwaters and that only a few packs of instant noodles were left at home while water was lapping at the door, he decided to ride his old motorbike back. Dang Ngoc Ninhs motorbike, caked in mud during his trip home on Nov. 21, 2025. Photo courtesy of Ninh Ninhs journey was stormy from start to finish. He suffered a tire blowout in Ninh Thuan Province, forcing him to walk the motorcycle for kilometers. With the old vehicle lacking a headlight, he had to use the lights from other vehicles to see. Meanwhile, the endless beeping of a failed connection that met his efforts to call home set his nerves jangling. Streams of motorbikes bearing license plates starting with 78, for Phu Yen, the coastal area of Dak Lak province, were racing through the rain, seemingly headed for their hometowns. When he reached Ca Pass, only a narrow, jagged strip of road remained. Gale-force winds lashed him. "Soaked and shivering, I had to change my raincoat four times," he says. In Phu Lam, a coastal area of Dak Lak, the floodwaters were so high that his motorbike stalled. Exhausted, he was lucky that truck drivers stranded there helped push his vehicle along. In the early hours of Nov. 21 Ninh reached the front yard of his house just as the water had begun to recede. Seeing him caked in mud from head to toe, his eldest daughter dashed out and threw her arms around him. Ninhs family had gone a whole day without food, huddling together in a small attic. After cleaning the house, he got back on his motorbike to tour the commune, updating relatives and neighbors who were still far from home and unable to return. "Being away from home myself, I know just how desperately they crave news," he says. Life-or-death journeys homeward amid central Vietnam floods Vuot hang tram kilomet ve nha trong ron lu People trekke made their way home through floodwaters to deliver provisions and reach their relatives in need on the morning of Nov. 22, 2025. Video by Phong Bui But not everyone was as fortunate as Tin and Ninh. On the morning of Nov. 21 Huynh Nhu, 30, jumped off a bus stuck on Ca Pass and walked more than 20 km back to her home in Dong Hoa Ward. Her elderly parents and older brother had been battling the floodwaters for days without food. On the landslide-stricken mountain road, hundreds of people from Phu Yen also left their buses behind and walked home like she did. Nhu collapsed many times from exhaustion but kept clutching the bundle of food inside her jacket. After four hours on foot, she reached home, but it was already too late. "My brother died in the flood," Nhu said, her voice hoarse. Her family had held his funeral on the morning of Nov. 22. According to the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, the recent floods in the south-central region have left 72 people dead, with Dak Lak accounting for 44 of them. On Nov. 22 the water began to recede, but hundreds of thousands of households are still living without electricity or clean water and urgently need support to recover. Vietnam Airlines has inaugurated a direct route linking Jakarta of Indonesia and Hanoi of Vietnam with the first flight departing from SoekarnoHatta International Airport on Nov. 23. The inaugural flight from Jakarta carrying 131 passengers and landed in Hanoi at 05:50 on Nov. 23 after 4 hours and 20 minutes. Earlier, in the opposite direction, flight VN635 left Hanoi at 20:15 on Nov. 22 and landed in Jakarta at 00:40 on Nov. 23. Using Airbus A321 aircraft, which can accommodate up to 185 passengers, the HanoiJakarta direct service is expected to further promote bilateral economic, trade and tourism exchanges. According to the carrier, it is operating daily services connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Jakarta and Bali, while the new JakartaHanoi route is set to see a frequency of five flights per week. Tran Tuan Nghia, Vietnam Airlines chief representative in Indonesia, said the airline plans to increase the frequency from five to seven flights per week starting next April to better meet passengers' demand in both countries. Made Hardika, director for human resources of Gapura Angkasa Indonesias largest ground-handling service provider, noted the company has worked closely and effectively with Vietnam Airlines at both SoekarnoHatta and Denpasar (Bali) airports. He said the carriers expansion of routes in Indonesia has been highly impressive and effective, and expressed confidence in its further growth, contributing to stronger tourism, economic cooperation and connectivity between the two countries. On November 10, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa made the first-ever visit by a Syrian president to the White House. This visit underscored President Trumps desire to break with the past by giving the Syrian people a chance at peace and prosperity, said Morgan Ortagus, U.S. Counselor to the United Nations. Shortly before the historic visit, the United States delisted President al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from domestic sanctions, following the Security Councils adoption of a resolution delisting them from the UN 1267 sanctions regime, explained Counselor Ortagus. These measures by the U.S. government and this Council will support Syrias efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate the Syrian economy while ensuring bad-faith actors do not benefit. And they send a strong message: Syria is in a new era since the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024. The United States has also adopted a new regulatory posture to encourage American and international businesses and banks to develop Syria through profitable investments. Counselor Ortagus encouraged other member states to do the same. International partnerships will be important for Syrias efforts to rebuild. Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio recently issued a suspension of the Caesar Act. Foreign partners can now confidently invest in Syrias future. During the visit, Syria joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. By joining the D-ISIS Coalition, Syrias leadership turned a new page and joined 89 other countries committed to ensuring ISIS can never be a global scourge again. The United States supports the peaceful integration of all of Syrias people, including religious and ethnic minorities. Moreover, the United States encourages all parties to continue following the practical approach of the Suwayda roadmap to support Syrias reconstruction and national reconciliation. The United States has announced humanitarian assistance to Druze, Christian, and Bedouin communities in Suwayda, as a part of its ongoing efforts to support a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors. This assistance will provide approximately 60,000 people with food, water, and hygiene items, as well as rebuilding of houses and water systems when Syrians can safely return to their homes. Counselor Ortagus called on other nations to contribute life-saving humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria as they seek to rebuild. Such assistance is needed to secure lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and to ensure Syrian refugees can return home, she stressed. We urge the Syrian government to fulfill the promise of this moment, said Counselor Ortagus. Syria only has one chance to get on the right track. We look forward to continuing to work with the Syrian government as it leads its country towards what we hope will be a better future, not only for Syria, but for the entire region. Showcasing Sangai Fest as a facade od normalcy in Manipur | Brigadier (Retired) L Ibotombi Singh More than NINE months have gone by since imposition of Presidents Rule, however no significant changes have come about on ground, except for show-casing of festivals and reduction in frequency of bandhs which was more pronounced earlier. Apparently, the bandhs which were frequent earlier were politically motivated to impose Presidents Rule in the State, citing breakdown in law and order. The ground reality as on date is the divide between the Hills and Plains continue, with Meitei and Kuki communities confining in their area of influences. It remained a distant dream for balance of 60,000 internally displaced peoples (IDPs) to return to their original settlements. The people in the valley viz. Meitei community are confined in appx. 300 sq. km stretching from Shantipur to Kwakta (North to South) and Yangapokpi to Kouktruk (East to West) as there is a strict prohibition citing law and order for travel by the valley people to other parts of Manipur. Likewise, Kuki-Zo people cannot travel in the valley or go from North to South or East to West via Imphal valley because of continuing mistrust and animosity between the two communities, thus are confined in their comfort zones. Post dissolution of the popular Government, there has been no tangible results to show improvement in situations except for showcasing a series of festivals so as to tacitly present improvement of law and order to Bosses in Delhi, which otherwise is a facade. It started with Shirui Lily festival, followed by holding of Group F matches of Durand Cup, celebrations of Rath-yatra, Diwali and now the latest is Sangai Festival and 15th edition of Manipur Polo International. On the opposite is Kuki-Zo community not celebrating Kut festival so as to show solidarity and sympathy with the IDPs and those affected during unfortunate clashes between Zo-Kuki and Meitei communities. The valley people, in particular the Meitei community, have totally forgotten about 60000 IDPs, who are de-facto refugees in their own home land, instead the people got carried away with these series of festivals celebrated lavishly at high scale. It is the same stock of people who had resilience and withstood hardship during Chahi Taret Khutakpa (Seven Years Devastation from 1819 to 1826), the same people who can stand in queue at Fuel Stations for hours when there is shortage of fuel because of blockade of highways, men-made or because of natures fury. The much scarce State revenue spent on these avoidable celebrations, could have been optimally utilised for re-settlement of the IDPs. Will the State earn any additional revenues from the Sangai Festival ? For the 2024-25 fiscal year, it is astonishing to observe that Manipur State's own tax revenue was a mere Rs 2,471 crore (9% of total revenue receipts of which majority was from State GST and sales tax/VAT), against total revenue receipts of Rs 27,716 crore. Major chunk of the revenue share was by way of grants-in-aid from the Centre which was Rs 16,016 crore (approx. 58% of total revenue receipts), followed by Central taxes which was Rs 8,930 crore (approx. 32% of total revenue receipts) and finally State's own non-tax revenue which was a meagre Rs 300 crore (approx. 1% of total revenue receipts). With the GST Reform or GST 2.0 passed by the lawmakers in September 2025, the Manipur States own tax revenue is anticipated to be much lower than what was earned in fiscal year 2024-25. In short, survivability of Manipur State is dependent on grants-in-aid from the Centre and revenue shares from the in Central taxes. In short, we are begging from the Centre citing lack of revenue, thus need of the hour is to bring in total normalcy and additional measures to enhance more revenue within own resources. The people at the helm either lack understanding or are not realistic while addressing the ongoing situation to bring normalcy in the State. The priority is two open the two National Highways 2 and 37, safe for travel by all the communities of Manipur, and equally important is to repair and upgrade these two arteries making all weather road without disruptions and blockade. Many people who used to earn their livelihood and contribute to the State Revenue have been affected because of unsafe travel due to divide between the two communities. The State continues with the burden of many issues affecting the daily lives of its helpless citizens. Majority of the roadways, National Highways, State arterial roads or inter village roads lie in a state of disrepair across major parts of the State. Add to the state of pathetic road conditions, there is irregular power supply and chronic water shortages burdening the plights of the already suffering population. Government healthcare facilities are in a lamentable state, education sector is no different. The two road arteries connecting the State capital viz. NH-2 and NH-37 suffer from frequent disruptions either because of natures fury or blockade imposed by different communities when their parochial demands are not met, leading to soaring prices of essential commodities. Because of the divide between the two communities, the Meitei community cannot travel by road outside the State, and thus are compelled to travel by air. With unchecked air fare skyrocketing to more than ten thousands of rupees even to Guwahati (nearest railhead), the common people are spending large amount of their hard-earned money on air tickets while travelling for medical treatments of their near and dear ones. In fact, post 2023, May 3rd conflict, the air fare should have been streamlined as it is not a luxury but an unfortunate compulsion for the Meitei community to travel by air outside Manipur, when necessitated. At the political front, after much jockeying and speculation, it remained a wishful thinking and a distant dream for the people of Manipur for a popular Government to return. One of the primary reasons cited by the Union Home Ministry for not installing peoples Government, despite marginal improvement in law and order, is that the trust and differences between the two warring communities of Meitei and Kuki still remain large. There is still simmering animosity between these communities and the atmosphere is not right for ins- tallation of a popular Government. In the 8th State Assembly elections held in 2022 February, the people of Manipur gave a clear-cut mandate to the Bharatiya Janata Party which won 32 out of 60 Assembly Constituencies. However, the Gvernment headed by Shri N Biren Singh, because of unfortunate violence between two communities on 03rd May 2023 and afterwards, led to failure of Constitutional machinery, thus Presidents Rule under Article 356 of the Constitution was imposed with effect from February 13th 2025. The will of the people is being suppressed and exposes BJPs inability to protect citizens and restore normalcy. Presidents Rule reflect political convenience rather than governance and extension appears to be a political ploy to gain milage ahead of the Assembly elections due in 2027. The alleged lack of consensus and indecision among the States political leaders regarding formation of new Government has exposed political actors have failed to unite for a democratic alternative. Also, extension of PR proves persistent failure of its political leadership to instal a popular Government, therefore a Constitu- tional limbo now looks to continue for the foreseeable future. It is disheartening to observe lack of unity and no consensus in selecting a leader to form a Government amongst the largest winning political party, instead are waiting for people in Delhi to nominate a leader. If that be so, since these elected members of legislative leaders lack the basic quality of leadership and moral courage, is it the right time to resign enmass and seek fresh mandate after giving an ultimatum to their Masters in Delhi. They may, unitedly, float a strong Regional Party and dictate terms to Delhi after having attained a strong mandate during fresh elections. FoH urges | IMPHAL, Nov 23: The Federation of Haomee (FoH) has appealed to all not to give communal tinge to the recent incident of police crackdown on protesters involving IGP Themthing Ngashangva and RS MP Leishemba Sanajaoba. The matter is between the IGP and MP Leishemba Sanajaoba and it is the duty of the police to investigate the incident. No organisation or individual should give it a communal tinge on social media, FoH said in a statement. The FoH, in its statement, urged people to foster peaceful coexistence of all indigenous communities. Under President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the days of the worlds criminals gaming the system to remain illegally in the United States are over. On November 20, the Department of Homeland Security announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Boston deported a criminal illegal El Salvadoran MS-13 terrorist gang leader and wanted murderer from the United States on November 3 and turned him over to Salvadoran authorities. ICE originally made the arrest in February 2024, but the Biden administration allowed the criminal to try and game the U.S. immigration system by claiming fear of returning to El Salvador where he had an outstanding warrant for murder. Wilmer Alexy Garcia-Manzanarez also committed several heinous crimes in the United States, including burglary, menacing/intimidation with a weapon, driving under the influence of alcohol, property damage, and driving without a license. The removal of Garcia-Manzanarez comes shortly after DHS launched Operation Patriot and Operation Patriot 2.0 in Massachusetts. The worst of the worst arrested during these operations include rapists, murderers, kidnappers, and other terrorist gang members. Shockingly, many of these dangerous criminals were released by local authorities thanks to absurd sanctuary policies that seek to protect criminals from arrest and deportation. U.S. Border Patrol arrested Garcia-Manzanarez after he illegally entered the United States through the Canadian border March 6, 2001, and was released into the country. On March 18, 2002, an immigration judge ordered Garcia-Manzanarez removed from the United States to El Salvador. Between January 2007 and October 2012, ICE officers removed Garcia-Manzanarez from the United States to El Salvador three times. He chose to commit a felony and illegally re-enter the United States a fourth time. Authorities in El Salvador issued a warrant for Garcia-Manzanarez' arrest. In January 2020, Interpol issued a public notice for the apprehension of Garcia-Manzanarez. Officers from ICE Boston arrested Garcia-Manzanarez in Foxboro, Massachusetts on February 18, 2024. Since President Trump returned to office, ICE has deported nearly 200,000 illegal aliens, including 47,885 with charges or convictions for assault, 16,552 with charges or convictions for sexual assaults and 2,699 with charges or convictions for homicides. Of course, a wanted murderer does not want to return to his country to face justice for his crimes, said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, this criminal illegal alien is OUT of our country. The days of the worlds criminals indefinitely remaining in our country over. People take photos of the newly-unveiled UNESCO World Heritage sign at the Bell Tower, an ancient landmark on the Beijing Central Axis, in Beijing, capital of China, July 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's accession to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Throughout the years, China has enthusiastically embraced the main idea of the convention, said Irina Bokova, former UNESCO director-general. BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- While advancing its modernization, China has made enormous efforts to protect its heritage and achieved significant progress in conservation, Irina Bokova, former UNESCO director-general, told Xinhua in a recent interview. This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's accession to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Bokova said that throughout the years, China has enthusiastically embraced the main idea of the convention. Since 1987, when the Great Wall and several other Chinese sites were first inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, China has had a total of 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. An aerial drone photo shows the scenery on the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall located between Jizhou District of Tianjin and Xinglong County of Hebei Province in north China, Nov. 8, 2025. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua) "China now is one of the top countries on the list," Bokova noted. More than 30 years have passed since Bokova's first visit to China. She said that through her participation in numerous conferences and exchange activities, she can clearly feel that China is one of those examples where social and economic progress go hand in hand with cultural advancement. "When we speak about global competence, I think a very integral part is cultural literacy," said the former UNESCO chief. Noting that China has "achieved great success" in heritage protection, Bokova said she was particularly impressed by China's innovative approach to protecting cultural relics. She mentioned that a few months ago, she had been invited to visit a restoration center in China, where she saw "top expertise" in restoring manuscripts and preserving monuments. "To protect the common heritage of humanity, I think it's important to train experts," she said, adding that Chinese experts have made great efforts in this regard. Bokova praised China for actively sharing its experience with other countries, including through capacity-building collaborations on heritage protection with African and ASEAN nations. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Palace Museum in Beijing. Bokova highlighted the museum's active role in global cultural exchange -- from sharing its collections to hosting conferences and seminars, and promoting the exchange of expertise and scholars. This photo taken on Nov. 21, 2025 shows a phoenix coronet at an exhibition held at the Sensory Experience Gallery of the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) Bokova was also amazed by the integration of creativity and design into cultural products, citing her visit to the sites along the Beijing Central Axis, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List last year, as an example. She noted that China is one of the fastest-growing creative economies, with an increasing number of Chinese cities joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Bokova expressed her fascination with China's blend of modernity and tradition. She described China as a remarkable example of a country that remains deeply rooted in its history and culture while embracing modernity and creativity. She also praised the pride that Chinese people take in their culture, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's own history. Bokova said that by knowing and valuing their own past, people can become more open and tolerant toward the histories of others, a message she hopes other countries can also embrace. In keeping with the principles of the World Heritage Convention, Bokova stressed that all cultures are equal. "All cultures should be respected, and they permeate and then influence each other. This interaction is how we have today the incredible cultural diversity of humanity," she said. Editor: Zhang Zhou A drone photo taken on Nov. 12, 2025 shows the reconstructed houses that have been delivered to residents in Yejiang Village of Dingri County, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) XIGAZE, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- In early January, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County in the city of Xigaze, leveling thousands of houses. Ten months after the earthquake, more than 32,500 destroyed or damaged houses have been restored and handed over to affected residents, according to the authorities of Xigaze City. In less than three days after the earthquake, Xizang rolled out a post-disaster reconstruction plan and kicked off the preliminary work, which included field survey, housing design and debris clearance. The restoration work covered 486 villages in seven counties, resulting in the reconstruction of more than 22,000 houses and the reinforcement of an additional 10,500 homes. The first batch of quake-affected residents have moved into new homes in August. A senior villager sits at her new house in Qaba Village of Dingri County, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) A villager paints murals as interior decoration at his new house in Duoma Village of Lnaze County, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa) This photo taken on Nov. 13, 2025 shows the reconstructed houses (those on higher terrain) that have been delivered to residents in Chagnag Village of Dingri County, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) This photo taken on Nov. 20, 2025 shows villagers at their house in Duoma Village of Lnaze County, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa) Villagers pose for a family photo in front of their new house in Cuoang Village of Qulho Township in Dingri County, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Oct. 27, 2025. (Photo by Chen Xiaojun/Xinhua) A villager (2nd L) hosts neighbors in her new house in Gyabug Village of Dingri County, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Oct. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Editor: Zhang Zhou People walk past a logo of the 20th Group of Twenty (G20) Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Wei) Chrispin Phiri, a spokesperson of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), said that the United States' absence negates its role over the G20's conclusions, reiterating that Pretoria would not be bullied. "We cannot allow coercion by absentia to become a viable tactic," he said. "It is a recipe for institutional paralysis and the breakdown of collective action." JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The 20th Group of Twenty (G20) Summit on Saturday adopted a declaration calling for strengthening multilateralism and fostering equitable global governance, despite the boycott of the United States. "The G20 Presidency has culminated into a progressive declaration ... that will revolutionize how the Global South participates and plays in the global economy," South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said following the announcement of the declaration. The 122-point declaration, titled "G20 South Africa Summit: Leaders' Declaration," underscores the need to address global challenges through multilateral cooperation and calls for stronger support for developing countries to advance inclusive growth and sustainable development. Although G20 members unanimously endorsed the declaration, the United States, which refused to attend the summit, has said that it would reject any outcome document presented as a G20 consensus without its consent. Tensions between South Africa and the United States have escalated since the start of the year. The U.S. administration froze its assistance to South Africa, alleging that the Expropriation Act, a land reform law signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in January, "discriminates" against white South Africans. Observers said that South Africa angered the United States in December 2023 when it brought a case before the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing "genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza. Bilateral relations have remained strained throughout this year. Citing what it called discriminatory land policies against white South Africans, Washington first cut development assistance to Pretoria and later expelled the South African ambassador. In August, the U.S. government imposed a 30 percent tariff on South African goods, making South Africa the sub-Saharan African country facing the highest U.S. tariff rate. The South African government rejected Washington's accusations as lacking "factual accuracy and failing to recognize South Africa's profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid." Throughout this year, the United States has repeatedly said that no officials would attend the summit. This photo taken on Nov. 17, 2025 shows a scene of the venue for the 20th Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua) South African G20 Sous-Sherpa Xolisa Mabhongo confirmed receiving a letter from the United States ahead of the summit, in which Washington said it would only accept a "chair's statement" reflecting a lack of consensus. In response, Chrispin Phiri, a spokesperson of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), said that the United States' absence negates its role over the G20's conclusions, reiterating that Pretoria would not be bullied. "We cannot allow coercion by absentia to become a viable tactic," Phiri said. "It is a recipe for institutional paralysis and the breakdown of collective action." Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, told reporters on Saturday at the media center that "the mere fact that we have an agreed declaration shows that the world is embracing multilateralism, and the world is embracing cooperation and collaboration." Stressing the multi-polar world is in real action, Lamola said: "The world is here, the African continent is here, global institutions are here. Multilateralism has been affirmed." Frank Lekaba, a senior lecturer of Wits School of Governance at the University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg, hailed the adoption of the declaration as a win for Africa. "I think it already reasserted the centrality of the G20 and the legitimacy of the G20 and the South African presidency," said the expert. South Africa assumed the rotating G20 presidency on Dec. 1, 2024, becoming the first African nation to hold the position. The United States is scheduled to take over the presidency on Dec. 1, 2025. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at Thursday's briefing that only a U.S. envoy would attend the presidency handover ceremony at the end of the summit. Magwenya on Saturday reiterated at the media center that the South African president will not hand over to a junior embassy official. "It is a breach of protocol that is not going to be accommodated or allowed in this instance. It is a position of principle." "America chose to boycott the summit. That is their choice and that is their prerogative to do so. But what cannot happen is a breach of protocol being forced," he noted. Briefing the reporters after the first session of the summit, Lamola said that the United States has to collect the G20 presidency from the DIRCO offices. "No one will steal that spotlight. The African continent has made it," said the South African foreign minister, highlighting the summit as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the African continent. Editor: Zhang Zhou This photo taken on Nov. 23, 2025 shows a residential apartment damaged by an Israeli airstrike in Haret Hreik, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon. At least five people were killed and 25 others injured on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike targeting a residential apartment in Haret Hreik, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and 25 others injured on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike targeting a residential apartment in Haret Hreik, Beirut's southern suburbs, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the strike, saying it attempted to kill Haytham Ali Tabatabai, whom Netanyahu described as Hezbollah's de facto chief of staff that "led the organization's force build-up and armament efforts." "Israel is determined to pursue its objectives anywhere and at any time," Netanyahu said. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah mentioned whether Tabatabai was killed in the strike. According to Lebanon's Al-Jadeed TV channel, the strike also caused heavy damage to buildings and parked cars in the highly-populated neighborhood. Hezbollah said the area contains no military centers. Hospitals in Beirut's southern suburbs said they are in urgent need for blood units of all types, whereas the Lebanese army said it has imposed a security cordon in the area. Following the strike, Israeli warplanes continued to fly low over the southern suburbs' Dahieh region. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu told the weekly cabinet meeting that Israel "will continue doing whatever is necessary to prevent Hezbollah from reestablishing its ability" to threaten Israel. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike, calling it "another sign of disregard for repeated calls to halt attacks and implement international resolutions." He urged the international community to act decisively to stop the strikes, prevent regional tensions, and spare further bloodshed. In a separate development, Lebanon's official National News Agency reported that an Israeli drone strike earlier in the day targeting a car in the village of Aita al-Shaab in southern Lebanon's Bint Jbeil district killed one person. A Lebanese security source told Xinhua that the dead was a Hezbollah member named Mohammad Saleh. Since the ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, which largely ended about 13 months of cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel has struck Beirut a few times, while attacking other areas in southern and eastern Lebanon almost daily, claiming they are aimed at eliminating Hezbollah "threats." It has also maintained forces in five main positions in the Lebanese border area. On Friday, the Lebanese Ministry of Health said Israeli strikes and violations had killed 331 people and injured 945 others in Lebanon since Nov. 28, 2024. This photo taken on Nov. 23, 2025 shows the damaged vehicles at the scene of an Israeli airstrike in Haret Hreik, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon. At least five people were killed and 25 others injured on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike targeting a residential apartment in Haret Hreik, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) This photo taken on Nov. 23, 2025 shows a residential apartment damaged by an Israeli airstrike in Haret Hreik, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon. At least five people were killed and 25 others injured on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike targeting a residential apartment in Haret Hreik, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) Editor: Zhang Zhou Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6) Today Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High around 15F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Overcast. Low 12F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Ukraine and Israel: Economies of Migration. Why a Repatriation Policy Could Be the Key to Bringing Ukrainians Home and Rebuilding the Country Oleg Vyshniakov, businessman, Honorary Consul of the State of Israel in the Western region of Ukraine A few days ago, Ukraine received a piece of news that could easily have gone unnoticed: the countrys current population is estimated at around 35 million people. This figure is not simply a demographic snapshot. It is an economic X-ray revealing the scale of the losses, the risks to recovery, andmost importantlythe direction Ukraine must begin moving in right now. While we debate reconstruction plans, billions in donor support, and investment forums, the economy itself is signaling a different priority: the most valuable asset is people. And this is precisely what Ukraine lacks today. Millions of citizens have been lost to war, displacement, and occupation. And even if international partners commit unprecedented funding, no economic model works without a population that creates demand, pays taxes, launches businesses, raises children, and produces value. This is where Ukraine can learn from a country that has spent decades building its economy by bringing people home: Israel. Israel: a nation that built its economy on repatriation Israel is a unique casea country living under constant security threats, economic shocks, and demographic waves, yet one that managed to do what few others could: turn migration into a strategic economic resource. In the 1990s, Israel absorbed more than one million repatriates from the post-Soviet space. For a small country, this cohort accounted for nearly 20% of the population. But instead of seeing this as a strain on the system, the state did something extraordinary: it invested in these people. Integration programs, financial incentives, accelerated diploma recognition, language training, employment supportthese were not social policies but economic policies. And the outcome was the Israeli economic miracle: the rise of high-tech, innovation clusters, booming exports, and an influx of global capital. Israel proved that bringing people home is not a humanitarian gesture, but an economic strategy. Ukraine needs its own repatriation policy and it needs it now Ukraines challenge is even more dramatic. Our demographic shock was not gradual, but sudden and massive. Millions left the country. Between 4 and 5+ million Ukrainians now live in the EU, most of them women and children. Many have integrated fully into European economies, with schools, healthcare systems, and social networks. The crucial truth is this: people will not return on their own. There is no historical precedent for spontaneous mass return. It happens only when conditions make coming back economically, socially, and psychologically favorable. For Ukraine, the stakes are enormous: Labor markets: without millions returning, reconstruction will take decades. GDP growth: even 1.52 million returnees could add +57% GDP in just a few years. Investment: investors do not enter economies where talent is scarce. Consumption: people = money circulating domestically. Demographics: without young people returning, all reforms become cosmetic. This is not a social issue this is the core of economic planning. Which parts of Israels model Ukraine can adapt Ukraine doesnt need to copy Israels model, but it can adapt its principles: 1. Financial incentives for return partial compensation for relocation, tax benefits during the first years back, affordable mortgages, grants for starting a business, targeted programs for professionals in shortage sectors. 2. A fast-track integration window accelerated recognition of qualifications, targeted programs for doctors, engineers, teachers, IT professionals, support for integrating children into schools. 3. Diaspora economic diplomacy Israel treated its diaspora not only as a community, but as: investors, ambassadors, innovation partners. Ukraine must build similar mechanisms: not diaspora gatherings, but diaspora investment networks. 4. A business environment tailored to returnees Israel helped repatriates launch companies in the 90s. Ukraine can replicate this with: microloans, startup incentives, simplified regulations, local innovation centers. 5. Housing as a core element of repatriation All successful repatriation programs contain a housing component. Ukraine will rebuild housing anyway part of it should be allocated to structured repatriation. Why now is the critical moment The window of opportunity is short. After 35 years abroad, people integrate to a degree that makes return unlikely. After 35 years abroad, people integrate to a degree that makes return unlikely. Mobility is still high. Most Ukrainians abroad have not yet fully disconnected from home. Most Ukrainians abroad have not yet fully disconnected from home. Reconstruction planning is happening now. A repatriation policy must be built into Ukraines recovery architecture, not added later as an afterthought. Without people there is no economy. Without economy there is no reconstruction. Why Israel can be an ideal partner in designing Ukraines repatriation strategy Israel has unmatched expertise in: building institutions that welcome people back, integrating culturally diverse populations, creating economic incentives for return, linking repatriation to innovation and labor markets, translating demographic strategy into GDP growth. Ukraine and Israel could launch: joint demographic research, shared policy platforms, bilateral return programs for Ukrainians currently in Israel, repatriation management training for Ukrainian institutions. This partnership could become strategic, not symbolic. Ukraine can repeat Israels trajectory but only if it brings its people home Israels experience proves something fundamental: a country may be small, vulnerable, and under threat but if it brings its citizens back, it builds innovation, investment, growth, and a future. Ukraine stands at a crossroads. The figure 35 million is not a verdict it is a warning. It tells us how much we have lost, and how quickly we must act to reverse it. Economies begin with people. Reconstruction begins with people. And repatriation is not about patriotism it is a strategy. Without it, Ukraine cannot become a strong, competitive state in the decades ahead. The news from Dubai on Friday shook every Indian. An indigenous multi-role Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas crashed at the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal. This was the second such accident involving LCA Tejas in less than two years. On Monday, the stock market showed its nervousness. Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), among other defence stocks, declined nearly 4 per cent at the end of the trading session. However, experts point out that the trend looks temporary and HAL is likely to bounce back soon. According to experts, the market reaction looks understandable as investors are worried about the future order of Tejas. However, they observe that the defence PSU is fundamentally strong and the decline may be only a temporary phenomenon. According to sector experts, such incidents do not mean that there are inherent issues with the Tejas programme, although the crash may have a short term impact on HAL share prices. In a regulatory filing, HAL said it is extending full support and cooperation to the agencies conducting the investigation and will keep the stakeholders informed of any material developments. Though HAL is under continuous scrutiny, it has a strong order book, which includes the 97 Tejas aircraft. Experts point out that the company has big contracts, cutting-edge technology, and carries the weight of national pride. The share price might remain soft for a little while, but with such strong backing and clear roadmaps, recovery and growth seem inevitable. The single-engine 4.5-generation multirole aircraft, designed by India's Aeronautical Development Agency and built by HAL, first took to the skies in 2001 and was inducted into the Indian Air Force officially in 2016. What makes Tejas jet special is its construction as advanced materials like aluminium-lithium alloys, titanium alloys, and carbon-fibre composites form 45 per cent of its weight and cover 90 per cent of its surface. This makes Tejas one of the lightest yet strongest supersonic fighters anywhere, capable of speeds up to Mach 1.6, roughly 1,975 km per hour. It is actually the smallest fighter in its class, explained defence and space analyst Girish Linganna. Linganna said that though accidents are tragic and demand serious investigation, in 2025 alone, over seven military aircraft crashed worldwide, including two advanced US F-35 jets. Air shows globally have witnessed more than 100 mishaps in the past decade. Flying at high speeds and low altitudes during demonstrations is inherently risky, but that doesn't automatically mean the aircraft itself is defective. Experts are examining several possibilities for the Dubai crash, including sudden engine thrust loss from the GE F404 engine during a critical maneuver, negative G-forces that might have disoriented the pilot, or even timing errors at dangerously low altitude. The important part is that the Indian Air Force has shown confidence by not grounding the Tejas Mk1 fleet. They have clarified that this happened during an airshow demonstration, not during operational missions, and flights continue across India while investigations proceed thoroughly, added Linganna. HAL is fundamentally strong and the companys future remains bright despite this setback. As India's major fighter aircraft manufacturer, the company has massive orders, which will significantly boost the company's business in coming years. In late September 2025, HAL's chief D.K. Sunil announced that with the defence ministry's orders, the company's order book would swell to Rs 2.7 lakh crore by FY27. INS Mahe, the first of India's Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was commissioned in Mumbai on Monday. Built by Cochin Shipyard (CSL) with over 80 per cent indigenous components, the 1,100-tonne ship strengthens submarine hunting and coastal patrols. Set to be deployed for littoral operations and coastal patrols when not engaged in shallow-water anti-submarine missions, INS Mahe is equipped with indigenously developed advanced sonars, torpedoes, and guns, and is also capable of undertaking advanced mine-laying in shallow seas. The Cochin Shipyard added that the 78 m-long warship is the largest Indian Naval warship propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination and can also carry out underwater surveillance, Search & Rescue operations and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO). "She will serve as a Silent Hunter on the Western Seaboardpowered by self-reliance and dedicated to safeguarding Indias maritime frontiers. The commissioning of Mahe will mark the arrival of a new generation of indigenous shallow-water combatantssleek, swift, and resolutely Indian," the Defence Ministry had said. INS Mahe: The name and crest The shallow water craft class has been named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. Although a district of the Puducherry Union Territory, Mahe is encircled by the Kannur and Kozhikode districts of Kerala. Meanwhile, the ships crest features an Urumi, the long, flexible sword of "Kalaripayattu," the ancient Indian martial art. A charging stallion and bovine complete the magnificent crest. "Urumi", sometimes called "Churika" symbolises agility, precision, and lethal gracethe capabilities that the vessel is expected to show in the battlefield. The coiling, double-edged whip sword is said to have existed from as early as the Sangam period (100 BCE to 250 CE). "The crest symbolises the confluence of Indias cultural heritage and technological prowess, marking yet another step in the Indian Navys commitment to indigenisation, innovation, and Aatmanirbharta," the Ministry of Defence said. The CSL is contracted to build eight Mahe-class vessels for the Indian Navy. Ukraine is staring at a political test under conditions no country would envy. A leaked US-brokered 28-point peace plan has pushed the country into a moment where it is being asked to choose between its dignity and the end of war. Washingtons argument is blunt: accept a difficult peace now, or risk losing more later. Moscows reading is equally obvious long-standing demands are finally sitting on an American document. The US is pressing Kyiv to weigh a peace blueprint that demands hard compromises: recognising Russian control of Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk; freezing lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia; limiting Ukraines army to 6,00,000; and writing permanent neutrality into its constitution. The draft, shaped by Trumps envoys with input from a senior Russian interlocutor, also ties Ukraines security to a US-led guarantee that collapses if Kyiv strikes Russian territory without cause. In return, Ukraine would get access to frozen Russian assets for reconstruction, a pathway to the EU market, and a ceasefire enforced by a Trump-chaired council. Zelensky hasnt endorsed it but hasnt walked away either, calling it Washingtons outline rather than a final offer. US officials argue Kyiv risks losing more land if the war continues, while Moscow is encouraged that long-standing demands are finally written into an American proposal. The package mixes territorial concessions, economic incentives, amnesty for all sides, and elections within 100 daysa deal that could halt the fighting but forces Ukraine to confront choices it has resisted since 2014. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the talks tremendous progress, even as Ukraines parliament leadership publicly rejected the plans core demands. Meanwhile, drone and missile strikes continue with devastating effect across the battlefront; a reminder that the war is still shaping the diplomacy, not the other way around. The fragile core: Peace falls apart when fear outlasts the document Ukraines dilemma echoes the worst lessons of 20th-century ceasefires. When one side has no faith in the others word, an agreement doesnt end a war; it just puts the conflict on hold. Ukrainians havent forgotten what Minsk really was: a pause Moscow treated as a chance to reload, redeploy, and come back with a bigger hammer. Thats why demands for territorial giveaways or force caps arent minor political headaches. Theyre built-in traps. They dont lower the danger; they lock it into place and hand Russia the time and space it wants. No Ukrainian leadership can sign away chunks of its territory without detonating itself at home. Any formula that recognises Russias occupation as permanent is dead on arrival. Where the plan has real traction The economic layer of the proposal is the only part that resembles workable architecture. Reconstruction, infrastructure corridors, energy routes, and Western investment are the zones where interests overlap. Ukraine gets capital and a rebuilding pipeline. Europe gains predictability. Russia gets a slow re-entry into global markets without waiting for generational sanctions fatigue. Economics can anchor negotiations. But economics alone cannot secure a country that lives one Russian troop rotation away from another invasion. The fault lines that will break the deal If the proposal insists on turning the current front lines into permanent borders, it will collapse instantly. If it expects Ukraine to shrink its army while Russia retains its offensive capacity, it is asking Kyiv to sign its own obituary. And the idea of sweeping amnesties for all sides without a framework that recognises aggression and responsibility only erases the very foundation of deterrence. None of this stabilises Europe. It merely delays the next crisis. The missing spine: Real deterrence Trumps draft dodges the essential question: who enforces the peace? Sanctions dont shoot down missiles. Strong statements dont stop armour. A viable settlement requires integrated air defence, cyber coordination, intelligence fusion, and a multinational enforcement mechanism that is more than ceremonial. Ukraine does not need NATO membership written in bold. It needs a deterrent posture that makes another Russian gamble too expensive to contemplate. Without that, the deal is a truce pretending to be a treaty. Europe, Kyiv, and Washington: Three clocks ticking at once Europe needs to step in early. If it waits, it will inherit a settlement shaped not by the continents security needs but by the mood and politics of Washington. Kyiv, meanwhile, is approaching a point where battlefield strain becomes a negotiating liability. It cant afford maximalist slogans, but it also cannot afford to surrender the core principles that keep the state intact. Trumps plan is clearly an opening bid; heavy, blunt, and designed to be shaved down in negotiations. Treating it as a finished product is a mistake. Treating it as the basis for final terms is reckless. The road ahead The danger now is simple: a badly crafted peace may script Europes next crisis. If Washington wants to end the war in a way that lasts, the rough edges of this proposal must be re-shaped into a settlement that protects Ukraines existence, checks Russias appetite, and restores European stability. Anything less is a pause button before another catastrophe. The window is narrow. The battlefield is grinding toward a long war. Ukraine is running into a manpower strain. Russia is entrenching behind defensive belts. And Western capitals are juggling their own domestic fires. The decisions taken in the next few months will decide whether this war ends or simply goes quiet before starting again. The Indian Navy commissioned the indigenously built INS Mahe, the first of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, on Monday. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) with over 80 per cent indigenous components, the 1,100-tonne ship is equipped with indigenously developed advanced sonars, torpedoes, and guns, and is also capable of undertaking advanced mine-laying in shallow seas. She will serve as a Silent Hunter on the Western Seaboardpowered by self-reliance and dedicated to safeguarding Indias maritime frontiers, a Defence Ministry statement read. The commissioning of the first of the eight Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) warships comes only weeks after reports claimed that the Pakistan Navy is set to receive the first of the eight Hangor-class submarines from China in 2026. FULL REPORT | Pakistan asked China for eight attack submarines to match Indian Navy; first Hangor-class Sub to reach Karachi in 2026? Islamabad had categorically claimed that the reason for purchasing the subs from Beijing, its single biggest arms and defence partner, was "to address a force imbalance with India." The agreement is reportedly worth up to $5 billion and the handover is expected to be completed within an eight-year window between 2022 and 2028. Based on Chinas Type 039A export design, the Hangor-class submarines belong to the diesel-electric attack class. While the first four will be built in China, the remaining are reportedly to be assembled in Pakistan in an effort to improve its technical capabilities. Nicknamed "The Hunter," the stealth, diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) operating on battery power are incredibly difficult to detect in noisy, cluttered shallow waters. Capable of carrying heavy anti-ship and anti-submarine torpedoes, they can destroy surface ships and submarines alike. ALSO READ | INS Mahe: This ancient Indian weapon decorates the crest of Navy's anti-sub shallow water warships Can Indias Silent Hunter match The Hunter? No doubt the torpedo capabilities of the submarine can outclass those of the 78 m-long warship. However, INS Mahe will not be deployed in open waters, while submarines will have to operate in shallow waters at times. Then the tables will turn. The Mahe-class ASW-SWCs have shallow-water optimized sensors which can counter the "silent" advantage of the invisible enemy. Features like hull-mounted sonar, towed array sonar, or low-frequency variable depth sonar could help them identify the stealth subs, naval warfare reports indicate. Its capability to move quickly in shallow waters may also become handy in coastal areas along with the anti-submarine torpedoes and depth charges in its arsenal. Actor Dharmendra, known as the He-Man of Bollywood, was often in the news and tabloids for rumours about his interesting love life. The actor died on Monday at the age of 89. The film industry and fans are now mourning the end of an era of Indian cinema. Dharmendra was considered the most handsome and commercially successful man in the industry. His last rites and cremation were attended by his entire family, including his second wife, Hema Malini and their daughter. Ever since Dharmendra married Hema in 1980, many who were confused had to speculate to make sense of their untraditional family structure. Dharmendra's first marriage was to Prakash Kaur, a woman who has largely stayed out of the spotlight. They tied the knot in 1954 when the actor was just 19 years old, following traditional customs. The couple went on to have four children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeita Deol, Vijeita Deol. The actor was known to have a stable marriage for many years, and they remained out of controversies until the late 70s . Hema Malini and Dharmendra in one of their films, and their last photo posted online | X Dharmendra first met Hema Malini on the set of the film Tu Haseen Main Jawan. The two continued to grow close as they kept working together in the industry. Soon they became one of the biggest talking points of the late 70s and the early 80s. Controversy followed after Dharmendra married Hema Malini while still being married to Prakash. Rumours soon began circulating; many said the couple had to convert to Islam to tie the knot and sign the contract, and then had to do it again in the traditional Iyengar ceremony. The narrative continued for many years. In Hema Malinis biography Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl', biographer Ram Kamal Mukherjee wrote that the two took on the names Dilawar Khan and Ayesha Bi before getting married. In 2004, during the Lok Sabha election, the story resurfaced. Controversy erupted after Congress leaders found out that Dharmendra had declared only Prakash Kaurs assets without mentioning Hema Malaini. Around the same time, a nikahnama with both actors' names (an Islamic marriage document) was published by Outlook magazine. The document's origin or validity has not been verified to this day. Congress Party leaders accused Dharmendra, who was then a BJP candidate from Bikaner, of conversion. They said that the actor converted to solemnise their marriage since it was not permitted under Hindu law. The rumours were finally put to rest when Dharmendra told Outlook magazine in 2004, This allegation is totally incorrect. I am not the kind of man who will change his religion to suit his interests. Hema Malini also denied the rumours, This is extremely personal between us. Nobody else should bother about this, she said. The two have two daughters together, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Hema lived separately from Dharmendra; however, the two maintained their strong bond. Despite such speculations, they remained two of the most popular and loved actors in the industry. Praksh Kaur was one of the first to defend them. She said Why only my husband, any man would have preferred Hema over me. How dare anyone call my husband a womaniser when half the industry is doing the same thing? She also said that Dharmendra was a loving father and a caring husband. The film industry is mourning the loss of actor Dharmendra, who has died at the age of 89. As soon as news of his death broke, the last picture of him with his wife, Hema Malini, went viral. The actor's passing has left fans and the film industry in grief. He died 15 days before his 90th birthday. Hema Malini, who is an actress and director, is Dharmendras second wife. He had two children with her, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. They got married in 1980 and had an unusual love story. The two had chosen to live apart after their marriage. In her biography "Hema Malini Beyond the Dream Girl", she shared details of their relationship. When they met, Dharmendra was with Prakash Kaur, whom he married in 1954 at the age of 19. They had four children together, sons Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita. Since he was already married to Prakash, Hemas mother had tried to convince her to marry Jeetendra instead of Dharmendra. The two actors had met on the set of the film Tu Haseen Main Jawan and had since shared a strong bond. When they married in 1980, many criticised Dharmendra and called him a womaniser. However, his first wife, Kaur, defended him, saying that any man would be attracted to a woman like Hema Malini. She also questioned the double standards of calling him a womaniser when others in the industry did similar things. Despite his marriage to Hema, Dharmendra stayed with Prakash Kaur. Their son Bobby had said that the two lived together peacefully at their Khandala farmhouse. They lived together for about 71 years in 2025. Last year on his 89th birthday, Hema Malini shared pictures of their celebrations. In a social media post, she said, A day to celebrate! Happiest Birthday to the man of my dreams. I hold your heart as you hold mine ever since we first met many years ago. We have been through good times and bad, always together, steadfast in our love for each other. I look forward to being dazzled by your charm for many more years to come. May God bless you with good health and happiness always Hema Malini was seen at the actors cremation grounds on Monday. Actors Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Anil Kapoor were also present to pay respects to the legendary actor. The actors oldest son, Sunny Deol lit the funeral pyre. For 35 years, Thakurdas Mahoto has lived with the long-term consequences of leprosy. The disease left him 40 per cent disabled, and its impact still shapes every aspect of his daily life. Because leprosy reduces sensation in the affected body parts, small cuts or injuries often go unnoticed. These minor wounds gradually worsen into large ulcers, demanding regular treatment, frequent dressing, and constant medical attention. The cost of this care accumulates quickly, especially for someone already balancing the pressures of supporting a large family. Government assistance arrives only twice a year and barely covers the essentials of his treatment. Mahoto explains that the support is insufficient and leaves him struggling to manage his medical expenses. Despite his chronic condition and ongoing health vulnerabilities, Mahoto has never been able to purchase health insurance. The primary barrier is affordability; the premiums for health insurance policies remain out of reach. When he attempted to register for an Ayushman Bharat card at a local Common Service Centre, he hoped it might finally offer him some financial protection. Instead, he was told he was ineligible because his name did not appear in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) list of 2011. His name had also been removed from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) card, while only his wifes name remained. With three daughters, two sons, and his own medical needs rising, Mahoto continues to live in Uttar Pradesh without any safety net, constantly balancing health costs with the daily costs of survival. Mahotos experience is one of countless stories across India that reveal a consistent pattern of exclusion. A new report released this week by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), titled "Inclusive Health Coverage for All," confirms this reality. The White Paper highlights how Indias 16 crore persons with disabilities remain largely locked out of both public and private health insurance systems, even as rising medical expenses continue to push millions into poverty each year. Indias insurance landscape is already complex for the average citizen, marked by dense paperwork, confusing procedures, and limited awareness. For persons with disabilities, these challenges multiply several times over. While disability is often included in group insurance policies offered by employers, individuals seeking insurance independently face restricted options shaped by inadequate sensitisation within the sector, structural biases, and the routine exclusion of disability from policy design. Private insurance premiums remain prohibitively high for many, effectively placing essential coverage out of reach. At the same time, flagship public schemes such as the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) do not explicitly recognise disability as an eligibility criterion. As a result, a large portion of Indias disabled population remains excluded, without meaningful financial protection against health emergencies. Why do persons with disabilities remain excluded from health insurance? The NCPEDP white paper draws on a nationwide survey of more than 5,000 persons with disabilities from 34 states and Union Territories. Its findings reveal a stark, systemic failure: over 80 per cent of persons with disabilities in India have no health insurance at all. Even among those who apply, more than half53 per centare rejected, often without clear reasoning or transparent communication. The rejection rates were particularly high for individuals with autism, psychosocial disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and blood disorders such as thalassemia. Many were denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions, despite legal protections under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) and directives issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). These denials, the report notes, represent more than administrative oversight; they reflect systemic discrimination. These exclusions are not accidental. They are embedded in the design of the system itself. This is not just a policy gap, it is a violation of rights," said Arman Ali, Executive Director at NCPEDP. The report highlights an important contrast. Earlier this year, the government expanded PM-JAY coverage to include all citizens aged 70 and above, acknowledging their heightened vulnerability and need for medical care. Yet millions of persons with disabilities, who often experience equal or greater health risks, continue to remain outside the schemes eligibility criteria. What happens when persons with disabilities are denied health insurance? Financial vulnerability remains one of the most devastating consequences of this exclusion. One study cited in the report found that nearly one-fifth of a households monthly expenditure went toward disability-related needs. Medical expenses routinely push families into catastrophic spending, with more than 57 per cent of households sliding into severe financial distress. Some families that were originally above the poverty line fell below it solely due to treatment costs. Beyond affordability, a lack of awareness continues to be a major barrier. Only 59 per cent of respondents were aware of Ayushman Bharat, while 41 per cent had never heard of Indias flagship health insurance program. The report attributes this information gap to inaccessible public messaging, weak implementation by states, and an absence of disability-focused outreach. Ayushman Bharat packages need to expand their scope from only treating to also caring. It primarily covers hospitalisation and serious illnesses to protect households, whether or not they include persons below the poverty line, from catastrophic health expenditure. Ayushman Bharat supports persons with disabilities, but it does not cover the full spectrum of health-related expenditures they face. While universal health coverage does not mean free health services for everyone, it must ensure equal access to quality and affordable healthcare. Persons with disabilities definitely face higher out-of-pocket health expenditure and are as vulnerable as senior citizens above the age of 70, said Dr Indu Bhushan, former CEO of the national health insurance scheme. In states such as West Bengal, where Ayushman Bharat is not implemented, persons with disabilities reported repeated rejections by private insurers. This occurred even when insurers advertised disability-inclusive policies on their websites, in line with IRDAIs 2023 mandate. Several respondents said agents told them such policies did not exist, reflecting a disconnect between policy announcements and ground-level implementation. Digital inaccessibility further prevents many persons with disabilities from enrolling in insurance schemes or filing claims. Insurance portals and mobile platforms often fail to meet accessibility standards, shutting out those with visual, hearing, or cognitive disabilities from essential services. Recommendations from the report In response to these structural gaps, the NCPEDP white paper lays out a comprehensive roadmap aimed at building a rights-based, inclusive health insurance ecosystem for persons with disabilities. The white paper emphasises that, The Government of India must include persons with disabilities (as recognised under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016), in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) without any income and age criteria. Universal coverage for persons with disabilities would acknowledge their higher healthcare needs and ensure that vulnerable groups are no longer excluded from essential services. Accessibility lies at the heart of the reports recommendations. It calls for all public and private healthcare facilities to comply with the Harmonised Guidelines 2021 and internationally recognised digital accessibility standards. This includes making hospital infrastructure, insurance forms, online platforms, and communication systems fully accessible to persons with diverse disabilities. The report recommends revising insurance application formats in collaboration with IRDAI, the National Health Authority, and disability experts to ensure that forms and procedures do not exclude any disability type. The white paper also underscores the need for widespread sensitisation and capacity building. It recommends mandatory training for insurance agents, healthcare providers, and service personnel to ensure they understand disability-specific needs and provide respectful, inclusive support. This should be accompanied by targeted outreach campaigns to educate persons with disabilities about available insurance options and their rights within the healthcare system. A key component of the recommendations concerns equity in pricing and policy design. The report calls for IRDAI to standardise premiums for disability-specific insurance products and to require insurers to justify low coverage caps using real data on healthcare costs for persons with disabilities. This would help prevent arbitrary pricing practices that currently make insurance unaffordable. Regulation and accountability form another crucial pillar. The report recommends periodic accessibility audits of healthcare infrastructure, stronger IRDAI monitoring of private insurance companies, and regulatory penalties for insurers who fail to comply with guidelines. It further recommends that IRDAI include disability-disaggregated data in its annual reports, covering enrolment, claim approval, and grievance resolution rates. The creation of a dedicated Committee on Disability Inclusion within IRDAI would help ensure long-term oversight and continued responsiveness to the needs of persons with disabilities. We have made it mandatory for all our schemes to be integrated with the UDID system. At ALIMCO, we are working extensively to produce quality assistive products. While we have not yet reached very high-end technology, we are progressing steadily. With IRDAIs role and the involvement of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), strong convergence is essential moving forward, said Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary at the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Khorol Mechanical Plant (Ukraine) has begun the process of localizing production in Turkiye, the information and analytical agency APK-Inform reported, citing information from the director of the technical department of Khorol Mechanical Plant, Valentyn Surmach. "Considering the successful experience of jointly implementing complex projects, the main partner for the localization process has been chosen as Izvik Makina Muhendislik Ic Ve Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi," he said at the international AgroFood Summit-2025 (Mersin, Turkey). According to him, the localization stages include large-scale assembly, equipping products with electric motors and motor-reducers from Turkish manufacturers, and the step-by-step organization of component and part production in Turkiye, including on the basis of outsourcing (by mutual agreement). The plant guarantees the equipment produced during the localization process, as well as the technical parameters of technological lines based on the plants equipment, which Izvik Makina offers to clients. Khorol Mechanical Plant is a Ukrainian enterprise specializing in equipment for grain storage and cleaning; production of animal feed, cereals, flour, oil, and seeds; aspiration systems; mechanical grain transportation; and the production of fuel pellets, briquettes, and more. There seems to be no end to the speculations regarding leadership change in Congress-ruled Karnataka, even as the two leaders at the centre of it allChief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumarcontinue to reiterate that the current CM will continue to be on top for the full five years. There were unconfirmed reports of a power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar when the party won the 2023 assembly polls. Speculations of a change in the top leadership intensified after the government completed its 2.5-year term on November 20. Now, at least six legislators backing Sivakumar landed in Delhi on Sunday evening to meet Congress top brass, and according to party sources, a few more legislators are likely to travel to Delhi soon to demand that Shivakumar be elevated to the post of CM. The MLAs who are already in Delhi are H.C. Balakrishna, K.M. Uday, Nayana Motamma, Iqbal Hussain, Sharath Bachegowd and Shivaganga Basavaraj, according to news agency PTI. Even as the MLAs continued to camp in Delhi, Siddaramaiah said the high command takes the final call on the leadership change, and that it will be accepted by all. "We will abide by the high command decision. If they decide I should continue (as CM), I will continue. Ultimately, whatever the high command decides, I should accept it. Shivakumar should also accept it," Siddaramaiah told reporters on Monday. Asked if Shivakumar would become the CM, he said, "When I have said the high command will decide, you are asking me the same thing again." Shivakumar reacts The Karnataka Congress chief backed the statement of Siddaramaiah, saying what the CM said is like "Veda Vakya" (sacrosanct) for him. Calling Siddaramaiah an "asset" for the Congress, Shivakumar said everyone is working together in the government under his guidance. "We have to respect whatever the chief minister is saying. We all have to respect the high command," he said, adding, he has never commented on the chief minister's tenure, and it is the media which is creating confusion. "There is no confusion in me at all. If anything is there, it is between me and the party high command. We will sort it out if anything is there. As of today, nothing is there. Whatever we have decided, it is internal, within the room, we will take a call on that," he said. Reacting to the BJP's allegations of 'horse-trading' between factions within the ruling Congress in Karnataka, the deputy CM hit back, saying that it was the BJP's culture. "BJP leaders have earlier admitted how many thousand crores should be paid to become the CM in their party... it was also discussed with documents in the Assembly as to how many crores were paid by them to purchase MLAs of other parties in the past, they are probably recollecting what they did," he said. Earlier in the day, the two leaders also shared the stage in Chikkaballapura, where Siddaramaiah inaugurated the high-tech silk cocoon market. When asked about some more Congress MLAs going to Delhi, the Deputy CM said, they have a desire to become ministers, amid talks of cabinet reshuffle and asked, "What's wrong" with that? "As the CM said, we can't stop anyone from going to Delhi, where our leaders are, where our party office is, which is like a temple. To build their future, they will go. What's wrong? If they make any statements against the party, form groups, organise dinners, and go against the party, it will violate party discipline. I don't know what they (legislators) have said. As there were talks about a cabinet reshuffle, they have gone, hoping to get a chance," he said. According to party sources, while Siddaramaiah is pushing for a reshuffle of his Cabinet, Shivakumar wants the party to first decide on a leadership change. They say that if the Congress high command approves the Cabinet reshuffle, it would signal that Siddaramaiah will complete the full five-year term. With PTI inputs The Centre moved quickly to clarify that a proposed law to change Chandigarhs administrative structure will not be introduced in the Winter Session of Parliament. The assurance followed unease in Punjabs political circles after the plan appeared in the provisional list of business. The controversy began when Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha bulletins listed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, among ten provisional Bills for the session beginning December 1. The draft seeks to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to issue regulations for certain Union Territories. Punjabs political parties, including the AAP, Congress and Akali Dal, criticised the move. Several BJP leaders in the state also distanced themselves from it and said it did not reflect the Centres position. The Union home ministry later said the government has no plan to introduce the Bill this session. It stated that the proposal is meant only to simplify the process of making Central laws for Chandigarh and does not seek to change the Union territorys governance structure or the existing arrangements with Punjab and Haryana. It added that no final decision has been taken. Article 240 enables the President to make regulations for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Daman and Diu and Puducherry also fall under its scope if their assemblies are dissolved or suspended. The reference to Article 240 triggered concerns in Punjab because it was seen as a step toward shifting Chandigarh out of the states traditional administrative influence. At present, any change in Chandigarhs governance requires parliamentary approval; placing it under Article 240 would move key powers to the home ministry. Control over Chandigarh has long been a political and emotional issue in Punjab. Since the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, the states parties have argued that Chandigarh should return to Punjab. The Union territory has operated under a system in which officials from both Punjab and Haryana serve on deputation, reflecting its dual status. Tensions had already been running high after the Centre moved to scrap senate polls in Panjab University, an institution funded by the Centre and both states. Because of its name and origins in the pre-Independence Punjab province, the university carries symbolic weight in the state. After protests by student groups, religious bodies and farmers organisations, the decision to revoke the senate and syndicate was reversed earlier this month. Last year, a statement by BJP leader and former Haryana assembly speaker Gian Chand Gupta added to the anxiety. He said the Union environment ministry had granted clearance for land offered by the Haryana government to the Chandigarh administration in exchange for land meant for a new Haryana Vidhan Sabha complex. The plan, which would have enabled Haryana to build its own Assembly building in Chandigarh instead of sharing the current facility with Punjab, was criticised as strengthening Haryanas position in the UT. It was later clarified that the proposal had not been finalised. With state elections less than two years away, any move seen as weakening Punjabs claim over Chandigarh risks triggering political backlash. The Centre has stepped back twice in recent weeks, first by agreeing to hold Panjab University senate polls and now by signalling wider consultations on Chandigarhs administrative framework. The states politics has taken a turn since the days of agitation against the three farm bills. Steered by the farmers bodies, the mainstream political parties in the state, particularly the Congress, Akali Dal and BJP, faced the brunt, allowing the entry of a third force, the AAP. This was the first time that the bipolar polity of the state had been changed. Any move which will be interpreted as a larger interference of the Centre in the state affairs could again trigger similar protests. As air quality dropped to the 'very poor' category in the national capital, the Delhi government implemented GRAP III guidelines, enforcing 50 per cent staff strength at government and private offices; the rest of the staff will work from home. According to an order issued by the environment department, all administrative secretaries and heads of departments will attend office regularly, and not more than 50 per cent of staff strength should be physically present in the office. The remaining will work from home, the order said. The Delhi government has mandated work from home for 50 pc staff in private offices. "Since the vehicular pollution would cause extensive air pollution and release harmful air pollutants, particularly when air quality is very poor and it is felt that there needs to be more curbs on vehicular movement. The Government of NCT of Delhi is required to take necessary measures to reduce emissions arising from transport and office-related activities during GRAP Stage III," it said. The Delhi government's move comes amidst raging protests and deteriorating air quality levels in the national capital. As per the Centre for Air Quality Management, Delhi's AQI was 382 at 4pm on Monday. The Delhi police on Sunday arrested 17 people for protesting at India Gate over poor air quality in the national capital. A Delhi court on Monday sent the accused to three days of judicial custody. Five among the protesters for raising slogans hailing slain Maoist leader Madvi Hidma. A few protesters also used pepper spray against police personnel. The suicide of 51-year-old Booth-Level Officer (BLO) Rinku Tarafdar in Krishnanagar, Nadia district, has prompted BLOs to hit the streets of Kolkata in protest against what they called intense pressure to meet short deadlines in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Tarafdar was found hanging in her house, leaving behind a two-page, handwritten suicide note in Bengali, where she held the Election Commission responsible for her death. Government teachers also joined the protest rally from College Street in Central Kolkata to the Election Commission (EC) office on Monday. Protestors tried to break police barricades and barge into the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal. All gates approaching the building were locked from inside by EC officials in the wake of the protests. A 13-member delegation was allowed inside the premises to meet EC officials. We have lost many of our colleagues because of SIR. We are not sure of the responsibility. We want to work; we are not against SIR. There is also no adequate training and time. How can we complete the process before 25th November? asked Krishlay Banerjee, a BLO from Birbhum district, who was part of the protest under the banner of BLO Adhikar Rakha Committee. The Nadia BLO death is the third reported in the state, with the first being the death of 50-year-old BLO Namita Hansda in Purba Bardhaman district on November 8. Hansda suffered a brain stroke while on duty and was taken to the hospital; she died later that night. Her husband blamed the pressure of short deadlines and the EC for her death. The second BLO death was reported from Mal Bazar, Jalpaiguri district; 48-year-old Shantimuni Ekka died by suicide on November 19. The EC has sought reports on BLO deaths from the District Magistrates(DM) in each case. BLOs say that the pressure to deliver within strict deadlines could result in mistakes, which could lead to them being reprimanded by the EC. They (EC) should have given more time for this work. Only then will we be able to complete this work properly. We are bound to make mistakes while working under pressure to deliver in a short span of time, and we are working from early morning till way into the night to upload the forms. I am also unable to go to the school to teach students who are dependent on me," said Sabir Ali Naskar, a BLO in Mograhat. We are facing several issues, and the EC is pressurising us, and we have forgotten our families. I am going from house to house, and many are unable to fill the forms. And, if there is any mistake, I will have to face the brunt. They should give us time to fill out everyones form," said Rajat Dolui, a BLO in the Diamond Harbour area. Meanwhile, the women BLOs are struggling to balance their SIR work and household duties. Relationship with my daughter, who is in class 7, has deteriorated. Teaching her after school and her tuition too, have stopped, and I am unable to track her studies as I am neck deep in work. The SIR work is not taking place smoothly," said Mira Saha, who is a BLO at Jorasanko in Central Kolkata. Her primary stress as a BLO is uploading data on the BLO app, which takes time. Digitalisation of documents for the 7.6 crore electorate within the month-long SIR process, which began on November 4 in 12 states and Union territories, is to conclude by December 4. It has added to the woes of BLO apart from the distribution and collection of enumeration forms. A volcanic activity in Ethiopia has disrupted flight operations in India, with IndiGo diverting one of its international flights, considering passenger safety. The Abu Dhabi-bound flight from Kannur, Kerala, was diverted, and the flight landed at Ahmedabad. "IndiGo 6E 1433 from Kannur to Abu Dhabi was diverted to Ahmedabad due to volcanic activity. The flight has now landed in Ahmedabad, and IndiGo will provide return service to Kannur," the airline said in a statement. For the first time over 10,000 years, the Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopias Afar region, erupted for several hours on Sunday. The volcanic eruption sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky. Located about 500 miles north-east of Addis Ababa near the Eritrean border, authorities are yet to report any casualties. According to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), ash clouds rose about 500 metres in altitude, and ash clouds from the volcano drifted over Yemen, Oman, India and northern Pakistan, The Guardian reported. Videos shared on social media show a thick column of white smoke rising from the volcano. The eruption is considered highly unusual due to the lack of historical activity, sparse geological studies in the area, and the regions extreme and inhospitable conditions, which make research difficult, Tthe Economic Times reported. When Justice Surya Kant took oath this morning as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, the moment marked more than a ceremonial transition. It signalled the beginning of a tightly-packed 15-month tenure for a judge known for blunt clarity, bureaucratic efficiency and a deep sensitivity for equity in access to justice. A former Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and a distinguished judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court before joining the Supreme Court in 2019, Justice Surya Kant inherits a judiciary under strain. Yet he brings with him a reputation for organisational discipline, strong administrative instincts, and an eye for systemic reform. In recent informal interaction, he outlined his priorities without ambiguity: arrears first, particularly in cases frozen due to technical or constitutional issues, more Constitution Benches, identifying matters pending unnecessarily in High Courts because a connected legal question sits undecided in the Supreme Court and making the court more responsive to genuine public grievances. The five challenges As he settles into office, here are the five biggest challenges before CJI Surya Kant and the roadmap he is expected to pursue. 1. The mountain of arrears and ageing cases The elephant in the courtroom is backlog. Over 90,000 cases are pending before the Supreme Court alone, but the deeper crisis lies in the age of these matters. Hundreds have remained in limbo for more than a decade. Justice Surya Kant has already identified two specific leakage points, cases pending because a connected issue is sub judice in the top court and cases held in abeyance due to interim orders, sometimes for years. His roadmap is to launch a pan-India arrears audit to identify, cluster and fast-track stagnating matters, set a dedicated calendar for the oldest cases week, once every quarter and review all ongoing interim stays against the High Courts and tribunals and promote out-of-court settlement and mediation in long-pending civil disputes. His success will be judged not by disposal numbers but by relief delivered in old cases. 2. Increasing constitution benches but without slowing regular hearings One of the sharpest criticisms of recent years has been the infrequency of Constitution Benches and the prolonged pendency of key constitutional disputes, from federal power-sharing questions to electoral reforms. Justice Surya Kant has clearly said, More Constitution Benches are my priority. His challenge to run 23 constitution benches simultaneously without paralysing regular benches, without pushing everyday litigants to the back of the line. 3. Balancing accessibility and docket discipline A deeper trend has worried successive CJIs: the growing flood of litigants approaching the Supreme Court as a first rather than last recourse, especially in criminal matters and service disputes. The court is not designed to be a district appellate authority. Justice Surya Kants roadmap is likely to include stricter filtering at the admissions stage, greater use of speaking orders explaining why leave is declined, judicial communication with High Courts urging discipline on anticipatory/regular bail filings and strengthening of Supreme Court Registry scrutiny. 4. Restoring faith in judicial timelines, especially in trials Justice Surya Kant has repeatedly underlined that delays in the trial system, and not just appellate courts, erode justice. The roadmap ahead would be a quarterly review with High Courts on vacancy status, rejuvenating the National Judicial Data Grid as a live accountability tool, pushing states to prioritise infrastructure under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme and accelerating digitisation for filings, translations and records retrieval. 5. Managing expectations and perception in a politically charged era The CJI occupies a constitutional office increasingly under the glare of polarised public opinion. Judicial restraint, institutional balance and transparent reasoning will be vital. Justice Surya Kants tenure will require balancing high-stakes political cases, CentreJudiciary administrative tensions, pressure from civil society for swift rulings and the need to preserve institutional dignity. The road ahead Justice Surya Kant assumes leadership at a moment when courts are both overwhelmed and indispensable. His tenure is limited in months but rich in potential impact. If he can unlock the stuck portions of the docket, accelerate Constitution Bench work, and strengthen systemic accountability, his imprint will outlast his term. In the next 15 months, efficiency will define credibility, and clarity will define legacy. The Constitution Bench courtroom and the arrears list will be his true proving ground. Justice Surya Kant will take oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, succeeding Justice B.R. Gavai, who demitted office on Sunday. Justice Kant, who has been part of several landmark verdicts and orders, will remain in the post for nearly 15 months and will demit office on February 9, 2027, on attaining the age of 65 years. President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office to Justice Kant. The President had appointed him to the country's highest judicial office on October 30, following the recommendation of the incumbent CJI. In an unusual moment, more than a dozen judges and chief justices from six countries will attend the swearing-in, according to a report by the Bar and Bench. Born in a middle-class family in the Hissar district of Haryana on February 10, 1962, Justice Kant has had a distinguished judicial and legal career. He served as the Advocate General of Haryana before becoming a Supreme Court judge on May 24, 2019. Justice Kant also holds key institutional roleshe serves as the Visitor of the National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi, and is the ex officio Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). He was part of a slew of landmark verdicts on abrogation of Article 370, free speech, democracy, corruption, environment and gender equality. He was also part of the historic bench that kept the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance. In an interaction with the media on Saturday, ahead of assuming charge, Justice Kant said that reducing pendency in the Supreme Court and other courts across the country would be his foremost priority. He also claimed that one of his first steps as the Chief Justice of India would be to engage with all High Courts to identify problems affecting the functioning of district and subordinate courts. "Mediation will also be implemented effectively to reduce the burden of millions of cases," Justice Kant said. For the first time in 10,000 years, Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano has erupted, sending plumes of thick ashes across the Middle East and Central Asia. Several flights were cancelled, diverted or delayed across various countries in the region. Located in Ethiopia's Afar region, the volcano is located in the Rift Valley, where two tectonic plates meet. After the eruption, the ash plumes, which shot up to 14 km into the sky, crossed the Red Sea as it moved towards Yemen, Oman and Pakistan. How will Hayli Gubbi volcanic ash impact India? The plumes of volcanic ashes from Hayli Gubbi is predicted to arrived in Gujarat in the coming hours. From there, it is expected to cover Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Current estimates show that the ash plumes could reach Nepal, Bhutan and Northeast India. Today's Hayli Gubbi (volcanic) eruption seen from space There are no known eruptions on record from the Hayli Gubbi in the past several thousands of years, which could mean it erupted after a potentially very long repose interval; however, records from the Danakil region are pic.twitter.com/jaHvqMKZvQ Science & Astronomy (@sci_astronomy) November 24, 2025 The eruption was reportedly accompanied by emissions of sulfur dioxide, which has sparked worries about environmental and health impacts. Though the eruption seems to have subsided, there are concerns about secondary explosions. IndiGo has already cancelled six flights. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory, warning airlines and operators about potential safety risk to aircraft in the region. It asked them to report immediately in case of suspected encounter with volcanic ash. Ash cloud moving towards North India A large ash plume can be seen stretching from #HayliGubbi Volcano region upto #Gujarat. The eruption has stopped ever since the eruption but this Ash plume has been sent up into the atmosphere which is moving at an speed of 100-120km/h https://t.co/QHWDxHWstv pic.twitter.com/xccXhgleFd IndiaMetSky Weather (@indiametsky) November 24, 2025 If volcanic ash affects an airport of operation, the operators may advise immediate inspection of runways, taxiways, and aprons to be conducted. Airport operations may be restricted or suspended based on contamination and cleaning procedures must be completed before resuming movements, the advisory said. It also directed to make changes to flight planning, routing and fuel requirements based on the advisories. Airline operators were instructed to monitor ash clouds 24x7 using satellite imagery, meteorological data and Volcanic Ash Advisory bulletins. "You are requested to disseminate this information to all relevant operational departments and ensure strict compliance until further notice," the civil aviation regulator added. Fresh evidence was released by a Malayalam television channel on Monday against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who had to step down as Kerala state Youth Congress chief, over allegations of forcing a woman to undergo an abortion. ALSO READ | Why sexual misconduct accused Rahul Mamkootathil was given a separate seat in Kerala Assembly Audio notes of Rahul Mamkootathil threatening a woman that it would only take him seconds to kill her had surfaced after she refused to abort a pregnancy. The Congress had taken disciplinary action against him after the allegations created a public uproar in August. The new WhatsApp chats and phone conversation released by a television channel further corners Rahul, who was also accused of misbehaviour by journalist-turned artist Rini Ann Geroge. The screenshot of WhatsApp chat released by News Malayalam 24X7 showed Rahul texting the woman that "I wanna make you pregnant" before saying "Nammude Kunj venam," which translated to "we should have a baby" in Malayalam. The chat also showed the woman insisting on "pills" and the Congress leader disagreeing. He asks the woman to be "ready" to become "pregnant" in the month of March ("Nee pregnant aakan ready aku"). READ HERE | Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil asks pregnant woman: 'How many seconds do you think it will take me to kill you' The latest release comes at a time when Kerala is heading to local self-government elections next month. Despite facing disciplinary action, Rahul Mamkootathil recently became active in his constituency and on social media. It is said that he was strongly backed by a section in the state Congress, which resulted in his return to the public sphere. New sadistic phone conversation further corners Rahul Along with the WhatsApp chat screenshot, another phone conversation between the woman and the Palakkad MLA was also released by the television channel. The conversation captured the leader using abusive language against the woman while having an emotional breakdown over an abortion. When the woman reminds him that the pregnancy was originally his idea, he has no clear answer. The Week could not independently verify the authenticity of the leaked files. In the audio clip, the woman is heard saying, "I am speaking in a feeble voice because I am unwell. Im having a lot of health issues. I cant eat, I am not liking most smells there are so many problems, and I cant even share this with anyone." Rahul immediately retorts, "Stop this drama. We all know what happens in the first month of pregnancy. You are putting on an act for no reason." ALSO READ | Rahul Mamkootathil row: Journalist claims to have met woman after 'unsafe abortion', slut-shaming fueling her trauma The woman counters, "You may have seen many people and think you know what the first month is like, but I only know my case." He replies, "First, you go to the hospital. The rest can wait." The conversation continues as the woman protests, "Whose plan was this pregnancy? Was it mine? Who always wanted to have a baby? Then why are you backing out at the last moment like this? Why are you torturing me like this?" In a major revamp, the BJP will hold the portfolio of the Home Department in Bihar, for the first time in five decades. This is also the first time that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will hand over the key portfolio to someone else in the ministry. This is considered a crucial move as many view it as a reflection of the BJPs growing political influence in the state and an indication of its plan to take over Bihar in a few years. However, political pundits view this as a calculated move that could benefit both the JD(U) and the BJP in Bihar. Here is why: VIDEO | Munger: Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary (@samrat4bjp) offers prayers at Ratneshwar Mahadev temple.#Bihar #Munger #SamratChaudhary (Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/lpZwk6OoA9 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 24, 2025 1) Replicating the Yogi Adithyanath model Many believe one reason the BJP insisted that Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary keep the home portfolio is to replicate the Yogi model governance in Bihar. UP Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Yogi Adityanaths strict tackling of criminal gangs has won many votes for the BJP both in the state and outside. There are already indications that Chaudhary might follow the same pattern after the recent police action against Shivdutt Rai, a notorious criminal in Begusarai. People see this as a sign of Samrat Chaudhary's strict style. The Deputy Chief Minister also hinted at the same in his interview to journalists' questions about implementing the Yogi model. "Criminals are in trouble in Bihar. They will now have to leave Bihar," said Chaudhary. 2) Nitishs bid to protect himself Political circles believe Nitish Kumar has made a calculated move. The opposition will now target the BJP, not Nitish Kumar, in cases of a deteriorating law and order situation. He wants to shield himself from criticism of crime control. By retaining the General Administration Department, Nitish Kumar aims to maintain the balance of power. The Home Ministry is considered a "crown of thorns" and, if not performed, could even impact a political career. 3) To seize power in Bihar The BJP is yet to have a Chief Minister in Bihar, and its next move is to seize control of the state. By assigning the Home portfolio to Samrat Chaudhary, the BJP is furthering its strategy to prepare for the next Chief Ministerial candidate. This time, the BJP has 14 ministers in the cabinet, while the JDU has only 8. This figure clearly indicates that the BJP is now moving towards becoming self-reliant and seizing power in Bihar. 4) Furthering Samrat Chaudharys stature Getting the Home Department means that Samrat Chaudhary will be responsible for the states law and order and police department. This move enhances Samrat Choudhary's political stature. That said, this will also be a challenge for Chaudhary as it was his prompt handling of the Home that earned Nitish Kumar his tag of Sushasan Babu after decades of Jungle Raj. Controlling crime in the state will be his biggest test. He will have to live up to the BJP's expectations and prove his leadership abilities. If he succeeds, the BJP could project him as its big face in Bihar very soon. 5) Fulfillment of Amit Shahs promise During campaigning for the Bihar elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said at a rally in Tarapur how the party would make Chaudhary a big man if the voters chose him. "Vote for Samrat Choudhary and make him win, and we will make him a big man." After the election results were announced, the BJP re-elected Samrat Choudhary as the legislative party leader and retained him as Deputy CM. He was also given the Home Department, which Nitish Kumar held during his 20 years as CM. This is being seen as a fulfillment of Amit Shah's promise made at the Tarapur rally. On November 21, Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in central Johannesburg, South Africa, buzzed with activity as the L.I.S.T.E.N Science Space, a collaborative installation by the China Science and Technology Museum and South Africas SciBono, opened its doors to the public. Outside the exhibition hall, many South African families arrived early with children, peering with curiosity at the light and movement within; inside, science exhibits manufactured by Hefeis Panshi Technology were neatly arranged, blending Chinas intangible cultural heritage with technological innovation and emerging as a highlight of SinoAfrican science and cultural exchange. The L.I.S.T.E.N Science Space occupies roughly 200 square meters and is divided into four themed zones Thinking Training, Inherited Cultural Science, VR Experience, and Marvels of Mechanism concentrating the China Science and Technology Museums signature exhibition resources and publiceducation expertise. At the opening, every zone attracted crowds eager to engage. In the Thinking Training area, visitors manipulated exhibits and explored the scientific principles behind them, frequently sharing insights with one another. In the VR Experience zone, participants wearing headsets were transported into space, their expressions full of wonder. The Marvels of Mechanism section featured a biomimetic robotic dog that turned and leapt with agility, drawing exclamations from adults and children alike. The most popular area was Inherited Cultural Science, where interactive exhibits steeped in traditional Chinese aesthetics bronze chime bells, Suzhou embroidery, shadow puppetry, and movabletype printing elicited amazed reactions from South African visitors. The successful realization of this science space was made possible by the support of a local Hefei company. According to Panshi Technology, the company acted as the project implementer, overseeing exhibit fabrication, installation, and environmental design, ensuring the projects highquality delivery through professional capabilities. In his opening remarks, Mfanelo Ntsobi, CEO of SciBono, said the new space represents a significant achievement in ChinaSouth Africa science and cultural exchange and will certainly spark curiosity among the South African public, especially young students. Notably, the launch coincided with the G20 summit and will serve as a model project showcasing ChinaAfrica friendship and the outcomes of sciencehumanities collaboration to international guests. Panshi Technology officials said the L.I.S.T.E.N Science Space will offer regular open classes going forward, so more South Africans can experience the joy of handson science continuing this warm, transcontinental exchange in science popularization. Source: Anhui Daily The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) provided Ukraine with a second tranche of EUR 100 million for a project supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs). The funds have already been transferred to the general state budget fund, the Ministry of Finance reported on Monday. "Thus, in 2025, Ukraine has fully utilized all EUR 200 million allocated under this project. The resources will ensure uninterrupted funding for vital social payments for internally displaced persons (IDPs), including covering expenses for housing, food, medical care, and childrens education for those forced to leave their homes due to the war," the press release stated. The Ministry of Finance added that the CEBs credit portfolio in Ukraine includes five projects totaling EUR 550 million, of which Ukraine has secured nearly EUR 430 million over the past two years. These funds are directed toward implementing social projects in healthcare, housing for war-affected citizens, and support for IDPs. It is expected that by the end of the year, Ukraine will receive an additional approximately EUR 155 million in credit funds under joint projects with the CEB. After another phone conversation and WhatsApp chat screenshot accusing him of sexual misconduct and forcing a woman to abort a pregnancy was leaked on Monday, Congress MLA from Kerala's Palakkad constituency Rahul Mamkootathil said that he has not done anything against the law of the land. READ HERE | I wanna make you pregnant: Now, Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathils WhatsApp chat leaked by Kerala media "I have the right to proceed legally, and I will proceed with that. The investigation is ongoing. I will decide when to pursue the legal battle. The media is reporting the same thing repeatedly, from various angles. My innocence needs to be proven in court, and I will prove it there," the former Youth Congress state unit chief, who had to step down over the allegations, said. In the latest recorded phone conversation, the Congress leader was heard abusing the woman while she had an emotional breakdown. He claimed that the one-month pregnant woman was being dramatic when she tried to explain her physical and emotional distress. Kerala-based news television channel News Malayalam 24X7 also released a WhatsApp chat allegedly between the woman and Palakkad MLA in which he was found saying that he wishes to have a child with her and she needs to prepare to become pregnant in March. The Week could not independently verify the authenticity of these files. What did Rahul Mamkootathil tell the woman in the new leaked audio? Rahul: So you are going to the hospital tomorrow? Woman: I know the doctor, even my mother is familiar with the person. So I am worried about going there. ALSO READ | Kerala actress Rini Ann George says women fear brutal cyber attack awaiting them if they open up about abuses Rahul: Where are you intending to go? Woman: I am unwell and throwing up. I have some concerns about this. Rahul: My dear friend, please talk realistically. I can't stand people who makes drama Woman: What drama do you mean? I am unwell and everyone is noticing it. When I went home and saw my mother, I couldn't hold back my tears. Rahul: Abuses Woman: I can't do it. Rahul: When I talked about this the other day, you told me the world is not going to end soon and asked for more time. Then nothing happened for three days. You carry on with your chores. Now why are you getting worked up when asked about this again? Woman: I am speaking in a feeble voice because I am unwell. Im having a lot of health issues. I cant eat, I am not liking most smells there are so many problems, and I cant even share this with anyone Rahul: Stop this drama. We all know what happens in the first month of pregnancy. You are putting on an act for no reason. ALSO READ | Rahul Mamkootathil MLA: Kerala Crime Branch to record statements of pregnant woman, Rini Ann George, transgender Avantika in sexual assault case Woman: You may have seen many people and think you know what the first month is like, but I only know my case. Rahul: First, you go to the hospital. The rest can wait. Woman: Whose plan was this pregnancy? Was it mine? Who always wanted to have a baby? Then why are you backing out at the last moment like this? Why are you torturing me like this? I don't think I can go hospital without somebody's help Rahul: Whose help do you want to visit the hospital? Woman: I don't know. You have changed a lot. Things were not like this before. Abu Dhabis AI sector is getting ready for major disruption: asset manager Lunate is reportedly considering a $1 billion commitment to MGX, a state-backed artificial intelligence investment powerhouse overseen by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to a Bloomberg exclusive citing people familiar with the matter, fast-rising fund manager Lunate is said to have begun talks that could deepen Abu Dhabis bet on the global AI race, though no final decisions have been made yet. To date, Lunate has already deployed $13.5 billion since its 2023 launch. A possible commitment to MGX (which is not your typical VC shop) could be huge. Formed as a joint venture between top local AI player G42 and the sovereign wealth giant Mubadala, MGX has been steadily building a reputation in the region for big-ticket AI infrastructure funding. MGX also participated in major OpenAI and xAI rounds, as well as the $30 billion-plus data centre and energy project alongside BlackRock and Microsoft. MGXs scale is such that it may soon raise tens of billions from third-party investors, in a bid to position Abu Dhabi as a global AI innovation hub. Lunate, backed by Abu Dhabis ADQ and Chimera Investment, is both a general partner and limited partner for heavyweights like BlackRock, Blackstone, and Brookfield. What this means for India If, in fact, Lunate goes with the commitment to MGX, it could also mean some Gulf capital to flow into global (and Indian) tech infrastructure. India has been growing its cloud data warehouses and global capability centres for a while now. Moreover, the UAE and India have already signed MoUs to jointly deploy AI in sectors like energy, health, space, and supply chains, with pledges to share technology, talent, and investment. So, this could most definitely have a cascading effect on Indias AI ecosystem. Abu Dhabi is the latest in the region looking to not merely ride the AI wave. It wants to shape it, and join the ranks of Elon Musks xAI, Microsoft, and OpenAI in a race to build the worlds AI backbone from the UAE. Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano has erupted for the first time in more than 10,000 years, impacting Yemen and Oman. Though the ash clouds are expected to move towards the direction of Pakistan and India, there are concerns about the plumes spreading towards the UAE and other Gulf countries. Ethiopia is reporting what scientists say is its first confirmed volcanic eruption in thousands of years after the Hayli Gubbi volcano in the remote Afar region burst to life. Researchers say this marks the volcanos first recorded activity and likely its first eruption in many pic.twitter.com/rzhMDttAfu Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 24, 2025 The volcano, which is sits in the Great Rift Valley, is located where two tectonic plates meet. It is erupting for the first time in recorded history, sending ash clouds more than 14 km into the sky. How will the volcanic plumes from Hayli Gubbi impact the Gulf? Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, stated that aviation authorities have issued warnings about the potential hazard posed to aircraft engines. Several flights over the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula have been delayed, diverted or cancelled due to the ash clouds. The event offers a rare opportunity for scientists to study a volcanic system awakening after a very long period of inactivity, Arabic newspaper Emarat Al Youm quoted Jarwan as saying. Ethiopia is reporting what scientists say is its first confirmed volcanic eruption in thousands of years after the Hayli Gubbi volcano in the remote Afar region burst to life. Researchers say this marks the volcanos first recorded activity and likely its first eruption in many pic.twitter.com/rzhMDttAfu Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 24, 2025 Emissions of sulfur dioxide accompanying the eruption has triggered concerns about health impact on populations. If the volcanic gases interact with moisture, it could even result in acid rain. Jarwan pointed out that the eruptions has already affected the air quality in several parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Ash and sulfur dioxide have been transported toward Yemen and Oman, causing a decline in air quality and potential irritation of the eyes and respiratory system, he said. He said it is important to monitor the movements of the plumes in order to reduce the risks posed to people in the affected regions. Two Indian firms and nationals have been sanctioned by the US for operating as Irans shadow oil network, according to reports. They include Maharashtra-based R N Ship Management Private Limited and Pune-based TR6 Petro India LLP. The Indian nationals who were sanctioned have been identified as Zair Husain Iqbal Husain Sayed and Zulfikar Hussain Rizvi Sayed. The sanctions that come as part of the US effort to block Irans funding, which it alleges is used for carrying out nuclear activities and to fund the militant groups operating in the region, including Hamas and Hezbollah. According to the US State Department, TR6 Petro imported more than USD 8 million worth of Iranian-origin bitumen between October 2024 and June 2025. The firm has been designated under Executive Order 13846 for taking part in a significant transaction involving Iranian petroleum products. As for RN Ship Management, the company is said to have operated vessels carrying Iranian crude oil for Sepehr Energy, another Indian firm that has already been sanctioned for its links to Irans military. RN Ship Management was listed because it was believed to have managed vessels carrying Iranian crude on behalf of Iranian company Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company, which is already under US sanctions for its links to Irans military. The US had alleged that the firm had used an array of front companies and shadow fleet vessels to obfuscate its illicit activities and sell billions of dollars worth of Iranian oil annually. Also read: Who is Jugwinder Singh Brar? US reveals modus operandi of Indian tycoon's Handysize tankers which functioned as Iran's shadow fleet Earlier, the US had sanctioned a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Indian national, Jugwinder Singh, accusing vessels owned by the shipping tycoon of operating as Irans "shadow fleet." The Trump administration said Brars vessels engaged in "high-risk ship-to-ship (STS) transfers of Iranian petroleum in waters off Iraq, Iran, the UAE, and the Gulf of Oman." These cargoes were then taken to other facilitators who blended the oil or fuel with products from other countries. Thereby, they could falsify shipping documents to conceal links to Iran. This way, the oil could reach the international market. In total, the State Department listed 17 entities, individuals, and vessels, while the US Treasury added 41 more connected to Irans petroleum and petrochemical trade. So far, the US has sanctioned over 170 tankers, including the additional sanctions imposed against six vessels allegedly part of Irans shadow fleet. The US had also announced it would be sanctioning Iranian airline Mahan Air, which has worked closely with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF) to arm and supply Iran-backed terrorist groups throughout the Middle East. Israel has killed a senior Hezbollah commander in an airstrike near Beirut on Sunday, sharply escalating tensions despite a year-old ceasefire mediated by the United States. The Israeli military identified the target as Haytham Ali Tabatabai, Hezbollahs military chief of staff and one of the most important figures in the organisations hierarchy. Hezbollah confirmed his death, hailing him as a martyr and a pre-eminent commander. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tabatabai had been leading efforts to rebuild Hezbollah after it suffered heavy losses during the war with Israel. According to Lebanons National News Agency, two missiles struck a residential building in the crowded Dahiyeh district in southern Beirut, a traditional Hezbollah stronghold. The strike focused on the Haret Hreik neighbourhood and caused extensive damage to vehicles and surrounding structures. Netanyahus office said Tabatabai was the specific target of the attack. Israeli officials added that the strike had been authorised by the prime minister after recommendations from the defence minister and the chief of army staff. It was reportedly Israels third attempt to kill Tabatabai since the previous years conflict. Lebanese authorities said at least five people were killed in the attack and 28 others wounded. The victims included Ibrahim Ali Hussein, Rifaat Ahmed Hussein, Mustafa Asaad Barrou and Qassem Hussein Barjawi. This was the first Israeli strike on Beirut in months and it immediately raised fears of a broader confrontation. Tabatabai was widely regarded as Hezbollahs top military commander and effectively the chief of staff of its armed wing. Some accounts described him as the groups second in command. Born in Beirut in 1968 to a Lebanese mother and an Iranian father, he grew up in southern Lebanon. He joined Hezbollah in the 1980s. BREAKING: Hezbollahs Chief of Staff Haytham Ali Tabatabai has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon. Attacks against Hezbollah will intensify as long as the Lebanese Army doesnt disarm Hezbollah as agreed on in the ceasefire deal with Israel. pic.twitter.com/z1s3QIFFn4 Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) November 23, 2025 Over the years, Tabatabai held a series of senior posts. He served in the Radwan Force, Hezbollahs elite combat unit, and became a seasoned commander with experience in Syria and Yemen. He oversaw the deployment of fighters, equipment and training operations that supported the groups regional ambitions. During the war with Israel between October 2023 and November 2024, he led Hezbollahs operations division. He rose rapidly after several high-ranking commanders were killed. Following the US-brokered truce in late 2024, he was appointed chief of staff and worked intensively to rebuild the groups military readiness. He had survived earlier assassination attempts in both Syria and Lebanon. The United States designated him a terrorist in 2016 and imposed sanctions. It also offered a $5 million reward for information about him. His killing is considered to be the most significant loss for Hezbollah since the ceasefire took effect, putting the group in a strategic dilemma. It will have to balance the risk of appearing weak with the danger of triggering a larger Israeli response. Such a retaliation could easily lead to another Israel-Lebanon war and could undermine its support among Lebanese civilians. Observers say Hezbollah may not want to offer Netanyahu an excuse for a larger war, which could serve his political interests. Hezbollah officials were quick to react. Senior figure Mahmoud Qmati said the strike had crossed a red line and warned that it could open the door to escalation across Lebanon. Hezbollah MP Ali Ammar condemned the attack as an assault on Lebanons sovereignty and dignity. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun appealed to the international community to intervene and halt Israeli operations. He argued that the strike violated the agreement that ended 13 months of conflict. Netanyahu said Lebanon must uphold its commitment to disarm Hezbollah. The attack took place shortly before Pope Leo XIV was due to visit Lebanon, placing additional international scrutiny on developments. Israeli officials said the operation was a response to Hezbollahs recurring violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the 2024 ceasefire understandings. The Israeli foreign ministry said the groups ongoing activities represented a clear breach of international commitments and posed a danger to Israel. Israel will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its military capabilities and once again threaten the security of Israel and its citizens, said the ministry in a statement. The organisations aggressive actions constitute a clear violation of international obligations and agreements. Even as Defence Minister Rajnath Singhs remarks on the Sindh province invited a sharp reaction from Islamabad, a prominent Sindhi leader welcomed the statements and said the region remains open to forming a confederation with India. "We strongly acknowledge and appreciate his remarks made at the event organised by the Vishwa Sindhu Foundation, said Shafi Burfat, chairman of the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM). Singh, while talking at the event in Delhi on Sunday, had suggested that the Sindh region, which became part of Pakistan during the 1947 Partition, could one day return to India. Underscoring India's deep civilisational links with Sindh, Singh claimed that the Hindus had never emotionally accepted the Partition-induced separation from their homeland. Acknowledging his remarks, Burfat reiterated the JSMMs stand that Sindhudesh is open to the idea of establishing a confederation with India, based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and the shared historical, cultural, and civilisational ties. We consider Sindh not only the historical homeland of the Sindhi nation, but also the motherland of ancient civilisations. Sindh, from which India derives its very name, is the cradle of human civilisation and the birthplace of one of humanitys oldest cultural identities, Burfat said in a long post on X. The statement of Indias Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, is warmly welcomed by the national movement of Sindhudesh JSMM and the Sindhi nation from the depths of our hearts. The Honourable Defence Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh, has recently made a historic and pic.twitter.com/MFTGJIksRn Shafi Burfat (@shafiburfat) November 23, 2025 He claimed that the people of Sindh had never been historically connected to Arab or Turkic powers based on religion or ideology. Instead, our civilizational, cultural, and historical roots have always been deeply linked with the land of Sapt Sindhudesh, India, he said. Burfat further alleged that within Pakistan, Sindhs national existence is under threat as its language, historical identity, and cultural heritage are being targeted through continuous state-sponsored conspiracies. Vast areas of Sindhs river, coast, and millions of acres of land have been occupied by Punjabi imperial interests and their corrupt, militarised establishment. The economic resources of Sindh are being exploited, while deliberate attempts are underway to artificially alter the demographic structure of Sindh, said the JSMM chairman. "In this grave situation, the recent statement by Indias Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, that Sindh may, in the future, become a part of India, is seen by us as a ray of hope for the national unity, survival, security, and the re-emergence and completion of the Sindhi nation," Burfat stated in his post. Meanwhile, Islamabad strongly condemned Singhs remarks, terming them "delusional" and "dangerously revisionist". In a statement, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said such remarks revealed an "expansionist Hindutva mindset" that seeks to challenge established realities and stands in violation of international law and the sovereignty of states. An emotional statement made by the Canadian student, who was harassed by the 51-year-old Indian man, detailed the emotional impact the incident had on her, adding that it robbed her of her sense of safety. Jagjit Singh, who was in Canada on a temporary visa to visit his newborn grandchild, was jailed after being convicted of criminally harassing two teenage girls outside a high school in Ontarios Sarnia. He will be deported after his jail sentence and will be banned from coming back to the country. Singh was convicted of sexual interference and sexual assault after being accused of approaching young girls and trying to take pictures with them. The prosecutor read the victim's statements during the sentencing. One of the girls remarked how Singhs actions left her intimidated around older men and men of Singhs ethnicity. Part of what makes this so difficult is that the offender was someone who had come to Canada as a newcomer, she wrote. This betrayal has affected the way I see people of his culture and men who are older than me. The other girl described that the incident affected her mental health and lifestyle, and she no longer feels safe in public areas. I dont even want to know what he was thinking or what he was doing with those pictures, she said. Singh sought photographs According to the prosecutor, Singh approached the girls seeking pictures. He repeatedly tried to communicate with them. One of the girls initially refused to take the pictures but later relented, hoping that he would leave. Singh then attempted to sit between two girls and gestured to take another photo. After another photo was taken, he put his arm around a girl, who felt uncomfortable, stood up, and pushed his hands away. Pakistan on Monday condemned the remarks made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the Sindh province, terming them "delusional" and "dangerously revisionist". In a statement, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said such remarks revealed an "expansionist Hindutva mindset" that seeks to challenge established realities and stands in violation of international law and the sovereignty of states. "We urge Mr Rajnath Singh and other Indian leaders to refrain from provocative rhetoric that threatens regional peace and stability," it said. Islamabad further urged New Delhi to focus on ensuring the security of its own citizens, particularly the "vulnerable minority communities". "Pakistan is firmly resolved to safeguard its security, national independence and sovereignty," the statement added. PR No.348/2025 Pakistan Strongly Condemns Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's Remarks About Pakistans Sindh Province https://t.co/wdeTkEg3xY pic.twitter.com/qeXY0JmXgj Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 23, 2025 Earlier, speaking at an event in Delhi, Singh had suggested that the Sindh region, which became part of Pakistan during the 1947 Partition, could one day return to India. Underscoring India's deep civilisational links with Sindh, Singh said geographical boundaries are not permanent. "Who knows, one day Sindh may come back to India," he remarked. #WATCH | Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "...Today, the land of Sindh may not be a part of India, but civilisationally, Sindh will always be a part of India. And as far as land is concerned, borders can change. Who knows, tomorrow Sindh may return to India again..." pic.twitter.com/9Wp1zorTMt ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2025 Referring to BJP veteran L.K. Advani, who hails from Sindh, Singh claimed that the Hindus had never emotionally accepted the Partition-induced separation from their homeland. "Lal Krishna Advani wrote in one of his books that Sindhi Hindus, especially those of his generation, still haven't accepted the separation of Sindh from India," he said. "Not just in Sindh, but throughout India, Hindus consider the Indus River sacred. Many Muslims in Sindh also believed that the water of the Indus was no less sacred than the Aab-e-Zamzam of Mecca. This is Advani ji's quote," Singh added. The headquarters of the paramilitary force of Pakistan came under attack on Monday morning after three suicide bombers breached the walls of the Federal Constabulary HQ in Peshawar. According to Pakistani officials, three FC men were killed in the attack. The incident happened in Peshawars Saddar area on one of the citys busiest roads just after 8am, according to Karachi-based Dawn. A powerful explosion has rocked Peshawar.Initial reports say a blast occurred at the main gate of the FC Headquarters, followed by heavy gunfire.Intense firing is still being heard in the area after the explosion pic.twitter.com/6huyDLU1O3 Talha Khan (@TalhaKhanTRT) November 24, 2025 Peshawar: A strong blast struck the FC Headquarters main gate, followed by heavy gunfire. Peshawar right now.. pic.twitter.com/szsDCZvvy5 Osint World (@OsiOsint1) November 24, 2025 The report added that one militant, clad in a chaddor, approached the gate and detonated himself. Soon, two other militants followed him, trying to enter the compound. Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr Mian Saeed Ahmad told reporters that one suicide bomber blew himself up at the gate. Initially, three militants tried to attack the headquarters. One blew himself up at the gate, while two others tried to enter the premises but were gunned down by FC personnel, he added. In the exchange of gunfire, three men were martyred while two others were injured. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and lauded security forces for their timely action. The paramilitary force, originally called the Frontier Constabulary, was renamed by the government in July. The headquarters of the force is located close to the main compound and houses barracks, hospitals, and residential quarters. On the night of November 24, the Russian occupiers attacked the territory of Ukraine with 162 Shahed, Gerbera attack UAVs and other types of drones, the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said. "According to preliminary data, as of 09:00, air defense systems shot down/suppressed 125 enemy Shahed, Gerbera and other types of drones in the north, south and east of the country," the message on the Telegram channel states. In addition, 37 attack UAVs were hit at 15 locations, as well as the downing of downed UAVs at one location. "Civil infrastructure facilities and private households in the Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions suffered the most. Unfortunately, there are casualties among the civilian population," the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine noted. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Navios Maritime Partners (NYSE:NMM Get Free Report) and Orient Overseas International (OTCMKTS:OROVY Get Free Report) are both transportation companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, dividends and profitability. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Navios Maritime Partners and Orient Overseas Internationals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Navios Maritime Partners alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Navios Maritime Partners $1.31 billion 1.19 $367.31 million $8.73 5.99 Orient Overseas International $10.70 billion N/A $2.58 billion N/A N/A Institutional and Insider Ownership Orient Overseas International has higher revenue and earnings than Navios Maritime Partners. 62.7% of Navios Maritime Partners shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Dividends Navios Maritime Partners pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.4%. Orient Overseas International pays an annual dividend of $7.06 per share and has a dividend yield of 8.3%. Navios Maritime Partners pays out 2.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Navios Maritime Partners and Orient Overseas International, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Navios Maritime Partners 0 1 0 0 2.00 Orient Overseas International 0 0 0 0 0.00 Volatility & Risk Navios Maritime Partners has a beta of 1.53, meaning that its share price is 53% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Orient Overseas International has a beta of 1.59, meaning that its share price is 59% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Navios Maritime Partners and Orient Overseas Internationals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Navios Maritime Partners 23.31% 9.24% 5.04% Orient Overseas International N/A N/A N/A About Navios Maritime Partners (Get Free Report) Navios Maritime Partners L.P. owns and operates dry cargo vessels in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. The company offers seaborne transportation services for a range of liquid and dry cargo commodities, including crude oil, refined petroleum, chemicals, iron ore, coal, grain, fertilizer, and containers, as well as charters its vessels under short, medium, and longer-term charters. Navios Maritime Partners L.P. was founded in 2007 and is based in Monaco. About Orient Overseas International (Get Free Report) Orient Overseas (International) Limited, an investment holding company, provides container transport and logistics services in Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. The company offers supply chain management services; and containerised shipping services in various trade lanes comprising Trans-Pacific, Trans-Atlantic, Asia/Europe, Asia/Australia, and Intra-Asia trades. It is also involved in shipping and logistics software application development; container transport, equipment owning and leasing, container depot and warehousing, portfolio investment, trucking, ship owning, terminal operating, cargo consolidation and forwarding, liner and freight agency, property owning, and ship management businesses; operating of vessels; and provision of corporate and trucking services. In addition, the company offers AI and blockchain digital data on network applications, and platform design services. The company was incorporated in 1986 and is based in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Orient Overseas (International) Limited is a subsidiary of Faulkner Global Holdings Limited. Receive News & Ratings for Navios Maritime Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Navios Maritime Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (OTCMKTS:ANCTF Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Buy from the nine analysts that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, four have given a buy recommendation and three have given a strong buy recommendation to the company. Several research analysts have recently issued reports on ANCTF shares. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Alimentation Couche-Tard to a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of Alimentation Couche-Tard in a research report on Wednesday, September 3rd. National Bankshares restated an outperform rating on shares of Alimentation Couche-Tard in a research note on Monday, August 18th. TD Securities reiterated a buy rating on shares of Alimentation Couche-Tard in a research report on Thursday, September 4th. Finally, Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of Alimentation Couche-Tard in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Get Alimentation Couche-Tard alerts: View Our Latest Report on Alimentation Couche-Tard Alimentation Couche-Tard Stock Performance About Alimentation Couche-Tard ANCTF stock opened at $51.03 on Wednesday. Alimentation Couche-Tard has a fifty-two week low of $45.61 and a fifty-two week high of $59.44. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $51.71 and a 200 day moving average price of $51.66. (Get Free Report) Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc operates and licenses convenience stores in North America, Europe, and Asia. It offers cigarette products and other nicotine products, grocery items, candies and snacks, beer, wine, beverages, and fresh food offerings; road transportation fuels and electric vehicle charging solutions; and aviation fuels, as well as energy for stationary engines. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Alimentation Couche-Tard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alimentation Couche-Tard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Champlain Investment Partners LLC reduced its stake in IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX Free Report) by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,006,349 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 38,390 shares during the quarter. IDEX accounts for 1.2% of Champlain Investment Partners LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th largest position. Champlain Investment Partners LLCs holdings in IDEX were worth $176,685,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in IDEX by 19.7% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,050,601 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $914,007,000 after purchasing an additional 831,005 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC grew its stake in shares of IDEX by 1,232.4% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 487,274 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $88,182,000 after buying an additional 450,704 shares in the last quarter. Flossbach Von Storch SE raised its holdings in shares of IDEX by 132.8% in the 2nd quarter. Flossbach Von Storch SE now owns 640,792 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $112,504,000 after buying an additional 365,525 shares during the period. Amundi lifted its stake in IDEX by 23.4% during the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 1,249,546 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $220,849,000 after acquiring an additional 236,650 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Primecap Management Co. CA boosted its holdings in IDEX by 80.1% during the 2nd quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 493,451 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $86,635,000 after acquiring an additional 219,501 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.96% of the companys stock. Get IDEX alerts: IDEX Stock Up 4.7% Shares of IDEX stock opened at $170.72 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.13, a current ratio of 2.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. IDEX Corporation has a 52-week low of $153.36 and a 52-week high of $237.38. The company has a market capitalization of $12.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.01, a P/E/G ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a 50 day moving average of $165.27 and a 200 day moving average of $171.67. IDEX ( NYSE:IEX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, December 16th. The industrial products company reported $1.79 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $712.00 million for the quarter. IDEX had a net margin of 13.97% and a return on equity of 15.20%. As a group, research analysts forecast that IDEX Corporation will post 8.26 EPS for the current fiscal year. IDEX declared that its board has approved a share repurchase plan on Thursday, September 18th that allows the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the industrial products company to reacquire up to 8.3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are often an indication that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. IDEX Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be issued a dividend of $0.71 per share. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 16th. IDEXs payout ratio is 44.94%. Analysts Set New Price Targets IEX has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. DA Davidson set a $180.00 price target on shares of IDEX and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 4th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of IDEX in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their target price on shares of IDEX from $204.00 to $191.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price target on shares of IDEX from $200.00 to $195.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Oppenheimer set a $210.00 price target on shares of IDEX in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $198.86. Get Our Latest Stock Report on IDEX IDEX Profile (Free Report) IDEX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides applied solutions worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Fluid & Metering Technologies (FMT), Health & Science Technologies (HST), and Fire & Safety/Diversified Products (FSDP). The FMT segment designs, produces, and distributes positive displacement pumps, valves, small volume provers, flow meters, injectors, and other fluid-handling pump modules and systems, as well as flow monitoring and other services for the food, chemical, general industrial, water and wastewater, agricultural, and energy industries. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IEX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for IDEX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IDEX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Champlain Investment Partners LLC reduced its stake in Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:WTS Free Report) by 40.1% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 247,300 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 165,263 shares during the period. Champlain Investment Partners LLCs holdings in Watts Water Technologies were worth $60,809,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. AEGON ASSET MANAGEMENT UK Plc boosted its holdings in shares of Watts Water Technologies by 18.5% during the 2nd quarter. AEGON ASSET MANAGEMENT UK Plc now owns 77,892 shares of the technology companys stock worth $19,164,000 after buying an additional 12,148 shares during the period. HB Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Watts Water Technologies during the 1st quarter worth $259,000. GSA Capital Partners LLP bought a new stake in Watts Water Technologies during the first quarter valued at about $802,000. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Watts Water Technologies in the second quarter valued at about $233,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC grew its position in shares of Watts Water Technologies by 210.6% in the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 57,901 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $11,807,000 after purchasing an additional 39,260 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.02% of the companys stock. Get Watts Water Technologies alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth WTS has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Zacks Research cut Watts Water Technologies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Watts Water Technologies in a report on Monday, November 17th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on Watts Water Technologies from $290.00 to $300.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Watts Water Technologies in a research report on Friday, August 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Watts Water Technologies from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $264.25. Watts Water Technologies Price Performance Shares of NYSE:WTS opened at $271.99 on Monday. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. has a 1-year low of $177.59 and a 1-year high of $287.89. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.07 billion, a PE ratio of 29.25, a PEG ratio of 3.27 and a beta of 1.17. The businesss 50 day moving average is $275.91 and its 200-day moving average is $262.86. The company has a current ratio of 2.59, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10. Watts Water Technologies (NYSE:WTS Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The technology company reported $2.50 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.29 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $611.70 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $576.20 million. Watts Water Technologies had a return on equity of 18.11% and a net margin of 13.63%.Watts Water Technologiess revenue was up 12.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.03 earnings per share. Watts Water Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Watts Water Technologies, Inc. will post 9.08 earnings per share for the current year. Watts Water Technologies Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.52 per share. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. Watts Water Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 21.47%. Insider Buying and Selling at Watts Water Technologies In other news, major shareholder Timothy P. Horne sold 6,994 shares of Watts Water Technologies stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $278.65, for a total transaction of $1,948,878.10. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 23,006 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,410,621.90. The trade was a 23.31% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock. Watts Water Technologies Profile (Free Report) Watts Water Technologies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, supplies products and solutions that manage and conserve the flow of fluids and energy into, through, and out of buildings in the commercial, industrial, and residential markets in the Americas, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WTS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:WTS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Watts Water Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Watts Water Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd lessened its holdings in shares of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:RJF Free Report) by 8.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 13,587 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,297 shares during the quarter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltds holdings in Raymond James Financial were worth $2,082,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. MAI Capital Management raised its position in shares of Raymond James Financial by 46.0% in the 2nd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 559 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $86,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. Neo Ivy Capital Management bought a new stake in shares of Raymond James Financial in the second quarter worth $107,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in Raymond James Financial by 41.6% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 5,616,998 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $861,479,000 after acquiring an additional 1,651,380 shares in the last quarter. DNB Asset Management AS boosted its stake in Raymond James Financial by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. DNB Asset Management AS now owns 35,995 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,521,000 after acquiring an additional 168 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Personal CFO Solutions LLC acquired a new position in Raymond James Financial during the 2nd quarter worth $203,000. 83.83% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Raymond James Financial alerts: Raymond James Financial Stock Performance Shares of RJF stock opened at $152.96 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $30.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.86, a PEG ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 1.05. The business has a 50 day moving average of $164.19 and a two-hundred day moving average of $160.02. Raymond James Financial, Inc. has a 52 week low of $117.57 and a 52 week 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. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Raymond James Financial ( NYSE:RJF Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The financial services provider reported $3.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.83 by $0.28. Raymond James Financial had a return on equity of 18.33% and a net margin of 13.42%.The business had revenue of $3.73 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.64 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.95 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that Raymond James Financial, Inc. will post 11.17 EPS for the current year. A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Raymond James Financial from $176.00 to $184.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Raymond James Financial from $178.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Raymond James Financial in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Cowen reiterated a hold rating on shares of Raymond James Financial in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective on 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 research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $177.20. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Raymond James Financial About Raymond James Financial (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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RJF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:RJF Free Report). 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. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd trimmed its position in Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Free Report) by 8.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 20,420 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 1,896 shares during the period. Mediolanum International Funds Ltds holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $870,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in OXY. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC increased its position in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 77.6% in the second quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 139,086 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $5,843,000 after purchasing an additional 60,793 shares during the last quarter. Tevis Investment Management purchased a new position in Occidental Petroleum in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $356,000. Strs Ohio bought a new position in shares of Occidental Petroleum in the 1st quarter worth $7,516,000. Nordea Investment Management AB raised its position in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 459,826 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $19,446,000 after buying an additional 21,393 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Aberdeen Group plc lifted its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 4.4% during the 2nd quarter. Aberdeen Group plc now owns 731,158 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $30,716,000 after acquiring an additional 30,746 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 88.70% of the companys stock. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes OXY has been the topic of a number of research reports. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $42.00 to $40.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $47.00 to $46.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on Occidental Petroleum from $52.00 to $51.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. HSBC decreased their price target on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $55.00 to $54.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Occidental Petroleum currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $51.19. Occidental Petroleum Stock Performance Shares of OXY stock opened at $41.47 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $40.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.54 and a beta of 0.91. Occidental Petroleum Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $34.78 and a fifty-two week high of $53.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 1.05. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $43.34 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $43.82. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.48 by $0.16. Occidental Petroleum had a net margin of 8.79% and a return on equity of 13.78%. The firm had revenue of $6.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.66 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.00 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Occidental Petroleum Corporation will post 3.58 earnings per share for the current year. Occidental Petroleum Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be issued a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 10th. Occidental Petroleums dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 70.59%. Occidental Petroleum Profile (Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing. The company's Oil and Gas segment explores for, develops, and produces oil and condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OXY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. purchased a new stake in shares of NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:SMR Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 66,101 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,615,000. Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Intech Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of NuScale Power by 72.3% during the 2nd quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 91,362 shares of the companys stock worth $3,614,000 after purchasing an additional 38,347 shares in the last quarter. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC bought a new position in NuScale Power in the second quarter worth $1,189,000. Creative Planning boosted its stake in NuScale Power by 253.0% during the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 74,339 shares of the companys stock worth $2,941,000 after buying an additional 53,282 shares in the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new stake in NuScale Power during the second quarter worth $632,000. Finally, Meridian Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of NuScale Power in the 2nd quarter valued at $231,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.37% of the companys stock. Get NuScale Power alerts: NuScale Power Trading Down 0.6% Shares of NuScale Power stock opened at $18.58 on Monday. NuScale Power Corporation has a 1-year low of $11.08 and a 1-year high of $57.42. The firms 50-day moving average price is $36.63 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $36.64. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.50 and a beta of 2.03. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth NuScale Power ( NYSE:SMR Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($1.85) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.11) by ($1.74). The business had revenue of $8.24 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.29 million. NuScale Power had a negative return on equity of 51.27% and a negative net margin of 594.63%.The firms revenue was up 1635.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.18) earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that NuScale Power Corporation will post -0.73 EPS for the current year. SMR has been the topic of several recent research reports. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of NuScale Power from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. BNP Paribas downgraded NuScale Power from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. UBS Group upped their price objective on NuScale Power from $34.00 to $38.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 11th. BNP Paribas Exane downgraded NuScale Power from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Barclays started coverage on NuScale Power in a research note on Monday, September 29th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $45.00 price target on the stock. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and six have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of $37.50. Read Our Latest Analysis on NuScale Power Insider Activity at NuScale Power In other news, Director Corp Fluor sold 87,900 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.58, for a total value of $3,479,082.00. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders sold a total of 15,030,641 shares of company stock worth $605,953,415 in the last quarter. 1.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. NuScale Power Company Profile (Free Report) NuScale Power Corporation engages in the development and sale of modular light water reactor nuclear power plants to supply energy for electrical generation, district heating, desalination, hydrogen production, and other process heat applications. It offers NuScale Power Module (NPM), a water reactor that can generate 77 megawatts of electricity (MWe); and VOYGR power plant designs for three facility sizes that are capable of housing from one to four and six or twelve NPMs. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SMR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:SMR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NuScale Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NuScale Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Personal CFO Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 3,798 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $210,000. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its position in shares of Brunswick by 103.5% during the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 702 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 357 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its stake in Brunswick by 477.0% during the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 727 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 601 shares during the last quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB increased its holdings in Brunswick by 243.2% during the 2nd quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 858 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 608 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. raised its stake in shares of Brunswick by 24.7% in the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,041 shares of the companys stock worth $58,000 after purchasing an additional 206 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Brunswick by 41.3% in the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,067 shares of the companys stock valued at $59,000 after purchasing an additional 312 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.34% of the companys stock. Get Brunswick alerts: Brunswick Trading Up 8.3% NYSE:BC opened at $64.24 on Monday. Brunswick Corporation has a 1 year low of $41.00 and a 1 year high of $87.65. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $64.46 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $60.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.78 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The company has a market cap of $4.18 billion, a P/E ratio of -17.65 and a beta of 1.40. Brunswick Dividend Announcement Brunswick ( NYSE:BC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by $0.13. Brunswick had a positive return on equity of 10.55% and a negative net margin of 4.60%.The company had revenue of $1.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.26 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.17 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Brunswick has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.250-3.25 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Brunswick Corporation will post 4.19 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 26th will be issued a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 26th. Brunswicks dividend payout ratio is -47.25%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms recently commented on BC. Truist Financial increased their price target on Brunswick from $60.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Brunswick from $51.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Brunswick from $63.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of Brunswick from $65.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their target price on Brunswick from $74.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $73.54. View Our Latest Research Report on Brunswick About Brunswick (Free Report) Brunswick Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets recreation products in the United States, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Propulsion, Engine P&A, Navico Group, and Boat. The Propulsion segment provides outboard, sterndrive, inboard engines, propulsion-related controls, rigging, and propellers for boat builders through marine retail dealers under the Mercury, Mercury MerCruiser, Mariner, Mercury Racing, Mercury Diesel, Avator, and Fliteboard brands. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Brunswick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brunswick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global Retirement Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 70,764 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $30,045,000. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF makes up approximately 0.7% of Global Retirement Partners LLCs holdings, making the stock its 21st largest holding. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC increased its stake in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 722,329.3% in the second quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 17,851,227 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $7,579,274,000 after acquiring an additional 17,848,756 shares during the period. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF during the first quarter worth $424,812,000. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 311.4% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,285,798 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $464,289,000 after buying an additional 973,250 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 6.0% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 7,216,343 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,063,916,000 after buying an additional 411,172 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northern Trust Corp lifted its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 4.3% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 5,109,809 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,845,101,000 after buying an additional 208,598 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.33% of the companys stock. Get iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Trading Up 0.6% Shares of NYSEARCA IWF opened at $457.60 on Monday. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a 1-year low of $308.67 and a 1-year high of $493.00. The company has a 50-day moving average of $471.34 and a two-hundred day moving average of $441.28. The company has a market cap of $118.82 billion, a PE ratio of 33.43 and a beta of 1.13. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF 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. Further Reading 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. Prudential Financial Inc. raised its stake in United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS Free Report) by 10.9% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 595,063 shares of the transportation companys stock after buying an additional 58,626 shares during the period. Prudential Financial Inc.s holdings in United Parcel Service were worth $60,066,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Cornerstone Wealth Group LLC increased its position in United Parcel Service by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Cornerstone Wealth Group LLC now owns 2,557 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $258,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares during the period. Bangor Savings Bank increased its position in shares of United Parcel Service by 1.9% during the second quarter. Bangor Savings Bank now owns 5,413 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $546,000 after buying an additional 101 shares during the period. First Dallas Securities Inc. raised its stake in United Parcel Service by 0.9% during the first quarter. First Dallas Securities Inc. now owns 11,421 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,256,000 after buying an additional 102 shares during the last quarter. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in United Parcel Service by 3.4% in the first quarter. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,185 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $350,000 after buying an additional 104 shares during the period. Finally, Wright Investors Service Inc. boosted its position in United Parcel Service by 1.3% during the second quarter. Wright Investors Service Inc. now owns 7,861 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $793,000 after acquiring an additional 104 shares during the last quarter. 60.26% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get United Parcel Service alerts: United Parcel Service Price Performance Shares of UPS opened at $94.54 on Monday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $88.78 and its 200 day moving average is $92.80. United Parcel Service, Inc. has a 12-month low of $82.00 and a 12-month high of $138.67. The company has a quick ratio of 1.32, a current ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50. The stock has a market cap of $80.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.61, a P/E/G ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 1.11. United Parcel Service Dividend Announcement United Parcel Service ( NYSE:UPS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The transportation company reported $1.74 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.31 by $0.43. United Parcel Service had a net margin of 6.15% and a return on equity of 40.07%. The firm had revenue of $21.42 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.94 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.76 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. United Parcel Service has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that United Parcel Service, Inc. will post 7.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 4th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th will be given a $1.64 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 17th. This represents a $6.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.9%. United Parcel Services dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 101.39%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently weighed in on UPS shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on United Parcel Service from $85.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on United Parcel Service from $91.00 to $96.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Evercore ISI cut their price target on United Parcel Service from $103.00 to $97.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 30th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $96.00 price objective (down previously from $125.00) on shares of United Parcel Service in a research note on Friday, September 19th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of United Parcel Service from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, United Parcel Service has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $110.00. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on UPS United Parcel Service Profile (Free Report) United Parcel Service, Inc, a package delivery company, provides transportation and delivery, distribution, contract logistics, ocean freight, airfreight, customs brokerage, and insurance services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of express letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UPS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for United Parcel Service Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Parcel Service and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/alexanderstubb/photos_by The Presidents of Finland and Ukraine, Alexander Stubb and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, held a conversation on the morning of Monday, November 24. "I welcome the progress made during yesterdays meetings between the United States and Ukraine in Geneva. The negotiations were a step forward, but important issues still remain to be resolved," Stubb said on X following the conversation. "Any decision that falls within the competence of the EU or NATO will be discussed and adopted by the EU and NATO members separately," he added. Prudential Financial Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI Free Report) by 12.8% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 614,207 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 69,737 shares during the period. Prudential Financial Inc.s holdings in Crown Castle were worth $63,097,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Crown Castle by 0.7% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 69,290,381 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $7,118,201,000 after purchasing an additional 449,776 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in Crown Castle by 2.6% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 21,387,895 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,229,260,000 after buying an additional 538,049 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in Crown Castle by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 5,992,402 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $624,584,000 after buying an additional 72,511 shares during the period. Deutsche Bank AG raised its position in shares of Crown Castle by 60.9% in the 1st quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 5,472,921 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $570,443,000 after buying an additional 2,072,198 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Crown Castle by 4.2% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,430,163 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $557,841,000 after buying an additional 217,998 shares in the last quarter. 90.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Crown Castle alerts: Insider Transactions at Crown Castle In related news, EVP Daniel K. Schlanger sold 30,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, October 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.08, for a total value of $2,942,400.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 65,571 shares in the company, valued at $6,431,203.68. The trade was a 31.39% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Crown Castle Trading Down 0.2% Shares of CCI stock opened at $89.93 on Monday. Crown Castle Inc. has a 1-year low of $84.20 and a 1-year high of $115.76. The stock has a market cap of $39.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -8.46, a PEG ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 0.94. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $94.15 and a 200-day moving average of $99.11. Crown Castle (NYSE:CCI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $1.12 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.04 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $1.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.05 billion. Crown Castle had a negative return on equity of 619.62% and a negative net margin of 95.37%.The firms quarterly revenue was down 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.84 earnings per share. Crown Castle has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.230-4.350 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Crown Castle Inc. will post 6.67 earnings per share for the current year. Crown Castle Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.0625 per share. This represents a $4.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. Crown Castles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -39.98%. Analysts Set New Price Targets CCI has been the topic of several analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Crown Castle in a research report on Wednesday. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on Crown Castle from $120.00 to $114.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on Crown Castle from $115.00 to $117.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Crown Castle from $125.00 to $115.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price objective on Crown Castle from $120.00 to $104.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $112.18. View Our Latest Report on CCI About Crown Castle (Free Report) Crown Castle owns, operates and leases more than 40,000 cell towers and approximately 90,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions across every major U.S. market. This nationwide portfolio of communications infrastructure connects cities and communities to essential data, technology and wireless service bringing information, ideas and innovations to the people and businesses that need them. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CCI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Crown Castle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crown Castle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vestor Capital LLC reduced its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (NYSEARCA:SPHQ Free Report) by 58.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,079 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,909 shares during the period. Vestor Capital LLCs holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF were worth $148,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Berkshire Money Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF during the second quarter worth about $28,000. Independence Bank of Kentucky acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Resources Management Corp CT ADV purchased a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $44,000. Bogart Wealth LLC increased its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF by 19.2% in the second quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 964 shares of the companys stock valued at $69,000 after purchasing an additional 155 shares during the period. Finally, Atlantic Private Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $74,000. Get Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA SPHQ opened at $72.83 on Monday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $73.48 and a 200 day moving average price of $71.99. Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF has a 1-year low of $57.67 and a 1-year high of $75.03. The company has a market cap of $14.84 billion, a PE ratio of 25.36 and a beta of 0.92. Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF Company Profile The Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large-cap stocks selected by return on equity, changes in net operating assets and financial leverage. Stocks are weighted by these quality factors, scaled by market cap. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SPHQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (NYSEARCA:SPHQ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC decreased its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 8.0% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 35,214 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,080 shares during the quarter. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $6,414,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 31.1% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 8,531 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,027,000 after purchasing an additional 2,023 shares during the period. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 4.5% during the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,097 shares of the companys stock worth $252,000 after buying an additional 91 shares during the period. Capstone Wealth Management Group LLC purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International during the first quarter valued at about $238,000. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 23.1% in the first quarter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC now owns 2,406 shares of the companys stock worth $382,000 after buying an additional 451 shares during the period. Finally, Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 33.1% in the first quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 453,686 shares of the companys stock worth $72,014,000 after buying an additional 112,778 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group cut their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $177.00 to $166.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 5th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, September 4th. Barclays reduced their target price on Philip Morris International from $220.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 17th. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 target price on Philip Morris International and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $189.56. Philip Morris International Stock Down 0.3% PM stock opened at $155.24 on Monday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $116.12 and a 12-month high of $186.69. The company has a market cap of $241.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.12, a PEG ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a 50 day moving average of $156.42 and a two-hundred day moving average of $167.24. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 122.14%. The business had revenue of $8.12 billion for the quarter. On average, research analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were given a $1.47 dividend. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 3rd. This is an increase from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is currently 106.52%. Philip Morris International 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. See Also 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. Titleist Asset Management LLC reduced its position in Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF (NYSEARCA:AVUV Free Report) by 87.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 5,824 shares of the companys stock after selling 42,307 shares during the quarter. Titleist Asset Management LLCs holdings in Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF were worth $531,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Meadow Creek Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Meadow Creek Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 25,079 shares of the companys stock worth $2,285,000 after purchasing an additional 156 shares during the period. White Pine Investment CO lifted its holdings in Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF by 0.4% during the second quarter. White Pine Investment CO now owns 61,387 shares of the companys stock worth $5,592,000 after buying an additional 218 shares during the period. Middleton & Co. Inc. MA lifted its holdings in Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF by 3.7% during the first quarter. Middleton & Co. Inc. MA now owns 11,936 shares of the companys stock worth $1,040,000 after buying an additional 421 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Vermont boosted its position in Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF by 95.9% during the 2nd quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 917 shares of the companys stock valued at $84,000 after acquiring an additional 449 shares in the last quarter. Finally, IMA Advisory Services Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. IMA Advisory Services Inc. now owns 34,574 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,150,000 after acquiring an additional 487 shares during the period. Get Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF alerts: Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF Trading Up 3.1% AVUV opened at $96.83 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $18.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.26 and a beta of 1.09. Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF has a 12 month low of $74.00 and a 12 month high of $107.64. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $98.63 and a 200-day moving average price of $95.13. About Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF The Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell 2000 Value index. The fund is an actively-managed portfolio of US small-cap value companies selected based on fundamental criteria. AVUV was launched on Sep 24, 2019 and is managed by American Century Investments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Volatility and Risk BANCORP 34 has a beta of 0.35, suggesting that its stock price is 65% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Chino Commercial Bancorp has a beta of 0.19, suggesting that its stock price is 81% less volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation and Earnings This table compares BANCORP 34 and Chino Commercial Bancorps gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get BANCORP 34 alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio BANCORP 34 $56.34 million 1.59 $1.69 million $0.88 14.90 Chino Commercial Bancorp $25.24 million 2.09 $5.14 million $1.81 9.06 Profitability Chino Commercial Bancorp has lower revenue, but higher earnings than BANCORP 34. Chino Commercial Bancorp is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than BANCORP 34, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. This table compares BANCORP 34 and Chino Commercial Bancorps net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets BANCORP 34 11.27% 4.26% 0.40% Chino Commercial Bancorp 22.97% N/A N/A Institutional and Insider Ownership 6.5% of BANCORP 34 shares are owned by institutional investors. 7.4% of BANCORP 34 shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 32.5% of Chino Commercial Bancorp shares are owned 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. Summary BANCORP 34 beats Chino Commercial Bancorp on 6 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About BANCORP 34 (Get Free Report) Bancorp 34, Inc. operates as the holding company for Bank 34 that offers various banking products and services to individuals and businesses in the United States. It accepts various deposit products, such as savings accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, demand and time deposits, NOW accounts, and individual retirement accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. The company also provides term, working capital, construction, USDA, small business administration, equipment, assisted living and skilled nursing, renewable energy and solar equipment, and commercial real estate loans; and small to medium size business and business acquisitions financing; lines of credit; multi-family finance; and employee stock ownership plans, HOA lending, and investor pools of single family rentals. In addition, it offers credit and debit cards; safe deposit boxes; treasury management products; and merchant card processing, cash management, e-banking, mobile and online banking, bill payment, and merchant capture services. The company operates through its network of full-service branches in Scottsdale and Arizona, as well as Alamogordo and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Bancorp 34, Inc. was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. About Chino Commercial Bancorp (Get Free Report) Chino Commercial Bancorp operates as the bank holding company for Chino Commercial Bank, N.A. that provides commercial banking services to individuals and small businesses primarily in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. The company's deposit products include non-interest bearing deposits, money market accounts, NOW and savings accounts, and certificates of deposit accounts. It also provides loan products, such as one-to-four family residential, residential, construction, commercial real estate, and commercial and industrial loans, as well as loans to individuals for overdraft protection and personal lines of credit. In addition, the company offers credit and debit card, wire transfer, and online and mobile banking services. It operates full-service branches in Chino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland, California. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Chino, California. Receive News & Ratings for BANCORP 34 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BANCORP 34 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vestor Capital LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 73.8% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 2,811 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 7,915 shares during the period. Vestor Capital LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $68,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. bought a new position in Pfizer during the first quarter valued at $27,000. Curio Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in Pfizer by 36,600.0% during the second quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 1,101 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 1,098 shares during the last quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd bought a new position in Pfizer during the first quarter worth about $28,000. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Pfizer in the second quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Evelyn Partners Asset Management Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the second quarter valued at approximately $33,000. 68.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer Price Performance PFE opened at $25.02 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The stock has a market capitalization of $142.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.31, a PEG ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 0.54. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $24.84 and a 200-day moving average price of $24.50. Pfizer Inc. has a 12-month low of $20.92 and a 12-month high of $27.69. Pfizer Dividend Announcement Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $16.65 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.94 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 21.42% and a net margin of 16.84%. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 7th. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.9%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 100.00%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the company. Citigroup raised 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. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued a market perform rating and set a $30.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Bank of America upped their target price on Pfizer from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, UBS Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $28.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $28.28. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on PFE 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. Featured Stories 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. Venture Global (NYSE:VG Get Free Report) is one of 90 public companies in the OIL US EXP&PROD industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare Venture Global to similar businesses based on the strength of its earnings, institutional ownership, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations, dividends and valuation. Dividends Venture Global pays an annual dividend of $0.07 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.0%. Venture Global pays out 9.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, OIL US EXP&PROD companies pay a dividend yield of 3.4% and pay out 38.7% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Get Venture Global alerts: Valuation and Earnings This table compares Venture Global and its rivals revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Venture Global $4.97 billion $1.75 billion 8.75 Venture Global Competitors $3.53 billion $608.39 million 8.29 Profitability Venture Global has higher revenue and earnings than its rivals. Venture Global is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. This table compares Venture Global and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Venture Global 21.99% 29.55% 5.22% Venture Global Competitors -64.76% 9.48% 5.05% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Venture Global and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Venture Global 1 7 8 0 2.44 Venture Global Competitors 714 3542 5902 229 2.54 Venture Global currently has a consensus target price of $15.64, suggesting a potential upside of 129.23%. As a group, OIL US EXP&PROD companies have a potential upside of 29.90%. Given Venture Globals higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Venture Global is more favorable than its rivals. Insider & Institutional Ownership 67.3% of shares of all OIL US EXP&PROD companies are held by institutional investors. 86.7% of Venture Global shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 11.3% of shares of all OIL US EXP&PROD companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Summary Venture Global beats its rivals on 9 of the 14 factors compared. Venture Global Company Profile (Get Free Report) Venture Global has fundamentally reshaped the development and construction of liquefied natural gas production, establishing us as a rapidly growing company delivering critical LNG to the world. Our innovative and disruptive approach, which is both scalable and repeatable, allows us to bring LNG to a global market years faster and at a lower cost. We believe supplying this clean, affordable fuel promotes global energy security and is essential to meeting growing global demand. Natural gas is one of the most important resources worldwide and is required to generate reliable electricity that underpins economic development and drives industry. Once natural gas is supercooled to -260F, it converts to liquid form and reduces to 1/600th of its original volume, enabling large quantities of natural gas to be loaded and shipped by LNG tankers. The resulting LNG can be transported to international markets that lack domestic supply, displacing more carbon intensive sources of energy such as coal, diesel, and heavy fuel oil, and serving as an integral part of a cleaner energy future. We believe our business model has demonstrated that in a competitive commodity market, lower cost and overall faster delivery wins market share. Our approach capitalizes on both of these advantages, supporting significant additional growth opportunities. Our Projects We are commissioning, constructing, and developing five natural gas liquefaction and export projects near the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, utilizing our unique design one, build many approach. Each project is designed or is being developed to include an LNG facility and associated pipeline systems that interconnect with several interstate and intrastate pipelines to enable the delivery of natural gas into the LNG facility. Our five current projects are being designed to deliver a total expected peak production capacity of 143.8 mtpa, which consists of an aggregate of 104.4 mtpa expected nameplate capacity and an aggregate of 39.4 mtpa of expected excess capacity. These amounts do not account for any potential bolt-on expansion liquefaction capacity. The expected nameplate capacity of our facilities measures the minimum operating performance thresholds guaranteed by the equipment providers, and the expected excess capacity represents the additional LNG that we aim to produce above such guaranteed amounts. Although COD has not yet occurred under the post-COD SPAs for any of our projects, we have been generating proceeds from the sale of commissioning cargos at the Calcasieu Project since the first quarter of 2022, and expect to do so at each of our other projects during commissioning prior to achieving COD for the relevant project or phase of a project. Our direct subsidiary, VGLNG, which owns all of our subsidiaries, was originally established in 2013 by our founders. As part of certain corporate reorganization transactions, or Reorganization Transactions, Venture Global, Inc. was formed in 2023 and became the 100% owner of VGLNG. We are a holding company and have no direct operations. All of our business operations are conducted through our subsidiaries, including VGLNG. Our principal asset is the equity interest in VGLNG, which, together with its subsidiaries, owns substantially all of our operating assets. As a result, we are dependent on the ability of our subsidiaries to generate revenues and to make loans, pay dividends and make other payments to generate the funds necessary to meet our financial obligations and to pay dividends to stockholders, if any. Our principal executive offices are located at 1001 19th Street North, Suite 1500, Arlington, VA. Receive News & Ratings for Venture Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Venture Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Windward Capital Management Co. CA lessened its holdings in Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL Free Report) by 2.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 46,069 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 1,200 shares during the period. Windward Capital Management Co. CAs holdings in Welltower were worth $7,082,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in WELL. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT increased its holdings in Welltower by 4.2% during the 2nd quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT now owns 1,604 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $247,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Cornerstone Wealth Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Welltower by 4.7% in the second quarter. Cornerstone Wealth Group LLC now owns 1,460 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $225,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Welltower by 23.3% during the first quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 365 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $56,000 after buying an additional 69 shares during the last quarter. Bridgewater Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Welltower by 5.1% during the second quarter. Bridgewater Advisors Inc. now owns 1,461 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $242,000 after buying an additional 71 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Orion Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Welltower by 5.6% during the second quarter. Orion Capital Management LLC now owns 1,362 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $209,000 after buying an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 94.80% of the companys stock. Get Welltower alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Raymond James Financial restated a strong-buy rating on shares of Welltower in a research note on Tuesday, September 2nd. Evercore ISI increased their target price on shares of Welltower from $175.00 to $183.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Monday, September 15th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Welltower from $170.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday. Cantor Fitzgerald upped their price objective on shares of Welltower from $195.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, UBS Group set a $203.00 price objective on shares of Welltower in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Welltower currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $192.73. Welltower Trading Up 1.2% NYSE:WELL opened at $199.90 on Monday. Welltower Inc. has a 12 month low of $123.11 and a 12 month high of $201.42. The company has a current ratio of 5.47, a quick ratio of 4.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. The firms 50 day moving average is $178.94 and its 200 day moving average is $165.37. The stock has a market capitalization of $137.20 billion, a PE ratio of 137.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.92. Welltower (NYSE:WELL Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.30 by $0.04. Welltower had a return on equity of 2.71% and a net margin of 9.69%.The business had revenue of $2.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.70 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.11 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 30.7% on a year-over-year basis. Welltower has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.240-5.300 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Welltower Inc. will post 4.88 earnings per share for the current year. Welltower Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 11th were issued a dividend of $0.74 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $2.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. Welltowers dividend payout ratio is 204.14%. Welltower Company Profile (Free Report) Welltower Inc (NYSE:WELL), a real estate investment trust (REIT) and S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. Welltower invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve peoples wellness and overall health care experience. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WELL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Welltower Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Welltower and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Waterloo Capital L.P. boosted its position in Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR Free Report) by 10.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,285 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 1,218 shares during the quarter. Waterloo Capital L.P.s holdings in Emerson Electric were worth $1,771,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Emerson Electric by 18.3% in the second quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 21,378 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,850,000 after purchasing an additional 3,308 shares during the period. Centric Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Emerson Electric in the 2nd quarter worth about $216,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Emerson Electric by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,393,930 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $452,513,000 after buying an additional 43,579 shares during the period. Private Management Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Emerson Electric during the second quarter worth about $205,000. Finally, Mufg Securities Americas Inc. lifted its holdings in Emerson Electric by 24.9% in the second quarter. Mufg Securities Americas Inc. now owns 12,466 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,662,000 after acquiring an additional 2,484 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.30% of the companys stock. Get Emerson Electric alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on EMR. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on Emerson Electric from $155.00 to $145.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company restated an equal weight rating and set a $140.00 price objective (down from $150.00) on shares of Emerson Electric in a research note on Monday, October 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Emerson Electric from $151.00 to $150.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 10th. Daiwa Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Emerson Electric from $150.00 to $153.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, September 24th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on shares of Emerson Electric from $155.00 to $153.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $148.13. Emerson Electric Stock Up 3.6% Emerson Electric stock opened at $128.19 on Monday. Emerson Electric Co. has a 52 week low of $90.06 and a 52 week high of $150.27. The stock has a market cap of $72.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.57, a PEG ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 1.30. The companys 50-day moving average price is $131.42 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $131.50. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 6th. The industrial products company reported $0.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $3.16 billion during the quarter. Emerson Electric had a net margin of 14.92% and a return on equity of 14.34%. On average, analysts expect that Emerson Electric Co. will post 5.96 EPS for the current fiscal year. Emerson Electric Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.555 per share. This is an increase from Emerson Electrics previous quarterly dividend of $0.53. This represents a $2.22 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. Emerson Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 54.95%. Emerson Electric declared that its board has authorized a share buyback plan on Wednesday, November 5th that authorizes the company to repurchase $0.00 in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the industrial products company to buy shares of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are often a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Emerson Electric Profile (Free Report) Emerson Electric Co, a technology and software company, provides various solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets in the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. It operates in six segments: Final Control, Control Systems & Software, Measurement & Analytical, AspenTech, Discrete Automation, and Safety & Productivity. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EMR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Emerson Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Emerson Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Waterloo Capital L.P. increased its stake in shares of American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT Free Report) by 11.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,744 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 1,119 shares during the quarter. Waterloo Capital L.P.s holdings in American Tower were worth $2,375,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Hopwood Financial Services Inc. grew its position in American Tower by 100.0% in the 1st quarter. Hopwood Financial Services Inc. now owns 120 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC bought a new position in shares of American Tower during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. VSM Wealth Advisory LLC lifted its position in shares of American Tower by 136.4% during the 2nd quarter. VSM Wealth Advisory LLC now owns 156 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton boosted its stake in shares of American Tower by 86.0% in the 2nd quarter. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton now owns 173 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 80 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Saudi Central Bank bought a new position in shares of American Tower in the first quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.69% of the companys stock. Get American Tower alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades AMT has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $220.00 price target on American Tower and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on shares of American Tower from $220.00 to $215.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of American Tower in a research report on Wednesday. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on shares of American Tower from $250.00 to $230.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of American Tower from $270.00 to $235.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, American Tower presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $228.44. American Tower Price Performance NYSE AMT opened at $179.56 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.24. The company has a market cap of $84.06 billion, a PE ratio of 28.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.85. American Tower Corporation has a 52 week low of $172.51 and a 52 week high of $234.33. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $186.92 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $203.78. American Tower (NYSE:AMT Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.78 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.64 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $2.72 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.65 billion. American Tower had a net margin of 28.11% and a return on equity of 28.79%. The companys revenue was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.52 earnings per share. American Tower has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.600-10.720 EPS. Research analysts predict that American Tower Corporation will post 10.14 earnings per share for the current year. American Tower Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were issued a dividend of $1.70 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 30th. This represents a $6.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.8%. American Towers payout ratio is presently 108.63%. Insider Activity at American Tower In related news, Director Eugene F. Reilly purchased 5,554 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 31st. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $178.99 per share, with a total value of $994,110.46. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 5,689 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,018,274.11. The trade was a 4,114.07% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 0.17% of the stock is owned by insiders. About American Tower (Free Report) American Tower, one of the largest global REITs, is a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multitenant communications real estate with a portfolio of over 224,000 communications sites and a highly interconnected footprint of U.S. data center facilities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for American Tower Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Tower and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. European parliamentarians are calling on US President Donald Trump to apply the strategy of the 40th US President (1981-89) Ronald Reagan in his relations with the Russian Federation - a policy of tough containment and victory. "While we welcome your efforts to achieve peace, it is important to remember the words of President Ronald Reagan when he was asked about his strategy towards the Soviet Union: We win, they lose. This should be our common strategy towards Russia, as well as the development of a peace plan that will ensure a just and lasting peace. The US, Ukraine and the free world must win; Russia and its allies from the axis of evil must lose," the European parliamentarians appeal to Trump, which was transmitted to the Interfax-Ukraine agency by one of the signatories, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation Oleksandr Merezhko (Servant of the People faction), states. The parliamentarians stressed that attempts to appease Russia as an aggressor or pressure Ukraine as a victim of this aggression are morally unacceptable and degrade human dignity. "Ceding to Russia means abandoning common values and plunging the free world into anarchy and chaos," the appeal emphasizes. Politicians expressed hope for strong American leadership and emphasized that "America is great and first only when it steadfastly defends freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law." The appeal was signed by more than 45 politicians, including members of the European Parliament, representatives of the legislative bodies of Lithuania, Croatia, Ireland, Estonia, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria. Volatility and Risk Semperit Ag Hld has a beta of 0.33, meaning that its share price is 67% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Semperit Ag Hlds rivals have a beta of 11.35, meaning that their average share price is 1,035% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Semperit Ag Hld and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Semperit Ag Hld alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Semperit Ag Hld $732.20 million $12.44 million -38.55 Semperit Ag Hld Competitors $2.87 billion $220.10 million -0.82 Semperit Ag Hlds rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Semperit Ag Hld. Semperit Ag Hld is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Dividends Profitability Semperit Ag Hld pays an annual dividend of $0.07 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. Semperit Ag Hld pays out -70.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, MED PRODUCTS companies pay a dividend yield of 1.4% and pay out 52.0% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Semperit Ag Hld is clearly a better dividend stock than its rivals, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. This table compares Semperit Ag Hld and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Semperit Ag Hld -1.45% -2.20% -1.02% Semperit Ag Hld Competitors -24.66% -40.16% -5.95% Insider & Institutional Ownership 45.6% of shares of all MED PRODUCTS companies are held by institutional investors. 12.1% of shares of all MED PRODUCTS companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Semperit Ag Hld rivals beat Semperit Ag Hld on 6 of the 11 factors compared. About Semperit Ag Hld (Get Free Report) Semperit Aktiengesellschaft Holding develops, produces, and sells rubber products for the medical and industrial sectors worldwide. It operates through two segments: Semperit Industrial Applications and Semperit Engineered Applications. The company provides hydraulic and industrial hoses; conveyor belts; escalator handrails; profiles for windows, doors and facades, cable car rings, and ski foils; and products for railroad superstructures and toolmaking; and precision liquid silicone parts. It offers handrails; engineered solutions; and provides elastomer and sealing profiles for windows, doors, and facades; and elastomer and wear-resistant protective sheeting. It serves agriculture, bulk transportation systems, construction, manufacturing, health care, mining and port facilities, shipping, packing, household, renewable energy and power generation, process, steel, and automotive industries. Semperit Aktiengesellschaft Holding was founded in 1824 and is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. Receive News & Ratings for Semperit Ag Hld Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Semperit Ag Hld and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $127.56 and last traded at $126.2240, with a volume of 247045 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $125.79. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. UBS Group set a $133.00 price objective on shares of Prologis in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Prologis from $120.00 to $139.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $131.00 price objective (up previously from $120.00) on shares of Prologis in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on Prologis from $113.00 to $116.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised Prologis from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $119.00 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $125.39. Get Prologis alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on PLD Prologis Trading Up 0.6% The stock has a market cap of $117.52 billion, a PE ratio of 36.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.13 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 0.64. The companys 50-day moving average price is $120.18 and its 200 day moving average price is $112.51. Prologis (NYSE:PLD Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $2.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.03 billion. Prologis had a return on equity of 5.55% and a net margin of 36.71%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.43 earnings per share. Prologis has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.780-5.810 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Prologis, Inc. will post 5.73 EPS for the current fiscal year. Prologis Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 30th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 16th were given a $1.01 dividend. This represents a $4.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 16th. Prologiss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 117.78%. Insider Buying and Selling at Prologis In other news, CAO Lori A. Palazzolo sold 25,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.33, for a total transaction of $2,783,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 414 shares in the company, valued at approximately $46,090.62. This represents a 98.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Cristina Gabriela Bita sold 1,000 shares of Prologis stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.00, for a total value of $111,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 9,829 shares in the company, valued at $1,091,019. This trade represents a 9.23% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 27,000 shares of company stock worth $3,013,665 over the last three months. 0.57% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Prologis Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Prologis by 0.3% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 122,064,883 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $13,978,870,000 after purchasing an additional 323,551 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its position in Prologis by 1.9% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 58,640,842 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $6,164,325,000 after purchasing an additional 1,088,544 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Prologis by 1.4% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 22,416,833 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,345,922,000 after purchasing an additional 310,333 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its stake in Prologis by 1.6% during the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 16,506,899 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,735,205,000 after purchasing an additional 253,338 shares during the period. Finally, Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in shares of Prologis in the 1st quarter valued at $1,456,768,000. 93.50% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Prologis Company Profile (Get Free Report) Prologis, Inc is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At March 31, 2024, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (115 million square meters) in 19 countries. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Prologis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prologis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. High Peak Royalties Limited (ASX:HPR Get Free Report) insider James Knowles acquired 500,000 shares of High Peak Royalties stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of A$0.06 per share, for a total transaction of A$29,000.00. High Peak Royalties Price Performance The firm has a market cap of $17.69 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 81.57 and a beta of 0.11. The company has a quick ratio of 2.55, a current ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.26. Get High Peak Royalties alerts: High Peak Royalties Company Profile (Get Free Report) Further Reading High Peak Royalties Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition of royalty and exploration interests in oil and gas assets in the United States. It also holds 100% interest in four geothermal energy licenses covering 2,767 square kilometers located in South Australia. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is based in Sydney, Australia. Receive News & Ratings for High Peak Royalties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for High Peak Royalties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Robinhood Markets, Coinbase Global, JPMorgan Chase & Co., SoFi Technologies, Bank of America, Mastercard, and Intuit are the seven Financial stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Financial stocks are shares of companies whose primary business is providing financial servicessuch as banks, insurance firms, brokerages, asset managers, payment processors and exchangesand whose revenue comes from lending, underwriting, fees and investment activities. For investors, these stocks are often valued for dividend income and exposure to credit and interest-rate cycles, but they carry sector-specific risks tied to regulation, economic conditions and loan defaults. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Financial stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Robinhood Markets (HOOD) Robinhood Markets, Inc. operates financial services platform in the United States. Its platform allows users to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), American depository receipts, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. The company offers fractional trading, recurring investments, fully-paid securities lending, access to investing on margin, cash sweep, instant withdrawals, retirement program, around-the-clock trading, and initial public offerings participation services. Coinbase Global (COIN) Coinbase Global, Inc. provides financial infrastructure and technology for the crypto economy in the United States and internationally. The company offers the primary financial account in the crypto economy for consumers; and a marketplace with a pool of liquidity for transacting in crypto assets for institutions. Read Our Latest Research Report on COIN JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of financial and investment banking services. It focuses on investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), Commercial and Investment Bank (CIB), Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), and Corporate. Read Our Latest Research Report on JPM SoFi Technologies (SOFI) SoFi Technologies, Inc. provides various financial services in the United States, Latin America, and Canada. It operates through three segments: Lending, Technology Platform, and Financial Services. The company offers lending and financial services and products that allows its members to borrow, save, spend, invest, and protect money. Read Our Latest Research Report on SOFI Bank of America (BAC) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets. Read Our Latest Research Report on BAC Mastercard (MA) 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 Our Latest Research Report on MA Intuit (INTU) Intuit Inc. provides financial management and compliance products and services for consumers, small businesses, self-employed, and accounting professionals in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Small Business & Self-Employed, Consumer, Credit Karma, and ProTax. Read Our Latest Research Report on INTU Further Reading Shares of Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $3.46, but opened at $3.35. Brandywine Realty Trust shares last traded at $3.3450, with a volume of 410,394 shares traded. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts recently commented on BDN shares. Truist Financial lowered Brandywine Realty Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their target price for the company from $5.00 to $4.00 in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed an underweight rating on shares of Brandywine Realty Trust in a research report on Monday. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Brandywine Realty Trust from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 15th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Brandywine Realty Trust in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Evercore ISI reduced their price target on shares of Brandywine Realty Trust from $5.00 to $4.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 14th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Brandywine Realty Trust currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $4.00. Get Brandywine Realty Trust alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on BDN Brandywine Realty Trust Price Performance The business has a 50-day moving average price of $3.81 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $4.07. The company has a quick ratio of 2.97, a current ratio of 2.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.68. The company has a market capitalization of $574.08 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.10 and a beta of 1.42. Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.17 by ($0.01). Brandywine Realty Trust had a negative return on equity of 19.55% and a negative net margin of 38.03%.The business had revenue of $121.42 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $119.11 million. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Brandywine Realty Trust will post 0.66 EPS for the current year. Brandywine Realty Trust Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 23rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 9th were paid a dividend of $0.08 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 9th. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.7%. Brandywine Realty Trusts payout ratio is -29.91%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO Gerard H. Sweeney bought 88,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The shares were bought at an average price of $3.38 per share, with a total value of $299,130.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 3,042,210 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,282,669.80. This represents a 3.00% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director James C. Diggs sold 23,190 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $3.47, for a total value of $80,469.30. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 128,672 shares of the companys stock, valued at $446,491.84. The trade was a 15.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders own 3.30% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Brandywine Realty Trust Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new position in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust during the third quarter valued at about $34,000. Ballentine Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Brandywine Realty Trust in the 3rd quarter valued at about $55,000. US Bancorp DE lifted its position in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 135.0% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 13,273 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $59,000 after buying an additional 7,624 shares in the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 48.5% in the 2nd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 14,042 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $60,000 after buying an additional 4,588 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Creative Planning boosted its stake in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 23.9% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 14,244 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $61,000 after buying an additional 2,749 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.27% of the companys stock. About Brandywine Realty Trust (Get Free Report) Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) is one of the largest, publicly traded, full-service, integrated real estate companies in the United States with a core focus in the Philadelphia and Austin markets. Organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT), we own, develop, lease and manage an urban, town center and transit-oriented portfolio comprising 160 properties and 22.6 million square feet as of September 30, 2023 which excludes assets held for sale. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Brandywine Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brandywine Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report)s share price gapped down before the market opened on Monday after HSBC downgraded the stock from a buy rating to a hold rating. The stock had previously closed at $47.63, but opened at $43.43. Novo Nordisk A/S shares last traded at $43.9460, with a volume of 23,202,854 shares traded. A number of other analysts have also commented on NVO. Morgan Stanley lowered Novo Nordisk A/S from an overweight rating to an underweight rating and cut their price target for the company from $59.00 to $47.00 in a report on Monday, September 29th. Barclays reiterated an equal weight rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Monday, November 17th. BNP Paribas Exane raised shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $54.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. Finally, TD Cowen decreased their price target on Novo Nordisk A/S from $105.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, August 19th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $59.20. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Novo Nordisk A/S Institutional Trading of Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Performance Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 4,190.8% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 13,984,789 shares of the companys stock valued at $776,016,000 after buying an additional 13,658,867 shares during the last quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC increased its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 301,443.6% in the 2nd quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 10,005,216 shares of the companys stock valued at $690,560,000 after acquiring an additional 10,001,898 shares during the period. Capital International Investors raised its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 52.4% during the third quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 17,713,424 shares of the companys stock valued at $982,969,000 after acquiring an additional 6,092,192 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners bought a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the third quarter valued at $310,199,000. Finally, Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S in the first quarter valued at $370,272,000. 11.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. The firm has a market capitalization of $200.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a 50-day moving average of $53.92 and a 200-day moving average of $60.28. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $1.02 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.77 by $0.25. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 78.64% and a net margin of 35.60%.The company had revenue of $11.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.98 billion. Novo Nordisk A/S has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile (Get Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Rare Disease. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO Get Free Report) (NYSE:BMO) had its price objective upped by Barclays from C$157.00 to C$177.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the banks stock. Barclayss target price would indicate a potential upside of 2.70% from the stocks current price. Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on the company. Bank of America increased their price target on Bank of Montreal from C$159.00 to C$176.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 27th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of Bank of Montreal from C$164.00 to C$173.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 27th. Desjardins raised their price objective on shares of Bank of Montreal from C$156.00 to C$165.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 27th. Cibc World Mkts upgraded Bank of Montreal from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Finally, CIBC raised their price target on Bank of Montreal from C$180.00 to C$192.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$172.17. Get Bank of Montreal alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Bank of Montreal Bank of Montreal Price Performance Insider Activity at Bank of Montreal Shares of TSE:BMO traded up C$1.71 on Monday, reaching C$172.35. The companys stock had a trading volume of 732,476 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,786,729. Bank of Montreal has a 52-week low of C$121.31 and a 52-week high of C$182.90. The stock has a market capitalization of C$123.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.11, a PEG ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 1.38. The stocks 50-day moving average is C$176.65 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$161.72. In other Bank of Montreal news, insider Alan Tannenbaum sold 9,824 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$175.12, for a total value of C$1,720,408.35. Also, insider Steven Lloyd Tennyson sold 9,072 shares of Bank of Montreal stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$163.89, for a total value of C$1,486,782.86. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 21,866 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$3,583,553.14. This trade represents a 29.32% decrease in their position. Insiders have sold 35,883 shares of company stock worth $5,989,740 in the last three months. Insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock. Bank of Montreal Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bank of Montreal is a diversified financial-services provider based in North America, operating four business segments: Canadian personal and commercial banking, U.S. P&C banking, wealth management, and capital markets. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Montreal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Montreal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:TMQ Get Free Report) dropped 8.4% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $3.98 and last traded at $3.9130. Approximately 943,447 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 78% from the average daily volume of 4,199,965 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.27. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have issued reports on TMQ shares. Raymond James Financial raised Trilogy Metals from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded Trilogy Metals to a buy rating and set a $10.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. TD Securities reissued a hold rating on shares of Trilogy Metals in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating and set a $5.50 price target on shares of Trilogy Metals in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Cormark downgraded shares of Trilogy Metals from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $7.75. Get Trilogy Metals alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on TMQ Trilogy Metals Stock Performance Insider Activity The stock has a market cap of $654.71 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -77.90 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $4.20 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.48. In other Trilogy Metals news, CFO Elaine Sanders sold 449,599 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.84, for a total value of $3,075,257.16. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 3,149,561 shares in the company, valued at $21,542,997.24. This trade represents a 12.49% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Janice Stairs sold 50,613 shares of Trilogy Metals stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.56, for a total transaction of $332,021.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 508,608 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,336,468.48. This trade represents a 9.05% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last three months, insiders sold 1,064,506 shares of company stock valued at $7,275,194. 15.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Trilogy Metals Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Old West Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Trilogy Metals by 61.1% in the 1st quarter. Old West Investment Management LLC now owns 12,611,879 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $19,611,000 after buying an additional 4,781,670 shares during the last quarter. TSP Capital Management Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Trilogy Metals by 17.8% during the second quarter. TSP Capital Management Group LLC now owns 6,152,500 shares of the mining companys stock worth $8,306,000 after acquiring an additional 930,000 shares during the period. Tidal Investments LLC grew its position in shares of Trilogy Metals by 33.0% in the third quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 3,625,129 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $7,613,000 after purchasing an additional 899,656 shares during the last quarter. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. bought a new position in shares of Trilogy Metals during the third quarter worth approximately $1,050,000. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Trilogy Metals by 80.3% during the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,013,517 shares of the mining companys stock worth $2,128,000 after purchasing an additional 451,437 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 16.75% of the companys stock. Trilogy Metals Company Profile (Get 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. Further Reading 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. Grupo Simec, S.A. de C.V. (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Monday . 3,488 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 97% from the previous sessions volume of 1,772 shares.The stock last traded at $28.4950 and had previously closed at $30.03. Grupo Simec Trading Down 4.4% The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $27.87 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $27.61. The firm has a market cap of $4.42 billion, a PE ratio of 26.33 and a beta of 0.25. About Grupo Simec (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. Featured Stories 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. Booking, Expedia Group, Travelers Companies, Trip.com Group, Thor Industries, MakeMyTrip, and OUTFRONT Media are the seven Travel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Travel stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business is facilitating, transporting, lodging, or otherwise enabling travel and tourismexamples include airlines, cruise lines, hotels, online travel agencies, car rental firms, and tour operators. These stocks are typically cyclical and sensitive to consumer discretionary spending, economic conditions, seasonality, fuel and currency costs, and travel regulations, so investors often view them as higher-volatility plays tied to travel demand and reopening trends. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Travel stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: 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. Expedia Group (EXPE) Expedia Group, Inc. operates as an online travel company in the United States and internationally. The company operates through B2C, B2B, and trivago segments. Its B2C segment includes Brand Expedia, a full-service online travel brand offers various travel products and services; Hotels.com for lodging accommodations; Vrbo, an online marketplace for the alternative accommodations; Orbitz, Travelocity, Wotif Group, ebookers, CheapTickets, Hotwire.com and CarRentals.com. Read Our Latest Research Report on EXPE Travelers Companies (TRV) 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. Read Our Latest Research Report on TRV Trip.com Group (TCOM) Trip.com Group Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates as a travel service provider for accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and in-destination, corporate travel management, and other travel-related services in China and internationally. The company acts as an agent for hotel-related transactions and selling air tickets, as well as provides train, long-distance bus, and ferry tickets; travel insurance products, such as flight delay, air accident, and baggage loss coverage; and air-ticket delivery, online check-in and seat selection, express security screening, real-time flight status tracker, and airport VIP lounge services. Read Our Latest Research Report on TCOM Thor Industries (THO) THOR Industries, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells recreational vehicles (RVs), and related parts and accessories in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company offers travel trailers; gasoline and diesel Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes; conventional travel trailers and fifth wheels; luxury fifth wheels; and motorcaravans, caravans, campervans, and urban vehicles. Read Our Latest Research Report on THO MakeMyTrip (MMYT) MakeMyTrip Limited, an online travel company, sells travel products and solutions in India, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Peru, Colombia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The company operates through three segments: Air Ticketing, Hotels and Packages, and Bus Ticketing. Read Our Latest Research Report on MMYT OUTFRONT Media (OUT) OUTFRONT Media, Inc. leases advertising space on out-of-home advertising structures and sites. Its inventory consists of billboard displays, which are primarily located on the most heavily traveled highways & roadways, and transit advertising displays operated under exclusive multi-year contracts with municipalities in large cities across the U.S. Read Our Latest Research Report on OUT Further Reading Volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) have worked at night in places affected by Russian drone strikes in Zaporizhia and the Dnipro. "Zaporizhia. The URCS rapid response unit in Zaporizhia region worked at the site of another attack together with other special services of the city," the URCS Facebook page reported on Sunday. Volunteers provided first aid to two victims on the spot, one wounded person was taken to the hospital and the other was handed over to the ambulance crew for hospitalization. 12 people received first psychological aid. As reported by the Zaporizhia Regional Military Administration, six people were injured as a result of another Russian drone strike in Zaporizhia. Two multi-storey residential buildings, a store, and cars were damaged. Volunteers of the URCS rapid response unit in Dnipropetrovsk region worked in Dnipro that night. They provided first aid to three victims, five received first psychological aid. In addition, volunteers conducted a house-to-house tour of the damaged building and the surrounding area to identify the injured. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, a Russian strike drone hit a high-rise building in Dnipro. 14 people were injured, including one child born in 2014. The balconies of three apartments caught fire, as well as cars in the yard. Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Monday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 5.860-6.000 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 6.000. The company issued revenue guidance of $7.3 billion-$7.4 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $7.3 billion. Agilent Technologies also updated its Q1 2026 guidance to 1.350-1.380 EPS. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently weighed in on A. TD Cowen lifted their price target on shares of Agilent Technologies from $150.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on shares of Agilent Technologies from $141.00 to $142.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 28th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Agilent Technologies from $125.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Wall Street Zen raised Agilent Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Agilent Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $149.62. Get Agilent Technologies alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies Trading Up 1.3% A traded up $1.99 during trading on Monday, reaching $153.24. 3,907,500 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,901,624. The companys fifty day moving average price is $139.65 and its 200-day moving average price is $125.37. The firm has a market capitalization of $43.44 billion, a PE ratio of 35.97, a P/E/G ratio of 4.67 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 1.71 and a current ratio of 2.25. Agilent Technologies has a fifty-two week low of $96.43 and a fifty-two week high of $153.84. Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 24th. The medical research company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.59. Agilent Technologies had a net margin of 17.97% and a return on equity of 25.51%. The company had revenue of $1.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.83 billion. Agilent Technologies has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.350-1.380 EPS. FY 2026 guidance at 5.860-6.000 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Agilent Technologies will post 5.58 EPS for the current year. Agilent Technologies Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 6th will be issued a $0.255 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 6th. This represents a $1.02 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. This is an increase from Agilent Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. Agilent Technologiess payout ratio is currently 23.94%. Insider Transactions at Agilent Technologies In other Agilent Technologies news, CEO Padraig Mcdonnell sold 911 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $143.24, for a total value of $130,491.64. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 32,058 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,591,987.92. This trade represents a 2.76% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.26% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Agilent Technologies Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in A. State of Wyoming bought a new position in Agilent Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at about $35,000. Johnson Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Agilent Technologies during the 3rd quarter valued at $49,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new stake in Agilent Technologies during the second quarter valued at about $61,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in Agilent Technologies by 54.8% in the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 599 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $70,000 after purchasing an additional 212 shares during the period. Finally, Turning Point Benefit Group Inc. bought a new stake in Agilent Technologies during the 3rd quarter valued at $82,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.41% of the companys stock. Agilent Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Agilent Technologies, Inc provides application focused solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Life Sciences and Applied Markets, Diagnostics and Genomics, and Agilent CrossLab. The Life Sciences and Applied Markets segment offers liquid chromatography systems and components; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry systems; gas chromatography systems and components; gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instruments; atomic absorption instruments; microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry instruments; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry instruments; raman spectroscopy; cell analysis plate based assays; flow cytometer; real-time cell analyzer; cell imaging systems; microplate reader; laboratory software; information management and analytics; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; and vacuum pumps, and measurement technologies. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Agilent Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agilent Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report) CEO Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.09, for a total transaction of $3,035,452.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 5,279,984 shares in the company, valued at $26,875,118.56. The trade was a 10.15% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Ishbia Mat also recently made the following trade(s): Get UWM alerts: On Monday, November 24th, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.21, for a total transaction of $3,107,014.76. On Wednesday, November 19th, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.96, for a total value of $2,957,925.76. On Monday, November 17th, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.94, for a total value of $2,945,998.64. On Thursday, November 13th, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.27, for a total value of $3,142,796.12. On Monday, November 10th, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.47, for a total value of $3,262,067.32. On Friday, November 7th, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.18, for a total value of $3,089,124.08. On Wednesday, November 5th, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.69, for a total transaction of $3,393,265.64. On Monday, November 3rd, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.76, for a total transaction of $3,435,010.56. On Friday, October 31st, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.59, for a total transaction of $3,333,630.04. On Wednesday, October 29th, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.70, for a total transaction of $3,399,229.20. UWM Trading Up 1.9% Shares of NYSE UWMC traded up $0.10 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $5.25. 6,552,869 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,869,290. UWM Holdings Corporation has a 12-month low of $3.80 and a 12-month high of $7.14. The firm has a market cap of $8.40 billion, a P/E ratio of -105.00 and a beta of 1.79. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $5.71 and a 200 day moving average price of $5.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.85, a quick ratio of 1.55 and a current ratio of 1.55. UWM Announces Dividend UWM ( NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.01 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.07 by ($0.06). UWM had a net margin of 0.48% and a negative return on equity of 5.56%. The firm had revenue of $151.14 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $651.51 million. As a group, analysts expect that UWM Holdings Corporation will post 0.2 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 18th will be given a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 18th. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.6%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have commented on UWMC. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of UWM in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of UWM from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. Zacks Research raised shares of UWM from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $10.00 target price on shares of UWM in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. Finally, UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of UWM from $5.50 to $6.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, UWM currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $6.54. Read Our Latest Report on UWM Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its stake in shares of UWM by 408.7% in the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 5,407 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 4,344 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new position in UWM in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new position in UWM in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $38,000. R Squared Ltd purchased a new stake in UWM during the 2nd quarter valued at $51,000. Finally, Quarry LP bought a new stake in shares of UWM in the 1st quarter worth $53,000. 53.59% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About UWM (Get Free Report) UWM Holdings Corporation engages in the residential mortgage lending business in the United States. The company offers mortgage loans through wholesale channel. It originates primarily conforming and government loans. UWM Holdings Corporation was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Pontiac, Michigan. See Also Receive News & Ratings for UWM Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UWM and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Voestalpine AG (OTCMKTS:VLPNY Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $8.30 and last traded at $8.30, with a volume of 1608 shares. The stock had previously closed at $7.8750. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have commented on VLPNY. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Voestalpine in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Voestalpine in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Finally, UBS Group upgraded Voestalpine from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Voestalpine alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on VLPNY Voestalpine Price Performance The companys 50-day moving average price is $7.12 and its 200-day moving average price is $6.15. The firm has a market cap of $7.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.50 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. Voestalpine (OTCMKTS:VLPNY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $4.31 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.31 billion. Voestalpine had a return on equity of 2.15% and a net margin of 1.02%. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Voestalpine AG will post 0.45 EPS for the current year. Voestalpine Company Profile (Get Free Report) Voestalpine AG processes, develops, manufactures, and sells steel products in Austria, European Union, and internationally. The company operates through five segments: Steel, High Performance Metals, Metal Engineering, Metal Forming, and Other. The Steel division produces hot and cold-rolled steel strips, as well as electrogalvanized, hot-dip galvanized, and organically coated steel strips; and heavy plates for the energy sector, as well as turbine casings for automotive, white goods/consumer goods, building/construction, energy, mechanical engineering, and others. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Voestalpine Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Voestalpine and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/ The European Solidarity Party (Eurosolidarity) has issued a statement on the unacceptability of the published 28-point US-Russian plan to end the war in Ukraine and criticized the Ukrainian negotiating team that traveled to Switzerland on Sunday. "The Russian plan is unacceptable in any form. The Ukrainian peace plan must be joint with Europe, agreed with the allies, built on the principles of international law and on those red lines that are not subject to negotiation - our territories, our army, our language, our faith, our freedom," the statement published on the political force's website on Sunday reads. Eurosolidarity emphasizes that now is a moment when history does not allow mistakes, and "every word, every gesture of the Ukrainian state is now being read by the world under a microscope." "That is why it is necessary to say frankly and diplomatically clearly: the so-called 28 points that have appeared in the media look like a well-thought-out trap. And the trap is not just technical or procedural - it is a political, geopolitical, and most importantly - Russian trap. This is visible to the naked eye to anyone who is able to measure the risks," the political force emphasizes. The composition of the negotiating team from Ukraine, which on Sunday takes part in negotiations in Switzerland with representatives of partner countries, is criticized in Eurosolidarity due to the fact that some of its participants are persons involved in the investigation of corruption in the energy sector and this may affect its reputation. "Today, we are represented there by people who appear in the high-profile materials of the "Mindich tapes" - in a case that has become a symbol of how corruption tries to survive even during a major war. This significantly weakens Ukraine's position at a time when we need firmness, transparency and an impeccable reputation from each member of the delegation. It seems that someone decided to use the negotiation process not to protect the country, but as a political umbrella to hide from responsibility. These things cannot be mixed up... Negotiations should be conducted by strong, experienced, impeccably trusted negotiators," the statement says. The party notes that the negotiations should take place with the participation of European partners and without any presence of persons tainted by corruption scandals. "Today we ask the world to be on the side of democratic values. But in order for the world to hear us, we ourselves must demonstrate impeccable commitment to these values. This is the only way to a strong position in the negotiations," Eurosolidarity emphasizes. As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has formed a delegation to participate in the negotiation process with the United States of America and other international partners of Ukraine, as well as with representatives of the Russian Federation. The delegation will be headed by the head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak. The corresponding decree was posted on the president's website. The delegation includes nine high-ranking officials, including the head of the delegation - the head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov. As well as the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andriy Hnatov, the Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine Oleh Ivashchenko, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Serhiy Kyslytsia, the First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Yevheniy Ostryansky, the Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Oleksandr Poklad, the Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Oleksandr Bevz. In turn, CNN, relying on the words of a senior American official, reported that US Secretary of the Land Forces Dan Driscoll and his team landed in Geneva on Saturday, where they will hold meetings with senior Ukrainian officials to discuss further steps towards peace. According to the publication, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will join the talks in Geneva on Sunday. Earlier on Sunday, Yermak also announced the start of work in Geneva at the head of the Ukrainian delegation. "I held the first meeting with the national security advisers of the leaders of Great Britain, France and Germany: Jonathan Powell, Emmanuel Bonn, Gunter Sauter. The next meeting is with the US delegation. We are very constructively disposed," he wrote on Telegram. Zelensky also reported on the meeting of the Ukrainian team with the teams of partner countries to work on ending the war and expressed hope for its effectiveness. "It is good that diplomacy has been activated and that the conversation can be constructive. The Ukrainian and American teams, the teams of our European partners are in close contact, and I really hope that there will be a result," he said. A peek at local efforts . . . ReNew KC Neighborhoods, The Way Home, and Equitable Development Partners spent the past two years comparing methods to create affordable housing. Now theyre sharing their lessons learned as a kind of figurative roadmap for other organizations who want to help provide more housing in Kansas City. However . . . Hint: Their answer is more government/taxpayer cash. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . A peek at "the discourse" reveals calls to the po-po, legal threats and tough talk . . . Here's a worthwhile overview if only so that locals won't feel bad about arguing with family this holiday. Take a peek: Without citing evidence, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway accused a signature-gathering company of reportedly employing illegal aliens" in its efforts to overturn the gerrymandered congressional map. Hanaway said she's opened an investigation and referred the matter to ICE. A Texas-based company that's gathering signatures for a vote on Missouri's congressional redistricting is strongly denying Attorney General Catherine Hanaway's claim it's employing immigrants without legal status. The group seeking to place the state's congressional map up for a vote accused Hanaway, a Republican, of "political thuggery" in trying to scare people away from signing the referendum petition. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Thank you for signing up! Youll soon be getting your Toronto scoop in your inbox. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page. Title changed Details added: first version posted on 07:07 ZANGILAN, Azerbaijan, November 24. Another group of former IDP (internal displaced persons) families who arrived in Mammadbayli village of the Zangilan district were presented with the keys to their houses today, Trend's regional correspondent reports. After meeting the families who moved to the village, employees of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) shared insights into the dangers posed by mines and unexploded ordnance. The families were advised to stay away from unknown objects and objects, and if they encounter such situations, to inform the relevant agencies. The ceremony of presenting the keys was attended by employees of the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts, the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs, and other officials. The families happily accepted the keys and settled in their homes. To note, at this stage, 144 people, including 30 families, were relocated to Mammadbayli village. They are families temporarily settled in hostels, sanatoriums, pioneer camps, unfinished buildings, and administrative buildings in various areas of the country. 07:07 xxx BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. The next group of former internally displaced persons is returning to the village of Mamedbeyli in the Zangilan district, Trend reports. At this stage, 30 families (144 people) are returning to Mamedbeyli 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. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Classes in the Azerbaijani language, chess, and dance have begun at the Azerbaijan House operating in Brussels, Belgium, the Azerbaijani State Committee on Work with Diaspora told Trend. The Azerbaijani-language classes within the educational program are organized twice a month in two groups. Chess and dance classes, however, are held four times a month, mainly on weekends. Individual educational groups have been formed for children under eight years old and for adults. Thus, learning opportunities have been created for the compatriots of different age categories living in Brussels. The project focuses on preserving national and cultural values among the Azerbaijani community in Belgium and developing the intellectual and creative abilities of children, adolescents, and youth, as well as establishing a sustainable platform for the systematic teaching of the Azerbaijani language. To note, the chess and dance classes are carried out with the organization of the FireLand Union of Azerbaijanis. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Azerbaijan participated in the Multicultural Fusion Festival held in Pictou town, Nova Scotia, Canada, the Azerbaijani State Committee on Work with Diaspora told Trend. Mushfiga Guliyeva, an Azerbaijani expatriate residing in Canada and a prominent figure in the diaspora advocacy sphere, underscored the profound cultural legacy, intricate customs, and time-honored traditions intrinsic to the nation. The profound cultural tapestry of Azerbaijan generated significant engagement among the stakeholders of the international festival. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Zelenskyy after conversation with Stubb: every joint action with our partners must be carefully thought out, decisions must be realistic Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has thanked Finnish President Alexander Stubb for his support in the process of achieving peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of "every joint action with our partners being carefully thought out" and decisions being realistic and "to ensure lasting peace and guaranteed security." Zelenskyy wrote about this on the social network X following his conversation with Stubb on Monday morning. "Thank you for your support. At present, it is extremely important that every joint action with our partners be carefully thought out. All decisions must be realistic to ensure lasting peace and guaranteed security," Zelenskyy said. According to him, the parties coordinate joint actions "very well." "And I appreciate the advice and opinions that we share. Together, we will certainly protect our common interests and our citizens." As reported earlier in the day, the presidents of Finland and Ukraine held a conversation in the morning, following which Stubb noted that the talks in Geneva "have been a step forward, but there are still important issues that need to be resolved. "Any decision that falls within the competence of the EU or NATO will be discussed and adopted by the EU and NATO members separately," he added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. The reconstruction of the Sumgayit-Yalama railway line, a crucial segment of the North-South corridor passing through Azerbaijan, will be completed by the end of the year, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), one of the companies of Azerbaijan Transport and Communication (AZCON) Holding, Rovshan Rustamov, said at a meeting with Head of Iranian Railways Jabbar Ali Zakeri in Baku, Trend reports via ADY. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation, including the development of the Astara Terminal and the expansion of trilateral relations between Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran. The meeting noted that the work carried out on the NorthSouth Corridor strengthens Azerbaijans position as a strategic artery connecting trade flows, being one of the key links of this strategic route. The ADY chairman also said that the construction of the Astara Terminal on the territory of Iran by ADY is planned to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. As many as 94 percent of the design work and approximately 82 percent of the construction and installation work for the Astara Terminal have been completed. The terminal, which will become fully operational next year, will ensure an increase in cargo volume along the NorthSouth transport connection and enable the efficient execution of operations. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Azerbaijan is ready to launch joint grant competitions for NGOs with the member states of the Organization of Turkic States, both bilaterally and multilaterally, in the fields of history, culture, ecology, climate policy, and other areas, and to support projects that foster mutual communication, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in his address to the participants of the Solidarity Forum of NGOs from the Organization of Turkic States Member Countries held in Baku, Trend reports. The upcoming centenary of the First Turkological Congress in 2026 presents a timely opportunity to continue the unfinished work on the cultural integration of Turkic peoples, with active participation from NGOs, in response to contemporary challenges, the President of Azerbaijan pointed out. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahid Jalalzadeh and discussed the development of transport corridors passing through the region, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, Trend reports. The discussion also included the bilateral and multilateral cooperation agenda between the two countries, as well as regional issues. The meeting emphasized that the contacts between the leaders of the countries, including the existing political dialogue and inter-parliamentary relations, and the discussion of issues of common interest in the development of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Iran, contributed to the expansion of cooperation. An additional impetus from the two visits of the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, to Azerbaijan this year to the relations was pointed out. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the areas of politics, economics, trade, energy security, transport, and communications, noting that a number of projects being implemented, in particular by Azerbaijan and Iran, play an important role in the development of transport corridors passing through our region. The meeting also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Azerbaijan's Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Slovakia Elchin Gasimov and discussed the strategic partnership between the two countries, a source in the parliament told Trend. Gafarova congratulated the ambassador on his assumption of office and wished him success in his future activities. The meeting welcomed the high level of relations between the countries, noting that the "Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership between Azerbaijan and Slovakia" signed during the visit of the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has raised the interstate relations to a brand new level. The conversation positively assessed the intensity of mutual visits between the countries, emphasizing the contribution of these contacts to the relations. The ambassador conveyed the greetings of Chairman of the National Council of Slovakia Richard Rasi to the Azerbaijani parliament speaker. The diplomat also expressed his congratulations on November 8Victory Day. The meeting also highlighted the development of relations between legislative bodies, stressing good opportunities for enhancing these relations. In this sense, the positive impact of mutual visits of parliamentary speakers, including MPs, on further expanding relations between the legislative bodies was underlined. Moreover, the conversation discussed the possibilities of establishing comprehensive cooperation between the Azerbaijani and Slovak parliaments, including parliamentary committees. The Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership, signed in May 2024 between Azerbaijan and Slovakia, aims to enhance bilateral relations across economics, defense, and international policy. The purpose is to elevate cooperation, building on a 2021 economic agreement to simplify trade, foster investment, and collaborate in multiple sectors. A significant focus is on establishing joint production capacities in the defense industry, with Slovakia providing technology and Azerbaijan financing. The countries pledge to work pragmatically in foreign policy, with Slovakia acting as a bridge to the European Union. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Turkiye in the field of statistics has been approved, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed the relevant decree. According to the decree, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Turkiye in the field of statistics, signed in Ankara on October 3, 2025, shall be approved. Upon the entry into force of the Memorandum of Understanding referred to in part 1 of this decree, the State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan should ensure the implementation of its provisions. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov left for an official visit to the Holy See and Italy today, a source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend. In the context of the upcoming engagement, he is anticipated to convene discussions with foreign ministers and various senior officials within the Vatican and Italy from November 25-27, in addition to delivering a keynote address at a strategic think tank and participating in ancillary events. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. The Solidarity Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) member countries, arranged by Azerbaijan as the acting chair of the OTS, demonstrates Baku's growing role in the development of Turkic integration, Azerbaijani political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. According to him, the official opening of the forum, held in Baku, is an important milestone in strengthening public communication in the Turkic world. "With the participation of more than 500 civil society representatives from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the event can be described as the broadest dialogue platform for the NGOs of the Turkic states. In recent years, the OTS has entered a qualitatively new stage of transformation. Cooperation in the fields of economy, transport, energy, and security is now complemented by a new directionpublic diplomacy. States increasingly understand that sustainable partnership is impossible without civil society institutions, expert circles, cultural organizations, and the media. Therefore, the organization of the NGO Solidarity Forum is a logical continuation of the steps taken to deepen integration in the Turkic space. NGOs possess unique opportunities for building connections, strengthening public understanding, and creating an atmosphere of trust that complements political dialogue. The address sent by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the forum participants became the main political message of the event. This message clearly emphasized several directions of strategic importance for the Turkic world. The head of state noted that the Turkic states are becoming a single center of power on the global stage. This is not just a statement but a reflection of real developments. Growing economic power, transport corridors, energy projects, and cultural-humanitarian initiatives are making the Turkic world more influential. President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the requirement to set more ambitious goals, deepen cooperation, establish flexible mechanisms, and strengthen coordination. NGOs, with their flexibility, efficiency, and ability to foster direct communication between societies, are the primary tool to meet this requirement. The head of state's remark that the Turkic world is experiencing a period of renewed growth drew particular attention. As President Ilham Aliyev underlined, Azerbaijans Garabagh Victory is a source of shared joy and pride for the Turkic peoples. This is not only a political event but also a symbol of the historical unity that has regained relevance in recent years, Garayev noted. According to him, in addition, the Zangezur Corridor, which is expected to open in the near future and has the potential to reshape the communication map of Eurasia, will also play an important role in unifying the Turkic world. This is clearly demonstrated by the panel discussion dedicated to this strategic project, which highlights the importance of the corridor for both NGOs and state institutions. The opening of the corridor will directly connect the Turkic space via land routes, strengthen trade and economic cooperation, create new opportunities for humanitarian and cultural projects, and enable regional NGOs to expand their collaboration not only through conferences but also in practical fields. As President Ilham Aliyev stated, the Zangezur Corridor and the large-scale rebuilding of Garabakh and East Zangezur will play a crucial role in advancing development and strengthening cooperation among the Turkic states. The two main panel sessions of the foruma discussion on the Zangezur Corridor and a session on cooperation between Azerbaijani and Kazakh NGOsreflect the strategic direction of the OTS: deepening bilateral formats and gradually integrating them into a unified regional system. President Ilham Aliyevs statement regarding the launch of joint grant competitions for NGOs with OTS member countries in the fields of culture, environmental policy, history, climate, and other areas is essentially an announcement of the transition from discussions to the stage of implementing real joint projects. Such support helps build long-term connections among organizations, creates common operational standards, and stimulates new initiatives. The president also emphasized the importance of joint activities by NGOs of Turkic states within the UN and other international organizations. This enables the Turkic world to form its own voice on the global stage. In the face of global challengesfrom climate crises to humanitarian issuesa coordinated position can provide significant advantages, he noted. The analyst pointed out that strengthening unified platforms for NGOs contributes to increasing international influence, protecting common interests, promoting the Turkic agenda in global institutions, and ensuring consolidation on key issues. The NGO Solidarity Forum of the Turkic states is not just another event. It represents a new stage in Turkic integration, where the role of human connections becomes even more important. President Ilham Aliyevs address sets the strategic directionfrom strengthening public diplomacy to forming a unified public space for the Turkic states. The cooperation established during the days of the Forum will make an important contribution to strengthening solidarity, unity, and multidimensional relations in the Turkic world both today and in the long term, Garayev concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Today marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Brunei Darussalam, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on its X page, Trend reports. "We extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Government and People of Brunei Darussalam," the ministry emphasized. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism and other serious crimes, continued on 24 November, Trend reports. The open court session at the Baku Military Court was held under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov on the panel (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in the language he understands (Russian) as well as a state-funded defence lawyer. Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the panel of judges, the prosecutors upholding the state accusation, the interpreters and others to the victims and legal successors of victims participating in the hearing for the first time, and explained their rights and obligations under the law. The testimonies of the victims were then heard. Responding to inquiries from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, victim Mirhuseyn Salahov said that he, along with Huseyn Mammadov, and several others, was wounded as a result of mortar shell explosion fired by the remnants of the Armenian armed forces, as well as the illegal Armenian armed detachments in Kalbajar district. Answering questions from Nasir Bayramov, head of the Public Prosecution Department of the Prosecutor General's Office, victim Eltuhan Jabiyev stated that he was wounded in the gunfire from the remnants of the Armenian armed forces, and the illegal Armenian armed detachments in Kalbajar. In his testimony, victim Telman Farhadli claimed he was wounded by enemy fire in Kalbajar district. Responding to questions from Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev, the victim added that two more people sustained injuries during the incident. Responding to inquiries from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, victims Islam Masiyev and Mehdi Ahmadov said that they sustained various bodily injuries as a result of an enemy mortar shell explosion in Kalbajar district. Victim Khalil Khasmammadov claimed he, along with two others, was injured as a result of an enemy provocation, with two others died during the incident. Responding to inquiries from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, victim Ariz Mammadov stated that he, along with Nemat Abdullayev and Sadig Gasimli, was injured of the mortar fire from the remnants of the Armenian armed forces and the illegal Armenian armed detachments in the Khalfali village of Shusha district. Victim Elnur Shikhiyev said he was wounded by enemy fire, while driving an ambulance vehicle in Kalbajar district. According to him, despite driving a car with a distinctive insignia, his vehicle still came under the enemy mortar fire. Responding to questions from Assistant to the Prosecutor General for Special Assignments Tugay Rahimli, victims Sadig Aliyev and Musannif Aliyev said that they were wounded as a result of the enemy's provocation in Kalbajar. Answering questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, victim Yagir Sultanov mentioned that he was injured as a result of an enemy mortar shell explosion. Ilyas Babazade reported being injured as a result of an artillery shell explosion in Kalbajar. Nijat Garazade, who was standing next to him during the incident, was also killed. Victim Farid Ibrahimov stated that he sustained various bodily injuries as a result of the explosion of an artillery shell fired by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in Aghdam. Victim Elgun Talibov testified that he was wounded in his right hand as a result of the fire opened by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the direction of Aghdara. Khayal Habibov reported being injured as a result of an explosion of mine planted by the enemy in Lachin. Vugar Hasanov stated that he was wounded by enemy fire in Aghdam. In their testimonies, Mustafa Aghayev, Amrah Abdiyev, Natig Zeynalli, Farid Aliyev, Hidayat Gudratzade, Polad Rahmanov, Zamil Taghiyev, Sanan Aliyev, Famil Abdullayev, Firuddin Namazaliyev, Hakim Hasanov, Omar Musayev, emphasized that they were wounded by enemy fire opened in various directions by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups. The court session continued with the examination of documents and other evidence in the criminal case file. The next court hearing has been scheduled for November 25. Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan). Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who is accused under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious crimes, continued on 24 November, Trend reports. An open court session was held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov on the panel (reserve judge: Gunel Samadova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in the language he understands (Russian) as well as a state-funded defense lawyer. Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the panel of judges, the prosecutors upholding the state accusation, the interpreters, and others to the victims and legal successors of victims who were participating in the hearing for the first time, and explained their rights and obligations as provided for by law. It was then noted that during one of the previous sessions, the accused Ruben Vardanyan had filed a motion objecting to the interpreter Islam Agakarimov, who had previously participated in the preparatory court session. It was stated that Islam Agakarimov had been summoned and was present at todays hearing. Both the accused Ruben Vardanyan and his defense lawyer Emil Babishov requested that the court grant their objection. The next court hearing has been scheduled for 25 November. Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan). Ukraine is now at a critical moment and is working closely with partners to identify steps that could allow us to end Russias war. Ukraine is trying to ensure that the steps, which are coordinated with the United States, include clauses on the release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war from Russia in an all-for-all formula and the full return of all Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "We are now at a critical moment and we are working very closely with the United States, with European partners, with many others, identifying steps that could allow us to end Russias war against us, against Ukraine, and really bring security to everyone," Zelenskyy said during the Fourth Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimean Platform on Monday. According to the president, there is now a lot of noise in the media, as well as political pressure, for what decision Putin wants to make and for legal recognition of what he wants. Zelenskyy stressed the danger of Putin wanting the principle of territorial value and sovereignty not to be fulfilled. "And I want to emphasize one more thing. In the steps that we are coordinating with the United States, we are trying to ensure that there are extremely sensitive points in these documents, including the release of all Ukrainian prisoners from Russia in the formula of "all for all" and the full return of all Ukrainian children abducted by Russia," the president said. He added that these are important steps, but more is needed to truly achieve peace. Ukraine continues to work with partners, especially the United States, seeking a compromise that will strengthen, not weaken it. The president called on the summit participants to support Ukraine, European principles, as well as the decision to transfer frozen Russian assets. "Borders cannot be changed by force. Criminals must not remain irresponsible. They must be held accountable for this war they started. That is why the decision to freeze Russian assets is important," he noted. ZANGILAN, Azerbaijan, November 24. Another group of former IDP (internal displaced persons) families who arrived in Mammadbayli village of the Zangilan district were presented with the keys to their houses today, Trend's regional correspondent reports. After meeting the families who moved to the village, employees of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) shared insights into the dangers posed by mines and unexploded ordnance. The families were advised to stay away from unknown objects and objects, and if they encounter such situations, to inform the relevant agencies. The ceremony of presenting the keys was attended by employees of the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts, the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs, and other officials. The families happily accepted the keys and settled in their homes. Meanwhile, at this stage, 144 people, including 30 families, were relocated to Mammadbayli village. They are families temporarily settled in hostels, sanatoriums, pioneer camps, unfinished buildings, and administrative buildings in various areas of the country. 07:07 xxx BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. The next group of former internally displaced persons is returning to the village of Mamedbeyli in the Zangilan district, Trend reports. At this stage, 30 families (144 people) are returning to Mamedbeyli village. The former IDPs returning to the native village thanked President of the Republic 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 SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, November 24. The First Forum of Think Tanks of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, organized by the Center for Analysis of International Relations (CAIR), is being held in Shusha, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. The forum is attended by heads of leading analytical institutions and researchers from both countries. The main topics of discussion will be prospects for cooperation in the areas of regional security, foreign policy, economic integration, transport and communications, and energy. The forum began with speeches by CAIR Chairman Farid Shafiyev and Polat Safi, Chairman of the Center for Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye. The speeches focused on the importance of further strengthening the institutional foundations and constructive role of the Azerbaijani-Turkish strategic alliance against the backdrop of new realities emerging in the region. Furthermore, speaking at the event, Kadir Temiz, president of the Turkish Center for Middle East Studies (ORSAM), stated that the strategic alliance formed between Ankara and Baku allows for more effective management of processes taking place in the region. Experts note that although both countries are separate states, their interests and policies may differ in various aspects, but the similarity of their strategic vision and basic principles is a fundamental condition of this alliance, and this is a serious signal to other countries about strengthening cooperation, he stressed. According to him, the main directions shaping Turkey's policy in the Middle East should be discussed in coordination with Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation. Three leading directions of Turkey's regional policy deserve special attention. The first is the approach to security and stability issues. The second is diplomatic relations and regional cooperation. The third pillar of Turkiye's Middle East strategy is geo-economic projects covering energy security and transport corridors. The third area plays a particularly important role in the development of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations. The Zangezur Corridor, the Middle Corridor, power lines, and logistics routes are transforming the two countries into a complementary model of cooperation. In addition, the Road of Development project, jointly implemented by Turkey and Iraq, is a transport line that starts in Basra and extends through Turkey to Europe, creating new opportunities for economic integration in the region. If the situation in Syria stabilizes in the future, it may be possible to extend this line. Ultimately, these three main areas of Turkiye's Middle East policysecurity, diplomacy, and geo-economic relationsserve to further deepen the strategic partnership with Azerbaijan. This model not only strengthens the regional influence of the two countries, but also creates new platforms for stability and development in the Middle East and South Caucasus," said Kadir Temiz. Esma Ozdashli, director of the Ismail Gaspirali Institute of Foreign Policy, said that in the context of escalating regional challenges, further strengthening of Azerbaijani-Turkish military cooperation is of particular importance. "Cooperation between Turkiye and Azerbaijan has set an exemplary example not only in the political and economic spheres, but also in the field of security and defense. Relations between the two countries have gone beyond the traditional framework of international good neighborliness, forming principles of friendship and brotherhood. The basis for this idea was laid by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's statement, Azerbaijan's joy is our joy, its sorrow is our sorrow, and the words of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, One nation, two states. Against the backdrop of global tensions, such as in the Middle East, conflicts in Sudan, and the war in Ukraine, the strengthening of Turkiye's defense industry and the development of modern weapon systems have become an important factor for the region. The effective use of Turkish UAVs in many conflict zones has further strengthened Turkiye's global position in this area. One of the main reasons for Turkiye's success in the defense industry is its policy of minimizing external dependence in terms of weapons and military equipment. The embargo and other restrictions imposed after the 1974 operation in Cyprus were a turning point in the strengthening of Turkey's national defense industry," Ozdashli noted. The 1st Shusha Forum is important in terms of strengthening institutional partnerships between Azerbaijani and Turkish think tanks, creating joint scientific and analytical platforms, and coordinating future strategic initiatives. The panel discussion, moderated by Javid Valiyev, was attended by a member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center for Social Studies (STM) Zahid Oruj, Director of the Ismail Gasprinski Institute of Foreign Policy Asma Ozdashli, Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center for Eurasian Studies at Ibn Khaldun University Yashar Sarin, Director of the South Caucasus Research Center Farhad Mammadov, and Director of the Center for Strategic Studies (SAM) Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye Turhan Dilmac. The panel analyzed the prospects for political, economic, humanitarian integration, and institutional cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States. Priority areas for taking integration processes in the Turkic world to a new level and strengthening institutional ties were also discussed. The third session of the First Forum of Azerbaijani-Turkish Think Tanks is currently underway. The session discussed the role of transport, communication, and energy partnerships in Azerbaijani-Turkish relations. The panel was attended by Ramil Huseyn, Deputy Executive Director of the Center for Economic Reform and Communications Analysis, Enes Bayrakli, Vice President of the Turkish Research Foundation, Araz Aslanli, Chairman of the Caucasus Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies, Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of the Baku International Center for Multiculturalism, and Telman Nusretoglu, Head of the Department of History and Archaeology at Khazar University. The session discussed the Zangezur Corridor, the Trans-Caspian route, and relations in the field of energy communications. Regional transport corridors, strategic priorities for energy cooperation, and the contribution of the two countries to global energy security were also discussed. The 1st Shusha Forum is important in terms of strengthening institutional partnerships between Azerbaijani and Turkish think tanks, creating joint scientific and analytical platforms, and coordinating future strategic initiatives. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. The official opening ceremony of the Solidarity Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations of the Member States of the Organization of Turkic-speaking States (OTS) was held at the Gulistan Palace in Baku, Trend reports. The opening ceremony of the forum featured a video reflecting the historical ties, shared values, and close cooperation between the Turkic states, as well as clearly demonstrating the path and prospects for the development of these relations. Then, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, read out President Ilham Aliyev's address to the participants of the Solidarity Forum of NGOs of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States. Hikmet Hajiyev further emphasized that the solidarity of the Turkic countries is growing every day. He recalled that President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said at the inauguration ceremony in the Azerbaijani Parliament: Our family is the Turkic world. The Presidential Aide noted that today, we can say with confidence that the Turkic world is truly our family: This is once again confirmed by the union of non-governmental organizations and civil society institutions of the Turkic world. This family is growing stronger, and our solidarity is growing every day. He recalled that there are formats for cooperation between the official structures of the Turkic states in various areas, in 34 areas. " However, until now, there has been no special format for uniting non-governmental organizations. Therefore, today we can note with great joy that non-governmental organizations and civil society institutions, which are an important link and driving force in interpersonal relations, have united for the first time and laid the foundation for this new format of cooperation," Hajiyev emphasized. Executive Director of the Agency for State Support of Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Aygun Aliyeva, announced in her speech that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan will announce a joint grant competition for NGOs. Today, thanks to personal relations, mutual trust, and the political will of the heads of state, close ties between the Turkic states have reached the highest level. Our common values, goals, and history not only unite us but also strengthen us, Aliyeva said. She noted that the glorious victory achieved in the Patriotic War is a victory not only for Azerbaijan but for the entire Turkic world. The Zangezur corridor, which will become a reality in the coming years, will serve as a bridge for the Turkic peoples: "The path to Turkic unity depends not only on the will of states, but also on the relations between peoples and civil society. In this regard, our Agency attaches great importance to ties with similar organizations in the direction of cooperation with Turkic states. The agency has already signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Civil Society and Bar Association of Turkiye, the National Assembly of Uzbekistan, the parliamentary commission, and the Ascension Foundation. Final preparations are currently underway for the announcement of a joint grant competition with Uzbekistan. The head of the Baku office of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), Hayrettin Celik, said that TIKA has signed about 2,000 projects for sustainable cooperation. He noted that since its establishment, TIKA has implemented more than 30,000 projects and activities in more than 170 countries around the world. The organization's mission has always been to support the economic, social, and humanitarian development of countries within the framework of Turkey's international cooperation, as well as to implement sustainable projects and initiatives that will preserve and pass on our common historical and cultural heritage to the future: In line with this mission, our Baku office, one of TIKA's first offices, has signed around 2,000 projects for sustainable cooperation. We are developing fraternal relations with the Turkic republics in various fields: from education to healthcare, from capacity building to the preservation of historical heritage. We want to continue to discover our common heritage and share modern experiences, acting with the understanding that civil society is one of the main pillars of modern states. Guests participating in this event will also share their experiences in the field of civil society, and our friendship will be further strengthened." More than 500 representatives of civil society from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are participating in the forum. This is the largest event organized by the Agency for State Support of NGOs. The event concluded with an artistic and cultural program in Baku, and the forum will continue its work in Nakhchivan. It is expected that a platform for NGOs from OTS member countries will be created here. The platform will be headed by Azerbaijan and will bring together NGOs from eight countries. Forum participants will be invited to the 13th World Forum of Cities, which will be held in Azerbaijan in 2026, and a joint statement will be adopted at the end of the event. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Today, the close relations among Turkic states have reached their highest level thanks to the personal ties of their leaders, mutual trust, and political will. Our shared history and values, along with common goals, not only unite us but also strengthen our cooperation, said Aygun Aliyeva, Executive Director of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Trend reports. In her speech at the official opening of the Solidarity Forum of NGOs from countries that are members of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Aliyeva noted that the glorious victory in the Patriotic War is not only Azerbaijans triumph but also a victory for the entire Turkic world. She added that the Zangezur Corridor, which will become a reality in the coming years, will serve as a living bridge for Turkic peoples. The path to Turkic unity depends not only on the will of states but also on the relationships between peoples and civil societies. In this regard, our Agency places great importance on cooperation with analogous institutions in other Turkic states. A memorandum of cooperation has already been signed with Turkiyes civil society and bar associations, as well as with Uzbekistans National Assembly, parliamentary commission, and the Yuksalish Fund. Currently, final preparations are underway to announce a joint grant competition with Uzbekistan, she said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. A delegation led by Azerbaijani Justice Minister Farid Ahmadov attended the second International Justice Conference held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Trend reports, via the ministry. Minister Ahmadov met with Saudi Arabias Minister of Justice, Walid bin Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Samni, during the conference. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the development of friendly and cooperative relations between the countries across all fields, particularly in law and justice, emphasizing the importance of expanding mutual visits and experience exchange. In the framework of the meeting, the two countries signed a Judicial Cooperation Program aimed at strengthening institutional ties in the justice sector. The program covers areas including registration, notarial services, organization of meetings in other judicial institutions, study of best practices, joint events between educational institutions, and other initiatives. The conference, held from November 23-24, brought together high-ranking officials, representatives of international organizations, experts, and scholars from over forty countries. Discussions focused on the future of technology in justice and court systems, digital transformation, artificial intelligence applications, modern legislative approaches, improvements in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and other pressing topics. Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia have created a framework for judicial cooperation through multiple agreements rather than a single treaty. Key documents include a "Program for Judicial Cooperation" signed in July 2019, a "Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the Ministries of Justice" from early 2019, and a "Memorandum of Understanding on preventing and combating corruption" signed in November 2023. These agreements are part of a larger framework comprising twenty-two cooperation documents, facilitating legal collaboration and crime-fighting efforts between the two countries within existing bilateral and international frameworks. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. The Azerbaijani population returning to the districts of Khankendi, Aghdara, and Khojaly has now surpassed 23,000, said Sabuhi Gahramanov, Deputy to the Special Representative of the President in Khankendi, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts, Trends Karabakh bureau reports. Speaking in Khankendi, during an event at Garabagh University held within the Mobile Youth Service project dedicated to the Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty on November 24, Gahramanov noted that reconstruction continues across multiple settlements, reshaping the area at a rapid pace. He described how restoration in the liberated territories is moving ahead swiftly. Major infrastructure is taking shape, new highways and rail lines, airport facilities, electricity grids, and water systems, all forming the foundations of renewed life in the region. The official noted that government-backed social and economic support programs are already creating new jobs, boosting entrepreneurship and strengthening local livelihoods. Talking about the role of youth, Gahramanov stressed that active civic participation and quality education are vital to long-term national development. In this context, he highlighted the growing importance of Karabakh University, which now educates more than 2,000 students engaged in diverse social and innovation projects. Moreover, it was underlined that ensuring sustainable development in the region and supporting the return of residents to their native lands remain among the states highest priorities. The event was described as a key step in empowering local youth and shaping future social initiatives in Karabakh. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. An event was held in Brazil to mark the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan's glorious Victory in the 44-day Second Karabakh War, Trend reports via the State Committee on Work with Diaspora. The event, held with the committee's support and organized by Brazilian journalist Fabiana Jeyhan, began with the playing of the national anthems of both countries and a minute of silence in memory of Azerbaijani martyrs. The congratulatory message addressed to the participants of the event by the Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, Fuad Muradov, on the occasion of the glorious Victory, was brought to the attention of the audience. Then, the head of the department at the committee, Salhat Abbasova, made a speech. She emphasized that the victory achieved by the brave Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev is a symbol of peace, justice, and solidarity. The official briefed on the support provided by the committee to the activities of Azerbaijanis living in different countries of the world, the projects implemented to strengthen friendly relations, and promote Azerbaijani national and cultural heritage. She expressed her gratitude to Brazilian journalists and active public representatives for their participation in the event. Jeyhan stressed in her speech that she was the first Latin American media representative to visit the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. She spoke about the large-scale reconstruction work carried out in those lands. Rafig Rustamov, an employee of the Embassy of Azerbaijan, pointed out the importance of holding such a meeting dedicated to the glorious Victory in Brazil. Brazilian political analyst Joa Zimmer Xavier drew attention to the historical significance of the liberation of the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, Shusha. He emphasized that this Victory put an end to the long-standing conflict. The film "Iron Fist", dedicated to the memory of the 2nd Karabakh War heroes, as well as videos on the richness of Azerbaijani culture, were screened at the event. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Azerbaijan was elected as a member of UNESCOs World Heritage Committee (WHC) for the 20252029 term during the 25th session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the 1972 Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage held in Paris on November 24, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend. The ministry confirmed the election, noting that Azerbaijan secured the seat allocated for the Eastern Europe region amid fierce competition with five other countries. In the first round of voting, Azerbaijan received the support of 92 out of 160 participating countries, successfully joining the Committee. Comprising 21 member states, the WHC is the main executive body overseeing the implementation of UNESCOs World Heritage Convention. Its primary responsibilities include forming the UNESCO World Heritage List and recognizing, protecting, and ensuring the transmission of culturally and naturally significant heritage to future generations. The Committee also determines the allocation of the World Heritage Fund and provides financial support for projects upon member requests. This support spans a wide range of activities, including conservation work, preparation of management plans, emergency response, and strengthening the capacity of relevant institutions. Azerbaijan previously served on the Committee from 2015 through 2019, contributing significantly to its activities, and hosted the 43rd session of the Committee in July 2019. The election success is a reflection of Azerbaijan's increasing regional and worldwide prominence in protecting cultural treasures. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. During the meeting between Azerbaijans Minister of Justice, Farid Ahmadov, and his counterpart from the Sultanate of Oman, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Alsaidi, on the former's official visit to Saudi Arabia, the sides focused on expanding the use of information and communication technologies in the judiciary, enhancing legal assistance, extradition, and the transfer of convicted persons, Trend reports via the Ministry of Justice. It was underscored that amplifying reciprocal engagements and sharing best practices would enhance the legal synergies between the two nations. Within the framework of the meeting, the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Fields of Justice and Law. The agreement, which envisages extensive experience exchange across multiple areas, is expected to bring mutual benefits and contribute to the development of bilateral collaboration. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. On 24 November, a meeting with the leadership of the Defense Institution Building School (DIBS) of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia was held at the Military Management Institute of the Azerbaijan National Defense University, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense said in a statement, Trend reports. The objective of the meeting was to interact with education experts within the Defense and Security Strategic Program between the Azerbaijani and Georgian Defense Ministries, as well as to familiarize the delegation with Azerbaijans security and defense policy. The Georgian delegation was briefed on the Institutes history, mission, academic structure, study programs, and educational fields, after which the parties discussed matters of mutual interest. Then an educational tour was organized for the representatives to familiarize them with the educational opportunities, and information was given about the reforms and innovations implemented in the field of military education in the Azerbaijan Army. Ultimately, the parties engaged in a reciprocal exchange of gifts of appreciation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Costa to Zelenskyy: a unified and coordinated EU position is key to a successful outcome of peace talks for Ukraine and Europe Photo: https://x.com/antoniocostapm European Council President Antonio Costa has discussed the situation regarding peace efforts with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of an informal meeting of EU leaders. "I spoke with Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of todays informal meeting of EU leaders on peace efforts in Ukraine to get his assessment of the situation," Costa said on X. He said that "a unified and coordinated EU position is key to ensuring a successful outcome of the peace talks - both for Ukraine and for Europe." BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. An event dedicated to Azerbaijans traditions of multiculturalism and tolerance was held at the Jewish Museum of Florida International University in Miami, U.S., the Azerbaijani State Committee on Work with Diaspora told Trend. The event was organized by U.S. musician, composer, and writer Ella Leya, who was born in Azerbaijan. Salhat Abbasova, head of a department at the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, noted in her speech that the peace-loving people of Azerbaijan have a long history and rich culture, and that numerous ethnic groups live together in the country on equal terms. She emphasized that the committee consistently supports the active participation of Azerbaijanis in the social and cultural life of the countries where they reside, as well as in Azerbaijan itself, strengthening the committees role as a bridge between different cultures. She also spoke about the glorious history of the nations victory and the unity demonstrated along the way. The event initiator, Ella Leya, author and producer of the film Leylas Violin, author of the book Lonely Sky, and musician whose works have been featured in several Hollywood films, expressed her love for Azerbaijan and shared her childhood and youth memories related to Baku with the participants. She spoke about the filming of Leylas Violin in Guba and Baku, which won an award at a film festival in Monaco. Sabina Rakcheyeva, the first Azerbaijani violinist admitted to the Juilliard School, a cultural ambassador, and a researcher who has performed in over 40 countries, highlighted the unifying role of music in building intercultural bridges. She spoke about the rich cultural heritage of her homeland, Azerbaijan, performing not only Azerbaijani compositions but also pieces by Mountain Jews living in the country. Tohfa Eminova, head of the American Azerbaijani Cultural Association, provided participants with information about the activities of the Azerbaijani community in Florida. Professor Tudor Parfitt of Florida International University shared facts and insights about the traditions of coexistence in Azerbaijan. Boaz Levi, who oversees the Jewish Museums educational, research, and collaborative initiatives, expressed significant appreciation for the opportunities generated by this event to enhance the visibility of Azerbaijan. Susan Gladstone Pasternack, the museums executive director, said that she had learned new information about Azerbaijan at the event and that such meetings are very beneficial for the U.S. public. Following the speeches, the film Leylas Violin was screened, and questions from the audience were answered. Discussions on Azerbaijans traditions of multiculturalism and tolerance continued the following day at Miami University. Ella Leya and the universitys professor of religious studies, Henry Green, gave lectures to students on Azerbaijan, its socio-cultural life, and its multicultural traditions. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. In accordance with the 2025 training plan, a series of events dedicated to the Year of Constitution and Sovereignty were held in the Azerbaijan Naval Forces, the Ministry of Defense told Trend. At the events, the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, was honored with a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed. The speakers discussed the significance of the decree dated 28 December 2024 signed by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, declaring 2025 as the Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty in Azerbaijan. It was emphasized that this decree holds major legal, political, and social importance and plays a decisive role in the development of the country. During the series of events, speakers also highlighted the historic victory achieved by the Azerbaijan Army in the 44-day Patriotic War under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the invaluable role of Azerbaijani people in the victory, and the bravery of heroic sons. It was affirmed that the martyrs memory will remain eternal. It was emphasized that the reconstruction and restoration works undertaken in the liberated territories, along with the Great Return, demonstrate the value our state and people attach to the lands of the Motherland. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Latvian Minister of Economics, Viktors Valainis, is heading a delegation comprising nearly 20 Latvian companies and business organizations on an official working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 23 to 26, aimed at enhancing bilateral economic cooperation, Trend reports via Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA). The mission includes several high-level meetings and a strong focus on building business partnerships across key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, information and communication technologies, artificial intelligence, smart energy, logistics, and construction. On Monday, November 24, in Dubai, Minister Valainis will meet with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The agenda also includes the third session of the LatviaUAE Joint Economic Committee, a roundtable discussion between Latvian and Emirati businesses, and dedicated networking events. On Tuesday, November 25, in Abu Dhabi, the delegation will participate in the LatviaUAE Business Forum. A key part of the visit will be Valainiss meetings with major international investment funds Mubadala and ADQ. In parallel, Latvian business representatives will visit AD Ports Group, a major operator in ports, logistics, free economic zones, and maritime trade infrastructure. Minister Valainis emphasized that Latvia has set an ambitious goal: to double foreign investment into company equity by 2029 and attract an additional 1.5 billion euros to the national economy. He noted that ongoing EUUAE free trade negotiations also create favorable conditions for deeper cooperation. According to Valainis, the meetings aim to identify sectors and project scales where international funds are ready to invest, such as energy, infrastructure, and food security. Mubadala manages approximately 233 billion euros in assets, with a portfolio spanning energy, defense, healthcare, technology, telecommunications, logistics, real estate, and infrastructure. The fund has a strong investment record in Europe, including large-scale renewable energy investments in Rezolv Energy and backing multiple European tech startups such as Klarna, Revolut, Glovo, and FirstVet. ADQ manages between 150200 billion euros in assets and holds major stakes in companies such as TAQA Abu Dhabi National Energy Company and AD Ports Group. Its investment focus includes infrastructure, mobility, food, and healthcare. ADQ has been expanding internationally, including a notable 4.6 billion investment agreement with the French Ministry of Economy and Finance in 2021. LIAA Director Ieva Jagere highlighted that cooperation with the Middle East requires time and patience, not only due to geographical distance but also because of differing business cultures. Personal relationships and an understanding of local market needs are highly valued in the UAE, she noted. Jagere added that Latvian companies are already taking part in UAE digital procurement opportunities, and early steps show promising potential. The first UAE investment in Latvia arrived in 2024 with the opening of the Golden Field Factory LV protein production facility in the Liepaja Karosta Industrial Park, an investment of approximately 16 million euros. More facilities are planned in other Latvian cities. Latvian biomedical startup Longenesis has also supported the UAEs national genome initiative and, in 2024, won Dubais Supernova Challenge 2.0, securing a $100,000 prize. Latvia and the UAE mark 30 years of diplomatic relations this year. The first session of the LatviaUAE Joint Economic Committee took place in December 2019. According to the Central Statistical Bureau, Latvias exports to the UAE reached 78.97 million euros in 2025, compared to 97.42 million euros in 2024. Imports totaled 5.89 million euros this year and 24.94 million euros last year. Key Latvian export categories include electrical equipment and components, grains, furniture, toys, sporting goods, optical devices, photographic and cinematographic equipment, precision instruments, and medical and surgical devices. The delegation includes representatives from 3D Engineering, AJ Power, Aluksnes Putnu fabrika, AmCraft, Asya, BSC Group, GP Systems, HMP Group, IT Camp, LAMOD, the Employers Confederation of Latvia, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Primekss, the Freeport of Riga Authority, SKYPARK, SUBmerge Baltic, Tilde, and VOZOROM. The trade mission is organized by the Ministry of Economics and LIAA in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of State for Foreign Trade and is supported by the European Regional Development Fund. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Estonia is deepening its strategic defense cooperation with Israel as part of its broader effort to strengthen national security, modernize its armed forces, and expand partnerships beyond the transatlantic community, the spokesperson of the Estonian Ministry of Defence told Trend. According to the Ministry of Defence, Estonia views Israel as a technologically advanced and like-minded partner whose experience in building a capable defense force with a limited population and territory offers valuable insights for Estonias long-term security planning. Officials noted that both countries share similar characteristics as agile, highly prepared nations, making cooperation mutually beneficial. In recent years, Estonia has acquired several advanced weapons systems from Israel, including machine guns, naval and anti-tank missiles, and loitering munitions. The Ministry emphasized that these systems have made a measurable contribution to strengthening Estonias defense readiness and improving the overall effectiveness of its armed forces. The spokesperson described these capabilities as high-quality, reliable, and fully integrated into Estonias modern defense posture. Beyond existing procurements, Estonia and Israel are actively exploring new opportunities for cooperation between their defense industries. While discussions remain at an early stage, both sides see strong potential for joint development programs and technological collaboration. Ministry officials underlined that these prospects still require detailed assessment before concrete announcements can be made. Estonia considers its partnership with Israel an important component of its broader strategy to diversify defense cooperation globally. As a NATO Ally and European Union member, Estonia seeks to strengthen ties not only within Europe and North America but also with capable partners worldwide. According to the Ministry, cooperation with Israel supports this objective by expanding Estonias access to advanced technologies, industry expertise, and operational experience. Estonian officials stressed that the country will continue developing its defense capabilities through a combination of strategic partnerships, modern equipment procurement, and integration of new technologies. Collaboration with Israel is expected to remain a meaningful element of this long-term approach. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Sustainable infrastructure and digital innovation are becoming key pillars in the next stage of cooperation between Germany and Turkmenistan, Regional Director for Central Asia at the German Eastern Business Association (OA) Vladimir Nikitenko told Trend. "The Turkmen government has made modernization of energy, water, and logistics systems a national priorityprecisely the areas where German technology providers have a strong competitive advantage," Nikitenko said. He pointed to potential areas of collaboration such as smart grids, industrial automation, and water management systems. "These projects support Turkmenistans climate adaptation goals while creating long-term demand for German engineering and digital expertise," Nikitenko added. He noted that several German companies, including Siemens Energy, Siemens Healthineers, and BASF, are already providing support to modernization efforts in Turkmenistan. "Siemens Energy contributes to energy-sector modernization, Siemens Healthineers provides advanced digital medical technology and training, while BASF supports innovation in the chemical industry with a focus on sustainability and process optimization," he concluded. To note, the initiation of Turkmenistan's structured digital transformation was marked by the ratification and execution of the multi-tiered "Framework for the Advancement of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for the period 20192025" in 2019. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Central Asian countries continue to strengthen their economic and transport links, with these processes reaching a new level in 2025. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan hold a special position in the regional economy due to their geographic location and significant energy resources. This makes their interaction a vital element of international routes and fuel supplies. Against this backdrop, the upcoming visit of Turkmenistans President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Kazakhstan, scheduled for November 2425, 2025, is an anticipated event for both sides. The preparations for the current phase of cooperation did not begin recently. It is crucial to highlight the discussions that took place on August 9, 2024, in Astana, when Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Kazakhstan to attend the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States. Kazakh-Turkmen relations are progressing smoothly and are fully aligned with the strategic partnership framework. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan remarked, "The governments are working to increase the volume of mutual trade to $1 billion." These comments underscored the intention to further expand economic cooperation and highlighted the favorable conditions for both nations to achieve such ambitious targets. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also reiterated Turkmenistan's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. He stated, "Turkmenistan places significant emphasis on its cooperation with Kazakhstan. An active political dialogue has been established between our countries, and our collaboration in trade, economic, and cultural-humanitarian sectors is steadily developing." These remarks set the foundation for future agreements and reaffirmed the willingness of both sides to deepen their engagement. Recent economic data offers a clearer picture of current trends. From January through May 2025, trade turnover between the two countries fell to $197.3 million, marking a decline from the previous year. However, Kazakhstans exports to Turkmenistan experienced a notable increase, reaching $119.7 million. This divergence in trade dynamics can be attributed to Kazakhstans expanded export of processed goods, such as sunflower oil, flour, and chemical industry products, which highlights the potential for further growth and development in the trade sector. Simultaneously, from 2005 through 2025, the inflow of Turkmen investment into Kazakhstan amounted to $24.1 million, while Kazakh investments in Turkmenistan reached $117 million. These figures are explained by the need for sufficient guarantees for businesses. Therefore, the ratification of the Agreement on Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments in 2025 was an important step. This document protects investors' rights and allows for planning long-term projects with reduced risks. Energy remains one of the key topics in bilateral cooperation. Turkmen gas plays an important role in supplying southern Kazakhstan. The cost of Turkmen gas imports grew to $148.7 million in 2024, demonstrating how essential it has become as a source. Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan is showing interest in participating in the third phase of development of the major Turkmen Galkynysh field. Negotiations between QazaqGaz and Turkmengaz signal a desire for closer interaction and joint work on developing gas infrastructure. The energy cooperation of all countries in the region also affects the load on the Kazakh gas transportation system. Kazakhstan ensures the transit of Russian gas to Uzbekistan, and in 2025, the volume of such supplies may reach 7.3 billion cubic meters. Simultaneously, the same infrastructure continues to transit Turkmen and Uzbek gas to China, as well as the import of Turkmen gas to cover the needs of Kazakhstan's southern regions. This creates a high load on the existing pipelines. Without modernization, competition could arise between transit flows and domestic consumption, especially during the winter period. Therefore, discussing the renewal of the gas transportation system remains a significant part of negotiations among Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and other partners. The transport sector as a whole remains an important area of cooperation. The Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway route, which is part of the international North-South corridor, is showing gradual growth. However, current transportation volumes are behind the ambitious goal of increasing transit through Turkmenistan and Iran to 20 million tons per year. Achieving such figures requires additional investment and modernization of existing infrastructure. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), which runs through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and on to Europe, plays an important role here. The projected figure of 96,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) for 2025 represents the volume of containers to be transported along this route. While this reflects growth, there is still room for improvement given the corridor's potential. To increase volumes, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan need to develop Caspian port infrastructure, including expanding terminal capacity and improving logistics. These factors will determine the route's competitiveness and future development. Against the backdrop of all these factors, the upcoming visit of Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Astana will be an important stage for clarifying plans. The parties may agree on new measures for developing energy, transport corridors, and investment policy. The results of the visit could determine how quickly the countries can move from discussions to the implementation of specific projects and strengthen their long-term cooperation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Countries in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) could significantly raise economic growth and create millions of new jobs by improving productivity, the World Bank said, Trend reports. In its new report, TIDES of Change: Igniting Productivity Growth in Europe and Central Asia, the World Bank argues that simply adding more capital or labor is not enough to drive growth. Productivity how efficiently resources are used - is the key driver, the report finds. A 10% rise in productivity across the region could generate nearly 2 million jobs, highlighting the strong link between efficiency and employment, according to the report. The report traces the regions post-2008 growth slowdown mainly to falling productivity, alongside weak reforms, high shares of less efficient state-owned enterprises, limited global integration, and low firm capabilities. It notes that without productivity improvements, returns on new capital investments are lower than in the past. If competition is robust, firms can access technology and finance, trade and investment are open, and workers have the skills to adopt technologies, productivity rises, said Asad Alam, World Bank Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. Firms grow, employ more people, and show greater business dynamism. This propels incomes and national success. The report highlights that the regions most productive firms are exporters, which, though few in number, disproportionately contribute to jobs, investment, and value added. On average, ECA countries trade 45% less than their potential, indicating untapped opportunities in trade integration and foreign direct investment. The World Bank calls for renewed reform momentum across trade, investment, digitalization, efficiency, and skills - collectively referred to as TIDES - to unlock the regions potential. Governments play a crucial role by embedding productivity into national plans and budgets, promoting competition, ensuring transparency in public procurement, and monitoring reform progress. The findings draw on more than 40 million firm-level observations from 16 countries between 2008 and 2023, offering new insights into productivity trends and bottlenecks. With targeted reforms and commitment from policymakers and business leaders, ECA countries could regain growth momentum and transform their economic prospects, the report concludes. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. At the end of November, Tashkent will once again take center stage in Eurasian politics. On November 26, 2025, Uzbekistan will host the Third EU-Central Asia Economic Forum, a key platform for discussing the future of cooperation between the European Union and the countries of the region. Attention to Central Asia today is unprecedented. Over the past year, Tashkent, Astana, and other regional capitals have regularly hosted major summits, ranging from EU-Central Asia to China-Central Asia, while the U.S.-Central Asia format has even reached the level of a high-profile meeting in Washington. Amid this diplomatic activity, one detail stands out: no transit, logistics, or energy project in Eurasia can be fully implemented without Azerbaijan. Baku is not merely a part of the connectivity architecture - it has become its central supporting pillar. For European, American, or Chinese projects aimed at improving transport corridors, Azerbaijan is not optional - it is central. Today, Baku is Central Asias gateway to Europe and simultaneously Europes key access point to East Asian markets. That is why the upcoming EU-Central Asia Forum provides a timely opportunity to openly acknowledge that any discussion of regional projects, supply chains, or new routes is meaningless if it excludes Azerbaijan. A recent milestone underlines this reality: Azerbaijans full inclusion in the Central Asian consultative format. The region has long ceased to be limited to just five countries, and Bakus participation underscores that no transit, logistics, or energy project in Eurasia can succeed today without Azerbaijan. As Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted, Azerbaijan will make a "substantial contribution to strengthening interregional cooperation", while Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that with Baku involved, "the regions voice will become even more significant" on the global stage. The Third EU-Central Asia Economic Forum in Tashkent will bring together representatives from the EU, the regions governments, the private sector, international financial institutions, and organizations. Key topics include improving the business climate, expanding trade, fostering regional integration, developing value chains, and strengthening skills. The following day, the Trans-Caspian Investor Forum will take place - another clear signal that the EU is betting on the Middle Corridor. Under the Global Gateway initiative, the EU is already channeling a 12 billion euro investment package into Central Asia, 10 billion euros of which is earmarked for the development of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor. Meanwhile, China is actively deepening its engagement in the region. At the ChinaCentral Asia Summit in June, Chinese President Xi Jinping confirmed plans to provide around $210 million in financial assistance, part of which will support infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. Azerbaijan is among the projects largest investors, ranking second only to China in terms of investment volume. The U.S.-Central Asia Summit, held on November 6 in Washington, also focused on trade and transport links. There, U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted Azerbaijans pivotal role in the TRIPP project (The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity): "This is a new road passing through some of the most significant places in the world. It will boost commercial activity across the Caspian and give a powerful impetus to the development of Central Asian countries". The Zangezur Corridor, or TRIPP, is already seen as a new infrastructural artery of the Middle Corridor. Over the past two years, freight volumes along the route have increased by nearly 90%. This growth has been made possible by Azerbaijans transport capacity: the largest Caspian fleet, a network of international airports, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway all make the country indispensable for Eurasian logistics. Given that the EU is already investing 10 billion euros in developing the same route, it is clear that TRIPP is not only a U.S. interest but also a strategic necessity for Europe. At the same time, renewable energy initiatives are advancing. In November 2024, during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed a strategic partnership agreement for the production and transmission of green energy. The Central Asia-Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor project is being promoted with support from the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Azerbaijans Energy Minister, Parviz Shahbazov, recently stated that intensive work is underway to ensure the delivery of 4 out of 6 GW of renewable energy produced in Azerbaijan through the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe corridor by 2032. He emphasized that the Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Europe and Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkiye-Bulgaria projects could serve as a bridge between Central Asia and Europe, forming a unified green energy platform from Asia to the EU. Integrating fiber-optic systems into these routes further amplifies the impact: this is no longer just about energy, but also about digital and transport connectivity, further increasing Azerbaijans strategic importance. Today, as the worlds major powers hold parallel summits with Central Asia, a clear picture emerges: the space between the Caspian and the Tien Shan is gradually becoming one of the key nodes of global connectivity. Yet no one in Brussels, Beijing, or Washington can afford to ignore the point where all these routes converge - Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev's consistent strategy has turned Baku into a central hub of the Eurasian architecture, whether in transport, energy, or communications. Thanks to this policy, Azerbaijan has become not only a reliable partner for Central Asian countries but also a key operator of the routes through which the region reaches Europe. Ahead of the Third EU-Central Asia Economic Forum, Brussels faces a moment of truth: Central Asia cannot be considered in isolation from Azerbaijan. No route, energy corridor, or green project in the region can be sustainable without passing through Baku. If the EU truly intends to strengthen its partnership with Central Asia, it must recognize Azerbaijans pivotal role in all regional projects. Without it, the picture is incomplete and the strategy unworkable. Today, no one in Eurasia doubts that Azerbaijan plays a central, system-shaping role in regional initiatives. Its time for Europe to see this clearly as well. Iran maps out investment path for Ardabil Province's economic rise Ardabil Province needs over $500 million in investments by 2029. Authorities plan to offer 304 projects worth 2.5 quadrillion rials ($4.12 billion) to investors. The goal is to achieve 23% non-oil growth, 13% mining growth, and 8% sectoral growth in industry, tourism, and agriculture. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Iran's non-oil exports to Tajikistan elevate in 7M2025 Irans non-oil exports to Tajikistan jumped over 40 percent in value and volume in the first seven months of the current Iranian year. Exports reached $225 million and 366,000 tons, led by petrochemical, steel, and food products. Total bilateral trade escalated to $275 million, encompassing a volume of 392,000 tons. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Sweden has no plans to change its position and will not recognize Russias illegal annexation of occupied Ukrainian territories, Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard has said. Let me be clear: Sweden does not recognize Russias illegal annexation of Crimea or any other part of Ukraine. We will not reward aggression, Stenergard said, commenting on the status of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia, The Guardian reports. She stressed that Sweden would continue to support Ukraine and demand a just peace. "Since Russia has not changed its position, Sweden and the EU have not changed theirs either. Our position remains unchanged: in order to achieve a just and lasting peace, borders cannot be changed by force. There can be no restrictions on the armed forces of Ukraine that would provoke further Russian aggression, and there can be no restrictions on the full sovereign rights of the Ukrainian people to choose their own path, which includes the path to EU membership. An agreement that includes these basic elements, that truly respects Ukraines sovereignty and has the support of its people, ... will also have our support. But as long as Russian aggression continues, Sweden has a clear two-point plan to strengthen Ukraine and weaken Russia. You can count on our support," Stenergard said. Iran's product imports from Tajikistan hike in 7M2025 Irans imports from Tajikistan rose by 11.6 percent in value and 37.8 percent in volume in the first seven months of the current Iranian year. Shipments reached 26,000 tons worth $49.4 million, mainly consisting of cotton, silk fabric, and equipment. Overall non-oil trade between the two countries climbed to $275 million and 392,000 tons year on year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 24. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has arrived in Kazakhstan on a state visit, Trend reports via Akorda. During the visit, scheduled for November 2425, President Berdimuhamedov will hold bilateral talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. A package of bilateral documents is expected to be signed following the negotiations. The visit is taking place at the invitation of President Tokayev and is aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. High-level talks will focus on implementing the "Comprehensive Program for Strengthening Friendship and Deepening the Multifaceted Strategic Partnership for 20252027", signed last year in Ashgabat. The "Comprehensive Program for Strengthening Friendship and Deepening the Multifaceted Strategic Partnership for 20252027," signed between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in October 2024, aims to enhance cooperation across various sectors over three years. Key focuses include boosting bilateral trade to reach $1 billion, improving transport and logistics, and developing energy collaboration in the gas industry. The program also encompasses agreements in media, education, sports, and maritime activities, ultimately intended to foster significant projects that strengthen the nations' friendly relations. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Italys CESI S.p.A. has been selected as the winner of the international tender to whip up a feasibility study of the Central Asia-Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor project, Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy. The company will act as a consultant to Green Corridor Alliance LLC and will carry out the first phase of the projects feasibility study. ESI S.p.A. is a global company with nearly 70 years of experience in technical consulting and engineering within the energy sector. Founded in Milan in 1956, the company operates in more than 70 countries across four continents. It specializes in energy system research, integration of renewable energy sources, management of energy assets, and the design of electrical interconnections between energy systems. Its main clients include major energy companies, transmission system operators, and international financial institutions. The company is also preparing the feasibility study for the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor project. Last year, during COP29, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed an Intergovernmental Agreement on Strategic Partnership for the development and transmission of green energy, with the participation of the presidents of the three countries. To support the implementation of this agreement, Green Corridor Alliance LLC was established. The Central Asia-Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor aims to connect the electricity grids of Central Asian countries with Azerbaijan and onward to Europe, facilitating the export of renewable energy. Key objectives include regional grid integration, economic and geopolitical benefits for Azerbaijan, and enhanced energy security. The project involves establishing a joint venture, conducting a feasibility study, and developing infrastructure, such as submarine cables. It is part of Azerbaijan's strategy to establish a unified geopolitical space and diversify energy sources while promoting environmental sustainability and economic development. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Serbias State Secretary Damjan Jovic met with Swiss National Council members Andreas Glarner and Christian Imark to discuss new opportunities for economic cooperation, particularly in technology, science, and education, Trend reports via the Serbian Foreign Ministry. The commitment to continue activities aimed at strengthening bilateral relations in all areas of common interest including interparliamentary cooperation was reaffirmed. With next year marking the 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the parties discussed opportunities to intensify political dialogue. Given the presence of numerous Swiss companies in Serbia and Switzerlands confirmed participation in the Specialized Expo 2027, the discussions also touched upon prospects for strengthening economic ties between the two countries, particularly in the fields of new technologies, science, and education. State Secretary Jovic briefed his counterparts on the current situation and the difficult circumstances faced by the Serbian people and the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and Metohija, expressing gratitude for the engagement of the Swiss contingent within KFOR. The meeting was attended by Serbias Ambassador to Switzerland, Ivan Trifunovic, and the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Serbia, Anne Lugon-Moulin. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 24. Kazakhstans SCAT Airlines is launching direct flights from Turkistans Hazret Sultan International Airport (HSA) to three major cities in UzbekistanUrgench, Bukhara, and Samarkand, Trend reports via Uzbekistan Airways. Flights on the TurkistanUrgenchTurkistan route are scheduled to begin on December 1, 2025, operating on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays. Direct flights on the TurkistanBukharaTurkistan route will start from December 2, with services available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Regular flights on the TurkistanSamarkandTurkistan route are planned from December 3, operating on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. SCAT Airlines (Special Cargo Air Transport) is a Kazakhstan-based airline headquartered in Shymkent. Established in 1997, the carrier operates both passenger and cargo services and has expanded its network across Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Azerbaijan today stands as a leading force in both regional and global energy markets, using its substantial natural gas reserves to fully meet domestic demand and strengthen Europes energy security. Current assessments of the Caspian Seas gas potential further reinforce the countrys long-term energy strategy. Currently, Azerbaijan meets its entire domestic consumption through indigenous production, while also serving as a reliable energy supplier to several European nations. The countrys confirmed natural gas reserves are estimated at 2.6 trillion cubic meters, although experts suggest that the actual reserves could be even greater. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the discovery of the Umid gas-condensate field, one of Azerbaijan's most significant energy assets. The Umid structure underscores the untapped potential of deep and geologically complex zones in the Caspian Sea, reinforcing expert predictions that the countrys total gas reserves may exceed the currently confirmed figure of 2.6 trillion cubic meters. The Umid field is the first major discovery fully implemented by SOCAR (State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan) using its own capabilities. This reflects the growing strength of national expertise and demonstrates that Azerbaijan is now capable of independently exploring and developing its own hydrocarbon resources. As a new and stable gas source, Umid is expected to increase production in the coming years, potentially enabling higher volumes for the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) after its initial mention. A few years ago, full-scale development of the Umid field began. On January 12, 2017, a new agreement was signed covering the exploration and development of the offshore block that includes the Umid field and the Babek prospective structure. Under this agreement, the Umid Babek Operating Company (UBOC) was established as the operator. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. South Korea has opened a Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) office in Georgia, marking a new phase in bilateral economic cooperation, the Georgian Ministry of Economy said, Trend reports. Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Tamar Ioseliani, speaking at the inauguration, said the office will help strengthen trade and investment links between the two countries. Georgia offers a stable investment environment, strong regional connections, and growing potential in logistics, smart technologies, green energy, manufacturing, and maritime transport. We are confident that KOTRA will support new investments and the creation of joint ventures, Ioseliani said. Ioseliani also highlighted progress on a recently concluded Economic Partnership Agreement with South Korea, which is expected to open new opportunities for trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation. She noted ongoing work on an investment promotion and protection agreement, which will provide a legal framework and additional incentives to increase investment flows. The deputy minister identified several priority areas for bilateral cooperation, including the Green Port initiative, feasibility studies for a fishing port, maritime safety, navigational mapping, and improving the efficiency of international shipping. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 24. Uzbekistan and Iraq have reached a consensus to convene a business forum and facilitate B2B engagements in Tashkent this December, Trend reports via the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan. The agreement was reached during a working visit of Davron Vakhabov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to the Republic of Iraq. With the support of Uzbekistans Ambassador to Kuwait, Ayubkhon Yunusov, Vakhabov held talks with Haider Makia, Chairman of the National Investment Commission of Iraq, Amer Khalaf Alawi, President of the Anbar Chamber of Commerce, and Maan Sobit Arif, Consultant to the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Iraq. The discussions focused on expanding trade relations between the business communities of the two countries, implementing joint projects, and strengthening cooperation in logistics. The Iraqi side expressed strong interest in Uzbek products and confirmed its readiness to elevate bilateral business relations to a new level. With a population of 46 million and an annual import demand of $53 billion, Iraq represents a large and promising market for Uzbekistan. The nation engages in an annual procurement of approximately $3 billion in textile, carpet, and leather commodities, alongside $4 billion allocated for alimentary goods and construction resources, and an additional $3 billion dedicated to electrical apparatuses. Moreover, the valuation of Iraq's furniture sector is approximated at $1.2 billion, whereas the influx of pharmaceutical imports hovers around the $2 billion mark. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 24. Uzbekistan and Pakistan discussed opportunities for industrial cooperation, joint production and investment partnership, Trend reports via the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan. These issues were reviewed during a meeting held between Alisher Shaikhov, Advisor to the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, and the visiting Pakistani delegationMuhammad Ishaq, CEO of Moeeds Industries (Pvt) Ltd., and Malik Sajad Gul Awa, Executive Director of Sarhad Board and Chemicals (Pvt) Ltd. The Pakistani delegates, affiliated with a consortium boasting three decades of expertise in the realms of nutraceuticals, paper and cardboard manufacturing, chemical synthesis, and packaging solutions, articulated their preparedness to initiate multiple ventures in Uzbekistan. During the visit, the delegation toured industrial and pharmaceutical facilities in Namangan, Andijan, Khorezm, and Tashkent, where they explored available capacities and partnership opportunities. Particular interest was shown in potential cooperation in paper manufacturing. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to move joint projects to the practical stage, establish a working group with participation of relevant agencies, and continue negotiations. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Azerbaijan doubles down on oil exports to Netherlands Azerbaijani oil exports to the Netherlands increased significantly in both value and volume in JanuaryOctober 2025, despite an overall decline in the country's oil revenues. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Presidential Communications Advisor Dmytro Lytvyn denied information that the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, allegedly instructed the head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office, Oleksandr Klymenko, to prepare a suspicion. "Fake," Lytvyn wrote on the social network X on Monday under a post by The Economist journalist Oliver Carroll. In his post, the journalist wrote that Yermak allegedly instructed the head of the Specialized Anti-corruption Proseutors Office (SAPO) to prepare a suspicion after the investigation into corruption. Earlier, the ezine Ukrainska Pravda (Ukrainian Truth), citing sources in law enforcement agencies, reported that, allegedly in order to publish the first parts of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) Midas investigation into corruption in the presidents entourage, Yermak tasked security officers under the control of the Presidents Office to prepare a suspicion against the head of the SAPO. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Sustainable Fitch has affirmed State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republics (SOCAR) Entity Rating at '3' with an entity score of 41, Trend reports via SOCAR. This reflects SOCARs average level of performance across ESG profiles, balancing robust risk management and emissions-reduction targets against persistent challenges in environmental impact, diversity and governance transparency. The rating primarily considered SOCARs decarbonization targets, the stability of its social profile, and its strong risk management system. The companys integration into international ESG reporting practices also played a key role in the positive outcome. Through this assessment, Sustainable Fitch acknowledged SOCARs progress in sustainable development and the alignment of the companys long-term strategic goals with the expectations of international investors. Last year, SOCAR reaffirmed its commitment to ESG priorities by becoming the first energy company in the Caspian region to receive a BBB-level ESG rating from MSCI. Despite challenges such as price fluctuations and operational volatility in oil and gas markets, SOCARs strong financial indicators and efforts to enhance transparency and accountability enabled the company to obtain for the first time in its history two investment-grade credit ratings (BBB- from Fitch and Baa3 from Moodys). For reference, Sustainable Fitch Ratings provides ESG assessment solutions across all active markets worldwide, helping stakeholders make informed decisions in international financial markets. Sustainable Fitch Ratings evaluates how effectively an organization integrates environmental and social factors into its business model, strategy, and governance, along with its overall performance, commitments, and management efficiency. Ratings range from 1 (highest) to 5 (lowest). ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 24. The European Union is committed to further strengthening its relations with Kazakhstan, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais said during a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh president. In turn, Tokayev underscored the importance of deepening multifaceted cooperation with the European Union, which continues to be a pivotal partner for Kazakhstan. He highlighted that a key milestone in the evolution of bilateral ties was the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation, which marks its tenth anniversary this year. The president further lauded the ongoing active and constructive dialogue between the Central Asian nations and the EU. According to the Kazakhstan Embassy in Belgium, the EU stands as Kazakhstan's primary trading and investment partner, accounting for nearly half of the countrys foreign trade and accumulated foreign investments. In the first seven months of 2025, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the EU reached $25.3 billion, reflecting a 9.3 percent decline compared to the same period in 2024, when the figure stood at $27.9 billion. Exports decreased by 9.2 percent, totaling $19.7 billion, while imports fell by 9.4 percent, amounting to $5.7 billion. The inflow of direct investments from the EU to Kazakhstan in 2024 amounted to $7.9 billion. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 24. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will visit Bishkek on November 26-27 to participate in a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Collective Security Council, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh president. On November 27, Bishkek will host a joint meeting of the CSTO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ministers of Defense, and the Committee of Secretaries of Security Councils, under the chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan. The session will also include a gathering of the CSTO Collective Security Council. Key topics for discussion will include enhancing collaborative efforts to address critical issues such as the illegal drug trade and illegal migration. During the CSTO Collective Security Council session, a Declaration is anticipated to be adopted, outlining the unified positions of member states on core security challenges. Furthermore, discussions will include the appointment of the new CSTO Secretary General for the 2026-2029 term, as well as the presentation of priorities for Russias upcoming chairmanship of the organization in 2026. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 24. Kazakhstans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yermek Kosherbayev, will visit Brussels to attend the 22nd meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Council on December 1, 2025, Trend reports via the Kazakh MFA. During the meeting, the parties will conduct a thorough review of Kazakhstans multifaceted relationship with the European Union, focusing on the practical implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The discussions will emphasize key sectors of bilateral collaboration, such as energy, transport and logistics, digitalization, civil aviation, simplification of visa procedures, and the extraction and utilization of critical raw materials. Additionally, the meeting will serve as a platform for exchanging views on current developments in bilateral relations and identifying concrete steps to advance joint initiatives in these areas. The EU and Kazakhstan have maintained a partnership since Kazakhstans independence in 1991. The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), signed in December 2015, entered into force on March 1, 2020, after receiving ratification from all EU member states and the European Parliament. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 24. Kazakhstans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yermek Kosherbayev, will make an official visit to Switzerland on December 2, 2025, Trend reports via the Kazakh MFA. During his visit, he is scheduled to engage in discussions with Guy Parmelin, Vice President of Switzerland and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, as well as Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland. The talks will primarily address key matters in the bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Switzerland, and both parties will exchange perspectives on critical aspects of the multilateral agenda, with particular emphasis on Switzerlands forthcoming chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026. Additionally, Minister Kosherbayev is expected to meet with representatives from prominent Swiss business sectors. Meanuhile, prior to his visit to Switzerland, on December 1, 2025, Minister Kosherbayev will travel to Brussels to attend the 22nd meeting of the Kazakhstan-European Union Cooperation Council. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 24. Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan on November 2527 at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov, the Kyrgyz presidents office said, Trend reports. Sagynbek Abdumutalip, head of the foreign policy department in Zhaparov's administration, said the visit will be a key milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership and alliance between the two countries. Putin and Zhaparov are expected to hold high-level talks focused on trade, investment, industrial cooperation, defence ties and cultural exchanges. The two sides will also discuss coordination within regional blocs including the Eurasian Economic Union, the CIS, the SCO and the CSTO. According to the Kyrgyz side, particular attention will be given to boosting economic and industrial links, as well as addressing regional security issues. The visit is expected to conclude with a joint statement by the two presidents and the signing of several agreements aimed at deepening cooperation in economic, financial and other areas. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has informed European Council President Antonio Costa about yesterdays meetings of advisers in Geneva, in particular about the positions of the parties and the progress of the negotiations. "It is very important that Ukraine participates in the development of the EU common position on an equal footing. We value respect. I informed the president about yesterdays meetings of advisers in Geneva, in particular about the positions of the parties, the progress of the negotiations and key priorities. We continue to work conscientiously to achieve peace in Europe," Zelenskyy wrote on the X social network on Monday. As previously reported, Costa discussed the situation regarding peace efforts with Zelenskyy on the eve of the informal meeting of EU leaders. "I spoke with Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the eve of todays informal meeting of EU leaders on peace efforts in Ukraine to get his assessment of the situation," Costa said on X. Talaq, In Focus Once Again! Recent observations by a Supreme Court bench on the topic of Talaq, has yet again opened a Pandora box Recent observations by a Supreme Court bench on the topic of Talaq, has yet again opened a Pandora box. The issue could be resolved once and for all if the Muslim jurists make a review of the practice in keeping with the modern times. On November 19, a Supreme Court bench questioned the legality and social impact of Talaq-e-Hasan, as practiced by Indian Muslim men. It particularly objected to husbands using lawyers to issue divorce notices and indicating the matter may be sent to a Constitution Bench. The bench questioned why lawyers or other individuals engaged send Talaq e Hasan notices on their behalf. The bench called it an affront to women's dignity and asked why a husband who can approach a lawyer cannot directly communicate with his wife. In its observations, the Supreme Court signalled a possible constitutional rethink of Talaq-e-Hasan, but here it should be noted that different Personal Laws have a legal sanctity under Article 15 of the Constitution. Going by the Supreme Courts latest observation, it becomes clear the apex court has not raised any questions about the legality of the Talaq e Hasan, but the way the husband has communicated with his wife by engaging a third party. Talaq in The Holy Qur`an To clarify any doubts as regards to different types of Talaq available to Muslim men, Islamic jurists - Muftis, note that in Surah Talaq, Ayat 1, Allah (SWT) first expresses His displeasure with Talaq and says that this act should be resorted to only when all options of reconciliation have been exhausted, further, it lays down the details of the whole process. Allahs displeasure on Talaq is also mentioned in Surah Nisa from Ayat 19 to 29. In this regard, it should be noted that the Holy Qur`an in Surah Baqarah verse 228 and 229, prescribes that after getting a Talaq, a woman has to go through the period of Iddat, before she could remarry. This means that she can remarry only after the Iddat period is over and in between it gives a chance to the man to ponder over what he has lost, and if he has pronounced only one Talaq, then he can take his wife back during the Iddat period, without a second Nikah. Further, the Iddat period is made obligatory.It has been proven by the medical science that a womans body is cleaned of the DNA of her former husband during the Iddat period or between 84 to 90 days. So, if she remarries after Iddat then no question of any physical linkage with her former husband could be admissible. Types of Talaq In India, Islamic Fiqh (jurisprudence) details Talaq in two books, viz, firstly inMajmua-e Qawanin-e Islami, published by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (both in Urdu and English). In the book on pages 225 and 226, the correct manner of pronouncing a Talaq is given, which spells out that the Talaq should be pronounced only when the wife is not pregnant, not menstruating and the husband has not cohabitated with her since the last period, further in case of old women (in menopause) this condition will not apply. The explanation further says that pronouncing more than one Talaq in a month is not permissible, or if the man is an inebriated condition. Secondly, Qamus Al Fiqha (Vol 4), published by Mahad-ul Aali Al Islami, Hyderabad on page 349, describes the Talaq, as allowed by Islam. Talaq e Ahsan is the most preferred type of Talaq under Islam. Under Talaq e Ahsan pronouncing the word Talaq, once is enough, following the conditions given above. If after the first pronouncement the Iddat period, usually 84 days passes away, then the Talaq is formalised and why it is preferred is due to the reason that even after the first pronouncement, a husband can take his wife back. But if he wants to take her back after the Iddat period, then a re-Nikah is required. This talaq is also known as Talaq e Ba`in. To further elucidate, it would be pertinent to go through Message Of The Qur`an To Muslims by SSU Tabrez, wherein he has summarised the procedure for pronouncing divorce in the most acceptable manner according to the Holy Qur`an and Sunnah, as explained in Islamic Jurisprudence. He writes; If the divorce seems to be the only option, it should be pronounced in a period in which the husband has not approached his wife after her menstruation, a single pronouncement should be made in the presence of two mature people as witness. Unless there are some serious reasons due to which she must leave, the woman shall continue to stay in the husbands house for a period of three menstruations, which is the waiting period for her, after the pronouncement of divorce. This waiting period during which the two are staying together but not having husband-wife relation provides them with a golden opportunity to reassess the situation and reconsider their decision. Further, if they decide to mend the relationship, the husband can revoke his pronouncement (with a good intention) before the completion of three months of waiting period. He can do it by either physically approaching the wife or simply pronouncing it verbally. This decision should also be brought to the notice of two adult witnesses.If the husband stands by his decision, separation is established after the Iddat period. However, in future if they want to come together again, it is permitted after fresh Nikah only. Further, even the second pronouncement of Talaq is revocable. And the process mentioned for reunion above will be followed. However, even after second reunion if the discord resurfaces and the divorce is pronounced for the third time, it is irrevocable. Reforming the Talaq Practices It is the duty of the Islamic scholars to come forward to condemn and forbid the unethical practices, which are against the spirit of Islam, introduced gradually by male chauvinists and groups, in this case lawyers, to serve their vested interests.On the other hand, Muslim scholars by sweeping the ills prevailing in Ummah under the carpet, are shying away from their prime responsibility of Nahi-'anil-Munkar (stopping from forbidden or unethical practices). This further raises questions on how a Talaq should be pronounced, most Islamic jurists are of the view that preferably Talaq should be given in presence of a witnesses, but in almost all cases this act happens during private hours of the couple, so this might not be feasible. But keeping in mind the displeasure of Allah over this act and keeping with times, it would be preferable if Muslim bodies like AIMPLB, try to make the presence of a witness being present, a compulsory advice. As it may give the irate husband another chance to reconsider his decision before pronouncing Talaq in presence of witnesses. Further, the Board should publish a booklet in all Indian languages, listing out the whole process in simple unconfusing language. On its part it would be better if the Indian judiciary could empanel some Muftis and depending on their guidance, the courts could base their decision instead of being exasperated by different Arabic words and sources. (Asad Mirza is a New Delhi-based senior commentator on national, international, defence and strategic affairs, environmental issues, an interfaith practitioner, and a media consultant.) Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic European Commission called the talks on the "peace plan" for Ukraine proposed by US President Donald Trump, which took place in Geneva on Sunday with the participation of the US, Ukraine and Europeans, "constructive progress", according to the words spoken on Monday in Brussels at a briefing by the European Commissions chief spokeswoman, Paula Pinho, answering questions from journalists. "Let me reiterate that strong and coordinated European engagement has led to constructive progress in the negotiations on a peace plan for Ukraine over the last hours and yesterday. This included a European presence during the talks with Ukraine and the US in Geneva, in particular with the participation of EU and Commission representatives. And as we have clearly stated, and I refer to President von der Leyens statement yesterday on the same issue, where the President made it clear that the central role of the European Union in securing a lasting and just peace for Ukraine must be fully reflected in any credible plan. And that is why we also very much welcome the joint statement of Ukraine and the US that was presented yesterday after the discussions," she said. Asked about the EUs "red lines," in particular on the issue of possible restrictions on Ukraines armed forces, Pinho again referred to von der Leyens statement. "You mentioned one of the elements that President von der Leyen also mentioned in her statement. She mentioned some of the basic elements that are necessary for a just and lasting peace and for the sovereignty of Ukraine. Firstly, borders cannot be changed by force. So we are talking about territorial integrity. Secondly, no restrictions on the Ukrainian armed forces, which would make Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks, thereby undermining European security. President von der Leyen also noted that the central role of the European Union in ensuring peace in Ukraine must be fully taken into account. Last but not least, and personally for President von der Leyen, the return of every abducted child who really needs to be returned is of great importance," the chief spokesperson recalled the essence of the statement of the European Commission President. Pinho also pointed out that President von der Leyen has repeatedly stated and repeated in recent days, nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. When asked about the European proposals for a peace plan for Ukraine, the European Commission spokeswoman noted that the EU "does not talk about counter-proposals". "What is important is the content of this peace plan and whether it can effectively lead to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. And this is where we play a constructive role in the discussions with Ukraine and the US. We will not go into the details of these discussions, but, as was said, some of the principles that President von der Leyen outlined yesterday already outline key principles that need to be reflected in any peace plan," she explained. Commenting on the situation regarding immobilized Russian assets, which the European Commission has proposed to make the basis for further financial support to Ukraine for 2026-2027, Pinho confirmed that work on this issue is ongoing. "And now it becomes even more relevant, given this context," she said. Regarding the critical position already expressed by Hungary and Slovakia in this regard, the European Commission spokesperson stressed that the EU always strives to reach consensus and works towards it. "We always strive for solutions that are supported by all 27 Member States. That is how we are stronger. That is how we have a single position on such a key issue as peace in Ukraine and the security of Europe. So, ideally, we would like to be able to count on the support of 27 Member States, but we see that sometimes this is not possible. We will try to do everything possible so that this does not become an obstacle to progress on such a critical issue," Pinho said. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, amid discussions on the peace plan for Ukraine, recalled that the war could end today if Russia withdraws its troops and "leaves Ukrainian territory alone." On his page on X, Kristersson wrote that he had just met with the heads of state and government of the EU. The leaders discussed the work on the peace plan for Ukraine, which was presented in recent days. The Prime Minister emphasized that it is in Sweden's interests that Russia's aggression against neighboring countries is never beneficial. "Otherwise, what is happening in Ukraine today may affect one of us in the EU tomorrow," he said. The head of government also emphasized that while "we in democratic countries are working tirelessly to achieve a sustainable and just peace, Russia bombed the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv again this night." In particular, four people died, and part of the electricity and heating supply was knocked out. "Don't forget that the war in Ukraine could end today if Russia withdraws its troops and leaves the territory of Ukraine alone," he wrote. Kristersson said Putin must be forced to sit at the negotiating table, noting that EU and US sanctions are affecting the Russian economy, but pressure on Russia must be stepped up. "The next step we need to take is to confiscate frozen Russian assets held in bank accounts in European countries. This money should be used to strengthen Ukraine's defenses and to compensate for the damage Russia has caused to Ukraine," the prime minister urged. Earlier on Monday, European Council President Antonio Costa reported a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the eve of an informal meeting of EU leaders on peace efforts in Ukraine. Shanghai Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry and the National University of Laos held a Signing and Inauguration Ceremony. Yunnan Land and Resources Vocational College, Research Institute of Industry, Commerce and Energy under the Ministry of Industry, and the Lao Polytechnic Institute held an Inauguration Ceremony. China-Laos Vocational Education Cooperation Achieves Significant Results: Joint-Standards establishment, Talent cultivation, empower Regional Economic Development Since the launch of the China-Laos vocational education cooperation project in February 2023, a series of substantial achievements has been made, providing strong momentum for the construction of a modern vocational education system in Laos and building vocational standards to lay the foundations for the cultivation of high-quality technical and skilled personnel. The project has become a successful example of international industry-education integration. One of the core achievements of the project is the successful promotion of the alignment and mutual recognition of vocational standards between China and Laos. From February 2023 to October 2025, China and Laos cooperated on the "Laos National Vocational Standards Co-construction Project", attracting nearly 100 Chinese institutions. Together, they developed over 100 vocational standards covering various fields. For example, Zhejiang Business College developed vocational standards for e-commerce engineers and culinary technicians, Guizhou Industry Polytechnic College developed standards for intelligent logistics technicians, building construction technicians, and vocational trainers, and Sichuan Vocational and Technical College developed standards for building construction technicians. Fuyang Institute of Technology and the National University of Laos signed the Fuyang Institute of Technology Overseas Branch Project at the Opening Ceremony of the RCEP Huangshan Forum. This initiative has laid a solid foundation for establishing a national-level vocational education quality standard system in Laos that aligns with international standards, marking a historic breakthrough from "nothing" to "something". (A detailed list of the project is in the appendix.) Over the past three years, the project has facilitated intensive and in-depth high-level visits and academic exchanges between China and Laos. The Wuhan Central Foreign Economic and Technical Cooperation Group has organised and coordinated exchange visits between Lao education authorities, delegations from the Education Society of Hubei Province, Yunnan Land and Resources Vocational College, and several Chinese and Lao vocational institutions. By organising large-scale events such as the "China-Laos Vocational Education Cooperation and Exchange Series" and the "China-Laos Vocational Education High-Quality Cooperation Promotion Conference", a direct dialogue platform has been established for nearly 150 institutions and enterprises from both countries. Vice President of the National University of Laos, Ounla Sivanpheng, Interprets the Three Core Opportunities Brought to Laos Vocational Education Cooperation by RCEP. This has effectively facilitated numerous inter-school collaborations. For example, at the 2025 World Digital Education Conference, the cooperation between Shanghai Vocational College of Agricultural and Forestry and the National University of Laos led to the establishment of the "Kuang-Chi College-China-Laos Veterinary Training Center" at the 2025 RCEP Huangshan Forum, the key support project by Anhui Province. At the 6th Lancang-Mekong Vocational Education Alliance Round Table Meeting, the Lancang-Mekong Workshop, a collaboration between Yunnan Land and Resources Vocational College, Research Institute of Industry, Commerce and Energy under the Ministry of Industry, the National University of Laos successfully signed a cooperation agreement with the Fuyang Institute of Technology for the "Huijiang Workshop" Laos campus, and the Lao Polytechnic Institute, officially held its inauguration ceremony. It is reported that the next steps of the project include training more than 100 vocational teachers for Laos, jointly developing multiple vocational education curricula, launching several joint education programmes, and building a vocational education digital platform. Industry experts have pointed out that the China-Laos vocational education international cooperation project has not only significantly improved the quality and influence of vocational education in Laos, cultivating the urgently needed technical and skilled personnel for local economic and social development, but has also deepened the friendship and international capacity cooperation between China and Laos, injecting new vitality into cultural exchanges and economic development. Source: Wuhan Central Foreign Economic and Technical Cooperation Group Co., Ltd. (Latest Update November 24, 2025 ) Photo: https://x.com/antoniocostapm European Council President Antonio Costa has said significant progress has been made in peace talks for Ukraine in Geneva involving the United States, Ukraine and the EU. He made the statement following an informal meeting of European Union leaders in a hybrid format in Luanda, Angola, on Monday morning, which was followed by an EU-African Union summit. "I have just concluded a meeting of 27 European leaders, which was also attended by the President of the European Commission. We took stock of the latest developments in efforts to achieve peace for Ukraine. The peace talks have gained new momentum. Yesterday's meeting in Geneva between the United States, Ukraine, European Union institutions and European representatives marked significant progress," he said. Costa said the United States and Ukraine reported that the talks had been constructive and that progress had been made on several issues. "We welcome this step forward, and some issues still need to be resolved, but the direction is positive. We highly appreciate the efforts of Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump and their teams. It is also clear that issues that directly concern the European Union, such as sanctions, enlargement or frozen assets, require the full involvement and decision of the European Union," the President of the European Council elaborated. Costa assured that the EU is ready to continue supporting this process, working closely with the European Union and in close coordination with Ukraine, the United States and NATO. "It is now important that we move forward as partners, united by our common goal - to stop this war, to stop killing people and to stop this aggressive war against Ukraine, and to ensure a just and lasting peace for the Ukrainian people," he said. Costa also announced that the European Union intends to continue to provide President Zelenskyy with all the necessary support: diplomatic, military and economic. "This concerns, in particular, financial support for Ukraine. As you remember, we pledged to fulfill this commitment in October, and we will do so at the December meeting of the European Council. In conclusion, let me emphasize that peace cannot be a temporary truce, it must be a long-term solution. Ukraine has chosen Europe, and Europe will stand by Ukraine," the President of the European Council emphasized. Photo: https://x.com/andrii_sybiha Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has held a "meaningful conversation" with allies from Germany, Johann Wadeful, the United Kingdom, Yvette Cooper, France, Jean-Noel Barrot, Finland, Elina Valtonen, Italy, Antonio Tajani, and Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski. "I briefed our European partners on the latest developments in peace efforts, the results of yesterday's meaningful and productive talks in Geneva, as well as the important role of Europe. We exchanged views and coordinated positions ahead of the next steps," he said on X. Sybiha thanked the allies for their confirmation of their unwavering support for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The minister noted that Ukraine appreciates the peace efforts of the United States and President Donald Trump and remains committed to constructive and active work to end the war. He did stress the critical importance of maintaining transatlantic unity to ensure a lasting and just peace for Ukraine and all of Europe. "We also agreed on the need to maintain pressure on Russia, including through new sanctions and the decision to allow the full use of frozen Russian assets, which is necessary by the end of the year. We share the view that the main goal of the peace process is a just and lasting peace with respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and security," Sybiha said. According to him, he and his colleagues agreed to remain in close coordination to achieve this goal. "I also called on our partners to consider high-level visits to Ukraine to demonstrate their solidarity and support for our people," the Foreign Minister wrote. General strikes in Italy on 28 November and 12 December. Italy faces two national general strikes within two weeks of each other, both in protest over the 2026 budget announced by the right-wing government of premier Giorgia Meloni. A general strike affecting the public and private sectors on Friday 28 November has been called by the USB and CUB trade unions in protest over the 2026 budget bill and to demand greater investment in the public sector, contract renewal and wage increases. Friday's strike will affect public transport, schools, healthcare, air travel, motorways and public administration. The USB has called on workers to "block everything" - as they did during the recent mass rallies for Gaza - and join the protest against the "war budget". In a statement, the USB called on the government to lower the retirement age to 62, to guarantee that all national contracts have "at least 2,000" as a minimum starting wage, and to invest in social housing and healthcare instead of "buying and manufacturing new weapons". Rail services The strike is set to involve railway workers from 21.00 on Thursday 27 November until the same time the next day, affecting staff employed by Trenitalia, Gruppo FS, Trenitalia Tper (in the Emilia-Romagna region) and Trenord, as well as private rail operator Italo which has published a list of guaranteed services. Trenitalia also lists the long-distance rail services guaranteed during the strike, saying on its website that essential regional services will be guaranteed from 06.00 to 09.00 and from 18.00 to 21.00. Rome local transport Rome's buses and subways will be affected by the strike, however services will be guaranteed up until 08.30 and from 17.00 to 20.00, according to the city website. Air travel The strike will affect the air sector, involving flight crews, baggage handlers and airport ground staff, along with various airport services. As a result, cancellations and delays are expected at several Italian airports. The Italian civil aviation authority ENAC reminds air travellers that, during strikes, flights are guaranteed from 07.00 t0 10.00 and from 18.00 to 19.00. Its website contains a list of guaranteed flights on Friday. Healthcare and education The general strike is also set to affect healthcare workers, from the first shift on Thursday night until the last shift the next day, however all urgent and emergency medical services will be guaranteed. The Unicobas union has called a strike for all teaching and administrative staff in schools, research centres and universities. Those who decide to join will be on strike for the entire day. The strike is also set to affect taxis and ferry services on Friday, while for motorway workers, the strike will be from 22.00 on Thursday until the same time the next night. The unions are planning protests in cities across Italy on Saturday 29 November, with a demonstration set to take place in Rome. General strike on 12 December Exactly two weeks after the strike on the 28 November, Italy's largest trade union, CGIL, has scheduled a national general strike on Friday 12 December, also in protest over the government's 2026 budget bill. CGIL general secretary Maurizio Landini slammed the budget as "unfair and mistaken", saying: "The fundamental emergency right now is wages: we need to increase wages, and this budget doesn't do that." In a statement, CGIL issued a long list of reasons for the strike, including demands for the renewal of all national labour contracts; greater investments in healthcare, education, local authorities, long-term care, and housing rights; and measures to tackle job insecurity and workplace safety. The 21-hour strike is set to affect both the public and private sectors, from just after midnight on Thursday 11 December until 21.00 on Friday 12 December, according to the transport ministry website. Immediately after the strike was announced earlier this month, Meloni took aim at Landini and CGIL, asking sarcastically on social media: "On which day of the week will 12 December fall?". Deputy premier Matteo Salvini struck a similar tone, writing on social media: "We invite Landini, for once, to give up the long weekend and organise the strike on another day of the week". Landini responded to the two political leaders by saying they "don't know what they're talking about" and that they "should be respectful" towards workers. "Because when someone goes on strike, they're giving up their salary; it's not free", Landini said, reminding Meloni and Salvini that their salaries are funded by the taxes paid by workers. We update our news of public transport strikes in Italy regularly. For official information see the transport ministry website. Photo credit: DELBO ANDREA / Shutterstock.com. Whats On: PREZIOSA Opens Romes New Contemporary Art Space, bocal A new contemporary art space is opening in the heart of Rome: bocal, the non-profit venue created by the Pieux Etablissements de la France a Rome, launches its activity with PREZIOSA, a dual exhibition by French artist Alix Boillot and Argentinian artist Mercedes Klausner, curated by Isabella Vitale. The show will be open to the public from 20 November 2025 to 20 February 2026, at via di Santa Giovanna dArco 4, just behind San Luigi dei Francesi. A New Non-Profit Space for Contemporary Art in Rome bocal is a new initiative by the Pieux Etablissements an institution with centuries of history, known in Italy for its cultural, social, and heritage projects. With bocal, the organisation expands its mission into the sphere of contemporary artistic research, offering a space for production, experimentation and dialogue. Under the artistic direction of Isabella Vitale, bocal will host site-specific works and commissions by artists connected to the French and international scene. The name bocal evokes a transparent vessel, an illuminated container in which things appear, transform, and reveal themselves. It reflects the philosophy of the space: to make visible works that often remain hidden, while fostering new collaborations with artists, curators, and institutions. The Exhibition: Water as Memory, Transformation, and Life PREZIOSA brings together new and recent works by Alix Boillot and Mercedes Klausner, united by the theme of water a vital, symbolic and generative element. Through performance, sculpture, photography, found materials and historical research, both artists explore how water shapes memory, emotion and place. Alix Boillot: Performance, Ritual, and Transformation A graduate of the Ecole nationale superieure des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, Boillot works across sculpture and performance, examining the poetic and sacred dimensions of human experience. Her materials water, snow, salt, coins, tattoos, found objects become traces of emotional attachment and ritual. During her 20232024 residency at Villa Medici, Boillot developed works that return in PREZIOSA, including: Grace (2023)vA video documenting a performance in which the body, voice and gesture merge into a single act of transformation a recurring thread in her practice. LEternite (collier) A necklace formed from crystallised tears, both an object and the subject of a live performance. The performance LEternite (1) will be presented on 21 November at Arte in Nuvola, interpreted by performer Maria Piera Fusi, where singing becomes a cathartic action that materialises emotion. Boillot is also the author of Giravolte (2025), a work commissioned by the Pieux Etablissements and produced using the coins collected from the Trevi Fountain in collaboration with Caritas Roma. The piece is now installed in the cloister of San Luigi dei Francesi, and a prototype is currently on view at Villa Medici. Mercedes Klausner: Traces, Memory, and the Acquedotto Felice Argentinian artist Mercedes Klausner, winner of the 2024 PRIX WICAR, works between Italy and France. Her artistic practice revolves around the idea of the trace the images, marks and fragments that survive destruction, abandonment, and erasure. Her contribution to PREZIOSA stems from her research residency in Rome, where she studied: the Acquedotto Felice , the now-lost settlements built along its arches, the graffiti etched in 1973 on fragments of plaster from makeshift homes demolished the year before. Her installation La maison de laqueduc, developed at Studio Wicar, transforms these fragile signs into a layered memory of hidden lives a city within the city, suspended between presence and disappearance. Using drawing, photography, installation, and subtle interventions with light and space, Klausner rebuilds images that resist oblivion and ask to be seen again. bocal: A Vessel for Artistic Research As a new cultural platform, bocal aims to support emerging and established artists, especially those connected with the French cultural network in Rome from Villa Medici to the French Embassy. It will host exhibitions, discussions, residencies and artist commissions. The spaces name, meanings and etymology evoke transparency, intimacy and discovery: a container of light, a lens, a womb-like space where things transform. As the institution describes it, bocal is a machine for seeing. Visitor Information Opening dates: 20 November 2025 20 February 2026 Press preview: 19 November, 10:0012:00 Inauguration: 19 November, 17:00 Address: bocal, via di Santa Giovanna dArco 4, Rome Opening hours: Tue & Thu: 16:0019:00 Wed, Fri, Sat: by appointment Booking: bocal@pefr.it Instagram: @bocal_rome The Gardai in Waterford are investigating an alleged robbery that occurred following an assault. The incident happened on November 21, at approximately 8.30pm, on the Ross Road in Ferrybank. A spokesperson for Waterford Gardai said a 16-year-old youth was assaulted and allegedly robbed by three other youths. "The injured party sustained injuries that required medical attention at UHW," said the Garda spokesperson in a statement to Waterford News & Star. "We are anxious to talk to anyone who was in the area near the church and graveyard on Ross Road at this time, or if they can assist us in identifying these three youths," she added. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Ferrybank Garda Station (051 830240) or the Crime Unit at Waterford Garda Station (051 305300). Corrective Services shadow minister Adam Hort has blamed the state governments handling of youth detention on an unfolding incident at Banksia Hill Detention Centre this afternoon. A group of around six youths have been on the roof of the Canning Vale facility for a number of hours, throwing bricks, poles and fire extinguishers while authorities scramble to bring them down. They are yet to be brought under control. We needed a new youth rehabilitation centre yesterday, Hort said in response to the incident this afternoon. Detention is critical for community safety and turning young lives around, but it only works when the system works, and right now it doesnt. Instead, the government has delayed this vital project for years. We are now seeing the same behaviours that caused the tens of millions of dollars in damage at Banksia Hill in 2022 and led to the creation of Unit 18. Hort said Unit 18 was supposed to fix these issues. That is why we have been calling for it and why its delivery is urgent, he said. Roger Cook and his Governments mismanagement of youth detention and rehabilitation has been a failure. Taking more than half a decade to deliver the solution our system needs shows how little priority they have given to community safety and to genuine rehabilitation. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has said that the the coordinated participation of the European Union in the peace talks for Ukraine, which took place in Geneva on Sunday with the participation of the United States, Ukraine and the EU, has made significant progress. She made the remarks following an informal meeting of European Union leaders held in a hybrid format on Monday morning in Luanda, Angola, where the EU-African Union summit later began. "An efficient and coordinated European engagement, as well as a strong European presence in Geneva has allowed us to make good progress in the negotiations for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. While work remains to be done, there is now a solid basis for moving forward," said von der Leyen. The President of the European Commission stressed that Ukraine's territory and sovereignty must be respected. "Only Ukraine, as a sovereign country, can decide on its armed forces. The choice of their fate is in their hands. I also want to stress the central role of Europe in the future of the country. Tomorrow we will continue our cooperation with our partners in the Coalition of the Willing," she added. Von der Leyen also said that today she had again raised the issue of the plight of kidnapped and missing Ukrainian children. "Each of them must return home. I was glad that this topic found a response from the leaders," von der Leyen said. Advertisement PoliticsFederalExtreme weather Watt unaware of scope of $96m blowout of BoM website Nick Newling and Emily Kaine Updated November 24, 2025 7:02am ,first published November 24, 2025 7:00am 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 295 View all comments The Bureau of Meteorologys new CEO has been ordered to account for the $96 million blowout of its unpopular website redesign, as Environment Minister Murray Watt revealed the bureau did not tell him the scale of the expense when he was first briefed. Revelations of the massive cost blowout were first reported in this masthead on Sunday, with new weather bureau chief Dr Stuart Minchin saying he would usher in greater transparency and admit to mistakes the agency has made. Environment Minister Murray Watt speaking at Parliament House on Monday morning. Alex Ellinghausen Im not happy about this, Watt told the ABC on Monday morning, and you will recall that when the issues first surfaced with the changes to the BoM website recently, I called in the acting CEO of the BoM for an explanation, and I made clear that it wasnt meeting the publics expectations, and weve now learned that the cost increase has been higher than what was originally known. Ive asked the new [chief executive] of the BoM to get on top of what happened here. If there are lessons we need to know what they are. Advertisement The website received a refreshed look on October 22 the first change to the services design in 12 years but was widely criticised for its new radar layout, which farmers, fishers and meteorologists found unusable as storms ravaged the countrys south-east. At the time, the bureau claimed the bill for the website redesign was $4.1 million, however, Minchin conceded to this masthead that the total cost of the project was closer to $96 million when security testing was added to the $78 million design contract for private consultancy Accenture Australia. Related Article Exclusive Extreme weather Total bill for BoMs new website came in at $96 million Im looking forward to a bit of a change in the culture and the approach of the BoM, and I want to make very clear that its an institution and has staff that I very much support. They perform a really important role for the Australian public. We need a high-quality BoM delivering high-quality information, and that can manage its budgets properly. So Im expecting the new CEO to be able to take charge of that, Watt said. Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said Watt had launched an investigation to try and find out how this has occurred, labelling the cost of the project as ridiculous. Advertisement The BoM website is pretty important. I use it regularly to see whats going on with the surf and where the good swells are going to be. But more importantly, farmers use it on a, on a daily basis to run their businesses. So, it is an important piece of government infrastructure, and that cost blowout is ridiculous and simply unacceptable, Thistlethwaite told Sky on Monday. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek who held the environment portfolio in the last term of government told Sevens Sunrise on Monday: I dont think the new website has been a good exercise for the Bureau of Meteorology. When we came to government, there was a rebranding exercise going on where the BoM was asking people to call it the bureau instead of the BoM. I said at the time, we needed to focus on weather, not rebranding. Appearing alongside Plibersek was Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, who came down hard on the redesign for its failure of farmers who heavily rely on the website. Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce joined a chorus of voices slamming the redesigns cost. Alex Ellinghausen They told us $4.1 [million]. Its more than 20 times that. More than 20 times which was outrageous in any case, because the website worked, and now we spent $96 million to put a B at the end of the BoM site. Advertisement It infuriated so many farmers because we really liked the old site, [it] was one of the most visited sites, or the most visited site, I think. Now weve got this fiasco, and we find out its cost us $96 million to stuff something up completely, Joyce said. Related Article National News Live As it happened: Hanson booted from senate over burqa stunt; Renewed search for missing SA boy Gus Lamont; Rewrite begins on US peace plan; Sea World inquest opens with horror footage Liberal senator Maria Kovacic said: For the cost to blow out to almost $100 million is extraordinary and something that this government needs to explain as to how this has happened ... another trademark of this government, excessive spending, something thats taken too long and cost a lot more than it should have. Nationals Leader David Littleproud said the BoMs business model is to fail and ask the taxpayer for more money. The old one was probably the only part of the Bureau website you actually did have trust in, Littleproud told Nines Weekend Today on Sunday. Advertisement The bureau needs to get back to some common sense. And unfortunately, I think the governments going to have to step in ... If they did this in the corporate world, youd lose your job. I think its time for some cultural change at the bureau. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/zelenskyy.official Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects a full report from the Geneva negotiating delegation on Monday evening, and next steps will be determined based on the results of the reports. I briefed the Prime Minister on the initial results of the advisers work in Geneva. Our delegation is now returning home, and I am expecting a full report this evening on the progress of the talks in Geneva and the principal emphases of our partners. Based on these reports, we will determine the next steps and the timing, Zelenskyy reported on his Telegram channel following a conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Stre. The President said that Ukraine will continue to coordinate with Europe and other partners around the world. We count on achieving the necessary results, and I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine, he noted. In addition, during the conversation, the leaders discussed the diplomatic situation and bilateral cooperation. Some of the pies sold for more than $2,000. Vilma Perez, left, cries after receiving the remains of her daughter Maria Florinda Rios Perez who was killed in Indiana, at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo) Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is providing assistance at the site of the attack in Kharkiv. At present, Ukrainian Red Cross support points are operating in two districts, where people can access drinking water, tea, or coffee. Based on identified needs, affected residents are receiving humanitarian assistance, including tarpaulins, OSB boards, sheeting, emergency kits, hygiene kits, and water, URCS said on Facebook Monday. Last night, Kharkiv once again came under attack. The emergency response team of the Ukrainian Red Cross in the Kharkiv region was deployed to the impact locations. Together with other emergency services, the team carried out door-to-door assessments of damaged homes and surrounding areas, provided first aid and psychological first aid to those affected, and handed the injured over to ambulance crews. Volunteers also assisted in the recovery of the body of a deceased person. As reported, the massive strike by Russian UAVs on the Shevchenkivskyi and Saltivskyi districts of Kharkiv caused fires, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Three residential buildings and an infrastructure facility caught fire. Four people were killed and 13 injured, including two children. More than 50 young people from across Ireland, including teams from Crossmolina and Claremorris, gathered together at the No Name Club Annual Youth Conference, which took place in TUS Athlone recently, to hear talks around positive mental health, well-being and alcohol awareness. They also enjoyed a great afternoon of fun and games, putting their leadership skills to the test. The young people are all members of No Name Club, a national, voluntary youth organisation that aims to empower young people, aged 15 to 18, by providing a fun, safe environment where they can socialise without the pressures of alcohol or drugs. Members of Crossmolina No Name Club at the conference, from left: Conor McGrath, Julie McCabe, Andrea Coake and John Lynott. Picture: Michael Dillon Photography Founded in 1978, No Name Club plays a vital role in offering young people safe spaces where they can build confidence and social skills, with members taking a leading role in running their clubs. At a time when loneliness and anxiety are reported as on the increase among teenagers, recent research among No Name Club members around the impacts the clubs deliver found that 93% of members report increased confidence and self-esteem, 91% of members say they have experienced personal development, 81% of members report improved mental wellbeing and 95% of members have made new friendships through the club. If youd like to find out more about establishing a No Name Club in your locality, or youd like to find out more about your nearest club, contact nonameclub.ie Councillors in Ballina have extended good wishes to two departing members of the staff of Mayo County Council. The matter was raised at last week's municipal district meeting by Cathaoirleach Cllr Jarlath Munnelly who paid tribute to Director of Services John Condon, who has retired after a long career in local government, and Mike Kinsella, who is taking up a new role in the Office of Public Works (OPW). Cllr Annie May Reape said John Condons exit from the council had happened very quickly, adding: Everyone adored and admired John. He was a natural official with a brain that was hard to beat. He had unbelievable knowledge of every act and every book and was always very supportive and very nice with it. Of course, he was also our Returning Officer for many elections down the years and we will miss him for that as well. Municipal district manager Declan Turnbull said Mike Kinsella had been a great stalwart in the architects section of the council and would no doubt be equally productive for the OPW, while John Condons retirement had been unexpected. He surprised us all last Friday morning and announced at 9am he was retiring and was gone by the end of day." Director of Services Catherine McConnell said it was very hard to say goodbye to a colleague of such long-standing service as John Condon, saying he had pulled off a coup by keeping his retirement quiet for so long. He will be deeply missed. The council owe him for a lot for his service including representing us in a High Court case on his last day. 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. 28-point peace plan as everyone saw it no longer exists advisor to chief of Presidents Office The 28-point peace plan as everyone saw it no longer exists; some points have been removed, others have been amended, said Oleksandr Bevz, advisor to the head of the Presidents Office, following the talks in Geneva. "Ukraine discussed every point of the proposed plan with the USA. The 28-point plan, as everyone saw it, no longer exists. Some points were removed, others were amended. Not a single comment from the Ukrainian side went unanswered," Bevz wrote on Facebook on Monday. He noted that there was much more conspiracy theory than reality. "Someday I'll write in my memoirs how the delegation's leadership navigated a thicket of manipulation to ensure that this meeting not only took place, but was constructive," the adviser to the head of the Presidents Office added. As earlier reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects a full report from the Geneva negotiating delegation on Monday evening, and further steps will be determined based on the reports. Photo: https://t.me/ruslan_kravchenko_ua At a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark to Ukraine, Thomas Lund-Srensen, Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko proposed dialogue with Danish business representatives in Ukraine to strengthen cooperation. On his Telegram channel on Monday, Kravchenko reported that during his meeting with the ambassador, he emphasized the importance of Denmark's support not only in the defense and humanitarian spheres, but also in diplomatic and investment areas. "In the context of our countries' cooperation within the Export Investment Fund, through which Denmark invests in Ukrainian companies, we discussed the specific steps the Prosecutor General's Office is taking to protect businesses. I told the Ambassador about the StopTysk online platform and also proposed holding a joint meeting with Danish business representatives in Ukraine to strengthen cooperation," Kravchenko said. He also said that special attention was paid to work within the framework of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Sphere of Security, in particular on the investigation of international crimes committed by the Russian Federation. "I emphasized that this remains a key area for us. Unfortunately, the number of Russian war crimes is growing, and, as a result, the number of victims. While last year, approximately 130,000 such crimes were recorded, today that figure exceeds 194,000," the Prosecutor General stated. He noted that Denmark's support for the creation of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine is another tangible step toward punishing those responsible for all the atrocities committed. "I am convinced that the Special Tribunal will become a place where all criminals will be brought to justice and receive fair punishment," he added. Africas time has come Professor Jeffrey Sachs urges bold continental strategy as global order shifts. The changing world order from traditional hubs of political and economic power is shifting to Asia, and possibly Africa in the next few decades, if the continent acts with ambition, unity and a long-term vision. This was the key message of a public lecture delivered by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, a renowned economics professor, bestselling author and global leader in sustainable development in the Wits Great Hall on Friday, 21 November 2025. This forms part of the G20@Wits Programme, convened by Dr Bob Wekesa and hosted by the African Centre for the Study of the United States at Wits. Speaking on Africa in the G20: Multilateralism in a shifting global order, Sachs described todays moment as one of geotectonic shifts of astounding magnitude and speed, with Africa having the potential to emerge at the centre of a new world order before the end of the century. Africas time and turn have come, said Sachs. It is feasible and the right target for Africa to move from widespread poverty to high income within the next generation. A multipolar world Sachs argued that the western-dominated world order is over. For 150 years, the industrial age privileged the Global North first Britain and then Europe and the United States underpinned by imperialism across Asia and Africa. That era, he said, has now given way to a multipolar world economy symbolised by the G20 itself. Power is dispersed amongst several major states notably the US, China, India and Russia, with no single country able to dictate the global agenda. He emphasised that Chinas rise is especially significant and detailed how it has become a leading world economy on the technological frontier, often with or ahead of the US, particularly in green technologies. Sachs suggested that this has profound implications and opportunities for Africa if it studies Chinas rise, unites across borders, and works towards a common goal. Five disruptions reshaping Africas future Sachs identified five simultaneous disruptions that are transforming the global landscape, which Africa must navigate strategically: Economic and geopolitical realignment According to Sachs, the world economy is shifting towards Asia, with China and India lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty. Trade patterns, investment flows and global value chains are also being reconfigured. His advice to Africa is to think and act on a continental scale, negotiate as a bloc, build a true African Union, and use its demographic advantage to shape global partnerships. Technological revolution and digital leapfrogging The digital revolution is democratising the world, according to Sachs. Digital tools are accessible to all and countries that move quickly can leapfrog old technologies. He indicated that China has already done this, jumping ahead in sectors like mobile payments, e-commerce and green technologies. Africa, Sachs argued, can do the same but only if it invests in skills and universal connectivity. The emphasis on education was not lost and he called for no child to be left without secondary schooling and no learner to be without a laptop or digital access. Everyone needs digital access and we must consciously use these leapfrog technologies, he added. Ecological crisis and the green transition Industrialisation has placed the planet under severe strain through resource depletion, pollution, deforestation and climate change driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Sachs urged African leaders to see the green transition not as a burden but as a development strategy citing Chinas innovation and scale of implementing solar modules as a case study. We have the solutions, he said. It is affordable and feasible, but it must be done consciously by governments. Africa, he argued, can leapfrog to non-carbon energy systems, electric mobility and sustainable agriculture, positioning itself at the forefront of the global green economy. Demographic transformation The worlds population has surged from 800 million two centuries ago to 8 billion today, according to Sachs. Africas population is growing fastest - from about 300 million in the mid-20th Century to 1.5 billion today. By 2050, Africas population is projected to reach around 2.5 billion and by 2100, approximately 3.7 billion roughly a third of humanity. This demographic wave will place Africa at the centre of the worlds story but only if the continent turns its youth bulge into a skills bulge through massive investment in education, health and jobs, said Sachs. Innovation, planning and the development state Sachs highlighted Chinas experience from 1980 to 2020 as proof that it is possible to move from low to high income in one generation. China did this through long-term planning and vision, huge investments in education and skills, building high-quality infrastructure, and supporting innovation and globally competitive firms. Africa, he argued, must adopt an equally ambitious trajectory, underpinned by a continent-wide investment programme in people, infrastructure and technology. The role of universities Introducing the lecture, Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Victor de Andrade emphasised Africas unique advantage in experiential learning first hand living through these global changes rather than observing them from afar. This, he suggested, places a special responsibility on governments and universities to inform and guide African development choices. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, Professor Lynn Morris welcomed Sachs and the audience and said: The theme of Professor Sachss lecture could not be more relevant. The world is changing rapidly and the global order is being reshaped before our eyes. These shifts are visible here in South Africa, especially in the recent debates around foreign policy and our G20 theme of solidarity, equality and sustainability. She added: For scholars and universities, these tensions are not only political. They are opportunities for research teaching and public engagement - they invite us to rethink the frameworks we use to understand power, diplomacy and development in a changing world. For Sachs, universities like Wits are crucial partners in this project, especially through training the next generation of African leaders, driving cutting-edge research and innovation, and shaping the continental strategies needed for Africa to succeed in a shifting global order. If Africa invests in its people, leverages digital and green technologies and acts as a united continental bloc, by 2050 it can be a high-income, peaceful and innovative region, contributing solutions to global challenges rather than bearing their brunt, he concluded. Wits launches postgraduate degrees in cybersecurity The Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons) and the Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity will be offered from 2026. The University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, will launch two new postgraduate degrees in cybersecurity aimed at developing highly skilled professionals to safeguard Africas digital future. The two new fully accredited programmes the Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons) and the Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity are available on the Wits online application system. Both programmes are designed to prepare graduates for advanced careers in cybersecurity, data protection and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI), combining rigorous academic foundations with real-world applications. The application closing date for both degrees is 31 December 2025. Apply here: School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics (CSAM) These postgraduate qualifications in cybersecurity will focus on advanced cybersecurity principles and technologies; artificial intelligence and machine learning for digital security; ethical and legal aspects of information security; and applied research addressing local and global cybersecurity challenges. Professor Richard Klein, Deputy Head of the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics These new programmes firmly position Wits as a continental leader in cybersecurity educationbringing together rigorous academic training, cutting-edge research, and meaningful engagement with industry. The degrees are delivered in partnership with two globally recognised organisations: the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security in Germany, and MWR CyberSec. Both partners emphasise the significance and long-term impact of these new offerings: MWR CyberSec MWR is proud to support Wits University in launching these new cybersecurity degree programmes. Developing local expertise is vital to strengthening South Africas resilience against evolving cyber threats, and we believe this initiative will play a key role in building the next generation of cybersecurity experts. Tinus Green, Head of Consultancy at MWR CyberSec CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security CISPA is delighted to partner with Wits University in establishing these forward-looking cybersecurity programmes. Strengthening global cybersecurity requires strong international collaborations, and we see immense potential in supporting the development of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals in South Africa. These programmes will help cultivate new research talent, expand global knowledge exchange, and contribute to a more resilient digital future. Dr Lea Schonherr, Tenure-track faculty, CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security Strengthening South Africas Digital Resilience Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, says: Cybersecurity is one of the defining challenges of our time. These new programmes position Wits at the forefront of digital innovation and resilience in Africa. Through our collaboration with CISPA and MWR CyberSec, we are creating pathways for students to engage with global expertise while addressing the urgent cybersecurity needs of our society. These programmes will strengthen South Africas ability to protect critical infrastructure, data, and information systems, while contributing to the countrys growing digital economy, adds Professor Nithaya Chetty, Dean of the Faculty of Science. Global Collaboration The collaboration bridges academia, research and industry and was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding between Wits and CISPA. The agreement establishes a framework for joint research, academic exchanges, and co-supervision of postgraduate students in the fields of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cryptography. Faith Blakemore, Head of International Affairs and Science Relations at CISPA says: These partnerships will not only create opportunities for CISPA researchers to engage with the scientific community in Africa but will also open up new international research perspectives and trajectories. These Memoranda of Understanding will now serve as the foundation for further exciting and equally beneficial activities, including research opportunities for members of all our institutions. About Wits University The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, is one of Africas leading research-intensive universities committed to academic and research excellence, social justice and the advancement of the public good. About CISPA The CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security is a premier German research centre dedicated to advancing cybersecurity, privacy and trustworthy AI. Based in Saarland, it is part of the Helmholtz Association, Germanys largest scientific organisation. About MWR CyberSec MWR CyberSec is a South African cybersecurity company providing cutting-edge consulting, threat analysis, and defence solutions to clients across sectors. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will attend a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Tuesday to discuss a future peace plan for Ukraine, prompted by a proposal from US President Donald Trump. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization headquarters informed the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Monday that Rutte would be among the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing. NATO responded to the agency's question that the Secretary General will attend the Coalition of the Willing event tomorrow. The European Commission previously announced a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, which would be held online. On Monday morning, a discussion of the negotiations held in Geneva involving the USA, Ukraine, and the EU took place during an informal meeting of the European Council, convened by European Council President Antonio Costa and held in a hybrid format in Angola ahead of the EU-African Union summit. Alumni spotlight: Dr Zaheera Jina Asvat The 2025 Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award winner shares how she juggles her dual passions of writing and teaching. Wits alumna and lecturer in maths education at Wits, Dr Zaheera Jina Asvat (PhD 2014), has been announced as the winner at the 2025 South African Literature Awards. At a ceremony held on 11 November 2025, her collection of 10 stories in The Tears of the Weaver (Modjaji Book 2023) received the 2025 Nadine Gordimer Short Story award. This book previously was a finalist at the 9th Humanities and Social Science Awards in 2024. The publisher has said the stories in the collection provide a rethinking of conventions and roles, enabling readers to challenge the social phenomena within the world that religion and culture govern. These stories are earthy, feeling portraits of people struggling against an oppressive system within post-apartheid South Africa. It has been praised by reviewers as a beautiful and necessary book. It speaks into a silence around lives, particularly womens lives, in Lenasia, but also breathes a magical humanness into the characters in the clever, gentle, real stories in the collection. There is an element of magic in the book: in the everyday strangeness, in moments of transcendence and moments of darkness too. Wits Alumni Relations reached out to Dr Jina Asvat, who answered a few questions related to this award. What does this acknowledgement mean to you? Winning the Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award is both affirming and unexpected. The truth is that since joining Wits in 2020, I havent had the luxury of writing creatively with intention. My focus has been on academic publishing, research output, and the demands of teaching. Creative writing often had to take a back seat, and I only wrote short stories when I was invited to contribute to collections. So, this award feels like a gentle reminder from the universe, that even when I dont have the space to nurture my creative voice in a sustained way, something within me still insists on being heard. It reassures me that the stories I tell, rooted in community, identity, vulnerability and social tensions, still have resonance. Receiving an award named after Nadine Gordimer also carries a deeper meaning. Her work illuminated uncomfortable truths about South African life, and in a small way I hope that my collection does something similar: opening windows into characters who are often unseen, exploring their hidden fears, their quiet struggles, their lived contradictions. This recognition encourages me to return to creative writing with more intention not instead of my academic work, but alongside it because both forms of writing ask me to pay close attention to the world. Was there one story that stands out more than the others? Its difficult to choose, because each story demanded something different from me emotionally. But my readers often tell me that A Play of Power stands out for them. It follows Bhajee, an estate owner in Lenasia, who cannot comprehend why City Power has cut off his electricity. The story is humorous on the surface, but underneath it probes entitlement, social disconnect, and the strange dance between privilege and helplessness. A personal favourite of mine, however, is Bewitched, the opening story of the collection. It tells the tale of a young girl whose mother is desperately trying to find her a husband, but whispers circulate that she is bewitched. I enjoyed writing it because it sits right at the intersection of superstition, community gossip, and a young womans yearning for agency, a mixture that is so characteristic of many South African-Indian spaces. The story that felt the most important to write was the one about Suhail Mangal. He is a young man from India who comes to Johannesburg in search of work but finds none because of xenophobia. His feelings of helplessness and growing dependence on his wife expose a different kind of vulnerability, one that is rarely given narrative space. It was emotionally demanding to write, because it required entering the quiet humiliation and frustration that so many migrant men experience but cannot articulate. These stories are not happy tales. Instead, I tried to enter each characters most hidden insecurities; the things they fear, the things they avoid saying, the silent burdens they carry. How do you juggle the dual passion of teaching and finding time to write? At this stage of my career, I juggle it imperfectly and Ive made peace with that. Academic life is demanding, and research output often has tight deadlines and external pressure. Creative writing, on the other hand, needs emotional spaciousness, which I cant always access while navigating the realities of academia. So, I dont write creatively every day or even every month. I write when invitations come, when a story grips me unexpectedly, or when the characters become insistent enough that I must sit down and listen. Teaching and research do nurture my creativity in unexpected ways, though. Working with students keeps me grounded in human experience, in curiosity, in the complexity of learning and identity. Research keeps me disciplined and attentive to detail. And somewhere in all that, when the right moment arrives, the stories surface. Im learning that creative writing doesnt disappear just because I cannot attend to it full-time it waits. And this award reminds me that I owe it some attention again. Other alumni winners and runners up at the 20th edition of the SALA awards include: Lebogang Seale (MA 2021) who received the First-Time Published Author Award for One Hundred Years of Dispossession: My familys quest to reclaim our land (Jacana 2024) and David Mann (MA 2022) was the runner-up in the same category as Dr Jina Asvat for Once Removed: short stories (Botsotso 2024). Photo: https://www.dw.com German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that no peace plan for Ukraine can exist without European approval of issues concerning European interests and sovereignty, Deutsche Welle reported on Monday. "It's important to us that there can be no peace plan for Ukraine unless we give the go-ahead on issues concerning European interests and European sovereignty," Merz said, speaking to reporters at an informal summit of EU leaders. "Ukrainian interests are also European interests, and we want to work together to ensure their long-term protection," he noted. According to Merz, these shared interests include the fact that Kyiv "cannot be forced into unilateral territorial concessions." The head of the German government also believes it is important that Ukraine "can continue to effectively defend itself against aggression in the future." To achieve this, it needs strong armed forces and reliable security guarantees from its partners, he added. At the same time, Merz noted that US President Donald Trump, during a phone call with him last week, expressed openness to a jointly developed peace plan for Ukraine. "And this is precisely what representatives of Ukraine, the USA, and EU members achieved yesterday in Geneva," the German Chancellor stated. "We welcome the fact that these negotiations in Geneva took place. We also welcome the interim results," he added. Now, according to Merz, it's important to bring Russia into the negotiations. "If this is possible, then all the efforts have been worth it," he noted. At the same time, Merz said he doesn't expect a breakthrough in the peace process in Ukraine this week. At two major public meetings over the past weekin Berlin on November 18 and London on November 22David North, chairperson of the World Socialist Web Site International Editorial Board, delivered lectures analyzing the deepening crisis of American capitalism and the Trump administrations drive toward dictatorship. Both meetings drew over 100 attendees, demonstrating the widespread concern over the threat of fascism under Trump and his counterparts internationally. Most significantly, North used both occasions to announce the imminent launch of Socialism AI, a revolutionary tool that will harness artificial intelligence for the development of socialist consciousness in the international working class. In his concluding remarks at the Berlin meeting, held at Humboldt University, North explained the transformative potential of Socialism AI, stating: The vast pedagogical potential of artificial, or, one might say augmented intelligence, combined with the revolutionary perspectives of scientific socialism, open unprecedented possibilities. The consciousness of the working class, the understanding of the objective conditions of capitalist crisis, the clarification of the path to working class powerall of this can be spread on a scale that previous generations could scarcely have imagined. Drawing a profound historical parallel, North continued: Just as Diderots Encyclopedia in the eighteenth century became an instrument for enlightenment that contributed to the French Revolution by making knowledge available to masses of people who had been kept in ignorance, so artificial intelligenceproperly developed and democratically controlled, utilized by the revolutionary Marxist-Trotskyist party and placed in the service of the working class rather than capitalist profitcan become an instrument of socialist consciousness. North then formally announced Socialism AI, saying: I am pleased to announce today that the International Committee has taken measures to harness the power of AI for the purposes and interests of the working class movement. Within a few weeks, we will be releasing Socialism AI, a revolutionary application of augmented intelligence to the development of socialist consciousness and the organizational capacity of the international working class. It is a chatbot which will enable users to pose political, historical, social questions, problems of organization and tactical initiative, and receive a response which draws on the vast archive of Marxist thought. First and foremost, the archive of the World Socialist Web Site itself, which encompasses well over 100,000 articles. North stressed that Socialism AI will not be programmed as the existing chatbots are to provide an answer which has been conditioned by the establishment media. Rather, It will provide an accurate, thoroughly researched reply to critical issues which arise in the day to day struggles of the working class. It will answer questions posed by intellectuals, students, youth on a vast range of questions, and will give answers which reflect and express the interests of the working class. Drawing parallels between the launching of Socialism AI and the World Socialist Web Site in 1998, North stated: This is not a minor technical project. Some 28 years ago, when the internet was first coming into existence, we understood the power of this new technology, and we were the first left-wing tendency to actually make the shift from a written newspaper to the internet. We founded the World Socialist Web Site. At that time, it was so new that Amazon only had about 850 employees. We understood the implications of this technology and acted upon it, and this was critical for the development of the revolutionary movement. We understand the power of AI, both its reactionary but also its revolutionary potential. We are acting on the latter. I am convinced that in the weeks and months ahead, and certainly in the years ahead, all of you will be using it. And thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands and millions of workers will utilize this powerful instrument as a means of education, social education, political education, cultural education. It will be used not in one language, but in dozens of languages. North concluded: This application of the most advanced productive forces to the transformation of consciousness has vast significance. It makes available instantly and globally the theoretical resources, the historical analysis, the programmatic clarity necessary for the working class to understand its historic mission and seize power. The announcement of Socialism AI came at the conclusion of an extensive lecture addressing the fundamental question: Where is America going? North opened by noting that most people would respond, To hella judgment he acknowledged as largely justified given the accelerating political crisis. Drawing on Marxs description of Frances financial aristocracy as the lumpenproletariat on the heights of bourgeois society, North characterized the contemporary American ruling class as a super-Mafia at the summit of capitalist society, flaunting crime and perversion while ordinary people pay the cost in misery and blood. North presented extensive data documenting the unprecedented concentration of wealth in the United States. Trumps cabinet and top appointees possess a collective net worth exceeding $60 billion, with sixteen of his twenty-five wealthiest appointees ranking among the 813 billionaires in a nation of 341 million peopleplacing them in the top 0.0001 percent. This is not symbolic representation, North stated. It is direct rule by the oligarchy. The lectures traced the historical roots of the crisis to the collapse of the Bretton Woods system in 1971 and the subsequent financialization of the American economy. North documented how the total value of publicly traded US stocks now exceeds 220 percent of annual economic outputmore than double the GDPcompared to just 80 percent in 1971. This represents an economy increasingly detached from real production and built on fictitious capital. North argued that moral outrage alone cannot provide the foundation for revolutionary struggle. What is required is a scientific understanding of capitalisms contradictions, particularly Marxs law of the decline in the rate of profit. The current frenzy of investment in artificial intelligence under capitalism, while appearing to promise increased profitability through mass layoffs, will in fact accelerate the systemic decline in the rate of profit by further reducing the source of surplus valueliving labor. North concluded with a powerful metaphor: The world in which we live is like a dormant volcano upon whose slopes civilization builds its monuments, establishes its institutions, and organizes its daily life. For long periods of time, the volcano remains dormant. But beneath the surface, immense pressures accumulate. The magma rises. The tremors intensify. And finally, the eruption comes with catastrophic force, transforming the landscape entirely. He continued: The eruption of class struggle in the United States will destroy the rotting structures of capitalism but will also open the possibility for a new world. From the depths of social oppression will arise a force greater than any army or corporationthe collective power of a class that produces all wealth yet owns nothing, literally. When that force acts consciously, guided by scientific socialism and the analysis of objective reality, it will sweep away the barriers of nationality and ethnicity and unite humanity in a common struggle for liberation. Following both lectures in Berlin and London, animated discussions took place, with many attendees leaving their contact information and purchasing books at the literature tables. Both meetings reflected growing interest among workers, students, and youth in a genuine socialist alternative to the escalating crises of capitalism, dictatorship, and imperialist war. The announcement of Socialism AI was received with great enthusiasm as a tool that can democratize access to Marxist theory and historical analysis on an unprecedented scale. In the coming days, the WSWS will post the full video recording of the London lecture. UAW President Shawn Fain during September 11, 2025 livestream event [Photo: UAW] As anger mounts among rank-and-file autoworkers over escalating layoffs and deteriorating working conditions, there are continuing signs of deep crisis in the United Auto Workers apparatus, already despised by a large and growing number of workers. On November 14, the court-appointed UAW monitor, Neil Barofsky, released another scathing status report citing the unions toxic culture of division and retaliation at the highest levels of the organization, laying particular blame on UAW President Shawn Fain. While citing supposed progress on implementing certain, largely cosmetic, structural reforms, the reported stated, As of the date of this Thirteenth Status Report, for the reasons discussed below, the Union does not appear to be on the path to sustainable cultural reform. The reality is stark: the current prioritization of political infighting and settling personal grievances over meaningful reform are stalling improvement and undermining good faith attempts to complete the necessary compliance infrastructure. The report went on to state that the UAW International Executive Board had even excluded the monitor from meetings of the UAW Culture Committee. This body was created as part of the federal monitors oversight to implement reforms around internal union culture (ethics, accountability, retaliation, etc.). The report focused in particular on conflicts in the apparatus centered on the removal of duties from UAW Secretary Treasurer Margaret Mock and UAW Vice President Chuck Boyer, in effective demotions. In particular, Barofsky found that the charges against Mock had been fabricated and called for the reinstatement of her duties. Along with that he also blasted the loose to non-existent independent oversight and control over the UAWs more than $1 billion in assets. The monitor said he is preparing a supplementary report that will detail the use of UAW Compliance Officer Marni Schroeder as a Trojan horse to advance false accusations against the Secretary-Treasurer. Marni resigned earlier this year, allegedy for personal reasons, shortly after the monitor wrote in his last report that she had helped put together a special compliance report, heavily shaped and substantially written by Fains staffers, wrongly accusing her of misconduct. Previous reports have revealed that Fain operates an authoritarian regime and frequently uses threats and profanity directed at subordinates. At one meeting of hundreds of union officials, the monitor reported, Fain threatened to slit the f**king throats of anyone who messed with members of his staff. You could hear a pin drop, one witness recalled. The monitor also alleged Fain sought to push through a no-bid contract with a Washington D.C. consulting firm in violation of the federal consent decree, which requires a minimum of three bids. In addition, the UAW bureaucracy is still refusing to turn over certain key communications, including text and WhatsApp messages from central figures, in defiance of court orders. In the previous filing, Barofsky stated his office had not received requested documentation related to a separate corruption probe involving an unnamed UAW regional director. The report emerges amidst continued personnel shakeup in the UAW apparatus, including the resignation of Region 9 Director Dan Vicente, elected in 2022 as part of the reform Unite All Workers for Democracy (UAWD) slate. According to Fain, Vicente stepped down in the best interest of his health, for his family and for our union. Immediately following Vicentes sudden and unexpected resignation, Fain announced the merger of Region 9 and Region 9A, circumventing the need for the election of a new director. The merger plan evoked sharp opposition from local officials in Region 9, who saw opportunities for cushy staff jobs being curtailed. In addition to Schroeders resignation, the UAWs independent ethics officer, Cathy Creighton, an attorney currently employed by Cornell University, also stepped down for unexplained personal reasons last summer. The Detroit News has reported that Creightons husband had received funding and political backing by the UAW for his ultimately successful campaign for mayor of Buffalo, New Yorkan obvious conflict of interest. Earlier this year, officials at several local unions who are backing Mock and Boyer brought charges against Fain under provisions of the UAW constitution for dereliction of duty, financial mismanagement and retaliation. The action, held largely over the heads of the rank and file, had the character of a palace coup within the top echelons of the apparatus, by officials who have collaborated in Fains betrayals of the rank and file. Both Mock and Boyer were former allies of Fain and backed the 2023 sellout contract, which dropped workers key demands and paved the way for the mass firing of temp workers and the layoff of full-time workers. The effort to bring charges against Fain was derailed by the UAW monitor on the basis of alleged procedural errors, giving Fain at least a temporary reprieve. However, the strong support given to Mock by the monitors report and the corporate media suggests that a plan B is being prepared ahead of the upcoming 2026 elections for top union officers in case Fain appears too discredited to win or even seek reelection. At a November 6 online town hall, dozens of rank-and-file workers posted comments denouncing the UAW apparatus for colluding in the elimination of their jobs. At one point, an exasperated Fain lashed out at a worker at the Warren Stamping Plant who had been laid off for more than a year, saying, Get real, the union doesnt lay people off. Under conditions of growing popular opposition to Trumps attack on immigrants, gutting of food stamps and other essential programs, and further moves to establish a dictatorship, Fain has emerged as a critical political supporter of the fascist president and his trade war policies, which have destroyed the jobs of workers in the US and internationally. Fain has shamelessly hailed the decision by Stellantis to shift production from its plant in Brampton, Ontario in Canada to the idled Belvidere, Illinois Assembly Plant, potentially costing 3,000 Canadian autoworkers their jobs. Fain has also said shifting some Dodge Ram pickup production from Mexico to the Detroit area showed the success of targeted tariffs. All factions of the UAW apparatus continue to collude with management in imposing long hours of forced overtime and covering up the circumstances surrounding the preventable deaths of Stellantis Toledo Jeep workers Antonio Gaston in August 2024 and Stellantis Dundee Engine skilled trades worker Ronald Adams Sr. in April this year. The UAW bureaucracy has also given the green light to the job cuts, which are being announced almost daily. In the latest cut, General Motors supplier Avancez said it will permanently lay off 143 workers at its plant in the Detroit suburb of Hazel Park because of GMs planned cuts at its flagship EV plant, Factory Zero, in Detroit. The latest layoffs follow GMs announcement of 3,400 job cuts related to the downsizing of its EV operations, including 1,200 jobs at Factory Zero and 850 temporary layoffs at Ultium Cells battery plant in Lordstown, Ohio. Ford said it is considering discontinuing its F-150 Lightning EV truck and has temporarily laid off thousands of workers at the Dearborn Truck Plant and the adjacent Rouge Electric Vehicle Center (REV-C). Production of the Lightning was halted following a fire at the Novelis aluminum plant in upstate New York, and other product lines have also been impacted. The facility supplies aluminum used in auto production at Ford and other companies. Due to Trumps tariffs there is no cost-effective alternative source. Further production cuts seem likely after a second major fire hit the Oswego, New York facility last week. Production at the Stellantis Warren Truck assembly plant outside Detroit was earlier halted for three weeks due to the aluminum shortage. The crisis in the UAW apparatus is of acute concern to the ruling class, since the auto union has long served as a vehicle for suppressing the struggles of this critical section of the working class. The years-long federal corruption investigation, the removal and jailing of leading officials and the imposition of a court appointed monitor in order to supposedly root out corruption were aimed at restoring the credibility of the unions bureaucratic apparatus. Last month, the US Department of Labor issued a 36-page document defending the rigged 2022-23 UAW election for top national officers. The election was carried out amid massive voter suppression by the UAW apparatus, with only 9 percent of the membership voting. Just like Bidens labor department had done before them, Trumps DOL officials brushed aside evidence submitted by rank-and-file Mack Trucks autoworker and UAW presidential candidate Will Lehman that the UAW bureaucracy deliberately failed to inform members of the election, refused to update mailing lists and allowed tens of thousands of ballots to go undelivered. Lehman, who ran as a socialist candidate against Fain and other union bureaucrats, called not for the reform, but the abolition, of the UAW bureaucracy and the transfer of power and decision-making to workers on the shop floor through the expansion of a network of rank-and-file committees in every factory. The monitors report again demonstrates complete imperviousness of the UAW bureaucracy to attempts at even cosmetic reform. It exists as an arm of management in the factories whose sole purpose is to prevent a fightback against speed-up, job cuts and deteriorating safety. In return for this service, hundreds of UAW officials live the high life off members dues. The conclusion that must be drawn is the need to abolish the whole corrupt structure through a rebellion by the rank and file. Power must be wrested from the apparatus and put in the hands of workers themselves. These committees must mobilize workers to oversee safety and production in the factories, wage a collective fight to defend all jobs, and unite with Canadian, Mexican and all workers to defend the right to a secure and good-paying job. The fight against capitalist exploitation must be combined with an industrial and political counter-offensive to end the threat of dictatorship, expropriate the oligarchy, and reorganize society to meet social needs, not corporate profit. A social counterrevolution is developing in Europe, the likes of which has not been seen since the 1930s. Hundreds of thousands of well-paid jobs are being destroyed, alongside the dismantling of pensions, healthcare and social spending, upon which the livelihoods of millions of people depend. At the same time, enormous sums are being poured into armaments and war and into further enriching the already wealthy. In March 2024, 10,000 employees demonstrated against layoffs in front of the Bosch headquarters in Gerlingen near Stuttgart In its latest report on the economic situation in Europe, the International Monetary Fund calls for deep cuts in the European model and the social contract in order to plug the budget holes created by increased military spending and handouts to the banks during the financial and coronavirus crises. The report is aptly titled: How Can Europe Pay for Things It Cannot Afford? An unprecedented jobs massacre is taking place in industry and, increasingly, in administration. Advances in electric mobility, information technology and artificial intelligence, which could greatly facilitate social life and solve social problems such as poverty and the climate crisis, are being used to increase profits and wage a bitter struggle for markets, raw materials and the redivision of the worldall at the expense of the working class. This is not an economic downturn that will eventually be followed by an upswing but rather a structural crisis. The entire capitalist system is bankrupt. All the symptoms that led to fascism and two world wars in the last century are back: unrestrained speculation, the bitter struggle for raw materials and markets, trade wars, wars and dictatorship. Germany at the center of the crisis Germany, which accounts for almost a quarter of the economic output of all 27 EU members with a Gross Domestic Product of 4.3 trillion, is at the center of the crisis. What was long considered the strength of the German economyits large share of exports and high foreign trade surplusesis now proving to be its Achilles heel. Trumps punitive tariffs and Chinas rise as a high-tech producer are hitting it particularly hard. Exports to the US slumped by 7.4 percent in the first nine months of this year. Trump has imposed tariffs of 15 percent on most imports from Europe, plus an additional 50 percent on metal components. As a result, many German cars and machines can no longer be sold in the US. The countrys trade deficit with China has reached a record 87 billion this year. Between 2010 and 2022, German exports to China doubled, reaching a peak of 107 billion. Since then, they have fallen back to 80 billion, while imports from China continue to grow. For the first time, China is achieving a trade surplus this year not only in consumer goods but also in capital goods. The market share of the three major German car manufacturersVolkswagen, BMW and Mercedeshas fallen from 22.6 to 16.7 percent in China and from 21.7 to 19.3 percent worldwide over the past two years. The decline is even greater for electric cars. Since 2019, the German economy has grown by only 0.3 percent. During the same period, the Chinese economy grew by 27 percent and the US economy by 12 percent, although growth in the US is largely based on speculative gains. The German Council of Economic Experts is predicting growth of just 0.9 percent for the coming year. Corporations are passing on the full brunt of this crisis to the working class. In the industrial sector alone, 160,000 jobs have been destroyed in the last 12 months, or 3,000 per week. The three largest industriesmechanical engineering, auto and chemicalswhich together employ more than 2.5 million people, are particularly affected. According to a study by the German Economic Institute (IW), 55,000 jobs have been lost in the auto and supplier industry, which employs a total of 760,000 people, since 2019, with another 90,000 to follow by 2030. While large corporations, such as VW, Bosch and ZF, are cutting tens of thousands of jobs or gradually withdrawing from Europe, as Ford and Stellantis (Opel) are already doing, smaller suppliers are going bankrupt in droves. Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, doubts whether the three major German car manufacturers will even still exist in their current form at the end of the decade. This would affect over 600,000 jobs and hundreds of thousands more that depend directly or indirectly on them. The situation is similar in mechanical engineering, which employs around 1 million people, many of whom manufacture highly specialized products for the global market. Here, production fell by 7 percent in 2024 and 5 percent in 2025. In the chemical industry, which employs 326,000 people, sales slumped by 10 percent in 2022 and 11 percent in 2023. The plants are now only operating at 71 percent capacity, with 82 percent considered profitable. The steel industry is facing complete liquidation, with 55,000 of the remaining 70,000 jobs under acute threat. The only industry still growing in Germany is the arms industry. Over the next five years, Germany will invest a trillion euros into the business of death. Industry leader Rheinmetall increased its sales by 38 percent last year and by 30 percent this year. Its share price has risen twelvefold since 2022 and threefold since the beginning of this year. While the livelihoods of workers and their families are being destroyed and entire regions are being deprived of their economic basis, the rich cannot get enough and continue to enrich themselves despite the crisis. There are now 3,900 people in Germany with assets in the hundreds of millions, an increase of 500 persons compared with a year ago. Despite a slump in profits, job cuts and an urgent need for investment, Mercedes is buying back 2 billion euros worth of its own shares, thereby driving up its share price. While the company is cutting up to 20,000 jobs, the members of the board of directors are reaping double rewards: through the increase in their million-euro salaries linked to the share price and as owners of large blocks of shares. CEO Kallenius alone owns around 50,000 Mercedes shares. War at home and abroad Germanys ruling class is responding to the economic crisis with the same methods it used in the 1930s: by declaring war on the working class and returning to its criminal militarist traditions. Ten years ago, the government had already announced that Germany sought to play a military role in the world in line with its weight as the third-largest economy. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, provoked by NATO, then served as a welcome pretext to put these plans into action. The previous government led by Olaf Scholz (SPD) decided on a special fund of 100 billion for the rearmament of the Bundeswehr. The current government led by the Christian Democrat Friedrich Merz is providing 10 times that amount in loans and intends to build the strongest conventional army in Europe. By 2029 at the latest, this army should be capable of waging war against Russia. In that year, German military spending will have risen to 168 billion, about six times as much as at the beginning of the century. Germany has spent 76 billion to date solely to support the war in Ukraine, making it the largest donor after the US. Its aim is not defense and freedom but rather economic dominance in Eastern Europe and Ukraine and the subjugation of Russia with its vast mineral resources, i.e., the same war aims Germany pursued in the First and Second World Wars. The government is passing on the costs of this massive armament and war offensive to the working class, pensioners and the needy. This summer, Chancellor Merz announced that the welfare state in its current form was no longer financially viable. Economics Minister Katherina Reiche warns that pensions will probably not be enough to live on later, despite high contributions. She is calling for longer working lives and an Agenda 2030a comprehensive program based on the principle of more competition, and less government. Even maintaining the current pension level, which after 45 years of average contributions stands at 48 percent of an average salaryand thus well below the poverty lineis rejected by sections of the government. The Financial Times cites the dangerous illusion that generous social benefits can coexist with high productivity as the cause of Germanys malaise and urges it to set an example: Germany, the anchor of budgetary discipline and industrial strength on the continent, must teach Europe how to face the truth about welfare statesbefore they collapse under their own weight. Socialist perspective The onslaught against jobs, pensions and social gains won by the working class after World War II is in full swing worldwide and is meeting with increasing resistance. In France, President Macron is sticking to his pension reform, even though mass protests have forced him to replace his prime minister five times. The hated president of the rich remains in office only because the Socialists are backing him. In Italy, Belgium and Portugal, general strikes and mass protests against social cuts and austerity budgets will take place in the coming weeks. In the US, President Trump is cutting social benefits on which millions depend. American companies have announced 1.1 million layoffs this year. In China, millions of jobs have been lost in recent years to automation and the crisis in the construction industry, and youth unemployment in cities stands at 19 percent. In African and Asian countries, Generation Z has been protesting for three years against the lack of any prospects for the future. This movement of the international working class and youth, however, lacks a viable perspective. The corporatist trade unions, which used to negotiate social compromises within the framework of social partnership, have become the spearhead of social cuts and mass layoffs. In Germany, the trade union federation (DGB) and its works councils develop layoff plans within the framework of legally regulated co-determination and suppress resistance to the layoffs. Union bureaucrats sit on company supervisory boards and often move on to the executive. The reason for this is not only theundoubtedly widespreadcorruption of highly paid union officials and works council members but the nationalist perspective upon which the unions are based. This perspective is geared toward strengthening the competitiveness of their own companies because, according to union logic, this is the only way to preserve jobs. On this basis, the unions agree to job cuts, wage reductions and poorer working conditions. They play one location off against another, divide workers from their colleagues in other countries and boycott any serious resistance. A typical example of this is the so-called bidding war between the Ford plants in Saarlouis, Germany and Almussafes, Spain in which the works councils undercut each other with concessions until both plants were largely shut down. The unions also support their governments respective war policies. Whereas the IG Metall union used to promote the slogan swords to plowshares, it now advocates converting auto factories into tank factories. Jobs and social gains can only be defended on the basis of a socialist perspective that places the social needs of the working class above the profit interests of the capitalists and links them to the struggle against war and capitalism. The deeper cause of the capitalist crisis is the incompatibility of modern global production, which unites hundreds of millions of workers into a single transnational process, with private ownership of the means of production and the nation-state, upon which capitalism is based. The imperialist powers seek to resolve this conflict by violently redividing the world at the expense of their rivals, which will inevitably lead to a Third World War. This is the essence of Trumps MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement and all those who emulate it. The working class, which produces all social wealth, can resolve this conflict by overthrowing capitalism, overcoming national borders and socializing the large corporations and fortunes. This is particularly important in Europe, which is economically closely intertwined and divided into more than 40 states. The European Union, which is a tool of the most powerful states and corporations, must be replaced by the United Socialist States of Europe. Workers and young people must unite in action committees, functioning independent of the trade unions and all of the parties that defend capitalism, and build the Socialist Equality Party and its sister organizations in the International Committee of the Fourth International into mass socialist parties. Photo: https://t.me/marybezuhla Independent MP Maryana Bezuhla will not participate in the Verkhovna Rada vote until Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismisses his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. "I won't vote for anything in the Verkhovna Rada until Yermak is removed," Bezuhla wrote on her Telegram channel on Monday. She called on her colleagues to follow her example. "I urge all my colleagues not to be afraid, not to remain silent, and not to allow themselves to be completely reduced to mechanical buttons, devoid of any humanity, humiliated and devalued. We have different relationships, but now we must unite as one parliament ... I believe the Verkhovna Rada should go on strike now until Yermak is fired. No voting. No decisions," the MP noted. As reported, Bezuhla called on Zelenskyy to fire Yermak at a meeting of the Servant of the People faction with the president last week. A miner in the town of Cobar has warned that the fatal accident that claimed the lives of two workers and injured a third in late October could be repeated, under conditions where the company, Polymetals Resources Ltd, last week carried out a full resumption of operations at its Endeavor Mine where the tragedy occurred. The World Socialist Web Site is protecting the miners anonymity to ensure that he is not subjected to victimisation. The worker raised specific concerns about the ongoing use of electrical detonators at the mine in the central west of New South Wales, noting that there were discussions among workers that the devices could have been responsible for triggering the unplanned explosion. Ambrose Patrick McMullen and Holly Clarke [Photo: Facebook] The worker knew 24-year-old Holly Clarke, one of the victims of the October 28 disaster, alongside 59-year-old Patrick Ambrose McMullen. Mackenzie Stirling, also 24, has reportedly been left with serious injuries and trauma. The impact on the town has been huge, he said. Holly was a great person who knew so many people in Cobar and the area. She was wise beyond her years. She wont have the chance to fulfil all the dreams that she had. She had never been overseas, for instance, and she was planning on a trip next year. Her life was just beginning. Its so unfair and so unfortunate. People are devastated. The worker said that while we dont know what caused this, he had serious concerns about the possible role of electrical detonators. He explained, You have to work extremely safely with them, and even then, theyre still dangerous. They can fire from any form of current. The worker contrasted these potential hazards with the safety of electronic detonators, which he said other mines were increasingly using, in some instances because of incidents with electrical detonators. The electronic devices have so many fail safes to prevent an accidental firing. A digital logger would transmit information and then an encrypted firing key would have to be attached before firing. The devices, the worker said, were not susceptible to atmospheric electrical currents. Referring to the accident, he said, We dont know what caused the explosion. It could have been static, or a radio, but I do know it was unintentional, which is not acceptable at all. I had heard broader concerns about safety at Endeavor. Ive heard of people leaving, because they were worried about it, over different things, including the ground conditions. Youve got to remember that this is an old mine. It was only shut down for five or six years, but decay happens pretty fast. When you dont have ventilation and its humid and hot, all the mesh rots, the ground support starts to rust away and things like that. It really doesnt take long, especially in humid areas. Operations resumed at Endeavor last year, after Polymetals struck an acquisition agreement. The worker condemned attempts by sections of the media to insinuate that human error on the part of the miners may have been the cause. He noted that this line had been pushed by the host of a radio program on 2GB. He knew from colleagues and friends that Ambrose was very knowledgeable. You would be hard pressed to find a shift boss who knew more than him about explosives. He would not cut corners. He was by the book. McMullen was also reportedly enthusiastic about his two younger colleagues. He had told friends that Clarke and Stirling were fantastic at their job. The miner commented I think we can safely rule out human error. I dont think what the company has done in sending workers back on the job is right at all, he said. He noted reports of a company edict directing workers not to speak about the incident or conditions to anyone, including relatives. The way you get through grief is by speaking to people. And if youve got issues with the company or how things are, what theyre making you do at this point, I think you should be able to speak. They wouldnt put a gag order if there werent things that they didnt want to be discussed. Old mining machinery, part of Cobar Miners Memorial The miner noted another silence, that of the unions that cover the sector, the Mining and Energy Union and the Australian Workers Union. The unions have created a hoo-ha around much smaller things, but I havent heard a peep from them this time round, he commented. I was surprised. I thought they would kick up a stink. They should have said that until the investigation is completed and we know what caused this, anything that might have played a role should not be used. The unions should have said, all right, electrical detonators, have a hold on them. Until we figure out why this happened, just so it does not happen to anyone else, well put a pause on that. You cant use them until the investigation is wrapped up. Rather than Were not gonna change anything until the investigation is wrapped up. The investigation will take years which means a lot of time that theyre still using it, and a lot of time for another potential accident. The worker commented that what the company is doing with its continued use of electrical detonators is completely legal. That showed that the issue goes much higher up, to the regulators and other authorities. Speaking about broader issues, including the 2010 Pike River mine disaster in New Zealand, the worker said that regulators meant to enforce safety regulations increasingly appeared to be bark and no bite, no teeth. He noted that when severe breaches are identified, including those that result in workers deaths, the high-ups never really get punished. And fines dont do anything. Theyre never in the ballpark of what a mining company makes. It is pocket change. Whatever they have to pay out, it means nothing to them. The prospect of jail is different. If youve been negligent and it costs someone their life, you should go to prison with no ifs or buts about it. There are industrial manslaughter laws, but they very rarely get used. He also spoke about the broader growth of corporate power. Weve moved away from the situation in the 1960s and 70s when you had public education and healthcare, and workers could afford to buy a house and have a decent standard of living. Now you have two people, and even if they are on decent incomes, they cant buy a house, and all of their resources go to feeding their family. Its insane where the world has gotten to. Everything is organised for a few people to make as much money as possible off the backs of all the workers. Studies have shown that if someone is earning $50,000 a year, an additional $15,000 could make their lives a lot better. But if someone is already on a salary of $10 million a year, an extra $5 million doesnt change anything at all in terms of their lifestyle. Twenty to twenty-five years ago, there were hardly any billionaires. Now were talking about the prospect of the worlds first trillionaire. Capitalism has gone too far. The worker expressed appreciation for the WSWS continuing to report on the Endeavor tragedy. You guys are the only people still covering it. Every other media company that Ive seen has just moved on. They covered it for a few days and that was it. Im glad to see that you guys are still covering it, its really good. And your coverage is quite thorough. Youre not biased to the mine. Youre there for the workers from what Ive seen. He concluded: Everyone around the town wants justice. We need to know what caused the explosion and who was responsible and make sure something like this does not happen again. The WSWS urges workers at Endeavor and other mines throughout the region and more broadly to contact us. Break the silence of the company, the governments and the unions! Share your experiences and knowledge with us to inform the working class and prepare the ground for a struggle by rank-and-file workers to enforce safety measures and to end injuries and deaths in the sector. We will protect your anonymity. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player President Donald Trump shakes hands with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] In his speech on election night on November 4, New York City Mayor-elect and Democratic Socialists of America member Zohran Mamdani declared that his victory was ushering in a generation of change. If we embrace this brave new course, he stated, we can respond to oligarchy and authoritarianism with the strength it fears, not the appeasement it craves. Speaking directly of Trump, Mamdani added that if there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power. Barely two weeks later, Mamdani met with this very despot in the White House and pledged a partnership with Trump. Mamdanis brave new course, as it turned out, was neither brave nor new, and it led directly into the warm embrace of the fascist president. The immediate political consequence of Mamdanis visit will be to confuse and disorient the very people who brought him to office. After all, a significant factor in Mamdanis victory was the widespread and deeply-felt hatred of Trump, particularly among young people. Among broader layers, it confirmed the fact that there is significant support for socialism, including in the financial center of world capitalism. Mamdanis public embrace of Trump will, and indeed is intended to, frustrate and demoralize this sentiment. The response of the DSA and its publications, particularly Jacobin magazine, is the most grotesque cynicism and lying. In two articlesThe Right Cant Figure Out What to Do With Zohran Mamdani by Ben Burgis and Zohran Mamdani Knew How to Handle Donald Trump by Peter DreierJacobin portrays the mayor-elects deference to Trump as a stroke of strategic brilliance. In explaining Trumps embrace of Mamdani, Burgis writes that the fascist president was seemingly charmed by the mayor-elect. Trump, Burgis notes, remarked after their meeting that he and Mamdani agree on a lot more than I would have thought. Burgis, however, does not refer to the actual political content of this agreement, as expressed in the press conference. This includes Trumps praise for Mamdanis decision to retain NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, a Trump ally who has targeted anti-genocide protesters; Mamdanis support for Trumps bogus peace plan in Gaza (never mentioned in either article); and, most significantly, his embrace of the administrations anti-immigrant operations. As Trump put it during the press conference, If there are horrible people, we want to get them out. He [Mamdani] wants to get them out more than I do. In an effort to account for Trumps apparent change of heart, Burgis offers up pop psychology. Trump, he claims, has an animal instinct to bully those who seem vulnerable but flatter the charismatic and the popular. Burgis speculates that Trump was momentarily dazed and smiling after meeting Mamdani, unsure of how to proceed. The articles title claims that The Right Cant Figure Out What to Do With Zohran Mamdani. In fact, it can. It is milking Mamdanis pathetic opportunism for all it is worth. Dreier follows the same basic script. He praises the smart, good looking, and charismatic Mamdani for carrying out a charm offensive. He declares that, due to declining poll numbers and other signs of crisis, Trump must be wallowing in self-pity right now. He needed, more than anything else, some good photo ops and some flattery. Mamdani, who is more intelligent, strategic, and disciplined than Trump, accommodated him. Drieier, perhaps conscious of the language of Mamdanis victory speech, chose not to use the word appease. Regardless, this is an incredibly damning admission, which Jacobin presents as if it were a political virtue. That Trump needed flattering photo-opsand Mamdani accommodated himis an acknowledgment that, under conditions of growing crisis and popular opposition, Mamdani provided Trump exactly what he wanted. The Mamdani-Trump meeting, however, was not an improvised public relations stunt. It was a political act. In the days immediately following his election victory, Mamdanis team reached out to the White House to request the meeting. This was a deliberate decision, aimed at forging a partnership with the fascistic Trump administration, of legitimizing a regime that is waging a war on democratic rights, of promoting the fiction that Trump is some sort of populist and not a representative of the oligarchy. Mamdanis statements can be interpreted in no other way. Indeed, on Sunday, in an interview on NBCs Meet the Press, Mamdani was asked if he still considers Trump to be a fascist. The mayor-elect stated, Thats something that Ive said in the past. I say it today. He quickly added that what I appreciated about the conversation with Trump is that they wanted to focus on what it could look like to deliver on a shared analysis of an affordability crisis for New Yorkers. Whats a little fascism between budding political allies? What shared analysis, one might ask, would a supposed democratic socialist have with a fascist representative of the capitalist oligarchy about the affordability crisis in New York or anywhere else? The answer is to be found not in the armchair psychoanalysis of Jacobin, but in the class analysis of Marxism. The DSA speaks for privileged sections of the upper-middle class that are deeply opposed to a fundamental redistribution of wealth. It is not and has never been independent from the oligarchy and the state apparatus. Politically, it is a faction of the Democratic Party, a party of Wall Street and the military-intelligence agencies. Indeed, a significant factor in the gushing of the DSA over Mamdani and his love fest with Trump is a feeling within these layers that Trump is not so bad after all. Dictatorship, fascism, genocide, mass deportation might just be ok if there is a little space for the upper-middle class pseudo-left. There is precedent for this brand of left collaboration with the far right. In August 1939, Stalins Soviet Union signed the infamous Hitler-Stalin Pact, aligning with Nazi Germany in a temporary non-aggression agreement that disoriented millions of workers and helped pave the way for World War II. Todays alliance between Mamdani and Trump flows from a similar logic. And within the DSA, and Jacobin in particular, there is a very strong influence of Stalinism. As the WSWS wrote 10 years ago, following the experience of Syriza in Greece, answering the question, What is the pseudo-left?: The pseudo-left is anti-socialist, opposes class struggle, and denies the central role of the working class and the necessity of revolution in the progressive transformation of society. It counterposes supra-class populism to the independent political organization and mass mobilization of the working class against the capitalist system. The economic program of the pseudo-left is, in its essentials, pro-capitalist and nationalistic. Mamdanis actions once again demonstrate that the use of the term pseudo-left is not an epithet or a throw-away phrase, but a political and class characterization. There is nothing left about these forces. Mamdani met with Trump as he was threatening to execute leading members of the Democratic Party, overseeing Gestapo immigration raids in Charlotte, presiding over the Gaza genocide and preparing to direct the military to violently repress protests. These are vast crimes with the most far-reaching implications, crimes in which the DSA is implicated as enablers. The events of the past several days must be a turning point for all those who genuinely oppose fascism and dictatorship and want to fight for socialism. For Mamdani, his meeting with Trump, held before he even takes office, will define him for all time as a political scoundrel of the lowest order. For the hundreds of thousands of young people and workers who supported Mamdani in the election, who were drawn to his rhetoric and viewed his victory as a sign of hope, the lesson must be drawn. The fight for genuine socialism, for the interests of the working class, requires an irreconcilable break with the Democratic Party and the bankrupt politics of the pseudo-left. Their strategy leads not to socialism, but to confusion, demoralization and betrayal. Flowing from this experience, the task must be to turn, as Lenin put it, deeper into the masses of workers and youth, the development of the class struggle centered on the factories and workplaces, and the building of a revolutionary leadership. We urge all those who see the necessity of this struggle to join the Socialist Equality Party and build the political movement required to put an end to capitalism, fascism and war. 25 years ago: United Nations climate summit ends in failure On November 25, 2000, the United Nations climate summit in the Netherlands collapsed, due to disagreements over implementing the Kyoto Protocol and achieving a 5 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2010. Sharp divisions emerged between the United States, the European Union, and developing nations among the 180 countries represented, exposing the self-serving priorities of imperialist nation-states and the capitalist system in confronting climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change had given the summit a sense of urgency with a report warning that global temperatures could rise by as much as 6 degrees Celsius within a century, double previous estimates. Such an increase would greatly heighten the risks of extreme weather events, ecological destruction, widespread disease outbreaks, and economic turmoil. Shift in surface air temperature averages over the last 50 years [Photo by NASAs Scientific Visualization Studio, Key and Title by uploader (Eric Fisk) / CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 The main disputes centered on Washingtons proposal to meet its emission targets through carbon sinks, such as reforestation projects that absorb carbon dioxide. Many scientists questioned the effectiveness of this strategy. Rather than making meaningful cuts, the US, backed by Australia, Canada, and Japan, pushed for an emissions-trading scheme and for reforestation projects abroad to count toward their emission targets. The US also demanded that existing forests and farmland be factored in. No enforcement mechanism was established for countries that failed to meet their pledges, largely due to US pressure. The American oil industry and climate-change deniers in the US Senate claimed that reducing emissions would harm the economy. Developing nations, meanwhile, condemned the hypocrisy of the imperialist powers seeking to buy the right to pollute instead of taking real action. Even among the imperialist nations, fierce infighting erupted. French President Jacques Chirac publicly attacked the US position, noting that Americas per capita emissions far exceeded those of the EU. Within the EU itself, tensions flared between the United Kingdom and France over how to negotiate with Washington. At one point, Britains Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and French Environment Minister Dominique Voynet openly blamed each other for the failure to reach a deal. As the summit neared its end, chair Jan Pronk proposed a last-minute compromise allowing limited use of carbon sinks by the US, excluding nuclear investments from credit trading, and offering financial aid to developing countries for clean technology. Both the US and EU rejected the plan. Further changes proposed by Germany and the Scandinavian countries led the EU to withdraw its support entirely, ultimately dooming the summit. The breakdown of the 2000 climate summit underscored the inability of global capitalism to confront an existential crisis that requires rational planning of society and technology for human need, on a global scale, rather than private profit accumulation. For the capitalist leaders, national and economic interests prevailed over the collective good of humanity. 50 years ago: Right-wing consolidates power in Portugal On November 25, 1975, armed struggle in the form of a coup and counter-coup broke out between the left and right wings of the Armed Forces Movement (MFA), the military regime that had been governing Portugal since the Carnation Revolution in April 1974, which had brought to an end of the fascist Estado Novo government. The struggle first emerged as a disorganized, left-wing military rebellion. Paratrooper regiments and revolutionary-minded soldiers, reacting to the sudden removal of their left-wing commanders, seized key airbases and military installations in the Lisbon area. This spontaneous rebellion, however, was quickly defeated by the right-wing forces who seized on the opportunity to begin a purge of all left-wing elements in the state. The right-wing MFA coup was led by Colonel Antonio dos Santos Ramalho Eanes, who had been preparing for months to purge the left-wing elements from the military and the government. Eanes would become president in 1976 after gaining the favor of international capital. Portugal President Antonio Ramalho Eanes, left, and First Lady Manuela Ramalho Eanes, right, meeting with US President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan, in 1983, eight years after the right-wing coup that brought Eanes to power This putsch culminated intense political divisions that had emerged within the MFA itself, splitting the army into an imperialist-backed right-wing faction and a left faction aligned with the Stalinists of the Communist Party, the most conscious opponents of socialist revolution. Throughout the preceding hot summer of 1975, the working class had been engaged in an explosive movement, taking over factories and farmlands, and establishing countless committees of workers, peasants and soldiers. These committees, born out of the struggle, held the potential to serve as the nucleus for genuine dual power and ultimately a workers government. However, this revolutionary promise was fatally undermined by the Stalinist leadership. The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) pursued a deliberate policy of sabotaging the revolution, constantly declaring the MFA to be the guarantor of democracy and tying the mass movement to the militarys left-wing officers like Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho. The PCP subordinated the independent workers committees and mass organizations to the political control of the so-called left MFA. They argued that this faction of the military would act to defend workers interests and implement reforms. This policy halted the developing independent political mobilization of the working class. This Stalinist treachery completely disarmed the working class in the face of the right-wing counter-offensive. When Ramalho Eanes launched his coup on November 25, the celebrated left-wing officers, including Carvalho, meekly capitulated, putting up no resistance. The PCP would double down on its betrayal by denouncing the left-wing military rebellion as adventurism and urging workers to remain in their homes and take no action to stop the consolidation of power by the right or to defend the revolutionary soldiers. The consequences were swift and brutal. After consolidating power, the right-wing of MFA imposed a state of siege. Civil rights were suspended, and mass repression began against left-wing organizations. Leftist newspapers were silenced, union activity was suppressed, and arrested soldiers and political militants were purged from their positions. 75 years ago: Chinese begin Second Phase Offensive in Korean War On November 25, 1950, China began its Second Phase Offensive in the Korean War with a counterstrike against advancing United Nations forces, led by the United States. The opening battle of this offensive took place along the Chongchon River Valley in North Korea, shortly after UN Commander General Douglas MacArthur launched the Home-by-Christmas Offensive aimed at expelling Chinese forces from Korea by the end of the year. Chinas First Phase Offensive began one month earlier, with initial successes in halting the northward advance of US-led troops to the Chinese border. After Chinas Peoples Volunteer Army (PVA) withdrew following the Battle of Pakchon, US troops continued their advance, reaching the Chinese border on November 21. Chinese postage stamp depicting Chinese soldiers in the Korean War One day before the PVA launched its Second Phase Offensive, MacArthur announced a new general assault, aiming to consolidate the recent string of US victories and bring the entire Korean peninsula under US control over the coming month. These plans were disrupted the following day when the PVA launched surprise counterattacks, quickly halting the advance of US forces. The attack at the Chongchon River was the initial western front of Chinas new offensive, lasting for a week. The eastern front of Chinas offensive began on November 27 with the Battle of Chosin Reservoir (also called Lake Changjin), where over 100,000 PVA troops encircled approximately 30,000 US-led troops over a period of two weeks. While these battles involved heavy casualties on both sides, they ended in decisive victories for Chinese forces. They marked the abrupt end to the northward advance of imperialist troops, and the beginning of the mass retreat from North Korea by the United States and its allies. These defeats were a major blow to the plans of US imperialism. Washingtons response was to escalate with further threats of war, up to and including the use of nuclear weapons. US President Harry S. Truman announced in a press conference in the days after Chinas offensive began that there was active consideration for the use of the atomic bomb in Korea in response to these defeats. 100 years: British communists sentenced to prison in frame-up On November 25, 1925, a court sentenced 12 British communist leaders, including Harry Pollitt and William Gallagher, on charges of conspiracy to utter seditious libels, to incite to mutiny and seduce soldiers and sailors away from their duty. The 12 leaders had been convicted under the Incitement to Mutiny Act of 1797, a law originally passed during the Napoleonic Wars to prevent naval mutinies. The judge sentenced five leaders, including Pollitt, to a year in prison because of previous convictions and the remaining seven to six months because they refused the judges offer to free them if they promised to disavow the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB). In issuing his sentence, the judge referred to the claim that the prosecution of the defendants was done at the behest of the Conservative Party, since if the defendants were proved guilty, it did not matter how low were the motives which animated the prosecutors according to the New York Times. The prosecutions case relied heavily on articles published in the communist newspaper Workers Weekly (specifically an Open Letter to the Fighting Forces, asking soldiers not to shoot striking workers) and in the Communist Review. The prosecution argued that the CPGB was an illegal party carrying on illegal work funded by Moscow gold. The trial was an effort by the ruling class to decapitate the leadership of the Communist Party at a time when rising militancy in the working class was leading to an open confrontation with the government. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) had already seen the rise of the Communist-led Minority Movement. In the Labour Party a National Left-Wing Movement was formed in 1925, which fought for the right of the CPGB to affiliate with it. Over 400 delegates backed the motion at Labours annual conference. A photo taken in London during the General Strike of 1926 As the World Socialist Web Site has noted of this period: Against this background, Stanley Baldwins Conservative government was determined to take on and defeat the miners, having concluded earlier, on July 31, 1925,Red Friday, that it was not yet ready to carry out a plan to break a miners strike promised the backing of the rail workers. It had given a nine-month subsidy to the mine owners while it set up the Organisation for the Maintenance of Supplies (OMS) to head strikebreaking operations, involving the military and right-wing civilian volunteers. By April 1926, the Baldwin government would impose lockouts in the mines, and the TUC was forced to call a general strike in May. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, center, talks with Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel, right, and Romania's Foreign Minister Oana Toiu as they arrive for an EU general affairs meeting at the European Council building in Brussels, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. [AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert] The major European powers have reacted with dismay to the Trump administrations proposed peace plan, worked out in US negotiations with Moscow. Desperate to continue the war with Russia in Ukraine, which they have made a central justification for their own remilitarization and cuts to social spending to fund the war economy, they rejected the plan as a capitulation to Russia. At a meeting of European foreign ministers last Thursday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: Peace cannot be capitulation. You must understand that Ukrainians who have mounted heroic resistance for over three years against a shameless act of aggression from Russia will always refuse any form of capitulation. While Barrots Swedish counterpart Maria Stenergard dismissed the US-Russian deal, stating, There cannot be peace without Ukraine, and Europe must be at the negotiating table, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul insisted that peace required a Russian surrender. He said: The precondition [for peace] is that Vladimir Putin end his war of aggression against Ukraine, that we arrive at a ceasefire without preconditions and that we then negotiate together equitably. The European powers have little hope, however, of convincing Moscow to surrender and give up the position it now holds on the battlefield. Wadephuls remark underscores the complete disconnect between official propaganda in Europe and military-political realities in Ukraine. Washingtons signing of a deal with Moscow behind the backs of its nominal European allies shows the narrative of the war presented to the European public was a pack of lies. It was not a war to preserve Western democracy from Russian aggression, nor were Russian troops bumbling fools suffering lopsided losses at the hands of superior, NATO-backed Ukrainian forces. The NATO imperialist powers armed the Ukrainian regime to the teeth, successfully goading the reactionary post-Soviet Russian capitalist regime to attack it. They all competed in a war aiming to crush Russia and secure domination of Eurasia. This war has now failed, leaving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky deeply unpopular, and Ukraine bled white. Trumps deal would leave much of eastern Ukraine in Russian hands, rule out NATO membership for Ukraine and force Zelenskywho has collapsed in the polls and cancelled electionsto suddenly hold new elections. It would cement raw material deals that give Washington, not the European powers, the lions share of rare earth minerals in Ukraine. Washington would get 50 percent of the profits from the reconstruction of Ukraine, which Europe would have to fund to the tune of $100 billion. Bitter conflicts erupted at a meeting last Friday between US and European diplomats in Kiev, chaired by US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll. According to transcripts European officials present at the meeting gave the Financial Times, Driscoll bluntly informed European negotiators they would have no say in the terms of the peace deal. We are not negotiating details, Driscoll told them in a foul-mouthed tirade, declaring: We need to get this shit done. He said, The US Armed Forces love Ukraine and stand behind Ukraine, but it is the honest US military assessment that Ukraine is in a very bad position and now is the best time for peace. The top US diplomat in Kiev, US Charge dAffaires Julie Davis, argued similarly. As much as we can support Ukraine continuing the war, there are limits, she told the European officials assembled at the meeting. There are strong indications that Russia has a strong industrial base and it is a matter of time until Ukraine has to cut a deal. European newspapers and officials denounced the deal, from the reckless standpoint that peace with Russia is unacceptable. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung called the proposed deal a complete surrender not only of Ukraine but also of the free West to the aggressor, while Frances Liberation called it a terrible ultimatum [that] would probably sound better in Sicilian. European politicians, for their part, issued calls for military escalation against Russia. While German Chancellor Friedrich Merz again called last week to give Ukraine Taurus missiles for long-range strikes on Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron said he would keep trying to send French or European ground troops to Ukraine despite mass popular opposition. French head of the army general staff General Fabien Mandon demanded that French people be prepared to sacrifice their children in a war against Russia. Such remarks underscore the enormous danger of military escalation that still exists, particularly as the Trump administration threatens to launch new wars, from Iran to Venezuela. Europes hysterical war propaganda is not driven by any real military threat facing Europe but by the imperialist interests and antidemocratic political agenda of European capitalism. The European Union has more than three times Russias population of 143 million and more than seven times its economy of approximately US$2 trillion. Russian forces have neither the capacity nor the intention to conquer Europe. By waging the Ukraine war, the European powers hope to enforce both their commercial and military interests in Eurasia, andinextricably bound up with thisan ultra-reactionary political climate at home. Fully 89 percent of Western Europeans opposed sending troops to Ukraine, and there was explosive social anger at pension cuts and other austerity measures used to fund the war. Yet the war proceeded, plunging US and European governments ever deeper into debt, and working class opposition to war was politically suppressed. Some of the political calculations underlying the militarism of the European powers were laid out in an interview by former French President Francois Hollande in Le Monde. With Macron massively unpopular amid a deep social crisis in France, Hollande laid out a nightmare scenario for European capitalism: the fall of Zelensky could trigger a domino effect, with governments collapsing across Europe, including in France. Denouncing the Trump administrations plan as making a complete break with Europe and with the order that has prevailed for 75 years, Hollande bemoaned that the European powers had not more aggressively armed Ukraine with long-range weapons. We must say we will send as many weapons as possible, he said. We were too careful with arms deliveries. We thought that Putin would use the nuclear threat if we sent missiles and missile batteries. Hollande stressed that he had the gravest fears about the survival of the unpopular Ukrainian regime, in which the European powers have invested hundreds of billions of euros: If Zelensky signs, he is finished; if he does not sign, he can be crushed. The Trump plan already foresees eliminating him, as it proposes elections in 100 days. Given the deep unpopularity and the insoluble budget crisis in France and other European countries, Hollande feared the fall of Zelensky could bring down other governments, too. He said, Everything is connected: the state of our democracy, the strength of our defense and the credibility of our security. [Zelensky] has become the first line of defense of the European continent. For that reason, our obligation is to support him. If he falls, our security is threatened. And, one day or other, we also will fall. The defense of the interests of the working class in Europe requires building a socialist anti-war movement in the working class. The bloodshed and the looting of the working population of the warring countries must stop. Furthermore, far-reaching political and historical conclusions must be drawn from this war, which has caused millions of Ukrainian and Russian casualties. In the period since the Stalinist bureaucracies dissolved the Soviet Union and restored capitalism in Eastern Europe, capitalism has utterly failed to provide prosperity and peace. The fratricidal Ukrainian-Russian war incited by NATO exemplifies the catastrophes it has produced. Averting even greater disasters requires the unification of the struggles of the working class, bringing down governments across Europe in a struggle to replace the European Union with the United Socialist States of Europe as part of an international struggle for socialism. Lebanese Red Cross volunteers work at the site where an apartment building was hit during an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh in the southern suburb of Beirut, Sunday Nov. 23, 2025. [AP Photo/Bilal Hussein] The Israeli military killed dozens of people in Gaza and Lebanon over the weekend, continuing its rampage throughout the Middle East under the cover of ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon. The massacres, which have become customary, have gone largely unreported in major newspapers, which have accepted the fraudulent proclamation by President Trump, as he put it on Friday, that we actually have now for the first time, peace in the Middle East. On Sunday, Israel carried out an airstrike in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, killing five people and wounding 28 more. The strike targeted the densely populated Haret Hreik area of the city. Lebanons National News Agency (NNA) reported that the attack was carried out by two missile strikes, which targeted an apartment building, damaging surrounding cars and buildings. Sundays attack follows a separate strike last week on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon that killed 13 people. The attack, which killed mostly women and children, was the deadliest since the announcement of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon last November. Over the past year, Israel has killed over 300 people in Lebanon, including 127 civilians, according to figures from the United Nations. It likewise continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, despite agreeing to withdraw its troops from Lebanese territory as part of the ceasefire. The strike targeted and killed Ali Tabtabai, the acting chief of staff of Hezbollah. In September 2024, Israel killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, in a strike involving dozens of bunker-busting bombs. A White House official praised this weekends murderous attack, telling Israels Channel 12, We are pleased with the elimination of the number two in Hezbollah, adding, We think its a wonderful thing. After the attack, Netanyahus office boasted: In the heart of Beirut, the IDF attacked the Hezbollah chief of staff, who had been leading the terrorist organizations buildup and rearmament. Israel is determined to act to achieve its objectives everywhere and at all times. Netanyahu threatened more violence. We will continue to do whatever is necessary to prevent Hezbollah from reestablishing its ability to threaten us, he said. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks, stating that his government reiterates its call to the international community to assume its responsibility and intervene firmly and seriously to stop the attacks on Lebanon and its people. Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollahs political council, said, The strike on the southern suburbs today opens the door to an escalation of assaults all over Lebanon. The attacks on Lebanon are part of an ongoing and developing war in the Middle East and, in particular, are preparatory to any direct war by Israel against Iran. The Jerusalem Post commented on Sunday, Israel now has tensions with Syria, as well as Lebanon, and in Gaza, the West Bank, and on other fronts. The Beirut strike may send a message to Iran. On Saturday, Israel killed 24 people and wounded 80 more, including children, in attacks throughout Gaza. This followed a series of airstrikes in Gaza on Wednesday and Thursday that killed 33 Palestinians. The strikes bring the number of people killed by Israel in Gaza since the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas a month ago to over 312, with 760 more wounded. It has leveled 1,500 buildings over the past month. In a statement Thursday, Gazas Government Media Office condemned the Israeli attacks. These ongoing crimes represent a clear disregard by the occupation for the ceasefire decision, adding to nearly 400 violations that have been recorded since the decision came into effect, it said. These violations have claimed the lives of more than 300 martyrs, left hundreds wounded, and worsened the catastrophic conditions that our people are experiencing in the limited remaining space of the Gaza Strip. Despite a promise by Israel to allow food and medical supplies into Gaza, the enclave continues to suffer shortages of all essential supplies, including critical medical supplies. Mohammed Saqr, the director of nursing at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, told The Guardian: We are still suffering a severe lack of most of our supplies and medicines. We have daily crises, and the same shortages and deficiencies in supplies, and we are still exhausted as we are still receiving lots of casualties. He added, There isnt much difference from the period before the ceasefire. Unfortunately, the bombing is still going on. We dont feel there is a big change. Sundays bombing took place just days after the United Nations Security Council adopted a US-drafted resolution, promoted as a peace plan, that makes permanent the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the colonial domination of Palestine. Craig Mokhiber, former director of the New York Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned the vote in a post on X. The UN Security Council has just adopted the horrific US resolution with 13 yes votes and 2 abstentions. Not a single member of the Council had the courage, principle, or respect for international law to vote against this US-Israel colonial outrage. He added that the proposal has been rejected by defenders of human rights and international law everywhere. 17 November 2025 is a day of shame for the United Nations, and for governments around the world on their knees before the US empire and its violent Israeli client. Demonstration of striking STM bus and Metro (subway) drivers on November 1, the first day of a two-day weekend walkout. [Photo: SCFP (CUPE) Local 1983/Facebook] Capitulating to a ruling-class campaign of intimidation and repression, the leaders of the Confederation des syndicats nationaux (CSN) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) ended walkouts by two separate groups of Societe de transport de Montreal (STM) workers earlier this month. For weeks, employers, the corporate media and the political establishmentfederalist and Quebec sovereignist alikejoined forces to demonize the Montreal transit workers, accusing bus and subway (Metro) drivers and maintenance workers of holding the population hostage. This campaign was led by Quebec Labor Minister Jean Boulet, the right-wing populist tabloid Le Journal de Montreal, Parti Quebecois (PQ) leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, and the newly elected mayor of Montreal, former Trudeau Liberal government minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada. After denouncing the Administrative Labor Tribunal (TAT, Tribunal administratif du travail) for not being strict enough in limiting STM workers right to strike, Boulet and Quebec Premier Francois Legault introduced Bill 8 into the National Assembly on November 12 with the aim of advancing the entry into force of their draconian Law 14, originally scheduled for November 30. This law (formerly Bill 89) is widely despised among workers because it imposes severe limitations on the right to strike in both the public and private sectors. It dramatically broadens the concept of essential services, and gives the Quebec labour minister the power to illegalize strikes on his say-so and impose contracts through binding arbitration. Bill 8 had two objectives. First, it provided a quicker way for Legault and his Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) government to criminalize the STM strike than adopting an emergency back-to-work law. Second, it was meant to force all of the CAQs rivals in the National Assembly to publicly back Law 14, and thereby help legitimize it in the eyes of the public. Law 14 is part of an all-out assault in Quebec and across Canada on workers right to strikethat is, on their right to collectively assert their class interests. As around the globe, the Canadian ruling class is responding to an historic crisis of world capitalism by turning to authoritarian methods of rule to impose the dictates of the financial oligarchy: the dismantling of public services, privatization, massive military spending hikes and increased worker exploitation. In recent years, the federal Liberal government under Justin Trudeau, and now his successor Mark Carney, has repeatedly intervened to criminalize strikes using a fraudulent reinterpretation of Section 107 of the Canadian Labor Code. Those directly targeted include Canada Post workers, railway workers, port workers, and Air Canada flight attendants. Last month, Albertas far-right United Conservative Party provincial government criminalized a strike by more than 50,000 teachers. Governments have been able to systematically intervene in labor disputes to break strikes with special laws and authoritarian back-to-work orders because the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), Unifor, CUPE and the other unions have not lifted a finger to oppose them, even when workers were pressing for defiance despite the threat of fines and other reprisals. When the Air Canada flight attendants defied the Carney government and its minions on the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the CUPE leadership quickly ended their illegal walkout and accepted a sellout agreement that was subsequently rejected by more than 99 percent of the rank and file. In Quebec, the major union federationsthe CSN, the Quebec Federation of Labour and the Conseil des syndicats du Quebec (CSQ)denounced Bill 89 as a declaration of war, but did nothing to mobilize workers against it. In all, they organized a grand total of two token demonstrations, neither of which was widely publicized. Instead, the union top brass pleaded for social dialogue with ex-big-business CEO Legault, and joined the unions in the rest of Canada in supporting Team Canada, the Canadian bourgeoisies alliance to defend its profits, markets, and global imperialist interests in the face of US President Donald Trumps trade-war tariffs and annexation threats. The STM unions surrender is only the logical continuation of the unions systematic suppression of the class struggle, which is rooted in their nationalist and pro-capitalist orientation. CUPE and the CSN did nothing to counter the capitalist elites campaign of lies and smears against the transit workers. They launched no mass campaign to explain that the public transit system is in crisis, not because of workers supposedly too generous conditions, but because successive PQ, Liberal and CAQ governments have imposed decades of social spending cuts. Raising this issue would have immediately highlighted the need to mobilize other sections of the working class behind the strikers in their fight against capitalist austerity and anti-strike laws. This CUPE banner, displayed at the entrance to the Peel Metro station before the bus and subway workers' first two-day strike, shows that the unions' intention was never to mobilize working people in a struggle against austerity, but to beg the employer to continue negotiations. [Photo: Wikipedia] As junior partners of the ruling elite, the union apparatuses have, from the outset, feared that the militant strike movement among the STM workers could spark a broader mobilization of the working class against the assault on public services and jobs. Such a struggle has the potential to spiral out of their control and could quickly pose a challenge to the capitalist edifice and the material interests of the ruling class that they are busy preserving, and on which their own privileges depened. On Tuesday, November 11, as the government was poised to introduce Bill 8 in the National Assembly, the CSN announced it was suspending the partial strike of the 2,400 CTM maintenance workers. It justified this by saying that it wanted to avoid Law 14s coming into force two weeks early, and with it the possibility the government would immediately impose binding arbitration. This only emboldened Legault and Boulet. They responded by tabling Bill 8 in the National Assembly the very next morning. Two days later, CUPE, Canadas largest union, with over 700,000 members nationwide, followed suit. It announced the signing of a tentative agreement and the cancellation of a planned November 15-16 strike by 4,500 bus and Metro drivers, which would have paralyzed all public transportation in Canadas second-largest city. Another agreement was signed on November 19 for the 1,300 administrative and technical employees who were also preparing to strike. Whether Law 14 is brought forward or only comes into force at the end of this month is not the real issue for workers. The unions have effectively sabotaged their struggle, and the law still hangs like a sword of Damocles over their heads. The unions are advising Legault to use their services to impose concessions-laden agreements, but they will submit to binding arbitration should the government impose it. Workers must vigorously oppose either alternative by developing a new strategy based on making their struggle the spearhead of a broader working class industrial and political struggle. The PQs support for the assault on the STM workers, which included helping lead the chorus of denunciations and backing Bill 8, lays bare the utter hypocrisy of its purported opposition to Bill 89 and Law 14. The unions have used this grandstanding to resurrect their longstanding alliance with this right-wing capitalist party, which promotes anti-immigrant chauvinism typical of the far right. The unions have been careful to gloss over the fact that the PQ itself has imposed savage austerity and anti-worker laws whenever it has held office. Workers in Quebec and across Canada must draw critical lessons from the transit workers struggle. It has exposed the class divisions that run through society and determine the conduct of all the political actors. In the face of a challenge from below, all the squabbling factions of the ruling elitefederalists (PLQ), sovereignists (PQ, Quebec Solidaire) and Quebec national-autonomists (CAQ), from the hard right to the so-called leftquickly put aside their tactical differences to attack their real common enemy: the working class. Quebec Solidaire (QS), a party of the privileged middle classes that falsely presents itself as progressive, made no call to support and expand the STM workers struggle, just as it colluded with the union bureaucracy to block any working class challenge to Bill 89. QS called for a negotiated solution to the conflict at the STM. That is, it favoured the imposition of concessionary contracts with the help of the unions, as has happened for decades, rather than a back-to-work law. Their greatest fear is that workers could conclude they need to break out of the rigged, pro-employer collective bargaining system. Workers must recognize that the austerity policies of the Legault government, and the business elite behind it, target not only public transportation but all public services. Hospitals, schools, social programs, infrastructureeverything is falling apart, and the new round of cuts being imposed at both the federal and provincial levels will only exacerbate the crisis. While slashing social spending, governments are providing billions in tax cuts to big business and massively increasing military budgets on behalf of Canadian imperialism. The STM workers must develop their struggle as a political class struggle. They must break out of a collective bargaining framework in which the financial parameters, set by employers and the state and accepted by the unions, are based on the false premise that there is no money for decent jobs and quality services. The main obstacle to mounting such a struggle is the union bureaucracy, which time and again isolates different sections of workers, disarms them politically, and imposes concessions-laden contracts. The union bureaucracy is organizing a Grand public and inter-union rally on November 29. They aim not to launch an offensive against austerity and the anti-strike laws, but to prepare the union bureaucracys intervention in next years provincial elections. The unions intend to use the elections to divert and channel workers anger over the CAQs cuts and Bill 14 behind the establishment opposition parties, principally the Parti Quebecois, which they tacitly support. In opposition to the efforts of the union apparatuses to divide workers from their class brothers and sisters in Canada, the United States and around the world, Quebec workers should seize upon the November 29 demonstration as an opportunity to make an appeal for a cross-Canada and international mobilization of the working class against capitalist austerity, authoritarianism and war. Such a movement will only be possible if workers take matters into their own hands and form rank-and-file committees independent of the nationalist, pro-capitalist union apparatuses. Through such committees workers will give themselves the means to mobilize their social power; unify their struggles, cutting across all the attempts of the ruling class to divide them along national, racial and ethno-linguistic lines; and to develop an independent industrial and political offensive in opposition to austerity and war and for the socialist reorganization of society, so that human needs are prioritized, not enriching the few. The main parliamentary parties, led by Labour, are banging the drum for preparations for war with Russia, regardless of the immediate outcome of the conflict in Ukraine. Not a day goes by without the Labour government intensifying preparation for such a catastrophic war. This is taking a public form in the run-up to the governments autumn budget to be delivered this week by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Vocal sections of the military are vying for a greater share of total government spend of around 1.2 trillion. Currently, military spending, as defined by NATO, takes up 65.8 billion. The government is committed to increasing this from its current level of 2.3 percent of GDP to 2.7 percent by 2027 and 3.5 percent by 2035. This is part of overall plans to have 5 percent of GDP going on military spending and accompanying infrastructure/national security by that date. The Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Defence hold a roundtable with the Defence & Economic Growth Taskforce, May 28, 2025 [Photo by HM Treasury / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 While essential social and health services are to be further starved of resources and transformed into revenue streams for private capital, arms spending is to surge to at least 101 billion. Speaking last week in Downing Street, Defence Secretary John Healey fed a media frenzy over the presence near UK waters of a Russian research vessel Yantar, which he accused of monitoring the UKs undersea cables. Healey said the world was in a new era of threat before listing the IranIsrael war, conflict between India and Pakistan, and Chinese spies targeting our democracy. Russia was escalating war in Ukraine, while Europes skies were plagued by drone disruptions... There were Russian incursions into NATO airspace and intimating Russia was responsible, 90,000 cyber-attacks on the UK Defence system alone. Healey hailed Labours role in re-integrating the British military into the efforts of its European rivals and allies. Under his watch, a UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership had been established along with UK leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, the Trinity House Agreement with Germany and a reboot of the Lancaster House agreement and treaty with France. Such are the conflicts within Europe as to which corporations will win the lions share in an escalation of military spending by government, that within days of Healeys speech it was reported by the Financial Times that Britain has offered a fraction of Brussels 6.7bn demand to join the EUs 140bn rearmament programme, suggesting it contribute just 75mn. It cited a UK government official declaring It is not reasonable for the UK to pay additional costs to the EU just for the privilege of our industry supplying EU customers equipment at market prices. Healey insisted there would be a defence dividend measured in good jobs, growing businesses and new skills across the UK. At the end of the Cold War, both Conservative and Labour governments promoted a peace dividend and the prospect of increased social spending rather than on military preparation for nuclear war. Healey now offers an arms spending bonanza and lucrative profits for arms companies, boasting that 1,000 major defence contracts had been signed and billions in investment and exports approved. He announced a programme to manufacture munitions and explosives, opening on the same day a new sea and undersea drone factory in Plymouth. Healey said Britain under Labour would rearm in the face of threats and boost our defence industry, adding, Thats what this budget will be about: strong foundations to secure Britains future. Delivering for defence. Delivering for Britain. But, as aired in the many shrill complaints of military top brassand their media mouthpiecessince the outbreak of war in Ukraine, British imperialism needs far more. Due to the legacy of major post-Cold War cuts in military spending its armed forces operate on a shoestringwith a regular army of barely 70,000 troops that could not fill Londons Wembley Stadium. Addressing this crisis, last month the House of Commons Defence Committee published The UK Contribution to European Security report, produced by Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs with assistance from the arms industry and academia. Inevitably framed as a response to Russian aggression, the report warned that the UKs industrial base is not yet configured for sustained collective defence, that investment capitaldefence financemust be made available. It complained that the national conversation on defence and security promised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer had yet to start. The report called for further efforts to ensure that the government accelerates and further deepens defence and security cooperation with the EU and European partners, particularly France on the threat posed by Russia and China. It warned that the US upcoming National Defence Strategy is likely to swing further to the Indo-Pacific and defence of the US homeland. From the standpoint of the European powers, it warned there may well be a crisis elsewhere in the world which results in the US withdrawing capabilities from Europe overnight and Europe being left vulnerable. The UK government should ensure that it plays a leading role and expends every effort to hold the NATO Alliance together. One request was that the government set out its reasoning for dismissing, thus far, a second sovereign (i.e. independent of the US) means of delivering nuclear weapons strikes. Currently the UK can launch ballistic missiles from the one Trident submarineof a fleet of fourin a Continuous At-Sea Deterrent. Each submarine can deliver the destructive power of 320 Hiroshima bombs. The report cited evidence it received from a UK Delegation to the NATO Industrial Advisory Group which told us that there was significant risk in the ability of the industrial base to respond to and sustain the increased demands of collective defence The British arms industry operated too slowly, was too small, and hampered by low production volumes, supply chain bottlenecks and a lack of alternate suppliers. As a result, it may not be able to cope with the demand surge imposed in a major conflict, particularly should US attention be directed elsewhere. A major problem was that the US currently produces more munitions than all of Europe combined. The six new munitions factories announced by Healey, at 13 possible locations, first trailed in this years National Security Strategy, will be tasked with building munitions stockpiles including up to 7,000 long range missiles. The report also highlighted problems integrating British built missiles into US-made F-35B jet fighters used by the UK. It warned of a skills gap without continuous production of Typhoon jet fighters, and complained of a zoo of NATO equipment supplied by the arms industries of its member countries. In the section detailing Integrated Air and Missile Defence, the report cited chilling remarks from the testimony it received from an Exeter University academic, Peter Roberts: There has been no political will to make the difficult decisions, or to be honest with the public and say, Were not going to stop missiles coming and hitting you. A set of you are going to die, hospitals are going to go under, and you will be without food, water, sewers and electricity. A conference being held this week by one of Britains premier think-tanks is devoted to resolving the war preparations crisis of the ruling elite. The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the UKs main military think-tank is hosting, The Long War Conference 2025, with conference speakers to include retired general Sir Richard Barrons and Defence Readiness and Industry Secretary Luke Pollard. Participating are industry figures, and other parliamentarians who will examine four core themes: The threat of long war; Reconstitution and the role of reserves; Industrial preparedness; and rearmament and Whole-of-society resilience, with reference to the Defence Readiness Bill. The conference, to be held on Tuesdayone day before Reeves budgetnotes that RUSIs Military Sciences team is launching a flagship programme, Long War, exploring how the UK and its allies can sustain conflict beyond the first battle. With the prospect of peer conflict on the horizon, this initiative asks how forces can be mobilised, reconstituted and sustained across a protracted, industrial-scale war. A preparatory paper by RUSI defence engagement manager and former Tory parliamentary secretary Hamish Mundell, The Long War: Fighting Beyond the First Battle, makes clear the character of the discussions being held. He writes, Despite clear recognition of the requirement for improving future combat power, there remains little evidence that the UK has a plan to fight a war lasting more than a few weeks. There was a first battle bias meaning UK war planning tended to be focused on forces that can be rapidly deployed. There was less interest in less demonstrable forms of resilience such as reserve forces, deep stockpiles and industrial mobilisation. Moreover, [m]edical capacity is limited. Reserve regeneration pipelines are slow. There are no clear arrangements for reconstituting high-value capabilities or training sufficient replacements. This has to change. A long war requires more than just a first echelon of high-readiness forces. It demands a second and even third echelon; personnel, platforms and logistics chains that can absorb losses and continue the fight. Yet this depth is notably absent from current British force design. To resolve this, Mundell called for stockpiles, industrial surge capacity, casualty replacement and renewed legal frameworks for mobilisationin other words, vast rearmament and barely disguised conscription. On August 5, 2025, Chaofeng Ge, a 32-year-old Chinese national, was found dead at ICEs Moshannon Valley Processing Center (MVPC) in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, run by the private GEO Group. In its initial news release on Ges death, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claimed he was found hanging by the neck in the shower room but neglected to note that he was also found with his hands and feet bound together. Chaofeng Ge [Photo: Ge family] ICEs Detainee Death Report simply stated that Ge was found with a cloth ligature around his neck in a shower stall. However, according to an autopsy report obtained by David B. Rankin, a lawyer for the Ge family, he was found with a bedsheet and linens tied around his wrists and ankles in what the report describes as a hog-tied position. Chillingly, the medical examiner noted that there had been other reported incidents of people who had been found hanged in a similar fashion. Whether these incidents also involved ICE detainees is not clear. Ge had been in ICE custody for only five days before his death. ICE stated that Ge had denied any past medical or mental health issues. A handwritten note, implied to have been written by Ge, was also allegedly found, but its contents have not been released to the public. His death certificate states it was suicide by hanging. The circumstances of Ges death beg numerous obvious questions. If Ges death is a suicide, how was he able to hang himself while hogtied? Or, how was he able to hogtie himself while in the midst of being hanged? Why would he hogtie himself if he intended to commit suicide? Under the circumstances, it is not unfair to ask whether Ges death was, in fact, a suicide. According to attorney Rankin, there has been no investigation into Ges death. A Notice to Preserve was sent to MVCP on August 18, 2025, requesting all information and material related to Mr. Ges detention and death be preserved. Ges family filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on September 9, 2025, seeking information about Ges detention, the conditions at MVPC, his treatment by MVPC personnel and the circumstances of his death. As of this writing, these requests have been ignored by both ICE and DHS. In response, Ges family filed a FOIA lawsuit in the Southern District of New York on November 12, 2025. Rankin has stated that Ge was in extreme distress prior to his death and that no one in the facility could speak Mandarin. Ge had difficulty communicating his needs and issues to MVPC staff, being forced to write them as notes and relying on staff to send them to someone outside of the facility to be translated and sent back, which could take days. The lawsuit also alleges that the GEO Group did not provide Ges family with an explanation of how his death occurred. No one at MVPC could speak Mandarin, and facility staff refused to even try to communicate with Ge and did not offer mental health care to him, the lawsuit states. There is no question that a major cover-up is underway. Following Ges death, ICE and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem unlawfully blocked both Pennsylvania Congresswomen Summer Lees and Mary Gay Scanlons oversight visits to MVPC on August 25, 2025 and August 28, 2025 respectively, a routine practice under the Trump regime. Congresswoman Scanlon alluded to Ges death as a reason for her visit to the facility. The ACLU of Pennsylvania, Legal Services of New Jersey and the Transnational Legal Clinic have filed a lawsuit against MVCP alleging inhumane conditions, denial of access to interpretive, medical, legal and other services to persons held in ICE custody at MVPC. A full and accurate number of deaths of ICE detainees is somewhat difficult to determine. While ICE has been mandated by Congress since 2018 to report deaths in its custody, it does not adequately keep these lists updated. Chaofeng Ge is only one of at least 25 people in ICE custody to have died in 2025, the highest number reported in 20 years. For context, ICE reported 36 deaths during Donald Trumps entire first presidency, which includes the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Since Ges death, ICE has reported three other detainee deaths: Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas on August 31; Oscar Duarte Rascon on September 8; and Ismael Ayala Uribe on September 22. Notably, Gabriel Garcia-Aviles died on October 23 at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, though ICE has not yet listed him on its website detailing detainee deaths. Ge is not the first ICE detainee to die at MVPC. Frankline Okpu, a native of Cameroon, died at the detention center on December 6, 2023 from an apparent accidental death from MDMA toxicity. While no response to this tragedy can be expected from the Republican Party, the response from the nominal opposition party to Ges death has been muted. Democrats in the House and Senate voted to reopen the government without making any calls to investigate the spike in deaths in ICE custody in the last year. In response to the record deaths in ICE detention, 45 members of Congress sent a toothless letter on November 21 to Secretary Noem and DHS Acting Director Todd Lyons. They demanded by December 5 an explanation of what steps ICE has taken to increase medical staff, revise its medical policies, track patterns of neglect and address delays in notifying families when detainees die. The letter gives no indication of any consequence should Noem or Lyons ignore it. It amounts to little more than a request that ICE follow its own procedures and ends with a flaccid appeal for the agency to honor its legal and moral obligations. In the context of the lawless Trump regime, it is almost laughable. This outcome is not surprising. The abuse of immigrants by DHS and ICE spans every presidential administration because it is a deliberate bipartisan policy aimed at criminalizing migration and terrorizing the working class. No change of personnel in Washington will end these crimes. Only the international working class, armed with a socialist program and united across national boundaries, can defeat this system of brutalization. Photo: https://t.me/svyrydenkoy At a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Ukraine Donor Platform, they discussed the repatriation loan and the new IMF program, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported. "This representative platform has become an effective mechanism for coordinating budgetary support, reconstruction, private investment development, and reform implementation. This year, a meeting in this format is being held in Kyiv for the second time, and for us, it is an important sign of the unity of our partners with Ukraine We are working together to reach a decision on reparations loans and a new IMF program for the next period," Svyrydenko wrote on her Telegram channel following the 15th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Ukraine Donor Platform. According to her, the meeting highlighted the positive dynamics of the Ukrainian economy, including a 25% increase in the state budgets own revenues this year. "Together with the ministers, we informed the participants about the steps the government is taking to overhaul the management of state-owned enterprises in the energy and defense sectors. We outlined the governments policy priorities, including ensuring energy resilience, developing veteran policy, and creating a Veteran Fund with foreign contributions," she added. Svyrydenko emphasized that the Ukrainian side shares the partners view that Europes security directly depends on Ukraines security. "That is why we place special emphasis on enhanced support for frontline regions, where over 6.5 million people live. These regions serve as a security belt for all of Europe. Using the state budget through the Recovery Agency, we are rebuilding civilian infrastructure without waiting for the war to end. This year, we have restored water supply systems in Mykolaiv and Kryvyi Rih, opened the first standard-gauge (EU) railway from Uzhhorod, and continue implementing other projects," the Prime Minister wrote. A 19th-century empress beguiling tresses are enjoying renewed fame thanks to Guillermo del Toros . Crowned in 1854, Elisabeth of Austria was famous for her luxuriant chestnut hair, which fell to her feet and required hours of daily care: I am a slave to my hair, the monarch wrote in her diaries. Her 1865 portrait by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, in particular, has gone viral as a result of Mia Goths character in sporting similar locks. Art history buffs noted the similarities, with one historian telling Artnet News that, like Goths, Elisabeths hair was a symbol of aspirational femininity, proving she had the time, money, and lifestyle to be able to maintain it. Ben Affleck dished on his friendship and bromance with Michael B. Jordan at the 39th American Cinematheque Awards. The event was held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Thursday, November 20. Sinners director Ryan Coogler, Tessa Thompson, Octavia Spencer, Bradley Cooper, Phylicia Rashad, Daniel Kaluuya, and Ben Affleck, among others, honored the 38-year-old actor. Ben Affleck weighs in on his friendship with Michael B. Jordan Ben Affleck fondly talked about his friendship and bromance with Michael B. Jordan at the 39th American Cinematheque Awards. He shared, It is a genuine honor and a personal joy to be here tonight to help celebrate an actor, director, a human being who Ive been a fan and a friend of for a long time now, in a very worthy 2025 award ceremony (via PEOPLE). Affleck recalled watching Jordans true-story drama Fruitvale Station back in 2013. He admitted Jordans brilliant performance blew him away and called it a life-changing movie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 53-year-old star believed Jordan had huge movie star potential and reached out to him. The Gone Girl star revealed he always believed Jordan had massive potential and a giant career ahead of him. Affleck added, I would be honored if he would want to sit down and talk to me sometime. The 53-year-old movie star excitedly added that he is grateful to gain a front-row seat to a young man with enormous talent. Affleck also complimented Jordan for handling his career with grace and aplomb and said that its been one of the great joys of his career. The Argo star also praised Jordan for his profound goodness and amazing work ethic. Affleck also complimented the Sinners star for establishing himself as an extraordinary director, producer, and powerhouse performer on screen. Finally, Affleck concluded his speech on a heartwarming note, raising a toast of friendship and bromance to Jordan. He said warmly, Your friendship has meant an enormous amount to me, probably more than you know, and it has been truly one of the great, great, wonderful gifts that this opportunity here has given me. Originally reported by Anwaya Mane on Mandatory. The post Ben Affleck Opens up About His Bromance With Michael B. Jordan appeared first on Reality Tea. Photo: https://tinyurl.com The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Economic Development is drafting an appeal to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Cabinet of Ministers. The appeal requests the return of Oriana's assets in Kalush, Ivano-Frankivsk region, which were transferred to Lukor, said the deputy chairman of the committee, Oleksiy Movchan. "The Committee is preparing an appeal to the Security Service of Ukraine and the Cabinet of Ministers regarding the return of the stolen Oriana assets and the launch of bankruptcy proceedings for the enterprise as an alternative privatization mechanism. This is also beneficial for the state, as it is the main creditor," he wrote on Facebook following a meeting with the State Property Fund, the Antimonopoly Committee, and the Ministry of Economy. Movchan reminded that the plants assets were effectively stolen from the state by owners connected to Russians. "These are real money and real assets that must be returned to Ukraine," he emphasized. At the same time, he noted that Oriana (state share 99.9988%) owns assets worth about UAH 350 million and has more than UAH 7 billion in debt. "Why did this happen? In the early 2000s, the enterprise took a loan under state guarantees to build a joint plant with Russians Lukor (Lukoil + Oriana). The plant was loaded with debt and the loans were not repaid But Oriana has huge potential and we are looking for a way to return this asset to the market so that it operates again, pays taxes, and develops," Movchan explained. NEED TO KNOW Caroline Kennedy and her husband, Edwin Schlossberg, have three children: Rose, Tatiana and Jack Rose was born in 1988, followed by Tatiana in 1990 and Jack in 1993 Tatiana revealed in November 2025 that she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, less than two weeks after Jack announced his New York congressional campaign Caroline Kennedy's children Rose, Tatiana and Jack Schlossberg have carried on the late President John F. Kennedys legacy in their own way. After getting married in 1986, Caroline and her husband, artist and designer Edwin Schlossberg, became parents when they welcomed their first child, Rose, in 1988. Their family expanded when Tatiana was born in 1990, followed by Jack in 1993. As they grew up, Caroline managed to keep her three children out of the public eye an effort her parents, JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, also made under very different circumstances. Although Caroline and her brother, John, spent their early years in the White House, their mother tried to offset the intense media focus that followed them once they moved to New York City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2014 video shared by The Washington Post for Mothers Day, Caroline shared that she has made an effort to instill the values she learned from her parents into her own family. I feel so fortunate to have had such great role models, and I hope that I have been able to pass some of the lessons they taught me on to my children, she said. Clodagh Kilcoyne/Getty Tatiana Schlossberg, Jack Schlossberg, Rose Schlossberg, Edwin Schlossberg and Caroline Kennedy at a ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the visit by US President John F Kennedy in New Ross, Ireland in 2013. Tatiana Schlossberg, Jack Schlossberg, Rose Schlossberg, Edwin Schlossberg and Caroline Kennedy at a ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the visit by US President John F Kennedy in New Ross, Ireland in 2013. Although Caroline's three children pursued their own interests without the pressures of public life, they've continued to carry on the family's legacy in their own way. On Nov. 11, Jack announced that he is running for Congress. If elected, he would be following in the footsteps of his grandfather, whose political career began in the U.S. House before he entered the White House. Less than two weeks into Jack's campaign, Tatiana announced in an essay published by The New Yorker that she has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Jack showed his support by sharing screenshot's of the emotional essay on his Instagram Stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres everything to know about Caroline Kennedys children: Rose, Tatiana and Jack Schlossberg. Rose Kennedy Schlossberg, 37 John Moore/Getty Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg and daughters Rose Schlossberg and Tatiana Schlossberg during day one of the Democratic National Convention on August 25, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg and daughters Rose Schlossberg and Tatiana Schlossberg during day one of the Democratic National Convention on August 25, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. Rose Kennedy Schlossberg who was named after her great-grandmother, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in New York City on June 25, 1988. She bears a remarkable resemblance to her late grandmother and has been famously called a Jackie lookalike. Despite her high-profile family, Roses adolescence was private. She attended the Brearley School, an all-girls private school in N.Y.C., and later attended Harvard University. There, she kept a low profile although she once made headlines after she reportedly gave Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson a campus tour, according to the Boston Herald. Rose graduated in 2010 with a degree in English. Following graduation, Rose continued her education at New York University and received a masters degree in interactive telecommunications. Meanwhile, she worked as a production associate on several projects, including the TV series Brick City and the movie Hard Times: Lost on Long Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, Rose launched a comedic web series called End Times Girls Club alongside her close friend Mara Nelson-Greenberg. Originally conceived as Roses graduate thesis, the six-episode series featured two women sharing their ultimate guide to apocalypse survival from a makeover using apocalypse trash to learning to make a compass. Clodagh Kilcoyne/Getty Jack Schlossberg and Rose Schlossberg at a ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the visit by US President John F Kennedy in New Ross, Ireland Jack Schlossberg and Rose Schlossberg at a ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the visit by US President John F Kennedy in New Ross, Ireland It came up as a response to seeing the way that New York responded to Hurricane Sandy, and how people were grossly underprepared specifically, girls in damsel in distress mode, Rose told Mashable. I thought it would be interesting to create this world where girls have to be survivalists without compromising their cute factor. Since then, Rose has worked on various film and media projects, including a series of collaborations with Dover Street Market. In one video, which she starred in and directed, Rose showcased the importance of voting ahead of the 2020 election. She also co-produced and co-wrote Time: The Kalief Browder Story, a six-part docuseries for Spike TV. In 2022, she released her short film Small Gay Tragedy #1. Rose lives in California and reportedly wed her longtime girlfriend, restaurateur Rory McAuliffe, in May 2022. Tatiana Celia Kennedy Schlossberg, 35 Amber De Vos/Getty Tatiana Schlossberg at her book signing in 2019. Tatiana Schlossberg at her book signing in 2019. Caroline and Edwin welcomed their second child, Tatiana Celia Kennedy Schlossberg, on May 5, 1990, at Weill Cornell Medical Center in N.Y.C. Growing up, she attended the Brearley School and the Trinity School, from which she graduated in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tatiana went to Yale University, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Yale Herald. After graduating in 2012, she began writing for The Record in New Jersey. She later received her masters degree in United States history from the University of Oxford in England. My grandparents, both of them, from what I understand, because I didnt really know them, loved history and reading about history, she told Vanity Fair in 2019 of her familys interest in writing and public service. And thats kind of how Ive connected with them, by studying them and their time, but also the eras and patterns that fascinated them, and imagining where we would disagree. Thats an important way for me personally to connect with my family legacy. After graduating in 2014, she secured an internship at The New York Times, later writing for its Metro section and the New York Today column before moving to the Science section to cover climate and the environment. Her work has also appeared in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, The Boston Globe and Bloomberg. According to her website, she is currently a freelance reporter. Jeffrey R. Staab/CBS/Getty Rose Schlossberg, Jack Schlossberg and Tatiana Schlossberg at the 39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors. Rose Schlossberg, Jack Schlossberg and Tatiana Schlossberg at the 39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors. In 2019, she began her newsletter, News from a Changing Planet, which includes articles and essays about climate change and other environmental topics. That same year, she published her book Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Dont Know You Have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tatiana lives in N.Y.C. with her husband, George Moran. The couple met when they were both students at Yale and tied the knot in a private ceremony at Tatianas family estate on Marthas Vineyard in 2017. In 2022, Tatianas younger brother, Jack, shared that she and Moran had welcomed their first child and named him after their father. I have a new nephew, he said on the Today show. Its a boy. His name is Edwin but I like to call him Jack. Tatiana went on to welcome a daughter in May 2024. Shortly after, her doctor noticed an imbalance in her white blood cell count that ultimately led to her being diagnosed with a rare mutation called Inversion 3," as she shared in an essay for The New Yorker in November 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She received a bone-marrow transplant, underwent chemotherapy at home and joined a clinical trial of CAR-T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy against certain blood cancer. However, she was eventually told by her doctor that she had a year left to live. "For my whole life, I have tried to be good, to be a good student and a good sister and a good daughter, and to protect my mother and never make her upset or angry," she wrote in the essay. "Now I have added a new tragedy to her life, to our familys life, and theres nothing I can do to stop it." John Bouvier Kennedy Jack Schlossberg, 32 Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty Jack Schlossberg on the Today Show in 2022. Jack Schlossberg on the Today Show in 2022. On Jan. 19, 1993, Caroline and Edwin welcomed their third child, John Bouvier Kennedy Jack Schlossberg. He was named after his grandfather, JFK, and his maternal great-grandfather, John Vernou Black Jack Bouvier. Growing up, Jack attended the prestigious all-boys Collegiate School in N.Y.C. He graduated as high school valedictorian in 2011 and delivered the commencement speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack followed in Tatianas footsteps and enrolled at Yale University, where he studied history with a focus on Japan. In addition to writing for several Yale publications, he spent a summer working at a toxic waste removal company as an environmental technician, cleaning up hazardous waste, oil tanks and spills in Massachusetts and volunteered as an emergency medical technician. After Jack graduated from Yale in 2015, he moved to Japan, where his mother was serving as U.S. ambassador. When he returned from Japan, Jack continued his education at Harvard Law School and Business School, where he pursued two degrees in the joint J.D.-M.B.A. program. In early 2022, he graduated from Harvard, and in April 2023, he learned that he had passed the New York state bar exam on the first try, later telling PEOPLE that the accomplishment "feels great" (his lookalike uncle JFK Jr. famously failed the same exam twice but passed on the third try). Out of all his siblings, Jack has been the most public. During his freshman year at Yale, he wrote a letter to the editor of The New York Times to address his late grandfathers legacy. In high school, he also followed in his mothers footsteps as a Senate page and intern for Sen. John Kerry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack has also taken a public role with the JFK Library Foundations annual Profile in Courage Award, which celebrates political heroes who put country first. In addition to being part of the selection committee, he has also hosted the event on several occasions. During his first television appearance in 2017, he spoke with the Today show about the ceremony and alluded to his potential future in politics. I'm inspired by my family's legacy of public service. It's something that I'm very proud of, he shared. But I'm still trying to make my own way and figure things out. So stay tuned I don't know what I'm going to do. Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg. Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg. Since then, Jack has been involved in his familys political and philanthropic causes, and has been outspoken about his political beliefs in several publications and posts online. In 2023, Jack made headlines when he criticized his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s presidential candidacy. In an Instagram video, the youngest Schlossberg said that Robert was trading in on Camelot, celebrity, conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: Ive listened to him. I know him. I have no idea why anyone thinks he should be president. What I do know is, his candidacy is an embarrassment. Lets not be distracted, again, by somebodys vanity project. The following year, he told Town & Country that he still had "no immediate plans" to run for office. However, Jack announced his congressional campaign in an email to supporters in November 2025. Read the original article on People Chris Hemsworth's new documentary, "A Road Trip to Remember," takes viewers on a motorbike adventure around Melbourne and Australia's Northern Territory. His costar and father, 71-year-old Craig Hemsworth, is right alongside him through the dirt and rocky terrain, despite living with early stage Alzheimer's disease. Chris Hemsworth has a genetic predisposition to the disease. "I feel I've been so busy, I probably haven't spent as much time with my dad as I would want to," Hemsworth says at the start of the film. "Any chance to spend time with my dad is special, but this road trip back in time was particularly meaningful for us both," Chris Hemsworth wrote on Instagram about his new documentary, "A Road Trip to Remember," which premieres on Nov. 23 on National Geographic. Along the way, Hemsworth attempts to "supersize" reminiscence therapy for his dad by stopping at his childhood home and meeting up with old friends. USA TODAY spoke with medical professionals familiar with reminiscence therapy to find out more about what it is, how it works and how families can use it with their loved ones who have dementia. What is reminiscence therapy? Reminiscence therapy is an intervention that focuses on memories through sensory tools like music, photographs, smells and places, says Dr. Sikandar Khan, associate director of Indiana University's Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the film, psychologist Suraj Samtani suggests reminiscence therapy as a way to help Hemsworth's father. Just like physical workouts can build stronger biceps and glutes, brain exercises and specifically memory exercises prompted by places, sounds and objects from the past can help boost cognition, Samtani says. In the film, Hemsworth explains that while Alzheimer's destroys the connections between brain cells and disrupts memory networks, reminiscence therapy builds back those connections through multisensory experiences. "Seeing, touching and hearing our past can make it easier to remember," Hemsworth says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's about recreating a feeling, Khan says. "It jogs one's memory, how one felt at a certain time." 'A step back in time.' In the documentary, Hemsworth takes reminiscence therapy to another level for his father by staging the Melbourne home they lived in together when Chris Hemsworth was a kid in the 1990s. Australian actor Chris Hemsworth arrives for the Amazon MGM Studios photocall during CinemaCon 2025 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 2, 2025. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images) "It's a step back in time," Craig Hemsworth says as he steps into his old home, set up with identical furnishings, photographs and knickknacks from when he lived there. "I think my dad got a lot out of today," Hemsworth says in the film. "The experience of coming back to our old house in Melbourne has stimulated nostalgia and triggered memories. It feels like there's been a real benefit." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most people can't replicate an old home like Hemsworth did. But you don't have to, Samtani says, to get the same effect. Listening to old songs, looking at old photographs or watching family home videos with a loved one who has dementia is reminiscence therapy, Samtani says. "It's quite simple to do." Hollie Lowe, a counselor and dementia care specialist with the James L. West Center for Dementia Care in Fort Worth, Texas, uses reminiscence therapy daily with her patients. A dementia patient's brain is slowly dying, Lowe explains. With Alzheimer's, specifically, plaque is growing on the brain. Because those brain cells are dying, they are unlearning things and going back in time. Reminiscence therapy meets them where they are. "It's going to their world," Lowe says. "We're not trying to bring them to the present, we're going to the past. Because they can't come to the present." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unclear yet if reminiscence therapy delays dementia, Khan says, but it certainly promotes a sense of calm and reduces stress and anxiety in dementia patients. How to use reminiscence therapy Lowe suggests making memory boxes. Place a few objects that relate to the same topic, like cooking, in a box. With the patient, you can look through the box, smell the spices, hold the whisk and talk about cooking and favorite recipes together. Use your loved one's life story, Lowe says. "If they played a harmonica, put a harmonica in the box. What kind of toy did they play with (as a child)?" Developers are beginning to use artificial intelligence to facilitate reminiscence therapy, Khan says. He's starting trials using virtual reality with patients who are at high risk for dementia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also chatbots who can help jog patients' memories. NewDays, a startup, has a clinician-monitored AI tool for dementia patients in Washington, California, Texas and Florida. The AI companion, Sunny, asks patients questions and prompts storytelling and memory exercises through conversation and photographs. "The goal is not really to substitute human interaction. The goal is to, as much as possible, empower the person to practice and build confidence and have more human interaction," says Babak Parviz, NewDays founder and CEO. Andrea Pidgeon's 82-year-old mother, Tanna Jean Pidgeon, started using Sunny after she was diagnosed with dementia in July. "The older she gets, the more of an introvert she becomes," Andrea Pidgeon says. "With Sunny, it's been amazing because it stimulates her and it keeps her going." Other ways to promote brain health In the documentary, Samtani also tells Hemsworth that social connection is essential to brain health and can slow cognitive decline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Social connections, for us, is like sunshine. Without that sunshine, we whither," Samtani says. Community engagement is key for those with dementia, Samtani says. He suggests volunteering, joining a singing group or taking a walk with new friends. Madeline Mitchell's role covering women and the caregiving economy at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. Reach Madeline at memitchell@usatoday.com and @maddiemitch_ on X. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chris Hemsworth, a new therapy and the fight against dementia NEED TO KNOW Charlie Kirk's wife Erika says she was "praying" she was pregnant after her husband was killed During a conversation with Megyn Kelly, the mom of two said that she and her late husband wanted to welcome four children together Erika and her late husband Charlie welcomed a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son together Charlie Kirk's wife Erika says she was "praying" she was pregnant after her husband was killed. In a conversation with Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM's The Megyn Kelly Channel, the mom of two, 36, said that she and her late husband, 31, wanted to have four kids together, adding that she was "praying" she was expecting her third baby after he was assassinated on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty "We wanted to have four," she told Kelly, 55. "And I was praying to God that I was pregnant when he got murdered. I was like, 'Oh goodness, that would be the ultimate blessing out of this catastrophe.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erika and Charlie welcomed a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son together. Erika went on to share that she advises women, especially young women, to prioritize having a family if that's what they want to do. "Now when I see young couples, I tell them, 'Please, like don't put it off,' especially if you're a young woman, don't put it off," she said. "You can always have a career. You can always go back to work. You can never just go back to having children, and they grow so fast and so quickly." "I was praying, both of us were, we were really excited to just expand our family," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 10, Kirk, a leading right-wing personality, died at 31 after being shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University. President Donald Trump announced Kirk's death with a post shared on Truth Social. "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," the president wrote at the time. "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us." Kirk, who founded conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA, was manning his signature "Prove Me Wrong" table on the first stop of his American Comeback Tour in Orem, Utah, when a shot was fired. Video posted from the event appeared to show Kirk being struck in the side of the head or neck as he spoke to the crowd from under a white pop-up tent. Charlie Kirk/Instagram Charlie Kirk and Erika Kirk Charlie Kirk and Erika Kirk 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. Although authorities didn't initially take a suspect into custody, on Sept. 11, they apprehended a suspect 22-year-old Tyler Robinson after an extensive manhunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson is now facing multiple charges, including aggravated murder. In September, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced that prosecutors would seek the death penalty during a press conference. In September, Erika was granted a protective order, which barred Robinson from attempting to contact her. Read the original article on People DOHA, Qatar The desert air was thick with glamour on Saturday night as Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) staged its most star-studded ceremony yet, filling the sand-colored galleries of the National Museum of Qatar with a parade of international celebrities, artists, luxury powerbrokers, and the emerging designers vying for their attention. Adrien Brody crossed paths with Lindsay Lohan and Emma Roberts near the museums rose-tinted galleries. Juliette Binoche and Regina King held court with Lori Harvey while Jeff Koons chatted with architect Rem Koolhaas, the museums designer, who was seeing his creation reimagined for the evening. And Gisele Bundchen, who flew in at the invitation of her close friend Sheikha Mayassa, worked the room before taking the stage to present the Fashion Tech Award. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement I came to support my good friend, Sheikha Mayassa, Bundchen said. Everything she puts together is excellent. What they are doing is incredible, as is the city. The art museums are excellent, the souk its a very beautiful place to visit. Gisele Bundchen The seventh edition of FTA, hosted by Queen Latifah and Egyptian actor Aiman Kaissouni, drew over 1,200 applicants vying for seven prizes across categories including ready-to-wear, eveningwear, accessories, and fashion tech. Cochairs Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Tania Fares welcomed guests in the presence of Honorary Chair Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. Weve all just experienced the walk across the water the first time theres been a look on this site, remarked Sheikha Mayassa as she welcomed the star-studded crowd, noting that guests were the first to see the museums striking architecture reflected in a specially constructed water feature. Its a place where past and future meet. As we look back on the seven years of FTA, I feel immense gratitude, Sheikha Mayassa told the crowd. Everywhere that I travel, people speak and know about the work of FTA. Advertisement Advertisement She offered pointed proof of the organizations growing influence, noting that Rama Duwaji, New York Citys soon-to-be first lady, wore Zeid Hijazi on election night when her husband Zohran Mamdani clinched his historic mayoral victory. Hijazi, a Palestinian-Jordanian designer based in London, won the FTA Prize in 2020. This years winners continued that pipeline of emerging talent: Youssef Drissi of Late for Work took home ready-to-wear, while Ziyad Buainain won eveningwear. Leila Rouknis accessories label Talel and Farah Radwans FYR Jewelry claimed their respective categories. Alaa Alaradi received the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award, which is supported by Kering, and sisters Fatema and Dalal Alkhaja won the Fashion Tech Award for their label Touchless. Kartik Kumra of Kartik Research won the Guest Country Award for India, presented in partnership with the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. The award was presented by veteran Indian designer Anamika Khanna and model Neelam Gill. The winners were selected by a high profile jury including Amina Muaddi, Christian Louboutin, Giambattista Valli and Remo Ruffini. The evenings most emotional moment came when Miuccia Prada accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award. Sheikha Mayassa delivered a deeply personal tribute to the designer, whom she described as something of a creative mentor. The Prada universe was built on culture, not on trends, Sheikha Mayassa said. I first met Miuccia through our shared love of film. She was one of our very first supporters, always open to ideas, always open to collaboration. Advertisement Advertisement The Qatari royal recounted approaching Prada years ago with an unconventional request to design abayas, noting that many Western designers had overlooked the garment despite their significant Middle Eastern clientele. I proposed the idea to many people, many of whom are here tonight. I will not name them, she said, drawing knowing laughter. I failed to convince the majority, but Miuccia said yes. Always up for a challenge, she always said yes. Mrs. Prada, characteristically understated, kept her remarks brief, thanking the organization for championing cultural exchange and collaboration. Zuhair Murad received the Trailblazer Award, cementing his status as the designer who brought Arab couture to global red carpets. Francois-Henri Pinault was in attendance for the announcement that Kering will now back the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award, offering the winner a bespoke mentorship program tailored to their individual needs. Francesco Carrozzini, son of the late Vogue Italia editor, presented the award, invoking his mothers legacy as he introduced the winner. The future of luxury requires us to cultivate creativity, empower talent, and advance innovation, he said. Christian Louboutin, Adrien Brody and Francois-Henri Pinault Film, fashion and the beauty world were all well represented at the event. Actresses Pom Klementieff, Golshifteh Farahani and supermodel Natalia Vodianova worked the room alongside Mario Testino, and models Alton Mason, Pritika Swarup and Precious Lee. Cristiano Ronaldos partner Georgina Rodriguez drew her own share of attention. Makeup artist Sir John and a team from Anastasia Beverly Hills, the beauty partner for the event, got guests red carpet-ready for the night. Chaka Khan Chaka Khan closed out the evening with a performance that had guests on their feet, following an earlier set by Palestinian-Chilean artist Saint Levant. Advertisement Advertisement For FTAs winners, the night marked validation on an international stage. Saudi designer Ziyad Albuainain, winner of the Evening Wear category, said: It feels not long ago that I cleared out the couch in my living room to make space for a bigger cutting table to fulfill our first 100-piece order and now winning this prize and being here tonight in front of you all, it feels unreal. Launch Gallery: Inside the Fashion Trust Arabia 2025 Award Ceremony Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Actor Kevin Spacey has shared new insight into his living situation after admitting that he does not have a permanent residence, and has been living in hotels and Airbnbs since losing his Baltimore mansion to foreclosure last year. Spacey, 66, ran into some significant financial trouble in 2024, after spending seven years fighting to defend himself against sexual misconduct and assault allegations in court. Though he was ultimately acquitted, the extraordinary cost of his legal fees, coupled with Hollywood all but turning its back on the actor, left him with severe debts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to British news publication The Telegraph about his troubles, Spacey revealed that he has spent much of the past year traveling to anywhere he is able to secure workincluding Cyprus, where he performed a one-man show at a local nightclubstaying in hotels and short-term rentals along the way. His interview ran under the headline "Kevin Spacey interview: Homeless, cancelled, and crooning in Cyprus," and multiple follow-up articles about his homelessness soon followed. However, in a video posted on his Instagram account, Spacey has now hit back at the suggestion that he is "homeless," insisting that he does have a roof over his head, while noting that he knows there are people far less fortunate than himself. "I don't usually make it my business to correct the media; if I did, I wouldn't have time for much else," he began the clip. "But in light of the recent articles claiming I am homeless, I feel the need to respond. Kevin Spacey has hit back at claims that he is "homeless," insisting that he does have a roof over his head, despite living primarily in hotels and Airbnb rentals for the past year. (Instagram/Kevin Spacey) The 66-year-old actor spoke to British outlet The Telegraph about his financial struggles in an interview featuring the headline "Kevin Spacey interview: Homeless, cancelled, and crooning in Cyprus." (Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images) "Not to the press, but to the thousands of people who have reached out, the thousands of people who have reached out over the past few days offering me a place to stay, or have just asked if I'm OK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And to all of you, let me first say that I am truly touched by your generosity, full stop. But I feel it would be disingenuous of me to allow you to believe that I am indeed homeless in the colloquial sense." Spacey went on to praise Mick Brown, the "wonderful" journalist he'd spoken to, confirming that he had told him he'd been living in hotels or Airbnb rentals while traveling "wherever the work is," but took aim at The Telegraph for "selling him out" by publishing a "knowingly misleading headline for the sake of clicks." The "House of Cards" star noted that he has been busy working for much of the past year, adding that he is not trying to equate himself to those who are in dire financial straits and being forced to live on the streets. "I've been working nearly nonstop this entire year, and for that, I have so much to be grateful for," he said. "And there are many people, as we all know, who are indeed actually living on the streets, or in their cars, or in terrible financial situations, and my heart goes out to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But it is clear from the article that I am not one of them, nor was I trying to say that I was." Spacey's video was met with enormous praise from many of his followers, including actress Holland Taylor, who wrote: "Glad to see you, you brilliant, brilliant actor." The clip was posted just a few days after The Telegraph interview was publishedshedding light on Spacey's struggles in the year since he lost his Baltimore home. He first addressed his financial woes in an interview with Piers Morgan in 2024, in which he admitted that he "still owed a lot of legal bills that he has been unable to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My house is being sold at auction. So I have to go back to Baltimore and put all my things in storage. ... Im not quite sure where Im going to live now," he said during an interview on "Piers Morgan Uncensored." Spacey's admission about his money woes comes just over one year after he was forced to move out of the Baltimore, MD, property, which he purchased for $5.65 million in 2017, the same year he was first accused of sexual misconduct. (Realtor.com) After going up on the auction block, the property was purchased by real estate mogul Sam Asgari for $3.2 million. (Realtor.com) Asgari and Spacey then became embroiled in a bitter spat over the actor's apparent refusal to leave the property in the wake of the auction, during which Spacey accused the real estate mogul of "bullying" him. (Realtor.com) However, Spacey's quarrel seemingly came to an end in February when the property was listed for $5.9 million. (Realtor.com) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spacey also admitted that he had come close to filing for bankruptcy on several occasions, but had "sort of managed to dodge it," telling Morgan that his plan was to simply "get back on the horse." Speaking to The Telegraph, the actor explained that he lost his home for one very simple reason: "Because the costs over these last seven years have been astronomical. Ive had very little coming in and everything going out." He added: "Im living in hotels, Im living in Airbnbs, Im going where the work is. I literally have no home, thats what Im attempting to explain." Describing his current financial situation as "not great," Spacey said that he did manage to avoid filing for bankruptcy, although he conceded that it had been "discussed" as an option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of his worldly possessions are currently in storage while he continues to travel for any and every paying work opportunity, although he said he does hope at some point to earn enough money to settle down in a real home once more. "You get through it," he said. "In weird ways, I feel Im back to where I first started, which is, I just went where the work was. Everything is in storage, and I hope at some point, if things continue to improve, that Ill be able to decide where I want to settle down again." Spacey's admission about his money woes comes just over one year after he was forced to move out of the Baltimore property, which he purchased for $5.65 million in 2017, the same year he was first accused of sexual misconduct. At the time, representatives for the actor strongly denied that he had bought the home, with his then-manager, Evan Lowenstein, claiming that the condo belonged to him and not his client. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, when the property ended up on the auction block, Spaceys identity as its true owner was confirmed. After going up on the auction block, the property was purchased by real estate mogul Sam Asgari for $3.2 million. After three months on the market, the price of the dwelling was slashed by $1 milliononly to undergo an additional $500,000 price cut six weeks later. Asgari eventually put the dwelling on the rental market with an asking price of $35,000 a month, before it was delisted altogether earlier this year. (Realtor.com) The impressive five-story abode, which is in the exclusive Pier Homes at the Harborview community, sits at the end of a pier and provides stunning views across the harbor. (Realtor.com) It is a combination of two townhouses and features six bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, and three half-baths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asgari and Spacey then became embroiled in a bitter spat over the actor's apparent refusal to leave the property in the wake of the auction, during which Spacey accused the real estate mogul of "bullying" him. Asgari initially came forward to accuse Spacey of refusing to vacate the propertyonly for the "House of Cards" actor to hit back with his own allegations that Asgari had failed to "comply with the rules applicable to purchasers following a foreclosure sale." That quarrel seemingly came to an end in February of this year when the Baltimore property was listed for $5.99 million, suggesting that Spacey had vacated the dwelling, leaving it free to find a new owner. Yet that process would not prove to be easy. After three months on the market, the price of the dwelling was slashed by $1 milliononly to undergo an additional $500,000 price cut six weeks later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asgari eventually put the dwelling on the rental market with an asking price of $35,000 a month, before it was delisted altogether earlier this year. The impressive five-story abode, which is in the exclusive Pier Homes at the Harborview community, sits at the end of a pier and provides stunning views across the harbor. It is a combination of two townhouses and features six bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, and three half-baths. Other amenities include a home theater, sauna, elevator, billiard room, and chefs kitchen. Multiple decks, including a 76-foot roof deck with a spa, offer residents the chance to enjoy panoramic views of the area. The home is also equipped with a four-car garage. NEED TO KNOW Johnson Wen, the man who accosted Ariana Grande at the Singapore premiere of Wicked: For Good, has been deported and banned from the country He was previously sentenced to nine days in jail after pleading guilty to one charge of being a public nuisance Grande has yet to comment publicly on the incident, in which her Wicked costar Cynthia Erivo intervened The man who rushed at Ariana Grande and grabbed her during the Wicked: For Good premiere in Singapore has been deported and banned from the country following the completion of his nine-day jail sentence. Johnson Wen, the 26-year-old Australian native who leapt over the barricade at the premiere to charge at the actress on Nov. 13, was deported to Australia on Sunday, Nov. 23, BBC News, CBS News and ABC News reported, citing the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and local media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wen, who goes by the name "Pyjama Man" online and has a history of disrupting celebrity events, has now been "barred from re-entering Singapore, the outlets reported, once again citing the ICA. The deportation and ban comes after Wen served a nine-day jail term after pleading guilty to one charge of being a public nuisance on Nov. 17. The ICA did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. belle phai/tikTok Johnson Wen charges at Ariana Grande at the Singapore premiere of 'Wicked: For Good' Johnson Wen charges at Ariana Grande at the Singapore premiere of 'Wicked: For Good' Wen's sentencing came four days after he charged Grande, 32, while she was walking the carpet at Universal Studios Singapore at the premiere of the new Wicked movie. Videos of the incident, including one that Wen shared on his own Instagram account, circulated widely online. Footage shows the Australian man wearing a white shirt and shorts, and sporting long black hair with dyed blue streaks sprinting at and putting his arm around Grande, pulling her close to him as she attempted to escape his grasp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security at the event, along with Grande's Wicked costar Cynthia Erivo, quickly stepped in to separate Wen from Grande, who looked visibly shaken by the incident. (Grande has been open in the past about experiencing PTSD in the wake of the 2017 bombing at her Manchester concert, which took the lives of 22 people.) In the immediate aftermath, she could be seen letting out deep breaths as Erivo, 38, and their fellow costar, Michelle Yeoh, comforted her. A Singapore judge called Wen "attention-seeking" on Nov. 17 and said the man wrongly assumed his actions would have no consequences, according to The New York Times. Though the Australian man told the judge he would not "do it again," referring to the incident involving Grande, prosecutors in the case cited what they described as Wen's "glaring lack of remorse." Wen is known for crashing celebrity events and making headlines. He has gone onstage at concerts and other events with celebrities on several occasions in the past, including Katy Perry and The Weeknd shows over the summer. Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Ariana Grande at the Singapore premiere of 'Wicked: For Good' on Nov. 13, 2025 Ariana Grande at the Singapore premiere of 'Wicked: For Good' on Nov. 13, 2025 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. Grande has not publicly commented on the incident. The day after the Singapore premiere, she shared several images from the movie's press tour stop on Instagram. "Thank you, Singapore. we love you, she captioned the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erivo has broken her silence on the shocking incident, however. While appearing on the Today show on Nov. 20, the actress said she "just wanted to make sure Grande was safe. "I was really thinking, I just wanted to make sure my friend was safe," she recalled. "Im sure he didnt mean us harm, but I just, you never know with those things and I wanted to make sure that she was okay. That was my first instinct." Read the original article on People Michael B. Jordan is thriving in the spotlight as a top-tier actor, director, and producer with international appeal, but when it comes to sharing his personal life, hes drawing a firm line. While plenty of celebrities have joined TikTok to stay in the public eye all the time, the Sinners star isnt interested. Michael B. Jordan talks about not joining TikTok In a recent chat with Vanity Fair, Michael B. Jordan explained why fans shouldnt expect to catch him on TikTok anytime soon. For him, the app demands constant sharing, and thats not how he wants to live off-set. Jordan says he occupies a unique spot between generations, old enough to remember life before everyone had a phone glued to their hand, but young enough to get just how huge social media is in pop culture. Man, Im born in 87, he said, calling himself a bridge between the pre-digital era and todays always-online world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the 38-year-old, its not just a matter of preference. Its about protecting whats important in his life. Being on TikTok would mean sharing personal moments, and thats a trade hes not willing to make. Jordan makes it clear that acting has its place, and its not in his personal life. He said, Im not trying to act in all elements of my life. Thats the day job, you know? Keeping his personal identity separate from his public persona helps him stay grounded, authentic, and true to himself. The Black Panther star prefers staying connected the old-school way with a group chat. He claims he always uses the group chat to catch up on whats been happening. Jordan also laughs at the memories of being the butt of the joke, but says the chats help keep him grounded. You get a chance to scroll back and say, What is going on here? Then you realize that you were a topic of discussion for a whole two daysthat they were roasting your ass. As for fans hoping he might join TikTok one day? Dont count it. Michael B. Jordan is more committed than ever to keeping parts of his life real, private, and offline. The post Michael B. Jordan Will Never Join TikTok For a Reason appeared first on Mandatory. NEED TO KNOW Newly-crowned Miss Universe Fatima Bosch has reunited with pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil, weeks after their heated confrontation Ahead of the pageant, a livestream captured Itsaragrisil confronting Bosch during a pre-pageant event, which caused several contestants to walk out After being crowned Miss Universe, Bosch reunited with Itsaragrisil for a photo op Newly-crowned Miss Universe Fatima Bosch and pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil reunited, just weeks after a heated confrontation between the pair went viral. The two first made headlines weeks prior, as a livestream on the pageant's official Facebook page captured Itsaragrisil confronting Miss Mexico for allegedly refusing to partake in a photo shoot meant for contestants to share on social media at a pre-pageant event. As Itsaragrisil continued to chastise her during the confrontation, Bosch eventually walked out of the room after Itsaragrisil summoned security, prompting other contestants to get up to follow her in protest. After the incident, Bosch addressed the media in a video shared by pageantry_com and tgpc_official on Instagram. "Your director is not respectful," she said in the interview. "He called me dumb." RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA/Shutterstock Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch is crowned Miss Universe on Nov. 21, 2025. Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch is crowned Miss Universe on Nov. 21, 2025. "I think that the world needs to see this because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice," she concluded the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a press conference held on Nov. 5, Itsaragrisil tearfully apologized for his actions. "I am human. I didnt want to do anything like that," he told press, as reported by USA Today. In a video posted to TikTok, Itsaragrisil can be seen addressing reporters emphatically as he sheds a tear. In the background, a man stands by, carrying tissues for Itsaragrisil. Weeks after the confrontation, Bosch competed in the Miss Universe finale on Nov. 21, where she was ultimately crowned Miss Universe. In videos, which appear to have been taken after her official Miss Universe crowning, Bosch and Itsaragrisil can be seen reuniting publicly for the first time since their viral confrontation. In one clip, she is seen wearing a red dress and shaking hands with Itsaragrisil as they pose with Miss Universe pageant president Raul Rocha. Miss Universe Thailand/Facebook Nawat Itsaragrisil confronts Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch. Nawat Itsaragrisil confronts Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch. With her hand over her heart, the pair appear to have a heartfelt moment together, before each of them holds their hands together and bows toward each other in a traditional Thai gesture. After Itsaragrisil confronted Bosch in the Nov. 4 livestream, Rocha announced multiple sanctions against Itsaragrisil, including his restriction from the pageant. "I have restricted Nawat's participation in the events that are part of the 74th Miss Universe competition, limiting it as much as possible or eliminating it entirely," Rocha stated in Spanish in a subtitled video posted to the organization's official Instagram page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued to express his "great indignation towards Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Fatima Bosch ... whom he humiliated, insulted, and showed lack of respect to." Despite Rocha's statements, Itsaragrisil was photographed at numerous Miss Universe events in the lead-up to the crowning. The day before the pageant, Itsaragrisil even posted pictures on Instagram that showed him posing with Rocha, who had previously condemned his behavior. In another video captured by social media user @ferremolkito, Bosch can be seen interacting with Itsaragrisil during what appears to be a post-crowning event. Miss Universe Thailand/Facebook Miss Universe contestants walk out in defense of Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch. Miss Universe contestants walk out in defense of Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch. In the video, Bosch is seated next to first runner-up Singh. When the beauty queen stands up, she can be seen gesturing to Itsaragrisil, who is sitting off to the side, to accompany her to a stage. Bosch's road to Miss Universe and its aftermath have been marred with controversy. Just days before the official pageant was to take place on Nov. 18, a judge for the competition, Omar Harfouch, announced that he was withdrawing from his role, claiming that the Miss Universe Organization had formed an "impromptu jury" to choose 30 finalists before participants from 136 countries even took the stage for the preliminaries. The pageant denied his claims, posting a public statement on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Miss Universe Organization firmly clarifies that no impromptu jury has been created, that no external group has been authorized to evaluate delegates or select finalists, and that all competition evaluations continue to follow the established, transparent, and supervised MUO protocols," read the statement published on Nov. 18. Three days later, after Bosch was named Miss Universe 2025 on stage in Bangkok, Thailand, Harfouch posted an Instagram Reel, calling her win into question. The composer claimed that the day before, he had predicted she would be crowned during an interview for an upcoming project with HBO. "Miss Universe owner Raul Rocha is in business with Fatima Boschs father," Harfouch claimed in his Instagram caption. He continued to allege that Rocha and his son urged Harfouch to vote for Mexico's contestant for the benefit of their business. Representatives for HBO, Rocha, the Miss Universe Organization and Bosch have not responded to PEOPLE's request for comment on the matter. Read the original article on People Claire Thomson-Jonville has enjoyed one full year as Vogue Frances head of editorial content. Since picking up from where Eugenie Trochu left off, the editor has endorsed names like Loli Bahia, Natasha Poly, Addison Rae, Vittoria Ceretti, Joan Smalls, Gisele Bundchen, Anok Yai, Kim Kardashian, and Miley Cyrus as French Vogue cover stars. Next up on the cover of Vogue France is Mona Tougaard and Irina Shayk, who help round out the past twelve months on the double December/January edition of the magazine. The girls pose for the photographer Carin Backoff for the occasion, with Alastair McKimm on styling duties. McKimm (who was appointed Vogue France fashion and image director-at-large in February) dressed the girls in head-to-toe Christian Dior. Mona Tougaard & Irina Shayk for Vogue France December 2025/January 2026 IMAGE | VOGUE.FR Read below the reactions of theFashionSpots forum members: Awful, looks like something AI would generate, immediately critiqued Avonlea. Feels like an attempt to recreate the Naomi [Campbell] and Kate [Moss] cover from 2008. I have no problems with Claire paying tribute to Carine [Roitfeld] again, but at least try and update the source image with a contemporary twist, or dare I say try to do better? A dull image overall, voiced Fiercification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its like a cheap version of the February 2008 cover combined with the June/July 2008 covers, echoed forum member LastNight. Vogue28 shared the same sentiments. Im also able to see the resemblance between this and the February 2008 cover. This, however, falls short in comparison. Theres zero spark here, zero signs of life, energy, or pizzaz. Wheres the sense of fun and festive glamour for a December/January cover? Massively missed opportunity here. Smiles and some glitz wouldnt have gone amiss, he complained. That blue background does not scream luxury. It should have been pin sharp on a crisp white background, not whatever this is. The styling certainly isnt helping either. Ive really had enough of this harsh lighting photography, it shows a lack of technical skill from the photographer, GivenchyHomme critiqued. See more of Mona Tougaard and Irina Shayk from the Vogue France December 2025/January 2026 cover shoot and click here to join the conversation. The post Mona Tougaard & Irina Shayk Appear a Little AI-Generated on the Cover of Vogue France appeared first on theFashionSpot. Kevin Spacey wants to clear the air. The two-time Oscar winner told his Instagram followers that he is not one of the many people actually living on the streets or in their cars. Spaceys comments come after he told The Telegraph last Wednesday, I literally have no home, and was living in hotels, Im living in Airbnbs, Im going where the work is. I literally have no home, thats what Im attempting to explain, following years-long legal battles to clear his name from sexual abuse allegations. / REUTERS" height="2506" width="4456"/> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spacey, 66, was axed from his starring role in Netflixs House of Cards in 2017, when those allegations came to light. Since then, Spacey said hes been blacklisted from Hollywood. He maintained his innocence throughout 2017 and was cleared in court in 2022. The next year, he was cleared of other charges involving four men in London. The actor said the astronomical legal costs cleaned him out. Still, Spacey blames the media for taking his statement about having no home at face value. He said on Instagram, I dont usually make it my business to correct the media. If I did, I wouldnt have time for much else. But in light of the recent articles claiming I am homeless, I feel the need to respond, he continued. Not to the press, but to the thousands of people who have reached out over the past few days, offering me a place to stay or have just asked if Im OK. And to all of you, let me first say that Im truly touched by your generosity, full stop. But I feel it would be disingenuous of me to allow you to believe that I am indeed homeless in the colloquial sense. AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 4: Kevin Spacey during the Septimius Awards at Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski on September 4, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Marcel Koch/BSR Agency/Getty Images) / BSR Agency / Getty Images He went on, There are many people, as we all know, who are indeed actually living on the streets or in their cars or in terrible financial situations, and my heart goes out to them. But it is clear from the article itself that I am not one of them, nor was I attempting to say that I was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spacey also blamed the Telegraph directly for his own quote. It was a shame that the Telegraph chose to undermine the work of their own journalist by selling him out with a knowingly misleading headline, for the sake of clicks, he said. The mostly out-of-work actor reiterated that he hoped to be back to work soon in the caliber of roles he was previously known for, before the abuse allegations. We are in touch with some extremely powerful people who want to put me back to work, he told the outlet. And that will happen in its right time. Deputy Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Ihor Brusylo stated that any discussions of territorial issues, which are key to a potential settlement of the war, will likely be addressed at a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Bloomberg reported on Monday. He also noted that the country's membership in NATO was not excluded from the discussion and "is one of the provisions that could become a guarantee of security for Ukraine." According to information, Ukrainian and American negotiators prepared an updated and revised framework document for peace in Switzerland, with discussions demonstrating "significant progress in converging positions and clearly defining next steps." "This isn't the end," Brusylo said. "The key is in the details," he added. Ukraine must ensure "that the other side accepts all the positions our delegation has presented to them," he said. "We cannot simply cherry-pick or rip out certain provisions and say that this is acceptable to us, but that is not." Working-level negotiations will continue in the coming days, Brusylo noted. Trump's proposed November 27 deadline for securing Ukraine's support for this plan is not final and could be pushed back to next week. Accordding to the agency, European officials expressed optimism that the most recent version of the draft text no longer mentions a plan for some $100 billion in Russian frozen assets go toward US-led efforts to rebuild the country, according to people familiar with the matter. They also expressed optimism that the Trump administration was engaging with Europe after the initial plan caught Kyivs allies off guard. National security advisers made significant progress late on Sunday in trimming the initial plan to a smaller list of key points to achieve a ceasefire as quickly as possible, said a person familiar with the matter. Other points were excluded for the time being and will be dealt with in separate documents for later negotiations, the person said. When all the issues have been settled, and some of them remain muted, I mean the territorial issues, for example, then the presidents will get in touch to talk over them and probably set the stage for meeting for them to finalize the idea, Brusylo said. When it comes to NATO membership, for Ukraine, it is not off the table completely. As reported, last Sunday in Geneva, a meeting was held between delegations from the United States and Ukraine, as well as representatives from Great Britain, Germany, and France, to discuss the peace plan proposed by Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio then stated that differences remain over the plan to end the war, but they are not insurmountable, and the parties will continue to work. According to Rubio, the plan prepared by Washington may change depending on the progress of the consultations; there is no specific deadline for adoption. However, the Secretary of State expects the parties to make a decision soon. According to Russian media reports, Moscow has received from Washington the text of a plan to resolve the war in Ukraine. The Financial Times and The Washington Post, citing sources, report that Trump's peace plan was reduced from 28 to 19 points following consultations in Geneva on Sunday. Rebel Wilson is speaking out about the multi-pronged legal proceedings that have marred her directorial debut, the comedy musical The Deb, by controversy. In a new segment with 60 Minutes Australia, Wilson dubbed the experience her worst nightmare and classified the situation as people trying to sling mud at me. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement It came out of left field, these issues, and yeah, it was horrible to deal with and I had to try to navigate it professionally, she said. The Pitch Perfect alumna is currently facing two separate lawsuits for defamation and breach of contract from the pics U.K. producers Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden, as well as actress Charlotte MacInnes and has since responded with a countersuit claim. Laying out her side of the story, Wilson alleged that the day prior to the 60 Minutes Australia crews visit to the set back in 2023, she and local producers on the movie were locked in a room and forced to sign documents. She insinuated she and her team were threatened, and alleged she was told the movie would be canceled and her crew would be out of work if they didnt comply with the NDAs: At the time, I said, What is this? Is this like the KGB?' Wilson went on further to say she was the target of this incessant bullying and harassment because she had spoken out about the behavior of the producers. Wilson also accused the trio of embezzlement; the producers deny the assertions, including the allegation about the locked room fiasco. Advertisement Advertisement Of particular contention is Wilsons claim that starlet MacInnes, a newcomer, was sexually harassed by Ghost. Wilson asserted MacInnes told her that Ghost made her take a bath and shower with her after the latter had a medical reaction to the cold water during filming at Bondi Beach an incident that Wilson said MacIness described as uncomfortable. The Bryan Freedman-repped Wilson has also claimed Ghost essentially forced MacInnes into a relationship during the production, per legal documents. I felt, in my position as director, I had to report that, and the moment I did started all the retaliation against me, Wilson said. MacInnes has disputed this claim and in August 2025 began the early stages of defamation proceedings, arguing the director damaged her reputation in a series of Instagram posts between September 2024 and July 2025. All I can say is she came to me, she made what I obviously inferred as a sexual harassment complaint, and I had a duty to then act on it, Wilson stated. When presented with texts in which the Bridesmaids alumna seemed to have clarified the bizarre situation with Ghost and relayed that the incident did not actually make MacInnes uncomfortable, Wilson said this was her trying to maintain professional communication with Ghost who was the access to money for the film ahead of the commencement of production. Advertisement Advertisement But at the same time, Im feeling very uneasy, Wilson described. Additionally, Wilson has claimed the producers attempted to siphon nearly a million (AU) dollars from the films budget. The producers doubled down, saying Wilson didnt understand the intricacies of budgets as a first-time director, which Wilson scoffed at, citing her law degree and history of producing other projects. Addressing her explosive July 2024 Instagram video, in which she blasted the absolute f*ckwits producers for withholding the films premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, Wilson also pushed back against the claim they wouldnt release the film because of their ongoing issues, calling it absolute rubbish. She added, They knew it would be good for me as a first-time female director to have that profile, and they blocked it as part of their retaliation for me speaking up against them, saying the trio made the move out of spite to bury it. While her public callout on Instagram worked and The Deb premiered at TIFF, it also launched the defamation cases. Advertisement Advertisement The producers maintained the dispute is also a result of Wilson missing out on a writing credit; the Jojo Rabbit actress admitted she felt she deserved a shared credit, having received just an additional one, but has previously called the claim false. Elsewhere on 60 Minutes, Wilson rebuked the more salacious elements of the protracted legal he-said-she-said, in which the producers have accused her of launching a bullying smear campaign via malicious websites, which characterized Ghost as a sex trafficker akin to the Indian Ghislaine Maxwell. Wilson maintained she had zero to do with the sites, and claims that she orchestrated the attacks are absolutely untrue. She also called into question the veracity of texts that implicate her in the creation of them. When pressed further on whether she directed her social media followers to the websites and ensured Ghosts associates had been made aware of them, Wilson said, I dont have any memory of doing that, no. Adding of the allegations, she said, Its wild its gotten to this point. I think its a ridiculous waste of the Australian legal system. [MacInnes] reported something to me, I acted on it in my position as the director of the movie. I had a legal, ethical, moral responsibility to do that. Wilson also maintained the producers pressured MacInnes to change her story and insinuated that she lied to further her nascent career. Advertisement Advertisement This is a situation where I was a whistleblower. I stood up when it was important to stand up and say something, Wilson concluded. The team at 60 Minutes reached out to Ghost, Cameron, Holden and MacInnes for comment, though the foursome declined to give a statement, citing the impropriety of doing so amid the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings. Earlier this month, Wilson scored a win of sorts in her ongoing defense against the defamation action. On Nov. 5, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Thomas Long agreed to send over to the U.K. a letter of request to have MacInnes officially clarify her relationship with Ghost. That clarification will take the form of a deposition, which is expected to take place in front of British solicitors in December or early 2026. The Deb currently lacks a North American distributor, likely owing in part to the off-screen drama. However, the movie is slated for a January release in Australia and New Zealand. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Wilson is back to work as writer-director-producer on a new musical comedy, Girl Group, which is set to star Jennifer Coolidge and Nicole Scherzinger alongside Wilson. Dominic Patten contributed to this report. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Once again, Michael B. Jordan is having a great year. Honestly, it seems every year of his life would be great considering hes rich, famous, and frustratingly handsome. But in 2025, Jordan teamed up with director Ryan Coogler for yet another cinematic smash with Sinners. And, he also received a prestigious American Cinematheque Award to honor his decades long career. We appreciate him for his memorable roles, especially in nerdy things like Black Panther, but we really love him because hes one of us. It is no secret that hes a big ole nerd who loves anime. And, in a recent video, Michael B. Jordan explained My Hero Academia to a couple of fellow actors. The Vanity Fair segment featured Jordan, Austin Butler, and Paul Mescal coming together to check out viral videos. Of course, Jordan pulls up a video from My Hero Academia season seven where Bakugo seems to die during a fight against Shigaraki and the League of Villains. While Paul Mescal looks intrigued but also confused, Butler quickly notes that this clip is quite the spoiler for someone like him who has never watched the show. This clip is a very good indication of the chemistry we can expect between Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan in the upcoming Miami Vice remake. Marvel Studios/Toho Animation Michael B. Jordan laughs because, well, Austin is not wrong here. He goes on to do a high-level description of the anime and touches on its major themes of friendship and self-sacrifice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED ARTICLE Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler in Talks to Star in MIAMI VICE Film Anime is just a huge part of Jordans personal and professional life. He modeled the fight scenes in Creed 3 after Hajime no Ippo. And, during a previous questions video with Vogue, Jordan said that Tokyo is one of his favorite places in the world because of anime. Wed certainly sit down for a chat and to watch some anime with Michael B. Jordan any day of the week. The post Watch Michael B. Jordan Explain MY HERO ACADEMIA to Other Actors appeared first on Nerdist. TALLINN, Estonia Since it was launched more than a decade ago, the Baltic countries have been conspicuously absent from one of Europes most influential co-production funds: Frances Aide aux cinemas du monde (ACM). This was openly acknowledged by Michel Plazanet, deputy head of international affairs at Frances National Film Board (CNC), as he opened an industry session at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in the Estonian capital. So far the Baltic states havent been that successful, but Im pretty sure theres a lot of potential, Plazanet said. We are doing our best to encourage co-production with France. And of course, one of the best tools is cinemas du monde. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement In an effort to move things forward, the CNC will host an international co-production workshop in Paris in February 2026, welcoming nine Baltic projects three from each country. The program will pair regional producers with French co-producers and advisors, to guide applicants through ACMs demanding requirements. The initiative follows the launch of the CineBaltique festival in Paris in February 2025, which brought some 25 short and feature films to the French capital, marking the first-ever Baltic film event of its kind. For Baltic producers, the upcoming workshop is a significant opportunity: the fund is among the most competitive and prestigious in Europe, and often serves as a launchpad to A-list festivals. Founded in 2012, Aide aux cinemas du monde supports feature-length international co-productions involving a French partner. Originally co-run with the Institut Francais a cultural branch of the Foreign Ministry the program will be fully administered by the CNC from 2026, with a budget increase expected in the coming cycle. Its influence is substantial: of nearly 700 films supported since its creation, two-thirds have premiered in Cannes, Venice, Berlin or Locarno, including 184 titles in Cannes alone. With a budget of 7 million ($8 million) in 2025, ACM supports around 65 films each year, including approximately 45 production grants and 20 post-production awards. Maximum support reaches 300,000 ($345,000) for production with average amounts of 150,000 ($172,000) for fiction and 80,000 ($92,000) for documentaries and 70,000 ($80,000) for post-production, where the average grant is 45,000 ($52,000). Half of all awards are reserved for first and second features through a dedicated selection committee for emerging filmmakers. Advertisement Advertisement To qualify, a project must have a French co-producer and commit to a French theatrical release. Applicants must also submit a finished script in French, a procedural hurdle that has discouraged some international producers but remains non-negotiable. It is funded by France, said Plazanet, and it is a fund for diversity of culture and languages, which means the respect of culture, so we request a script in French, and thats the first important job of the French co-producer. The role of the French partners is also key in the selection process, which includes a 20-minute hearing in which only the French co-producer is present. We dont want the French co-producer to be just a letterbox thats a waste of money, Plazanet said. We want them to be on board as early as possible and bring a real input to the film. Committees evaluate artistic merit, how early the French partner joined, and the creative or technical contribution of the collaboration. For the Baltic region, the Paris workshop signals a shift. It comes amid rising cultural visibility of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in Europe since the start of the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement On the sidelines of the event, Edith Sepp, the head of Estonias Film Institute, who moderated the session, told Variety, We are a priority now because of the political situation, noting that the geopolitical moment is unsettling but has pushed European institutions to pay closer attention to Baltic filmmakers. That urgency was echoed by Estonian producer Ivo Felt (Not Made for Politics, Lioness), who stressed the symbolic weight of cultural cooperation. Unfortunately, unfortunately, we are really on the border here and we feel that we are getting more attention compared to before the war [in Ukraine] started. This is right because, here, we are basically on the front line. Our weapon is culture, it is filmmaking. And it is very important that we are not left alone here there are bigger countries in Europe and in the European Union. We are all in this together. Its not only us on the border, he said. Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, which ran alongside the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, wrapped on Nov. 21. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Research for a potential feature film about celebrated Guernseyman Captain William Le Lacheur has started in the island. Throughout the mid-19th Century, Capt Le Lacheur left a lasting legacy in Costa Rica for his role in establishing the nation's coffee trade. Producer Jose Palma said the proposed film would focus on his story and "the contribution between the two countries". During his visit to the island, Mr Palma also helped to launch a fundraising campaign by the Guernsey Society to restore Capt Le Lacheur's headstone in London' Highgate Cemetery. 'On our money' Mr Palma said: "A lot of people don't realise the impact that Captain Le Lacheur - someone from Guernsey - had in our country. He used to be on our money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have come here to meet people who are descendants, meet the people of Guernsey to be able to tell this story authentically." During the 1800s, Capt Le Lacheur's Guernsey-built ships sailed between London and Costa Rica, carrying commerce, opportunity and cultural exchange. "We're trying to focus on the Costa Rican side where we have a war or a campaign in 1855 and 1856 against North America, in which we would not be able to win if it wasn't for the contributions of Captain William Le Lacheur over the years with Costa Rican families and the exportation of coffee," Mr Palma said. "Coffee became a key to the sovereignty of Costa Rica." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added the island has preserved a lot of history which was "beautiful" and "made the job easier" to show off Guernsey's identity. For the fundraising campaign, the Guernsey Society added Capt Le Lacheur's Highgate memorial had fallen into "serious disrepair" and restoration costs were estimated at 20,000. The Guernsey Society said his gravestone was "an important link to Guernsey's cultural heritage" and faced potential loss without urgent conservation. Keith Le Page, chairman of the Guernsey Society, said: "Captain Le Lacheur is one of Guernsey's great figures; someone whose vision, compassion, and enterprise helped shape the future of another nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "His story deserves to be remembered, and his memorial preserved for future generations." Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links Dog of God, Latvias second-in-a-row animated Oscar contender after the winning phenomenon Flow, continues to bark out loud after its successful launch at Tribeca and follow up bow at 30-plus festivals, including Sitges and Tallinns Black Night. After major sales to Cartuna for North America and ESC Films for French-speaking territories, Berlin-based Media Move has clinched deals on the Monty Pythonesque animation pic with Little Dream Pictures for Germany and Weird Wave for Greece. Little Dream Pictures will release the pic under its label Animation Addicts. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement The only Baltic pic vying for the European Film Awards, both in the best European Film and animation categories, Dog of God is building on its festival and awards buzz, and attracting a lot of interest in the specialised market, said Media Moves Justyna Koronkiewicz, currently negotiating rights for Japan, Poland, Latin-America and Korea. Audiences want something fresh, elevated, in new genres and styles. Weve seen with an innovative movie like Hundreds of Beavers, how indie distributors took their guard down; now they take their chances with daring content, betting on a niche but devoted fan base. Were extremely happy that all our distributors have committed to a theatrical release with Dog of God, said Koronkiewicz. The U.S. launch via Cartuna is slated for second quarter 2026. A polar opposite to Gints Zilbalodiss family animated pic Flow, Dog of God is an adult-focused horror comedy. Directed by Latvian brothers Lauris Abele and Raitis Abele who share the writing credit with Ivo Briedis and Harijs Grundmanis, the rotoscoped animation was depicted in Variety as an envelope-pushing mix of savage satire and parabolic fantasy, set in a miserable 17th-century village where the sacred is frequently profane, and vice versa. The third Abele brother Marcis serves as cinematographer. The story centres on an 80-year-old self-proclaimed werewolf called The Dog of God who turns up at a womans trial for witchcraft with a mysterious gift: the Devils Balls. His arrival triggers a chain of unexpected events that climax in a wild sexual rave party, transforming the village into a frenzy of unleashed desires, runs the logline. Speaking to Variety after the pics screening at Tallinn Black Nights Midnight Shivers, New-York Film Academy alumnus Raitis Abele who graduated in clinical psychology because my brother Lauris did philosophy and I couldnt do the same, said he got the idea to turn Ivo Briedis initial story into animation after working on Flow as production coordinator. Advertisement Advertisement Ivo approached us because of our previous doc Baltic Tribes, Last Pagans of Europe. We first tried to make it in live action. But it was super hard to find the tone, the angle and the money of course. After spending a year helping the Flow creators put their animation team together, I had the idea to use animation to push the films universe and themes, says Raitis. A second pivotal moment was post-COVID, when the filmmakers could tap into a special recovery fund for experimental films. We felt free to unleash our creativity as it was O.K. to be experimental. European Genre Forum The Abele brothers then attended the European Genre Forum, including the workshops finale in Tallinn. Our mentors said, your audience is adult animation, dont hold anything back. That audience has seen Japanese animation from the 90s, which means they are ready for anything, Raitis recalls. Encouraged to go wild, the Abele Bros decided to stick to a specific frame and stay close to their Baltic roots. Advertisement Advertisement We wanted to stick to our Baltic pagan culture and in the film, all the naughty stuff are directly inspired by traditional folk songs. Then we widened the story of a court trial in the 17th century with a werewolf and added fairy-tale like characters and magician spells. For Raitis, the pic, which features a flagellation-obsessed cleric, is not anti-religion but anti-authority, whatever its shape. We are against the use of power. Were not against a hierarchical society when its natural. But every hierarchy fucks up at some point. When order becomes too strict, it needs to be challenged. In Latvia, weve lived under Soviet occupation, and since gaining independence [in 1991], weve seen all the benefits of living in a democracy. We know its meaning and value. Raitis said besides support from the National Film Centre of Latvia, the Latvian-U.S pic which he produced with Kristele Pudane for Tritone Studio for less than 1 million ($1.1 million), found a white knight in U.S. indie producer Giovanni Labadessa of Lumiere Lab. Impressed by the Latvian filmmakers 2021 Troubled Minds,, the L.A.-based producer helped them lock the financing. Oscar campaign Now were all working hard on the Oscar campaign, said Raitis whose brother Lauris at press time was flying to the U.S., with a special Latvian present in his bags to AMPAS members: Chaga mushroom body skincare. These arent psychedelic but medicinal mushrooms with healing powers. I hope Lauris will make it through customs with them!, quipped Raitis who hopes to build on the Flow momentum and make it to the next round of Oscar short-listing for best international feature Dec. 16. Advertisement Advertisement Flow has propelled Latvian and Baltic cinema onto the global stage but Gints film has also opened the doors to the full spectrum of animated pics outside Pixar and Disney, he said. Next up for the brothers is the live action pic Wagner and Satan about the German composers formative years in the Latvian capital. It will be a thriller full of paganism, occultism, a true Faustian drama, pledges Raitis. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Stephen Blahut was born in the USA, but he considers himself a citizen of the world. The writer and cinematographer literally hit the road in the late 2000s, driving an ambulance from London to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for a charity race. "After that, I spent about two years in Japan, and also spent time in Thailand and Russia," Blahut tells Gold Derby. "I have a variety of experiences being in different settings." Those global experiences helped inform Rental Family, a tender drama starring Brendan Fraser as an American actor who has made Tokyo his home. Blahut wrote the script with award-winning filmmaker Hikari after the duo previously collaborated on the 2019 film 37 Seconds. (Blahut was the director of photography on that production.) More from Gold Derby Advertisement Advertisement Blahut spoke with Gold Derby on a "Meet the Experts: Spotlight" panel about how he and Hikari divided and conquered their script, and how a kooky, cat-related Tokyo festival ended up in Rental Family. (This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity) Gold Derby: Are there any experiences you had during your travels that you directly incorporated into the Rental Family script? Stephen Blahut: Absolutely. When I went to Japan for the first time, I wanted to find something unusual to do. Randomly, there was this cat festival happening in Tokyo that happens for four hours, one day a year in October. Its such a unique experience that many people in Japan may not have had the experience of doing. We kept on trying to figure out a way to make it happen in the film, and we eventually reached out to the people who organized the cat festival. They were like, Well totally do this. You can use the street we use, and well get in contact with everyone. Pretty soon, we had 600 or 700 extras dressed as cast reenacting the festival for our film! It was wonderful. Do you speak fluent Japanese? If not, how do you write for the Japanese characters? I do not speak fluent Japanese, though I've been trying for a long, long time! For me, it's just a matter of thinking about universal emotions and what people are going through. You're also asking questions to the Japanese actors or to the director, Hikari. You want to take a look at what you're writing and figure out how to measure it so it feels accurate to the world that youre creating. Speaking of Hikari, you were here cinematographer on the film 37 Seconds. How did you go from that role to being the cowriter on Rental Family? Hikari and I have a shorthand going back to 37 Seconds, and when we were in Japan for that movie, we had a conversation about what could be our next film. And then just randomly, I looked up unusual jobs in Japan and came across the role of a rental family. I was like, What is this? You can rent people by the hour to play roles in other people's lives? This is something worth exploring! Advertisement Advertisement Gradually, you start to ask questions, like: What is the interaction between the surrogates and the clients and what type of emotions are occurring between the two of them? And if you're an actor or performer in the setting, what are you taking home with you? You have these varying degrees of emotion that gave us an opportunity to explore these things within the film. And then when COVID struck, there was a quite moment where Hikari and I were like, What are we going to do? We decided to tackle this script, and fortunately people were very interested in it. How did you split up writing duties? It was a little bit of a mix. Sometimes we'd be writing together and sometimes one of us would feel much more passionate about one scene than the other, so we'd show it to them and then the other person would come and correct it. Hikari is an active director, too, so while she was directing [the Netflix series] Beef, Id be working on Rental Family and wed reconvene on the weekend to talk about where the story was going. We wanted to keep the project moving forward at all times. Once shooting started, were you on set all the way through? I was on set a portion of the time communicating with the actors and readjusting the script. Once you have the actors in there and you're actually listening to them, things begin to change you're looking at the dialogue and words almost like music. Youve got Brendan Fraser in there and you're listening to his affectation and you think, Maybe this line could be changed this way or that way. And one of the best things about having wonderful actors is that you can say, Maybe we could just take the dialogue away. You can see [the dialogue] in their faces. The storyline that resonated the most with me was Brendan Fraser and Akira Emotos arc; tell me about the genesis of that relationship. There was a lot of conversation back and forth between Hikari and myself about the journey that Brendans character should go on. We wanted him to live out this alternate life in a shortened period of time, so you have this journey where he experiences the death of a parent, having a child and getting married. And because of the rental family agency, he gets to experience that in a condensed period. Advertisement Advertisement Akira Emotos character becomes this surrogate father figure for Brendan. He's also a legendary Japanese actor and both Hikari and I have an affinity for classic Japanese cinema and Akira Kurosawa and we wanted to honor that tradition with this character. Brendan doesn't speak Japanese and Akira doesn't speak English, so both of them committed six months in advance to learning the language. There was such a mutual respect between the two of them, and it was an absolute joy to watch. It also sets up the last shot, which I wont spoil, but its a beautiful grace note. We went back and forth on that final shot. Looking at the film as a whole and the idea of spirituality and the world being bigger than yourself, it felt like the right moment to end the film on. Whats the scene that youre proudest of in the finished film the one that most captures what you and Hikari set out to achieve when you started writing Rental Family? The one that always comes back to me is the scene with Mari Yamamoto and Brendan in a ramen restaurant. It has this loneliness to it, because even though you're in Tokyo this city of millions and millions of people but you just see people who are alone, and you wonder what's going on in their own world. That's something I always think about is that you could be in a place, and you're not actually there. Advertisement Advertisement In that moment, I feel like there's a conversation that takes place between the two characters. It took a long while to kind of get there, but in that moment, there's a transference that occurs where Brendan's character finally understands Maris point of view. Its this kind of Aha! moment. I'm very proud of the way the two of them handle that scene, and I think it's probably the most meaningful scene in the movie for me. As a counterpoint, is there a scene that didnt make the jump from script to scene that you miss? I don't know if they didn't make the jump from page to screen, but I think there's elements of the characters that I wish they could be in the finished film. But I understand what Hikari and the editors [Alan Baumgarten and Thomas A. Krueger] were doing with the story they were trying to push through. As a writer, you always have those babies you love and want to hold onto, but sometimes you just have to let them go. This article and video are presented by Searchlight. Best of Gold Derby Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Jimmy Cliff, the man who brought the sights and sounds of Jamaica to worldwide audiences 60 years ago, has died. Cliffs wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed his passing via Instagram, writing: Its with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes. He was 81. Cliff was known for songs like Wonderful World, Beautiful People and You Can Get It If You Really Want. He starred in the 1972, gun-toting crime drama The Harder They Come, a film credited with getting reggae onto American soil. He was born James Chambers in 1944, arriving as the eighth of nine children in the impoverished St. James parish of Jamaica. Early in his life, he sang at his local church and, upon hearing Derrick Morgan playing a ska song on the radio, Cliff began writing his one music. By 1965 he was living in London and recording for Island Records. Hed explode in 1969 with Wonderful World, Beautiful People and Vietnam, the latter of which Bob Dylan called the best protest song ever written. Cliff once said of Vietnam: The essence of my music is struggle. What gives it the icing is the hope of love. Hed go on to perform on Saturday Night Live, collaborate with the Rolling Stones on Dirty Work, produce the theme song for Cocktail, win two Grammy awards, and find US chart success in 1994 with his cover of I Can See Clearly Now, which was featured in Cool Runnings. He was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, calling it a great thrill and an honor. Browse our Jimmy Cliff archives, including a 1975 Orpheum Theatre concert and his full Woodstock 94 performance, below: The first thing to say about Civilisations: Rise and Fall (BBC Two) is that it has nothing to do with Sir Kenneth Clarks 1969 series Civilisation, despite the BBC telling us otherwise. In marketing-speak to make you wince, the corporation describes this new series as the next iteration of the Civilisations brand, and follows on from a not-terribly-well-received 2018 Civilisations that featured BBC favourites Prof Mary Beard, David Olusoga and Simon Schama. This one is a four-part series about the fall of four empires: Ancient Rome, Cleopatras Egypt, the Aztecs and 19th century Japan, and bears little relation to the previous programmes. The second thing to say is that it has much to recommend it, despite the BBCs best efforts to make you switch off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Examples of the bad stuff? The episode on Egypt features, as one of the experts, Alastair Campbell. No, there isnt a renowned Egyptologist named Alastair Campbell. This is the usual one, Tony Blairs old spin doctor, and he wastes no time likening the Ptolemaic dynasty to the Murdochs. Yawn. Alastair Campbell features on the ancient Egypt episode - Richard Pearson The episode on Rome is at pains to teach us that the empire brought problems on itself by failing to welcome refugees, in this case Goths fleeing the Huns. Despite the diverse populations within their Empire, the Romans are uneasy about such a vast influx of people and it plays into deep-seated prejudices, the voiceover explains. A chap from Cambridge Universitys Centre for the Study of Existential Risk says: The problem is how governments respond to displaced people. You can choose to take them into your society or you can make them your enemy. Do you sense a modern-day message? The episode on ancient Rome examines how the empire struggled due to a refugee crisis - Marcell Piti And then there are the efforts to make history cool, as with the episode where were told that the arrival of US Commodore Matthew Perry on Japanese shores is like the most steampunk clash of cultures youve ever seen, whatever that means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So youll need to gird your loins against all of that, but there is an intelligent history series here with contributions from the likes of Dominic Sandbrook and Max Hastings, plus more than a dozen historians with specialisms in these particular civilisations. They document the decline of these mighty empires, supplemented by a close look at some treasures from the British Museum. I have been guilty of wandering through the British Museum galleries, stopping at the odd exhibit the Rosetta Stone, say, or the Egyptian mummies but otherwise trying to take it all in at once and failing fully to appreciate what is on display. Here, experts focus on a handful of items and their significance: the intricate beauty of Japanese netsuke, the Aztec mosaic mask with raised lumps that resemble the smallpox brought by Spanish conquistadors, the jewelled Roman casket representative of the citys one per cent (the celebration of luxury is part of a worrying trend, the programme harrumphs). The series brings to life the complicated political life of Emperor Honorius - Marcell Piti Re-enactments using actors are restrained and succeed in bringing the stories to life: the hopelessly weak emperor Honorius hastening Romes fall, the 17-year-old son of Cleopatra being chased through the streets by assassins following the death of his mother, the meeting between Hernan Cortes and Moctezuma, the last stand of the samurai at the Battle of Shiroyama. These stories are engrossing, and dont need the forced attempts to make the history seem achingly relevant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civilisations: Rise and Fall is on BBC Two on Monday 24 November at 9pm and is available now on BBC iPlayer 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. Noah Schnapp and Brett Gelman both showed support for Israel, with Gelman even featuring in a sketch for Israeli comedy show Eretz Nehederet (Wonderful Country). While fans of the hugely successful Netflix sci-fi series Stranger Things are planning watch parties all over the world as the first episodes of its fifth and final season drop on Wednesday night, others are urging a boycott because two Netflix stars have voiced support for Israel and visited the country. Noah Schnapp, who plays Will, the pivotal character whose disappearance kicked off the series, has both Russian and Moroccan Jewish roots and reportedly celebrated his bar mitzvah in Israel. In the summer of 2023, he visited Israel and was photographed praying at the Kotel and enjoying Tel Aviv. On his Instagram account, he posted photos during the trip and wrote, learning so much about my culture. So inspiring, and In love with this place. Later, a month after the Hamas massacre on October 7, video circulated of Schnapp sitting with people who held stickers that said, Zionism is sexy and Hamas is ISIS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a backlash against the young actor, with anti-Israel social-media accounts calling for him to be cancelled. In 2024, Schnapp responded via a TikTok video he shared with his followers in which he said he stands "against any killing of any innocent people" and that he had "learned a lot" from speaking with Palestinian friends. "Anyone with any ounce of humanity would hope for an end to the hostilities on both sides," he said. Brett Gelman, who plays the crazed reporter Murray Bauman on the series, posted many messages of support for Israel on his social media during the war, and visited in December 2023. During that trip, he appeared on a sketch on the comedy show, Eretz Nehederet (Wonderful Country), in which he played a Berkeley professor present at the birth of Jesus with two of his students; he tries to persuade Joseph and Mary that they are not Jews, claiming there were no Jews in the land of Israel prior to 1948. Noah Schnapp in the new season of Stranger Things. (credit: COURTESY OF NETFLIX) Other Jewish cast members include Winona Ryder, who plays Wills mother, Joyce, and Finn Wolfhard, who plays Wills friend, Mike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schnapps and Gelmans sympathy for Israel was enough to raise the ire of anti-Israel activists, who dismissed Schnapps 2024 video and are calling for fans to boycott the fifth and final Stranger Things season because of the presence of the two actors. Guy Christensen, who goes by the social-media handle Your Favorite Guy and has a following of millions on social media, posted on X (Twitter), The Stranger Things cast has basically turned into a Zionist fan club, with multiple actors now using their platforms to whitewash apartheid and justify war crimes. Bret Gelman has made it clear he stands with Schnapps Zionism is sexy post, doubling down while thousands of Palestinians lie buried under rubble. What were witnessing is Hollywood being used to launder genocide. Enough is enough. He posted videos expressing similar statements on TikTok. Brett Gelman on Eretz Nehederet in 2023 with Tamir Bar (left) and Liat Harlev. (credit: COURTESY OF KESHET 12) Ariana Jasmine, who has a following of over 340k on TikTok, also pleaded with fans to boycott the series and, like many social-media users, seemed to be under the impression that Zionist was the harshest insult with which anyone could be branded, not writing out the full word. Boycotts against Stranger Things, Netflix Many have commented on these posts to insist that boycotting does nothing, while others say they will find a way to pirate the series (even though the presence of Schnapp and Gelman annoys them). Still others feel that boycotting Stranger Things is not enough, claiming that they have cancelled their Netflix subscriptions, although Netflix still has hundreds of millions of paid subscribers and is available in 190 countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This boycott call could be an acid test of how strong the influence of these vocal anti-Israel activists really is. Crowds have been mobbing the Stranger Things preview events around the world not to protest Schnapp and Gelman, but to get glimpses of their favorite actors. Schnapp has more than 21 million followers on Instagram. Gelman, who has over 830k Instagram followers, has three upcoming projects in the works, including one, Going There, that is set in Israel. The series has a huge cult following, and while a vocal minority has been calling for the boycott, loyal fans are breaking the Internet as they try to guess at upcoming plot twists, speculating about whether the characters they love will escape the evil world of the Upside Down. The previous season was released in 2022, and viewers have streamed 1.8 billion hours of that season. The final episode of Stranger Things is set to be released on New Years Eve in theaters in addition to on Netflix, which is unprecedented for a television series. Campus protesters can spit on any number of kippah-wearing Jewish students, but they cant keep this fan base away from its heroes. Former prime minister Lord David Cameron has revealed that he was successfully treated for prostate cancer and is now calling for screening to be offered to high-risk men. The 59-year-old politician was urged to go for testing by his wife, Samantha, after they heard the founder of Soho House, Nick Jones, speaking about his experience with prostate cancer on the radio. Lord Cameron had a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, a blood test which can be done at your GP surgery or local hospital and looks for proteins associated with prostate cancer. After his readings came out high, he underwent an MRI scan and then a biopsy, which confirmed he had the disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You always dread hearing those words," he said in an interview with the Times. "And then literally as theyre coming out of the doctors mouth youre thinking, 'Oh, no, hes going to say it. Hes going to say it. Oh God, he said it'." The former Conservative leader underwent focal therapy, a form of treatment using needles to deliver electrical pulses and destroy cancer cells. Lotrd David Cameron said he underwent focal therapy to treat prostate cancer. (Getty Images) Lord Cameron told the newspaper he wants to support a call for screening to be offered to high-risk men. "I want to add my name to the long list of people calling for a targeted screening programme," he said. This includes charities such as Prostate Cancer UK, TV presenter Johnny Ball, who has been successfully treated for prostate cancer, and Olympian Sir Chris Hoy, who was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I dont particularly like discussing my personal intimate health issues, but I feel I ought to. Lets be honest. Men are not very good at talking about their health. We tend to put things off. "Were embarrassed to talk about something like the prostate, because its so intricately connected with sexual health and everything else. "I sort of thought, well, this has happened to you, and you should lend your voice to it. I would feel bad if I didnt come forward and say that Ive had this experience. I had a scan. It helped me discover something that was wrong. It gave me the chance to deal with it." There is currently no screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK because of concerns about the accuracy of PSA tests. However, Lord Cameron says while he acknowledges the arguments, he believes circumstances are changing and "its a really good moment to have another look at this". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lord Camerons announcement comes days after the first eligible men in the UK were invited to join a trial testing promising screening techniques for the disease. How common is prostate cancer? Broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan shared his diagnosis on social media in June. (Getty Images) Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Well-known people living with the disease include former US president Joe Biden, cyclist Sir Chris Hoy and former Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan. There are more than half a million men living with prostate cancer in the UK. The cancer is found in the prostate gland, which produces semen, underneath the bladder. The gland is typically the size of a walnut, but it may increase as men age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prostate Cancer UK estimates that one in eight men in the UK will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, so its crucial to know the signs and symptoms in order to get an early diagnosis. Though it largely affects men over 50 or those with a family history of the condition, it can occur at any age. Sir Chris Hoy, 49, revealed his terminal prostate cancer diagnosis in October last year. (Getty Images) Six prostate cancer facts The early signs can be subtle so checking them is crucial Prostate cancer often does not have any symptoms at first. The NHS says that if the cancer grows or spreads, symptoms can include difficulty urinating, blood in your urine, unexplained weight loss, erectile dysfunction, tiredness, back pain and having to urinate more often. Not all of these symptoms will be cancerous, but it's important to get them checked out. The risk increases with age The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, with the incidence in the UK highest in men aged 75-79. Therefore, men over 75 should take extra caution and act swiftly if they are experiencing any uncommon pains, aches or issues with their urine. Getting tested is key If you have symptoms, dont delay getting checked to know for certain what your diagnosis is and the next steps. If you don't have symptoms, it's still worth getting tested. A PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test measures the levels of PSA in your body and may detect prostate cancer early. The NHS doesn't routinely offer this test but any man or person with a prostate can book an appointment with a GP to discuss having it. Alternatively, you can pay for it privately. There are a number of tests There are a number of checks a doctor can perform to determine if symptoms are a sign of prostate cancer. Often, the first test is an examination of the prostate and if a GP finds any lumps or abnormal hard areas then there may be further investigation with a blood test, MRI scan or biopsy. These additional tests will be able to say for certain if cancerous cells are present and what stage the cancer is, as well as predict the prognosis. There's no need be embarrassed It can be daunting talking to the GP about your prostate, but try not to be embarrassed as its a completely confidential meeting. Prostate cancer is also the most common cancer amongst men in the UK, so know that you arent alone in this process. Treatment is varied The treatment for prostate cancer varies from person to person depending on how aggressive and advanced the cancer is, as well as the general health of the patient. Treatments can include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgery to remove the prostate gland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional reporting PA. Read more about prostate cancer: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the progress of Ukrainian-American peace talks in Geneva with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. I spoke with Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez. The Prime Minister is currently in Angola, where the EUAfrican Union Summit is taking place. Ukraine is receiving significant attention there, and I am grateful for this support. I briefed him on yesterdays meetings in Geneva and the results they brought. Within the next hour, I expect a detailed report from the Ukrainian delegation, Zelenskyy said on X Monday. The President noted the importance of involving the European side in the negotiations. It is important that, alongside us, other Europeans are also engaged in contacts with the American team. Ukraines future lies in the European Union, and issues of our peoples shared security are being decided right now. Thank you for supporting Ukraine and our positions, Zelenskyy stressed. Black Friday deals are going strong, and Old Navy's Black Friday sale is no exception. Now that the big day has officially arrived, Old Navy has slashed its prices on 1,000s of styles, including those for men, women and children. Old Navy's Black Friday sale runs now through Nov. 30, with deals of up to 50 to 60 per cent off almost everything. Deal hunters can save on some of the retailer's most popular styles, including this Canvas Barn Jacket that went viral earlier this fall, these cool-girl studded jeans and this ever-popular Plaid Flannel Pocket Shirt. As part of Yahoo Canada's 2025 Black Friday/Cyber Monday coverage, we've rounded up 12 deals worth shopping from Old Navy's Black Friday sale. Keep scrolling to shop epic deals on sweaters, winter jackets, Christmas gift ideas and more. Advertisement Advertisement Old Navy Black Friday sale: Best deals for women Old Navy Canvas Barn Jacket $32 $65 Save $33 This incredibly trendy Canvas Barn Jacket features a corduroy collar and is available in a huge range of sizes XS to 4X. Reviewers say it's "super cute" in person and is "just oversized enough to layer underneath if needed." $32 at Old Navy Black Friday deals are here! Click here for all the best deals and sales you can shop in Canada, plus advice from Yahoo Canada's shopping experts. Old Navy Black Friday sale: Best deals for men Old Navy Tapered Jogger Sweatpants $18 $45 Save $27 These tapered joggers have thousands and we mean thousands of five-star reviews singing their praises. Boasting more than 5,200 five-star ratings, Old Navy reviewers say they go beyond expectations they're "dream pants!" Shop them in seven colours. $18 at Old Navy Let us know what you think by emailing us, commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. The hot list Doug Meek/Shutterstock When it comes to heat, Earth doesnt hold back. From deserts that radiate scorching energy to cities where summer feels like an endurance test, the hottest places on the planet push the boundaries of what life can endure. This list brings together locations that are relentless in their heat ranked by a mix of record-breaking air temperatures, blistering surface temperatures and regions where annual averages hover at unimaginable highs. Discover the 15 hottest places on Earth... 15. Marble Bar, Western Australia, Australia Adwo/Shutterstock Marble Bar, in the Pilbara region, is often called the hottest town in Australia. Its most famous heat record is a streak of 160 consecutive days with temperatures above 37.8C (100F) between 31 October 1923 and 7 April 1924. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summers in Marble Bar are relentless, with temperatures frequently reaching the high 40Cs (over 110F). 15. Marble Bar, Western Australia, Australia Jo Cheetham/Shutterstock The towns extreme heat is attributed to its location in a remote arid region with little vegetation and intense solar radiation. Marble Bars prolonged heatwaves also make it a key location for understanding extreme heat patterns in the southern hemisphere and how communities adapt to these conditions. 14. Jazan, Saudi Arabia Alzidane/Shutterstock Located on Saudi Arabias southwestern coast along the Red Sea, Jazan swelters under high temperatures combined with oppressive humidity, one of the most challenging climates for human habitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summer temperatures regularly exceed 40C (104F), but the heat index often feels much higher due to the coastal location. 14. Jazan, Saudi Arabia Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock Jazan stands out as an example of extreme heat not being limited to dry desert regions. The citys combination of heat and moisture creates a uniquely difficult environment that affects daily life, infrastructure and health. 13. Kuwait City, Kuwait Ali Al-Omar/Shutterstock Kuwait City, the bustling capital of Kuwait, is notorious for its searing summer temperatures, which often surpass 50C (122F), making it one of the hottest urban areas on Earth. The citys location on the Arabian Peninsula places it squarely in the path of dry desert winds, while its proximity to the Arabian Gulf exacerbates the heat with stifling humidity. 13. Kuwait City, Kuwait Anson Fernandez Dionisio/Shutterstock Kuwait Citys modern skyline, with its tall buildings and sprawling concrete structures, is a symbol of rapid urban growth but it comes at a cost. These materials trap and radiate heat, keeping the city uncomfortably warm even after sunset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With few green spaces or shaded areas to offer relief, the city's infrastructure and daily life are shaped by its harsh climate, with much of its economy and social activity structured around staying indoors during peak summer. 12. El Azizia, Libya Denis Burdin/Shutterstock El Azizia was long believed to hold the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth an alleged 58C (136.4F) measured on 13 September 1922. However, this record was invalidated in 2012 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) due to concerns over equipment accuracy and procedural errors. 12. El Azizia, Libya Habib kaki, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons Despite this, El Azizia still experiences extreme summer temperatures regularly exceeding 50C (122F), earning its place as one of the hottest places on Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Situated in the Libyan Sahara, the area's extreme heat is amplified by its desert environment and lack of vegetation. 11. Dallol, Ethiopia Piu_Piu/Shutterstock Dallol, in Northern Ethiopia, is known for its otherworldly landscapes and consistent heat, with an average annual temperature of 34.4C (93.9F), the highest on Earth. Located in the Afar Depression, below sea level, the region's volcanic activity and geothermal features contribute to its intense heat. It is also one of the driest places on the planet. 11. Dallol, Ethiopia Carl Court/Getty Images Despite its extreme climate, Dallol holds historical significance as a former mining hub, where workers once extracted valuable salt from its mineral-rich terrain. The village, now uninhabited, sits amidst a surreal and inhospitable landscape dominated by acidic boiling springs, steaming geysers and brittle salt formations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While these alien-like features make it unwelcoming for human habitation, the vivid, eye-popping colours and stark otherworldliness of the environment create a strange beauty. 10. Wadi Halfa, Sudan Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock With just 0.5mm of rainfall annually if any at all Wadi Halfa is as bone-dry as it is blisteringly hot. Most of this rare precipitation, if it occurs, tends to fall in January or August. The city shimmers under a haze of relentless heat, with average highs reaching 41C (106F) in June, making it one of the driest and hottest places on Earth. 10. Wadi Halfa, Sudan Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock The highest temperature ever recorded in this northern Sudanese city was 53C (127F) in April 1967 a remarkable feat considering April isnt typically the hottest month of the year. This remote desert city endures not only extreme heat but also frequent dust storms, known locally as 'haboobs', which sweep through the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite its harsh conditions, Wadi Halfa remains a critical hub for trade and transport, connecting Sudan with neighbouring Egypt. 9. Tirat Zvi, Israel Victor Gaidar/Shutterstock Tirat Zvi, a kibbutz in Israel's Jordan Valley, reached a scorching 54C (129.2F) on 21 June 1942, the highest temperature ever recorded in Asia at the time. Situated in the Jordan Valley, this area lies below sea level and experiences unique atmospheric conditions where dense, hot air settles, intensifying the heat. 9. Tirat Zvi, Israel RnDmS/Shutterstock This region, lying below sea level, is known for its arid conditions and soaring summer temperatures, with average highs often exceeding 37C (99F) in July and August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these extremes, other parts of northern Israel, such as the Galilee region, enjoy milder and more temperate conditions, offering a striking contrast within a relatively small geographic area. 8. Phoenix, Arizona, USA Dreamframer/Shutterstock Phoenix holds the distinction of being the hottest city in the United States, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data. During midsummer, the city experiences average high temperatures around 41C (106F), while the annual average high temperature is approximately 31C (87F). Notably, on 26 June 1990, Phoenix recorded its highest temperature ever at 50C (122F). 8. Phoenix, Arizona, USA JeniFoto/Shutterstock Phoenix also consistently experiences the highest number of days with temperatures reaching or exceeding 32C (90F). On average, the city records approximately 169 such days annually, beating fellow Arizonian contender, Tucson, which trails behind with a still-scorching 147 days per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These numbers highlight just how relentless the heat can be in the desert, making Phoenix a true heavyweight when it comes to blistering temperatures. 7. Kebili, Tunisia Anibal Trejo/Shutterstock This town in the south of Tunisia recorded one of the highest temperatures in Africa and the entire Eastern Hemisphere: 55C (131F) in July 1931. While such extreme temperatures are rare, the town regularly experiences summer highs exceeding 40C (104F). 7. Kebili, Tunisia Albin Marciniak/Shutterstock The town's history is believed to date back around 200,000 years and resilient residents survive by stockpiling water and seeking shade. Kebili is close to Douz a gateway to the Sahara Desert and Ksar Ghilane, an oasis with palm trees, a swimming hole and sand dunes that provide some respite from the heat. 6. Ouargla, Algeria Merzaki Mohamed Elghazali/Shutterstock Ouargla, situated in the Algerian Sahara, recorded an absolutely scorching temperature of 51.3C (124.3F) on 5 July 2018 thought to be the highest on record in Africa. This city is surrounded by vast sand dunes that radiate heat, further intensifying the desert climate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its position deep within the Sahara makes it a hotspot for solar radiation and extreme dryness. 6. Ouargla, Algeria Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock The city has adapted to its harsh environment through a mix of traditional and modern strategies. Thick-walled buildings with small windows help minimise heat absorption, while traditional 'qasrs' and shaded markets offer communal relief from the sun. Advances in air conditioning and solar energy have further improved living conditions, though these remain costly and energy-intensive. 5. Basra, Iraq doublehorse/Shutterstock Basra reached a sweltering 53.9C (129F) on 22 July 2016, ranking it among the hottest cities on Earth. Located near the Shatt al-Arab waterway, Basra experiences not only intense heat but also high humidity, which exacerbates the already extreme conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The combination of these factors creates a punishing heat index that can feel even worse than the recorded temperature. 5. Basra, Iraq Nastya Smirnova RF/Shutterstock The city is a vital economic centre for Iraq, particularly in oil exports, but its climate presents significant challenges for infrastructure and public health. Residents frequently endure power outages during the peak summer months, underscoring the difficulties of living in one of the hottest urban areas in the world. 4. Ahvaz, Iran Pooryavali, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons Ahvaz, in southwestern Iran, is infamous for its blistering heat, with a high of 53.7C (128.7F) recorded on 29 June 2017. This city is located in the Khuzestan Plain, a low-lying desert basin that intensifies heat through the trapping of warm air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its proximity to the Persian Gulf also contributes to high humidity levels, making the heat even more intense. 4. Ahvaz, Iran meisam hassanzadeh, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons Ahvaz is a critical industrial hub for Iran, but its extreme climate poses significant challenges to its residents. The combination of high temperatures and poor air quality has made it one of the most challenging places to live during the summer months. 3. Lut Desert, Iran Kaveh Kazemi/Getty Images The Lut Desert, or Dasht-e Lut, may not hold records for the highest air temperatures, but it dominates when it comes to surface heat. This uninhabitable desert plateau in southeastern Iran is where the hottest ground temperature ever recorded on Earth was measured. In 2005, NASAs MODIS satellite captured a land skin temperature that soared to an astonishing 70.7C (159.3F). 3. Lut Desert, Iran Photo Tripper92/Shutterstock This wasn't a one-off occurrence subsequent satellite data has frequently ranked the Lut Desert among the planets hottest locations, with consistently extreme surface temperatures. The region's extraordinary heat stems from its dark, rocky terrain, which absorbs and radiates solar energy far more efficiently than lighter, sandier surfaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combined with its dry, cloudless skies and lack of vegetation to provide any cooling effect, the Lut becomes a furnace under the relentless sun. 2. Mitribah, Kuwait philipus/Alamy Stock Photo Mitribah is a remote desert town in northwestern Kuwait that recorded an astonishing 54C (129.2F) on 21 July 2016. This temperature was verified by the WMO as one of the highest reliably measured temperatures in modern history. Mitribahs arid environment, coupled with its position in the Arabian Peninsula, contributes to its scorching summers. 2. Mitribah, Kuwait Diana Sanchez / Alamy Stock Photo The dry, cloudless skies typical of Mitribah allow intense solar radiation to bake the ground, while the barren landscape reflects and magnifies the heat. The towns climate is characterised by unrelenting summer temperatures, with average highs in June, July and August often exceeding 46C (115F). The lack of vegetation and shade, combined with strong desert winds, intensifies the already punishing conditions, making it one of the most inhospitable places on the planet. 1. Death Valley, California, USA Radoslaw Lecyk/Shutterstock Death Valley, an arid area of national park in the Mojave Desert, isnt just hot, its the hottest. Or, at least, it holds the official Guinness World Record for the highest ever recorded air temperature, a scorching 56.7C (134F). The record, set in July 1913, was briefly surpassed in 1922 when a temperature of 58C (136.4F) was reported in El Azizia, Libya. However, in 2012, the WMO invalidated the El Azizia record due to concerns over measurement accuracy, reinstating Death Valley's 1913 reading as the highest recorded temperature on Earth. 1. Death Valley, California, USA Doug Meek/Shutterstock The record was set in the appropriately named Furnace Creek, which enjoys average high temperatures of 47C (116F) during the peak of summer. The landscape is characterised by crackling salt flats, shimmering roads and deep-golden sand dunes, all contributing to its extreme heat. Despite these harsh conditions, the area supports a surprising array of biodiversity. Species such as jackrabbits and the resilient pupfish have adapted to survive in this extreme environment, with pupfish thriving in the park's warm springs. Now discover the hottest recorded temperature in every state and DC Its the start of Thanksgiving week, the time when home cooks across America suddenly recognize the daunting task ahead. More than 90% of people in the U.S. celebrate the food-centric holiday and more than 1 in 4 attend meals that include more than 10 other people, according to the Pew Research Center. Under that kind of pressure, what host wouldnt want the best tools to make sure the holiday dinner goes off without a hitch? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With that in mind, we asked national food safety experts which kitchen devices and aids are essential to ensure a safe and tasty Thanksgiving meal. Here are their top four suggestions for aids that can make or break your holiday dinner, plus two bonus tips for after the meal: Digital meat thermometer Our panel of experts unanimously agreed that an instant-read digital thermometer is vital to making sure roast turkey and other dishes reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) to eliminate the risk of food poisoning from germs like salmonella and Campylobacter. This is non-negotiable, said Darin Detwiler, a Northeastern University food safety expert. A reliable thermometer ensures youre not guessing, because guessing is not a food safety strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Color-coded cutting boards In the hustle of a holiday kitchen, the risk of cross-contamination is real. Thats when germs from one food, such as raw turkey, may be spread to other foods, such as fresh vegetables or fruits. Its best to use dedicated cutting boards for each type of food, and color-coding red for meat, yellow for poultry, green for veggies can help, said Barbara Kowalcyk, director of the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University. I try not to use wooden cutting boards, said Kowalcyk, noting that they can retain bacteria that thrive and grow to large enough quantities to cause illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharp knives As an emergency medicine doctor who has stitched up many Thanksgiving injuries, Dr. Tony Cirillo urges home cooks to make sure their kitchen knives are sharp. A sharp knife cuts cleanly, while a dull knife requires more pressure that can cause dangerous slips, said Cirillo, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Sturdy roasting pans Pulling a hot turkey out of the oven is tricky, especially if the pan you cook it in is flimsy, Cirillo added. Use a sturdy metal roasting pan or, in a pinch, stack two foil roasting pans together for strength. Im a big fan of double-panning, Cirillo said. Dropping the turkey is generally not good on Thanksgiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooking timer Just as important as getting food to the table is making sure it doesnt sit out too long, said Don Schaffner, a food safety expert at Rutgers University. Use a cooking timer or clock alarm to make sure to pack away leftovers within two hours to prevent bacterial growth that can cause illness. Ruler And when youre storing those leftovers, make sure to put them in shallow containers, Schaffner said. Measure using a ruler or even the short side of a credit card to make sure that dense foods like stuffing and sweet potatoes reach a depth of no more than 2 inches (5 centimeters) to allow for quick and complete cooling in the refrigerator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Picture it: Miami, 1985. Four women of a certain age move into a sunny ranch house, turn retirement into a sitcom, and prove that friendship plus a shared mortgage is the ultimate life hack. Blanche rotates gentleman callers like outfits, and her nightgown budget alone could rival a car payment. Read More: Retirement Net Worth: How Your Savings Compare to the Average Retiree Find Out: 5 Clever Ways Retirees Are Earning Up To $1K Per Month From Home Fast-forward to 2025, where Floridas insurance crisis, exploding rents and healthcare bills are flipping that dream on its shoulder pads. Could Dorothy still afford her sarcasm? Could Blanche still keep the romance economy afloat? Could Rose and Sophia stay in that house, or would they get priced out of paradise? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Golden Girls didnt just create iconic TV they created the blueprint for aging boldly and affordably. The real question is whether they could even afford retirement in 2025. Sitcom vs. Survival On TV, four women splitting a spacious Miami home felt like smart living with bonus sass. In real life today, sharing expenses is less about convenience and more about keeping the lights on without sacrificing healthcare or blowing through savings. Recent data shows that retirees in Miami spend far more than the Florida average to live comfortably, said Derek Carlson, president and managing broker at Realty ONE Group MVP. While most Florida retirees can expect to need around $6,300 to $8,000 per month, the cost in Miami pushes closer to $7,000 to $9,000 per month due to higher housing prices, insurance premiums, and everyday expenses, Carlson said. That equals about $84,000 to $108,000 per year. Discover Next: This Boring Investment Could Be the Secret To Never Running Out of Retirement Income Housing Makes Roommates a Must The Golden Girls didnt live together just because they loved sharing cheesecake and gossip. Even in the 1980s, Miami wasnt cheap. In 2025, housing becomes the boss battle of retirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Housing remains the largest expense, followed by healthcare, groceries, and utilities, said Christopher Stroup, founder and president of Silicon Beach Financial. Even with shared costs, Miamis rising property and insurance rates keep affordability a challenge. According to Carlson, median home prices in Miami now exceed $620,000, with rising insurance, property taxes, and HOA fees easily pushing monthly housing costs such as mortgage, maintenance and utilities to between $4,500 and $5,500. Blanche can rotate gentleman callers all she wants. She cant rotate out a $620,000 mortgage. Work Wouldnt Be a Punchline Back then, a steady pension check and one shared roof were all the retirement planning the girls needed. Today, the average retired U.S. household spends around $5,400 a month just to cover basic living expenses and Miami isnt exactly known for basic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the girls kept working to keep the lights on and the cheesecake in the refrigerator. Dorothy subbed, Blanche worked at the museum, Rose bounced from counseling to TV gigs, and Sophia worked at a fast-food counter. In 2025, those jobs wouldnt just be punchlines. Theyd be survival plans. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 38% of retirees held part-time jobs last year, a clear sign that plenty of people are still working to cover rising living costs. They Might Have To Move Even with roommates and side gigs, Miami might still be too expensive for the Golden Girls. The dream isnt just to survive together its to live somewhere they can actually afford to laugh. Splitting expenses still helps, but less than it once did, Stroup said. While sharing cuts per-person housing and utilities, Miamis surge in rent, insurance, and healthcare premiums offsets much of that benefit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stroup recommended todays retirees could thrive more in mid-sized cities and Sun Belt metros like Tampa, Raleigh, Tucson or San Antonio, which offer lower housing costs, fewer insurance headaches, and strong healthcare networks. Friendship Still Wins Ultimately, the Golden Girls split up because Dorothy married Blanches uncle not because they couldnt afford to retire in Miami. They thrived for seven seasons because they faced everything together bad dates, bad bosses and the really bad cheesecake in the freezer. That kind of care and community is still the smartest retirement plan around. But even they would need a serious spreadsheet to afford Miami now. Rising costs turn the dream of aging in place into a group project, and not everyone has three best friends ready to move in and split the bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If anything, The Golden Girls reminds us of the one retirement rule that never changes: life gets easier and a lot more affordable when you dont go it alone. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Could the Golden Girls Afford Their Retirement in 2025? Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary The lodge's design seamlessly integrates with Bwindi's landscape through banana leaf-woven walls and wooden structures that honor the park's heritage. All ten guest rooms feature identical layouts in earthy shades that prioritize comfort after long trekking days, complemented by mountain views. The Explorers Lounge offers nightly presentations on culture, conservation, and local wildlife, transforming a stay at the lodge into an educational immersion. The lodge's location within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park positions guests for small-group gorilla trekking while providing safe, walkable grounds where monkeys and baboons roam freely. There's a particular kind of quiet in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Parknot silence but reverent hush. Birds call through the canopy, leaves rustle, and insects hum songs underneath sacred stillness. At Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, mist rolls through the canopy, and the air holds a rich, earthy scent of moss and rain. Taking in the views of the mountains each morning felt otherworldly as I strolled through the grounds, L'Hoest's monkeys swinging by with curiosity and red-tailed monkeys announcing their presence with chattering calls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This luxurious lodgethe only one in the national park feels as though it has emerged from the vibrant green landscape, nestled amongst trees and ferns. Banana leaves and papyrus weave through the architecture like living walls, while East African yellow wood structures honor the park's legacy. Azei Lago, the lodge's general manager, pointed out details I might have missed. "The bark cloth, which you'd find on the cushions, is a piece of art," he tells me. "The bark cloth was a very important cloth for the Buganda Kingdom [a powerful kingdom of East Africa during the 19th century]. That was the king's cloth." Abercrombie & Kent Interior of the main lounge. Interior of the main lounge. These heritage-rich touches and materials, elevated to their rightful place, run throughout the entire lodge. The 2025 renovation was a true community project: locals used traditional techniques to plait banana leaves, raised sustainably sourced wooden beams, and rolled paper beads to frost the lobbys beautiful chandelier. What struck me the most, though, wasn't the sense of luxury, though the lodge delivers effortlessly, but how everything here serves a larger purpose. The global A&K Philanthropy programming, the non-profit arm of Abercrombie & Kent, is felt throughout the property and the surrounding community. Half of the boutique's products were crafted by the local villagers, while guest donations go directly to local education, health, and enterprise services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keep reading for a full review of Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary in Uganda. The Rooms All ten rooms have identical layouts and design, awash in an earthy palette mirroring the forest: rich browns, warm terracotta, and natural wood tones. Plush bedding for post-trek collapse, organic surfaces, and low lighting shifting with forest rhythms create a luxury that whispers. The interiors by Luxury Frontiers honor rather than compete with the mountain mist and dense jungle. What I appreciated most was the practical comforts of this base camp: space for muddy boots, rain gear, and surfaces that could handle the realities of jungle trekking. Bathrooms deliver hot rain showers desperately needed after hours on steep, slippery terrain. I spent an unexpectedly long time in a cushioned wicker swing chair on my private veranda, simply perusing the landscape. Food and Drink Like its architecture, the dining offerings also reflect Gorilla Forest Lodges surroundings. The kitchen delivers reliably good food, respecting energy needs and local context. Communal meals of fresh regional ingredients and flavors encourage conversation and stories about silverbacks who sat close and curious baby gorillas who tumbled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The kitchen understands trekker needs. Breakfast comes early and is substantial with eggs, fresh fruit, and strong Ugandan coffee cutting through the morning chill. Packed lunches appear in daypacks, wrapped for mountainside eating. Evening meals deliver comfort: warming soups, roasted meats, and hearty vegetables. The bar offers solid selections with local Tusker beers, premium spirits, and delicious wines for toasting successful sightings. Activities and Experiences Abercrombie & Kent Chairs sit around the fire pit. Chairs sit around the fire pit. Gorilla trekking isn't just an activity here; it's the gravitational center, the singular experience justifying the journey. The lodge's genius lies in transforming these wildlife encounters into a pilgrimage. You're entering gorilla home on their terms, navigating terrain earning its 'impenetrable' descriptor with every slippery step. Thankfully, the lodge prepares youponchos, gaiters, walking sticks, and porters who know every root accompany guests. The Explorers Lounge programming elevates the experience from tourism to education. Evening presentations cover culture, conservation challenges, and biodiversity. Books line the shelves for deeper exploration. You can walk the grounds safely alone, which is unusual for safari camps. Don't expect a gym, but the mountains provide all the challenge your body can handle. Thankfully, the spa's two treatment rooms offer exactly what tired legs need. The Spa Two intimate, open-air treatment rooms are decorated in calming neutral tones of earthy browns and soft creams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had a lower-body massage after my first full trek, and to call it glorious would be an understatement. The therapist understood where trekking takes its toll: tight calves from uphill climbing, sore feet from navigating roots, and lower back tension from uneven terrain. The spa menu stays practical, offering massages focused on muscle recovery, body scrubs made with natural South African ingredients, and mani-pedis. This is therapeutic rather than indulgent, restoration rather than pampering. The spa exists to help your body recover so you can do it all again tomorrow. Family-Friendly Offerings This is not a family-friendly property as the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old. Accessibility and Sustainability Gorilla Forest Lodge is not wheelchair accessible. The physically demanding nature of gorilla trekking and the remote forest terrain make this unsuitable for those with limited mobility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where this lodge excels is sustainability. Construction was deliberately delayed for an entire year when the rains came heavily. Rather than forcing the timeline, the team waited, adapted, and created structures respecting landscape rhythms. Local partnerships demonstrate Abercrombie & Kents commitment to the community. The gorilla trekking porter system employs local residents while enhancing guest safety. Every guest supports local employment, participates in integrated philanthropy, and contributes to gorilla conservation through permit fees. This approach acknowledges a hard truth: if communities surrounding Bwindi don't benefit from conservation, conservation may not survive. Location Abercrombie & Kent Exterior view of the main lodge. Exterior view of the main lodge. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park isn't close to anything, but that's the point. This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits in southwestern Uganda, about 530 kilometers from the capital Kampala. The journey to the lodgea gradual shedding of the modern world's noisebecomes part of the experience. Whether one flies into the nearby airstrip (easier but pricier) or braves the long drive (eight to ten hours of increasingly rough roads), arrival feels earned. Guests need organized transportation, and given the remote location and challenging roads, most arrange transfers through the lodge, especially during the rainy seasons from March to May and September to November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gorilla Forest Lodge sits within the park itself, meaning morning trek commutes are measured in minutes. That proximity matters for early starts and unpredictable timing, as some treks last twenty minutes, others eight hours. Beyond gorilla trekking, Bwindi offers primate encounters and exceptional bird watching of over 350 species. Book Now Gorilla Forest Lodge doesn't currently participate in any points-based loyalty program. Nightly rates at Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, start at approximately $700 per person. The rate typically includes meals, some beverages, and daily activities, but does not include gorilla trekking permits (about $700 per person) or porter fees. You can book a stay through Abercrombie & Kent or its authorized travel partners. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure The U.S. Treasury Department halted production of the penny on Nov. 12, ending more than 230 years of minting the nations smallest denomination and signalling the copper-colored coins gradual exit from American currency. If youre someone with jars or piggy banks full of pennies, theres no need to worry; the coin will remain in circulation. And while it costs more to make a penny than the coin is actually worth (3.69 cents to be precise) and billions of them already sit idle in drawers across the country the penny is far from worthless. Beyond simply cashing them in at the bank to boost your account balance, we spoke with a Jacksonville numismatist a person who studies or collects currency, including coins, paper money, tokens, and medals at A-Coin, to learn if pennies are still worth collecting/selling and what the end of production means for collectors and the general public. Are pennies worth collecting or investing in 2025? Heres what local experts say. Just because pennies are being discontinued doesn't mean their value has increased. There are billions and billions of pennies in circulation, and while they may be newsworthy due to the halt in production and their historical value, they still arent a strong investment, says Doug Riley, a numismatist at A-Coin for 10 years. However, according to Riley, buying pennies is a poor investment choice. I advise [customers] to buy silver and gold instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did you know? Are old pennies worth money? Here's how to check if you have a rare penny More on pennies: Last newly circulating pennies will be auctioned in December. How much could they fetch? Where to buy or sell pennies in Jacksonville: Prices and tips. You can buy or sell pennies in Northeast Florida at specialized coin dealers like A-Coin & Stamp Gallery or Edgewood Coin, which both have locations in Jacksonville and are known for buying and selling collectable coins. Other local coin and precious metals dealers, pawn shops, or national online marketplaces can also be options for selling. For buying, coin dealers are a primary source for specific pennies or collections. A-Coin, known as "Northeast Floridas Trusted Valuables Buyer, buys and sells pennies but only those dated before 1958. We dont buy any pennies from 1958 and older. We buy them for 3 cents and sell them for 4 cents, so we make one cent for profit. You can tell its not a great investment, says Riley. Why did the U.S. stop making pennies? Are pennies going away? According to the Treasury, there are an estimated 114 billion pennies currently in circulation, many of which are stored away in coin jars, junk drawers, or forgotten containers. Despite the vast supply, the coins are severely underutilized, officials said. Adding to the decision is the fact that it costs more to produce the coin than the coin's market value. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the cost of production and declining consumer use. Will pennies still be in circulation? Can I still use pennies? Yes, the penny will remain legal tender and will still be accepted at retailers nationwide, but its long-term phaseout marks the end of an era for the copper-colored coin. How much does it cost to make a penny? President Donald Trump ordered the halt in production, citing the coin's inefficiency. It costs nearly 3 cents to produce each penny well above its face value. The government also loses nearly 9 cents for every nickel minted, raising concerns that eliminating the penny may inadvertently increase losses by pushing more nickel usage. Do Americans still use pennies today? Though once a staple of everyday transactions, pennies have become a nuisance to many Americans. A 2023 Federal Reserve study found that just 16% of consumer payments were made in cash, while a 2022 Pew Research Center survey reported that 40% of Americans never use cash at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average household is estimated to be sitting on $60 to $90 in coins, often discarded or left unused. Americans reportedly throw away millions of dollars in change each year. What does the end of production mean for collectors, and why do people collect pennies despite their declining value? Riley says collectors may be upset that their favorite coin will no longer be produced, forcing them to shift their focus to something else. He notes that silver dollars are currently the main coins people seek to have evaluated, as they tend to hold more value and suggests silver is a better investment. So, why do people continue to collect pennies despite their declining worth? It's simple, Because collectors like a complete set of what they are collecting every year and every location where its made, Riley says. Pennies were once produced annually at multiple mints, including Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, and collectors strive for completeness in their collections. Another reason, according to Riley, is the hope that the law prohibiting the melting of U.S. coins might eventually be lifted. If that were to happen, some collectors believe they could melt their pennies for their copper value, which now exceeds the face value of the coin. This possibility, however, applies only to pennies minted between 1959 and 1981, excluding those produced in 1982. Beginning in 1982, the U.S. Mint shifted from making copper pennies to using a zinc core coated with a thin layer of copper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, any pennies made in recent years including this year and last contain only plated copper, making them unworthy for their copper, says Riley. Still, while the copper content may not matter now, 100 years from now, the halt of production of this years pennies as a whole might become relevant for its antiqueness rather than its copper value. Can you melt pennies to turn them into copper and sell the copper? No. U.S. law prohibits melting pennies. The regulation found in the Code of Federal Regulations and based on 31 U.S.C. 5111(d) bans the unauthorized melting, treatment, or export of 1-cent and 5-cent coins to protect the nations coinage. Violators can face penalties of up to a $10,000 fine and/or up to five years in prison. What can I do with old pennies? What about collector pennies? Still, some groups are encouraging Americans to look at their coins more closely. Coin collectors and experts recommend using resources like "The 2026 Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins" to assess potential value. Coins can also be authenticated and graded through services such as the Numismatic Guaranty Company and the Professional Coin Grading Service. Which 1943 penny is worth $1,000,000 today? A 1943 copper (bronze) penny is worth millions of dollars today; these coins are extremely rare because they were mistakenly made from bronze instead of zinc-coated steel during World War II. The highest prices are paid for those with specific mint marks, and the finest known examples have sold for over $1 million. What makes a 1943 copper (bronze) penny so valuable? Minting error: During the war, copper was needed for ammunition, so pennies were made of steel coated with zinc. Due to a mistake, a few of the 1942 bronze planchets were accidentally used to strike pennies in 1943. Rarity: Only an estimated 20 to 30 of these copper pennies are known to exist. Value: Their value depends on condition and mint mark, with a high-grade "1943-S" (San Francisco mint) example selling for a record $1.7 million in 2010, and other high-quality examples selling for over $1 million. How to identify a valuable 1943 copper (bronze) penny? Check the metal: A valuable 1943 penny will be made of bronze, not steel. Magnet test: Steel is magnetic. If your 1943 penny is magnetic, it's a common steel penny, not the valuable error coin. A true copper 1943 penny will not be magnetic. Weight difference: A 1943 bronze penny weighs slightly more (3.11 grams) than a steel one (2.7 grams). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond monetary value, pennies may still have practical uses. According to Farmers Bank, older copper pennies can act as natural fungicides to keep flowers fresh or serve as makeshift tools and household fixes from weighing down curtains to creating cold packs using an old sock filled with frozen coins. While the humble penny may soon stop rolling off the mints machines, its impact and utility could endure long after its final press. Contributing Manahil Ahmad, Breaking-Trending Reported New Jersey This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: With penny production ended, are they worthless? What coin experts say Nestled in the heart of Europe, Poland is a destination that rewards both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers with its historic depth and diversity of sites. There's the big city of Warsaw one of the top-ranked city vacation spots in Europe, a capital reborn from the ashes of war. Or Krakow, Poland's cultural soul, home to the majestic Wawel Castle, the Jewish Quarter, lively squares filled with cafe terraces, and the absolute best destination in Poland, according to travel expert, Rick Steves. It's a nation with a profound and ever-present history, seen through world-class museums, medieval fortresses, and poignant memorials. Beyond the cities, Poland's countryside is dotted with historic towns and villages perhaps none more charming than Torun. Located in northern Poland, around a two-hour train ride northwest of Warsaw, this medieval town on the River Vistula was described by Rick Steves as "a town so cobbly-cute you'll think you've stepped into a storybook." With some of the most pristine Gothic architecture in the country, the historic center of Torun is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cultural hubs in Poland. Whether you come for history, nature, or some Rick Steves-style European galavanting, Torun offers a portal into the Polish way of life, with a dreamy Old Town and unforgettable riverside vistas. Like Poland at large, the town invites you to uncover its many beautiful layers at your own pace. Read more: Why Tourists Need To Be Cautious Of The Clothing They Pack On A Trip To Europe Visiting the quaint Torun is like stepping into a storybook A charming town square with a tall church steeple in the corner - Czajnikolandia/Shutterstock Established in the 13th century by Teutonic Knights, Torun luckily avoided the worst of the destruction during WWII and has remained a Gothic wonder. Rick Steves said it well with his "stepped into a storybook" description. Wandering the cobblestoned streets in the old town of Torun, it's hard not to have your mind drift back a few centuries and imagine what the town looked like with horses, markets, helmeted knights ... and executions in the Old Town Square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That square is also where you'll find a monument to Torun's most famous resident: Nicolaus Copernicus. A 15th-century polymath, Copernicus crafted the revolutionary theory that the sun was the center of our solar system and the planets revolved around it. The granite plaque on the monument reads, "Nicolaus Copernicus, from Torun, moved the Earth and stopped the Sun and the Sky." The Old Town Hall is one of the best examples of medieval architecture in Central Europe and has a museum detailing Torun's history. St. Mary's Church is a Gothic beauty, while the Baroque House Under the Star has an ornate exterior, and both are worth checking out. For shopping, eating, or just taking a lovely stroll, Szeroka Street is lined with centuries-old pastel-colored buildings with restaurants, shops, and cozy cafe terraces spilling out into the street. Stop for a cup of coffee and some gingerbread another of Torun's claims to fame or a nice cold pint of Zywiec lager. In the evening, stroll or bike along the Vistula River promenade and admire the remaining Medieval city walls and gates, like Torun's own "leaning tower." Making the most of a visit to Torun Old red-roofed buildings of Torun near the river with a bike path - Andrew Mayovskyy/Shutterstock The easiest way to get to Torun is to fly to Warsaw and take the two-and-a-half-hour train. Another option is coming from the northern city of Gdansk Europe's greatest still-undiscovered destination, which also takes about two hours via train. A town of around 200,000 people and an important cultural hub of Poland, there are plenty of accommodations in Torun, from Airbnbs and chain hotels to boutique spots like Hotel Petite Fleur or the historic 1231 Hotel. Once there, it's about enjoying the authentic Polish ambience without the crowds of more touristed destinations. Wander the center, sample the city's famous gingerbread, pop into some churches, grab a bite at Pierogarnia Stary Myn, and sit next to the Vistula to ponder life in a beautiful northern Poland town. Dine at the highly-rated Sznyt Na Winklu for some white sausage, sour rye, mashed potatoes, and a boiled egg traditional Polish fare. Once night arrives or if it happens to rain during your visit, slip into the Jan Olbracht Old-Town Brewery, an absolute classic pub with barrel-like booths, dark wood interior, and reminders that Central and Eastern Europe do cozy, dim bars as well if not better than anyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Torun classics could all be realistically seen in one day, but it's best appreciated over a long weekend. As it is located roughly an equal distance between Gdansk and Warsaw, it could and should be a stop on any tour of Poland. Eat, drink, and be merry ... but also take it slow, do a tour, and pick up some history along the way. Before you know it, you'll be stepping on cobblestones, admiring a gate in a medieval wall, and imagining yourself in a storybook. 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. In 1912, Chevrolet introduced its first car, the Classic Six touring car. It managed to sell 2999 of them. But dont blame Chevy for abusing the word classic. It was being misused and abused long before being mangled for selling cars. But lets at least acknowledge that not all old cars are actual classics. Its stretching even to call that first Classic Six a classic. It was just a car. I hereby reclaim the word classic so that it once again has some meaning. At least when it comes to cars. General Motors There are plenty of things that are true classics; objects and works that have already proven their appeal over decades, centuries, and generations. Things like: all of Mozart, almost all of Shakespeare, a great deal of Mark Twain, much of The Beatles, and Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and a lot of the Great American Songbook. Everyone appreciates the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. In cars, the appeal of Duesenbergs hasnt diminished, the 1932 Ford is still spectacular, every Ferrari 250 GTO will still be expensive in a century, and the 1963 Corvette coupe is permanently ultra-beautiful. But the 1964 Pontiac GTO? It might be collectible right now, but it's just an old car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cultural relevance of any one thing is always contextual. For most things, that means generational. For Americans born in the 1940s and 1950s, the original Pontiac GTO had substantial cultural resonance. It was something new to the market, it was buoyed by intense and creative marketing, and automotive awareness was reaching its peak. The GTO was born in the era of cruising when people met on the street instead of online, racing, both legal and illegal, was a real activity instead of a digital simulation, and the only radio was on the AM band, monaural, and everyone listened to it. It was a different world. And the Pontiac GTOs world is gone. The boomers who grew up aspiring to owning one are in their 70s or 80s, and theyre winding down their actuarial relevance. And the generations behind them simply dont care about the GTO. Its the nature of life. Im not arguing that Pontiac prices are headed to zero. Only that the muscle car mania that defined the 1990s and into the early 21st century is slowly but surely fading away. And that in a few decades, so will the current collective passion for 1990s cars like the Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX, Toyota Supra, and Nissan 300ZX. Radwood has a half-life roughly comparable to the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN). Incidentally, the MCACN is this weekend in Rosemont, Illinois. John Pearley Huffman All this came to mind this week when Volvo invited several of us journalists to its design facility in Camarillo, California. There, in celebration of the companys 70 years of selling cars in America, was a collection of landmark Volvos to adore and even drive. John Pearley Huffman I like Volvos, but I dont have much of a history with them. When I was a kid, Volvo station wagons were the family transportation for many of my peers, particularly those whose parents were faculty at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Driving a Volvo in the early 1970s announced your fealty to the Democratic Party. About the only more adamant support statement of liberal causes was driving a Saab. My parents were Democrats, too, but we had a Ford Country Squire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volvos pristine 145 wagon still has that professorial vibe, but the bare metal seat latches and flat surfaces simply wont cut it with kids born in the 21st century who grew up with Audi SUVs or Dodge Rams with massive screens and leather on every surface anyone touches. Its going to be impossible to get them to care about this box with a 2.0-liter four making about 118-horsepower. The Volvo 145 is a neat artifact from our past, but it will just be an old car for younger people. Courtesy Mercedes-Benz In stark contrast to the old Volvos, even my kids, born in 2001 and 2002, are awestruck by the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. The Gullwing has trans-generational appeal; it impresses people born decades after it was built at first sight. They dont need to know its racing heritage or understand the engineering that made the gullwing doors necessary, its obviously wicked cool. That it heats up ferociously in the sun and thats it not that fast (0-60 in 8.2 seconds and the quarter-mile in 16 seconds flat) compared to todays cars simply doesnt matter. If only one car built after World War II could be called a classic, R&T exclaimed in 1968, it would have to be the gullwing 300SL. Thats still true. And time has already proven that that is unlikely to ever diminish. Ford Motor Company Im loath to hear cars like the 1971 Ford Mustang called a classic when it was a flabby slab of wallow. There were hundreds of 1978 Corvette pace cars that went straight from the dealers into extended hibernation from people convinced theyd prove to be classics. In September, a 78 Corvette pace car with only 14 miles on its odometer, the seats still wrapped in plastic and Limited Edition graphics still perfect, went for $36,666 on Bring a Trailer. Thats Toyota RAV4 money. Its not a classic. Bring a Trailer Almost anything is collectible. But the real test of a classic is whether your children, and your childrens children, will still think its awesome enough to cherish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huck Finn is still a great read, Mozarts music kicks ass, and the 32 Ford is a classic. Courtesy of Ford Motor Company - Hearst Owned You Might Also Like As solo travel continues to dominate the tourism industry with millennials and Generation Z leading the charge, new research has uncovered alarming safety disparities across United States destinations for those venturing alone. According to a study released by Silver Law Firm and reported by the New York Post, New Mexico ranks as the most dangerous state for solo travelers. New Mexico scored a concerning 0.00 on the safety index, while Massachusetts holds the title of the safest state with a perfect score of 100.00. The research analyzed data from the FBI, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and other official sources. It evaluated states based on violent crime rates, property crime statistics, road safety metrics, emergency service accessibility, and transportation infrastructure quality. Most Dangerous States For Solo Travelers New Mexicos dismal safety score stems from its vast rural areas with limited cellular coverage and sparse gas stations, creating hazardous conditions for those traveling alone. The states popularity among outdoor enthusiasts contrasts sharply with its high rates of violent crime, property crime, and vehicle accidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney Elliot Silver said, Solo travelers face unique vulnerabilities. When something goes wrong, you dont have backup, as reported by the New York Post. Arkansas follows closely as the second-most dangerous state, with a safety score of 10.39, while Tennessee ranks third at 13.68. Despite Tennessee being home to popular tourist destinations like Nashville and Memphis, travelers are warned to exercise particular caution when venturing beyond metropolitan areas. The Shreveport Times reports that Louisiana ranks seventh among the most dangerous states for solo travelers, with a solo safety score of 27.4. Safest Destinations For Solo Adventurers Massachusetts secured the top spot for solo travel safety, thanks to its perfect score driven by relatively low crime rates, excellent road infrastructure, and compact geography. The state earned its high ranking due to excellent road infrastructure and a dense population, meaning tourists have easy access to help if needed. Its compact size and fewer stretches of isolated highways provide safer conditions for solo travelers. New Jersey, Rhode Island, and New York ranked second, third, and fourth, respectively. New Yorks high ranking comes as a surprise to many, as its emergency access and robust transportation infrastructure contribute to traveler safety. The top ten safest states also include Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. The 10 States Where Travelers Face The Highest Risks New Mexico Arkansas Tennessee Washington, D.C. Wyoming South Carolina Louisiana South Dakota Mississippi Montana The post New Study Reveals The Riskiest States For Solo Travel In America appeared first on Travel Noire. Krakow, Poland, has claimed the top spot as Europes most stress-free city break destination, according to LateRooms new Easy Breaks Index. The historic Polish City outranked traditional relaxation hotspots across the continent. Travelers seeking respite from the hectic pace of daily life are increasingly turning to destinations that offer not only beautiful attractions but also logistical ease and value for money, factors where Krakow excels. The index compared 50 popular European cities based on flight time, airport transfer costs and duration, average hotel prices, and how travelers rated each citys top attraction. The former capital of Poland may not be a typical tourist destination, but, with all factors considered, Krakow emerged as the clear winner, combining convenience and affordability without the chaos that often comes with international travel. Krakow City Transportation And Cultural Accessibility Krakows transportation infrastructure received particular praise in the study, with the citys 17-minute airport transfer time shorter than that of most European capitals. This quick connection between the arrival point and the city center eliminates one of the most common stressors associated with urban travel. The citys compact historical center, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is easily navigable on foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This factor reduces the need for complex public transportation planning or expensive taxi services, which often contribute to travel anxiety in larger metropolises. Visitors to Krakow consistently report feeling safe and comfortable, even when walking around the city at night, which adds to the overall stress-free experience that earned it its top ranking. Top 5 Stress-Free European Destinations The LateRooms Easy Breaks Index revealed a mix of destinations in its top five rankings. Following Krakow in first place, Copenhagen, Denmark, secured second place. The city earned high marks for its quick 15-minute metro connection from the airport to the city center and its compact, cyclist-friendly layout. Prague, Czechia, ranked third, praised for its budget-friendly accommodations and affordable public transportation. Berlin, Germany, took fourth place with its efficient 25-minute airport transfer and extensive U-Bahn network connecting major attractions. Rounding out the top five was Venice, Italy, which, despite its reputation for crowds, earned points for short flight times from major European cities and its express bus service that delivers travelers to the Grand Canal in just 25 minutes. The post This Unexpected Polish City Was Just Named Europes Most Stress-Free Destination appeared first on Travel Noire. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/dshmyhal The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has approved the deregistration and subsequent transfer to the city authorities of Lviv of a 1,545-hectare land plot for the development of a Memorial complex for military burials of heroes of Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense's leadership made the corresponding decision on November 20, the agency's press service reported. "This step is a sign of deep respect for the Defenders of Ukraine and provides the necessary legal basis for the implementation of the approved project for the development of the memorial complex," emphasized Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal. From strolling down the picturesque Duke of Gloucester Street, which President Franklin D. Roosevelt once called "the most historic avenue in America" during a 1934 visit (via the City of Williamsburg), to popping into charming 18th-century shops, a visit to Colonial Williamsburg truly feels like a step back into the 1700s. Whether you're looking for a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's destination immersed in history, Colonial Williamsburg is open 365 days a year and makes for a unique and fun way to celebrate. If you want to dine in places once frequented by figures such as George Washington and enjoy some long-standing Virginia traditions, the holiday season in Colonial Williamsburg is perfect for festivities. Known as "one of America's first planned cities," Williamsburg was founded in 1699 as the capital of the Virginia Colony. With its preserved businesses and residences, horses and carriages trotting down the street, employees dressed in period-accurate garb, and reenactments happening each day, Williamsburg is a true living museum. This makes the town a great place to visit over the holidays for history buffs. Of course, to fully immerse yourself, you'll need historic accommodations for your stay, and there's no better choice than the Rockefeller-built Williamsburg Lodge. Originally built in 1750, the hotel reopened in its current form in 1939, and is now part of Marriott's Autograph Collection as well as a member of Historic Hotels of America. Williamsburg is less than an hour away from Richmond International Airport and a little over an hour from Norfolk International Airport. Read more: 10 Closed American Amusement Parks Thrill Seekers Still Get Nostalgic For Holiday festivities in Williamsburg Person lights a cresset during Grand Illumination in Colonial Williamsburg - Pballay/Getty Images Throughout the holiday season, Williamsburg becomes even more enchanting. Visit during Thanksgiving to experience a reenactment of the Thanksgiving Proclamation. Thanksgiving is also a fun time to be in historic Williamsburg if you love a good feast with many of the onsite restaurants offering tickets for special buffets, pre-fixe meals, and dinners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visit during Christmas time for authentic decorations adorning the historic district and a Christmas market that runs from the last weekend of November through December (open Thursday to Sunday). Colonial Williamsburg boasts an active event calendar year-round, and the holidays are no exception. One of Williamsburg's top holiday events is the Grand Illumination, which takes place over three days in early December. The 18th-century tradition of firing guns while lighting off fireworks, alongside plenty of festive decorations and musical performances, is one of the community's most noteworthy celebrations. December also sees the Celebration of the Yule Log, which includes a musical procession pulled by a wagon be sure to make a wish as you toss a sprig into a fire. Or, strap on your skates and take to the ice at Liberty Ice Pavilion, which takes place on Duke of Gloucester Street from November through February. A one-day pass is $13 for skaters 12 and under and $18 for everyone else. Skate rentals are $7. In the neighborhood bordering Colonial Williamsburg, Merchants Square, where you'll find over 40 shops and restaurants, you can also enjoy the annual Christmas tree lighting, complete with lively musical performances. For another history-rich Virginia city to visit this holiday season, check out the walkable and family-friendly Portsmouth's Old Towne. Traditional food in Colonial Williamsburg King's Arm Tavern signage - Alexanderstock23/Shutterstock If you're looking to get a taste of the food scene back in Colonial America this holiday season, Williamsburg has a handful of choices for you. Shields Tavern has been a central gathering place in Williamsburg since 1709, offering a succinct menu of 18th-century dishes like "To Fry Chicken" and traditional beverages made with local ingredients. One of Williamsburg's longest-running institutions is King's Arm Tavern, which dates back to 1772. Virginia's truly authentic 18th-century restaurant is steeped in charm, from the live performances of Colonial-era music, the decor, and even the servers' apparel and of course, the menu as well. Find unique dishes like "peanut soupe" and hearty meals such as prime rib, Cornish hen, and "onion pye," which is baked with potatoes, apples, onions, and eggs. If you're not feeling confident about 18th-century food, rest assured that the restaurant has a 4.6-star rating on Google, with past guests raving about the interesting dishes and historic atmosphere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you're craving seafood, Christiana Campbell's Tavern is yet another gem it's said that even George Washington was once a fan of the historic restaurant. From Chesapeake Bay oysters to crab cakes and "To Fry Fish," which came from Thomas Jefferson's personal cookbook, the tavern offers another look at Colonial-era Virginia fare. This is a busy spot, so making a reservation is recommended. 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 castle, a 100-foot cliff, mushroom-shaped rocks and an underground tunnel system are all among Kansas attractions that remain unspoiled by crowds. Five such "undiscovered gems" all located off the beaten path are featured in a list of "5 Places in Kansas Locals Hope Tourists Never Discover," published Nov. 10 at onlyinyourstate.com. Here's more about those places. This castle standing in Coronado Heights Park northwest of Lindsborg in central Kansas helps make that park an undiscovered Kansas gem. Coronado Heights Park, central Kansas Coronado Heights Park, a scenic overlook featuring a castle, picnic area and three-mile mountain bike trail, is located on a hill northwest of Lindsborg in McPherson County in central Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site is thought to be located near where Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1541 gave up his search for the fabled seven cities of gold and started back to Mexico. The Works Progress Administration in 1936 built a stone castle that stands on Coronado Heights, which is the southernmost bluff in a series of seven, said the travelks.com website. The park was described by onlyinyourstate.com as being "a picturesque spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the great outdoors." Point-of-Rocks, southwest Kansas Point-of-Rocks is a 100-foot cliff at the edge of an escarpment that was once used as a landmark on the Santa Fe Trail, said onlyinyourstate.com. It is located near Elkhart within the Cimarron National Grassland in Morton County, at the state's far southwest corner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This prominent geological feature offers views of the Cimarron River, and interpretive signs at the overlook give an in-depth history of the area," that site said. "It's a peaceful place to spend some time, and you can get there via a short-but-sweet 0.2-mile hiking trail." Ellinwood Tunnel System, central Kansas One of the state's most fascinating places is the Ellinwood Tunnel System, a series of tunnels Bavarian immigrants built beneath Main Street of that city of about 2,000 people in Barton County in central Kansas, said onlyinyourstate.com. "Here, businesses, breweries, bathhouses, a train depot, and more thrived for a number of years, including Prohibition days when those wanting a stiff beverage could head underground for a drink," it said. "Today, you can take a tour of the tunnels through The Historic Wolf Hotel it's one of the most unique things to do in Kansas!" Reservations are required for the 90-minute tours, which are offered at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations may be made online at Book Online | The Wolf Hotel. The tour costs $15 for those 11 and older and 7.50 for children ages 5 to 10. Arikaree Breaks, northwest Kansas The "badlands" of Kansas are the Arikaree Breaks, located in northern Cheyenne County at the state's far northwest corner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That area's rugged canyons and rolling hills which were formed by ancient erosion defy the Sunflower State's stereotype for being flat, said www.touristsecrets.com. "With its canyon-like appearance, the Arikaree Breaks are like the Grand Canyon of Kansas, with deep ravines, a stark contrast to the state's typical topography of plains and hills," said onlyinyourstate.com. "They extend 36 miles long and between two and three miles wide in some areas, and the stunning views are seemingly endless." Mushroom Rock State Park, central Kansas Rocks resembling mushrooms "seem to arise out of nowhere" at Mushroom Rock State Park northwest of Marquette in Ellsworth County in central Kansas, said atlasobscura.com. The 5-acre attraction is the state's smallest state park. It features "rare Dakota sandstone concretions, up to 27 feet in diameter, deposited 100 million years ago and since exposed by the relentless forces of erosion," said the website for the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography, of which the park is a part. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Unspoiled by crowds, here are 5 Kansas 'undiscovered gem' experiences NEED TO KNOW Event planner Kaky Daniel married 70 friends in a symbolic "sisterhood wedding" in Cartagena, Colombia, to celebrate friendship three years after her boyfriend died The three-day, $250,000 event spanned from Nov. 14 to Nov. 16 and included luxury dinners, wellness activities, and spiritual ceremonies "Without my sisterhood, I would not be the woman I am today. I wanted to immortalize that love in an experience none of us will ever forget," Daniel tells PEOPLE When Kaky Daniel's boyfriend, Giovanni Paolo Ronghi, unexpectedly died at 29 years old in Mexico on the eve of her birthday in 2022, Daniel struggled to celebrate her Nov. 16 birthday. Friends' support combined with a newfound drive to celebrate "emotional connection even more urgently," helped Daniel heal instead of letting grief define her. For her 40th birthday this year, the event planner decided to give back to the sisterhood that uplifted her. Wanting to turn her heartbreak into a historic celebration honoring the women who have carried her though the most difficult moments of her life, Daniel exchanged vows with 70 of her closest friends in a "sisterhood wedding" celebrating love, loyalty, and friendship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Why shouldn't I say vows to the women who were at my side at the funeral home when he died, and who helped me grieve the man I thought I would marry?" Daniel tells PEOPLE. "This wedding was my way of honoring the people who loved me back to life." Laura Chapman Kaky Daniel with two friends Kaky Daniel with two friends She continues, "Throughout my life, my biggest loves, my supporters, my protectors, my teachers, my lifelines have always been my friends my chosen family. I realized that instead of waiting for a romantic wedding to show gratitude, I wanted to honor the people who have been there for me decade after decade." The three-day, $250,000 celebration took place in Cartagena, Colombia the same place where Daniel's parents tied the knot 60 years ago. The festivities kicked off with an all-green welcome reception at Hotel Voila on Friday, Nov. 14. The next day was sisterhood ceremony on the rooftop of Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias followed by a reception dinner and after-party at Restaurante Donjuan. The weekend concluded on Sunday, Nov. 16, with a private island day at Zamaz Baru, a luxury event club on Baru Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Without my sisterhood, I would not be the woman I am today. I wanted to immortalize that love in an experience none of us will ever forget," Daniel says. "Im still a lover girl because love has never failed me people have. Romantic love is just one expression, not the only one. So I still believe, 'Porque yo naci para amar.' " Aaron Covian Sisterhood wedding Sisterhood wedding For the ceremony, Daniel the founder and director of KDE Events wore a beaded gown with a custom veil embroidered with her friends' names. The community of women also wore white bridal dresses, and accessorized with gifted engagement bracelets designed by Nelly Rojas. Instead of walking down the aisle toward a groom, Daniel stood before all her friends and committed herself to them, and to herself, in a heartfelt ceremony. She shared vows aloud about releasing societal pressure around marriage timelines and embracing where they are in life. "We promised loyalty, protection, encouragement, emotional support, celebrating each others wins, honesty, being present, reminding each other of our worth, praying for each other, healing together, and committing to a lifetime of friendship," Daniel says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With panoramic views of the walled city and Caribbean Sea behind them, everyone said "I do" together. Aaron Covian Sisterhood wedding reception Sisterhood wedding reception "I wanted to celebrate love in all its forms, not just romantic love. I wanted to break the idea that a womans biggest moment has to be tied to a man or marriage," Daniel explains. "I wanted to publicly recognize the people who helped me survive my hardest moments in business, in love, in family, and in life. I wanted to show that community is real wealth and that friendship deserves ceremonies too." She adds, "It was part wedding, part tribute, part healing ceremony, part celebration of abundance." After the approximately 30-minute-long "emotional, intimate, and magnetic" ceremony, the 70 women danced their way to the reception three blocks away. The bride tribe took over the streets with traditional dancers, live musica tipica, and a whole lot of soul as a meaningful tribute to Daniel's Colombian roots. Aaron Covian During the reception, where a dinner crafted by Chef Juan Felipe Camacho was served, each guest read a beautifully written, "completely personalized" vow from Daniel based on their relationship, memories and emotional history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The surprises didn't stop there. Three cancer survivors were celebrated for their strength and resilience with flowers and a sincere dedication at the island day that "felt like summer camp mixed with a spiritual retreat." Another woman who runs a nonprofit in Cartagena was honored with a three-minute tribute video, bringing everyone to tears, plus $7,000 worth of donations. 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. Gato Rivero Kaky Daniel's sisterhood wedding dress and veil Kaky Daniel's sisterhood wedding dress and veil Despite not involving a romantic partner, the wedding had the same emotional impact as traditional nuptials. Although many of her friends were originally shocked and confused by the idea of a sisterhood wedding, Daniel says their feelings shifted once they understood it was about honoring and appreciating one another. Gato Rivero Sisterhood wedding Sisterhood wedding "There were tears, deep emotion, excitement, and this feeling of being chosen and loved," Daniel remembers. "People said things like, 'No one has ever honored me like this.' Some even said it healed parts of them they didnt know were broken. People kept saying, 'This weekend changed my life,' and 'Ive never felt so valued.' Some even said it was better than any wedding they had ever attended." She continues, "Honestly, it wasnt just an event. It was a movement." Read the original article on People There will be no lumpia topped with caviar at the Bay Area's newest Filipino fine-dining restaurant. That feels too "gimmicky," said Celine Wuu, who with Patrick Gabon is opening Restaurant Naides, the Bay Area's only dedicated Filipino tasting menu restaurant, Friday at 708 Bush St. in San Francisco. Instead, the couple is focused on undergirding traditional Filipino flavors with their training in Michelin-starred kitchens - adorning puto, a steamed rice cake, for instance, with pork rillette and foraged blackberries, or crowning sinigang, the sour soup with abalone instead of the typical pork or shrimp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bay Area, home to many old-school Filipino restaurants, has seen in recent years a small spurt of more modern, upscale establishments, including Abaca in San Francisco, Carabao in Napa and Tropa Eats in Lafayette. San Francisco is also home to the more casual Ox & Tiger, which offers a Filipino-Japanese tasting menu, and Province, a tasting-menu supper club. Gabon, a native of the Philippines, and Wuu, who is Filipino-Chinese, didn't originally plan to open a Filipino fine-dining restaurant. They met six years ago at Alexander's Steakhouse in San Francisco: Gabon was a sous chef, and Wuu worked in the front of the house. He later moved on to O' by Claude le Tohic and the Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters, while she set her sights on the three-Michelin-star Benu and worked her way up from food runner to floor manager. Last year, the couple moved to Slovenia to work at Milka, a two-Michelin-star restaurant overlooking an Alpine lake. They moved back to the Bay Area this summer, thinking they would start a popup, find investors and slowly build toward opening their first restaurant. Some courses at Restaurant Naides are dedicated to a specific Filipino ingredient, such as bagoong, the fermented shrimp paste. (Scott Strazzante/S.F. Chronicle) Gabon said as an immigrant and chef working in European-focused kitchens, he largely assimilated to American culture but "always knew I was going to go back to Filipino food." Over the last several years, an idea for a Filipino fine-dining restaurant started percolating, as as he recognized Filipino flavors in the vinegars of Sons & Daughters' Nordic cuisine, or unripe fruits in a dish at Milka. "You taste something and then it clicks: This tastes similar to a Filipino dish," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serendipitously, soon after the Gabon and Wuu returned in July, a dream space became available: the longtime Sons & Daughters location on Bush Street, which recently moved to the Mission District. They jumped at the opportunity, and decided to embrace the food that felt most personal to them. Restaurant Naides (named after Gabon's mother) will serve 11 to 15 courses for less than $200 per person. Canapes will be inspired by Filipino street food, such as the puto, which Gabon makes unconventionally with buttermilk to add tang to the rice cake. It will be topped with rillette, wild blackberries foraged in Tahoe, thinly sliced lardo, elderberry capers and chives. "It eats the same" as traditional puto, "but the whole garnish on top is not Filipino," he said. "I think that bite pretty much explains the whole restaurant, of what we're trying to achieve." The puto, seen with a garnish of rose, coconut, and osmanthus. (Scott Strazzante/S.F. Chronicle) Other courses will be devoted to specific Filipino ingredients, such as calamansi or bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste. Pili nut, a rich, buttery nut that grows in the Philippines, will star in a tartlet loosely inspired by the peach-mango pie from wildly popular Filipino chain Jollibee. In the center of the tartlet is a jelly made from pickled, foraged cherry plums foraged in Santa Rosa. It's topped with a praline and raw shavings of the pili nut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the menu in fact will feature local ingredients that the couple has foraged and preserved, inspired by their time in Slovenia and the Sons & Daughters kitchen. They lived in Tahoe for over the summer; many long drives back to the Bay Area were spent in silence to focus on scouting for elderberry trees along the road and noting them on a map for future visits. A lot of their food, the owners said, will be acidic thanks to vinegar and fermented items. "We are pretty bold with our flavor," Gabon said. "We prefer it that way." Restaurant Naides is in the former space of Sons & Daughters, which recently moved to the Mission District. (Scott Strazzante/S.F. Chronicle) Wuu is overseeing the beverage program, including non-alcoholic pairings like carbonated coconut water mixed with leftover liquid from pickling wild roses and osmanthus. At Milka, the bar didn't use any ingredients that didn't grow in the immediate area; without lemon, for example, staff used unripe fruit or vinegar to provide acid. "It was the first time I realized (non-alcoholic drinks) can be super complex and you can actually have an experience," Wuu said. She won't have the same constraints in San Francisco, but she hopes to do the same at Restaurant Naides, such as using green mango peels to make tepache, a fermented drink. The wine menu will lean biodynamic (with just one bottle from Slovenia, an aromatic, slightly tropical Malvasia). Given the expedited timeline, Gabon and Wuu funded the business with support from family and friends rather than investors. They're largely keeping the space as it was, with the same seven marble tables from Sons & Daughters in the cozy dining room with an original fireplace. The small, open kitchen is stocked with steak knives from Wuu's sister, a single ladle and a Thermomix Gabon gifted himself for Christmas a few years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be caviar in at least one dish: Chayote squash served two ways - pickled, and baked in a fig leaf with herbs before it's sliced and charred - topped with a bagoong sauce, duck skin crackling and N25 Osetra caviar. This article originally published at After years in Michelin-starred kitchens, they're opening the Bay Area's only Filipino tasting menu restaurant. A third victim has died after last Saturdays Newark shooting that also killed a young woman and child, officials said. Masi Rogers, 19, died on Thursday, the Essex County Prosecutors Office said. He was listed in critical condition following the shooting. 10-year-old Jordan Garcia and 21-year-old Kiyah Mae Scott were also killed, while 11-year-old Jayceon Garcia, and a 60-year-old man were injured, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting took place at the corner of Chancellor Avenue and Leslie Street around 7 p.m., according to officials. No arrests have been announced. Newark Shooting Victims Bashir Muhammad Ptah Akinyele, a long-time educator and community activist who taught Rogers at Weequahic High School about two years ago, said he is outraged by the shooting, noting that he has lost 50 students to street violence. He always showed me respect as a teacher, as a Black man, and as a human being in my classroom at Weequahic, he said in a statement. Unfortunately, brother Masi has joined my long list of students I lost to street violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Monday, authorities in Newark called on those responsible for the shooting to surrender. What happened to them was beyond tragic, Essex County Sheriff Amir D. Jones said at the press conference. It was brutal. It is senseless. It is an attack on everything that this county and this city stand for. Their families are living through hell and they deserve justice without delay, and they will get it. What you did was cowardly, Jones said. Heartless and unforgivable. You shattered families and shook an entire city. You proved nothing but your own weakness. So hear me clearly. We are coming. Theres no hiding. Theres no running. Theres nothing that will change whats coming. Essex County Prosecutors Office press conference In a statement last week, Attorney General Matthew Platkin called the shooting heartbreaking and unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every New Jerseyan especially every child deserves to live in a community free from gun violence," Platkin said." Jordan and his brother, Jayceon, were walking home from a city recreation center when they were struck by gunfire. Jordan was pronounced dead last Saturday, while Jayceon was listed in stable condition. The boys mother, Stephanie Garcia, described Jordan as a silly kid who loved everybody. Hes a great kid. He was innocent, pure soul, she said. He never thought any harm could ever happen. Jordan Garcia Kiyah Scott, who was also killed in the shooting, had a three-year-old son, according to a GoFundMe campaign created to support the toddler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiyah would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it, the GoFundMe page says. The Essex County Sheriffs Office is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the shooter being indicted or convicted. A balloon release ceremony honoring Rogers is scheduled to take place on Monday at 5 p.m. at Saint Peters Park, located on Lyons Avenue in Newark. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Police identified an 8-year-old girl and a man who were shot and killed following an argument and fight in a southwest Phoenix parking lot on Nov. 22. The juvenile victim, identified as Envy Cardenas, died at a hospital, Sgt. Rob Scherer of the Phoenix Police Department confirmed Nov. 23. The adult victim died at the scene and was identified as 30-year-old Quincy Jay Polk. Police said three other people remain hospitalized, including another child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, who was taken to a hospital for unrelated health issues, was identified as 28-year-old Tyrone Dee Chilly, Phoenix police said in an update. He was later released from the hospital, interviewed and booked into jail on suspicion of two counts of murder and multiple charges of aggravated assault and endangerment, according to police. Here's the latest on the shooting investigation. When did the shooting at 19th Avenue and Baseline Road happen? Police believe a passenger vehicle and an SUV were about to pull out of the parking lot of a Lowe's near 19th Avenue and Baseline Road, when an argument escalated into a physical fight about 2:45 p.m., Nov. 22, Phoenix police Sgt. Brian Bower said. What happened during the shooting? After the fight, the parties separated and went back to their vehicles, Bower said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the man in the passenger vehicle then got a gun and fired multiple rounds into the SUV, hitting two adults and two of the three children in the back seat, Bower said. Witnesses reported seeing the woman take out her own gun and shoot back, Bower said. An adult male suspect was detained and later taken to a hospital for unrelated health issues, where he was admitted for care, police said. Who are the victims of the shooting? Five people were injured as a result of the shooting, with two dead and three still in the hospital, including a child who was in extremely critical condition, according to Scherer. Police identified Polk as the man who died at the scene. Eight-year-old Envy was taken to a hospital, where she later died, Scherer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An unidentified woman and a child were also injured and were still in the hospital. The third child in the SUV was not struck by gunfire but was taken to the hospital with the other victims, police said. The relationships between those involved were not immediately clear. "In the abundance of respect for the victims involved, the relationship between the listed victims will not be released," Scherer said. What's next for the investigation? Investigators planned to review surveillance footage and interview eyewitnesses to try to gather more information, Bower said. Police asked for witnesses to provide any information, photos or videos they might have of the incident. Those with information can stay anonymous by calling Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (480-837-8446). Videos and photos can be uploaded anonymously at silentwitness.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rey Covarrubias Jr. reports for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@gannett.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ. (This story has been updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix shooting kills man and 8-year-old girl Two 16-year-olds are facing charges after police say they assaulted a student with special needs inside a boys locker room at a Rhode Island high school. According to investigators, a video of the alleged assault at Rogers High School in Newport circulated online, prompting a police investigation. Authorities say the student was assaulted twice by the suspects. One arrest was made on Friday, while the second arrest happened on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident has sparked outrage in the community. The Newport School Committee has scheduled a special meeting on Wednesday to consider hiring an independent investigator to review the case. Police have not released the names of the teens involved because of their age. A GoFundMe has been started the student assaulted. Boston 25 News will provide updates as more details become available. Anyone with information on the alleged assaults is urged to contact police at 401-845-5772. The investigation remains ongoing. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Interstate 30 construction in Hunt County has moved into its second phase, Texas Department of Transportation officials announced on Friday marking a major shift for motorists traveling through the rapidly changing corridor. TxDOT said eastbound main lane traffic was shifted onto new pavement and bridges at the Farm-to-Market Road 1570, Farm-to-Market Road 1903 and Monty Stratton Parkway overpasses as of Oct. 30. The second phase includes reconstruction of eastbound I-30 main lanes, bridges and frontage roads at those locations, along with intersection reconstruction at FM 1903 and FM 1570. The FM 1570 underpass will remain closed through next summer. Drivers approaching from the south can use a newly opened east-to-west U-turn at Monty Stratton Parkway to reach FM 1570 north of I-30 or to continue west on the interstate. Motorists traveling south on FM 1570 from the north are encouraged to use alternate routes toward State Highway 34 to continue southbound or access eastbound I-30. Westbound I-30 remains accessible from the westbound frontage road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The on-ramp to eastbound I-30 from FM 1570 has been temporarily relocated farther east toward Monty Stratton as part of the shift. All frontage roads in the project area are now operating as one-way. Drivers on FM 1903 north of the interstate must turn right onto the westbound frontage road and travel to State Highway 36 to access eastbound I-30. That diversion will stay in place until the FM 1570 underpass reopens, officials said. Phase 3 the final stage of the project is scheduled to begin next spring with completion expected by summer 2027. Four teenagers are now facing charges after police say they assaulted a student with special needs inside a boys locker room at a Rhode Island high school. According to investigators, a video of the alleged assault at Rogers High School in Newport circulated online, prompting a police investigation. Authorities say the student was assaulted twice by at least one of the suspects. Between Friday, Nov. 21, and Monday, Nov. 24, Newport police have arrested two 16-year-old boys, a 17-year-old boy, and a 14-year-old boy in connection with the investigation. All of the suspects are said to be students at the high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not released the names of the teens involved because of their age. The incident, which was captured in a disturbing video shared by the Newport Buzz, has sparked outrage in the community. The Newport School Committee has scheduled a special meeting on Wednesday to consider hiring an independent investigator to review the case. We are deeply troubled by the recent reports from Rogers High School, and we share the communitys concern for the safety and well-being of our students, Newport School Committee Chair James Dring said in a statement. As a Committee, our primary goal has always been to ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. However, in order to restore trust and fully understand the scope of the issues at hand, I believe that we must move swiftly to appoint an independent entity to examine these reports as thoroughly and transparently as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GoFundMe has been started to support the victim in this case. Anyone with information on the alleged assaults is urged to contact police at 401-845-5772. The investigation remains 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 After more than four years, Action News Jax anchor/reporter Emily Turner is stepping away from the anchor desk. After 20 years in news and four years here, I am taking a step back from local news, Turner said at the end of her final newscast on Friday, Nov. 21. Ill still be in town for the occasional cameo here on the air, especially when the stories Ive worked so hard on have a big break. In addition to her work as an investigative reporter for Action News, Turner anchored the 4 p.m. newscast on Jacksonvilles FOX affiliate, WFOX-TV 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Telling your stories and fighting for your tax dollars and holding your public officials accountable has been the greatest privilege. True investigative journalism is important, and to be able to do it in my hometown has made it so special, an emotional Turner said, appearing with her two children at the anchor desk. 'I'm gonna miss you all': After 2 decades, Jacksonville TV news anchor says goodbye From 2024: 3 weeks after pancreatic cancer diagnosis, former Jacksonville TV news anchor dies at 64 I do not make this decision lightly, but we have had to make hard decisions when it comes to the most important things in our lives. And that is these guys, my 5- and 2-year-olds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before joining Action News in July 2021, Turner worked in the San Francisco and Santa Cruz markets in California and Tuscon, Arizona, according to her LinkedIn biography. Turner is a Jacksonville native. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville TV anchor/reporter Emily Turner leaves Action News Jax Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo believes that the talks between Ukraine and the United States in Geneva have moved the peace plan for Ukraine in the right direction. According to the Finnish government's press service, on Monday, November 24, Prime Minister Orpo took part in an informal meeting of EU leaders on the state of peace negotiations. We discussed the current situation with regard to the Ukraine peace plan. The plan is progressing towards a just and lasting peace, but there is still a lot of work to be done. At the same time, I would like to stress that decisions concerning the European Union or NATO are so consequential for Finland, Europe, and of course, Ukraine that they must be considered and made with the EU and NATO countries involvement, Orpo said. We also have to make sure that the frozen Russian assets are used in a way that is fair and that benefits Ukraine. I will be discussing this and other Ukraine issues with my European and African colleagues over the next few days, the head of state noted. The EU leaders met remotely and on the ground in Luanda, the capital of Angola, where the seventh European UnionAfrican Union Summit began today. Prime Minister Orpo attended the meeting remotely as his original flight to Luanda was cancelled. Prime Minister Orpo will attend the EUAU Summit today and tomorrow and will continue on to South Africa for a trade mission. Modern aircraft carriers operated by the United States Navy are massive, highly advanced floating cities capable of extending the nation's might across the globe. The latest addition to the fleet, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), is the most advanced aircraft carrier and largest warship ever constructed. That makes it a target, but rest assured that sinking an aircraft carrier is no easy task. Not only are they outfitted with their own air wing, but an aircraft carrier has layers of defenses protecting it. These include point defense weapon systems to take out threats from the air and sea, and a massive Carrier Strike Group consisting of several warships offering additional defenses. While sinking an aircraft carrier is all but impossible these days, it's still technically feasible. After all, they're targets, and countries like Iran, China, and Russia all have weapons that are theoretically capable of sinking a carrier. Granted, if a nation like China sank a U.S. carrier, it would mean full-scale war. There are a variety of weapons and tactics available to various nations should they attempt to sink a carrier. For the sake of argument, this scenario assumes that all of a carrier's defenses have been overcome. No weapons will be shot out of the sky or blown out of the water, leaving only the possibility of a weapon or tactic striking a carrier, sinking it. That leaves only the technical possibility of what could bring down a 100,000-ton warship, and thankfully, there aren't many weapons capable of doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Every Japanese Aircraft Carrier Sunk In WWII A nuclear weapon A nuclear detonation during Operation Crossroads - U.S. Army/Wikimedia Commons Getting the most obvious weapon type out of the way, it's highly unlikely that an aircraft carrier would survive a nuclear attack. This isn't merely a theoretical supposition the U.S. tested nuclear weapons on surface vessels during Operation Crossroads in 1946. The tests took place at Bikini Atoll and were the first detonations of nuclear weapons since the bombing of Nagasaki, Japan, during World War II. Operations Crossroads tested two nuclear bombs near the island. The Navy assembled a fleet of 95 target ships in a lagoon and hit them with two nuclear detonations to test their effectiveness against naval targets. The target fleet included two aircraft carriers, and while the first bomb missed its target, the second didn't, sinking the USS Saratoga. The Saratoga was a Lexington-class aircraft carrier that was commissioned in 1927, so it wasn't exactly comparable to a modern-day Nimitz or Ford-class carrier. Despite this, the test showed what happens to a large fleet of surface vessels when struck with a nuclear bomb, and it was devastating. The bomb dropped on the Saratoga was called "Baker," and it had a yield of 21 kilotons. For comparison, a modern U.S. nuclear device typically has a variable yield, so they can range from 0.3 kt to as high as 340 kt. Chinese devices also have wide ranges, entering into megaton territory, so there's little doubt that a modern American carrier wouldn't survive a direct attack with a nuclear weapon. An advanced torpedo A 3D rendering of a submarine-launched torpedo - Alexyz3d/Getty Images While it seems logical that a submarine could fire a torpedo at an aircraft carrier and call it a day, it's more complicated than that. Torpedoes represent a great danger to aircraft carriers, but not all types of torpedoes can bring down something as massive as a Ford-class carrier. Depending on what kind of torpedo is used, several might be required, or the damage to a ship could be limited. Instead of assuming a volley of torpedoes is fired, which is difficult to do, let's look at lone heavy conventional torpedoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certain heavy weapons, like the deadliest torpedo in the world, America's Mark 48, would likely sink a carrier, but the U.S. Navy isn't in the habit of shooting its own torpedoes at its ships. There are adversarial nations with comparable devices, including the Russian Type 65 torpedo. The Soviet Union developed it specifically to fight U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Groups, and is the device responsible for the sinking of the Kursk in 2000. China's answer to the Mk. 48 is the Yu-6, a heavyweight torpedo with a high-explosive yield. They appear to be copies of the U.S.' weapon system, which isn't unusual in the Chinese military. The reason these devices could theoretically destroy a carrier is how they're employed. Instead of slamming into the hull, they move beneath the keel and detonate. The resulting underwater explosion can break a ship in half, which has been demonstrated in tests of the Mk. 48. A hypersonic anti-ship missile A 3D rendering of an anti-ship missile flying above the clouds - Olena Bartienieva/Getty Images A relatively new threat to aircraft carriers is a new group of hypersonic missiles. These are missiles capable of exceeding Mach 5 (3,836 mph), and their lethality comes from two factors. Their speed makes them all but impossible to intercept, but they also deliver a double-helping of destruction via kinetic energy and the weapon's warhead. Since we're not considering air defenses for this thought experiment, the weapon's lethality presents a clear and present danger to American aircraft carriers. As of writing, only Russia and China have operational hypersonic anti-ship missiles, and they're designed to destroy carriers. Russia's 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile is believed to be capable of reaching Mach 9 (6,905 mph). Russia has used these in a land-attack capacity in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Should one be fired at an American carrier and hit it, the odds are that it would sink. Granted, that depends on where it strikes the carrier, but regardless of location, the damage would be spectacular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China's deadliest hypersonic missile is the DF-ZF, which is theoretically capable of reaching up to Mach 10 (7,673 mph). Even if it didn't carry a warhead, the kinetic energy of an object weighing thousands of pounds, moving at more than a mile a minute, would likely be enough to take out a carrier. Of course, China wouldn't fire one without a warhead, so add the explosive capabilities of a conventional bomb onto what amounts to the missile equivalent of a sniper's bullet, and a carrier's survival becomes problematic. A mass drone kamikaze attack A drone swarm flying over a wooded area - Andy Dean Photography/Shutterstock If there's one thing that the Russo-Ukrainian War has revealed, it's that drones can be used in new and fascinatingly deadly ways. This has resulted in new tactics and technology, including the concept of swarms of kamikaze drones overwhelming a target. Ukraine has successfully employed small uncrewed surface vessels (USV) to strike and sink ships in Russia's Black Sea fleet. They've not been used to hit any aircraft carriers, as Russia only has one, and it's not active. While a small drone can cripple a much larger vessel, the real danger comes from swarms of USVs. If a hostile nation or paramilitary force were able to develop a large enough fleet of USVs, each of which was packed with explosives, it's possible that they could chip away at a carrier's hull, damaging it to the point of sinking. This would not only be an effective military tactic, but it would also be a relatively inexpensive one. The USS Ford cost American taxpayers over $13.3 billion, but a drone swarm would likely only cost hundreds of thousands or a few million, depending on size and complexity. The cost-to-benefit ratio of sinking a carrier with such a tactic would be a significant blow, which is one of the reasons the U.S. Navy takes the threat of drone swarms seriously. Ramming into it with a large, explosive-laden ship A portside view of the damage cause in the attack on the USS Cole in 2000. - U.S. Navy/Getty Images Finally, the last weapon that poses a significant threat to an American aircraft carrier is easily the oldest and most conventional. If an adversary were to take a large ship like an oil tanker and fill it with explosives, that ship would become a massive weapon. If it were then directed toward an aircraft carrier and made to ram into it, there's a good chance the carrier would sink. This attack combines kinetic energy with conventional weapons into one devastating blow, and it's not new by any stretch of the imagination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2000, two terrorists piloted a small bomb-laden boat right up to the USS Cole (DDG-67) and detonated. The blast didn't sink the Cole, but it ripped a 40-foot-wide hole into the hull near the waterline, killing 17 sailors and injuring another 40. The Cole is an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer, which is significantly less massive than an aircraft carrier. If multiple ships or a much larger one were to employ the same tactic, the destruction wrought upon a targeted carrier could be devastating. The Cole displaces approximately 9,700 tons, making it less than one-tenth the mass of the USS Ford. The vessel that exploded on its side was a small, inflatable speedboat. If you scale up the size of the attacking vessel to something that would threaten a carrier's size, the amount of destruction is conceivable enough to destroy an American carrier. The Navy detonates bombs near aircraft carriers during shock tests as a precaution against these kinds of attacks. Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Honolulu police officers with the fireworks amnesty program receive fireworks from the back of a vehicle during the final day of the HPD /DLE fireworks buyback amnesty program at HPDs training facility in Waipahu. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Honolulu police officers with the fireworks amnesty program receive fireworks from the back of a vehicle during the final day of the HPD /DLE fireworks buyback amnesty program at HPDs training facility in Waipahu. The Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement and its partners today collected 510 pounds in illegal fireworkswith nearly 10 % of those to be used by professionals onlyduring a fireworks amnesty event held in Waipahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials reported collecting a total of 724 pounds of fireworks during a fireworks buyback event, the third and final event of the year. A total of $2, 355 in grocery gift cards were given out to individuals who turned in their unused and unwanted fireworks at the Honolulu Police Training Academy. Each illegal firework we can get off the streets is a step forward, said DLE Director Mike Lambert in a news release. The people who brought fireworks to the amnesty event elevated the effort to protect their families and friends. The possession and use of illegal fireworks such as aerial devices or cakes, canisters, aerial shells, mortars and Roman candles and other consumer fireworks, are not permitted. A permit from the county fire department is required to use firecrackers legally. Getting these fireworks out of our homes and off our streets will make this holiday season safer. I am very grateful for the residents who turned them in and acknowledge the danger these explosives pose to their families and neighborhoods, said Gov. Josh Green said in a news release. Every Hawaii resident needs to remember the crushing heartbreak of the New Years 2025 tragedy. Illegal fireworks use killed six people including a 3-year-old boy and injured multiple members of the same family as well as innocent neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DLE reports increased searches at all ports and patrolling neighborhoods with drones as part of fireworks enforcement. The possession, distribution or operation of illegal fireworks is a felony carrying fines of up to $25, 000 and up to 10 years in prison. The new law holds homeowners, parents and guardians accountable, too. The Honolulu Police Department, Hawai i Department of the Attorney General, Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Emergency Services Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives collaborated on the event. HPDs Specialized Services Division (SSD ) will assess each explosive to make sure it is commercial grade. Any improvised explosives (Homemade ) will be taken in by SSD for possible destruction. For all commercial grade explosives, DLE will handle intake and destruction, according to the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 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 ? . Four people are in custody after a man experiencing homelessness was stabbed to death outside of a downtown restaurant on Sunday morning, officials said. Chicago police said the man was found unresponsive in the Loop's 200-block of South Wabash Avenue around 7:20 a.m. Sunday. What led up to the stabbing was not immediately clear. The victim, who suffered an apparent puncture wound to his body, was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. His identity was not immediately released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, police confirmed that charges are pending. Police originally took six people into custody, but two were released without charges. Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest. "This is a senseless loss of life," Cook County Crime Stoppers Executive Director Paul Rutherford said in part. "We are deeply committed to supporting law enforcement and the community in bringing justice for this individual." Anyone with information has been asked to contact Chicago police at www.CPDTIP.com or Cook County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-535-STOP (7867). INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood A 70-year-old Snellville man will spend five years in prison after a jury convicted him of inappropriately touching women and girls at a Lawrenceville swimming pool. William Michael Hegwood was found guilty of felony sexual battery against a child under 16 and two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery. A judge sentenced him to five years in prison and two years of probation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Prosecutors say the incidents happened April 7, 2024, at Bethesda Park Aquatic Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 12-year-old girl told her mother a stranger grabbed her upper thigh while she swam in the lazy river with her sister, according to prosecutors. The mother then saw Hegwood touch another girl and reported him to a lifeguard. TRENDING STORIES: While the first mother made her complaint, another woman told the lifeguard Hegwood followed her in the lazy river and touched her buttocks, prosecutors say. That womans 14-year-old daughter told the lifeguard Hegwood reached into her bathing suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One mother who spoke to Channel 2 Action News after the incident asked not to be identified to protect her child. She was in shock, crying, shaking, and she couldnt even talk, the mother said of her daughter. She told me that this guy, he like touched her, but it was worse because he went under her bikini. The mother said when her daughter started crying and pointing at Hegwood, he smiled at them. When Gwinnett County Police officers arrived at the pool a third woman told them Hegwood touched her thigh twice, according to prosecutors. Officers arrested Hegwood at the scene. It is important that people feel safe to enjoy our public facilities, Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. Predators like this defendant will be brought to justice. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Since Japanese aircraft sank the USS Arizona during the Dec. 7, 1941, surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the battleship has remained in place under water, the watery gravesite to more than 900 sailors entombed within. The U.S. Navy, as with other sunken ships in the harbor, considers those entombed beneath the ships hull to be in their final resting place. The battleship suffered more loss of life than any American ship during the attack, its 1,177 dead comprising nearly half the 2,403 killed at Pearl Harbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the ships dead, 277 of its sailors and Marines are buried in Honolulus National Memorial of the Pacific. The identity of 86 of those men remain unknown to this day. Navy logbook that recounted Pearl Harbor recovered after 84 years However, this past week the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that it will seek exhumation of dozens of unknowns from the Pearl Harbor attack once an advocacy group is confirmed to have reached the required mark in its genealogy work, Stars & Stripes first reported. The issue was first raised in February 2021 when Kelly McKeague, the director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, was asked during a Facebook Live meeting when the agency would disinter them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKeague stated at the time that it didnt make pragmatic sense to identify them. Rear Adm. Darius Banaji, the agencys deputy director, also reported that the Navy has no plans to disinter the remains and try to identify them because there is insufficient documentation. Unlike the USS Oklahoma, where 388 previously unidentified sailors and Marines were disinterred from that same cemetery and identified in 2015, Banaji told The Associated Press in 2021 that the military has files on just half of those missing from the Arizona. That number was once again halved when it came to medical records. The Navy has the dental records for only 130 men who were aboard the Arizona. Some documents are believed to have been destroyed with the battleship. Others may have been lost in a 1973 fire at a military personnel records office, according to the AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon drafted a new policy in 2015 that allows for the disinterment of groups of unknown servicemen if it expects to identify at least 60% of the group. For the USS Oklahoma, the military has more than 80% of DNA samples from family members to help with the identification process. In recent years, the military possessed just 1% for the missing Arizona crew members. To reach the required 60% threshold for the Arizona, that would mean 643 families. On Tuesday, McKeague stated that the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory had DNA from 613 families and was in the process of receiving additional test kits to reach the mandatory threshold. This milestone was reached last week, in large part, by the advocacy group Operation 85. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kevin Kline, a Virginia-based real estate agent and grandnephew of the still-missing Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Kline, started Operation 85 in 2023 after a DPAA family update left him furious. In the meeting, the agency announced it would not be identifying the unknowns anytime soon. A Navy report to Congress in March 2022 identified just 25 USS Arizona families on file and the report estimated it would take government 10 years to track descendants for DNA acquisition to the tune of approximately $2.7 million. Kline took action. Pausing his career and putting about $75,000 of his own money into Operation 85, Kline brought in research analysts and a forensic genealogist. They tracked down the appropriate family member DNA donors and worked with the Navy and Marine Corps casualty offices to send DNA kits to the families through the mail, according to Stars & Stripes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, according to a Nov. 1 Operation 85 newsletter update, 653 DNA kits have been obtained exceeding the governments threshold. What DPAA is preparing to do now is exactly the mission we built the foundation for, Kline told the outlet. When the system said no, families stepped forward and made yes possible. The P-47 Thunderbolt was the most versatile fighter aircraft of the Second World War. It was not best in class in any category, however, it was very good in just about every category. Fast, long-legged and well-armed, it was also the most survivable fighter of the entire war. In scale and concept, the P-47 was a design outlier, and was different from every other fighter of the war. Somehow, the unusual Thunderbolt came together in a magical way that resulted its outstanding operational record. Myth and misconception surround the aircraft, and much of this leads to an under-appreciation of what the aircraft actually accomplished. This article will dive into some of those misconceptions and look at the real capabilities of this ferocious flying juggernaut. 9: The Size is the Prize: The P-47 is the largest single piston-engined fighter ever built. And it is indeed large and heavy! Its empty weight is similar to or greater than every other contemporary single-engine fighters maximum weight. It is over twice as heavy as the original Spitfire and Me 109 fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a common misconception that large size and weight correlates with low performance. The perception is that a larger aircraft will be slow, lumbering, not very manoeuvrable, and ineffective. 9: The Size is the Prize The Size is the Prize Both manoeuvrability and speed are the key performance qualities of a good fighter. The second parameter, power-to-weight ratio, states the power of the engine relative to the weight of the aircraft, measured in horsepower per pound or kilowatts per kilogram. This parameter is directly related to the top speed of the aircraft, but also to the takeoff and climb performance. A high power to weight ratio results in an aircraft that will climb and cruise faster than a competitor with a lower ratio. The bottom line is that size and weight of an aircraft do not determine the aircraft performance. It is quite possible to build a large and heavy high-performance fighter, as long as it has the right sized wing, and a big engine. 8: A Beast of a Fighter needs a Beast of an Engine A Beast of a Fighter needs a Beast of an Engine The P-47s designer Alexander Katvelli turned to the new R-2800 twin-row radial engine being developed by Pratt & Whitney as the only viable powerplant. This engine had over 50% more displacement than the Allison, and initially had 33% more horsepower. A problem that plagued US fighters of the day was the lack of sufficient power and performance at higher altitudes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the contemporary American engines used a single-stage, single-speed supercharger. This design leads to significant falloff in power at altitudes starting around 15,000 feet. The combat experience in Europe was showing that the air battles were often going to be fought much higher than this. 8: A Beast of a Fighter needs a Beast of an Engine A Beast of a Fighter needs a Beast of an Engine The R-2800 engine had a single-stage supercharger which was integral to the engine. The P-47 design added an exhaust-driven turbo-supercharger to create a second stage. A turbo-supercharger is effectively a variable speed device, being engine exhaust-driven and having a wastegate control system. This allows peak engine power throughout a wide range of altitudes. The downside of a turbo-supercharger is that the installation occupies a lot of space. Fortunately, the P-47 was already being drawn as a large fighter, and Kartveli was able to squeeze the turbo and even larger intercooler into the belly of the aircraft. 7: Great, you got a big engine but can you turn? Great, you got a big engine but can you turn? There are at least four aspects that affect what we call manoeuvrability. First is the aircrafts roll rate, or how fast the pilot can bank the wings when choosing to fly in a different direction. The most important manoeuvrability aspect is the turn rate. However, there are really two versions of this: instantaneous and sustained. Instantaneous turn rate is the maximum rate at which you can turn as soon as you roll to a given bank angle and pull back on the stick. The aircraft wing is what determines instantaneous turn rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then theres maximum sustained turn. As you slow down in a turn, the drag will decrease and eventually you will reach a point where drag matches the thrust your engine can produce, and you can sit here turning until your fuel runs out. A fourth manoeuvrability aspect is the turn rate and turn radius. 7: Great, you got a big engine but can you turn? Great, you got a big engine but can you turn? Lets get back to the P-47. How did it rate in the manoeuvrability category? The basic answer is pretty good. Many fighters could outturn it, especially at lower altitudes. But the margin was small small enough that a better pilot in a P-47 could often outturn a lesser pilot in a Bf 109 or Fw 190; it takes a lot of skill to precisely fly a fighter at its maximum turn performance. The P-47 wing loading was not as low as some of the higher-performance fighters and its instantaneous turning ability was a little less because of this. However, the big R-2800 engine really helped its sustained turn performance. 6: Range What good is all of this if you cant get to the battle? Range What good is all of this if you cant get to the battle? The range of the P-47 is probably the most misunderstood part of its performance. You often hear about how Mustangs could exclusively escort bombers all the way to Berlin, and thus turned the tide of the war. The real story is much more complicated and steeped in US Army Air Force politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality is that the P-47 could also escort to Berlin and further much earlier than many people think. Aircraft range is a simple parameter affected primarily by two things. First is how efficient the aircraft can fly at given speed and altitude measured by how much fuel it needs per hour. 6: Range What good is all of this if you cant get to the battle? Range What good is all of this if you cant get to the battle? Second is how much fuel it can carry. The P-47 does burn a lot of fuel with its large size and weight. However, this larger size also allows it to carry proportionately more fuel. Per the pilots manual, the P-47D with maximum internal fuel could fly 890 miles (compared to 1,120 for the Mustang). With two drop tanks (as pictured), the Thunderbolt range increases to 1,360 miles, leaving plenty of margin for the 1,000 mile round trip from England to Berlin. 5: But how fast can it go? But how fast can it go? In level flight, the Thunderbolt top speed performance is much like the rest of its performance envelope. It was not the fastest aircraft at any altitude. But it was very fast and was quite competitive in top speed. This is particularly true at high altitudes, where its engine produces superior horsepower. PICTURE: P-47s at East Field, Saipan, in 1944 5: But how fast can it go? But how fast can it go? At 30,000 feet, the P-47D was within 7 mph of catching a P-51D, and significantly faster than an Fw 190A-8 or Bf 109G.The final P-47N version was extremely fast, again, especially at high altitude. Its R-2800 engine could produce 2,800 horsepower with water-methanol injection and this resulted in a top speed of 470mph. 4: Dive! Dive! Dive! Dive! Dive! Dive! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Balkeslee, the first Thunderbolt ace is quoted saying It ought to be able to dive, because it certainly cant climb. Just like manoeuvrability, the ability to dive is complex and affected by many parameters. At the beginning of a dive you have to manoeuvre the aircraft into a diving attitude, either by pushing the nose over, or rolling upside down and pulling the nose down. Once you are in a nose-down diving attitude, the aircraft will accelerate due to the relative balance of aircraft weight, drag, and thrust available. All of these affect the acceleration rate, and your ability to pull away from (or catch) an opponent who is also diving. 4: Dive! Dive! Dive! Dive! Dive! Dive! The P-47 was excellent in every dive aspects, which makes it one of the best diving aircraft of the period. With its throttle-body fuel injection, the engine did not suffer from negative-g fuel starvation like the early Merlin engines. So a pilot could freely push the nose over to initiate a dive without the fear of the engine cutting out. Once in the dive, the P-47 accelerated quickly due its engine power and reasonably low drag. Best of all, the Thunderbolt had one of the highest dive speed and Mach limits of any fighter of the era. 3: Big Aircraft Can Pack a Punch Big Aircraft Can Pack a Punch The P-47 had eight Browning M2 50-calibre machine-guns, four in each wing, whereas most contemporary fighters had no more than six. The Thunderbolt sometimes gets criticised for not having any larger-calibre cannon. The aircraft certainly could have carried them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, for its intended mission of destroying enemy fighters, the 50-calibre round is quite effective, and the combined firing rate of its eight guns meant a much higher probability of getting hits than with a slower-firing cannon. This large aircraft could carry 3400 rounds of ammunition which, for comparison, was 65% more than a P-51. 3: Big Aircraft Can Pack a Punch Big Aircraft Can Pack a Punch In addition to the guns, the P-47 could carry a heavy load on its external hard points. Between two wing racks and a belly rack, the aircraft could carry up to 2500 lbs (1136kg) of external weapons. Initially this mostly consisted of bombs. Later, the aircraft was equipped to carry ten High Velocity Aircraft Rockets or HVAR (pictured). These unguided rockets did not have pinpoint accuracy, but were quite effective against larger ground targets. Each had a 45-pound warhead which was equivalent to a 105-mm Howitzer artillery round. 2: Protect the aircraft, Protect the Pilot Protect the aircraft, Protect the Pilot The P-47 had thicker armour in more locations around the pilot than any other contemporary fighter. There were a lot of other features on the aircraft that offered protection and made the aircraft more survivable in a crash landing. With a smooth belly free of cooling features, the aircraft responded well in a gear-up landing with minimal tendency to overturn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the fuselage contained an internal belly skid structure that contributed to survivability in a crash. It also made the aircraft more repairable after the crash. The original razorback P-47 had a substantial roll-over structure behind the pilot. This was omitted in later versions with the bubble canopy due to a low occurrence of roll-over accidents and the added benefit of better pilot visibility. PICTURE: Flying ace Second Lieutenant John Thornell of 328th Fighter Squadron in his P-47; he had 17 aerial victories during the Second World War 2: Protect the aircraft, Protect the Pilot Protect the aircraft, Protect the Pilot An aircraft with an air-cooled-engine is generally considered more survivable than a liquid-cooled counterpart. The cooling lines and radiators are particularly vulnerable in that the engine will likely quit soon after a single hit to one of these systems. By comparison, an engine can typically run much longer after a hit to air cooling ducts, or even the turbocharger (at reduced performance). All of these resulted in a very survivable aircraft. The top-10 Thunderbolt Aces all survived the Second World War. This is a statistic not shared by any other aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PICTURE: Pilots of the 486th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group, with a P-47 Thunderbolt at RAF Bodney air base in March 1944 1: Combat Effectiveness Combat Effectiveness All of these factors contributed to the P-47 being a very effective fighter in the Second World War, against both air and ground targets. The overall aircraft destroyed and the kill ratio for the P-47 was impressive. By the end of the war, the Mustang had beat the Thunderbolt in both of these categories, by a healthy margin. However, these metrics alone dont tell the complete story. You have to factor in both how and when the aircraft was used. The Thunderbolt started flying significant combat missions in Europe in the spring of 1943. This was around nine months before the Mustang arrived. During this time, the Luftwaffe was at the peak of its experience and effectiveness. This provided a very challenging opponent for the Thunderbolt pilots. By the time the Mustang was flying in significant numbers, the establishment of Allied air superiority was setting in, and many of the more experienced Luftwaffe pilots were no longer in the fight. 1: Combat Effectiveness Combat Effectiveness Additionally, the German aircraft had a more difficult time keeping up with the performance advances of the Allied aircraft due to a shortage of certain materials and high-octane fuel. Before the Allied invasion on D-Day, The P-47 had amassed over three times the combat flight hours of the P-51, and 50% more than the P-38. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PICTURE: An RAF P-47 at Jumchar, India, in 1945; note the B-29 in the background. 1: Combat Effectiveness Combat Effectiveness A second factor is how the aircraft was used. Due to its superior firepower (and a reduced threat from the Luftwaffe) more P-47 sorties were ground attack missions in the later stages of the war. While these missions were highly effective and greatly appreciated by the ground forces, they dont contribute to air-to-air statistics, which is how most people judge a fighters effectiveness. However, there is much more to the story than these simplified statistics. If you enjoyed this story, please click the Follow button above to see more like it from Autocar Photo Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en ]]> (Reuters) -Abbott Laboratories said on Monday it has begun a correction in the United States for certain FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus glucose monitoring sensors after internal testing showed some units may report falsely low glucose readings. About 3 million sensors are affected in the U.S., roughly half of which are estimated to have expired or already been used, the company said. Abbott has received 736 reports globally of severe adverse events and seven deaths that may be linked to the issue, none of which occurred in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem, tied to one production line, could lead to incorrect treatment decisions for people with diabetes, including excessive carbohydrate intake or missed insulin doses, posing serious health risks, the company said. A correction is an action to address a problem with a product already on the market or in use without physically removing it from circulation. Last year, Abbott issued a similar correction for a small number of FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors in the United States that could report inaccurately high glucose readings. Abbott said it has resolved the manufacturing issue and continues to produce sensors to meet replacement and new orders without significant supply disruptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Users can check if their sensors are affected and request free replacements at www.freestylecheck.com. The company advised users to stop using any confirmed affected sensors immediately and to rely on a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions when sensor readings do not match symptoms. Other Libre products, readers and apps are not affected, and the correction is also being implemented in other countries where Libre 3 and Libre 3 Plus sensors are sold, Abbott said. (Reporting by Puyaan Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid) By Elena Fabrichnaya and Gleb Bryanski MOSCOW (Reuters) -Artificial intelligence will bestow influence on a par with nuclear technology to countries able to get ahead now, a top Russian AI executive said, giving them superiority this century. Alexander Vedyakhin, first deputy CEO of Sberbank, which is evolving from a major lender into an AI-focused technology conglomerate, told Reuters it was an achievement that Russia ranks among seven countries with home-grown AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "AI is like a nuclear project. A new 'nuclear club' is emerging globally, where either you have your own national large language model (LLM) or you don't," Vedyakhin said in an interview at Russia's annual AI Journey event. Russia must have at least two or three original AI models, not "retrained foreign models", for use in sensitive areas such as online public services, healthcare and education, he said. "It is impossible to upload confidential information into a foreign model. It is simply prohibited. Doing so would lead to very unpleasant consequences," Vedyakhin said. President Vladimir Putin said last week home-grown AI models were vital to preserving Russian sovereignty. Sberbank and tech firm Yandex are leading efforts to catch up with U.S. and Chinese rivals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vedyakhin said Russia would struggle to match leaders in computing, especially due to Western sanctions limiting access to technology, and the gap was likely to grow. AI CLUB MEMBERSHIP CLOSED Vedyakhin said the U.S. and China were ahead of the rest of the club, including Russia, by about six to nine months, and that membership was effectively closed. "In this race, every day matters, but those who haven't started are falling behind the leaders by much more than a day with each passing day. For those who decide to join now, it will be extremely costly, almost impossible," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We appreciate what Chinese and American companies have done. We understand they have a strong head start with plenty of money, experts and computing power," Vedyakhin said. Vedyakhin said Sberbank's GigaChat 2 MAX LLM was comparable to ChatGPT 4.0, while its new GigaChat Ultra Preview was on par with ChatGPT 5.0. Sberbank is preparing for competition with next-generation models and plans to make some of its latest models open source, including for commercial use. RUSSIA IMMUNE TO 'AI BUBBLE RISK' Russia will rely on programmers and mathematicians to cut costs and accelerate machine learning, Vedyakhin said, adding: "What we can't achieve with sheer numbers, we achieve with skill". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, AI development requires massive investment, he said, estimating Russia's power sector needs at 40 trillion roubles ($506 billion) for generation and 5 trillion for grids over the next 16 years. A leap in LLM memory and the emergence of an AI architecture not based on generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs) could mark the next breakthrough, he said, similar to what Chinas DeepSeek did in 2024. Vedyakhin warned energy consumption levels make returns on AI investment "either very distant or not visible at all", cautioning against "overheated hype" on infrastructure spending. "We believe that excessive investments in AI infrastructure may indeed fail to pay off, given the rapid pace of technological development," he said, adding Russia was immune to an "AI bubble" because its investment was not excessive. (Reporting by Gleb Bryanski; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Alexander Smith) The shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline is causing significant disruptions at SEA Airport, as airlines implement contingency plans to ensure planes remain fueled through Thanksgiving. The pipeline shutdown has led to flights being rerouted and rescheduled, causing inconvenience for travelers, especially those flying internationally. With no clear timeline for repairs, passengers are concerned about the duration of these disruptions. If you are traveling overseas, that could be problematic because those jets, you know, some of the larger Boeings take tens of thousands of jet fuel, said Patrick De Haan from GasBuddy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vinh Ngyn, whose parents flight was impacted, explained the inconvenience caused by the rerouting. So, her flight got rerouted and delayed. She has to take a stop in Alaska because of the fuel line thing, he said. Ngyn further expressed the frustration, noting, She thought it was very inconvenient. I mean, she has to be on a flight for like an extra six hours or something. In response to the ongoing issues, Delta Airlines has issued travel waivers for those on long international flights affected by rescheduling. A spokesperson with Delta sent us this statement and background: Delta is closely monitoring the status of repairs to the Olympic Pipeline and has issued a waiver to provide customers with flexibility in case we need to make schedule adjustments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attributable background: Delta has transported extra fuel via tanker trucks into SEA to supplement fuel reserves while the pipeline is repaired. To minimize customer impact and conserve fuel supply in SEA, a very limited number of domestic long-haul flights exiting SEA will make a brief fueling stop. Any customer on an affected flight for today and tomorrow, Mon., 11/24, has already been contacted by Delta." Alaska Airlines, while not expecting disruptions during the Thanksgiving travel week, has added fuel stops to 10 flights out of SEA as part of its contingency plan. Patrick De Haan emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, Its not a pretty situation. This pipeline needs to be restored as quickly as possible. As airlines continue to adjust to the pipeline shutdown, the ripple effects on travel plans are expected to persist, with experts urging a swift resolution to the issue. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said President Donald Trumps death threats to Democratic lawmakers put his mental state in question. Its not just shocking, its not just offensive. Its bizarre, it is erratic, its volatile, she told reporters. And I think it indicates a mental state that we should all be questioning right now. ... It is not normal to make these accusations. It is not normal to invoke these kinds of threats of violence. AOC: The presidents remarks indicate a level of instability. Its not just shocking, its not just offensive, its bizarre, it is erratic, its volatile. I think it indicates a mental state that we should all be questioning right now. pic.twitter.com/Fd9bnUSqYc Acyn (@Acyn) November 23, 2025 The progressive lawmaker made the remarks on Friday. Trump has raged at the six Congressional Democrats with military and intelligence backgrounds who issued a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders. He continued over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), who said threats against her skyrocketed amid Trumps incendiary attacks, and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) headlined the clip amid murky times for service members. Trump has spearheaded legally disputed federal deployments into blue cities that he says are to curb crime. The administration has also ordered fatal strikes on suspected drug smugglers at sea, raising legal issues. Politics: Lawrence ODonnell Flags Most Vivid Image Of Decline And Fall Of Trump Yet Trump called the video makers traitors and said their behavior was punishable by death. He even boosted a social entry calling for their hanging. On Saturday, he called it sedition at the highest level and said that all involved should be in jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche strongly suggested last week that the Department of Justice would investigate the matter. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, right, said Donald Trumps, left, mental state is questionable. Associated Press/Getty Related... Read the original on HuffPost Photo: https://www.facebook.com/Nawrocki25 Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced that he invited his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to Warsaw. "The Czech Republic is a very important partner for us when it comes to bilateral relations between Poland and Ukraine. Our strategic interest is, of course, supporting Ukraine, as has been repeatedly stated by Poles, Polish women, and myself as the President of Poland. I look forward to seeing President Zelenskyy in Warsaw and hope that President Zelenskyy will accept my invitation to Warsaw," he said at a joint press conference with Czech President Peter Pavel in Prague on Monday. Nawrocki added that he also invites President Pavel to Warsaw for a meeting with President Zelenskyy. The Polish leader emphasized that he considers Russia the greatest threat to the security and democracy of all of Europe. "There is no doubt that Russia is the aggressor. There is no doubt that it is in the interests of European countries, including Poland, to strive for a sustainable peace, not a peace that would allow the Russian Federation to mobilize its forces and start a new war in the coming years or decades," he said. At the same time, Nawrocki added that he considers Russia a country that does not comply with agreements, which means that "this is a threat to any potential peace that would be signed." According to him, "the only person in the world who is ready to force the Russian Federation to peace is the President of the United States, Donald Trump." "And I think that cooperation between European countries, especially Central European countries that are directly on the border of the war, but also cooperation with NATO and with the United States under President Donald Trump, gives hope for a solution to this conflict in a way that would be acceptable to Poland and all Central European countries," the president said. A majority of U.S. voters think the American presidency is exercising too much power, while fewer than 1 in 10 think the president isnt wielding enough, according to a new Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll. A slight majority of Utah voters agree President Donald Trump is exercising too much power, despite the president garnering positive job approval ratings in the state. Voters are split on whether the other branches of government are exerting too much, too little or just the right amount of power in response to the Trump administrations attempt to expand executive authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey was conducted just after the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in what has been called the biggest separation-of-powers controversy in 70 years as the court decides on whether Congress has given, or can give, the president authority over broad tariffs. President Trump has pursued policies in trade, immigration and military mobilization that have pushed presidential authority into new territory, said Troy Smith, the director of Utah Valley Universitys Constitutional Federalism Initiative. Like administrations before his, Trump has embraced a unitary executive theory of governance, acting under the assumption that whereas Congress is limited to specific functions by the Constitution, the president is empowered to exercise all executive authority by himself. Trump is pushing that theory beyond what any other presidents have tried to do, Smith told the Deseret News. With any new constitutional paradigm, it takes time to work its way out. How is Congress going to respond to this? How are the courts going to respond to this? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A plurality of Americans want Congress and the courts to continue exercising their authority in the face of Trumps initiatives, or to exercise more power, the poll found. But a third of Americans think these institutions, like the president, are also overstepping their bounds. How do Utahns feel about federal power? Utahns are closely aligned with the rest of the country in their feelings toward each of the branches of government. However, Utah Republicans tend to be more skeptical of government authority than their fellow Republicans. A slight majority of voters nationally (51%), and in Utah (52%), said they think the president is currently exercising too much power. Another 31% of Utahns said the president is exercising just the right amount of power, 9% said the president is exercising not enough power and 9% dont know. DN-Presidentialpowerpoll Responses in Utah were more evenly split for Congress: 37% of voters said it is exerting too much power, 23% said it is the right amount, 22% said it is not enough and 18% werent sure. A greater share of respondents said Congress should do more, compared to the other branches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The partisan impact was felt most heavily for the president: 3 in 10 Utah Republicans say the president is exercising too much power, while 5 in 10 say hes using just the right amount. Slightly more than 8 in 10 Utah Democrats say the president is exercising too much power, about the same as Democrats nationally. Utah Republicans (29%) were more likely to say the president is exercising too much power than Republicans nationally (21%). At the national level, 35% of Republicans and Democrats said Congress is exercising too much power. Responses also appeared less partisan, or more mixed, for the Supreme Court, which has approved aspects of Trumps agenda while shutting down others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than any other branch, American voters felt the Supreme Court is exercising the right amount of power, with a plurality of 34% indicating this position, while 31% say the court is wielding too much power, 19% say not enough and 15% say they dont know. Morning Consult administered the poll nationally among 1,745 registered voters from Nov. 7 to 12 with a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. The Utah survey was conducted among 607 voters from Nov. 8 to 12 with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. The state of Americas separation of powers Members of the National Guard conduct a community safety patrol on Beale Street, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. | George Walker IV Since starting his second term, Trump has launched an unprecedented mass deportation campaign by expanding the definition of invasion, initiated a historic tariff regime by classifying trade deficits as an emergency, and deployed the National Guard by citing public riots. For decades, the executive branch has amassed more power to itself, according to Smith. At times, this takes on a more dramatic character, like when tension between the courts and Franklin D. Roosevelts reforms created over time a new constitutional paradigm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is pushing norms and edges that have been in place for a long time, Smith said. And that has a lot of people concerned. But that is a legitimate constitutional paradigm it is being tested though. While some have pointed to GOP lawmakers hesitancy to push back against Trump on tariffs, Smith said Congress has acted as a check on the presidency, forcing a number of nominations to be withdrawn, and providing more detailed instructions to federal agencies after the Supreme Court overturned the Chevron Doctrine. More resistance is likely to come from Republicans, Smith said. Lawmakers often defer to their partys standard-bearer during the first year of a presidents term, but there are signs this is starting to break as libertarian-leaning Congress members pushed for the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trumps approach to the presidency has also put more pressure on the U.S. Supreme Court, which is having to interpret what the Constitution says about the presidents arguments about executive authority, just as they had to do in the 1930s. Were at another time period where we are reconsidering a lot of those questions, Smith said. And sometimes they get it wrong. ... Oftentimes the decision made in the political moment isnt necessarily the one thats going to last, in the sense of the one thats consistent with our constitutional system of government. NEED TO KNOW Anna Kepner died from asphyxiation from a "bar hold" while on a family vacation Her body was found by a housekeeper aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise on Nov. 8 Her 16-year-old stepbrother was the only person seen going in and out of her room on the cruise, according to her family The 16-year-old possibly suspected in his stepsister's death aboard a cruise ship was "an emotional mess" when her body was found, according to family members. Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old high-school cheerleader from Titusville, Fla., was on a family vacation when she was found dead under a bed on a Carnival Horizon cruise ship on Nov. 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI is investigating the case, the agency previously confirmed to PEOPLE. Officials have not publicly named a suspect or a person of interest. Court filings unrelated to the case, however, claim Anna's 16-year-old stepbrother may be a "suspect" in her death. In a petition filed in a child custody case, Thomas Hudson, the biological father of Anna's 16-year-old stepbrother said the teen is a "suspect in the death of the step child during the cruise," according to a court document obtained by PEOPLE. Hudson's ex-wife, Shauntel Hudson, who is the 16-year-old boy's biological mother and Kepner's stepmother, also made similar statements, claiming the FBI informed her that her son could be facing a criminal case following Kepner's death, according to a court document obtained by PEOPLE. (Shauntel's last name is listed as "Kepner" in several media reports, but court documents identify her as Shauntel Hudson.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kepner's grandparents said in a recent interview that the teen and her stepbrother were very close like "two peas in a pod." After Kepner's body was found, the stepbrother was seemingly aghast, her grandmother Barbara Kepner told ABC News in an exclusive interview. He was an emotional mess. He couldn't even speak," Barbara said in the interview. "He couldn't believe what had happened." Anna Kepner/Instagram Anna Kepner. Anna Kepner. Security footage shows that the boy, who was sharing a room with Kepner, was the only person seen going in and out of the room, investigators told the family, per Barbara. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He allegedly said he had no recollection of what happened. In his own words, say he does not remember what happened," Barbara told ABC News. I believe, to him, that is his truth. She declined to comment on speculation about a criminal case against him. "I can't accuse him because I don't know what happened in that room," she said. The teen was hospitalized for psychiatric observation after the cruise ship reached Miami, Barbara added, confirming previous statements by Hudson's lawyer. He has since been released. Information about the circumstances surrounding Anna's death and the ensuing investigation remains limited two weeks on, as officials continue to be tight-lipped about the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A formal ruling regarding the cause and nature of her death has not been publicly announced. A source close to the investigation previously told ABC News Kepner died by asphyxiation from a "bar hold" meaning an arm held across the neck. PEOPLE has not independently verified this information, and was redirected to the FBI upon previously contacting the medical examiner's office. PEOPLE has reached out to the FBI for further comment. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW The grandparents of Anna Kepner, the Florida teenager who died aboard a Carnival cruise ship, are sharing new details surrounding her death We were all having a great time," Barbara Kepner told the outlet. "I couldn't fathom why anyone would wanna hurt my baby." Of Anna's stepbrother being considered an alleged suspect in her death, her grandmother, Barbara, noted, I know that those two kids cared about each other in the right way. I can't accuse him because I don't know what happened in that room" The grandparents of Anna Kepner, the Florida teenager who died aboard a Carnival cruise ship, are sharing new details surrounding her death. Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner were traveling with their 18-year-old granddaughter Anna, her father, stepmother and stepsiblings on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship when she was found dead on Nov. 8, ABC News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were all having a great time," Barbara Kepner told the outlet. "I couldn't fathom why anyone would wanna hurt my baby." Annas body was discovered under a bed in the room she had been staying in with her two stepsiblings, CBS News previously reported. Her stepbrother is now being considered as a suspect in her death, her grandparents told ABC News. Other outlets, including CBS News, previously reported that the stepbrother is a suspect, but cited court filings in an unrelated case involving the stepmother. In his own words, says he does not remember what happened, Barbara told the outlet. I believe, to him, that is his truth. He was an emotional mess. He couldn't even speak. He couldn't believe what had happened. Anna Kepner/Instagram Anna Kepner Anna Kepner According to the grandparents, per ABC News, the Kepner family was told by authorities that the stepbrother was the only one seen going in and the only one seen going out from the room he was sharing with Anna. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barbara described Anna and her stepbrother as just like brother and sister and that she and her two older stepsiblings wanted to stay in the room together on the cruise ship. I know that those two kids cared about each other in the right way, she said. I can't accuse him because I don't know what happened in that room. Following her death, Annas stepbrother was hospitalized for psychiatric observation after returning to Miami, before being released to stay with a family member, Anna's grandmother told ABC News. Anna Kepner/Instagram Anna Kepner Anna Kepner Barbara said she last saw Anna alive the previous night at dinner, after she told her she didnt feel well, she told ABC News. 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. She must have felt better, because she got dressed up. And she came down, we were playing in the casino, she recalled. And she sat down and she said, Meemaw, I love you guys, I'll see you later. She'd pop in and out to check in with us. And we never saw her again after that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family was notified of a medical alert through the ships loudspeakers the following morning. I knew when [my husband] walked in the room, something was wrong I just screamed, Barbara told ABC News. The FBI informed Annas family that her cause of death was asphyxiation, her grandparents confirmed to the outlet. Anna's grandmother said that they were told that she had been put in a bar hold, a maneuver where an elbow is placed across the neck, but a formal cause of death has not been officially announced by authorities as of the time of publication. No arrests have been made at this time. PEOPLE reached out to the FBI for further comment, but they did not immediately respond. Read the original article on People Lawyers for the Associated Press asked an appeals court on Monday not to reverse a lower courts decision to end the White Houses ban on AP reporters over the newswires decision not to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, since the First Amendment commands no viewpoint discrimination. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit heard arguments from both the White House and the AP on Monday as the White House demanded a reversal of an April order by Judge Trevor N. McFadden, who ordered the White House to end its ban on AP reporters access to White House spaces over the decision. The appeals court in June stayed the ruling until arguments this month. The AP has said it retained the Gulf of Mexico name to appeal to a global audience, though it notes President Donald Trumps executive order changing the name in its stories. The White House banned the outlet from the Oval Office and Air Force One over the matter, saying they did not have the right to access the president. The president can make individual decisions, AP lawyer Charles Tobin told the courts panel of judges on Monday. Its also established in this circuit that if the White House has a hard pass program or admission for all journalists to the East Room or the Brady press room, he must not discriminate based on viewpoints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yaakov Roth, the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Departments Civil Division, argued that the White House is within its rights to restrict reporters from non-public spaces and that such restrictions did not merit retaliation, comparing it to if the White House rejected someones employment application because they criticized the president or when Trump decides which guests to host in the Oval Office. The president routinely invites Republicans and not Democrats into the Oval Office for ceremonies, Roth said. Nobody thinks that he has to extend those invitations on a viewpoint-neutral basis for the same reasons he can invite favored reporters and not disfavored reporters to watch that ceremony in the Oval Office. AP Executive Editor Julie Pace wrote in an op-ed on Monday that letting the government control which journalists can cover the highest office in the land and setting rules about what those journalists can say or write is a direct attempt to undercut the First Amendment. It should worry all of us, she wrote. Because if a president of any party can use personal and political preference to choose which journalists to allow in and kick others out because of the words they use it means you are not getting a full picture of what is happening. It results in a filtered look at whoever holds the highest office, not the rigorous coverage the public deserves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has since permitted AP photographers into its pool events, but did not immediately respond to TheWraps request for comment. The post Associated Press Argues White House Cannot Discriminate Based on Viewpoints in Gulf of America Fight appeared first on TheWrap. By Christine Chen SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia is home for YouTube star Jordan Barclay, the place where he was born, went to school and built a company worth $50 million by age 23 that produces gaming content for 23 million subscribers. Now, with a world-first social media ban on Australian children younger than 16 set to take effect on December 10, he is thinking of leaving his Melbourne studio and moving abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're going to move overseas because that's where the money is going to be," said Barclay, whose seven YouTube channels include EYstreem, Chip and Milo, and Firelight. "We can't afford to keep doing business if advertisers leave Australia." Nine participants interviewed by Reuters in Australia's social media industry, estimated to generate annual revenue of A$9 billion ($5.82 billion), did not put a dollar figure on the ban's impact but agreed it could lead to a drop in advertisers and views. YouTubers, who get paid 55% of ad revenue and up to 18 Australian cents per 1,000 views, could be hit hardest, said social media researcher Susan Grantham at Griffith University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If it is one clean sweep and all these accounts disappear, then instantaneously, it's going to be detrimental to the influencer economy." The law requires companies to block the accounts of more than a million people under the cut-off age, punishing "systemic breaches" with penalties of up to A$49.5 million. While teenagers can still watch YouTube without an account, the site's algorithm will fail to drive traffic to popular posts, reducing views. Equally, creators on YouTube, TikTok and Meta's Instagram stand to lose earnings through promotions if the number of their followers fall, Grantham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisers are also on edge about campaigns targeting younger audiences, said Stephanie Scicchitano, general manager at Sydney-based talent agency Born Bred Talent. FEWER SPONSORSHIP DEALS AS BAN DEADLINE NEARS Barclay's company Spawnpoint Media sells advertising to companies such as Lego and Microsoft, but clients' interest in sponsorship deals has declined as the ban approaches, he said. "They're worried about what the ban could mean later," he said. "If it expands, if it grows ... it makes sense for us to invest overseas and not here." The United States could be among his options, he said, pointing to more favourable laws and government support in such markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some creators are already leaving to avoid the curbs, such as influencers the Empire Family, who told followers in October they were relocating to Britain. The careers of those creating content featuring children younger than 16, such as family vloggers and child influencers, were particularly at risk, said Crystal Abidin, the director of the Influencer Ethnography Research Lab. "They agree that in order to continue, it's an easy decision to immigrate," she said. Children's musicians Tina and Mark Harris, whose Lah-Lah YouTube channel has 1.4 million subscribers, said, "Any negative impact on income is going to hurt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CONCERN ABOUT LASTING REPUTATIONAL HARM But their main concern was lasting reputational damage from the government's description of YouTube's harm to children. "Parents will get the jitters and stay away from YouTube in droves," Mark Harris said. "Maybe that's hyperbole, we just don't know." Initially exempted from the ban, Alphabet-owned YouTube was added later at the urging of Australia's internet regulator, which said 37% of minors reported seeing harmful content on YouTube, the worst showing for a platform. The ban "does a disservice" to creators of high-quality content for children, said Shannon Jones, who runs Australia's largest YouTube channel, Bounce Patrol, with more than 33 million subscribers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Byron Bay creator Junpei Zaki, 28, whose output is mostly drawn from interactions with 22 million followers across TikTok and YouTube, expects the ban to cause a "guaranteed drop" in likes and comments from Australia. "It ... does feel like I'm ignoring my Australian audience that helped get me here, because they can't interact." HIT MAGNIFIED FOR SMALLER CREATORS Zaki estimates he will lose 100,000 followers to the ban, a blip in his global reach, but warned that smaller creators with domestic audiences would be hit harder. At the House of Lim food stall in Sydney's west, 15-year-old owner Dimi Heryxlim has built a following by posting vlogs of his routine running the kitchen after school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Losing access to his TikTok and Instagram accounts "will be a bad thing", he said, as some customers recognise him from his videos, but he plans to return as soon as he turns 16. "If I can't get my account back, I'll just get a new account and start everything from scratch," said Heryxlim. ($1 = 1.5475 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by Byron Kaye and Clarence Fernandez) An Australian far-Right leader has been accused of blatant racism after wearing a burka in parliament. Pauline Hanson wore the burka on Monday after being denied permission to introduce a bill that would outlaw burkas and other full-face coverings in public places in Australia. The Senate erupted in anger as Ms Hanson walked into the chamber wearing the garment, worn by some Muslim women, which covers the entire body and face. Proceedings were suspended when she refused to remove it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the second time Ms Hanson had used the head covering in an effort to ban them. This is a racist senator, displaying blatant racism, said Mehreen Faruqi, a Greens senator who is a Muslim. Fatima Payman, an independent senator who is also a Muslim, called the stunt disgraceful. Both Penny Wong, the leader of Australias centre-left Labor government in the Senate, and Anne Ruston, the deputy Senate leader for the opposition coalition, condemned Ms Hansons actions. Ms Wong called them not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate and moved a motion to suspend Ms Hanson for failing to remove the garment. After Ms Hanson refused to leave, proceedings were suspended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Hanson, who once owned a fish and chip shop in the town of Ipswich in Queensland, first entered politics in the early 1990s, winning a seat on the town council. Pauline Hanson pictured in her usual attire in the Australian parliament in 2021 - Sam Mooy/Getty She joined the conservative Liberal Party in 1995 but was forced out a year later because of her controversial views on immigration and race relations. She bounced back in 1996, running successfully for parliament as an independent. She shocked many Australians when, in her maiden speech to parliament, she blamed Aborigines and Asian immigrants for many of the countrys problems, calling for a ban on Asian immigration. She helped form a new political party called One Nation in 1997. She was forced out of the party but made a comeback in 2014 and was elected its leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016 she was elected to the federal senate in Canberra and retained the seat in elections in 2022. She previously wore a burka to parliament in 2017, also calling for a national ban at that time. Ms Hanson previously protested by wearing a burka in parliament in 2017 - Reuters Ms Hansons One Nation party has four seats in the Senate, having gained two in Mays general election amid rising support for far-Right anti-immigration policies. In a 2022 report, the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism listed One Nation as one of 20 established and emerging hate groups in Australia, citing its track record on anti-multiculturalism, white nationalism, and Covid-19 conspiracy theories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement posted on Facebook, Ms Hanson said her actions were a protest against the Senate rejecting her proposed bill. So if the Parliament wont ban it, I will display this oppressive, radical, non-religious head garb that risks our national security and the ill-treatment of women on the floor of our parliament so that every Australian knows whats at stake, she said. France banned full-face veils, such as the burka and niqab, in all public spaces in 2010, with the measure taking effect in April 2011. Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, has called for similar legislation. In Britain, Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, called the Islamic full-face veil anti-British and said there should be a national debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, has said the Conservatives would not ban the burka under her leadership, but added that bosses should have the right to ban staff from wearing burkas and other face coverings in the workplace. Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has said he would not ban burkas. 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. Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Canadian conservation officials continue their search for three grizzly bears that attacked a group of elementary students injuring four people, including a teacher, last week in rural British Columbia. Since the Thursday attack in Bella Coola Valley, located about 620 miles north of Vancouver, B.C. conservation officers have been searching the region for the mother grizzly bear and two cubs. On Sunday, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service has been rotating teams to search for the bears, including during the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Royal Canadian Mounted Police air assets with thermal imaging cameras have been deployed to assist, the BCCOS said in a statement, while urging members of the public to not aid in their search efforts. Additional officers arrived a day prior, and trapping efforts were ongoing. Residents are being urged to avoid the 4 Miles subdivision of Bella Coola Valley where the attack occurred and to remain indoors. Any bears captured amid the search will be assessed by wildlife biologists as well as federal veterinarians "to determine next steps," the BCCOS said. On Thursday, local authorities were notified of a bear attack involving a school group. Three students and an adult were injured, BCCOS Insp. Kevin Van Damme said in a recorded statement posted on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group had stopped along a trail when the bear, emerging from the woods, attacked. A teacher, armed with pepper spray and a bear banger, successfully repelled the animal, he said. The four injured were transported to a hospital in Vancouver for further treatment. The bear may have been previously injured, Van Damme said. B.C. Premier David Eby thanked the teachers for their "heroism." "The conservation officers, I'm assured, are working hard to identify and find the bear, and I know for all of us in the province [this is] just a terrible story and terrible outcome and we wish a quick recovery and the best for everyone who was injured," he said during a press conference following the attack. According to the British Columbia Conservation Foundation, grizzly bear attacks in the province are uncommon but occasionally turn fatal. The driver of a vehicle that crashed on Rosehill Road last month, killing three E.E. Smith High School students, appeared in court for the first time Nov. 20, gripping a stuffed animal and weeping as she sat in a wheelchair. Dymond Nekiya Monroe, 21, was booked into the Cumberland County jail after being released from the hospital Nov. 19, nearly seven weeks after the Oct. 6 wreck that killed Jai'Hyon Lamont Elliott, 18; Nicholas Kole Williams, 17; and Trevor Jayshawn Merritt, 17. She is charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count each of willful speed competition, careless and reckless driving, speeding and failure to have insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities allege she was racing her sister, Destini Rhinada Genwright, 19, when the accident occurred. Genwright surrendered to authorities Oct. 21 and is charged with willful speed competition, careless and reckless driving, speeding and failure to have insurance in the incident. Related: Driver in crash that killed three Fayetteville students is booked into Cumberland County jail Monroe started appeared to have already been crying Nov. 20 as she was wheeled into the courtroom and people in the gallery stood to get a better look at her. After District Court Judge Tiffany Whitfield read the charges, Monroe's defense attorney Aerial Chatman asked that the court give Monroe a non-secure bail, meaning she be released from custody without posting any money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chatman said Monroe had no history that would prove she was a flight risk, and doctors recommended she doesn't travel. From left, Jai'hyon Elliott, Nicholas Williams and Trevor Meritt were killed in a car accident Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. "At this point, we're asking for a departure from the normal bond," he said. To further bolster his reason for an unsecured bail, Chatman said Monroe fallen at the jail earlier in the day and her arrest halted UNC Hospitals' six-week recovery plan for her. "The risk of keeping her here far outweighs the benefits," Chatman said. After, District Attorney Billy West told the judge a $300,000 secured bond is warranted because of the seriousness of the charges, Chatman made a final bid for a reduction, saying his client "gives her heart to the families." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the end, the judge declined to lower Monroe's bail. Following the first appearance, West said the investigation is ongoing. This is a case that really shook our community to its core," he said. "Were still gathering evidence. The investigation has not concluded at this point. Itll be fairly long process and I know its not going to bring these three young people back, but well try to bring some measure of justice for these young people and their families. Chatman said after the hearing that is was unfair for Monroe to be incarcerated when she is still undergoing treatment. She does have several rods and pins in her neck and her leg. She has a broken wrist and she also has a litany of pain medications that shes currently on in addition to rehabilitation," he said. "She is not allowed to have any of those medications while she is in this facility and thats why this is not the place for her at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public safety reporter Joseph Pierre can be reached at jpierre@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Dymond Monroe appears in Cumberland court in deaths of E.E. Smith students Belgium steeled itself for closed schools and disrupted train and air travel as three days of strikes kicked off Monday in protest at government austerity plans aimed at shrinking the national debt. The movement is planned in three waves: trains and other public transport went on strike Monday, with national railroad company SNCB expecting to run one or two out of three trains. Several Eurostars linking Brussels to Paris were cancelled. On Tuesday, public services such as schools, creches, and hospitals join the strike, and for Wednesday unions have called for a full general strike covering all categories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No flights are expected Wednesday at the country's two main airports, Bruxelles-Zaventem and Charleroi. - 'Contempt' - The strike was called by the main Belgian unions who are in a stand-off with Prime Minister Bart De Wever over his efforts to shrink the country's debt, one of the highest in Europe along with Greece, Italy and France. Hours before the strike kicked off, De Wever's five-party coalition broke weeks of deadlock by striking an overnight deal on a multi-year budget plan for the country. The deal foresees a ramping up of government savings and several new revenue streams including hikes to some value-added taxes and investment taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Work today, and reap the fruits tomorrow," De Wever posted on X as he welcomed the accord -- which is intended in part to cover an increase in the country's military budget. "We had a big mountain to climb," he told RTBF radio, conceding that "everyone is going to feel some of the impact of what we are asking for." In power since February, the Flemish conservative is trying to impose a major austerity effort through a series of unprecedented structural reforms concerning labour market liberalisation, unemployment benefits, and pensions. But only a small number of the measures proposed by De Wever have been implemented so far, largely because of divisions within his fractious governing coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike is intended to put pressure on the parties as they negotiate between themselves. This is "an appeal to Prime Minister De Wever and the entire government to put an end to the dismantling of social programs," the unions stated in a press release. The socialist union FGTB accused the Prime Minister of showing "contempt" and "disrespect" towards this social movement. Earlier union efforts have had mixed results. Tens of thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Brussels in mid-October to protest what they called "brutal" budget cuts. cjc-mad/ec/del Politburo member Wang Yi has become the most senior Chinese official to wade into the war of words over the new Japanese prime minister's comments on the Taiwan Strait, saying her remarks "crossed a red line". Wang, who is China's foreign minister, said China must "resolutely respond" to the comments to safeguard the country's sovereignty and defend its post-war achievements. "It is shocking that Japan's current leader has publicly sent the wrong signal of attempting military intervention in the Taiwan issue, said things that shouldn't have been said, and crossed a red line that should not have been touched," Wang said in a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. 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. The ministry did not specify when Wang made the comments, saying only that they came after his trip to the Central Asian states of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The trip ended on Saturday. "China must resolutely respond," he was quoted as saying. "This is not only to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also to defend the post-war achievements won with blood and lives, and to uphold international justice and human conscience." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang's statement is the latest volley in Beijing's diplomatic row with Tokyo over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's suggestion to the Japanese parliament this month that a hypothetical attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo. This prompted retaliatory measures from China, from diplomatic protests to warnings to its citizens about travel and study in Japan. Beijing views Taiwan as a part of China, to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including Japan and the United States, do not acknowledge the self-ruled island as an independent state, but they oppose any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, and Washington is committed to supplying the island with weapons. Meanwhile, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has conducted live-fire drills simulating complex electromagnetic conditions and unexpected contingencies, according to a social media post by the navy's political work department on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said the combat-readiness training was carried out by a naval unit of the PLA's Eastern Theatre Command, which oversees the Taiwan Strait. The drill was aimed at "comprehensively testing the troops' combat readiness under real-war conditions" while "honing tactical coordination and emergency-response capabilities in high-intensity confrontation", according to the post. It added that the round-the-clock, combat-oriented drills incorporated key training elements, such as mobile manoeuvres, electronic jamming and position defence. The Eastern Theatre Command also released footage of the Type 05 amphibious assault vehicle on Thursday, highlighting its features as a "maritime supercar", a "beachhead weapon" and a "sea-land iron cavalry". The PLA's Eastern Theatre Command has conducted live-fire drills simulating complex electromagnetic conditions and unexpected contingencies. Photo: Handout alt=The PLA's Eastern Theatre Command has conducted live-fire drills simulating complex electromagnetic conditions and unexpected contingencies. Photo: Handout> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other commands have also been demonstrating their combat readiness. According to Beijing Daily, the Western, Central and Southern theatre commands, as well as the Southern and Central air forces and the South and North sea fleets, have recently released combat-readiness videos. A South Sea Fleet video released on Wednesday bore the caption: "If the battle breaks out tonight, comrade, are you ready?" China also launched week-long live-fire drills on Tuesday in the Yellow Sea, which separates the Chinese mainland from the Korean peninsula. It is the second such exercise in the waters in less than a week, with another drill held between Monday and Wednesday in a different part of the sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. First batch of wintering black-headed gulls arrive at Lugu Lake in Yunnan People's Daily Online) 09:41, November 24, 2025 Black-headed gulls fly over Lugu Lake in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Lijiang Municipal Committee) Lugu Lake in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province, has welcomed the arrival of the first batch of wintering black-headed gulls, signaling the start of the viewing season. The ecological spectacle is expected to continue through March next year. Visitors pause to take photos, feed the birds, and enjoy the harmonious interactions between humans and wildlife under the warm sunlight. As the third-deepest freshwater lake in China, Lugu Lake consistently maintains Class I surface-water qualitythe highest gradeproviding excellent habitat and abundant food sources for black-headed gulls and other migratory birds. In recent years, Lijiang city and Ninglang county have prioritized ecological preservation and implemented measures to protect Lugu Lake. Thanks to systematic environmental management, biodiversity at the lake continues to flourish. Rare species such as black-necked cranes and red-crested pochards now appear frequently, making Lugu Lake a wintering ground for an increasing number of migratory birds. A tourist takes a ride in a boat to observe black-headed gulls up close at Lugu Lake in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Lijiang Municipal Committee) Black-headed gulls fly over Lugu Lake in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Lijiang Municipal Committee) Black-headed gulls swim in Lugu Lake in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Lijiang Municipal Committee) Black-headed gulls swim in Lugu Lake in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Lijiang Municipal Committee) Tourists take photos of black-headed gulls at Lugu Lake in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Lijiang Municipal Committee) Black-headed gulls fly over Lugu Lake in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Lijiang Municipal Committee) Photo shows a boat on Lugu Lake in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Lijiang Municipal Committee) Photo shows tourists on the bank of Lugu Lake in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Lijiang Municipal Committee) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) Brazil's Supreme Court on Monday upheld former President Jair Bolsonaro's incarceration after he admitted to trying to break his ankle monitor while under house arrest. A justice saw the action as an attempt to escape and avoid a 27-year prison sentence for leading a coup attempt. Bolsonaro, 70, was arrested and kept in a cell at the countrys federal police headquarters in the capital, Brasilia, early Saturday. A four-member panel of the court unanimously ruled that Bolsonaro should remain under preemptive arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who issued the arrest warrant on Saturday, considered Bolsonaro to be a flight risk. The former president is set to begin serving his 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup to remain in office after his 2022 election defeat to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. De Moraes' decision was approved by his peers Flavio Dino, Cristiano Zanin and Carmen Lucia in an online session of the court. Bolsonaro told an assistant judge on Sunday that a change in his medication caused him to have a nervous breakdown and hallucinations, which led him to try and break his ankle monitor. His doctors and lawyers repeated his claims while talking to reporters. However, De Moraes wrote in his decision that Bolsonaro ... confessed he had broken the ankle monitoring in a serious foul play, repeated non-compliance with precautionary measures (that allowed him to stay in house arrest) and evident disrespect to the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge was informed that the far-right leaders ankle monitor was tampered with at 12:08 a.m. local time on Saturday. The arrest order came hours later. Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since August. Supporters and detractors of the former president have taken to the streets in several Brazilian cities since the news broke on Saturday. On a rainy Monday in Brasilia, few demonstrators appeared in front of the federal police headquarters. As some drove by, they honked, either shouting insults at Bolsonaro or showing support for Lula. As lawmakers start coming back to the city for what is likely to be a busy and tense week, one of the sons of the former president, Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, told journalists he will keep pushing for an amnesty bill for his father a move that has lost steam over the last few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will do this all over 2026, said Flavio Bolsonaro, who is also a presidential hopeful in next year's presidential election. Other right-leaning politicians would rather have a candidate outside of the family, such as Sao Paulo Gov. Tarcisio de Freitas. Bolsonaro's lawyers can file other appeals until the end of Monday, but that does not rule out the Supreme Court from ordering the former president to start serving his prison sentence as early as Tuesday if de Moraes decides so. De Moraes has not hinted whether he will make that decision so quickly, though. A man is in the hospital fighting for his life and his brother is undergoing questioning following a shooting Sunday afternoon near East 52nd Street and Esmond. According to the Odessa Police Department, officers were dispatched to the intersection around 1:45 p.m. and when they arrived, they discovered that a Nissan 350 Z operated by Leroy Robinson had struck a Nissan 370 Z operated by his brother, Roy, twice, until it collided with a Ford Explorer. Once stopped, police said Leroy got out of his vehicle and shot Roy multiple times while he was still inside his vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roy was taken to Medical Center Hospital with life-threatening wounds and Leroy was taken into custody, said Corporal Steve LeSueur. There were several witnesses to the incident and a video was circulating on Facebook showing a man jumping from the hood of one of the cars and shooting the other man. That video has since been taken down. The post Brother being questioned in shooting caught on video appeared first on Odessa American. A agricultural machinery business owner has said he is "really scared" ahead of the chancellor's Budget this week. The government is set to unveil its plans for the economy on Wednesday with inheritance tax reforms set to be included. Murray Boss, the director of Ace ATV in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, said his business with farmers had "dropped off massively" and was "almost to a standstill" due to the poor state of the agricultural economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has said the reforms to inheritance tax rules will raise 2bn to fund public services. Mr Boss was speaking at a meet-up in Cathedral Square, in Worcester, which saw about 20 farmers attend with their tractors. He said: "This isn't so much a protest, we're just trying to make the public aware and the MPs, the mess that they're getting the rural economy into. "It doesn't just affect farmers, IHT (inheritance tax) will affect other businesses. It might not affect this generation but it might affect the next." The gathering on Monday came before the 20 farmers stationed themselves on motorway bridges and busy road junctions along the M5 to raise awareness before the Budget. 'Backing farmers' A government spokesperson said the reforms would safeguard public services while keeping inheritance tax fair - with three-quarters of estates paying nothing, and the rest paying half the usual rate, spread over 10 years interestfree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They added: "We are backing farmers with the largest naturefriendly budget in history with over 2.7bn a year to grow their businesses, put more British food on our plates, and restore nature." The government also said it was extending seasonal worker visas and protecting British produce in trade deals, as well as investing hundreds of millions of pounds in grants and biosecurity. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story Authorities in California are searching for the body of a man who was swept into the ocean at a beach in the Big Sur area, one week after a girl and her father died after being pulled into the water in the same state park. Three people were pulled into the water from the rocks at the Soberanes Point area of Garrapata state park on Saturday afternoon just after 3pm and began yelling for help, according to a statement from the Monterey county sheriffs office. Two women who had been dragged into the ocean were able to pull themselves out of the water. A man, who was described as being approximately 30, and wearing a white turban with black clothes, remained missing. Authorities launched a large operation with multiple agencies that included, among others, a county search and rescue team, California state parks and the US Coast Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At approximately 4.24pm on Saturday, a US Coast Guard helicopter located what appeared to be a body in the water; however, due to dangerous surf conditions, visual contact was lost and the individual could not be relocated, the Monterey county sheriffs office said. High winds and unsafe water conditions have hindered search efforts, limiting the ability of divers to conduct underwater operations. The darkness and hazardous conditions prompted the team to suspend its search on Saturday and Sunday evening, but authorities planned to resume operations on Monday morning. The previous week a seven-year-old girl was found dead after waves estimated up to 20ft swept her into the ocean at Garrapata Beach, in the same state park just a few miles away. The girls father, 39-year-old Yuji Hu, of Calgary, Alberta, died while trying to save her. Garrapata state park is popular for its miles of beaches, hiking trails that go from the water to redwood groves, and views of the Monterey Bay national marine sanctuary. Authorities have said conditions remain extremely dangerous and that the public should avoid the Soberanes Point area of the park, stay off coastal rocks and not enter the water under any circumstances. Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who is contesting the outcome of the presidential election, has fled to The Gambia for his safety, The Gambian government has said. Tchiroma Bakary has insisted he is the legitimate winner of the 12 October election, alleging that the result was rigged to give President Paul Biya, 92, an eighth term. The Gambian information ministry said on Sunday that Tchiroma Bakary arrived on 7 November and was allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cameroon's government had threatened to put him on trial for allegedly inciting violent post-election demonstrations. He denied the allegation, and blamed the security forces for a crackdown on protesters. The government put the number of people killed in post-election violence at 16, but other organisations have given a higher death toll. Tchiroma Bakary has repeatedly promised to resist Biya's government until his "victory" in the election is recognised. Biya, the world's oldest president, has been in power for 43 years, and was declared the winner with 53.7% of the vote amid allegations of fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tchiroma Bakary, who served in Biya's government for many years, came second with 35.2%. His resistance tactics have included calling for street protests and "ghost town" operations aimed at bringing cities and towns to a standstill. Until The Gambian government confirmed his presence, his whereabouts had remained a mystery although there was speculation that he had fled to another country in the region. "He is being hosted temporarily in The Gambia purely on humanitarian grounds in the spirit of African solidarity and for the purpose of ensuring his safety while discussions continue to pursue a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the post-electoral tensions in Cameroon," The Gambian government said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gambian authorities said the country would not be used as a "base for subversive activity against any state". The BBC has reached out to the Cameroonian government for comment. Reacting to the announcement, The Gambia's main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) criticised the government for withholding the announcement of Tchiroma Bakary's arrival until Sunday. It said it raised "serious questions about transparency, accountability, and respect for The Gambian people's right to know what actions are taken in their name". However, the party said it was proud that Tchiroma Bakary could find "safe sanctuary" in The Gambia, adding that it was fully aware of how "despotism operates and how dissenters are treated". You may also be interested in: [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 Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada said he will speak with President Donald Trump "when it's appropriate," as trade talks between the two allies have been shelved for exactly a month. Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he is attending the G20 summit, Carney signaled that he's in no rush to speak with the American leader, who unilaterally ended trade talks with Canada in mid-October over an Ontario government ad campaign that used a speech on tariffs by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan to criticize Trump's trade policy. "I look forward to speaking with the president soon, but I don't have a burning issue to speak with the president about right now," he said during the Sunday press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When America wants to come back and have the discussions on the trade side, we will have those discussions. Canada has sought to lessen its reliance on the United States and forge closer relations with Europe amid the Trump administration. The American leader has imposed tariffs against Ottawa and threatened to annex its northern neighbor. Carney, who was elected amid growing anti-U.S. and anti-Trump sentiment in Canada, has described the United States' abrasive stance toward its closest partners as a "betrayal." During the press conference, Carney emphasized that Canada's partnership with the European Union is "unmatched" and is based on shared values, including workers' rights, gender equality, LGBTQ rights, defense cooperation and the territorial integrity of Ukraine, among others. "I'll speak to him again when it matters," Carney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump ended trade talks with Canada in mid-October over the Reagan ad, which was produced by the provincial government of Ontario, not the federal government. Carney has apologized to Trump over the ad, which the Canadian leader said was accepted by the president. He told reporters that he and Trump have communicated since, but that "I've been busy." "We're busy," Carney said, referring to his government. "He's got other things to do. We'll re-engaged when it's appropriate." A federal judge dismissed the governments case against former FBI director James Comey after finding the sole prosecutor was not lawfully serving in her role. Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled that Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Lindsey Halligan was unlawfully appointed by President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi. She said that Halligan had no lawful authority to bring charges against Comey. Futhermore, Currie said that Halligans assignment amounted to a political appointment with the goal of prosecuting Comey. It would mean the government could send any private citizen off the street attorney or not into the grand jury room to secure an indictment so long as the attorney general gives her approval after the fact, Currie wrote. That cannot be the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comeys case had been heavily criticized by other judges prior to Curries dismissal. Judge William Fitzpatrick said Halligan took profound missteps in prosecuting the case, said she had an indict first, investigate later approach to the case. In later hearings, it came to light that Halligan never showed the full indictment to the grand jury that indicted Comey in September, which called the legality of the case into question. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Currie dismissed the case without prejudice, meaning that Trump administration can file the case again within six months. However, the question of who will bring the case remains. A previous US attorney resigned rather than try the case. The post That cannot be the law: Judge tosses Trumps extraordinary case against James Comey appeared first on Salon.com. The A$350m ($225.8m) Canterbury Hospital redevelopment project in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has made a progress with the first planning application being lodged. The redevelopment project represents the largest upgrade to the hospital in more than 26 years. This project aims to meet the current and future healthcare needs of the growing community through expanded services and facilities across the hospital campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The redevelopment project will include a new multi-storey building that will accommodate surgical and outpatient services, adult inpatient accommodation, a new intensive care unit, and an expanded emergency department. The project will also feature enhanced and expanded antenatal facilities and additional ambulatory and outpatient care capacity. A new diagnostic services unit will support diagnosis and medical condition management. There are also planned enhancements to hospital support services, including pharmacy and pathology. Early works will focus on refurbishing and expanding existing antenatal facilities, improving access to enhanced care spaces for families in Canterbury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site will also be prepared for undertaking main construction works, which are scheduled to begin next year, pending planning approval. New and enhanced facilities are expected to support research, clinical education, and workforce training. The Canterbury Hospital redevelopment is being carried out by Health Infrastructure in collaboration with Sydney Local Health District. Meanwhile, the planning documents for the early works is now put up for public exhibition and community feedback on the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for these early works is open until 18 December. The community will be informed as the project advances, with additional consultations scheduled for next year. A separate planning application to facilitate the main works construction is anticipated to be exhibited in early to mid-2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NSW health minister Ryan Park said: The public exhibition of planning documents for the early works marks an exciting milestone for the delivery of the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment. This next step demonstrates the NSW government's commitment to delivering modern, high-quality healthcare facilities for the Canterbury community. Earlier this month, the regional government announced the completion of the A$110.2m ($71.9m) Cowra Hospital Redevelopment. "Canterbury Hospital upgrade project proceeds with lodging of planning application" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. A scathing report from the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) revealed that the school system spent a staggering $14.5 million in "excessive" travel expenses in FY 2023 and FY 2024 combined. The report comes as data shows that just 30.5% of students in grades 38 were proficient in reading, and just 18.3% of students were proficient in math in the spring of 2024. "It is a sad commentary on just how far our city has fallen and how bad the leadership is," Chicago pastor Corey Brooks told Fox News Digital. "These individuals believe that spending money on themselves benefits our educational system more so than spending it on the children who so rightfully deserve it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In our neighborhood, there's a 6% reading proficiency," Brooks added. "And now you're talking about the overall for Chicago being 30%, that is something that needs to be spoken by everyone who is in power." A blistering Chicago Public Schools Inspector General report revealed that CPS spent $14.5 million on excessive travel in FY 202324 even as student proficiency rates plummetedwith only 30.5% reading and 18.3% math proficiency in grades 38 and nearly 41% of students chronically absent. Chicago Homeowners Demand Answers As Property Tax Bills Rise: 'Divestment In This Community' The CPS OIG report showed that the school system spent $7.7 million in FY 2024 alone, a 2,467% increase in travel expenses from FY 2021s $300,000 spending. Pre-pandemic spending from CPS was still dramatically lower, showing $3.6 million in travel expenses for FY 2019. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPS OIG's report also reveals school system officials took lavish trips to Las Vegas, Egypt, Finland and South Africa. In addition to the proficiency levels for grades 38, data also shows that in spring 2024, just 22.4% of CPS 11th graders were proficient in reading based on SAT scores, a test which is required by the state of Illinois. Similarly, 11th graders showed just 18.6% proficiency in math. "The Chicago Public School system is a complete dumpster fire," Educational Freedom Institute Executive Director Corey DeAngelis told Fox News Digital. "These government-run institutions are sentencing children to a future without opportunities." Trump Admin Pushes Chicago Public Schools To Abolish 'Black Student Success Plan' Amid dire academic performance and attendance rates, pastor Corey Brooks blasted CPS leadership for prioritizing lavish travel over students needs, calling it "a sad commentary on how far our city has fallen." "Chicago Public Schools spend about $30,000 per student and most of the kids still can't read on grade level," DeAngelis added. "The government school system is a bottomless pit, lighting taxpayer money on fire, while constantly asking for more." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the poor proficiency levels, school attendance has also been a major issue in the Windy City. If a student misses 10% or more of school days during the year, CPS labels the student a chronic absentee. In 2024, 40.8% of students in CPS suffered from chronic absenteeism. More Than 40 Percent Of Chicago Public School Teachers Absent At Least 10 Days In Past School Year: Report "These young children aren't even going to school now, and you never hear [about] it," Brooks explained. "No one ever talks about it." "You have third, fourth, fifth, sixth graders who cant read, and they're going to eventually become frustrated to the point of what we're seeing, just saying, I quit, I'm not going to go," he added. "You add to that the lack of parenting. Where parents are allowing these children to just do what they want to do they're just disinterested, and they're falling by the wayside every single day." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPS responded to Fox News Digitals request for comment by saying they have formed a committee to review travel expenses. CPS said the committee was effective Oct. 29 and that a letter was sent to all CPS staff on that date. CPS told Fox News Digital they have changed their travel policies after the school system spent millions on "excessive" expenses. CPS also noted that they are restricting "nearly all employee travel." Click Here To Download The Fox News App "Travel controls, transparency, and auditability will improve with the implementation of the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) financial system that is currently underway," a spokesperson for CPS told Fox News Digital. "ERP will improve automation for improved reconciliation between travel requests and travel spend as well as automate restrictions on types of travel, amounts, and accounts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We take seriously the findings and recommendations from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and will continue to ensure our District policies and procedures support the highest ethical standards and that our employees act in the best interest of our students, the District, and our city," the spokesperson added. Brooks also told Fox that educational, city and state leaders often ignore the needs of the widely damaged public school system, saying officials get to put their kids in the "best schools" while public school students suffer. "[They] are looking at the interest of themselves, not looking at the interest of their children, but even more so, they get to send their children to private schools and the best schools while children in our neighborhoods continue to fail," he explained. "That's not right." Original article source: Chicago public schools blow millions on travel expenses while students can't read at grade level Survivors of a deadly snowstorm in Patagonia that claimed the life of a British woman want new safety measures introduced to stop more "senseless loss of life" in the future. Five people, including Victoria Bond from Cornwall, died in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park, which is a popular destination for hikers, on 17 November. Chile's government, the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), travel agency Vertice and staff at Las Torres hotel have been criticised by a group of survivors, who have called for measures including more park rangers at the site and a "clear emergency plan" to be set up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC has contacted Chile's government, Conaf, Vertice and Las Torres for comment. Survivors who issued the statement included Newquay residents Christian Aldridge, Hayley Newnham, Tom Player and Matt Smith, who were all part of the same hiking group as Ms Bond. The survivors said they were left to self-organise search and rescue parties as no park rangers were present on the day the storm hit the region. They said no-one should have been allowed to visit the John Gardner Pass, which features on the park's O Circuit hiking route, but they were "encouraged to" by Vertice staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want to make it clear that this was a terrible, avoidable tragedy," the statement said. "We call on the Chilean government, parks staff [Conaf] and the private concessionaires [Vertice and Las Torres] within the park to implement some simple safety measures to ensure that this senseless loss of life never happens again." 'Incredibly traumatic' The survivors said they would like the authorities in Chile to increase the number of Conaf rangers at the park who could provide daily advice and weather updates on each section of the O Circuit. They said an emergency plan known to Conaf, Vertice, Las Torres and hikers should also be available, including having accessible medical and retrieval equipment and treatment options for hypothermia in the park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group also called for a "centralised communication channel" for the park to be used in emergencies and a hiker log at every campsite along the route. Survivors also called for a safety video for tourists hiking the W and O Circuits and a move to ensure staff at Refugios - mountain huts or lodges which provide shelter - had basic emergency training. Mr Aldridge said survivors had been supporting each other "through the shock" of the incident, which he described as "incredibly traumatic". Christian Aldridge said the group of survivors was not looking to blame individuals [BBC] He said the group was not "looking to blame individuals", but they wanted a "clear, honest review of safety systems" in the park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If something positive can come from such a horrific loss, it would be ensuring this doesn't happen to anyone else," Mr Aldridge said. He added the group he was part of from Cornwall were all "devastated, exhausted and still trying to process everything" as they prepare to get home on Wednesday or Thursday. "There's a huge amount of grief, guilt, relief and disbelief all mixed together," he said. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Related internet links China trusted force in global climate governance 14:24, November 24, 2025 By Gao Xiang ( People's Daily Photo shows a wind farm in Jinhu county, Huai'an, east China's Jiangsu province. (Photo/Liang Debin) This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, a milestone as global climate governance enters a decisive phase. Convening in Belem, Brazil, the 30th United Nations climate change conference focuses on major climate issues, calling on the international community to work together to find shared solutions to the climate crisis, accelerate emissions reduction, strengthen climate resilience, and advance an inclusive and just transition. At present, policy backtracking and inconsistency in some countries have created new obstacles for global climate governance. As a responsible major country, China has remained firmly committed to multilateralism, honored its own pledges, deepened international cooperation, and worked to build broad consensus. Through concrete and pragmatic actions, China has injected confidence into the global climate response. A decade ago, amid diverging interests among nations, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the opening ceremony of the Climate Change Conference in Paris. He stressed that the Paris Agreement should help meet the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and chart the course for green development, help galvanize global efforts and encourage broad participation, help increase input of resources to ensure actions on climate change, and accommodate the national conditions of various countries and lay emphasis on practical results. China has made unremitting efforts to advance global cooperation on climate change, driving all parties to reach the Paris Agreement through arduous negotiations, demonstrating true multilateralism. A new energy vehicle is assembled in a factory of Chinese carmaker BYD in Brazil. (People's Daily/Song Yiran) In 2009, China voluntarily announced its 2020 carbon intensity reduction target. Following years of extraordinary effort, the country fulfilled that commitment ahead of schedule. In June 2015, to help build momentum toward the Paris Agreement, China announced its nationally determined contribution (NDC) target for 2030, demonstrating strong resolve to drive forward multilateral climate governance. In 2020, at a time when global climate action was losing momentum, China announced its dual carbon goals, giving fresh impetus to global climate governance. In September this year, China unveiled its 2035 NDC, making a historic shift from carbon-intensity control to absolute emissions reduction and expanding targets for the first time to the entire economy. This marks not only China's concrete implementation of the Paris Agreement, but also sets the direction for its green and low-carbon transformation over the next decade. China has earnestly fulfilled its NDC commitments and advanced its dual carbon goals in a well-coordinated and steady manner. The country has established a "1+N" policy framework, in which "1" refers to an overall framework of the dual carbon policy, while "N" represents the specific policies and implementation plans formulated by various government departments and local authorities, covering multiple fields and industries, and pursued institutional innovation and technological breakthroughs to enable green transition, offering a "Chinese approach" to global emissions reduction. By 2024, non-fossil energy accounted for 19.8 percent of China's primary energy consumption. The country achieved ahead of schedule its 2030 targets for total installed capacity of wind and solar power, as well as forest stock volume. It has remained the world's largest producer, installer, and exporter of renewable energy equipment for many consecutive years, and its production, sales, and export of electric vehicles have overtaken those of traditional auto producers. China's national emissions trading system covers over 60 percent of the country's carbon emissions. Furthermore, the country is a pioneer in climate adaptation, including early warning systems for climate disasters, the construction of climate-resilient cities, and the conservation and restoration of mangrove forests. These efforts reflect China's role as a nation of solid action and concrete contributions in tackling climate change. Since China proposed to set up 10 pilot low-carbon industrial parks, launch 100 mitigation and adaptation programs and provide 1,000 training opportunities on climate change cooperation in developing countries in 2015, the country has provided or mobilized more than 177 billion yuan ($24.9 billion) in project funding, offering strong support to other developing countries. Photo shows a power box of the solar power generation system used in the Africa Solar Belt program. (Photo provided by the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China) By the end of 2024, China had hosted more than 300 capacity-building workshops on climate change through South-South cooperation, training over 10,000 experts from more than 120 developing countries. Through the establishment of low-carbon demonstration zones, and the provision of photovoltaic systems, early warning equipment, clean stoves, and other supplies, China has helped partner countries enhance their capacity to address climate challenges. Electricity is fundamental to modernization, and clean energy is essential for green transformation. In September 2023, to implement the Declaration on China-Africa Cooperation on Combating Climate Change, China announced the launch of the Africa Solar Belt program at the first Africa Climate Summit. This June, the Sao Tome and Principe project under the Africa Solar Belt program was delivered. As a small island developing state, Sao Tome and Principe has long suffered from electricity shortage, an acute bottleneck that undermines both residents' quality of life and the country's attractiveness to foreign investors. The project provided the country with 3,100 sets of household photovoltaic systems, benefiting about 1/10 of all households. "It used to be completely dark here at night. After 6 p.m., we could only stay indoors. Now the solar system has changed our lives. We are very grateful to China for providing this assistance," said Margarida, a local resident. Over the past decade since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, China has honored its commitments through concrete actions, advancing low-carbon transformation, strengthening climate adaptation, and actively promoting South-South cooperation. In doing so, China has honored its commitments and demonstrated the sense of responsibility befitting a major developing country, emerging as a trusted leader in global climate governance. Through concrete actions, China has helped steer global efforts and contributed to building a fair and rational global climate governance system directed towards cooperation and mutual benefit. (Gao Xiang is a research fellow at China's National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation.) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Sheng Chuyi) SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) As Franco Parisi tells it, he has suddenly become the most sought-after man in Chile. A populist economist who placed third in Chile's presidential election last weekend, Parisi told The Associated Press on Saturday that he has been fielding calls all week from left-wing government officials and right-wing opposition leaders. He was even bombarded in a restaurant by a former Cabinet minister, he said. Everyone is after the same thing: Help swaying the crucial 20% of the electorate that backed him last Sunday to vote for one of the two front-runners in Chiles Dec. 14 runoff election: Communist Jeannette Jara or her hard-right rival, Jose Antonio Kast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His answer, quite simply, is no. Im not talking to either of them because I dont trust them, the political outsider said of Kast and Jara. They dont believe in common sense. They believe in ideology. In the vote on Nov. 16, Jara, the former labor minister in the center-left government of President Gabriel Boric who campaigned on expanding Chiles social safety net, won 26.9%. Her main challenger, Kast, an ultraconservative former lawmaker whose campaign harnessed fears over rising crime and illegal immigration, followed close behind with 23.9%, setting up Chiles most polarized presidential runoff since the return of democracy in 1990. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parisi took a surprising 19.7%, corralling voters angry about a lack of economic opportunity in one of Latin Americas most prosperous but unequal countries and eager to punish the elite on both the left and the right. His Party of the People a motley crew drawn from across the political spectrum secured 14 out of 155 seats in the divided lower house of Congress. Kast looks poised to win the runoff, especially if a good number of Parisis 2.5 million votes go his way. With his supporters key to deciding the presidential runoff and his party members holding sway once a new administration takes over, Parisi, a prominent YouTuber (host of a show called Bad Boys Who Make the Elite Uncomfortable) has a sudden clout. But he says he won't do anything with it not even in exchange for control of key ministries. I'm secluded in my house right now, not answering calls, he said in a Zoom call from Chile's capital of Santiago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither communist, nor fascist Within minutes of the election results, the fourth- and fifth-placed candidates, radical libertarian Johannes Kaiser and establishment center-right contender Evelyn Matthei, gave Kast their endorsement. But Parisi balked when asked on Saturday whether Kast would scoop up his votes, saying, No way, no how. With the country obliging all citizens to vote, Parisi predicted most of his supporters would cast invalid ballots on Dec. 14 to protest their bad options. Null votes, blank ballots, that will be the big shadow of this election, he said. Employing his campaign slogan "neither communist, nor fascist Parisi said his shock electoral success underscored that people in Chile feel like the politicians from the left and from the right, both the communists and the fascists, are taking advantage of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His mention of fascism refers to the contentious family past of Kast, whose German-born father belonged to Adolf Hitlers Nazi party and whose brother served in the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet. While sharing Kast's capitalist principles, Parisi said he doubted that the veteran politician hailing from Chile's privileged elite would change the country's concentration of market power in the hands of the few. In recent days, Kast's campaign has brought on key financial officials emblematic of Chiles conservative establishment who backed Matthei in the first round. Parisi said he also worries that a Kast government would restrict some individual freedoms, citing the devout Catholic candidate's fierce opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion, even in cases of rape. Jara, born and raised in Conchali, a working-class neighborhood in Santiago, is no better for her humble origins, Parisi argued, citing her career climbing the ranks of the hard-line Communist Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the traditional party structure in Chile," he said. You have to be a soldier, so you can become a lieutenant, then a general, so you can get more power, more privilege. He described Jara as a really nice person, but said he feared her state-led economic vision would hamper entrepreneurism. Representatives for Jara and Kast did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Chilean voters trapped between left and right A well-known campaign video during Parisis first presidential bid in 2013 shows him dressed in a sharp-looking suit and shined shoes pulling up to a ramshackle Santiago neighborhood in a Porsche. He knocks on an older woman's door, and, to her surprise, asks her for work to hire him to be her president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That clip says everything about Parisis man-of-the-people ethos and appeal to Chileans who feel neglected by the political and economic system, experts say, a disillusionment now evident in elections across the region. In that sense, said Patricio Navia, a Chilean political scientist at New York University, Parisis supporters perhaps ironically resemble voters for New Yorks Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who vowed to transform government to restore power to the working class. Parisi's supporters like going to the mall, they want to own a house, they like capitalism, Navia said. But they feel like there isnt a level playing field, that theyre being left out, that the model is tilted against them." In December 2024, China's People's Liberation Army Navy unveiled its newest warship, the Type 076, with little public information about its design or capabilities. The Type 076 is a new class of amphibious assault ship, which isn't the same thing as an aircraft carrier despite its similar appearance. Some of the mystery surrounding the vessel was partially lifted on November 14, 2025, when the Sichuan (51) left Shanghai on its first sea trial. This revealed more about the Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), which is unique among its type due to its electromagnetic catapult. This is a significant technological improvement over steam catapults, but that's beside the point because amphibious assault ships in the West lack catapults of any variety. The LHD ships operated by the United States Navy are not designed to launch aircraft that would require a catapult, making the Sichuan unique in its construction and likely employment. The U.S. Navy's Wasp-class LHDs can launch a variety of aircraft, but when it comes to fixed-wing, it's typically limited to planes like the AV-8B Harrier II or the F-35B Lightning II. They launch aircraft that don't require a runway, and while they have long flight decks, launching F/A-18s isn't what they're designed for. The Sichuan, on the other hand, can seemingly launch a wider variety of aircraft, showing how China is continuing to step up its naval game in terms of implementing added capabilities to its warships. There's still much to learn about the Sichuan, which is getting a lot of attention from the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 13 Of The Best-Looking WW2 Aircraft The Type 076 is truly in a class of its own At about 9 a.m. on November 14, 2025, China's first new-generation amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan (Hull 51), set sail from the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in east China's Shanghai City, heading for the relevant sea areas to carry out its first navigation test mission. (eng.chinamil.com.cn) - China Military The Sichuan is unusual in a number of ways. It has a full-length flight deck, which is estimated to measure 827 feet. It displaces at least 40,000 tons of seawater possibly as much as 50,000 tons. It will be able to launch and recover a wide variety of fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones. This makes it closer to a small aircraft carrier than an LHD, but it still leans closer to the latter than the former. It's the second Chinese warship to feature an electromagnetic catapult after the Type 003 aircraft carrier, Fujian. The U.S. also employs electromagnetic catapults, but as of writing, only the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is equipped with them. These allow for significantly faster launch times of a wider variety of aircraft. The Sichuan will serve as a dedicated fixed-wing-capable drone carrier thanks to its catapult. It will be able to launch a variety of fixed-wing drones, and China has been developing various types in recent years, including stealth models. It's believed that the new LHD will be able to transport and unload 1,000 fully-loaded marines, all of whom would be supported by a small force of aircraft. Like other amphibious assault ships, Type 076 ships support amphibious assault operations, which is important given China's desire to bring Taiwan under its control. The country has been boosting its amphibious assault capabilities, likely for this purpose. The Type 076 marks a significant advancement in technological and military capability in this area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. China's third most senior official and top legislator pledged "sincere" friendship with New Zealand and called for tighter economic links between the two countries during a four-day trip to the Pacific nation. Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), wrapped up his trip to New Zealand on Saturday, the first in two decades by the head of China's top legislative body. The trip included a meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, where Zhao called on the two countries to "advance" trade and investment ties, particularly cooperation in areas such as green transformation, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and connectivity. 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. "It is hoped that China and New Zealand can deepen mutually beneficial cooperation [and] strengthen alignment of development strategies," Zhao said, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. He promised more opportunities for New Zealand businesses through Beijing's next five-year plan, a development blueprint for 2026-2030. China has been New Zealand's biggest trading partner for more than a decade and economic ties are warming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foreign minister of New Zealand, Winston Peters, is set to visit the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou this week to "mark" a major ferry deal with state-owned Guangzhou Shipyard International. Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay also travelled to Shanghai earlier this month for the China International Import Expo. Zhao Leji with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland on November 20. Photo: Xinhua alt=Zhao Leji with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland on November 20. Photo: Xinhua> Still, there have been frictions this year, particularly over a cross-party group of New Zealand lawmakers attending a reception at Taiwan's de facto embassy last month. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary and deems it to be a "core interest" - a matter on which its official position is not subject to negotiation or compromise. Most countries, including the United States and New Zealand, do not recognise self-governed Taiwan as an independent state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhao referred to core interests during his meeting with Luxon on Thursday. "China is ready to work with New Zealand to consolidate traditional friendship, enhance understanding and mutual trust, accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns and be sincere friends and cooperative partners who treat each other as equals," he said. According to the Chinese statement of the meeting, the New Zealand leader told Zhao that Wellington had always adhered to the one-China policy. Luxon described relations between New Zealand and China as long-lasting and stable, adding that his country was willing to improve bilateral exchanges and carry out cooperation in trade, education, culture, tourism, environmental protection and agriculture, the Chinese statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Parliamentary exchanges are a key part of building understanding between our two nations," Luxon posted on social media on Thursday. Zhao also called for China and New Zealand to encourage travel between the two countries. Beijing has extended its unilateral visa-free policy for New Zealand citizens, along with those from 44 other countries, through to the end of December 2026. Earlier this month, Wellington kicked off a new 12-month trial allowing visa-free entry for Chinese passport holders travelling from Australia. During his stop, Zhao also met Gerry Brownlee, speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, and highlighted Beijing's readiness to "strengthen multilevel exchanges and interactions among legislative bodies". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Zhao also called for the two countries to work together for "more just and reasonable" global governance. Zhao travelled to Australia next, arriving in Brisbane on Saturday afternoon, also the first such trip by an NPC head since 2005. He is scheduled to conclude his tour on Tuesday. Beijing and Canberra have hailed "positive momentum" in relations this year, although tensions remain in security and defence. 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. Rev. Najib Amil said Leo's visit to Lebanon, which has the region's highest proportion of Christians, could encourage the Middle East's Catholics to remain in the region. After decades of conflict, residents of the Christian town of Rmeich in Lebanon's war-battered south hope Pope Leo's upcoming trip to their country will bring peace - and the strength to stay as the region's Christian communities dwindle. Nestled onLebanon's southern border with Israel, Rmeich has been home to Catholics for more than 300 years. Today, it is ringed to the south by Israeli military posts, and to its north by predominantly Muslim villages pummeled by Israeli airstrikes during last year's deadly war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a recent morning, hymns sung by around 30 congregants echoed against the stone walls of St. George Church, a Maronite Catholic parish founded in 1740 that still serves Rmeich's 6,000 residents. Rev. Najib Amil said Leo's visit to Lebanon, which has the region's highest proportion of Christians, could encourage the Middle East's Catholics to remain in the region. "The first visit (Leo) decided to make as pope was to Lebanon. That's proof he cares very much about Lebanon and especially the Christians here because if the Christians of Lebanon leave, there won't be any more Christians in the Middle East. That much is clear," Amil told Reuters. POPE LEO XIV celebrates Mass for Jubilee of the Poor at St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican, Nov. 16, 2025. (credit: Yara Nardi/Reuters) Christianity has declined in its Middle Eastern birthplace from around 20 percent of the region's population a century ago to about five percent today, and falling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christians are still believed to make up roughly a third of Lebanon's five million people, though there has been no official census for nearly a century due to religious and political sensitivities. 'Walking the path of Jesus' Rmeich surprisingly emerged unscathed from the last two turbulent years in Lebanon. To spare Rmeich from the Israeli strikes, residents asked Hezbollah fighters not to launch missiles from the town, Amil said. While many in Rmeich fled to the capital, hundreds stayed on, fearing militants would occupy the town if they left. Leo's three-day trip to Lebanon will skip the south. Israel's military still occupies hilltop posts there and bombs locations where Hezbollah keeps arms depots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, it killed Hezbollah's top military official in a strike on the outskirts of Beirut. There was no immediate response from the Vatican on whether that strike would prompt amendments to the papal visit. Lebanon's presidency told Reuters no changes were planned as of Monday. "We hope the pope's visit to Lebanon will be a message to put a limit to these wars," said Rmeich Mayor Hanna Amil. He said around 200 Rmeich residents would attend Leo's main Mass in Beirut. "We would have loved... him to visit us in the south too, especially as our Lord the Messiah passed through these lands then the Pope would have walked the path of Jesus." Jesus's first miracle - turning water into wine at Cana of Galilee, according to St. John's Gospel - is thought to have taken place in the southern Lebanese town of Qana, where Israeli strikes in 1996 and 2006 killed dozens. Praying for patience Rmeich is struggling to restore normal life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its schools once counted hundreds of students from nearby Shi'ite Muslim villages as pupils. But with those villages in ruins, few families have returned and Rmeich's schools have seen tuition revenues shrink, Mayor Amil said. The Israeli military is also enforcing no-go zones on swathes of land where Rmeich residents own olive groves and tobacco fields, meaning farmers need permission from the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers to go there. Three years of harvests have gone mostly unpicked. Further north in the town of Dardaghiya, 22 km (13 miles) from the border, Rev. Elia Kamel winced as he surveyed the gutted ruins of the St. George Melkite Catholic Church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On October 9, 2024, an Israeli warplane struck the adjacent parish hall, sending its concrete columns crashing into the church roof and spilling rubble across the aisles and up to the altar. The church has yet to be repaired due to a lack of funds. "Since the (hall) was hit... we haven't had a single Mass in this church," Kamel said. "This is our life. The Messiah tells us that you have to be patient and that always, after your patience, comes relief. But when?" In North Philadelphia, a local church is proving that renewable energy can power more than just buildings it can uplift entire communities. The One Hope Community Church just completed a 27-kilowatt rooftop solar array that will not only offset the church's energy use but also help nearby families cover their bills. The solar panels, installed by Solar States, are expected to generate more electricity than the church needs each year, WHYY reported. The extra power and financial savings will fund $600 annual grants for four local households and one nonprofit. It lets the church give back to the community while working around Pennsylvania's current ban on formal community solar programs. "This is an innovative way for solar to provide benefits to the community without violating the community solar rules," said Julian Burnett, community engagement manager at Solar States, per WHYY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project was funded through $75,000 in donations and is designed to keep energy dollars local. It's also proof that clean energy can work for everyone, not just those who can afford rooftop panels. The project will reduce planet-warming pollution, lower energy costs, and help stabilize the public grid. That means cleaner and safer air for residents. Similar projects are popping up across the nation, from Green Era's initiatives in Chicago to neighborhood co-ops in Ohio all helping families save money and reduce dependence on dirty energy sources. Installing rooftop solar panels is one of the best ways to slash energy costs sometimes to near $0. Homeowners can compare quotes from vetted local installers using TCD's Solar Explorer, featuring partners such as EnergySage and Palmetto, which can help save up to $10,000 on installation. Once you go solar, other electric home upgrades like heat pumps become even cheaper to run and the HVAC Explorer can help you find the right energy-efficient heat pump for your home. And if you can't install your own panels, community solar programs can be a great alternative if available in your area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to learn about solar and benefit from solar and hopefully spread this thing across the entire city and maybe the entire state," said Burnett. It also puts renewable energy within the reach of residents who might not otherwise have access to it. "People who are higher-income who can afford solar paneling, that's great," said Hunting Park Neighborhood Advisory Center Executive Director Charles Lanier. "But for our community, they're just struggling day-to-day to survive and pay their bills." Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. A federal judge has thrown out the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluding that President Donald Trumps handpicked prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, was illegally appointed to the role when she single-handedly secured the indictments. U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie concluded that Halligans appointment as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia violated laws that limit the ability of the Justice Department to install top prosecutors without Senate confirmation. Ms. Halligan has been unlawfully serving in that role since September 22, 2025, Currie concluded in opinions simultaneously filed Monday in both cases. All actions flowing from Ms. Halligans defective appointment constitute unlawful exercises of executive power and must be set aside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Currie dismissed the cases without prejudice. That could allow prosecutors to attempt to obtain new grand jury indictments in each case. But Comeys attorneys have already indicated that they will argue that he cannot be re-indicted because the statute of limitations in his case expired on Sept. 30. And Currie agreed that the deadline had passed without a valid indictment. The ruling is an extraordinary rebuke of the rushed effort by the Justice Department under Trumps direction to seek indictments of his political adversaries. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration intends to appeal the decision, which she called a technical ruling. She dismissed Currie as a partisan judge who was clearly trying to shield Comey and James from accountability. Everybody knows that James Comey lied to Congress. Its as clear as day, Leavitt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to finding Halligans appointment illegal, the judge also rejected Attorney General Pam Bondis attempt to cure any defect by retroactively ratifyingHalligans actions in both the Comey and James cases, saying the government was unable to identify any authority allowing the attorney general to rewrite the terms of a past appointment. The argument for retroactive ratification would mean the Government could send any private citizen off the street attorney or not into the grand jury room to secure an indictment so long as the Attorney General gives her approval after the fact, Currie said. That cannot be the law. Though Curries ruling leaves a narrow window for the Justice Department to seek new indictments of Comey and James, prosecutors were facing other headwinds in both cases. Comey and James have argued that theyve been targeted by Trump for "vindictive" prosecutions. U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff appeared sympathetic to Comeys arguments on that issue last week, and he also raised pointed questions about whether Halligan Trumps onetime personal lawyer who had no prosecutorial experience prior to Comeys case had made procedural missteps. Comey was charged in a Sept. 25 indictmentwith lying to and obstructing Congress related to his 2020 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the FBIs investigation into links between Trumps 2016 campaign and Russia. James was charged in October with bank fraud and making false statements. Both pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currie, a Clinton appointee who sits in South Carolina, was tapped to address the questions surrounding Halligans appointment after it was raised in Comeys case. Spokespeople for the Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Comey said in a video after the ruling that he was grateful the court ended the case against me, calling the prosecution a reflection of what the Department of Justice has become under Donald Trump, which is heartbreaking. Leavitt said Comeys comments were premature. Maybe James Comey should pump the brakes on his victory lap, she told Fox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James issued a statement hailing the judges ruling. I am heartened by todays victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country, she said. I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day. The Trump administrations attempts to keep top federal prosecutors in charge of U.S. attorneys offices elsewhere around the country despite a lack of Senate confirmation have also faced setbacks in court. But Currie is the first judge to dismiss criminal cases over such concerns. The prosecutors are in states where Democrats hold both Senate seats and can block U.S. attorney nominees under the so-called blue slip policy. In August, a federal judge ruled that another former personal lawyer for Trump, Alina Habba, was unlawfully leading the U.S. attorneys office in New Jersey, despite administration maneuvers to keep her in that post. A federal appeals court heard arguments on the issue last month, but has yet to rule. In September, another federal judge ruled that the top federal prosecutor in Nevada, Sigal Chattah, was not lawfully serving in that role for similar reasons. And last month, a federal judge disqualified the interim U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, Bill Essayli, saying his term was unlawfully extended after it ran out July 31. However, Essayli was allowed to continue to run the office from a first assistant position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James is also challenging the authority of the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, John Sarcone III, whose office earlier this year issued a pair of subpoenas to her stemming from politically charged civil cases against Trump and the National Rifle Association. A federal judge has scheduled oral arguments over James disqualification effort for next week. Currie said her decision to dismiss the Comey and James cases without prejudice was based on Supreme Court precedent requiring her to simply unwind all of Halligans actions without going further, effectively returning Comey and James to the status [they] occupied before being indicted. But the judge suggested that the likelihood of re-indicting Comey remained slim. Thats because the Sept. 30 deadline had elapsed without a valid indictment and there is no legitimate peg to extend it further. The vacancy in the Eastern District of Virginia can now be filled by the district court, or the president, with Senate confirmation, Currie said. Erica Orden contributed to this report. President Donald Trump must have been half asleep when he flipped on Fox News this morning. Trump, 79, showered Rep. Tim Burchett with praise in a 7:32 a.m. Truth Social post, writing that he was GREAT today on Fox & Friends - a Classic. His take on Marjorie Traitor Brown was 100% perfecto!!! Way to go, Tim!!! President Donald Trumps post to Truth Social on Monday morning praised Rep. Tim Burchett for an appearance that never was. / Truth Social Burchett did not appear on Fox & Friends on Monday. The program merely aired a brief, day-old clip of an interview he gave to Foxs The Sunday Briefing, leading critics of the president to label the soon-to-be octogenarian as confused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This old mans cognitive abilities are rapidly declining, wrote the left-wing commentator Vince Wilson on X. Burchetts appearance was to criticize Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes abrupt exit from the MAGA movement and, soon, Congress. Burchett, 61, who represents a portion of East Tennessee that is a stones throw from Greenes northwest Georgia district, said her political retirement in January is proof that Trump defeated her. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, of Georgia, and Tim Burchett, of Tennessee, were once close allies in Congress. / Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag President Trumps the biggest dog in the pound, he said. You can take him on if you want, but the results are always the same. Fox Host Brian Kilmeade went on to speculate that Greene became obsessed with appearing on left-leaning programs, like ABCs The View, and that she turned on her own people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene, 51, has expressed that she holds Republican values, and part of her strife with Trump this year has been over his concealing of the same Epstein files that he promised to releaseand that millions of his voters are still clamoring to see. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene now has the third-highest chance among Republicans to be the GOP nominee in 2028, according to Polymarket, despite her insisting that she is not mulling a run. / Polymarket The lawmaker is rumored to be mulling a presidential run in 2028news that shot her into the top three GOP contenders on Polymarket, trailing only Vice President JD Vance, who is in first, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is a distant second. Greene has insisted that she is not considering a run at the White House, writing in a statement addressing rumors of launching a presidential bid that she never said I wanted to and have only laughed about it when anyone would mention it. Trumps post praising Burchett was not his first on Monday morning. Before the sun was fully up, he also lamented his hometown New York Giants for their loss on Sunday, ranted about tariffs, and downplayed suggestions that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine could soon be reached. Lawmakers are expected to release the text of their annual defense policy bill when they return to Washington after Thanksgiving, keeping them on track for passage by the end of the year. Members last week resolved outstanding issues like Syria sanctions, which House Foreign Affairs Chair Brian Mast agreed to fully repeal as long as lawmakers made some changes to nonbinding language passed by the Senate, a person familiar with the deal said. But they still have to reach consensus on a handful of other provisions, including language that would block states from regulating AI and a bundle of Senate Banking Committee priorities that includes some bipartisan housing proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Financial Services Chair French Hill rejected the latter last week. The shutdown put me a little behind on [housing], Hill told reporters Wednesday. Hes said the committee will hold a hearing on the topic before Christmas. The Department of the Interior announced in September its intention to rescind a 2024 rule that made conservation one of the multiple uses allowed on public lands. The rule recognizes conservation as an essential component of public lands management, on equal footing with other multiple uses of these lands, reads the rules description on the BLM webpage. The BLM knows the importance of balancing the use of our natural resources with protecting public lands and waters for future generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to whats dubbed the Public Land Rule which is also referred to as the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule the acceptable use for public land mostly fell into three broad and non-exhaustive categories: extractive, scientific and recreational. The inclusion of conservation into the broad definition of multiple use, put a whole new category of use or no use as its been referred to by the Trump administration into play. What might appear to be a small addition to the casual observer, however, was a sea change for the agencies responsible for land management and those with immediate interests on those vast swaths of territory. Some applauded its inclusion as a recognition of a necessary and virtuous perspective, while others denounced it as an illegal application of ideology applied undemocratically onto standing law. One specific reason why some interests did not like the change was that the so-called no use use would limit the proliferation of the others on indicated parcels of land. That prevention of other uses was not well received by the oil and gas industry. The 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health Rule was a radical and unlawful departure from nearly 50 years of established public lands policy, attempting to fundamentally rewrite FLPMA through executive, regulatory fiat (sic)," wrote the Mountain States Legal Foundation in an amicus brief or friend-of-the-court letter supporting the Interior Departments decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress passed the Federal Land Policy and Management Act or FLMPA in 1976 to establish guidelines for how public lands are managed, protected, developed and enhanced. You cant have the unelected portion of the federal government or one of them deciding to lock up lands," said Ivan London, a senior attorney at Mountain States Legal Foundation and an author of the brief. It takes public lands away from the public. That same limiting factor was what Interior Secretary Doug Burgum cited when he announced the planned rescission of the rule. The previous administrations Public Lands Rule had the potential to block access to hundreds of thousands of acres of multiple-use land preventing energy and mineral production, timber management, grazing and recreation across the West, Burgum said in a statement. What the public says about the rule In order to change the rule, however, the Interior Department must follow the Administrative Procedure Act, which makes removing a rule, in practice, less straight-forward than a stroke of a pen or the issuing of a decree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the steps required prior to a rule change is a public comment period. The Public Land Rule was given 60 days for comment, which ended last week. In a review of those comments, the Center for Western Priorities a conservation advocacy group that supports the rule found that less than 2% of comments agreed with the Interior Departments plan to get rid of it. One of them was the letter from Mountain States Legal Foundation that represents 11 different energy trade organizations including the Western Energy Alliance, New Mexico Federal Lands Council, American Lands Council and the American Energy Institute, among others. The remaining 97.9% opposed the rule being rescinded, a figure that has grown since the last public comment period in 2023, when 92% supported the rule. (The center stipulated that the analysis has a margin of error rate of plus or minus 1.3%). Westerners have once again spoken with one voice in support of our public lands. Conservation is a core use of our public lands, and everyone who lives, works, and recreates on and near public lands knows it, Aaron Weiss, the deputy director of the Center for Western Priorities, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This analysis shows that support for conservation on public lands has only grown over the last two years ... Interior Secretary Burgum and President Trump should reverse course now and leave the Public Lands Rule in place. The rule was developed thoughtfully, with ample public input, and implements the intention that Congress expressed in FLPMA 50 years ago. The Public Lands Rule is legal, enjoys immense public support, and will help ensure public lands remain healthy and productive well into the future. What is multiple land use? The Federal Land Policy and Management Act established guidelines for how public lands are managed, protected, developed and enhanced. It includes a mandate for public lands to be made available for multiple use and sustained yields. Subsequently, those two terms carry a lot of weight and significance in public land discourse. Thats partially due to the contentious nature of land use in American history but its also because those terms can cover quite a bit of ground. The broad definition in the statutes stipulates that the multiple uses and sustained yields are including, but not limited to, recreation, range, timber, minerals, watershed, wildlife and fish, and natural scenic, scientific and historical values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservation may not be explicitly listed, but its not excluded either. Regardless, the inclusive approach means that those who want to extract natural resources and those who want to recreate and preserve both claim multiple use as their own. In some cases, both uses can coexist. The legalese also stipulates that those uses are not bound to the present in the way it is written takes into account the long-term needs of future generations for renewable and nonrenewable resources and stipulates that longevity is a priority above financial gain. Harmonious and coordinated management of the various resources without permanent impairment of the productivity of the land and the quality of the environment, the law reads, with consideration being given to the relative values of the resources and not necessarily to the combination of uses that will give the greatest economic return or the greatest unit output. This perspective of longevity is part of the argument that those who support the Public Land Rule reference when they explain how conservation is indeed a use. What people in the West say The Mountain Pact, a local government lobby in the West representing scores of municipalities and advocates for the outdoor recreation economy, conservation and climate action, put the future and the quality of the environment at the heart of the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It submitted a letter to the Interior Department signed by 180 county commissioners and supervisors, mayors, and council members from Western states in support of the rule. Western communities depend on well-managed public lands to support our economies and our outdoor way of life, and the BLM Public Lands Rule ensures that conservation of these irreplaceable landscapes is given equal consideration, Anna Peterson, the director of the Mountain Pact, said in a statement. This critical tool conserves key lands and waters for residents, wildlife, and future generations, and brings much needed balance to BLM management. By conserving certain public lands, the argument goes, they retain their renewable use of recreation and science, both of which have their own economic benefits. The outdoor recreation industry in the United States generates around $1.2 trillion in annual revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mountain Pact also highlighted how more than 80% of BLM land remains eligible for natural resource extraction, that 92% of comments supported it when it was first considered in 2023 and that there is broad support in the West and across the aisle for conservation to be a priority for public lands. A November 2024 Deseret News poll found that 87% of respondents in Western states thought that conservation should be a medium to high priority. An annual Colorado College poll titled State of the West, found that 72% of Western respondents in 2024 agreed that conservation should be a high priority of public land management. Putting conservation on the same playing field as other uses like mining, grazing, and drilling is a common-sense approach that invites collaboration and lets Western communities like mine have a say when it comes to our most important resource our public lands, Grand County (Utah) Commissioner Trisha Hedin said in a statement. Our community depends on the health of public lands to attract visitors from all over the world. It is the backbone of our economy. It comes down to civics and semantics The Mountain States Legal Foundation which represents a large coalition questions whether the rules implementation was legal to begin with. Its argument is multifaceted but ultimately comes down to civics and semantics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way FLPMA was written made clear that both multiple use and sustained yields be the priority of public land management, which was the decision of an elected body Congress. The foundation argues that an established law made by elected officials should not be altered by unelected federal bureaucrats in the Interior Department. We have a representative democracy including people from states who are not in the West who together voted to make the law what the law is ... the laws represent the public interest," London, the foundations attorney, said. It might not be an individuals interest. It is the publics interest. And not because one person said so, right? Because of this whole elaborate, difficult, burdensome process thats required to make a law in the first place. London and the Mountain States Legal Foundation praised Burgums intentions to rescind the rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BLM now and correctly rejects the fundamental premise of the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, which was that unelected federal regulators could ignore the public interest in furtherance of their own conservation aims, reads the Mountain State Legal Foundations amicus brief. The semantics part of their argument hinges on the definitions of multiple use and sustained yields. As the conservation use case protects the land and seeks to maintain its natural form (no development), it necessarily prevents other uses and also blocks the potential for extractive use. They argue that, by putting it on the same list as others listed in the law a use, allegedly, that does meet the basic requirements of FLPMA it does not fall under the already broad definition of multiple use. A non-use is not a use, and if Congress said you have to allow multiple uses, then then you cant turn a non-use into a use, London said. Congress said public lands are for the public to use and the BLM has to manage them accordingly ... even if conservation is a use, how can you do that and have a sustained yield? Unless youre doing mental gymnastics to have a sustained yield of nothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which is the other part of the semantics issue presented by including conservation. What does sustained yield mean? London asked. To his understanding, yield indicates that the lands are going to be used for something, or as a means to extract. But he did say that, at first, sustained yield sounds very pro-conservation. Is it conservation, as in continuing something or growing something in that sense? Or is it taking lands away and restricting them from any use? There is a way for conservation to be made the preferred use case of public lands, London said, but using Public Land Rule was not the way to do it. There is a statutory process for doing that, he said, which is not the same as the regulators just get(ting) to make it up." Whats next for public lands? As of earlier this year, Deseret News confirmed that no conservation leases had yet been issued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, even if it was not a rule implemented over the year-and-a-half of its existence, the contested decision to rescind it is now under review by the Interior Department. The Interior Department will review the comments and legal documents received during the 60-day period, do its own internal analysis of the impacts of the rule, all in advance of finalizing a decision. In the Federal Register, the department also explained that it will be reviewing the comments from the rules implementation to make sure that nothing submitted then was overlooked. No date has yet been publicly set for a final decision a spokesperson suggested Deseret News check back with us on this in the coming weeks and months. For some, though, it appears the Interior Department has already made up its mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration is saying that public lands should be managed primarily for the good of powerful drilling, mining and development interests, Alison Flint, the senior legal director at The Wilderness Society, said in a statement. Theyre saying that public lands role in providing Americans the freedom to enjoy the outdoors, and conserve beloved places for future generations, is a second-class consideration. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally, Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, in Springfield, Mo. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Conservative radio host Erick Erickson pulled no punches on Monday in blasting some of the recent failures surrounding the Trump administration, lamenting that It looks like amateur hour has returned. President Donald Trump has undeniably had a rough few days, and Erickson listed off some of his teams biggest flubs including continued attacks on Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The kids in the Executive Branch, working on behalf of the President, wrote Erickson before offering his list of unforced errors: Pushed the President on a plan to extend Obamacare subsidies without having buy in from House and Senate Republicans. Elevated the stature of Democratic Senator Mark Kelly as Democrats had been flirting with Gavin Newsom. Put out a Ukraine plan no one really likes. Failed to fill 18 judicial vacancies in 9 red states that have been open for months. It looks like amateur hour has returned. Reports abounded over the weekend that Trump would release his plan to replace the expiring Obamacare subsidies, which would dramatically increase health insurance premiums for struggling Americans. On Monday, however, the announcement was reportedly delayed two weeks after backlash from GOP lawmakers. Erickson also argued that Pete Hegseths investigation into Mark Kelly was a mistake, seeming to warn that he is a more formidable opponent than other Democrats like Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). Investigative political reporter Paul Sperry added later on Monday that Trump may be looking to shake up his team. DEVELOPING: Senior White House aides and Cabinet heads are bracing for major personnel shakeup as insiders tell me POTUS is growing increasingly unhappy with economic messaging, among other things. Shakeup could include chief of staff in new year developing Sperry posted to X. DEVELOPING: Senior White House aides and Cabinet heads are bracing for major personnel shakeup as insiders tell me POTUS is growing increasingly unhappy with "economic messaging," among other things. Shakeup could include chief of staff in new year developing Paul Sperry (@paulsperry_) November 24, 2025 ___ The post Conservative Radio Star Lists Off Team Trumps Recent Failings: Looks Like Amateur Hour Has Returned first appeared on Mediaite. Four Salvadorans deported by the Donald Trump administration last March, who had been reported missing by their families, were finally located in different prisons within the Central American countrys penitentiary system, according to official documents obtained by EL PAIS. They are Jose Osmin Santos Robles, Brandon Bladimir Sigaran Cruz, William Alexander Martinez Ruano, and Irving Geovani Quintanilla Garcia, who were deported in March 2025 along with more than 238 Venezuelans, accused of being members of terrorist networks without the Republican administration providing evidence against them. After their deportation, Nayib Bukeles government refused for months to provide information about the mens whereabouts to their families. However, following repeated requests for information from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR), the executive branch of El Salvador finally acknowledged that they are in its custody. According to documents obtained by EL PAIS, only Brandon Sigaran is being held at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), the mega-prison promoted by Bukele and now a grim symbol of the lack of guarantees for Salvadoran prisoners. The other three are being held at the Santa Ana Industrial Center for Sentence Enforcement and Rehabilitation, a less strict prison. Last week, the IACHR issued precautionary measures in favor of the first three, while measures had already been requested for Quintanilla Garcia on October 2. According to the international body, the lives of the four young men are at risk of irreparable harm, and it has asked the Salvadoran state to guarantee their safety. The IACHR also requested that the Bukele government formally clarify the legal situation of the four detainees, specifying the crimes they are accused of and whether they have already been presented before a judge. The plaintiffs before the IACHR claim they have not been informed of the charges against the detainees or why they remain in prison, as they have not had access to the inmates since their deportation. The IACHR has also requested an end to the prisoners isolation and for them to once again be to regularly contact their families and lawyers. In the preceding months, the families of the four had reported their disappearance, contacting various media outlets. Following these contacts, the Salvadoran government accused the IACHR of leaking information from its internal communications and requested measures to guarantee the confidentiality of the information. EL PAIS obtained the document, dated November 6 and signed by El Salvadors Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS), in which the countrys authorities argued that public knowledge of these cases facilitates their manipulation for purposes unrelated to the objective of the precautionary measures. For seven months, the Salvadoran government denied knowing the whereabouts of the four young men, until mid-October, when it confirmed their location. However, none of their families have yet been able to see the detainees. Detained without knowing why Although the Salvadoran government has admitted that it is holding the four deported young men, on several occasions it tried to avoid providing information about them. In another document dated August 29, 2025, the government told the IACHR that it had no information on Irving Garcia, since the young mans arrest occurred under the jurisdiction of another state. It added that this placed El Salvador in a position of being unable to provide information. The same occurred in the case of Brandon Sigaran Cruz. A relative of the migrant shared with EL PAIS dozens of screenshots and official documents showing the familys requests for information to different government offices, including the Salvadoran Embassy in the United States, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the General Directorate of Penitentiary Centers. In the screenshots, officials can be seen passing responsibility from one office to another without providing the family member with any real information. Sigaran was captured on February 22, 2024, while on his way to work with his brother. After a year in detention, he was deported in March 2025 along with hundreds of Venezuelans. After identifying him in a video published by President Bukele, the family began a legal process to locate him and seek his release. A lawyer helped us search all the prisons in El Salvador until she found out he was in CECOT. After that, she resigned because she said she feared reprisals for going against President Bukeles government, said a relative of Sigaran. The precautionary measures issued by the IACHR in favor of the four Salvadorans note that the crimes they are accused of and whether they have been presented before a judge remain unknown, in violation of the law. On March 15, President Bukele announced via his X account that El Salvador would receive hundreds of Venezuelans and deportees of other nationalities from the United States in exchange for payment that would allow the U.S. to extend its prison system. However, months later, it became clear that there was another motive behind the agreement: Bukele wanted a dozen gang leaders in the custody of U.S. authorities who might testify against him. After multiple obstacles, the prison agreement between Trump and Bukele to incarcerate undocumented migrants appears to have reached its final stage. In July, the Salvadoran president handed over more than 200 Venezuelans who had spent months in CECOT in exchange for a quota of U.S. political prisoners. A recent report by Human Rights Watch and Cristosal confirmed that those Venezuelans were subjected to torture. Meanwhile, the fate of the Salvadorans held in the same prison remains unknown. Despite intense official propaganda, CECOT continues to be a black hole from which almost no one emerges. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A vocal Christian nationalist minority has been working for two decades to overturn a vital federal law that safeguards our democracy and elections. After countless failures, they may finally succeed by colluding with Donald Trumps government. A federal court is hearing arguments on Tuesday about whether to approve a settlement between Trumps IRS and two churches represented by Michael Farris, who sued the IRS, arguing that religious freedom means churches should be able to use their tax exemptions to benefit partisan political campaigns. Farris is a fervent Christian nationalist. Hes the former head of the Alliance Defending Freedom and founder of the Home School Legal Defense Association and also Patrick Henry College all notable for their advancement of Christian nationalism. The settlement Farris is proposing with Acting IRS Commissioner Steve Bessent would declare that the Johnson Amendment is unconstitutional and prohibit the government from enforcing the rule. This would effectively neuter a crucial safeguard and turn American churches into unregulated, unaccountable Super PACs. It could make Citizens United, the 2010 Supreme Court decision that gave wealthy donors and corporations enormous political influence, look tame by comparison. Advertisement Advertisement For all the venom directed at the Johnson Amendment, its pretty simple: Charitable giving should fund charitable work, not political campaigns. Nonprofits, including churches, are eligible for tax exemptions. Tax exemption is a privilege, not a right. And the government can attach strings to that privilege. One string is the Johnson Amendment. It prevents 501(c)(3) charities from endorsing or opposing political candidates. Thats it. Farris and a small, vocal faction of Christian nationalist organizations are trying to eviscerate this common-sense rule by arguing free speech and religious freedom. But what they really want is money and power. Twenty-five years ago, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, sometimes called the second highest court in the land, entertained a similar challenge to the one Farris seeks to settle here (also brought by Christian nationalist groups). The court explained that the Johnson Amendment is constitutional and does not violate churches free speech rights or free exercise rights. In other words, it directly contradicts the proposed settlement Farris is seeking between the Trump administration and the churches. Advertisement Advertisement The rule isnt even that broad. It doesnt stop churches from talking about issues, including marriage, abortion, and civil rights. It was passed in 1954 but didnt stop Martin Luther King Jr. from preaching civil rights. Nor did it stop conservative white churches in the South from opposing King. Plus, the rule only stops nonprofits and their representatives from politicking in their official capacity. Preachers are free to tell friends and family how to vote, just not from the pulpit or on official church letterhead. And remember, if a nonprofit or church really wants to endorse a political candidate, it can. It just has to pay taxes like everyone else. But Farris and the Christian nationalists want to have their cake and eat it too. The bigger problem is that, unlike other 501(c)(3)s, churches do not have to report any financial information to the IRS. Every other charity in this country has to file a Form 990 or financial disclosures. They track every penny that comes in and goes out. But not churches. They are financial black holes. Without the Johnson Amendment, any mega-donor could write a check to a church for any amount, earmark the donation for politicking, and take a tax write-off. The church would become a driving force in American political campaigns, something akin to, but more influential then, Super PACs unregulated, unaccountable, opaque Super PACs. Thats the goal. Advertisement Advertisement Existing PACs might even reorganize as churches to compete. Under a normal administration, churches being able to spend on campaigns would lead to government regulation. Churches would be forced to comply with Super PAC rules and file financial disclosures. But does anyone seriously believe that the Trump regime the most corrupt in recent memory, if not American history would do anything other than profit from this grift? Gutting this rule will be far worse for our democracy than the Citizens United decision, and will hand this fringe faction a terrifying amount of political power. And it is a fringe, because the Johnson Amendment is very popular. According to Lifeway Research, an evangelical polling group whose slogan is Biblical Solutions for Life, nearly 80 percent of Americans oppose pastors endorsing a candidate in church and 75 percent oppose churches publicly endorsing candidates. More than 4,000 faith leaders from diverse backgrounds asked Congress to protect this rule. As did nearly 6,000 nonprofits. Everyone wants to keep the Johnson Amendment as it is except the power-hungry Christian nationalists. Advertisement Advertisement They failed in 2017, when, relying on Trumps transactional nature, they persuaded the president to sign an executive order his lawyers admitted in court did nothing. (Disclosure: I was counsel in the lawsuit that forced that admission.) Christian nationalists cant turn public sentiment against the rule. They cant undo the law via executive order. They couldnt persuade higher courts to strike down the law. So instead, theyre colluding with Trumps administration to settle a lawsuit that regurgitates arguments the second-highest court in the land rejected long ago. The IRS and these Christian nationalists are hoping the court will rubber-stamp a settlement that effectively voids a federal law duly passed by Congress. But the separation of powers still lives. Thirteen members of Congress, led by Reps. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), have asked the IRS to withdraw the proposed settlement, which is a transparent end-run around Congress. They were not swayed by the idea that any settlement would only apply to two churches involved in the case because it blows the door wide open for both secular nonprofits and all other religious organizations to petition the courts for their own free pass to engage in tax-exempt electoral speech. They did not mince words: Congress has repeatedly chosen to maintain the Johnson Amendment in statute, and we reject the notion that the IRS can unilaterally reinterpret 70 years of this settled law. If the IRS does not withdraw the proposed settlement, the court could approve it at the Tuesday hearing. Lawyers for the nonprofit group Americans United for Separation of Church and State will be in court defending the Johnson Amendment because the Trump administration will not.* Advertisement Advertisement The court should not let Christian nationalists collude with Trump to blow a gaping hole in American democracy. And if it does, Americans should not stand for it. Andrew L. Seidel is a constitutional attorney, author of several books on Christian nationalism and religious freedom, and host of the One Nation, Indivisible podcast. He is vice president of strategic communications for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. This piece was written in his capacity as an independent attorney, author, and scholar. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Is crime scene cleanup Americas forgotten public service? Three years have passed since four college students were brutally murdered in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. And while the crime scene photographs have long faded from headlines, this startling moment remains: Moscow Police Chief James Fry standing before cameras to announce that a private company would be responsible for sanitizing the bloodstained house. For most Americans watching, this revelation was a shock. The police werent handling the cleanup. No government agency was stepping in. Instead, a private cleanup crew, of which most people were unaware, would do the traumatizing work. The home on King Street had become a symbol of unspeakable tragedy. Investigators with decades of experience called it the worst scene they had ever encountered. Blood had even seeped through floors and walls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet after weeks of forensic work, after evidence was collected and the investigation shifted elsewhere, the property was simply released. And families, property owners, and communities were left with a question most people never consider: Who is responsible for what remains? The answer points to a gap in Americas emergency response system, according to Trauma Services. While police secure crime scenes and EMTs transport victims, no public agency handles the physical aftermath of violence. That responsibility falls to property owners, many of whom are grieving families already shattered by loss. They must either face the scene themselves or hire private biohazard remediation companies, navigating a service most never knew they would need. And the scale of these crimes is staggering. The FBI reported more than 22,000 murders in 2022 alone. Each one left behind not just a victim but a scene requiring professional attention. Add suicides, accidental deaths, and traumatic accidents, and the numbers swell into the tens of thousands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is where private cleanup crews step in, working silently in the aftermath of Americas most traumatic moments. These technicians arrive after everyone else has left. They enter homes that are still heavy with grief, businesses marked by violence, and apartments where death went unnoticed for days or weeks. They restore what investigators leave behind, making spaces livable again so families and communities can begin to heal. Their work is both vital and unacknowledged, a gap in the public safety infrastructure that leaves thousands of families each year facing impossible circumstances alone. This gap in emergency response reveals a truth about American emergency infrastructure that remains largely unacknowledged. The Work They Do Blood and bodily fluids can carry hepatitis, HIV, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Tissues and biological matter begin decomposing within hours, releasing pathogens into the air and seeping into porous materials like carpet, drywall, and wood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The work begins with an assessment. Cleanup technicians arrive in full protective gear, identifying every surface touched by blood or bodily fluids. They seal off the affected area to prevent cross-contamination, then carefully collect all biohazardous materials using specialized equipment. Carpets, furniture, and even sections of flooring may need to go. These materials must be transported and disposed of in accordance with strict regulations designed to prevent public exposure. They work quietly, arriving in unmarked vehicles to protect privacy. They provide detailed documentation to help with insurance claims. And they connect families with victim advocacy programs and grief counselors. This dual role, restoring both physical safety and emotional stability, makes their absence from public discourse notable. Safety & Regulation The work these crime scene cleaners perform is not just emotionally demanding. It is medically hazardous in ways that require strict adherence to federal safety protocols. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration governs their every move through the Bloodborne Pathogens standard, a regulation that assumes all bodily fluids are infectious until proven otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This federal rule mandates that employers provide hepatitis B vaccinations to all workers with potential exposure, supply proper protective equipment, and maintain written exposure control plans. The Environmental Protection Agency adds another layer of oversight. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the EPA regulates how biohazardous waste must be stored, transported, and disposed of to prevent environmental contamination. For this reason, crime scene cleaners must use EPA-registered disinfectants proven effective against pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B. These requirements ensure that infectious materials do not end up in landfills or water supplies where they could pose a threat to public health. Yet beyond these federal frameworks, regulations splinter into a patchwork of state and local laws that vary dramatically. Some states require special licenses for companies handling biohazardous waste. Others mandate specific training or permits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California and Florida, for example, have detailed requirements for biohazard remediation companies, while other states have minimal oversight. This inconsistency creates confusion for families seeking help and makes it difficult to verify which companies meet rigorous standards. The most striking gap is the absence of any universal certification. No central regulatory body accredits crime scene cleanup companies. And no government agency issues a standardized license that signals competence and training. Instead, a variety of private organizations offer their own certifications, with quality and rigor varying widely. Reputable companies respond to this absence by prioritizing training and transparency beyond what regulations require. That discipline keeps workers safe, protects the public, and turns high-risk work into a reliable service that communities can trust. The Human Cost That absence of support creates costs on two fronts: the professionals who do the work and the families who need it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violent crime cleaners face constant exposure to scenes that would devastate most people after a single encounter. In fact, a 2023 study found that field-based forensic professionals experience PTSD at a rate of 29%, significantly higher than the general population. While the study did not isolate crime scene cleaners, it does prove that repeated exposure to homicides, suicides, and decomposition leads to compassion fatigue, a form of secondary traumatic stress that causes emotional exhaustion and a diminished capacity for empathy. Professional cleaners report intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks related to scenes they have cleaned. Some develop anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances that follow them home. The psychological strain manifests physically through headaches, chronic fatigue, and stress-related ailments that accumulate over the years. Why Recognition Matters This pattern of individual compassion substituting for systemic support reveals why formal recognition matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crime scene cleanup professionals are the only workers trained to safely remove and dispose of highly infectious materials like blood and bodily fluids that can harbor HIV, hepatitis B and C, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Without their intervention, these pathogens remain in homes, businesses, and public spaces, posing a serious risk of disease transmission to anyone who enters. They ensure contaminated materials are disposed of in accordance with federal regulations, protecting both the environment and unsuspecting waste handlers. They restore dwellings to safe, habitable conditions, a nonnegotiable step before families can return home or businesses can reopen. Scott Vogel, chief operations officer at New Jersey-based biohazard disposal company EmergiClean, argues that city governments should take responsibility for connecting residents with vetted cleanup services, as grieving families should not be left to search, compare, and negotiate on their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This recognition would bring standardized practices, better regulation, and assistance programs that acknowledge this work as what it truly is: an essential component of emergency response that begins where other first responders leave off. These professional cleaners seek the infrastructure that would allow them to serve families more effectively, the mental health support that would sustain them through years of traumatic exposure, and the public awareness that prevents families from confronting this responsibility alone. Policy Pathways Moving Forward The house on King Street in Moscow stands as a reminder of what happens when essential services remain invisible. Every day, somewhere in America, another family faces the same devastating discovery that no one is coming to help. This cycle will continue until policy catches up with reality. One potential solution is for state legislatures to formally designate trauma cleanup as an essential public safety service, placing it within emergency response budgets alongside police and fire departments. This designation would bring uniform licensing standards to replace the current patchwork of inconsistent regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would also expand victim compensation programs to cover cleanup costs automatically, eliminating reimbursement models that force grieving families to pay thousands upfront. Local governments could then establish direct partnerships with licensed cleanup companies, creating clear pathways for families to access help without navigating this crisis alone. And municipal assistance programs would subsidize services for those who cannot afford them, ensuring tragedy does not compound with abandonment. These changes would not erase grief. They would simply provide the people who restore our communities after violence with the same support given to other emergency responders. This story was produced by Trauma Services and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Forty Dean Street is something of an institution in Londons Soho. Nima Safaei and his sister have run the small Italian restaurant for over 15 years, and it is one of three restaurants they own in this bustling neighbourhood. But the future of their business could be in doubt after the restaurant was hit by a fraud epidemic sweeping the hospitality industry. Safaei has lost 5,000 to fraudsters in the past three months alone. We are a small family-run business and are losing hundreds every week. It is daylight robbery, says Safaei. In 15 years, I have never seen anything like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He adds: We are not expensive. The average bill is 60 to 100 for two people, but the charges keep coming 493 this week, 105 yesterday. Safaei believes he is a victim of chargeback fraud. Sometimes referred to as friendly fraud, it is when a customer pays for goods or services in this case, a meal and later tells their bank that the transaction was fraudulent to get the money refunded. But it is far from friendly: instead, Safaei has to pick up the bill. At first, I thought it was a mistake, perhaps new staff making an error with the bill, but the mistakes were happening all the time. Soon we were losing about 600 a week, says Safaei. Im a small independent business. I work 14 hours a day, six days a week. This is not fair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He adds: All independent businesses are struggling. We are on our knees. This is crippling us. You are powerless Ravneet Gill has also experienced chargeback fraud in a number of her businesses, including an online cookery school and recruitment service. But this month, she saw it for the first time at Gina Restaurant in Chingford, which she opened in June, when a group of six people who failed to show for their Saturday night table booking initiated a chargeback for the 120 no-show fee. Pastry chef and restaurant owner Ravneet Gill says she has never won a single payment dispute Ive seen dozens of payment disputes over the years and never won a single one, even though I always provide evidence, says Gill. I think it feels humanless; you dont have to think about the person it affects. As a business, if you get one of these, you are powerless. Gill has friends in London who also run restaurants and are having the same experience. It has cost me hundreds of pounds and hours dealing with it, she said. Most people are honest, but there are some bad apples, and once they know how to do it, they keep doing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UK Hospitality, an industry body, previously said that a third of its survey respondents had experienced problems with customers refusing to pay for food. All of this is taking place in one of the worst periods for hospitality in memory. Without a doubt, this has ramped up. Its just another version of pay and run, says Michael Kill, of the Night Time Industries Association. The industry is having bites taken out of it left and right. How the fraud works Chargeback was introduced to protect consumers, allowing them to claim the value of a purchase if the goods were not received, were faulty, or were the result of fraud. Unlike Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which protects purchases between 100 and 30,000 in the event of something going wrong, a chargeback is not a legal right; it is a voluntary scheme. It aims to provide extra protection to customers, to be used if they are unable to resolve the problem directly with the seller or if the company has ceased trading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now it is being abused. When a chargeback claim is filed, the funds are automatically returned to the cardholders account. Crucially, it is up to the seller to provide evidence that the transaction was not fraudulent. The payment provider or the bank reviews this evidence, and a judgment is made on whether the chargeback is valid. If so, the cardholder keeps their refund. Otherwise, the funds are returned to the seller. There are reasons someone might inadvertently commit chargeback fraud. For example, if they do not recognise the charge on their bank statement because the merchant appears with a different trading name from the place they bought from. Other times, a chargeback may be initiated, including when a customer is unable to contact the seller directly or obtain a satisfactory resolution, or when a product is faulty or has not arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system is almost inadvertently enabling fraud, says Kill. There are hundreds of thousands of pounds coming back to customers who have found a loophole and are driving this trend. They are taking the product, service or food and then getting their money back at what is already a very fraught time for the industry. Aite-Novarica, a market research firm, estimates that as many as 80pc of chargeback claims made are fraudulent. Cifas, the fraud prevention organisation, received 1,419 reports of chargeback fraud last year, up from 915 the year before. The UK retail sector lost more than 11.3bn to payments-related fraud in 2023 alone, according to the latest figures from the Centre for Economic Business and Research. Exacerbated by last years Budget Hospitality businesses are already struggling with rising costs. In April, the minimum wage was raised to 12.21 an hour for workers aged 21 and over. Meanwhile, the rate at which companies pay National Insurance was increased to 15pc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses are 30pc to 40pc more expensive to operate than before the pandemic, and that has only been exacerbated by last years Budget, says Kill. Margins are being continually eroded, and the cost of daily living is a challenge. This is a very fraught time for the industry. The cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks leapt by 37pc between January 2020 and July 2025, according to the Food and Drink Federation, and many businesses are also dealing with rising rents and energy costs. b' ' Safaei has disputed each chargeback claim with his payment provider, Elavon, but it has not found in his favour for any of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All we are told is that the customers say they havent received the goods. How can you come to a restaurant, enjoy the food and claim you didnt receive the goods? he says. We are given two weeks to supply evidence, but by the time you get that individual receipt back from the accountant, the case has been closed. This is crippling us. Safaei has now stopped accepting contactless card payments at his restaurant. He accepts Chip and PIN or Apple and Google Pay, as they require a PIN code or biometric identification, making it harder for customers to claim they are fraudulent. He says he has spoken to the police but received little help, but has not yet reported the claims to Action Fraud. Safaei has now stopped accepting contactless payments at his restaurant and instead uses systems requiring a PIN code - Paul Grover He is not alone. A survey by the Federation of Small Businesses found that 37pc of small businesses had experienced fraud between January 2021 and January 2023, equivalent to almost 1.9 million companies. Of those who had experienced a financial loss as a result of fraud, some 39pc of businesses said it cost them more than 1,000, and 8pc more than 10,000. But 20pc of those who had experienced a crime did not report it, saying they lacked confidence in the police or in Action Fraud to help. There is almost an undertone of acceptance from restaurants, bars and event companies where they now factor in a proportion of losses through chargebacks, says Kill. I hear from companies saying that they feel no one is doing anything to stop this and that they just have to accommodate the losses. Adam Scarrott, from UK Finance, an industry body, said: Chargebacks are an important consumer protection that helps maintain trust in payments. Unfortunately, there are cases where consumers make false claims. When the process is misused, it can cause real harm to businesses, particularly smaller firms. Banks work closely with card schemes and payment providers to root out fraud and ensure disputes are handled fairly and consistently. Deliberately making a false claim is fraud and not a victimless act. Elavon was approached for comment. 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. The worshippers were provided a new building to pray in as authorities began investigating the vandalism. A Yemenite synagogue in central Israel was desecrated, and many of the institute's prayer books were shredded, worshippers discovered just before Shabbat came in last week. The synagogue, in Kadima-Tzoran in central Israel, opened for Shabbat services on Friday, but worshippers discovered the synagogue had been ransacked. The torah was thrown to the floor, and holy texts were torn apart and spread across the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worshippers were provided a new place to pray on Friday evening. Religious Services Ministry Director-General Yehuda Avidan spoke on Saturday with Kadima-Zoran local council head Karen Green and with the head of the local religious council, Ofer Guetta, to provide immediate assistance to the synagogues worshippers. Guetta said, This is a building allocated to the community by the local council. Once we received the information on Friday evening, I arranged an alternative structure for the synagogues worshippers. A Yemenite synagogue in central Israel was desecrated, and many of the institute's prayer books were shredded, worshippers discovered just before Shabbat came in last week. (credit: COURTESY RELIGIOUS SERVICES MINISTRY) Condemning the vandalism of a Yemenite synagogue in central Israel The incident has been widely condemned, and Israel Police have begun investigations into the vandalism to identify the culprits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shocking sights of Torah scrolls and holy books thrown and desecrated on the synagogue floor are horrifying and remind us of dark periods in Jewish history, Religious Services Ministry Director-General Yehuda Avidan said on Saturday night. Such a despicable act cannot be tolerated in the Jewish state, and it constitutes a crossing of a moral and ethical red line. The heart breaks at the sight of Torah scrolls and holy books lying in disgrace on the floor in the State of Israel. This is a vile crime that recalls dark periods in Jewish history, and it has no justification. Harming a holy place is crossing a red line and harming the soul of every Jew, Avidan shared. We extend our support to religious council head Ofer Guetta, council head Karen Green, the synagogues gabbayim and worshippers, who acted responsibly and swiftly on behalf of the community in this difficult hour. The ministry will remain in close contact with the religious council to assist in repairing the damage and restoring the dignity of the synagogue. We trust Israel Police to bring the perpetrators to justice with full severity. We will not rest until those responsible for this heinous act face punishment. A man is dead following an altercation at a New Bedford rooming house late Saturday night, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III. The incident occurred around 11:32 p.m. on November 22, when New Bedford Police were dispatched to the scene for a reported altercation between neighbors. Curtis Pina, 56, was found by police on the third-floor landing of 162 Sawyer Street, bleeding heavily from a forehead injury. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead a few hours later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arirto Santiago, 38, who also resides at 162 Sawyer Street, has been arrested and charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon. The investigation is being led by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office, in conjunction with the New Bedford Police Department. Santiago is expected to be arraigned in New Bedford District Court tomorrow morning. There is no further information at this time as authorities continue to investigate. 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 Authorities have identified the worker who was killed in an incident involving heavy machinery at a cranberry bog on Cape Cod on Friday morning. Officers responding to a report of a workplace accident at the cranberry bogs behind 1054 County Road in Bourne just before 8:30 a.m. found a man pinned under work equipment, according to the Bourne Police Department. Emergency crews performed CPR on the 71-year-old victim, but he was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an update on Monday, the Cape & Islands District Attorneys Office identified the man as Hector Maldonado, of Bourne. Police say the man had been operating a piece of equipment in the bogs when it rolled over on top of him, leaving him pinned. In a statement, officials said, The Bourne Police Departments collective thoughts are with the family, friends, and co-workers of the victim in this incident. Bourne police, Massachusetts State Police, and OSHA are investigating. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW JOHANNESBURG (AP) South African police say they are investigating allegations that former President Jacob Zuma 's daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla lured 17 men who are now trapped in Russia into fighting in that country's war with Ukraine without their consent. According to police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, an affidavit filed by Zuma-Sambudla's sister Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube alleges that Zuma-Sambudla and two other people lured the men by claiming they would receive security training in Russia. Details about the two others were not immediately clear. The affidavit alleges they were handed over to a Russian mercenary group and forced to fight in the war. It also says eight of the 17 men were members of the sisters' family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mathe said Sunday that any police charges are still to be determined through a thorough investigation. South Africa's foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, told reporters on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg over the weekend that diplomatic efforts were underway with Russia and Ukraine to repatriate the men. The police must investigate and whoever is involved in this must be arrested, Lamola said, adding: It is not an easy situation because they are in the front lines of this battle, but we are hopeful that there will be breakthroughs. South Africa's government earlier this month said it had received distress calls from the men, aged 20 to 39, who said they were trapped in Ukraine's war-torn eastern Donbas region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The men had joined mercenary forces under the pretext of lucrative employment contracts, the government said. Russia has been accused of recruiting men from other countries to fight in the war under the pretext of offering them jobs. It has also been accused of tricking women from South Africa and other African countries into working in Russian drone factories through social media campaigns promising them jobs in fields like catering and hospitality. Under South African law, it is illegal for citizens and entities to offer or provide military assistance to foreign governments or participate in armies of foreign governments unless authorized by South Africa's government. Zuma-Sambudla is a member of parliament for the MK Party, which her father founded in 2023 after he was expelled from the ruling African National Congress, which he led from 2007 to 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is currently on trial for unrelated charges around the deadly riots in South Africa in 2021. She is accused of fueling them with social media posts. Zuma-Sambudla and the MK Party did not respond to a request for comment. Seven decades ago, members of the United Nations force in Korea were under heavy fire as Chinese forces pushed to retake Kowang-San, a strategically important mountain. Artillery and mortar fire pounded United Nations positions as enemy forces surged forward. There, Pfc. Noah Knight found himself staging what would become a last stand, taking out a larger enemy advance aiming to overwhelm his unit. The Second Battle of Kowang-San is better known among Canadian military history, but a large American contingent took part. Pfc. Knight, a 21-year-old U.S. Army soldier from South Carolina, was serving with Company F, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He joined the Army in 1948, according to the Department of Defense, and was sent to Korea in 1951, eventually ending up at Kowang-San. Top Stories This Week News Every soldier in the Army will get a daily check in under new holiday order By Patty Nieberg Culture Naval Academy seniors learn their future jobs with a team jersey reveal By Matt White News Military families forced to pay out of pocket for problems with privatized base housing By Jeff Schogol Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, a force of British, Canadian and Australian troops captured the mountain in two days of fighting. Additional U.N. forces arrived, including a large number of Americans with the 3rd Infantry Division, who set up near the peak. The Western troops took to calling Kowang-San Little Gibraltar due to its height, size and the defensive positions they had set up along it, predicting a Chinese counterattack. The mountain, also known as Hill 355, gave whoever commanded it a clear view of nearby positions, making it a strategic asset. Pfc. Noah Knight. Photo courtesy Congressional Medal of Honor Society. That counterattack came the following month. On Nov. 22 roughly 40,000 troops from the Chinese 64th Army began their offensive. Company F, Knight among the soldiers, was along the perimeter. The Chinese attack began pushing the U.N. forces back from the hill. On Nov. 23 the attack hit Knights area hard. Artillery smashed into their line, with two direct shots hitting his bunker. He was wounded with shrapnel but able to fight. However he needed a better angle, so he ran out from behind cover, exposed and firing into the oncoming infantry. According to the military, he inflicted numerous casualties, momentarily stemming the attack. Knight wasnt done. When the offensive resumed on Nov. 24, another squad went towards the American lines. Knight opened fire, taking out almost all of them and using the last of his ammunition. It was then that he saw three Chinese soldiers approaching to plant explosive charges that could put a hole through U.N. positions. He charged at them, using his rifle as a melee weapon to subdue two of them. The third soldier detonated his charge, killing the three assailants and Knight. Pfc. Knights supreme sacrifice and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service, his Medal of Honor citation reads. The American and Canadian forces were able to reclaim Hill 355 and repelled the assault. Knight would posthumously be awarded the Medal of Honor 14 months later, in January 1953. Chinese forces made one more attempt to capture Kowang-San in October 1952, but Canadian forces successfully defended the position. Opinion. As Congress weighed releasing the Epstein files last week, the Trump administration quietly announced plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education shifting programs that serve Native students to other agencies without consulting a single tribe. Call it what you want: a strategic distraction, a bureaucratic reshuffling or business as usual for this administration. For Indian Country, its a violation of federal law. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays announcement transferred key programs that serve Native students from the Department of Education to the departments of the Interior and Labor, with additional programs reassigned to Health and Human Services and the State Department. The sweeping overhaul directly affects Native students at every level, from elementary classrooms to tribal colleges and universities. Yet, the administration failed to do the one thing federal law and basic respect require: consult with tribal nations. Tribal consultation government-to-government dialogue between tribes and federal agencies simply didn't happen. For Indian Country, this is decisions made about us, without us. The lack of consultation is not an oversight. It is a breach of trust and treaty obligations.It is a breach of trust and treaty obligations. Once again, the federal government is making choices that will shape our childrens education and our future, while refusing to honor the sovereign-to-sovereign relationship it professes to uphold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Indian College Fund, one of the strongest national advocates for Native higher education, raised alarms about the plan this week. The college fund noted that these programs including the Office of Indian Education play vital roles supporting Native students, Native-serving institutions and the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. Moving programs is not just a matter of shifting files and staff. When authority is transferred without clear planning, without accountability and without meaningful dialogue with the people most impacted, the risk is stark: Native students will pay the price. The federal government holds a unique legal responsibility to provide education to Native people. This obligation isnt symbolic. It is written into treaties that tribes negotiated in good faith, often ceding millions of acres of land in return for basic services education among them. Those treaties are the supreme law of the land. But at this moment, as in too many others, the federal government is acting as if those agreements are optional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration says the reorganization will improve efficiency and give states more control over school policy. But states are not parties to treaties with tribal nations. They have no legal obligation to us, no trust responsibility and, in many cases, long histories of marginalizing Native students. To outsource federal obligations to states or to agencies unprepared to handle the complexity of Native education is not reform. It is abandonment. Even more troubling is the plan to move oversight of Native postsecondary programs to the Department of the Interior. That department already oversees the Bureau of Indian Education, an agency that struggles with chronic staffing shortages, outdated facilities and persistent academic gaps. Adding more programs without new resources, clear timelines or tribal input risks worsening an already fragile system. The administrations failure to consult tribes is not just a procedural lapse; it reveals a deeper disregard for Native sovereignty and self-determination. Consultation is not a courtesy. It is a legal requirement grounded in decades of federal Indian law and policy. When the government makes decisions that affect tribal citizens, tribal governments must be at the table not informed after the fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Time and again, Indian Country has seen what happens when education decisions are made without us. Policies crafted in Washington, distant from our communities, have produced generations of inequity, underfunding, and lost opportunities. Today, Native students remain among the most underserved in the nation. Tribal colleges and universities institutions created by tribes to provide culturally grounded, community-driven education operate on shoestring budgets. Many struggle to secure adequate funding year after year. The last thing they need is more instability from federal restructuring pushed through without consultation. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) condemned the plan to dismantle the Department of Education. NCAI called the move reckless, politically motivated and a direct threat to Native students, tribal sovereignty and the federal governments trust and treaty obligations. Let us be clear: This is not just an administrative change its an attack on the fundamental right of Native students to a quality education that reflects their identity, history and sovereignty, NCAI President Mark Macarro said in March 2025. The trust and treaty responsibilities of the United States are not optional. Dismantling the Department of Education is a betrayal to Native nations and future generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NCAI noted that over 90% of Native youth attend public schools, many of which rely on federal resources like Title VI and Johnson-O'Malley funding to support Native language preservation, cultural education and academic success. Eliminating the federal agency responsible for delivering and safeguarding those resources would further marginalize Native students and destabilize tribal education systems. Indian Country has been clear: Any change to our education systems must be developed with tribes, not imposed upon them. Consultation is the bare minimum. True partnership is the standard tribes deserve. Until the federal government lives up to that promise, Indian Country will continue to raise its voice loudly, consistently and unapologetically. Thayek gde nwendemen - We are all related. 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 Democratic strategist Michael LaRosa called out New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's "weak" White House meeting with President Donald Trump, suggesting that far-left Democrats would be upset by his amiability toward the president after vowing to meet "despotism" with "strength." "Seeing those guys yuck it up, talk about housing, where they agree on housing, where they agree on crime, exchanging compliments over social media, Mamdani talking about how they share some of the same voter coalition. I, as a moderate common-sense Democrat, loved it," LaRosa said Sunday on "Fox & Friends Weekend." "But again, if I was on the left, I'd be [upset]. I mean, this guy in his victory speech was saying the only way to meet authoritarianism and oligarchy and despotism is with strength not appeasement. Well, I don't know who cut off his b---- before he went in there because that looked pretty weak to me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zohran Mamdani Reveals What He Plans To Discuss With President Trump In Oval Office Meeting President Donald Trump met with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for the first time on Friday, Nov. 21 in the Oval Office. The former Jill Biden press secretary's comments come amid backlash from some leftists including one democratic socialist organization which suggested last week that Mamdani is backtracking on his campaign promises. "Less than three weeks after Democratic Socialists of America member Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election, garnering over 1 million votes, the mayor-elect is quickly revealing himself to be nothing more than a standard capitalist politician," an article on the World Socialist Web Site reads. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site more specifically scrutinized Mamdani's outreach to Trump, keeping NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch and "lobb[ying] against a socialist challenge to New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries." Mamdani and Trump met at the White House on Friday, where the incoming mayor stood beside the president, who was seated behind the Resolute Desk. Trump Says He Will Meet Nyc Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani This Week LaRosa called the move "brilliant" from a "production standpoint." "You had Mamdani standing behind the Resolute Desk looking like another cabinet member or any other business leader who had just struck a deal with them. I've never seen Schumer or Jeffries or any Democrat willing to do that and stand behind him and work with them on the things that they agree on," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That is the adult thing to do. That's what most voters want to see actually happen," LaRosa added. "They don't want to see Democrats fight just for the sake of fighting or [keeping the government closed] just to hurt people, to punish the Republicans." Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Click Here To Download The Fox News App Mamdani's campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Original article source: Democratic strategist calls Mamdani's Trump meeting 'weak' after tough campaign talk In the early hours of November 13, the Colombian jungle crackled in the darkness. A column of 150 guerrillas, camouflaged in olive green, advanced through the undergrowth with the objective, according to the Ministry of Defense, of ambushing a group of 20 young soldiers deployed in the area. Among the platoon were two high-priority targets for the authorities: trusted men of Ivan Mordisco, the guerrilla leader of a FARC dissident group and one of Colombias most wanted criminals. They didnt get that far. Three planes dropped several bombs on them. They were also surrounded on the ground. The order was given by Colombian President Gustavo Petro himself, while he was hosting dozens of world leaders at the CELAC summit on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. The main targets escaped, but 19 rank-and-file combatants died in the attack. Seven were minors forcibly recruited by the guerrillas. Carem Smith Cubillos Mirana was 13 years old. The oldest, Martha Elena Abarca Vilches, was 17. The bombing, which occurred in the Amazonian region of Guaviare, unleashed a political earthquake whose aftershocks continue almost two weeks later. Petro acknowledged that he knew children could be killed and assumed responsibility. But he did not back down. His unwavering support for the Minister of Defense, retired General Pedro Sanchez, bewildered his base: a left wing that can hardly defend an operation in which children, who were also victims of the conflict, died. The president had broken one of the limits he himself had set: to avoid armed operations when children were present. It wasnt a kindergarten. It was an armed camp, Sanchez justified. The crisis, far from subsiding, has since escalated. Following the bombing in Guaviare, details emerged of another military operation in the Amazonas department a month earlier. Troops were again searching for Ivan Mordisco, but instead captured four people and killed four others. All of them were minors. Four more children killed without the military striking at the core of the guerrillas. One of the wounded was only 10 years old. The army reported that it had neutralized Mordiscos security detail, a ring allegedly made up of soldiers between the ages of 10 and 15. Two other attacks in August killed four more children. The conflict is a complex mix of political, ethical, and security issues. The war silent beyond Colombias borders, thunderous within once again places the country before a familiar dilemma. In 2019, under the government of Ivan Duque, the deaths of at least seven children in a bombing led to the resignation of Defense Minister Guillermo Botero. Two years later, another attack that killed seven more children politically sank his successor, Diego Molano. From the opposition, Petro was a fierce critic of those killings. And upon assuming the presidency, he restricted attacks when there were indications of the presence of minors. We must prevent the war from continuing to take children, he said. It was his red line. But, to the surprise of his base, he has gone back on that word, leaving a trail of more than a dozen dead children and failing to capture primary targets. The same people who attacked Duque then are justifying the attacks now. Petro, who condemned Donald Trumps bombing of drug-running boats in the Caribbean, has lost coherence in his arguments. The government is posing a perverse paradox, one also championed by the right: if the state halts bombings to prevent the deaths of minors, armed groups could increasingly use children as human shields. Saying to stop the bombings during offensive actions by drug traffickers is inviting them to recruit more boys and girls, Petro warned. The presidents allies have focused on the cruelty of child recruitment which the state has been unable to stop rather than on the deadly military operation, but this issue is a stinging one for the more ideological left. And it divides. Even historical figures in human rights, such as Ivan Cepeda a candidate to succeed Petro have avoided taking firm stances. Opposition congresswoman Katherine Miranda publicly challenged him: Dear Ivan Cepeda, I invite you to denounce President Petro and Minister Pedro Sanchez for serious violations of International Humanitarian Law. Consistency doesnt depend on the government in power. The debate has also reopened another concern: the state of Colombian intelligence. Lets assume the Guaviare operation was defensive, aimed at saving the lives of those 20 soldiers. What about the others? asks Vladimir Rodriguez, a former official at the Ministry of Defense during the period when the Petro administration suspended operations that put minors at risk. Im not against bombings, but they have to be done right. Intelligence should allow us to be surgical. We have to kill the recruiter, not the recruit. For him, the problem is clear: Theres a failure in field intelligence or in the way its being processed to reach the president. Since the beginning of his term, Petro has faced criticism on this front: he has relieved experienced officers, appointed less experienced commanders, and announced a break with international cooperation agencies. The bombs, in any case, resurrect a terrifying and silent reality: the recruitment of hundreds of children every year. A practice of war that usually occurs far from the large cities, in inaccessible regions where the state is absent, where the law is not enforced. In places where mothers have all their children kidnapped and, when they are murdered, they cannot go to bury them for fear of being killed too. It is one of the most difficult crimes to document. In 2024, the Prosecutors Office received 604 reports. But in the first half of this year alone, the department of Cauca registered 800 cases. These figures, however, are insufficient to capture the full extent of the phenomenon, which is now also spreading through social media. In August, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace warned that TikTok has become a key tool for recruiting minors into the armed conflict. But recruiters continue their search, especially in rural schools. There they find poverty, neglect, and an absent state. They coerce them, but they also persuade them. They start by paying them 100,000 pesos about $25 and tell them that as combatants they can earn two or three million, Emilse Jimenez, a leader and advocate for childrens rights, explained to EL PAIS. For many children, the only path that offers a future is war. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Former Des Moines Public Schools' administrator Robert Lundin pocketed six weeks salary while on administrative leave and now will continue to collect a salary at an annual rate of $195,658 for seven more months. (Photo by BetterPhoto/iStock/Getty Images) Iowa Writers 'Collaborative. Linking Iowa readers and writers. While the text of the Iowa Constitution lacks the prominence of that adopted by our nations Founding Fathers, people from Ackley to Zwingle and points in between should track down a copy and give it a read. Buried away in the document adopted by Iowa voters in 1857, they will find Article III, Section 31, or what has come to be known as the public purpose requirement. That section says, in essence, that state and local governments are barred from spending public money unless there is a public purpose for those expenditures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My public-school education tells me that section prohibits the use of taxpayer money to continue to pay someone for work after their performance ends unless the government entity provides justification of the public purpose served by those payments. Where I come from, going-away gifts do not serve a public purpose. And this brings me to the Des Moines Public Schools and last weeks news headlines. On Nov. 18, the school board convened a closed session. The purpose, its agenda stated, was to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that persons reputation. At the conclusion of that private discussion, the board voted to accept the already-tendered resignation of Robert Lundin, the districts chief academic officer, effective June 30, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lundin was a strategic consultant before joining the Des Moines schools in May 2024. For reasons it never been made public, the district placed him on paid administrative leave last Oct. 6. He has not worked since then. As part of a separation agreement that was made public the day after the board evaluated Lundin and accepted his resignation last week, the public learned his paid administrative leave will continue until the school year ends next June 30. For those keeping track of dollars and cents, Lundin pocketed six weeks salary while on administrative leave and now will continue to collect a salary at an annual rate of $195,658 for seven more months. So, between now and June 30, the district will give Lundin approximately $114,200 to do work that ended Oct. 6. That is roughly equivalent to what two Des Moines teachers are paid for working the entire school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school board has given no explanation why it will pay this money to an administrator who will have only worked about three months of his 12-month contract or how he has earned that compensation for days he will not work or provide services to the Des Moines Public Schools. The board offered no explanation of its rationale or of the supposed public purpose for that expenditure. Phil Roeder, the director of communications and public affairs for the DMPS, said in an email to me, This separation was a mutual decision and not based on any discipline or misconduct by Dr. Lundin. OK. But if a $50,000-a-year teacher asks to be released from a contract in the middle of the school year, the district will not pay the teacher through the end of the school year the way Lundin will get paid. Instead, the districts master contract and policy manual warn teachers the district will assess those who resign early a $1,500 fee for breaking their contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time the school board has embarrassed itself with a lack of transparency and candor with taxpayers. In 2022, when Tom Ahart resigned as Des Moines superintendent with one year left on his contract, the board entered into a similar separation agreement. In that instance, the Ahart agreement cost the taxpayers nearly $400,000 in compensation for the year he did not work. Beyond the public-purpose requirement of the Iowa Constitution, a few other factors in Lundins departure should concern Iowans. State law requires government employers to make public what are called the documented reasons and rationale for the demotion of a government employee, for the persons termination or for the employees resignation in lieu of termination. If Lundins resignation truly was voluntary, as DMPS leaders claim, then why give him a lucrative goodbye present? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why did the school board need to meet in closed session to discuss his job performance, since his resignation was dated four days prior to the board meeting? No reasonable employer evaluates the performance of an employee who has quit. Was the board going to refuse to accept his resignation even though the separation agreement had already been written and signed by Lundin? And if his departure was not his decision alone, then where are the documented reasons and rationale that lawmakers said must be made public when a resign or else directive is given? Without facts and openness, only the school board members and Robert Lundin know what led to his administrative leave and then his resignation. Only the board knows whether it was as cavalier as it looks to fork over a $114,000 gift from taxpayers as he departed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost 50 years ago, W. Ward Reynoldson, Osceolas folksy Supreme Court justice, wrote about a plain judicial intent to permit the concept of public purpose to have that flexibility and expansive scope required to meet the challenges of increasingly complex social, economic, and technological conditions. But in tough economic times and tight budgets for public schools, it hardly seems possible that complex conditions support stretching the term public purpose to encompass parting gifts paid to highly compensated public employees, especially when they are allowed to ride quietly into the sunset without completing the work they were hired to do. Randy Evans is a member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative and his columns may be found on his blog, Stray Thoughts. Editors note: Please consider subscribing to the collaborative and the authors blogs to support their work. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: UK Ministry of Defence The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that the highpower laser system DragonFire successfully shot down drones travelling at speeds up to 403 miles per hour (650 km/h) during recent trials at the Hebrides range in Scotland and has signed a $413 million (316 million) contract with MBDA UK to begin deploying the system on the Royal Navys Type 45 destroyers from 2027, five years earlier than originally planned. In the trials, the MoD reports that DragonFire achieved a UK first for the above-the-horizon tracking and interception of high-speed drones. The system is claimed to cost about 10 (~$13) per shot and can reportedly hit a 1 coin (slightly smaller than a US Quarter) from a kilometer (0.621 miles or ~1,093 yards) away. The contract links the program to the Strategic Defence Review and includes job creation across the country, with nearly 600 skilled roles supported in England and Scotland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DragonFire is being developed by MBDA in partnership with QinetiQ and Leonardo. The MoD says the system will be installed on a Type 45 destroyer as part of an accelerated procurement cycle, five years ahead of its original schedule. While its thought that the deal covers multiple ship fits, only the initial one is confirmed for 2027. This high-power laser will see our Royal Navy at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, delivering a cutting-edge capability to help defend the UK and our allies in this new era of threat, said Luke Pollard MP, the Minister of Defence Readiness and Industry. Hard-kill solution to major new threat The system is described as a hardkill solution intended to provide a cost-effective alternative to conventional antiair missiles, which typically cost hundreds of thousands of pounds per engagement. DragonFires value depends on sustained power generation and accurate tracking, as the weapon requires lineofsight and is subject to atmospheric interference. The MoD has not disclosed the maximum engagement range or the lasers output power during the test phase. The UK previously tested a vehiclemounted radio-frequency directed energy weapon for swarm disruption and a ground-based high-energy laser demonstrator called Wolfhound, which exhibited 100% success in field trials last year. DragonFires shipboard role targets higher-speed aerial threats with precision, where the mobility and widefield effects of those systems are less applicable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first ship integration in 2027 will test the systems viability under real maritime conditions, including motion, power draw, and weather effects. If those trials prove successful, additional Royal Navy fits could follow. Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds. TOKYO (AP) A man driving a stolen car struck 11 people in Tokyo on Monday, killing one man in his 80s on a pedestrian walkway, police said. A spokesman at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, who spoke on customary condition of anonymity, didn't give the condition of the other people who were hit. Japanese media reports said one woman was seriously injured, with earlier reports saying that a total of 12 people were struck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, a 37-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of stealing the vehicle from a parking lot of a business, after fleeing from the scene, police said. Other charges, such as hit-and-run, weren't immediately announced. Japanese media reports said the stolen vehicle was a used car at a dealership. But police declined to comment on those reports. Other details weren't immediately available. Monday was a national holiday in Japan. The stumbles of an early Trump administration experiment to carve up the Education Department risks undercutting the presidents more dramatic demolition plan for the agency. The Labor Department began taking control of federal career, technical and adult education money as part of a pact this spring with the education agency that was intended to centralize and streamline government workforce programs. Critics say a combination of technical problems, communication lapses, bureaucratic hurdles and scant preparation related to new grant payment systems snarled the process of distributing money from a $1.4 billion program for career and technical education initiatives for schools and local governments. The record-breaking government shutdown didn't help, either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now state education leaders, Democratic lawmakers and former Biden administration officials say recent issues with distributing funds are likely a preview of bigger problems that could unfold when the Trump administration starts to outsource more of the Education Departments work to other agencies. The shift is like asking states to fly with no air traffic control, said Richard Kincaid, an assistant state superintendent for college and career pathways at the Maryland State Department of Education, which is among the states that experienced difficulties with its funding from the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education program. When you put these sort of programs into agencies that are not well-equipped with the subject matter expertise to take on a number of these large educational programs, the result is going to be a lot of confusion, he said. Education Secretary Linda McMahons sweeping attempt to break apart her agency involves moving even more responsibility to Labor in the coming months to distribute tens of billions of dollars for federal K-12 and higher education programs. That includes funding for children from low-income households, state education aid, charter schools, history and civics programs, and teacher training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Labor is not positioned to do this work, said Amy Loyd, the Education Departments former assistant secretary of career, technical, and adult education during the Biden administration. This is not their core purpose and their core mission. And they may have a crush of smart ED people coming over, but I can't imagine that this is going to be something that is going to improve student outcomes by any stretch, added Loyd, who leads the All4Ed education policy advocacy organization. This is going to do net harm to our states, to our locals, and to our kids. Many of the growing pains with the Perkins program transition are linked to a decision to abandon a unified Education Department system that managed federal grants for schools and local communities in favor of what are now two Labor Department systems. But McMahon defended the move as an upgrade from using her agencys processes. And the department said career, technical, and adult education fund recipients are set to easily receive an enormous amount of additional aid for K-12 schools and higher education programs now that they have established accounts under the Labor Departments systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are going to make sure that there's no interruption in getting that grant money out the door, McMahon told reporters at the White House on Thursday. The really good news is the Department of Labor has a more sophisticated system technology system and grant fulfilling system than the Department of Education does. But launching the money-transfer process for career and technical education programs took weeks longer than anticipated. Maryland was only able to access Perkins funds that were supposed to be available on Oct. 1 on Wednesday, according to Kincaid. It wasn't broken, Kincaid said of the Education Departments system. We've now shifted not only to a new grant system but an entirely new grantmaking agency. And now we've injected all this chaos into the system, trying to fix something that wasn't broken to begin with. Still, the Education Department told POLITICO the administration has not heard concerns over what it said were a limited number of state agencies who have not yet tapped into their career and technical education grant funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have not really had that many complications, said a senior department official granted anonymity to discuss the concerns. It's been a really smooth process and our grantees have received concierge-level support through the process. There's been people that want to be opposed to it out the gate and want to generate rumors about mass complaints, the official added. When we hear that, we always like to say, Well, from whom? and there's never a list of states. Roughly $228 million in Perkins and adult education grants have been distributed as of Thursday morning, according to the department. Seventeen of the countrys 53 Perkins grant recipients had not yet tapped their funding, according to the department official, who said three states Mississippi, New Jersey and Vermont are experiencing technical glitches that can be easily resolved with updated banking information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Education Department is also paying to cover some of the Labor Departments costs associated with administering the program. Those reimbursements are estimated to be up to $262,000 for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30 and $807,000 for fiscal 2026, according to an addendum signed Sept. 12 obtained by POLITICO. The federal workforce funding transition was a repeated point of discussion between congressional offices and Education Department officials Tuesday during a briefing about the Trump administrations broader plans. Though department officials told lawmakers offices that many of the problems were overblown or have been resolved, the concerns were still a key point of contention during a Wednesday congressional hearing. These programs are objectively worse off now that theyve been moved to the Department of Labor, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, (D-Ore.) said during the hearing. Ironically, the transfer of these programs from Education to the Department of Labor has created more bureaucratic inefficiencies, not reduced them. According to the Education Department, the agency has moved all grantees to the Labor Departments GrantSolutions and Payment Management systems. Thirteen staffers from its office of career, technical, and adult education have been detailed to Labor as part of the transition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Republicans are still expressing doubts about the Trump administrations plans for the agency, including a still pending decision to transfer the departments special education and student loan functions to other agencies. The administrations decision to transfer these congressionally mandated responsibilities and programs to other agencies that lack the necessary policy expertise may have lasting negative impacts on our young people, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said in a social media post Thursday. And simply moving the administration of these programs to other agencies will not return control of education to the states. The administrations future plans for the Labor Department would still leave a limited set of functions for the Education Department, including interacting with watchdogs like the Government Accountability Office and inspector general. But it would functionally leave day-to-day operations to the Labor Departments Employment and Training Administration, according to copies of the two interagency agreements signed Sept. 30 obtained by POLITICO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That division is the Labor Departments primary grant-distribution arm, but the branch also oversees a disparate portfolio that includes things like immigration matters and unemployment insurance. Though ETA distributes several billion dollars in formula-based and competitively awarded grants annually, it handles a fraction of the funding that the Education Department historically has. Putting aside the many legal questions that arise from this, even just managing the logistics of how this works is not something that you can change overnight, said Angela Hanks, who was acting ETA administrator for part of the Biden administration. There is no universe where you could do it on the timeline that the Trump administration seems to be moving on. This article was originally published in EdSource. For four consecutive days last month, a group of Los Angeles County students was suspended after a fight broke out in their classroom inside a juvenile detention facility. This is according to Stacy Nunez, an education attorney representing one of the students, who said her client was among those suspended and questions why he was penalized before the facility called a meeting to discuss other behavioral interventions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles County Office of Education can interrupt education services, even those legally required under an Individualized Education Program, if there is an immediate threat to the safety of youth or others, according to a 2021 settlement with then-Attorney General Xavier Becerra. A second settlement with Los Angeles County, including its Probation Department, Department of Mental Health, and Department of Health Services, was also entered at the time. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter But exactly how an immediate threat is defined is unclear and appears to be completely discretionary, Nunez said. This lack of clarity on the legal settlement with the county education department, often referred to as LACOE, is just one of the reasons advocates say education access for detained youth must be prioritized in ongoing court hearings to decide whether L.A. Countys juvenile halls should be placed into a receivership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saying it is the only option left to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the youth currently in its care, California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a request in July to grant full operational control of the countys juvenile detention facilities to an appointed receiver. He also said the county is substantially compliant with just 25% of all requirements in the 2021 settlements. After several court hearings on the receivership request, L.A. County Superior Court Judge Peter A. Hernandez has listed education as one of five core reform areas, along with staffing, room confinement, use of force and data management. The next hearing is on Friday. The countys education department declined an interview to discuss the status of the settlement stipulations. Over the past four years, weve made substantial progress across multiple areas of the agreement, even while managing significant operational changes, including the closure of Central Juvenile Hall and the opening of Los Padrinos, Elizabeth Graswich, LACOEs executive director of public affairs and communication, wrote in a statement to EdSource. As with many complex, multi-year agreements, some areas required additional time to fully implement. Prioritizing education Full operational control under receivership would include management of its Probation Department, which contracts with the county education department for services to students enrolled in schools within detention facilities. The most recent enrollment data shows 532 students enrolled across seven juvenile detention facilities, with at least 225 in juvenile halls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its this memorandum of understanding between the departments, plus how closely they must work on a regular basis to ensure students receive an education, that makes changes to one department nearly inextricable from the other. Despite this, advocates say education is not always a priority in discussions about reforms to the juvenile justice system. Its kind of a theme that education is a secondary thought but I think the point is really valid that young people spend a majority of their waking hours in school each day when theyre in a facility, so we should really be focusing on that, said Megan Stanton-Trehan, a senior attorney with Disability Rights California. When Stanton-Trehan represented detained students during the initial years of the settlement with LACOE, staff would sometimes say her clients refused special education services, only to later learn her clients werent always clear on what the services were. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement requires that the county document efforts to send youth to the classroom on the same day that the youth refuses to go to school, except when there is an immediate threat to the safety of the youth or others. But Nunez agreed that, to this day, it still isnt always clear whether students actually refused services or how the alleged refusal is documented. If I go visit a client and they dont come out to see me, all Ill be told is they refused, said Nunez, who was recently told a client didnt want to meet with her. It was only when she pressed further that she was told the client was in the middle of completing a test. This story was published on EdSource. A nine-year-old bodega cat died after a Waymo autonomous vehicle swerved into it while avoiding an obstacle in the road, according to Mission Local. Tesla CEO Elon Musk reacted to the news on X, sparking another wave of criticism amid a bumpy year for his company. What's happening? Witnesses in San Francisco's Mission District neighborhood say that a Waymo hit store mascot KitKat late on Oct. 27 near Randa's Market on 16th Street. A 311 complaint filed early the next morning and obtained by Mission Local claims that the autonomous vehicle "hit the liquor store's cat that was sitting in the sidewalk next to the transit lane" and "did not even try to stop." Residents are mourning the death of the beloved cat. KitKat was often spotted napping at Randa's next to store proprietor Mike Zeidan, who is still grieving the loss of his pet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's sad. Everyone's heartbroken. I've been crying all f****** day and night. He's the baby. He was everyone's best friend, and he was just the sweetest boy," said Jessica Chapdelaine, a Delirium bartender who lives above Randa's. Why would Tesla CEO Elon Musk react to KitKat's death? KitKat's death served as a launching point for a debate about the virtues of autonomous vehicle technology, as Mission Local and the Daily Beast highlighted. One grieving resident in the Mission District placed a sign at a memorial for KitKat that read: "Kill a Waymo! Save a Cat!" Another woman shouted, "Kitty cats, not killer cars." Musk chose to enter the fray. However, critics viewed his reaction as a self-serving attempt to bolster Tesla's future profits as people were mourning, given that Musk hopes to position Tesla as a leader in robotics and AI. Tesla's autonomous robotaxi service is part of those plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "5.4 million cats are hit by cars every year in the U.S., and 97 % of those cats die from their injuries. Autonomy will dramatically reduce that number," Whole Mars Catalog (@WholeMarsBlog) wrote on X, citing an estimate widely published by pet blogs. Musk reposted the blog's take, adding, "True, many pets will be saved by autonomy." "The robot car just killed a pet, did you not read the headline?" one commenter asked. How does autonomous technology impact consumer safety? Waymo's autonomous EVs operate in five major cities and counting. The EVs have completed millions of successful trips, helping consumers make more eco-friendly transportation choices that also benefit public health. Exposure to fumes from gas-powered vehicles is linked to immune system damage, heart disease, respiratory issues, and other health problems. Waymo did not respond to Mission Local's request for comment on KitKat's death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For his part, Musk has remained bullish on Tesla's offerings, telling the Financial Times several years ago, when the company's autonomous tech was in earlier stages of development, "I don't think there's a CEO on this planet that cares more about safety than me." Tesla EVs regularly earn top safety ratings, though drivers have reported alarming glitches while using the company's supervised Full Self-Driving technology and similar features. Tesla's Robotaxis also continue to be plagued by reports of safety issues amid ongoing testing. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. Tech billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is officially no more. It was less than a year old. DOGE, as it became known, hasn't been run by Musk for months. He left earlier this summer after his feud with President Donald Trump erupted into public view. Now, the entity Musk led to overhaul the U.S. government in myriad cost-cutting ways has officially been disbanded. That's despite Trump's original intention that DOGE keep working until the middle of 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know: Donald Trump's DOGE is done after less than a year The Director of the Office of Personnel Management Scott Kupor confirmed in a social media post on Nov. 23 that DOGE does "not have centralized leadership." Reuters first reported the initiative no longer exists. Created by Trump in his first day in office in January and helmed by Musk, DOGE upended many corners of the federal government in the first few months of the president's second term. Trump sold the effort as a follow-through on campaign promises to overhaul the government and slash the federal budget, which he and other MAGA and Republican allies criticized as wasteful and inefficient. During its tenure, DOGE seized control of information technology infrastructure, axed federal government contracts and pushed out or fired tens of thousands of workers across the country. But its splashiest raison d'etre, to cut between $1 and $2 trillion dollars from the federal government's spending, failed to materialize. What was DOGE? Trump's executive order setting up the initiative described its goal as a reduction in spending and to eliminate "waste, bloat, and insularity" in the federal bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It came after Trump and Musk forged a close relationship during the 2024 presidential campaign and where the Tesla and Space X CEO poured more than a quarter-billion dollars into campaign committees supporting Trump, namely in the closing weeks of the White House race with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Trump first proposed a government efficiency commission in September 2024 at the Economic Club of New York. At the time, he said the commission would conduct "a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government" and recommend changes. Over the next few months, it morphed into a department, as Musk and Trump discussed the project in public interviews and campaign events. Elon Musk stands in the Oval Office during a press conference with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 30, 2025. A week after Election Day, Trump officially announced the creation of DOGE, saying it could become "the Manhattan Project of our time." Musk and fellow billionaire and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy were initially tapped as its leads, though Ramaswamy later dropped out of the initiative. Its acronym, DOGE, refers to Dogecoin, a meme cryptocurrency that Musk supported. In 2023, he even temporarily changed the logo on his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to the cryptocurrency's dog logo, triggering a spike in Dogecoin value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Elon Musk quietly returns to White House as feud with Trump fades Even after Musk's exit in May, DOGE was intended to continue operations until the summer of 2026, under Trump's January executive order. But as of mid-November, it has had about a 10-month life span. What did DOGE do? Within DOGE's first 100 days, it led layoffs and buyouts that left thousands of federal workers out of their jobs. Starting in February, DOGE and the administration undertook mass firings and buyouts of federal workers. The first round of firings came after buyouts were offered to all federal employees, which more than 75,000 workers accepted. Within a few months of its establishment, DOGE faced several legal challenges and was at the center of protests from laid-off employees. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk attend a press conference in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 30, 2025. Musk repeatedly claimed the agency would reduce government spending. First, he said it would cut $2 trillion within its first year, then revised that to $1 trillion. In April, Musk appeared to lower that figure even more significantly, saying at a cabinet meeting DOGE will cut $150 billion in spending over the next fiscal year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE claimed to have slashed tens of billions of dollars in federal government expenditures since it was created, though the agency has not provided access to its accounting methods, and its estimates have not been independently verified. According to the agency's own calculations published on its website, it fell short of that goal. As of Nov. 23, DOGE claims it reached $214 billion in savings less than a quarter of its most conservative promises. Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY Kathryn Palmer is a politics reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@usatoday.com and on X @KathrynPlmr. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Elon Musk's DOGE did (and didn't) get done The European Unions plan to introduce strict rules requiring companies to substantiate environmental claimsthe so-called EU greenwashing lawnow stands in flux. While the revised draft of the Green Claims Directive (GCD) is still alive, progress is stalled and its future will depend on a key change: excluding micro-enterprises from the laws scope. Meanwhile, the separate Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGT) has been adopted and is moving towards national implementation, meaning businesses in the packaging and consumer goods sectors must still prepare for new obligations around green claims. Proposed directive under review as micro-enterprise exemption becomes deal-breaker The GCD was originally proposed in March 2023 with the aim of ensuring that companies selling products or services in the EU can only use environmental claims if those claims are backed by recognised scientific methods and verified by independent bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal covers claims like made from recycled materials, climate neutral or lower emissions, and also seeks to bring tighter controls on eco-labels. However, negotiations stalled in June 2025 when the European Commission (EC) signalled it would withdraw the proposal if micro-enterprises were included within its scope that is, companies with fewer than 10 employees and under 2 million in annual revenue. On 1 July the Commission clarified that the GCD had not been withdrawn, but progress depends precisely on this exemption. Because micro-enterprises, plus small enterprises, account for around 98 % of all companies in the EU, their inclusion or exclusion is a major pivot point in the laws future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, the GCD remains paused: the Council and Parliament have yet to reach agreement, and the proposed timeline suggests finalisation may now slip into 2026, with full application possibly in 2027 or 2028. Broader anti-greenwashing rules press ahead despite pause While the GCD is in limbo, the ECGT Directive has been adopted and binds EU member states to transpose it into national law by September 27, 2026. The ECGT (which amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive) brings several new requirements: banning generic environmental claims like eco or green unless excellent environmental performance is demonstrably certified; prohibiting claims of climate neutrality based solely on offsetting; forbidding un-certified sustainability labels; mandating durability and reparability information at point of sale; and setting tighter standards for claims about future environmental performance. National authorities across the EU are already taking enforcement action under the current framework, including investigations of companies for unsubstantiated green messaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For packaging manufacturers and brand owners operating in the EU market, this means that even in the absence of the GCD, green claims scrutiny remains real and rising. What this means for businesses in the global packaging value chain For companies in the packaging sectormaterial suppliers, converters, brand owners selling goods in the EUthe current regulatory mix brings both risk and clarity: Even though the GCDs final text remains uncertain, the ECGT rules are firm and will apply from late 2026. Businesses must act now if they use environmental claims on packaging, labels or marketing. Any use of vague environmental terms (for example eco-friendly, sustainable, carbon neutral) will increasingly attract regulatory scrutiny, especially if unsupported by evidence, lifecycle data or independent verification. If the GCD eventually proceeds, its requirements for science-based substantiation and prior independent verification will raise the compliance bar even higher. Preparing systems for verification, data-collection and audit trails may give a competitive compliance advantage. Conversely, if the GCD is withdrawn or substantially watered-down due to the micro-enterprise exemption, businesses may face a regulatory environment with less harmonised rules but national enforcement and evolving case law mean the regulatory burden may simply shift rather than disappear. In short, while the EU green claims regulation faces an uncertain future, companies cannot afford to delay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future is now: firms should build transparent, verifiable environmental claims, audit their sustainability messaging and prepare for stricter oversight in the packaging and consumer-goods arena. "EU greenwashing law faces uncertain future" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. Europe and Africa "need each other more than ever before" in a global economy that is becoming "more confrontational," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday. Speaking at the European Union-African Union summit in the Angolan capital of Luanda, von der Leyen said the two continents must deepen economic cooperation in an era of trade barriers, global overcapacity and export restrictions. Von der Leyen said she sees the potential for the expansion of existing trade relations, even though a third of African exports already go to Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also pointed to the EU's Global Gateway agenda, which she called "more than an infrastructure development programme," highlighting the example of the Lobito Corridor in southern Africa. At the last EU-African Union summit three years ago, a goal was agreed to invest a total of 150 billion ($173 billion) in Africa by 2027, von der Leyen said. More than 120 billion has already been mobilized, she said, arguing that "at a time when other major investors are rethinking their global engagement, Europe's commitment to Africa is here to stay." "The case for Africa and Europe to join forces is overwhelming," the European Commission president said. "Let us find new ways of doing so. Let us walk this path together." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders from the two blocs are convening in Luanda amid a whirlwind of international diplomacy in southern Africa on the heels of a G20 summit in Johannesburg, the first such meeting on African soil. The talks have arguably been overshadowed by frantic discussions on the controversial US peace plan for Ukraine, with EU leaders including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz holding a meeting on the proposal in Luanda on Monday. On the first day of the summit, officials were set to cover a range of issues, including peace, security and multilateral cooperation, migration, mobility and prosperity, before a joint declaration is released on Tuesday. The EU currently deploys 12 civilian and military missions and operations on the continent, including in Libya, Mali, Somalia and the Central African Republic, most of which are aimed at supporting counterterrorism efforts, increasing stability and conflict prevention. But both sides are also looking to further increase cooperation across other areas, 25 years since the first EU-AU summit was held in Cairo in 2000. Europes counter-proposal to Donald Trumps 28-point plan to end the war in Ukraine has found a level of common ground with Russia but questions remain over the future of Ukrainian territory. The plan, drawn up by Britain, Germany and France, contains a number of concessions, including a cap on the size of Ukraines army and a commitment to elections that could see Volodymyr Zelensky removed from power. Large elements remain the same even up to the wording of specific clauses including that Russia would be readmitted to the G7, making it the G8, in the event of a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Nato membership would remain a possibility for Ukraine, a key point that was barred under the American peace proposal. b' ' The counterproposal makes clear that there is currently no consensus on Ukraine joining Nato within the alliance, an addition that may have been included to alleviate any Russian fears that its neighbour could be given fast-tracked entry. A key sticking point is likely to lie in the settlement of territory. Under Mr Trumps proposal, Russia would be given the Donbas region and formal recognition of Crimea. The frontlines would be frozen in the other key regions, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would mean Mr Zelensky would be required to cede even more Ukrainian territory than Russia currently controls. Instead, Europe suggested that negotiations on territorial swaps should start from the Line of Contact, reducing the amount of land Putin could lay claim to. Once future territorial arrangements have been agreed, both the Russian Federation and Ukraine undertake not to change these arrangements by force, the plan adds. b' ' The deal also states that the size of Ukraine military is to be capped at 800,000 in peacetime, whereas an earlier version of the European plan included no cap. The US-Russian proposal asked for a 600,000 cap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with the cap, Kyivs army which currently stands at around 850,000 would be one of the largest in the world. It also represents a marked increase from three years ago, when Moscow proposed Ukraine retain a peacetime army size of around 85,000 during peace talks in Istanbul. One of Kyivs red lines centres around whether it would be given strong security guarantees in the event of a future Russian invasion. Both proposals agree with the need for security guarantees to act as a deterrent to Vladimir Putin. Europe pledges for them to be robust while America insists they will be reliable. Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is counting on an outcome that will pave the way to a real and lasting peace - Volodymyr Zelensky More importantly, the European plan suggests a US guarantee that mirrors Natos Article 5, which would commit America to treat an attack on Ukraine as an attack on an ally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both plans note that the US will receive compensation for providing security guarantees for an undisclosed sum. Both the US and Europe agree on the need to reintegrate Russia in the global economy. Russia will be allowed back into the G8, while Europe suggests sanction relief will be discussed and agreed upon in phases and on a case-by-case basis. The United States will enter into a long-term Economic Cooperation Agreement to pursue mutual development in the areas of energy, natural resources, infrastructure, AI, datacenters, rare earths, joint projects in the Arctic, as well as various other mutually beneficial corporate opportunities, it adds. However, the European proposal removes a clause that would give the US 50 per cent of future profits from frozen Russian assets invested in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In both proposals, there is an identical clause that will see Ukraine get short-term access to EU markets. The EU and Ukraine already have a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). Ukraine is eligible for EU membership and will get short-term preferred market access to Europe while this is being evaluated, it reads. As has become somewhat customary with Americas peace deals, the agreement to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine monitored and guaranteed by a Board of Peace, chaired by President Donald J. Trump. Read both peace plans in full below: 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. Vladimir Putin says the White Houses original proposal can be used as the basis for a final peaceful settlement in Ukraine The Kremlin rejects the European peace plan and the progress agreed upon between the United States and Ukraine, and insists that negotiations should begin with Washingtons original proposal, which left Kyiv on the verge of surrender. Moscow took this position on Monday following intense negotiations held last weekend in Europe, emphasizing that no agreement has yet been reached. The Kremlin is aware of the European peace plan. Its provisions are unconstructive and unsuitable for Russia, said Yuri Ushakov, Vladimir Putins foreign policy advisor. Earlier, the Russian leader had reiterated in a call with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Donald Trumps original proposal can be used as the basis for a final peaceful settlement. The original initiative launched by Washington consisted of 28 points, including the transfer of the entire Donetsk and Luhansk regions to Russia, a freeze on the conflict in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, and a firm rejection of Ukraines entry into NATO. Following a meeting Sunday between delegations from Kyiv and Washington in Geneva, the new peace plan had been reduced to 19 points and included some of Ukraines main demands, according to the Financial Times. The newspaper RBC Ukraine added that the provisions regarding territories and Kyivs non-adherence to NATO have been postponed for further debate at the presidential level. We have received a draft. And, naturally, it will be subject to review and modification on our part, and, most likely, by Ukraine and the American and European sides, Ushakov explained. Russia is aware of one of the options in the American peace plan, but no concrete negotiations have taken place, the diplomat added. Putins advisor denounced the alternative proposed by the European Union, whose plan envisions security guarantees for Ukraine similar to NATOs Article 5 [protection through military intervention in the event of a renewed invasion] by European partners and the United States. However, Ushakov has shown some appreciation for the Trump administrations initial proposal. Many I wouldnt say all, but many of the provisions in this plan seem entirely acceptable to us. Others, and there are many 28 points in total require discussion and detailed consideration between the parties, Ushakov said. Peace negotiations had cooled after the meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska in August. Faced with American attempts to end the war quickly, the Kremlin responded in recent months that peace must address the root causes of the conflict. That is, it must satisfy all Russian objectives, disarm Kyiv, and bring Ukraine back under its sphere of influence. The new peace plan has revived these talks, albeit in a confusing manner. In fact, the origin of the original U.S. draft is uncertain. Some media outlets speculate that it may have been a document sent by Moscow to Washington. Several Republican senators said over the weekend that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had told them the original plan was a Russian wish list. Rubio later refuted this accusation. In any case, the Kremlin does not want to accelerate negotiations. Putin stated last Friday that the 28-point plan must be reviewed thoroughly and expressed his satisfaction with the progress of his invasion, which is on track to surpass, in less than two months, the duration of the Soviet Great Patriotic War against the Third Reich. Putin has shown interest in the original American draft, and reiterated Monday that the plan could form the blueprint for an eventual peace deal. Vladimir Putin told [Erdogan] that these proposals, in the form in which they were formulated when the Russian side reviewed them, are in line with what was discussed during the Russia-United States summit in Alaska, the Kremlin statement said regarding the conversation with the Turkish leader. However, the American proposal has not sparked any euphoria in Russian political circles. High-ranking officials have remained silent, even the most outspoken, such as former president Dmitry Medvedev, and only one Duma deputy has voiced what many are thinking. It is a provocation [...] The conflict can only be fully resolved if we achieve a clear victory on the front and Ukraine capitulates. Any other outcome will simply postpone the war, declared Alexei Zhuravlev, first vice-chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, this past weekend. The Kremlin is trying to rewind negotiations to the sweet spot it reached with Trump during the presidential summit in Alaska, when it managed to avoid the first sanctions imposed by the new U.S. administration. However, the White House eventually lost patience with its convoluted negotiations and sanctioned Russias two largest oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft, in October. According to Abbas Galiamov, a former speechwriter for Putin, writing in the independent media outlet Mozhem Obiasnit, Trumps rushed peace plan could simply be a show to try to curry favor with the Russian president after literally, illegally seizing the overseas assets of his oil companies. For Putin, this represents a major blow, not only financially, but also reputationally in the eyes of his elite, he adds. So far, U.S. sanctions have caused Russias oil export revenue to fall by 35% in November compared to the same month last year, according to estimates by Reuters. This represents a significant blow to an economy heavily reliant on hydrocarbon exports. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Eurovision Song Contest is changing rules around voting and promotion following the controversy caused by Israels result at this years competition and allegations of interference by the Israeli government. This comes after several countries requested an audit after Israel topped the public vote at the contest in May. Israel finished second in this years competition once the jury votes were taken into consideration. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs the music extravaganza, said that the changes ahead of next years edition in Vienna were designed to strengthen trust, transparency and audience engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve listened and weve acted, said Eurovision director Martin Green. The neutrality and integrity of the Eurovision Song Contest is of paramount importance to the EBU, its members, and all our audiences. It is essential that the fairness of the Contest is always protected. As part of the new Eurovision measures, the number of votes per payment method will be reduced by half to 10, the EBU said. In addition, professional juries will return to the semifinals for the first time since 2022 - a move that will give roughly 50-50 percentage weight between audience and jury votes. The number of jurors has been increased from five to seven, all of whom will be forced to sign a formal declaration confirming they will vote independently and impartially. Jurors aged 18-25 will also be added to reflect the appeal of the contest with younger audiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers will also enhance safeguards to thwart suspicious or coordinated voting activity and strengthen security systems that monitor, detect and prevent fraudulent patterns, EBU said. The EBU is also barring its participating broadcasters and artists from actively engaging in, facilitating or contributing to promotional campaigns by third parties that could influence the voting outcome and, as outlined in the updated Code of Conduct, any attempts to unduly influence the results will lead to sanctions. Israeli fans cheer for Yuval Raphael from Israel - 15 May 2025 - AP Photo News of the changes arrives a month after EBU postponed a vote on whether Israel should be allowed to perform in next years Eurovision. Israel has competed in Eurovision for more than 50 years and won four times. However, calls for Israel to be kicked out have intensified due to the actions of Benjamin Netanyahus government in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spain became the first of the Big Five - the five countries that make the biggest financial contributions to EBU and which are granted immediate progression to the Eurovision finals every year - to threaten their absence next year should Israel be on the line-up. Other countries that have pledged to boycott Eurovision if Israel continues to participate include Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia and the Netherlands, whose public broadcaster AVROTROS - citing human suffering in the Gaza war - said that it could no longer justify Israels participation in the contest. The Dutch broadcaster also said there had been proven interference by the Israeli government during the last edition of the Song Contest, with the event being used as a political instrument. Previously, more than 70 former Eurovision contestants signed an open letter calling for Israel and its national broadcaster KAN to be banned. This years winner, JJ, has also called for Israel to be banned from competing in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Eurovision is supposedly apolitical, the EBU excluded Russia from the competition shortly after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, Israel has continued to compete over the past two years despite international concerns over its actions in Gaza. The EBUs general assembly takes place on 4 and 5 December and is poised to consider whether Israel can participate next year. Everest Medicines has dosed the first participant in a Phase I clinical trial of its tumour-associated antigen (TAA) cancer vaccine EVM14 injection at the NEXT Oncology Virginia site in the US. The participating sites also include the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the US, and Chinas Shanghai Chest Hospital. EVM14 is an off-the-shelf therapeutic messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine designed for treating squamous cell carcinomas, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sq-NSCLC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is said to be the company's first internally developed mRNA vaccine to receive investigational new drug (IND) approvals from both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). The Phase I dose-escalation study includes two cohorts: EVM14 as a single agent and combined with a PD-1 monoclonal antibody. It enrols participants with advanced, unresectable, metastatic or recurrent sq-NSCLC and HNSCC whose disease has progressed after at least two prior systemic therapies. Primary endpoints of the trial focus on the tolerability and safety of EVM14, with secondary endpoints evaluating preliminary efficacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everest Medicines CEO Rogers Yongqing Luo said: The first patient dosed with EVM14 in the US marks an important milestone in translating Everest's internally developed therapeutic mRNA cancer vaccine from technological innovation into clinical development. With IND approval also secured in China, we will accelerate clinical progress in both the US and China to build a more robust global evidence base for EVM14's clinical value. Patients face limited treatment options with the current standard of care, underscoring a significant unmet medical need. As a TAA cancer vaccine, EVM14's unique mechanism has the potential to complement existing treatments and help delay disease recurrence, offering hope for long-term cancer-free survival. The dose escalation for monotherapy is anticipated to conclude in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2025, Everest Medicines dosed the first subject with EVM16, the companys mRNA cancer vaccine, in the first-in-human (FIH) trial, EVM16CX01. mRNA vaccine coverage on Pharmaceutical Technology (Or Clinical Trials Arena) is supported by Trilink. Editorial content is independently produced and follows the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Topic sponsors are not involved in the creation of editorial content. "Everest Medicines doses first participant in trial of EVM14 cancer vaccine" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. A former Jacksonville postal worker is headed to federal prison after being caught trading guns for drugs. Bryan Byers, 58, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for having a gun while using illegal drugs. He pleaded guilty on July 10. According to court records, Byers swapped firearms for drugs. One convicted felon told authorities he got a Taurus 9mm pistol from Byers in exchange for crack cocaine. That felon was later caught with the gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Federal agents searched Byers home on April 2. They found several guns, ammunition, and used crack pipes. The firearms included a Marlin .22 rifle, a Norinco 7.62x39 mm rifle with a high-capacity magazine, a Palmetto State Arms 9mm pistol, and two gun frames. The very next day, Byers tried to buy another gun from a Jacksonville dealer, but agents arrested him before he could finish the purchase. [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. Nov. 24MOSES LAKE Ricky Boehler has stood before his share of judges in his time. But Wednesday he was laughing, smiling and sharing pizza with one rather than worrying about sentencing. Boehler was the 14th to graduate from Grant County's Community Court, a special program that gives frequent offenders, especially those struggling with substance abuse, a way to get off the criminal justice system merry-go-round and onto a path that gives them hope, confidence and most of all a future. "It's a different type of court," Judge Brian Gwinn said. "It is a specialty court. We call it a therapeutic court. Our particular name is Community Court because we're here to serve the community. It's about making people about people and giving them the services and the resources they need to progress rather than going backwards." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program comes in four phases, starting out intensive and progressing through landmarks like getting a job, returning to school, getting their licenses back and taking whatever steps are necessary to get their lives on track. Boehler wasn't originally considered a candidate for Community Court, he said, due to a long criminal history in Idaho. "I'm a nine-time convicted felon," Boehler said. "I've done 13 years. I just did eight flat and was released in 2023. I was doing great, and then had a relapse (and) got a DUI." While he was awaiting trial on the DUI, he asked his lawyer, Tracy Poulos, about the program, and she told him his chances were slim at best. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When I was first assigned to Ricky, we had a long talk about his journey through the criminal justice system, and it had been long before he ever came into my realm," she said. "I was ... able to reach out to Ricky's defense attorney in Latah County (Idaho) and talk with her about getting him into this program, because ... he was very concerned that they were going to send him back to prison. And what he really wanted to do was to demonstrate that he was dedicated was dedicated to his sobriety." Boehler's plan was simple, he said: he would show up to Community Court every week and keep lobbying to be accepted in the program. "I just kept coming in and coming and coming for about three months," he said. "I came every time there was court. (Poulos) was like, well, I've talked with the team and I don't know if you're gonna get in. I'm like, well, I'm going to keep going until the judge tells me that." A Community Court participant stays in the program for at least a year, Gwinn said, following whatever treatment recommendations sobriety being an important one they've been given and checking in regularly with the court. Before Boehler's graduation ceremony, Gwinn spent most of an hour talking with participants in the program, some online and some in person, to see how they were improving. Their team of counselors and community court specialists chimed in with their assessments as well. Several shared their stories of succeeding one step at a time, and were rewarded with a small box of candy from the judge. Daniel Clark, attending online from Spokane, said he had had a visit from one of his daughters and another was set to visit the following week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She's bringing her new boyfriend," he said. "She's kind of scared, but I'm not going to give him that talk. I'll just give him that look." Clark was working hard to get his health care ID in order so he could find a job and support himself without public assistance. "Right now I'm getting geared up for winter because, as you now, it snows like crazy here and next week we're expecting snow," Clark said. "So if worse comes to worst I'll walk up and down these streets with a rake and ask people if they want their yards raked. Whatever it takes, because I've been homeless for too many years and I deserve better than that." Another participant, who was in his first week, admitted he'd had a relapse, and Gwinn assigned him four hours community service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Normally it's more, but you were honest about it," Gwinn said. "Honesty is the key to getting through this ... because if you're honest, you stand a chance." Those who have finished the program are afforded a chance to help others, through an alumni group that supports the people who are still in Community Court. One was David Chapman, who was the seventh graduate of Community Court, he said. "We schedule meetings, and talk about how we're going to help participants and ... just keep the progress going," Chapman said. At the end of Boehler's last session as a participant, Jeremiah Jensen of the Grant County Prosecutor's Office formally requested that Boehler's DUI charges be dismissed. Then Boehler, Jensen and Community Court Specialist Manny Garcia walked to a shredder and fed the complaint in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before adjourning for celebration with pizzas that had been delivered at the beginning of the session, Gwinn turned the floor over to anyone who wanted to speak. Boehler's mother, Melanie Boehler, choked up a little as she spoke. "Ricky's had challenges all his life," she said. "One of the things I have to say to him is, it's OK to be successful. It's OK to succeed. You do deserve it. He had to learn to believe in himself. You can't go any further in this life if you don't believe in yourself. I'm proud of you, son. Don't let anything derail you." Ricky Boehler said he's going to start participating in the alumni group to help the ones who come after him. "It's exactly what I needed to change my life around," he said. "I (was) a career criminal with little to no regard for other people and their stuff. ... And now here I am, giving back to the community. I have a job. I'm no longer working paycheck to paycheck. I started the program with a sub-500 credit score. My credit score is 755 right now, and I just got pre-approved to buy a house, so I'm saving. It's amazing what one year of growth in this program has done for me." By Amina Niasse NEW YORK (Reuters) -Officials from several U.S. states say Americans relying on subsidies to afford Obamacare health insurance are holding off on enrolling as they face 2026 premium hikes that could more than double, with one state seeing enrollment drag by as much as 33%. Of more than a dozen states that directly sell to their residents plans established under the Affordable Care Act - often called Obamacare - seven including California and Maryland told Reuters sign-ups are lagging compared to a year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is still time for enrollment to pick up, some said, with the next few weeks seen as crucial. A December vote in the U.S. Senate should it happen could still be an 11th-hour rescue for the program's subsidies. Other major changes would be difficult to implement for next year, experts say. Big wins by Democrats in November have put healthcare back in the forefront of U.S. politics and left Republicans scrambling to address the issue before next year's mid-term elections that will decide control of Congress. President Donald Trump had said he supported giving funds directly to consumers, evading health insurance companies, but may be mulling alternatives. Politico reported on Monday that Trump was considering a two-year extension of the subsidies. "People are making really tough choices to figure out how they can stay covered or making the tough choice to drop," said Ingrid Ulrey, chief executive officer for Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ulrey said 7,000 people in Washington state have dropped coverage since the start of the sign-up period, a 21% year-over-year increase in disenrollments. The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to a request for comment. PARING BACK, SEEKING ALTERNATIVES Some consumers are paring back to alternatives like the short-term coverage plans that were designed to be used for emergency healthcare, or by signing up for co-funded health-sharing arrangements managed by faith-based groups, some officials and brokers said. A spokesperson for Covered California said enrollment is down 33% from the sign-up period last year. Pennsylvania said it has seen a 12% decrease in new enrollees from 2025 to 2026, and for every one new enrollment, two existing enrollees have terminated coverage. Virginia, Maryland, Rhode Island and Connecticut all described a weaker pace of sign-ups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 24 million people signed up for the plans in 2025, with about 22 million receiving income-based subsidies. Enhanced tax credits for households making above 400% of the federal poverty level were introduced in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are set to expire at the end of 2025. Health research firm KFF estimates premiums will more than double, particularly for those people at the top of the scale. Ulrey said Washington's active enrollment drops were largely made up of families earning an average of $107,000 a year. The plans aimed to increase access to healthcare in the U.S. by drawing insurers into a stable market. Insurers who offer the plans had already been expecting a difficult 2026 due to rising medical costs and shrinking enrollment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CVS Health's Aetna announced in May it would exit the business entirely. UnitedHealthcare said it would trim its Obamacare offerings in less favorable markets, while Centene and Cigna have signaled potential rate adjustments tied to the expiration of the subsidies. STATES AWAIT LAWMAKERS' DECISIONS Lindsay Lang, director at Health Source RI, said an increased number of residents have canceled appointments with state employees who help shoppers navigate the marketplace. "If there is going to be a vote in Congress, it would occur in December, and that's truly the 11th Hour," Lang said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If lawmakers directly extend subsidies at the current amount, implementing that retroactively would be manageable for states, two officials and three industry experts said. "That is relatively simple for us to do in our system," said Rhode Island's Lang. Michele Eberle, executive director at Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, said rolling out Republican suggestions of direct subsidies and other changes to the framework of the tax credits would require documentation, new technology and system testing that could not be carried out in time for next year. "I don't think any exchange, including the federal exchange, can make systematic changes that quickly," Eberle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitney Stidom, an executive with health insurance marketplace eHealth, said short-term and indemnity plans that reimburse buyers a fixed amount are often the next option for people willing to forgo comprehensive health coverage, but they don't cover pre-existing conditions. People shopping for cheaper plans may not know that short-term coverage or health ministry plans often do not pay for essential health benefits, such as maternity care, mental health services or preventive care, said Michelle Long, senior policy manager at KFF. It's not health insurance, she said. (Reporting by Amina Niasse in New York; Editing by Caroline Humer and Bill Berkrot) By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States is poised to launch a new phase of Venezuela-related operations in the coming days, four U.S. officials told Reuters, as the Trump administration escalates pressure on President Nicolas Maduro's government. Reuters was not able to establish the exact timing or scope of the new operations, nor whether U.S. President Donald Trump had made a final decision to act. Reports of looming action have proliferated in recent weeks as the U.S. military has deployed forces to the Caribbean amid worsening relations with Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the U.S. officials said covert operations would likely be the first part of the new action against Maduro. All four officials quoted in this article spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of impending action by the United States. The Pentagon referred questions to the White House. The CIA declined to comment. A senior administration official on Saturday did not rule anything out regarding Venezuela. "President Trump is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice," said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has been weighing Venezuela-related options to combat what it has portrayed as Maduros role in supplying illegal drugs that have killed Americans. He has denied having any links to the illegal drug trade. Two U.S. officials told Reuters the options under consideration included attempting to overthrow Maduro. Maduro, in power since 2013, has contended that Trump seeks to oust him and that Venezuelan citizens and the military will resist any such attempt. The Venezuelan president, who will celebrate his 63rd birthday on Sunday, appeared on Saturday night at Caracas' main theater for the premiere of a television series based on his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A military buildup in the Caribbean has been underway for months, and Trump has authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Friday warned major airlines of a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela and urged them to exercise caution. Three international airlines cancelled flights departing from Venezuela on Saturday after the FAA warning. The United States plans on Monday to designate the Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organization for its alleged role in importing illegal drugs into the United States, officials said. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading Cartel de los Soles, which he denies. HEGSETH: NEW OPTIONS AFTER TERRORIST DESIGNATION Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week that the terrorist designation "brings a whole bunch of new options to the United States." Trump has said the upcoming designation would allow the United States to strike Maduro's assets and infrastructure in Venezuela, but he also has indicated a willingness to potentially pursue talks in hopes of a diplomatic solution. Two U.S. officials acknowledged conversations between Caracas and Washington. It was unclear whether those conversations could impact the timing or scale of the U.S. operations. The U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, arrived in the Caribbean on November 16 with its strike group, joining at least seven other warships, a nuclear submarine and F-35 aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. forces in the region so far have focused on counter-narcotics operations, even though the assembled firepower far outweighs anything needed for them. U.S. troops have carried out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific since September, killing at least 83 people. Human rights groups have condemned the strikes as illegal extrajudicial killings of civilians, and some U.S. allies have expressed growing concerns that Washington may be violating international law. Washington in August doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $50 million. The U.S. military dwarfs Venezuela's, which is debilitated by a lack of training, low wages and deteriorating equipment. Some unit commanders have been forced to negotiate with local food producers to feed their troops because government supplies fall short, Reuters has reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That reality has led Maduro's government to consider alternative strategies in the event of a U.S. invasion, including possibly a guerrilla-style response, which the government has termed "prolonged resistance" and mentioned in broadcasts on state television. This approach would involve small military units at more than 280 locations carrying out acts of sabotage and other guerrilla tactics, Reuters has reported, citing sources and years-old planning documents. (Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Craig Timberg, Sergio Non and Diane Craft) The wildfire risk to Texans is getting bigger and bigger, according to Newsweek. "We're sitting here waiting for the ticking time bomb to explode," said Steven Haynes, assistant professor of practice, finance, and managerial economics at the University of Texas. He expects there to be "rich fuel sources scattered by high winds" followed by "a wildfire that's going to be very difficult to contain." What's happening? The only state subject to more wildfires than Texas is California. Texas even leads California in acreage burned. Despite this, the Lone Star State is showing much less ability to deal with the upcoming season, according to experts. While California enjoys a professional statewide firefighting force for large-scale threats, Texas depends on a patchwork of local volunteers for its fires. Regardless, real estate data from Redfin shows that more than 30,000 people moved into fire-prone areas in Texas in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looming threats of fire are resulting in skyrocketing insurance rates or the withdrawal of coverage altogether. Insurance challenges are exacerbated by lax building codes that make Texas homes more likely to catch fire. Reports have suggested that insurance changes could spark a housing crisis worse than 2008's. Why are Texas wildfires important? Wildfires are an obvious and direct threat to human habitation, but the damage doesn't stop there. Wildlife habitats are destroyed by these catastrophes. The animals that survive are flung into unfamiliar habitats, often wounded and poorly-equipped to fend for themselves. Wildfires also emit massive amounts of pollution. 2023 Canadian wildfires actually made the country's air quality worse than America's, despite the vast difference in population. Combined with human-made pollution, these gases further exacerbate the extreme heat waves that cause increased wildfires in the first place. What's being done about Texas wildfires? To combat these challenges, Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin, suggested the state deploy measures to encourage building homes in fire-resilient areas. New insurance regulations could help too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This means that regulations are working to protect consumers but are not so burdensome that insurers leave Texas altogether," she said. "There need to be enough insurers willing to operate in Texas, such that insurers are competing for customers, and not the other way around." Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. A week after their loved one was killed after, police say, he was hit while riding his bicycle, family and friends gathered at the same spot to send a message of justice. Holding posters, flowers, and religious objects, Fidel Estrada's family and friends stood along Galveston's 53rd street on Sunday with a message. "Even though he's not here with us on earth, we want justice for him," Estrada's nephew, Daniel Alverdi, said. "His voice to be heard through us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's justice, they said, they need after what happened a week ago in the very spot they were standing. Officers said Estrada was riding his bicycle early last Sunday morning when he was hit. The driver, they said, took off. Estrada was brought to the hospital, but officers said he died. "We were getting ready for church," Alverdi recalled. "We got a phone call at nine in the morning." At first, officers said they didn't know who hit Estrada. That changed on Friday. Officers say Aiden Prause, 18, of Cypress, walked into the station. He was charged with leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said his bond was recommended to be set at $100,000. County records don't show the actual bond amount. Although jail records reveal the suspect was arrested on Friday, he's not listed in jail. While he was arrested, Estrada's family wants to know how it happened on a street with a bike lane. "That's something we still don't understand how exactly it happened because there's a space for bikes, there's space for parking, there's space for cars," Alverdi explained. "I don't know how exactly it happened." Estrada's family said he was no stranger to this bike lane. He would routinely take it on his way to work at the Spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the incident, the restaurant shared words about Estrada's death on social media, which had hundreds of comments. "He lived on the island for 28 years," Alverdi said. "He was very loved by so many Galvestonians." Family members said Estrada leaves behind four children. He lived in Galveston, but was from Mexico, where family members say they plan to bury him. It's a funeral they wish they didn't have to plan. "I don't know what to tell him," Alverdi said. "I don't want to be in his shoes. What he did was totally wrong. It was totally wrong." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Words may be hard to come by, but the message isn't. Justice for Fidel, they say as they wait for answers as to why they must seek it in the first place. For updates on this story, follow Nick Natario on Facebook, X and Instagram. Sydney A far-right Australian politician sparked outrage Monday after donning a burqa at the country's parliament, in a display that other lawmakers condemned as racist, unsafe and disrespectful. Pauline Hanson of the anti-immigration One Nation party was seeking to introduce a bill in the Senate that would ban full face coverings in Australia a policy she has campaigned on for decades. Just minutes after other lawmakers blocked her from introducing that bill, she returned wearing a black burqa and sat down. Her display was meet by outrage from her fellow senators. Australian Greens leader in the Senate Larissa Waters said the move was "the middle finger to people of faith." "It is extremely racist and unsafe," Waters added. Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who also serves as leader of the government in the Senate, condemned it as "disrespectful." Senator Pauline Hanson, leader of Australia's One Nation political party, wears a burqa in the Senate chamber at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 24, 2025. / Credit: AAP/Mick Tsikas/REUTERS "All of us in this place have a great privilege in coming into this chamber," Wong said. "We represent in our states, people of every faith, of every faith, of all backgrounds. And we should do so decently." Hanson refused to remove the burqa and the Senate was suspended. It is the second time she has donned the Muslim clothing in parliament. In 2017, she wore a full burqa in the Senate to highlight what she said were the security issues the garment posed, linking it to terror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement posted later Monday on a Facebook account that she endorses, Hanson called her actions a protest against the Senate rejecting her proposed bill. "So if the Parliament won't ban it, I will display this oppressive, radical, non-religious head garb that risk our national security and the ill-treatment of women on the floor of our parliament so that every Australian knows what's at stake," Hanson wrote. "If they don't want me wearing it ban the burqa." Independent Senator Fatima Payman looks on as One Nation party leader Pauline Hanson wears a burqa in the Senate chamber at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 24, 2025. / Credit: AAP/Mick Tsikas/REUTERS Hanson has previously described Islam as "a culture and ideology that is incompatible with our own," and she claimed in a 2016 speech that Australia was being "swamped by Muslims." Her party has seen its support among the public increase as the country's main conservative opposition remain beset by infighting. A poll this month reported by The Australian Financial Review showed the One Nation party with a still modest, but record 18% support. That comes as a government envoy said in September that Australia had failed to tackle persistent and intensifying Islamophobia. "To Die For": Beloved recipes etched in stone Marjorie Taylor Greene announces resignation amid clashes with President Trump In Maine, a cafe helps subsidize a community newspaper The Brief Two north Texas men have been indicted for allegedly plotting to recruit homeless people from Washington, D.C., to help invade an island off Haiti. Federal prosecutors say the men planned to kill the men on the island and enslave the women and children. Both defendants face life in prison if convicted of conspiracy to murder, maim or kidnap in a foreign country and producing child pornography. WASHINGTON, D.C. - A shocking federal indictment details an alleged plan by two Texas men to recruit members of D.C.s homeless population as mercenaries in a violent plot to invade a Haitian island, murder its male residents and enslave women and children. What we know Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Texas say 21-year-old Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, of Allen, and 20-year-old Tanner Christopher Thomas, of Argyle, conspired between August 2024 and July 2025 to form an armed force and launch an attack on Gonave Island, part of the Republic of Haiti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the indictment, the men allegedly planned to purchase a sailboat, firearms, and ammunition and recruit homeless men from Washington, D.C. to act as soldiers in the planned assault. Prosecutors said the pairs goal was to murder all of the men on the island and enslave the women and children to carry out their "rape fantasies." Court documents allege the men took concrete steps to prepare for the attack, including learning Haitian Creole, enrolling in schools to gain relevant skills, and, in Thomass case, joining the U.S. Air Force to obtain military training. The charges Both defendants are charged with: Conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country Production of child pornography Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted of the conspiracy charge, Weisenburg and Thomas face up to life in federal prison. The child pornography charge carries a penalty of 15 to 30 years in prison. The case is being investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Celina Police Department. Whats next Both men remain in federal custody. A trial date has not been set. Prosecutors emphasized that the indictment is not evidence of guilt and that both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The Source This article is based on a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Texas. Kyiv and Washington claim to have created an updated and refined peace framework based on the Russian-American one that Trump and Zelenskiy must now approve Kyiv is heading into a critical moment. The United States and Ukraine made progress on Sunday night toward a preliminary agreement on a peace plan aimed at ending the imperialist war launched by Russia in February 2022. The project drafted after an intense meeting in Geneva, in which the Ukrainian government was supported by European representatives, and based on the controversial U.S.-Russian proposal still requires technical work and the final decisions of U.S. president Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, according to a joint statement issued by Washington and Kyiv. As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework, says the statement released in the early hours, which opens a path of hope for the invaded country by stating that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraines sovereignty. The statement does not provide any details about this new framework, leaving many questions unanswered. In addition, in a separate declaration, the White House said that the new version of the plan included strengthened security guarantees and that the Ukrainian delegation considered that the framework reflects their national interests, something not included in the joint statement. The announcement of progress in the negotiations comes after Trump increased pressure on Kyiv. The U.S. president on Sunday said that Zelenskiy had zero gratitude for U.S. efforts to achieve peace, and criticized Europeans for continuing to buy oil from Russia while trying to support Ukraine. Neither Ukraine nor the United States has revealed the content of the new framework agreement, which amends the 28-point plan outlined by Russia and the U.S. that required Kyiv to cede territory to the Kremlin, limit its army, and give up its ambitions to join NATO. However, the foundation the core of this preliminary agreement remains that roadmap drafted without the participation of Ukraine or Europe, which Kyiv and European partners have tried to modify as much as possible to limit the extent of the damage. The Ukrainian and European idea, according to sources familiar with the negotiations, is to shield Ukraine with solid security guarantees that would allow them to defend the country in the event of new aggression (something that would serve as a deterrent to the Kremlin), as well as ensure that Kyiv is not forced to limit its military size and weaponry as severely as the 28-point plan suggests. On the table is the idea of a force of 800,000 troops in peacetime, instead of the mere 600,000 marked by the U.S.Russian roadmap. They also seek to reformulate and minimize as much as possible the clauses under which the invaded country would be required to cede territory. Reuters reported having seen the document containing the European counterproposal, built upon the 28-point plan. This new text proposes, among other things, that the security guarantee offered by the U.S. should be similar to NATOs Article 5 (which guarantees mutual defense in case of attack); that Ukraine hold elections as soon as possible after the agreement rather than within a fixed 100-day period; that Ukraines integration into NATO depends on the consensus of all members, a consensus that does not exist rather than obliging Kyiv to include in its constitution a renunciation of accession; and that NATO agrees not to deploy troops in Ukraine in peacetime rather than not at all. As for the territorial issue, instead of accepting Russias de facto annexation, the text merely states that Ukraine commits not to seek to recover its sovereign territories by force. Meeting of delegations from Washington, Kiyv, and several European countries to negotiate the plan for Ukraine, this Sunday in Geneva. MARTIAL TREZZINI (EFE) European leaders, who have spent weeks debating a European Commission proposal to transfer to Kyiv 180 billion ($207 billion) in frozen Russian sovereign assets located within EU territory (mainly in Belgium) due to sanctions, are also demanding that these funds be handed over to Kyiv as compensation and used for reconstruction. Meanwhile, the U.S.Russian plan states that around 100 billion ($115 billion) of the Russian assets would be invested in reconstruction and in projects in Ukraine, but through a U.S.-led format in which the United States would receive 50% of the profits. Europe would also add, according to that plan drafted without the Europeans, another 100 billion for reconstruction. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak described the Geneva talks as enormously significant. Weve had probably the most productive and meaningful meetings so far in this entire process, Rubio said on Sunday. What remains now is both to clarify the details of the new framework and to gauge the Kremlins reaction and whether it will once again block efforts to end the war. European mobilization Europe and Kyivs Western allies have mobilized to support the invaded country in its negotiations with the United States. Any credible and sustainable peace plan should first and foremost stop the killing and end the war, while not sowing the seeds for a future conflict, Ursula von der Leyen said this Sunday in a video statement. The president of the European Commission reiterated the position of Kyivs Western allies that borders cannot be changed by force and that Ukraine should not be forced to reduce its army. The centrality of the European Union in securing peace for Ukraine must be fully reflected, insisted the head of the EUs executive branch, who took part in the G-20 summit in South Africa this past weekend. At a press conference held in Johannesburg after the conclusion of the G-20, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she had had a phone conversation with Trump and that he was willing to modify the 28-point plan for Ukraine. Meloni expressed support for a negotiating strategy that uses the 28-point plan as a starting point and focuses the dialogue on the elements that Europeans find problematic, instead of drafting a full counterproposal. It makes more sense to work on the existing proposal and focus on the truly crucial issues, said Meloni. The Russians also need to give some concrete signal that they actually want to achieve peace, she added. German chancellor Friedrich Merz also addressed the negotiations over the plan for Ukraine in Johannesburg. The German leader said he believed the deadline set by the White House to settle the issue was too soon. President Trumps plan is to reach an agreement on Thursday. We are still very far from that. That doesnt mean its completely impossible to reach... But Im skeptical whether such an outcome is possible given the current differences, the chancellor said on the sidelines of the G-20 summit. Germany is, after the United States, the country that has provided Ukraine with the highest value of assistance: around 38 billion ($43 billion) from the invasion up to this past August, according to calculations by the Kiel Institute. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside Emmanuel Macron (left) and Friedrich Merz (right), on Sunday in Johannesburg, South Africa. Henry Nicholls (via REUTERS) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also commented on the Ukraine issue. The leader said he has a call scheduled with Putin for Monday, and that his intention was to discuss with him the possibility of reactivating the agreement allowing grain shipments to pass freely through the Black Sea. I think it would be very beneficial if we can start this process, he said. Questions over who authored the plan Meanwhile, the U.S.Russian plan continues to face criticism. On Saturday night, a group of U.S. senators (both Democrats and Republicans) claimed that Rubio had told them the roadmap was designed by Russia. After the controversy, before leaving for Geneva, the U.S. Secretary of State insisted that the 28-point plan was authored by the U.S. and that it had been based on input from both Russia and Ukraine. On Saturday, Ukraines allies attending the G-20 summit in South Africa issued a statement saying that the 28-point plan required additional work and that, as it stands, it would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack. Together with the leaders of Europe, Canada and Japan, we have declared our readiness to work on the 28-point plan despite some reservations, posted Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on X. However, before we start our work, it would be good to know for sure who is the author of the plan and where was it created. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Georgia has successfully forfeited and returned about $84,327.50 to a victim of cryptocurrency theft, U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Heap announced Monday. The funds were recovered through a civil asset forfeiture action, which involved coordination between the Asset Forfeiture Unit, the FBI and the Department of Justices Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. The theft, which occurred in October 2024, involved $124,000 in unauthorized transactions from a cryptocurrency address owned by a Richmond Hill resident, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon discovering the theft, the victim reported the crime to local law enforcement and the FBI. The FBI said agents conducted a thorough investigation and traced the stolen cryptocurrency and identifying involvement of overseas actors, including in Cambodia. The FBI, working with the Asset Forfeiture Unit, quickly seized the traced cryptocurrency, which was later forfeited through a federal civil case in Savannah. Throughout the investigation and court proceedings, the FBI worked with the victim to return the net proceeds after forfeiture and liquidation. The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the U.S. Attorneys Office, in coordination with the FBI and the Department of Justices Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, worked diligently to locate, seize, and forfeit these funds, and thereafter, return money to the victim, Heap said. Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, stated, The FBI is committed to pursuing justice for victims of cybercrime, no matter where the trail leads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Internet Crime Complaint Center, run by the FBI, serves as the hub for reporting cybercrime. Victims of cybercrime are encouraged to file detailed complaints at www.ic3.gov. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Buses are lined up at the Kansas City Public Schools bus barn in Kansas City, Mo., between morning and afternoon routes. School districts have made some progress in addressing the national shortage of school bus drivers, but there still arent as many drivers as there were in 2019. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline) This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters Sign up for Chalkbeat Detroits free newsletter to keep up with the citys public school system and Michigan education policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Detroit school district began offering yellow bus service to students at two high schools this year in an effort to improve attendance. But three months into the school year, few students are hopping on the buses. At the start of the year, about five high schoolers were riding each of the eight buses in the pilot program, despite efforts by the Detroit Public Schools Community District to notify students and families of the new option, officials said during a community meeting this month. On average, 15 students now ride on each bus every day. The district is investigating ways to increase ridership, Machion Jackson, a deputy superintendent overseeing transportation, said during the meeting. Colder weather in the coming months and potential adjustments to bus stops draw more students, she said. We have significantly increased ridership, and were hoping to (continue) to do so, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DPSCD officials did not respond to requests about the cost of bus pilot or answer questions related to the program. The pilot program began as an experiment to improve attendance at two schools with high rates of chronic absenteeism. Officials chose Henry Ford High School and East English Village Preparatory Academy at Finney, which had absence rates of 82% and 77% respectively in the 2024-25 school year. The districts overall rate was 60.9%. Students are considered to be chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of days in a school year. Currently, the district does not provide yellow bus service to most high school students. Exceptions are made in some cases, including for students with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness. Around 1,400 high schoolers rode yellow buses so far this school year, according to numbers presented at the community meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City buses are the main mode of transportation for most Detroit high schoolers. So far this school year, more than 3,780 high schoolers got free city bus passes from DPSCD. Small vehicle transportation, passenger van rides, and gas card reimbursements from the district also help get kids to school. Why arent more students riding yellow buses? Both Henry Ford and East English enrolled more than 600 students in 2024-25, meaning an average of around 10% of students at each school are riding the pilot buses each day. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said at a board meeting last month the pilot is not having a scaled impact on chronic absenteeism at either school. There may be a positive effect on attendance for individual students, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district has offered student incentives to boost ridership on the pilot buses. The pilot is plugged during daily announcements in the schools, through lunchtime engagement sessions, and robocalls to parents. The four pilot buses make between 35 and 42 stops on their routes, Jackson said. We chose the stops based on kind of like a heat map, she said. We looked at the density of where the majority of the students who attend those schools live in a neighborhood feeder pattern where they lived, and we strategically placed stops so that those students would not have to walk far. Anthony Peete, a student representative on the board who attends Henry Ford, said last month that his classmates dont find the yellow buses convenient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some students said they had to walk farther to the yellow bus stop than for the city bus. Others didnt know how to check where the bus route went, he said. Vitti said the district should look at ridership numbers again in January and consider whether the pilot should continue. The district could expand transportation services with additional state funding that was not anticipated in the districts adopted budget, Vitti said, adding that he would recommend paying for ride shares for small groups of students rather than adding more yellow buses. The district allocated more than $57.2 million for transportation in its budget for 2025-26 an increase of nearly $5 million compared to the year before. Hannah Dellinger covers Detroit schools for Chalkbeat Detroit. You can reach her at hdellinger@chalkbeat.org. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Florida Highway Patrol troopers said that a 52-year-old Winter Springs motorcyclist killed in a crash on Interstate 95 over the weekend may have been driving above the speed limit. Troopers said the unidentified man was driving a 2014 Yamaha southbound on the interstate when he lost control and slammed into a guardrail at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. The crash happened just south of Deering Parkway in Mims. No other vehicles were involved. The motorcyclist thrown from his motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. X: @JDGallop. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Crash kills Winter Springs motorcyclist on I-95 in Mims After a fifty year lull in drug discovery, a string of scientific breakthroughs have raised hopes that researchers are on the brink of a second Golden Age of Antibiotics. The stakes could hardly be higher. For decades, resistance to antibiotics has been mounting, threatening to undermine the foundations of modern medicine. Estimates suggest that superbugs those which have become untreatable due to drug-resistance killed 1.27 million people in 2019 alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the development of new drugs to combat the threat appeared to have stalled. Since 1970, just eight new classes of antibiotics have been approved and the World Health Organization (WHO) says only 90 drugs are in the current pipeline. By contrast, there are thousands for oncology. This is far cry from the dawn of the antibiotic age, when, from the 1940s to 1960s, almost two thirds of antibiotics we rely on today were developed. But recent scientific breakthroughs have fuelled optimism that, finally, the pace of drug discovery is picking up again. Prof James Collins is professor of medicinal engineering and science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and part of the Antibiotics-AI Project a partnership between MIT and Phare Bio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and his team are at the forefront of a drive to train artificial intelligence (AI) to identify new antibiotic candidates. Since 2020, they have identified two new potential antibiotics halicin and abaucin by using AI to screen millions of compounds. Then in August, they unveiled two new compounds NG1 and DN1 designed entirely by generative AI to tackle drug-resistant gonorrhoea and MRSA. The work, says Prof Collins, shows that AI has the potential to help herald a Second Golden Age of Antibiotics. The teams AI looked at 36 million compounds, according to a study published in Cell Journal before synthesising and testing its own compounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first time where truly generative AI was used to create new molecules, Prof Collins said. Were exploring a truly unlimited chemical space. AI can really accelerate innovation The need for new antibiotics is getting increasingly urgent. According to the WHO, the number of treatments in development dropped from 97 in 2023 to 90 in 2025. Only 15 were classified as innovative, meaning they offer a genuinely new mechanism of action or drug class, while just five target a bacteria for which drugs are running short. This situation is not optimal its demoralising that we saw a 10 per cent decrease in the total candidates in the pipeline, said Dr Valeria Gigante, the team lead in the AMR division at the WHO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve seen a lot of incremental innovation but the situation is really hard, and in some ways its worsened because, in terms of drug discovery, weve picked all the low hanging fruit. Yet, like Prof Collins, Dr Gigante is starting to believe that AI could turn the tide. Before it would take researchers really years for drug discovery, we estimated between five and 10 years of research. Whereas AI can do that in a few days; in a few hours it can search millions and millions of libraries I think that can really accelerate innovation. There are also hopes that big pharma, as well as universities and small biotech firms, are starting to engage in the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Eli Lilly and Googles DeepMind launched a collaboration on AI-driven drug discovery. And just this week, the British pharmaceutical company GSK launched a 45 million collaboration with the Fleming Initiative, which aims to use AI to target hard-to-treat Gram-negative bacteria including E.Coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiotics have been abandoned, largely, from the drug development side because of economics, said Prof Collins. But my sense is that the ecosystem around AI for antibiotics seems to be growing and picking up momentum I think were beginning to turn a corner. There are some other reasons to be optimistic. In October, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States approved fosfomycin to treat complicated urinary tract infections. Although a repurposed antibiotic rather than a genuinely new one, the WHO said it was a valuable advance. Fosfomycin is not new to us, it has been in clinical use in the past 25 years, said Dr Gigante. But this is an injectable formulation and will surely offer a clinician a valuable new option, especially in cases where multi-drug resistant pathogens are making an infection increasingly difficult to treat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also hopes that a new first-in-class drug to treat uncomplicated gonorrhoea, called Zoliflodacin, may be approved before the end of the year. While the disease is rarely deadly, it is spreading at speed. The fight against tuberculosis arguably the archetypal disease of resistance has scored major wins, too. AI has transformed some surveillance and diagnosis programmes while a new antibiotic, pretomanid, was approved in 2019. Meanwhile scientists are uncovering new aspects of our immune system that may help in the fight against AMR. One example was published in Nature earlier this year: scientists in Israel found what they described as an untapped source of natural antibiotics hidden in human cells. They hope to turn the proteins into a new class of treatment for resistant infections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has also been renewed focus on phage therapy, which involves deploying viruses that naturally infect and kill bacteria as a means of destroying superbugs. The idea and concept of vaccines for AMR has definitely taken off, said Dr Robson. If you could vaccinate against a number of pathogens, it would reduce the need to use antibiotics and reduce our reliance on antibiotics as a whole. This also applies to existing vaccines for instance pneumococcal bacteria and Haemophilus influenzae type B. The WHO estimates that, if these were used optimally, they could avert up to 106,000 AMR-related deaths yearly. Another 543,000 deaths associated with AMR could be averted if vaccines for TB and Klebsiella are developed and rolled out worldwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that doesnt stop the need for antibiotics themselves, and the need to have a strong pipeline, said Dr Robson. Resistance is always going to happen and evolve. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Credit: Queensland Coroner's Court Video footage has revealed the seconds leading up to a mid-air helicopter crash which killed British tourists in Australia. Four people, including a British couple, died when two Sea World-branded aircraft collided above the Gold Coast Broadwater estuary in Queensland in January 2023. Previously unseen footage, taken from inside both helicopters and from onlookers on the ground, was shown at the beginning of an inquest into the crash on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One video showed tourists on board one of the aircraft frantically trying to warn their pilot about a rapidly approaching helicopter before the collision. Diane and Ron Hughes, aged 57 and 65, from Cheshire, were both killed in the accident, alongside Birmingham-born pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, and Australian Vanessa Tadross, 37. Diane and Ron Hughes, pictured on their wedding day, were killed in the helicopter crash Their sightseeing helicopter had been airborne for just 25 seconds before the mid-air collision, which sent the aircraft plunging from an altitude of 40m into a sandbank below. Also on board was Ms Tadross 10-year-old son, who was pulled from the wreckage, and Winnie de Silva, then 35, with her son, aged nine, who were left with significant injuries. Miracle escape for second aircraft The second helicopter, piloted by Michael James, was able to safely touch down on the sandbank, with five passengers suffering only minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angus Mitchell, the chief commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), described the actions of the pilot, then 52 years old, as a remarkable achievement. The pilot of the second helicopter, Michael James, was commended for managing to safely land his aircraft after the collision - Channel 9/AP Ian Harvey, counsel, assisting the inquest at Queensland Coroners Court, said that the footage provided the inescapable conclusion that neither pilot saw each other in the moments before the collision on Jan 2. He told the court both pilots were highly experienced and were operating modern machines designed with multiple safety features. He added: How such a situation arose will be examined in detail during these hearings. Radio antenna faults contributed to crash Earlier this year, a report by the ATSB identified multiple failures that had contributed to the fatal collision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report said the pilot of the inbound helicopter had earlier sighted the departing helicopter on the park pad, but had assessed it as not being a threat, and expected to be alerted by a taxiing radio call if that condition changed. Mr Mitchell said the investigation had found faults in the radio antenna of the departing helicopter which likely prevented broadcast of the taxi call. He added: Without the taxiing call being received, the pilot of the inbound helicopter, who was likely focusing on their landing site, had no trigger to reassess the status of the departing helicopter as a collision risk. The report also found passengers seatbelts were incorrectly fitted because of their life jackets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr and Mrs Hughes, who had married in August 2021 and ran an interior design business together, had been visiting Mr Hughess daughter, Jane Manns, her husband Ben and their children. Mr Jenkinson had married his wife, Kosha, three months before and they had a son, who was 17 months old at the time of the crash. Ashley Jenkinson pictured with his wife, Kosha - Facebook Peter Carter, director of Carter Capner Law, said the inquest leaves open the prospect of criminal charges in a statement on Monday. He said: Weve already seen serious failings laid bare in an Australian Transport Safety Bureau report, and this inquest will put the events of January 2023 under even more scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important that affected families get more information on why too many aircraft were operating in a contested space and why faulty radio equipment was being used. The inquiry will hear evidence from survivors, ATSB investigators, police and staff from Sea World Helicopters. A spokesman for Sea World Helicopters said: The coronial inquest is a vital and independent process and Sea World Helicopters will participate fully and respectfully. The 2023 accident was a devastating tragedy. Our deepest sympathies remain with the families who lost loved ones, the survivors, and our staff who were profoundly affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We operated at the time within a compliant and professionally managed framework and had been subject to multiple audits and regulatory reviews. Nevertheless, we welcome the inquest as an opportunity to further understand all the factors involved. They added: Sea World Helicopters has already implemented a range of additional safety enhancements since the accident and remains fully committed to continuous safety improvement. As the matter is now before the coroner, it would be inappropriate to comment further while the inquest is underway. 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. The find is subject of a legal battle between the US, Colombia and Spain over ownership - Armada de la Republica/Facebook Colombian scientists have recovered the first treasures from what is believed to be the most lucrative shipwreck in history. A cannon, three gold coins and a porcelain cup were among the items found in the Caribbean Sea, and are part of a trove potentially worth billions of pounds. The items were being carried by the San Jose, a Spanish galleon that sank in 1708 after being attacked by a British fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The discovery is part of a scientific project directed by the Colombian government last year to study the wreckage and the causes of the ships sinking. It is believed to be 600m below the surface, but its exact location remains a secret. These cannons lay undiscovered at the bottom of the ocean for more than three centuries - Colombian Navy/Reuters The San Jose was on its way to Europe, laden with treasures that would help fund the War of the Spanish Succession. Historians believe that en route it encountered Admiral Charles Wagers British ships, which sank the galleon near the Caribbean port city of Cartagena. However, the Colombian government has suggested it could have sunk for other reasons, including damage to the hull. At the time, the vessel which has become known as the holy grail of shipwrecks is believed to have been carrying 11 million gold and silver coins, emeralds, and other valuable items from Spanish-controlled colonies. Three gold coins were among the items found in the Caribbean Sea - AFP The wreckage lay undiscovered at the bottom of the ocean for more than three centuries until Colombian naval researchers identified its location in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has since been the subject of a legal battle between officials in the US, Colombia and Spain over who owns the rights to the treasure. Sea Search Armada, a US-based salvage company, claims to have found the wreckage in the 1980s and is demanding $10bn in compensation. A piece of rope was among the artifacts recovered by the Colombian Navy - Ricardo Maldonaldo Rozo/Shutterstock The group, formally known as Glocca Morra, says it shared the location with the Colombian government on the basis that it would receive a share of the treasure. The Spanish government has also argued in court that the treasure remains its property. Gustavo Petro, the Colombian president, said the purpose of the deep-water project was research, rather than seizing the treasure. He was reportedly present when the items were retrieved. President Gustavo Petro (c) looks at a cannon recovered from the San Jose, - AFP Bogotas culture ministry said the cannon, coins and porcelain cup would be stored in a laboratory that has been set up to conserve items found in the galleon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alhena Caicedo, director of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History, said samples of sediment would be analysed to better understand the causes of the shipwreck. 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. Eyewitness News is following a developing story out of Newark on one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. A United flight that left Sunday night from Newark Liberty International Airport to Cape Town, South Africa returned to Newark due to a medical emergency, United Airlines told Eyewitness News. The aircraft left just after 8:30 p.m. Sunday, meaning that the 236 passengers aboard spent eight hours in the air, only to end up right back they started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data from FlightAware shows United Flight 1122's travel path, including the moment it turned around over the Atlantic Ocean around 4 hours into the flight. The flight was met by medical personnel on arrival, and the passenger is being treated on the ground, United Airlines said. Passengers were rebooked and will be on their way today. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New Jersey news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube 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. Four individuals who were injured in a chemical gas leak in the parking lot of a hotel in Weatherford, Oklahoma, this month have filed a lawsuit in response to their injuries from coming in contact with anhydrous ammonia. The lawsuit, filed by Weatherford attorney Clay Bruner on behalf of the individuals, includes a Nashville, Tennessee, resident who developed chemical pneumonia from their injuries. The lawsuit alleges that Airgas Inc., the company transporting the 25,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, and IHG Hotels & Resorts, the local franchisor, as well as Champion Hotels, both committed negligence and created a public nuisance to the victims of the leak, including in separate complaints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Monday, Nov. 24, here's what has developed and what the lawsuit alleges. What happened in Weatherford? On Nov. 12, a semitruck driver with Airgas Inc. was transporting 25,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia gas. After pulling into a Holiday Inn in Weatherford, Oklahoma and checking into the hotel for the night, he noticed the hazardous matter was leaking out. Officials report that it was likely a faulty valve that caused the leak to occur. Immediately after noticing the leak, Weatherford Emergency Management began to evacuate all individuals within a nearly mile radius of the incident, including residents in surrounding neighborhoods, hotel guests and employees and businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, there were over 75 injuries that ranged from minor to chemical burns to airways. The following injuries were reported to first responders: Five patients airlifted to Oklahoma City-area hospitals Six patients were transported by ground to OKC metro hospitals Dozens treated at three separate casualty collection points 34 patients total treated at the Weatherford Regional Hospital 14 officers were exposed to the anhydrous ammonia; five of whom sustained chemical burns to their airways. Lawsuit alleges negligence, public nuisance in gas leak injuries Bruner's civil lawsuit, filed in Custer County, alleges that Airgas Specialty Products, Inc. and Airgas, Inc., as well as IHG Hotels & Resorts, PLC; IHG Franchisor, LLC; Champion Hotels and Development Company of Oklahoma, LLC and 10 John Does violated several counts of negligence, public nuisance, among other charges. Dozens of individuals were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment of respiratory distress, burns, eye injuries, and other ammonia-related injuries. Numerous others sought treatment at clinics or were treated at emergency staging areas. We are seeking answers as to why and compensation for the victims," Bruner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, Bruner claims that Airgas, Inc. and Airgas Specialty Products, Inc. are liable for strict liability due to the "abnormally dangerous activity" of transporting, parking and temporarily storing the 25,000 pounds of the gas near a hotel, which could put people and property in the area in harm's way. The lawsuit also alleges entities related to the hotel's operation are liable for knowing, or should have known, the hazardous nature of the truck and the risk it presented and still allowing it on the property. Bruner also argues that they breached their duty of reasonable care by allowing it to remain on the premises. The lawsuit further alleges that all defendants created a public nuisance and a private nuisance as a result of the gas plume that traveled through the community. The reach that the gas had concluded in a trespassing count as it entered an individual's property. Bruner is still seeking others who were injured by the gas leak in Weatherford on Nov. 12. Individuals can contact him by filling out a form on his website, oklahomagasleaklawsuit.com. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Weatherford ammonia gas leak victims sue Airgas, Holiday Inn Four people were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Monday, medical sources reported. They said two Palestinians were killed and others injured in two Israeli drone strikes in the south of the sealed-off coastal territory. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that three people had approached Israeli soldiers behind the yellow line, "posing an immediate threat to them." The military withdrew behind this line as part of the ceasefire agreement with Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The IDF struck the three terrorists in order to remove the threat. Hits were identified," the military continued, without specifying whether or how many of the targeted people were killed. In an incident further north, medical sources in the Gaza Strip also reported that two Palestinians were killed by Israeli artillery fire in the east of Gaza City. The incident reportedly occurred near the yellow line. When asked, the Israeli military said it was investigating the report. More than 330 Palestinians have been killed in violent incidents since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, according to the health authority in the Gaza Strip. Four people were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Monday, medical sources reported. They said two Palestinians were killed and others injured in two Israeli drone strikes in the south of the sealed-off coastal territory. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that three people had approached Israeli soldiers behind the yellow line, "posing an immediate threat to them." The military withdrew behind this line as part of the ceasefire agreement with Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The IDF struck the three terrorists in order to remove the threat. Hits were identified," the military continued, without specifying whether or how many of the targeted people were killed. In an incident further north, medical sources in the Gaza Strip also reported that two Palestinians were killed by Israeli artillery fire in the east of Gaza City. The incident reportedly occurred near the yellow line. An Israeli army spokeswoman said that the military was not aware of such an incident. More than 330 Palestinians have been killed in violent incidents since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, according to the health authority in the Gaza Strip. The suspension of international flights to Caracas due to the risks of flying over Venezuelan territory has raised tensions in the region The sudden suspension on Saturday of most international flights to Caracas, after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of the risks of flying over Venezuelan airspace, has heightened fears about a crisis of still unknown dimensions. The alert, which led airlines such as Iberia, Avianca and TAP to cancel routes, leaves Venezuela more isolated and vulnerable another element in the U.S. strategy to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. No one dares to guess what Donald Trumps plan is, but whatever it may be, its outcome is unlikely to be straightforward. Tensions between the two countries are running high. The United States contines its unprecedented naval deployment in the Caribbean, while Maduro has responded by digging in, mobilizing the Bolivarian National Armed Forces and armed civilian groups. Although there are no visible signs of divisions within the military, experts warn that internal discontent could surface if the situation escalates. Outside Venezuela particularly among the diaspora voices continue to insist that U.S. action could open the door to a democratic transition. Many continue to assert opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutias electoral victory and believe all internal avenues for removing the Maduro government have been exhausted. They place their hopes in the peaceful transition referenced by Maria Corina Machado, who is convinced that there is little popular support for the regime and that the population is too exhausted to endure a prolonged conflict. Inside Venezuela, caution and fear prevail. The desire for change is widespread, but so is concern especially among the elites that violent chaos could erupt at any moment if the Armed Forces do not support a transition. At the same time, another warning is constantly repeated: do not underestimate Chavismo, a political structure spread throughout the country, with cadres trained for years in the civilmilitary model and capable of territorial control. People speak about the issue in hushed tones, as though naming it might precipitate further unrest. Politics, increasingly pushed out of public life, has left a vacuum filled with speculation, fear and silence. The chicken game The growing U.S. military presence 20% of its naval force is deployed in the Caribbean fuels the perception that the conflict could escalate. If he wished, Trump could strike Venezuela directly from the ships or carry out surgical missions inside the country. For now, Washington has conducted operations against vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking, leaving more than 80 people dead in actions described as extrajudicial. For some, these are warnings; for others, simply a form of pressure. The strike group comprising the USS 'Gerald R. Ford,' 'Winston S. Churchill,' 'Mahan,' and 'Bainbridge' sails toward the Caribbean Sea under escort from the US Air Force on November 13. US Navy (via REUTERS) Historian and political analyst Pedro Benitez notes that the United States has never carried out a military intervention in South America. Venezuela, he says, bears no resemblance to the places where Washington has acted in the past. This country is not Libya or Somalia, he says. And he highlights a particular weakness for Chavismo: it is no longer backed by the working class. The poor are no longer with the government. In reality, Chavismo led Venezuela down this dead end, he argues. Political scientist Benigno Alarcon, director of the Center for Political and Government Studies at Andres Bello Catholic University, uses the metaphor of the chicken game to describe this impasse: two vehicles race toward each other at full speed, waiting for the other to swerve. The car that swerves is the chicken. The point of equilibrium in that game is that the one who ends up turning the steering wheel is the smaller car, says Alarcon. In this case, he says, the pressure bearing down on Maduros government is tremendous. But this equilibrium doesnt necessarily have to lead to a collision. Factors such as U.S. public opinion, Venezuelas internal situation, and the regional response will play a decisive role. Still, tensions are nearly at their highest point since 2019, when more than 50 countries recognized Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela the most significant sustained challenge to Maduro by the international community to date. Psychological warfare and targeted strikes For Mariano de Alba, a lawyer specializing in international law and diplomacy, the U.S. military deployment while sustainable for a time cannot continue indefinitely. It is a warning to the Venezuelan regime, but also a message to the world that Washington will have to consider. Eventually, it will likely have to be scaled back to some degree, he notes. Maria Puerta Riera, a researcher at the Latin American Studies Association, agrees with this assessment. She believes that U.S. domestic politics is a key factor: Polls are beginning to show discontent because the president is paying more attention to what is happening abroad than to what is happening at home. There is neither appetite nor justification for supporting Donald Trump in a military operation. But she cautions that Trumps own volatility makes any prediction difficult: The strategy is to have no strategy. To keep the Maduro regime from knowing if there will be a clear signal. Its psychological warfare. Venezuelan writer and academic Moises Naim also thinks that a U.S. invasion of Venezuela is unlikely. But that doesnt mean the situation would be stable: I see targeted, surgical attacks on specific objectives as more probable, while negotiations for [the Maduro governments] departure continue. Within the country, he warns, the immediate risk lies with the Chavista militias: There are many ways to advance a military intervention without actually entering [the country]. The regime doesnt need a large number of armed individuals to cause significant damage. The impossible negotiation For Mariano de Alba, a political transition in Venezuela could only open if a U.S. military operation triggered deep fractures within the various factions that keep the regime in place. A broad wave of defections more than a sustained military offensive would be the key to any negotiation process. But that path, he warns, is uncertain and depends largely on political developments in Washington. Trump himself has again hinted, in his characteristically ambiguous style, at the possibility of reopening talks with Maduro, even after insisting that all channels for dialogue were closed. That latest twist typical of his rhetoric only adds to the confusion over what exactly the White House wants, and whether the Chavista leader would truly be willing to give up power, something his inner circle considers unlikely. Nicolas Maduro speaks during an event in Caracas, on November 15. MIGUEL GUTIERREZ (EFE) Political scientist Carmen Beatriz Fernandez, speaking from Spain, highlights a point echoed by several analysts: Maduro is willing to engage in dialogue, but not to concede anything. For Maduro, dialogue is a charade; a photo op. He is willing to talk, but not to negotiate. Similarly, Naim notes that all the rounds of talks in the last decade have had one clear net effect: strengthening Maduro. Throughout these years, the political dialogue sessions have served to buy him time and stabilize his power, without him fulfilling the agreements he signs. Another risk, De Alba points out, lies in Maria Corina Machados strategy, which depends heavily on Trumps decisions. Riera calls this dependency the outsourcing of the transition, comparing it to the period of maximum international pressure during Guaidos leadership, when many believed external forces would trigger an internal split. De Alba warns that if Maduro manages to offer Washington concessions that fit U.S. interests mass deportations, progress on counter-narcotics operations, preferential access to natural resources it cannot be ruled out that the United States might accept a deal allowing Chavismo to stay in power in the short or medium term. In effect, it would be a transition on hold. But even that more modest scenario would require an international commitment he does not think is likely: Building a peaceful and stable transition requires complex and far-reaching negotiations, and I dont see the United States having the willingness or the capacity to focus on moving in that direction. Resist or de-escalate: Maduros dilemma The extensive military deployment with which Maduro has responded masks a central dilemma. Alarcon summarizes it this way: If Venezuela responds to an attack on U.S. soil, there is an escalation. If it doesnt, it sends a signal of immense weakness. Either option carries risks. The social response promoted by Chavismo civilian groups trained for a potential armed defense also has its limits. Eighty percent of the country rejects the government, compared to 20% that supports it and controls the institutions, says Fernandez. After the presidential elections of July 28, 2024, all escape valves were closed, and the situation shifted to a new level. A violent outcome is an implicit possibility. Training of citizens by the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, in Caracas, on September 20. Gaby Oraa (REUTERS) Alarcon points out that Maduros hardcore of support stands at around 14%, and Chavismo as a whole at 25%. One extreme card would be taking action against Machado, who has been in hiding for more than a year. Over 100 members of her party are imprisoned, and others have fled. If she disappears, hope disappears, he says. That vacuum could unleash major political chaos. How the conflict develops will depend largely on Venzuelas Armed Forces. If they support a transition, the process could stabilize; if not, the situation will become even more unstable. For De Alba, the regimes most likely reaction would not be to enter into an open conflict with the United States, but to intensify internal repression a strategy that has allowed it to stay in power for years. The rampant repression has generated widespread fear among the population, limiting internal coordination among those who want to restore democracy. Added to this is Venezuelas deepening economic crisis, which could fuel a resistance movement with broader scope for action. The region as spectator The possibility of a U.S. military intervention in Venezuela is of great concern to countries in the region. Any intervention in Venezuela could destabilize several neighboring nations. For historian Pedro Benitez, it would be a particularly hard blow for Brazil and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose government has spent years trying to manage a workable relationship with Chavismo. A Trump military intervention would be a failure for Latin America, Benitez reflects. It is the consequence of spending so much time turning a blind eye to Chavismo, letting its excesses slide. Among Latin American leaders, a mix of concern and caution prevails. According to De Alba, most governments avoid speaking out forcefully for fear of provoking reprisals from Washington at a time marked by Trumps volatility on the world stage. At the same time, there is near-universal regional consensus that Maduros regime committed electoral fraud in 2024, and the biggest worry is that deeper destabilization could trigger yet another migration wave in a continent that has already absorbed millions of Venezuelans over the past decade. This is one of Colombias main concerns: it already hosts three million Venezuelans and fears a humanitarian crisis along its borders. Colombian President Gustavo Petro who did not recognize Maduros reelection voiced support last week for a shared transitional government without undue pressure. Despite this widespread rejection of a U.S. military operation from Mexico to Argentina no country seems willing to lead a more forceful regional position. Latin American capitals prefer to focus on their domestic agendas rather than take on a diplomatic cost with unclear repercussions. Thus, although most view any armed intervention with suspicion, both for its humanitarian risks and the precedent it would set, the response has been limited to cautious statements and sporadic mediation efforts. The attempts by Petro and Lula last year faded almost as quickly as they emerged, as the Venezuelan crisis again showed it can derail any external efforts. Today, the continent is watching from afar, caught between the fear of a surge in migration and the discomfort of confronting Chavismo openly in one of the most delicate and unpredictable moments in recent regional politics. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Nov. 23FREEMAN, S.D. A Freeman man who admitted to possessing child sexual abuse material has been sentenced to serve 60 days in jail and will spend the next five years on probation. Jason Kaufman, 51, was sentenced Nov. 13 in Hutchinson County after pleading guilty last month to one count of possession of child sexual abuse material, a Class 4 felony. He was originally charged with four counts of manufacturing child sexual abuse material, Class 2 felonies that each carried potential penalties of up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000. The court ordered Kaufman to serve 1,800 days in prison with 1,736 days suspended. With credit for four days previously served, Kaufman is required to serve 60 days. He was also fined $1,000 and must register as a sex offender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges stemmed from an investigation that began in December 2024 after Turner County authorities requested assistance from the Hutchinson County Sheriff's Office. Investigators were alerted to possible solicitation of a minor and suspected possession of child sexual abuse material. According to court records, investigators allege Kaufman posed as a 19-year-old woman from Minnesota on Snapchat to solicit illicit images from a 14-year-old boy in Turner County. After receiving the images, he allegedly revealed his identity to the teen, who recognized him. Four images were reportedly sent to Kaufman. The investigation led authorities to three Snapchat accounts linked to Kaufman. Records showed two of the accounts including the one used to contact the minor were registered using the same email address and shared the same IP address. On Jan. 10, 2025, members of the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant at Kaufman's home in Freeman. After being read his Miranda rights, Kaufman admitted to operating the accounts and requesting the images, according to investigators. He also told authorities he was surprised the teen complied. Workers and business leaders have told the Covid-19 inquiry about the devastation they faced during the pandemic and the difficulties they faced accessing support. Business owners described breaking into tears as they were forced either to lay off staff or shut up shop entirely, while employees told how they feared for their jobs. The comments were included in 8,000 submissions from the public, and come as the third stage of the inquiry focuses on the measures taken to support workers' incomes and keep businesses afloat when the pandemic struck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Treasury, 140bn was spent on support for businesses, much of it going to pay people's wages when they were forced to stay at home. The inquiry heard how, on his first day as chancellor in 2020, Rishi Sunak was presented with a briefing on the impact of the Covid outbreak on growth and financial stability. Two months later, the Treasury concluded the economy was "in hibernation", with the sharpest fall in output for nearly 100 years. Sunak is one of the people who will appear before the inquiry, and Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey will also give evidence in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday's session opened with emotional video testimony from business owners and freelancers whose livelihoods were upended when Covid lockdowns started. In the video, Lowri, an events freelancer, explained how she had become desperate as her income stopped and her freelance work vanished. She fought back tears as she explained she qualified for no support. She had a mortgage and a child at home, with "no savings" for back up. Last week the report on the second phase of the inquiry, into political decision-making, found the government had done "too little, too late". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current module, expected to last until just before Christmas, will examine the unprecedented economic intervention rolled out when the first lockdown was announced in March 2020. The largest scheme, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, known as furlough, covered 11.7 million jobs between March 2020 and September 2021, at a cost of 70bn. It paid a portion of employees' wages to ensure they still had an income even if they could not go to work, and to keep businesses going so that they could reopen later. There was also a support scheme for self-employed people, loan schemes for businesses and business rates relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions were raised over the scale of the financial support, the strength of safeguards against fraud and error, and whether it delayed people taking up new work roles. In submissions to the inquiry, employees told the inquiry how they were worried of losing their jobs and faced a scramble to pay bills through the pandemic, with some missing out on furlough payments after being made redundant. However, others said their careers were rescued by the furlough programme, while some business owners said they were saved by government support schemes and spared having to make redundancies. As part of the submissions, the owner of a small retailer told the inquiry: "One awful day, I had to call 80% of my staff and tell them that we had to make them redundant because there was no job for them anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And I cried, I didn't sleep all night, I was so, so, upset. I had people that had worked for me for seven, eight years, that I had to say, 'I'm so sorry, I literally can't afford to pay you anymore because we've got no business'.'' Describing flaws in the furlough system, one Northern Irish contributor said her husband lost his job in the run-up to the scheme coming to an end. "It then got extended, but he'd already been let go," she said. The Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which was introduced by Sunak, split opinion among bosses. "When we reopened, it helped to get people back into the pub and it helped us increase our profits," the finance director of a large English food and drinks firm said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But an operations manager at a travel and hospitality firm in Wales said: "When we look back, it probably wasn't the right thing to do, given where we were with the pandemic." The Covid Inquiry, chaired by Baroness Hallett, is expected to look at 10 areas in total, and provide lessons for managing future pandemics. This phase of the inquiry will also look at the additional funding provided for public services such as the railways to keep them running during lockdowns, and support for the voluntary and community sector. It will examine decisions on benefits, sick pay and support for vulnerable people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also appearing before the inquiry are: Former Treasury officials James Benford and Dan York-Smith Representatives of the charities Child Poverty Action Group, Long Covid Support and Disability UK Former Downing Street special adviser Ben Warner Former director general for analysis of the Covid-19 Taskforce, Robert Harrison. Last week, Sunak told the BBC the government and scientific community were "operating in a highly uncertain environment". "I think we do need to view the decisions taken through that lens. "But it's important that lessons [are] learned so that we can be better prepared if there's ever another pandemic." Germany's Justice Ministry is seeking tougher penalties for the use of so-called knockout drops, according to a new bill published on Monday. Anyone who uses the chemicals to commit rape or robbery will face a minimum of five years' imprisonment in future, according to the draft legislation. Under the proposals, knockout drops will be classified as weapons or "dangerous implements." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig explained that rape involving the use of knockout drops is particularly malicious. "Women are deliberately drugged with substances such as knockout drops in order to sexually assault them," she said. She added that Germany had to send a clear signal to perpetrators that "these crimes will be consistently prosecuted and severely punished." Last year, Germany's Federal Court of Justice ruled that knockout drops cannot be considered "dangerous implements" within the meaning of the existing criminal code. According to the ministry, this means that under current law, the minimum sentence is three years. As the Budget approaches, London's boroughs are calling on the government to help them restore financial stability. London Councils, which represents the 32 boroughs and the City of London, has warned the boroughs face a combined funding gap of 1bn this year, which could rise to 4.7bn by 2028-29. Some of the key asks in the Budget include extra funding to support the cost of housing homeless residents in temporary accommodation, more transport infrastructure to help deliver new housing projects and new fiscal powers to generate income that could be invested locally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Treasury said "the chancellor will deliver a Budget that takes the fair choices to build a secure future in London and beyond". Brink of bankruptcy "You're getting to the point now where it's getting to rock bottom," said councillor Ray Morgon as he explained the cuts he has made to local services in Havering, east London, in recent years. He explained: "Last year we had to close libraries, which wasn't very popular it wasn't something that we particularly wanted to do but... it was a necessity to ensure that we could make those savings." As leader of the Havering Residents Association that runs the London Borough of Havering, and not politically aligned to any of the main political parties, Mr Morgon has been more vocal than some council leaders about his borough's financial struggles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Havering has been on the brink of effectively going bankrupt for some time now. The only thing that has kept it afloat is Exceptional Financial Support from the government which is actually permission to borrow more. Last year the council had to borrow 88m to balance its books. One of the biggest challenges facing London boroughs like this one is the cost of providing temporary accommodation, which a statutory duty for councils, alongside providing adult and children's social care. Councillor Ray Morgon is planning to put short-term modular homes on this land in Romford to cut temporary accommodation costs [BBC] Mr Morgon showed me a stalled housing development site in Romford where his council now plans to put up temporary modular homes that they think could be a cheaper option than housing homeless families in hostels and hotels. He wants the government to announce more support in the Budget to help councils like his. He said: "At the moment 80% of what is spent in the borough, a local resident is unlikely to see unless they happen to utilise social care or need support because they're homeless." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added if the government "wants councils to provide a good level of service that has to be provided by law, they've really got to make sure each council has sufficient funding". Havering resident Linda says the chancellor should raise taxes in the Budget to pay for local services [BBC] In Romford town centre, Havering resident, Linda, who's from Harold Hill, told me she thought the chancellor should raise taxes, like income tax, to pay for local services. She said "You need to pay tax. We don't get the hospitals and the police, and our rubbish collected and the schools for nothing. We have to contribute but it's got to be done fairly." Havering is one of seven London boroughs so far that have needed Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from government, but London Councils is warning that about half of London's 32 boroughs could need EFS within the next three years to avoid effectively going bust. Walthamstow Family Hub is one of the local services provided by the London Borough of Waltham Forest [BBC] One of the measures London Councils has been calling for in the Budget is an end to the freeze on how much the government pays towards temporary accommodation costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That has been frozen since 2011, while the cost of accommodation has risen, leaving councils to pay the difference, meaning they have less money to spend on other local services. The deputy chair of London Councils, Labour councillor Grace Williams, said: "We've got one in 50 Londoners who [are] in temporary accommodation. That's one in 21 children. "To house them, which we must do, we get less money from government than we do for social housing, so we're asking for that kind of reform to make it fairer so that we can really, as well as housebuilding, we can help those families out of temporary accommodation into settled accommodation." The borough she runs, Waltham Forest, is expecting to overspend by 31m this year and it is one of the councils that expects to need EFS soon to balance its books. Two-year-old Omer and his dad go to Walthamstow Family Hub to see the community nurse [BBC] At the council-run Walthamstow Family Hub, which offers help to local people with everything from health to housing advice, I met two-year-old Omer and his dad, Mohammed Idrisnur, who were there for a health check with the community nurse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Idrisnur told me he thought the chancellor should give more money to councils to help them keep running local services like the family hubs. "He said: "It's good for us to get support and when the [councils have] got support, we [get] support as well. I'm happy to see this service running." Grace Williams, leader of Waltham Forest Council, says one in 50 Londoners lives in temporary accommodation [BBC] Transport infrastructure is another thing London's boroughs are looking for in the Budget. The BBC understands the Docklands Light Railway extension to Thamesmead is will be announced by the chancellor, which has been welcomed by London Councils. But boroughs have been calling for other transport projects too, like the West London Orbital and the Bakerloo line extension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Williams explained: "The link between housing and transport infrastructure is just so important, isn't it? "You can't really have extensive housing growth without the other, so there's some really important things that we're waiting to hear from the chancellor: the Bakerloo line, and some of the other infrastructure. "But Waltham Forest, we're an outer borough for us it's things like bus infrastructure, so the Superloop has been amazing for us. We would like to see that really strategic look at infrastructure across London." London Councils wants an "overnight stay levy" or so-called tourist tax [BBC] New powers for councils to be able to raise funding is another idea London Councils has been pushing for. They include a so-called overnight stay levy, or tourist tax, that visitors to London hotels would pay. Another idea is land value capture that uses the value of land to help fund developments or services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But suggestions the chancellor might be looking at imposing higher taxes on more expensive properties are getting less of a warm welcome from some. Ms Williams said: "That won't really help a borough like Waltham Forest. It might help some of the Inner London boroughs, because most of our council tax comes from people who live in much smaller, less valuable properties. "So what I would really like to see is the government take this opportunity to properly reform council tax." Changes to the way the existing pot of local government funding is divided between councils have been another area of concern for some London boroughs. Richmond has even threatened the government with legal action over a proposed cut in its funding share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, an announcement from the government on the Fair Funding Review 2.0 has been met with a cautious welcome by London Councils, which supported the decision to include housing in how deprivation is measured, although chair of London Councils councillor, Claire Holland, said the way children and young people's services were being calculated for the new formula "dramatically underestimate levels of need in London". Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk Strong winds from a clipper system heading for Michigan are expected to create monster waves on the Great Lakes this week. A gale watch and small craft advisory are in place for mariners, boaters and lakeside communities to prepare across the region as the system moves eastward. The waters of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and Lake Erie are under a gale watch in the expectation of strengthening winds reaching 40-45 knots (46-51 mph), according to the National Weather Service. The wind is expected to create large waves, with northern Lake Huron experiencing waves up to 22 feet high from Sturgeon Point Lighthouse (north of Harrisville) to Alabaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions," said the NWS. "Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe wind and waves." Lake Michigan, Huron, Superior and Erie are forecast to see waves from 6-19 feet high. Here's the wave forecast for Michigan's Great Lakes: Gale watch in place for all Great Lakes lasting through Friday, Nov. 28. How big will the waves be on Lake Superior? From Wednesday, Nov. 26, through late Thursday, Nov. 27, strengthening winds up to 45 knots (51 mph) are expected to create 14- to 19-foot waves from Marquette to Munising. In addition, the western most point of the UP to Ontonagon and out to the Isle Royale National Park are expected to see 9- to 14-foot waves beginning Tuesday, Nov. 25, and lasting through Thursday morning, Nov. 27. How big will the waves be on Lake Michigan? Wind gusts at 45 knots (51 mph) are forecast to create 16-foot waves from Holland to Pentwater from Nov. 25-27, the highest on Lake Michigan as of Nov. 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winds will create 10- to 15-foot waves in the southern open waters of Lake Michigan; 9- to 14-foot waves from Pentwater to Manistee; 8- to 12-foot waves in northern open waters; and 7- to 12-foot waves from the Indiana border to St. Joseph. How big will the waves be on Lake Huron? On northern Lake Huron, 22-foot waves are forecast from Sturgeon Point Lighthouse to Alabaster late on Wednesday, Nov. 26. East of the Mackinac Bridge to Presque Isle Lighthouse, 20 foot waves are possible. In and around Saginaw Bay, 13-foot waves are expected with Michigan's outer thumb seeing 11- to 16-foot waves. Is Lake Erie expected to see large waves? Yes, 40-knot wind gusts (46 mph) could create 9- to 14-foot waves from Ripley to Buffalo from Nov. 26-27, according to the NWS. Lake St Clair could also see choppy waves up to 6 feet high. What is a gale watch? A gale watch is tells mariners and lakeside communities that there is an increased risk of a gale force winds for sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph). The occurrence, location, and/or timing remains uncertain, though people have time to prepare. What does a small craft advisory mean? A small craft advisory is issued when there are expected sustained winds of 22 knots or frequent gusts of 25 knots or greater, or combined seas of 10 feet or more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Small crafts include owners of small to medium sized motor and sail boats, affecting fisherman, para-sailors, windsurfers and canoe paddlers. Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Dangerous waves expected across Great Lakes. Where it will be worst A 12-year-old girl who died at a children's unit after being detained under the Mental Health Act was suffering from a potentially treatable physical brain disorder, an inquest has heard. Mia Lucas died at the Becton Centre in Sheffield on 29 January 2024 while suffering a mental health episode and had told staff she "wanted to go to heaven," the inquest was told. But blood test results showed Mia was suffering from autoimmune encephalitis - a brain inflammation than can cause psychiatric symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury at the Medico-Legal Centre in Sheffield was previously told there was likely no physical reason for Mia's psychosis. But pathologist Prof Marta Cohen said the new results were "conclusive". Mia was admitted to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham on New Year's Eve 2023 after attempting to get knives from the kitchen and saying voices were telling her to harm herself and her family. She was later sectioned under the Mental Health Act, then transferred to the Becton Centre, a specialist unit for under-13s, on 9 January 2024. Despite being under surveillance including hourly checks at night, Mia, from Arnold in Nottinghamshire, was found unresponsive in her room at about 23:30 GMT on 29 January and declared dead the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the evidence called at the inquest, which started last week, has centred on whether Mia had autoimmune encephalitis, a "rare and complex" condition that can lead to extreme psychosis, catatonia and seizures. It is also extremely uncommon in children, the inquest heard. Experts said Mia's MRI scans came back "normal" but the inquest heard earlier that further tests, including a lumbar puncture to obtain spinal fluid, would have been beneficial. Prof Cohen said the medical cause of Mia's death remained "compression of the neck" but she added that this was caused by "acute psychosis", which was triggered by "autoimmune encephalitis". Mia said voices had encouraged her to self-harm, the inquest heard [Family handout] An expert neurologist, who told the inquest earlier on Monday that he could only say it was "possible" Mia had the disorder but not "probable", was recalled to the witness box following the new evidence to say it was now "definitive" that she had autoimmune encephalitis, and this was the cause of her psychosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consultant paediatric neurologist Mike Taylor also said it was "quite concerning" that further tests were not obtained at Queen's Medical Centre, but he said he understood the difficulties the doctors were facing. He added that treatments for autoimmune encephalitis could have severe side effects, up to and including death. The jury has heard how Mia's behaviour got worse and her personality changed in the months leading up to New Year's Eve, and how she had a virus in December, which is a known cause of autoimmune encephalitis, although very rare. Mia's mother, Chloe Hayes, wiped away tears as Prof Cohen presented her new evidence, along with a number of members of her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Hayes has described previously how her daughter was interested in singing, drawing, crafts and horse riding, and how she had ambitions to either open her own beauty salon or become a vet. The inquest continues. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North More on this story CABRICAN, Guatemala (AP) The body of a Guatemalan woman who was killed earlier this month when she went to clean the wrong home in Indiana in the United States was returned to her native country on Sunday. Maria Florinda Rios Perez, 32, a mother of four, was killed on the front porch of a home in Whitestown, outside Indianapolis, on Nov. 5. Late Sunday, her mother Vilma Perez and other relatives received her body at the capitals international airport and planned to transport it to her hometown of Cabrican, some 125 miles (200 kilometers) west of Guatemala City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors charged Curt Andersen of Whitestown last week with voluntary manslaughter in connection with her death. Andersens trial was scheduled to begin March 30, according to online court records. On Friday, a judge set bail at $25,000 and ordered him to surrender his passport. According to court documents, Rios and her husband were part of a house cleaning crew and went to Andersens house by mistake. As they tried to unlock Andersens door with a key their company had given them, Andersen fired a shot through the door without warning. The bullet hit Rios in the head. Her husband was not hurt. Andersen told investigators he heard someone trying to unlock his front door and thought someone was trying to break into his home. Over the weekend, women in Cabrican cooked food in preparation for friends and relatives who would attend the wake and burial. At her parents home, flowers and pictures of Rios adorned an altar. Cabrican sits in a valley where most residents are Mam, an Indigenous Mayan people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rios' sister, 19-year-old Yeimy Paola Rios Perez, said Maria had left Guatemala two years earlier with two of her daughters, hiring a smuggler to get them to the U.S. because they were told adults with children were being allowed to enter, her sister said. It was a lot of work going with the girls, she said. They went to Indiana because five of her siblings and her father were there. Yeimy recalled her last conversation with her sister days before she died. She was really happy because there was only a week until her son turned 1 year old and she was getting everything ready to celebrate the boys birthday, Yeimy said. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america Editor's note: This article has been updated to include a statement from Gun Oil founder and CEO Scott Fraser. Gun Oil one of the most popular and longest-running brands of personal lubricants among gay men is facing very public accusations directed at the product's parent company, Empowered Products, and founder/CEO, Scott Fraser. Over the last few days, an alleged group of dissenting employees seized control of the brand's social media pages and used them to share complaints. Notably, the former staffers who are seemingly running these brand pages accused Fraser, Gun Oil, and Empowered Products of "wage theft and labor exploitation" in an X post from Friday, November 21 adding that the company "failed to pay $21,067 USD in overdue salaries and invoices owed to seven agencies/contractors," not to mention that the brand allegedly "refuses to pay its freelancers, marketers, creatives, and agencies." (@) Out contacted Gun Oil and its parent company, Empowered Products, for comment. In response, founder and CEO Scott Fraser alleged that the "negative content" that contributed to this discourse came from a "long-time employee dismissed for extensive malfeasance," adding that a police report against that individual has been filed with the Las Vegas Metro Police's Financial Crimes unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, November 22, a pro-Gun Oil group of individuals attempted to dismiss the claims shared on X via an Instagram grid post. "The post was from the real GUN OIL," the caption read. "Dear GUN OIL fans, we are terribly sorry about all the crazy posts over the past few weeks. We are dealing with people who have no legal right to post on our behalf. Nor do they know all the information. There have been major managerial issues this year that have now turned into a legal matter. This is being handled right now. Hopefully this goes away once and for all. If you have any questions/concerns just call our office." That Instagram statement, which attempted to defend the company, audio-tagged the grid post with Madonna's "Sorry" a song famously about the pop star not apologizing. In it, she sings, "I don't wanna hear / I don't wanna know/ Please don't say 'Forgive me' / I've seen it all before and I / Can't take it anymore" to the person who hurt her. Gun Oil via Instagram Gun Oil via Instagram. Instagram (@gunoil) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That Instagram statement which suggested that the former employees were just mad at the company and made false accusations along the way angered the group even more, and other well-known figures in the LGBTQ+ community joined in. "This has been a mess from both sides, very hard for customers or your ambassadors to feel comfortable after all this. Instead of a faceless post, can an actual human make a video and speak up," Teddy Bar noted. "As of right now, there is no reason to believe anyone since it's just been text back and forth, and putting a face to it gives customers/ambassadors a chance to decide what is actually happening." Gun Oil and Teddy Bear via Instagram Gun Oil and Teddy Bear Instagram. Instagram (@gunoil) Jordi Massive, another brand ambassador for the Gun Oil, wrote: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yes, I really need the full story. I agree with @mrteddybeargrr that customers and ambassadors have absolutely lost trust and don't know what to believe." Gun Oil and Jordi Massive via Instagram. Instagram (@gunoil) This article originally appeared on Out: Gun Oil CEO blames disgruntled ex-employee for public 'wage theft' claims on social media ADEN, Yemen (AP) Gunmen fired on a Yemeni provincial leader's motorcade Monday, killing at least five security officers and wounding two others, authorities said. The attack targeted Taiz Gov. Nabil Shamsan on a road linking the province to the rest of the country, a provincial spokesman told The Associated Press. Mohamed Abdel-Rahman added that two assailants were killed in the shootout. No group immediately claimed responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the governors office said security and military forces were working to bring those behind the attack to justice. The provinces capital, also named Taiz, has been a battleground pitting the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and other militias backed by the Islamist Islah party against each other as well as other factions in Yemens civil war. Taiz, in the southwest, is the junction of two crucial highways: an east-west road leading to the coastal city of Mocha on the Red Sea, and another north-south, to Sanaa via Dhamar and Ibb provinces. It has been under Houthi blockade since 2016 as part of their war against the internationally recognized Yemeni government. The country's brutal war began in 2014, when the Houthis marched from their northern stronghold of Saada province and forced the internationally recognized government into exile. A Saudi-led coalition that included the United Arab Emirates entered the Yemen war the following year in an attempt to restore the government. The war has been stalemated in recent years, and the rebels reached a deal with Saudi Arabia that stopped their attacks on the kingdom in return for ceasing the Saudi-led strikes on their territories. NEED TO KNOW President John F. Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald on Nov. 22, 1963 Two days later, Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby murdered Oswald on live TV Ruby died while waiting for his second trial President John F. Kennedys assassination remains one of the most shocking moments in American history, but what happened next is almost just as hard to believe. On Nov. 24, 1963 two days after Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated Kennedy Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby murdered Oswald in the Dallas Police headquarters' basement during his transfer to county jail. The event was captured on live TV while NBC correspondent Tom Pettit was reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to murdering Oswald, Ruby was a nightclub owner in Dallas who had multiple criminal charges, including assault, per Dallas Police Captain Glen King. Over the years, there have been many theories as to why Ruby did this, but he claimed he acted alone and out of grief for the president. Jack did what he did. He wanted to be somebody. Everybody loved the president so everybody hated the man who had killed the president, former police officer Rusty Robbins said in the 2023 docuseries JFK: One Day in America. Somehow [Jack thought] this was going to make Jack a hero. Here's everything to know about Jack Ruby's life after murdering Lee Harvey Oswald. Who is Jack Ruby? Donald Uhrbrock/Getty Jack Ruby talking with reporters at pre-trial hearing. Jack Ruby talking with reporters at pre-trial hearing. Ruby was born on March 21, 1921. The fifth of 10 siblings, he had a troubled childhood with parents who were frequently violent towards each other, per Tablet. After his mother was committed to a psychiatric institution, Ruby spent considerable time in and out of foster homes, ultimately skipping school often and being arrested for truancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He eventually was drafted into the Army Air Force and served as an aircraft mechanic in World War II before being discharged three years later, per History. Upon returning from the war, he moved to Dallas, where he began managing nightclubs and strip joints, per History. Between 1949 and Nov. 24, 1963, Ruby was arrested eight times, according to the National Archives. Those arrests were for disturbing the peace, carrying a concealed weapon, a violation of state liquor laws, permitting dancing after hours, assault and ignoring traffic summonses. Often, charges were not filed or were dismissed; he was ultimately found not guilty of assault. Ruby allegedly had a relationship with some Dallas police officers, sometimes trading favors for leeway monitoring his nightclubs, according to History. Who is Lee Harvey Oswald? Kypros/Getty Lee Harvey Oswald in a mug shot after he was arrested for assassinating President John F Kennedy on November 23,1963 in Dallas, TX. Lee Harvey Oswald in a mug shot after he was arrested for assassinating President John F Kennedy on November 23,1963 in Dallas, TX. Oswald was a former U.S. Marine who had a troubled childhood, having once been placed in juvenile detention. He had previously attempted suicide and once tried to murder kill Maj. Gen. Edwin A. Walker in his home, according to the Texas State Historical Association. While Kennedy was traveling via motorcade in Dallas Plaza on Nov. 22, 1964, Oswald assassinated him from the sixth story of a Texas School Book Depository. After this, he killed a Dallas police officer before being arrested in a movie theater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon his arrest, Oswald said he was being set up to look like Kennedys killer, but the Warren Commission which was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate Kennedy's assassination determined he acted alone. Two days later, Oswald was murdered by Ruby while he was being transferred to a county jail. Ruby fatally wounded him by firing a single shot from a concealed .38 revolver, per History. Why did Jack Ruby kill Lee Harvey Oswald? Bettmann / Getty Images Jack Ruby Maneuvering Law Enforcement to Shoot Lee Harvey Oswald. Jack Ruby Maneuvering Law Enforcement to Shoot Lee Harvey Oswald. Ruby's motives may never be determined, as he changed his reasonings a number of times over the years, per EBSCO. Immediately after his arrest, Ruby said he killed Oswald to prove that Jewish people were brave, to do police a favor, to build back the reputation of Dallas and to spare former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy from having to testify at Oswald's trial. However, he later claimed that he killed Oswald impulsively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was also a lot of speculation that Ruby was involved with organized crime, as he was known to be friends with mobsters, mafia members and other members of the criminal underworld. However, based on its evaluation of evidence, the Warren Commission concluded that the evidence does not establish a significant link between Ruby and organized crime. What happened to Jack Ruby after he killed Lee Harvey Oswald? Bettmann/ Getty Police escort Jack Ruby, killer of accused presidential assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, from the Dallas city jail to a county facility. Police escort Jack Ruby, killer of accused presidential assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, from the Dallas city jail to a county facility. Ruby was taken into custody immediately after murdering Oswald. That same week, Dallas County States Attorney Henry Wade took the case to a grand jury. "I am going to seek the death penalty because I think his case is an aggravated one," Wade said at the time, per the Chicago Tribune. "This was a second assassination. The murder of a man under arrest and manacled and I feel that it is an extreme case." Ruby pleaded not guilty, saying that his grief over Kennedys murder had caused him to suffer psychomotor epilepsy and unconsciously shoot Oswald. On March 14, 1964, Ruby was convicted of murder with malice and sentenced to death, per History. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, on Oct. 5, 1966, the Texas Court of Appeals reversed the decision, noting that Ruby could not have received a fair trial in Dallas at the time and there was improper admission of testimony. Before his second trial was scheduled to take place, Ruby died from lung cancer on Jan. 3, 1967, according to History. The 1964 Warren Commission report determined that Oswald and Ruby were not part of a larger conspiracy to assassinate Kennedy. However, in 1978, the House Select Committee on Assassinations noted that Kennedy was probably assassinated as a result of a conspiracy." What was the reaction to Lee Harvey Oswalds murder? Bettmann/ Getty Lee Harvey Oswald is shown after his arrest. Lee Harvey Oswald is shown after his arrest. When Ruby killed Oswald on live TV, it became the first murder ever broadcast on television. According to the Most Notorious! A True Crime Podcast, some people cheered outside the station when theyd heard that Oswald had been shot, not knowing the full details of who had done it or whether it was fatal. However, many were angry with Ruby because they felt robbed of the opportunity for Oswald to face more questioning in Kennedy's assassination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man who was guilty of murdering the President of the United States deserved to die, but under our system he also was entitled to a trial, President Richard Nixon said while being interviewed in November 1963. Two wrongs dont make a right ... under the circumstances I think all Americans, as much as we wanted to see the President's murderer brought to justice, deplore the law being taken into the hands of a man." Read the original article on People A group of talented young people and the momentum of the local branch of the Democratic Socialist Party propelled the candidates campaign. His top aide, Elle Bisgaard-Church, will be his chief of staff Its one of those unmistakably Washingtonian customs: at the end of a successful election campaign, theres an urgent need to identify the mastermind sitting quietly behind the scenes who made it possible. Theres James Carville (Its the economy, stupid!) and Bill Clinton; Karl Rove, architect of George W. Bushs success; David Axelrod, who knew how to complement Barack Obamas political talent; and Susie Wiles, the woman who added method to Donald Trumps return to the White House in 2024. Behind the meteoric rise of the socialist Zohran Mamdani, who recently won the mayoral race in New York City and has transformed from being virtually unknown just a year ago to a global figure, there is a group of people, mostly young, some even younger than him (he is 34), who helped him design a highly effective social media campaign that has also created a movement of over 100,000 volunteers. Zohran Mamdani and Elle Bisgaard-Church, his chief of staff, at a news conference in November. Pacific Press (Pacific Press/LightRocket via Ge) Some of those collaborators are ready to join his team when he takes office on January 1. Elle Bisgaard-Church is one of them. Without a doubt, there hasnt been anyone as important as her in the campaign, notes Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the New York chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the party the candidate has been associated with since 2019 and without which his rise would also be impossible to understand. The mayor-elect appointed her chief of staff a couple of weeks ago, the same day he added to his team, in a balancing act between the new and the old, a veteran of New York City budget policy, 74-year-old Dean Fuleihan, who had already helped a former mayor, Bill de Blasio, deal with Donald Trump. Joining the team of experienced professionals who will work with Mamdani on Wednesday is current police commissioner Jessica Tisch, whose record includes achieving a record drop in crime and shooting rates, as well as a campaign to remove thousands of illegal weapons from the citys streets. New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Richard Drew (via REUTERS) Bisgaard-Church, who had never managed a campaign before, is one of the few individuals who can say she was there from the beginning. She is a member of the DSA and has worked as Mamdanis chief of staff since 2020, when the mayor-elect was a member of the Albany State Assembly. At 34, she is a discreet woman, described by her aides as quiet. She also seems modest. She hasnt done much to take credit, except for an article titled How This Campaign Was Won, published by the monthly magazine The Indypendent shortly after the primary victory. In it, Bisgaard-Church explains how Mamdani went from polling at 1% in a February survey to defeating her main rival, former governor Andrew Cuomo, by almost 13 points, thanks to a communication strategy heavily focused on the internet and based on three principles: consistency, clarity, and authenticity. She also attributes her success to the fieldwork with volunteers; the forging of a multiethnic, multigenerational coalition that won over influential political allies, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders; and the successful fundraising of numerous small donations. Left to right: Bernie Sanders, Zohran Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a rally in New York. ANGELA WEISS (AFP / Getty Images) For the first two months, until the money started coming in, Mamdanis campaign was a very small operation, explains journalism professor Theodore Hamm, author of Run Zohran, Run, a book about the candidates meteoric rise, in a telephone conversation. This core group includes names like strategist Andrew Epstein, the campaigns creative mastermind; Zara Rahim, an exceptionally well-connected communications specialist in the city; and 26-year-old Morris Katz, who, along with other young strategists, is working to redefine the Democratic Party after Kamala Harriss defeat in the last election. As he told NPR in an interview, what people are frustrated with is a politics of politeness in the face of deep division, in the face of deep income inequality. People, he said, see the Democrats as overly complacent with the status quo. We dont need to be this party. We dont need to be scared of our own shadow. We dont have to be scared of billionaires and lobbyists and corporations. And I think we started that work in New York and hopefully can continue it, he added. Zara Rahims contribution Rahim, 35, has a resume that includes stints at Vogue, Uber, and the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. She has helped Mamdani connect with celebrities who boosted his candidacy and refine his media image. Rahim, active in the pro-Palestinian cause, has also been crucial in convincing Mamdani to forget the idealized New York of political strategists, as an advisor told The New York Times this summer, and to focus on running a campaign about the real New York City. As for Epstein, hes another product of Albany politics. In the first part of the campaign, he worked as communications director and is credited with a double-edged strategy: heavily focused on social media, but simultaneously reinforced on the ground, by knocking on voters doors in all five boroughs of New York City. After the primaries, Epstein stepped down as spokesperson (lets just say talking to CNN wasnt his thing) and focused on the creative side. Basically, he and Zohran came up with most of the videos that have caused a sensation in recent months, explains biographer Hamm, who points out that beyond these individual names, Mamdanis victory is due to the building of a movement, and thats thanks to the DSA. Gordillo, co-president of the DSA in New York, explains that the work began long before the candidate decided to run for mayor. It took 10 years to build a network of elected officials at the local level, and he was one of them. Thanks to that, we developed a broad infrastructure. When we launched his campaign, we already had dozens of organizers who knew how to set up field interventions and train people to knock on doors and campaign directly on Twitter. That was a huge advantage he had going into the race, an advantage other candidates didnt have, says Gordillo. A supporter of Zohran Mamdani addresses him at a campaign event at a senior center in Manhattan, on October 31. Brendan McDermid (REUTERS) The DSA also helped Mamdani define his cost-of-living platform: free buses and childcare, and a rent freeze on rent-controlled apartments. With that simple message, Gordillo recalls, he broke the record for support in the citys recent history, garnering a million votes. Now, the party is ready to continue its fight elsewhere with its focus on the working class. Democrats have to choose between defending the working class or continuing to champion the billionaires. Otherwise, they will continue to struggle to win elections, explains the young socialist leader, who admits that, despite the candidates talent, he never believed, not even in his wildest dreams, that Mamdani would go so far. And thats another lesson Washington has learned well. No matter how much political strategists rack their brains trying to identify patterns, a successful campaign like Mamdanis is impossible to replicate without a candidate like him the great political talent of his generation, according to Ocasio-Cortez and without the alignment of the stars within his inner circle that propelled him to make history. It will be on January 1, when he becomes the first socialist and Muslim mayor of the largest city in the United States. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition By a sheer stroke of luck, a Hedwig Village police officer says the suspects wanted for shooting a Houston police officer drove right past her minutes after the shooting. Houston police officer Jake Parker was on his way to work in his personal vehicle when he was shot at Gessner and Hempstead Highway in what police are describing as a road rage episode. RELATED: HPD officer shot during road rage incident while on his way to work; 3 in custody, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hedwig Village police officer Julie Buhs said she was wrapping up a traffic stop on Echo Lane near the Katy Freeway when a pickup truck with underlighting and a 'bad influence' sticker drove past. She recognized the vehicle as the suspects' after hearing a description on the police radio. As the truck drove by, Buhs said she locked eyes with the driver. "No nervousness," she said. "He literally just looked at me. I looked at him. I'm like, that's the vehicle that HPD's looking for." Buhs said she made a U-turn to follow the truck and deactivated her emergency lights to avoid drawing attention to herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, she radioed Houston police officers to let them know she had the suspects in sight. "Hey, I'm behind your white pickup truck with the blue underlighting," she can be heard saying on police radio transmissions. "Keep trailing while we wait for more resources," a Houston police officer tells Buhs. Buhs followed the suspects east on the Katy Freeway, south on the West Loop, and eventually down Highway 90. By the time they made it to an industrial park in Missouri City, Houston police were overhead in a helicopter and had several units on the ground. Buhs said she left the arrests to HPD, which said it took a man and two women into custody. Police said the man would be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I feel like he would have gotten caught, but I don't know if he would have been as caught as soon if I had not seen them," Buhs said. For news updates, follow Luke Jones on Facebook, X and Instagram. Do you recognize him? [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Lima police department is looking for a man who they say may be connected to several ongoing felony investigations. TRENDING STORIES: The department shared an image on social media, asking for help identifying or locating the man. If you have information regarding the person or his whereabouts, contact the Lima Police desk officer at 419-221-5264. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] What are you thankful for this holiday season? The holidays can feel like the busiest time of the year with a calendar full of parties, shopping, travel, preparations and family gatherings, all on top of the more mundane daily tasks that don't disappear as other obligations pile up. But the holidays can also provide a few quiet moments to reflect on what we're thankful for as another year draws to a close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether it's precious time with family, holiday events in the community or good times with good friends, there is much to enjoy in the coming days and weeks. We stopped by several organizations in the city and asked Hornell residents what they're thankful for and what they are looking forward to this holiday season. Hornell Fire Department At the Hornell Fire Department, Fire Captain Joel Guthrie and firefighter Chris Davis shared similar themes, thankful for their families and for their ability to help fellow Hornell residents. "It's a great job. I love serving the city. I love serving the people," Guthrie said. "I'm especially thankful for my family, though. This job takes a lot of time and effort, and they really support me. My wife stays at home, takes care of the kids by herself while I'm here doing what I love, so I'm very, very thankful for my family and for this job." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis also highlighted being thankful for his children and his wife, along with "the best job in the world." "You just get to help people every day. There's something different every day," Davis said. "I'm just thankful for my life, and what I've been given the opportunity to do with it." Hornell Partners for Growth Val Whitehill is constantly on the go during the holiday season at Hornell Partners for Growth. Whitehill is thankful for her understanding family, which gets "voluntold" what to do quite a bit this time of year. "They get extra-long shopping trips with me. They get voluntold to help me pack bags, Christmas bags and trunk or treat bags, and they just really help with everything. I could not be more thankful for them," Whitehill said. "They've been here, you know, 24 years in the Air Force, and my mom and my son did everything the entire time then. They thought they were over it until I got this job and they realized, oh no, she's doing even more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So I really am beyond thankful for my mom, my son, my brother, my cousins, everybody who just gets voluntold a lot." Hornell Area Humane Society At the Hornell Area Humane Society, President Holly Tucker said that "this year there is so much to be blessed and thankful for," including another successful basket auction fundraiser. "We can't do this without our community. The community has done wonders for us. We couldn't be more grateful," said Tucker, who said the Humane Society is also thankful for its volunteers and its staff. "I want to thank you so much to the community for helping support us in everything that we do," Tucker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longtime board member and volunteer Cathy Dessena is thankful for the good health of "Mister," a recent rescue cat that was saved from an abusive home. "He is doing very well. He's been back to a vet. He's been cleared. He looks great," Dessena said. "He's going to have a little limp for the rest of his life, but he's doing well, and we are thankful for the community support, really incredibly thankful that everyone surrounded us with so much love." City of Hornell Hornell Deputy Mayor Jessica Cleveland is counting many blessings this holiday season, including a family that has "provided a really strong support network" and who "all make my life enjoyable and add to the many blessings of my life." Cleveland is also thankful for friends, her cats, her health and her home in the City of Hornell. "We do great things for this community, and I am thankful for this community," Cleveland said. "Whenever I travel away and I come back and I see these rolling hills of Western New York, it just brings my heart such joy, and it makes me very thankful to be able to be here and live here and call this place home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I just deeply value this community, and we have a wonderful place that we call home in the city of Hornell." Assemblyman Phil Palmesano Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-Corning), a Hornell native, said Thanksgiving is a very special time of year. "It's a time for family. It's a time for community," Palmesano said. "It's a time to get together and celebrate and be thankful for all the gifts we have and the relationships we all have, trying to gather at this time of year during these special times with our family and to celebrate our community and to look out for each other." Palmesano highlighted how the community comes together to brighten the holidays for the less fortunate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This time of year there are certainly some people that are hurting and that's why we come together to help celebrate them, help support them," Palmesano said. This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: What Hornell residents are thankful for this holiday season Indian River County Sheriff's Cpl. Richard "Raz" Raczkoski is the only other line-of-duty death in that agency. The 29-year-old deputy was shot by a suspect Sept. 23, 1986. A stretch of State Road 60 from Interstate 95 to 43rd Avenue is named for him. Along that stretch there was a ZIppy Mart, where Raczkoski responded to a 911 hang up in the dark early morning. There was a confrontation between him and a suspect, William Reaves. Reaves shot him multiple times, and he died on his way to the hospital, according to Press Journal archives. Reaves has been on death row since 1992. HIPAA violations in 2025: Staff mistakes and vendor blind spots HIPAA violations dont always come from malicious attacks or headline-making data breaches. More often, they stem from everyday mistakes, like misdirected emails and vendors that arent as secure as they seem. Even small slip-ups can expose protected health information (PHI) and invite major consequences. In todays complex compliance landscape, those mistakes are alarmingly common. In fact, 60% of respondents in our latest survey said their organization has experienced a HIPAA-related incident or near miss. Vanta surveyed over 600 healthcare professionals to find out where organizations are most at risk. The results show that HIPAA-related incidents are surprisingly common and reveal clear gaps in vendor oversight, staff training, and risk management. Key takeaways 60% of respondents said their organization has experienced a HIPAA-related incident or near miss, showing how common HIPAA-related incidents are. 41% of organizations cite evolving regulations as their top challenge for staying HIPAA compliant. 59% of organizations are very confident that their vendors are HIPAA compliant, but only 33% conduct annual vendor risk assessments. Only 69% of organizations demand HIPAA training from vendors, revealing vulnerabilities. What is a HIPAA violation? A HIPAA violation occurs when PHI is handled in a way that goes against the standards set by the HIPAA Privacy, Security, or Breach Notification Rules. Whether its an employee mistake or vendor breach, the result is the same: exposed data and organizational risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HIPAA compliance requirements apply to both covered entities and business associates. Covered entities include health plans, healthcare providers, and clearinghouses that create or manage PHI. Business associates are vendors or partners that handle PHI on behalf of these organizations, such as billing services or cloud storage providers. Both are legally obligated to safeguard PHI and can face penalties if they fall short. While maintaining HIPAA compliance is a must for legal reasons, its also a crucial part of earning and keeping patient trust. Violations can lead to hefty fines and lost clients, both of which can take a serious toll on your business. HIPAA compliance remains a struggle, especially around vendors and evolving rules Despite increased awareness, many organizations still face major hurdles when it comes to meeting HIPAA compliance requirements. This is especially true when working with third-party vendors and keeping up with changing regulations. Our latest survey reveals where teams are falling short and whats causing the most concern in 2025. 60% of organizations reported a HIPAA-related incident or near miss HIPAA violations are more common than many organizations would like to admit. Even with safeguards in place, compliance often breaks down in day-to-day operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These lapses arent always headline-grabbing breaches; theyre often the result of small, preventable errors like sending an email to the wrong person or forgetting to secure physical records. Still, the consequences can be serious, from exposed personal health information to that data ending up on the dark web. In our recent survey, 60% of respondents said their organization has experienced a HIPAA-related incident or near miss. Nearly a third reported a confirmed violation, and another third cited internal alerts or close calls. This frequency speaks to how difficult HIPAA compliance is to maintain in the real world, especially when human error and operational complexity are involved. Most of these violations and near misses come from inside the organization and not from outside attacks. Internal employee error was the most commonly cited cause of HIPAA-related incidents, including mistakes like misdirected emails, improper record disposal, or failure to follow standard procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres how the top causes break down: 49%: Internal employee error 14%: Unauthorized access by an internal employee 10%: Vendor or third-party breaches These trends reinforce the importance of strong internal controls, especially access management, employee training, and clear data handling. They also highlight the need for better oversight of third-party vendors, since your compliance risk extends to everyone who touches your PHI. For organizations looking to tighten their defenses, a HIPAA compliance checklist is a useful starting point for building smarter, more proactive strategies. Infographic listing top 5 causes of HIPAA violations and near misses. - Vanta Regulations, staff training, and third-party tools are the biggest headaches in HIPAA compliance HIPAA compliance isnt a one-time action. As regulations shift and technologies evolve, new threats to staying compliant emerge. Organizations are responsible for keeping up with these changes and ensuring theyre using HIPAA-compliant software and tools that can adapt alongside evolving risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about their biggest compliance challenges, 41% of organizations pointed to evolving regulations as the top concern. Training and educating staff came next, cited by 35% of respondents, followed by managing third-party tools and vendors at 15%. These numbers highlight just how layered HIPAA compliance has become. Its an ongoing effort that demands clear policies, consistent training, and tight oversight across the entire organization while also balancing day-to-day operations. Without a clear, coordinated plan, even the most well-intentioned teams can fall behind, leaving the door open to costly HIPAA violation fines. The upcoming updates to HIPAA represent a meaningful modernization, particularly regarding the Security Rule, to better align with today's evolving cybersecurity landscape. Removing addressable safeguards means organizations will need to transition controls such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption, and screen locks, from discretionary measures to mandatory requirements, pushing a stricter security posture. Additionally, the new emphasis on availability, including backup strategies and disaster recovery plans, introduces requirements that are standard IT practices, but new for HIPAA enforcement. While changes to the Privacy Rule may not be as extensive, we can expect greater emphasis on proper access, disclosure, and patient data handling. - Faisal Khan, GRC Solutions Expert, Vanta Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To stay ahead of potential violations, most organizations are investing in a layered defense. According to our survey, 83% of organizations provide HIPAA-specific compliance training for employees, 65% use data encryption and access controls, and 64% have internal audit or compliance monitoring systems. This growing mix of strategies shows that HIPAA compliance isnt solved by a single tool or policy. It requires a coordinated effort across training, technology, and oversight. While many organizations are investing in employee education, the high rate of internal errors suggests that training needs to be more effective and ongoing to ensure proper risk mitigation. Square pie chart showing the biggest challenges organizations face in staying HIPAA compliant, with evolving regulations and training as top concerns. - Vanta 59% of organizations feel vendors are HIPAA compliant, but regular risk assessments are rare Staying HIPAA compliant means protecting your own systems and making sure your vendors meet the same standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although many organizations express confidence in their vendors compliance, few actively verify it regularly, creating blind spots that can lead to costly violations. In our survey, 59% of respondents said they are very confident their vendors are HIPAA compliant, but that trust isnt always backed by action. In fact, only 41% of respondents conduct a risk assessment of vendors during onboarding, and only 33% conduct annual vendor assessments. Without consistent processes in place, vendors that were once compliant may fall out of step over time. This can lead to weak points in an otherwise secure system. These findings underscore the need for structured, ongoing evaluations, not just at the start of a relationship. HIPAA compliance verification and regular third-party risk assessments are essential to maintaining a strong, end-to-end compliance posture. Only two-thirds of organizations demand HIPAA training from vendors While many organizations have a handle on their internal policies, vendor compliance can be hard to monitor. Its not always clear how well third-party partners are managing sensitive data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to our survey findings, just 69% of organizations require vendors to provide employee HIPAA training and show compliance verification. Adoption of other safeguards is even lower: Data encryption is required by 56% of organizations, multi-factor authentication by 51%, and incident response procedures by 46%. While these numbers show that many organizations recognize the importance of third-party compliance, the gaps suggest that enforcement is inconsistent and that assumptions about vendor readiness may be putting PHI at risk. These findings reinforce the idea that HIPAA compliance is a shared responsibility. Without strong vendor oversight and clear standards in place, even diligent internal teams remain exposed. Bar graph showing measures organizations use to prevent HIPAA violations, like training, encryption, and audits. - Vanta Common types of HIPAA violations and how to avoid them When it comes to HIPAA violations, even small missteps can lead to costly consequences. Some violations happen due to poor security practices, while others stem from common administrative mistakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The HIPAA Journal, the most frequent violations fall into a few preventable categories. Here are some of the top violations to watch out for and real-world examples of how they were handled: Table showing real-wold examples of HIPAA violations and what companies did. - Vanta Investing in HIPAA compliance software can help reduce these risks by streamlining assessments and tracking vendor agreements. Its a practical way to stay ahead of potential issues and build a more secure and compliant foundation. Understand HIPAA violation penalties and the risks for your business The importance of HIPAA compliance goes beyond avoiding regulatory action. Remaining compliant can protect your business from serious financial and reputational fallout. To understand the risks, its helpful to know that HIPAA violations fall into two main categories: civil and criminal. Each carries its own consequences based on the nature of the violation and how your organization responds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), civil penalties are determined by its Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and criminal penalties are handled by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Civil penalties are issued by the OCR and typically apply to organizations that fail to meet compliance requirements, either unknowingly or through negligence. They are broken down into four tiers: Tier 1 No knowledge: The organization didnt know and couldnt reasonably have known that a HIPAA violation occurred. Tier 2 Reasonable cause: The organization should have been aware of the violation, but couldnt have avoided it. This is not considered willful neglect. Tier 3 Willful neglectcorrected: The organization intentionally ignored compliance rules but took steps to fix the issue within the allowed timeframe. Tier 4 Willful neglectnot corrected: This is the most serious civil offense. It occurs when a business knowingly violates HIPAA and doesnt address the issue within the allowed timeframe. Criminal HIPAA violations are enforced by the DOJ and usually involve individuals who misuse PHI for personal or malicious purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the HHS, civil fines can range from $127 to $63,973 U.S. dollars per violation, with an annual cap of $1,919,173. Criminal penalties can reach up to $250,000 per violation and may also include one to 10 years in prison, depending on the intent and the harm caused. Beyond the heavy fines, the reputational damage from a violation can be just as devastating for your business. Smaller businesses may not be able to recover from the financial losses and the loss of trust. How HIPAA violations are typically discovered HIPAA violations can come to light in a number of ways, and not all of them result from formal investigations. In many cases, issues are first detected internally through routine monitoring or employee disclosure. Most electronic health record (EHR) systems have built-in monitoring tools that track who accesses patient records, helping businesses flag suspicious or unauthorized activity in real time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your organization should also conduct regular HIPAA compliance audits that review access logs, internal policies, and day-to-day practices. This makes it easier to identify gaps and prevent serious violations from occurring. Employees play a critical role by self-reporting accidental or suspected breaches, which can prevent minor issues from escalating. You may also discover violations through external sources. Patients or anonymous individuals can submit complaints to healthcare providers, regulatory authorities, compliance officers, and government agencies. In more serious cases, the OCR may initiate a formal investigation following a complaint or breach notification. Third-party audits and independent assessments can also surface vulnerabilities you may miss on your own. These reviews help strengthen internal controls and demonstrate a proactive approach to HIPAA compliance. Closing the gap with smarter HIPAA compliance solutions Avoiding a HIPAA violation means staying ahead of the risks and not just reacting to them. Many organizations feel confident in their approach, but the reality is that blind spots still exist, especially when it comes to third-party partners, training, and keeping up with regulatory change. Even well-meaning teams can miss something without the right systems in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats where a smarter solution makes the difference. Automated compliance tools can simplify your efforts and reduce the manual work needed to spot issues before they become problems. Automate HIPAA compliance and give your team the clarity and confidence to move forward securely. Methodology In May and June 2025, quantitative research conducted by Centiment was commissioned by Vanta to explore the knowledge gaps and confidence levels surrounding HIPAA violations. The goal was to better understand how well U.S.-based professionals within the healthcare industry (business owners or manager-level and above) with some exposure to or influence over tasks related to PHI or HIPAA compliance can detect, respond to, and prevent HIPAA compliance issues. The survey collected responses from 613 professionals within the healthcare industry in the United States. Data is unweighted, and the margin of error is approximately +/-4% for the overall sample with a 95% confidence level. HIPAA violations and breaches FAQ Heres a quick guide to some of the most common questions about HIPAA violations and breaches, including how they happen, what the penalties look like, and how to report them. What is the penalty for a HIPAA violation? Penalties vary based on how serious the violation is and whether it was accidental or intentional. Civil penalties can mean fines per violation, while criminal charges can lead to fines and prison time. The more severe the violation and the less responsive your organization is to fixing it, the higher the stakes. How quickly must a HIPAA breach be reported? According to HHS, for breaches affecting 500 or more people, the covered entity must report it to HHS without unreasonable delay and in no case later than 60 days following discovery. Breaches that affect fewer than 500 people are considered small breaches. These must be reported to HHS once a year by no later than 60 days after the calendar year ends. The covered entity must also notify affected individuals and alert the media if applicable without unreasonable delay and no later than 60 days following discovery. For companies that are business associates, breaches must be reported to the covered entity without unreasonable delay and no later than 60 days following discovery How do you report a HIPAA breach or violation? Organizations must report breaches to the OCR using their online breach portal. Patients, employees, and others can also file complaints within 180 days of the breach. Complaints need to include who was involved and what happened. Internally, companies should have clear policies and training in place so employees know how to flag issues and avoid escalation. A note from Vanta: Vanta is not a law firm, and this article does not constitute or contain legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. When determining your obligations and compliance with respect to relevant laws and regulations, you should consult a licensed attorney. This story was produced by Vanta and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Born in Europe, Haran Herzman survived the Nazi genocide and immigrated to Israel, where she dedicated her life to education, family therapy, and social work. Ruth Haran Herzman, one of southern Israels most respected educators and community figures and a survivor of both the Holocaust and the Hamas massacre at Kibbutz Beeri died on Sunday. Haran Herzman was the mother ofTal Shoham and grandmother of Adi Shoham, both of whom were taken captive by Hamas and later released. She was widely known for her work rehabilitating families and supporting vulnerable youth in Beershebas most challenged neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born in Europe, Haran Herzman survived the Nazi genocide and immigrated to Israel, where she dedicated her life to education, family therapy, and social work. Over decades of service, she became a beloved figure in Beersheba, described by many as a professional who combined expertise with deep empathy. On October 7, 2023, Haran Herzman was atKibbutz Beeri, where she had moved to be closer to family. During the Hamas attack, she spent hours in a safe room before leaving out of concern for her children and grandchildren. Armed defenders returned her to shelter, and she was later rescued. She later reflected that she had survived two holocausts one in Europe in 1945, and the other in Beeri nearly 80 years later. Ruth Haran Herzman, one of southern Israels most respected educators and community figures and a survivor of both the Holocaust and the Hamas massacre at Kibbutz Beeri died on Sunday. (credit: screenshot via X/ section 27a copyright act) Her eldest son, Avshalom Shoham, known as Avshal, was murdered that day. Despite the trauma and loss, Haran Herzman continued advocating for the return of her family members held hostage in Gaza, including her daughter, daughter-in-law, husband, granddaughter and three grandchildren. She lived to witness their release after 50 days in captivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her son-in-law, Chen Avigdori, described her as a woman of quiet strength and lifelong dedication. 'She touched and healed, embraced and helped' A European noblewoman, who narrowly escaped the Nazi monster, made aliyah to Israel, chose to settle in Beersheba, and from there began to change the world, he said. She was a kindergarten teacher, an educator, and a family therapist who touched the most open wounds of the most complex families in the toughest neighborhoods. She touched and healed, embraced and helped. Very few people can be described as having a biography that tells the story of Zionism, and Ruti was undoubtedly one of them. A brand plucked from the fire, a full Zionist, a pioneer who brought relief to vulnerable populations and above all, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I will miss you very much, Ruti. Rest in peace, he said. Video above: How does the deportation process work? MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) A Honduran man living in Louisiana, and arrested in Mobile County, has been sentenced for being in the United States illegally, according to a United States Department of Justice news release. George County 2-hour SWAT stand-off leaves one man dead Rigoberto Rubi-Guevara, 38, was sentenced to four months in prison for illegally reentering the United States after having been deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubi-Guevara was a passenger in a car that was stopped on Sept. 12 of this year by the Mobile County Sheriffs Office for a traffic violation. Mobile County Sheriffs deputies suspected he was not here legally, so they contacted agents with the U.S. Border Patrol. Agents confirmed that Rubi-Guevara had been removed from the United States in 2011. Probably more charges coming: Investigation continues into former CHCA teacher Rubi-Guevara was sentenced to time served, with a one-year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $100 in special assessments. He will be referred to immigration officials for deportation proceedings. 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 WKRG News 5. A former federal prosecutor called out President Donald Trumps DOJ after what she billed a humiliating defeat as the indictments of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James were thrown out on Monday. Appearing on CNNs Inside Politics, Alyse Adamson, who served in the U.S. Attorneys office in the District of Columbia, called out the Trump DOJ for a series of procedural errors starting with the appointment of Trumps handpicked prosecutor Lindsey Halligan, which was deemed to be unlawful by a federal judge on Monday and provided grounds for the cases to be tossed. I thought the case was a choose-your-own-adventure of procedural errors, Adamson said. And here we are because this was a huge oneHalligan being appointed after the 120 days of the interim appointment had been exceeded was a huge problem. And indeed the court agreed that she wasnt lawfully appointed. And the problem here is that Halligan did everything on her own. And so now these indictments cant stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN anchor Audie Cornish asked Adamson whether she had ever seen anything like this before. Though she qualified her answer by citing the dismissal of the classified documents case against President Trump which was tossed when Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon ruled Special Counsel Jack Smith was unlawfully appointed Adamson said Mondays ruling was truly unique. Usually, DOJ follows proper process and procedure, Adamson said. And now we see what happens when the DOJ attempts to do an end run around those procedures. The cases have now been dismissed and probably delivered a humiliating defeat to the Trump administration! Watch above, via CNN. The post Humiliating Defeat! Ex-Prosecutor Trashes Trump DOJs Bungling of Comey Case on CNN first appeared on Mediaite. Nearly 300 Gazans needing medical care left Gaza via Israel and Jordan for treatment abroad after vetting and coordination with global partners. Hundreds of Gazans who require medical treatment exited the Gaza Strip via the Kerem Shalom Crossing on Monday, the Defense Ministry's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said. The nearly 300 civilians, as well as caregivers, and Gazans holding dual citizenship or valid visas, first traveled to the Allenby Bridge Crossing into Jordan, before they then passed onward to third countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COGAT facilitated this transfer at the request of international governments and the United Nations. The Israeli security establishment vetted and approved the individuals before the transfer, COGAT noted. COGAT urged international partners, including both countries and organizations, to "continue coordinating their efforts and to provide the necessary support and medical care," noting that "many are already stepping up." Rights org. pushes for Gazan medical treatment A coalition of human rights and legal aid organizations appealed on Thursday to the High Court of Justice, urging it to allow Gazans access to hospitals in the West Bank and east Jerusalem for life-saving medical treatments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The petition argues that Gazas medical system has completely collapsed. According to the organizations, 16,500 people many of them children, elderly individuals, and women face immediate life-threatening danger due to the absence of essential treatments such as chemotherapy, emergency care, oncological surgeries, and pediatric services. Only three hospitals remain fully operational, while two-thirds of the 647 medical facilities functioning before the war are now out of service, the petitioners show. They further emphasize that Israel holds full authority over medical evacuations, as it effectively controls Gazas land crossings. Gazan kids receiving UK treatment can stay for two years, receive public funds Palestinian children receiving medical treatment in the UK after being evacuated from Gaza have been granted leave to stay for up to two years, the British Home Office confirmed in October. While in the UK, the children and their accompanying family members have access to public funds, including NHS treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Migration and Citizenship of the United Kingdom Mike Tapp also revealed that children or family members who wish to remain in the UK beyond the two years can apply for further permission to stay under existing routes within the Immigration Rules. Israel opens Zikim crossing to boost humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, COGAT announces The Zikim crossing has been opened to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid trucks into the Gaza Strip, COGAT said on November 12. According to COGAT, the crossing was opened following a government directive, and aid deliveries are being coordinated by the United Nations and other international organizations. Additionally, trucks are undergoing security inspections by the Defense Ministrys Land Crossings Authority before entering Gaza, the government agency noted. Sarah Ben-Nun, Mathilda Heller, and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. With many families left traumatised by killings apparently linked to supposed magic rituals in Sierra Leone, BBC Africa Eye looks into those behind the trade in human body parts. Warning: This article contains details some readers may find disturbing. The mother of an 11-year-old boy murdered as part of a suspected black magic killing four years ago is devastated that no-one has yet been brought to justice for his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today I'm in pain. They killed my child and now there is just silence," Sallay Kalokoh told BBC Africa Eye, explaining how her son Papayo was found with parts of his body removed, including his vital organs, eyes and one arm. He had gone out to sell fish at the market and never came back. His family searched for him for two weeks - and finally found his mutilated corpse at the bottom of a well. "We always tell our children to be careful. If you are selling, don't go to a corner or take gifts from strangers. It happens frequently in this country," Ms Kalokoh said. This murder in my hometown of Makeni, in central Sierra Leone, has haunted me as we often hear of reports of killings linked to black magic, also known as juju, that are never followed up or properly investigated by the authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Papayo's case, the police did not even confirm that it was a "ritual killing" - when a person is murdered so that parts of their body can be used in so-called magic rituals by illicit juju practitioners. They promise things like prosperity and power to clients who pay large sums in the false belief that human body parts can make such charms more potent. But with the authorities severely under-resourced - there is only one pathologist in a country that has a population of 8.9 million - it is often impossible to gather the evidence needed to track down the culprits. Belief in witchcraft is also so deeply ingrained in Sierra Leone, even among many police officers, that there is often a fear of pursuing cases further - and most go unsolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I wanted to find out more about this underground trade in human body parts that leaves tragedy in its wake. Our BBC Africa Eye team was able to find two people who claimed they were juju practitioners and offered to obtain body parts for ritual purposes. Both said they were part of much larger networks - and one boasted that he had powerful clients across West Africa. The BBC was unable to verify these claims. "One rotting fish can destroy the batch of fish We are healers, we are not killers"", Source: Sheku Tarawallie, Source description: President of the Council of Traditional Healers, Image: Sheku Tarawallie, wearing a ivory bead necklace and traditional robe One member of our team went undercover, using the name Osman, to pose as a politician who wanted to achieve power through human sacrifice. We first travelled to a remote area of Kambia district, in the north of the country near the Guinean border, to meet the juju man in his secret shrine - an area in dense bush where he consulted with his clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calling himself Kanu, he wore a ceremonial red mask covering his whole face to conceal his identity and boasted of his political connections. "I was working with some big, big politicians in Guinea, Senegal and Nigeria. We have our team. Sometimes during election time, at night, this place is full of people," he claimed. Election season is regarded by some as a particularly dangerous time when parents have been warned to take special care of their children because of the heightened risk of abductions. On a second visit, Kanu became more confident and showed Osman what he said was evidence of his trade - a human skull. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You see this? This belongs to someone. I dried it for them. It is a woman's skull. I am expecting the person to pick this up today or tomorrow." He also pointed to a pit behind his shrine: "This is where we hang human parts. We slaughter here, and the blood goes down there Even big chiefs, when they want power, come here. I give them what they want." When Osman specified that he wanted limbs from a woman to be used in a ritual, Kanu got down to business: "The price of a woman is 70m leones [2,500; $3,000]." Sierra Leone is one of the world's poorest countries and is recovering from the legacy of a brutal 11-year civil war [BBC] Anxious not to put anyone at risk, we did not meet Kanu again. He may have been a scammer, but we handed over our evidence to the local police to investigate further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such juju men sometimes refer to themselves as herbalists, the name given to healers who use traditional medicine often made from local plants to treat common illnesses. World Health Organization data shows that Sierra Leone - which suffered a brutal civil war in the 1990s and was at the centre of the Ebola epidemic a decade ago - had around 1,000 registered doctors in 2022, compared to reported estimates of 45,000 traditional healers. Most people in the West African nation rely on these healers, who also help with mental health issues and treat their patients in shrines where there is an element of mysticism and spiritualism culturally associated with their craft and the remedies they sell. Sheku Tarawallie, president of Sierra Leone's Council of Traditional Healers, is adamant that "diabolic" juju men like Kanu are giving healers a bad name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are trying very hard to clear our image. The ordinary person doesn't understand, so they class us [all] as bad herbalists. One rotting fish can destroy the batch of fish We are healers, we are not killers," he told BBC Africa Eye. Mr Tarawallie is in fact trying to work with the government and another non-governmental organisation to open a traditional medicine clinic to treat patients. It was those with a lust for power and money who were often behind the ritual killings, he believed. "When somebody wants to become a leader they remove parts from human beings. They use that one as a sacrifice. Burn people, use their ashes for power. Use their oil for power." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of ritual killings in Sierra Leone, where most people identify as Muslim or Christian, is not known. "In most African countries, ritual murders are not officially recorded as a separate or sub-category of homicide," Emmanuel Sarpong Owusu, a lecturer at the UK's Arden University, told the BBC. "Some are misclassified or misreported as accidents, deaths resulting from attacks by wild animals, suicides, natural deaths Most perpetrators - possibly 90% - are not apprehended." When we found another suspected supplier of body parts, he was located in a suburb of the capital, Freetown, called Waterloo, which is notorious for drug abuse and other crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not alone, I have up to 250 herbalists working under my banner," the man calling himself Idara told Osman, who was again undercover and wearing a secret camera. "There are no human parts that we don't work with. Once we call for a specific body part, then they bring it. We share the work," Idara said. He went on to explain how some of his collaborators were good at capturing people - and on Osman's second visit played a voice message from one of them who claimed they were prepared to start going out every night in search of a victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Osman told him not to proceed yet but when he later received a call from Idara claiming his team had identified a victim, we contacted Police Commissioner Ibrahim Sama. He decided to organise a raid - but said his officers would not do so without the involvement of Mr Tarawallie, who often assists the police on such operations. "When we got intelligence that there is a particular dangerous witchdoctor operating a shrine, we will work with the traditional healers," said an officer on the raid, Assistant Superintendent Aliu Jallo. He went on to express the superstitions some officers have about tackling rogue herbalists: "I will not go and provoke situations. I know that they have their own powers that are beyond my knowledge." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Idara was captured - discovered hiding in the roof clutching a knife - Mr Tarawallie began searching the property for evidence, saying there were human bones, human hair and piles of what looked like dirt from cemeteries. This was enough for the police to arrest Idara and two other men, who were charged in June with practising sorcery as well as being in possession of traditional weapons used in ritual killings. They pleaded not guilty to the charges and have since been granted bail, pending further investigations. The police raided this house in Waterloo and arrested the occupants, including Idara, who were later charged under anti-witchcraft laws [BBC] As we never heard back from the police in Kambia about Kanu, I tried to call him myself to challenge him about the allegations directly, but he was unreachable. There are occasions when even high-profile cases appear to stall. Two years ago, a university lecturer went missing in Freetown and his body was later found buried in what police say was the shrine of a herbalist in Waterloo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was referred in August 2023 by a magistrate to the High Court for trial, but two sources have told the BBC it has not been pursued so far and those detained by police have been released on bail. My family is facing similar hurdles finding justice. In May, during our BBC investigation, my 28-year-old cousin Fatmata Conteh was murdered in Makeni. A hairdresser and mother of two, her body was dumped the day after her birthday by the side of the road where a resident told the BBC two other bodies had been found in recent weeks. Several of her front teeth were missing, leading the community to believe it was a ritual killing. "She was a lady that never did harm. She was very peaceful and hard-working," said one mourner as family, friends and colleagues gathered for a big funeral at her local mosque. We may never know the true motive for Fatmata's murder. The family paid for her body to be transported to Freetown for an autopsy - something the authorities could not afford to do - but the post-mortem was inconclusive and no arrests have yet been made. As is the case for Papayo's mother, the lack of closure and feeling of abandonment by the police fuels fear and terror in poor communities like Makeni. Additional reporting by Chris Alcock and Luis Barrucho [BBC] More BBC Africa Eye stories from Sierra Leone: [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 In two separate instances, the IDF killed terrorists attempting to cross into the Israeli-controlled area behind the Yellow Line. The IDF killed multiple terrorists trying to cross the Yellow Line in Gaza, the military announced on Monday. In the first incident, the military shared that it had identified a terrorist crossing the Yellow Line in the Khan Yunis area. Noting that the terrorist was approaching troops and posing a threat to soldiers, the military declared it had killed the terrorist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a second incident, the IDF identified two terrorists trying to cross the Yellow Line in the northern Gaza Strip. These terrorists were also killed by the military, the IDF announced. Hamas terrorists walk with Red Cross vehicle to area within the Yellow Line, Gaza City, November 20, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/DAWOUD ABU ALKAS) Hamas terrorists attempts to cross Yellow Line Hamas has repeatedly attempted to cross into the Yellow Line, violating the current truce agreement. Over the past week, the IDF has also located a number of Hamas assets within its territory - including a rocket launcher aimed at the Jewish state. IDF officials have also noted that Hamas has been attempting to re-establish its control over the Gaza Strip instead of disarming. The IDF has heightened the alert level of its forces on the Lebanon border over concerns that Hezbollah could exploit winter weather and reduced visibility. The IDF conducted an unexpected drill near the Lebanese border in the North on Monday, a day after the IDF assassinated Hezbollahs chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai. Tabatabai, Hezbollahs second in command, was killed in a strike on Beirut. Before his death, he was responsible for heading Hezbollahs military apparatus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alongside the military drill, the IDF has heightened the alert level of its forces on the Lebanese border over concerns that Hezbollah could exploit winter weather and reduced visibility caused by fog and heavy rain to carry out an attack. The General Staff exercise Shield and Might began today, Monday, in the early morning hours and will continue over the next two days. Its purpose is to examine and improve the IDFs readiness for a variety of scenarios, the IDF spokespersons office said. Eyal Zamir orders surprise IDF readiness drill According to the army, Under the instruction of the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, the drill opened with the activation of a chief of staff test in a surprise format to examine the readiness of the 210th Division for a sudden erupting incident. The IDF Spokespersons Unit warned that during the drill, intensive troop movement will be felt in the Golan and surrounding areas. Residents may hear sounds related to explosions, aircraft, and other aerial equipment. In September 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic, the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, a network of early childhood centers that provide free early care and education for children birth through age 5 from income-eligible families, embarked on a $350 million plan to build six new locations in south central Pennsylvania over six years. Keeping to this ambitious timeline has depended on more than picking a location and making sure the facility meets regulatory standards. The initiatives success depends on building a strong, sustainable workforce. Its not just finding talented, certified early educators and getting them to show up on opening day, but creating a plan to retain them year over year. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter In light of an uncertain economy and a number of systemic factors, achieving this goal may be easier said than done. We recognize many organizations have experienced challenges in attracting educators. Fewer people are entering the field, which makes it even more important to invest in developing and supporting those who choose this career, said Beth Kroutch, human resources director for Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With three centers already open and three set to open by fall 2027, Kroutch stressed the importance of planning ahead and forging partnerships. One approach her team has taken, she said, is to reach out proactively to local colleges and universities in advance to talk about our organization, engage in a partnership and make a connection that hopefully shows benefits to both parties. In addition to developing partnerships with local higher education institutions, the Catherine Hershey Schools have an internship program for high school students that offers a pathway to employment. She also described other recruitment strategies such as social media and career fairs. Kroutch is right. Other early learning leaders are feeling the pain, too. I spend most of my waking hours contemplating this topic, said Rhian Allvin, founder of Brynmor Early Education and Preschool, a network of three centers two in northern Virginia and one in Washington, D.C. It was never easy to attract talent to a profession with low wages, poor or nonexistent benefits and minimal opportunities for career advancement. And its a challenge to keep early educators in the field. Physical demands, long hours and emotional stress of the work all contribute to a high turnover rate in early childhood education. An early educator works with children at the Brynmor Early Education & Preschool in Lorton, Virginia (Brynmor Early Education and Preschool) A dramatic intensification of immigration enforcement has exacerbated these challenges. A considerable segment of the early care and education workforce are immigrants at least 21% nationwide, according to an analysis published by the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE) at the University of California, Berkeley. With the rollback of protections limiting federal immigration arrests around sensitive sites, fears about immigration raids on schools and child care programs have escalated and many providers are faced with difficult decisions like whether to go to work. Felicia Jones Taylor, co-founder of Siyana Partners, a consultancy that provides technical assistance to child care centers, underscored the impact of immigration policies on early educators. Immigrants came from their countries with transferable skills. They have experience working with children, but there are barriers preventing them from participating in this workforce, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than other workplaces, child care centers are protective communities that support kids and families, said Lauren Hogan, managing director of policy and professional advancement at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). When educators are afraid, it affects the whole community. Amid major workforce challenges, developing creative approaches to recruiting and retaining qualified child care staff has become increasingly important, early learning leaders said. Wages came up again and again as the most powerful recruitment tool. The child care workforce, which is predominantly female and often women of color, has long endured low wages. Unless and until things change, compensation will remain a leading reason why its hard to attract new talent, and why some experienced providers leave the profession for higher-paying jobs. Caitlin McLean, a senior research specialist at CSCCE, summarized the problem: Youve invested that money in training people to work with kids and who probably would like to work with kids, but they end up leaving. While the profession is rewarding, she noted, it is also demanding, and the supports that might keep them on the job arent always readily available. Nearly one-third of child care providers are considering leaving the workforce. Research shows that increasing pay reduces turnover and some programs have raised wages. The RISE Child Development Center, a child care program that arose in Austin, Texas, in 2018, with a drop-in care model to offer flexibility for families, pays its educators $28 per hour, according to the centers founder Choquette Hamilton. Thats nearly twice the national median, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To make this level of compensation possible, Hamilton said the center uses a braided funding model including support from the city of Austins child care assistance program. The choice to prioritize compensation was intentional. That rate was a decision from the beginning, said Hamilton. The educators do feel respected and valued. All of our recruitment has come from word of mouth, so they definitely tell their friends, but sadly, it still isnt enough, because the work is not full-time at that rate. She explained that many of their educators work part time and are gig workers who piece together their livelihoods working multiple jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While compensation is key, leaders said a thoughtful recruitment and retention strategy goes beyond the paycheck. There are lots of ways that directors demonstrate, in partnership with the families, just how much they really appreciate the work that the early childhood educators are doing, explained NAEYCs Hogan. She cited Childrens Village, a nonprofit preschool in Philadelphia, as an example of a program illustrating that appreciation by providing robust benefits for employees including health care, vacation, sick leave and a retirement plan. Most of our educators do not have access to that, she said. That demonstrates caring for them in a real way, thinking about their long-term well-being. Hogan also pointed to the states that provide subsidies for child care workers to access child care for their own children, and said, It has definitely had an impact on recruitment and retention, helping staff come in and stay and feel supported. Related Gas, Groceries, Homeownership Opportunities and Kids Extracurriculars In addition to improving working conditions and pulling levers that make the field more hospitable, building a robust pipeline of candidates is also crucial. Keeping a full staff in place often means recruiting more people than you think you might need, but even in the rare instances when a child care program is able to offer and sustain higher pay and good benefits for employees, there are other factors that make it hard to hire and keep employees. Candidates are juggling personal and professional stressors that often shape their decisions. Allvin described frequent instances in which an educator will get through the screening part of the hiring process at Brynmor, but fail to show up for the interview. We dont ever hear from them again, she says. It happens all the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One point all leaders were sure to make is that community is key to retention, but building it takes time. The first year is critical, leaders said. Once staff see the investment, culture and support, theyre more likely to stay long term. You lose people mostly within the first six months, said Allvin. Keeping the turnover rate under 20% per year has been a steady challenge. She expressed relief that after two years at her flagship site in Lorton, Virginia, the center finally has no openings to fill. Kroutch said that because there are a number of Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, her team has been able to show potential staff members for new locations what the culture is like by inviting them to open house events at existing sites. Meeting candidates in person is important, Kroutch said. Its a first step in building community. In the face of staffing challenges, many child care professionals who are responsible for hiring and maintaining staff, have adopted an all-of-the-above approach, and have maintained optimism in spite of the odds. Just because the system is broken, Hogan mused, does not mean that it is beyond fixing. Reporter's Notebook: The 'Post' visits Rafah, where the status of 200 Hamas fighters has shaken the Gaza ceasefire, and the wider region. Plumes of smoke floated up into the sky in several different spots at once. Tank machine-gun fire periodically interrupted what otherwise would have been a quiet trip through the desert. The Jerusalem Post's Yonah Jeremy Bob visits the IDF in Rafah, Gaza Strip, November 2025. (credit: YONAH JEREMY BOB) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the most unexpected and yet still highly impactful battle of the war. Especially because it was the only ongoing battle, given that the war technically ended on October 4 or 10, depending on whether one goes by when the IDF invasion stopped in its tracks or when the ceasefire papers were signed. Around 200 Hamas fighters had gotten unintentionally trapped in the Israeli half of Gaza in eastern Rafah when the ceasefire kicked in. IDF tanks operating near Rafah, November 2025. (credit: YONAH JEREMY BOB) This is where The Jerusalem Post visited on Sunday, coming as close as 600 meters away from where the IDF eventually intercepted 17 Hamas terrorists who tried to escape from their tunnels a day earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The soldiers in the area, including Golani Brigade Commander Col. Adi Gonen, as well as the Nahal Brigade, killed 11 and arrested six. Gonen told the Post and other media that the goal is the central purpose is to locate the enemy and to destroy him or accept his surrender.... Yesterday, 17 terrorists were killed or surrendered to a mix of Golani and Nahal forces. The altercation led Hamas to threaten to abandon the ceasefire. Further, the overall situation with the trapped Hamas forces there has shaken the region for weeks. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff made a special flight to Jerusalem to try to convince Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow the Hamas fighters to cross into Hamas-controlled Gaza if they would be willing to turn over their weapons to the Egyptians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The internal Israeli debate about whether to let the Hamas fighters go or not almost toppled the Israeli government, with threats from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Rafah seen from a road in the Gaza Strip, November 2025. (credit: YONAH JEREMY BOB) IDF chief sends out mixed messaging There have been weeks of mixed messaging from IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. At times, he seemed ready to let the Hamas forces go if Netanyahu cut such a deal with Kushner, but at times, he seemed to insist that they must be killed or surrender to IDF personnel. Based on the Posts observations, the area where the remaining Hamas fighters are hiding and have been hiding underground has almost no above-ground structures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IDF sources told the Post that they figured out several weeks ago, using various technological means to explore the tunnels in the area, that there was a large segment of Hamas fighters who had been trapped on the Israeli side. Since then, they said that they have been slowly and meticulously cutting off underground areas where the Hamas terrorists might flee to. The concept is to continuously narrow the underground area where they can maneuver and hide until they are effectively surrounded similar to the way the IDF likes to surround a group of terrorists above ground. IDF sources said they did not know why the Hamas terrorists did not flee into Hamas-controlled Gaza during the transition to the ceasefire. Debris scattered near Rafah, November 2025. (credit: YONAH JEREMY BOB) It is possible that this group was cut off from communications with the central Hamas leadership and did not know they would run out of time and could be trapped by the IDF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another possibility is that they assumed that they had so much maneuvering space underground that they would eventually easily sneak past IDF patrols back in Hamas-controlled Gaza at a convenient moment, or that they would not be detected by the IDF at all and could remain in the area indefinitely. It may be that they thought the IDF would let them go if they were found, so as not to anger Hamas and endanger the ceasefire, being that killing 200 fighters all in one place usually would not be considered consistent with a ceasefire. The loophole here is that no one from Hamas is supposed to be in areas controlled by Israel certainly not armed. Finally, maybe they thought that to get back more Israeli deceased bodies of hostages, the IDF would withdraw from the area, and they would return to rule above ground. IDF finds Hamas terrorists short on food, water, lacking morale IDF finds Hamas terrorists short on food, water, lacking morale: However, at this point, the IDF sources described those Hamas terrorists whom they arrested as short on food and water and demoralized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who have left the tunnels appear to have done so, feeling that they ran out of any other options and were about to be killed by IDF encroachments or starve. They also probably did not realize how quickly IDF surveillance would zero in on them and bomb them with a Hermes 450 Zik drone. Those who were arrested were passed on to the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) for interrogation. The Shin Bet has many activities in the area, including dealing with those Palestinian groups similar to Abu Shabab, which are potentially ready to challenge Hamas for control of certain areas. The IDF does not generally deal with such groups. Debris scattered near Rafah, November 2025. (credit: YONAH JEREMY BOB) Instead of the IDF considering further withdrawals, Israel used the fact that the IDF trapped such a large number of Hamas fighters in the area to pressure Hamas into complying with returning almost all of the deceased hostage bodies. Those bodies were leverage that it had hoped to hold onto to force more concessions from Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, IDF sources said they believe dozens more Hamas fighters from the group had been killed and were buried under the ground, not far from where the Post and the soldiers were walking through. The IDF has said that it has attacked 60 targets, including 15 tunnel shafts, and destroyed hundreds of meters of tunnels. Pressed about why the IDF was not using airstrikes to kill all of the Hamas fighters, IDF sources said that they used airstrikes wherever feasible. Yet, in some instances, airstrikes would not necessarily kill the fighters, and in some instances, they wanted to track who was killed or arrested by seeing them up close. IDF sources also said that they believed the Hamas terrorists from this group were well-trained and experienced and led by a relatively senior figure, likely a battalion commander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is in contrast to the majority of Hamass brand-new forces, who are younger, often minors, and have had little training. Aside from the 200 Hamas fighters who IDF sources say have likely dropped to dozens and who may be finished off within a period of weeks, a month or two at the most, if no diplomatic deal is cut to save them IDF sources said that the broader Palestinian population is kilometers away. IDF operations ongoign close to Palestinian population in Rafah IDF operations ongoing close to Palestinian population in Rafah: If in parts of northern Gaza there are only a few hundred meters separating IDF frontal positions from the Palestinian population, the IDF portion of Rafah cuts deep into the center of the Strip. This was the first trip by this reporter back to Gaza since the ceasefire kicked in, and the sense among IDF personnel was that, aside from this unexpected battle with Hamas forces caught at the wrong place at the wrong time, the ceasefire is holding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are, of course, ready to return to going on the offensive if necessary, but generally they are in a holding pattern. Despite the new general calm arising from the ceasefire, IDF sources are nowhere near feeling even a theoretical impact of incoming international peacekeepers. They have not trained for how to deal with these peacekeepers, nor had any coordination conversations, suggesting that the late 2025 or very early 2026 deployment of the new hoped-for International Stabilization Force (ISF) may be overly optimistic. But after the Post has visited Gaza so many times and seen so many U-turns on policy and strategy, it has also become clear that the commanders in the field know best how to defeat the enemy in front of them, but are often not in the conversation about the future strategic direction of the Strip. Ultimately, this visit to Gaza showed the Post how surprised all parties involved were by this unexpected battle, and how close that curveball came to breaking the truce, but that for now, the chiefs on all sides seem to have backed off the issue, allowing it to play out on the ground however it will play out. One day, after returning to her room following a long shift at a Pilbara mine site where she was working FIFO (fly in, fly out), Dani Tamati discovered a drunk man hiding in her closet. Upon hearing her screams of fright, her male neighbours on either side came to her aid, and the man was promptly taken off site. I have had other situations when I was working on sites in Pannawonica [an iron ore mining town in Western Australia (WA)], and Paraburdoo [another mining town] too, but not to that extent, where I felt like I was severely exposed, says Tamati. In 2022, two landmark reports, one by Rio Tinto and another by the WA government, exposed the extent of sexual harassment and assault inflicted on women in the industry. A final progress report published in June by WorkSafe, a government organisation that develops national policy relating to worker health and safety, noted that unacceptable behaviours and attitudes continue to present risks to workers in all industry sectors and the broader community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I see it in my group, Resourceful Women, all the time. I dont believe it is happening to the extent it was, but it is nothing unusual, says Tamati, adding that it is not only women but also men who are affected. Still, to this day, people, many in senior roles, choose to do the wrong thing to benefit themselves career-wise, and always have done, and that is just par for the course but it is not just our industry, it is across the board. Before founding recruitment company THE resources HUB and career development community Resourceful Women 14 years ago, Tamati worked for more than 15 years across the mining industry, gathering insights and experiences that would later inform and drive her in these two new endeavours. When she started in mining, women represented only 34% of the Australian workforce, but she says this percentage has now risen to around 22%. In her first job, Tamati says she was doing anything that needed doing at the time on a roster that required her to work 13 consecutive weeks, then take three weeks off. She had a punishing work schedule that, fortunately, doesnt exist in the industry any longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, she loved the experience and later took on another FIFO role, but says it can be hard to escape that now well-documented dark side of the industry. Connecting women to mining roles Pregnancy forced Tamati from the manual and FIFO side of the industry into administration, then recruitment, where she has remained ever since. She says that those earlier years, before she established her recruitment company, gave her broad experience across all the different divisions and areas on mining sites that has served her well as a recruiter. I'd be at mobile equipment maintenance, dewatering, reception, accounting I'd work for the mine manager and then emergency services, she remembers. It was fantastic because it gave me a really good grounding on what type of skills are needed for the positions that we were also recruiting for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, she decided to launch her own recruitment company because she wanted to travel less and spend more time with her four children, and do things differently to the major recruitment companies in the region. I actually care for individuals career development and I know what the client's needs are, she says. Concurrently, she launched Resourceful Women, an online community of like-minded women where knowledge, stories and experiences are shared. It now comprises more than 40,000 women, offering newsletters, seminars and after-work drinks on a monthly basis known as sundowners to paying members. Tamati was inspired to set up the company because women in the mining community who saw her working full-time in Paraburdoo with four kids and a FIFO husband frequently asked her: How do you do it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I realised there were all these women who had these incredible back stories, these great careers in a previous life, before they had children, and then they kind of lost their identity, but they still wanted to have some relevance to a career, but they didn't know what that looked like, she explains. One lady said to me Oh, well, I am just good for stacking shelves at Coles [an Australian supermarket] and I was like, no, you are not, you have got XYZ. Tamati supported one friend, a stay-at-home mum for 15 years, as she returned to the workforce in a manufacturing role. Nine years later the woman transitioned to a BHP apprenticeship and then to hands-on tools and scheduling equipment roles. She is still working FIFO, and she is living her best life, and that was purely because her marriage had broken down; she wanted to set herself up and she wanted to feel like she had career options, Tamati explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People, especially if they dont have family working in mining, often dont know what companies are seeking, and sometimes companies don't know what they need to look for, either, she adds. In August, Resourceful Women held a seminar with 135 attendees, organised and run by Tamatis 21-year-old daughter, Sienna. Part of its aim was to bridge this knowledge gap. There are so many transferable skills from similar industries like manufacturing, civil construction, and to a certain extent oil and gas and defence, which can be used in mining, she says, but often people dont know. The organisation partners with companies such as Ozland Mining Services and Macmahon to help connect women with available industry roles, and is currently looking for new partners for future events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most people that come to us want to work for BHP or Rio Tinto; they don't know about smaller contract companies that work for those big companies, she says. One seminar attendee, who had been looking for a FIFO role for the past eight months with no success, connected with event partners and later received three job offers, she adds. Retaining female workers in mining Overall, Tamati believes the industry needs to do more to support women; not only at entry level but to progress and stay after having children. She has found living in mining towns in the Pilbara fantastic and something she would like her children to experience, but admits it isnt for everyone. High school children, for example, can face 80km drives to school or must board in the city of Perth. The alternative is working FIFO, which also has its challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What more does she think the industry could do to support families? I think we used to do job share very well. I don't think we do that as well anymore. It is not on many companies radars, and it really needs to be, says Tamati. Generally, retention is a major stumbling block for companies due to a lack of forward thinking, flexibility and career development opportunities, she says. This is something Tamati has experienced personally. She and her husband moved out of Pannawonica to Paraburdoo when she couldnt secure full-time, permanent work, as opposed to contract work, and her husband was passed on for a promotion. I have done many surveys over the years to find real and raw explanations as to why people stay in the industry and it is nearly always career development, Tamati continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Generally, people want to feel valued, they want to feel like they are part of a team, that their company is looking out for them and will offer them something more than just throwing money or share options at them. For example, rosters can make or break you. I have got a diesel fitter that only wants to work a week on and a week off, and our clients say 'well, our rosters are two and one'. I think companies need to listen to what their employees and candidates want because it is a candidate-driven market. Apprentices are always an asset Horrible commodity downturns can also burn workers, says Tamati. During these tough times, companies often decide to let apprentices and good workers go. For example, in September, BHP Mitsubishi Alliance put its Central Queensland apprentices and trainees academy under review, while sacking 750 workers, citing the impact of high government-imposed royalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last November, Albemarle sacked half of the apprentices at its struggling lithium refinery in Kemerton, WA. Apprentices are your cheapest labour and if you let them go during a downturn they are not there when there is an upturn. [Apprentices in] the mechanical trades are the ones the industry is always screaming for, Tamati says. That is when we have to get workers from overseas and pay for sponsorships, etc, when we could have had them in the palm of our hand. She adds that instead of making redundancies during these difficult times, companies should ask staff to job share, so they still receive an income: You are keeping two people employed. Doesn't that make sense? Tamati believes the WA mining industry has good opportunities for workers right now, with several projects expected by the end of the decade. In particular, the industry is looking for workers in mechanical trades, operators, geologists and mining engineers. However, Tamati believes it needs to work harder to retain these workers and entice women into the sector to fill skills gaps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the industry should be implementing more job-share, part-time and flexible opportunities to bring seasoned professionals back into the sector, and also to train and develop those people who want to come into the industry, because there are plenty out there, she says. It is a great industry to be in I couldn't imagine being anywhere else." "Inspiring women in mining: Dani Tamati, THE resources HUB, Australia" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. When the Trump administration began freezing federal funding for climate and ecosystem research, one of the programs hit hard was ours: the U.S. Geological Surveys Climate Adaptation Science Centers. These nine regional centers help fish, wildlife, water, land and, importantly, people adapt to rising global temperatures and other climate shifts. The centers have been helping to track invasive species, protect water supplies and make agriculture more sustainable in the face of increasing drought conditions. Theyre improving wildfire forecasting, protecting shorelines and saving Alaska salmon, among many other projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this work happens through partnerships: Scientists, many of them affiliated with universities, team up with public and private resource managers the people who manage water supplies, wildlands, recreation areas, shorelines and other natural resources to develop the research and solutions those managers need. CC BY The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center has been tracking invasive species to help natural resource managers prepare. Federally funded scientists develop risk maps and work with local communities to head off invasive species damage. Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network But in spring 2025, after 15 years of operation of the centers, the presidents proposed federal budget zeroed out funding for them. Federal workers at the centers were threatened with layoffs. Three of the nine regional centers covering the South Central, Pacific Islands and Northeast regions were left unfunded when the Office of Management and Budget withheld and then blocked funds Congress had already appropriated. In spite of these challenges, we have hope that the work will eventually continue. Congress proposed budgets in both the U.S. House and Senate recommend fully funding the Climate Adaptation Science Centers, and theres a reason: Natural resources managers and the public have consistently told their elected officials that the work is important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are three examples of projects in regions where funding has been blocked that show why resource managers are speaking up. Sustainable water supplies in arid lands In south-central Texas, the Edwards Aquifer Authority is responsible for providing sustained water resources for 2.5 million people in cities such as San Antonio and Uvalde. It also maintains the groundwater-fed springs that support threatened and endangered species. In recent decades, however, both heavy rainfall and prolonged, intense droughts have increased uncertainty about how much water will be available from the aquifer. At the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, researchers from the University of Oklahoma teamed up with the aquifer authority to develop high-resolution climate projections for assessing future changes to groundwater recharge and ecologically sensitive springs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The climate projections are helping the authority determine whether its existing drought-mitigation practices are effective for sustaining freshwater springs and groundwater levels. The San Marcos springs on the Texas State University campus, shown in this panorama photo, are fed by the Edwards aquifer. Adrienne Wootten Losing funding for the Climate Adaptation Science Center means this technical guidance for water management and many other projects in the region are no longer available. Stalled science doesnt just hurt Texas. Many arid and semi-arid regions of the U.S. rely on aquifers to provide water supplies for homes, businesses and agriculture, and they need this type of research to maintain water security. Solutions for agriculture and fire protection On the Hawaiian island of Oahu, up to 40% of agricultural land is unmanaged and unplanted pasture that is often invaded by non-native grasses. These grasses increase fire risk as the islands face more intense and longer-lasting droughts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center has been working on a solution to help restore fallow lands through agroforestry, in which farmers grow crops among trees, mirroring Indigenous practices. In agroforestry, crops such as coffee are grown among trees, preserving the trees carbon storage while helping to keep invasive plants at bay. Leah Bremer/University of Hawaii at Manoa Institute for Sustainability and Resilience Climate Adaptation Science Center researchers at the University of Hawaii Manoa partnered with Kakoo Oiwi, a nonprofit organization that is restoring Indigenous food systems, to identify lands that will remain suitable for agroforestry even under worsening drought caused by climate change. The research has shown how management practices can increase soil health and increase the soils carbon storage. Since 2019, researchers have taught hundreds of volunteers from the community and student groups about restoration practices that include food production, forest conservation and climate resilience. Lost funding for Climate Adaptation Science Centers put the brakes on science that supports local communities. Managing invasive species in a warming world Invasive species cost the U.S. economy an estimated US$10 billion a year in damage to crops, forests and ecosystems. At the same time, climate change is increasing the range of many invasive species and making them harder to control. CC BY Scientists involved in the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center map invasive species risks. This map shows the current and potential range map of Beales barberry, or leatherleaf mahonia, an invasive evergreen shrub that is still being sold for ornamental uses. The plant, which deer dont eat, has taken over habitat and outcompeted native species in parts of the U.S. Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network In 2016, researchers from the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst learned that resource managers were concerned about how climate change would affect invasive species ranges. To understand and address the needs of resource managers, Climate Adaptation Science Center researchers created the Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network, which has become a primary source for mapping invasive species movement and sharing invasive species research across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate Adaptation Science Center researchers conducted a series of projects to identify invasive plants expanding into northern and southern New England and mid-Atlantic states. The results have helped the state of Massachusetts update its invasive plant risk assessment and expanded regulators lists of invasive species to prohibit from sales in New York and Maine. States recently asked the centers researchers to develop a database of current and emerging invasive plants across the Northeast to help them build consistent and proactive defenses against emerging invasive species. Stalled funding has also stalled this project. These are the kind of real-world solutions that federal funding cuts are stopping. When that work disappears, it leaves America and Americans more vulnerable to climate change. 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: Bethany Bradley, UMass Amherst; Adrienne Wootten, University of Oklahoma, and Ryan Longman, University of Hawaii Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Bethany Bradley receives funding from the US Geological Survey as the University Director of the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center. Adrienne Wootten previously received funding from the US Geological Survey for research projects through the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center and is currently engaged in research with the Edwards Aquifer Authority. Ryan Longman receives funding from the US Geological Survey as the University Director of the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center The Italian Competition Authority has concluded its investigation into Googles user consent process for linking activity across its multiple services, after the tech company agreed to modify how it presents information about personal data use and service integration. Launched in July 2024, the probe centred on whether Googles method of requesting consent for data linking might constitute a misleading and aggressive commercial practice under Italian law. The competition authority opened proceedings on the grounds that Googles consent requests provided incomplete and unclear information about how personal data would be used. This was particularly relevant in relation to the combination and cross-use of user information across different services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regulator also highlighted issues with how Google explained the option to restrict or customise consent, suggesting these factors could influence users decisions about sharing their data. As a result of the regulators intervention, the Alphabet subsidiary will implement several changes to its consent operations. The company will clarify what consenting to linked services means for individual users. It will specify how personal data may be processed across its ecosystem, including AI platforms such as Gemini. Users will receive more precise details about the breadth of services covered by their consent and will have explicit options to grant or withhold permission for specific services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google will also make clear that most functionality will not be affected if users opt out of linking their data between services. According to the authority, Google will update its consent requests to give users clearer and more accurate information about how their personal data may be used. The company will also provide details on which of its services may involve the combination and cross-use of personal data when consent is given. Furthermore, all Italian users who have already set their preferences will receive a direct notification summarising their previous choices and highlighting the new information in the revised consent prompt. This measure aims to ensure that existing users are informed about how changes to the system may affect their data management options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original investigation followed concerns that Googles mechanisms for obtaining user consent might pressure consumers into allowing far-reaching combinations of their data, potentially leading to decisions they would otherwise not make. The authority specifically pointed to alleged conditioning techniques in both the consent process and interface design. In a separate update, Google recently revealed plans for a $40bn investment in Texas by 2027. This investment is focused on scaling up cloud computing and AI infrastructure, including new data centre campuses in Armstrong and Haskell Counties. "Italian authority ends Google probe after consent policy changes" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. Tragic news out of Jacksonville as police confirm an 18-year-old was killed and another person injured in a double shooting late Saturday night at a Burger King on Blanding Boulevard. According to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, 28-year-old Dawud Burritt has been arrested and is facing multiple charges, including murder. Detectives say Burritt shot and killed 18-year-old Matthew Jackson and injured another man before fleeing the scene. Students at Riverside High School are mourning the loss of Jackson. One student, James Calvo, said the news has had a deep impact on classmates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calvo, who shared a class with Jackson, said he was stunned to learn of his death. Calvo said that while they werent close, Jacksons presence in class made an impression on him. It really took effect on me. He was one of my classmates. I shared a class with him, and he was just always very cool to be around. I enjoyed him. Video recorded by a passing driver showed several patrol cars with flashing lights surrounding the restaurant as officers responded. Police said they provided medical care immediately, but Jackson died from his injuries. The other victim was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] JSO said detectives identified Burritt as the gunman by early Sunday morning. He was arrested shortly afterward and booked into the Duval County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community members said the shooting has left many heartbroken. First of all, life is short. The world is going crazy, and I feel like people are raging over just the smallest thing the smallest, smallest thing. It wasnt necessary, said Davetra, a local resident. Calvo said students are coming together to honor Jackson. I do have a quote that I run called the Fellowship Christian Athletes on behalf of the Fellowship Christian Athletes, were hosting a campus-wide prayer meeting tomorrow in honor of him and for his family, and my family sends our deepest condolences to his mother. JSO said detectives have not yet released information about what led to the shooting. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] An outspoken civil rights activist and former leader in the Black Panther Party who was convicted of killing a Fulton County deputy has died. He was 82. The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that Jamil Al-Amin, formerly known as H. Rap Brown, died in federal custody at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina on Sunday. His attorneys say he went through a prolonged period of severe medical decline. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On behalf of our entire family, I thank every single person who prayed, stood, marched, researched, wrote, advocated, and fought to clear my fathers name. Your love sustained us. Your belief in his innocence strengthened us, his son, Kairi Al-Amin, wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Amin was serving a life sentence after being convicted of the 2000 killing of a Fulton County deputy and injuring another one. Deputy Ricky Kinchen and Deputy Aldranon English were serving an arrest warrant on Al-Amin when both were shot. Kinchen died from his injuries, while English survived. TRENDING STORIES: Throughout his sentence, Al-Amin maintained his innocence. His attorneys with the Davis Bozeman Johnson Law Firm say they were working to secure a new trial for Al-Amin. In May 2025, attorneys say they joined the Innocence Project to file a motion for a new trial. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) Japan crossed a red line with comments by its new leader suggesting a potential military intervention over Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday. Remarks earlier this month by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that a Chinese naval blockade or other action against Taiwan could be grounds for a Japanese military response were shocking, Wang said in a statement posted on the Chinese Foreign Ministrys website. It is shocking that Japans current leaders have publicly sent the wrong signal of attempting military intervention in the Taiwan issue, said things they shouldnt have said, and crossed a red line that should not have been touched, Wang said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most senior Chinese official to address the tensions so far, Wang added that China must resolutely respond to Japan's actions and that all countries have the responsibility to prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism. Takaichis remarks have led to rising tensions between the two countries over the past few weeks. Beijing on Friday sent a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticizing Takaichis grave violation of international law and diplomatic norms. If Japan dares to attempt an armed intervention in the cross-Strait situation, it would be an act of aggression, China's U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong wrote in the letter. China will resolutely exercise its right of self-defense under the UN Charter and international law and firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Beijing sees self-ruled Taiwan a former Japanese colony as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. China objects to the involvement of other countries in Taiwan, notably the United States, which is the islands main supplier of weapons, as well as U.S. allies in Asia, including Japan and the Philippines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Takaichi's stance is seen as more forceful than that of previous Japanese prime ministers, who have expressed concern about Chinas threat to Taiwan but havent publicly said how Japan would respond. The prime minister later refused to retract her remarks but said she would avoid talking about specific scenarios in the future. Glossy ibises are pictured at Qionghai National Wetland Park in Xichang City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Nov. 11, 2025. (Xinhua) CHENGDU, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The number of bird species at Qionghai Lake in the city of Xichang in southwest China's Sichuan Province has reached a record high of 310 this year, with a growing number of migratory birds becoming permanent residents thanks to improved ecological conditions, local authorities said on Sunday. The Qionghai National Wetland Park conservation center reported the increase -- attributing it to enhanced environmental restoration and reduced human disturbance. Yang Jun, a senior engineer with Xichang's forestry and grassland bureau, said that seven migratory species, including the Eurasian coot, white-breasted waterhen and Asian openbill, have now settled as residents. Monitoring data showed that the lake had hosted 120 bird species in 2014, with the figure rising to 302 by 2024 before hitting the current total of 310. Among these species, five are first-class and 47 second-class nationally protected birds -- including rare species like the purple swamphen and Chinese merganser, which are thriving at this lake. Qionghai Lake, Sichuan's second-largest inland lake, faced severe degradation from the 1960s to 1990s due to land reclamation, shrinking its size and slashing the number of bird species there to just over 20. Recent conservation efforts, such as projects to restore lakeside zones, relocate more than 50,000 residents and create 20,000 mu (about 1,333 hectares) of wetlands -- have revived over 30 kilometers of natural shorelines. Bird-watchers have noted expanded habitats and increased diversity in this area, with Qionghai now listed among Sichuan's top bird-watching sites. China, a key migratory corridor with four out of nine major global flyways, has established more than 2,200 wetland protected areas and 82 internationally important wetlands -- maintaining stable wetland coverage amid international environmental commitments. A bird flies over the water at Qionghai National Wetland Park in Xichang City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Nov. 17, 2025. (Xinhua) Indian journalist and social commentator Kavya Karnatac has revealed the devastating health consequences facing communities in one state due to years of nuclear waste dumping. What's happening? Karnatac told the Kashmir Media Service that India's race to become a nuclear powerhouse is devastating villages throughout the state of Jharkhand. Nuclear waste dumping has created burning land, poisoned water, and slow death. The state produces most of the country's uranium and coal, but locals are paying the price, she said. According to Karnatac, one out of every five pregnant women endures a miscarriage due to the pollution. One in three men become disabled, and people live with rashes all over their bodies and "melted" faces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Half of the children face cognitive disability," she told the news site. Why are nuclear energy impacts important? Nuclear has been one proposed solution in combating the overheating of our planet. It can provide power without the climate-warming pollution associated with other energy sources like coal and gas. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, nuclear helped keep our air cleaner in the U.S. in 2023. The prevented pollution would've been the equivalent of what 114.8 million trees planted would absorb in their lifetimes. "Compared to all the energy alternatives we currently have on hand, nuclear is indeed one of the cleanest sources," environmental news site Earth.org concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there are drawbacks to nuclear energy, as the Jharkhand case illustrates. A photo essay from Mongabay told a tale of the suffering within Jharkhand's villages. One teenager had to give up her studies due to periodic headaches that a malignant tumor on her face triggers. Another has a deformity that has made his head much smaller in proportion compared to the rest of his body. "Kavya's testimony exposes the stark inequality and environmental devastation in India's so-called economic growth story, showing how its poorest regions continue to pay the heaviest price for the country's pursuit of nuclear and industrial power," Kashmir Media Service asserted. Jharkhand's residents, however, are not the only people who have battled nuclear waste polluting their communities. A 2019 Greenpeace report asserted that nuclear waste is piling up across the world. It stated that 250,000 tonnes (about 275,580 tons) of highly radioactive spent fuel has been distributed across 14 countries since the 1950s, as relayed by Phys.org. What's being done to make nuclear energy safer? Amid such concerns, scientists are working on solutions that can help make nuclear energy safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers from the University of Houston published a paper that suggested certain crystals can capture harmful nuclear waste. And last year, plans were approved for a facility in Idaho that utilizes old nuclear waste to power a new facility. Other research focuses on ways to make this energy source more feasible and reliable. A University of Michigan team has found a way for nuclear microreactors to adjust their power output in response to fluctuating demand. This could help bring nuclear power to smaller, more remote communities where it's often cost-prohibitive for people to make these changes manually. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. A federal judge dismissed the criminal indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday, finding the prosecutor who brought the cases, former Trump attorney Lindsey Halligan, was not lawfully appointed. U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie said she agreed with Comey, who moved to dismiss the case on the grounds that Halligan's appointment was illegal. "Because Ms. Halligan had no lawful authority to present the indictment, I will grant Mr. Comeys motion and dismiss the indictment," Currie wrote in finding that Halligan lacked the authority to present a case to a grand jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All actions flowing from Ms. Halligans defective appointment, including securing and signing Mr. Comeys indictment, were unlawful exercises of executive power and are hereby set aside," the judge wrote, describing the insurance lawyer as "a former White House aide with no prior prosecutorial experience." She issued a separate, similar ruling dismissing the James case. This case presents the unique, if not unprecedented, situation where an unconstitutionally appointed prosecutor, 'exercising power [she] did not lawfully possess, acted alone in conducting a grand jury proceeding and securing an indictment, the ruling said. Lindsey Halligan in the Oval Office on March 31. (Al Drago / Getty Images file) Because Halligan, who was appointed interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia at President Donald Trump's direction, was the only prosecutor to present the cases and sign the indictments, the indictments should be voided, the judge found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Pam Bondi reacted to the dismissal of the cases by saying during a news conference in Memphis that the Justice Department will "be taking all available legal action, including an immediate appeal." Bondi also defended Halligan, calling her "an excellent" attorney. After the ruling, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, Lindsey Halligan was legally appointed, and thats the administrations position. The U.S. attorneys office for the Eastern District of Virginia declined to comment. Halligan did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comey, in a video on Instagram, said, "Im grateful that the court ended the case against me, which was a prosecution based on malevolence and incompetence and a reflection of what the Department of Justice has become under Donald Trump, which is heartbreaking." This case mattered to me personally, obviously, but it matters most because a message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies, he said. "I know that Donald Trump will probably come after me again, and my attitude is going to be the same. Im innocent. I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary, the gift from our founders that protects us from a would-be tyrant," he added. Responding to Comey's statement, Bondi told reporters that she was "not worried about someone who has been charged with a very serious crime," adding that "his alleged actions were a betrayal of public trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James praised the judge's ruling. I am heartened by todays victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country. I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day, she said in a statement. Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement that the judge's order "acknowledges whats been clear about this case from the beginning. The President went to extreme measures to substitute one of his allies to bring these baseless charges after career prosecutors refused." "We will continue to challenge any further politically motivated charges through every lawful means available, Lowell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both indictments were dismissed "without prejudice," meaning they could be brought again later. Comey attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said in a statement that his reading of the ruling suggests the case can't be refiled because the five-year statute of limitations has expired since the indictment was brought. Fitzgerald said the ruling "indicates that because the indictment is void, the statute of limitations has run and there can be no further indictment." The Justice Department has said in court papers that it believes the case could still move forward because of U.S. Code 3288. The federal statute says in part, Whenever an indictment or information charging a felony is dismissed for any reason after the period prescribed by the applicable statute of limitations has expired, a new indictment may be returned in the appropriate jurisdiction within six calendar months of the date of the dismissal of the indictment or information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comey's attorneys have countered that the six-month grace period doesn't apply in this case because Halligan didn't have the power to bring an indictment to begin with, so all of her official actions are void a prospect the judge expressly agreed with. Comey and James have other motions pending before the judges presiding over their cases, contending the charges should be dismissed because they are the result of selective and vindictive prosecutions. Those motions seek to have the cases tossed "with prejudice," meaning prosecutors couldnt revive them. Carl Tobias, the Williams Chair in Law at the University of Richmond School of Law, told NBC News that Monday's ruling would be difficult for the government to overcome. I think the government will do whatever it can to overturn this, but I dont see how thats going to happen, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The invalidation of Halligans appointment was fatal to the Comey and James indictments because of the unique role Halligan played in the cases against two of Trumps political enemies, and it could have ripple effects on other cases that were handled under more typical processes. Another high-profile defendant being prosecuted by Halligan's office, Kabul airport bombing suspect Mohammad Sharifullah, also filed a challenge to her appointment this month, charging she doesn't have the authority to supervise or participate in his case. Sharifullah was indicted by Halligans predecessor, and his motion is still pending. A ruling disqualifying Alina Habba as the U.S. attorney in New Jersey has resulted in a number of criminal cases brought under her leadership being stuck in legal limbo while she appeals the decision. Currie seemed largely skeptical of the Justice Department's defense of Halligan at a rare joint hearing on the issue with lawyers for Comey and James on Nov. 13, when a prosecutor portrayed questions about Halligan's appointment as "a paperwork error." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comey's attorney said it was much more than that and a "fatal flaw" in the prosecution of his client. James Comey has argued that the case against him was vindictive and personal. (Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images) Comey was indicted on charges of making a false statement to Congress and obstructing a congressional investigation, while James was indicted on charges of bank fraud and making a false statement to a financial institution. Both pleaded not guilty. In a highly unusual move, Halligan was the lone prosecutor to present their cases to the grand jury and the lone prosecutor to sign their indictments. Other prosecutors in her office had recommended against charging Comey and James because they didn't believe there was enough evidence to secure convictions, NBC News previously reported. Trump said he was naming Halligan U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia on Sept. 20 the day after he forced out his initial pick, Erik Siebert, who resisted pressure to prosecute Comey and James. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halligan's appointment was immediately viewed as problematic because, according to federal statute, people in that post may serve for only 120 days after having been appointed U.S. attorney unless they are confirmed by the Senate before then. The Senate had not confirmed Siebert, so federal judges of the Eastern District of Virginia exercised their independent appointment authority to keep him on beyond the 120-day limit. New York Attorney General Letitia James. (Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images file) Lawyers for Comey and James contended that after Siebert was forced out, the responsibility for naming his replacement belonged to the judges, not Attorney General Pam Bondi. To rule otherwise, Comey's attorney said in a filing, would render the 120-day period "meaningless, and the Attorney General could indefinitely evade the alternate procedures that Congress mandated." The Justice Department maintained that Halligan's appointment was valid since the office was vacant after Siebert's departure. The "Senate has not refused advice and consent to Ms. Halligan her nomination remains pending. The Attorney General therefore lawfully appointed Ms. Halligan as interim U.S. Attorney" and "the motions to dismiss should be denied," the Justice Department said in a filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's Truth Social post naming Halligan to the position came the day after Siebert was forced out and shortly after another social media post in which he publicly urged Bondi to push ahead with prosecutions of Comey, James and another perceived political adversary, Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California. "Pam: I have reviewed over 30 statements and posts saying that, essentially, 'same old story as last time, all talk, no action. Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam Shifty Schiff, Leticia??? Theyre all guilty as hell, but nothing is going to be done,' said the post, which a source previously confirmed to NBC News had been intended as a direct message to Bondi, not a public post. "We cant delay any longer, its killing our reputation and credibility," Trump continued, while praising Halligan as "a really good lawyer." Five days after the post, Halligan, who had no prosecutorial experience, presented the Comey case to a grand jury. The presentation came days before a five-year statute of limitations on the charges was set to expire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currie, a Bill Clinton appointee who is based in South Carolina, heard the arguments on the disqualification issue instead of a judge from the Eastern District of Virginia since local judges would be involved in selecting Halligan's replacement. The Trump administration's stance on the 120-day rule has led to U.S. attorneys in California and Nevada being disqualified, as well. The Justice Department is appealing those rulings. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A federal judge on Monday dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James on the grounds that the appointment of the U.S. attorney who brought the indictments was invalid. The judge dismissed the charges without prejudice, meaning the cases could potentially be refiled by an appropriately appointed U.S. attorney. U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie concluded that the appointment of Interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan was unconstitutional and that her actions bringing the case were "unlawful" and "ineffective." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge appears skeptical of government's actions as Comey, James press to have cases tossed "Because Ms. Halligan had no lawful authority to present the indictment, I will grant Mr. Comey's motion and dismiss the indictment without prejudice," she wrote. Halligan, President Donald Trump's handpicked U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, sought the indictment of Comey and James over the objections of career prosecutors after Trump forced out previous U.S. attorney Erik Siebert who sources said had resisted bringing the cases. Halligan, who had no experience as a prosecutor, sought the indictment after Trump, in a social media post, called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to act "NOW!!!" to prosecute Comey, James and Rep. Adam Schiff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters following the decision that the Justice Department would be appealing the ruling "very soon." Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images - PHOTO: James Comey speaks, May 30, 2023 in New York City. "It is our position that Lindsey Halligan is extremely qualified for this position, but more importantly, was legally appointed to it," Leavitt said. Comey pleaded not guilty in October to one count of false statements and one count of obstruction of a congressional proceeding related to his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020, amid what critics call Trump's campaign of retribution against his perceived political foes. Vice President JD Vance has said any such prosecutions are "driven by law and not by politics." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James, who successfully brought a civil fraud case against Trump last year and leads multiple lawsuits challenging his administration's policies, pleaded not guilty in October to charges that she committed mortgage fraud related to a home she purchased in 2020. Prosecutors said she falsely described a property she purchased in Norfolk, Virginia, as a second home instead of an investment property in order to obtain a lower mortgage rate. James said she purchased the property for her great-niece and allowed her and her children to live in the house rent-free. "I am heartened by today's victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country," James said in a statement following Friday's ruling. "I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day." Jonathan Ernst/Reuters - PHOTO: New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks to the media after she pleaded not guilty to charges that she defrauded her mortgage lender, outside the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, in Norfolk, Virginia, Oct. 24, 2025. James attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement, that he would challenge any further politically motivated charges through every lawful means available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comey, in a social media post, wrote, "This case mattered to me personally, obviously, but it matters most because a message has to be sent that the President of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies. I don't care what your politics are. You have to see that as fundamentally un-American and a threat to the rule of law that keeps all of us free." "The day when Mr. Comey was indicted was a sad day for our government," Comey's attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, said in a statement. "Honest prosecutors were fired to clear the path for an unlawful prosecution. But today an independent judiciary vindicated our system of laws not just for Mr. Comey but for all American citizens." With the statute of limitations for Comey's case set to expire, it is unclear whether the case could be refiled in time. Lawyers for Comey have argued that the statute of limitations has already run out. Unlike the case against Comey, the allegations against James appear to be well within the statute of limitations should the Department of Justice try to pursue the case again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under federal law, the attorney general has the authority to appoint an interim U.S. Attorney for 120 days before the appointment power shifts to the judges in that federal district. When U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber, who was President Joe Bidens pick to lead the office, resigned on Jan. 20, Siebert was appointed as interim U.S. attorney. Criminal case against Letitia James is a 'garden variety mortgage fraud prosecution,' DOJ argues After 120 days, the power to appoint an interim U.S. attorney shifted from the attorney general to the judges in the Eastern District of Virginia, who used their authority to allow Siebert to continue serving in his role. When that clock expired on May 21, 2025, so too did the Attorney Generals appointment authority," Judge Currie wrote in her decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siebert continued to serve lawfully in his position until September, when he resigned following a pressure campaign from the president. Within 48 hours of Trumps social media post calling for the prosecution of his political foes, Bondi cited the same federal law that allows a 120-day interim appointment to authorize Halligan as the interim U.S. attorney. After both Comey and James were indicted, Bondi attempted to ratify Haligan's appointment, but Judge Currie rejected that attempt to fix the issue after the fact. "The implications of a contrary conclusion are extraordinary. It would mean the Government could send any private citizen off the street -- attorney or not -- into the grand jury room to secure an indictment so long as the Attorney General gives her approval after the fact. That cannot be the law," she wrote. According to Currie, the decision about who leads the U.S. Attorneys Office in Eastern Virginia is now in the hands of the judges in that district, until Trump nominates and the Senate confirms a permanent U.S. attorney to take over. ABC News' Luke Barr and Jack Date contributed to this report. Washington A federal judge on Monday ordered the criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James to be dismissed on the grounds that Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. attorney who secured their indictments, was unlawfully appointed to the role. The rulings from U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie are a significant victory for Comey and James, who both argued their prosecutions are retaliatory and motivated by President Trump's efforts to punish his political foes. "I conclude that all actions flowing from Ms. Halligan's defective appointment, including securing and signing Mr. Comey's indictment, constitute unlawful exercises of executive power and must be set aside," Currie wrote in her opinion in the Comey case, a line that she repeated in her ruling in the James case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currie ordered the indictments to be dismissed without prejudice, which would allow prosecutors to seek charges again. She suggested that prosecutors could not seek a new indictment in Comey's case since the statute of limitations for the offenses expired at the end of September. Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaking at an unrelated news conference in Memphis on Monday, told reporters the Justice Department will "be taking all available legal action, including an immediate appeal." Former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. / Credit: Getty Images Lawyers for both Comey and James are also seeking to have their indictments tossed out on numerous other legal grounds, including that the prosecutions are vindictive and selective. The judge overseeing Comey's case heard arguments on his motion last week but has yet to rule. "I am heartened by today's victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country," James said in a statement in response to the ruling. "I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video statement, Comey said "the message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies." "I'm grateful that the court ended the case against me, which was a prosecution based on malevolence and incompetence, and a reflection of what the Department of Justice has become under Donald Trump, which is heartbreaking," he said. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an appearance on Fox News, "We believe the attorney in this case, Lindsey Halligan, is not only extremely qualified for this position, but she was in fact legally appointed." The judge's rulings Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her decisions, the judge found that Halligan's appointment violated both a federal law known as Section 546, which governs U.S. attorney vacancies, and the Constitution's Appointments Clause. In evaluating the text of Section 546, Currie found that the power to name an interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia for 120 days to fill the current vacancy rested not with the attorney general, but with district court for the region. She wrote that if the government's interpretation of the law were correct, then the president could evade the Senate confirmation process "indefinitely" by "stacking" consecutive 120-day appointments. "In sum, the text, structure, and history of section 546 point to one conclusion: the Attorney General's authority to appoint an interim U.S. Attorney lasts for a total of 120 days from the date she first invokes section 546 after the departure of a Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney," Currie wrote. "If the position remains vacant at the end of the 120-day period, the exclusive authority to make further interim appointments under the statute shifts to the district court, where it remains until the President's nominee is confirmed by the Senate. Ms. Halligan was not appointed in a manner consistent with this framework." She concluded that Halligan has been unlawfully serving as interim U.S. attorney since Sept. 22. Comey was indicted Sept. 25, and James was charged Oct. 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halligan's appointment Lindsey Halligan during an executive order signing in the Oval Office of the White House on March 31, 2025. / Credit: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images Halligan is a former insurance lawyer who was a member of Mr. Trump's defense team in one of the criminal cases brought against him by former special counsel Jack Smith. She took over as the top federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia in a temporary capacity in late September and sought the indictments against Comey and James soon after. Bondi tapped Halligan as interim U.S. attorney shortly after her predecessor, Erik Siebert, abruptly left the post amid concerns he would be forced out for failing to prosecute James. Bondi appointed Halligan under Section 546, the federal law that governs U.S. attorney vacancies and allows the attorney general to select an interim U.S. attorney, who can then serve for 120 days. The Trump administration has invoked that law and another measure to install temporary prosecutors in New Jersey, Nevada and Los Angeles, though three different federal judges have all found they were serving unlawfully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S. Attorney's Office in eastern Virginia, Siebert had first been tapped to lead the office in January to serve for 120 days. Ahead of the expiration of his term, the federal court for the region voted to keep him in the role, exercising authority granted to it under federal law. After Siebert departed, though, Mr. Trump urged Bondi to install Halligan in the post. Bondi issued a September order purporting to name Halligan as the interim U.S. attorney, to serve for 120 days. Days after she took the helm of the U.S. Attorney's Office, Halligan secured the two-count indictment against Comey, which accuses him of lying to Congress during testimony in September 2020 and obstructing a congressional proceeding. James, the New York attorney general, was indicted in early October on charges of bank fraud. Both have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges. Comey's attorneys argued that his indictment was "fatally flawed" because Halligan, who alone presented the case to the grand jury and signed the indictment, was invalidly appointed to her position. They argued that under the framework for a temporary U.S. attorney appointment, the 120-day clock starts from the time of the attorney general's initial appointment of Siebert and limits the total tenure of interim appointments to 120 days. Because Siebert had already served the 120 days, only the district court had authority to appoint a successor, defense lawyers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Justice Department lawyers defended the validity of Halligan's selection and argued the 120-day limit applies on a "per-appointment basis." Each appointment, they said, triggers its own clock and requires the attorney general to revisit her interim selections every 120 days. To shore up Halligan's work in Comey and James' cases, the Justice Department submitted to the court an October order from Bondi that also purported to name her special attorney, applied retroactively, and ratified her actions before the grand juries and signature on the indictments. Justice Department lawyers argued that even if Halligan's appointment as interim U.S. attorney was invalid, any government lawyer can present a case to a grand jury or sign an indictment, and Bondi has the authority to make her a government attorney. But Currie rejected Bondi's attempt to retroactively name Halligan as a special attorney and wrote that the Justice Department has not pointed to any authority that allows the attorney general to "reach back in time and rewrite the terms of a past appointment." She also said the attorney general's attempt to ratify Halligan's actions falls short. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The implications of a contrary conclusion are extraordinary," Currie wrote. "It would mean the Government could send any private citizen off the street attorney or not into the grand jury room to secure an indictment so long as the Attorney General gives her approval after the fact. That cannot be the law." Currie heard arguments on Comey's bid to dismiss the case on the appointment grounds earlier this month alongside the similar effort by James. Like in Comey's case, only Halligan presented the case against James to the grand jury and signed the indictment. Asked on Monday if the ruling would have any impact on Halligan's role, Bondi told reporters, "it does not." "We have made Lindsay Halligan a special U.S. attorney so she is in court," Bondi said. "She can fight in court just like she was, and we believe we will be successful on appeal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To Die For": Beloved recipes etched in stone In Maine, a cafe helps subsidize a community newspaper U.S. considers dropping leaflets in Venezuela amid ramped-up pressure on Maduro, sources say A photo of Jimmie Duncan, center, with his family and friends during a visit at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. In the second image, a younger Duncan is pictured with his parents, Sharon and Bennie. (Kathleen Flynn for ProPublica) After more than 25 years on death row, Jimmie Duncan inched one step closer to freedom Friday when Judge Alvin Sharp of the 4th Judicial District in Ouachita Parish granted him bail, setting it at $150,000. The decision comes nearly seven months after Sharp vacated Duncans 1998 first-degree murder conviction for killing his former girlfriends 23-month-old daughter, Haley Oliveaux, finding that it was based in part on bite mark evidence now considered by experts to be junk science. The Ouachita Parish District Attorneys Office has opposed Duncans release, arguing that Duncan is guilty of the murder. But in his bail ruling, Sharp pointed to evidence that the girl, who drowned, was at risk of seizure, meaning she could have died accidentally while in the tub. Sharp also noted the lack of blood or semen at the scene, contradicting the states position that Duncan raped Haley. And, he wrote in the ruling, there was a video, not presented at the trial, that Duncans legal team has alleged is evidence that along with being based on debunked science the bite-mark analysis in the case may have been fabricated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presumption is not great that Duncan is guilty, Sharp said. This ruling acknowledged the clear and convincing evidence showing that Mr. Duncan is factually innocent, his attorneys said in a prepared statement. Although Mr. Duncans ordeal is not over, today marks a significant step forward for Mr. Duncans complete exoneration. His attorneys said theyre working to get Duncan out of prison over the weekend. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This weeks ruling is yet another chapter in a nearly three-decade legal odyssey that has spotlighted Louisianas troubling history with wrongful convictions, as well as its long-held reputation as one of the countrys most punitive states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As ProPublica and Verite News reported in March, Duncans conviction was based largely on now discredited bite mark evidence presented by forensic dentist Michael West and pathologist Dr. Steven Hayne, whose longtime partnership as state experts has been questioned following concerns about the validity of their techniques. Over the past 27 years, nine prisoners have been set free after being convicted in part on inaccurate evidence given by West and Hayne. Three of those men were on death row. Duncan was the last person awaiting an execution based on the pairs work. Duncan, 56, has maintained his innocence since first being arrested in 1993 after Haleys death. In the ensuing years, Haleys mother, Allison Layton Statham, has come to support Duncans release. At Duncans first bail hearing in July, Statham testified that she believes Duncan to be innocent and demanded his release from prison. Efforts to free Duncan have become even more urgent given the states recent moves, under conservative Gov. Jeff Landry, `to restart executions following a lapse of more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana had not carried out a death sentence since 2010 as it has been unable to procure the drugs necessary for an execution. To overcome that obstacle, the state Legislature, at Landrys urging, recently approved an alternative method: the use of nitrogen gas, a controversial method allowed in only three other states. That opened the door to Louisianas first execution in 15 years. And on March 18, the state used nitrogen gas to put Jesse Hoffman Jr. to death. To criminal justice reformers, Landrys execution push is even more concerning given the states history in convicting and sentencing to death people later found to be innocent. In the past three decades, the state has exonerated 11 people facing execution, among the highest such numbers in the country, according to The National Registry of Exonerations. Despite Sharps finding in April that Duncan is factually innocent, Ouachita prosecutors continue to insist that Duncan raped and murdered Oliveaux and should be executed without delay. The district attorneys office, in urging Sharp to keep Duncan locked up, has argued that Duncan is a safety risk to not only the victims family, but also the general public. The office has appealed the decision to the Louisiana Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duncan was arrested Dec. 18, 1993 after he reported finding Haleys lifeless body floating in the tub of the home he shared with the girls mother in West Monroe. Duncan, who was babysitting that night, told authorities he had put the toddler in the tub to take a bath, then went downstairs to wash dishes. When he heard a noise coming from the bathroom, he rushed upstairs to check on her and found Haley floating face down in the water. She was pronounced dead a few hours later. Prosecutors enlisted the assistance of Hayne, who had worked on hundreds of criminal cases in Mississippi and Louisiana over his decades-long career. Hayne conducted Haleys medical exam and claimed he found evidence that she was sexually assaulted and intentionally drowned. He also claimed he found bite marks on her body. Haynes frequent partner, Michael West, then analyzed the marks and found that they were a match for Duncans teeth. Based in part on those findings, Duncan was charged with first-degree murder. After about two weeks of testimony in 1998, the jury found Duncan guilty and sentenced him to death. Let us know what you think... Duncans post-conviction attorneys, however, later uncovered a trove of evidence which, they said, proves he is innocent and was wrongfully convicted, the most damning of which calls into question whether the bite marks Hayne said he found on Haleys body were manufactured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video of Wests 1993 examination of Haley which was not shown to jurors at the trial the dentist can be seen taking a mold of Duncans teeth and grinding it into the girls body. (West has previously said he was simply using what he called a direct comparison technique in which he presses a mold of a persons teeth directly onto the location of suspected bite marks.) In his April ruling vacating Duncans conviction, Sharp said the work Hayne and West did on Duncans case was no longer valid and not scientifically defensible. Sharp also stated in his ruling that he found very compelling the September testimony of an expert medical witness who said that the childs death was not the result of a homicide but of an accidental drowning. Prior to her death, Haley suffered several head injuries that could have caused seizures resulting in her drowning, according to the testimony. Robert S. Tew, district attorney for Ouachita and Morehouse parishes, has argued that despite experts now dismissing bite mark evidence as junk science, it was an accepted methodology at the time of Duncans trial and that some experts still consider it to be valid. He has also noted that Hayne, who died in 2020, served as the pathologist for the district for over a decade and during that time there has been no cases overturned because of Dr. Haynes autopsy. Tews office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An initial bail hearing for Duncan held in July was delayed after prosecutors filed a motion to recuse Sharp, claiming he was biased given his earlier decision to set aside Duncans conviction. Sharp declined the request. In an October ruling, the Louisiana Supreme Court rejected the states appeal in a 6-1 vote. The court has yet to take up the states appeal of Sharps decision to set aside Duncans conviction. As of publication time, it was not clear when Duncan may be released. This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WEST PALM BEACH Julie Mitchell's life unraveled quickly. While running for public office, the 56-year-old mother of two became consumed with delusions that someone had poisoned her dog, that she was being watched, that her son was going to die and that her husband and daughter were in league with Satan. The delusions came to a head on a Sunday in 2024, when her teenage daughter woke to the sound of screaming. She ran to her mother's room and found Mitchell on all fours, naked on the bed, a knife in hand, yelling about the devil. "My mom is in a state of psychosis," the daughter told 9-1-1 dispatchers while her father struggled to restrain Mitchell. "She has a knife! She's not herself. She just keeps yelling: 'You're the devil.' " Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the background, Mitchell's voice was calm and clear: "Renounce Satan. Renounce Satan. Renounce Satan." Tequesta police officers found Mitchell in her kitchen, covered in blood, clinging to the large kitchen knife she'd used to stab her husband, daughter and dog minutes earlier. Her arrest for aggravated battery ended her bid for a seat on the Tequesta Village Council and triggered a five month stint in the Palm Beach County Jail, where Mitchell sat dull-eyed and disconnected, unreachable by the mental health professionals and family who came to visit. By all accounts, that Mitchell was not the same one who appeared in court for a final hearing on Nov. 20. Julie Mitchell sits at the defendant's table with family and supporters in attendance for her sentencing hearing in Judge Scott Suskauer's courtroom at the Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla., on November 20, 2025. Surrounded by dozens of supporters, including the mayor of Jupiter and the husband and daughter she'd stabbed, Mitchell pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and two more of resisting officers with violence. She spoke tearfully but clearly about having hurt those "most precious" to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I still have a hard time, even now, knowing what I did," said Mitchell, who, until her arrest, had never been diagnosed with a mental condition or run afoul of the law. Mitchell pleaded guilty without first negotiating a deal with prosecutors, leaving Circuit Judge Scott Suskauer to decide her fate. Though state sentencing guidelines suggested a penalty anywhere from five to 40 years in prison, defense attorney Nellie King urged Suskauer not to send a recovering mother back into a system ill-equipped to manage severe psychiatric disorders. He didn't. Convinced that Mitchell had suffered enough for her crimes and stood a better chance at recovery outside of state custody, Suskauer sentenced her to three years of probation instead. "Do you remember the first time you were here?" he asked before announcing his decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A little bit," Mitchell said. "I remember," Suskauer said. "You've come a long way." Judge Scott Suskauer holds up guilty plea documents at the sentencing hearing for Julie Mitchell in his courtroom at the Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla., on November 20, 2025. Jupiter mayor cried at sentencing hearing for former employee His decision followed nearly three hours of testimony from the clinicians and loved ones who saw Mitchell at her lowest and supported her throughout her recovery. All described a woman sunken inward, her affect blunted and answers short, eyes downcast. One court-appointed psychiatrist said he couldn't complete an early competency exam because Mitchell, who tested negative for drugs, was unable to form coherent responses. "From my lens, she is very much a victim in this," added psychologist Lyndsey Karns, one of several specialists with whom Mitchell meets regularly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the sentencing hearing, King filed a 192-page memorandum portraying Mitchell as a devoted mother and public servant who suffered a severe psychotic break. The memo contained several letters of support, the first of which was written by Mitchell's husband, Tim. "Julie is not a danger to society," he wrote. "She is an asset. She has dedicated her life to helping others and continues to demonstrate that commitment today." Defense attorney Nellie King prepares for her client, Julie Mitchell's sentencing hearing in Judge Scott Suskauer's courtroom at the Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla., on November 20, 2025. Mitchell's challenges didn't arise in a vacuum, her husband said. He pointed to life-threatening complications Mitchell suffered during childbirth, thyroid cancer for which she was medicated daily, combined with the pressures of local politics. In subsequent letters, Mitchell's loved ones said she had remained disconnected and delusional while being held in jail for months after her arrest. It wasn't until she was deemed incompetent and transferred to a treatment facility that she regained a semblance of her old self. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many spoke of the ways Mitchell had served her community, including coordinating food drives, delivering holiday meals, arranging care packages for nursing home residents, matching low-income residents with grant funds for window repairs and hurricane relief. Even in jail, said her younger brother Joe Allore, she used the money her family deposited in her account to buy snacks and drinks for her fellow inmates. "She is truly one of the most community-minded individuals I've ever known, and her absence from our agency has left a void," wrote Dean Fowler, a supervisor at the Jupiter Police Department. Jupiter Mayor Jim Kuretski began to cry in court while describing the "incredible" work Mitchell had done throughout the 21 years she was employed by the Town of Jupiter's Neighborhood Services Department. In his letter to the judge, he called Mitchell the "victim of those whom bullied her to drop out of a local election" and asked Suskauer to find that she had already been punished "far beyond what is fair, reasonable and appropriate." Others echoed the sentiment, questioning why prosecutors treated Mitchell like a criminal rather than a woman in need of serious help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am shocked and disappointed that the state's attorney would not drop the charges and are insisting that this goes to trial," wrote her sister-in-law, Jennifer Allore. Assistant State Attorney Ana Cuskova prepares to enter the courtroom at Juile Mitchell's sentencing hearing at the Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla., on November 20, 2025. Assistant State Attorney Ana Cuskova, who did not call her own witnesses to testify, recommended Suskauer sentence Mitchell to two years in prison. She pointed repeatedly to the severity of the charges. "They both had to get stitches," she said. "The kitchen, the crime scene, looked almost like a horror movie. Blood everywhere." When Suskauer asked what benefit would come from incarcerating Mitchell, the prosecutor told him "the primary purpose of sanctions in Florida is a punitive nature." She added that prison time would ensure that Mitchell takes her medicine and attends all necessary treatment programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King countered that Mitchell has already demonstrated her ability to comply with her doctors' orders. Suskauer agreed. He sentenced her to three years of probation one more year than King asked for and wished her good luck. Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tequesta candidate who stabbed family during psychosis gets probation House Bill 2024 created the Office of Early Childhood and made it easier for unlicensed child care providers to care for more kids. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Laura Gunderson, president of the Child Care Providers Coalition of Kansas, says the states child care system is broken and providers need more support. With the creation of a new child care law, advocates are now grappling with a system that will streamline departments into the Office of Early Childhood while also loosening regulations for child care providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature passed House Bill 2045 earlier this year, changing regulations for child care providers at both home day cares and child care centers. Now, an unlicensed individual can provide care for up to four children for up to 35 hours per week, in addition to their own children. Before, an unlicensed provider could only care for two children for 20 hours per week. We are home educators. We understand that quality care can look multiple ways, Gunderson said. However, with unlicensed care, our concerns are that theres no background checks. There is no CPR or first aid being required. With these little ones, CPR and first aid should be basic. The Office of Early Childhood was created to streamline various services, including some from the Department of Health and Environment and the Department for Children and Families, with the office set to be operational by June 2026. The goal is to make the child care process easier for parents with nearly every resource in one place, said Christi Smith, executive director of Child Care Aware Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are a huge supporter of the Office of Early Childhood, Smith said. I think it will be a game changer for the system. Its been a long time coming. However, Kansas Action for Children released a statement earlier this year about the bill, emphasizing last minute provisions that could jeopardize child safety. The possibility of harm to children from the last-minute additions that reduce the quality of care may outweigh the good Kansans see in the long term, the statement said. The child care community was unable to weigh in and advise on the risks to children if it became law. The 2025 Kansas Speaks survey, published by Fort Hayes State University in October, revealed that 91.4% of respondents say affordable, quality child care is important for families regardless of having children of their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gunderson and the Child Care Providers Coalition of Kansas were vocal against Gov. Laura Kellys concessions to achieve creating the new office. With reduced provider regulations, Gunderson said, the state isnt moving toward the quality families need. When youre caring for someone elses child, their safety is the utmost importance. We are home educators. Weve put so much time into our environments and preparation for these kids, Gunderson said. Theres so much into it. And to have someone unlicensed, able to essentially do similar work, it made us all kind of feel like what are we putting so many hours in for? For rural Kansas, finding any child care at all can be a challenge. Smith said she approves of the bill because it can allow providers to care for children without a license, which was intended to help reduce barriers for potential providers in small communities. Its not always about a person not wanting to be a licensed child care provider. They may not truly have the ability to be, Smith said. For a small community that has zero options, that may have been the only option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said parents should look at it from both perspectives to choose whats right for their family, whether thats licensed or unlicensed care. It wasnt designed to be one wrong over the other. Ive never heard a legislator tell me we dont care about the health and safety of infants and toddlers, Smith said. New child care legislation means this is a critical time for parents to do their research when looking for child care, said Emily Barnes, education policy adviser for Kansas Action for Children. Its important to focus on educating parents about what they need to be aware of so that they can ask the right questions, Barnes said. Educating parents and the general public that when you have a licensed provider, youre more likely to have a situation where health and safety standards are being followed. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the states housing agency to block rules that bar religious groups from accessing public funds. The suit targets the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) over regulations Paxton claims violate religious freedom. The legal challenge strikes at the heart of church-state tensions in social services. At stake are millions in federal and state dollars that flow to organizations serving homeless and low-income Texans. Under the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of the First Amendment and Article 1, Sections 6-7 of the Texas Constitution, Texas may neither exclude religious organizations from public benefits because of their faith, nor condition participation in state-funded programs on theological choices about worship, instruction, or proselytization, Paxton wrote in his petition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TDHCA rules currently prohibit organizations receiving agency funding from conducting religious activities within funded programs. Religious groups must agree to these restrictions before they can access money for housing and homelessness services. Paxton argues that these regulations discriminate against faith-based entities solely because of their religious character. The lawsuit contends that conditioning public benefits on abandoning core religious practices violates constitutional protections. State agencies have no authority to force Christians and other religious organizations to censor their beliefs just to serve their communities, Paxton said. Constitutionally protected religious liberty must be upheld in Texas and across the country. The attorney general added that TDHCAs provisions within certain programs, which deter funding from going towards churches and religious organizations, must be struck down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marks Paxtons latest legal action defending religious rights in public programs. He previously challenged provisions in Texas higher education work-study programs that he claimed discriminated against religious students. The lawsuit represents a broader push by Paxton to eliminate funding restrictions based on religious views. His office has signaled plans to target any provisions that could undermine religious liberty in government programs. Editor's note: Hours after this story published, JCPS leaders announced the proposal to change start times would be withdrawn from the next board meeting. Families across Jefferson County Public Schools are once again facing the reality that their child's start time could change next year due to a new proposal that would shift each school's day by 20 minutes. If approved, this would make for the fourth change to the district's bell schedule in the last five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we know about the proposal and reasons behind JCPS' continued changes. Why is JCPS proposing new school start times? News that JCPS new Superintendent Brian Yearwood wants to change start times ahead of next fall came out late Nov. 21. "This is one of the major topics Dr. Yearwood has heard from principals and staff they want an adjustment to the times," JCPS spokeswoman Carolyn Callahan said in a statement. While Callahan didn't specify which principals wanted an adjustment, elementary principals at the latest start time have voiced discontent over the last two school years. Dozens of elementary schools start at 9:40 a.m. and dont dismiss until 4:20 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed changes are unlikely related to transportation, as JCPS bus routes have run as efficiently as they were designed to all of this and last school year. More: Which JCPS schools could close? Here's everything we know Why can't JCPS go back to two start times? JCPS operated with two start times for decades, with all elementary schools starting at 9:05 a.m. and all middle and high schools starting at 7:40 a.m. In proposing a new schedule a few years ago, leaders said a change was necessary due to the significant dip in the number of bus drivers the district could hire compared to past years. With fewer drivers and two start times, delays were experienced in many schools, though the issue was not as significant and widespread as it would later become. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research showing older students benefit from a later start time was also presented as another reason for the change, though several middle and high schools have continued to operate under an earlier start time. In August 2023, a new schedule with nine staggered start times began. After the new bus system proved drastically flawed that year, an audit of what led to the failures found the nine different times did little for efficiency. The following year, schools started at three different times between 7:30 and 9:40 a.m. Jefferson County Board of Education members approved the schedule with a request that district leaders bring back a better plan ahead of the 2025-26 school year. Ahead of this school year, though, the board was told changing start times would require the transportation department to re-route the district, again. Additionally, it was noted that with former Superintendent Marty Pollio set to retire, a new superintendent could seek to alter start times, as well. By delaying a change, the board provided two years of consistency for schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders have repeatedly argued against any schedule options that don't have at least three start times that are spaced an hour apart, indicating this is the only way to avoid getting students to and from school late. Is JCPS' start time proposal related to its plan to close schools? While JCPS is attempting to make two major changes at the same time, the changes are not related. On Nov. 20, JCPS announced a plan to close three schools and relocate two others which leaders say will save the district $4 million next year, if approved. On Nov. 21, the district hosted a press conference to answer several questions about the plan. "Small things add up," Yearwood said of the dent the savings would make in the $132 million leaders are being tasked with cutting from the next budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that press conference, leaders did not mention plans to change start times next year. Later that evening, news broke that board members will have a separate vote on Yearwood's start time proposal. JCPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood lists the schools that will be closed, consolidated and relocated in the district. November 21, 2025 When will JCPS board members vote on the proposed start times? Yearwoods recommendation is that board members make a decision on his proposal at their next meeting on Dec. 9. If approved, families would be informed of their new start time before the application window to apply for schools is closed. When is JCPS' school application period deadline? Families have until Dec. 19 to submit applications for schools. Families who do not submit an application will receive a school assignment based off their address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For elementary students, that could mean one of several schools in the area referred to as a cluster. If a parent submits an application, a school within the cluster can be selected as a first choice, which JCPS tries to honor if there is space in the school. This is beneficial because schools in each cluster could have different start times that may work better for some families. Can you apply for a school outside your cluster? Families can also seek acceptance into a school their student is not zoned for. Magnet schools require applications, while those who wish to send their child to a non-magnet school that is farther from their home can submit a hardship transfer request to the district. For example, a family living in Valley Station with a middle schooler zoned for Stuart could submit a hardship transfer request to attend Highland Middle instead. These requests are generally fulfilled by JCPS if the requested school has room for more students. Students in this scenario are not provided transportation. What time would each school start under JCPS' proposal? Yearwoods proposal would bump all start times up by 20 minutes, meaning some schools would run from 7:10 a.m. to 1:50 p.m., while others would operate from 8:20 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9:20 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elementary schools make up the majority of those that start in the earliest and latest slots. If board members approve the proposal, below is when each school would start and end: Schools that would start at 7:10 a.m. Elementary Auburndale Blake Bloom Camp Taylor Cane Run Chancey Cochrane Crums Lane Dixie Gutermuth Hite Layne Lowe Mill Creek Norton Sanders St. Matthews Stonestreet Trunnell Tully Watterson Wheeler Wilder Wilkerson Wilt Zachary Taylor Middle Barrett Conway DuBois Echo Trail Grace James JCTMS Johnson Knight Lassiter Minor Daniels Moore Ramsey Stuart High Atherton Breckenridge Metro Butler Central DuBois Grace James Male Manual Minor Daniels Moore Western Specialty Binet Liberty Newcomer Academy Phoenix TAPP Schools that would start at 8:20 a.m. Elementary Audubon Brandeis Carter Coleridge-Taylor Foster Greathouse/Shryock Hawthorne Lincoln Schaffner Stopher Young Middle Carrithers Crosby Farnsley Highland Hudson Kammerer Meyzeek Newburg Noe Olmsted North Olmsted South Shawnee TJMS Western Westport High Ballard Doss Eastern Fairdale Fern Creek Iroquois Jeffersontown PRP Seneca Shawnee Southern Valley Waggener Specialty Mary Ryan Waller-Williams Environmental Schools that would start at 9:20 a.m. Elementary Alex R. Kennedy Atkinson Bates Blue Lick Bowen Breckenridge-Franklin Byck Chenoweth Cochran Coral Ridge Dunn Eisenhower Engelhard Fairdale Farmer Fern Creek Field Frayser Greenwood Goldsmith Hartstern Hazelwood Indian Trail Jacob Jeffersontown Johnsontown Road Kennedy Kenwood Kerrick King Klondike Laukhuf Luhr Maupin McFerran Medora Middletown Minors Lane Norton Commons Okolona Perry Portland Price Rangeland Rutherford Shacklette Shelby Slaughter Smyrna Wellington Specialty Churchill Park Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: JCPS students' test scores continue to lag behind Kentucky averages. See scores for 2025 Krista Johnson covers education and children. Have story ideas or questions? Contact her at kjohnson3@gannett.com and subscribe to her newsletter. Thanks to our partner and fiscal sponsor, Journalism Funding Partners, a verified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (tax ID #84-2968843), you can invest in the future of this reporting. Make your tax-deductible donation today at givebutter.com/cj-giving and support local news that serves the Louisville community. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What we know about JCPS' plan to change school start times in 2026 SNAP is not just a nutrition program, writes Melissa McDonald. It is also an economic engine. We cannot build tomorrows workforce on empty stomachs. (Getty Images) If Kentucky relied on its food banks alone, our feeding ecosystem would collapse in a week. Thats not hyperbole, its simple math. Even the strongest food distribution network in the state can cover only a fraction of what the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides every month. We talk a lot about the generosity of Kentuckians, especially in times of crisis. However, we need to start talking about scale. Feeding Kentuckys seven food banks make up the commonwealths largest charitable response to hunger. And the truth is simple: Our food banks were built to support, not replace, a federal nutrition program that provides nine times more meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every day, our distribution sites move mountains of food, millions of pounds each month, to keep families from going without. That work is powered by donors, volunteers and partners who step up when a crisis hits. The 43-day federal shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, was an unplanned stress test of our hunger infrastructure, and the lesson was clear: When SNAP goes unfunded, families face hardship immediately and the strain on food banks becomes unsustainable. This summer, Congress passed House Resolution 1, which includes long-term changes to SNAPs funding model and adjusts how states share administrative costs. Kentuckys specific cost share will be announced in the coming weeks, giving the General Assembly the chance to plan in the next budget session. With thoughtful preparation, the state can ensure continued support for the 645,000 Kentuckians who rely on SNAP, helping stabilize families and strengthen our workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Map the Meal Gap, more than 750,000 Kentuckians experience food insecurity, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 8 seniors among them. These are not numbers. They are employees, students, parents, caregivers and retirees. And this is where the conversation must get honest: SNAP is not just a nutrition program. It is also an economic and workforce engine. More than 95% of people who use SNAP are working, retired or disabled. SNAP keeps families stable so adults can stay in the workforce. It helps seniors raising grandchildren keep food on the table. It helps small businesses retain reliable employees by reducing turnover. It supports Kentuckians who can no longer meet the physical demands of work. And it ensures students are fed, improving attendance, behavior and long-term workforce readiness. We cannot build tomorrows workforce on empty stomachs. These economic truths underscore the central point, that charity cannot replace the scale or the stabilizing power of SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feeding Kentuckys network provided about 63 million meals last year. Thats a remarkable achievement. But SNAP provides nearly $100 million in benefits in October alone, more than six times the combined monthly operating budgets of all seven food banks in the state. Charitable food assistance plays a critical role in filling short-term gaps, but it was never designed to offset sweeping federal cuts. No donation drive, no holiday campaign, no emergency fund can replace the infrastructure or economic lift of SNAP. Last month, the legislature and governors office worked together to secure funding for the senior meals program, a bipartisan decision that protected vulnerable Kentuckians. We need that same commitment as SNAPs state cost shift comes into view. We need a strong, stable nutrition program that keeps folks employed, keeps kids learning and keeps bellies full. SNAP does all of that, every single day. Now, its time to protect it. CHENGDU, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- On Haizi Mountain in Daocheng in southwest China's Sichuan Province, with an average altitude over 4,400 meters, a silent sentinel keeps watch over the universe. Spread across 1.36 square kilometers of ancient glacial terrain, the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) resembles a vast, intricate net, tirelessly capturing traces of cosmic rays, which are subatomic messengers from the depths of space. This month, the formidable instrument in China's southwest announced a monumental discovery -- it had captured crucial observational evidence that black holes, devouring material from their companion stars and producing jets, act as powerful particle accelerators and may play a key role in the production of high-energy cosmic rays in the Milky Way. Not far away, where the Bang River winds past Daocheng, another giant stirs. The world's largest circular array of telescopes tracks the sun with quiet precision. The Daocheng Solar Radio Telescope, notably, is vital for efforts aimed at improving the accuracy of space weather forecasts. Situated on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Daocheng county in Sichuan's Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture has an average altitude of about 3,750 meters. Blessed with exceptional atmospheric conditions -- thin, stable air and minimal light pollution -- this remote county, which is home to just 30,000 people, is rapidly becoming a powerhouse of China's deep-space exploration endeavors. COSMIC GAZES Amid the stark beauty of these highlands, a growing community of scientists is gathering, using monumental instruments to push the boundaries of human knowledge. In deep autumn this year, a biting wind carried flurries of snow across Daocheng. At an altitude of 4,411 meters, the world's highest civilian airport welcomed a familiar figure -- Cao Zhen, researcher of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and chief scientist of the LHAASO. Since its construction began in 2016, Cao has routinely flown to this high-altitude outpost. His task this time -- to check progress on a tracking system. "When we first came here for site selection in the autumn of 2014, we encountered a wolf, just sitting on a ridge," recalled Cao, his eyes still gleaming with the memory of those pioneering days. "We slept in tents at night -- listening to wolves howling nearby." It is in this unforgiving, oxygen-thin terrain that Chinese scientists have carved out a frontier for cosmic ray research. Invisible to the eye, cosmic rays are streams of high-energy particles from outer space. Along with electromagnetic waves and gravitational waves, they are one of three key "messengers" for observing the universe. Yet, a century after their discovery, their origins and acceleration mechanisms remain one of astrophysics' great unsolved mysteries. Answering this question requires a detector of unprecedented power and the LHAASO was conceived for this very purpose. From above, the LHAASO looks like a giant circle. Its massive "net" integrates nearly 10,000 detectors. At its heart are three vast, sealed water ponds designed to capture the faint flashes of light created when cosmic rays collide with atmospheric molecules. Nearby, 18 "blue boxes" house wide-field Cherenkov telescopes. Scattered around them like sesame seeds on a flatbread are 5,216 electromagnetic particle detectors and 1,188 muon detectors -- forming a ground array that identifies gamma-ray photons. This net is still expanding. Workers, bundled against the cold, could be seen assembling a more powerful tracking system featuring new Cherenkov telescopes. Eventually, 32 such telescopes will be added. "It's like giving the LHAASO hawk eyes -- improving its spatial resolution by over fivefold," explained Cao. "It will allow us to see more clearly." An hour's drive from the LHAASO, nestled in a grassy basin near Daocheng, lies the solar telescope array. Its 313 six-meter antennas, arranged in a perfect kilometer-wide ring, pivot in unison like a field of metal sunflowers, all focused on a central calibration tower. Solar eruptions emit radio waves that reach Earth in just eight minutes, while high-energy particles take much longer. "This time difference allows us to provide forecasts and warnings," said Yan Jingye, chief designer of this array. "When the sun 'sneezes,' the Earth's space weather can 'catch a cold,' potentially disrupting satellites and communications," Yan explained. In September 2023, the array successfully predicted a solar storm's arrival time with an error level of less than 1.16 hours. This facility also uncovered a rare long-period pulsar that could end up rewriting how isolated slow-spinning neutron stars are born -- and tracked a radio coronal mass ejection that raced outward for five full solar radii before fading. Daocheng's unique advantages -- high altitude, flat terrain, relative accessibility and strong local support, are attracting more big science facilities. On a nearby 4,700-meter peak, construction of a 2.5-meter-wide-field solar telescope is underway. This telescope is set to become the world's largest axisymmetric solar telescope upon completion in around 2026. "This place is becoming a true frontier for deep-space exploration in China -- a hotbed for science," said Cao. INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION The LHAASO's most spectacular moment to date came on October 9, 2022, with the detection of the brightest gamma-ray burst in recorded history, an event resulting from a dying star 2 billion light-years away. While other global detectors were effectively "blinded" by the intensity, the LHAASO was the only ground-based instrument to capture the entire event -- collecting over 60,000 gamma-ray photons. "The LHAASO is revolutionising our understanding of the Galaxy, challenging traditional theories of the origin of cosmic rays," said Elena Amato, an Italian astrophysicist. The discovery, reported afterward in the journal Science, listed foreign co-authors from Ireland's Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Thailand's Mahidol University and Russia's Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. Since its inception, the LHAASO has evolved into a global scientific platform open to the worldwide research community. In 2025 alone, it hosted two collaboration meetings with the participation of international research institutes. France, Russia, Thailand and Pakistan are currently international partners of the LHAASO. This is a microcosm of China's growing leadership in international big science projects. WASHINGTON (AP) A number of Democratic lawmakers are questioning the legality of a U.S. Border Patrol predictive intelligence program that singles out and detains drivers for suspicious travel inside the country. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts sent a letter Monday to Border Patrols parent agency calling the license plate reader program an invasive surveillance network that poses a serious threat to individuals privacy and civil liberties and raised the possibility that the program may run afoul of the U.S. Constitution. Such pervasive surveillance similar to surveillance conducted by authoritarian regimes such as China not only chills lawful expression and assembly but also raises serious constitutional concerns. Without transparency, accountability, and clear limitations, these practices erode fundamental individual rights and set a dangerous precedent for unchecked government power, Markey wrote in a letter asking the agency for details about the plate readers and their use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Associated Press investigation published last week revealed that the U.S. Border Patrol, a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is running a predictive intelligence program monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious. In some instances, Border Patrol concealed its license plate readers in ordinary traffic equipment. The agency also had access to plate data collected by other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies as well as from private companies. The program, which has existed under administrations of both parties, has resulted in people being stopped, searched and in some cases arrested. A network of cameras scans and records vehicle license plate information, and an algorithm flags vehicles deemed suspicious based on where they came from, where they were going and which route they took. Federal agents in turn sometimes refer drivers they deem suspicious to local law enforcement who make a traffic stop citing a reason like speeding or lane change violations. Courts have generally upheld license plate reader collection on public roads but have curtailed warrantless government access to other kinds of persistent tracking data that might reveal sensitive details about the movement of individuals, such as GPS devices or cellphone location data. A growing critique by scholars and civil libertarians argues that large-scale collection systems like license plate readers might be unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable searches. Increasingly, courts have recognized that the use of surveillance technologies can violate the Fourth Amendments protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. Although this area of law is still developing, the use of LPRs and predictive algorithms to track and flag individuals movements represents the type of sweeping surveillance that should raise constitutional concerns, Markey wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBP did not immediately respond to a request for comment but previously said the agency uses license plate readers to help identify threats and disrupt criminal networks and their use of the technology is governed by a stringent, multi-layered policy framework, as well as federal law and constitutional protections, to ensure the technology is applied responsibly and for clearly defined security purposes. Other lawmakers echoed Markeys concerns about the legality of the program. Rep. Dan Goldman, a New York Democrat and member of the House Homeland Security Committee, wrote on the social media site X on Saturday that if CBP is secretly tracking millions of Americans travel patterns and detaining people based on an algorithm, not warrants or evidence, how is that consistent with the Fourth Amendment?" Driving isnt probable cause, Goldman wrote. Congress needs full transparency on this program immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, also said he had constitutional concerns. As Americans across the nation hit the road this holiday season, they shouldnt have to worry that their travel might make them a target for law enforcement or open them up to undue questioning about their movements, activities, and relationships, Warner said in a statement. - Tau reported from Washington. Burke reported from San Francisco. - Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/. The Brief Clifford Law Offices filed a lawsuit against Raffertys Irish Pub in Westchester in connection with the December 2024 death of Tanya Navarro. Navarro, 58, was killed when an alleged drunk driver struck her disabled car in Hodgkins. The suit claims the bar overserved the driver, who reportedly admitted to receiving a drink to go. CHICAGO - A Chicago law firm is suing a suburban bar, alleging it overserved a man who later killed a mother in a drunk-driving crash. What we know Clifford Law Offices announced Monday that it has filed a lawsuit against Raffertys Irish Pub in Countryside on behalf of the family of 58-year-old Tanya Navarro, who was killed Dec. 13, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the lawsuit, Finn Curran of Hodgkins was more than twice the legal limit when he left the bar before crashing into Navarros disabled vehicle in the 7200 block of La Grange Road in Hodgkins. Navarros dog was also killed in the crash. The lawsuit claims Raffertys employees continued to serve Curran alcohol even though he was visibly impaired, and it alleges he later admitted the bar even gave him an alcoholic drink "to go." "The death of an innocent mother like Tanya is a tragedy that never should have happened," said Joseph Murphy, a partner at Clifford Law Offices. "Raffertys servers knew Mr. Curran was in no condition to drive yet failed to take steps to prevent him from getting behind the wheel." He added the case underscores the need for stronger laws to hold establishments accountable for overserving patrons. What they're saying Illinois lawmakers have voiced support for the Navarro family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Willie Preston (D-16th District) called the death "tragic and avoidable," saying he stands with the family "as they seek full accountability for the reckless conduct that caused her death." State Rep. Lisa Davis (D-32nd District) said, "Alyza and her sister Aliyah have forever lost their mother due to an auto crash that never should have happened. I grieve for them and with them and will continue to support them as they seek justice in court." FOX 32 has reached out to Rafferty's for comment on the lawsuit, and we're waiting to hear back. What's next Clifford Law Offices plans to hold a press conference at 11 a.m. Monday at its offices in downtown Chicago. Murphy will be joined by Preston, Davis, and Navarros daughters. Alyza is expected to deliver a statement. The Source The information in this story came from a Clifford Law Offices press release. The Statewide Charter School Board poses for a picture before a meeting January at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) Amid a bizarre crusade to eviscerate the line between church and state and a seeming zeal to rapidly expand school choice to all, the number of charter schools seems to be approaching a saturation point. And its become a real headscratcher that our lawmakers arent willing to do the heavy lifting to better regulate this critical part of our academic infrastructure. Maybe that could include requiring these schools to meet certain academic performance thresholds to remain open or penalizing sponsors who arent providing adequate oversight. It could also include capping how many of these institutions can exist at once, setting enrollment minimums in order to operate, ensuring teacher qualifications and setting maximum student-to-teacher ratios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, state law inexplicably exempts these types of schools from most statutes relating to traditional school districts, including that they employ educators with valid teaching certificates. At the very least, it certainly feels like we no longer need to provide any more of these schools with as much as $50,000 in start-up funding because weve stimulated the industry enough. Reports show we have 26 brick-and-mortar charter schools and seven virtual ones. At least one of these schools, which last week was placed on probation, is being allowed to operate at a ratio of 115 students to 1 teacher and had a financial deficit of over $274,000. Supporters say they dont have enough students to pay the bills and had to lay off teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no way a student can learn with a ratio like that. The states largest virtual charter school, Epic, is under investigation after mismanagement led to mass layoffs and program cuts. In all, about 500 employees were laid off after administrators reportedly underestimated expenses while overestimating revenue. That has jeopardized the solvency of the school that serves over 20,000 students. That school had to take out a $30 million line of credit. As the Statewide Charter School Board struggles to regulate what currently exists, eight more brick-and-mortar locations want permission to open, including one that was already rejected by Moore Public Schools and another that was rebuffed by Tulsas Union Public Schools. State law gives rejected schools the option to override local control by then applying at the state level. Meanwhile, a Florida-based Jewish organization wants to open a school here that would become the nations first publicly funded religious charter school. Thats despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in May that blocked another religious charter school from opening. Our nations highest court upheld a ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court that found the Statewide Charter School Board acted unconstitutionally when it tried to create a publicly funded Catholic school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still the National Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation has notified the board that it wants to use our tax dollars to operate the Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School. The groups representative founded six non-religious English-Hebrew charter schools in Florida. Its school in Oklahoma would serve just 40 students. Brian Shellem, the chair of the Oklahomas charter oversight board, isnt dismissing the idea of another religious charter school. He says that he wont prejudge the application. Because the high court deadlocked 4-4, with one justice recusing, supporters of publicly funded religious charter schools believe this issue could easily head back to the U.S. Supreme Court and result in a different outcome. Following Mays deadlock, Gov. Kevin Stitt said the matter is far from a settled issue and that Oklahoma is in overtime and there would be another case. Stitt appointed Shellem to the charter school oversight board, which pledged to respect the decision that barred St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School from operating. Oklahoma doesnt need to be the one that leads the religious charter school fight, and we dont need to be the test dummy for every right-wing scheme that comes our way. We certainly dont need to be the ones wasting even more precious resources tilting at windmills and sowing dissension over an out-of-state school that inexplicably has set its sights on Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were struggling to regulate what we do have. There are some charter schools that do a good job educating their students, but virtual schools in particular have been criticized for their students scoring below statewide averages in a state that already ranks near the bottom for student outcomes. Its time to focus on ensuring the charter schools we do have are excelling and are financially stable. Once all of those are running well, then maybe we talk about adding more. Because school choice is a good thing if its done right. Parents deserve assurances that state leaders are passing regulations that ensure their children will receive a quality education. And our children deserve to excel at whatever school they attend and to receive a quality education there. Because if they dont, were setting them up for future failure. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE "At the very moment when the country needs protection and stability, Hezbollah continues to drag Lebanon to the brink of confrontation," said Lebanese MP Fouad Makhzoumi. The Lebanese MP Fouad Makhzoumi said on Sunday that the time for action has come in a social media post criticizing the Hezbollah terror organization for the recent Israeli strike in Beirut. Beirut was struck today. Our capital, weary from crises and the wounds of years, finds itself once again at the heart of danger, while the Lebanese feel that the blow has struck all of Lebanon, not just Beirut alone, Makhzoumi wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And at the very moment when the country needs protection and stability, Hezbollah continues to drag Lebanon to the brink of confrontation, after deploying its war media just two days ago with videos threatening rockets, drones, and field operations, he added. He also assured that words were no longer enough, and that it was not going to be enough just to condemn Hezbollahs presence in the Lebanese capital. We need actions, not words, he demanded. Lebanese MP demands to follow US, Saudi plan Makhzoumi also assured that the international community, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, is ready to help and support us. This is a golden opportunity for Lebanon to prove that it wants to protect its state and its people, and that it is capable of making responsible decisions. Members of the Lebanese army secure the area near the site of an Israeli strike, in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon November 23, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED AZAKIR) According to him, the government must now implement the decisions issued on August 5 and 7, which established a plan to bring all weapons in Lebanon under the control of the state, including those held by Hezbollah, and to accomplish the US plan to disarm non-governmental entities stationed in southern Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He concluded: This is the state's responsibility toward Lebanon. And the time is up. The time for action has come. Israels strike on Beirut kills Hezbollah commander The strike on Beirut was the most aggressive attack on Lebanese soil since the beginning of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon in 2024. It killed military commander Ali Tabatabai in the heart of the city. IDF sources, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Israel Katz explained that they targeted Tabatabai because less aggressive measures over the last year had failed to prevent Hezbollah from continuing its process of rearming to threaten Israel. Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu ordered the strike on the recommendation of the defense minister and the IDF chief of staff, the Prime Ministers Office confirmed in a post to X/Twitter on Sunday afternoon. Miriam Sela-Eitam, Yonah Jeremy Bob, and Amichai Stein contributed to this report. Milwaukee Public Schools students are out for Thanksgiving beginning Nov. 24. While kids revel in the week-long break, it can be stressful for parents and guardians who find themselves without childcare even if it's just for a few hours. If that's you, you might be wondering if you can leave your child at home. Here's what Wisconsin law says about when kids can stay home alone: At what age can a child be left home alone in Wisconsin? Wisconsin does not have a legal age requirement for children to be left home alone. Like in the majority of the nation, it's left up to parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state does, however, have more specific laws surrounding child abandonment and neglect. Anyone who leaves a child somewhere where they may suffer, with intent to abandon them, is guilty of a felony. A person is also guilty of neglect if they do not provide basic care such as food, clothing and shelter to a child for reasons other than poverty. What age are kids ready to stay home alone? There's no exact answer on when kids are ready to stay home alone, and most experts say parents should make the decision on a case-by-case basis. Most children are generally ready to stay home around 12 or 13 years old, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. The nonprofit also advises parents to use discretion "within the boundaries of the law" to gauge a childs maturity level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: When is St. Nicholas Day 2025? What to know about the feast day and Milwaukee tradition What do other states say about leaving children home alone? Of the states that have laws regarding when children can be left home alone, the age requirement varies widely. Kansas allows children 6 to 9 years old to be left home alone for short periods of time, and children 10 and over to be left alone for somewhat longer periods. Illinois law says any person who leaves a child under 14 years old without supervision for an unreasonable period of time is guilty of neglect. Several states, such as Tennessee and Washington, do not have an official age requirement, but recommend children are at least 10 years old before staying home alone. More: These Wisconsin grocery stores will be open on Thanksgiving for last-minute shopping How to determine if your child is ready to be home alone, according to the Madison Fire Department: Though it ultimately varies, the Madison Fire Department offers some specific guidance, such as assessing a child's physical and social capabilities, to help parents determine whether their child is ready to be home alone. Physical Readiness Can your child lock and unlock the doors and windows of your home? Can your child perform everyday tasks such as fixing a sandwich, dialing the telephone, and writing messages? Mental Readiness Can your child tell time? Does your child understand what stranger and emergency mean? Does your child recognize danger and know how to stay safe? Does your child solve small problems on his or her own, but also know when to get help? Does your child consider how his or her actions affect others? Social Readiness Does your child solve conflicts with brothers and sisters with little help from adults? Does your child talk easily to you about what happens at school, and about his or her feelings? Does your child feel confident enough to contact another adult if a problem arises? Emotional Readiness Does your child feel confident and secure when alone? Does your child seem willing to stay alone? Does your child know how to handle fear, loneliness and boredom? Does your child know how to handle responsibility, such as getting ready for school on time and looking out for younger brothers and sisters? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the department says you should consider the safety of your home and neighborhood, how long your child would be alone, if there is an adult nearby in case of emergency and if your child has any special needs. If you have multiple children, there needs to be a child who is even older and more mature than the others in the home. "Children do best when theyre not overburdened by caring for younger siblings," the department said. More: A record number of people will travel for Thanksgiving 2025. Here's what to expect in Wisconsin This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Can I leave my kids home alone for Thanksgiving break in Wisconsin? Nov. 23As a result of the 2025-26 state budget which was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro last week the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is moving to implement new policies included in budget-related legislation that will improve public education all across the Commonwealth, officials said. Act 47 of 2025 updated the Public School Code to streamline the certification process for new and existing teachers, giving them more flexibility to teach multiple grades with the same certification. The legislation also reduces educator certification fees, provides new pathways for CTE educators to demonstrate their qualifications, and expands early literacy initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also reforms Pennsylvania's cyber charter school law to save public schools an estimated $178 million this school year and improve student safety by holding cyber charter schools accountable when they fail to comply with the requirement to visibly see and communicate with all students at least once per week. "This budget is about the students and families behind the numbers; a child gaining confidence as they learn to read, a high school student finally seeing the same teacher all year because the position was filled, a family knowing their cyber school student is safe and supported through regular wellness checks," said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. "These are the outcomes that matter. By expanding early literacy, strengthening the educator workforce, and improving student safety, we are turning policy into real progress for learners across the Commonwealth." Updates to the Public School Code in Act 47 of 2025 include: Offering certifications that allow educators to teach grades PreK-6 and 7-12 rather than only grades PreK-4, 4-8, or 7-12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reducing educator certification fees, making it more cost-effective for individuals to obtain certification. Creating pathways for individuals with inactive teaching certificates to return to the classroom and for superintendents to become certified CTE directors. Allowing prospective CTE teachers to demonstrate their occupational skills and knowledge based on a review of their credentials and work experience rather than by taking an expensive test. Expanding early literacy in schools across the Commonwealth by requiring all public schools to adopt evidence-based reading curriculum and identify and provide targeted assistance to students with reading deficiencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saving $175 million for school districts across Pennsylvania by redefining the cyber charter school funding formula, thereby reducing the tuition payments school districts pay to cyber charter schools. Improving the health and safety of cyber charter school students by holding cyber charter schools accountable when they fail to comply with the requirement to visibly see and communicate with all students at least once per week. The 2025 26 budget delivers more than $900 million in additional funding for pre-K 12 public education. The investments in this year's budget include: $565 million in new adequacy funding to expand support to all school districts across the Commonwealth and a $105 million increase for Basic Education Funding. The adequacy funding formula was expanded to drive out more money to schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $40 million increase for Special Education Funding. $125 million for school infrastructure improvements to create safe, healthy learning environments including $25 million for the Solar for Schools program to lower energy costs and promote sustainability. $100 million in annual mental health and school safety funding for K 12 schools, ensuring every student has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. DMVA provides financial assistance With the start of a new school semester around the corner, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is providing financial assistance to eligible children of veterans for higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DMVA's Educational Gratuity Program provides financial assistance to children of honorably discharged wartime veterans who have service-connected total and permanent disability, or children of veterans who died in service during a period of war or armed conflict. "These grants can help to alleviate the financial burden families face when their children graduate from high school and go on to higher education," said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the DMVA. "We encourage eligible families to apply now for the upcoming semester. Your sacrifice has been immense, and this is one way for Pennsylvania to show its continued support of your family." "A special feature about this grant program is that it can be applied to colleges, trade schools and apprenticeships across the commonwealth," said Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, deputy adjutant general of Veterans Affairs. About the Educational Gratuity Program Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Educational Gratuity Program supports both children of honorably discharged wartime veterans with service-connected total and permanent disabilities, and children of veterans who died in service during a period of war or armed conflict. The eligible child must be between the ages of 16 and 23, must have lived within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for five years prior to application, and must attend a school within the commonwealth. All applicants must demonstrate a financial need. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $4,000 total $500 across eight terms or semesters for each qualified child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To apply, contact the County Director of Veterans Affairs for the county in which you reside. 2025 Transparency in Coverage Report released The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) this week released its annual Transparency in Coverage (TiC) Report to continue its work to provide robust transparency into the health insurance claims process. The report puts data in the hands of Pennsylvanians to better understand claims, claim denials, and appeals rights under their fully-funded health insurance policies. "Understanding health insurance can be hard, but through this important transparency initiative, the Shapiro Administration is making Pennsylvanians' healthcare and coverage rights clearer," said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. "The important takeaway here is that a denied claim doesn't have to be the end of your story. There are internal and external appeal rights to challenge an initial coverage denial." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PID's TiC report highlights important data on claims, claim denials, and appeals or health insurers selling Qualified Health Plans on Pennie. It also highlights the most common reasons for denials and provides important website links related to TiC requirements for individual and small group plans in the Commonwealth that are subject to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). During 2024, around 500,000 Pennsylvanians enrolled in plans in the individual market (Pennsylvanians who bought their own insurance) and submitted over 20.7 million health insurance claims. Insurers denied about 3 million of those claims, resulting in a claim denial rate of 14.8%, which is 3% less than the 2024 national claim denial rate of 17.8%. The TiC Report found that: The percentage of claims submitted by Pennsylvanians increased 34% from 15.5 million (2023) to 20.7 million (2024). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The percentage of claims denied increased from 13.8% to 14.8%, still below the national average. The aggregated claim denial rate has been relatively stable since 2020, between 12.6% and 14.8% of all claims received. The percentage of overturned internal appeals dropped from 48.4% to 35.7%. Pennsylvanians with questions about their insurance, health plan, or a denied claim should visit pa.gov/consumer or call 1-866-PA-COMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675). Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. VERO BEACH, Fla. (AP) A locksmith who was shot while assisting sheriff's deputies serving an an eviction notice in Vero Beach, Florida, has died from injuries, increasing the death toll in the shooting last week to three, the sheriff's office said. The civilian locksmith, 76-year-old David Long, was known for his dedicated service and kind demeanor, Sheriff Eric Flowers said in a social media post Sunday. Indian River County Sheriff's Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow a 25-year veteran of the agency was killed when the man they were trying to evict opened fire Friday morning. That man, Michael Halberstam, died from his wounds on Saturday, Flowers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another deputy, Florentino Arizpe, who was shot in the shoulder, was released from the hospital over the weekend, the sheriff said. The sheriff's office had received seven calls from the home over the past month, almost all of which were from the mother calling about her son, the sheriff said during a news conference on Friday. Even so, he said, deputies werent expecting any trouble when they arrived to evict Halberstam. Flowers did not say in his post if Sweeting-Mashkow and Long were wearing protective gear, and the sheriffs office did not respond to an email on the matter Monday morning. A man has admitted murdering his friend in an attack with a broken bottle in a Lincolnshire market town. Viktors Zeglovs, 34, of no fixed address, was charged with the murder of Vadims Zmicerevskis, 45, following an incident at the junction of Green Lane and St Thomas Road in Spalding on 11 November 2024. Zeglovs, who had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge and was due to stand trial, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court via videolink from prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is due to be sentenced on 11 December. The incident came after "a relatively trivial argument" that escalated quickly, with Zeglovs driving a broken bottle towards his friend's throat, the court was told. Prosecutor John Lloyd Jones KC said it was accepted that whatever Zeglovs' intentions were that day he did not set out to kill his friend, adding that the defendant could be seen on CCTV footage acting with remorse and tending to his dying friend. "Unsurprisingly, he died," the barrister added. Adjourning the case, Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight told Zeglovs: "I will determine what your intent was." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zeglovs, who is from Latvia and followed the hearing via a Russian interpreter, was remanded back into custody. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices More on this story Related internet links WINCHESTER, Ky. (FOX 56) A Mt. Washington man was arrested early Friday morning while driving away from a Winchester womans house after hed allegedly tried to strangle her. A court document said that an officer with the Winchester Police Department (WPD) was on patrol on Nov. 21 when a black Chevrolet sedan sped past him. The officer followed the driver to Hood Avenue, just off Boone Avenue and about two blocks from South Main Street. A police report showed that the officer drove down Hood Avenue in his cruiser when he saw a man, woman, and young person outside in what appeared to be a domestic dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 surrenders to Georgetown deputies after reportedly shooting ballistic shield They flagged him down, asking him to stop another man, later identified as 28-year-old Joshua Bruand of Mt. Washington, who ran into a black Honda Civic and drove away. Court documents showed that the officer radioed for backup to help search for the fleeing suspect. A woman living in the nearby house told authorities that Bruand had allegedly tried to strangle her twice on Nov. 21. Investigators wrote that the victim showed police Ring camera footage that showed a male in blue jeans with a slimmer build strangling her by locking her neck with his left elbow. Both people in the video fell out of frame after a few seconds, and the victim showed officers a matching right shoulder injury where she landed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman told the WPD that Bruand tried to strangle her twice, causing her to lose consciousness at least once, per an arrest citation. She eventually grabbed a knife to defend herself. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: WPD officers later found Bruand driving the Civic at the intersection of Hood Avenue and Short Street, where he allegedly had been driving without headlights or taillights on. They pulled him over to ask him what happened. Court documents showed that Bruand told police he was scared for his life after he saw that the alleged assault victim had a knife. During the traffic stop, he supposedly told officers he was intoxicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect allegedly refused a field sobriety test and turned down multiple blood tests to determine his blood alcohol level. Authorities noted that while applying for a search warrant to test Bruands blood, he was allegedly slumped over in the backseat of the officers cruiser and smelled of alcohol. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Bruand was charged with: Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol First-degree strangulationdomestic violence related Fourth-degree assaultminor injury Disregarding a stop sign No taillamps Failure to illuminate headlamps Obstructing governmental operations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was lodged in the Clark County Detention Center on a $10,000 cash bond. Hes due in court at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24. 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 56 News. U.S. Attorneys Office says that a man was convicted after being arrested three times with over a thousand fentanyl pills each time and loaded guns. Leon Henderson was found guilty of drug possession, drug dealing, and gun charges. The charge comes from multiple arrests that happened in one year, from January 2023 to September 2023. This prompted an investigation by the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henderson was found with meth, 200 grams of fentanyl powder, and 1,700 fentanyl pills in his car parked outside of an Aurora Avenue motel. SPD also found two guns in his car during that arrest. Henderson was later arrested on May 5 of the same year, with 7,000 fentanyl pills, a gun, and cash while in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. His last arrest happened near a homeless encampment on Sept. 13, 2023. Police found nearly 10,000 fentanyl pills in his backpack. Assistant United States Attorney Jin Kim described Hendersons car as a mobile office for selling drugs during the trials opening statement. Henderson faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years for the drug and gun convictions. GAZA/JERUSALEM, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Four Palestinians were killed on Monday in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources said. Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli artillery fire near the so-called "yellow line," which designates areas under Israeli control, in the al-Shaaf neighborhood, east of Gaza City, according to the sources. They added that another Palestinian was killed and two others injured in an Israeli drone strike east of Khan Younis in the south, while a fourth person was killed in an airstrike in the town of Bani Suheila, also east of Khan Younis. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that it struck three "terrorists" after identifying them crossing the "yellow line" and approaching Israeli troops in the Khan Younis area, claiming they posed an "immediate threat." In the meantime, Palestinian security sources said the Israeli army continued artillery shelling and the detonation of car bombs in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City, and carried out airstrikes in Rafah in the south. Although intensive airstrikes have largely ceased since a ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, casualties continue to be reported due to periodic violence. On Saturday, Israel conducted a series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, resulting in at least 22 deaths and dozens of injuries, according to Gaza-based health authorities. The Israeli military said the strike was in response to an earlier incident, when an "armed terrorist" reportedly fired at soldiers after crossing the "yellow line." Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward after a man was found stabbed to death outside a restaurant in The Loop. The man was found with stab wounds around 7:21 a.m. Sunday morning in the 200 block of South Wabash Street, near Adams, Chicago police said. The victim suffered a puncture wound to his body, CPD said. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died. His identity and age was not yet known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook County Crime Stoppers said it appears the man may have been experiencing homelessness. They offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest. SEE ALSO | 14-year-old boy killed in Loop shootings ID'd, 8 others injured; Mayor Johnson speaks out: EXCLUSIVE "This is a senseless loss of life," a statement from Paul Rutherford, Executive Director of Cook County Crime Stoppers, read in part. "We are deeply committed to supporting law enforcement and the community in bringing justice for this individual Anyone with information has been asked to contact Chicago police at www.CPDTIP.com or Cook County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-535-STOP (7867). No one was in custody as Chicago police continue to investigate. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood The eldest daughter of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is speaking out amid her mothers headline-making fallout with President Donald Trump and her subsequent resignation from Congress. On Friday, Lauren Greene Sanders said she forever will be so proud of Greene while sharing her moms video announcing her plan to step down from her post in January. Politics: Erika Kirk Breaks Silence On That Eyebrow-Raising Hug With JD Vance One of a kind Congresswoman, Greene Sanders wrote on X. 110% on America First, American Only. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day later, Greene Sanders shrugged off speculation that Greenes resignation was driven, at least in part, by a desire to run for president in 2028. This is a lie, she wrote on X in response to a Time article that cited sources close to the Georgia lawmaker who suggested shed set her sights on the White House. On Sunday, Greene herself also reacted to Times reporting with similar sentiments. Thats not journalism, its called lying, she wrote in a lengthy post on X alongside a screenshot of the article. Im not running for President and never said I wanted to and have only laughed about it when anyone would mention it. Though Marjorie Taylor Greene's disillusionment with MAGA has won her praise from some Democrats, the Georgia lawmaker has repeatedly dismissed the implication she's "suddenly changed." Tom Williams via Getty Images Greene rose to national prominence in 2020 as an outspoken supporter of Trump and his Make America Great Again movement. In recent weeks, however, shes stunned her constituents by breaking with the president over his handling of this years government shutdown, which ended Nov. 12 after 43 days, and his reluctance to release classified documents related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her resignation statement, Greene alluded to the battle over the Epstein files and also called out a number of GOP lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana. Politics: Lawrence ODonnell Flags Most Vivid Image Of Decline And Fall Of Trump Yet Standing up for American women who were raped at 14, trafficked and used by rich powerful men, should not result in me being called a traitor and threatened by the President of the United States, whom I fought for, she wrote. Elsewhere in her statement, Greene claimed many establishment Republicans embraced by the Trump administration since his 2024 reelection secretly hate him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not surprisingly, Trump publicly pulled his support of Greene after she began criticizing him publicly and responded to her resignation by again deeming her a traitor. Though Greenes spat with the president and disillusionment with MAGA have won praise from some Democrats, Greene has denied that shes suddenly changed. Im doubling down on how much I love this country and its people, she told Vanity Fair this month. Im radically doubling down, to the point where it doesnt matter who I disagree with. Im disagreeing with my own side. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Marjorie Taylor Greenes shock announcement of her exit from the House of Representatives after a feud with Donald Trump shows the president still has power to punish challenges to his authority in the Republican Party. But if his quest for total loyalty means Trump ignores the substance behind the complaints of the Georgia representative who was once one of his fiercest supporters, then he will lead his party down a risky road. Greene on Sunday pushed back against reports that her departure from Congress in January is the precursor to a run for president in 2028, insisting in a lengthy post on X that she was not motivated by power and titles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given her apparent disgust with politics, her party and Washington in general, it might be wise to take her at her word. Still, her X post, along with a video and the long statement in which she made her announcement Friday, didnt sound like someone who is leaving public debate or America First principles behind. Whether Greenes future lies in a conservative media role or in a political campaign, she took positions on Social Security, health care, immigration, foreign policy and the national debt that sound very much like a manifesto for a back-to-basics shift for the MAGA movement when Trump has left the scene. Greenes falling-out with Trump has created so much interest because its a fracture between two of MAGAs top personalities, but also because it seems to hint at deeper rifts in the movement itself. And since she was once an enthusiastic player in the toxic politics pioneered by Trump and for which she apologized on CNNs State of the Union last week, Greenes turn may hint at a wider fatigue for the drama and bile that Trump whips up every day. Greene attends a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act outside the US Capitol on November 18, 2025. - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP What is driving Greenes decision-making? There are two theories circulating in Washington about Greenes behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One is that the showdown and her exit prove that Trumps iron grip on the party is as tight as ever. In this version, Greene will follow Trump critics like former Rep. Liz Cheney, former Sen. Jeff Flake and others who were effectively driven out of public office by the presidents attacks. By turning on Greene, the president demonstrated to every other GOP lawmaker what happens if they cross him. Greenes distaste for fighting a Trump-backed primary challenge, as expressed in her resignation announcement, will resonate among lawmakers who know the biggest threat to their jobs is losing in a GOP primary rather than in a general election after years of gerrymandering of congressional districts. An alternative possibility is that for Trump to become estranged from someone who was once as outspoken in his support as Greene, there must be genuine fissures in the party and the movement. The split has coincided with a slump in Trumps national popularity a year after his reelection; suggestions that hes becoming a lame duck; and an unprecedented revolt, in which Greene played a leading role, against Trump by the Capitol Hill GOP over the Jeffrey Epstein files. There are likely elements of truth to both theories. It was never realistic that a lone member of Congress, even one as astute in cultivating publicity and controversy as Greene, would prevail in a political test of wills with a president let alone one who transformed the GOP in his image, created his own populist movement and enjoys an exceptional bond with the grassroots of his party. But Greene argues that the president has departed from the values that took him into office and that validate his appeal. Thats a threat to Trumps authority at a difficult political moment and a time when the power of second-term presidents often starts to ebb. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media on the South Lawn of the White House before boarding Marine One on November 22, 2025. - Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg/Getty Images Making Greenes life so intolerable that shes driven out of Washington may represent an attempt by Trump to delay the waning of his political powers. But when revolutionaries start fighting over the meaning of the revolution, its usually a sign that their political project is in trouble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenes rebellion is not the only force tearing at GOP unity. A raging controversy over White nationalist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes has dragged in the Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank behind much of Trumps domestic program. Theres also growing criticism of Trump from the community of podcasters popular with young White men, which played an important role in his 2024 election triumph. And Greenes critique of Trump runs deeper than policy. She has complained about the impact of his cutting personal attacks on television and social media, warning that he has put her safety at risk, an experience that led her to reconsider her own past conduct. She accused Trump of dropping tens of millions of dollars against her in an attempt to destroy her politically. Its all so absurd and completely unserious. I refuse to be a battered wife hoping it all goes away and gets better, she wrote in her resignation statement. Greenes complaints about the impact of Trumps attacks arent getting much sympathy from some of her Democratic adversaries. I was like, You have got to be kidding me, Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas told Jake Tapper on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday. Youre on the other side of the president for one week and you cant take the heat. Imagine what it is to sit in my shoes, to not only be on the opposite side of him, but to have people like her who are constantly fanning the flames of hate, Crockett said. Greene speaks during a campaign rally on October 15, 2024, in Atlanta. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images What does Greene do next? Greenes immediate political prospects look unpromising one reason her denials that shes seeking a political reinvention in a new race may be taken at face value. Her prospects of a successful run in a party where she may be seen as disloyal to Trump seem remote, although the political ground could shift before the 2028 presidential primary race really cranks into gear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Georgia governors race is already crowded ahead of the Republican primary. A statewide race might in any case be challenging given the likelihood her extreme political past would alienate moderate swing voters, even if shes reshaped her image in Washington. Trump insisted that the root of Greenes MAGA apostasy was thwarted ambition since hed told her not to run for Georgia governor or US senator. She insisted that she had no designs on any other political positions. But shed not be regarded a favorite for any step up in Georgia. Still, by leaving Congress now, she can distance herself from the possible 2026 Republican loss of the House that she predicted when she resigned. And shes positioned herself to be seen as one of the first Republicans to warn of impending disaster if a political postmortem begins. Moreover, after Greenes recent tensions with House Speaker Mike Johnson, her departure will make his life even more miserable, narrowing his tiny Republican majority. What does Greenes resignation mean for Trump? Trump told ABC News on Friday that Greenes resignation was great news for the country. But perhaps he shouldnt celebrate too soon. Greene was, after all, part of the coalition that inflicted his most severe defeat by Capitol Hill Republicans, who backed a bill requiring the Justice Department to release the Epstein files a step he had long resisted. Apart from the humiliation, the new law he signed last week worsened his political headache on the issue. Greene leaves after President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol on March 4, 2025. - Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images And Greene, channeling the views of voters in a district that she won with a huge majority last year, has forensically criticized Trump. Shes warned that the administration is gaslighting Americans over prices and accused the Republican Party of doing nothing to alleviate the plight of Affordable Care Act policyholders who are seeing the cost of premiums double in some cases. And shes criticized Trumps search for a foreign policy legacy as antithetical to the principles of the America First movement, which prioritizes domestic concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Republican voters broadly share her concerns which are mirrored across a far wider political spectrum than the MAGA movement, according to polls enthusiasm for party candidates could dip to dangerous levels in the midterm elections. Trumps attempts to address the affordability crisis have been lamentable: Hes claimed that Americans struggling with the cost of living are living in an economic golden age. Its not hard to see that Greene is far more attuned to the reality of much of the country than Trump, a billionaire who lives a gilded lifestyle and surrounds himself with wealthy acolytes and sycophantic officials. Theres also something deeper to Greenes recent comments. She diagnosed a political system that is failing millions of Americans. She argued the countrys leaders are negligent in assessing Americans most basic needs: on health care, feeding their kids, financing college and offering a viable future in which they can bring up their own young families. Whether or not she runs for president in 2028, Greene has already hit upon the likely theme of the next race. And its one that resonates far beyond the MAGA movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene came to Washington after winning election for the first time in 2020 as a firebrand purveyor of absurd conspiracy theories and a proponent of the QAnon movement. She once regarded Trump as the greatest president of her lifetime. Her departure less than a year into Trumps second term is damning commentary on his presidency. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A Massachusetts school has launched an investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving students during a recent field trip, officials said. Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School, a K12 school in Worcester, announced that its taking the utmost seriousness in response to an allegation of sexual assault involving students during a school-sponsored, off-site field trip. According to a statement from the school, administrators immediately implemented safety protocols upon learning of the allegation and notified law enforcement without delay. The school says its also conducting its own internal review in accordance with state laws and established policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school acknowledged concerns from parents about why students were not immediately allowed to call home, explaining that the decision was made very carefully to maintain safety and order while the situation was still developing. Officials further noted that their priority was to ensure all students were supervised, safe, and accounted for before contacting families. Counselors and support staff are available to assist students and families. The school was unable to provide any additional details on the investigation due to the sensitive nature of the matter and legal obligations regarding student privacy. 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 When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Dominican friar Richard Fishacre was one of the early astronomers of the time. | Credit: unknown artist, circa 1022-1032, Monte Cassino, Italy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Space.com's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights . During the 1240s, Richard Fishacre, a Dominican friar at Oxford University, used his knowledge of light and color to show that the stars and planets are made of the same elements found here on Earth . In so doing he challenged the scientific orthodoxy of his day and pre-empted the methods and discoveries of the 21st-century James Webb space telescope . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, medieval physics affirmed that the stars and planets were made from a special celestial element the famous " fifth element" (quinta essentia) or "quintessence". Unlike the four elements found here on Earth (fire, water, earth and air), this "fifth element" is perfect and unchanging. Fully transparent, it formed the basis of what were believed to be the nine concentric celestial "spheres" surrounding the Earth, as well as the various stars and planets attached to them. These, it was argued, were merely condensed versions of the "fifth element", with each of the first seven spheres having its own planet, and the outermost eighth and ninth spheres containing the stars and heaven itself, respectively. Color, light and the stars Lacking access to telescopes and rock samples, Fishacre the first Dominican friar to teach theology at Oxford University openly rejected the idea that the stars and planets were made from some special "fifth element". In his opinion, they consisted of the same four elements found here. His reason for asserting this position was his understanding of how color and light behave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Color, Fishacre noted, is typically associated with opaque bodies. These, however, are always composite, meaning made up of two or more of the four terrestrial elements. When we look up at the stars and planets, however, we see that the light they emit often has a faint color. Mars appears red, and Venus yellow, for example. This suggests, of course, that they are composite and thus made "ex quattuor elementis" "out of the four elements". In Fishacre's opinion the surest proof that the stars and planets were not made of some special "fifth element" came from the moon . It has a very definite color, and, crucially, every so often it eclipses the sun. Were it made from the transparent fifth element even a highly condensed version of it then surely the sun's light would pass through it, just as it does a pane of glass. This, however, is not the case. The moon, Fishacre reasoned, must therefore be made of the same elements found on Earth. And if this was true of the moon, which is the lowest celestial body, then it must also be true of all the other stars and planets. Fishacre thought the moon and Earth shared the same elements. | Credit: NASA A brave move In arguing this, Fishacre knew that he was risking criticism. "If we posit this position," he wrote , "then they, that crowd of Aristotelian know-it-alls (scioli aristoteli), will cry out and stone us". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sure enough, stones were thrown at Fishacre and from high places. In 1250, his teaching was denounced at the University of Paris by St Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, a Franciscan friar who ridiculed in his lectures those "moderns" like Fishacre who foolishly questioned Aristotle's teaching on the celestial fifth element. Contemporary astrophysics has, of course, vindicated Fishacre's position . The stars and planets are not made of some special fifth element, but rather from many of the same metals and elements found here on our home planet. The James Webb space telescope, for example, recently established that the atmosphere of the Neptune-like exoplanet TOI-421 b , some 244 light years away, contains high quantities of water and sulphur dioxide . Remarkably, how the James Webb space telescope established this a process known as transmission spectroscopy is very similar, at least in principle, to the method which Fishacre employed. It detected subtle variations in the brightness and color of the light emitted by TOI-421 b which could only be caused by water and sulphur dioxide. Given how much criticism his claims received, Fishacre would no doubt have been delighted to know that nearly 800 years after his death, contemporary astronomy, just like him, is using light and color to show that far flung stars and planets are all made from the same elements. Our government is killing people in the Caribbean, dozens and counting. These actions are immoral and hopefully illegal. These men are husbands, sons, brothers and may also be criminals. In this country, criminals are apprehended, given an arrest warrant, evidence is gathered against them and they are tried by a jury and sentenced by a judge not blown to bits. With our extensive military presence in the area, how difficult can it be to capture small, open, speed boats and gather information about those individuals who are truly in charge? So far, France, the Netherlands and Colombia (and some politicians) have condemned these killings as a violation of international law and crimes against humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This administration claims we are at war due to drugs. It is a fact that addiction is a major, complex problem. Lives are lost. However, it is a fallacy to equate the voluntary ingestion of drugs with bombs from the skies. Is it really the intention of this administration to attack a sovereign nation, in our own backyard, without the consent of Congress? One thing that is certain, I will not be vacationing in Aruba, Puerto Rico or anywhere in the Caribbean anytime soon. Jeannine Petit, Pewaukee Opinion: Wisconsin gun deer season a gathering full of simple blessings in the silence Letters: A traffic-snarled I-94 sure beats a walkable Milwaukee with a free streetcar Tips for getting your letter to the editor published Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please include your name, street address and daytime phone. Generally, we limit letters to 200 words. Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter. Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing. Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person. We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions. We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters. Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months. All letters are subject to editing. Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@jrn.com or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: U.S. attacks on drug boats have rightfully been condemned | Letters The post Morehouse students arrested after viral assault of Clark Atlanta student appeared first on ClutchPoints. A Morehouse College student is now facing criminal charges after a video circulated widely on social media showing him choking a Clark Atlanta University student during an altercation outside the victims apartment. The footage, which quickly sparked outrage across the Atlanta University Center community, prompted campus police to open an investigation that ultimately led to the students arrest. The man seen in the viral video has been identified as Matthew Gonzales Forestine, a Morehouse College student. According to police, the incident began when the victim was riding a Georgia State University bus and a man stepped on her foot. When she approached him for an apology, his girlfrienda Clark Atlanta University studentallegedly pushed the victim, sparking a confrontation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Gonzales Forestine then joined his girlfriend in attacking the victim, and footage showing him choking the woman and lifting her off the ground has since spread widely across social media. In response to the incident, both Morehouse Colleges Division of Student Services and the President of Clark Atlanta University have issued statements condemning the violence and affirming their commitment to student safety. Morehouse College Division of Student Services released a statement on Saturday, saying: Yesterday, the College was made aware of a video circulated on social media depicting an off-campus incident involving a Morehouse College student and a Clark Atlanta University student. We want to state unequivocally that the behavior shown is disappointing and completely inconsistent with Morehouses mission, values, and expectations of its community members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Campus Safety and Student Services teams responded swiftly to review the matter through our established student conduct processes. We are also working in close partnership with Clark Atlanta University leadership and the Atlanta Police Department to fully investigate the situation and to reach a just resolution. While student privacy laws prevent sharing updates, please know that collectively we will take all necessary steps to address this issue with urgency, fairness, and care for all involved. Our highest priority remains to be the safety and well-being of all students, and we are committed to ensuring accountability for all parties found responsible for conduct violations. We do not take lightly the impact that incidents like this can have on the broader community, and we appreciate those who elevated their concerns. Clark Atlanta University president Dr. George T. French also released a statement, saying: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Community, I am deeply concerned by the assault recorded and witnessed on social media of one of my students this week. As the President of this institution, my first priority is the safety and well-being of our students. As a father, this disgusting display of violence against a young woman is unacceptable and has no place in our community. We want to be clear: violence as a whole within our society is antithetical and disruptive to our culture. Moreover, violence of any kind, particularly against women, is intolerable, unacceptable, and has no place on our campuses. The safety, dignity, and well-being of Clark Atlanta University studentswherever they may beremain our highest priority. We continue to work closely with the Atlanta Police Department and appropriate authorities to ensure this matter is resolved immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ask our Panther family to keep all those affected in your thoughts as we stand united in compassion, care, and accountability. Gonzales Forestine is being charged with aggravated assault and terroristic threats. Related: Jackson State head coach T.C. Taylor reacts to Shedeur Sanders Browns debut Related: Howard University student lands role in A Different World sequel series A woman who stabbed her sixth-grade classmate to win favor with a fictional internet character named Slender Man more than a decade ago has been taken into custody, a day after cutting off her monitoring bracelet and leaving a group home where shed been living, police said. Morgan Geyser, 23, was found Sunday at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois roughly 20 miles south of Chicago, Posen police told CNN. She was found with another person, whom police did not identify. There is no longer a need to search for Morgan Geyser at this time, police in Madison, Wisconsin, said in a statement late Sunday. Police said they received confirmation around 10:34 p.m. Sunday that Geyser had been taken into custody in Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geyser was last seen in a residential neighborhood on the west side of Madison around 8 p.m. Saturday with an adult acquaintance, police said in an earlier statement. In a crime that stunned the nation, Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier, both 12 at the time of the crime, lured their classmate into a park in Waukesha, Wisconsin, in 2014, where they stabbed her 19 times to impress Slender Man, a boogeyman for the internet age. The victim, Peyton Leutner, was also 12 at the time and survived, crawling out of the woods to safety where she was discovered by a passing bicyclist. The trio spent a lot of time together, Leutner previously told ABC. Geyser constantly talked about Slender Man, a character that terrified Leutner, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The night of the stabbing, Leutner had gone to Geysers home for a slumber party to celebrate her birthday. At age 15, Geyser pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted first-degree murder in a deal with prosecutors to be placed in a mental institution instead of serving jail time. At her sentencing in 2018, Geyser apologized to Leutner and her family. I never meant this to happen, a tearful Geyser said. I hope that she is doing well. In January, a judge ordered she could be released from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, where she spent nearly seven years, The Associated Press reported. Geysers attorney, Tony Cotton, had urged her to turn herself in immediately in a statement Sunday. We worked too hard to secure her freedom for her to continue on this path, Cotton added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear how Geyser broke out of the group home or who helped her, Cotton said in a video posted to social media. In August, a facility in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, declined to take her due to negative publicity they were receiving about the potential move, according to CNN affiliate WMTV, but Madison police confirmed with the news station Geyser is currently living at a group home in Madison, on the same street where she was last seen. Weier pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree homicide due to mental illness or defect in the stabbing as part of a plea agreement. She was committed to 25 years in a mental hospital, the AP reported, but was released in 2021 on condition she live with her father and wear a GPS monitor. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Dakin Andone, Alex Stambaugh and Karina Tsui contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Areas of thick fog mean you may want to give yourself some extra time Monday morning. A dense fog advisory is in effect for much of the Channel 9 viewing area through 10 a.m. Morning fog will give way to very warm afternoon temperatures on Monday. Meteorologist Kassandra Crimi said the fog will be most problematic along the Interstate 75 corridor. Once that fog clears, expect partly cloudy skies and warming temps throughout Central Florida. Daytime highs will be returning to the 80s. Morning fog will give way to very warm afternoon temperatures on Monday. Monday will be Day 8 for Orlando to hit a high of 80 or warmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crimi said the above average temperatures will last for a few more days, with 80s in place through Wednesday. Morning fog will give way to very warm afternoon temperatures on Monday. Our next front arrives by the end of the week, bringing highs in the 70s on Thanksgiving and only in the 60s on Black Friday. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. By David Hood-Nuno WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A majority of U.S. Latinos believe their situation has worsened under President Donald Trump, a Pew Research Center poll released on Monday found, the first such deterioration since the poll began tracking almost 20 years ago. Asked how they see their situation, 68% of Latinos said it has worsened in the past year while about 80% said Trump administration policies do more harm to Latinos than help them, Pew said, a key reason why they view their position as worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's mass-deportation efforts and a sluggish economy have weighed on Latinos, whose votes in the 2026 midterm elections could be a critical to maintaining Republican majorities in the House and Senate. "There's no doubt that if people draw the connections to a particular administration or political party, this could have some political implications in coming elections," said Mark Lopez, director of Pew's Race and Ethnicity Research. Trump's support among Latino voters was historically strong for a Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential election, aided by their economic concerns and gains among Latino men. Pew surveyed 4,923 Latinos between October 6 and October 16. The margin of error for Latino respondents is 2.6 percentage points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonpartisan organization said 1,116 of the Latino respondents were immigrants. About 82% of Latinos are in the U.S. legally, according to other Pew data. Pew's results tracked with an October Reuters/Ipsos poll that showed 32% of Hispanics approved of Trump's job performance, well below his overall 42% approval rating at the time. About 70% of Latinos responding to the Pew study said the Trump administration is "doing too much" when it comes to deporting immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally, up from 56% in early March. But they agreed that some people do need to be deported. In addition, 52% said they worry they or someone close to them might be deported, compared with 42% in the early weeks of Trump's second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lopez said while the report showed broad discontent among Latinos, the data was nuanced in ways that may influence voting. The economy ranked as the top issue among Latinos in the 2024 election, and while the cost of living remains high, about half of Latinos surveyed said they expect the situation to improve. (Reporting by David Hood-Nuno; editing by Scott Malone and Cynthia Osterman) MOSCOW, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said it had thwarted an attempted railway sabotage in the Altai Territory and killed two perpetrators who opened fire during their arrest, TASS news agency reported on Monday. According to the FSB's Public Relations Center, the two local residents were preparing an attack on railway infrastructure under the coordination of Ukrainian special services and members of an organization banned in Russia. The incident occurred on Saturday on a railway section between the Altayskaya and Biysk stations, where the two men attempted to install a so-called derailment device on tracks intensively used by both freight and passenger trains, the FSB said. The FSB released a video showing the perpetrators conducting reconnaissance at the planned attack site and arriving in an SUV before approaching the tracks under a railway bridge. The video then shows security officers arriving, dispersing around the perpetrators' vehicle, and returning fire after the men shot at them. It also displays bullet damage to an FSB vehicle, the bodies of the two suspects with weapons nearby, and ammunition found in their car. Several angles of the derailment device that the perpetrators planned to install are also shown. The video of a Topeka police officer killing Dylan Walstrom revisits alarming variants between official accounts of police shootings and video evidence. (Getty Images) A news brief on the 2022 death of 28-year-old Dylan Walstrom of Topeka, citing the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, said he died after exiting a car, shooting at the officer, and struggling for control of a handgun. The KBI said Walstrom refused several of the officers commands, and, during the struggle, Walstrom fired once at the officer, who fired several shots in return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That explanation troubled Walstroms mother, Carrie Bell, a Kansas native who lives in Texas. She asked lawyer LaRonna Lassiter Saunders to view the body cam video. After an unnamed Topeka police officer shot Dylan Walstrom in the head during a 2022 traffic stop, police claimed Walstrom had fired his gun first but thats not what the officers body cam video shows, according to an attorney who viewed it. (Submitted) Lassiter Saunders, and a Chicago expert Bell hired, said the video shows the officer firing first and that the KBIs account doesnt match video evidence. They ask: Who shoots and struggles after shots to the forehead? Bell filed an Oct. 31 Kansas Open Records Act request for the officers name and reimbursement for the burdensome expenses caused by the City Attorneys withholding of bodycam footage and lack of transparency. Its another example of the city hiding video from the public. The KBI did make me believe my son shot at an officer, Bell said. He was shot twice in the head. He would have been incapacitated. Some things are just black and white. He shot my son twice, hesitated, and then shot him seven more times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bell said she identified her son by his wrist tattoo. The KORA request marked her third request for the officers name, and the clock has run out for any lawsuit. Kansas Reflector has not seen the video. The KBI responded to a request for comment by sending the agencys original statement on the case. The city of Topeka did not respond to Kansas Reflector, but Bell said via email that the city denied her request. They said it was not in the best interest of the citizens of Topeka to name the officer, she said. Reports from 2018 said Topeka police found four stolen vehicles on Walstroms property when arresting him. Walstrom served prison time for felony theft. His December 2022 interface with police developed from a stolen car report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lassiter Saunders said the bodycam video showed the officer approached from the passenger side of the car where Walstrom slept in the drivers seat. Walstrom seemed disoriented after waking up. She said Walstrom attempted to open the door, but the officer told him no. Walstrom had a gun but never pointed it at the officer. As soon as (the officer) saw the gun, he shot twice from the drivers side, Lassiter Saunders said. He then reached in and grabbed Dylans hand and shot him seven more times. The officers panic seemed reasonable, she said. What happened next didnt. Lassiter Saunders said the officer placed his weapon on a trash can behind him, calmly called for backup, said Walstrom tried to attack him and that hed shot Walstrom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He killed him and then called in a lie, she said. This could have been explained. But what you cant do is smoke him, make up a lie and then hide your identity. Bell hired Jennifer Matthews, a Chicago-area body camera video consultant who trains police departments on using body cams more effectively. Bell flew Matthews in to view the video. Matthews report read, in part: Upon careful review of the footage at a reduced speed (0.5x), it is evident that the first shot fired by the officer struck the driver directly in the center of the forehead. While I do not possess formal medical training, it is reasonable to infer that such a wound would likely result in immediate and significant incapacitation, potentially rendering the driver unable to continue any physical or cognitive function. The report continued: Based on the available evidence, it is the experts opinion that the officer was the first to fire his weapon. After the initial shot, the officer continued to fire multiple rounds, ultimately resulting in the drivers death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video revisits alarming variants between official accounts of police shootings and video evidence. About a month before police shot Walstrom to death, police fired more than 30 shots at Taylor Lowery, killing him. The Shawnee County District Attorneys Office exonerated the officers and claimed, despite video to the contrary, that Lowery lunged at police holding a knife above his head. Video obtained by Kansas Reflector showed Lowery holding a wrench and backing away from officers as they began shooting. Despite the answers the video has seemingly offered, questions remain for Bell. Why lie about an explainable shooting? Why cant a mother know who killed her child? Why did she have to spend $13,000 when that information should have been made available? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement December will mark three years since the shooting. It hasnt been easy. Shed planned to gift her son a car later that December for his birthday. She said at first, she wondered how she could take on the police department, the city, the KBI, and all the law enforcement secrecy in Kansas. But an answer came from her son. My son, from the other side, said he would walk me through to the other side of what happened, Bell said. Little by little, it has been laid out. Im not a religious freak or anything, but something is keeping me going. Mark McCormick is the former executive director of the Kansas African American Museum, a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and former deputy executive director at the ACLU of Kansas. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. Not only does Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) swear shes not going to run for president after announcing she will resign from Congress she also thinks people who believe the rumors are being lulled everyday into psychosis by the Political Industrial Complex. The lawmaker went on two extended rants over the weekend on two social media accounts to swat down ruminations about her political future, and she emphatically denied interest in higher office. Politics: 'F**k You': Democratic Veterans Respond To Pentagon Threats In the first, published Sunday on her personal X account, formerly Twitter, Greene called Time magazines report that shes considering a 2028 presidential run a complete lie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not running for President and never said I wanted to and have only laughed about it when anyone would mention it, she wrote. If you fell for those headlines, youre still being lulled everyday into psychosis by the Political Industrial Complex that always has an agenda when it does something like this. Greene proceeded to blame the Complex for distracting Americans from solving problems such as the nations debt, the pending insolvency of Social Security, the health care system, taxes, immigration and American entanglements abroad. If you all are still fighting each other about the shiny objects the Political Industrial Complex blinds you with everyday and not paying attention to the damage that has been done, and is still being done, then Americans will never join together to save themselves, she wrote. TIME claims sources told them Im running for President in 2028, which means this is a complete lie and they made it up because they cant even quote the names of the people who they claim said it. Thats not journalism, its called lying. Im not running for President and pic.twitter.com/i99LgGvVSx Marjorie Taylor Greene (@mtgreenee) November 23, 2025 Greene followed up that rant with a second one on her professional X page Monday, albeit with less substance than her first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone just runs their mouths but results are the only thing that matter to the American people, she wrote. Smears, lies, attacks, and name calling is childish behavior, divisive, and bad for our country. Memes and red meat rants do nothing. Politics: 'It's A Tinder Box': GOP Lawmaker Warns More 'Explosive' Resignations Coming After MTG Her comments are not without a heavy dose of irony: Until recently, the fervent MAGA Republican often used smears, lies, attacks, name calling and red meat rants to advance her own agenda. In past years, the Republican has supported false claims that the Parkland and Sandy Hook school shootings were staged, liked Facebook posts that called for the execution of Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) while Pelosi was House speaker, embraced QAnon, spoke at a white nationalist conference and spread an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that a Jewish space laser sparked 2018s deadly California wildfires. Everyone just runs their mouths but results are the only thing that matter to the American people. Smears, lies, attacks, and name calling is childish behavior, divisive, and bad for our country. Memes and red meat rants do nothing. Actions speak louder than words. Be quiet, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) November 24, 2025 In a shocking development Friday, Greene said she plans to resign from Congress in January amid an acrimonious fallout with President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other House Republicans may follow. Politics: James Comey, No Longer Indicted, Says 'Trump Will Probably Come After Me Again Several senior Republicans told Punchbowl News over the weekend they see the writing on the wall. This entire White House team has treated ALL members like garbage. ALL. And Mike Johnson has let it happen because he wanted it to happen, one anonymous source told Punchbowls Jake Sherman. More explosive early resignations are coming. Its a tinder box. Morale has never been lower. Mike Johnson will be stripped of his gavel and they will lose the majority before this term is out. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Mars is full of surprises, but this one had scientists leaning closer to their multi-monitor arrays: a rock, about 31 inches across, sitting alone in a field of fractured bedrock in a region called Vernodden, that looked like it came from somewhere far beyond the red planets own backyard. NASAs Perseverance rover spotted the oddity in early September while surveying the terrain as part of the Mars 2020 mission. The team gave the formation a name: Phippsaksla. Up close, it doesnt blend in with its surroundings at all. Instead of matching the usual local geology, the rock stands upright as if it were dropped there. Later that month, a scan using the rovers SuperCam instrument revealed that the formation is packed with iron and nickel, the element pairing most commonly found in iron-nickel meteorites, the kind that usually originate in the cores of large asteroids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That composition is the big reason scientists think Phippsaksla may not actually belong to Mars. It may have crash-landed there long ago. NASA disclosed the discovery in a recent blog post, though the agency isnt calling it a meteorite just yet (further testing is needed before they lock in that label). A Four-Year Hunt for Ancient Clues NASAs Perseverance rover in Jezero Crater | Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Perseverance has been wandering Mars Jezero Crater since February 2021, collecting rock samples and documenting anything that might hint at ancient life. The crater remains one of the missions most important sites because evidence suggests it was once filled with water around 3.5 billion years ago. If Mars ever hosted life, this is the kind of place where traces would linger. Most of the rovers findings fit neatly into the regions known geological story. Phippsaksla doesnt. And thats the part scientists care about. A foreign rock sitting in an ancient lakebed could help them understand not just Mars, but the larger history of our solar system what slammed into what, where materials came from, and how far meteorites travel before coming to rest. For now, the rock stays exactly where it is, waiting for more tests and more answers. Perseverance moves on, but the image of that lonely, metal-rich boulder perched in Martian dust is already doing what all good discoveries do: raising more questions than it answers. Sources: NASA, Daily Beast Read the original article on GEEKSPIN. Affiliate links on GEEKSPIN may earn us and our partners a commission. Just days ago, NASA dropped a batch of new images of a comet from an entirely different solar system that has for months been a source of public fascination and speculation. The object, named 3I/ATLAS, is just the third comet to ever be discovered in Earth's cosmic neighborhood originating from elsewhere in the universe. The interstellar interloper, which is likely way older than Earth, has been hurtling through our solar system at dizzying speeds and will one day soon be gone forever. That's why the world's astronomers and space agencies are racing to study an object composed of planetary material that formed from another star. Ground telescopes and instruments in space have been hard at work to glimpse 3I/ATLAS, making NASA's recent photo dump highly anticipated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comet also hasn't been able to shake a persistent conspiracy theory that it could be an alien spaceship. Did you miss seeing the new images? Here's what to know about 3I/ATLAS, and a look at all the photos NASA has released of the interstellar comet so far. What is 3I/ATLAS? NASA drops never-before-seen photos of interstellar comet What is interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS? An object known as 3I/ATLAS made news in July when it was confirmed to be the third-ever object discovered originating outside Earth's solar system. When it was spotted, 3I/ATLAS was whizzing at about 137,000 miles per hour, according to NASA. Observations of 3I/ATLAS's speed and trajectory confirmed to astronomers that it formed in another star system and was ejected into interstellar space the region between the stars, according to NASA. For potentially billions of years, the comet has drifted on a journey from the general direction of the constellation Sagittarius in the center of the Milky Way that recently brought it into our solar system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike comets bound to the sun's gravity, 3I/ATLAS is traveling on a hyperbolic orbit that will eventually carry it out of the solar system and back into interstellar space. Astronomers dont yet know exactly how big 3I/ATLAS could be, but estimates range from a few hundred feet to a few miles across, according to the European Space Agency. Data returned from the Hubble Space Telescope allowed astronomers to estimate the size of the comets solid, icy nucleus as anywhere from about 1,400 feet to 3.5 miles wide. NASA photos of 3I/ATLAS interstellar comet NASA on Nov. 19, released a trove of never-before-seen images of 3I/ATLAS unveiling new characteristics of the object. A look at all of the photos NASA has released of 3I/ATLAS since its July discovery, including detailed explanations of each, are available below: When will interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS approach Earth in 2025? The comet 3I/ATLAS, which is not a threat to Earth, is projected to pass within about 170 million miles of our planet on Dec. 19 or about twice the distance between Earth and the sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Florida Today: What is NASA saying about 3I/ATLAS? See all interstellar comet photos When it comes to choosing where to relocate within the U.S., certain ZIP codes stand out more than others. A report from MovingPlace, a nationwide moving network, highlights the ZIP codes attracting the most movers. The November 2025 "Hottest ZIP Codes Report" shows where migration is reshaping communities and identifies the areas experiencing the largest month-over-month surges in activity. The report is part of a monthly series that tracks the areas seeing the most movement. MovingPlace determines a ZIP codes hotness in three ways: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Move volume per capita: the number of moves with a destination in the ZIP code per 1,000 people. Total move volume: the absolute number of moves with a destination in the ZIP code. Biggest month-over-month increases: ZIP codes with the largest jumps in moving activity compared to the previous month. Based on October migration data, the study listed Nashville among the hottest destinations. Heres where Music City ranked. What are the 'hottest' ZIP codes in the United States for November 2025? The primary way MovingPlace assesses ZIP code "hotness" is through moves per capita. The moves per capita metric highlights the ZIP codes experiencing the most intense migration relative to their population size. This allows smaller or less densely populated areas with unusually high migration activity to stand out as truly "hot" ZIP codes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For November 2025, the hottest ZIP codes are: 78616: Dale, Texas (15.2 moves per capita) 34987: Port Saint Lucie, Florida (14.0 moves per capita) 37228: Nashville, Tennessee (12.3 moves per capita) 80019: Aurora, Colorado (11.2 moves per capita) 75166: Lavon, Texas (10.8 moves per capita) 32461: Inlet Beach, Florida (10.5 moves per capita) 10004: New York, New York (10.3 moves per capita) 43137: Lockbourne, Ohio (9.6 moves per capita) 30346: Atlanta, Georgia (9.5 moves per capita) 78656: Maxwell, Texas (9.5 moves per capita) Why this Nashville ZIP code ranks as one of the 'hottest' in the U.S. The 37228 Nashville ZIP code ranked among the top five in the moves-per-capita category, reflecting the citys appeal and continuous growth. The Metrocenter area, which sits along the Cumberland River in north Nashville has seen the third biggest gain of new residents per capita of 12.3 people for every 1,000 residents, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The area is experiencing a surge in multi-family development, making it one of Nashvilles most sought-after rental hubs," wrote MovingPlace. "99% of housing units are renter-occupied, attracting residents who want modern living spaces close to the city center." Methodology The "Hottest ZIP Codes" rankings draw on proprietary data from millions of residential moves across the U.S. each year. By examining both origin and destination ZIP codes, the report identifies which areas are attracting the greatest influx of new residents, at both the national and state levels. 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: Nashville has one of the 'hottest' ZIP codes in America. See where In the third major leadership change in less than six months at the U.S. Naval Academy, the senior officer who directly oversees the schools 4,400 midshipmen was relieved of his position Monday, less than six months into his tour on the Annapolis, Maryland campus. Capt. Gilbert Clark Jr. was removed as the Naval Academy Commandant by the schools Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, on Monday. Capt. Austin Jackson, a Navy SEAL and former troop commander at the secretive SEAL Team 6, was named the interim Commandant. He had been serving as the Deputy Commandant. Clark graduated from the school in 1998, where he played on the water polo team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clarks departure is the third turnover among senior officers at the school in six months. Both Clark and Borgschulte are in their first semester at the school. Clark took over in June after Captain Walter H. Allman, also a SEAL, left the position after about a year, following a promotion. Top Stories This Week News Every soldier in the Army will get a daily check in under new holiday order By Patty Nieberg Culture Naval Academy seniors learn their future jobs with a team jersey reveal By Matt White News Military families forced to pay out of pocket for problems with privatized base housing By Jeff Schogol Borgschulte took over as Superintendent in August when Navy Vice. Adm. Yvette M. Davids was moved out of the position about 18 months into the job. Under the schools legal charter, the superintendent is slated as a three-year tour. Davids was one of several high-ranking women in the military fired or moved out of high-visibility jobs in the early months of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseths time on the job. Davids was the first woman to hold the position of Superintendent, while Borgschulte became the first Marine in the job. Then-Commandant of Midshipmen Capt. Gilbert Clark Jr. and then-Naval Academy 65th Superintendent Vice Adm. Yvette Davids on Induction Day, ior I-Day, on June 25, the day that freshmen report for training and the schools traditional start of the academic year. Neither officer remains at the school. Clark was fired Monday. Davids moved to a Pentagon position early in the semester. Stacy Godfrey The superintendent is the schools commanding officer, while the commandant is responsible for the day-to-day operations and conduct of the midshipmen enrolled at Annapolis, equivalent to a dean of students or provost at a civilian university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Davids and Allman moved to other positions in the Navy with promotions or the same rank, while Clarks departure was announced as a firing due to a loss of confidence in his ability to effectively lead the Brigade of Midshipmen. The term loss of confidence is a catch-all term widely used by the military to cover a variety of reasons someone might be relieved of their position. Officers in all branches are regularly relieved for a wide range of reasons, including personal matters unrelated to work, professional misconduct, poor on-the-job performance, and major errors committed by subordinates. The Naval Service maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met, the Navys statement continued. An on-campus shooting No reason was given for Clarks removal, except for loss of confidence but his short tenure included a chaotic night in September when a false report of an on-campus shooter led to a student being shot by a police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that event, a student who had dropped out of the academy made comments on a popular social media app that officials interpreted as an active threat. The threat was false (and the student was in Indiana, not Maryland), but a current student hiding in the schools massive dormitory, Bancroft Hall, mistook police sweeping the building to be a threat and attacked them. A Navy police officer shot the student, wounding him. Clark was, at least in the initial hours, the public face of the school during the incident, sending out an email to students and staff on the details of the event that circulated widely. Misinformation was the biggest threat today, he wrote. Parents and others around the school left numerous messages of thanks for Clark on social media. After graduating from the academy, Clark served as a surface warfare officer. His last post prior to taking over as commandant was as commander, Naval Surface Group Southwest. By Ted Hesson, Kristina Cooke and Disha Raychaudhuri WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Kateryna Golizdra has survived six months in legal limbo - so far. She thinks she can hold out another six months, waiting for Donald Trump's administration to decide the fate of a humanitarian program that allowed some 260,000 people who fled the war in Ukraine to live and work in the United States. When her legal status lapsed in May, Golizdra, 35, automatically became vulnerable to deportation. She lost her work permit and was forced to leave a job earning over $50,000 a year as a manager at the Ritz-Carlton in Fort Lauderdale. Golizdra also lost the health insurance that she used to cover check-ups for a liver condition. And she can no longer send money to her mother, who was also displaced and lives in Germany, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration's processing delays on the humanitarian program for Ukrainians launched by former Democratic President Joe Biden left nearly 200,000 people at risk of losing their legal status as of March 31, according to internal U.S. government data reviewed by Reuters. The number of Ukrainians affected by the delays has not been previously reported. The humanitarian program, introduced in April 2022, allowed nearly 260,000 Ukrainians into the U.S. for an initial two-year period. That's a small share of the 5.9 million Ukrainian refugees worldwide, 5.3 million of whom are in Europe, according to United Nations refugee figures. Golizdra said she has no idea when - or if - her permission to stay in the United States might be renewed, threatening her short-lived sense of security in America. While she waits for an update on her application, she could potentially be arrested by federal immigration authorities, three former immigration officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'CONSTANT STRESS' The last six months have felt like she is on a hamster wheel," Golizdra said. Its a constant stress, anxiety, she said. If I will need to leave the States, then I will have to build something again. Reuters spoke with two dozen Ukrainians who lost their work permits - and their jobs - due to delays in processing renewals, including tech workers, a preschool teacher, a financial planner, an interior designer and a college student. They described digging into their savings, seeking out community support and taking on debt to support themselves while they wait for a decision on their status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the people interviewed by Reuters said they were worried they could be arrested by U.S. immigration authorities. Others said they were staying indoors, or had left the U.S. for Canada, Europe and South America. Returning to Ukraine is not an option. Golizdra's home in Bucha, a Kyiv suburb, was set ablaze in March 2022 when Russian troops stormed the city. After Ukrainian forces retook the town, they found hundreds of bodies, including of civilians who were victims of extrajudicial killings. TRUMP'S SHIFTING UKRAINE POLICY The Trump administration paused processing applications and renewals of the Ukrainian humanitarian program in January, citing security reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a contentious Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Trump said in March that he was weighing whether to revoke the Ukrainians' legal status entirely - a plan first reported by Reuters. Trump ultimately did not end the program and in May, a federal judge ordered officials to resume processing renewals. But U.S. immigration officials have processed only 1,900 renewal applications for Ukrainians and other nationalities since then, a fraction of those with expiring status, according to U.S. government data released last week as part of a lawsuit. Meanwhile, a spending package Trump signed into law in July added a $1,000 fee to such humanitarian applications - on top of a fee of $1,325 per individual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House referred questions about the Ukrainian humanitarian program to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which did not respond to requests for comment. U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, a Democrat in the Chicago area, said his office has received requests for assistance from more than 200 Ukrainians in limbo. There's a fear that if they haven't completed their application, if they haven't gone through the whole process, they're vulnerable for deportation, Quigley said. Anne Smith, the executive director and regulatory counsel of the Ukraine Immigration Task Force, a legal coalition formed to aid those who fled the war to the U.S., said her attorney network was receiving multiple calls per week from Ukrainians saying they have family members detained by immigration authorities. She said Ukrainians have been arrested at construction sites, while doing food delivery or working as Uber or truck drivers, as well as in broader sweeps in Chicago and greater Cleveland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Snyder, a product marketing manager in Raleigh, North Carolina , who has sponsored three Ukrainian families , said people who followed the rules are being treated unfairly. One Ukrainian woman recently asked if he would serve as her emergency contact if she was picked up by immigration officers, he said. He knew of another family where a teenage son's parole was renewed while the parents and two younger children were left waiting, he said. All of this dysfunction and uncertainty is just introducing a tremendous amount of stress in these families lives, he said. SOME UKRAINIANS 'SELF DEPORT' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six of 24 Ukrainians interviewed by Reuters have left the U.S. rather than risk ending up in immigration jail or being sent to Latin America or Africa, as the Trump administration has done with other hard-to-deport immigrants. Yevhenii Padafa, a 31-year-old software engineer who moved to Brooklyn in September 2023, applied to renew his status in March. His application sat pending until it expired in September. Worried that he could be barred from the U.S. in the future if he remained without legal status, he tried to "self deport" using a government app known as CBP One. The Trump administration in May promised a free outbound plane ticket and $1,000 exit bonus for those using the app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Padafa decided to go to Argentina, which has a lower cost of living than other countries and offers a humanitarian program for Ukrainians. But the app would not book him a ticket there. A U.S. border official told him the flight would need to be booked to Ukraine, he said. He was counting on the free flight and $1,000 bonus. Arriving in Buenos Aires in mid-November with little money, he planned to sell a laptop to cover initial rent for an apartment. If I return to Ukraine, Ill just go to the frontline," he said. Id rather be homeless somewhere than go to Ukraine. (Reporting by Ted Hesson and Disha Raychaudhuri in Washington, Kristina Cooke in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Maria Alejandra Cardona in Margate, Florida; Editing by Craig Timberg and Suzanne Goldenberg) Two New Jersey lawmakers want to follow California's lead and ban ICE agents from masking, a move that would likely end up in court. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor) New Jersey lawmakers are behind a push to ban federal and local law enforcement from wearing masks on the job, a move Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill has said she supports. Sen. Benjie Wimberly (D-Passaic) said that as the number of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids has escalated in the last 10 months, hes concerned both about the fear masked agents have instilled in communities with undocumented residents and the danger of criminals using masks to impersonate ICE agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sure somebody is working on a scheme right now about how they can rob some place, posed as ICE agents, said Wimberly. Its very scary times. Since President Donald Trump took office and executed his campaign promise of mass detention and deportation, some immigration agents have shown up at schools, businesses, and courts with their faces covered and wearing no identification. Its a tactic lawmakers said they havent seen under previous administrations. Wimberlys bill, introduced earlier this month, would bar any law enforcement officer who is interacting with the public from wearing a mask or disguise. Officers who are working undercover, wearing a shield that does not conceal their face, or wearing a medical mask would not be subject to the bill. Officers who violate the provisions would face fines of $500 to $1,000, prison for up to six months, or both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherrill, a Democrat, said during her campaign for the states top job this year that she supports banning police from wearing masks and requiring that they identify themselves during enforcement operations. A Sherrill spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on the bill. Shes told stories of ICE agents looking like theyre dressed for Afghanistan who refuse to identify themselves, calling it unacceptable. We need to know who is on our streets here in New Jersey, she said at a campaign stop in Newark last month. California passed a bill in September that bars law enforcement officers from wearing most masks while carrying out their duties. The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state over the law last week, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers in several other states, including Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, have introduced similar legislation. The Trump administration has defended ICE agents for masking, claiming agents who show their faces during enforcement operations are harassed and doxed online. A U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment on ICEs mask policy, though a spokeswoman has previously said it would not abide by a states unconstitutional ban. Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer), prime sponsor of the bill in the lower chamber, said the measure protects law enforcement officers by honoring the person behind the uniform and the badge. We want people to trust police officers. Police officers are supposed to be trusted people in the community, she said. You cant do that if others are coming in under the cloak of protection and theyre really just undermining peoples basic human rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the bill would also prevent state, county, and local law enforcement from obstructing their faces while interacting with the public, lawmakers agree theyre more focused on getting ICE agents to stop masking. Ron Chen, a professor of law and former dean of Rutgers Law School, told the New Jersey Monitor last month that a state law banning ICE agents from wearing masks would likely be struck down by courts because states are barred from regulating the federal government. Wimberly conceded that a court challenge against the measure would be likely if it is signed into law. My hope is that, for where were at in America, I think we can create a template that should go across every state in America, Wimberly said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX No one was injured after a bullet hit an occupied home in Pittsburghs Middle Hill neighborhood on Sunday. A Pittsburgh Public Safety spokesperson says police were called to the 20 block of Perry Street for a three-round ShotSpotter alert just before 6:30 p.m. Officers found three spent shell casings at the scene. A home in the 30 block of Perry Street was damaged after one of the bullets hit a window, the spokesperson says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two people were inside the home but were not hurt. Detectives are reviewing evidence, including the casings and video. The investigation is ongoing. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A Michigan law firm that analyzed state crash data released the most dangerous intersections for drivers in Oakland County in 2024, with a Commerce Township spot topping the list with more than 150 crashes. Michigan Auto Law, in Farmington Hills, which specializes in auto crash cases, compiled a list of most dangerous intersections, based upon data from Michigan State Police data. The law firm says Martin Parkway at North Pontiac Trail is the most dangerous intersection in Oakland County, with 151 crashes and nine injuries in 2024. Crashes decreased from 160 in 2023 to 151 in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sixteen of the top 20 most dangerous intersections were in Oakland, Macomb or Wayne County, according to the report. The law firm says Schoolcraft Road/Interstate 96 at Telegraph Road is the most dangerous intersection in Wayne County, with 137 crashes and 26 injuries in 2024. Crashes decreased from 154 in 2023 to 137 in 2024. The law firm said 11 Mile Road/Interstate 696 at Van Dyke Avenue in Warren, in Macomb County, is the most dangerous intersection in Michigan, with 185 crashes and 26 injuries in 2024. "The goal of this report isn't to alarm drivers, but to help them stay informed and safe," Michigan Auto Law President Steve Gursten, an attorney, said. When drivers understand where these dangerous intersections are, and what behaviors contribute to crashes, they can make smarter, safer decisions behind the wheel. Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we have for preventing accidents." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firm encourages drivers to make informed decisions, whether that means taking an alternate route or using extra caution when driving through high-risk intersections. Every year, nearly one-third of all car crashes in Michigan, and approximately 30% of all fatal car crashes, occur at intersections, according to Michigan Auto Law. More: Where are the most dangerous Macomb County intersections? See the list More: Wayne County's most dangerous intersections. See the list Here are the other intersections on the list in Oakland County: What are the most dangerous intersections in Oakland County? Martin Parkway at North Pontiac Trail in Commerce Township: 151 crashes, 9 injuries (Roundabout) Orchard Lake Road at 14 Mile Road in Farmington Hills: 109 crashes, 5 injuries (Roundabout) Telegraph Road at 12 Mile Road in Southfield: 106 crashes, 23 injuries Dixie Highway at I-75 in Springfield Township: 80 crashes, 19 injuries Southfield Road at West 11 Mile Road in Lathrup Village: 76 crashes, 38 injuries Oakley Park Road at Martin Parkway in Commerce Township: 69 crashes, 6 injuries (Roundabout) Orchard Lake Road at 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills: 65 crashes, 16 injuries Farmington Road at West Maple Road in West Bloomfield Township: 64 crashes, 7 injuries (Roundabout) Cresent Lake Road at Highland Road in Waterford Township: 60 crashes, 22 injuries Livernois Road at West Hamlin Road in Rochester Hills: 60 crashes, 4 injuries What makes an intersection dangerous? The rankings are based on the number of reported crashes that occurred within 200 feet of the intersection during 2024. The number of injuries reported in the crashes is also included in the list. What defines an intersection? An intersection is defined as a road with a traffic signal, four-way stop or roundabout. The crash data includes any crash reported resulting in injury or fatalities that occurred within 200 feet of an intersection including near freeways, divided highways and rural rounds. What are the leading causes of crashes in Michigan? Running red lights, disregarding stop signs, disregarding yield signs, failing to yield the right-of-way, disregarding the right-of-way laws, improper left hand turns, speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are the leading causes of intersection accidents, according to Michigan Auto Law. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Law firm says these 10 intersections are the most dangerous SHENYANG, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Artificial joints fitted closely around Zhang's legs, tiny motors humming as they learned his strides. With each step, the sensors tracked his movements and the whole frame gently pushed him forward. In a rehabilitation center in Beijing's Fengtai District, the 76-year-old, once dependent on a caregiver, lifts his feet, one after the other, walking with the help of a robotic exoskeleton. "I used to need someone by my side," he said with a grin. "With the robot training, I can walk myself." An eldercare robot for each elderly person has long been the stuff of science fiction, but it is now edging closer to reality as robots are making their way into households to help more and more senior people with daily challenges and inconveniences. GROWTH FUELED BY POLICY, DEMAND China is witnessing a swift integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into eldercare services, providing innovative solutions to address the challenges that come with an aging population. Driven by policy support and rising demand, China's eldercare robot industry is entering a period of rapid expansion. This year, new guidelines for elderly care service reforms call for advancing humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, and AI technologies to enhance senior care. Across China, local governments are rolling out a range of new policies. Beijing's three-year action plan on embodied intelligence encourages the pilot use of intelligent robots in eldercare institutions, while Jiangsu's innovation plan calls for the broader adoption of service robots in both household and eldercare environments. Earlier this year, the International Electrotechnical Commission released a global standard for elderly-care robots. Led by China in its formulation, the standard sets technical benchmarks for product design, manufacturing, testing and certification for such robots. "Since early last year, we've clearly seen demand for eldercare robots picking up," said Chen Yuxi, industry director of the service robot division at Siasun Robot & Automation Co., Ltd., a leading robotics firm in northeast China's Shenyang. By the end of 2024, China's population aged 60 and above reached 310 million, accounting for roughly 22 percent of its total population. "Elderly people who are disabled, cognitively impaired or of a very advanced age have certain requirements when it comes to toileting, bathing, eating, getting dressed and moving around both indoors and outdoors. In addition, the demand for technological solutions that provide emotional companionship is also becoming increasingly prominent," said Sun Liguo, vice president of the Beijing association of senior citizens. REAL-WORLD APPLICATION TAKING SHAPE While eldercare robots are still in the early stages of development compared to industrial robots, some users are already beginning to enjoy the convenience these technologies provide. At a nursing home located in the country's tech hub Shenzhen, robots are now an integral part of daily life, playing chess with seniors, offering AI-assisted moxibustion therapy, and providing enhanced mobility assistance. "We place great emphasis on the application of technology in eldercare," said Li Xipo, director of the nursing home. "By integrating AI robots, rehabilitation robots, and robotic pets, we aim to improve seniors' quality of life while creating a testing ground for industry innovation." "Eldercare robots represent an untapped market," said Bi Yalei, secretary-general of the Shenzhen Robots Association. "With pressing issues in senior care, such as mobility assistance, fall prevention, and rehabilitation support, many companies in Shenzhen are actively investing in this sector due to strong demand." BARRIERS TO LARGE-SCALE DEPLOYMENT Despite notable momentum, experts say eldercare robots still face multiple obstacles before they can be deployed on a large scale. On the consumer side, the feedback has been mixed. Some seniors remain skeptical. "Robots are too cold and emotionless. I just can't accept them," said Qu Suling, a 66-year-old resident of Shenyang. She expressed particular concern about safety. "If a machine malfunctions, it could hurt me," she added, reflecting a common fear among seniors who are wary of humanoid robots operating close to their bodies. Another major hurdle is access to real-world data needed to improve algorithms and the user experience. To improve algorithms and user experiences, companies need large volumes of real-world training data, something they currently lack, according to Ji Junjie, an algorithm specialist at the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics. "We have limited opportunities to enter seniors' homes or eldercare facilities," Ji said. The high prices of many eldercare robots represent another significant barrier, as they are well beyond the reach of most households. Exoskeleton walking aids typically cost more than 10,000 yuan (about 1,411 U.S. dollars), and bathing-assistance robots average 30,000 to 50,000 yuan, a price point that keeps them out of ordinary homes for now. "Eldercare robots represent a critical opportunity for people's wellbeing, which must be seized now," said Zhang Yunquan, a researcher at the Institute of Computing Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, estimating that breakthroughs will be needed in three key areas, namely core technologies, real-world scenario adaptation and ecosystem building. Voters make selections at their voting booths inside an early voting site. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images) Ohio lawmakers have brought back up a bill that would add party labels to candidates in local school board elections with a newly added amendment that would eliminate all elected seats on the State Board of Education, making the entire body governor-appointed. The Senate General Government Committee last week heard from supporters of Ohio Senate Bill 107, a bill whose original intent was to add partisan affiliation to school board races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With changes made in the committee, the bill would also follow through on state operating budget action from this summer, in which the General Assembly approved a measure to reduce the board to five members, all appointed. Currently, the board is made up of eight appointed members and 11 elected members. Under the budget measure, the spots filled by elected members will disappear when the current officials terms expire or in the event of a vacancy. The three appointed spots to be eliminated will be lost when the three earliest terms expire, or a vacancy occurs. Back in 2023, the the legislature officially eliminated a significant amount of the roles for the board, leaving them with authority to address educator discipline and school district territorial disputes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The changes came as board officials and the states superintendent of public instruction sounded alarm bells about the financial state of the board, concerns that have continued through this year. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Supporters of the measure to give partisan labels to local board candidates included Lisa Breedlove Chaffee, who said she was a member of a group called Parents Rights in Education, and parent of a former Hilliard City Schools student. Chaffee was one plaintiff in a lawsuit against the school, saying teachers in the district were having inappropriate conversations with students regarding LGBTQIA+ identities. That lawsuit was later dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the matter of school board members, she said holding elections for those races without partisan labels leaves voters without the ability the vet the values of the candidates. We see names on ballots, but no clues about a candidates values or potential biases, Chaffee told the committee. In todays climate marked by national flashpoints over curriculum, parental rights, and even basic literacy thats no longer acceptable. She argued the information would empower more Ohioans to vote, and those voters to do more research. Asked whether she felt like it would actually lead voters to choose candidates based on party alone, she acknowledged that people often vote the same party all the way down the ballot, but this bill would make people feel more comfortable voting in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im guilty of it, if I dont see an R beside someones name or an I, I dont vote in that particular race, so I think this will actually encourage people to vote more, and I hope people will do their research to begin with, she said. The Ohio chapter of conservative group Americans for Prosperity submitted testimony urging support for the bill, and calling party affiliation a key piece of information that helps voters understand a candidates general philosophy, approach to governance, and likely policy positions. By requiring party designation, S.B. 107 ensures that voters are not left guessing about where candidates stand on important issues, wrote Hannah Kubbins, legislative director for the group. The bill was introduced in February, and last weeks hearing was the first public comment on the measure, indicating there will be further hearings for those who oppose the bill and other interested parties. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE As the Myanmar junta seized key townships from rebel groups ahead of elections in December, old photos from a munitions bust in November 2019 recirculated online alongside false claims that they showed a recent seizure. Elements of the photos match images published at the time by local media and government authorities in Myanmar. "Weapons sent to Sagaing by TNLA were seized," reads part of the Burmese-language Facebook post uploaded on November 4, 2025, referring to the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) -- one of Myanmar's most powerful ethnic armed groups. The post includes a compilation of images showing columns of firearms and other materials laid out on the ground with people around them. Screenshot of false Facebook post taken on November 19, with a red X added by AFP Since the February 2021 coup, the TNLA has strengthened its control of a swathe of territory in northeastern Shan state, seizing around a dozen key towns and the country's nearby main ruby-mining hub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the group has agreed to withdraw its forces from the mining town of Mogok and a neighbouring town in late October, as a result of a Chinese-brokered ceasefire deal (archived link). The Myanmar junta has also recaptured key towns along a trade route to China held by rebel groups ahead of elections due to start in December 2025 (archived link). The military has touted the polls as an opportunity for reconciliation, but analysts say the elections are a fig leaf designed to conceal continuing military rule (archived link). The false claim has spread elsewhere on Facebook. However, the images -- one of which has been debunked by AFP -- previously circulated in a government press release and local media reports in November 2019 on a weapons seizure. Old photos A keyword search on Google found a similar photo in a news report by a Burmese media outlet called Democratic Voice of Burma published on November 24, 2019 (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Various military weapons and some aircraft missiles were seized from the TNLA," reads the headline. Screenshot comparison of the false photo (left) and the picture published by DVB, with corresponding elements highlighted by AFP A subsequent keyword search found a video published by The Irrawaddy on November 23, 2019 showing the same seizure (archived link). Screenshot comparisons of photos from the false post (left) and the video published by the Irrawaddy, with corresponding elements highlighted by AFP Myanmar's Defense Office also published pictures of the seizure on November 22, 2019, and said in a statement the weapons and munitions were discovered at Homain village following clashes with TNLA forces in the area (archived link). Other news outlets including BBC, Mizzima and Myanmar Now also reported on the bust and stated that the captured arms were displayed at Homain village, Namhsan (archived links here, here, here and here). AFP have previously debunked misinformation related to Myanmar unrest here. Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, died at 111 years old Monday, her grandson Ike Howard told CNN. She had a beautiful smile on her face, Howard said. She loved life, she loved people. Oklahoma State Senator Regina Goodwin said she was with the family at a local hospital and also confirmed the news. Mother Fletcher, as she was known, sat with CNN multiple times for interviews in recent years as she and other living survivors pursued a lawsuit against the city of Tulsa and other related departments, alleging they were complicit in the 1921 massacre and that its effects were still being felt today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 31, 1921, a White mob laid waste to Tulsas Greenwood neighborhood, a thriving Black-owned business district, CNN previously reported. They destroyed about 35 blocks of the neighborhood within 16 hours, arresting thousands of Black residents, while robbing, beating and killing others. Lessie Benningfield Randle, 111, is now the only living survivor of the massacre. When Fletcher got sick in the days before her passing, Randle sent a message through her granddaughter to the Fletcher family saying, She was sorry it was happening and that she loved her, Randles granddaughter LaDonna Penny said. After hearing the news Fletcher had passed, Randle responded, That breaks my heart. I will miss her dearly, Penny told CNN. Mother Fletcher called my grandmother her little sister, Penny said, as she reflected on her own relationship with Fletcher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its like I lost my grandmother, Penny told CNN. My heart is broken, I keep trying to stop crying. Fletchers brother Hughes Van Ellis or Uncle Redd, also a massacre survivor, died in October 2023 at 102 years old. In June 2024, the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit from the survivors, arguing they should be compensated by the city for damages dealing a blow to their ongoing fight for reparations more than 100 years after the attack. When I think about Mother Fletcher, I dont just see a historic figure or a symbol. I see a woman I sat with, prayed with, laughed with, and went to court with, Damario Solomon-Simmons said as part of a statement to CNN. He was the lead attorney representing the survivors in their lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spending this past Friday night by her hospital bed, I saw that Mother Fletcher didnt talk like someone who was ready to go. She wasnt done. She was tired because this fight is exhausting but her spirit was still in it, Solomon-Simmons said. Fletcher told CNN she never got over what she experienced that day and still remembers people getting killed, houses, property, schools, churches, and stores getting destroyed with fire. It just stays with me, you know, just the fear. I have lived in Tulsa since but I dont sleep all night living there. Fletcher was 7 years old at the time. In 2023 she co-authored a memoir with her grandson titled: Dont Let Them Bury My Story, representing a history she and family believed the country was eager to forget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I grew up, I had to work with White people, but we didnt dare mention that, she said of the massacre. I didnt know why it happened, or why they would be so cruel to do a thing like that to the Black people. How the massacre unfolded The events leading up to the massacre began on May 30, 1921, when Dick Rowland, a 19-year-old Black shoe shiner, ran from an elevator in a downtown building after the elevators teen operator let out a scream. Rumors of a rape then circulated, Rowland was arrested, and White Tulsans formed a lynch mob. Black Tulsans arrived at the jail to defend Rowland, scuffles ensued, a gun went off, and as then-Sheriff William McCullough told Literary Digest, All hell broke loose. Historic photos show entire blocks gutted by flame and Black people lying in the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exacerbating matters were insurance companies that denied many claims for what today would be tens of millions of dollars in property damage, including the destruction of two Black hospitals and 1,256 residences, according to the Greenwood Cultural Center. Seeking justice over 100 years later Over 100 years later, victims of the massacre are still trying to find justice. The Department of Justice opened a civil rights investigation in September 2024, but ultimately concluded in January there was no longer an avenue to pursue a criminal investigation, the Associated Press reported. Now, the perpetrators are long dead, statutes of limitations for all civil rights charges expired decades ago, and there are no viable avenues for further investigation, said a report on the investigation. The DOJ had launched the investigation under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, which allows the agency to look into civil rights crimes before 1980 that resulted in death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Tulsas mayor proposed an over $100 million private trust as part of reparation plans for the massacre, which focuses on funding initiatives in the city as a part of a road to repair. The trust would invest in a housing fund, a cultural preservation fund and a legacy fund dedicated to education and local businesses in the area, the announcement said. The fund would not provide direct payments to survivors or their descendants, the Associated Press reported. CNNs Abby Phillip, Yon Pomrenze and Taylor Romine contributed to this report. This is a developing story and will be updated. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died at the age of 111, Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols announced Monday. "Today, our city mourns the loss of Mother Viola Fletcher - a survivor of one of the darkest chapters in our city's history. Mother Fletcher endured more than anyone should, yet she spent her life lighting a path forward with purpose," Nichols said on social media. "Mother Fletcher carried 111 years of truth, resilience, and grace and was a reminder of how far we've come and how far we must still go," he said. "She never stopped advocating for justice for the survivors and descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and I hope we all can carry forward her legacy with the courage and conviction she modeled every day of her life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fletcher, a grandmother of six who had been living in North Texas, told CBS News in a 2021 interview that she thought about the massacre every day. "It will be something I'll never forget," she said. Tulsa's Greenwood District, which was known as "Black Wall Street," was destroyed by a White mob after a Black man was accused of assaulting a White woman. At least 300 Black residents were killed, and thousands were left homeless following the daylong massacre in which White rioters attacked Black residents, looted businesses and burned buildings. The National Guard was brought in, imposing martial law and helping to round up and imprison Black people. More than 35 blocks were charred and 6,000 people were held in detention some for up to eight days, according to the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We had friends and played outside and [would] visit with neighbors and was happy there with our parents. Just loved being there," Fletcher told CBS News, recalling Greenwood before the massacre. Lessie Benningfield Randle, who turned 111 earlier this month, is now the only survivor of the Tulsa Massacre. Randle, Fletcher and her brother Hughes Van Ellis, who died in 2023, were among the plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed against the city and county of Tulsa in 2020 seeking reparations for the massacre. Viola Fletcher and her brother Hughes Van Ellis listen during a news conference announcing a trip to Ghana for the Tulsa Race Massacre survivors Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021 in Tulsa, Okla. They were two of the three remaining survivors of the massacre. Van Ellis died at age 102 on Oct. 9, 2023. / Credit: Mike Simons/Tulsa World via AP They testified before Congress about the violent mob's actions 100 years after the riot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I still see Black men being shot, Black bodies lying in the street. I still smell smoke and see fire. I still see Black businesses being burned. I still hear airplanes flying overhead. I hear the screams," Fletcher told the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties in 2021. The city of Tulsa has argued it should not be forced to pay anything because today's residents had nothing to do with what happened more than a century ago. With none of the perpetrators having ever been prosecuted for their crimes, descendants of survivors and human rights activists have long called for reparations for the continued damage done to their Oklahoma community. But some form of payment could soon be sent out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nichols, who became the city's first Black mayor last year, unveiled in June a $105 million package to commemorate the first Tulsa Race Massacre Observance Day. The "Road to Repair" plan aims to address socioeconomic and health disparities stemming from the massacre, Nichols told The New York Times. "To Die For": Beloved recipes etched in stone In Maine, a cafe helps subsidize a community newspaper U.S. considers dropping leaflets in Venezuela amid ramped-up pressure on Maduro, sources say Jeffrey Epstein was right about Donald Trump. Shortly after Trump first became president in 2017, Epstein wrote to a friend, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers: I have met some very bad people none as bad as Trump, not one decent cell in his body so, yes, dangerous. Two days after this email was released to the public by the House Oversight Committee on Nov. 12, Trump demonstrated this lack of decency when, aboard Air Force One, he attacked Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey for asking him a question about Epstein. Quiet, Piggy! he hissed at her, thrusting a menacing finger in her direction, an outburst so inappropriate and repugnant that it shocked a global audience already all-too-accustomed to Trumps previous expressions of vile (grab em by the p---y) misogyny (blood coming out of her wherever). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump was only getting started. On Tuesday, Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to his gold-plated throne room in the White House, as part of two days of high profile activities in Washington. When ABC News Mary Bruce asked Trump about Salmans responsibility for the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, the president publicly insulted her, too. And then, he went further. Youre mentioning somebody that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didnt like that gentleman youre talking about. Whether you like him, or didnt like him, things happen, Trump said. But (the Crown Prince) knew nothing about it and we can leave it at that. Rather than defending a U.S. resident brutally hacked to death by thugs, Trump chosein a moment that was as revealing as it was revoltingto attack the man who was murdered, protect the alleged murderer and, as he has done before, accept the word of an autocrat over the findings of the U.S. intelligence community. Yet again, Trump is demonstrating that as long as he is president, any pretext that U.S. policy is grounded in morality, fundamental values or the law is out the window. The things happen ease with which he rationalizes actions and events would be objectionable or even intolerable to any ethical leader, but may be characterized as the one overarching precept of his presidencywhat we might call the Trump Doctrine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It resonates chillingly with the serial murders on the high seas of alleged drug traffickers, the rendition of alleged illegal immigrants to foreign prisons without the benefit of due process, the brutalization and incarceration of others here in the streets of American cities, and with the rampant corruption that is a brazen hallmark of this administration. U.S. President Donald Trump (R) meets with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in the Oval Office of the White House, on Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. / Win McNamee / Getty Images Shockingly, Trumps reveal of his worst self got more repulsive still on Thursday when he publicly called for his political enemies to be put to death. He did so in response to a political ad in which an array of officials, all of whom had served the country in the military or the intelligence community, urged members of the military to respect their oaths and reject illegal orders. Many would call this respecting the Constitution. Trump called it seditious behavior. Admittedly, it was not the first time Trump has suggested his enemies deserve the death penalty. But in the context of this week and the manifestation of an ever-darker version of Trump as his political fortunes fade, the despicable demand could only be seen as closer to where the presidents heart would be, if he had one. The sources of pressure that have driven Trump to this behavior were manifold. His epic defeat on the Epstein files issue was part of it. Defections within his party are part of it. The faltering economy is part of it. Atrocious poll results on everything from how even Republicans view his handling of the economy and immigration (theyre not happy at all) to how Democrats might do in midterm elections next November are also part of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being increasingly seen as a lame duck is yet another aspect of it. Getting visibly older, less energetic, less coherent, more brittle and prone to snap in public are also elements of what has made the presidents behavior this week so deeply uncomfortable. Trump reposted the violent call for his enemies to be hanged. / Truth Social Quiet, Piggy! and Things happen are a distillation of Trump to his very essence. One manifests his vileness and contempt for women. The latter reflects his dangerous immorality. The calls for violence against his opponents taken in conjunction with the actions of this administration so far ought to be seen, however, as much worse than mere gross behavior or intemperate expressions. Facing a year ahead that could be his toughest in officeand the first in which he is no longer seen as an irresistible force in American politics, Trump may feel compelled to act out his own menacing autocratic fantasies more aggressively. We have all seen the damage those fantasies have done thus far. With warnings like this past week suggesting that greater danger lies ahead, we need to brace for worse to come. And those in the Congress, the courts, throughout the government and across society who are in a position to help contain the worst impulses of the man that the worst person in the world actually thought was even worse than him, will need to prepare to do so, and do so with unwavering resolve. Orlando police are calling a Sunday night shooting in Washington Shores a homicide. It happened shortly after 10 p.m. along Columbia Street, just west of Goldwyn Avenue. Officers arrived and said they found a man lying on the ground, suffering from a gunshot wound. Police are investigating a shooting in Orlando's Washington Shores neighborhood First responders tried to save him, but the victim died at the scene, the Orlando Police Department said. OPD has identified the victim as Brian Blackshear, age 42. Orlando police said someone fatally shot Blackshear Sunday night. Investigators did not say if they have a suspect in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 9s Sabrina Maggiore is working to learn more about this homicide and will have the latest on Eyewitness News starting at noon. Police are investigating a shooting in Orlando's Washington Shores neighborhood Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. KANSAS CITY, Mo. An 18-year-old student in the Park Hill School District is facing charges after he allegedly brought a loaded gun to school last Friday, according to court records. David Jay Peebles has been charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon carrying a loaded weapon into a school, bus, premises or function in a Platte County Circuit Court. Park Hill School District student arrested after bringing loaded firearm to school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records say that on the morning of Friday, Nov. 21, at about 11:20 a.m., a deputy sheriff with the Platte County Sheriffs Office was on duty as a school resource officer at a Park Hill school when he was told that a senior student, identified as Peebles, was carrying a firearm in his backpack at school. Peebles was then brought to the administrators office, where his bag was searched as part of the Safe Schools Act. Inside, they found a handgun wrapped in a T-shirt, according to court records. The firearm was a SCCY 9mm handgun loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition; however, it did not have a round chambered in the barrel when it was retrieved, according to court records. Peebles was arrested and taken to the Platte County Sheriffs Office for an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told investigators he was afraid of other students at the school and school shooters, court records say. Peebles reportedly said he only wanted to be able to defend himself and admitted he carried a loaded handgun in his backpack while inside the school, despite knowing they were not allowed. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri In response to the incident, Platte County Sheriff Erik Holland issued a statement on Friday: Because someone was brave enough to come forward with information that a weapon was in the school today, our SRO Deputy and school administration were able to act quickly and remove a threat to the safety of the entire school. I commend everyone involved for their work today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, Peebles is being held in a Platte County jail on a $100,000 cash bond. He is restricted from having any contact with Park Hill School District property or events, as well as possessing a firearm or weapon capable of lethal use. His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday at 1:30 p.m. FOX4 has reached out to Peebles attorney for comment, but has not received a reply. 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. PATERSON The Paterson Healing Collective came up short in its application for a $500,000 grant for victim assistance services, a decision that state officials attributed to a reduction in federal funding for such programs. The Healing Collectives leader, Liza Chowdhury, said she was surprised when she learned of the decision by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. Chowdhury said her group has received about $250,000 funding in each of the past four years for its victim assistance work. I didnt even think it was going to be a problem, Chowdhury said of getting a grant renewal. She attributed the states decision to the scoring system used for the applications. Story continues below photo gallery But the AGs office said the amount of money New Jersey gets through the federal Victims of Crime Act has fluctuated greatly over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the two-year period from September 2023 through August 2025, New Jersey has received $50 million from the federal program, said AG spokesperson Tara Oliver. But federal reductions caused that amount to drop to $14.4 million for the one-year cycle starting Sept. 1, 2025, Oliver said. This ongoing reality makes long term funding nearly impossible in many cases, Oliver said. The situation is not new and is well known across the victims services community, including those applying for grant funds. Challenging funding landscape The state received 139 applications for victims services programs with the total amount of funding requested being $32.6 million, officials said. Seventy-six programs ended up getting grants, according to the AGs office. This reduction in available funds resulted in an incredibly challenging funding landscape for organizations supporting victims and survivors, Oliver said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Healing Collective is still waiting to hear whether its $1 million application for funding under the hospital-based violence intervention services will be approved, Chowdhury said. Under the hospital program, Healing Collective outreach workers visit shooting and stabbing victims while they are still patients at St. Josephs University Medical Center. Their efforts are two-fold. First, they try to provide services, like housing relocation and counseling, to help the victim feel safe and recover. Moreover, they serve as interventionist, trying to prevent one shooting from resulting in another through retaliation. Chowdhury said the smaller victim services grant is geared toward victims of sexual abuse, domestic violence and other non-shooting assaults. St. Joseph's Health vows continued support for programs St. Josephs technically is the applicant for funding for both programs. St. Josephs Health has a long-standing commitment to assisting victims of crime, said the hospital in response to questions from Paterson Press. While Paterson Healing Collective will no longer receive this specific grant for its work, we will continue to support the programs they have in place to care for those in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zellie Thomas, one of the leaders of Paterson Black Lives Matter, said for many years crime victims didnt know funding was available to help them. Millions sat untouched until violence-intervention programs fought to help survivors navigate and access victim services, Thomas said. Refusing to renew grants for the organizations that made that possible retraumatizes survivors. It is violence. It is not support. Five victim advocates lose their jobs in Newark The Healing Collective wasnt the only North Jersey group whose grant application was rejected after receiving victim aid money for multiple years. Rey Chavez, executive director of the Newark Community Street Team, said his organization had received between $150,000 and $250,000 for the past six years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was extremely alarming, Chavez said of getting the news the Newark group was left out in the latest round of grants. As a result, Chavez said the Street Team had to close the victim services department that had been using the funding in past years, a move that resulted in five victim advocates losing their jobs. Chavez said his group has tried to use other staff members to fill the void created by the loss of the victim services money. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ Healing Collective loses NJ grant for victims aid Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot has encouraged other victims of abuse to break their silence. "I know how difficult it can be to take the first step, especially when it comes to understanding the incomprehensible," she wrote in a letter to readers of Germany's Bild newspaper, published on Monday. "Speaking out is itself a victory, a step into the light," she continued, and added that it can change your own life and pave the way for other women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have found my voice again and I want to tell you that you can do it too. You are much stronger than you think," Pelicot wrote. "Together, united by our courage and solidarity, we can break the silence and make the truth heard." Gisele Pelicot was repeatedly drugged, abused and offered to dozens of strangers for rape by her then-husband over a period of almost 10 years. Her ex-husband was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year. Fifty men, most of whom were charged with aggravated rape, were sentenced by the court to prison terms ranging from 3 to 15 years. Gisele Pelicot, who believes she was raped around 200 times, became a feminist icon in France thanks to her determined demeanour during the trial. She had decided not to have the trial held behind closed doors, partly to encourage other victims of abuse, and to help them to feel no shame. Pelicot's memoirs are due to be published next year. The Department of Defense is performing a thorough review of serious allegations of misconduct against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, a naval veteran and astronaut who joined members of Congress to urge service members to honor their oath to the Constitution. Kelly and several other lawmakers with military backgrounds issued a video statement last week telling troops they can and must refuse illegal orders, emphasizing that threats to constitutional order can emerge from right here at home. President Donald Trump labeled the Democratic officials traitors who SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW as he raged against them in a series of Truth Social statements in the days that followed. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also reposted several messages from Truth Social users, including a message demanding the president HANG THEM like GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !! A statement from the Pentagon suggested the retired naval officer could be recalled to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures. Trumps Defense Department is threatening to court martial Senator Mark Kelly, a Retired Navy Captain, over a video from members of Congress warning service members against illegal orders. (Reuters) This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality, the Defense Department said in a statement Monday. Further official comments will be limited, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings. The statement also reminded military retirees that they are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the body of criminal law that governs members of the armed forces, including under federal statutes that prohibit actions intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale or good order and discipline of the armed forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any violations will be addressed through appropriate legal channels, according to the Pentagon. Service members have a legal obligation to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful, the statement added. A servicemembers personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order. An extraordinary attempt to prosecute a sitting member of Congress in a military tribunal may be logistically and legally impossible while Kelly is serving in the Senate. Kelly, a decorated fighter pilot, retired from active duty at the rank of captain from both the Navy and NASA in 2011 to care for his wife Gabby Giffords, then a Democratic congresswoman was nearly fatally shot during a constituent meeting. Kelly later ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I was 22 years old, I commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and swore an oath to the Constitution, Kelly said in a statement in response to the Trump administrations latest threats, which he learned about only through the Pentagons post on X. I upheld that oath through flight school, multiple deployments on the USS Midway, 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, test pilot school, four space shuttle flights at NASA, and every day since I retired which I did after my wife Gabby was shot in the head while serving her constituents, he added. In combat, I had a missile blow up next to my jet and flew through anti-aircraft fire to drop bombs on enemy targets. At NASA, I launched on a rocket, commanded the space shuttle, and was part of the recovery mission that brought home the bodies of my astronaut classmates who died on Columbia. I did all of this in service to this country that I love and has given me so much, the senator wrote. The administrations attempts to intimidate him and other members of Congress wont work, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution, Kelly said. Kelly, a retired navy captain and NASA astronaut, says he refuses to be intimidated by bullies in the Trump administration (AFP via Getty Images) The video from senators Kelly and Elissa Slotkin along with Reps. Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan warns military personnel against threats to our Constitution coming from right here at home, an apparent reference to the Trump administrations deployment of federalized National Guard troops into Democratic-led cities to support the presidents mass deportation agenda. Service members can refuse illegal orders, the message said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled the members of Congress the Seditious Six for what he called a despicable, reckless and false video statement. Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion which only puts our warriors in danger, he wrote in a Monday post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, and other veterans among the group are no longer subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, but Kelly is, and he knows that, Hegseth added. As was announced, the Department is reviewing his statements and actions, which were addressed directly to all troops while explicitly using his rank and service affiliation lending the appearance of authority to his words, he wrote. Kellys conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately. Defense Secretary Pete Hesgseth labeled Kelly and five other members of Congress who joined the video the seditious six as the Pentagon threatened to subject the senator to a military tribunal (Getty Images) Immediately following last weeks video, Trump said the lawmakers should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand, he wrote on Truth Social. We wont have a Country anymore!!! An example MUST BE SET. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House defended the presidents burst of statements, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt claiming that the message from members of Congress could disrupt the chain of command. The sanctity of our military rests on the chain of command, and if that chain of command is broken, it can lead to people getting killed. It can lead to chaos, Leavitt said Thursday. The lawmakers abused their offices to signal to people serving under this commander-in-chief, Donald Trump, that you can defy him, she said. That is a very, very dangerous message, and it perhaps is punishable by law, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump later said he was not threatening death but said lawmakers were in serious trouble. In the old days, it was death, he told Fox News personality Brian Kilmeade. That was seditious behavior. Kelly and other members of Congress have accused the president of trying to prevent them from speaking out against his administration by wielding the power of the White House and threat of violence to crush dissent. I think its really important for people to understand that the message he sent a couple days ago was he declared that loyalty to the Constitution is now punishable by death. Those are serious words coming from the president of the United States, Kelly told CBS Face the Nation Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego, Kellys Arizona counterpart and a Marine veterans, told Hegseth: F*** you and your investigation. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democratic member on the House Judiciary Committee who taught constitutional law at American Universitys Washington College of Law for decades before entering politics, told The Independent in a text message that any attempt to prosecute Kelly under Article 88 would run afoul of the Constitutions provisions granting legislators broad immunity from prosecution over acts tied to their duties in office. Andrew Feinberg contributed reporting from Washington, D.C. The 20th Group of Twenty (G20) Summit adopted a declaration calling for strengthening multilateralism and fostering equitable global governance, despite the boycott of the United States. Produced by Xinhua Global Service The Pentagon on Monday said it is reviewing "serious allegations of misconduct" against US Democratic Senator Mark Kelly. Kelly, a retired US Navy captain, was one of six Democratic lawmakers who released a video urging military members to refuse unlawful orders. The announcement in a post on the Department of War X account did not detail the allegations against Kelly, but suggested the move is in response to Kelly's statements: "All servicemembers are reminded that they have a legal obligation under the UCMJ to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly said he learned of the investigation via the Pentagon's social media post on Monday. "If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won't work," Kelly responded on X. In addition to the Pentagon, US President Donald Trump posted on social media last week accusing Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers of "seditious behavior, punishable by death". "I've given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution." Senator Mark Kelly is being investigated by the US Department of War [Bloomberg via Getty Images] Can Mark Kelly be recalled to active duty? Kelly was a combat pilot in the US Navy who served during the first Gulf War and later flew four space missions for Nasa from 2001 to 2011. He is married to former Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who retired after being shot during a 2011 mass shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though he retired from the military, he is still subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) - a federal law enacted by Congress in 1951 that subjects members of the military to a special set of rules. It applies to all active-duty members as well as activated National Guard and Reserve members, military academy students and some civilians serving in support of the military during wartime. It also applies to retirees and gives the military the ability to recall retirees for applicable offences, such as disobeying federal laws that "prohibit actions intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces". The Pentagon said on Monday that further action may be taken against Kelly, including a recall to active duty for court-martial or administrative measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the statement, the Pentagon said the matter would be "handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality", and that further official comment would be limited "to preserve the integrity of the proceedings". "All servicemembers are reminded that they have a legal obligation under the UCMJ to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful. A servicemember's personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order." 'Seditious' video The video by Democrats, all of whom have served in the military or intelligence community, was shared by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin and features Kelly and US Representatives Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan and Jason Crow. In it, they tell military members they do not need to obey illegal commands. Kelly says in the video: "Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens," the video says. "Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this constitution. Right now, the threats coming to our constitution aren't just coming from abroad but from right here at home." Trump reacted to the video in a series of irate Truth Social posts on Thursday, accusing the lawmakers of "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL". "Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand," he wrote. "An example MUST BE SET." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His remarks were met with bipartisan condemnation and the president - who is the commander-in-chief of armed forces - walked back those statements in a Fox interview on Friday, clarifying that he was "not threatening death" against the Democratic lawmakers. Reposting the Pentagon statement on X on Monday, defence secretary Pete Hegseth called the Democrats' video "despicable, reckless, and false," referring to the lawmakers as the "Seditious Six". He said that encouraging US warriors to ignore their commanders' orders "undermines every aspect of 'good order and discipline'". "Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion which only puts our warriors in danger," he wrote, singling out Kelly as the only one of the six who is still subject to the UCMJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As was announced, the Department is reviewing his statements and actions, which were addressed directly to all troops while explicitly using his rank and service affiliationlending the appearance of authority to his words," Hegseth wrote. He added that Kelly's conduct "brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately". WASHINGTON (AP) The Pentagon announced Monday it is investigating Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over possible breaches of military law after the former Navy pilot joined a handful of other lawmakers in a video that called for troops to defy illegal orders. The Pentagons statement, posted on social media, cited a federal law that allows retired service members to be recalled to active duty on orders of the defense secretary for possible court martial or other measures. It is extraordinary for the Pentagon, which until President Donald Trump's second term had usually gone out of its way to act and appear apolitical, to directly threaten a sitting member of Congress with investigation. It comes after Trump ramped up the rhetoric by accusing the lawmakers of sedition punishable by DEATH in a social media post days after the video was released last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its statement Monday, the Pentagon suggested that Kellys statements in the video interfered with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces by citing the federal law that prohibits such actions. A thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures, the statement said. Kelly said he upheld his oath to the Constitution and dismissed the Pentagon investigation as the work of bullies. If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it wont work, Kelly said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the lawmakers said in the video Kelly was one of six Democratic lawmakers who have served in the military or intelligence community to speak directly to members of the military. The other lawmakers are Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan, who are seen as possible future aspirants for higher office and elevated their political profiles with the video's wide exposure. Kelly, who was a fighter pilot before becoming an astronaut and then retiring at the rank of captain, told troops that you can refuse illegal orders, while other lawmakers in the video said they needed troops to stand up for our laws ... our Constitution. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Kelly was facing investigation because he is the only one of the lawmakers who formally retired from the military and is still under the Pentagons jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kellys conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately, Hegseth said on his personal X account. Of the wider group, he added that their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion which only puts our warriors in danger. Kelly and the other lawmakers didnt mention specific circumstances in the video, but its release comes as the Trump administration has ordered the military to blow up small boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean accused of ferrying drugs and continues its attempts at deploying National Guard troops into U.S. cities despite some legal setbacks. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said last week that our military follows orders, and our civilians give legal orders. Other Senate Democrats came to Kellys defense, with Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accusing Trump of using the Pentagon as his personal attack dog and saying this is what dictators do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His fellow Democratic Arizona senator, Ruben Gallego, said Mark told the truth in America, we swear an oath to the Constitution, not wannabe kings. What legal scholars say In the past decade, there has been a quiet but significant uptick in courts-martial of retired servicemembers, even for post-retirement offenses, Stephen Vladeck, a Georgetown University law professor, said in an email. He said there has been debate in the courts about their constitutionality but the practice is currently allowed. But Kellys status as a U.S. senator could complicate the Pentagons investigation because the Constitution explicitly shields members of Congress from White House overreach, said Anthony Michael Kreis, a constitutional law professor at Georgia State University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having a United States senator subject to discipline at the behest of the secretary of defense and the president that violates a core principle of legislative independence, Kreis said in a phone interview. Kreis said such protections were a reaction to the British monarchy, which had arbitrarily punished members of Parliament. Any way you cut it, the Constitution is fundamentally structurally designed to prevent this kind of abuse from happening, Kreis said. Troops can reject unlawful orders Troops, especially uniformed commanders, do have specific obligations to reject orders that are unlawful, if they make that determination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While commanders have military lawyers on their staffs to consult with in making such a determination, rank-and-file troops who are tasked with carrying out those orders are rarely in a similar position and often have to rely on their superiors. Broad legal precedence also holds that just following orders colloquially known as the Nuremberg defense, as it was used unsuccessfully by senior Nazi officials to justify their actions under Adolf Hitler doesnt absolve troops. Yet, there has been little reaction online from troops to the lawmakers' video. A former service member who helps run an online military forum and spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation said the lawmakers message is unlikely even to reach troops because the video was posted only on X and was far too long to be reposted on platforms like TikTok where troops actually consume information. ___ Associated Press writer Matt Brown contributed to this report. The US military said on Monday it was weighing a court-martial against Democratic senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly for appearing in a video urging troops to refuse unlawful orders. The Pentagon's probe marks an extraordinary escalation in the Trump administration's backlash against six Democrats with military or intelligence service backgrounds who made the viral video. Kelly -- a decorated Navy combat pilot and former astronaut who commanded the Space Shuttle Endeavour's final flight -- fired back that he would not be intimidated or "silenced by bullies." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon had threatened to recall the Arizona senator back to active duty in order to face a court-martial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Officials indicated that Kelly may have undermined the "loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces," citing laws barring interference in military cohesion. It is highly unusual for the Pentagon -- long allergic to overt politics until President Donald Trump's return to power this year -- to publicly threaten a sitting member of Congress. The video posted on Friday called on the military to "refuse illegal orders" and featured Kelly alongside Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin and four members of the US House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump initially accused the group of "seditious behavior, punishable by death." Over the weekend, he wrote in an all-caps social media rant that the "traitors" who told troops to disobey him "should be in jail." - 'Acting like fascists' - The Democrats did not specify which orders they meant, but Trump has ordered the National Guard into multiple US cities -- often against local objections -- to curb what he calls rampant unrest. Overseas, Trump has ordered strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean that killed more than 80 people and which experts say are illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth branded the Democrats the "Seditious Six" and called their video "despicable, reckless, and false." He accused Kelly of bringing "discredit" on the armed forces, saying his remarks were addressed directly at troops while invoking his rank -- giving them an air of authority. But analysts and Kelly's supporters warned the move could backfire by elevating him ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run. Kelly posted a photo of his many military medals, and recapped his Navy and NASA career. "If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won't work," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I've given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution." In a blistering, expletive-laced video, fellow Arizona senator Ruben Gallego, an Iraq War veteran, called the Pentagon announcement "insane" and suggested Hegseth and others were "acting like fascists." "Mark Kelly is a patriot. There's no reason why they're going after him," he said. "He was doing his duty and just reminding people about their rights as service members." ft/aha The Department of Defense has threatened to recall Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz), a retired Navy veteran, back to active duty to face a possible court-martial or administrative measures a week after he and five other lawmakers issued a video urging troops not to obey orders that violate the law or Constitution. Our laws are clear; you can refuse illegal orders, Kelly said in the Nov. 18 video. The video also featured similar statements from other members of Congress, often blending together statements between speakers. The other speakers were Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Rep. Jason Crow( D-Colo.), Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.). Neither Kelly nor the other lawmakers in the video directly accused President Donald Trump or members of his administration of issuing illegal orders. Top Stories This Week News Every soldier in the Army will get a daily check in under new holiday order By Patty Nieberg Culture Naval Academy seniors learn their future jobs with a team jersey reveal By Matt White News Military families forced to pay out of pocket for problems with privatized base housing By Jeff Schogol Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and members of his administration have sought to portray the statements of the lawmakers as seditious. On Monday, the Pentagon issued a statement saying it had received serious allegations of misconduct against Kelly, whom it described as a retired Navy captain rather than a currently serving senator. In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. 688, and other applicable regulations, a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures, the statement says. This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality. Further official comments will be limited, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings. The statement also tells service members that they are legally obligated to obey lawful orders, and that all orders are presumed to be legal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A servicemembers personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order, the statement says. Article 2 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or UCMJ, allows the military to recall service members to active duty to face legal proceedings if they are receiving retirement pay, said retired Marine Lt. Col. Colby Vokey, who is now a civilian attorney who represents service members. However, case law on this matter is very murky, and if the military tries to recall Kelly, he can challenge the move by arguing in court that the Pentagon does not have jurisdiction over the alleged offense, Vokey told Task & Purpose on Monday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on social media that Kelly is the only one of the six lawmakers who is still subject to military law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five of the six individuals in that video do not fall under @DeptofWar jurisdiction (one is CIA and four are former military but not retired so they are no longer subject to UCMJ), Hegseth posted on X on Monday. However, Mark Kelly (retired Navy Commander) is still subject to UCMJand he knows that. Kelly issued a statement on Monday saying he first learned of the Pentagon review from Hegseths post on X.. He added that he has also seen threatening posts from Trump, who has called for the six lawmakers to be jailed and described their video as SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH! If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it wont work, Kelly posted on X on Monday. Ive given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution. Kelly also wrote that he swore an oath to Constitution when he was commissioned as a Navy ensign, and he has upheld that oath while flying combat missions and later serving as a NASA astronaut, during which he helped recover the remains of his colleagues who died when the Columbia space shuttle disintegrated on reentry in 2003. I did all of this in service to this country that I love and has given me so much, Kelly wrote. UPDATE: 11/24/2025; this story has been updated with a statement from Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Pentagon on Monday threatened to recall Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, to active duty status in order to prosecute him after saying it received "serious allegations of misconduct." The statement did not say what charges Kelly could face if it took such a step. But President Donald Trump last week accused Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers of seditious behavior for urging U.S. troops to refuse any illegal orders. Trump, in a social media post, said the crime was "punishable by DEATH!" "All servicemembers are reminded that they have a legal obligation under the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful. A servicemembers personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order," the Pentagon said. (Reporting by Phil Stewart; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama ) It happened nearly 40 years ago, but the image remains seared in Harris Simmons brain. It was the grand opening of the homeless shelter at 210 South Rio Grande Street in Salt Lake City. Harris was there because three years earlier hed answered a phone call from Salt Lake Citys mayor, Palmer DePaulis, asking for help building a home for homeless people. Somebody had frozen to death on the street and it really bothered him, remembers Simmons. Palmer just had a really good heart and was very determined to create a place that people could come in from the elements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a young, up-and-coming executive at Zions Bank the financial institution run by Harris father, Roy Simmons Harris was a good person to recruit to help find the financing for the proposed shelter. I was a checkbook Christian, as (Latter-day Saint apostle) Neal Maxwell used to call it, smiles Harris. Harris and others got enough people to open their checkbooks that the newly formed Shelter the Homeless organization, with Harris as board chairman, was able to purchase a warehouse on Rio Grande Street that was then turned into the Salt Lake Community Shelter and Resource Center (later known as The Road Home). On Nov. 18, 1988, the shelter was officially opened when President Thomas S. Monson, then a member of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gave the dedicatory prayer. It was during the prayer that Harris saw the scene that has stayed with him ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its funny how some things stick in your mind, he says, but there was a little kid there with his mother, and during the dedicatory prayer this kid had his head bowed, and I just lost it. I thought how this kid doesnt deserve what hes having to deal with. Anyway, it really struck me, and I dont know why, because Ive seen a lot of other people in dire need of help, but its something Ive never forgotten. Harris Simmons, chairman and CEO of Zions Bank, points to a signature book in his office in Salt Lake City after an interview on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News That kid bowing his head could just as easily have been Harriss dad. In 1988, Roy W. Simmons was as prominent and successful as anyone in the state, the president and CEO of a banking empire with billions of dollars in assets. By the time Roy and his wife Tibbys six children came along Harris was No. 5 no one was worried about being kicked out in the cold. But Roy didnt start out that way. He was given up for adoption at birth by a young single mother in Portland, Oregon, and when his adopted mother, Annie Simmons, died at the age of 8, and his adopted dad, Henry Simmons, was too sick to take care of him, the Simmonses (who were Latter-day Saints) shipped Roy off to live with a woman who was a family friend in Salt Lake City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So he was actually kinda orphaned twice, says Harris, he started selling flowers on the street before he was 9. Fundamentally, that kid could have been my dad, he agrees. It also could help explain why helping the community was so important all his life to Roy Simmons, and why his son is following in those footsteps. He always stressed the fiduciary role (a banker) should play in society, says Harris. Its not just making loans and taking deposits, its being involved in the community, being generous, figuring out how to make where we live a better place. The occasion for reminiscing is because Harris is stepping down as chairman of Shelter the Homeless its been an even 40 years since he took that call from the mayor and started the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taking over as chairman is Josh Romney, although Harris, who turned 71 this year, will remain on the board. Ill stay involved, he says, I hope for the rest of my life. Looking back on four decades, weve made a lot of progress, he says. When people see people on the street and wonder, Why dont we do something about this? what they dont see are all the people who are actually getting help. But he harbors no illusion homelessness will ever go away. Its a problem well never actually solve; theres no silver bullet, he says. But its like parents with their kids. Sometimes you see things in your kids that youd like to fix. It doesnt mean all your efforts are going to make them better. It also doesnt mean you ever stop trying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christ said that the poor will always be among us. Thats why I say well never solve it, because the master problem solver said it wouldnt be solved. But he also said the No. 1 priority is trying. There are a lot of people out there who are just one bad break away from being evicted and having no place to go. Youd have to have a pretty stony heart not to keep doing what you can to help them. This article was originally published in EdNC. Shane Henderson, a fourth grade teacher at Pittsboro Elementary School, received the Milken Educator Award, a national award known as the Oscars of Teaching, on Wednesday morning, according to a press release from the Milken Family Foundation. The award, presented by the Milken Family Foundation since 1987, recognizes early- to mid-career educators furthering excellence in education across the country and gives winners an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize, the release says. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Shane Hendersons work models best practices in instructional leadership, peer mentoring, and professional collaboration, making him a standout educator and model for the profession, said Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop, a 2001 Virginia Milken Educator herself. Welcome to the Milken Educator Network, Shane! Were thrilled to have you join this prestigious community of educators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henderson, a product of Chatham County, is the only recipient from North Carolina for the 2025-26 award cycle, which will recognize 30 educators nationwide. He is the states 58th recipient since North Carolina joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 1994, per the release. Overall, the Milken Educator Network includes more than 3,000 education professionals nationwide. By the end of this cycle, the awards program will have invested more than $76 million in individual financial prizes and more than $146 million in the national network, according to the press release. Bishop surprised Henderson with the award during a schoolwide assembly honoring Pittsboro Elementary Schools 65th anniversary in the school gym, according to a release from Chatham County Schools, along with state Superintendent Maurice Mo Green. Green said Henderson received the award thanks to his commitment and passion for student success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He keeps students at the heart of his work, creating inclusive learning environments to support all students along their educational journey, Green said. Mr. Henderson is a wonderful example of why we need to revere educators his selfless dedication has shaped the future of our state. Shane Henderson is congratulated by North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice Mo Green. (Milken Family Foundation) Dr. Anthony D. Jackson, superintendent of Chatham County Schools, said the award is not just an honor for Henderson, but is also a reflection of the districts mission for excellence. It affirms our mission of ONE Chatham for ALL students by highlighting the transformative impact that passionate, dedicated educators have on every learner they serve, Jackson said in the district release. Henderson has become a beloved teacher over the past decade, the foundations press release said, moving from bus driver, to instructional assistant, to classroom educator. He still has his commercial drivers license so that he can step in as a bus driver when needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, his fourth grade class recently saw a 16-point increase in reading proficiency and an overall passing rate of 75% on end-of-year assessments. But his win was also tied to the work he does outside the classroom. He meets with parents to set goals for students and celebrate academic achievements throughout the school year. As a grade-level chair, he also mentors fellow educators who can support younger classrooms. He runs a Breakfast for Brainiacs club for fourth graders, represents his colleagues on both the School Improvement Team and the behavior team, and has led a running club at the school. Shane Henderson poses with his fourth grade class after winning the Milken Educator Award. (Milken Family Foundation) His reach also extended beyond the school when he shared research-backed strategies to improve reading outcomes at the National School Boards Associations Conference for Public Education Leaders. Henderson will attend the Milken Educator Awards Forum in Washington, D.C., in June to meet fellow winners and education leaders. He also gets access to mentorship opportunities with veteran winners of the award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outstanding educators like Henderson are not aware of their candidacy for the Award, according to a press release from the Department of Public Instruction. Recipients are sought out while early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award. You can read more about Henderson and the award on the foundations website. This article first appeared on EdNC and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Power lines run across the ChesLen Nature Preserve in Chester County, Pa. (Photo by Peter Hall/Pennsylvania Capital-Star) The regional power transmission network and electricity market manager that serves Pennsylvania and 12 other states faces a mid-December deadline for a plan to manage the impact of data centers and other large energy consumers on electricity prices and reliability. PJM Interconnections members committee, consisting of about 800 local utilities, generators and other energy industry interests, voted on proposals for new rules for data centers and how the cost of building new generating and transmission capacity will be shared among consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outcome of the Critical Issue Fast Path process, in which PJM has prioritized the rulemaking, will have long term effects on the affordability and reliability of electricity supplies across the network, which spans from New Jersey to Illinois and Pennsylvanias northern border to North Carolina. Were trying to ensure that theres enough supply, that the lights are going to stay on and there are no additional rate increases, said Jon Gordon, director of Advanced Energy United, a group that represents the sustainable energy industry. Nobody wants, from a policy standpoint, to shut the doors on data center development. The path PJM will take, however, remains unclear following the 7-hour meeting last Wednesday where stakeholder groups presented the proposals. Although the votes are only advisory for PJMs board of managers, which will make the final decision, none reached the two-thirds majority threshold to be approved. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PJM opened this conversation about the integration of large loads and greatly appreciates our stakeholders for their contributions to this effort, a PJM spokesperson said. The stakeholder process produced many thoughtful proposals, some of which were introduced late in the process and require additional development. The board of managers expects to act on the proposals in the next few weeks, the spokesperson said. The nine-member board must choose a proposal or a combination of proposals and submit the final plan to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission next month. The deadline, Gordon said, is driven by a desire to have the changes in place before next summers capacity auction, which establishes the price generators will receive to have plants ready to meet the grids peak demands. PJMs work to ensure grid and price stability in the face of growing demand comes as Pennsylvania lawmakers restated their energy policy goals for the coming year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the agreement to settle the commonwealths monthslong budget impasse, Democrats agreed to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which former Gov. Tom Wolf joined by executive order in 2019. Republicans said the agreement would unleash the promise of Pennsylvania through the development of its natural gas resources. RGGI would have required carbon dioxide emitters to purchase credits designed to encourage the use of renewable energy sources. Republicans said it amounted to a tax on electricity and a drag on the states economy. We had neither certainty or stability, and I truly believe that because of our regulatory climate here in Pennsylvania, we were continuing to lose energy development and the family sustaining jobs that go with it to our neighboring states, House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford) said Tuesday. Democratic lawmakers called on colleagues in the General Assembly to support legislation to protect consumers by establishing permanent funding for energy assistance programs and enacting legislation to require accurate energy use forecasting, encourage renewable energy development and protect ratepayers from data center costs. An aerial view shows an Amazon data center last year in Ashburn, Va. A new study found that most states offering subsidies for data centers do not disclose the recipients of those tax benefits. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images) Pennsylvania needs good jobs. We need economic activity, and we support technological innovation, but we are all here today because at the heart of it are our constituents, working people who simply want to be able to keep the heat on and not worry every month whats coming next, House Energy Committee Chairperson Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia) said in a news conference last Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corey Young, the director of Washington & Jefferson Colleges energy policy center, said Pennsylvania should be free to benefit from data center development and the economic activity it brings. But he added the commonwealth has served as an energy exporter while neighboring states like Maryland and New Jersey have retired older polluting power plants. He said any plan to deal with the impacts of data center growth should also include provisions for distributed generation, such as rooftop solar or community solar. But Pennsylvania has been slow to pass legislation that allows it. The state also faces opposition to existing provisions that make it more attractive, such as net metering that allows solar panel owners to sell excess energy back to the electricity grid. Data center development across PJMs territory has contributed to rising energy costs and peak demand that is forecast to grow by 20% over the next decade, according to PJMs forecast. In the last two PJM auctions, the capacity price has set records despite an agreement between PJM and the Shapiro administration to cap prices. As a result of the record-high price of $269.92 per megawatt-day established for 2025, consumers saw electric bills increase sharply this summer. The price for 2026 could bring additional increases for ratepayers between 1.5% and 5%, according to PJM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coming auction in July will set the capacity price for 2027 and could bring another steep hike without the rules for large load additions, Gordon said. For PJM to get the generation in place to serve these massive loads and the transmission in place, theres a massive cost associated with that, he said. Data centers, which provide the computing power to run websites and streaming services in addition to artificial intelligence products, can consume as much electricity as small cities. One planned by Amazon Web Services for a site adjacent to Talen Energys Susquehanna Steam Electric Station nuclear power plant in Luzerne County would use as much energy as 900,000 homes, according to Amazon. Constellation Energy and Microsoft announced a power purchase agreement in which the software company will buy the entire 835 megawatt output of the former Three Mile Island nuclear plant when its remaining reactor is restored to service in 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But other data center projects have been proposed without clear sources of electricity or agreements on how the cost of building new transmission lines will be shared. PJMs independent market monitor has asked FERC to reject an agreement between Amazon and Philadelphia region electric utility PECO until the companies can show it wont increase costs for retail electricity customers. Constellation Energy plans to restart Unit 1 of the former Three Mile Island nuclear power plant as the Crane Clean Energy Center. (Capital-Star/Peter Hall) The proposals considered last week include PJMs own plan to employ a model in which large load users commit to reducing their consumption based on real-time energy prices and consumption. The top vote getter was a modified version of PJMs plan proposed by the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative that included changes to the price at which large users would reduce energy consumption, penalties for failing to reduce demand and clarification on who has supervisory control over the order to cut power consumption. Also considered was a proposal by the Data Center Coalition, which includes Amazon, Google, Microsoft and other data center operators, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the governors of Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia. This plan would allow large users to plan their own generating capacity with expedited connections to the grid, expedited siting and permitting and priority connections for new power generation. Monitoring Analytics, PJMs independent market monitor, proposed rules that would not allow large-load additions until generating and transmission capacity is available and an expedited connection process for new generation. The rules would encourage data centers to build their own generation in order to get online faster, the proposal said, adding that it would also insulate retail consumers from costs associated with the projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the data centers do bring their own generation but the data centers do not materialize, the system is better off and there is no harm from the incorrect forecast, it said. The bring your own new generation option requires a financial and physical commitment to the reliability of the grid that eliminates the current concerns about the forecasting process. Gordon said the independent market monitor proposal makes it impossible for consumers to be on the hook for data center proposals. Warsaw strongly objected on Monday to how Poland was referred to in a post on X regarding the Star of David that was put out by Jerusalem's Yad Vashem memorial to the Holocaust over the weekend. The Polish Foreign Ministry said it was calling in the Israeli ambassador to protest, charging that the post was misleading. Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski noted, also on X, that the Yad Vashem post had not been corrected. On Sunday, Yad Vashem wrote: "Poland was the first country where Jews were forced to wear a distinctive badge in order to isolate them from the surrounding population," alongside a photo of a yellow Star of David Badge with the word "Jude" German for Jew written inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added that in November 1939, Hans Frank, as governor, had issued an order that all Jews aged 10 and above had to wear a white cloth armband marked with a blue Star of David on their right arm. Warsaw said that an essential explanation that Poland was Nazi-occupied at the time was lacking from the exhibition. Yad Vashem had also failed to mention that Frank was a German officer appointed by the occupiers. Sikorski posted on X: "Please specify that it was 'German-occupied,'" in a remark addressed to Yad Vashem. In response, Yad Vashem chairman Dani Dayan acknowledged that Poland was indeed at the time under German occupation. "This is clearly reflected in our material. Any other interpretation misreads our commitment to accuracy," he said. Poland and Israel have frequently been in conflict over how Poland is represented with respect to World War II. Seven people were arrested while slaughtering chickens in a backyard in southern Germany, police in the south-western state of Baden-Wurttemberg said on Monday. The members of an extended family who were present were said to be "not very enthusiastic about the arrival of the police" and "tumultuous scenes" ensued on Sunday afternoon, according to a police statement. A police officer was threatened with a knife. It seems several chickens were to be slaughtered in the backyard in a manner that did not comply with animal welfare regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the seven people arrested, there were other people at the scene who fled, according to the police. Eight chickens died, and 15 other animals were rescued and are being cared for by the veterinary office. The incident happened in Bad Sackingen, a small community not far from Germany's border with Switzerland. BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- In response to a query regarding Japan's plan to deploy offensive weapons near China's Taiwan region, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday said this development is extremely dangerous, calling for heightened vigilance from neighboring countries and the international community. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily news briefing, noting that Japan's actions deliberately escalate regional tensions and provoke military confrontation. Considering Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, this is an extremely dangerous development and calls for heightened vigilance from neighboring countries and the international community, she added. Mao said the Potsdam Proclamation explicitly stipulates that Japan shall not be permitted to "re-arm for war," adding that the Japanese Constitution, which enshrines pacifism, also established Japan's exclusively defense-oriented policy. It is alarming, however, that in recent years, Japan has drastically readjusted its security and defense policy, increased defense budget year after year, relaxed restrictions on arms export, sought to develop offensive weapons, and planned to abandon its three non-nuclear principles, Mao added. "Japan's right-wing provocateurs are trying every means to break free from the pacifist constitution, going further down the path of military buildup and leading Japan and the region to disastrous outcomes," she said. Noting this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the recovery of Taiwan, Mao said China will never allow far-right forces in Japan to reverse the course of history, nor permit any external interference in the Taiwan region, or allow Japanese militarism to resurface. The spokesperson also noted that China has the resolve and the ability to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes (R-Ga.) shocking announcement that she is leaving Congress in January is still reverberating in Washington and beyond. The news, delivered Friday in a lengthy statement, appears to have caught some people off guard including President Trump, whose feud with the Georgia Republican and the beefs rippling effects played a role in her decision to resign. The president told ABC News on Friday that Greene, formerly one of Trumps biggest supporters, did not notify him of her plans prior to the announcement. It doesnt matter, Trump told ABCs Rachel Scott when she asked if Greene had given him a heads-up. But I think its great. I think she should be happy. Trump also said Greenes announcement was great news for the country, before later ripping her in a Truth Social post on Saturday morning. The president, though, softened his language on the former ally in comments to reporters outside the White House later that morning, saying while he disagreed with her philosophy, he thinks shes a nice person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responses to Greenes news have ranged in tone. Here are some reactions shared by politicians, officials and others since the Georgia Republican announced her plans. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.): Shes carefully timing her departure just 1-2 days after her pension kicks in and after making millions of dollars insider trading stocks for weapons manufacturers and others while in office, Ocasio-Cortez said in an Instagram story. She is saying a lot but her actions have not backed up the rhetoric. For all her talk, shes still voting with them to gut health care and advance self-dealing corruption schemes. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.): Im very sad for our country but so happy for my friend Marjorie, Massie posted on the social platform X. Ill miss her tremendously. She embodies what a true Representative should be. Everyone should read her statement; theres more honesty expressed in these four pages than most politicians will speak in a lifetime. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas): Im going to be honest I didnt see this coming but the threats that come with being on the opposite side of Trump ARE REAL! Crockett wrote on X. People need to wake up! Trump only knows how to use people up & then cast them aside when hes done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.): I dont know what to make of it. We need her vote to put the ObamaCare subsidies back in place because everyones premiums are going to be going up on Jan. 1, Swalwell said on CNN. Shes been an advocate actually. Democratic Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta: Trump glazed Mamdani so hard Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from Congress, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) vice chair said on X, referring to the presidents friendly Friday meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (D). Georgia Democratic House candidate Shawn Harris: Marjorie started talking about the same issues Ive been raising because she saw they were resonating with the people of Northwest Georgia, Harris, a retired Army general who lost against Greene in 2024, posted on X. Folks here made it clear what matters: health care you can count on, real economic growth, and support for families. But the moment she shifted in that direction, her own party shut it down. They told her that talking about the real needs of this district wasnt going to fly. And just like that, they pushed her out of the conversation. Political commentator Keith Olbermann: I dont like her, I dont trust her, but god help me Im beginning to respect her, and begin again to believe in the power of recovery, Olbermann wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic activist David Hogg: See ya! the former DNC vice chair posted in response to Greenes video announcement on X. 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. Police in Illinois say Morgan Geyser initially refused to give her name to officers when she was captured on the night of Nov. 23. The Posen Police Department, located south of downtown Chicago near the Indiana border, says officers were called to Thorntons Truck Stop for a report of a male and female loitering behind the building. Officers found both Morgan Geyser and the man she was with sleeping on the sidewalk. Geyser repeatedly refused to provide her real name and initially gave a false one, police say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After officers continued to try to identify her, Geyser told officers she didn't want to tell them who she was because she had "done something really bad." Geyser also suggested officers could "just Google" her name. Police confirmed it was Geyser and took her into custody. The man she was with, whose name has not been released, was also taken into custody. Neither resisted arrest, police said. Posen police told Chicago media that Geyser was with a 42-year-old man who she is alleged to be in a relationship. The man was charged with criminal trespassing and obstructing identification and has been released from custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has reached out to the Posen Police Department for additional information. Hope Karnopp can be reached at HKarnopp@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Illinois police share details of Morgan Geyser arrest at truck stop Chinese Premier Li Qiang has urged Germany to stand by a rational and pragmatic China policy and focus on common interests in his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who plans a state visit next year. "We hope the German side will adhere to a rational and pragmatic China policy, rule out interference and pressure, focus on shared interests and consolidate the foundation for cooperation," Li told Merz on Sunday on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The meeting marks another step towards mending ties between Beijing and Berlin, which were strained last month when German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul postponed a planned visit to China because he could not secure enough meetings. 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. Instead, last week, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil became Berlin's first minister to visit China since the new coalition government took office earlier this year. The two sides held a financial dialogue in Beijing and vowed to strengthen economic cooperation and expand bilateral market opening. The subject of markets resurfaced during the talks in Johannesburg. Specifically, Li said China was ready to work with Germany in emerging fields, including new energy, biomedicine, hydrogen energy technology and intelligent driving. In addition, Beijing hoped Berlin would encourage the European Union to view China-EU relations with "a broader perspective, a longer-term vision and a more open mind", and adhere to the partnership positioning with China", the Chinese premier added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz said Germany was committed to maintaining an open approach and deepening bilateral political and economic ties, and that it believed China's 15th five-year plan would present opportunities for both Germany and Europe, according to the Chinese foreign ministry's account. The chancellor told Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany's state-funded broadcaster, he was preparing a state visit to China next year. The war in Ukraine was also part of his "very long" meeting with Li and likely to be on the agenda for his trip to China, Merz said. "China could play a role. China could put some more pressure on Russia to end this war," he said, adding that he hoped a ceasefire could be reached before he travelled to China next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his first major speech to the Bundestag in May, Merz described Beijing's close ties with Moscow as an area of "great concern". He also noted that Sino-German relations were "shaped by systemic rivalry and power politics". Foreign Minister Wadephul had accused Beijing of supporting Russia's war against Ukraine and engaging in "increasingly aggressive" behaviour in the Taiwan Strait. In a phone call that Wadephul requested, his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi said the two sides "should not engage in 'megaphone diplomacy' or make groundless accusations that contradict the facts". On Sunday, November 23, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Lars Klingbeil take part in a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Johannesburg. Photo: dpa alt=On Sunday, November 23, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Lars Klingbeil take part in a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Johannesburg. Photo: dpa> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite diplomatic efforts to mend ties, Berlin still faces divisions over its China policy, gripped by supply chain fears after Beijing's restrictions on rare earth exports revealed Germany's industrial vulnerabilities. About a week before the G20 summit, the chancellor announced that Chinese telecoms suppliers, including Huawei, would be banned from the nation's future 6G network for national security reasons, and Chinese components would be replaced in existing networks "everywhere it's possible". Earlier, Germany's parliament appointed an expert commission to rethink and "de-risk" its trade policy towards China. The commission will examine energy, raw material imports and Chinese investment in critical infrastructure. 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. A Salem County school board member is the target of an ethics complaint for asking her Facebook followers about tax hikes. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor) Why are New Jerseyans barred from hearing from some of their elected leaders about matters of public concern? Thats the question at the heart of a new lawsuit filed by a school board member out of Alloway in Salem County who is facing ethics charges because she asked constituents on Facebook what they thought of a potential school tax hike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a resident of Alloway, I am wondering what other residents think about a 9-15% school tax increase? reads one post from the school board member, Gail Nazarene. My personal opinion is 3.3% is the max I can afford, reads part of another. Pretty milquetoast, if you ask me, especially if you consider the tons of AI slop and nasty political rants you can find on Facebook at any given moment. But they were enough to trigger an ethics investigation, with one of Nazarenes colleagues filing a complaint with the state School Ethics Commission that says Nazarenes posts violate the state School Ethics Act. The complaint, from Alloway school board member Sara Cobb, says Nazarenes Facebook posts reference potential tax hikes that were not formally reviewed, adopted, or confirmed by the Board. The publication of these figures created confusion and concern among members of the public, and conveyed the impression that Ms. Nazarene was speaking on behalf of the Board without authorization, it reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cobb also took issue with another Facebook post where Nazarene asked, I am ASKING this FOR MYSELF NOT the board. What if taxes went up 20% is that a number you will except (sic)? Cobb wrote that this and other posts appear to use the prestige of her Board membership to promote a specific budgetary narrative, potentially undermining official communications from the Board or administration. You know that old canard you cant shout fire in a crowded theater? Apparently, New Jerseys version is you cant potentially undermine the Alloway school districts communications department. Theres no state law that explicitly bars school board members from speaking to the public, of course. But the School Ethics Commission has interpreted the School Ethics Act in a way that school board members risk violating it if they discuss any school matters with members of the public, even if they offer disclaimers that they are speaking for themselves as private citizens and even if the issue in question has yet to come before their school board but could at some point in the future. Even posting a link to public information with no additional commentary would not immunize a school board member from an ethics investigation, the commission says. Indeed, the commission has reprimanded school board members for things like writing opinion pieces endorsing other school board candidates or posting on Facebook about school overcrowding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nazarenes lawyer, Daniel Zahn, said the states interpretation of the School Ethics Act plainly violates the First Amendment. Zahn sounded mystified that state bureaucrats would want to limit the type of communication elected officials have with their constituents. It seems that for democracy to thrive we should be encouraging posts such as these that are engaging with constituents, asking them questions, respecting different viewpoints, and for the state to threaten sanctions for this type of respectful, powerful communication between elected officials and their constituents not only damages the First Amendment and free speech values, but also damages democracy and broader American values, Zahn told me. Anthony Skip Cimino has some thoughts on this. Cimino represented the 14th Legislative District in the Assembly from 1988 to 1992, and he sponsored the School Ethics Act. Cimino told me he thinks the commission has interpreted the law incorrectly in Nazarenes case. The act was really geared toward dealing with conflicts of interest and, quite frankly, people of ill repute doing things inappropriately, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nazarene is an elected official who should have the right to talk to her constituents about school matters without violating the School Ethics Act, he added. I am not opposed to strong ethics laws. But this is New Jersey. Not too long ago we had a sitting U.S. senator issue a public threat to anyone who dared challenge him at the ballot box. Last year, a state senator told an obvious lie to drum up support for a bill to gut our public records law. The members of our Legislature voted to give themselves gigantic pay raises with almost zero public input or debate. Yet theres a very real chance a school board member will get an official reprimand from the state for asking people on Facebook what they think about tax increases. This is asinine. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Australia's two largest airlines are implementing comprehensive bans on power bank usage aboard their aircraft following a series of lithium battery fires, with Virgin Australia's restrictions taking effect December 1 and Qantas Group airlines following on December 15. The sweeping new policies affect all flights operated by Virgin Australia, Qantas, QantasLink, and Jetstar, fundamentally changing how passengers can charge their electronic devices during travel. Virgin Australia Fire Sparks Industry Response Image Credit: Depositphotos The policy changes stem directly from a serious incident on July 21, 2025, when Virgin Australia Flight VA1528 from Sydney to Hobart experienced a fire in an overhead locker during descent, with the cause believed to be an overheating power bank in a passenger's bag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passengers noticed smoke emanating from an overhead compartment around 9 AM as the Boeing 737-800 began its descent. Cabin crew opened the compartment and discovered what appeared to be a lithium-ion power bank on fire, which they quickly extinguished using onboard fire extinguishers and passenger water bottles. The aircraft landed safely at Hobart Airport, where firefighters removed the affected bag from the overhead locker and one passenger received medical attention for suspected smoke inhalation. New Restrictions Take Effect in December Under the new policies, passengers will be prohibited from using power banks to charge devices during flight and cannot charge the power banks themselves, even through in-seat power or USB ports. Both airlines will limit passengers to carrying a maximum of two power banks per person, with Qantas enforcing a 160 watt-hour capacity limit and Virgin Australia setting a 100 watt-hour threshold, though Virgin may approve devices up to 160 watt-hours with prior permission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Power banks, spare batteries, and portable electronic devices must be kept easily accessible throughout flights in seat pockets, under the seat in front, or on the passenger's person, rather than in overhead lockers. Industry-Wide Safety Review Qantas confirmed the changes followed a comprehensive internal safety review conducted alongside Virgin Australia, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and other Oneworld carriers. The policies are also informed by planned updates from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), expected in 2026. Virgin Australia Chief Operating Officer Chris Snook explained: "Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travellers, and while these items are generally safe when packed and handled appropriately, this move will minimise any potential risks associated with these devices". Growing Global Concern Over Battery Incidents Image Credit: Shutterstock The Australian airline restrictions follow similar incidents worldwide, including a January 2025 fire that destroyed an Air Busan aircraft in South Korea when a power bank caught fire in an overhead bin during boarding. The aircraft was consumed by flames, leaving a gutted wreck on the tarmac, though passengers escaped with only minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional incidents include a man in his 50s who suffered burns when a lithium battery ignited in his pocket at the Qantas business lounge at Melbourne Airport, leading to the evacuation of about 150 travelers. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has recorded five inflight fires involving power banks on Australian or Australian-registered aircraft, highlighting the growing safety concerns surrounding these devices. Technical Safety Risks Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to "thermal runaway," a self-accelerating process where heat generation within a battery cell exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, leading to rapid and uncontrollable temperature increases that can cause fire, explosions, and toxic gas release. Aviation expert Professor Dose explained that while battery fires are rare, "the consequences can be quite severe" on aircraft, as they are difficult to extinguish and can release toxic gases in the confined cabin environment. Compliance and Passenger Impact If customers do not comply with the new restrictions, items will need to be disposed of at the airport before flight, or the flight ticket will need to be forfeited. Power banks must display battery specifications and be manufactured by reputable companies, with unlabeled, damaged, leaking, recalled, or counterfeit devices prohibited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passengers can still charge devices directly through available in-seat charging ports, but cannot use power banks as intermediary charging sources. The changes come during Australia's busy summer travel season, potentially affecting thousands of travelers during the Christmas and New Year period. The coordinated approach by Australia's major carriers reflects the aviation industry's increasing focus on lithium battery safety, with other international airlines including Emirates, EVA Air, and Qatar Airways having already implemented similar power bank restrictions. Scaffolding covers the facade of the federal courthouse for the District of Rhode Island in October 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) A Rhode Island federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from dismantling four congressionally-created agencies that fund cultural institutions, aid minority-owned businesses, mediate labor disputes, and fight homelessness. In a permanent injunction issued Friday, Rhode Island U.S. District Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. wrote that President Donald Trump exceeded his constitutional authority when trying to lay off nearly all of the workers from those agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By now, the question presented in this case is a familiar one: May the executive branch undertake such actions in circumvention of the will of the legislative branch? McConnell, an Obama appointee, wrote. In recent months, this court along with other courts across the country has concluded that it may not. That answer remains the same here. Trump in March issued an executive order calling for the elimination to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, of seven government entities. That included four mandated by Congress: the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Minority Business Development Agency, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha along with Democratic attorneys general from 21 other states sued the administration in April arguing that the order violated the U.S. Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by attempting to override Congress. The two other lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Attorney General Letitia James of New York and Attorney General Anne Lopez of Hawaii. Joining the lawsuit were attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neronha on Friday celebrated McConnells final ruling. In courts across the country and here in Rhode Island, we continue to find that we are right on the law and right on the principle, he said in a statement. Each of these agencies serve a vital role that the president cannot simply erase with the stroke of a pen. White House spokesperson Kush Desai Monday said in an emailed statement to Rhode Island Current that the Trump administration will continue using the full powers of the executive branch to prevent government waste and that officials look forward to ultimate victory in court on the matter. But Desai did not say the administration would appeal the ruling. The president has a duty to ensure that American tax dollars are not being wasted or spent on illegal or unconstitutional programs, Desai said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the same argument attorneys for the administration had tried to make in Providence court, stating in filings there was no particular statute limiting an agencys discretion to make independent staffing decisions. McConnell contended that the decision to eliminate agency programs, terminate grants, and implement large-scale staff reductions undermined their ability to perform functions as mandated by Congress. This is clearly not an action committed to agency discretion by law, and many courts have reached the same conclusion in similar cases, he wrote. Federal attorneys also tried to make the case that plaintiff states had failed to demonstrate any irreparable harm they would face should the court fail to intervene. At most, the Trump administration argued that state issues amounted to contract disputes . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McConnell pointed to the evidence submitted by the 21 states as proof that the dismantling of agency duties will have a significant impact. New Mexico, New Jersey, Maine, and Oregon said in court documents that their public libraries would have to close branches, implement hiring freezes, and stop providing services that aim to foster literacy and support learning if the Institute of Museum and Library Service was dismantled. Rhode Islands Office of Library and Information Services received nearly $1.5 million from the institute in 2024 funding that supported 50 percent of its staff, according to an April statement from Neronhas office. Without funding from the Minority Business Development Agency, plaintiffs had argued state universities in Hawaii, Maryland and Arizona would have to eliminate their student programming, default on contracts, and fire many of their employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan, New York and Wisconsin all claimed their research into helping unhoused communities would come to a halt without assistance from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Without federal meditators, McConnell wrote that Rhode Island, Illinois and Minnesota face the very real prospect of strikes and negotiation impasses should they be unable to tap into Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services. At the time the lawsuit was filed, Neronhas office noted the Rhode Island Department of Children Youth and Families avoided a strike from one of its unions because of federal mediation. All this to say: The injuries alleged are to the states themselves and are far more than merely economic or speculative, McConnell wrote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Conservationists and citizen scientists have joined forces for a project to save London's "charming little" ice-age hairy snail. Named the German hairy snail because of tiny hairs that cover its shell and because it is believed to originally come from the continent, the rare species is one of the UK's most endangered molluscs. The fingernail-sized animal (Pseudotrichia rubiginosa) can be found only in small, fragmented patches of its historic damp riverside habitat along the River Thames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team, led by Citizen Zoo and Zoological Society of London (ZSL), has started a series of surveys to better understand the species' distribution across the capital and inform conservation action. Conservationists hope to map the snail's riverside habitats - to protect them [BBC] Taking place over the last couple of months, the team has been searching and identifying species at both known and potential river sites in boroughs such as Newham, Richmond upon Thames and Barnet. The team hopes to then build a stronger picture of the snail's current UK range, and identify how habitat restoration, pollution management and the careful movement of snails between sites can help recover their numbers. Joe Pecorelli, freshwater conservation programme manager at ZSL, said: "This charming little snail has called our riverbanks and wetlands home for thousands of years - yet it is sadly now very rare in the UK, potentially restricted to just a few sites along the Thames." The German hairy snail is listed as a priority species for conservation efforts in the London biodiversity action plan [PA] Elliot Newton from Citizen Zoo joins other snail hunters to look for the "post-glacial relic" along the Thames [BBC/Brihony Williams] Although first recorded in the UK in 1982, fossilised remains indicate that the German hairy snail has called the UK home since at least the Stone Age - and potentially even as far back at the last Ice Age, when Britain was still joined to mainland Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this period, the Thames was still connected to the Rhine - Germany's longest river - which today empties into the North Sea. Mr Pecorelli said: "These surveys will help us understand how the snail is faring and how we can protect it - not only securing their future for years to come, but also helping safeguard green spaces throughout London for people and wildlife for future generations." The team hopes to then build a stronger picture of the snail's current UK range, and identify how habitat restoration, pollution management and the careful movement of snails between sites can help recover their numbers. The fine hairs that run along the slim, round shell are thought to allow the snail to sweat off moisture, helping to make its slime sticky enough for it to cling to the slippery riverside debris and the plants it feeds on. More on conservation in London Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elliot Newton, director of rewilding at Citizen Zoo, said: "The German hairy snail is a species that helps spark imagination and open people's minds to the curious and diverse wildlife that can thrive across Greater London. "It reminds us of the remarkable natural world that exists right on our doorstep. "The surveys show how, by working together across the capital with many partners and empowering local communities, we can gain a deeper understanding of London's more hidden biodiversity and take steps to protect it." The project is running in partnership with London Wildlife Trust, the Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland, Greenspace Information for Greater London CIC and the Port of London Authority, and with funding support from Thames21 and the Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk Related internet links By Jody Godoy and Mike Scarcella (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department has reached a settlement with RealPage over allegations it helped landlords fix rents by sharing pricing information through its software, court papers showed on Monday. Under the settlement, Realpage agreed to a three-year monitorship and limits on how it collects and uses non-public data. The case was among the first accusing companies of coordinating with competitors via software, also known as algorithmic collusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater said in a post on X that the settlement was "as good as any relief we would get from a court order after a lengthy and expensive trial, and importantly, it brings that relief to American consumers now, not three years from now." The DOJ had sued in North Carolina federal court last year accusing RealPage of letting landlords collude with their competitors by sharing pricing information with the company's software, which then recommends rent prices. The software kept landlords from lowering rent and offering deals to attract renters, the DOJ alleged. RealPage President and Chief Executive Officer Dirk Wakeham said in a statement that the settlement brings the clarity and stability we have long sought and allows us to move forward with a continued focus on innovation and the shared goal of better outcomes for both housing providers and renters. (Reporting by Jody Godoy; Editing by Stephen Coates) Record travel is expected over the next week as travelers descend on airports nationwide. The holiday travel rush got underway Friday and nearly 82 million people are expected to travel over the Thanksgiving week. Air travel Many people are opting to fly this Thanksgiving. Airlines for America says U.S. airlines will carry an all-time high of 31 million passengers from now until Dec. 1. The Sunday after Thanksgiving -- Nov. 30 -- will be the busiest day to fly, according to Hopper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cheapest days to leave for your trip are Thanksgiving Day or three days earlier, on Monday, Nov. 24, Expedia said. The cheapest days to fly home are Black Friday (Friday, Nov. 28) or Travel Tuesday (Tuesday, Dec. 2). Check your flight status Toni Yates reports from Newark, New Jersey. Train travel NJ Transit New Jersey Transit is adding additional service for the Thanksgiving weekend for the rush of travelers. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving has historically been the busiest day of the year at Newark Airport's rail station, with ridership levels about twice that of a typical weekday. NJ Transit will once again offer "early getaway" rail and bus service on Wednesday, November 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thanksgiving Day, NJ Transit will add extra trains and buses to the schedule in the morning and early afternoon hours to accommodate passengers traveling to/from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Then, on Friday, which is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year, bus service will be offered to shopping centers throughout New Jersey. Rail service will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule with additional service for those working this day. Officials say to book tickets for earlier these days as ridership is expected to be lighter earlier in the day. Also make sure to allow extra travel time as traffic congestion can impact bus travel time to and from NYC. Long Island Rail Road Wednesday, November 26: The LIRR will run on a regular weekday schedule. Alcohol will not be allowed on trains or at stations from 8 p.m. Wednesday through noon Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday, November 27: The LIRR will run on a weekend schedule. Extra trains will run to and from Manhattan on the Babylon, Port Jefferson, and Ronkonkoma branches before and after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Friday, November 28: The LIRR will run on a regular weekday schedule. Off-peak fares will be valid on all trains. Metro-North Wednesday, November 26: The Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines will run on a Friday schedule with extra outbound trains in the early afternoon. The Port Jervis and Pascack Valley lines will run on a regular weekday schedule, with extra service on the Port Jervis Line in the early afternoon. Thursday, November 27: The Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines will run on a special schedule, with extra service before and after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Port Jervis and Pascack Valley lines will run on a weekend schedule, with an extra train on the Port Jervis Line before the parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday, November 28: The Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines will run on a Saturday schedule, with extra rush hour service. Off-peak fares will be valid on all trains. The Port Jervis and Pascack Valley lines will run on a weekend schedule, with extra trains on the Port Jervis Line. Road travel A record 73 million people are expected to travel by car for Thanksgiving -- up by 1.3 million people from last year, according to AAA. The worst times to drive before Thanksgiving are the afternoons of Monday, Nov. 24, Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday, Nov. 26, according to analytics company INRIX. It's best to wait until Thanksgiving Day -- Nov. 27 -- when the roads will be quieter. If you're heading home on Saturday, Nov. 29, or Sunday, Nov. 30, INRIX recommends hitting the road before 1 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic could be more than double what it is on a typical day in cities including Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Seattle, INRIX warned. ---------- * 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. Regions of the country with large numbers of data centers warehouses full of computers for artificial intelligence and cloud computing face increased risk of outages during extreme weather events this upcoming winter, a new report by an energy reliability watchdog finds. "Winter electricity demand is rising at the fastest rate in years, particularly in areas where data center development is occurring," the North American Electric Reliability Corp., or NERC states in its recently released "2025-2026 Winter Reliability Assessment." Bulk power system resources, such as generation facilities, transmission lines and interconnections, are growing "but at a slower rate than demand is rising," the report finds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Electricity demand continues to grow faster than the resources being added to the grid, especially during the most extreme winter conditions, where actual demand can topple forecasts by as much as 25%," as seen during the failure of Texas' power grid for days amid extreme winter weather in February 2021, said John Moura, NERC's director of reliability assessments and performance analysis, in a statement. The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 empowers the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to certify NERC as the electric reliability organization for North America. The not-for-profit regulatory authority's mission is to reduce risks to reliability and security in the bulk power system. While the Great Lakes region isn't included among the regions most at risk, the report raises alarms for those concerned about the multiple large data centers currently seeking to locate in southern Michigan and their impact on overall grid stability in all seasons. "This report suggests that the Midwest is currently well-positioned to avoid electricity supply shortfalls, but that could change as electricity demand continues to grow," said Amy Bandyk, executive director of Citizens Utility Board of Michigan, an independent advocate for the interests of the state's residential energy utility customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Michigan utility panel announces hearing on DTE plan to power AI data center All regions of the country are assessed in NERC's forecast as having adequate resources for normal winter peak load conditions. "However, more extreme winter conditions extending over a wide area could result in electricity supply shortfalls," the report states. Regions cited as particularly vulnerable include the grids in northeastern and northwestern U.S. states, a region including Tennessee and South Carolina, and a region including Texas and Oklahoma. "Strong load growth from new data centers and other large industrial end users is driving higher winter electricity demand forecasts and contributing to continued risk of supply shortfalls," the report states for the Texas area grid region known as Texas Reliability Entity and the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas, or RE-ERCOT. "Data centers are altering the daily load shape due to their round-the-clock operating pattern, lengthening peak demand periods." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While battery storage and demand-response resources will help in the region, the study found, it could fall short "for extended periods of high loads, such as a severe multi-day storm like Winter Storm Uri," the February 2021 Texas storm. The Great Lakes region is part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, whose grid extends from the Midwest into Northern Plains states down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. NERC's assessment of MISO's winter readiness found it prepared for typical winter conditions load needs, but finds it could need energy transfers into the system from other locations that aren't certain to be available, and modifications to its provided load to customers, in the event of extended extreme weather. As many parts of the country transition away from coal-fired power generation to natural gas, the availability of the gas supply in harsh winter conditions is a critical factor in maintaining reliability, as starkly proven during the 2021 Texas storms. "Natural gas is an essential fuel for electricity generation in winter," said Mark Olson, NERC's manager of reliability assessment. "Although we are seeing evidence of improved performance, grid operators in areas that rely on single-fuel gas-fired generators are exposed to unanticipated generator loss during cold snaps when gas supply interruptions are more prevalent." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NERC called on grid operators to recognize load needs in extreme cold weather events and be prepared to take early action to manage potential deficiencies. More: State requiring more from largest farms on how they dispose of their millions of tons of manure At least four large data centers are proposed for southern Michigan, including the more than $7 billion Stargate Data Center, a massive AI data center planned for 250 acres in Washtenaw County's Saline Township by OpenAI, the creator of the popular artificial intelligence product ChatGPT; software giant Oracle, and Related Digital, a subsidiary of New York-based Related Companies started by Detroit native and University of Michigan megadonor Stephen Ross. That operation is working with DTE Energy to be provided with 4.4 gigawatts of power for its needs, enough electricity to power millions of Michigan homes. Utilities in Michigan need to ensure not only preparedness for the load growth data centers will require, but the ability to maintain reliability in the extreme winter weather conditions that can often occur in Michigan, according to Bandyk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Michigan Public Service Commission needs to carefully consider every proposed data center contract to ensure that the utility and data center company will have a plan in place to meet load growth resulting from the new data center, and that the company, not other customers, will pay for whatever new generation and transmission or distribution system upgrades are required," she said. Citizens Utility Board recently joined with the Sierra Club, Michigan Environmental Council and Natural Resources Defense Counsil to oppose DTE's effort to approve its Saline Township energy deal with Stargate without a contested case hearing. Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Report: Data center-heavy regions at most risk of winter power outages A faculty member from Jingdezhen Ceramic University demonstrates overglaze painting on the sidelines of an international ceramics symposium in Stoke-on-Trent, Britain, Nov. 22, 2025.(Xinhua/Zheng Bofei) by Xinhua Writers Zheng Bofei, Yu Aicen STOKE-ON-TRENT, Britain, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Charity shops scattered along the streets of Stoke-on-Trent display stacks of plates painted with delicate willows, arching bridges, and Chinese-style pavilions. For many locals, these motifs borrowed from traditional Chinese paintings are as familiar as the smell of kiln smoke that once hung over the town. Professor Neil Brownsword from the University of Staffordshire told Xinhua: "Everyone in Stoke-on-Trent got something of this Willow Pattern." Back in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the design helped boost exports from Jingdezhen, China's millennium-old porcelain capital. Export wares travelled down rivers and across seas to Europe, where Staffordshire potters studied them closely, copying the cobalt blue and reworking the scenes into what became one of Britain's most iconic ceramic designs. "It is not purely Chinese, nor entirely British, but a product of cultural exchange," said Professor and curator Hou Tiejun from Jingdezhen Ceramic University. CERAMIC LEGACY Stoke-on-Trent was once home to famous British ceramics brands, such as Spode, Wedgwood, and Royal Doulton. Its canals and kilns shaped the city's skyline. But by the 1990s, mass ceramic production and rising costs shook the industry, and generations of craftsmanship began to slip away. "My stepfather worked in the Spode factory. My grandmothers worked in other factories. It's not what it was," Sue, a museum volunteer born and raised in the city, told Xinhua, noting that shifting consumer tastes also played a part. "If you don't respond quickly to people's changing tastes, then you get left behind." Jingdezhen faced its own challenges in the late twentieth century, yet found a way to reinvent itself. By the early 2000s, it began rejuvenating its ceramic legacy by converting old kiln complexes into creative districts, including the well-known Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue. When Brownsword visited in 2023, he found the energy transformative: "I was amazed by a younger generation, 17 and 18-year-olds, going to shops and picking up ceramics and kind of being interested." CRAFTSMANSHIP COMBINES CREATIVITY Dr. Tim Jenkins, an archaeologist and advisor to the Stoke-on-Trent city council, said: "For Jingdezhen, one of the most important elements is embedding that craftsmanship and creativity at the heart of the city's master plan, and encouraging young craftspeople to make a living and sell within the city." At the Spode Museum gallery, Yvonne and Jean stood before willow-patterned plates and ceramic artefacts made by students from the Jingdezhen Ceramic University. "People don't appreciate the china anymore," Yvonne told Xinhua. "They buy cheaper versions." Jean nodded and said that big names like Spode or Wedgwood are no longer as valued as they were before. "Everybody in Stoke-on-Trent does know someone who worked in the pottery factories," Yvonne said. Yet many factories have been hollowed out as companies outsourced production. Still, both cities have found a common thread to connect their past with modern development. BILATERAL EXCHANGE At an international ceramics symposium held on Saturday, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Steve Watkins told an audience of scholars and craftspeople that the two cities should "continue to stand proudly as global capitals of ceramics," passing their hard-won skills to future generations through deeper cultural and academic exchange. For Jenkins, the future of ceramics relies on creating "safe spaces for young craftspeople to experiment, to fail, and to grow." Stoke's revival, he said, lies not only in preserving its industrial legacy but in rediscovering its creative one. The Willow Pattern -- designed in Britain and inspired by China -- is once again a bridge between two places separated by continents yet linked by material, memory, and resilience. Visitors listen to a Chinese curator explaining Jingdezhen porcelain pieces on display at the Spode Museum in Stoke-on-Trent, Britain, Nov. 22, 2025.(Xinhua/Zheng Bofei) GOP lawmakers are growing increasingly concerned over signs the 2026 midterm elections could be a wipeout for Republicans that could cost them control of the House and shave down their Senate majority by two or three seats. Republican senators say the off-year elections in New Jersey, Virginia and other parts of the country on Nov. 4 served as a wake-up call and warn that President Trump and Republican leaders in Congress need to address voters concerns about the slowing economy and persistently high prices. Republicans acknowledge that rising health insurance premiums, the issue Democrats want to put front-and-center in the election year, along with health care costs, more generally, are a major problem for their party. Theres growing anxiety in the Senate and House GOP conferences that Trumps sinking approval rating will create a headwind in swing states and districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But GOP lawmakers say they still have time to improve their partys image before next November. They argue Democrats failure to come up with effective solutions to rein in health care costs and the rising power of far-left Democratic candidates gives them a chance to cling onto power in Washington. If we are where we are today in the beginning of the second quarter [of 2026], then I think were in for a really rough time in November, warned retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who represents a Senate battleground state Democrats are targeting next year. We have plenty of time to address it. Theres a lot of positive things that were doing here, that the administration is doing. But if you mess with health care if we dont get health care policy right, if we dont get some of the cost policies right, were going to have major headwinds next year, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most concerning for GOP lawmakers is Trumps approval rating, which has sunk to 41.9 percent in the most recent polling average compiled by Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ). The presidents disapproval rating has climbed to 55.7 percent. Another disquieting sign is that Democrats now have their biggest lead of the election cycle on the generic ballot for Congress. The latest DDHQ average shows Democrats beating Republicans 46.8 percent to 41.4 percent on the generic ballot. One Republican senator who attended a recent GOP conference meeting at the National Republican Senatorial Committee headquarters said concerns about the approaching election year are high. The numbers are terrible, the lawmaker said. Not necessarily for any individual incumbent senator, although some of them arent very good. But you saw what happened a couple weeks ago [on Nov. 4]: Republicans didnt win anything anywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Virginia, for example, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) won the gubernatorial race by 15 points and Democrats picked up more than a dozen seats in the House of Delegates, including some that were not seen as pickup opportunities. There are a lot of warning signs blinking, the lawmaker added. Were increasingly on defense on the Senate side. I think theres a lot of concern. Republicans have a favorable battleground map and a cushion of a three-seat majority on the Senate side, but some GOP lawmakers are already predicting their party will lose control of the House. This was not an unexpected development, a senior Republican senator said of the tough polling numbers for Republicans, noting the party in power especially when in control of the White House and Congress historically does poorly in midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look at the 2018 midterm: We lost 41 seats in the House. The Speaker can only lose three this time, the senator said, referring to Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) 219-213 majority. I would expect to lose the House; Im just trying to be objective, the senator added. The redistricting math is becoming more complicated for Republicans, who expected to enjoy some gains from new maps the party passed across the country. Republicans, on paper, were expected to gain at least nine pickup opportunities in the House: five in Texas, one in North Carolina, one in Missouri and two in Ohio. A federal judge panel last week struck down the GOP-favored map in the Lone Star State, but Texas quickly appealed to the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Samuel Alito granted a stay on the federal judge panels ruling, leaving the new Republican-leaning map in place, at least temporarily, as the high court weighs the broader case around the Texas House maps. The ping-pong of events underscores how volatile the redistricting battle has become in recent weeks. Democrats are projected to gain up to six new blue-leaning seats: five in California and one in Utah. The conventional wisdom was Democrats were screwed, and we were going to be in a hole of anywhere from 10 to 17 seats because of redistricting. That was back in the middle of July. Looking where we are now, thats absolutely not the case, a Democratic strategist said. Strategists in both parties caution its too early to know with certainty what the net results of redistricting will be next year, given that efforts to redraw congressional lines are ongoing and the courts will have a major say on the final maps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A big uncertainty for the Houses future control is whether Democrats are able to dramatically expand the field of competitive races. Republican strategists argue the battleground map will be fairly small compared to past midterm election cycles, while House Democrats believe there will be as many as 60 competitive races. Former Vice President Kamala Harris won in only three House districts now held by Republican incumbents: Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District, Pennsylvanias 1st District, and New Yorks 17th District. Rep. Don Bacon (R) is retiring in Nebraskas 2nd District, creating a promising opportunity for Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats, meanwhile, need to defend 13 Democratic-held districts Trump won in last years election. The map is very, very tiny and, fundamentally, we have the advantage by looking at the battlefield, a Republican strategist said. We firmly believe were on offense. Back in the 2018 cycle, there were 25 Republicans in [Hillary] Clinton-won districts and 12 Democrats in Trump-won districts. The fundamentals of the map is completely flipped. Republican strategists say Democratic efforts to retake the House will be complicated by the rise of left-leaning candidates in key districts such as Californias 22nd District and Colorados 8th District, where progressive insurgents are threatening to topple more mainstream candidates favored by the Democratic Party establishment. Republicans are counting Maines 2nd Congressional District as an automatic pickup because of the retirement of Democratic centrist Rep. Jared Golden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican strategist said the recent slump in Trumps approval rating and the increase of the Democrats lead in generic ballot polls is a reaction to the 43-day government shutdown that will dissipate over the next several months. The good news for Democrats is that the rise of far-left candidates is matched by the rising enthusiasm of the partys base voters. Theres enormous new energy. I saw it in my town halls where Ive had five times as many people come this year as last year, and last year was an election year, said Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), whos up for reelection next year. On the Senate side, Republicans privately acknowledge Democrats have a good shot of picking up three GOP-held Senate seats, given how the midterm election environment is shaping up: Tilliss North Carolina seat, Sen. Susan Collins seat in Maine, and first-term Sen. Jon Husteds seat in Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump won Ohio by more than 11 percentage points in 2024, but Husted faces a tough race against former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), who served three terms in the Senate. There are questions about whether Husted, a lesser-known incumbent, can turn out Republican votes without Trump at the top of the ticket. Republicans now control a 53-47 Senate majority. A loss of three seats would result in a 50-50 Senate in 2027, but Republicans would retain control by virtue of Vice President Vance holding the tiebreaking vote. For Democrats to win back the Senate majority, they would need to pick up a seat in the next tier of competitive races. This tier includes contests in Iowa, where Sen. Joni Ernst (R) is retiring, and Texas, where Sen. John Cornyn (R) faces a tough primary challenge from conservative firebrand Ken Paxton, the scandal-marred state attorney general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third Democratic target is Alaska, where Democrats are trying to persuade former Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola (D), who narrowly lost her House seat to Rep. Nick Begich (R) in 2024, to challenge Sen. Dan Sullivan (R). Republicans have their own Senate pickup opportunities in Georgia, where Sen. Jon Ossoff (D) is a top Republican target and will have to defend his 14 votes against a House-passed bill to fund the government and end the longest shutdown in American history. Republicans like their chances of winning retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peterss seat in Michigan and have rallied behind former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), who lost against Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) in 2024. Democrats face a messy primary in the Great Lakes State, where Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) faces a competitive race against progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who is backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Mallory McMorrow, another progressive who is a frequent guest on MS NOW and has a strong online fundraising base. 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. Someone new will represent Senate District 13 in the Minnesota Legislature after the 2026 election cycle. State Sen. Jeff Howe, R-Rockville, announced Saturday, Nov. 22, that he will not seek reelection. Howe represented central Minnesota in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2013 through 2018, then he shifted to the Minnesota Senate. "After careful consideration and thoughtful conversations with my family, I have decided not to seek reelection to the Minnesota Senate in 2026," Howe wrote in a statement. "It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howe was popular among voters. The Republican won his 2022 reelection bid with 70% of the vote, beating out DFLer Alissa Brickman. The politician in 2017 retired from the Minnesota Army National Guard as a lieutenant colonel and deputy commander of the 175th Regiment Regional Training Institute, according to his announcement. Howe will represent District 13 for the 2026 legislative session. During this session, he plans to focus on public safety and small businesses. As I enter my final year, my priorities remain the same: keeping Minnesotans safe, protecting our most vulnerable, supporting first responders and veterans, strengthening small businesses and ensuring Minnesota is affordable and vibrant," Howe wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate District 13 includes Rockville, Cold Spring, Avon, Holdingford, Albany, Paynesville and Richmond. More: Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth of Cold Spring launches gubernatorial campaign St. Cloud races could draw attention Howe's departure in Senate District 13 could bring more eyes to state legislature races in central Minnesota. The Minnesota Senate race in neighboring Senate District 14 is expected to draw attention. Sen. Aric Putnam, DFL-St. Cloud, currently holds that seat. Putnam narrowly won his 2022 bid by 315 votes, according to previous St. Cloud Times reports. More: Sen. Putnam has toured more than 100 Minnesota farms, looks to new markets for farmers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have momentum from the 2024 election cycle as Rep. Bernie Perryman won her House District 14A race by 2,500 votes. This comes after she narrowly won her seat by fewer than 200 votes in 2022. Also in District 13, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, who represents House District 13A, is running to replace Gov. Tim Walz for governor. Corey Schmidt covers politics and public safety for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Minnesota state Sen. Jeff Howe won't seek reelection The Trump administration is facing an internal backlash over brutal immigration tactics in a key purple state. Aggressive ICE raids in Charlotte, North Carolina, have led to ongoing protests and a disagreement in law enforcement over future raids. The DHS said they had arrested 130 people in two days, including gang members and violent criminals from the Charlotte community, calling them some of the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. Protesters gather at First Ward Park for the 'No Border Patrol In Charlotte' rally. / Anadolu / .Getty Images The operation, dubbed Charlottes Web, has provoked concern from Republicans as the immigration sweep is one of the first to take place in a purple state that will help to decide the Senate in next years midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, a local sheriff claimed the immigration raids were done, only for Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin to insist, The operation is not over, and it is not ending anytime soon. Former GOP Gov. Pat McCrory has spoken out about the optics of masked ICE agents arresting a man who said he was a U.S. citizen at a Charlotte shopping center. Donald Trump (left) with Pat McCrory. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images The man had warned locals that Border Patrol was operating in the area before they turned their attention to him. Gregory Bovino, a senior Border Patrol official, was seen in a Home Depot parking lot with over a dozen officers, stating they were looking for criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans had the upper hand on immigration, as long as they were going after the criminals and the gangs, but I think theyre losing the upper hand on that issue because of the apparent disjointed implementation of arrest, McCrory said. From a PR and political standpoint, for the first time, immigration is maybe having a negative impact on my party. If I were the administration, he said, I would be really emphasizing who theyve arrested and the negative impact theyve had on the community, but were not hearing that. McCrory signed North Carolinas divisive bathroom bill in 2016, which stamped out protections for transgender citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Republican, Edwin Peacock III, also said the Charlotte raids were leaving a real sour aftertaste with voters. Protesters against the raids in Charlotte. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images Is the price of doing this worth it? Peacock said. I dont see this cloud moving away [from] what will be in the voters minds. Speaking to CNNs Jake Tapper, Florida Republican Rep. Maria Salazar pointed out that 70 percent of people ICE arrested in Georgia did not have a criminal record. ICE should be concentrating on the bad hombres, she said, quoting Trumps statement when he announced a mass deportation plan. We agree, kick out the ones who are bad hombres, the ones who have criminal records, the murderers and the rapists, but do not touch the lady who has been here for 10, 20 years contributing to the economy, those who have been picking up the jalapeno peppers or the dairies or the greenhouses or the slaughterhouses. Protesters in Charlotte's First Ward Park. / Anadolu / Getty Images She stated that people were protesting the blanket approach ICE is taking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre defending those who have been here, contributing, and do not have a criminal record. Theyre not defending the Tren de Aragua. So, we got to change directions. The Daily Beast has contacted the DHS for comment. The GOP resistance to the immigration raids in Charlotte follows another case of MAGA infighting. Trumps embrace of AI technology and rolling out the red carpet to tech titans risks alienating voters who believe the tech industry is not only threatening their jobs but exposing their children to potential harm. Texan Republican Angela Paxton helped to get a ban on AI being allowed to create sexual content that featured children. Were coming up on an incredible time of innovation, Paxton said. At the same time, I think the job landscape is going to change a lot, and I think a lot of people are asking themselves, What does that mean for me and my family? Michigan Capitol building. (Photo by Susan J. Demas 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. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi last week, Michigan Republicans asked the federal government to provide comprehensive oversight of the states 2026 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the letter doesnt specify what comprehensive oversight means. And its not clear that the people who signed the letter agree on the meaning either. A total of 22 Republican state legislators from both the Senate and the House signed on to the letter, including Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, Sen. Ruth Johnson a former Michigan secretary of state and Rep. Rachelle Smit, who leads the House Election Integrity Committee. The letter asks the U.S. Justice Department to deploy official election monitors and provide comprehensive oversight for Michigans 2026 primary and general elections. It cites a number of concerns about Secretary of State Jocelyn Bensons administration of the election, from the fact that she is running for governor in the 2026 election to her alleged violations of election law. It is not unusual for secretaries of state to oversee elections they are candidates in. Benson ran the 2022 election that won her a second term, for instance, and Johnson oversaw two separate elections as secretary in which she was also on the ballot. In Michigan, while the secretary of state sets rules and regulations, it is local clerks who typically work with voters more directly, creating a layer of separation between the states highest election official and the voters who may or may not be supporting them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear if the Justice Department will take the matter on, but Johnson told Votebeat on Thursday that department officials were already meeting on the request. She said she didnt know who specifically was involved, and a spokesperson for the department did not respond to a request for comment. Nebulous views of oversight The first part of the Republicans request federal election monitors isnt unusual. Monitors watch polling places and vote-counting centers to ensure workers are following processes appropriately. Under President Joe Biden, the Justice Department sent monitors to 27 states in the 2024 general election, including Michigan, and sent monitors for Michigans primary election as well. Under President Donald Trump, it sent monitors to California and New Jersey earlier this month after similar requests from members of the GOP in both states, but those monitors were uninvasive and may not have visited certain jurisdictions at all. Comprehensive oversight, though, is a more abstract idea. To Johnson, oversight in 2026 would be something that has to be worked out, because you always have to balance everything. In an interview with Votebeat, she did not go into specifics about what type of intervention she might welcome in Michigan, although she offered one example of something she hopes federal involvement could accomplish: ensuring people dont vote twice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats already rare in Michigan. Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, pursued charges against several people in an investigation of double voting last year. Charges were dropped against most, while one was sentenced to probation this year. But a 2022 statewide audit found that, out of more than 11.7 million votes cast from May 2019 to March 2021, 99.99% were not duplicate votes. Nesbitt didnt offer much detail about what federal oversight could look like, either. We arent leaving any options off the table, he said in an emailed statement. The level of federal intervention in Michigans election is going to depend entirely on Jocelyn Bensons willingness to cooperate with the DOJ and follow the law. Im confident the DOJ will do whatever is necessary to ensure our next election is free of any manipulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nesbitt said that Benson should welcome DOJ oversight if elections are as secure as she claims. Johnson, meanwhile, said she would primarily like to see oversight from someone independent. Johnson argued that circumstances are different from when she was secretary of state and administering elections in 2014 and 2018. I was nonpartisan in every single way, she said. I got in trouble with some people in my own party because of it. Benson, she said, has not been the same. The Michigan Department of State argues that isnt true. Elections in Michigan are among the most transparent, secure and accessible in the nation, Angela Benander, a spokesperson for MDOS, said after the letter was released last week. Next years election will be no different, Benander continued. Yet by pouring gasoline on our democracy and asking the DOJ to light a match, these lawmakers ignore these truths. They instead use dangerous, false rhetoric to encourage President Trump to illegally interfere in our states ability to hold fair and free elections. Federal intervention has few precedents Experts say the federal governments ability to intervene in elections is limited. The Constitution is very clear, for example, that states get to establish the times, places and manner of elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, when the federal government has gotten involved in elections, it has usually been through legislation. During Reconstruction, for instance, Congress passed a series of Enforcement Acts that made it a federal crime to interfere with elections. However, that was at a time when Ku Klux Klan members were using violence to prevent Black voters from casting ballots a radically different circumstance than the ongoing lawsuits and alleged conflicts of interest Benson faces today. The timing of the letter is also unusual, said David Becker, an election lawyer who worked in the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division and now leads the nonprofit Center for Election Innovation & Research the general election is nearly a full year away. I dont know of a single instance in all of DOJ history where a jurisdiction that wasnt previously monitored had monitors assigned more than a few weeks before, he said. 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. Parts of Thailand have been inundated by months of heavy rain and flooding, but a video posts claim shows a rescue boat capsizing in central Ayutthaya province was in fact filmed more than 300 kilometres away. A rescue organisation shared the clip on October 1, which was taken during an evacuation effort in northern Uttaradit province. "The flooding in Ayutthaya is so strong that a rescue boat capsized while trying to help victims of the floods. May everyone be safe," reads the Burmese-language caption of a video shared on November 12, 2025 by a Facebook page sharing news from Thailand for Burmese immigrants living in the country. The video shows the moment a white boat capsizes after it was swept by strong currents into a concrete pole, while its passengers plunge into murky water. Screenshot taken on November 20, 2025 of the misleading post with an X marked by AFP The same video circulated in Facebook, TikTok and Instagram posts claiming it was filmed in Ayutthaya province. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The central province, which is home to a UNESCO-listed ancient city, has been inundated by heavy rain and a number of villages along the Chao Phraya river have been completely submerged for nearly four months (archived link). Twenty people have died in the floods, and the local Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office said more than 63,000 households have been affected, though most have remained in place despite the risks (archived link). However, the circulating video was in fact filmed in Uttaradit province -- situated 370 kilometres (230 miles) north of Ayutthaya. A combination of reverse image and keyword searches on Google found a higher quality Facebook reel shared by a local charity group on October 1, 2025 (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Thai-language caption said a rescue boat belonging to the Ruamkatanyu foundation capsized that day as it helped victims evacuate flooding in Uttaradit province. Screenshot comparison of the video from the misleading post (left) to the video from the local charity group Multiple local news outlets reported that the incident took place in Ban Kaeng neighborhood in Tron district, Uttaradit province during a rescue mission (archived link). The scene corresponds to Google Maps Street View imagery of the neighbourhood in Tron district (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the video from the charity group (left) to the Google Street View image with similarities highlighted by AFP Thai news outlet The Nation reported that Uttaradit experienced the province's worst flooding in 80 years during late September to early October. Flooding from heavy rains brought by tropical storm Bualoi inundated 2,000 households across three districts (archived link). AFP has previously debunked misrepresented visuals from natural disasters here and here. Across the globe, eels are considered a delicacy on the dinner table. However, behind this popular dish is the dark reality of a massive illegal wildlife trade threatening the species' survival. What's happening? Eels are an endangered species, with some, such as the European eels, listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, despite their endangered status, eels are still overfished and illegally traded worldwide. According to reports from the Guardian, Europe's eel trafficking is worth 2.5 billion euros. It's the largest wildlife crime in Europe, even though European eel exports were banned 15 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Europe's eel trafficking has become so widespread and continued despite legal action, researchers interviewed a group of key stakeholders involved in the eel industry, from law enforcement officers to eel farmers, in an effort to understand how the illegal trade of eels has been able to continue. Authorities discovered one of their first clues into the severity of eel trafficking after intercepting a luggage bag filled with live fish in Hong Kong. Following this discovery, officials asked Dr David Baker from Hong Kong University to identify the species using eDNA. Baker's analysis revealed that the eels were, in fact, European eels illegally brought into Asia. "It hit me like a ton of bricks that a critically endangered species is on the shelf at all these commercial retail outlets [outside Europe]," Baker told the Guardian after discovering that 45% of eels in Hong Kong convenience stores were European. Why is the illegal eel trade concerning? The illegal trafficking of European eels is detrimental to the species as a whole, as it pushes the already endangered eel closer to extinction. The loss of any species has a domino effect on the entire ecosystem, disrupting the populations of other prey and predators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illegally transporting and introducing non-native species into new countries can also spread diseases. If some of the illegally transported species happen to escape into open waters, they can introduce new diseases and/or breed with native species, wiping out local populations of marine life. From an economic and safety perspective, another reason why eel trafficking is so detrimental to society as a whole is that it fuels organized crime. The illegal eel trade is associated with other forms of law-breaking outside of animal trafficking, including money laundering and drug trading, per WIRED. What's being done about the illegal trade of eels? Despite conservation efforts and legal action, the illegal trafficking of eels has persisted. Experts are growing weary, as they doubt whether the wildlife trafficking will ever fully come to an end. However, the Guardian pointed out an ember of hope, noting that "the rise of the conscientious consumer will result in diners actively seeking out homegrown eels." As a result, by raising awareness, researchers can help educate the public about the illegal trafficking of eels. This, in turn, will help consumers make smarter decisions when they enjoy the delicacy, opting to buy eels from legal eel farmers. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. When Volodymyr Zelensky was presented with the US plan to end the Ukraine war on Thursday, he met not Donald Trumps secretary of war but a little-known 38-year-old seen as the Pentagons rising star. Dan Driscoll is now the most senior member of the Trump administration to visit Ukraine, a symbol of the growing status of the the US secretary of the army. While the Pentagon under Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defence recently unofficially renamed the secretary of war has spent months mired in chaos and controversy, Mr Driscoll has largely steered clear of the mudslinging. His stock appears to be rising as his bosss sinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JD Vance, the US vice-president, counts the army secretary as a personal friend. Mr Trump, the US president, refers to him as his drone guy, owing to his push to modernise Americas forces with military tech and move away from heavy, outdated defence systems. Mr Driscoll, as head of the Army, is leading the Pentagons counter-drone efforts. He is also now seen as a favourite to replace Mr Hegseth as Pentagon chief should the position become available. Should Mr Trump decide to remove Pete Hegseth (right) from the Pentagon Mr Driscoll (left) could become defence secretary - AFP/Jim Watson A former senior White House official told The Telegraph that Mr Driscoll is the workhorse who is exactly what Mr Trump is looking for, and can deliver where the defence secretary has failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Driscoll had what he called a comfortable, middle-class childhood, growing up in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina. Most of it was spent outdoors, he said on a podcast. His father was an infantryman in the Vietnam War, and his grandfather served in the Second World War. Mr Driscoll was 18 years old when he realised that he too could not miss out on my generations war, starting his basic training in September 2007 and being deployed to Iraq at the tail end of the troop surge. I do not want to be the kind of person [when] Im 40, 50, 60 years old and they ask the veterans to stand at an event, and I stay seated, he recalled. The White House sent Mr Driscoll rather than Pete Hegseth to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine last week - Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters After leaving Iraq, he joined Yale Law School in 2011 and graduated three years later. It was as a first year that he met a second year who had served in the Marine corps and took a group of veterans out for pizza to show them the lay of the land. His name was JD Vance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know a lot of you guys are going to be self-conscious, youve been out of school for a while, Mr Driscoll recalled Mr Vance saying. Youre going to feel like youre less than and not smart enough to keep up. But if you can just give it a couple of months, youll get your bearings, and youll figure it out and youll find out that you belong here. The two men had a lot in common. They were of a similar age and had their roots in Appalachia, although Mr Driscoll was a couple of years younger and had a more comfortable upbringing. Both had made their way to Yale Law via the army. Now both have risen, in short order, to reach the top levels of the Trump administration. Mr Driscoll served in Iraq saying he couldnt miss out on my generations war - Karl B DeBlaker/AP Photo Mr Driscoll worked in venture capital and had a brief flirtation with politics in 2020 when he ran for a congressional seat in North Carolina, where he admits to getting his ass kicked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four years later, he was on a summer break in Zurich when Mr Vance called and told him he had just been selected as Mr Trumps running mate. That was on a Monday evening, when Mr Driscoll was eating dinner with his wife, Cassie. The following morning, he jumped on a plane and headed to the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin. On the way he bought a super s----y-fitting suit, belt and tie that he had to retire a month later when a figure close to Mr Trump apparently told him he looked like an intern. By then, he was advising Mr Vance. The friendship with the vice-president may have protected him after he became army secretary, taking a job in a Pentagon that has been consumed by turmoil since Mr Hegseth took the reins and dismissed dozens of generals, admirals and top aides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the defence secretary was narrowly confirmed in his job in January, his reputation has taken a hammering notably in the Signalgate scandal, when he accidentally leaked US military plans to a journalist. JD Vance, the US vice-president, has acted as a mentor to Mr Driscoll Externally, Mr Driscoll has avoided sticking his head above the parapet. Instead, he has got stuck into acquisition reform and learning lessons from the Ukraine war, which the former venture capitalist calls the Silicon Valley of warfare. Internally, he is determined to shake up the Pentagon, and tells members of Congress he is a mixture of a southern Baptist preacher and a jihadist whos going to pull the temple down on all of our heads. The White House has noticed. Mr Driscoll was the figure selected to meet Mr Zelensky, the Ukraine president, on Thursday, presenting the 28-point plan Mr Trump hopes will lead to peace between Russia and Ukraine, and prompting speculation that he could succeed Mr Hegseth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dan Driscoll is the opposite of Pete Hegseth hes serious, shrewd and has the confidence of the White House, said a former senior White House official. Dans a workhorse, not a showhorse, and puts a lot of lead on target for the president in everything he does. After a year of endless drama at the Pentagon, Dans brand of quiet and effective leadership is exactly what President Trump is looking for to get his important reform agenda back on track. A source told Politico: Theres not a lot of trust in Hegseth to deliver these messages to key leaders there is more trust in Dan to do that right now. Mr Driscoll is current army secretary having been a venture capitalist after his stint in Iraq - AFP/Fabrice Coffrini The Telegraph has previously reported friction between the Pentagon and White House, where Mr Hegseths senior aides are said to be widely distrusted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, doesnt distrust Pete but questions his judgment, another source told Politico. The administration has consistently denied tension between the two. On Friday, CNN reported that Mr Trump was preparing to reshuffle his cabinet after a year in office, although that report was denied by Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary. Mr Hegseth could come under renewed scrutiny once an internal report on his role in the Signalgate scandal is released. Mr Driscoll has been a soldier, law student, venture capitalist, congressional candidate, army secretary and Mr Trumps drone guy. Pentagon chief is looking increasingly likely to be his next move. This narrative is fake news. The secretary has built an all-star team at the department of war, and we are proud of our many accomplishments, said Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesman. Russia has been launching jet-powered drones and guided bombs in attacks against Ukraine. Senior Ukrainian officials said that the weapons are being used to test Kyiv, with changing tactics. While they pose a threat to air defenses, they are not being employed in large numbers. Russia is using high-speed drones and guided glide bombs powered by jet engines to strike Ukraine, leaving defenders with very little time to react. Senior Ukrainian officials told Business Insider that Russian tactics appear to be evolving with the introduction of these jet-powered weapons, testing Kyiv's response, but for now, they are being used in limited numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe the enemy is testing our defenses and our countermeasures against these new systems to assess whether mass production is worth pursuing," said Lt. Col. Yurii Myronenko, Ukraine's deputy minister of defense for innovation. The Geran-3, a Russian drone modeled after Iran's Shahed-238, first showed up in Ukraine early this year and has been involved in attacks over the past few months. The long-range drone is equipped with a turbojet engine, allowing it to travel at speeds of up to 230 miles per hour. This drone is a more advanced version of the propeller-driven Geran-2, although both are designed to carry explosive warheads, dive at their targets, and detonate on impact. Myronenko, a former drone unit commander, said that the jet-powered Shaheds have been used alongside propeller-driven strike and decoy drones in multiple large-scale Russian attacks this fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For now, the enemy is employing them in limited numbers," he said, though he noted that one recent attack featured only jet-powered Shaheds as many as 10 of them and no propeller-driven drones at all, pointing to a potential evolution in Russian attacks. Russia frequently uses Shahed-type drones to attack Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy/Screengrab via X The Ukrainian military's communications department told Business Insider that several large-scale Russian attacks have featured jet-powered drones, but only very few of them, explaining that what the country is seeing right now "cannot be called massive use." Mykhailo Fedorov, the first deputy prime minister of Ukraine and minister of digital transformation, suggested that Russia is struggling to mass-produce its jet-powered drones. "It's still a small-enough number," he said, speaking through a translator. "They're iterating, they're testing, they're changing their tactics." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's defense ministry and its US embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its jet-powered weapons and their use in Ukraine. Glide bombs with more range The Ukrainian military said that Russia is also periodically using jet-powered guided glide bombs against Ukraine, but not in large numbers, similar to the Geran-3 drones. "Isolated launches of guided glide bombs with an increased flight range are observed in various areas of the front," the military said, without getting into specifics. Glide bombs are dumb bombs equipped with special kits that turn them into precision-guided munitions. These weapons can be launched from Russian jets at a standoff range beyond the reach of Ukraine's air defenses. They have small radar signatures, non-ballistic trajectories, and short flight times, making them notoriously difficult to intercept. Russian glide bombs are difficult for Ukrainian air defenses to intercept. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP Reports began to emerge last month that Russia had been using glide bombs with turbojet engines to attack Ukraine. Myronenko described the situation as "complicated." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This significantly expands the geography of enemy attacks," he explained. "We do have countermeasures against these bombs, but they do not always result in interception, and the longer the range, the greater the threat to civilians." The Ukrainian military said some Russian attacks have been intercepted by antiaircraft weapons, including missile systems, as well as jets and helicopters. Electronic warfare also works in some cases, though Ukraine's HUR military intelligence agency said in September that the Geran-3 was built with jamming-resistant technology. Fedorov said that Ukraine is looking into jet-powered interceptor drones to respond to the Geran-3 threat, adding that this technology is in the research and development phase. Ukraine has heavily invested in interceptor drones as a cost-effective means of defending against propeller-driven strike drones. The tradeoffs of weapons design Russia's growing use of jet-powered weapons is part of a "strategy to impose costs on Ukrainian air defenses," said Patrycja Bazylczyk, an associate director and associate fellow with the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Propeller-driven drones can be destroyed by truck-mounted machine guns, as mobile Ukrainian air defense units have been doing for years, but these jet-powered drones, with their increased speed, make targeting and interception more difficult, she told Business Insider. The aftermath of a Russian glide bomb and drone attack in Dobropillia, Ukraine. Scott Peterson/Getty Images Meanwhile, the jet-powered glide bombs, with their extended range, allow Russian planes to strike from greater distances well beyond the reach of Ukraine's air defenses, which are already struggling to counter glide bomb threats. Jet-powered drones and bombs, however, aren't without their issues. "Weapons design involves many tradeoffs," Bazylczyk explained. "Opting for a jet engine prioritizes speed, reducing defender reaction times. But it'll cost you: these jet-powered Shaheds are pricier and have shorter range than propeller-powered counterparts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myronenko said Russia might be constrained in its ability to purchase the jet engines, which are more expensive and less readily available. He said Moscow's ability to acquire the technology depends on the willingness of other countries to supply it. While Ukraine has confirmed an overall uptick in the use of Russian jet-powered weapons, their impact on the battlefield and beyond remains to be seen, especially if the warhead size remains the same. "Slapping a jet engine on a Shahed does not really change the weapon's effect," Bazylczyk said. "Just because you strap a motor to a bicycle doesn't make it a Harleyit's just an electric bike." Read the original article on Business Insider Another business will soon move into the Peninsula Shopping Center, following a series of other recent arrivals in the last year that underscore the sites potential for supporting future redevelopment in Gig Harbors downtown. JAX Luxury Salon, currently located in suite 100 of the Harbor Inn Restaurant Building at 3111 Harborview Dr., will relocate to the shopping center in downtown Gig Harbor next spring. The salon posted a tour of their space on Instagram and noted their expanded capacity along with plans to offer new Japanese head spa services, massage therapy and pedicures. Customers will also have access to more parking than at their current space. The salon will be the fifth business since May to join the Peninsula Shopping Center community, following Fusion Donut Cafe, Club Pilates, Big Nates Trading Cards and wholesale clothing store Sample Sale. That leaves two spaces still available for lease: an anchor retail space thats about 25,000 square feet and a smaller suite thats 1,421 square feet, according to The Rush Companies website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gordon Rush, CEO and founder of The Rush Companies, is listed in state business records as one of the governors for 3110 Judson Street, LLC, which owns the Peninsula Shopping Center property per Gig Harbor permit records. The other governor is a member of the Milgard family, known for their local philanthropy and founding the Milgard brand of windows and doors. A projected interior design for JAX Luxury Salons new location at the Peninsula Shopping Center. The hair salon and spa, currently located at 3111 Harborview Dr. Suite 100, aims to relocate to the shopping center on Judson Street in Gig Harbor, Wash., by Thursday, May 1, 2026. Some spaces at the downtown retail site have been empty for years. JAX Luxury Salon co-owner Darren Swenson told The News Tribune that their future suite had previously been vacant for over five years, and he couldnt remember what had occupied it before. The News Tribune has also reported extensively on the long search for a tenant to fill the sites anchor retail spot, which was once a Thriftway before it became a QFC. Town & Country Market, originally interested in a location at the Village at Harbor Hill, eyed the space downtown for a while before deciding to pull out, The News Tribune reported. Rush hosted a block party at the retail site in September to celebrate recent improvements at the Peninsula Shopping Center, including fresh paint, repaved concrete and updated striping, modern exterior lighting and landscape improvements throughout the site, according to their website. In a phone call Friday, Danny Kruse, vice president of Rush Properties, reiterated the developers intent to continue revitalizing the retail site and making it an attractive place for business downtown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It had been a long time since there was any real investment in the center, Kruse said. And so were excited about that and we hope the community is, and so that was the intention of the block party. Plans to attract a regional grocery store to the Peninsula Shopping Center in Gig Harbor, Washington, - on Thursday, March 17, 2022 - are moving slowly. Rush Development bought partial stake in the center Feb. 25, 2020, but says its too soon in the process to discuss any potential work at the site. While there have been vacancies at the Peninsula Shopping Center, Kruse said that it hasnt been difficult to get tenants to fill them. It has not been difficult to get tenants to come, as evidenced by the fact that we have one small space and one larger anchor space (left), Kruse said. The rest of the spaces filled up very quickly. JAX Luxury Salon to double stylist chairs, expand services JAX will move into a suite between Harbor Barber and Mizu Steakhouse thats about 5,300 square feet, nearly double the size of their current space, said Darren Swenson, who co-owns the salon with his son Aidan Swenson. Their goal is to be in the new space by May 1. JAX Luxury Salon plans to have 16 stylist chairs at their new location at the Peninsula Shopping Center in Gig Harbor, Wash., up from eight at their previous location. The salon will double the number of stylist chairs to reach a total of 16, plus four additional chairs for blowouts and another four for pedicures, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyll also have six spa rooms, up from just two in their current space. Two of the rooms will have estheticians offering waxing and facials, two will provide body massages and two will offer Japanese head spas a special process that rejuvenates the scalp with a massage and nourishing treatments. ... its truly a relaxing experience with the head spa, the way the water runs over your scalp and into the basin, Swenson said. Its like being in a mini waterfall lying down ... . Its extremely relaxing. The new location will also have a training area for stylists, an additional stylist break room and a very relaxing waiting area for customers waiting for their spa treatments, he said. Designs for JAX Luxury Salons new location at Peninsula Shopping Center in Gig Harbor, Wash. show comfortable seating areas for customers and guests. Swenson said the salon plans to offer some opening specials, though its too early to say what those will be. They will also maintain their 15% discount for students up to age 21 and offer of a free 30-minute facial for customers during their birthday month. Im most excited about elevating the experience for beauty and self-care for the folks who live in Gig Harbor and the surrounding communities to be able to just stay here and have this experience and not have to travel to other parts of Western Washington to have this level of self-treatment, Swenson said. Sen. Raphael Warnock called for the immediate firing of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Department of Health and Human Services secretary on Sunday. In a social media post, the Georgia Democrat said of Kennedy, "Secretary Kennedy has spent his time in office spreading doubt about vaccines. Now measles is back. He is a threat to our health and must be fired immediately." Kennedy earlier this year cast doubt on the measles vaccine, instead touting treatments that are unproven. He has said he wants the government to follow gold standard science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention altered its website to dispute the conclusion that vaccines dont cause autism. Kennedy said he personally directed the change to the website, ABC News reported. The whole thing about vaccines have been tested and theres been this determination made, is just a lie, Kennedy said in a New York Times interview Friday. Kennedys record at the HHS secretary was also recently called out by his cousin Tatiana Schlossberg, who is dying of cancer. She said his activities at HHS secretary make cancer patients like herself less safe. His family members had urged the Senate to reject his confirmation as HHS secretary, which was confirmed mostly on party lines, with only Sen. Mitch McConnell joining Democrats in opposing his nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt the first time Warnock has called out Kennedy. He joined Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee calling on Kennedy to resign because of his anti-health and science agenda back in September. The Associated Press contributed to this report. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday clarified China's principled position on the Taiwan issue in a telephone call with his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump. Xi stressed that Taiwan's return to China is an important part of the post-war international order. China and the United States once fought side by side against fascism and militarism, Xi noted, adding that at present, they should jointly safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II. Massachusetts legislators have introduced a number of bills to regulate drone activity in the state, following a growing number of drone sightings and hazardous drone operation in the state. None of these bills, however, would make it legal to shoot down a drone in Massachusetts. Thats because its illegal under federal law. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), shooting down a drone could result in a civil penalty from the FAA and/or criminal charges from federal, state or local law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about current federal and state rules surrounding drones. What is a drone? The FAA refers to drones as "small unmanned aircraft systems," or UAS. Drones are used for a variety of reasons, including by news agencies, law enforcement or individuals. More than 822,000 drones were registered by the FAA in the U.S. as of July 2025, according to its website. In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation uses drones as part of its Aeronautics Drone Operations Program to assist government agencies as well as the MBTA, according to the department website. They use these drones to inspect roads, bridges, airports and rail and transit facilities. A couple of drone pilots operate their drones from Birch Drive in Brewster. Police and fire were dispatched for a report of a missing person. Officials could be seen searching in the wooded areas off Headwaters Drive and the Punkhorn in Harwich. Photo taken Sept. 14, 2025 What is the process for lawfully operating a drone? Generally, anyone flying a drone must register it with the FAA. Registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to register, applicants must be: At least 13 years old A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident Typically, drone operators must have their registration certificate on hand when they fly. If they don't, they could be subject to criminal penalties. What are the rules for flying a drone? According to the FAA, the general "rules of the sky" for drones include: Always avoid manned aircraft. Never operate in a careless or reckless manner. Keep your drone within sight. If you use First Person View or similar technology, you must have a visual observer always keep your drone within unaided sight (for example, no binoculars). You cannot be a pilot or visual observer for more than one drone operation at a time. Do not fly a drone over people unless they are directly participating in the operation. Do not operate your drone from a moving aircraft. Do not operate your drone from a moving vehicle unless you are flying your drone over a sparsely populated area and it does not involve the transportation of property for compensation or hire. Fly during daylight (or twilight if your drone has anti-collision lighting) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also specific requirements for recreational flyers versus certified remote pilots. Recreational flyers who use a drone for personal enjoyment or educational purposes must: Keep the drone within visual line of sight Not interfere with other aircraft Pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test Carry proof of registration Not fly their drone in a way that "endangers the safety of the national airspace system" A drone hovers nearby as Taylor Ellis walks along the Anawan Cliffs shoreline in Narragansett in March 2023. There are specific requirements the FAA has when it comes to drones flying over people: operators cannot fly in a "careless or reckless manner" that could harm life or property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certified drone pilots, who fly for commercial, government or other reasons, should become familiar with the rules under Part 107, be at least 16 years old and become an FAA-certified drone pilot by passing a knowledge test and registering the drone. The default rule set for drones weighing below 55 pounds is Part 107, the agency says. For more information, go to www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators. Operators who "endanger other aircraft or people on the ground can face fines that exceed $30,000" and the agency can suspend or revoke their pilot certificate, according to the FAA. Is it legal to shoot down a drone in Massachusetts? Shooting down a hovering drone is illegal in Massachusetts and nationwide, the FAA says. The FAA advises residents to call local law enforcement if a drone is unsafely flying over their property. But the FAA doesn't regulate drones when it comes to privacy. That's up to local municipalities: for example, the city of Chicopee prohibits drones from photographing or recording people without their prior written permission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You should check your local ordinances for more information. Where are drones permitted to fly in Massachusetts? Drones can fly in "controlled and uncontrolled airspace," according to the FAA, but there are rules and restrictions. Under federal law, drone operators should avoid flying: In and around stadiums that seat 30,000 or more people around the time of sporting events. Drones are barred starting one hour before to one hour after the scheduled event. Near airports Facilities, such as military bases, natural landmarks and nuclear power plants, that have national security sensitivities Near a wildfire or hurricane Massachusetts law also prohibits taking off, landing, or operating a drone over any land or waterways managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, which includes state parks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some towns also have specific laws on where drones can be flown. In Chicopee and Holyoke, town ordinances prohibit operating drones over private property without written consent from the property owner. The best resource to use when determining where you can fly a drone in Massachusetts is the FAA's B4UFLY mobile app or desktop site. B4UFLY provides an up-to-date map showing controlled airspace, restricted areas and temporary flight restrictions. Operators should also watch for "No Drone Zone" signs to determine if they can take off or land their drone in that area. For more information about the FAA's rules around drones, go to www.faa.gov/uas. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Drone flying over your Massachusetts home? What you need to know Singapore will start issuing bunkering licences next year to companies supplying methanol as marine fuel, in an effort to help global shipping cut carbon emissions, officials said Monday. Three companies will kickstart methanol supply in the Port of Singapore from January 1, its Marine and Port Authority (MPA) said in a statement. Singapore is the world's top bunkering hub due to its strategic location along the Strait of Malacca, having a well-developed infrastructure and access to refineries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This marks an important step towards establishing methanol bunkering at scale and driving Singapore's ambition to be a sustainable multi-fuel bunkering hub," the MPA said. Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd, Golden Island Pte Ltd, and PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd were selected out of 13 firms that applied for licences since Singapore called for applications in March, MPA said. They were chosen for the "reliability of their supply chains, operational readiness, safety systems, and the sustainability certification of the methanol to be supplied," according to MPA. "The strong interest reflects the sector's growing focus on lower-emission marine fuels," it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The licences will be valid for five years to support "the early development of methanol bunkering by giving licensees sufficient scope to build capabilities, strengthen supply chains, and anchor initial investments as the market develops," it added. Green methanol, or bio-methanol, is composed of waste carbon dioxide (CO2) and "green hydrogen", which is created by using renewable energy to split water molecules. Compared to conventional marine fuels, green methanol has a lower carbon footprint, cutting emissions by up to 65 percent, according to shipping firms. Global shipping -- which generally runs on diesel and other bunker fuels -- contributed to at least three percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, according to the latest statistics by the UN's trade and development body UNCTAD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New guidelines by the International Maritime Organization said shipping emissions needed to be cut by at least 40 percent by 2030 and down to zero by around 2050 if the commitments in the Paris Climate Accords are to be achieved. mba/jhe/mtp Morgan Geyser, the assailant in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing case in Wisconsin, was arrested Sunday night in the south suburbs. The multi-state manhunt ended in south suburban Posen. Geyser spent about a day of freedom after leaving her group home in Wisconsin and cutting off her Department of Corrections monitoring bracelet. She made it about 165 miles from Madison before police took her back into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before being located, Geyser was last seen in Madison around 8 p.m. Saturday with an adult acquaintance, police said in a statement posted on social media, which included a recent surveillance image of Geyser. The police department said it was notified of the 22-year-old Geyser's disappearance on Sunday morning. Geyser's mother, Angie Geyser, said in a statement to ABC News earlier on Sunday, "If you see Morgan, please call the police. Morgan, if you can see this, we love you and just want to know you are safe." Police said Geyser was eventually found unharmed at 9:54 p.m. Sunday at a Thornton's Truck stop at 14840 S. Western Ave. in Posen. Posen police found her after responding to a call about two people loitering and sleeping on the sidewalk outside of a gas station less than 1 mile from the police station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said Geyser told officers to "just Google" her after initially giving them a false name. "She was fearful of giving her correct information because she said she had done something really bad," said Posen Police Chief William Alexander. She was in the company of a 43-year-old person who she is alleged to be in a relationship with, and both took a bus to Posen, officials said. That person, identified as Chad Mecca, told ABC7 Chicago off-camera that Geyser was a "best friend," and they had met two months ago at a church in Madison. It's unclear if Illinois was their destination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have charged Mecca, now released from custody, with criminal trespass and obstructing identification. They have not determined the relationship between the two. "She was asking if she could say a final goodbye to the subject she was with because she knew she was never going to see this person again," Alexander said. After spending the night in the Posen police lockup, Geyser is in handcuffs, being transferred to the Cook County Jail before facing an extradition hearing to send her back to Wisconsin. In 2014, Geyser and another girl, Anissa Weier, lured their friend, Payton Leutner, then 12, to the woods in Waukesha, where Geyser stabbed Leutner while Weier watched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geyser and Weier, who were also 12 at the time, left Leutner alone in the woods. Injured and bleeding, Leutner pulled herself to safety and was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Leutner survived the attack that captured headlines worldwide after Geyser and Weier claimed that the stabbing was intended to please "Slender Man," a faceless, fictional internet-based character that garnered a cult-like following. Geyser pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted intentional homicide and was sent to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in 2018. Geyser was later found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, and was sentenced to up to 40 years in a psychiatric institution. Weier was also found not guilty by mental disease or defect after pleading guilty to a lesser charge. She was sentenced to up to 25 years in a psychiatric institution. In 2021, at the age of 19, Weier was granted supervised release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with ABC's "20/20" in October 2019, Leutner said she had worked hard to heal from the attack and rebuild a normal life. She told ABC News that she was ready to reclaim her story. "I've come to accept all of the scars that I have," Leutner said in the exclusive interview with ABC's David Muir. "It's just a part of me. I don't think much of them. They will probably go away and fade eventually." In January, Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael Bohren ordered the state Department of Health Services to come up with a plan for Geyser's supervised release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. Geyser was transferred in March from the Winnebago Mental Health facility to a group home despite concerns raised by prosecutors, who alleged she had "violent" communication with a man outside the facility and had read a book in the facility with "themes of sexual sadism and murder." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of her release, Geyser was ordered to wear a monitoring bracelet. "It's extremely concerning, you would so blatantly violate a very simple condition that you stay in placement and keep a bracelet on," said Waukesha County Assistant District Attorney Abbey Nickolai. On Monday morning, Geyser walked outside of the Posen Police Department in handcuffs and was placed in the back of a squad car. Morgan Geyser, the young woman convicted in the Slender Man stabbing case in Wisconsin, is escorted out of a police station in Posen, Illinois. Geyser is due in Cook County court for an extradition hearing on Tuesday. The Wisconsin Department of Human Services is then expected to request she be returned to institutional care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waukesha County prosecutors outlined the next steps on Monday. Dane County law enforcement is handling the investigation into the escape, and any criminal charges stemming from it will be decided by the Dane County District Attorney's Office. Once Geyser is returned to Wisconsin, DHS will decide whether to file a petition to revoke her conditional release. Boese said her office strongly supports revocation, saying that Geyser had already faced revocation proceedings earlier this year. Prosecutors said they were alarmed by how easily she was able to leave her placement and by the lack of communication surrounding the escape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim and her family were not informed by any agency until Waukesha County's victim-witness director contacted them Sunday afternoon. Boese said her office immediately reached out once they received the news, but the family still had not been notified by DHS or law enforcement hours later, which she described as "very concerning." Geyser's attorney, Tony Cotton, released a statement Monday morning saying, "Right now we do not know the circumstances behind Morgan's departure from the group home - namely whether she left voluntarily or whether something more nefarious took place such as an abduction. We are glad that Morgan was found safely and returned to custody. When we know more information we will be happy to discuss. As I have said before, the biggest fear I had for Morgan upon her release from the mental hospital was her ability to navigate new relationships, particularly with older men who might not have her best interests in mind. I witnessed first hand during the 12 years that I represented Morgan how there were seemingly normal men who would find their way into her orbit and act in ways that were highly inappropriate." "Payton Leutner and her family are aware of the most recent situation regarding Morgan Geyser," a spokesperson for the Leutner family said in a statement to ABC News. "Payton and her family are safe and are working closely with local law enforcement to ensure their continued safety." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The family would like to thank all of the law enforcement entities involved in the efforts to apprehend Morgan," the statement continued. "The Leutner family also wish to thank the outpouring of support from family, friends, and well-wishers who have contacted them during this difficult time." ABC News contributed to this report. (Corrects to say ConnectID is a software programme, not an application, in paragraph 3) SYDNEY (Reuters) -Snap said on Monday it will offer Australians the chance to verify their age with software owned by the country's banks as the internet platform complies with a teenage social media ban which takes effect next month. Australia approved last year a world-first social media ban for children aged under 16, in one of the toughest regulations targeting Big Tech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S.-based Snap, operator of the Snapchat service, said it will start reaching out this week to users, giving them the option to prove they are 16 or above by clicking on software tool ConnectID which links to their bank accounts. Snap said it would also give Australian users the chance to confirm their age using software owned by Singapore-headquartered age-assurance provider k-ID that estimates a person's age based on a selfie or by uploading government-issued identification. But the bank account option, which Reuters previously reported was being tested, represents the first involvement of a person's financial footprint in the rollout of the landmark social media ban. Snapchat claims about 440,000 Australian users aged 13-15, making it the most affected platform by the restriction. In a post on its website, Snap said the Australian government had dismissed its claim to be a messaging platform, rather than social media, but "while we strongly disagree with this assessment, we will comply as we do with all local laws in countries in which we operate". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ConnectID, which is owned and used by most major Australian banks, said it would send the tech platform a "yes/no" signal about whether the person was over 16 based on their account details, without making them upload sensitive information. "The goal here is to protect young people online without creating new privacy risks," said ConnectID managing director Andrew Black in a statement. Social media platforms had argued against the Australian ban, which threatens them with a fine of up to A$49.5 million ($31.95 million) for noncompliance, but as the December 10 deadline approaches most have said they will comply. Last week, Meta, owner of Instagram, Facebook and Threads, which are covered by the ban, said it will start deactivating underage accounts before the deadline. ($1 = 1.5494 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) South Africa struck the G20 gavel this weekend with a bracing agenda: calling for reforms to global financial architecture, climate justice, and centering Africas economic development. It did so with integrity despite the US boycott, which South Africas foreign ministry spokesperson called coercion by absentia. The summit declaration was a critical win, but the story is not over. Washingtons absence was particularly felt during what would normally be a procedural and uneventful handover to the next G20 presidency, which the US takes over next month but a handover didnt take place. The rotating presidency exists to preserve continuity and engagement of its members, especially as each member must provide a full secretariat and set the agenda and plan for the year of its hosting. At first glance, there is no massive problem that a handover failed to materialize. But the underlying issue is a growing concern that Washington might choose to withhold South Africas invitation to Miami for the preparatory G20 meetings it hosts next year. This too would be pressure enacted by absence: not through sanctions or economic restrictions, but by denying South Africa the platform that underpins multilateral problem-solving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, a presidency involves stewarding a club that rests on equal membership; it does not offer the right to unilaterally strip a member of its seat. If any presidency were permitted to exclude a fellow member, the G20 would cease to function as a collective steering committee for the global economy and instead risk becoming a forum shaped by bilateral political tensions. Middle-power members, like Indonesia and South Korea, would have to assume that they, too, could be sidelined at some future point. That is why the remaining G20 members must be unequivocal: Disinviting South Africa, or any member, would not be acceptable. Should such an exclusion occur, members ought to be prepared to boycott ministerials and working-group meetings hosted by the new presidency, ensuring that the G20s long-term integrity outweighs short-term diplomatic discomfort. Doing so would not be coercion but a collective defence of the institutions rules an insistence that multilateral forums remain governed by agreed norms, not bilateral politics. The African Unions new membership strengthens this calculus. As a permanent G20 member since New Delhi 2023, the AUs inclusion is a structural change: It is not merely another guest, but a standing actor whose institutional legitimacy would be reduced by any sidelining of one of its member states. The AU and its partners, therefore, have a particular stake in ensuring membership rights are respected. That said, the institutional calendar offers some reassurance. After the US G20 presidency concludes, the gavel will pass to the UK an opportunity for the group of nations to reset and for business to continue. But continuity still depends on what happens now. If the G20 is to function as the worlds economic and financial management board, its members must be ready to act in defence of the forums integrity. The News African countries should coordinate mining policies to avoid the continent becoming trapped in a cycle of low-value extraction, South Africas mining minister said. Gwede Mantashe, speaking at a mining event on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, said regional governments and African institutions should work together on exploration, pricing, and processing, rather than each state negotiating alone with multinational companies and weakening the continents collective bargaining power. He said South Africa, with its deep mining ecosystem and large domestic market, is well placed to lead a continental response. Mantashe warned that African states are running down their reserves without replacing them, while multinational companies continue to dictate the terms of trade. He urged African producers to unite as a producing continent and end what he called a race to the bottom in tax breaks and licensing concessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior official in Mantashes department, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Semafor the minister had not yet discussed the issue of coordination with other African mining ministers. The person said South African government officials had discussed approaching a multilateral body, such as the African Union or UN, to explore what a continental mechanism could look like. Know More Mantashes remarks come amid intensifying global competition for battery metals and rare minerals. Some estimates suggest Africa holds as much as 30% of known key minerals reserves but processes only a small fraction of them. Meanwhile, climate-related trade measures, including Europes carbon border levy, continue to raise costs for African exporters already operating under tight margins. Mantashe said definitions of critical minerals reflect the priorities of wealthy economies defense in the US and green technology in Europe while African priorities remain jobs, export earnings, and energy security. Our minerals are critical for them, not for us, he told delegates. We must define our own interests and act on them together. Sams view Mantashes coordination push is compelling in theory: Africas mineral wealth is dispersed, bargaining power is weakened by fragmentation, and the global scramble for critical minerals rewards scale. Aligning exploration funding, pricing, and midstream strategy makes intuitive sense. No single African country can capture full value alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politically, however, the idea is far more complicated. African governments guard sovereignty fiercely, and regional cooperation often collides with long-standing sensitivities, competing national interests, and mistrust of dominant economies. Not every capital will readily embrace an idea perceived to originate in Pretoria; South Africas economic weight could prompt suspicion. To gain credibility, any coordination effort would need AU-level neutrality an institutional mechanism seen as continent-led, not South Africa-led. Anything short of that will struggle to overcome political egos, uneven state capacity, and the instinct to negotiate alone. Even then, coordination will only work if the industrial fundamentals are in place: stable electricity, competitive logistics, predictable regulation, and deep pools of long-term capital areas where African producers remain constrained. Mining companies excel at extraction because that is their business model; processing is a manufacturing activity requiring different investors, technologies, and risk appetite. The global minerals reset is unfolding in real time. If African countries cannot organize collectively or fix their domestic infrastructure bottlenecks they risk remaining solely the exporters of raw minerals while the other nations that process them extract greater rewards. Room for Disagreement Mantashes argument may be based on an assessment that overstates the continents mineral wealth. Africas share of global critical minerals production and reserves is actually less than 5%, far less than the 30% often cited by analysts, Bright Simons, an analyst at Accra-based think tank IMANI, wrote in a recent Semafor column. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simons said this mischaracterization was driving both US-Africa policy strategists in the White House and pro-Africa analysts on the continent who are keen to improve Africas geopolitical standing. Instead, he wrote, the potential of the continents mining industries should be reframed around which minerals would most benefit the continent. The View From the UN UN Assistant Secretary-General Ahunna Eziakonwa said the global critical-minerals boom is the biggest resource opportunity in a lifetime for the continent but warned that Africa risks repeating past cycles of exporting raw minerals without these sales spreading wealth among the wider populace. The question is no longer how the world can secure Africas minerals, but how Africas minerals can secure Africas prosperity, said Eziakonwa, who heads the UN Development Programmes work in Africa. She argued that the continents constraints are political rather than geological. We dont have a geological problem. We have a governance problem, an ambition problem, and a fragmentation problem. Short political timeframes four to seven years clash with the 20- to 80-year investments required for industrialization, she said. Eziakonwa stressed that no African country can industrialize alone: We need an African value chain, not 54 national strategies competing with each other. Notable NEED TO KNOW A Southwest Airlines traveler was caught on camera screaming at an airline employee at the Denver International Airport over a flight delay Security ultimately led the woman away to cheers from her fellow travelers A video of the incident was shared on TikTok on Friday, Nov. 21, and has been viewed more than 2 million times as of Sunday, Nov. 23 A traveler at the Denver International Airport was spotted screaming at an airline employee, and the tense moment has since gone viral. A video of the incident, which was shared on TikTok on Friday, Nov. 21, shows a woman in white sweatpants and an olive-green crop top at the counter of a Southwest Airlines gate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Do you feel safe?" she screamed at fellow travelers at the start of the clip. How dare you treat me this way? she then yelled at a Southwest employee, later shouting, Who are you? Why is our plane late? Why are we not boarding? Later in the video, the woman threatened to sue the airline employee and implied she would get the employee fired. This is not okay! she continued. The woman was seemingly then bumped from the flight, though it is unclear if the decision was due to her outburst or to routine overbooking. The video then showed two members of airport security approaching the woman as people in the terminal cheered their arrival. Text over the footage read, the cops took her away lmao. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a response in the videos comments section, the original poster said that she went to check on the airline employee after the encounter and said she had tears in her eyes. 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. I felt so bad, she added. She became extremely upset about the boarding process not going quick enough and started yelling at the staff," the poster said while recalling the incident in an exclusive email to PEOPLE. She added, "She then got pulled out of line and screamed at them and around the gate for a long time. The employees handled it calmly until security escorted her away. It was just quite a chaotic moment to experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video has been viewed more than 2.3 million times and has more than 5,200 comments as of Sunday, Nov. 23. A number of commenters voiced their shock at the anonymous travelers behavior. Has this lady never experienced a delay of ANY sort? one commenter asked. The airport is the last place Im letting my demons loose. You gotta keep yourself off the no fly list mama, someone else said. Another person added, Why do people harass the gate agents like any delays or cancellations are their fault? PEOPLE reached out to both the Denver International Airport and Southwest Airlines for comment on Sunday, Nov. 23, but did not receive an immediate response. Read the original article on People JOHNSTOWN, Pa. When the waters of the 1889 flood decimated Johnstown, the American Red Cross launched its first major disaster response here. Today, the Red Cross operates a facility in the Johnstown area from which life-saving blood products continuously flow to hospitals across the entire Northeast. To have such a big blood center to get these life-saving units out to patients is really special, said Nicole Roschella, communications director for the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Red Cross blood donation center at 250 Jari Drive in Richland Township opened in 2004, replacing the organizations previous facility in downtown Johnstown. The move to the 132,000-square-foot facility at Jari Drive enabled the Red Cross to increase production, Roschella said. Last year, we processed about 390,000 blood products from our Johnstown blood center, she said. In the Spotlight For comparison, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center uses approximately 6,000 blood products each year. That includes red blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate, said Dr. Matthew Perry, chairman of the department of emergency medicine and medical director of Conemaugh Physician Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Conemaugh hospital, our role as a Level 1 Trauma Center relies on rapid, dependable access to life-saving blood products, he said. We receive all of our blood products through the Greater Alleghenies Region of the American Red Cross, and the majority of our supply comes from the local region, the compassionate volunteers who regularly donate, and the dedicated team that ensures we have what we need when we need it. The Johnstown facility is one of the major blood centers in the country for the American Red Cross. Others are in Palmetto, California, and Atlanta, Georgia, Roschella said. The Johnstown facility receives blood donations from blood drives in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland. Various blood products are made from those donations and shipped out primarily to those states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But we are also able to send blood products nationwide wherever there is a need, she said. The blood center in Johnstown also receives donors who schedule appointments at the facility. Donors receive an email, as well as access to a mobile app that tells them where their blood was sent. Dr. Lou Schenfeld, of Westmont, has been donating blood at the center for 43 years, ever since he opened his practice in Johnstown in 1982. Mine has gone as far as Alabama and Yonkers, New York, he said. It goes all across West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, down through Virginia and thats just mine. Im sure everyones donations are similar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whole blood donations are separated into various components: red cells, plasma and cryoprecipitate each with its own life-saving purpose. Donating is critical, he said. Platelets are especially important for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and for those undergoing major surgeries such as open-heart procedures. And plasma is critical to restoring blood volume in trauma patients. Schenfelds infectious disease specialty practice, which he ended in 2013, was located on Franklin Street across from Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, the only Level 1 Trauma Center between Pittsburgh and Hershey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he retired in 2018, he began donating platelets, which entails a more time-consuming process. He donates platelets every two weeks. I just knew how important donating blood was when I was a physician, he said. They needed it most times pretty urgently. I thought donating was an important thing to do, whether its whole blood or platelets. In his retirement, Schenfeld also donates his time. He drives for the American Red Cross, delivering blood twice a week to Pittsburgh, Altoona, Tyrone, Greensburg, Latrobe and West Virginia. I dont think people know what goes on up at the Red Cross, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Red Cross employs about 300 people at the Johnstown facility. That figure includes those who work in capacities including blood services, disaster services and facilities management. In addition, hundreds more volunteers assist the facilitys operations. There are so many opportunities to help, whether you are interested in disaster response, a role behind a computer or if you are a person who likes to drive and deliver blood. We are always looking for more volunteers, Roschella said. The Red Cross has a blood center in Altoona, too, Roschella said. But it has fewer functions than the Johnstown site, which not only stores blood, but also has a lab where the donations are tested, stored and split into an array of blood products. As a nationwide organization, the Red Cross provides about 40% of the nations blood supply. This is the time of year people are focused on other things, traveling, holidays, blood donations fall off the calendar, Roschella said. Thats understandable, but we ask everyone who is able to donate so we can keep up with the demand. KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's largest mobile operator Kyivstar has become the first in Europe to launch Starlink's direct-to-cell satellite technology in a bid to keep millions connected amid wartime blackouts and disrupted infrastructure, the company said on Monday. Kyivstar is initially offering SMS capabilities via the technology and plans to extend to voice and data next year, under a deal between Elon Musk's Starlink and telecoms group Veon, the owner of Kyivstar. "In Ukraine, staying connected means staying safe," Kyivstar's CEO Oleksandr Komarov said in a statement, adding that the service would enhance network resilience. Kyivstar serves about 22.5 million mobile customers in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PROLONGED BLACKOUTS, DAMAGED NETWORKS The service would enable customers to remain connected on regular 4G smartphones during prolonged blackouts, in recently de-occupied territories where terrestrial networks could be damaged or under restoration, and during rescue and humanitarian missions. The company has already ramped up its measures to keep its network online by adding batteries and generators to provide more than 10 hours of continuous coverage when the grid power is not available due to long blackouts, Komarov said. During nearly four years of the war, Russia frequently struck the Ukrainian power sector and other infrastructure with hundreds of drones and missiles, damaging electricity distribution and generation capacities and forcing long blackouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Direct-to-cell technology allows smartphones to connect to satellite networks in space that beam telephone signals back to Earth. Ukraine's armed forces are heavily reliant on Starlink terminals for battlefield communications and some drone operations. More than 50,000 terminals are currently in operation in Ukraine, according to officials. Starlink, provides internet services via a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites and is widely used in remote areas and conflict zones. (Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by Conor Humphries) Holiday travel is underway, and the weather is already throwing curveballs across the country. A strong system in the South is driving heavy rain and thunderstorms from Texas to Mississippi, with a slight risk of severe weather reaching into the Tennessee Valley. According to the National Weather Service, flash flooding is possible in the Texas Hill Country, and storms will shift east on Tuesday, bringing rain from Atlanta to New York and likely delays at major hubs. A couple hug as other travelers walk past at the Salt Lake City International Airport on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Farther north, a quick-moving clipper system is spreading 3 to 6 inches of snow across the northern Plains and into the Great Lakes through Wednesday. Blowing snow and gusty winds could make roads slick on I-94 and I-29 and complicate flights in Minneapolis, Chicago and Detroit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the West, the Pacific Northwest stays stormy, with rounds of lowland rain and mountain snow, while Utah and surrounding areas see seasonable temperatures and only light mountain snow. Much of the East stays unusually warm ahead of a cold front, with highs from the 60s to the 80s before temperatures drop toward Thanksgiving. Tracking delays Delta Air Lines planes sit at gates at the Salt Lake City International Airport on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News For travelers concerned about flight status, FlightAwares Misery Map offers a real-time picture of nationwide delays and cancellations. The map color-codes major airports based on on-time performance and weather impacts, giving travelers a quick sense of whether delays are isolated or stacking up across the system. Bottom line: Plan extra time, check your airlines app frequently and watch tools like the Misery Map as you head out especially Monday through Wednesday, when the highest impacts are expected. GAZA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Hamas source said on Monday that the body of an Israeli hostage has been recovered from the central Gaza Strip. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that the remains were found during search operations conducted over the past two days north of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. According to the source, the operations involved members of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, along with teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The source said that the body is being held by the al-Quds Brigades and is scheduled to be handed over to the ICRC, which will then transfer it to the Israeli army later in the day, although no specific time was given. If the body is handed over, only two bodies of Israeli hostages remain in the coastal enclave, according to Palestinian and Israeli tallies. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said that the search for the remaining Israeli hostages continues despite difficulties and complexities. Qassem urged mediators to pressure Israel to comply with the ceasefire agreement, including reopening the Rafah crossing, and moving to the second phase of the agreement. He added that Hamas's delegation is currently in Cairo engaging with ceasefire mediators, demonstrating its seriousness in advancing the next phase. Qassem also warned that Israeli violations could undermine the ceasefire agreement, a concern Hamas has made clear to mediators during the Cairo talks. A student from Saudi Arabia raped a drunken woman after carrying her part of the way from a nightclub to his halls of residence, a court has heard. The complainant woke up to find the defendant attacking her in the bedroom of the flat in Greetham Street, Portsmouth, in the early hours of 28 June, prosecutors said. Waleed Alharbi, 26, denies rape, claiming the sex was consensual, a jury at Portsmouth Crown Court was told. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The student also denies attempting to rape the woman, who is aged in her 30s, in his shower. Mike Mason, prosecuting, said the pair met at the Astoria nightclub after the woman was told to sit down and rest by a bouncer. When she started dancing again, she was approached by Mr Alharbi and another man, the prosecutor said. 'Do not do this' He told the court: "The defendant was very drunk and he lifted [the complainant] up and placed her up against the wall and was kissing her. "He took her outside and he carried her for some time and then she walked with him to his apartment - this is student accommodation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She needed his support to walk. She was very drunk." Mr Mason said friends of the the woman and Mr Alharbi had also gone to the apartment. Inside the flat, Mr Alharbi banged his head and the friends left to buy a plaster, it was heard. The defendant then "began touching her inappropriately and trying to take her dress off" before he started biting her, causing her to scream out in pain, Mr Mason said. He said the defendant then "dragged" her into his bedroom and "she couldn't get out". The friends, who later returned, could not enter the room because a key card was needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim went into the bathroom, followed by Mr Alharbi who pushed her down in the shower area, turned on the water and attempted to rape her, the prosecutor continued. The complainant, who was "crying and screaming", then passed out but woke up to find the student raping her on his bed, the court heard. She told him: "No, no, do not do this," the jury was told. Afterward, the defendant rode off on a scooter, leaving the woman outside the building "sitting on the floor crying", Mr Mason said. The trial continues. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Related internet link Justice Sonia Sotomayor suggested the Trump administration was asking the Supreme Court to completely upend the U.S. government in a remarkable exchange. The countrys highest court was hearing oral arguments in the case of Trump v. Slaughter when she made the observation. Youre asking us to destroy the structure of government and to take away from Congress its ability to protect its idea that the government is better structured with some agencies that are independent, Sotomayor said. A 23-year-old woman implicated in the disappearance and murder of two Australian men and their American friend in Mexicos Baja California for a surf trip has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The three men, identified as Callum Robinson, 33, and his brother Jake, 30, from Australia, as well as their friend Jack Rhoad, 30, from the United States, were on a camping and surfing trip along Mexicos Baja Peninsula in April 2024. On April 27, when the trio were in the remote Punta San Jose area, about 20 miles south of Ensenada, they met Ary Gisell Raya who took note of the mens valuables, the Los Angeles Times reported the Mexican attorney generals Specialized Prosecutors Office in Crimes Against Life determined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raya then urged her boyfriend and two other men to rob the three surfers, Mexican prosecutors said she admitted in court. Jesus El Kekas Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Angel Jesus, all of whom are in custody and awaiting trial, reportedly went to the location just hours later, between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. to steal the tires off the surfers vehicle. Last year, chief state prosecutor Maria Elena Andrade Ramirez theorized that the brothers and their friend were shot when they attempted to stop the men from taking their belongings. The thieves then allegedly took the surfers to a well some four miles from where they had been camping that was extremely difficult to get to, dumped their bodies and covered the opening of the well with boards. FILE The photos of foreign surfers who disappeared are displayed on a poster on the beach in Ensenada, Mexico, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Karen Castaneda, File) A demonstrator holding a bodyboard written in Spanish No more violence protests the disappearance of foreign surfers in Ensenada, Mexico, Sunday, May 5, 2024. Mexican authorities said Friday that three bodies were recovered in an area of Baja California near where two Australians and an American went missing last weekend during an apparent camping and surfing trip. (AP Photo/Karen Castaneda) A demonstrator holds photos of the foreign surfers who disappeared during a protest in Ensenada, Mexico, Sunday, May 5, 2024. Mexican authorities said Friday that three bodies were recovered in an area of Baja California near where two Australians and an American went missing last weekend during an apparent camping and surfing trip. (AP Photo/Karen Castaneda) Family members of the men reported them missing the same day after they failed to check into their Airbnb in Rosarito Beach, The Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A massive search involving local authorities, the Mexican military and the FBI was launched for missing men, who were found in the well on May 2, along with the body of a fourth person believed to have been there much longer. Employee collaborated to bring California restaurant down, owner claims The two brothers and their friend, according to authorities, had been shot in the head. Raya and her alleged co-conspirators were later arrested in connection with the violent and deadly robberies. Locals in the area said that the case, which involved three foreigners, was solved much quicker than authorities solve the disappearance of thousands of Mexicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 19 of this year, a Mexican court sentenced Raya, who pleaded guilty to committing robbery and vehicle theft with violence and waived her right to trial, to 20 years in prison. She was also ordered to pay 54,000 pesos approximately $3,000 in restitution. In the months after their deaths, the brothers parents, Martin and Debra Robinson, created a foundation meant to honor Jake and Callum, saying any donations would go to support a variety of philanthropic activities, KTLAs sister station KSWB reported. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. NEED TO KNOW An inquest into the fatal mid-air collision between two Sea World Helicopters has begun in Queensland, Australia, according to local media reports The January 2023 crash left four people dead and eight hospitalized Survivors of the crash have recalled the last moments of the two flights, with one describing being pinned under the "hot" wreckage of one of the choppers, per ABC The survivors of a fatal helicopter crash on Australia's Gold Coast in January 2023 have recounted the deadly last moments of the flight. On Monday, Nov. 24, an inquest into the mid-air collision between two Sea World helicopters that killed four people began, with survivors sharing their accounts of what happened, according to news.com.au, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and The Australian. Eight others were hospitalized following the crash, with three in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collision occurred 130 feet above the water on Jan. 2, 2023, when a Sea World Helicopter took off and collided with another Sea World Helicopter that was landing per ABC and news.com.au. Chief pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, Sydney woman Vanessa Tadros, 36, and U.K. couple Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 67, died in the crash, per U.K. newspaper The Guardian. JONO SEARLE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock One of the helicopters is towed away One of the helicopters is towed away The pilot of the other chopper, Michael James, was able to land safely nearby, according to ABC. Winnie De Silva, who was a passenger on the helicopter flown by Jenkinson, told Queensland Coroners Court that she and her son were visiting Sea World and decided to book a ride in the "spur-of-the-moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Once I heard the bang, and shaking started happening, and things started falling on our faces, that's when I realized we weren't going to be safe the shaking was just terrible," she told the court, per ABC. "When it started shaking, I was so worried, I was holding my son, De Silva added, also sharing that she did not the other helicopter before the collision. It was steaming in a way that was so uncomfortable, I just remember closing my eyes and telling my son to do the same." She went on to say that after regaining consciousness, she realized that she was trapped under the wreckage. "There was hot [machinery] on my body, and I was screaming for help, she said, per the outlet, adding that her shoulder is "still injured" from the incident after being pinned under the wreckage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement De Silva was found by Acting Senior Sergeant Justin Dunn from Gold Coast Water Police, who described the hot and dangerous conditions as aviation fuel poured over them, per news.com.au. Another passenger, Jessie Maya, who was riding on the VH-XH9 flight piloted by James, told the court he was "in shock" during the "traumatic" crash. "It was a big blur for me, once the collision hit, I really don't know much I don't know how I got out of the helicopter, he said, according to ABC. JONO SEARLE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Floral tributes laid near the crash site Floral tributes laid near the crash site Maya was also filming at the time the collision occurred, with some of the footage being played to the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the footage, the aircraft piloted by Jenkinson can be seen flying in their direction, slightly below their aircraft. Another clip shared by The Guardian, filmed by Riaan Steenburg, captures more passengers inside the VH-XH9 flight as one tries to get James attention after noticing the other helicopter. The footage then cuts at the moment the collision occurs and the glass of the helicopters shatters. The court was also shown CCTV footage of the helicopter piloted by Jenkinson plummeting to the ground, per ABC. 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. "The fundamental question is how could that situation unfold between two highly experienced pilots?" counsel assisting Ian Harvey told the court, according to the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2023 preliminary report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said that James did not hear Jenkinsons radio call that said he was taking off. Another report from the ATSB in April concluded that a faulty radio antenna contributed to the crash, with "limited opportunities" for the pilots to detect one another, per the outlet. PEOPLE has contacted Queensland Coroners Court. Read the original article on People Republicans are sending their condolences to the newly shuttered Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which quietly ceased operations over the weekend, eight months ahead of schedule. Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor reported that the Elon Musk-run DOGE doesnt exist when asked by Reuters about the departments status. There is no target around reductions, Kuport said, indicating that a government hiring freeze championed by DOGE is no longer in effect. Some celebrated the end while others eulogized the program, which was originally slated to end July 4, 2026. DOGE fought the Swamp and the Swamp won, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican and longtime supporter of DOGE, wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., blamed the closure on dark money NGOs, suggesting that influential political forces in Washington forced Musk to abandon his vision of hack-and-slash spending cuts. Some of these cuts, including the dismantling of USAID, has resulted in the deaths of 600,000 people, according to some estimates. I think he was getting too close, Burchett said of Musk on The Benny Show. He was right on it Thats exactly what happened. Some of the blame also extended to President Donald Trump, who some saw as not giving enough support to DOGE. It was never going to amount to much more than a marketing gimmick without a president actually serious about cutting spending, said former Republican representative Justin Amash. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck said ending DOGE was a mistake and that its mission is not yet finished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE should never be shut down, Starbuck wrote on social media. Kupor said that the principles of DOGE remain alive and well in the Trump administration. De-regulation; eliminating fraud, waste and abuse; re-shaping the federal workforce; making efficiency a first-class citizen; etc, Kupor wrote on X. DOGE catalyzed these changes. The post The swamp won: Republicans lament loss of Elon Musks DOGE appeared first on Salon.com. The Tacoma Urban League, a Black community advocacy organization, has placed its CEO on paid administrative leave and launched a third-party investigation into an internal complaint, apparently related to a firing, officials say. Against the backdrop of the recent moves, the organization also faces allegations raised publicly by a former volunteer questioning its spending of taxpayer dollars. The urban leagues CEO, Desiree Wilkins Finch, denies that those claims are connected to her being placed on leave and disputes any alleged wrongdoing. The Tacoma Urban League Board of Directors received a formal written complaint regarding internal matters, Chair Phyllis McElroy said in a statement provided to The News Tribune on Wednesday. In accordance with our policies and standard nonprofit governance practices, the Board initiated a confidential, independent review and placed the CEO on paid administrative leave while that review is underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McElroy added that the board would not be commenting on the complaints specifics or genesis, or any external speculation, to protect the investigations integrity and respect everyone involved. The nonprofit didnt answer The News Tribunes questions seeking to learn dates for the boards decisions and the subject that prompted them. In a separate statement announcing the investigation, posted on the Tacoma Urban Leagues website since at least mid-November, the board acknowledged it was aware of recent community discussion and speculation regarding the organization and its leadership. The Board takes any concern related to the integrity of our operations seriously, the websites statement said without providing details. Desiree Wilkins Finch Wilkins Finch was appointed to her role as CEO and president in October 2024 with more than two decades of experience in union organizing and business development. She said in a statement Thursday that she only recently learned why she had been put on leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The past three weeks have been difficult. Until yesterday, I had not been told by our Board or anyone else why I had been placed on paid administrative leave, Wilkins Finch said. Yesterday, I was informed by the Board that I was placed on administrative leave in response to an internal dispute related to the termination of a former Tacoma Urban League employee. That employees termination was handled appropriately, according to Wilkins Finch, who said she looked forward to the investigation affirming as much. The Tacoma Urban League, founded in 1968 and headquartered at 2550 S. Yakima Ave., is a nonprofit that says it provides services, training and advocacy for the social and economic betterment of people. It offers classes for homeowners and first-time homebuyers, after-school programs for middle-school students and a Black Empowerment Center that caters to businesses and job-seekers, among other services, according to its website. Its latest publicly available IRS tax form is from 2022 and indicated former CEO and President TWina Nobles, now a Washington state senator, made nearly $136,000 that year. The organization reported eight compensated employees, excluding an unpaid board of directors, the form showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a nonprofit, the Tacoma Urban League is a recipient of donor and grant funding, including slightly more than $5 million from the state in Community Reinvestment Program dollars to support businesses between 2023 and 2025, according to the Washington State Department of Commerce. State program spending questioned A spotlight was first pointed on the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle a different affiliate of the National Urban League in a news story last month that examined how it spent money from the Community Reinvestment Program. The Community Reinvestment Program was created in 2022 by the Washington state Legislature to address racial, economic and other disparities created by the historic law enforcement of drug possession. CRP dollars provide individual and business support, assisting with homeownership, workforce development, legal aid and more, according to a 2023-25 implementation report by the state Department of Commerce. Corey Orvold, a Federal Way-based real estate managing broker and ex-Tacoma Urban League volunteer, said in a recent interview she grew curious about the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattles distribution of those funds after her clients were repeatedly given the runaround as they unsuccessfully sought access to the assistance through the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Orvold, the question became: So, who is getting it? she told The News Tribune. Scouring through public records and social media, Orvold said she identified and documented close connections, including family ties, between the Seattle nonprofit and recipients of the pass-through funding. On Oct. 27, conservative commentator Brandi Kruse first reported on Orvolds findings. The daughter of the Seattle urban leagues director of Financial Empowerment received $100,000 from the organization toward a Tacoma home, according to the report on Kruses unDivided website. A HUD-certified housing counselor for the nonprofit was given nearly $50,000 to pay off consumer debt, even allegedly after the organization claimed to have run out of debt-relief funds, the story said. Other alleged favoritism and program malfeasance, including using preferred real estate brokers and lenders, were detailed in the report. In a statement Wednesday, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle spokesperson Ashley Pugh said the organization was aware of recent media stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We take all concerns about program administration seriously and remain dedicated to maintaining the publics trust in every aspect of our work, Pugh said. The allegations made about our organization contain false and misleading claims. We deny these assertions and stand firmly by our record. Scrutiny reaches Tacoma Orvold said she spoke to Wilkins Finch in April about the purported issues she saw within the Seattle organization. Orvold claimed that Wilkins Finch told her during the conversation, our hands arent clean, and admitted to distributing CRP funds to friends. Orvold said the statements prompted her to leave her volunteer position in the organization after roughly eight years of assisting people to obtain homeownership and to enter the real estate profession. When I resigned, it felt like that (work) was just destroyed, Orvold said. Wilkins Finch said Thursday she was disappointed that Orvold would choose to mischaracterize their handful of talks that she could recall, which she contended had covered the Tacoma Urban Leagues collaborative approach and state-obligated oversight of public funds. She maintained that she was confident in my intentions, expertise, and efforts to pursue the outcomes and approach established in the Tacoma Urban Leagues state contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If any errors have ever occurred in my work at this organization or any other, my expectation is always that appropriate accountability is enforced to protect the integrity of the work, the responsible allocation of public funds, and the interests of the communities this work is intended to serve, she said. The Tacoma Urban League is pictured on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Tacoma. Noemi Cagatin-Porter, the founder of CJK Community Homes, had sought some of those public funds for her groups work. Cagatin-Porter confirmed Nov. 14 to The News Tribune that she had been told by the Tacoma Urban League that her affordable-housing nonprofit would receive $1.5 million in CRP dollars, but the money never came, and she doesnt know where it went. She declined to answer additional questions on the advice of her attorney. Wilkins Finch didnt address that claim in her response to questions from The News Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilkins Finchs alleged conversation with Orvold and Cagatin-Porters claim were first reported Nov. 10 by The Center Square, a national nonprofit media outlet. Dana Hill, a Tacoma Urban League spokesperson, provided The Center Square with additional details surrounding Wilkins Finchs current departure. Hill said a reporter reached out and suggested money was missing from the Tacoma Urban League, and Hill felt compelled to respond, the outlet reported. Hill said Wilkins Finch was subsequently drafting a community message when the board opted to put her on leave, according to the story. The Center Square also reported Hill noted that the scrutiny on the Tacoma Urban League was rooted in speculation, unlike a news report on the Seattle organization that had offered specific documentation. What we are dealing with in this crisis is a rumor that was thrown our way, Hill had said, according to the outlet. A sign for Tacoma Urban League is pictured on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Tacoma. Andrea McNeely, a lawyer representing Wilkins Finch, said in a statement Thursday that her client has asked the Tacoma Urban League to remove all public statements implying any wrongdoing. McNeely didnt specify what those statements were. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The News Tribune requested an interview with Hill. In response, Hill provided a statement from the board. It echoed much of McElroys comments and expressed support for Wilkins Finch. During her tenure, President and CEO Desiree Wilkins-Finch has been recognized for her leadership and dedication to the organizations mission, the board said. The Board values her service and the impact of her leadership on the organizations growth and visibility as this independent review process proceeds. In the meantime, the Board is providing organizational oversight to ensure that all programs, partnerships, and services continue without interruption. The Tacoma Urban League remains fully operational and steadfast in advancing its mission to empower this community through economic opportunity, education, and advocacy. Orvold said she is certain that the recent actions taken by the Tacoma Urban Leagues board were related to CRP funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told The News Tribune that she has reached out to the state Attorney Generals Office, Department of Commerce and other agencies to request they look into the program. The Attorney Generals Office declined to say whether it was investigating, citing its policy of neither confirming nor denying the existence of such probes. The Department of Commerce was aware of media reports about CRP spending within the Seattle and Tacoma urban leagues, according to agency spokesperson Rachel Havercroft. Commerce takes all complaints and allegations of misconduct very seriously, Havercroft said in a statement on Nov. 17. We are reviewing program records and will take appropriate action should malfeasance be discovered. A representative for a privately held behavioral health entity has told The News Tribune it still has plans for construction in Tacoma and blames previous delays on the pandemic. In a statement sent in response to questions, Signature Healthcare Services spokesperson Nathan Miller said via email, While our plans were delayed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we still intend to build an acute behavioral health facility in Tacoma. Miller added that Corona, California-based Signature is engaged in the process of reassessing the needs of the community post-pandemic, and are working with local agencies to ensure that the types of services we will deliver best suit their needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remarks were the first official response from a Signature representative regarding future plans for the multi-acre vacant lot at South 19th Street and South Proctor streets. In July, The News Tribune reported that Signature was reviewing and possibly revising its plans for the Tacoma hospital site. This week, Washington state Department of Health media representative John Doyle told The News Tribune in response to questions, Signature Healthcares Tacoma Behavioral Health Centers Certificate of Need (CN) remains valid. A Certificate of Need is part of the states medical regulatory process and is required in development/construction of certain proposed medical sites or offering new or expanded services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doyle stated, The project has met commencement requirements, so the CNs validity is not at risk and will remain in effect unless Signature elects to surrender it or there is cause for revocation. He added that Signatures project remains in monitoring status as they continue to work on construction details. At this time, DOH does not have any additional new information to share. No permitting activity has occurred this year, according to information on file at the citys permit portal. Elsewhere, Signature continues to add sites to its project list, including a $200 million proposed behavioral health campus in Shasta County, California, Lengthy history of proposed Tacoma Behavioral Health site Representatives of Signature Healthcare Services originally filed a pre-application with the city for site development in 2017. An LLC affiliated with Signature is the propertys owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Signature gained a Certificate of Need for the hospital from Washington state Department of Health in 2019, following an earlier denial from the state in early 2016 in favor of a separate project Wellfound Behavioral Health. Wellfound was created as a joint venture between MultiCare and CHI Franciscan (now Virginia Mason Franciscan Health) located a few blocks east of the Signature site. A settlement agreement was later reached, clearing the way for DOH approval for Signatures plan for the five-and-a-half-acre site. The land-owning LLC affiliated with Signature also won its case against the city challenging the sites rezoning process. More recently, the LLC resolved a debt-collection lawsuit involving a construction contractor and subcontractor who performed work at the site before work was paused in 2022. On May 28, 2025, a full satisfaction of judgment filing was entered, eliminating the contractors liens. The 2025 property tax for the site, however, remains unpaid, according to Pierce Countys online property assessment portal. Previous reporting by The News Tribune contributed to this report. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released a video showing what it describes as one of Hamass "most complex" underground infrastructures extending beneath the southern Gaza city of Rafah. According to the IDF, the seven-kilometer-long "root tunnel" runs roughly 25 meters underground, contains about 80 rooms and was used for command operations, weapons storage and sheltering Hamas operatives. The video shared on X on Nov. 20 travels through reinforced concrete passageways and large chambers, showing the sophistication and scale of Hamass underground network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military claims the tunnel originated beneath a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) compound and stretched beneath civilian sites. Israel's Doha Strike Sent A Decisive Message That Terror Will Find No Safe Haven "IDF troops uncovered one of Gazas largest and most complex underground routes, over 7 km long, ~25 meters deep, with ~80 hideouts, where abducted IDF officer Lt. Hadar Goldin was held," the post read. Read On The Fox News App Israeli analysts say the demolition of this tunnel marks a strategic blow to Hamas and "paves the path to its defeat." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The destruction of this tunnel as well as many others like it or similar as well as other terror facilities pushes Hamas to the edge," said Professor Kobi Michael, senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute. Idf Holds Memorial Ceremony At Base Attacked By Hamas On Oct. 7 Honoring Fallen Troops "It is one of the longest and [most] complicated tunnels that have been discovered, but it is not the only one," he told Fox News Digital. Michael explained that Hamas root tunnels form the backbone of its underground warfare system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is an example of a root tunnel, a strategic one that feeds many tactic tunnels and is used for strategic purposes [such] as command and control, weapon storage, manufacturing platforms of weapon[s] and strategic logistics," he said. Israel Set To Launch Gaza City Offensive: High Stakes, High Costs Ahead Smoke rises from Gaza City seen from Deir al-Balah, following intense Israeli military attacks on northern Gaza, on Oct. 5, 2025. "Such a tunnel is usually manned by hundreds of militants and commanders." The IDF believes this particular tunnel network may have been connected to the area where Lt. Hadar Goldin, an Israeli soldier abducted during the 2014 Gaza war, was held captive. Hamas returned Goldins remains earlier this month after more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tunnels exposure sheds new light on the extent of its underground operations. Israels Covert Campaign Targets Hamas Terrorists Behind Oct 7 Massacre "I have no idea about the cost but if you take into consideration the amount of the building materials, labor and facilities and its length, it is a matter of millions of INS," he claimed. "Hamas chose routes under sensitive civilian and humanitarian facilities in order to prevent the IDF from attacking the tunnel." As Israel continues operations in Gaza, the destruction of Hamass tunnel networks remains central to its strategy to dismantle the groups military capabilities and prevent future attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2014, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he wanted to destroy the tunnels, which Hamas militants used to infiltrate Israeli territory, "with or without a ceasefire." Click Here To Download The Fox News App According to a 2023 investigation by Reuters, Hamas had said it had been using the tunnels to hide hostages seized in its Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Israels military said its ground forces had uncovered around 1,500 Hamas tunnels and shafts throughout the Gaza Strip, per the report. Original article source: Taking out Hamas' million-dollar 'root' tunnel is game changer, analyst says Journalist and author Tatiana Schlossberg, President John F. Kennedy's granddaughter, Caroline Kennedy's daughter and Jack Schlossberg's sister, revealed earlier this month she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Schlossberg, 34, wrote in a heart-wrenching essay for the New Yorker published Nov. 22 she learned she had acute myeloid leukemia after giving birth to her second child in May 2024. The news came after her doctor noticed an imbalance in her white blood cell count. Her doctors estimate she may have less than a year to live. Here's what to know about acute myeloid leukemia and how it's treated. Caroline Kennedy's daughter Tatiana Schlossberg, 35, revealed her terminal cancer diagnosis in a New Yorker essay published Nov. 22. Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, speaks at the 2023 Profile in Courage Award ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, Oct. 29, 2023. Tatiana Schlossberg attends her book signing at the In goop Health Summit San Francisco 2019 at Craneway Pavilion on Nov. 16, 2019 in Richmond, Calif. Tatiana Schlossberg attends Intelligencer Live: Our Warmer Future presented by New York Magazine and Brookfield Place on Sept. 5, 2019 in New York City. Ed Schlossberg, Jack Schlossberg, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Tatiana Schlossberg and George Moran pose for a photo during the 2018 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award Dinner at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., May 20, 2018. REUTERS/Faith Ninivaggi Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of former President John F Kennedy lays a wreath during a memorial service in Runnymede, Surrey on Nov. 22, 2013, to mark the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of former President John F Kennedy speaks during a memorial service in Runnymede, Surrey on Nov. 22, 2013, to mark the 50th anniversary of his assassination. John "Jack" Schlossberg (L) and Tatiana Schlossberg watch their mother Caroline Kennedy testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on her nomination to be ambassador to Japan in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Sept. 19, 2013. Rose (L) and Tatiana Schlossberg, grandchildren of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, put on caps with the insignia of the newly-named U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy during a ceremony at the Kennedy Library in Boston, May 29, 2011. Jack and Tatiana Schlossberg, grandchildren of the late President John F. Kennedy recite Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken during a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the late President's inauguration, at the Kennedy Center concert hall in Washington, Jan. 20, 2011. Jack and Tatiana are children of Kennedy's daughter Caroline Kennedy. (L to R) Daughters Rose Schlossberg and Tatiana Schlossberg, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg and son Jack Schlossberg stand at the podium before the first session of day one of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Aug. 25, 2008 in Denver. Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg hugs daughter Tatiana Schlossberg outside the JFK Library after handing out the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award May 22, 2000 in Boston. This year marked the first time Kennedy handed out the award without brother John who was killed in a plane crash last summer. Caroline Kennedys daughter, Tatiana Schlossberg in the spotlight 1 of 11 Caroline Kennedy's daughter Tatiana Schlossberg, 35, revealed her terminal cancer diagnosis in a New Yorker essay published Nov. 22. Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, speaks at the 2023 Profile in Courage Award ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, Oct. 29, 2023. What is acute myeloid leukemia? Acute myeloid leukemia, also called AML, is a rare cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the exact trigger of the disease isn't known, AML is caused by changes to our genes. These could be inherited or ones that show up during your lifetime for a variety of reasons. Shifts in our DNA code alter the production of blood cells and platelets in our bone marrow, the soft tissue inside our bone. When our DNA script changes, our bone marrow produces abnormal myeloid cells called myeloid blasts, which multiply uncontrollably and don't die the way normal cells would after doing their specific jobs, according to the Cleveland Clinic. As the unhealthy cells build up, they enter the bloodstream and spread through other parts of the body, preventing our system from healthy functioning. Motherhood was hard enough. Then these women got cancer. What are the symptoms and treatment for acute myeloid leukemia? AML presents with symptoms that could feel like a cold or flu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this illness is called "acute" because of how quickly it worsens, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because of the aggressive nature of the disease, more noticeable symptoms like dizziness, easy or frequent bleeding or bruising, fatigue and fever, among other symptoms, quickly develop and impact normal body functions. AML is typically treated with chemotherapy in addition to bone marrow transplant using cells from related or unrelated donors to bring blood counts back to regular levels. But infusing stem cells into our bone marrow risks serious complications such as infection and a long recovery, while success rates largely vary depending on someone's health. Doctors aim for remission, meaning when cancerous cells aren't detectable in blood samples. After remission, some patients may stay on a maintenance form of chemotherapy to prevent the irregular cells from coming back. Schlossberg wrote she's had two bone-marrow transplants at New York City-based Memorial Sloan Kettering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: What Princess Kate said in her first speech since cancer diagnosis With a complicated disease like ALM, every patient must work with their doctor to find the right treatment course for their body. Some people might not qualify for a stem cell transplant because they don't have an available donor or aren't healthy enough to withstand such an invasive treatment. Meanwhile, others could react differently to various chemotherapy programs depending on the scale of their illness, according to the American Cancer Society. Many older people or those in poor health even opt out of available treatments because the intense side effects may work against their chances of survival. Is remission possible? About 50% to 80% of people with AML achieve complete remission after treatment, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But about 50% of people who achieve complete remission develop recurrent AML, when the disease comes back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's variable how long people live with AML. The disease has a 30% survival rate among adults in the five years following diagnosis. The majority of AML patients adults aged 60 and older who may have other health issues. Factors such as other health conditions, age and environment can contribute to survival rates. Contributing: Saman Shafiq This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Caroline Kennedy, Tatiana Schlossberg and acute myeloid leukemia By Emilio Parodi MILAN (Reuters) -Italian police carried out searches and seizures at two Amazon sites in Italy on Monday as part of an investigation into the alleged smuggling of Chinese goods, three people with direct knowledge of the matter said. Dozens of officers from the Guardia di Finanza tax police and the customs agency seized around 5,000 products at a logistics hub operated by the e-commerce giant in Cividate al Piano, in the northern province of Bergamo, the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Amazon's Italian headquarters in central Milan, police seized IT equipment and identified the Amazon manager responsible for the transportation of goods within Italy, the sources added. Amazon in Italy was not immediately available for comment. NEW LINE OF INQUIRY STEMMING FROM PREVIOUS CASE Italian prosecutors allege that Amazon acts as a kind of "Trojan horse" allowing an as yet unknown number of Chinese goods to circulate in Italy without being appropriately taxed, a court document showed on Monday. Among the products seized at the Bergamo centre were toys, mobile phone covers, air fryers, pens and small scissors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately clear what impact the two operations would have on Amazon's activities in Italy. The smuggling probe is a new line of inquiry stemming from an investigation into an alleged 1.2 billion euro tax evasion case. The new case, led by Milan prosecutors together with the Monza branch of the Guardia di Finanza, alleges smuggling offences by dozens of Italian companies, many of which are believed to be fronts for Chinese entities, and the manager in charge of the movement of goods via Amazon. Prosecutors suspect that goods are being brought from China into the European Union, and then into Italy, through currently unknown channels, without sales taxes or customs duties being paid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The products are then allegedly moved and sold in Italy via Amazon's marketplace. Milan prosecutors are investigating both suspected smuggling and violations of the EU customs code. PROBE EXPECTED TO EXPAND TO OTHER EU NATIONS, SOURCES SAY Since last summer, two other ongoing operations have proceeded with Amazon's cooperation due to the complexity of managing goods flows in the e-commerce giant's logistics hubs. Three people with direct knowledge of the matter said the number of products involved could total half a million, with the probe expected to be extended to the rest of the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milan prosecutors were summoned to The Hague headquarters of the EU agency for criminal justice cooperation Eurojust in July, where they presented the scope of their investigation to counterparts from several EU countries, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Sweden and Ireland. Disputes over customs duties and sales taxes have fueled growing tensions with the United States over the past year, but it is unclear how this case involving China will be viewed in Washington and Brussels. TAX EVASION: EU PROSECUTORS ALSO INVESTIGATING In the original 1.2 billion euro tax evasion case, Milan prosecutors investigated three managers and Amazon's Luxembourg-based European unit over alleged tax fraud related to online sales in Italy between 2019 and 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the probe, Amazon's algorithm allows it to sell in Italy goods from non-EU sources, mostly Chinese, without disclosing their identity, helping them avoid paying Italian sales taxes. Under Italian law, an intermediary offering goods for sale in Italy is jointly liable for non-payment of sales taxes by non-EU sellers using its e-commerce platform. Amazon said in a previous statement that it was "committed to complying with all applicable tax laws". In relation to that case, Italy's tax agency has submitted a settlement proposal to Amazon on which the U.S. group must decide by December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon's tax position has also been investigated by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), which has opened its probe into its accounts between 2021 and 2024 after new EU rules imposing stricter VAT obligations on marketplaces came into force. (Reporting by Emilio Parodi; Editing by Crispian Balmer) HANOI, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for accelerated efforts to repair and rebuild houses for residents affected by recent flooding in south-central localities, local daily Nhan Dan reported Monday. He ordered that the repair of damaged houses be completed before Nov. 30, 2025. The prime minister also instructed authorities to build new houses and provide resettlement for households whose homes collapsed, were swept away or suffered severe damage, with the work to be completed before Jan. 31, 2026. The death toll from the recent floods in Vietnam has risen to 91, with 11 people still unaccounted for, Vietnam News Agency reported Monday, citing the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority. Economic losses were estimated at more than 13 trillion Vietnamese dong (about 493 million U.S. dollars), according to the report. 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, An electric vehicle driver from Houston was concerned when several chargers at a local station had been vandalized. The driver spread the word on Reddit so other EV owners would be aware and said they'd reported it both to a security guard and directly to Tesla via a phone app. Photo Credit: Reddit "Several of the 25 Superchargers on Yale St have been cut. It seems like about 10 are still in service," they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vandalism of EV charging stations seems to be on the rise. "Historically, most vandalism against EVs and charging infrastructure was committed by those with anti-EV beliefs or some personal vendetta," InsideEVs wrote in May. "But more recently, thieves are just looking to make a quick buck by nabbing the copper material used in cable wiring." This destructive behavior can dissuade the widespread adoption of EVs, which is a necessary step to stop the use of dirty energy sources including gas and oil. Some people have legitimate concerns with EVs. Mining for lithium and other materials needed for batteries causes pollution, as does using dirty energy for charging and charging from the grid is typically going to include a notable percentage of dirty energy unless your home is powered by solar or your electricity is renewable. However, even with the worst charging conditions that feature coal-based energy, EVs still win out on total pollution by making up for their battery production. This typically happens in only about 13,500 miles, according to a Reuters comparison of a Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Corolla. It happens after about 70,000 miles with a 100% coal-powered electricity supply, as power plants and EV motors are far more efficient than gasoline-powered engines, which lose a lot of energy to heat dissipation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, battery-associated pollution is only a one-time "capital cost" related to the initial creation of a battery, whereas pollution from using gasoline to power a vehicle is constant. Estimates reveal that low-carbon tech requires about 7.7 million tons of mining, whereas mining for dirty fuels amounts to about 16.5 billion tons per year. This insatiable need causes a number of health problems along with the planet's overheating. Not to be deterred by anti-EV efforts, charging companies are fighting back against the kind of vandalism that occurred in Houston. One way is by creating cords that can't be cut, as ChargePoint has. "The novel design addresses a critical concern for EV drivers and charging station owners, ensuring that cables remain intact and operational despite attempted tampering," EV Magazine explains. Redditors expressed frustration with the vandalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This happened at another location in Houston earlier this week," one said. Another offered a solution, writing: "Make it a crime. We need legislation that makes destruction of superchargers a crime same with gas stations. If you cut a gas station hose, you go to jail." The OP's reports were taken seriously, showing that responding to this kind of vandalism works. They commented to say that the chargers had been repaired quickly: "My car showed stalls available this morning. Checked the situation and all charging cables have been replaced." 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. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather warnings for Tuesday, Dec. 9, for a range of states, with areas across the U.S. getting anywhere from 1-3 inches of snow to up to 24 inches. The winter storm warnings and advisories say that 14 states across the country are in line to get ... It's a busy week for millions of Americans who are traveling for Thanksgiving. At the nation's airports, the TSA expects to screen nearly 18 million people from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Tuesday after the holiday, while the FAA expects this will be the busiest Thanksgiving in terms of flights in at least 15 years. Most people, however, will be traveling by car. AAA projects that overall, 81.8 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This year's domestic travel forecast includes an additional 1.6 million travelers compared to last Thanksgiving, setting a new overall record," it says. Here is a look at the days that are expected to be the busiest for travelers. Busiest days for flying Eight of the busiest days in TSA history have been this year, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving could join that list or set a new record. The agency is planning to screen more than 3 million travelers on Sunday, Nov. 30, alone. "We are projecting that the Sunday after Thanksgiving will be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history," Adam Stahl, senior official performing the duties of deputy TSA administrator, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airlines for America, a trade association that represents the airlines based in Washington, D.C., also expects the Sunday after Thanksgiving to be the busiest day of this Thanksgiving travel period, with 3.39 million travelers expected. The group expects the second-busiest day to be Monday, Dec. 1, with 3.09 million travelers, followed by the Friday after Thanksgiving, with 3.06 million travelers. Overall, Airlines for America predicts that U.S. airlines will fly a record 31 million passengers from Friday, Nov. 21, through Monday, Dec. 1. The FAA says it expects this Thanksgiving holiday travel period to be the busiest in 15 years, with Tuesday, Nov. 25, being the peak travel day. More than 52,000 flights are expected nationwide on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the New York area, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey expects that Sunday, Nov. 30, and Monday, Dec. 1, will be the busiest days at the region's airports: John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia Airport and New York Stewart International. The expectations for robust and possibly record-breaking travel follow disruptions in air travel nationwide during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Some air traffic controllers called out as they were being asked to work without pay, leading to delays and prompting federal authorities to order flight cuts across the nation. Those cutbacks ended last week, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday that "things look good from the air traffic control side. We are back to staffing levels that we had before the shutdown. I believe." "if you can still get a ticket and you can still fly and your family still wants to see you, book that ticket, jump on a flight and don't be afraid to fly this season," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One family traveling to Las Vegas this weekend wasn't sure what to expect. "I was very nervous about it," Megan Mirka told CBS News at airport baggage claim. "I didn't want to go, but everyone else did. So we came, and it was good. Whatever changed, I'm glad, 'cuz this was very different than last month." Busiest days for driving Some would-be flyers might be opting to instead drive to their Thanksgiving destinations because of the uncertainty at airports during the shutdown. AAA expects that at least 73 million people will travel this year by car accounting for nearly 90% of Thanksgiving travelers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That number is 1.3 million more than last year, and "could end up being higher if some air travelers decide to drive instead of fly following recent flight cancellations," AAA notes. The Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving are projected to be the most congested for drivers traveling in major metro areas nationwide, according to the transportation analytics firm INRIX. Tuesday from 12-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. are expected to be the "worst" travel times. "Travelers returning home on Sunday should expect heavy traffic most of the day," INRIX says. According to AAA, Hertz says Wednesday is expected to be the busiest car-rental pick-up day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanksgiving week weather Storms this week could impact travel. One of two cross-country storm systems is taking shape on Monday, bringing heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms across the South. It is forecast to move into the Ohio Valley and Northeast over the next two days, according to Nikki Nolan, meteorologist for CBS News and Stations. A second, more powerful storm system will deliver cold temperatures and snowfall to the northern U.S. and Great Lakes region. Snow totals could reach up to 14 inches near the Canadian border and the storm could bring high winds across parts of the Northern Plains. This system is expected to move across the Great Lakes through the week and bring lake effect snowfall downwind of Lake Erie and Ontario. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To Die For": Beloved recipes etched in stone In Maine, a cafe helps subsidize a community newspaper U.S. considers dropping leaflets in Venezuela amid ramped-up pressure on Maduro, sources say Robstown police have arrested a third suspect in connection with the shooting death of 14-year-old Shawn Sanchez Nov. 18 at the Figueroa Square Apartments. At 4 p.m. on Nov. 21, officers from the Robstown Police Department Criminal Investigations Division and the Organized Crime Unit, along with deputies from the Nueces County Constable Precinct 5 office, arrested 22-year-old Dominic Guzman, according to a Facebook live recording that Robstown Police Chief Mike Tamez posted that day. More: Robstown police arrest 18-year-old in connection to fatal shooting of 14-year-old Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been a long, difficult week, but were glad that we are moving in a direction where we are going to get some justice for the family and for Mr. Sanchez, he told the public. Guzman was arrested in connection to Sanchez's killing, the police chief said. During a news conference at the Robstown Police Station on Nov. 19, Tamez explained how Robstown police responded to a call of a shooting at 3:50 p.m. at the Figueroa Square Apartments on Ruben Chavez Road, arriving to find that the boy had been shot six times. A combination of witness statements, vehicle information, camera footage and the help of other law enforcement agencies enabled police to build on information theyd gathered that a drive-by shooting happened at the apartment, Tamez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 18, Robstown police arrested Elias Eric Rivera, an 18-year-old student at the Robstown Independent School District, on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into the Nueces County Jail. A 14-year-old juvenile suspect was also taken into custody at the Juvenile Justice Center in connection to the shooting, Tamez said. At the time of the two arrests, police were looking for three more suspects believed to be involved in the shooting, though no additional suspects have been identified or interrogated. The police chief said that police believe the men shot Sanchez as retaliation in connection to a separate shooting that happened two days earlier in the 700 block of West Avenue C in Robstown, in which a 16-year-old boy suffered injuries after being shot three times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Tamez, Rivera lured Sanchez out of the Figueroa Apartments, where he had gone to visit his girlfriend, by sending the 14-year-old a text message or phone call. When Sanchez came outside, Riveras silver truck drove up and stopped outside of the apartment. Tamez said three men got out of the vehicle to confront the 14-year-old, and two of the men fired guns. Police obtained a warrant on the night of Nov. 18 to search the truck and found two pistols and two AR platform rifles and shell casings inside, as well as slugs from the weapons, including one that was intact and that will aid in the forensic investigation, Tamez said. Police secured both weapons involved in the shooting, Tamez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the investigation began, police have learned that Sanchez knew the suspect who was arrested in connection to the Nov. 16 shooting. Tamez said he did not know the name the suspect in the Nov. 16 shooting. He said police do not know how the shooters obtained the guns, but that additional information will be available for release in the next few days. Concerns about juvenile curfews and youth violence In the Facebook live post, the chief responded to concerns hed heard from community members that Robstown police do not enforce juvenile curfews to curb youth violence. He cited House Bill No. 1819, Texas legislation that went into effect Sept. 1, 2023, repealing the authority of cities to adopt or enforce ordinances imposing a curfew for people who are less than 18 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will not allow our officers to violate the law simply to detain somebody with the excuse as to further an investigation, he said. If we have reasonable or probable cause, we will stop out with anybody walking around just to gather information and make sure things are safe. This is our way of hopefully allowing our citizens to rest a little better at night, he said. Were going to be up, going after all these kids with guns, and were going to be relentless about it. This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Third person arrested in deadly Robstown youth drive-by shooting The Richard D. Obenshain Center in Richmond, headquarters of the Republican Party of Virginia. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Rick Buchanan didnt expect to walk out before the first session even ended. The chair of the 5th Congressional District GOP Committee had arrived at the Donald W. Huffman Advance the Republican Party of Virginias annual flagship gathering at The Forum Hotel in Charlottesville on Dec. 6, 2024, hoping the event would offer a clear roadmap heading into a pivotal election year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, he said, he witnessed what felt like an early coronation of Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who had launched her gubernatorial bid that September and, in his view, had already been handpicked by Gov. Glenn Youngkin as his successor. I sat there and watched it, Buchanan said. I had breakfast, and then went to the first real gathering of the troops, at lunch, and thats when the coronation began. And I packed my stuff up and left, I didnt want to hear any more. The program, he said, offered little for local organizers seeking help to compete in difficult districts. There was nothing for us grassroots supporters, he said. You know what the program was about? Furthering Youngkins agenda. One year later, after Democrats swept all three statewide offices in November 2025 and picked up more than a dozen seats to solidify a 64-seat House of Delegates majority, Buchanans concerns have become the center of a widening debate inside a party struggling to process the magnitude of its losses and to figure out what comes next. A statewide collapse that mirrored a national trend The scale of the GOPs collapse stunned both parties. Democrat Abigail Spanberger defeated Winsome Earle-Sears by a commanding 15-point margin in the governors race, while Democrats flipped more House seats than most analysts predicted a sweeping repudiation of Republican candidates and messaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Jason Miyares, the Republican incumbent, fell short in his bid for a second term, losing to Democrat Jay Jones despite efforts to make his campaign about the law and order contrast and highlighting Jones resurfacing text-message scandal. Veteran political analyst Bob Holsworth said the results were part of a national pattern. First and foremost, this election was a national wave, he said, pointing to Democratic gains in New Jersey, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Georgia. But Virginias situation, he said, reflected deeper structural problems for Republicans. You had Abigail Spanberger, a seasoned candidate who ran an extraordinarily disciplined campaign, Holsworth said. In contrast, he argued Earle-Sears spent most of the campaign as a culture warrior and she just wasnt where people are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal budget cuts and the prolonged government shutdown also played a role, he added. We were ground zero in Virginia, Holsworth said. You saw an increased level of not only Democratic votes, but turnout in general in Northern Virginia. Holsworth also credited House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, with orchestrating one of the most effective legislative campaign operations he has seen in recent Virginia politics. He raised enormous sums of money, targeted 13 races and pitched the perfect game, he said. Tensions grow over Youngkins influence Inside GOP circles, much of the lingering anger is aimed at Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Buchanan and other activists say Youngkins early public support for Earle-Sears discouraged other potential candidates particularly Miyares from entering the primary for the top spot of the Republican ticket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holsworth said that criticism is well placed. Miyares, he argued, would have been a far stronger candidate, with more experience and a broader ability to compete in suburban regions where Democrats dominated. Youngkins decision to urge Republican lieutenant governor nominee John Reid to withdraw from the race after controversy over an old social media post further inflamed the perception that top leaders were shaping the ticket rather than allowing a competitive, open primary process. Youngkin did that, Holsworth said, adding that the move made it impossible for Reid to fundraise or establish a statewide operation. Peake pushes back: We dont coronate someone Republican Party of Virginia Chair Mark Peake flatly rejects the idea that Youngkin or party leadership pushed challengers aside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont have the authority or the ability to just coronate someone, Peake told The Mercury in a phone interview last week. Peake also noted the timing: he took office in April 2025, just weeks b Virginia Republican Party Chair Mark Peake has pushed back against criticism of GOP leadership as Republicans assess their losses in the 2025 elections. ( Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) efore filing deadlines. Primaries were open to anyone, he said. Nobody can make you not run. Peake said candidates who jumped in late simply failed to gather enough signatures to qualify. If youve got to have somebody else give you approval to run, then youre not a leader, he said. He added that the party spent months strengthening turnout infrastructure: All RPV has done is reach out to grassroots, reach out to voters, and go after the Trump supporting voters. That is what RPV is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But many activists say the partys efforts lacked message discipline and statewide unity a contrast to Democratic campaigns that emphasized abortion rights, cost-of-living issues and government stability. Grassroots anger erupts into open revolt Possibly no Republican voice has been louder in the weeks since the election than Loudoun County GOP Chair Scott Pio. In a lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter, Pio accused state party leadership of failing to build a coherent statewide message and of instructing unit chairs not to engage in issue-based communication. So while the Democrats have a messaging machine the Republican Party personally mandates that they are not allowed to talk policy, Pio wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then demanded the resignation of Peake, in addition to the GOP State Central Committees executive leadership and any member who has taken a check from a candidate in the last five years. Peake pushed back against Pios move. The best step would be for Pio to resign, he said in the interview, calling him part of the problem and saying he has not gotten over that crushing defeat I delivered to him in the RPV chair election in the spring. Pio, in an interview with The Mercury, rejected that characterization. Why didnt (Peake) find all the House of Delegate candidates? he asked. Its unforgivable that hes just blaming other people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said the party is failing to reach fast-growing voting blocs particularly Latino, Muslim, Arab, Indian and younger voters and warned the GOP will continue to lose unless it modernizes. There needs to be a fundamental rewriting of the Republican Party in Virginia, Pio said. If they dont get their act together, its over. Leadership tensions spill into the House of Delegates The Republican post-election reckoning is also affecting the General Assembly. Del. Mike Cherry, R-Colonial Heights, challenged Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, for his leadership position in a recent closed caucus meeting but was unsuccessful. Cherry declined to comment for this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kilgore did not respond to messages but said in a statement after the vote that Republicans would rebuild, reconnect, and deliver a message that resonates with voters across Virginia. Democrats, meanwhile, are already moving to consolidate their gains. Just days before the election, they advanced a constitutional amendment that could allow the General Assembly to redraw Virginias U.S. House districts ahead of the 2026 elections sidestepping the independent redistricting commission voters approved in 2020. The move immediately alarmed Republicans, who warned that a mid-decade map rewrite would deepen the partys struggles with candidate recruitment, messaging and suburban competitiveness at the very moment they are trying to regroup. In the days since their sweeping victory, Virginia Democrats have wasted no time launching a progressive agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They unveiled a fresh slate of bills last week that include raising the state minimum wage to $15 by 2028, mandating paid sick leave statewide, enshrining access to birth control, creating a task force to remove barriers to energy-efficient upgrades for low-income households and giving localities first right of refusal on affordable-housing sales. Among these is a bill from Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy, D-Prince William, to fully repeal Virginias right-to-work law a move that could stir intraparty tensions as moderate Democrats and business-friendly factions raise alarms. Despite these challenges, Peake believes the party can recover from its devastating election losses. He predicts Democratic proposals on gun regulation, labor law and social policy will spark voter backlash. Republicans in Virginia are never done, he said. We will always fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also rejected the idea that Virginia is now reliably Democratic. I disagree with that assessment completely, Peake said. Its just a matter of organizing and getting our message out there. Holsworth, the political analyst, was more guarded. They need a party that can compete in the suburbs, he said, noting that Virginias population centers Northern Virginia, Henrico and Chesterfield, and parts of Hampton Roads now strongly favor Democrats. Still, he said Republicans could regain competitiveness with strategic recalibration. Things can change, he said. But they need a rethinking thats along the lines of Virginia demographics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Buchanan, who left last years Republican Advance convinced the party had lost touch with its voters, the message is simple and unvarnished. Once we select personality over policy, were toast, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX TOPEKA (KSNT) Police report a shooting in west Topeka left three potential victims on Sunday night. The Topeka Police Department said officers were called around 8:20 p.m. on Nov. 23 to a reported shooting at a McDonalds restaurant at 1201 SW Gage Blvd. Police found three potential victims in the area linked to the shooting. Topeka police detectives are currently working on this ongoing investigation and ask the public to stay clear of the area. We will continue to bring you more information as it becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three killed in Topeka weekend shootings, police asking for tips The TPD is asking anyone with information regarding this situation to email telltpd@Topeka.org or call 785-234-0007. You can leave anonymous tips with Shawnee County Crime Stoppers by calling 785-234-0007 or by clicking here. For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. 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 KSNT 27 News. President Donald Trump appears poised to announce a two-year extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, due to expire at the end of December, while setting new limits on who is eligible to receive the tax credits, according to reports. Without an extension of Covid-19-era Obamacare subsidies, insurance premiums for nearly 22 million American citizens threaten to more than double early next year, a point made repeatedly by Democrats during the recent 43-day government shutdown, who refused to sign a stopgap spending bill that did not address the problem. The president could unveil his new proposal as early as Monday, according to MS NOW, presenting a new healthcare framework and calling on Congress to send a bill to the Oval Office for his signature as soon as possible. President Donald Trump flanked by Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr Mehmet Oz at the White House in September (AP) Senate Republicans did promise to hold a vote on the matter by mid-December to a group of eight Democrats in the chamber as a condition of securing their support on a bill to end the shutdown earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps plan will be called the Healthcare Price Cuts Act, according to White House officials cited by MS NOW, and would address the surprise premium hikes resulting from ACA subsidy expirations. It would require recipients to make a minimum premium payment, according to Axios, and also eliminate the zero-premium subsidies currently offered under Obamacare to stop fraudulent ghost beneficiaries from exploiting the system a Republican bugbear. The plan is further understood to feature a deposit program that would incentivize people to buy lower-premium options on the ACA exchange. Anyone who downgrades their coverage under the new proposals would see the difference in costs distributed to a Health Savings Account provided with taxpayer dollars, MS NOW reports. Senate Majority Leader John Thune convinced eight Democrats to help end the record government shutdown this month by promising a vote to address expiring ACA subsidies (AP) We believe healthcare is going to come down, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on NBCs Meet the Press Sunday before trailing an imminent announcement on tackling costs and acknowledging that the issue of affordability is becoming increasingly urgent as the holiday season approaches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a clear desire for Washington to act on the ACA deadline, with a recent poll from the non-partisan healthcare research group KFF revealing that 74 percent of Americans want to see the subsidies extended, an opinion shared by 50 percent of Republicans specifically. Trump will reportedly make his announcement at the White House in the presence of Dr. Mehmet Oz, his administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The president had previously expressed opposition to simply signing off on an extension of the current subsidies, arguing instead that the money involved should be allowed to bypass insurance companies and sent directly to consumers to shop for their own health coverage. He suggested an act to that effect should be known as Trumpcare and claimed it would empower citizens and leave them feeling like entrepreneurs. Nov. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone Monday to discuss, among a number of topics, the Russia-Ukraine war, farming, the status of Taiwan and committing to future state visits. China's Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that the two leaders, who also met last month in South Korea, "reached many important common understandings." The two reportedly agreed to reciprocal in-person meetings, lower U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and export measures for rare-Earth minerals. "We recalibrated the course of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations and provided more momentum for it to sail forward steadily, thus sending a positive message to the world," Chinese officials said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump confirmed an invite from Xi to visit Beijing next year in April. In addition, Xi is expected to come to the United States later next year for an official occasion. "President Xi invited me to visit Beijing in April, which I accepted, and I reciprocated where he will be my guest for a state visit in the U.S. later in the year. We agreed that it is important that we communicate often, which I look forward to doing," Trump wrote on social media. The American president said "significant" progress had been achieved "on both sides in keeping our agreements current and accurate." The White House said the two touched on issues related to Russia's war in Ukraine, the fentanyl crisis, soybeans and other agricultural issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi, Chinese foreign ministry officials said, emphasized to Trump that China supports "all efforts that are conducive to peace, and expressed the hope that the various sides would narrow their differences, reach a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement at an early date, and resolve the crisis at its root." Meanwhile, the question over Taiwan has been at the forefront regarding stability in the Indo-Pacific region. China recently retaliated against Japan following comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over Japan's diplomatic stance on independent Taiwan. On Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry stated Monday that during Trump's call with Xi, China's communist leader "underscored that Taiwan's return to China is an integral part of the post-war international order." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said in March that Taiwan must implement "proactive measures" to thwart China's use of its democracy against it. But since the conference in Busan, U.S.-Chinese relations have reportedly "generally remained stable and improved," the Chinese statement said. "And this is welcomed by the two countries and the broader international community. President Donald Trump reportedly scrapped a planned announcement on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies set for Monday, after MS NOW journalist Jake Traylor reported he was facing significant congressional backlash from Republican lawmakers. Traylors report, based on two White House officials, said the president was ready to share a plan for halting spiking Obamacare premiums. That plan was delayed, though, after Traylor reported the presidents plan is facing strong backlash from congressional Republicans. His story for MS NOWs website was co-bylined by reporter Mychael Schnell. Both MS NOW and Politico had previously reported that Trump was ready to share his new plan on Monday. Politico reported on Sunday that the new health policy would include a two-year extension on Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of 2025; the plan was also going to put new limits on eligibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Monday reveal was not on Trumps official calendar. White House officials, MS NOW reported, acknowledged the initial plan, which aimed to end surprise premium hikes. Until President Trump makes an announcement himself, any reporting about the Administrations healthcare positions is mere speculation, White House spokesman Kush Desai told the outlet. President Trump has criticized Obamacare a fair amount recently, saying it has been a disaster for most Americans. I am recommending to Senate Republicans that the Hundreds of Billions of Dollars currently being sent to money sucking Insurance Companies in order to save the bad Healthcare provided by ObamaCare, BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE SO THAT THEY CAN PURCHASE THEIR OWN, MUCH BETTER, HEALTHCARE, Trump posted earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His reported two-year extension on Obamacare subsidies irritated some conservative congress members, though. One Republican in the House of Representatives told MS NOW he was absolutely not supportive of extending ACA subsidies. I wasnt expecting the proposal to be Obamacare-lite, the representative added. Another GOP congress member said they were aware the Trump Administration had been working on a plan but not that it included subsidy extensions. The subsidies were the key issue Democrats were pushing for during the government shutdown. The Dems did not get the extension they were looking for in the deal to reopen the government something that angered many liberal lawmakers just a commitment from Senate Republicans that a vote would be held on them by the end of the year. The post Trump Delays Healthcare Plan Announcement After Significant Congressional Backlash first appeared on Mediaite. This combo file photo shows the hanging coffin remains found in Zhaotong, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua) KUNMING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese-led study has uncovered a genetic lineage linking the mysterious practitioners of the millennium-old hanging coffin custom and a modern community in southwest China, shedding light on a broader genetic and cultural network underlying this distinctive mortuary tradition across southern China and Southeast Asia. Published last Thursday in the scientific journal Nature Communications, the study is the first of its kind to confirm a direct genetic link between ancient hanging coffin practitioners and modern people at the nuclear genome level, according to the Kunming Institute of Zoology (KIZ), Chinese Academy of Sciences, in southwest China's Yunnan Province. Practiced across southern China, Southeast Asia and the Pacific for approximately 3,000 years, the hanging coffin tradition is a distinctive culture featuring the placement of coffins on cliffs, in caves or rock crevices along rivers and steep mountainsides. In China, this culture has often been associated with the ancient Bo people, a group that inhabited southwest China and largely vanished from the historical record by the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), said Zhang Xiaoming, a researcher at the KIZ and the study's corresponding author. Noticing a proclaimed modern Bo community with similar traits in Yunnan Province, the research team performed whole-genome sequencing on 30 members of this community and conducted nuclear DNA analyses on human remains of 15 hanging-coffin individuals from sites in Yunnan, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and northern Thailand. The study shows that approximately 43 percent to 79 percent of the genomic components of modern Bo individuals can be directly traced to the hanging-coffin population of the Zhaotong site in Yunnan, with other analyses indicating common ancestry of hanging coffin remains in China and Thailand, Zhang said. The evidence supports a diffusion route of the hanging coffin culture that originated in east China's Fujian Province, proceeding to reach the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and Southeast Asia via human migration, he added. Researchers found that two genetically different individuals buried 1,200 years ago in the Yunnan city of Zhaotong had shared the same hanging-coffin custom, said Zhou Hui, first author of the paper at the KIZ. These two body remains were associated with ancient farmers of the Yellow River Basin and Northeast Asia, respectively, reflecting notable cultural inclusivity in the area during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Zhou said. The research team will continue systematic sampling in both south China and Southeast Asia to build a comprehensive database -- integrating burial practices, population genetics and cultural transmission across China and Southeast Asia, she revealed. This combo file photo shows the scenes of life and sacrifice of modern Bo people in Qiubei County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo by Xie Peixia/Xinhua) This file photo shows an archaeologist taking photos of the hanging coffin remains found in Zhaotong, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua) The White House wants to turbocharge the nations scientific research capabilities by embracing artificial intelligence. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to launch whats being billed as the Genesis Mission a new plan that directs the Department of Energy and other science agencies to aggressively deploy AI. Michael Kratsios, head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, described it as the largest marshaling of federal scientific resources since the Apollo program. In a call with reporters, he said the program is expected to accelerate the rate of scientific breakthroughs in areas such as pharmaceuticals, energy production and engineering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the same call, Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the plans use of AI to analyze vast datasets held by his agencys 17 national labs. Wright also promised an incredible increase in the pace of scientific discovery and innovation. Among other provisions, the order directs agencies to make their datasets easier to read with neural networks and other AI tools. Government-held scientific data and federal computing infrastructure will be made available to university researchers and private companies, as well as to national security practitioners. One White House official, granted anonymity as a condition of speaking with reporters, said money from this summers One Big Beautiful Bill Act will help fund the project. The why: Since the 1990s, Americas scientific edge has faced growing challenges, said Kratsios, citing fewer drug approvals and declining research outputs. He said the Genesis Mission aims to overcome that by unifying agencies scientific efforts and integrating AI as a scientific tool to revolutionize the way science and research are conducted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright said the order is also designed to harness AI in ways that boost domestic energy production and make the grid more efficient. Were going to stop the rise of the price of energy, said Wright. Energy experts attribute recent price increases in part to the insatiable electricity needs of AI data centers. The details: The order directs DOE to build integrated software that lets scientists and engineers pair the agencys datasets and scientific instruments with AI neural networks. Kratsios said the technology will be used to automate experiment design, generate new predictive models and speed advanced simulations in areas such as protein folding and nuclear fusion. A separate White House official also on the call said AI is expected to make cutting-edge simulations run 10,000 to 100,000 times faster. The order also directs DOE to create a new portfolio of scientific and engineering challenges that could benefit from the deployment of AI, with a specific focus on energy problems, discovery science and national security concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The datasets: The scientific data that the White House plans to open up for AI analysis falls into three broad buckets. The first will be available to a wide range of researchers, including university and private-sector scientists. The second will be reserved for proprietary work the White House official gave as an example a semiconductor company that seeks to use the governments X-ray accelerators to develop or test a new product. The third bucket concerns datasets relevant to national security, and will be restricted to researchers with proper clearance. The partners: White House officials said the project is ultimately meant to enmesh the governments large datasets and advanced supercomputers with the capabilities of private-sector AI hyperscalers. Companies like Nvidia, Oracle, Dell, AMD and Hewlett Packard Enterprise have all recently announced supercomputing partnerships with Washington and one official said these companies and many more are expected to play a role in the Genesis Mission. President Donald Trump accused Ukraine yet again of being ungrateful for his efforts to end Russias war on the country as top Ukrainian, U.S. and European officials gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday to discuss the U.S. peace proposal to put an end to the war. In a heated Truth Social post Sunday, the president, who has championed the 28-point plan, criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top U.S. allies in Europe, arguing that with strong and proper U.S. and Ukrainian LEADERSHIP, the violent and terrible war wouldnt have happened. Politics: Trump Says Putin Should Be Allowed To Keep The Land He Has Seized In Ukraine Trump has repeatedly blamed Zelenskyy for sparking the Ukraine-Russia war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While speaking on Zelenskyy at the White House in April, Trump declared, You dont start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles. Fuming in the post that the war began long before he took office for a second term, Trump went on to rail into the Sleepy Joe Biden Administration for making matters worse. The right-wing leader then reiterated his repeated, false claims that the 2020 election, in which he lost against former President Joe Biden, was RIGGED & STOLEN, adding, [thats] the only thing the Radical Left Democrats are good at doing. Politics: Usha Vance Finally Responds To Wedding Ring Uproar There would be no Ukraine/Russia War, as there wasnt, not even a mention, during my first Term in Office, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would never have attacked and launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 if he were president at the time. It was only when he saw Sleepy Joe in action that [Putin] said, Now is my chance! The rest is history, and so it continues, he wrote. I INHERITED A WAR THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED, A WAR THAT IS A LOSER FOR EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY THE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE SO NEEDLESSLY DIED. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (left) and U.S. President Donald Trump's relationship appeared to fray after the political pair's heated meeting at the White House in February. Bloomberg via Getty Images Wrapping up his message, Trump torched Ukraines leadership for expressing ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS before criticizing European countries that he said continue to buy oil from Russia. Zelenskyy has repeatedly thanked the United States for its support amid the countrys war against Russia. Politics: Trump Points Fingers At Biden, Zelenskyy For War Prompted By Putins Invasion Of Ukraine Trump also accused crooked Joe [Biden] of giving Ukraine weapons for free, free, free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THE USA CONTINUES TO SELL MASSIVE $AMOUNTS OF WEAPONS TO NATO, FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UKRAINE (CROOKED JOE GAVE EVERYTHING, FREE, FREE, FREE, INCLUDING BIG MONEY!). GOD BLESS ALL THE LIVES THAT HAVE BEEN LOST IN THE HUMAN CATASTROPHE!, Trump added. Trumps scathing remarks came after Zelenskyy posted on X Sunday that further work is taking place to make sure Ukrainian perspectives are considered in the proposal. Trump said Friday that Kyiv has until Thursday to accept his 28-point proposal, which calls on Ukraine to cede territory and is significantly more favorable to Russia or face losing American military support. Politics: Trump Says Russia's Concession In Ukraine Talks Is To Not Take 'The Whole Country' The contentious peace proposal has faced pushback from European leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a followup on Saturday, Trump indicated that his proposal was not his final offer and that the plan is still open for negotiation. Zelenskyy warned Friday that Ukraine faces a difficult decision amid Trumps demands that Kyiv accept the White House peace plan that would force it to sacrifice territory to Russia and make other tough concessions. Trumps top diplomat, Marco Rubio, has also been accused by lawmakers of labeling the plan Russias wish list. A State Department spokesperson denied the allegations as blatantly false. Related... Read the original on HuffPost This story was produced as part of a partnership with NOTUS and the nonprofit, nonpartisan Allbritton Journalism Institute. On paper, Mary Peltola should have little interest in running for Senate. Many Alaska Democrats think shed have a better chance of winning the governors race, which would keep her much closer to home and give her greater leeway to govern than in the hyperpolarized Senate. And yet Peltola is still actively considering running against Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, according to Democratic sources, some of whom even suggest shes leaning toward a federal campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If she runs, shed be just the latest Democratic recruit to make the unlikely decision to jump into a race for Senate. At a time when many politicians are fleeing Washington, Senate Democrats have persuaded a trio of candidates Roy Cooper in North Carolina, Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Janet Mills in Maine to run even though they had little apparent incentive to endure a grueling campaign next year. None of the three were considered a sure bet to run when the year began, and Democrats had said they would have felt fortunate if even one of the three had decided to launch a campaign. At the center of their motivation to run was a genuine concern about the state of the country under Donald Trump and a belief that they had the power to do something about it, longtime Democrats say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think it matters what age, what background, what office youve had before, said Stephanie Schriock, former head of Emilys List. These are folks who know there is just a gigantic challenge in front of us, and now they want to be the ones who roll up their sleeves. The states these candidates are running in are three of Democrats top targets for 2026, making their decisions potentially pivotal as the party embarks on a long-shot effort to flip control of the Senate. Their decisions are also positive developments for a party that has otherwise had a tumultuous year of recruitment, with a surge of Senate candidates who are unhappy with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and promising a fresh approach to politics. In Maine, that frustration with party leaders helped persuade oyster farmer Graham Platner to launch a bid for Senate that has gained national attention and threatened Mills path to the nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some polls of the race show the political newcomer Platner leading the incumbent governor in the primary, and he has vowed not to back down even after a series of revelations about his personal history led to criticism from some Democrats. Some Democrats are surprised that Mills who for much of this year was publicly coy about her intention to run is running at all. The governor is almost 80 and, when the year began, wasnt seen as eager to continue a political career that started in the 1980s. Cooper, meanwhile, has held statewide office nearly every year this century, including two terms as governor. The North Carolina Democrat had been recruited to run for Senate in 2004, 2008 and 2010 but passed on campaigns then, Democrats say. In the next election, hell attempt to become the first Democrat in 18 years to win a Senate seat in the state. Brown might be the most surprising candidate of the three. The senator just lost an intense reelection campaign last year after 18 years in the Senate and was considering a bid for governor, which some Ohio Democrats encouraged him to pursue. Even if he wins a Senate seat in the red state, he would have to run for reelection again in 2028 the third consecutive cycle in which the 73-year-old would have to run a campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people would have said, I have other things to do or I could get a TV gig, said David Pepper, a former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party. But hes signing up for at least one, and probably two, truly big-time, all-in campaigns. The decisions from Mills, Cooper and Brown to run are likely rooted in many factors, including what looks like an increasingly positive electoral outlook for Democrats next year. But the candidates themselves have said they likely wouldnt be running for office if not for Trumps presence in the White House, which many Democrats regard as representing a serious threat to the countrys democracy. Cooper, in a video announcing his bid, said hadnt planned to continue his career in Washington but felt compelled to because these are not ordinary times. Brown echoed that sentiment in his own rollout video, saying he hadnt planned to run for Senate again but wanted to end the craziness in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mills announcement of her Senate bid was especially blunt. Honestly, if this president and this Congress were doing things that were even remotely acceptable, I wouldnt be running for the U.S. Senate, she said. President Trump said Sunday the GOP has never been so united after recent tension between himself and some members of the party. The Republican Party has never been so UNITED AS IT iS RIGHT NOW! the president wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. Other than Rand Paul, Rand Paul Jr.(Massie!), Marjorie Traitor Brown, and a couple of other lowlifes, and other than the fact that many want the Election threatening Filibuster TERMINATED (the Dems will do it in the first minute of their first chance!), and some dont, there is great spirit and cohesion Plus, the Republican Party is MUCH BIGGER than it was when I announced in 2015 or, ever was before Many Millions More Members! he added, referring to Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Trump said Greenes announcement that she is exiting Congress early next year was great news for the country, after he had previously revoked his backing of her. Greene had referenced her split with the president and said remarks from Trump were hurtful in a previous statement unveiling her decision. The Georgia Republican, who had bucked her party in recent weeks, added that she rejected being a battered wife hoping it all goes away and gets better. Like Greene, Massie has also recently gone against his party, notably on the issue of investigative files linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Earlier this month, Trump promoted Massies GOP rival in his primary, Ed Gallrein, prior to next years elections. Third Rate Congressman Thomas Massie, a Weak and Pathetic RINO from the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky, a place I love, and won big SIX TIMES, must be thrown out of office, ASAP! Trump wrote on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps Sunday post also comes amid rough political territory for the president, with recent Democratic election victories, an approval rating of 41.5 percent in a polling average from Decision Desk HQ, and controversy swirling around his relationship with Epstein. We now have the Strongest Border EVER, Biggest Tax Cuts, the Best Economy, Highest Stock Market in USA History, and sooo much more. BUT, THE BEST IS YET TO COME! VOTE REPUBLICAN!!! Trump wrote in the Sunday post. The Hill has reached out to Pauls, Massies and Greenes offices for comment. 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. President Donald Trump inserted fresh tensions into the high-stakes Ukraine-Russia peace talks on Sunday, publicly accusing Kyivs leaders of showing zero gratitude for U.S. support just as U.S. officials in Geneva were working to show a united front. Trumps Truth Social comments landed at a delicate moment: His administration is pressing Ukraine to accept a 28-point peace proposal by Thanksgiving, even as confusion over the plans authorship and concerns from European allies and U.S. lawmakers have raised questions about whose interests it serves. Senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, met with Ukrainian officials in Geneva this weekend to move peace talks forward with a goal of ending the war. Ukraine's Andriy Yermak, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a news conference at the U.S. Mission in Geneva on Sunday. (Fabrice Coffrini / AFP - Getty Images file) On Sunday, after a full day of talks, Rubio told reporters "a tremendous amount of progress had been made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, "theres still some work to be done, but we are much further ahead today at this time than we were when we began this morning and where we were a week ago for certain. So it is in my personal view that weve had probably the most productive and meaningful meeting so far in this entire process since weve been involved in from the beginning, he said. We have a very good work product that was already built on a foundation of input from all the relative parties involved here, and we were able to go through some of those items now, point by point. And I think weve made good progress. Another U.S. official told NBC News that Rubio, Witkoff and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll met with a Ukrainian delegation at the U.S. Mission in Geneva. The U.S. officials said the discussions were positive and constructive. In a post later Sunday on Telegram, Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. and European allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine is grateful to the United States, to every American heart, and personally to President Trump for the help that, starting with the Javelins, is saving the lives of Ukrainians. We thank everyone in Europe, in the Group of Seven and the Group of Twenty, who is helping us protect lives, he wrote. The White House said Sunday evening in a joint statement on the U.S.-Ukraine meeting that "both sides agreed the consultations were highly productive." "The discussions showed meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps," the statement said. "They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraines sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace. As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework." Ukrainian and European leaders have expressed concerns about the peace proposal, with some European leaders and U.S. lawmakers close to Trump have also expressed concerned that it benefits Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there are many good ideas in the proposed Russia-Ukraine peace plan, there are several areas that are very problematic and can be made better. The goal of any peace deal is to end the war honorably and justly and not create new conflict, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., wrote Saturday on X. Another top Trump ally in the Senate, Roger Wicker, R-Miss., also expressed concerns Friday. "This so-called peace plan has real problems, and I am highly skeptical it will achieve peace, he wrote on X. On Saturday, Trump told reporters that this particular proposal is not my final offer. He added that if Zelenskyy didnt accept the peace proposal, then he can continue to fight his little heart out. In a video after the proposal was made public, Zelenskyy said, Currently, the pressure on Ukraine is one of the hardest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner, either the difficult 28 points, or a very difficult winter. Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraines ambassador to the United States, said on Fox News The Sunday Briefing that the 28 points are a starting point for negotiations. This is only the first proposal, unattainable, and indeed, its a wish list. Its not a document or an agreement. Its just a list of the points its been discussed right now, and it is an agreed line with Ukraine and the United States that it will be a constructive reconciling process, she said. On Saturday night, several U.S. lawmakers questioned whether the peace proposal was drafted by the U.S. or Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., on Saturday said none of the information that was released on this particular proposal came back from the administration following his call Saturday afternoon with Rubio. We asked, Is this, you know? Where does this come from? And he said, This was a product that had been presented to Mr. Witkoff, and that it was not our proposal, and that it was an opportunity, though, for the U.S. as an intermediary to bring it to the attention of the Ukrainians and I believe, the Europeans as well, Rounds added. Rubio said late Saturday on X that U.S. officials endorsed the plan. The peace proposal was authored by the U.S. It is offered as a strong framework for ongoing negotiations, he wrote. It is based on input from the Russian side. But it is also based on previous and ongoing input from Ukraine. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Some of President Donald Trump's most enthusiastic supporters have spent the last few weeks smearing New York Citys mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani as a communist and a jihadist, and watched the President do the same. Many expected the first Oval Office meeting between the pair to be a bloodbath; the ticker running on Fox News that morning read: Showdown with Socialism. But, to their surprise, Trump appeared to be charmed by the fellow Queens native, promising after an unusually friendly meeting that he would be helping him, not hurting him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We agree on a lot more than I would have thought, Trump told the gathered press at the meeting on Friday, during which he frequently broke into a beaming smile, with Mamdani by his side. I think hes going to surprise some conservative people, actually. Read more: I Expect to Be Helping Him: Trump Admits to Being Charmed By Mamdani in First Face-to-Face Meeting In one exchange, after a reporter asked Mamdani whether he stood by his statement that Trump is a fascist, the President quickly interjected to defuse the tension: "That's okay, you can just say yes," he said, laughing and patting the mayor-elect on the elbow. "It's easier than explaining." The affair has left some Trump supporters, who had joined the President in his fervent campaign against the 34-year-old democratic socialist, with a bitter taste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, whose district covers upstate New York, called Mamdani an antisemitic, jihadist, Communist candidate during his mayoral campaign. Trump himself called Mamdani a 100% Communist Lunatic after his win, and threatened to pull federal funds from the city. But when Trump was asked if he agreed with Stefaniks characterization of Mamdani as a jihadist in his Oval Office meeting, he replied: No, I dont. But shes out there campaigning and you say things sometimes when in a campaign. Stefanik, a close ally of Trumps who was nominated by the President to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and recently launched a run for governor of New York, doubled down afterwards, writing on X: We all want NYC to succeed. But well have to agree to disagree on this one. Another close ally of Trumps, self-described Islamophobe and right-wing provocateur Laura Loomer, said on X: "Wild to allow a jihadist communist to stand behind the Presidents desk in the Oval Office. Sad to see." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So we are just going to normalize communism?" she asked in another post, part of several on the topic. New York City Council member Inna Vernikov was also disappointed by the lack of fireworks in the meeting. Tomorrow, @realDonaldTrump will SCHOOL @ZohranKMamdani. The public should be able to watch, she wrote on X prior to the meetup. After the meeting, her tone had shifted. Its a good day for the American People when two leaders of such diametrically opposing views can come together for the betterment of our city and find common ground. But we should never KOSHER a Marxist with Jihadist aligned views, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani should have been given a spanking at the White House. Disappointed that instead, he was legitimized, she added. On Fox, a variety of hosts appeared shocked and confused. Just one wordwow, Fox News Anchor David Asman said live in response to the friendly meeting. Mamdani and Trump, he said, looked like best friends. Fox News anchor Brian Kilmeade suggested Vice President J.D. Vance had reason to be jealous, calling the meeting love-fest and a respect-fest. I think the president wants to use [Mamdani] as a running mate. They got along fantastic, he said. In an interview with Fox News, Trumps Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared eager to reassure Republicans that the success of the meeting had more to do with the Presidents willingness to meet with anybody, rather than flirting with communism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know, and the president knows and the American people know that nationally, President Trumps policies work, and capitalism works, she told host Sean Hannity. Who knows? Maybe Mayor Mamdani will go back to New York and maybe he learned a few things from President Trump today. Mamdani still thinks Trump is a fascist Despite the professional atmosphere in the Oval Office, Mamdani made it clear in the days that followed that he had not changed his opinion of the President. Mamdani once said that, if elected, he would be Donald Trumps worst nightmare and would use his power to stop masked ICE agents from deporting our neighbors. Asked by Kristen Welker on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday whether he stands by his previous statements calling Trump a fascist, he responded: That's something that I've said in the past. I say it today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, And I think what I appreciated about the conversation that I had with the president was that we were not shy about the places of disagreement, about the politics that has brought us to this moment. But Mamdani pivoted back to affordability, as he did repeatedly in his meeting with Trump, an issue where the two found common ground. I found in the meeting that I had with the president a productive one and a meeting that came back again and again to the central themes of the campaign that we ran, the cost of housing, cost of child care, the cost of groceries, the cost of utilities, he said in Sundays interview. And it showed that this is an opportunity to now start to deliver so that people can do more than just aspire to struggle in New York City, but actually to be able to live there. Contact us at letters@time.com. As the Supreme Court considers whether to strike down President Donald Trumps claim of emergency powers to levy import taxes by executive fiat, he is accusing opponents of his tariff policies of being disloyal to the United States and warning the high court not to buy in. In an early morning Truth Social post issued hours before sunrise on Monday, the president boasted that the full benefit of the tariffs he has slapped on imports from nearly every American trading partner have not yet been calculated because many importers chose to stockpile inventory this past spring to avoid having to pass costs on to consumers. That heavy inventory purchase is now, however, wearing thin, and soon Tariffs will be paid on everything they apply to, without avoidance, and the amounts payable to the USA will SKYROCKET, over and above the already historic levels of dollars received, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also claimed the RECORD SETTING tax receipts would put the U.S. on a new and unprecedented course if allowed to stand while slamming those whove criticized his use of a Carter-era law to justify imposing the tariffs as being foreign puppets. Those opposing us are serving hostile foreign interests that are not aligned with the success, safety and prosperity of the USA. They couldnt care less about us, he said, adding later that he looks so much forward to the high courts upcoming ruling in his administrations appeal of a court decision striking down the tariffs as unlawful. (Getty Images) I look so much forward to the United States Supreme Courts decision on this urgent and time sensitive matter so that we can continue, in an uninterrupted manner to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Thank you for your attention to this matter! Trumps early morning outburst comes nearly three weeks to the day that justices heard arguments in the case, which Trump has described as LIFE OR DEATH for the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The key issue for the nine-member high court was whether Trump had the legal ability to invoke the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose import taxes, a power which the U.S. Constitution and U.S. law grants exclusively to Congress except in specific circumstances. The Carter-era law does permit the president to regulate trade in unusual and extraordinary circumstances when a national emergency is declared, but the text of the legislation at issue notably does not specifically mention tariffs. Trumps appointees from his first term Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett make up a full third of the Supreme Courts bench and have taken the court in a far more conservative direction than previous iterations. But even the more conservative of the judicial nonet appeared skeptical when Solicitor General John Sauer stood up to defend the presidents policy. Chief Justice John Roberts, a longtime proponent of robust executive authority who has led the court in expanding Trumps executive authority this year, seemed to balk at letting Trump have his way on this particular matter as he noted that tariffs, even when used for foreign affairs, are considered taxes on Americans, which has always been a core power of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gorsuch, who Trump tapped to fill the late Justice Antonin Scalias seat shortly after taking office, also raised concerns about the administrations interpretation of the 1977 law and what it would mean for the separation of powers if permitted to stand. As he questioned Sauer, he noted that accepting the Solicitor Generals position could mean putting the courts imprimatur on a one-way ratchet toward the gradual but continual accretion of power in the executive branch and away from the peoples elected representatives. The court could issue a ruling in the case at any point. The White House was hit with an awkward Community Note on X, formerly Twitter, after sharing President Donald Trumps latest online boast. On Saturday, the White House posted Trumps claim that: I HAVE JUST GOTTEN THE HIGHEST POLL NUMBERS OF MY POLITICAL CAREER. While my great work on the Economy has not yet been fully appreciated, it will be! Things are really Rockin. Stopping WARS and Foreign Relations seems to be a strong suit. Also great, The Border and Stopping Crime. I predict that the Economy, with the already HIGHEST STOCK MARKET, EVER, and prices coming sharply down from the Biden disaster, will soon be at the top of the list. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! The post quickly went viral not for its substance, but for its spin. Users immediately questioned Trumps brag. One asked: Umm what is the source of these polls? Id really like to know. You have until Thanksgiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others called the message propaganda and worse. Then came the final blow. A user-added Community Note that reads: No reference is cited for the claim that the President has the highest poll numbers of his political career. However, there is a wealth of information that the Presidents poll numbers are currently on the decline. Politics: James Comey, Letitia James Indictments Dismissed After Multiple Scandals The note linked to several sources, including a Newsweek article titled 7 Polls That Show Donald Trump In Deep Trouble and a Fox News post noting that most voters believe the White House is doing more harm than good on the economy. Related... Read the original on HuffPost While President Donald Trump and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani doled out praise for each other after their White House huddle Friday, the two have previously not shied away from trading barbs in the past. From "nut job" to "communist lunatic," Trump over the past year has lobbed a series of attacks against Mamdani targeting his appearance and intellect. "He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, hes not very smart," Trump said in a social media post in June after Mamdani became the Democratic candidate for mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump once threatened to arrest Mamdani if he refused to comply with federal immigration officials. The comment came after Mamdani said in June that he would stop "masked" U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials from "deporting our neighbors." While President Donald Trump and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani doled out praise for each other after their White House huddle Nov. 21, 2025, the two have not shied away from trading barbs in the past. Trump Says He Will Meet Nyc Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani This Week "Well, then we'll have to arrest him," Trump told reporters at the White House July 1. "Look, we don't need a communist in this country, but if we have one, I'm going to be watching over them very carefully on behalf of the nation. We send him money. We send him all the things that he needs to run a government." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in July, Trump told reporters during a Cabinet meeting that New Yorkers shouldnt vote for Mamdani, and described him as "a man who's not very capable in my opinion, other than he's got a good line of bulls---." Trump also has repeatedly called Mamdani a "communist" a term that Mamdani said is a false characterization of his political ideology. Mamdani instead has said that he is a democratic socialist. Trump Says Mamdani Meeting In The Works: 'We'll Work Something Out' Zohran Mamdani labeled Trump a "despot" in his victory speech after winning New Yorks mayoral election Nov. 4. Mamdani has had his fair share of harsh remarks in turn about the president. Mamdani labeled Trump a "despot" in his victory speech after winning New Yorks mayoral election Nov. 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him," Mamdani said. "And if there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power." "This is not only how we stop Trump; its how we stop the next one," Mamdani said. "So Donald Trump, since I know youre watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up." "I expect to be helping him, not hurting him a big help," President Donald Trump said Friday. David Marcus: Mr. Mamdani Goes To Washington Between Rock And Hard Place Mamdani also said in a press conference Nov. 5 after the election that he would seek to "Trump-proof" New York in order to safeguard "those with the least from the consequences of a man with the most power in this country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the two appeared to forge a new path for their relationship as they found common ground on affordability issues and improving conditions in New York. Trump admitted that the two had more in common than he thought despite their different views and that he would be "cheering" for Mamdani as he leads the city. "I expect to be helping him, not hurting him a big help," Trump said Friday. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Trump also brushed off Mamdanis "despot" comment in the Oval Office Friday, claiming hes faced worse and that he believes Mamdani will change his tune as the two work together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ive been called much worse than a despot, so its not, its not that insulting. I think hell change his mind after we get to working together," Trump said. Original article source: Trumps wild Mamdani flip the insults that came before the love fest Two employees of Guernsey Finance have left after "alleged behaviour" fell "significantly short of the standards we expect", the acting chief executive has said. Acting head Barnaby Molloy has asked for the privacy of the two former staff members and their families to be respected as the matter was "undoubtedly embarrassing" for them. He did not confirm the nature of the matter but added: "Any conversations and actions were clearly intended to be private, the behaviour and opinions expressed do not reflect those of our organisation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rupert Pleasant resigned from the chief executive role earlier in the month following an investigation into what the firm termed "serious events". Mr Molloy, now acting chief executive of the promotional agency for Guernsey's financial services, said: "After the matter was brought to our attention, we acted quickly with good governance and in line with our legal obligations and human resources, and the individuals are no longer employed by Guernsey Finance." "An independent investigation is ongoing, and we will not be making any further comments," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC has attempted to contact Mr Pleasant for comment. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links JIUQUAN, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- China plans to launch the Shenzhou-22 spaceship on Nov. 25 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said on Monday. The Long March-2F Y22 carrier rocket, which will be used for the launch, has been filled with propellant. The Shenzhou-21 astronaut crew is working normally and in good condition in orbit, the CMSA added. The British government is set to strictly enforce checks on travellers from February next year to ensure they have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), after an initial grace period with lighter checks, the UK government said. The ETA has been mandatory since April for citizens from Europe, the US, Australia and other countries, but checks have so far been rare as tourists were given time to adapt to the new policy. "From 25 February 2026 eligible visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot legally travel to the UK," the UK's Home Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airlines and other carriers will check the authorization before travel, the government said. The ETA is linked to your passport and is easiest to apply for using the official app, which costs 16 (18.20). The ETA is a digital permit for short stays in the UK and an additional security screening that also brings millions in extra revenue for the government. In the UK ETA app, applicants must upload a photo of their passport and, for those aged over nine, a photo of their face. They must also answer questions about employment and any criminal history. As of April 2, the following European countries have required an ETA to enter the UK: Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Czechia, Hungary, Vatican City and Cyprus. Irish passport holders are exempt. HALIFAX Ukraines allies are still trying to figure out how seriously to take the U.S. threat to halt intelligence-sharing with Kyiv if it does not agree to a proposed peace plan but some said Saturday theyre thinking through how to patch shortfalls. "U.S. capability is unique. That's absolutely clear and irreplaceable, even in a NATO context," said James Appathurai, interim head of NATO's DIANA defense innovation program. However, he added, "there are commercial options available to any country that were not available or not thought of even a few years ago." He pointed to satellite imagery in particular as an area where commercial products could provide a boost on the battlefield to Ukraine. Real-time satellite imagery has been key to Ukraines defense against Moscow, giving its military the ability to anticipate incoming Russian attacks and target their own strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Appathurai spoke to POLITICO on the sidelines of the Halifax International Security Forum, an annual gathering of defense officials and national security professionals in Nova Scotia. He pointed to one alternative to U.S. providers in the form of the Finnish space company ICEYE, which was formed to monitor ice from outer space but now provides mobile Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. It has sold satellites to the militaries of Poland and the Netherlands, along with Finlands armed forcesand those of Portugal. It also provides some data to Ukraine already. That said, retooling and reorienting technology can be a slow and expensive process, and Ukraines needs are immediate. ICEYE, for example, is still coming into its own as a defense contractor. Its VP for missions, Joost Elstak, told DefenseNews this month that it had between five and 10 sovereign satellites in orbit and expected to launch another 10 to 15 within the next two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said European interest in his company soared after President Donald Trump paused sharing space intelligence with Ukraine in March of this year. Elon Musks threats to cut Ukraine off from his Starlink satellite internet service added to the appeal of alternatives. Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, told reporters at Halifax that Europe already has some top-performing satellite offerings, including the Galileo global navigation satellite system and the Copernicus weather observation system. However, he said, there are some systems where we are being a little bit behind, and named Starlink. A European alternative to the service, IRIS, is scheduled to go online in 2030. In the meantime, the EU is working on integrating the national assets of its member countries, he said, but voiced confidence in the blocs ability to support Ukraine. Ukraine, if they will decide that they want to continue, they will continue, Kubilius said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Bezan, a Conservative member of Canadas House of Commons and shadow defense minister of defense, argued that his country could help fill in some gaps. He said Ottawa has previously shared RADARSAT-2 images with Ukraine that helped them see what was happening at the border and beyond. He added that Canada could resume those images if the U.S. walks away, but there is other intelligence that the U.S. gathers, that they have access to that even within NATO and the Five Eyes may not necessarily be available to us, and if that gets removed from Ukraine, that would be problematic. In particular, he pointed to intelligence collected on the ground. Canadas Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan said in an interview that without U.S. military assistance, there's various gaps, long-range precision, like you have to be able to strike within Russia, there is no doubt about that. She said she could imagine finding ways to meet Ukraines needs through alternatives. Drones can certainly pick up some of that and in other ways. So that's what I mean by no, that those capabilities might not be available anymore, but we would have to adjust and turn towards something else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No American military brass attended Halifax, leaving European and NATO officials to speculate as to how concrete the threat from the Trump administration is, or whether Washington is waiting for a counteroffer. On Saturday evening, the EU, UK, France and Germany secured seats at the table at upcoming talks on Trumps peace plan, which will likely be held in Geneva. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who was among a handful of Republican lawmakers attending, said he hoped Trumps threat was part of a negotiating parlay. As long as there's a response back, I'm hopeful that he will recognize that this is way too important to simply say, one, and done, Rounds said. Mike Blanchfield and Joe Gould contributed to this report. The current peace talks on Ukraine need to pay greater attention to humanitarian issues, Oleksandra Matviichuk, whose Center for Civil Liberties was awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, told dpa in Berlin on Monday. "We [must] not just focus on geopolitics - we must speak about people affected by this war," Matviichuk said. The human rights lawyer backs participation in the current talks in Geneva by civil society. The "format of this peace talk[s] is contracted in a way that it's very difficult to reach a path to sustainable peace," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The voices of victims of Russian war crimes have been "excluded," Matviichuk said. She cited as examples the abduction to Russia of 20,000 Ukrainian children, according to her estimates, and the maltreatment of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians in Russian captivity. Matviichuk highlighted the position of millions of Ukrainians in Russian-occupied zones. "Russian occupation, it's not just changing one state flag to another. Russian occupation means enforced disappearances, torture, rape, denial of your identity, forcible adoption of your own children ... and mass graves," she said. She noted that the peace plan under discussion included the exchange of all prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children, but said the information made public to date lacked detail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matviichuk described sentiment in the population enduring its fourth winter of war as extremely concerned. "Russia has already destroyed the vast majority of energy infrastructure, which put millions of people in Ukraine in situations that they will fade this winter without heating, electricity, light, water," she said. But she also saw no alternative to continued resistance, saying that if Ukraine stopped fighting, Russia would occupy the country. "We will cease to exist because this war has genocidal character," Matviichuk said. The Center for Civil Liberties, which she heads, was awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with a Belarusian activist and a Russian rights organization. Over the course of decades, House lawmakers had succeeded only a few times in triggering votes on bills the chambers leaders refused to call up. Then Mike Johnson became speaker. On the Louisiana Republicans watch, the discharge petition has caught fire. Rank-and-file lawmakers have managed five times since he won his gavel two years ago to circumvent Johnsons wishes by getting the 218 signatures needed to force votes on legislation he had blocked more than in the prior 30 years combined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most recently, a bipartisan group used the maneuver to advance a long-stalled bill requiring President Donald Trumps administration to release information about the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Its members of Johnsons own party who have most effectively wielded the tool in recent years. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) masterminded the Epstein push, while Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) engineered an effort to seek voting accommodations for House members with newborn babies. Before that, then-Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.) used the gambit to enact a bill to expand Social Security payments for millions of public sector workers. They try to say that discharge petitions are a tool of the minority, but that's actually only the perspective of people that want to consolidate power within leadership, Luna said in an interview, adding that she would protect the maneuver with every bone in my body. The upshot for Johnson is that the arcane legislative mechanism once known only to Capitol Hill obsessives is now a routine part of life in the Republican House majority. Beyond Epstein, Johnson is now facing several new drumbeats for action, with lawmakers looking to force votes on banning member stock trading, sanctioning Russia and extending health care subsidies that are set to expire at years end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOPs slim majority is an obvious contributor to the burgeoning popularity of the maneuver. The discharge process is set into motion when 218 members sign on to a petition, meaning only a handful of Republicans need to cross leadership if Democrats are united in support. But the recent spate of successful discharges also reflects careful groundwork Democrats laid to quickly seize on the procedure, along with a sentiment among many Republicans that Johnson is stifling the will of the House to appease Trump and small GOP factions including hard-liners who successfully ousted Johnsons predecessor, Kevin McCarthy. I would encourage you to ask Mike Johnson why he repeatedly refused to bring my bill to the floor, Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) said in an interview. Toxic political environment Steube is still bitter about how Johnson hindered passage last year of his legislation to provide tax relief to disaster survivors, even after the measure was unanimously approved in committee. Once Steube got the signatures he needed to compel floor action, the measure passed the House in a 382-7 vote before clearing the Senate and earning then-President Joe Bidens signature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That first victory seven months into Johnsons tenure as speaker showed how the maneuver can be successful in a toxic political environment, said Steube, a MAGA-hat-wearing, fourth-term member who has consistently won his southwest Florida district by a landslide. Its got to be something that is very bipartisan and is important enough that the body says, Yeah, this warrants overriding the speaker. The discharge petition dates back to 1910, when it was created in response to the overreaching, overbearing, overcontrolling style of then-Speaker Joseph Cannon aka Czar Cannon according to Sarah Binder, a George Washington University professor who focuses on legislative politics. Now, she said, it serves as a pressure valve for a chamber designed to reflect the majoritys will. In some cases, discharge petitions can help solve thorny political problems for the speaker. Philip Wallach, who studies the roots of congressional dysfunction at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said Johnson is using this idea of getting forced as a way to keep his job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes actually kind of deft at the coalition management problem and at staying on side with Trump, Wallach said. If he acted some other way, I really do think there's a good chance that he would find himself on the wrong side of Trump and get thrown out. That was certainly the case with the Epstein vote, though Johnson protested mightily against the bill Massie and his ally Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) sought to discharge, arguing until the moment Trump signed it that it did not do enough to protect Epsteins victims from invasions of privacy. But as the 427-1 vote demonstrated, there was a deep groundswell for transparency that Johnson had been holding off at Trumps behest. The fuse in the fuse box Massie said members of both parties are now brainstorming other bills they might be able to catapult to the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's the fuse in the fuse box when everything gets jammed up and the wires get crossed and nothing can get done, he told reporters last week. In discouraging Republicans from signing on to discharge petitions, House GOP leaders argue that the tactic undermines the party in power and circumvents Congress regular order system of debate, where legislation is meant to advance through committees with special expertise. Typically its when somebody either doesn't want to go through the committee process or doesn't get what they want out of the committee process, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said in an interview. But its not just committee calendars and floor scheduling that has chafed many House Republicans. GOP leaders have taken more overt steps this year to thwart the chambers ability to work the majoritys will including by preemptively blocking efforts to force votes on canceling some of Trumps tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before Johnsons tenure, House leaders of both parties have chipped away at the open rule practice of allowing lawmakers to debate any amendments they wanted on the floor. Now they nearly always pick and choose the amendments allowed if they allow them at all. On the Epstein bill, the Houses top Republicans characterized the decision to sign Massies petition as a loyalty test. They made it pretty clear that if you get on the discharge petition, you've declared war on the president, in so many words, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said in an interview, adding that he sympathized with Johnsons need to keep Trump and prima donnas in the House GOP happy. He tries his best, Bacon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Bacon, who is retiring after his term ends, has signed on to several discharge petitions, including one to sanction Russia and aid Ukraine, which is just a few signatures shy of 218. Bacon reasons that gesture is a way to show Trump that theres rising support for helping Ukraine while affording Johnson some political cover. I feel like Im helping him out by doing the discharge on Ukraine, in a way, Bacon said of Johnson. Because I'm trying to force the hand. He's going to say, I didn't have any choice on this. Zombie legislation Democrats, to be sure, have done their share to contribute to the dizzying pace of discharges. Just last week, another petition succeeded, setting up a vote on a measure sponsored by Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) that would nullify an executive order Trump issued in March scrapping the collective bargaining rights of more than 1 million federal employees. The partys leaders, in fact, have quietly plotted for months to take full advantage of the tool. Under House rules, it typically takes well over a month to force a vote once a petition gets the requisite 218 signatures. So Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern, the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, coordinated the filing of zombie measures containing placeholder language allowing members to jump-start the procedural countdown before they finalize the substance of the legislation they want to propel to the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGovern acknowledged in an interview that none of that spade work pays off unless at least a few members of the majority are disgruntled enough to buck their leaders. It takes a lot of courage for Republicans to sign on to a discharge petition when they're in charge, he said. But I think it's a reflection of their frustration with their own leadership. Off the Hill, congressional observers who know the history of the seldom-used gambit are stunned, if not necessarily surprised, by its recent success. Despite the fact that it doesn't succeed very often, it's out there for an ambitious, organized minority and, in this case, also disgruntled or concerned majority members, who feel their leadership's not on the right side of the issue, Binder said. So beware the discharge. Cassandra Dumay contributed to this report. By Jan Wolfe WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. appeals court on Monday will hear oral arguments in the Associated Press's battle with President Donald Trump over access to presidential events, a major press-freedom case. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit is considering the Trump administration's appeal of an April ruling that it unlawfully retaliated against the AP because it refused to call the Gulf of Mexico by President Trump's preferred name for it: the Gulf of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the April ruling, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden said the AP was entitled to a preliminary injunction in its favor. McFadden, a Trump-appointed judge, ordered the White House to immediately let Associated Press journalists return to the Oval Office and other spaces to cover news events. The D.C. Circuit in June paused the injunction while it considered the Trump administration's appeal, an incremental setback for the news organization. Trump signed an executive order in February directing the Interior Department to change the name of the body of water to the Gulf of America. The AP, citing editorial standards, said it would continue to use the gulf's established name while acknowledging the new name Trump has chosen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House responded by limiting the AP's access to press gatherings, calling the news agency's decision divisive and misinformation. The AP sued three senior Trump aides in February, alleging the restrictions were an attempt to coerce the press into using the administrations preferred language. The lawsuit alleged the restrictions violated protections under the U.S. Constitution for free speech and due process. Lawyers for the Trump administration have argued the AP does not have a right to what the White House has called special access to non-public areas. The Trump administration in April removed wire services, including Reuters and the AP, from the permanent "pool" of reporters covering the president, although it allows those outlets to participate on a sporadic basis. (Reporting by Jan Wolfe in Washington; Editing by Bill Berkrot) A federal judge threw out the criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James on Monday, concluding that the prosecutor handling the cases was unlawfully appointed. Lindsey Halligan, whom Trump named the interim US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia in September, had no lawful authority to present the indictment against the former FBI director and New York attorney general, Judge Cameron McGowan Currie wrote in her opinion. I conclude that the attorney generals attempt to install Ms Halligan as interim US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia was invalid and that Ms Halligan has been unlawfully serving in that role since September 22, 2025, Currie, who was appointed to the bench by Bill Clinton, wrote in her opinion. She added that all actions flowing from Ms Halligans defective appointment were unlawful exercises of executive power and must be set aside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision is a major win for Comey, who was charged with lying to Congress five years ago, and James, who was charged with mortgage fraud. Both unequivocally denied wrongdoing and said the cases were a thinly veiled effort by the Trump administration to punish them for opposing Trump. I am heartened by todays victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country, James said in a statement. I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day. Comey also praised the decision. Im grateful that the court ended the case against me which was a prosecution based on malevolence and incompetence, he said in a recorded video. This case mattered to me personally, obviously, but it matters most because a message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know that Donald Trump will probably come after me again and my attitude is gonna be the same. Im innocent, I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary, he added. US attorneys must be confirmed by the Senate. Federal law allows the attorney general to appoint someone to serve on an acting basis for 120 days while a nomination is pending. Once that 120-day period is up, the law allows the judges on the district court where the prosecutor handles cases to appoint a top prosecutor. Halligans predecessor, Erik Siebert, began serving in the role on an interim basis in January. In May, at the end of the 120-day period, the judges in the eastern district of Virginia chose to extend his appointment. In September, Siebert was forced out of his role as he reportedly determined there was insufficient evidence to charge James with a crime. Trump installed Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial experience in the role and Comey was indicted on charges of lying to Congress days later. Halligan then indicted James on allegations of mortgage fraud shortly after that. The Trump administration argued that the attorney general could simply revisit someone new every 120 days, but Currie said that would simply allow the attorney general to indefinitely appoint someone on an interim basis. The text, structure, and history of the law do not support the governments argument, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currie dismissed both cases without prejudice, which means the government could theoretically try to bring the charges again under a properly appointed US attorney. But it is unclear if they could even do that in Comeys case because the statute of limitations for the crime he is charged with passed on 30 September 2025. The decision further indicates that because the indictment is void, the statute of limitations has run and there can be no further indictment, said Patrick Fitzgerald, a lawyer for Comey. The day when Mr Comey was indicted was a sad day for our government. Honest prosecutors were fired to clear the path for an unlawful prosecution. But today an independent judiciary vindicated our system of laws not just for Mr Comey but for all American citizens. Halligan personally presented both cases to the grand jury and has been under intense scrutiny since taking her position. Last week, a judge overseeing the case questioned whether she had properly followed routine procedure in obtaining an indictment in Comeys case. Prosecutors handling the case say they followed appropriate procedure. The courts order acknowledges whats been clear about this case from the beginning. The president went to extreme measures to substitute one of his allies to bring these baseless charges after career prosecutors refused, Abbe Lowell, a lawyer for James, said in a statement. This case was not about justice or the law; it was about targeting Attorney General James for what she stood for and who she challenged. We will continue to challenge any further politically motivated charges through every lawful means available. By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. judge on Monday tossed out criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey based on a procedural error, an extraordinary setback for the Justice Department in a case President Donald Trump called for as part of a campaign against perceived political enemies. U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff in Alexandria, Virginia, determined the indictment brought against Comey in September was invalid because the grand jury that approved the charges had not seen the final version of the document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling is an embarrassing rebuke for Lindsey Halligan, a close Trump ally who took over the investigation as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia despite having no previous prosecutorial experience. Halligan, a former Trump personal lawyer, appeared alone before the grand jury after no career prosecutors agreed to sign on to the case. PROSECUTION OF TRUMP CRITICS Comey is one of three prominent critics of the Republican president indicted by Trump's Justice Department in recent months, breaching long-standing norms of independence in federal investigations and sparking criticism that Trump is wielding the legal system to quash dissent. Comey was charged with making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation. Prosecutors alleged he lied to the Senate Judiciary Committee during a 2020 hearing when he said he stood behind prior testimony that he had not authorized FBI leaks about investigations into Trump and his 2016 presidential election rival, Hillary Clinton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comey has had an antagonistic relationship with Trump since his first term in 2017, when the president fired Comey while he was overseeing an investigation into alleged ties between Trumps 2016 campaign and Russia. Comey, who pleaded not guilty, mounted an array of legal challenges to the case, arguing that Halligan was unlawfully appointed as interim U.S. attorney, that the case was an improper vindictive prosecution engineered by Trump, and that the substance of the false statement allegation was legally flawed. GRAND JURY MISSTEPS But it was a procedural error that ultimately derailed the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nachmanoff pressed prosecutors at a November 19 hearing about whether the grand jury that approved the charges had seen the final version of the indictment. The grand jury panel rejected one proposed criminal count in the indictment, forcing prosecutors to hastily fashion a new version of the document. Prosecutors conceded at the hearing that the full grand jury had not seen the final version of the indictment, but had approved the language in both counts. The Justice Department appeared to retract that concession the next day, pointing to a court transcript in which the grand jury foreperson had affirmed that the panel agreed on the final version of the indictment. Prosecutors argued that the issue was not a reason to dismiss the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halligans conduct in the Comey probe came under sustained scrutiny from three different judges involved in the case. A magistrate judge determined that Halligan may have committed other significant legal errors in instructing and presenting evidence to the same grand jury. The Justice Department denied that Halligan engaged in any misconduct and argued that the magistrate judges ruling was based on misinterpretations and assumptions. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; editing by Scott Malone and Bill Berkrot) The justice department has renewed its request to unseal grand jury materials from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation that led to the disgraced financiers federal indictment on sex-trafficking charges in 2019. The submission, signed by US attorney Jay Clayton for the southern district in New York, says that Congress made clear in approving the release of investigative materials last week that the court records should be released. Clayton asked in the filing to Manhattan federal court that the release of the materials should be done promptly because lawmakers gave a 30-day window after Donald Trump signed the measure into law last week. The justice department said the congressional action overrode existing law in a way that permits the unsealing of the grand jury records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Judge Richard Berman denied a prior Trump administration request to make the grand jury transcripts public, citing a significant and compelling reason to deny the request. Berman said in August that 70 pages of grand jury transcripts and exhibits including a PowerPoint presentation, four pages of call logs and letters from victims and their attorneys, pale in comparison to what documents the government already has on Epstein. In that ruling, Berman wrote that the governments 100,000 pages of Epstein files and materials dwarf the 70 odd pages of Epstein grand jury materials and that the request appeared a diversion from releasing documents in its possession. The grand jury materials largely consist of the testimony of an FBI agent, the sole witness in the grand jury proceedings, who had no direct knowledge of the facts of the case and whose testimony was mostly hearsay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Berman said the compelling reason to keep the documents under seal was the possible threats to victims safety and privacy. A similar request to unseal grand jury testimony relating to the prosecution of Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell was also rejected. Manhattan federal court judge Paul Engelmayer wrote that the governments request to unseal implies that the grand jury materials are an untapped mine lode of undisclosed information about Epstein or Maxwell or confederates, they definitively are not that. Still, Claytons request comes soon after he was assigned to investigate Epsteins relationship to prominent Democrats and four months after Maurene Comey, one of the lead prosecutors on the cases against Epstein and Maxwell, was fired soon before the deputy attorney general, Todd Blanche, travelled to Florida to interview Maxwell. Asked last week how that the New York Epstein-Democrat investigation could affect the release of Epstein files in the governments possession, the attorney general, Pam Bondi, said: Were not going to say anything else on that because now it is a pending investigation in the southern district of New York. By Allison Lampert and David Shepardson (Reuters) -A U.S. government delay on funding a grant program risks worsening a shortage of aircraft mechanics at a time when the country's aging aviation system is already strained by demand, lawmakers said on Monday. Twenty-one Democratic House representatives, in a letter seen by Reuters to Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford, questioned the legality of delaying grants previously authorized by Congress. Thanksgiving, a holiday that falls on Thursday, is one of the busiest U.S. travel periods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter, signed by lawmakers including Representatives Marilyn Strickland, Rick Larsen and Andre Carson, follows a September Reuters report that attributed delays to government efforts to remove references to diversity, equity and inclusion from grant applications. "These ongoing delays are stalling critical aviation workforce development at a time when the industry can least afford it," said the letter. "Any further delay or denial of these critical grants would disregard the law and constitute a dereliction of duty to ensure safety in our skies." The FAA said in a statement it will respond to the lawmakers directly. GRANTS TRAIN PILOTS, TECHNICIANS, MECHANICS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through the FAA workforce grant program, Congress has approved tens of millions of dollars to train new pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians and mechanics, as planemakers Boeing and rival Airbus ramp up global production. The U.S. aviation industry faces an expected 10% shortfall in certified mechanics required to meet the country's needs this year, according to the Aviation Technician Education Council. The U.S. aviation system has been contending with aging air traffic infrastructure and thousands of delays and cancelled flights due to a recent 43-day government shutdown that strained an existing shortfall of controllers. Recipients counting on grants to attract mostly male aircraft mechanics said in September they would need to reapply after the applications are rewritten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has eliminated DEI-related programs in the government and fired many people who worked on those initiatives. DEI programs promote opportunities for women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people, and other traditionally underrepresented groups. Republican Trump and his allies say DEI unfairly discriminates against other Americans, including white people and men, and weakens the importance of merit in job hiring or promotion. While some technical programs target female mechanics, women account for less than 3% of U.S. aircraft maintenance workers, the ATEC pipeline report said. (Reporting By Allison Lampert and David ShepardsonEditing by Rod Nickel) (Corrects paragraphs 5 and 6 to show that the statement is by Senator Elizabeth Warren only, not by all four Democratic senators) By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Four Democratic U.S. senators said on Monday that lax enforcement by the Trump administration of sanctions on Russia's Arctic LNG 2 export terminal allows China to buy discounted liquefied natural gas and helps Moscow fund the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, urged the Trump administration in September to resume targeted sanctions on Russian energy supplies, saying it was giving China a "free pass" by allowing it to buy discounted LNG from Arctic LNG 2. The administration imposed its first direct sanctions on Russia in October on its two biggest oil and gas companies, Lukoil and Rosneft, and said further sanctions on Russian entities could follow. But the Arctic LNG 2 operator, Novatek, which is co-owned by some of Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest allies, has sold about 14 cargoes of LNG since August, with Chinese buyers receiving discounts of about 30% to 40%. "This is just the latest example of Donald Trump failing to put pressure on Putin and bring Russia to the negotiating table," Warren said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BILLIONS IN REVENUE LNG from Arctic LNG 2 is an "energy revenue stream worth billions for Putins war machine that had previously been disrupted by consistent, targeted U.S. sanctions," Warren said. Former President Joe Biden first imposed sanctions on the project in late 2023. The senators pressed the administration on what they called lax sanctions enforcement as U.S. and Ukrainian officials said they had drafted a "refined peace framework" after talks in Geneva on Sunday, without providing specifics. A White House official said Trump wants an end to the killing and for Russia and Ukraine to make a peace deal. "President Trump believes that there is a chance to end this senseless war if flexibility is shown." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The State Department said in responses dated on Friday to Warren and other senators who sent the September letter, including Tim Kaine and Chris Van Hollen, "we will give careful consideration to imposing sanctions in response," to information the senators had sent it about Arctic LNG 2. The senators said the State Department had answered none of their questions about imposing sanctions on the facility. The senators said Congress must require a review of any proposed unwinding of U.S. sanctions imposed on Russia for its Ukraine invasion, "instead of letting Trump cede the rest of our critical leverage." (Reporting by Timothy Gardner in WashingtonEditing by Rod Nickel and Matthew Lewis) SYDNEY, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Four men have been charged over an alleged attempt to import over 500 kilograms of cocaine into Western Australia (WA) by sea. Authorities said in a statement on Monday that members of the public alerted police after finding several large packages tied to flotation drums about 30 kilometers off the WA coast on Nov. 6. Officers from the WA Police Force and Australian Federal Police (AFP) were deployed and collected the packages, which were found to contain about 525 kg of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding 170 million Australian dollars (about 109.84 million U.S. dollars). A WA Joint Organized Crime Taskforce was already investigating suspicious activity by an international livestock carrier at the time, and the ship's chief officer, a 46-year-old Croatian national, was charged on Nov. 7 with attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. It will be alleged in court that the cocaine was dropped into the ocean from the vessel on its way to Fremantle harbour in WA. A subsequent investigation of the vessel found that railings had been removed and reinstalled without proper work permits and that a CCTV camera had been covered while the drugs were allegedly offloaded. Three more men, a 52-year-old from the WA capital of Perth and a 19 and a 36-year-old from Sydney, were also arrested and charged over alleged attempts to retrieve the cocaine from the ocean. (Reuters) -The Venezuelan government on Monday rejected what it called a "ridiculous" U.S. plan to designate the "nonexistent" Cartel de los Soles a terrorist organization, ahead of Washington's expected designation later in the day. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this month his country would designate the Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) for its alleged role in importing illegal drugs into the U.S.. The Trump administration, which alleges the cartel is made up of high-ranking officials, has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading the group, which he denies. The move comes as Maduro faces escalating pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump via a massive U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean. It has also raised some concern that the U.S. may seek to use the designation of the group to justify military action, though sanctions experts said the statute does not authorize such a move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maduro and his government have always denied any involvement in crime and have accused the U.S. of seeking regime change because of a desire to control Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Venezuela categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous fabrication by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of State, Marco Rubio, which designates the non-existent Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organization, said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on his Telegram account. The measure revives an infamous and vile lie to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela, under the classic U.S. regime-change format. This new maneuver will meet the same fate as previous and recurring aggressions against our country: failure, it added. Reuters reported on Saturday that the U.S. is poised to launch a new phase of Venezuela-related operations in the coming days, though the news organization was not able to establish the exact timing or scope of the new operations, nor whether Trump had made a final decision to act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Treasury Department in July designated Cartel de los Soles, a reference to the sun insignia worn by Venezuelan generals, as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist," a move that froze any of its U.S. assets and generally barred Americans from dealing with it. InSight Crime, a foundation that analyzes organized crime, said in August that it was an "oversimplification" to say Maduro heads the cartel, saying that it "is more accurately described as a system of corruption wherein military and political officials profit by working with drug traffickers." (Reporting by Reuters) Cows graze on a field that previously had been treated with biosolids that potentially contained PFAS. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) A flush of a toilet, the rinse of a washing machine, or the discharge from factories it all ends up as wastewater. That waste is then treated and made into a sludge called biosolids. Biosolids can be converted to agricultural fertilizer and by using it, many farmers in Virginia may be unknowingly spreading toxic chemicals on their land that could end up in crops and the states waterways. As state Sen. Richard Stuart, R-King George, said in a recent State Water Commission hearing, we dont want it to go in the river anymore, for goodness sake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biosolids can contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which pose serious health risks if people are exposed to them in higher amounts. The danger has led some states to outright ban, or enact stricter requirements in the use of biosolids, and prompted calls from some Virginia communities to do the same. PFAS are everywhere; Virginia doesnt test for them in biosolids Forever chemicals are in hundreds of products we use every day, from nonstick cookware to takeout food packaging and even dental floss. They take hundreds of years to break down and can be a serious challenge to remove from the environment. The use of these chemicals started around the 1940s and has only expanded with time. Being exposed over long durations and frequent occurrences to PFAS increases the risk of the chemicals interfering with the bodys natural hormones, possibly increasing cholesterol levels, lowering women s chances of getting pregnant, affecting the immune system, or boosting the risk of certain cancers. The hangup for many community members and lawmakers is that Virginia does not test biosolids to see if there are high concentrations of PFAS in them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality does sample rivers and creeks across the commonwealth to look for the presence of PFAS, however, that data dashboard was disabled on the agencys website during the course of writing this story. A DEQ representative said the dashboard is expected to come back online on Dec. 10. DEQ is not required to test biosolids for the presence of PFAS under current law. A map provided by the agency shows that biosolid permits have been granted in almost all corners of the commonwealth. The federal Environmental Protection Agency put out a draft assessment on the risk two chemicals in the PFAS family pose on farmers with amounts as small as one part per billion. However, the report did not call for the regulation of those chemicals when they are found in biosolids. Maine became the first state to ban the use of biosolids after multiple farms were shut down after extreme levels of PFAS were detected in soil, livestock, and even farmers blood where biosolids had been spread nearby. Well water at these farms had also been poisoned by the chemicals. The state has set up a fund to aid farmers who may have had to halt their production due to the presence of PFAS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan prohibits the use of highly contaminated biosolids from being used, but still lets some be spread on the very small amount of land that still uses biosolids. Meanwhile, Virginia only regulates setbacks from wells and homes during the spreading of the sludge as well as nutrient management plans for the fields. Researchers, communities press for PFAS protection At Virginia Tech, Shilai Hao researches analysis of PFAS in the environment and is looking for ways to permanently remove it. He said that people are commonly exposed to forever chemicals by way of the products they use. Hao said it is critical for the state government to be testing biosolids due to the concentration of those chemicals in one source. Testing helps agricultural producers understand whether biosolids-derived products are safe to apply on their farms. It also helps wastewater treatment plants decide how biosolids should be managed or disposed of to reduce PFAS-related risks, Hao said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the companies that provides biosolids in Virginia is Synagro. It is in the process of getting permits reissued in multiple counties. A spokesperson for the company said Synagro is a passive receiver of PFAS from municipalities, who themselves are passive receivers from their customers. The spokesperson went on to say that Synagro supports potential legislation to remove PFAS at the source or to implement discharge limitations for manufacturers to stop it from ending up in wastewater. The Shenandoah Valley has a concentration of biosolid permits issued near Charlottesville, according to the 2020 map. At the University of Virginia, Bryan Berger is researching how PFAS end up in soil and food. He said that despite PFAS being basically ubiquitous, biosolids still pose a higher risk. Theres a direct correlation between PFAS application and PFAS levels in drinking water and blood serum. At minimum, youd want to test because you dont want to have that, Berger said. Why do that to yourself, expose yourself to that risk? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concern over biosolids is not new in Virginia. Stuart Overbey lives in Albemarle County, where she is trying to raise awareness for years about the farms in her area that have permits to spread biosolids. She said in the summer of 2024, when spreading was happening near her house, the substance was all over the roads. You had to roll up your windows, turn off your AC. Its not like cow manure smell or even chicken manure. Its like death. Its like your body reacts, Overbey said. She has been collecting stories of people across Virginia who say their health and well water quality declined after neighbors used biosolids. Shes joined forces with groups like the Piedmont Environmental Council and community advocates in Orange and Albemarle counties to request public hearings for the permit requests and renewals for the biosolid companies. In Virginia, counties can pass ordinances requiring the testing and monitoring of biosolids. Overbey has written a draft for her county but it has not been taken up by the Board of Supervisors yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The permits in each county last for 10 years and additional land can be added between each permit. In Orange County, Synagro is currently going through the process to add 200 acres to their permit and remove 1178 acres for a total of 2564 acres permitted for the sludge. Orange County resident Jamie McConnell read about PFAS in biosolids and what other states have done to curb the risk. When he first learned about it he didnt know how to try and stop it from being used in his community. Now hes pressing the state to take action. They didnt know the extent to which its contaminated. Its an outrage at the DEQ that they wont test. Its silly, McConnell said. At an October meeting, dozens of community members showed up to a hearing about the reissuance of the Orange permit. Some of the land in the permit is near Pamunkey Creek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chairman of the county Board of Supervisors, R. Mark Johnson, wrote to DEQ to alert the agency that PFAS has already been detected in the creek. Johnson wrote that the board is not against the use of biosolids for fertilizer, but they want to ensure farmers are aware of potential contaminants. Our farmers deserve to know what theyre putting on their land, and our citizens deserve protection from forever chemicals, Johnson said in his letter. Alternatives to biosolids Massey Teel stands in a field where he just cycled out livestock as part of a regenerative farming method. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) With biosolids being a cheaper option for farmers who need to use fertilizers on their land, many are asking what can be done to reduce the need for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a windy November afternoon outside of Charlottesville, Massey Teel coils up a wire on his land to let cows, sheep, goats and donkeys shift over to a new small quadrant of land, part of the process of regenerative farming. Every day he moves his livestock to a new roped off area of his land to feed and drop their own waste. He doesnt put them back in the same area for months to allow for the natural fertilizers to work into the land and the grasses to grow back. The land he works on had been leased to a previous farmer who had used biosolids in the past. Teel said he understands something has to be done with the waste but there needs to be more done to help the environment and preserve farmland. Teel said often, crops are grown and cattle are raised in ways that dont allow the land to naturally regenerate nutrients, leading farmers to need the fertilizer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not just that those biosolids are being put down there or any other fertilizers being put down there, but because they have poor ground cover and every time it rains, a huge amount of that fertilizer is going to flow downstream, Teel said. And it has all sorts of negative effects for our watersheds all the way down to the bay. There are ways to reduce that need, protect the land from runoff and save farmers money, Teel said, including more oversight from state authorities. As far as Im concerned, a little more regulation is not a bad thing, Teel added. In Richmond, lawmakers are debating how to protect their constituents who increasingly reach out to them with their worries about the chemicals in biosolids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stuart, the state senator representing King George, said Maryland recently set limitations to how many parts per billion of PFAS found in the sludge can be allowed in order to spread the substance on agricultural land. That often leads to Marylands biosolids being shipped over to Virginia, which does not have such limits. He said he plans to bring legislation in the 2026 General Assembly to set limits and require testing. He would prefer to have a zero tolerance, he said in an interview, but understands that may not be fair to industry. I think its important that you go, we at least meet or go below Marylands threshold, because if we dont, theyre going to keep sending it across the river with us, Stuart said. The EPA guidelines are much higher than Marylands threshold. So were not going to be able to rely on the EPA. With the strong pushback from communities in Orange county as well as Essex County, Synagro has put a pause on the Essex permit process to see how things play out in Orange, a DEQ representative told the Water Control Board last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislators will decide the next steps for PFAS testing of biosolids in the upcoming General Assembly session in January. If they fail to take action, there could be negative consequences for Virginias agricultural industry and communities, some experts warn. If we just let this come to pass, and we apply these biosolids and we dont test we can look at places like Maine as an outcome, right? Where theres now dairy cattle and milk, which is heavily contaminated to the point that, you know, farmers have to dump the milk and cant sell it anymore and you cant just clean it up. That farmland is lost, UVAs Berger said. Editors note: This story has been updated to more accurately reflect the most recent updates to the Department of Environmental Qualitys biosolids permit map. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE After eight hours of training at the Milwaukee Ballet Academy, Cecilia Smucker logs onto her laptop for four hours of online learning through Milwaukee Virtual School. Cecilia, a high school senior, has her sights set on becoming a professional dancer. In between rehearsals for an upcoming performance, she said her rigorous training schedule leaves little room for a traditional school day. "It just wouldn't be possible for me to balance being there physically," Cecilia said. "Virtual school is the way for me to pursue an education while also pursuing a career in dance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cecilia is one of about 13,500 students attending a virtual charter school in Wisconsin, according to the most recent data available. Enrollment hasnt returned to its 2020-21 pandemic peak, when more than 16,000 students were enrolled, but demand for virtual learning remains. Last school years enrollment across the state's 58 virtual charter schools was 55% higher than in 2019-20. Milwaukee Public Schools opened Milwaukee Virtual School this school year, redesignating the districts pandemic-era online program as its own charter school for kindergarten through 12th grade students. About 1,050 students, most of them high schoolers, attend the school, said Principal William Luedtke. "There is increased competition to have virtual programs. They're popping up all over the state," Luedtke said. "There is a large proportion of students in our program who just would not remain part of Milwaukee Public Schools if they didn't have a virtual option." Students who choose to attend school online typically have unique life circumstances, school administrators said. Some, like Smucker, are training or traveling for competitive sports. Others have disabilities, must stay home to take care of ailing family members or work jobs that make a traditional school schedule difficult to manage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost all are seeking more flexibility than what's offered at in-person schools, said Charles Heckel, policy and finance administrator of Rural Virtual Academy. The school out of the Medford Area Public School District enrolled about 2,260 students last school year, making it the largest virtual charter school in Wisconsin. "So many families want more flexibility in their lives, and they want more individualized educational options," Heckel said. "With families and parents being able to work from home and work remote, we've seen the demographics of the kids that are enrolled in our school also mirror that." Sarah Scovell Muraski, administrator of Kiel eSchool and Between the Lakes Academy, said public schools are increasingly requiring high school students to take at least one online course. Thats the case in the Kiel Area School District, which oversees both Kiel and Between the Lakes. Muraski said some school districts send students to Kiel and Between the Lakes to attend classes they aren't able to staff or for electives not offered in person. The two schools, which primarily offer asynchronous instruction, added about 80 full-time students this school year and hired additional staff to accommodate the growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Owen, a teacher at the schools, said online education has its critics, including those who say virtual learning is an easy way for students to graduate. But she said students quickly realize they must put in the effort to avoid falling behind. "There's nothing easy about it," Muraski said. "You have to do the work, you have to prove the mastery, and you have to put in the time." For Cecilia, virtual school requires discipline and time management, her parents said. "It can be very stressful," said her dad Glenn. "It requires the whole family joining together, and it does require a very special kind of person." Virtual options growing beyond public school districts The total number of students attending virtual schools is even higher when accounting for private schools that accept publicly funded vouchers for students in school choice programs. But voucher schools aren't required to report such data to the state, said Chris Bucher, a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2020 ruling allowed voucher schools to use virtual learning to meet their state-mandated instructional hours. One voucher school, Academy of Excellence in Milwaukee, quickly recruited thousands of students with the promise of a free online education. About three-quarters of the school's 3,800 students were virtual last school year, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. The school's enrollment rose to the equivalent of more than 4,400 full-time students this school year, according to state data. State taxpayers will pay the school over $50 million this school year, the DPI estimated. A previous Journal Sentinel investigation raised questions about school's programming and found the school paid millions of dollars to companies controlled by relatives of the school's founder, Randy Melchert. As online instruction has become more common, the DPI has advocated for laws that would tighten regulations for voucher schools that offer virtual learning, Bucher said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As the law stands right now, there are no requirements for private choice schools related specifically for virtual instruction," he said. Online learning becoming the norm As virtual charter and voucher schools grow and as technology advances, Luedtke, the Milwaukee Virtual School principal, foresees online education becoming more part of the traditional school experience. "I do see the potential to move towards more of a hybrid model where students are virtual for a portion of the day and still able to get some in-person instruction, depending on where their areas of interest are," Luedtke said. Cecilia's mom, Vernande, said such a model would allow more students to pursue opportunities beyond what the traditional school model offers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I find this program very important and very useful for young people who want to make a difference in their life or for those who have a dream," she said. "They can do two activities at the same time. It is a good opportunity for young students to go far in their dreams." Kayla Huynh covers K-12 education, teachers and solutions at the Journal Sentinel. Reach her at khuynh@gannett.com and follow her on X at @_kaylahuynh. All of her work and coverage decisions are overseen solely by Journal Sentinel editors. Kaylas position receives support from Kohl Philanthropies and contributions to the Community-Funded Journalism Project. Help continue this reporting with a tax-deductible donation at jsonline.com/support. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Virtual learning expanding in Wisconsin, school leaders say A volcano in Ethiopia's northeastern region erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending thick plumes of smoke up to nine miles into the sky, the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) said. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia's Afar region about 500 miles northeast of Addis Ababa near the Eritrean border, erupted on Sunday for several hours. The volcano, which rises about 1,500 feet yards in altitude, sits within the Rift Valley, a zone of intense geological activity where two tectonic plates meet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ash clouds from the volcano drifted over Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan, said the VAAC, which posted a map of the path of the ash cloud. Air India said on Tuesday said it had canceled at least 11 flights due to the ash plumes, and Akasa Air said it canceled flights to some Middle East destinations, the Reuters news agency reported. Simon Carn, a volcanologist and professor at the Michigan Technological University, confirmed on Bluesky that the ash cloud was "spreading rapidly east in the subtropical jet stream, over the Arabian Sea towards NW India and Pakistan." In this photo released by the Afar Government Communication Bureau, ash billows from an eruption of the long-dormant Hayli Gubbi Volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. / Credit: Afar Government Communication Bureau via AP In videos shared on social media, which AFP could not immediately verify, a thick column of white smoke can be seen rising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program said Hayli Gubbi has had no known eruptions during the Holocene, which began around 12,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age. Carn confirmed on Bluesky that Hayli Gubbi "has no record of Holocene eruptions." A local administrator, Mohammed Seid, said there were no casualties, but the eruption could have economic implications for the local community of livestock herders. Seid told The Associated Press that there was no previous record of an eruption by the Hayli Gubbi volcano, and that he fears for the livelihoods of residents. "While no human lives and livestock have been lost so far, many villages have been covered in ash and as a result their animals have little to eat," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Afar region is prone to earthquakes and a resident, Ahmed Abdela, told the AP he heard a loud sound and what he described as a shock wave. "It felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash," he said. In this photo released by the Afar Government Communication Bureau, people watch ash billow from an eruption of the long-dormant Hayli Gubbi Volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. / Credit: AP Eye Opener: Ukraine agrees to peace proposal, official says Sen. Kelly responds to Pentagon investigation over video urging military to defy illegal orders U.S. considers dropping leaflets in Venezuela amid ramped-up pressure on Maduro, sources say ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) A long-dormant volcano erupted in northern Ethiopia over the weekend, sending ash plumes across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman. The Hayli Gubbi volcano in the Afar region of Ethiopia erupted on Sunday morning, leaving the neighboring village of Afdera covered in dust. A local administrator, Mohammed Seid, said there were no casualties, but the eruption could have economic implications for the local community of livestock herders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seid told The Associated Press that there was no previous record of an eruption by the Hayli Gubbi volcano, and that he fears for the livelihoods of residents. While no human lives and livestock have been lost so far, many villages have been covered in ash and as a result their animals have little to eat, he said. The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in France also reported the eruption, which it observed on satellite imagery. The Afar region is prone to earthquakes and a resident, Ahmed Abdela, said he heard a loud sound and what he described as a shock wave. It felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The village near the Danakil desert, which is a tourist attraction, was still covered in ash on Monday and tourists and guides heading to the desert were stranded in the village, according to Abdela. The local authorities shared photos and videos of a towering ash plume rising from the volcano. The Waukesha County Sheriff Department. An audit of the department's use of data from the Flock surveillance camera system shows inconsistent reporting the reasons on the reasons investigators access the information, a problem common among police agencies. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner) Like other Wisconsin law enforcement agencies, the Waukesha County Sheriffs Department (WCSD) uses Flock cameras for many reasons, though department personnel dont always clearly document what those reasons are. Audit data reveals that staff most frequently entered investigation in order to access Flocks network, while other documented uses are raising concerns among privacy advocates. Flock cameras perpetually photograph and, using AI-powered license plate reader technology, identify vehicles traversing roadways. Flocks system can be used to view a vehicles journey, even weeks after capturing an image, or flag specific vehicles for law enforcement which have been placed on Be On The Lookout (BOLO) lists. The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation. As of March 2025, the company Flock Safety was valued at $7.5 billion, with over 5,000 law enforcement agencies using its cameras nationwide. At least 221 of those agencies are in Wisconsin, including the city of Waukeshas police department as well as the county sheriff . The Wisconsin Examiner obtained Flock audit data from the Waukesha County Sheriffs Department through open records requests, covering Flock searches from January 2024 to July 2025, and used computer programming to analyze the data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over that period of time, more than 6,700 Flock searches were conducted by WCSD using only investigation, as well as abbreviations or misspellings of the word. The searches, as they appeared in the audit data, offered no other context to suggest why specifically Flocks network had been searched. Lt. Nicholas Wenzel, a sheriffs department spokesperson, wrote in an email statement that investigation has a broad usage when Flock is involved. A deputy/detective using Flock for an investigation is using it for a wide range of public safety situations, Wenzel explained. Flock assists in locating missing persons during Amber or Silver Alert by identifying their vehicles and has proven effective in recovering stolen cars. Investigators use Flock to track suspect vehicles in serious crimes such as homicides, assaults, robberies, and shootings, as well as in property crimes like burglaries, catalytic converter thefts, and package thefts. The system also supports traffic-related investigations, including hit-and-run cases, and enables agencies to share information across jurisdictions to track offenders who travel between communities. Widespread use of vague search terms Dave Maass, director of investigations at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, says that terms like investigation are too vague to determine whether or not Flock was used appropriately. At least some responsibility falls on Flock Safety itself, Maass argues. Theyre setting up a system where its impossible for somebody to audit it, he told the Wisconsin Examiner. And I think thats the big problem, is that theres no baseline requirement that you have to have a case related to thisThey say you have to have a law enforcement purpose. But if you just put the word investigation there, how do you know? Like, how do you know that this is not somebody stalking their ex-partner? How do you know whether this is somebody looking up information about celebrities? How do you know whether its racist or not? And you just dont, because nobody is checking any of these things. The audit also stored other vague search terms used by WCSD such as f, cooch, freddy, ts, nathan, and hunt which Lt. Wenzel would not define.The search terms are associated with investigations, some of which remain active, he wrote in an email statement. To preserve the integrity of these ongoing investigations, no further description or clarification of the terms can be provided at this time. A Flock camera on the Lac Courte Orielles Reservation in Saywer County. | Photo by Frank Zufall/Wisconsin Examiner In August, Wisconsin Examiner published a similar Flock analysis that also found agencies statewide entering only the word investigation, with no other descriptor, in order to access Flock. At nearly 20,000 searches (not including misspellings and abbreviations), the term investigation was in fact the most often used term in that analysis, which relied on audit data obtained from the Wauwatosa Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While data from the Waukesha County Sheriffs Department appeared in that first Flock story, that analysis focused on broad trends which appeared among at least 221 unique agencies using Flock in Wisconsin. This more recent analysis focuses specifically on the Waukesha County Sheriff Departments use of the camera network. The August report found that the Waukesha County Sheriffs Department appeared among the top 10 Wisconsin law enforcement agencies that used Flock the most. The report also found that some agencies also only entered . a period in the Flock system field to indicate the reason for using the system. The West Allis Police Department led Wisconsin in this particular search term, followed by the Waukesha Police Department and the Columbia County Sheriffs Office. In response to an inquiry from the Wisconsin Examiner, a Waukesha Police Department spokesperson said that an officer whod conducted nearly 400 Flock searches using only . as the reason had been provided extra training, and that the officers behavior had been corrected after the Wisconsin Examiner reached out. The West Allis Police Department, on the other hand, did not suggest that its officers were using the Flock network improperly. Use of vague search terms is chronic across Flocks network, Maass has found. He recalled one nationwide audit that covered 11.4 million Flock searches over a six-month period. Of those some 22,743 just dots appeared as reasons for Flock searches. Searches using only the word investigation made up about 14.5% of all searches, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So yeah, thats a problem, Maass told the Wisconsin Examiner. Reviewing a copy of Waukesha County Sheriffs Department audit data, Maass saw the same vague search terms that have been reported by the Examiner. Although some terms can be reasonably guessed such as repo perhaps meaning repossession, or ICAC, which usually stands for Internet Crimes Against Children others arent so easy. Surveillance cameras monitor traffic on a clear day | Getty Images Creative Hunt can mean anything, said Maass, referring to a term which appeared 24 times within the Waukesha Sheriffs data. Maass points to the search term f, which the Wisconsin Examiners analysis found WCSD used to search Flock 806 times. Maass highlights that each search touches hundreds or even thousands of individual Flock networks nationwide. If Im one of these agencies that gets hit by this system, how am I to know if this is a legitimate search or not? Maass said. Now, maybe somebody at Waukesha is going through their own system, and like questioning every officer about every case. Maybe theyre doing that. Probably not. Wenzel of the Waukesha County Sheriffs Department said that although some searches appear vague, deputies and detectives are required by department policy to document their use of Flock in reports. Although a case number category does appear in the audit data, this column was rendered blank, making it impossible for Wisconsin Examiner to determine how often Flock searches had case numbers, or whether those case numbers corresponded with specific investigations the sheriffs department had on file. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office understands the concerns surrounding emerging technology and takes very seriously its responsibility to protect the privacy and civil rights of the community, Wenzel said in a statement. The use of Flock license plate recognition technology is guided by clear safeguards to ensure it is only used for legitimate law enforcement purposes. The departments policy, Wenzel explained, prohibits any use outside of legitimate criminal investigations. He said that deputies undergo initial and ongoing training to use the camera network. All system activity is logged and subject to review, said Wenzel. Maass says the department cant back-check the searches conducted by other agencies using the Waukesha Flock network, however. Because when were talking about millions of searches coming through their system, you know, every few monthslike hundreds of thousands at least every monthhow are they actually quality controlling any of these? Maass told the Wisconsin Examiner. Theyre just not. An eviction notice posted on a door as the lock is changed. (Stephen Zenner | Getty Images) Wenzel said that the technology is not used for general surveillance, traffic enforcement, or monitoring individuals not connected to an investigation. The Wisconsin Examiners analysis, however, detected 43 searches logged as surveillance and 30 searches logged as traffic offense. The audit data also contained at least 357 searches logged as suspicious or variations of the word, as well as another 14 logged as suspicious driving behavior, 52 searches for road rage and 36 logged as identify driver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were also 62 searches related to evictions, which privacy advocates contend go beyond the public safety roles that the cameras were originally pitched to serve. Evictions can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations, said Wenzel. The removal of individuals from a residence often creates heightened emotions, uncertainty, and sometimes resistance. For this reason, safety is the top priority for both the residents being evicted and the deputies carrying out the court order. Flock is utilized to determine if the former tenants have left the area or could possibly be in the area when the court order is being carried out. Jon McCray Jones, policy analyst for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wisconsin, said in a statement that the Waukesha Sheriffs use of Flock has extended far beyond the public safety justifications for which these tools were originally sold. McCray Jones told the Wisconsin Examiner, These systems were introduced to the public as a means to reduce violent crime and aid in solving serious investigations. However, when they are used for non-criminal purposes, such as evictions, they cross a dangerous line. Waukeshas uses for evictions were particularly concerning for McCray Jones. Whats happening here is surveillance technology, operated by taxpayer-funded public servants, being weaponized at the behest of private landlords and corporations, he said. That is exactly the kind of mission creep communities are most worried about when it comes to police surveillance. If Flock cameras can be repurposed to target tenants today, what stops law enforcement tomorrow from using facial recognition to track people who fall behind on rent, or phone location data to monitor whether workers are really sick when they call off? Weve seen documented cases where law enforcement misused surveillance systems to track down romantic interests. Once the floodgate is opened, the slide into abuse is fast and quiet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wenzel said that access to the Flock network is limited to personnel who are properly trained and authorized to use the software, and the departments policy is regularly reviewed by those personnel. Searches are limited to legitimate law enforcement purposes per department policy, he wrote in an email statement. The department has conducted its own Flock audits, Wenzel explained, and no sheriff department staff have ever been disciplined or re-trained due to Flock-related issues. Although the Waukesha County Sheriffs Department is part of the federal 287(g) program, in which local law enforcement agencies participate in federal immigration enforcement, Wenzel said that Flock is not used as part of the program, and the Wisconsin Examiner didnt find any clear examples of immigration-related uses by the sheriffs department. McCray Jones considers the Waukesha Sheriffs use of Flock to be an example of why surveillance technology in the hands of law enforcement must be tightly limited, narrowly defined, and rigorously transparent. He stressed that every use must be clearly logged and justified not with vague categories like investigation or repo, but with meaningful explanations the public can actually understand and evaluate. Without strict guardrails, audits like this reveal how quickly tools justified in the name of safety turn into instruments of convenience or even private gain. With the growth of surveillance technologies and the civil liberties implications they raise, McCray Jones said that the public deserves clear proof that it is being used only to reduce crime particularly violent crime and not to serve the interests of landlords or corporations. Accountability and transparency arent optional add-ons; they are the bare minimum to prevent abuse. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEED TO KNOW Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weir stabbed their friend Payton Leutner 19 times on May 31, 2014 The Wisconsin preteens claimed it was an effort to please the mythical horror figure Slender Man Leutner survived, while Geyser and Weir were sent to psychiatric facilities When they were just 12, Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier lured their friend into the woods and attacked her a violent act they believed would earn the approval of Slender Man, the internet-born boogeyman. Slender Man himself emerged years earlier, in 2009, from a chilling online illustration depicting an unnaturally tall, faceless figure with long, tentacle-like limbs. The character quickly spread across Creepypasta forums, where users traded eerie myths about his supposed powers, from mind manipulation to teleportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together, Weier and Geyser grew obsessed with Slender Man and plotted to kill their classmate, Payton Leutner, in an effort to become "proxies" for the character, whom they believed was real. After luring Leutner into the woods on May 31, 2014, Weier and Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times before leaving her for dead but she survived. The case inspired an HBO documentary and the 2018 feature film Slender Man starring Joey King. So where are Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser now? Here's everything to know about their lives today, more than a decade after the Slender Man stabbing. Who are Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser? Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel / AP, Pool Morgan E. Geyser is escorted into a Waukesha County Court on November 11, 2016. Morgan E. Geyser is escorted into a Waukesha County Court on November 11, 2016. Geyser, Weier and Leutner were all students at Horning Middle School in the Milwaukee suburb of Waukesha, Wis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leutner and Geyser had actually become friends first. In an October 2019 episode of 20/20, Leutner recalled that she befriended Geyser after seeing her eat alone at lunch. She also described her former friend as funny and a little lonely. However, Leutner said their relationship changed after Geyser befriended Weier in sixth grade in 2014. Weier and Geyser grew obsessed with Slender Man, leading Leutner to want to distance herself from Geyser. "I thought it was odd. It kind of frightened me a little bit, but I went along with it," Leutner ABC anchor David Muir on 20/20. "I was supportive because I thought thats what she liked." However, in time, Leutner started considering ending her friendship with Geyser. "I saw the change from fifth to sixth grade when she met Anissa," she added. "That's when I was really wanting to get out of that friendship." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The New York Times, Geyser and Weier believed that Slender Man was real and that he lived in the woods of northern Wisconsin. What did Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser do? Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel / AP, Pool Anissa Weier appears via video link from the Washington County Secure Detention Center where she is being held, during a hearing in Waukesha County Court on November 11, 2016. Anissa Weier appears via video link from the Washington County Secure Detention Center where she is being held, during a hearing in Waukesha County Court on November 11, 2016. Over the course of several months, Geyser and Weier devised a plan to murder Leutner to try to become "proxies" for the fictional horror character, The New York Times reported. Using code words like "cracker" for knife and "camping trip" for the woods where they believed Slender Man resided, in February 2014, Weier and Geyser chose May 31 of that year for the attempted slaying. According to police, Weier and Geyser lured Leutner into a Wisconsin park and took turns encouraging one another to stab her, with Geyser actually stabbing her 19 times while Weier watched. They then left Leutner for dead, but Leutner survived. Leutner crawled to a nearby bike path, where a passerby called 911 and stayed with her until paramedics arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local police found Weier and Geyser who were both 12 at the time walking on the side of the road miles away from the crime scene and picked the girls up. They reportedly were nonchalant when they informed investigators that they killed their friend to appease Slender Man, whom they thought would kill them or their families if they didn't kill Leutner. Geyser, covered in blood, told police, "I might as well just say it. We were trying to kill her." What was Anissa Weier's sentence? C.T. Kruger /Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel / AP, Pool Anissa Weier passes a note to defense attorney Joseph Smith Jr. during closing arguments in her case on September 15, 2017. Anissa Weier passes a note to defense attorney Joseph Smith Jr. during closing arguments in her case on September 15, 2017. Geyser and Weier were each charged with first-degree intentional homicide. Despite their age, they were tried as adults. In August 2017, Weier pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted homicide as a party to a crime with the use of a deadly weapon. The following month, a jury ruled that Weier was mentally ill at the time of the murder attempt and found her not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per her plea agreement, Weier was sentenced to a maximum of 25 years in a psychiatric facility. She was mandated to spend at least three years in a psychiatric hospital before she could apply for supervised release, which would be part of the commitment order. She was also credited for the three years that she served in a juvenile detention facility. What was Morgan Geyser's sentence? Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel / AP Morgan Geyser is led into the courtroom at Waukesha County Court on August 19, 2016. Morgan Geyser is led into the courtroom at Waukesha County Court on August 19, 2016. Geysers attorneys argued in court documents that she suffered from schizophrenia and psychotic spectrum disorder, which made her prone to delusions and paranoid beliefs. She pleaded guilty in October 2017 and was committed to a mental hospital. Despite her plea deal, she was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or disorder. She was sentenced to 40 years in a psychiatric hospital, the Associated Press reported, which Judge Michael Bohren said was because it was "an issue of public protection." Where is the Slender Man stabbing survivor Payton Leutner now? ABC News/Youtube Payton Leutner in 2019. Payton Leutner in 2019. Leutner was hospitalized for 10 days after the attack, and in the following months, had as many as eight medical appointments per week during her recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She returned to Horning Middle School for seventh grade in September 2014. A representative for the Leutner family said that Leutner excelled academically, participated in school music programs and volunteered at an animal shelter as she had before Weier and Geyser's attack. She and her family each sought counseling to cope with the trauma of the stabbing. In October 2019, Leutner spoke publicly for the first time about the Slender Man stabbing, telling Muir in a 20/20 interview that she still slept with broken scissors under her pillow five years after the attack. She also revealed that she was actually somewhat grateful for what had happened to her. "Just because of what she did, I have the life I have now," Leutner said. "I really, really like it and I have a plan. I didn't have a plan when I was 12, and now, I do because of everything that I went through. I wouldn't think that someone who went through what I did would ever say that, but thats truly how I feel. Without the whole situation, I wouldn't be who I am." Where are Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser now? Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel / AP, Pool Anissa Weier appears in court on February 20, 2017. Anissa Weier appears in court on February 20, 2017. After applying for conditional release in March 2021, Weier was released from Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh, Wis., on Sept. 13, 2021. She spent more than four years in inpatient psychiatric treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She must reside with her father and isn't permitted to access the Internet outside of his home. The Department of Corrections monitors her Internet use and activity. Weier is also subject to 24/7 GPS tracking and is mandated to continue psychiatric treatment. On April 21, 2024, Judge Bohren denied Geyser's petition for early release from Winnebago Mental Health Institute after two court-appointed psychologists recommended she remain in inpatient psychiatric care. One of the psychologists said that Geyser claimed in a 2022 evaluation she was "faking" her psychotic symptoms in an effort to avoid being released to her father's care, alleging he abused her. In January 2025, the Associated Press reported that a judge ordered Geyser's release after expert testimony claimed she had made noticeable progress while at Winnebago Mental Health Institute and was no longer considered a safety risk. Upon her release, the judge ordered Wisconsins Department of Health Services to house Geyser in a group home as a condition of her release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 22, 2025, Geyser removed her Department of Corrections monitoring bracelet and left her group home. She remained missing for just over 24 hours before officers located and arrested her nearly 200 miles away, per ABC News. If you or someone you know need mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. Read the original article on People If Turkey wants operational access to Israel, it should first remove Hamass operational access to Turkey. Until then, Israel cannot afford to allow Turkish influence near. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday after the G20 summit in South Africa that Ankara is still evaluating how it might participate in the planned International Stabilization Force in Gaza. Only in the Middle East could the same leader who shelters Hamas, and compares Israel to the Nazis, and its prime minister to Hitler, suggest with a straight face that his country might help stabilize Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dissonance between the role Erdogan sees for Turkey in Gaza and the one Israel will be willing to let him fill is glaring. This became evident at Sundays cabinet meeting when Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli called on the prime minister to shut down Turkeys consulates in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and outlaw TIKA, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, which Israel has long viewed as a vehicle for political subversion and a conduit to Hamas under the cover of development aid and cultural cooperation. The rhetoric and actions of the dictator in Ankara, Chikli wrote, are those of the leader of an enemy state. And no self-respecting nation, he argued, would allow Turkish emissaries to operate freely on its soil while Ankara embraces Hamas and campaigns internationally for Israels delegitimization. This was not a rhetorical outburst. It reflected a steadily growing current inside Israel that believes Jerusalem must draw firm red lines with Turkey. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is welcomed by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Doha, Qatar (credit: REUTERS) What Chiklis statement shows is that the question is not only whether Turkey should have a role in Gaza, but whether its representatives - including TIKA - should be allowed to operate freely in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria. At the same time, Ankara houses those trying to murder Jews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is easy to forget that just over a year before October 7, Israel and Turkey were cautiously restoring ties. Ambassadors were exchanged. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Erdogan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. There was talk, never realistic, but still talk of resetting the relationship. Then came the Hamas massacre. As political correspondent Amit Segal wrote in Israel Hayom earlier this month, Israels embassy in Ankara has been closed and gathering dust since that day, and the consulate in Istanbul opens only intermittently, staffed by two diplomats who travel under personal risk. Meanwhile, Turkey maintains around fifty diplomats inside Israel - 30 in Tel Aviv and 20 in Jerusalem - and their mission, Segal emphasized, is not to strengthen ties but to undermine Israel from within. He pointed out that when Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran fifteen months ago, the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv lowered its flag to half-mast. Few gestures more clearly conveyed where Ankaras sympathies lie, and Israels blind spots. Israel's blind spots in its approach to Turkey Those blind spots in Israels approach to Turkey are rapidly disappearing, and what is starting to seep into the national conversation is that Turkey is no longer simply a hostile state, but an adversarial one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another layer of this story also deserves attention: the Turkish embargo that wasnt. In April 2024, with great fanfare, Turkey announced a full suspension of trade with Israel, marketed domestically as a principled response to Israels genocide in Gaza. Erdogan compared Israel to Nazi Germany. Turkish officials spoke of economic punishment. The facts tell a different story. A Bank of Israel analysis in March found that the embargos impact on Israels economy was minimal to nonexistent. Israeli importers quickly found substitutes, even in sectors like cement, where Turkey had been dominant, and prices did not rise. Meanwhile, Turkish exporters quietly kept doing business. Between January and May 2025, Turkey exported $393.7 million worth of goods to Israel. Although bilateral trade between the countries fell by more than half in 2004 compared to the previous year, UN Comtrade data shows that Turkey was still Israels fifth-largest source of imports in 2024, with $2.86 billion in goods. Turkish companies simply rerouted shipments through third countries or via Palestinian intermediaries. The point is not that Israel suffered, as it didnt, but that Erdogan wages a political and rhetorical campaign against Israel while his own economy continues to benefit from Israeli consumers. The embargo farce exposes Turkeys duplicity: saying one thing, doing another, all while continuing to shelter Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trumps announcement Sunday that he plans to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization now adds an additional twist to the relationship with Turkey, since Erdogans ruling AKP Party - and Erdogan himself - is deeply rooted in Muslim Brotherhood ideology. If Washington follows through, Jerusalem may well mirror the designation. Netanyahu said as much Sunday night, commending Trumps announcement and saying that Israel has outlawed parts of the organization and will continue to do so. And the consequences of doing so would be far more than just symbolic. Once the Brotherhood becomes an FTO, any organization linked to its networks or financing channels becomes exposed. This could provide the rationale for curtailing TIKAs activities in Israel. TIKA is not merely a development arm of the Turkish government. Israeli officials and analysts have long cited it as a conduit for money, personnel, and influence into Hamas-linked operations in Gaza and east Jerusalem. If Hamas - already a designated terrorist organization - is treated in US law as the Palestinian arm of an FTO, then any entity documented as transferring funds, resources, or personnel to it becomes sanctionable overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Muslim Brotherhood designation would not just be a political statement; it would structurally undermine Turkeys ability to operate in Gaza, Jerusalem, or anywhere in Israel. Turkey today is arguably Hamass most permissive foreign base of operations. It hosts senior leaders, grants citizenship to operatives, and allows command-and-control activity, financial laundering networks, recruitment pipelines, attack planning, and cyber operations targeting Israelis and Jews. A country that shelters Hamas should not be allowed to operate freely inside Israel, let alone inside Gaza. Israeli public opinion is shifting accordingly. Ankaras challenge for Israel is not only ideological or operational; it is strategic. Ankara is militarily stronger, more assertive, and increasingly willing to confront Israel rhetorically and diplomatically -- it has systematically blocked Israeli cooperation with NATO since October 2023. Turkeys growing presence in post-Assad Syria, its navy in the Eastern Mediterranean, its involvement in Palestinian politics, and its push for a role in Gaza all reflect a widening arc of ambition. Erdogan sees himself as the future leader of the Muslim world - a vision in which Israel is an obstacle that must be contained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel, meanwhile, sees Turkey trying to carve out influence inside Jerusalem and in the West Bank through TIKA and related bodies. That is why voices like Chiklis are multiplying. And that is why Israels opposition to any Turkish role in a Gaza stabilization force is not a diplomatic preference - it is a necessity. In a region where ambiguity is often the default option, this is one case where clarity is a necessity. A country that provides sanctuary to Hamas should not be given sanctuary inside Israel - not through cultural institutes, not through humanitarian agencies, not through diplomatic missions far larger than Israels own presence in Turkey, and certainly not through troops in Gaza. If Turkey wants operational access to Israel, it should first remove Hamass operational access to Turkey. Until then, the line should be unmistakable: Israel cannot afford to allow Turkish influence into Gaza - or into Jerusalem or Judea and Samaria - while Ankara works tirelessly to weaken and delegitimize Israel, and as it champions, hosts, and enables Israels most murderous enemy. A group of workers making repairs to a pier made a startling discovery last week thats rocking South Boston: An apparent skull encased in concrete. The crew was repairing concrete at Bostons Black Falcon Terminal when they made the shocking find, according to NBC10 Boston. A forensic anthropologist is now working to confirm whether the skull is that of a human, the station reported. Todd McGee, a law enforcement expert, confirmed what a lot of people were likely thinking as news of the grim discovery broke when he said, The gut reaction is to make some connection to a mob hit and how they dispose of the body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Boston was once home to notorious gangster James Whitey Bulger, who was a most-wanted fugitive for 16 years before his eventual capture in 2011. Bulger was killed in prison in 2018. If the skull is confirmed to be that of a human, the Massachusetts State Police will likely open up a criminal case. Watch above via NBC10 Boston. The post WHITEY BOULDER: Workers Fixing Boston Pier Uncover Skull Encased in Concrete in Possible Mob Hit first appeared on Mediaite. The diplomatic crisis between Tokyo and Beijing is the result of a years-long fundamental shift to the right in Japan - and part of a "long-term struggle" that China must prepare for, according to analysts. The assessment comes as relations between the two countries nosedive, prompted by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's suggestion earlier this month that a hypothetical conflict in the Taiwan Strait would trigger a military response from Tokyo. For Beijing, the comments ventured into a "core interest" and warranted economic retaliation and furious daily rebukes, including a protest to the United Nations, warnings to its citizens against travelling to Japan and suspending Japanese seafood imports. 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. Beijing has also revived the spectre of Japan's wartime past, connecting Takaichi's comments to Japan's invasion of China nearly a century ago. "China will never allow Japanese right-wing forces to turn back the clock of history," Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday, according to Chinese state media. "[Mainland China] will never allow external forces to interfere in Taiwan, and will never allow Japanese militarism to resurface." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Japanese prime minister says there has been no change to Tokyo's relationship with Beijing, nor has its position on the Taiwan issue shifted. But observers in China say her comments reflect Japan's years-long rightward shift, one that increasingly frames China as its main rival. Zhu Feng, executive dean of Nanjing University's School of International Studies, said the fundamental nature of China-Japan relations was going through very complex and subtle changes. "This did not just start now," Zhu said. "It's clear that Japan has been working towards this direction for several years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With China rising now, Japan has made it very clear that China is the greatest strategic threat it has ever faced." Wu Xinbo, the dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, said change had been occurring for more than a decade. "Conservative, right-wing forces have gained a dominant position in Japanese politics, and this trend has been clear since they first returned to power [in 2012] and led Japan's China policy [to be] increasingly confrontational - if not outright hostile," Wu said. But it was not always that way. When the two countries normalised relations in 1972, they embarked on frequent exchanges during what was widely seen as a golden age between them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1998, China and Japan signed a Joint Declaration aimed at building a partnership for peace and development. And in 2008, they signed a joint statement, pledging to fully advance a "strategic, mutually beneficial relationship". These documents form the political foundation of bilateral ties, according to China's foreign ministry. But no new documents have been signed in the past decade. A host of issues have dogged relations over the years, from territorial disputes around the Diaoyu Islands, which are called the Senkakus in Japan, to the legacy of Japan's invasion, and concerns over peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The late Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe - Takaichi's mentor - spearheaded efforts to loosen Japan's constitution, with the Japanese parliament voting through legislation in 2015 that could allow troops to fight overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, Japan's annual military white paper made repeated mentions of China, framing the People's Liberation Army's rapid military build-up in recent years as Japan's "greatest strategic challenge". Then came Takaichi's comments on Taiwan to the Japanese parliament on November 7 that Japanese troops might intervene in a conflict over Taiwan because it could be a "survival-threatening situation". Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States and Japan, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons. Zhu, from Nanjing University, said China must take Japan's policy shift seriously and recognise that a fundamental change had already taken place in China-Japan relations, especially at the strategic and security levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not something that can be fixed in a few days, nor something where you can simply apply pressure and expect Japan to yield," Zhu said. "China still needs to take a long-term approach in responding to the policy shift. It will be a long-term struggle requiring long-term guidance, communication and engagement." Beijing has shut down some diplomatic channels for communication. The Chinese foreign ministry said last week that Premier Li Qiang did not plan to meet Takaichi on the sidelines of this weekend's G20 meeting in South Africa. Other backchannels, such as the friendly parliamentary associations between China and Japan's Komeito party that once facilitated dialogue, had become marginalised, said Zheng Zhihua, a research associate professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Centre for Japanese Studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Zheng said that applying pressure, including economic measures, "hurts the other side, but it also comes at a high cost to ourselves". "Both sides are likely to adjust their actions dynamically, countermeasures could escalate in a spiral, or they might be deliberately contained within certain areas." He said China's strong reaction this time might aim to set clear rules on issues regarding Taiwan and send signals to other Western allies. "From China's perspective, it appears determined this time to set clear rules - not only to send a signal to Japan, but also to the Philippines, the US and other allies. The goal is to draw firm red lines and deter external interference," Zheng said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China and the United States should keep up the momentum in ties, and keep moving forward in the right direction on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit. Xi made the remarks while speaking with U.S. President Donald Trump on the phone. Xi noted that he and Trump had a successful meeting in Busan last month, and reached many important common understandings. They recalibrated the course of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations and provided more momentum for it to sail forward steadily, thus sending a positive message to the world, he said. Since then, the China-U.S. relationship has generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory, and this is welcomed by the two countries and the broader international community, Xi said. What has happened demonstrates yet again that the description of China-U.S. cooperation benefiting both sides and confrontation hurting both sides reflects a common sense that has been repeatedly proven by experience, and the vision of China and the United States helping each other succeed and prosper together is a tangible prospect within reach, Xi said. He said that the two sides should lengthen the list of cooperation and shorten the list of problems, so as to make more positive progress, create new space for China-U.S. cooperation and bring more benefits to the people of both countries and the world. Xi outlined China's principled position on the Taiwan question, underscoring that Taiwan's return to China is an integral part of the post-war international order. Noting that China and the United States fought shoulder to shoulder against fascism and militarism, Xi said that given what is going on, it is even more important for the two sides to jointly safeguard the victory of World War II. Several anti-Trump advocacy groups are calling for people to boycott retailers around Thanksgiving. They hope to pressure major corporations to stop supporting some of the Trump administration's most divisive policies. The coalition of advocacy groups is launching a boycott called We Aint Buying It on Thanksgiving and through the weekend. The coalition seeks to put economic pressure on several corporations they say funded President Donald Trumps administration or went along with what they call "harmful" policies including rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, mass firing of federal workers, immigration raids and more. During this critical shopping holiday, organizers are asking people to support small businesses and Black, Immigrant and "POC"-owned businesses, over the weekend instead of big retailers. Here is what to know. Why are people boycotting? Advocates want to put economic pressure on major retailers, demanding they stop working to uphold some of Trumps most divisive policies including the mass firings of federal workers, corporate pressure to dismantle DEI and immigration raids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This movement is about more than just saying 'no. Its about saying 'yes' to businesses and organizations that respect us, invest in us, and stand with us, according to the boycotts website. Others are reading: Rokita lawsuit claims IPS blocked ICE deportation, violated state immigration law Which corporations does the boycott target? The boycott is targeting Target, Home Depot and Amazon. Organizers criticized Target for rolling back its DEI initiatives and Amazon for donating $1 million to Trumps inaugural fund. They included Home Depot in the boycott because they say it's coordinating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement during immigration raids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home Depot denied allegations it is collaborating with ICE in a post on X. This is untrue we aren't coordinating with ICE. We aren't involved in ICE activities, and we aren't notified when they are going to happen, said Home Depot in a post. We're required to follow all federal and local rules and regulations in every market where we operate. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Home Depot is not notified when immigration raids happen, according to PolitiFact, a fact-checking website operated by the Poynter Institute. Where to shop during the boycott The boycotts organizers are asking people to pause shopping at Target, Amazon or Home Depot during Thanksgiving week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, they want people to spend their money at small, local businesses and spread the word about the boycott. Who is leading the boycott? Several advocacy groups are leading the boycott including Black Voters Matter, Indivisible, Working Families Party, Until Freedom and 50501. Some of these groups organized mass anti-Trump protests around the country like the No Kings Protest in June. Others are reading: Inside Speedway Slammer, Indiana's latest ICE detention center How long is the boycott? The boycott will run from Thanksgiving on Nov. 27 to Cyber Monday on Dec. 1. The Thanksgiving weekend shopping holiday, which includes Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is a crucial shopping holiday for retailers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A major retail trade association forecast 186.9 million people are planning to shop for Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday. The group, the National Retail Federation forecasts that holiday spending is expected to surpass $1 trillion for the first time during November and December, with sales predicted to grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024. When is Cyber Monday? Cyber Monday is a shopping holiday for online shopping deals on e-commerce sites. It takes place annually on the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year it will take place on Dec. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Boycotting Target, Amazon, Home Depot? Why advocacy group is calling for it By Rich McKay (Reuters) -A Wisconsin woman convicted in the 2014 stabbing of a sixth-grade classmate, purportedly to appease the fictional horror character "Slenderman," was apprehended on Sunday after fleeing from a group home without authorization, police said. Morgan Geyser, 22, was taken into custody about 200 miles away in Posen, Illinois. A day earlier she allegedly escaped from the home in Madison, Wisconsin, after cutting off her Department of Corrections monitoring ankle bracelet, police said on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geyser was found behind a truck stop with a 42-year-old man, whose name was not released by the Posen Police Department. He was also taken into custody, police said. It was unclear on Monday when an extradition hearing to take her from Illinois to Wisconsin might be held. A Posen Police Department spokesperson did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment. A spokesperson for the Madison Police Department was unavailable for further comment on the case. Geyser pleaded guilty in 2017 to attempted first-degree homicide in an attack on classmate Payton Leutner, who was stabbed 19 times. Geyser claimed she was not responsible due to mental illness. She was sentenced to serve a 40-year term in a state mental institution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geyser told investigators that she and a fellow classmate, Anissa Weier, both 12 at the time, lured Leutner into a wooded area during a sleepover in a Milwaukee suburb. They said they tried to kill her to please "Slenderman." The fictional supernatural bogeyman originated as an internet meme and is typically depicted as a thin, tall humanoid with a featureless white face and head. In March a Wisconsin judge ordered Geyser's release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute and sent her to a group home, ABC News reported. Weier was also convicted, also arguing mental illness. She was sentenced to 25 years in a mental institution, but was later released. (Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Frank McGurty and Richard Chang) The findings reveal the depth of a crisis that WIZO says now begins in adolescence and extends into adulthood, while policymakers remain largely in the dark. Violence within young relationships is rising sharply, and Israel no longer has a functioning national system for monitoring violence against women, the Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO) warned in its annual report released on Tuesday, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Reach WIZO's hotlines here: 3980 for women, *9835 for men. * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The findings reveal the depth of a crisis that WIZO says now begins in adolescence and extends into adulthood, while policymakers remain largely in the dark. A generation living through a multiyear national trauma - from the pandemic to the war - is under severe pressure, and the country remains ill-equipped to track, understand, or address the violence shaping their lives. WIZOs youth study paints a portrait of teenagers navigating relationships shaped by instability, stress, and unrelenting digital exposure. Out of 356 high-school students surveyed, 39% said that violence among teens has increased since October 7. Among those in relationships, nearly half - 49% - reported a rise in tension due to the war, and 22% said their partner had used the wartime atmosphere as justification for controlling or harmful behavior. Most teens struggle even to identify when someone else is in danger. Fifty-six percent said they cannot recognize the signs that a friend is in a harmful relationship, while 54% said they had never taken part in any school activity addressing domestic violence. Yet the issue deeply concerns them: 77% believe schools should teach about violence in relationships from a young age. Although 58% of students said they would theoretically approach their parents if they encountered dating violence, only 31% of those who had faced real incidents actually did so. Adults working with youth feel equally unprepared. Among 150 educators surveyed, 46% said they had identified a case of domestic or family violence within the last three years, and the same share - 46% - reported an increase in such cases since the war began. Yet 69% said they lack the tools to identify harmful young relationships, and 68% had received no relevant training in the past seven years. Just 20% felt confident in identifying early signs of coercive or violent dynamics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WIZO stressed that violence in teen relationships rarely presents as physical harm. Instead, it appears through obsessive messaging, phone checking, digital surveillance, isolation from friends, emotional manipulation, threats to distribute intimate photos, and statements like If you leave me, Ill hurt myself. These patterns, often normalized online or learned at home, lay the foundations for abuse in adulthood. WIZO Violence Index exposes Israeli failures to gather national data WIZOs Violence Index, published in parallel and on an annual basis, exposes a broader systemic crisis: Israels ongoing failure to gather reliable national data on violence against women. This years index is the last WIZO will publish after 13 years, following repeated failures by state authorities to supply consistent, complete, and comparable data, said the organization. Out of the 10 ministries and bodies approached for information, only six responded - and even those responses were partial or incompatible with previous years. Despite the data gaps, the existing information is alarming. According to Israels first national survey on domestic violence by the Central Bureau of Statistics in 2024, one in 10 Israelis aged 18-65 - roughly 576,000 people - experienced violence from a partner in the past year. Women reported physical violence at a rate of 5.3%, compared to 3.8% among men. Police records for 2024 show 11,678 cases of physical domestic violence against women and 4,420 cases against men - both increases from previous years. The pattern linking past reports to fatal outcomes remains stark: 38% of women murdered in 2024 had previously filed complaints about violence, and 35% of suspects had prior domestic-violence files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Femicide - the killing of women because they are women - rose significantly in 2024. Because there is no unified national methodology, tallies differ: civil-society organizations and authorities variously report between 31 and 42 victims, more than a third of whom were previously known to welfare or police services. WIZO notes that the home continues to be the most dangerous place for women in Israel, and that the central failure lies not only in prevention but in the systems inability to identify life-threatening risk in time. The Index also cites troubling trends linked to the war: a dramatic rise in requests for risk assessments concerning men with firearms, and a sharp increase in the number of civilians holding licensed weapons. Combined with economic stress, mental-health strain, and chronic uncertainty, these factors have created fertile ground for escalating violence, the report reads. In parallel, 2024 saw a worsening of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, including weapon-based hate crimes concentrated in Tel Aviv-Jaffa. Even as violence increased, calls to hotlines and social-service centers fell. WIZO attributes this decline to eroding public trust in the very systems meant to protect victims, rather than to any improvement in reality. Personal-security surveys show a drop in womens sense of safety across all age groups, and a widening gender gap in trust toward law enforcement and judicial institutions. Sexual harassment in the civil service rose sharply as well: 432 complaints were filed in 2024, up from 377 the year prior - the highest number ever recorded. Nearly half of domestic-violence offenders in prison received no therapeutic treatment, and most did not receive rehabilitation upon release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Index concludes with a direct call to action, urging the government to acknowledge that violence against women is a severe national crisis requiring immediate, coordinated intervention, and identifies four measures Israel must adopt: establishing a unified cross-agency data infrastructure; conducting regular national surveys; developing advanced technological risk-assessment tools; and tailoring data and services for diverse communities, including Arab, ultra-Orthodox and Ethiopian women. Without data, there can be no effective policy, said WIZO, adding that until the state builds such a foundation, efforts to reduce violence will remain fragmented and insufficient. Responding to both the surge in teen dating violence and the erosion of national data systems, WIZO launched its new Not a Nag, a Red Flag! campaign, aimed at reframing teens instincts and discomfort as legitimate warning signs rather than overreaction. The campaign includes an AI-generated video based on real cases, alongside posters, reels, youth framework activities, and materials distributed nationwide. While NGOs can support victims and run prevention programs, WIZO stressed that only the government can build the data infrastructure, implement education from primary school through high school, and craft long-term strategies capable of reversing these trends. Medical Solutions company WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions has recruited more than 500 nurses in 2025 to be placed at healthcare facilities throughout Iowa, US. The recruitment effort addresses the state's nursing workforce gap and aims to strengthen patient care delivery across the region. A 2025 Health Resources and Services Administration report indicates Iowa's projected nurse supply of 25,350 is 21% below the demand of 32,020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once these internationally trained nurses arrive in the country and commence practice, they will contribute new professionals to the state's nursing workforce, aiding rural clinics, hospitals, and long-term care centres dealing with staffing shortages. The company reported that the nurses are presently fulfilling immigration requirements and obtaining their licences prior to their relocation to Iowa. Upon their arrival, it is anticipated that their presence will strengthen teams, improve nurse-to-patient ratios and decrease dependence on overtime and agency staffing, all of which are linked to higher staff retention and better patient outcomes. The recruitment is aimed at strengthening the healthcare system to benefit communities, providers, and patients across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical Solutions chief client officer Karin Selfors-Thomann said: This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to providing sustainable workforce solutions that strengthen healthcare delivery in the US. By connecting internationally trained nurses with Iowa's hospitals and long-term care facilities, we're helping address critical staffing gaps and supporting both healthcare facilities and the patients they serve. WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions specialises in the direct recruitment of international nurses, linking healthcare employers with healthcare professionals and qualified registered nurses worldwide. The company has offices in the Philippines, US and the United Arab Emirates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "WorldWide HealthStaff recruits over 500 nurses in 2025 for Iowa, US" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. Workers at Zara are preparing coordinated protests across seven European countries on Black Friday 2025, which falls on 28 November, pressing for the restoration of a profit-sharing scheme they say was halted after the pandemic. The European Works Council for Inditex, Zaras parent company, together with Spanish union CCOO, has called for demonstrations on 28 November outside Zara outlets in major cities in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain. According to Rosa Galan, CCOO representative at Inditex, the retailer previously operated a profit-sharing plan that was withdrawn in the aftermath of Covid-19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are once again asking that a company that has huge profits, which are the result of the work of its staff, distribute those profits fairly, Galan said, outlining the central demand behind the protests. Inditex has reported strong sales growth in the post-pandemic period, and its share price doubled between 2022 and 2025. Black Friday, held each year on the final Friday of November along with the surrounding promotional period, is one of the most important trading windows for retailers. The date is increasingly being used by employees worldwide to draw attention to workplace disputes through strikes and public protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Black Friday was also the focus of labour action at Inditex, when workers in Spain demonstrated for higher wages. Three months later, store employees in the companys domestic market secured an average pay rise of 20%, as reported by Reuters. The planned action by Zara staff adds to a growing list of workplace disputes affecting major consumer brands during the peak shopping season. In the US, Starbucks workers staged a walkout om 13 November 2025, coinciding with the coffee chains 2025 Red Cup Day - typically among its busiest trading days. Starbucks Workers United stated that staff at 95 outlets in 65 cities joined the strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Zara workers plan Black Friday 2025 protests in Europe over profit-sharing" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been forced once again to underscore how grateful he and his people are for U.S. support after Donald Trump moaned about receiving ZERO GRATITUDE from Ukraine. It is important that there is dialogue with the American representatives, and there are signals President Trumps team is hearing us, Zelensky posted Sunday in a video on X. Everyone is offering support, giving advice, providing informationand I am grateful to each and every person who is giving this help to us, to Ukraine. Thank you to America, to the President of the United States, and to all the leaders in Europe and around the world, who feel the significance of what can be decided now, he added. It's the second time Zelensky has been strongarmed into petty assurances of gratitude following a disastrous Oval Office summit with Trump in February. / ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images Zelenskys address followed a virulent Truth Social post in which Trump railed against the Ukrainian president and falsely claimed neither he nor his officials had shown any appreciation for U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the bloody three-year conflict with Russia, while also taking potshots at other American allies and his predecessor at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UKRAINE LEADERSHIP HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA, Trump wrote. THE USA CONTINUES TO SELL MASSIVE $AMOUNTS OF WEAPONS TO NATO, FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UKRAINE (CROOKED JOE GAVE EVERYTHING, FREE, FREE, FREE, INCLUDING BIG MONEY!). GOD BLESS ALL THE LIVES THAT HAVE BEEN LOST IN THE HUMAN CATASTROPHE. Zelensky thanked the U.S. for its support in a X post Sunday. / X/Volodymyr Zelensky Trump often uses Europes continued consumption of Russian oil as a stick to beat Europe with, even though the EU has worked to significantly reduce its historic dependence on Russian energy since Vladimir Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump himself recently granted Hungary, an Eastern European nation led by his far-right populist ally Viktor Orban, an exemption from new U.S. sanctions on Russian oil and gas. Its the second time Zelensky has been forced to clearly articulate his appreciation for ongoing U.S. support amid Ukraines bloody war following a disastrous Oval Office meeting with Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio back in February. Trump had blasted Ukraine for showing What was supposed to have been a ceremonial signing of a minerals deal giving the U.S. access to Ukraines rare earth resources instead unravelled amid heated demands from Trump and Vance that Ukraine show more gratitude and agree to a ceasefire with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. president accused his Ukrainian counterpart of gambling with World War III, and abruptly ended the meeting before later posting Zelensky is not ready for peace, that he had disrespected the United States, and that he could come back when he is ready for peace. The February meeting saw Vice President JD Vance lead the attack against Zelensky, who was accused of being ungrateful. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images The fallout was swift and fierce, with other world leaders tweeting their support for the Ukrainian president, and Zelensky replying to each of their messages with a clear articulation of his appreciation for their comments. Relations improved some around two weeks later, after U.S. and Ukrainian officials agreed at talks in Saudi Arabia on proposing a 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Russian reciprocity. The U.S. also immediately lifted a pause on military aid and intelligence sharing that had been instituted in the aftermath of the spat. By the time the two leaders met for a second time at the Oval Office in August, things appeared far more cordial. Zelensky, backed by a team of other European leaders, came in with what has been described by allies as gratitude diplomacy, thanking the U.S. president no less than nine times in the first minute of their exchange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has consistently dithered on commitments to Ukraine since Trump assumed office for the second time in January. At times, MAGA leadership has applied unprecedented pressure on Kyiv to capitulate to Moscow. At others, theyve toyed with granting Ukrainian forces weapons that would facilitate deep strikes into Russian territory, and even suggested it may be possible to regain all territories under the Kremlins control. The situation has nevertheless now soured again in the aftermath of talks last week between U.S. and Russian officials over a prospective end to the conflict from which Kyiv proved conspicuously absent. Those negotiations yielded a since widely leaked 28-point peace plan described by critics as effectively amounting to a demand for Ukraines surrender. It involves Kyiv halving the size of its military, recognizing occupied territories as Russian, and proscribing future bids for NATO membershipall core demands from which Moscow has not budged since the outset of the invasion. The proposals have come under intense fire after top Republican lawmakers claimed Secretary of State Rubio quietly admitted to them the plans effectively amount to a Russian wish list for an end to the conflict, with one GOP Senator even suggesting it looked more like it was written in Russian to begin with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio has outright denied this. The peace proposal was authored by the U.S., he wrote in a statement on X Saturday. It is offered as a strong framework for ongoing negotiations. It is based on input from the Russian side. But it is also based on previous and ongoing input from Ukraine. It comes at a difficult time for Zelensky, whos presently in the midst of a massive domestic corruption scandal implicating several of his closest political associates, and an especially challenging moment for the Ukrainian people, who face a harsh winter in the aftermath of prolonged, targeted and devastating Russian attacks against energy infrastructure in the war-torn country. While Trump has given Kyiv until Thursday to respond to the new proposals, the U.S. president has nevertheless sought to mitigate some of that pressure in the face of intense backlash to a plan slammed by critics as overwhelmingly rewarding the aggressor in the conflict. No, not my final, he told White House reporters whod asked whether the terms his final offer. Wed like to get to peace. It shouldve happened a long time ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president had indeed promised his supporters he would achieve peace in Ukraine on Day One of his second term, amid a wider backdrop of often exaggerated peacemaking efforts as part of a concerted effort by his administration to secure him this years Nobel Peace Prize. It is now 308 days into Trumps second term. This years prize went to Venezuelas exiled opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, earlier in October. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment on this story. Ukraines president might go to Washington as early as this week to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss the plan which could put an end to Russias invasion of Ukraine, according to several media reports citing Ukrainian and US officials familiar with the process. Following the first phase of negotiations in Geneva over the weekend, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian delegation would be back in Kyiv on Monday evening with a full report. Based on these reports, we will determine the next steps and the timing. We will continue coordinating with Europe and other partners around the world," Zelenskyy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We count on achieving the necessary results, and I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine." Meanwhile, the US president asked in a post on his Truth Social platform, Is it really possible that big progress is being made in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Dont believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening," Trump emphasised. Both delegations, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak respectively, praised the consultations in Switzerland as productive. According to the joint US-Ukraine statement, an "updated and refined peace framework" has been drafted after the initial leaked 28-point peace plan reportedly prepared by Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff and the Russian presidents top aide, Kirill Dmitriev, drew backlash over conditions that heavily favoured Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both sides reiterated their readiness to continue working together to secure a peace that ensures Ukraines security, stability, and reconstruction. Final decisions under this framework will be made by the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States," the statement said. After the US-Russia draft framework was leaked last week, Trump gave Kyiv a Thursday deadline to agree to his brokered peace deal, stating it was appropriate time. Ive had a lot of deadlines, but if things are working well, you tend to extend the deadlines," Trump added. Asked whether the Thanksgiving deadline still stands, Rubio said on Sunday evening in Geneva that the real goal is to get a deal "as soon as possible". Moscow slams EUs counterproposal as 'unconstructive' While the US administration has been negotiating the possible framework with Ukraine, Russia engaged in a dialogue with Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a phone call on Monday to discuss what the Kremlin-affiliated media said was the US plan on Ukraine. Putin reportedly praised the US-Russia draft framework, leaked last week, saying it is in line with the discussions at the Russian-American summit in Alaska and, in principle, could form the basis for a final peaceful settlement. Russias president's comments confirmed that Moscows position and maximalist demands remain unchanged. Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov also said on Monday that the Kremlin is aware of the European counterproposal, which "appears unconstructive". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This morning we learned about the European plan, which at first glance is completely unconstructive and does not suit us," Ushakov said. Last week, Erdogan met with Zelenskyy when the Ukrainian president visited Turkey to discuss the possibility of restarting negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. Related Russia and Ukraine officially held a handful of rounds of direct talks in Istanbul in the spring, but the process has stalled since July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meetings yielded little progress, with the only tangible result being agreements on large prisoner-of-war exchanges. Last month, the US president said he believed that Turkey's Erdogan could play a role in ending the war in Ukraine, noting that he has contacts with both Zelenskyy and Putin. New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said Saturday that he still believes President Donald Trump is a fascist and a despot, but he viewed their first face-to-face meeting at the White House on Friday as an opportunity to work together on lowering the cost of living for New Yorkers. After months of trading insults during the campaign, the two were friendly during the meeting, with the president telling reporters hell be cheering for Mamdani, and the mayor-elect calling the meeting productive. Following their meeting, Mamdani was asked by reporters if he stood by his decision to call Trump a fascist during his campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats OK, you can just say it, Trump told him, jokingly. Its easier, its easier than explaining it. On Saturday, Mamdani told Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker that he does still believe the president is a fascist. After President Trump said that, I said, Yes, Mamdani said. He added, Thats something Ive said in the past and I say today. And I think what I appreciated about the conversation that I had with the president was that we were not shy about the places of disagreement, about the politics that has brought us to this moment, and we also wanted to focus on what it could look like to deliver on a shared analysis of an affordability crisis for New Yorkers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani referred to other past negative comments about Trump, telling Welker, Everything that Ive said in the past, I continue to believe. Im not coming into the Oval Office to make a point or make a stand. Im coming in there to deliver for New Yorkers, he added. The mayor-elect also spoke about his attitude going into the meeting and why it ended up so friendly. I thought again and again about what it would mean for New Yorkers if we could establish a productive relationship that would focus on the issues that those New Yorkers stay up late at night thinking about, rather than keep trading barbs, Mamdani told Welker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you actually ask New Yorkers and you listen to them, you hear it come back to the issues that animated not just the conversation the president and I had with the press after our meeting, but frankly, in the meeting itself, Mamdani added. The mayor-elected pointed to Trumps own campaign message last year, which included promises to lower costs for Americans on Day 1 of his second term. On Saturday, Mamdani said he went out of his way during the mayoral campaign to speak to New Yorkers living in the Bronx and Queens who had voted for Trump in 2024. I shared with the president that when I asked those New Yorkers why did they vote for the president, they told me again and again, it was cost of living, cost of living, cost of living, the mayor-elect said. And when the president and I were speaking, we were speaking about what is preventing from delivering on that affordability agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the weeks leading up to Election Day, Trump frequently bashed Mamdani online, calling him a communist lunatic and threatening to cut off federal funding for New York City if voters elected Mamdani, who refers to himself as a democratic socialist. Mamdani often shot back, once calling Trump a despot. On Friday, after reporters asked the pair about that particular insult, the president said, Ive been called much worse than a despot, adding, I think hell change his mind after we get to working together. On the eve of the election, Trump even endorsed Mamdanis strongest opponent, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat-turned-independent who ran in the general election after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary. In his victory speech, Mamdani spoke forcefully against the Trump administration, promising that New York will be the light in political darkness and telling Trump to turn the volume up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett spoke about the Trump-Mamdani meeting, saying that Trump plans to work with the new mayor on affordability but that none of those [policies] really jump off the page for me as really strong ideas. Still, Hassett added, "I think that if Mamdani cares as much as he appears to for the people of New York, President Trump obviously does, I think that theres a lot of positive work that can be done together." Mamdani said Saturday that he and the president also spoke about Trumps threats to send National Guard troops into New York City, as hes done in several other major Democratic-led cities in recent months. Mamdani didnt answer questions about whether Trump ruled out the possibility of sending troops to New York City, but said, What I told him is that what separates New York City from anywhere else in the country is we have the NYPD, and I trust the NYPD to deliver public safety, and to me, that is something that I know that they can do, that they have done, and they will continue to do under my leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked at the White House on Saturday whether he planned to send troops to New York City, Trump said simply, If they need it. Right now, other places need it more, but if they need we had a very good meeting yesterday. We talked about that, but if they need it, I would do it, Trump told reporters. On Sunday, Hassett also addressed Trump's threats during the campaign to withhold federal funds from New York City if Mamdani was elected. "Well, it feels like he doesnt mean it now, and I guess it well have to wait and see what Mamdani does," Hassett said. One of Mamdanis key campaign promises was to raise taxes on the citys highest earners to fund key policy objectives. To do so, hell need the blessing of Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and state legislators in Albany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor-elect didnt answer questions about whether Hochul has committed to helping him raise taxes, but said the two are both committed to making New York City more affordable. I think shell work with me to deliver on affordability. I think raising taxes make the most sense, Mamdani said. If theres any alternatives that raise the same amount of money, Im open. On Saturday, Mamdani also spoke about his relationship with the nations Democratic leaders. In the months leading up to the election, many were hesitant to endorse the self-described democratic socialist. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., never endorsed Mamdani, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., only did so less than two weeks before Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Mamdani last week urged members of New Yorks Democratic Socialists of America chapter not to endorse a primary challenger to Jeffries. And on Saturday, Mamdani told Meet the Press that he supports Jeffries becoming the speaker of the House if Democrats retake the majority in the 2026 midterm elections. Mamdani also spoke about his conversation with former President Barack Obama after his victory, saying the two spoke about the importance of what it looks like, not only to inspire hope, but to sustain it, and then to deliver on it. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The premises of Singapore-registered SRS Auto Holdings was raided by police last week, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified disclosing sensitive information. The sole proprietor of SRS, Tan Yew Kiat, was arrested, Bloomberg reported. The police are investigating Chen Zhi and the companies associated with him, the Singapore Police Force reportedly said in a statement on Sunday, in response to questions on the raid on SRS. One person has been arrested for his suspected involvement in money laundering offences so far. We are not able to comment further as the investigation is ongoing. Arsenals Eberechi Eze scored a hat trick the first treble of his career in the teams Premier League beating of the Spurs 4-1 on Sunday (23 November). In fact, Tottenham Hotspur were not just beaten but beaten up as Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points. In news closer to home, a fire broke out on a Scoot flight from Hong Kong to Singapore after a passengers power bank overheated on Saturday. The budget carrier said on Sunday, in response to The Straits Times (ST) queries, that the incident occurred on board flight TR939. "Scoot can confirm that an overheated power bank caused a small flame in the cabin, which was promptly extinguished by our cabin crew," it said. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. A woman who stabbed her friend to appease a fictional internet character named Slender Man more than a decade ago waived her right to an extradition hearing on Tuesday after she fled a group home in Madison, Wis., and was found by police outside a truck stop south of Chicago. Morgan Geyser, 23, was taken into custody by police in Posen, Ill., on Sunday night, a day after cutting off her GPS monitoring bracelet and leaving her group home in Madison, where she had been living since a judge granted her conditional release from a state mental health facility earlier this year. Appearing before a judge in handcuffs and a blue prison jumpsuit in Cook County, Ill., Geyser signed a waiver allowing for her extradition to Wisconsin, where authorities may revoke her conditional release and request that she be returned to a psychiatric institution. Waukesha County District Attorney Lesli Boese said Monday that she would support such a move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Illinois judge said Tuesday that Geysers extradition to Wisconsin could take up to 30 days, but hoped she would be transported much sooner than that. What happened? Chad Mecca, left, and Morgan Geyser. (Posen Police Dept.) According to police, Geyser cut off her Department of Corrections monitoring bracelet and left the group home in Madison on Saturday night. She was last seen around 8 p.m. on Saturday with an adult acquaintance, police said. After she was reported missing, Geysers family urged her to turn herself in. If you see Morgan, please call the police, her mother, Angie Geyser, said in a statement prior to her arrest. Morgan, if you can see this, we love you and just want to know you are safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We worked too hard to secure her freedom for her to continue on this path, Geysers attorney, Tony Cotton, said in a video statement following her disappearance. On Sunday night, police in Posen were dispatched to a truck stop on a report of a man and a woman loitering. When officers arrived, they found Geyser and a man, identified by local news outlets as 43-year-old Chad Mecca, sleeping on the sidewalk behind the building. The female repeatedly refused to provide her real name and initially gave a false one, Posen police said in a statement. "After continued attempts to identify her, she finally stated that she didnt want to tell officers who she was because she had 'done something really bad,' and suggested that officers could 'just Google' her name." According to police, Geyser and Mecca had traveled by bus from Wisconsin to the Chicago area. They were taken into custody without incident. Body camera footage released by police showed officers questioning Geyser and Mecca for nearly 15 minutes before taking them into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mecca was charged with criminal trespassing and obstructing identification, police said. He has since been released. Geyser told police that she met Mecca a couple of months earlier at a church, and that the group home would not allow Mecca to visit her. She said the pair had talked about fleeing to Nashville. Mecca, who goes by the name Charly, told WKOW-TV in Madison that Geyser "ran because of me." The Slender Man case Geyser at her sentencing in 2018. (Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel/AP) In 2014, Geyser and Anissa Weier lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, into the woods in Waukesha, Wis., after a sleepover. Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times as Weier cheered her on. Leutner survived. All three girls were 12 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geyser and Weier admitted to the attack, saying they were inspired by Slender Man, a faceless, fictional internet character with a cult following. They were charged as adults and pleaded guilty, but those pleas were later vacated when they were found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. Both were sentenced to psychiatric facilities instead of jail. In 2021, Weier was granted supervised release to live with her father. In March, a judge ordered Geyser to be transferred from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute to a group home, where she was subject to GPS monitoring. According to ABC News, Geyser was granted conditional release despite concerns raised by prosecutors, who alleged she had violent communication with a man outside the facility. SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Two people went into cardiac arrest in South Korea's car accident on Monday afternoon, according to Yonhap news agency. A van crashed into a crowded area at a port of Udo, an islet near the southern resort island of Jeju, at around 2:47 p.m. local time. Two people went into cardiac arrest, and other casualties were still unknown. The fire authorities were handling the situation at the scene and investigating the exact circumstances of the crash. KIEV, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russian drones struck two districts in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, late Sunday, killing four people and injuring 13 others, regional governor Oleg Synegubov said Monday on the social platform Telegram. According to Synegubov, the victims in the city of Kharkiv were women aged 27, 41 and 69, and a 55-year-old man. Among the 13 injured were an 11-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy. Russian forces targeted the Shevchenkivskyi and Saltivskyi districts with 15 drones, he said. The first robot-assisted spinal surgery in Hungary has been completed at the Manninger Jeno Traumatology Centre of Budapest, neurosurgeon Arpad Viola, who performed the operation, told a press conference. The 48 year old male patient had lost his mobility overnight due to a spinal tumour, the doctor who is also the head of the hospital said, adding that the patient is now well and can again walk without assistance. He added, however, that the patient needed complex oncology treatment. The operation, performed last Thursday in two steps, took between 2.5-3 hours, Viola said. In the first phase all details of the procedure were planned, and in the second, the tumour was removed, the surgeon assisted by the robot in both phases. According to the surgeon, robot-assisted procedures greatly increase patient safety. The implants used in such operations can be quickly put in place through a smaller incision than with conventional operations, reducing the risk of complications and staff's exposure to radiation. Concerning the traumatology centre, in Budapest's Fiumei Street, Viola said that it treated 17 percent of all serious cases nationwide, including an annual 1,100 spinal injuries. The hospital has tested a German and a US-made robot in its operating theatres and will later select one for purchase, he added. Viola said a spinal surgery robot cost some 480 million forints (EUR 1.2m), while building an operating theatre to house it cost 1.2 billion forints. He said the hospital management "trusts that decision makers realise that equipping the centre with robots is good investment." Body established to coordinate quality of private healthcare sector in Hungary The National Economy Ministry on Friday announced the establishment of a body to ensure patients get high-quality healthcare services at private medical practices. The Private Healthcare Professional Coordination Body was established with the participation of the economy ministry, the Healthcare State Secretariat of the Interior Ministry, the National Public Health Center Office of the Surgeon General, the Consumer Protection Authority, the Hungarian Insurers Association and the healthcare chapter of business association VOSZ. The body will coordinate the implementation of measures to meet regulatory and quality assurance targets, draft any necessary changes to rules, support a data-driven and transparent oversight system and strengthen consumer protection and patient right guarantees. The body will also serve as a permanent forum for consultation among authorities, insurers and healthcare providers. 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. The Hungarian Fashion and Design Agency (HFDA) will adopt the name Creative Hungary Nonprofit from December 1, the agency said. The name change will better serve the agency's expanded scope of activity which has included the fashion and textile industry, furniture production and design, online and offline game design, and the beauty and cosmetics industry from the start of the year. The agency has presented the work of Hungarian designers at shows from London to Milan and from Dubai to Paris, while supporting over 140 local brands with mentor and development programmes. It has organised more than 50 national and international events highlighting the local creative industry under the Budapest Select aegis. 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. Hungary's prime minister has said that a Budapest peace summit was on the horizon and the next 2-3 weeks would now prove "decisive", now that the existence of the 28-point peace plan had been confirmed. In a Friday interview to public radio, Orban said the 28-point American peace plan containing joint US-Russian proposals had been officially confirmed on Thursday evening and handed over to Ukraine. "The next 2-3 weeks will be decisive," he said, adding that the first official reactions soon would be made. "The Budapest peace summit is approaching," he declared. Regarding the corruption scandal in Ukraine, Orban said two things about the operation of the Ukrainian war mafia had been revealed: large sums of European and US money had disappeared and had not reached their intended destinations; and Europe did not have a control mechanism for tracking where the money went. Orban: Europe must be prevented from entering war Europe must be prevented from entering the Russia-Ukraine war, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in an interview to public radio on Friday. While all current problems were rooted in the war, he said, "the biggest problem is that Europe has decided to go to war". He added that the American peace proposal, or a ceasefire and peace ending the Russian-Ukrainian war, was no longer just about saving lives lost on the front or a bid to stop burning money on an unwinnable war, but also about keeping Europe out of the war. "We must turn back from the dead end that European policy has reached," he said. Orban noted he had written a reply to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's request to member states for further funds for the war, adding that his response was "not only a flat rejection" but contained his reasons for this as well as his own proposals. The prime minister said he had not yet sent the letter because Janos Boka, the EU affairs minister, was in America this week, and he wanted to coordinate the letter with him in person, not just by phone. "It's turned out to be quite a letter," he added. Orban declared that Hungarian money belonged to Hungarians, "and we're not willing to take significant sums from the Hungarian budget at the expense of family support, the pension system, or business subsidies, and hand this money over to Brussels, which then sends it to Ukraine, where we do not even know exactly what happens to these funds." Von der Leyen's other proposal, that "if you don't give money from your own budgets, then let us take out a joint loan", meant that not only would larger sums be taken from the current budget, "but also from the budgets of our grandchildren, every year", he said. Orban called the commission president's third proposal to use frozen Russian foreign exchange reserves for war purposes "absurd", adding that it would undermine the international system -- and certainly the European part of it -- for handling foreign exchange reserves. "For this reason, we cannot support this either," he said. Orban called Von der Leyen's letter the financial version of "we Europeans are going to war". He said it was amid this atmosphere that the news broke last night that it has been officially confirmed a 28-point American peace plan exists, which the Americans have submitted and the Ukrainians have officially received. The plan contained proposals that the Russians and Americans had already discussed, he said, adding that the next two to three weeks would be decisive, as the first official reactions to this 28-point proposal would emerge, and "something will begin to unfold". "The Budapest peace summit is approaching," he declared. Regarding the corruption scandal in Ukraine, Orban said two things about the operation of the Ukrainian war mafia had been revealed: large sums of European and US money had disappeared and had not reached their intended destinations; and Europe did not have a control mechanism for tracking where the money went. "Normally, if I give money, I specify in the agreement the channels through which the sum will be delivered, and as the donor, I have points at which I can verify whether the money was spent as agreed. But it seems there is no such mechanism, and in fact, they don't want there to be one," he said. Orban noted that Peter Szijjarto, the foreign minister, proposed at the General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels that a control system should be created and the delivery of funds should be suspended until it was clarified whether the spending could be tracked. "But this was swept off the table," he said. The prime minister described as "shocking" the argument made during the foreign ministers' debate that the corruption scandal was another argument in favour of Ukraine's EU membership. "The whole thing is so sick and absurd -- there are words," he said. The argument appeared to be that if Ukraine's financial systems were dysfunctional, it should be brought into a common financial system as it would no longer be able to cheat, he said. Orban added that countries of the Western Balkans that have been in EU accession corridor for a decade and a half rightly asked why Ukraine, whose accession was not even under discussion before the war, had suddenly jumped the queue. If they were to start a war, their accession negotiations would also accelerate, they might think; and with the same logic, they could arrange some corruption, giving the EU an argument for why they should be admitted more quickly, he said. Orban said such an argument "clearly shows the desperation". "It is totally obvious that Ukraine is not, and will not be in the foreseeable future, in a condition to be considered as a potential EU member state," he declared. Orban said the Hungarian government had put up "great resistance" over two "great issues": the war and migration in European politics. "This is a major battle with Brussels, in which the Hungarian opposition, DK and Tisza, are on the side of Brussels," he added. "It's not just the Hungarian government finding itself in Brussels opposed to the other European countries, but also to DK and Tisza, parties that represent a pro-war, pro-Ukrainian stance in the European Parliament." Orban said DK's was "an old story", adding that "when Hungary has a leftist government, it is in fact Brussels ruling". "It's the same with Tisza which was set up and is financed from Brussels," he added, insisting that Tisza had been commissioned "to break Hungary's resistance to the war and migration." "That's why there is no consensus in Hungary, and in Brussels we also find ourselves opposed by players that are Hungarian or define themselves as Hungarian," Orban said. The prime minister said Hungary had "stayed out of migration" due to the "strong will of the people", adding that the country should "stay out of the war based on that experience". Unless there is "strong national unity, commitment to peace, a nationwide stance against the war" behind "a government", the country's leaders would not be able to keep the country out of the war, he said. "This popular will must be expressed," Orban said and highlighted the government's signature drive now under way as an initiative to ensure that "Hungarians' money belongs to Hungary", that Hungary "does not want to go to war or to send troops or arms; neither does it want to burn its money there." Concerning the economy, Orban said the Hungarian government had had "a successful national economic policy different from the EU's economic mainstream since 2010". He said the Hungarian policy was different on "two crucial points" from that of the western European countries: Hungarian economic policy was based on families rather than on individuals, and "in Hungary the national goal is reaching full employment." "We have built an economic system that is operational without migrants, using Hungarian labour only," Orban said, adding that "some" guest workers could only be employed "at times and seasonally at the most". Guest workers are "a complementary component rather than fundamental," the prime minister said. For the government, "the economy is about the people", Orban said. Orban said the opposition Tisza Party's economic "grand mufti" was a banker who, while a member of a previous government, had parted ways because, as a banker, he thought about economic policy in terms of numbers, not people. This is why Tisza wanted to tax pensions, hike personal income tax, and take more money from people in the name of their idea of macroeconomic financial stability, he added. While financial balance and operational security was important, "the financial system is not meant for bankers to make loads of money; it's meant to ensure there are sufficient resources in the economy, for those who want to work, create value and live well," Orban insisted. While Marton Nagy, the economy minister, "monitors the figures", for the prime minister the key question is "what kind of life will grow out of this economy", Orban said, adding that Hungary's prospects were "much more attractive than what the left wing could ever offer in Europe or in Hungary." On the subject of the Tisza Party's nomination of candidates for next year's election, Orban said: "This is a country in which there has always been two parties and there will be two parties" in a dominant position -- one on the right and another on the left." "The structure of our thinking is also like that: there are people with patriotic feelings on the right, and there are the internationalists seeking to serve Brussels, hoping for help from other countries, from the international left" Orban said. "Looking at them from our patriotic world, they are far too leftist, far too pro-Brussels and pro-Ukraine," he said of the Tisza candidates. 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. August is only bringing shocking news for Pakistan... Pakistanis are so sad that they are not celebrating their Independence Day on 14th August and here across the border Pakistan is getting such pictures and news from India that its The sorrow is increasing more and more. Before August 15, the Indian Army has given a triple shock. Russia has officially handed over two Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighters to a foreign government for the first time, keeping the buyers identity undisclosed. BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A public prosecution has been initiated against Chen Shifei, former deputy head of the National Medical Products Administration, on suspicion of bribery. The Second Branch of the People's Procuratorate of Shanghai Municipality in east China recently filed a lawsuit against Chen with the Shanghai No. 2 Intermediate People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate said on Monday. The lawsuit comes after the conclusion of an investigation by the National Commission of Supervision into Chen's alleged misconduct. Chen is accused of abusing his official positions to secure benefits for others and illegally accepting an "extremely large amount" of money and valuables as bribes. Chinese automobile brands are gaining ground in South Africa, steadily increasing their market share. Industry experts are optimistic about future growth both in South Africa and across the African continent. #GLOBALink Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and chairman of the Chinese side of the China-Russia Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development, meets with Nikolai Zhuravlev, deputy speaker of the Federation Council of Russia, and Boris Titov, chairman of the Russian side of the China-Russia Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development during the 6th China-Russia Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Forum in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Nov. 24, 2025. Li addressed the opening ceremony of the event here on Monday. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang) XI'AN, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with Russia to provide more convenient conditions and create a sound environment for cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises of both countries, Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said here on Monday. Li, also chairman of the Chinese side of the China-Russia Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development, made the remarks when addressing the opening ceremony of the 6th China-Russia Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Forum. China will adhere to taking economic development as the central task, concentrate efforts on promoting high-quality development and unswervingly advancing high-level opening up, Li said, adding that China is willing to share development opportunities with all countries around the world, including Russia. China will work together with Russia to take the important consensus reached by the two heads of state as the fundamental guideline, continuously optimize the cooperation mechanism, and provide more convenient conditions and create a sound environment for cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises of the two countries, Li added. When addressing the ceremony, the Russian side said the two countries possess huge potential for cooperation in many fields, and expressed their willingness to work with China to bring more development dividends to the two peoples. During the event, Li also met with Nikolai Zhuravlev, deputy speaker of the Federation Council of Russia, and Boris Titov, chairman of the Russian side of the China-Russia Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development. Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and chairman of the Chinese side of the China-Russia Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development, addresses the opening ceremony of the 6th China-Russia Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Forum in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Nov. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang) TAIPEI, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Harsh criticism has erupted across Taiwan and continues to rise following supportive gestures toward Japan from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the island's leader, Lai Ching-te. Following the recent erroneous remarks about Taiwan by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Lai posted a photo on social media showing himself holding sushi made with Japanese seafood in a show of support for Japan. Taiwan's China Times warned in an editorial that Taiwan's political figures should not recklessly echo the careless remarks of Japanese politicians -- so as not to needlessly provoke tension across the Taiwan Strait. An earlier editorial from the newspaper noted that Taiwan was colonized by Japan for half a century, and that the Taiwan question concerns not only the one-China principle but also historical understanding -- matters on which Takaichi has no right to pontificate. Cheng Li-wun, chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party, wrote on social media that Lai had been exploiting the current situation for political manipulation -- which does nothing to preserve peace but adds fuel to the fire. She warned that Lai's move might push both the Strait and the broader region into a more dangerous state. Chi Chia-lin, honorary chairman of the Reunification Alliance Party in Taiwan, said that by supporting Takaichi's position, the DPP authorities had betrayed ancestors on the island -- given the heinous crimes Japan committed during its colonial rule between 1895 and 1945. "We must never allow a repeat of Japan's interference in Taiwan," he said. Chen Chung-chen, an editor from Taiwan-based Chaiwan Ben Post, said that everything in the words and actions of Lai and the DPP authorities pushes Taiwan toward the flames of war and betrays mainstream public opinion. Ranging from calling Japan's defeat during World War II "the end of the war" and echoing the "undetermined status of Taiwan" fallacy, to their current Japan-fawning behavior -- the Lai authorities are acting against historical justice and forfeiting national dignity, Chen said. Dozens of civic groups on the island recently issued a joint statement protesting Takaichi's remarks about Taiwan. The statement stressed that Taiwan people refuse to become victims of Japanese militarism and demanded that the DPP authorities must not acquiesce in, echo or cooperate with Japan's military ambitions. MACAO, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A series of seminars were held in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Saturday and Sunday to elaborate on the spirit of the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Members of the central publicity delegation delivered presentations during the seminars. They offered explanations of the key outcomes of the fourth plenary session and the main content and significance of the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, a key document of the session. They also shared insights, based on the recommendations, on how Macao could leverage its strengths to better integrate into and serve the overall national development. Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai attended the seminars and said they played a crucial role in helping all sectors of the SAR gain a complete, accurate, and comprehensive understanding of the spirit of the plenary session. Sam added that the SAR government will unite and lead all sectors of society to fully implement the fourth plenary session's spirit, seize the new opportunities brought by the 15th Five-Year Plan, advance Macao's development with high quality, and make new and greater contributions to ushering in a new chapter of building a strong nation and advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. Tai Kin Ip, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR government, said that the economic and financial team will earnestly study and implement the spirit of the plenary session, accurately grasp key long-term and overarching issues, and actively align with the 15th Five-Year Plan and advance Macao's appropriate economic diversification and high-quality development in a pragmatic manner. Ip Kuai Peng, vice rector of the City University of Macao, noted that with the blueprint for the 15th Five-Year Plan now laid out, Macao's think tanks should remain firmly aligned with the national strategies, stay rooted in Macao, serve the Greater Bay Area, extend their reach across the country, and connect with the world. Mu Lingtong, supervisory committee chairperson of the City University of Macao Postgraduate Association, also attended the seminars. He shared that as a young student pursuing his studies in Macao, he feels called to closely link his personal academic pursuits with the country's development. The seminars were open to representatives of central government agencies and companies from the Chinese mainland in Macao, members of the SAR government, legislators, and individuals from all walks of life. NANCHANG, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Officials from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations praised China's coordinated efforts to enhance the rural economy while conserving the environment during their just-concluded field tour in the countryside of east China's Jiangxi Province. From Nov. 17 to 23, officials from international organizations, including the FAO, alongside Chinese experts, participated in a field trip to Jiangxi to explore the coordinated development of ecological conservation and rural revitalization. In Pohu Village of Yongxiu County in the city of Jiujiang, the delegation visited a wetland sewage treatment system, which plays a crucial role in protecting the ecology of Poyang Lake -- China's biggest freshwater lake and the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in Asia. The system at Poyang Lake features a filter bed composed of soil, gravel and plants, which effectively removes pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus from discharged household sewage through physical, chemical and microbial processes. "There are a lot of pollution problems when it comes to people living close to protected areas. So I think this is a good natural method for people to avoid pollution of the wetlands," remarked Ronnie Brathwaite, FAO senior agriculture officer. "It is something that can be scaled up." The sewage treatment system was developed under a Global Environment Facility project on wetland protection in Jiangxi -- a joint initiative of the FAO and Jiangxi Province. Thanks to the ecological conservation of Poyang Lake, bird-watching tourism along the shore of the lake began to flourish, bringing financial benefits to farmers. Fan Pingping, an owner of a tourist homestay business in Wucheng Township of Yongxiu County on the shore of Poyang Lake, is among them. Her homestay now attracts a steady stream of tourists during bird-watching season. "I used to worry about how to make a living without fishing. Thanks to bird-watching tourism, my income has increased several times over," she said. Poyang Lake hosts between 600,000 and 800,000 migratory birds each year, including 98 percent of the global population of Siberian cranes, 80 percent of the world's oriental white storks -- and a range of other rare bird species. In Taihe County, in the city of Ji'an, the delegation met Huang Lili, a breeder of the geographically indicated Taihe black-bone chicken. The woman now raises nearly 2,000 black-bone chickens in her courtyard, which brings in an annual income of around 30,000 yuan (about 4,234 U.S. dollars). With this steady stream of income, Huang no longer has to leave her family behind to seek jobs in faraway coastal economic hubs. Mohamed Manssouri, director of the FAO Investment Centre, noted that the model of "geographically indicated products + deep processing" provides farmers with a sustainable path to income growth. Innovative agricultural practices also left a strong impression on the visiting delegates. These practices include installing solar-powered air-conditioned greenhouses and smart risk-management sheds for the production of local specialty mushrooms in Le'an County, in the city of Fuzhou in Jiangxi, and eco-friendly breeding models such as rice-crayfish and rice-crab co-culture in Jishui County, of the city of Ji'an. Brathwaite expressed admiration for the local government's investment in agricultural infrastructure, noting that the FAO is willing to collaborate, provide technical support and help farmers adopt new technologies. "It is very interesting to get to know the approach to rural revitalization," Manssouri noted, having acquired first-hand knowledge of various measures adopted in Jiangxi's countryside. "People used to rely mostly on farming, and today they are relying on farming, processing, e-commerce and tourism -- activities for people to have a better income. But at the same time, there is a focus on environmental conservation, and it's very unique," Manssouri added. SAO PAULO, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Sunday that he was "very concerned" about U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean Sea and planned to talk with his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, to prevent conflict with Venezuela. South America is considered a "zone of peace," free of nuclear weapons, and "there is nothing to justify a conflict," Lula told Brazilian media after attending the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. "War makes no sense. It's simple to start a war, you just have to give them an opportunity ... It is important that we try to find a solution before we start," he said. Brazil has an important responsibility in South America, as it shares a border with Venezuela, Lula added. The U.S. military has beefed up its presence in the Caribbean Sea in recent weeks since Washington announced the decision to crackdown on drug trafficking in the region that allegedly leads to the deaths of millions of Americans. BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- China will work with other parties to fully implement the outcomes of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday. Mao's remarks came after the recently concluded COP30 reached the Belem Political Package after two weeks of strenuous negotiations. The Belem Political Package is positive and balanced, displaying the parties' determination to work in solidarity and cooperation on addressing climate change, and providing certainty for the implementation of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement in the next decade, Mao told a daily news briefing. It needs to be noted that, heeding the call of developing countries, the conference decided, for the first time, to hold a dialogue on climate change related trade-restrictive unilateral measures within the UNFCCC process, and develop a just transition mechanism, which is of milestone significance, Mao said. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the conference, Mao said, noting that the Chinese delegation had full and in-depth participation in the negotiations and consultation on various agenda items, and worked for positive outcomes at the conference. "Striving to do better," which was proposed in the outcome document of COP30, has become the most important political message for global climate governance in the next ten years, and this was originally said by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the UN Climate Summit, Mao said. "China will work with other parties to fully implement the outcomes of the conference, advance global cooperation on addressing climate change, and jointly build a clean and beautiful world," the spokesperson said. SAO PAULO, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The arrest of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro should not affect bilateral ties between Brazil and the United States because Brazil is a sovereign country, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Sunday. Bolsonaro was taken into preventive custody by police Saturday morning in Brasilia under an order issued by the Federal Supreme Court. Referring to Trump's comment on Bolsonaro's arrest, Lula said, "Trump needs to know that we are a sovereign country and that our justice system decides." Bolsonaro, he said, will serve the sentence handed down by the courts for his deeds. According to U.S. media reports, when asked about Bolsonaro's arrest on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump appeared unaware of it before lamenting the development as "too bad." In September, Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison after being found guilty of involvement in an attempted coup in Brazil in a bid to stay in power after losing reelection. BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A series of scientific satellites launched by China have achieved major discoveries in fields such as cosmic transient objects, cosmic-ray propagation and solar eruptions, renewing humanity's understanding of the universe. Focusing on major frontier questions such as the origin of the universe, the origin of space weather and the origin of life, China will launch and implement a series of scientific satellite missions during its 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), striving to achieve new breakthroughs in areas like the cosmic dark age, solar magnetic activity cycles and the detection of Earth-like exoplanets, according to Wang Chi, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and director general of its National Space Science Center. Through the advancement of these missions, China will continue delivering more key, original and leading scientific achievements, advancing the comprehensive development of the country's space science, space technology and space applications, Wang said. Since the launch of a CAS space science program in 2011, eight scientific satellites have been sent into space: the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE), the Shijian-10 retrievable satellite, the Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS), the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (also called Insight-HXMT), the Taiji-1 satellite, the Gravitational Wave High-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor (GECAM), the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) and the Einstein Probe (EP). On an extreme macroscopic scale, the program has produced the world's first all-sky X-ray map. And on an extreme microscopic scale, it has obtained the most precise fine structures to date in the energy spectra of cosmic-ray electrons, protons, helium and boron nuclei. A Chinese satellite has for the first time directly measured the strongest magnetic field in the universe and detected the high-speed jet closest to a black hole. These missions have also seen a high degree of integration between science, technology and engineering, Wang said. While achieving scientific breakthroughs, the program has also driven leapfrog development in cutting-edge payload and satellite platform technologies. In just a few examples, China has mastered key technologies such as satellite-to-ground optical-link alignment, realized an integrated satellite platform and payload design, and developed the world's leading large-field, high-sensitivity lobster-eye X-ray telescope. The program also carries out comprehensive international cooperation on multiple levels. The Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) satellite is the first in-depth, full-lifecycle comprehensive cooperation project between the CAS and the European Space Agency (ESA). The EP satellite -- led by China, with participation from the ESA, Germany and France -- marks the first time the ESA has participated in a Chinese space science mission as an "opportunity mission." Such missions have established international science teams and promoted data sharing. The EP satellite has discovered a new type of X-ray transient source, EP241021a, providing key information for our understanding of mysterious transient objects; detected a weak X-ray burst, EP240904a, within the Milky Way, opening new pathway for locating stellar-mass black holes; and for the first time detected the EP240801a transient source, challenging the established classification of gamma-ray bursts, according to Yuan Weimin, principal investigator of the EP mission. The Insight-HXMT mission has yielded fruitful results in the measurement of Earth's atmospheric density, the flaring mechanism of black-hole accretion outbursts in the Milky Way, the radiation mechanism and surface magnetic field of accreting millisecond pulsars, the ignition locations of surface nuclear burning on neutron stars, and the minimum variability timescale of the brightest gamma-ray burst ever observed, said Zhang Shuangnan, principal investigator of the Insight-HXMT mission. GECAM discovered a new subclass of gamma-ray bursts produced by compact-object mergers, expanding our knowledge of gravitational-wave electromagnetic counterparts, said Xiong Shaolin, principal investigator of the GECAM mission. "GECAM is a small but very fruitful gamma-ray mission. The presented results on gamma-ray bursts and magnetars are very interesting and had a significant science impact," said Dmitry Svinkin, a researcher at the Loffe Institute of Russia. The DAMPE mission discovered a hardening structure in the boron-nucleus spectrum of secondary cosmic rays for the first time, which is significant to revealing cosmic-ray propagation mechanisms, according to Fan Yizhong, the DAMPE satellite's scientific team leader. Observations from ASO-S have provided new evidence for deciphering the mechanisms of solar eruptions and the origin of high-energy particles, said Su Yang, a scientist representing the ASO-S team. "I am very impressed by the success of China's ASO-S, which provides unique observations of our sun. ESA's Solar Orbiter mission is very happy about the joint collaboration opportunities, which open a new window to explore our sun," said Samuel Krucker, a professor from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland. Andrea Santangelo, a professor at the University of Tubingen of Germany, said that China is at the forefront of space science and is positioned to become the world leader in high energy astrophysics in the next decade. "China has emerged as a reliable, committed space science actor, oriented to success in science and innovation. This trend will continue." BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- China is asking Japan to elucidate its self-claimed consistent stance on the Taiwan question, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday, stressing that if Japan merely keeps repeating that its position has not changed without specifying what that position is, and meanwhile keeps crossing the line, then this kind of repetition means nothing but empty words, and simply fudges and hollows out the one-China position. Mao's remarks came after the Japanese side said that Japan has repeatedly explained to the Chinese side the gist of the remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Japan's consistent position on the Taiwan question. China has articulated its position multiple times on Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, Mao told a regular press briefing, adding that those remarks seriously violate the principles laid down in the four political documents between China and Japan, and has fundamentally eroded the political foundation of China-Japan relations. "We've noted the Japanese side's reference to Japan's 'consistent position' on the Taiwan question. But what exactly do they mean by this so-called 'consistent position?' Can Japan articulate this 'consistent position' in its entirety to the public? If Japan merely keeps repeating that its position has not changed without specifying what that position is and meanwhile keeps crossing the line, then this kind of repetition means nothing but empty words, and simply fudges and hollows out the one-China position," said Mao. Noting that the one-China principle is an unshakable prevailing consensus in the international community, Mao said that if there has truly been no change to the Japanese government's position on the Taiwan question, Japan should unequivocally uphold the one-China principle, and abide by the spirit of the four political documents between the two countries and honor the commitments Japan has made, including what has been stated in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement that "the Government of Japan recognizes that Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China," and "the Government of the People's Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this stand of the Government of the People's Republic of China, and it firmly maintains its stand under Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation." "Why can't Japan fully and accurately reiterate this position?" Mao asked. China urges Japan to take seriously what it has heard from China, do serious soul-searching and correct its wrongdoing, act to honor its commitment to China, and stop pursuing its misguided course, still less say one thing but do another, said the spokesperson. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the eighth national congress of the All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua)-- The total sales of China's supply and marketing cooperative system increased at an average annual rate of 8.6 percent during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), according to the All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives on Monday. During the period, 1,472 enterprises owned by supply and marketing cooperatives each posted an operating revenue in excess of 100 million yuan (about 14.11 million U.S. dollars), the federation said. Of these enterprises, 29 reported revenues of over 10 billion yuan -- 15 more than in 2020. Currently, China's supply and marketing cooperative system provides approximately 70 percent of the national fertilizer supply, and its annual sales of agricultural products exceed 3 trillion yuan, playing a positive role in safeguarding national food security, increasing farming incomes and promoting comprehensive rural revitalization, according to the federation. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong on Monday called on these cooperatives to be mindful of their fundamental mission of serving farmers, to remain focused on goals such as developing a strong agricultural sector, and to continuously enhance their capacity to serve agriculture, rural areas and farmers during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). Liu, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while attending the federation's eighth national congress in Beijing. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng holds a video meeting with French Finance Minister Roland Lescure on Nov. 24, 2025. He, China's lead person in the China-France High Level Economic and Financial Dialogue, exchanged in-depth views on recent economic and financial cooperation between the two countries with Lescure, France's lead person in the dialogue, as well as issues of common concern. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Monday held a video meeting with French Finance Minister Roland Lescure. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on recent economic and financial cooperation between the two countries, as well as issues of common concern. He, China's lead person in the China-France High Level Economic and Financial Dialogue, said that China stands ready to work with France to deepen exchange and cooperation in the fields of the economy and finance, to promote continuous new achievements in China-France economic and trade cooperation, and to provide stability and positive energy for the world economy. Lescure, France's lead person in the dialogue, said that France is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in the economy, trade and investment in the fields of the economy and finance, and to promote greater progress in economic and trade relations between the two countries. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng holds a video meeting with French Finance Minister Roland Lescure on Nov. 24, 2025. He, China's lead person in the China-France High Level Economic and Financial Dialogue, exchanged in-depth views on recent economic and financial cooperation between the two countries with Lescure, France's lead person in the dialogue, as well as issues of common concern. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. MQ-9 drone deployed in South Korea crashed off the coast of Gunsan, about 180 km south of the capital Seoul on Monday, local newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported. According to the report, the 8th Fighter Wing under the U.S. 7th Air Force in South Korea said the MQ-9, part of the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron deployed at Gunsan Air Base, experienced an accident at 4:35 a.m. local time near the coast of Gunsan City, while conducting a routine mission. There were no civilian casualties or property damage, and the cause of the accident is under investigation, the report said. The MQ-9 was first permanently deployed to units stationed on the Korean Peninsula in September, said the report. TEHRAN, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday vowed a "crushing response" to Israel over the assassination of senior Hezbollah commander Haytham Ali Tabtabai. In a statement on its official news outlet, Sepah News, the IRGC condemned Israel's "brutal crime," saying Tabtabai was targeted in Beirut's southern suburbs in a "flagrant and terrorist" act. The statement added that "the resistance axis and Hezbollah" reserve the right to avenge the killing and that a decisive response would come "at the appropriate time." At least five people, including Tabtabai, were killed and 28 others wounded in Sunday's Israeli airstrike on a residential apartment in Haret Hreik, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Iran's Foreign Ministry also condemned the strike in a statement on Monday, calling the attack a "brutal aggression" against Lebanon's territorial integrity and national sovereignty. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) and Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, meet the press at the United States Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) WASHINGTON, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-proposed 28-point peace plan aiming to end the Ukraine crisis has been trimmed to a 19-point framework drafted by the United States and Ukraine over the weekend in Geneva, multiple media outlets reported Monday. "Many of the controversial provisions were either softened or at least reshaped" to get closer to a Ukrainian position or reduce demands on Ukraine, Oleksandr Bevz, a Ukrainian official who participated in the Geneva talks, was quoted by The Washington Post as saying. He added that the Thursday deadline, set by U.S. President Donald Trump for an agreement on the 28-point plan, now appears more flexible than it did before. "It's not a code red -- it's more important to finalize the text," said Bevz. Ukrainian First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya told the Financial Times that the new draft bore little resemblance to the leaked 28-point version. "Very few things are left from the original version," he said. The new draft leaves the most contentious issues for Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to decide, according to multiple media reports. The earlier 28-point version would have required Ukraine to cede territory in eastern Ukraine, reduce its military and forswear NATO membership. The plan thus crossed several long-standing Ukrainian red lines, drawing criticism from Ukraine and across Europe, according to reports. Representatives from the United States, Ukraine and European countries met in Geneva on Sunday as the White House pushed for agreement on the 28-point plan. Following a meeting between the Ukrainian delegation and national security advisers from Britain, France and Germany, the Ukrainian side held bilateral talks with the U.S. representatives. It's reported that Sunday's Geneva meeting was attended on the U.S. side by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, with Zelensky's office chief Andriy Yermak leading the Ukrainian delegation. According to a joint statement issued by the White House on Sunday night, the talks between U.S. representatives and Ukrainian officials in Geneva made "meaningful progress toward aligning positions." The Kremlin said it has not received official details from Geneva and does not plan talks with U.S. officials this week, according to a Newsweek report. Trump has set Thursday as the deadline for reaching an understanding with Kiev on the framework, while suggesting that talks could continue beyond that date if progress is being made. Atanas Zafirov, Bulgaria's deputy prime minister, speaks at an event commemorating the 10th anniversary of Bulgaria and China's cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Nov. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Shi Zhongyu) SOFIA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria and China held a forum here on Monday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, signing 17 new agreements aimed at turning long-standing political goodwill into a practical partnership. The forum was co-hosted by the China NGO Network for International Exchanges and the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, and drew nearly 300 participants from various sectors of both countries. Atanas Zafirov, Bulgaria's deputy prime minister, told the forum that the new agreements between Bulgarian and Chinese institutions were meant to give "practical dimensions" to the dialogue between the two countries, which backed the Belt and Road framework with a memorandum of understanding in 2015. "Today's event is a clear sign of the consistent development of our bilateral relations and our aspiration to deepen them," Zafirof said. "We highly value the efforts of the People's Republic of China for the development of bilateral relations and for promoting real projects that bring value both to the region and to Europe as a whole." Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli recalled 76 years of diplomatic relations and a decade of joint Belt and Road cooperation. She noted that Bulgaria was the second country in the world to recognise the People's Republic of China, highlighting that "traditional friendship is the most valuable asset in our bilateral relations." "The urgent task before us is how to transform traditional friendship into tangible results of cooperation, and truly enhance the sense of gain and satisfaction of the peoples of both countries," she said. The event began with a cultural exhibition showcasing calligraphy, traditional costumes, intangible heritage, and a tasting of Chinese and Bulgarian beverages. Chinese and Bulgarian delegates also held working-group talks on economic, cultural and health cooperation to map out priorities for the next stage of Belt and Road collaboration. People attend an event commemorating the 10th anniversary of Bulgaria and China's cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Nov. 24, 2025. (Photo by Nemanja Cabric/Xinhua) ADEN, Yemen, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The governor of Yemen's Taiz province and a senior pro-government military commander survived an armed ambush in the southern province of Lahj on Monday, local authorities said. In a statement, the Taiz provincial government confirmed that Governor Nabil Shamsan and Abu Bakr al-Jabouli, commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade, escaped an attack on their convoy in the Al Maqatirah district of Lahj during the past hours. According to the statement, the assault was carried out by "outlaw elements serving the plans of the terrorist Houthi militia." While both officials emerged unharmed, the attack killed five of the governor's bodyguards, and two members of the attacking group died. Military sources told Xinhua that the governor and the military commander were traveling from Taiz toward Aden along a rugged mountainous route in Lahj when their convoy came under fire. They said that the ambush took place on a narrow, isolated stretch of road, adding the attackers had prior knowledge of the officials' movements and had planned the operation in advance. The sources added that explosive devices planted along the roadside intensified the attack, contributing to the high number of casualties among the escorts. Local residents in Al Maqatirah reported hearing powerful explosions and security forces were subsequently deployed across the district to pursue the assailants. Several areas in Yemen's Taiz and Lahj provinces have seen sporadic clashes between government forces and the Houthi group in recent months. Yemen has been embroiled in civil war since late 2014, when the Houthis seized several northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa, forcing the internationally recognized government to relocate. The conflict has since triggered one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, with shifting front lines and ongoing violence across several provinces. CARACAS, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Venezuelan government on Monday rejected U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's designation of the "nonexistent" Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization. In a statement shared on social media by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, the government condemned the move as a "vile lie," accusing the United States of using it as a pretext to justify an "illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela." The statement urged the U.S. government to rectify this policy of aggression and threats, adding that the Venezuelan people will know how to safeguard peace and the highest interests of the country. On Nov. 16, Rubio announced that the U.S. Department of State intends to designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, effective on Nov. 24. ANKARA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, held a phone call on Monday to discuss bilateral relations, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and a range of regional and global developments, Turkiye's presidency said. During the conversation, Erdogan told Putin that Turkiye would continue its efforts to help ensure that the Russia-Ukraine conflict ends with a "just and lasting peace," according to a Turkish statement. Erdogan added that Turkiye remains ready to support any diplomatic initiative or plan that could facilitate direct contact between the parties and open the path toward durable peace in the region. Meanwhile, the Kremlin said in a statement that there was an exchange of views on the situation surrounding Ukraine, in particular in light of recent U.S. peace proposals. During the talks with Erdogan, Putin pointed out that these proposals could in principle serve as a basis for the final peace settlement, the Kremlin statement said, adding that the Russian side has reaffirmed its interest in settling the Ukraine crisis via political and diplomatic means. Representatives from the United States, Ukraine and European countries met in Geneva on Sunday as the White House pushes for agreement on a 28-point plan to end the Ukraine crisis. The White House said that the United States and Ukraine drafted an "updated and refined" peace framework during the talks in Geneva, with both sides agreeing to continue to work on joint proposals in the coming days. MOSCOW, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday discussed bilateral ties and the situation of Ukraine in a phone call, according to the Kremlin. The conversation on the bilateral relationship focused on further expansion of trade and investment ties as well as the implementation of strategic projects in energy, the Kremlin said in a news release. Regarding the Ukraine situation, Putin said the recent U.S. peace proposals, which have been reviewed by Russia, "could in principle serve as a basis for the final peace settlement." Putin added that the proposals were in line with what had been discussed during the Russia-U.S. summit in August in the U.S. state of Alaska. Erdogan expressed his intention to advance the negotiation process in every possible way and his willingness to keep Istanbul available as a platform for future negotiations, the Kremlin said. It added that both leaders agreed to intensify Russia-Turkiye contacts concerning Ukraine at various levels. ACCRA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on Monday urged African countries to strengthen their sovereignty over natural resources amid a steep decline in humanitarian aid. During the third African Association of Accountants-General Conference in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, Mahama said that the time has come for the continent to rely on its natural resources for development, as developed countries claim they are tired of aiding Africa. The president highlighted the example of Ghana, which has established the Gold Board to be solely in charge of the purchase and export of gold from the country, making unlicensed gold trading illegal, with stringent penalties. "The amount of foreign exchange that we get from gold trade has suddenly jumped so high. It just shows what greater control of your natural resources can do, and Africa should not be ashamed of it," Mahama urged. Moreover, the Ghanaian president observed that the African continent is at a defining moment in its history with its rich talents, resources, and potential, but constrained by debt, vulnerabilities, fiscal pressures, leakages in public expenditure, and gaps in financial reporting. "Today, technology offers you powerful tools, AI-driven risk detection to flag irregularities in real time, digital procurement systems that reduce human discretion and corruption, integrated financial management systems that ensure end-to-end traceability, and blockchain solutions that secure records and reduce manipulation," he said. BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China and the United States should keep up the momentum in ties, and keep moving forward in the right direction on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit. Xi made the remarks while speaking with U.S. President Donald Trump on the phone. Xi noted that he and Trump had a successful meeting in Busan last month, and reached many important common understandings. They recalibrated the course of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations and provided more momentum for it to sail forward steadily, thus sending a positive message to the world, he said. Since then, the China-U.S. relationship has generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory, and this is welcomed by the two countries and the broader international community, Xi said. What has happened demonstrates yet again that the description of China-U.S. cooperation benefiting both sides and confrontation hurting both sides reflects a common sense that has been repeatedly proven by experience, and the vision of China and the United States helping each other succeed and prosper together is a tangible prospect within reach, Xi said. He said that the two sides should lengthen the list of cooperation and shorten the list of problems, so as to make more positive progress, create new space for China-U.S. cooperation and bring more benefits to the people of both countries and the world. Xi outlined China's principled position on the Taiwan question, underscoring that Taiwan's return to China is an integral part of the post-war international order. Noting that China and the United States fought shoulder to shoulder against fascism and militarism, Xi said that given what is going on, it is even more important for the two sides to jointly safeguard the victory of World War II (WWII). Trump noted that President Xi is a great leader, adding that he very much enjoyed his meeting with Xi in Busan, and fully shares Xi's comments about the two countries' relationship. He added that the two sides are implementing all elements of what the two leaders agreed to in Busan. China was a big part of the victory of WWII, said Trump, stressing that the United States understands how important the Taiwan question is to China. The two presidents also discussed the Ukraine crisis. Xi emphasized China's support for all efforts that are conducive to peace, and expressed the hope that the various sides would narrow their differences, reach a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement at an early date, and resolve the crisis at its root. Wang Daxue, deputy director general of the arms control department in China's Foreign Affairs Ministry and also head of the Chinese delegation to the 30th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CSP-30), delivers a speech at a side event hosted by the Chinese delegation in The Hague, the Netherlands, on Nov. 24, 2025. The CSP-30 opened here on Monday. China has appealed to all states parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to advance true multilateralism and enhance solidarity and cooperation. (Xinhua) THE HAGUE, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- China has appealed to all states parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to advance true multilateralism and enhance solidarity and cooperation. "In recent years, under the influence of geopolitics, the OPCW has witnessed a growing tendency toward politicization and division, which is challenging the tradition of decision-making by consensus," Wang Daxue, a senior Chinese diplomat, said at a side event hosted by the Chinese delegation to the 30th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CSP-30), which opened here on Monday. "Constructive dialogue and communication among the States Parties is diminishing, and calling for a vote is increasingly defaulted to," said Wang, deputy director general of the arms control department in China's Foreign Affairs Ministry and also head of the Chinese delegation. In a position paper, China proposed four initiatives, including adhering to the object and purpose of the Chemical Weapons Convention, upholding multilateralism, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and enhancing solidarity and coordination. "China calls for maintaining the technical attributes of the OPCW, and avoiding the politicization of its work," said Lyu Xiaodong, deputy permanent representative of China's mission to OPCW. Representatives from Brazil, Uganda, Venezuela, Russia, Qatar, Mongolia, and other countries voiced their support for China's initiatives. "The OPCW should continue to make decisions by consensus. But at the same time, the divisions that we face in the world have led us to a different kind of reality where consensus has not been easy," Uganda's permanent representative to the OPCW Mirjam Blaak Sow told the audience. This photo taken on Nov. 24, 2025 shows a side event hosted by the Chinese delegation to the 30th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CSP-30) in the Hague, the Netherlands. The CSP-30 opened here on Monday. China has appealed to all states parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to advance true multilateralism and enhance solidarity and cooperation. (Xinhua) KHARTOUM, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Monday declared a unilateral three-month humanitarian truce, a day after the Sudanese Armed Forces rejected an internationally backed ceasefire plan. RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo announced the pause in a televised address, saying his fighters would halt operations to allow aid deliveries and protect civilians. He said the group agreed to the truce to offer "hope" to a population "exhausted by this war." Dagalo pledged to set up a field mechanism monitored by the Quad -- Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States -- along with the African Union and other international bodies, to ensure aid reaches civilians. He also vowed to hold RSF members accountable for abuses and safeguard offices of humanitarian organizations. The RSF has been accused by rights groups and diplomats of widespread atrocities, including the killing of more than 2,000 civilians in El Fasher, a key Darfur city the group seized from the army in October. The announcement came after army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan rejected a Quad proposal that called for a three-month humanitarian truce followed by a nine-month political process aimed at a permanent settlement. In a statement late Sunday, Al-Burhan said the roadmap would "eliminate the existence of the armed forces" and dissolve security agencies while leaving the RSF "in its positions." Al-Burhan, who also heads Sudan's ruling Transitional Sovereignty Council, accused the UAE of bias and of seeking to weaken the army. On Monday, the UAE's foreign ministry accused Al-Burhan of "consistently obstructive behavior." The UAE has long denied accusations from the Sudanese army that it arms and funds the RSF. Al-Burhan also criticized Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, saying Boulos risked becoming an obstacle to peace. Boulos has accused the army of blocking aid and using chemical weapons, allegations the military denies. Fighting between the army and the RSF erupted in April 2023 and has killed thousands and displaced millions, fueling one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. ABUJA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Sunday confirmed the rescue and recovery of at least 89 victims abducted earlier last week in the country's central region. The victims who regained freedom included 38 worshippers kidnapped during a church service in Eruku, the Kwara State, and at least 51 students caught in a school attack in Niger on Friday, Tinubu said in a statement on his official X handle. At least 315 students and teachers were reportedly taken hostage by the terrorists, who struck St. Mary's School in the Agwara local government area. Tinubu attributed the victims' return to days of coordinated operations by security agencies, which he personally supervised after cancelling his planned trip to the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. "Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety -- and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people," Tinubu stressed. The Nigerian president has ordered police officers providing security for "very important persons" to focus on core duties, as many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen, making it difficult to protect its people. Tinubu added that the police presence in all communities must be enhanced, given the current security challenges in the country. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with South Africa to firmly support each other and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday. Li made the remarks when meeting with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile on the sidelines of the 20th Group of 20 (G20) Summit held here on Saturday and Sunday. China and South Africa are good friends and brothers enjoying a deep friendship, Li said. In September last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, in Beijing and reached important consensus on advancing bilateral ties, Li said. China stands ready to work with South Africa to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, further enhance mutual political trust, firmly support each other, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and deliver more outcomes of their all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Li noted that China is ready to step up alignment with South Africa, and help more quality and competitive South African products enter the Chinese market by negotiating and signing an agreement on economic partnership for shared development and advancing in South Africa the early implementation of China's zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for African countries having diplomatic relations with China. China supports more competitive Chinese companies in investing in South Africa and enhancing cooperation in such areas as new energy, automobiles, healthcare, digital economy and infrastructure, with a view to broadening and upgrading bilateral cooperation to better serve the modernization of both countries, Li said. He expressed the hope that South Africa will better protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and the safety of their personnel. China-South Africa cooperation has long played a leading and demonstrative role in China-Africa cooperation, Li said, pledging that China is ready to strengthen communication with South Africa within frameworks including the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), promote the implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and jointly create a bright future of development and prosperity for China and Africa. Li called on the two sides to step up multilateral coordination and work with the wider Global South countries to promote a more just and equitable international order. For his part, Mashatile expressed gratitude for China's strong support for South Africa as the host of the G20 Summit. Stressing that South Africa firmly upholds the one-China policy, Mashatile said that his country stands ready to take China's implementation of zero-tariff treatment in African countries as an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, industry, agriculture, digital economy and green development, and to enhance people-to-people exchanges so as to advance the continuous and in-depth development of the all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era between the two countries. Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest and operate in South Africa, and South Africa will spare no effort to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and companies, he said. Mashatile also said that South Africa highly commends the four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi, and is willing to work with China to promote multilateral communication and coordination, uphold multilateralism, safeguard the authority of the United Nations and promote the common development and prosperity of Global South nations. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) WINDHOEK, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Namibia on Monday released the State of Skills Demand and Supply Report, which highlights a structural imbalance between the skills supplied by the workforce and those demanded by employers in major sectors of the economy. Launched by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, the report shows shortages across more than 73 occupations, with high demand in agriculture, manufacturing, retail, administrative services, health and social work, education, transport, public administration, defense and accommodation services. The report states that tertiary-education attainment increased from 5.8 percent in 2011 to 11.8 percent in 2023, while there is an oversupply of graduates in business, public administration, education and social sciences and an undersupply in agriculture, manufacturing, engineering and physical planning. Meanwhile, the report also states that basic-education promotion rates remain low at the senior secondary level, with a 47.3 percent promotion rate and high repetition and school-leaving rates. According to the report, the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector had a low throughput, with only 14 percent of trainees graduating in 2020. It also stated that there is roughly one TVET trainee for every 28 basic education students. Namibia's labor-market indicators show an unemployment rate of 36.9 percent and a youth unemployment rate of 44.4 percent. The report said that foundational skills remain a concern, with literacy and numeracy performance at low levels in early grades. KHARTOUM, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on Monday announced a unilateral "humanitarian" ceasefire, saying it would halt hostilities with the Sudanese Armed Forces for three months. BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday that China will provide cash assistance to flood-stricken Vietnam. Spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily news briefing that China has noticed that recently, many areas in Vietnam have suffered casualties and property losses due to typhoon and flood disasters. Out of humanitarian considerations and in the spirit of friendship toward the Vietnamese people, China will provide cash assistance, Mao said. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the government of Vietnam, the people in the disaster-affected areas will surely overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes soon, Mao added. "As far as we know, there are no reports of any casualties among Chinese nationals," the spokesperson added. HANOI, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese citizens will no longer be able to use passports for domestic transactions from Jan. 1, 2026, the Vietnam News Agency reported Monday. The new regulations, outlined in circulars issued by the State Bank of Vietnam, mandate that customers present chip-based ID cards or e-IDs for all banking services, including payments, withdrawals, and card operations. The central bank noted that this process aims to ensure accuracy, strengthen fraud and forgery prevention, and standardize data across the entire banking system. KABUL, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Police have destroyed 10 tons of expired and substandard medicine over the past month in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province, the local media Tolo news reported Monday. The expired and low-quality medicine, which had been collected from Spin Boldak district of this province, was publicly burned to protect public health and ensure the safety of the local people, the report said, adding that the destroyed medicine was found to be unfit for use, posing potential health risks to individuals who might have unknowingly consumed it. The provincial health office emphasized that no individual or business would be permitted to sell expired medicines or food products, warning that violators will face legal consequences. Rescuers inspect a damaged vehicle at the blast site in Peshawar, northwest Pakistan, on Nov. 24, 2025. At least three security personnel were killed and five others injured on Monday morning in an attack at the Federal Constabulary's headquarters in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial capital of Peshawar, police said. (Photo by Umar Qayyum/Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least three security personnel were killed and five others injured on Monday morning in an attack at the Federal Constabulary's headquarters in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial capital of Peshawar, police said. Inspector General of Police of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed told the media that a suicide bomber exploded his jacket at the main gate of the Federal Constabulary headquarters, formerly known as Frontier Constabulary. Following the attack, two terrorists entered the initial area of the headquarters, but guards on duty shot both of the terrorists dead on the spot, said the police chief. The police chief added that one of the two killed terrorists was a suicide bomber, and his explosive-laden jacket exploded after the firing. Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that they heard intense firing after two blasts took place in the area. Police, security forces, and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital. Police have blocked the roads leading to the area and asked citizens to be vigilant and avoid travelling unnecessarily in the region. Security forces have launched a search and clearance operation in the area as well as inside the headquarters. No group has claimed the attack yet. The Frontier Constabulary, which was formerly tasked with securing the tribal belt in the northwest region, was renamed to Federal Constabulary under an ordinance in July this year, with its jurisdiction extended to the entire country. Later in September, the federal government announced plans to shift the headquarters of the Federal Constabulary from Peshawar to the country's capital Islamabad. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told the media in September this year that the aim to shift the headquarters was to modernize the force and improve coordination with other federal institutions. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack, saying that we will foil the nefarious designs of terrorists who attack Pakistan's sovereignty. Rescuers inspect a damaged vehicle at the blast site in Peshawar, northwest Pakistan, on Nov. 24, 2025. At least three security personnel were killed and five others injured on Monday morning in an attack at the Federal Constabulary's headquarters in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial capital of Peshawar, police said. (Photo by Umar Qayyum/Xinhua) Security personnel and rescuers gather at the blast site in Peshawar, northwest Pakistan, on Nov. 24, 2025. At least three security personnel were killed and five others injured on Monday morning in an attack at the Federal Constabulary's headquarters in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial capital of Peshawar, police said. (Photo by Umar Qayyum/Xinhua) YANGON, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have seized 356,400 stimulant tablets and 2.97 kg of heroin in northern Myanmar's Kachin state, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) reported on Monday. Acting on a tipoff, anti-narcotics police raided a suspect's house in Mogaung town of Kachin state on Nov. 20 and confiscated the drugs along with the suspect, the committee said. The seized drugs are estimated to be worth over 600 million kyats (about 0.29 million U.S. dollars), it said. The suspect has been charged under Myanmar's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and further investigations are underway, the CCDAC said. This photo shows a charred Vjesnik building in Zagreb, Croatia, Nov. 26, 2025. The Vjesnik building, which was completely destroyed in the devastating fire last week, will have to be demolished, Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets Branko Bacic said in a statement on Monday. (Igor Kralj/PIXSELL via Xinhua) ZAGREB, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Vjesnik building, which was completely destroyed in the devastating fire last week, will have to be demolished, Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets Branko Bacic said in a statement on Monday. Bacic made the remarks after a meeting with representatives of the City of Zagreb, experts from the Croatian Center for Earthquake Engineering, and other emergency services to assess the building's structural condition following the fire. He said the conclusion of the meeting was clear: due to the risk of collapse, the Vjesnik building must be demolished. Meanwhile, Mario Uros, a representative of the Croatian Center for Earthquake Engineering, said the building needs to be demolished "as quickly as possible." He noted that all inspections and tests indicate serious structural damage. According to local media, two 18-year-old suspects have been arrested for setting the fire and face prison terms of 1-10 years for arson. The fire broke out at around 23:04 (2204 GMT) on Nov. 17 and was brought under control the next day after burning throughout the night. The Vjesnik building was one of the tallest in the country. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the fire. Police officers carry out an on-site investigation near the Vjesnik building in Zagreb, Croatia, Nov. 26, 2025. The Vjesnik building, which was completely destroyed in the devastating fire last week, will have to be demolished, Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets Branko Bacic said in a statement on Monday. (Igor Kralj/PIXSELL via Xinhua) WASHINGTON, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The White House said on Sunday that the United States and Ukraine drafted an "updated and refined" peace framework during talks in Geneva, Switzerland. Both sides agreed to continue to work on joint proposals in the coming days, according to a joint statement released by the White House. And final decisions under this framework will be made by the presidents of Ukraine and the United States. The statement also noted that Ukraine expressed its gratitude to the United States and to U.S. President Donald Trump. Earlier on Sunday, Trump lashed out at Ukraine in a social media post, accusing its leaders of being ungrateful. "Ukraine's leadership has expressed zero gratitude for our efforts," he wrote. Representatives from the United States, Ukraine and European countries met in Geneva on Sunday as the White House pushes for agreement on a 28-point plan to end the Ukraine crisis. Following a meeting between the Ukrainian delegation and national security advisers from Britain, France and Germany, the Ukrainian side held bilateral talks with the U.S. representatives. Brentford find themselves at a crossroads with Vitaly Janelt as Eintracht Frankfurt begin exploratory talks over a potential move. The midfielders contract runs out at the end of this season, and while Keith Andrews is pushing hard to keep him, the situation is delicately poised. According to the TeamTalk report, Eintracht Frankfurt are trying to sign him and that alone signals how significant this next stretch could be for both the player and the club. Contract Tension Around Key Squad Leader Janelt has not been a regular starter this season, yet his influence remains sizable inside the squad. Andrews wants him to stay because of his crucial leadership role and that belief reflects how highly respected the 27 year old is behind the scenes. Even with reduced minutes, a player who has made 143 Premier League appearances for Brentford, the most in club history at this level, would be incredibly difficult to replace. The midfielder has returned from a heel injury but has largely been utilised from the bench. Despite that, sources quoted in the original report suggest that an opportunity to move to the Bundesliga will exist for him if contract talks continue to stall. Those close to Janelt say he is waiting to see how his situation opens up before making any firm decisions. Frankfurts Position and Early Talks Eintracht Frankfurt are described as keen on the prospect of landing Janelt and have already held initial discussions with Brentford. There is no indication of a breakthrough at this stage, but the Bundesliga side believe a winter transfer could become viable if the impasse continues. One source close to negotiations stated, Frankfurt are serious about signing him if he fancies a new challenge, suggesting this is more than simple scouting interest. For a player who previously represented Germany at U21 level and spent time with Hamburg, Bochum and RB Leipzig, a return home carries a certain emotional pull. Legacy and Value to Brentford Brentfords recruitment team struck gold when they secured Janelt from Bochum for a fee reported to be around 500,000 in 2020. He became a staple of Thomas Franks midfield during promotion, then evolved into a reliable Premier League performer across multiple seasons. Last term he made 32 league appearances as Brentford finished 10th, a landmark achievement in Franks final campaign. With a stabilising presence, tactical discipline and strong dressing room influence, losing him for free would be a setback. Andrews is banking on his strong connection to the club to keep him in London, yet the lure of home and European ambitions could complicate matters. Our View EPL Index Analysis For Brentford supporters, this is the kind of story that sets pulses racing for all the wrong reasons. Janelt has been one of the constants during the clubs dramatic rise, and hearing that Frankfurt are already in talks prickles immediate anxiety. The quoted line that initial conversations with Brentford have already begun is the bit that hits hardest. That means this is real, it is active and it is moving. Fans know he has not featured as heavily this season, but that does not make the situation easier to digest. Every promotion memory, every gritty defensive stand, every moment he has filled in as an emergency centre back flashes through the mind. When reports say Frankfurt are serious about signing him, it plants fear that the club could lose a cornerstone without a replacement lined up. Supporters also worry about timing. A departure in the winter window could destabilise a squad still adjusting to Keith Andrews methods. Even if he stays until summer, losing such a leader on a free would sting. There is a nervous hope that loyalty wins out, but the sense of vulnerability lingers. In short, this report will feel like the first tremor of a story fans desperately want to fade away rather than grow. Key Points Dividend Kings are the best-of-the-best dividend growth stocks, boasting 50-plus years of consecutive dividend increases. There's nothing like it if you can find oft-overlooked Dividend Kings with multibagger potential. One of them is making some business moves that could be significant drivers of its dividend and stock price. 10 stocks we like better than Parker-Hannifin If you are familiar with Dividend Kings and even own one or more of them in your portfolio, you're already one step ahead of the income investors who mainly chase dividend yields and pay little attention to dividend growth. But if you haven't heard about the unstoppable Dividend King stock that I'll tell you about next, I don't blame you. It's not a popular name, but it has quietly made investors extremely wealthy over the years. Before I reveal the name, it's important to reiterate why Dividend Kings are often such powerful wealth compounders. Although many stocks within the S&P 500 and elsewhere pay dividends, some also regularly increase their dividend payments. Among these dividend growth stocks, there's a small, elite group of stocks, known as the Dividend Kings, that have increased their dividend payouts every year for at least 50 consecutive years. It's hard to imagine the magnitude of a difference those 50-plus years of dividend growth can make to a stock's total returns over the years until you own a stock that does just that. Case in point: Parker-Hannifin (NYSE: PH). The chart I'm about to show you regarding this little-known Dividend King might blow your mind. Image source: Getty Images. An astounding multibagger dividend stock Only around 56 stocks currently qualify as Dividend Kings. Parker-Hannifin is among the best in terms of dividend track record, boasting an impressive streak of 69 consecutive dividend raises. That's not all. If we compare Parker-Hannifin stock's performance, including reinvested dividends, over the past couple of decades or so with that of the only five other Dividend Kings that have also raised their dividends for at least 69 years, none even come close. Parker-Hannifin stock has generated returns of more than 2,300% since the beginning of 2000. With reinvested dividends, the stock's return totals a staggering 3,600% over the time period. I have been bullish about Parker-Hannifin for years now, and while I couldn't have predicted the magnitude of the stock's run-up over the years, I'm not surprised to see it turn into a multibagger. Parker-Hannifin remains a no-brainer stock to add to your portfolio if you want decades of passive income. Here are three reasons why. Key Points Archer Aviation is a speculative start-up air taxi company. Archer is still waiting for FAA approval for its aircraft, meaning it has no revenue at present. It's quickly burning through investor cash, and further share dilution seems likely. 10 stocks we like better than Archer Aviation Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) is one of a handful of recent aviation start-ups trying to develop an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company has made quite a bit of progress toward this lofty goal, but has also taken investors on a wild, turbulent ride so far this year. However, with share prices down more than 45% from their recent highs, many investors are wondering whether to buy the dip. Here are two big things to know before you consider picking up shares. 1. Archer has commercial plans, but no commercial planes Archer is trying to develop its first eVTOL aircraft, dubbed Midnight, as an air taxi for up to four passengers: a cleaner and cheaper (not to mention much cooler) alternative to helicopters, which are currently the only alternative for such trips. Archer envisions offering fleets of these vehicles for fast urban short-hop travel, collecting passengers from city centers and speedily flying them over traffic and gridlock to an airport where they can catch a longer flight to their eventual destination. It has proposed New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles as the first U.S. locations where it will operate. However, Archer doesn't have fleets of these eVTOL air taxis (or even one air taxi) in the air ... yet. The Midnight hasn't yet received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval, although it has performed limited test flights. In one such flight, the Midnight -- carrying no passengers but its pilot -- flew for 55 miles at an average of 126 mph. Archer claims the vehicle can fly more than 100 miles on a single charge. Once approval arrives, expect interest in the company to soar, but there are no guarantees on when that might occur. That makes the company inherently risky. Image source: Archer Aviation. 2. Archer is burning through investor cash The lack of FAA approval hasn't stopped the company from preparing for commercialization. It has already outfitted a manufacturing facility in Georgia, at which it expects to begin production by the end of the year. Archer has also been named the official air taxi service of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. To bolster its L.A. presence, it just bought a small Los Angeles airfield, Hawthorne Municipal Airport, for $128 million. Unfortunately, all this preparation has burned a lot of cash: $487 million in free cash flow over the past year, to be precise. NRG To Add 455 MW Gas Plant In Houston Image by Canva (The Center Square) NRG Energy Inc. is building another natural gas power plant in the Houston area, this time a 455 megawatt (MW) plant at its existing Greens Bayou Generating Station in Harris County. It will interconnect with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Houston Load Zone, one of the largest electricity demand centers in Texas. This includes Houston, Pasadena and The Woodlands, which comprise the fifth largest metropolitan area in the U.S. The plant is expected to begin generating power for the ERCOT power region in 2028. Texas leads the nation in energy production, providing nearly one-fourth of the countrys domestically produced energy, Gov. Greg Abbott said. The new plant will add more power to Texas energy infrastructure and ensure every Texas home has affordable, reliable power for decades to come. Texas continues to experience unprecedented growth, and reliable power is essential to keep moving us forward, NRG EVP Robert Gaudette said in a statement. Our investment at Greens Bayou reflects NRGs commitment to delivering dependable, dispatchable generation when Texans need it most. These units will strengthen grid resilience, create local jobs and support economic vitality. We appreciate Governor Abbott, the Legislature and the PUCT for their leadership in ensuring Texas remains powered for the future. The new plant is the sixth to be built through a new Texas Energy Fund (TxEF) loan agreement and the third TxEF agreement announced with NRG. The first was signed with the Kerrville Public Utility Board to build a 122 MW natural gas power plant in Colorado County. The second and third were signed with NRG to build a 456-MW natural gas power plant in Houston and a 721 MW natural gas power plant at its Cedar Bayou Generating Station in Baytown, outside of Houston, The Center Square reported. The fourth was signed with Calpine Corporation to build a 460 MW natural gas power plant in Fairfield, south of Dallas. The fifth was signed with Competitive Power Ventures to build the largest capacity project so far through the fund. Its building a 1,350 MW natural gas generation facility at it Basin Ranch Energy Center in Ward County, The Center Square reported. Once connected, its expected to provide one of the largest sources of dispatchable generation capacity for the Texas grid. After the six agreements were signed, the TxEF has now financed more than 3,500 MW of new, reliable additional power for the Texas grid. The Public Utility Commission of Texas administers the TxEF, which provides low-interest loans for projects that add new, dispatchable power to the ERCOT region. It also oversees ERCOT, which manages the Texas grid. The simplest way to invest in stocks is to buy exchange traded funds. But the truth is, you can make significant gains if you buy good quality businesses at the right price. For example, the AEW UK REIT plc (LON:AEWU) share price is 41% higher than it was five years ago, which is more than the market average. Zooming in, the stock is up a respectable 11% in the last year. So let's investigate and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress. This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality. While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement. During five years of share price growth, AEW UK REIT achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 19% per year. This EPS growth is higher than the 7% average annual increase in the share price. Therefore, it seems the market has become relatively pessimistic about the company. You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). LSE:AEWU Earnings Per Share Growth November 24th 2025 This free interactive report on AEW UK REIT's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. What About Dividends? When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. In the case of AEW UK REIT, it has a TSR of 110% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. A Different Perspective We're pleased to report that AEW UK REIT shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 20% over one year. That's including the dividend. Since the one-year TSR is better than the five-year TSR (the latter coming in at 16% per year), it would seem that the stock's performance has improved in recent times. Given the share price momentum remains strong, it might be worth taking a closer look at the stock, lest you miss an opportunity. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand AEW UK REIT better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with AEW UK REIT , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. With Haiti undergoing a prolonged period of gang and political violence that followed the forced resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in April 2024, no U.S. airline has been permitted to fly into the country since the FAA first issued its ban on commercial flights in November 2024. Eventually extended until March 2026, the prohibition came after Spirit, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines planes trying to land at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) in Port-au-Prince were all grazed by gunfire within a few days of each other last November, as rival gangs fought for control of the airport. Due to similar safety concerns, the FAA ban now also prohibits U.S. commercial planes from flying through certain Haitian airspace at altitudes lower than 10,000 feet. Sunrise Airways cancels all flights after plane hit by gunfire With most major cruise lines currently also not making their regular Haiti port stops, the main way to get to the Caribbean country making up half of the Hispaniola island with the Dominican Republic is to fly on a regional airline. As first reported by the Miami Herald, Haitian regional carrier Sunrise Airways has now also canceled all of its domestic flights after a plane landing at the Guy Malary terminal of Toussaint Louverture International was struck by bullets. Related: US gives do not travel warning to popular Caribbean destination The flight was coming in from the more stable Les Cayes port city in the southwest of the country, which is still frequented by some tourists. The bullet fire grazed the aircraft's fuselage in a Nov. 23 incident that caused no injuries to the passengers or crew inside. Other than confirming that the incident occurred and that it was suspending all domestic operations within Haiti pending an investigation, Sunrise Airways has not released much information about the damage to the plane or details regarding how the shots were fired. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean have also redirected their itineraries around Haiti amid the prolonged outbreak of violence.Image source: Daniel Kline/ComeCruiseWith.com Sunrise says it "will resume operations as soon as conditions allow" Founded in 2010 to run a mix of passenger and charter flights, Port-au-Prince-based Sunrise Airways has continued to provide both domestic and international service into violence-torn Haiti over the last year. On its website, the airline names destinations such as Cuba, Grenada, Guadeloupe, and the British Virgin Islands as ones that it currently serves. With no U.S. airlines currently permitted to fly into Haiti, Sunrise has also become the main connector for members of the Haitian diaspora living in the country. The airline has continued to run flights to Cap-Haitien on the safer north coast from Miami International Airport (MIA) and recently announced plans to launch new routes to New York and Fort Lauderdale. (Reuters) -Amazon.com said on Monday it would invest up to $50 billion to expand artificial-intelligence and supercomputing capacity for U.S. government customers, in one of the largest cloud infrastructure commitments targeted at the public sector. The project, expected to break ground in 2026, will add nearly 1.3 gigawatts of new AI and high-performance computing capacity across AWS Top Secret, AWS Secret and AWS GovCloud regions through new data centers equipped with advanced compute and networking systems. One gigawatt of computing power is roughly enough to power about 750,000 U.S. households on average. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar) By Jaspreet Singh (Reuters) -Amazon.com said on Monday it would invest up to $50 billion to expand AI and supercomputing capabilities for Amazon Web Services U.S. government customers, in one of the largest cloud infrastructure commitments targeted at the public sector. The project, expected to break ground in 2026, will add nearly 1.3 gigawatts of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing capacity across AWS Top Secret, AWS Secret and AWS GovCloud regions by building data centers equipped with advanced compute and networking technologies. AWS cloud regions for U.S. government are based on increasing levels of data sensitivity. The cloud unit currently serves more than 11,000 U.S. government agencies. "While Amazon still leads the cloud market, it has lost ground on AI-related cloud growth as Google and Oracle speed up, making large-scale infrastructure commitments necessary strategies," said Emarketer analyst Jacob Bourne. Tech companies, including OpenAI, Alphabet and Microsoft, are pouring billions of dollars to develop AI infrastructure, boosting demand for computing power required to support the services. One gigawatt of computing power is roughly enough to power about 750,000 U.S. households on average. "This investment removes the technology barriers that have held government back," AWS Chief Executive Matt Garman said. Amazon did not disclose the timeline for the spending. Under the latest initiative, federal agencies will gain access to AWS' comprehensive suite of AI services, including Amazon SageMaker for model training and customization, Amazon Bedrock for deploying models and agents, as well as foundation models such as Amazon Nova and Anthropic Claude. The federal government seeks to develop tailored AI solutions and drive cost-savings by leveraging AWS' dedicated and expanded capacity. The U.S. is in an AI arms race with China and will significantly increase its AI compute capacity to maintain its lead, said D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria. The White House did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar) Amazon (AMZN) will invest $50 billion to grow its AI offerings for the US government, the company said on Monday. The investment will include nearly 1.3 gigawatts of new data center capacity for Amazon's AWS Top Secret, AWS Secret, and AWS GovCloud services. Amazon stock rose more than 1% on the news. Amazon said its latest announcement will give federal agencies access to the company's Amazon SafeMaker AI for model training, Amazon Bedrock for AI agent deployment, Amazon Nova, Anthropic's (ANTH.PVT) Claude, Amazon's Tranium AI chips, and Nvidia's (NVDA) AI infrastructure. All of that will enable the government to utilize AI tools that Amazon said help with simulation and data modeling, faster global security data processing, and improved supply chain information. The company said the arrangement will also help with defense strategies by processing satellite imagery and sensor data to detect threats and create response plans. "Our investment in purpose-built government AI and cloud infrastructure will fundamentally transform how federal agencies leverage supercomputing, Amazon AWS CEO Matt Garman said in a statement. An Amazon Web Services data center is shown on July 17, 2024, in Stone Ridge, Va. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images) Nathan Howard via Getty Images "We're giving agencies expanded access to advanced AI capabilities that will enable them to accelerate critical missions from cybersecurity to drug discovery," he added. "This investment removes the technology barriers that have held government back and further positions America to lead in the AI era." Until recently, Amazon has largely been seen as an also-ran in the AI race. Earlier this month, the company entered into a $38 billion agreement with OpenAI that will see Amazon provide OpenAI with access to its data centers and chips for seven years. Amazon also launched its massive Project Rainier AI cluster in October, which will help power Anthropic's AI services. The announcement comes amid Big Tech's ongoing AI spending spree that will see Amazon pump upwards of $125 billion into its data center projects in 2025. The company said it will spend even more during 2026. Fellow tech giant Meta (META) is projected to spend between $70 billion and $72 billion in 2025. Microsoft (MSFT) said it expects to spend more in 2026 than the $88.2 billion the company spent during its fiscal 2025. Google (GOOG, GOOGL), which anticipates spending $91 billion to $93 billion in 2025, said it will also spend more in the year ahead. OpenAI (OPAI.PVT), meanwhile, has committed to spending more than $1 trillion on data center and AI chip deals. And monetizing all of those investments is paramount for the tech companies if they are going to keep Wall Street happy. Fact checked by Vikki Velasquez Justin Paget / Getty Images On average, Americans say they need about $70,000 more a year to feel financially secure. Health care costs are a particular concern. Key Takeaways On average, American workers say that they would need an additional $70,000 of household income each year to feel financially stable, according to a report by insurance company Aflac. Households earning under $50,000 per year would like an additional $48,834, on average, in annual income, while those earning over $100,000 would like an additional $86,518. Many workers report high levels of anxiety about health care costs, and almost half (44%) couldn't cover a $1,000 health care expense out of pocket. Many Americans don't feel financially secure. In some ways, this isn't surprising: a rising cost of living and anxiety about health care expenses contribute to feelings of instability and uncertainty. What is surprising, though, is who says they need the most money to feel secureand how much, on average, they're looking for. How Much More Money Do Americans Need To Feel Secure? A report by insurance company Aflac found that, on average, workers said they need an additional $70,000 per year in household income to feel financially secure. However, there was a nearly $40,000 difference between what lower-income households reported needing, compared to higher-income households. And it wasn't the lower-income families who wanted the most. Average Difference: Current vs. Desired Salary by Household Income of American Workers All employees $69,943 $49,999 or less $48,834 $50,000 - $99,999 $53,279 $100,000 or more $86,518 The lowest-income households wanted, on average, an increase of $48,834, more than $20,000 less than the average. The highest-income households, by contrast, wanted an average increase of $86,518, almost $17,000 more than the average. According to this study, as your household income increases, the amount that you need to feel financially stable also increases. Health care costs, in particular, leave many workers feeling squeezed. Data from the Aflac report shows that: Almost half (44%) of workers couldn't cover a $1,000 out-of-pocket health cost. Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) of workers couldn't pay for $500 in out-of-pocket health expenses. Only a quarter (26%) of workers had the money to cover a significant health care bill of $5,000 or more. Important More than half of employees worry about medical costs that aren't covered by their insurance. Younger workers, in particular, worry about health care costs: 61% of Gen Z workers (those born between 1997 and 2012) report "high" levels of anxiety about non-covered expenses. In addition, 52% of millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996), 50% of Gen X (those born between 1965 and 1980), and 47% of baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) say they have high levels of anxiety about health care expenses. By Francesco Canepa and Terje Solsvik OSLO (Reuters) -Sitting in his lakeside villa in the Swiss city of Lucerne, Borger Borgenhaug misses his grandchildren and the smell of the Nordic sea on a clear summer night. The carpenter turned real-estate tycoon says that is the price he pays to escape Norway's beefed-up wealth tax an annual levy that has driven hundreds of millionaires abroad while underpinning one of the world's most equal societies. "The political climate in Norway has become increasingly hostile to business owners," Borgenhaug, who left in 2022, told Reuters. With a wealth tax dating back to 1892 and a culture of openness that allows citizens to view the tax returns of others, Norway has more experience than most in squeezing the rich. Its model offers lessons for countries debating similar moves, from Britain to France and Italy, or even a city like New York. The takeaway: a wealth tax will scare off some millionaires, but if set broadly enough, revenues can still be worth it. EXODUS OF THE WEALTHY The tax was a defining issue in Norways election in September, which returned the Labour Party to power. The party had raised the levy and tightened exit rules during its previous term. Individuals pay 1% on net wealth between 1.76 million and 20.7 million crowns ($174,000$2 million) and, since 2022, 1.1% above that. Exactly 671,639 people about 12% of the population paid in 2023. Main homes enjoy a 75% discount on assessed value; shares and commercial property get 20%. Assets abroad are included, but debt is deductible. Leaving Norway triggers an exit tax of 37.8% on unrealised capital gains above 3 million crowns - such as notional gains on shares that have gone up in value but are yet to be sold. Loopholes that allowed emigrants to defer payment indefinitely were closed in 2024. The changes turned a trickle into a stream. Data from conservative think-tank Civita shows 261 residents with assets above 10 million crowns ($973,000) left in 2022 and 254 in 2023 - more than double the typical rate before the hike. Business magazine Kapital's ranking of Norway's 400 richest people shows 105 now live abroad or have transferred wealth to relatives who do. Some of their pictures hang on a "wall of shame" in the offices of the small, opposition Socialist Left party. THE CASE FOR: EQUALITY AND REVENUE Supporters argue the tax acts as a redistributive backstop in a country that scrapped inheritance tax in 2014 and ranks among the worlds wealthiest thanks to oil, shipping and fisheries. By Simon Jessop BELEM, Brazil (Reuters) -Despite the U.S. government souring on the global climate agenda ahead of the COP30 summit, American companies did not shy away. A Reuters analysis of attendance lists shows there were 60 representatives of Fortune 100 companies at the Brazil event, compared with 50 at last year's in Baku, Azerbaijan. Still others attended pre-conference events in Brazil's finance hub Sao Paulo and in Rio de Janeiro. Tech firms including Microsoft and Google, energy company Occidental Petroleum, carmaker General Motors and lender Citigroup were among those represented on a provisional U.N. list of attendees of the official summit. "We've seen no discernible change in the engagement of U.S. companies on climate policy over the course of this year. And that was certainly reflected in attendance levels," said Andrew Wilson, deputy secretary general for policy at the International Chamber of Commerce. "We are also seeing growing concern across industry about the growing costs of extreme weather events underscoring the need for effective policy responses." Executives said they didn't think now was a good time to opt out of the climate conversation, with rising temperatures unleashing ever more threats to factories, supply chains and the bottom line. "We're doing it because it's good for the business. It helps create supply security," said PepsiCo Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Jim Andrew on the sidelines of the talks. "We need farmers to be successful, we need them to keep farming," he added, given the company makes the bulk of its revenues from foods including Walkers Crisps and Quaker Oats. FILLING THE VOID Darren Woods, the boss of top U.S. oil company ExxonMobil was among the U.S. executives, mayors and other sub-national leaders who attended the pre-COP events. All those players have an important role in the future of climate action, according to Lou Leonard, Inaugural Dean of Clark University's School of Climate, Environment, and Society. Existing policies from federal and non-federal actors would lead to a 35% reduction in U.S. emissions by 2035, a recent analysis led by the Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland showed. Much of that is being driven by companies. "Despite the headlines, the private sector continues to invest in and deploy clean energy," said Gina McCarthy, former administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and now Managing Co-Chair of 'America Is All In', a coalition of non-federal leaders. Anthropic (ANTH.PVT) on Monday debuted its latest AI model, Claude Opus 4.5. The announcement comes after Google (GOOG, GOOGL) rolled out its Gemini 3, which quickly won praise for its performance and capabilities and helped push the company's stock price higher. Anthropic said Opus 4.5 is its most powerful model yet and claims it's the best in the world for "coding, agents, and computer use." Those kinds of skills are important because Anthropic is seen as a leader in AI coding, and ensuring it maintains that lead is key to its future growth. According to the company, Opus 4.5 beats out both Gemini 3 Pro and OpenAI's (OPAI.PVT) GPT-5.1-Codex-Max and GPT-5.1 in software engineering. Anthropic also said the model is capable of coming up with creative ways of solving problems. The company said Claude 4.5 technically failed one benchmarking test in which it was meant to act as an airline service agent assisting a customer, because it figured out how to help the customer in a way that the benchmark didn't anticipate. Although it failed the test, it managed to help the person. "This kind of creative problem solving is exactly what we've heard about from our testers and customers it's what makes Claude Opus 4.5 feel like a meaningful step forward," the company said in a statement. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei at the Code with Claude developer conference on May 22, 2025, in San Francisco. (Don Feria/AP Content Services for Anthropic) ASSOCIATED PRESS Opus 4.5 enters an AI market in flux. Gemini 3 has shaken up the order of things, with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff saying he is ditching ChatGPT for Google's latest model. That was all investors on Wall Street needed to hear to send Google parent Alphabet's stock up more than 6% midday Monday. Gemini's progress has also spooked OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. According to The Information, Altman told colleagues that Google's update will create "temporary economic headwinds" for the ChatGPT developer. Meta (META) is also in the race to produce the most powerful models, though its Llama 4 Behemoth has been delayed for months. Developing the best AI model gives companies more than bragging rights. It also serves as a selling point for firms to woo prospective enterprise customers. But building AI models is costly and requires significant investments, with OpenAI planning to spend more than $1 trillion on data centers to train and deploy its models. Anthropic recently signed a deal with Amazon (AMZN) to use more than 1 million of its custom chips by the end of 2025. It also inked an agreement to use 1 million custom Google chips. Despite that, according to the Wall Street Journal, Anthropic is in a position to break even by 2028, while OpenAI plans to hit that mark in 2030. Neither Google nor Meta needs to worry about that anymore, since they already operate incredibly successful businesses beyond their AI offerings. Apple Inc. has eliminated dozens of sales roles in a bid to streamline the way it offers products to businesses, schools and governments, marking a rare layoff for the iPhone maker. Most Read from Bloomberg Management notified the affected workers over the past couple of weeks, according to people familiar with the matter. The cuts extended across the sales organization hitting some teams especially hard though the company didnt tell employees how many roles were involved. The affected jobs included account managers serving major businesses, schools and government agencies, as well as the staff who operate Apples briefing centers for institutional meetings and product demonstrations for prospective major customers. Apple confirmed on Monday that its reshuffling the division, without giving specifics. To connect with even more customers, we are making some changes in our sales team that affect a small number of roles, a spokesperson for the Cupertino, California-based company said in a statement. We are continuing to hire and those employees can apply for new roles. Its unusual for Apple to make cuts across an organization, and the layoffs came as a surprise to those affected. The move is especially notable because revenue has been growing at the fastest clip in years. Apple is on track to generate sales of nearly $140 billion in the December quarter, smashing its previous record. The company also is planning a new low-end laptop for early next year that could give it a way to reach new business and educational customers. The latest cuts followed the elimination of about 20 roles several weeks ago within Apples sales teams in Australia and New Zealand. Employees who lost their jobs have until Jan. 20 to secure another position within the company or theyll be terminated with a severance package. Apple is advertising sales roles on its jobs website and told laid-off workers they could apply for them. Internally, the company is positioning the layoffs as part of an effort to streamline its sales workforce and eliminate overlapping responsibilities. But some of the affected workers said the move was driven by an effort to shift more sales to third-party resellers, which the company refers to as the channel. Some organizations prefer to work with those indirect sellers, they said, and the change helps Apple lower internal costs like salaries. KARIMUN, Riau Islands, Indonesia, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aslan Energy Capital (Aslan), headquartered in Singapore, today announced the signing of a Heads of Agreement with the Government of Karimun Regency, Riau Islands, Indonesia strategically located at the crossroads of Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. HOA Signing at Karimun This landmark agreement marks a pivotal step in the establishment of MU CITY a City of Dynamic Innovation in Energy, Mobility, and Urbanization, designed to accelerate Southeast Asia's transition toward a low-carbon, digital, and inclusive future. Signed in collaboration with the Karimun Regency Government, the agreement affirms a shared commitment to building a next-generation integrated industrial and innovation ecosystem. MU CITY is now firmly positioned as a regional gateway for clean energy, green manufacturing, advanced e-mobility, and data-driven intelligence supporting Indonesia's national roadmap for renewable energy and digital transformation. The MU CITY development represents an estimated USD 2.3 billion investment over the next three years, making it the largest single investment in Karimun to date. A Dynamic City for the New Energy Era Spanning 4,000 hectares, MU CITY will be powered by up to 2 gigawatts (GW) of solar power and an additional 2 GW of gas-based power, making it one of Southeast Asia's largest integrated sustainable energy ecosystems. A major portion of this capacity will power the local industrial zones, data campuses, and mobility manufacturing clusters within MU CITY, while the remainder will be allocated for clean energy exports to ASEAN nations reinforcing Indonesia's role as a regional energy provider. MU CITY will integrate three complementary development zones: Atmos Energy (ATO) has recently captured investors' attention, as its stock performance over the past month delivered a modest dip. At the same time, the stock showed a solid gain of 6% for the past 3 months. The utility's longer-term returns remain strong, prompting closer evaluation as market dynamics shift. See our latest analysis for Atmos Energy. Atmos Energys recent slight pullback follows a period of robust performance, with momentum building noticeably over the past year. The companys latest share price stands at $175.16. Its total shareholder return over the past 12 months is a strong 19.4%, and the five-year figure is an impressive 104%. This mix of short- and long-term gains suggests investors remain confident in Atmoss growth potential, likely reflecting both its steady operations and improving outlook. If youre interested in seeing how other fast-rising companies stack up, this is a great time to broaden your search and discover fast growing stocks with high insider ownership But with shares not far from analyst targets and recent gains already factored in, the key question is whether Atmos Energy is trading below its true value or if the market has already accounted for its growth prospects. Most Popular Narrative: Fairly Valued Atmos Energys latest share price trades just above the narratives fair value estimate, matching closely with analyst expectations for upcoming growth. The stage is set for essential developments in market positioning and legislative impacts. Recent legislation in Texas (HB4384), which expands the eligibility of deferred regulatory asset treatment to approximately 80% of Atmos' total capital spending (from 45%), will allow for faster rate recovery on a larger portion of investments. This directly supports higher earnings growth and improves net margins in coming years. Read the complete narrative. Want to uncover why analysts believe Atmoss future is so closely tied to new laws and next-level spending plans? The narratives forecast hinges on aggressive expansion, efficient earnings growth, and a crucial profit target that only select companies achieve. Explore the detailed projections powering this valuation. Result: Fair Value of $174.36 (ABOUT RIGHT) Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts. However, rising capital costs and region-specific risks could undermine profitability and leave Atmos Energy vulnerable if regulatory or economic conditions shift unexpectedly. Find out about the key risks to this Atmos Energy narrative. Build Your Own Atmos Energy Narrative If youd rather draw your own conclusions or want to challenge these results, dive into the numbers and craft your own perspective in just a few minutes. Do it your way The future of one of Bangladeshs largest vertically integrated textile and garment manufacturers looks bleak. State-owned Janata Bank has moved to auction several Beximco Limited factories, despite the Ministry of Labour and Employment in Bangladeshs efforts to reopen the factories through a tripartite international lease agreement. More from Sourcing Journal The auction notices were issued a day after the banks Nov. 20 board meeting, which was supposed to focus on approving the draft for a $20 million lease agreement between Beximco, Janata Bank and Revival Project, a Japanese firm that expressed interest in the factories this summer. The auction notices are for International Knitwear & Apparel Limiteds Unit-1 and Unit-2, Urban Fashions Limited, and Apollo Apparels Limited., all located in the Beximco Industrial Park in Kashimpur, Gazipur. The auction is scheduled for Dec. 7. The Business Standard (TBS) reports that more notices are coming soon. The banks pivot surprised the former Target and PVH Group supplier. Khalid Shahrior, head of HR and compliance for Beximcos textile and garment division, told The Daily Star that the companys legal team was reviewing the decision. We are talking about new investments and trying to move everything forward positively, yet the bank issued this notice at such a time, he told the news outlet. In August, Sourcing Journal reported that Janata Bank planned to reschedule defaulted loans totaling roughly 35,000 crore taka, or $2.9 billion, to help with Beximcos reopening. Under the lease agreement, the Revival Project would carve out a commission from export earnings, with the rest going to repay outstanding debts. TBS reported that Revival planned an initial working capital investment of $20 million, with a long-term goal of up to $100 million. U.S.-based Ecomillie was expected to finance the project. Production was supposed to begin next month. Beximcos 16 factories, including Beximco Fashions, Crescent Fashion and Design, Shinepukur Garments and Yellow Apparels, were previously owned by Salman F. Rahman, one of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina advisors, who remains in prison on charges of murder, fraud, money laundering and graft. Hes also been accused of using his political influence to stall the repayment of his companys bank loans and liabilities, estimated at 50,098 crore Bangladeshi taka, or around $4.1 billion. Bayridge Resources has signed a binding share purchase agreement to acquire 51% of 1461433 B.C. (Privco), which owns 100% of the Baker Lake uranium project, an advanced exploration asset in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada. As consideration for the acquisition, Bayridge will issue 5,600,000 common shares priced at $0.25 each, valuing the transaction at $1.4m. At closing, Bayridge will enter into a joint venture (JV) agreement with Privco on standard industry terms. The project lies within the Paleoproterozoic uranium district, which also hosts ATHA's Angilak and Orano's Kiggavik deposits. The Baker Lake uranium project is located 60km south of the town of Baker Lake and comprises 83 contiguous claims covering 619km. Modern exploration activities valued at $7m have already been completed at the site and the project demonstrates strong geological parallels to the Angilak uranium camp. A 2008 survey identified 30 high-priority uranium targets and historical drilling returned multiple significant uranium intercepts. Bayridge said 20 uranium prospects have been mapped along 75km of the Baker Basin unconformity, with several unexplored high-priority drill targets remaining along untested electromagnetic conductors. Bayridge will also have the right to appoint one director to Privcos board and Privco may likewise appoint one director to the board of Bayridge Resources. The company will hold a first right of refusal over the remaining 49% of Privco shares it does not own after the acquisition closes. Following completion of the transaction, the owners of Privco will hold a 43% interest in Bayridge Resources. The transaction is contingent upon customary conditions including receipt of all required consents and approval by the Canadian Securities Exchange. In August 2024, Bayridge secured a drilling permit for its Waterbury East uranium project in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada. "Bayridge to acquire 51% interest in Baker Lake uranium project " was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the Best Communication and Media Stocks to Buy Now. On November 18, analyst Laurent Yoon from Bernstein reiterated a Hold rating on Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) with a $46 price target. The rating follows a report by Reuters released on November 13, which noted that the companys new CEO is planning to cut 15,000 jobs. The report highlighted this layoff to be the largest ever in the companys history. The layoff is anticipated to affect 15% of the companys workforce and is expected to take place this week. Reuters sources noted that Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) will reduce its non-union management ranks by more than 20% and also plans to convert 180 retail stores into franchises. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) has been facing market pressure due to concerns regarding lower new customer additions. Moreover, competitors are offering cheaper plans, making the competition even tougher for the company. For instance, the company added only 44,000 monthly bill-paying wireless subscribers during fiscal Q3 2025, versus AT&T, which added more than 1 million net subscribers during the same time. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is a holding company that offers communications and technology services through its subsidiaries. While we acknowledge the potential of VZ 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. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. A flood of debt sales from Big Tech risks overwhelming buyers and could weaken the credit market on both sides of the Atlantic. Thats the warning from Wall Street and investors, if the recent pace of mega bond offerings from the likes of Alphabet Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. continues in 2026. These sales have capped a record year of global issuance. Most Read from Bloomberg With tech firms expected to turn to debt for as much as $1.5 trillion by 2028 to fund expansion in artificial intelligence and data centers, that could widen spreads across the whole market, Morgan Stanley argues. Bond buyers are starting to worry about being compensated for the risks of a bubble in the sector, given recent turmoil in tech stocks. Our biggest concern is that a flood of data center financing could cause supply indigestion, particularly in dollars, but with euro markets also absorbing part of the funding needs, said JPMorgan Chase & Co. strategist Matthew Bailey. Investors are now questioning whether these massive investments in artificial intelligence will pay off. There are no broad signs of panic in credit, with many of the sales so far having come from top-tier names. Alphabet raised $17.5 billion in the US and 6.5 billion ($7.5 billion) in Europe, the second-largest corporate deal in the region this year, while Meta sold $30 billion and Oracle Corp. did $18 billion. Demand was huge, with Meta getting a record peak orderbook of $125 billion. WATCH: I think you could have a situation where the magnificent seven become a little less valuable and the rest of the market becomes more valuable, says Ed Yardeni.Source: Bloomberg Supply Glut Hedge fund Man Group Plc noted that high-yield firms are also issuing, including former bitcoin miners. These companies data center plans come with aggressive deadlines and a heavy reliance on the supporting lease contracts, it said in a blog post titled Why Bond Investors Arent Totally Buying the AI Hype. A glut of supply of lower quality names in the AI space might be too much for markets to stomach, Man Groups Jon Lahraoui and Hugo Richardson wrote. The hyperscaler frenzy continues, but we remain watchful of future AI slop, they added. JPMorgans Bailey estimates that Alphabet, Meta, Amazon.com Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Oracle alone have capital expenditure needs of around $570 billion for 2026, up from $125 billion back in 2021. Meanwhile UBS Group AG sees total tech debt supply at over $900 billion next year. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao says that Binance is not looking to receive a refund of fines paid as part of its 2023 settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice following his recent presidential pardon. Ah, delicate question, Zhao, who is the former Binance CEO, said Monday on X in response to the question from author and blockchain adviser Anndy Lian. I appreciate the pardon already. There is a balance in asking for more vs what is fair vs appreciate what you got already. IF we get any refund, we will be investing that in America anyway, to show our appreciation, he added. Don't Miss: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.86/Share An EA Co-Founder Shapes This VC Backed MarketplaceNow You Can Invest in Gaming's Next Big Platform However, according to Zhao, no such request has been made. Zhao in November 2023 pleaded guilty alongside Binance to failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering (AML) program, in violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. The DOJ alleged that these violations allowed money from child abusers, cybercriminals and terrorists to flow through the exchange. Binance was slapped with a $4.3 billion fine, while Zhao was fined $50 million and agreed to relinquish control of the company. In addition, he served a four-month prison sentence from May to September 2024. President Donald Trump, however, pardoned Zhao last month, saying that he was a victim of weaponization by government. 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 While a pardon can lead to the forgiveness of fines yet to be paid, it does not entitle the person to a refund of penalties already paid, legal experts have said. Meanwhile, such a move in the case of Zhao would likely attract significant backlash from Democrats. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) last month said Trumps decision to pardon Zhao reflected corruption, self-interest, and loyalty to criminals over working-class American families. Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) also introduced a resolution condemning the pardon. President Trumps pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao is just the latest example of the presidents use of the pardon power as a means of rewarding wealthy donors and allies, and enriching himself, Schiff said. See Also: Wall Street's $12B Real Estate Manager Is Opening Its Doors to Individual Investors Without the Crowdfunding Middlemen The reactions followed Binances involvement with the Trump familys decentralized finance project World Liberty Financial. The 11 U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs shattered trading records last week, with cumulative volumes surpassing $40.32 billion, indicating likely institutional capitulation. BlackRock's IBIT led the industry with $27.79 billion in trading volume, accounting for nearly 70% of the total, according to data source SoSoValue. On Friday alone, these funds recorded over $11.01 billion in trading volume, with BlackRock's IBIT contributing $8 billion. Capitulation The record-setting activity comes hand-in-hand with a plunge in bitcoin's price and large redemptions, pointing to institutional capitulation the rush by investors to exit the fading bets. Bitcoin's price has dropped 23% this month to $86,700, according to CoinDesk data, falling to nearly $80,000 on some exchanges last week. BlackRock's IBIT has also fallen to its lowest level since April. BTC's price slide has pushed most ETF holders underwater, as the weighted-average entry price for holders is above $90K, according to Bianco Research. It's no surprise that the 11 ETFs have cumulatively processed record redemptions worth $3.55 billion this month. The record redemptions challenge the prevailing belief that these entities take long-term positions, suggesting a possibility that fears of an impending macroeconomic blowup are driving this capitulation. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last 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 generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model . Does the November share price for Willowglen MSC Berhad ( KLSE:WILLOW ) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. Willowglen MSC Berhad's peers seem to be trading at a higher premium to fair value based on the industry average of -302% Story continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.7%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 11%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035 (1 + g) (r g) = RM10m (1 + 3.7%) (11% 3.7%) = RM151m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM151m ( 1 + 11%)10= RM54m The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is RM112m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM0.3, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind. KLSE:WILLOW Discounted Cash Flow November 24th 2025 The Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. 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 Willowglen MSC Berhad 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 11%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.174. 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 Willowglen MSC Berhad SWOT Analysis for Willowglen MSC Berhad Strength Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market. Weakness Current share price is above our estimate of fair value. Opportunity Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows. Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine WILLOW's earnings prospects. Threat Paying a dividend but company is unprofitable. Looking Ahead: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Willowglen MSC Berhad, we've compiled three essential elements you should explore: Risks: We feel that you should assess the 3 warning signs for Willowglen MSC Berhad (1 shouldn't be ignored!) we've flagged before making an investment in the company. 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! Other Top Analyst Picks: Interested to see what the analysts are thinking? Take a look at our interactive list of analysts' top stock picks to find out what they feel might have an attractive future outlook! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock 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. Chinas Bitcoin mining ban has backfired, with underground miners pushing the country back to nearly 20% of global hashrate. | Credit: Getty Images. Key Takeaways Chinas share of global Bitcoin mining has quietly climbed back to 20% despite a 2021 nationwide ban. The country is now the worlds third-largest Bitcoin mining hub again. China joins several countries that attempted blanket crypto bans only to reverse course or regulate after enforcement proved ineffective. When China outlawed Bitcoin (BTC) mining in mid-2021, the government expected the industry would disappear overnight. For a short moment, it did. Hashrate collapsed to nearly zero. Mining farms were dismantled. Operators fled to Kazakhstan, Russia, and the United States. However, four years later, the map tells a different story: China is back and is already among the top-ranking crypto mining hubs in the world. China Quietly Reclaims Its Place in Global Mining A quiet resurgence of underground Bitcoin mininglargely concentrated in regions with cheap, abundant electricityhas lifted China back into the top three crypto mining hubs globally, according to new reporting from Reuters and network estimates from CryptoQuant. Current figures suggest Chinese crypto miners now contribute as much as 14-20% of the total Bitcoin hashrate. Industry sources and new facility builds point to a growing return of crypto miners to Xinjiang and Sichuan, regions historically known for excess hydropower and stranded energy. Wang, a private crypto miner operating in Xinjiang, told Reuters he restarted operations late last year: A lot of energy cannot be transmitted out of Xinjiang, so you consume it in the form of crypto mining. New mining projects are under construction. This re-emergence isnt surprising to analysts. Within a year of the ban, network data showed crypto mining activity creeping back into Chinese territory, despite Beijings ongoing hostility toward decentralized digital assets. Now, China sits comfortably behind only the U.S. and (depending on measurement period) either Russia or Kazakhstan in global hashrate share. China Isnt Alone Crypto Bans Rarely Stick Chinas failed attempt to wipe out Bitcoin mining is hardly unique. Over the past decade, several countries have tried to outlaw crypto, only to reverse course once they discovered bans are difficult to enforce and even harder to maintain. Russia Russia briefly flirted with a full crypto ban in 2022, targeting mining, trading, and payments. The proposal collapsed within weeks as the government decided regulationnot prohibitionwas more practical. Today, Russia has legalized crypto mining and even permits the use of cryptocurrency for international trade. A pricing mechanism underpinning the global copper-processing industry faces a major stress test this week, with negotiations coming to a head at a time when geopolitical tensions are running high, metal is limited and Chinas dominance has left smelters elsewhere struggling to survive. Tensions have been building for years, fueled by a rapid expansion of metal-processing capacity that has outpaced mined production. Thats now prompting questions over the entire benchmarking structure, a longstanding process under which major miners strike a deal with Chinas smelters, and the rest follow suit. Most Read from Bloomberg The crunch point may come during a major industry gathering in Shanghai over the coming days, which serves as a backdrop to annual discussions. Miners are expected to push for even tougher supply terms for 2026, after a year when annual treatment and refining charges or TC/RCs crashed to a record low. A further breakdown of the annual benchmark system is expected, said Craig Lang, an analyst with CRU Group. One-on-one talks could mean more bilateral agreements possibly at different levels to the Chinese annual benchmark or caps and floors on TC/RCs, or even quarterly pricing, he said. At the heart of the tensions is China, where the copper industry has continued to expand even as annual fees plunge and spot charges turn negative, meaning processors are effectively paying miners to process ore. While some smelters in China have racked up large profits this year, there have been closures in the rest of the world. Theres already been a push among non-Chinese players for better terms. Japanese smelters are joining forces to flex their bargaining muscle and ride out conditions that one producer, Mitsubishi Materials Corp., said have significantly deteriorated. Last month, the industry ministries of Japan, South Korea and Spain issued a joint statement criticizing punitive TC/RCs and what they called policies and practices that may not reflect fair market dynamics. For much of the past decade, TC/RCs have swung in rhythm with supply and demand. But what began last year as a temporary squeeze in copper concentrate supply has evolved into a structural shift, as Chinas relentless expansion coincided with severe disruptions at some of the worlds largest mines, making raw material scarce. By Joe Cash BEIJING (Reuters) -China pitched stronger ties in its highestlevel talks with Germany's new government as Beijing's top European trade partner seeks to smooth tensions over rare-earth curbs that have choked German production lines and prompted calls for de-risking. Beijing has staged an uncharacteristically swift turnaround in relations with Berlin since discord over Chinese export curbs on chips and rare earths resulted in German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul cancelling an October trip to China. "China and Germany are important economic and trade partners," China's Premier Li Qiang told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the G20 summit on Sunday, state media reported. "Our two governments should work together to strengthen dialogue and communication to properly address their respective concerns," a Xinhua readout quoted China's second-ranking official as saying, before pitching closer cooperation in a series of strategic industries. A meeting between the two had appeared unlikely only months earlier, but with both countries embroiled in the fallout from the U.S.-China trade war and searching for ways to diversify from the world's top consumer market, those differences have been set aside. Merz is expected to visit China soon, where he should meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, while top diplomat Wadephul agreed with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi earlier this month to reschedule his trip to the Chinese capital. Meanwhile, German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil met with China's top economic official Vice Premier He Lifeng last week for talks that both countries said advanced efforts to move on from the trade tensions. TRADE TIES TRUMP TENSIONS For all the friction over Beijing's support for Russia and its actions in the Indo-Pacific, and Berlin's vocal criticism of China's human rights record and state-subsidised industrial policy, the two countries remain bound by a vast and mutually advantageous commercial relationship. China bought $95 billion worth of German goods last year, around 12% of which were cars, Chinese data shows, putting it among the $19 trillion economy's top 10 trading partners. Germany purchased $107 billion of Chinese goods, mostly chips and other electronic components. But Berlin stands out for China as an investment partner, having injected $6.6 billion in fresh capital in 2024, according to data from the Mercator Institute for China Studies, accounting for 45% of all foreign direct investment into China from the European Union and the United Kingdom. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Nvidia (NVDA, Financials) triggered a pullback in Chinese semiconductor stocks after reports that U.S. officials were considering allowing the company to sell its H200 artificial intelligence chip in China. The discussions come as Washington and Beijing continue to look for areas where trade tensions can ease. The possibility of expanded sales weighed on major Chinese chipmakers. Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp fell as much as 7% in Hong Kong trading, while Hua Hong Semiconductor slipped nearly 6%. Shares of Cambricon Technologies, a domestic AI chip designer, also weakened early before stabilizing. The H200 is estimated to be about twice as powerful as Nvidia's H20 chip, which is currently the highest-performance model permitted for sale in China under U.S. export rules. Allowing the more advanced version could shift demand away from local firms working to build competitive AI processors and complicate China's efforts to strengthen its domestic technology base. By Shariq Khan and Georgina McCartney NEW YORK (Reuters) -Commodities trader BB Energy has laid off over a dozen people from its Houston office, including oil traders, in a major restructuring of its operations, sources familiar with the matter said. A BB Energy spokesperson confirmed that it had made changes to sharpen its focus on the most profitable areas of its core business, while diversifying into high-potential new markets. The company did not say how many employees were impacted by the changes. "To strengthen our position in the U.S., we have begun implementing a comprehensive reorganisation designed to enhance financial resilience and improve commercial and operational efficiency," the spokesperson said. BB Energy, which also has trading offices in UAE, UK, Singapore, Switzerland and Belgium, plans to shift some administrative functions away from the U.S. and move oversight of those responsibilities to Europe, two sources told Reuters. The company declined to comment on how it carries out administrative functions across the group. TRADERS LEAVE FIRM Among the traders let go as part of the reorganization were Alexander George and Dylan Laurin, the spokesperson said. Both George and Laurin were on the crude oil desk, sources said. George and Laurin have accepted roles at other companies, sources told Reuters. BB Energy also laid off Trevor Plath, who focused on renewable fuels and carbon markets, three sources said. Two distillate fuel traders, Brendan Donahue and Nelson Rios Requena, also left the firm in recent weeks, two sources told Reuters. Bloomberg earlier reported BB Energy had lost half of its Houston traders amid a tough oil market. BB Energy ranks among the top global commodities trading houses, with revenue of about $23 billion last year and trading volumes of about 33 million tons of crude and petroleum products, according to its website. (Reporting by Shariq Khan in New York, Georgina McCartney and Arathy Somasekhar in Houston, Ahmad Ghaddar in London; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) In todays rendition of our weekly crypto Asia news bulletin, we discuss key developments in the crypto Asian landscape with special emphasis on developments in India, Japan, and South Korea that could have a major global impact. Here are the biggest headlines from this week. Crypto News Asia: India To Debut Its Rupee-Backed Stablecoin In Q1 2026 India is preparing to launch its very own Rupee-backed stablecoin sometime in Q1 2026. Polygon, an Ethereum infra company, and Anq, an Indian fintech company, are developing the token, called the Asset Reserve Certificate (ARC). Issuers will back each ARC token 1:1 with the Indian Rupee, ensuring transparency and security. Further, it will work in tandem with the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) CBDC. RBIs CBDC aims to handle final settlements with the protection of Indias monetary system in mind. On the other hand, ARC serves as a private-sector layer that supports smart payments, programmable transactions, and remittances. Furthermore, ARC will follow Indias partial currency convertibility rules. While the Rupee can be freely used for trade and business, it can not be used for unrestricted investments abroad. Only Business accounts will mint ARC tokens and will have to maintain compliance with Indias foreign exchange laws. To prevent misuse, ARC will use Uniswap v4s tech to make sure tokens can only be swapped by approved users. The goal of the stablecoin is to keep money and innovation inside Indias economy rather than letting it flow into dollar-backed stablecoins. EXPLORE: Top Solana Meme Coins to Buy in 2025 India Uncovers $62M Crypto Laundering Network Across 27 Exchanges The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has uncovered what could be the countrys largest crypto money laundering case involving around 623 crore (approx. $62 million) across 27 crypto exchanges. According to a local publication, investigators on this case believe Chinese-controlled entities to be behind this scam. They use fake loan apps to extort money from Indian citizens and then convert those funds to crypto before moving them abroad. Crypto exchanges such as Coin DCX, WazirX, Giottus, ZebPay, Mudrex, and CoinSwitch have been flagged by the MHA as channels used by cyber criminals to launder money. The scam involved hawala-style transactions, shell companies, and cross-border transfers, which the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Delhi Police are investigating at the moment. Additionally, authorities found that several exchanges failed to properly conduct KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures, which allowed suspicious activities to go unchecked. A 28-year-old caller from Vancouver joined "The Ramsey Show" with a housing dilemma that quickly became a lesson in personal finance denial. Alexandria said she was living in a dark, windowless basement suite that was taking a serious toll on her mental health. Even though she had recently landed a job paying 40 Canadian dollars ($28.37) an hour, she said she couldn't find a better place she could afford. Her current rent was CA$980. The cheapest upgrade she could find was another basement for CA$1,300. She said she had already ruled out getting a roommate, having lived with over 40 people in the past, and didn't want to relocate because she believed her income would drop in a different city. Don't Miss: The ChatGPT of Marketing' Just Opened a $0.86/Share Round 10,000+ Investors Are Already In Have $100k+ to invest? Charlie Munger says that's the toughest milestone don't stall now. Get matched with a fiduciary advisor and keep building That's when Dave Ramsey asked if she had any debt. She admitted she still had student loansbut also had CA$35,595 saved in a Canadian brokerage account. Ramsey told her to cash it out and pay the loans off immediately. "I know that's what you would teach," she replied, "but the investment's doing really well." Co-host George Kamel didn't hesitate. "You're broke," he said. That's when Ramsey jumped in. "Why did you call us for help if you don't want to follow the plan?" The conversation turned to wellnessher justification for not sharing a home. "I need to prioritize living on my own to ensure that I prioritize my wellness," she said. Ramsey didn't let it slide. "Being broke is going to mess with your wellness too," he said. "You can't just make up your own rules and call it wellness." Trending: An EA Co-Founder Shapes This VC Backed MarketplaceNow You Can Invest in Gaming's Next Big Platform He explained that what was really fueling her anxiety wasn't just the apartmentit was indecision. "Open loops are what bring anxiety," he said. "Meaning decisions that are not made." Leaving every option hanging, refusing to choose, was more stressful than choosing the hard thing and moving forward. He laid out her real options: move somewhere cheaper, take on a roommate, stay in the basement, or stay broke. But pretending all four could be avoided wasn't a solutionit was a fantasy. "Pick your pain," Ramsey said. "One of those four is coming to you." Housing affordability has been a major concern for many Canadians in recent years, with many observers noting that the rate of new construction has not kept up with population growth. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty Images Newly released details about the federal governments Build Canada Homes (BCH) agency reveal troubling limitations, with key housing shortages and regulatory barriers remaining unaddressed, according to a housing policy think tank. A document outlining the governments priorities and criteria for the program to address Canadas housing crisis does offer one of the clearest income-based affordability definitions in federal housing policy, wrote Mike Moffatt, founding director of the University of Ottawas Missing Middle Initiative (MMI). But in other areas, the program falls short, and still lacks clear federal objectives, Moffatt says, increasing the chances that the funds will be spent without adequate focus. BCH was announced in September as a key pillar of the governments project to address Canadas housing crisis. Housing affordability has been a major concern for many Canadians in recent years, with experts noting that the rate of new construction has not kept up with population growth. The investment policy framework for BCH was released Saturday, defining the agencys objectives and partnership and investment criteria. BCH will work alongside the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporations (CMHCs) Affordable Housing Fund to channel federal dollars into affordable and mixed-income housing, especially on federal lands. The program will rely heavily on partnerships with non-profits, municipalities, and Indigenous organizations to identify and build priority projects. The framework limits eligibility to shovel-ready projects that can commence construction within 12 months. A potentially major flaw in the framework, Moffatt argues, is the prioritization of small, low-density homes, with the document trumpeting standardized building designs featured in the CMHCs catalogue which consists almost entirely of one- to three-storey buildings. Given that Canada has a substantial shortage of three-bedroom and larger homes, and the need for our cities to densify, BCHs prioritization of small, low-rise homes is a peculiar choice, Moffatt wrote. Ottawa has frequently stated that it will encourage innovation and modern methods of construction (MMC), such as factory-built housing. But the framework is short on detail in some areas, Moffatt says, and what detail there is suggests gaps that will limit any programs effectiveness. In the early stages, innovation tends to come at a cost premium, the MMI critique notes. For BCH, that means the more they focus on innovation, the fewer units they can acquire per million dollars, Moffatt wrote. It is still unclear how BCH will navigate this trade-off. Elon Musk is urging engineers to apply to Tesla as the company ramps up efforts for its AI chips. Tesla's open jobs on its AI hardware team include design engineering roles. Musk said he's "deeply involved" in Tesla's chip design and meets with engineers twice a week. Elon Musk isn't just talking about AI chips. The Tesla CEO is now asking engineers who are interested in a job to email the company, and he's personally running twice-weekly design meetings. In a post on X on Saturday night, Musk called for job applicants for Tesla's AI chip engineering team. He asked candidates to send an email with three bullet points proving their "exceptional ability" to Tesla. "We are particularly interested in applying cutting-edge AI to chip design," he said. Musk said in the post that the company aims to "bring a new AI chip design to volume production every 12 months." "We expect to build chips at higher volumes ultimately than all other AI chips combined," he added. The current chip in Tesla cars is known as AI4, and the company is "close to taping out AI5" while work is starting on AI6, Musk said. "These chips will profoundly change the world in positive ways, saving millions of lives due to safer driving and providing advanced medical care to all people via Optimus," Musk added. Optimus is Tesla's humanoid robot project. Musk has been ramping up Tesla's chip ambitions. In July, the company signed a $16.5 billion deal with Samsung to manufacture Tesla's A16 chip at its new plant in Texas. Tesla has posted Palo Alto, California-based engineering roles for its AI hardware team, including openings for physical design engineers and signal and power integrity engineers. The physical design engineer job requires candidates with 10 or more years of experience in designing and building integrated circuits, also known as chips. The role involves designing, constructing, and integrating the building blocks of Tesla's AI chips. The listing said the position pays about $152,000 to $264,000 a year, plus cash and stock awards and benefits. The signal and power integrity engineer role helps develop next-generation AI chips and systems for Tesla vehicles and Optimus robots. The position is focused on testing and validating the chips. The listing said the job pays about $120,000 to $318,000 a year, with cash and stock awards and benefits. Musk is 'deeply involved' in chip design and meetings Musk said in the post on X on Saturday that he is "deeply involved in the chip design" and meets with the engineering team "every Tuesday and Saturday." The European Commission (EC) has approved a 450m ($518m) subsidy from the Czech government for onsemi to establish a new silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor fabrication facility in Roznov pod Radhostem, Czechia. The funding forms part of the US-based chip manufacturers planned 1.64bn investment and is expected to enable the completion of the plant by 2027. Upon completion, the Roznov pod Radhostem plant is expected to become the first integrated SiC device manufacturing site of its kind in the European Union (EU). The facility will handle all stages of SiC device production, from crystal growth to finished semiconductors. In June 2024, onsemi confirmed plans for a multi-year brownfield investment in Roznov pod Radhostem. The companys existing local operations include silicon crystal growth and wafer manufacturing. The new facility will build on this foundation with vertically integrated SiC production capabilities. SiC power devices are used in applications including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, fast-charging infrastructure, and industrial power electronics, where their higher voltage tolerance and efficiency are key. The project is intended to strengthen the EUs semiconductor value chain and reduce reliance on non-European supply sources. onsemis proposed plant was submitted for state aid approval under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which allows governments to support economic developments under specific conditions. The EC assessed that public funding was required for this investment to proceed within Europe, citing a funding gap that would have otherwise prevented onsemi from choosing an EU location. The Commission concluded that the measure supports economic development by allowing the creation of an integrated manufacturing facility for SiC devices in Europe. It also determined that the aid acts as an incentive, as onsemi would not undertake this investment in Europe without public funding. EC Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera said: This project will improve the resilience of manufacturing industries and reduce external dependency for semiconductors. The chips that will be produced at this plant are crucial for green technologies, such as electric vehicles and charging stations, which are vital for Europes energy transition and green initiatives. Under the agreement with Czech authorities, onsemi has committed to several requirements. The company will ensure a broader impact on the EU semiconductor ecosystem. It will contribute to the development of next-generation 200 mm SiC technology. onsemi will also prioritise orders during supply shortages as specified in the European Chips Act. By Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The United States on Monday demanded that the European Union make its regulation of the tech sector more "balanced" in exchange for a reduction of U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the bloc. At a meeting in Brussels, EU ministers urged U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to implement their July trade deal, with cuts to U.S. tariffs on EU steel and their removal from EU goods such as wine and spirits. But Lutnick said the 27-nation EU first needed to rethink its digital sector rules to make them more balanced. "Once they set a framework that we are comfortable with and we understand it, resolve these outstanding cases that are old, then I think we can go and attack the steel and aluminum," Lutnick told reporters after the 90-minute meeting. UNLOCKING A TRILLION DOLLARS OF INVESTMENT Lutnick did not specify what changes the United States was seeking, but did say that balanced rules could draw a trillion dollars of investment to the EU. The Trump administration has consistently criticised EU rules that curb the power of tech giants and requires large online platforms to tackle harmful content, saying they unfairly target U.S. tech companies. The European Commission has repeatedly said it is the sovereign right of the EU to regulate and pointed to actions against non-U.S. firms. European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said EU tech rules were not discriminatory. "They are not aimed at US companies, but we know that this is one of the issues the U.S. wants to discuss. We are prepared to respond to the question as the US is prepared to respond to our inquiries," he said. Under the end-July deal, the United States set 15% tariffs on most EU goods, while the European Union agreed to remove many of its duties on U.S. imports. Given the need for approval from the European Parliament and EU governments, that may only happen in March or April, which EU diplomats say has exasperated Washington. The 27-nation bloc has meanwhile pointed to agreed items on which it wants to see progress, chief among them steel and aluminium. The United States has a 50% tariff on the metals and since mid-August has applied this to the metal content in 407 "derivative" products such as motorcycles and refrigerators. More derivatives may be added next month. EU FEARS HOLLOWED-OUT DEAL EU diplomats say that such actions, along with the prospect of new tariffs on trucks, critical minerals, planes and wind turbines, threaten to hollow out the July accord. Key Points ConocoPhillips has a different business model compared to many of its peers. It has a higher risk profile, yet with higher upside potential compared to its large integrated rivals. It has several long-cycle capital projects under construction, which could double its free cash flow by 2029. 10 stocks we like better than ConocoPhillips ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is a leading producer of oil and gas. It has built one of the industry's deepest, most durable, and diverse portfolios. The company controls a treasure trove of low-cost oil and gas supplies around the world. These features have made the oil stock a very desirable investment. Here are two crucial factors investors need to know before buying shares. Image source: Getty Images. It declared its independence a long time ago ConocoPhillips is one of the largest oil and gas producers in the industry, with production approaching 2.4 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) per day. However, the company's business model differs significantly from those of fellow industry leaders ExxonMobil and Chevron. ConocoPhillips is an independent exploration and production company (E&P), while Exxon and Chevron are integrated energy companies. An independent E&P company focuses on exploring for and producing oil and gas, which it sells on the open market. On the other hand, integrated energy companies have integrated upstream and downstream operations. They produce oil and gas that flows through midstream assets (many of which they own) to downstream refining and chemical facilities they operate. Both business models have their benefits and drawbacks. ConocoPhillips was an integrated energy company until 2012, when it spun off its midstream and downstream operations into Phillips 66. That move created the industry's largest independent E&P company, enabling ConocoPhillips to focus exclusively on growing its production business to grow shareholder value. This strategic focus allows it to capitalize on the upside potential from rising oil and gas demand and pricing. In exchange, the company assumes more downside price risk compared to its integrated peers. The coming free cash flow gusher Many of ConocoPhillips' E&P peers focus exclusively on tapping the vast oil and gas resources in the lower 48 states, primarily utilizing unconventional production techniques (horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing). E&P companies can drill these wells quickly, enabling them to ramp their growth rates up or down based on market conditions. ConocoPhillips, on the other hand, takes a much broader approach both geographically and operationally. While the company has one of the best unconventional U.S. onshore resource positions, it also invests in liquefied natural gas (both domestically and internationally), the Canadian oil sands, and conventional production in Alaska and elsewhere. An expanded portfolio introduces shorter, immersive voyages and exclusive access to yacht-only harbours across the Mediterranean - including new voyages to Egypt TORONTO, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Seasons Yachts is preparing for its second Mediterranean season in 2027, unveiling 33 inspiring voyages and more than 40 compelling new ports of call. Each itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to guide guests to both iconic shores and lesser-known locales including with the introduction of Egypt to the destination list. This expanded portfolio enriches the current collection and invites travellers to connect more deeply with the timeless destinations of the Mediterranean through a high-touch journey unlike anything else available at sea. Four Seasons Yachts Unveils its 2027 Mediterranean Season Featuring 33 New Voyages and More Than 40 New Destinations "Our 2027 Mediterranean collection reflects our belief that, today, exceptional travel is rooted in bespoke access. Working with our expert team, we've curated itineraries that feature everything from iconic landmarks to quieter coastlines, offering journeys for every preference," says Ben Trodd, CEO of Four Seasons Yachts. "Our itineraries are ever-evolving, and the introduction of more than 40 new destinations for our second season underscores our commitment to shaping exploration in a way only Four Seasons can, grounded in thoughtful design, personalization, and our hallmark service ethos." From March to November 2027, these voyages offer a broad window for guests to experience the Mediterranean during its peak season and beyond. Evolving Mediterranean Exploration The 2027 season marks an evolution of the Mediterranean offering for Four Seasons Yachts, with no repeated itineraries from the inaugural year. The Mediterranean itineraries are curated explorations designed for modern luxury travellers seeking flexibility, variety, and meaningful cultural connection. Guests will venture to more than 40 new ports of call, including Portugal's storied city of Lisbon and the refined coastal enclaves of Rimini, Zakynthos, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, while also returning to highlights of the 2026 season such as the Greek Islands and the historic city of Athens. Three new voyages will feature Egypt as a marquee highlight, offering rare access to many sought-after sites. This includes two distinct seven-night voyages through the Eastern Mediterranean, along with a 14-night Grand Mediterranean journey that combines both itineraries for guests seeking a deeper and more immersive exploration. Each itinerary features strategic overnights, allowing travellers to venture further into Egypt and experience the Valley of the Kings, the Pyramids of Giza and the region's most storied shores. According to the Institute of International Finance, a banking industry association, total debt in developing countries rose to a record high of $109 trillion by mid-2025. Elsewhere, the statement advocated for greater transparency around debt reporting and more lending from regional development banks. The communique committed to improving the much-criticised Common Framework, a mechanism launched by the G20 five years ago to accelerate and simplify debt restructuring when countries have to reprofile debts they can no longer afford to repay. It also pledged to reaffirm our commitment to support efforts by low- and middle-income countries to address debt vulnerabilities in an effective, comprehensive and systematic manner. We recognise that a high level of debt is one of the obstacles to inclusive growth in many developing economies, which limits their ability to invest in infrastructure, disaster resilience, healthcare, education and other development needs, the statement said. In October, G20 finance ministers and central bank chiefs met in Washington and agreed to a consensus statement on debt. The G20 which consists of 19 advanced and emerging economies, the European Union and the African Union represents 85 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP) and roughly two-thirds of the worlds population. The summit also marked the close of a brief period of Global South leadership in the G20, following presidencies held by Indonesia in 2022, India in 2023, and Brazil in 2024. The US is set to assume the G20 presidency on December 1. Hopes that world leaders would use the G20 summit to tackle sovereign debt distress were further dashed when United States President Donald Trump, at odds with South Africa over domestic policies, skipped the meeting altogether amid Washingtons retreat from multilateralism. But despite repeated pledges including in the leaders summit declaration to strengthen the implementation of the G20 Common Framework South Africa did not deliver any new proposals for easing fiscal constraints in indebted nations. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had consistently framed the issue as central to his agenda, arguing that spiralling repayment costs have left governments, particularly in Africa, with little room to fund essential services like healthcare and education. Heads of state from the worlds most powerful countries gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, over the weekend for a summit that had been billed, under South Africas G20 presidency, as a turning point for addressing debt distress across the Global South. Story Continues In recent years, COVID-19, climate shocks and rising food prices have forced many poor countries to rely on debt to stabilise their economies, crowding out other investments. For instance, the United Nations recently calculated that more than 40 percent of African governments spend more on servicing debt than they do on healthcare. Africa also faces high borrowing costs. In 2023, bond yields the interest on government debt averaged 6.8 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 9.8 percent in Africa. Meanwhile, Africa collectively needs $143bn every year in climate finance to meet its Paris Agreement goals. In 2022, it received approximately $44bn. At the same time, countries on the continent spent almost $90bn servicing external debt in 2024. No progress Shortly before the release of the G20s final communique, 165 charities condemned the groups slow progress on debt sustainability and urged President Ramaphosa to implement reforms before transferring the G20 presidency over to the US in December. While this years G20 has been put forward as an African G20, there is no evidence that any progress has been made on the debt crisis facing Africa and many other countries worldwide during the South African presidency, the group said in a letter. The missive called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to sell its gold reserves and set up a debt relief fund for distressed governments. It also backed the creation of a borrowers club to facilitate cooperation among low-income countries. The call for a unified debtor body reflects growing frustration with existing frameworks, notably the Paris Club, in which mostly Western governments, but not China, have exerted undue influence over the repayment policies of debtor nations. In May 2020, the G20 launched a multibillion-dollar repayment pause to help poor countries cope with the COVID19 crisis. Known as the Debt Service Suspension Initiative, the programme is continuing to provide relief to some participating countries. The launch of the Common Framework, soon afterwards, was designed to coordinate debt relief among all creditors. At the time, the initiative was hailed as a breakthrough, bringing together the Paris Club, China and private creditors to help prevent a full-blown debt crisis in developing countries. But coordinating equal treatment, including government lenders, commercial banks, and bondholders, has made the process slow and prone to setbacks. To date, none of the countries that joined the Common Framework Ethiopia, Zambia, Ghana, and Chad have completed their debt restructuring deals. And even then, the programme has relieved just 7 percent of the debt costs for the four participating nations, according to ONE Campaign, an advocacy group. Outmanoeuvred In March, South Africa convened an expert panel headed by a former finance minister and a former Kenyan central banker to explore how to assist heavily indebted low-income countries, particularly in Africa. In a report released earlier this month, the panel echoed many of the ideas put forward by the 165 charities that wrote to Ramaphosa in October, calling for measures like an IMF-backed special debt fund and the formation of a debtors club. But the experts proposals werent even acknowledged at the leaders summit, Kevin Gallagher, director of Boston Universitys Global Development Policy Center, told Al Jazeera. He said that the G20 presidency failed to address the scale of the global debt problem. Ultimately, Gallagher added, South Africa was outmanoeuvred by larger, more economically important members of the G20 who saw little benefit to themselves in reforming the international financial architecture on debt. Double whammy of debt In the early 2000s, the IMF, World Bank and some Paris Club creditors cancelled more than $75bn of debt roughly 40 percent of external obligations under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. Since then, however, many developing countries have slipped back into the red. After the 2008 financial crisis, private creditors poured money into low-income economies, steadily replacing the cheaper loans once offered by institutions like the World Bank. Between 2020 and 2025, almost 40 percent of external public debt repayments from lower-income countries went to commercial lenders. Just one-third went to multilateral institutions, according to Debt Justice, a United Kingdom-based charity. China has also emerged as the worlds largest single creditor, especially in the Global South, committing more than $472bn through its policy banks such as the China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank between 2008 and 2024. On top of debt becoming more expensive over the past 10 or 15 years, there is now a wider universe of lenders that developing countries have turned to, says Iolanda Fresnillo, a policy and advocacy manager at Eurodad, a civil society organisation. Its been a double whammy. Debt is now costlier and harder to resolve, she said, noting the difficulty of coordinating creditors in a restructuring. Protracted debt crises slow growth by squeezing public investment. Overcoming these hurdles is made harder when creditors pursue competing commercial interests. Fresnillo says an independent debt-restructuring body, designed to shorten negotiation times and limit economic costs, could help. In September, the head of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Rebeca Grynspan, said, There is no permanent institution or system that is there all the time dealing with debt restructuring maybe we can create new momentum. However, talk of an international sovereign debt restructuring mechanism isnt new. The IMF spearheaded a push for a neutral body which would be akin to a US bankruptcy court in the late 1990s. The Funds proposed restructuring mechanism faced swift pushback. Major creditor countries, particularly the US, opposed ceding power to an international body that could override its legal system and weaken protections for US investors. Still, the need for this type of international solution is obvious, says Fresnillo. Having a basic set of rules, as opposed to an ad hoc negotiation for every new debt crisis, should be a bare minimum. But with multilateral cooperation so weak right now, I wouldnt hold my breath, she added. GasCo, Singapores newly established state gas purchaser, is planning to invite bids in the first quarter of 2026 for long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. The move is intended to address an anticipated shortfall in the countrys gas supply, according to CEO Alan Heng, as reported by Reuters. The deliveries are expected to start from 2028. GasCo was formed in 2025 to consolidate the countrys gas procurement following significant volatility in LNG prices triggered by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to the news agency. Heng told Reuters that current contracts will be sufficient to cover the nations gas demand for the next two years. However, a shortfall is expected, with the gap estimated to reach around three million tonnes (mt) between 2028 and 2029, and grow to around 6mt by 2035. We anticipate that by 20282029 it would ramp up quite significantly, Heng said, explaining that these figures include piped gas and power from nearby nations. Gas is used to produce 95% of Singapores electricity, making stable supply essential. Heng noted that existing buyers will continue to manage current contracts, with most piped gas agreements ending by 2028 and LNG contracts running from 2028 to 2032. When assessing new offers, GasCo will focus on price, supply reliability and flexibility in contract terms. The company also intends to nearly double its staff from 25 by next year. Heng also mentioned last month that the company is in discussions with LNG suppliers over long-term contracts and expects US supply to form part of its portfolio. In addition to US LNG, GasCo is said to be looking for long-term Brent-linked supplies, a standard among Singapores power companies. However, according to Heng, the volumes received from Malaysia and Indonesia are likely to decrease as those countries use more of their own gas for domestic needs. Singapore is already seeing a rise in imported LNG volumes, Reuters added. Heng said: A wave of new LNG supplies, which analysts expect to come online through the end of the decade, will favour buyers. "GasCo to invite offers for Singapore LNG supply from 2028" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. With significant hedge fund interest, The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) secures a spot on our list of the 12 best commodity stocks to buy right now. Goldman Sachs Remains Bullish on The Mosaic Company (MOS) Following Q3 2025 Results On November 12, 2025, The Fly reported that Goldman Sachs reiterated its Buy rating on The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) but lowered its price target from $37 to $33. The investment firm cited the companys Q3 performance, marked by positive results from Fertilizantes and reduced Phosphate sales volume guidance. Earlier, on November 5, The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) reported its Q3 results. The quarter marked a significant turnaround, with net income rising to $411 million from $122 million in the same quarter previous year. Meanwhile, adjusted EBITDA rose to $806 million from $448 million. This robust improvement was driven by strong realizations and effective cost control, according to management. However, The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) noted higher inventory levels and pricing, resulting in an increase of over $400 million in working capital. At the same time, the companys operating cash flow reached $229 million. The management believes liquidity control remains its key focus. Looking ahead, The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) looks to capitalize on its cost-savings trajectory. The company remains confident about achieving $250 million in savings by 2026, having already recorded $150 million in initial reductions. Furthermore, it expects resilience to continue in Brazil amid credit challenges, with improving asset health in phosphate operations expected to support more stable production levels in 2026. The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) is a producer of phosphate and potash crop nutrients, supplying customers across North and South America and international markets. While we acknowledge the potential of MOS as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're 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. READ NEXT: 10 Best Small-Cap Biotech Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Best AI Infrastructure Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. Bill Ackman is in talks to take his hedge fund management company Pershing Square public, alongside a new investment entity. The billionaire investor plans to orchestrate a double public offering as soon as early next year, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday night, citing people familiar with the matter. The company filed a prospectus early last year for a new investment fund, Pershing Square USA. But it failed to materialize due to weak investor interest, and now hes trying again. This time around, the Journal reported Ackman has sweetened the deal for investors who put money into the new fund by offering free shares of Pershing Square, which would also go public. Partners of the firm would give away up to 10% of their shares, the report said. The Financial Times reported earlier on Friday that Ackman was readying Pershing Squares public listing, but did not mention plans for the Pershing Square USA fund to go public as well. Two people briefed on the matter told the FT that Ackman had begun preliminary talks with advisors about Pershing Squares listing plans, which could come as early as the first quarter of 2026. They cautioned that they were early-stage conversations subject to change or be abandoned depending on market conditions. Pershing Square declined to comment to Fortune and hasnt publicly commented on the matter in other reports. Pershing Square USA would be a closed-end fund, meaning it sells a fixed number of shares in a public offering. Shareholders can leave the fund only by selling their stakes to other investors at the current market price, no matter what the funds actual asset value is. After filing the prospectus in early 2024, Ackman ended funding for Pershing Square USA and withdrew its IPO in July of that year, as lack of investor interest made him scale back its size from $25 billion to $2 billion. Ackman founded Pershing Square in 2004, with initial capital from his own funds and backing from diversified holding company Leucadia National, which has been renamed to Jefferies Financial Group. Once known for activism, the hedge fund has since transitioned its strategy to focus on concentrated stakes in big public companies. It had over $21.4 billion in core assets as of October. Pershing Square recently bought nearly half of real estate firm Howard Hughes Holdings. Ackman has said his bid for the company would make it a modern-day Berkshire Hathaway. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com HSBCs Swiss private bank is implementing staff retention measures, including increased compensation, following a series of executive exits, reported Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter. The bank is also leveraging leadership from its Middle East business to support its Swiss operations. According to the sources, HSBCs Swiss arm has raised pay for some staff, including relationship managers, to discourage departures. This follows several recent exits from the unit, notably interim head John Shipman, who left in the previous month to join Barclays. HSBC has brought in Samir Assaf, chairman of its Middle East business, to advise the Swiss private bank. Assaf, the former global banking and markets head and current adviser to the banks chairman and chief executive officer, is spending time in Geneva to assist the unit, according to sources. In response to queries by Bloomberg about the retention payments, HSBC stated, We continue to attract top talent at HSBC and invest in our people. Addressing questions about Assafs involvement, HSBC said, Our strategy is to significantly grow our Wealth business. Bloomberg earlier reported that HSBCs Swiss business is ending relationships with more than one thousand wealthy clients in the Middle Eastern region, including those with assets of more than $100m. The Swiss private bank is currently under scrutiny from Swiss regulator Finma, which previously found that the unit had not undertaken sufficient due diligence on high-risk accounts owned by persons with political exposure. In addition, Swiss federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into the division. Following Shipmans departure, HSBC announced last month that Daniel Calado would serve as the interim head of the Swiss private bank. Retention packages are a standard incentive used by companies to retain key employees during periods of uncertainty, especially when competitors may seek to attract talent with competitive offers. For example, UBS awarded about $500m in retention packages to Credit Suisse staff it wished to retain after the merger was announced. "HSBC Swiss private bank increases staff pay amid executive exits-report" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. With significant hedge fund interest, Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) secures a spot on our list of the 12 best commodity stocks to buy right now. Improved Uranium Pricing Supports Cameco Corporation (CCJ) Through Short-Term Production Headwinds; TD Securities Remains Bullish Image by Markus Distelrath from Pixabay On November 13, The Fly reported that TD Securities raised its price target on Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) from C$142 to C$150, reiterating its Buy rating. Meanwhile, on November 5, 2025, Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) reported its Q3 2025 results. The quarter marked $615 million in revenue, beating forecasts by 8.3%, but lower by 15% on a YoY basis. Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) recorded $32 million, or $0.07 a share in adjusted earnings for the quarter, missing expectations. The earnings shortfall was attributed to reduced production at key sites, including MacArthur River and Key Lake. Meanwhile, cash and liquidity totaled $779 million, well supported by a $1 billion undrawn credit facility. During the quarter, the company also announced an increase in its dividend to $0.24 per common share. While the company reduced its production guidance, Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ)s management remains confident, citing upside from improved uranium pricing, a robust sales pipeline, and ongoing operational flexibility through standby loan facilities. Furthermore, the company expects to accelerate reactor deliveries through its partnership with Westinghouse. Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) is focused on uranium production for electricity generation. While we acknowledge the potential of CCJ as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're 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. READ NEXT: 10 Best Small-Cap Biotech Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Best AI Infrastructure Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. Customers will then feel in control of price increases for faster shipping options. Not to mention, if they choose a slower shipping option (around two to three weeks) to save some money, theyll still be satisfied with the timeline, and it wont negatively impact their opinion of your business. However, you can influence how your customers perceive your shipping options. Dont push two-day shipping. Instead, highlight six- to ten-day shipping as the standard option, showcase it in your advertising, and select it automatically for customers during checkout. Unlike domestic shipping, where speed varies only slightly in price, ecommerce international shipping is significantly more cost-intensive. Youre often left dealing with a limited number of companies that ship to your target customers and offer you relatively little bargaining power as a small business. Focus on the things that you can control, said Shea Felix, vice president at GlobalPost, during ShipStations Innovation Delivered summit . One of those things is the cost of shipping. Youre going to have a better chance for success instead of just putting your hands up and saying well, I cant deal with this. As a small business owner with limited leverage in the industry, you may feel like youre being swept left and right with every new or adjusted policy. But there are still factors you can manage and make the best of any set of circumstances. ShipStation spoke with leaders in ecommerce international shipping to understand how theyre navigating recent changes. Here are the top tips and takeaways from the discussion, with key insights and ways you can continue driving business growth despite the rapid changes in domestic and international shipping for small businesses. Whether youre worried about the end of the de minimis exemption in the U.S., counter-tariffs posed by other countries, or last-minute changes in regulations, youre not alone in your concern. But instead of worrying about the potential downsides of new economic policies or customer expectations, focus on what you can control. Despite recent advancements in logistics and shipping technologies, international shipping for small businesses remains complex. The rise of the convenience economy and online shopping has heralded the shift from a carrier handles everything mentality to merchants must be proactively thinking. Story Continues If you look at a one- to two-day international service compared to a six-day, its a massive change in price, noted Felix. A six- to ten-day product is very common. In fact, most people ship within that timeline, and most recipients are used to that kind of speed level. Generally, customers dont expect the same speed from international shipping as they do from domestic shipping. Thats especially the case if youre selling outside of mainland North America, reaching farther markets like Europe, Asia, or Latin America. That said, you can increase shipping speed by working with multiple carriers. Multi-carrier networks consistently outperformed single-carrier approaches by 24-37% in transit times, according to a recent study by ePost Global, which analyzed over 20 million customer shipment patterns from 2024. After thirty years in logistics, Ive seen the same patternretailers believe carrier loyalty equals leverage, but our data on 20 million parcels proves otherwise, said Kelly Martinez, co-founder and president of ePost Global Shipping. Action step: Determine the right shipping solution for your business. Start by auditing the shipping options you currently offer, and consider renegotiating with logistics companies based on more realistic timelines or long-term deals. Think about reframing your pricing communications to customers. 2. Be diligent with product descriptions and customs documentation Governments around the world notice the impact that international ecommerce has on their economies. In turn, theyre becoming more vigilant about what they allow across their borders by limiting quantities on certain goods and imposing tariffs on specific item types or countries-of-origin. Theres little you can do in response to local regulations of a foreign country, but there are still a few actions you can take to minimize complications: Detailed product descriptions : Provide customers with accurate and detailed product information of the shipment, preferably in a language accessible to customs agents. Use suitable packaging : Depending on the product or material, make sure the packaging meets the standards of the receiving country. The package should also declare hazardous materials in accordance with local regulations. Always be transparent: If a specific item is difficult to import, make that known and include all the necessary information on your website to allow customers to weigh their options and anticipate a potentially lengthy customs process. Customers wont be satisfied if a company isnt clear and honest in the product description when the package reaches customs. Planning ahead can prevent delays where packages are held for further inspection. Additionally, a vague or inaccurate description can result in added fees passed to you or your customers. Action step: Look into utilizing Harmonized System (HS) codes for your products. As a unified global classification system, all HS codes should be regularly reviewed and updated to meet the latest standards. Additionally, prioritize detailed product descriptions. Even if its just a t-shirt, go above and beyond to describe the material blend, weight, sizing, and manufacturing location. Ensure all values stated on the package paperwork are accurate. 3. Communicate to the customer and set expectations As a business owner, you likely use industry jargon that may not be in the average customers vocabulary (naturally). For example, customers dont understand the differences between DDP and DDU, which is why avoiding technical acronyms outside of the Terms of Service or legal documents is so helpful. Even more so, its important to clearly communicate pricing and delivery expectations during the checkout process (rather than after). Being upfront helps foster long-term customer loyalty over short-term profit. What we typically recommend is that you employ a delivery duty paid model, said Craig Reed, general manager at Avalara. So in other words, youre telling your customers how much theyre going to pay at checkout so theyre not surprised. Action step: Show total costs at checkout, including duties, taxes, and tariffs. Many customers today worry about hidden charges due to increased tariff rates. Let the customer know they wont be faced with any additional costs after the purchase (or if they may be, let them know that may be a possibility). Secondly, explain the delivery timelines proactively. Be forthright with notifying customers of any potential delays, provide the reason why, and tell them when its expected to be resolved. What you cannot controland why thats OK Sometimes, you have no choice but to adhere to market and regulatory conditions. Its important to accept that U.S. tariffs are here to stay, including the elimination of the de minimis exemption on certain packages. Geopolitical shifts and rising tensions between countries and regions are inevitable. Planning for a rainy day or worst-case scenario is critical. Your customers are also faced with the same uncertainty in their domestic market, whether its increased tax rates, international tariffs, or supply chain bottlenecks. Todays customers know international ecommerce shipping is complex, especially with the increased processing times of packages at the borders. This isnt an entirely unique time. There have always been some systematic delays. But you can still alleviate much of it by building buffers into your budget and managing customer expectations around anticipated delays. You can also mitigate risk using a multi-carrier shipping solution that reduces the likelihood of delays altogether. According to the same study by ePost Global, businesses relying on a single carrier faced more capacity constraints and service failures. Shift your perspective from the things you cant control to the ones you can. Youll likely find money-saving opportunities, identify new markets domestically or abroad, or expand and diversify into neighboring industries. Embrace a more flexible and adaptable mentality, working within the confines of the current economy instead of waiting for future changes that may or may not manifest. Again, communication is key. Whether its your customers or your business partners, nobody likes being left in the dark, and providing a simple update on the state of your inventory, shipping delays, or increased costs can do wonders to establish and maintain trusting customer relationships. 3 ways to build resilience for long-term international shipping success Longevity and future-proofing your business requires planning for the future, leveraging technology for seamless global expansion, and building ways to adapt to inevitable external factors. 1. Make data-driven decisions Guesswork shouldnt be part of the equation. Neither should your own recollection of past events and industry trends. Heres how you can make informed decisions: Experiment and look for patterns : Always try new ways of working and track the impact. Which ways contributed positively to your business, and which ones were just industry noise or passing trends? Prioritize customer satisfaction : Monitor customer feedback across different shipping methods. Do your customers prefer cheaper but longer shipping options, or are they willing to pay a premium for speed? Could you offer free shipping when a customer purchases over a specific amount? Analyze complaints: Order returns and customer complaints highlight some of the most pressing issues in your business, particularly ones that matter to your customer base. Negative feedback is also an avenue for surfacing opportunities and exploring solutions. What can you offer to reward your most loyal, repeat customers? Look at your own data, see where you think your best opportunities are, said Kate Muth, executive director of International Mailers Advisory Group (IMAG). If you can just do a little bit of research, I think you can feel fairly confident starting out and then learn as you go, rely on your providers, and then expand from there. 2. Expand into new markets gradually Entering new international markets is very different from expanding to new cities in the same country. Unique government regulations, tax rates, and consumer habits require research, adaptation, and contingency plans. A scaled approach to international shipping for small businesses makes that manageable. Dont jump into the next market just because your first endeavor had a couple of good months. Start with neighboring countries with similar geopolitics or economies to reduce the number of unknown factors youll likely face. You should also take into account local competition that might offer the same products at lower prices, but with faster delivery times. Does the culture itself favor local brands over international ones? Will you need to localize or translate your website and marketing materials? When choosing a new market, pick one based on data, not assumptions. Treat the first couple of international releases as data collection experiments. You can then take what you learned and apply it to additional countries and regions abroad. Its interesting if youre coming into the global market now and youre a small business looking to expand, adds Muth. Youre almost skipping right over some of the problems that some legacy companies have, which still rely on a lot of data in hard copy form or customs forms. As a small business, youre more flexible and can easily adapt to a new state of operations that includes international customers. You might lack the extensive resources that many large, legacy companies can tap into, but you can pivot to meet the market demands of other countries quickly because your supply chain is tighter and less rigid. 3. Automate where possible Manual processes, while cheaper to set up, take much longer to construct and scale. At a time when market rules are frequently changing, manual operations can drag your business behind, costing you more down the road. On the other hand, integrating automated processes into your businesss operations, supply chain, and other areas of your shipping infrastructure can be costly at first but saves you time and money in the long run. And as a small business, its easier now than ever to embrace automation. Previously, you had to be a certain size to use technologies for selling internationally, said Aurelien Leftick, senior director of strategic partnerships at WooCommerce. It would involve separate solutions that youd have to integrate to make everything. Today, there are more and more solutions coming out that are easier to adopt, pre-integrated with your ecommerce platform, and are seen as a suite of offerings. Think of automation as an investment in your future rather than an expense. Youre investing in software and tools that handle the complexity of international shipping, letting you focus instead on growing and evolving your business. There are solutions out there to help with shipping automation with tariffs, taxes, and all those calculations and duties we need to go ahead and track, said Adam Zurawski, principal solution consultant at NetSuite. Everything is just changing so fast. Taking advantage of the tools out there to automate as much as possible helps companies stay nimble. Start by adopting the shipping automation solution with the highest return, then gradually upgrade other areas of your shipping infrastructure by leveraging the money you saved from your initial investment. Theres no need to rush to follow a trend. Start taking advantage of your status as a small business Challenges youre currently confronting arent going away on their own. Uncertainty is a natural and permanent part of international commerce that you cant afford to wait out. In fact, problems tend to get bigger the longer you wait to solve them. Its important to act now. You can gain an edge by focusing on factors you can control, like customer relations, international marketing, and operational efficiency. While other businesses panic and overreact to temporary market trends, you can steadily gain market share with preparation. The good news is that youve already established a strong foundation for your business and can be confident in your ability to build on your success. If youre already selling domestically, youre already winning, said Leftick. You already have a product and a website, know how to get customers, and how to handle taxes. So you can do this, but as a smaller merchant, you do need to align yourself with good partners and the good solutions out there. This story was produced by ShipStation and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. By Kane Wu and Scott Murdoch HONG KONG (Reuters) -JingDong Industrials, a unit of Chinese online retailer JD.com, is planning to launch an initial public offering of up to $500 million in Hong Kong next week, three people with knowledge of the deal said on Monday. The company, also known as JDi, is having discussions with investors this week, aiming to price the offering on December 8 with a listing date of December 11, the people said, declining to be named as the information is confidential. The launch date for JDi, which is engaged in industrial supply chain services, has yet to be finalised, they said. The IPO size is also fluid and may be reduced depending on initial investor response, two of the sources said. JD.com, which owns about 79% of JDi after spinning it off in 2023, declined to comment beyond JDi's filings to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. JDi on Sunday submitted a post-hearing information pack to the Hong Kong bourse, which is a near-final prospectus to be filed before book building starts. JDi's long-awaited IPO comes as volatility in U.S. markets has hurt the performance of some recent new listings in Hong Kong. In addition, investors have become more cautious after a busy year during which the city has become the world's top listing venue in terms of deal volume. Shares of autonomous driving companies Pony.ai and WeRide plunged around 10% on their first trading days earlier this month. JDi, which was valued at around $6.7 billion in its pre-IPO round in 2023, could experience a valuation downsizing in the IPO, the two sources cautioned. Hong Kong's new listings totalled around $32 billion as of November 17, up more than 200% from a year earlier, according to Dealogic data. JDi got the approval from China's securities watchdog in September, more than two years after it first notified the China Securities Regulatory Commission of its offering plans, according to disclosures from the regulator. In its Hong Kong IPO filing, JDi said it was the leading industrial supply chain technology and service provider in China. In the first half of 2025, its revenue rose 18.9% from a year earlier to 10.3 billion yuan ($1.4 billion), the filing showed. Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Haitong International Securities and UBS are joint sponsors of the IPO, according to JDi's stock exchange filings. (Reporting by Kane Wu in Hong Kong and Scott Murdoch in Sydney;Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus and Tomasz Janowski) (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) The net worth of John Malone in 2025 has sparked growing curiosity, with media fans and industry observers keen to discover the current value of this prominent business figure. Referred to as the Cable Cowboy, Malone has established an impressive legacy in the telecommunications and media sectors through his savvy investments, leadership positions, and extensive array of companies. Heres a comprehensive overview of the key income sources and business endeavors that have played a significant role in his enduring financial achievements. What is John Malones net worth in 2025? John Malone had an estimated net worth of $10 billion in 2025. Malones net worth in 2025 showcases his enduring influence in the media and telecommunications sector. He has significantly built his wealth by developing Tele-Communications, Inc. (TCI) and later evolving it into a vast media empire. Currently, he possesses substantial shares in Liberty Media, Liberty Global, and several other firms. What does John Malone do for a living? John Malone is a businessman, landowner, and philanthropist. Most recently, as reported by the Financial Times, the long-time media mogul and chairman of Liberty Media Corporation announced that he has decided to step down from his role at the companys helm. In his statement, he expressed, Im not retiring from business, but I am looking to reduce travel and time commitments. This transition will allow me to do so while ensuring continuity for the company and its stakeholders. John Malones earnings explained how does he make money? Business Career John Malone is a prominent figure in the media industry. He quickly established his reputation at Tele-Communications, Inc. (TCI), transforming the financially troubled company into the largest cable provider in the United States by 1990. Through his involvement with Liberty Media, John holds significant investments in Formula 1, Warner Bros. Discovery, Starz, QVC, and several other enterprises. Philanthropy Work Malone established the Malone Family Foundation, which administers the Malone Scholars Program, aimed at providing scholarships for students attending private educational institutions. Additionally, he has contributed significant amounts to universities, including the Yale School of Engineering and the engineering school at Johns Hopkins University, as well as funding for what is now known as Malone Hall. Together with his spouse, he donated $42.5 million to Colorado State University to establish an Institute for Biologic Translational Therapies. JPMorgan Jack mallers. Photo by BeInCrypto Strike CEO and Twenty One Capital co-founder Jack Mallers says JPMorgan Chase abruptly shut down his personal bank accounts and refused to explain why. The move has sparked new concerns over the debanking of crypto executives at a time when Wall Street banks are facing mounting pressure over their relationships with digital-asset firms. Mallers Says JPMorgan Gave No Reason: We Arent Allowed to Tell You In a series of posts on X (Twitter), Mallers revealed that Last month, JPMorgan Chase threw him out of the bank, citing a bizarre incident that disregarded his familys three-decade-long relationship with the bank. Allegedly, each time he asked for an explanation, the bank reportedly repeated the same line: We arent allowed to tell you. Mallers also shared an image of a letter he claims came from JPMorgan, stating that the bank had identified concerning activity and warning that it may not open new accounts for him in the future. Alleged letter from JPMorgan to Jack Mallers. Source: Mallers on X The incident has since triggered speculation online, with many users suggesting that despite changes in the White House, Operation Chokepoint 2.0 may still be active. Notably, this rhetoric suggests that banks are under quiet pressure to sever ties with cryptocurrency businesses. According to Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino, the move was likely for the best, with Mallers advocating forfreedom from centralized entities. His comments added fuel to the broader debate about whether traditional banks can coexist with Bitcoin-native leaders who view decentralization as a form of resistance, not disruption. Debanking Flashpoint Comes as JPMorgan Faces MicroStrategy Fallout The timing of Mallers account closure is notable. JPMorgan is currently under scrutiny for its research surrounding a potential MSCI reclassification that could result in MicroStrategy being expelled from major equity indexes. MSCI is considering a rule that excludes companies whose digital assets comprise more than 50% of total assets, placing MicroStrategy, which holds 649,870 BTC at an average price of $74,430, directly in its crosshairs. French luxury fashion conglomerate Kerings CEO Luca De Meo is preparing to launch a new investment platform, as reported by Reuters citing an internal memo. Called House of Dreams, the unit backs emerging businesses and reduces the luxury groups reliance on Gucci. The proposed unit would receive long-term funding to acquire minority or majority stakes in emerging companies. Early areas of interest highlighted in the memo include experiential technology, Indian craftsmanship and culture-led Chinese luxury. The Pinault family-controlled company registered the House of Dreams trademark in France in October 2025, according to filings on the website of the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI). Kering stated that its focus remains on reinforcing its current portfolio of brands, but added: At the same time, Kering is preparing for all the possible futures of luxury, whether new business models, new services, or new geographies. The group described the information circulated internally as preliminary working assumptions ahead of a broader strategy update due in 2026. De Meo describes House of Dreams as a central proposal of his strategy and has stated that the vehicle is intended to help de-risk Kerings dependence on Gucci and rebalance the contribution of fashion to the groups long-term profitability. Gucci currently generates half of Kerings operating income, and turning around the brand remains a core objective. The document also indicated that the investment arm would draw on Kerings access to affluent customers, and noted similarities with investment structures already in place at rivals such as LVMH and LOreal. However, it pointed to the groups relatively high debt as a constraint on pursuing very large deals. A 90-day pilot phase is planned for House of Dreams, supported by a seed fund and an initial team. The memo did not specify when the unit could be fully launched. In October 2025, Kering reported third-quarter (Q3) 2025 revenue of 3.4bn ($3.94bn), a 10% decline on a reported basis and a 5% decrease on a comparable basis. Kering also recently agreed to sell its beauty business to LOreal for 4bn. The deal includes the transfer of the House of Creed and the beauty and fragrance licences for Kerings luxury brands to LOreal. The transaction, payable in cash, is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. "Kering plans investment unit to ease reliance on Gucci " was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. South Koreas Kimchi Premium is collapsing as regulators prepare sweeping sanctions on major crypto exchanges. | Credit: CCN. Key Takeaways The popular Kimchi premium on South Korean exchanges has dropped to the lowest level in years. Amid declining BTC prices and rising bearish sentiments, the flattening Kimchi premium hints at depreciating demand. The Kimchi premium downslide comes amid an industry-wide crackdown in the country. For nearly a decade, the Kimchi Premium has been a defining quirk of South Koreas crypto market. It is a persistent price gap that often makes Bitcoin more expensive in Seoul than anywhere else in the world. At the height of retail mania, the premium soared above 50%, attracting global arbitrage traders and turning Korean exchanges into some of the busiest on the planet. But that premium is now fading fast. The metric has slipped to one of its lowest levels in years, drifting toward zero just as the countrys financial watchdog prepares a major crackdown on crypto exchanges. What Is Kimchi Premium and Why Is It Nearing Zero? The Kimchi Premium is the difference between crypto prices on Korean exchanges and prices on major global platforms. When local demand far exceeds supply, as it often did during previous bull cycles, Bitcoin trades at a markup in Korea. The term, a nod to the countrys iconic dish, became widely recognized in 2017 and again in early 2021, when premiums surged above 50%. Traders outside Korea would source Bitcoin from other markets and sell it domestically to profit from the spread. But the heyday of the Kimchi Premium is long gone. The Kimchi premium on South Korean exchanges nears zerosource: CryptoQuant. CryptoQuant data shows the premium hovering around 12% in late November 2025technically still positive, but barely above neutral and well within historical norms. Earlier this year, it briefly spiked to 12% during global market turbulence, but that strength faded quickly. A combination of falling Bitcoin prices, weaker retail participation, and structural friction has brought the premium back down. Regulatory changes, including stricter VASP rules and reduced exchange liquidity, compressed the spread even further. A Regulatory Storm Is Closing In This downturn isnt happening in isolation. The flattening of Kimchi Premium overlaps with one of the most aggressive regulatory pushes the industry has faced since Korea banned ICOs in 2017. For two years, the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has carried out on-site inspections of major exchangesUpbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and Gopaxto investigate shortcomings in anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. Upbits operator, Dunamu, has already been hit with record penalties: a three-month restriction on onboarding new customers and a fine of 35.2 billion KRW ($26 million). President Trump unveiled $12 billion in aid to US farmers, as the agricultural sector deals with the fallout from his sweeping tariff policies. The sector has been hit particularly hard from the president's ever-changing trade policies, as farmers have struggled to sell crops and been hit by higher costs. Soybean exports have come in particular focus, with trade slowing to a crawl as China virtually halted its purchases before the countries agreed to a trade truce in October. Trump said the money for farm relief would come from a "small portion" of tariff-related revenues. Despite welcoming the support, US farmers have said they need more than a $12 billion aid package to fully offset low crop prices and lost export opportunities due to Trump's trade war. The farm bailout comes amid an increased push on Americans' price concerns. In an interview published Tuesday, Trump allowed he may look for "some" additional carveouts, weeks after his administration slashed tariffs on items like beef, coffee, and bananas. The push to reduce food prices comes in the wake of electoral wins for Democrats across a number of key state and local races where candidates stressed affordability concerns. Trump has also in recent weeks floated the possibility of a tariff "dividend" for many Americans in the form of a $2,000 check. The US Supreme Court is poised in the weeks ahead to decide the legality of the majority of those tariffs. The president invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to levy blanket tariffs on goods from other countries. As he has publicly braced for the high court's decision, Trump has claimed the "full benefit" of tariff policies would take effect soon, arguing that foreign buyers who stockpiled inventory would be forced to buy more goods. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet What else to know about Trump's tariffs: The trade deal between the US and Indonesia is in danger of collapsing, according to The Financial Times. US officials have grown increasingly frustrated at what they view as Jakarta reneging on the terms of the agreement reached in July. Trump threatened to impose an additional 5% tariff on Mexico if it doesn't provide additional water to help US farmers. Trump accused Mexico of violating a treaty that outlines water sharing between the countries. Trump gave the green light on Monday for Nvidia (NVDA) to sell some of its more powerful H200 chips to China. The US president said that China's Xi Jinping had responded "positively" to the move. Several US companies, such as Costco (COST), have filed lawsuits and claims to the US government for tariff refunds in the belief Trump's tariffs will be struck down by the US Supreme Court. If the courts rule against Trump's tariffs, the president may be forced to repay billions of dollars in collected revenue from imports, according to a report in the New York Times. LIVE 143 updates Investment management company First Pacific Advisors recently released its FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In the third quarter, the fund returned 7.46% compared to a 12.60% return for the Russell 2000 Value Index. In the first three quarters of 2025, the Fund returned 13.77%, compared to 9.04% for the index. As the firms focus is on a diligent, disciplined, and patient process, it expects the fund to outperform in down markets and trail in speculative markets. Additionally, you can check the funds top 5 holdings to determine its best picks for 2025. In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, the FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund highlighted stocks such as TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE:SNX). TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE:SNX) is a leading distributor and solutions aggregator for the information technology (IT) ecosystem. The one-month return of TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE:SNX) was -5.70%, and its shares gained 20.89% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On November 21, 2025, TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE:SNX) stock closed at $146.24 per share, with a market capitalization of $12.06 billion. FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund stated the following regarding TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE:SNX) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter: "TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE:SNX) is the largest information technology (IT) distributor globally. 20 years ago, IT distribution involved getting personal computers (PCs), servers , and routers from the manufacturer to the customer. But TD Synnex adds value by acting as an outsourced sales force for its suppliers and providing IT consulting to its customers. The business has evolved, and the company sells increasing amounts of software, security solutions, cloud licenses, and other growth-y IT at attractive margins. Shares have performed well this year as billings growth has rebounded to a double digit rate, led by TD Synnexs more complex and higher margin Advanced Solutions portfolio. We believe that SNX shares are still attractive at the current valuation of roughly 12x this years earnings." Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:ARW) TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE:SNX) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. According to our database, 36 hedge fund portfolios held TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE:SNX) at the end of the second quarter, up from 35 in the previous quarter. In Q3 2025, TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE:SNX) reported revenue of $15.7 billion, up 7% year over year. While we acknowledge the potential of TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE:SNX) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're 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. BAMAKO, Mali (AP) Malis ruling junta and Canadian miner Barrick have reached an agreement resolving a tax dispute involving one of Africas largest gold mining complexes, authorities and the company said Monday. The agreement ends a two-year standoff between Mali and the company over the countrys new mining code, which increases the states share of revenue from gold producers. The dispute had previously led to the arrest of four Barrick Gold employees, who remain detained, and an arrest warrant for the company's CEO Mark Bristow. In June, the companys Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining complex one of the continents largest was placed under provisional administration for six months. In December last year, Barrick had submitted a request for arbitration to the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes to address disagreements with Mali about Loulo-Gounkoto. Each party has committed to halting the ongoing legal proceedings as well as the various disputes over customs and tax issues, Malis Minister of Mines, Amadou Keita, said on state television Monday. Keita said Barrick has agreed to sign the 2023 mining code, which lets the state take up to 30% ownership of any new mining project. All charges brought against Barrick, its affiliates and employees will be dropped and the legal steps for the release of the four detained Barrick employees will be undertaken, the Canadian company said in a statement. It said operational control of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex will be handed back to Barrick. A Barrick official with knowledge of the negotiation said both parties have agreed to settle their differences within six days. During those six days, Barrick must withdraw its complaint from international arbitration and pay a sum of around $180,000. In return, the Malian government will release the four Barrick employees and return the three tons of gold seized by the military junta earlier this year, said the official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive talks. Barrick has been operating in Mali for three decades. The company's website says it is Africas largest gold producer through its Loulo-Gounkoto complex and the Kibali mine in Congo. Mali is one of Africas leading gold producers, but it has struggled for years with jihadi violence and high levels of poverty and hunger. The military seized power in 2020, and the government has placed foreign mining companies under growing pressure as it seeks to shore up revenues. Last year, the CEO of Australian company Resolute Mining and two employees were arrested in Bamako. They were released after the company paid $80 million to Malian authorities to resolve a tax dispute and promised to pay a further $80 million in coming months. Ur-Energy Inc. (NYSE:URG) is one of the fastest-growing penny stocks to buy now. On November 6, Maxim Group analyst Tate Sullivan reiterated a Buy rating on Ur-Energy Inc. (NYSE:URG). According to the analyst, the company is well-positioned to benefit from growing uranium demand from US customers. Maxim Group Affirms Buy Rating on Ur-Energy Inc. (URG) on Growing Uranium Demand Opportunity The company has already secured significant off-take agreements with US commercial nuclear power plants, underscoring its long-term prospects. It has also reiterated its 2025 revenue guidance, which expects to sell 440,000 pounds of U3O8 at an average price of $61.77 per pound. It expects to realize revenues of $27.2 million. Ur-Energy is also on course to start production at its second uranium mining project in Wyoming as it looks to capitalize on growing uranium demand. Its also ramping up production at Lost Creek, which produced 93,525 pounds of U308, dried and packaged, in the third quarter. On November 4, analysts at H.C. Wainwright cut their price target of the stock to $2.60 from $2.70 but reiterated a Buy rating. According to the research firm, the use of purchased inventories should help protect and maximize the value of low-cost products in the long term. Ur-Energy Inc. (NYSE:URG) is a U.S.-based uranium mining company that acquires, explores, develops, and operates uranium properties in the United States. It specializes in the environmentally sensitive in-situ recovery (ISR) method of uranium extraction, which leaves the rock in place. Its flagship project is the Lost Creek project in Wyoming, and it is also developing the Shirley Basin project. While we acknowledge the potential of URG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're 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. READ NEXT: Top 10 Stocks Offering High Upside Potential in Data Centers and 10 Best Breakout Stocks to Invest In. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Many investors are still learning about the various metrics that can be useful when analysing a stock. This article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE). By way of learning-by-doing, we'll look at ROE to gain a better understanding of Maxis Berhad (KLSE:MAXIS). Return on equity or ROE is an important factor to be considered by a shareholder because it tells them how effectively their capital is being reinvested. Simply put, it is used to assess the profitability of a company in relation to its equity capital. We've found 21 US stocks that are forecast to pay a dividend yield of over 6% next year. See the full list for free. How Is ROE Calculated? Return on equity can be calculated by using the formula: Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) Shareholders' Equity So, based on the above formula, the ROE for Maxis Berhad is: 25% = RM1.5b RM6.1b (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2025). The 'return' is the amount earned after tax over the last twelve months. One way to conceptualize this is that for each MYR1 of shareholders' capital it has, the company made MYR0.25 in profit. Check out our latest analysis for Maxis Berhad Does Maxis Berhad Have A Good ROE? Arguably the easiest way to assess company's ROE is to compare it with the average in its industry. Importantly, this is far from a perfect measure, because companies differ significantly within the same industry classification. As you can see in the graphic below, Maxis Berhad has a higher ROE than the average (13%) in the Wireless Telecom industry. KLSE:MAXIS Return on Equity November 24th 2025 That's clearly a positive. Bear in mind, a high ROE doesn't always mean superior financial performance. Aside from changes in net income, a high ROE can also be the outcome of high debt relative to equity, which indicates risk. Our risks dashboardshould have the 2 risks we have identified for Maxis Berhad. How Does Debt Impact Return On Equity? Most companies need money -- from somewhere -- to grow their profits. That cash can come from issuing shares, retained earnings, or debt. In the first and second cases, the ROE will reflect this use of cash for investment in the business. In the latter case, the debt required for growth will boost returns, but will not impact the shareholders' equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used. Combining Maxis Berhad's Debt And Its 25% Return On Equity Maxis Berhad does use a high amount of debt to increase returns. It has a debt to equity ratio of 1.22. While no doubt that its ROE is impressive, we would have been even more impressed had the company achieved this with lower debt. Debt increases risk and reduces options for the company in the future, so you generally want to see some good returns from using it. Medicare premiums are set to increase for 2026, putting a dent in retirees' Social Security checks. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that 2026 monthly Part B premiums will climb to $202.90, an increase of $17.90 from $185 this year. And the annual Part B deductible, which most people must pay before their Medicare coverage begins, will rise by $26 in 2026, to $283 from $257 in 2025. Thats the second-highest Part B premium increase in program history, Mary Johnson, a Social Security and Medicare policy analyst, told Yahoo Finance. It hits just as seniors are coming to terms with the modest 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase in the retirement benefit that starts in January. Taken together, it means the higher Medicare premiums will consume nearly a third of the average Social Security COLA, which is about $56 for 2026. The Social Security Administration says the average retired worker's monthly benefit will rise from $2,015 to $2,071. This is especially noteworthy when considered in relation to the COLA. Thats a 9.7% rate of increase vs. a COLA rate of just 2.8%, Johnson said. Part B premiums are rising almost 3.5 times faster than the COLA. Not everyone will feel the squeeze. Under Social Security hold harmless rules, a persons Part B premium increase cannot be larger than their COLA. Eligibility is limited to those who have their Part B premiums deducted directly from their Social Security benefits and do not pay a higher premium due to income. According to Philip Moeller, a Medicare and Social Security expert who writes the Aging in America newsletter, its estimated that roughly a million Social Security beneficiaries will see their Part B increase capped because of the hold harmless provision. Medicare Part B covers physicians services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and other health services not covered by Medicare Part A. Read more: How to find your 2026 Social Security COLA increase Have a question about retirement? Personal finances? Anything career-related? Click here to drop Kerry Hannon a note. Sign up for the Mind Your Money weekly newsletter By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's Terms and Privacy Policy Subscribe More Medicare cost increases The agency also announced other 2026 Medicare cost increases, including the high-income surcharges. Since 2007, a beneficiarys Part B monthly premium has been based on his or her income. About 8% of Medicare users earn too much to qualify for the standard Part B and Part D premiums and must pay the surcharges. In 2026, Medicare beneficiaries with an income exceeding $109,000 for single-tax filers and $218,000 for joint filers will pay the surcharge. For these beneficiaries, total monthly Part B premiums will range from $284.10 to $689.90. The layer-1 Monad blockchain went live on Monday, accompanied by an airdrop of its MON token. The Monad team described the blockchain as a high-performance network capable of supporting a broad range of growing industry verticals, including DeFi, payments/stablecoins, and emerging institutional use cases for high frequency finance. Previously, the team said that the blockchain is also EVM-compatible, and that the chain is designed to help scale Ethereums virtual machine into its next stage of growth. Read more: Monads MON Token Stumbles Out of the Gate in Trading Debut After Slow Token Sale As for the airdrop, according to project documentation, the total supply of MON is 100 billion tokens, with 10.8% currently unlocked and in circulation. That circulating portion is divided between two buckets: 7.5% was made available over the past week through a public sale on Coinbases Token Platform at $0.025 per token, and the remaining 3.3% unlocks as part of the airdrop. The remaining supply is allocated as follows: 27% to the Monad team, 19.7% to investors, 4% to the Labs Treasury, and 38.5% toward ecosystem development. Some community members on X expressed frustration with the distribution, arguing that the teams share is unusually high compared with industry norms. Monad mainnets public launch marks a major step toward making high-performance blockchain infrastructure accessible to everyone. Developers shouldnt have to choose between speed, security, and usability, said Keone Hon, the co-founder of Monad, in a press release shared with CoinDesk. With Monad, weve worked to deliver all three, without asking builders to abandon the tools and languages they already know. Were excited to empower a new wave of applications and bring blockchain technology closer to mainstream and institutional adoption. Read more: Monad Unveils Tokenomics Ahead of Nov. 24 MON Token Airdrop "The Dutch thought they had seized Nexperia, but they only took over an office building," said Li Xing, a professor of international relations at the Guangdong Institute for International Strategies, a think tank. While the Dutch government took control of the headquarters in Nijmegen, the operations in China remained under the control of Nexperia's Chinese parent. The reporting shows how China's dominance reaches beyond cutting-edge technology and rare earths to mundane-yet-critical components and how Beijing wields that power to paralyse global production. Some details, including the size of Bosch's exposure and companies' struggles with requirements to trade in yuan, haven't previously been reported. This account of how the industry scrambled to respond to the unforeseen crisis is based on interviews with a dozen people, including auto executives, suppliers and chip distributors, who described how just-in-time inventory practices and limited supply-chain diversification left automakers vulnerable to geopolitical shock. From its Dongguan factory, Nexperia ships semiconductors used in everything from car brakes to electric windows. They sell for fractions of a penny each, yet the shortage forced Nissan and Honda to cut production and drove German supplier Bosch to curtail factory working hours. The Netherlands last week reversed course from its decision to take control of Nexperia, signalling a potential breakthrough. The Dutch government took control of Netherlands-based Nexperia in late September, citing concerns its technology could be passed on to Chinese owner Wingtech. Beijing retaliated by halting exports of finished Nexperia chips packaged at the plant in the Pearl River Delta. "No one prepared for geopolitical disruption, and they're still not prepared," said Ambrose Conroy, CEO of U.S. firm Seraph Consulting, which advises automakers. Automakers vowed to strengthen supply lines after COVID-19 snarled semiconductor output in 2020 and a Japanese factory fire aggravated the shortage a year later. But the crisis engulfing Dutch chipmaker Nexperia's plant exposed a blind spot: The industry never envisioned low-tech chips would become a lever for China against the West. DONGGUAN, China (Reuters) -A factory next to a weed-ridden lot in China's industrial south has become a global choke point for automotive chips, upending a sector that just a few years ago swore it wouldn't be caught again by supply-chain disruptions. (Corrects venue of Trump-Xi meeting in paragraph 21 to Busan, not Seoul) Story Continues "What this shows is that, even in mid- and low-end segments, they depend on China. If China wants to get a grip on you, it still can. You have no way out." In a statement, a spokesperson for Wingtech said Nexperia has become an industry leader since being acquired. "The current crisis shows that breaking up international companies harms supply chains and puts key industries at risk," the spokesperson said. China's commerce ministry didn't respond to requests for comment. A Nexperia spokesperson said the semiconductor industry's global complexity made it hard to foresee the impact of geopolitics. CASE STUDY FOR POLITICAL RISK Nexperia's chips were seen as so cheap and available that one European automaker didn't normally prepare alternative supplies, said one person at the carmaker. The chips are "very ordinary electronics with low prices," said this person, who like most of those interviewed spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information. The Nexperia episode shows that manufacturers' strategic vulnerability stretches beyond high-tech components, said Alfredo Montufar-Helu, a managing director at Ankura Consulting in Beijing. Bosch didn't initially have sufficient alternatives ready, despite ordering 200 million euros ($231 million) worth of Nexperia products a year, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. Bosch declined to comment. Nexperia resumed sales to some domestic distributors in late October but required payment in yuan, instead of foreign currencies used previously. The currency change was an apparent bid by the Chinese business to operate more independently of Dutch headquarters, Reuters has reported. Ready-to-ship chips piled up at the Dongguan plant because it wasn't able to handle all the yuan transactions, according to two people briefed on the matter. The situation has since eased, they said. A Wingtech spokesperson said there hadn't been a chip backlog or systems issues with yuan payment, but didn't elaborate. China allowed some Nexperia exports to resume this month after U.S. President Donald Trump met with China's Xi Jinping in Busan. That came just in time for Bosch and suppliers Aumovio, ZF Group and Hella, which were days away from halting some production, according to a person briefed on the matter. Bosch, Aumovio and ZF declined to comment. A Hella spokesperson said it has maintained supply-chain stability. When Reuters visited the Dongguan plant on a recent weekday, some blinds were drawn and trucks came and went from a docking area. Dozens of scooters were parked outside. Austria's Melecs and Apple supplier JABIL have managed to source chips from Nexperia. Both have used Chinese entities, allowing them to settle in yuan, the two people briefed on the matter said. A Melecs spokesperson declined to comment. JABIL did not respond to multiple requests for comment. AUTOMAKERS DIDN'T LEARN LESSON The chip shortage showed automakers hadn't heeded lessons from the previous shock, said Julie Boote, autos analyst at Pelham Smithers Associates in London. "You would expect them to have several months' worth of supply inventory for chips," she said. "That's what they said after the last crisis." Nissan Chief Performance Officer Guillaume Cartier said replacing vulnerable supply chains takes time. "I know what everyone will tell me, 'Ah, but you didn't learn from the past,'" he told Reuters last month. "Yeah, OK. But do you believe you change all your supply in three years?" The Nexperia shortage forced Nissan to cut production of its top-selling Rogue SUV, Reuters has reported, and poses a continuing risk for this year. Conroy, the consultant, advises clients to hold extra inventory of critical components in the region where they're needed. That's a costly change for an industry that relies on "just-in-time" inventory management to minimize costs. Not all carmakers got whiplashed. Toyota instructs suppliers to stockpile several months' supply of chips as part of the business continuity plan developed after the devastating 2011 Japan earthquake, Reuters has reported. A Toyota spokesperson said there were risks that could impact vehicle production and they would continue to monitor developments closely. THE COST OF RESILIENCE Another supply speedbump involved how chips are integrated into vehicles. Nexperia semiconductors are widely used in components like power modules, which manage electricity, and are often soldered straight onto the components. That means they can't just be swapped out for another chip, said Nori Chiou, investment director at White Oak Capital Partners. Any new vehicle component needs to undergo testing that can add months to the process of securing alternative parts, Chiou said. Nexperia's spokesperson said substitution can't be completed "overnight" because parts that seem identical can perform differently in vehicles. Germany's Hella is considering alternative suppliers for Nexperia's chips but testing and approvals could take up to a year, longer than initially expected, according to one person in the auto-supply industry. Hella's spokesperson said it was shifting to "already qualified second sources wherever possible" to maintain stable supplies. Ankura Consulting's Montufar-Helu said preparing for chip choke points will not be easy or cheap. "Everyone is going to start talking once again about building resilience, about diversification," he said. "And then they're going to realise how expensive it is." ($1 = 0.8672 euros) (Reporting by David Kirton and Nicoco Chan in Dongguan; Che Pan, Eduardo Baptista and Laurie Chen in Beijing, Zhang Yan in Shanghai; Fanny Potkin in Singapore; Daniel Leussink in Tokyo; Additional reporting by Ilona Wissenbach in Frankfurt, Toby Sterling in Amsterdam, Gilles Guillaume in Paris; Aditi Shah in Tokyo; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by David Crawshaw and Lincoln Feast.) By Stine Jacobsen, Maggie Fick and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Novo Nordisk's closely watched Alzheimer's trials of an older oral version of its semaglutide drug failed to help slow the progression of the brain-wasting disease, the firm said on Monday, sending the obesity drugmaker's shares sliding. The trials, which Novo had previously called a "lottery ticket" to underline its highly uncertain outcome, were testing whether the medicine could slow cognitive decline in thousands of patients with mild disease. The setback scuppers hopes for Novo that Alzheimer's could open a major new market for GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide. A positive trial result could have put Novo ahead of rival Eli Lilly, against which it has lost ground in its core treatment areas of obesity and diabetes. "The fact that the study was discontinued after two years, despite a planned third-year extension, suggests that semaglutide offers virtually no benefit in slowing Alzheimer's progression," Erik Berg-Johnsen, portfolio manager at Novo shareholder Storebrand Asset Management, told Reuters. Novo's trial was being closely watched as an indication of whether GLP-1 drugs, used by millions for diabetes and weight loss, might slow disease progression. The drug tested was Rybelsus, a pill approved only for type 2 diabetes. Like Novo's blockbusters Ozempic and Wegovy, it contains semaglutide. The Alzheimer's Association said it was disappointed in the results but that studies would continue. "Though this semaglutide pill did not help against Alzheimer's, the field will continue to investigate this class of drugs, as they may act differently," it said in a statement. Alzheimer's disease and other dementias affect more than 55 million people globally. There is no cure. NOT THE OUTCOME WE HOPED FOR "Today we announced that our efforts to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease have come to an end," Novo CEO Mike Doustdar said in a video posted on LinkedIn. "We always knew that there would be a low likelihood of success, but it was important to determine if semaglutide could take one of the medicine's most challenging frontiers based on the indicative data points we had." Novo said in the press release that it had seen an impact on Alzheimer's biomarkers but did not define which ones. The results from the two trials of early-stage patients, called EVOKE and EVOKE+, are another setback for the Danish drugmaker and new CEO Doustdar, which had seen booming success, driven by Ozempic and Wegovy, before slowing sales growth and a tumbling share price prompted a CEO change and mass layoffs. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Release Date: November 24, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Onward Medical NV (ONWRF) exceeded 1.5 million in quarterly revenue, reaching 1.7 million, marking a significant milestone. The company received CE Mark and US FDA clearance for the RCEX system, expanding its market opportunities in both clinics and homes. Onward Medical NV raised over 50 million in new equity capital, extending its cash runway into Q1 2027. The company achieved UL mark certification, enhancing the credibility and safety standards of its RCEX system. Onward Medical NV continues to strengthen its leadership team with the appointment of experienced executives, enhancing its strategic capabilities. Negative Points The company's cash burn for Q3 was 8 million, driven by ongoing investments in commercialization and R&D. There is uncertainty regarding reimbursement coverage for home use devices, particularly in the United States. The uptake of devices within the VA system has been slow due to instability in US government spending and staffing. Onward Medical NV has not yet pursued a Medicare code for reimbursement, which may limit immediate access for some patients. The company faces challenges in aligning capital budgeting cycles with clinic customers, which could impact sales timelines. Q & A Highlights Q: Can you provide details on the pricing strategy for the RKX device in the US and Europe, both for clinics and home use? A: The pricing for RKX is similar in the US and Europe, adjusted for foreign exchange differences. The home use device is priced about 25% lower than the clinic device to enhance accessibility and because it has a more limited feature set. (Respondent: CEO) Q: How do you plan to convert leads into sales for both clinic and home use devices next year? A: We plan to prioritize sales through clinics, allowing patients to experience the therapy in a clinical setting first. This approach ensures optimal programming and training before home use. Most home sales are expected to come from patients who have used the device in clinics. (Respondent: CEO) Q: What is the expected demand for home use devices among patients currently treated in clinics, and how will reimbursement work? A: Demand is high, but not all patients have reimbursement coverage initially. Likely purchasers include those in the VA system, covered by workers' compensation, or those who can self-pay. We are developing a patient access program to support reimbursement efforts. (Respondent: CEO) International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) is one of the Best Cloud Stocks to Buy Now. On November 21, Param Singh from Oppenheimer initiated International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) with a Buy rating and a $360 price target. Earlier on November 19, Amit Daryanani from Evercore ISI had also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $315 price target. Singh from Oppenheimer noted that his bullish sentiment is based on the prediction that the companys software portfolio can achieve double-digit revenue growth driven by robust automation and growth in Red Hat. Moreover, the analyst also sees the consulting segment sustaining its low single-digit growth along with a recovering application development and management. In addition to this improved positive outlook, the company is also making progress with quantum computers. On November 20, Reuters reported that International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) and Cisco Systems plan to link quantum computers over long distances. The companies aim to prove that this concept is workable by the end of 2030. Earlier, on November 12, the company had unveiled Loon, its experimental quantum computing chip. Management believes the chip is a major milestone towards making quantum computers useful by 2029. International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) is a global technology leader providing software, consulting, and infrastructure solutions, with a strategic emphasis on hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence. While we acknowledge the potential of IBM 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. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Usually, when one insider buys stock, it might not be a monumental event. But when multiple insiders are buying like they did in the case of Navigator Global Investments Limited (ASX:NGI), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders. While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit. Navigator Global Investments Insider Transactions Over The Last Year In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Independent Non-Executive Director Lindsay Megan Wright bought AU$209k worth of shares at a price of AU$2.09 per share. We do like to see buying, but this purchase was made at well below the current price of AU$2.94. While it does suggest insiders consider the stock undervalued at lower prices, this transaction doesn't tell us much about what they think of current prices. While Navigator Global Investments insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! Check out our latest analysis for Navigator Global Investments ASX:NGI Insider Trading Volume November 23rd 2025 Navigator Global Investments is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find small cap companies at attractive valuations, this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Insiders At Navigator Global Investments Have Bought Stock Recently Over the last quarter, Navigator Global Investments insiders have spent a meaningful amount on shares. Overall, two insiders shelled out AU$240k for shares in the company -- and none sold. This makes one think the business has some good points. Insider Ownership Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Navigator Global Investments insiders own about AU$100m worth of shares. That equates to 7.0% of the company. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders. So What Do The Navigator Global Investments Insider Transactions Indicate? It is good to see recent purchasing. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. Along with the high insider ownership, this analysis suggests that insiders are quite bullish about Navigator Global Investments. Nice! So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Navigator Global Investments (1 is potentially serious) you should be aware of. Epstein Files Bitcoin. Photo by BeInCrypto A well-known Polish market analyst has publicly apologized after his latest Bitcoin outlook collapsed within weeks, sparking debate across social media. Robert Ruszaa, known online as El Profesor, admitted his plan was wrong and published a detailed breakdown explaining the mistakes behind his failed scenario. Analyst Breaks Industry Norm by Owning His Error Crypto commentators often highlight their wins and stay silent when predictions miss. Ruszaa took the opposite approach. He originally released a forecast called The Plan, outlining a bullish path for Bitcoin based on market fractals, the 50-week EMA, and a seasonal move often described as the Santa Rally. Original Post From the Analyst According to his model, Bitcoin was expected to hold its uptrend and provide opportunities to take long positions at specific technical levels. Market Reversal Forces a Reassessment However, it took the market only three weeks to dismiss that vision. Bitcoin dropped below key zones and invalidated the entire bullish structure. On 21 November, Ruszaa addressed the failed call directly, writing: I failed Im sorry to everyone who followed this plan. I know where I made the mistake. He later explained that he always prepares two scenarios bullish and bearish. The first one worked from roughly $116,000 down to $94,700. The deeper decline activated his bearish outlook. He stressed that reacting to market changes matters more than sticking to a single direction. What Went Wrong in The Plan Ruszaa then published a technical breakdown of the error. He pointed to several indicators that he ranked incorrectly in terms of probability. That mis-ordering, he said, led him to misjudge Bitcoins potential movement. The Analyst Later Explains Why His Prediction Failed The post did not spark major controversy, but it prompted discussion among traders. Several users praised him for his transparency, noting that few analysts publicly dissect their own mistakes. His response highlights a broader reality in crypto markets: even well-constructed scenarios require constant revision, and the market can still surprise the most seasoned experts. Read original story Polish Crypto Analyst Apologizes After Bitcoin Santa Rally Forecast Fails by Dominik Juraszek at beincrypto.com PPHE Hotel Group has revealed plans to launch a formal sale process as part of a strategic review to explore options aimed at enhancing shareholder value. The review will assess measures such as bringing growth capital into the company or its portfolio and considering the potential sale of either all or part of its issued share capital through a formal sale process. Rothschild & Co has been appointed as financial adviser to support both the strategic review and any formal sale process that may arise. Shareholders and other stakeholders will have input during the review. Major shareholders Eli Papouchado and Boris Ivesha, who together hold approximately 44% of PPHE's voting rights, have expressed their support for the initiative. PPHE operates as an international hospitality real estate company, overseeing a 2.2bn portfolio mainly comprising prime freehold and long leasehold assets across Europe. The company manages its assets through subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associates, engaging in ownership, co-ownership, development, and leasing of hospitality properties. The portfolio covers upscale city hotels, leisure resorts, and campsites in major European cities and targeted resort locations. The group holds an exclusive and perpetual licence from Radisson Hotel Group to develop and operate Park Plaza branded properties in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. PPHE also fully owns and operates under the artotel brand, while its Croatian subsidiary manages Arena Hotels & Apartments and Arena Campsites brands. Additionally, PPHE maintains a controlling stake in Arena Hospitality Group, which is listed on the Prime Market of the Zagreb Stock Exchange. Recently, PPHE introduced the Oracle OPERA Cloud platform as its property management system across 18 hotels in Europe. The implementation covered 5,200 rooms in the Netherlands, the UK and Italy, with the aim of streamlining business processes and operations at these locations. In July, PPHE and Radisson Hotel Group formed a partnership to introduce the first Radisson RED hotel in central London, UK. The new property will be located close to the City of Londons financial district and within walking distance of Liverpool Street Station. "PPHE plans to run formal sale process amid strategic review" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Key Insights The considerable ownership by private companies in Hotel Properties indicates that they collectively have a greater say in management and business strategy A total of 2 investors have a majority stake in the company with 59% ownership Insiders own 31% of Hotel Properties Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit. To get a sense of who is truly in control of Hotel Properties Limited (SGX:H15), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are private companies with 58% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). Individual insiders, on the other hand, account for 31% of the company's stockholders. Insiders often own a large chunk of younger, smaller, companies while huge companies tend to have institutions as shareholders. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Hotel Properties. See our latest analysis for Hotel Properties SGX:H15 Ownership Breakdown November 24th 2025 What Does The Lack Of Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Hotel Properties? We don't tend to see institutional investors holding stock of companies that are very risky, thinly traded, or very small. Though we do sometimes see large companies without institutions on the register, it's not particularly common. There could be various reasons why no institutions own shares in a company. Typically, small, newly listed companies don't attract much attention from fund managers, because it would not be possible for large fund managers to build a meaningful position in the company. On the other hand, it's always possible that professional investors are avoiding a company because they don't think it's the best place for their money. Institutional investors may not find the historic growth of the business impressive, or there might be other factors at play. You can see the past revenue performance of Hotel Properties, for yourself, below. SGX:H15 Earnings and Revenue Growth November 24th 2025 Hotel Properties is not owned by hedge funds. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is 68 Holdings Pte Ltd. with 34% of shares outstanding. Beng Seng Ong is the second largest shareholder owning 25% of common stock, and Wharf Estates Singapore Pte. Ltd. holds about 22% of the company stock. A more detailed study of the shareholder registry showed us that 2 of the top shareholders have a considerable amount of ownership in the company, via their 59% stake. South Korea to impose fines and sanctions on crypto exchanges. | Credit: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images. Key Takeaways South Koreas financial watchdog is preparing a new round of sanctions on major crypto exchanges for KYC/AML violations. Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and GOPAX are expected to face penalties following months of on-site inspections. Regulators will issue sanctions in the order inspections were completed, with Dunamu (Upbits operator) already hit with heavy fines. South Koreas crypto industry is bracing for another wave of enforcement as the countrys financial watchdog prepares to sanction several major exchanges for anti-money-laundering failures. According to local reports, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has completed a year-long series of on-site inspections across the countrys top crypto trading platforms. Now, the regulator is moving into the penalty phase, one that industry observers say could mirror the heavy sanctions recently imposed on Upbits operator, Dunamu. Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit First in Line After finishing on-site inspections of Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and GOPAX, the FIU is now conducting legal reviews and preparing its sanctions committee. Officials are following a straightforward first-in, first-out rule: the earlier an exchange was inspected, the sooner its penalties will be finalized. That puts Korbit, GOPAX, Bithumb, and Coinone next in line, likely in that order. The inspections focused on compliance with South Koreas Special Financial Transactions Act, particularly whether exchanges properly enforced Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification and reported suspicious transactions. An industry official interviewed by local media said that because the FIU reviewed each exchange under the same legal framework, the severity of sanctions is unlikely to differ meaningfully from those levied against Dunamu. In February, the FIU issued a disciplinary warning to Dunamus CEO and suspended Upbits onboarding of new customers for three months. It followed up with a fine of 35.2 billion KRW ($26 million) for KYC failures and reporting lapses. A Country With One of the Toughest Crypto Rulebooks South Koreas crypto legislation is widely recognized as one of the strictest in the world. Regulators have long maintained that fast-growing digital-asset markets require oversight on par with traditional financeif not stricter. That posture grew out of two major moments: the ICO boom of 2017, when retail speculation exploded, and the 2022 market contagion triggered by global exchange failures. Both pushed lawmakers toward a more conservative, risk-averse stance. In recent years, South Korea has tightened rules across the board: With significant hedge fund interest, Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) secures a spot on our list of the 12 best commodity stocks to buy right now. Susquehanna Remains Bullish on Occidental Petroleum (OXY) Amid Strong Earnings and Production Momentum On November 13, 2025, Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) saw Susquehanna reiterate its Buy rating and raise its price target to $55 from $54. The firm noted that the company exceeded Q3 expectations on both EPS and production, driven by strong performance in domestic business. Meanwhile, the company released its Q3 2025 earnings on November 10, 2025. The quarter saw operational execution exceed expectations, helping Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) record production of 1.47 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, driven by record Permian output and improved uptime in the Gulf of America. Furthermore, Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) recorded $3.2 billion in operating cash flow and $1.5 billion in free cash flow, thanks to record Permian production of 800,000 BOE per day. At the same time, the company reduced its lease operating expenses to $8.11 per BOE, the lowest level since 2021. Having repaid $1.3 billion of debt during the quarter, the company expects to bring it below $15 billion post-OxyChem sale. Moreover, the company recorded $2.2 billion in shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks. During the quarter, Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) expanded its Permian resource base by 2.5 billion BOE, which now represents 70% of total resources. On the other hand, OxyChem pre-tax income fell short of guidance due to global chlorovinyl softness. Yet the company looks ahead with confidence, citing enhanced oil recovery, CO2 injection pilots, and Gulf of America waterflood projects as key growth drivers. The company reported adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.64. The quarterly revenue came in at $6.72 billion, up from $6.50 billion in the prior quarter. Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) is focused on exploration, development, and production of oil and gas globally. While we acknowledge the potential of OXY as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're 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. READ NEXT: 10 Best Small-Cap Biotech Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Best AI Infrastructure Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Shares in Tegna fell nearly 5% on Monday after President Donald Trump criticized a proposal to lift the current cap on local television station ownership, which is necessary for the company to be acquired by Nexstar Media. Acquiring Tegna would expand Nexstar's presence covering 80% of TV households across key geographies under the $3.54 billion deal. Trump on Sunday posted a story on social media that said lifting the cap would be a "disaster" for conservatives and added that he would "not be happy" if the move allowed Comcast-owned NBC or Disney-owned ABC to expand. (Reporting by David Shepardson) Thai cryptocurrency exchange Bitkub is weighing an initial public offering in Hong Kong, according to people familiar with the discussions, a move that could strengthen the citys push to position itself as a leading digital-asset hub in Asia. Key Takeaways: Bitkub is exploring a Hong Kong IPO after Thailands struggling stock market dampened prospects for a domestic listing. The exchange may seek to raise around $200 million, aligning with Hong Kongs push to attract more global crypto and tech issuers. A move to Hong Kong could provide Bitkub a more supportive regulatory environment as Thailand tightens oversight of its crypto sector. The Bangkok-based exchange, founded in 2018 and one of Thailands most prominent crypto platforms, had previously explored listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. However, with the Thai market experiencing one of its worst years in recent memory, Bitkub is now looking abroad, according to a Monday report from Bloomberg. Bitkub Eyes $200M Hong Kong IPO as Thai Market Sinks The SET Index has dropped about 10% in 2025, while newly listed companies have delivered an average decline of more than 12%, dampening appetite for domestic IPOs. One source said Bitkub could pursue a Hong Kong listing as early as next year, targeting a raise of roughly $200 million. The discussions remain fluid, and the company has not publicly commented on the matter. Hong Kong has been working to revive its standing in global finance by opening the door to regulated crypto trading. The city has rolled out a formal licensing regime for digital-asset exchanges and is preparing additional rule changes aimed at attracting both retail and institutional players. Despite these efforts, trading volumes remain modest compared to major crypto hubs. A Bitkub listing would bolster Hong Kongs broader campaign to diversify its IPO pipeline beyond Chinese firms. First-time share sales in the city are on track to reach their highest level in four years, with proceeds projected to surpass $40 billion in 2025, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. As regulatory scrutiny and market weakness weigh on crypto activity in Thailand, a Hong Kong IPO may offer Bitkub both a more favorable market environment and greater visibility among international investors. In July, Thailands Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bank of Thailand announced plans to launch a regulatory crypto sandbox that will enable foreign tourists to convert their crypto assets into baht for spending locally. Crypto IPOs Gain Momentum Last month, tZero Group, a New Yorkbased blockchain infrastructure firm focused on tokenized securities and real-world assets, announced that it is preparing to go public in 2026. bitkub, thailand crypto, hong kong crypto. Photo by BeInCrypto Bitkub, Thailand's top cryptocurrency exchange, is considering a $200 million initial public offering in Hong Kong as early as 2026. This strategic shift highlights both the challenges facing Thai capital markets and Hong Kongs emergence as a digital asset hub. From Bangkok to Hong Kong: Bitkub's Strategic Pivot According to reports from Bloomberg, Bitkub had originally planned a domestic listing, as mentioned in a 2023 shareholder letter. By April 2024, it was in the process of hiring financial advisers for a 2025 IPO on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. "We are actively preparing for IPO filings, paving the way for further growth and access to capital. This exciting step will allow us to scale our impact, unlock even greater value for our shareholders, and further solidify our position as a global leader in fintech. We are considering listing our company first in Thailand, as we aim to become a pioneering Thai-nationality tech company. This strategic move aligns with our commitment to democratised Thailands value to everyone," the exchange said in 2023. However, these plans were disrupted as Thailands stock market slumped. The SET Index, the countrys main equity gauge, has dropped nearly 30% this year to 550.43 points, making it one of the worst-performing markets in 2025. Thai listings have also faced a weighted average decline of more than 12%. SET Index Performance. Source: Google Finance Amid this volatility, Bitkub has started considering international options instead. Bloomberg noted that discussions are still underway and the final direction may shift, according to people familiar with the matter. Founded in 2018, Bitkub remains Thailands leading centralized crypto exchange. It offers 237 coins and 240 trading pairs. The exchange's 24-hour trading volume is $66.3 million, with USDT/THB as its most active pair. Bitkubs total assets stand at over $800 million, and the platform has a Trust Score of 7 out of 10 on CoinGecko. With this latest move, Bitkub would join HashKey Group in pursuing a public listing in Hong Kong. Bloomberg noted that in October, the firm, which operates the citys leading licensed cryptocurrency exchange, reportedly submitted paperwork for its own listing. The firm aims to raise around $500 million, with plans for an IPO as soon as this year. Hong Kong is a booming crypto market. In the first half of 2025, total bank transactions in digital asset-related products and tokenized assets reached $26.1 billion Hong Kong dollars. This marked a 233% increase over the same period last year and already exceeded the full-year total of last year. By Karl Plume CHICAGO (Reuters) -Two cargo vessels were headed for grain port terminals near New Orleans on Monday to load with the first U.S. soybean shipments to China since May, according to a shipping schedule seen by Reuters. A third vessel was en route to a Texas Gulf Coast grain terminal to be loaded with China-bound U.S. sorghum in the coming days in what will be the first American shipment of the feed grain to China since mid-March, the shipping schedule showed. U.S. farmers and grain traders have been awaiting shipments to China to resume after Beijing shunned U.S. crops for months due to a trade war with Washington, costing U.S. farmers billions on lost trade. China has booked nearly 2 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans and a smaller volume of wheat since a meeting between presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea in late October, when the White House said Beijing agreed to buy 12 million tons of soybeans by the end of the year. China has not confirmed the deal and questions about the agreement or when any sales would ship have fueled uncertainty in grain markets. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Monday that the Trump Administration expects to sign a deal within two weeks. The vessel Ocean Harvest is due to arrive at Cargill's Reserve, Louisiana, terminal and the vessel Tokugawa is scheduled to arrive at a Convent, Louisiana, terminal owned by Zen-Noh Grain this week, both to be loaded with U.S. soybeans, the shipping schedule showed. A third vessel, Bungo Queen, is due to arrive for loading with U.S. sorghum at the Archer-Daniels-Midland terminal in Corpus Christi, Texas, in the next week. Cargill, ADM and Zen-Noh did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reporting by Karl Plume in Chicago; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) Tokio Marine has agreed to acquire risk management solutions provider Commodity & Ingredient Hedging (CIH) from Falfurrias Capital Partners for $970m (Y152.17bn). CIH, based in Chicago, US, delivers risk management assistance to clients involved in agriculture and commodity sectors. Its services include consulting, brokerage and insurance, all integrated through a proprietary technology platform, enabling users to monitor, analyse and manage risk within a single system. The company's approach features regular educational advisory sessions combined with real-time access to insurance and derivatives markets. This set-up allows organisations to address commodity price exposure and implement risk management strategies as needed. According to CIH, its model brings together advisory and execution functions into one platform, covering both insurance and derivatives options. The companys technology platform is said to provide a unified method for clients seeking to manage commodity price risk effectively. CIH CEO Pat Gregory said: "Through our partnership with Falfurrias Capital Partners, we have worked together to strengthen our technology, expand our service model and position CIH for continued growth. "Joining Tokio Marine will allow us to extend our reach, broaden our capabilities and deepen the support we provide to clients navigating complex commodity markets." CIH is also presently an insurance agent for Tokio Marine HCC. Through this acquisition, Tokio Marine stated that it will gain a complementary business that enhances its specialty offerings in the US agricultural sector and broadens its non-insurance risk solutions capabilities. The integration will further strengthen Tokio Marine HCCs agricultural operations, diversify the groups earnings and deliver greater value to customers in the agricultural industry. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close during the first quarter of 2026. TMHCC CEO Susan Rivera commented: "The team has built an impressive business that combines deep agricultural expertise with innovative technology to help clients manage price volatility. This partnership expands our ability to deliver comprehensive risk solutions beyond traditional insurance and supports Tokio Marine Group's long-term strategy to grow through diversified, fee-based services." "Tokio Marine to acquire agriculture risk management company CIH " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. Tullow Oil has advanced efforts to extend the operating licences for its Jubilee and TEN oilfields in Ghana until 2040, following the finalisation of a new gas sales agreement. The company is now working to complete further agreements with government authorities. Tullow CEO Ian Perks, who assumed the role in September, highlighted the companys objectives in a recent trading update. In June, Tullow and its partners, PetroSA, Kosmos Energy, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and Explorco, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ghanaian Government. The agreement relates to the West Cape Three Points and Deep Water Tano blocks. Tullows latest update highlighted that a new gas sales contract has been executed for the Jubilee field, providing clarity on gas pricing for the duration of the extended licences. The company is currently addressing outstanding issues including securing payment mechanisms for gas sales and an updated plan of development for Jubilee, which will necessitate approval from parliament. Production at Jubilee averaged around 61,000 barrels per day (bpd) gross (23,900 net to Tullow) through October, backed by the completion of a new production well this year. Drilling of a second well, J73-P, commenced this month and is expected to start producing by the end of the year. The TEN field has produced approximately 16,000bpd, surpassing expectations due to strong performance from the Ntomme and Enyenra fields. Uptime for floating production storage and offloading vessels at both sites averaged 97% up to the end of October. Looking ahead, Tullow has approved a drilling programme for 2026 involving five wells, comprising four committed (three producers and a water injector) and one optional producer. The company is also conducting an ocean bottom node seismic survey and integrating new four-dimensional seismic data to refine reservoir models and inform future drilling. On the financial side, Tullow has concentrated on improving its balance sheet through asset disposals, having completed the sale of its interests in Kenya for at least $120m (91.65m) and its Gabon assets for around $300m after taxes. Tullow is now in talks with bondholders and investors about refinancing options ahead of a bond maturity in May 2026. Receivables owed by the Ghanaian Government, including development debt for TEN and overdue cash calls, totalled more than $200m (2.22bn cedis) net to Tullow as of last month. Perks said: Our near-term priority remains to put Tullow on a long-term sustainable financial footing. To achieve this, we are focused on maximising operational efficiency in Ghana, cost optimisation and refinancing the Groups capital structure. An expected downgrade by budget forecasters of the economy's underlying growth potential, reflecting past disappointments, is set to blow a hole in the public finances, meaning Reeves is likely to increase taxes on Wednesday to reassure nervous bond investors that she can cut borrowing. "You can do a lot with a little with how the technology currently sits," she added, describing the cost of AI as "pennies in the pound" compared with other technology. Initial extra work is now paying off as the process can be applied more widely. The reduced paperwork helps clients who say they chose the firm for its AI adoption, Shields said. Rather than ask for proof of orders, invoices, bank statements and other documents for a sample of transactions, the team using AI let clients upload entire datasets which MKS was able to analyse automatically. A team that used AI four times more intensively than another group reported a profit margin 8 percentage points higher, she said. MKS, with about 1,500 UK staff, is applying its platform based on Google's Gemini 2.5 model to a growing range of work. Shields said it was still a learning process, but its positive impact was clear. Services make up 80% of Britain's economy, the same as the United States - and account for a bigger share once services generally provided by the state are stripped out. "The large language models that underpin all of this technology are evolving all the time. They're getting better and better with every iteration," she said. Becky Shields, MKS' head of digital transformation, said AI was freeing staff from repetitive work and giving them more time to work with clients. Ratings agency Moody's said on Friday the UK could gain more than other countries from the advances in the technology. Economists say the dominance of services businesses in Britain's private sector compared to other countries could mean higher rewards if it rapidly adopts AI in powerhouse sectors such as accountancy and finance. The rollout of AI is raising hopes that Britain's economy can escape the productivity problem that has dogged it for two decades, even as slow growth pushes finance minister Rachel Reeves towards tax hikes in Wednesday's budget. Colleagues in another team running checks against corporate fraud created a report for customers in two hours, something that previously took two weeks. LONDON (Reuters) -When accountants at mid-tier firm Moore Kingston Smith began using artificial intelligence to speed up their work, profit margins jumped. Story Continues PRODUCTIVITY DRAGS As elsewhere, improvements in Britain's productivity slowed after the 2007-08 global financial crisis, leading to almost 20 years of weak growth and frustration among voters. Feeble productivity gains account for half of Britain's slowdown in pay growth since 2008, according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, a think tank. Starmer's government is trying to streamline the planning system, modernise infrastructure and improve skills to raise productivity and get the economy firing again. It also hopes that AI can inject more efficiency into public services. "Productivity isn't everything, but in the long run it is almost everything," Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman said in 1990. Bart van Ark, head of the University of Manchester's Productivity Institute, said that for Britain's government "almost everything in the short run is productivity". Britain has the highest inflation rate among the Group of Seven rich nations and too many people dropping out of the jobs market. Its business investment rate was the G7's second-lowest in 2024, although comparable to that for the United States, which manages far better productivity. But AI could be a card up Britain's sleeve. One of Reeves' deputy ministers, Torsten Bell, who is helping to write her budget, argued in his 2024 book that Britain "can and should ride the services wave". Bolstered by its expertise in financial and business services, law, education and architecture, Britain had a services trade surplus of $248 billion in 2024, second only to the United States, World Trade Organization figures show. British services exports accounted for just over 7% of the world's total, again the second-highest after the U.S. Less clear is the AI upside for British factories. They are struggling in the face of high energy, labour and raw materials costs, low public infrastructure investment and shifts in trading rules. Flooring materials maker Amtico, in England's Midlands region, uses AI to plan production. But its next big investment decision is about expanding the use of robotics to offset some of Britain's high costs for manufacturers. "I am looking to take my most labour-intensive processes and invest my way out of it," Jonathan Duck, Amtico's chief executive, said. Many firms are still smarting from a labour tax hike in Reeves' first budget last year. Employers say Reeves would risk her growth agenda if she increases tax on them again. GROWTH UP, BUT JOBS DOWN? Analysts say it is too early to be sure about AI's longer-term impact on economic growth as estimates range widely given the uncertainties about its real-world applications, but most agree it will not be immediate. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, who sees AI as a potential game-changer, said last month it took around 40 years between Thomas Edison first wiring up a light bulb and the impact of electricity showing up in the productivity statistics. "We are still at the experimentation stage with AI, so investment and persistence is crucial," Bailey said. The University of Manchester's Van Ark sees AI adding 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points to annual growth in the coming years. That would help an economy growing by about 1.5% a year but will not spare the current government from tough budget choices. Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said AI was likely to speed up growth in the mid-2030s, with Britain seeing more adoption than Europe's other big economies due to its more hands-off approach to regulation and labour laws. Andrew Wishart, an economist at bank Berenberg, said improved productivity in higher-value corporate sectors offered signs that a broader change was already underway. "If we don't have a sharp rise in taxes, I think we should see it in business earnings," he said. Risks from the rise of AI include the possibility that its gains flow mostly to bigger firms with more funds to invest, potentially leading to a less competitive economy and aggravating Britain's geographic imbalances. Some firms in highly regulated sectors, such as accountancy, worry that rule-makers will not keep pace with the technology. "The challenge for businesses is not getting a sense right now of what is and isn't allowed," Esther Mallowah, head of tech policy at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, said. Another big risk from a more automated future, its impact on the labour market, is becoming a little clearer. A survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development this month showed 17% of private sector employers expected to reduce headcount over the next 12 months as a result of AI. Only 6% planned an increase. At MKS, the number of graduates hired this year was cut. But Shields said the reduction was intended as a "short shock" to speed up the way staff adapt to AI. Hiring would probably return to normal after a year to ensure the human touch is not lost. "Our clients trust us to do more with their business whether it's wanting more assistance or new services," Shields said. "There is no expectation that will be a long-term trend." (Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Catherine Evans) Retailers in the UK are calling on the government to reform business rates ahead of the 2025 Autumn Budget, citing a strain on high-street profitability and their ability to invest in growth. As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver her fiscal plans on 26 November, trade bodies warn that many stores remain burdened by tax costs and need relief to boost retail sales during a critical trading season. Weak sales trends despite value growth Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that in October 2025 retail sales rose by 3.0 per cent in value but only 1.1 per cent in volume over the three months to October. However, on a monthly basis, volumes fell by 1.1 per cent in October the first decline since May. The drop has been attributed in part to consumers delaying spending ahead of Black Friday. Dr Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), notes that much of this was from a strong performance from smaller retailers and hopes that Black Friday and the run-up to Christmas will provide an uplift. PwC, which also analysed the October data, observed that consumers may have held back spending in the early autumn due to weaker sentiment and unfavourable weather. Pressure on retailers from tax burdens Retailers warn that they continue to face heavy financial pressure from the tax landscape. The BRC previously estimated that the sector has absorbed around 7bn of additional costs following changes in national insurance, the national living wage, and other fiscal measures. In response to these mounting costs, the BRC argues that any business rates reform must be structured so that no store pays more in business rates a key demand made ahead of the autumn budget. They emphasise that lower, fairer rates would allow retailers to reinvest in stores and warehouses, which in turn supports jobs and economic growth. There is also concern among major retailers about proposed surcharges affecting high-value commercial premises. Under current proposals, properties with a rateable value over 500,000 could face higher business rates a move that could put as many as 400 large stores at risk of closure, according to BRC warnings. Budget expectations and public finances scrutiny Chancellor Reeves is expected to outline her budget on 26 November, a date which also marks the release of revised economic and public finance forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the UKs independent public finances watchdog. Reeves has stated that the Budget will deliver on the priorities of the British people: cutting NHS waiting lists, cutting the national debt and cutting the cost of living. Gimv, a European investment company, presents an intriguing mix of financial metrics. It trades at 46.1% below its estimated fair value and boasts high-quality past earnings, indicating potential for value seekers. Despite having more cash than total debt and a reduced debt-to-equity ratio from 21% to 17.6% over five years, the firm faces challenges with negative earnings growth of -1.4%, contrasting the industry average of 10.5%. Recent half-year results show net income at 126.93 million (US$134 million), down from 144.87 million (US$153 million) last year, highlighting some performance pressures amidst otherwise solid fundamentals. Operations: Gimv generates revenue primarily through its private equity and venture capital investments, focusing on direct and fund of funds strategies. The firm's market capitalization stands at 1.69 billion. Overview: Gimv NV is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in direct and fund of funds investments, with a market capitalization of 1.69 billion. As European markets navigate the complexities of AI-related valuation concerns and shifting interest rate expectations, the pan-European STOXX Europe 600 Index recently experienced a decline, reflecting broader sentiment challenges. Despite these headwinds, eurozone business activity continues to expand steadily, suggesting potential opportunities for discerning investors seeking value in underappreciated sectors. In this environment, identifying stocks with strong fundamentals and growth potential can be crucial for those looking to capitalize on Europe's hidden investment opportunities. Story Continues ENXTBR:GIMB Debt to Equity as at Nov 2025 Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: EPC Groupe is involved in the manufacture, storage, and distribution of explosives across Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Americas with a market capitalization of 505.19 million. Operations: EPC Groupe generates revenue primarily from its Specialty Chemicals segment, which accounts for 513.62 million. The company's net profit margin trends are not disclosed in the available data, so further analysis would be needed to assess profitability. EPC Groupe, a notable player in the chemicals sector, has shown robust earnings growth of 15.5% over the past year, outpacing the industry average of 12.8%. The company's net debt to equity ratio stands at a satisfactory 39.8%, having improved from 92.4% five years ago to 54.6%. With interest payments well covered by EBIT at 4.3 times, EPC appears financially sound and is trading at an attractive valuation, reportedly 30.5% below its fair value estimate. Recent half-year results revealed sales of 260 million and net income of 13 million, alongside inclusion in the CAC All-Tradable Index, highlighting its growing market presence. ENXTPA:EXPL Debt to Equity as at Nov 2025 Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: Bonheur ASA operates in the renewable energy, wind service, and cruise sectors across various regions including the United Kingdom, Norway, Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and internationally with a market capitalization of NOK9.34 billion. Operations: The company's primary revenue streams are from Wind Service (NOK5.09 billion), Cruise (NOK3.78 billion), and Renewable Energy (NOK2.56 billion). The net profit margin presents an interesting trend, reflecting the financial efficiency of these operations across its diverse sectors. Bonheur, a dynamic player in the renewable energy sector, has shown impressive earnings growth of 19.5% over the past year, outpacing its industry peers. The company's net debt to equity ratio stands at a satisfactory 17.5%, indicating sound financial management and reduced leverage from 214.1% to 84.2% over five years. Despite challenges like potential revenue decline by an average of 7.2% annually for the next three years, Bonheur's interest payments are well covered with EBIT coverage at 9.2 times, reflecting strong operational efficiency and risk management strategies that bolster its long-term value proposition amidst market fluctuations. OB:BONHR Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Nov 2025 Where To Now? Reveal the 311 hidden gems among our European Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener with a single click here. Have a stake in these businesses? Integrate your holdings into Simply Wall St's portfolio for notifications and detailed stock reports. Join a community of smart investors by using Simply Wall St. It's free and delivers expert-level analysis on worldwide markets. Ready For A Different Approach? 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. Companies discussed in this article include ENXTBR:GIMB ENXTPA:EXPL and OB:BONHR. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Several U.S. banking giants and mortgage lenders are reportedly scrambling to assess how much of their customers data was stolen during a cyberattack on a New York financial technology company earlier this month. SitusAMC, which provides technology for over a thousand commercial and real estate financiers, confirmed in a statement over the weekend that it had identified a data breach on November 12. The company said that unspecified hackers had stolen corporate data associated with its banking customers relationship with SitusAMC, as well as accounting records and legal agreements during the cyberattack. The statement added that the scope and nature of the cyberattack remains under investigation. SitusAMC said that the incident is now contained, and that its systems are operational. The company said that no encrypting malware was used, suggesting that the hackers were focused on exfiltrating data from the companys systems rather than causing destruction. According to Bloomberg and CNN, citing sources, SitusAMC sent data breach notifications to several financial giants, including JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley. SitusAMC also counts pension funds and state governments as customers, according to its website. Its unclear how much data was taken, or how many U.S. banking consumers may be affected by the breach. Companies like SitusAMC may not be widely known outside of the financial world, but provide the mechanisms and technologies for its banking and real estate customers to comply with state and federal rules and regulations. In its role as a middleman for financial clients, the company handles vast amounts of non-public banking information on behalf of its customers. According to SitusAMCs website, the company processes billions of documents related to loans annually. When reached by TechCrunch, Citi spokesperson Patricia Tuma declined to comment on the breach. Tuma would not say if the bank has received any communications from the hackers, such as a demand for money. Representatives for JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. SitusAMC chief executive Michael Franco also did not respond to our email when contacted for comment Monday. A spokesperson for the FBI told TechCrunch that the bureau is aware of the breach. While we are working closely with affected organizations and our partners to understand the extent of potential impact, we have identified no operational impact to banking services, said FBI director Kash Patel in a statement shared with TechCrunch. We remain committed to identifying those responsible and safeguarding the security of our critical infrastructure. Do you know more about the SitusAMC data breach? Do you work at a bank or financial institution affected by the breach? We would love to hear from you. To securely contact this reporter, you can reach out using Signal via the username: zackwhittaker.1337 Tools for mechanical engineering are on the production line of a mechanical engineering company. US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has promised lower tariffs on steel and aluminium if the European Union revises its digital rules, after meeting with the bloc's trade ministers in Brussels. Bernd Weibrod/dpa US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has promised lower tariffs on steel and aluminium if the European Union revises its digital rules, after meeting with the bloc's trade ministers in Brussels. "If [ministers] can come up with that balanced approach, which I think they can, then we will together with them, handle the steel and [aluminium] issues," Lutnick said after the meeting. The EU has been trying to find a way to lower the the 50% import tariffs that the Washington imposes on steel and aluminium imports from the bloc. These tariffs also burden German industry. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the EU's digital rules in view of several proceedings brought by the European Commission against US corporations including Google, Amazon, Apple and Microsoft. The Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) are particularly contested. "The United States has had significant concerns for many years about the Digital Markets Act and similar legislation in the EU," said US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer who also took part in the talks. Many times US companies are almost exclusively affected, enforcement is "quite aggressive at times" and fines can be high, he said. German minister echoes US concerns on EU tech rules German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche called for fewer digital rules and greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Germany, on the sidelines of the meeting. "Germany has made it clear that we want opportunities to play a role in the digital world and implement AI in our industrial processes," Reiche said after meeting Lutnick and Greer. Not only Washington is critical of European digital legislation but Berlin too, said the German minister. "Without the implementation of AI models, there will be no bright future," she said, which is why the German government is also in Brussels to advocate for the easing of restrictive regulations. Reiche also cited the DSA and DMA as examples. Progress on implementation of EU-US tariffs deal Monday's meeting was the first time that EU trade ministers met their US counterparts after Brussels and Washington agreed last summer that a base tariff of 15% would apply to most EU imports into the US. Washington had previously threatened to impose much higher tariffs. In return the EU made several concessions including the promise to purchase $750 billion worth of US energy by the end of Trump's term and other major investments. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic stressed progress made by the bloc to implement the agreement. He said that the EU has purchased energy from the US worth $200 billion. The US share of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports to the EU has risen from 45 to 60%. EU investments in the US had reached over $150 billion since January. The Light Industry Agency, established this year by the Uzbekistan government will manage the fund that will reimburse farm and supply chain-level certification costs. The fund aims to encourage greater certification uptake by offering tax benefits, simplified logistics, and preferential loan schemes. BCIs Uzbekistan programme head Katerina Gorbunova said: Our continued engagement with the Government of Uzbekistan and its entities is testament to their collaborative spirit and commitment to transforming the countrys cotton sector. The cost of certification can be a barrier to entry not only for cotton clusters in Uzbekistan but farms around the world, so the launch of this fund will be pivotal to accelerating sustainability efforts. The strategic agreement marks a progression from the roadmap signed by BCI last year with Uzbekistans Ministry of Agriculture and the Textile and Garment Industry Association (Uztekstilprom). It moves the collaboration into an operational phase, focusing on funding, clarifying institutional roles, and introducing policy measures to support the adoption of sustainable practices within Uzbekistans national systems. The collaboration was announced at BCIs annual multistakeholder meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 13 November 2024. The event brought together representatives from government agencies, industry groups, brands, civil society organisations, and international partners to discuss developments in the cotton sector. Among those present were officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Uztekstilprom, and bodies including the International Labour Organization and Food & Agriculture Organization. Light Industry Agency director Nozim Kholmuradov said: Our strategic focus is to boost cotton-producing enterprises income and grow the number of Uzbekistan companies positioned to compete confidently on the global textile stage. A close partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative will be essential to reaching this ambition. In July this year, BCI introduced enhanced due diligence and decent work measures for its Uzbek operations. "New Uzbekistan fund will cover cotton sector BCI certification costs" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. OSR Company Vaximm has signed a non-binding term sheet with Swiss-based life sciences investor BCM Europe (BCME) for a potential exclusive worldwide licence for Vaximms oral cancer immunotherapy platform, VXM01. The agreement includes an exclusivity period of six months for negotiating and finalising a definitive agreement, pending due diligence and board approvals. Vaximm is eligible for an upfront payment of $20m and could earn up to $815m in commercial, clinical and regulatory milestone payments. BCME would transfer the commercial royalties it obtains from any pharmaceutical partner after recovering milestone differentials via a defined delta-recovery mechanism. BCME would serve as a financial intermediary and will fund development and partnering activities to obtain a global out-licence with a significant pharmaceutical company. This framework resembles the financing models employed by companies such as Blackstone Life Sciences and Royalty Pharma, which offer capital to biotech developers in return for milestone-based returns or royalties. Vaximm incoming CEO Andreas Niethammer stated: This term sheet marks an important step forward for Vaximm and our VXM01 oral T-cell immunotherapy platform. The contemplated collaboration with BCM Europe would accelerate development and global commercialisation of VXM01, while allowing us to retain full ownership of our intellectual property and continue our mission to deliver innovative immunotherapies to patients worldwide. The term sheet further outlines a mechanism for royalty participation based on blockchain technology, utilising TAC tokens. If Vaximm chooses capital from the BCM Royalty Fund, a designated share of future royalties may be allocated to TAC token holders; otherwise, royalties would be distributed exclusively through BCME. During the exclusivity period, BCME and Vaximm will collaborate on partnering materials preparation, due diligence and finalising the licence structure. Vaximm retains full intellectual property rights and BCME would obtain exclusive global rights only upon execution of an agreement. "Vaximm and BCME link on oral cancer immunotherapy platform" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Packaging company Vitrapack has expanded its flexographic printing capacity with the installation of a new 10-colour BOBST EXPERT CI press at its Belgian plant, as part of efforts to raise productivity and reduce material waste. The latest press joins a line-up of existing BOBST equipment at the site, including an 8-colour CI flexo press commissioned in 2009 and two 10-colour 20SIX CI flexo presses installed in 2017. All of these lines are fitted with the smartGPS registration and impression-setting technology. Vitrapack co-owner and delegated administrator Jan Laeremans stated: smartGPS technology truly sets BOBST apart from the competition. It delivers the high quality our customers demand with much less unwanted downtime in production. Our first BOBST press in 2009 and the two 20SIX presses have performed exceptionally well, so we had no hesitation in choosing another BOBST press, but we needed a wider specification. The new EXPERT CI has a capacity that is around 25% higher. The newly installed EXPERT CI press offers a 1300 mm web width, higher running speeds and full surface matrix intercolour drying to enhance process stability and minimise stretching of the substrate during printing. Belgium-based Vitrapack operates from a 17,000 m facility, employs 100 people and registered turnover of 32m ($36.9m) in 2024. The business supplies flexible packaging to major food and selected non-food brands in Belgium, the Netherlands and France. The company has been using flexographic printing since 1952 and added rotogravure printing in 1965. Vitrapacks collaboration with BOBST spans 20 years and has focused on automation, waste reduction technologies and ongoing technical support. Alongside this, Vitrapack, its sister pre-press business Rask, and Co-efficient have worked together on print standardisation initiatives. Co-efficient, now a BOBST solution partner, continues to offer data-driven consultancy services aimed at improving production efficiency and reducing waste. Vitrapack's blend of advanced automation, process control and external consultancy has helped the company to progress its waste-reduction goals, including lowering CO emissions, while improving set-up times and sustaining stable print quality. As part of its ongoing investment plans, the company intends to replace one of its older flexo presses with another BOBST machine. "Vitrapack adds BOBST flexo press to boost capacity and cut waste " was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. Molina Healthcare, Inc. (MOH), based in California, is a major U.S. managed care company that focuses on providing health insurance to individuals and families who receive care through government-sponsored programs. The company has a market cap of $7.7 billion and operates primarily in Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, serving millions of members across multiple states. Molina Healthcare has been on a brutal slide, dramatically falling out of step with the market. Over the past year, Molina shares have declined 52.2%, whereas the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 11%. The past six months have been even harsher as MOH tumbled 55.7% while the benchmark index climbed another 13%. More News from Barchart Even within its own corner of the healthcare world, the stock has been left behind. The SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF (XHS) rose 12.5% over the past year and 8.6% over the past six months. www.barchart.com On Oct. 22, Molina Healthcare released its third-quarter 2025 results, and the market reacted sharply, with the stock plunging 17.5% in the very next trading session. While revenue grew a solid 11% year over year to $11.5 billion, adjusted EPS crashed 69.4% to $1.84. The companys consolidated medical care ratio spiked to 92.6%, primarily driven by higher-than-expected costs in its Marketplace (ACA) segment. Membership increased to 5.6 million, but that wasnt enough to offset profit concerns. Molina also cut its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to around $14, down sharply from prior expectations near $19, which is its third guidance reduction of the year. For the current fiscal year, ending in December 2025, analysts expect Molinas EPS to decline 38.4% year over year to $13.95, on a diluted basis. The company has a mixed earnings surprise history overall. While it surpassed the Streets bottom-line projections in one of the trailing four quarters, it missed the EPS estimates in the other three. Overall, Wall Street appears cautious about MOH stock, with a consensus Hold rating. Of the 18 analysts currently offering recommendations, three advise a Strong Buy, 12 give a Hold, one has a Moderate Sell rating, and the remaining two have a Strong Sell rating. Key Points Warren Buffett has regularly recommended an S&P 500 index fund as the best way for most investors to get exposure to stocks. Professional money managers struggle to beat the S&P 500 on a consistent basis, as evidenced by a bet Buffett made in 2007. The S&P 500 returned 1,820% over the last three decades (10.3% annually), a pace that would turn $450 per month into $940,200. 10 stocks we like better than Vanguard S&P 500 ETF Warren Buffett has earned a reputation as one of the greatest investors in American history, but some of his best advice is often overlooked by traders in search of the next great stock. "In my view, for most people, the best thing to do is to own the S&P 500 index fund," Buffett said at Berkshire Hathaway's shareholder meeting in 2021. Investors have several options, but Buffett himself selected the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) when going head-to-head with a hedge fund in the early 2000s. Following Buffett's advice could turn $450 per month into $940,200. Here's what investors should know. Image source: Getty Images. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF provides exposure to many of the most influential companies The Vanguard S&P 500 tracks the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC), which measures the performance of 500 large U.S. companies. Included in the benchmark index are value stocks and growth stocks from all 11 stock market sectors. The S&P 500 is usually seen as the best gauge for the overall domestic stock market because it covers about 80% of domestic equities by market value. However, the S&P 500 also includes approximately 40% of global equities by market value, meaning it provides exposure to many of the most influential companies in the world. Listed below are the top 10 positions in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF: Nvidia: 8.4% Apple: 6.8% Microsoft: 6.5% Alphabet: 5% Amazon: 4% Broadcom: 2.9% Meta Platforms: 2.4% Tesla: 2.1% Berkshire Hathaway: 1.5% JPMorgan Chase: 1.4% Buffett once bet $500,000 that he could beat a hedge fund with the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF In 2007, Warren Buffett wagered $500,000 that no professional investor could outperform an S&P 500 index fund over an extended period. He even offered to let the contender select five hedge funds. Only one asset manager accepted the challenge: Buffett went head-to-head with Protege Partners between 2008 and 2017 -- and Buffett won. The best-performing Protege fund returned 88% during that 10-year period, and the worst fund did so poorly that it was dissolved after nine years. Meanwhile, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF returned 126%, meaning Buffett won the competition by 38 percentage points. A group of wealth management and asset management firms has reportedly agreed to a $25.5m settlement in a class action lawsuit that accused them of conspiring to limit job mobility and suppress renumerations for thousands of financial professionals. This class action settlement, which is awaiting final court approval, will benefit more than 4,400 current and previous employees, reported Reuters. Lawyers representing the employees have asked a federal judge in Kansas to grant final approval for the nationwide settlement. This agreement covers present and previous employees of firms such as Mariner Wealth Advisors and American Century Companies between 2012 and 2020, according to the report. The plaintiffs had filed the lawsuit last year. They claimed that the firms breached antitrust law by agreeing not to recruit each others employees. American Century and Montage Investments, another defendant, earlier entered into no-prosecution deals with the US Justice Department over related charges, according to court filings. American Century expressed satisfaction in reaching a resolution to the workers lawsuit in Kansas and stated that it remains committed to fair and honest competition in compliance with all laws and regulations. Representatives for Mariner Wealth Advisors and Montage Investments did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Lead attorneys for the plaintiffs also did not provide immediate comment, reported the news outlet. The wealth and asset management firms have denied any wrongdoing in the case. According to the plaintiffs, Mariner defendants manage about $65.9bn in assets, while American Century defendants manage about $230bn in assets. As per their statement, the settlement offers prompt and substantial compensation to impacted employees while eliminating the uncertainty and costs associated with ongoing legal proceedings. Settlement payments will be determined based on factors such as the length of employment, as detailed in court documents. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs estimate that each eligible employee will automatically receive an average payment of approximately $3,700. The settlement also stipulates that the plaintiffs lawyers will seek up to one-third of the settlement fund, or about $8.5m, for legal fees. The case is titled Jakob Tobler et al v. 1248 Holdings LLC, US District Court for the District of Kansas, No. 2:24-cv-02068-EFM-GEB. Legal representation for the plaintiffs includes George Hanson of Stueve Siegel Hanson and Rowdy Meeks of Rowdy Meeks Legal Group. Mariner Wealth Advisors is represented by Jonathan King of DLA Piper, while American Century Companies is represented by John Schmidtlein of Williams & Connolly. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is included among the 15 Best Long Term Stocks to Buy According to Reddit. Wells Fargo Raises Chevron (CVX) Price Target to $196 After Positive Investor Day On November 14, Wells Fargo analyst Sam Margolin increased his price target on Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) to $196 from $190 and maintained an Overweight rating, according to a report by The Fly. He noted that the companys investor day delivered a generally positive message. While broader commodity trends will likely shape near-term market reaction, Wells Fargo said Chevrons updates point to solid free cash flow and dividend growth supported by both new and existing assets. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) also outlined its plans through 2030. The company expects to grow its adjusted free cash flow and earnings per share by more than 10% annually over this period. It has several major expansion projects either underway or in the pipeline. The companys acquisition of Hess also gave it a foothold in the highly productive Stabroek Block offshore Guyana. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) operates as a global energy company involved in the exploration, production, refining, and marketing of oil and natural gas. While we acknowledge the potential of CVX 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. READ NEXT: 12 Best European Dividend Stocks to Buy Now and 13 Best Canadian Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term. Disclosure: None. XRP price poised for $5. Photo by BeInCrypto XRP jumped more than 9% to $2.27 after Franklin Templeton and Grayscale launched their spot XRP ETF on Monday. The $1.69 trillion asset manager joined Bitwise, Grayscale, and Canary Capital in offering regulated XRP investment products, calling XRP "foundational" for global settlement infrastructure. This wave of ETF launches marks a turning point for XRP. After regulatory uncertainty faded with Ripple's SEC settlement earlier in 2025, institutional interest is surging. Wave of Institutional ETF Launches Signals Market Maturity Franklin Templeton debuted the Franklin XRP ETF (XRPZ) on NYSE Arca, offering regulated XRP exposure through a grantor trust. The fund tracks the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate and uses Coinbase Custody as custodian, with BNY Mellon as administrator. According to Franklin Templeton's announcement, the ETF allows investors to follow XRP's performance transparently, without buying the cryptocurrency directly. XRPZ offers investors a convenient and regulated way to access a digital asset that plays a critical role in the global settlement infrastructure, stated David Mann, director of ETF products and capital markets at Franklin Templeton. Grayscale has also launched its XRP Trust ETF (GXRP) with a zero-fee introductory period, highlighting XRP's strong market position. Bitwise, which launched its XRP ETF a week earlier, reported $100 million in initial inflows. The clustering of ETF launches signals that asset managers were prepared for regulatory clarity, which arrived from the SEC in 2025. Regulatory Resolution Paves Way for Wall Street Entry Ripples $125 million settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2025 ended years of uncertainty. SEC statements confirm that Ripple resolved all claims without admitting wrongdoing, paid $50 million directly to the agency, and had the rest released from escrow. This resolution gave large financial institutions the assurance needed to pursue spot ETFs. XRP was recently up 9% over the past 24 hours as Franklin Templeton officially added to the growing list of exchange-traded fund tracking the assets price. At the time of writing, XRP was trading for $2.24 and was up 5.2% over the past week, reversing recent declines, according to crypto price aggregator CoinGecko. XRP is down more than 13% over the past month. The Franklin XRP ETF (XRPZ) listed on the New York Stock Exchange Arca on Monday. It rose 8.7% from its starting price of $22.60, according to Yahoo Finance. On Monday, XRP and other major digital assets recaptured ground lost over the past six weeks as crypto markets slumped. Bitcoin is still recovering from a dip to $82,175its lowest level since early Apriland Ethereum is working its way back from having dipped to a four-month low below $2,700 last week, according to CoinGecko. Franklin Templetons new fund is meant to mirror the performance of XRP as measured by the New York Variant of the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate. XRPZ offers investors a convenient and regulated way to access a digital asset that plays a foundational role in global settlement infrastructure, through the transparency and oversight of an ETF, David Mann, head of ETF product and capital markets at Franklin Templeton said in a press release. Canary's XRP ETF Off to Hot Start, Has 'Good Shot' of Breaking Record: Analyst Its been a big day for XRP funds. Just this morning Grayscale uplisted its XRP and Dogecoin funds on the same exchange. The new ETFs will trade under GXRP and GDOG, respectively. The uplisting means that the funds already existed, but werent true spot ETFs. Like the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust and Grayscale Ethereum Trust before them, the firms altcoin funds were converted into true spot ETFs. Earlier this month, fund issuer Canary unveiled an XRP ETF. The fund got off to a hot start, beating analysts estimates for its debut inflows of $17 million in less than 30 minutes and $58 million for the daythe most among any ETF this year. Unemployment is an unsettling situation that, for many, means a lack of steady income. As of Aug. 2025, 4.3% of Americans 7.4 million were unemployed and actively looking for work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If youre part of that demographic, heres what to know about using a credit card vs. using your savings account to meet your expenses. Should I use my credit card while unemployed? While you may be able to get by with your savings in the short term, long stretches of unemployment may make you consider using your credit card to meet your financial needs. Whether or not you should use your credit card will depend on your unique situation but in general, the high rates of interest that typically come with carrying a balance on a credit card can mean incurring expensive debt, which can be a dangerous proposition when youre lacking a steady income. An exception to this is using a card with a 0% APR offer , which means that for a promotional period of time, purchases with the card wont accrue finance charges. Of course, youll still owe the bank for the purchases you make and the introductory 0% offer doesnt last forever, but it may help you get by in the short-term. If you are in a situation where your credit card is the only option to get the necessities you need while youre out of work, aim to make at least the minimum monthly payments on your card to prevent damage to your credit score. Can I get a credit card while unemployed? Although it might be possible to get approved for a credit card when youre unemployed, nearly all applications will ask you for your income. Lenders want to make sure you can pay them back, and theyre unlikely to give you a line of credit if you look like a high-risk customer. However, if you still have other types of alternative forms of income, such as a side gig, freelance work, or passive income, you may still qualify. Passive income can take a variety of forms, ranging from alimony, child support, inheritance money, investments, public assistance, retirement funds, or Social Security funds. Theres also the issue of adding a new line of credit when you dont have a steady income. Studies have shown that having a credit card creates temptation for many to spend above their means and this could certainly ring true during times of unemployment. Should I use my savings account while unemployed? The Federal Reserves 2024 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking revealed only 63% of households could cover an emergency expense of $400 or less. In an ideal scenario, youd have an emergency savings account with several months worth of living expenses set aside. If youre fortunate enough to have money in a traditional savings, high-yield savings, money market or even a checking account, this is exactly the time to use it even if you havent earmarked it as an emergency fund. Using your available cash for expenses provides a buffer that wont accumulate debt or interest like using a credit card or taking out a personal loan. Keep in mind that withdrawing money from other types of savings or retirement accounts, including 401ks and Roth IRAs, is often more complicated and can have high penalties if you withdraw money before the investment has matured or youve reached full retirement age. Related: The best high-yield savings accounts This embedded content is not available in your region. Other financial moves to make When youre out of work and looking for ways to make ends meet, it can be tempting to simply put your expenses on a credit card and figure youll deal with it down the road. But there are strategies you can employ to reduce your expenses and keep your head above water. Consider one or more of the following: Take a deep dive in your budget. Saving where you can should be a top priority until you secure a new position. You might want to cancel subscriptions, switch to a cheaper cellphone brand, buy groceries in bulk and any other realistic ways to trim your expenses. Consider alternative jobs . While you explore new job opportunities in your field, consider part-time or other side gigs, like working as a rideshare driver, package or grocery deliveries, pet-sitting or other relatively low-barrier ways to generate income. Sell your unwanted or unused stuff. The resale market is booming and its possible you can earn some money by clearing out household items or apparel that you werent using. Consider taking out a low-interest loan: Depending on your financial circumstances, it may make sense to take out a loan to provide you with a cushion during your period of unemployment. Credit unions and smaller community banks often have better rates than big banks and traditional lenders. Contact your lenders. You may also want to reach out to your credit card issuers, auto lenders and mortgage lenders to let them know of your circumstances and ask them if they offer hardship or forbearance programs where they can temporarily pause or lower the interest rates on your existing loans. Before entering into any kind of agreement, however, make sure you are clear on the terms as it could have a negative impact on your credit score. Meet with a nonprofit credit counselor. Unlike for-profit companies that claim they can reduce what you owe and instruct you to stop paying your bills, wrecking your credit score in the process, a nonprofit credit counselor can help you determine the best plan for your circumstances. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling offers a wealth of resources to help you find a reputable counselor in your area. Read more: Are debt relief programs legit? Is it better to use my credit card or savings account when unemployed? Between the two options, using your savings account is a smarter money move than using your credit card when youre out of work, as you wont accrue any additional debt this way. If youve depleted your savings and are in dire need of funds, seeking a personal loan is the next best option as using a credit card without a repayment plan is an extremely expensive option. The exception to this is if you open a card with a 0% APR offer on purchases to buy yourself some time until you find employment without accruing high-interest debt. This article was edited by Robin Saks Frankel Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product. (Photo courtesy of Guam Visitors Bureau) Dates: December 13, 2025 Location: Litekyan Time: 8:00 AM To 12:00 PM Price: Admission: FREE attendance, All Ages Welcome Walk for Water: Water Justice and Native Land Stewardship at Litekyan Join the community for the 2nd Celebration at Litekyan for Water Justice & Native Land Stewardship! The Walk for Water returns to unify the island in protecting the human right to clean drinking water and advocating for the protection of Guams lands and waters. This gathering highlights the threats to our waterincluding PFAS, dieldrin, Agent Orange, and contamination from military live fire training and bombingand calls for the protection of our islands sole aquifer. Event Details What: Walk for Water Theme: LINALA I HANOM WATER IS LIFE Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 Time: 8:00 AM 12:00 PM (Show Time @ 8 AM) Location: Litekyan, Guahan Admission: FREE attendance, All Ages Welcome The Walk and Activities The event features a walk of solidarity alongside ancestral stewards, yoamte, fishers, cultural practitioners, and allies. The Walk: A one-mile walk through Litekyan, including time for chanting and praying through the lisayu . An alternate 0.25-mile route is also available. Ceremony & Education: Includes a Water Ceremony, Live Performances, Guest Speakers on water justice and land protection, and educational demonstrations on amot and environmental stewardship. Accessibility: An accessibility zone with seating and shade will be open for our Saina and anyone who needs it. The walk is a commitment to protect the aquifer, coastlines, sacred sites, and the generations yet to come. Airplanes see countless passengers every day, and high-touch surfaces like tray tables, seat belts, armrests and overhead bins are often handled without being disinfected between flights, letting microbes transfer to your clothing. Spending hours sitting near other passengers can also leave germs clinging to your clothes. One habit Ive adopted is tossing my airplane clothes straight into the wash as soon as I get home, helping prevent germs from spreading to family or pets. It may sound extreme, but there are science-backed reasons to wash travel clothes immediately. Travel: These Are The Germiest Spots In Ubers And Cabs Heres what you should know, and why you should consider washing your travel clothes ASAP: How Germs Circulate On Planes Planes might not be inherently dirty, but there are plenty of ways microbes, including bacteria and viruses, can spread during a flight. From brushing your sleeve against the armrest or tray table to resting your head on the seat back or standing in lavatory queues, every interaction offers a chance for these tiny hitchhikers to transfer onto your clothes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The air around all of us and any other living thing we encounter is surrounded by a small cloud of microbes, skin particles and dust particles, directly from our bodies or clothing, said Karen Duus, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Touro University Nevada. As people gather, those little personal clouds mingle, and some of it is exchanged and sticks to us or our clothing as we touch, brush against, sit or lie on different surfaces, pass by people, pets, animals and plants. Beyond surface contact, germs can also travel through the air when people breathe, talk, cough or sneeze, letting infectious droplets settle on you. Travel: You're Probably Doing The 'American Lean' And It's A Dead Giveaway You're A Tourist Abroad Respiratory viruses are the most common infectious diseases that can be transmitted on planes and are easiest to spread, said Dr. Zachary Hoy, a board-certified pediatric infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix Medical Group in Nashville, Tennessee, referring to illnesses such as influenza, COVID and the common cold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our shoes can be culprits, too, picking up microbes from the ground as we move through airports and planes. Duus points out that anything we touch afterward can transfer those particles to our hands, clothing or skin, and from there to our mouths, noses or eyes through everyday actions like eating, rubbing or scratching. There's a case for changing out of your plane clothes once you get home or to your destination. izusek via Getty Images What Airplane HEPA Filters Can And Cant Do for Germs According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Yellow Book on air travel, airplane air quality is actually better than most people think. Commercial jets mix outside air with recirculated air that passes through HEPA filters, which capture about 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, significantly lowering the risk of airborne illness. It is less likely that particles can settle on passengers clothing with HEPA filters, and airline air is exchanged in the cabin much more frequently than offices or other buildings, Hoy said. But there are times when the air exchange is not running, such as getting off and on the plane and waiting on the runway. Home: Simple Laundry Rules To Disinfect Your Clothes During Cold And Flu Season Its also worth being mindful of your surroundings while sitting at the gate, where youre likely breathing unfiltered air shared with other travelers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Annie DePasquale, a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Collaborating Docs, added that while HEPA filters dramatically reduce airborne particles, they cant stop every type of transmission, especially when youre sitting close to someone whos sick. Transmission risk increases within about one row or one meter, she explains. Coughs and sneezes can still send droplets onto your sleeves, lap or scarf, even with strong cabin filtration in place. What Are The Real Risks Of Germs On Your Clothes? A few hardy bacterial and fungal spores, parasite cysts, worm eggs and protein-coated virus particles can potentially last for months to years if they are not removed by soap and water, neutralized or wiped away by disinfectants, or washed away in the laundry, said Duus, noting that some are especially resilient to temperature changes, humidity and even common disinfectants like alcohol gels and wipes. Travel: This Small Country Is Really Into George W. Bush The vast majority of these microbes we come in contact with are either harmless or are neutralized by the antimicrobial compounds on our skin, our tears, our saliva or our oral and upper respiratory mucous membranes, Duus said. However, sometimes they sneak in and can potentially cause infections if your immune system doesnt respond to them before they start rapidly replicating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In general, viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses can remain on surfaces anywhere from several hours to several days. The Mayo Clinic states that the survival rate of a virus depends on a few factors, including the climate and indoor environment and the type of surface the virus lands on. Some viruses stay more infectious on fabrics, according to the organization. Textiles can act as fomites, DePasquale added, referring to inanimate objects or surfaces, like clothing, bedding or seat cushions, that can pass along infectious viruses or bacteria, usually at low levels, to hands and then onto doorknobs, counters and couches. The risk is lower than airborne spread but not zero. The Smart Habit Every Flier Should Adopt After Landing To minimize the spread of germs after a flight, especially if anyone at home is elderly, pregnant, very young or immunocompromised, remove your airplane clothes as soon as you get home. Travel: 12 Things Doctors Always Do When They Travel To Avoid Getting Sick Drop travel clothes directly into a hamper or washer. Avoid shaking items, which can disperse particles, said DePasquale, adding that you should wash your hands immediately afterward. Launder clothes with detergent and warm or hot water if the fabric allows, and machine dry on warm or high. Heat and detergents inactivate many microbes effectively, she said. Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to pets, DePasquale explained that while its rare for humans to pass infections to their furry companions through clothing, its still smart to change out of your travel clothes and wash your hands before any close contact. There are also some often-overlooked steps that can help reduce germ spread, like disinfecting your phone, carry-on handles and straps and reusable water bottle mouthpieces. These are high-touch travel items that often come into contact with seats and lavatories, DePasquale said. You can take it a step further by showering before changing into clean clothes. [This] quickly removes whatever settled on skin and hair during the journey, she added. Since theres always some risk while flying, improve your odds of staying healthy by making sure to wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating. Advertisement Advertisement Before air travel, you can evaluate yourself and your family to see if anyone is sick and possibly delay travel, Hoy said. When you are sick or have been sick recently, there is an immune recovery period during which you could be at higher risk for infection exposure during airline travel. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Many dairies are multigenerational operations with some members of the farm team either on Medicare or preparing to transition over to coverage. The popularity of traditional Medicare has waned in recent years, with many beneficiaries (54%) now choosing Medicare Advantage plans. The plans have been popular and have worked well in the past. Some of the features people like are an expense debit card for over-the-counter medical supplies; allowances for dental work, typically $1,000 or more per year; and allowances for eye exams, hearing exams, and equipment. Another great feature on a Medicare Advantage plan is that your yearly out-of-pocket expenses are capped. The caps differ between in-network and out-of-network providers, so when shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan, it is necessary to do a lot of homework. The provider networks are constantly changing year to year, so you must verify the doctors you want to work with are still in the network. Likewise, the prescription drugs you might typically use can change tiers and suddenly become expensive or not covered at all. Yet, this is not quite as much of a concern now that the Part D donut hole has closed. My recommendation is to use a well-trusted local insurance broker when shopping for Medicare Advantage plans and to pay attention to the yearly out-of-pocket caps. They can vary by thousands of dollars, depending on which company you use. Doing homework Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks, which is unlike original Medicare where many doctors accepted the coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans have wide networks while others have restricted access, making comparison-shopping essential. The issue popping up now is that providers are running into frequent claim denials and slow payments from insurers. Also, there are hurdles getting prior authorization. Hospitals and doctors are getting tired of such hassles. Hospitals are encountering Medicare Advantage plans that dont want to cover enough of the cost for medical care. Medicare Advantage claim denials occur more often than you think. In the few years I have been on a Medicare Advantage plan, I have encountered four denials. One was correct. That was a billing error when I switched plans on Jan. 1 of a new year, and the hospital billed the old plan. The other three denials were paperwork headaches. Two of the denials centered around refusing to pay for a dental crown on the grounds that they never got the pre-approval X-rays. My insurance agent handled all of the claims. The second time it happened, I received a dated copy of the x-ray from my dentist and mailed the certified return receipt requested to the insurance company. The company didnt balk, and they settled the claim right away after receiving the certified mail. The third time my claim was denied, the bill was over $100,000 for a GI bleed. I appealed, and three months later, the bill was finally paid. The moral of the story is dont just fade away fight back and appeal. Most of the time you will get paid. If you are hospitalized, talk to your doctors and nurses, and even the discharge personnel. They can tell you what insurance companies are easy to work with and which companies they dont recommend. Changing landscape Some Medical Advantage programs such as United Health and Humana are publicly traded on the stock market. They are for-profit companies and cut costs as much as possible. One way to cut costs is to eliminate certain plans and to pull out of various counties. That is what is happening now, which makes insurance markets a fluid landscape. In addition to this, some hospital associations are refusing to renew contracts, which means to get service with them, so you will pay the out-of-network rate. When COVID-19 hit the United States, a lot of seniors postponed getting elective surgeries. After the emergency subsided, a wave of elective surgeries began, and this crimped the bottom line of the Medicare Advantage plan providers. Consequently, many plan providers are expected to trim benefits for the next several years. Even original Medicare will be tightening its belt and will require some beneficiaries to receive prior authorization to receive certain payments. The Medicaid cuts in the recently passed Big Beautiful Bill Act are also expected to impede the bottom line of insurance companies. Dont be surprised if premiums jump. It is possible that Medicare Advantage plans might pull out of an area altogether. For example, on Sept. 10, UCare announced it would no longer offer Advantage Plans in Minnesota. UCare was the second-largest provider of Advantage plans in Minnesota and sold about 26% of policies there. According to Mark White of the Allison White Insurance Agency, if there are no Advantage plans offered in your county, you can return to original Medicare and purchase Medigap insurance providing you switch to original Medicare within the specific guaranteed issue period. This period is usually 60 days before your Advantage plan coverage ends and 63 days after it ends. Normally, once you leave Medicare and return, it is difficult to purchase Medigap policies later. However, in special situations such as this, you can. Be sure to keep copies of all termination letters or emails. Big changes are coming to Medicare Advantage plans. Check the annual notice of change; dont just assume everything is still the same. A lot of insurance companies enter negotiations and reach an agreement with hospital networks at the last minute, so dont count on your hospital being in network just because it was during the previous year. Because of all the turmoil, it is more important than ever to use a trusted local insurance broker to explain the insurance rules to you. Try to get a broker who specializes in Medicare and works with multiple companies so you can shop for the best policies. And finally, make an appointment and do an annual insurance review with your broker in the fall. It is time well spent. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. GUEST OPINION: We speak with finance leaders to uncover how AI, automation, and tech innovation are impacting the future of accounts payable automation. The accounts payable (AP) function as we know it is disappearing. Advanced AI and automation are reshaping what AP teams do, how CFOs view their responsibilities, and where the entire profession is headed. In our latest report, Stop the AP Leak, Duplicate Payments, Slow Approvals and What Top CFOs Do Next, we looked beyond the obvious frustrations of manual AP: slow approvals, data errors, inconsistent processes and exposure to fraud and explored what the future looks like, said Sharon Nouh, CEO & Founder, ProSpend. We spoke to several finance leaders across industries to uncover just how costly manual AP can be; their insights were accurate and even a little alarming. We also explored how leading organisations are closing the gaps. The message from CFOs across industries was clear: automation is no longer optional for organisations that want to remain competitive. It is now the foundation of a resilient and future-ready finance function. Goodbye risky data management, hello automation According to Nouh, traditional accounts payable is slow, error-prone, resource-intensive, and open to fraud. Modern automation eliminates these risks, but recognising the problem is only the first step. Manual processes carry too much risk, while automated workflows deliver the accuracy, speed and control finance teams need to stay ahead, she added. Emma Fisher, Managing Director, Evolve Consultancy Group Emma Fisher, Managing Director of Sydney-based Evolve Consultancy Group, explains that beyond operational headaches, bad invoice data undermines the integrity of the entire financial picture. If invoice data isnt accurate, the financials built on top of it cant be trusted. That undermines managements ability to make confident decisions, she says. Too often, invoices are either pushed straight through without any real scrutiny, or theyre only checked at the point of payment in the bank. What gets missed are the fundamentals is the value aligned to the budget or the original proposal? Without that check, overpayments and unnecessary costs creep in very easily. In my experience, most businesses face recurring data accuracy challenges, which erode confidence in their reporting and create hesitation at the executive level. Since invoices are the foundation of financial statements, even small errors compound quickly into bigger problems. Bad data leads to real losses, like duplicate or overstated payments, incorrect GST treatment, or posting errors that spark supplier disputes or audit fixes. Tamanna Relia, Founder, Cents & Solutions Tamanna Relia, Founder of Brisbane-based financial advisory firm Cents & Solutions, emphasises that poor invoice data creates systemic costs. It is a costly and systemic issue, she says. For companies issuing invoices, mistakes can mean delayed or lost revenue. Lack of internal controls can cause companies to pay the same invoice twice. Manual reconciliations could cause a team to spend more time, higher processing costs, errors in GST reconciliations, and damaged supplier relationships. In short, bad invoice data undermines financial reporting and adds risk at every turn. And in an age of advanced AP tools, this problem shouldnt exist. Trends and Predictions for Accounts Payable in 2026 If traditional AP is fading and CFOs are steering the change, understanding where its headed is essential. The shift from manual processing to AI-driven automation is already underway, reshaping how finance teams operate day to day. ProSpends report identified six emerging trends that are shaping this new era of accounts payable. These trends signal a fundamental shift in how AP operates, what it delivers and the value it brings to finance. Advanced OCR and AI algorithms now extract invoice data and match POs automatically, with minimal human input. AP teams will step in only when needed, dramatically speeding up processing cycles. Finance leaders are embracing embedded payment capabilities within AP platforms. Instead of separate banking portals, payments are initiated and executed right inside the AP workflow, eliminating errors and delays while ensuring on-time vendor payments. Modern AP systems will provide real-time dashboards and instant analytics from payables data. CFOs will get up-to-the-minute visibility into outflows, approval bottlenecks and budget impacts, enabling proactive decisions. Leading platforms now lock down supplier bank details with multi-step verification and audit trails. Any change to vendor payment info triggers alerts and approvals, ensuring payouts only go to verified accounts. Powered by machine learning, next-gen AP tools analyse patterns to flag risks before they materialise. Systems proactively warn of duplicate billing, suspicious charges or compliance issues, making AP an early warning system rather than just a processor. CFOs are adopting unified platforms that combine expense management, AP automation, purchasing and payments in one system. This consolidation shatters silos and provides instant visibility and control over business spend. Empowering finance beyond accounts payable Tamanna Relia advocates for expanding automation beyond accounts payable to other areas of finance, including reconciliations and accounts receivable invoicing, suggesting that the benefits of automation should be applied more broadly across financial operations. "Nowadays, CFOs are expected to be more than financial controllers," she says. Automation of financial procedures is not a distraction from the CFO's role but rather an enabler of it. When automation is in place, finance teams can spend more time analysing and less time processing, which gains credibility as a CFO as they are forward strategists, not just traditional accountants." "For most SMEs, it will be the cost of investing in a payables system and being able to justify the ROI to the board that this initial cost will provide substantial benefits to the organisation that are measurable in cost savings, risk reduction and increased efficiency," he says. Kerryn Divall Kerryn Divall points to scalability as a key consideration for CFOs looking at how their accounts payable or other finance systems might evolve in the future, particularly for organisations facing structural changes. "If the structure of an organisation changes, the accounts payable function may not be scalable," she explains. "In these cases, more invoices or activity would mean more resources for data entry. If there were a data capture option with direct entry into the finance system, data entry becomes a review process and a value add instead of a chore." Michelle Kvello, Managing Director and CFO, Lantern Partners One major gain from smoother AP is clarity in forecasts, notes Michelle Kvello, Managing Director and CFO of Sydney-based consulting firm Lantern Partners. The big change would be clarity in our forecasts. Missed invoices, which then have to be paid quickly, or late invoice submissions, which mean unexpected changes to cashflow forecasts, are difficult to manage, particularly in this environment, she says. Put simply, streamlining AP is a win for everyone. Suppliers appreciate prompt, predictable payments and can better manage their own cash flow when they can rely on timely remittances. Transform or get left behind The gap between those embracing change and those resisting it will only widen. CFOs who make automation a strategic priority and prepare their teams for a data-driven, exception-led future will stay ahead. Read the full report, Stop the AP Leak, to learn how leading CFOs are implementing automation and what results they are seeing. ProSpend is Australia's leading unified business spend management platform, bringing together expense management, AP automation, and virtual cards in one seamless solution. For a decade, we've been transforming how Australian businesses manage their spending, serving over 1,000 customers across Australia and New Zealand. By unifying spend management with one platform, we help businesses take control of every dollar spent and give finance teams back time for strategic growth. Media Contact: Tanu Kaushik - Marketing Director, ProSpend tanu@prospend.com About Sharon Nouh Sharon Nouh has 25+ years of experience building corporate travel businesses and leading travel technology companies. She developed and launched Australias first locally-built expense management tool expensemanager the original version of ProSpend. For the past decade, her vision has been to build a proactive spend platform that will simplify business spend with solutions that help businesses work smarter, not harder. GUEST OPINION: Account breaches are a growing concern for individuals and businesses alike. With more private data stored online, the risk of unauthorised access to accounts has increased significantly. Securing accounts involves a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity. Users need to be aware of various strategies that can greatly reduce their vulnerability to breaches. Implementing robust measures can combat the threats posed by cybercriminals and mitigate the implications of a possible breach. Understanding these measures is crucial for protecting oneself and ones business from financial loss and reputational damage. Image source Understanding Account Breaches Account breaches occur when unauthorised individuals gain access to personal or sensitive information stored in an online account. Most breaches happen due to weak or stolen passwords, phishing schemes, and various forms of cyberattacks. According to statistics from Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is projected to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This alarming figure underscores the dire need for effective security measures. Breaches can lead to financial loss, identity theft, and fraud, which can have long-term impacts on an individual's credit and reputation. Knowing how breaches occur is the first step in implementing preventative strategies. Users must recognise the signs of suspicious activity to take swift action necessary to protect their information. Developing Strong Password Protocols Creating powerful passwords is a fundamental aspect of securing online accounts. Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to sensitive information. Users should adopt passwords that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to enhance security. Dictionary words or easily guessable information should be avoided. Users are encouraged to implement unique passwords for different accounts to prevent a single breach from affecting multiple platforms. Regularly updating passwords is another critical measure, as it reduces the chances of unauthorised access. Various password managers can assist users in generating and securely storing complex passwords. Understanding the real cost of online fraud emphasises the importance of prioritising password security in the broader context of cyber threats. Strengthening these practices empowers individuals and organisations to build a more resilient defence against evolving digital risks. Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an important layer of security to account access. MFA requires users to verify their identity through multiple methods before allowing access to their accounts. This may include something they know, such as a password, plus something they have, like a mobile phone, where a unique verification code is sent. This method dramatically reduces the likelihood of unauthorised access, even if passwords are compromised. Many platforms now offer MFA as a standard feature, making it increasingly accessible for users. Individuals should enable MFA wherever possible, as this simple step can thwart many types of cyber threats targeting personal accounts. Recognising Phishing Attempts Phishing remains one of the most common tactics employed by cybercriminals to gain unauthorised access to accounts. Phishing attempts disguise themselves as legitimate requests for sensitive information, often through email or messages. Training oneself and employees to recognise signs of phishing is critical, as this includes scrutinising the senders address and looking for spelling errors or unusual requests. Individuals should be cautious of links in emails and never provide personal information without verifying the source. Using email filters can help mitigate the risk of encountering phishing attempts by filtering out suspicious communications. Awareness and education are key components in protecting oneself and organisations from these deceptive tactics. Securing Devices and Networks Device and network security play a pivotal role in preventing account breaches. Personal devices should be protected with updated antivirus software and firewalls. Regular updates to operating systems and applications help patch vulnerabilities that cybercriminals might exploit. For those using public Wi-Fi connections, securing personal information becomes even more crucial. Employing the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can encrypt internet traffic and safeguard data when using public networks. Users must ensure that their home networks are secure, including changing default router passwords and enabling Wi-Fi encryption. Taking these measures protects individual accounts and the wider network of devices interconnected through home networks. Monitoring Account Activity Regularly Regularly monitoring account activity is important for identifying suspicious behaviour. Users should routinely check their account statements for unauthorised transactions or changes. Enabling alerts for unusual logins or transactions can provide immediate notifications of possible breaches. Prompt reporting of suspicious activities to account providers can limit the extent of potential damage. Periodic reviews of privacy settings on social media and other platforms can help users control what information is publicly accessible. By remaining vigilant and informed, individuals can quickly act upon any signs of compromise, potentially preventing larger breaches. Educating Employees on Cybersecurity For businesses, employee education on cybersecurity is indispensable. Employees are often the first line of defence against account breaches, and their awareness can significantly impact overall security. Regular training sessions should be conducted to ensure that team members are familiar with current threats and best practices. This can cover topics ranging from recognising phishing attempts to understanding their role in data protection. Establishing policies regarding the use of personal devices for work activities can aid in maintaining security. A culture of security awareness within an organisation can significantly enhance protection against breaches. Establishing Incident Response Plans Even with robust security measures in place, breaches can still occur. Having an incident response plan is important. This plan should outline clear steps to take in the event of an account breach, including designating roles and responsibilities. Swift response capabilities can minimise potential damage and facilitate recovery. Preparing for a breach involves proactive measures, as regular drills can ensure that all team members know how to act swiftly should a breach occur. An established plan prepares individuals for potential incidents and strengthens cybersecurity architecture. Utilising Advanced Security Solutions Organisations should consider adopting advanced security solutions that specifically address countering account breaches. Technologies such as artificial intelligence can detect unusual behaviour patterns and alert users to potential incidents. Real-time monitoring systems can provide ongoing surveillance of account activities. Implementing these advanced security protocols can act as a deterrent and make it more challenging for cybercriminals to compromise accounts. Investing in robust cybersecurity measures protects sensitive business data and enhances customer trust and confidence. Image source By adopting strong password protocols, enabling multi-factor authentication, recognising phishing attempts, securing devices, monitoring activity, educating employees, establishing incident response plans, and utilising advanced security solutions, individuals and businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerabilities. Awareness and proactive measures are the keys to safeguarding against breaches and ensuring that sensitive information remains protected. As the landscape of cyber threats evolves, so too must our strategies for protection. Bendigo Bank today announced a significant expansion of its relationship with Google Cloud, signing a multi-year agreement that will ensure its people and customers will benefit from the latest AI capabilities, digital skills, and cybersecurity defences. The agreement builds upon the banks current relationship with Google Cloud, which today provides core digital infrastructure for the financial institution. This foundation now enables Bendigo Banks team to more effectively use AI, streamline operations, build new team skills, and ultimately deliver improved customer and community outcomes while maintaining a high standard of trust, safety, and risk management. AI first: empowering employees, improving customer outcomes As part of the agreement, Bendigo Bank will deploy Gemini Enterprise to all employees, the Bank is expected to realise significant productivity gains that will allow staff to spend more time innovating for the benefit of its 2.9 million customers. The move follows a pilot of Gemini Enterprise that resulted in substantial time savings, efficiencies from reengineered processes and innovative uses of AI across multiple bank divisions, including consumer banking, finance, risk, marketing and technology. The bank will also deploy Gemini Code Assist to help its developers build, test, and deploy robust digital solutions even faster and more consistently than before, accelerating improvements to the customer and employee experience. So far, the banks employees have trialled innovations to: Process customers lending and refinancing applications faster with automated lending, title, and document search functions; Identify, respond to, and disrupt potential instances of financial crime by using custom AI models to flag high-risk transactions; and Use generative AI to analyse and query bank data and identify product-market gaps to better address customers needs. This evolution in our relationship with Google Cloud is all about democratising AI. By putting these tools in the hands of every single one of our people, were creating a workforce thats as well-equipped for the future as possible, said Bendigo Bank, CEO, Richard Fennell. The digital ecosystem weve built with Google Cloud will support our people to adopt an AI-first mindset and leverage this capability in the course of their working day, whether that is developing simpler and higher quality code or helping customers make more informed choices. We are deeply committed to our long-term relationship with Bendigo Bank. Its dedication to customers and people has always been evident, and the adoption of Gemini Enterprise demonstrates the innovative spirit and commitment to making its workforce resilient and confident for the future, said Paul Migliorini, Vice President, Google Cloud Australia & New Zealand. Through our ongoing sharing of knowledge and best practices, we are confident that the banks employees will become AI innovators in their own right, setting new standards for customer experience and performance that may resonate across Australias entire financial services industry. Secure digital transformation, without the friction As part of Bendigo Banks AI powered cybersecurity adoption, the bank will also migrate its operations from its existing cybersecurity platform to Google Security Operations and Google Security Command Centre. Google Security Command Centres governance dashboard offers a single, comprehensive view of the banks AI and data environment, reducing the potential for security risks, while Google Security Operations improves their ability to detect, investigate, and respond to threats with Google speed and scale. The banks adoption of security infrastructure from Google Cloud complements the work already underway to modernise its warehousing environments into BigQuery, ensuring fully-native integration between the Banks data and its cyber defences for greater protection of customer data. Bendigo Bank is also migrating its VMware environments onto Google Cloud to deliver a zero-downtime transition and maintain high service continuity. Google Cloud has announced the launch of TalayLink, a new subsea cable connecting Australia and Thailand that it says will significantly increase the reach, reliability, and resilience of digital connectivity across Asia Pacific and around the world. Named after the Thai word for sea or ocean, talay, TalayLink will extend the interlink cable that we announced as part of the Australia Connect initiative last year. The new subsea cable will establish a new, diverse path to Thailand via the Indian Ocean, west of the Sunda Strait, where many existing subsea cables currently route. This strategic routing will further integrate our future data centers and cloud region in Thailand into our global network. This strategic routing will further integrate our future data centers and cloud region in Thailand into our global network. In addition to the TalayLink subsea cable system, were announcing plans for new connectivity hubs in Western Australia (Mandurah) and South Thailand. These strategic investments are designed to future-proof regional connectivity and accelerate the delivery of advanced digital and AI services through cable switching, content caching, and colocation capabilities. The Mandurah connectivity hub will establish a diverse landing point from Perth, where the majority of existing subsea cables currently land in Western Australia. In South Thailand, an established crossroads for subsea cables, we are partnering with colocation provider AIS to accelerate our deployment and benefit from existing local infrastructure investments. The TalayLink cable will serve as a pivotal piece of digital infrastructure, enhancing Thailands connectivity and resilience. Together with Googles upcoming Google Cloud region and data center in Thailand, these forwardlooking investments will significantly expand regional network and computing capacity, while firmly positioning Thailand as a critical digital gateway for nextgeneration cloud and AI innovation in Southeast Asia. The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) is fully committed to supporting Googles investment in Thailand, fostering the growth of the nations digital economy, and advancing digital skills to ensure inclusive and sustainable development, said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General, Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). AIS is excited to be extending our relationship with Google as a strategic partner by supporting the connectivity hub in Southern Thailand. The combination of Googles new, diverse submarine cable path and AISs high-reliability colocation capabilities will ensure the digital infrastructure in the region is capable of supporting the countrys AI strategy, said Pratthana Leelapanang Chief Executive Officer, AIS. International Gateway Company (IGC), a subsidiary of ALT Telecom PLC, is delighted to be a key Google partner in landing a new submarine cable in Thailand. IGC brings to the project its extensive experience operating a nationwide network and international cable gateway. This cable is an important new piece of digital infrastructure that will accelerate Thailand's ambitious digital economy development strategy, said Preeyaporn Tangpaosak, President, ALT Telecom. When theyre complete, TalayLink and the connectivity hubs will support network resilience across Australia, Africa and Southeast Asia. When combined with our previously announced connectivity hubs in the Maldives and Christmas Island, these investments will provide onward connectivity across the Indian Ocean and beyond to the Middle East. This new cable and our regional connectivity hubs will directly support Western Australias roadmap to secure a safe, inclusive digital future, as well as the Royal Thai Governments objective of economic transformation through AI and digital inclusion. We are excited to contribute to the economic and social growth across Australia, Thailand and Southeast Asia through resilient, reliable internet infrastructure. GUEST OPINION: Semperis, Barracuda and Claroty have released new insights outlining how Australias threat landscape will shift in 2026. Each provides a distinct perspective shaped by merging attacker behaviours, geopolitical influences, and the rapid expansion of connected, cyber-physical systems. Yaz Bekkar, Principal Consulting Architect XDR at Barracuda Barracudas frontline predictions 2026 Ransomware tactics will evolve further to include multi-layered extortion and data manipulation. By 2026, expect smarter ransomware that profiles local defences and switches injection techniques on the fly, living of the land using legitimate services and processes through side-loading, process hollowing, thread hijacking, and fileless execution. Organisations need to shift prevention and detection to behaviours, not just hashes or signatures: enforce application allow-listing and code integrity, enable kernel protections and driver blocklists, and tune their extended detection and response to spot memory-level injection, token theft, OAuth anomalies, intermittent encryption patterns, and mass file-touch behaviour. Human error will remain a top vulnerability Human error isnt just clicking a bad link. Its misconfiguring policies, over-permissive identities, sloppy change control, and rushed exceptions that become permanent. The impact is systemic: attackers dont need zero-days when they can chain one weak MFA exception, one public S3 bucket, and one privileged token left lying around. With AI speeding everyone up, 2026 will see more mistakes made faster, by admins and end users alike, so the winning strategy is to design systems that assume people will slip and make those slips non-fatal. To protect people, start by changing the environment, not the person. Make the secure path the easiest: enforce secure defaults, least privilege, and paved roads for common tasks so teams dont invent risky workarounds. Wrap identities with phishing-resistant MFA and conditional access. Behavioural monitoring systems could be key. People will always make mistakes. Resilience comes from designing systems where a single human error cant become a breach. The cybersecurity talent gap will widen, especially in AI and quantum domains. The biggest buyers (clouds, labs, top AI firms) hire aggressively and pay top dollar, pulling scarce experts out of the general market. That leaves everyone else competing over a small pool while the number of AI and ML deployments keeps climbing. Net effect: a widening gap. The gap will grow, especially around AI safety, ML security, and early quantum topics. Demand is rising faster than the supply of people who can secure models, data pipelines, and the hardware they run on. That doesnt mean progress stops; it means the winners will be the companies that treat talent like a product they build. Give engineers modern tools, time to learn, and real ownership of problems, not ticket queues. Let them ship, measure impact, and rotate across product, cloud, and data so they grow without leaving. Pay fairly and transparently, support remote-first where possible, and pair strong mentors with juniors so you grow your own bench. An alternative to consider is to keep strategy, crown-jewel knowledge, and identity keys in-house, then outsource the heavy lift: 24/7 monitoring, alerting, threat hunting bursts, and incident surge work. That gives you round-the-clock coverage and specialist depth without waiting a year to hire. Cybersecurity will be expected to support innovation, not just risk mitigation. Innovation should be the gear that keeps you one move ahead of attackers, watch how they operate, prototype counters quickly, measure, and iterate. The goal is a faster learning loop than theirs. Make threat analysis a standing input to product planning; run short threat-led design sprints where a real attack path is mapped and neutralized in the architecture Regulatory pressure will increase, with stricter breach disclosure timelines and resilience mandates. Regulators are really tightening the screws: to report breaches faster, prove you can keep running, and show you actually manage your suppliers and SaaS. That shifts cyber from an IT problem to leadership responsibility. Boards will ask better questions, CISOs will need clearer evidence, and companies that only tick boxes will get caught out. Smart regulation is good, it rewards real resilience, not just paperwork. Non-compliance doesnt just raise legal risk, it shrinks your market. Big customers, insurers and partners increasingly screen for security and regulatory maturity. If you cant show youre secure and compliant, deals stall, premiums go up, and some companies simply wont work with you. Treat advanced cybersecurity as a legal duty and a trust promise. If you can detect quickly, explain honestly, and recover reliably, youll meet the rules, and your reputation will come out stronger. Leon Poggioli, Regional Vice President, ANZ at Claroty Claroty 2026 Trends & Predictions Organisations will focus on supply chain cyber risk, while governments will increase opportunities for domestic cyber startups In 2026, organisations will place greater focus on reducing their supply chain risk. It is no longer good enough for organisations to simply secure their own systems; theyll need to ensure their suppliers, vendors and technology partners meet the exact same security standards. In many cases, organisations wouldnt even know how many different third-party connections are in place, which creates a massive security blind spot. In fact, 46% of organisations said theyve been breached in the past 12 months because of an issue with third-party access. Next year, we will see organisations place a collective focus on reducing supply chain risk, which will help eliminate vulnerabilities across the board. Meanwhile, we will see more opportunities for domestic cybersecurity startups as Australia enters the second phase of the 2030 Cyber Security Strategy. Specifically, the Federal Government will provide increased support for locally developed and controlled cybersecurity technologies, in order to reduce dependence on foreign technology and vendors, which can present national security risks. Developing a strong local cybersecurity industry ensures Australia is on track to become a world leader in cybersecurity and helps us defend against evolving, borderless cyber threats. Organisations will take back ownership of secure remote access capabilities For too long, critical infrastructure operators have granted a growing number of third-party vendors access to their networks without the proper visibility or security over this process. Traditionally, this remote access was gained via insecure VPNs, jump boxes and remote desktops, which unintentionally exposed organisations to a raft of vulnerabilities. Attackers have caught on to this growing risk and are increasingly targeting these insecure vendor-owned tools as a way to bypass an organisation's defences. In 2026, we will see critical infrastructure operators clamp down on these blind spots and take back ownership over their secure remote access capabilities. Rather than allowing third-party vendors to connect using their own proprietary remote access methods, organisations will increasingly opt for self-custody over this process. This approach will mitigate third-party risk as organisations operations become more digitised and interconnected, and threat actors become more brazen. Gerry Sillars, Vice President, APJ at Semperis Semperis 2026 Trends & Predictions for ANZ Youth hacking spikes in 2026 The barrier of entry for pre-teens and teens into a world of cybercrime has never been lower. This trend will continue in 2026. Many young people drift into cybercrime through gaming, where the line between competition and misconduct can blur. What begins with harmless curiosity using cheats or trying to outmaneuver rivals often escalates as they discover tools for DDoS attacks, credential theft, or exploiting vulnerabilities. Online gaming communities, Discord servers, and YouTube tutorials normalise these behaviors, making powerful hacking tools feel accessible and consequence-free. Without guidance, what starts as an attempt to gain an edge in a game can rapidly evolve into activities that cross legal boundaries and expose them to real-world criminal risks. Europol has warned that criminal networks use emotionally manipulative messaging to groom minors offering belonging, validation, and a sense of purpose that many youths may lack. And because of their age, minors often have limited legal risk, making them low-risk assets. Youth can be better protected from ransomware gangs and other criminal enterprises with the help of their parents or guardians and older siblings. Teaching digital ethics, legal boundaries, and the real consequences of small hacking at school and home helps set guardrails before youth criminal influencers. Programs like Aussie Kids Code, CyberPathways, and government cyber-safety curriculums reinforce positive pathways. Cyberwarfare The convergence of state objectives and criminal profit We are standing at the breaking point of a digital arms race. In 2026, the boundary between state-sponsored and financially motivated cyber activity will continue to blur, making it more difficult for incident response teams to definitively identify the perpetrators of an attack and build defences against them. Traditionally, state-sponsored actors weaponise cyber avenues to achieve political objectives, such as espionage, the disruption of critical services and disinformation campaigns, including election interference. Unlike typical ransomware groups, financial gain has not always been their primary motive. But this is changing. A growing number of nation-states, particularly those facing international sanctions, turn to cybercrime to raise money instead. The Australian Government joined the US and UK in imposing over 1,600 sanctions since Russias invasion of Ukraine, and while this may serve as a significant deterrent, these actions are also putting our nation at risk of retaliatory campaigns. In the coming year, Australia will continue to see coordinated attacks on government-operated networks, critical infrastructure and businesses. It will be harder for the security industry to unmask the exact perpetrators, as nation-states and criminal syndicates continue to work together for mutually beneficial aims. Okay, it's official now. When the Next Thing hits, they're gonna do to you what they did five years ago, only harder and faster: Evidence from a 'modelling study' Is this a joke ? Such models aren't even in the hierarchy of evidence based medicine. Also what about the infinitely more harmful collateral damage of lockdowns? 'Shame on you and your inquiry Lady Hallett' https://t.co/mxpIXSPUic https://t.co/nSfDMoYu2v Dr Aseem Malhotra (@DrAseemMalhotra) November 20, 2025 So, per "Baroness" Hallett, the Lockdown Model is now and forever. I am not (yet) saying that baronesses should be hunted down in the street and hanged from lampposts, but I am saying that, when I take office as prime minister, my ministry's first action will be to repeal the 1958 Peerages Act. ~Elsewhere, all is demography: This broke my brain. From $3 million to $399 million in 5 years and nobody flagged it until now? https://t.co/EgjlcPK4xm Undead FOIA 3.0 (@UndeadFoia) November 20, 2025 The Wanker Right thinks that, simply by setting foot on American soil, a Somali clitoridectomist becomes a devotee of the Federalist papers. The Somali clitoridectomist thinks that, au contraire, simply by setting foot on American soil in sufficient numbers, America becomes more Somali. Which would you bet on? From City Journal: Minnesota is drowning in fraud. Billions in taxpayer dollars have been stolen during the administration of Governor Tim Walz alone... In many cases, the fraud has allegedly been perpetrated by members of Minnesota's sizeable Somali community. Federal counterterrorism sources confirm that millions of dollars in stolen funds have been sent back to Somalia, where they ultimately landed in the hands of the terror group Al-Shabaab. As one confidential source put it: "The largest funder of Al-Shabaab is the Minnesota taxpayer." Al-Shabaab is the biggest Islamic terrorist group in East Africa, which would seem an odd priority for the famously nice Minnesotans. SteynOnline has at least one reader in Kenya who is the survivor of a cross-border al-Shabaab terror attack. I am not sure what I am supposed to do about such provocations, other than form a paramilitary wing and blow up everyone in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. In the alternative, perhaps Garrison Keillor could introduce a firebreathing imam or two to the cast of Lake Wobegon. ~More demography. Commentary's Seth Mandel writes: Yesterday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took it a step further by designatingCAIR, which had been named an unindicted coconspirator in a 2007 terrorism-financing case, as a terrorist organization. CAIR respondedon X with a post that paraded the morally degraded hallmarks of the organization for all to see: "Greg Abbott is an Israel First politician who has spent months stoking anti-Muslim hysteria to smear American Muslims critical of the Israeli government... Unlike Mr. Abbottwho unleashed violence against Texas students protesting the Gaza genocide to satisfy his AIPAC donorsour civil rights organization is an independent voice that answers to the American people." CAIR doing its best Nick Fuentes impression is as good an example of the "horseshoe effect" as one will find. Not quite. It's not really a "horseshoe effect": it's an entirely rational alliance between the "progressive" left and the incoming demographic reality. The ADL and the Rest of the West's Official Jews supported the importation of large numbers of people who are somewhat antipathetic to Jews, to put it at its mildest - or, to put it more realistically, hate Jews for being Jews. And now you're surprised that the Jews' demographic eclipse in the west has not been accompanied by millions of "assimilated" Muslims pining for a revival of Fiddler on the Roof? It has been obvious to any creature more sentient than an earthworm that this is the last generation of Jewish life in London, Paris, Montreal and elsewhere. But the loss of the planet's most Jewish city outside Israel still seems to baffle people who can't understand why Ed Koch is no longer mayor. From the widely cancelled music-biz Jewess Eve Barlow: At the historic Park East synagogue, an orthodox place of worship, a center for Jewish life, and a day school, a group of 200 keffiyeh-wearing, placard holding, blood-libel screaming ghouls turned up last night to intimidate and terrorize Jewish civilians attending an event inside. They showed up at a Jewish house of worship in 2025 to scream obscenities at attendants and heckle them. They promised to "take another settler out." Urging to globalize the intifada, and pump up "resistance", the violent mob of hundreds of "anti-Israel activists" (bitch, please) brought their Palestine flags and their tribal drums to warn the Jews not to gather. "We need to make them scared!!!" they repeated. As a leader of the protest instructed his followers: "It is our duty to make them think twice before holding these events." Them. Who is them? Them is us. Primarily, them is the Jewish people. But them is also the people who won't tolerate this hate. That made sense forty years ago. But in the new America "us" is old and demographically fading, and "them" is fleecing you to fund al-Shabaab. ~More demography. From Statistics Canada: In 2024, more than two in five newborns (42.3%) in Canada had a foreign-born mother ...a proportion that has nearly doubled in just over a quarter of a century (22.5% in 1997). The adjusted proportion of foreign-born women among women of childbearing age was estimated at 32.3% in the 2021 Census, slightly lower than the percentage of births to foreign-born mothers, which was 33.0% the same year. This trend has been observed in the last five censuses, suggesting that foreign-born women are more likely to give birth in Canada than Canadian-born women of the same age. Without the contribution of foreign-born mothers, the total number of births in Canada would have declined faster since 2010. Without the contribution of foreign-born individuals to births and deaths, natural increase in Canada would have been negative since 2022. On those numbers, there is no Canada. It is not normal, five-hundred-and-twenty-eight years after Cabot landed in Newfoundland to claim the newfound land for Henry VII, to be dependent on what Statistics Canada euphemises as the "contribution" of foreign women. Whatever it is those mothers are "contributing" to, it's not anything recognisable as Canada. ~Yet more demography. In Germany, they're cancelling Christmas - because of the security costs: Consider what is happening with Germany's Christmas markets. Known as Weihnachtsmarkte or Christkindlemarkt, these season-long festivals became an official German tradition in 1434. They run throughout the Advent season and are an intrinsic part of German culture and tourism, as tens of millions of tourists travel to Dresden, Munich, and numerous small towns to view ornate Nativity scenes and lights; enjoy mulled wine, fruitcake, candied almonds, and other regional food specialties; and shop for the wooden nutcrackers made famous by German artists. But this year, the town of Overath cancelled its Christmas market. So did Kerpen. Dresden shuttered several of its smaller markets. These are not isolated decisions driven by declining interest. These cancellations represent something far more ominous: Western civilization surrendering public expressions of Christianity because the price of protecting citizens from Islamic terror has become prohibitive. In Overath, organizers spent 18 months negotiating with city officials over who would cover security costs. The requirements were extensive concrete barriers to stop vehicle attacks, surveillance systems, and armed guards stationed throughout the market. The city refused to contribute a single euro. Without funding for mandatory counter-terrorism measures, the organizers faced an impossible choice. So, Christmas was cancelled. Oddly enough, there was a time not so long ago when it was possible to hold a Christmas market without ten million euros' worth of Diversity bollards. Have they got them outside the other heritage sites yet? That mediaeval village church you never go to but find vaguely scenic when you drive past it once in a while? Enjoy it while you can. From a new report on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe: Church arson attacks across Europe nearly doubled in 2024, part of a broader surge in anti-Christian hate crimes... The spike in arson attacks is particularly prominent: A total of 94 arson incidents targeted churches and other Christian sites one-third of which occurred in Germany. France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Austria recorded the highest number of anti-Christian incidents overall. While most attacks were directed at places of worship, OIDAC Europe recorded 274 personal attacks against Christians in 2024, including assaults and threats. Among the report's findings are several severe cases, including the killing of a 76-year-old monk in Spain in November 2024 and the near-destruction of a historic church in Saint-Omer, France, by fire in September 2024... To reprise an old line of mine, when you lose your future, you also lose your past. ~Stop me if you've heard this one before, but from The Asia Sentinel: China's leaders have known for some time that they have a demographics problem, with their concern growing at the threat to future prosperity and dynamism. The population decline is set to accelerate, with China's male-female imbalance presenting limiting factors not faced by the rest of Asia. The median age is already 40.2, nearly the same as older developed countries such as the UK (40.8) and higher than the United States at 38.5. China's fertility rate appears to be about 1.1, or half the population replacement level. Don't you love these experts? Alternatively, you could have read a certain "niche Canadian" two sodding decades ago: Will China be the hyperpower of the 21st century? Answer: No. Its population will get old before it's got rich. As to "China's male-female imbalance", the "niche Canadian" was likewise on top of that twenty sod-bollocking years ago: Since China introduced its 'one child' policy in 1978, the imbalance between the sexes has increased to the point where in today's generation there are 119 boys for every 100 girls. The pioneer generation of that male surplus are now adults. Unless China's planning on becoming the first gay superpower since Sparta, what's going to happen to those young men? Since I wrote that paragraph, an entire generation of young Chinese has grown up. Among Chinamen (I use the term advisedly) under thirty, there are thirty-four million more men than women. Is China's demographic decline good news for the west? No. As I also wrote all those bloody years ago, it means it has a compelling incentive to act sooner rather than later - with respect to Taiwan and much else. ~In a democratic age, how do you buck demography? The options aren't pleasant. But I notice that, in a British context, the two principal beneficiaries of public policy these last thirty years are the IRA and Islam - because the state fears them both. There's a lesson there. Mark's international bestseller America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It. If you haven't read the book during its first seventeen years, well, you're missing a treat. It's still in print in hardback and paperback. (Buy it at a 77% discount by clicking here or order in KINDLE edition at a 47% discount by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR) (COMMENT, BELOW) Mark Steyn is an international bestselling author, a Top 41 recording artist, and a leading Canadian human rights activist. Among his books is "The Undocumented Mark Steyn: Don't Say You Weren't Warned". (Buy it at a 49% discount by clicking here or order in KINDLE edition at a 67% discount by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR) The News in Brief Monday, November 24, 2025 Gedevan Popkhadze, a leader of the Coalition for Change, has continued a hunger strike in front of Parliament for the 25th consecutive day together with several activists. He told InterpressNews that although they are physically weak, they do not plan to end the protest."We haven't needed medical intervention. In the evenings, they call an ambulance to check general parameters such as blood pressure and sugar levels, and so far everything is within normal range. We feel weak, which is natural because it is the 25th day of the hunger strike. When you haven't eaten for 25 days, the body functions in a completely different way. We are not thinking about ending the protest or about being the ones in danger, because today the one in danger is Georgia. Everyone can see what kind of laws the government is passing and where they are taking Georgia. In fact, they are robbing our homeland of its future," Popkhadze said.He argued that recent legislative proposals introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party show what he described as tactics associated with the Russian political model. "This is not a Georgian standard because now there is an attempt to establish Putin-style relations with the people, which drags the standard of human rights even lower. Probably the final line will be when they start arresting people just for holding a blank sheet of paper. If you need 500 or 1,000 police officers just to prevent a street from being blocked, it is better to let the street be blocked. Talking about why such a small number of people should be allowed to block the street is nonsense. This is a clear sign that this regime will not tolerate dissent and relies on police force. They want the people's protest to stop and resistance to end," he stated.Popkhadze called on the public to gather for the planned protest on November 28. "As long as this protest continues, dictatorship cannot take shape. Those who want to establish dictatorship in Georgia know this very well. Continuous protest, especially a 24 hour one, makes dictatorship impossible. We believe that on November 28, everyone must find the time and opportunity, put aside their affairs, and be here on Rustaveli Avenue. We all need to once again make it clear that the fight continues," he said.Speaker of Georgian Dream-led Parliament Shalva Papuashvili said Ukraine now faces a situation in which it can neither continue the war nor bring it to an end, describing it as a deadlock that Georgian leaders worked to avoid."Ukraine is in a situation today where it can neither continue the war nor end it. This is exactly what they wanted to happen to us, to leave us with no choice and to face two bad choices," Papuashvili said.He argued that the Georgian Dream party followed a careful course when, in his view, both foreign actors and domestic groups urged Georgia toward involvement in the conflict. "When we were being dragged into war by external forces and internal opposition or NGOs, we said that Georgia knows very well how such wars begin, and most importantly, we know from bitter experience how such wars end," he stated.Papuashvili said the government maintained caution because it believed the country was close to being drawn into a devastating conflict. He criticized what he described as reckless rhetoric from some political voices. "In contrast, we saw fake heroism at the computer keyboard, without understanding what dangers such hysteria posed in Georgia," he said.Turning back to Ukraine, Papuashvili said the conflict has reached a point where both continuing and ending the fighting present serious problems. "This is a big challenge, because these whole vicissitudes and the war have reached a dead end," he said. According to him, President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent remarks reflect the severity of the situation. "Zelensky's statement is proof that one must make a choice between two bad choices," Papuashvili said.He said that the same outcome had been intended for Georgia, and that the government's approach was aimed at preventing the country from ending up in a similar predicament. Insight How low will Dems go? By Michael Reagan Published Nov 24, 2025 SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. The Democrats already have played every dirty political trick they can think of to bring down Donald Trump. They tried to delegitimize his 2016 victory by claiming he won because of Russian interference in the election. They ruined most of his first term by inventing the Russia hoax and pushing it as being true for several years. They conspired with big tech to get Trump banned from Twitter and Facebook. They impeached him twice on bogus charges. Once it was for pressuring Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate what Joe Biden's crooked boy Hunter was doing in Ukraine. Once it was in 2021 for allegedly inciting the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. We won't even try to list all the indictments and civil cases Democrat prosecutors in New York and Georgia brought against Trump that made headlines every day but went nowhere. By weaponizing the Justice Department, Democrats spent four years trying to put Trump in jail or keep him from running again in 2024. The mainstream liberal media was not just AWOL as usual. They were so busy working for the Democrats they spent almost zero time covering the obvious decline of Joe Biden or finding out who was really in control of the White House and its autopen. The sad thing is, nothing has changed with the Democrats or the liberal media. Now the Democrats are desperately begging for the FBI or anyone with a badge to please, please, please find a smoking-gun email from the Jeffrey Epstein files that ties the dead creep closely to Donald Trump. They're praying for an email that says something like, "Hey Jeff. Are we going to party with those cute 13-year-olds again this weekend?" We know it's never going to happen. The Democrats sat on the Epstein files like mother hens for four years. If there were any incriminating emails or photos or videos of Trump getting a Bill Clinton Special back massage from one of Epstein's 15-year-olds, we'd have seen it on the nightly news the day Biden was inaugurated. The whole Epstein thing has been a farce from Day 1. It's all about partisan gotcha politics. No one cares about the thousand young girls Epstein and his slimy girlfriend recruited and trafficked to hundreds of old and powerful politicians, billionaire businessmen, foreigners and God knows who else. We'll have to wait and see which party gets hurt the most by whatever dirt is vacuumed out of the Epstein files, but I'm betting on the Democrats. They're such losers. They're on a 10-year losing streak. They've been after Trump since 2015 and all he does is win. Their latest move is the video six Democrats in the House and Senate with military or intel experience put out this week encouraging our military personnel to "refuse illegal orders." They claim the Trump administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens and "no one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution." They didn't name any specific illegal orders that Trump has issued, of course, because there are none. They just want to scare people. As usual, the liberal media have not challenged the Democrats misleading and ominous message, which makes it sound like President Trump poses yet another existential threat to the Constitution, democracy, apple pie, etc. etc. etc. The media haven't pushed the six Democrats hard to name the illegal orders Trump supposedly has given. And they haven't pointed out that taking an oath to support and defend the Constitution and obey the lawful orders of the president is one of the first things enlistees in all our armed services do. Trump blasted the dumb video on social media as "really bad, and dangerous to our country and called the Democrats who "starred" in it "seditious traitors." But what they really are is a six-pack of losers. (COMMENT, BELOW) Michael Reagan is the son of President Ronald Reagan, a political consultant, and the author of "The New Reagan Revolution" (St. Martin's Press). He is the founder of the email service reagan.com and president of The Reagan Legacy Foundation. Qabil Ashirov President Volodymyr Zelenskys recent address to the nation, the language he chose, the somber and rain-soaked setting he stood in, was carefully calibrated and remarkably effective. His remark that Ukraine now faces a stark choice between its dignity and its key ally captured the countrys dire predicament with striking clarity. It must be acknowledged that Zelensky assumed office at an exceptionally difficult moment in his nations history. Had he led Ukraine in the early 1990s, when the country had just gained independence and still possessed the remnants of Soviet military might, the situation today might have been quite different. Over the past three decades, Ukraine has gradually lost much of that capability as military-industrial facilities shut down and vast stockpiles of equipment were dismantled or sold off. By the time Zelensky came to power, the country had already forfeited the deterrent capacity it once held. Against Russias aggression, his only true weapons were the courage, determination, and dignity of him and the Ukrainian people. Since February 2022, Ukrainians have shown extraordinary resilience in resisting one of the largest militaries in the world. This is Europes deadliest conflict since the Second World War, and yet Ukraine has endured far longer and far stronger than many expected. Against this backdrop, Zelenskys apprehension about Donald Trumps proposed peace plan and his implicit warning that Ukraine might even risk losing its main ally is understandable. We should not forget that Zelensky is the leader who chose to stay and fight in Kyiv rather than flee when Russian forces reached the citys outskirts. Still, depicting Trumps 28-point proposal as inherently pro-Russian or as a strategic win for the Kremlin is a distortion and misinterpretation of reality. The plan does not hand Russia its core objectives. Instead, it reflects the reality on the ground and offers Ukraine an opportunity to breathe, regroup, and rebuild its capacity. Yet certain political circles have rushed to frame the proposal negatively, often without engaging with its actual content. One of the most contentious elements, for example, is the clause limiting Ukraines armed forces to 600,000 personnel. Critics have described this as aligning with Russias demilitarization objective. But a sober assessment suggests otherwise. Ukraines wartime manpower today is estimated at roughly one million, a figure that is neither financially nor demographically sustainable in peacetime. Few countries, even those significantly larger, such as Iran, Turkiye, or Egypt, maintain active forces between 300,000- 500,000. A professional, well-equipped 600,000-strong army would not weaken Ukraine; it would solidify its long-term defense posture. In other words, the demilitarization of Ukraine is out of the question. Another crucial component of the proposal involves using Russias frozen assets to finance Ukraines reconstruction. Though not labeled explicitly as compensation, that is effectively what it represents a mechanism to ensure Moscow pays for the destruction it has caused. The question of NATO enlargement also appears in the debate. Realistically, Ukraines immediate accession to NATO is unlikely in the near term. But this does not foreclose Ukraines strategic future. History offers examples, from Azerbaijan to Sri Lanka, where territories lost de facto control for years were later restored. The draft agreement envisions a de facto, not de jure, concession of certain territories, which preserves Ukraines ability to pursue its return in the long run. From a geopolitical standpoint, the arrangement may even serve broader global stability. The territories in question would not be fully integrated into Russia, forcing Moscow to live under the constant risk that they might be contested again. This limits Russias capacity to act aggressively against other countries as well. In essence, Trumps proposal offers a pragmatic path to halt a war that has reached a strategic stalemate. It gives Ukraine the chance to regroup while placing Russia in a long-term geopolitical bind. Yet Zelenskys caution is also understandable: the future leadership of Ukraine may not show the same resolve he has demonstrated. Surely, Trumps plan may not look the most perfect for Ukraine, but there is simply no better plan available right now to stop the bloodshed. But it is a calculated, realistic framework that could provide war-weary Ukraine with the breathing space it desperately needs, and restrain Russias ability to destabilize the region in the years to come. Some cases linger in our memory because of the humanity at their center. The case of Charlie Gard, which unfolded in England in 2017, is one of those. It took place within the National Health Service and under a legal framework in which courts decide a childs treatment when parents and clinicians cannot agree. Before it became a global controversy, before it drew international headlines, it began as something far more familiar: a young couple, their infant son, and an unbearable collision between hope, harm, and uncertainty. Charlie was born healthy in August 2016. Within weeks, his parents noticed he was weak and unable to lift his head. Two months later, he was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital with profound muscle weakness, respiratory failure, and failure to thrive. Genetic testing identified an extremely rare mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (RRM2B), a condition associated with rapid deterioration in infancy, seizures, multisystem involvement, and early death. There was no established treatment. As Charlies condition worsened, his parents learned of an experimental therapy (nucleoside bypass treatment) that had shown promise in a different mitochondrial disorder. They pursued it with extraordinary determination. Although the treatment had never been tested in Charlies disease, it had a theoretical scientific basis, and a U.S. neurologist was willing to attempt it. His parents raised more than a million pounds through an international crowdfunding effort, organized medical records, contacted experts across continents, and worked tirelessly to create a path for their son to receive the therapy abroad. In parallel, Great Ormond Street Hospital sought multiple external consultations: mitochondrial specialists from elsewhere in the United Kingdom, neurologists from academic centers in Europe, and a research group in Barcelona with expertise in related disorders. These consultations supported the hospitals belief that Charlies illness, particularly the extent of his brain involvement, was too advanced for meaningful benefit. When consensus could not be reached between the family and the clinical team, Great Ormond Street Hospital asked the High Court in early 2017 for permission to withdraw life support. The courts ruling in favor of withdrawal was followed by a sequence of appeals. His parents appealed to the Court of Appeal, sought review by the Supreme Court, and ultimately applied to the European Court of Human Rights. Each tribunal upheld the original decision, reinforcing the belief that further treatment would not change the outcome and might increase suffering. Even so, the appeals process extended the period in which outside experts were consulted, including a final invitation for the U.S. neurologist to evaluate Charlie in person. After that assessment, and further imaging demonstrating the severity of Charlies disease, the family accepted that treatment could no longer alter the course of his illness. Life support was withdrawn on July 28, 2017. What follows is not a legal analysis or a policy discussion. It is simply an attempt to understand the humans caught in the middle of this tragedy. For Charlies parents, this began as the ordinary joy of new parenthood. By every account, they were loving, attentive, and devoted, the kind of parents who photographed each milestone and delighted in the everyday presence of their son. They learned unfamiliar terminology, read medical papers late into the night, contacted specialists around the world, and sat at Charlies bedside for months. They raised unprecedented funds from strangers moved by their determination. Their hope was not naive; it was the instinct of parents confronting a future they could not bear to accept without exhausting every possibility. Their suffering was profound. They watched their child deteriorate and found themselves navigating a complex medical system they had never imagined entering. They were thrust into international attention they neither sought nor were prepared for. Their motives were questioned publicly. Their identity as parents felt, at times, under examination. And in the end, they lost the opportunity to try the one intervention they believed might help their son before having to let him go. For the clinicians at Great Ormond Street Hospital, this case carried a different but equally heavy burden. These were physicians and nurses caring for a child with a catastrophic illness at the limits of medical capability. They believed, with compassion and conviction, that further treatment would not improve Charlies condition and would increase his suffering. Many faced harassment and threats during the course of the case. Yet they remained responsible for decisions they felt ethically bound to uphold. They were not indifferent; they were human beings trying to protect a child from what they believed would be harm, even as they empathized deeply with the grief and hope of his parents. The courts faced a burden of their own. Judges are often portrayed as detached arbiters, but cases like this demand an emotional resilience few would welcome. They were not choosing between life and death, but between a short life with suffering and no realistic prospect of improvement versus a longer life with continued suffering and no improvement at all. They acted within the constraints of English law, not because it is perfect, but because it is the framework available. They saw the parents cry in court. They understood the magnitude of the decision. They knew their ruling would be devastating. The broader public reaction reflected the intensity of the story once it entered the media. People saw a baby who might be saved, doctors who said no, and parents who refused to give up hope. The case quickly evolved into a symbol: invoked in political debates, ethical arguments, religious commentary, and social-media campaigns. The complexity of the medical facts and the nuance of the disagreements were often lost. Meanwhile, both the parents and the clinicians bore pressures few outside the situation fully appreciated. Step back from all of this, and the essential lesson becomes clearer: this was a tragedy without villains. It was a conflict created not by malice or neglect but by the weight of love, the limits of medicine, and the fragility of decision-making under profound uncertainty. What remains are the human lessons. Love can clash with medical judgment, and both can still be rooted in compassion. Uncertainty requires structures more supportive than courtrooms and media frenzies. Disagreement does not imply cruelty or incompetence, and no parent or clinician should be left feeling powerless or attacked. These experiences stay with all who encounter them, even from a distance, because they touch something fundamental about what it means to care, to hope, and to let go. Timothy Lesaca is a psychiatrist in private practice at New Directions Mental Health in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with more than forty years of experience treating children, adolescents, and adults across outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health settings. He has published in peer-reviewed and professional venues including the Patient Experience Journal, Psychiatric Times, the Allegheny County Medical Society Bulletin, and other clinical journals, with work addressing topics such as open-access scheduling, Landau-Kleffner syndrome, physician suicide, and the dynamics of contemporary medical practice. His recent writing examines issues of identity, ethical complexity, and patientclinician relationships in modern health care. His professional profile appears on his ResearchGate profile, where additional publications and information are available. Introduction Tay-Sachs disease is a devastating genetic disorder that primarily affects individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, though it is also found among Cajuns in Louisiana and French-Canadians. This fatal condition typically manifests within the first six months of life and leads to progressive neurological deterioration, often resulting in death by age five. As medical science advances, the question arises: Should genetic testing for Tay-Sachs be mandatory for all individuals of reproductive age? This article explores the benefits and limitations of mandatory genetic testing for Tay-Sachs disease, considering medical facts, ethical concerns, legal implications, and cultural sensitivities. Medical background Tay-Sachs disease is caused by a mutation in the HEXA gene, which instructs cells to produce the enzyme hexosaminidase A. Without this enzyme, toxic substances accumulate in the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe neurological damage. According to the Cleveland Clinic, children born with Tay-Sachs become blind, deaf, and paralyzed, with no known cure or effective treatment. To develop the disease, a child must inherit the defective gene from both parents. A simple cheek swab can identify carriers, making genetic testing a potentially powerful tool for prevention. The case for mandatory testing Public health advocates, including Dr. Bowry and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, have proposed mandatory genetic testing for Tay-Sachs. The test is non-invasive and poses no medical risk. Under this proposal, the government would not assess other diseases, and samples would be destroyed after testing. Individuals would receive their results privately and retain autonomy over how to use the information. Supporters argue that mandatory testing could reduce medical costs, prevent emotional trauma, and empower families to make informed reproductive decisions. Legal and ethical concerns Mandatory genetic testing raises significant ethical and legal questions. The 14th Amendment protects individuals from government interference in personal liberties without due process. Requiring genetic testing before reproduction infringes on reproductive autonomy and private decision-making. Moreover, genetic testing is not always conclusive. False negatives can occur, and the predictive value may be limited. Mandating testing without guaranteed accuracy undermines ethical justification. Cultural and religious considerations Cultural and religious beliefs often influence decisions about genetic testing. In Judaism, procreation is a religious commandment, and children with disabilities are not stigmatized. Organizations like Dor Yeshorim offer voluntary screening for Tay-Sachs to Jewish individuals and their partners, respecting cultural values while promoting informed choices. Parents have the right to make medical decisions for their children, including the choice to decline genetic testing. For some, knowing they carry a gene for an incurable disease may cause unnecessary stress or anxiety. The risk of discrimination and stigma ADVERTISEMENT Mandatory testing could lead to discrimination against vulnerable populations and create social stigma. Individuals may feel targeted or judged based on their genetic makeup. This raises concerns about privacy, autonomy, and the potential misuse of genetic information. Not everyone wants to know if they carry a gene for a fatal disease, especially when no cure exists. Mandating testing could infringe on personal beliefs and emotional well-being. A balanced approach: education and voluntary testing While genetic testing can be a valuable tool, a more ethical and effective approach involves education, genetic counseling, and voluntary screening. These methods respect individual autonomy, provide support, and allow families to make informed decisions without coercion. Voluntary programs like Dor Yeshorim demonstrate that community-based initiatives can successfully reduce the incidence of Tay-Sachs without mandating testing. Conclusion Tay-Sachs disease is a tragic diagnosis that cuts short the joy of parenthood. Genetic testing offers families the opportunity to plan and prepare, but mandating such testing raises serious ethical, legal, and cultural concerns. The effectiveness of testing is inconclusive, and the potential for discrimination and emotional harm is significant. Rather than enforcing mandatory testing, public health efforts should focus on education, voluntary screening, and genetic counseling. These approaches honor individual autonomy, reduce stigma, and empower families to make the best decisions for their future. Sheryl J. Nicholson is a spiritual care coordinator. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Registered nurse June Pomeroy discusses her article, How physician obesity affects patient care. June explores the complex realities of weight bias within the medical field, examining how a physicians own struggle with obesity can impact patient care. She highlights the professional stigma physicians face and the documented bias from patients, which often leads to reduced treatment confidence and delayed diagnoses for obesity. June digs deep into why obesity is a complex chronic disease (not just a willpower issue) and discusses how the health care system fails both patients and providers by lacking adequate training on obesity. This conversation covers the critical need to move beyond BMI, focusing instead on metabolic health and compassion to improve patient care and challenge systemic weight stigma. Learn how addressing physician bias and wellness can transform the way we treat obesity. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, its backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise, and its built on a foundation of trust. Its time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome June Pomeroy; shes a registered nurse. Todays KevinMD article is How physician obesity affects patient care. June, welcome to the show. June Pomeroy: Thank you so much for having me. Kevin Pho: All right, lets start by briefly sharing your story, and then well jump right into your KevinMD article. ADVERTISEMENT June Pomeroy: Okay. Im an RN and Ive worked many years at the bedside in the hospital. As Ive gotten older, those 12-hour shifts can be very brutal. I wanted to be able to do something else with my nursing degree where I could still teach and make a difference in peoples health. So Ive transitioned over to being a freelance health writer, and thats a great way for me to still use my knowledge and to help people. Kevin Pho: All right, so you talk about how physician obesity affects patient care. So before talking about that article, what led you to write about this topic in the first place? June Pomeroy: I was working on my continuing education requirements for my degree, and Im from Michigan, and Michigan now requires implicit bias education. When I was completing that implicit bias module, I was really struck by the numerous biases that there are: race, nationality, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, age, socioeconomic status, and disability. The one that really caught my attention was weight bias. Because I have struggled with obesity my whole life, thats very personal for me. Obesity affects one-third of the adult population in the U.S., and of course that includes physicians, and it costs an estimated $147 billion annually. Medscape Medical News recently published an article that examined the stigma and the bias experienced by obese physicians. That was the article that really piqued my interest and I decided I really wanted to write something about this because its very important. There are a lot of obese physicians just like the rest of the population. Kevin Pho: All right, so tell us what your article is about for those who didnt get a chance to read it. June Pomeroy: Okay. One thing that surprised me was how few studies there are about this. The studies that I found that actually looked at physician obesity and the effect that that had on the care they provided for their patients were mostly ten years old. The information and the studies are still very valid, but it just points out that we are really not looking at this really important issue that needs to be examined. Another thing that was really pointed out in the research that I did was the multifactorial chronic nature of obesity. There are so many drivers for obesity: biological, genetic, environmental, hormonal, mental health, and trauma factors. Those all play a big role in obesity and have to be addressed. There are a lot of systemic barriers. Theres very little access to healthy food options in food deserts and socioeconomic limitations. Cultural norms also play a big role. The startling statistic for the genetic component was the fact that children have a 50 percent risk of obesity if they have one obese parent, but they have a 75 percent risk if both parents are obese. We know the statistic of one-third of adults are now obese. So that really points out what can happen in generations to come. Its just going to continue on. My article really focused on the professional stigma that obese physicians face. Their colleagues often view them as less credible if they are obese, and their colleagues will fail to really recognize the complexity of obesity. There are also career impacts: a negative impact on professional advancement and peer relationships. Theres this physician heal thyself expectation that because the physician has the knowledge, then they shouldnt have these issues that other people have. Thats a really heavy weight on the shoulders of physicians that do have a high BMI. Then theres the patient perception. Patients assume that their obese provider cant help them if the physician is struggling with the same issues. One of the studies that I found in Obesity magazine pointed out that patients had less confidence in their obese providers. They were less likely to follow the medical advice of that provider, and they were more likely to change providers if their provider was obese. So that was kind of a sad statistic. The clinical impact showed that normal BMI physicians, as opposed to physicians with a higher BMI, were more likely to discuss obesity with their patients and to provide counseling and to actually give them an obesity diagnosis. So theres definitely some missed opportunity there where obese physicians often waited to discuss weight loss with their patients until the patients BMI was higher than the physicians own BMI. So that can result in delayed interventions and referrals due to the physician just not being comfortable giving that counsel when theyre obese themselves. Then theres also the reduced treatment confidence. One of the physicians interviewed in the Medscape article stated that she felt like a fraud, or she felt like a hypocrite when she was talking to her obese patients about health risks while she was obese herself. So a couple of the things that I sort of saw as lessons or ways that clinicians can actually make improvement is to have self-awareness without self-judgment. The physicians need to just honestly look at their lifestyle and make the changes that they recommend for their patients. Taking time for self-care will just pay huge dividends in physical, mental, and emotional health. The result from that can be a more trusting relationship between doctor and patient when they see that the physician is taking their own advice. So a couple of the things that really need to potentially change is there needs to be evidence-based protocols. Physicians and providers need to stop focusing solely on BMI. They need to be trained to focus on things like muscle strength, metabolic flexibility, inflammation reduction, and blood sugar stability. Those factors tell far more about long-term health than just weight. That broader focus then can lead the way for the creation of evidence-based protocols for treating obesity. Another thing that I found very surprising, it was in another obesity study, that only 36 percent of physicians reported that they had very good or good obesity-related medical training in medical school or residency. So its obvious that there needs to be better training before they ever become physicians or while theyre in their education process because the obesity epidemic is definitely here in the U.S. Another thing is to have them not be afraid of an integrative approach. Because obesity is so complex, referral to an integrative or a functional health provider may be appropriate. Most physicians just arent trained to have that integrative or functional approach, and they also dont have the time to actually dig deep to have the success. Theyre so focused on the comorbidities of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. We know how packed full their schedules are. Theyre only given a short period of time to see each patient and they just dont have the time to do the deep dive that sometimes needs to happen in order to really be successful. A referral might be appropriate for the patient, but also for the physician themself. Kevin Pho: Let me jump in there. So, a lot to unpack there. So in the beginning you said that there are studies that show that physicians who are obese sometimes delay treatment for their patients obesity and also can contribute to their own burnout because they have that physician heal thyself expectation. So during your years at a bedside, have you personally seen cases like this that kind of support some of the studies that youre seeing? Any personal experience or observations that youve seen? June Pomeroy: Well, most of my time was in pediatrics, so I did not do a lot of adult medicine. But you know, we definitely had obese children come in for various things. There definitely could be that undertone of things need to change and giving the parents a sermon of what they needed to be doing for their children. There definitely was that undertone there. Yes. Kevin Pho: And you quoted that physician from the Medscape article who felt like a fraud discussing obesity while being obese. Right. What are some ways that we can support physicians who are struggling with their weight so they can confidently provide care without that sense of hypocrisy? June Pomeroy: I think one of the big things is just not to focus on just the calories in, calories out. Just try to start making those healthy habits of getting some exercise. Those things are all a big ask when youve got a full-time job and a very, very busy life, which most people do. But focus on those things that will actually make a change: making sure their blood sugar is stable, cutting back on those carbs if your blood sugar is starting to rise, paying attention to their own health, checking their lab work, and seeing whats going on physically. Are there things that need to be tended to? Theres quite a long list of things that they can be doing besides just cutting those calories. Kevin Pho: And one of the things that you also mentioned was referrals to integrative or a functional practitioner. What are some of the things that they do that can help with physicians and their weight? June Pomeroy: Oftentimes they use a team approach. You know, they will have a nutritionist on board because sadly many physicians have very little nutritional training. Even though they may have the general idea, really have a nutritionist on their side to help them do a deep dive into what theyre eating, because food definitely is medicine. We are what we eat and what we absorb. So that would be very important. And another big thing is to look at their hormone levels. Especially for women, hormone levels play such a huge role in whether or not youre able to lose weight easily, especially when you get to the perimenopause and menopause years. That can be such a challenge. To really have someone that can test those hormone levels and see what needs to happen to replace them can be very helpful. Kevin Pho: In your article, you talk about how physicians who successfully lost weight changed their clinical approach, shifting from scare tactics to a compassion-based approach. What do you mean by a compassion-based approach? June Pomeroy: Just again, not scolding. Saying, I understand how difficult this is. Ive walked in your shoes. What can we do to help? Whats standing in the way? Get a real feel for what that patient lives with. Do they even have access to healthy food options? Try to find out more about walking in that patients shoes. What are their barriers to being healthy? Try to take it from that aspect instead of you need to do this, you need to do that. Step back and try to listen and figure out whats going on and whats the bigger picture. Kevin Pho: So of course obesity cuts across the entire health spectrum. During your years as a nurse, have you seen these issues also affect the nursing profession as well? June Pomeroy: Yes. I mean, there were times when I was really quite heavy and it was difficult to work a 12-hour shift when you have to be carrying around a lot of extra weight and then you worry about your back lifting patients. Nursing can be very strenuous and it definitely can affect you greatly. At the end of your shift, you are just exhausted from not only doing patient care but carrying your own body weight with you. Its definitely a challenge. Kevin Pho: Did you face some of these weight-based implicit biases during your career as a nurse? June Pomeroy: I cant say that I really did because when I got really large then I got busy and did something about it and lost a lot of weight. So, you know, I never let it get to the point where it prevented me from doing my job, but it sure added another layer of burden to it. Kevin Pho: Yeah. So could you share some of the techniques that you used on yourself for those others in the health professions who may have been in a similar position? June Pomeroy: The biggest thing that Ive done in the last decade or so is I have really cut my carbohydrate intake because theres always that concern of memory loss as you get older. Ive done a lot of research on going to a ketogenic type lifestyle. Just really getting those carbs out of there. I was able to lose almost 70 pounds and keep it off. And that has been just huge for my life. But yeah, cutting those tasty carbohydrates has made a huge difference in my life. Kevin Pho: Were talking to June Pomeroy; shes a registered nurse. And todays KevinMD article is How physician obesity affects patient care. June, lets end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. June Pomeroy: Yes. Some of the biggest things is, I love what one of these physicians said after he had lost weight, that he just really wanted to emphasize metabolic health. And I love that he emphasizes building lean muscle mass, optimizing your protein intake, stabilizing your blood sugar, addressing sleep quality, and regulating stress. Those things all sound like a real win-win to me. If we can address the weight bias from all angles, then there will be an improvement in obesity care and improving the physicians well-being. By encouraging a healthy lifestyle or weight loss, that can have a secondary effect of really improving the care that that physician gives to his obese patients. Physicians that have lowered their BMI will probably have more confidence in the care that they provide and they may discuss weight loss earlier with their patients. And probably the most important one would be that the patients trust and compliance are likely to increase if the physician actually practices what he preaches and is able to maintain a healthy weight himself while hes providing obesity care for his patients. Kevin Pho: June, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming on the show. June Pomeroy: Thank you. A group of representatives of Armenian civil society visited Azerbaijan on 21-22 November 2025 within the Peace Bridge Initiative, Azernews reports. The members of the Initiative from Armenia Areg Kochinyan, Boris Navasardyan, Naira Sultanyan, Narek Minasyan, and Samvel Meliksetyan met with their Azerbaijani counterparts Farhad Mammadov, Rusif Huseynov, Kamala Mammadova, Ramil Iskandarli, and Fuad Abdullaev. The participants engaged in constructive discussions on the current dynamics of the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the role of civil society in fostering constructive engagement, and potential joint projects aimed at advancing mutual understanding. Public interest topics from both sides were also addressed. The parties agreed to enhance cooperation in the media space, deepen direct contacts between expert groups, and further increase civil society involvement in the peacebuilding process. Plans were made to continue working-level engagement and organize future meetings in both Armenia and Azerbaijan under the framework of the Peace Bridge Initiative. As part of the process, the members of the Peace Bridge Initiative met with Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration. The discussion focused on steps taken by both Armenia and Azerbaijan following the Washington talks to advance the peace agenda. Mr. Hajiyev responded to questions raised during the discussion. Worried young man in front of computer trying to recover from a bad moving experience (Ika84 via Getty Images) Moving is almost always an adventure but not always in a good way. Maybe you paid your deposit, but the moving company ghosted you on your moving day, or perhaps they charged your credit card for a higher amount than was agreed upon. Whatever the issue, there are many ways moving company scams may target you during your move, and you should remain vigilant to avoid them. A report from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) said that people who fell victim to moving scams in 2024 lost an average of $754. Keep reading for some helpful tips to avoid becoming a victim. Common tricks used by scam movers A stack of moving boxes in a living room (Martin Barraud via Getty Images) Illegitimate or shady moving companies may try one or more of these approaches to get your business, money or stuff. The lowball moving estimate This tactic involves movers offering an unrealistically low price to get your signature on the dotted line. Be cautious if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Once the company has your belongings, it may hold them hostage, demanding a much higher delivery fee. The average cost to move across the U.S., according to the home services website Angi, is $4,570; however, costs can range from around $2,400 to $15,000 or higher. A shorter local move might cost $1,200 but increase to over $7,000 if you have a larger house and lots of stuff. Large upfront deposits Reputable movers typically request minimal or no deposits upfront. Your deposit should be $500 at most. Consider it a major red flag if someone asks for a significant amount of money before the move happens. Missing or unbranded trucks Legitimate movers have a clear business address and use their own branded vehicles. Depending on the state in which theyre located, they may be required to display licensing information on their trucks. Be wary of companies that do not disclose their location or rely solely on rental trucks. Fake moving credentials To appear legitimate, fraudulent movers might show you fabricated credentials, including a bogus U.S. Department of Transportation (US DoT) number or certification. You can verify the credentials a moving company provides on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to confirm the US DoT number matches an official record. Disappearing acts In this scam, movers vanish after loading your belongings onto the truck. Unlike the lowball estimate or price gouging, they abscond with your items altogether. If you find yourself a victim of this particular trick, it may be too late to mitigate the damage, which is why its essential to watch for the red flags already mentioned. No-show movers Some scammers might provide an estimate and collect an upfront deposit, only to disappear on your moving day. While deposits dont inherently indicate a scam, a no-show, especially with no communication, is a major red flag. Moving delays arent uncommon, and there are simple tasks you can take to deal with late movers. But no-shows can be an indicator of a scam. Warning signs of a potential problem with a moving company Two men load boxes onto a moving truck (Mungkorn Kairyu via Getty Images) In the chaos of moving, the last thing you need is a dishonest mover. The following warning signs are red flags. Missing written estimates A reputable mover always provides a detailed written estimate outlining services, costs, and potential additional fees. Be wary of companies that only offer verbal quotes or wont put your agreements terms in writing. Sight-unseen estimates Getting an accurate moving estimate can be difficult without assessing the volume and complexity of your move. Companies that offer online or over-the-phone estimates without asking for information like your origin and destination addresses, number of bedrooms, square footage of your home, and amount of furniture may plan to add exorbitant charges after the move and before they deliver your stuff. Its good for companies to send a representative to your current living space to gauge the number of trucks and personnel your move requires, though remote estimates are common. Its not necessarily a red flag if a company does not offer or need to perform an in-person visit. Unprofessional conduct Companies whose employees exhibit unprofessional behavior like answering the phone generically without citing a company name or lacking clear communication warrant caution. Pay attention to how moving companies communicate with you because their professionalism, or lack thereof, can reflect the quality of work youll receive. Reputable companies dont avoid answering the phone; they call you back when youve left a message. Those who provide unclear explanations about their services or costs might be attempting to deceive you. Unrealistic damage coverage, guarantees or promises Companies that say theyll cover all damages regardless of cause should raise suspicion. The same goes for organizations that guarantee no damage will occur. Reputable movers offer various insurance options, and its worth researching them. Missing information A trustworthy mover provides its physical address, a copy of FMCSAs Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document, and references or customer reviews upon request. Recommended reading from Yahoo Local: 10 things to know before you hire a moving company Real-life red flags spotted too late An exhausted couple rests on sofa in living room near a heap of cardboard boxes (fizkes via Getty Images) Sometimes, you might spot possible warning signs but not immediately recognize them as red flags. When Jennifer Walkers family moved to Indianapolis, Ind., five years ago, everything seemed fine initially. The woman I spoke to who called within minutes after I completed the online request was nice and professional. I gave her all my notes, like needing floor coverings because our carpet was brand new and we were switching out washing machines, said Walker. But then the movers arrived four hours late and unprepared. They brought nothing to protect the carpet because it wasnt noted, Walker said. The woman I had spoken to originally said theyd wrap the furniture so we didnt empty our drawers. They did not. All kinds of stuff fell out, including the proprietary screws to my sons crib. Walker said she couldnt just run to the hardware store for replacements, and her son had to sleep in the guest bed for a few days until the replacements arrived. The movers lost a 10 x 8-foot playmat. It never showed up, and they never made an effort to find or make good with it, she said. They never answered our calls. And while they were at the old house, there were a few instances where they were wildly inappropriate. My husband stayed with them while I went to the new place, and he went back with them for the second trip, so I didnt have to be alone with them. Even though the Walkers had done their homework and the initial contact was positive Walker says she should have trusted her instincts when the other employee called to confirm the appointment the day before their move. He did not sound professional, she said, and I asked to confirm he knew about the washing machine switch and the carpet. He said no and allegedly wrote the notes down again. That was a serious red flag, but at that point, it was too late to cancel. Nothing was broken, so I guess its a 3/10 experience, Walker said. We left a scathing online review hoping others would see it and not hire this company. Do your homework, avoid moving scammers A moving truck full of furniture, lamps, plants and rugs parked in a residential driveway (tampatra via Getty Images) When planning your move, dedicate time to finding a trustworthy mover. Start by asking people you know for recommendations in your area. A positive experience from a friend, acquaintance, or family member is a strong endorsement but dont just take their word for it. Once you have your list, look up the companies online, visit their websites, and read customer reviews on Yahoo Local, Yelp or Google. Narrow your choices to those moving companies with professional-looking websites and many positive reviews. Then, check the BBB or similar organizations that track complaints and company reputations to see if theyre registered. (Read our guide to BBB accreditation and complaints for details on how the system works.) You can also check FMCSAs registered mover database. Finding the right mover also requires comparing estimates from two or three companies. Reputable movers will request a detailed inventory of your belongings before providing a quote, and some will send someone to walk through your home in person. Be wary of companies offering significantly lower prices than the competition or companies that require a large deposit. Legitimate companies wont need more than 20% of the total moving cost before transporting your stuff. Research helps but nothings foolproof A woman using a laptop while standing in a kitchen (damircudic via Getty Images) Even if you do everything by the book before a move, youre never guaranteed a seamless experience. After downsizing her large home in Williamsburg, Va., in 2022, Allison Wetzels mother planned to move to an assisted living community in Richmond. The family decided to hire movers to help pack and move everything, and they got the name of a moving company from the facility they were moving her into. They had a deal where if you contracted with them, theyd take $200 off the bill, said Allison Wetzel of Bethlehem, Pa. That savings was bogus because the end bill was many thousands of dollars over the original quote. The woman in charge of the move also gave Wetzel second thoughts during the process. She broke several antique bowls while packing, said Wetzel. The company also broke four or five crystal glasses worth $100 each. When they arrived at the assisted living facility, one of Wetzels mothers glass tables was badly scratched. The moving company tried to say someone scratched it before the move, but I had taken pictures before they packed the truck, said Wetzel. A floor lamp with a glass table attached was also significantly damaged. It wasnt until after Mom was settled in her apartment and she talked to people in her building that we found out the moving company had a bad reputation, she said. After the move, the company refused to answer or return phone calls. The company eventually paid for a small portion of the damage, but only because the family had opted for the insurance offered by the moving company. Even though they researched options extensively online, Wetzel said they should have talked to those whod hired this company before her mom signed the contract. If you can speak to people first-hand and get their impressions, you should, said Wetzel. You wont necessarily get an objective review from a company website. We should have checked with BBB too. Trust your instincts A woman placing a fragile moving box with her other belongings (PM Images via Getty Images) Moving is a whirlwind experience, but you can confidently navigate the process with planning and awareness. Being aware of common moving scams is a first step. You can avoid these common deceptive tactics by recognizing red flags like suspiciously low quotes or large upfront deposits. Finally, dont be afraid to walk away from situations that feel off. Remember: legitimate companies prioritize customer satisfaction and a smooth moving experience. More Yahoo Local-approved U.S. movers Best California movers Bakersfield / Fremont / Fresno / Irvine / Los Angeles / Oakland / Sacramento / San Diego / San Francisco / San Jose / Santa Cruz / Santa Rosa Best Florida movers Boca Raton / Bradenton / Fort Lauderdale / Fort Myers / Gainesville / Jacksonville / Melbourne / Miami / Naples / Ocala / Orlando / Sarasota / St. Petersburg / Tallahassee / Tampa / West Palm Beach Best New York movers Albany / Binghamton / The Bronx / Brooklyn / Buffalo / Clifton Park / Hamburg / Ithaca / Kingston / Manhattan / New Rochelle / Poughkeepsie / Queens / Rochester / Syracuse Best Texas movers Arlington / Austin / Corpus Christi / Dallas / Denton / El Paso / Fort Worth / Houston / Midland / Plano / Round Rock / San Antonio / The Woodlands > < 23:56 MNS workers force autorickshaw driver to do sit-ups for abusing Raj Thackeray MNS chief Raj Thackeray/File image MNS workers forced an autorickshaw driver to do sit-ups and apologise publicly after he allegedly abused Raj Thackeray and other leaders of the party in a viral video, leading to the registration of an FIR in Thane and his arrest, police said on Monday. A case against the viral video was... Read more > 23:51 Fire breaks out at commercial complex in Bengaluru, two rescued File image A fire broke out at the Greater Bengaluru Authority's (GBA) commercial complex here on Monday due to suspected electrical short circuit. Two people were rescued during the incident, officials said. The incident occurred around 10 AM on the first and second floors of the building located... Read more > 23:46 RSS-linked persons appointed as SIR assistants in MP Individuals linked to the BJP-RSS were appointed as assistants to Booth-Level Officers in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls with the collector on Monday calling it a 'mistake' and seeking explanation from officials. The Datia... Read more > 23:41 Court awards life to 3 Bawaria gang members for murder of AIADMK MLA A court in Chennai on Monday sentenced three members of the notorious Bawaria gang to life imprisonment in the case relating to the murder of AIADMK legislator K Sudarsanam in 2005 and dacoity. Sudarsanam was the AIADMK MLA of Gummidipoondi in neighbouring Thiruvallur district and Minister... Read more > 23:27 Chhattisgarh: Teenage girl hangs herself in school; principal held A 15-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself in the study room of a private school after accusing the principal of molesting and sexually harassing her in Chhattisgarh's Jashpur district, officials said on Monday. The principal was arrested after the class 9 student... Read more > 23:24 When Dharmendra and Modi bonded over parathas Prime Minister Narendra Modi and actor Dharmendra, who breathed his last on Monday, came from diverse backgrounds but were known to share their love for parathas. In a video shared by The Modi Story, an X handle that shares anecdotes from the PM's life, the late Dharmendra is seen sharing a... Read more > 22:36 Ethiopian volcano erupts, flights disrupted Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday issued an advisory to airlines and airports to deal with possible disruptions due to the ash plume from the volcanic activity in Ethiopia. Ash clouds from the recent eruption of the HayliGubbi volcano in Ethiopia are impacting flight operations, and there... Read more > 22:25 UP police seize Bihar-bound truck carrying 6,085 litres of liquor; driver arrested File image The police arrested a man in the Duddhi area of Sonbhadra after recovering more than 6,000 litres of foreign liquor hidden in a truck bound for Bihar, officials said on Monday.The estimated value of the seized liquor, along with the truck, is about Rs 1.35 crore.Additional superintendent of... Read more > 21:50 50% WFH order issued for all govt, private offices in Delhi Delhi government offices and all private establishments in the city will function with 50 per cent staff strength, and the rest will work from home under stage three of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in view of high air pollution levels, according to an order issued on Monday. The... Read more > 21:39 Chhattisgarh: 15 Maoists, including 9 carrying bounty of Rs 48 lakh, surrender As many as 15 Maoists, nine of them carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 48 lakh, surrendered before security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Monday, officials said.The cadres, including five women and members of the PLGA (People's Liberation Guerrilla Army), turned themselves in before... Read more > 21:18 'Remarkable human being': Chiranjeevi mourns demise of actor Dharmendra Megastar Chiranjeevi expressed deep sorrow and paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away at 89 on Monday.Calling him a remarkable human being, he wrote on X, Sri Dharmji was not only a legendary actor but also a remarkable human being. The humility and warmth I... Read more > 21:13 Delhi student's suicide: Three more teachers summoned for questioning The Delhi police on Monday summoned three more teachers of St Columbia's School in New Delhi for questioning in connection with the suicide of a Class 10 student over alleged mental harassment, an official said.On Sunday, two out of three other teachers who were given summons were questioned and... Read more > 20:46 Triple Murder In Patna Two motorcycle borne armed men shot dead a businessman at Bhuptipur in Patna. The killers were caught trying to flee by a mob of villagers who beat them to death. This is the first such killings in Patna after Nitish Kumar's National Democratic Alliance government was sworn in... Read more > 20:42 Bail granted to Chinnaiah arrested in Dharmasthala case A court in Belthangady on Monday granted bail to C N Chinnaiah, who has been arrested on charges of perjury in connection with a case which was registered based on his complaint claiming dozens of bodies of women and minors were secretly buried in Dharmasthala in the last two decades. Last... Read more > 20:37 ED freezes Rs 523 cr in probe against WinZo, Gameskraft The Enforcement Directorate on Monday said it has frozen collective deposits worth about Rs 523 crore of online gaming companies WinZO and Gameskraft as the platforms allegedly held funds worth crores of rupees that should ideally have been refunded to players after India banned real-money gaming... Read more > 20:12 Rupee jumps 46 paise to close at 89.20 against US dollar The rupee rebounded sharply by 46 paise to settle at 89.20 (provisional) against the greenback on Monday, due to US dollar selling by banks and importers amid a dip in global crude oil prices. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened strong at 89.46 and moved in the range of 89.05... Read more > 20:01 India Gate protest: Court sends 5 demonstrators to 2-day judicial custody A Delhi court on Monday sent five protesters to two-day judicial custody in a case registered against them for allegedly using pepper spray on police personnel during a demonstration at the India Gate over rising air pollution levels in the national capital.Judicial magistrate Aridaman Singh... Read more > 19:43 Delhi's air quality hover close to 'severe' Delhi's air quality remained grim on Monday, hovering close to the 'severe' threshold as the city's overall AQI settled at 382, while 15 monitoring stations logged readings beyond the 400-mark, according to the CPCB. The 24-hour average AQI (Air Quality Index) settled at 382 on Monday, in... Read more > 19:23 Security tightened in Ayodhya ahead of Modi's visit to hoist flag File image The authorities have tightened security arrangements in Ayodhya for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on Tuesday to ceremonially hoist a saffron flag on the spire of the Ram temple, symbolising the completion of its construction, officials said on Monday.Under the guidance of Chief Minister... Read more > 19:02 Bengaluru ATM cash heist: Police arrests two more; 9 held so far Two more suspects in the Rs 7.11 crore robbery case in Bengaluru have been arrested, bringing the total arrests to nine, the police said on Monday. Annappa Naik, a police constable attached to the Govindapura station in the city, who was arrested for his alleged involvement in the robbery... Read more > 18:56 Maha minister's PA held over wife's suicide; in police custody till Nov 27 A personal assistant of Maharashtra cabinet minister Pankaja Munde was arrested here on Monday on charges of abetting the suicide of his wife, a dentist at a civic hospital, the police said. Dr Gauri Palve (28), wife of accused Anant Garje, allegedly hanged herself in her flat at Worli in... Read more > 18:48 Vice President Radhakrishnan, LS Speaker Birla mourn Dharmendra's death Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Monday mourned the death of Dharmendra and said the actor left behind a timeless legacy that will continue to inspire generations of artistes. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the news of the passing of Dharmendra was heartbreaking and an irreplaceable loss... Read more > 18:39 Dharmendra's Punjab village mourn death of its iconic son The Government Senior Secondary School in Sahnewal, where veteran actor Dharmendra studied./ANI on X Dango and Sahnewal, two nondescript villages in Punjab's Ludhiana district situated more than 30 km apart, have one thing in common -- Bollywood's He-Man Dharmendra. And now they are united in grief over the passing of the showbiz legend. The star with a 65-year career spanning 300... Read more > 18:15 Indian cinema has lost an immortal icon with Dharmendra's death: Delhi CM Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Indian cinema had lost an immortal icon with the passing away of veteran actor Dharmendra. Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena also paid tributes to the actor, the actor's death marks the end of a golden era in Indian cinema. Dharmendra, the star who wrote... Read more > 17:59 Maha urban local bodies ordered to immunise stray dogs File image The Maharashtra government on Monday directed all urban local bodies to ensure compulsory immunisation of stray dogs and to set up dedicated helplines for public complaints. The state urban development department issued a Government Resolution in this connection following directions passed... Read more > 17:41 Sonam Wangchuk's detention: SC adjourns wife's plea to Dec 8 Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned to December 8 the hearing on a plea filed by the wife of jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, terming his detention under National Security Act as illegal, and an arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights. A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar... Read more > 17:24 A boxer's fervent wish and then... lunch with Dharmendra! All that boxer Amit Panghal wanted after winning his first and only Asian Games gold in September 2018 was a meeting with Dharmendra, the iconic film star who he had grown to love thanks to his father's adoration for him.To his surprise, within a day of going public with that wish on September 1,... Read more > 17:04 Stock markets fall for 2nd day Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty declined on Monday amid last-minute selling by cautious investors and lack of any major triggers. Paring early gains, the 30-share BSE Sensex declined by 331.21 points or 0.39 per cent to settle at 84,900.71. During the day, it dropped 521.81 points or... Read more > 16:56 Heartbreaking: Shah, Rahul pay tribute to Dharmendra Dharmendra with Hema Malini Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Monday recalled the actor's illustrious journey in Bollywood of legendary actor Dharmendra who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89 on Monday. He extended his condolences to Dharmendra's family. Taking to his X handle, Amit... Read more > 16:52 Kareena shares vintage pictures of Dharmendra, Raj Kapoor Remembering Dharmendra, Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan dug out vintage and iconic pictures of the He-Man of Indian cinema with the Showman Raj Kapoor. In a monochrome picture, Dharmendra and Raj Kapoor could be seen sharing smiles as they greeted each other with a tight hug.... Read more > 16:44 The OG of the good man is gone: Kajol mourns Dharmendra Kajol shares this picture of Dharmendra with her son Yug and writes: The OG of the Good Man is gone and the world is poorer for it.. somehow it seems like we are only losing the good people in it. Kind to the core and loved always . RIP Dharamji .. with love always (heart emoji). Read more > 16:26 Irreparable loss to cinema: BJP pays homage to Dharmendra BJP president J P Nadda on Monday condoled the demise of Dharmendra, saying it is an irreparable loss for Indian cinema and the art world. Dharmendra, the star who wrote himself into showbiz legend in a 65-year career spanning 300 films ranging from Satyakam to Sholay, died in Mumbai on Monday,... Read more > 16:02 Bollywood arrives in strength at Dharmendra's funeral Dharmendra and Amitabha in the iconic film, Sholay After learning about the demise of legendary actor Dharmendra, several members of the film industry gathered together at Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle to pay their last respects to the He-Man of Bollywood. From megastar Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek Bachchan, to veteran writer... Read more > 15:44 Dharmendra's demise great loss to Indian cinema: President Murmu President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said the demise of veteran actor and former Lok Sabha MP Dharmendra is a great loss to Indian cinema. One of the most popular actors, Dharmendra delivered numerous memorable performances during his decades-long illustrious career, Murmu said in a post on... Read more > 15:35 When a starstruck Dharmendra broke into Dilip Kumar's home Much before he won the Filmfare talent contest to launch his foray into the film world, Dharmendra visited Bombay, boldly went to his idol Dilip Kumar's house, walked in and reached right up to his bedroom only to run away after the thespian woke up to find a stranger in his home. The... Read more > 15:24 Mobile users may be held liable for misuse of SIMs issued in their name: DoT Mobile subscribers may be held liable if a SIM card procured in their name is found to have been misused for cyber fraud or other illegal activities, an official statement said on Monday. The Department of Telecom (DoT) in the statement advised citizens to be cautious and avoid using mobile... Read more > 14:58 Phenomenal, iconic actor: PM condoles Dharmendra's death PM Modi condoles Dharmendra's death.The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people.... Read more > 14:42 Indian-origin man on Canada's most wanted list arrested Toronto police have arrested an Indian-origin man on Canada's 25 most wanted list with firearms and ammunition, police said. Nicholas Singh, 24, wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for Breach of Parole, was arrested on Friday, a statement issued by the Toronto Police said.Singh was arrested with a... Read more > 14:36 Read: The Justice BR Gavai interview Justice BR Gavai, the second Dalit Chief Justice of India (CJI), recently demitted office after completing over six years at the Supreme Court and a judicial career that stretched over two decades.Justice Gavai was appointed as an additional judge of the Bombay High... Read more > 14:31 Major collision averted at Delhi airport, plane lands on wrong runway A major collision was averted at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on Sunday when an Ariana Afghan Airlines flight from Kabul mistakenly landed on a runway from where another flight was taking off, a senior DGCA official said. The regulator has already launched a probe into the... Read more > 14:26 Veteran actor Dharmendra passes away Veteran actor Dharmendra passes away. He was 89. Dharmendra was unwell for several days and breathed his last today.The veteran actor had been treated at Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital and later taken home on November 12.Dharmendra's son, Bobby Deol's spokesperson, told Rediff, We are issuing a... Read more > 14:11 11 dead in separate bus accidents, several injured The Tehri bus accident left 5 passengers dead At least 6 people, including a child were killed and more than 50 people were hospitalised after two passenger buses collided in Tamil Nadu's Tenkasi district on Monday, police said. The injured have been admitted to the hospital with severe injuries including fractures to their arms, legs,... Read more > 14:11 11 dead in separate bus accidents, several injured The Tehri bus accident left 5 passengers dead At least 6 people, including a child were killed and more than 50 people were hospitalised after two passenger buses collided in Tamil Nadu's Tenkasi district on Monday, police said. The injured have been admitted to the hospital with severe injuries including fractures to their arms, legs,... Read more > 14:01 Rabri Devi alleges bias, seeks transfer of CBI, ED cases to another court Former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi on Monday moved a plea seeking transfer of the CBI and ED cases registered against her to another court, saying she had a reasonable apprehension that fair and impartial justice would not be rendered. Devi is named as an accused in four cases, including... Read more > 13:14 Modi to hoist saffron flag symbolising Ram Rajya at Ayodhya PM at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to ceremonially hoist a saffron flag on the spire of the Ram Janmbhoomi Temple, symbolising the completion of its construction. The right-angled triangular flag, measuring ten feet in height and twenty feet in length, bears the image... Read more > 12:57 I do not owe any debt to anybody: Ajit Pawar Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday defended his controversial vote for funds remark, asserting that despite decades of allegations, he owes no debt to anyone. Addressing a public rally at Jintur in Parbhani district ahead of the December 2 local body polls, the NCP... Read more > 12:24 Ex-CJI Gavai leaves Mercedes car for CJI CJI Surya Kant Former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Monday set a new precedent by leaving the official Mercedes-Benz car for his successor Surya Kant at the Rashtrapati Bhavan after the latter's swearing-in ceremony. Justice Gavai, who superannuated on November 23, reached the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the... Read more > 12:10 K'taka tussle: Sadhus at DKS home, MLA-backers in Delhi Sadhus arrived at Shivakumar's residence to bless him this morning Another batch of legislators backing Deputy Chief Minister D K Sivakumar have flown to New Delhi to meet Congress high command leaders, amid a power tussle within the ruling party in Karnataka over the CM change issue, party sources said on Monday. According to sources, at least six... Read more > 11:50 Pilot charged with raping crew member at 5-star hotel A 60-year-old pilot of a private aviation firm has been charged for allegedly raping a 26-year-old cabin crew member at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru last week, police said. The incident took place on November 18 when the accused, Rohit Saran, arrived at the hotel with his colleague and the... Read more > 11:15 The legacy of former CJI BR Gavai When I was a child, I loved reading Choose Your Own Adventure' storybooks. In these stories, you -- the reader -- were the protagonist. Every few pages, you would be asked to make a choice, which would lead you to different scenarios, and -- eventually -- to different endings. But the great... Read more > 11:10 3 security personnel killed in suicide attack at paramilitary force HQ in Pak Representational image At least three security personnel were killed and two others injured in a suicide attack at a paramilitary force headquarters on Monday in Pakistan's Peshawar, according to a report. Three terrorists were also killed in the early morning attack at the Frontier Constabulary (FC) headquarters,... Read more > 10:40 15 arrested for using pepper spray on Delhi Police The Delhi Police has arrested 15 people on charges of obstructing its personnel and assaulting them, besides blocking the road during a protest at the India Gate over rising air pollution levels in the national capital, an official said on Monday.On Sunday, the situation at the protest escalated... Read more > 10:22 CJI Kant hugs Justice Gavai CJI Surya Kant shares a hug with his predecessor, former CJI BR Gavai, as they greet each other. Justice Surya Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India today. Justice Kant was appointed as the next CJI on October 30 and will remain in the post for nearly 15 months. He will demit office... Read more > 10:11 Justice Surya Kant takes oath as India's 53rd CJI Justice Surya Kant takes oath as the Chief Justice of India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administers the oath to him. He took over from Justice B.R. Gavai. Prior to his elevation, Kant was a Senior Advocate and also served as the Advocate General for Haryana. Read more > 10:07 Delhi AQI 396; like smoking 22 cigarettes A thick layer of haze engulfed the national capital on Monday morning as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 396 at 7 am, falling under the 'very poor' category despite the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-III in effect across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), according to... Read more > 10:00 Pankaja Munde's PA arrested for 'abetting' wife's suicide A personal assistant of Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde was arrested here on Monday on charges of abetment of his wife's suicide, police said. Dr Gauri Palve (28), wife of accused Anant Garje, allegedly hanged herself in her flat at Worli in central Mumbai on Saturday due to a domestic... Read more > 09:53 Dhaka sends fresh request to Delhi for Hasina's extradition Days after deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received a death sentence from the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal, the interim government of Bangladesh has written to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs seeking her extradition.As per a report in the Dhaka Tribune, officials... Read more > 09:42 Mamdani stands by 'fascist', 'despot' remarks for Trump New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday for their first in-person interaction, an encounter that remained cordial despite Mamdani refusing to retract his earlier criticism of the President.In an appearance on NBC News' Meet the Press on... Read more > 09:24 BMC polls will be last election for Marathi people if...: Raj Thackeray Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray on Sunday said the upcoming Mumbai civic body polls might prove to be the last one for Marathi manoos if they don't remain alert. Addressing the inauguration of the MNS Konkan Mahotsav in Mumbai, Thackeray appealed to the party workers... Read more > 09:15 Indigo plane damaged after being struck by bird in Rishikesh An Indigo plane carrying passengers from Mumbai was damaged after being struck by a bird on the runway of Jolly Grant Airport near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand's Dehradun, officials said, adding that all 186 passengers on board are safe. They said the incident occurred around 6:45 pm when a... Read more > 09:11 Modi returns from a 3-day visit to South Africa for G20 summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday returned to India after a three-day visit to South Africa for the G20 and IBSA meetings. At the G20 Leaders Summit, Modi called for a global compact to prevent misuse of artificial intelligence and made a strong pitch for critical... Read more > 08:56 Andhra doctor dies by suicide over US visa rejection A 38-year-old woman doctor from Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh allegedly died by suicide at her flat in Hyderabad due to depression over not getting US visa, said a police official.The incident came to light on November 22 after her family members, who are staying in another locality of the... Read more > > < 23:44 Russia launches classified military satellites Russia on Tuesday successfully launched a set of undisclosed military satellites aboard an Angara-1.2 light launch vehicle from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, the defence ministry said. The launch took place at 4:42 pm Moscow time (7:12 pm IST) from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, the world's northernmost... Read more > 23:38 Karnataka Cong MLAs return from Delhi, say high command will decide on CM Some Karnataka Congress legislators who travelled to New Delhi to meet party leaders to pitch for deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's elevation as CM, said in Bengaluru on Tuesday that the leadership will take a decision on the matter. While some MLAs said they requested the high command... Read more > 23:16 Actor Shraddha Kapoor's brother quizzed for 5 hrs in drug case Bollywood actor-director Siddhanth Kapoor Bollywood actor-director Siddhanth Kapoor was on Tuesday questioned for nearly five hours by the Mumbai police in connection with a drug seizure case, officials said. Siddhanth, son of veteran actor Shakti Kapoor and brother of actor Shraddha Kapoor, arrived at the Anti-Narcotics... Read more > 23:08 TN signs pact for 2-seater trainer aircraft production unit Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin A total of 158 MoUs for total commitment of Rs 43,844 crore, and ensuring 1,00,709 jobs, were signed in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin at the TN Rising investment conclave here on Tuesday. Among them, Sakthi Aircraft Industry will establish a state-of-the-art 2-seater... Read more > 22:41 College student celebrating birthday set afire by friend in Mumbai; five held A 21-year-old collegian suffered burns after his friend set him ablaze during his birthday revelry in Kurla area of Mumbai on Tuesday, leading to the arrest of five of his friends, police said. A friend of Abdul Rehman Khan called him up in the morning and asked him to come down to meet... Read more > 22:15 Ukraine-Russia peace deal nears as Kyiv agrees to deal Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy/File image Ukraine has agreed to the framework of a proposed deal to end the war with Russia, a senior US official said on Tuesday, even as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy maintained that several issues remain unresolved, CNN reported.The official, speaking as US Army secretary Dan Driscoll held talks with... Read more > 22:11 Night curfew clamped along Meghalaya's border with Bangladesh Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district administration on Tuesday imposed a night curfew in areas along the India-Bangladesh border, amid concerns over infiltration by illegal migrants and members of banned militant groups, officials said.The night curfew will be clamped with immediate effect, and... Read more > 22:03 Assam to exclude buffalo fight from animal cruelty law The Assam government on Tuesday proposed to exclude the traditional buffalo fight from the ambit of the law to prevent cruelty to animals like the Jallikatu' in Tamil Nadu.Tabling the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2025, animal husbandry and veterinary minister... Read more > 21:36 One dead, 10 fall ill after chlorine gas leak near Mumbai File image One person died and 10 others, including five fire brigade personnel, were hospitalised after chlorine gas leaked from a cylinder in Vasai town in Maharashtra's Palghar district on Tuesday, an official said. The incident took place near a crematorium at Sun City in Diwanman area in the town... Read more > 21:27 Modi flags Jal Jeevan Mission lapses; 7 states fined Rs 129 cr, Guj tops list Representational image The Centre has slapped penalties to the tune of Rs 129.27 crore on seven states, the maximum on Gujarat, for irregularities in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission following a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spare no one in the flagship initiative. The Centre had launched... Read more > 21:08 Bihar deputy CM Choudhary takes charge of home dept, to stop eve-teasing Bihar deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday said that special police personnel will be deployed near schools and colleges to prevent eve-teasing of female students. Choudhary, who took charge of the home department earlier on the day, told reporters, We will deploy 'anti-Romeo... Read more > 21:02 Two sub-inspectors among 7 arrested for robbing jewellery artisan in K'taka The police on Tuesday said they have arrested seven people, including two police sub-inspectors for allegedly threatening a jewellery artisan and robbing him of gold.The two arrested officers were identified as Malappa Chippalakatte and Praveen Kumar.We arrested both officers yesterday on charges... Read more > 20:48 Winter session of Bihar assembly to begin from Dec 1 A view of the Bihar assembly/Image courtesy Bihar Vidhan Sabha website The winter session of the newly elected Bihar legislative assembly will be conducted from December 1 to 5, according to an official press release.The oath and affirmation by newly elected members of the Bihar legislative assembly will take place on December 1; meanwhile, on December 2, 2025, the... Read more > 20:19 Bill to ban polygamy tabled in Assam, proposes 7-year jail Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma/File image Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday tabled a bill in the Assembly to ban polygamy, making it an offence with up to seven years of imprisonment for first offence. It proposes to keep Scheduled Tribe (ST) members and areas under the Sixth Schedule out of the purview of the... Read more > 19:59 Woman booked for duping postal depositors of Rs 95 lakh in Navi Mumbai A case has been registered against a postal savings scheme agent for allegedly duping depositors of Rs 95 lakh in Navi Mumbai, the police said on Tuesday.Based on a complaint, the Khandeshwar police on Sunday registered a first information report against the 60-year-old woman agent under sections... Read more > 19:29 Rupee settles 4 paise lower at 89.20 against US dollar The rupee pared initial gains and settled 4 paise lower at 89.20 (provisional) against the greenback on Tuesday, weighed down by negative cues from domestic equity markets. Falling crude oil prices supported the Indian currency at lower level, however, withdrawal of foreign funds kept the... Read more > 19:17 Shinde's Shiv Sena acting like goons: BJP minister Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Raksha Khadse/ANI Photo Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Raksha Khadse on Tuesday alleged that workers of Shiv Sena, led by deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, are intimidating people in Muktainagar assembly constituency in Jalgaon district, a claim exposing strains between the two allies in... Read more > 19:10 28 Maoists including 22 carry Rs 89 lakh bounty surrender in Chhattisgarh Twenty-eight Maoists, 22 of them collectively carrying a reward of Rs 89 lakh on their heads, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Tuesday, officials said. The cadres, including 19 women, turned themselves in before senior police officials here citing they were... Read more > 18:49 India entering golden era of defence innovation: Rajnath Singh File image Amid a rapidly changing world and evolving geopolitics, India must move beyond a reactive approach and adopt a proactive outlook to make itself future-ready, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday. In his address at 'Swavlamban 2025' being held at the Manekshaw Centre here, the... Read more > 18:36 Kin of decorated cop killed in anti-Maoist op to get Rs 1 cr aid from MP govt The Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday announced a financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the family of inspector Ashish Sharma, a decorated state police officer who was killed during a fierce encounter with Maoists in adjoining Chhattisgarh last week. Sharma was a member of Madhya... Read more > 18:10 Chhattisgarh teacher hangs 5-year-old from tree to 'discipline' him File image A teacher of a private school in Chhattisgarh's Surajpur attempted to discipline her five-year-old student by allegedly hanging him from a tree with a rope tied to his T-shirt, prompting the authorities to issue a show-cause notice to the institution's management, officials said on... Read more > 17:57 'Kerala sadya' to replace pulao and sambar in 'annadanam' in Sabarimala File image Pilgrims visiting Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala can soon enjoy delicious Kerala sadya as part of traditional 'annadanam (free food)', the Travancore Devaswom Board said on Tuesday. TDB president K Jayakumar said pulao and sambar were earlier served at the hill shrine as part of... Read more > 17:41 Family of cop killed in anti-Naxal ops to get Rs 1 cr The MP CM consoles a family member The Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday announced a financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the family of Inspector Ashish Sharma, a decorated state police officer who was killed during a fierce encounter with Naxalites in adjoining Chhattisgarh last week.Sharma was a member of Madhya Pradesh's... Read more > 17:14 Stock markets fall for 3rd day on foreign fund outflows Stock markets closed lower for the third consecutive session on Tuesday with the benchmark Sensex sliding nearly 314 points due to selling in IT and auto shares as foreign fund outflows dampened investor sentiment. In a volatile trade, the 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 313.70 points or 0.37 per... Read more > 17:07 Don't play with me: Mamata dares BJP after chopper glitch West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the BJP of being involved in sabotage in the cancellation of her helicopter ride to Bongaon, warning the opposition party not to play with her as she could not be cornered. Banerjee, who was scheduled to land in Bongaon in North... Read more > 16:39 Volcanic ash no cause for concern: Civil aviation ministry The civil aviation ministry, along with the air traffic control India Meteorological Department (IMD), are closely monitoring the situation of ash plumes from the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia impacting flight operations. Some flights have been cancelled and many have been delayed due to the... Read more > 16:16 Secret deal between few: DK Shivakumar on CM change Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said he did not want to discuss the CM change issue publicly, as it is a secret deal between four and five people in the party, and that he believes in his conscience. Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress President said that he... Read more > 15:55 Ethiopia's volcanic ash will move towards China: IMD Delhi pollution + Hayli Gubbi = Unbreathable air Experts noted that ash clouds from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption have reached parts of India, affecting aviation but not local weather or air quality, as authorities continued to monitor conditions in the upper atmosphere.Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at the... Read more > 15:28 Awaken Lord Ram within yourself if you want...: PM Calling the hoisting of Dharma Dhwaja atop the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya historic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India must simultaneously draw strength from its heritage and free itself from the slave mentality to achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation by... Read more > 15:15 Tata Sierra relaunched, this is how much it will cost The specs are finally out and let us be among the first to tell you that the Tata Sierra has been launched at an inaugural price of Rs 11.49 lakh.After a long wait for the return of the iconic Tata Sierra, and after multiple looks at the production spec at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 and its... Read more > 15:00 High Command must end CM change confusion: Siddaramaiah As the power tussle within the ruling Congress in Karnataka refuses to die down, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said that the party high command should ultimately take the decision to put a full stop to this confusion. Reiterating that he will abide by the high command's decision on... Read more > 14:49 Celina Jaitly accuses husband of domestic violence Actor Celina Jaitly has filed a domestic violence complaint in a local court in Mumbai alleging that she has suffered severe emotional, physical, sexual and verbal abuse at the hands of her Austrian husband Peter Haag.The plea came up for hearing on Tuesday before judicial magistrate S C Tadye,... Read more > 14:38 BLOs camp overnight in CEO office over workload A section of booth-level officers spent the entire night inside the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's office, refusing to leave until CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal met them and accepted their charter of demands, as their protest over 'unmanageable workload' during the ongoing SIR escalated... Read more > 14:01 Student tied and hanged from tree for not doing homework Two teachers of a private school are accused of allegedly tying a student with a rope and hanging him from a tree for not doing homework. The incident occurred at Hanswahini Vidya Mandir in Surajpur, Chhattisgarh.Vikas Khand, Education Officer, DC Lakda, said, As soon as the DO (District Officer)... Read more > 13:53 Delhi HC Grants Interim Relief To Tesla The Delhi high court on Monday directed Tesla Power India not to manufacture or market electric vehicles (EVs) or use the word 'Tesla' until the final disposal of the Elon Musk-owned Tesla Inc's trademark infringement suit against it.Musk's Tesla had moved the Delhi high court in May 2024 to... Read more > 13:50 Bihar Cabinet holds 1st meeting for 1-cr jobs poll promise The newly formed Bihar Cabinet held its first meeting on Tuesday and decided to provide one crore jobs to the state's youth over the next five years. Addressing reporters after the meeting chaired by CM Nitish Kumar, Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit said widespread employment generation... Read more > 13:42 Zubeen's death plain and simple murder: Himanta tells Assam assembly Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in the assembly on Tuesday that singer Zubeen Garg's death while swimming in the sea in Singapore is a case of plain and simple murder. The special investigation team (SIT) that has been probing into the circumstances of Garg's death have added... Read more > 13:39 Newly Listed Firms To Dominate Amfi's Market-Cap Review Newly listed firms are set to dominate the upcoming rebalancing exercise by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi). According to an analysis by Brian Freitas of Periscope Analytics, published on Smartkarma, Tata Capital, Tata Motors (Commercial Vehicles), and LG Electronics India... Read more > 12:50 'Souls of those who sacrificed life for Ram Temple must be in peace today' RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said those who sacrificed their life for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya must be in peace today as the hoisting of the saffron flag atop the shrine marked the formal completion of its construction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceremonially hoisted the saffron... Read more > 12:46 Centuries of pain is being put to rest today: PM@Ayodhya PM Modi@Ayodhya: Today, the entire India and the world is Ram-may. There is extraordinary satisfaction in the heart of every Rama devotee. There is boundless gratitude. There is unfathomable supernatural bliss. The wounds of centuries are being healed. The pain of centuries is being put to rest... Read more > 12:29 Ram temple flag-hoisting beginning of a new era: Yogi Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday termed the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Ram temple the beginning of a new era, as he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Governor Anandiben Patel for their presence at the event. Addressing the gathering,... Read more > 12:18 RBI Sells $21.7 Bn In H1 The Reserve Bank of India net sold $21.7 billion in the first half of the current financial year (H1FY26), against net sale of $85.11 billion during the same period in FY25. It net sold $7.9 billion in September against $7.6 billion in August.The RBI had net sold the highest amount of dollars in... Read more > 12:00 All eyes on Ayodhya PM Narendra Modi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief look up at the fluttering saffron flag atop the Ram temple in Ayodhya. This marks the formal completion of its construction. Read more > 11:54 Modi, RSS chief hoist saffron flag on Ram Mandir PM Modi and RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat ceremonially hoist the saffron flag on the Shikhar of the sacred Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple, symbolising the completion of the temple's construction. UP CM Yogi Adityanath is also with them. The right-angled triangular flag, measuring 10 feet in... Read more > 11:51 Elderly tourists stranded in snowfall rescued in Arunachal's Tawang A group of elderly tourists were rescued after heavy snowfall in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh left their vehicle immobile, officials said on Tuesday. The sudden winter spell brought fresh snow, the first this season, to districts such as Tawang, West Kameng, Shi-Yomi and parts of Upper... Read more > 11:28 Tribals, Babri litigant's son guests at Ram Mandir ceremony Representatives of tribal and forest-dwelling communities from Sonbhadra, invited as special guests for the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Ram temple, joined the invitees, including the son of a litigant in the Babri case, in Ayodhya on Tuesday. Invited by the Shri Ram Mandir Trust, the... Read more > 11:16 Outward Remittances Grew Marginally In Sep The outward remittances under the RBI's liberalised remittances scheme (LRS) increased marginally by $24 million in September to $2.78 billion, mainly on the back of pickup in investment in equity/debt by Indians in overseas capital markets and robust international travel, according to data... Read more > 11:13 PM, CM, governor offer prayers Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with CM Yogi Adityanath and UP Governor Anandiben Patel (not in picture), offers prayers at Mata Annapurna Mandir ahead of the historic flag hoisting at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. Read more > 11:09 Delhi most polluted; thick haze after volcano ash Delhi ranked as the most polluted among 33 states and Union territories with an annual mean PM2.5 concentration of 101 micrograms per cubic metre, 2.5 times the Indian standard and 20 times the WHO guideline, according to a new satellite-based analysis. A thick haze hung over Delhi on... Read more > 10:43 PM at Saptmandir Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches the Saptmandir, which houses temples related to Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari Read more > 10:38 Air India cancels multiple flights amid Ethiopian volcanic ash cloud Representational image Air India cancelled multiple flights after initiating precautionary checks on aircraft that had flown over regions affected by the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption in Ethiopia, as an ash cloud from the eruption continued to disrupt flight paths across several countries, including India.The... Read more > 10:33 Prasad arrives for Ayodhya flag ceremony Ayodhya Dhwajarohan: Prasad ordered for the flag hoisting ceremony at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Vehicles are being transported to the Ram Temple complex for distribution to the invitees. Read more > 10:31 Clean air protest: Police adds Section 197 to FIR for raising Maoist slogans The Delhi Police has invoked charges under 'imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration' in one of the FIRs registered against a group of protesters who allegedly raised pro-Maoist slogans and used pepper spray on police personnel during an anti-pollution demonstration at the... Read more > 10:11 Net FDI Doubles In H1FY26 Net foreign direct investment (FDI) in India -- inflows minus outflows -- more than doubled to $7.64 billion during the first half (April-September) of 2025-26 (H1FY26) from $3.4 billion a year ago on rise in money brought into the country and moderation in repatriation, according to Reserve Bank... Read more > 10:08 Another valiant giant left us: Amitabh on Dharmendra Sholay's BFFs, 'Veeru' and 'Jai' Actor Amitabh Bachchan has penned a heartfelt note, bidding an emotional farewell to his 'Veeru' - the legendary Dharmendra. Dharmendra, widely regarded as one of the most iconic actors of Indian cinema, passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. He had been unwell for some... Read more > 09:50 Modi, RSS chief to hoist flag at Ram Mandir at noon The saffron flag hoisting ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will take place around noon in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra general secretary Champat Rai said on Tuesday. Rai said the flag to be hoisted is... Read more > 09:27 Ash clouds to move away from India by 7.30 pm: IMD Ash clouds from volcanic activity in Ethiopia are drifting towards China and will move away from India by 7.30 pm on Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department said.Ash plumes from the recent eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia impacted flight operations in India on Monday.... Read more > 09:07 AI171 crash: Compensation paid to 70 families Air India is committed to ensuring that ex gratia payouts to families affected by the AI171 plane crash in June are processed in a 'fair and well managed' manner, its CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said on Monday. He said that the pace of disbursal depends on information and documentation provided by... Read more > 08:54 Modi to hoist 191-ft 'Dharma Dhwaj' at Ram Temple today Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the sacred flag atop the 191-foot-high shikhara of the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi Temple during a special flag-hoisting ceremony today, marking a historic moment in the nation's socio-cultural and spiritual landscape.The 'Dharma Dhwaj' carries three sacred... Read more > 08:29 Trump doesn't support...: White House on H-1B visas White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised that President Donald Trump is committed to protecting American jobs while encouraging foreign investment in the United States.The comments come amid growing scrutiny over H-1B visas and concerns that foreign labour could displace domestic... Read more > 01:00 BJP chief JP Nadda calls dinner meeting to mark NDA's victory in Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party national president Jagat Prakash Nadda has convened a special dinner meeting to celebrate the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) emphatic victory in the recently concluded Bihar assembly elections.The meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, November 26, at Nadda's... Read more > 00:53 Delhi student suicide: Two teachers questioned, three more summoned Parents and relatives of the the student protest outside St Columba's School in New Delhi/ANI Photo The Delhi police on Monday questioned two teachers of St Columba's School in connection with the suicide of a class 10 student and summoned three more as part of the widening probe, officials said. The two teachers who appeared before police for questioning on Monday recorded their... Read more > Assyrian Quota Seat Winners Move to Form Unified Bloc in Iraqi Parliament Newly elected lawmaker Kaldo Oghanna says he and two other winning Assyrian candidates will form a single parliamentary bloc -- a move that could reshape the community's presence in Baghdad's shifting political landscape. Yet the announcement, made in an interview with Rudaw, a media outlet affiliated with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader and Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) President Nechirvan Barzani, also reignites long-standing debates about how Iraq's minority quota seats are won, who effectively controls them, and whose interests they ultimately serve. Oghanna, elected from Arba'ilo (Erbil), confirmed that he, Sami Oshana of Nohadra (Duhok), and former Assyrian Democratic Movement (Zowaa) Member of Parliament Imad Youkhanna of Kerkhesloh (Kirkuk) -- without naming them directly -- intend to establish a joint bloc in the next Iraqi parliament. The three ran as independent candidates and collectively received around 60,000 votes through strong support from sympathizers and civil servants directly or indirectly employed by the KDP. This immediately fueled speculation among analysts and Assyrian parties that the new bloc may lean toward Kurdish political priorities or, alternatively, legislative positions intended to challenge dominant Shia factions. The Christian quota's remaining two seats were won by Ivan Faiq Jabro and Aswan Kaldani, both affiliated with the Babylon Movement, a political group -- more militia than movement -- headed by US-sanctioned Rayan al-Kildani and widely criticized by grassroots Assyrian organizations for its closeness to Shia political power centers. In the 2021 elections, al-Kildani took four of the five Christian parliamentary seats. And earlier in 2025, he parachuted his candidate to become the mayor of the Assyrian town of Baghdede (Qaraqosh). After four years of militia rule, lawmaking, and representation, the al-Kildani list's achievements for the national interests of the Assyrians are limited. In the recent elections, one could say that al-Kildani was punished for his close ties to Shia political parties linked to Iran -- an opportunity the KDP and its allies chose to exploit. Al-Kildani's militia, now formally Brigade 50 of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), has also been weakened. In October, he lost the 13th Regiment, which was reassigned to the 74th Brigade under the Nineveh Operations Command. Oghanna: Our Goal is Coordinated Work for Our People Oghanna insists that the alliance is driven by a desire for collective action rather than partisan alignment. "Our goal is coordinated work for our people," he said after the vote. The bloc also intends to seek the ministerial portfolio traditionally allocated to the Christian quota, arguing that it should be a service ministry capable of delivering tangible benefits across federal Iraq and the KRI. His partners bring their own political backgrounds. Oshana, from Nohadra, received the highest number of votes among the three (23,000). Youkhanna, a former MP and former Zowaa figure, is widely seen as politically aligned with Yonadam Kanna, the long-time former Zowaa leader who has sought to reassert influence over his party and the broader Assyrian political scene. After the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, Zowaa, then the largest Assyrian grassroots secular organization in Iraq, and its President Yonadam Kanna, were appointed as the de facto representatives of the interests of the Assyrian population. While official recognition was achieved via the inclusion of the "Caldo-Assyrian" population in the constitution, the material reality of the Assyrian people deteriorated to the point where over half the population has emigrated. Politically, the situation was, and remains, a disaster. No autonomy for the Assyrian people in their homeland was achieved, and their current guaranteed "representation" are quota seats manipulated by larger political actors for their own benefit. The former leadership of Zowaa, headed by Yonadam Kanna, bears the brunt of the blame. Exploitation by Kurdish and Shia Political Blocs The composition of this year's quota winners has renewed long-standing accusations that Iraq's minority-seat system remains vulnerable to outside manipulation. Under current law, all Iraqi voters, regardless of religion or ethnicity, can cast ballots for the Christian quota seats so long as they live in the governorate where the quota seat is located. This loophole enables dominant Kurdish or Shia blocs to manipulate and determine who "represents" the Assyrian people. These concerns were underscored last week in a sharply worded statement from the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo d'Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA), which boycotted the November elections after its candidates were disqualified from the race. "The results of the elections for the quota seats allocated to our Assyrian people were marred by practices that stripped them of their true meaning and original purpose," the HBA said in its 13 November statement. It accused major blocs of "injecting votes" from non-Christian voters, calling the practice sabotage of authentic community representation and a violation of democratic principles. The party also noted that most Assyrian voters in Nineveh Plains and other regions boycotted the elections because they believed the outcomes were predetermined. For the HBA, the solution is to restrict voting for the Christian quota to a special registry of Assyrian voters. Without such reform, the party warns, the system will continue to be "weaponized against the very community it is meant to represent." A Assyrian Nineveh Plains Governorate? However, even as the legitimacy of the system is questioned, the formation of a unified Christian bloc in Iraqi parliament carries a potential upside if it acts independently. For the first time in years, three lawmakers may work in concert to revive long-dormant national Assyrian goals, including the most ambitious of them all -- securing autonomy for the in Nineveh Plains. The three MPs might consider using the final position paper from the 2017 Brussels Conference, attended by most Assyrian political parties, with the notable absence of Zowaa, as a guideline in their efforts. For the upcoming MPs, we provide the position paper in its entirety below. The Future of the Nineveh Plain: A Proposal from Assyrian Political Parties Further to the unified work paper signed by the Assyrian political parties on March 6-7, 2017, we stress the following: For thousands of years, the Nineveh Plain has been known as the home for the Assyrian people and Yazidis. As a result of conflicts and wars throughout history, the area has also become home for Shabaks, Kakai, Turkmen and Armenians. Consequently, the area has been one of several nationalities, characterized by peaceful coexistence. Since ISIS attacked the Nineveh Plain on August 8, 2014, the political and military structure of the area has been in shatters. There is today no clear power structure in the area, but rather a military division that divides the area into one southern and one northern part. The problems, however, started with the establishment of the state of Iraq in 1921. Due to a lack of good governance by the Ninewah Governorate and its headquarters in Mosul, public administration as well as security did not work properly. As the area was considered disputed between Baghdad and Erbil, neither the Iraqi Army nor Peshmerga contributed to the defense of the Nineveh Plain upon the ISIS offensive. If there is to be any real hope for the rebuilding of the Nineveh Plain and the return of its people, it is imperative to unite the Nineveh Plain and to empower its governance as well as security. The best way to achieve this is a Governorate ultimately leading to an autonomous region. We refuse a Berlin wall on the Nineveh Plain. Nineveh Plain Governorate We demand the creation of a governorate for our Assyrian people along with the other ethnic and religious indigenous components of the area on an administrative and geographic basis according to the 1957 general census, provided that the governorate has the right to develop into a region in accordance with article 119 of the Iraqi Constitution. It is important to understand the current state of affairs on the Nineveh Plain. There is today a complete lack of any medium or long term guarantees for the security and protection of the area. As all other actors have failed the people of the Nineveh Plain, there is a great need for political empowerment of this very people. For political empowerment to happen, there needs to be a reasonable degree of self-administration and self-defense. This includes equality as citizens Iraq for the population and legislative, executive and judicial power, compatible with the constitution of Iraq, for the population in areas concerning ethnical identity, freedom of worship and property rights. It also provides the people of the area to manage its daily affairs and to defend itself. Furthermore, it enables the people of the Nineveh Plain to administratively unify with people of its nationalities in other parts of Iraq, including the KRG. This is especially relevant for Assyrians, who were torn apart during the last century. Constitutional Basis for a Governorate The Nineveh Plain Governorate is the combined unified area of the districts of Baghdede (Hamdaniya), Tel Kaif and a part of Shekhan/Al-Shikan, including sub-districts and villages. The Nineveh Plain Governorate will be under governance of its own population, based upon the pre-2003 demography, and will see no presence of political militias of other Kurdish, Shi'a or Sunni political factions. Nor shall these factions usher political control in Nineveh Plain. This consensus can be confirmed by the interim Nineveh Council (described below), Baghdad and Erbil. Resolution no. (16) issued by the Iraqi Council of Ministers in its meeting numbered (3) dated on January 21, 2014 passed a preliminary approval (approval in principle) of the establishment and creation of the Nineveh Plain governorate (Governorate). We call for the implementation of resolution no. (16) through article 116, providing the basis for the federal system of Iraq and 122 of the Iraqi constitution, "Governorates that are not incorporated in a region". This means that a Nineveh Plain Governorate (governorate) would be "granted broad administrative and financial authorities to enable them to manage their affairs in accordance with the principle of decentralized administration" (art 122:2). It also states that the "Governorate Council shall not be subject to the control or supervision of any ministry or any institution not linked to a ministry." In concrete terms, the responsibilities of the Governorate should include all issues concerning Nineveh Plain that can be dealt with at the level of Nineveh Plain Governorate, which should at least include the following: Education that shall be shaped in such way that it takes into account the religious and linguistic uniqueness of the Nineveh Plain, securing that these characteristics of the population will be reflected on all levels of education present in Nineveh Plain. Furthermore, educational institutions should be free to have a special relation with similar educational and academic institutions outside the Nineveh Plain. Health care Regular governmental services such as the maintenance of sewerages, electricity, water supply, rubbish collection etc. The Nineveh Plain will have the liberty to create its own water and electricity supply if it wishes to do so. Police (not to be confused with self-defense forces). Legislative rights in matters covered by civil status law. At least one court at the same judicial level that is normally present at governorate level in Iraq. Shari'a courts shall not be present at Nineveh Plain given that the vast majority of the population is non-Muslim. The citizens of the Nineveh Plain will be exempt from the clauses in article 26 of the new ID law which refer to the religion of the ID card or passport holder. This in light of the non-Muslim majority of the Nineveh Plain. It should therefore be considered that a local NP government would have delegated authority to issue passports on behalf of its central government. Self-defense (see below for further specification). Supervision of rebuilding, including funding. Supervision of, within the framework of the constitution of Iraq, the resolution of all issues related to illegitimate or illegal demographic change, that have taken place during the dictatorial regime of Saddam Hussein and even increased since its fall in 2003. A Nineveh Plain Region Article 119 of the Iraqi constitution states the following: "One or more governorates shall have the right to organize into a region based on a request to be voted on in a referendum submitted in one of the following two methods: First: A request by one-third of the council members of each governorate intending to form a region. Second: A request by one-tenth of the voters in each of the governorates intending to form a region." This provides a legal path for a Nineveh Plain governorate to become a region, should its population wish so. A Nineveh Plain region would have "the right to exercise executive, legislative, and judicial powers in accordance with this Constitution, except for those authorities stipulated in the exclusive authorities of the federal government." (art. 121:1). It would also be responsible for "the establishment and organization of the internal security forces for the region such as police, security forces, and guards of the region" (art. 121:5). We note that the Constitution of the Kurdistan Region, which by definition is part of the Iraqi federal system, "guarantees national, cultural and administration autonomy to the... Assyrians " (art. 35). We urge the Government of Iraq to work in this spirit. After the continuous persecution of our people, culminating in the genocide perpetrated by ISIS, we emphasize the legitimacy of our demands for the Nineveh Plain to ultimately become an autonomous region within the Republic of Iraq. Interim Nineveh Plain Council To prepare for the rebuilding phase, the representatives of the local councils, political parties and NGO's will elect an interim Nineveh Plain Council (reflecting ethnic diversity) that will: Coordinate rebuilding efforts and resumption of basic services Prepare the establishment of a unified governance for the Nineveh Plain Establish police protection Support the unification of the self-defense in cooperation with national and international forces. Security In the short term, the international community needs to push for police and military units belonging to the same people as the inhabitants of the village or town in which it serves. A military coordination committee among our present militias should be formed under the supervision of the international coalition forces, the Central Government and the KRG to maintain security on the Nineveh Plain, pending the formation of a unified Nineveh Plain Defense Force. It is necessary to create one single self-defense force for Nineveh Plain consisting of the peoples of Nineveh Plain in cooperation with the international coalition that is already present in Iraq. All defense forces that were created between 2004-17 should be integrated into a central Nineveh Plain Command within the structures of the Iraqi federal forces and local police. A central Nineveh Plain Command will lead the Nineveh Plain Defense Forces. Initially this Command will consist of the following: A representation of all existing militias set up by the CSA people, Yazidis, Shabaks and Kakai between August 2014 and May 2017. The militias will at the same time agree that they will dissolve and unify under the Nineveh Plain Command that will be professionalized. Representatives of Iraqi Security Forces and international forces (interim). The commanding officer shall be a military person of high rank from the Assyrian people. The international coalition will directly supply and train the Nineveh Plain Defense Forces in close coordination with the ISF. We suggest that one or more countries of the International Coalition maintain a long-term relation with the Nineveh Plain Command to support confidence and professionalization. The Road Towards a Governorate The U.S. and the EU need to give clear political support to the principles of and self-defense of Nineveh Plain and express their support in political and practical terms for the interim Nineveh Plain Council and the Nineveh Plain Defense Force as described above. They should engage in a negotiation with the Iraqi central government and the KRG in order to achieve recognition of the interim Nineveh Plain Council and the interim Nineveh Plain Command and an agreement to have a referendum (all as described above). Reconstruction The required amount of funds should be allocated for the reconstruction of destroyed properties in the Nineveh Plain. We call for the UN, the EU and the U.S. to arrange an international donor conference for the reconstruction Northern Iraq. Preferably, UN, EU and US aid will be coordinated with the proposed interim Council of the Nineveh Plain. Aid to the Central Government and to the KRG should be conditional and based upon the treatment of minorities, as this will have a very strong positive impact on the potential for rehabilitation of areas formerly occupied by ISIS/Da'esh. The Iraqi Government has to undertake its constitutional obligations and to speed up the reconstruction and rehabilitation of our towns in terms of the infrastructures and the destroyed houses in Nineveh Plain and to ensure the safe return of the residents and compensate them fair compensation in order to start a new dignified life protected by the Iraqi state . And to implement that through reliable and accredited groups which have the experience and efficiency in administering such affairs. As well as adopt the invitation and hosting for an international conference involving all reputable countries in order to secure the necessary financial support of the above. Reconciliation Justice is a precondition for reconciliation, and every perpetrator of crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide against Iraqi citizens must be prosecuted. The UN should work together with the government of Iraq and the KRG to gather evidence, and the EU and the US need to facilitate the construction of an ad-hoc tribunal for the crimes of ISIS/Da'esh. (Document to be signed and presented by the political parties of the Assyrian people of Iraq in Brussel on June 28-30) Finally, we invite every true friend of our people to endorse the Brussels Position Paper. Elnur Enveroglu At a moment when Armenia and Azerbaijan are closer than ever to signing a long-awaited peace treaty, some figures in Yerevan continue to indulge in the dangerous fantasy that peace is a form of surrender. Their claim that Armenia is being pressured into peace is not only misleading; it is a reckless narrative that exposes what they truly desire: perpetual confrontation, not reconciliation. Those who insist that Armenia cannot accept peace because of supposed humiliation or fear offer no credible alternative. What, then, is their preferred option? Renewed war? Further aggression? The continued occupation or attempted re-occupation of another countrys territory? By refusing to answer these questions honestly, they reveal the hollowness of their rhetoric. Real threat to peace comes from those who fear it most It is telling that their outrage is not directed at the prospect of another conflict, but at the basic idea of dialogue between societies. The mere fact that Armenian civil society representatives travelled to Baku, openly, safely, and with state support, is portrayed as betrayal rather than progress. Instead of welcoming confidence-building measures, they twist them into conspiracies, accusing their own government of legitimising events they have already predetermined in their minds. Such actors refuse to acknowledge that Armenia is not compelled to make peace; it is choosing to, because peace is unquestionably in the interest of its people. No international pressure is required to recognise that stability, open borders, and regional cooperation are preferable to another cycle of devastation. Pretending otherwise is an insult to the publics intelligence. In truth, these voices are not safeguarding national dignity, but they are sabotaging their countrys future. By attempting to poison the atmosphere, delegitimise dialogue, and discredit any Armenian who seeks contact across the border, they perpetuate the very hostility they claim to oppose. Their position is not one of principle, but of political opportunism dressed up as patriotism. The region has suffered enough. Those who now try to derail the peace process should be honest: their objection is not to pressure, but to peace itself. The man accused of assassinating the US President, John F Kennedy, has himself been shot dead in a Dallas police station. Lee Harvey Oswald, a 24-year-old former Marine, was being transferred from police headquarters to the county jail, at the centre of a large crowd of police officers, reporters and camera crews. The event was being covered live on television, and Americans across the country watched in astonishment as a man later identified as Jack Ruby, a Dallas nightclub owner stepped forward, drew a gun and shot Mr Oswald at point-blank range. Mr Oswald fell to the floor, grasping his stomach, as a confused scuffle broke out between police, reporters and the gunman. An ambulance rushed Mr Oswald to the Parkland Hospital the same hospital which had fought to save President Kennedys life two days earlier but he died within minutes of his arrival. Mr Oswald was arrested about an hour after the assassination of John F Kennedy, carried out as the Presidents motorcade passed through the Dealey Plaza in Dallas. He was initially taken into custody for the murder of a policeman, JD Tippit, who appears to have recognised him and approached him just 45 minutes after the killing of the President. Soon after, Mr Oswald was also charged with the Presidents assassination. He strongly denied that he carried out the assassination, saying to reporters, Im just a patsy. Police gave no explanation of how Jack Ruby came to be in the police headquarters. The building had been under heavy guard after several calls making threats against Oswalds life. Ruby came to Dallas from Chicago 10 years ago. [] Courtesy BBC News In context Jack Ruby was convicted of the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald on 14 March 1964. The conviction was overturned on procedural grounds, but before a re-trial could take place, Ruby died of cancer in prison on 3 January 1967. Considerable controversy remains over whether Lee Harvey Oswald was in fact guilty of the murder of John F Kennedy. The Warren Report, commissioned by President Johnson five days after Oswalds shooting to look into the assassination, concluded that he was the lone killer. A later investigation by the House Select Committee on Assassinations during the late 1970s found that President Kennedy had been killed as a result of a conspiracy, although this report was later discredited. Lee Harvey Oswalds body was exhumed in 1981 to lay to rest another theory that the man who was buried was a Soviet agent who had taken Oswalds identity to carry out the killing. The autopsy confirmed that the body was indeed that of Oswald. But the conspiracy theories ranging from claims that the president arranged his own death, to allegations that the driver was the murderer continue to be hotly debated. Like this: Like Loading... The inaugural Seminar on the Promotion of the Spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee was held on Saturday, where Chief Executive (CE) Sam Hou Fai underscored the necessity for Macaus governing team to elevate their political stance and collaboratively promote and implement the sessions spirit. The seminar was held at the Complex of Commerce and Trade Co-operation Platform for China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, where Sam delivered concluding remarks highlighting five key insights from the plenary session, including the promotion of patriotism, invigorating societal vitality, and enhancing governance effectiveness under the law. He underscored that thoroughly studying, publicizing, and implementing the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee is a significant political task for the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) both now and in the future. In his speech, Sam noted, Recently, the Macau SAR government and all sectors of society have actively organized study and discussion activities in various forms, igniting a wave of enthusiasm for learning the plenary sessions spirit throughout Macau. It is hoped that all sectors will continue to play a leading role in guiding the public to deepen their understanding of this spirit. According to the Government Information Bureau (GCS), the seminar was divided into two sessions. It attracted approximately 600 attendees, including principal officials of the Macau government, members of the Executive Council, Legislative Assembly members, judicial officials, and bureau- and department-level officials. Additionally, National Peoples Congress deputies and Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference members from Macau, along with representatives from various sectors of society, were present. It was noted that the seminar was held at the request of the local government and received approval from the central government. At the seminar, the CE emphasized that the plenary session has established critical strategic arrangements for Macaus initiatives within the nations 15th Five-Year Plan, which will take effect from 2026 to 2030. He called on Macau to actively align with national development strategies, enhance the effectiveness of governance under the law, promote appropriate economic diversification, and strengthen cooperation with the mainland across economic, trade, scientific, technological, and cultural sectors. The CE also underscored the importance of better integrating into and serving the broader national development landscape, thereby advancing Chinas modernization. He pledged that the government will unite and lead all sectors of society to fully implement the spirit of the plenary session, seize the new opportunities presented by the national 15th Five-Year Plan, and stated, We will work together to manage, build, and develop Macau well. Studying, publicizing, and implementing the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee is a major political task for the Macau SAR both now and in the future, he reiterated during a media group interview following the seminar. Meanwhile, according to the GCS, Zheng Xincong, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central Peoples Government in Macau, emphasized that attendees from various sectors of society are vital forces dedicated to loving the country and Macau. It is hoped that the governing team will seize this briefing session as an opportunity to unite and lead all sectors of society in studying and promoting the spirit of the plenary session, he stated. Zheng urged the team to deeply grasp the important tasks and opportunities for promoting Macaus long-term prosperity and stability during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and to align with the development blueprint outlined in the plan closely. He encouraged active engagement with national development strategies, urging all to fully leverage Macaus unique advantages to better integrate into and serve the broader national development landscape. Like this: Like Loading... The daughter of a detained Chinese Christian pastor is urging U.S. lawmakers to help free her father at a time when President Donald Trump has vowed to save our Great Christian population worldwide. Appearing before a congressional panel, Grace Jin Drexel said her father, Ezra Jin Mingri, was formally charged last week along with 17 other leaders of the prominent underground Zion Church. They were detained in October in one of Chinas largest crackdowns on a single church in decades. It is among the largest churches that are unregistered with the Chinese authorities, defying restrictions from the officially atheist Communist Party requiring believers to worship only in registered congregations. My father started Zion in order to worship freely in a church that put God as the sole head of our church, like many faithful Christians everywhere, said Jin Drexel, who lives in the United States. Yet, worshippers were harassed, threatened and interrogated. As she urged members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China to use the authority entrusted into your hands and to not forget us, another hearing was playing out on Capitol Hill where lawmakers praised the Trump administrations decision to designate Nigeria again as a country of particular concern over allegations of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians. Trump has said on social media that Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria from radical Islamists. He threatened to go in guns-a-blazing to stop the killing of Christians and said he told the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action. Nigeria, where ongoing violence affects both Christians and Muslims, has seen two mass abductions at schools this week. While the U.S. already has dubbed China a country of particular concern over religious freedom, Rep. Chris Smith, who attended both hearings, suggested that Trump should also keep a focus on Christians in China. I think the president would be moved by a meeting with all of you, the New Jersey Republican told Jin Drexel before leaving to chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Christians in Nigeria. God hasnt forgotten, nor should we, nor should the president of the United States. Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said Friday that the Chinese government manages religious affairs in accordance and protects citizens freedom of religious belief and normal religious activities. We firmly oppose the U.S. interfering in Chinas internal affairs under the pretext of so-called religious issues, Liu said. A White House official, who wasnt authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the president is aware of the Zion Church leaders who were detained and that he will always champion religious freedom around the world. Shortly after Ezra Jin Mingri was taken away in October from his home in Beihai in Chinas southern Guangxi region, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Beijing to release him and other church leaders. Now, the 18 church leaders have been formally arrested and charged with illegally using information networks and are being held in Beihai, according to CSW, a U.K.-based rights group for religious freedom. The charge likely stems from the churchs use of the internet to share its faith. If convicted, each could be sentenced to up to three years in jail. In China, authorities have long sought a tight grip on all religious groups and are particularly wary of religious beliefs in ethnic regions such as Xinjiang and Tibet. Local leaders have cracked down on independent Christian congregations over the past decade, destroying crosses, burning Bibles, shuttering churches and ordering followers to sign papers renouncing their faith, according to CSW. Zion Church, founded in 2007 in Beijing, grew to have 1,500 members in a decade and was targeted in 2018 after church leaders refused to install facial recognition cameras in its sanctuary, Jin Drexel said. Zion Church developed a hybrid online-offline model to expand its audience in China, reaching as many as 10,000 people a day, she said. The group CSW says the church is estimated to serve at least 5,000 members and is one of the largest unregistered churches in China. Christians in China do not oppose authorities, and the church has always sought to enrich Chinese society, Jin Drexel said. They merely ask to be free from the control of the Communist Party, a self-identified atheist organization. DIDI TANG, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Japan crossed a red line with comments by its new leader suggesting a potential military intervention over Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said. Remarks earlier this month by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that a Chinese naval blockade or other action against Taiwan could be grounds for a Japanese military response were shocking, Wang said in a statement posted on the Chinese Foreign Ministrys website, last night. It is shocking that Japans current leaders have publicly sent the wrong signal of attempting military intervention in the Taiwan issue, said things they shouldnt have said, and crossed a red line that should not have been touched, Wang said. The most senior Chinese official to address the tensions so far, Wang added that China must resolutely respond to Japans actions and that all countries have the responsibility to prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism. Takaichis remarks have led to rising tensions between the two countries over the past few weeks. Beijing on Friday sent a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticizing Takaichis grave violation of international law and diplomatic norms. If Japan dares to attempt an armed intervention in the cross-Strait situation, it would be an act of aggression, Chinas U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong wrote in the letter. China will resolutely exercise its right of self-defense under the UN Charter and international law and firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. China objects to the involvement of other countries in Taiwan, notably the United States, which is the islands main supplier of weapons, as well as U.S. allies in Asia, including Japan and the Philippines. Takaichis stance is seen as more forceful than that of previous Japanese prime ministers, who have expressed concern about Chinas threat to Taiwan but havent publicly said how Japan would respond. The prime minister later refused to retract her remarks but said she would avoid talking about specific scenarios in the future. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Macao Water Supply Company Ltd (Macao Water) anticipates a slight decline in annual water consumption this year. According to Nacky Kuan, Executive Director of Macao Water, the company has noticed a decrease of approximately 2% to 3% in water consumption during October and November. She attributed this trend to several factors, including the suspension of operations by several small businesses in the Peninsula, which has impacted overall consumption. Additionally, despite the influx of visitors, the average length of stay has decreased, further reducing water demand, she stated. Like this: Like Loading... A total of 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted by gunmen during an attack on St. Marys School, a Catholic institution in north-central Nigerias Niger state, the Christian Association of Nigeria said yesterday [Macau time], updating an earlier tally of 215 schoolchildren. The tally was changed after a verification exercise and a final census was carried out, according to a statement issued by the Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Niger state chapter of CAN, who visited the school on Friday. He said 88 other students were also captured after they tried to escape during the attack. The students were both male and female and ranged in age from 10 to 18. The school kidnapping in Niger states remote Papiri community happened four days after 25 schoolchildren were seized in similar circumstances in neighboring Kebbi states Maga town, which is 170 kilometers away. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the abductions and authorities have said tactical squads have been deployed alongside local hunters to rescue the children. Yohanna described as false a claim from the state government that the school had reopened for studies despite an earlier directive for schools in that part of Niger state to close temporarily due to security threats. We did not receive any circular. It must be an afterthought and a way to shift blame, he said, calling on families to remain calm and prayerful. School kidnappings have come to define insecurity in Africas most populous nation, and armed gangs often see schools as strategic targets to draw more attention. UNICEF said last year that only 37% of schools across 10 of the conflict-hit states have early warning systems to detect threats. Niger state has now shut down all schools as a measure to forestall other kidnappings. The decision was in a bid to protect lives and property, Niger Gov. Umar Bago told reporters Saturday after meeting with security officials in Minna. It is the decision of stakeholders today to close all schools in Niger state. All schools are closed till further notice. So we have declared Christmas holiday for all schools in Niger state, Bago said. The kidnappings are happening amid U.S. President Donald Trumps claims of targeted killings against Christians in the West African country. Attacks in Nigeria affect both Christians and Muslims. The school attack earlier this week in Kebbi state was in a Muslim-majority town. The attack also took place as Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was visiting the U.S. where he met Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... The Philippine Consulate General marked the 50th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations with a talk by renowned historian Ambeth R. Ocampo. Speaking at the University of Saint Joseph, Ocampo outlined a thousand-year history of exchange, going beyond the modern diplomatic milestone. Ocampo presented evidence of trade dating back to 982 AD, praised the honesty of early Filipino traders documented in 13th-century Chinese texts, and recounted the 1417 diplomatic mission of the Sultan of Sulu, who died in China during his visit. He also shared a previously untold, humorous anecdote about First Lady Imelda Marcoss 1974 shoe mishap with Chairman Mao. He also revealed that the iconic image of Chairman Mao kissing her hand was a reciprocal gesture after she tried to bow her head to his hand in a traditional Filipino sign of respect to receive a blessing from an elder. He recounted how she once lost a shoe under a banquet table in Beijing and had to address the room while standing on one shoe and tiptoeing on her bare foot. The missing shoe was later returned and enshrined like a Cinderella relic. The lecture was framed by the longstanding, interconnected history of Macau and the Philippines, including parallel 17th-century battles against Dutch invaders and 19th-century cooperation on typhoon forecasting. Ocampo argued that the relationship between the two regions is fundamentally deeper and more complex than the modern diplomatic milestone suggests, highlighting these centuries of exchange from Sultanic missions to Yuan dynasty ceramics found in Philippine burial sites. 1,000 YEARS THROUGH CERAMICS, FOOD, AND MAPS Ocampo highlighted a thousand years of shared Philippine-China history that predates modern diplomacy, showing how Chinese trade goods transformed local industries, how 19th-century Filipinos used chopsticks from Chinese street vendors, and how the national hero Jose Rizal described Macau in 1888 as a sad and quiet port. Chinese porcelain imports in earlier centuries overwhelmed and effectively ended the local Philippine earthenware industry. However, some local potters created imitation Chinese-style vessels for those who could not afford the real thing. Chinese influence is deeply rooted in Philippine culture, especially in food like pancit noodles and siopao buns, words for food and cooking tools, and even in religious art, where early Catholic statues of the Virgin Mary were often carved with features and styles of the Chinese deity Kuan Yin. Ocampo presented a wealth of evidence, including 16th- to 18th-century maps that documented European knowledge of the Philippine islands, 19th-century watercolors showing Chinese noodle vendors serving Filipinos who used chopsticks and small stools, and church structures in the Philippines built with Chinese granite. He described a long and complex relationship, evident in archaeological finds like Yuan dynasty ceramics found in Philippine burial sites, and in historical anecdotes, such as the massive 1417 diplomatic mission of the Sultan of Sulu to China. The historian also detailed the Chinese elements in the life of national hero Jose Rizal, who visited Macau in 1888 and mentioned a real Macanese restaurant in his novels. ATTENDEES SHARE DISCOVERIES ON SINO-FILIPINO LINKS Following the lecture on Philippines-China historical ties, audience members contributed new findings, including a Macanese familys connection to national hero Jose Rizal and the use of Philippine shell windows in Macau architecture. The historian emphasized that cultural influence between the two regions has always been a two-way street. A researcher identified a Macanese family, the Marcus Pintos, with a theater ticket possibly linked to Rizals 1888 visit, while Hong Kong records confirmed that Rizals common-law wife, Josephine, was from an Irish family in Hong Kong and was buried in the Happy Valley Cemetery. The historian confirmed Chinese cultural practices persist in the Philippines, including birth-order terms, elder respect traditions, and funeral customs, noting that many practices have become so integrated that they are no longer recognized as Chinese. Philippine influences in South China were noted, particularly the use of Capiz shell windows in Macaus Mandarin House, demonstrating that cultural exchange flowed in both directions. Responding to questions about Chinas role in Philippine development, Ocampo clarified that while Chinese people didnt replace Spanish colonizers, Chinese technologies like woodblock printing were essential to early evangelization efforts, with the first Philippine books printed using Chinese methods. He also revealed historical attempts to connect the Manila Galleon trade with Macaus routes, though Spanish trade monopolies blocked these. Ocampo concluded by stating that the true magic of history lies in connections, urging the audience to notice the deep, often-overlooked ties that bind the two cultures. Ricaela Diputado Like this: Like Loading... The Group of 20 summit in South Africa ended yesterday with the glaring absence of the United States the next country to lead the bloc after the Trump administration boycotted the two days of talks involving leaders of the worlds richest and top developing economies. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the summit in Johannesburg closed by banging a wooden gavel on a block like a judge would, in a G20 tradition. The gavel would normally be handed over to the leader of the next country to hold the rotating presidency, but no U.S. official was there to receive it. The worlds biggest economy boycotted a summit meant to bring rich and developing nations together over President Donald Trumps claims that South Africa is violently persecuting its Afrikaner white minority. The White House said it intended in a last-minute decision for an official from its embassy in South Africa to attend the G20 handover. But South Africa refused that, saying it was an insult for Ramaphosa to hand over to a junior embassy official. In the end, no U.S. delegation was accredited for the summit, according to the South African Foreign Ministry. Like this: Like Loading... Secretary for Administration and Justice, Wong Sio Chak, unveiled his 2026 policy agenda, placing legal, administrative, and national security reforms at the core of legislative debate during a recent plenary session at the Legislative Assembly. During Fridays session, lawmaker Vong Hou Piu requested Wong to clarify the proposed Legal regime for the right of association in next years legal bill, sparking discussion on how upcoming changes could impact Macaus complex network of associations. Responding to concerns, Wong acknowledged irregularities in the sector, noting that associations differ greatly in quality and oversight. He said these longstanding issues require a more comprehensive and unified regulatory approach. The Secretary pointed to Macaus rapid social expansion, which he explained had outpaced outdated oversight systems, leaving significant regulatory blind spots. Wong explained that regulations governing the right of association were introduced in 1999. And in the more than two decades since then, Macau has grown from 1,700 associations to over 12,300. Adding, Currently, there is no competent entity to oversee or monitor the associations that have been dissolved for more than 10 or 20 years. To address these oversight challenges, Wong proposed creating a more robust system that blends preventive, real-time, and post-event supervision. Such a system, he explained, is crucial for bridging existing gaps and clearing away the ambiguities and inefficiencies that have hampered effective governance and law enforcement for years. Wong further highlighted that within this time, many associations that have formally ceased operations still appear in public registries, fueling confusion and undermining law enforcement efforts. He concluded, Dealing with these associations requires regulation related to the security of our State, and the next step is public scrutiny. Wong highlighted that only a comprehensive legal architecture can provide both protection and flexibility as civil society evolves. He states that the updated laws will include new safeguards to address risks stemming from opaque operations, which can represent a dormant threat to public security and governance. Wong also addressed concerns about global supply chain risks, confirming that Macaus public administration and civil service have been instructed to prioritize the purchase of electronic equipment manufactured in China. However, despite these measures, Wong assured that the private sector will not be subject to the same requirements. The Administration and Justice Secretary noted that such guidelines follow recent international developments that have prompted authorities to focus closely on reliably securing essential devices and technology for public services. The move, as explained by Wong, is intended to reduce supply risks in light of escalating tensions with certain Western nations. This is a very sensitive issue, and one that also presents a vulnerability, because in Western countries, especially some with a hostile stance towards China, there is a risk to the supply of these electronic devices, Wong said at the AL. Despite these requirements for the public sector, Wong emphasized that the private sector will remain unrestricted, retaining full discretion to source devices globally as needed. We have an open market and will not restrict the private sector from using the devices and entities, adding, The private sector has the freedom to choose. Civil service emphasized as pillar of progress Responding to lawmaker Lam Fat Iam, Wong underscored the governments push for a learning government, where ongoing training and professional growth drive an efficient public sector. Insisting that future civil service programs will integrate mental and physical health content to address holistic needs, Wong reinforced that the administration remains focused on supporting the well-being and advancement of employees. He also confirmed that Macaus public administration restructuring and mergers are set for completion by 2029. Wong reassured the AL that these changes will continue to be refined, ensuring specialized positions are not diminished but rather strengthened through ongoing reform. He explained that centralizing department functions, such as personnel and finance management, will allow professionals to focus more on their core specialties. Recreational spaces scheduled in the North Eight new recreational and leisure projects are set for construction or renovation in the northern district by the end of next year, Wong announced. Among the projects, the Toi San Recreational Area is due to be completed before the end of this year. At the same time, improvement works on Avenida Marginal de Ilha Verde are scheduled for completion during the first quarter of 2027. Most of the eight upgrades, including eight public leisure and recreational areas, will be delivered by the end of 2026. The sectoral debate on the policy address for 2026 will continue today, with the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Anton Tai. Like this: Like Loading... The Tajikistan Agency of Social Insurance and Pensions (ASIP) visited the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to learn from the Philippines experience in social insurance, strengthen understanding of labor market governance, and explore potential cooperation on worker protection and employment services. The activity served as an opportunity to present DOLEs core policies and programs on social protection, labor standards enforcement, and employment facilitation, including initiatives on youth employability, public employment services, and labor market information systems. - Advertisement - Discussions also covered how digital tools such as the Labor Laws Compliance System-Management Information System support the promotion of safe and compliant workplaces. The delegation was also presented with the DOLEs Employees Compensation Program and its integration with the Social Security System in delivering comprehensive benefits for workers in both public and private sectors. I hope that we were able to provide the necessary relevant information and data that you needed with regard to DOLE policies, programs, and initiatives covering social protection, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) Director Leilani M. Reynoso said, on behalf of the Department. I hope in our exchange of ideas, we were able to share good practices. We also learned from the sharing you provided us, and hope that this area of collaboration and engagement with you will still continue, she added. Through the study visit, both sides reflected on good practices related to labor law implementation, employment facilitation, and inter-agency coordination, while identifying potential areas for collaboration and future engagements between DOLE and Tajikistan counterparts. Tajikistan thanked the Department for the opportunity to learn its best practices. Our aim is in the future to use these best practices to implement and further develop the system in Tajikistan, ASIP Finance and Centralized Accounting Head Hokimjon Khojaev said. This initiative forms part of the governments ongoing efforts under the Marcos Jr. administration to strengthen international cooperation and promote knowledge exchange with global counterparts. Lately, it seems to me, there is nothing more interesting than watching the agonies and convulsions of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The one who keeps trying and trying to influence American politics over and over again, despite the fact that the head of the White House is no longer an activist, as was the case with Joe Biden, but a real politician for whom America is important, first of all. ANCA and representatives of the Democratic Party of the United States lost their influence with the return of Donald Trump to the White House. As much dirty tricks as were done by Democrats like the scandalous Adam Schiff, Bob Menendez and others, prompted Americans to turn to the Republican Party for help. The Republicans, in turn, believed that the country was in a deplorable state and suggested how to fix everything. And the people were united in their ideas, and they elected Trump for a second term. Biden and his gang fly out, the "swamp cleaning" begins, USAID, which spends billions on idiotic initiatives, is closed, America is put at the top of the list. At the same time, Azerbaijan is achieving great diplomatic and geopolitical successes, strengthening relations with Washington, which has severely damaged the reputation and authority of ANCA. In general, it turned out that the "allies" in the face of the Armenian lobby and corrupt congressmen and Democratic senators remained out. Nevertheless, ANCA's absolutely senseless attempts to somehow influence the situation continue, using the same non-functioning levers. Twenty-seven U.S. Senators, led by Ed Markey (Democrat) and Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat), have sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the Trump administration to demand the "immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian prisoners of war and political leaders held by Azerbaijan," the Armenian lobbying organization proudly reports. The letter calls on the Trump administration to "demand access for international observers to fictitious trials in Baku and impose "global Magnitsky sanctions" against Azerbaijani officials responsible for human rights violations." Commenting on the publication of this odious letter, supported by ANCA, the head of the committee's Washington office, Aram Hamparyan, noted: "The fact that twenty-seven Democratic senators, more than half of the Senate, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (another Democrat), signed this letter demanding the immediate release of the Armenian hostages held by Azerbaijan, puts the Armenian issue at the top of U.S. foreign policy, significantly increasing its importance for the Republican Party. the Trump-Vance Party and administration." There's really nothing to be proud of. I'll explain why now. First of all, what makes you think that the maintenance of some document you paid for by Democrats fighting Republican Trump significantly increases the importance of this piece of paper? Believe me, according to Trump, this letter just needs to be flushed down the toilet. Especially against the backdrop of the battles over Epstein's files, he doesn't care what importance the Democrats attach to this or that issue. He cares about America, which is what he is successfully doing. Secondly, Chuck Schumer, Ed Markey, Sheldon Whitehouse are far from those whose "authority" can be relied on to resolve issues. Schumer, for example, is a man who has been posing as a "guardian of democracy" for so many years that he has long lost touch with reality. He was one of the key figures who undermined the credibility of the Senate due to his intrigues, double standards and open political trade. Inside the United States, he is perceived as a man who is ready to sign anything rather than lose his own influence. Even in the Democratic Party, he has long been considered toxic, but they continue to tolerate him because there is no one to replace him. Stamps are an even more revealing figure. A politician who has built a career on high-profile statements for decades, but in fact is known only for the fact that he always fits into any "fashionable" topics, hoping to catch hype. His reputation is a mixture of populism, illiterate initiatives and empty promises. Scandals around him have surfaced more than once, ranging from stories about financing to outright demagoguery in energy and geopolitics. He is simply not perceived as a serious politician. An excellent choice for ANCA. The "perfect" senator who signs any piece of paper. Whitehouse is a different story. He has long been known in society as a senator who tries to make a "global conspiracy theory" out of every process. He played the role of a fighter against "dark money" to such an extent that he himself came under accusations of conflict of interest and concealment of financial data. Scandals surrounding his family and connections are publicly available. He was accused of using political tools in the interests of organizations associated with his entourage. And these people should be an argument for Trump on the issue of Azerbaijan? P-f-f-f. ANCA understands perfectly well that serious figures will not sign their papers. Therefore, there is absolutely no need to be proud. They've set up a circus and they're talking about some kind of breakthrough. As for the charges against our country, I would like to note that there are no prisoners of war here. They were returned long ago after the 44-day war. The trial is being conducted against persons who committed crimes in the liberated territories, participated in sabotage, terrorist attacks, political sabotage and armed resistance against the sovereignty of Azerbaijan. These figures are lawbreakers who perfectly understood the consequences of their actions and consciously went to what they went to. Therefore, they will receive what they deserve as a result of a fair trial, the process of which can be openly observed. This is an internal matter of Azerbaijan, and no one, with anyone's support, will ever influence our country. In total, it is absolutely obvious that ANCA now has no influence or leverage left. All the organization can do is brandish letters that have no weight for Washington, much less for Trump. Stop embarrassing yourself and be quiet. Maybe then you won't look so pathetic. LEADERS of the Church-based Trillion Peso March Movement (TPMM) on Monday invited the faithful to join their upcoming second Trillion Peso March on Nov. 30, asserting that the rally is not a call for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to step down, but an appeal to hold accountable those involved in alleged ghost projects and misuse of public funds. Bishop Julito Cortes of Dumaguete likewise rejected calls for extra-legal action, insisted that any response to corruption must respect democratic institutions, and stressed the need for impartial investigations and fidelity to the Constitution. - Advertisement - Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated its rejection of unconstitutional means to change the countrys leadership, particularly calls for military intervention. Caritas Philippines president Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said the Churchs position is unequivocal: Filipinos must confront corruption head-on. With one voice and one message, let us continue to denounce corruption and demand justice, transparency, and accountability, Bagaforo said. Our advocacy is clear. The Trillion Peso March is not to bring down the regime. We are not calling for the resignation of our (corrupt) national officials, for them to be jailed, and to return the funds they have stolen, he said. We dont support any forces calling for a military junta, revolutionary government or similar actions. In other words, we adhere to the call of the Constitution that we should follow democratic processes, added Bagaforo. Emotion must never eclipse reason, Cortes stressed. According to the coalition, corruption and political dynasties are among the causes of poverty in the country. It further junked calls for a leadership transition, adding that there should not simply be a change of guards, but a change in the system. This as LAIKO, a Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)-linked lay organization, urged Catholics to join simultaneous protests in Manila, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. The AFP statement comes a week ahead of the Nov. 30 protest rallies against corruption and amid an alleged destabilization plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., In a post on its Facebook page, the military stressed that it remains a professional, disciplined, and non-partisan institution committed to serving the people and protecting the Republic. We believe that the fight against corruption must be pursued through constitutional, transparent, and lawful processes never through force, intimidation, or military intervention, the AFP said. Our duty is to defend the nation, uphold democratic institutions, and safeguard the peace, it added. The AFP then urged its personnel and the people to unite in saying No to military intervention, adding that the militarys strength lies in its loyalty to the Constitution and to the Flag. The military made the remarks a week before the November 30 protests against corruption and the flood control controversy organized by the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK) and talk of an alleged destabilization plot against the Marcos administration. Earlier this month, Malacanang said the militarys intelligence community is verifying the claim of an alleged destabilization plot after veteran journalist Ramon Tulfo posted a list of personalities allegedly linked to the plot on his social media account. The Department of National Defense (DND) also dismissed talk that former military officials were involved in the supposed plot, while AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said they are checking if active members are involved in any plot against the government. Last week, AFP personnel renewed their oath to remain non-partisan and to defend and uphold the 1987 Constitution amid talk of an alleged destabilization plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Previously, the KBKK said the Nov. 30 protests will be held at the Luneta, EDSA, and various venues across the country. The rallies are aimed at urging the government to initiate more actions and reforms in safeguarding public funds amid the ongoing probe of anomalies in flood control projects. The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it will be on full alert starting Nov.28 in preparation for the massive protests. The Philippine National Police (PNP) also previously said it will maintain its full alert status ahead of the anti-corruption rallies. On 17 November, the United Nations Security Council voted in favour of a resolution which will progress Donald Trumps peace plan for Gaza. But what has so far been established by the first phase is not the eternal peace that Trump touted, but a continuation of the killing at a lower intensity, for now, and a criminal partition of the territory. Led by the US, and backed by its European lackeys, this plan will serve only to create a new colonial administration in the region. What this amounts to is the UN giving its blessing to the continued occupation and carve up of Palestine. In doing so, they are preparing the way for greater conflicts in the future. Surprisingly to some, China and Russia indirectly supported it too, by abstaining rather than using their veto powers at the Security Council to sink the resolution. This should come as no surprise. Far from being friends of the Palestinian people, they see it as in their own interests in the region to give Trump a free hand on this question. No peace Since the first phase of Trumps peace plan came into effect on 10 October, a state of ceasefire has allegedly been established. For the people of Gaza, however, very little has changed. Since 10 October, over 300 Palestinians have been killed and 670 injured by IDF soldiers and bombing. On 19 October alone, 45 Palestinians were killed by Israeli air strikes, after accusations that Hamas had killed two IDF soldiers. Just ten days later, another 109 were killed, half of whom were children. At the time of writing, an additional 30 Palestinians across Gaza have been killed by the IDF in the past 24 hours. Another element of phase one was that Israel was to relinquish its blockades on aid coming into Gaza. Estimates say that, if the borders had been opened, just under 20,000 lorries of aid should have passed into Gaza by now, bringing vital food and medical supplies to the starving and sick. In fact, only around 4,800 have made it into the territory, as Israel has only marginally relaxed its vice-like grip around Gaza. The IDF will take any excuse to deny aid access to Gaza, such as turning back a shipment of tents, on the pretence that the tent poles could be used as weapons. A ceasefire is clearly the last thing on Netanyahus mind. Just two days after the UN vote, Israel bombed southern Lebanon, and later on Beirut; it has doubled down on its control over the Syrian territory that it recently occupied, through a personal visit by Netanyhu himself; and October had the highest recorded rate of Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank since 2006, when records began. This is what the imperialists call peace! But this is just the beginning. Phase two The UN resolution has initiated phase two. This will establish a Board of Peace, chaired by Trump himself, which is answerable only to itself, giving it a free hand in Gaza. Policing this will be an International Stabilisation Force, which will seek to disarm Hamas. A coalition of various armed forces is supposed to man this force. But who will volunteer for such a task? The USA has made it very clear that it will not commit troops on the ground, as has France and a number of other imperialist powers. Considering the massive anger back home against western imperialisms backing of Israels genocide, putting troops on the ground would be adding fuel to the fire. Trumps hope is that the neighbouring Arab regimes will cough up the manpower, but they are unwilling to act so blatantly as the prison wardens for the Palestinians, particularly if it involves engaging in direct combat with Hamas. All of these countries are powder kegs, and the hated regimes being seen as colluding with Israel to police Gaza may just set them off. Israel has committed a genocide (as the UN itself stated), and has essentially now received the UNs blessing / Image: public domain Despite the US vague and clearly empty allusions to an eventual Palestinian state at some undetermined time in the future, Israel has said in no uncertain terms that it will not allow anything to develop that even remotely resembles such a state. Israel has also made it clear that they will not allow certain countries to offer their soldiers to man the stabilisation force. Specifically, they named Qatar and particularly Turkey, a rival power with interests in the region. The next phase of Trumps peace plan is dependent on the disarming of Hamas which is itself not an easy task, as Israel itself has discovered over the past two years via an international force that few, if any, are willing to commit to. In reality then, this is a sanctification of the status quo. Israel has committed a genocide (as the UN itself stated), and has essentially now received the UNs blessing. A new partition And then there is the yellow line, a border of yellow concrete blocks around Gaza, to demarcate the line between old Gaza where Hamas currently maintains control and new Gaza, which the IDF will supposedly evacuate as the peace process unfolds. This boundary completely cuts Gaza City off from the border with Egypt. Israel currently occupies 53 percent of the territory of the Gaza strip, but in the remaining 47 percent lies the vast majority of the remaining two million Palestinians in Gaza, living in a patchwork of tents and bombed out buildings. Before the ink even dried on the document, the IDF pushed beyond the yellow line, deeper into old Gaza, to grab more territory. Israel is already moving forward with reconstruction in the area it occupies. Smotrich, the far-right finance minister, has explicitly said that the war is not over until Hamas has been destroyed. Earlier this year he defended the right to build Israeli settlements in Gaza, which he argued is an inseparable part of Israel. The next steps of Trumps plan are vague and contingent on the nigh-on-impossible being achieved. With Israel already building on the land that it has occupied, the yellow line therefore is increasingly looking like the basis for a more permanent partition. This has long been the traditional strategy of the Zionist regime: incrementally encroaching upon Palestinian territory, turning the thumbscrews to make life more and more unbearable, to drive the population away. It is this rotten peace, overseen by the most powerful imperialist force on the planet, which has been de facto supported by China and Russia through their abstention. Also backing it are the neighbouring Arab regimes. This includes Algeria, which had a vote on the council, as well as Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, all of whom signed a statement in support of the USAs resolution. With friends like these, who needs enemies? However the dust settles, the question of Palestinian self-determination is out of the question as long as the Zionist state exists, backed to the hilt by US imperialism. Bourgeois diplomatic institutions like the UN can offer no respite, all they offer is window dressing to prettify the horrors created by the capitalist system, while preparations are made for new divisions and imperialist interventions. Only an overthrow of the Zionist regime, and the ejection of all of the imperialist forces who back it in the region, can put a stop to the daily horror without end under capitalism. A familiar sight awaited you if you were around the Zocalo of the National Palace of Mexico City on 15 November: One Piece flags, anti-government slogans, and clashes with the police. Has the revolution come? Is Mexico going through a similar uprising to Nepal or Madagascar? But something feels off: the guy holding the flag is 80 hardly Gen Z. Another is held by a hooded man wearing a huge swastika. The words Jewish whore, aimed at President Claudia Sheinbaum, are spray-painted on the National Palace. Vicente Fox, the reactionary ex-president of Mexico, stands beside you in a bad disguise and a One Piece shirt. Almost no young people can be seen for blocks. What the hell is going on? Astroturfing with cruel intent The protests on 15 November, at which 33 civilians were injured, 64 were arrested, and 40 police were hospitalised, were first promoted by an account disseminating AI content of the palace burning. The promotion began weeks before the mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo, was assassinated on 1 November, an event that was used to catalyse support for the demo. Manzo was known as the Mexican Bukele and took a hard-line stance against drug cartels, which the opposition says run the state. From the beginning, the PRI and PAN which ruled Mexico for decades and oversaw massive attacks, killings, and imprisonment of youth, workers, and peasants had their hands all over this spontaneous movement. The only ones who were fooled were the wilfully ignorant international media who uncritically lumped these with Gen Z protests around the world. In one of its first communications on 4 November, a Twitter account called Generation Z Mexico, which called for the 15 November march, said: This is never about supporting an ideology, much less political parties. There are no hidden interests or disguised agendas here. We are young people who deeply love our country and are fed up with the same old story, the same abuse, and the same corruption. [...] We are neither left nor right. The true nature of this march was known to revolutionaries weeks before it happened / Image: fair useAnd yet, that very same day, the PRI dragged out their youngest deputy, 31-year-old millennial Carlos Gutierrez Mancilla (who in past sessions in the congress had punched senators of Morena) to pose with a One Piece flag and a justice for Carlos Manzo shirt. He said: Young people today are more awake. The youth have awakened, the farmers have awakened, and we are going to oust Morena. Out with Morena, out with narco-politicians, and may God bless the Mexican Republic. One 39 year old, who calls himself part of the organic leadership of the march, has spoken about PRI infiltration from early on. The Twitter account promoting the march published a link to a Discord server where a PDF manifesto was published. Its metadata showed it was created by Monetiq, an agency that helps monetise far-right media and shares a tax domicile with the former deputy of the PRI, Jose Alfredo Femat Flores. The right wing and billionaires cant simply snap their fingers and bring a few thousand people onto the street. The PRI and PAN are severely discredited in the eyes of the Mexican workers and peasants, and a demonstration put on with their banners and slogans would attract no one. Hiding behind a One Piece flag is a good way to cover their reactionary demands. One particularly demonstrative report was shown by the podcast Sobernia, which did street interviews with attendees at the protest. The demands of the (mostly old) protestors ranged from confused people raising genuine concerns like ending forced disappearances, the cost of living crisis, ending violence towards women to others raising openly reactionary demands like opposing abortion, calling for US intervention, strengthening the bourgeois family, and open support for Trump. There is a real mood developing among a layer against the Morena government, which has a material base. Its possible that astroturfed movements [i.e. movements that create the false impression of a spontaneous, grassroots composition] can sweep up confused elements who have no outlet for their legitimate opposition. But it must be said clearly: a return of the PRI and PAN will solve nothing. The real Gen Z march The true nature of this march was known to revolutionaries weeks before it happened. Comrades of the Revolutionary Communist Party in Mexico, as well as other left-wing youth groups, united to march on 8 November to show where the youth really stand. Their main slogans were organised students against the crimes of the state and against the opportunism of the right wing. Before all else, its necessary to say clearly: we do not defend Sheinbaum, Morena, or any other bourgeois reformist party doing the bidding of the bosses. The Morena government, which represents a continuation of Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors fourth transformation, is an attempt to administer Mexican capitalism and give a human face to the system without changing its internal dynamics of exploitation. Not by accident, many of Sheinbaum's meetings are with billionaires like Carlos Slim, Jose Antonio Chedraui, and executives of BlackRock, Walmart, the World Bank, and the OECD. The heroic struggle in the 2000s to get Morena elected in the face of PRI election fixing, coupled with the fact that many of Morenas programmes have lifted millions from poverty, have given them a wide base of support. But the youth, who are most affected by the crisis, are less easily captured by these illusions and can see and feel the limits of Morenas capitalist programme, as they suffer from unemployment, housing costs, and narco violence. None of these contradictions have been solved in seven years of Morena rule. The entire experience of the left pink tide governments in Latin America shows what's coming. Morena has learnt nothing of the failures of Evo Morales in Bolivia or Rafael Correa in Ecuador, who propped up capitalism and attacked workers when they could no longer fund social programmes. Similar cracks are beginning to show in Mexico. This was recently shown by the struggle Sheinbaum waged against fair pensions for teachers, against the 40-hour work week, and against a policy to combat gentrification. We are against the moves by reactionaries to bring back the right-wing governments of PRI and PAN. Their astroturfed movement will have repercussions. Any youth-led movement can now be easily painted by Morena as a PRI plot with no social base. In a similar way, general strikes in Bolivia in 2010 to raise the minimum wage were accused by the left-wing government of Evo Morales of being pawns of the right. These attempts must be rejected while exposing the cynical plots of the PRI and PAN. There are no signs of this movement dying down (its Twitter account has 100k followers). They have millions of dollars of funding from the capitalists to run thousands of online bot accounts, something we do not have. Even if there are honest youth elements attempting to organise around the symbols of Gen Z revolution inspired by movements around the world, the PRI elite have sunk their claws into them to use them for their own aims. Its clear the lack of ideology and party-affiliation of such Gen Z movements make them ripe for infiltration. Discontent with Morena is real, especially among the youth, but the crisis can only be solved by overcoming the sinking capitalist system Sheinbaum has chained herself to. The real Generation Z of Mexico are radicalising, and its most class-conscious layers are organising around revolutionary ideas. Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Cameroons opposition leader and declared runner-up in the recent presidential election, has been in Banjul, Gambia, since November 7th for humanitarian reasons, according to a press statement released on Sunday by the Gambian government. The visit, described as temporary, aims to ensure his safety while allowing him the freedom to continue expressing his political views. Sources indicate he likely transited through Yola, Nigeria, near the Cameroonian border, before arriving in Banjul, leaving his hometown of Garoua in late October or early November following the election results he contests. While Gambian authorities highlight African solidarity as a guiding principle for hosting Tchiroma Bakary, reports of potential negotiations between him and the Yaounde governmentfacilitated by Nigeriaremain unconfirmed. Cameroonian officials have denied any ongoing talks, asserting there is no post-election crisis that would warrant such discussions. Meanwhile, Tchiroma Bakarys team emphasises that his presence in Gambia provides a secure environment to continue political engagement without threat to his safety. Fifty of the 303 students abducted from St. Marys Catholic School in Niger State have escaped and reunited with their families, prompting renewed global attention on Nigerias deepening security crisis. The announcement was made on Sunday, November 23, by the school authority. The children, aged 10 to 18, fled captivity individually over two days, though 253 students and 12 teachers remain missing. The attack, which occurred in the remote Papiri community, forms part of a broader surge in violence that has also seen worshippers abducted in Kwara State and police officers killed in Bauchi State. As uncertainty persists over the fate and location of the remaining hostages, Pope Leo XIV delivered a poignant appeal from Rome on Sunday, calling for their immediate release and expressing profound sorrow for the families in distress. Nigerian authorities have yet to provide updates on rescue efforts, while the region continues to grapple with heavily armed gangs who exploit weak security structures and remote terrain. Schools across Niger State have been shut down as a precaution, underscoring the magnitude of the threat. Kidnapping for ransom has become entrenched in northern Nigeria, with more than 1,500 students abducted over the past decade. Analysts warn that the lack of consequences fuels the continuity of these crimes. President Bola Tinubu, responding to recent incidents in Niger and Kebbi states, affirmed that his administration will not relent until every hostage is safely returned, pledging renewed efforts to restore public confidence in national security. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Libreville on November 23 for his first State visit since Brice Oligui Nguema assumed power in Gabon, marking a key moment in France-Gabon relations. The visit, part of a broader African tour including Mauritius, South Africa, and Angola, aims to consolidate bilateral cooperation two years after the end of the Bongo era. Macron was received with full military honours, including a 21-gun salute and parade, highlighting the significance of the engagement. During talks at the Presidential Palace, President Nguema expressed gratitude for Frances support during Gabons political transition while emphasising a reciprocal relationship. He outlined Gabons ambitions for economic transformation and resource development, signalling a break from past approaches. Both leaders discussed avenues to deepen economic ties, with a French business delegation accompanying Macron to explore investment opportunities in the country. Public reception in Libreville was measured, with citizens expressing cautious optimism and questioning the tangible benefits of the visit. Political analysts view the trip as part of a longstanding, mutually beneficial partnership. Macrons visit also included a planned tour of Librevilles waterfront development project, demonstrating Frances interest in supporting Gabons ongoing economic and infrastructural initiatives. The G20 Summit in Johannesburg concluded over the week-end with the adoption of a wide-ranging declaration aimed at reinforcing multilateralism and promoting fairer global governance, even as the United States maintained its boycott. South Africas International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola hailed the 122-point Leaders Declaration as a transformative blueprint for elevating the Global South within the world economy, emphasising its focus on inclusive growth, sustainable development and stronger support for developing nations. Washington, however, dismissed the outcome, asserting that no document could reflect G20 consensus without its participation. The U.S. absence comes amid deepening diplomatic tensions rooted in disagreements over South Africas land reform policies and Pretorias 2023 case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Over the past year, the United States has suspended aid, expelled South Africas ambassador and imposed steep tariffs, measures Pretoria has condemned as historically insensitive and factually unfounded. South African officials, including G20 Sous-Sherpa Xolisa Mabhongo and DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri, stressed that the summits success affirms global commitment to multilateral action and rejects coercive diplomacy. Analysts welcomed the declaration as a significant win for Africa during South Africas landmark G20 presidency, with Pretoria asserting that protocol will be upheld as the U.S. prepares to assume leadership on 1 December 2025. 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 Researchers have created an artificial intelligence model that can identify which mutations in human proteins are most likely to cause disease, even when those mutations have never been seen before in any person. The model, called popEVE, was created using data from hundreds of thousands of different species and of genetic variation across the human population. The vast evolutionary record allows the tool to see which parts of every one of the roughly 20,000 human proteins are essential for life and which can tolerate change. That allows popEVE to not only identify disease-causing mutations but also rank how severe they are across the body. The findings, published today in Nature Genetics by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, could transform how doctors diagnose genetic disease. One in two people with a rare disease never receive a clear diagnosis. popEVE could change that by helping doctors focus on the most damaging variants first. Another benefit is that it can work with the patient's genetic information alone. That has important implications for rare disease medicine in health care systems with limited resources, making diagnoses faster, simpler and cheaper than before. "Clinics don't always have access to parental DNA and many patients come alone. popEVE can help these doctors identify disease-causing mutations, and we're already seeing this from collaborations with clinics," says Dr. Mafalda Dias, co-corresponding author of the study and researcher at the Center for Genomic Regulation. Understanding genetic mutations and their impact Every individual's genome contains many small differences which make them unique. This includes missense mutations, changes that alter one amino acid in a protein. Many are harmless, but some cause severe conditions or disorders. The challenge is working out which are benign and which are harmful. However, not all harmful mutations are equally harmful. Some cause mild symptoms, others severe disability and some are fatal in childhood. Many AI tools exist to predict whether a mutation is dangerous or not but don't offer a sliding scale of this behavior. For conditions "as rare as one," there are no case histories to consult. Even if the world's entire population were sequenced, these patients' mutations would be completely new. Traditional methods that depend on spotting patterns across groups of patients or in large cohorts cannot help in these one-off cases. How evolution informs the popEVE model That's why a team led by Debora Marks at Harvard Medical School and Jonathan Frazer and Dias at the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) turned to evolution instead. Over billions of years, evolution on Earth has already run countless experiments, testing which changes a protein can tolerate and which are too damaging to survive. Computational models can learn which amino acid positions are critical for life by comparing protein sequences across many different species. This was the idea behind EVE (Evolutionary model of Variant Effect), an algorithm released by the researchers back in 2021. It used evolutionary patterns to classify mutations in human disease genes as benign or harmful. EVE performed as well as, or better than, many lab-based experiments, and has since been used in clinical genetics to help interpret uncertain variants. But while EVE could judge the impact of mutations within a gene, its scores weren't directly comparable between genes. A variant that looked severe in one protein couldn't be fairly compared with a variant in another. That's a problem because doctors need to know which mutation in a patient's genome is the most damaging. Advancements and validation of popEVE The latest model in the EVE family, popEVE, solves that problem by combining evolutionary data with information from the UK Biobank and gnomAD, two vast repositories. These datasets show which variants are present in healthy people, helping the model calibrate its predictions for humans. The result is the first model that can meaningfully rank mutations across the entire human proteome, the complete set of roughly 20,000 proteins encoded within the human genome. A mutation in gene A can now be compared directly with one in gene B on the same severity scale. That allows doctors, for the first time, to focus on the potentially most damaging variants first. To validate popEVE, the researchers analyzed genetic data from more than 31,000 families with children affected by severe developmental disorders. In 98% of cases where a causal mutation had already been identified, popEVE correctly ranked that variant as the most damaging in the child's genome. It outperformed state-of-the art competitors like DeepMind's AlphaMissense. When the researchers looked for new candidate disease genes, popEVE uncovered 123 that had never been linked to developmental disorders before. Many are active in the developing brain and interact physically with known disease proteins: 104 of these were observed in just one or two patients. Addressing bias and limitations in genetic tools One of popEVE's strengths is that it avoids penalizing people whose ancestry is underrepresented in genetic databases, which are predominantly biased towards people of European ancestry. This is a problem in other tools which flag possible disease-causing mutations simply because those variants hadn't been seen before. popEVE avoids this by treating all human variants equally. By asking whether a mutation has been seen before in humans, regardless of whether it's once in a specific population or a thousand times in European populations, it predicted fewer false positives. "No one should get a scary result just because their community isn't well represented in global databases. popEVE helps fix that imbalance, something the field has been missing for a long time," says Dr. Frazer, co-corresponding author of the study and researcher at the Center for Genomic Regulation. The authors of the study stress that popEVE only interprets DNA changes that alter proteins. Many other types of mutations exist, so it doesn't cover all types of genetic variation. It also doesn't replace clinical judgment. Doctors must use medical histories and symptom analysis to aid diagnosis. More information: Proteome-wide model for human disease genetics, Nature Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02400-1 Journal information: Nature Genetics 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 A major genetic risk factor for delirium has been identified in a study that analyzed the DNA of more than 1 million people worldwide. The study found that APOE, a gene already well known for its role in Alzheimer's disease, also increases a person's risk of developing deliriuma common medical condition characterized by a state of sudden mental confusion. Experts say this effect cannot be explained solely by the gene's link to dementia, suggesting it also plays a distinctive, direct role in delirium. The discovery opens the door to targeted treatments and new ways to prevent the progression from delirium to dementia, researchers say. The work is published in Nature Aging. Delirium prevalence and study details Delirium affects around one in four hospitalized older adults and is linked with higher risk of death, longer hospital stays, and a two- to three-fold increase in future dementia risk in survivors. Despite its prevalence and impact, no specific treatments exist. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh's Usher and Roslin Institutes and School of Mathematics carried out the largest and most diverse genetic analysis of delirium to date, drawing on data from the UK, U.S. and Finland. They found that APOE's effect on delirium risk remained significant even after adjusting for the presence of dementia, providing strong evidence that APOE contributes to delirium susceptibility in people without dementia. The overlap between delirium and Alzheimer's disease risk genes may help explain why delirium so often precedes or accelerates cognitive decline, scientists say. Blood markers and treatment prospects Researchers also examined blood samples in the UK Biobank from 32,000 individuals who developed delirium, collected up to 16 years before any diagnosis. They identified several blood-based proteins that can predict delirium risk years in advance, including markers of brain injury and inflammationsome of which have never previously been linked to delirium. The study also points to new treatment possibilities. One protein, PON3, was linked with protection against delirium and may be a promising drug target. PON3 is thought to be involved in the processing of some cholesterol-lowering drugs, called statins, in the body, suggesting these existing medicines might be repurposed to help lower delirium risk, although experts say further research is needed. Future directions Vasilis Raptis, main author of the study from the University of Edinburgh, said, "The study provides the strongest evidence to date that delirium has a genetic component. Our next step is to understand how DNA modifications and changes in gene expression in brain cells can lead to delirium." Albert Tenesa, Professor of Quantitative Genetics at the University of Edinburgh, said, "The findings shed new light on the biological foundations of delirium, suggesting that brain vulnerability, and systemic and nervous system inflammation may all play important roles. This opens new avenues for investigation not just of delirium itself, but also the poorly understood and very important link between delirium and future risk of dementia." 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: Schematic depicting the activation of the mTOR-S6K pathway by AAs through Rag GTPases. A new study led by Peter Mac Professor Louise Cheng on fruit-fly brains has uncovered how cells that form the brain's protective barrier can act as "gatekeepers" and slow down the growth of some brain tumors. Cancer cells need a constant supply of nutrients (sugars for energy, amino acids to build proteins, and fats for structure and support) to grow. Because tumors use these resources at a much higher rate than normal tissue, they can become vulnerable when nutrients are scarce. Research published in PLOS Biology found that a brain tumor's response to nutrient restriction is controlled by the bloodbrain barriera layer of glial cells that protects the brain and regulates the flow of nutrients. "We found that the surrounding glial cells act like gatekeepers," Professor Cheng said. "They influence how many nutrients reach the tumor, and this directly affects how the cancer behaves under nutrient-poor conditions." A key protein involved is Path, a transporter that helps move certain amino acids into the brain. When nutrients to the cells are restricted, healthy glial cells increase Path levels to compensate. But in tumor-affected glia cells, Path levels decrease under the same conditions. Professor Cheng explained that this causes the growth of cancer cells to slow down because the glial cells around the tumor are disrupted, which in turn limits the tumor's ability to keep dividing. "This tells us that Path is a critical switch," Professor Cheng said. "Its levels at the bloodbrain barrier determine how sensitive a tumor is to changes in nutrient availability. "We're excited because while more work is needed to translate these findings to human cancers, the study highlights how the tumor environment shapes cancer growth and points to potential new targets for therapy." This study was done in collaboration with researchers Fumiaki Obata and Hina Kosakamoto at RIKEN Kobe in Japan as well as Cyrille Alexandre at the Francis Crick Institute in the U.K. More information: Qian Dong et al, The bloodbrain barrier regulates brain tumor growth through the SLC36 amino acid transporter Pathetic in Drosophila, PLOS Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003496 Journal information: PLoS Biology By Akbar Novruz A delegation led by Justice Minister Farid Ahmadov participated in the second International Justice Conference held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Justice. During the conference, Minister Ahmadov met with Saudi Justice Minister Walid bin Muhammad bin Saleh Al-Samni, where both sides expressed satisfaction with the development of friendly and cooperative relations between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the field of law and justice. They emphasized the importance of expanding mutual visits and exchanging experience. The ministers also signed a Cooperation Program aimed at strengthening institutional foundations in the justice sector. The program includes organizing meetings for registration, notary, and other justice bodies, studying best practices, and holding joint events between educational institutions. The conference, held on November 23-24, brought together high-ranking officials, representatives of international organizations, experts, and scholars from over 40 countries. Discussions focused on the future of technology in justice systems, digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence, modern legislative approaches, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and other key topics in the legal field. 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: RDNE Stock project from Pexels In the decades following deinstitutionalization, the U.S. has yet to find an effective model of a comprehensive behavioral health continuum of care, from prevention to intervention, treatment and recovery. Federal Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) have grown to be the dominant model for comprehensive community mental health services across the country since 2014. However, the mechanisms of federal policies and funding resulted in implementation of CCBHCs that is not consistent across all parts of the country, with large variations between states. Massachusetts' Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHC) is similar to the federal model and was launched in 2023. In a new study in the journal Frontiers in Health Services, researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine compared the Massachusetts and federal models and found that these programs share a similar policy backbone and intention, such as a comprehensive outpatient clinic, 24/7 crisis services, bundled payments and quality incentives, but differ in important details like how they're paid, who regulates them and how specific crisis services are structured. "Clinically, our comparison shows how design choices can improve access, continuity and potentially reduce emergency visits and hospital stays through different models of care. For policymakers, this manuscript provides several options for building a comprehensive, responsive and effective behavioral health infrastructure while answering regulatory questions as to how they might do so," explains corresponding author Maxim Petrovsky, a third-year medical student at the school. The researchers performed a comparative policy review by synthesizing federal laws and guidance, Massachusetts regulations and specifications, payment rules and published evaluations. They then organized the services, financing, quality measures and early outcomes to make their comparison. Several differences stood out including: The exact scope of the required integrated mental health and substance use services is slightly different. For example, the federal CCBHC model specifies a requirement for clinics to provide behavioral health services to veterans and individuals in the armed forces in particular, while this is not an explicit, regulation-based requirement in the Massachusetts CBHC program. Both models prioritize rapid access to care, while Massachusetts goes further in specifying timeframes by which services need to be providedin some cases, same- or next-day. This includes a 24-hour community crisis stabilization program intended to be a diversionary service to provide individuals in a mental health crisis from going to an inpatient psychiatric program. This was intended to address the increased service burden on hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Massachusetts model also specifies in greater detail therapeutic modalities that must be offered to patients, such as dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy. Regarding provider payment, the federal demonstration program is grounded in a cost-based Prospective Payment System (PPS) similar to that used to reimburse Federally Qualified Health Centers. A PPS model provides a per-diem (i.e., per-day) reimbursement method that is more volume agnostic and assures predictable funding tied to costs, enabling investment in necessary but traditionally non-billable services as noted above. This is contrary to a traditional fee-for-service payment model that reimburses providers based on the volume of services that they provide. The Massachusetts CBHC per-diem "encounter bundle" is similar to a PPS payment method in that it is a bundled payment, though is not cost-based. According to the researchers, as other states consider developing a community behavioral health program, these comparative findings suggest that their decisions should be oriented toward fitting with individual statutory authority, delivery system capacity and equity priorities rather than a presumption that one model is categorically superior. "The interaction between these models underscores the diverse pathways states can take toward expanding comprehensive behavioral health care," adds Petrovsky. The co-authors of this research represent a broad-based collaboration, including BU faculty member Christopher T. Lim, MD sharing his views through the lens of a health system-based provider and medical director in BMC's Population Health Services team, and Swathi Damodaran, MD, MPH, from the Office of Clinical Affairs at UMass Chan Medical School and who serves as Associate Medical Director for Psychiatry at MassHealth. More information: Maxim Petrovsky et al, Addressing community mental health needs in the United States: a comparison of the federal Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic and Massachusetts Community Behavioral Health Center models, Frontiers in Health Services (2025). DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2025.1681093 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: Los Muertos Crew from Pexels Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have uncovered a new way to understand how children fare after liver transplantation: by focusing not on medical test results, but on how differently parents and children perceive the child's well-being. The findings, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, come from the first multisite prospective trial to evaluate real-time discrepancies in patient-reported outcomes for pediatric liver transplant recipients. The study included 140 parent-child pairs across seven transplant centers in the United States and Canadaall members of the Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Transplantation (SNEPT). Both parents and children completed the Pediatric Liver Transplant Quality of Life questionnaire, which measures how well a child is adjusting emotionally, socially, and physically after transplant. Researchers developed an innovative app that calculated parent-child response differences in real time and delivered the results to clinicians during routine visits. They found that the greater the difference between how a parent and a child perceived the child's quality of life, the lower the child's actual quality of liferegardless of whether the parent viewed things more positively or more negatively than the child. In other words, the direction of the disagreement did not matter; the size of the gap itself was what proved meaningful. These differences were far stronger predictors of well-being than the child's medical or liver health indicators. This marks a major shift from the long-standing focus on clinical metrics toward a more holistic, patient-centered approach. "This study introduces a completely new way to understand patient-reported outcomes," said Eyal Shemesh, MD, Chief of the Division of Behavioral and Developmental Health, Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital, corresponding author of the paper, and co-Principal Investigator of the trial. "Historically, clinicians and researchers have asked, 'Who is rightthe parent or the child?' Our work flips that question. What matters is how different their views are. Those discrepancies provide powerful insight into how the child is truly coping, and they offer clinicians a real-time opportunity to bridge perspectives and meaningfully improve a child's well-being." By accessing the PeLTOL questionnaire through a mobile application for the first time, clinicians will be able to identify and discuss parent-child differences during a clinic visit, enabling more informed conversations, stronger alignment, and potentially improved emotional and psychological outcomes for children recovering from transplantation. The approach has broad implications beyond transplant medicine and may reshape how patient-reported outcomes are interpreted across pediatric chronic illnesses. "This study demonstrates the possibility of creating electronic applications by asking patient and caregivers about their needs and applying the resulting technology to address those wishes and potentially improve outcomes via mobile technology in a network setting," said George V. Mazariegos, MD, a senior author on the study and co-Principal Investigator. Dr. Mazariegos is also a Professor of Surgery at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and founder and chair of SNEPT. The implications for families are equally significant. By highlighting where parents and children see things differently, the app can spark better communication, shared understanding, and more collaborative decision-making about treatment and daily care. Children may feel more heard and understood, while parents gain a clearer view of their child's lived experience. "The questionnaire used in this study puts a child's lived experience at the center of our understanding of their post-transplant journey," said Vicky Lee Ng, MD, co-author of this study, creator of PeLTOL, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto and Medical Director of Pediatric Liver Transplantation at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. "This study demonstrates that caregiver-child discrepancies can illuminate gaps in understanding that help guide more attuned, responsive care." Dr. Ng is also the President of the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. "This is a powerful example of how digital tools can elevate patient and family-centered care," said Dr. Claire Dunphy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics (Behavioral Pediatrics), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and co-author on this paper. "By giving clinicians immediate insight into parent-child perspectives, we can improve communication, tailor support, and better understand how young patients are navigating life after a major medical procedure. These findings have the potential to improve quality of life for thousands of children and families." The app will now be deployed across centers in the SNEPT network to help institutions nationwide incorporate this new approach into routine care. Researchers note that this work may generally influence how pediatric quality-of-life assessments are scored and interpreted in the future. Next steps include studying how clinicians can best address discrepancies once they are identified. While the team now knows how to measure and interpret these differencesand that they matter greatlythey aim to determine the most effective methods for using this information to enhance patient outcomes. More information: Eyal Shemesh et al, Patient-Caregiver Discrepancy Score: Multisite Evaluation of a Novel Pediatric Outcome Measure, The Journal of Pediatrics (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114900 Journal information: Journal of Pediatrics 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: Pediatric CNS tumor cohort germline analysis summary. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65190-4 Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Children's National Hospital in Washington D.C. are uncovering how rare inherited genetic variants contribute to the development of brain and spinal cord tumors in children. The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, provide new insights into how a child's genetic makeup influences cancer risk and outcomes. Cancers of the central nervous system (CNS) are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children, with more than 47,000 children and young adults diagnosed each year. While up to 1 in 4 children with cancer carry rare genetic variants that increase cancer risk, the specific genetic drivers of pediatric CNS tumors remain poorly understood. In this study, investigators from CHOP, Children's National, and collaborating institutions examined how pathogenic (P) and likely pathogenic (LP) germline variants influence tumor risk, biology, and patient outcomes in children with CNS tumors. Pathogenic variants are known to increase disease risk, while likely pathogenic variants are suspected to do so but lack definitive evidence. "Our research provides a foundation for identifying patients whose genetic profiles influence both cancer susceptibility and how their disease behavesin some cases signaling a higher risk for aggressive tumors, and in others, a better chance of survival," said Sharon J. Diskin, Ph.D., senior author of the study and principal investigator at CHOP's Center for Childhood Cancer Research. "By understanding these risk factors and patterns, we move closer to developing more personalized, effective care for children with CNS tumors." The team analyzed blood and tumor samples from 830 children with brain or spinal cord tumors from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Atlas. By studying the DNA and other molecular features of the tumors, they looked for genetic changes present from birtheither inherited from parents or newly occurring in the childthat might make some children more likely to develop these cancers. The team then compared these changes to each child's medical record to determine whether known tumor predisposition syndromes had been previously identified. They found that nearly 1 in 4 children (23.3%) carried a genetic change in a gene known to increase cancer risk. Among all patients, 7% (57 children) had already been diagnosed with a known genetic condition linked to tumor development, while another 6% (48 children) harbored genetic changes in CNS tumor-associated genes that had not yet been clinically recognized. These findings highlight that many inherited or early arising genetic risks remain undetected in current practice, emphasizing the need for comprehensive genetic screening for children with brain and spinal cord tumors. The researchers also discovered that 35% of children with these genetic variants had additional changes in the same genes within their tumors, leading to loss of normal gene function. This pattern supports the "two hit" model of cancer developmentwhere one genetic alteration is inherited and a second arises in the tumorshowing how inherited risk shapes tumor biology and outcomes. "We are currently expanding our study to include parental sequencing and more than doubling the number of patients," said Jo Lynne Rokita, Ph.D., co-senior study author and a principal investigator at Children's National's Brain Tumor Institute and Center for Cancer and Immunology Research. "This will help us better understand how inherited or early arising genetic changes interact with those that develop in the tumor, ultimately improving how we diagnose, monitor, and treat children with brain and spinal cord cancers." More information: Ryan J. Corbett et al, Germline pathogenic variation impacts somatic alterations and patient outcomes in pediatric central nervous system tumors, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65190-4 Journal information: Nature Communications 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: Color-coded brain figure shows an example of segmented regional volumes obtained from the 3D T1 volumetric MRI scans used for the artificial intelligence computations of brain age. Credit: Cyrus Raji, M.D., Ph.D., and RSNA Researchers have found that a specific body profilehigher muscle mass combined with a lower visceral fat to muscle ratiotracks with a younger brain age, according to a study being presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Visceral fat is hidden deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding vital internal organs. "Healthier bodies with more muscle mass and less hidden belly fat are more likely to have healthier, youthful brains," said senior study author Cyrus Raji, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of radiology and neurology in the Department of Radiology at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. "Better brain health, in turn, lowers the risk for future brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's." Brain age is the computational estimation of chronological age from a structural MRI scan of the brain. Muscle mass, as tracked by body MRI, can be a surrogate marker for various interventions to reduce frailty and improve brain health, and brain age predicted by structural brain images can lend insight to Alzheimer's disease risk factors, such as muscle loss. "While it is commonly known that chronological aging translates to loss of muscle mass and increased hidden belly fat, this work shows that these health measures relate to brain aging itself," Dr. Raji said. "It shows muscle and fat mass quantified in the body are key reflectors of brain health, as tracked with brain aging." For the ongoing study, 1,164 healthy individuals (52% women) from four sites were examined with whole-body MRI. The mean chronological age of the participants was 55.17 years. The researchers combined MRI imaging with T1-weighted sequences, a technique that produces images where fat appears bright and fluid appears dark. This allows for optimal imaging of muscle, fat and brain tissue. An artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm was used to quantify total normalized muscle volume, visceral fat (hidden belly fat), subcutaneous fat (fat under the skin) and brain age. The researchers found that a higher visceral fat to muscle ratio was associated with higher brain age, while subcutaneous fat showed no significant association with brain age. "The participants with more muscle tended to have younger-looking brains, while those with more hidden belly fat relative to their muscle had older-looking brains," Dr. Raji said. "The fat just under the skin wasn't related to brain aging. In short, more muscle and a lower visceral fat to muscle ratio were linked to a younger brain." Building muscle and reducing visceral fat are actionable goals, he added. Whole-body MRI and AI brain-age estimates provide objective endpoints to design and monitor interventions, including programs or therapies under study that lower visceral fat while preserving muscle. Dr. Raji noted that this work demonstrates how body and brain health are closely linked. "This research has validated widely held hypotheses about the association between body composition biomarkers and brain health and provides a foundation for those biomarkers to be included in future trials of various metabolic interventions and treatments," he said. While widely prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, are powerful at inducing fat loss, they may also be related to a higher burden of muscle loss. According to Dr. Raji, the findings of this study could inform the design of future therapeutics, such as GLP-1 medications that target visceral fat more than subcutaneous fat and minimize muscle loss. "Losing fatespecially visceral fatwhile preserving muscle volume would have the best benefit on brain aging and brain health based on insights from our work," he said. "Thus, our study can inform future treatments by promoting research that quantifies MRI of body fat, muscle and brain age, which can help determine the optimal dosing regimens for GLP-1s to achieve the best outcomes in body and brain health." Co-authors are Somayeh Meysami, M.D., Soojin Lee, Ph.D., Saurabh Garg, M.Sc., Nasrin Akbari, M.Sc., Rodrigo Solis Pompa M.D., M.H.Sc., Ahmed Gouda, M.Sc., Thanh Duc Nguyen, Ph.D., Saqib Abdullah Basar, M.B.B.S., M.P.H., Yosef G. Chodakiewitz, M.D., David A. Merrill, M.D., Ph.D., Alex Exuzides, Ph.D., M.D., Amar P. Patel, M.D., Daniel J. Durand, M.D., M.B.A., and Sam Hashemi, M.Sc. 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: Lukas from Pexels Fewer than 1 in 4 children aged 2 to 4 meet the recommended daily physical activity levels, a new study has found. Additionally, while children are much more active on days when they attend early years settings, most preschoolers are not meeting the recommended activity levels within early years settings or at home. The University of Bristol-led research analyzed data from 419 preschool-aged children (49.6% boys) attending early years providers in 4 different local authorities in England (Somerset, Swindon, and Sandwell) and Scotland (Arran and Ayrshire). This is the first accelerometer-based comparison of physical activity in preschoolers across days spent within early years settings and days spent outside of the setting. Using activity belts (accelerometers), the study examined how children's physical activity levels varied between weekdays and weekends. The study, carried out in collaboration with the universities of Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff, is published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health today 24 November. The researchers assessed the children's activity patterns for a week when they were in early years settings and outside of settings. Key findings include: Children aged 2 to 4 were significantly more active (on average 15 minutes) on days when they attended early years settings. Less than a quarter (23%) of preschoolers met the World Health Organization (WHO) activity guidelines of 180 minutes of daily physical activity, and just 2.4% achieved the target of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. 8% more boys met the activity guidelines. Girls were significantly less likely to meet these guidelines than boys, while older children were more likely to meet the targets. Outside of early years settings, the least deprived children were more active than the most deprived. Whereas, when children were in early years settings activity levels were similar. Early years settings play an important role in providing opportunities to be more active and reducing inequalities. Dr. Kim Hannam, Research Fellow in the Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences (PHS), and senior author on the study, said, "These findings highlight a critical gap in physical activity among preschoolers. While early years settings provide a more active environment, most children are still not achieving the movement levels needed for healthy growth and development. "Our study highlights the need for coordinated strategies between policymakers, educators, and families to support early childhood physical activity." Ruth Kipping, Professor of Public Health in the Bristol Medical School: PHS, added, "Low levels of physical activity in early childhood can impact on children's healthy development and increase the risk of a range of chronic conditions in later life. "Early years settings play an important role in promoting physical activity and reducing inequalities, especially as government-funded childcare expands. However, the low proportion of children meeting activity guidelines highlights the need for continued investment and research to support healthy development in the early years." The researchers suggest that interventions to increase activity levels should focus on both Early Years settings and home environments. Strengthened national policy, parental engagement, and play-friendly environments could help ensure young children build the foundations for lifelong health. More information: Rachel Maishman et al, Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity in UK Early Childhood Education and Care Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study, Journal of Physical Activity and Health (2025). DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2025-0316 Journal information: Journal of Physical Activity and Health 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 government's ban on puberty blockers for gender-affirming care marks a troubling shift: politicians are now making decisions that should sit with clinicians working alongside young people and their families or whanau. Puberty blockers have been used in gender-affirming health care for decades. They temporarily suppress the hormones that cause pubertal development, giving young people and their families time to make informed decisions without the pressure of irreversible bodily changes proceeding in a direction that may not fit who they are. They can also reduce the need for later interventions such as hair removal, voice therapy or chest surgery. If treatment stops, puberty resumesa key reason they are considered an appropriate early intervention in international clinical guidelines. The government has framed its decision as a "precautionary," citing England's Cass Review, which emphasizes the need to see mental health improvements before allowing these medications to continue to be used. This reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of what puberty blockers are designed to do. Puberty blockers are not a mental health treatment and are widely accepted as effective at their actual purpose: pausing unwanted physical changes. They do not themselves change the body in ways that affirm a person's gender. Any mental health benefit is secondary and shouldn't be the central measure of whether they work. Despite this, reviews like Cass still call for mental health improvements, repeating an outdated framing that assumes gender-affirming care is about treating a mental health condition. It is also important to note that evidence for mental health outcomes is contested rather than lackingand many other pediatric treatments continue to be used despite having similarly limited or even weaker evidence. Why the evidence doesn't support a ban The claim that puberty blockers have a "lack of high-quality evidence" could be misleading to anyone who is not aware of the full context. It could apply to many areas of young people's health care, including widely accepted interventions. A large proportion of medications used in childrensuch as commonly prescribed antidepressants and increasingly prescribed ADHD medicationlack high-quality evidence about long-term developmental impacts. Even treatments for precocious puberty, which use the very same puberty blockers, have limited long-term data on psychosocial outcomes. In all these cases, the safety profile is considered acceptable, and no one demands high-certainty mental health evidence for their use. The government has placed a burden of proof on puberty blockers that we do not place on other pediatric care. Proponents of the ban have stated that other types of pediatric care have adult data to draw from. The concern raised about puberty blockers, however, is specifically about impacts during a critical developmental period (puberty), so adult safety data couldn't address this for any pediatric medication. The government also notes that puberty blockers are "not currently approved by Medsafe for use in [gender-affirming care]." But again, they don't provide the context that off-label use is routine and accepted across medicine. Many medications used for children are prescribed off-label because regulatory processes often lag behind clinical practice. A glaring inconsistency Puberty blockers will remain available for children with precocious (early) puberty, who are typically younger than those receiving them for gender-affirming care. The government has offered no evidence showing that the risks differ meaningfully between these groups. That inconsistency alone raises serious questions about whether this decision is grounded in evidence or ideology. The Ministry of Health's puberty blockers evidence brief did not identify evidence of harm that would justify a ban on using puberty blockers for gender-affirming health care. By contrast, the risks of withholding this careforcing young people through a puberty they cannot stop or reverseare clear and significant. And while the government notes it is aligning with the UK, there is a broader international context. Restrictions on puberty blockers have emerged in Great Britain, parts of Scandinavia, Queensland in Australia and some US states. But these have occurred in a context of political pressure and culture-war dynamics, rather than by any new medical evidence. Meanwhile, most comparable countriesincluding most of Australia, Canada, much of Europe, and leading international medical bodiescontinue to endorse puberty blockers as standard care. The government also cites its public consultation, but public views cannot replace clinical expertise. Politicized health care? The voices that matter mosttrans young people, their families, the clinicians who work with them and trans health experts in Aotearoahave been clear: access to puberty blockers is crucial. These voices appear to have been ignored. When complex medical decisions are shaped by public polling rather than the needs of patients and their families, health care is being politicized rather than protected. At its heart, the issue is simple: puberty blockers have been used safely for decades and there is no evidence of harm that would justify banning them for gender-affirming care. The decision to restrict access specifically for gender-affirming care, while allowing the same medicines for other uses, is inconsistent and may be discriminatory. And the implications extend beyond trans young people. When governments override established clinical practice without evidence, and when minority groups become targets of restrictive medical policy, it sets a precedent that should concern everyone. 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: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain From pacemakers to patient portals, modern health care systems are increasingly reliant on connected technologies. However, innovation can make health care systems vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks, threatening not only data, but patient lives. At UC San Diego, two physician-researchers are leading the effort to make health care safer in the digital age. Drs. Jeff Tully and Christian Dameff co-direct the UC San Diego Center for Healthcare Cybersecurity and bring together a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, computer security researchers, health system security professionals and moreall focused on prioritizing patient safety in an increasingly connected world. Launched in 2023, the center investigates cybersecurity practices and carries out applied projects to reduce the impact of cyber incidents on bedside care. One such effort is supported by a $9.5 million federal award. Tully and Dameff sat down with UC San Diego Magazine to discuss how they are utilizing this federal investment to build a more secure and resilient health care system now and in the future. What do cyberattackers want? Jeff Tully: Many cybercriminals are financially motivated. Hospitals frequently pay ransoms exceeding seven or eight figures in order to regain access to encrypted systems or stolen data. Other, more organized groups may be supported by nation-state actors or even be part of the nation-state's formal military or intelligence apparatus. These hackers may target health care as part of campaigns designed to disrupt an adversary's critical digital infrastructure to achieve strategic or political objectives. In the next five to 10 years, what is the most significant emerging cybersecurity threat for health care? Christian Dameff: Cyberattacks disable, disrupt and delay critical technology that we need to take care of patients. In 2024, a major ransomware attack occurred on Change Healthcare, a company that handles financial transactions for many health care organizations. This breach may have compromised the personal medical information of up to one-third of Americans, with many of them experiencing challenges filling their prescriptions. It also delayed billions of dollars in payments to doctors and hospitals. After a similar incident in the U.K., its National Health Service attributed the death of a patient to delays in care caused by the attack. These incidents highlight the severe consequences of cyberattacks on critical linchpins of the health sector. Can AI be used as a tool to defend against cyberattacks? JT: There is a lot of exciting work being done to evaluate the potential of automated security tools, but AI does not solveand may potentially turbochargethe ever-escalating arms race between defenders and attackers. As soon as someone claims to create an AI "silver bullet" for cybersecurity, you can be sure a malicious attacker will find a vulnerability that exploits it. The solution? We need to expect cybersecurity breaches as a matter of when, not if, and design resilient systemsspanning software, people and organizationsaccordingly. Are there any steps patients can take to protect themselves? JT: We recommend that patients turn on multifactor authentication, update their software and operating systems regularly, think before clicking, and use strong, unique passwords. These are recommendations for all Americans from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. CD: Patients can empower themselves by keeping copies of their medical records in a nondigital form, including lists of medications, allergies and any major medical problems, should electronic health records or patient portals go down. Think of it as part of your family's emergency preparedness plan. Also, never be afraid to ask your doctors or health care organizations what protections and policies they have in place to ensure resilience against cybersecurity incidents. How do you strike a balance between protecting patient data and enabling innovation in digital health and telemedicine? JT: We can have both. There have been incredible advances in encryption, secure-by-design software and hardware, and many other tools that enable digital health innovators, medical device manufacturers and other health care providers to ensure that the platforms used for patient care are as resilient and secure as possible while allowing for all kinds of amazing innovations and advancements. How is UC San Diego advancing health care cybersecurity? CD: Our research asks, "What are the threats to life and limb of cyberattacks? When does a cyberattack change the likelihood that a heart attack patient is going to survive?" We aim to identify and measure these risks and then ultimately provide solutions and new technologies to help keep patients safe. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro urged students in his country to contact their colleagues in the United States and tell them to speak out against war, Azernews reports. His comments coincide with heightened tensions with the US as Washington continues to bolster its military presence in the Caribbean. "No more war, Venezuela wants peace," Maduro told students assembled outside the presidential palace in Caracas, as broadcast by Venezolana de Television. Earlier on Friday, the US issued a notice to air missions (NOTAM) near the coast of Venezuela, further raising fears of a military escalation in the region. The Congresss move to go solo in the BMC polls over its ally Shiv Sena (UBT)s growing proximity with MNS stems from its concerns to protect the north Indian and Muslim voter base, but it also exposed ideological faultlines in the MVA bloc, political observers said. The move also brought to the fore the internal dissensions within the Congress unit in Maharashtra, with a section of leaders preferring to ally with the Raj Thackery-led party in select local bodies, depending on the regional political dynamics, while others opposed any such association. While Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has appealed to Congress to revisit its decision to contest independently, Mumbai Congress unit president Varsha Gaikwad remained firm on the solo contest. However, the Congress finds itself in a piquant situation as another Maha Vikas Aghadi constituent, NCP (SP), has favoured a united contest by taking the MNS on board. A Congress delegation led by Gaikwad recently met NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar to discuss an electoral tie-up. According to political experts, Shiv Sena (UBT) is expecting Pawar to convince the Congress high command to soften its position vis-a-vis the MNS for the sake of opposition unity, with a common goal to defeat the BJP. NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad said the party workers have told Pawar that MVA allies and anti-BJP parties should contest the BMC polls together while a Congress leader said that there are two views in the party over having a truck with the MNS, known for its sons-of-the-soil brand of politics and its aggressive stand against north-Indian migrants. PTI Actor Sherlyn Chopra has always been candid about her relationship with cosmetic procedures. This time, the story carries a sharper edge. Her announcement about undergoing breast-implant removal has struck a different chord; not because it is dramatic, but because it highlights a rarely discussed reality. After months of persistent back, neck, chest and shoulder pain, a series of medical investigations pointed to a cause she hadnt expected: the very implants she once chose for confidence and aesthetics. Not only that, I was also experiencing shortness of breath, brain fog and other such symptoms, says Chopra. Her decision to remove them, shared candidly on social media, is now prompting conversations far beyond celebrity circles: among plastic surgeons and women considering or living with implants. Why she decided to get implants Chopras implants date back to 2021. At the time, the choice stemmed less from personal desire and more from industry conditioning. I was constantly told that the perfect vital statistics of a Bollywood heroine were 36-24-36, she recalls. When a notion is imposed upon you repeatedly, it tends to get registered into your subconsciousexternal validation had become my source of happiness and worthiness. Her decision to undergo silicone implant surgery was framed as an upgrade. Even then, she was informed of some discomfort. I was told that large breast implants could cause discomfort and uneasiness, but with time, the discomfort and uneasiness would gradually subside, she says. In my case, the pain in my back, chest, neck and shoulders turned out to be chronic. Living on painkillers day in and day out was not a favourable option, especially for a kidney failure survivor such as myself. Her story, though deeply personal, is far from unusual. Chopras symptoms mirror what plastic surgeons say they see in patients with disproportionately large implants. Although most implants do not cause systemic health issues, size and fit matter deeply. Dr Raghav Mantri, Director of Plastic Surgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi, says the problems often begin with a mismatch between anatomy and implant size. The physical consequences can mirror what doctors see in natural breast hypertrophy. We perform breast reduction surgeries in women with very big breasts because they suffer from back and shoulder pain, straps digging into their bodies, and fungal infections, Dr Mantri explains. By the time Chopra sought medical help, the pain had become unmanageable. When I could no longer endure my chronic pain, I decided to get a series of medical investigations done, all of which pointed to my heavy breast implants as the sole culprits, she says. She had lived with them for four years. But the shift in understanding came with a shift in self-perception. Im done with pleasing people. No more. I have chosen on purpose to embrace my authenticity, she says. Being vulnerable is a state of being true to oneself, without which growth and evolution are incomplete. The surgery, performed recently, marked in her words one of the best decisions of my life. The relief was immediate. I felt as light as a butterfly Theres absolutely no point in living life with excess baggage. Why oversized implants become a medical problem Dr Rajat Gupta, Director for Aesthetic Surgery at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, and Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, explains why Chopras implant size is notable. Standard companies dont make implants bigger than 600 cc. So, these would be customised implants for the patient, he says. Most good doctors would not agree to implants this big because it wouldnt suit the anatomy the breasts will sag down and cause pain in the shoulders and neck. In typical practice, most Indian patients receive implants between 200300 cc sizes that balance aesthetics with long-term comfort. Both experts underline that problems arise when size expectations override anatomical suitability. A lot of times theres a mismatch between what we think our size should be and what would actually fit best, Dr Mantri says. If you put a bigger implant, all these problems can happen. While day-to-day discomfort is the most common outcome of excessively large implants, other complications can surface too, like capsular contracture, implant rupture, and rare tumours linked to textured implants. While Chopras case is linked to size and symptoms, many women seek removal for different reasons. Dr Gupta has seen patients return after 1520 years. Their desire to look a certain way changes. That is the primary reason, he says. Some women simply downsize. Others feel they no longer resonate with the exaggerated silhouette they once desired. While removing implants is usually a straightforward procedure, the aftermath depends on implant size. Larger implants, once removed, can leave behind stretched skin and significant sagging. Patients might require breast lift surgery to remove the excess skin, Dr Gupta says. For Chopra, the explant marks a decisive turn away from the pressures she once absorbed unquestioningly. The physical relief has been accompanied by mental clarity, a recalibration of what beauty means and what it costs. The surgeons, too, see her story as an important reminder that cosmetic procedures are not simply about body enhancement; they are about navigating expectations, negotiating pressure and choosing health over ideals. For months, President Donald Trump repeatedly referred to Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City, as a communist and threatened to have him arrested. Mamdani, meanwhile, condemned what he called Trumps fascist agenda. But their apparently cordial meeting in the White House on Friday surprised many with their comments to the press lingering on shared points of interest, rather than their opposing politics. Heres what Trump and Mamdani have said about each other earlier and how it compares to their meeting Friday. Mamdanis ability and ideology Then: Trump had described Mamdani as a 100% Communist Lunatic and a total nut job. Weve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous, he wrote on Truth Social after Mamdanis victory in the Democratic primary in June. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, hes not very smart. Now: Following their meeting, Trump told reporters Mamdani ran an incredible race against a lot of smart people and is a very rational person who wants to make New York City greater than ever before. Trump admitted there are still areas of difference but emphasised that they could find common ground. There will be topics that we disagree on and I think well probably come to a conclusion. I dont care about affiliations or parties or anything else. I want to see if this city could be unbelievable, if he could be a spectacular success, I would be very happy. Mamdani said he had been very open about his own democratic socialist beliefs and focused on how he and Trump could cooperate on lowering the living costs in New York. While he and Trump might have differences about ideology the place of agreement is the work that needs to be done to make New York City affordable, he said. Cooperation Then: During the mayoral race, Trump threatened to withhold federal funding for New York City if Mamdani won. Mamdani would be one of the best things to ever happen to our great Republican Party, Trump wrote in September. Remember, he needs the money from me, as President, in order to fulfil all of his FAKE Communist promises. He wont be getting any of it, so whats the point of voting for him? During the campaign, meanwhile, Mamdani pledged to fight back against the president and described himself as Donalds Trumps worst nightmare, as a progressive Muslim immigrant who actually fights for the things I believe in. Now: I think youre going to have, hopefully, a really great mayor. The better he does, the happier I am, Trump said in the Oval Office. I will say, theres no difference in party and were going to be helping him to make everybodys dream come true. He does need the help of the federal government to really succeed. Were going to be helping him. Mamdani argued that making New York affordable was in the interests of both. When we spoke to those voters who voted for President Trump, we heard them speak about cost of living... We focused on that same cost of living, and thats where I am really looking forward to deli-vering for New Yorkers in partnership with the president, he said. Living in New York Then: After Mamdanis electoral victory, Trump told a business forum in Miami: Now the Democrats are so extreme that Miami will soon be the refuge for those fleeing communism in New York City. Now: Asked Friday if he would feel comfortable living in New York while Mamdani is mayor, Trump responded: Yeah, I would. I really would. Especially after the meeting, and said he had found that he and Mamdani agree on a lot more than I would have thought. ICE Then: Mamdani had described Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a rogue agency that has no interest in laws, no interest in order. Trump had said that if Mamdani blocked ICE raids in New York, well have to arrest him, and suggested that the naturalized US citizen was here illegally. Now: One reporter asked Friday how the two leaders would reconcile their differences on ICE agents in New York City. Trump responded that they would work them out. Weve discussed this at great length. He wants to have a safe New York. Ultimately, a safe New York is going to be a great New York, Trump said, as Mamdani nodded. Trump also said they wanted known murderers and known drug dealers out and that were going to make sure that if they are horrible people, then we want to get them out. I think he wants to get them out, maybe more than I do. Mamdani did not directly respond to that claim but said that he had spoken to Trump about our desire to not only follow the laws of our own city, laws that protect New Yorkers, but also a desire for consistency in our politics. Trumps views Then: Mamdani previously called Trump a despot and said he would defeat Trumps fascism. During his mayoral primary victory speech, Mamdani said he would use his power to reject Donald Trumps fascism. On a separate occasion, he said: We are in a period of political darkness: Donald Trump and his ICE agents are snatching our immigrant neighbours from our city right before our eyes. His authoritarian administration is waging a scorched-earth campaign of retribution against any who dared oppose him. During his victory speech, Mamdani said: If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him. And if there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power. Now: Asked about those comments, Mamdani said: I think both President Trump and I, we are very clear about our positions and our views. And what I really appreciate about the president is the meeting that we had focused not on places of disagreement, which there are many, and also focused on the shared purpose in serving New Yorkers. And Ive been called much worse than a despot, so its not that insulting, Trump added. Maybe - I think hell change his mind after we get to working together. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was arrested on Saturday by federal police, his spokesman Fabio Wajngarten reported, Azernews reports. According to the spokesman, Bolsonaro was taken into protective custody, just days before starting his 27-year prison sentence. "IT'S UNBELIEVABLE. On a Saturday. With completely compromised health status. SHAMEFUL. [November] 26 is right around the corner," Wajngarten wrote on X. The former president was sentenced back in September to 27 years and three months in prison for leading a coup attempt to remain in power, after he lost elections to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2022. SAN DIEGO (AP) The Trump administration has sued California for providing in-state college tuition, scholarships, and state-funded financial aid to students who arent legally in the United States. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, alleges the practice harms U.S. citizens and encourages illegal immigration. Among the defendants are the state, top state officials, and the states two public university systems, the University of California and California State. President Donald Trumps administration has filed similar lawsuits against policies in other states, including Illinois, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Kentucky and Texas. Half the country now has similar laws to Californias. In June, after the administration sued, Texas ended its decades-old law. And Florida last year scrapped its law that allowed in-state tuition for high school graduates who werent in the country legally. Supporters of the state tuition breaks argue that they dont violate federal law if they provide the same rates to U.S. citizens in the same circumstances meaning they are residents of the state and graduates of one of its high schools. The California Dream Act also allows such students to apply for state-funded financial aid. Many of the students were brought to the U.S. by their parents when they were children, and supporters of the laws say they are as much a part of their communities as U.S. citizens. It is the latest action by Trumps administration since he issued executive orders in February directing federal agencies to stop public benefits from going to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally and to challenge state and local policies seen as favoring those immigrants over some citizens. The lawsuit argues that the Republican presidents orders enforce federal immigration laws. California is illegally discriminating against American students and families by offering exclusive tuition benefits for non-citizens, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. This marks our third lawsuit against California in one week we will continue bringing litigation against California until the state ceases its flagrant disregard for federal law. The Justice Department also recently sued to block new congressional district boundaries approved by California voters, and over Californias new laws banning federal agents from wearing masks and requiring them to have identification while conducting operations in the state. Gov. Gavin Newsoms office said in a statement: The DOJ has now filed three meritless, politically motivated lawsuits against California in a single week. Good luck, Trump. Well see you in court. The University of California defended its decades-old in-state tuition policy. While we will, of course, comply with the law as determined by the courts, we believe our policies and practices are consistent with current legal standards, it said in a statement. The lawsuit comes weeks after the California Supreme Court let stand a lower-court ruling that the University of Californias policy barring students without legal status in the U.S. from campus jobs is discriminatory and must be reconsidered. University system officials had warned that the decision would put them in a precarious position as they negotiate with the Trump administration after the withdrawal of federal research funds. The UC is dealing with federal grant suspensions and a White House demand that it pay a $1 billion fine over allegations including antisemitism and the illegal consideration of race in admitting students to its Los Angeles campus. The California State University system is the nations largest and among its most diverse, with more than 460,000 students. More than a quarter of undergraduates are first-generation college students, according to the university system. The University of California serves about 300,000 students. By JULIE WATSON Associated Press President Donald Trump proclaimed November 2025 as National Adoption Month. Trump was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here is the Proclamtion: Every child deserves a safe and nurturing home where they can learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Adoption makes that possible by opening the door to stability and belonging for children who need a family. During National Adoption Month, we commend the parents whose love has changed lives and the children whose presence has completed families and we recommit to caring for the many children still waiting for the comfort and security of a permanent home. Adoption reflects the deep value our Nation places on family and abundant life. As President, I am committed to empowering families who answer the call to open their hearts and homes to children. Through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, I made the adoption tax credit more accessible and expanded the child tax credit, helping remove financial barriers to adopting and allowing families to save more of their income to care for their children. While adoption creates beautiful new beginnings, too many children in our foster care system still wait for a permanent home. During my first term, I took monumental action to strengthen Americas foster care and adoption systems by signing into law the landmark Family First Prevention Services Act the most sweeping reform of Federal child welfare policy in decades. This law utilizes proven intervention methods to keep families intact and prevent unnecessary separation. This term, I remain firmly committed to continuing this vital work alongside First Lady Melania Trump. Just last week, I signed an Executive Order on Fostering the Future for American Children and Families, to harness Federal support, technology, and strategic partnerships to provide young Americans in, or transitioning out of, the foster-care system with the tools they need to become successful adults. This effort is strengthened by the leadership of the First Lady whose work continues to uplift and protect the well-being of Americas children ensuring every child has greater access to a strong foundation for the future. This month, we recognize the profound truth that all children are a gift from God, worthy of love, care, and family. We honor the parents and families who welcome children into their homes and provide the stability and guidance every young person deserves. Above all, we commit to protecting children, supporting those who care for them, and strengthening the pillar of family across our great Nation. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2025 as National Adoption Month throughout the United States. I encourage all Americans to observe this month by supporting children in need of a safe and loving home, uplifting the families who welcome them, and helping strengthen the bonds of family and community across our Nation. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) Two suicide bombers and a gunman attacked the headquarters of a security force in northwestern Pakistan on Monday morning, killing three officers and wounding 11 others, police and rescue officials said. The attack took place in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, when security forces were preparing for the morning parade at the sprawling facility located in the heart of the city, said Peshawar Police Chief Saeed Ahmad. He said one attacker detonated his explosives at the main gate of the provincial headquarters of the Federal Constabulary, while the second bomber and an accomplice were shot and killed by officers near the parking area. According to Ahmad, about 150 security personnel were on open ground inside the headquarters for morning parade drills when the attack took place. The terrorists involved in todays attack were on foot and failed to reach the parade area and a timely response by our forces prevented a much larger tragedy, he told The Associated Press. He said police had concluded that three attackers were involved in the assault. Ahmad said police had completed the clearance operation and authorities had collected samples of the body parts of the two suicide bombers for DNA tests. He said police are still investigating to determine the identity and nationality of the three attackers. Asim Khan, a spokesperson at the government-run Lady Reading Hospital said all 11 persons wounded in the Peshawar attack were listed in stable condition. Pakistans President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in separate statements, condemned the attack in Peshawar, with Zardari calling it a cowardly act by foreign-backed terrorists, and Sharif saying the swift response of security forces prevented a larger tragedy. They offered condolences to the families of the victims. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, have been blamed for similar previous assaults in the country, which has witnessed a surge in militant attacks. The TPP is separate from but allied with the Afghan Taliban that leads Afghanistan. The latest attack came less than two weeks after a suicide bomber struck outside a court in Pakistans capital Islamabad, detonating his explosives next to a police car and killing 12 people. The attacks have strained ties between Islamabad and Afghanistans Taliban government, with Pakistan accusing the Pakistani Taliban of operating freely inside Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Pakistans government often accuses Afghanistan of turning a blind eye to cross-border attacks by militants. Kabul denies the allegation, but tensions between the two sides escalated after Afghanistan blamed Pakistan for Oct. 9 drone strikes in Kabul and vowed retaliation. The ensuing fighting killed dozens of people, including soldiers, civilians and militants, before Qatar brokered a ceasefire on Oct. 19, which remains in place. It was followed by two rounds of talks in Istanbul, during which the two sides failed to reach an agreement after Afghanistan refused to give guarantees in writing about preventing the TTP from using Afghan soil for attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan in recent weeks has stepped up operations against the TTP, killing dozens of insurgents near regions bordering Afghanistan. ____ Ahmed reported from Islamabad. Associated Press writer Rasool Dawar in Peshawar, Pakistan, contributed to this story. By RIAZ KHAN and MUNIR AHMED Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said Monday that he has accepted an invitation from Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit Beijing in April and that he reciprocated by inviting Xi for a state visit to the U.S. later next year. Trump made the announcement after he spoke with Xi by phone nearly a month after the two leaders met in person in South Korea, saying they discussed issues including Ukraine, fentanyl and purchases of American soybeans. Our relationship with China is extremely strong! Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. Beijing, which announced the phone call first, said nothing about the state visits but noted that the two leaders discussed trade, Taiwan and Ukraine. Xi told Trump that Taiwans return to mainland China is an integral part of the postwar international order, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said a crucial issue to Beijing that Trump did not mention in his post. The omissions from each side signal that sticking points remain for the two superpowers even as they highlight common ground following a series of talks to ease a trade war that has threatened the global economy. The conversation came as China-Japan relations have plunged to a new low following recent remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. She said the military in Japan, a key U.S. ally, could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing says must come under its rule. My best guess is China is worried about the escalation (in tensions) with Japan. The reference to Taiwan and the post-World War II order directly points to the spat with Japan over Taiwan, said Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Washington-based think tank Stimson Center. They also talked about Ukraine. That is an issue China is interested in due to the new peace negotiation. Chinas relations with Japan sour Beijing has denounced Takaichis remarks, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi saying over the weekend that Japan crossed a red line that should not have been touched. Xi told Trump on Monday that China and the U.S. should jointly safeguard the victory of World War II after they fought together against fascism. The U.S. has taken no side on the sovereignty of the self-governed island but is opposed to the use of force to seize Taiwan. It is obligated by a domestic law to provide sufficient hardware to the island to deter any armed attack. Trump has maintained strategic ambiguity about whether he would send U.S. troops in case of a war in the Taiwan Strait. His administration has urged Taiwan to increase its defense budget. Taiwans foreign ministry said it received official notification this month that the Trump administration approved $330 million in arms sales to Taiwan, including fighter jet parts. Beijing immediately protested, saying it grossly violated the so-called One China principle, by which Beijing considers Taiwan to be part of Chinese territory. Trump said nothing publicly about Taiwan, whereas the Chinese statement said Trump told Xi that the U.S. understands how important the Taiwan question is to China. Talk of Ukraine The phone call coincided with the latest push by the Trump administration to end the war in Ukraine. Xi expressed hope for a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement in Ukraine and said the crisis should be resolved at its root, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. Xi stressed Beijings support for all efforts that are conducive to peace, according to the statement. However, Western governments have accused Beijing of enabling the war through its industrial support for Moscow. Trump and Xi discussed trade Trump said on social media that he spoke with Xi about Fentanyl, Soybeans and other Farm Products, etc. We have done a good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers and it will only get better, Trump wrote. Since he met Xi in South Korea in late October, there has been significant progress on both sides in keeping our agreements current and accurate, Trump said. Since then, China has ordered nearly 2 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans, ending a monthslong boycott, according to data by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That is still short of the 12 million metric tons that the White House said China has agreed to buy before next year. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said Monday on CNBC that every sign is their commitment remains true that they will indeed buy or purchase 12 million metric tons. The White House also said China pledged to buy 25 million metric tons of soybeans in each of the next three years. China has yet to confirm such figures. Beijing also placed export restrictions on 13 drug-making chemicals to the United States, Canada and Mexico, including those that are used to produce the synthetic opioid blamed for tens of thousands of overdose deaths in the U.S. every year. In return, the Trump administration reduced tariffs on Chinese goods. In the call, Xi said ties with the U.S. have generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory following the leaders summit and that the two sides should strive to make more positive progress, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. With the trade dispute easing, Trump wrote, Now we can set our sights on the big picture. ___ Associated Press writer Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, contributed to the report. By SEUNG MIN KIM and DIDI TANG Associated Press The COP30 climate talks in Brazil have reached a tentative deal after negotiators resolved a protracted standoff over action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and provide climate finance. The two-week conference, billed as a chance to show that nations can still join forces to tackle climate change despite the absence of the United States, had been scheduled to end on Friday but dragged into overtime. The European Union had been pressing for language on the move away from fossil fuels, but had come up against stiff resistance from the Arab Group of nations including top oil exporter Saudi Arabia. The impasse was resolved after all-night negotiations led by host nation Brazil, according to negotiators. A draft deal issued on Saturday showed countries had agreed on steps to help speed up climate action, review related trade barriers, and triple the money given to developing countries to help them withstand extreme weather events. The European Union's climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, said on Saturday that the proposed accord was acceptable, even though the bloc would have liked more. "We should support it because at least it is going in the right direction," he said. The Brazilian presidency scheduled a closing plenary session. Any deal needs a consensus to be approved. COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago said on Saturday that the presidency would publish a side text on fossil fuels as well as on protecting forests - instead of adding them to the official agreement - as there had been no consensus on these issues at the global climate talks. "I will announce that the Brazilian presidency will do the two 'roadmaps' because visibly we did not have maturity to reach consensus. I believe if we do it under the presidency we will have results," he said. The decision to triple climate finance by 2035, meanwhile, will be part of the COP30 agreement, resolving a key demand from poorer nations struggling to cope with climate impacts. Separately, a Leaders' Declaration from a G20 meeting in South Africa stressed the seriousness of climate change, in a snub to U.S. President Donald Trump. Cultural & Historical Significance Adolfo originates from the Germanic name Adalwolf, combining 'adal' meaning noble and 'wolf' representing the animal. Historically, this name was prominent among European aristocracy and military leaders, symbolizing the ideal combination of noble status and warrior strength. In Germanic culture, wolves represented loyalty, intelligence, and ferocity in battle, while nobility implied moral character and leadership. The name spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and became particularly established in Spanish and Italian cultures during the 19th century. However, the name's cultural trajectory was dramatically altered in the mid-20th century due to its association with Adolf Hitler, which caused a significant decline in its usage in many Western countries. Despite this, the name maintained cultural relevance in Latin America, where the historical connection was less direct and the name continued to be used for its traditional strength and noble connotations. The cultural significance of Adolfo thus represents a complex interplay between ancient Germanic ideals and modern historical associations. Cultural & Historical Significance Aiston is an English surname that evolved into a given name, originating from Old English roots meaning 'ash tree farm' or 'ash tree settlement.' The name carries strong Christian significance through its connection to nature, as ash trees held symbolic importance in medieval Christian traditions representing protection, resilience, and the connection between heaven and earth. In Christian communities, names derived from natural elements like Aiston were often chosen to reflect God's creation and the spiritual lessons found in nature. The name's agricultural origins reflect the medieval Christian practice of naming children after their environment or occupation, honoring both family heritage and divine providence. Throughout English Christian history, names like Aiston served as reminders of humanity's stewardship over God's creation while maintaining connections to ancestral lands and livelihoods. This blending of nature, faith, and heritage made Aiston a meaningful choice for families seeking to honor both their earthly roots and spiritual beliefs. Individuals named Alanson are often perceived as possessing a unique blend of traditional values and innovative thinking. They typically exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with a deep sense of loyalty to family and community, reflecting the name's patronymic origins. These individuals tend to be practical problem-solvers with a methodical approach to challenges, yet they maintain creative flexibility when needed. Their personality often balances the stability suggested by the 'rock' meaning in their name's etymology with the harmonious nature implied by alternative interpretations. Alansons are frequently described as reliable, thoughtful, and possessing quiet confidence rather than overt assertiveness. They value meaningful relationships and often serve as pillars within their social circles, offering steady support and wise counsel to others while maintaining their own independent path forward. Beyond these foundational traits, Alansons often demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a respect for knowledge, particularly historical and cultural understanding that connects to their name's heritage. They tend to be good listeners who consider multiple perspectives before making decisions, embodying the 'harmony' aspect of their name's meaning. While not necessarily seeking the spotlight, they often find themselves in positions of responsibility due to their dependable nature and ability to navigate complex situations with grace. Their strength lies in their consistency and integrity, making them trusted figures in both professional and personal contexts. The combination of traditional grounding and adaptive thinking allows them to honor the past while effectively engaging with contemporary challenges and opportunities. Cultural & Historical Significance Albertyna emerged as a distinctly Christian feminine name during the medieval period, primarily in Central and Eastern European regions where saint veneration influenced naming conventions. The name gained prominence through its connection to Saint Albert the Great, a 13th-century Dominican bishop and Doctor of the Church, whose intellectual legacy and sanctity made Albert-derived names popular among Christian families seeking both noble connotations and religious significance. Throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods, Albertyna became particularly established in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth territories, where it symbolized both aristocratic heritage and devout Catholic identity, often chosen for daughters in noble families who wished to honor Saint Albert while maintaining feminine elegance. The name's usage reflected the blending of Germanic naming traditions with Slavic Christian culture, creating a unique identity that balanced worldly nobility with spiritual devotion. In the 19th century, the name became associated with educated, cultured women who often participated in intellectual salons and charitable works, further cementing its image as a name for women of substance and virtue. Women named Alsoomse are typically characterized by strong independence, self-reliance, and a determined spirit. They often possess natural leadership qualities and the ability to make decisions confidently without excessive reliance on others' opinions. This independence is balanced with deep loyalty to their community and family, creating individuals who can stand alone when necessary but choose to stand with others out of strength rather than need. Their self-sufficient nature often manifests as practical problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining their core values and identity. Alsoomse individuals tend to be resilient in facing challenges and often serve as pillars of strength within their social circles. They typically exhibit a quiet confidence rather than overt assertiveness, preferring to lead through example and wisdom rather than domination. This combination of traits makes them particularly effective in roles requiring both individual initiative and community collaboration. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Alva carries significant cultural weight across multiple traditions. In biblical context, Alvah appears in Genesis 36:40 as both a place name and an Edomite tribal name, representing ancient Semitic heritage. This connection gives the name deep roots in Abrahamic traditions, making it meaningful in Muslim, Christian, and Jewish contexts. The name's meaning of 'sublime' or 'exalted' reflects spiritual aspirations common to these faith traditions. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, Alva has been used as both a male and female name, though historically more common for males. The name gained prominence in the Muslim world through cultural exchange and the shared Abrahamic heritage. Many Muslim parents choose Alva for its positive meaning and historical significance, seeing it as a name that bridges cultural traditions while maintaining Islamic values of spiritual elevation and moral excellence. The name's versatility across cultures and its association with innovation and social progress through figures like Thomas Alva Edison and Alva Myrdal has contributed to its enduring appeal. In Muslim communities specifically, the name represents a connection to prophetic traditions while embracing modern values of knowledge and social improvement. Symbolically, Amabelle represents the alchemy of love transforming ordinary existence into something beautiful and meaningful. The name embodies the philosophical idea that love (ama) is the fundamental force that reveals and creates beauty (belle) in the world. This makes it deeply symbolic in contexts of personal growth, artistic creation, and human connection. Like the morning glory flower that opens to the sun, Amabelle symbolizes responsiveness to love's illumination and the beauty that emerges from this interaction. The name also carries water symbolismsuggesting both the gentle flow of affection and the deep currents of emotional truth. In metaphorical terms, Amabelle represents the bridge between heart and art, feeling and form, making it particularly significant for creative individuals and those in healing professions. The name's dual linguistic roots (Latin and French) further symbolize cultural synthesis and the idea that true beauty emerges from integration rather than purity. This rich symbolic tapestry makes Amabelle a name that speaks to profound human experiences of love, beauty, and transformation. Individuals named Ansleigh are often characterized by a contemplative nature and strong moral compass, reflecting the name's spiritual origins. They typically exhibit a calm, grounded presence combined with deep intellectual curiosity, making them natural leaders in community and spiritual settings. Their 'meadow' symbolism suggests an openness to others and a nurturing quality, while the 'awe-inspiring' element points to their ability to inspire and motivate those around them through quiet strength and conviction. Ansleighs tend to be patient listeners who value meaningful connections over superficial relationships, often serving as pillars in their communities. They balance traditional values with modern perspectives, making them effective bridges between generations and different worldviews. The combination of spiritual depth and natural groundedness often results in individuals who are both visionary and practical, capable of translating abstract ideals into concrete actions that benefit their communities and uphold Christian principles of service and compassion. Iran has sought help to fight a devastating fire in UNESCO-listed forests in its north, with neighbouring Turkiye sending firefighting planes, Iran's top environmental official said on Saturday, Azernews reports via Reuters. The fire threatens the Hyrcanian forests, which stretch along the southern Caspian Sea coast and date back 50 million years. They are home to 3,200 plant species - a "floral biodiversity ... remarkable at the global level", according to UNESCO, opens new tab, which listed them as a World Heritage site in 2019. "Two firefighting aircraft (and) one helicopter ... are being dispatched by the Turkish government today. There is also the capacity to have cooperation from Russia if needed," Vice-President Shina Ansari told state television. Two Iranian Ilyushin firefighting aircraft, seven helicopters and about 400 firefighters are battling the blaze, which follows a drought marked by rain levels across Iran at 85% below average. The fire reignited last Saturday following media reports that it was put out after breaking out in late October. Meanwhile, the head of a provincial nature protection unit said unauthorised hunters may have started the blaze and Reza Aflatouni, the head of Iran's forestry body, suggested that the fire may be linked to illegal efforts to destroy forested areas in order to build private residences, according to Iranian media reports. Women named Atalaya are often perceived as natural protectors and strategic thinkers, embodying the watchful qualities their name suggests. They tend to be highly observant, detail-oriented individuals who approach life with careful consideration and foresight. Their protective nature extends beyond physical safety to emotional and psychological well-being of those they care about, often serving as the 'guardian' of family and friendship circles. Atalayas typically demonstrate strong leadership qualities, combining practical wisdom with intuitive understanding of complex situations. They are known for their reliability and steadfastness in times of crisis, often being the person others turn to for guidance and support. While they may appear reserved initially, their loyalty runs deep, and they form enduring bonds with those who earn their trust. Their strategic mindset allows them to navigate challenges with remarkable composure and effectiveness, making them invaluable in both personal and professional contexts where careful planning and protective instincts are required. Cultural & Historical Significance Athena stands as one of the most revered figures in Greek mythology, embodying the ideal combination of intellectual prowess and strategic warfare. As the patron goddess of Athens, she represented the city's cultural and military supremacy, famously winning the city's patronage by gifting the olive tree while Poseidon offered saltwater. Her birth storyspringing fully armored from Zeus's foreheadsymbolizes her connection to wisdom and strategic thought rather than physical birth. Throughout ancient Greece, Athena was worshipped in major temples including the Parthenon on the Acropolis, where the magnificent statue of Athena Parthenos stood as a testament to her importance in Athenian society. Her role extended beyond warfare to include crafts, particularly weaving, and she served as protector of heroes like Odysseus and Perseus, guiding them through intellectual challenges rather than brute force. In Roman mythology as Minerva, she maintained similar attributes but with greater emphasis on arts and trade. The cultural impact of Athena extends to modern times through architecture, literature, and feminist symbolism, where she represents female intelligence and capability unrestricted by traditional gender roles. Her enduring legacy continues to influence Western concepts of wisdom, justice, and civilized conflict resolution. Symbolically, Aurik represents the fusion of leadership and moral purity, often associated with the alchemical concept of 'the golden mean' - the ideal balance between extremes. The golden aspect connects to solar symbolism, representing enlightenment, wisdom, and the life-giving qualities of leadership. As a name, it carries the metaphorical weight of a 'golden standard' in character and conduct, suggesting someone who sets high moral and ethical benchmarks for themselves and others. The name also symbolizes the transformative power of noble leadership - the ability to turn challenging situations into opportunities for growth and improvement, much like alchemists sought to transform base metals into gold. This symbolic dimension makes Aurik particularly resonant in contexts where leadership is seen not just as a position of power, but as a responsibility to elevate and improve the community or organization one leads. Cultural & Historical Significance Avalon holds profound significance in Arthurian legend as the mystical island where King Arthur was taken after his final battle at Camlann. According to medieval texts, particularly Geoffrey of Monmouth's 'Historia Regum Britanniae' and later Arthurian romances, Avalon was an enchanted isle ruled by magical women, most notably Morgan le Fay and her eight sisters. The name became synonymous with a Celtic otherworlda place of healing, eternal youth, and spiritual transformation. In Welsh mythology, it's connected to Annwn, the Celtic underworld, while Christian traditions later associated it with Glastonbury, where monks claimed to have discovered Arthur's tomb. This blending of pagan and Christian symbolism made Avalon a powerful archetype of mystical feminine power and spiritual sanctuary throughout Western literature and esoteric traditions. The cultural impact of Avalon extends beyond medieval literature into modern spirituality and feminist reinterpretations. During the 19th century Celtic Revival, Avalon became a symbol of Britain's mystical heritage, while in contemporary times it represents feminine spirituality and environmental consciousness. The name evokes images of apple orchards (from the Welsh 'afal' meaning apple), sacred wells, and priestess traditions, making it central to modern pagan and goddess movements. Its enduring appeal lies in its representation of a utopian space where nature, magic, and feminine wisdom convergea theme that continues to resonate in literature, film, and spiritual practices today. Cultural & Historical Significance Baethan holds significant cultural importance as an ancient Irish name that appears in early medieval records, particularly in the context of Irish kingship and ecclesiastical history. The name is documented in the Annals of Ulster and other early Irish sources, primarily associated with the Dal Fiatach dynasty in Ulster and early Christian church leaders. Despite its literal translation as 'foolish,' the name was borne by respected historical figures, suggesting that in early Irish culture, the concept of 'foolishness' may have carried different connotationspossibly relating to spiritual humility, simplicity, or protection against envy and evil spirits through reverse naming practices common in many ancient cultures. The name's persistence in historical records indicates it was not considered undesirable in early medieval Ireland, and its bearers often held positions of authority and respect. This paradox reflects the complex relationship between literal meanings and cultural values in naming traditions. Baethan represents an important link to Ireland's early medieval period and provides insight into how ancient Irish society balanced practical concerns with spiritual and protective considerations in naming practices. The name's rarity today makes it a distinctive marker of deep Irish heritage and historical continuity. Individuals named Baltsaros are often perceived as wise, thoughtful, and spiritually inclined, reflecting the name's association with one of the Three Wise Men. They tend to possess a natural curiosity and intellectual depth, often pursuing knowledge and understanding in various fields. Their personality typically combines traditional values with a cosmopolitan outlook, mirroring the Magi's journey from distant lands. Baltsaros bearers are frequently seen as dignified and composed, with a natural authority that doesn't need to be asserted forcefully. They often exhibit patience and deliberation in decision-making, preferring to gather all available information before acting. This thoughtful approach, combined with their inherent wisdom, makes them excellent advisors and mentors. Their spiritual dimension often manifests as a deep appreciation for beauty, art, and philosophical contemplation, though they typically balance this with practical wisdom in everyday affairs. The name suggests someone who values tradition while being open to new ideas, creating a personality that bridges the old and the new with grace and intelligence. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Barak holds profound significance in Jewish and Christian traditions as the name of a pivotal biblical military leader. In the Book of Judges, Barak served as commander of the Israelite army during a period of Canaanite oppression. His story is remarkable for his partnership with the prophetess Deborah, who instructed him to lead 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun against the Canaanite forces of King Jabin and General Sisera. This collaboration between military and prophetic leadership represents one of the earliest biblical examples of shared authority between men and women in positions of power. The victory at Mount Tabor, where Barak's forces defeated Sisera's chariots through divine intervention and strategic advantage, became a defining moment in Israel's early history. The subsequent 'Song of Deborah' in Judges 5 celebrates this triumph as a watershed event that brought forty years of peace. In modern times, the name gained renewed prominence through Barack Obama, whose name shares the same Semitic root, bringing the name to global attention and associating it with leadership, hope, and breaking barriers. Cultural & Historical Significance Bethanee derives from the biblical village Bethany, located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. This village holds profound significance in Christian tradition as the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, where Jesus frequently visited and performed one of his most famous miraclesraising Lazarus from the dead. The name carries strong religious connotations, symbolizing friendship, hospitality, and resurrection. Throughout history, Bethany has represented a place of refuge and spiritual renewal, with the name Bethanee inheriting this legacy of sacred hospitality and divine intervention. In Christian art and literature, Bethany often appears as a symbol of domestic spirituality and the importance of friendship in spiritual life. The name Bethanee connects bearers to this rich tradition while allowing for individual expression through its unique spelling. Across cultures, the name maintains its association with warmth, welcome, and transformative experiences, making it a popular choice for families valuing both tradition and personal distinction in naming practices. The symbolic resonance of Bhradain extends richly beyond its literal meaning, encompassing themes of wisdom acquisition, life journey, and environmental harmony. In Celtic symbolism, the salmon represents the pursuit and embodiment of knowledge, drawing from the legend of the Salmon of Wisdom who consumed the hazelnuts of knowledge from the Sacred Well. This establishes Bhradain as symbolizing intellectual curiosity, insight, and the transformative power of learning. The salmon's epic migration cyclejourneying to the ocean and returning home against formidable obstaclesserves as a powerful metaphor for life's journey, representing determination, loyalty to one's origins, and the wisdom gained through experience. Ecologically, the salmon symbolizes the interconnectedness of different environments and the importance of maintaining balance between various aspects of life. Its silver scales have lunar associations, connecting it to intuition and emotional depth, while its strength against currents represents resilience and the ability to navigate life's challenges with grace. In modern interpretation, Bhradain carries additional symbolism related to environmental stewardship and the preservation of natural wisdom, making it particularly meaningful in contemporary contexts where ecological awareness and cultural heritage intersect. The name ultimately represents a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern values, embodying the journey toward self-knowledge while maintaining connection to one's roots and the natural world. Cultural & Historical Significance Bienvenida holds deep cultural significance in Spanish-speaking communities as a name that embodies the fundamental value of hospitality. The name directly translates to 'welcome' and reflects the cultural importance placed on greeting others with warmth, openness, and generosity. Throughout Spanish history, the concept of 'bienvenida' has been central to social interactions, family gatherings, and community events, making this name a symbolic representation of cultural identity and social values. Historically, the name gained popularity during periods of cultural exchange and migration, particularly in regions with strong traditions of hosting travelers and integrating diverse populations. In many Latin American countries, the name Bienvenida became associated with hope and new beginnings, often given to children born during times of family reunification or significant positive change. The name carries echoes of Spain's complex history of cultural blending, serving as a reminder of the importance of embracing others with open arms. The name also reflects the Catholic tradition of welcoming the stranger and the biblical injunction to practice hospitality, making it particularly meaningful in deeply religious families. In modern contexts, Bienvenida represents a bridge between traditional values and contemporary ideals of inclusivity and diversity, making it a name that continues to resonate across generations. United States President Donald Trump said on Saturday that his 28-point peace plan for Ukraine is not his "final proposal" to Kiev, Azernews reports. "We are trying to end it one way or another. We must finish it. This should have happened a long time ago," Trump told reporters before leaving the White House. When asked what would happen if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refused the proposed plan, the US president said that "then he [Zelensky] can continue to fight with all his might." Earlier today, the Ukrainian officials announcedthat talks on the peace plan between Washington and Kiev will take place in the coming days in Switzerland. Individuals named Botan are often perceived as possessing a blend of strength and elegance, much like the flower itself. They tend to be confident, ambitious, and naturally leadership-oriented, with a dignified presence that commands respect. These personalities typically exhibit a strong sense of honor and loyalty, valuing tradition while also possessing the courage to stand up for their principles. Their inner strength is balanced by an appreciation for beauty and refinement, making them both formidable and cultured. Botan-named individuals often excel in situations requiring both strategic thinking and aesthetic sensitivity, whether in artistic pursuits, business, or community leadership. They may be somewhat reserved initially, but reveal deep warmth and generosity to those who earn their trust. This combination of martial spirit and artistic sensibility makes them particularly well-suited for roles that bridge different domains or require both creative and practical problem-solving abilities. Their natural authority is tempered by a genuine concern for others' wellbeing, creating leaders who inspire both respect and affection. Individuals named Brendalynn are often characterized by their strong leadership qualities and nurturing spirit, combining the adventurous nature associated with Brendan with compassionate feminine energy. They typically possess excellent communication skills and a natural ability to guide others, living up to the 'beacon' meaning of their name. Brendalynns are known for their resilience and adaptability, able to navigate challenges with grace while maintaining their core values. These individuals often exhibit creative problem-solving abilities and a deep connection to their heritage, making them both grounded and innovative in their approach to life's journey. They tend to be community-oriented, with a strong sense of responsibility toward helping others find their way. The combination of traditional roots and modern sensibility in their name often reflects in their personality - they respect tradition but aren't afraid to forge new paths. Their strength lies in their ability to balance wisdom with compassion, making them natural leaders and trusted advisors. Individuals named Brucie are typically characterized by their deep connection to nature and intuitive understanding of the environment. They often possess an ethereal quality that makes them seem both grounded and mystical simultaneously. Brucies tend to be highly empathetic, with an innate ability to sense the emotions of others and the energy of their surroundings. Their personality often reflects the changing seasons - adaptable like spring, warm like summer, contemplative like autumn, and resilient like winter. These individuals usually demonstrate remarkable creativity and imagination, often expressing themselves through artistic pursuits or environmental advocacy. They value authenticity and tend to be fiercely protective of those they care about, much like the forest spirits they're named after. While they can be introverted and enjoy solitude in natural settings, Brucies form deep, meaningful connections with kindred spirits and often serve as calming influences in their social circles. Their unique perspective allows them to see beauty in overlooked places and find solutions where others see only obstacles. Individuals named Camelon are often perceived as possessing a noble yet tragic character, reflecting the name's Arthurian heritage. They tend to demonstrate strong leadership qualities, unwavering loyalty to their principles, and a deep sense of honortraits reminiscent of Arthur's knights. However, they may also carry an underlying sense of destiny or fatalism, as if aware that great achievements often come with significant sacrifices. Their personality often combines strategic thinking with emotional depth, making them both effective leaders and complex individuals who understand that even the most noble causes can end in tragedy. This duality creates people who are both inspiring and introspective, capable of great achievements while remaining conscious of life's inherent complexities and potential for loss. They often exhibit a blend of idealism and realism, understanding that perfection is unattainable but striving for it nonetheless. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Candace holds profound historical significance rooted in ancient African royalty. Originally derived from the title 'Kandake' used by Ethiopian queen mothers in the Kingdom of Kush (modern-day Sudan), these powerful women ruled as sovereigns and military leaders. The most famous biblical reference appears in Acts 8:27, where a Candace (queen) of Ethiopia's treasurer is converted to Christianity by Philip, making this one of the earliest recorded conversions of an African to Christianity. This connection gives the name strong Christian significance, representing the spread of Christianity to Africa and the inclusion of diverse cultures in early Christian history. Throughout history, the name has evolved from a royal title to a personal name, carrying with it echoes of regal authority, spiritual seeking, and cross-cultural exchange between Africa and the early Christian world. The Christian association is particularly significant as it represents one of the first documented instances of Christianity reaching beyond the Mediterranean world. The Ethiopian eunuch's conversion story symbolizes the universal nature of the Christian message and God's plan to include all nations. This biblical narrative has made Candace a meaningful choice for Christian families, especially those interested in names with strong scriptural foundations that also celebrate diversity and global Christianity. The name thus serves as a bridge between ancient African civilization and early Christian history, embodying both royal dignity and spiritual transformation. Individuals named Car are typically characterized by strong leadership qualities, unwavering determination, and protective instincts. They often exhibit natural confidence and the ability to make decisive decisions under pressure, reflecting the name's warrior origins. These individuals tend to be physically active and mentally resilient, with a strong sense of responsibility toward those they consider under their protection. Their personality often combines strategic thinking with immediate action, making them effective in crisis situations and respected by their peers for their reliability and courage. Beyond the battlefield qualities, Cars often demonstrate deep loyalty and commitment to their principles and communities. They possess a natural authority that doesn't rely on aggression but rather on competence and integrity. While they can be formidable opponents when challenged, they typically prefer peaceful resolution and only engage in conflict when necessary. Their strength is balanced by a sense of justice and fairness, making them not just fighters but guardians of their communities. This combination of martial capability and moral compass creates individuals who are both respected and trusted in various leadership roles. Individuals named Carraig are often perceived as strong-willed, dependable, and deeply grounded, much like the rock formations their name represents. They typically exhibit a calm, steady demeanor in challenging situations and possess remarkable resilience when facing adversity. These individuals tend to be protective of their loved ones and communities, often serving as pillars of strength within their social circles. Their connection to the name's coastal origins may also manifest as a love for nature, particularly the sea, and a philosophical outlook shaped by the enduring quality of stone against the constant change of ocean tides. People with this name often demonstrate practical wisdom and a no-nonsense approach to problem-solving, reflecting the straightforward, unyielding nature of rock. They're typically patient and methodical in their actions, preferring to build solid foundations rather than seek quick solutions. At the same time, the coastal aspect of the name suggests depth of emotion and intuitionlike the ocean that surrounds the headland. This combination of steadfast reliability and emotional depth makes Carraig individuals valued friends and partners who provide both stability and understanding in relationships. Individuals named Caylor are often perceived as grounded, practical, and resourcefulqualities that resonate with the name's occupational origins. They tend to be organized and methodical in their approach to life, with a natural ability to manage complex situations and provide stability for others. This practical nature is balanced by creative problem-solving skills, making them excellent at finding innovative solutions to challenges. Their German heritage influence often manifests as reliability, strong work ethic, and attention to detail. Caylors typically possess a quiet confidence and independence that others find reassuring. They're often the steady presence in their social circles, known for their loyalty and dependability. While they may appear reserved initially, they reveal warm, nurturing qualities to those they trust. Their combination of traditional values and modern adaptability makes them particularly effective in bridging different perspectives and bringing people together. They tend to excel in roles that require both systematic thinking and interpersonal connection. Cultural & Historical Significance Chaim is a name with deep roots in Jewish tradition, derived from the Hebrew word for 'life.' While primarily associated with Jewish communities worldwide, the name has found its way into Scottish culture through historical migration patterns and cultural exchange. In Scotland, the name Chaim represents the integration of Jewish communities into Scottish society while maintaining distinct cultural identity. The Scottish Jewish community, particularly in cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, has preserved this traditional Hebrew name while adapting to local customs. The name carries significance as a bridge between ancient Hebrew traditions and modern Scottish multiculturalism, symbolizing both religious heritage and integration into Scottish society. Over generations, Scottish families bearing this name have contributed significantly to various fields including medicine, academia, and business, enriching Scotland's cultural tapestry. The persistence of this name in Scotland demonstrates how cultural traditions can be maintained while becoming part of the broader national identity. Chris remains a popular and enduring name in contemporary times, though its usage patterns have evolved. While it peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s in the United States, it continues to be widely used both as a given name and as a nickname for Christopher and Christian. The name's versatility contributes to its lasting appeal - it works equally well for children and adults, across various professions and social contexts. In recent decades, there's been a slight decline in Chris as a formal given name, but it maintains strong presence as a common nickname. The name crosses cultural and socioeconomic boundaries, making it one of the most recognizable and universally accepted male names in English-speaking countries, though its popularity has gradually decreased as parents increasingly favor more distinctive or unique names for their children. European Council President Antonio Costa announced on Saturday that he had convened a "special meeting" on Ukraine, set to take place next Monday, Azernews reports. "Work continues. I have invited all 27 EU leaders for a special meeting on Ukraine in the margins of the EU-AU Summit in Luanda on Monday," Costa wrote on his X account, and reiterated a previous statement by the European leaders regarding the United States-backed peace proposal. The world leaders are currently gathered at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Cultural & Historical Significance Citlalmina holds profound significance in Nahua culture as a name that bridges celestial and earthly realms. Derived from 'citlalin' (star) and 'mina' (to shoot/hunt), it represents the concept of a shooting star or celestial arrow, embodying the connection between cosmic forces and human destiny. In pre-Columbian Nahua cosmology, stars were seen as divine beings and celestial events held deep spiritual meaning, with shooting stars considered messengers or omens carrying important revelations. The name carries the legacy of strong female figures in Mesoamerican societies, where women often held positions of spiritual and political influence. As indigenous communities have worked to preserve and revitalize their cultural heritage, names like Citlalmina have experienced a renaissance, symbolizing both ancestral wisdom and contemporary indigenous identity. The name represents resilience, cultural pride, and the enduring power of indigenous knowledge systems in the face of historical challenges and modern complexities. Individuals bearing the name Conant typically exhibit a distinctive blend of intellectual depth and practical wisdom. They are often characterized by their analytical minds and ability to see patterns and connections that others might miss. This cognitive strength makes them natural problem-solvers who approach challenges with careful consideration and strategic planning. Their wisdom is not merely academic but practical, enabling them to provide sound advice and guidance in complex situations. Conants tend to be lifelong learners with curious minds that constantly seek understanding and knowledge across various domains. In social contexts, Conants often project an air of quiet confidence and reliability that makes others naturally turn to them for counsel and support. They possess strong ethical compasses and are typically guided by principles of integrity and fairness. While they may not be the most outgoing individuals in a group, they form deep, meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and trust. Their protective nature, rooted in the name's original meaning, manifests as loyalty to family, friends, and causes they believe in. This combination of intellectual prowess, moral strength, and loyal protection makes Conants valued members of any community or organization. Individuals named Connell are often perceived as strong-willed, determined, and principled. They tend to possess natural leadership qualities combined with a deep sense of loyalty to family and community. The name's meaning of 'mighty' or 'strong' often translates to personality traits of resilience and inner strength, enabling them to overcome challenges with quiet determination. Connells are typically seen as reliable and steadfast, with a practical approach to problem-solving. They often exhibit a balance of traditional values and modern thinking, making them adaptable yet grounded. Beyond the core strength characteristics, Connells are often noted for their emotional intelligence and ability to connect with others on a genuine level. They tend to be thoughtful and introspective, combining their natural strength with sensitivity and understanding. This balance makes them effective in leadership roles where both decisiveness and empathy are required. Their strong character is usually tempered with compassion and a sense of justice, reflecting the name's historical associations with social reform and advocacy. Many Connells display a quiet confidence rather than overt assertiveness, preferring to lead by example rather than command. This combination of inner strength and emotional awareness creates individuals who are both respected and trusted by those around them. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Correy has deep roots in Irish heritage, originating as an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname O Comhraidhe, which means 'descendant of Comhraidhe'. This surname was historically associated with families from County Westmeath and surrounding areas in Ireland. The name reflects the Irish tradition of geographic surnames, where individuals were identified by their ancestral lands or local features. Throughout Irish history, names like Correy served as important markers of clan identity and regional affiliation, connecting bearers to specific territories and communities. The spelling variation 'Correy' emerged as Irish families emigrated and adapted their names to different English-speaking environments, particularly during periods of significant Irish diaspora to North America and other regions. This adaptation process often resulted in multiple spelling variations of the same original surname, each representing a branch of the family's journey through history. The name carries with it the cultural memory of Irish resilience and adaptation, symbolizing how Irish identity has been maintained and transformed across generations and geographic boundaries. Individuals named Corwyn are typically perceived as deeply compassionate, loyal, and emotionally intelligent. They often possess a natural ability to form genuine connections with others, living up to the name's meaning of 'friend of the heart.' Their personality tends to blend thoughtful introspection with practical action, making them both good listeners and reliable problem-solvers. Corwyns are often drawn to helping professions and community service, finding fulfillment in supporting others' emotional and spiritual well-being. They typically exhibit strong moral convictions combined with diplomatic skills, allowing them to navigate complex social situations with grace and wisdom. While they can be reserved in large groups, they form deep, lasting bonds in one-on-one relationships and are known for their steadfast reliability during difficult times. This combination of emotional depth and practical reliability makes Corwyns valued members of their communities, often serving as peacemakers and trusted advisors who approach conflicts with both heart and wisdom. Individuals named Cronan are typically characterized by their thoughtful, introspective nature and strong sense of tradition. The name's historical associations with saints and scholars suggests a personality marked by depth of character, intellectual curiosity, and spiritual awareness. Cronans often possess a quiet confidence and natural authority that comes from their contemplative approach to life. They tend to be observant and perceptive, with an ability to understand complex situations and provide wise counsel. Their connection to the name's meaning of 'little dark one' often manifests as a personality with layers of complexity and mystery. Rather than being overtly expressive, Cronans typically reveal their true nature gradually, building trust through consistent reliability and integrity. They value stability and tradition, often serving as anchors in their families and communities. The historical weight of the name tends to instill a sense of responsibility and connection to heritage, making Cronans particularly mindful of their actions and their impact on others. Their combination of wisdom, reliability, and depth makes them respected figures in their social circles. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Culver holds significant cultural importance primarily within English-speaking Christian communities, where it derives from the Old English word 'culfre' meaning 'dove.' This connection gives the name deep religious symbolism, as the dove represents the Holy Spirit in Christian theology, appearing prominently in the story of Jesus' baptism where the Spirit descends 'like a dove.' Throughout Christian history, doves have symbolized peace, purity, and divine guidance, making Culver a name that carries these spiritual connotations. Historically, Culver emerged as a surname in medieval England before transitioning to use as a given name. The name gained particular prominence in regions with strong Anglican traditions and was carried to North America by English settlers. In Christian communities, the name often signifies a connection to peacemaking and spiritual purity, with parents choosing it to invoke the gentle, guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. The name's association with doves also connects it to the story of Noah's Ark, where a dove returns with an olive branch signaling God's peace and the end of the flood. Women named Dawne are typically characterized by their optimistic outlook and nurturing nature, often serving as beacons of hope and comfort in their communities. They tend to be early risers who appreciate the quiet beauty of morning and often demonstrate strong organizational skills combined with creative thinking. Their inherent warmth and empathy make them excellent caregivers, teachers, and counselors, as they naturally understand and respond to the emotional needs of others. Dawnes often exhibit remarkable resilience and adaptability, able to navigate life's challenges with grace and determination. They possess a quiet strength that inspires confidence in those around them, and their positive energy tends to be contagious. While they may appear gentle, they typically have strong convictions and moral compasses, making them reliable friends and trusted advisors. Their combination of practicality and intuition allows them to approach problems from both logical and emotional perspectives, making them particularly effective in roles that require balanced decision-making. Individuals named Delancy are often characterized by their strong connection to tradition and natural wisdom. They tend to be grounded, practical people who value stability and heritage, much like the elder trees from which their name derives. Delancys typically exhibit a calm, thoughtful demeanor and are known for their loyalty to family and community. Their decision-making process often involves careful consideration of both past experiences and future implications, making them reliable advisors and steady leaders in challenging situations. Beyond their traditional roots, Delancys often possess a creative and intuitive side that allows them to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining their core values. They are frequently described as having an 'old soul' quality, combining wisdom beyond their years with a practical approach to problem-solving. In social settings, they tend to be reserved initially but form deep, lasting relationships with those they trust. Their strength lies in their ability to balance respect for tradition with openness to innovation, making them effective bridges between different generations and perspectives. Cultural & Historical Significance Dervorgilla occupies a unique position in Celtic history, bridging Irish and Scottish cultural traditions. The name gained prominence during the 12th and 13th centuries through several influential women who shaped medieval politics and culture. Most notably, Dervorgilla of Galloway (c. 1210-1290) became one of the most significant patrons of education and religion in medieval Britain, founding Balliol College at Oxford University and Sweetheart Abbey in Scotland. Her legacy demonstrates the powerful role noblewomen could play in medieval society, particularly in preserving and advancing cultural and educational institutions. The name also features prominently in Irish history, particularly through Dervorgilla MacMurrough, whose abduction by Diarmait Mac Murchada in 1152 had far-reaching political consequences, contributing to the Norman invasion of Ireland. This event, recorded in numerous medieval chronicles, highlights the complex political dynamics of medieval Ireland and the significant influence women could wield in Gaelic society. The persistence of the name in historical records underscores its importance in understanding medieval Celtic social structures and the enduring cultural connections between Ireland and Scotland. Dutch police are investigating Friday's incident. Officials said that for security reasons they would provide no further details about how the drones or what action was taken, Azernews reports via BBC. As well as being used by the Royal Netherlands Air Force, Volkel Air Base hosts a US Air Force squadron as part of Nato. The incident follows reports of drone sightings at other Dutch air bases in the past few weeks, as well as facilities in neighbouring Belgium, Denmark and Germany. The sightings have disrupted air traffic and raised security concerns. A lack of evidence pointing to their origins has plagued investigations into the incidents since they began in September, as in many cases the drones depart after a while. Some European officials have attributed the sightings to "hybrid warfare" on the part of Russia, as the nations that have been targeted are all allied to Ukraine. But the Kremlin has denied it has anything to do with past incursions. Defence ministers from 10 EU countries have agreed to create a "drone wall" in response to the sightings, while some individual nations have sought to secure anti-drone defence measures. Unidentified drones have been observed hovering over a military base used by Nato in the Netherlands, the Dutch defence ministry has said. It said military personnel deployed weapons to try to take down the drones spotted near Volkel Air Base, north of Eindhoven, between 19:00 and 21:00 local time (18:00-20:00 GMT) on Friday. The defence ministry said the devices "departed and were never recovered". The Netherlands is among a number of northern European nations to be blighted by drone sightings around military installations and airfields in recent months. Russia has denied accusations it was involved in previous incidents. Individuals named Dubv are traditionally associated with depth, intensity, and strong character. They tend to be perceived as mysterious, thoughtful, and possessing inner strength that isn't immediately apparent. Their 'dark-faced' etymology often translates metaphorically to someone who is serious, contemplative, and doesn't reveal their emotions easily. This can make them appear reserved at first, but they typically prove to be deeply loyal and steadfast once trust is established. These individuals often exhibit natural leadership qualities, combining wisdom with practical action. They're frequently described as having strong intuition and the ability to see beneath surface appearances. While they may not be the most outgoing personalities, their quiet confidence and reliability make them respected figures in their communities. Their thoughtful nature often leads them to excel in roles requiring careful consideration and strategic thinking. The name suggests someone who carries themselves with dignity and purpose, often serving as a stabilizing influence in turbulent situations. They tend to be perceptive judges of character and situations, with a knack for understanding complex dynamics that others might miss. This combination of depth, loyalty, and perceptiveness makes them valued friends and trusted advisors. The name Emrys carries strong associations with wisdom, intuition, and depth of character. Those bearing this name are often perceived as thoughtful, analytical individuals who prefer observation to impulsive action. The Merlin connection suggests someone with strategic thinking abilities, good judgment, and perhaps unconventional approaches to problem-solving. Emrys individuals tend to be introspective and may possess a philosophical or spiritual orientation toward life. They're typically patient, calm under pressure, and able to see the bigger picture in complex situations. While they can be reserved in social settings, they form deep, meaningful relationships and are valued for their insightful advice and loyalty. The 'immortal' meaning of the name suggests enduring strength, resilience, and the ability to learn from experience in ways that make them wiser over time. They often have a quiet confidence that comes from self-knowledge rather than external validation, and they may be drawn to pursuits that involve teaching, healing, or preserving knowledge. Women bearing the name Enriqua are typically characterized by a remarkable blend of strength and compassion that defines their leadership style. They possess an innate sense of responsibility and often naturally assume guiding roles in both personal and professional settings. Their ruling nature manifests not through authoritarianism but through earned respect and genuine care for others' wellbeing. Enriqueas tend to be highly perceptive, with an ability to understand complex social dynamics and navigate them with emotional intelligence. They are often the pillars of their families and communities, providing stability and wisdom during challenging times. Their leadership is typically inclusive and collaborative, valuing diverse perspectives while maintaining clear direction. This personality profile also includes a strong sense of integrity and tradition, balanced with practical adaptability. Enriqueas are known for their reliability and consistency, making them trusted advisors and confidantes. They approach challenges with a combination of strategic thinking and intuitive understanding, often anticipating problems before they arise. While they respect established ways, they're not afraid to implement necessary changes when circumstances demand innovation. Their communication style tends to be direct yet diplomatic, and they have a natural talent for mediating conflicts and building consensus. The combination of these traits creates individuals who lead by example and inspire loyalty through genuine connection rather than positional authority. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Faruq holds profound significance in Islamic culture as it was the title given to Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam, who was known as 'Al-Faruq' meaning 'the one who distinguishes between right and wrong.' This honorific reflects his reputation for justice and wisdom in early Islamic history. The name carries the weight of Islamic leadership and moral discernment, making it particularly revered among Muslim communities worldwide. Throughout Islamic history, the name has been associated with leadership, justice, and intellectual clarity. It symbolizes the ideal of a ruler or community leader who can clearly distinguish truth from falsehood and make decisions based on wisdom and moral principles. This cultural significance has made Faruq a name that parents choose when they wish to imbue their child with the qualities of justice, discernment, and strong moral character that are highly valued in Islamic tradition. Individuals associated with the name Gore in Arthurian context typically exhibit strong leadership qualities, unwavering determination, and a deep sense of honor. These characters are often portrayed as formidable rulers or knights who command respect through both their martial prowess and their commitment to justice. The name suggests a personality that is both strategic in thought and decisive in action, capable of making difficult choices for the greater good of their kingdom or cause. Beyond the battlefield, those connected to Gore demonstrate sophisticated political acumen and diplomatic skills necessary for maintaining a powerful kingdom. They tend to be protective of their people and territories, yet open to alliances when beneficial. The Arthurian tradition portrays Gore-associated figures as complex individuals who balance the harsh realities of rulership with the idealistic principles of chivalry, often serving as both warriors and statesmen in the intricate political landscape of Camelot and its surrounding realms. Individuals named Guin are often perceived as possessing a calm, observant nature combined with unexpected resilience. They tend to be thoughtful and analytical, preferring to observe situations carefully before acting. This contemplative approach often makes them excellent problem-solvers who can see patterns and connections others might miss. Their fair-mindedness (reflecting the name's meaning) typically extends to their interactions with others, making them valued for their impartial judgment and ability to see multiple perspectives. Despite their quiet demeanor, Guins often demonstrate remarkable inner strength and determination when pursuing goals they believe in. They tend to be loyal to their principles and to those they care about, though this loyalty is earned rather than freely given. Their strength often lies in persistence rather than flashy displays, making them reliable in crises and steady in their commitments. Many Guins develop a strong sense of cultural or family identity, often showing interest in history, tradition, or preserving knowledge. They may appear reserved at first but reveal warmth and depth to those who take the time to know them properly. This combination of quiet observation and deep commitment makes them particularly effective in roles requiring patience, analysis, and steadfastness. Cultural & Historical Significance Hanisi is deeply rooted in Swahili coastal culture where children are traditionally named after the day of the week they were born, a practice originating from Arabic influences that merged with Bantu traditions. This naming convention reflects the Islamic calendar's importance in coastal East African societies, where each day of the week carries specific spiritual significance. Thursday (Alkhamis in Arabic) is considered auspicious in many Muslim communities as it precedes Jumu'ah (Friday), the holy day of congregational prayers. The name connects the individual to their exact moment of entry into the world and community, serving as a permanent reminder of their origin and cultural heritage. This practice strengthens family bonds and community identity while preserving ancient traditions in modern Swahili society. The persistence of this naming tradition demonstrates the resilience of Swahili cultural practices despite globalization and modernization pressures. Cultural & Historical Significance Hugi originates from Old Norse mythology, where it appears as the name of a giant who personifies thought itself. In the Prose Edda, Hugi races against Thjalfi, the servant of Thor, and wins every race, symbolizing how thought is faster than physical action. This mythological foundation gives the name deep roots in Scandinavian culture and intellectual tradition. Within Christian contexts, the name has been adopted by scholars and theologians who appreciate its association with wisdom and intellect, viewing these qualities as gifts from God that should be used in service of faith. The name represents the Christian ideal of developing one's mind while maintaining spiritual devotion, embodying the concept of loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind. Over centuries, the name has transitioned from purely mythological usage to become associated with Christian intellectuals who value both faith and reason, creating a unique bridge between ancient Norse wisdom and Christian theological tradition. Those bearing the name Iasius are often characterized by a natural inclination toward healing and nurturing, reflecting the name's mythological origins. They typically possess a calm, grounded presence that others find comforting and trustworthy. This personality type tends to be deeply intuitive, with an ability to understand unspoken emotions and underlying issues in situations. Their approach to problem-solving is methodical and thoughtful, preferring to address root causes rather than superficial symptoms. Iasius individuals usually exhibit strong connections to tradition and nature, valuing stability and continuity in their personal and professional lives. They are often drawn to roles that allow them to care for others or preserve knowledge, such as teaching, healthcare, or environmental work. Their diplomatic nature makes them excellent mediators, as they can see multiple perspectives and find balanced solutions. While they may appear reserved initially, they form deep, lasting relationships built on mutual respect and understanding. Their strength lies in their ability to bring harmony to chaotic situations and their commitment to helping others achieve wholeness. Individuals named Idna are typically characterized by their energetic nature and proactive approach to life. They possess a natural drive that makes them highly productive and goal-oriented, often taking initiative in both personal and professional contexts. Their active disposition means they rarely remain idle, constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth. This inherent industriousness is balanced by practical intelligence, allowing them to channel their energy effectively toward meaningful pursuits. Idnas tend to be reliable and determined, with a strong sense of responsibility that makes them excellent leaders and team members. They approach tasks with thoroughness and dedication, often inspiring others through their work ethic and commitment. While they are serious about their ambitions, they also maintain a warm, approachable demeanor that helps them build strong relationships. Their combination of activity and emotional intelligence makes them particularly effective in roles requiring both initiative and interpersonal skills. Beyond their professional capabilities, Idnas often demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability. They approach obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks, and their persistent nature ensures they see projects through to completion. This steadfast quality, combined with their natural enthusiasm, makes them valued friends and colleagues who bring both energy and reliability to every situation they encounter. Assyrian Author Publishes Second Book on Assyrian Genocide Assyrian-Greek author Thea Halo. ( https://www.rthess.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/THEA-HALO-1-rthess-1200x900.jpg) The author of the book Not Even My Name returns with a new book entitled Genocide: the Cornerstone of Modern Turkey which was presented on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 19:30 pm at the Black Sea Club. On the occasion of the presentation of the new book, Thea Halo spoke to Radio Thessaloniki about the need for recognition of the Genocide. Not Even My Name which was crucial to recognizing the genocide of the Pontians at the state level in the United States. For her new book Genocide: the Cornerstone of Modern Turkey from Govosti publications, the Thea Halo points out Radio Thessaloniki and the Theodora Karakioullah that this is a historic book and not a personal testimony. "I tried to give a full picture as much as possible before the Ottoman Empire and the wars before the establishment. How they treated the residents, the Christian communities. So I bring it from the past, before the Ottomans, until the burning of Smyrna and the establishment of Turkey as a nation as a modern nation". Halo in the book Not Even My Name tells her mother's unforgettable story, Sano. At the age of 10, Sano survived the course of death that destroyed her family. Seventy years after her expatriate, your mother Sano and Thea's daughter return to Turkey in an effort to search for the village "When we were in the village of Agios Antonios (in Ordou), there was nothing. But what happened was something inexplicable. When my mother left her house, she tied a calf to an apple tree and when we got there, there was a calf in a calf There was no reason for this calf to be there. It was like waiting for her all these years". This article was translated from Greek by Google. The White House has accused South Africa of declining to ensure a smooth handover of the G20 presidency to the United States, Azernews reports via TRT World. The claim comes after South Africas Foreign Ministry said it would transfer the presidency to Washington at an appropriate level, shortly after the G20 adopted a climate-crisis declaration opposed by the US. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said on Saturday that President Cyril Ramaphosa had pushed for a G20 leaders statement addressing the climate emergency and other global issues despite consistent and robust US objections. She added that President Donald Trump was looking forward to restoring legitimacy to the G20 in the US 2026 host year. Earlier, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola told reporters at the summit that the US had wanted the handover to be carried out through the charge daffaires at its embassy in Pretoria. Lamola stressed that South Africas Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) sought to make a clear distinction between the formal handover process and the ongoing summit discussions attended by world leaders and their duly appointed representatives. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Ingria carries profound cultural significance deeply embedded in Finnish history and regional identity. It derives from the historical region of Ingria (Inkeri in Finnish), situated along the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland between Estonia and Russia. This territory was historically inhabited by Ingrian Finns, who developed a unique cultural identity while maintaining strong linguistic and cultural ties to Finland proper. The name represents centuries of cultural resilience, as the Ingrian Finnish community preserved their language, Lutheran faith, and traditions despite being a minority population under Swedish and later Russian rule. The name's mythological meaning as 'hero's daughter' connects it to Finnish epic tradition, particularly the Kalevala, where heroic lineages and familial honor hold central importance. During the 20th century, the Ingrian Finnish community faced immense challenges including Stalinist purges, forced relocations, and the destruction of their cultural institutions. The name thus embodies themes of survival, cultural memory, and diaspora identity. Today, Ingria serves as a symbolic bridge between Finland and Russia, representing both the historical connections and complex relationships between Nordic and Slavic cultures in the Baltic region. The name continues to evoke pride in Finnish heritage while acknowledging the specific historical experiences of the Ingrian Finnish people. Individuals named Ishaq are often perceived as intellectually curious and spiritually inclined, with a natural inclination toward learning and contemplation. They typically exhibit a warm, approachable demeanor that puts others at ease, living up to the name's meaning of 'laughter' through their good-natured humor and positive outlook. Many Ishaqs demonstrate strong analytical abilities and a methodical approach to problem-solving, combined with deep loyalty to family and community. Their personality often balances traditional values with modern adaptability, making them respected figures in both personal and professional circles. The name suggests someone who carries themselves with dignity while maintaining the ability to find joy and humor in life's journey. Ishaqs are frequently seen as bridge-buildersable to connect different generations, cultures, or perspectives through their diplomatic nature and genuine interest in others' wellbeing. This combination of intellectual depth and emotional warmth makes them particularly effective in roles requiring both analytical thinking and interpersonal skills. Individuals named Istaqa are often perceived as possessing the clever, adaptable nature of their namesake. They tend to be quick-witted problem-solvers who can think outside conventional boundaries and find creative solutions to challenges. Like the coyote of mythology, they may display a blend of intelligence and mischievousness, often using humor and cleverness to navigate difficult situations. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in various environments and circumstances, much like the coyote's ability to survive across diverse landscapes. However, this same adaptability can sometimes manifest as unpredictability or a tendency to challenge established norms and authority. Istaqa-named individuals often possess strong observational skills and intuition, enabling them to read social situations accurately and respond appropriately. They may exhibit a natural curiosity and desire for exploration, both intellectually and physically, while maintaining a deep connection to their cultural roots and traditions. Their personality often balances traditional wisdom with innovative thinking, making them effective mediators between different perspectives or generations, capable of bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary understanding. Cultural & Historical Significance Jenneva derives from the name Genevieve, which has deep roots in French Christian tradition through Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. Born in Nanterre around 422 AD, Saint Genevieve became renowned for her piety, charity, and miraculous interventions during the Frankish siege of Paris. Her legacy established the name as symbolic of feminine strength, spiritual devotion, and civic protection. The phonetic variant Jenneva emerged in English-speaking countries as a modern adaptation that maintains the saint's virtuous associations while offering a distinctive spelling. Throughout Christian history, names derived from Genevieve have been popular among families seeking to honor traditions of faith, compassion, and resilience. The name carries connotations of guardian-like qualities, reflecting Saint Genevieve's role as protector of her city and its people during times of crisis. In modern contexts, Jenneva represents a bridge between historical religious significance and contemporary naming preferences, allowing families to maintain connection to Christian heritage while choosing a unique name form. Individuals named Jerrilyn are often perceived as balanced personalities who combine strength with compassion. The 'Jerry' component suggests qualities of leadership, determination, and practical problem-solving abilities, while the 'Marilyn' influence brings creativity, emotional depth, and social grace. This combination typically results in women who are both assertive and empathetic, capable of taking charge when necessary while maintaining strong interpersonal connections. They often excel in careers that require both analytical thinking and people skills, such as education, healthcare, or management. Their dual-nature name seems to manifest in personalities that can adapt to different situations, showing resilience in challenges and warmth in relationships. Many Jerrilyns display a remarkable ability to be both grounded and imaginative, practical in their approach to problems while maintaining a sense of wonder and appreciation for beauty. This makes them particularly effective in roles that require bridging different perspectives or mediating between conflicting interests. Individuals named Juci are often perceived as warm, approachable, and emotionally expressive. The name's soft, melodic sound suggests someone who is nurturing and creates comfortable environments for others. They tend to be socially adept with a natural ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, often serving as peacemakers or mediators in group settings. Juci's typically possess strong intuitive abilities and are often described as having good 'people sense,' allowing them to navigate social situations with grace and understanding. Their emotional intelligence is frequently noted as a defining characteristic, enabling them to be excellent friends, partners, and team members who understand unspoken needs and feelings. While gentle in demeanor, they often demonstrate surprising resilience and inner strength when facing challenges, combining sensitivity with practical problem-solving abilities. Men named Kateb typically demonstrate intellectual depth and a natural affinity for learning and communication. They often exhibit careful, analytical thinking patterns and show remarkable attention to detail in their endeavors. Their name's association with writing and record-keeping frequently manifests in organized approaches to life, clear expression of ideas, and a preference for structured environments where their methodical nature can thrive. These individuals are often perceived as thoughtful, observant, and reflective, with a strong sense of responsibility toward preserving and sharing knowledge. In interpersonal relationships, Katebs tend to be reliable and trustworthy, often serving as confidants or advisors within their social circles. They typically approach challenges with patience and determination, showing particular strength in situations requiring careful analysis and documentation. While they may appear reserved in unfamiliar settings, they reveal considerable warmth and dedication to those they trust. Their connection to the name's scholarly heritage often drives them toward careers in education, research, writing, or information management, where their natural talents for organization and clear communication can achieve full expression. Women named Kayiyn are often perceived as possessing a blend of traditional values and modern sensibility. They typically exhibit strong moral character, integrity, and a deep sense of personal ethics that guides their decisions and relationships. Many Kayiyns demonstrate natural leadership qualities combined with compassionate understanding, making them effective in roles that require both strength and empathy. Their association with the meaning 'pure' often manifests as authenticity and transparency in their interactions. They tend to be thoughtful, reflective individuals who value deep connections over superficial relationships, and they often serve as moral compasses within their social circles. While maintaining traditional virtues, they frequently embrace progressive thinking and adapt well to changing circumstances, creating a unique balance between stability and flexibility in their approach to life. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Keir has deep roots in Irish and Scottish Gaelic culture, deriving from the Gaelic word 'ciar' meaning 'dark' or 'black.' Originally used as a descriptive term for someone with dark hair or complexion, it evolved into a surname before becoming a given name. In Celtic traditions, dark features were often associated with mystery, depth, and connection to the earth, giving the name an air of ancient wisdom and natural strength. The name gained particular prominence in Scotland through places like Keir in Perthshire and Stirling, where the Keir family held significant lands for centuries. Historically, the name carries associations with both Irish monastic traditions through Saint Ciaran of Clonmacnoise and Scottish clan heritage, creating a bridge between spiritual devotion and warrior strength in Celtic culture. This dual heritage makes Keir a name that embodies both contemplative depth and practical resilience in the Celtic worldview. Women named Ketura are often perceived as spiritually inclined, intuitive, and possessing a calming presence that affects those around them like fragrant incense. They tend to be deeply reflective individuals who value tradition while maintaining a progressive outlook, often serving as bridges between different perspectives or communities. Their personality typically combines warmth with wisdom, making them natural counselors and peacemakers who can diffuse tension and create harmonious environments. Keturas are frequently drawn to creative or healing professions where they can express their innate sensitivity and help others find spiritual or emotional balance. They possess a quiet strength that emerges in challenging situations, much like incense that releases its full fragrance when heated. Their approach to life is often characterized by patience, persistence, and the ability to transform difficult circumstances into opportunities for growth and connection. The United Nations on Friday issued a stark warning over the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, citing an escalation of violence that has resulted in growing civilian casualties, forced displacement and deepening insecurity among Palestinians. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters that humanitarian agencies were alarmed by the persistent rise in violence, noting casualties, property destruction, displacement, loss of livelihoods and a profound sense of insecurity for Palestinian civilians. According to the U.N., the number of Palestinian children killed in 2025 reached 50 this week. In total, more than 200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the beginning of the year, Dujarric added. Israeli military operations in the West Bank have intensified since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Since then, over 1,076 Palestinians have been killed and more than 10,700 injured in attacks by Israeli forces and armed settlers in the occupied territory. Arrests have also surged, with more than 20,500 Palestinians detained during this period. In a significant legal development last July, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israels occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem is unlawful and called for the removal of all Israeli settlements from these areas. Individuals named Khayri are often perceived as naturally generous, compassionate, and community-oriented. They typically exhibit strong empathy and a genuine desire to help others, often putting collective needs before personal interests. This inherent generosity extends beyond material giving to include emotional support, time, and wisdom sharing. Their benevolent nature makes them natural peacemakers and trusted confidants in social circles. Khayri's tend to be diplomatic and thoughtful in their interactions, possessing excellent interpersonal skills that enable them to build strong, lasting relationships. They often demonstrate remarkable patience and understanding when dealing with challenging situations. While their generous nature is their greatest strength, it can sometimes lead to them being taken advantage of by less scrupulous individuals. However, their inherent wisdom usually helps them maintain healthy boundaries while continuing to embody their namesake virtue of generosity. These personality traits often make Khayri's well-respected members of their communities and natural leaders in charitable initiatives. Individuals named Kolete typically exhibit a unique blend of communal leadership and personal determination that reflects their name's meaning of 'people's victory.' They often possess natural diplomatic skills, able to mediate conflicts and bring diverse groups together toward common goals. Their inherent understanding that success is measured by collective achievement rather than personal gain makes them exceptional team players and community organizers. Kolete's tend to be perceptive about social dynamics and often champion causes that benefit the greater good. These individuals combine strategic thinking with emotional intelligence, making them effective in roles requiring both analytical and interpersonal skills. While they can be fiercely determined when pursuing important causes, they typically express this determination through collaboration and consensus-building rather than authoritarian approaches. Many Kolete's develop strong intuitive abilities about group needs and often anticipate community concerns before they become apparent to others. This combination of foresight and empathy makes them natural leaders in educational, social work, and community development fields. Cultural & Historical Significance Lacyann represents a fascinating blend of Norman-French aristocratic heritage and modern American naming innovation. The name traces its origins to the Norman Conquest of 1066, when the de Laci family brought their surname from Lassy, Normandy to England and Ireland, establishing themselves as powerful nobles in the British Isles. This historical connection gives the name an air of medieval nobility and European sophistication. The modern creation 'Lacyann' emerged in the late 20th century as part of the trend toward unique, feminized versions of surnames, combining the delicate elegance of 'Lacy' with the melodic quality of 'Ann'. This fusion creates a name that honors traditional French-English heritage while embracing contemporary naming creativity, making it particularly popular among families seeking names with historical depth that still feel fresh and distinctive. The name reflects the ongoing evolution of cultural identity in English-speaking countries, where European ancestry is often celebrated through naming practices that balance tradition with personal expression. Individuals named Maduley are often characterized by a unique blend of adventurous spirit and deep-rooted tradition. They typically exhibit the exploratory nature associated with their Norse heritage combined with the strong familial loyalty and community values of Irish culture. This creates personalities that are both innovative and respectful of heritage, often making them natural leaders who can bridge different perspectives and communities. Their mixed cultural background tends to make them adaptable and open-minded while maintaining strong principles. Maduleys are frequently described as resilient and resourceful, qualities that reflect the historical challenges faced by their Norse-Irish ancestors. They often possess strong communication skills and diplomatic abilities, likely stemming from the need to navigate between different cultural groups throughout history. There's typically a creative streak present, whether expressed through storytelling, craftsmanship, or problem-solving. Their personality often balances the pragmatic, seafaring mentality of their Norse forebears with the poetic and philosophical tendencies of Irish tradition, creating well-rounded individuals capable of both practical action and deep reflection. Individuals named Maeghan are often perceived as strong-willed, independent, and charismatic. They tend to possess natural leadership qualities and a determined spirit, reflecting the name's association with the powerful Queen Meabh of Irish legend. Maeghans are typically creative problem-solvers who approach challenges with both practicality and imagination. Their combination of traditional values and modern thinking makes them adaptable in various social and professional situations. Many Maeghans display a warm, engaging personality that draws others to them, while maintaining a core of resilience and self-assurance that helps them navigate life's complexities with grace and determination. They often exhibit a strong sense of justice and fairness, coupled with the courage to stand up for their beliefs. The name suggests someone who balances emotional depth with practical intelligence, capable of both deep compassion and decisive action when circumstances require. This combination of traits makes Maeghans natural leaders who inspire loyalty and respect from those around them. Cultural & Historical Significance Manville has deep roots in French aristocratic tradition, originally serving as a surname denoting ownership or stewardship of significant landed estates. The name emerged during the medieval period when land ownership defined social status and power structures. Throughout French history, families bearing the Manville name were often associated with regional governance, agricultural management, and the preservation of cultural heritage through their stewardship of ancestral properties. During the Norman conquest and subsequent French colonial expansion, the name spread to England and the Americas, where it maintained its connotations of estate management and landed gentry. In French-Canadian communities particularly, Manville became symbolic of the blending of Old World aristocratic traditions with New World opportunities, representing both heritage and upward mobility. The name carries echoes of the manorial system that shaped medieval European society while adapting to modern contexts of property ownership and community leadership. Individuals named Mareesa are often perceived as compassionate, nurturing, and emotionally intuitive, reflecting the maternal qualities associated with the name's Marian origins. They tend to be natural caregivers who prioritize family and community relationships, often serving as peacemakers in conflict situations. Mareesas typically exhibit strong moral convictions and a deep sense of responsibility toward others, combined with a quiet strength that helps them navigate challenges with grace and resilience. Their intuitive nature makes them excellent listeners and trusted confidantes, while their creative spirit often manifests in artistic pursuits or innovative problem-solving approaches. While generally gentle in demeanor, they possess an inner determination that enables them to stand firm in their beliefs and values when necessary. This combination of sensitivity and strength makes Mareesas particularly effective in roles that require both empathy and leadership, allowing them to inspire and support others while maintaining their own principles and boundaries. Individuals named Maribella are often characterized by a unique blend of depth and grace that reflects their name's dual meaning. They typically possess a thoughtful, introspective nature that allows them to perceive life's complexities with unusual clarity, combined with an elegant presence that draws others to them. This combination often results in people who are both emotionally intelligent and artistically inclined, capable of transforming difficult experiences into sources of strength and creativity. Maribellas tend to be resilient individuals who approach challenges with both practical wisdom and aesthetic sensitivity. They often serve as bridges between different social groups, using their natural diplomacy and understanding of human nature to foster connections and resolve conflicts. Their strength lies in their ability to find beauty in unexpected places and to help others see the transformative potential in life's bitter moments. This makes them particularly effective in creative fields, counseling professions, and leadership roles where emotional intelligence and vision are valued. Individuals named Mountakaber typically exhibit strong leadership qualities, confidence, and a natural authority that commands respect. They tend to be ambitious, determined, and possess a strong sense of self-worth that can manifest as either dignified pride or, in less developed characters, as the conceited quality referenced in the name's description. Their mountain-like personality suggests reliability, steadfastness in principles, and the ability to withstand challenges with remarkable resilience. These individuals often have a commanding presence and excel in positions of responsibility where their natural authority can be channeled positively. They may demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and strategic thinking, much like a mountain that provides both barrier and vantage point. However, the challenge for Mountakabers lies in balancing their inherent pride with the Islamic virtue of humility, ensuring their self-confidence doesn't cross into arrogance. In interpersonal relationships, Mountakabers are often seen as protective and dependable, though they may sometimes come across as reserved or overly formal. Their strength of character makes them natural protectors and providers, though they may need to consciously cultivate empathy and approachability. When positively developed, they combine the mountain's stability with wisdom and compassion, becoming pillars of their families and communities who inspire others through their integrity and strength. Cultural & Historical Significance Nathaira holds deep roots in Scottish folklore and mythology, where snakes symbolize both wisdom and transformation. In ancient Scottish traditions, snakes were revered as creatures of the earth, associated with healing and hidden knowledge. The name reflects the Celtic reverence for nature's mysteries and the serpent's role in local legends about sacred springs and healing waters. Throughout Scottish history, names derived from natural elements like Nathaira were believed to impart the qualities of their namesakes to the bearer, connecting them to the land's spiritual heritage. The serpent motif appears in Pictish stone carvings and early Scottish art, suggesting its importance in pre-Christian belief systems that later merged with Christian symbolism. In Scottish folklore, snakes were often guardians of sacred sites and were associated with prophetic dreams and visions. The name Nathaira carries this legacy of being connected to ancient wisdom and the subtle energies of the natural world, making it a powerful choice for families honoring their Scottish heritage and the mystical aspects of Celtic culture. US President Donald Trump has said that six Democrats involved in a video calling on military officers to refuse illegal commands "should be in jail". Trump took to social media on Saturday night, writing: "THE TRAITORS THAT TOLD THE MILITARY TO DISOBEY MY ORDERS SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW, NOT ROAMING THE FAKE NEWS NETWORKS TRYING TO EXPLAIN THAT WHAT THEY SAID WAS OK." He said that the Democrats' message was "SEDITION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL" and that "THERE CAN BE NO OTHER INTERPRETATION OF WHAT THEY SAID". The Republican leader's remarks came after he accused Democrat lawmakers on Friday of "seditious behaviour, punishable by death". Democrats slammed Trump's comments as "absolutely vile" threats against the six senators and representatives, all of whom have served in the military or intelligence community. The video posted on social media on Friday called on the military to "refuse illegal orders" and featured Arizona's Mark Kelly, Michigan's Elissa Slotkin, along with Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Nekana holds deep cultural significance in Spanish-speaking communities, particularly in regions with strong Catholic traditions where names reflecting human emotions and spiritual experiences are valued. It represents a cultural acknowledgment that sorrow and melancholy are integral parts of the human experience, often associated with the concept of 'duende' in Spanish art - that mysterious power of emotional authenticity that gives depth to artistic expression. Historically, the name has been embraced in literature and music as representing the beautiful sadness that can transform pain into artistic creation. In Spanish culture, names carrying emotional weight like Nekana are often seen as protective, believed to help the bearer navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. The name connects to traditions where acknowledging sorrow is not seen as negative but rather as a path to wisdom and spiritual depth. It reflects the Spanish cultural appreciation for passionate emotional expression and the belief that profound feelings, including sorrow, can lead to greater self-awareness and artistic inspiration. The name embodies the cultural understanding that emotional depth, including sorrow, contributes to the richness of human experience and artistic creation. Cultural & Historical Significance Nephthys held profound cultural significance in ancient Egypt as a goddess associated with death, transition, and protection. Her role in the Osiris myth established her as a crucial figure in funerary practices, where she and her sister Isis protected the deceased and guided souls to the afterlife. As 'Mistress of the House,' she represented both domestic protection and temple sanctity, bridging everyday life and spiritual realms. Her presence in mourning rituals provided comfort to the bereaved, while her magical abilities offered protection against evil forces. The cultural importance of Nephthys extended beyond death rituals to encompass themes of loyalty, family bonds, and feminine power in Egyptian society. Throughout Egyptian history, Nephthys was invoked in protective spells and amulets, particularly those guarding women and children. Her temples served as centers for healing and spiritual guidance, where priests and priestesses performed rituals seeking her intercession. The enduring legacy of Nephthys in Egyptian art, hieroglyphs, and religious texts demonstrates her integral role in maintaining cosmic balance and facilitating safe passage between worlds. Her dual natureboth mourner and protectorreflected the Egyptian understanding of death as a transformative process rather than an ending. Individuals named Nirveli are often perceived as calm, intuitive, and deeply emotional, much like the water element their name represents. They tend to be adaptable and resilient, capable of flowing around obstacles while maintaining their core essence. Their emotional depth makes them highly empathetic and compassionate, often serving as emotional anchors for those around them. However, like water, they can be both gentle and powerfuldisplaying remarkable strength when faced with challenges. They are typically creative thinkers with strong intuitive abilities, often drawn to artistic pursuits or helping professions where their natural empathy and fluid thinking can shine. In social settings, Nirvelis are known for their soothing presence and ability to mediate conflicts, much like water that smooths rough surfaces over time. They possess a natural grace and tend to approach life with fluidity rather than rigidity. Their emotional intelligence is usually high, allowing them to navigate complex social situations with ease. However, they may sometimes struggle with being too accommodating or having boundaries that are too permeable. Their strength lies in their ability to persist and adapt, while their challenge is learning when to stand firm rather than always flowing with circumstances. This combination of traits makes them both nurturing and surprisingly resilient individuals. Cultural & Historical Significance Peneus holds significant cultural importance as one of the major river gods in Greek mythology, representing the actual Peneus River that flows through the Thessalian plain in central Greece. As a primordial deity, he embodies the life-giving and destructive forces of nature, worshipped by ancient Greeks who saw rivers as divine entities. His mythological role extends beyond mere geography, serving as a key figure in the story of his daughter Daphne, who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo's advances, making Peneus part of one of mythology's most enduring tales of transformation and divine pursuit. The name Peneus connects deeply with Greek cultural identity, representing the intersection of landscape, mythology, and daily life in ancient times. River gods like Peneus were considered protectors of their regions, with local cults and worship practices. His presence in multiple literary works, from Homer's Iliad to Ovid's Metamorphoses, demonstrates his enduring significance across Greek and Roman cultures. The river itself formed a natural boundary in Thessaly and played crucial roles in historical events, including Xerxes' invasion of Greece, where the Persian army famously drank it dry according to Herodotus. Individuals named Perth typically exhibit strong protective instincts and deep-rooted loyalty to their community and traditions. Like the thorn-bush thicket that inspired the name, they often possess a defensive nature that serves to safeguard those they care about, combined with an inner resilience that allows them to withstand life's challenges. Their connection to the land and heritage often makes them practical, grounded individuals who value stability and continuity. Perths tend to be strategic thinkers who approach problems with careful consideration, much like the natural defenses of a thicket that provide both protection and concealment. They often demonstrate quiet leadership qualities, preferring to lead by example rather than through overt authority. While they may appear reserved initially, they form deep, lasting bonds with those who earn their trust. Their Celtic heritage often manifests in artistic sensitivity, storytelling ability, and a strong sense of justice that aligns with traditional Gaelic values of honor and community responsibility. Women named Phoenyx are often perceived as resilient and transformative individuals who possess remarkable inner strength. They typically demonstrate an ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger from challenges, much like the mythical bird that rises from its own ashes. These individuals often exhibit strong leadership qualities, creativity, and a pioneering spirit that inspires others around them. Their personality is characterized by a unique blend of traditional values and modern thinking, allowing them to navigate complex social and cultural landscapes with grace and wisdom. Phoenyx-named individuals tend to be deeply spiritual yet practical, combining faith with action in ways that create positive change in their communities. They often serve as bridges between different generations and cultural perspectives, embodying the transformative power of their namesake while maintaining strong connections to their heritage and faith. Their natural charisma and determination make them effective advocates for causes they believe in, while their compassionate nature ensures they uplift those around them. The name carries an expectation of greatness and the ability to reinvent oneself while staying true to core values and beliefs. Individuals named Preston are often perceived as reliable, dignified, and possessing natural leadership qualities. The name's association with priesthood and settlement suggests someone who is community-oriented, responsible, and capable of providing guidance and stability. Prestons typically project an air of quiet confidence and competence, often excelling in positions that require organization, diplomacy, and practical problem-solving. They tend to be perceived as traditional yet adaptable, balancing respect for established ways with openness to innovation when circumstances demand. In social settings, Prestons are often described as warm yet reserved, forming deep connections with a select circle rather than seeking widespread popularity. They frequently demonstrate strong moral compasses and ethical standards, likely influenced by the name's religious origins. Professionally, they thrive in roles that allow them to build, manage, or improve systems and communities. Their combination of practical intelligence and interpersonal sensitivity makes them effective in leadership positions, though they typically lead through example and consensus-building rather than authoritarian approaches. The name suggests someone who values integrity, continuity, and making meaningful contributions to their chosen spheres of influence. Individuals named Ranica are often characterized by their artistic sensibility and emotional depth. They tend to possess a natural rhythm and appreciation for beauty in all forms, whether in music, art, or human relationships. Ranicas are typically creative problem-solvers who approach challenges with harmony and grace rather than confrontation. Their name meaning 'lovely tune' often manifests in their ability to bring balance and melody to chaotic situations, making them natural peacemakers and mediators. These individuals usually exhibit strong intuition and empathy, allowing them to understand others' emotions with remarkable accuracy. They are often drawn to creative pursuits and excel in fields that require both technical skill and emotional expression. While they can be sensitive, Ranicas also demonstrate remarkable resilience, much like a beautiful melody that persists through changing circumstances. Their presence often has a calming effect on others, and they frequently serve as the emotional center of their social and family circles. Symbolically, Rosco represents the intersection of natural wisdom and human community, embodying the qualities of both the wild deer and the cultivated heathland. The roe deer symbolizes awareness, grace under pressure, and the ability to navigate challenging terrainqualities that translate to emotional intelligence and adaptability in human terms. The heathland represents open possibilities, resilience in harsh conditions, and the beauty of untamed spaces. Together, these symbols create a powerful metaphor for balanced living: maintaining wildness of spirit while participating in community, honoring tradition while embracing change. The name suggests someone who can move between different social environments with ease, much like deer transition between forest and field. In spiritual terms, Rosco symbolizes the journey of finding one's path while remaining connected to roots and heritage. This rich symbolic tapestry makes the name particularly meaningful for those who value both independence and belonging, nature and civilization, tradition and innovation. Women named Saraid are often perceived as possessing a quiet strength and natural dignity that commands respect. They tend to be deeply principled individuals with strong moral compasses, reflecting the name's meaning of 'excellence' through their commitment to high standards in all endeavors. Saraids are typically thoughtful and introspective, preferring meaningful conversations over superficial chatter, and they often demonstrate remarkable emotional intelligence in their relationships. Their strength lies in their resiliencethey face challenges with grace and determination, often becoming pillars of support for their communities. While they may appear reserved initially, those who know them well appreciate their dry wit, loyalty, and the depth of their character. Many Saraids develop strong connections to heritage, family traditions, or creative pursuits that allow them to express their rich inner world. They tend to be natural leaders who lead by example rather than command, inspiring others through their integrity and quiet competence. Voters in Republika Srpska, the Serb-majority entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, headed to the polls on Sunday for a snap presidential election. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) across 2,211 locations both within Republika Srpska and abroad. Voting will run until 7 p.m. (1800 GMT). According to Bosnias election commission, more than one million citizens are registered to vote. The first preliminary results are expected before midnight, according to the Anadolu Agency. Six candidates on the ballot The Central Election Commission confirmed that six contenders are competing for the presidency following the removal of Milorad Dodik from office. The frontrunner, according to analysts, is Sinisa Karan the minister for science, technology and higher education who enjoys the backing of Dodiks Union of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD). He is joined on the ballot by Dragan Djokanovic of the New Policy Union, Branko Blanusa of the Serbian Democratic Party, Nikola Lazarevic of the Ecological Party of Republika Srpska, and two independent candidates, Igor Gasevic and Slavko Dragicevic. Background to the snap vote The election was triggered after months of political crisis centred on Milorad Dodik, known for his separatist rhetoric and repeated challenges to Bosnias constitutional order. Dodik openly refused to recognise the Office of the High Representative (OHR) created under the Dayton Peace Agreement and rejected the authority of the current High Representative, Christian Schmidt. In June 2023, under Dodiks leadership, the Republika Srpska National Assembly voted to stop publishing Schmidts decisions in its Official Gazette. Schmidt annulled those moves, invoking his powers to block legislation seen as threatening the states integrity. Dodik doubled down on his claims that Republika Srpska would eventually secede from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prosecutors charged him with failing to comply with OHR decisions, seeking a prison term. In December 2023, he received a one-year prison sentence and a six-year ban from political office, later converted into a fine. Bosnias Central Election Commission subsequently voted unanimously to remove him from the presidency, paving the way for the current snap election. Individuals named Sima are typically characterized by exceptional listening skills and thoughtful consideration. They possess a natural ability to absorb information and understand complex situations, often serving as trusted confidants and advisors. Their patient and observant nature allows them to perceive subtleties that others might miss, making them excellent problem-solvers and mediators. Simas tend to be reflective and analytical, preferring to think deeply before speaking or acting. They often exhibit strong intuition and emotional intelligence, which enables them to connect with others on a profound level. While they may appear reserved initially, those who know them well appreciate their wisdom, loyalty, and the depth of their understanding. Their combination of intellectual curiosity and empathetic nature makes them both learned and compassionate individuals. Simas typically excel in roles that require careful analysis, diplomacy, or teaching, as they have a gift for explaining complex concepts clearly. They value meaningful relationships over superficial connections and often become the 'go-to' person for friends and family seeking advice. Their quiet confidence and reliability make them natural leaders who lead through wisdom rather than force, embodying the principle that true strength lies in understanding rather than domination. In contemporary naming practices, Sorel remains a distinctive choice that balances tradition with uniqueness. While not among the most popular names in any country, it maintains steady usage particularly in French-speaking regions and among families seeking names with cultural heritage and meaningful origins. The name has seen a slight increase in popularity in recent years as part of the trend toward vintage and nature-inspired names. In France, Sorel appears occasionally in birth registries, typically ranking outside the top 500 names but maintaining consistent presence. In Quebec and other French-Canadian communities, the name enjoys slightly broader usage, often chosen to honor family heritage or French cultural roots. The name's appeal extends beyond French-speaking populations to English-speaking countries where it is appreciated for its simplicity, elegance, and distinctive sound. Modern Sorels often find their name serves as an interesting conversation starter while being easy to pronounce and spell. The name's association with the successful Sorel footwear brand has increased its recognition without overwhelming its personal name usage. Current naming trends favoring unique yet traditional names suggest Sorel may continue to gain modest popularity among parents seeking distinctive options with historical depth and natural connotations. The name Stocleah carries profound symbolic meanings that extend far beyond its literal translation. The tree stump represents the concept of enduring foundation - what remains when external forms change or disappear. It symbolizes resilience, memory, and the continuous presence of the past in the present. Like a stump that supports mushrooms, insects, and new seedlings, this aspect suggests hidden fertility and the capacity to nurture new life from apparent endings. The meadow component symbolizes openness, community, diversity, and fertility - a space where multiple life forms coexist and interact. Together, these elements create a powerful metaphor for transformation and continuity. In psychological terms, Stocleah represents the archetype of the wise elder who provides stability while encouraging growth in others. Ecologically, it symbolizes sustainable cycles of death and rebirth within ecosystems. In Christian symbolism, the combination beautifully illustrates resurrection theology - new life emerging from what appears dead or used up, much like Christ's resurrection transforming death into eternal life. The name also carries environmental symbolism relevant to contemporary concerns about sustainability and our relationship with nature. It suggests a philosophy of working with natural cycles rather than against them, finding value in what persists through change, and recognizing that true strength often lies in adaptability and rootedness simultaneously. Cultural & Historical Significance Tarynn emerged in the late 20th century as part of the modern trend of creating unique names by blending traditional elements. The name combines 'Tara,' which has deep roots in Irish mythology and geography (referring to the Hill of Tara, ancient seat of Irish High Kings), with 'Erin,' the poetic name for Ireland itself. This fusion creates a name that honors Irish heritage while embracing contemporary naming creativity. In Christian contexts, the 'high hill' element can symbolize spiritual elevation and closeness to God, while the Irish connection reflects the strong Celtic Christian traditions that flourished in Ireland during the early medieval period. The name represents a bridge between ancient Celtic heritage and modern Christian identity, embodying both cultural pride and spiritual aspiration. The name's cultural significance extends to its representation of the Irish diaspora experience, where families maintained cultural connections while adapting to new environments. For Christian families, Tarynn offers a way to honor both faith and heritage, with the 'high hill' imagery resonating with biblical themes of mountains as places of revelation and divine encounter. The name's modern creation reflects contemporary values of individuality and cultural preservation, making it particularly meaningful for families seeking names that are both distinctive and deeply rooted in meaningful traditions. Individuals named Tlazohtlaloni are typically perceived as having warm, compassionate natures with strong emotional intelligence. They often exhibit natural leadership qualities rooted in empathy rather than authority, making them excellent mediators and community builders. Their name's meaning tends to manifest in personality as a deep-seated need to create and maintain harmonious relationships, often putting others' needs before their own. This can result in individuals who are exceptionally loyal, patient, and nurturing, though they may sometimes struggle with setting boundaries due to their desire to be universally loved and accepted. Many Tlazohtlalonis develop strong artistic or creative tendencies, using these outlets to express the complex emotional landscapes they navigate. They typically excel in professions requiring interpersonal skills and often become the emotional anchors within their families and social groups. The weight of carrying such a meaningful name can also create a sense of responsibility to live up to its positive connotations, which may lead to high personal standards and occasional self-criticism. However, this same sense of purpose often drives them to make significant contributions to their communities, fulfilling the name's promise of being someone who is genuinely loved and valued by those around them. People named Torrance typically exhibit personality traits that mirror the name's originsthey are often perceived as strong, reliable, and perceptive individuals. The 'watchtower' element suggests natural vigilance and strategic thinking, making Torrances excellent at assessing situations and anticipating challenges. They tend to be observant and thoughtful, preferring to gather information before making decisions. The 'craggy hill' association points to emotional resilience and steadfastnessqualities of someone who can weather difficulties with grace and determination. In social settings, Torrances often serve as stabilizing influences, offering practical wisdom and steady support to friends and family. They typically value loyalty and tradition while maintaining independent perspectives. Their leadership style tends to be more about quiet competence than overt charisma, and they often excel in roles requiring patience, observation, and long-term planning. While they may appear reserved initially, they form deep, meaningful relationships built on trust and mutual respect. This combination of strength, perception, and reliability makes Torrances valued members of their communities and trusted advisors in both personal and professional contexts. Cultural & Historical Significance The Williamson surname holds profound cultural significance as a living record of European naming traditions and migration patterns. Originating in 12th-century England, the name spread rapidly following the Norman Conquest, when William the Conqueror made his name fashionable among the nobility. In Scotland, the Williamson clan established strong roots in the Orkney Islands and Caithness, where they became known for their maritime skills and participation in the Hanseatic League trade network. The name's journey across the Atlantic during colonial times represents the broader story of European settlement in the Americas. Many Williamsons played significant roles in the American Revolution and westward expansion, with the name becoming embedded in the fabric of American frontier society. In more recent times, the name has been carried by influential figures across diverse fields, from blues music to spiritual teaching, demonstrating its adaptability across cultural contexts while maintaining its core identity as a marker of heritage and lineage. Individuals bearing the name Yeoman are typically characterized by exceptional reliability and steadfastness, embodying the historical virtues of their namesake. They tend to be practical, grounded people who approach life with a strong sense of duty and responsibility, often serving as the stable foundation in their families and communities. Their personality reflects the traditional yeoman's independence and self-sufficiency, showing determination in pursuing goals while maintaining humility and integrity. These individuals often possess a strong work ethic and organizational skills, preferring tangible results over abstract theories. While they may not seek the spotlight, they earn respect through consistent performance and loyalty to their principles. Their communication style tends to be direct and honest, and they value authenticity in relationships. The historical yeoman's role as a protector and provider translates to modern personalities that are protective of those in their care and committed to creating security and stability in their environments, making them trusted figures in both personal and professional contexts. Individuals named Yitzchak are often perceived as having a dry, intellectual wit that manifests in unexpected moments. They tend to be thoughtful observers who appreciate life's ironies, carrying an inner smile even during serious situations. This name suggests someone who balances deep seriousness with the ability to find humor in adversity, much like the biblical Yitzchak who was born from improbable circumstances and faced near-sacrifice with profound faith. Yitzchaks are typically seen as patient, methodical thinkers who don't take themselves too seriously despite their capabilities. They often possess a twinkle in their eye that suggests they're in on a joke the rest of the world hasn't quite caught onto yet. Their humor tends to be more clever than boisterous, delivered with perfect timing that catches people off guard in the best possible way. This combination of depth and lightness makes Yitzchaks particularly effective in leadership roles where maintaining perspective is crucial. Cultural & Historical Significance Yonah holds profound significance in Jewish tradition as the Hebrew name for the biblical prophet Jonah, whose story is recounted in the Book of Jonah. The narrative of Jonah being swallowed by a great fish after attempting to flee from God's command to preach to Nineveh has become one of the most well-known stories in Abrahamic traditions. Beyond the prophet, the name's meaning as 'dove' connects to multiple biblical references where doves symbolize peace, purity, and divine favor - most notably the dove returning to Noah's ark with an olive branch, signaling the end of the flood and God's reconciliation with humanity. In Jewish mysticism, the dove represents the Shekhinah (divine presence) and the soul's yearning for connection with the divine. The story is read annually in synagogues on Yom Kippur afternoon, emphasizing themes of repentance and God's mercy that resonate deeply within Jewish religious consciousness. At least 90 protesters were arrested at a London demonstration in support of the banned activist group, Palestine Action, police said Saturday, Azernews reports via Middle East Monitor. The arrests as of 1800GMT are in relation to the protest organized by Defend Our Juries in support of the proscribed terrorist organisation Palestine Action, Metropolitan Police said in a statement. It added that the protest concluded and those involved have left the area. Protesters gathered in Tavistock Square, where demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and signs while chanting pro-Palestine slogans. Some of the banners read: I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action. The Defend Our Juries group wrote on the US social media platform X that police instantly started arresting protestors for silently holding signs that it said opposed genocide and the Palestine Action ban. Individuals named Zeroun are typically characterized by their intellectual curiosity and analytical mindset. They possess a natural inclination toward learning and often demonstrate remarkable patience in acquiring knowledge across various domains. These individuals tend to be reflective and thoughtful, preferring to observe and analyze situations before taking action. Their wisdom often manifests as practical insight, allowing them to provide valuable counsel to others. Zerouns are generally calm and composed under pressure, with an ability to see the bigger picture that others might miss. They value deep, meaningful conversations over superficial interactions and often build relationships based on mutual intellectual respect. While they may appear reserved initially, those who know them well appreciate their dry wit and the depth of their understanding. Their decision-making process is typically methodical and well-reasoned, making them reliable advisors and trusted friends in both personal and professional contexts, often serving as stabilizing influences in their communities. Hamas 'discussed second phase of truce in Cairo' Both Israel and Hamas have continued to trade accusations of truce violations, as the Palestinian militant group met Egypt's intelligence chief to discuss the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Photo: Reuters A senior Hamas delegation met Egypt's intelligence chief in Cairo on Sunday to discuss the ceasefire agreement and the situation in Gaza, the group said, as both Israel and the Palestinian militant group continue to trade accusations of truce violations. Egypt, Qatar and the US have been mediating between Hamas and Israel, securing the ceasefire that came into effect last month. Led by Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, the delegation arrived in the Egyptian capital on Saturday for talks on Sunday with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, two officials from the movement said. Hamas said in a statement that it "reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the first phase of the (ceasefire) agreement, stressing the importance of putting an end to Israeli violations." "The nature of the second phase of the agreement" was also discussed in Cairo, Hamas added, without giving further details. The second stage of the Gaza ceasefire plan concerns disarming Hamas, establishing a transitional authority and deploying an international stabilisation force. Hamas, excluded from any role in the future governance of the territory under the Trump plan adopted by the UN Security Council, is refusing to disarm. Over the past few days, Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the US-brokered truce that came into effect on October 10 after two years of war. Gaza's civil defence agency said 21 people were killed and dozens more wounded in multiple Israeli air strikes on Saturday. The Israeli military said an "armed terrorist" had crossed the so-called Yellow Line within the Gaza Strip, behind which Israeli forces have withdrawn, and fired at Israeli soldiers. In response to the incident in southern Gaza, the Israeli military said it "began striking terror targets in the Gaza Strip." Hamas said on Sunday it had also raised the fate of fighters in Gaza's southern area of Rafah with whom it had lost contact. According to various media reports, up to 200 Hamas fighters are believed to be trapped in tunnels in Gaza beneath part of the territory where the Israeli army has redeployed under phase one of the agreement. (AFP/Reuters) Ukrainian drones launched one of Kyiv's most significant attacks deep inside Russia on Sunday, striking a heat and power station in the Moscow region. The assault triggered a major fire and reportedly cut off heating for thousands of residents. This marks a notable shift in tactics during the fourth year of Europe's deadliest conflict since the Second World War. While Russia has consistently targeted Ukraine's electricity and heating infrastructure, Kyiv has predominantly focused on Russian oil refineries and terminals until now. The Shatura Power Station, located approximately 120 km (75 miles) east of the Kremlin, was hit early on Sunday, Moscow region governor Andrei Vorobyov confirmed. PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 24: Almighty Motion Picture has acquired the screen adaptation rights to the acclaimed book Mission Saudi, authored by former DGP Aloke Lal and Maanas Lal. The upcoming adaptation will bring to audiences the extraordinary real-life investigation led by IPS Officer Merin Joseph, which resulted in India's first-ever extradition of a rape accused from Saudi Arabia -- a historic legal breakthrough that reshaped India's pursuit of justice beyond its borders. The narrative follows the devastating case of Pooja, a ninth-grade schoolgirl whose brutal assault and subsequent tragedy shook Kerala. The perpetrator fled to Saudi Arabia, believing he had escaped justice forever. Years later, IPS Officer Merin Joseph revived the case with relentless determination, cutting through bureaucratic roadblocks, gender bias, and the complexities of international law to ensure justice was finally delivered. "This adaptation gives us the opportunity to share, on an even greater canvas, the incredible determination behind India's first-ever extradition of a sexual predator. Mission Saudi traces a pursuit that travelled from Kerala to Saudi Arabia and navigated a maze of international law, diplomacy and resistance -- all driven by the unwavering belief that justice must prevail. We are deeply grateful to Almighty Motion Picture for bringing this powerful story to screen and look forward to the day audiences witness the resilience and courage that defined this landmark case." -- Aloke Lal IPS (Retd) & Maanas Lal, Authors of Mission Saudi "I am excited to know that Almighty Motion Picture has decided to adapt the book Mission Saudi: Based on India's First Extradition of a Sexual Predator for the screen. It will be interesting to relive this extraordinary experience as an audience." -- Merin Joseph IPS "This story carries both a responsibility and a purpose. We are committed to portraying this journey with honesty, integrity and immense respect. Our heartfelt gratitude to Aloke Lal sir, Maanas Lal and Merin Joseph ma'am for trusting us with such an important narrative." -- Prabhleen Sandhu, Co-Founder, Almighty Motion Picture (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.) PRNewswire New Delhi [India], November 24: Deakin University today reinforced its deep and longstanding commitment to India-Australia creative collaboration by formalising a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), Mumbai. The announcements were made alongside the special screening of 'My Melbourne' at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held at Goa last Friday. The milestones underscore the accelerating creative synergy between the two nations, reflecting a new era of meaningful people-to-people engagement and shared artistic ambition. Speaking at the occasion, Ms Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University, said, "At Deakin, we are proud to deepen our engagement with India's leading creative and media institutions. The collaboration with IICT brings together Deakin's global expertise in digital, design and creative technologies with India's vibrant creative ecosystem. Through joint programs, research, and mobility initiatives, we aim to create world-class learning experiences that prepare students and professionals for the next generation of opportunities in creative industries." The new partnership marks a significant step in expanding bilateral cooperation across film, digital media, design, and emerging creative technologies. It seeks to progress joint academic initiatives, collaborative research, professional training, and opportunities for student and faculty mobility. It also opens pathways for industry-led learning and innovation connected to Deakin's GIFT City Campus, India's first international branch campus under NEP 2020. Ms Victoria Duckett, Associate Dean, International & Engagement, Deakin University, conveyed Deakin's optimistic outlook, saying, "The connection that Deakin University and IICT celebrate through the partnership is exciting: it takes the creative industries and cutting-edge technologies, and proposes the creative industries as the bridge for transnational connection and exchange. What this highlights is education, in all its manifold possibilities. I can think of no more impactful way to demonstrate our shared commitment to strengthening and growing Australia-India relations." The larger aim of the collaboration focuses on aligning Australia's strengths in screen production, immersive media, and creative education with India's rapidly growing creative economy and global cultural influence. The partnership is designed to support a future-ready creative workforce and strengthen cross-border knowledge exchange. The festival featured the screening of 'My Melbourne', a collaborative anthology created in partnership with Mind Blowing Films, celebrating multiculturalism, contemporary storytelling, and the lived experiences of diverse communities and the Indian diaspora in Australia. Envisioned and produced by Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, the movie illustrates the power of film to build deeper cultural understanding, an ethos that sits at the heart of Deakin's engagement with India. The Director, IFFM and Founder/Director, Mind Blowing Films, Ms Mitu Bhowmick Lange said, "The partnership represents one of the most ambitious India-Australia film initiatives to date. Through shared festivals, industry ties, educational pathways, and expanded distribution, the collaboration announced at the IFFI lay the groundwork of the Indo-Australian screen ecosystem." Together, the events reflect a shared vision, using creativity, education, and storytelling as powerful bridges between Australia and India, while enabling the next generation of filmmakers, designers, and digital creators to thrive in global creative industries. About Deakin University: Established in 1974, Deakin University successfully combines excellence in teaching, research, and effective partnerships with industry and government to deliver high-quality courses and undertake research that makes a difference to the domestic and international communities it serves. Deakin's South Asia operations commenced in 1994 at New Delhi, India, making it one of the first overseas education providers to set up operations in this region. Here, Deakin engages with the government, industry, and academia to share its vibrant education and research culture. For more information on Deakin University, please visit https://www.deakin.edu.au/ Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2830615/Deakin_IFFI.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) Manama [Bahrain], November 24: The Asian Travel Expo 2025 is proud to announce the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) as the Title Sponsor for its upcoming edition, scheduled from 8th to 10th December 2025 at Exhibition World Bahrain. This prestigious partnership marks a significant milestone in reinforcing Bahrain's growing influence as a gateway for global travel, hospitality, and tourism investments. As the Title Sponsor, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority brings unparalleled expertise in destination development, tourism promotion, and global outreach. Their involvement strengthens the Expo's mission to connect Asia and the Middle East through meaningful collaborations, strategic alliances, and dynamic business opportunities. This partnership underscores Bahrain's dedication to advancing international tourism relations and positioning the Kingdom as a preferred destination for leisure, business, culture, and innovation. Speaking about the association, Abdul Musaddiq, Managing Director of the Asian Arab Trade Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are honored to welcome Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority as the Title Sponsor of Asian Travel Expo 2025. Their involvement reflects the Kingdom's strong commitment to fostering tourism partnerships and expanding global outreach. This collaboration will elevate the event's standing and generate new opportunities for industries across both regions." Adding to this, Sameer Khan, Director of Show Buddy Global WLL, the event management partner, stated: "Bahrain Tourism's support as Title Sponsor sets a strong foundation for a transformative edition of the Asian Travel Expo. Together, we aim to create a platform that inspires collaboration, drives innovation, and supports meaningful business growth for all participants." The Asian Travel Expo 2025 is expected to attract a diverse international audience, including tourism boards, airlines, hotel chains, travel agencies, technology innovators, investors, media representatives, and influencers. The event will serve as a dynamic hub for global stakeholders to explore new markets, forge partnerships, exchange insights, and showcase emerging travel trends. This year's edition will also feature high-level networking opportunities, curated business matchmaking sessions, keynote addresses from global leaders, panel discussions, and exclusive destination showcases. The Expo is designed to highlight the rapid rise of the GCC as a tourism powerhouse, while fostering long-term synergies with Asian and international markets. With the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority leading as Title Sponsor, the Asian Travel Expo 2025 promises to deliver an impactful, future-focused, and inclusive experience that will shape the direction of global travel across both regions. For more information, visit https://asiantravelexpo.com/ (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.) NewsVoir Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], November 24: The 2nd PHARMAINNOVATE SUMMIT 2025 an International Conference on "From Molecule to Medicine: Drug Development, Drug Delivery & Life-Saving Therapies" was successfully organized by Galgotias College of Pharmacy, bringing together distinguished academicians, researchers, and industry experts from across the globe. The two-day event aimed to foster knowledge exchange and highlight recent advancements in pharmaceutical sciences, innovative technologies, and the sustainable development of drug delivery systems. Mr. Suneel Galgotia, Chairman of Galgotias College of Pharmacy, extended his immense support for the growth and success of this inspiring event. He reaffirmed his commitment to encouraging such meaningful initiatives and strengthening future endeavours that promote academic excellence and innovation. The conference began with a motivating inaugural ceremony led by Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias College of Pharmacy. He appreciated the efforts of all participants and emphasized that such conferences strengthen knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, and position Galgotias as a growing hub of excellence in pharmaceutical research. His encouraging words set a positive and dynamic tone for the event. Dr. Vikram Sharma, Director, Galgotias College of Pharmacy, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the significance of life-saving therapies in modern pharmacy practice. On the first day of the conference, Prof. Vladimir Tolmachev from the Uppsala University, Sweden, provided deep insights into how engineered scaffold proteins can be designed to recognize and bind to specific tumour markers, enabling targeted imaging and therapy. The day continued with an engaging lecture by Prof. Wenxin Wang, from the University of Dublin, Ireland, explained the limitations of current gene delivery systems and introduced advanced biomaterials engineered to enhance cellular uptake, transfection efficiency, and biocompatibility. This was followed by Prof. Renata Fonseca Vianna Lopez from the University of So Paulo, Brazil, delivered an insightful lecture on Breaking Barriers. In the afternoon session, Prof. h.c. Thomas Rades, from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark addressed the students. His talk explored the crucial role of solid-state forms in determining drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability, The final session of the day featured Dr. Harendra Parekh, from the University of Queensland, Australia, then presented an insightful talk on Industry-Academia Alliances: Navigating the Crossroads of Innovative Platforms." He highlighted the growing need for strong collaboration between universities and the pharmaceutical industry to accelerate innovation. The conference witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 1300 registrations from participants across academic, research, and industrial sectors. A total of around 400 abstracts were submitted for poster and oral presentations, reflecting the high level of scholarly engagement. Selected abstracts were further published in the Scopus-indexed Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics, adding significant academic value and visibility to the contributions presented during the event. (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) Afghanistan has offered its long-idle mining sites to India for exploration as part of its efforts to deepen economic engagement and generate local employment, but the Indian industry body Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has responded cautiously, noting that mining remains a "bit more difficult" and requires detailed geological groundwork before any investment can move ahead. Addressing media persons after a high-level meeting with an Afghan delegation, ASSOCHAM Secretary General Manish Singhal said, "They did mention that they have lots of mines in Afghanistan which was also actually explored decades back, but now they are not functioning." He added that the Afghan side was open to Indian participation, saying, "So they said that they will be happy to offer those mines to Indian mining companies." Afghanistan has over 1,400 mineral fields, containing barite, chromite, coal, copper, gold, iron ore, lead, natural gas, petroleum, precious and semi-precious stones, salt, sulfur, lithium, talc, and zinc, among many other minerals. Gemstones include high-quality emeralds, lapis lazuli, red garnet and ruby. According to a joint study by the Pentagon and the United States Geological Survey, Afghanistan has an estimated USD1 trillion of untapped minerals. During the meeting, the Afghanistan delegate was also referring to idle gold mines in the country. Afghanistan has significant untapped gold deposits, but many known gold mine sites remain idle due to a lack of infrastructure, technical expertise, and security concerns, though the current government is trying to attract investment. Explaining Afghanistan's intention of inviting private players from India in the mining sector, Singhal said, "So that Indian mining companies can draw those minerals and bring them back to India, or they can export elsewhere from Afghanistan." However, Singhal underlined the practical challenges involved in the mining business. He said, "For investment, they largely spoke of mining is one area, but we all understand that is a bit more difficult because mining companies will have start with geological surveys which takes time." The ASSOCHAM interaction took place during the visit of Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan. Singhal said the minister had come with a clear agenda for economic cooperation. "He obviously is here to talk about more trade and investment between India and Afghanistan," Singhal said, adding that the Afghan side stressed on the improving conditions in their country: "He also shared how the ground situation of Afghanistan is changed, which is much more useful and helpful in terms of safety, in terms of movement of people." Singhal emphasized that India and Afghanistan continue to share a strong and warm relationship. Conveying the sentiment expressed by the Afghan side, he said, "I would rather buy things from India than other countries because India, Afghanistan, as you know, has very strategic and warm relationship. Whatever happened in Afghanistan, India was continuously supporting the country." Trade formed a significant part of the discussion. Singhal said, "We do around USD1 billion of trade with Afghanistan, out of which 70% or import to India and just about 30% or exports. What we understood in the meeting today is India can export much more to Afghanistan." He said if Indian companies take more initiatives trade between India and Afghanistan could increase. Items Afghanistan imports from elsewhere, such as small manufactured goods, food products including rice, and pharmaceutical items, could be sourced competitively from India. Afghanistan also requested support from Indian companies in local value addition. Singhal explained, "Let's say we are importing nuts, saffron and hing from Afghanistan. Right now, it's all come to India and packaged here. They requested us to build capacity there and teach local people how to do the packaging." Smooth financial channels remain essential for expanding trade. Singhal said, "We just need to look at very, very smooth banking channels. Afghan banks and Indian banks which are have interbank relationships... we just need to rejuvenate them so trading company, importers and exporters don't face any problem." Visa processes for business travel are also being eased. Singhal said, "We used to have lots of Afghan traders coming to India till few years back. So we invited them and told that visas and all will be streamlined."(ANI) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said he will call his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss the revival of Black Sea grain corridor. Speaking to the press on the margins of the G20 leaders' summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Erdogan said, "Our efforts regarding the grain corridor were, in fact, intended to open the path towards peace." "I believe that, if we can set this process in motion, it would be highly beneficial," he added. Ankara first arranged Russia-Ukraine talks in 2022, and later brokered the Black Sea grain deal to facilitate the export of grain and fertilizers from Ukrainian ports amid the war. Russia suspended its participation in July 2023. On the Sudan conflict, the Turkish president said the Sudanese people want Ankara to play role in resolving issue, vowing: "Wherever there is trouble, we will be there." "Whether in Gulf, Sudan, or Somalia, we have been part of these efforts, from now on, we will continue rushing everywhere for peace," Erdogan added. VMPL New Delhi [India], November 24: The 12th School Choice National Conference (SCNC 2025) was held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, bringing together over 150 participants including policymakers, education leaders, practitioners, researchers, and reformers. Returning in its in-person format after 6 years, the conference served as a unique national platform to deliberate on education governance reforms, enquiry-based learning, assessment transformation, and student-centred financing. Key Highlights from the Conference Baijyant "Jay" Panda, Member of Parliament Delivering the keynote address, he underscored the central role of education governance in shaping India's future."Education reform is the key to India's future. Learning outcomes must be at the heart of education policy, and India should explore systemic reforms such as Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) in education." He emphasized that student-centred financing models enhance transparency and provide real choice to families. Ashish Sood, Minister of Education, Delhi Speaking about the need for a shift in teaching and institutional governance, he said: "Our education system must move from teaching children what to think to teaching them how to think". Resources must follow the child, not just institutions--Fund Students, Not Schools reflects this vision. He highlighted the importance of modernizing regulatory frameworks to support innovation, accountability, and equity. Vedita Reddy, IAS, Director of School Education, Government of Delhi She stated: "Children and teachers must be at the centre of education reform. Safe, inclusive, curiosity-driven environments determine the real quality of learning." Dr Sanyam Bharadwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE He emphasized that assessment must drive real changes in classroom practice: "When examinations reward reasoning, application, and analysis, classroom learning transforms automatically." He detailed CBSE's shift toward competency-based assessments from 2025-26 and the role of PARAKH in setting national benchmarks. Asmita Satyarthi, CEO, Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion She highlighted the importance of compassion and safety in education:"Every child deserves a learning environment that is safe, dignified, and rooted in curiosity. Compassion must be integral to how we design our education system." Gurcharan Das, Author and Public Intellectual He noted that India's progress depends on nurturing thinking citizens: "India will be future-ready only when we encourage children to ask questions, experiment, and think independently." Key Themes Discussed * Enquiry-Based Learning (EBL): Moving from rote memorisation to curiosity-driven learning. * Education Governance Reforms: Simplifying regulations, strengthening accountability, and enabling innovation. * Fund Students, Not Schools: Exploring DBT in Education to ensure resources follow the child. * Assessment Reforms: Competency-based evaluations and national benchmarks under PARAKH. * Learning Outcomes: Positioning outcomes as the central indicator of quality. CCS Perspective: Dr Amit Chandra, CEO of the Centre for Civil Society, said: "For India to build a learning-first system, reforms must align across policy, assessments, and governance. Putting the student at the centre is the foundation of real transformation." Conference Snapshot * 150+ participants | 20+ national speakers and experts * Multiple spotlight dialogues and panel sessions * Discussions across governance, financing, learning, and innovation Conclusion: SCNC 2025 highlighted that India's education system is at a pivotal moment. To build a future-ready system, India must embrace reforms rooted in learning outcomes, transparency, autonomy, and student-centred financing. The conference reaffirmed that governance reform is essential for shaping a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Centre for Civil Society will continue working with governments, practitioners, and civil society partners to advance these reforms. About Centre for Civil Society Centre for Civil Society (CCS), founded in 1997 in New Delhi, works to promote choice for individuals, competition in market and accountability of institutions through evidence-based research, outreach, and educational programs. CCS works in the area of school education, urban livelihoods, and governance. (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 Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], November 24: In a concerted push to reshape public opinion and build a stronger, more responsible palm oil ecosystem in India, the Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA), together with Solidaridad and The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA), will host the Palm Oil Conclave 2025 on December 6 in Bhopal. This year's theme, "Reshaping Perceptions through Palm Oil Dialogues - Health, Markets, Climate," sets the stage for a series of discussions that cut across health, trade, and sustainability. The event will bring together a mix of participants -- nutritionists, medical experts, palm oil buyers and processors, and senior journalists. Key institutions such as the National Institute of Nutrition, officials from the Government of India's Food & Drug departments, Godrej Agrovet Ltd, and the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), Indonesia, and the Malaysia Palm Oil Council are part of the deliberations. Organisers say the Conclave aims to equip stakeholders and consumers with clear, fact-based insights, enabling them to make informed choices on palm oil usage and its broader applications. The Palm Oil Conclave 2025 aligns closely with India's goal of reducing its dependency on edible oil imports and strengthening farmer incomes through the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). Atul Chaturvedi, Chairman, Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA), said, "India must shape its own narrative on palm oil. India is the world's largest importer and consumer of palm oil, making it critical that our perspectives are grounded in facts rather than misconceptions. The Bhopal Conclave is an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration across Asia and enhance consumer confidence. As demand rises, our focus must be on transparency, competitiveness, and responsible growth to ensure India remains a global influencer in the palm oil ecosystem." "Palm oil has long suffered from misinformation. It is time to realign the discourse with science and sustainability. Through the India Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) framework, we are working to build a resilient supply chain that benefits farmers, protects the environment, and supports national edible oil self-reliance. The Conclave will strengthen partnerships that are crucial for India's transition toward sustainable palm oil."- Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhayay, Managing Director, Solidaridad Asia. "Palm oil has the highest oil productivity among all oilseeds and is key to reducing India's heavy dependence on imported edible oils. With the right technological, agronomic, and policy interventions, sustainable palm oil can significantly strengthen rural livelihoods. The Conclave will engage experts across health, trade, processing, and sustainability to chart a practical roadmap for IPOS 2.0 and smart-agri solutions."- Dr Suresh Motwani, Secretary General, Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA). "India's dependence on imported edible oils remains one of the country's biggest agri-economic challenges. Palm oil, with its unmatched productivity and year-round yield, offers the strongest opportunity to reduce this import burden. To achieve true Aatmanirbharta, we must expand domestic cultivation, strengthen farmer support systems, and ensure sustainable, high-quality production under NMEO-Oil Palm. The Bhopal Conclave provides a crucial platform to align industry, policymakers, and Asian partners toward building a resilient, self-reliant future for India's edible oil ecosystem."- Dr B. V. Mehta, Executive Director, The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA). A large part of the conversation is expected to revolve around busting long-standing myths surrounding palm oil - examining its nutritional composition, clarifying misconceptions about health impacts, and understanding where it stands in the country's edible oil basket. Speakers will also spotlight sustainability, with discussions on responsible cultivation practices and the environmental standards the industry must uphold. Another major focus will be the growing challenge of misinformation. This Conclave is poised to be a transformative event with an expected congregation of over 200 influential delegates representing various stakeholders such as the palm oil industry, nutritionists, health professionals, media personnel, government officials, students and consumer associations. Through insightful discussions and the exchange of evidence-based information, it will seek to reshape public perceptions, adopt sustainable practices, and drive positive change within the palm oil industry, promoting a well-informed and progressive ecosystem. A key highlight of the Conclave is a dedicated Palm Oil Exhibition, showcasing an extensive range of palm-based and palm-derived products commonly used in Indian households and industries. The exhibition aims to help consumers understand the versatility, affordability, and widespread availability of palm oil products--ranging from foods and snacks to cosmetics, personal care, and sustainable industrial applications. For more details, please visit their website: https://asianpalmoilalliance.org/palm-oil-conclave-2025-2/ (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.) After learning about the demise of legendary actor Dharmendra, several members of the film industry gathered together at Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle to pay their last respects to the "He-Man" of Bollywood. From megastar Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek Bachchan, to veteran writer Salim Khan and his son Salman Khan, many renowned dignitaries were spotted arriving for the final rites of Dharmendra on Monday afternoon. Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor, Zayed Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and Siddharth Roy Kapur also paid homage to Dharmendra at the funeral. Earlier, filmmaker Karan Johar confirmed the demise in an emotional social media post. The news comes just weeks ahead of his 90th birthday on December 8. "It is an end of an ERA..... a massive mega star... the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema... incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence ... he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema... defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history ... but mostly he was the best human being... he was so loved by everyone in our industry ....," Karan's Instagram post read. "He only had immense love and positivity for everyone ... his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more than words can describe ... Today there is a gaping hole in our industry ... a space that can never be filled by anyone ... there will always be the one and only DHARAMJI... we love you kind Sir.... We will miss you so much.... The heavens are blessed today.... It will always be my blessing to have worked with you.... And my heart says with respect, reverence and love.... Abhi Na jao chodke.... Ke dil abhi bhara nahi......," Karan said. Dharmendra is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; his second wife, actress Hema Malini; and six children, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita from his first marriage, as well as daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage. (ANI) Rajpal Yadav got emotional while recalling his heartfelt meeting with Dharmendra after the actor's demise in Mumbai on Monday. Veteran actor Annu Kapoor also extended his condolences to Dharmendra's family. Dharmendra, who was under home treatment and was reportedly recovering at his Mumbai residence after he was hospitalised on November 10, left his fans in shock after he passed away this morning. The final rites of the actor were held in the Pawan Hans Crematorium today, which was attended by superstars Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and others. Rajpal Yadav paid tribute to the actor by describing Dharmendra as the "diamond" of Indian cinema. He also recalled his first meeting with the actor. In a video sent by the actor to ANI, Rajpal Yadav said, "When I first met you, you called me 'Puttar' (Son) and then hugged me. If anyone has called me a 'puttar', it was only you. You are a diamond of Indian cinema. Dharam ji, you will stay immortal till the Indian cinema exists. May your soul rest in peace and god give strength to your family." Veteran actor Annu Kapoor also extended his condolences to the family of Dharmendra and expressed his sorrow over the actor's demise. "With profound grief, I convey my deepest condolences. Dharam Singh Deol, our beloved Dharam Paji, as we all so dearly called him, has completed his earthly journey today. A life that began on 8th December 1935 in the humble village of Nasrali became a blessing to countless hearts. It is hard to accept that the warmth, grace, and quiet strength he carried with him are no longer among us in physical form. His departure leaves an emptiness that words can scarcely fill. May his noble soul find eternal peace. Om Shanti," wrote Annu Kapoor on his Instagram handle. https://www.instagram.com/p/DRb_Tbwj-Tp/? Dharmendra has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema for over six decades, captivating audiences with his rugged charm, versatility, and unforgettable performances. With a career marked by iconic roles, intense action sequences, and heartwarming romances, Dharmendra has earned his place as one of Bollywood's greatest legends. Popularly known as the 'He-Man' of Indian Cinema, Dharmendra starred in several iconic films such as 'Sholay', 'Dharamveer', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Loafer', 'Jugnu', and 'Seeta Aur Geeta'. Dharmendra is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; his second wife, actress Hema Malini; and six children, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita from his first marriage, as well as daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage. (ANI) Actor Sunny Hinduja described Dharmendra's demise as a "loss" for the Bollywood fraternity. The actor passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89 on Monday. While talking to ANI at the sidelines of IFFI 2025, Sunny Hinduja extended his condolences to the family of Dharmendra. He called it a "sad moment" for all the fans of Dharmendra. "It is a big loss for our entire Bollywood fraternity. I think he was the pioneer of many things. We have always looked up to him. It's a very sad moment for all of us, but my heart goes out to the entire family. I wish tons and tons of love and condolences to the entire family, and to everybody for whom this is a big loss, and the entire country." The veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha also paid an emotional tribute to his 'first hero' Dharmendra, who passed away in Mumbai on Monday. Shatrughan shared nostalgic moments with Dharmendra on X, accompanying them with a heartfelt note, that read, "Heart broken, pained & deeply saddened by the passing away of our dearest family friend, our elder brother, people's hero, @aapkadharm." "Most loved, son of the soil, pride of Punjab /Maharashtra a 'Bharat Ratna" in true sense, down to earth, kind & a humble human being. He will be remembered forever for his great contributions to the film industry/ cinema. A personality in totality an era of 'He Man/Star' has gone. My first 'Hero' & People's Hero' in the film industry is no more. It is an irreparable & irreplaceable loss to all of us & the entire film industry. Strength to the family, friends, well wishers & fans in these traumatic times. Om Shanti," he concluded. https://x.com/ShatruganSinha/status/1992941310588912122 Dharmendra has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema for over six decades, captivating audiences with his rugged charm, versatility, and unforgettable performances. With a career marked by iconic roles, intense action sequences, and heartwarming romances, Dharmendra has earned his place as one of Bollywood's greatest legends. Popularly known as the 'He-Man' of Indian Cinema, Dharmendra starred in several iconic films such as 'Sholay', 'Dharamveer', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Loafer', 'Jugnu', and 'Seeta Aur Geeta'. Dharmendra is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; his second wife, actress Hema Malini; and six children, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita from his first marriage, as well as daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage. (ANI) Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited Maa Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur on Sunday and offered prayers, stating that the blessings of the goddess have strengthened Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's connection with the people. Speaking to reporters, Pradhan said, "By the blessings of Maa Samaleswari and Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership has been greatly blessed. Bihar's CM Nitish Kumar has been greatly blessed by the people of Bihar. It is by god's grace that people's faith turned into confidence..." Meanwhile, on Saturday, Pradhan hailed the Central Government's rollout of the four new labour codes, saying the reform package will open up fresh employment avenues, strengthen the economy, and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi "on behalf of the youth, labour force and the people of the nation." Speaking to ANI, Pradhan said, "I thank PM Modi on behalf of the youth, labour force, and people of the nation. This will play a big role in increasing employment opportunities and will give a huge boost to the economy of the nation." In a historic decision, the Government of India has announced that the four Labour Codes, the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, are being made effective from 21st November, rationalising 29 existing labour laws, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. By modernising labour regulations, enhancing workers' welfare and aligning the labour ecosystem with the evolving world of work, this landmark move lays the foundation for a future-ready workforce and stronger, resilient industries driving labour reforms for Aatmanirbhar Bharat. According to an official release issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, many of India's labour laws were framed in the pre-Independence and early post-Independence era (1930s-1950s), when the economy and the world of work were fundamentally different. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday inaugurated a new 150-bed civil hospital building in Vidisha and laid the foundation for several key development projects across the district, officials said. Addressing the gathering, Yadav said, "Under the leadership of India's Prime Minister Modi, the respect and dignity of India are steadily increasing within the state, across the country and globally through PM Modi. We are proud, we are Indians. The flag of Sanatan Culture is proudly flying through the leadership of respected PM Modi ji." Prior to the inauguration, the Chief Minister chaired a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat, where the council of ministers approved several important decisions to strengthen health, agriculture, and child welfare services in the state. The Cabinet sanctioned 373 posts and 806 human resource services on a call basis to operate 50-bed AYUSH hospitals in 12 districts and a 30-bed hospital in Barwani district. The approved posts include 52 Class-1, 91 Class-2, and 230 Class-3 positions. Additionally, the approved human resource services comprise 91 Class-2 posts, 117 Class-3 posts, and 598 Class-4 posts. The management of these human resources will be undertaken through the National AYUSH Mission. In another decision, the Cabinet approved amendments to the 'Prime Minister Krishak Mitra Surya Yojana' concerning the installation of solar pumps for irrigation. Under the revised provisions, farmers will now have the option to receive a solar pump of one higher capacity than their currently sanctioned level. Accordingly, farmers with a 3 HP (Horsepower) temporary electricity connection will be eligible for a 5 HP solar pump, while those with a 5 HP connection will be able to obtain a 7.5 HP solar pump. The council of ministers also approved the continuation of the Non-Institutional Service Scheme under Mission Vatsalya, including Sponsorship, Foster Care and After Care, across all districts of the state for the next five years. Eligible children will receive a monthly financial assistance of Rs 4,000 under this scheme. Children leaving child care institutions after completing 18 years of age will be linked with employment-oriented training through After Care to empower them economically. The scheme benefits children of widowed, divorced or abandoned mothers, orphans, children living with extended families, children of parents suffering from incurable diseases, children of parents unable to provide physical and economic care and children requiring care as per Juvenile Justice Act 2015 such as homeless, disaster-affected, child laborers, victims of child prostitution, AIDS affected, street children, runaways, disabled, missing, exploited, and abused children. (ANI) Amid mounting speculation over a potential change in Karnataka's leadership, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC N Ravi on Sunday criticised the state government, asserting that it has failed to deliver any tangible development during its two-and-a-half-year tenure and urged it to step down immediately. Speaking to ANI, Ravi said, "The situation in Karnataka has worsened day by day... There's been no activity in the entire Karnataka except for the 'November Kranti'... I'm very disturbed... State's development has deteriorated so much... The entire government, in the name of the 'November Kranti,' is doing nothing." He further alleged that senior Congress leaders, including DK Shivakumar, are keen to assume the Chief Minister's position immediately, while Siddaramaiah and his supporters insist that the post is not vacant. "DK Shivakumar wants to become CM immediately. Siddaramaiah and his supporters say the CM seat is not vacant. But the entire population of Karnataka is saying it's best for this government to go... It's best for this government to step down immediately, because it's been in power for 2.5 years. There's been no development at all," Ravi said. Meanwhile, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge maintained that the decision on the Chief Ministerial position would be taken by the party's high command. Addressing reporters outside his residence, Kharge said, "I have nothing to say," Kharge said while addressing reporters outside his residence here. "You have been standing here continuously for three days. There is nothing to say about the developments happening here. Whatever happens, the high command will do it. It is not required to worry too much about it," he added. His remarks come amid increasing speculation about a change in the CM face in Karnataka, with the "power-sharing agreement" of 2023 between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar being cited in political circles. (ANI) In preparation for the grand flag hoisting ceremony at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple scheduled for November 25, the temple and the city are being adorned with elaborate floral decorations, with around 100 tons of flowers used to make Ayodhya glow for the sacred event. Speaking to ANI, a temple priest said preparations are underway at full pace. "Preparations for the Dharm Dhwaj ceremony at Ram Mandir are underway in full swing. A special feature of the decoration is the use of flowers, which are very dear to Lord Ram. Today, Ayodhya is glowing with floral arrangements, with marigolds placed first for Lord Ganesh and Lord Ram. Around 100 tons of flowers have been used to decorate the temple and the city." Workers engaged in the decoration work said they feel fortunate to contribute to this historic moment. "The Ram Mandir is being decorated, and the construction of the temple has already been completed. This is the time for the Dhwaj ceremony. Prime Minister Modi will visit on the 25th. Many types of flowers are being used, and we are receiving full support from the saints," one worker told ANI. Another decoration worker added, "We feel very lucky to have had the darshan of Lord Ram. The work has been going on day and night since we arrived three days ago, and it is looking very beautiful." The Chief Minister's office noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the saffron flag atop the Shri Ram Temple, a momentous occasion expected to attract massive domestic and international visitors. This influx is likely to stimulate growth across multiple sectors, including hospitality, travel, local crafts, and ODOP-linked products such as jaggery, generating business worth several crores during the period. Ayodhya is preparing for a landmark moment on November 25, when the flag-hoisting ceremony at the sanctum sanctorum of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple will mark the completion of its main construction. Notably, Indologist Lalit Mishra's discovery has restored Ayodhya's ancient flag to its rightful place. Mishra identified the flag while studying a painting from the pictorial Ramayana of Mewar, later confirming its mention in Valmiki Ramayana's Ayodhya Kand. The flag to be hoisted carries three symbols: Om, the Sun, and the Kovidara tree. The Kovidar tree is a hybrid of the Mandar and Parijat trees, created by Rishi Kashyap, showcasing ancient plant hybridisation. The Sun represents Lord Ram's Suryavansh lineage, and Om is the eternal spiritual sound. Ahead of the ceremony, a large-scale cleanliness drive has been launched across Ayodhya to welcome devotees and visitors arriving for the event. (ANI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday paid tributes to agrarian reformer Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chottu Ram on his 144th birth anniversary, remembering his fight against the Britishers for securing the rights of farmers and labourers. "On the birth anniversary of Rahbar-e-Azam, Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram Ji--who fought against the British for the rights of the food providers, our farmers and laborers, and who continuously struggled in the freedom movement to safeguard their interests--we pay our humble respects to him," Kharge posted on X in Hindi. Earlier, Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh also paid tributes to Chhotu Ram, highlighting how his contributions have inspired many for years. "On the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter, renowned social worker, and fierce protector of farmers' rights 'Dinbandhu' Sir Chhotu Ram Ji, I offer my endless salutations to him," the minister wrote on X in Hindi. Popularly known as 'Deenbandhu' (friend of the poor), and Kisano ka Maseeha (saviour of farmers), Chhotu Ram was an agrarian reformer and politician in the Punjab province of British India. He fought for the rights of farmers and the oppressed, and played a pivotal role in helping shape agrarian policies to help the peasants. He started his political career by first joining the Indian National Congress, serving as the party district president too. However, in 1920, he left the party and co-founded the Unionist Party, which looked to form cross-communal alliances for protecting the interests of the agrarian community. He has held various portfolios in the Punjab provincial government. Holding the finance, agriculture and revenue portfolio. Famously, he is also proposed a transformation of the Sutlej river in the 1940s, looking for giving farmers a source of irrigation and power through it. His efforts ultimately came to fruition in the form of Bakhra dam, part of the Bakhra-Nangal dam system in Himachal Pradesh. (ANI) The G20 in South Africa has ended with the glaring absence of the United States the next country to lead the bloc after the Trump administration boycotted the two days of talks involving leaders of the worlds richest and top developing economies. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the summit in Johannesburg closed on Sunday by banging a wooden gavel on a block, in a G20 tradition. The gavel would normally be handed over to the leader of the next country to hold the rotating presidency, but no US official was there to receive it. The worlds biggest economy boycotted a summit meant to bring rich and developing nations together over President Donald Trumps claims that South Africa is violently persecuting its Afrikaner white minority. The White House said it intended in a last-minute decision for an official from its embassy in South Africa to attend the G20 handover. But South Africa refused that, saying it was an insult for Mr Ramaphosa to hand over to a junior embassy official. Justice Surya Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday, succeeding Justice BR Gavai, and marking the beginning of his nearly 15th month tenure. President Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Surya Kant at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today. Justice Kant was born on February 10, 1962 in Hisar, Haryana. He started practicing as a lawyer in the Hisar district court from 1984, and shifted to Chandigarh for practicing in Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1985. Specialising in constitutional, service and civil matters, he has represented a number of universities, Boards, Corporations, Banks and also the High Court itself. He was the youngest appointed Advocate General of Haryana in July 7, 2000 and designated as a Senior advocate in March of next year. He held the office of Advocate general till his elevation as a permanent judge to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004. 15 years later, on May 24, 2019, Justice Surya Kant was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court. He has been a two-term member of the Governing Body of National Legal Services Authority, and is presently a member of various Committees of Indian Law Institute - a deemed university under the aegis of the Supreme Court. He graduated from Government Post Graduate College in 1981, earned his bachelors in La in 1984 from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak. Justice Kant is looking focus on reducing the massive pendency of cases across the country during his tenure. While addressing a group of legal journalists at his official residence in Delhi, ahead of taking charge as the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Justice talked about his priorities before assuming charge of the highest judicial office of India. He also described mediation, an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, as "a game changer" capable of providing faster, off-court settlements to litigants. He said that arrears (pending cases) must be addressed both at the individual court level and on a Pan-India basis. He noted that he has already taken up this issue. One of the major challenges, he explained, is the overlapping of matters. He said that "thousands of matters are kept in abeyance as they await decisions from these larger benches." As a result, High Courts and District Courts are also stuck due to multiple legal questions that remain unresolved, he stated. He said that once these complexities are sorted out, the next steps can follow. Notably, multiple chief justices of other countries, and multiple other foreign guests attended the oath taking ceremony of CJI Surya Kant, marking the biggest such delegation which has come to witness the swearing in ceremony of a CJI of India. Dignitaries from Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Kenya and Sri Lanka attended the ceremony. From Sri Lanka, Chief Justice P Padman Surasena; his spouse Sepalika Surasena; and Supreme Court Justice S Thurairaja attended the oath taking. From Nepal, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut; Supreme Court judge Sapana Pradhan Malla; his spouse Ashok Bahadur Malla; Nepal''s Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anil Kumar Sinha; and his spouse Ursila Sinha were present. Chief Justice of Mauritius, Justice Bibi Rehana Mungly-Gulbul; and Rebecca Hanna Bibi Gulbul, daughter of Mauritius CJI were also among those present. From Malaysia, Justice Tan Sri Datuk Nalini Pathmanathan of Malaysia''s Federal Court; and his spouse Pasupathy Sivapragasam are set to attend. From Kenya, Chief Justice and Supreme Court President Martha Koome attended, along with SC judge Justice Susan Njoki Ndungu. From Bhutan, Chief Justice Lyonpo Norbu Tshering and his spouse Lhaden Lotay were present. Justice Surya Kant will serve a nearly 15-month long tenure, as he is set to retire on February 9, 2027. (ANI) Amidst a widespread public outrage over promotions of an event titled 'Tales of Kamasutra & Christmas Celebration', the Goa Police has taken immediate cognisance and directed organisers to halt the event scheduled next month and remove all advertisments related to it. In an official statement, Goa police said they "promptly took cognisance of this matter" and directed organisers not to proceed with the event. "Organisers have also been directed to remove the advertisements from social media," Goa police said. Additionally, police stations across the state have been instructed to maintain vigilance over upcoming events. https://x.com/Goa_Police/status/1992496985530831308 The police also tagged a post by complainant Arun Pandey, who is the Founder and Director of 'Arz' (Anyan Rahit Zindagi), a Goa-based NGO, expressing concern over the portrayal of Goa as a "sex destination" in the name of Osho, Christmas, and meditation. Pandey took to X stating, "It is really unfortunate that in the name of OSHO, Christmas, Meditation... Goa is being advertised as Sex Destination!... I have lodged a written complaint with Goa Crime Branch. Hoping that strict action will be taken against the advertisers & organisers." The Catholic Association of Goa, led by President Cyril A Fernandes, also filed a police complaint, alleging that the event promotes sexual offences and outrages religious sentiments. Further, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), condemned the advertisement, calling it "irresponsibly associating the sacred celebration of Christmas with explicit and unrelated themes" and describing it as deeply offensive to the faith and sentiments of millions. The Archbishop urged organisers and promoters to withdraw the advertisement immediately, respect the spiritual essence of Christmas, and called upon authorities to investigate the matter. "It is with deep anguish and profound hurt that the Church in Goa addresses the recent advertisement on social media, which irresponsibly associates the sacred celebration of Christmas with explicit and unrelated themes. Christmas is a holy time for Christians across the world, a season of joy, peace, and the remembrance of God's love made manifest in the birth of Jesus Christ. To distort this sacred occasion by linking it to themes that are entirely unrelated and contrary to its spiritual essence is deeply offensive to the faith and sentiments of millions," the CCBI President said. He further appealed to Catholics and the public to avoid events that disrespect religious values and to foster understanding, respect, and harmony among communities. "Let us remember that freedom of expression carries with it the responsibility to respect the sacred convictions of others. In this season of Grace, I urge all the Catholics not to associate with any event that doesn't respect the values of our faith and appeal to all people of goodwill to commit to fostering understanding, respect, and harmony among all people," he said. (ANI) Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das has announced plans for a statewide celebration of 'Constitution Day' and said that a rally will be held on December 14 over 'Vote Chori'. He confirmed his participation in a rally against alleged electoral malpractices and asserted that 5,000 people from Odisha will attend. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das said, "The office bearer MLAs of the party, candidates who contested, and the district presidents were called for a two-phased meeting. We will celebrate the Constitution Day in the entire state as per the directions by AICC. A representative meeting was also held on the rally to be held on 14th December over 'Vote Chori'. 5000 people from Odisha will be participating in this rally." Commenting on the Nuapada assembly by-election results, Das alleged, "We had all the regional support, but the BJP won by doing every possible injustice and looting votes. Congress is doing very well in the state. BJP must have done vote chori for BJD as well as Congress. Congress will come to power in the state in 2029." Yesterday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party after several Booth Level Officers (BLOs) across the country, who were "overburdened" during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision(SIR) of the electoral roll, died by suicide. The row erupted after a BLO in Kerala's Kannur died by suicide, followed by a similar incident in West Bengal. Sharing a media report claiming the demise of 16 BLOs in six states, Kharge said that the alleged electoral fraud has taken a "deadly turn."In an X post, calling it a "forced implementation" of the SIR exercise, he compared it to the demonetization and the COVID lockdown times. Congress chief also questioned the Election Commission for their silence on the deaths of the BLOs. (ANI) Dentist Gauri Palve-Garje, wife of Anant Garje, an aide of the Maharashtra minister for animal husbandry, environment and climate change and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, allegedly died by suicide. Ashok Maruti Pavle, the father of the deceased, has filed a complaint against Anant Garje, alleging that his daughter was tortured and harassed by her husband. Garje has surrendered at Worli Police Station after the complaint was filed. According to officials, Gauri died by hanging at her residence on Saturday, following which, on Sunday, Ashok Maruti Palve filed a complaint against Anant Garje and his brother Ajay Garje. The couple had married just a few months ago in February. The Worli Police station has registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) Further details into the case are awaited. (ANI) As part of his schedule, the Governor will visit the Hakimpur border in North 24 Parganas today to assess conditions along the international boundary. The visit is aimed at obtaining first-hand information from security personnel and residents. Bose will halt for the night at Krishna Nagar in Nadia district, where he is expected to meet district authorities and review administrative preparedness in vulnerable zones. On Tuesday, the Governor will proceed to Murshidabad, where he will inspect additional border areas and interact with stakeholders to understand challenges faced by local communities. Raj Bhavan said the Governor will also assess the situation arising from the exodus reported in certain border pockets following SIR, and review measures taken by the administration to maintain order and provide support to affected residents. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Sunday said that the death of Booth Level Officer (BLO) Shanti Muni Ekka, who allegedly took her own life due to unbearable pressure from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls work, will be examined in detail. On November 19, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had expressed shock and sadness over the demise of the BLO, criticising the Election Commission of India (ECI) for imposing an "unplanned, relentless workload", compressing a 3-year process into 2 months. Currently, a nationwide SIR is underway in 12 states and union territories, including West Bengal, with the final elector's list to be published on February 7, 2026. (ANI) Following the commissioning of INS Mahe, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi said that the Indian Army had also launched a series of initiatives under an overall umbrella in which jointness and integration are important pillars, recognising that modern conflicts will be multi-domain and hybrid. INS Mahe, the first of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was commissioned into the Indian Navy by COAS Dwivedi at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday. At the commissioning, COAS Upendra Dwivedi said, "The Indian Army too has launched a series of initiatives under an overall umbrella of a decade of transformation in which jointness and integration are important pillars, recognising that modern conflicts will be multi-domain, hybrid and require united national strength. The Indian Navy plays an important role in our neighbourhood as well as the global environment in far-off lands, where the efforts of the army can play both a supplementary and a complementary role in soft and hard diplomacy, which I refer to as smart diplomacy. "The Indian Army and Indian Navy have always stood shoulder to shoulder for HADR missions across the globe, or even in amphibious operations. The Indian Navy is looking a future expansion plan in a big way to evolve as a formidable multi-dimensional and networked capable of dominating the seas... As INS Mahe hoist the ensign today, she carries not just the hopes of the Navy, but the collective faith of a nation that stands united behind her. May her voyages be safe, her missions be successful, and her crew steadfast in the service of India," he said. He said that the successful delivery of INS Mahe by Cochin Shipyard Limited stands as an example of excellence and professionalism. General Dwivedi further said, "From this day forward, the mantle of responsibility rests upon the shoulders of the Commanding officer and commissioning crew of INS Mahe. You are the custodians of her spirit, her discipline and her fighting edge. Remember, her ship is only as strong as the man who sails her. Her spirit will depend on your courage. Her reputation will depend on your character. The nation will sleep peacefully because you will remain awake, and India's tricolour will fly high across the oceans because you will defend it." He further said that the strength of armed forces lies in synergy. "The sea, land and the skies form a single continuum of national security, and together the Army, Navy, and Air Force form the trinity of India's strategic strength. In this age of multi-domain operations. Our ability to act in concert from the depths of the ocean to the highest frontier will determine the security of our republic. We are an operational eye in every domain from Ladakh to the Indian Ocean, from information warfare to joint logictics, Operation Sindoor was an apt example of that synergy," he said. COAS General Upendra Dwivedi took a guided tour of the INS Mahe after it was commissioned into the Indian Navy. The ceremony, hosted by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, was presided over by General Upendra Dwivedi, according to a Ministry of Defence release. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), INS Mahe represents the cutting edge of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in naval ship design and construction. Compact yet powerful, the ship embodies agility, precision and endurance - qualities vital for dominating the littorals. With her blend of firepower, stealth and mobility, the ship is designed to hunt submarines, conduct coastal patrols, and secure India's vital maritime approaches. (ANI) Multiple neighbourhoods, housing colonies, and narrow streets have been inundated, with rainwater entering residential areas and disrupting normal movement. The stagnant water has created significant challenges for office-goers, schoolchildren, and senior citizens. Commuters reported difficulty navigating flooded streets, while residents expressed concern about rising water levels in low-lying areas. Municipal officials have begun assessing the extent of flooding in the affected zones. According to the administration, teams have been deployed to identify blocked drains and clear water pathways to ensure quicker outflow. Authorities have also assured that drainage channels will be cleared and that additional steps will be taken to mitigate further flooding if rainfall continues. The India Meteorological Department has issued an isolated heavy rainfall alert for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry and Karaikal, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Waterlogging was reported in Erode due to continuous heavy rainfall. In low-lying areas, rainwater is mixed with drainage water, inundating houses. Parts of the Madurai district were also left inundated due to the incessant rainfall in the state. (ANI) A 39-year-old doctor was found dead, allegedly by suicide, at her flat in Padma Rao Nagar in Hyderabad, police said on Monday. The woman's application for a US visa had been rejected, allegedly prompting her to take the extreme step, the Chilkalguda police said. The deceased Dr Kaku Rohini died on Thursday night at the Dharani Surya Sai Apartment where she was staying while preparing for a PG Residency in the US. Police said that, as per a report filed by her mother, Dr Rohini was preparing for the medical PG exam and had secured a PG Residency Seat in the US. About four months ago, her visa was rejected, and since then, she has been feeling low. A week ago, for medical reasons, the doctor's mother came to Gachibowli, Hyderabad, where she was staying with her elder daughter. On November 22, around 10 am, the mother sent food via a food delivery service to Dr Rohini. When she did not respond to phone calls or knocks on the door, the delivery persons handed over the food packet to the apartment watchman, who also found no response from the flat. He then alerted her family members. Later, when the door to her flat was forcibly opened, she was found dead. According to the FIR, "Rohini was found lying on her bed motionless, and blood stains were coming from her mouth". The police were informed about the incident, and a case under Section 194 was registered under the BNSS. B Anudeep, Inspector, Chilkalguda police station, said, " ....We got the call from the parents after the suicide and visited the suicide site and sent the body for postmortem and then handed over the body to the family.... We are waiting for the medical opinion. After having the full medical report, we can answer in more detail...The whole family is full of doctors....She was found to be unmarried and not settled till now; this can be one of the reasons." According to the inspector, in the suicide note, which Doctor Rohini wrote, she requested that she "didn't want any treatment and wanted her family to live well". She said that she was "getting free from all the stress now..." Further details awaited. (ANI) The Rajya Sabha privileges committee, a standing parliamentary committee met on Monday to discuss the complaint against House member and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh for "allegedly making continual and deliberate disrespectful observations against Rajya Sabha Chairman." The committee, chaired by Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh met at the Parliamentary House Annexe extension building at 11 AM today. According to an official notice, one of the topics discussed in the meeting pertained to a privileges complaint against Congress MP Jairam Ramesh for "allegedly making continual and deliberate disrespectful observations against Chairman, Rajya Sabha and casting aspersions on his impartiality in public domain." The committee also has plans to hear evidence of Jairam Ramesh. Apart from the RS Privileges Committee, three other committees held meetings in the Parliament House Annexe later today. The Communications and Information Technology committee reviewed the "implementation of Laws related to all forms of Media" and being presented by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and to hear the views of the Press Council of India (PCI). The Coals, Mines, and Steel Committee held a meeting to hear oral evidence of ministry representatives on the subject of "Organisational Structure and Performance of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)-A Review." Another panel, Chemicals and Fertilizers standing committee heard oral evidence from representatives of Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers on the subject regarding "Review of Role, functions and duties of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) with specific reference to increase in prices of medicines in the Country". The Rajya Sabha privileges committee comprises of 10 house members across various political parties. The committee examines every question of privilege referred to it either by the House or by the Chairman and determines with reference to the facts of each case whether a breach of privilege is involved. If the committee finds that a privilege breach has occurred, then it finds out the nature of the breach, the circumstances leading to it and makes recommendations accordingly. The Committee can also report to the House the procedure that may be followed by the House in giving effect to the recommendations made by the Committee. The reports of the Committee are presented to the House from time to time by the Chairman of the Committee or in his absence by any member of the Committee. After the report is presented, a motion for consideration of the report may be moved by the Chairman of the Committee or any other member of the Committee. Any member may give notice of amendment to the motion for consideration of the report in such form as may be considered appropriate by the Chairman. (ANI) Parents of a 16-year-old Class 10 student who allegedly died by suicide on Monday demanded strict action against those responsible, saying their son had been under severe mental stress due to alleged harassment by school teachers. Speaking to ANI, the deceased's father said that his son had been complaining that the teachers were troubling him a lot. "My son was very intelligent. He won many medals and certificates. And the last time I spoke to him, I never felt that he would take such a step. For the past four months, my son had been complaining that the teachers were troubling him a lot. At this moment, many students and parents are also protesting to seek justice for my son. We only want our son to get justice," he said. The victim's mother also demanded justice and said that the culprits should be given the strictest punishment. "My son must get justice, and the culprits in this case should be given the strictest punishment. He told me many times that the teachers were troubling him a lot. My son must get justice so that no other child has to face something like this in the future," the victim's mother told ANI. The incident has sparked protests by students and parents in the national capital, who are demanding a thorough investigation and appropriate action against the teachers allegedly involved. Meanwhile, Delhi Police on Monday summoned three more teachers for questioning in connection with the suicide case. Police questioned two other teachers on Sunday, while some students have also been examined as part of the investigation. On November 18, a class 10 student, who allegedly died by suicide near Rajendra Place Metro Station, left a note accusing his school teachers of harassment and calling for strict action against them. According to the FIR registered by Delhi Police on November 18, the student had repeatedly complained to his parents about the teachers' behaviour, but their appeals for intervention were ignored. (ANI) An Israeli airstrike has struck Lebanon's capital, Beirut, for the first time in months. Israel's military said it targeted Hezbollah's chief of staff. Benjamin Netanyahu's office said: "A short while ago, in the heart of Beirut, the IDF attacked the Hezbollah Chief of Staff, who had been leading the terrorist organisation's build-up and rearmament. "Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the attack upon the recommendation of the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff. "Israel is determined to act to achieve its objectives everywhere and at all times." Hezbollah has yet to comment. Smoke could be seen in the busy Haret Hreik neighbourhood, with one video circulated on social media showing dozens of people crowded around the area of the strike, which appeared to be on an apartment building. It is the first Israeli airstrike on Beirut since June. There was no immediate word on casualties. In a post on X, Amit Malviya said, "Leader of Opposition was missing yet again during the oath-taking ceremony of CJI-elect Justice Suryakant. No one knows where he is or why he skipped an important constitutional event." Continuing his attack on Congress' "troubles" in Karnataka, Malviya said, "Karnataka is boiling over with the intense infighting between the Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar camps. The Congress high command remains paralysed, unable to take a clear decision." "Because everything hinges on "consultations" with Rahul Gandhi, who appears least interested in resolving the crisis, while the people of Karnataka continue to suffer under a government trapped in its own internecine feud," he added. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson CR Kesavan on Minday accused the Congress party and the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, for his absence at the oath-taking ceremony of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, asserting that the LoP unceremoniously boycotted the ceremony. The BJP leader asserted that Rahul Gandhi is a repeat offender in disrespecting democratic traditions, and that this is not the first time he has skipped important ceremonies. Chief Justice Surya Kant assumed charge as the 53rd Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India after taking the oath from President Droupadi Murmu on Monday morning. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several other senior Cabinet ministers, retired Chief Justices of India, and a large number of sitting judges from the Supreme Court and various High Courts. (ANI) The Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee has taken a "serious view" of the complaint against Congress leader Jairam Ramesh in which it was alleged that he had made "continual and deliberate disrespectful observations against Rajya Sabha Chairman", sources said on Monday. The Privileges Committee met here over the complaint by BJP member Sudhanshu Trivedi, which was referred to it in April 2023 by then Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Sources said Jairam Ramesh stated that he had no intention to make disrespectful remarks against the Chair.The committee is chaired by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh. Members present included Sudhanshu Trivedi, Deepak Prakash, Kartikeya Sharma, Surendra Singh Nagar and GK Vasan. The complaint pertains to Congress leader's remarks in which he allegedly said that the Chairman should not be "cheerleader" of the ruling dispensation. The Rajya Sabha privileges committee comprises 10 members across various political parties. The committee examines every question of privilege referred to it by the House or by the Chairman and determines with reference to the facts of each case whether a breach of privilege is involved. If the committee finds that a privilege breach has occurred, then it finds out the nature of the breach, the circumstances leading to it and makes recommendations accordingly. The committee's meeting was held days before the start of the Winter Session of Parliament, which begins on December 1. (ANI) Rabri Devi has moved a transfer application in the IRCTC corruption case. The court is likely to hear the petition on Tuesday, 25 November. This case is at the stage of Prosecution evidence. In this case, Lalu Prasad and Tejaswi Yadav are also accused. This case is at the stage of Prosecution evidence after framing of charges. The application is likely to be heard by the Principal District and Session judge on Tuesday. The Rouse Avenue court on October 13 framed charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others for criminal conspiracy and other offences under the IRCTC hotel corruption case. This case pertains to alleged corruption in the tendering process for two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri during the tenure of Lalu Prasad Yadav as Railway Minister. Special judge (CBI) Vishal Gogne had framed charges against Former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejaswi Yadav, and other accused. The court had framed charges under different sections for cheating, conspiracy, and corruption-related offences. However, all the accused are charged with criminal conspiracy. The order was pronounced in the open court, and a detailed order is to be uploaded by the court. The court said that there is sufficient ground to frame charges against all 14 accused persons. Lalu Prasad Yadav has pleaded not guilty and said he will face the trial. Rabri Devi and Tejaswi Yadav are charged with Section 420, 120 B of IPC for the offence of cheating and conspiracy. They denied the charge and said they will face the trial. On September 24, the court had directed all the accused persons to appear in person. This case concerns allegations of corruption in the allotment of maintenance work for IRCTC hotel tenders during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure. The Court had reserved the order on May 29 after hearing submissions by the counsel for the investigation agency and for the accused persons on a day-to-day basis. On March 1, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had concluded its arguments on charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejaswi Yadav, former Minister Prem Chand Gupta and other accused persons. There are 14 accused in this case. The Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) for CBI argued that the accused committed corruption and conspiracy in the allotment of two IRCTC hotel maintenance contracts. SPP D P Singh, along with Advocate Manu Mishra, had argued that there was Corruption and conspiracy in the allotment of maintenance contracts for two hotels of IRCTC to a private company. There is sufficient material to frame a charge against all accused persons, the CBI said. This case is connected with the period when Lalu Prasad Yadav was the Railway Minister during 2004-2009. It is alleged that the maintenance contract of two IRCTC hotels, namely BNR Ranchi and BNR Puri to Sujata Hotel, a private firm owned by Vinay Kochar. The CBI has alleged that in return for this deal, Lalu Prasad Yadav got three acres of prime land through a benami company. On July 7, 2017, the CBI filed an FIR against Lalu. The agency also raided 12 locations linked to Lalu and his family members in Patna, New Delhi, Ranchi and Gurgaon. On the other hand, it was submitted on behalf of Former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav that there is no material to frame charges against him in the IRCTC corruption case, and he deserves discharge in this case. Senior advocate Maninder Singh, counsel for Lalu Prasad Yadav, argued that there are no irregularities on Lalu Prasad Yadav's part. The tender was awarded fairly. There is insufficient material to frame charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav. He deserved to be discharged of the charges. The CBI had lodged an FIR on July 5, 2017. A charge sheet was filed in April 2018. CBI had invoked section 120B read with 420 of IPC, section 13 (2) read with 13 (1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. (ANI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday launched the Mukhyamantri Gram Sampark Yojana, a significant step towards improving rural road connectivity and ensuring better access to essential services for people living in remote areas. He said that the state government was taking an initiative to construct roads to every home in every village in the state. Speaking to ANI, Chief Minister Saha said, "The Prime Minister always emphasises that any beneficiary scheme should reach the last mile. Apart from 'Nal se Jal,' we are constructing roads to every home in every village in the state. I don't know if this has been implemented in other states. We are the first to start this in Tripura, and it will be very convenient... We have set a target of 500 km, and gradually we will expand further." CM Saha attended a series of important development programmes at Pragna Bhavan, where multiple flagship initiatives of the state government were launched to strengthen rural connectivity, boost village-level prosperity, and enhance public welfare. He also unveiled the Mukhyamantri Tripura Gram Samriddhi Yojana 2.0, which is aimed at accelerating rural growth, empowering local communities, and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities. As part of the event, a Mega Griha Pravesh Programme is being held, enabling hundreds of beneficiaries to enter their new homes, marking a significant milestone in the state's housing development efforts. In addition, the Chief Minister is releasing an Achievement Booklet, highlighting the progress, milestones, and transformative initiatives undertaken by the government across various sectors. To motivate administrative excellence, awards are being presented to the Best Performing Districts and Blocks, acknowledging their exceptional performance in implementing government schemes effectively. The entire programme at Pragna Bhavan showcased the government's commitment to inclusive development and improved governance across the state. Earlier today, CM Saha flagged off and led the Sardar @150 Unity March in Agartala. Saha said, "This march is in honour of Sardar Patel for his contributions in uniting India. The purpose is to instil the ideals of one India, a great India, and a self-reliant India among the people, especially the youth. We all know the critical role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in protecting the unity and sovereignty of India. We all know the rest of the history." (ANI) Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal on Monday expressed grief on the passing away of actor Dharmendra, saying that the nation has "lost a true legend of cinema." In a post on X, KC Venugopal paid tribute to the 'He-Man' of Indian Cinema, highlighting his impact on Indian cinema and culture. "The nation has lost a true legend of cinema. I join crores of fans in mourning the loss of stalwart actor Dharmendra ji. His performances spanning 7 decades left a huge impact on Indian cinema and culture. My condolences to his family and fans in this difficult time," KC Venugopal said. https://x.com/kcvenugopalmp/status/1992887628421829008?s=20 The 'He Man' of Indian Cinema, who had been unwell for some time, passed away at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89 on Monday. On November 10, Dharmendra was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital following a deterioration in his health. Two days later, Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital as the family opted for home treatment."Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital at 7.30 am on November 12. Dharmendra is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; his second wife, actress Hema Malini; and six children, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita from his first marriage, as well as daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage. Popularly known as the 'He-Man' of Indian cinema, Dharmendra starred in several iconic films such as Sholay, Dharamveer, Chupke Chupke, Loafer, Jugnu, and Seeta Aur Geeta. He was last seen in 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' in 2024. In the film, he essayed the role of Shahid Kapoor's grandfather. Prior to this film, in 2023, he surprised everyone with his stellar performance in Karan Johar's directorial 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'. He effortlessly rekindled the romantic aura he was always known for. Remember 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela', 'Anupama', 'Aas Paas', 'Pyar Hi Pyar', 'Blackmail', 'Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka', 'Mere Humdum Mere Dost', 'Jeevan Mrityu' and 'Aap Ki Parchhaiyan'? In each of these classics, he embodied the quintessential lover with unmatched grace. Decades later, that same charm continued to captivate even younger audiences through 'Life in a... Metro' and most recently, 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'. His film 'Ikkis' with Sriram Raghavan is set to release next month, in December. Even at 89, Dharmendra kept working tirelessly, inspiring generations not only with his zcraft but also with his discipline and healthy lifestyle. Dharmendra maintained a fan base across all ages. His enduring charm transcended generations, and with his passing, he leaves behind a legacy cherished by admirers, colleagues, and the nation at large. (ANI) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday expressed grief on the demise of actor Dharmendra and said that his passing marks the "end of an era." In a post on X, Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to the legendary Sholay actor, saying the Indian film world has lost a precious star today. "The Indian film world has lost a precious star today. The renowned actor Dharmendra is no longer with us. Honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012, Dharmendra reigned over the hearts of cinema lovers for decades and left a deep impression with his unparalleled acting and simple life," he said. "His passing marks the end of an era. In this hour of grief, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and millions of fans. May God grant peace to his soul," he added. The 'He Man' of Indian Cinema, who had been unwell for some time, passed away at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89 on Monday. On November 10, Dharmendra was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital following a deterioration in his health. Two days later, Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital as the family opted for home treatment."Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital at 7.30 am on November 12. Dharmendra is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; his second wife, actress Hema Malini; and six children, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita from his first marriage, as well as daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage. Popularly known as the 'He-Man' of Indian cinema, Dharmendra starred in several iconic films such as Sholay, Dharamveer, Chupke Chupke, Loafer, Jugnu, and Seeta Aur Geeta. He was last seen in 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' in 2024. In the film, he essayed the role of Shahid Kapoor's grandfather. Prior to this film, in 2023, he surprised everyone with his stellar performance in Karan Johar's directorial 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'. He effortlessly rekindled the romantic aura he was always known for. Remember 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela', 'Anupama', 'Aas Paas', 'Pyar Hi Pyar', 'Blackmail', 'Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka', 'Mere Humdum Mere Dost', 'Jeevan Mrityu' and 'Aap Ki Parchhaiyan'? In each of these classics, he embodied the quintessential lover with unmatched grace. Decades later, that same charm continued to captivate even younger audiences through 'Life in a... Metro' and most recently, 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'. His film 'Ikkis' with Sriram Raghavan is set to release next month, in December. Even at 89, Dharmendra kept working tirelessly, inspiring generations not only with his zcraft but also with his discipline and healthy lifestyle. Dharmendra maintained a fan base across all ages. His enduring charm transcended generations, and with his passing, he leaves behind a legacy cherished by admirers, colleagues, and the nation at large. (ANI) A Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) functionary has been booked on charges of sexual assault, blackmail and criminal intimidation following a complaint filed by a 25-year-old woman at the All-Women Police Station in Kotakuppam, Villupuram district. The case was registered on November 19 and has triggered public concern over political misuse and women's safety in the state. According to the FIR, the accused, identified as Baskaran, allegedly exploited his proximity to the woman, who had been living with her parents after separating from her husband. The woman, who is currently raising her young son, had been constructing a house using her savings. Baskaran, said to be a neighbour and a local DMK functionary, reportedly offered assistance in procuring building materials and collected money from her under that pretext. The complaint states that the accused later began persistently harassing her over the phone. When confronted, he allegedly suggested a relationship, claiming that both were unmarried or separated. Upon her refusal, he threatened her reputation and warned her against approaching law enforcement. The FIR further details a serious escalation of the harassment. One night, the accused allegedly took the complainant to a secluded area, forcibly undressed her, sexually assaulted her, and recorded the act. The video was then allegedly used to blackmail her repeatedly, along with threats to her life. Police have registered the case under Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with the punishment for rape. Further provisions related to intimidation and blackmail are also likely to be invoked as the investigation progresses. The accused has reportedly not been arrested yet, and the police have stated that an inquiry is underway. The ruling DMK is yet to issue an official statement on the allegations. Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has accused the DMK of shielding sexual offenders and claimed the predatory behaviour of its cadre is now exposed. "DMK members and functionaries in Tamil Nadu roam freely with a license to loot, assault, exploit, and intimidate, all under the protection of the DMK govt which is busy intimaitdating the opposition," Annamalai said in a post on X on November 22. "Here is a poor woman who has bravely filed a police complaint after being sexually assaulted by Thiruvakarai Baskaran, a DMK functionary who not only violated her dignity but also recorded the assault and is now threatening her using that video,"Annamalai said. "Our mothers & sisters do not feel safe under this DMK govt. Tamil Nadu deserves justice, safety, and a government that stands with its people, not with its criminals," the Tamil Nadu BJP leader said. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said , "This is because of the protest that AIADMK undertook at Pulupuram under our ex-Minister CV Shanmugam. Look at the plight of the police force, which is a puppet in the hands of DMK. It has taken four or five days for them to register an FIR, having got the entire evidence on hand and a formal complaint by the victim. This shows that they are waiting for the High Command's approval on whether to proceed with this case or not." "There is an increase in crimes against women by the police force. The Thiruvannamalai incident and other incidents have come out where the police indulged in crimes against women. DMK functionaries are indulging in these kinds of acts, outraging the modesty of women. It clearly indicates the priority for DMK is to ensure that people who indulge in these kinds of activities are shielded... It's a shame. They should hang their head in shame for nurturing, growing these kinds of anti-social elements within the party..." he said. (ANI) Five people died and several others were injured after a bus fell nearly 70 metres into a gorge near the Kunjapuri-Hindolakhal area under Narendra Nagar in Tehri district on Monday. AIIMS Rishikesh PRO Sandeep Kumar said that multiple victims of the Tehri bus accident were brought to the hospital with serious injuries, while five passengers were declared dead on arrival. "Some people have suffered internal injuries, while some have head injuries. Five people were brought here dead," he said. "Among the other patients, those named Deepsikha and Dikha are from Punjab and have been admitted to the hospital," he added. Earlier, Chief Medical Officer Shyaam Vijay confirmed that the bus was carrying 18 passengers when it fell into a gorge near Kunjapuri in Tehri. "There were a total of 18 people on board the bus. Five people have died, while 13 others have been injured. Three of the injured passengers have been referred to AIIMS Rishikesh, and 10 have been sent to Narendra Nagar Hospital for treatment," he said. Suresh Patel, a survivor from Gujarat, said that several of the injured were taken to AIIMS Rishikesh for urgent medical attention. "The injured passengers from the bus accident in Kunjapuri, Tehri, were brought to AIIMS Rishikesh," Patel said. "Four injured individuals have been admitted to AIIMS Rishikesh for treatment, where they are currently undergoing medical care," he added. He also said that all passengers involved in the accident were from Gujarat. "Five people have died in the accident, and their bodies have been kept at AIIMS Rishikesh. All the passengers are reported to be from Gujarat," he said. Further details awaited. (ANI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the death of Bollywood superstar Dharmendra on Monday. The veteran actor died at his residence in Mumbai, at the age of 89, after struggling with health issues. Taking it to his X handle, the Bihar CM wrote, "The passing of the popular film actor Dharmendra ji is heartbreaking. It is an irreparable loss for the world of art and cinema. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul. My humble tribute to him." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the family of the legendary actor, calling the actor's demise an "end of an era" in Indian cinema. "The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti," wrote PM Modi. Dharmendra had been unwell for some time. On November 10, Dharmendra was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital following a deterioration in his health. Several prominent film personalities, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Govinda, visited the hospital to extend their support to the Deol family during this difficult time. Two days later, Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital as the family opted for home treatment. Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital at 7.30 am on November 12. The "He-Man of Bollywood" is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; his second wife, actress Hema Malini; and six children, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita from his first marriage, as well as daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage. He starred in several iconic films such as Sholay, Dharamveer, Chupke Chupke, Loafer, Jugnu, and Seeta Aur Geeta. He was last seen in 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' in 2024. In the film, he essayed the role of Shahid Kapoor's grandfather. Even at 89, Dharmendra kept working tirelessly, inspiring generations not only with his craft but also with his discipline and healthy lifestyle. He will always be considered the epitome of romance, action, reinvention and grace for centuries. (ANI) In a major step towards restitution of assets in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case linked to fugitive Mehul Choksi, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has handed over four attached flats in Mumbai to the liquidator. ED's Mumbai Zonal Office took the step by handing over these flats from the Tatva Urja project in Mumbai's Borivali (East) to the liquidator on November 21. These properties, attached in the money-laundering case involving Mehul Choksi and others, will now be monetised for the benefit of victims, secured creditors, and other eligible claimants, said the ED in a statement on Monday. With this, immovable and movable assets worth a cumulative Rs 310 crore located in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Surat have so far been transferred to the liquidator of Gitanjali Gems Ltd. The ED's probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) revealed that between 2014 and 2017, Mehul Choksi, along with his associates and Punjab National Bank officials, fraudulently obtained Letters of Undertaking and Foreign Letters of Credit, causing a wrongful loss of Rs 6,097.63 crore to PNB. Choksi had also defaulted on a loan taken from ICICI Bank. During the investigation, the ED carried out searches at over 136 locations nationwide, seizing valuables and jewellery worth Rs 597.75 crore belonging to the Gitanjali Group. Additionally, movable and immovable assets worth Rs 1,968.15 crore, including properties in India and abroad, vehicles, bank accounts, factory units, listed shares, and jewellery, were attached. In total, the ED has attached or seized assets worth Rs 2,565.90 crore in the case, and three prosecution complaints have been filed. To fast-track the return of proceeds to victim banks, the ED and the banks jointly approached the Special PMLA court in Mumbai with a consent application. The court directed the agency to facilitate the valuation and auction of the attached properties by the banks and liquidators. It further ordered that all sale proceeds be deposited in PNB and ICICI Bank as fixed deposits. "The remaining assets are being handed over to the banks and the liquidator in line with the court's directions," added the federal agency. (ANI) Donald Trump has slammed Ukraines leadership for not thanking him for his efforts to end the war with Russia. The US President has accused Ukraine of having zero gratitude in a post on his Truth Social profile. He wrote: UKRAINE LEADERSHIP HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA. I INHERITED A WAR THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED, A WAR THAT IS A LOSER FOR EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY THE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE SO NEEDLESSLY DIED. He repeated his accusation that Vladimir Putin seized his chance to invade as Sleepy Joe Biden was in the White House. Police and district administration officials on Monday conducted a flag march in Sambhal as part of efforts to create a sense of security among people. The flag march was held on a day which marked the completion of one year since the violence in the city that claimed four lives. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia said the march is conducted regularly. "This is part of our regular administrative process, involving a full police and administrative team that carries out flag marches routinely. They do so in the mornings and evenings. These marches also occur at the local level, with district officers participating as well... This instils a sense of security and trust in the people towards the police and administration," Pensia said. He said the Peace Committee meetings have happened regularly and people from all communities have attended them. "Everyone's problems are heard and resolved. When everyone sits together and discusses them, there's no possibility of dispute or problem." Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi said the march aimed at boosting public confidence. "...Today's flag march is being conducted to create a sense of security among the people. We are also interacting with people along the way, so anyone who has concerns or wants to express them can do so...". "All the PAC and RAF personnel in the district have been deployed for foot patrolling and for the security of the centrally protected monument." Violence had erupted in Sambhal on November 24, 2024, during a survey by the Archaeological Survey of India of a Mughal-era mosque, which led to four deaths and injuries among police and locals. The survey was part of a legal process following a petition filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain, who claimed the mosque was originally a temple. A similar survey was conducted earlier on November 19, 2024, with local police and members of the mosque's management committee present to monitor the process. (ANI) Justice Gavai, who demitted office on November 23 as the 52nd CJI ensured that the official vehicle is available for CJI Kant to travel to the Supreme Court. Officials said it is a new precedent. Chief Justice Surya Kant assumed charge as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India after he took oath from President Droupadi Murmu as the 53rd Chief Justice of the country on Monday morning. Justice Surya Kant used the official vehicle to reach the Supreme Court premises on his first day in office, where he paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Dr BR Ambedkar before assuming his official duties. Justice Gavai's tenure as CJI, though brief, will be remembered for judicial decisions and administrative stewardship as also humility and institutional respect. Stakeholders across India's legal fraternity have welcomed Justice Gavai's gesture, noting that such steps reinforce public faith in constitutional traditions and the decorum of high office. Justice Kant began the day's official proceedings in Courtroom number 1 in the apex court along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Atul S Chandurkar on the bench. This marked the beginning of his nearly 15-month tenure as the head of the nation's judiciary. (ANI) The agency said its Jammu sub-zonal office provisionally attached the immovable property worth Rs 1 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The property comprises industrial land at Panipat, Haryana, of Vidit Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh. As per the ED's statement, the agency initiated investigation in respect of case registered by Jammu division of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) against Vidit Healthcare (Managing Partner, Neeraj Bhatia) Niket Kansal and others "for illegal diversion of a Codeine-based cough syrup (CBCS), "Cocrex", for misuse as intoxicant/drug, from manufacturer, Vidit Healthcare." ED investigation revealed that "Vidit Healthcare supplied CBCS to entities such as S S Industries, Kansal Industries, Nouveta Pharma, Kansal Pharmaceuticals and N K Pharmaceuticals (all operated and controlled by Niket Kansal, resident of Delhi) during 2018-24, to the tune of about Rs 16.74 crore." "Part of such illegally diverted CBCS was supplied to Raees Ahmed Bhat, who belongs to Srinagar, from whom large quantities of CBCS were seized on January 14, 2024, by the NCB," said the ED. ED investigation further revealed that Vidit Healthcare earned gross profit estimated to be Rs 2.92 crore as Proceeds of Crime from the sale of codeine-based cough syrup (CBCS) to entities operated by Niket Kansal, identified as S S Industries, Kansal Industries, Nouveta Pharma, Kansal Pharmaceuticals and N K Pharmaceuticals." Earlier in this case, ED had conducted a search at the premises of Neeraj Bhatia and Niket Kansal on February 13 this year, resulting inthe seizure of cash amounting to Rs 32 lakh and jewellery valued at Rs 1.61 crore from the residential premises of Neeraj Bhatia and in furtherance of investigations. (ANI) The JVCA was inked by Manoj Jain, CMD of BEL, and Alexandre Ziegler, Executive Vice President, SED, in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and CEO Safran Olivier Andries in New Delhi on Monday, a Defence Ministry release said. The agreement formalises the intent expressed in the MoU signed between BEL and SED on February 11, 2025 during Aero India, reaffirming the willingness of both sides to incorporate a potential Joint Venture Company (JVC) in India. The JVC shall be formed as a private limited company with 50:50 shareholding. It will localise the manufacturing, supply and maintenance of HAMMER to meet the operational needs of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The indigenisation level will progressively increase up to 60 per cent with key sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts being manufactured locally. The transfer of production will happen in a phased manner with BEL leading final assembly, testing and quality assurance. HAMMER is a combat-proven, precision-guided weapon system known for its high accuracy and modular design, making it adaptable for multiple platforms, including the Rafale and Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. "This JVCA underscores BEL's commitment to strengthening India's defence industrial base and aims at leveraging SED's extensive experience in manufacturing of smart precision guided air-to-ground weapon," the release said. (ANI) BJP leader Amit Malviya on Monday criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's letter to the Election Commission, in which she raised concerns over the issuance of an RfP for hiring contractual data entry operators and a proposal to set up polling stations in private residential complexes. In his statement, Malviya accused Banerjee of raising "manufactured outrage" and asked her to first clarify how data entry operators and Bangla Sahyata Kendra (BSK) staff were hired under her government. "While the CEC decides whether and when to respond to your screaming letters, you may first want to clarify the following," Malviya said in a X post. He added, "It is astonishing that you are objecting to an RfP being issued for engaging DEOs. It is widely known that one of your politically contracted agencies has penetrated multiple government bodies, sits in official meetings, and routinely meddles in administrative decisions. There are even allegations that members of this very agency were quietly appointed as DEOs and BSK staff." Malviya questioned the basis of Banerjee's objections and added that she should make the state's hiring process public. "So before pointing fingers, please make public the process you used to select DEOs and BSK operators. If the CEO has issued an RfP today, he has done so exactly as per your own financial rules. You have no business screaming at him for following procedures created to ensure fairness and equal opportunity -- principles you have never demonstrated any respect for," he said. Citing examples Bihar, Malviya said, "For the record, Bihar appointed DEOs through this exact mechanism, and other states are doing the same. So spare us the manufactured outrage." On Banerjee's objection to the proposed polling stations in private housing complexes, Malviya said such arrangements existed elsewhere too. "Secondly, any premises can be designated a polling station as long as it ensures ease of voting for all voters. Similar booths have been set up in high-rise buildings in Delhi and elsewhere. So why is it suddenly troubling you that the ECI is creating additional booths to make voting more convenient? No booths are being taken away from existing voters," he said. He in his X post also asked Banerjee to clarify her objections. "So do explain: What exactly is upsetting you -- the increase in voting access, or the collapse of the narrative you're trying to build?" Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising concerns over what she described as "two disturbing yet urgent developments" related to election preparations in the state. She urged the Commission to intervene immediately. In her letter, Banerjee said, "I am constrained to write to you regarding two disturbing yet urgent developments that have been brought to my notice, and which, in my view, warrant your immediate intervention." The first issue she raised was a "questionable" Request for Proposal (RfP) issued by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal. According to her letter, "It has recently come to light that the CEO, West Bengal, has directed District Election Officers (DEOs) not to engage contractual data entry operators and Bangla Sahayata Kendra (BSK) staff for SIR-related or other election-related data work. Simultaneously, the CEO's office has floated a Request for Proposal (RfP) for hiring 1,000 Data Entry Operators and 50 Software Developers for a period of one year. This raises serious concerns." In her letter to CEC, she questioned why such outsourcing was needed when district offices already had adequate staff. "When district offices already have a substantial number of competent professionals performing such functions, what necessitates the CEO's initiative to outsource the same work through an external agency for a full year?" she wrote. "Traditionally, field offices have always hired their own contractual data entry personnel as per requirement. If there is an urgent need, DEOs are fully empowered to undertake such hiring themselves." Banerjee further asked, "Why, then, is the CEO's office assuming this role on behalf of field offices? What substantive difference is expected in the service conditions or contractual obligations between those already engaged and those to be hired through the proposed agency? Is this exercise being undertaken at the behest of a political party to serve vested interests?" She added, "The timing and manner of this RfP certainly raise legitimate doubts." The second issue she highlighted was a proposal being considered by the Election Commission to set up polling stations inside private residential complexes. In the letter, she said, "It has further been brought to my attention that the Election Commission is considering setting up polling stations within private residential complexes, and DEOs have been asked to provide recommendations. This proposal is deeply problematic." She argued that polling stations must remain in government or semi-government buildings to ensure neutrality and equal access. "Polling stations have always been -- and must remain -- located in government or semi-government institutions, preferably within a 2 km radius, to ensure accessibility and neutrality. Private buildings are typically avoided for clear reasons: they compromise fairness, violate established norms, and create discriminatory distinctions between privileged residents and the general public -- the haves and have-nots," her letter stated. The West Bengal CM also questioned the motive behind the proposal, "Why is such a move being contemplated at all? Again, is this being done under pressure from a political party to advance their partisan interests? Why? Why? Why?" She warned that the proposal could "have severe impact on the fairness of the electoral process". In her letter, Banerjee also added, "I urge you to examine these issues with utmost seriousness, impartiality, and transparency. It is essential that the dignity, neutrality, and credibility of the Commission remain above reproach and are not compromised under any circumstances." (ANI) During the special session of the Punjab Assembly, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the special session of the Punjab Assembly marked a "historic moment", adding that despite doubts raised earlier, the House convened smoothly. He thanked Opposition members for attending the session and said clear intent makes everything possible. "Many questions were raised about how a session will be conducted here. Today, a historic session is being held here. When the intentions are clear, God facilitates everything. I thank all Opposition members present here," CM Mann said. Punjab Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said the special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly was "historic", noting that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann formally declared three key sites, Shri Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo and Shri Amritsar Sahib, as holy cities during the proceedings. "... In the special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly held today, CM Bhagwant Mann recognised Punjab's 3 historical places, Shri Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo and Shri Amritsar Sahib, as holy cities... This was a historic session," Kataruchak told ANI. Guru Tegh Bahadur, remembered as "Hind di Chadar," sacrificed his life in 1675 to uphold the right to freedom of belief. His martyrdom occupies a significant place in India's socio-religious history, symbolising the defence of pluralism and civil liberties. The state government said the observance aims to raise awareness of his teachings on compassion, equality and resilience. Commemorating Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom day serves to honour and preserve the legacy of the ninth Sikh Guru while upholding the religious sentiments of the people. Sikhs mark the day with special prayers in Gurdwaras across the country. (ANI) The Jaigarh Heritage Festival 2025 was unveiled at a press conference in Jaipur and will take place from December 6 to 7 at the historic Jaigarh. The festival is produced by Teamwork Arts in collaboration with His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh and presented by Vedanta, the festival transforms the fort into a living monument, where Rajasthan's heritage is not just preserved but actively experienced through a combination of musical performances, local crafts, cuisine, and dialogue. The festival aims to reimagine Jaigarh not merely as a historic landmark but as a dynamic cultural space where performance, art, food, and conversation come together, bringing the cultural and built heritage of Rajasthan to life. Speaking at the festival's press conference, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh said, "The Jaigarh Heritage Festival is a celebration of Jaipur's rich and vibrant heritage - its art, music, craftsmanship, and history that make this city special. As the festival draws near, it is inspiring to see the fort become a living stage where Jaipur's traditions are lived and experienced. This festival is a bridge between generations, welcoming contemporary expressions while honouring the legacy of our past." Bringing in the perspective of Vedanta's cultural vision, Priya Agarwal, Director, Vedanta Resources, said, "Vedanta is proud to support the Jaigarh Heritage Festival, a vibrant celebration of India's cultural legacy. Through music, craft, cuisine, and thoughtful dialogue, the festival offers audiences an immersive window into the richness of our heritage while championing sustainable heritage tourism. Today, it stands as a marquee event in India's cultural calendar, bringing Jaipur's history and artistry to life for people from across the country and around the world." Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, added, "The Jaigarh Heritage Festival 2025 is an invitation for artists, scholars, and audiences to come together in the heart of Jaipur's fort traditions. By reimagining Jaigarh Fort as a vibrant cultural space, we want to bring Rajasthan's heritage to life as a living, evolving tradition. Each performance, workshop, and heritage walk will showcase Rajasthan's deep-rooted artistry and spark meaningful conversations about preserving and celebrating our traditions for generations to come." The festival will bring together a rich blend of performances and experiences across the fort's courtyards and open spaces, with morning concerts including musical acts and groups such as Echoes of Rajasthan, Noor-e-Khusrau, Sarod at Dawn and One Size Fits All, followed by evening showcase, featuring the talents of Papon Live, Kabir Cafe, The Anirudh Varma Collective, and Roysten Abel's acclaimed production "The Manganiyar Seduction". Rajasthan's folk traditions will be showcased through the artistry of Nathoolal Solanki, Puppetshala and Shyopat Julia. Audiences will also be able to participate in immersive craft workshops, culinary explorations, heritage walks and curated conversations on sustainability, architecture, design and Jaipur's evolving urban identity. Festival-goers can also engage in immersive heritage walks, hands-on craft workshops, culinary masterclasses, and interactive conversations exploring architecture, sustainability, Rajasthan's royal legacy, and contemporary urban identity. By reimagining Jaigarh as a space where history meets contemporary expression, the festival brings to life its core theme: heritage is not static memory but a vibrant, evolving force. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Monday sought the response of the Central government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) on a public interest litigation (PIL) plea that sought directions mandating all political parties in India to disclose details of any amount of political funding received by them. The PIL plea filed by one Khem Singh Bhati has also challenged the constitutional validity of Section 13A (d) of The Income Tax Act, 1961, provides for political parties to avail fundings to the extent of Rs. 2000 by means of cash payments. Section 13A of the aforesaid Act grants exemption to political parties from being taxed on their income received through contributions. "The petitioner is also seeking mandamus that the political parties must disclose the name and all other particulars of the person paying any amount of money to it, and no amount can be received in cash so as to maintain transparency in the political funding", the plea reads As per the plea, the cause of action regarding the said issue arose when political parties filed their incomplete contribution report and audit report in the months of September/November last year and in August this year. It is further argued in the plea that the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Income Tax Department (ITD) have failed to perform their statutory duties regarding the financial scrutiny of political parties. "Specifically, both bodies have accepted contribution reports (Form 24A) and audit reports from political parties without proper scrutiny, despite those reports often being incomplete. Key deficiencies include the omission of donor PAN numbers and full bank details (including branch names), and in some cases, delayed filing of reports to the ECI. This neglect by the ECI to initiate proceedings and the ITD7 to levy appropriate taxes/penalties on parties with deficient reports directly violates the legal requirement for transparency and accountability in political funding", the plea states. Moreover, such a lack of transparency, the plea argues, is in violation of the public's fundamental right to information as a voter, as guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. During the hearing, the counsel appearing for the petitioner stressed that the apex courts' consideration, in this regard, is necessary under Article 32 of the Constitution, which provides that the Court may intervene and issue directions in matters that require the enforcement of fundamental rights of citizens. Initially, the bench was of the view that the petitioner may seek the relief sought in the plea by approaching the High Court that exercises jurisdiction in an area in which a specific political party is functioning. However, the counsel appearing for the petitioner argued that the matter relates to all political parties functioning in India and that the jurisdiction with respect to his plea exceeds such jurisdictional boundaries. After hearing the counsel briefly, the apex court issued notice to the Centre and the ECI seeking their response to the plea. The petitioner was represented by Advocate Jayesh K. Unnikrishnan. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived in Lakhamandal on Monday afternoon, where local BJP leaders welcomed him upon landing at the helipad. The Chief Minister later offered prayers at the ancient Pandava-era Shiva temple in the region. According to officials, CM Dhami prayed for the welfare of the people and the prosperity of the state. "Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered prayers at the Shiva Temple in Lakhamandal. During the prayer ceremony, the Chief Minister prayed for the well-being and prosperity of the state and its people," an official release said. The residents also greeted the Chief Minister on his arrival. "Under CM Dhami's leadership, the culture and heritage of the region continues to be preserved and promoted," the release said. Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Chief Minister attended the 44th India International Trade Fair in New Delhi, where he highlighted Uttarakhand's participation. Speaking to reporters, CM Dhami said that the Trade Fair is providing a platform to showcase the details of products made in our state of Uttarakhand.. "All kinds of such products that are beneficial and useful from every perspective get a big platform here. Our effort is to provide opportunities to the people who make such products, artisans, and craftsmen. We make every possible effort to encourage them... Inspired by the Prime Minister, the journey from local to global is going well... The products being made by our women are of very high quality." Later during his address, the Chief Minister spoke about several decisions taken by his government. He said, "We have also ensured strict action against heinous mentalities like land jihad, love jihad and spit jihad in the state. By running 'Operation Kalnemi' in the state, we have also taken action to catch the jihadis who defame the Sanatan Hindu religion. By taking strict action against land jihad, we have also freed more than 10,000 acres of government land from land jihadis." Dhami added, "Along with this, we have also sealed more than 250 illegal madrasas and removed more than 500 illegal structures. Not only this, recently we have also decided to abolish the Madrasa Board by implementing a new law in the state." (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday inaugurated a three-day state-level workshop for Panchayat representatives and officials being held at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre (Minto Hall) in Bhopal. CM Yadav also inaugurated the Watershed Festival, organised under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (Watershed Development 2.0) and honoured officers, employees, partner organisations and knowledge partners for their outstanding work in the Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign on the occasion. The workshop will continue until November 26. Addressing the occasion, the CM said, "The foundational spirit of Indian governance has always been anchored in local self-governance, where administration begins at the village level and extends all the way to Bharat. As a result, Indian philosophy regards the village as the first unit of self-rule and self-reliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat and good governance stresses that India's strength lies in the collective power of its villages, panchayats, and people." The Chief Minister described the workshop focused on 'Atmanirbhar Panchayat-Samridhh Madhya Pradesh' as a decisive step towards Gram Swaraj, local self-reliance and a developed Bharat by 2047. He praised the leadership of panchayat representatives in shaping strategies that make panchayats administratively efficient, financially strong, and communally self-reliant. He further stated that the state government is committed to strengthening panchayat institutions. He also announced administrative reforms ensuring that suggestions made by district and block panchayat vice presidents during school inspections will now be recorded and implemented. Sarpanches have been authorised to spend up to Rs 25 lakh for panchayat activities, a starting step, with more initiatives to follow. CM Yadav urged panchayats to prepare master plans for improved investment opportunities and residential planning, starting with Vidisha. "The state government has empowered panchayats to manage drinking water supplies, and rural development is being promoted through solar pump schemes, offering up to 90% subsidy for farmers purchasing three to five HP (Horsepower) pumps. Efforts are underway to make farmers energy self-sufficient via panchayats, and the "Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam" initiative is progressing at the village level," the CM said. Additionally, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel stated, "The workshop is aimed at strengthening the implementation of the three-tier panchayat system, and emphasised the need for enhanced coordination between representatives and officials. Traditional rural development in India has always been driven by joint community and government participation and community involvement should continue across all areas of development." He added that the state aims to ensure that every panchayat has a fully equipped cremation ground by December 2026, supported by an allocation of Rs 6,000 crore under the Fifth Finance Commission. Remote villages are being linked by paved roads via PM Janman and PM Awas Yojana, making the state a leader in these areas. Self-reliance for panchayats is not just about financial stability, but also about health, cleanliness, addiction-free communities, harmonious dispute resolution, and a collective will to eliminate social evils, he added. Furthermore, Chief Minister Yadav honoured outstanding districts, blocks, and partner organisations involved in the Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign. Khandwa district received first place for overall excellence, Raisen came second, and Balaghat came third. Anuppur and Balaghat were recognised for outstanding pond construction, and Pushprajgarh Janpad Panchayat in Anuppur earned first place at the block level. (ANI) Chinese premier urges G20 to strive for broader global cooperation for development Xinhua) 08:06, November 24, 2025 Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the third session of the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 23, 2025. Li appealed for efforts of the G20 to strive for broader global cooperation to jointly cope with challenges and promote development. Li made the remarks when attending the second and third sessions of the 20th G20 Summit scheduled here for Saturday and Sunday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang appealed for efforts of the Group of 20 (G20) to strive for broader global cooperation to jointly cope with challenges and promote development. Li made the remarks when attending the second and third sessions of the 20th G20 Summit scheduled here for Saturday and Sunday. As multiple challenges such as climate change, energy and food crises are overlapping, the international community needs to unite to pool strength and solve problems through collaboration, Li said. First, Li called on all parties to strengthen ecology and environmental protection cooperation, and enhance development resilience. He called on G20 economies to abide by the science-based spirit and uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in dealing with issues concerning climate change and ecology. With regard to cooperation in such fields, all parties should demonstrate responsibility and act promptly, he said. China is willing to step up cooperation with all parties within the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and accelerate the implementation of the outcomes of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said the Chinese premier. Secondly, Li urged efforts to strengthen cooperation on green energy and advance a just transition. He called for promoting global cooperation in the green industry, keeping industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and facilitating the free flow and application of related technologies and products. China stands ready to continue to do its utmost to support the energy transition of various countries, he added. Thirdly, he said cooperation on food security should be enhanced to ensure stable supplies. Li called for optimizing global food circulation and supply, fostering partnerships on major commodities, developing an open, stable and sustainable global food market, and strengthening supply for countries facing food shortages. At the same time, the Chinese premier called on the G20 to enhance cooperation in agricultural science and technology, so as to boost food production capacity. China is ready to work with all parties to advance the implementation of the International Cooperation Initiative on Global Food Security and make new contributions to the fight against hunger and poverty, he said. The new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating, bringing unprecedented development opportunities to the world, but it may also create new inequalities and development gaps, Li said. The G20 should encourage all parties to adhere to openness, win-win cooperation and shared opportunities, and strive to enhance the well-being of people worldwide, Li added. The first is to promote the widespread application and effective governance of artificial intelligence (AI), Li said, calling on the G20 to actively promote research and development cooperation and result sharing, bridge the intelligence gap and improve governance rules. China encourages more countries to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization and the action plan of international cooperation in open science, and to promote the healthy and orderly development of AI in a beneficial, safe and fair way, Li said. The second is to promote mutually beneficial cooperation and peaceful utilization of critical minerals. China supports the UN Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals in playing a constructive role and calls for full implementation of the G20 Critical Minerals Framework, said Li, urging efforts to promote a more balanced distribution of benefits in production and supply chains, so as to better safeguard the interests of developing countries. Meanwhile, Li urged a prudent approach to potential military and other applications to prevent security risks. He added that China encourages the active participation of all parties in the International Economic and Trade Cooperation Initiative on Green Mining and Minerals. The third is to strengthen development empowerment and livelihood support for the Global South, Li said. He urged efforts to support capacity-building assistance in Africa and other developing countries, create more job opportunities, and advance the development of women and youth. The premier added that China stands ready to work with all parties to implement the G20 Nelson Mandela Bay Target, enabling more young people to benefit from economic globalization. The summit adopted the G20 South Africa Summit: Leaders' Declaration. During the summit, Li held friendly exchanges with French President Emmanuel Macron, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Angolan President Joao Lourenco, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and others. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) At least 50 of the more than 300 students abducted by gunmen from a Catholic school in Nigeria have escaped their captors, a Christian group tracking the incident says. The gunmen raided Saint Marys Catholic School in north-central Nigerias Niger State on Friday, taking 303 children and 12 teachers in one of the countrys largest mass kidnappings. In a statement on Sunday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said the 50 pupils were safe and had been reunited with their families after they escaped between Friday and Saturday. As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims, CANs chairman in Niger State, Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said in the statement. The Catholic school abduction came just four days after armed men stormed a secondary school in northwestern Nigeria, kidnapping 25 schoolgirls and killing the schools vice-principal. Mondays attack took place in similar circumstances in neighbouring Kebbi States Maga town, some 170km (106 miles) away. At least one girl has since escaped and returned safely, but 24 others are still missing. The identity of the attackers remains unclear in both cases, and no group has claimed responsibility so far. Regional authorities and security agencies have launched search-and-rescue operations in surrounding forests and along escape routes, with police, military and even local hunters deployed to help. The meeting was also attended by senior officers from both Raj Bhavans, focused on strengthening inter-state cooperation and fostering the exchange of best practices in the Raj Bhavan governance. During the interaction, both Governors discussed several important subjects, including the effective implementation of the National Education Policy, the advancement of dairy development initiatives, and the strengthening of the fisheries sector. The discussion also explored ways to enhance administrative coordination and deepen collaboration across various developmental areas. They also exchanged best practices applied in the respective Raj Bhavans in Assam and UP. Thanking his UP counterpart, Acharya expressed confidence that the discussions would prove extremely beneficial in promoting innovation, encouraging mutual learning, and further enhancing cooperation between the two states. He emphasised that such exchanges would play a vital role in accelerating progress and ensuring inclusive growth across sectors that directly impact communities and livelihoods. (ANI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday highlighted the Chhattisgarh pavilion organised at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Speaking on the rich and varied cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister said that multiple exhibitions have been organised at the pavilion. "Every year, an international trade fair is held from November 14th to 27th. Every state participates in this event...Today, artists from Chhattisgarh presented their cultural performances. Numerous exhibitions of the state are on display. There are silk fabrics, textiles, and Dokra art..." he stated. He further underlined the development work being done in the state and the eradication of Naxalism underway in Bastar. "There are exhibitions of metal idols, and in the name of Aamcho Bastar, the entire Bastar, where Naxalism is being eradicated, and development is happening, so that everyone here can be informed about this in front of the entire country. That's why it was organised as an exhibition," he added. Meanwhile, CM Sai visited the Chhattisgarh Pavilion in Hall No. 2, where artisans and craftsmen displayed a wide range of handloom and handicraft products, reflecting the state's immense creative potential. He praised their dedication, calling the pavilion a testament to Chhattisgarh's "infinite possibilities." The state also highlighted its promotion of millets, including nutritious, eco-friendly grains cultivated extensively in forest regions. The recent launch of a Millets Cafe in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, is working to integrate traditional grains into modern lifestyles. The amphitheatre came alive with mesmerising folk performances reflecting the state's deep cultural roots. Artists from various districts presented traditional forms such as Gaura-Gauri, Bhojali, Sua Naacha, Raut Nacha, Panthi, and Karma dance, leaving the audience spellbound. The evening opened with a lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a series of performances that drew loud applause. The Gaura-Gauri and Bhojli dances showcased themes of devotion and festivity, whereas the energetic Raut Nacha and Karma dance highlighted the spirit of tribal communities and the onset of the spring season. Women artists performed the popular Sua Naacha, a symbolic Diwali folk dance centred around worship, rhythm, and unity. The melody, rhythm, and synchronised clapping created an enchanting atmosphere that enthralled hundreds of spectators. Panthi dance, presented by the male artists of the Satnami community, started with slow movements and gradually built to a captivating beat. Khadi Village Industries Board Chairman Rakesh Pandey, Industries Department Chairman Rajiv Agrawal, Tourism Development Board Chairman Neelu Sharma, Chhattisgarh Sahitya Academy Chairman Shashank Sharma, Chief Minister's Media Advisor Pankaj Jha, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, MLA Sampat Agrawal, MLA Prabodh Minj, Tourism, Culture and Public Relations Department Secretary Rohit Yadav, CSIDC General Manager Vishwesh Kumar, Culture and Rajbhasha Department Director Vivek Acharya, Khadi Village Industries Secretary Shyam Dhavade, Investment Commissioner Ritu Sain, Resident Commissioner Shruti Singh and other officials were present at the function. (ANI) The accused was identified as Vikas Kumar Nimar. According to the CBI, the agency had registered a case on 24 September 2024 and had earlier conducted extensive searches at multiple locations linked to the accused. In September 2024, the agency dismantled four illegal call centres operating in Pune, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam. The agency said that "one key operative, Vikas Kumar Nimar, who was instrumental in establishing and operating the illegal call centres VC Infrometrix Pvt. Ltd at Pune and Visakhapatnam, was absconding since the date of registration of the case." To apprehend him, the CBI obtained a warrant from the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Pune. The CBI arrested the absconding operative from his residence in Lucknow on 20 November 2025. During the search of his premises, the agency recovered cash amounting to Rs 14 lakh, mobile phones and incriminating documents related to the alleged crime, the release said. The CBI said it also busted another illegal call centre being operated by Nimar in Lucknow, which was similarly targeting US nationals. Searches at the illegal call centre led to the recovery of 52 laptops containing incriminating digital evidence allegedly used in operating the cybercrime network. The CBI said the investigation is underway. (ANI) The Delhi Police has achieved a historic milestone under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) by securing the first-ever in-absentia charge framing against an absconding accused in a heinous crime case. The Outer North District recorded the breakthrough in a murder case involving the killing of 68-year-old Ramesh Bhardwaj. According to the police, this landmark move reflects the force's commitment to implementing new legal provisions to prevent absconding accused persons from delaying justice. On January 29, 2025, the victim's daughter lodged a missing person complaint after Ramesh Bhardwaj failed to return home. He had left on January 28 for Narela on his scooter. A kidnapping FIR was registered at PS Narela Industrial Area, later converted to Section 140(2) BNS (Kidnapping for Murder). The investigation soon focused on Jitender Mehto, an old servant of the victim, who had also gone missing. Police said the victim had recently received 4.5 lakh as part payment for a plot sale, and multiple witnesses confirmed his frequent visits to Jitender's rented accommodation. Teams conducted extensive searches across Azadpur, Bharola Village, Mukundpur, Rohini, Bhalswa, and Narela. With traditional leads exhausted, investigators turned to advanced digital tracking. On February 12, 2025, technical surveillance led them to Abhishek @ Vishal (19), son of the prime suspect. During questioning, Abhishek allegedly confessed that his father had murdered Ramesh Bhardwaj on January 28 and that they had disposed of the body. He also disclosed the alleged involvement of the victim's son, Love Bhardwaj, due to family disputes. Police recovered the victim's decomposed body from a drain, packed in a gunny bag. The BNSS, 2023, introduced Section 356, which allows courts to conduct trials, record evidence, and deliver judgments even in the absence of accused persons who have been declared Proclaimed Offenders. Under the CrPC, 1973, trials in absentia for serious offences were generally not permitted, often causing indefinite delays. Police said the reform aligns India with global legal systems such as those in France, Italy, and the US. The Delhi Police achieved the first-ever in-absentia charge framing on November 18, 2025, against absconding accused Jitender Mehto, after he was declared a Proclaimed Offender. The charges were framed by the court of Nisha Sahay Saxena, Principal District and Sessions Judge, North District, Rohini Court, for offences under Sections 238(A)/140(1)/103(1)/61(2)/3(5) BNS (corresponding to IPC Sections 201/364/302/120B/34). The court proceeded with a trial in absentia against Jitender, along with the available co-accused Abhishek @ Vishal. Key steps leading to historic order. NBW issued against Jitender on March 25, 2025. Declared Proclaimed Offender on July 11, 2025. PO chargesheet filed under Section 355 BNSS on August 25, 2025. First-ever charges framed in absentia on November 18, 2025. The case was projected before the court by IO Insp. Sudhir Rathi, under the supervision of senior officers, including ACP Rakesh Kumar, DCP Hareshwar Swami, and Joint CP Vijay Singh. The police stated that this order marks a turning point in the delivery of criminal justice, ensuring that absconding accused cannot stall trials. This is the first instance in Delhi Police history in which charges have been framed against an accused who was not present before the court, enabled by the BNSS statute. (ANI) In a significant occasion in the country's socio-cultural and spiritual landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Tuesday ceremonially hoist the saffron flag on the "shikhar" of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir. Ayodhya is immersed in spiritual fervour ahead of the event. Chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee, Nripendra Mishra, said 'Dhwajarohan' is not only a public celebration but also an announcement to devotees worldwide that the temple construction is complete. PM Modi said on Monday that Lord Ram is the soul of India and he will be a witness to the formal hoisting of the saffron flag atop the sacred temple. "Lord Shri Ram is the soul of India, the basis of its consciousness and its pride. For me, it is a matter of supreme fortune that tomorrow, on 25 November, at around 10 a.m., I will have the opportunity for darshan and worship in the divine and magnificent Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple complex in Ayodhya," PM Modi said in a post on X. "Thereafter, at around 12 noon, I will witness the historic moment of the formal hoisting of the saffron flag atop the sacred temple of Shri Ram Lala. This flag is a symbol of Lord Shri Ram's radiance, valor and his ideals, as well as our faith, spirituality and cultural heritage. Jai Shri Ram!" he added. At around 10 am, Prime Minister will visit Saptmandir which houses temples related to Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Maharshi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari. This will be followed by a visit to Sheshavtar Mandir. At around 11 am, Prime Minister will visit Mata Annapurna Mandir. After this, he will perform Darshan and Pooja at Ram Darbar Garbh Grah, which will be followed by Darshan at Ram Lalla Garbha Grah. At around 12 noon, he will ceremonially hoist a saffron flag on the Shikhar of the sacred Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, symbolizing the completion of the temple's construction and ushering in a new chapter of cultural celebration and national unity. Prime Minister will also address the gathering on this historic occasion. The programme will take place on the auspicious Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, coinciding with the Abhijit Muhurat of Shri Ram and Maa Sita's Vivah Panchami, a day symbolising divine union, a PMO release said. This date also marks the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who meditated in Ayodhya for 48 uninterrupted hours in the 17th century, further enhancing the spiritual significance of the day. "The right-angled triangular flag, measuring ten feet in height and twenty feet in length, bears the image of a radiant Sun symbolizing the brilliance and valour of Lord Shri Ram, with an 'Om' inscribed on it along with image of Kovidara tree. The sacred saffron flag will convey a message of dignity, unity, and cultural continuity, embodying the ideals of Ram Rajya. The flag will rise atop a "shikhar" constructed in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style, while the surrounding 800-metre Parkota, a circumambulatory enclosure built around the temple, designed in the South Indian architectural tradition, showcases the temple's architectural diversity. The release said that the temple complex features 87 intricately carved stone episodes from the life of Lord Ram based on the Valmiki Ramayana on the outer walls of the main temple, and 79 bronze-cast episodes from Indian culture placed along the enclosure walls. Together, these elements provide a meaningful and educational experience to all visitors, offering deep insight into Lord Ram's life and the cultural heritage of India, it said. Senior RSS leader Ram Madhav has said that hoisting the sacred flag atop the 191-foot-high shikhara of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple by the Prime Minister would symbolise that the temple project, Mission Ram temple, is symbolically complete. In an interview with ANI, Ram Madhav said that the "Dhwaja Rohan ceremony" in Hindu temple rituals is considered the culmination of temple construction. "That ceremony will be happening at Ayodhya, in which the Prime Minister and the RSS chief will be participating. We are happy that the temple behind which was that long struggle, which goes back 400-500 years... It had seen so many types of struggles and sacrifices and all that. Finally, it came to a culmination two years ago when the temple was finally constructed... It will naturally be a very happy occasion for all of us," he said." "The hoisting of the flag when it happens symbolises that this temple project, Mission Ram temple, will be symbolically complete," he added. 'Ramdhun' is being played across public address systems across the city, ahead of the flag hoisting ceremony, Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi told ANI. "The Ramdhun will continue to play continuously from the various public address systems in Ayodhya, creating a religious atmosphere. The people coming and going will have a good feeling. Jai Sita Ram... The Prime Minister will hoist the saffron flag on the Shikhar of Ram Janmabhoomi tomorrow. With this, a golden chapter will be added to the history of our Ayodhya. We are all continuously striving to make Ayodhya clean, pure, divine, and grand. Our entire city is working hard," he said. Nripendra Mishra, said the ceremony is very significant. "The Lord is now in his rightful place in the temple. In a way, it is like an announcement of the same to the world, to the devotees - that the construction work is now complete...Lord Ram's family now resides on the first floor - His brother, His closest 'sevak' Hanuman ji, and Sita ji now reside in the family temple. Aarti of this too will be done on the day the PM hoists the flag. So, it is really significant," he told ANI. After his visit to Ayodhya, PM Modi will also visit Kurukshetra in Haryana. He will inaugurate the newly constructed 'Panchjanya', constructed in honour of the sacred conch of Lord Krishna. Thereafter, he will visit the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra, an immersive experiential centre where installations depict significant episodes from the Mahabharata, highlighting its enduring cultural and spiritual significance. At around 4:30 pm, the Prime Minister will participate in a special programme commemorating the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the revered ninth Sikh Guru. During the programme, the Prime Minister will release a special coin and commemorative stamp marking the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of the revered Guru. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. To honour the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Government of India is observing a year-long commemoration. Later, the Prime Minister will perform darshan and pooja at Brahma Sarovar, one of India's most sacred pilgrimage sites, said to be associated with the divine revelation of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. This visit coincides with the ongoing International Gita Mahotsav, which is currently being held in Kurukshetra from November 15 to December 5. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday paid homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur on the occasion of his 350th martyrdom day, bowing his head in reverence to the ninth Sikh Guru. Shah recalled Tegh Bahadur's unmatched courage, sacrifice and steadfast commitment to righteousness, noting that his supreme martyrdom continues to inspire the nation's collective conscience. Sharing a post on his X handle, the Union Home Minister wrote, "The courage and valour with which Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji confronted injustice and unrighteousness is an inspiration for every Indian. To protect the faith, he did not hesitate even to offer his life. His life is an immortal saga of India's spiritual consciousness, courage, and sacrifice." Shah further highlighted that the nation will commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur in honour of the unforgettable legend. "Modi Ji has decided that the entire country will celebrate Guru Sahib's 350th martyrdom day with gratitude and remember his dedication to one's own dharma and culture..." he said. "Today in Delhi, I paid obeisance by bowing my head in reverence to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's sacrifice. The stories of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's sacrifice, courage, and martyrdom will continue to inspire us for eternity," he added. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has declared November 25 a public holiday to allow citizens to participate in the commemorative programmes. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said it was the capital's "good fortune" to host the 350th martyrdom day events of Guru Tegh Bahadur at the Red Fort and urged families to join the three-day congregation. The Chief Minister, along with cabinet ministers Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Kapil Mishra and representatives of various Sikh Gurdwara Committees, attended the inaugural day of the grand celebrations at the Red Fort. The three-day 'Gurmat Samagam', which began on November 23, will conclude on November 25. CM Rekha Gupta stated that the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur is being commemorated across the country with deep devotion, reverence and enthusiasm. A special light and laser show has also been organised by the Delhi government at the Red Fort as part of the celebrations, adding a vibrant visual tribute to the historic occasion. Commemorating Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom day serves to honour and preserve the legacy of the ninth Sikh Guru while upholding the religious sentiments of the people. Sikhs mark the day with special prayers in Gurdwaras across the country. (ANI) Assam Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Numal Momin on Monday strongly backed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's recent remarks on Sindh, stating that it is "quite natural that the border can be changed." Numal Momin further asserted that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and certain areas of Bangladesh "should be taken back". Speaking to ANI, Momin said, "Because Pakistan and Bangladesh were a part of India, it is quite natural that the border can be changed. I strongly support Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remark, and it is now high time we change the border. We should take back the PoK and take back the part of Bangladesh where we can introduce another portion for minority people who were persecuted in the name of religion." His remarks came a day after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing the Sindhi Samaj Sammelan in New Delhi, recalled former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani's statement that borders can change and suggested that "tomorrow Sindh may return to India again." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said, "This is Advani's (Lal Krishna Advani) quote. Today, the land of Sindh may not be a part of India, but civilisationally, Sindh will always be a part of India. And as far as land is concerned, borders can change. Who knows, tomorrow Sindh may return to India again." "Our people of Sindh, who hold the Indus River sacred, will always be our own. No matter where they are, they will always be ours," he added. Sindh region, known as the homeland of the Sindhi people, has been a significant part of India's civilisation. It was also the centre of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The region became part of Pakistan with the partition in 1947. Additionally, BJP leader Numal Momin also slammed Congress over their opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He said that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi should've backed SIR, but he "never thought about a brighter future for our country." "Narendra Modi took a very strong step, and the Election Commission of India is doing the right thing for the first time to identify legal voters and omit the illegal voters. Congress was habituated with the illegal voters, banking on them, and winning in the previous elections," he said. "Congress is afraid that if SIR is implemented in the 5 assemblies, where elections will take place very soon, the result will be like Bihar... He should have supported SIR... But he never thought about a brighter future for our country... He always tried to malign India's image abroad. That's why, naturally, SIR is not in his favour," he added. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is currently underway in nine states and three Union Territories. The first phase was conducted in Bihar ahead of the state assembly elections. (ANI) Tensions escalated outside the Election Commission (EC) office in Kolkata on Tuesday as protesters gathered to express their opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise underway in West Bengal. Police quickly set up barricades around the office as demonstrators surrounded the main gate, demanding clarity on the ongoing process. Several protestors, including teachers, expressed concerns over the accelerated pace of the SIR exercise. Speaking to ANI, a protester said, "I am a teacher. I am from Murshidabad. The SIR process, which usually takes two years in West Bengal, is being conducted within two months. Crores of voters were deleted from the voter list in Bihar. The same conspiracy is happening here. I am from Sulekha Pandey Primary School. Our delegate is inside the office. Thousands of BLOs were here. They have returned right now. They will come back tomorrow if the CO doesn't listen to us. We will continue our protest here the whole night. We will not spare anyone till we don't get answers." Another protestor clarified their role, stating, "I am a teacher. I am not a BLO. We are here in support of the BLOs.We are here to meet the Election Commission officers. Our representatives are inside the office. Till the time the officers don't meet us, our protest will continue here." Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) North Kolkata District President Tamoghna Ghosh alleged that some individuals attempting to enter the office were "TMC goons" intending to commit hooliganism. "These are TMC goons and are here to commit hooliganism... Look at their behaviour and actions. These people are not BLOs... They had come here to the CO office at midnight to commit tampering. We stopped them," Ghosh told ANI. Currently, a nationwide SIR is underway in 12 states and union territories, including West Bengal, with the final elector's list to be published on February 7, 2026. These states and UTs include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed serious concerns over the ongoing SIR in the state, urging the Election Commission to intervene immediately. Sharing her concerns in a letter on X, the West Bengal CM addressed to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Banerjee described the SIR exercise as "unplanned, chaotic and dangerous," highlighting gaps in training, lack of clarity on documentation, and the impossibility of meeting voters amidst their work schedules. Banerjee, in her letter, further noted the "critical gaps in training, lack of clarity on mandatory documentation and the near-impossibility of meeting voters in the midst of their livelihood schedules have made the exercise structurally unsound." The Chief Minister expressed serious concerns about the ongoing SIR, citing inadequate planning, insufficient training, and unrealistic timelines that are "compromising the process's credibility." (ANI) Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tashkent to discuss regional security concerns, particularly the situation in Afghanistan, and bilateral cooperation, The Khama Press news agency reported. The leaders focused on socio-economic coordination and addressing the security challenges posed by Afghanistan's ongoing instability. In a joint statement earlier this year, China and Central Asian leaders, including Uzbekistan, pledged to support a stable and peaceful Afghanistan, free from terrorism and drug trafficking. They vowed to collaborate in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the region, as per the Khama Press news agency. Wang Yi's visit to Uzbekistan was part of the Strategic Dialogue of Foreign Ministers before he continued to Tajikistan. While China and Central Asian nations maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties, both have refrained from recognising the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, citing concerns over extremism and terrorism. The cautious approach by China and Central Asian countries highlights ongoing concerns over regional security and the threat of radicalisation. As these nations work together to stabilise the region, Afghanistan remains a central point of focus for all parties involved. The Mirziyoyev-Wang meeting underscores the strategic importance of Central Asia's cooperation in addressing Afghanistan's challenges. Both nations aim to strengthen ties while managing the security risks posed by the ongoing turmoil in Afghanistan, according to Khama Press news agency. Meanwhile, Afghanistan has also been facing natural calamities, adding to the country's instability. Two days earlier, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported an earthquake of magnitude 4.1 at a depth of 178 km. Earlier the same day, another tremor of magnitude 4.3 struck at a depth of 170 km. Afghanistan was also hit by a powerful earthquake on November 4, which killed at least 27 people and injured 956 others, according to Sharafat Zaman Amar, spokesperson for the Taliban's Ministry of Public Health. The tremor caused extensive damage, including to one of the country's most renowned mosques, CNN reported. The combination of ongoing security concerns and repeated natural disasters continues to pose significant challenges for Afghanistan, making regional cooperation and humanitarian support increasingly crucial. (ANI) United States representatives and Ukraine met in Geneva on Sunday to discuss the US peace proposal, focusing on achieving a just and lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting. The talks were described as "constructive, focused, and respectful," underscoring the shared commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace. "Both sides agreed the consultations were highly productive. The discussions showed meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps," the statement said. The joint statement emphasised that any future agreement must "future agreement must fully uphold Ukraine's sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace. As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework." The Ukrainian delegation reaffirmed its gratitude for the steadfast commitment of the United States and President Donald Trump, highlighting their "tireless efforts aimed at ending the war and the loss of life." Both Ukraine and the United States agreed to continue intensive work on joint proposals in the coming days and to remain in close contact with European partners as the process advances. Final decisions under the framework will be made by the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States.Both sides reiterated their readiness to continue working together to secure a peace that ensures Ukraine's security, stability, and reconstruction. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio projected optimism on Sunday after he described the talks as "productive and meaningful" so far, CNN reported. Rubio told reporters after the first session. The 28-point peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump continues to evolve as the delegates work to achieve terms that would be acceptable to both Ukraine and Russia, Rubio said. "This is a living, breathing document. Every day, with input, it changes," he said, "The items that remain open are not insurmountable. We just need more time than what we have today," he said. According to CNN, the US proposal had attracted bipartisan criticism for its concessions to Russia. The plan puts pressure on Kyiv to cede territory, limit its military's size, and promise not to join NATO in exchange for an end to the war -- all long-standing Kremlin demands. (ANI) Qabil Ashirov A conference in Istanbul has explored how AzerbaijanTurkiye strategic cooperation has evolved in the aftermath of the Garabagh Victory, with experts highlighting shifting power dynamics in the South Caucasus. Hosted by the Turkish Literature Foundation (TEDEV) and organised by the Garabagh is Azerbaijan National Platform, the event brought together academics, researchers, and civil society representatives to examine new regional realities, the role of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), and the geopolitical significance of the Zangazur Corridor. Opening the conference, Elvin Abdurahmanl?, the platforms Turkiye coordinator, said the Garabagh Victory was now a symbol of pride across the Turkic world, adding that the platforms mission is to promote accurate information about Garabagh internationally and strengthen AzerbaijaniTurkish ties. TEDEV Chairman Serhat Kabakl? emphasised the importance of cultural links as the basis for deeper political and strategic cooperation. Panel discussions featured presentations on regional diplomacy, military cooperation, and the rising importance of the Middle Corridor in Eurasian connectivity. The event also saw the launch of the Center for Geostrategic and Diplomatic Studies (JEDAM), which aims to cultivate strategic research among young scholars and support the academic dimension of AzerbaijaniTurkish relations. Participants received commemorative plaques at the close of the programme. New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday for their first in-person interaction, an encounter that remained cordial despite Mamdani refusing to retract his earlier criticism of the President. In an appearance on NBC News' Meet the Press on Saturday, Mamdani said he still considers Trump a "fascist" and a "despot", even though both leaders described their Friday meeting as "productive". The sitting US President adopted a friendlier approach during the interaction, telling reporters he would be "cheering" for the incoming mayor. Mamdani said their conversation was constructive and largely centred on affordability challenges in the city. Reaffirming his earlier remarks about Trump, Mamdani said, "Everything that I've said in the past, I continue to believe." He added that disagreements should not prevent officials from working together. "I'm not coming into the Oval Office to make a point or make a stand. I'm coming in there to deliver for New Yorkers," he said on NBC News. According to Mamdani, Trump also addressed the controversial label with humour. When the mayor-elect was asked again about calling Trump a "fascist", Mamdani said, "I've spoken about it," prompting Trump to interject, "That's okay, you can just say yes." The President added, "That's easier. It's easier than explaining it, I don't mind," while patting Mamdani on the arm. Mamdani said New Yorkers he met during the campaign, including residents in Queens and the Bronx who voted for Trump, consistently cited rising living costs as their main concern. He said he conveyed to the President that tackling affordability would be his top priority. He added that he aimed to establish a working relationship focused on issues that keep people "up late at night", noting Trump's own campaign pledge to reduce costs from the first day of his second term. The two also discussed Trump's earlier statements about possibly deploying the National Guard to New York City. Mamdani declined to say whether the President committed to withholding such action, but said he made clear that the NYPD is capable of ensuring public safety. Trump later told reporters he would send troops only "if they need it", calling their exchange constructive. In the lead-up to Election Day, Trump frequently criticised Mamdani on social media, calling him a "communist lunatic" and warning that federal funding could be cut if he became mayor. The President had also backed Mamdani's rival, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who contested as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary. (ANI) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced confidence after what he described as a constructive first round of talks between American and Ukrainian officials in Geneva aimed at ending the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Rubio said the discussions were "probably the most productive and meaningful" so far, noting that the 28-point peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump is still being refined as negotiators look for terms acceptable to both Kyiv and Moscow. He stressed that "This is a living, breathing document. Every day, with input, it changes," while adding that remaining gaps "are not insurmountable" but require more time. The US proposal has drawn bipartisan criticism at home for offering concessions to Russia, including asking Ukraine to cede territory, limit its armed forces and forgo NATO membership, the long-standing Russian demand. A State Department spokesperson reiterated that the plan was "authored by the United States, with input from both the Russians and Ukrainians." According to the White House, "revisions and clarifications" were introduced after consultations in Geneva with senior American, Ukrainian and European officials, and Kyiv believes the updated text "reflects their national security interests." A statement said the Ukrainian side confirmed that concerns on security guarantees, economic development, infrastructure protection, navigation and sovereignty were thoroughly addressed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed the optimism, describing the talks as delivering "substantive" progress. "Much is changing: we are working very carefully on the steps needed to end the war," he said in a video address. His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, called the meeting "very productive" and thanked Trump for his efforts "to bring this peace." The cautious progress came shortly after Trump criticised Ukraine for what he characterised as "zero gratitude" for US attempts to secure a settlement, asserting on social media that "UKRAINE 'LEADERSHIP' HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA." A joint statement issued by the White House and Zelensky's office described the Geneva dialogue as "highly productive," highlighting "meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps" and an "updated and refined peace framework." Ukraine also expressed its appreciation toward the US and Trump "for their tireless efforts aimed at ending the war and the loss of life." Zelensky added that "there are signs that President Trump's team is listening" to Ukraine's concerns. The US President has given Kyiv until Thursday to respond to the Washington-backed plan, though he told reporters the proposal was not his "final offer." Rubio indicated that any timeline remains fluid, noting that Russia also "gets a vote here," adding, "Our goal is to end this war as soon as possible, but we need a little more time." Rubio met the Ukrainian team alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and other US officials. Jared Kushner was also part of the American delegation. CNN reported that Western and European leaders on the G20 sidelines in South Africa welcomed renewed diplomatic activity but raised concerns over the US draft, describing it as an "initial draft" that needs substantial work. Several governments warned that restrictions on Ukraine's armed forces risked leaving the country exposed to future aggression. Ahead of the Geneva meeting, Yermak told CNN they were "preparing for a constructive conversation." The Ukrainian team also held talks with the UK, Germany and France earlier on Sunday, and Zelensky spoke with leaders from France, Germany, Canada, Croatia and Luxembourg. CNN, citing European officials and diplomatic sources, reported that the European counter-proposal softened language on NATO restrictions and removed references to recognising Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk as Russian territory. The document insists on a ceasefire first, uses the current front line as the basis for further negotiation and drops a fixed deadline for elections, instead stating they would be held as soon as possible after peace is signed. European diplomats told CNN that any future agreement "cannot entail recognition of occupation" and must not impose limits on Ukraine's alignment choices or its military capabilities. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was "skeptical" that a deal would be ready by Trump's deadline given the divisions that remain. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said leaders were prepared to engage but wanted clarity on the origins of the US plan, writing that "it would be good to know for sure who is the author of the plan and where was it created." A separate US-Russia meeting discussing the proposal is also being planned, though not in Geneva. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously remarked that the US proposal "could form the basis of a final peace settlement." European Council President Antonio Costa announced a meeting of EU leaders on Monday, while French President Emmanuel Macron said the 30-nation coalition supporting Ukraine will hold a video call on Tuesday, marking a busy stretch of diplomacy. (ANI) Union Minister Kiren Rijiju is travelling to Bhutan to lead the "Delegation for the Return of Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha", which had been brought to the Himalayan nation for public exposition. In a post on X, Rijiju said he is "leaving for the Kingdom of Bhutan to lead the 'Delegation for the Return of Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha' (Enshrined at the National Museum, in New Delhi), which was brought to Bhutan for public exposition." https://x.com/KirenRijiju/status/1992791592663679471?s=20 Rijiju's visit comes soon after a series of significant cultural exchanges between India and Bhutan this month. Earlier, on November 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed gratitude to Bhutan's leadership and people for the warm and respectful reception given to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha during their public display in the country, highlighting the deep spiritual and cultural ties between the two nations. In his post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Heartfelt appreciation to the people and leadership of Bhutan for the reverent welcome accorded to the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India. These relics symbolise the timeless message of peace, compassion and harmony. The teachings of Lord Buddha are a sacred link between our two nations' shared spiritual heritage." The relics, enshrined at the National Museum in New Delhi, had been sent to Bhutan for exhibition from November 8 to 18, underscoring the long-standing cultural bond shared by the two neighbours. The Indian delegation accompanying the relics was led by Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, along with senior Buddhist monks and officials. The relics were welcomed at Paro International Airport with a solemn ceremony attended by Bhutan's Home Minister Tshering, Tshoki Lopen of the Central Monastic Body, Paro Mayor Norbu Wangchuk, Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sandeep Arya, and other senior officials and monks. The Royal Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck also offered their respects to the relics. Following the ceremony, the relics were taken to the Grand Kuenrey Hall at Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, where traditional rituals were performed for their enshrinement. Speaking at the event, Virendra Kumar said he was honoured to lead the Indian delegation. "This exposition strengthens the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan, reinforcing the shared heritage of peace and compassion inspired by Lord Buddha," he said. Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay thanked the Government of India for bringing the relics to Bhutan. He said the event, envisioned by the King of Bhutan, symbolised global peace and harmony. Tobgay also appreciated the efforts of India's Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation, calling the exposition "a significant milestone in Bhutan-India relations." He further conveyed his appreciation to PM Modi for facilitating the sacred visit. The exhibition became a symbol of peace, compassion and unity, reaffirming the Buddhist ties between India and Bhutan. It also formed part of India's broader efforts to share its Buddhist heritage internationally, following exhibitions in Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam and Russia's Kalmykia region. The event came after the return of the Piprahwa Jewel Relics to India, which PM Modi described as a moment of national pride. PM Modi, who has completed his State visit to Bhutan from November 11 to 12, travelled as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the close partnership and the tradition of high-level exchanges between the two neighbours. (ANI) Peshawar Capital City Police Officer Mian Saeed Ahmad confirmed the incident, telling Dawn: "The FC headquarters is under attack. We are responding and the area is being cordoned off." According to the outlet, security personnel moved quickly to secure the vicinity following initial reports of an explosion and gunfire. Citing security sources, Dawn reported that a suicide attacker detonated explosives at the entrance of the FC headquarters, after which heavy firing was heard from the area. The facility is located in a densely populated neighbourhood near a military cantonment, adding to the urgency of the response. The Federal Constabulary, earlier known as the Frontier Constabulary before being renamed by the government in July, has been in the spotlight as Pakistan continues to experience rising militant activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Dawn noted that the surge intensified after the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022 and vowed to target security forces and law enforcement agencies. This latest assault comes at a time when Pakistan has witnessed a series of deadly attacks. Earlier this year, at least ten people lost their lives and several others were injured after a powerful car bomb went off outside the paramilitary headquarters in Quetta. The incident unfolded amid increasing regional tensions. On September 3, a suicide blast at a political rally in Quetta killed 11 people and injured over 40, striking a stadium parking lot where hundreds of Balochistan National Party supporters had gathered. Pakistani forces continue to face a prolonged insurgency in Balochistan, which has accounted for 782 deaths in 2024. In March, the Baloch Liberation Army seized a train and killed off-duty troops, underlining the scale of the challenge. Since January, more than 430 people, mostly members of the security forces, have been killed in multiple attacks, including six soldiers in Bannu. (ANI) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India in early 2026, the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada stated. Following the return of high commissioners in August 2025, the two prime ministers agreed to enhance diplomatic staffing levels to meet growing consular demands and strengthen people-to-people linkages. They also agreed to support reciprocal knowledge transfer as part of ongoing engagement between the two countries. Carney welcomed the progress being made in the law enforcement dialogue between India and Canada. India and Canada have agreed to begin negotiations on a high-ambition Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit on Sunday. The planned CEPA talks aim to raise bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. After the meeting, PM Modi said the two leaders acknowledged the "significant momentum" in the relationship and committed to "further advance" cooperation across multiple sectors. In a post on X, he wrote: "Had a very productive meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada. We appreciated the significant momentum in our bilateral ties since our earlier meeting held during the G7 Summit hosted by Canada." He added: "We agreed to further advance our relations in the coming months, particularly in trade, investment, technology and innovation, energy and education." Modi noted that both countries "have great potential in strengthening trade and investment linkages" and have set a "target" of USD 50 billion by 2030. He also said Canadian Pension Funds "are also showing keen interest in Indian companies." The Prime Minister said the two leaders are expected to meet again soon and that they "agreed to unlock the potential for deeper cooperation in defence and space sectors." According to a release from the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides "reaffirmed" their longstanding civil nuclear cooperation and discussed expanding it through long-term uranium supply arrangements. On Sunday, Carney referred to India as a reliable trading partner. Responding to a question during a press briefing, he said, "Yes, we do actually." He noted that India and Canada do not yet have a CEPA with "one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies." He added, "The ability to have more effective trade with them, to scale that trade with them, would be greatly helped by that." Carney highlighted what he described as a strong commercial relationship, saying Canadian firms are "one of the largest foreign investors." He said a formal trade agreement would give businesses protections, clear rules and a dispute-resolution system. He also pointed to India's growing role in sectors such as solar and wind energy, saying Canada is seeking to diversify supply chains. "We'll diversify in that respect from China, which is the dominant player there," he said, adding, "India, South Korea are really the two main opportunities." Sunday's meeting was the first bilateral between the two leaders since their interaction at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in June, which helped reset ties and paved the way for the return of high commissioners after relations deteriorated under former prime minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau had alleged in Parliament in September 2023 that there were "credible links" between Indian agents and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, claims New Delhi rejected as "absurd" and "motivated." Engagement has since advanced under Carney, who took office in March. India and Canada, along with Australia, announced the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership on Saturday. Modi said the partnership "will deepen collaboration between democratic partners across three continents and three oceans in emerging technologies, support diversification of supply chains, clean energy and mass adoption of AI." In another post, the Canadian Prime Minister said, "We'll work more closely together on clean energy, critical minerals, and AI to unlock new research, more opportunities, and greater prosperity." (ANI) Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand joined Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G20 Summit for discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as both sides launched negotiations toward a comprehensive Canada-India trade agreement. In a post on X, Anand wrote, "At the G20 Summit, I joined Prime Minister @MarkJCarney for discussions with Prime Minister @narendramodi and Minister @DrSJaishankar as we launched negotiations toward a comprehensive Canada-India trade agreement." She said the proposed pact carries significant economic potential for both nations, adding, "A deal that could lift our bilateral trade above $70 billion would strengthen Canada's economic position and deliver concrete opportunities for workers and businesses across the country." Prime Minister Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Carney on the sidelines of the summit, where both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in defence, space, trade, technology and energy. Their meeting comes as ties between India and Canada have been improving since their interaction at the G7 Summit in June, with both sides reviving several dialogue mechanisms. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, "Had a very productive meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada." This marked their second meeting this year after their discussions at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in June. Modi highlighted prospects for deeper economic cooperation and noted that both nations aim to raise bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. Bilateral trade exceeded USD 30 billion in 2024 as India became Canada's seventh-largest trading partner. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the launch of the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership represents an important step in trilateral collaboration across critical technologies, nuclear energy, supply chain resilience and artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Carney expressed support for India's AI Summit scheduled for February 2026. Posting on X, he said the new negotiations could more than double trade to over C$70 billion, calling India the world's fifth-largest economy and a major opportunity for Canadian businesses. The MEA said both sides agreed to begin talks on a "high-ambition" Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at doubling trade by 2030. They reaffirmed civil nuclear ties and noted ongoing discussions on sustained uranium supply. Carney said India is a "reliable trading partner," while acknowledging some friction and underscoring the need for a stable trade agreement with clear rules. Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Anand at the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Niagara, where they discussed cooperation in trade, energy, security and mobility. Anand, who visited India a month earlier, outlined a roadmap covering critical minerals, energy and trade. Canada's international trade minister, Maninder Sidhu, also visited India this month to identify new areas for expanding commercial engagement. Prime Minister Modi invited Carney to visit India as both sides work to consolidate progress in the relationship. (ANI) The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) has announced a three-day public mobilisation drive in early December, beginning in Kamo Shaheed, Ghotki, and ending in Karachi, as part of its pushback against the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, Dawn reported. The decision was taken at a key meeting of the alliance's Sindh chapter, chaired by Syed Zain Shah and attended by senior figures from PTI, Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, Sindh United Party, PkMAP and other constituent groups. The meeting reviewed the country's political and constitutional landscape and signed off on multiple organisational steps. According to Dawn, a statement issued after the session said the TTAP leadership had finalised plans for a three-day rally that would move across several cities before reaching Karachi. "The participants of the meeting lauded the people of Sindh for observing Black Day on November 21 and appreciated the ongoing struggle of lawyers across the country against the 27th Constitutional Amendment," the statement said. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Zain Shah said the alliance's mobilisation would travel through major towns before concluding in Karachi. He said the public was exhausted by unemployment, economic strain and rising prices. "The 27th Amendment has undermined the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law," he said, adding that the government's attempts to restrict political gatherings were being rejected by the public. As reported by Dawn, Shah criticised the use of Section 144 across Sindh, saying, "After TTAP announced a public rally in Hyderabad, the sudden imposition of Section 144 throughout the province has proved that the PPP has lost its popular support in Sindh." He said the opposition's movement had entered a critical stage and warned that attempts to "suppress public opinion or impose governments on the basis of a fabricated mandate would no longer be tolerated." PTI's Haleem Adil Sheikh also addressed the meeting, saying the 27th Amendment had "stripped the judiciary of its independence" and that only a public-driven movement could counter what he described as a system created through a "stolen mandate." He criticised the government for pushing "anti-people" amendments while keeping PTI founder Imran Khan in "unjust imprisonment." "These measures will not be accepted under any circumstances," he said, noting that large gatherings were planned in several cities during the December drive. Dawn added that the TTAP leadership expects the mobilisation to draw widespread participation as it continues its campaign against the proposed constitutional changes. (ANI) Nepal's ancient city of Janakpur is drenched in Bibah Panchami fervour as the main day of the week-long rituals draws near. In the second year since the Pran Pratistha of the Ram idol in Ayodhya, the maternal home of Goddess Sita is gripped with the fervour of the celebration. The ancient city has completed all preparations for the grand religious festival, the Janaki Temple Management Committee has stated. "Preparations for Bibah Panchami have been completed with the city decked up for the festivity. The Janaki Temple, along with other religious sites in Janakpur, has been decorated. Just as it was readied for Lord Ram in the Treta Yug, the same scene can now be seen in Janakpurdham. Thousands of devotees will come here along with sadhus and saints. The whole of Janakpur is prepared for Bibah Panchami," Ram Tapeshwor Das, deputy Mahanth of Janaki Temple, told ANI. "The rituals of Swoyambar will be held on the 25th (November), the auspicious day, at 1 PM (local time). The Bibah rituals will start from 6 PM (local time). No stone has been left unturned to make it a grand success, with the involvement of all state and private authorities for the celebration of Bibah Panchami," the deputy Mahanth added. Works ranging from cleaning to the construction of attractive tents and pavilions have been carried out in the Janaki Temple area, the Rangabhumi ground, and the Bahrabigha premises. These sacred places have been decorated, and colourful lights have also been installed. The main rituals of the Bibah Panchami festival will take place at the Janaki Temple and the Bahrabigaha Rangabhumi. The Janaki Temple Management Committee has stated that a large number of sadhus, holy men, saints, ascetics, monks and nuns are expected to arrive from various religious centres in India, including Ayodhya, Rishikesh and Haridwar, this year. This festival, one of the main religious events in Janakpurdham--known as the cultural capital of Mithila--has long been a major means of strengthening Nepal-India religious relations. Various religious and cultural rituals are held as part of this festival. These include the nagar darshan ritual on the first day, followed by the phoolbari leela on the second, the dhanush yagya on November 22, the tilakotsav on November 23, the Matkor ritual today, the Swoyambar and Subha Bibah rituals on November 25, and the Ramkalewa ritual on November 26. Every year, on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Mangsir, thousands of devotees from across Nepal and India visit Janakpurdham to celebrate the festival. (ANI) Imprisoned Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Mahrang Baloch has sent a detailed message to Baloch youth from Huda Jail, encouraging them to stay engaged with the national movement, resist state oppression through education and discipline, and maintain bravery, justice, and dignity amidst fear, enforced disappearances, and widespread crackdowns throughout Balochistan, as reported by The Balochistan Post (TBP). In a message dated October 30, 2025, Baloch remarked that while "time may appear to stand still within prison walls, thoughts do not cease," stressing that the burden of continuing the fight against oppression now lies heavily on the younger generation, according to TBP. She stated that Baloch youth should delve deeply into philosophy, history, politics, science, and technology, not just to obtain degrees but as instruments for fostering national awareness, critical thinking, and the survival of Baloch identity. "A nation survives not by force but through determination," she asserted. Baloch emphasised that bravery is crucial in confronting both external oppression and internal fears. "Defeat only happens when you cease fighting, and the Baloch youth have never ceased to fight," she pointed out. She urged young people to recognise and dismantle "mental slavery," which she described as more perilous than physical oppression, and highlighted that resistance should be founded on truth, discipline, and justice. Baloch also highlighted the pain experienced by families impacted by enforced disappearances, stating that these issues have transformed from political concerns into "the defeat of humanity." She concluded her message by asking Baloch youth to commit to three lifelong promises: to never cease the pursuit of truth, to utilise their talents for the nation's benefit, and to incorporate respect for their language and identity into their daily lives, as cited by TBP. Balochistan is currently facing a severe human rights crisis characterised by widespread enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions. Political activists, dissenters, and peaceful demonstrators are often targeted, frequently detained without charges or access to fair legal processes. This systemic repression infringes on fundamental rights and exacerbates the existing tensions in the region. (ANI) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), at the conclusion of its 39th annual general meeting, has sounded an urgent alarm over what it describes as rapidly escalating threats to constitutional democracy, civic freedoms, and the safety of vulnerable communities across the country. In a detailed statement issued by HRCP Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt, the Commission warned that the cumulative impact of recent political and security decisions is eroding fundamental rights and weakening public trust in state institutions. HRCP expressed grave concern over the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, saying that the move threatens judicial independence by expanding executive control over matters that must remain free of interference. The Commission said the amendment severely undermines the system of checks and balances, especially at a time when democratic institutions are already under strain. It criticised the provision of lifetime immunity for public officeholders, arguing that it concentrates unchecked power among a small group and compromises parliamentary supremacy. The Commission reiterated that empowered, elected local governments are essential for deepening democracy and ensuring meaningful citizen participation in governance. Addressing the deteriorating security environment, HRCP stressed that counter-militancy efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan must not come at the cost of basic freedoms and the right to dissent. It condemned the continued blanket internet shutdowns in Balochistan and other regions, saying that such blackouts have crippled education, economic activity, and democratic engagement, and must be lifted without delay. The Commission called on federal and provincial governments to adopt rights-respecting security policies, carry out impartial investigations into abuses by state actors, and engage constructively with local communities. It urged an immediate end to enforced disappearances and the use of internment centres without due process, and called for discontinuing the use of Schedule 4 as a tool to suppress dissent. The HRCP statement also highlighted growing alarm over the harassment, detention, and forced repatriation of Afghan refugees. Many deported or detained refugees, it noted, face genuine risks of persecution, family separation, and acute humanitarian distress. HRCP pressed the government to halt deportations, guarantee due process, and uphold international protection standards. It renewed its longstanding call for Pakistan to ratify the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol and to protect the right to citizenship by birth and naturalisation. Citing rising instances of custodial torture and extrajudicial killings, especially involving Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Counter Crime Department (CCD) personnel, HRCP demanded urgent, independent inquiries and strict accountability. Such violations, the Commission said, perpetuate impunity and pose a severe threat to citizens' right to life and dignity. The Commission also drew attention to the worsening situation of religious minorities, particularly Ahmadis, who continue to face mob attacks, violence at worship sites, and desecration of graves. It urged the state to ensure security, hold perpetrators accountable, and urgently operationalise the long-delayed commission to investigate misuse of blasphemy laws. HRCP also called for legislation to end forced conversions. Raising concerns over child rights, the Commission said child marriage remains pervasive and harmful, jeopardising girls' health, education, and futures. It demanded uniform legislation defining a minor and declaring all marriages under 18 illegal. HRCP further noted persistent sexual harassment in educational institutions and workplaces, calling for stronger reporting systems, transparent accountability, and preventive training. The Commission urged authorities to support thousands of climate-displaced persons, especially in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), by providing safe shelter, basic services, and sustainable resettlement plans. It called for sustained assistance for rebuilding homes and livelihoods for communities devastated by recent floods, particularly in South Punjab. In closing, Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt stressed that Pakistan is at a critical crossroads and warned that unless these issues are addressed urgently and comprehensively, the country risks deepening democratic erosion and escalating humanitarian distress. (ANI) The UN climate conference COP30 wrapped up in Brazil on Saturday without securing a firm commitment to phase out fossil fuels, a failure that immediately sparked public protest from dozens of countries, who warned that the summits final draft undermines global efforts to keep warming to 1.5C (2.7F). The draft outcome, put forward by Brazil as conference president, avoided any explicit reference to phasing out oil, gas or coal, following strong pushback from major fossil-fuel producers and several emerging economies, according to Anadolu Agency. Instead, it calls only for countries to step up climate action on a voluntary basis. The omission triggered a dispute on the floor during the final plenary. COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago briefly halted the session after delegates from the EU, Colombia, Panama and Switzerland protested openly and raised their flags to signal their objection to the text. When proceedings resumed, he confirmed that the outcome documents had been approved despite the protests and concerns that delegations had not been given the chance to voice their positions publicly. I'm sorry. I didnt see the flags, do Lago said. More than 80 countries including Colombia, France and Spain had spent the past two weeks pushing for a clear and explicit roadmap to end fossil-fuel use. Colombia was among the strongest critics. Environment Minister Irene Velez said the summit had failed its central purpose. Colombia will not endorse a text that denies science, blocks the 1.5C goal, and turns its back on people and life, she said. President Gustavo Petro echoed that sentiment, writing on social media that he rejected the final document. I cannot accept that the COP30 declaration does not clearly state as science does that fossil fuels used by capital are the cause of the climate crisis, he said. European Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra also voiced disappointment, saying the EU had hoped for more ambition but would nevertheless "support" the agreed text. Despite the backlash, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva declared the conference a success, insisting science prevailed, multilateralism won. Brazil said it would continue working within the voluntary framework until COP31, when Turkiye assumes the presidency. The summit was also marked by the absence of the worlds largest oil producer, the United States, which did not attend the gathering in Belem. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday said India is taking the message of the Bhagavad Gita to the global stage, with more than 50 Indian missions organising parallel events as part of the International Gita Mahotsav. Addressing the 10th edition of International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, he described the scripture as a universal guide to righteous living that continues to offer "inner strength and spiritual clarity" across nations and generations. Jaishankar said the Ministry of External Affairs, along with the Haryana government, the Kurukshetra Development Board, and the partner state, Madhya Pradesh, is working to internationalise the Mahotsav this year. As the lead organisation in this effort, the Ministry has "played a pivotal role in amplifying the Gita's resonance across continents," he said. The minister noted that missions abroad have selected distinguished foreign scholars to join the celebrations, bringing diverse perspectives to the spiritual dialogue. More than 25 translated editions of the Bhagavad Gita have been collected for exhibition, highlighting its reach across cultures and languages. Through exhibitions, discourses and cultural programmes held in India and abroad, the Ministry aims to honour "Lord Krishna's eternal teachings and their transformative power," he said. "This global celebrations are not merely a cultural gathering; it is a reaffirmation of shared values and a call to live with courage and compassion. BY bringing communities across borders together, the ministry strives to embody the Gita's spirit of harmony and resilience. May the teachings of the Gita continue to guide humanity towards a more powerful, purposeful and enlightened world", EAM Jaishankar added. Calling the global celebrations a reaffirmation of shared values, Jaishankar said the Mahotsav seeks to unite communities across borders and embody the Gita's spirit of harmony and resilience. "May the teachings of the Gita guide humanity towards a more purposeful and enlightened world," he added. The International Gita Mahotsav, which began in Kurukshetra on November 15, continues to draw massive public participation. Officials said more than 70 lakh people are expected to attend this year's edition, with eminent personalities from across the country already joining the ongoing events. A state government spokesperson said Gita Mahotsav celebrations are being held in 50 countries this year with support from the Ministry of External Affairs. Madhya Pradesh has been included as the partner state for the 2025 edition. The spokesperson said that on November 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a ceremony at Jyotisar to mark the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. A pandal spread over 155 acres has been set up at the venue, and around 1.5 lakh devotees are expected to participate. Major intersections in Kurukshetra are being developed on a Mahabharata theme, and temples across the city are being lit with decorative illumination. (ANI) Three years after the tragic Urumchi Fire on November 24, 2022, the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) remembers the over 40 Uyghur lives lost and denounces the Chinese government's ongoing lack of transparency regarding the incident, according to a statement from WUC. The fire, which broke out in a residential building under lockdown in the Tianshan district of Urumchi, revealed the devastating effects of the Chinese government's racially discriminatory policies in East Turkistan and the broader repression. On the night of the fire, Uyghur families found themselves trapped behind sealed doors, iron barriers, and stringent COVID lockdown measures that disproportionately affected the Uyghur community. Residents were hindered from escaping, and firefighters allegedly took hours to arrive despite being nearby. Testimonies have indicated that at least 44 individuals, including mothers and young children, perished in the inferno, a number that far exceeds the Chinese government's reported figure of ten deaths. To this day, Beijing has not provided a comprehensive investigation, a list of victims, or an explanation for the delayed response, as noted in the WUC release. "It has been three years, yet we continue to experience the same indifference toward Uyghur lives," remarked WUC President Turgunjan Alawdun. "Uyghurs remain unable to seek justice or a thorough inquiry into the deaths of their family members. In other nations, one could normally inquire about the circumstances of their loved ones' deaths, but for Uyghurs, doing so might lead to detention. This tragedy must be remembered not just for the lives lost but as a reflection of a wider pattern of systemic neglect and the ongoing effort to erase the Uyghur people," as quoted in the WUC release. The Urumchi Fire served as a trigger for the White Paper Movement, marking China's largest nationwide protests since Tiananmen Square. Tens of thousands of individuals, mostly students, gathered across the nation holding blank sheets of paper to protest censorship, arbitrary lockdowns, and state violence, as noted in the WUC release. Chinese protesters who had been arrested for leading or participating in the demonstrations have since been released. However, a 19-year-old Uyghur university student, Kamile Wayit, who was studying at the Shangju Institute of Technology in Henan, was detained on December 12, 2022, and sentenced for "promoting extremism" simply for sharing a video of the protests on WeChat. Various sources suggest she is still believed to be incarcerated at Kashgar Women's Prison. This highlights the sharp contrast in how Uyghur and Chinese protesters are treated. As we commemorate this anniversary, the WUC honours the victims and supports the families who continue to endure in silence. Their lives mattered, and justice has long been overdue, as stated in the WUC release. (ANI) Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, has entered into a strategic partnership with the UAE-India CEPA Council to strengthen cross-border startup expansion between Abu Dhabi and India. The agreement was signed on November 21 on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Mumbai, as per a press statement. The tie-up operationalises the innovation agenda of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by creating an end-to-end pathway for high-potential Indian startups to enter, validate and scale in Abu Dhabi. Under the agreement, Hub71 will support the CEPA Council's flagship Start-Up Series by providing structured market-entry support. Hub71 will onboard the five winning startups selected through the Series, which will hold its finale in New Delhi on 25 November, into the Hub71 Immersion Programme. The newly launched programme is designed to fast-track market entry for startups by combining a virtual onboarding to build market readiness with in-person sessions in Abu Dhabi. As part of its role, Hub71 will deliver curated knowledge sessions, provide mentorship and connect the startups with the Abu Dhabi tech ecosystem. In addition, from the five winning startups, Hub71 will select one startup to be onboarded into the Access programme. By joining Access, the selected startup will also gain structured entry into Abu Dhabi's tech ecosystem, including tailored soft-landing that enables the company's founders to explore market opportunities, engage with key stakeholders and identify viable pathways for long-term growth across the region. Abdulnasser Alshaali, Ambassador of the UAE to India, said the CEPA has "opened a new chapter" in UAE-India ties. "The CEPA has opened a new chapter in the UAE-India partnership, and innovation lies at the heart of this transformation. The Start-Up Series showcases the depth of talent emerging from India and the UAE's commitment to providing world-class platforms for founders to scale globally. This partnership with Hub71 strengthens the UAE's and India's shared ambition to build a dynamic, interconnected startup corridor that drives investment, technology exchange and sustainable economic growth across both nations." Hub71 CEO Ahmad Ali Alwan said the partnership creates "a guided pathway" for Indian startups. "Through our partnership with the UAE-India CEPA Council, we are creating a guided pathway for Indian founders into Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, shortening the distance between market readiness and regional scale. Abu Dhabi's ecosystem is designed to be a bridge between dynamic innovation hubs and high-growth markets, and this partnership reinforces our commitment to supporting ambitious founders as they expand across borders," he said. Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the CEPA Council, said the collaboration advances the CEPA's goal of promoting entrepreneurship. "Partnering with Hub71 advances the CEPA's objective to catalyse cross-border entrepreneurship and provides a tangible outlet for talented Indian founders to benefit from the India-UAE Start-Up Bridge. By connecting Indian startups to Abu Dhabi's rapidly growing technology ecosystem, we are enabling a two-way exchange of innovation, growth opportunities and job creation that will benefit both economies. The Start-Up Series is an important platform for translating the CEPA's policy framework into real opportunities for founders," he said. According to a press statement, the UAE-India Startup Series, launched in June 2025, has already received more than 10,000 applications from across India, highlighting strong interest in expanding to the UAE. Many applicants fall within Hub71's focus areas such as fintech, healthtech, agritech, mobility and advanced technologies, aligning India's innovation strength with Abu Dhabi's sector-led tech strategy. The partnership also establishes a practical framework for cross-referring high-impact startups between UICC and Hub71, enabling soft landings in both Abu Dhabi and India. Referred founders will receive support across company setup, regulatory facilitation, mentorship, market access and introductions to investors and partners. Eligible startups may also be considered for grants, incentive programmes and partnership-led scaling opportunities, further strengthening the UAE-India innovation corridor. This partnership is the latest in a series of cross-border initiatives led by Hub71 to position Abu Dhabi as a launchpad for international growth. By enabling two-way access routes for founders and expanding collaboration under CEPA, Hub71 continues advancing its mission to connect ambitious startups with global markets and convert bilateral cooperation into measurable technology and economic outcomes, as per the press statement. (ANI) A resolution proposed by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Fan Yun to denounce China's transnational repression against Taiwanese individuals was unanimously adopted by the Liberal International, a worldwide coalition of liberal and progressive democratic political parties, as reported by the Taipei Times. The resolution was approved on the inaugural day of the Liberal International's 209th Executive Committee Meeting held in The Hague, Netherlands. Fan, representing the DPP and serving as the Liberal International's vice president, introduced an emergency resolution to support DPP Legislator Puma Shen and address transnational repression, according to the Taipei Times. Recently, the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau in China issued a "wanted" notice for Shen, accusing her of "separatism" for advocating "Taiwanese independence." The meeting in The Hague convened nearly 170 delegates from liberal parties and democratic proponents spanning 48 countries across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia, as noted by Fan. All delegates expressed their support for her motion to "counter transnational repression," with another representative advocating for the phrase to be amended from "transnational repression" to "transnational repression by the People's Republic of China on Taiwanese nationals," explicitly identifying China's threat towards Taiwan, as highlighted by the Taipei Times. The resolution outlines eight key points, including the condemnation of China's ongoing transnational repression, urging member parties and governments to enhance their legal frameworks to safeguard individuals from such repression, and calling on members to push back against China's political efforts aimed at silencing the Taiwanese, as reported by the Taipei Times. Additionally, the resolution affirms support for Taiwan's democratic resilience and its vital role in upholding global democratic values. It encourages the establishment of international frameworks to monitor, avert, and address instances of transnational repression. It also urges the global community to staunchly defend the rules-based international order and engage in peaceful diplomacy regarding Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait; it seeks clarification of the legal parameters of UN Resolution 2758 through multilateral collaboration among nations, allowing Taiwan meaningful involvement in appropriate international organisations without disrupting the "status quo." The resolution calls on governments to prioritise dialogue, adherence to international law, and proactive conflict prevention to maintain regional security and stability. Shen, who was also present at the meeting in The Hague, shared on social media that a pivotal moment during the resolution's passage was when a representative advocated for changing the title to emphasise China's transnational repression of "Taiwanese nationals." Shen remarked, "Taiwanese nationals, not the People of Taiwan, nor Residents of Taiwan, but 'Taiwanese nationals,'" stressing that this adjustment not only enhances the precision of the resolution's language but also reflects the international community's acknowledgement of Taiwan's agency, as reported by the Taipei Times. (ANI) Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Monday held an extensive meeting with Mohammed Bin Nasser Bin Ali Al-Zaabi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence of the Sultanate of Oman, to review ongoing defence cooperation and explore new areas of partnership. As per the Integrated Defence Staff, the discussions reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen military ties, with a focus on advancing work on the proposed Military Logistic Complex. The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in shipbuilding, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and strengthening existing training programmes between the armed forces. https://x.com/HQ_IDS_India/status/1992907581531046310?s=20 The meeting also covered possibilities for defence exports, an area where India and Oman have been looking to build long-term collaboration. Both sides exchanged views on enhancing maritime security in the region, improving border management frameworks, and ensuring smoother operational turnaround for Indian Navy platforms. They also discussed simplifying flight clearances for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy to support the forces' growing operational engagements with Oman. India and Oman share strong defence ties, with regular joint exercises, high-level visits and operational coordination across the three services. The latest meeting, officials said, is expected to add momentum to several ongoing projects. Last month, the Indian Army strengthened its defence cooperation with the Royal Army of Oman during the 3rd Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) held in New Delhi from October 22 to 23. In a post on X, the Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) stated, "Indian Army Strengthens Defence Cooperation with the Royal Army of Oman. The 3rd Army-to-Army Staff Talks #AAST between the #IndianArmy and the #RoyalArmyofOman was held in New Delhi from 22 - 23 October 2025." This renewed focus builds on the foundation laid by the 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najah, which concluded on September 26, 2024, with a grand closing ceremony at the Rabkoot Training Area in Oman. The successful exercise last year had already showcased strong interoperability and joint capabilities, and the current staff talks aimed to further institutionalise and expand this cooperation under the Defence Cooperation Plan 2026. (ANI) Prema Wangjom Thongdok, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, has said that she faced harassment from Chinese immigration officials at Shanghai Pudong Airport, who "mocked and raised questions" over her Indian citizenship and noted that her 18-hour ordeal came to an end with the help of officials from India's missions in Shanghai and Beijing. She also alleged "humiliating, questionable behaviour" from the staff of China Eastern Airlines. Prema Thongdok claimed that Chinese immigration officials at Shanghai Pudong Airport declared her Indian passport invalid and delayed her travel to Japan. "When I tried to question them and ask them what the issue was, they said, 'Arunachal is not part of India' and started mocking and laughing and saying things like 'you should apply for the Chinese passport, you're Chinese, you're not Indian," Thongdok told ANI Thongdok said she is an Indian citizen residing in the United Kingdom for about 14 years and was travelling from London to Japan via a transit in Shanghai. "One of the officials from the Chinese immigration came over and singled me out of the queue. I asked her what was happening, and she went on to say, 'Arunachal- not India, China-China, your visa is not acceptable. Your passport is invalid'... When I tried to question them and ask them what the issue was, they said, 'Arunachal is not part of India' and started mocking and laughing and saying things like 'you should apply for the Chinese passport, you're Chinese, you're not Indian'... I have transited through Shanghai in the past with no issues at all," she added. Thongdok said she couldn't get in touch with her family for a very long time. "The airline staff of China Eastern and about two other immigration officers were speaking in their language and saying and pointing out and saying Arunachal and laughing and calling it China, not India. That was a very humiliating, questionable behaviour from the immigration staff as well as the airline staff," she alleged "I called up the Shanghai and Beijing Indian embassies and within an hour, the Indian officials came to the airport, got me some food and spoke through the issues with them and helped me get out of the country. A very long ordeal, 18 hours, but glad that I'm out of there. I had my Indian passport which is a valid document...," she added. The incident has come amid what is being seen as an upturn in ties between India and China following interactions among senior leaders of two countries. India has firmly rejected China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh, saying that the northeastern state is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. Responding to media queries in May this year on China renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh, Ministry of External Affaris spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said that India categorically rejects such attempts. "We have noticed that China has persisted with its vain and preposterous attempts to name places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Consistent with our principled position, we reject such attempts categorically," he said. "Creative naming will not alter the undeniable reality that Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India," he added. (ANI) Afghan Minister of Commerce and Industry, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, on Monday characterised Afghanistan as a "paradise for investment" following his recent visit, emphasising the strong willingness of the private sectors in both India and Afghanistan to collaborate. Speaking to ANI on the outcomes of the visit, Minister Azizi stated, "The most important outcome of our visit is that the private sector between the two countries and the official delegation, whether from our side or from India, wants to work with each other. This is our biggest strength." Minister Azizi underscored the unique enthusiasm displayed by Indian businesses, suggesting it surpasses potential interest from other international partners. "If we talked to someone else, it would be a matter of whether they would be willing to do it or not, but the private sector here is wholeheartedly interested in investing in Afghanistan," he asserted. He highlighted existing ties and vast opportunities for significant returns for investors, saying, "They have worked with Afghanistan before, and there are many opportunities in Afghanistan these days to work, earn a lot, and establish your company there." Concluding his remarks, Minister Azizi extended a direct invitation to the global business community, framing Afghanistan as an unparalleled destination for capital, noting, "Afghanistan is an excellent ground for investment. We consider it to be a paradise for investment." The visit signals the interim Afghan administration's strong desire to re-engage with the Indian economy and attract foreign direct investment, focusing on the potential for rapid, high-profitability growth. The Afghan Minister was on a five-day visit to the country. Earlier in the day, Azizi met with officials from the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). During the meeting, he stated that the visit was made to "enhance the bilateral economic cooperation and the historical relations with India", and he also called for further improving the relations with India. On Sunday, Azizi met members of the Spices Board of India, during which both sides discussed expanding spice-related cooperation, increasing exports, and exploring joint investment opportunities. (ANI) Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Oman's Secretary General of Defence, Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi, co-chaired the 13th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting in New Delhi on November 24, where both sides reviewed ongoing defence engagements and agreed to expand cooperation in key strategic areas, as per Ministry of Defence press statement. Officials from both countries appreciated the growing defence partnership and shared assessments on regional and international security developments, especially those affecting the Indian Ocean Region. A major focus of the meeting was strengthening defence industrial collaboration. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to joint development, technology sharing and expanded production partnerships. They also underlined the need to build resilient supply chains, boost interoperability and support innovation in emerging defence technologies. According to the Ministry of Defence, the discussions aimed at establishing long-term frameworks to co-develop advanced platforms, support indigenous manufacturing and enhance strategic resilience. The meeting reaffirmed the strong strategic partnership between India and Oman and the importance of regular high-level dialogue. In an X post, the Ministry said, "Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chaired the 13th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting with Secretary General, Ministry of Defence, Oman Dr Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi at New Delhi on 24 Nov 2025. During the meeting, both sides reviewed and appreciated the robust defence cooperation between India and Oman and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral engagements in various areas. Both sides shared perspectives on regional and international security developments, particularly relating to the Indian Ocean Region." https://x.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/1992931295953928563?s=20 During his visit, Al Zaabi also called on Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and met Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. Earlier in the day, General Chauhan held an extensive meeting with the Omani official to review progress on the proposed Military Logistic Complex and explore new areas of collaboration. The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in shipbuilding, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and strengthening existing training programmes between the armed forces. India and Oman share a long-standing strategic partnership, anchored in strong political ties, defence cooperation, counter-terrorism coordination, maritime security and energy trade. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], November 24 (ANI/TPS): Israel Central Bureau of Statistics released a multi-system situational picture, a data collection, on violence against women on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to be observed Tuesday, November 25. In 2024, 35 women were murdered, 8 of whom by their partners. In 2024, 410 cases of violence were recorded in the aid units, with 280 (68.3 per cent) of them classified as male violence against a woman. Key findings from the Gender-Based Violence Dashboard 2023: 410,079 women and men contacted or reported violence of any kind in 2023, of which 82 per cent were women and 18 per cent were men. Of all the reports, about 10 per cent of women reported being harmed in the home. Of these, about 73 per cent of the calls for complaints about this type of violence in the home were from women. Among women, 27.8 per cent of the referrals were for complaints of emotional or mental violence, 27.7 per cent were for physical violence, 25.8 per cent for combined violence, 15.9 per cent for sexual violence, and 2.7 per cent for economic violence. Among women 20 and older in 2024: Approximately 468,000 women (14.6 per cent of all women aged 20 and over) were affected by various types of offences. 4,600 women (4.2 per cent) were affected by sexual harassment. 105,200 women (3.3 per cent) were affected by a violent crime or threat of violence. Most victims of sexual harassment are between the ages of 20 and 34, 7.8 per cent of women in this age group. 93,300 (69.3 per cent) of all women who were victims of sexual harassment reported that they were harmed outside their workplace, compared to 41,300 (30.7 per cent) who reported that they were harmed in the workplace. The highest rate of women affected by violence or the threat of violence was among those with a matriculation certificate and non-academic post-secondary education (4.1 per cent). 4.9 per cent of women with academic degrees reported being victims of sexual harassment. 4.1 per cent of secular women reported being affected by violence or the threat of violence, and 6.1 per cent reported being affected by sexual harassment. About 48 per cent of women who were victims of a violent crime or threat of violence reported the incident to the police. (ANI/TPS) Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday met with Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, Afghanistan's Minister of Industry and Commerce, to discuss advancing economic cooperation and expanding bilateral trade between the two nations. Sharing pictures of the meeting on X, Piyush Goyal wrote, "Met Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce, today." During the discussion, the Union Minister said, "Our discussions reflected a shared commitment to advancing economic cooperation and expanding bilateral trade by facilitating smoother movement of goods and investment. We reaffirmed our resolve to deepen our mutually beneficial partnership and further strengthen people-to-people ties." The Afghan Minister was on a five-day visit to the country. Earlier in the day, Azizi met with officials from the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). During the meeting, he stated that the visit was made to "enhance the bilateral economic cooperation and the historical relations with India", and he also called for further improving the relations with India. He also addressed a press conference, saying that Kabul is looking to significantly expand its economic engagement with India and develop new trade routes. Azizi said it was "an immense pleasure" for him to see India and Afghanistan working closely again, noting the historical relationship between the two nations. "It's not only in trade, but also we have a very good political relationship with them. Now we are exploring the politics, trade, and investment," he said. He added that both foreign ministries had facilitated the visit and that Kabul was exploring opportunities in sectors such as mining, agriculture, health and investments. The minister said both sides were aiming to take bilateral trade to nearly one billion dollars, backed by strong interest from the private sector. "The potential and resources exist in both countries, and the intention is also there. Our private sector wants to work effectively with this program and this agreement," he said. He said several minor issues, including visa challenges and air corridor costs, were discussed during the visit and "have been resolved". The minister said this would help trade, investment and transit "flourish" in the coming months. (ANI) COP30, held in Belem, Brazil, concluded with Azerbaijan playing an active diplomatic role following its presidency of COP29. Azernews reports that a high-level Azerbaijani delegation, led by Parliamentary Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, attended the Leaders Summit, where she delivered the countrys statement and met with several international counterparts. During the opening of the conference, Azerbaijan formally handed over the COP presidency to Brazil. Mukhtar Babayev, who chaired COP29, highlighted last years achievements in Baku and took part in numerous events throughout the summit. Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry delegation was deeply involved in climate negotiations, including two major decisions entrusted directly to Baku. Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev, alongside his Brazilian counterpart, mediated complex talks between Turkiye and Australia over the right to host COP31. After nearly two weeks of intensive discussions, Turkiye was selected as the next host. Azerbaijan was also appointed jointly with Norway to lead negotiations on the Paris Agreements Global Stocktake, a key component of global climate accountability. Both countries submitted final recommendations to Brazil, aiding progress on the adopted documents. Beyond negotiations, Azerbaijan organised events on peace and migration, water, health, urban climate policy, and transparency, while also co-hosting sessions on renewable energy, hydrogen, and agriculture. Azerbaijan and Brazil additionally unveiled the Roadmap from Baku to Belem, outlining steps to increase global climate finance to USD 1.3 trillion, consistent with the Baku Financial Goal agreed at COP29. TOKYO, Nov 24 (News On Japan) - A growing debate over whether major technology companies are overinvesting in data centers has emerged as one of the most closely watched issues in global markets over the past two weeks, as heavy capital spending by Meta, Amazon, Microsoft and Alphabet triggers fresh questions about profitability, risk management and the long-term sustainability of AI-related infrastructure investment. While discussions about excessive spending on data centers have surfaced periodically since earlier this year, concerns intensified in early November after Meta announced the issuance of large-scale corporate bonds to finance new data-center infrastructure. Amazon followed with multi-trillion-yen bond issuance of its own, accelerating investor unease that Big Tech may be committing to expansion on a scale that will be difficult to recover through future earnings. Analysts note that similar alarms were raised in the spring, when Microsofts rapid increase in data-center investment briefly pushed its share price downward. Although Microsoft later demonstrated stronger-than-expected cloud profitability, restoring the stocks momentum, recent market reactions suggest that investors are once again sensitive to the possibility of overcapacity. At the center of the markets short-term anxiety is Nvidia, whose earnings announcement was scheduled for release on the evening of November 6th U.S. time. Although Nvidia is the worlds largest listed company by market capitalization and its quarterly results draw global attention, industry specialists argue that Nvidia itself is not responsible for the potential overinvestment problem. Because the company does not build data centerssupplying only the semiconductors used within themits exposure to investment risk remains limited. The current concerns, they say, relate primarily to the companies constructing the facilities, not the device manufacturers responding to orders. Capital-expenditure forecasts compiled by market analysts illustrate the divide: Apple and Nvidia appear at the bottom in terms of anticipated outlays, while Meta, Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft and Oracle show steep upward investment trajectories. Apple, in particular, has deliberately avoided the data-center arms race, choosing instead to rely on hybrid models using external AI infrastructure rather than directly competing in facility construction. Oracle, buoyed by demand from OpenAI, has recently accelerated its investment pace. Metas stock has come under especially heavy selling pressure, with the company falling nearly 10 percent following its bond-issuance announcement. Market participants attribute this reaction to two factors: first, CEO Zuckerbergs remark that it remains uncertain whether the investment will translate directly into profit growth, but that not investing now would be the greater risk. Analysts viewed the statement as an inversion of normal capital-expenditure logic, prompting concerns about strategic discipline. Second, investors remain wary after Metas earlier push into the metaverse failed to gain traction despite major financial commitments and a corporate name change. Even so, some specialists argue that technologies dismissed as prematuresuch as AI a decade agocan surge once the right market environment arrives. The long history of metaverse-like platforms, including the rise and collapse of virtual worlds such as Second Life in the mid-2000s, is often cited as evidence that cycles of enthusiasm and stagnation repeat until demand eventually aligns. For now, however, the data-center overinvestment question dominates market sentiment. Investors are watching whether the massive spending undertaken by major U.S. platforms can be justified by future profitsor whether companies like Apple, which has largely stayed out of the infrastructure race, will ultimately be rewarded for their restraint. The outcome, analysts say, will shape the competitive landscape over the next one to two years and could significantly influence the direction of global AI development. Source: BIZ KYOTO, Nov 24 (News On Japan) - A taxi crashed onto a sidewalk in Kyotos Arashiyama district late in the morning on November 21st, leaving a woman in her 50s injured in an area crowded with tourists near the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. The accident occurred in the center of Arashiyama, a district densely lined with restaurants and souvenir shops and packed with visitors, including many from overseas. According to police and fire officials, the collision happened at around 11:20 a.m. when a moving taxi struck the rear of a bus that had stopped near a bus stop. The impact pushed the taxi forward into another taxi before it lurched upward and mounted the sidewalk, where it struck the pedestrian. The taxi involved in the crash suffered severe front-end damage, and until moments earlier the nearby bus stop sign had been knocked down by the force of the collision. The injured woman was taken to hospital with light injuries including bruising. The driver of the taxi that caused the crash was also taken to hospital after complaining of feeling unwell but was reported to be in stable condition. Another taxi driver whose vehicle was hit from behind described the moment of impact, saying, I had just turned right toward Arashiyama and there was a bus ahead of me. The bus was halfway into its stop but had halted because there were pedestrians, and as I passed on its left side a taxi suddenly hit me from behind. The shock was something I cant even describe. Police continued their on-site investigation as tow trucks began removing the damaged vehicles. Only one taxi remained at the scene after another taxi involved in the collision was removed earlier. The road in front of the site is a single-lane two-way street with heavy traffic flow, and police believe all three vehicles were traveling in the same direction when the crash occurred. Despite the accident unfolding in one of Kyotos busiest tourist corridors, significant confusion was avoided as officers were already on site when witnesses began gathering to take photos and attempt to understand what had happened. Many foreign tourists were seen looking on in confusion as they tried to grasp the situation. The pedestrian who was injured is believed to have been waiting for a bus at the time of the collision. As tow crews moved the damaged taxi, police examined the road surface for possible oil leakage. The scene repeatedly saw tourist buses passing behind the wreckage as police wrapped up their investigation. With clear skies and autumn foliage drawing large crowds, Arashiyama was particularly busy on November 21st, with many visitors, especially from overseas, filling the streets. The damaged taxi was slowly pulled away by tow truck as the investigation concluded. The incident occurred shortly before midday in one of Kyotos most congested sightseeing districts, where tourist numbers have surged with the arrival of the autumn leaves. Source: KTV NEWS SAPPORO, Nov 24 (News On Japan) - A man arrested on suspicion of killing three members of his family at their home in Sapporos Kita Ward on October 31st is believed to have attacked them in the first-floor living room, where all were later found collapsed. Police have arrested Nakamu ra Junichi, a 41-year-old unemployed resident of Kita Ward, on suspicion of fatally stabbing his father, Michinori, his mother, Mieko, and his older sister, Chieko Kawamura, with a survival knife at the parents home in the Shinkotoni district. According to investigators, the three were discovered lying on the floor of the living room on the first level of the house. Kawamura sustained dozens of stab wounds, the highest number of injuries among the victims. Nakamura has reportedly told police he held a grudge against his sister, and he has also largely admitted to killing his parents. Police are continuing to investigate his motive and the circumstances leading up to the incident. Source: UHB KYOTO, Nov 25 (News On Japan) - Kyotos famed autumn foliage reached its peak in late November as crowds gathered at Eikando, a temple with more than a thousand years of history and one of the citys most celebrated spots for viewing fall colors, with visitors posing for photos along the bridge railings and foreign tourists standing out prominently among them. Roughly 20% of all foreign visitors to Kyoto are Chinese, and although arrivals from China had been outpacing the record levels of 2019 through much of 2025, the rapid deterioration in bilateral relations has already begun to affect the flow of tourists. A reporting team visited several sites where the number of Chinese tourists has dropped sharply, prompting speculation that the trend could help ease the pressures of overtourism. One guide pointed out the so-called maple tunnel, explaining with visitors on the path that the mix of green, yellow, and deep red leaves had reached its most striking gradient, though the vivid colors would likely last only another week. Even with the leaves at their peak, those taking commemorative photos on the bridge were mostly foreign travelers. Foreign visitors are especially high this year, one local worker said, adding that Chinese tourists normally make up the largest group. Foreign visitors account for roughly 20% of Kyotos total, and until recently Chinese arrivals this year had been surpassing previous records. But one guide noted a clear drop, saying there was a noticeable decrease in Chinese tourists. The decline follows Chinas call for its citizens to refrain from nonessential travel to Japan, issued about a week earlier. Despite the perfect timing of the autumn foliage, the sharp fall in visitors from China has led some to believe this may temporarily relieve the citys chronic overtourism. Kyotos illuminated night foliage is often described as among the most beautiful in the world. The city recorded around 1.54 million overnight guests in November last year, with more than halfabout 800,000being foreign tourists. Popular destinations such as Arashiyama had become so congested that even moving through the crowds proved difficult, with foreign tourists again making up the visible majority. Along the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, visitors marveled at the vivid reds as the foliage neared its peak, though the overwhelming crowds never relented. Many Chinese tourists interviewed said they were deeply moved by the scenery. Asked about the Chinese governments call to avoid travel to Japan, one visitor commented, Japan doesnt feel unsafe at all. Its sad that relations between China and Japan arent good right now. The team then visited Kiyomizudera, Kyotos most popular destination among Chinese tourists, visited by roughly 90% of those arriving from China. Even on a weekday, the Sannenzaka approach was so crowded that foot traffic stalled. Two Chinese visitors who had arrived after the advisory was issued said they chose to come because they heard this was the most beautiful time of year to see Kyoto, though they added that political questions were difficult to answer and required personal judgment. The report also examined hotel rates among Chinese visitors currently in Kyoto. Many appeared to fall into higher-priced accommodation brackets, with some paying about 30,000 yen per night and others around 21,000 yen, noting that prices were not unreasonable compared to major U.S. cities. According to the Kyoto City Tourism Association, the average hotel rate in November last year was 28,686 yen. Among ten Chinese tourists surveyed, several were staying in relatively high-priced rooms, including one paying 60,000 yen per night. Analysts suggested that the more immediate impact was occurring among lower-priced accommodations. At one guesthouse priced at 7,500 yen per night with only two rooms, two Chinese guests cancelled bookings on November 17th, citing family concerns due to deteriorating Japan-China relations. The owner, who relies heavily on Chinese guests, said cancellations are likely to increase, expressing concern that losing half of their business would be painful. According to travel analyst Toriumi, the lower the accommodation price bracket, the more quickly the impact of the advisory becomes visible. For middle-income and lower-income travelers, he explained, official government announcements are a primary source of decision-making, and the call for travel restraint is interpreted as meaning Japan is unsafe, prompting cancellations. Toriumi also warned that the number of Chinese visitors coming to Japan in the near future could decline significantly. A recent Kyoto City survey found that although foreign visitors in Arashiyama have increased compared to previous years, the number of Japanese visitors has fallen by roughly 20%. The city has been grappling with overtourism, and the shift in visitor composition may temporarily alleviate pressure. A separate survey conducted by the reporting program among shops around Kiyomizudera found that 16 out of 24 storesaround 70%reported a decline in Chinese customers following the advisory. One commentator noted that Chinas wealthy travelers tend to have access to diverse sources of information, suggesting that proactively communicating Japans safety might help reassure them. At Eikando, where the foliage was brilliantly illuminated, only two of fourteen tourists interviewed on the day were from China. Its sad to see fewer visitors, one local said, but on the other hand, its become a more relaxed and enjoyable space. It feels like the pressure of overtourism has eased. Asked how the situation affects Japanese tourists, another visitor suggested that a well-regulated flow of people might actually be positive, making sightseeing more comfortable. Chinas call for travel restrainta development with potentially major consequences for Japans tourism industryis also prompting renewed discussion about how to manage overtourism in Kyoto and beyond. Source: FNN A youth conference was held at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, jointly organised by the Uzbekistan Youth Union and Azerbaijans Young Reformers Public Union, with support from Azerbaijans Agency for State Support to NGOs. According to the Uzbekistan National News Agency, the event provided an important platform for strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between young people in both countries. The conference brought together the universitys rector, Gulchehra Rikhsiyeva, leaders of youth organisations from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, and several academics. Speakers noted that the countries strategic partnership and the close relationship between Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Ilham Aliyev has opened up significant opportunities for broader collaboration between youth bodies. They highlighted growing prospects for joint work in science, innovation, culture, volunteering, and start-up development. It was also stressed that Azerbaijans victory in Karabakh has become a unifying factor for the countrys youth, giving new impetus to their civic engagement. Participants agreed that joint programmes, student and expert exchanges, shared forums, and cooperation in innovation and start-ups will further deepen ties between the young people of both nations. Several leading US companies across the oil, gas, telecommunications, technology, and infrastructure sectors have signaled strong interest in participating in the Libya Energy Conference 2026. Their intent was conveyed during a high-level meeting in Washington Sunday, November 23 2025, between executives and a delegation from Libyas Government of National Unity, coordinated by the US-Libya Business Association. The engagement showcased the breadth of investment opportunities emerging in Libyas energy and renewable sectors and highlighted growing confidence in the countrys evolving economic landscape. Discussions focused on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, with both sides agreeing to expand technical exchanges, mutual visits, and sustained dialogue through the US-Libya Business Association. The Libyan delegation also outlined recent reforms and flagship projects designed to create a more stable, attractive environment for foreign investors. The meeting underscored a shared ambition to usher in a new phase of partnership, marked by the return of major US companies and the modernisation of Libyas energy infrastructure. Human Rights Watch has called on Tunisian authorities to drop what it described as unfounded charges against five employees of the Tunisian Council for Refugees, who went on trial on Nov 24, amid an escalating crackdown on civil society groups. The rights watchdog also urged the immediate release of two staff members who have been held in pretrial detention for more than a year. Migrants and refugees in Tunisia are facing mounting hardship as President Kais Saied has repeatedly stoked anti-migrant sentiment, warning of a so-called great replacement of Tunisias population. His rhetoric has fueled hostility and triggered violent clashes, leaving many migrants and asylum seekers vulnerable to attacks, arbitrary arrests, and expulsion. Combined with the suspension of UNHCR asylum processing and the shutdown of local aid organizations, thousands are now stranded without legal protection or basic support. The employees on trial, including the councils founder Mustapha Djemali and project manager Abderrazek Krimi, face up to 23 years in prison if convicted under Tunisias 1975 immigration law. Prosecutors accuse them of facilitating the irregular entry and stay of foreign nationals, allegations linked to the councils work assisting asylum seekers and refugees as a partner of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). A sixth employee remains under review by the Cassation Court. Authorities shut down the council in May 2024, froze its bank accounts, and arrested Djemali and Krimi after the organization published a tender for hotel accommodation for refugees. Human Rights Watch said the charges are based solely on legitimate humanitarian activities such as providing shelter and cash assistance, which are standard UNHCR practices worldwide. The Tunisian Council for Refugees carried out essential protection work in support of refugees and asylum seekers, operating legally with international organizations accredited in Tunisia, said Bassam Khawaja, HRWs deputy Middle East and North Africa director. Targeting an organization with abusive legal action criminalizes crucial assistance work and leaves asylum seekers without the support they desperately need, she said. The trial is the first against a civil society group since a wave of arrests of NGO workers between May and December 2024. It comes as Tunisia has tightened restrictions on associations, suspended dozens of organizations, and instructed UNHCR to halt asylum processing, leaving thousands of refugees in legal limbo. Human Rights Watch warned that the prosecutions violate Tunisias obligations under international and African human rights treaties guaranteeing freedom of association and the right to seek asylum. The group urged authorities to work with civil society instead of imprisoning human rights defenders under spurious pretexts. Moroccan authorities installed advanced security systems across the six major cities of Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Agadir, and Marrakech which will host the Africa Cup of Nations next month. The initiative includes high-resolution cameras equipped with facial recognition technology, aimed at strengthening public safety and ensuring smooth mobility for residents and visitors during the continental tournament, local media reported. The surveillance rollout focuses on key urban areas surrounding stadiums, transport hubs, and tourist routes. These smart cameras, capable of real-time identity verification, represent a significant step toward intelligent urban monitoring. Officials say the systems will provide a high level of security during the event, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans from across Africa. Moroccos preparations extend beyond security arrangements. The government has invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades, stadium renovations, and transport improvements to meet CAF standards. Security forces are undergoing specialized training, and additional resources such as drones and body cameras have been deployed to enhance crowd management. The tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will be spread across nine stadiums in the six host cities. Organizers promise a world-class experience, including cutting-edge broadcast technology like Spidercam for aerial shots, marking a first for the competition. Morocco has been selected as the only African country included in a new $303.6 million U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract for F-16 radar repair and support services, Business Insider Africa reported. The contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., one of the United States leading defense manufacturers. This cooperation underscores Moroccos strategic partnership with the U.S., reflecting strengthened defense ties in North Africa. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., the American defense behemoth, has secured a $303.6 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract under the F-16 System Program Office Foreign Military Sales Support program. The contract includes Morocco among eight international partners, namely Bahrain, Bulgaria, Greece, South Korea, Slovakia, Taiwan, and Jordan, selected for long-term maintenance and repair-and-return support of F-16 radar components through November 2030. Beyond this core group, the wider radar-support program also includes Pakistan, Iraq, Oman, Singapore, Indonesia, Chile, and Argentina. The contract is part of the Pentagons Cyber Resiliency Program, which aims to strengthen military aircraft and digital systems against cyber threats and ensure uninterrupted operational readiness.https://www.meridianpint.com/touchless-menu/ Additionally, Morocco is nearing a potential agreement to acquire 32 F-35 stealth fighters, which would mark a significant military development, Business Insider Africa recalled. Moroccos selection highlights its growing importance within the global F-16 ecosystem. The Royal Moroccan Air Force has ordered 24 new F-16V Viper jets, the most advanced variant, while upgrading its existing fleet to the same configuration. The aircraft use the AN/APG-83 AESA radar and next-generation electronic warfare and mission avionics. This radar-support award follows Washingtons approval earlier this year of more than $50 million in F-16 technology transfers to Morocco, enabling local production of key components for the Viper platform. In October, Maintenance Aero Maroc (MAM) began construction of an 8,000-square-metre heavy-maintenance hangar at Benslimane Airport, in collaboration with Moroccan, Belgian, and U.S. partners. The facility is expected to be operational by late 2026. Earlier in August, reports indicated that Morocco is nearing a multibillion-dollar agreement to acquire 32 F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets from U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, according to Africa Military, a website specializing in African defense affairs. If finalized, Morocco would become the first Arab and African country to operate the fifth-generation F-35 platform, representing a significant leap in its military capabilities. This comes amid regional arms developments: Egypt is reportedly exploring Chinese stealth fighters such as the J-10C and J-31, while Algeria is preparing to purchase Russian Su-57 Felon stealth fighters, potentially as the first export customer, alongside orders for 14 Su-57s and 18 Su-35s to augment its existing Su-30MKA fleet, with deliveries and pilot training expected this year. The Morocco F-35 deal could be worth up to $17 billion over 45 years, covering aircraft, maintenance, support, and training. Integration of the F-35 with Moroccos existing F-16 fleet, following NATO-standard joint training protocols, could enable full operational readiness by 2035.olxslot Overall, the radar-support contract and Moroccos potential F-35 acquisition further consolidate the countrys status as a strategic U.S. defense partner in North Africa, reinforcing nearly 250 years of bilateral ties and recent high-level military cooperation. Senior law enforcement officials and ministers from around the world have come together at INTERPOLs General Assembly which opened this Monday in Marrakesh to address current and future organized crime threats. The four-day conference, attended by more than 800 delegates from 179 countries, including 82 police chiefs, is INTERPOLs supreme governing body and sets the global agenda for law enforcement. In his opening address, Moroccos Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance Abdellatif Hammouchi said: our willingness to host the General Assembly stems from our firm commitment to strengthening multi-lateral security cooperation, and its importance in combating transnational organized crime. This constant commitment is spearheaded by King Mohammed VI convinced that security is a shared responsibility whose preservation depends on solid institutional cooperation, societal partnerships and consolidated international joint action, Hammouchi said. Because security challenges transcend national borders, it has become a must for us to create joint security structures, in which national partners cooperate with INTERPOL and international stakeholders, he added. Moroccos National Security services have put in place an integrated security strategy, combining the preservation of security and the respect for human rights, where police action goes hand-in-hand with security communication to serve citizens, said Head of the Moroccan National police. To address cross-border threats due to the ramifications of virtual criminal structures, the interconnection of criminal networks and entities as well as proliferation of regional terrorist hubs, it is necessary to create common and indivisible security structures, based on close coordination between national police forces, INTERPOL and related regional organizations, said Hammouchi. To ensure collective security, it is important not only to develop national security institutions but also to modernize their operating mechanisms to meet the growing expectations of citizens, he said, calling for the consolidation of international cooperation and mutual assistance between states. The Marrakesh General Assembly of Interpol will focus on a broad range of global security challenges, including efforts to identify and disrupt transnational organized crime networks, and dismantle transnational scam centers. INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi said: In Marrakech this week, we celebrate what we have built together, the beginning of the future we are building together. The next phase of our journey starts here, guided by the roadmap we have crafted collectively, a framework that will steer our efforts over the next five years. I have worked closely with the Executive Committee and both Secretaries General, to drive this transformation, and I trust they will continue to advance this path. Let this General Assembly remind us that service never ends, and that in every border crossed, every life protected, and every act of courage, INTERPOL thrives in all of us, he added. For his part, INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said the General Assembly is the only event in the world that can bring together this level of police leadership. These four days are a chance for us to assess the evolving threats of organized crime together, and chart a united path forward so that police worldwide are stronger, and INTERPOL can stand even more firmly behind every frontline officer, he said, noting that cooperation is no longer an option but the only way forward. As part of INTERPOLs ongoing efforts to enhance operational support to member countries, two new capabilities Nexus and AVA will be launched to support more efficient information-sharing and analysis across borders. Nexus is a web-based messaging platform that uses artificial intelligence to help structure and deliver police information in a clearer, more accessible format, designed to help frontline officers receive critical intelligence faster. AVA is the first AI virtual assistant for law enforcement that operates entirely within INTERPOLs protected cloud environment. It can rapidly process lengthy or complex material, translate instantly and summarize information to provide officers with actionable insights. During the Marrakesh meeting, INTERPOLs program of activities and new strategic framework will be presented to delegates, who will also be updated on the Silver Notice pilot project. The General Assembly will also vote for new members of the Executive Committee, including the President, as their respective mandates come to an end. The General Assembly is made up of representatives from its 196 member countries. Oregon Worker Crushed in Sawmill Collapse; OSHA Cites Employer for Serious Safety Violations A 39-year-old worker was fatally crushed when unstable lumber stacks collapsed at an Oregon sawmill, leading state safety officials to issue serious citations and renew warnings about widespread stacking and storage hazards across multiple industries. A 39-year-old worker was fatally crushed at an Oregon sawmill in April after two towering units of rough-cut lumber collapsed onto him while he was cleaning debris in the yard, state safety officials said. The worker, employed by a staffing agency and assigned to the mill, had stepped off his forklift just before the stacks toppled, according to Oregon OSHA. Investigators said the company allowed lumber to be stored in an unstable manner, violating basic safety requirements under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, which guarantees workers the right to safe and healthy working conditions. Oregon OSHA cited the employer for two serious violations with initial penalties totaling $43,401. One violation related to improper design and arrangement of pile foundations was classified as directly contributing to the workers death, a category that carries higher penalties. The agency said the company failed to: Secure unstable lumber piles or block worker access to hazardous areas through fencing or barricades. Ensure stacked lumber rested on stable foundations capable of supporting maximum loads without sinking, sagging or toppling. The company has since corrected the violations and filed an appeal. State officials said the death was preventable and reflects a broader pattern of stacking and storage hazards across multiple industries, including warehouses, construction, manufacturing, agriculture and retail. Hazards range from falling objects and collapsing stacks to struck-by incidents and trip-and-fall risks created by obstructed aisles. In one recent retail case, Oregon OSHA found an employer had willfully exposed workers to unsecured merchandise stacked more than seven feet high. During a follow-up inspection, an employee attempting to correct the hazard became trapped at the waist when the merchandise collapsed; a co-worker helped free the worker. Workers have the right to speak up when something feels unsafe and to do so without retaliation, the agency said. Employers, it added, are responsible for understanding and complying with safety rules and can seek help through Oregon OSHAs free consultation services, which do not result in citations or penalties. Violations Cited Sawmill 29 CFR 1910.265 (c)(27)(iii): Unstable lumber piles were not secured or barricaded to prevent employees from entering areas where they could fall. (c)(27)(i): Lumber units were not stacked on foundations designed to support maximum loads, increasing the risk of sinking or toppling. Retail 29 CFR 1910.176(b) Materials stored in tiers were not stacked, blocked or interlocked to prevent sliding or collapse, exposing workers to struck-by and trip hazards. Two conferences in the Middle East this month opened insights on energy and sustainability from a Middle Eastern perspective. The enormous ADIPEC event in Abu Dhabi brought together hundreds of speakers in 10 different strategic areas and numerous technical sessions across four days. Discussion of sustainability occurred within the context of an imperative for investment to sustain growth in all forms of energy and especially oil and gas. The spotlight was also on AI which received praise for already providing remarkable efficiency gains in petroleum operations and planning. A much smaller but equally vibrant event opened in Dubai, where a Dii Desert Energy summit gathered some of the same OEMs and EPCs but wearing very different glasses, seeing a new energy future for the Middle East. Together they shed light on whats known, and whats unknown, about the worlds energy future. Words and phrases Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, who is also UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, set the tone for ADIPEC in his opening remarks. Tune out the noise, track the signal, he said. Near-term uncertainty is real, while long-term demand remains strong. The long-term outlook shows demand growth for every form of energy across every market. Renewables will more than double by 2040, LNG will grow 50 percent, jet fuel will grow more than 30 percent and oil will stay above 100 million barrels per day beyond 2040, he said. Al Jaber noted that petroleum will be increasingly used for materials as well as for mobility. He noted that electricity demand will surge as power for data centers grows four-fold, 1.5 billion people locate to cities, and 2 billion air conditioners are added worldwide by 2040. In aviation, the global airline fleet will double by the same year. He highlighted another major theme, voicing a pervasive concern for investment capital, saying, We need to free up dormant capital that is tied up in existing energy infrastructure assets. His address was followed by remarks from Doug Burgum, US Secretary of the Interior and Chairman of National Energy Dominance Council. Related: US Drillers Pick Up The Pace Today is the day to announce that there is no energy transition, there is only energy addition and that we need to have more power, he said. The term energy addition was deployed frequently during the four days with others including energy abundance, energy realism, and energy pragmatism. One phrase notably absent from Dr. Al Jabers address, and from almost the entire event, was climate change. This might not be surprising except for the fact that Al Jaber served as president of the COP28 conclave in Dubai two years ago, which was the first UN climate summit to explicitly recognize fossil fuels as a cause of climate change and to call for a transition away from them. The phrase was used, however, by Bill Gates, who appeared prerecorded on-screen at one technology discussion, where he stated his optimism about innovation to enable decarbonization. He said that lowering carbon emissions is necessary to maximize human welfare and he called for leadership in deploying key technologies. No oil glut OPEC used the event to present highlights of its World Oil Outlook 2025 report, which combines certainty about long-term demand growth with great concern for investment. The report foresees global energy demand expanding by 23% to 2050, in part from energy-intensive industries including AI. It sees oil demand reaching 123 million barrels per day in 2050, requiring $18.2 trillion in oil-related investment during the period 2025-50, most of that being upstream investment. As for short-term forecasts, the CEOs, industry reps, and high-level ministers at ADIPEC saw little sign of oversupply in 2026. But they were more interested in looking long-term and their consensus was that capital investment has been deficient, especially in the oil sector. I don't think there's going to be glut, said James Danly, Deputy Secretary of Energy, USA, as he shifted focus to long-term considerations. The policies that should be enacted are deregulatory efforts to ensure that price signals can be responded to over the long haul and that demand can be satisfied as nimbly as possible, he said. Claudio Descalzi, CEO, Eni, explained why he did not see signs of oversupply next year. In the last 12 years, we are investing half of what we need to invest to increase production, he said. We know that demand is increasing, and the supply is more or less there, and in 2026 there is additional one million barrels, its an average but we are not investing enough. We have Guyana, we have Brazil, but there is no other big project that can start producing, he continued. So we have demand increasing and we don't have enough supply and enough investment. Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President and Group CEO, PETRONAS, expressed similar concerns about long-term investment. Last year there was a number north of $3 trillion (of investment), almost two-thirds of that went to renewables and lower carbon, he said. There's not been enough being ploughed back into the core fossil fuels and hydrocarbons. Musabbeh Al Kaabi, CEO, Upstream, ADNOC, expressed confidence that next year's global economic growth will be sufficient to spur more oil demand. He also conveyed concerns about investment. It's clear that the industry inherently is underinvesting, and the risk we're going to face, potentially, is the lack of investments to mitigate natural decline but also to meet growing demand, he said. I think that puts responsibility on integrated energy producers like us because we need to maintain an acceptable level of investment. Expanding gas Natural gas received its own reframing, being described no longer as a transition fuel but as a destination fuel, in the words of Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman & CEO, Baker Hughes, who spoke at the conference. Its enhanced status is apparently at the expense of coal, the one fossil fuel that did not receive much affection at ADIPEC. The global gas market was looked at from various perspectives over the four days, with general agreement that despite large quantities of the chilled fuel coming on-line, rising demand will ensure there is not global oversupply. Eng. Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General, Gas Exporting Countries Forum, discussed the market dynamics. Of course, there is a wave of new energy capacity expected in the next five years, he said. This is a challenge and an opportunity. He explained that the wave will induce downward pressure on prices, but opportunity exists because it will also incentivize additional demand from price sensitive markets, particularly in Asia, where gas can penetrate new markets in the transportation and maritime sectors. He said that global demand has been increasing steadily, with expectation of 1.6 percent increase this year and 1.8 percent next year. Yumiko Yao, President of Tokyo LNG Tanker Co., Tokyo Gas, spoke on behalf of a major gas importer. She described a basic shift in market structure. Europe has improved its energy facilities and stabilized inventories, she said. Now they are coping with increasing contracts offering destination flexibility. So for us, she continued, we think that Europe and Asia now compete for LNG but also complement each other. I think we are looking at the market together and communicating better, so trying to work for mutual benefit, which is challenging, but it's good for the liquidity of the market. Shri Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, GAIL, shared insights from a developing country importer perspective. Geopolitical tensions have led to increase in prices, he said. India is a very price sensitive market, despite the huge potential to increase its natural gas consumption because of urbanization, because of a young demography. I am very confident that when geopolitical tensions are resolved, and prices are sort of returned to normal levels, there is a huge potential of natural gas growth, he continued. All the growth will come in the LNG market, of which Indias current share is about 5 to 6% of total LNG trade in the world, and I think that share will double. Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director and CEO, Nigeria LNG, spoke as a representative of a rising exporter. Since 22, we've looked at buyers being interested in much longer-term contracts to give them that reliability of supply that they seek, he said. We are a growing company with 22 million tons per annum and we are in the process of building a seventh train that will take us to 30 million tons per annum, so we are planning to bring additional supplies into the market. MENA data centers As ADIPEC was closing the Dii Desert Energy Leadership Summit opened in Dubai, with more than 70 speakers, including high level executives, investors, and industry reps all devoted to developing net-0 energy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Dii think tank and networking organization, active in MENA since 2009 when the renewable energy take-off was barely foreseen, is striving to build regional capacity for new energy. It now has much momentum to build on. The IEA predicts that global solar, wind and hydro capacity will double by 2030. Investment in low-carbon energy now outpaces fossil fuel investment by a 2to1 ratio, up from approximately 1to1 a decade ago, and this gap will probably widen. Meanwhile, the energy think tank Ember has reported that solar and wind power development actually outpaced electricity demand growth in the first half of 2025, causing a slight decline in demand for coal and gas. These global gains are compelling Dii to find catalysts for innovation in MENA. One result announced at the summit is a report, Data Centers: The New Super Offtakers of Clean Energy, which studies the Middle East as a prime location for sustainable data centers. The report zeros in on an enormous opportunity for the Gulf region, where countries are now vigorously developing digital infrastructure with major US companies building cloud data centers while pursuing corporate net-0 targets. The essential proposal is to export data center capacity, using the worlds lowest cost renewable energy, the regions ample land, and a favorable policy environment which can move quickly. The report puts focus on building hubs where data center developers can leverage these advantages. It describes places where this work is already underway, where the critical infrastructures of giga-scale renewables generation and high-bandwidth connectivity overlap. These include NEOM in Saudi Arabia, the Salalah Free Zone in Oman, and the UAE-US AI campus in Abu Dhabi, as well as sites in Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan. The relevant technologies are described in some detail; the report sets out a staged decarbonization strategy for data center operations based on renewable power and low-carbon hydrogen. That renewables-powered data centers will arise in MENA is perhaps a hope, but one that must be taken seriously, given the surprising advances of new energy over the past two decades. What appears certain is uncertainty about the future of energy old and new, an uncertainty lurking in the background of both the recent confabs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. By Alan Mammoser for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com When a 25-year-old Chinese construction worker died at a vast solar power plant site in Bosnia-Herzegovina this summer, few expected the incident to snowball into one of the most significant legal blows against Chinese-backed projects in the country. The accident at the Aurora Solar site near the southern Bosnian city of Stolac triggered an inspection that uncovered 71 illegal Chinese workers in October. Authorities quickly deported them, ruled construction of the $116 million project illegal, and opened investigations into the possible misuse of public land in November. But local residents say the construction site has not yet closed. For a region where Chinese infrastructure investments are often shielded by political alliances and government patronage, the move marked a rare setback for China's economic footprint in the Balkans and a successful instance of public resistance to Chinese projects. Experts say officials in the region have often embraced Chinese capital as fast money for energy and infrastructure development at the expense of protecting the environment and upholding labor laws. "Chinese companies behave in the Balkans the way they are allowed to do so," Vuk Vuksanovic, a senior researcher at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, told RFE/RL. Broken Promises, Environmental Concerns Following months of legal wrangling and pressure from the local community, a government inspector effectively blocked any new construction at the solar power plant site in Stolac. Residents like Arman Ajanic had raised concern that facilities for the project were built closer to populated areas than originally presented to the public and that construction could bring environmental and safety risks such as landslides. "The location is a proven landslide-prone area and has a slope toward residential houses," Ajanic told RFE/RL. "Our neighbor Elmira Sefo was killed by a landslide caused by an earthquake. Having learned from these negative experiences, we simply did not want to sit idly by." He added that locals began their legal campaign to stop the project in January, spending hours each day researching the relevant laws. "This should not be the job of ordinary citizens but of institutions," Ajanic said. The mayor's office, who led the effort to build the plant, did not respond to RFE/RL's request for comment. Kemal Svrakic, the lawyer for China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), the Chinese company building the solar project, told RFE/RL's Balkan Service last month that all the workers arrived legally and he had filed all the necessary paperwork for each of them. 'Free Rein To The Chinese The solar plant near Stolac is the latest high-profile project being built or managed by Chinese state-owned firms across the Balkans that has recently become embroiled in controversy and stalled due to local pushback. There is the hydropower plant in the village of Ulog in southern Bosnia, where locals have for years pointed to environmental damage and mass fish die-offs. An investigation has now been opened into the cause of the fish deaths. There is also the Bistrica hydropower plant in Bosnia whose building permit was revoked and which faced a local backlash. The projects have faced public blowback for similar reasons, including circumventing local laws around labor, the environment, and land ownership. Researchers like Vuksanovic said these issues derive from Balkan politicians' attempts to get an influx of Chinese investment into the country and benefit from a web of newfound capital. "All of the concerns about illegal labor, the environment, and the expropriation of land exist because local elites give free rein to the Chinese so that a project can get completed," Vuksanovic said. "If you allow companies to operate without clear rules, this is what can happen." Both Aurora Solar, which is developing the solar plant project, and NORINCO, the contractor, maintain that all necessary permits were obtained in accordance with the law. Neither company has announced that it plans to challenge the decision. A Pattern Across The Balkans Across the border in Serbia, however, local opposition has struggled to break through. In the eastern mining hub of Bor, which is home to Serbia's only copper mining complex, residents accuse the Chinese conglomerate Zijin Mining Group of land grabs, causing pollution, and disregarding their livelihoods. But years of legal battles have brought little progress. Miodrag Zivkovic from the village of Slatina said he lost seven hectares of land in 2020 after receiving an expropriation order from the government to take his property for public use. Zivkovic is now in a legal dispute with the Chinese mining company Zijin because it is listed as the beneficiary of the expropriation, even though the Serbian government had carried it out on the companys behalf. He said the authorities have gone to great lengths to accommodate Zijin and sidestepped legal procedures in the process. "The Finance Ministry issued a decision allowing the company to take possession before compensating me, citing the urgency of the project," Zivkovic explained to RFE/RL. "Instead of instructing the company to pay the compensation set by law, the ministry sided with them." Serbia Zijin Mining, the Chinese firm's local subsidiary that controls much of the former state-run Bor complex, insists it acquired most of the land on a voluntary basis and only a small portion was expropriated after the state designated the area for "public interest." Zivkovic, who depends on a small disability pension, said he lost not just land but his entire livelihood. He added that the mining in Bor has led to air pollution with high concentrations of arsenic. "There is no such thing as a green mine, especially not here where the mining company is Chinese," Zivkovic said, referring to the heavy environmental impact of mining. "This is certainly not true when we consider the results of air quality measures conducted by our Mining Institute in Bor. It is a disaster." Zijin In Serbia Since China's Zijin Mining Group acquired Serbia's only copper and precious metals producer in 2018, it has become one of the country's largest exporters, with earnings nearing 1 billion euros by the end of 2024. For Belgrade, such investments showcase a model partnership often described by Chinese and Serbian leaders Xi Jinping and Aleksandar Vucic as a "steel friendship." But some residents say that alliance has come at a steep cost, one measured not in economic promise but in lost land, polluted air, and unenforced court rulings. "It's tough to get any company to fully respect environmental laws in your country, but it's even more difficult when the local and national governments are complicit in doing this too," Damir Dizdarevic, who tracks Chinese investments in the Balkans for the Belgrade-based BFPE Foundation for a Responsible Society, told RFE/RL. China's Green Pivot Vladimir Shopov, an expert on China in the Balkans at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said the Balkan countries are a convenient springboard for Chinese companies to build their portfolios and fine-tune their operations so they can meet the more stringent business and environmental standards of the European Union and compete in its single market. "While its long-term goals -- political positioning in future EU member states, building networks of friendly local actors, and gaining influence in key policy and economic sectors -- remain the same, Beijing is expanding its toolkit to achieve these goals," Shopov wrote in an analysis earlier this month. China's investments in renewable energy, including wind and solar power, are a major pillar of that new toolkit. State subsidies and a massive manufacturing base have turned China into the world's largest and most cost-effective producer of solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. In recent years, Chinese institutions have also bankrolled green-energy projects across the world as Beijing looks to rebrand its global image from a top polluter to green investor and shore up business for its companies abroad. Across the Balkans, Chinese state-owned firms have often funded these green energy projects using local intermediaries to navigate loose legal systems and weak oversight. But as Stolac shows, this strategy can backfire when local communities push back. What began as a tragic workplace death ended with the dismantling of an entire venture. Ajanic said he and locals from Stolac are banding together with other activists across the country to prepare additional legal steps against similar projects where they believe the law has been circumvented. "We joined a national alliance demanding lawful management of public land," he said. "We've engaged institutions at all levels because a healthy environment and lawful procedures dont have a price." By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Nazrin Abdul For the first time, non-governmental organizations from member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) are gathering under one roof at Azerbaijans initiative, coinciding with the countrys assumption of the organizations rotating chairmanship. As reported by Azernews, the official opening of the Solidarity Forum of NGOs of OTS Member States will take place today at the Gulustan Palace in Baku. More than 500 civil society representatives from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are attending the event. This marks the largest forum ever organized through Azerbaijans State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations. All delegations have already arrived in Baku. On the eve of the forum, participants visited the Alley of Honor, the Alley of Martyrs, the Turkish Martyrs Memorial, Victory Park, and the Heydar Aliyev Center. Two panel discussions will be held on the opening day of the forum. The first, titled Zangezur Corridor: A Bridge Uniting the Turkic World, will focus on preparations for the new regional landscape following the opening of the corridor and explore civil society initiatives aimed at strengthening Turkic-world connectivity. The second panel will be the First AzerbaijanKazakhstan NGO Cooperation Forum. This follows a series of bilateral civil-society cooperation events: AzerbaijanTurkiye (2022), AzerbaijanUzbekistan (2023), and UzbekistanAzerbaijan (2024). This years meeting will facilitate experience and knowledge exchange between Azerbaijani and Kazakh NGOs and examine new avenues for deeper partnership. Similar forums with Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Turkmenistan are planned for the coming period. Todays discussions in Baku will conclude with a cultural program at the Gulustan Palace. Tomorrow, the forum will continue in Nakhchivan a city of deep symbolic significance for the OTS due to the 2009 Nakhchivan Agreement, which laid the foundation for the organization. It is expected that NGOs from OTS member states will formally establish their joint Platform in Nakhchivan. Azerbaijan, as the current OTS chair, will lead the Platform, which will unite NGOs from eight countries. This is anticipated to become one of the forums most lasting legacies. Earlier this year, Baku hosted the founding assembly of the Global South NGO Platform, bringing together civil society institutions from 115 countries representing two-thirds of the worlds population. Azerbaijan also hosted the first-ever gathering of NGOs from the D-8 (Developing-8) Muslim nations, whose populations constitute 60% of the global Muslim community. At the Globally Engaged Azerbaijani NGOs: Strategies of Unity Against Isolation panel held in Khankendi on October 20, 2025, it was emphasized that the greatest achievement of Azerbaijani civil society over the past two years has been its global outreach. The new OTS NGO Platform is considered a key milestone in this trajectory. In Nakhchivan, the forum will also feature a panel titled Towards WUF13 A First for the Turkic World. Discussions will highlight the scale and rapid pace of Azerbaijans reconstruction and development efforts in Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur, presented as a model for post-conflict regions worldwide. Turkic-world NGOs will also be invited to participate actively in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), to be hosted by Azerbaijan in 2026. On November 26, 2025, participants of the OTS NGO Solidarity Forum will visit several sites across the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The event is expected to conclude with the adoption of a joint declaration. For the play to be economically viable and become a major supply source, operators must reduce D&C costs to approximately $25 million, which could enable the region to reach nearly 2 Bcfd of production by the end of 2030 with an eight-rig development program. With the US in the midst of a gas demand boom driven by liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects and surge in electricity demand amid the steady buildout of data centers, the Western Haynesville has increasingly garnered attention as a promising source of future supply. The area, located roughly 150 miles north of Houston, Texas, in the Robertson, Freestone and Leon counties, has seen 60 wells drilled over the past four years. The wells are twice as productive as the median legacy Haynesville wells, but are as much as triple the drilling and completion (D&C) cost. The eventual success will come down to whether operators can continue to drive down costs in the region while replicating (or improving) the productivity of the initial wells. After garnering much attention when the first monster well was completed in 2022, the area has recently come back to prominence as Comstock Resources shifts capital expenditure (capex) toward the play, and as new operators such as Japans Mitsui, private E&P Hilcorp and North Americas largest natural gas producer Expand Energy have entered. The high costs and high productivity of the play stem from its geology, as the far western stretches of the Haynesville and Bossier shales are found at true vertical depths of about 17,000 feet (5,180 meters) or deeper and contain overpressured reservoirs and extremely high bottomhole temperatures. Mitsui joined Comstock and Aethon with its first well in 1Q25 and has since drilled four, although none have yet reported production. In terms of producing wells, 33 have come online since 2Q22, with Comstock having started three in 3Q25. Production has skyrocketed from zero in 2022 up to 500 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) as of August 2025, with Comstock accounting for 347 MMcfd and Aethon 164 MMcfd. Comstock, a public E&P majority-owned by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, has been the leader in the area, deploying extensive capital and rigs to delineate the play. Comstock has maintained four rigs in the Western Haynesville for much of 2025, at one point double its legacy Haynesville count, and now intends to run four rigs in each area moving forward into next year. Wells in the region have noticeable higher initial productivity and shallower declines compared to the legacy Haynesville. Thus far, Western Haynesville wells in more recent vintages have performed well, illustrating that the pilot wells drilled started in 2022 were no fluke. Most impressively, West Haynesville wells thus far have not shown the extreme front-loaded production curve of legacy Haynesville wells, where much of the wells ultimate recovery is produced on the first few years on production. For example, the 2022 vintage median Louisiana well produced 0.574 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per 1,000 feet in its first year on production, grew to cumulative 0.813 Bcf per 1,000 feet in its second and reached a cumulative total of 0.97 Bcf per 1,000 through its first three years of production. By contrast, West Haynesville wells have shown far less decline between years. Comstocks Circle M well, one of the first to begin producing in the play, nearly doubled between cumulative production 12 and 24-months online and rounded out a growth of over 0.4 Bcf per 1,000 feet in cumulative production between years two and three. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether these same results can be replicated across the aerial extent of the play, as the wells so far have been confined to a narrow stretch of land in Leon and Robertson counties. With Comstock and Mitsui drilling outside of this initial area and Expand leasing acreage to the east, results should soon begin to come in signaling to what extent this performance can be replicated north and eastward. With West Haynesville wells showing commercial potential from their astounding productivity, the plays ultimate success will come down to the extent to which producers can reduce costs. The unforgiving conditions of the play: deep, overpressured and hot require cutting edge drilling technology and high proppant loads, making wells structurally very expensive. Producers have thus far made some strides in bringing down drilling days. Early wells consistently took about 80 days from spud to total depth, with some as high as 133. During 2023 and 2024, aside from a few outliers, most median quarterly cycle times have come down including one well spud by Aethon in 2Q24 that reached total depth in 49 days. As with any emerging play, the questions are ultimately scale and economics. Figure 1 analyzes the Henry Hub breakeven gas price sensitivity for West Haynesville wells to various discount rates and D&C costs. Assuming productivity holds in line with the 2022-2023 average well type curve, we find that a $35 million D&C cost a typical cost for many of the wells so far translates to a Henry Hub price of $4.60 needed to break even at a 20% discount rate. By comparison, the average 2022-2023 vintage legacy Haynesville well breaks even at $3.17 and $3.56 in Louisiana and Texas, respectively, at this discount rate. Even if D&C costs come down to $30 million, which has been realized for more recent wells, producers will still need above $4 Henry Hub to break even. Still, if operators can systematically push D&C costs down towards $25 million and maintain well performance, producers could break even on a PV20 basis at $3.67 a level that is not far off the legacy Haynesville and could make the play a viable supply source in an upcoming bullish price environment. Well costs need to come down further to make the play a true growth play. Figure 2 analyzes potential output for the region under various rig scenarios. We find that in a flat five-rig scenario, a level which can be seen as the status quo given Comstocks outlined four-rig program and a likely off-and-on approach from Mitsui and Aethon, production can double to 1 Bcfd in four years in November 2029. This is more likely our base case development program, in which operators gradually expand towards an eight-rig program, which could see an extra rig from Comstock along more consistent one-rig development from Mitsui, Aethon and Expand. With a consistent eight rigs running by late 2026, production could quickly exceed 1 Bcfd in September 2027 and grow to just shy of 2 bcfd by end-2030, adding significant supply to the total US mix. The new play has generated considerable buzz and has undoubtable potential. Rystad Energy will continue to monitor the extent to which operators can bring down well costs, achieve efficiencies and expand the areal extent of the play. With what weve seen thus far, the potential of the play using current type curves and costs would be roughly 2 Bcfd by the end of 2030, with a consistent eight-rig development program (currently there are five rigs in the area). The fan of outcomes will continue to evolve as new well results come in. By Matthew Bernstein, Vice President, North America Oil & Gas Research at Rystad Energy More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The project is considered of significant strategic importance for Armenias economic development and could potentially help the country regain strategic parity with Azerbaijan in the national security realm. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan personally lobbied US President Donald Trump for the chip-transfer approval, framing the matter as part of the provisional peace deal with Azerbaijan. The $500-million initiative to build an AI and supercomputer hub in Armenia, led by startup Firebird, received US regulatory approval for the transfer of advanced Nvidia chips. An Armenian $500-million initiative to develop an artificial intelligence and supercomputer hub has taken a major step forward after US regulators approved the transfer of advanced Nvidia chips. The project is being developed by Firebird, an AI startup launched in June with offices in San Francisco and Yerevan, in collaboration with the Armenian government. At a November 20 news conference, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan revealed that he personally lobbied US President Donald Trump for help in expediting the chip-transfer approval process, framing the matter as part of the provisional peace deal brokered by Trump and signed by Armenia and Azerbaijan in August at the White House. I am glad and grateful that the White House responded quickly and appropriately. As a result, the project will now confidently move forward, Pashinyan told journalists. The Armenian AI hub will receive Nvidia Blackwell GPUs, which the company describes a chip that defines the next chapter in generative AI with unparalleled performance, efficiency, and scale. Also on November 20, Michael Dell announced via social media that his company will be supplying PowerEdge servers. Dell lauded the venture as advancing responsible AI innovation across both nations. Pashinyan, meanwhile, has characterized the Firebird project as having significant strategic importance for Armenias economic development by establishing the country as an AI and IT leader in the Caucasus. In the national security realm, the AI project could potentially help Armenia regain strategic parity with Azerbaijan, after Baku, via its superiority in the use of battlefield drones, inflicted a decisive defeat on Armenia during the Second Karabakh War. According to a statement issued by Firebird, the venture aims to blend entrepreneurial vision, world-class infrastructure, and global collaboration to unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. The projects first phase is expected to launch in mid-2026. The 100-Megawatt data center will consume an annual amount of electricity equivalent to that used by a city of roughly 120,000 residents. Such a facility can also require over 500,000 gallons of water per day for cooling. The parent company of Telecom Armenia and Irelands Imagine Broadband are involved in creating the infrastructure for the data center. Firebird does not have much of a track record. The Afeyan Foundation for Armenia is listed in the companys statement as the founding investor. The foundations principal is a venture capitalist, Noubar Afeyan, who played an important role in launching of the biotech firm Moderna. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The Australian Fair Work Commission has given the go-ahead to industrial action at Woodside Energys Pluto LNG 2 project after trade unions failed to agree on higher wages with the company. Per the regulators decision, as cited by Reuters, the Offshore Alliance, which groups two industry trade unions, must hold a vote no later than December 4 to decide whether to start a strike. If the strike is approved, it would delay the start of production at Pluto LNG 2, which was scheduled for the second half of 2026. The dispute arose from findings made by the Offshore Alliance that workers at Pluto LNG 2 get paid 30% less per hour than workers at Chevrons Wheatstone LNG project. The unions then asked Bechtel, the contractor working on Pluto LNG 2, to raise wages, but Bechtel refused, prompting the threat of industrial action. Pluto 2, which is 91% completed, is an expansion on the Pluto LNG project, which sources natural gas from the Scarborough gas project, operated by Woodside. The expansion has a capacity of 5 million tons of LNG annually, and construction began back in 2022. The original Pluto facility has so far delivered more than 500 LNG cargos, Woodside said earlier. Woodside Energy said earlier this year it expected significant growth in its oil and gas sales in the next seven years, driven primarily by liquefied natural gas. By 2032, the company should have an annual capacity of 40 million tons from 19 million tons as of this year. Pluto LNG 2 would add 5 million tons to the companys annual total capacity. With global LNG demand forecast to grow 60% by 2035, Woodsides increasing scale across the Atlantic and Pacific basins, combined with our marketing and trading business, optimises our capability to meet customer needs, chief executive Meg ONeill said at Woodsides Capital Markets Day earlier this month. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com China is offering Germany collaboration in the field of what it calls new energy, along with other industries, including intelligent manufacturing, hydrogen, biomedicine, and intelligent driving, per Xinhua. The offer came from Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the G20 meeting this weekend, with the top official urging the German leadership to practice a rational and pragmatic China policy, per the Chinese state news agency. China is willing to work with Germany to seize development opportunities and exploit innovative cooperation with an open attitude, Xinhua also reported, citing the Premiers statement. Relations between European countries and China have been fraying recently, amid the latters refusal to side with the EU on the Ukraine war and what Brussels has claimed as unfair competition practices in fields such as wind, solar, and electric cars. China subsidizes what it calls new energy industries heavily, and while the European Union does the same, it sees the Chinese practice as giving Chinese companies active in these industries as undermining the competitiveness of European players in the same field. Germany specifically has been a vocal critic of the subsidy approach in Beijing. The EU also has issues with its dependence on Chinese energy technology and is trying to reduce that by implementing import controls and providing financial support for European companies to boost their competitiveness with Chinese imports. Just this month, Germanys finance minister voiced concern about Chinas overcapacity in sectors including solar power, EVs, and steelmaking, saying that From the German perspective, we see fair competition at risk and also see industrial jobs under threat, as quoted by Reuters. Lars Klingbeil added, however, that both Germany and China should work together to address these concerns and that We have to speak with China instead of speaking about China. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com China is launching a global cooperation initiative on green minerals with developing nations as it looks to consolidate its dominance in rare earth elements and other critical minerals. At the G-20 summit in South Africa, Chinese Premier Li Qiang launched an international economic and trade co-operation initiative on green minerals while defending Chinas current curbs on exports of rare earths. The alliance is expected to include China and more than a dozen other nations including Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Nigeria, and Myanmar holders of rare earth elements, alongside the UN Industrial Development Organization. China will promote mutually beneficial cooperation and peaceful use of key minerals, its premier said, as carried by Bloomberg. Beijing plans to safeguard the interests of developing countries, while prudently addressing military and other uses, the second-highest ranking Chinese official said. Li urged efforts to strengthen cooperation on green energy and advance a just transition, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported. The premier called for promoting global cooperation in the green industry, keeping industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and facilitating the free flow and application of related technologies and products. The Chinese announcement of an alliance comes as the U.S. looks to rally Western allies to counter Chinas dominance in critical minerals. The Trump Administration is ensuring funding through buying minority stakes in North American rare earth and lithium companies and projects, while companies in the U.S. and Europe are setting up alliances with miners and refiners to have magnet supply chains outside and independent of China. The rare earth supply chain is among the most highly concentrated across all stages of the value chain, analysts at the International Energy Agency (IEA) wrote in a commentary last month. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here Last year, China held a 59% share of the mining of rare earths, 91% in refining, and a whopping 94% in magnet manufacturing, the agency estimates. China has significantly strengthened its position in the manufacturing of rare-earth-containing permanent magnets. Two decades ago, China accounted for around 50% of the production of sintered permanent magnets commonly used in cars, wind turbines, industrial motors, data centers, and defense systems. This share has risen significantly to 94% today, making China the worlds single largest supplier of the component critical to the manufacturing of the most powerful motors that are used for many cutting-edge applications, the IEAs analysts said. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com European benchmark natural gas prices slipped below the key threshold of 30 euros per megawatt-hour (MWh) on Monday, for the first time in a year and a half, amid strong LNG flows, milder temperatures, and negotiations about the end of the war in Ukraine. Dutch TTF Natural Gas Futures, the benchmark for Europes gas trading, fell by 1.3% at $34.36 (29.795 euros) per megawatt-hour (MWh) at 9 a.m. in Amsterdam on Monday. Thats the first time the benchmark futures prices have slipped below 30 euros per MWh since May 2024. European natural gas prices have traded in a very narrow range of about $36.90 (32 euros) per MWh for months. The move lower of the past week has been accelerated by the discussions about the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, forecasts of milder temperatures in northwest Europe in the weeks ahead, and continued strong LNG flows into Europe amid tepid demand in Asia. Gas and energy traders are eyeing the talks on the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, which could lead to easing of some of the sanctions on Russian energy exports. Thats of course if the plan goes through, which is far from certain. The U.S. and Ukraine held on Sunday in Geneva what the two sides described as highly productive talks and agreed to continue intensive work on a refined peace plan. The EUs gas storage sites were 79% full as of November 22, per data from Gas Infrastructure Europe, as countries have started to draw down supply for the winter heating season. Near-term signals for gas prices appear bearish, with milder temperatures in the coming days in northwest Europe and the steady LNG flows, especially from the United States. Despite Europes gas inventories now falling and at levels lower compared to this time last year, rising LNG flows are easing concerns about a shortage of supply. However, as in any winter, Europes gas futures prices will be very sensitive to weather patterns, geopolitical events, and supply shocks. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A political plot twist is unfolding in Florida as top Republicansincluding Governor Ron DeSantiscame out against a Trump administration proposal that could reopen the eastern Gulf of Mexico to offshore oil and gas leasing. The opposition wasnt about party lines. It was about geography, economics, and a stretch of water the Pentagon relies on heavily for testing and readiness drills. The Interior Departments draft plan, released Thursday, floats the possibility of future leasing in the eastern Gulfan area Congress locked down nearly 20 years ago and one that Donald Trump himself moved to protect in 2020 at the urging of Florida officials. That moratorium covers a zone the U.S. military uses heavily for weapons testing, pilot training, and classified exercises. Its one of the last places in the country where the Pentagon can fly, fire, and crash-test without neighbors complaining. Floridas response was immediate. A DeSantis spokesperson reiterated support for the 2020 freeze and urged the Interior to reverse course, citing both the states long-standing ban on drilling in state waters and the eastern Gulfs strategic value to the Department of Defense. The Pentagon, for its part, didnt commentthough historically it has guarded that section of the Gulf like sacred ground. Floridas political blowback may be occupying the headlines, but the real friction is structural: the states economy survives on clean beaches and uninterrupted tourism, while federal planners keep circling back to the eastern Gulf as one of the last big untapped offshore frontiers. Add in the fact that this same stretch of water doubles as the Pentagons backyard test range, and every leasing proposal turns into a turf war between two national priorities. For now, the Interiors plan is only a draftnothing more than a trial balloon. But the speed and force of Floridas response show the pattern hasnt changed: any hint of drilling near the states coast gets swatted down long before it reaches the starting line. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Spot charter rates to hire an LNG tanker on the U.S. to Europe route have jumped to their highest level in nearly two years as soaring American exports tighten the Atlantic LNG vessels market. The spot charter rate for a tanker to ship LNG from the U.S. to Europe surged by 12% on Friday, reaching $130,750 a day, per data from Spark Commodities cited by Bloomberg. Thats the highest daily LNG shipping rate since December 2023. Since October, LNG freight rates have rallied as U.S. export projects ramp up and tie up more vessels for exports from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Europe and Asia. Additionally, the LNG volumes held in tankers on water have surged as traders anticipate a price rally in the winter and keep more fuel in floating storage on vessels before selling the LNG for a higher price when winter temperatures raise demand in the northern hemisphere. The Pacific LNG shipping rates have also surged alongside the rally in Atlantic freight rates. Pacific spot LNG rates have hit their highest level in more than a year, though they remain below $100,000 per day for now. Over the first ten months of the year, Asias imports of liquefied natural gas were down by over 14 million tons on the year to 225.8 million tons, according to Kpler data cited by Reuters. China was one driver of this trend, booking year-on-year LNG import declines every month since November 2024. LNG imports into Europe, meanwhile, moved in the opposite direction. Over the first ten months of the year, Europe imported 101.38 million tons of the super-chilled fuel. This was 16.75 million tons more than what Europe imported a year earliereven as the EU leadership boasted about permanently reducing the blocs consumption of natural gas, not just from Russia but in general. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A sanctioned Russian shadow fleet tanker has reached Venezuelas waters after evading a U.S. destroyer. Previously, Bloomberg reported the sanctioned panamax carrier Seahorse unsuccessfully attempted to approach Venezuela three times, with the U.S. destroyer USS Stockdale blocking its path each time. Seahorse has been used to transport naphtha, a lighter fuel distillate, from Russian refineries to Venezuela. The vessel has also been previously used in the Iran to Venezuela trade to carry distillate products. Built in 2004, the 70,426-dwt tanker falsely claimed to belong to the Comoros. The EU sanctioned the tanker in May before the UK followed suit in July. The vessels last inspection was in the Russian Black Sea in October 2024, where it was flagged for multiple deficiencies including fire safety, steam and pressure pipes, lifeboats and other safety and operational issues. Venezuela is a significant producer of heavy crude oil, which is a crucial feedstock for many American refineries. However, the U.S. has dramatically cut imports of Venezuelan oil, with China becoming Venezuela's primary buyer. Chevron (NYSE:CVX) has had a long-standing presence in Venezuela, partnering with the state-owned oil company, PDVSA, on five onshore and offshore production projects, including those focused on heavy crude. In 2022, Chevron was granted a limited U.S. license to operate in the country, a move that allowed for some U.S. business and specified that revenues could not be transferred to the Venezuelan government. This license has been instrumental in increasing production volumes and refining economics for Chevron, while also offering the potential for PDVSA to re-establish a presence in global markets. Chevron exported ~240,000 barrels per day of crude from its Venezuela operations, more than 25% of the country's entire oil output. However, that changed in February after U.S. President Donald Trump reversed the license, accusing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of failing to make migrant returns and electoral reforms. The attempt to trap the Russian tanker could be an indication that Trump will pursue a "maximum pressure" approach against Venezuela, similar to what he did in his first term. Washingtons recent escalation of covert activity in Venezuela has pushed the countrys political and energy crisis onto sharper edge, with Trump authorizing the CIA to expand operations targeting Nicolas Maduros security apparatus as the OPEC members oil sector continues to unravel. The new mandate enables deeper intelligence work and support for dissident military elements at a time when Venezuelas crude output is already crippled by infrastructure decay, sanctions pressure, and factional infighting. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russian oil and gas revenues are poised to slump by 35% this month from a year earlier as the price of Russias crude has plunged and the local currency strengthened. Russias budget is expected to receive $6.63 billion (520 Russian billion rubles) from oil and gas in November, a decline of 35% compared to the same month of 2024, Reuters calculations showed on Monday. Oil and gas revenues make up the single largest budget income item for the Russian Federation, which relies on these revenues for heavy spending on its war in Ukraine. This month, the discount of Russias flagship crude grade, Urals, has widened to the highest level since May 2023 following the U.S. sanctions on Russias top oil producers and exporters, Rosneft and Lukoil. Last week, the price of Urals crude loading at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk plunged to as low as $36.61 per barrel, the lowest in nearly three years. The price of Urals loaded at Novorossiysk and from the Baltic Sea ports in Russia has plummeted since the U.S. announced the sanctions at the end of October. The discount of Urals relative to the international Brent benchmark widened to an average of $23.52 a barrel in the middle of November. The widening discount of Urals will now weigh further on Russias oil revenues, the biggest budget income for the Kremlin to finance the war in Ukraine. October revenues for the Russian budget collapsed by 27% from a year earlier, as international oil prices dropped, sanctions on Russia intensified, and the Russian ruble strengthened. November revenues are also significantly down compared to this time last year. Last week, the U.S. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control said its analysis of the initial market impact of the sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil showed they are having their intended effect of dampening Russian revenues by lowering the price of Russian oil and therefore the country's ability to fund its war effort against Ukraine. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Qabil Ashirov On November 24, Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, received Vahid Jalalzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who is visiting the country, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry noted that during the meeting, the two sides discussed the agenda of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as regional issues. The importance of contacts between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Iran, ongoing political dialogue, and interparliamentary relations in strengthening friendly ties between the two countries was emphasized. The discussion also highlighted that the two visits made by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Azerbaijan earlier this year have further boosted bilateral relations. The parties examined prospects for cooperation in political, economic, trade, energy security, transport, and communications sectors. They particularly noted that several projects implemented by Azerbaijan and Iran play a significant role in the development of transport corridors passing through the region. The meeting also included an exchange of views on other matters of mutual interest. Serbian authorities have reassured citizens that the country has sufficient fuel reserves to supply the domestic market, with the fate of the country's only refinery, Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), hanging in the balance. "The economy and citizens have no reason for concern, as there are sufficient quantities of all petroleum derivatives," the government statement said, with Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic saying the government is ready to use mandatory reserves if need be. Russia's Gazprom Neft and Gazprom affiliates are the majority owners of NIS, with the Serbian government owning a minority 29.9% stake. Last week, NIS submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to continue operations until negotiations for an ownership change conclude. The U.S. has waived sanctions against NIS several times since the Trump administration included the company in its long list of sanctioned companies. However, the situation has now become tenuous after banks stopped processing NIS payments after the last U.S. waiver expired on October 8, while Croatia's JANAF pipeline stopped delivering crude to the refinery. The JANAF pipeline has been Serbias primary supply line, bringing in Russian and Kazakh crude over the past three years. Last week, OFAC issued NIS a license until February 13, 2026; however, the license has only authorized negotiations between shareholders and interested parties regarding NISs new ownership structure. Last month, Djedovic Handanovic warned that NIS would not be able to operate beyond November 25 without fresh crude supplies. On Sunday, the energy minister revealed that the refinerys reserves totalled 53,648 tons of gasoline and 89,825 metric tons of diesel. She also revealed that the government had approved the import of 66,000 tons of diesel and 38,000 metric tons of petrol for state reserves. Last week, reports emerged that Hungarys MOL is close to buying a minority stake in NIS from its Russian owners. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Oregon State Senator Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton) and Oregon State Representative Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland) just wrote a guest Editorial opinion in the Sunday Oregonian. Listen closely to what they said; As co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, we and our colleagues are now grappling with how to rebalance the states budget Conversations about spurring economic growth and closing tax loopholes are ongoing across government, and the outcome of those talks will have a dramatic impact on our ability to provide state services in the coming years. Closing tax loopholes? The liberal lawmakers have already run the numbers on disconnecting Oregon tax law from the big Trump business tax cuts. The Oregon Center for Public Policy just days ago called this tax break as Loopholes for Corporations. (November 19, 2025). The fix is in! Both the liberal lobby and liberal lawmakers are calling tax cuts for small businesses a loophole. As we have discussed many times, Oregon tax law is connected to Federal tax law in many ways (as in definitions, exemptions), so when Congress redefines business taxes, it automatically changes for Oregon. The President and Congresss Big Beautiful Bill reduced business taxes through (1) Bonus Depreciation and Expensing (2) R&E expenditures and (3) Business Interest Deductions. Now, lawmakers may deem these tax breaks a loophole and therefore steal away a half billion in tax savings from Oregon businesses. Politicians would consider stealing this half-billion as closing a loophole. This is sad because the Trump tax cuts helped provide a $300 million unexpected surge in revenue to Oregon from increased business economic growth. Please support our watchdog journalism on how your taxes are being spent. Make a donation at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). 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 In the face of a changing climate, an updated planning tool will act as Anchorage's guide to preparing for and living with an increased wildfire risk. Higher temperatures and longer, drier summers are becoming standard across much of the Lower 48 and in Alaska, said Stephanie Dufek of the Anchorage Fire Department. Over the last two decades, Alaska has experienced several "record-setting" fire seasons, with more than 16 million acres burned since 2004, according to data from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Dufek is at the head of the municipality's recent push to rewrite its community wildfire protection plan, which hasn't been updated in nearly 20 years. The refresh will help residents stay prepared and make it easier for Anchorage to seek federal grants to reduce its fire risk, she said. Approximately 82% of Anchorage falls within the wildland-urban interface, a factor that inherently increases the municipality's wildfire risk. This is a zone in a community where homes and buildings intersperse with adjacent forests and undeveloped land. "The sooner we can get on board with mitigating the risk to the best of our ability and learning how to be resilient, the better off we'll be," said Dufek, a wildland-urban interface project manager for the Anchorage Fire Department. The plan, a collaborative project, was crafted through partnerships between the municipality and neighboring fire departments, the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection and federal public land managers. The city hosted a town hall on Nov. 12 to kick off the public comment period, which will remain open through the end of the month. "It's built on the idea that protecting homes and neighborhoods from wildfire requires everyone, including municipal departments, community councils, state and federal partners and residents like you and me," Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said during the town hall. The report acknowledges the "growing complexity" of fire management in Alaska due to the size, frequency and severity of wildfires on the tundra and in its boreal forests. Firefighting resources in Alaska are also finite. The state Division of Forestry is responsible for protecting more than 130 million acres of land. It can take at least 72 hours for help to arrive from the Lower 48, Dufek said. As part of the plan, fire managers created a risk chart for Anchorage's neighborhoods based on factors like the number of dead-end roads, the distance to the nearest fire station and the flammability of existing trees and vegetation. They also considered demographics, such as the percentage of people who may not have a vehicle, Dufek said. Based on an "extreme" risk rating, some of the most vulnerable neighborhoods are Potter Heights, Glen Alps, Bear Valley, Stuckagain Heights and Eagle River, according to the plan. The ratings will help the fire department determine the order to perform wildfire mitigation projects, Dufek said. The report recommends a variety of methods fire managers can use to reduce fire hazards around Anchorage. Some of the methods are similar to those used in a project recently completed along a 3-mile stretch of Campbell Airstrip Road. The wildfire division created a fuel break by thinning the trees along the road and removing debris and vegetation on the forest floor. The access road leads to 200 homes in the Stuckagain Heights neighborhood and acts as an evacuation route. The plan also encourages clearing near power lines that may become an ignition hazard in the case of a windstorm, the creation of defensible space around homes and permanently funding the Anchorage Fire Department's new wildfire division. 2025 Anchorage Daily News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: Glaciers transport sediments from Antarctica to the coast. Credit: Dr. Kate Winter, drone footage Research led by polar scientists from Northumbria University has revealed new hope in natural environmental systems found in East Antarctica which could help mitigate the overall rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over long timescales. As Antarctica's ice sheets thin due to climate change, newly exposed mountain peaks could significantly increase the supply of vital nutrients to the Southern Ocean which surrounds the continent, potentially enhancing its ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, according to the research published in Nature Communications. How exposed rocks boost ocean nutrients A team of scientists with expertise in oceanography, ice sheet modeling and geochemistry contributed to the study, which looked at analysis of sediment samples from East Antarctica's Sr Rondane Mountains. They discovered that weathered rocks exposed above the ice surface contain iron concentrations up to ten times higher than previously reported from the Antarctic continent. This bioavailable iron is transported to the ocean by glaciers and icebergs, where it fuels the growth of phytoplanktonmicroscopic marine organisms that absorb CO through photosynthesis. The study found that sediments from mountain peaks protruding through the iceknown as nunatakshad over three times more extractable iron compared to sediments already being transported by glaciers. Some visibly rust-stained rock samples showed particularly elevated iron levels, suggesting that weathering processes on exposed surfaces create especially nutrient-rich material. Dr. Kate Winter collecting glacial sediments in Dronning Maud Land. Credit: Jacque Richon, IPF. "Our results show that exposed bedrock in Antarctica acts like an iron factory," explained Dr. Kate Winter, Associate Professor in the School of Geography and Natural Sciences at Northumbria University and lead author of the research paper. "Even though air temperatures rarely rise above freezing, sunlight can heat dark rock surfaces above 20C in summer, creating the conditions needed for weathering and the formation of bioavailable iron compounds." Dr. Winter has traveled to Antarctica on fieldwork several times in recent years. Satellite observations confirm that coastal waters near to glacier outlets in the study region experience recurring phytoplankton blooms, demonstrating the biological importance of this natural iron delivery system. The blooms contribute to the Southern Ocean's role as a major carbon sink, absorbing atmospheric CO. Dr. Winter added, "The exciting thing is that we can take some hope from these findings because we know that carbon dioxide is a really important factor in climate change. From our research, we now know that sediments from the Antarctic continent could help to draw down atmospheric carbon dioxide into the ocean. "While our study area is limited to one glacier system, what we need to understand is the potential impact of these many small amounts being drawn down together across the whole of Antarctica. Piecing together information to gather an accurate picture of how much these natural systems are working to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere is crucial." The Princess Elisabeth Antarctic Research Station is conveniently situated next to coastal margin mountains in East Antarctica. Credit: Dr. Kate Winter, drone footage. Long timescales and future implications However, the research team, which includes scientists from the universities of Newcastle, Swansea, Plymouth, Edinburgh and Leeds, caution that there is a significant time lag in this process. Using ice flow models, they calculated that it takes between 10,000 and 100,000 years for iron-rich sediments collected in the mountains to reach the coast via glacial transport. 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. Dr. Sian Henley, a marine scientist from the School of GeoSciences at the University of Edinburgh explained, "While the sediments we examine in the mountains today will take a long time to reach the ocean, we know from seafloor surveys that iron-rich sediments have been delivered to the coast for millennia, so the processes we record today give us a glimpse into changes we might expect to see in the future, as glaciers thin and more mountain surfaces are exposed in Antarctica." Dr. Kate Winter in East Antarctica. Credit: Jacque Richon, IPF. During her fieldwork, Dr. Kate Winter worked alongside renowned polar explorer Alain Hubert, who founded the International Polar Foundation. Credit: Henri Robert, IPF. The study suggests that as temperatures continue to rise, several factors will increase iron delivery to the Southern Ocean: More mountain peaks will emerge as ice sheets thin Increased rock slope failures will deliver more sediment to glaciers Enhanced weathering will produce more bioavailable iron compounds Icebergs carrying this iron-rich sediment will distribute nutrients across vast ocean areas The research provides important insights into how Antarctica's extreme environment connects with ocean ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. It also offers a glimpse into how this system may evolve as climate change continues to reshape the continent.. More information: Kate Winter et al, Thinning Antarctic glaciers expose high-altitude nunataks delivering more bioavailable iron to the Southern Ocean, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65714-y Journal information: Nature Communications 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 There's always a touch of melancholy when a chapter that has absorbed years of work comes to an end. In the case of the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT), those years amount to nearly 20and now the telescope has completed its mission. Yet some endings are also important beginnings, opening new paths for the entire scientific community. The three papers published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics by the ACT Collaboration describe and contextualize in detail the sixth and final major ACT data releaseperhaps the most important onemarking significant advances in our understanding of the universe's evolution and its current state. ACT's data clarify several key points: the measurement of the Hubble constant (the number that indicates the current rate of cosmic expansionthe universe's "speedometer") obtained from observations at very large cosmological distances is confirmed, and it remains markedly different from the value derived from the nearby universe. This is both a problem and a remarkable discovery: it confirms the so-called "Hubble tension," which challenges the model we use to describe the cosmos. ACT's observations also rule out many of the so-called extended modelstheoretical alternatives to the standard cosmological model. That's another "problem," since it narrows the range of possibilities, but it also represents a new, cleaner starting point: time to stop pursuing these models and look elsewhere. Last but not least, ACT provides new polarization maps of the cosmic microwave backgroundthe universe's "fossil light"which complement Planck's temperature maps, but with much higher resolution. "When we compare them, it's a bit like cleaning your glasses," says Erminia Calabrese, cosmologist at Cardiff University, ACT collaboration member and coordinator of one of the three papers. Planck and ACT: 'Sibling' and complementary telescopes "It's the first time that a new experiment has reached the same level of observational capability as Planck," explains Thibaut Louis (Universite Paris-Saclay and CNRS/IN2P3), first author of one of the three newly published papers. The Planck satellite, operated by the European Space Agency (ESA), was launched in 2009 with the goal of mapping the cosmic microwave background (CMB) with extremely high precision. Cosmologists often describe this radiation as the universe's "fossil light," emitted during the earliest stages of cosmic evolution. Its observations allowed scientists to reconstruct the composition, age, and geometry of the primordial universe. Planck was a landmark mission, but it left some gapsseveral of which have now been filled thanks to ACT's work. Unlike Planck, which was a satellite in orbit, ACT is a ground-based telescope located at about 5,000 meters of altitude in Chile's Atacama Desert. While Planck focused mainly on measuring the temperature of the CMB, ACT also observed its polarizationespecially in this latest data release. Cosmological tension confirmed One of ACT's most important results so far is confirming one of today's biggest headaches in cosmology: the so-called Hubble tension. Put simply: we know the universe is expanding, and we can estimate its current expansion rate (we've also learned this expansion is accelerating) from observations. The snag is that the value inferred using data from extremely distant epochs like the CMB differs from the value obtained by observing much closer astronomical objects. "Our new results demonstrate that the Hubble constant inferred from the ACT CMB data agrees with that from Plancknot only from the temperature data, but also from the polarization, making the Hubble discrepancy even more robust," explains Colin Hill, cosmologist at Columbia University and co-lead of one of the papers. "This may sound like an even bigger problem, but it's actually a crucial finding: scientists now know there really is an issue with the model we use to describe the universe, assuming the expansion rate measured from nearby objects stays unchanged." 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. Extended models 'fail the test' If that weren't enough, ACT goes further in telling us we "have a problem." Over recent decades, precisely because of the Hubble tension, many "extended" versions of the standard model have been proposed to try to resolve the discrepancy. In one of the three new papers, led by Calabrese, the main extended models ("there are about 30," she notes) were tested against the new data. The result? "They're gone," she admits, adding, "We assessed them completely independently. We weren't trying to knock them down, only to study them. And the result is clear: the new observations, at new scales and in polarization, have virtually removed the scope for this kind of exercise." Again, sweeping away a set of theories that aimed to fix a problem might not sound exciting. "It does shrink the theoretical 'playground' a bit," Calabrese concedes. But it's good news: it means cleaning house, narrowing the viable paths forward, and no longer spending energy on what are evidently dead ends. Sharper maps With this latest ACT release, scientists have obtained a much sharper image of the "infant" universe than the one provided by Planck. "This is mainly because ACT has a larger diametersix meters compared to Planck's one and a half metersand sharpness increases with mirror size," explains Sigurd Naess of the University of Oslo, one of the paper leads. "But it's also because ACT's images of the polarized light are much more sensitive than Planck's." One of the three new papers presents this new map, while another compresses these maps into angular power spectra, crucial for cosmological studies. This doesn't mean that Planck's results are now obsolete. On the contrary, as Louis points out, "the real importance of the new data is that they are complementary to the previous ones and together contribute to an extremely rich composite picture." Far from being the end of a project, ACT's sixth and final data release marks a new beginningone that will hopefully bring us closer to understanding our universe and solving some of its biggest remaining mysteries. "We want the community to keep using and exploring these data," says Calabrese. "We've provided the first interpretation, in which we have great expertise after years of work on this instrument. Now we're delighted to hand the data over to the community for future and ongoing explorations." More information: Sigurd Naess, et al. The Atacama Cosmology Telescope: DR6 maps, Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (2025). On arXiv: arxiv.org/abs/2503.14451 Thibaut Louis, et al. DR6 power spectra, likelihoods and CDM parameters, Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (2025). On arXiv: arxiv.org/abs/2503.14452 Erminia Calabrese, et al. DR6 constraints on extended cosmological models, Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (2025). On arXiv: arxiv.org/abs/2503.14454 Journal information: arXiv 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 photo provided by NASA, the Boeing Starliner spacecraft with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard approaches the International Space Station on June 6, 2024. Credit: NASA via AP, File Boeing and NASA have agreed to keep astronauts off the company's next Starliner flight and instead perform a trial run with cargo to prove its safety. Monday's announcement comes eight months after the first and only Starliner crew returned to Earth aboard SpaceX after a prolonged mission. Although NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams managed to dock Starliner to the International Space Station in 2024, the capsule had so many problems that NASA ordered it to come back empty, leaving the astronauts stuck there for more than nine months. Engineers have since been poring over the thruster and other issues that plagued the Starliner capsule. Its next cargo run to the space station will occur no earlier than April, pending additional tests and certification. Boeing said in a statement that it remains committed to the Starliner program with safety the highest priority. NASA is also slashing the planned number of Starliner flights, from six to four. If the cargo mission goes well, then that will leave the remaining three Starliner flights for crew exchanges before the space station is decommissioned in 2030. "NASA and Boeing are continuing to rigorously test the Starliner propulsion system in preparation for two potential flights next year," NASA's commercial crew program manager Steve Stich said in a statement. Boeing Starliner spacecraft prepares to dock with the International Space Station for the first time on June 6, 2024. Credit: NASA via AP, File In this image from video provided by NASA, the empty Boeing Starliner capsule floats down towards White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico late Sept. 6, 2024, after undocking from the International Space Station. Credit: NASA via AP, File In this photo provided by NASA, Boeing and NASA teams work around NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test Starliner spacecraft after it landed uncrewed, Sept. 6, 2024, at White Sands, New Mexico, after undocking from the International Space Station. Credit: Aubrey Gemignani/NASA via AP, File NASA hired Boeing and SpaceX in 2014three years after the final space shuttle flightto ferry astronauts to and from the orbiting outpost. The Boeing contract was worth $4.2 billion and SpaceX's $2.6 billion. Elon Musk's SpaceX launched its first astronaut mission for NASA in 2020. Its 12th crew liftoff for NASA was this summer. 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: Unintended vs. positive effects of GBI. Credit: University of Surrey With climate change expected to intensify heat waves, flooding and air pollution in cities worldwide, why are we not tapping into the full potential of nature-based solutions? An international study led by the University of Surrey's Global Center for Clean Air Research (GCARE) in collaboration with 86 specialists across 11 countries explores the current barriers hindering the implementation of green and blue infrastructure (GBI) that could help build climate resiliencesuch as parks, trees, rivers, wetlands and green roofs. Drawing on more than 500 scientific papers and insights, this research provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of why GBI projects often fail to achieve their intended impact, offering actionable strategies for practitioners and policymakers to enhance GBI resilience across diverse urban settings. Key barriers to green infrastructure Where previous studies have focused on the benefits of GBI, this new review examines 21 critical but overlooked factors spanning four interconnected domains: technical and systems integration challenges, social and economic barriers, and governance gaps. Among these are conflicts with net-zero and renewable energy targets, research fragmentation, unintended environmental consequences such as allergenic pollen or greenhouse gas emissions from poorly designed wetlands, fragmented regulations and the persistent undervaluation of biodiversity and social equity. Researchers also identified social barriers, cultural misalignment, safety and security concerns, low public adoption, the need for more resilient plant species, design taste differences and weak policy integration as significant obstacles. Expert perspectives and recommendations Professor Prashant Kumar, Founding Director of the University of Surrey's Global Center for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Co-Director of the Institute for Sustainability, and lead author of the study, said, "We all want to see more city parks, more street trees, canals and living plant walls as green and blue infrastructure is increasingly recognized as vital for cooling cities, reducing flood risk, cutting air pollution and improving mental and physical health. "However, our research shows implementation too often lags behind policy priorities. It has been a pleasure to lead this unique high-quality work, contributed by a multidisciplinary team of experts from four continents." Published in The Innovation, the study presents twelve recommendations to help integrate GBI more effectively into urban areas. These include creating context-specific design frameworks, investing equitably in underserved neighborhoods, developing innovative financing such as green bonds and embedding participatory approaches that give communities a genuine voice in shaping their environment. Dr. Maria Athanassiadou, Scientific Manager of Urban Climate Applications team at the UK Met Office, and co-author of the paper, said, "The work brings together environmental and social scientists, engineers, economists, urban planners and stakeholders to map 21 underexplored barriers to the implementation of nature-based solutions in the real world, across environmental, social, economic, governance and policy domains. In bringing together such a wide range of disciplines and international perspectives, we have been able to show not just what works, but why it sometimes doesn't." Dr. Ajit Ahlawat, co-author of the paper from Delft University of Technology, said, "This provides empirical evidence that green and blue infrastructure constitutes a practical, actionable pathway for immediate climate action. By enabling policymakers to mainstream nature-based solutions, it offers a means to reduce emissions, mitigate climate risks, enhance urban resilience, and advance net-zero targets, while promoting healthier and more equitable cities for current and future generations." More information: Prashant Kumar et al, Overlooked Considerations in Prescribing Green and Blue Infrastructure Solutions for Urban Environments, The Innovation (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2025.101184 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 Cancer is a common disease among mammals, but some species, such as the naked mole rat and elephants, have evolved resistance. According to new research published in the journal Science Advances, this may be because these animals care for one another and have interdependent social lives. Cancer is a disease of the cells, primarily caused by uncontrolled cell growth that leads to malignant tumors. The conventional view is that this is a mistake of biology, a byproduct of living long enough to accumulate mutations. However, this latest study turns that on its head by suggesting that higher cancer rates in later life may be an evolved trait that benefits the species even if it comes at the expense of the individual. Researchers analyzed public databases to look for correlations between cancer risk and how mammals live. They discovered that cancer rates were particularly high in species that generally live alone, fight for resources and raise large litters of young. But in gregarious species that live in groups, are cooperative and caring and raise small litters, the cancer risk was much lower. "Species with higher intraspecific competition display higher cancer prevalence and mortality risk than gregarious species with cooperative and caring habits, even if they are carnivorous," write the researchers. The Hydra Effect To explain the difference in cancer risk between solitary and social species, the team developed a mathematical model to test a concept known as the Hydra Effect. This is a counterintuitive phenomenon in which an increase in a species' death rate leads to a rise in its population size. The name comes from the mythological creature that grew two heads for each head it lost. In this study, the scientists used their model to examine how the death of older, less reproductive individuals would affect the entire group, depending on whether the species was cooperative or competitive. The model showed that in competitive species, older individuals consumed food and territory without actively reproducing. But when they were removed from the population, it freed up resources, allowing younger animals of reproductive age to reproduce more successfully and the population to grow. In other words, cancer clears out older competitors to make way for the fertile young. New clues for prevention When it comes to cooperative species, the model showed that this cooperation blocks the Hydra Effect. Older animals are important helpers that care for the young and defend the group, so killing them off with cancer would put the survival of the next generation at risk. If the research is correct and cancer is not just a genetic lottery, understanding the cooperative lifestyles of cancer-resistant mammals could give us new strategies for healthier aging and cancer prevention. Written for you by our author Paul Arnold, edited by Sadie Harley, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you. More information: Catalina Sierra et al, Coevolution of cooperative lifestyles and reduced cancer prevalence in mammals, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adw0685 Journal information: Science Advances 2025 Science X Network 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 In a conversation with Luciana Juliao, environment editor at The Conversation Brasil, during COP30 in Belem, Fiocruz researcher and environmental health specialist Sandra Hacon explained why the integration of climate, environment and health has guided her research for two decades. Hacon has a background in biology and ecology and is a member of the Amazon Scientific Panel (Painel Cientifico da Amazonia), the Climate Network of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Rede Clima), and the National School of Public Health (ENSP). Since 2005, she has been conducting studies on the impacts of climate change on health and the social determinants that amplify these effects, analyzing how deforestation, ecological changes and inequalities structure the circulation of viruses, vectors and other biological agents in different territories. Check out an excerpt from the conversation: My background is in Biology and Ecology. I am also part of the Scientific Panel for the Amazon, which brings together more than 320 scientists, and I am a member of the Climate Network of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and am from the National School of Public Health. I have been working at Fiocruz for 25 years and have been working on climate change since 2005, assessing its impacts on health and the social determinants that aggravate them, because we know that inequalities amplify the effects of climate change. Since the beginning, when I wrote my first scientific article, I have been seeking to integrate environment and health, because there is no human well-being without a healthy environment. What we do at Fiocruz is precisely that: environmental health. I cannot see the planet without this ecological connectivity that involves human beings. In isolation, academic disciplines do not explain the impacts we are experiencing. Environmental health proposes precisely that: to assess the effects of large projects and also of ongoing environmental transformations. Deforestation in the Amazon, a topic I have always heard about, is now understood as part of a larger process of degradation: alteration of the hydrological cycle, pollution, loss of biodiversity, illegal mining. As much as climate discussions take center stage here at COP 30, it is politics that prevails. But we cannot be afraid of politics, and we need to understand what is happening in Brazil and around the world in order to understand the changes underway and their direction. For example, there are parallel debates to the conservation of the Amazon that concern the Congo rainforest, the second largest on the planet. From an environmental health perspective, we need to discuss the role of these forests in order to formulate health promotion policies and take proactive action. Historically, Brazil has waited for things to happen before taking actionwe have seen this in Rio Grande do Sul, Sao Sebastiao, Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro and so many other places we experienced natural disasters caused by extreme weather and climate events. Health in the climate change discussions With each environmental disaster, the question returns: how many more times will we have to see this scenario play out before we change course? Health continues to be a latecomer to this discussion. Until the fourth report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC), a UN scientific body created in 1988, there was almost no mention of health. It was only in 2007 that the panel began to look at the issue differently, revealing how we insist on separating what has never been separate. Health and the environment have always been connected. The forest peoples know this, the riverside communities know this, the quilombolas and indigenous peoples know this. Is it only white men who still do not know this? And yet we pride ourselves on having so much knowledge; I would say that we know very little. I have been following the UN Climate Change Conferences for many years and have never seen an audience like the one in Belem: sensitive to climate change. This is good, because it indicates greater awareness, but we cannot just stick to theory. The Amazon is home to the greatest indigenous diversity in Latin America and is the biome with the largest number of microorganisms on the planetand the least known. We have identified around 48 important viruses, all of them Amazonian, but a vast number remain unknown. The Oropouche virus is an example: endemic to the region, it began to spread after intense deforestation near Manaus and quickly spread throughout Brazil and Latin America. 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. Viruses respond to environmental pressurestemperature, humidity, ecological changesand mutate until they find ideal conditions. Dengue fever demonstrates this: when the minimum temperature, previously between 15C and 18C, rises to 22 C, it creates the perfect environment for Aedes aegypti and the virus to multiply more quickly. This is how we reached millions of cases in a single state. Today, dengue fever is found all over the world: Germany, the United States, Italy. And this applies to other arboviruses, such as chikungunya. On 12th November, Brazil had the highest incidence rate of chikungunya in Latin America, with the highest number of cases in Rio Grande do Sul. This is linked to the imbalance of rainfall, tornadoes, and windstorms that cause viruses, bacteria, and fungi to circulate much faster. Based on this diagnosis and biotechnological advances, institutions such as Fiocruz are developing new vaccine platforms. If the virus adapts, we seek to identify the critical point for intervention. But we should not act only after the damage is done. Healthcare is not yet prepared to face the climate crisisnot because of a lack of technology or professionals, but because the system works reactively. Diseases change quickly; healthcare cannot keep up with this speed. There is a lack of installed capacity, integrated surveillance, and coordinated response. Other countries face the same problem. The challenge is to accelerate team building, strengthen early warnings, and bring healthcare closer to climate modeling. When the National Center for Natural Disaster Monitoring and Alerts (Cemaden) points out a risk, as it did in Sao Sebastiao, the signs were already there. Anticipating and preventing Prevention is still weak in Brazil and Latin America. The culture is to act after the fact. But the climate crisis requires behavioral change, immediate action, monitoring and surveillance. There are important experiences, such as the app developed by Marcia Chame, from Fiocruz, which is used by forest peoples to record dead animals. This is how a possible yellow fever epidemic was prevented in Parana, because non-human primates die first. Other diseases do not have such a clear sign, and monitoring needs to start in the field, in the village. We also need specific programs for newly contacted indigenous peoples. Those who have not yet been contacted are difficult to monitor, but those who have recently been contacted can be monitoredand this should be a priority so that ongoing mutations do not reach these populations and, later, the so-called white man. We have the technical conditions. We know how to do it. What is lacking is political decision-making and the allocation of resourceswhich clearly exist, as shown by the ever-increasing parliamentary expenditures of taxpayers' money. Brazil has everything it needs to be a leader in Latin America: excellent institutions, qualified researchers, and countless partnerships. We have the means to be proactive, but we are in a holding pattern. And there is a sign of that here at COP30 itself: people do not make the connection between climate, environment, and health. Air conditioning is insufficient, the heat and humidity are high, and many arrive tired and dehydrated. High temperature and humidity disrupt homeostasis, especially for those with hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular diseaseit is a trigger that can lead to anything from dehydration to death. I saw people with disabilities and elderly people feeling unwell. At an event on climate, health was not a central theme, although it should have been. We presented a report on communicable diseases, zoonoses, outbreaks, vectors, viruses and climate, but health remains on the sidelines. The connection between climate, environment and health is here for all to seeand yet it remains unseen. Placing this urgency at the center of the debate is what environmental health seeks to do. 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: Schematic representation of the research framework used to estimate suboptimal cropland and assess cropland management strategies to advance the land-climate-biodiversity nexus in Europe. Suboptimal cropland is identified by considering cropland that is currently characterized by low productivity, high fragmentation, or high steepness gradients. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65201-4 European farmers can reduce agricultural climate emissions by 40% while also reducing pressure on biodiversity and maintaining current levels of food production, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Communications. The international food system is responsible for about a third of global climate gas emissions. A new study led by NTNU in Norway with contributions from CICERO, explores methods to make agriculture in Europe more climate- and nature-friendly without having to reduce levels of food production. According to the study, an important share of European agricultural production takes place in poorly suited areas defined as suboptimal cropland and both climate and nature can benefit from a strategic shift in production areas. "Agricultural production in areas characterized by low productivity, steep slopes, and high fragmentation is usually associated with higher-than-average management costs and environmental impacts. Abandoning this suboptimal cropland to vegetation regrowth, while optimizing crop production in other locations, is an attractive strategy for supporting climate and biodiversity targets without compromising food security," said Dr. Ting Hua, lead author of the paper, postdoc researcher at the Industrial Ecology Program at NTNU. Fourteen percent of total European cropland is suboptimal. Two thirds of this is at degradation risk and about 50% takes place within biodiversity priority areas. The study analyzes different approaches that could contribute to reconciling crop production, climate action and nature conservation. One key approach is intensification, which aims to increase crop production in optimal cropland areas through more intensive production, thus compensating for the loss of production in suboptimal cropland where natural vegetation is allowed to expand. Another approach, extensification, similarly abandons suboptimal cropland, but aims to compensate for the loss of production by combining agriculture in optimal areas with other vegetation, thus creating greater habitat diversity and ecosystem services within cropland landscapes. While the benefits are greater, extensification requires a larger change in land use than intensification. "The different scenarios presented in the study will to some extent have value in all countries, but are not equally applicable everywhere. All the scenarios considered maintain the current level of food production in Europe, and they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve naturebut the benefits are not necessarily equal or the same in all countries. "It is up to national governments to decide which strategy is more suitable in each country. The approaches that result in the greatest benefits for climate, nature and food production will likely be met with the most resistance as they require greater changes," said Bob van Oort, contributing writer and senior researcher at CICERO Center for International Climate Research. In Europe, about 250,000 square kilometers of agricultural land has been abandoned since the early nineties, which in comparison equals about 80% of Norway's mainland. Furthermore, large areas of cropland are at risk of abandonment by 2030, the study showed. More information: Ting Hua et al, Reconciling crop production, climate action and nature conservation in Europe by agricultural intensification and extensification, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65201-4 Journal information: Nature Communications 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: UVic astronomer Jon Willis's new book, which explores the search for alien life, was published in October. Credit: UVic Faculty of Science. According to popular media, the search for alien life involves advanced technology, space exploration and sometimes even government conspiracies and secret programs. But according to University of Victoria (UVic) astronomer Jon Willis, author of "The Pale Blue Data Point: An Earth-Based Perspective on the Search for Alien Life," the search for alien life actually begins right in our own backyard. In "The Pale Blue Data Point," Willis investigates the question "Is there life off Earth?" by joining astrobiologists to study life right here on our planet. By envisioning extraterrestrial landscapes through the exploration of Earth's closest analogs, Willis conjures up alien worlds and unthought-of biological possibilities, speculating what life might look like on other planets by extrapolating from what we can see on Earth. On Nov. 26, Willis will discuss his search for alien life at a book launch event at UVic's Bob Wright Center. Q. Tell us a little bit about the book. A. My book is about astrobiologythe scientific search for life in the universe. In it, I try to answer the question: What does an astrobiologist actually do? by using myself as a guinea pig and joining astrobiologists in the field to learn from them. Q. What led you to your interest in astrobiology and why are you fascinated? A. The idea that life exists beyond Earth is deeply compelling to many of us, and you don't need an advanced degree to appreciate the scale of the question. Given my own interest in the subject, and the fact that I am a professor of astronomy at UVic, I realized that I was in a fortunate position to be able to share that passion with my students by creating a beginner's guide in the form of a university course: The Search for Life in the Universe (ASTR 201). That was a long time ago now and the course is still going strong, but it is what originally led me to my astrobiological adventures and to write a book about them. Q. How are scientists going about the search for alien life? A. Well, that's the core of the book really! To answer it, I joined scientists at deep ocean hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean and traveled to the Australian outback in search of the first life on Earth. These two locations respectively teach us what life may be like today on Jupiter's moon Europa or what life might have looked like on Mars some billions of years agowhen the entire planet was much more Earth-like in its conditions. I visited astronomical observatories in Chile in search of exoplanets and went meteorite hunting in Morocco to find evidence of the origin story of our own solar system. Finally, I immersed myself in the warm waters of the Bahamas with a scientific team that has been studying the resident dolphins for 40 years in the hope of unlocking, not quite the mysteries of alien communication, but our closest approach without leaving Earth. Q. Do you think that alien life exists, what do you think it might look like and how far are we from having answers? A. That's three questions in oneand all very profound ones! First, do aliens exist? Yesalmost definitely as the universe is a very big place. Second, what will they look like? I think the answer here depends upon where you look. If it is somewhere like the liquid water oceans of Europa, then any life that is present might display similarities to Earth life by virtue of sharing some of the same raw materials (liquid water, carbon-bearing molecules and energy to make things happen). However, if instead we consider Saturn's moon Titan, then there are indeed liquids present, but this time it is liquid ethane and methane rather than liquid water. If present on Titan, life may well follow a very different recipe compared to Earth, which is what makes it such a compelling destination for upcoming space missions. How far are we from having answersfrom detecting life? Other scientists writing about the search for extraterrestrial intelligence have answered this question far better than I ever could: "The probability of success is difficult to estimate; but if we never search, the chance of success is zero." 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. Q. In the book, you went on a number of different adventures to explore Earth's analogs to extraterrestrial landscapes. What's the most memorable experience you had as part of these adventures? A. Many stand out. Sitting in the darkened control room of a ship while we controlled robots two kilometers beneath us at hydrothermal vents felt exactly like a space mission to Europa. I also remember standing on a lonely outcrop of rock in a desolate expanse of western Australia and forming in my mind a vision of the ancient Earth that was drawn in the rocks before me. What struck me at each of these locations, and many more, is how tangible the science is to the mind's eye when you are immersed in them. Q. What did you learn that surprised you the most while researching and adventuring for this book? A. How much fun it all was! Q. Aliens are a common part of many science fiction books and movies. How does your search for alien life differ from what is commonly depicted in media? A. I discovered on my travels that astrobiology is better because it turns out that science fact is just as, if not more so, exciting, intriguing and compelling than science fictionand if you follow in my footsteps, then you get to participate as well! 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 1984 photo of archaeologists excavating the wreck site. Credit: Queensland Museum In 1791, the British naval vessel HMS Pandora sank on the Great Barrier Reef after pursuing the mutineers from the HMS Bounty. The mutineers, led by Fletcher Christian, staged an uprising against their captain Lieutenant William Bligh in 1789, forcing Bligh and his supporters out to sea in a launch. This infamous act sent the fugitives fleeing across the Pacific, and set the stage for Pandora's ill-fated pursuit. When archaeologists first descended onto Pandora's wreck in 1979, they weren't just uncovering a ship. They were opening a time capsule of empire, exploration and human endurance. Thousands of artifacts were slowly excavated from the frigate over the next 20 years. For decades, these recovered artifacts remained a sleeping archive of untapped scientific, cultural and environmental knowledge. But researchers are starting to study the collection again using fresh eyes and new tools. The story of Pandora reveals a deeper truth about archaeology: discovery doesn't end with the dive, it lingers in troves still sitting on museum shelves, waiting to be studied. A moment sealed in time The British Navy dispatched HMS Pandora in 1790 to hunt down the Bounty mutineers. A year later, the ship struck the Great Barrier Reef and sank, taking 35 men with it. When the wreck was rediscovered in 1977, it became the focus of one of Australia's most ambitious archaeological projects. Over nine field seasons between 1979 and 1999, Queensland Museum archaeologists recovered more than 6,500 artifacts. These ranged from the ship's copper fastenings and rigging blocks, to surgeon's tools, creamware crockery, and Polynesian artifacts collected during encounters with Pacific Islander peoples. Each object was meticulously recorded and conserved, creating one of the world's most complete shipwreck assemblages from the 18th century. Despite its richness, however, much of the collection has never been studied in depth, beyond the initial photographing and describing. An ivory syringe owned by HMS Pandoras surgeon, George Hamilton. Credit: Queensland Museum The dormant years Pandora was a triumph in the heyday of Australian maritime archaeology (the 19801990s). It put Queensland on the global map for shipwreck science, galvanized local communities, and even inspired the construction of a museum in Townsvilletoday known as the Queensland Museum Tropicsto house its finds. By the time the final season on HMS Pandora wrapped up in 1999, the excitement that had fueled two decades of fieldwork was fading. As funding dried up, attention turned towards consolidating the wealth of artifacts already recovered, and telling the ship's story through the museum. The museum currently displays 248 artifactsabout 4% of the total collection. By comparison, the British Museum estimates only about 1% of its eight million objects are exhibited at any one time. Re-reading the past Since the early 2000s, only a small fraction of the Pandora collection has been studied extensively. The thrill of excavation often outpaces the slower, less glamorous phase that follows: years of conservation, analysis, interpretation and publication. 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. Renewed research efforts are now reexamining the collection using up-to-date scientific and archaeological approaches. One example is a 2023 study by myself and my colleague Alessandra Schultz, which involved carefully interpreting some of the smallest objects from the collection: the assemblage of intaglios and seals. Intaglios are tiny engraved gems or glass pieces bearing motifs or classical images. They were once used as jewelry or personal seals, and served as sentimental keepsakes or tokens of moral protection. During long, dangerous naval voyages, they were carried for reassurance and good fortune. Nine intaglios were recovered from Pandora. Many depict classical virtues, such as "hope" or "truth." We studied them to better understand the mindset of Pandora's crew as they set out to hunt down criminals. A selection of ceramics retrieved from the HMS Pandora. Credit: Queensland Museum The motifs themselves drew on the classical past: Atlas or Hercules symbolized endurance and burden; Hannibal evoked courage in adversity; Hope with an anchor embodied faith and safe return; Veritas stood for truth and integrity; and the figure of Hippocrates suggested wisdom and healing. Collectively, they hint at how Pandora's officers used classical imagery to express duty, morality and hope in times of uncertainty. These personal European-made items were found alongside artifacts gathered from various encounters in the Pacific, suggesting the crew had a fascination with collecting "curiosities" (a popular pastime in 18th century Europe). This overlap reveals a complicated picture of colonial exploration in which personal interests, cultural exchange and empire were deeply intertwined. Scientific developments We've made noticeable technological advances since the Pandora collection was first recovered. In particular, our ability to analyze the chemical composition of artifacts has vastly improved since the 1990s. Using a technique called environmental scanning electron microscopy, we can take minute samples from shipwreck artifacts to understand exactly what they're made of. Applying this technique to seemingly boring artifacts, such as bolts and ceramic fragments, can give us valuable data to match to industrial advances throughout history, which would allow us to trace these objects' origins. We hope to apply this technology to the broader Pandora collection. This collection carries deeply human stories. It's time we dived in once again to retrieve them. 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: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Extreme heat, fires and floodingall hallmark consequences of climate changedirectly influenced this year's UN climate change conference COP30 in Belem, Brazil. For the first time, this annual climate summit was held in Amazonia, a place at the frontline of climate change. The pivot from the two previous conferences in petrostates Azerbaijan and UAE to a base in the world's largest tropical forest (albeit in one of the world's largest oil-producing countries) was jarring. As Amazonian researchers, and past and present residents of the city, we saw the potential for COP30 to move discussions further forward than its predecessors in two key ways. First, and in contrast to many previous gatherings that have sidelined themor suppressed them altogetherIndigenous and marginalized voices were impossible to ignore at COP30. They have helped shape media narratives and discourse in the blue zone, the venue that hosted events in hundreds of dedicated spaces for national and organizational bodies. The Belem gathering saw the largest Indigenous participation in Cop history, with around 900 registered representatives. The Cupula dos Povos, a parallel event hosted at the Universidade Federal do Para, gave many more Indigenous peoples and local communities a platform to argue against the status quo of relative inaction. Hosting COP30 in Belem broke down the physical travel barriers for many potential attendees from Indigenous peoples and local communities. The summit organizers went beyond the normal attempts at tokenism in engaging them in discussions. The region's extensive river networks allowed many Indigenous peoples and local communities from across Amazonia to reach Belem by boat. They held a symbolic "people's flotilla" with over 500 people in 200 vessels, sailing to demand their voices be heard in calling for climate justice and an end to mining and large infrastructure projects affecting their territories. Meanwhile, the disruptive influence of some Indigenous protesters and their allies in breaching security lines and temporarily obstructing access to the blue zone hopefully focused minds inside, in addition to garnering global headlines. The second reason to be hopeful about COP30 was that the realities of climate and land use change are jarringly obvious in Amazonia. Belem's oppressive heat and humidity were evident even within the main blue zone arenas. Many delegates were visibly uncomfortable. This catalyzed an official complaint from UN climate chief Simon Stiell about the climate conditions in the Cop venue, asking for "a clear delivery plan on how temperatures will be brought down within the next 24 hours." The parallels to the goals of the wider negotiation process were hard to miss. The city's local climate became a protagonist in its own right. A huge thunderstorm during one afternoon flooded many roads and brought down trees across the city, causing power outages. A recent study has shown that Belem is now experiencing more and more days of high "wet bulb" temperatures (which determine the comfort level of the atmosphere). Such temperatures can lead to deadly heat stress. Continued warming could make many parts of the tropics unlivable. 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. Social justice as climate justice These climate consequences will disproportionately be felt by the less affluent, and significant social inequalities were laid bare to delegates traveling through the urban areadespite some major investment. The need to foreground social justice as climate justice, as argued by Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in his opening speech, was visibly evidenced by the poverty in some suburbs and stark inequalities. For many delegates flying into Belem, this will have been their first time in a tropical forest region. But this is the most heavily deforested region in Amazoniaa fact that is painfully evident to anyone flying in from the south on a clear day. In a COP30 venue on the campus of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, our team guided delegates, including heads of state, royalty and CEOs of large multinationals on an interpretive trail through a regenerating patch of rainforest. Some visitors were moved to tears to experience a tropical forest and hear about its importance for climate and biodiversity. This underscores the power of hosting Cop in such a critically important ecosystem. People could also see how a forest can grow back, if given the chance. The biome and region were much more than just a venue or educational opportunity. The fate of the Amazon and other tropical forests became a focal point of many of the blue zone discussions, clarifying strong climate and nature links. This facilitated a narrative shift towards a search for the enabling conditions of forest protection, the value of biodiversity, and the importance of community-led stewardship. This prominence of both nature and forest citizens is key, as these are fundamental to climate justice and the development of fair and effective adaptation and mitigation strategies. For example, forest fires became a central theme in week two (when the blue zone itself was evacuated owing to an electrical fire). However, while a stronger focus on nature is essential, the failure to address strategies for ending fossil fuel emissions was the bitter outcome of COP30. The presentation of the updated global carbon budget showed that we have only four years left to stay within 1.5C of warming. That's clearly an impossible task. Although Belem helped bring the social and ecological effects of climate change to the forefront, the final declaration (which unbelievably contained no direct reference to fossil fuels) demonstrated once again that vested interests remain the strongest barrier to progress, and that climate justice risks continuing as mere rhetoric. 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: Close-up view of bacterial communities thriving at the vent site. The distance between the two green laser points is 9 cm, providing a scale for the dense microbial structures visible on the seafloor. Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution An international team of scientists and students, led by the Arctic University of Norway, and including chemists and engineers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, has announced a remarkable discovery of a venting system on the seafloor of the Arctic. This significant finding was made during the ongoing EXTREME25 expedition aboard the research vessel Kronprins Haakon. Utilizing the advanced remotely operated vehicle ROV GIR 6000, researchers have been exploring the Fram Strait, a passage area situated between Greenland and Svalbard. During their exploration, the team identified a previously unknown diffuse venting field along the fault scarp of an oceanic core complex (OCC). The WHOI-developed SAGE (Sensor for Aqueous Gases in the Environment) methane sensor was used in situ to confirm the presence of methane in the fluids. This is significant as the location and geology of the area point to the potential of abiotic methane, which is methane that is produced without the presence of living organisms. Mary Burkitt-Gray is the WHOI principal investigator on this project, which uses the newly developed SAGE methane and CO 2 sensors to identify sources of dissolved gas from seeps and vents in the high Arctic, map their distributions to determine the fate of these gases, and assess their impact on the surrounding ecosystems or environment. "By deploying SAGE on ROV GIR, we were able to measure the emission of methane from this vent in real-time and confirm its composition at source," explained Burkitt-Gray. "Using these sensors in situ helps us to immediately start to link the science behind the data. "The realization that we're potentially measuring a source of methane that's never been confirmed in this region is thrilling. It's exciting to see what new discoveries this technology can help us make," she added. WHOI scientist Anna Michel and engineer Jason Kapit have developed the SAGE methane and carbon dioxide sensors, which offer portability and real-time monitoring of these gases in marine environments. Diverse seafloor fauna, including tubeworms, gastropods, and bivalves, colonizing the substrate around a fluid-venting spot at Frigg Vent Field at 2,700 m water depth. Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution In recognition of this extraordinary discovery, the venting system has been proposed to be named the Frigg Vent Field, honoring the Norse goddess associated with foresight and wisdom. The vent field is located at a depth of 2,700 meters, showcasing the intriguing geological phenomena of the Arctic seabed. "This discovery at the Frigg Vent Field provides the first clear evidence of active fluid flow through young oceanic crust in this part of the Arctic, revealing a system far more dynamic than previously recognized," said the expedition's lead scientist, Giuliana Panieri. "These achievements are only possible with coordinated and multidisciplinary fieldwork and real-time coordination between the crew and the scientists on board." Frigg Vent Field: A tectonic window into the early life of Earth What makes this site unique is the fluids emitted from cracks in the rocks. Instead of focused emissions from a chimney, the team found a wide area on a fault scarp (100 m high) dislocating lower crust and upper mantle rocks from which fluids directly escape at multiple locations on the seafloor. Rock chemistry and structure make the site a promising candidate for the production of abiotic methane, a type of methane formed through waterrock reactions rather than being derived from biological materials. The discovery offers a unique opportunity to study processes that resemble conditions on the early Earth and possibly other ocean worlds. At the OCC, the mantle and lower crust rocks, faulted and exposed to the seafloor, create chemical environments that may mimic those that first supported microbial life. The shimmering fluids observed at the site hint at active subsurface reactions that could help scientists better understand how life emerges and persists in extreme environments. "Despite initially suffering from seasickness on my first cruise, the groundbreaking discoveries in the deep Arctic Ocean transformed the experience into pure excitement. I had the rare opportunity to explore uncharted territories and witness life's remarkable resilience in the most extreme conditions," said Giulia Amaglio, a postdoc from the CNR Institute of Polar Science in Italy. Active fluid venting point where the SAGE instrument from WHOI is deployed to measure fluid emission at Frigg Vent Field at 2,700 m water depth. Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 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. Vent fauna: Familiar Arctic residents in a new home Unlike traditional hydrothermal vents that create chimneys and emit jets of hot water, the Frigg Vent Field consists of a diffuse venting system spread across a fractured rocky area. Small openings on the outcrops release fluids that support specialized deep-sea organisms adapted to cold, methane-rich environments. Initial observations and samples indicate that the Frigg Vent Field hosts a suite of fauna similar to that found at other known Arctic vent sites. Among them are snails, crustaceans, tubeworms, and fish. Samples collected during the cruise will allow researchers to identify the species present and determine how connected this new site is to other Arctic vent ecosystems. Claudio Argentino and Ines Barrenechea from UiT, experienced in polar cruises, were still thrilled by the discovery. "It is very exciting to see something new every time we have the ROV at sea, what first appeared as bare rock revealed whitish bacterial filaments and mats likely supporting more complex organisms." Opening new research avenues into deep-sea ecosystems and the Arctic marine system The Frigg Vent Field represents one of the most fascinating discoveries of the expedition, opening new research avenues into methane formation, deep-sea ecosystems, and Arctic geology. The samples and data collected will be analyzed over the coming months, enhancing our understanding of this unique system and its global importance. Building on these findings, the team is already planning the following steps to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new collaborations within the international polar community. These discoveries also support the long-term vision of Polarhavet 2050, fostering a coordinated strategy to advance deep-ocean exploration and research for sustainable ocean management. About the expedition The EXTREME 25 expedition adopts a multidisciplinary approach by bringing together scientists, students, media experts, and artists from all over the world to explore extreme environments. This research cruise stands out not only for its scientific results but also for the breadth of expertise on board. Alongside geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, methane specialists, and marine ecologists, the expedition hosted: an active delegation from the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), representing multiple institutes and disciplines; a team of chemists and engineers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; researchers from EXTREMES, a UArctic-supported initiative exploring the intersection of aesthetics, art, and science; scientists from the University of Bergen contributing expertise in deep-sea chemosynthesis-based ecosystems; scientists from University Milano Bicocca supporting the high-resolution mapping effort; microbiologists from University of Naples Federico II; micropaleontologists from University of Vienna; anthropologists and artists studying humanpolar interactions and new modes of science communication; and a project supported by Equinor and NOD focused on understanding subsurface processes and methane pathways. 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 In medieval England, peasants on some estates were entitled to a range of sick, annual and bereavement leave that could rival those of many workers in the UK today. British workers are among the least likely in Europe to take sick leave, and lose an estimated 44 days' worth of productivity every year through working while sick. And although most workers are entitled to at least 28 days of annual leave, there is currently no statutory right for employees to take bereavement leave except after the loss of a child under the age of 18. By comparisonas our new paper showspeasants on the estate of Ramsey Abbey in Huntingdonshire, England, were entitled to up to a year and a day of leave from working on the lord's lands if they were sick. Meanwhile, widows were granted leave upon the death of their husbands and workers enjoyed plenty of religious feast days and festivals every year. Not all peasants enjoyed the same level of benefits. Leave entitlements were negotiated between lords and their tenants. Practices, therefore, varied between manors across medieval England. Elsewhere, arrangements were less generous than on the Ramsey estate, and tenants were more generally entitled to a fortnight or month of sick leave. At the other end of the spectrum, some peasants received no leave if they were ill, such as the tenants of Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, who were instructed that if "he is ill nevertheless, he will do the labor services he owes." Customary tenantsknown as villeinswere required to perform unpaid work on the lord's lands in lieu of rent. These obligations were known as labor services or "works." Depending on the size of a tenant's landholding, they might be required to work for between a day and three days per week. The above entitlements did not constitute paid leave in the modern sense but, because tenants were not required to work on the lord's lands while they were sick, they were effectively excused from many of their rental obligations. When were peasants sick? A high number of absences were recorded during the harvest on the Ramsey estate. This may have been for a variety of reasons, including that peasants were overworked and succumbed to exhaustion during the busy harvest season. With tiredness, workplace accidents that resulted in infirmity were also more likely. Lords may even have been more diligent in tracking absences during the crucial harvest period because replacement labor was so expensive. Finally, tenants themselves may have exaggerated their own illnesses in examples of sick-leave fraud. Although tenants were entitled to a year and a day of sick leave on the Ramsey estate, most absences did not run for nearly so long in practice. Some sicknesses were very short, such as that of Richard Berenger, who was ill for just two days after the harvest in 1343. He missed half a "work" on the lord's lands. In contrast, others suffered chronic and debilitating infirmities, such as Richard Colleson of Warboys in Cambridgeshire, who was absent for an entire year in 1347/48, missing 156 "works." Such sick leave could cost the lord if they were forced to find a replacement worker. For example, in the absence of the plowman who was sick for 84 days in 1420/21, the accounts of Battle Abbey in Sussex record a payment of 14 shillings to a man hired in his stead. 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. Alongside sick leave, tenants were also entitled to a range of other absences. Widows were granted 30 days of leave from performing their labor services upon the death of their husbands. In an unusual example of compassionate leave, one Agnes le Reve of Upwood in Huntingdonshire was excused from a single work on two occasions in the winter of 1342/43 because of two deaths in her household. Peasants also enjoyed a wide range of feast days and religious festivals. In theory, medieval people were not supposed to work on such days, though in practice some were fined in the church courts for working, often on their own lands or earning additional wages on someone else's lands. The number of feast days observed varied widely, even between neighboring manors. On the Ramsey estate, this ranged from just a handful of religious festivals a year to an upper number of around 30. We should not eulogize the lives of medieval peasants. They were subject to many restrictions which were greatly resented and resulted in punishments such as leyrwitea fine on villein women for fornication. Yet, given the harsh and repressive realities of life for many medieval peasants, it is all the more surprising that at least some of them were entitled to such a wide range of sick, annual and bereavement leave. 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: NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick points his camera through a cupola window as the International Space Station orbits 262 miles above the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Credit: NASA To see Earth from space is to be forever changed by the view. Since Alan Shepard became the first American to lay eyes on our home planet from above, countless NASA astronauts have described feeling awed by the astonishing sight and a profound shift in perspective that followed. This unique experience is known as the overview effecta term coined in 1987 by space philosopher and author Frank White in a book of the same name. The phenomenon creates powerful changes in the way astronauts think about Earth and life and can be particularly strong for those who lived and worked aboard the International Space Station during its 25 years of continuous human presence. The orbiting laboratory's cupola module, equipped with seven windows looking down on Earth, provides the perfect place for observation and reflection. As Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch explained: "The overview effect is when you're looking through the cupola and you see Earth as it exists with the whole universe in the background. You see the thin blue line of the atmosphere, and then when you're on the dark side of Earth, you actually see this very thin green line that shows you where the atmosphere is. "What you realize is every single person that you know is sustained and inside of that green line and everything else outside of it is completely inhospitable. You don't see borders, you don't see religious lines, you don't see political boundaries. All you see is Earth and you see that we are way more alike than we are different." Koch's Artemis II crewmate, NASA astronaut Victor Glover, said the overview effect's potency is closely tied to the "sea level effect"humanity's shared experience on Earth. "You come back to sea level, and then you have a choice," he explained. "Are you going to try to live your life a little differently? Are you going to really choose to be a member of this community of Earth?" NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins is pictured looking out from the International Space Station's "window to the world"the cupola. Astronauts use the seven-windowed observation module to monitor the arrival of spacecrafts at the orbiting laboratory and view the Earth below. Credit: NASA Many astronauts emphasize the importance of unity after experiencing the overview effect. "You see that it's a single planet with a shared atmosphere. It's our shared place in this universe," said former NASA astronaut Bob Behnken. "I think that perspective, as we go through things like the pandemic or we see the challenges across our nation or across the world, we recognize that we all face them together." Seeing Earth from space can also change their concept of home. Former NASA astronaut Nicole Stott recalls wanting to see her home state of Florida during her first mission to the International Space Station. "Finally, we were flying over Florida. I wanted to go to the window and see it, and then realized somewhere down the line that I wasn't looking at Florida that same way anymore," she said. "I still wanted to see Florida, but Florida had just become this special part of home, which is Earth. We're all earthlings." For some astronauts, their perspective shift inspired them to make changes on the ground. "I think if you're not a conservationist before you go to space, you're at least partly a conservationist when you come back. Because when you see how thin that atmosphere is, that protective layer that we have here, you think, wow, we really have to take care of this because it does look so fragile from space," said retired NASA astronaut Mike Foreman. Others hope to share the overview effect with more people. "That perspective helps you grow. It has really inspired me to try to get more people this experience and to get a permanent foothold in the stars for our species," said former NASA astronaut Jack Fischer. "I want to do everything I possibly can to help the human species, humanity as a whole, go further and grow and evolve like I know they're capable of." Future crews to the orbiting laboratory can look forward to a similar experience. "In that instant, when you're overwhelmed with that vista, when your eyes see nothing but the beauty of Earthevery single crew member that I brought in [the cupola] for that exposure, cried," said retired NASA astronaut T.J. Creamer. "It is heart stopping. It is soul pounding. It is breathtaking." Provided by NASA 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: Illustration of the on-chip two-photon quantum interference experiment. Credit: Nature Nanotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41565-025-02043-7 Photonic quantum processors, devices that can process information leveraging quantum mechanical effects and particles of light (photons), have shown promise for numerous applications, ranging from computations and communications to the simulation of complex quantum systems. To be deployed in real-world settings, however, these photonic chips should reliably integrate many deterministic and indistinguishable single-photon sources on a single chip. So far, achieving this has proved highly challenging. Most such photonic quantum chips developed so far utilize solid-state single-photon emitters that are limited by so-called spectral diffusion (i.e., the random "wandering" of their emission frequency). This essentially means that they rarely exhibit lifetime-limited transitions, conditions in which the color spread of photons is determined solely by the natural excited-state lifetime of emitters. Notably, this condition is necessary for the reliable on-chip integration of indistinguishable single-photon sources. Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Institute of Quantum Technology and Zhejiang University have introduced a new molecular chip that could overcome the limitations of previously introduced photonic quantum processors. Their chip, presented in a paper in Nature Nanotechnology, integrates light-emitting single molecules with single-mode waveguides, narrow optical components that guide in integrated circuits. "In our earlier work, we found that single organic molecules embedded in a single-crystalline nanosheet can exhibit remarkably stable, lifetime-limited emission when coupled to photonic circuits," Xue-Wen Chen, senior author of the paper, told Phys.org. "This insight motivated us to pursue a molecular quantum photonic chip capable of hosting multiple indistinguishable single-photon sources in parallel. The present study represents the first major step toward that vision." RF single photons from a pair of waveguide-coupled single molecules. Credit: Nature Nanotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41565-025-02043-7 An innovative chip with unique capabilities To develop their chip, Chen and his colleagues created two indistinguishable single-photon sources derived from two independent molecules embedded in a single-crystalline organic nanosheet. They showed that the emissions of these two molecules display a quantum optics effect known as Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interference, which indicates that they are indistinguishable. "Our molecular quantum photonic chip is built on a hybrid integration platform that combines molecule-embedded organic nanosheets, silicon-nitride photonic circuits, and metal microelectrodes," explained Chen. "Within this architecture, DBT fluorescent molecules are integrated into the photonic waveguides at controlled orientation and positions so that their emission can be efficiently coupled into the circuit." A crucial characteristic of the chip developed by the researchers is that each of the molecules it is based on can be electrically tuned. By applying carefully calibrated electric fields via electrodes on the chip, the researchers showed that they could shift the transition frequencies of two molecules in separate waveguide channels, prompting them to become identical. "Each molecule then emits single photons into its respective waveguide, and these photons are routed to an on-chip beam splitter," said Chen. "At the beam splitter, the photons meet and undergo HOM interference, causing them to coalesce into the same output port when they are truly indistinguishable. By measuring the second-order correlation between the beam splitter's two outputs, we quantify the HOM visibility, which directly reflects how indistinguishable the photons from the two independent molecules are." 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. Towards the realization of scalable quantum photonic processors This work by Chen and his colleagues introduces a promising strategy for integrating many indistinguishable single photons on a chip. In the future, the methods they employed could open new possibilities for development of large-scale quantum photonic architectures based on molecular emitters. "Having taken this critical first step, we can further pursue the realization of larger-scale chip-integrated multichannel indistinguishable single-photon sources and quantum interference, thereby laying a critical foundation for achieving scalable optical quantum information processing," said Chen. The results published by these researchers could soon inspire the design of new quantum processors based on molecular emitters. Meanwhile, the team is working on improving their molecular quantum photonic chip and broadening its functionalities. "Looking ahead, we plan to expand the platform to support larger arrays of indistinguishable single-photon sources and to further enhance lightmatter interaction through structures such as microcavities and slow-light waveguides to improve efficiency," added Chen. "These advances will enable increasingly sophisticated on-chip quantum photonic functionalities, ultimately paving the way toward integrated quantum logic operations and scalable quantum information processing architectures." Written for you by our author Ingrid Fadelli, edited by Sadie Harley, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you. More information: Tailin Huang et al, On-chip quantum interference of indistinguishable single photons from integrated independent molecules, Nature Nanotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41565-025-02043-7. Journal information: Nature Nanotechnology 2025 Science X Network 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 from Pexels A collaborative study by scientists at the University of California, Riverside, and University of Southern California reports on how a process known as alternative splicing, often described as "editing" the genetic recipe, may help explain why some mammals live far longer than others. Published in Nature Communications, the study, which compared alternative RNA processing in 26 mammal species with maximum lifespans ranging from 2.2 to 37 years (>16-fold differences), found that changes in how genes are spliced, more than just how active they are, play a key role in determining maximum lifespan. "We've long known that gene expression likely contributes to lifespan controls, but our study shows that how those genes are edited through splicing offers a novel and parallel dimension to this process," said Sika Zheng, the study's co-corresponding author and a professor of biomedical sciences in the UCR School of Medicine. "It's like discovering a hidden layer of genetic control that shapes lifespan in ways we had not appreciated before." How alternative splicing increases diversity Alternative splicing is a natural process where a single gene can produce multiple versions of mRNA (and therefore different proteins) by including or skipping certain genetic segments. It increases biological diversity without adding new genes, allowing organisms to adapt and function in more complex ways. By analyzing six types of tissue, including the brain, across species with a wide range of lifespans, the researchers found that many lifespan-related splicing patterns are shared across species but exhibit levels correlated with species' maximum lifespan. Interestingly, the brain showed twice as many lifespan-linked splicing events compared to other tissues. "This likely reflects the brain's specialized functions and regulatory complexity, with many splicing factors expressed only in neural tissue," Zheng said. "These findings identify the brain as a key site of lifespan regulation and suggest that longevity depends heavily on neural maintenance and adaptability. Brain-specific splicing may therefore be a promising target for promoting healthy aging and preventing neurodegenerative disease." Genetic programming and implications for aging The study also found that lifespan-linked splicing is genetically programmed and tightly controlled by RNA-binding proteins, rather than being a byproduct of aging. "This suggests that longer-lived species may have evolved molecular programs that optimize splicing for longevity, allowing active modification of lifespan regulation in response to environmental influences," said Zheng, director of the UCR Center for RNA Biology and Medicine. The researchers found that when lifespan- and age-linked splicing patterns overlapped, the involved proteins often had flexible regions that help cells cope with stress and damage. "Our study identifies splicing as a distinct, transcription-independent layer of lifespan control, revealing new molecular targets for promoting resilience and healthy aging," Zheng said. For Zheng and his team, the study served as a reminder that the genome is more dynamic and complex than often credited. "Splicing broadens the way we think about longevity and how we might influence it," Zheng said. Zheng was joined in the study by Liang Chen, a professor of quantitative and computational biology at the University of Southern California and co-corresponding author of the study, as well as researchers in their labs. More information: Wei Jiang et al, The implications of alternative splicing regulation for maximum lifespan, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65339-1 Journal information: Nature Communications 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: COSMO-SkyMed image of Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica, which clearly shows icebergs of considerable size (the one in the center of the image is almost 9.5 miles) breaking away from the ice shelf formed by the flow of ice into the sea. Credit: Italian Space Agency A University of Houston scientist has teamed with international partners to examine how Antarctica's massive glaciers are shifting and how that could predict sea level changes. Their latest collaboration offers the most precise mapping to date in Antarctica of grounding lines, the points where glaciers lift from bedrock and begin to float on the ocean. On Earth today, only two ice sheets, or continental glaciers, existone in Antarctica and the other in Greenland. Over thousands of years of snow compacting and compressing, the ice sheets formed and now cover most of the land in those areas. About five years ago, the Italian Space Agency began examining Antarctica's glaciers during its dedicated COSMO-SkyMed mission, meant to observe Earth using its constellation of four synthetic aperture radar satellites, first launched 17 years ago. And now, after transcription and interpretation, these observations reveal tidal movements and retreat rates in Antarctica of up to 700 metersor about a half mile per year in some regions, providing an unprecedented view of glacier evolution. Antarctica is a significant contributor to global sea level rise, with the potential to substantially increase sea level by the end of this century. It seems a simple math problem: If the grounding line is measured as having moved inland, where glacier thickness increases, then more ice is flowing outlandor into the ocean. And the more ice into the ocean means higher sea levels. And vice versa. "Continuous monitoring of Antarctic evolution is important to understand ice sheet dynamics, minimizing uncertainties in sea level rise projections, and develop strategies to mitigate the risks posed by rising sea level," said Pietro Milillo, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering. "This dataset provides the most detailed view yet of how Antarctica's glaciers are interacting with the ocean. For the first time, we can monitor fast-flowing glaciers at a continental scale using high-frequency radar observations." Milillo and the Italian Space Agency published their findings in Scientific Data. The paper presents an Antarctic grounding line dataset, manually mapped using Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) data. Over the years, various techniques have been developed for mapping grounding lines, but DInSAR stands out for its ability to operate under all weather conditions, and its proven effectiveness in continuously monitoring grounding lines and detecting their rapid migrations. To measure tiny movements in the ice, the team analyzed 794 images from over 74 glaciers in East Antarctica, West Antarctica, and the Antarctic Peninsula between July 2020 and March 2022. "Our collaboration with NASA and the University of Houston highlights how international cooperation can advance the frontiers of Earth observation," said Luigi Dini of the Italian Space Agency, co-author of the study. "The COSMO-SkyMed system's radar technology gives scientists a powerful lens to observe Antarctica's evolution in near real time." The dataset fills major data gaps left by previous missions which struggled to map fast-flowing glaciers and is freely available to the scientific community. "We've made these data publicly available so scientists worldwide can better understand and model how Antarctic glaciers are evolving and contributing to sea-level rise," said Milillo. More information: Natalya Ross et al, Antarctic grounding line delineation from the Italian Space Agency COSMO-SkyMed DInSAR data, Scientific Data (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41597-025-06023-3 Journal information: Scientific Data 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 A map of badger roadkill hotspots in the UK has been generated by a team from Cardiff University to help prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions in the future. Cardiff University's Road Lab project assessed where and why badgers are involved in vehicle collisions, identifying 2,248 hotspots of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The hotspots represent areas that are in the top 1% of badger roadkill risk, finding the majority located within central and southern England. The new research is the first detailed assessment of the distribution and factors driving European badger wildlife-vehicle collisions risk in Great Britain. The work is published in the journal Biological Conservation. Dr. Sarah Raymond, who carried out the work during her Ph.D. at Cardiff University's School of Biosciences, said, "Wildlife-vehicle collisions are the second greatest direct cause of wildlife mortality worldwide, representing a major threat to wildlife populations. In the UK, there are more than 245,100 miles of roads and over 41 million registered vehicles. Understanding the factors that contribute to wildlife-vehicle collisions is vital for mitigating mortality of wildlife and conserving species. "We aimed to identify hotspots of particularly high wildlife-vehicle collisions and create an open-access searchable map, to aid decision-making in conservation and prevent wildlife roadkill." In collaboration with Badger Trust, the researchers analyzed 10 years of roadkill records, from 2014-2023 and 2017-2023, to highlight the hotspots of roadkill risk across Great Britain and understand what aspect of habitat, climate and human infrastructure may relate to increased risk. Predicted roadkill risk, predicted live occurrence and the difference between them. Credit: Biological Conservation (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2025.111601 At a national level, the researchers found strong overlap between roadkill risk and live badger distribution. But, on a hotspot level, this wasn't as simple, and roadkill hotspots are not simply related to the presence of badgers in the area. Other factors may contribute to an increase in roadkill risk, such as badger and driver behavior, as well as features of the road, habitat, and landscape. Areas clustered around large cities and towns were identified as having a relatively high roadkill risk but low live badger occurrence. "Previous research has found that urban areas are predicted to have low suitability for badgers, due to the lack of suitable grassland and woodland habitats. Despite this, previous research has also found that badger roadkill risk increases with road density. "Our results suggest that, although the occurrence of live badgers in urban areas is generally lower, when badgers do occur in these habitats, they face a relatively high risk of being involved in wildlife-vehicle collisions," added Dr. Raymond. Dr. Sarah Perkins, Cardiff University's Road Lab project, said, "This research would not have been possible without members of the public reporting their sightings. With nearly 20,000 badger reports, our findings clearly show just how valuable citizen science can be for conservation insight. "By generating a cohesive picture of wildlife roadkill risk across the UK with a large open-access dataset, this work is an initial first step in translating roadkill hotspots into effective conservation management. The hotspots that we identify can support conservation and policy relating to reducing wildlife roadkill and raise awareness of the extent of the issue." More information: Sarah Raymond et al, Identifying hotspots and drivers of wildlife-vehicle collision risk using citizen science data: a case study focused on the European badger Meles meles, Biological Conservation (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2025.111601 Journal information: Biological Conservation 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: Snapshots from six computer simulations illustrating the distinct tectonic regimes of terrestrial planets, including the newly discovered episodic-squishy lid regime. This framework provides a new tool for understanding planetary evolution. Each snapshot shows the temperature (left) and the basalt fraction (right) in the mantle and the crust. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65943-1 An international team has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the tectonic evolution of terrestrial planets. Using advanced numerical models, the team systematically classified for the first time six distinct planetary tectonic regimes and identified a novel regime: the "episodic-squishy lid." The study not only provides crucial clues to the origin of Earth's plate tectonics but also offers a robust theoretical framework for deciphering the enigmatic geological features of Venus. The findings have been published in the journal Nature Communications. The team was led by researchers from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), including postdoctoral fellow Dr. Tianyang Lyu, Professor Man Hoi Lee (also with the Department of Physics), and Mok Sau-King Professor Guochun Zhao. Six tectonic regimes revealing planetary evolution pathways Terrestrial planets exhibit diverse tectonic regimes, referring to the large-scale deformation of their surface layers and the processes that generate such deformation. These regimes directly shape a planet's geological activity, internal evolution, magnetic field, atmospheric composition, and even its potential to harbor life. One of the most enduring mysteries in planetary science is why Earth exhibits active plate tectonics, while its "sister planet" Venus has a starkly different geological character. The way a planet's surface deforms is a key factor in determining its evolution. For example, Mars displays a tectonically inactive "stagnant lid" regime, resulting in a largely immobile surface that preserves ancient impact craters. In contrast, Earth operates under a "mobile lid" (plate tectonic) regime, with a network of mid-ocean ridges, transform faults and subduction zones. While these plate boundaries give rise to geological hazards such as earthquakes and volcanism, they have helped to stabilize Earth's atmospheric and climatic conditions over millions and billions of years, fostering the evolution of life. For example, climate-active compounds such as CO 2 or water can be buried in Earth's interior as oceanic sediments are subducted due to plate tectonics, but can likewise be recycled to the atmosphere at volcanoes after long-term storage in the mantle, leading to roughly balanced surface conditions. Past studies proposed additional tectonic regimes such as the "sluggish lid" or "plutonic-squishy lid," but the relationships among these regimes and their connections to terrestrial planetsremained unclear. "Through statistical analysis of vast amounts of model data, we were able to identify six tectonic regimes for the first time quantitatively," explained Dr. Tianyang Lyu, the first author of the paper. "These include the mobile lid (like modern Earth), the stagnant lid (like Mars), and our newly discovered 'episodic-squishy lid.' This new regime is characterized by an alternation between two modes of activity, offering a fresh perspective on how planets transition from an inactive to an active state." Schematic tectonic evolutionary pathways of terrestrial planets. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65943-1 Decoding the 'memory effect': Unlocking the tectonic signatures of planets A major challenge in predicting a planet's tectonic evolution has been the "memory effect," or hysteresis, where a planet's tectonic state depends not only on its current conditions but also on its long history. "Our models reveal that this 'memory effect' is not insurmountable," explained Professor Man Hoi Lee. "Especially on an evolutionary path where the lithosphere weakens over timeas is the case for Earththe transition between tectonic regimes can be surprisingly predictable. This finding significantly enhances the predictive power of our framework." The research team also constructed a comprehensive diagram mapping all six tectonic regimes under different physical conditions, revealing the likely transition pathways as a planet cools over time. Professor Guochun Zhao, who is also an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, added, "Geological records suggest that tectonic activity on early Earth aligns with the characteristics of our newly identified regime. As Earth gradually cooled, its lithosphere became more prone to fracturing under specific physical mechanisms, eventually leading to today's plate tectonics. This provides a key piece of the puzzle in explaining how Earth became a habitable planet." The findings also offer a compelling explanation for the enigmatic geology of Venus. The models show that some surface features on Venus, such as the >1,000 km wide, circular "coronae," are highly consistent with the "plutonic-squishy lid" or "episodic-squishy lid" regimes. In these regimes, magmatic intrusions weaken the lithospheric lid, leading to regional, intermittent tectonic activity dominated by mantle plumes, rather than global plate-boundarydriven deformation. 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. Professor Zhong-Hai Li of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, a co-author of the study, noted, "It is exciting to compare our model results with geological observations of Venus. This provides important theoretical references and observational targets for future Venus missions." This research establishes a new framework for classifying and understanding of planetary tectonic diversity, providing tools for future planetary exploration. "Our models intimately link mantle convection with magmatic activity," concluded Dr. Maxim D Ballmer of University College London, another co-author of the study. "This allows us to view the long geological history of Earth and the current state of Venus within a unified theoretical framework, and it provides a crucial theoretical basis for the search for potentially habitable Earth analogs and super-Earths outside our solar system." More information: Tianyang Lyu et al, Dissecting the puzzle of tectonic lid regimes in terrestrial planets, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65943-1 Journal information: Nature Communications 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 Housing and high rental costs have been a major issue for the UK in the past decade. While other countries have moved toward protections for renters, rent control has not been a widespread feature of the British rental market for over a generation. But now the new Renters' Rights Act introduces provisions to protect tenants in England against rent increases. While the UK government says it "does not support the introduction of rent controls," the act does allow tenants to appeal rent increases if they are above market rents. Only time will tell whether the act introduces rent control through the back door. In the meantime, the Scottish parliament recently passed landmark housing legislation that will allow for limited rent controls across the country from 2027. But among economists, rent controls are controversial. They have the potential for unintended consequencesincluding, ultimately, housing shortages. However, fears were raised about the unintended consequences of a proposed minimum wage three decades ago. Today, the policy is generally seen as having avoided the negative impact on employment that was once feared. Rent control reliably offers short-term protection for sitting tenants, curbing their need to move away in the face of price pressures and keeping rents lower in covered properties. But landlords often adjust in ways that shrink the regulated rental stock, selling properties on to owner-occupiers or converting them into short-term lets. This was the experience in San Francisco, where landlords responded by reducing the number of rent-controlled units. Berlin's rent freeze seemed to have similar effects, briefly pushing down regulated asking rents, which coincided with a fall in the number of rental listings. Evidence from Catalonia in Spain, however, paints a more optimistic picture. Average rents there fell by around 4%6% without any detectable fall in supply. Classic economic theoryand evidencehighlight another set of risks: misallocation (where homes don't go to those who could benefit most from them) and under-maintenance of properties within the controlled sector. When strict controls were abolished in Cambridge, Massachusetts, property values jumped sharply both for previously controlled homes and those that had never been subject to rent controls. 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. This suggests there were negative consequences from regulated properties on others in the neighborhood, possibly driven by under-maintenance reducing overall neighborhood appeal. Overall, reviews of academic studies suggest that the outcome depends on the shape the policy takesthings like whether new-builds are exempt, if rents can rise between tenancies and whether controls are indexed and enforced. Yet the broad pattern is clear: rent control tends to protect tenants in the short run. But in the longer run, supply responses often shift the pressure on to those still searching for a home. So, what can we learn from economic analysis? The Renters' Rights Act does not limit rents for new contracts, but seeks to regulate rent increases for incumbent tenants. Given the abolition of section 21 ("no-fault") evictions, this is necessary to prevent landlords from raising rents far above the market rate to force tenants out. Some economic models suggest it is reasonable to regulate rent increases for sitting tenants. Renters who are already in a property are typically less price-sensitive than those searching on the open market. They may have attachments to their homesproximity to work and schools, or community ties, for exampleand moving would be costly. As a result, landlords may hold greater power over these tenants. Consequently, the legislation aims to ensure that tenants do not face rent increases beyond what landlords could obtain on the open market. Theory vs. practice While well-intentioned, there are concerns when it comes to the design of rent control. A key worry is the uncertainty around what the "market rate" actually is. If a tenant believes a rent increase exceeds that, they will be able to challenge it through the UK's tribunal system. Right now, the first-tier tribunal hears very few casesbut an increase in complaints could overburden the system. At present, market rent is determined by looking at properties in the area and is decided by a judge or surveyor. But this setup comes with challenges. Homes have many dimensions that people value differently. This makes predicting what a property would rent for on the open market far from straightforward. Even surveyors valuing homes for sale tend to deviate by around 10% in either direction from actual prices. Machine learning models perform no better. As a result, judgments could have a "luck of the draw" element for both tenants and landlords, raising issues of consistency and transparency. These problems will be even more acute for unique properties. Finally, there is the issue of access. Evidence shows that lower-income or otherwise disadvantaged people are less likely to use formal tribunal processes. These challenges do not mean the policy should be abandoned. But careful design could ease pressure on the judicial system and improve transparency. One option would be to introduce a commitment mechanism for rent increases. Under this approach, if a landlord raised the rent and the tenant felt it was unfair and chose to leave, the tenant could complain to a proposed new ombudsman or tribunal. The tribunal's role would be limited. It would record the complaint and later review the rent agreed in the next tenancy for that property. If it was lower, the landlord would pay the former tenant compensation. This mechanism would encourage landlords to set rent increases only at levels they genuinely believe the market will bear. Ultimately, the success of rent regulation will depend less on the principle and more on the details of its design and enforcement. A system that protects tenants without freezing supply or overburdening the courts will need clear rules, credible oversight and realistic expectations of the "market rate." The Renters' Rights Act represents a bold attempt to rebalance power in favor of the tenant. But its implementation will determine whether it provides stability for renters and improves the market, or simply adds a layer of uncertainty for both sides. 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: ThisIsEngineering/Pexels As the artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing industries explode, trained STEM professionals are in high demand. Mathematics is foundational to these fields. But mathematics is missing an important ingredient: people who are female or gender-diverse. In New South Wales, for example, only one-third of high school graduates who complete mathematics at the highest level are female or gender-diverse. And when students choose university courses in December, a large proportion of these highly qualified people will step away from mathematics and STEM. Australia cannot stay competitive by only accessing half of its young talent. By leaving mathematics early, young women and gender-diverse people limit their own career opportunities. Worse, the new technologies resulting from the current revolutions may not serve broader society well, if women and gender-diverse people are not involved in their development. But at the University of Sydney over the past five years, we have run a successful pilot program to reverse this trendand to empower young women to make informed career choices. Better, the program is cheap to run and can be easily adopted elsewhere, so mathematicsand the many industries it underpinscan be more diverse in ways that benefit everyone, regardless of their gender. Declining enrollments Before 2020, female and gender-diverse enrollments in advanced mathematics at the University of Sydney were in decline. In 2020 the incoming cohort was nearly 80% male. Non-STEM directions offer attractive and important career options, and some movement between specializations is expected. But a nosedive from 35% female students at the end of high school to 22% at the start of university indicates a problem. Over five years, a team I lead piloted an intervention which has increased the ratio of female and gender-diverse students in advanced first-year mathematics from 22% to 30%nearly back to the high school levels. Our program consists of two components: information, personalized invitations, and enrollment advice for incoming female and gender-diverse students, and a mentoring program for female and gender-diverse students who enroll in advanced mathematics. Targeting the problem from year one Before the start of the semester, we compare first-year enrollments with students' high school certificates and majors. Like in high school, mathematics at the university is offered at multiple parallel levels. When students are enrolled at a lower level than their background and major would justify, we send personalized emails encouraging them to switch to the advanced level. We hold a welcome event and multiple drop-in sessions, offering tailored advice. In the mentoring program, we match female and gender-diverse advanced math students with groups of eight to 12 peers of mixed-year levels. Matching is based on timetables. Each group is mentored by a senior (Honors or Ph.D.) student, and an academicat least one of whom is female or gender-diverse. Student mentors bring invaluable insight to the program, as they had walked in the mentees' shoes only a few years before. Each year 5080 students participate in the program, roughly two-thirds of whom are first-year students. Mentoring groups meet weekly for an hour: sometimes with both mentors, sometimes with the student mentor alone. Meeting topics are loosely structured around academic advice and sharing experiences. Many groups develop their own agendas organically. The program does not focus on tutoring, though students enjoy discussing key mathematical techniques and concepts. 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. Fostering community and belonging At the heart of the program is the opportunity to build community with peers, away from the pressure of assessments. While student feedback on the program is overall enthusiastic, it is a puzzle to maintain engagement with mentoring as semesters get hectic. It is difficult for students to prioritize community building when marks are on the line elsewhere. We suspected the large drop in female and gender-diverse enrollments at the transition to university is at least partly explained by these students' lack of confidence in their mathematical abilities. Research shows such insecurities disproportionately affect women. General messaging is ineffective in the face of self-doubt, so we aimed for a personalized but scalable approach. The mentoring component fosters community and belonging. This combats isolation, provides ongoing support and enables long-term retention. A low-cost solution Our program is a low-cost solution that can be implemented in most academic contexts. The first year of university is a place to start, but it is too late to fully address Australia's pipeline problem. We can't expect to have women and gender-diverse students participating in STEM at university in higher numbers than they did at the end of high school. Similar programs could be put in place in high schools, and personal invitations can even be used to bring more girls to elementary school enrichment programs. This would help boost diverse and equitable participation in STEM from the roots. 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: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In South Africa, intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence against women, and it is pervasive. According to the National Gender-Based Violence Prevalence Study, 24% of women aged 18 and older have experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner or spouse. Pregnancy can trigger or worsen violence in relationships, often due to changes in power dynamics, financial stress, or a partner's perceived loss of control. A longitudinal study in Durban, a South African coastal city, found that 20% of women had experienced at least one form of physical, sexual or psychological intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Another study in Johannesburg, South Africa's economic capital, found 36.6% of young women reported violence by a partner or spouse, and pregnancy was cited as a key risk period for violence. Children are directly and indirectly affected by this violence against women. They also experience violence across a range of settings, including their homes, schools and communities. The Birth to Thirty study, a research program tracking the lives of a group of people in the South African township of Soweto, found that 99% of the cohort had been exposed to at least one type of violence. And 40% had been exposed to five or six other types of violence. The 18th issue of the South African Child Gauge, a research report launched in November 2025, focuses on the intersections of violence against women and children. These forms of violence occur together in the same households and share the same risk factors. However, they historically have been treated as separate issues, with services housed in different government departments. This article offers an opportunity to shift the focus from awareness raising to action-oriented thinking that can break the cycle of violence. These reflections come from our chapter in the Child Gauge, which was co-written with Aislinn Delany, an independent social researcher. In this article, we highlight three approaches that can guide South Africa's efforts to prevent violence against women and children: starting early working across sectors, with the Department of Health playing a critical role transforming harmful gender norms. Breaking the cycle of violence The first 1,000 days (from conception to 2 years old) are a critical development phase that shapes a child's future health, learning and well-being. Exposure to ongoing violence is especially damaging during the early years. Excessive physical and psychological stress or trauma, also known as toxic stress, can disrupt the development of the brain. This may result in lifelong consequences for children's cognitive and socio-emotional development. Studies have shown that children exposed to violence in the home are more likely to normalize violence as a method of conflict resolution. This keeps the cycle of violence going from one generation to the next. It puts boys at higher risk of being violent to their partners as men. It makes girls more vulnerable to victimization by intimate partners later in life. Preventing violence against women and children should therefore begin early and continue. Early action can address the root causes and risk factors, interrupting the cycle within an individual's lifetime and across generations. 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 health sector's role Violence against women and children is a complex and deeply rooted problem. It requires a coordinated response from a range of sectors, including health, education, justice and social services. Within this ecosystem of support, maternal and child health services offer one of the most frequent points of contact with pregnant women, young children and their families. These routine contacts provide opportunities to identify women and children at risk and connect families with support services. It is therefore essential to strengthen the focus on violence prevention during the first 1,000 days through the direct actions of health workers or by using health facilities as platforms for delivery. For example, training health workers not only to screen for substance use, mental health concerns and exposure to violence, but also to provide care that recognizes how violence and adversity affect health and behavior. Screening must also be linked to clear and reliable referral pathways to services. The Road to Health Book (the South African child health record given to children at birth) offers another opportunity to strengthen screening and support. Early opportunities to challenge harmful gender norms Violence is a learned behavior, shaped by social norms. Where violence is accepted or justified as a way of resolving conflict, it becomes part of everyday life. Transforming harmful norms is therefore essential to building safer homes and communities. Some programs have shown positive results in shifting attitudes and behaviors and reducing violence against women and children. The Bandebereho and RealFathers studies are examples from low-resource settings in sub-Saharan Africa. They are designed to engage men as fathers and have been shown to reduce intimate partner violence and violent discipline of children by engaging men as caregivers. The beliefs that caregiving is only a woman's role, and that women should endure violence to preserve family unity, are harmful. By addressing harmful beliefs, these programs can foster shared caregiving, positive discipline and joint decision-making. Evidence also suggests that men's involvement during pregnancy and early childhood can strengthen family relationships and improve maternal and child well-being. Research in Soweto, South Africa found that when fathers attended pregnancy ultrasound scans, they reported stronger emotional bonds with their partners. And they felt a greater sense of responsibility and care for their unborn child. Similarly, another analysis found that postnatal father involvement was associated with lower rates of maternal depression. These findings underscore the importance of designing gender transformative interventions. Practically, this may mean creating family-friendly health environments, with flexible clinic hours, and programs that prepare men and families for nurturing and responsive care. Conclusion Without intervention, violence against women and children is likely to increase in frequency and severity. Early intervention is therefore crucial. Violence prevention should ideally be integrated into existing systems at scale rather than treated as additional services. In this, the health sector plays a central role, particularly during the first 1,000 days, given its routine contact with mothers, infants and caregivers. It is equally important to transform the harmful gender norms that sustain violence and limit men's participation in caregiving. 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: In this photo released by the Afar Government Communication Bureau, people watch ash billow from an eruption of the long-dormant Hayli Gubbi Volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. Credit: Afar Government Communication Bureau via AP A long-dormant volcano erupted in northern Ethiopia over the weekend, sending ash plumes across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman. The Hayli Gubbi volcano in the Afar region of Ethiopia erupted on Sunday morning, leaving the neighboring village of Afdera covered in dust. A local administrator, Mohammed Seid, said there were no casualties, but the eruption could have economic implications for the local community of livestock herders. Seid told The Associated Press that there was no previous record of an eruption by the Hayli Gubbi volcano, and that he fears for the livelihoods of residents. "While no human lives and livestock have been lost so far, many villages have been covered in ash and as a result their animals have little to eat," he said. In this photo released by the Afar Government Communication Bureau, people watch ash billow from an eruption of the long-dormant Hayli Gubbi Volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. Credit: Afar Government Communication Bureau via AP In this photo released by the Afar Government Communication Bureau, ash billows from an eruption of the long-dormant Hayli Gubbi Volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. Credit: Afar Government Communication Bureau via AP The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in France also reported the eruption, which it observed on satellite imagery. The Afar region is prone to earthquakes and a resident, Ahmed Abdela, said he heard a loud sound and what he described as a shock wave. "It felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash," he said. The village near the Danakil desert, which is a tourist attraction, was still covered in ash on Monday and tourists and guides heading to the desert were stranded in the village, according to Abdela. The local authorities shared photos and videos of a towering ash plume rising from the volcano. 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 Ten years ago the world's leaders placed a historic bet. The 2015 Paris agreement aimed to put humanity on a path to avert dangerous climate change. A decade on, with the latest climate conference ending in Belem, Brazil, without decisive action, we can definitively say humanity has lost this bet. Warming is going to exceed 1.5C. We are heading into "overshoot" within the next few years. The world is going to become more turbulent and more dangerous. So, what comes after failure? Our attempt to answer that question gathered the Earth Leaguean international network of scientists we work withfor a meeting in Hamburg earlier this year. After months of intensive deliberation, its findings were published this week, with the conclusion that humanity is "living beyond limits." Exceed 1.5C and not only do extreme climate events, like droughts, floods, fires and heat waves grow in number and severity, impacting billions of people, we also approach tipping points for large Earth regulating systems like the Amazon rainforest and the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets. Tropical coral reef systems, livelihood for over 200 million people, are unlikely to cope with overshoot. This translates to existential risks for billions of people. Not far in the future, but within the next few years for extreme events, and within decades for tipping points. How global warming and social instability increase together: The missed opportunities between 1997 and 2015 are the failures of the Kyoto protocol to bend the global emissions curve. There then followed a missed decade since the Paris agreement. The beauty of Parisgetting all countries to commit collectively to cut emissionshas been undermined by the voluntary mechanisms to achieve it. So while staying well below 2C is legally binding, the actions within national plans are not. We are now at a critical juncture. We are at or very close to human caused environmental change that will fundamentally unpick the life-sustaining systems on Earth. These risk triggering feedback loops, for example, the accelerating dieback of rainforests which would release billions of tons of carbon dioxide which would raise temperatures even further. Ultimately, that could cause the planet to drift away along the pathway to "hothouse Earth", a scenario where even if emissions were reduced, self-amplifying feedback loops would drive global temperature increases up to or even beyond 5C. The last time the climate warmed by such an amount was tens of millions of years ago. Well before this nightmare scenario, significant impacts are now unavoidable. Increasingly destructive storms will produce more loss and damages, more loss of life. Efforts to accelerateor even maintaindecarbonization could be undermined by social and political destabilization created by climate change. 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. If the consequences of climate change begin to interfere with our efforts to deal with its causes, moves towards a more sustainable world risk being delayed or even entirely derailed. But the scale of suffering is still very much up to us. We still have the ability to minimize overshoot. The best science can offer today, is a future where peak warming reaches 1.7C before returning to within 1.5C in 75 years. This requires immediate action at global scale, on multiple fronts: First, we'll have to accelerate the fossil fuel phase out to achieve at least 5% annual global emission reductions from now on. This requires increasing nations' decarbonization plans by at least a factor of ten. Second, we must transform the global food system within the next decade so it is able to absorb 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide a year. Third, we need new ways to remove an additional 5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, and store it safely in the ground. Whether by restoring ecosystems such as forests and wetlands or with new approaches that would directly remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, this must be done in safe and socially just ways. Finally, we must do all we can to ensure continued "health" and resilience in nature on land and in the ocean, in order to safeguard Earth's capacity to store carbon. All this needs to happen, simultaneously, to have a chance of limiting overshoot and come back to at or below 1.5C of global warming. Science is crystal clear here. Our only chance to recover back to a stable and safe climate is to accelerate the phase-out of fossil-fuels, remove carbon and invest in nature (on land and in the ocean), and do that without trading off between them. 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: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain It wasn't a comfortable process for the tens of thousands of delegates trying to hash out progress on climate change on the edge of the Amazon in Belem, Brazil. I experienced the challenges of the United Nations COP30 climate talks firsthand. Delegates were hot and sweaty. Tech and air conditioning didn't always work. Both flood and fire disrupted negotiations over the fortnight of negotiations. It drove home how climate change feels. But despite the discomfort, some progress was made. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva dubbed it the "COP of Truth." Delegates did not shy away from the urgency of the moment as climate change intensifies and emissions continue to climb. Ahead of the talks, many feared global political headwinds and the United States' departure from the Paris Agreement would undermine this year's talks. The fact that nearly 60,000 delegates attended these talksthe second highest evershows this isn't the case. Progress was made on funding climate finance and adaptation to the changes already emerging. But efforts on ending reliance on fossil fuels faltered in the face of strong resistance by fossil fuel powers. Much progress in Belem happened outside the main talks. So what did COP30 deliver? At one stage, it looked like COP30 might crack the hardest nut in climate policyreaching agreement on phasing out fossil fuels. Nations agreed two years ago that it was necessary to move away from fossil fuels. But no plan had yet been devised to get there. Brazil had a plan: build support for a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, championed by President Lula and pushed strongly by Environment Minister Marina Silva. It drew support from more than 80 countries, including major fossil fuel exporters such as Norway and Australia. Anticipating pushback, Brazil worked to boost support outside the main talks before bringing the plan in. It didn't work. By the end of COP30, all mention of a fossil fuel roadmap had been scrubbed from the text of the final outcomes, following fierce pushback from countries such as Russia, Saudi Arabia and India and many emerging economies. 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. Instead, countries agreed to launch "the Global Implementation Accelerator [] to keep 1.5C within reach" and "taking into account" previous COP decisions. This initiative will be shepherded by the Brazilian COP30 Presidency and the leaders of next year's COP31 talks, Turkey and Australia. President Lula vowed to continue advocating for a fossil fuel roadmap at the G20. Colombia and the Netherlands will hold a conference on fossil fuel phaseout in April 2026. The COP30 decision text also makes reference to a "high-level event in 2026" which could take place in the Pacific. Without blockers of consensus at these meetings, a coalition of willing countries could make real progress in setting timelines and exchanging policy ideas for fossil fuel phase-out. The decision to develop a just transition mechanism was welcomed as a win for workers and communities. The new mechanism's purpose will be to increase international cooperation, technical assistance, capacity-building and knowledge-sharing as countries shift towards a low-carbon global economy. Efforts to boost financing for climate adaptation bogged down, reflecting the trade-offs over fossil fuels. These funds are meant to help nations most exposed to severe climate damage, usually poorer and with low emissions. These nations led the charge for a tripling of climate finance by 2030 from the US$40 billion (A$62 billion) agreed at COP26 four years ago. But the agreed text merely "calls for efforts to at least triple adaptation finance by 2035," which pushes out the timeframe and has no funding baseline. Funding for tropical forests One of Brazil's own initiatives, the Tropical Forest Facility, achieved greater success, securing US$9.5 billion (A$14.7 billion) in funding pledgesa COP record. The trust fund for rainforests is designed to provide resources to arrest global deforestation and protect Indigenous lands, including in the Amazon's vital carbon sink. Support for a roadmap towards ending deforestation secured 92 backers. The success of these deforestation initiatives points to the effectiveness of the COP's Action Agenda, aimed at spurring on climate action outside formal negotiations and including commitments from business, investors and civil society. As formal negotiations bog down, these bypasses may end up replacing negotiations in driving progress. American absence Ahead of COP30, analysts feared the ongoing attacks on climate action by the Trump administration would undermine the international negotiations. COP30 was the first climate summit without a US government delegation. At first, the absence came as a relief. But by summit's end, the disappearance of the world's biggest historical emitter and largest economy from negotiations had taken its toll. Developing countries from the African group of negotiators argued that better metrics and plans would be meaningless without funding to implement them. Traditionally, the US has been a major funder. No longer. The US decision to turn its back on climate action created a subdued atmosphere. New finance pledges were broadly underwhelming, likely due to the dampening effect of the US retreat. Early on, many hoped renewables and clean tech giant China might fill the leadership void. China's clean tech exports last year were enough to cut overseas emissions by 1%. The huge industrial power produces almost 32% of the world's carbon emissions. These emissions have plateaued, in turn suggesting global emissions may now have peaked. But China showed reluctance to take up the mantle, preferring to remain focused on its own domestic energy transition. Chinese negotiators spent most of their energy pushing back against new European trade measures targeting emissions-intensive production. It was left to some of the smallest nations, Indigenous peoples and civil society to lead calls for sticking to the science, ramping up urgency and accelerating the rollout of solutions. An estimated 70,000 people marched in the streets of Belem, staging a mock funeral for fossil fuels. It was an important affirmation of widespread public support for climate action. What legacy? As the UN's climate Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, said midway through COP30, nations had to "give a little to get a lot." Many countries will be reflecting that they gave a lot but got very little. The biggest winners were, yet again, the world's petrostates, who successfully frustrated attempts to address fossil fuels. Questions will inevitably be asked over whether these consensus-based talks are fit for purpose, given they can be gamed by blockers. For many, COP30 will be regarded as a failure on fossil fuels and addressing major gaps between national pledges to cut emissions and what's needed to hold warming to 1.5C. This is true. But another view would be that these talks made real progress on important areas despite considerable challenges. Negotiators from 194 countries showed up and continued to talk and work together to tackle the worsening crisis. Nearly half of those countries have shown they're ready to begin weaning themselves off fossil fuels through their support for the phase-out roadmap. They don't have to wait for a UN consensus to act. Fossil fuel exporters only have power while other nations buy and rely on their products. The world's climate talks are now clearly moving away from arcane negotiations to the pressing real-world challenges of doing the work. In a rapidly warming world, all issues are becoming climate issues. 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: Hydrograph showing daily records of discharge (top) and water level (bottom) recorded at Roseires station (Blue Nile) and Jebel Aulia station (White Nile). Credit: Environmental DNA (2025). DOI: 10.1002/edn3.70218 A research team from the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) has analyzed the zooplankton communities in the White Nile and Blue Nile in Khartoum. It is the first study of plankton in the Sudan Nile since the 1980s and provides an important baseline for monitoring of the river's biodiversity in the face of ongoing hydropower dam construction. Zooplankton are tiny organisms that live in water and play a central role in the aquatic food webs. They also serve as indicators of water quality. A high level of species diversity strengthens the resilience of river systems to environmental changes. Samples were collected from December 2017 to April 2018 and from October 2019 to March 2020, during the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and before the first phase of filling the reservoir. GERD is Africa's largest hydropower plant and was inaugurated in September 2025. "This dam will be a major step forward for energy production in the region. However, it is likely to have a significant impact on the river's ecosystem," explained Samah Makawi, an IGB scientist, lecturer at the University of Khartoum, native of Sudan, and lead author of the study published in Environmental DNA. Natural fluctuations in water levels and nutrient supply foster biodiversity The White and Blue Niles converge near Khartoum to form the main river. Makawi and Michael Monaghan research shows that the Blue Nile still has significantly higher zooplankton community diversity and temporal variability than the White Nile. The latter harbors only around half of the species found in the Blue Nile. The research team attributes this to the greater variation in water flow and nutrient supply in the Blue Nile. There is already a dam on the White Nile which has significantly altered the water and nutrient flow in Khartoum. "The water level in the Nile naturally fluctuates greatly. Biotic communities have adapted to variations in water flow, sediment loads, and nutrients. While migratory fish are often the focus of dam impacts, the construction of a dam affects even the smallest organisms, which play an important role in water quality and the food web. This has already been demonstrated on the White Nile and might now be the fate of the Blue Nile through the construction of GERD," emphasized Makawi. Ongoing and future pressures on the Nile River ecosystem require improved efforts to monitor its biodiversity The study also emphasizes the suitability of eDNA metabarcoding for biodiversity monitoring. "In view of the ongoing changes to the ecosystem, there is a need for better monitoring of biodiversity in the Nile ecosystem," said Prof. Michael Monaghan, who led the study and is a researcher at IGB. "We found that eDNA-based methods provided important information despite the fact that tropical zooplankton species are poorly represented in DNA databases. Due to its high sensitivity, cost efficiency and time savings, eDNA metabarcoding can be a promising way to implement a biodiversity monitoring program which is lacking in the Nile in Sudan." More information: Samah Elhussein Mohammedahmed Makawi et al, Zooplankton Community Composition in the White and Blue Niles Near Khartoum: Combining Molecular and Morphological Approaches, Environmental DNA (2025). DOI: 10.1002/edn3.70218 Provided by Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Colombian loan shark killed in targeted Playa del Carmen hit Playa del Carmen, Q.R. A man identified as a Colombian loan shark was murdered late Monday morning. The man was reported shot to death in a targeted hit near the Villas del Sol housing development. Witnesses said they watched as a car pulled up beside the man, who was just getting off his parked motorcycle, and started shooting. The incident happened in a residential area on CTM Avenue at the intersection with Halcones Street around 11:30 a.m. Responding police found a male laying on a sidewalk who had been shot at least twice in the chest. Paramedics confirmed he had died at the scene. The car responsible for the shooting sped off. Police launched a search but have yet to announce arrests. The deceased man has not been officially named. Pair captured for drug and weapons possession charged with murder of Akumal man and link to Tulum teen killing Tulum, Q.R. Police have captured two who have been charged in the murder an Akumal man and who are being investigated for killing a teen in Tulum. Police say Pedro Antonio N and Juan Carlos N were arrested earlier this month for drug and weapons possession. Pedro Antonio N and Juan Carlos N were initially picked up on drug and weapons possession. Since their arrests, police said they have been charged with one murder and are being investigated for a second, both within the municipality of Tulum. Authorities say they are being investigated for the November 8 shooting death of a teen in Tulum after being charged in the October 30 murder of a man in Akumal. The State Attorney Generals Office reports that investigations continue into the aggravated homicide of a teenager, originally from the state of Yucatan, which occurred on November 8 of this year in an establishment located in the coastal area of Tulum. The Public Prosecutors Office reported that two male individuals, identified as Pedro Antonio N and Juan Carlos N, are being investigated for their probable participation of aggravated homicide and drug dealing. In a statement, authorities reported that Juan Carlos N has been charged with aggravated homicide. He has been charged in the shooting death of an Akumal business owner that occurred on October 30th of this year outside a convenience store on Gonzalo Guerrero Avenue in Akumal. An Akumal businessman was shot and killed October 30. His body was found laying outside a convenience store next to a restaurant that he owned. According to police, Juan Carlos N allegedly shot and killed the victim. He then got into a Toyota vehicle driven by Pedro Antonio N, and they fled the scene. At the time of their arrests on November 11, they were found in possession of various doses of drugs, as well as three firearms: two 9mm caliber handguns and one .223 caliber long gun, police reported. According to ballistic reports, one of their guns matched the one used in the Akumal homicide. Field investigations, office work and technological analysis established that both defendants are also allegedly related to the aggravated homicide of the teenager that occurred on November 8 of this year in the coastal area of Tulum. According to the line of investigation, the motive for this act would be related to disputes over the sale of narcotics since the victim allegedly belonged to a rival criminal group that operates in the region, they said. Police were at the scene of a fatal attack near Yaax Tulum where a male was ambushed November 8. Pedro Antonio N and Juan Carlos N are under the precautionary measure of preventive detention, imposed for a term of two years or for the duration of the judicial process. The State Attorney Generals Office reaffirms its commitment to truth and justice and states that the investigations will continue until the facts are fully clarified and all those responsible are brought to justice. Despite their relatively limited availability in the retail arena, Snap-on branded products continue to rank among the more respected tools on the scene. They also tend to be among the pricier options in the consumer tool market. Nonetheless, many who have invested in Snap-on tools over the years would have you believe they are likely well worth the price, which is why those in need of high-quality, pro-grade gear tend to flock to franchisee sales trucks whenever they turn up in parking lots across the land. While even some Snap-on diehards might be quick to point out that not all of the brand's tools are created equal, its wrenches are rarely, if ever, included in these conversations. In fact, Snap-on's wrenches tend to rank among the best available from the major manufacturers in the market. And it may come as a surprise to those who aren't well-versed in the history of the brand, but Snap-on does indeed make those wrenches itself, as the company is not owned by any outside corporate entity. That has, essentially, been the case since the company first came into being in the 1920s as a mail-order operation dubbed the Snap-on Wrench Company. That's not to say that Snap-on doesn't answer to anyone today; however, as the company has been publicly traded since the 1970s and a board of directors now has a say in how its business is conducted. Similarly, the board likely also has a say in where Snap-on's wrenches are made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 6 Ryobi Tools You Should Avoid (According To Users) Many Snap-on wrenches are made in the USA Picture Displaying Snap-On Tools wrenches - Snap-On Tools While there are a few Snap-on tools you may want to consider avoiding, the company has become a global presence in the consumer tool arena since its early days as a mail-order operation. Given that fact, it only makes sense that the brand has become a global manufacturing presence as well. At present, the outfit now operates some 21 production facilities outside of the United States, including outposts in China, England, Argentina, and Brazil, among many others. It would seem, however, that many of Snap-on's hand tools are not manufactured in those facilities, and instead count the United States as their country of origin. It is not entirely clear which of the company's 15 U.S. facilities do or do not manufacture the brand's wrenches, but we can confirm that quite a few of its professional-grade hand tools originate in Snap-on's production plant in Elizabethton, Tennessee. That facility has been up and running since 1974, and continues to be one of the bigger producers of the brand's hand tools in the States. Given that the company is currently headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, it should come as no particular surprise that Snap-on runs one facility in that city, as well as one in nearby Milwaukee that makes the sockets for some of the brand's socket wrenches. Apart from those facilities, Snap-on also makes hand tools in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. Wherever they are made, Snap-on wrenches that originate in America typically bear the USA brand with pride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. A girls grades drop every summer. Theres an alarming explanation. Posted on 24 November 2025 by Guest Author This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections of an article by Sanket Jain that just won a gold medal from the United Nations Correspondents Association With limited access to indoor cooling or study spaces, Kavya Waghmare often studies under trees. (Image credit: Sanket Jain) Every summer when extreme heat arrives in Dhakale, India, Pramila Waghmare notices her childrens grades drop, only to improve again when winter arrives. After three years of this pattern, she asked her neighbors and learned that heat waves seemed to be hurting the academic performance of at least 40 schoolchildren in her hamlet with a total population of less than 1,000. Schoolteachers told her that students in many nearby villages in Maharashtra state had similar problems, especially a loss of focus and a sharp decline in math performance. During the summer, I cant concentrate, said Waghmares 9-year-old daughter Kavya. My friends and I feel like running away and sitting in the shade of the mango tree. By this past April, it was already difficult for students to focus as temperatures in the village exceeded 36 degrees Celsius (96.8F). Teachers told Waghmare that during peak summer heat, most students stop participating actively by the afternoon. Relatives from nearby villages and teachers and community health care workers across India have also noticed more days of extreme heat that make children listless, struggling to remember what they have learned and taking longer to respond to questions. Its not just India: Extreme heat is making it harder for students to learn in classrooms around the world. After decades of global warming and worsening heat waves, the physical effects of extreme heat are well known: dizziness, fainting, sleep disruption, labored breathing, and sometimes heat exhaustion. Large-scale studies are now revealing to scientists precisely how childrens brains and cognitive skills are suffering, making it harder to learn, concentrate, and perform. Experts say it is important for teachers to be understanding and for children to drink a lot of water and avoid physical exertion until the weather cools. But with extreme heat getting worse and affecting millions of people a year, the problem is too big for teachers to tackle on their own. Systemic change could help. For instance, school administrators could stop planning tests for hot summer months and create areas for teachers and students to cool off on extremely hot days. Numbers dont lie An analysis by Save the Children showed that from July 2023 to June 2024, 766 million children, or one-third of the worlds children, faced extreme heat waves double the previous years number. During that period, the report also indicated that 344 million children experienced the highest temperature recorded in their area since 1980. Studies show extreme heat makes it harder to perform cognitive tasks, such as math, that require attention, memory, and problem-solving. One study from China found that even short-term exposure to high temperatures hurt math scores. Researchers tracked eight years of test scores and matched them with the exact weather on test days. At temperatures above 32C, math scores dropped noticeably compared to moderate days (22-24C). Xi Chen, an associate professor of health policy and economics at the Yale School of Public Health and one of the studys authors, said dehydration may impair childrens short-term memory, attention, and psychomotor skills used in writing, drawing, and other tasks that involve both thinking and movement. It also disrupts electrolyte balance, which is essential for neural signaling. This is particularly important in tasks like arithmetic, which depend on working memory and concentration, he explained. Chen noted that childrens bodies are less efficient at regulating body heat, causing them to overheat more quickly than adults during heat waves. It is harder for childrens core body temperatures to stay in the healthy range of between 36.5C and 37.5C (97.7 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit). During extreme heat, cerebral blood flow may be reduced, leading to less oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain, he said. Consequently, the brain activates protective mechanisms that reduce overall activity to conserve energy and avoid damage. This stress can impair performance in tasks requiring sustained attention, working memory, and executive function. In the United States, a study of 11,000 children linked extreme heat to lower performance across various learning tasks. Extreme heat is also more likely to affect Black and low-income and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. As many teachers in the U.S. know, schools in poorer communities are much less likely to have air-conditioned classrooms. Globally, one study estimates that in low- and middle-income countries, up to 4 billion people may lack access to air conditioning by 2050. One Chinese study involving nearly 180,000 children found that increased heat exposure was linked to a higher risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. In another study, scientists found that preadolescents exposed to higher ambient temperatures for just one week exhibited weakened communication within key brain areas, including the salience network, which regulates attention, emotion, and mental health. Lead author Dr. Laura Granes said poorer sleep quality during hot nights also helps explain how extreme heat can alter brain connectivity in children. Sleep deprivation can, in turn, lead to changes in brain connectivity, said Granes, a postdoctoral researcher at the Primary Health Care University Research Institute Jordi Gol, Spain. Poor sleep can impair the ability of the brains prefrontal cortex to consolidate memories, focus attention, and execute effective problem-solving and decision-making. She said high temperatures also can activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a key stress-response system in the body. Increasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol can exacerbate health problems and disrupt how different parts of the brain communicate with each other. When classrooms turn into ovens In Maharashtras Bhadole village, 11-year-old Sarthak Sonawane struggles to remember what he learns in school during summer. He just wants to run away from school, says his mother, Sangita Sonawane. The only fan in his classroom seldom works because of frequent power outages, and the extreme heat makes him eager to leave his school and go home. He just wants to swim in a well the entire day, his mother said. Over the past four years, Sarthak has gradually lost interest in school and now wants to drop out. With no solution to this extreme heat, I constantly worry about his future, his mother added. Public schools in our villages lack even the most basic resources. What can the teachers do? One step could be to stop conducting exams during months of sweltering heat, as is the practice now. Schools need to adapt to extreme heat and design their policies considering how heat affects children, she said. The same holds for Europe, where many children still attend school during summer months even as the continent endures more frequent and longer spells of extreme heat. Granes noted that in southern European countries, school calendars are often adjusted to avoid the hottest period, but similar adaptations may soon be needed more widely as extreme heat becomes increasingly common across the continent. Some European cities have already begun converting schools and public spaces into climate shelters, a move that could create safe environments where children spend most of their time, she added. Cities like Barcelona have redesigned schoolyards and public buildings as part of the climate shelters network to provide cool, safe havens during heat waves. Starting with 20 such shelters in 2020, the number has grown to nearly 400 shelters this summer, ensuring that 98% of the population lives within a 10-minute walk of a shelter and 68% within a five-minute walk. Additionally, Granes recommends raising awareness among families, caregivers, and educators about the risks of heat exposure. Children should be encouraged to drink water regularly, especially if they are playing or exercising outdoors, she said. Preventive measures, such as scheduling outdoor activities during cooler hours, ensuring access to shaded areas, and maintaining well-ventilated indoor spaces, can make a big difference, she said. In Waghmares village, teachers now encourage students to study more at home in the evenings when temperatures are slightly cooler. However, her house has a tin roof, which absorbs heat and radiates it indoors, making it unbearably hot inside. Waghmare said she feels helpless: Never in my life did I imagine that someday these rising temperatures would affect education and prevent children from going to school. 0 0 Printable Version | Link to this page Xinhua News Agency: Leaders of the G20 attended the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The summit attracted wide attention amid growing concerns on whether G20 could continue its leading role in global multilateral governance. Could you share more information on Chinas participation? Mao Ning: The summit is held under the theme of solidarity, equality and sustainability. Premier Li Qiang attended and addressed the summit. He pointed out that over the past 20 years since the establishment of the G20, members of the group have come together to tackle challenges and promote global development and progress, and the key lies in the word solidarity. Now, the world economy once again faces great challenges. Unilateralism and protectionism run rampant. The G20 should look for solutions and bring all parties back onto the right track of solidarity and coordination. Premier Li Qiang stressed that the world economy is now deeply integrated, and no country can thrive alone. Only openness and cooperation can produce mutual benefit. The G20 should firmly uphold free trade and work for an open world economy. Differences should not become obstacles to solidarity, still less excuse for suppression. Legitimate concerns of all sides should be addressed through equal-footed consultation. The G20 should take the lead in upholding multilateralism, boost the voice of developing countries, and work for an international economic and trade order that is more fair and open. China stands ready to work with parties in solidarity to take concrete and persistent actions to play a bigger role in reforming and improving global governance and promoting economic growth and to create a bright and prosperous future. CNR: Its reported that regarding Chinas letter to the UN Secretary-General on Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis erroneous remarks on Taiwan, the Japanese government spokesperson said to reporters during the G20 Summit that Chinas claims that Prime Minister Takaichi has altered Japans position on Taiwan is entirely baseless. The spokesperson said Japan has repeatedly explained to the Chinese side the gist of the remarks and Japans consistent position, and added that Tokyo is committed to dialogue with China. Whats Chinas response? Mao Ning: China has articulated its position multiple times on Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis erroneous remarks on Taiwan. Those remarks seriously violate the principles laid down in the four political documents between China and Japan, and has fundamentally eroded the political foundation of China-Japan relations. Weve noted the Japanese sides reference to Japans consistent position on the Taiwan question. But what exactly do they mean by this so-called consistent position? Can Japan articulate this consistent position in its entirety to the public? If Japan merely keeps repeating that its position has not changed without specifying what that position is and meanwhile keeps crossing the line, then this kind of repetition means nothing but empty words, and simply fudges and hollows out the one-China position. The one-China principle is an unshakable prevailing consensus in the international community. If there has truly been no change to the Japanese governments position on the Taiwan question, Japan should unequivocally uphold the one-China principle, and abide by the spirit of the four political documents between the two countries and honor the commitments Japan has made, including what has been stated in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement that the Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the Peoples Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China, and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the Peoples Republic of China. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this stand of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China, and it firmly maintains its stand under Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation. Why cant Japan fully and accurately reiterate this position? China urges the Japanese side to take seriously what it has heard from China, do serious soul-searching and correct its wrongdoing, act to honor its commitment to China, and stop pursuing its misguided course, still less say one thing but do another. RT TV: At the recent EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas talked about the Ukraine peace plan and said that China and Russia are working together to overhaul the global economic and security order. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: China and Russia grow bilateral relations and carry out practical cooperation under the principle of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party and work for world peace and development. Reuters: I want to ask about the comments by the Japanese defense minister over the weekend who said about the deployment of the missile unit to the Yonaguni Island. He said that medium-range surface-to-air missile units were planned to deploy in Yonaguni to protect the islands safety. We believe that having this unit in place will actually lower the chances of an armed attack against our country, so I dont agree with the argument that this deployment will increase tensions in the region. Whats your comment to the remarks by Mr. Koizumi? Mao Ning: Japans deployment of offensive weapons in Southwest Islands close to Chinas Taiwan region is a deliberate move that breeds regional tensions and stokes military confrontation. Given Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis erroneous remarks on Taiwan, this move is extremely dangerous and should put Japans neighboring countries and the international community on high alert. The Potsdam Proclamation explicitly stipulates that Japan shall not be permitted to re-arm for war. The Japanese Constitution, which enshrines pacifism, also established Japans exclusively defense-oriented policy. It is alarming, however, that in recent years, Japan has drastically readjusted its security policy, increased defense budget year after year, relaxed restrictions on arms export, sought to develop offensive weapons, and planned to abandon its three non-nuclear principles. Japans right-wing provocateurs are trying every means to break free from the pacifist constitution, going further down the path of military buildup and leading Japan and the region to disastrous outcomes. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the recovery of Taiwan. China will never allow Japans right-wing provocateurs to turn back the wheel of history, never allow external forces to lay their hands on Chinas Taiwan region, and never allow the resurgence of Japans militarism. China is resolved in and capable of defending national and territorial sovereignty. China Daily: The recently concluded COP30 of the UNFCCC reached the Belem Political Package. Countries agreed to work together to accelerate climate action, consider barriers related to the role of trade, and urge developed country Parties to increase the trajectory of their collective provision of climate finance for adaptation to developing country Parties. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also issued a statement commending the progress delivered at COP30. What is Chinas comment? Mao Ning: COP30 of the UNFCCC was concluded in Belem, Brazil on November 22. After two weeks of strenuous negotiations, parties reached the Belem Political Package that is positive and balanced, displaying their determination to work in solidarity and cooperation on addressing climate change, and providing certainty for the implementation of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement in the next decade. It needs to be noted that, heeding the call of developing countries, the conference decided, for the first time, to hold a dialogue on climate change related trade-restrictive unilateral measures within the UNFCCC process, and develop a just transition mechanism, which is of milestone significance. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the conference. President Xi Jinpings Special Representative, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang attended and addressed the Belem Climate Summit. In his speech, he put forward three propositions, namely, keep to the right direction, translate climate commitments into action, and deepen openness and cooperation, setting a positive note for the conference. The Chinese delegation had full and in-depth participation in the negotiations and consultation on various agenda items, and worked for positive outcomes at the conference. Striving to do better, which was proposed in the outcome document of COP30, has become the most important political message for global climate governance in the next ten years, and this was originally said by President Xi Jinping at the UN Climate Summit. China will work with other parties to fully implement the outcomes of the conference, advance global cooperation on addressing climate change, and jointly build a clean and beautiful world. NHK: Japans Prime Minister Takaichi said after G20 Summit that she didnt have the chance to talk to Premier Li Qiang, and she also commented that Japan remains open to various dialogue with China. Could you tell us your comment on this? Mao Ning: Japan should take Chinas concerns seriously, retract the erroneous remarks on Taiwan, and show Japans sincerity for dialogue with concrete actions. Beijing Daily: Torrential rain and flooding triggered by multiple typhoons have hit Viet Nam recently, causing casualties and loss of property. Whats Chinas comment? Are there any Chinese people affected? Will China assist Viet Nam in disaster relief? Mao Ning: We are aware that recent typhoons and flooding have caused casualties and economic loss in various parts of Viet Nam. In a humanitarian spirit and out of friendship and goodwill towards the Vietnamese people, China is set to provide cash assistance to Viet Nam. We believe that under the leadership of the CPV and the Vietnamese government, those affected will recover from the disaster and rebuild their homes at an early date. According to our information, so far there have been no Chinese casualties. NHK: Some Japanese media reported yesterday that China has rejected Japans proposal to hold a trilateral meeting with South Korea and Japan in January. Can the Foreign Ministry give us any comment on this? Mao Ning: China, Japan and the ROK have not agreed on a date for the tenth trilateral summit meeting. The Japanese leaders erroneous remarks on Taiwan have damaged the foundation and atmosphere for China-Japan-ROK cooperation. Conditions are not right at the moment for a trilateral summit meeting. U.S., Ukraine, Europe meet in Switzerland to discuss Ukraine peace plan Xinhua) 08:12, November 24, 2025 GENEVA, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from the United States, Ukraine and European countries met in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday to discuss ways aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to media reports, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff attended the meeting. The Ukrainian delegation was led by Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office. Also, national security advisers from France, Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as representatives of the European Union, also took part in the meeting. Yermak said on social media platform X on Sunday that the Ukrainian delegation had begun its work in Geneva. He said the team held its first meeting with national security advisers from the United Kingdom, France and Germany and would next meet with the U.S. delegation, adding that they were "in a very constructive mood." Yermak added that a series of meetings in various formats was planned for the day as the sides continue working together to achieve a lasting and just peace for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also said on social media platform X on Sunday that he hoped the talks would be constructive and lead to a positive outcome. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) The World's Greatest Ancient Civilizations Have you ever wondered what it felt like to walk through the bustling markets of ancient Rome or stand beneath the towering pyramids of Egypt? These eight carefully selected books offer something magical: they transport you directly into the heart of civilisations that shaped our modern world. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, these authors breathe life into cultures that existed thousands of years ago. Whether you're curious about the strategic brilliance of ancient military commanders, the daily routines of ordinary citizens, or the architectural marvels that still leave us speechless today, these books transform distant history into intimate, unforgettable experiences. They prove that the past isn't just a collection of dates and facts but a vibrant tapestry of human achievement, struggle, and triumph waiting to be rediscovered. 1. Assyria: The Rise and Fall of the World's First Empire by Eckart Frahm An Assyriologist examines the Assyrian empire that dominated the ancient Near East through military might, administrative innovation, and cultural sophistication before collapsing suddenly. Eckart Frahm challenges Assyria's reputation for mere brutality, showing it as a complex civilisation that created libraries, advanced art, and efficient governance alongside its famous military campaigns. He explains how Assyrian kings built and maintained an empire through strategic terror, deportations, and propaganda, while also patronising scholarship and collecting knowledge. The book reveals Assyria's innovations in administration and warfare that influenced later empires while explaining the internal weaknesses that caused its swift destruction. 2. Babylon: Mesopotamia and the Birth of Civilization by Paul Kriwaczek A historian explores ancient Mesopotamia from the first cities through the Babylonian Empire, showing how this region invented writing, law, mathematics, and urban civilisation. Paul Kriwaczek traces development from Sumerian city-states through the Akkadian empire to Babylon's cultural zenith under Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar, explaining innovations including cuneiform script and codified law. He shows how Mesopotamian civilisation influenced everything from astronomy to literature while explaining why this foundational culture is less celebrated than Egypt or Greece. The book reveals Mesopotamia's profound legacy while making ancient texts and archaeological evidence accessible, showing civilisation's actual birthplace. 3. Athens: A History of the World's First Democracy by Thomas N. Mitchell A historian examines Athens's development from city-state to democracy to empire, exploring how democratic institutions functioned and why they eventually failed. Thomas Mitchell shows Athenian democracy as a radical experiment in direct citizen participation, explaining how assemblies, juries, and offices by lottery enabled unprecedented political equality among male citizens. He examines Athens's cultural achievements, including drama, philosophy, and architecture, alongside its imperialism and treatment of women, slaves, and foreigners. The book reveals democracy's ancient Athenian form as more participatory yet more limited than modern versions, explaining its influence and eventual collapse after Sparta's victory. 4. The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt by Toby Wilkinson An Egyptologist traces ancient Egypt's three-thousand-year history from pre-dynastic origins through successive kingdoms to Roman conquest, showing how the civilisation evolved and eventually declined. Toby Wilkinson combines archaeological evidence with historical records to depict pharaohs, priests, workers, and daily life across millennia, revealing Egypt as a dynamic society rather than a timeless monument. He examines how geography shaped culture, how pharaonic power consolidated and fractured, and how internal weaknesses made Egypt vulnerable to foreign invasion. The book brings ancient Egypt to life through attention to people's lived experience rather than just dynasties and pyramids. 5. Persians: The Age of the Great Kings by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones A classicist reconstructs the Achaemenid Persian empire from Persian rather than Greek sources, challenging Western assumptions shaped by hostile Greek accounts. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones shows the Persian empire as a sophisticated, tolerant, multicultural civilisation rather than the Oriental despotism depicted by Greek enemies like Herodotus. He examines Persian court culture, religious practices, artistic achievements, and administrative systems that governed the ancient world's largest empire with remarkable efficiency. The book recovers the Persian perspective on conflicts with Greece, showing these as peripheral struggles rather than civilisation's defining battles, revealing how history's victors shaped narratives that obscured defeated Persia's actual achievements. 6. Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic by Tom Holland A historian chronicles the Roman Republic's final century as internal conflicts, ambitious generals, and political dysfunction destroyed republican institutions and enabled Augustus's imperial rule. Tom Holland follows key figures including Pompey, Caesar, Cicero, and Antony through civil wars that transformed Rome from republic to empire, explaining how republican virtues became liabilities. He shows how expansion created wealth and power concentrations that republican structures could not manage, making dictatorship inevitable. The book makes complex politics accessible through vivid character portraits and narrative drive, showing how republics die when institutions cannot adapt to changing circumstances. 7. Empire of the Black Sea: The Rise and Fall of the Mithridatic World by Duane W. Roller A historian examines the Pontic kingdom under Mithridates VI, who challenged Roman expansion and created a multicultural empire around the Black Sea before his eventual defeat. Duane Roller shows how Mithridates united diverse peoples against Rome, exploiting Roman overreach and local resentments to build significant power before Pompey's campaigns destroyed him. He reveals the Black Sea region's importance in ancient geopolitics and economy, showing civilisations beyond the Mediterranean's usual focus. The book recovers a lesser-known chapter of ancient history, showing how Rome's expansion met serious resistance and how regional powers carved out significance despite Rome's dominance. 8. Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From by Tony Joseph A journalist synthesises genetic, archaeological, and linguistic evidence to explain how modern Indians descended from multiple migrations and admixtures over millennia. Tony Joseph shows that Indians are not indigenous but result from waves of migration, including Out of Africa populations, Iranian agriculturalists, and Central Asian pastoralists who mixed to create India's genetic and cultural diversity. He explains how genetic evidence confirms and complicates archaeological and linguistic theories about Indian civilisation's origins, revealing movements and interactions that shaped the subcontinent. The book uses science to illuminate ancient Indian history, challenging nationalist narratives while showing India's complex, mixed ancestral roots. After journeying through these pages, you'll find that ancient civilisations feel less like distant memories and more like familiar companions. The ingenuity of Roman engineers, the philosophical depth of Greek thinkers, and the astronomical precision of Mayan scholars suddenly become relevant to your own life. These books don't just educate; they create bridges across millennia, showing us that human ambitions, fears, and dreams remain remarkably constant. The architects who designed the Colosseum faced challenges not unlike modern city planners. The merchants trading along the Silk Road understood networking as well as any entrepreneur today. By understanding where we came from, these eight books help us navigate where we're going. They remind us that we're not separate from history but active participants in an ongoing story that began long before us and will continue long after. On November 22, 2025 local time, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Johannesburg. Li Qiang stated that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-Italy diplomatic relations. In July last year, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Beijing and mapped out a strategic blueprint for deepening China-Italy relations. Over the past year, the two sides have actively implemented the important common understandings reached between the two leaders. China is ready to work with Italy to further carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, and forge a more stable and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership. Li Qiang noted that China is ready to work with Italy to continuously advance two-way opening up, enhance connectivity and alignment in markets, industries and related areas, and promote balanced and optimized development of bilateral trade. The two sides should fortify the traditional strengths of cooperation, expand exchanges and cooperation in emerging industries, and boost common development and prosperity. China welcomes more Italian companies to enter the Chinese market through platforms such as the China International Import Expo, the China International Fair for Trade in Services, the China International Consumer Products Expo, and the China International Supply Chain Expo. Li Qiang expressed the hope that the Italian side will provide a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory and predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest in Italy. Both sides should strengthen tourism, education, sports, youth, sub-national, and cultural cooperation, and facilitate personnel exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Italy within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the G20, build broader consensus and reinforce the international community's confidence and resolve in practicing multilateralism and consolidating multilateral mechanisms. Giorgia Meloni said that Italy-China relations enjoy a good momentum of development, with continuous bilateral exchanges at all levels and positive progress in practical cooperation. Italy is willing to take the opportunity of celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries to make full use of mechanisms such as the Italy-China Government Committee and the Economic Cooperation Mixed Committee, speed up the implementation of the Action Plan on Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, deepen cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology and other fields, and promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Italy welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country, and encourages Italian companies to continue investing in China. Italy is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China on multilateral platforms and jointly uphold multilateralism. On November 22 and 23, 2025 local time, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang attended the second and third sessions of the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg and delivered speeches respectively on the topics of "A Resilient World" and "A Fair and a Just Future for All". Li Qiang said that as multiple challenges such as climate change, energy and food crises are overlapping, the international community needs to unite to pool strength and solve problems through collaboration. The G20 should strive for broader international cooperation, jointly cope with challenges and work together to promote development. First, strengthen ecology and environmental protection cooperation, and enhance development resilience. The G20 should abide by the science-based spirit and uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in dealing with issues concerning climate change and ecology, demonstrating responsibility and acting promptly. China is ready to step up cooperation with all parties within the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and accelerate the implementation of the outcomes of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Second, strengthen cooperation on green energy and advance a just transition. The G20 should promote global cooperation in the green industry, keep industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and facilitate the free flow and application of related technologies and products. China is ready to continue to do its utmost to support the energy transition of various countries. Third, enhance cooperation on food security to ensure stable supplies. The G20 should promote and optimize global food circulation and supply, build partnerships on commodities, develop an open, stable and sustainable global food market, and strengthen supply for countries facing food shortages. At the same time, the G20 should enhance cooperation in agricultural science and technology, so as to boost food production capacity. China is ready to work with all parties to advance the implementation of the International Cooperation Initiative on Global Food Security and make new contributions to the fight against hunger and poverty. Li Qiang noted that the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating, bringing unprecedented development opportunities to the world, but it may also create new inequalities and development gaps. The G20 should encourage all parties to adhere to openness, win-win cooperation and shared opportunities, and strive to enhance the well-being of people worldwide. First, promote the widespread application and effective governance of artificial intelligence (AI). The G20 should actively promote research and development cooperation and result sharing, bridge the AI divide and improve governance rules. China welcomes more countries to join the World AI Cooperation Organization and the Action Plan of International Cooperation in Open Science, and to promote the sound and orderly development of AI in a beneficial, safe and fair way. Second, promote mutually beneficial cooperation and peaceful utilization of critical minerals. China supports the UN Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals in playing an active role and calls for the implementation of the G20 Critical Minerals Framework. China urges efforts to promote a more balanced distribution of benefits in industrial and supply chains, so as to better safeguard the interests of developing countries. Meanwhile, it is necessary to adopt a prudent approach to potential military and other applications to prevent security risks. China welcomes the active participation of all parties in the International Economic and Trade Cooperation Initiative on Green Mining and Minerals. Third, strengthen development empowerment and livelihood support for the Global South. The G20 should intensify capacity-building assistance in Africa and other developing countries, create more job opportunities, and advance the development of women and youth. China is ready to work with all parties to implement the Nelson Mandela Bay Target and ensure that more young people benefit from economic globalization. The Summit adopted the G20 South Africa Summit: Leaders' Declaration. During the summit, Li Qiang had friendly exchanges with French President Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung, Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and Director-General of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, among others. On November 23, 2025 local time, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang met with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Johannesburg. Li Qiang said that China and South Africa are good friends and good brothers enjoying a deep friendship. In September last year, President Xi Jinping met with President Cyril Ramaphosa in Beijing and reached important common understandings on deepening the development of bilateral relations. China is ready to work with South Africa to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, further enhance political mutual trust, firmly support each other, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and deliver more outcomes of the China-South Africa all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Li Qiang noted that China is ready to accelerate coordination with South Africa, and help more quality and competitive South African products enter the Chinese market by negotiating and signing an agreement on economic partnership for shared development and advancing in South Africa the early implementation of China's zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for African countries having diplomatic relations with China. China supports more competitive Chinese companies in investing in South Africa and enhancing cooperation in such areas as new energy, automobiles, healthcare, digital economy and infrastructure, to broaden and upgrade bilateral cooperation and better serve the modernization of both countries. Li Qiang expressed the hope that South Africa will better protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and the safety of their personnel. China-South Africa cooperation has long played a leading and demonstrative role in China-Africa cooperation. China is ready to strengthen communication with South Africa within frameworks including the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), promote the implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and jointly create a bright future of development and prosperity for China and Africa. The two sides should step up multilateral coordination and cooperation and work with the wider Global South countries to promote a more just and equitable international order. Paul Mashatile expressed sincere gratitude for China's strong support in South Africa's successful hosting of the G20 Summit. South Africa firmly upholds the one-China policy and is willing to take the implementation of China's zero-tariff treatment in African countries as an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, industry, agriculture, digital economy, green development and other fields, and enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, so as to advance the sustained and in-depth development of the all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era between the two countries. South Africa welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country, and will spare no effort to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and companies. South Africa highly commends the four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, and is willing to work with China to maintain close multilateral communication and coordination, uphold multilateralism, safeguard the authority of the United Nations, and promote the common development and prosperity of Global South countries. On November 23, 2025 local time, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Johannesburg. Li Qiang said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany 53 years ago, the two sides have continuously strengthened dialogue and cooperation, effectively promoting the common development of both countries. In May this year, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, charting the course for further deepening bilateral relations. In China-Germany relations, mutual respect is the principle, and win-win cooperation is the defining feature. Developing a stable, sustainable, and high-quality all-round strategic partnership between China and Germany serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples. China is ready to enhance strategic communication with Germany, uphold respect for each other's core interests and major concerns, solidify the political foundation for the development of bilateral relations, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and continuously enrich bilateral relations. Li Qiang noted that China and Germany are each other's important economic and trade partners. The governments of the two countries should work together to strengthen dialogue and communication, and properly address each other's concerns. Li Qiang expressed the hope that Germany will maintain a rational and pragmatic policy towards China, steer clear of interference and pressures, focus on common interests, and consolidate the foundation for cooperation. China is ready to work with Germany to seize future development opportunities, carry out innovation cooperation with an open attitude, create cooperation highlights in emerging fields such as new energy, smart manufacturing, biomedicine, hydrogen energy technology, and autonomous driving, promote industrial transformation and upgrading, and stimulate new impetus for cooperation. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU). Li Qiang expressed the hope that Germany will encourage the EU to view China-EU relations from a longer-term perspective, with a broader vision and a more open mindset, uphold its partnership with China, enhance dialogue and cooperation between the two sides, and jointly advance the development and prosperity of China and the EU. China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Germany in mechanisms such as the United Nations and the G20, improve global governance, safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and serve as a constructive and certain force for promoting peace and development. Friedrich Merz said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Germany-China relations have developed well, with increasingly close economic and trade ties and fruitful cooperation outcomes in various fields. Germany and China have long been important economic and trade partners for each other, with highly complementary economies. Germany attaches importance to developing relations with China and believes that China's 15th Five-Year Plan will bring opportunities to both Germany and the EU. Germany is willing to maintain an open stance, deepen bilateral political, economic and trade relations, strengthen dialogue and exchanges, tighten the bonds of cooperation, and explore the potential for cooperation in emerging fields such as science and technology with a future-oriented approach. Germany is also willing to play a constructive role in promoting EU-China dialogue. Both Germany and China are beneficiaries and supporters of economic globalization, and Germany is willing to enhance communication and coordination with China on international affairs, safeguard free trade, and uphold the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization, so as to promote global peace, stability and development. On the evening of November 24, 2025, President Xi Jinping spoke with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on the phone. President Xi noted that we had a successful meeting in Busan last month, and reached many important common understandings. We recalibrated the course of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations and provided more momentum for it to sail forward steadily, thus sending a positive message to the world. Since then, the China-U.S. relationship has generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory, and this is welcomed by the two countries and the broader international community. What has happened demonstrates yet again that the description of China-U.S. cooperation benefiting both sides and confrontation hurting both sides reflects a common sense that has been repeatedly proven by experience, and the vision of China and the U.S. helping each other succeed and prospering together is a tangible prospect within reach. The two sides should keep up the momentum, keep moving forward in the right direction on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit, lengthen the list of cooperation and shorten the list of problems, so as to make more positive progress, create new space for China-U.S. cooperation and bring more benefits to the people of both countries and the world. President Xi outlined Chinas principled position on the Taiwan question. He underscored that Taiwans return to China is an integral part of the post-war international order. China and the U.S. fought shoulder to shoulder against fascism and militarism. Given what is going on, it is even more important for us to jointly safeguard the victory of WWII. President Trump noted that President Xi is a great leader. I very much enjoyed our meeting in Busan, and fully share your comments about the China-U.S. relationship. The two sides are implementing all elements of what we agreed to in Busan. China was a big part of the victory of WWII. The U.S. understands how important the Taiwan question is to China. The two presidents also discussed the Ukraine crisis. President Xi emphasized Chinas support for all efforts that are conducive to peace, and expressed the hope that the various sides would narrow their differences, reach a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement at an early date, and resolve the crisis at its root. Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here. (Its anonymous!) Dear Prudence, My husband Leos marriage to his former wife Kelly ended three years ago when Kelly came out as a lesbian. They have a 5-year-old son together, and they share 50/50 custody. The problem is that Kelly just lost her job in the high-cost-of-living area where we all live. Moving in with her mother isnt an option, as she lives across the country, which would mean Leo would hardly get to see his son. Kelly has proposed that she move in with us, along with their son, until she finds another job and apartment. Leo is all for this. We are on cordial terms with Kelly, and considering the reason she and Leo split up, Im not concerned about anything going on between them. Would this arrangement be wise? OK or No Way Dear OK or No Way, No, it would not. Its great that all three of you get along and that you dont think Leo and Kelly are likely to fall back in love, but there are so many things you havent thought about, such as: What if Kelly never finds a job? What if shes a terrible roommate when it comes to noise or cleanliness? What if she and Leo cease to get along when theyre under the same roof, or you dont mesh well with her personality either? What if you disagree with a parenting decision that affects you negatively, and its you against the two of them? What if you no longer have any alone time with Leo and your relationship suffers? What if Leo agrees that the arrangement is not working out, but Kelly doesnt have anywhere to go, and neither of you wants to make Leos child homeless, so you are stuck living with her forever? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It makes sense that you want to keep Kelly and your stepson close by, but youre all going to have to figure out a different solution. How about this? I take it you have one to two extra bedrooms, or you wouldnt be exploring this option in the first place. So, rent that space to a roommate, with whom you have a clear lease agreement. Take the rent money and give it to Kelly so she can apply it to a similar roommate situation of her own, maybe with another mom and kid in your neighborhood who could use some extra income. Youd be sacrificing the same amount of space in your house, everyone would be nearby, and there would bemuch less potential for the situation to become unbearable. 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 Dear Prudence, I have some friends who are somewhat militant about how Thanksgiving should be: no businesses open and spending time at extended familys homesanything else is almost immoral and definitely exploitative to workers. I am not like that. Advertisement Thanksgiving was never a big holiday in my family while I was growing up. It was just the immediate family plus my mothers sister most years. When I was in college and in graduate school, it never made sense to travel thousands of miles for Thanksgiving when Id visit over the break between semesters a few weeks later. Ive done some Thanksgivings with friends, but most of the time theyre exhausting for me. Advertisement I would often take advantage of the day off to go to the gym at a convenient time or maybe see a movie. Or I might go pick up my prescriptions from the pharmacy, since theyre going to be open and itll probably be less crowded than usual. But if one of these militant friends asks and I respond honestly, Im subjected to a lecture about how I am depriving people of time they should be spending with their family. Whats particularly weird to me is that these friends only treat Thanksgiving this way. Its almost like, by it being a secular holiday instead of a religious one, they see it as a universal thing that everyone should be treating the same way. Advertisement Advertisement Is there any point in trying to convey my stance that not everyone will celebrate any given holiday the same way, or am I stuck between the options of lying, being lectured at, or not responding? Not Really a Fan of Turkey Anyway Dear Not Really a Fan of Turkey Anyway, I assume your friends know that the gym employees are not enjoying a day off with their families until you show up at the door, when theyre immediately notified and have to rush in to work the front desk, right? You arent actually depriving people of a day with their families, except, I suppose, in the sense that if everyone refused to leave the house on holidays, businesses would cease to open on them. I do understand and respect the values that are driving their position on workers, though. Advertisement Advertisement My question for you is, could it actually be the gap between those values and yours causing a conflict? In other words, is this not about Thanksgiving but more about different views about how society should work, or different degrees of passion for those views? Do you find yourself butting heads with these friends if you order from a retailer with values they see as problematic or eat factory-farmed meat? If you really align on everything else, just say, I dont see it the same way, were going to have to agree to disagree about whether Im causing harm by picking up my prescriptions! Advertisement But if you find that being lectured about things that your friends care about more than you do is a large and unpleasant part of your friendship, they might not be the best match for you (and Id tell them the same thing). Thats OK. Its a big world and there are so many people in it. You really dont need to force relationships with people who arent aligned with you and put you on the defensive. If you need to meet some new people, chat up someone about the movie youve both just seen at the theatre on Thanksgiving. At least you know you have one thing in common. Advertisement Prudie Wants to Hear From You! Readers often have great suggestions for our letter writers, occasionally disagree with a point Prudie makes, or simply want to provide some additional advice. Each week, Prudie will be replying to some of these comments and suggestions from readers, which will be featured on the site on Fridays for Slate Plus members. Write to us! Advertisement Dear Prudence, My partner of nearly 30 years and I recently got married. We had a catered ceremony and reception, and people treated it like a normal wedding and gave gifts, mostly of cash and checks. My new wife is keeping her last name. One of the guests made out a check to Adam and Eve (not our real names) with no last name on the check. We dont need the money (which is among the reasons we got married), but I want to honor them and accept their gift. It feels very weird to ask for a new check. My inclination is to just toss it without comment, but then we cant honor and accept their gift. Any ideas? Thank You for the Gift Dear Thank You, I have a theory. The guest didnt want to give you a real check that could easily get misplaced during or after the reception, so they sent you an electronic transfer and included the check to represent the cash that was already in your Venmo account. Maybe? Is there a chance that amid all the wedding chaos, you overlooked a little windfall? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If not, just tell your guest, Thank you for the generous gift, and if they one day ask why you havent cashed it, explain that your bank (like all banks in the world! Why wouldnt they know this?!) requires your legal name. Classic Prudie The community pools are not open yet. We are in a heat wave. One family on our street has put in a pool and is lording it over the rest of us. They have a teenager and a little girl Bea. Bea acts like the little queen of the neighborhood and doles out her favor to the few chosen capable of earning the right to swim. Bea is only allowed to invite a few kids over at a time because her sister doesnt want to babysit the entire street. All the girl does is sit in a hammock and play on her phone while the kids swim Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The federal shutdown may be over, but its fallout certainly isnt. On top of the ongoing disruptions to food stamps and the safety net, the continuing resolution that reopened the government has come under much scrutiny, thanks in no small part to an outrageous legislative provision that Congress will be asked to repeal soon: a little last-minute poison pill known broadly as the intoxicating-hemp ban. (Indeed, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace has already drawn up a bill to overturn said ban altogether.) At Mitch McConnells urging, the government resolution included a measure forbidding the sale of any hemp-derived commodities that contain more than 0.4 grams of THC, the psychoactive chemical compound that gets you high. This was intended expressly as a means of closing the so-called hemp loophole, created by the 2018 farm bill that federally legalized the growth of low-THC hemp plants (i.e., containing no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC). Passed with bipartisan approval under the first Trump administration, the law was intended to benefit the agriculture industry by allowing commercial farmers to cultivate a flexible herb that could be used in ropes, clothes, and even home construction material. But the farm bill did not place any THC limits on products developed from hemp, leading to a boom in candies, combustible flowers, drinks, and other consumable products with ample dosages of cannabinoids like delta-8 and CBD. In states that had not legalized weed as a recreational or medical drug, the growth of hemp farming and refining allowed certain retailers to get away with stocking weed products that did not meet the scientific definition of marijuana as a controlled substance at the federal level, thanks to their THC limits. Hemp and cannabis/marijuana are the same plant. THC extract from a low-THC plant and a high-THC plant is the exact same substance, Lauren Yoshiko, a cannabis journalist who writes the Sticky Bits newsletter, wrote to me in an email. Federal hemp legalization fueled a multibillion-dollar national industry, as well as a moral panic over the ready availability of its consumable substances. There have been a lot of grabby headlines about kids getting into high-THC product from gas stations, Yoshiko added. But multiple states have demonstrated how regulating a hemp program can work. We only ended up with some 100 mg THC drinks at bodegas because people manipulated the math. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hemp-derived goods that have beneficial effects for physical pain, anxiety and insomnia, skin care, and general nutrition dont always get the same shine as the high-profile instances of kids accidentally eating brightly packaged gummies. Even President Donald Trump, who signed this bill, has acknowledged CBDs benefits to senior citizens. Veterinarians have also used CBD to help dogs, cats, and other pets handle painful conditions, leading them to warn that this hemp ban will hamper treatment efforts. Prior to 2018, hemp research and production had been important to agriculture-heavy states like Texas and Kentucky, thanks to other federal adjustments that began to relax war on drugsera prohibitions on the cannabis plant. But theres another industry thats even more essential to the Bluegrass State in particular: booze. Kentuckys iconic breweries and distilleries have been suffering as of late, thanks to lingering fallout from the pandemics economic disruption, a decline in casual drinking among American youths, and the recent Canadian boycott. Those beer and bourbon makers still hold major sway with McConnell and have substantial backup from national-scale alcohol and beverage lobbyists, whove made the recent popularity of THC-infused drinksmostly delta-8 and delta-9a scapegoat for their sectors troubles. Advertisement Advertisement A lot of firms that entered the THC-drinks space early on were themselves part of the beverage alcohol industry, smaller brewers especially, said Dave Infante, a journalist and industry expert who writes the beer-focused newsletter Fingers. There wasnt a lot of animus toward THC drinks from the big booze space because they werent paying attention to it. Once hemp-derived delta-9 THC came along and brewers started making a market out of that, then there was real uptake. Alcohol trade groups, the Consumer Brands Association, multistate marijuana retailers, and state attorneys general have been asking Congress to crack down on hemp-derived substances enabled by the loophole, professing concerns over consumer safety and unfair competition. The AGs push was led by Arkansas Tim Griffin, whose state had banned the sale of those products back in 2023. Other states have since followed suit with their own particular restrictions, albeit with varying levels of pushback: As I wrote back in May, Texas attempt to ban hemp goods with any amount of THC earned massive backlash from liberals and conservatives alike, leading its governor to veto the relevant legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Other areas have taken a more unique approach to regulation. Minnesota straight-up legalized hemp-derived consumables in 2022, while imposing a limit of 5 mg of THC per unit. The Gopher States rich brewery culture welcomed the ability to peddle THC drinks, citing it as a key business driver for small craft brewersbut confusingly, its attorney general also signed on to the AGs anti-loophole letter to Congress. That contradiction can be chalked up to the fact that some lobbies are just stronger and more established than others. Advertisement Advertisement The hemp industry does not have the deep pockets of the alcohol industry, said Infante. But I have yet to encounter persuasive evidence that drinkers are passing up alcohol because they would prefer to drink hemp-derived THC seltzers or lemonade. Even the Minnesota Brewers Guild doesnt have good data on that, and thats the most robust market in the country. Advertisement Nevertheless, he added, it is true that alcohol faces a more exacting sales process. The lobby will say theyre amenable to the hemp-derived THC drinks business, if it adheres to the laws that that they have to adhere to: pays the same in excise taxes, goes through the three-tier system to get to the consumer, only gets sold at retailers that have specific licenses, Infante told me. Some of this is posturing, but it is true that THC beverages emerged so quickly and became quite lucrative. As for packaged snacks from companies represented by the Consumer Brands Association, it stands to reason why Skittles doesnt want to see its logo appropriated for hemp-derived likenesses that the Wrigley Company did not create. Yoshiko also notes that its difficult as of yet to quantify the impact of state-level restrictions on a fledgling industry. I dont know if hemp crackdowns have negatively impacted farmers or retailers as much as oversaturation of products and race-to-the-bottom pricing, she wrote to Slate, alluding to the glut in hemp production that followed the 2018 farm bill. And I dont think many of those local bans are very strictly enforced. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Michigans Cheap Weed Just Went Up in Smoke Read More The concerns over a broadly ill-regulated market are very legitimate, as is the desire for more federal guidelines and better enforcement at the micro level. But the all-out prohibitive approach endorsed by Congress makes little sense and only adds more confusion, not less. As Yoshiko pointed out in Sticky Bits, the government resolution also bars funding to reclassify marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, putting Trumps own professed reclassification desires out of reach. Further, as Yoshiko wrote to me, in states where cannabis is not legalized, this will result in a boom for the underground market, and thus, sales of even sketchier, more potentially harmful products. Some lawmakers appeared to understand this, at first. Kentuckys junior senator, Rand Paul, has pitched a fit over the hemp ban and played a significant role, during the summers slogging farm-bill renegotiations, in pushing it out of any future version. Paul once again led the charge to drop the restrictions from the budget resolution, with vocal backing from Republican Kentuckians in the House of Representatives. Nevertheless, as Infante explained, they were up against momentum to reopen the government. Advertisement The longer the government stays closed, the more Congress gets pressured from its donors and from its constituents to some extent. That pressure was beneficial to trying to place a bunch of wish list items, he said. A lot of lawmakers were loosely opposed to it, but not really willing to go to the mat one way or the other. And they did it over the weekend when fewer people were paying attention. (Kentuckys Democratic governor, Andy Beshear, was then left to protest that hemp regulation should remain a state effort.) Advertisement Advertisement What happens now? The intoxicating-hemp ban doesnt take effect until a year from its passage, and industry insiders are suggesting ways business owners can adjust. Grassroots backlash akin to the protests that defeated Texas proposed hemp ban is already formulating: Hemp retailers and farmers across the country, in red and blue states alike, are publicizing the impending damage to their livelihoods, while Paul is supporting Mace with a planned Senate counterpart bill to overturn the ban. Even MAGA influencers are unhappy with the federal measure, as are celebrities like Seth Rogen and Joe Rogan (the latter of whom also opposed Texas crackdowns). ExNFL lineman and hemp advocate Kyle Turley, whos previously met with Trump to promote the plant, slammed the government move as a betrayal. Can a cross-partisan nationwide coalition push back against Congress as effectively as the people of Texas could? We have the coming year to find out. Few people are as knee-deep in our work-related anxieties and sticky office politics as Alison Green, who has been fielding workplace questions for a decade now on her website Ask a Manager. In this weeks Direct Report, she answers readers questions about holidays at work. Dear Direct Report, I work for a small company of only eight people. Every December, we receive all kinds of gifts from vendors and clientsgift baskets, cookies, candy, wine, and so forth. These are usually accompanied by cards making it clear that the gifts are intended for the whole office to thank us for our work that year. Sometimes people even drop off gifts in person, and they will say things like, This is for the whole office to enjoy. Every time, my boss will take the gifts into his own office so no one else can have any of them, or he takes them home for his family. The only time we ever get to enjoy the gifts ourselves is if its something he doesnt like. (The highlight of last year was that the rest of us got to eat some really fancy pears a client had sent because the boss doesnt like fruit.) These gifts are clearly intended as a thank you to all of us. Is there anything we can say to him to get him to share? Gift Grift Dear Gift Grift, Your boss is an ass. But its relevant what kind of ass he is. Is he a tyrant who punishes people who stand up to him or who will make your life miserable if you say something? If so, its likely not worth the battle. But if hes just a socially clueless boor, you and your colleagues should speak up this year! Nominate whoever has the best rapport with himor has been around the longest, or has the most swayto say, People are getting demoralized when gifts are addressed to the whole team, but we dont get to enjoy them. Can we put them in the kitchen this year so we can all share them? Ideally they should say this when other people are around so that (a) others can chime in to confirm that, yes, theyd appreciate being able to partake, and (b) theres additional pressure on him to appear like a decent person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Direct Report, Every December, my office does what I consider an excessive amount of holiday events. We have an office party, plus separate team parties. Two of those parties happen during the workdaywere expected to attend, and were required to earn comp time (by working overtime in November and December) to cover that time away from our desks. We also have competitive decorating and cooking events, and we do Secret Santa and a group gift exchange. I dont mind attending one or two parties, but my time is valuable to me and Christmas comes with a lot of family obligations filling up my calendar as well. I try to bow out of what I feel I can, but Im annoyed that Im still expected to work at capacity at my actual job while doing all this extracurricular stuff, and having to work overtime as well. However, Im also one of the oldest people on my team, so I tend to get drowned out by less-experienced colleagues and painted as a grinch. I really love Christmas, but I hate being forced to treat my co-workers as if theyre my dysfunctional family that Im somehow financially responsible for. Ive had friends joke that I work for a cult. Do you have any advice for getting out of the excessive holiday festivities without it harming my career? Have My Own Family Holidays Advertisement Advertisement Dear Have My Own, You have to earn comp time to attend your company holiday parties?! That is extremely weird. Work parties arent normally so enticing that people want to work overtime for the privilege of attending them. If your employer is convinced all these events benefit the business in some way, attending them should be considered work timeand otherwise they should be optional. Advertisement If nothing else, you should tackle that part of this twisted Christmas wonderland. What would happen if you simply said your schedule this month doesnt allow you to work extra hours to earn comp time for the party and so youll be sitting it out? Or, better yet, pointed out that if its a required work activity, it needs to be considered work time? The federal Fair Labor Standards Act agrees with that, by the way; assuming youre nonexempt (which Im guessing you are from your reference to overtime), and if its truly a requirement of your job to be there, you need to be paid for it. Advertisement Beyond the comp time issue, it sounds like the biggest problem is that you feel obligated to participate in all the activities, and it would be easier to survive December if you could just sit some of it out without being labeled as a grinch. So Im curious whether all your co-workers are as enamored of the holiday overload as you think they are. Any chance you can find a few whod prefer a break from some of this and push back as a group? The goal wouldnt be to stop activities others are enjoying, but rather to normalize not participating in all of it. (And consider pointing out that all this Christmas activity is likely pretty alienating to employees who dont celebrate Christmas.) Advertisement Advertisement But if youre really the lone objector, the other option is to find ways to expend as little energy as possible on each activity. Cooking competition? Bring in store-bought baked goods. Decorating contest? Slap up some snowflakes on your wall and call it good. Advertisement Dear Direct Report, My boss is very generous and usually gives his five direct reports gift cards worth $200$300 every holiday season. Ive never expected gifts from my bosses, and I dont usually gift up, but I have always given them a card or holiday baking or honey from my husbands beehives. Advertisement However, years ago our bosss executive assistantwho was quite overbearingstarted a tradition of giving the boss a gift each year and soliciting money from his employees for the gift. She would not take no for an answer and would not consider changing her practices. When she retired, I somehow ended up becoming the gift person (not sure how this happened), so for the last couple years, Ive initiated the gift giving for our boss. We are all paid well and can easily afford this, but its weird. I feel like its probably uncomfortable for him too, and he always insists he doesnt need or expect anything from us. Advertisement Advertisement But Ive just fallen into this doom cycle and dont know how (or even if) I should end it. Do I continue collecting money or a gift card for our boss every year? Or do I somehow end this gracefully? I just wish gifting at work was not a thing and dont understand why it ever was! Stuck in Gift Limbo Dear Stuck, Give your co-workers the best possible gift they can get this year: Stop the tradition. Its really inappropriate for employees to be asked to contribute money toward a gift for the boss! In fact, theres a clear etiquette rule on this: any gifts in the workplace should flow downward (from managers to employees), not upward (from employees to their bosses). Thats because employees shouldnt feel any pressure to give gifts to the people responsible for their paychecks, and managers shouldnt benefit from power dynamics in that way. Advertisement I can guarantee that at least some, if not all, of your co-workers resent being expected to spend their cash on a gift for someone who makes more money than them, and they will be delighted if you put a stop to it. You dont necessarily need to make a big announcement that youre killing the tradition; just dont mention it this year and instead circulate a card for people to sign. If anyone asks if theres going to be a gift, you can say, Bob has said every year that he doesnt want anything from us, and cash is tight for a lot of people around the holidays, especially this year, so Im just going to circulate a card for anyone who wants to sign it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Direct Report, I used to organize our team Christmas lunch, but now my colleaguewho is much better at it and more socialdoes it, which is great. This year, I suggested a food hall type place where everyone can order their own thing but eat together, but that was turned down as too echoey a location. So its booked for an all-you-can-eat Chinese place. It is overpriced, and the reviews are bad. You also cant just get your own food as its not a buffet; you order from a waiter so you have to wait for the food and agree with others on how many of what dishes you want. This sounds really irritating to me, the reviews put me off, and Im the only vegetarian, so waiting for them all to discuss what dishes they want will annoy me. Advertisement But its the team Christmas lunch! I like them a lot! Should I just deal with an annoying meal to show team spirit? Could I just bring in cake that day and show my appreciation for them that way? No Appetite Dear No Appetite, If this is during the workday and everyone on the team goes, you should suck it up and go. If there were nothing vegetarian that you could eat there, that would be different. In that case, it would be reasonable to point that out to the organizer and skip it if they didnt care to accommodate you. (And to be clear, they should find a way to accommodate you in that situationthe point of these events is to build morale, and having a celebratory team lunch that one member of the team cant eat at is more likely to harm that persons morale.) But in this case, you just think the food wont be great and youre annoyed that its not a buffet. Those arent sufficient reasons to take a stand and refuse to attend. Advertisement Advertisement The point of these events isnt to sup on the best possible foodits to bond with your colleagues. Dear Direct Report, I have a staff member in my office who is digging in on the culture war over holidays. We are a diverse team, and several team members dont celebrate Christmas, which she knows. But every year she makes a big production about telling everyone Merry Christmas at the end of every meeting, starting right after Thanksgiving. Should this be addressed? If so, how? Concerned Dear Concerned, Eh, its obnoxious (every meeting?), but as a Jew I can tell you weve dealt with much worse, and this doesnt sound like its risen to the level where an intervention is required. But you should feel free to start adding, And happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate, or Happy end of year to anyone who doesnt have a holiday coming up. Advertisement That said, if youre her manager, you should pay close attention to whether shes doing anything else to alienate colleagues and, if she is, tell her she needs to knock it off. Wishing people a merry Christmas is fine, but if shes going further than thatlike putting up a creche in reception, leaving religious verses on peoples desks, or trying to badger noncelebrators into celebrating the holidayyoud need to step in. Advertisement Advertisement Dear Direct Report, Im a manager. Last year for the holidays, I got my employees each a small gift as a token of my thanks. They then decided to all chip in and give me a gift that was much bigger in value (they each individually would have paid more than I paid for their gifts). I was always taught that, like youve said in the past, gift giving in companies flows down, not up! And in years past, before I was a manager, I always hand-made gifts for my close colleagues and never bought them anything of substantive value. So I was very uncomfortable with this situation, but I couldnt reject the gift. It was a gift! Advertisement Advertisement My question is, what do I do this year? Do I proactively tell my reports, Dont get me anything or handmade gifts only? That seems a little grinchy, but truly, nobody should be getting me a lavish gift! (Unless its my boss!) No Gifts Please! Dear No Gifts Please, Definitely dont request handmade gifts onlythats putting a lot of pressure on employees to create something thoughtful for you, and its likely to send at least one person into a panic about whether they need to speed-teach themselves to knit. Advertisement But yes, please do preemptively tell them they shouldnt get you anything. Since they did a group gift last year, if you know who organized it, you can talk to that person and say, The gift last year was very thoughtful, but I really dont want anyone spending their own money on me, so if you hear any rumblings about a gift this year, please shut it down. If you dont know who organized it, or if you dont trust that person to take you at your word, then say something to the group. Sample wording: With the holidays approaching, I want to say upfront no one should have to give gifts to their boss, so please spend your money on your families or yourself. Just doing your jobs well is the best gift you could give me. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. When I arrived at the playground recently with my 18-month-old daughter, I scanned for other moms my age. I looked for strollers captained by women sporting stray gray hairs, maybe some crows feet, wearing skinny jeans now morbidly out of style. At some point, this had become second nature. Seeing none, I reassured myself that Id taken the necessary precautions to blend in: a recent trip to the hair salon for a roots refresh. An at-home chemical peel. An excessive application of that glow-y tinted sunscreen stuff. I was reasonably sure that I would not be mistaken for my daughters grandmother. As a 49-year-old mom to a young toddler, I am at the longer-in-the-tooth end of the spectrum when it comes to what the medical industry now terms advanced maternal ageso long, geriatricand what many members of my cohort more gently refer to as motherhood later. Were living in the age of what I simply call super old new moms, with an explosion in the ranks of women 45 and overand some in their 50s and even 60sgiving birth thanks to huge advances in assisted reproductive technology and greater awareness and acceptance of such possibilities, as well as practical considerations like the astronomical costs of child care and housing. Did you read that recent New York Times piece about the woman who gave birth to her 13th child at 62? Well, a lot of people did. The birth rate for women 45 and over has shot up around 450 percent in the past three decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to around 11,000 babies in 2023. As a whole, the 40-and-up crowd notched around 147,000 births that year, triple their reproductive output in 1990. The actual number is higherthis data doesnt account for the women who became older mothers through adoption or via the increasingly popular surrogacy route. Advertisement Every fertility doctor I spoke to agreed that there will soon be more of us. One predicted the number of women having babies in middle age would at least double in the next 10 years. We are coming. A mass of joyful, middle-aged new parents prancing around, supporting our aching backs with one hand and holding our beautiful babies in the other. While there are huge upsides to parenting when youve (mostly) found your financial footing and maybe even (mostly) figured out who you are, reproductive doctors and psychologists, along with some older parents and their adult children, urge caution around fully embracing my path. A new ethics report from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine name-checked the primal fears that puncture our bliss, principally the whole Will I live to get her to adulthood? and Can I stay healthy long enough to not be a burden? issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think anybody, when theyre a tween, thinks, I want to have a kid when Im 50, right? Its just sort of a whole series of factors that kind of play out, Julia Woodward, a reproductive psychologist at the Duke Fertility Center, told me. Its not about blaming somebody who wants to become a parent over the age of 45. Its about helping a woman, when shes like 20 to 35, understand her reproductive options. Advertisement Recent years have yielded an A-list bumper crop of over-45 beauties bearing miracle children: Halle Berry was pregnant at 47. My generations It Girl, Chloe Sevigny, had at 45 what one assumes was the coolest baby ever. Then there was Rachel Weisz (48), Hilary Swank (48), Janet Jackson (50). The list goes on. Several fertility experts I spoke to were concerned that the high-profile pregnancies of older celebrities and social media portrayals of later-in-life parenthood were skewing the narrative and creating unrealistic expectations. Most older women becoming new moms did not plan it this way. It took me around a decade to finally have my daughter, years packed with shooting up hormones in various office and restaurant bathrooms, endless disappointing calls with fertility doctors, an uncooperative uterus, and reexaminations of the lengths I was willing to go to have a child, et cetera ad nauseam (literally and figuratively). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every one of the mothers later who I spoke to for this article had their own version of my story. None of us regretted what we did in the end. But as the reality for new moms in and beyond middle age comes into view, not everyone loves what they see. At a spring event for solo mothers and aspiring solo mothers, I was just one among several Gen Xers and old millennials cheering when a woman in her late 40s proudly proclaimed she would be taking all the drugs at a party that evening. She had an upcoming embryo transfer that would (one hopes) curtail the use of illicit substances. I relished being among my brethren. Yes, our ranks are swelling, but were not exactly the norm. It takes some effort to find other older parents. Natasha Dworkin, who lives north of Seattle on Whidbey Island, was casually dating an aerial acrobat when she got pregnant in 2018. I was not expecting to have a child. It was a huge plot twist for me at 46 years old, she said. I did a lot of frantic, often late-night Googling, like: What do I know? Where are my people? Advertisement Her search didnt turn up much, which led her to found the Midlife Mamas Facebook group. It feels like its hard to kind of plug in, because the frame is so different, the life phase is so different, Dworkin said of other online spaces for moms. She said nearly everyone in the Midlife Mamas group has been mistaken for their childs grandmother, and that they share memes with potential responses to this question (Nope, but he is a GRAND son was one suggestion). Dworkin said this would definitely happen to me. (At an airport in Roanoke, Virginia, a few weeks after our conversation, I got my first Are you the parent or the grandparent?) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dworkin said she was relieved to discover that her fears of being perceived as older, and therefore other, by parents in her orbit were largely in her head. What I actually experienced is that a lot of moms who were even a lot younger than me, even in some cases young enough to be my children, were actually quite open and kind and didnt seem at all to be judging me, she said. Advertisement The physiological aspects of being older, however, are very real and hard to mitigate. Dworkin worries she doesnt have the physical stamina she needs to run around with her son. Another mom summed up perimenopause and parentinga common thread in many of these conversationssuccinctly: I have a 2-year-old, and I have hot flashes, and it sucks. One mom had broken several bones because of osteoporosis. I am very aware, as I throw myself on the floor multiple times a day to play with my toddler, that the accompanying physical twinges would not have been there 10 or 15 years earlier. Several months ago, I started doing strength training twice a week to maintain the muscle mass that so quickly depletes with age. A fervid commitment to health, for the kids, came up again and again. Ill be 60 when my daughter turns 13. While these days 60 is not exactly ancient, its perhaps a bit old to be managing that most volatile of all creatures, the human teenager. A few of the fertility experts I spoke to mentioned the difficulty of simultaneously navigating these two very different life stages: the one ostensibly serving as an entry into quieter years and the other, a raucous ramp-up to real life. I understand their concern. But will it really be more challenging than if I had raised a teen in my 40s while going full tilt on my career and riding the waves of perimenopause? It seems to me that Ill have more bandwidth to deal with my kids emotional upheaval when Im not handling my own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robin Gorman Newman, a Broadway producer who at 46 adopted her son, who is now 22, after years of fertility issues, said that in her experience, the most challenging parenting time was when I would go through hormone changes at the same time as my son. Ill be safely through the menopause years by the time my daughter hits puberty, so Ill take that as a win. Newman called me out, in a nice way, for using the term old moms, which she felt carried judgment. Like Dworkin, Newman was driven by what she characterized as a Wheres my peeps? problemverbiage befitting our age groupto found the online and in-person community Motherhood Later, a term I heard frequently and which she says she coined. There are so many reasons why people become later-in-life parents, and that really deserves to be honored and respected, she said. Nobody knows someone elses story, right? Advertisement Circa 2007, I was sipping Bud Light from an oversized Styrofoam cup in what could only generously be described as a park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, when a pregnant acquaintance several years my senior plopped down next to me and declared that if I wanted to have kids, I had better freeze my eggs immediately. I listened, but barely. At 30 years old, I was not in a place where I wanted to be thinking about my ovariesnot in life, and, more immediately, not on that patch of scraggly so-called grass next to our beer-league softball game. But later that evening, I let the idea rattle around a bit in my slightly alcohol-addled brain. Losing the shackles of my mercilessly aging ovaries, gaining true reproductive autonomy, was deeply appealing. Then the years passed, as they tend to do. Like seven years. With 38 looming and no baby daddy in sight, I finally decided to consult a fertility doctor. She didnt mince words: The results of my hormone tests were bad. Unpleasant visions of years of unsuccessful in vitro fertilization danced in my head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I moved forward with egg freezing. During the process, hormones are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved in a minor surgery and cryogenically preserved. Each round of injections, monitoring, and retrieval is coordinated with your period and referred to as a cycle. I did one cyclewhat I could afford, given the price tag, which can average up to $15,000 in the U.S. It produced one measly egg. I had waited too long. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine removed the experimental label from egg freezing in 2012, and cycles had rocketed to nearly 40,000 by 2023, a 40 percent jump from just the previous year. Sara Arian, a reproductive endocrinologist at Boston IVF and the Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, largely credits vitrificationflash freezingwith dramatically improved success rates. Scientists continue to optimize the cryoprotectants (think antifreeze that bathes the cells) to minimize the formation of ice crystals, while better storage methods also boost outcomes. New techniques enable immature eggs that otherwise would be discarded to be matured in a lab and the cryopreservation of egg-containing ovarian tissue to be transplanted later to restore fertility, Arian said. Scientists are even developing an essentially 3D-printed ovary that may be able to produce viable eggs for women who have lost their ovarian function. But the process thats largely responsible for creating middle-aged new momsincluding meis egg and embryo donation. Before I got there, I spent years working through other options. I was on the verge of 40 when I started actually trying to have a baby. There was nary a daddy on the horizon. A sperm donor, at around $1,000 a vial, would have to do. I had several unsuccessful intrauterine insemination attempts before I was ushered into the IVF side of things, which can range between $15,000 and $30,000 per cycle on average if you pay out of pocket. My bathroom was a DIY drug lab for months, with bottles of various hormones strewn all over. The cycles all failed. Then, a couple of months before my 41st birthday, we cashed in my lottery ticket, the one frozen egg. It did not take. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adoption was Plan C for me, because I wanted to experience pregnancy. I also knew that as a single, older would-be mother, it would be very difficult to find people willing to adopt to me, a concern shared by other solo moms I spoke to. If I wanted to carry my baby myself, I was told my next stop was using donor eggs or embryos. In 2023, more than 22,000 embryos made from donated eggs were transferred, an increase of more than 25 percent over a decade. The process is what allows the overwhelming number of women 45 and up to get pregnant. As Woodward put it, your kid will not be the only one in that elementary school who was born through donor eggs or donor sperm or donor embryos or gestational carrier. Unfortunately, the aforementioned celebrities who make headlines with later-in-life pregnancies do not disclose whether donors were used, as many fertility doctors suspect is often the case. They characterize that omission as a huge disservice that often leads to unnecessary shock, fury, and grieving when women in their 40s learn their eggs arent viable. The costs of egg donation can easily go above $60,000 for the whole donation-to-transfer process, and the procedure comes with its own big bundle of thorny ethical questions. Most prominent are those pertaining to IVF generallynamely, the bitter fight over whether embryos and fetuses should be accorded the legal rights of people. One mom said of a remaining embryo in storage, I need to do something about it, especially before anything political makes it more difficult for me. Other concerns revolve around creating a market for human genetic material, being able to cherry-pick the attributes of offspring, balancing a donors right to privacy with a childs right to know their genetic history, and a lack of regulation of the fertility industry, among myriad others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those pursuing the donor route can go to an egg bankand a sperm bank, too, if necessaryto get the genetic material to create embryos, or they can adopt donor embryos through various official and unofficial networks. IVF cycles often create multiple embryos, and some people choose to give away the ones they dont plan to use. Unlike eggs and sperm, embryos cannot be sold, though the donors often get some compensation in the form of expense reimbursement. A couple of my friends flinched when I explained that I would be using donor eggs. But Id known a family back in the 90s who had done it, when the procedure was still new, and other friends of mine were exploring the option. I kept revisiting the notion that my baby would not have my genes, sure that there was some mourning to be done, but truthfully, I never felt any great anguish around it. This is understandably not the case for everyoneJennifer Aniston did not deserve the recent blowback she got for explaining that she did not pursue adoption because I want my own DNA in a little person. Mandi LeBlanc and Lindsay Gold, two moms who each struggled with infertility for years, ultimately had successful pregnancies using donor embryos. Theres a lot of coming to terms with it, LeBlanc said, adding that at the end of the day, all that mattered was having a child, which she finally did at 42. Honestly, I would never do anything different. Hes my son. Gold said she and her husband needed to get off the reproduction roller coaster they had been on with her own eggs. It is such a business of hope, she said. You know, Theres always a chance, right? They eventually transferred a donated embryo that split, and in December, she delivered twins at 47. I have two perfect, identical baby girls right now, she told me as she was cradling one of her daughters, who was home from day care with a fever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly Kalls arduous fertility journey began unexpectedly at 39, thanks to a gift of egg freezing from her celebrity boss, Alyssa Milano. She managed to freeze one egg before her treatment for ovarian cancer, but later developed uterine cancer, requiring a hysterectomy. Her single egg failed to create a viable embryo, but she received donated embryos from a same-sex celebrity couple who used an anonymous egg donor, and had her daughter, Emily, via surrogate when she was 47. In December 2022, I was sicker than Id ever been, spending nearly two weeks in the hospital with a postsurgical infection after my third operation in two years to remove fibroids so I could get pregnant. When I Googled abdominal abscess mortality rate, the search results estimated 10 to 40 percent. I didnt bother verifying this with my doctor, preferring to live in oblivion. (My relative youth, lack of comorbidities, and other factors augured much better odds than I had ascertained at the time.) My main concern was when I could get back to trying to have a baby. Weirdly, after that debacle, things began to progress both smoothly and quickly for the first time on my fertility ride. The following September, at 47, I did an embryo transfer. It worked. I want to be completely clear about what all this cost: well over $100,000. It required withdrawing a sizable chunk of my retirement. Without insurance, I probably would have spent triple the amount. Being financially stable and the high costs of IVF came up in my interviews again and again. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, the director of the Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice at Tufts University, said that the fact that most users of IVF are white women isnt all about the inequitable distribution of wealth. Black and brown women face structural barriers in fertility care through delayed referrals, inadequate counseling, and limited access to specialty providerspatterns mirrored in other areas like breast cancer, for which Black women are more likely to receive later diagnoses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During our interview, Amutah-Onukagha, who is in her mid-40s, mentioned that she had young children. Asked why she, too, delayed motherhood, she cited her career and meeting her husband later. A familiar story. Beyond the relative financial security of older age are other advantages. All of the mothers I spoke to believed that they were better parents for the additional life experience theyve had, and for the confidence and grounding they had gained in the decades before they had children. Im much more emotionally stable and mature, much more patient than I think if Id done it when I was younger, a mom told me, recounting being able to be even-keeled and draw on her own experience as she talked her son through a difficult situation involving someone at school who seemed not to like him. The benefits of living a dont sweat the small stuff life were enormous for their kids, the moms said, as was their feeling that they were more present in the moment than their younger selves would have been. I did all my traveling, partying, you know, boozy brunches, Gold said. I have had a really full, wonderful life, and career-wise, I got to a place that I wanted to get to. Like Goldlike methese moms had prioritized dreams, careers, financial health, and, in many cases, finding a partner. I was a bit of a late bloomer and did not find a fulfilling professional path until my early 30s. (Jurys still out on whether romance will bloom.) I loved work and was happy to make it most of my world. I cant see how a kid would have fit into the picture. The trade-offs for them and for me would have been too great. The stage was set for me to be an old mom. Just how old, though, I did not realize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facebookaware, of course, of my status as a super old new momserves up what it thinks is relevant content, including, recently, a before picture showing a very pregnant, very fit woman in a bathing suit, followed by an after image of her in the same suit holding her daughter; 49 and happy with my 2-year-old, read the text superimposed on top. I lazily scanned some of the comments and came across one from Karen Jorgenson Moon, who wrote that as a child of older parents, she had been an orphan for 20 years. Its a pain I wish I didnt know. People need to understand the other side of this equation, she wrote. The ethics report from the ASRM, the industry group for the fertility field, is meant to guide practitioners on considerations when treating older prospective parents. (Its worth mentioning that the report equally addresses male-related concerns around reproductive age, which are only now getting the broader attention they deserve, infertility experts said.) The medical risks outlined include increased likelihood of stillbirths, as well as various serious genetic mutations. The report cites the potential for lower intelligence, behavioral issues, and schizophrenia, among so many other issues. There are seemingly endless ways things can go wrong when either old sperm or old eggs are in the picture. But take those aged genes out of the frame, and you still have a big problem. The psychological impacts on the children of older parents can be dire and must be considered, the report says. Woodward paraphrased someone with older parents who said it was important to think of the inverse of When do I feel ready to become a parent?, which is, When is my child ready to be an orphan? Jorgenson Moon, now 50 and living in Houston, lost her father to cancer when she was 15 and her mother when she was 33. Born almost two decades after her siblings, she felt isolated and misunderstood by her parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody elses parents were so young, and were doing all the fun things with them, she recalled, saying that the multigenerational gap was profound and her parents had strict, outdated rules. She said they were often mistaken for grandparentsas noted and experienced, not an uncommon problemleading kids to make fun of her. Theres a lot of mortality math involved in being an older parent. I will be 66 when my daughter goes to college, if she goes directly after high school. If she has a kid at 34, I will be 82 or maybe dead. I will almost certainly be dead when shes my age. These calculations whir in my brain in the darkest hours of the night. Moms perhaps more mentally fit than I point to the randomness of health and say its pointless to put energy toward this worry. Nobody has a crystal ball, Newman, the Broadway producer, told me. No one knows how anyones life is going to go. ASRM does not provide an age cutoff for treatment in its ethics report, but many fertility clinics avoid attempting egg retrievals on women over 45 and decline to transfer embryos into women over 54. Sigal Klipstein, a Chicago-based reproductive endocrinologist and chair of ASRMs Ethics Committee, pointed out that the new report included an actuarial table with the likelihood of children losing a parent before 18, the somewhat arbitrary age at which we say adulthood starts. She said understanding the statistics around mortality rates was important when making choices about becoming a parent at an older age. Thats really powerful, because as Im counseling people, I can say, Look, the risk is not super high, but you need to be aware it, Klipstein said, before offering the counterargument that plenty of young people are not super healthy themselves, and, when it comes to longevity, you just never really know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats important is to have a loving parent, right? she said. I sent my sister an email the evening before my planned C-section in May 2024 with the subject line, Just in case (do not read unless things go wrong). I was extremely freaked out. I had, unfortunately, stumbled upon an article in this publication about a 45-year-old emergency room doctor who almost died during her C-section. The article mentioned that the maternal mortality rate for women 40 and over is nearly eight times that of women under 25. The C-section went fine. I lived. The baby, in my eyes, was perfection personified. I cried my waysilently, because, you know, professionalismthrough most of the interviews I did with the other mothers who had babies later. There was so, so much loss. But it was the joy that brought the tears, that resonated so deeply it was almost painful. The words were almost trite, iterations of phrases like Ive never been so happy, This all feels right, Im in the life I was meant to be in. It was the freight of the years behind them, the genuine flabbergastedness of finding this love, the pure glee, that made them magic. Yes, my daughter will be filling out college applications while I labor over Medicare forms, but she can use my wisdom, and I can use her 20/20 vision. What a team we are, what a team we will be. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Can the president circumvent Congress and the judiciary to install partisan loyalists as prosecutors so they can charge his political adversaries for crimes they did not commit? On Monday, a court held that he cannot. The decision, by U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, rejected President Donald Trumps attempt to appoint Lindsey Halligan, a personal lawyer, as interim U.S. attorney in Virginia, condemning the scheme as a patently unlawful evasion of federal statute and the Constitution. Trump and his attorney general, Pam Bondi, picked the utterly unqualified Halligan to indict former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia Jamessomething legitimate prosecutors were unwilling to do. But Halligan never lawfully exercised the powers of her alleged office. So Currie dismissed both indictments in their entirety. This fight is not over. Curries reading of the relevant law is compelling but contested; the Trump administration may well appeal. And her decision leaves open the possibility that a validly appointed U.S. attorney could indict Comey and James in the future. As a practical matter, though, a redo seems quite unlikely. And that reality underscores the core message of the ruling: The president cannot so easily anoint corrupted prosecutors to wield their vast authority against perceived foes of the regime. The Halligan affair began for a simple reason. Trump wanted indictments against Comey and James, and no reasonable prosecutor would bring them. His Justice Department sought to bring the charges in the Eastern District of Virginia, which is where their alleged wrongdoing would have occurred. But the interim U.S. attorney leading that office, Erik Siebert, resisted the administrations (obviously political) push. So Trump and Bondi pushed out Siebert and attempted to replace him with Halligan, a former insurance lawyer who represented the president during his criminal trials. Halligan had no prosecutorial experience whatsoever and fumbled basic aspects of the job. Still, she quickly secured indictments against Comey and Jamesthe former for alleged perjury; the latter for alleged mortgage fraud. (Both charges appear to be bogus.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comey promptly retorted with an existential attack on Halligan: His lawyers argued that she had no power to charge him or James or anyone else because she had been invalidly appointed to the office. Their argument hinged on a federal statute that governs who may temporarily serve as U.S. attorney when theres no Senate-confirmed official in the role. Under that law, the attorney general may appoint an interim U.S. attorney, but only for 120 days. Once that window closes, the statute shifts the appointment power to the federal district court, which may name a replacement who serves until the vacancy is filled. Thats exactly what happened here. The attorney general appointed Siebert for the initial 120-day period, and when his term expired, the district court lawfully reappointed him. At the time that Trump ousted Siebert, though, the statutory clock had long since run out. And that raised the central question of Comeys challenge: Could Trump and Bondi really install Halligansomeone neither confirmed by the Senate nor selected by the courtafter the statute had stripped her of the power to do so? Advertisement Currie held that they could not. Her decision flows ineluctably from the text, purpose, and history of the statute. First, text: The statute allows the AG to appoint a single U.S. attorney for just 120 days. As Currie writes, when the clock runs out, the statute provides a single option for how subsequent interim appointments may be made: by the district court, and only the district court. By vesting authority over these appointments in the judiciary alone, Congress did not intend for the attorney general to retain appointment power beyond 120 days. That interpretation directly serves the statutes purpose: to limit the executive branchs discretion over temporary U.S. attorneys in the absence of Senate confirmation. Under the Constitutions appointments clause, U.S. attorneys are principal officers who must generally receive the consent of the Senate to assume office. Interim officers are meant to be the exception; the statute reinforces this principle by enforcing a 120-day limit on the administrations choice. Yet the Trump administration asserts that the attorney general can name an infinite series of interim attorneys, or reappoint a single interim attorney every 120 days. This theory, Currie writes, would allow the Executive to evade the Senate confirmation process indefinitely by stacking successive 120-day appointments. It would defeat the purpose of the statute, not to mention the constitutional rule that principal officers cannot exercise their power without the checks that Congress built into the appointments process. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, Currie persuasively demonstrates that Congress intended precisely this outcome when enacting the relevant statute. Multiple lawmakers said so on the floor, including its primary sponsor, Sen. Dianne Feinstein. This debate is especially instructive because Congress actually altered the law in 2006 to permit what the Trump administration seeksthen almost immediately changed it back, acknowledging that the revision had been a mistake. So we have an unrebutted record of the legislative branch enshrining Curries view into law and rejecting the Trump administrations interpretation outright. (In case all of that werent enough, she points out that Justice Samuel Alito, while serving in Ronald Reagans Justice Department, took the same view of the laws text in 1986.) Advertisement Advertisement Having concluded that only the district court may name the interim U.S. attorney after the 120-day period is up, Currie had no choice but to disqualify Halligan from the office she purports to hold. Further, the judge threw out the indictments against Comey and James. But she did so without prejudice, holding that Supreme Court precedent required it. That means prosecutors can, in theory, bring new indictments against Comey and James. As a practical matter, of course, that may be difficult, since anyone who will be named by a federal court or approved by the Senate may have too much integrity to pursue such baseless charges. Advertisement What about the statute of limitations? That might sound like a fatal problem, since the clock in Comeys case expired just after Halligan filed her defective indictment. Currie does address the issue, but her analysis has been widely misunderstood. The judge held that Bondi could not ratify Halligans invalid indictment after the limitations period had closed. She did not hold that prosecutors are barred from trying again. To the contrary, Currie notes that federal law provides a six-month grace period when prosecutors file a flawed indictment just before the statute runs: Once that indictment is dismissed, they have six additional months to return a valid one, even though the ordinary deadline has passed. If Trump manages to ram through another U.S. attorney willing to bring these charges, they will almost certainly use this provision to try to resurrect the Comey case. Advertisement Advertisement Curries interpretation of the law here probably wont be the final word. Another court facing a near-identical situationthe appointment of Alina Habba in New Jerseyreached the same conclusion. Given the administrations affinity for this backdoor scheme, though, it may take this dispute all the way to the Supreme Court in pursuit of a rubber stamp. The Republican-appointed justices have been sticklers for the appointments clause lately, though they tend to bend the rules for Trump when he asks nicely. If they want to give the separation of powers any meaning, they must affirm that Congress did not grant the president limitless authority to convert federal prosecutors into instruments of personal retribution, one hack at a time. As Pope Heads to Turkey, Christian Community Still Battling Inequality, Exclusion Ankara (AFP) -- Despite some progress in restoring their rights, Christians in Turkey are still struggling against inequality and a sense of exclusion as Pope Leo XIV visits the country this week. "In Turkey, 99 percent of the population is Muslim," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan often likes to say of his officially secular Muslim-majority nation of 86 million people. "Every time he says that I feel excluded because he always fails to mention the non-Muslim minorities," said Yuhanna Aktas, president of the Assyrian Union, which represents Assyrian Christians in southeastern Turkey. "We are not seen as full citizens." Historians say there are around 100,000 Christians in Turkey today, compared to nearly four million at the start of the 20th century, with the numbers falling significantly due to forced exile or massacres as the Ottoman Empire crumbled and modern Turkey emerged. When Pope Leo visits, he will meet with local Christian leaders at Istanbul's Assyrian Orthodox Mor Ephrem church, which was inaugurated just two years ago. Although the land was granted by the state, it is the only new church built in Turkey since it became a republic in 1923. Christian minorities have also struggled to achieve representation, with many civil service positions closed to them despite no legal ban on non-Muslim minorities holding office. "The only non-Muslim senior official in Turkey today is a local administrator from the Armenian community," said Yetvart Danzikyan, editor-in-chief of the Armenian weekly Agos. "This lone example sums up the civil rights situation." 'The enemies inside' For decades after Turkey became a republic, Christians and Jews were regularly described by certain government officials and media outlets as "the enemies inside" and were targeted by discrimination and violence -- even into the early 2000s. And the word "Armenian" is still sometimes used as an insult. In its 2024 report on Turkey, the London-based Minority Rights Group (MRG) said "non-Muslims were constantly discriminated against because the promoters of Turkish nationalism considered them incapable of becoming Turks due to their religious identity." Laki Vingas, founder of a Greek community support group called Rumvader, said the government had been attempting to address that. "For 20 years, both the state and ourselves have been striving to fix the injustices of the past. This process is not yet complete, but at least we have no difficulty meeting with the authorities," he told AFP. At the same time, certain unnerving events have left the community on edge, such as the growing shift towards conservative nationalism under Erdogan's Islamic-rooted government, Danzikyan said. Violence There has been violence: Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was shot dead in Istanbul in 2007, and four years later, a young Armenian was murdered while doing his military service. In 2020, Armenians faced threats during the Nagorno-Karabakh war, and in 2024, two gunmen burst into a Catholic church in Istanbul, killing one person and injuring another. Another unsettling development was the controversial decision to convert Istanbul's iconic 4th-century Hagia Sophia basilica from museum to mosque in 2020, said Danzikyan. "At the same time, there's talk about reopening the Greek Orthodox seminary," he said of an Istanbul theological college closed in 1971, depriving the church of its only facility for training clergy in Turkey. Blocked for years, the matter was raised by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the White House in September, with US President Donald Trump pledging his help, raising hopes it could soon be reopened. Observers also say society has progressively opened up over the past 20 years, with Turkish civil society more willing to commemorate the Armenian genocide -- a term firmly rejected by Ankara -- despite a ban on such gatherings in public spaces. "More and more people are asking questions instead of holding onto their prejudices," Vingas said, hailing the emergence of "a much more open society, mainly in Istanbul," where most of Turkey's Christians live. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. In recent weeks, it has become clear that many judges have begun to view some of the lawyers who arrive at court to represent Donald Trumps agenda as sloppy and untruthful at best and hopelessly conflicted at worst. What do you do when Americas lawyers seem to be representing the person of the president instead of the interests of the people? On this weeks Amicus podcast, Dahlia Lithwick spoke to former District Attorney for Westchester County Mimi Rocah. She previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney and division chief for the Southern District of New York. She is currently an adjunct professor at Fordham School of Law, a CNN contributor, and a writer for both the Contrarian and Cafe. Shes at work on a book about those inside and outside the DOJ fighting to uphold its core values. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: What can you tell me about Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanches proffer to Jeffrey Epsteins co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell? This was when Blanche met Maxwell in August for what now looks like a cozy chat, during which Maxwell saw no need to invoke the Fifth. Having now seen all these emails that have been released in the past couple of weeks from the Epstein estate, what does it mean in terms of what Blanche was doing there and why, as I think everybody has now noted, Maxwell was then moved to a nice, cozy prison and offered all sorts of perks. (She even has playtime with a little puppy.) This certainly seems irregular, but Id love you, as a former federal prosecutor, to explain the precise sources of the hinkiness here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mimi Rocah: Blanches proffer, as he called it, of Ghislaine Maxwell was not a proffer at all. A proffer is a truth-seeking interview in which the government holds the leverage and says, We want to get information from you. We need you to be 100 percent truthful. And you want something from us, you want a benefit from us, but were not going to give it to you until we are convinced, unless and until you are truthful and give us information that we can work with. And that information is usually used to charge other people, although theres some exceptions to that. It may just be information that they need for various other reasons. Blanches conversation with Maxwell was so obviously not that on its face, based on the questions he asked and the way he asked them. There was no pressing her. At one point, Blanche asked her about money she had received from Epstein (which was part of the evidence at trial, that she was being paid lots of money to do Epsteins bidding in this sex-trafficking ring). In the proffer, Blanche essentially asked her, and Im paraphrasing, Why dont you explain that to me? Whats your take on that? Maxwell responded that those were loans and they were just looking at the bank records and she hadnt been asked what the money was for. Blanche accepted that and kept talking about the governments allegations. But these were things the government proved at trial, actual proven elements of a crime. Advertisement It was beyond jaw-dropping to see the No. 2 person at the DOJ conduct himself this way. I have seen Blanche conduct proffers. He knows how to conduct a proffer, trust me. He absolutely knows how to get at the truth, and he was not trying to here. Advertisement Now we have these emails, and one of the first things I thought was Wait, why didnt Blanche ask her about these? For example, the email where Epstein claims that Trump was at the house with a victim for many hours and Maxwell responds by saying Yeah, I was thinking about thatwhat does that mean? Does that mean she was there when Trump was there? This is Epsteins version, but she seems to be, in the email, kind of corroborating what Epstein is saying about Trump being there. Does it mean Epstein had told her about it? What does that mean? These are the questions looming in the air that, as an investigator, as a prosecutor, you would be dying to ask her, but Blanche did not ask her. Advertisement Then Blanche feels the need to publicly tweet back to George Conway, I think because hes got to get it out there somehow; he realizes how bad this looks. So he publicly tweets that the Epstein estate hid these emails from the government, which is why he didnt have them before. I have no idea who hid what, but what I do know is that for a prosecutor to go in and supposedly be seeking the truth and not have someones full emails is irregular. The first thing you do is you get their emails. And if you dont think you have all of them, you know what you do? You dont go in. You just dont. Or you ask them for the email. She has access. They were her emails. And, frankly, they must have had some emails. No one is claiming they never had any emails. He can ask her about one single email. That to me is just further proof of how much this was not a truth-seeking exercise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it sure seems as if she did give them something they wanted, because she got a reward. What was the thing she gave them that they wanted? It seems to be the only thing that came out of that proffer that they seemed remotely interested in: the statement that Trump did nothing inappropriate. It was a nonsense statement from an evidentiary point of view, but they took it, and heres your puppy prison. Related From Slate Trumps Scheme to Gift the GOP Extra House Seats Just Blew Up in His Face Read More My goodness, thats depressing. Its a crackup that Blanche references the government as though thats not him; hes on her team, this is not an adversarial proposition, because, really, hes Trumps attorney. Raise your hand if youre not Donald Trumps attorney. But they are running into some obstacles. You cant do fast, vindictive, vengeful work at the DOJ and not eventually get caught out. And the way they get caught out and called out is by judges, right? We have seen this development in recent weeks where judges around the country, of all ideological backgrounds, are just openly starting to say they just dont believe DOJ lawyers and are rejecting the presumption of regularity. Our friend Ryan Goodman has shared astonishing new statistics about judges across the country finding noncompliance in 26 cases, courts mistrusting government information in 60 cases, courts finding arbitrary and capricious government conduct in 68 cases. This is staggering coming out of the Justice Department. But on the one hand, while we exult in this fact-finding and in judges rejecting the DOJs untruthful claims, on the other, this is all just annihilating decades of earned trust within the department. As somebody who has come up through the department, who reveres it, what do the two sides of that coin look like? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unfathomable. Ive talked to so many former prosecutors who feel the same way. Integrity is so hard to earn and so easy to lose, and this is not just the integrity of any one person; this is the integrity of the entire department. You knew, when you walked into a courtroom and said I am so-and-so, representing the government or representing the United States of America, that what you said carried credibility. It didnt mean you could say anything, and it didnt mean you would never be questioned on it, but there was a presumption that you were there to do the right thing and that you would tell the truth. Its an ethical rule to have candor with the court, but its also simply part of your job, especially if youre a prosecutor. And were seeing the consequences in real time. At last weeks hearing in Virginia in the James Comey case, the judge called acting U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan and [Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler] Lemons from North Carolina up to the bench and questioned them. It was almost as if they were in the position of defense attorneys. Its usually a defense attorney who has to tap-dance around, not the government. The judge was asking Halligans subordinate, Lemons, whether there was a declination memo in the Comey case (a memo from other prosecutors declining to prosecute the case). Lemons wouldnt answer the question. He kept dodging and fudging, saying there was something written or that maybe hed reviewed some written material, but he wouldnt use the words declination memo. The judge then said it was a yes-or-no question, and eventually Lemons said yes, a declination memo had existed. The judge further asked if Lemons had been instructed not to tell the court about the memo, and Lemons said yes, by the deputy attorney general. Thats Todd Blanche. Apparently, there were gasps in the courtroom, because you dont have to be a prosecutor or a lawyer to understand that somebody instructing a lawyer to not be fully truthful with the court is a really bad thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What weve seen is an example of the rushed, sloppy (at best), and dishonest nature of what is happening in the courts. And it is in some small way already coming back to haunt this DOJ, though well see what the consequences exactly are. But what will also happen is that the judges will then be targeted and accused of being biased, even though they are absolutely being put in these extraordinary circumstances that they arent usually inof having to question and distrust the government. When they have called the government out, it has been with good reason, but we know what the reaction is: Youre just biased judges. In fact, Blanche has said that publicly, and been called out by bar associations for it, to which he replied LOL on Twitter. Its not that no prosecutor or government attorney has ever made a misstatement unintentionally or even intentionally, but if you were even remotely called out by a judge, if a judge started to say they werent buying this or that something seemed kind of hinky to them? I mean, the shame, the horror! The reaction would be to go and tell a supervisor and then to probably crawl up under your desk and hide and try to figure out a way to salvage iteven if it was a completely innocent mistake. That is just not the reaction thats been happening here. That is part of what is also so unusual about this; when a prosecutor gets called out by a judge about their candor, their reaction should be to fix it. Instead, they seem to be doubling down. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Earlier this month, emails released from a tranche of files about the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein revealed a chummy relationship between Epstein and former treasury secretary and president of Harvard Larry Summers. These messages are deeply troubling, and there is plenty of criticism to heap on Summers, who now holds Harvards highest faculty honor as a university professor. He has been pilloried for continuing to associate with and rely on personal advice from Epstein for years after charges were brought against him; for once again denigrating womens intelligence, even after doing so cost him the top job at Harvard; and for using an ugly racial slur to refer to a target of his apparently unwanted sexual advances. But thats not all we should blame Summers for. We still lack a full accounting of the exchanges between Summers and Epstein. Yet what the messages between the two unmistakably reveal is Summers relying on Epstein as his wing man for guidance on how to leverage his professional status to get horizontal with a rising economics professor he describes as his mentee. In a rare window into the mechanics of this form of sexual exploitation, we see Summers strategizing about how to get the woman in bed as the mentee appears to try to retain an important professional relationship without more. There is undoubtedly something wrong with a powerful man attempting to exchange professional access for sex. At time when our commander in chief has bragged about grabbing em by the pussy and been found liable for sexual abuse, Summers indiscretions might seem mild in comparison. But dismissing them would be a mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one message in November 2018, Summers wrote to Epstein, Think for now Im going nowhere with her except economics mentor. Later, Summers provided Epstein an explanation for why the woman, who had not succumbed to his advances, remained in touch with him: She must be very confused or maybe wants to cut me off but wants professional connection a lot and so holds to it. When Summers forwarded Epstein an email from his mentee seeking comments on her paper, Epstein responded: Shes already begining to sound needy :) nice. In a later set of messages, Epstein initially expressed doubt about the womans interest in Summers before changing his tune, writing that she is never ever going to find another Larry summers. Probability ZERO. Here Summers is at his most explicit about the exchange of sex for power: that his best shot with the woman is that she determines that his role in her career is invaluable and concludes she cant have it without romance / sex. Advertisement In 1979, Catharine MacKinnon published her breakthrough book The Sexual Harassment of Working Women, which theorized how sexual harassment violated the law. MacKinnon and others who developed the notion of the wrong of sexual harassment sought to show how sexual exploitation by those in a position of professional authority was a critical barrier to womens equality. As MacKinnon put it, sexual harassment is the unwanted imposition of sexual requirements in the context of a relationship of unequal power. Sexual harassment at work is wrong because it conditions womens workplace standing and their material subsistence on sex. Crucially, relationships of unequal professional power that allow for sexual exploitation are not limited to the workplace itself. Employers can condition professional benefits on sexual attention, but so can a range of other gatekeepers in a field, such as senior scholars, funders, and other institutional power brokers. Regardless of whether this type of exploitation is within or outside the confines of employment, it amounts to, as MacKinnon described it, the sexual expression of the economic dominance men have over women. Advertisement Advertisement With the idea of sexual harassment developed by MacKinnon, both law and norms around the wrong of sexual exploitation at work took hold. While this area of law is inconsistently enforced and its precise contours are subject to debate, it is no longer acceptable for a boss to use his authority to secure sex from a subordinate. Yet as sexual harassment law developed, it did so as a species of employment discrimination, an area of law that typically only regulates the conduct of employers and employees. No law prohibits this type of professional sexual misconduct outside of the employment context unless it rises to the level of a criminal or civil sexual assault. A woman who resists such attempts at sexual exploitation, as Summers mentee seems to have done, has no remedy for its professional or psychological toll. Advertisement Advertisement The #MeToo movement, for all its unevenness, urged us to broaden our understanding of how professional power can be used for sexual exploitation outside the bounds of a traditional employment relationship. Harvey Weinsteins horrific wrongdoing provides an extreme example. Weinstein used his position as a powerful movie producer to rape multiple actresses who were not in his employ. But it is wrong to condition professional benefits on sex, regardless of whether the abuser ultimately procured it. It would be a shame if this hard-won lesson were forgotten. Advertisement And while #MeToo has faced considerable backlash, the movements lasting legacy includes two federal laws that removed barriers to enforcing sexual harassment law. These laws were passed with broad bipartisan support, at a time when reaching across the aisle is nearly unheard of. With congressional Democrats and Republicans agreeing on the release of the Epstein files, the Epstein scandal provides another rare opportunity for bipartisan focus on sexual misconduct. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has rightly called on Harvard to cut ties with Summers. This is not only because, as Warren argued, he cannot be trusted to advise our nations politicians, policymakers and institutionsor teach a generation of students at Harvard or anywhere else. Just as important, Summers traded on the status that Harvard conferred on him to try to secure sexual favors. Harvardand any other institutions from which Summers garners cloutshould sever their connection with him. And we should all seek to renew Me Toos press to recognize the wrong of exchanging professional power for sex. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. This month saw another deadly U.S. military strike on a civilian vessel, suspected of drug trafficking, in international waters. As these strikes have escalated, questions have only increased around their lawfulness. At the same time, President Donald Trump last week accused Democratic lawmakers of treason for producing a viral video noting that members of the military must remain vigilant in the face of potentially unlawful orders from the commander in chief. On Monday, the Pentagon announced it was investigating Sen. Mark Kelly for the video about unlawful orders. As a former judge advocate in the Coast Guard and a retired Air Force major general who served as deputy legal counsel to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and deputy judge advocate general of the Air Force, we offer some perspective on how members of the military can and should respond to such orders. The following Dear Joe email exchange is a hypothetical email colloquy between an expert in military law and a fictional service member seeking advice on how to deal with the current situation. The content is based on publicly reported facts, the Manual for Courts-Martial, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the authors opinions. Military law establishes a strong presumption that military orders are lawful and must be obeyed. We do not counsel any military member to disobey any order they may be given. Our purpose is simply to provide all readers insight into the laws and procedures associated with military orders and the challenges involved in identifying, questioning, and disobeying orders that are unlawful. From: Joseph_Shipdriver@navy.mil Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2025 2:25 PM To: oldnavyjag_1979@verizon.com Subject: Need some advice ______________________________________________________________________________ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Bob, I hope this finds you well. Its been a while since we connected; Im now a skipper of a great ship with a super crew. I cant tell you exactly where I am or what Im doing, but its the kind of weapons-on-target stuff we learned when we first qualified as surface warfare officers togetherbefore the Navy sent you to law school. Advertisement Im reaching out today because Ive read some of the stuff youve published recently on topics like illegal orders and using the military in unconventional ways, and Im hoping you can help me understand the difference between lawful and unlawful orders and what I should advise my shipmates to do if theyre ever ordered to do something they think may be illegal. I remember learning some of this at the Naval War College, but I pretty much slept through the class because it was all so theoretical and I never thought Id really need to use it. Now that were actually targeting boats and killing people, a lot of people have a lot of questionsand I dont feel like I can answer them wisely. Advertisement Anything you can do to help me understand this part of the forest would be greatly appreciated. Its enough to worry about my ship, my crew, and our mission. I dont want to keep losing the little sleep I am getting worrying about whether the mission were doing is legal. Thanks, buddy. I owe you one. Advertisement Joe ______________________________________________________________________________ From: oldnavyjag_1979@verizon.com Sent: Monday, November 18, 2025 9:13 AM Re: Need some advice To: Joseph_Shipdriver@navy.mil ______________________________________________________________________________ Joe, it was great to get your email. We havent been in touch for a whileyou stayed in the Navy; I went into private practice after wrapping up my obligated service in the JAG Corps. I see that you somehow got promoted (shocking!) and are now commanding USS Widget, on duty in the Caribbean. Your email gave me the impression that you might be involved in the ongoing operation against suspected drug-runnersand that it was giving you some sleepless nights. Im sorry to hear that. I cant give you legal advice, but I might be able to help refresh the lessons you slept through at Newport. Unfortunately, what I have to say is not necessarily going to entirely cure your current insomnia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As you mentioned, I and a lot of other folks have written about the growing roster of boat strikes and fatalities. Maybe youve read some of this work on Just Security, Lawfare, Lawfire, and elsewhere. If those publications arent on your reading list, what I suspect did grab your attention was the recent Washington Post report about a classified Office of Legal Counsel memo that concluded: The strikes were ordered consistent with the laws of armed conflict, and as such are lawful orders. Military personnel are legally obligated to follow lawful orders and, as such, are not subject to prosecution for following lawful orders. While the second sentence of this quote is generally true, the first sentence is a non sequitur. The laws of armed conflict (LOAC) have nothing to do with deciding whether the strikes are lawful. First, the U.S. is not in an armed conflict; as many commentators have observed, no country or organized group has attacked or used armed force against us. Nor can a plausible claim be made that such an armed attack is imminent. Consequently, most legal experts have concluded that the United States is NOT engaged in an armed conflict and that the strikes are NOT lawful. Once an armed conflict has been deemed lawful, LOAC applies to regulate the conduct and application of our armed forces. All of this is to say that the DOJ spokesmans suggestion that LOAC is applicable here is wrong. So is his second point suggesting that orders issued consistent with LOAC are legal. It incorrectly presumes that any order given in the LOAC context is per se lawful and hence must be followed, no ifs, ands, or buts. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, lawful orders must be followed, but simply stenciling LOAC on an order does not make it lawful, even if the label had been correct (which this one isnt). A LOAC-related order may be unlawful, as can an order that arises in the law-enforcement context, which I think is what you are currently actually dealing with. Advertisement The problem I suspect you and your crew are wrestling with is that, although the government says the operation is lawful, youre being ordered to target nonmilitary vessels and kill the civilians operating them. This is where the lawful v. unlawful orders discussion you slept through at the War College becomes critical. To help you and your sailors understand the legal principles at work whenever questions arise about the lawfulness of military orders, I will break them down: First principle: Orders are presumed to be lawful, but that presumption is rebuttable rather than conclusive. Under the 2024 Manual for Courts-Martial, an order requiring the performance of a military duty or act may be inferred to be lawful, and it is disobeyed at the peril of the subordinate. What this means for you and your shipmates is that all orders must be followed unless they are unlawful. This last part leads to the second principle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second principle: The Manual goes on to say the inference that an order is lawful does not apply to a patently illegal order, such as one that directs the commission of a crime. Unfortunately, this principle seems to apply to the boat strikes. Third principle: The Manual continues: The lawfulness of an order is a question of law to be determined by the military judge. As a result, neither DOJs statement, nor the still-unavailable OLC opinion, nor the say-so of the president, the attorney general, or the secretary of defense is the last word. Who will have the last word on whether the strikes are patently illegal? In your case, that would be the civilian U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, subject to ultimate review by the Supreme Court. Because military operations will never include a military judge who can opine on the spot about the lawfulness of orders, military personnel generally have little choice but to rely on the first principle, above, that all orders are presumed lawful. This means it is always far more likely that you and your crew will obey unlawful orders than disobey lawful ones. Advertisement Advertisement Fourth principle: To address this likelihood, the Manual includes a fourth principle you need to be aware of in order to get a proper handle on your potential legal exposure based on involvement in the strikes. Advertisement Rule for Courts-Martial 916(l)(1), Ignorance or mistake of law, states: Ignorance or mistake of law, including general orders or regulations, ordinarily is not a defense. Ah, you spotted the weasel word ordinarily. Maybe thats the get-out-of-jail-free card that will improve your sleep. Maybe. Heres what the official Discussion to that rule says: Ignorance or mistake of law may be a defense in some limited circumstances. Mistake of law may be a defense when the mistake results from reliance on the decision or pronouncement of an authorized public official or agency. On the other hand, reliance on the advice of counsel that a certain course of conduct is legal is not, of itself, a defense. [Emphasis added.] Advertisement What to make of this? Unfortunately, the few court decisions that have applied this principle shed little light on the kind of issue you are confronting. Also, note the drafters use of the permissive may. How much comfort should that give anyone who thinks they might have been given an unlawful order? If I were advising you and your crew, Id also wonder about some other legal nuances. For example, is reliance on decisions or pronouncements from administration officials, like those in the yet-to-be-released OLC memo, subject to a reasonableness test; that is, would a reasonable service member agree with its legal conclusions? Is it reasonable to rely on policy pronouncementssuch as those reportedly contained in the OLC memothat simply assume the legality of unprecedented military action that might otherwise be criminal without offering any further details? Finally, what if the legal conclusions and policy pronouncements are simply wrong, as the lions share of the expert commentary about the boat strikes concludes? If youre wondering why I took this detour, its because you need to know that this stuff is also confusing for lawyers. Its easy for anyone to repeat the mantra you have a duty to disobey unlawful orders; its hard for me, you, and your shipmates to know and decide when and how to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sure youve figured out by now that the burden thats been weighing on you has been placed on your shoulders by your superiors who should have been asking the same questions and who should have been pushing back against any orders they believe are unlawful. You stand in the same position vis-a-vis your crew. If you believe the orders youve been given are unlawfulespecially if youve come to that conclusion after talking with your JAGyour best recourse is to express your concerns to your boss before you pass them to your crew. Ideally, those concerns will work their way up the chain to a level where something meaningfullike having the orders changed or revokedcan be achieved. If that doesnt work, your only remaining options are to follow your orders, resign, or disobey and make yourself a test case. Advertisement If youre hyperventilating at this point, calm down. All of this may be of little practical concern since the chances of your ever actually facing a court-martial for obeying these particular unlawful orders are slim to zero. History (e.g., the Nuremberg and Tokyo war crimes trials) suggests that personal responsibility for engaging in unlawful acts, especially pursuant to orders from the nations most senior leaders and on a scale like were seeing in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, is generally limited to those most senior military commanders who should have known better but did not exercise their authority to do better. They are the ones most likely to be held accountable for obeying and transmitting unlawful orders because they are the ones who had the best chance of getting those orders changed or revoked. While your practical legal liability may be minimal, we should all be concerned about where our nation is headed. The orders youve been given to destroy nonmilitary vessels are as problematic as the orders other military units have been given to engage in law enforcement activities on the streets of our cities. All reflect the increasing misuseillegal use in many casesof armed forces that are organized, trained, and equipped to defend us from foreign enemies. Further, we are on a trajectory toward firing the first shots in a war of aggression against another sovereign nation: Venezuela. What that means is that we are on the threshold of subjecting ourselves to the same international criticism and legal risk to which Russia exposed itself when it invaded Ukraine. Thats not the United States you and I took oaths to defend. If theres something to lose sleep over, maybe this is it. Get some rest, pal, and say hi to Susie for me. If you wind up needing a lawyer, let me know and Ill get you some names. Bob Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The past weekend flashed a neon sign, more garishly beaming than ever, that U.S. foreign policy is in shambles, a three-ring circus of tripping clowns and miscued jugglers. The Trump administrations 28-point RussiaUkraine peace plan, which Axios published on Thursday, set the stage for this chaos. First, President Donald Trump embraced it, giving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky till Thanksgiving to accept its terms or continue to fight his little heart out. Then, Marco Rubio, whod been cut out of the plans drafting despite the two hats he wears as secretary of state and national security adviser, told American lawmakers attending a security conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, that the plan was not a U.S. proposal (a report he later denied) and, in any case, amounted to a Kremlin wish listan appraisal matching that of many analysts (including mine). At that point, Trump said the document was not his final offer (making hash of his earlier deadline). On Sunday and Monday, European diplomatswho were surprised by the document and alarmed by its contentsmet in Geneva with U.S. and Ukrainian counterparts to hammer out a rewrite that looks more like a reasonable proposal than a Ukrainian white flag. Once they present it, Russian President Vladimir Putinwho said on Monday that he liked the original draft just finewill no doubt reject it. And so, the war will rage on, and Americas role as leader of the free worldor as a general guarantor of security worth taking at all seriouslywill take another hit, perhaps the most severe of Trumps presidency, which is saying a lot. The 28-point plan would have required Ukraine to give up Crimea and the eastern provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk, to withdraw its troops from those and all other areas of fighting, to reduce the size of its army by one-third, to change its constitution to forbid ever joining NATO, and to stop firing missiles into Russia (with no reciprocal restraint from Russia). Meanwhile, the deal would have let Russia rejoin the G8 (from which it had been banished after invading Ukraine) and be reintegrated into the world economy (with all sanctions dropped). It also noted that Russia would be expected not to invade neighboring countries but did not explicitly bar it from doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even Neville Chamberlain would likely have turned away from this sort of deal. Certainly he would have stopped short of declaring it peace in our time. How did this come about? How did even Trump associate himself with such a blatantly one-sided offer? According to a tick-tock in Mondays issue of Axios (which was also the first publication to reveal the existence of the deal late last week), the plan was hatched on Oct. 22 by Trumps all-purpose envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as they flew from the Middle East to Miami. Toasting themselves over the Gaza ceasefire, they turned to discussing how they might apply its methodsdescribed as draft a plan, put it on the table, and figure out how to get both sides to agreeto the war in Ukraine. Three days later, the pair met with Putins envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russias sovereign wealth fund, for dinner in Miami, and again for several hours a day later, to hammer out the plan. Advertisement They did this without formally consulting any experienced diplomats (if there are any left inside the hollowed-out State Department) or anyone who might know something about Russia or Ukraine. These talks went on for a month, completely in a back channel. According to Bloomberg News, Rubio didnt know about the talks until nearly their endpoint; even Trump, though giving Witkoff and Kushner a green light, wasnt kept informed of their progress. Last month, when Trump canceled a planned U.S.Russia summit in Belgrade after realizing that Putin had no interest in peace, so thered be nothing to talk about, he didnt know that his envoy and son-in-law kept working on the 28-point plan with Dmitriev. Advertisement Advertisement This brand of chaos is what happens when you have a president who A) acts entirely on impulse, B) thinks he doesnt need expert advisers, and C) has no functional National Security Councilthe group of top officials from all the relevant agencies who, in a normal administration, meet routinely to discuss key issues, assess competing ideas, and hammer out consensus policies. Advertisement This is what happens, in other words, when Donald Trump runs U.S. foreign policy on his own whims and instincts, choosing to ignore established routines and institutions as the disposed detritus of the deep state. After the 28-point plan became public last week, many in Congress, Europe, and not least Ukraine panicked, seeing italong with Trumps Thanksgiving deadlineas the latest, most aggressively detailed attempt to push Ukraine into surrender. This impression was bolstered when Trump ordered Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, who was already in Ukraine to discuss technical military matters, to expand his itinerary to a diplomatic dimension by hard-pressuring Zelensky into accepting the deal. Related From Slate What the People Behind Trumps Ukraine Peace Plan Fail to Understand About the War Read More Driscoll, it turns out, is a friend of Vice President J.D. Vance, who seems to be heading up the anti-Ukraine/pro-Russia faction in the White House. (You may recall it was Vance who started berating Zelensky for insufficient gratitude during the ill-fated Oval Office meeting with Trump last February, which led to Trump yelling at his visitor, canceling their lunch, and calling off long-standing plans to sign an economic agreement.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was at this point that Rubiowho has background in foreign affairs and has done more than anyone else to nudge Trump in a more pro-Ukraine stancecalled a few congressmen, who were at the Halifax Security Conference (which the Pentagon was boycotting) to tell them that this 28-point plan was not a done deal and amounted to a Moscow wish list. Rubio then denied saying this, but the congressmen, some of them Republicans, reaffirmed that he did say it. (This story also, incidentally, gives us a glimpse into what seems a huge rivalryfor the control of foreign policy and perhaps for the successorship to Trumps presidencybetween Vance and Rubio.) Advertisement Rubio swiftly assented to calls from European leaders to meet in Geneva to review the Witkoff-Kushner-Dmitriev plan. In advance of the meeting, a team of British, French, and German diplomats wrote their own version of a peace plan. The larger group in Geneva reworked the 28 points into a 19-point document, which they then submitted (or will soon submit) to their heads of state. Advertisement The revisions contents have not yet been revealed. But two things are likely: first, that the more flagrant anti-Ukraine positions have been deleted; and second, that Putin will reject the new document. Once in a while, Trump experiences a flash of insight about Putins true nature. In April, after the Russian leader waved away a peace overture and launched a massive drone-and-missile strike against Ukrainian cities, Trump said, It makes me think that maybe he doesnt want to stop the war, hes just tapping me along. The flash lasted for just a moment. Putin soon came knocking again, with promises of flowers and candy, and Trump let him in. Hopes were dashed once again in the Alaska summit, where Putin brushed aside demands for a ceasefire, and again in the buildup to the meeting in Belgrade, which Trump canceled rather than reexperience the disappointment. That brings us to the present, and the impending sour denouement to the calamitous 28 points. Will Trump ever learn that diplomacy is not for amateurs? Will he realize, for more than a few moments, that Putin isnt interested in diplomacy anyway? And if he does, what will he do about it? That is the big question, for Ukraine, for the West, and for the rest of us. Dr. James (Jim) Edward McCleaf Sr., 90, of Leonardtown, Maryland passed away November 19, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 10, 1935 in York, Pennsylvania, he was the cherished son of the late Donald and Beatrice McCleaf. Jim's life work included 50 years of educational service in both St. Mary's and Charles County. He was loved by both his co-workers and students until his retirement in 2005 at the young age of 70. His thirst for knowledge drove his desire to always learn new things. He received his Doctorate in Education from the University of Maryland after obtaining a Bachelor of Science from Mount St. Mary's college followed shortly thereafter a Master's in Counselling from Boston University. Later in life he learned welding, marine engine repair, photography and sign language just to name a few. Jim was an Army Veteran having served as a Private First Class, Medical Company, 115th Infantry, MD ARNG. Janice (Jay) his wife for 65 years until her death in 2023 was his love and devotion. Jay and Jim traveled the world together. It is no exaggeration to list the number of cruises in the thirties. Their trips included stops in Europe, South America, Alaska, Hawaii and Asia where they walked the Great Wall of China together. Many of their adventures included stays in Elder Hostels much to the angst of their children. Jim's Catholic faith was his bedrock. He was an active parishioner at St. Aloysius in Leonardtown until later in life where he attended Our Lady Star of the Sea in Solomons. Jim's charitable volunteering included The Marcy House of St. Mary's, The Hospice House of St. Mary's and St. Aloysius Church's feeding the hungry. Early in his counseling career Jim spearheaded a crisis hotline program called Toe Hold for which he was awarded the "St. Mary's County Volunteer of the Year". He also taught Reading to inmates in the St. Mary's County jail. Jim is survived by his children Kelly Karwacki (Dan) of Vally Lee, MD, James Edward McCleaf Jr. (Judy) of Baltimore, MD, Kevin Patrick McCleaf (Phyllis) of Holmes Beach, FL, Timothy Michael McCleaf (Karen) of Hollywood, MD, Teri McCleaf (Mark Bottorf) of Hollywood, MD, and Sean W. McCleaf of Chaptico, MD, twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. Along with his parents and wife, Jim is preceded in death by his granddaughter Chelsea Yeager and his siblings, Janice Robins and Donald McCleaf. Family will receive friends for a Memorial Gathering on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 from 10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 22800 Washington Street Leonardtown, MD 20650, with a Mass of Christian burial starting at 11:00a.m. A reception will follow in the St. Aloysius church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Leonardtown Garvey Senior Center for providing fellowship and friendship for our father after our mother's passing. Condolences to the family may be made at www.bfh@brinsfieldsfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. SpaceX launch recap: Live updates from 99th rocket launch of 2025 from Cape Canaveral, Florida Launch recap: Scroll down to review live updates from the Tuesday, Nov. 18, liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on the Starlink 6-94 mission. Read the full story here. Jared Isaacman has support of Planetary Society, other orgs in NASA bid A group of space and science organizations led by the Planetary Society has voiced its support for private space traveler Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. In a statement earlier in November on the Planetary Society's website, a coalition of nine organizations congratulated Isaacman on once again being considered for NASA's top post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full story here. After historic landing, Blue Origin's New Glenn booster sails into Port Canaveral Theres a massive rocket booster that returned from space at Port Canaveral and its not SpaceX. It was on Nov. 13 that space enthusiasts shouted from Brevard beaches as Blue Origins massive New Glenn rocket blasted off on its second flight and eight minutes later they shouted again. Read the full story here. Stratolaunch may test hypersonic rocket aircraft based in California's Mojave Desert Shaped much like a miniature NASA space shuttle, Stratolaunch's uncrewed, rocket-propelled Talon-A2 aircraft detached in midair from the world's largest plane in March and zoomed up to dizzying speeds topping Mach 5 before landing on a runway at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is another Stratolaunch hypersonic test flight on tap this weekend at Mojave Air & Space Port? Read the full story here. Colorado already lost STARCOM to Florida. Now, Space Command will move to Alabama More than two months have gone by since President Donald Trump announced that U.S. Space Command would be on the move to Alabama. And it'll still be a matter of years until the new headquarters is up and running. Even before Trump made his decision official in September, preparations were underway in Huntsville to welcome the military's newest program to a place aptly nicknamed Rocket City. In Huntsville, famed for its role in building the first rockets that helped the United States reach the moon, officials are eager to house the headquarters for Space Command and its operations to expand the nation's military might beyond Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full story here. Launch recap of Thursday SpaceX rocket from KSC, 100th liftoff of 2025 Launch recap of the Starlink 6-78 mission, which launched at 10:39 p.m. Nov. 20 from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Read the full story here. Blue Origin brings home New Glenn rocket booster to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Blue Origin welcomed Never Tell Me the Odds back to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Thursday, Nov. 20 where the rocket booster launched exactly one week prior. After offloading at Port Canaveral, the companys first-ever recovered booster rolled past Sands Space History Museum as a crowd of media watched. Officials from Blue Origin guided the 188-foot-tall New Glenn booster to the Space Force station, making Blue Origin the only company besides SpaceX to return a space-flown booster through the gates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full story here. 'Breaking records across the board.' SpaceX launches Florida's 100th rocket of the year On a quiet Thursday night with 41 days left in 2025, Florida's 100th orbital rocket of the year took off from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The SpaceX rocket launch, which was carrying a Starlink mission, signaled volumes for what is to come for the Space Coast. Read the full story here. Recap of early Saturday SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral Recap of the SpaceX Starlink 6-79 mission, which launched 2:53 a.m. Nov. 22 from Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Read the full story here. For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. Advertisement Advertisement Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 321 Launch: Space news you may have missed over the past week (Nov. 24) 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 In a recent episode of the podcast "Acquired," venture capitalists and hosts Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal argued that the horrible roll-out of Google's Bard AI chatbot in February 2023which led the company's stock to drop 8% in a daywas a blessing in disguise. That's because two years later, after a U.S. federal judge ruled that Google had illegally monopolized online search, he also concluded that the specter of artificial intelligence would ensure the company faced new competition. Google didn't need to change much about its business, the judge ruled, in part because the looming threat of AI would help solve the problem. "As flat-footed as Google was when ChatGPT happened, if the outcome of this is they avoid a Microsoft-level distraction and damage to their business from a U.S. federal court monopoly judgment," Rosenthal said, it was "worth it." "It actually saves Google." In his August 2024 decision, Judge Amit Mehta held that while the tech giant, owned by Alphabet Inc., came to dominate because of its superior search engine, it stayed on top in part because it pays billions of dollars a year to rivals like Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Inc. to maintain the status quo. A year later, he issued another 230-page ruling about how to resolve that illegal conduct, holding that Google would be required to do almost nothing different. The search giant would not be forced to sell off its popular Chrome web browseras the Justice Department soughtor to stop paying those billions to ensure its search engine remains on top. "The emergence of GenAI changed the course of this case," Mehta wrote. No one at the original monopolization trial testified that AI would upend the search industry, he said, while the 2025 remedies hearing was chockful of witnesses who said as much.No one really agreed, though, on who would do the upending. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella testified about his angst over Google extending its search dominance into AI, which led the company to invest more than $13 billion in OpenAI. The Justice Department repeatedly argued that fear of losing its search monopoly led Google to downplay its own AI advances. Meanwhile, Google's Prabhakar Raghavan, who led the search at the time, testified that he lay awake at night fearful that young people were no longer relying on "Grandpa Google." Mehta seems to have bought the idea that Grandpa Google was threatened by AI, and to an extent it's true: Some users are turning to chatbots instead of search engines, and AI companies like Perplexity and OpenAI are launching their own web browsers. But that alone may not be enough to end Google's monopoly, as two recent books explain. By declining to enforce harsher remedies, Mehta's ruling falls into what Columbia law professor Tim Wu calls "the persistent dream of the self-correcting economy." Monopolies always fear being displaced by novel technologies, because the latest advances represent a new avenue of competition, Wu writes in The Age of Extraction (Knopf, November 2025). AT&T was deeply suspicious of technologies it didn't control, for example, only permitting answering machines, modems and eventually online services to connect to its network when forced by the federal government. But this reticence doesn't make monopolies easier to displace, says Wu, even when new technologies are on the horizon. "The theory of self-correcting economic power routinely ignores the predictable actions of those who have economic power," he writes. As we will likely rediscover with Google, "The great monopolists are not passive." The monopolist's playbook Lack of competition breeds complacency. As Lily Tomlin's AT&T operator famously opined in a 1976 Saturday Night Live skit, "We don't care. We don't have to. We're the phone company." That dynamic is alive and well on the internet, as digital advocate Cory Doctorow argues in his newest book. Companies will always seek to extract the most money for the least effort, he writes, even degrading or "enshittifying" their products unless disciplined by competition or regulation. Enshittification (MCD, November 2025) is both the title of Doctorow's book and the word he coined to describe why the tech platforms of today, which were once so promising, are now so terrible. Enshittification, he argues, is not "a sweary word for capitalism"; it's better understood as a theory of unchecked monopoly power. Without competitors, Doctorow argues, companies stop innovating and instead start squeezing customers, who ultimately pay up because they have nowhere else to go. Doctorow spends an entire chapter on how Google is emblematic of what happens when companies lack competition. "Google's poor search quality is a choice," he writes. "Google Search sucks because Google wants it to suck, because when we have to run multiple search queries, Google shows us more ads and makes more money." Google disputes Doctorow's characterization of its search product, saying the company only launches changes "we've tested and confirmed will improve the experience." "People choose to use Search because it provides helpful, trusted results for the vast range of questions that they ask every day, and we launch thousands of improvements every year to make it work even better," says Peter Schottenfels, a Google spokesperson. Both Wu and Doctorow's books are rife with examples: Amazon.com Inc. sellers shelling out as much as 50% of their revenue for services related to the company's marketplace; developers who must pay Apple or Google a 30% fee to reach consumers through app stores; even newer companies, like Unity Software Inc., seeking to impose fees on developers that built products on its video game engine. As Doctorow explains, borrowing from Greek economist Yanis Varoufakis' concept of Technofeudalism, these platforms have created "an economic system in which the majority of value is being captured by the people who own the stuff, at the expense of people who do stuff." The theme, throughout, is that monopolies are good for investors, who make a lot of money, but bad for everyone else because they operate as a tax on the rest of the economy. These may not seem like novel arguments in 2025, when anti-monopoly politicians and regulators have gained notoriety on both sides of the Atlantic and a litany of tech giants have had to fend off antitrust accusations in court. But the tech giants remain in an enviable position. Today the Magnificent 7, as they've come to be knownAlphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and Teslamake up about one-third of the value of the S&P 500, dwarfing entire industries with their scale and potential impact on the rest of the market. And Mehta's decision on Google search remedies illustrates a new risk: that policymakers will treat AI as a deus ex machina, capable of felling giants so they don't have to. The race to dominate AI In his decision, Mehta marveled at the "astonishing" amount of money flowing into the development of AI and said that barring Google from paying others to install its Gemini AI app would disadvantage the search giant. AI companies "are already in a better position, both financially and technologically, to compete with Google than any traditional search company has been in decades," he wrote. That offers "strong reasons not to jolt the system and to allow market forces to do the work." But, as Wu argues, markets do not automatically correct themselves, particularly when money and power are brought to bear.While it's true the AI race has introduced new companiesOpenAI, Anthropic and Perplexity to name three that offered views during the Google search remedy hearingnone of the players are truly independent. OpenAI is partly owned by, and heavily reliant on the infrastructure of, Microsoft. Both Amazon and Google have invested in Anthropic. Perplexity's funders include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Nvidia. Even xAI, another "new" entrant in the AI race, is funded by Tesla founder Elon Musk. And, with the exception of Musk, all of these backers are facing either antitrust lawsuits or investigations for illegally dominating key sectors of the economy. "The current tech firms see AI rather as the telegraph monopolist saw Alexander Graham Bell's telephoneas a risk to be controlled," Wu writes. "Today's platform monopolists would prefer it if artificial intelligence remained a complement to their core business models." Google is certainly unlikely to be passive now that a judge has given it the green light to continue using the money derived from its monopolies to pay for the development and dominance of its AI tools. It's notable that Eddy Cuethe Apple dealmaker who negotiated the agreement with Googletestified that the company is looking to incorporate AI into its devices by harnessing what's been built by others, rather than building something itself. This month, Apple reached a deal to integrate Google's AI into Siri. Apple wants to sell iPhones and make others pay for access to its users, not upset the current market dynamics. The Acquired podcast hosts honed in on this point about complementarity in discussing why they believe Google will likely do better than its AI rivals in the long run. Only Google has the advantage of up-to-date information from its search monopoly and YouTube. It has massive computing resources from its main business and its cloud computing arm. It has the ability to personalize models thanks to its massive collection of information about users. And it has lots and lots of money. "None of these AI companies are generating net income, and just because they've raised a huge amount of money, it doesn't mean that will last forever," Gilbert said. "If the spigots ever dry up, Google doesn't have any self-sustaining competition in their old search business or in AI." And that's particularly concerning, Wu notes, because we don't yet know what kind of tool AI will turn out to be. "The happier version of the story is one in which AI becomes something that helps workers get more done, and in theory, go home early from work and take longer vacations," Wu says. Whether that's the version we get depends in large part on who builds it, and whether they're disciplined by competition or driven by a desire to defend the status quo. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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 industrial foundations of Cumberland run deep. ACET researchers are determining how these now-abandoned coal mines under the village could generate geothermal energy to heat and cool buildings. Credit: Cumberland Museum and Archive Cumberland, B.C. was built on coal miningboth literally and practically. Thousands of workers were employed and millions of tons of coal were exported over 80 years before the mines were shuttered, leaving deep holes in the ground and a deeper void in the village's economy. Now, thanks to a partnership with the University of Victoria-led Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) initiative, Cumberland is planning for a future built on clean energy that comes from the maze of abandoned mine shafts and extraction tunnels that snake beneath its streets. Through the Cumberland District Energy project, ACET is determining how the water trapped in those tunnels could be used to produce geothermal energy that would heat and cool buildings. Cumberland Mayor Vickey Brown sees this project as a step toward the reimagining of Cumberlandalready an attraction for nature lovers and mountain bikersas a clean, green outdoor adventure destination. It also represents a potential shift in how longtime locals, relative newcomers and visitors alike view the village. "This is a way to highlight the history of Cumberland and bring it into a sustainable-future, clean-energy ethos," she says. "It's something that old Cumberland can be proud of, because we're using the waste of that old resource to transition to cleaner energy." With approximately 4,800 residents, Cumberland is a small municipality with a big community. Credit: Sara Kempner An old asset, a new opportunity for clean energy Here's how it would work: water trapped underground in the abandoned mines is cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the temperature above ground, explains ACET community energy planner and project lead Zachary Gould. Taking advantage of that temperature difference, heat pumps could use the water from the abandoned mines to provide heating and cooling to buildings at a relatively low cost and with near-zero carbon output. "[The Cumberland District Energy project] is technically a very large ground-source heat exchanger," adds Emily Smejkal, a fellow with the Victoria-based Cascade Institute who specializes in geothermal energy. Smejkal notes that having a network of mine shafts underneath the village means the entire town could access this clean energy resource. Geologists have mapped the extensive mine system running beneath Cumberland to better understand its energy potential for the community above. Image: ACET To start, however, initial modeling of potential energy systems for Cumberland is focused on a proposed civic precinct redevelopmenta community center, municipal offices, even affordable housingand a large industrial zone closer to Comox Lake. Geologists have mapped the extensive mine system running beneath Cumberland to better understand its energy potential for the community above. Credit: Accelerating Clean Energy Transformation/University of Victoria "It's been a big motivation to think about this energy system in the context of how we can reduce the costs of critical infrastructure and provide critical amenities for community members," says Gould. "But it's not just an energy system," he notes. "It's an opportunity to look at resource extraction in a new way in a village that was built on extractive principles. This project could turn those ruins of extraction, so to speak, into an opportunity and a shared community asset." Mining was historically the core of Cumberland community From the Union Bay Wharf, millions of tons of coal excavated from Cumberland's mines were shipped globally, fueling economies as far away as Japan and establishing the region as a vital industrial hub for decades. Image: Cumberland Museum and Archive From 1888, when the first mine opened in Cumberland, until the late 1960s, when the last one was closed, some 16 million tons of bituminous coal were excavated and shipped from the Comox Valley, says Dawn Copeman, a historian with Cumberland Museum and Archives. A wharf at nearby Union Bay loaded ships that were destined for international markets. Cumberland coal fueled steamships and heated homes. Coal coked in Union Bay was sold to smelters for lead and zinc production. While the mines were the core of the local economy and community for decades, workers were exploited and their jobs were dangerous. Many miners died and many more were injured while companies sold a product whose burning contributed to climate change. Using the temperature difference between the surface and the mines, closed-loop geoexchange systems circulate water to provide efficient, low-carbon heating and cooling. Credit: Steven Hession Using those same abandoned coal mines to produce clean energy doesn't rewrite Cumberland's history, Copeman says, but it does use that past to flip the script for its future. Noting that a proposal in 2011 for a coal mine near Union Bay attracted "a lot of pushback," she says. In contrast, Cumberland's proposal to use its abandoned mines to produce geothermal heating and cooling provides a constructive opportunity. "Being able to use something that's already there for heating, I think it's positive," she says. 'It's about reimagining these old relics of industry' The history of the Cumberland geothermal project startedmore than 130 years after the first mine openedas a discussion among geologists who live in the region and gather regularly. As Cory MacNeill, a Cumberland local and geologist, recounts it, a conversation among peers about the common issue of methane produced by the former mines evolved into chats about other geothermal applications for abandoned coal shafts. While the widely known application of drilling deep into the Earth to access super-heated water wasn't an option in Cumberland, accessing the water closer to the surface to offset the heat of summer and the cold of winter was. From the Union Bay Wharf, millions of tons of coal excavated from Cumberland's mines were shipped globally, fueling economies as far away as Japan and establishing the region as a vital industrial hub for decades. Credit: Cumberland Museum and Archive And they had examples to follow. MacNeill notes similar projects have been established about an hour south in Nanaimo, B.C. and across the country in Springhill, N.S., another former mining town. "It's about reimagining these old resources and relics of industry," he says. "It's really powerful to look at all of this mining and look at ways that we can benefit from it from a more environmental standpoint." Highlighting the past while building a sustainable future When Brown sat in on one of the geologists' discussions, she was already aware of the Nanaimo geothermal project at Vancouver Island University and of conversations between a previous Cumberland mayor and officials in Nova Scotia about their geothermal project. What put the pieces together for her was an ACET webinar for municipal politicians. "They said, 'We're looking for projects to work with municipalities.' And I thought, 'I have a project.'" Cumberland Mayor Vickey Brown dreams of a clean-energy future for Cumberland that honors its past. Credit: Sara Kempner She explains there are two blocks of municipal property occupied by the village office, council chambers, public works and a rec center that sit on top of the former No. 6 mine. "I thought we could use this project as a way to figure out whether or not we could use geothermal for heating and cooling of the buildings because we want to redevelop the block," she says. As a small municipality with a population of approximately 4,800, Cumberland doesn't have an engineering department to study such a project. Brown saw that ACET had what the village needed. "We need their academic expertise and their capacity to help us do those business cases, and also do the [geothermal] exploration side of it," Brown says. While the project was initially motivated by the desire to redevelop the municipal precinct, she says, if a pilot geothermal project proves to be successful and sustainable, there is additional potential in what Copeman calls the "vast labyrinth" of tunnels beneath the village. Brown says providing cheap, clean heating and cooling to businesses could make Cumberland industrial land more attractive for developmentespecially to enterprises that produce or consume considerable amounts of heat, such as greenhouses and food processors. Drawing businesses, she says, would mean adding jobs and contributing to the tax base, all potentially making the village more livable and sustainable for its residents. "We haven't always worked very well with natural systems," Brown says. "But I think this is a model of using the tools and resources you have in place to look after the needs of your community. And I think that's far more resilient than the way we've done it in the past." 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: CU Denver's Technology Innovation in Construction students walk alongside, Atlas, the robot dog on a GH Phipps construction site. Credit: University of Colorado Denver Atlas, CU Denver's robotic dog, trotted in a crawlspace of the Anythink Nature Library construction site in Thornton last month, lights blinking as it maneuvered through tight, dark passageways. Back at the entrance, university engineering Associate Professor Moatassem Abdallah and seven students watched Atlas's live feed, discussing how its 360 video and data could inform the project's next steps. The test run showed how technology like Atlas can make things like inspections easierno more crawling around on hands and knees in the dark. The robot follows a set route, capturing 360 video that inspectors can review in a safe and comfortable space. Evolving tech like robots, AI, drones, and data analytics are reshaping the construction industryimproving planning and scheduling, streamlining communication among work crews, and helping companies make faster, data-driven decisions at worksites. Employees with engineering skills and tech savvy are in high demand. That's where CU Denver's new certificate and minor come in. "CU Denver's program combines hands-on learning with real industry connections," said Jose Gonzalez Vidal, who is pursuing a degree in construction management and participated in the field trip to Thornton. "Through coursework, career fairs, and opportunities like this, I feel confident that I'm being prepared for a successful career in the construction industry. I believe the minor in Technology Innovation is preparing me for the evolving construction industry by exposing me to modern tools and innovative building methods that come with it. And the connections you can make here are both meaningful and lasting." GH Phipps hosted the field trip for students and is one of the companies that regularly works with the College of Engineering, Design and Computing to keep the program fresh and relevant. CU Denver's new Technology Innovation in Construction minor and certificate couldn't have come at a better time. Students can elect to minor in technology innovation, earn a certificate or tap into the classes as part of their civil, mechanical, or construction management majors. "As a commercial general contractor, we rely on construction technology every day to manage complex projects," said Dan McCloskey, managing director for MB BIM at GH Phipps. "Students who understand tools like reality capture, model coordination, and data analysis bring the skills our teams need to deliver projects faster, safer, and more economically." CU Denver's new certificate program and minor are a passion project for Abdallah, who sees these tracks as game changers for students and for the Denver community. CU Denver Engineering Associate Professor Abdallah prepares Atlas for deployment. Credit: University of Colorado Denver. Feeding workforce need Learning to apply emerging technologyand to anticipate future challengesis giving CU Denver students a competitive edge, Abdallah said. Graduates with hands-on experience in robotics, drones, and AI are helping local companies. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, proper use of technology can boost construction productivity by up to 15%. Deloitte's 2025 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook reached a similar conclusion: technology adoption drives better outcomes: better buildings, safer working conditions, and cost-efficient projects. "Technology is changing everything; construction is no different," Abdallah said. "I'm excited that we are giving students the tools and experiences to make a difference. By showing them in the classroom and out in the field, they will be ready. We are so grateful to all our partners in the construction industry who are making this possible." Atlas, CU Denver's robotic canine, was purchased to give students hands-on access to the latest technology in construction management. Along with drones, AI, and data analytics, the robotic dog is part of a growing suite of resources helping students gain real-world experience that can make them more competitive in the job market. Issai Hernandez is pursuing a degree in construction management and jumped at the chance to sign up for the minor. "I can see the benefits of the new technology, and the program really gives you an opportunity to see how it works or could work in the field," Hernandez said. "I have to say when it came to Atlas I had a very pessimistic view but, after seeing it in action, I am impressed. This is definitely the early days of this technology, but it is clear to me that in the future it will really be an asset to a general contractor. I'm excited to be one of the pioneers learning how to use it." CU Denver's robotic dog Atlas works a construction site in Thornton, CO. Credit: University of Colorado Denver Classmate, Vidal, who had an internship as a field engineer this past summer, said the unique nature of CU Denver's construction management program has given him opportunities that should make finding a job after he graduates in 2026 easier. "I grew up working in drywall alongside my father, who continues to be the inspiration behind my career choice," he said. "What we learn in the classroom ties directly to what happens in the field. Seeing that connection firsthand really prepares us, as students, for our professional careers." For GH Phipps, the CU Denver offerings are an investment in the future workforce. "At GH Phipps, we are proud to support future leaders and the advancement of technology that elevates our industry," said Ismael Acosta, senior project manager. "GH Phipps, MB BIM and Anythink Libraries were honored to have the Anythink Nature Library jobsite selected as a testing location to explore the capabilities of Atlasour favorite robotic dog. Thank you to CU Denver for trusting us to inspire, lead, and deliver." 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 EHang eVTOL EH126-S takes to the sky over a port in Guangzhou in southern China's Guangdong province on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan An unmanned, oval-shaped craft from flying taxi maker EHang hovers, whirring noisily like a mini-helicopter over a riverside innovation zone on the outskirts of the southern Chinese business hub of Guangzhou, part of a trial of a mini-flying taxi that once might have been found only in sci-fi films. In nearby Shenzhen, food-delivery drones already are part of daily life and a novelty attraction for tourists, even if such services cost more. In the waterfront park surrounded by high-rises, Polish tourist Karolina Trzcianska and her friends ordered bubble tea and lemon tea by phone, just to give it a try. Their drinks arrived via a drone buzzing through the drizzle about 30 minutes later. "This is the first time I'm seeing something like this, so it was super fun to see the food being delivered by the drone," she said. Such businesses are growing quickly with support from the government, though the take off of the so-called "low-altitude economy" faces obstacles such as strict airspace controls and battery limitations. Activities in airspace below 1,000 meters (about 3,280 feet) accounted for business turnover worth 506 billion yuan ($70 billion) in 2023, about 0.4% of China's economy. By 2035, it's expected to hit 3.5 trillion yuan (about $490 billion), said Zhang Xiaolan, a researcher at the State Information Center, a think tank affiliated with China's main planning agency. Flying cars are in the making Guangdong province, home to drone giant DJI with an estimated 70% of the global commercial drone market, leads in development of the low-altitude economy, followed by wealthy eastern coastal provinces Jiangsu and Zhejiang, near Shanghai, according to a report by a research unit of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University, and other institutions. The EHang eVTOL EH126-S flies near over a car park in Guangzhou in southern China's Guangdong province on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan Other big players in Guangdong include EHang, logistics company SF Express's drone arm Phoenix Wings, and automaker XPENG's flying car unit ARIDGE. In October, Guangdong announced it plans to speed up construction of flight service stations and platforms to facilitate airspace operations and will support locally issued discount vouchers for low-altitude tourism. Its technology and financial hub Shenzhen has launched a 15-million-yuan ($2.1 million) award for companies that earn certifications required for passenger eVTOLs, short for "electric vertical take-off and landing" vehicles that lift off the ground like helicopters, among other incentives. China's Civil Aviation Administration has granted certificates allowing EHang to offer commercial passenger services with its pilotless eVTOL, a low-altitude aircraft that can reach speeds of 130 kph (81 mph) with a maximum range of 30 kilometers (19 miles). EHang hasn't launched commercial routes, but its vice president, He Tianxing, says it aims to start with aerial sightseeing services. The company has been building takeoff and landing sites in 20 Chinese cities over the past two years. He expects aircraft of various companies will be flying multiple routes, possibly after five years. He envisions eventual citywide networks using the rooftops of malls, schools and parks as terminals. "It can't just be a research product, nor an engineer's toy," he said. The EHang eVTOL EH126-S takes to the sky in Guangzhou in southern China's Guangdong province on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan Accidents, battery limitations and airspace controls The biggest challenge for developing eVTOL aircraft is maintaining longer flights and overcoming battery capacity limitations, said Guo Liming, co-founder of Shenzhen-based Skyevtol, whose single-seat manned eVTOL aircraft, priced at around $100,000, can only fly 20 to 30 minutes before it must be charged. It also has not all been smooth skies. In September, two XPENG's eVTOL aircraft collided after a rehearsal for an exhibition and one of them caught fire while landing. The company said no one was hurt, but another expo canceled flying demonstrations a week later. Undeterred, XPENG has continued to showcase its flying cars, including a six-wheeled ground vehicle with a detachable eVTOL aircraft. Having invested over $600 million, the company said it has more than 7,000 global orders for its "Land Aircraft Carrier" and has begun preparing for mass production. A trial run of sightseeing flights in Dunhuang, a key ancient Silk Road destination famous for its Buddhist caves and dunes, is planned for next July. It's unclear how quickly such aircraft might begin carrying paid passengers regularly. Some companies elsewhere have burned through their funding before reaching the commercial launch stage. In Germany, air taxi makers Lilium and Volocopter filed for bankruptcy, though the latter was later bought by Diamond Aircraft Group, a subsidiary of a Chinese firm. Workers prepare the EHang eVTOL EH126-S to fly in Guangzhou in southern China's Guangdong province on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan After years of commercialization, drone applications are not that widespread in China. Even though the country leads in drone technology and manufacturing, policy constraints including limited airspace access, may mean overseas markets are more promising, said Frank Zhou, managing director at GBA Low Altitude Technology Co., which provides technological software to clients. "Perhaps for some Southeast Asian countries, if I introduce these applications to them, their demand could explode," he said. Less than one-third of China's low-altitude airspace was accessible for general aviation use in 2023 and there were problems with uneven distribution and a lack of internet connectivity, Zhang, the State Information Center researcher, said in a report. The number of registered general aviation aerodromes in China, excluding private airports, was just about a tenth of those in the U.S., she said. Officials are easing their grip, but there's turbulence ahead Chinese policymakers are gradually working to close the gap. The military generally commands use of most Chinese airspace but has pledged to simplify approval procedures and shorten review times in Shenzhen and five other provinces. Proposed revisions of the civil aviation law include a chapter on development and promotion of civilian activities, addressing low-altitude airspace allocation and supervision. Workers prepare the EHang eVTOL EH126-S to fly in Guangzhou in southern China's Guangdong province on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan It's still early days, said Gary Ng, a senior economist at Natixis Corporate and Investment Banking. He expects progress toward commercialization to materialize around 2030, with passenger-carrying eVTOLs for tourism or industrial purposes starting before flying taxi services. Some of the aerial products could become key exports, he said. China is a latecomer to the industry but now leads in developing small drones and low-altitude airspace investments, said Chen Wen-hua, director at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy. One advantage is the ruling Communist Party's ability to mobilize regulators, industry players and universities to work toward the same goal, he said. But development of the technologies involved and safety concerns and public acceptance will determine how quickly different applications of drones and low-flying vehicles are adopted. The future for the low altitude economy is bright, Chen said, "however, the road leading to that bright future might be treacherous." 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. (TBTCO) - Von vay nuoc ngoai cua Chinh phu, ac biet la von ODA va von vay uu ai a va ang tiep tuc ong vai tro quan trong oi voi phat trien kinh te - xa hoi, au tu ket cau ha tang, giao duc ao tao, khoa hoc cong nghe va chuyen oi so cua at nuoc. Tuy nhien, nghiep vu cho vay lai hien nay van con mot so kho khan Rowan University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the School of Medicine at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, an MOU that will potentially expand Rowans footprint and draw greater numbers of international students. One of Egypts largest private universities, AASTMT enrolls approximately 30,000 students from more than 20 countries, making it a major hub for international education. The agreement was brokered by Morris Kalliny, Ph.D., Rowans Vice President for Global Affairs and Dean of the School of Professional Studies, who has been instrumental in building Rowans global partnership network. The current MOU is specifically for the medical school, Kalliny said. It lays the groundwork for collaboration in medical education and student exchange. Kalliny was joined in Egypt by Dr. Richard Jermyn, dean of Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, for the ceremonial signing at AASTMTs El-Alamein campus. Dr. Jermyn has a global mindset for medical education, Kalliny said. His dream is to bring Egyptian students to Rowan for summer shadowing experiences and, eventually, send our medical students to Egypt for similar exchanges. Medical education in Egypt differs significantly from in the U.S., largely due to limited access to advanced technology and equipment, Kalliny said. To bridge this gap, Rowan and AASTMT plan to launch short-term training programs in New Jersey, giving Egyptian students firsthand exposure to Rowans medical education environment. In the U.S., and especially at Rowan-Virtua SOM, were fortunate to not only have the greatest technology for healing and wellness in the world but to be in a position to teach it to our students, said SOM Dean Richard Jermyn, D.O. To also be in a position to export our knowledge and to improve healthcare globally is truly gratifying. While the MOU is not binding, AASTMT administrators are enthusiastic about the partnership, promoting it through social media campaigns and other outreach, Kalliny said. Rowans name is getting out there, he noted. One great benefit is attracting international students who might not otherwise know about us. Building on previous agreements This Nov. 3 agreement follows two other MOUs that Rowan signed in 2025: In July, the University established a broad collaboration framework with AASTMT, opening doors for academic partnerships across multiple disciplines. In October, it signed an MOU with a Turkish university to advance global health sciences initiatives, further strengthening Rowans international presence. Kalliny said these agreements reflect Rowans strategic goal of becoming a global institution. Weve done a great job making Rowan a regional institution, but now we want to be known globally, he said. MOUs formalize relationships and often lead to collaborative programs like 2+2 undergraduate pathways or 1+1 masters programs. Why global partnerships matter Rowan, with nearly 25,000 students across multiple campuses in southern New Jersey, operates two medical schools and the new Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine. It also has a robust study abroad program that it seeks to expand. We want our students to be global citizens, Kalliny said. Exposure to different cultures and ways of thinking helps students navigate cultural differences and broadens their perspectives. Looking ahead, Rowan expects visits from AASTMTs president and senior administrators, and discussions are underway with Rowans Rohrer College of Business for potential MBA and supply chain program collaborations. This is laying the foundation for program-level partnerships that will come next, Kalliny said. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). A Tucson pastor accused of failing to report alleged child sex crimes must be evaluated for competency before he stands trial, a Pima County judge ordered Monday. Superior Court Judge Mark Hotchkiss agreed with a request by Pastor Isaac Noriega's attorney that his client should be medically evaluated. In a Nov. 12 court filing, attorney Douglas W. Taylor argued that Noriega, 83, is incompetent to stand trial due to dementia. He cited a doctor's report saying Noriega has "late phase mild stage dementia, currently progressing into moderate stage dementia." Two doctors, one chosen by the defense and another by the court, will evaluate Noriega before a Jan. 26 competency hearing. Noriega, longtime pastor of Golden Dawn Tabernacle on Tucson's south side, was arrested in June and charged with two counts of failure to report child abuse or neglect of a minor, one felony count and one misdemeanor. He faces up to two-and-a-half years in prison. The charges stem in part from an Arizona Daily Star/Lee Enterprises investigation that found the pastor and church leaders knew about and ignored decades of child sexual abuse allegations within the church community. Twenty former congregants accused the church, which also goes by the name Tabernaculo Emanuel, of being a "cult." Former members of the congregation decried the incompetency claim as a way to avoid accountability. "I think hes telling two different things to two different audiences," said John Calvo, a former member who has been publishing research on the church for more than two years. "To the court hes claiming that he is not competent to stand trial because he has dementia," Calvo said. "But to the church hes presenting a completely different persona in that hes preaching multiple times a week, very lengthy services. Hes still presiding over the church." Neurologist Dr. Hadipour Niktarash believes Noriega is incompetent to stand trial because he does not have sufficient cognitive abilities to understand the nature of the proceedings or to meaningfully assist his attorney with his defense, Noriega's motion states. Niktarash stated that the pastor's memory and cognitive processing will continue to deteriorate, according to the motion. "I got a doctors letter telling me that my memory has been decaying for decades," Noriega said during a Sept. 15 interview with a reporter about child sexual abuse that allegedly occurred in the church pews while he preached. "Im now in a place where I dont remember a lot of those things." Two victims said Noriega knew about and failed to report the alleged sexual abuse they experienced as children who were members of the church. Pastors are mandatory reporters who are required by law to make a report to law enforcement or the Department of Child Safety when they have a reasonable belief that a child is the victim of abuse. The felony count stems from allegations that Noriega pressured a father into not going to the police in 2012 when the father's 12-year-old boy said Mora molested him. The boy, who is now an adult, told the Arizona Daily Star that adult church member Jose Mora penetrated him with his fingers and forced oral and genital contact, which Mora denies. Noriega said in an interview with reporters that he was made aware of these allegations and that he did not report them as required by law. The misdemeanor stems from allegations that Noriega did not report the alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl, Anjounette Thorstad, in the late 1980s by a teenage boy who was part of the church community. The teenager was a different alleged perpetrator, not Mora. Also delayed are the court proceedings against Mora. Mora was supposed to have a hearing on Monday, but it was postponed for at least 30 days in part because the prosecutor received new information and is considering additional charges against Mora. Mora was initially charged in April with five counts of child molestation and three counts of sexual conduct with a minor, stemming from the alleged sexual abuse of two boys in his home around 2009 and 2012. Tucson cult' church member molested boy hundreds of times in pews, new victim alleges A boy said he was molested repeatedly in the pews of his Tucson church, the Golden Dawn Tabernacle. The church's "cultish rules" kept him silent until now. But in September, a third boy, Marcello, came forward and said Mora molested him hundreds of times during church, starting when he was 11 in 1999. Marcello also said Mora raped him in 2002 at another congregant's home when he was 14. Marcello asked to go by his first name only in media reports. Mora and his public defender did not respond to requests for comment on these new allegations. Marcello said he reported his allegations to Tucson police in June. He said his understanding from detectives is that there will be charges against Mora for what happened to me. Mora's next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 6. Federal food benefits have been flowing again since the government shutdown ended last week. But for millions of recipients nationwide and tens of thousands in Arizona like Mindy Torres, the restart is only a temporary reprieve. New work requirements could mean that her only reliable source of grocery money will soon disappear. I have what I need for today, but without the monthly food aid, therell definitely be an issue, said Torres, who left Phoenix three years ago when a rent increase became unaffordable. She and her husband bought an RV and settled on a friends 40-acre property in Show Low. The trailer now sits 28 miles down a dirt road with no running water, an arrangement that fits the government definition of homeless. But in July, Congress removed homelessness as an exemption to work requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The law took effect Nov. 1, with a three-month grace period. There are 42 million SNAP recipients nationwide, including 775,813 in Arizona as of the states October count. The tighter eligibility rules will reduce the rolls by 2.4 million nationwide, according to Congressional Budget Office projections. In Arizona, about 124,000 recipients are at risk of losing benefits, according to an analysis from the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The average monthly payment in Arizona is $185.96 per person, according to the states Department of Economic Security, which handles SNAP payments. About 40% of recipients nationwide are children. The program costs the federal government about $100 billion a year. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump, is projected to slash $186 billion over 10 years by shifting administrative costs to states and tightening eligibility. The law requires able-bodied adults ages 18 to 64 to prove they are working at least 80 hours a month, enrolled in school or participating in a job-training program to receive SNAP benefits. Those who cant show proof of eligibility are limited to three months of food aid in a three-year period. Previously, the work requirement ended at age 55. The new law also erases exemptions for veterans, unhoused individuals and people 18 to 24 who were in foster care when they turned 18. Adults have been exempt if they have a child at home under age 18. Going forward, the cutoff is 14. The law also ends decades of eligibility for refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants granted legal protection for humanitarian efforts. Those changes will affect victims of sex trafficking and visa holders who worked with the U.S. military in conflict zones. These changes account for about 90,000 people who will lose benefits. For Torres, the requirement to work through age 64 hits home. She turns 55 in July, so shell remain on food stamps for the next eight months. After that, she will lose benefits unless she can secure some other exemption. She has a bone disease that precludes her from working, she said. She has been waiting for a disability determination that would keep her eligible. If I just barely bump into something, Im going to break a bone, she said. Im in constant pain. She and her husband currently receive $279 a month. They also rely on local charities. Youre grateful to get what you get, but its not like going grocery shopping, she said. Youll get four boxes of mac and cheese. But if you dont have money for bread or for milk and butter, how are you supposed to make a box of mac and cheese? The U.S. Department of Agriculture withheld SNAP funds for November until Congress reopened the government on Nov. 12, after a record-setting 43-day shutdown. Two days later, the USDA issued a memo to states affirming that the three-month clock started on schedule, on Nov. 1, despite the shutdown. SNAP recipients contacted since then say they have received their November benefits. That should be true for all Arizona recipients, DES spokesperson Brett Bezio said Thursday. Like agencies that handle SNAP in other states, DES says it has sent notices about the new work requirements. Some, but not all, recipients Cronkite News spoke with were aware of the changes. In Chinle, part of the Navajo Nation, resident Alexis Kinlichini was surprised when told of the new rules. Unemployed, the 37-year-old said she relies on the $284 she receives each month. Without SNAP, she said, she would probably starve. MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Kremlin said on Monday that it would wait to see how talks between the United States and Ukraine on a potential peace plan pan out, and would not be commenting on media reports about such a serious and complex issue. The United States and Ukraine said in a joint statement after Sunday's talks in Geneva that they had drafted a "refined peace framework" after an earlier 28-point plan endorsed by the Trump administration was criticised by Kyiv's allies as too sympathetic to Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that U.S. proposals for peace in Ukraine could be the basis of a resolution of the conflict, but that if Kyiv turned down the plan then Russian forces would advance further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Russia had not received any official information about the outcome of the Geneva talks. "We are, of course, closely monitoring the media reports that have been pouring in from Geneva over the past few days, but we have not yet received anything official," Peskov told reporters. "We read a statement that, following the discussions in Geneva, some amendments had been made to the text which we had seen earlier. We will wait. It seems that the dialogue is continuing." When asked about a reported change in a clause concerning NATO and Ukraine which appeared to leave the door open to Kyiv joining the U.S.-led military alliance one day, Peskov said that the Kremlin would not be discussing details of any draft agreement based on media reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is too important and complex an issue to be guided solely by media reports on the matter. Here, it is necessary to rely on information obtained through official channels," said Peskov. He said there were no plans yet for a meeting this week between Russian and U.S. negotiators. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Andrew Osborn/Lucy Papachristou, editing by Mark Trevelyan) As of 6 p.m. on November 23, 343 BTS stations on public networks remained offline, 28 fewer than at midday. Flooding has damaged 82,147 ha of rice and seasonal crops, 117,067 ha of perennial crops, killed or swept away more than 3.3 million livestock and poultry, and affected 1,157 ha of aquaculture. Floods and landslides have left 102 people dead, 11 missing, 221 homes destroyed and 933 others damaged. Dak Lak still reports localised inundation in two communes, while Lam Dong has 127 flooded households. Flooding has subsided in Gia Lai and Khanh Hoa. Seventeen locations on National Highways 20 and 27C remain blocked due to landslides, while 15 railway sections between Dong TacPhu Hiep and Phu HiepHao Son are still under repair following water releases from the Ba Ha hydropower plant. In the communications sector, 62 out of 301 localities remain disconnected from specialised level-2 data transmission networks due to power outages. Rescuers assist a resident in a flooded area. (Photo: VNA) To direct ongoing response efforts, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired an urgent online meeting from South Africa on the morning of November 23 (local time). Following his instructions, Deputy PM Ho Duc Phoc signed Decision No. 2572/QD-TTg on November 23 approving an emergency allocation of 1.1 trillion VND for recovery efforts. Under Decision No. 3929/QD-BTC the same day, the Ministry of Finance released 4,000 tonnes of rice from national reserves to three severely affected provinces. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment called on ministries, agencies and localities to prioritise searching for the missing, treating the injured, and supporting affected families, particularly those who lost loved ones or whose homes were destroyed. Authorities were urged to ensure basic needs, including food, warmth and drinking water, while production remains disrupted; provide temporary shelter; repair damaged homes; rebuild or resettle households whose homes were swept away; mobilise forces for environmental sanitation and disease prevention immediately after the floods; and restore essential infrastructure and services such as electricity, telecommunications, transport, education and healthcare. Localities were also asked to accelerate post-flood production recovery to stabilise livelihoods ahead of the Lunar New Year./.VNA At the 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival, Chinese Ambassador He Wei announced that the Chinese Government has pledged $500,000 in disaster relief support for Vietnam, aiming to assist localities in overcoming the aftermath of recent natural calamities. The festival, held this morning at the Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound in Hanoi, opened with the theme Trip of Flavours A global taste journey. This years edition features 120 booths representing 50 embassies, 20 local foreign affairs departments, eight units under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as various enterprises and international organizations. Le Nguyet Anh, the spouse of Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, emphasized that since its launch in 2014, the International Culinary Culture Festival has evolved beyond a mere cultural exchange event to become a symbol of friendship, compassion, and international solidarity in Hanoi. Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei. She noted that each booth, dish, and cultural story conveyed through flavor serves as a bridge for connection, where national identities intersect, mutual understanding flourishes, and friendships between Vietnam and the world are nurtured with sincerity and kindness. The festival comes at a time when many parts of Vietnam are reeling from devastating floods and storms. With strong support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all participating units, the entire proceeds from the event will be dedicated to supporting disaster-affected communities. Nguyet Anh underscored this humanitarian commitment as the festivals core mission: using food and culture to bind hearts, to foster empathy that transcends geography and borders. Speaking at the opening, Ha Thi Nga, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, affirmed that the 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival not only celebrates cultural and culinary diversity but also unites hearts toward those suffering in Central and Central Highlands regions devastated by recent storms. She remarked that the historic floods in recent days have caused tremendous human and material losses. More than ever, the Vietnamese value of "mutual support" must be awakened and widely embraced. Organizers present charity gifts for communities hit hardest by recent floods. The event drew leaders of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper, Hanoi officials, representatives of friendship organisations, research institutes, universities, and businesses from both nations. In his opening remarks, VUFO Vice President Dong Huy Cuong described Vietnam US relations as a unique relationship shaped by numerous ups and downs, but it has evolved into a model of reconciliation between countries. He recalled the landmark normalisation of relations and establishment of diplomatic ties on July 12, 1995, highlighting the tireless efforts by leaders and citizens on both sides. With the spirit of setting aside the past, overcoming differences, building on common ground, and looking towards the future, bilateral ties have witnessed breakthrough and impressive development in all aspects, leading to a Comprehensive Partnership in July 2013 and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development on September 10, 2023, he noted. Cuong added that the Vienamese people always appreciate the precious support from US friends, including US veterans, their relatives, charitable organisations, and NGOs whose goodwill and trust have helped heal wartime wounds and assisted with Vietnams socio-economic development and international integration. US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA) He emphasised the role of VUFO and the Vietnam USA Society in promoting reconciliation, addressing war legacy, strengthening people-to-people ties, and laying a sustainable foundation for bilateral relations. For his part, Knapper described the festival as a testament to the development, dynamism, and partnership between the two countries, recognising the individuals on both sides who have rebuilt mutual trust and understanding while advancing progress in bilateral ties. He said the event also aimed to inspire younger generations to continue strengthening relations over the next three decades. The ambassador hailed US firms in supporting the efforts, noting that the two sides have worked closely in promoting education, health care, economic growth, security, and other sectors. The programme featured cultural performances, sports, traditional games, and exhibitions of Vietnamese and US culture and cuisine. It also showcased achievements in bilateral relations and highlighted activities of friendship associations, the US diplomatic mission in Vietnam, NGOs, and businesses of both countries, aiming to deepen mutual understanding and foster people-to-people exchanges in the time ahead. Since July 12, 1995, Vietnam US relations have achieved remarkable progress. The US is now Vietnams largest export market, with bilateral trade rising more than 250-fold since then to over 132 billion USD in 2024. US investment has expanded rapidly, with companies including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Intel, Meta, Nike, Visa, Coca-Cola, and Marriott among large investors. In political and security cooperation, the two countries have strengthened ties through high-level visits, dialogue mechanisms, and coordinated action on regional and global issues such as climate change, ASEAN initiatives, and Mekong cooperation. In education and people-to-people exchanges, Vietnam is the largest source of ASEAN students in the US, nearly 30,000 in total, with many American universities offering programmes tailored to Vietnamese students, according to the festival organisers./.VNA Among the top graduates honored by Hanoi in 2025, Mai Hoa - born in 1987 and valedictorian of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts - stands out as an exceptional case. She graduated at the age of 38 after a decade in the workforce without finding a true passion. A new direction after years of working Mai Hoa, born in 1987, valedictorian of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts. Photo: Provided by subject In 2005, Hoa enrolled in English Language Studies at Hanoi University. However, she admitted that her choice was based on a knack for languages rather than a clear career plan. After graduation, she spent seven years working in office roles but felt increasingly unfulfilled. Ive always longed to work in a field that truly suits my abilities, she said. I had some artistic inclinations but wasnt sure where my strengths really lay. In 2016, she made a daring move - quitting her job to explore entrepreneurship and enroll in short courses on makeup, photography, and fashion illustration. Through these experiences, she realized that the essence of all these disciplines was rooted in fine art. She no longer wanted to pursue the surface - she wanted to return to the foundation: painting. Her decision was fully supported by her husband, who had worked with her for years and understood her character and ambitions. Hoa graduated from university at nearly 40. Photo: Provided by subject In 2020, Hoa began preparing for the entrance exam to the Vietnam University of Fine Arts. She had to study figure drawing, composition, and literature. Throughout this time, her husband provided unwavering support, often cooking her favorite meals so she could focus on her studies. Thanks to her determination, she was accepted into her dream program. Returning to student life in her 30s among classmates 15 years her junior didnt faze her. With work experience and emotional maturity, she adapted well and poured herself into learning. I came back to school with a clear purpose. I knew exactly what I wanted, she shared. The first two years were the hardest. She struggled with the volume of work and often felt like giving up. Looking back, Hoa now believes that such challenges are a rite of passage for any fine arts student trying to discover their creative path. By the end of her second year, her academic performance was strong enough to qualify her for the talent class. This earned her full tuition coverage and art material support. Chasing her passion with courage Despite progressing in her studies, Hoa constantly worried about the future: Can art really support me financially? Pursuing art is a long, internal struggle, she said. To paint, you have to momentarily let go of material concerns and keep your spirit clear - even when life is heavy. You also have to break your own habits and limitations. Solid technique is essential, but eventually, you must go beyond it to create freely. In her third and fourth years, she became more confident and independent in her learning. Then tragedy struck. While on a four-week field trip in Hue, her father passed away. The loss devastated her and shook her sense of purpose. Hoa at the valedictorian recognition ceremony at the Temple of Literature. Photo: Provided by subject Videos of an Indian groom dressed in a traditional red ao dai, carrying trays of betel and wedding gifts for his Vietnamese bride, have taken social media by storm. The scenes - from the couples ancestral ceremony to the emotional gift exchange between families - have garnered nearly two million views and close to 30,000 hearts. A love that weathered the storm Nguyen Nhu Y (born 1994, originally from Hau Giang, now living in Can Tho) and Abhishek Khandelwal (born 1995, from Bangalore, India) recently shared unforgettable moments at their wedding, held at the brides family home. Their path to marriage was not without turbulence. Both worked in the seafood industry - Y in Can Tho, Abhishek in India. They first met in March 2024 at an international seafood expo in Ca Mau during Abhisheks business trip to Vietnam. What started as a polite acquaintance soon deepened into frequent chats and spiritual connection after he returned home. Their relationship took a turn when Y traveled to India as a tourist, and Abhishek acted as her guide. Spending time together strengthened their bond, and Abhishek realized Y was the one he wanted to marry. His family still strongly believes in arranged marriages. When they found out about us, they were furious. His parents even flew out to confront him in person, Y shared. He kept many things from me so I wouldnt worry. The couple poses for wedding photos in traditional ao dai. Photo: NVCC Despite the backlash, Abhishek remained unwavering in his commitment. He slowly won his parents over - through persistence, heartfelt conversations, and video calls that helped them get to know Y. I don't know everything he did to convince them, only that he was determined, Y recalled. By April 2025, when I visited his family for the first time, they greeted me with open arms. His parents came to the airport, and his mother embraced me. At that moment, I knew I had been accepted. A wedding with millions of views A scene from the grooms arrival with betel trays. The couples wedding took place on November 9 at the brides home, following traditional Vietnamese customs with a deep Mekong Delta flavor. From the dragon-phoenix gate made of woven coconut leaves to the vibrant red theme - symbolizing happiness - every detail enchanted viewers. Videos of Abhishek dressed in a red ao dai, respectfully carrying wedding trays and betel leaves, performing the family rituals, and exchanging blessings with both families drew nearly two million views and tens of thousands of likes. The couple celebrates their Vietnamese-style wedding at the brides home. Photo: NVCC Beyond the congratulations, viewers praised Abhishek and his family for their respect for Vietnamese culture. Y explained that she was the creative force behind the wedding, hoping for a ceremony filled with traditional meaning. Abhishek enthusiastically supported her vision. The couple spent two to three months planning every detail. Abhishek took charge of explaining Vietnamese wedding customs to his family, including their significance. On the wedding day, the groom and his party traveled from their hotel to my house. He took care of everything - from the ceremonial trays to attire - by researching Vietnamese traditions himself, said Y. Both families offer their blessings to the couple. The wedding ceremony of the couple in India. Photos: Courtesy of the couple NA Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nga from Quang Tri On November 20, Vietnam Teachers Day, the National Assembly devoted the entire day to discussing draft laws and draft resolutions related to education and training. Nguyen Tam Hung, a delegate from HCMC, noted that the draft law amending several provisions of the Law on Education stipulates that the State will have a unified set of textbooks for nationwide use. He proposed clarifying the mechanism of textbook selection, the accountability of the national appraisal council, and the procedures for correcting errors, since textbooks are essential teaching tools for teachers. If the appraisal, approval and correction processes are not transparent, teachers will feel pressure when having to explain issues to parents and students, Hung said. He also stressed the need for the Government to provide free textbooks starting from the 20262027 school year as a meaningful gesture of the Party and the States care for Vietnams education system. Hung added that general school teachers currently bear pressure from school collections and expenditures beyond tuition fees. He proposed adding a requirement to publicly disclose 100 percent of education-related service fees, including supportive services, to ensure teachers are not placed in a position where they must justify these fees on behalf of schools. Financial transparency, he said, is critical to protecting teachers dignity, mental well-being and time. Citing the reality that secondary and high school teachers are under great pressure in career guidance work, the delegate proposed considering supplementing the responsibility of commune and provincial authorities in implementing career guidance, avoiding the situation of "shifting all obligations onto schools." A better mechanism for educational autonomy Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nga (Quang Tri) said, We are very encouraged that the Central Committee has issued Resolution 71 on breakthrough measures for developing education and training, with strong orientations and major policy directions to remove bottlenecks and modernize education. She noted that policies already stated in Resolution 71 do not need to be repeated in the draft National Assembly resolution; instead, the draft should clarify mechanisms, resources and implementation roadmaps. The draft resolution includes several policies such as special allowances for teachers, free textbooks, credit support, scholarships for doctoral students and investment in digital infrastructure. These policies are extremely important. "However, the draft resolution lacks 'speaking numbers' and clear resources. It has not clearly institutionalized the specific mechanism and roadmap for implementation. Therefore, despite having high expectations, I am also very concerned about the difficulties and problems during practical implementation," Nga said. Regarding investment incentives for education and training, the State will ensure a minimum expenditure of 20 percent. According to the delegate, this regulation is not a breakthrough at all, because this spending level was already stipulated in the National Assembly's Resolution 37 in 2004, and legalized in the Education Law. "With such a spending level, the education budget over the past time has only ensured salary expenditures, while spending on educational activities remains very low," Nga stated. Under Resolution 71, education in the coming time has many urgent, important, and breakthrough tasks. However, it is unclear about the resources to implement the tasks. "We understand that the budget 'pie' is limited, and 20 percent is a significant figure," the delegate saided. According to the delegate, the draft needs to show clear financial mechanisms, investment mechanisms, and effective resource utilization. The education sector cannot rely solely on the state budget but must mobilize social resources. Therefore, Nga believed that a specific, outstanding mechanism is needed to promote the socialization of education. However, the current problem is the lack of a complete legal framework for public-private cooperation in education, leading to legal risks for businesses investing in public schools. The most essential resource is internal capacity - human resources, governance and institutions. We must promote creativity and autonomy. Autonomy is not just a mechanism; it is a major resource that delivers faster and more effective results than direct financial investment, she said. Nga noted that implementing relevant laws is challenging because autonomy-related provisions remain vague with the general concept in accordance with the law. She stressed that without superior mechanisms to remove bottlenecks and unify legal provisions on autonomy, the policy, although sound, will be hard to implement in practice. Tran Thuong From November 24 to 28, the group will participate in emergency response and rescue efforts in flood-isolated areas across Khanh Hoa province. They will also provide medical care for around 150 HCMC volunteers currently deployed to support local recovery efforts. On November 25, the hospital plans to deliver 500 family medicine kits to assist residents affected by the floods. On the afternoon of November 22, Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the HCMC Department of Health, announced that emergency response plans had been activated, and that medical forces were being urgently mobilized to support provinces in the south-central region facing severe flooding. The Department of Health instructed hospitals and medical units under its authority to assess their personnel, including doctors, nurses, and technicians, for potential deployment upon request from the Ministry of Health and local authorities. Hospitals were also told to implement emergency protocols, prepare mobile medical units, transportation, environmental sanitation supplies, and essential medical equipment for emergency treatment. As of November 22, dozens of doctors and nurses from Thong Nhat Hospital, Military Hospital 175, Peoples Hospital 115, the Hospital for Traumatology and Orthopedics, the Hospital for Rehabilitation and Occupational Diseases, and An Binh Hospital have arrived in Khanh Hoa. They are currently providing direct medical care both at provincial hospitals and within the community, focusing on the hardest-hit flood zones. In parallel with personnel mobilization, several hospitals in HCMC are actively rolling out a campaign to distribute "family medicine kits" to support residents in flooded areas. Each kit includes fever reducers for both adults and children, anti-diarrheal medication, oral rehydration salts, antiseptics, cotton swabs, gauze, hand sanitizers, soap, essential medicines for common illnesses, and a detailed instruction sheet on safe usage and disease prevention during the rainy season. An initial 10,000 kits will be delivered to people in Khanh Hoa. The Director of the HCMC Department of Health emphasized that, in all circumstances, the citys healthcare sector stands ready to join hands with provinces severely affected by natural disasters. Phuoc Sang On November 1819, nearly 60 delegates from customs authorities of participating countries and international law enforcement organizations gathered in Khanh Hoa Province for the closing conference of Operation Mekong Dragon 7 (OMD 7). Jointly organized by Vietnam Customs, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Asia-Pacific Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO A/P WCO), the event drew strong interest thanks to the campaigns remarkable achievements in combating transnational crime. General view of the conference. Photo: Vietnam Customs Launched in 2018 as a joint initiative between Vietnam Customs and China Customs, Operation Mekong Dragon has evolved into a large-scale cooperation effort targeting drug trafficking, illegal trade in wildlife and plants, and CITES-listed products across the Asia-Pacific region. Phase 7 of the campaign ran from April 15 to September 15, 2025, with the participation of 24 customs agencies, law enforcement forces, and international organizations. At the conference, Dang Van Duc, Deputy Head of the Anti-Smuggling Investigation Department, emphasized the crucial role of international partners in sharing intelligence and investigation techniques. Since the campaign was included in the 2022 joint statement between the General Secretaries of Vietnam and China, it has received strong high-level support, enabling Vietnam Customs to expand the campaign and deepen inter-agency collaboration. Over the past three phases (OMD 5, 6, and 7), Vietnam Customs has worked closely with the Ministry of Public Securitys C04 and C05 units and local customs branches. The results are clear: in the first 10 months of 2025 alone, Vietnam Customs and other enforcement bodies uncovered 165 cases, arrested 213 suspects, and seized 2.3 metric tons of narcotics - largely thanks to intelligence shared by partners from China, Australia, Hong Kong (China), and Japan. Regionally, OMD 7 recorded 1,155 cases uncovered and processed. Among them were 1,027 drug-related incidents (involving 11.8 tons and more than 1.7 million tablets of synthetic drugs), 20 involving precursors, and 108 violations related to wildlife and plant trafficking, with large volumes of confiscated items. A representative from UNODC praised the Mekong Dragon Campaign not only as a law enforcement operation but also as a trust-building platform that fosters intelligence sharing and drives collective action across the region. UNODC affirmed its continued support through technical assistance, tools, and cross-border coordination mechanisms. From China Customs, Yang Xi, Director of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Xiamen Customs, applauded Vietnams organizational role, calling OMD a leading model of customs cooperation in addressing transnational crime in the region. In closing, Vietnam Customs reaffirmed the governments commitment to ongoing collaboration with member countries and international organizations in efforts to combat drug trafficking, protect endangered wildlife, and fight all forms of cross-border crime. Vietnam pledged to stand alongside its partners in building secure borders, a stable region, and a sustainable future. Tien Dung The Ministry of Health is gathering public feedback on a draft circular that would allow inter-hospital use of over 1,000 diagnostic test and imaging results nationwide. According to the draft, the circular outlines a list of nearly 1,100 laboratory and imaging services, including biochemical, hematological, microbiological, molecular biology, pathology, and radiological tests, along with conditions for mutual recognition of these results among medical facilities. In terms of laboratory testing, the proposed list includes 40 biochemical tests, 55 hematology tests, 26 microbiology procedures, 86 genetic and molecular biology tests, and 14 pathology diagnostics. Medical facilities will be required to publicly self-assess their testing quality. Results may be recognized if the facility is certified with a quality level of 1 or higher, according to Decision No. 2429/QD-BYT dated June 12, 2017. Recognition follows the principle of mutual acknowledgment between labs of the same quality tier, and lower-tier labs must accept results from higher-tier ones. Ultimately, physicians treating patients hold the authority to decide whether to use external test results or request a repeat test based on the patients clinical condition and progress. Imaging results and legal conditions The Ministry of Health proposes a broad list of test results to be shared. Photo: Thu Ngo. In this case, the hospital retrieved the heart, two kidneys (one of which was transplanted into a serviceman), and the liver - which was split for transplant into two patients. The right lobe was transplanted into a male soldier at the hospital, while the left lobe was allocated to Vinmec Hospital for transplant into a one-year-old child. Two corneas were preserved for future transplants, and the lungs were transferred to the National Lung Hospital. The donor was a 42-year-old man declared clinically deceased following a stroke. After being informed of his condition, the donors family agreed to donate his organs to save six patients awaiting the chance of survival. Once the Organ Transplant Centre at the 108 Military Central Hospital received confirmation of the organ donation, all relevant transplant subcommittees, departments and units were immediately mobilised. Coordination, patient preparation, resuscitation, laboratory testing, anaesthesia and surgical teams all operated in synchrony. A consultation meeting chaired by Lieutenant General Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Ngoc, Deputy Director of the hospital, started at 10am on November 22 and lasted nearly two hours. At 13:45 the same day, military medical teams began the multi-organ retrieval, with five operating theatres activated simultaneously. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ly, head of the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, said that once they receive notice of a planned multi-organ retrieval, their staff are immediately placed on standby. Within an hour of the official notification and conclusion of the consultation council, the entire anaesthesia and resuscitation team is assembled. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Van Quang, deputy head of the Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Department, noted that in multi-organ donation cases, timing is critical. For the heart, the ideal cold ischaemic time is under four hours, while for the liver it is approximately six to eight hours. Therefore, all stages must be prepared meticulously and carried out with urgency. For the liver transplant, surgeons divided the organ in-situ to prepare for the two recipients. This was the ninth time the hospital has performed the technique. For the heart transplant, surgeons operated on a 68-year-old male patient diagnosed with stage III heart failure and severely reduced ejection fraction. At 17:28 the same day, the first heartbeat appeared on the monitor. After surgery, the liver transplant patient was alert and extubated in the operating room. The heart transplant patient was haemodynamically stablised, and both kidney transplant recipients were in stable condition with clear urine and good output. All patients continue to receive close monitoring and intensive care./.VNA According to officials from Song Cau ward, Buon Ho town, the viral posts were unfounded. These online rumors suggested that barrels of sulfuric acid had been swept into the sea during the floods, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities among residents diving for seafood. After investigating, the local police confirmed there was no evidence of such incidents. No people were found to have died from acid exposure, nor was there any verified report of sulfuric acid leaking into local waters. Authorities are continuing to trace the sources of the misinformation and have summoned individuals responsible for posting the false content online. The posts have been deemed harmful, causing unnecessary public panic during a time of crisis. The Song Cau ward police have urged the public to remain calm and refrain from sharing unverified information that has not been confirmed by official agencies. Earlier, on November 20, the Ministry of Public Security reported that 100 barrels of sulfuric acid had been swept away from the Tuy Hoa sugar plant in Dak Lak during flooding. These containers, holding 20 liters each, were described as blue or gray in color. The Ministry classified the chemical as highly hazardous and warned residents not to open any containers they may find. Anyone discovering these barrels is advised to report them to local authorities for proper handling. As of midday on November 21, Dak Lak had recorded 19 deaths and six missing persons due to the floods. Many areas remain heavily submerged, and rescue teams continue to evacuate residents to safer locations. Hai Duong Organised by the French Institute in Vietnam, the tour presents the artists new musical project, Drifting with the Water From the Loire to the Mekong, along with a series of performances, masterclasses, and artistic exchanges in several major cities. Accordingly, she will perform with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra in Hanoi on November 29; give an in-depth masterclass at the Hue Academy of Music on December 1 and perform a solo recital there on December 2; and play a solo at Novotel Da Nang on December 3. The pianist will then hold an in-depth masterclass at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music on December 5; perform a solo at the Ho Chi Minh City Childrens House on December 6; and present a solo performance at Pho Ben Doi in Lam Dong province on December 7. The programme is expected to perform works by French composers associated with the Loire River such as Henri Dutilleux and Francis Poulenc, classical masters such as Ravel, Debussy, Faure, along with contemporary composers. In particular, it will feature works that directly address the theme of water such as Ton That Tiet (Vietnam) with the work Dai Duong (LOcean); and Edith Canat de Chizy (France) with the work Sailing. Ciocarlie is a prominent figure on numerous prestigious stages worldwide, including the Theatre des Champs-Elysees (Paris), Lincoln Centre (New York), the Trans-Siberian Arts Festival in Russia, and many other international festivals. She is also a faculty member at leading conservatories such as the Conservatoire de Lyon and Alfred Cortot, and consistently emphasises connecting with the next generation of artists through her tours and intensive masterclasses./.VNA He leaves behind a rich scientific legacy and has long been a source of inspiration for generations of Vietnamese mathematicians. A lifelong journey in mathematics Professor Le Dung Trang featured in a graduate mathematics teaching and seminar program at Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru (PUCP), a prestigious Peruvian university. Photo: Puntoedu.pucp.edu.pe Born in Saigon in 1947, Le Dung Trang moved to France with his family in 1949. From an early age, he showed a deep passion for mathematics and later enrolled in some of the most prestigious institutions in France. In 1971, at just 24 years old, he earned his Doctorat dEtat (Doctor of Science) under the supervision of two prominent mathematicians: Claude Chevalley and Pierre Deligne - the latter later receiving the Fields Medal in 1978 and the Abel Prize in 2013. At the time, he was one of the youngest individuals in France to obtain the doctorate. His academic career spanned multiple countries. He taught at Paris 7 University, the Ecole Polytechnique, and Marseille I University. From 2002 to 2009, he served as Head of the Mathematics Section at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. He was also elected to The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in 1993. A love for mathematics, born in challenge In a 2015 interview with the Worldwide Center of Mathematics, Professor Le Dung Trang recounted the moment he realized mathematics was his calling. While studying at Ecole Polytechnique, he participated in various math competitions, discovering his aptitude through them. Seminars, especially those focusing on singularities inspired by Hironakas work, shaped his academic orientation and passion. He admitted that his goal was never fame - only the desire to explore interesting mathematical problems. Through relentless self-study, he developed foundational tools that enabled other mathematicians to work on complex structural phenomena. International outreach and service to Vietnam Despite establishing his career in France, Le Dung Trang remained deeply committed to Vietnam. As early as the 1970s, he paid for his own travel expenses to return home and teach. In 1974, at the invitation of Professor Ta Quang Buu, he joined a delegation of international mathematicians to deliver a series of lectures on mathematical problems at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. One of his most significant contributions was helping Vietnam join the International Mathematical Union (IMU) in 1974. He campaigned for funding and coordinated with colleagues in the U.S., France, and Japan to support Vietnams participation in the International Congress of Mathematicians in Vancouver, Canada. This paved the way for young Vietnamese scholars to study abroad and integrate into the global mathematical community. At the VietnamFrance Mathematics Conference in 2012, Professor Le Dung Trang spoke candidly about the early challenges in organizing seminars, inviting foreign lecturers, handling visas, accommodation, and logistics. These early efforts laid the groundwork for long-term academic partnerships between Vietnamese and international mathematics communities. Research and philosophical humility Professor Le Dung Trangs primary research focused on singularities in geometry and Hodge theory. His scholarly work introduced new analytical tools and helped broaden the fields global understanding. Despite his numerous achievements, he remained modest, describing his contributions as building blocks for future generations to expand upon. Even after retirement, he remained academically active, conducting research in Brazil and maintaining international collaborations. He consistently emphasized the importance of self-study, independent inquiry, and continuous personal growth in mathematics. A lasting legacy Professor Le Dung Trang exemplified the harmony of talent, personal dedication, and national responsibility. He not only helped elevate the quality of mathematical research in Vietnam but also opened vital connections with the international scientific community. His name is forever associated with introducing Vietnamese mathematics to the world, mentoring generations of young scholars, and laying the foundation for enduring collaborations between Vietnam and countries such as France. Today, his legacy lives on in academic works, classrooms, and international programs - continuing to inspire future Vietnamese mathematicians to reach beyond borders. Hoang Linh State broadcaster SABC and private network eNCA covered PM Chinhs address at the summit, where he laid out three strategic priorities for equitable growth. Meanwhile, enca.com, Central News South Africa and government portal sanews.gov.za carried extensive coverage of his sideline activities, including meetings with President Cyril Ramaphosa and other leaders. The coverage revealed the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, and commitments to inclusive cooperation ranging from agriculture to technology transfer, along with trade barrier reduction, agricultural market access, and investment promotion The PM expressed hope that South Africa would support Vietnams bid for G20 participation, underscoring shared interests in sectors such as coffee production and processing. Central News South Africa and enca.com described the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agriculture as part of a broader shift in South Africa - Vietnam relations, opening new trade opportunities and advancing the newly upgraded strategic partnership. The MoU not only builds on recent commercial gains but also serves as a milestone in raising bilateral relations. Its signing at the G20 underlines South Africas utilisation of global platforms to push African interests and Vietnams strong backing for the continents voice at international forums. Polity.org.za and sanews.gov.za highlighted the commitments announced at the South AfricaVietnam Business Forum on the summits sidelines. Deputy President Paul Mashatile pledged the South African Governments commitment to easier trade and investment conditions as the two countries work to deepen economic ties. He said both nations are at a critical moment as they seek to expand cooperation in key areas, including trade, industry, agriculture, sci-tech, renewable energy and digital transformation. Overall, South African media portrayed the Vietnamese leaders visit and the new agreements as a direct follow-on to President Ramaphosas recent state visit to Vietnam, marking a new phase in bilateral ties with wider cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, digital transformation and sci-tech. Mashatile noted that South Africa remains Vietnams largest trade partner in Africa. Vietnam, in turn, provides a gateway for South Africa to enter the nearly 700-million-strong ASEAN market, while South Africa offers Vietnam access to the 1.4 billion-consumer African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)./.VNA NA Delegate Pham Van Hoa of Dong Thap (photo: Quoc Hoi) The National Assembly on November 19 held a plenary discussion on the draft Law on Tax Administration (amended) and the draft Law on Personal Income Tax (amended). The draft Personal Income Tax (PIT) Law includes a regulation on imposing a 0.1 percent tax rate on gold bar transfers to increase market transparency and restrict speculation. The Government will specify the taxable threshold, effective date, and adjustments to the tax rate in accordance with the gold market management roadmap. Delegate Pham Van Hoa of Dong Thap agreed that those buying and selling gold bars for speculative profit should be taxed. However, he argued that the 0.1 percent tax is insignificant for these actors, and suggested imposing a stronger income adjustment to prevent excessive speculation that destabilizes the market. Hoa noted that many families buy gold for savings, accumulation for their children, or to sell during emergencies such as illness. For these people, he said, taxation should not apply. Delegate Tran Kim Yen of HCMC recommended reviewing the risks of double taxation. Agreeing with Hoa, she explained: Most people see gold as a savings asset accumulated year after year. They buy very small volumes of gold and hoard under the bed in anticipation of emergencies and life events such as funerals, weddings, or illness. This gold is purchased using post-tax income, and now selling it would again be taxed. She questioned whether this constitutes double taxation and said taxing citizens gold savings may not be humane or socially meaningful. "We are trying to tax speculators and market manipulators with the desire to stabilize the gold market. However, the 0.1 percent tax rate is not enough to deter gold trading speculation since it is insignificant compared to the profit margin earned by speculators, she said. The important thing is to have measures to limit speculation and manage the gold market healthily," Yen added. She agreed with the idea to assign the Government to regulate the threshold value of gold bars subject to tax and the time of applying the tax rate on gold bar transfers. She expressed the hope that the Government would quickly issue a decree to apply the tax as soon as the law takes effect. Prior to that, Delegate Le Thi Thanh Lam (Can Tho) said that it must be implemented with a clear distinction between speculative activities and simple accumulation, so as not to affect people who buy gold just to save. She proposed developing a flexible declaration and deduction mechanism, allowing gold businesses, future trading platforms, or commercial banks to withhold and file taxes on behalf of traders, thereby reducing administrative burdens for individuals. Delegate Trinh Xuan An (Dong Nai) stated that taxing gold bar transfers is a new regulation and no other country imposes that kind of tax like Vietnam. However, the delegate found the proposal to be reasonable given Vietnam's characteristics and specifics in gold management. Responding to the opinions of many delegates who suggested not taxing people who buy gold for saving, An stated that it is "very difficult to distinguish between buying gold for saving and buying gold for speculation." He said that taxing only gold bars is appropriate as part of a broader set of regulatory tools. It cannot be called saving when people stay up all night, queue from 3 am to register to buy gold bars, and when they cannot buy gold bars, they turn to gold rings. That must not be saving, he said. An said the 0.1 percent rate is reasonable but proposed that any future adjustments should be decided by the National Assembly Standing Committee. He added, Taxing gold bar transfers does not risk double taxation and does not harm citizens savings. Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang later explained that the proposal on taxing gold transfers has been thoroughly reviewed based on feedback from ministries and agencies. He said the primary goal of the tax is to regulate gold-trading behavior and prevent speculation that creates pressure on the gold and foreign exchange markets. Citizens are ultimately the ones harmed when gold prices are manipulated, he stressed, calling the tax one among several measures to stabilize the gold market. Regarding timing, he said the Government would carefully consider the appropriate application date, adding: Our research shows this is not a case of double taxation. After three days of evacuation due to historic flooding, residents of Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa Province) returned home only to find thick layers of mud and debris covering both their homes and the streets. Amid the wreckage of their belongings, many could not hold back their tears. On November 21, as floodwaters began to recede in Nha Trang, residents of Thai Thong Street in Nam Nha Trang Ward came back early in the morning to assess the damage and salvage what little remained. The once-bustling street was now slick with slippery mud. With the water gone, sidewalks became staging grounds for ruined furniture and appliances pulled from homes. In some areas where water still lingered, people waded through to get home. Just three nights earlier, torrential rains had caused water levels to rise dramatically, submerging many communes and wards across Khanh Hoa. The most severely affected were Tay Nha Trang and Nam Nha Trang, where thousands were stranded in flooded areas. Under clear skies and retreating waters, 58-year-old Nguyen Thi Thu Ha returned to clean her home in Thai Thong neighborhood. Ive lived here for decades and seen floods before, but never anything like this, she said. Around 11 p.m. on November 19, water poured into her house, reaching past her knees. Her modest home doubled as a family business, and she rushed to move her elderly mother and daughter to a relatives place in Nha Trang Ward. When she came back, she was stunned to find most of her inventory submerged in muddy water and severely damaged. About 100 meters from Has home, Mai Xuan Hoang was busy hauling his television, refrigerator, washing machine, and other household items into the yard. Electronics that get soaked and buried in mud are all ruined, he said grimly. That night, heavy rain continued for hours. Fearing the worst, Hoang and his wife raised their belongings to higher ground. But by midnight, the water had risen to the roof. He had to remove tiles and help his family flee to a neighbors house. This time the flood was just too high. All our assets are submerged. I dont know what, if anything, can be saved, he lamented. Across the street, after scraping away the thick mud, Hoang Thi Ha Le sprayed water to clean her rented two-story house. In front of the house was the family's small rice eatery. We just bought all this furniture recently, and now everythings ruined. The loss is huge, she said through tears. When the flood came, Le and her family sheltered on the second floor. Realizing that neighbors living in one-story homes were at risk, they helped them to safety. Nearby, a family's metal roller door was twisted and broken. The scene in Nam Nha Trang was one of widespread devastation, debris, and loss. Local militia in Nam Nha Trang Ward shoveled mud in preparation to set up an emergency relief distribution point. Nguyen Tuan Vu, Deputy Commander of the local Military Command, said: Some areas are still flooded, so weve deployed teams in different directions to rescue those trapped and deliver essential supplies. As the waters recede, these teams are continuing to assist in home cleanup efforts and food distribution. One man, his health weakened and legs numb after being trapped for days, was rescued from an alley on Cau Dua Phu Nong Street and taken to a medical center. As of November 16, 54 communes and wards across Khanh Hoa had reported 162 flood-affected sites. Many neighborhoods remain submerged, with thousands still isolated. The province has recorded 14 deaths and around 9,000 flooded or damaged homes. Residents return to mud-filled homes after the historic flood in Nha Trang. People clean up Thai Thong Street as floodwaters recede. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha was overwhelmed by the sight of her destroyed inventory. Mai Xuan Hoang moves water-damaged electronics out to dry. Nam Nha Trang militia remove mud and prepare for emergency aid distribution. Local authorities deliver essential supplies to residents. A pharmacy in Tay Nha Trang left in ruins after the flood. A rice store in Tay Nha Trang lost nearly 30 tons of soaked grain. A damaged car lies on the flooded intersection of Hoang Cam and Tran Huu Duyet streets. A man, immobilized by days of soaking floodwater, is rescued from an alley. Xuan Ngoc Child restraint systems (CRS) are the most effective solution to protect children during car crashes and have long been mandatory in many countries. Yet in Vietnam, they will only become compulsory starting January 1, 2026 - 20 to 40 years after most of the developed world introduced such rules. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), proper use of safety devices - especially certified child car seats - can reduce the risk of death and serious injury in children by over 60%. Globally, most developed countries already enforce child seat use with increasingly strict guidelines and heavy penalties. Europe requires rear-facing seats for children under 15 months Europe requires children under 15 months to ride in rear-facing car seats. Photo: The Sun The European Union and the UK were early adopters of standardized CRS regulations, notably the UN/ECE R44 and UN R129 (also known as i-Size). The i-Size standard, which is height-based and includes side-impact testing, is strongly encouraged. A key element of the i-Size regulation is that children under 15 months must use rear-facing car seats, as this position significantly reduces head and neck injuries during collisions. As reported by Mobility & Transport, the EU made CRS use mandatory in all member states from May 2006. Most countries require children under 1.35 meters or below 12 years old to use a CRS or booster seat. Fines for noncompliance range from 60 to 500 euros (approximately 65 to 545 USD), depending on the country. Germany enforces strict standards: children under 12 years or shorter than 1.5 meters must use appropriate child seats, preferably in the back seat - the safest spot in a crash. In the UK, children under 12 or under 1.35 meters must be in a CRS that fits their weight or height. Seats are divided into groups: rear-facing for infants, five-point harness seats, and booster seats. Violations can result in fines up to 500 pounds (around 630 USD). In the US, repeated violations can lead to license suspension US laws require children aged 17 to use five-point harness seats. Photo: Carscoops The US has been ahead of the curve since the 1970s. State-level regulations requiring CRS began in the early 1970s, with nearly all states enforcing them by 1985 - more than 40 years ahead of Vietnam. While the US has no federal CRS law, each state enforces its own rules based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines. Generally, children under 1 year or under 22 pounds must ride in rear-facing seats; ages 17 require front-facing seats with five-point harnesses; ages 812 transition to booster seats. Penalties can be severe - up to 500 USD - and repeat offenders may lose their drivers license. Japan and South Korea require CRS for children under 6 Japan has mandated CRS use for children under 6 since 2000. According to the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims' Aid (NASVA), seat selection is based on the child's weight and developmental stage - Infant, Toddler, or Junior. Emphasis is also placed on proper harnessing, as improper use can negate the seats safety benefits. Rather than large fines, Japan penalizes violators by deducting drivers license points, which significantly increases compliance. South Korea follows a similar policy, requiring CRS or booster seats for children under 6 since 2006. Violations incur fines of around 120,000 won (roughly 170 USD). China enforces CRS use for children under 4, with higher penalties in major cities Children under 4 must ride in car seats in China; major cities impose stricter penalties. Photo: SCMP According to Markets & Markets and PwC, the global aerospace industry, especially the UAV sector, is booming with a compound annual growth rate of over 15%. The global UAV market is expected to hit 128 billion USD in 2030 and rise to 700 billion USD by 2035. The UAV usage is expanding across Vietnam. In agriculture, the Mekong Delta already operates over 3,000 drones across 1.5 million hectares. The agricultural UAV and robotics market is predicted to reach 363.7 million USD by 2030, up 4.76% annually. A single drone can spray or monitor 6070 hectares per day, far exceeding the manual labour capacity of 1 hectare. In the electricity sector, one hour of UAV inspection can replace three days of manual work. As Vietnams e-commerce market is forecast to reach 63 billion USD by 2030, UAVs are emerging as highly effective last-mile delivery tools. Pilot programmes in Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, and Lang Son provinces have proven their ability to reduce delivery times and overcome difficult terrain. Viettel has long invested in UAV R&D and deployment. During severe flooding in OctoberNovember 2025, the group used drones equipped with mobile 4G/5G transmitters operating at a height of 50100 metres, providing a 6-kilometre coverage radius and up to 24 hours of service via hybrid cable power, to support disaster response efforts. Viettel has also designed and manufactured multiple UAV models comparable to international products. Lieut. Gen. Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and General Director of Viettel, said the group is developing dual-use UAVs to build a low-altitude economic ecosystem serving both economic and defence needs. CT Group is also expanding its UAV footprint. In August 2025, it signed a contract to export 5,000 heavy-load UAVs (60300 kg) to the Republic of Korea. The company operates five UAV factories and is preparing to build a space centre in Ho Chi Minh City for 10,000 engineers. A new facility in Tay Ninh province is also in the pipeline. Multi-purpose UAV can reach a maximum flight distance of 10km. (Photo: thanhnien.vn) The firms Chairman Tran Kim Chung said CT Group expects to complete the 5,000-unit order in 2026 and is negotiating ten additional international contracts. The group has mastered six core technologieselectronic circuit design and manufacturing, composite airframe moulding, flight control systems, telecommunications, stabilised gimbals, and battery solutionsachieving 8590% self-sufficiency across 16 UAV product lines. It also designs chips, a capability rare among UAV manufacturers, he added. Clearing bottlenecks for Vietnamese UAVs to advance globally Despite its potential, the UAV industry still lacks a complete legal framework. Tran Anh Tuan, Standing Vice Chairman and CEO of the Vietnam Aerospace and UAV Technology Network, stressed that UAVs serve not only defence but also agriculture, logistics, energy management, security, and rescue operations. Domestic demand is rising rapidly. He recommended that the Government increase R&D investment, provide financial and credit support for start-ups, place orders for Make in Vietnam UAVs, complete regulations, and establish UAV sandbox zones for testing and standards for design, production, maintenance, and flight licensing. FPT Groups Chief Technology Officer Vu Anh Tu highlighted the need for multi-stakeholder cooperation. The State should lead institutional and infrastructure development, enterprises invest in technology, institutes and universities supply knowledge and human resources, and users serve as the meter of success. Chung proposed that the Ministry of Science and Technology coordinate with the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security to form an inter-agency task force to resolve legal bottlenecks. CT Group also suggested SIM-based UAV identification for airspace management and registration fees. The company expects greater Government support for UAV production infrastructure and access to science-and-technology funding to help bring Vietnamese UAVs to international markets./.VNA From October 20 to November 21, the ship, operated by the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (FEB RAS), coordinated with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) to carry out the survey. The month-long mission brought together more than 30 Vietnamese and Russian scientists and technicians working continuously at sea. Samples and data collected during the survey will be analysed at specialised laboratories of the Institute of Earth Sciences (IES) under the VAST and the Pacific Oceanological Institute (POI) under the FEB RAS. At the seminar, co-organised by the VAST and FEB RAS, scientists reported and discussed initial findings. Despite challenging weather conditions, the survey team completed a substantial workload. The mission collected a dense set of deep-sea sediment samples from Vietnams continental shelf, enriching the field database for this area. Geological samples, along with geophysical and oceanographic data, will provide important input for comprehensive studies on the natural conditions, resource potential, and geological evolution of the continental shelf. IES Director Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh said the seminar also created a forum for scientists to explore research potential, future cooperation directions, and upcoming survey plans. He noted that in the time to come, the IES will continue to organise joint surveys with foreign partners, share data, exchange experts, and develop bilateral and multilateral research programmes./.VNA In recent days, record-breaking storms and floods have caused catastrophic damage in provinces such as Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong. Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Do Van Chien stated that, despite the full efforts of the Party, government agencies, local authorities, and armed forces in disaster response and relief, the intensity of the storms and floods - marked by torrential rain, fierce winds, and rapid downstream water flow - has caused significant loss and destruction. According to official data released this morning, the disasters have claimed 91 lives, left 11 missing, and damaged tens of thousands of homes. Hundreds of thousands of hectares of crops have been destroyed, and millions of livestock swept away. These losses are profound, leaving immense pain and suffering for the people and localities affected, said Vice Chairman Chien. During the session, leaders from the Party, the State, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and National Assembly members extended their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed solidarity with those enduring hardship in disaster-struck areas. All members then stood for a minute of silence to remember the victims. Vice Chairman Chien emphasized that while storms and disasters are temporary, the spirit of unity, compassion, and the Vietnamese tradition of a good leaf covers the torn leaf will always endure. The National Assembly extended its heartfelt gratitude and praise to the military, police, and local forces who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to rescue and assist people in need. The Standing Committee of the National Assembly called on all deputies, officials, civil servants, and staff of parliamentary agencies to donate at least one days salary to support recovery efforts in disaster-hit communities. The Office of the National Assembly will promptly coordinate the collection and distribution of these funds to the affected areas. In recent days, historic floods - layer upon layer of storms and flooding - have caused devastating damage across the provinces of Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, and several other localities. As of this mornings statistics, the floods have left 102 people dead or missing, damaged 1,154 houses, and at peak times submerged up to 186,000 homes. More than 80,000 hectares of rice fields and crops have been destroyed, while over 3.2 million livestock and poultry animals have perished or been swept away. Landslides occurred at 24 locations along national highways, causing blockages. Railway services through Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa have been suspended. Many infrastructure facilities, including those for transportation, irrigation, education, and healthcare, have suffered significant damage. Initial estimates place the economic losses at approximately 13,078 billion VND (around 538 million USD), including 650 billion VND in Quang Ngai, 1,000 billion VND in Gia Lai, 5,330 billion VND in Dak Lak, 5,000 billion VND in Khanh Hoa, and 1,098 billion VND in Lam Dong. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and vice chairpersons observe a minute of silence for flood victims. Photo: National Assembly Lawmakers honor victims of the recent natural disasters. Photo: National Assembly Members of the National Assembly contribute to disaster relief efforts. Photo: National Assembly Photo: National Assembly Speaking at a press conference for the Vietnam Real Estate Forum 2026 (VREF 2026) on November 21, Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Realtors and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Real Estate Association, noted that 2025 has marked a clear recovery phase for the sector. Investment activity has been vigorous, driven in part by abundant and easily accessible capital since 2024. Dr. Dinh cited government directives encouraging regulatory reform - especially around taxation and credit policies - as a key contributor. However, he warned that without clearly distinguishing between speculative and genuine demand, regulatory interventions could backfire and unintentionally hinder real homebuyers. The Vietnam Real Estate Association has proposed tailored policy frameworks that define distinct investor categories to ensure fairness and prevent unintended consequences. As of September, nearly 18 quadrillion VND (approximately USD 730 billion) had been injected into the economy, with real estate absorbing about 25% - equivalent to USD 180 billion. This reflects significant effort from the banking system to stimulate economic recovery, said Dr. Dinh. However, cheap capital has also fueled speculative behavior. The governments current measures aim to cool this trend, fostering a more sustainable and higher-quality property market in 2026. Standardized benchmarks to reshape the market VREF 2026, themed Defining standards for sustainable development, will mark a major step toward formalizing new norms in Vietnams property sector. One key highlight of this years forum is the unveiling of multiple evaluation frameworks and standardized criteria developed by the Vietnam Real Estate Market Assessment Institute (VARS IRE). Pham Thi Mien, Deputy Director of VARS IRE, presented five key standardization initiatives: National standards for real estate project quality in Vietnam A provincial real estate competitiveness index Bank participation standards in property development Professional competency standards for real estate agents A code of ethics and conduct for the brokerage industry Dr. Dinh emphasized that these frameworks will bring greater transparency to the market, helping weed out low-quality projects and raising accountability across the board - from developers and investors to regulatory bodies and end users. These standards will serve as a reference point for policymakers, businesses, and consumers. They also bring us closer to international norms and support the long-term goal of a safe, responsible, and sustainable real estate market, he said. Nguyen Le According to the National Cybersecurity Association (NCA), the closing ceremony and awards presentation took place on November 21 in Busan, South Korea. This marks the third edition of the ASEAN Cyber Shield, organized by Southeast Asian cyber safety authorities in collaboration with the Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA). The event aims to identify and nurture emerging cybersecurity talents across the region. This years contest featured 40 teams from 10 ASEAN countries, competing in two divisions: the General category (open to all groups) and the Student category (reserved for university students). Vietnam sends four elite student teams to the finals Four Vietnamese teams advanced to the final round, having emerged as national leaders from the 2024 ASEAN Student Cybersecurity competition. These teams were: KMA.LightBlue (Academy of Cryptography Techniques, Hanoi) HCMACT.Akatsuki (Academy of Cryptography Techniques, Ho Chi Minh City campus) Central Unique Mountain (University of Information and Communication Technology Hanoi University of Science and Technology) Hanni Fanclub (University of Technology Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) The competition was structured into two rounds. In the preliminary phase, teams participated in themed Jeopardy-style challenges. The top five scorers in each division moved on to the finals. In the 15-hour-long final round, contestants were tested in three formats: Attack & Defense, Jeopardy, and Scenario simulation. All four Vietnamese student teams advanced to the finals and ultimately brought home three major awards: First Prize, General category: KMA.LightBlue (Academy of Cryptography Techniques, Hanoi) USD 20,000 Third Prize, General category: HCMACT.Akatsuki (Academy of Cryptography Techniques, Ho Chi Minh City) USD 5,000 Second Prize, Student category: Hanni Fanclub (University of Technology Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) USD 10,000 Vietnam emerges as a regional cybersecurity force Vu Ngoc Son, Head of Technology and International Cooperation at NCA and leader of the Vietnamese delegation, emphasized the competitions importance in fostering regional collaboration. Cybersecurity is not a battle that any one country can win alone. It demands partnership, shared knowledge, and collective strength, Son said. These competitions offer our students not only technical challenges but opportunities to network and grow into the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Dr. Lai Minh Tuan, who supervised the teams from the Academy of Cryptography Techniques, added that the competition offered students hands-on, real-world experience beyond conventional lab work. They gained essential skills like attack-defense thinking, incident analysis, and team collaboration under high-pressure scenarios. Vietnamese students stood out in terms of adaptability and technical speed - theyre absolutely capable of mastering global cybersecurity technologies, he said. Consistent excellence through the years Vietnams track record at ASEAN Cyber Shield has been impressive. In 2023, Vietnamese teams claimed top spots in both categories: UIT.pawf3ct from the University of Information Technology (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) won First Prize in the General category, while ISIT-DTU1 from Duy Tan University won Second. The Student category was topped by SecGang from Hanoi University of Science and Technology. In 2024, when Vietnam hosted the event in Quang Ninh, UIT again won First Prize in the General category, while the Academy of Cryptography Techniques team won Second in the Student division. PV Continuous heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in provinces such as Khanh Hoa, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, and Dak Lak, resulting in significant loss of life and property. This morning (November 23), the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reported that although rainfall has decreased in some areas, many regions remain submerged and isolated due to impassable roads. As of the morning of November 23, the number of casualties continues to rise, with 102 people reported dead or missing. Of those, 63 fatalities occurred in Dak Lak alone. Initial estimates place the total economic loss at approximately 9,035 billion VND (about 367 million USD). In Dak Lak, four communes in the former Phu Yen region - Hoa Xuan, Dong Hoa, Hoa Thinh, and Hoa My - remain heavily flooded and inaccessible. In Khanh Hoa, 87 households (364 residents) in Dien Dien and Hoa Tri are still inundated. In Lam Dong, 127 households are flooded, including 105 in Nam Da commune and 22 in Cat Tien commune. Floodwaters rose so quickly and deeply that many residents in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, described this as the most terrifying flood they had ever experienced. Many were caught off guard, trapped, and forced to call for help online from rooftops. The situation in Dak Lak is no different. As waters surged uncontrollably, many families clung to their rooftops and posted desperate pleas for rescue on social media. Preliminary reports indicate that many families have lost their homes entirely, now facing complete destitution. They lack food, clean water, medicine, and basic supplies. Hundreds of students have been forced to stop attending school as their classrooms remain submerged. In low-lying areas, urgent relief is needed to help residents stabilize their lives. In times of hardship, the Vietnamese spirit of "mutual love and support" shines brightly. To share in the difficulties of those affected by the floods, VietNamNet is launching a campaign calling on readers, organizations, businesses, and philanthropists to contribute to helping victims rebuild their lives. Every donation, no matter how small, can help people overcome this challenging time. Community support not only provides material assistance but also offers emotional encouragement to those struggling amid the floodwaters. Recent floods have caused severe damage in the Central Highlands and south-central provinces. Photo: Tuy Hoa Young A house in Phu Huu hamlet (Hoa Thinh commune, Dak Lak) is submerged up to the roof, with floodwaters sweeping away all its doors. Photo: Hai Duong Prolonged heavy rains and deep flooding forced many residents to climb onto rooftops to call for help. Many households lost their homes entirely, leaving them with nothing in the aftermath of the floods. In low-lying areas, many residents are in urgent need of relief to stabilize their lives. As severe flooding continues to devastate central localities, Vingroup has announced an additional emergency relief package worth 500 billion VND (nearly 19 million USD) to support ongoing disaster response and recovery efforts. This marks the groups second major contribution in less than two months, following the 500 billion VND pledged on October 1 for post-Typhoon Bualoi recovery, bringing its total donation to 1 trillion VND. Under the proposed allocation, Dak Lak will receive 200 billion VND, while Khanh Hoa, Gia Lai and Lam Dong will each be allocated 100 billion VND. The second-phase package will continue to prioritise those enduring the most severe losses. Families with deceased or missing members will receive 100 million VND per victim; households whose homes have entirely collapsed will be granted 60 million VND; and those whose homes are at least 50% damaged, including families of revolution contributors, poor or near-poor households, and those facing exceptionally difficult circumstances, will receive 20 million VND. Vingroups Thien Tam Fund has established rapid response teams to work alongside the provincial Fatherland Front committees to ensure aid reaches affected residents swiftly and accurately. Beyond emergency assistance, the fund will support the rebuilding of schools to ensure learning conditions and will consider backing the repair of essential public infrastructure in remote and mountainous areas heavily impacted by the floods, Vingroup said. Following Typhoon Bualoi, over 350 billion VND of the initial 500 billion VND support package has already been delivered to residents in 25 provinces and cities, focusing on the most urgent cases. The remaining 150 billion VND will be disbursed as local authorities complete documentation for reconstruction of key public facilities./.VNA HA NOI A Viet Nam-Bulgaria business dialogue, co-organised by the Vietnamese Embassy and Burgas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has drawn the participation of representatives from the Burgas Municipality, local sectoral associations and nearly 50 companies. In her opening remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet stressed that the two countries possess complementary strengths. Bulgaria can serve as a gateway for Vietnamese businesses to access Southeast Europe and the EU, while Viet Nam is a key transit point for Bulgarian enterprises to expand into the dynamic ASEAN region. Burgas Vice Mayor Stanimir Apostolov praised Viet Nams economic achievements and called on Vietnamese companies to invest in the citys priority areas such as innovation, smart-city development and industrial infrastructure. He affirmed that the municipal authorities would create the most favourable conditions for them. Todor Demirkov, chairman of the Burgas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted increasing interest among Bulgarian businesses, especially in Burgas, toward Viet Nams dynamic and fast-growing market. He said the chamber would expand its activities to better connect with Vietnamese firms and their associations and provide them with updated information on the local market, partners and business opportunities. Ivelina Strateva, director of the Burgas Economy and Business Activities Directorate, highlighted several complementary areas of cooperation, including agricultural product and seafood trade, food processing, digital technologies, logistics, clean energy, services and tourism. Burgas is ready to act as a major gateway for Vietnamese companies to enter Southeast Europe, she affirmed. During the discussion session, officials and businesses identified key pillars for the new phase of the Viet NamBulgaria strategic partnership. Priority sectors include logistics, renewable energy, smart infrastructure and digital economy. Both sides also stressed the need to strengthen cooperation in science-technology, innovation and digital transformation, particularly by building innovation ecosystems, promoting joint research and facilitating technology transfer from Bulgaria to Viet Nam. Earlier, in a meeting with Burgas Vice Mayor Besna Baltina, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet proposed intensifying cooperation in the fields of trade-investment, culture-education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. She suggested holding regular investment-trade promotion events in Burgas, compiling a list of the city's investment-priority projects for the embassy to help match with Vietnamese partners and organising a delegation from Burgas to visit Viet Nam next year. The diplomat affirmed that the embassy stands ready to serve as a bridge to strengthen Burgass ties with Viet Nam's coastal provinces that share similar development potentials. Baltina said the city prioritises attracting and retaining young talents while expanding foreign investment, viewing Viet Nam as a promising partner. She also highlighted Burgass plan to develop multi-disciplinary educational institutions offering English-language programmes in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, engineering, economics and IT, aiming to attract international students, including those from Viet Nam. The authorities always support cooperation between Burgas-based universities and Vietnamese institutions, the official stated. Baltina added that Burgas is actively campaigning to become a European Capital of Culture for 2032. The city is ready to promote Vietnamese culture and cuisine and support charter flights connecting the two sides. She recommended the embassy to assist in introducing Burgas to major Vietnamese travel companies to increase tourism exchange. VNA/VNS BANGKOK Vietjet has received its first Boeing 737-8 under a US$32 billion order for 200 aircraft, marking a key step in the carriers fleet standardisation strategy to boost operational efficiency and support its sustainable growth as an international aviation group. The new aircraft landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Sunday, becoming the first of 50 Boeing jets set for delivery to Vietjet Thailand through 2028. The airline said the addition will boost its operational capacity, meet rising travel demand, and support network expansion across key Asia-Pacific destinations. Vietjet Thailands first Boeing 737-8 will be deployed on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route, before launching on the international Bangkok-Cam Ranh service in December 2025. In Viet Nam, Vietjet continues to operate an Airbus fleet. Backed by extensive experience with new-generation aircraft and a strong global partner network, the airline is expanding its international footprint through major aviation hubs across the Asia-Pacific, while preparing for future services to Europe and the Americas. The Boeing 737-8 features advanced aerodynamics and new-generation LEAP-1B engines, is fully compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and delivers 15-20 per cent lower carbon emissions along with up to 50 per cent reduced noise levels in line with ICAO standards. Vietjets 200-aircraft Boeing order is also among the key agreements supporting balanced Viet Nam-US trade. The airline said the modern fleet will underpin its strategy to boost regional aviation and economic growth, create long-term value for investors, and provide safe, high-quality travel experiences for millions of passengers worldwide. New route to Philippines Late last week, Vietjet also launched a direct route between HCM City and Manila, offering travellers more flexibility to explore one of the regions emerging destinations during the year-end festive season. Operating five return flights weekly, the new service is expected to enhance travel experiences and boost trade between Viet Nam, the Philippines and the wider region. This is Vietjets first route to the Philippines, further expanding our Asia-Pacific network and strengthening connectivity between countries and communities, the airline said. Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, attracts visitors with its Intramuros old town, UNESCO-recognised Baroque church and bustling shopping centres such as Mall of Asia, harmoniously combining history, culture and modern life. Meanwhile, HCM City is the most dynamic economic and cultural centre in Viet Nam, famous for Nguyen Hue walking street, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh market and unique cuisine, bringing a vibrant urban experience, both exploring culture and enjoying modern life. VNS HA NOI A tropical depression over the eastern waters of the central Philippines has the potential to strengthen into a storm that could reach level-10 winds and affect Viet Nam's south-central region, according to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting. Between the night of November 25 and the morning of November 26, the tropical depression will likely enter the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea). On November 26, when it is about 1,000km off Viet Nam's south-central coast, it is forecast to intensify into Storm No. 15. Its peak intensity, expected as it passes the northern area of the Truong Sa special zone, may reach level-10 winds, with gusting to level 13. After that, the storm is expected to move westwards towards the mainland, with the main impact zone stretching from Gia Lai to Lam ong provinces (the former Binh inh Binh Thuan region), which are already reeling from devastating floods due to historic levels of rainfall in the recent days. The storm is likely to impact between November 28 and 30. Under the storm's influence, from the evening of November 25, the eastern waters of the central and southern East Sea will experience winds strengthening to level 6 to 7. Areas near the storms centre may see level 8 winds, gusting to level 10, along with waves three to five metres high and rough seas. Vessels in affected areas may encounter thunderstorms, tornadoes, strong winds, and high waves. In response to the approaching tropical depression that is likely to strengthen into Storm No. 15 and affect the central region, the National Civil Defence Steering Committee has issued an urgent telegram to the Peoples Committees of coastal provinces and cities from Quang Tri to An Giang, and to the ministries of National Defence, Public Security, Agriculture and Environment, Construction, Industry and Trade, Foreign Affairs, and Science and Technology, requesting readiness for response. The Steering Committee urged the agencies to focus on overcoming the consequences of the recent floods, restoring production and business activities, and stabilising peoples lives, while preparing for the next posible natural disaster. Authorities must closely monitor warnings, forecast bulletins and developments related to the tropical depression; inform captains and owners of vessels operating at sea so they can take preventive action and arrange suitable operating plans, ensuring the safety of people and property; and maintain communication systems to handle emergencies promptly. Ministries and sectors, based on their state management functions and assigned tasks, must proactively direct and coordinate with localities to respond to the tropical depression, which may strengthen into Storm No. 15 and trigger further flooding. Forces and equipment must also be kept ready for rescue and relief operations. VNS AN GIANG The southern province of An Giangs tourism sector has surged past its 2025 targets two months early, setting the stage for a record-breaking influx of visitors as the year draws to a close. The sector has surpassed its 2025 target two months early, an impressive milestone that reflects the strong appeal of the provinces tourism offering to both domestic and international travellers. This underscores An Giangs position as one of the most attractive destinations in the Mekong Delta. According to the An Giang Department of Tourism, from the beginning of the year through October, the province welcomed more than 21.3 million visitors, a 21.7 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, exceeding its 2025 target by 1.5 per cent. Among them, international visitors accounted for over 1.38 million. Total tourism revenue exceeded VN56 trillion (US$2.1 billion), surpassing the annual target by 42.6 per cent. Bui Quoc Thai, director of the An Giang tourism authority, said that local tourism has exceeded the planned targets for both visitor numbers and revenue, demonstrating the effectiveness of promotion, marketing, cooperation, and development linkages. Sustainable growth path These results have contributed to the provinces socioeconomic transformation and enhanced its image in the era of integration. The province is pursuing for a sustainable, professional, and in-depth tourism development strategy, especially in preparation for hosting the APEC Summit 2027. In recent years, An Giang has implemented a well-structured tourism development strategy, effectively leveraging local potential, investing heavily in infrastructure and communication, and emerging as a prominent destination in southwest Viet Nam. The province has capitalised on its strengths in spiritual, ecological, and island tourism through famous attractions such as Sam Mountain, Ba Chua Xu Temple, Hang Pagoda, Tra Su cajuput forest, Chau Giang Cham Village, Ha Tien, and the islands of Phu Quoc, Hon Son, and Nam Du. These distinctive destinations attract both domestic and international visitors for sightseeing, unique experiences, and relaxation. During her visit to Phu Quoc, dubbed Pearl Island, tourist Anju (she gave only one name) from India said that although she has been to Malaysia and Langkawi Island, Phu Quoc feels very different with its unique charm, beautiful beaches, and fascinating attractions. She was particularly impressed by the magic show, describing it as a wonderful and exciting experience. Jian Yanqing, general manager of Sol By Melia Phu Quoc, said that visitors staying at the hotel come from many countries. The hotel has prepared a diverse and carefully curated buffet lineup to welcome guests, with dishes adjusted to suit different visitor groups. They also introduce local specialties so tourists can explore regional cuisine. Surge in domestic tourists An Giang has invested in infrastructure upgrades, improving transportation systems, airports, passenger ports, and boat terminals, as well as developing high-quality resorts, hotels, and homestays. The province strengthens tourism promotion and cooperates with major travel agencies to bring tours to An Giang, supporting businesses and local communities in developing tourism. The An Giang Tourism Association reported that the industry surpassed its 2025 target largely due to a surge in domestic tourists earlier than expected this year, particularly in festival and spiritual tourism. The launch of a new airline, Sun Phu Quoc Airways, has also boosted tourism demand. New attractions have become key factors in drawing large numbers of tourists to Phu Quoc. Travel agencies have introduced many competitively priced all-inclusive travel packages and short-stay vacation products, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Nguyen Vu Khac Huy, chairman of the An Giang Tourism Association, said that tourism businesses continue to develop new products, prioritize staff training, improve foreign language skills, and enhance service culture. Phu Quoc not only maintains its traditional international markets but is also expanding into new promising segments, welcoming high-end travellers from the Middle East. The island also attracts significant numbers of tourists from the United States, Australia, Europe, and India. These are positive signals reflecting the diversity and sustainability of Phu Quocs international tourism market. Year-end travel wave The An Giang Tourism Association predicts that with strong growth momentum, the province will continue to welcome a wave of tourists at the end of the year. Phu Quoc, in particular, will be an appealing destination on both Viet Nam's and the world tourism map, especially during the winter holiday season and Christmas - New Year 2026. Additionally, Phu Quocs tourism products, along with increased international flights from major cities worldwide, especially across Asia, continue to enhance its appeal. Promotional programmes by Sun Phu Quoc Airways have also contributed to tourism growth. According to the An Giang provincial tourism authority, to prepare for the year-end tourist surge in 2025 and early 2026, tourism businesses are upgrading service quality, revitalising products, and introducing attractive promotional packages. Businesses are focusing on staff training, improving foreign language skills, and enhancing service culture. In the Phu Quoc Special Zone, alongside infrastructure development, Sun Group has signed a strategic partnership with Hilton to develop multi-brand hotels including high-end brands such as Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton, offering nearly 2,000 internationally-standard rooms. Previously, Sun Group partnered with Rixos to introduce the first high-end all-inclusive resort concept in Southeast Asia on Ho Thom Island. An Giang aims to welcome at least 39.5 million visitors by 2030, including over 3 million international visitors, with total tourism revenue reaching VN108.5 trillion. The province aspires to remain one of Viet Nams key tourism hubs, an attractive, branded destination with distinctive identity, serving as a crucial gateway for the visitor economy and establishing a sustainable development brand within the ASEAN region. VNS HCM CITY World-renowned chefs have gathered to deliver an extraordinary fine dining experience in Viet Nam through the 100 Flavours - Michelin-Starred Chefs event. The culinary event will take place over the week that began on November 23 and wraps up on November 30, with two exclusive nights in Hue City and HCM City. As part of the National Tourism Year 2025 framework, the event features the participation of 13 Michelin chefs who altogether boast 27 Michelin stars. They are set to bring the best of international cuisine and fuse it with Vietnamese culinary heritage, positioning Viet Nam as a leading destination in Asia for gastronomy and tourism. The participating chefs are: Jacob Jan Boerma, Thomas Buhner, Bruno Menard, Thierry Voisin, Stylianos Arakas and Alvin Leung, all of whom have earned three Michelin stars; Giovanni Solofra, Florence Dalia and Michael Lee, with two stars; and Massimiliano Sena, Tim Golsteijn and Michael Bao, with one each. Dinner Incredible, an international culinary project founded by chef Giorgio Diana that has previously captivated food connoisseurs in cities like Rome (Italy), Tokyo (Japan), Singapore and New York (US), will also be accompanying this series of events. Viet Nam was chosen as the next stop for Dinner Incredible through chef Michael Bao Huynh, following the spectacular Dinner Incredible 7 in Saudi Arabia in September. Event organisers said that Viet Nam is a country rich in culinary ingredients as well as a land of emotion, heritage and creativity. This project also marks the proud return of a Vietnamese chef to the international stage. On November 26 at the five-star La Vela Saigon Hotel in HCM City, a gala dinner called HCM City Symphony will celebrate contemporary high-end cuisine, featuring international gastronomy interwoven with local culinary culture. Two days later at Hue Times Square a plaza in the heart of Hue another dinner, The Imperial Symphony, will recreate ancient court banquets, combining peak culinary heritage with the Royal Court Music, a famous intangible cultural heritage of the area. Under the hands of 13 Michelin-starred chefs from France, Italy, the UK, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong and Viet Nam, Vietnamese dishes will be given new life with international techniques, creating a unique and emotional experience. They will perform live, crafting dishes that reflect their personal culinary signatures and the cultural richness of global cuisine. Each chef will present a signature dish infused with Vietnamese ingredients and their unique culinary style. Elevated by curated music, artistic performances and a luxurious ambiance, the experience creates a seamless connection between taste and emotion. The event will also welcome culinary elites, entrepreneurs, artists, international partners, journalists, influencers and luxury brands those who appreciate the art of gastronomy and exclusive experiences. A rare international fine dining event in Viet Nam, this marks the only opportunity to savour distinct culinary styles in just two unforgettable evenings. The organisers expect fascinating cultural exchanges, in which Western cooking techniques blend with rich tropical ingredients during the event. Diana said at a press conference on November 23 that the 100 Flavours Michelin Starred Chef experience will open a new chapter for fine dining in Viet Nam, combining a sophisticated space with a blend of cuisine, music and emotions to create a unique symphony of taste. Event director Kim Thanh Thao said the strategic partnership of 100 Flavours Week and Dinner Incredible Viet Nam 2025 will realise its goal of making Viet Nam the leading destination for the most luxurious haute cuisine experiences in Asia. Through a series of meaningful activities aimed at promoting the image of the country and its people through culinary flavours, the event will officially mark the beginning of a new era. Cuisine is set to become a cultural diplomacy ambassador, boosting the image of Viet Nam far and wide on the global tourism map. VNS Tran Nhu BAC NINH The Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha in Bac Ninh has welcomed the return of history and spirituality with the grand inauguration of Thien Lai Pagoda, a historic construction at the foot of Nham Bien Mountain in Yen Dung Ward. The ceremony drew delegates from the central government, leaders of various provinces and large numbers of monks, Buddhists and local residents. Thien Lai Pagoda, also known as Phan Loi Pagoda, is a historic part of the Truc Lam Zen sect, dating back to the 13th century. In 2009, it was designated a provincial historical and cultural relic, embodying profound spiritual significance and serving as a pilgrimage site for the local community. Its name, Thien Lai, translates as 'good things from heaven,' reflecting a spirit of benevolence and evoking a place that harmonises the spiritual essence of heaven and earth. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh, head monk of Thien Lai Pagoda, abbot of Ba Vang Pagoda and deputy head of the Central International Buddhism Committee and the Central Information and Communication Committee of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha, highlighted the temples rich history and the cultural and spiritual values it has preserved over the centuries. He noted that Thien Lai Pagoda once served as an operational base for the League for Independence of Viet Nam, or the Viet Minh, during the pre-insurrection period and the resistance against the French. In 1947, French forces discovered the site was a revolutionary stronghold, resulting in severe destruction of the pagoda. It was not until 1988 that the local community restored the pagoda to maintain their spiritual and cultural life, albeit on a modest scale compared to its former grandeur. The structure deteriorated significantly over time. With the agreement of local authorities, the provincial Buddhist Sangha and the contributions of the community, the pagoda was officially renovated and expanded from late 2018. The restoration project spanned more than six years, with total investment exceeding VN100 billion (US$4.4 million) sourced from social contributions. A significant portion of the funding was donated by Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh and Ba Vang Pagoda. The completed construction includes the main hall, the ancestral hall, accommodations for monks and nuns, the gateway, a bell tower, a drum tower and various other auxiliary structures, all within a spacious area of over 8,000 square metres. According to Venerable Thich Truc Bao Tien, who directly oversaw the reconstruction and building of Thien Lai Pagoda, the completion of the project is a testament to the spirit of national defence and peoples peace, as well as the enduring cultural and spiritual values of the Truc Lam Zen sect and the nation. On behalf of the local authorities, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Yen Dung Ward Peoples Committee, Nguyen Van Thuong, expressed appreciation for the contributions from various organisations and individuals to the project. He affirmed that Thien Lai Pagoda would not only serve as a place for religious activities but would also become an important cultural and tourism destination for the locality. Venerable Thich uc Thien, representing the monks, expressed his joy at the inauguration of the pagoda. He affirmed the role of pagodas belonging to the Truc Lam Zen sect in the flow of Vietnamese Buddhism and acknowledged the contributions of all the monks, nuns and devotees who played a part in rebuilding the religious construction. He expressed hope that the pagoda management board would continue to uphold traditions, fulfil their responsibilities in promoting the Dharma, comply with the law and contribute positively to the community. On this occasion, Thien Lai Pagoda donated VN100 million ($4,400) to the For the Poor Fund of Bac Ninh Province to support those affected by the recent Typhoon No. 11. This gesture reflects a deep sense of mutual support and embodies the noble tradition of the Buddhist faith, aligned with the principle of Religion Nation Socialism. VNS Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung uc Tien spoke with a Viet Nam News reporter Tran Nhu about Viet Nams latest push to lift the European Commissions yellow card on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. He discussed progress since 2017, ongoing challenges and the expectations for the next EC inspection. How would you describe Viet Nams progress in meeting the ECs recommendations so far? Since the EC issued the yellow card in October 2017, Viet Nam has rolled out a series of measures, from tightening the legal framework to overhauling fleet management and upgrading traceability systems. The yellow card has not yet been lifted, but the changes made in recent years are substantial and, more importantly, structural. Our legal system has been updated with 11 new circulars and two decrees to bring regulations in line with on-the-ground realities. High-level political direction has also been crucial. After earlier guidance from the Secretariat, the Party issued Directive 32 in April 2024 to reinforce national leadership over IUU prevention and sustainable fisheries. The Government followed up with its own resolution, and the Supreme Peoples Court issued guidance on applying criminal penalties for illegal fishing and trading. Together, they form a coherent legal framework that supports enforcement and compliance. One major shift is the Prime Ministers direct oversight, including what he has called a declaration of war against IUU violations. Fleet management has tightened significantly. Data from VNFishbase, the police and the military are now fully aligned, covering 79,360 registered vessels. Of these, more than 7,000 boats of 15 metres or more and over 4,000 of 24 metres or more are under strict monitoring. Local authorities have been instructed to prevent unqualified vessels from going to sea, with weekly supervision reports sent to the Government. The backlog of administrative violations has been largely cleared, with only 0.33 per cent yet to be finalised. Nearly all vessels required to use vessel monitoring systems (VMS) have now installed them, except for those no longer operating or in transfer. VMS data tracks boats from departure to landing, improving transparency and reducing the risk of violations in foreign waters. Localities have also completed vessel registration, licensing and inspections, effectively ending the long-standing three-no fleet. Digitalisation, including electronic logbooks, VNeID vessel identification and fleet data synchronisation, is being expanded nationwide. For traceability, electronic logbooks and digital systems are in place at designated ports and processing plants. The entire chain, from catch certificates at port to export certificates, is tightly controlled. These steps reflect a shift across all levels of government and help demonstrate to the EC that Viet Nam is building a transparent, accountable and sustainable fisheries management system. Given this progress, how confident are you that Viet Nam can have the yellow card lifted? Is the country ready for the ECs next inspection? We have submitted additional reports to the Government and prepared detailed working scenarios for the EC inspection team. Based on the results so far, Viet Nam is ready proactive, transparent and fully prepared to engage. Over the years, IUU prevention has been a priority for the Government, ministries and localities. Communication campaigns, legal training and outreach to fishermen and businesses have been consistent. We also work closely with international organisations to adopt modern management practices that align with EU standards. The EC has acknowledged Viet Nams efforts, especially improvements in traceability and vessel control. But lifting the yellow card requires maintaining these results without backsliding. With coordinated action and sustained political will, we believe Viet Nam can achieve the goal of removing the IUU warning within a reasonable timeframe and build a fisheries sector that is sustainable and competitive internationally. What message do you have for coastal provinces and frontline officials during this final stage? Local responsibility is decisive. The Government aims to have the yellow card lifted in 2025, but this depends heavily on enforcement at the grassroots level the places that directly manage vessels, crews and day-to-day fishing activity. Directive 32 makes clear that combating IUU fishing is an urgent and long-term task. Local leaders must take full state-management responsibilities, enforce the law strictly and avoid leniency or avoidance. The ECs warnings are unambiguous. If violations in foreign waters and IUU practices persist, seafood exports to Europe will continue to suffer. Viet Nams long coastline and large fishing grounds present challenges, but these cannot be excuses for weak oversight. Only when VMS tampering ends and neighbouring countries stop reporting Vietnamese vessels trespassing, will the country be in a position to meet EC expectations. Removing the yellow card is not just an export issue. It reflects Viet Nams commitment to protecting marine resources, safeguarding maritime sovereignty and improving the long-term livelihoods of fishermen. It also supports a strategic shift towards more aquaculture, more processing near shore and less reliance on risky offshore capture. With strong political determination, coordination across local governments and the engagement of fishing communities, we believe Viet Nam can meet the 2025 target and present itself as a transparent and responsible partner in global sustainable fisheries. VNS HA NOI Before continuing its ongoing 10th session on Monday, the National Assembly (NA) observed a minutes silence in memory of those who lost their lives in recent storms and floods, and launched a fundraising campaign to support people in disaster-hit areas to overcome hardship. In his remarks, Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly o Van Chien said that in recent days, historic floods, with storm after storm and flood upon flood, have caused devastating damage in the south-central provinces of Gia Lai, ak Lak, Khanh Hoa, and Lam ong, and several other localities. Despite the Party, the State, sectors and the armed forces making every effort to prepare and minimise the impact, exceptionally heavy rainfall, powerful winds and rapidly rising downstream water levels had led to severe destruction. Preliminary figures show that 91 people have died, 11 remain missing, tens of thousands of homes have been inundated or heavily damaged, hundreds of thousands of hectares of crops destroyed, and millions of livestock and poultry swept away. These losses are immense and have caused profound grief and suffering for people and the affected localities, he said. Leaders of the Party, State, Viet Nam Fatherland Front and National Assembly extended their deepest condolences to the families of those who perished, and expressed their solidarity with local authorities and communities in disaster-stricken regions, Chien added. The National Assembly extends its gratitude and commendation to armed forces, police, and other on-spot forces who have braved hardship and danger to assist and rescue the people. In a gesture of solidarity with the affected communities, the NA Standing Committee called on all deputies, officials, civil servants and staff of the National Assembly and its Office to donate at least one days salary to help address the consequences of the floods. Immediately afterwards, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man, the Vice Chairpersons and other deputies made donations to support people in disaster-affected regions. VNA/VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse and the Vietnamese high-level delegation landed at the Noi Bai International Airport on Monday, concluding a successful official visit to Kuwait and Algeria and participation in the G20 Summit in South Africa. During the nine-day trip, including travel time, PM Chinh maintained a busy and highly productive schedule, engaging in approximately 80 activities. He held meetings and talks with top leaders of Kuwait, Algeria and South Africa. He also delivered policy statements, met with officials and businesspeople, and visited socio-economic establishments in the three countries as well as attended economic and business forums. The elevation of Viet Nams relations to a Strategic Partnership with Kuwait, Algeria and South Africa, opens a new chapter in the traditional, high-potential relations, not only with these three countries but also with the broader Middle East and Africa regions. Kuwait, Algeria and South Africa are the first countries in these regions with which Viet Nam has established Strategic Partnerships. During the trip, Viet Nam and the three countries signed more than 10 cooperation agreements in specific sectors. Vietnamese and foreign enterprises also signed agreements to promote trade and investment in the future. These are the first agreements to materialise the new framework of Strategic Partnerships. At the G20 Summit in South Africa, the PM Chinh made key statements at two sessions, proposing measures to promote rapid, sustainable development, peace, friendship, cooperation and progress globally. He also shared with the international community Viet Nams situation, development path and national efforts. During the G20 Summit, the Prime Minister met with more than 30 leaders of countries and international organisations to exchange views and promote bilateral relations. He engaged in direct discussions on specific issues, programmes and projects with these leaders. Despite a packed schedule, the PM took time to meet Vietnamese communities in all three countries. While attending intense international activities, he continuously directed domestic work, chairing two online meetings from Algeria and South Africa to oversee flood response efforts in central provinces, including a session held early morning local time. The visits to Kuwait, Algeria and South Africa were highly successful, further implementing Viet Nams foreign policy the Party and States orientations. The results of the trip provide an important foundation, motivation and inspiration, contributing to efforts by ministries, sectors and localities across the country to realise development ambitions and attract maximum international resources to serve Viet Nams development goals in the new era. VNA/VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs visits to Kuwait, Algeria and South Africa have laid a new foundation for strategic cooperation, diversifying partnerships and expanding development opportunities for enterprises and localities, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung. During the PM's trip, Viet Nam upgraded ties to strategic partnerships with all three countries. Kuwait, Algeria and South Africa are Viet Nams first three strategic partners out of 70 countries in the Middle East and Africa, positioning the Southeast Asian nation as a key link in the three other countries' priority strategic partnership networks, Trung said. In an interview with media after the Government leader concluded the trip, Trung said that the visit featured a dense schedule with more than 50 diverse activities. These ranged from high-level meetings with top government leaders to engagements with major corporations and economic organisations, policy speeches and significant cultural, historical and social events, as well as meetings with the Vietnamese communities in the three nations. All three countries accorded PM Chinh and the Vietnamese delegation a warm and respectful welcome, reflecting the high regard they place on current strong relations, traditional ties and the potential for future cooperation with Viet Nam, he said. Viet Nam and the three other nations signed more than 10 cooperation agreements across various fields, according to Trung. He added that Viet Nam has the opportunity to further consolidate the longstanding and excellent traditional relations with all three nations through the adoption of joint statements establishing strategic partnerships and the signing of cooperation agreements. What was especially touching is that all three countries welcomed PM Chinh, his wife and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation with great respect and warmth. Exchanges were substantive and cordial, like those between close friends and brothers, Trung said. The Emir of Kuwait extended his meeting with PM Chinh to three times longer than usual, speaking from the heart and stressing that Kuwaits interests are also Viet Nams interests" and that he cares for the Vietnamese people as he does for the Kuwaiti people. The President of Algeria expressed his readiness for cooperation with Viet Nam without limits, without barriers, and without distance, while the Algerian Prime Minister personally welcomed the delegation at the airport and accompanied PM Chinh throughout the day from meetings to banquets. He even chaired late-night working sessions with ministries and enterprises from both countries to finalise and implement immediately the agreed commitments. In South Africa, despite the busy week during the G20 Summit with 63 delegations, the South African President hosted a reception, held talks and witnessed the signing of documents with the Vietnamese PM and assigned South Africa's Vice President to co-chair the Business Forum. These gestures reflect a high level of political trust and create strong momentum for a new phase of cooperation, with great expectations placed on Viet Nam to fill in the blank space on the Middle EastAfrica map through concrete projects and value chains, Trung said. The foreign minister confirmed that through the visit, Viet Nam strengthened its traditional relationships, reinforced existing areas of cooperation and opened up new fields of collaboration. These include sectors of great importance to Viet Nam and aligned with the capabilities of the partner countries, such as energy and petrochemicals, agricultural, fisheries and mineral production and processing, promoting FTAs and expanding market access and deeper participation in the supply chains of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Africa. Meanwhile, it also marked the second consecutive year that Viet Nam was invited to attend the G20 Summit as a guest, even though it does not hold the rotating chairmanship of any multilateral forum. This reflects the countrys growing role and position, as well as the international communitys appreciation for Viet Nams contributions. At the summit, PM Chinh delivered remarks on two major areas: strengthening international solidarity and promoting sustainable development in the current context, as well as several specific issues, including cooperation related to critical minerals, labour and employment. Our messages were valued by participating countries because Viet Nam has achieved numerous socio-economic development accomplishments in recent years and follows a comprehensive development approach that includes sustainability and job creation, and is also respected for its potential in critical minerals, Trung said. Viet Nam made a valuable contribution to this important global event, in line with its foreign policy of being an active and responsible member of the international community. As stated in the draft Political Report for the 14th National Party Congress, Viet Nam will continue to contribute to addressing common global issues. The country will also find more opportunities to leverage cooperation with multilateral institutions, including the G20 and international organisations. To concretise the strategic partnership agreements, Trung said for these partners, it will be important in the next few years to raise awareness and shift perceptions regarding the substantive promotion of relations with Middle Eastern and African countries. Despite existing differences and potential difficulties compared to the long-established relationships we have with other partners, we need to work with these countries to promptly develop action programmes and concrete plans to implement the newly established strategic partnership framework, the foreign minister said. He also emphasised the need to effectively tap existing mechanisms between Viet Nam and the three countries, while also leveraging new mechanisms and creating additional ones if needed. Trung proposed that Viet Nam adopt creative measures to take advantage of opportunities and conditions offered by multilateral mechanisms, including the G20. VNS HA NOI In a move that gave top students a one per cent boost, 96 students with outstanding academic achievements from six universities in Viet Nam were honoured to receive scholarships from the AEON 1% Club Foundation, with a total value of VN2 billion (US$76,800). The AEON 1% Club Foundation held a ceremony to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the AEON Scholarship Programme and to present the 2025 AEON Scholarship certificates on Saturday (November 22). The scholarship programme, implemented by the AEON 1% Club Foundation, aims to support Asian students in realising their dreams. The students are from six universities, including Vietnam National University Hanoi - University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City - University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education and University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. At the ceremony, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Viet Nam, Ishikawa Isamu, said that the core philosophy of the AEON Group is to pursue a peaceful society, respect people and contribute to the local community, with customers at the centre. The AEON 1% Club Foundation is a guarantee of that commitment to social contribution. I believe that the scholarships from the AEON 1% Club Foundation have helped students have a more complete and meaningful learning journey. If each of you continues to spread kindness, no matter how big or small, to the people around you and the community where you live, Viet Nam will certainly go further. Just like how AEON Group accumulates 1% of its profits to create change, your contributions today will gradually form positive changes for society in the future, said Isamu. At the ceremony, students also shared their inspirational stories, dreams and core values that helped guide their personal development journey, thereby forming goals for them to achieve in the future. Ha Tuan Minh, a student of Journalism at the Institute of Journalism and Communication, VNU University of Social Sciences and Humanities, said: AEON scholarship is not only a financial support but also a belief that simple values can also bring meaning to society. The scholarship helps reduce pressure, so that I have more time, energy and spirit to continue to explore myself, study better, and pursue my dream of living a useful and compassionate life. AEON Scholarship is an activity within the framework of the programme Friendships with other countries, implementing a scholarship programme for students from Asian countries. This activity has been carried out annually since 2006 with the hope of encouraging students receiving scholarships to realise their dreams, to always be a pioneer in their chosen field after graduation and to become a bridge between Japan and countries in the region. By the end of 2024, the programme had awarded scholarships to students from seven countries, including Viet Nam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, China and Japan. In Viet Nam, the AEON 1% Club Fund has awarded a total of 1,437 scholarships to outstanding students in Ha Noi since 2012 and in HCM City since 2011. The AEON 1% Club Foundation was established in 1989 to contribute to the sustainable development of the young generation while promoting friendship and mutual understanding between Japan, Viet Nam and countries in the region by deducting 1 per cent of pre-tax profits from companies of AEON Group. VNS HA NOI - The Vietnamese Ministry of Health (MoH) is ready to engage in discussions with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to formulate programmes that will drive the reform of the country's healthcare system in the coming years. This was confirmed by Deputy Health Minister Le uc Luan during a recent meeting in Ha Noi with a high-ranking delegation from the ADB, led by Karin Schelzig, Director of the Human and Social Development Division for Southeast Asia. The Deputy Minister emphasised that the MoH will ensure a supportive environment and work closely with the ADB throughout the project's preparation and rollout. Crucially, this will be done with a focus on openness and accountability, while adhering to all international rules governing the management of Official Development Assistance (ODA). The overarching goal is to elevate the standard of Viet Nam's healthcare, improve public wellbeing, and contribute to long-term sustainable growth. During the meeting, Luan highly valued the effective partnership the MoH has maintained with the ADB over the years. He noted that ADB-funded initiatives have provided tangible assistance to the countrys health sector, particularly in three core areas: boosting basic services in more remote areas through investment in local clinic infrastructure and equipment; strengthening capacity for outbreak prevention and control via the Greater Mekong Subregion Health Security Project; and developing the health workforce through the second stage of the Human Resource Development Project. The Deputy Minister also called on the ADB to maintain its role as a key strategic partner in areas such as modernising the local grassroots health system, bolstering disease and pandemic prevention measures, monitoring and reacting to pandemic outbreaks, supporting the training of top-tier health professionals, digitising health services, and promoting administrative reforms within the health sector. On behalf of the delegation, Karin Schelzig expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes of the partnership between the two sides in healthcare. The ADB official then raised several points for joint discussion with the MoH. These included the "Investment for the Development of Grassroots Health Network in Disadvantaged Areas" programme; the "Greater Mekong Subregion Health Security Project"; and the "Health Human Resource Development Project - Phase 2.-VNS Trump turning 'Arctic Frost' around on perpetrators By Rachel Alexander web posted November 24, 2025 With new revelations coming out that the Biden administration coordinated with county and state prosecutors to target President Donald Trump and his associates for questioning the results of the 2020 election, Trump is not taking the news lightly. "Arctic Frost" targeted over 430 Republicans, including Trump campaign committees, the RNC and Turning Point USA, and secretly subpoenaed phone records and metadata from Trump and at least 10 Republican senators. Both Congress and Trump are moving swiftly. Trump publicly called for prosecutions of former Special Counsel Jack Smith, former Attorney General Merrick Garland, former FBI Director Christopher Wray and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) referred Arctic Frost for criminal investigation, and DOJ Civil Rights attorney Harmeet Dhillon has launched an investigation. Several prosecutors and FBI agents have been fired. Earlier this month, Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX-26) filed articles of impeachment against Judge James Boasberg, an Obama appointee who had signed the subpoenas and nondisclosure orders for the investigation. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), one of those targeted, plans to "sue the hell out of" those responsible, citing separation-of-powers violations. Trump pardoned those involved in the 2020 election challenges, but it has no effect on the state prosecutions, which are state law charges. Trump's DOJ attorney Jeffrey Clark, who is one of the defendants along with Trump in the Fulton County DA RICO prosecution, filed a Notice to Produce with that office a few days ago requesting documents revealing collusion between the Biden administration. He also asked for communications with the J6 Congressional committee, the offices of progressive activist attorneys Norm Eisen and Marc Elias and the progressive Brookings Institution. Although Fulton County DA Fani Willis was disqualified from the case due to a significant appearance of impropriety arising from her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, new special prosecutor Pete Skandalakis was appointed to replace her earlier this month. Three of the charges were dismissed after his appointment, but the core of the case remains ongoing. Eisen's States United Democracy Center has been accused of drafting the indictments against the alternate slate of Republican electors and their associates in the 2020 election for Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to copy. Christina Bobb, Trump's former attorney and one of the defendants in that case, filed a pleading accusing Mayes of accepting a quid pro quo by accepting $200,000 for her campaign in exchange for initiating the prosecution. A judge threw out Mayes' prosecution earlier this year, but Mayes appealed a few days ago to the Arizona Supreme Court. Other prominent defendants in that case include Trump's former attorneys Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman. Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller, who represented two of the defendants, called for lawsuits against Mayes over the prosecution. Mayes is also prosecuting Cochise County Supervisor Tom Crosby for delaying the canvassing of the 2022 election by a few days over concerns about election wrongdoing. A fellow supervisor already took a plea deal. Arizona State Senate President Warren Petersen and then-Arizona Speaker of the House Ben Toma filed an amicus curiae brief in the case in defense of Crosby. Insiders say the DOJ is looking into going after Mayes, who has sued the Trump administration this year more than almost any other Democratic attorney general, joining or filing 30 lawsuits . The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, whose cases are prosecuted by the DOJ, is investigating one of Mayes' top deputies, Vanessa Hickman, for unrelated felony charges of controlling and trafficking stolen property. In Clark County, Nevada, prosecution is proceeding against defendants for allegedly submitting a false certificate of ascertainment. In Wisconsin, three Trump campaign attorneys and aides are being prosecuted for forgery. A civil suit was settled with the defendants admitting no wrongdoing but agreeing not to repeat their actions, with one paying damages. Michigan Judge Kristen D. Simmons, who was appointed to the bench by a Democrat, tossed out charges against Trump's alternate electors there in September 2025, stating there was no evidence of intent to commit fraud. However, like Mayes, Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel could still refile the charges there. In New Mexico, the attorney general announced that state law prohibits bringing charges, and Pennsylvania also declined to bring charges. Trump has made it clear he is furious at the results of the 2020 election and is seeking to get to the bottom of any wrongdoing while punishing anyone involved. Grassley called Arctic Frost "arguably worse than Watergate." House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH-04) called it a "soft coup." Mike Davis, founder of the Article III Project and former Chief Counsel for Nominations on the Senate Judiciary Committee, previously suggested Mayes should go to prison. He said in a recent op-ed for Fox News about Arctic Frost, "Justice is coming for those responsible for the lawfare [it will] surely will be worth the wait. We will make sure of it." Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative. She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications. Home Home Print this page HA NOI In the next phase of the patriotic emulation movement, the Viet Nam Red Cross Society (VNRC) will focus on building a strong, professional and modern association with activities that have a positive impact on society and the community. According to VNRC President o Thi Thu Thao, the group will also promote digital transformation and transparency in humanitarian activities to ensure the 'three rights' right place, right person, and right time. It will also strengthen international cooperation, promoting humanitarian spirit to spread the humanistic values of the Vietnamese people to the region and the world. Thao made the statement at the VNRCs 6th National Patriotic Emulation Congress held on Sunday (November 23) in Ha Noi. She called on individuals and organisations to work with Red Cross societies at all levels to help people in the central region recover from recent devastating floods. The society president also called on Red Cross members and the community to promote the tradition of helping each other and join the organisation in mobilising humanitarian resources for the central region. Let us together extend the spirit of the congress with practical actions, join hands, contribute and provide timely support so that people in flood-affected areas can soon stabilise their lives and rebuild what natural disasters have swept away, said Thao. Speaking at the congress, General Trinh Van Quyet, Chairman of the Party Central Committees Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation, praised the spirit of dedication, creativity and devotion of all Viet Nam Red Cross Society members and volunteers over the last five-year period. The Party and State require the Viet Nam Red Cross to continue upholding its position as a core humanitarian organisation in the political system, a bridge between the Party, State, people and international friends in the humanitarian field. It will continue to promote the patriotic emulation movement and spread more humanitarian gestures, said Quyet. Quyet also suggested that the VNRC promote humanitarian digital transformation, map the number of vulnerable people, modernise relief work, expand the volunteer network, develop a movement for blood, organ and tissue donations and focus on community health, especially in remote and isolated areas. According to Thao, over the past five years, the VNRC's humanitarian initiatives have continued to position themselves as emulation movements rich in humanity, spreading throughout the community and creating strength in solidarity and sharing. The total value of social and humanitarian activities in the past five years reached nearly VN21.7 trillion (over US$822 million), helping 56 million people. This is an impressive growth rate of 44 per cent compared to the previous period, demonstrating the growing interest and support of society for humanitarian activities, said Thao. With a core role in community healthcare, the VNRC has mobilised nearly VN3.2 trillion, supporting 40 million people through a system of 698 humanitarian clinics, mobile medical examination and treatment teams, health communication activities and community first aid, Thao said. Disaster prevention and response activities are considered a highlight of the VNRCs achievements. Emergency support activities, livelihood recovery assistance, clean water supply, safe housing and school construction have all been rapidly implemented with a total value of over VN2.1 trillion, benefitting 5.6 million people. This marks a 2.5-fold increase compared to the previous period, a figure that shows the association's increasingly professional response capacity. With more than VN1.3 trillion from resource mobilisation and international cooperation, an increase of 153 per cent compared to the previous period, the VNRC continued to expand its partner network, implementing 61 aid programmes and projects worth VN617.3 billion. The 'Humanitarian Tet' programme mobilised more than 12.9 million gifts worth over VN6 trillion, bringing a warm spring to millions of disadvantaged families. The 'Humanitarian Month' initiative has also become an annual activity, with VN3.6 trillion going to help more than 6.5 million people in five years. Meanwhile, the campaign 'Each organisation, each individual associated with a humanitarian address' continues to uphold its value with nearly 9,000 profiles established and more than 7,000 addresses receiving long-term assistance. The voluntary blood donation movement has also reached a new record, with nearly 7.5 million units of blood collected and the whole population's blood donation rate reaching 1.75 per cent. In particular, 14,873 people have registered to donate tissues and organs, of which 838 were successful, spreading beautiful stories of giving for the community. VNS HA NOI Local and international health experts called for further investment and strategic action to promote understanding and action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during a meeting in Ha Noi on Monday (November 24). The event was jointly held by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to mark World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (November 1824) and to review the implementation of the National Strategy on AMR Prevention and Control for the 202325 period. World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week is a global campaign aimed at promoting understanding and action on antimicrobial resistance. The World Health Organisation has announced the 2025 theme: Act Now: Protect Today, Secure Our Future to underscore the urgent need for strong and unified action to address antimicrobial resistance. Speaking at the meeting, Dr Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Health, said: Antimicrobial resistance is no longer a challenge of the future it is threatening our health, food security and socio-economic development every single day. We call on all sectors, all levels, and the entire society to Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future'. Experts said that AMR is threatening our health, food systems, environment, and economy. This is not a challenge of the future it is an issue unfolding every day. Drug-resistant infections are increasing, causing millions of deaths annually, while awareness, investment, and action remain limited. Multiple factors have accelerated the global threat of AMR, including the overuse and misuse of medicines in humans, livestock, and agriculture, as well as poor access to clean water and sanitation. Viet Nam is also part of this global context of rising AMR. Experts suggested that investing in AMR prevention is a smart move for a safer and healthier future. They called for prioritising long-term investment and strategic action across human, animal and environmental health. Strengthening surveillance systems, ensuring equitable access to quality medicines and diagnostics, fostering innovation and building resilient systems to withstand emerging threats all require sustained commitment and resources. Dr Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Viet Nam, added that: WHO will continue to work alongside the Government of Viet Nam to expand microbiological surveillance, strengthen laboratory capacity, and promote the responsible use of antibiotics." Viet Nam has made significant progress in responding to AMR. In 2023, the Prime Minister approved the National Strategy on Antimicrobial Resistance Prevention and Control for the period 20232030. This strategy reflects the efforts and commitment of the Vietnamese Government, in collaboration with the WHO and other international partners, to combat the rise of AMR. It emphasises proactive participation and coordination among sectors, health, agriculture-environment, and industry and trade, from central to local levels, across human health, veterinary and environmental domains. The strategy sets out four specific objectives to raise awareness among local authorities and improve understanding among healthcare workers, veterinarians and the public on AMR prevention and control; to strengthen AMR surveillance systems to provide timely alerts on the emergence, spread, extent, and trends of resistant microorganisms; to reduce the transmission of microorganisms and infectious diseases; and to ensure the rational, safe and responsible use of antimicrobial medicines in humans and animals. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment have also approved the National Action Plans for the human health and agriculture sectors, outlining clear targets for awareness and education, surveillance and research, infection prevention and control, and optimising antimicrobial use. Dr Phung uc Tien, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, said: Antimicrobial resistance is not only a challenge in healthcare but also directly impacts agriculture and the environment. "We are committed to continuing close coordination with the Ministry of Health and related sectors to implement measures for managing antibiotic use in livestock, agriculture and environmental treatment in a sustainable manner, aiming to protect public health and ensure national food security. VNS HA NOI The world is undergoing fundamental and epochal changes, making the Viet NamChina friendship more important than ever in promoting relations between the peoples of the two countries and contributing to peace and stability in the region and beyond. Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations, said while delivering the opening remarks of the 13th Viet NamChina Peoples Forum held in Ha Noi on Monday. He emphasised that the forum is a key people-to-people exchange mechanism that fosters cooperation between the two nations. It helps enhance mutual understanding and political trust while strengthening a solid social foundation underpinning relations between the two countries and their peoples as Viet Nam and China are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Son noted that both sides should continue organising forums, dialogues, and similar exchange activities between their peoples and through other mechanisms to further build political trust and consolidate the foundation of people-to-people relations. Highlighting milestones of bilateral ties, Chinese Ambassador to Viet Nam He Wei underscored that the long-standing ChinaViet Nam friendship remains a solid pillar for advancing bilateral ties in a deeper, more effective, and substantive manner. The forum provides an opportunity to reflect on the fine traditions between the two countries' relations, thus encouraging younger generations to deepen understanding and contribute their enthusiasm and wisdom to growing the tree of friendship between China and Viet Nam, he added. Vice President of the Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Sun Xueqing said this years forum should continue creating more opportunities for young people from both countries to engage in exchanges and cooperation activities. Such efforts, he said, will help strengthen and advance friendship, and promote shared values for the benefit of both peoples. The 13th Viet NamChina Peoples Forum, organised by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, is taking place from November 23 to 27, with activities held in Ha Noi and Quang Ninh Province. In 2024, the 12th forum was hosted by Xiangtan City, China's Hunan Province. VNA/VNS HDF Energy shared its investment plans during a meeting with Bui Xuan Cuong, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee, on November 20. Tran Khanh Viet Dung, director of HDF Energy in Vietnam, said, HDF Energy has maintained a representative office in Vietnam since 2022 and has collaborated with ministries, agencies, and state-owned enterprises in renewable energy, transportation, petrochemical refining, and more. We also have a portfolio of investment ventures in the pipeline in Vietnam with a total capital of $500 million. HDF Energy is seeking the municipal citys support for its investments in green ventures, ranging from renewable energy to a hydro-powered water bus system along the Saigon River. Other collaborative projects include a green port at Can Gio and green-energy supply initiatives for the Con Dao Special Administrative Zone. The effort is coupled with the research and development of a hydrogen-powered inner-city railway line. Cuong expressed his appreciation for HDF Energys ongoing and planned green projects in Vietnam, including initiatives in Ho Chi Minh City. Developing renewable energy and green transportation is essential to ensure energy security, sustainable economic growth, and environmental protection. Ho Chi Minh City aims to pursue development in line with this direction, and we hope HDF Energy will invest in green ventures here, he said. He added, We are committed to facilitating progress and working closely with HDF Energy to ensure the projects are implemented efficiently and successfully in the city. HDF Energy has been intensifying its efforts to promote sustainable development in Vietnam. In June, the French company announced a partnership with Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC), a leading state-owned enterprise in maritime transport, port operations, and logistics. The collaboration aims to deploy locally produced green hydrogen and HDFs fuel cell technologies across VIMCs operations, supporting the decarbonisation of Vietnams maritime sector. In May, HDF Energy signed a major MoU with Southern Power Corporation in Hanoi to develop five renewable power plants, with a total investment of around $575 million, in off-grid and isolated island communities in the East Sea, southern Vietnam. HDF Energy inks MoU with PTSC to build hydrogen power plants Hydrogene de France SA (HDF Energy) has signed an MoU with PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) to jointly develop, finance, and build HDF's hydrogen power plants in Vietnam. HDF Energy and Quang Ngai forge partnership for green hydrogen development Leveraging its geographic strengths with abundant wind and solar resources, Vietnam is making notable progress in expanding its renewable energy production, playing a key role in its pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. On November 23, Vladislav Valerievich Shapsha, Governor of Kaluga province, toured TH Groups advanced dairy farm complex in Nghe An while in Vietnam to receive the Friendship Medal from the President. Earlier that day, he and his delegation met with provincial leaders and were briefed on TH Groups contributions to local development over the past 15 years. During his tour of THs high-tech closed-loop production facilities, Shapsha expressed deep admiration for the rapid growth and international achievements of the modern dairy farming model built in Nghia Dan under the leadership of Labour Heroine Thai Huong. He noted that TH had not only effectively tapped into local economic potential but had also transformed traditional production methods, engaged local communities, and improved income and living standards for residents. Governor Shapsha (centre, white shirt) and his delegation were welcomed at TH Groups dairy farm complex in Nghe An The governor said he believed that TH Groups success in Vietnam was being replicated in Kaluga, a province in central Russia about 190km from Moscow, and consistently ranked among the countrys top investment destinations. THs high-tech dairy farm and fresh milk processing plant in Kaluga, part of the groups agricultural investment complex in Russia, has become one of the most prominent highlights in recent VietnamRussia economic cooperation. Two years after his first official visit to Vietnam in 2023, Shapsha returned with a detailed working agenda. His priority this time was to observe firsthand the original model of THs large-scale, high-tech, closed-loop dairy farm in Nghe An - now being replicated in Kaluga as well as in THs projects in Moscow, the Far East Region, and the Republic of Bashkortostan. Governor Shapsha (middle) visits the milking area of TH Group's Farm No.3 Welcoming the delegation, Thai Huong, founder and chairwoman of TH Groups Strategic Council, said, We are deeply moved to welcome you back. The deputy governor once told me that the road we are travelling today looks different from the past. He was right this used to be one of Nghe Ans poorest regions. We have helped transform the area, bringing local people into the value chain, empowering them to improve their lives and prosper right on their homeland. Huong noted that tens of thousands of households have stable employment thanks to the project, their children have better schooling opportunities, and many young people have returned to work at the very farms and factories where they were born a testament to THs social value. In response, Shapsha congratulated Huong on receiving the Friendship Medal from President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin days earlier. Thanks to your professionalism and talent, he said, Kaluga now has modern dairy production and processing facilities. THs projects in Kaluga are not just about job creation they symbolise the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic cooperation. He also shared that Kaluga aims to reach a dairy output of one million litres per day within the next five years, adding, We are delighted to walk this path with you. The provincial government will provide every possible support for THs investment activities. The TH true MILK brand officially appeared in Russia after TH Groups inaugurated its milk processing in Kaluga province in May 2025 THs dairy herd in Kaluga currently achieves one of the highest productivity levels in Russia, producing over 40 litres per cow per day. On May 11, the company inaugurated its fresh milk processing plant in Kaluga, with a total capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day (Phase 1: 500 tonnes/day), in a ceremony attended by Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. The facility is among the largest milk processing plants in Russia. The Kaluga delegation visited the milking area of Farm No.3, home to about 7,000 of the nearly 70,000 high-yield dairy cows imported from New Zealand and the United States. The farm features some of Vietnams most advanced milking systems, ensuring a completely sealed process from milking to packaging preventing any air exposure and preserving the freshness, purity, and nutritional value of TH true MILK products. Data plays a central role in ensuring milk quality and herd health. TH uses Afifarm, one of the worlds leading farm management technologies developed by Afimilk from Israel. Each cow is fitted with an electronic chip on its leg or neck, acting as a 'digital guardian' that tracks and transmits real-time health and activity data to the central control centre. The milk-metering devices in the milking system record milk volume and quality indicators, helping detect and predict mastitis at an early stage. The delegation next visited THs IVF laboratory, where the company has mastered in-vitro fertilisation technology, enabling the creation of high-quality purebred dairy cows with productivity comparable to Americas best breeds right in Vietnam. At THs feed mill an essential link in the international-standard dairy farming chain the delegation learned about the daily production and mixing of roughly 2,000 tonnes of feed for the 70,000-cow herd. The facility is equipped with advanced machinery and an ISO 17025-certified laboratory using near-infrared spectroscopy for raw material quality control. The Kaluga delegation also toured the Nui Tien pure water, herbal, and fruit beverage factory. With an investment of $47 million, the plant is equipped with 100 per cent automated, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly production lines for purified water, natural juices, rice beverages, and herbal teas. Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC plans to expand to the second phase Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked Petrovietnam to work with the joint venture partners and submit a consolidated plan for government review before December. During an official visit to Kuwait on November 18, the PM also met Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), encouraging the expansion of the refinery and the construction of a bonded fuel storage facility in Vietnam. The Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC represents a key symbol of bilateral investment. KPC is encouraged to collaborate with Vietnamese partners to address outstanding issues based on harmonised interests and shared risks while advancing the expansion, PM Chinh said. The Kuwaiti side should continue supplying Vietnam with stable crude volumes at favourable prices and explore new cooperation projects in green and environmentally friendly energy, he said. In addition, in a separate meeting with Oil Minister Al-Roumi, PM Chinh called for the creation of a joint task force to resolve Nghi Sons pending issues and expand collaboration in upstream activities, crude supply, product trading, maintenance, technical services, and training. Located in the Nghi Son Economic Zone in Thanh Hoa province, the $9-billion Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC began commercial operations at the end of 2018. Phase 1 has a processing capacity of 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day (equivalent to 10 million tonnes per year) and primarily refines Kuwaiti crude oil. The project is a joint venture with PetroVietnam holding 25.1 per cent, Kuwait Petroleum International 35.1 per cent, Japans Idemitsu Kosan 35.1 per cent, and Mitsui Chemicals 4.7 per cent. Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical remains committed to safety and stability Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC (NSRP) has several measures to maintain optimal production and business efficiency of the refinery in 2024. So Hasegawa, general director of NSRP, spoke with VIR's Thanh Van about the company's efforts. Consortiums invited to get involved in Nghi Son LNG venture Nghi Son Economic Zone Management Authority has invited five consortiums of contractors to participate in bidding to implement the Nghi Son liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fired thermal power plant. Bidding cancelled for proposed $2.4 billion Nghi Son LNG power plant Authorities at Nghi Son Economic Zone have cancelled an invitation to bid, and halted the selection of investors, for the Nghi Son liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fired thermal power plant project. On November 21, the South Korean government announced the $1 million contribution to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Vietnam. The funding will assist displaced persons, local communities, and migrants impacted by a series of typhoons and floods that have struck northern regions since late September. As a trusted partner that has always stood with Vietnam in times of difficulty, the South Korean government has acted swifty to provide humanitarian assistance in response to the recent series of typhoons and heavy rains that have struck our country, said Choi Youngsam, South Korea's Ambassador to Vietnam We will work closely with the Vietnamese government and IOM to ensure that the support is delivered swiftly to the people most in need. We sincerely hope that this assistance will help protect the health and safety of the Vietnamese people and contribute to a speedy recovery from the disaster, he added. South Korea has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Vietnam through its generous contributions to IOMs humanitarian efforts, Kendra Rinas, chief of mission at IOM Vietnam, said. We are honoured to serve as a trusted partner in delivering timely and impactful assistance to communities affected by natural disasters. This vital support will significantly enhance the UN's ability to reach those most in need. Typhoons Bualoi and Matmo, along with the severe flooding they triggered, caused widespread devastation, leaving over 85 people dead or missing and damaging more than 545,600 homes, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate. According to a preliminary report from the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the estimated economic damage exceeds VND 30,800 billion (equivalent to $1.17 billion). Supporting individuals in the hardest-hit provinces following the two typhoons, IOMs response follows a two-pronged approach to disaster recovery, guided by needs assessment and the Vietnam Joint Response Plan (2025). In the emergency phase, IOM prioritises helping households meet immediate needs through multipurpose cash assistance. In the early recovery phase, IOM helps repair and rebuild their homes through climate resilient shelter training and conditional cash. The project also aims to reduce disaster risks and strengthen early warning systems by working with local authorities, addressing both immediate needs and long-term resilience. As the cyclone season continues, with Typhoons Fengshen and Kalmaegi hitting central provinces in late October and early November, additional funding and support remain urgently needed to sustain recovery and preparedness efforts in Vietnam. A member of the Vietnam Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership and co-chair of the Emergency Shelter and Non-Food Items sector, IOM has previously assisted over 7,500 people across five provinces through its Emergency Relief and Recovery Assistance for Affected Populations of Yagi Typhoon in Northern Provinces project, funded by South Korea. By repairing or rebuilding 224 homes, the initiative has provided 945 individuals with safer and more resilient living conditions. In mid-November, a group of South Korean enterprises submitted documents to the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (KoCham), highlighting the difficulties they face in securing extensions for their operations within industrial parks (IPs). With industrial land leases or project terms approaching expiration, the absence of mechanisms for continued operation could force these companies into difficult decisions, including scaling back or withdrawing from the Vietnamese market. This situation leads to losses for the enterprises from a sustainable development perspective and could weaken confidence in Vietnams overall investment environment. "To address this issue, we respectfully propose that enterprises whose terms have expired be provided with guidance and allocated alternative land within the same or nearby IPs," said Ko Tae Yeon, chairman of KoCham. "We also recommend that a formal mechanism be established to permit contract extensions for enterprises that meet specific conditions, thereby enabling them to continue their operations stably and sustainably," In particular, we suggest that priority for such extensions be granted to enterprises that have contributed to Vietnam's economic development since the early 1990s, as well as those that have demonstrated a strong commitment to long-term investment in the country, he added In the first 10 months of 2025, South Korea was one of the top foreign investors in Vietnam with $627 million, accounting for 4.5 per cent of the total. Vietnam is host to several major technology giants from South Korea, including Samsung and LG. Samsung Electronics had invested $23.2 billion in Vietnam by mid-February this year, making it the largest foreign investor in the country. The number of Vietnamese vendors in the Samsung Vietnam ecosystem has reached 306. LG's key plants in Vietnam, namely LG Innotek Vietnam Haiphong, LG Electronics Vietnam Haiphong, and LG Display Vietnam Haiphong, recorded a total revenue of 10.3 billion in 2024, up over 9.6 per cent on-year. Minister of Finance strengthens financial partnerships at APEC meeting Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang strengthened regional economic ties through a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting in South Korea. South Korean enterprises show interest in developing green agriculture in Vietnam An increasing number of South Korean entrepreneurs are turning their attention to Vietnam, believing in the country's economic growth potential and its goals for green and low-emission agricultural development. Citi connects Korean businesses to Vietnam's growth story Jaewon Hwang, head of Citi Commercial Bank Korea, shared with VIR 's Huong Thuy the way Citi facilitates trade and investment between the Vietnam and Korea, especially for medium-sized corporates. Nhung Hong Pham, CEO of Banca IP Law firm A corporate brand name is like a persons name a marker of identity that affirms credibility. As such, a brand name represents an enormous intangible asset for a business. For this reason, quite a few companies attempt to borrow someone elses name. A notable recent trend is the borrowing of foreign brand names. We were recently asked to file a trademark application for a company in the beauty sector. The striking detail was that the mark in question belonged to a foreign brand which that company had once intended to distribute in Vietnam, although the deal never materialised. We refused to assist with that trademark registration and advised our client to develop a brand of their own instead. There have been numerous intellectual property disputes between foreign manufacturers and local distributors in Vietnam in recent years, particularly over trademark ownership. A common scenario is that the foreign company fails to register its trademark in Vietnam promptly, while the distribution partner moves quickly to register it first. By the time the brand owner realises what happened, its too late the foreign firm faces the risk of being deemed an 'infringer' of its own trademark. Based on our experience, there are several unfortunate mistakes that foreign trademark owners frequently make: Failing to register the trademark in Vietnam before partnering is the most common mistake. After entering a business partnership, many local distributors who sense a strong market opportunity will promptly file for trademark protection to seize ownership of the mark themselves. Registering the trademark with an incomplete scope of protection is another mistake. Some companies do register their trademark but choose a protection scope that is too narrow, not covering all relevant classes of goods and services. This leaves an opening for another party to file for the mark in the omitted categories and can create obstacles for the original business. For example, in one case we handled, the foreign company had protected the mark for its product category, but a savvy local distributor registered that same mark for distribution and trading services in a different class. Lacking clear trademark clauses in the distribution contract is also a common mistake. Many distribution agreements omit crucial restrictive provisions. They often fail to prohibit the distributor from registering or acquiring any identical or confusingly similar trademarks, and they do not specify penalties or damages if the distributor misappropriates the brand. Such contractual laxity creates a dangerous legal loophole for the brand owner. These mistakes can expose foreign companies to serious legal risks in Vietnam. In some cases, a distributor has even purchased previously registered trademarks with names identical or similar to the manufacturers brand. They do this to legitimise their ownership and to prevent the rightful brand owner from registering the mark in Vietnam. In fact, there was a case where a distributor used a trademark registration certificate they owned to request authorities to block the original manufacturers products. The imported goods were seized, and sales channels were frozen. The foreign company found itself having to defend itself as if it were an intellectual property infringer in Vietnam. Once a trademark has fallen into the local partners hands, the legal path to reclaiming it is far from easy. The foreign company may have to file oppositions or request cancellation of the misappropriated trademark at Vietnams Intellectual Property Office, or even initiate a civil lawsuit in Vietnamese courts. This process often drags on for years, incurs significant costs, and requires solid evidence to prove the partner acted in bad faith. During that time, the companys business is put on hold and market opportunities are lost. The brand may also suffer reputational damage. These risks are not just theoretical. Many companies have faced them in practice. Foreign firms have lost their trademarks in Vietnam, and conversely, Vietnamese firms have lost theirs abroad. One renowned Vietnamese coffee brand encountered major hurdles in the United States because it failed to register its trademark there in time. A foreign partner quietly filed for that brand name in the US under their own name. As a result, the Vietnamese company became embroiled in a multi-year legal dispute to reclaim its own brand name on foreign soil. The above lessons underscore the importance of proactive legal risk prevention from the outset. As legal experts, we recommend that foreign businesses establishing distribution in Vietnam register their trademarks in Vietnam as early as possible, covering all relevant product and service categories. Ideally, a foreign company should complete its trademark registration in Vietnam before even negotiating or signing any distribution contract. Filing early secures priority rights and prevents any other party (whether a partner or a third party) from 'preempting' the brand. Furthermore, the distribution contract should be crafted with specific binding terms regarding trademark ownership and use. The agreement must clearly stipulate that the distributor is prohibited from registering, appropriating, or acquiring any trademarks identical or confusingly similar to the owners brand. The contract should also strictly forbid the distributor from selling counterfeit or knock-off goods or mixing non-genuine products under the brand name. Strict penalties for any such violations should be spelled out. A well-drafted contract serves as a strong legal 'shield', deterring any attempt to exploit the companys brand. Partnering with a local distributor offers great business advantages in the Vietnamese market, but it also comes with potential legal risks to that valuable asset the trademark. Safeguarding trademark ownership is the key for foreign businesses to confidently expand their operations in Vietnam. Secret of success for FMCG brand building overseas Trademark protection and brand building is essential for local products to make a mark in global markets. Trung Trinh Hien and Thuy Thanh Do from Austrian-backed, Hanoi-based company Live Forever Young discussed the points that need to be noted to be successful in brand building overseas for fast-moving consumer goods segment. Vietnam ranks 44th in 2025 WIPO Global Innovation Index Vietnam has maintained 44th position in the global innovation ranking for 2025, according to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). On November 23, the carrier received the aircraft as the initial delivery from its 200-plane, $32 billion order with Boeing. The new jet landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok and is the first of 50 Boeing aircraft to be handed over to Vietjet Thailand through 2028, supporting rising travel demand and network expansion across key AsiaPacific destinations. Investment in the Boeing fleet is specifically intended to strengthen Vietjet Thailands operations. The airline will deploy the Boeing 737-8 on its first commercial service on the BangkokChiang Mai route and will then expand to the international flight network in late December. In Vietnam, Vietjet will continue operating an Airbus fleet. Leveraging its experience with new-generation aircraft and its global partner network, the carrier is expanding its international footprint through major aviation hubs across the AsiaPacific, while gradually extending its reach to Europe and the Americas. The Boeing 737-8 is equipped with improved aerodynamics and new-generation LEAP-1B engine. Being fully compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel, the aircraft boasts a 15-20 per cent carbon emissions reduction and up to 50 per cent reduced noise levels in line with ICAO standards. With a range of up to 6,570 km, it will allow Vietjet to operate longer routes and reach more distant destinations. The Boeing Sky Interior design offers a spacious and modern cabin space, along with larger overhead bins, helping passengers enjoy a comfortable and complete journey. Vietjets 200-aircraft order with Boeing is considered a landmark agreement that contributes positively to balancing VietnamUS trade. The addition of a modern fleet is expected to boost regional aviation and economic growth, create sustainable value for investors, and support the airline in delivering safe, high-quality, and memorable journeys for millions of passengers worldwide. Vietjet orders 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft Vietjet has made a significant order for 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft, marking a new milestone in UK-Vietnam ties. Vietjet launches new Ho Chi Minh CityManila route To celebrate the festive season and the upcoming launch of its first-ever route to the Philippines, Vietjet is offering everyone seven golden days of promotion on the new route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Manila, Philippines.